I am new in my renewed faith...so I guess you would consider me a baby Christian. Last May I started reading the Bible as well as other literature. I've attended a couple of different churches but haven't found the right fit. My H doesn't really show the same interest to find a church family but responds, "I don't mind going." Well...as I've read through the bible, I have learned many different things that God asks of us...such as attending church. As I read new things in the bible, I put them in to my everyday life and if I don't follow them, I have a sense of guilt. Like not going to church today. We were going to try another church.

Do any of you ever feel that guilt when you don't attend church because you don't have time, too much work, just too tired? Where do you think that guilt comes from?

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Do any of you ever feel that guilt when you don't attend church because you don't have time, too much work, just too tired? Where do you think that guilt comes from? </font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Yes, of course. Where does the guilt from? Usually from Satan, who is trying to tell you that "can't" be a "good" Christian if you aren't "perfect." God tells us to "not forsake the gathering together of the saints" for a number of very good reasons. Satan tries to twist into something very different. Remember, there is only one "unforgiveable sin," and it is NOT church attendance.

There are many good things that you gain from regular attendance, but it does not define you as a "good or bad" Christian. God knows your heart, which is vastly more important.

Think about this, there are many who can't attend the "regular" church service because of work (i.e. healthcare professionals, etc.). But they can attend services at other times and often choose to do that. God knows when you pressed for time, too exhausted, have to work, etc.

It is much more important that you find a church home that is committed to preaching the Word of God and that has a sincere concern for it's members.

God bless.

An older Native American shared one time his personal thoughts of this internal battle that raged within him. He described it as a white dog fighting with a black dog. Someone asked him which dog won to which he replied: "The one I feed the most."

I always thought that was a great description of the conflict we believers face. When we are born again, our spiritual nature is brought to life. But we still have tocontend with our old carnal sinful nature, sometimes refered to as the 'old man.'

Peter would write in one of his letters encouraging us to desire and feed on the word of God that we might grow up in our salvation. The Psalmist declares that those who are 'planted in the house of the Lord will flourish".

Just becareful of falling into the trap of 'floating' from church to church. Tumbleweeds never produce fruit. :-)

God will guide you. Be encouraged.

I am new to this all too, even though I attended church when I was with my parents, as soon as I was out, I stopped. Now I haven't gone the last 2 Sunday's mostly because my WH spent the night on Saturday night...but he leaves around 8 am...so that's really kinda a lame excuse.

I think that one of the main reasons to go to church is fellowship, but I tell ya what, I'm a much better christian now than I've ever been. I pray alot, probably 8-10 times per day, I'm also having a little trouble finding a church that's the 'right' fit as you say. I like the pastor of the church I've been going to, but it's a Baptist church (not that means it's bad), and that's so different than what I grew up with. They're very vocal and filled with the spirit and all that, and I feel kinda weird about it...I mean I feel like "Hmmmmm should I be feeling this way...cuz I don't". I grew up in the Church of Christ, they are just more laid back, on the upside....I will NEVER fall asleep during this man's preaching...he's a great preacher, and funny...but LOUD...LOL I like him so much as a person....so it's just kind of a weird fit I guess...I like the minister, but the members sorta weird me out. And it's a poor little church too...only maybe 20ish people at the services.

Anyway the point of this was that I don't go to church every Sunday either....I should, but sometimes I'm just not up for it, but I don't think it's a sin.

-Caren

Thank you sooo much for posting. I have been making myself feel more guilty than maybe I should. I feel like I am sinning by not attending church weekly. I've found a church that I really like, but it doesn't have Sunday School nor a Wednesday night bible study. These are things I want in a church.

I'm not very good at trying new things, so I find myself just promising myself that I will go next weekend. I do though study the word of god on a daily basis. Pray often...about almost everything. I am more comfortable in my faith now then I was just 8 months ago. I just now feel guilty that I haven't yet found my church home. I have a 3 year old and a 15 month old. It's time I got them plugged in to a church family as well. My oldest really enjoys it when we go. So I know she is of the age to start really taking to heart stuff she hears.

sorry...my computer posted three times.

<small>[ January 30, 2005, 08:04 PM: Message edited by: LovingWifeInTexas ]</small>

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<small>[ January 30, 2005, 08:07 PM: Message edited by: LovingWifeInTexas ]</small>

Thank you sooo much for posting. I have been making myself feel more guilty than maybe I should. I feel like I am sinning by not attending church weekly. I've found a church that I really like, but it doesn't have Sunday School nor a Wednesday night bible study. These are things I want in a church.

I'm not very good at trying new things, so I find myself just promising myself that I will go next weekend. I do though study the word of god on a daily basis. Pray often...about almost everything. I am more comfortable in my faith now then I was just 8 months ago. I just now feel guilty that I haven't yet found my church home. I have a 3 year old and a 15 month old. It's time I got them plugged in to a church family as well. My oldest really enjoys it when we go. So I know she is of the age to start really taking to heart stuff she hears.

This is a little OT for me to discuss on MB. But I thought there was some decent insight shared here.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Do any of you ever feel that guilt when you don't attend church because you don't have time, too much work, just too tired? </font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">This is the way I've shared this with my children. God asks of us 1 hour per week. Just 60 minutes of our lives every seven days. Your employer asks 40, Harley wants you to give at least 15 to your Spouse. Do you think 1 hour is too much time to gather?

Don't read to much self-rightousness into this, I also miss church, and I even rationalize it too.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">it does not define you as a "good or bad" Christian. God knows your heart, which is vastly more important.
</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">That is really on the spot. It doesn't make you a good or bad anything .... BUT it can make you a better person. Mass is a place to get energy, to get inspiration. It is not the one hour per week that gets you to heaven, it is all the hours in between.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">this internal battle that raged within him. He described it as a white dog fighting with a black dog. Someone asked him which dog won to which he replied: "The one I feed the most."
</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">We all have those battles. "The one I feed the most." At mass is an opportunity to nuture the side of you that belongs to the white dog. It is food for your soul. If you pass on your one hour ... you miss that opportunity.

I respectfully disagree with FH. I attribute your being to tired to go to church to Satan's influence ... Satan helps us skip the things that may help us the most ... by rationalizing that it really isn't that important. He is keeping food from your "white dog".
(NO OFFENSE TO BLACK DOG OWNERS <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" /> )

I think going to work helps feed and shelter your family. I think spending time with your spouse helps feed your relationship. I think going to school makes you more knowledgable. I think the more you read the better writer you are.

I think going to church is also a demonstration to God of your commitment. In biblical times (heck even current one) they have many examples of sacrifices to the almighty. I hate to look at going to church as a sacrifice though.

In the end. I'll defer to God's judgement, and count on him to be mercyful with me.

.

I also want to add that I know men who never went to church whose moral and ethical character is something that I would aspire too.

Just keep feeding the white dog, where ever you find your sustanance.(sp?)

There is a difference between guilt and conviction. One is from God, the other not.

So you have to decide if what you feel is designed to make you feel bad about yourself, and diminish you (guilt, the bad thing), or is it designed to remind you of your responsiblity as a child of the King? And ultimately, to lift you up?

Hi LWIT,

Personally,I don't feel guilty if I am not going to a church.I truly believe that God is in your heart and soul and so no matter where you go,there He is.You can go and be at one with God anywhere,like in a field,under a tree,on a park bench and pray.I don't always think it has to be in a church.

Some people always attend mass but aren't truly "connecting" with God and their faith.They do it out of some sort of guilt or habit.I am not saying everyone of course but I knew of more than a few who felt this way.

In my case,I had a wonderful Unity Church where I used to live but when I moved,I was unable to find another one nearby,one that I practice.I was sad but I feel that I can still read the booklet they publish and call anytime I need to for prayer.I don't feel any less faithful because I do not attend a church but I do wish I could find another church like the one I had before.

Anyway,it's my feeling that if you are true to God and your faith,He doesn't care where you pray and worship as long as you do.

O