Hi friendofJC,
Actually the church of Christendom is not God's church.
http://bible-truths.com/email15.htm --------------------
Jesus Christ said, "I will BUILD My church..." (Matt. 16:18). James understood that there was a church to be built among the Gentiles, "After this I will return and will BUILD again the tabernacle of David..." (Acts 15:15-16). Paul instructs us further in this building process of the church,
"According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another builds thereon. But let every man TAKE HEED HOW HE BUILDS thereupon" (I Cor. 3:10).
This most stern warning is given to us because Paul is not speaking of properly laying or building with bricks and mortar, but with the LIVES of precious people, "...YE ARE God's building" (Verse 9)!
"Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this TEMPLE, and in three days I will raise it up. [how much MONEY do you suppose that would take, Pastor?] Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and will you rear it up in three days? But He spake of the TEMPLE OF HIS BODY" (John 2:19-21).
"For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a BUILDING of God, an house NOT MADE WITH HANDS [how much money you reckon a fine building like this would cost, Pastor?]..." (II Cor. 5:1).
"Know you not that YOU ARE THE TEMPLE OF GOD, and that the Spirit of God dwells IN YOU?" (I Cor. 3:16).
That's because,
"God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that He is Lord of heaven and earth, DWELLS NOT IN TEMPLES MADE WITH HANDS" (Acts 17:24).
No, God does not "dwell" in temples and buildings made with hands, but SATAN "DWELLS" in carnal churches made with hands (Rev. 2:13)!
The reason the church today is bankrupt is because they have FAR TOO MUCH MONEY and FAR TOO LITTLE SPIRIT!
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HoneyLamb, God can draw people to Him in many ways, there are all kinds of causes, most unseen and we are totally unaware of. Usually it is initially through a church that they hear the basic gospel and learn the Bible stories. I think there are some people that do not attend a church and read the Bible on their on or just with family. But a lot of people will not even be drawn to God in this age at all.
The church is a carnal gathering of people seeking religious socialization. Those in the church hardly hear the truth, they are blind leaders of the blind.
Mat 15:14 Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch."
I do not think it is necessary to make sure your family gets churched. If you have learned the truth about the church it's hard to understand that you would desire them to be a part of that. A person that has their eyes opened would be a far better teacher for their family than any church would be. But if a family member wants to go with other family members or friends I wouldn't stop them either.
Now of course this is my personal stance and others can have their own opinion.
mercy, peace and love
Kat