I need a church life that isn't led astray!!!

[Jo S]

Originally Posted by byHismercy

Also, this might not be what you meant to suggest, but I don't believe the Lord has qualifications on His children as to the stage of transformation they need to be in in order to meet! He said 'present your bodies, a reasonanle sacrifice'.....I doubt He would not want me in the assembly because I was not 'absolute' for service.....

This is what I fear most for people coming out of groups like the Local Churches. What tends to happen is a culture of "absolute" servitude is instilled but steered in the wrong direction thereby tainting these types of biblical principles for people later on. Rather than guiding you toward absolute servitude for Christ and his heavenly kingdom alone you're virtue is directed toward earthly ministries that merely feed the appetites and ambitions of men.

Let me ask you this. Was the apostle John forsaking the assembling together while exiled on the island of Patmos? Was God setting up a bad example for us by doing this? Of course not, it was God's will that he be kept in isolation for the purpose of His testimony. He can use any circumstance for His glory.

You'll often find that Hebrews 10:25 is a popular verse twisted by oppressive and controlling religious groups in order to prevent members from leaving through guilt. Looking at the complete context of that verse, the command given by the Hebrews author was specifically directed toward Jewish believers in Jesus Christ at a time when Jews struggled fellowshipping with believing Gentiles because of certain stigma.

Remember, Jesus often withdrew to be alone (Luke 5:16). God can use your time in the wilderness to further establish your individual relationship with him. Please don't think this is only possible in a corporate setting. It's simply not true. As matter of fact the order goes; love the Lord your God and then love your neighbor.

Please don't misunderstand, you do not have to be at a certain stage of transformation to fellowship with others! In the first commandment, the Lord is suggesting He wants to personally fellowship with you first and foremost! The outflow from that then results in service toward others in love and fellowship.

Don't be anxious or worry too much. If it's His will for you to fellowship with a new group of believers then He's capable of making that happen. Perhaps you need a bit more time to heal your wounds in Him or shift priorities before finding another fellowship? I know that tends to be the issue for me.

Either way, seek first Him and His kingdom. All else will fall into place.