Whose rules?

I have an extremely strong religious background, but that didn't keep me for going off my own ways.
Growing up I was so afraid that I would never be good enough for God to help me and that Satan will take over me "any minute" that those thougths kept me full of fear for years, literally.
I never undertood that, if we go to church to learn more about God, why do we talk so much about Satan; that can be devastating on a child's mind.
So, now, I'm at this point. Most of you that know me a bit better, know how hard I try to believe in God, but I keep wondering that if I have to believe in God, eventually I'd have to follow some rules; here is the problem, I don't want to go to any church, So, whose rules should I follow?
I feel so trapped on this topic. I'm trying to be the best person I can, but at times that isn't enough...

personally I don't feel one must attend a church to believe in God but I do think it helps us stay grounded in the word of God. I feel that if you believe in God and have accepted Him as your personal Lord and Saviour then you are ok. Just do what the Bible says and not worry about certain denominations say. Follow your heart and God.

Bebop, thank you. I just need to get to the point when I feel this is enough.

Think in terms of "God's rules" and "man's rules." "Churches" were created by man; in fact, so was "religion." God reaching to us is what's important, religion is our way of reaching to Him but it's something we have made up the rules for, comes from "us." A lot of what St. Paul said was "advice" to people rather than rules they had to follow and history/culture has a great deal to say about all that. Back when the Christian church was new and the people needed to band together because they were being actively killed, that's a bit different from our zillions of different denominations, etc. It's nice when you have a church "family" with people you enjoy being with and activities and preaching you agree with but it has to come from your own heart, not from someone telling you you "must" do x or y. Other people, even priests or ministers, are not God. In the end, you have to interpret what you read/hear/"know"/believe for yourself. Lots of people are raised a certain way and don't really look at what's being said, are happy to just go along with whatever but that's not true Belief (can you tell I was watching the Polar Express last night? :-) each person has to search their own heart and figure out Life for themselves.

{{{{{{{{Bips}}}}}}}}}}}} I've given up going to church because no matter where I go, I have to sit through that particular minister's interpretation of what God's Word says. I read my Bible and let God speak to me. There are plenty of times that one passage will say different things to me. I know that this is God telling me what He wants me to know.

If you are a Christian, then you know you are "good enough" because Christ died for our sins. He bought us back from Satan with His own blood. If you accept his sacrifice as His love for us, then you are on the right road.

Because Jesus came to earth as a human, He knows exactly what we go through in our daily lives. He also knows that we are weak creatures given to temptations of all kinds. He understands!

Satan doesn't take us over unless we open the door to him by delving into the occult, taking illegal drugs, etc. However, Satan will throw all kinds of obstacles in our way to keep us from being the best Christians we can be. But he won't win if we keep our eyes on God and his Word.

The Ten Commandments spell it out for us, but Jesus' commandment of "love your neighbor as yourself" covers it all. If you love your "neighbor" then you're not going to break the Ten Commandments.

Lastly, if we do our best to immitate Christ, then how can we go wrong? Yes, there will be times that we'll fail at that, but that is when "His grace is sufficient" for us. Grace is His "unmerited favor" towards us. We may not deserve it, but He IS love. He forgives.

God said to "forsake not the assembling of yourselves together" and in the basic sense, that is the reasoning behind what we call "church" today. Any grouping of ppl has to have some standards for participation (even here at PC.)

I believe that there is only 1 interpretation of any Scripture. That is Who actually said it, from what authority, to what people at what time and the circumstances at that time.
There are thousands of IMPLICATIONS, and APPLICATIONS of Scripture that can be made to help us live happier, better lives before God. (But just 1 actual interpretation.)

Church is for the Worship of God, the fellowship with like believers, the pooling of resources to help others, and learning to grow in your walk here on earth.

I suggest you either begin visiting various houses of worship, or at least call them for materials to be mailed to you, and select the one that closest fits what you can "handle." You can always change your mind later Many have new member's classes that visitors can sit in on, to learn about what and how they believe.

Believe in Him or not --- GOD LOVES YOU!

Want to share your Christian faith? Click HERE

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Perna said:
each person has to search their own heart and figure out Life for themselves.

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I'm doing that exactly. I don't like groups, so it's easier for me to just by myself on this.
Thank you for some interesting points like "interpretation"
I think that is one of my biggest problems, I don't like what a lot of ppl interpretes this days.
~hugs~

{{{{Sept}}}} i like the way you think/do your religiuos activities.
I know it sounds a bit freaky what I said about Satan, but I don't know why I felt/feel that fear most of my life, I wish for the day that would stop being in my head.
By text, I know and understand everything you are saying to me. My problem is that I got to the point of such detachment from it all that I don't know if I'm going to be able to feel/believe God/Jesus in a strong way in my life. Even though I know it sounds like I'm not trying, believe me, I'm trying, harder than ever before.
Thanks hon for taking the time on getting the points so clear for me ~hug~

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_Sky said:
Any grouping of ppl has to have some standards for participation (even here at PC.)

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I totally agree wiht this, that is why the questions in my mine is "whose rules" and the reason of the "whose" is that this:</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
_Sky said:

Church is for the Worship of God, the fellowship with like believers, the pooling of resources to help others, and learning to grow in your walk here on earth.

I suggest you either begin visiting various houses of worship, or at least call them for materials to be mailed to you, and select the one that closest fits what you can "handle." You can always change your mind later Many have new member's classes that visitors can sit in on, to learn about what and how they believe.



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Doesn't work for me, I don't like churches, I don't like groups, I don't feel confortable sharing my most intimate feeling with other ppl and specially I don't trust ppl who call themselves "God's men"
I know Too much about Too many religions, and I don't think I have to prove to anybody how good of a person I can be. But still I keep asking myself... Why do I still feel like I have to have some kind of rules? Is it because of the way I grow up?
I don't know. I really appreaciate your points and Ideas and really I'm happy for you if this is your way to feel close to God, but I think there must be a "alone" way as well.
{{Sky}}

I was raised in a Christian "fundamentalist" house hold.
I had similiar issues when I was young of not feeling I was good enough for God. Our denomination would call it being under "conviction" from God.
I just call it guilt now!
The Lord loves us and if we are his...we cannot be "snatched" from him.
As "Sept. morn." pointed out: Satan cannot have us but since he is the "prince of lies", he will do all in his power to control us by lies, decieption, unfaithfullness, drugs, the occult...etc.[ Ephesians 6 verses 12 thru 20]
Church and fellowship is cool...and we should try to gather together...but I don't place too much emphasis on having to go cause of guilt. I go when I can and feel up to it...but my faith is still between me and the Lord...NOT a church or denomination!
M.B.

I can't bring myself to go to church either, Biplol. I don't like groups or meetings, and find most churches are organized for social purposes, with even social heirarchies within. I know this sounds cynical. There are good groups out there, I'm sure, but I'm more comfortable finding my own spiritual path.
Patty

No, actually, I am prevented from attending church. My PTSD prevents me. My depression prevents me.

It is well known that these disorders "do" something to our "faith." (Not to mention our feelings in group settings!) Until I'm no longer adversely affected (thinking-wise) by the disorders, I'm not sure I can figure out "what it is" that it does to faith.

(But I'm wondering since brain chemicals are involved, could it be that "faith" principals are formed/filed in a nearby area or same area of the brain???)



That is what faith is though... keeping true to what you know or knew, even when you are not 'feeling' or 'seeing' it...

so if you can't go to church, try to have some time set aside to renew or at least calm...and give God a chance to speak to you???

Believe in Him or not --- GOD LOVES YOU!

Want to share your Christian faith? Click HERE

{{{Patty}}}} I feel exactly the same way. Thanks~!

{{{{{Sky}}}}} I truly agree with this statement. I think our illnes makes it hard for us religiuos/faith wise.
And I think that having a set time for my spiritual stuff would be great. I don't feel confortable yet, but I'll do that and I see how it works.
Thanks you so much!

{{{Mody}}} I saw your post, and I'm sorry i skiped you, lol.
Thank you so much!

Bip --- I will suggest to get a book called Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyers -- This can help you understand the problems you are having with Satan in your head ...

Satan will attempt to discourage anyone that wants to get closer to God by telling them that they are not good enough to be a follower -- makes all your emotions come to life .. You know me better than anyone here and no know the trials I have faced within the 3 months you have known me.. If I didn't have faith or the foundation of God I feel that I would have never made it ..

Bippy when two come together in the Lords name it is considered to be church ,, We here have posted scriptures for others the view I would consider this site a form of church --- So Bippy you are in my extended Church Family ..

Other suggestions is that I get alot of ministry thru watching various ministers on TBN

Joyce Meyers , Joel Osteen , Creflo Dollar , Pastor Hagge , Ron Parsley

and I get bits of information from them all -- Sometimes all of them are speaking about the same topics but all have different views ... Get the information that you need that speaks to your heart and that is your fellowship for the Lord


Take care always

Tymber

{{{{Tymber}}}}} Thanks so much for all this info hon, I really appreaciate all your help. You are such a good friend and you have hold my hand more than once.
I'll see if I can find any of this and I'll give you an update.
~hug~

Hon ,

Anytime Anytime -- You know that you and your family have been in my prayers

Tymber

Yes, I do know, and you are in mines.
Did you get my PM?

To love is his greatest command. Follow his word, not mans. I've found myself confused of manys interpretations of his word. But the other comand find much truth is to listen to him not man. Means I need to get into reading his word that has been given and trust in him first, not man

Biplol,

I think that God has placed rules in your heart.

You sense this.

The rules are few and big.

Where religion starts to depart from God is when human beings start to come up with an abundance of small rules (mostly things they made up themselves that God couldn't care less about).

You sense this also.

If you read the holy books carefully, you will see the big picture clearly. James and Mohammed both say it well.

Care for the poor, the weak, all those who struggle......THAT is true religion.

Love is not a feeling, love is the action of caring for those who need help.

If you walk in love, you will do no wrong, and if you get out of step sometimes--God is a God of mercy and forgiveness.

With such belief......Satan becomes irrelevant. The bizarre notion of "hell" also becomes irrelevant.

We can evolve beyond such myths if we focus on God and not the self-serving imaginings of men.