Glen,
You are so right on point with your statement ...
"I put "church" in quotes as an aside for those who believe you can't worship God without the "big box". Jesus said He would be wherever 2 or more gathered in His name. The Holy Spirit inhabits our praise, not our building. In fact, every home, every garage, every basement, every restaurant, every field or cave IS a church when they contain people worshiping Jesus."I believe in what the scriptures say as you clearly reminded us of ...John 4:21-24 (keying in on vs 21)
:21 -
"For it is not where we worship that counts, but how we worship - is our worship spiritual and real?"
We all have a personal relationship w/God in our own way. I used to go to church regularly, serve in various ministries, and offer encouragement and hospitality to people. I did this not just because I loved God, but because I love people and serving. I have always been this way. But when my christian marriage started falling apart, I w/drew and became helpless feeling. I would serve, but satan was always there knocking me down and making feel insecure. satan (through my husband) tore down my emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual well-being to the point that I left my husband and eventually stopped going to church altogether. I am still not in a church, not because of him, but because I've gotten used to the 'freedom' (not in Christ) away from the church body. Getting to my point...I strive and excell when I have 'church' fellowship. W/out it, I struggle
deeply spiritually. So, I go online to 'chat' with people and try to serve God via internet by offering advice to others and getting the spiritual help I need too.
I am looking for a church, but for now the internet is my 'church' refuge. I do know that some people hide behind the mouse
and some don't...But even if they are hiding, they are seeking refuge for themselves too. Whatever gets them to seek out God and search for truth is great w/me! I'm glad that we have an opportunity to fellowship w/others all over the world via internet. It has always been a blessing to me.
***side note*** I totally agree w/you Glenn on not allowing or creating a 'chat' in here..... it's very difficult to control and sometimes you can get angry people in the chat that winds up hurting people w/their words and unbelief. I've been in many a chat-room for christians and it wasn't pretty.
Keep up the good work for Christ!