how many times?
 

How many times a week/ month do you have to go to church to be a "real believer" as an ex fireman, and now helping to feed the world with a farm and ranch. (Med.sized to anyone that knows 2000ac.) I believe in the good Lord to guide and protect me and my family!!! Do I get to be at church as much as the 9-5 ers no!! I am usually in a tractor or Dr. Calfs !! But with that said he test people, with protection of said man's family, he put them wackos here to test your true faith!! Me I am going to fight to protect mine and not relie on anyone else!!
I May die doing it but we should all be ready to die for our sins when it's your time!!!

I don't think you have to go at all. God is in your heart and your farm. How could one be closer to God than by working his soil and spreading his bounty? God lives in you and the dirt you till. It is his creation to bring life to and sustain man. From the crops that crow to the animals that forage God made the dirt for us. Tending God's soil is faith in God.

Could not agree more duckman, but bet there are few that don't agree!!

Oh yeah bro. You know it. Live your life according to your beliefs and do what is right by you.

All day Everyday!! Only way to live, cause your not ever going to get yesterday back, and don't know if your going to get a tomorrow!! Live each day to the fullest!!

going to "church" is an invention of the church so you gather in one place and they use it as a tool to collect donations which "like it or not" often go to the church as a source of revenue. so all im saying is the church tells you you have to go to church so they can raise money from you, not because its required by the bible.

as long as you pray to god and thank god for the good things in your life, then you are good, you don't need to do it in a certain building on a certain day each week.

I stopped going to church many years ago when they started telling people to stay home if they couldn't dress better to come to church. it was about wearing tee shorts and short pants of dirty work clothes to church. well that's completely against gods will, yet they chose to say and do this, then they started making rules you cant get married without going through a 6-8 month "course" to get approval to be married. maybe that was a good thing but its not "gods" teachings to do that so I stopped going to a place that was making up its own rules that were contrary to gods teachings. I never stopped praying to god and in fact I pray to god a lot more now that I don't go to church then I ever did sleeping through church every week.

You should try to go to church as often as possible. It helps you learn more about god and in a good church you form a solid group of believers that hold each other accountable and help each other stay on track. When a sheep is led away from the pack, it is easily devoured. And satan uses this mindset that I can worship...on the water, on the deer stand,_insert place of hobby_...as a tool to get ahold of you and slowly change you. Before you know it, worshipping at the church regularly becomes a thing of the last and your living like the world. Can you worship at any of these places? Absolutely!!! But are you is the question, or are you putting your hobbies before god? And the bible teaches about tithing among many other things so the "church" is not a made up thing to create revenue

Nicely said. If your heart is in it (for the right reasons) it's a good thing. If it's being used as a status symbol its false and pointless. If it is right for you then go but if you're gona be checking sc during service just stay home. I can talk to God anytime anywhere. I don't need a pretty building with a preacher driving a caddy to talk to God.

Glad to know there's a couple people out there that truely believe in the man and not what you should or shouldn't do by there rules !!

Interesting pount about tithing. Yes it is in the bible you are correct. Could one not tithe through other ways besides giving a church money? Donations to St. Judes, Little Angels etc. Not trying to debate just asking your opinion. Your income is going to show love, support and help to your fellow man. I think that counts as much or more than giving it to a church so they can add a new building. That's just my opinion and belief though.

The little church I get a chance to go to every once in awhile is not like that at all, there's no plat or donor box, it's about God!! Not to say I haven't been over there with tractors and a nail gun but never felt shamed into it, or for what I had on!!

This right here^^^ Also, don't let one church or one or two people at a church turn you off to all churches forever. There are many different types and denominations out there, you just have to find the one that suits you best. How many people have gotten bad food or service at a restaurant and swore off ever going out to eat again for the rest of their lives?

Um to be honest I would say no IMO. Tithing should be income and time. And the translation of tithe means 10%. It's to help spread the word of god and further his kingdom. Now there's a lot of shady "church" operations out there that you should never let your money see. However there's a lot of church's that should also. Find a church that follows the bible and not someone's own agenda. These are the places that have ppl so against church and even worse Christ these days. If you go to a church and feel like they want your money then you need to find a different church ASAP. If your in the right church, you will know it because you will want to be there worshipping and being part of god's movement throughout that church and the communities that it is affecting. If you feel like your buying some guys luxury car with your tithes, you need to find a new church not stop tithing. Tithing is from god, not being good stewards of it is not of god. Time to find a church that is on track with the bible and God.

So your job puts you on 7-12-or your in a county where your believes get you killed, you going to quit, it do what you have to do to support your family ??

A real church never hires a contractor to build anything thing new, the people of the church come together and use there skills or equipment to get the job done!!!

Keep putting your 5 or 10$ in the plate it that makes you feel better about yourself!!

It's not for me, would rather build it myself with the hands, and the good Lord. Where's your "hobbies" trying to provide for your family ??? Bet other then putting in the plate or your wife cooking something for someone that died you have never put no sweat blood or tears into making your church any better. And thats fine, it each there own, as to the way you feel you need to believe just happy you believe

I have nothing against church and go a few times a year, I just believe I don't need to be in a building at a certain time every week to profess my love for God. I do so in my actions in every day life

Is that what God is telling you to do? Or is that what you are telling you to do? The defining factor here is does your beliefs line up with the bible? And if your bible tells you to quit worshipping and stop sharing the gospel because of the possibility of being killed then we need to find you a new bible with all the pages. Because that is not what the bible teaches.

Now let's be realistic God is not wanting you to quit your job and put your family in the poor house because your out on 7-12s once and a while. However if your job allows you no time for worship then you may need to look for a new job. God first, family second, then everything else. If it isn't in that order you've got it wrong. No exceptions

Ff-t
Bet you have no ideal what it takes to get food on your table!!!
All the mega farms sale oversee, and the small farms are pretty much gone!! Maybe you by "all natural foods" lol that's even a bigger joke!! Oil,(rubber,fuel,plastic it's packaged in) free range eggs!!!

Guess I am wrong because nothing is more important then my family that God made for me!!!

If I could of said it better I would have

Andy I'm not here to argue with you. I'm stating truth. And all that stuff you just tried to slander me for could not be farther from the truth. I'm coming from a place of love. I am not here to convert you to my religion or tell you how to raise your family. I'm just sharing some biblical truths with you. I want to see you thrive and be the best husband and father you can possibly be. God wants to be the center of your life. And with God the center of your life, everything else will fall into place. Going to church doesn't save you. Relationship with God and trusting that Jesus is who he says he is does. Love you bro

So you would give up your believes (or the five or ten dollars you put in the plate) to provide for your family ??

Or you going to work every day/night that's a church day and keep them out them out of the poor house, off the streets doing wrong it make a quick buck, or you going to support your family and do no matter what it takes to provide for them and teach them your skills when you get a day off??

Very well said, and I respect you more now cause you said it, like I said earlier to each there own for what's best for them and there family. We in agreement here.

For me personally if it was a long term thing of 7-12's I would look for another job. Actually have done it before for that reason. God will make a way and provide for me. He has shown me that countless times. And if I'm having to work like that to keep myself afloat then I would downsize and sell some stuff because I must be living too far above my means. Which I have also realized and done before

Point well made man. I respect the sanctity of the house of God very much. Yes you are correct that everyone has to find a place they feel like is right for them. If it's a multi million dollar church that owns six city blocks then go. If it's a country church that still does dinner on the grounds after sunday school then go. If it's your deer stand or duck blind where you sit there and look at God's creation alone and thank him for making and protecting something as small as you then go. Not everyone walks the same path but I refuse to believe multiple good paths won't meet at the end.

Spot on.

Ones heart has to choose to see God. He can be right in front of you and never seen or he can be found in the simplest seemingly minute things if you choose to allow your heart to see him.

As long as those paths follow the bible then you sir are correct. Unfortunately you can't trust all churches and church leaders. That's why it's so crucial to read his word and have a personal relationship with God.

BOOM!!! He's there all the time waiting and wanting you just have to seek him

Hence my belief. If one truely feels God in church they should go. If one says yeah I need to go to church but doesn't truely have their heart in it they should stay home. If Andy truely finds his peace with God while on his tractor I believe he is absolutely right. If Meaux finds his peace with God in a duck blind I believe he is absolutely right. If you find your peace with God at a church I believe you are absolutely right FF. Seek and you shall find.

Good stuff you've posted in this thread!
 

Accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior early on in life and have tried to always put him first by living for him and giving him the first day of the week which is Sunday, as well as giving him the first 10% of my income. Doesn't mean I don't fall short sometimes, but after seeing what he did for me on the cross of Calvary I don't want to live my life any other way. The same goes for my family as well.....I try to lead them according to God's word. Their is one way to eternal life in heaven and that road is narrow according to the bible....only through faith in Jesus Christ, not Allah, Buddha, Mohammad, etc. Unlike these fake gods, Jesus Christ was the only one powerful enough to rise from the grave! Hallelujah, what a savior!

Boom to each there own, I personally don't need someone that went to school and has a following to tell me how to believe in the Lord. It was just a simple question as to what others thank, to expand my thoughts and believes !

Agreed. I didn't accept The Lord until I was almost 40 years old. He completely changed my life and saved my marriage. I'm far from perfect but I was a complete jerk before.

Great for you man!!! None of us are perfect by any stretch but thanks to Jesus we are forgiven.

I forgot to respond to the original question of this thread. I go to church every Sunday except during duck season. Then I worship The Lord by watching the marsh come alive with a couple of dear friends. Let me be clear, going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than going to McDonalds makes you a hamburger. What makes you a Christian is having a relationship with Jesus Christ period.... I go to church because I enjoy it and have made some great friends there. It gives me a opportunity to hear Gods word and learn a little more about the bible but it doesn't make me a Christian. Duckman is just as much a Christian and never goes to church (if he believes in Jesus which I believe he does). The only thing that matters is belief in Jesus, not going to church.

You are right and I believe we are all right. Choose your path by faith. Help your neighbor and do no harm unless it is to protect yourself or your family. For those that may think I contradict myself my neighors are part of my family. I will defend them the same as the rest of my pack. I fear not the sheepdog beacause I am the wolf. I dabble not in the means of the shepard. For his flock is his family and he will defend it so. God has set forth a path for me and I will follow it. God Bless you all and do not beat your weapons into plows. They will be needed.

Andy in your original post you seem to be asking a question then making a statement to defend yourself...I don't think you ever have to go to a church...I am catholic and the way I see it you follow the 10 commandments all else falls into place...If it is for you to have to work then maybe thats the way the GOOD LORD intended it...I don't think that makes you no worse than nobody else...As for myself I go to church every sat. afternoon...I do not think I am obligated to go , I go to try and learn more about my faith...To be honest most times I walk out without a clue as to what the sermon was about...Before mass starts I open the book and start reading hoping to get some understanding from it...Once the priest passed by and told me I was on the wrong reading for the day...I told him I just open the book and figure where it falls thats what the GOOD LORD wants me to read today...As for keakar you need another church...I also pass the basket and at least half don't contribute and there is no one to frown upon them....My mother and father wanted me and my 5 sisters to have a catholic education and the priest let us all ,6, 1 thru 8th grade go to the catholic school without a dime ever being paid...There is a food bank at the rectory for anyone who ask's...But it does take a lot of money to keep any building operational....As for a dress code we have whats called the dog people,,,,those who train and field trial their retrievers in the spillway come in full camo and even hip boots and they are most welcome,,,,maybe one day they might bring their dog....The catholic church in winnfield up in north la. in winter is full of hunters in their camo coming in after a hunt .....

Tithing in the bible is not at all what the church teaches about tithing.

Tithing is not mandated on the church. There are instances where tithing is mentioned in the New Testament, but Jesus is actually pointing out that they are still abiding by an old law while overlooking the main laws in place, I.e. Judgement, mercy and faith. Jesus mentioned tithing twice in this way and both times the tithe he spoke of was agrarian (herbs and spices specifically).

It's amazing to me that people actually give 10% of their income to a guy on a pulpit (who says the money is for God) because he has made them scared of burning in hell, all by manipulating or misinterpreting the words in a book. Read it yourself folks.

Church is an ancient equivalent to Facebook, people just copy, paste and believe - someone we know or like said it, so damnit it's gotta be true!

I'd bet most people who have shared stories from TheOnion are avid tithers.




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To answer the specific question asked, "how many times a week does one have to go to church to be a real/true believer (I take that as Christian). ZERO is the answer. The Bible does not say you have to go to Church to be saved. It says to admit you're a sinner, REPENT from your sins (that means turn away), accept Christ as Your personal Savior and "follow him". Then be baptized to show the world you have repented and given your life over to Jesus. Christianity is not a religion, it is a relationship with the Creator, and the Christ. The Bible does say not to forsake the assembling of yourselves. The early Church in Acts gives us examples of assembling together often. Nobody was making them go, they chose so that they could hear the Word of God preached, so they could be be with fellow believers and be strengthened in their faith, and so they could share with others about the saving Grace of Christ. They assembled because they gave their heart over to Jesus, and Jesus became their reason for living. So the question is not how many times do you HAVE to go to church to be saved and be a Christian, but what can keep you from it if you have found the truth of salvation for eternal life. What would keep you from attending to worship Christ with Christian brothers and sisters. Yes work takes us away sometimes, we travel, and sometimes we're so weary and tired we may miss every once in a while, but if it bothers you more to GO to Church than to MISS Church, then maybe you really don't think Christ is worth it and should admit it and move on. Same with any relationship, if there is not relationship, split!

live it, be it............then you are good...........

I love God, it's his "followers" that scare the hell our of me

The thing about tithing is neat for me.........it's one of the areas of the Bible God actually lays down a challenge..........somewhere in Malichi........."test me in this".........

I have, and I have not beat him yet

Please explain since I'm a follower. I'll admit, I'm imperfect, and I'm a hypocrite trying not to be....but I guess I should not go to Church so I don't offend you or scare the hell out of you...

Don't get offended here brother...........what I am trying to say is.........many people will "preach" until thier breath is gone but have no faith.

they know how to tell others how to have faith..........how to show up for study.......but have no idea how to live it.

I too am a follower.....

I see the same folks many many times want prayer, walk up and be prayed over, pass out, have convulsions and all the signs..........but at the end of it all have no faith........

I pray for them........

I have not idea why I am blessed beyond what I deserve.......
I am given blind confidence.........no idea why......

Totally confident on who I am ..........could have it all wrong.......but then again........

Can you recall where it defines what a tithe is and why it was in place?

The verse in Malachi also refers to the storehouse, but in reality what was the storehouse? Why was it needed and who was it for? Was it for God? Does God need you to give him something he already owns(food and animals)? Does he need money, which is supposed to be the root of all evil and something that means nothing in the afterlife and should mean little during this earth age?

How much was outlined to be given, whether monetary or agrarian?


God has to smile more when you give to those around you instead of the brick and mortar business of church.






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The Great Commission
Matthew 28:19-Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

It takes money to spread the gospel message, that's why I tithe. The 10% figure is debatable, but anybody who is trying to live a Christian life should WANT TO contribute something to the furtherment of God's kingdom.

There is only 1 way to be a believer and that is to believe that Jesus Christ died as a sacrifice for your sins and that he rose from the dead and sits in heaven.

Now, going to church as a believer is a different topic. You don't have to go and nobody is counting your absences except for you and your local church. But just be aware of a couple of things. One, God says he will be present when 2 or more or gathered in His name. There is a real feeling of that presence and it is assuring and comforting. Church is 'one' of the places that happens. Also, God's word tells us that the devil is real and he walks around looking for the weak. Standing with others is a good thing. At times, you will need their strength and at times, they will need your strength. And this leads to the fact that we have all been giving gifts from God. These gifts were given to us to assist 'the body', the family of God. Its no different than God gave our body different parts. We are much stronger as a whole than an individual. Too many of us think we don't matter. We all matter and all have been given something to make our local group of believers stronger.

Church is a way that brings local believers to get together and celebrate God's grace and say thanks, but also that we may stand together in strength and support of one another 24/7/365 not just on Sundays.

Going to and belonging to a local group of believers is much more about playing your part and being there for others than it is about 'getting' anything and definitely not about keeping count.

I agree.......however, no one group does more for the poot than the church.......none, nada......

While things are different now, there was a time the poor knew to reach out to the church.......

now I guess it's the government

Bob

OK.. I feel U.. I need a Big Rib Rack..... FREEEE :))))))))))

sure wish there was a "like" button..... X100

I'll just say that this morning about 3am, I woke with a very bad headache, even made me nauseated. Almost took a "sick day" from Church. Decided I needed to go and have a visit from God and be uplifted in song, worship, and fellowship. Still had my headache after church, but my soul was stirred this morning. It is unexplainable, but I needed that this morning. Wonderful sermon on God's Holiness, and his demand that we be Holy (not mistake or sin free, but going in the right direction). Our Pastor at Highland Baptist Church in New Iberia hit it out of the park this morning. Ya'll on this thread were in my thoughts this morning and I prayed for each of you. Have a Blessed Day men.