how to stop sinning

I heard the other day that “So many people have stopped going to church.” I didn’t know that, but perhaps they have heard the same two sermons so often that they have them memorized; more money, more people.

I only know about six people who would rather be the church that God has called Christians to be rather than going to church, so I may not be the one to ask, but I can speak for myself.

One lady said that it is better to gather with the people of God, than to gather with the people of this world. Amen! I agree with that 100%! However, do the people of God put up with a different Gospel, or a different Jesus, or a different spirit?

2 Corinthians 11:4  For if he who comes to you preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted – you may well put up with it! NKJV

Where are the people of God who hold to the teachings found in the Bible, rather than ignoring the verses that they do not hold on to (2 Thessalonians 2:13-15, 1 Corinthians 15:1-2)? Please tell me if you know. I want to gather with them right now!

My Bible says not to gather with those who are unwilling to walk according to what is written. What does your Bible say in 2 Thessalonians 3:6?

2 Thessalonians 3:6 But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us. NKJV

Does that say “Withdraw from every brother?” Does that verse insinuate that it is okay to be called “Christian” and yet disobey the teachings? Verse 14 of that same chapter says the same thing.

2 Thessalonians 3:14-15  And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he might be ashamed. 15 Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. NKJV

It’s one thing to sin and repent, having a contrite heart, but it is a totally different issue when we ignore that the verses even exist, and even take a stand against those who mention them.

Christians are supposed to warn Christians (verse 15 above, Colossians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 5:12-13). According to the Word of God, the prophets even judge from the floor during the service (2 Corinthians 14:29). Boy, are we a long ways from that are what?

We don’t do any of that any more, if we ever did, because our method to stop sin in the church is not working, because we do not preach the Word. Therefore, we have to turn a blind eye to anyone who walks in the door because we need their money to keep the doors open.

What that amounts to is that we are not trusting God, but the world system in which our service is based on. We stopped trusting God way back when we decided to run the church like a business.

Who added people to the early church according to Acts 2:47? Is the Lord’s arm too shot to add people to the church today, or have we stopped trusting in His ways?

God could see all the way to the end of the world when He decided to have a church, and yet the only Words He left for us are written in the Bible? Did He really need our wisdom in adding changes to His Word, just because He spoke so long ago?

According to Proverb 30:5-6, and 1 Corinthians 4:6, God only needs someone to preach His Word. His Word is enough for those who believe it (1 Thessalonians 2:13).

We need to repent and return to the Lord our God in accordance with His ways found in His Word. We need to put away the world’s way of doing things and return to God’s Word.

Ephesians 5:2-7, 1 Corinthians 5:9-13, 2 Timothy 3:1-9, and 1 Timothy 6:3-5 along with the verses above are very clear concerning who Christians, that live by faith, are NOT to associate with. If we followed those verses to the letter, I don’t know if there would be one church left to gather in here in the Bible belt. That’s how far we have drifted from the truth (Hebrews 2:1).

So, why be a part of that? Do I need to jump on a sinking ship, even when the captain doesn’t know he is taking on water? “Oh hey, come aboard!” “Don’t worry about that water, since God promised,” “No more floods!” Hee hee.

Does a pilot forget the instructions on his maiden voyage, and turn to the paying customers for guidance? “You guys are the ones paying for this flight, so according to my worldly philosophy book, you ought to have a say so.” Have we bumped our heads?

If you are serious about the faith that we should be proclaiming, and know of a church gathering that is in-line with what is written in the Bible, please let me know. However, I would prefer to watch a sermon or two on video (YouTube, etc) before I attend. I’m Alan Ballou; a servant.