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NASB | Hebrews 11:8 ¶ By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Hebrews 11:8 ¶ By faith Abraham, when he was called [by God], obeyed by going to a place which he was to receive as an inheritance; and he went, not knowing where he was going. |
Bible Question:
Other than moving to a new community and simply curiousity, how many local community churches have you participated with and left, because they were not right for you? And, on the average, how long did you stay at these local churches before moving on? If possible, please expand on the major reasons as to why you did not feel comfortable at these churches. |
Bible Answer: Greetings Brian, Until 2 years ago, I was an active member of the same loving fellowship all my life (I am now 46). I never ever did any "church hopping" or even church shopping. I was real comfortable in my padded pew and it fit my rear-end well! The reason I left was God's call, not satan's push. The Holy Spirit is a gentleman and always leads, never pushes. I gave the Heb 11:8 ref because that is a verse I can relate to. I obeyed God's call by going, but like Abraham, I was not sure where I was going, or what I was getting in to. I was satisfied where I was at. However, God wanted a soldier, not a tourist! He has honored my obedience, not according to my works, but according to His own purpose and grace (2Ti 1:9). He has given me both the desire and the equipping to do what He has called me to do. He has blessed me with an increased desire and knowledge of His Word. He has given me the ability I never had before to teach and preach His Word. This was only possible because God gave me the boldness to be able to step out of my comfort zone. I have always thought that all the church hopping people do is mostly following after the flesh, not the Spirit. I think that a person should stay where they are at unless God leads elsewhere. I once heard that finding a new church we can feel a part of and comfortable in, is kind of like buying a new pair of shoes. You need to give it a little time, and you might have to endure a few blisters! If the church is teaching the Word and their doctrinal statement lines up with your interpretation of the Word, stick it out unless God is giving you a CLEAR call to go somewhere else. Be an ACTIVE member, not a pew warmer (Jam 1:22-25). Conclusion: Follows God’s call, resist satan’s push. Be a soldier, not a tourist! retxar |