You know Adam. I have been going to different church denominations trying to find one elder of each church that really cared about their people that attend. They seem to have their mind set on self and pride of themselves. It seems they act out what people need to hear. But behind they carry many rules of how all the heads should act. WHERE IS GOD'S TRUE LOVE? A Compassionate Feeling Heart? God's!
"LOVE" is the answer, to the evil ways of this world. When others try to down grade you, or certain objects stop you from going forward in God's plan for you-- What do you do? You get on your knees and cry out for help. Even as you age snd go back on the many mistakes of this world you followed by listening to others. God will follow close enough to wait for your return to Him. His Love is Strong!
True Bill by His forknowelage God chooses us to be conformed into the Image of Jesus the only way to Him He knows our Hearts Jesus even goes after the lost sheep those God knows as His own. We can't earn our Salvation or loose it but we show we have it Matt25:31-46 which confirms God's Good Works that we do are motivated by Love not by guilt or fear of Eternal punishment Blessings -Grannie Annie.
Freedomborn - Set Free Eternally - In Reply on Psalms 11 - 5 years ago
True Dear Patty some say we should always be Happy but this is not what Rejoicing Always means it's having Inner Joy in knowing our Unity is in Christ Jesus who known as a Man of sorrows and aquainted with grief He suffered much and we will be hurt when we follow Him but He walks with us all the way and carries our Heavy Load. Your a Blessing Patty I see much Love in your Sharing -Annie
Freedomborn. Did you know the more you go through things in your life-- the more you deal with others trying to make you feel as small as an ant-- it is because God has chosen you to give others understanding of His Word. Remember what Paul went through? I went through most of my life with people using me. And overdoing me because l worked hard in any jobs l did. Just keep Praying for Strength!
Yes Alex and I agree with Bill too God tells us by His forknowelage that He chooses us to be conformed into the image of Jesus the only way to Him He knows our Hearts so why would He choose us knowing we were going to Reject Him Jesus goes after the lost sheep We can't earn our Salvation or loose it but we show we have it Matt25:31-46 God's Good Works that we do are motivated by Love not by guilt.
True Adam but today Woman are taking over the Role of Pastor or Elder which means they are Teaching in Authority over Men and God warns us about this 1Cor14:34-38 1Tim2:11-13 We are equal in Christ Jesus Gal3:28 but our Role remains as your Helpmate. We can share God's Truth or Correct Error but only as Scripture confirms and not in Authority over Men and this is for our Protection -Grannie Annie.
I agree. It was the Pastor who hurt me and snubbed me, but I went to church Sunday and he came to speak to me saying nothing significant. Tears came to my eyes, but I forgave him in my heart. He is a good pastor despite his demeanor and I enjoy his sermons so we will continue with our current church. Thanks for all of your posts.
I agree that those in church leadership should have higher standards. The Bible gives such examples of standards for those qualified to become elders of church. 1 Tim. 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9, 1 Peter 5:1-4.
I agree Adam we can't judge everyone in a Church by those who hurt us but if their in Leadership others will be polluted so we are to Rebuke and forgive more than once Lk17:3 but if no Repentance we move on I haven't found a Church where all are Perfected in Love and nor am I yet but I'm Aiming for it as God asks us to do Mat5:48 and as Paul and others became before they died 1Jn4:17-18 -Anne
Dear Eileen I understand your Heartache when we Trust others which is part of Love and they hurt us it's hard to Trust again What Randy shared is needed and I have Forgiven but that does not mean that I accept the wrong they did and nor does God and He tells us that all Scripture is for us too 2Tim3:16-18 whenever we are in need including for Reasurence and Encouragement 1Sam30:6, God Loves You.
To all who commented on this question and are making reference to Psalm 11: This Psalm has nothing pertaining to a church or problems within an assembly, it's David's personal testimony and struggle with fully trusting God, and how he overcame that fear and temptation of unbelief. People operating in the flesh will hurt others, sometimes accidently. Seek God for healing forgive them at all cost
Have you examined yourself to see if you are really saved? Are going to liberal churches who are teaching a false gospel out of a false bible. If you are not getting fed the right food, you will die. If you are not getting the right teaching from the right Bible, your spirit will starve to death. I would suggest you find a church that teaches out of the Good old King James Bible.
yes, we left the church to find a new one. Adam is right, we can't let a few represent the whole. I am still looking for a "new" church, my faith in Christ Jesus remains and I believe we will find that church soon. KEEP LOOKING.
Hebrews 10:24-25. There are no perfect churches, because it's made up of imperfect people, but what better place for imperfect people to go- if they didn't go, maybe they'd display even more flaws, and maybe no one would even go to church anymore. There will always be a few difficult people, just like any non-church group, but they don't represent the whole. It's also ok to change churches too.
I know all to well what you are going through. We had attended our former church 15 years when we left. There was an issue with a family member who could have used some encouragement and direction from church leaders, but all that happened was him being snubbed along with the rest of our family. At the time I was part of the praise and worship team and my wife a former children's church leader.
Thanks, Paul. for your comment. However, maybe I did not describe my situation accurately. We have been a member of a particular church for around five years and then bam! something happened that discouraged us and we are not feeling welcome like we used to feel. It was a big issue, in my opinion, and I know I have to forgive. It is difficult and I have had this happen over and over.
I know the situation you are currently in is difficult, however, continue to look for a church to attend. At this time I too am looking for a new church to attend and I've attended several, yet have not made a commitment to stay at one particular location. I always make an effort to visit a church at least 3 or 4 times before making a decision. Keep trying, God will provide.
Okay, I am confused. Does this all mean that you MUST attend or belong to a church? What if you have tried seven different churches over time and have found that you don't fit in any of them?
I've never thought of that verse in that way. The arrows miss their mark because it is drawn in secret and darkness. In verse 1 David didn't flee as a bird to the mountain, but he PUT HIS TRUST IN THE LORD. In other situations he did flee, but God sent him warnings, messengers that saved him. I guess fleeing was the only choice to live!
I picked up on the idea that the wicked are shooting at the righteous in the dark! I feel safe from there arrows, privily means darkness. I can t see good in the dark and neither can our enemies. Therefore be bold.
To me it's a warning this Psalms meaning that God hates wickedness in both the righteous and the wicked. We have all sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God. So I better make sure not to think more highly of myself over anyone that's saved or unsaved. Walking in Jesu's footsteps, always be humble and kind.
Bill, and, A disciple.. I believed in good works salvation in my youth. One tends to feel they are on a teeter-totter of fear and faith because our physical side is worldly and weak and our renewed spirit is at war with our sin. After many decades of study I am secure..not in good works but in the SAVING GRACE of My LORD who is my 'sole' and Soul Redeemer. Eph.2:9
Bill, and, A disciple.. I believed in good works salvation in my youth. One tends to feel they are on a teeter-totter of fear and faith because our physical side is worldly and weak and our renewed spirit is at war with our sin. After many decades of study I am secure..not in good works but in the SAVING GRACE of My LORD who is my 'sole' and Soul Redeemer. Eph.2:9