Many see church as a building you go to and that is ONE
definition. However, Church can also be defined as the PEOPLE
who live trying to follow Jesus and live in remembrance of him

Matthew 18:20 For where two or three gather in my name, there
am I with them."



I also notice that nowhere does it say to gather in the
Catholic name, or in the Jewish name, or in the Baptist name,,
but in the name of the Lord

This truth mixed with the guidance of Colossians 3

11Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

12Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.


these verses indicate to me there is no chosen (religious title)
but that God's 'chosen' are merely those who have Christ in them
and who manifest it with the qualities listed (compassion,
kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, love, teaching and
admonishing one another, in the name of the Lord)



I know many find it mandatory to go to a building with many others and I find it refreshing and fortifying and beneficial, YET, I do not find where it is a mandatory thing. I regularly meet with various people who have knocked at my door to talk to me about Jesus. We read verses together and we have our hearts set on Him. This is my 'church' for now until or unless I am moved to 'join' another.

How many christians feel they have done something wrong if they are not regularly attending a building with others to praise the Lord?

Very interesting post.
I'll start by saying I'm only sharing an opinion which has no basis in formal religious teaching.
I agree with you that There is no specified religion. I suppose if one were to go by biblical times it would be Judaism.
Separation of churches and ideas is a man made separation as humans used the chrch as best suits them.
I bel9ng to A Church but have attended many churches and temples including some not of western culture.
I have found most to be welcoming regardless of not being their specific faith.
I have found many similarities in the beliefs of trying to live a good life.
To be honest we don't go to church very often. We do gather as a group every Sunday at someone's house for prayers.
I have also seen prayers answered even when they were whispered or thought in a place that has nothing to do with religion.
Thank you for your post.

ty

am actually new here,and awesomely welcomed by this great topic,am touched and inmpressed

welcome to mingle

Hey, I am also new to Mingle2. Very inspiring post. I love the analogy that one preacher used. He said 'going to church doesn't make you a Christian, just like going to the garage doesn't make you a car.'

I think God does not want us to worship structures. God wants us to be able to access Him wherever and whenever. That is why He is called omnipotent. And it would be a great mistake to confuse the tranquility or the opulence of a building for the presence of God.

He may dwell in the house but does He dwell in me? That is the question I ask myself when I go to church. Have I gone to worship the building, the people or to actually seek His face.

Thank you for this inspiring post. It has helped me re-think my relationship with God.

Welcome

I totally agree with you, we humans are the that created a division in religion even during the mortal life of Christ on earth He never segregated anyone or said this is a particular religion to be practiced. It was we humans that diversified everything the only thing Jesus preached about was the atonement of our sins by Christ and the believe in one God and the connection through Him. no matter whatever we call ourselves be it muslim,christians, or whatever as long as we don't practice religion according to the principle laid down we are not serving Christ. was stated in the Bible,never deprive yourself from the gathering of brethren so generally we not expected to be restricted to any particular church,temple or whatever we meant to seek and gather knowledge about Christ all around rather than restrict ourselves and segregate against other religions.

The body of Christ is the Church! People who are following Jesus! A building you go to worship in should be teaching the word of God! Jehovah true and living God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob! Jesus Christ son of God and Savior!

God bless you all, fam.

In Jesus

N.

You are right in how just going to Church doesn't make you a true Christian. However just like a child - if they do not go to school or do their studies - how are they going to learn and grow in their knowledge? We are also commanded to take the Lord's Supper. This is not something we are to do just once or a few times a year but every first day of the week for Christ rose on the first day of the weekband we read several times in the New Testament when people took the Lord's Supper on the first day of the week.

We are the church, body of Christ! The building is where we come together to fellowship! We need a relationship with Jesus everyday!!!!

Good point there about "titles"

Whoever welcomes one of these little children in My name welcomes Me, and whoever welcomes Me welcomes not only Me, but the One who sent Me.” 38John said to Him, “Teacher, we saw someone else driving out demons in Your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not accompany us.” 39But Jesus replied, “Do not stop him. No one who performs a miracle in My name can turn around and speak evil of Me.…

It's not mandatory to go to a building with many others but it's a blessing to join together and praising Our Lord.