The Church with No Name?

[Ohio]

Originally Posted by Nell

For me, it's about the hypocrisy. It's so blatant.

Also for me, the more I know, the less certain I am that fallen man can get very little related to the church "right". I think there is waaaaay too much emphasis on "the church". Waaaaay much "leaning on our own understanding".

There's too much "church talk" and not enough reliance on a simple walk with God. Not enough reading the Bible and obedience to its commands. Not enough "when we sin, repent." Not enough "when someone sins against us, go to the brother". When God speaks, we listen and obey. If He tells us to go somewhere and meet with certain Christians---GO! If He tells us to share the gospel with someone, we speak.

Insanity is doing the same thing over and over while expecting different results. This is what I see among Christians. Trying to "get it right"; trying to figure out "the church". Didn't Jesus say "I will build my church"? Why not get out of the way and let him? Didn't Jesus say "Follow Me"? What a great idea? He builds his church and we follow him.

The problem with thinking you've figured out "the church" is...you haven't. It's not possible. The best you can do is get to know Him, obey Him, and trust Him to lead you in the path you should go. When you mess up, talk it over with Him.

Forget the "church talk". If Jesus is your best friend, I think you'll be OK.

Nell

Someone said, "aim for Christ," and you will get both Christ and His church. Aim for the church, and you get neither.

[Nell]

Originally Posted by Ohio

Someone said, "aim for Christ," and you will get both Christ and His church. Aim for the church, and you get neither.

The first person I heard say this was Benson Phillips. He was apparently not listening to himself.

Nell

[Cal]

I believe this was a rephrase of C.S. Lewis' quote: "Aim at Heaven and you will get Earth thrown in: aim at Earth and you will get neither."