I'm not a church goer,only if there is a wedding or funeral.I make my
peace with God every night before I go to sleep.
Does standing in a garage make you a mechanic? 'NO'
Standing in church, does not make you a christian either.

I think that if I walked into a church and sat down... it would probably
cave in on top of me. LOL

G'Mornin Greyhound....very interesting topic you brought up. I'm with
you my friennd. I make my peace with God daily. Do not attend church
regularly....and my opinion on your question about standing in church
making you a christian....well, umm...let's just say some of the worst
sinners are the ones that do go to church. Not all of them mind yoi, but
a good portion of them are sinners. Maybe they feel they'll get back in
good graces just by being there, then walk out the door and do
everything all over again.

Not true Dave....might surprise you.

Good morning folks! The real reason I don't go to church is that I can't
find a round one and I'd hate like hell to get cornered.

OMG...too funny Greyhound!

I did when I was younger. Not nowadays though. Sorry, God.
I was raised a Christian and have plenty of faith and strong moral
values.
I personally don't believe going to church every Sunday necessarily
makes you more of a loyal Christian.
I drive by three churches every day and for each one I pass, I give a
shout out to the big man upstairs.

Standing in church doesn't make you a Christian. Gathering together IN
CHURCH with other Christians and hearing his word in your ears and
soul,that makes you a Christian.

Cat, I meant that as a little joke. I do not go to church very often,
weddings and funerals are about the extent of my attendance in church.
That still does not mean that I dont believe in God, or Jesus. I do
pray, but I do it at home, or while driving down the road for my job.

Good man kev. I used to make the sign of the cross when I drove by my
church back home.We only had one. Here in the big city, there's too many
of them. Cigarette in one hand, sign of the cross with the other. Too
dangerous

I know it was a joke Dave....everytime I hear that about the roof caving
in...that is my ususal reply....not trying dampen anybody's spirits
here. It's the weekend and I'm feeling great. Hope everyone has a great
day too.

P.S. Church is exactly where sinners need to be,and Christians don't
stop sinning and neither does anyone else. It's just a Christian's duty
to TRY and SIN LESS. No Christian is perfect,Just forgiven.
In Christ,Rick

proprs to 'rpropman' for the comment about sinners - it bugs me when
people say 'sinners' to mean 'those bad people', because we *all* sin!
theres no one who isn't a sinner.

touche on that massage...I agree with both and rproman. We are all
"sinners". We can only reflect back on those sins and ask for
forgiveness.

i only go to church when i'm home on break. i'm a christian, but for me,
the act of going to church is essentially social. i live my life the way
i think god wants me to, and prefer to quietly share his love with
everyone around me. i think my time is better spent being a passive
example for others than listening to a sermon being preached to people
who already have a pretty good idea how they should be living.

catb,

i really didn't meant that to be directed at you! i felt like you were
saying we are all sinners, but some peoples' behavior is worse than
others, and that i would agree with. rproman's comment just reminded me
of a pet peeve i have.

Well I don't go to church either but that has nothing to do if I believe
in God or not for I do believe in God. I can think about God anytime of
the day I wish to I don't have to be inside a church to think about
someone I believe in anyay.

Wasn't it Jesus who said "Wherever two or more are gathered..."

Did he say anything about special buildings being necessary?

you do not have to go to church to be a christian as thats not what
makes you a christian, We all sin and fall short of his glory but I
always feel better after I spend time with other christians, and
worshipping my LORD.

People go to church for different reasons. Some go for purely social
reasons, some go because they think they ought to, some go because they
are lonely, some go because they are searching for something to fill
that empty spot in 'self, and some go to worship God with fellow
believers. All are sinners, some are lost sinners and, I believe some
are saved sinners...saved by The Grace of God. Going to church does not
save anyone..but in a Christian church one can hear the Gospel of Jesus
Christ. And most Christian churchs have Bible study groups where one can
learn. We are saved by the Grace of God through faith in Jesus
Christ...faith is a gift of God and comes through hearing the Word of
God...at church or on radio or tv, etc.
Again, going to church is not going to save you, but it might help you
to become a better christian.
God Bless.