Do you attend Bible Study instead of Church? If so, why?

That is so true, Psychoartist! We are the Church. We are one body in Christ that is why we are called to meet together as one not only in the fellowship of small groups but as a body. A small group is but still one part of the bigger body of Christ, which is the Church (collectively). As written in 1 Corinthians. God brought Jesus into the world to restore relationships: His relationship with us and our relationship with one another (the latter is so...that together, we can perform His work as one body for His glory and honor). Thus, the two Greatest Commandments. Yes, there are still those so-called Christians who do harm to their fellow Christians. There are those with obvious and alarming attitude problems. But, we should remind ourselves that, as Christians, we don't look at people. We are all work in progress. We all need overhaul. For as long as we are in the flesh, there will be lotsa struggles. That is why the Bible tells us to be tolerant with one another. Bear with the failings of the weak. LeafyGreens, I mentioned about reflection of what's in the heart earlier...because you may need to carefully examine yours. But, AGAIN, it is God who will reveal things to you in His proper time. That's why my suggestion is just to keep praying. No right or wrong here until the Spirit speaks directly to you. We're all here for each other for edification. Such a wonderful way to meet fellow Christians in the Cyber World. Cheers! ^_^

Yes, exactly, Psychoartist. Very well put. I agree about the church not being a building but the people who worship together. Yes yes yes! That is what I came to in my prayers and thoughts about what to do. I am doing the pastor no favors by sleeping through his sermons. The thing is, I don't really think its his fault. Last weekend Hubby and I surprised everyone at church by attending a Sunday service after many months of not doing so. And yes I brought a book, just in case. And yes, I had to use it to stay awake. But as I looked around during the sermon I saw that most of the congregation were managing to pay attention and stay awake. So I can't say it's his problem, but mine. If others are enjoying his sermons, who am I to critique or say anything to him?

Yes, it is, Sharksfin. A very good way to meet Christian friends online. I am so glad my husband is supportive and understands. After all, he also gets very bored at church and would watch me read during the sermon. He sees me watch Joyce Meyer and even took me to go see her once in Phoenix. I NEVER EVER get bored from listening to her talk about developing a relationship with God or any other topic she covers. NEVER! She helps me understand my role as a woman of God and keeps me motivated to keep doing my best everyday as a Christian. Then I turn to my book of daily devotions and read about women in the Bible(the well-known and the ignored) to learn about them. I have needed this very much. And now I wonder if was all about intended by God because he knew this is what I needed. I am not sure yet. There is so much to learn now and my studies are very interesting and I am happier now. =)

Thanks, Sharksfin. No, no offense taken. Your opinions and comments are gratefully accepted in the spirit they were given. Maybe you have a point. Church is important but sleeping in church is downright rude. I have thought and prayed about this for a long time and I know God knows my heart. This is why I don't feel guilty or anything about going to small groups because meeting together to worship and pray as a group is very important too. And you know what Jesus said never went to church but met with his disciples anywhere it was possible to pray and learn about God. This is why going to church isn't as important to me as it is to gather together to worship the Lord be it at a home or other suitable location. What do you think?

You are gentle in spirit, LeafyGreens. If you prayed about it and there's no conviction from the Holy Spirit, then you're safe. Nothing to worry. We only need to abide in the true Vine. You don't really need to please anyone but God alone. We live to bring glory to His Name not anyone's. But, please continue in prayer. We must still seek the Truth until it reached our understanding. About sleeping in Church, yes, it is rude. And, it's so kind of you to initiate a solution in stead of insulting the one on stage. But, like I said earlier, that is something you need to lift up (surrender) to God. The Word says, "our fight is not against people on Earth, we are fighting against rulers and authorities and the powers of this world's darkness. We are fighting against the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly places"...therefore, we are challenged to, "be strong in the Lord and in His great power. Wear the full armor of God. Wear God's armor so that you can fight against the devil's clever tricks." (Continue reading Ephesians 6) The enemy knows the Bible and it's very clever in using the Word against us. Remember, when satan was tempting Jesus, he used the Scriptures. And the enemy has the power to instill wrong thoughts in us...even lies. Its main purpose is to deceive us so we won't receive victory. Like the Word says, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy" ... The enemy will do every possible thing to deceive us so we won't fully achieve salvation & life in Christ. It's also worthy to note ..."for my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. Lastly, about Jesus not going to Church, I wonder where you heard that from... Jesus grew up frequenting the Synagogues. He was attentive in listening and inquiring from the elders. Only during the latter part of His life that He started moving from one place to another (not necessarily in Church, anymore) as His mission to Spread the Word had to start. He was 30 when He began His ministry. And, He was successful in doing the mission given to Him in only 3 years. He was crucified after (as we are all aware). You're humble to ask...thanks for taking time to read my long replies.

You are very kind, Sharksfin. I am enjoying this very much. What I meant to say was that during his ministry he didn't preach only in temples nor that he have his disciples build him a temple or church to preach from. He chose to teach and give sermons in his travels wherever possible. I know he grew up going to temple just like any good jew but when he began his ministry he traveled and it wasn't from temple to temple. He was in homes, outside and wherever he could be heard. So when I realized this during my talks with God about going to church or not, this became clear to me and I felt better about not going to church. But then it became very important to me (I don't know why =) ) to start listening to Joyce Meyers in the morning, and doing a daily devotion to God. It became a habit and I felt even better and stronger because what Joyce talked about was what I needed to hear very much. And the book of daily devotions also helped introduce me to some of the women in the Bible. Another topic that really grabbed my interest. I realized this was all doing me a lot of good and my spirit was being fed at last. =)

Yes, Laura. I do understand. Before I stopped going to church altogether I began to bring christian books with me to read if I started to get sleepy and bored. They helped some but I knew that the pastor could see I wasn't paying attention. The church we go to is small. And I have thought about going to another church but this little church is my hubby's favorite and he has known the friends that attend there for YEARS. But he agrees that Bible Study is a much better way for us to worship and learn about the Lord. So this is what we are doing now.

Yes, I have thought long on this and I am open to other people's opinions so that is why I offered this question up here in MyLot. I may learn something from this that I need to consider but so far, I see no reason to continue as I am. And you seem to get what I am thinking. And I am at peace for now and I only hope to do better in time for myself and my relationship with God. =)

Thanks for the BR.