The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Too Reformed?

Hi Tom,

I would tend to think that if they've completely given up going to church even though there is one available that they are probably sinning. Of course, there is no perfect church that teaches Scripture 100% correctly, but it sounds like from what you've said there are some decent ones in the area. I wonder if the reason they are giving that there is not a reformed enough church around is really the real reason they stopped going to church.

Here are some other things I was thinking about. How are they going to participate in something like the Lord's Supper if they aren't attending church? What kind of example does this set for their children? Do they include things like singing hymns during their worship at home? Tithing? There is a big difference between just reading the Bible and hearing it preached.

As I get older and learn more about the Bible and as my beliefs become more refined, I admit that I face this same issue. When I was younger, I pretty much took everything that was said during the sermon as being correct, but now I sometimes find myself disagreeing with what is said. But, I still feel as Christians that we are commanded to fellowship together and worship corporately. So as long as there is a church available that isn't teaching heretical doctrine, then I think it's important to be attending church. In fact, I think a true Christian will have a desire to want to go to church. I'm not saying there aren't some Sundays where I don't feel like going, but overall I really love going to church and hearing Scripture being expounded and worshiping God. I really feel like something is missing when I don't attend.


If these people truly feel like this, I would be concerned about them. Although it's true that God continually sanctifies us through his Spirit and makes us more in the image of Christ, I think that as you go through the process of sanctification, you will actually feel less holy. This is because as God sanctifies you, you will see more of God's holiness and more of the depth of your sin. At the same time, though, Christ will become more beautiful to you. I'm not saying that as you look back over your life you won't see definite signs of change and God's grace in your life. The person I was 5 years ago is so different from the person I am now and I'm sure in another 5 years I'll feel the same. But, I certainly feel less holy now than I did 5 years ago.


This too doesn't seem like something that should have a place in a Christian's heart. If they have really been blessed with such a good knowledge of the Christian faith, shouldn't they be trying to help their "inferior brothers and sisters". Of course, there are some people who are just unteachable and I'm not talking about them, but others truly want to learn and need help.

John