Alan and Nancy,
I understand perfectly(well maybe not perfectly but pretty good) about what you are saying about the "churches" being full of hypocrites, and many are there for their own trip. I can say to that you are correct. Having said that I would say this.
Where else should a hypocrite be? Or any other sinner for that matter. That seems to be a perfect place for them,(me) as somewhere sometime a spoken word may touch their lives. They may not be touched sitting at home.
Also what is the church? Is it a fancy building with stained glass windows, is it the "men of renownd" sitting up front with fancy collars or robes on? NO, you know the Church is YOU. Baptized, believing followers of Christ. That is why I always contend that you can go to assembly, but you can't "go" to church as you are the Church. Defined as the BODY OF CHRIST.
And Alan, while it is not my position to judge any,I can say that even with all the hypocrites(even me sometimes) there are many blessings to be had in fellowship. Not only fellowship with the other believers but in praise and worship to God corporately.
Look at Psalm 100 .
Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his ; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Remember the walls of Jericho, with a great shout the walls came down. Was it because of the shout the walls fell,or was the shout so in line with what God asked of them that He brought the walls down?
One final thought. I asked a young lady not long ago what she knew or thought about God and her reply was this: " My parents are Catholic and I do have a faith and my faith is a private thing between me and God."
My reply?
Matt. 5:14 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.
15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
thanks for your time
dan
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