change in definitions in church.

Have you ever thought of the different meanings that we give to the word church?  When we ask someone where they go to church, what do we mean?  We use church to refer to buildings and property or to refer to an incorporation, or a set of services, or even church staff.  I am not trying to criticize anyone for their beliefs.  I am only trying to explain mine.

I see the word church to really be just the plural of the word believer.  I mean anytime believers are together they are called church.  These get togethers can be planned or just meetings of "chance".  When I read the New Testament, I see examples of these get togethers but no command saying this is the way that it must be done.

As someone who not only had grown up attending traditional church meetings, but was a leader with in them, I began to realize that something was missing in these meetings.  I believe that even though we talked about God being there, we really did not experience Him as Friend or a close loved one.  I have been drawn by the Spirit to look at christianity 101 and to see people as the early christians did.

I think that as we get together with our friends, we are to" spur one another on to love and good works",  ^{& to "}encourage each other"  For me this is better done in intimate settings, instead of corporate meetings where everyone who gathers is told what to do, what to sing, what to give, and what to think.  For me this best done by sharing with each other from the heart, friend to friend.  to be there for each other, to bear with each other.  We realize that any changes in us can only be made by God through us.  That is grace.  That is living inside out.  God cleans the inside of our hearts and so our attitudes and actions change.  Any changes that we attempt to make by coercion, will only change the actions.  An alcoholic can stop drinking but in their soul they are still an alcoholic unless they are changed on the inside.  The same is true with each of us and all of our short comings.  It is only when God changes our insides that true changes occur.