how do i get back in touch with god if i dont go to church?

Elizabeth - posted on 06/05/2011

The Bible tells us not to forsake the gathering together, it strengthens our faith. You HAVE to go to church to be a Christian, but it helps. Shop around, find a good solid Bible believing church that loves people.
Being a Christian is about having a relationship with Jesus. Loving Him enough to share Him with others, and being around other Christians so they can encourage youu and you can enourage them. The "buikding up of one another"
I can recommend a good Bilble Study group, it's called BSF International. You can look it up on the internet to find a location that is close to you. It's is a women's Bible study and you are surrounded by a couple hundred other women of all ages and demoninations. They also have classes for children, so they can go too. You will get the word and the support that you need. It is a year long study that follows the school year, so it will start back up in September. I hope and pray that you are feeling beter about this soon!

Michelle - posted on 12/04/2009

Girlfriends in god is an online email that you should get. It is great. then you can work on finding a church that is you and your family. Somewhere you are comfortable with people your age going throught he same feelings and times as you are. Friends who feel like you do help.! good luck.

Vickie - posted on 12/04/2009

To get close to God, you have to first confess your sins and sincerely ask him into your heart. You continually strive each day to live like Christ (hence the meaning of the word Christian), although none of us are perfect as Christ was, we must strive to be. God is a forgiving and merciful God!! There is no shame in falling as long as you get back up and ask for forgiveness and keep pressing forward. As for the issue of going to church, once you get saved you will want to be around other Christians and church is a good place to do that. Granted no church is perfect as there are no perfect people, but you do need to be sure that the church teaches the truth!!

Anne - posted on 12/04/2009

Hi Nicole, You have gotten so much good advice from the ladies that have already posted there really is not much I can add except to promise you that I Will be Praying for you to find a Church Home, Fellowship Small Group or Bible Study where you can grow in the knowledge of God and all He has for you.

Rosanna - posted on 12/04/2009

Hi Nicole

The Lord wants us to be with other fellow Christians so going to Church is a good place where we can be with others who love the Lord but this does not make us a Christian . At Church we can get support and encouragement from others . If we donot attend C hurch we are like spiritual orphans . We will not hear Gods word and know the truth and get spiritually fed .I know that if you really yearn for a relationship with Him and Pray He will answer you .

I pray that He will rekindle that first love you experienced when you first found your Lord and Saviour and that you will find a spiritual home . God Bless

Love in Christ

Rose

Elyssa - posted on 12/04/2009

READ the Bible DAILY, PRAY, & try to go to church.

Darla - posted on 12/04/2009

I did not finish reading all these posts - theres alot!

I just wanted to say a couple of things.

1. Going to church doesnt make you a Christian any more than being in a garage makes you an automobile.
LOL But with that being said, I do agree with all those who posted and said that church is crucial for growth, encouragement and support.

2. I saw some posts where people were recomending pastors, ministries and authors. Several that I saw mentioned are extremely unBiblical in their teachings. EXTREMELY. Pray much and be careful. Check all teachings with the Bible - and realize that some of the most unBiblical teachings use the Bible to support the teaching - but they twist the verses. Perhaps you feeling uncomfortable in a church was not just due to pushiness, but God letting you know that something wasnt right.
To use yet another quirky saying (Its a Texas thang,) "Satan don't wear no squeaky tennis shoes." He is subtle and sneaky and does alot of work within the church itself. Be careful, but DO NOT let this turn you off of church.
Have you ever gone out to eat and gotten bad food or bad service? If so, did you totally stop going out to eat? Probably not. It sounds absurd. Yet so many people totally avoid church due to bad experiences.

3. While finding a good church - one that is Biblical and that feels right for you as well - is important, your own personal, private relationship with God is the absolute most important thing.

May God lead you.

Ruth - posted on 12/03/2009

Quoting nicole :

well i just have not found a church im comfrotable with, they all seem way to pushy

have you tried out a "first church of God" ?  i went to many churchs and was uncomfortable with them for that reason the pushyness. but i suggest keep trying different ones.

Jennifer - posted on 12/03/2009

Since it's us who turns our face away from God and not Him from us, it is simply the mention of His name that returns you to Him. He never left you and so praying and reading the His word should renew your hunger for His presence in your life, and after that you will WANT to be in fellowship with other believers again. I don't know were you live but if you google Calvery chapels in your area you might find a good Bible based church to go to, you can also watch services at Harvest.org in the archived section. Jesus loves you and so do I, fellow sister in Christ:)

Robyn - posted on 12/03/2009

Hi Nicole, I'd love to encourage you, as all these other women have, that God is For you. He loves you so much he sent His one & only Son to die for you. And He thinks you're worth the price He paid for you! So reach out to Him right where you are, ask Abba Father to help you.

I belive it is important to be part of a local church. I've heard a beautiful Christian lady from America preach called Dr Lois Burkett, and regarding this issue she said to go to your prayer closet, and tell Father God all the things you want in a church, and ask Him to lead you to the right one. He will, and when he does you stick with it. He'll plant you in a good place. He loves you so much. I love listening to sermons of Pastor Joseph Prince preaching, too, that really blesses me.

Blessings,

Robyn.

Robertine - posted on 12/02/2009

Well, I feel you should be a part of a church that believes in the Word of God. Is there a reason why you don't want to go to church? Seek after the Lord through reading HIS word and through prayer. Ask HIM for direction. It's about having a relationship with the LORD. You need to be in church and be under a good pastor who is lead by the Spirit of God. I know that people are not perfect and sometimes things may happen where someone may have hurt or let you down. The Lord is faithful and having a relationship with HIM is more important than anything. But you need to have a church home.

Rachel - posted on 12/02/2009

Quoting Victoria:

Quoting Rachel:

Quoting Victoria:

So where as you can have an infant level of Christianity, with out the support of a Church you will never really grow in your relationship with the Lord & come to maturity in Christ as it talks about in Ephesians 4 with out one.

I'm not attacking you or anything.  I just see this argument far too often and it can cause misunderstanding and for people to seek the surface or outward signs of Chrisitanity without experiencing the real power (God) behind it.  Church provides an excellent avenue to experience and learn about God.  But, it is not a requirement, again helpful but not a requirement, for someone truly seeking His face.

I understand what you are saying and where you are coming from, but as the scripture says about iron sharpaning iron, we need to be around that iron to be sharpend by it. And it's like this we can't expect a new born baby to feed itself, teach itself etc... well we can expect a new born christian too either, that is why God has given the church.

I think I forget, the church I attend is very solidly in the word & very mature in it's teaching & not every church is like that, I get so encouraged by my church's breathren & leadership, but if I went to something lesser in the word & more into programs & such maybe I'd want to stay home & try go it alone too.

Thanks for the nice way you put this!  You bring up an excellent point and I completely agree that we need to be around other Christians to be sharpened.  I believe Proverbs talks about "Bad company corrupts good habits."  And there are multiple warnings in the Bible warning us to be careful about being around others who could bring us down or hurt our faith.  Not that we should ignore non-believers, but that we should regularly surround ourselves with people who uplift and support us and our faith.

The source of my disagreement is with the idea several people promoted here that the only way to accomplish this sharpening (or Christian growth) is by church attendance.  Now, I love my church and my husband told me a couple weeks ago that this is the first time in his entire life (and he's always gone to church) where he felt like he regularly learns something or is challenged to grow through our pastor's sermons.  It's awesome!  But, simply attending church every Sunday doesn't provide that sharpening that is so needed.  It is also through relationships with other Christians, which can be accomplished in a variety of ways.  We should seek out other Christians, seek out fellowship with them, getting together as friends outside of church, doing Bible studies together and many of the other great ideas listed in this thread. 

Many churches are bad at encouraging and supporting this need.  Even when they do, many people feel insecure or shy (that's me! I'm a complete introvert!) meeting so many new people and trying to get to know people.  This is why I completely support actively looking for fellowship both in and outside the church.  I used to talk to God and ask him to bring new Christian friends into my life.  But, I failed to realize that part of my lack of good Christian friends I could relate to (most of my Christian friends were unmarried with no kids - I'm married for 7 years with a 2.5 year old and another on the way) was because I wasn't actively seeking them!  I knew I needed fellowship, but wasn't sure where to look.  Going to church wasn't meeting my needs.  This is another reason why I feel it is so important to emphasize seeking fellowship beyond church attendance.  Passive church attendance will not meet our needs or make us "good" Christians.  Proactive seeking of God in our personal lives, good teaching (through church and/or other resources, like Joyce Meyer and other godly teachers and excellent, theologically sound books), and seeking out relationships with other like-minded individuals are all part of our Christian journey.

Regards,

Rachel

Rachel - posted on 12/02/2009

Quoting Heather:

theres nothing wrong with church, but you dont have to go to church to be close with god. i havent been to church in a while, but i have a VERY strong prayer life, and a great relationship with god.

i always end up at churches that look down on me because i have visible zombie tattoos. so im hesitant to go back.

That's such a shame!  I hate how judgmental so many people in the church are about tatoos, piercings and other non-mainstream choices.  Yet, no one says anything about the teenage girls wearing tight fitting, revealing shirts and short shorts or skirts.  No one seems to have a problem with boys being "preppy" and looking down on the guys who don't wear the designer jeans or polo shirts. 

I've known some amazing Christians with tatoos, piercings, gothic clothing and other "different" choices who have greater love and relationships with Jesus and greater ministries to non-Christians than most "church goers".  As Christians, it is important to not pre-judge based on external appearances, but rather to seek understanding of the person and respect their perspectives and differences. 

Keep fighting the good fight and pressing on toward Christ!

Rachel

Mary - posted on 12/02/2009

I will tell you first and foremost we need each other for encouragement, edification, correction, prayer the list goes on & on. The body of Christ has many members that work together to glorify Christ which is the head of the church and to establish the kingdom of God on earth. God has never left you beloved. He has always been right by your side. He is waiting for you with open arms to return to Him! Come now says the Lord, taste and see that the Lord is good. Blessed are those that trust Him and take Him at His word. His word is faithful and true and will not return to Him void. Fear God and keep His commandments is the whole duty of man. Seek God, His kingdom and His righteousness first and last. GBU

Pati - posted on 12/02/2009

I truly believe that God is in your heart whether you go to church or not. Yes, going to a church can help you find fellowship, but it also fan push you away if its not the right church. I have found most comfortable in a non-denominational church. I don NOT, at this time, go to church every Sunday, but I do PRAY EVERYDAY!!!! God surrounds me with His love because I ask Him to. I am a hairstylist and I prayu for my busienss all the time. WHen I started doing that, God sent me a TON of believers. Now, God is talked abpout all day, every day in my salon. He truly blesses you when you take the time to ASK Him to.

May you find Christ in everything you do. With love andf prayer, Pati

Nikki - posted on 12/02/2009

hello nicole,good question. this is my answer to that and only my opinion so i hope it helps. i got saved when i was 16,i got out of church until i was 24,i rededicated my life back to the lord. if you just ask him to come back into your life and mean it from the bottom of your heart he will. the lord has been so good to me and my family. going to church is just part of it. it helps you get stronger. i hope this helped some. god bless you!! will be praying for you

Mary - posted on 12/02/2009

Nicole, the only way to be close the the Lord is through a true relationship with Jesus Christ. Have you accepted him into your heart? If so, get back to reading your bible and praying, this is a huge first step. If you haven't accepted Jesus, please do it, it takes a huge weight off your shoulders. We are all sinners and need Jesus to get to God. I would definitely find a church in your area that is bible based and teaches the word of God. I go to an e-free church and know that it is my family in jesus no matter when I'm up or down. I too am just starting to reconnect in my relationship with JC as a christian and again, the best thing is to pray and read. Hang in there! It's not easy, just like parenting :)

Carol - posted on 12/02/2009

Hi Nicole, Why don't you just start talking to Him first? If you wanted to reconnect with a person, talking with them would be the natural first step. Tell what's on your heart, what excites you, what you are grateful for, what hurts you, etc. Let God lead the way from there, Get in to His Word to see His response to helping you get closer to Him again. That's what He wants too, to be close again to you! You are the apple of His eye and He is crazy about you....He's so excited about this and spending time with you, Nicole!!

Stacee - posted on 12/02/2009

You can talk to God any time, any place! That's what's so awesome about our God. He is available to us all the time. He wants a friendship with us...a relationship. Just talk to Him. Pray to Him. Open your Bible-His word and let Him speak to you. I do believe that the benefits of finding a church you love is important. Being involved in a church should provide you with friends, support, ways to learn, and fellowship. A small group- like a Sunday school class is really important. Sometimes it's more comfortable than the big church experience at first. A smaller group provides a different kind of experience, learning, and hopefully friends. I would encourage you to find one where you feel comfortable maybe you have a friend who you could go with. God Bless!

Janet - posted on 12/02/2009

Did you forgot how to pray! Sometimes people get busy in this world and forget to keep in contact with our loving God. He wants to hear from you tell him your feelings. Let him know that you miss Him. and need to be close to him. The bible helps and other Christian friends and most of all a church. Good luck. I would start with prayer frist God misses you as much as you miss Him.

Sharee - posted on 12/02/2009

Hello Nicole, I read your post, and I can tell that your are sincere in your desire to get close to the Lord again, first let me say that The Lord never moves, we do, and he desires fellowship(closensess) with his children, it is the Holy Spirit that draws us near to him, this is why you have the urgency to be close to him again.

I won't give you own opinion, like some of the well-meaning replies you probably will/have gotten, the best I thing can do for you is give you what the God himself in his the Holy Bible(His Word).

As far as going to church goes, The Lord has the body of Chris( church) in the earth, we are commanded by him in his word to "not forsake the assembling of yourselves together as the manner of some is, but exhorting one another as you see the day approaching. So we as Christians attend church for many reasons, to hear the preached work of God for instructions,for accountability, as well as for encouragement and to be an encouragement other believers, it is where we get our strength and serve the Lord while we wait for his return.

I will pray that the Lord sends you to a Church where you can have fellowship with other belivers, and grow in your faith, and find out what the will of the Lord is for your life.

I hope this has helped you Nicole, stay encouraged, pray, read his word, trust him.
God's blessings to you, your sister in Christ.
Sharee:)

Atina - posted on 12/02/2009

many family's i know do church services at home with there family by reading passage out of the bible.

Phenny - posted on 12/02/2009

It is very important 2 go church because in this walk with Christ we encourage n pray 4 each other by fellowshipping n the church is where u get fellowship. U also need 2 read the bible n pray for guidance n the Holy Spirit wil guide u 2 da right church.

Jennifer - posted on 12/01/2009

http://www.joelosteen.com/HopeForToday/T...

Cindy - posted on 12/01/2009

Hi Nicole, I have always believed God answers our prayers. Just ask Him to guide you in your walk and He will. Have faith!

Kelly - posted on 12/01/2009

I have been a christian now for about 14 years and we've struggled with finding the perfect church for our family of two young boys. The answer is, there is no perfect church. Getting close to the Lord is a personal thing first and foremost. Going to church and doing things within the church is to help build your relationship with Christ. But there are many people who attend churches who don't have a growing, living relationship with God. I think you should get yourself back into the bible or a daily devotional for women.

Kathleen/Deborah - posted on 12/01/2009

Dear Sweet Sister Nicole, , , Praise the Lord that you have a DESIRE to give your life over to the Lord Jesus Christ! We must Ask GOD to forgive us our sins. Do you know the Lord's Prayer? If so please say that prayer before you enter into your prayer time.

This is the first part of my prayer time each time I kneel down to pray.

Ask the Lord to forgive you your sins, ask him to come into your heart. Ask him to lead you, to guide you, to direct your every footstep. and ALL in the NAME OF JESUS! There is power in the NAME of JESUS! There is wonder working power in HIS NAME! JESUS JESUS JESUS!

I thank GOD for sacrificing HIS only begotten SON on calvary! If you would have been the only one on this planet HE would have died just for you! Did you know that! That i show much HE loves you! We haven't done anytihng to deserve HIS love!

I praise the Lord for your desire to walk with the LORD! Go to your CLOSET and pray to the FATHER in secret. We have a mediator and that is JESUS CHRIST! HE is the Son of GOD! We have to go thru JESUS to get to the FATHER which art in Heaven. Remember that! Praise the LORD!

Ask the :Lord to Create in you a clean heart, restore your soul, cleanse your mind, renew your spirit. In Jesus Name! Oh Lord be with your daughter NICOLE right now IN JESUS NAME! Lord you know her heart, , . , Father GOD be with her. Show her in a ClearView the path you have chosen for her to walk! Lord Jesus shine down upon her right now. Allow her to feel your love, your tenderness, your touch, Father GOD enlarge her territory right now as she reads this post. Lord help her to feel that church within her heart, , , so that she can share with others.

Let your Light so shine thru her right now. Father GOD let your PERFECT Will be done in NICOLES life. Let your PERFECT WILL! Let your will be done in her and not ours. Father GOD I ask that you bring other believers across her path to help her, to encourage her and love on her! Father GOD perform a MIRACLE in Nicole's life her heart right now IN JESUS NAME!!!

AMEN

Marta - posted on 12/01/2009

I think that going to church is a very important activity for every believer to participate in. I know that for myself and for my husband when we don't go to church we feel discouraged and find it a lot easier to backslide into sin (don't get me wrong we're no where near perfect but we're trying to get there). Other than that I would recommend prayer and meditation. If you have friends that are Christian--even if they are from different denominations--maybe they would like to get together once a week for a bible study or prayer meeting?
I don't blame you for having a difficult time with finding a church, a lot of Protestant churches are very pushy because a lot of them are convinced that they have the truth; have you gone to check out any small churches/fellowships in your area. These types of churches usually have a tighter knit community and are more focused on supporting each other. It's something that's worked for my family and hopefully this can help yours also. I'll keep you in my prayers asking that God keep you strong in faith and encouraged that you'll find the church where He wants you to be. God Bless.

Wendy - posted on 11/30/2009

Sweetie, The Lord has never left your side, he has been right there waiting for you to reach out to him. You dont have to go to church to be right with our Lord. You see the Lord only wants to know the you and the desires of your heart,. What is Church? Church is a group of people comming to the lord to praise him, who says it has to within four walls, Anytime ther is a group of people sittling around sharing the word of our Father, Well thats being in church. your talking,praising & loving him. even if it's just you quiet & still, that is church in the lords eyes.. You see just talk about him, praise him, love him, be proud of him and you in church!! I hope this has been helpful in some way to. Read the book " So you don't want to go to church anymore" i believe you will find the answers your seeking in this book.. But the bottom line is.. Pray to him EVERY DAY and every thing else withh fall into place, lay it down to him & just be still for a moment.
"I will be praying for you Nicole, God Bless †"

Stephania - posted on 11/30/2009

Pray without ceasing.....take time to be only with God and pray, He will speak to you and show you if your heart is open to Him. He promises this:) God Bless you and the others here who are looking for a church home. Earnestly Pray! You will be in my prayers!

Dianne - posted on 11/30/2009

the BIBLE tells us that we need to go to church for strength. THE BIBLE ALSO TELLS US HOW TO BE SAVED AND WHAT THE PLAN OF SALVATION IS AND IT IS ACTS 2:38 THEN PETER SAID UNTO THEM, REPENT EVERYONE OF U OF UR SINS, BE BAPTIZED IN JESUS NAME AND YE SHALL RECIEVE THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST. WE NEED TO BE BORN OF THE WATER AND OF THE SPIRIT TO MAKE IT TO HEAVEN JOHN 3:3-5. U CAN TALK TO THE LORD RIGHT AT UR TABLE BUT U NEED TO HEAR THE WORD OF GOD ALSO PRAY AND ASK GOD TO SHOW U WHICH WAY TO GO AND WHAT CHURCH HE WANTS U AT AND IF U HAVE A SINCERE HEART HE WILL SHOW. HE LOVES U AND WANTS U TO BE HIS CHILD AND TO BE SAVED FILLED WITH THE HOLY GHOST WITH THE EVIDENCE OF SPEAKING IN TONGUES ACTS 2:4

Janessa - posted on 11/30/2009

Going to Church doesn't make you any more of a Christian than standing in a garage makes you a car. I believe you do need fellowship with other believers, but you want to go to a church where YOU feel comfortable and where you are getting fed as well. My husband and I are currently looking for a new church as well.

Stephania - posted on 11/30/2009

You can join a Ladies Bible Study or a small cell group that meet at eachothers homes. This is another option, until a church body is found. We have to be careful not "feel" to much into something that may not be true, I am referring to the pushy you stated feeling. It may be just that person you spoke with. A good rule of thumb is to go directly to the Pastor or Asst. Pastor and tell them your concerns. They are not untouchable and they are there for you too:) In Christ, Stephania

Jenni - posted on 11/30/2009

I would find a friend or relative (or anyone really) that you can talk to, ask questions and hold you accountable. Also reading the bible and/or a good book or study will help you to get into the bible and read God's work. It would be great to find a church that you enjoy and feel comfortable there. This will take time. Just keep trying new places... there is a church for you! You can always pray and talk to God and He will help you out. :) Good luck and I will say a prayer for you!

Carolyn - posted on 11/30/2009

Dear Nicole,
There is no greater joy than to see your children walking with the Lord.But you won't know that joy unless you walk with Him yourself.I waited till I was 38 and I am telling you what.I waited too long.I wish I had just made up my mind to do it then.But I wasn't as wise I guess as I am now.I am asking you that you not wait another minute and join the who knows but God how many joyful people who have.

Celines - posted on 11/30/2009

Oh one more thing if you get on your Knee's and ask God to guide you to find a comfortable church to attend with all your heart, Believe me he will answer, He did it for me and so he will do it for you as well. But ask him with Faith, believing in it that you really want to go....

Celines - posted on 11/30/2009

The most important thing is to carry a relationship with God. You may contact him through prayer and reading his word. You may always call on him his number, he is never busy... He picks up at all times of the day (prayer)... And u know something it is always good to go to church because through it is where you get to hear most of the new messages that he prepares for us daily... When we go to church it sort of fulfill us with the peace that we seek. Also through it, God answers most of our petitions and blesses us as well. You know the bible talks about how narrow God's path is, yet that is why not too many will make it in the end because many gives up and tries to escape through the wide path, which is the wrong way. Now that narrow path means that it will be a difficult path only because it's not suppose to be the way we want life to be but just plain and simple because God chose it to be that way. Therefore, as Christians we must learn that we as christian will have to suffer in order to gain a better life in the end. This means giving up everything that we like because it's about pleasing him, he is God almighty, not us...I Hope that this may have answered your question...God Bless you.

Heather - posted on 11/29/2009

theres nothing wrong with church, but you dont have to go to church to be close with god. i havent been to church in a while, but i have a VERY strong prayer life, and a great relationship with god.

i always end up at churches that look down on me because i have visible zombie tattoos. so im hesitant to go back.

Lee Ann - posted on 11/29/2009

To get close to God first you need to believe in him and have faith. Second ask for forgiveness and repent of your sins and ask him to come into your heart and lead your life. Reading your bible everyday is a good thing but in order to totally get a full understanding of Gods love you need to worship in his house and get to know his other children. Plus what you read and see one way another person might read and see something you dont. so its good to get in a good church for support and further understanding of Gods love. Plus with children they need other christian friends and learn morals and values we can teach them but with Gods help and there church friends they have more people to help them through lifes unkindness. If you live in Jonesboro or close to it come to Central Baptist we would love to have you!!!

Mary - posted on 11/29/2009

I believe that you don't need to go to church to fellowship with other believers. I know church is harder for me to get to sometimes because I don't have a car and my baby keeps me up all night. I still talk to all my Christian friends and I pray regularly. I don't think GOD really minds if you don't go. Thats not the whole point of being a Christian. Its whats in your heart.

Melanie - posted on 11/29/2009

I felt the same way about a month ago. I just started reading the bible and looking up daily scriptures online. Eventually I found a church that was right for me and started going there. But until you do just read the bible explore the net, and pray a lot. There's also little booklet called Our daily bread that you can receive and it give's you a scripture a day for a three month span.

Gina - posted on 11/29/2009

Confessing to God that u r a sinner, and believing that the Lord Jesus Christ died for your sins on the cross and was raised for ur justification. U r saved. Jesus Christ did not spend alot of time in church. What u can do if you'd like, u can stream on line on sundays. The streaming community is just a website with churchs that broadcast there services. That's one way to get back to God. Prayer changes everything, all God asks of us is to talk to him. PRAY talk to him & u will find he will order ur steps to where he wants u to go. read ur bible daily & if u find ur self questioning or stumped @ a particular scripture just go on line & u can either go to bibe.com or any other site that is focused on the scriptures. Do Not worry about finding a perfect church cause guess what ur not perfect. It took me a couple of churchs & denominations for me to get to where I am & that's @ a place where I come in feeling heavy & leave out feeling like I can deal with what life is dealing me. REMEMBER just talk to him & he will lead u where u need 2 go. The website if u'd like to check out is www.streamingfaith.com. God bless u nicole & just talk 2 him

Heather - posted on 11/29/2009

I know that I was the first one to recommend listening to a sermon on-line, but the sermon I recommended was about why we need to go to church. If you do listen to speakers or even look for a church, please, please make sure that they are not only preaching from the Bible, but preaching in context and living what they are preaching.

JENNY - posted on 11/29/2009

I enjoy listening to preachers like Joyce Meyer on CD. She has free pod-casts on her website too. She is oriented towards women and she has a very down-to-earth approach to faith and God. I would encourage you not to rule out "church" all together, but take your time and don't make quick judgements on the churches you visit. Good luck to you~hugs.

Desiree - posted on 11/29/2009

Read your Bible: that's the biggest thing...put on some good worship music...pray: that's the other big one....you can often download messages that pastors put on their church websites. Frank Damazio is my fave! Go to citybiblechurch.org and you can download the latest messages :)

Odalys - posted on 11/29/2009

I would also agree with going to church is really important because it's th eonly way to meet with other believersa nd know more about gods word. You also can read the bible,but also need to study it and apply it to your own real life.

Patti - posted on 11/29/2009

Start with your prayer life, Nicole and ask for God's guidance and wisdom. THEN ask for a sign from Him that you will understand when you see it (personally, I need a 2'x4' sometimes! LOL). As you grow closer to God your life will start falling into place according to His will. God bless you! Patti Ziegler (mother of 14).

Uney - posted on 11/29/2009

I Have never thought you had to go to church to be a christian the bigest thing is to belive in God and to study his word. Even thou I dont think you need to go to church to be a christian I do think it helps you to be a stronger christian and a stronger preson. If you hang out with drug dealers there is a good chance you will do drugs If you hang out with christians it just might strength your faith.

Gloria - posted on 11/29/2009

Quoting nicole :

well i just have not found a church im comfrotable with, they all seem way to pushy

Hello Nicole,

If you have an old church, call them let them know where you are living now and ask them if they can recommend a church for you to go to.  Also,  remember God puts you where he wants you to be so this maybe the season that you need more discipline so be open to new things that He may have in store for you. God Bless and happy hunting for a new home to worship in.

Michelle - posted on 11/29/2009

Have daily time with God. Read the Bible daily (those daily devotional books, like the Upper Room really help) and pray. Just talk to God through out your day and keep his word in mind. Live according to his word. You don't have to go to Church to be saved, but it helps keep you on the right track. I just recently started going back to church after something like 3 or 4 years. Also God talks to us in different ways so be open to that, he can talk to you through people, through the Bible, through circumstances, through the Church, just open your heart to Him and He'll come whether you go to Church or not.