It is interesting how this discussion on whether it is acceptable to search for God outside of a church or if you are outside of a church Satan will get you came about.
I don't know how much longer I'll be around though. I am having some issues with "religious things" and may need to go do some thinking.
You can think here, but I agree sometimes it is better to think without outside influence and only God to give guidance. When I first chose to seek out the truth I prayerfully read the bible, avoiding all outside influences. I even chose not to read the headings at the top of the pages in my bible.
I pray your journey will be fruitful.
LC
It was my intent to support Saved_4ever in thinking through his "religious things". I don’t know what questions S4e has, but it seems he needed to think without our input at least.
The greatest guide we have is God. I would not disagree that it can be helpful to sit down with other Godly people and search for answers as Whitehorse has said.
Saved4Ever, if you need to go think for a while, it's never a bad idea to have a "round table" of faithful pastors and mature Christians at your church you can talk to. The devil loves an isolated saint. If you keep God in your vision and trust in Him while you go on your adventure, He won't let you down. You'll be in my prayers, and I wish you all the best in your quest.
What I take issue with is the statement, “The devil loves an isolated saint.” This is not biblical as far as I know.
The eternal church of God is made up of all the believers who have ever lived. The gates of Hell will not prevail against it.
Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
On the other hand we have the corporate church, the various denominations we see around us.
God raises up churches, but they are ruled by men and so they fall. No church, on this earth is perfect.
In Revelation 2-3 mentions 7 churches that already have begun to fall away, today they are completely gone.
All the great churches in Europe. I have heard it said that Europe has one of the greatest needs for missionaries.
The Episcopal Church today has a gay bishop.
The bible says women are to be silent in the church, they are not to teach or have authority over men. Once upon a time Methodists, Presbyterians, and others followed 1Tim 2:12. Today we have women pastors and Sunday school teachers.
The Southern Baptist Seminary had some fundamental principles that you will not find being followed today.
The idea that the church is infallible and if you go it alone Satan will get you is a scare tactic used by cults.
I have a friend I haven’t seen for close to 25 years. The cult he is in teaches that if you search without the church Satan will very likely get you. This traps people into putting the corporate church ahead of God.
2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
I believe Saved_4ever will seek wisdom in his search and when saved 4 ever we have nothing to fear from Satan, we can’t lose our salvation.
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