Fellow Church People

[Yva Minstrel]

I'm a member of Unity Church of Christianity, have been since I was 15, and I dearly love it. Of course, living in Germany, that is a huge separation for me. But, I do read Unity literature, and still consider myself a student of Unity.

I have always been sort of fascinated in the metaphysical and spiritual nature of things for many years now, which is perhaps why I get along so well in this ideological base because the people there do as well.

The Light of God surrounds you
The Love of God enfolds you
The Power of God protects you
The presence of God watches over you
Whereever you are God is...
...And all is well.
(Unity Prayer of Protection)

Blessings

 

[ngreen522]

Well, my 2 cents would be for you (and your assembly members) to evaluate the position and condition of your church from before and after your pastor left. Remember that the church is designed to be the "pillar and foundation of the truth" (1Timothy 3:15). This means that the Bible should always have complete authority in your church because it's the only infallible rule of faith and practice. (2 Timothy 3:15-17). Think about the model of the early church in Acts. A church meeting biblical standards is a church where the Gospel is preached, sin is condemned, worship is from the heart, the teaching is biblical (meaning of the Bible and no other doctrine), and opportunities for ministry exist. Above all, remember that Christ alone is the head of the church. I can imagine that you and your assembly members may have felt (and may still be feeling) anger, embarrassment, or rejection when your pastor chose to leave. But God says, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5); "I have loved you with an everlasting love" (Jeremiah 31:3); and "Surely I am with you always" (Mathew 28:20).
When your new pastor took post, you can expect to see some changes, but the principals I listed above should remain. If you feel confident that your church exemplifies those characteristics, then know that Christ is just preparing His Temple for something ....huge. But if you don't think that your church meets biblical standards, then you too should be looking for a church that does.

I realize this may not be helpful at all, because I don't know many details, but keep praying about it and seeking answers from Christ. And I'll pray for you too, Dwayne.

 

[dwayne1115]

huumm...
That is very helpfull

 

[CensoredAlso]

It's often said that God has his own plans for the way things should go. And sometimes they seem to conflict with what we thought was right. But in the end they are always better. It may not make sense right now, but perhaps there was a good reason.

 

[dwayne1115]

It's been over four years ago but I feel like i should have stayed and the church. I also feel like somthing is telling me to go and almost rebulid the church. To do that though I would have to move,and get a new job.So I dont know

 

[MartyMuppets]

Just pray sincerely about this matter to God Dwayne. If this is really His calling for you things will work out well for everything that will be required for you to do it. There may be hardships but trust in Him and don't despair. My prayers are with you.

 

[dwayne1115]

Why would God be telling me this it's like the more he pulls at me the farther back it pushes me. I don't know why, it maybe the fear I have that to do something like that I will have to tell my girlfriend that we can't be together anymore. Because she is still married but her husband is in jail. In our hearts we are married and when the divorce is final we will get married. I just don't know how other people will handle it.

 

[MartyMuppets]

Is she a commited Christian also Dwayne? If so I suggest you tell her everything and the two of you pray together for God's guidance. Apostle Paul said in Romans 8:28 that all things work together for good to those who love the Lord and follow His purpose for their lives. If God is calling you things will work out for both of you to finally be together and serve Him in His divine purpose in accordance with His will. Just be sure you know it's really Him calling you and not your own thought about what you think may be what you should do Dwayne.

My prayer is that you discover where God truly wants you to be within His plan for your life.

 

[fuzzygobo]

Hi Martin. My name is Brian. I was raised Catholic also, observed all the rituals and trappings, but did not get to know Jesus until 2001. Jesus is at the root of my life now. Our church is Christian Reformed. We do a contemporary service and I sing and play in the church band every Sunday. Music has alwas been in my heart and it's wonderful to express myself and praise Him. During some of the more upbeat tunes we do, I can imagine Fraggles singing and dancing along, thinking what a fantastic show that would make.

Thank you for starting this thread, and may God bless and keep you.

 

[fuzzygobo]

Definitely agree with that, there's a big misconception in our culture that not forgiving someone somehow proves you are strong. In reality, it often shows weakness. You're still angry and want to remain so. It's understandable, but you have to move on. Plus, it's very easy to love the people who never let us down. As Jesus said, anyone can do that, heh. It's harder to forgive the ones who really need forgiving. Mercy isn't something you earn, it's something you're given. That doesn't mean you don't get punished when you've done something wrong of course. I guess that's where things like tough love come in.

Yes, forgiving others is one of the hardest lessons to ever learn.
If Jesus can die on the cross for all the sins we committed, how can we stay mad at someone for cutting us off in traffic or something like that?