Who watches those TV Sermons?

[Hulud]

I was wondering..
how many christians watch those sermons that are air'ed on one of the channels?
how many believe it to be true?

i personally dont believe a word they say but the scripture.

aw man.. how do i make a poll?

here ya go

[babowc]

thanksss.. how many really watches this.. i'm really interested.

[{X}Echo419]

my Grandma watches them. but her favorite show is Bonanza! LIRL!

[The Yousef]

...most of them i've watched (televanglist)...scare the fuck outta me

[Kelly]

There are only certain two preachers I will watch. T.D. Jakes and Jentzen Franklin- they can rock the house down!

[ISAtlanta300]

.... they put me to sleep.. just like the "Music Thru the Night" radio guy, Mike Kellogg or something.... feels like I am being hypnotized......

But no, I don't watch them. I'd rather watch Family Guy :)

[metalman]

I rarely watch due the overwhelming amount of nonsense. Most TV preachers have long ago gotten sidetracked into putting on a show and COLLECTING $$$$ which is their primary business...just like the money changers the Christ drove out of the temple.

[BlkCD5]

anybody ever hear of rev Peter Popoff?

[4dmin]

i like the ones that heel people ... FREE THE DEMONS .... :eek: HOLY SHIT I CAN WALK :lmao:

[babowc]

hmm.. do anyone of you who watch this believe it to be true?
i dont see why you have to televise something like a sermon.. which shouldnt be on tv anyways.

[metalman]

i like the ones that heel people ... FREE THE DEMONS .... :eek: HOLY SHIT I CAN WALK :lmao:

That would be like Benny Hinn and Ernest Angley.
Ernest has the sterotypical voice of all phony TV preachers. :D

http://www.ernestangley.org/

One of my all time fave TV preacher con-men is Robert Tilton...Mr jibberish tongues and "make a cash vow"....to god....uhh...but send it to me! And the author of "how to pay my...uhh...errr...your bills". It amazes me that so many people fall for this crap.

http://www.successinlife.tv/howtopayyourbills.php

[babowc]

lol.. amazed me to find out anyone wathces these things..

[1439/2000]

There are only certain two preachers I will watch. T.D. Jakes and Jentzen Franklin- they can rock the house down!


My hometown pastor. Grew up at Free Chapel in Gainesville.

[babowc]

oooh.. so they were just preachers before they turned out to televangelists?

[1439/2000]

hmm.. do anyone of you who watch this believe it to be true?
i dont see why you have to televise something like a sermon.. which shouldnt be on tv anyways.

Are you serious? People in hospitals and jail and wherever.

My family goes to the church jentzen franklin pastors. His mother spoke at my grandmothers funeral last week and it was mentioned when she was sick, and couldnt go to church, it was there for her.

I guess she was lucky her church was on tv. :rolleyes:

A lot of people enjoy it and find it useful, if you don't you can keep flipping the channels I guess.

[babowc]

oh i see..
i never knew of anyone who watched those.. so i apologize for being stuck up :/
sorry to hear that about your grandmother.

but there are so many televangelists doing it for the wrong reasons.. i guess i kinda stereotyped.

[1439/2000]

oooh.. so they were just preachers before they turned out to televangelists?

Nobody goes into the ministry as a televangelist. 90% are real pastors, with a real sermon and congregation. Some christian programmers may think there is a certain message coming from a church thats need to be heard beyond the walls and get them a show.

The other 10% I can't deal with though.

Just know most of those people really are good, down to earth people. The crazy's shouldnt represent the majority of ANY group.

[1439/2000]

Thanks about my grandmother and also I know what you mean, as I pass them almost all the time even sort of annoyed. Bbut man some of that stuff is intersting.

John Hagee talking about the book of Revelation, some deep stuff.

[babowc]

i see.
i should be more open about things..
thanks for clearing some stuff up for me.

[metalman]

Its extremely rare that you ever see a tv ministry NEVER ask for $$, hint at it, or sell books or misc. items. To me that says something.

I concur with both Thomas Jefferson and Ben Franklin on this point... if something is of God, God will see to it's support ;) I dare say if the overwhelming majority of tv ministers ceased from "moneychanging" they would fade into oblivion.

[1439/2000]

Its extremely rare that you ever see a tv ministry NEVER ask for $$, hint at it, or sell books or misc. items. To me that says something.

I concur with both Thomas Jefferson and Ben Franklin on this point... if something is of God, God will see to it's support ;) I dare say if the overwhelming majority of tv ministers ceased from "moneychanging" they would fade into oblivion.


That's mostly ignorance. LOTS of those shows are just televised sermons and there is no mention of money.

[metalman]

That's mostly ignorance. LOTS of those shows are just televised sermons and there is no mention of money.

Yeahh riiight! :rolleyes: Please name a dozen or two.

Easy for you to say something is ignorance when you offer nothing to back it up.

I didnt say NONE existed, I said its extremely rare, ESPECIALLY with the popular shows.

[babowc]

well, there are a lot of fake televangelists trying to get money...
there may be a few televangelists really trying to spread the word.

i'm sure airtime for 1-2+hrs on any channel costs some money...
i know of one or two korean sermons that really try to spread the message via tapes, CDs and radio.
of course, none asks for money.

if you go to H-Mart @ pleasant hill, there are abundance of these things at the exit, trying to convert.
there are even church people out there dancing and stuff.. which i dont understand why, but they have their reason.

anyways.. i only know of a rare few.
i'm sure other's know and if we bunched em up, they'd come out to a dozen or two.

we all stereotype that televangelists are there to rip us of our money.
which is the main reason why i started this thread.. to see how many people watch, but 1439/2000 showed me that not ALL are ripoffs.

[1439/2000]

Yeahh riiight! :rolleyes: Please name a dozen or two.

Easy for you to say something is ignorance when you offer nothing to back it up.

I didnt say NONE existed, I said its extremely rare, ESPECIALLY with the popular shows.

Yes I will now type 12 or 24 shows I can think of off my head.

Joel Osteen, Marilyn Hickey, John Hagee (he has books for sale), Jentz, a bunch others.

Have you ever watched one all the way through?

Are you from a background that doesn't raise hands in church, or show emotion, so you are opposed to all forms of brazen christianity that is one television?

PBS is crooked too. They asked for donations. It costs money to make a broadcast.

NBC pays for "FRIENDS" but not for the sunday morning sermons, because they are paid for individually by churchs and viewers that enjoy it.

If you're stuck in your views, thats cool, don't watch, don't send money.

I don't watch, I don't send money BECAUSE i have other things to do. But alot of these people aren't bad just the shady ones that ruin it for everyone like Jim Baker and Swaggart.

[1439/2000]

well, there are a lot of fake televangelists trying to get money...
there may be a few televangelists really trying to spread the word.

i'm sure airtime for 1-2+hrs on any channel costs some money...
i know of one or two korean sermons that really try to spread the message via tapes, CDs and radio.
of course, none asks for money.

if you go to H-Mart @ pleasant hill, there are abundance of these things at the exit, trying to convert.
there are even church people out there dancing and stuff.. which i dont understand why, but they have their reason.

anyways.. i only know of a rare few.
i'm sure other's know and if we bunched em up, they'd come out to a dozen or two.

we all stereotype that televangelists are there to rip us of our money.
which is the main reason why i started this thread.. to see how many people watch, but 1439/2000 showed me that not ALL are ripoffs.

Thanks, i think you understand me. I'm not saying send money or watch, but its a good cause most of the time.

[babowc]

yes, it does take money to broadcast something for an hour or two.
i wonder how much it costs......

no sarcasm intended or applied.

[metalman]

Joel Osteen, Marilyn Hickey, John Hagee (he has books for sale), Jentz, a bunch others.

Have you ever watched one all the way through?



Osteens ask and/or hint for support. Haggee constantly sells and peddles differnt items.
"Bunch of others" is conclusive of nothing.

Its tough to come up with a list let alone your claim of "most".

I have watched nearly every TV ministry at least once if not more.
Its clear you wish to defend them, thats fine. But my statement stands.

Its EXTREMELY rare for any NOT to ask for or hint for $$$. Period.

Again I am not saying they don't exist, I know of one or two you didnt
mention.

Your questions as to my background are irrellvant to this topic and to my statement. But FYI, I am not opposed to TV or preaching...or the combination of the two. Its the "making a business of the Lords work" that I find a real problem with. Christ did too evidently. Its the only time we see the human Christ ever approach anything similar to anger.

PBS, Friends, CSI or other TV shows also have NOTHING to do with THIS subject....which again is "moneychangers"...those who always ask "support" for what is supposed to be Gods work, those who peddle and sell, those who beg and hold telethons...all in Gods name. Sorry dude, but I have seen this from the inside. It can be done another way...but RARELY is.

[HyPer50]

The only one I've ever watched (and the only one I can stand listening to) is Joel Osgood or somethin' like that... He's pretty good, I've only seen him a few times, but he makes some interesting points/advice.

edit, guess it's Osteen.

[1439/2000]

Osteens ask and/or hint for support. Haggee constantly sells and peddles differnt items.
"Bunch of others" is conclusive of nothing.

Its tough to come up with a list let alone your claim of "most".

I have watched nearly every TV ministry at least once if not more.
Its clear you wish to defend them, thats fine. But my statement stands.

Its EXTREMELY rare for any NOT to ask for or hint for $$$. Period.

Again I am not saying they don't exist, I know of one or two you didnt
mention.

Your questions as to my background are irrellvant to this topic and to my statement. But FYI, I am not opposed to TV or preaching...or the combination of the two. Its the "making a business of the Lords work" that I find a real problem with. Christ did too evidently. Its the only time we see the human Christ ever approach anything similar to anger.

PBS, Friends, CSI or other TV shows also have NOTHING to do with THIS subject....which again is "moneychangers"...those who always ask "support" for what is supposed to be Gods work, those who peddle and sell, those who beg and hold telethons...all in Gods name. Sorry dude, but I have seen this from the inside. It can be done another way...but RARELY is.

You don't see how it has anything to do with the subject? A network funds a program versus a chruch funding a program?

Seen it from the inside huh? I went to a church for 15 years before I moved that was on tv for 12, they did good work.

You're pretty set in your ways and you don't like to admit something maybe different from your views. You're not the end all religion forum poster or something. I take somebody who joins a import forum about cars and only posts in the religion forum with a grain of salt.

[metalman]

You don't see how it has anything to do with the subject? A network funds a program versus a chruch funding a program?


Okay, lets make it simple for you...a COMMERCIAL ENTERTAINMENT TV show is just that. The WORK OF GOD, SPREADING THE GOSPEL is quite another.
Obviously you have trouble discerning the difference, and so do MOST of the TV ministers....THERIN lies the problem. Gods work is NOT a commercial enterprise.




You're pretty set in your ways and you don't like to admit something maybe different from your views. You're not the end all religion forum poster or something. I take somebody who joins a import forum about cars and only posts in the religion forum with a grain of salt.

I will admit most anything for which there is CLEAR EVIDENCE and/or there is clear Biblical principle or teaching. You have shown NEITHER! Obviously your opinion takes precedance over plain fact. So be it. And your opinion of me is irrellevent to those facts. If you would like to discuss the Biblical principles concerning ministry and the issues related to this I am quite willing and able to do so.

Not that it matters, I was a member here posting ONLY in other forums a good while before ever posting in the religion forum. My intrest and activity in things automotive is well documented by those who know me and actually know what theyre talking about. ;)

[metalman]

“Money changers”, those making commercial business of the Lords appointed church work, what does the Bible say??

Jesus shows His opinion of such…..

And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, and said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.
Matt 21:12,13

And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves; And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple.
And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.
And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine.
Mark 11:15-18

And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting:
And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables;
And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise. And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.
John 2:13-17

The Biblical business principle of the Gospel work…Jesus explains……

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.(MONEY)
Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Matt 6:24-34


In keeping with that principle when Jesus sent His disciples out to spread the gospel it didn’t involve money, on the contrary, He told them to take NONE with them, make no “business provision”….

Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.
And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece. And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart. And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.
And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where
Luke 9:1-6

And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits; And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse:
But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats. And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place
Mark 6:7-10

The heart of the issue……

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
1 Tim 6:10,11

[1439/2000]

Okay, lets make it simple for you...a COMMERCIAL ENTERTAINMENT TV show is just that. The WORK OF GOD, SPREADING THE GOSPEL is quite another.
Obviously you have trouble discerning the difference, and so do MOST of the TV ministers....THERIN lies the problem. Gods work is NOT a commercial enterprise.




I will admit most anything for which there is CLEAR EVIDENCE and/or there is clear Biblical principle or teaching. You have shown NEITHER! Obviously your opinion takes precedance over plain fact. So be it. And your opinion of me is irrellevent to those facts. If you would like to discuss the Biblical principles concerning ministry and the issues related to this I am quite willing and able to do so.

Not that it matters, I was a member here posting ONLY in other forums a good while before ever posting in the religion forum. My intrest and activity in things automotive is well documented by those who know me and actually know what theyre talking about. ;)


:goodjob:

My interest in things automotive is well documented?

Who talks like that?

It's cool man, do your thing.

[metalman]

:goodjob:

My interest in things automotive is well documented?

Who talks like that?

It's cool man, do your thing.

Failing any actual EVIDENCE of your claims you once again turn the topic to ME which is irrellavent. :rolleyes:

Sorry if my grammar was over your head

[babowc]

haha how come a thread on this subforum always turns into some big verbal fight/debate when asked such a simple question?

[1439/2000]

Failing any actual EVIDENCE of your claims you once again turn the topic to ME which is irrellavent. :rolleyes:

Sorry if my grammar was over your head

It's not over my head,I'm a few semesters away from an English degree. Just don't be a jackass when discussing things like this. I made plenty of points, sorry I didn't copy and paste scriptures for you or link an episode on here.

Yes, televised sermons are ruining Christianity, along with priests that molest kids, and buying indulgences to get out of hell.

Go back to Google and wait for the next thread I guess.

[metalman]

I made plenty of points, sorry I didn't copy and paste scriptures for you or link an episode on here.



Perhaps next time when you call something ignorant you can be prepared to bring something more convincing other then just your unsubstantiated opinion. :goodjob:

[Kelly]

My hometown pastor. Grew up at Free Chapel in Gainesville.

Dude he is awesome! I've went to his church several times and been to many Winterfest's that he's preached. He actually ran a revival at my church when he was first called to preach. He is very annointed!

[Kelly]

Perhaps next time when you call something ignorant you can be prepared to bring something more convincing other then just your unsubstantiated opinion. :goodjob:

For someone who is so Godly- you not very humble. You make it a point to always prove people wrong. Why? This thread shouldn't have even turned into an argument... At all. But for some reason it did over the evangelists asking for money. Heck, I've went on mission trips that we've had to do lots of fundraising for. Are you saying that it wasn't of God because He didn't just randomly provide the money? That's crazy man...

[Romeyo07]

If it wasn't for the late night tv sermons, I probably wouldn't have been inspired to get back into church. I watched those sermons while my x-gf was out with her friends. I got tired of doing the same ol' club thing. It sparked my interest back into church, and when I really was lost in my life, I watched them for inspiration, guidance, etc.

If you think tv sermons don't work, you need to think again. Because it hasn't been useful to you doesn't mean it's not useful at all.

I very much enjoy watching some of them. Though I've never purchased anything from them, if it was a topic I really wanted to get more out of I would. IMO, you can't compare what they sell to what the pedelers were doing. They don't sell to just put money in their pockets. The money goes towards their ministry. Those that sold in the church were not putting the money back into the church, not one bit.

The way you're coming off, you seem to be opposed to church fund raising. You're probably not, but that's how I'm reading ya.

[metalman]

For someone who is so Godly- you not very humble. You make it a point to always prove people wrong. Why? This thread shouldn't have even turned into an argument... At all. But for some reason it did over the evangelists asking for money. Heck, I've went on mission trips that we've had to do lots of fundraising for. Are you saying that it wasn't of God because He didn't just randomly provide the money? That's crazy man...

Who ever said I was Godly? Not me. I never made such a claim.
I am a desperately bad sinner in need of a Saviour.
I am willing to accept the likelyhood that I am the worst sinner here.

Does your understanding of "humble" include letting others believe a lie?
Or avoid telling others the truth in a discussion/debate forum?


Kelly, its like this...if you, tom, bob, jim, susan or anyone comes into this forum and attacks an idea put forth by simply stating "thats ignorance" and then you follow it up with some statement of "fact" that is actually not true and fail to give EVEN ONE shred of evidence or PROOF of your point, I am afraid I am going to call the bluff on that. I would hope EVERYONE here would do so.

The purpose for such a forum as this is the DEBATE and EXCHANGE of ideas.
That should include something substantial, not just personal attacks. I made no personal attacks on the poster but simply pointed out the facts both physical and Biblical AS I SEE THEM. No factual or evidentual response, just more personal gibberish and off topic comments. If I am wrong why not challenge my post with evidence? Why not challenge it with Scripture? Logic even? I welcome intellectual responses and am prepared to give others the same. Is that wrong? I think not.

I have no burden to "prove everyone wrong". I do however come prepared to bring something substantial to the subject. If not, I won't post. The truth by its very nature proves us all wrong time and again. I make no apology for that. I welcome it as a learning experience.

I have also noticed that throughout the entire known history of the earth those who speak truth as best they can are always attacked. Why? Because humans prefer to be comfortable believing whatever suits them regardless if its a lie. People don't like their thinking to be disturbed. John the Baptist, Jesus Christ, Peter, Paul, Jeremiah, Elijah, Elisha etc etc and a host of others in the Bible proved that.
In the middle ages the Waldenses, Martin Luther, Huss, Jerome, Wycliffe, and host of unfamous martyrs proved that again....with their blood.
In modern times it is no different.

I dont make any apology for speaking what I believe is the truth. I am fully ready to hear and consider whatever other evidences that others can bring to the table. If any of my posts contain truths that are troubling to any, so be it. The only real reason I even post is to push my own study further and jar others a bit and get people to THINK about what the believe. But most importantly that discussion should lead us all to be closer to truth and to be able to give reason for the belief. Hulud has posted the comment more then once, as have others, that people ought to do more then offer some crazy notion without reasoning or evidence. I think he said it more plainly. :D
Point is, I agree with that completely!



As to your question about mission trips...thats not the subject I was addressing. Full time ministers of the Gospel and a "mission" trip for church members are two drasticly different things. Also, the point made in this discussion pertained to so called gospel ministers, specificly the TV variety.

I have given some clear evidence from Scripture on this subject. There is ALOT more . Do a study on Levites. You will find that God ordained that "men of the cloth" were to have little or nothing to do with the business and the money. This same constant principle is found throughout the entire Bible. Why is then then very few ministers function according to the Bible principle??? I think Jesus gave the answer.

I may have touched a nerve with you regarding the things I have said about the gift of tongues. None of my comments were directed at you. Nor are they about you. Its not personal...I make no apology for pointing out what I see as error concerning that topic. I would hope others would do the same.

[metalman]

If it wasn't for the late night tv sermons, I probably wouldn't have been inspired to get back into church. I watched those sermons while my x-gf was out with her friends. I got tired of doing the same ol' club thing. It sparked my interest back into church, and when I really was lost in my life, I watched them for inspiration, guidance, etc.

If you think tv sermons don't work, you need to think again. Because it hasn't been useful to you doesn't mean it's not useful at all.

The way you're coming off, you seem to be opposed to church fund raising. You're probably not, but that's how I'm reading ya.

Again, I never said God never uses TV ministers. Nor was my commentary directed at the quality of their sermons. Thats another subject.
On the contrary. God spoke to Balaam through a donkey. (Numbers chap. 22) He uses whatever means NESSSESSARY to save a soul, up to and including using the devil himself. That doesnt mean the devil is Gods appointed agent or preferred messenger. The huge mistake people make is ASSUMING anything ever used by God is "okay" and the right "method" that He prefers.
During the middle ages when Christians were burned at the stake at times the act of doing so and their countenance led others who were just non believer spectators to give their hearts to God. By burning those people alive the Gospel was "spread" to others who witnessed Gods power in those peoples lives. Now I think its pretty safe to say burning people alive IS NOT Gods prefered method of Gospel minisitry.

I am not opposed to churches having money or people donating money. Tithing and offerings are a Biblical principle. The point I have repeatedly made and that seems to have been missed is that God DOESNT appoint Gospel Ministers that task. Neither does he appoint them to be in charge of the treasury. The stewardship of business and $$$ is to be dealt with by others. The Gospel minister is to care NOT about $$$, ONLY the saving of souls.
Neither is he to engage in the gathering of wealth...which MOST TV ministers (actually ministers in general) do. Most minstries are profitable corporations for the "owner" or head minister which means theyre not organized to Biblical principles. The Bible seems quite clear on this subject.

[Kelly]

You haven't offended me. I just think you probably come across cocky sometimes. Maybe it's just me who thinks that...

[metalman]

You haven't offended me. I just think you probably come across cocky sometimes. Maybe it's just me who thinks that...

I am sure there are others. I am sorry for that.
If I had no confidence in what I speak I'd shut up OR just ask questions and consider the answers given.
So you would be correct to say that I do speak confidently.

Some comments have been made here about people who only post in this forum. For me, I dont post in forums where the subject matter is unknown to me. I do post in forums where I have some knowlege of the subject. I also bring the "evidence" I see with me. I enjoy the same FROM others. That is productive. It will however always "offend" some, thats just the nature of truth whenever exposed by anyone.

[Kelly]

So,if you don't mind me asking, do you go to church? What religion/denomination would you say you are?

[metalman]

I am not a member of any denomination, although not opposed to earthly memberships so far as they dont supercede the truth.

I would say that I identify as a Biblical Christian, not as a denominational one.
What church you attend is far less important then that you follow ALL the light God gives you. You either walk with Him on His path or not. There is a call out of religious confusion in the Bible. Individuals either respond to that or they don't. Its not a group thing.

May I ask why you wish for me to label myself?

[Romeyo07]

+1 metal...I'm the same way. I'm not one to say I'm "X" religion, I don't think it benefits me to do so. I don't believe in those set standards of each religion, but feel the bible is my guide to who I should be and how I should be. I just so happen to go to a baptist church though.

[Kelly]

To Metalman:
I dunno, I was just curious. I agree that you don't have to be a certain "denomination" but in not going to church, don't you feel like you might be depriving your spirit of worship and fellowship with other believers? You seem to know a lot though, so I was just wondering...

[metalman]

To Metalman:
I dunno, I was just curious. I agree that you don't have to be a certain "denomination" but in not going to church, don't you feel like you might be depriving your spirit of worship and fellowship with other believers? You seem to know a lot though, so I was just wondering...

I do associate with other believers. I enjoy their fellowship and correction as well. Youre correct, that can be good for one. Sometimes I get more out of association with non believers. They often ask harder questions and push you to learn more, study harder, and have better answers that hopefully are closer to real truth. I believe many a professed Christian will "drop out" and a non believer take their place before the earths history ends. The Bible calls this seperating the wheat from the chaff and that takes shaking.

Who said I don't worship? :) Do you have to enter a church building to do that? ;)

[Kelly]

No, but strongly believe that attending a church is a important part in spiritual growth. Maybe that's my own personal conviction though.

Hebrews 10:25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

[metalman]

Yes I concur, one should not forsake or avoid meeting with other believers. I never meant to imply one should either. Keep in mind though..:)..For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Matt 18:20

[Kelly]

I was gonna add that to add to my point actually. And if you don't go to a church does that mean you don't tithe? I know that's personal and you don't have to answer but isn't that pretty important as well?

[metalman]

Yes, returning tithe to SUPPORT THE GOSPEL work is a Biblical principle. Wherever one sees the Gospel of Jesus Christ being given one can do so. One need not attend a specific church or be a member to do that. :)

[Kelly]

So I guess you're saying you have church or something of that sort at home. If so, that's awesome and I commend you for that. For me, I have an awesome church and great friends who are always there for me. Different things for different ppl- one isn't any better than the other.

[metalman]

+1 metal...I'm the same way. I'm not one to say I'm "X" religion, I don't think it benefits me to do so. I don't believe in those set standards of each religion, but feel the bible is my guide to who I should be and how I should be. I just so happen to go to a baptist church though.

You may notice I never ask anyone what church they go to, not condemning those that ask, but to me I would prefer to judge what they share with me, and share accordingly with them with no preconcieved notions when possible.

And +100 to "the bible is my guide to who I should be and how I should be"

Thats how we are to judge what others share...not by church affiliation.

[Kelly]

I definetly wasn't judging (and I know you may not have meant that I was)... I was just wondering where you stood as far as a denomination. I have friends from all kinds of religions. Actually someone who is really close to me is agnostic. I think living my life as Christ-like as possible is the best way to witness to her and that's pretty much what I do.

[metalman]

So I guess you're saying you have church or something of that sort at home. If so, that's awesome and I commend you for that. For me, I have an awesome church and great friends who are always there for me. Different things for different ppl- one isn't any better than the other.

As I said...I have fellowship with other believers. It can be at a church or at a home or in nature. Or sometimes it can be alone. There is no rule.

Some people don't get the fact that I am not trying to get them to "attend my church". My goal is to get people to THINK and REASON from Scripture before accepting any teaching and to search that Book for themselves to find truth. If they do that the church question, where to go, when to go, with whom to go, where to pay tithe etc will take care of itself. ;)

[Romeyo07]

tithing is not just monitarily