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Dear Brian, I really needed your web site today. I have been going round and round of late trying to figure out if there is something wrong with me. I am so tired of the business called church. Tired of arrogant self centered "preachers" who are paid for their "ministry" and keep making money to support themselves in a manner they never have been used to. It has gotten to the point that I don't trust any of them. If it's a big church I won't go, but the smaller churches are not so different. Scripture indicates that ministries are God given gifts to be used to edify the body of believers. Why do so many people call what they do a ministry and charge for it? How is that a ministry? How did we ever get to the point of church as a business? The early church met in people's homes? Why aren't we still doing that? Doesn't it seem that small groups of people can more easily help one another and hold each other accountable? Did Jesus really mean for us to attend groups sometimes numbering in the thousands? I have gotten so confused. There are so many different teachers out there. The danger is not outside of the church-Satan is not stupid. He is attacking from within. I really want to fellowship with like minded believers, but I can't find any. People are so content, it seems, to follow whoever that guy or gal is at the pulpit, they don't think for themselves. They don't ask questions. Truly they are like sheep, but following the wrong shepherd. I've attended many different denominations/non-denominations. I am sick to death of Sunday morning concerts (worship) by groups looking to promote their own music and selfish interests. I dislike "worship" that centers on people in the front on the stage as it were. I resent that I hear someone from the pulpit telling lies and when I confront the pastor he either ignores the whole thing or says he will get back to me, which he never does. I am weary of "ministers of the word" who can't agree on what the Word says. That causes me tremendous confusion. Especially when they are of the same denomination. I can't abide these theatrics of "slain in the spirit" and all the other stuff that goes along with that. Prosperity teachers and name it claim it frauds. But what is worse. I wish they were all true. I wish it was just as easy as they say it is. But it isn't. Christianity was never meant to be the way it is today. But where are the people like me who need people like me to worship and learn with??? I am feeling so alone and desperate. I want to be taught by someone who really loves the Lord and isn't in it for a paycheck. Where are those teachers found? There is so much more to talk about, but I have to get back to work. Thanks for letting me unload. I didn't know where to go to do this. Peace and health, Mary EDITOR'S NOTE: As I shared with her, Mary is certainly not alone in her thoughts about the carnal church system. There are many who have read her words and feel for her.
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