Putting Things in Place...continued

I'd like to talk a little bit about one of the reasons that I began this blog.
A question that someone might be tempted to ask is:
Are you trying to convince people to quit going to Church?
The answer is, no.
What I'm trying to do is equip people by teaching them that there is a difference between the church (a building with 4 walls and fancy stained glass windows) and the true Church (the Body of Christ, which is made up of people).
The local church house, down the street is not The Church and most, at least in our western culture, are filled with religion. That is not to say, however, that you can't find The Church within its walls. True Believers who truly love the Lord and are trying the best they know how to be obedient to Him. The reason I'm saying this is to help people understand that when church attacks it is from a religious, man made institution not from Jesus' Body. Also, to help people to shift away from accepting everything that is done and said within the walls of the church as Christian. Churches that are cold and elitist and people who call themselves Christian and yet make a lifestyle of going around attacking others, are probably not Christian at all. At the very least they are very immature and can be really quite dangerous and destructive. 
Remember what I said in the previous post. Read the Bible so that you know its teachings and principals. Walk in close relationship with the Lord. Watch for fruit... Keep in mind that when you find bad fruit in the church house or in the lives of people who profess to be Christian it has no baring on Jesus' goodness or on how much God cares. The fault lies with people not God's character. Also keep in mind that people are not perfect and you will be able to find fault with anybody if you look hard enough... if you're looking that hard, there's something wrong with your motives. Be patient with one another, letting Love govern. 
Lastly, it is important to be connected to the True Church, whether or not you choose to go to the church house on Sunday morning. Seek to be connected with true Believers who are Christ centered regardless of where you may find them. Being connected with the True Body of Christ will help you in your Christian walk, development and growth. Isolating yourself leaves you exposed to all kinds of attack, and should you fall who will be there to help you up again? 
Of course the Lord will help you but a lot of time and energy can be saved by having a True Christian network who can be there for you... and you for them.
So then, whether or not you choose to go down to the church house this Sunday morning or not is up to you. Just be wise, listening to the Lord, watching for fruit and understanding where attacks come from when they come.
Let the law of Love govern you.