bad church experience/ church hurt?

Used to go to church, or left the faith?

Those not Christian have a misunderstanding that "today" (after 1995?) "Church" is not how it used to be (back in our grand parent and great grand parents era).

Unfortunately there were always false converts in Apostles era, thru to our '70s, and in all thru the 2010's ... it's even worse today. There always will be - until the end of time. It is not just cults and non protestants you need to be on the look out for in the West, it is false converts too and false churches. Those in "churches" with both false preachers with false doctrine/ teachings, are a problem as are those who brought society's false world beliefs into any church, and their sinful behaviors(*) too. But today false converts are even in real Churches. Jesus said he will have them seperated on Judgment day. Hiding in a church and wearing a mask isnt going to trick God. Those cause havoc in churches but wont be in Heaven. And won't be spared if they die in their sins. 

So theres large numbers of unsaved people in churches and theyre are also idolators; who believe in a god and a jesus, but not the true God and true Jesus. They are not saved and so they live like the world, and do not live a biblical worldview. >> How can they 🤷‍♀️when 1. God didnt convert them and 2. They do not have the indwelling Holy Spirit., and 3. These folk further dont read the Bible & apply it daily, they (like all idolators) pick and choose from it, take it out of context and twist its meaning into a selfish focus. The false ones take a form of religiousity that isnt Christianity but for a while appears as it is. So both the believers and unbelievers are in the churches. Not a surprise, Jesus spoke about this in the parables, the apostles constantly corrected churches, and gave various instructions, including to be looking out for wolves... and to know the Scriptures so you are not lead astray/have discernment.

The Bible talks clearly about true believers, and we need to judge the (religion) faith based on the one being followed, not the followers. I am sure today theres only about 40% of churches (and likely 25% of those in the congregation) who are actual Christians. So among the few experiences some of you have had in some churches, theres many more that are biblical, godly, loving and following Christ that you never encountered yet.

For us redeemed, our faith is in God who saved us, not in the flawed people he saved nor the pretenders around us. So we wouldn't leave Church because of the people. We are there for God. If you're in a false church, go to find a biblical one. 

Jesus said YOU you come follow me. So dont worry about those others, God will sort them out. 

We born again ones all need to be reading the Bible daily, understanding all this clearly, but also allowing God to work through us, change us and influence us, shaping our life and worldview to a biblical one. 

And the people in churches and those who left; the unsaved ones (who think theyre saved/followers of Christ but are not), if they recieved a "false gospel", not coming to Jesus for the right reason and thru the Biblical Gospel, then we need to continue to proclaim it from the pulpit, our testimonies, and in probing their salvation once we notice something is off. 

Now, Scripture calls us to Examine Ourselves... but most dont even read the Bible so they know nothing of all these things...and are therefore easy prey for false teachers, or decide they dont want God (because they love their sins), or are weak believers because theyre never reading the Bible in daily quiet time with God. Sadly. And they get disillusioned. But others are weak but saved, and if are under false teaching and in a false "church", God will reveal it to them (through others, or books, audios or videos, sermons etc) 😊 and theyll leave -to go find a biblical church. 

If that was you, you left cuz someone hurt you, you now understand what you didnt realize back then, and can come back, because you get it now. No church is perfect, nor filled with 100% only Christians, and of the real ones there they will make mistakes. Thats why Grace, Love & Forgiveness are important. 

As far as what your situation was or what others are going through even when your feelings get hurt... Let's just pray for everyone. We dont know their situation, but can have convos with them, help answer questions when we encounter it, and ask forgiveness when we mess up, or go lovingly let someone know they hurt your feelings. And... just thank God 1. In Heaven we will all be perfect, 2. that all who are in the "Book of Life" already belong to Jesus and always will 😊. And 3. encourage & uplift those new believers we encounter who have questions or doubts. 😊


Related 

Church related
Encouraging the Believer
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(*) footnote:
Some may say bad things have happened in a few churches so they avoid church. That is a cop out. You as a parent or adult can ensure you are around your children the whole time theyre there and not let them out of your sight if you have a concern. Same with single people, you can bring a family member or good friend with you and always stay in a buddy system. Today most churches will not allow a child, teen or female to be alone with someone and always have 2 people in classrooms for your safety. 

A small % of People may have had a really bad experience (such as sexual abuse) in church (or in a religion/ church claiming to be Christian), but that is because there are both unsaved and saved people there. Sin still exists in this world.

Sinful evil people are in public schools too. Do you say the same of them? Run from school and never let your child there? 

There is benefit in being in Church. You dont let the possibly bad things that can happen, keep you from living life, among family, schools, living in society, or going to Church

If you grasp this, go get to Church this week whether it is on Wed night or Sunday go get back into the congregation life. God has plans for you there. Go serve your King. 😊


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