Maybe it is about time that I introduce myself.

[A. Christian]

Back in 2010 at the age of 21 I met Christ while I was incarcerated for breaking the law. For several years after that I grew closer to God and was given a better understanding of who he is. However, I was in a place where I could not go to church and meeting other christians was a very rare moment that did not last long. So I had to rely on the Holy Spirit to guide me as I studied the Word of God and drew closer. Because of that I my most sincere belief is that my beliefs about God does not come from man, but from God. What I mean is that my beliefs do not have the denominational bias that is so common in the churches today. As a result I am often at odds with my brothers and sisters in Christ because I cannot subscribe to all of their traditional beliefs. Also as a result I am able to form a few solid friendships with people in different denominations with different beliefs.

But can you imagine my horror after several years of not having a church to come out and find that all of the churches around me are so just weak people stuck in comfort and complacency and full of tradition and hypocrisy that they show the world a God that if I didn't already know who God was I would hate him myself.

But no my God is good. I do get very angry about hypocritical church people presenting a false God.

 

[Brad Huber]

Although I understand your view, understand that everyone is different is some ways, you are not God to be judging them fairly without knowing ALL that God knows about their relationship to Him. Remember Elijah hiding in a cave, thinking he was the only one left, and what God told him. Sometimes in our desire to be more righteous, we can leave behind the mercy He shows us.

 

[A. Christian]

Although I understand your view, understand that everyone is different is some ways, you are not God to be judging them fairly without knowing ALL that God knows about their relationship to Him. Remember Elijah hiding in a cave, thinking he was the only one left, and what God told him. Sometimes in our desire to be more righteous, we can leave behind the mercy He shows us.

I agree that we cannot see the entirety of the human heart. However, we can see their words and actions and determine by the Holy Spirit whether or not they come from a heart that is surrendered to the Spirit. The New Testament is too clear that we are to test the spirits and see if they come from God and it goes even further by saying that we are not to have anything to do with those who say that they are from God but whose actions come from a heart that is still in rebellion against God and his grace.

But you are right I am a little bitter toward these churches because of their hypocrisy. I remember joining a church and immediately being placed in a position of authority because I wanted to start programs like a youth ministry and nursing home outreach when no one else wanted to do anything. But that authority was in name only. As the church people that did volunteer did their own thing.

For example at the nursing home I wanted us to sit with the elderly during the service but the people decided that they wanted to sit off to the sit separate from the elderly that we came to see. Or when planning for a week long youth revival, I sent out both letters and emails to the other churches in our "alliance" looking for support and was completely ignored.

I wish things were different. But now I have things to work out in regards to church people. Maybe you can tell me how I can be angry yet still forgive.

 

[Brad Huber]

Anger in itself isnt evil, for the word says "in your anger, do not sin". I have been angry at many of the churches I have been to as well. But it really wasnt anger at the church, it was anger at certain people within that church, usually church leaders, like elders, pastors, etc. At one church, it was elders only, at another, mostly a new pastor. But there was always some good people at those churches, but I couldnt be there without being a dividing influence, and I didnt want to do that, for the sake of those that were being fed enough for their honest thirst. Thats between them and the Lord. I guess I turned my anger into sadness that they dont realize the joy they are missing out on.

 

[A. Christian]

Anger in itself isnt evil, for the word says "in your anger, do not sin". I have been angry at many of the churches I have been to as well. But it really wasnt anger at the church, it was anger at certain people within that church, usually church leaders, like elders, pastors, etc. At one church, it was elders only, at another, mostly a new pastor. But there was always some good people at those churches, but I couldnt be there without being a dividing influence, and I didnt want to do that, for the sake of those that were being fed enough for their honest thirst. Thats between them and the Lord. I guess I turned my anger into sadness that they dont realize the joy they are missing out on.

I left that church as well and I did find a couple sincere people there. We are still really close and it is because of how close we are and how important this church is to them that I really cannot get away from the hypocrisy of many of it's members.

 

[StrugglingInCanada]

I know the church I attend isn't perfect...if it was, then it ceased being so as soon as I joined. The reason I enjoy my church so much is that it furthers my relationship with Christ. No matter what group you're with there are bound to be differences of opinion on how to do things.

You mention that at a nursing home you wanted the group to sit with the elderly during the service, but the others wanted to sit apart. Why did they want to sit apart from them? Did you ask the reason? I know that when I'm at worship, there are many times I want to get lost in The Word, to connect with The Spirt when we sing....and I have had experiences (not often but a few times) where I feel like I'm in almost perfect communion with God, that I no longer exist as an individual....its hard to describe. Could it be perhaps that the others wanted to sit apart from the elderly so that they wouldn't distract from God's presence during worship?

I agree that we cannot see the entirety of the human heart. However, we can see their words and actions and determine by the Holy Spirit whether or not they come from a heart that is surrendered to the Spirit. The New Testament is too clear that we are to test the spirits and see if they come from God and it goes even further by saying that we are not to have anything to do with those who say that they are from God but whose actions come from a heart that is still in rebellion against God and his grace.

But you are right I am a little bitter toward these churches because of their hypocrisy. I remember joining a church and immediately being placed in a position of authority because I wanted to start programs like a youth ministry and nursing home outreach when no one else wanted to do anything. But that authority was in name only. As the church people that did volunteer did their own thing.

For example at the nursing home I wanted us to sit with the elderly during the service but the people decided that they wanted to sit off to the sit separate from the elderly that we came to see. Or when planning for a week long youth revival, I sent out both letters and emails to the other churches in our "alliance" looking for support and was completely ignored.

I wish things were different. But now I have things to work out in regards to church people. Maybe you can tell me how I can be angry yet still forgive.

 

[Chad]

Welcome to the forums! Glad you're here.

 

[StrugglingInCanada]

Welcome to the forums! Glad you're here.

Thanks, I was here before but then life got busy....I enjoy discussions of faith.