More About Me
For those of you who would like to know more about me I offer the below.
I was born into a family that subscribed to a fairly fundamental Christian religion. We pretty much went by the book – The Holy Bible. I learned from a very young age that a right relationship with God was the most important thing. I carry that with me still and I’m thankful for that!
As I grew up through the school years I tried keeping myself unspotted from the world and for the most part associated only with individuals who were part of our faith. This was a result of trying to obey certain scriptures. It felt good to be “in” with God.
After high school I went off to college to study electrical engineering. It was an interesting field to me and still is but my heart was drawn more toward helping people in a spiritual way.
In my growing up years I had much fellowship with the ministers of our faith who traveled as Jesus directed his disciples in Matt 10. I felt it was the only ministry that was Biblically accurate and so I volunteered to join their ranks. I remained in that ministry for nearly 10 years. I had some amazing experiences and met many, many wonderful people in several different states.
It was during this time that I began to examine more closely my Christian beliefs. Some of what I had been taught just didn’t seem to work the way it was supposed to. Often when a Christian finds some problem with their particular fellowship they’re told to “pray about it”, or they “need more faith” or perhaps “God is working it out” among other replies. I understood those answers well as I had given them many times.
For some reason they were not giving me the satisfaction I wanted and so I continued seeking and evaluating.
Eventually I realized that I needed to leave the ministry that I had intended to give my entire life to. I spent some difficult days trying to determine what God’s will was for me. His answer finally came after months of trying to be still and wait. It was to leave and there was no doubt.
Leaving was a big step for me for many reasons but my conviction that God had my back kept me going.
It wasn’t too long after leaving the ministry that I married my lovely wife. She was a tremendous support to me and understood my spiritual background as well as the path I was on. She was a member of my faith and so we continued participating in the fellowship.
During the first year of our marriage we moved to a new city, bought a house, and started a business. Crazy, now that I look back, but at the time we just did it!
That was a time of growth, struggle, introspection and more sorting of beliefs. I was finally forced closely examine the religion of my youth and realized that it no longer served me. But what to do?
I came to a point where I finally gave up. I said a little prayer to God. As I recall it went like this: “Okay God, I give up. I’ve tried serving you and worshipping you the way I’ve been taught. I’ve been promised peace, love, joy, etc. and I don’t have it. Nothing I’ve tried has worked so now I quit. I’m not going to do anything. I’m going to sit right here and do absolutely nothing until you show me what to do”.
That was probably the shortest prayer I ever uttered but it was the most sincere and I did exactly what I said. I gave up “praying”, reading my Bible and attending church. More than that, I gave up all my ideas about God, truth, religion, right and wrong. I noticed thought coming in but I was unattached to them. I simply put myself into a place of not knowing anything.
At first nothing happened. I say that but really a lot was happening. There’s a lot going on when you give up all your stuff – beliefs, ideas, thoughts about God, everything you ever knew about God and your relationship with him.
I noticed a peace! I really expected to be in some sort of upheaval or upset. Surprise! Then nearly a year later I got a revelation of grace. I was just sitting and being still noticing my thoughts when suddenly thoughts started pouring into my mind that were totally new, incredibly crystal clear and they wouldn’t stop! For several minutes the principles of grace were given to me one right after another!
I was so blown away and thrilled and I knew my prayer was answered! I shared it with my wife and everyone I could get hold of for the next week or so. I almost felt that if I didn’t share it I would lose it. Thankfully I never have.
That was the first of several “downloads” over the next few years. It really felt like that. Words seem so inadequate to describe the experience. I hope you can experience it sometime if you haven’t yet!
I began attending church again some for a time. Finally I realized it was really over. It just didn’t meet my need. I still attend on occasion but not on a regular basis.
Now I find myself in the place of being a Christian without a Church – not a bad place to be as Christ didn’t have a church either! Of course I’m aware that church in the Bible doesn’t mean a structure.
I’m content now to be a part of the Church that is seeking a relationship with God outside traditional religion. In fact it thrills me!
As time has passed I’ve felt the need to share with others. I continue to observe Christians leaving their churches in disappointment and frustration. Then quite often they’re concerned about what to do, where to go. The guilt can be enormous. Often their families and friends don’t understand and even desert them.
This site is for those who have gone there or who may be considering that jump. You are a strong believer in Christ and you want more. You’re longing for a depth of spiritual connection with God that your current fellowship quenches. You’re looking for greater peace. You need answers that mainstream Christianity can’t provide.
You’re longing to find the freedom that Jesus spoke of when He said “You shall know the truth and the truth will set you free”.
Welcome!
I leave you with a promise from the lips of Jesus:
Matt 7:7-8
7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
If you haven’t yet enjoyed my minicourse please click the image at the top of the right sidebar to get started!
Share your comments and let others know what you think!
{ 31 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Robert,
Yes I beleive in God and Christ. I have been confused on how to hear God’s voice. I now know how do do it, I think. I wanted to make sure it wasn’t my own “brain noise” I was hearing. I wanted to also make sure that I wasn’t giving myself the answers I wanted to hear.
I’m not 100% sure but very close. Could you help me out a little more?
Robert
I’ll be glad to try. I’ve sent you a private message.
Thanks,
Robert
I was born into catholic religion and as I got older I started to lose my faith. I felt like something was missing with in my spirit. about six years ago a lot of tough times came into my life and for the first time in my life I felt like I had no control over anything very scary for me because I’ve always been a very strong person mentally and physically. Began jumping from church to church from the protestant perpective and thats when my spirit lead me to so many questions the big one WHY !!! my search was on, from theology, philosphy, quantum machanics, budda, astrophysics, hinduism and many more. I came across you web site about eight months ago and very impressed about let it come to you, I started reading the tao te ching eastern philosphy. very interesting the book is by Dr. wayne dwyer controling your thoughts. I think you would enjoy it from reading your perspectives on your faith. please e-mail me back thanks gene
Hi Robert!! I heard that you are talking to my Mom and thought I’d stop by your site.. wow this is just awesome to see you have a site like this. I still remember, with fondness, having you as a minister in our home.
Our family has been going through a lot, indeed, but wonderful changes are taking place. It’s wonderful to find freedom and peace- finally- in Christ. Feel free to write anytime.. I look forward to looking around the site!!
In Christ,
~April
April,
I’m so glad to connect again. I’ll be in touch.
Thanks for visiting my site!
Blessings,
Robert
Great, great to have our visit. God works
in such wonderful encouraging ways!
Psa 46.10 was a help to me when I was
concerned about my son not making it
to work the next day. God put that tho’t on
my heart about six times one night when
I was desperately praying. I finally got still
and a peace came over me and I was able
to sleep.
The next day I just HAD to see what that
scripture meant.
This led to a wonderful study about the
musical phrasing & various voices
the psalmists set their hymns to. This
helped me to appreciate all the voices in
God’s family, as well as the various voices
we use in different situations we pass thru.
The bass for ‘groaning that cannot be uttered’.
The soprano for joyful praise. And, so on.
Take care,
~Renee
Hi Robert,
I can completely relate to your life’s testimony. In fact, reading your story almost sounds like you’re talking about my life. Do people ever bring up Hebrews 10:25 when you tell them you’re not in a “traditional” fellowship? If so, how do you respond? This is a verse I struggle with as I quit attending a “traditional” fellowship several months ago (I’m going now again, but am not so sure I should be…)
Thanks!
Good question. Here’s the verse for those who don’t want to go look it up.
Heb 10:25
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. (KJV)
Some have brought up this verse – or the idea that this verse promotes. The question for me is who do you desire to assemble with? Do you wish to meet with a group of people who believe something contrary to scripture? Will my words exhort them if they have no desire to hear? I personally see no point in attending a gathering and listening to something that doesn’t lift me up. Presently structures, forms, traditions don’t lift me up. I don’t see that being the focus of the meetings Jesus had with his disciples.
This probably sounds strange but I’m at a point in my life right now where I’m comfortable enough in my relationship with God that I know I am where I need to be – regardless of any verse in scripture or anybody’s interpretation of that verse. All too often scripture is used to keep folks herded down the path of religion. It’s fine if they have no other source of direction. I just discovered that I wanted something more and I’ve found it!
Robert
WOW! I thought I was the only one with these types of concerns regarding church going. I go but not often sometimes I feel guilty (which probably come from me thinking what will others think) since I’m proclaiming to be a child of God and a believer. Should I desire to go to church? some say you should belong to a church so when you die you’ll have somewhere to have a funeral. wow that’s not scriptural. I desperately want to know God intimately and to be able to hear his voice. I like church but have a problem with the giving of money not actually the giving but the guilt you feel for not giving and not giving to the building fund the whatever fund monthly or some churches have a set amount members must give. Why can’t we decide to give what we want and how about the churches that have applications to be a member now or you have to give your bank account info so they can take tithes straight from your accouint. I thought that was a choice weather you want to pay tithes or not between you and God oh let me stop here didn’t mean to say all of this just really wanted to agree with you and hope that I am on the right path that leads to heaven. be blessed
Funny how we all think we’re the only ones with a particular issue or concern isn’t it?
We’re all really one!
You’re on the right path. It can’t be otherwise.
Blessings and welcome!
Robert
On Feb 16, 2010 one of your readers wrote:
I can completely relate to your life’s testimony. In fact, reading your story almost sounds like you’re talking about my life. Do people ever bring up Hebrews 10:25 when you tell them you’re not in a “traditional” fellowship? If so, how do you respond?
then you posted the scripture thy were reffering to…
Heb 10:25
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. (KJV)
Ok, so here it is June and I’m late on the topic…..Oh boy here i go again. I am truly trying to not be a bother, believe me when i say that. I respect your opinion and philosophies because alot of what you say is what most people are afraid to say. I can realte to how you think. But every now and again I hit a snag and I feel as if you are pulling certain ones too far into your own views about topics such as asembling ourselves together is not important for one another.
Well, i beg to differ, I am not the type to go around on people sites stirrin up trouble. Actually Ive been seeking for answers myself and I know that there is more to the truths we’ve been ahnded down over the years and I know it was God that led me here. I agree with most things you say, but here I am stumped again. I am truly concerned this time……Are you truly in right alignment and at peace? I ‘m just wondering
because somthing bothered me when you responded and said the following……
I personally see no point in attending a gathering and listening to something that doesn’t lift me up. Presently structures, forms, traditions don’t lift me up.
Now to me and those out there that are truly listening……. you didnt seem to answer the question but rather you avoided the question by saying the following….
This probably sounds strange but I’m at a point in my life right now where I’m comfortable enough in my relationship with God that I know I am where I need to be – regardless of any verse in scripture or anybody’s interpretation of that verse.
regardless of any verse? really? or anybodys interpretation of that verse? So, if you are not willing to confront whatever scriptures or other thoughts people bring to your attention but, want to, on the other hand, keep voicing your opinion, what does that say about you?
Well ….If you have reached a heigher height then those of us who are listening, then why would you ignore the chance to be a light and a source of strentgh to someone else by failing to continue to attend and fellowship with the people of God? Or do you resist because you’d have the urge to persuade them to not care about exhorting their brothers and sisters in the fath also.?
What about the power of corporate prayer and agreement? Does that not mean nothing to you because you have reached a place that you do not need prayer or hope or to link with any kindred to gain strentgh or to excericse authority and share the freedom youve experinced?
The intergity of your site depends on if you can truly withstand this and the other writers question and allow my response to post, so that these things you are teaching and suggesting and influencing people with …can be tested and tried and examined because just maybe assembling aint so bad, after all, thats what we are doing here right?
In closing, it really doesnt matter if you allow this reponse to go thru. As long as you read it. Thats fine by me. Because I am truly trying to get you to see that maybe you should care jit a tad but more than you appaer to care.
I just want to minister to you to say….hey maybe something has turned you off about church so badly that you have went into self protect mode. if thats how you feel so be it. But after you have healed ……dont give up on the others you have left behind and give such a selfish answer like this…..
This probably sounds strange but I’m at a point in my life right now where I’m comfortable enough in my relationship with God that I know I am where I need to be – regardless of any verse in scripture or anybody’s interpretation of that verse.
and like this….
I personally see no point in attending a gathering and listening to something that doesn’t lift me up. Presently structures, forms, traditions don’t lift me up.
It’s not always what you see or hear at church, but its what you bring to the table to blend into the overall atmosphere that bounces back for you to recieve and draw from. Every joint supplying the other.
Have you torn ourself from the body to the point that you do not want to be identified as one of us yet you start another body by saying those that share your opinions (we are reall all one)
here is what you said..
Funny how we all think we’re the only ones with a particular issue or concern isn’t it?
We’re all really one!
You’re on the right path. It can’t be otherwise.
Blessings and welcome!
If you realize the importance of unity and fellowship just as we are doing here….you would go to church with the connection to GOD THAT YOU SAY YOU HAVE and link with others who feel their connection you will all be focused on the right thing and the Father willl be glorified! Not the traditions! not the curtains! and not nessacaraiy every single alphabet thats coming out of the preachers mouth…. just simply the sweet innoncence of those who are seeking truth and the gratfulness of the realizing your newfound perspective of the awesome God that you serve.
You can see how this could possibly be a good experience cant you?
Remember, read down further in this chapter it says do not be as some of them were….that have forsaken the assembly…are you now giving people the permission and encoruagemnt to say that it is better to not go?
if you feel there is absolutely nothing to gain …even after the Lord continues to show you on your personal time about all of the wonderful topics he give in the future….and lead you to this awesome place in him…
if you have nothing to gain by attending at least once per month then at least go to encourage someone else on their path and join your commmunity in prayer and celebrate the fact that we are all striving and seeking to please the Father and walk in the truth of his life. ok?
because my dear Robert , going to church has never just been for you but this scripture mainly speaks about the unselfishness of continuing to go for the others who have not arrived to the point of awareness that we are. Any loving PASTOR IF YOU OPEN YOURSELF AND NOT BE CRITICAL SHOULD EVENTUALLY BE ABLE TO SEE.. God’s wisdom shining in you and blossoming out and spilling over so much so that maybe, you need to be launched in o leadership so that people can hear and see and be blessed while sitting there assembled right in your presence.
God bless you
Dear Sara,
I encourage a relationship with God – and that’s it.
If that means church attendance for you or anyone, that’s wonderful.
I don’t know – but here’s the deal: I’ve spent years of my life confronting other people’s thoughts and ideas about scriptures and found no peace in that. It’s pretty much the way of religion – you decide what is right and then you tell eveyone else what it is and defend it and try to prove it based on intepretations of scriptures, etc.
It’s a never ending struggle. There’s no peace in it and at the end of the day, nothing really changes that much. Oh sure, you may convince someone to change their mind but then they’re just as strongly latched on to another idea as they were before – it’s just another idea. The spirit of the whole exercise is separation and disharmony.
I offer what I do for anyone who’s looking for it. I know full well that many who read my blog will not agree 100% with everything I say. It would be ridiculous for me to expect absolute agreement. If people find something that benefits them on my blog, that’s wonderful. If they’re offended then they are and will deal with that as they do.
Robert
Hi Robert, I was brousing the web for some information that sits well with my spirt and stopped at your website. I no longer attend church but my faith in God has not totally gone. I want and know that I need a closer relationship with my heavenly father, but somehow I feel I am stuck and I don’t know how to get out. Right now I am drinking a beer and having a smoke, my heart is hurting because I feel that my father does not want to speak with me because of my habits. I just want to be able to communicate and hear his voice speaking to me telling me everything will be alright and that he still loves me. I will endeavour to read as much as your article to improve my relationship with the father.
Pauline,
Thanks for sharing!
It’s funny – we worship a man who supposedly turned water into wine, view him as the perfect example, and condemn ourselves for drinking a beer.
God doesn’t condemn you for drinking or smoking. Nor does He prevent you from condemning yourself.
It is only and always our judgments that come between us and God.
Blessings
Robert
I experienced something similar a few years ago – not a “conversation” per say, as Neale Donald Walsch experienced, but snippits. (Interestingly, I didn’t question the experience).
Like you, I was a regular church attendee seeking answers. “What am I doing wrong, God?” “Lord, please help me understand!” were all too common prayers. Then I picked up a copy of Walsch’s “Conversations with God: An uncommon dialogue” and everything “wrong” in my life started to make sense. I incorporated a few of the ideas and watched my life and thought process change dramatically. Gone are the days of severe depression and immense anxiety; words cannot describe the amount of internal peace I live with today.
After this profound experience, I no longer felt the need to attend church. It isn’t because I don’t like the church; I’m perfectly fine with the church. I simply don’t feel the need to attend. My heart is full and complete and I no longer seek the answers I once did. The most important thing I learned was that having a close and intimate relationship with God is so, SO easy and far less complicated than a traditional church environment teaches.
Jesus does have a church. He said He would build a church and the gates of the netherworld would not prevail against it. Jesus promised it. He keeps His promises.
Mt 16:18-19
Lory,
You get exactly what I’m talking about. Thanks for sharing your personal journey!
The clarity is amazing, isn’t it?
Robert
Robert,
I know a part of where you are and know all of where you have been.
I read all of Sarah Keeva’s post and, even though she may not want it, I feel sorry for her. Trying to drill an idea into another person’s head usually fails, unless it is done over many years as in brainwashing. Quite often, forcing an issue can leave a nasty taste in one’s mouth.
I am in a position in which I do not seek anything. I do not read the Bible except for a few snippets I read on websites. My Bible has dust on it and I cannot tell you where it is off hand. On occasion, I look up a reference at blueletterbible.com. But in my past, I read the Bible from start to finish at least five times over several years – not speed-reading, mind you. At one time, I could have quoted almost any verse and knew every story in the book. That is no longer important to me. The Bible is an interesting book but so is the Quran and many others.
People ask me, in the flow of certain conversations, if I am a Christian. I say yes to keep the conversation flowing. I am Chris. All other parts of me are labels that really mean nothing. I have no need to stand on rooftops and proclaim what I do in the privacy of my own home. I do not wear identifying clothing or jewelry (except for work clothes that the company requires). I do not attend any church or gathering of religious people for religious purposes. It is not necessary for me. I do not care what any book says about it either. I do not believe the Bible is the one and only handbook of life and death. I believe God speaks to people when the time is right which may be in the middle of the week, driving down the road, texting, and without a seatbelt (intuition, or God, might tell you to put the phone away, buckle your belt, and pay attention).
I know of a peace, but I don’t know that I arrived at it in the same way you did or if it is the same peace. The peace I feel is not being worried about what the Bible says or what some preacher or self-proclaimed prophet preaches. True peace in spiritual matters is very difficult, and possibly impossible, for some people to grasp. I looked for peace in the verses, expecting peace to light on me like a feather on my shoulder – but it never happened. I thought maybe God would grant it to me because I was doing what I thought He wanted and expected of me. Never happened. I prayed, hours on end, and nothing happened. Have you ever wondered if the devil was inhibiting your relationship with God? Do you know how awful that feels?
When I gave up trying so hard and forcing the issue and totally gave up on everything spiritual, I found the peace. It is mentally, physically, and emotionally draining to worry daily about what is right, who is right, what time is right, and what place is right.
T-shirts and bumper stickers proclaim, “Let God”. But I do not believe those people that buy those items really know what that means. People who are constantly worrying are not ‘letting God’. And when I refer to worrying, I’m not talking about just twisting guts in knots. I’m talking about people who are more worried about what certain verses mean and how that application fits them. It does not matter. It does not matter. Let God.
When I was a child, there were many instances that people stated certain people would not be in heaven. So, as my imagination went wild, I wondered about the Native American Indians, the settlers, the people around the 1700′s, and all those beyond and between. All of those people are going to hell because they did not attend a certain church or hear the gospel from a certain person? Bull! God is the one in control. People seem to forget that little detail when they get on their soapboxes. He will bring to the table those that He sees fit. He will teach them in the manner that He sees fit.
How many people truly let God? He has had the final say in all matters since before time. And I do not doubt for a minute that there will be, and are, people in heaven who come from all faith systems, whether they be Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Taoist, from some tribe in Africa, or any others.
Think of the human race. How many different people does it take to create an automobile from iron ore to the finished product? All people have a belief system. Some put their faith in trees. We are all working toward a finished product and we are all from different faiths. Even within Christianity, you can find a wide variety of beliefs.
So why do we worry? People who are at peace do not frown near as much as those who are troubled. I have heard many people from that one particular belief system, the one you know, Robert, state that they have peace. They sure do frown a lot and their brows are creased. Let God.
I understand the fear of letting go. People need control. Controlling one’s spiritual path does not work, no matter how many people believe so. Let loose, let go, and let God.
Hello Chris,
We’re very much on the same page!
The peace I had known came from the idea that since I was fitting in to a particular system I was accepted by God. Of course associated with that “peace” is the realization that any deviation from the prescribed activities would result in a loss of peace and who knows what else – possibly everything… including your soul for all eternity.
Now the idea of losing my soul is as ridiculous as the thought of misplacing my head.
True peace doesn’t have any associated downside based on physical conditions!
Blessings,
Robert
I have recently started a Blog called Hearing God’s Voice. So I am reaching out to similar blog topics as mine. I am very impressed with your site! I was wondering if you would be interested in:
1. May I review/recommend your site for others to visit?
2. Would you send me a short article to post on our topic. I would be happy to return the favour. I have included Guidelines I give others who have contacted me to write a blog for my site. You may use the recommendations – or not. I will definitely include your web/email address with the article.
My Blog is at http://www.hearinggod.mentorsnotebook.com/blog Remember, I am only getting started.
Thanks very much for your time and continued blessings on your work for Jesus, Susanne Fengler
Susanne,
You may absolutely recommend my site!
You may also publish any of my articles on your site. Please make sure that credit is given along with a link back to the source.
And thanks for asking! My content has appeared other places, and I only found out after the fact. It’s not a problem, but it is nice to have someone actually ask first!
Welcome to the world of blogging!
Blessings,
Robert
Thank you for your insights and willingness to let go, allow the walls to expand, and open to an boundless Divine Reality beyond creed and dogma. How wonderful to experience your version of the High Watch. Have you explored the Unity Movement of Practical Christianity? Bless you on your path and your open dialogue with God.
In loving service,
Elizabeth
Elizabeth,
I have explored Unity a bit. Even spoke at a couple different churches in TX.
I’m pretty much in alignment with it, but not too fond of their structure – which is needed in any organization. I’m just not that organized!
Blessings,
Robert
Dude. I AM where you WERE. So lost, frustrated, depressed, angry, confused, and deaf. I’ve read a couple of your pages and I thank you for them. You need to get a book out there or something. A book with practical application, questions, challenges (dare I say pragmatic instruction??). Heretical, I know. But that is where I am.
Thanks again!
Hey Joshua,
Thanks for sharing your experience. I am slowly working on a book along with many other projects.
Thanks for the encouraging words.
Don’t allow your journey to become a bother to you. All is well – Really!
Blessings,
Robert
The Bible does say that we ‘will be set free’. I don’t feel free at all, Rob. I feel like I am in chains to my beliefs. Wow. I just realized something as I was typing…I’m in chains because of my beliefs. Not GOD. Because GOD wants to set me free. Does that mean that I do not cling to the truth?
It’s amazing what we realize when we communicate an idea or thought to others!
We are absolutely bound by our beliefs! And I don’t think it means that you don’t cling to truth. You are very much seeking the truth, and I don’t think you’ll ever let it go – because it actually changes your life!
Thanks for sharing!
Robert
Hello again Robert,
I notice that your idea of avoiding church has caused some controversy. I realize it was all some months ago, but if you don’t mind, I’d like to add a thought about it; it’s from my own experience.
For starters, I too feel that many of our Christians, and even pastors, today are way off course with their understanding of the Bible and are not really even practicing Christianity. I prefer to identify them as saved rather than Christians (I know, because I was one). I see most of our church body in America as people who merely satisfy a certain “feel good” by attending church regularly. I call them pew warmers (again, I once was one).
However, I still argue for church attendance. There are some very good reasons for it, but they all revolve around growing and serving each other. Whether it’s learning from a good pastor who has spent time studying the Bible, understanding to original texts, and uncovering the deeper meanings, to uplifting, encouraging, serving, and ministering to the other members of The Body.
That’s where my experience comes into play. Last year I moved my family to another church. Why? After all, we enjoyed the worship service at that church. The music was always fantastic, the people were friendly, and the pastor was knowledgeable and even entertaining. Most people don’t understand why I left. Well, it’s because I wanted to grow more. I wanted to find people and start relationships with people who were more mature Christians and had experiences and information they could pass on. Is not that the original intent of the church; to unite The Body and facilitate the serving of each other? If Christians start leaving the church as they become enlightened and more mature, then who will be there for the others who need help, love, knowledge, and encouragement?
Yes, as you can see above, I understand being dissatisfied with the people in the church. Furthermore, I think there are plenty of pastors who don’t even know the Lord – some of them even have huge church followings and are nationally known, but you couldn’t drag me into their church. Yet, do I give up on church? No. We need each other. God said so when He created Eve. Adam had the most perfect relationship with God that you could ask for, yet still God saw that Adam needed another person.
There will always be times when we are on top of the world and others when we are beneath it, and times when we know what to do and times when we don’t, and times when we are strong and times when we are weak. Undoubtedly you know, that the idea is for there to be someone to turn to in the down times, but how sad if the only people to turn to are other people who are of little knowledge.
Let me suggest that all of your great knowledge and advice becomes instantly questionable the minute you contradict God Word and condone extrication from The Body. Want an example? How do we test the authenticity of the pastors of those churches I would not dare attend? By whether or not EVERYTHING they say is aligned with the Word of God. Not that a person can’t misspeak, of course, but that the entirety of their “message” aligns with the Bible. And, congregating together with The Body in order to serve each other is part of God’s intent.
All of that is to say that I understand it can be hard to find a good church, especially this day in age. But, that’s just all the more reason for Christians with understanding to be engaged. If we can’t find what we consider to be the right church, then we should find the one we can agree with the most and serve there. If they don’t have everything quite right, then the Lord will give us the influence to help turn it around.
Well, now that I’ve said all of this, I realize that I do question your message. After all, if a man is well versed in hearing the voice of the Lord, then why would he be condoning an anti-Biblical perspective? I can believe that the Lord would allow a person to be outside of church during a period of growth, but the Voice of the Lord and/or the Holy Spirit would wreak havoc on the conscience of a man in tune with Him the minute he even thought about contradicting a message delivered in black and white through the Bible. I may still be sorting out the Voice of the Lord, but I am WELL aware of the discomfort the Holy Spirit can put on the conscience.
I don’t seek a response. I merely hope you take this as brotherly counsel, and diligently petition the Lord about His position on your perspective of church attendance. Perhaps I’m wrong about it, but I certainly see reason enough to question the perspective.
Sincerely,
Taylor
Thanks Taylor for the tenor of your counsel.
I once held your perspective and no longer do.
I also do not hold the high opinion of the Bible that you do – and I’m aware that statement could totally freak you out. But there it is.
What one person believes to be “black and white” is completely gray to the next. And that’s where interpretation of scripture leads one down a slippery slope. I’ve got an article about that somewhere here….
And I believe that church attendance is vital for you if it is. I wouldn’t recommend anyone stay away if it’s where they feel guided to be. And that’s where the relationship with God will always trump the Bible.
Sadly, it’s not enough for most Christians. They gotta have backup in the form of letters on a page.
Blessings,
Robert
Hi Robert,For sometime now I was having personal conflict about my relationship with God same as you can you help me find my way?.Thanks
Geoffrey,
Thanks for your request. I’ve sent you a personal email.
Blessings,
Robert