Why did you leave the church?

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   SpiritusShepherdposted 7 years ago

   Why did you leave the church?
   
   I left the church, because of hypocrisy. I was tired of hearing the church called a place of love and healing when all of my interactions with Christians had been full of judgment and hurt. I learned there wasn't room in the church for me, because of my mental illness and my love of dark clothes.

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   RLWalker LMposted 7 years ago

   I left church because I have somekind of allergy to perfume. I will literally throw up after an hour in church. Imagine peoples thought when you throw up and feint in front of Jesus every sunday.

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      SpiritusShepherdposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Haha, I hear you there. I've had to leave services because some lady's perfume caused me to have an allergy attack.

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      Norine Williamsposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      RL: You're funnY!  lol!  You crack my sides!
      
      Leaving was good for allergies but what about your "soul?" Get a face mask & "get busy!"

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      RLWalker LMposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Jesus never said thou shall attend church. He said love god with all your heart mind and soul and love your neighbor as you do yourself.
      
      And it's still good to see your pleasant side again. Glad to hear from you.

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   4. 51

      Norine Williamsposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      RL: Thanks RL! I'm always "pleasant" but "perceived as unpleasant" for speaking TRUTH (Eph 4:15), might I add, "w/o tact!" Some x's it takes!
      
      Heb 10:25 "Not forsaking assembling...but exhorting 1 another" according to WORD! See why GOD put me here?

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      RLWalker LMposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Well I'm here everyday contemplating, talking and reading about truth, justice, good, evil, life, love, happiness and God. That is my form of assembling and exhorting. My physical self and the name of a denomination or book are a hindrance?

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   6. 51

      Norine Williamsposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      RL: I agree, the "physical" is a "hindrance (spirit v. flesh)," but can't say ANY spirit will do! 
      
      Scripture did say "test the spirits" to see which 1 was of GOD! 
      
      Go ahead! You'll return to GOD, if seeking TRUTH!

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      Lizelle Cloeteposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      We all go with an expectation to church to receive something from God or from the people. We can be the church to people as well and we can give to others as well. Who are we if we are not the church of God?

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   dashingscorpioposted 7 years ago

   I realized I didn't need church. I already had the same book at home! I love God but I can't stand most of his fans!
   Seriously though I don't think it's necessary to have a "middleman" such as a minister between you and God.
   Also like any other organization church is ripe with politics and power games as well as being a "business".
   Lastly I've come to believe: God made man and man made religion.

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      SpiritusShepherdposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      I love God, but I find myself disliking Christians more everyday. I feel like no one remembers what being a Christian is really supposed to be about anymore and it has become all about feeling better about yourself and using God to make money

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   2. 51

      Norine Williamsposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      TEACH them Kris! It was commanded of you (Matt 28:20)!

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      Kiss andTalesposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      getit , I noticed in the very beginning you
      Say adults were telling you these things.
      so young, and yet they had the story wrong to.
      Reality is this why do humans live and die.
      Who can change the good and bad of what effects us all.

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      getitriteposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      No...the story was and is pretty accurate. Our Christian belief is based on a morbid and monstrous death cult philosophy.

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      Kiss andTalesposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Who told you that getit, while I will agree there are bad examples of christains, there are bad example of humans without religion
      So far I have really seen nothing but people who reject religion for many reasons some very  valid some not.

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      Norine Williamsposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      K&T: "U" cont to "disrupt conv saying "NO SPACE" anywhere will do" but subtly playing "The Devil's Advocate!"  GOD "SEES" & so do I!  Spirit of Discernment is "ALIVE" (WORD) Heb 4:12 & well!

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4. 86

   Kryssy OSullivanposted 7 years ago

   I left mine, because it was mostly about money. And poor or not, if you didn't donate, people would make it obvious and shameful feeling. Eventually shunning you.
   And it was weird because children were encouraged to sit with, or by the elderly to keep them awake and lively. I liked my son sitting by me... Not with some stranger.
   
   Sadly, this was my second, and most likely last attempt at church. I gave it a second attempt for the sake of my son.
   My first was ruined because the district tried their damn best to save the priests, etc. who were pedophiles, when I was younger. (It was a very out-in-the-open situation.) Eventually, it was taken care of and a huge overhaul went in to action. But obviously it wasn't for the better, since they grew money hungry...

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      Norine Williamsposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Kryssy, it's time you do as II Timothy 2:15 says (STUDY what HE says) and find a church that is in line with HIS WORD & Galatians 1:6-9 or "After the Cross!" Or did Jesus die in vain?

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      SpiritusShepherdposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      I understand your hurt.  Don't give up yet! They may be few and far between, but there are good churches out there that actually follow the word of God.

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      Kiss andTalesposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Getit that is your mental conclusion,  you can not say all people are the same , we come in different shades different sizes, different sounds, tastes, conclusions could not be based on your experience which is real, and people will follow their own

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   4. 51

      Norine Williamsposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      K&T: What WORD given do u not agree & r u stating "used out of context?" JESUS "IS" GOD? See "Promise Keeper" by Hubber "LIFE!" "See if those thgs r so" by STUDYING Scripture "IN THE SPIRIT" erasing "taught" fm mind & He will reveal TRUTH

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5. 51

   Norine Williamsposted 7 years ago

   There is "THE CHURCH" and then there is "the church!"  One can NEVER leave "THE CHURCH" if GOD has drawn you to HIM! 
   
   As on HubPages, "the church" is full of hypocrisy and Satan rules as the Bible says He would in Luke 16:8 "...for the sons of this age are in their generation "wiser" than the sons of light." Why do you think this is?  IT IS WRITTEN!  It must "appear" (to the world) that they have the upper-hand so that "FAITH" can be displayed by TRUE Believers by "holding on" and "Standing Fast" (As with Abraham who was commanded to kill his son and displayed "FAITH" by "STANDING!") because WE KNOW WHO RULES!
    
   (Whenever I teach, I teach to myself also!)  To all of US who have "left "the church," how are we going to "display faith" by running?  How will these "lost sheep" continue to be reminded of what HE SAID when they display actions against His Word if Disciples of Christ are not there to remind them?   
   
   The "Gospel of Christ" is to be "preached throughout the nation" (Matthew 24:14), but how, if we run?  If "the church" you attended "judged and hurt" you, go to Scripture and find all Scripture pertaining to "judging and hurt" (clothes you wear, etc.), go to them (personally) and follow instructions given in Matthew 18:15-20. 
   
   Kris, that's why it's IMPERATIVE that a "Disciple of Christ" (Not a Christian) be "knowledgeable" of His Word because therein is an answer to EVERYTHING in life!  II Peter 1:3 says "According to his divine power hath given unto us ALL THINGS THAT PERTAIN UNTO LIFE AND GODLINESS; THROUGH THE "KNOWLEDGE" OF HIM THAT HATH CALLED US TO GLORY AND VIRTUE."       
   
   As on HP, they call themselves "Christians" but I wonder if they know they're more in line with "Christmas" than "Christians."  LIARS! 
   
   The world is "politically correct" and has now acquired a position of "religiously correct" which is "totally" against God's Word!  Sometimes I wonder if these "Christians" have ever read the Bible?  Practically everyone proclaims "Christianity" but won't take 30 minutes each morning to read and meditate on HIS WORD although He "continues"  to allow us to breathe daily!  Do you?
   
   Remember Colossians 2:16-19!

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      Norine Williamsposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      "Religiously Correct"=no adversity (Jesus?); no confrontations (Jesus?); personal thing (Jesus?); no suffering (Jesus?); respect other beliefs=sin (Jesus?); live & let live (Jesus?) I got mine u get urs (Jesus?) not led by Holy Spirit (Jesus?);Qu

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      SpiritusShepherdposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      I have found a new church, thanks to my husband. I love the people there and the Pastor. I have started blogging as a way to address certain issues in the church.  I asked the question to better understand why people leave the church.

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      Norine Williamsposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Kris: Sometimes we (flesh) get tired (still growing) of ppl being unChrist-like proclaiming Christianity but reflecting none & leave not remembering what He said "Teach" (Matt 28:20) & II Tim 3:16 "Correct!" If we don't who will?

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      Kiss andTalesposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Also get it, existence of the flesh of man and animal are reality,  not impossible you are you as  getit, why should it be impossible that other life exist just because it is not in our vision.
      Many undiscovered animals are on the Islands existing.

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      krillcoposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Norine, you are not helping your cause with your rhetoric. It's a litany like this one that pushes people away, and does not draw them in.

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      Norine Williamsposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Wm: What "portion" of GOD'S WORD do you consider rhetoric?  If you have a problem with something "I've" said, there most be a problem w/HIS WORD for that's ALL I give (I repeat)!  So where's the problem?

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      krillcoposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Anything in the above comment you made that is YOURS and not Scripture is rhetoric, Norine. Your approach and tone is destructive to the church and the mission. Just stop it.

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      Norine Williamsposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Bill: What church-Catholic? Not THE CHURCH who teaches "The Gospel of Christ!"  What WORD "cuts" you? "Wiser" ppl? "Stand fast"=I Cor 16:13? "Have Faith?" "Don't run!"  What?

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      celafoeposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      wm-  Though I frequently disagree with norine, she is growing and does make some excellent.    Her mistakes are certainly less then most people on here.   You are much more dangerous with your blending ungodly psychology w/scripture/  leave her be

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   getitriteposted 7 years ago

   As far back as I can remember...church always seemed crazy to me. 
   ---Adults telling me that there were invisible entities in our mist, and that these entities can see us, but we cant see them. And that there was some kind of invisible war going on between two unreasonable Super Powers, who have imposed their authority upon us...and we were just pawns in their nightmarish game of horror.
   Furthermore, we needed to help God win, and also keep OURSELVES from getting roasted in the after life...hence, we need to perform these baffling rituals....and grovel on our knees worst than slaves.
   Oh...and we should look so forward to DYING, cause that's when we get to see the lesser of the two evils, and we must pretend that we LOVE Him, cause those who don't will be handed over to the devil...and the devil will proceed to fry them to a crisp...over and over and over... 
   This was just not....REALITY!

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      Norine Williamsposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Get: Just as breathing "seems crazy" but we do it!
      
      "...we needed to help God win..."   Who told u this? "Help" GOD? God doesn't need "help," WE DO & Holy Spirit sent to help us (Jn 14:26;1613).   REALITY! Try SPIRIT v. physical for maturity!

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      getitriteposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Norine: Breathing doesn't seem crazy. This is an example of the fact that indoctrination causes people to say the most unreasonable things. Please come up with better arguments. Who told u that WE NEED HOLY SPIRIT? Maturity?...NO.  Childish?...Yes!

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      Norine Williamsposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Yes! Breathing "seems crazy' when 1 doesn't realize that he will be "reconciled" to GOD . Why HE allows 1 to cont breathing then "seems crazy!" GRACE! That's how much HE loves us!  Your "maturity" has exceeded GOD'S?  Ex of "immaturity!"!

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      getitriteposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Religious beliefs are like an extended belief in the Tooth Fairy and Santa Claus. At least in that aspect of the believers life...development of critical thinking is arrested...and it doesn't mature. Religious programming is heartless and severe.

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      Kiss andTalesposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Interesting Getit the very first time you answered a question I been looking for.
      If that is what you get from the story , then
      You welcome to believe as you wish,
      As I listen to your story I find some truth, very little though.
      You also said !

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      Norine Williamsposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Get: "dev of critical thinking is arrested?" BIG MISTAKE in 1's thking! GOD'S thking (SPIRIT=THE HOLY SPIRIT)  "EXCEEDS" man's "critical" thking! WHO can "exceed" CREATOR'S thking & "maturity?"  Get real!  Holy Spirit "programming"= "MATURITY!"

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      getitriteposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      K&T:  My assertions are TOTALLY true...at least in the real world. Of course anyone who has been programmed with an INDOCTRINATED directive must support their programmed orders. Ergo, reality has to align with abject absurdities. Frightening!!!

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      Kiss andTalesposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Getit you have said the words (my) assertions ! true for you , that is like saying your clothes fit me , they do not, because we are made different.
      You think and feel this way , but others feel and think of their own assertion.

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      getitriteposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      K&T: True..reality does not fit everyone. Especially those of the group think mentality. They put on the clothing that Authority tells them to.
      Norine: Sorry, but your God has done no thinking at all.only dependent upon man to do ALL of his think

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       Kiss andTalesposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Getit the problem with your thinking is that you think you are the only one that thinks a certain way, you assume everyone else can not see because they disagree with you.
       Did someone tell you how to put your clothes on, nobody told me.
       When

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   11. 74

       getitriteposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       "Getit the problem with your thinking is that you think you are the only one that thinks a certain way, you assume everyone else can not see because they disagree with you"
       UNTRUE. STRAW MAN. Its not me u disagree with. Its reason and logic!

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       Kiss andTalesposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Who told you you have logic, and why do like to use the word strawman this only makes since to you.
       This is what I am saying some one feels as strong and convincing as you believe,  that does not mean they are wrong .but that simply is your belief.

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       Norine Williamsposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Get: THE SPIRIT enables man to "tell" others by entering hearts & minds of "vessel" (I agree, HE uses "man" to speak)  yet what greater POWER  to have than THE GLORY (ability) to do that? Again, provide book w/as many accurate prophecies as Bible

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   Kiss andTalesposted 7 years ago

   True I can relate to many feelings why
   People may leave a certain denomination of worship,  I left two,
   One I was raised in and one I attended
   School in one that had great education source, but that is all.
   I was looking for the answers that never were answered in those places of worship.
   And also it had to make sense, not because it just is and a preacher said so, also the money thing to me was out of control people using God to get rich, disgusting. That means humans only are important based on your pockets , I heard of a story over a year ago
   About how certain churches were putting members out if they do not tithe a certain amount as expected by the church officials, who can really give God gold and silver when he made the stuff.
   Sad when people ignore the signs as hypocrisy,  thief , behind the so call man or woman of God in a church.
   The one that is even worse then all these are the ones who claim they love their neighbors but they show lack of it by always trying to make some one feel bad, mentally and physically.
   JESUS was never none of these things again fake christians
   But if you are really searching God the Father will answer
   But will you answer his envite. NOAH was a key to how he never changes .you will know the truth when you hear it if you are a child of the Father , many are not and want to be.
   But it is up to the Father to accept you as, well.

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      Norine Williamsposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      "it had to make sense" (Prov 3:5) If belief founded on this, not Christ-like! Jn 4:24! He "reveals" not "sense!" "trying to make some one feel bad, mentally and physically. " If WORD does=It's Working! Heb 4:12. Spirit of discernment "if u r a child

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      Kiss andTalesposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Norine I shared my experience not to be analyzed to feed your ego ! You need to mind your own business and analyze that
      I am happy with my choice and I do not have to attack others  to feel good about myself,  you need to learn about why you do this

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      Norine Williamsposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      K&T: Ego? Did I not "repeat" God's Word?  Prov, Jn & Heb? Who analyzes? K&T: It's time SOMEONE tell TRUTH!  I "feel good" about myself with or without anyone.  I have JESUS!  "Learn why I do this?" He told me to tell "taught" sheep TRUTH!

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      SpiritusShepherdposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      True, I appreciated that the pastor at the church I now attend took the time and walked me through Scripture to answer my questions. I didn't have to accept an answer just because he taught it or because it had always be taught that way

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      Norine Williamsposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Kris: True, that is what a shepherd is to do "teach his sheep" but Jer 23:1! If shepherd is not teaching "After the Cross," Acts 2:42 you'd better rethink ur belief!  No matter who "tells" u what, u STUDY (II Tim 2:15) & learn to "rightly divide"

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      Kiss andTalesposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Matthew Harvey I just wrote a hub because of the length of explaing this fact. If you like a company do you just walk in and say I Am hired? Do you start working and doing things your way and say you are hired.
      No! The same with God, many not saved

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   7. 51

      Norine Williamsposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      K&T: ANYONE talking to me MUST "prove" (II Tim 3:16) their belief w/SCRIPTURE; otherwise=LIE & "not saved!"
      
      Spirit of Discernment (revelation of indirect subtleness) is alive & well!
      
      Don't say "not talking 2 u" based on # of x's u disag

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      Kiss andTalesposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Mt 4:6 and said to him: “If you are a son of God, throw yourself down,for it is written: ‘He will give his angels a command concerning you.
      This scripture proves satan also repeated the word of God
      Just because you  use scripture does not make right

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      Matthew Harveyposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      In all of life anyone can quote Scripture the question about the scripture is knowing it believe in it and people have the same view of it everyone takes scripture differently it may make a meaning for you but a different meaning for others

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   10. 51

       Norine Williamsposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       K&T: ALL I teach is "AFTER THE CROSS," ("ONE" reason JESUS DIED: Sent HOLY SPIRIT Jn:14:26;16:13)  Is this a LIE? & JESUS is GOD (See "The Promise Keeper" by LIFE), IS this A LIE?A "MYSTERY" but NOT A LIE! For those that can't "SEE" II Cor 4:

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       Kiss andTalesposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       1Ti 4:1However, the inspired word clearly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to misleading inspired statements and teachings of demons,
       You continue to use false infomation in teaching , one is cross . Mark

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       Norine Williamsposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       K&T:  Reverse Scriptures given to yourself, STUDY "to see if these thgs are so" (Acts 17:11). 
       
       I use WORD (to judge), since u can't "see heart" to judge & to say "demonizied"=blasphemy!
       
       "Taught" v "Holy Spirit" exactly what I Tim 4:1 talki

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   krillcoposted 7 years ago

   I did not leave the church, the church left me. The real church, the primitive church of Jesus, still exists, and is protected by the Holy Spirit. We are the 'remnant' that Scripture speaks of time and again. If you hold love for God and love and compassion for your neighbor in your heart, you are part of this remnant that carries on.

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      Norine Williamsposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Bill: What is this "love" I here "sheep" speak of?  Did not Jesus say in Jn 21:15-17 3x's) "If you love ME, feed my sheep?"  I see the MAJORITY on HP not doing this!  So, what is this "love?"  Lk 8:16 "hiding it?"  Lk 6:45 "1's mouth tells ALL!"

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      SpiritusShepherdposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Well said. We might have left behind a building or an organization but we are still apart of the universal church. The church unseen.

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      Norine Williamsposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Kris: U asked "Why do 1 thk ancient religion is increasing" then u say we're part of the "universal church?"  The "church unseen" follows Bible which says"If ANYONE preach any other gospel than the Gospel of Christ="ACCURSED" (2x's) Gal 1:6-9. Who?

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      SpiritusShepherdposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Norine, there is a a "universal church" it is made up of all the Christians around the world and the "unseen" church is the church throughout history starting with the apostles until now. I believe CS Lewis uses the term in the Screwtape letters

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      Norine Williamsposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Kris: I've never seen "universal church" in Bible? CS Lewis  has "opinion." BIBLE says "one accord" believing AFTER THE CROSS or Gal 1:6-9. What "univ church" does this? Satan has "twisted" those who don't STUDY WORD! GOD'S concerned! TIRED!

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      herzaposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      norine and kris, do you both believe in GOD?
      William, the church may leave you but GOD is not. As long as you beleive inb Him. There is no church that can SAVE YOU. it only depends on what track you are walking (MATHEW 7:13)

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      Norine Williamsposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      H: James 2:19 "Even the devil believes there is 1 God!"  STUDY!
      
      Until believers worship "After the Cross" or "After the Day of Pentecost,"  then Galatians 1:6-9 = "ACCURSED" & He (JESUS who spoke thru Paul; (Jer 31:33; Heb 8:10;10:16) TWO TIMES

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   jksouthardposted 7 years ago

   Kris, there are groups of people meeting together in the name of religious orders whose aim is to help one another a search for compassion.  Every church has its own group feeling or corporate culture.   Even subgroups in large churches have different personalities holding them together.  You have to keep searching, I know, I did.  I found, not perfection, but a place for me in a much larger Church.  My small place was in music and an off-beat study group in this monster of a building made of stone.  Keep looking but without challenging the world with your eyes and clothes, go forward.... put yourself in the place of others you meet...treat them as you would like to be treated.  Do that and you will find a place.  Be at peace, Kris.  JK

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      SpiritusShepherdposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      I have started attended a Lutheran Church. Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. I enjoy that they are so Gospel based. At first being in such a traditional church made me nervous, but now I see the value of traditions and how they can enhance ones faith

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      Norine Williamsposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Kris: STUDY for yourself starting w/baptism (Heb 6:1-3). Research Matt 28:19 (Only 1x n Bible although II Cor 13:1; Deut 19:15; Matt 1816) and NO ONE DID!  Why?

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    Rosualdo Ponceposted 7 years ago

    Some people leave the church because of the error and mistake they have seen and some hidden motives that push them away from the church. Jesus instituted the perfect church (Matthew 16:18) but with imperfect members just like his apostles. He did not choose them because they are perfect and qualified but with the aim to be perfect for the tasks that they will do for the continuation of his tasks assign by God. The church also is full of imperfection but undergo a process of perfection. The ultimate goal of God for a christian is to become like Christ. The church is a body compose of many parts (1 Corinthians 12:12-31). Everyone that are part of   a body must do his task for God's glory. If you considered yourself part of the church, why are you leaving because of other's mistakes? No one can perform his task if he leave the church Christ instituted.

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       Norine Williamsposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Go Ponce!  You're talking to me!  The (flesh) gets tired of unbelievers!  I did! They treated me as they do on HP but I find consolation in HIS WORD!  (Jn 15:18; Jn 16:2)

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       krillcoposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       We are talking about more than 'mistakes', we are talking about active, planned, plotted, and intentional evil.

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       Norine Williamsposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Bill: If you've encountered such a church ("more than 'mistakes', we are talking about active, planned, plotted, and intentional evil"), give Scripture where "actions" are AGAINST WORD! They can't say "U SAID" rather u can say "GOD SAID!"  STAND!

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       celafoeposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       wm-- what else would you expect of a system that rejects the truths of scripture to follow apostate men into their kingdom instead of The Kingdom of God and their man made doctrines,   You must read and UNDERSTAND your bible

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    Matthew Harveyposted 7 years ago

    The problem with a lot of churches today and the reason why i left is because a lot of churches went for relationship with god to religion of god where people judged others and condemn for what they do and forget in gods teachings we do not have the right to judge anyone and some churches have turned it into a business as well i haven't stopped believing in god but church wise im still looking

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       Norine Williamsposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Matt: Scripture says "Judge "righteous" judgment and NONE is "righteous" but HIS WORD.  If 1 doesn't judge w/WORD, "they judge" & NO ONE can judge but GOD (WORD)!  I Tim 5:20 tells us to "REBUKE SIN" & 1 can't w/o "judging:" ONLY w/WORD!
       
       I C

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       jksouthardposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Keep looking...there are those all-inclusive's in the strangest subgroups of large unlikelies.  I found one hidden which is amazing.  And it is easier to be good with do-gooders than alone.  Believe me.

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       Norine Williamsposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Matt: Read I Cor 6:3!  Tell them to "prove" (II Tim 3:16) their judgment of you w/SCRIPTURE!  Then Ask God (Jm 1:5)!
       
       JK:  "Keep looking?" Do what WORD says in Matt 18:15-17 then "keep looking" if they refuse to  agree w/WORD!

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       SpiritusShepherdposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       I was the same. I stopped attending church, but never stopped believing in God. I continued to read my Bible and pray and listen to worship music. It took awhile but I found a new church to call home.

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       Matthew Harveyposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       oh most definitely if we use scripture we can judge cause its gods work but ive seen alot of churches make up false scriptures to judge and say its gods word cause alot of people listen more then read the word so they think is god.

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       Kiss andTalesposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Great answer Matthew Harvey , Jesus said leave , get out of her ,
       Why? Because religions have been judge as a disgusting harlot who controls many by the power the Government gives her.
       She really does not represent God in truth , but claimbs to.

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       Norine Williamsposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Matt: If 1 can't  "prove" w/WORD=LIE! That's why Scripture say ("YOU") "Study to show thyself approved unto GOD, a workman THAT NEEDETH NOT BE ASHAMED, (but) "rightly dividing" the WORD of TRUTH" (II Tim 2:15)! Some x's GOD put us w/those to TELL!

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    Anna C Taylorposted 7 years ago

    I left the church because instead of loving God and finding a community to help me grow as a person, I found a community that repressed me. I am who I am and I'm not going to change myself because of the judgement of others.
    
    I have nothing against God or Jesus, but I don't believe in the people of the church. Jesus said you should help people, but the church hurts them. We are supposed to feed the hungry but the church preaches to the hungry. We are supposed to help those hurt by society, but the people of the church are the ones doing a lot of the hurting. I have seen more judgement than love in the church. And isn't that what it's supposed to all be about?
    
    I don't need a church to tell me how to be a good person. I have my own morality. So whether I believe in God or not, I don't believe in the church.
    
    I was looking for love not judgement. I didn't find what I was looking for, so I'm over it. I left.

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       Norine Williamsposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Anna: If they "judged" & not according to WORD=sin!  Study WORD & you'll KNOW if they're correct. Until then, ask them to "prove" (II Tim 3:16) w/Scripture & verse, if can't=LIE!  Scripture tells us to "judge righteous judgment" (Jn 7:24)

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       Anna C Taylorposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Okay Norine but what if I don't care about/abide by your scripture. If scripture is about judgement then I want nothing to do with it. I refuse to worship a God who uses his power to judge and hurt his people. Whether he's real or not.

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       Norine Williamsposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Anna: It's about accepted the FACT that HE IS GOD & we r only "creations!" If 1 "believes," who'd u rather follow you (creation) or The Creator (GOD)! 
       
       If you'd rather follow you, Rm 1:21-32 applies & "anything goes!"

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       Anna C Taylorposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Hey I'm not saying I don't worship God, and I certainly don't worship man. I just don't believe you have any right to interpret scripture the way you want to judge other based on their lifestyle. It's one thing to encourage people. Another to condemn

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       RLWalker LMposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Surely God is capable enough and doesn't need human assistant in matters of divine litigation. Come to think, maybe he positively doesn't want us to interfere since we are so prone to sin and impurity. So maybe... people just shouldn't judge.

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       Norine Williamsposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       RL: HE ALWAYS DID (use man) fm the beginning!  We're "chging fm glory to glory?" (II Cor 3:18) 
       Scripture says "judge" (I Tim 5:20)! REBUKE=Judge (w/WORD)! 
       
       "Did u know that we will "judge" angels (I Cor 6:2-3)? Why 1 thinks, not now? ONLY W/WORD

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       RLWalker LMposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Then why did Jesus say we shouldn't judge?

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       Norine Williamsposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       RL: Give Scripture! If referring to Matt 7:1-3 HE DID SAY "YOU" JUDGE NOT but DID NOT SAY "I" (WORD) JUDGE(S) NOT! One of the most misconstrued Verses in Bible. How will 1 know not doing according to WORD if not TOLD & doesn't STUDY? Why I give W

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       SpiritusShepherdposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       RL Jesus did say not to judge, and this would be the type of judgment we are all referring to.
       Norine: That verse in Timothy is specifically for church discipline and goes with the verse James to "gently correct" or Matthew 18 to approach privately

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        Matthew Harveyposted 7 years agoin reply to this

        Anna: A lot of churches have just turned it into a religion or a business trust me I feel you there but pray god will lead to a church that you want and where you will feel his warmth and love like we are suppose to.

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        Anna C Taylorposted 7 years agoin reply to this

        Thanks Matthew. Honestly I think it would take a decrease in the rampant judgement and a tolerance of diversity would bring me back. And that doesn't look super likely (tho I like many individual communities) Otherwise I can be spiritual on my own.

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        Matthew Harveyposted 7 years agoin reply to this

        Anna: Well if you need help with an spiritual guidance more then happy to help to be stronger keep doing what you are doing just remember god is not about religion his about relationship with him and I bet you ha be a great one with him

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        Norine Williamsposted 7 years agoin reply to this

        Anna: If  "in Scripture, NOT THEM "judging" BUT GOD! Read (Heb 10:25)!
        
        Kris, Rd Heb 4:12! Word "judges" & "cuts!" Why they leave! "Church discipline?" Thought u were "universal church?" Isaiah 55:11.
        
        
        Matt: Whose gonna tell them right if 1 leav

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        Matthew Harveyposted 7 years agoin reply to this

        Norine: What you mean by 1 leave

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        Norine Williamsposted 7 years agoin reply to this

        Matt: "STAND" on HIS WORD Scripture says (I Cor 16:13)! "Leaving" doesn't display "STANDING!"  How will they learn HIS WORD? (Acts 8:31)
        
        ALWAYS give Scripture (WORD) & they can't say "U" said but u can say "GOD SAID!"

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        Matthew Harveyposted 7 years agoin reply to this

        Norine 1 John 2:1-6 will explain it if your feel his a lair leave if he speaks the true you will stay and follow him

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        Norine Williamsposted 7 years agoin reply to this

        Matt: I Jn 2:1-6 "if u keep commandments" but who knows what they r if 1 doesn't STUDY?
        
        "..if your feel his a lair.." Not what "1 feels" but what WORD SAYS!
        
        Keep "mind stayed on Him" (Is 26:3)  (WWJD) when responding or "feeling!"

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        Matthew Harveyposted 7 years agoin reply to this

        Feeling wise I hope alot of people are reading this comments cause stuff like this will help us gain more wisdom and grow

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        Norine Williamsposted 7 years agoin reply to this

        Matt: I "literally" cried & THANKED JESUS for using me as a "vessel" after I read your comment!  Thank God for you Matt & I hope ALL "see" (my goal) if GOD SAID IT, IT'S TRUE.  Our "opinions (feelings) count for naught! (Prov 3:5)!

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    AshlyChristenposted 7 years ago

    it must feel like home
    it must help one grow
    it must strengthen community and relationships with others and God
    yes, it can be full of hypocrisy but that is because people suck, always have always will, and they...we are all different. a church is where followers of faith gather together behind walls of wood and stone. simple as that. just 'cuz its church don't mean its any different than any other building its the people that make the difference and how they uplift the lord and encourage and spread his love

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       Norine Williamsposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Ash: NO! IT MUST teach "AFTER THE CROSS" or Jesus DIED IN VAIN!  Read Galatians 1:6-9; Acts Chapter 1+ & follow as they did in Acts 2:42 & thereafter.  If not living accordingly, serving "man" just "saying GOD!"

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    Lizelle Cloeteposted 7 years ago

    There was a time when I left the church, but I never lost my love for God .I have lost a lot in my life which gave me time to spend time to walk alone with God. God called me back to the church to help broken people on the inside. The church is the Bride of Christ and restoration and healing must take place before the day when Jesus comes back again. The church does not understand the world and the world does not understand the church. There is a great need for some kind of middle way of understanding between the two. They both need each other

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       Norine Williamsposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Liz: When u "lost" & "found" x w/GOD, HE WAS "DRAWING" u!  "...restoration and healing must take place before the day when Jesus comes back again."  THE X IS "NOW!"  Satan has used device ("religion") to confuse & we MUST "Study" not b as "sh

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       SpiritusShepherdposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       I came back when I found a church that taught the truth of Scripture. Jesus says we are not of the world, so I don;t think we can find a middle ground, but we are called to carry on his work in the world ie sharing the Gospel, Baptizing

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       Norine Williamsposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Kris: We're called to share "rightly divided" Scripture!  If not living "After Christ Died" (aren't we?), under NEW Covenant, After The Day of Pentecost, in err!  Why didn't anyone baptize according to Matt 28:19, which was under Old Covenant? Ask

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       Lizelle Cloeteposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Kris. There is not a perfect church teaching the absolute correct doctrine that you are looking for. People are not perfect either and they might preach it in a way that you don't like. Your perception might be different. Let God teach you first

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       Norine Williamsposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Liz: R u saying those who FOLLOW "The Gospel of Christ" as taught by Paul & the Apostles isn't "The Perfect Church?"
       
       Read Eph 2:19-20; Rev 21:14; Gal 1:6-9;! 
       
       Why did disciples "FOLLOW PAUL?" (Acts 2:42)! THEY KNEW AS I!  I Cor 3:6!

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       SpiritusShepherdposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Lizelle: I didn't mean it to seem we teach perfect doctrine, only that the LCMS is the one I found that is most Biblically  accurate

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       Lizelle Cloeteposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Jesus spend time with the Apostles and He taught them the gospel; Jesus said that they must go out and spread the gospel in the same way. Paul preached the gospel and wrote parts of the gospels in the Bible as well, Paul was a good example to follow

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    celafoeposted 7 years ago

    I left the ungodly, apostate church  because GOD told me to follow scripture and get out of the false system devised by apostate men to replace the physical church that  God closed  by Jesus on the Cross and replaced with LIVING stones, His body,
    The scriptures tell us to become (all Professing Christ followers), of ONE spirit.   I have never been in a church (from 100's) that you were encouraged to leave if you felt God was telling you to.    They may eventually relax and stop trying to make you stay, but unless you were being sent out to promote their doctrines they do not agree with leaving.
    If the programs, doctrines or actions of the leadership does not live up to the scriptures?  why in the world would you stay there?
    According to scripture , the true church is people (living stones) and nothing more.
    The only time the disciples entered a "church" was to expose wickedness and promote Jesus.    The did not need a building because they understood the new covenant church.
    Stop listening to the voices and doctrines of men.    Stop reading books about the scriptures , written by men with their opinions and prejudices
    Put aside your "church system" taught beliefs and get alone with your bible and the Holy Spirit with  a mind searching for truth and you will be amazed at how evil the church system is.  Its time for all who profess  Christianity to throw away all their books of men and get with the Holy Spirit and their bibles  and see the REAL church of Jesus Christ, you will be blessed and amazed.

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    SpiritusShepherdposted 7 years ago

    http://hubpages.com/religion-philosophy … the-Church

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