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Back to Babylon?
mari_et_pere:
--- Quote ---Diana, When the word says worship in TRUTH, I take it to mean that if we do not worship in the truth then the worship is not accepted. The church throws their arms in the air and hold hands and cry all because it makes THEM feel good. This Kingdom is not about what feels good to you or to others. It's about what IS righteous and acceptable unto the Lord. It is about Obedience. You can't be something inwardly and something different outwardly. There is a word for that.
--- End quote ---
You're right about that. What's the common teaching about false idols? That we worship them by serving them, living with them in heart instead of God, right? That's the common teaching. Worship isn't only singing or dancing around the false idols, but just living for them.
Now then, it's silly to picture anyone dancing around a cd, or an actor, or a belief. We worship all that is put ahead of God in our heart or mind. So then how much sense does it make to dance around in church once a week in order to worship God? None! I'd say the proper way to worship God is to put Him first, ahead of the cds, the movies, the beliefs that make us feel good. In truth and spirit would be an inwardly action first, indeed.
--- Quote ---The air all around us is about 80% Nitrogen. It's everywhere. But if I throw my children in a room that is 98% nitrogen they will suffocate. See what I am saying? Just because it is all around does not mean we should inhale larger amounts. If a little is not good for you, then a lot is just that much worst.
--- End quote ---
Now on this, I don't quite follow. I think you missed part of my point. My point was that the influence of the mainstream American culture is definitely way worse than what church is going to do to them. In church they'll find friendship, love from kind-hearted people with their legitimate best interest at heart. Some may be more decieved than others, but the deceptions don't create evil people. Outside of church what do our children experience? That was my point. There is far more to fear in our children's lives outside of church than inside of church. Of course this is dependant on the particular church also. But generally speaking what's better? An extremely worldly, decadent, evil, sexually-themed American culture, or good-hearted influence by kind people who love them?
Do the math as I did and see what you come up with.
Matt
mari_et_pere:
--- Quote ---And if I sit with those in darkness it is not because I am partaking in their ways, beliefs or sins anymore than Jesus did when He sat among those in darkness.
--- End quote ---
Amen Snacks!
Matt
fe32k:
MrSnacks Jesus sat with sinners! It is whole different concept. Those SINNERS might have been taking in His teachings whole heartedly. For a better comparison as yourself this: Did Jesus sit with the Pharisees? I believe they are more comparable to the church today than the "sinners" Jesus sat with.
Matt, My analogy was a response to Jackson to what he said below.
Quote by Jackson:
--- Quote ---But wouldn't you agree that even if they don't go to church they are still being bombarded with mans idea of God or atleast mans idea of a god? They can't escape the ideology no matter where they are.
--- End quote ---
That is why I used my analogy of Nitrogen and Oxygen. And as for doing the math; it's as easy as 1+1. Better yet 0+0. Because if I had a choice I would choose neither. By the way, have you noticed how much of that "extremely worldly, decadent, evil, sexually-themed American culture" has infiltrated the church? Maybe it's because I am from NYC, but I can't tell the difference between church going folks and the world.
In Christ,
Roy
rk12201960:
How as a Forum can we help these young ones?
Come on we have so very smart brothers and sisters here. How can we help?
I'm watching my brothers walk right into a lions den.
I understand where you are coming from Matt and I'm not judging you at all brother I'm just praying we as a family can help some how.
On line playground? I don't know but its a start.
Calling all brothers and sisters.
Randy
skydreamers:
--- Quote ---Diana, When the word says worship in TRUTH, I take it to mean that if we do not worship in the truth then the worship is not accepted. The church throws their arms in the air and hold hands and cry all because it makes THEM feel good. This Kingdom is not about what feels good to you or to others. It's about what IS righteous and acceptable unto the Lord. It is about Obedience. You can't be something inwardly and something different outwardly.
--- End quote ---
Hi Roy, fair enough. I think I do understand where you are coming from. I guess I am coming from a different sort of history. I only went to church for about 3 years out of my 10 year Christian walk, and not all at the same time. I was never a faithful attendee, nor did I involve myself with church activities outside listening to the sermon. I have maybe gone to a handful of bible studies. I have always been of the rebellious non-conformist type nature, and so when people raised hands, cried out, sang, danced around etc etc I have never felt compelled to do the same. I have never quite fit in, but thankfully I have never felt that I HAD to fit in. I was okay being the quirky quiet me that I was. So I agree with you, worship is not about what feels good, or really to take it further, it has nothing to do with anything physical. For instance, I can pray in my spirit quietly, I don't have to get down physically on my knees and say literal words out of my mouth. So if people are worshiping with the flesh all around me, what does that have to do with me? I'm not conforming to their ways just to please them.
Having said that, if somebody feels within that this is a problem for them, that is, feeling compelled to fit in and therefore go along with the crowd, than certainly it could be dangerous, and at the very least disheartening, to be in the crowd (whatever crowd that may be, church or otherwise). I wouldn't recommend it to someone if I thought they were fragile in that way. I don't see Matt as being that way, however, but only he knows that for sure.
So in all fairness, I completely respect your viewpoint, even though I may not agree with it in applying it to myself.
So maybe this has been dangerous ground to walk on, for me to give my perspective, when to be honest I don't really know for sure what is the right or wrong answer for Matt. I just know what I think I would do in similar situations. And that's just a reflection of where I am at. For me, I can't imagine a couple of hours amongst lies is any comparison to the countless hours I spend everyday seeking out truth in the Word. If Matt's wife and children are going to be going anyway, and Matt is there, it may give him opportunity to point out scripturally what lies are being taught in the sermon of the day. If he can find a way to do that, then I think it is worth it, and may be just the way God uses him to open his wife's eyes.
It looks like this thread has shown we all differ slightly, so poor Matt, it looks like you're on your own after all in having to figure it out.
My prayers are with you brother, that God show you HIS will in the matter. You're in a tough spot.
Peace to all,
Diana
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