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Many it seems today decide to leave the church they have been attending. Some assume that if you leave a church, they have automatically abandoned Christ.

There are many reasons. To those leaving, the reasons seem justified. Some of the reasons are justified, some are not. There are many churches to choose from and available to attend; therefore there are many also to leave, whatever the reasons. If someone knows the truth of Jesus Christ, and have believed in Him, if they are tired of the preaching they hear for some reason, perhaps they should just stop listening and just start living the truth.

If the truth is being lived every day, the reasons for leaving will be confirmed. Tired of hearing preaching that is the truth? Then just start living it.

The Apostle Paul said to the Christian of his day, that they should not “forsake not” the assembling of themselves together. This is all that Paul or the new testament has to say about the issue, although it is assumed by some that the assembly must be a certain church. The irony is, the word “church” is missing from Paul’s statement. Church is almost automatically assumed to be what he meant. Perhaps so…perhaps not. It is rather strange that he was not specific as to what or which…if a church name or denomination is meant.

The silence, as has been said, is deafening.

There are assemblies of individuals who hear a teacher who the group believes is “qualified” in some way to teach others.

The problem with a church (worshiping group?) is that, if the group begins to grow in attendance, certain issues begin to become necessary to address. If the group becomes large enough, consideration seems to be given to larger issues, such space in which to meet; the demand on the leader’s time and ability, etc., etc. As the group expands, opinions can begin be voiced, perceived needs begin to appear, including financial needs.

As the original grows over time, certain issues must be addressed. These issues begin to grow, each drawing it’s group of people with perceived solutions. As has often been said, where there is a group of people, especially a “large” group, dissatisfactions and discontents begin to grow accordingly.

Then…because they are people who are not perfect yet…there are those who choose to leave the group (congregation). The reader can imagine the results…especially over a long length of time. Some, or many, begin to leave. Some leaving church permanently. Some begin looking for a church more compatible with their nature. Or, their beliefs. Should they have left? Should they have just endured their objections, believing that Christ would settle all objections and issues. So they remain; and endure; and pray.

Now…the other side of reality. Those who leave begin to search for a more compatible congregation to become a part of where they sincerely believe they can grow spiritually. Unfortunately some will not only leave a church congregation, but they have made deeper and more unfortunate decision

Not only have they left a church…they turn their back on Christ. They forsake Him and never become a part of Christian group or congregation again. Thankfully, they are the minority who completely turn their back on church…and Jesus Christ. The tragedy with this decision is, some feel that they have, with the same decision, forsaken Jesus Christ.The wonderful truth about our Savior is that He is ALWAYS living in us. We may faultier, stumble, make bad decisions, His outstretched hands are always open.

As long as one does not turn their back on HIM, He will never abandon us. It may be a long, long time. But He will lead us, and eventually place us where we can grow.

“I will not in any way fail you, nor give you up, nor leave you without support! I will not, I will not, I will not in any degree leave you helpless, nor forsake you, nor let you down - assuredly not!” - Hebrews 13:5 (AMP)

"'Christ in You...'" from Dale Krebbs

The Saints Who Slept