Christian, do you ever feel this way?

[dawny0826]

Originally Posted by UltraViolet

That was how I spent my last three years as a christian.

I got incomparably more out of those three years, personally,
than I did out of the ten years I spent in church/organized christianity.

Thanks to everyone for posting. I appreciate your thoughts and comments.

It's nice to know that I'm not alone, UV.

[dawny0826]

To remain outside Christian community is to reject the community into which you have been saved. Since God saved you out of the world and into the church, that's tantamount to rejecting the gracious work of God.

Personally, I don't really feel these way. Christ saved me and brought me into the Body...His body. In my mind, this body isn't a religious institution but moreso a family, if you will of people of like faith.

That's not to say that you're not a Christian;

Well thank you. I certainly am a Christian.

it's only to warn of the danger that lies ahead along this road. God does not intend for you to remain in isolation. No doubt churches can do more to foster a sense of community and belonging, especially among certain groups. University-aged persons come to mind, as do unmarried persons in their thirties who are often unintentionally made to feel a bit like freaks.

I'm not isolated, per se. I go to church from time to time. I have trusted friends and family members that I will pray. But I feel I get more out of private study. Sometimes, I get irritated with the biblical interpretation of others. I know it's awful but it's true. Sometimes, preachers irk me.

I'd also like to point out that worship (traditions and sermons) is not an adjunct to human existence. It's at the heart of what it means to be human. (It's worth pointing out that the sermon represents less than one-third of a typical worship service unless you belong to a charismatic church, in which case it's better than half.) The Holy Spirit's primary desire is to honor and praise the Father through Jesus. If the Holy Spirit resides in you, then you share that desire at some level.

I do have the desire which is why I'm disheartened by the fact that I always feel so out of place at every church I've gone to. My heart is in the right place but I don't feel at home...like belong. It's like choosing a political candidate to vote for. I always feel like I'm settling...like there's a church home for me that truly meshes with my beliefs but it's not within my grasp.

If you don't share that desire at all, if you're truly indifferent to worship in the sense that you really don't even want to praise God in community with his saints, then it's well worth asking the question whether the Holy Spirit abides in you and whether that possibility bothers you

My relationship isn't as strong with my Heavenly Father as it once was and I admit that part of this is because I haven't fed my spirit but I'm not sure if church is the answer. I feel like there's something very wrong with me.

[dawny0826]

Originally Posted by Father Heathen

So being a Christian requires you to have others dictate your relationship with Christ?

(You changed your avatar.)

Depends on which "brand" of Christianity you subscribe to.

[dawny0826]

Originally Posted by Scott1

I don't think that is awful at all... it actually sounds pretty great.

I would hope that you are able to be part of the community in other ways... possibly contributing to a charitable event put on by the church or something like that... it's not good to be TOTALLY alone in your faith, but pray and follow your conscience.

You can be an official member of my church.... the First Church of RF.

Your friend in Christ,
Scott



Just send me some money...kidding!

Thanks, Scott. And I hope that all is well with you and yours.

I work for a non-profit organization and though it's not a religious organization, I am filled with great joy, being part of something good that helps others.

I don't pray enough and thank God enough for all that He's blessed me with. I have much to be thankful for. God is so good when we are so not.