Why are most church doors now locked, and even when they're open won't let Christ the head of the body in?
90312
"Behold I stand at the door and knock" not only refers to a call to repentence, but also pertains to the state of the churches of the end-time putting Christ out of the Church altogether, because "they say they are rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing", they have their own dogmas and creeds in place of the Gospel, but unfotunately for them God says that they are "wretched,and miserable, and poor and blind and naked". If they followed the Word of God the way He wrote it they would not behave as they do. It's a sign of the times. "he that hath an ear. let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches". Just because they may not follow Him, doesn't mean you can't.
1041346
Many just can't get past the gay thing.They are more concerned with what two guys do in the privacy of their own homes then with what they themselves do.Jesus would not approve and would again say to modern followers, "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone".
578424
It is still very prevalent here is the states. But there are many people who are insecure at the sight of another's rituals. Therefore many people feign outrage and force religion indoors. In otherwords, It's there..it's just not in the open as much as it used to be.
729371
In the United States there is no such thing as sanctuary within a church. The police have the right to enter and arrest anyone that they have a legal warrant to do so.
287929
First, there are those who don't believe in HIM. Second, some people are so involved with matters of living, that they don't recognize that he is knocking. This include  people who consider themselves Christians. They are too involved with making money, their free time off, vacations, etc.The only time they have for God is one hour on Sunday, and they are back to their usual routine. Look what happen after 9/11. Churches around the US were up to capacity, but as time goes by, the crowds get thinner and thinner, and pretty soon, only the regular church goers were left.Some people tend to call upon God only to aid them in their needs. When their needs are fulfilled, then God is cast aside again, until they need Him again.I know that this sounds like a harsh judgment, but thats the way it is with some people.
904788
Christianity has become democratized - anyone can say a few words before their congregation, get a little sprinkle of water, and boom - they're "saved" - and their spot in heaven is guaranteed. Then they can become foot-soldiers for the church and battle evil doers like scientists. I always believed it took a lifetime of inner reflection, constant work on yourself, and love and respect for all life to get to heaven - I guess I'm old fashioned. Christians are becoming an army - not just for Christ - they're starting to tote guns!
972878
Yes, Midge. there is and we have to stop it. Especially us Catholics. We can't just change the whole doctrine of the church just for "Tolerance" and "Appeasement" . We need to keep our church whole and traditional. The Catholic church has been pretty black and white in the past, now some of it is becoming gray. I hardly hear much in my church anymore about pro-life issues. Only the small groups do anything about it, but it is no longer preached. What's happening here? Can't be a liberal Catholic!\nGod Bless and Merry Christmas to you!
950811
How could Jesus Christ suddenly appear in a locked room if He were only a man?
1032392
I've always been told that they face the east so that when Christ returns their bodies will rise to meet him. That's probably why it started and people have just stuck to the tradition. But, I live in the bible belt so things may be different in other parts of the country.
266719
no....\nIt's actully a protection for the people inside.\nIf god sends his wrath on them, then just because they're inside a holy place, might get averted.
992044
I have been to several different churches.  Some do, and some don't.  The focus never seems to be on an image, statue or drawing.  I think people are worried to much about the wrong things!
604472
I think it is coming at us from all sides. We have been warned in Rev 3 that the church would become lukewarm and I think that we are attacked on all four sides. Humanism from the atheist, legalism from the liberals and catholics, experiential from emotionalism and compatibility from the ecumenicals. That is why Jesus said if any man will hear My voice and follow me. Religion in our day is a personal commitment, the churches have gone cold.
967472
No form needed, you are a christian now.  \n\nI will ring your doorbell and run away!!!
672258
A friend of mine got married. She is Mormon. I am not. I could not come to the ceremony. THAT was hard for me to accept...why would a church exclude people from its walls? Exclude people from such an important ceremony. It kinda hurt...and that was like 20 yrs ago too.
979395
Everyone wants the possitives that come with Christianity. Jesus said himself that many shall knock to come in but few will actually enter. Of course there are gay people who want to be christians and maintain their lifestyles. Think of mobsters and criminals who kill and steal and sell drugs yet they wear crosses around their neck, or the stripper with a cross tattooed on her back.  \n\nUnless they leave behind all and follow Christ, they are doomed
480618
Catholics are Christians if they have accepted Jesus as there saviour, same as any other denomination. (I'm not Catholic.) I don't know where you live but in UK the mainstream church had lost it's way and started compromising on things such as sex before marriage and the like, but now things are going back to God's word. The church I'm in is very Bibe based, happily.
1163985
Being a priest in the middle ages wasn't what we consider it now.  It was mostly a politcial position bought for second sons.  Like being a politician today there were some people that took their job seriously, and then there were the people who were spoiled and corrupt.  There was almost no accountablity, so those that broke the Church's rules paid their way out if they got into trouble, or did what they wanted.  The widespread corruption was what eventually lead to the breaking of Church authority.