longer.blue

We have been part of 2 churches now, both of which actively hide their sins, and that is the reason I most likely won't go back into a physical church ever again. A southern Indiana mega church and a small church in the small town we used to live in. At both, I saw and heard things that were not biblical, and in both cases, the Devil had a firm grip on church leadership. In both, we had gotten very involved as volunteers, and the stuff we witnessed was heartbreaking. I'm not mentioning names, but because of these situations, going to a physical church and church politics leave a sour taste in my mouth, and I no longer see churches as safe places for believers. Since becoming more active in larger prayer groups on Twitter, praying for people on Facebook, and being actively involved in our prayer life, I see going to a physical building to worship the Lord not necessary. My wife and I have prayed more, and our faith has grown stronger by taking our walks with God on our own. Matthew 18:20 states, "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." This means that when two or more people gather together in the name of Jesus, His presence is felt among them. I think this can be applied to 2 people worshipping together privately like us, but it can also be applied to worship in a church with other believers. The statement "the church is within us" (Luke 17:21, KJV ) is a theological concept, often interpreted as emphasizing the spiritual reality of the Church rather than its physical structure. It suggests that the true Church is not limited to a building or organization but exists in the collective fellowship of believers, where the Holy Spirit and Christ's presence are felt and experienced. This interpretation aligns with the New Testament idea of the Body of Christ, where believers are united as one through their faith in Jesus. Here's a more detailed breakdown: The Kingdom of God is Within You: This is a central concept in Luke 17:21, which some interpret as meaning the Kingdom of God is a spiritual reality within believers. Not a Physical Place: The phrase "the church is within us" challenges the idea that the Church is solely a physical building or institution. The Body of Christ: This concept, found in New Testament texts, emphasizes the unity of believers as one body, with Christ as the head. The Holy Spirit and Presence: The presence of the Holy Spirit and Christ within believers is seen as a key aspect of the Church's spiritual reality. Fellowship and Community: This interpretation highlights the importance of community and fellowship among believers as a manifestation of the Church. In essence, the idea of "the church is within us" emphasizes the internal spiritual transformation and unity that comes through faith in Jesus, rather than focusing solely on the outward form of the Church.