February 5, 200719 yr The thief on the cross never set foot in a church and Jesus said " today, you will be with me in paradise". However, IMO, If a person has accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior they will want to be in a place of public worship. It is my belief that if a person has accepted Jesus as Lord (note: with a capital L) they will worship publically and serve Him through His church. I agree. Going to church is important. But there are a lot of things that are important, IMO...getting baptized, praying, reading the Bible...it's a fine line between stressing the importance of certain things and then overemphasizing them to where people get the idea that they are a requirement for salvation. So is going to church necessary? Necessary for what...salvation, a better Christian life, a closer walk with God...what? What if a person goes to church every Sunday, but they never pray and never read their Bible? How important is church to them? I guess it would be better to get some clarification on the original question before I get in trouble...is going to church necessary for what?
February 5, 200719 yr Some argue that going to church is required and that is simply about rules and religion....Salvation is about a personal relationship...If the relationship is intact rules aren't necesary.
February 5, 200719 yr We are off the track of the thread. But, the argument for those who feel church is necessary is linked to their view of salvation. Do you have to go to church to be saved, or can you go to heaven without ever setting foot in a church? OK, I can live with that.
February 6, 200719 yr Author The thief on the cross never set foot in a church and Jesus said " today, you will be with me in paradise". True, but one can not reject going to Church their entire life (knowing that it is the right thing to do) and expect to be "saved at the last minute".
February 6, 200719 yr True, but one can not reject going to Church their entire life (knowing that it is the right thing to do) and expect to be "saved at the last minute". I agree but That's not a fair quote of my statement. You pulled the first sentence and left off the "however" that was included. Many people do this with the Bible or church leaders statements...use whatever part you want without regard to the entire meaning of a statement.
February 6, 200719 yr John 5:24 Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgement, but has passed from death into life. John 6:40 And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6:47 Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life. John 11:25,26 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" New Kings James Version All quotes from Jesus. Am I missing something? In each of your quotes there is a Jesus disclaimer of "believes in Me." It seems that someone could change their mind since our salvation depends on OUR CHOICE of believing or not.
February 6, 200719 yr What does going to a man made building have to do with church? There are many Scriptures that talk about fellowshipping and growing in Christ with others. The congregation is the church, not the building.
February 6, 200719 yr Author I agree but That's not a fair quote of my statement. You pulled the first sentence and left off the "however" that was included. Many people do this with the Bible or church leaders statements...use whatever part you want without regard to the entire meaning of a statement. I wasn't disagreeing with you. I basically restated the second half of your quote to clarify, except for that you said "they will want to be in a place of public worship" while I believe it is vital to their salvation.
February 6, 200719 yr There are many Scriptures that talk about fellowshipping and growing in Christ with others. The congregation is the church, not the building. Very good!!! I am glad you are on the right path, which leads me to my next question. Will there be church in Heaven?
February 6, 200719 yr Very good!!! I am glad you are on the right path, which leads me to my next question. Will there be church in Heaven? There will be worship. There will be fellowship. There will be MEALS (that is definitely a church thing) One Scripture says that God will serve US. Wow, I bet that service will be quick, efficient and good. And there will be responsibilities or jobs.:sssh: Sounds like church to me.
February 6, 200719 yr There are things missing in Heaven: 1. No blacktop roads, gold will be dust and goodness will be treasured 2. No sports. Love will not be a full contact body sport. Love will be the air we breathe 3. No designer clothing. No Nike or Tommy, but Robes of Righteousness 4. No need for the sun. God Himself will shine on all 5. No sin 6. No heartaches 7. No disappointments 8. NO TEMPLE (Revelation 21:22) No church, No Baptists, No Methodists, No Assemblies of God, No Nazarenes, No Catholics, No Pentecostals, No Denominations. 9. Worship will not be in a church or a denomination but in the presence of Jehovah God, believers will worship in His Shekinah Glory.
February 6, 200719 yr There will be worship. There will be fellowship. There will be MEALS (that is definitely a church thing) One Scripture says that God will serve US. Wow, I bet that service will be quick, efficient and good. And there will be responsibilities or jobs.:sssh: Sounds like church to me. Will there be fried shrimp there and fried chicken? :laugh:
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