Questions, Questions, Questions
Q. Why Should I Join a Church?
A. There are many reasons to join a church. One reason to Join a church is obvious, to be with like minded people who share the same religious beliefs that you have. Another reason to join a church is to build relationships with people who help each other to grow in faith and understanding, to have others who will lift you up in prayer and take your spiritual, as well as your physical welfare, to heart. There are, of course, many other biblical reasons to belong to a church, but often it's the need to belong to a group of individuals that care for you and about you, that most people desire today.
"Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." Hebrews 10:25
Q. Aren't church people judgmental and often Hypocritical?
A. Sadly yes, there are those within the church who are judgmental and some who are hypocritical and even some who are both, but just as there are bad doctors and bad teachers and bad apples in every barrel, we should not judge everyone that goes to church guilty as charged or else we are in fact, guilty of judgment ourselves. After all, ultimately, God knows all of our hearts, and deals with us in His way. So, never let those who are guilty of these things deny you the blessings of being around those who are not guilty.
Q. Why is Shiloh a Church for me?
A. The truth is, that Shiloh may or may not be the right church for you, "What!! a church that's not right for me? Who says that!?" Well, there are many different people with many different beliefs, some beliefs are deal breakers others are not, that is why on our Home Page you can see exactly what we believe so you know whether or not our beliefs are compatible with your beliefs. Too many people base finding a church more on what programs they have or how popular it is, rather than on what they believe, preach and teach. At Shiloh we want you to feel at home when you join us. We are passionate about leading others to Christ, growing in our faith, teaching and preaching the true Gospel of Christ and loving those who are in our church family as well as those in the community around us. But, regardless of where you choose to attend church, we desire that you join a church body somewhere, after all, your relationship with Christ is what is most important to us.
...And More Questions....
Q. What is prayer..... really?
A. Prayer is an intimate conversation with God. Not the reading off of a laundry list of things that you would like God to do for you, not done half heartily but with sincerity . God loves you and cares about you, and because He loves and cares about you He would like to hear from you so that in this way he may help build your faith and love for Him. What better way for a child to learn from his or her father than to talk to them and we do that through prayer.
Q. When Should I Pray.
A. You should pray whenever you need to. That is the simplest answer. There are belief systems all around the globe that will tell you how many times to pray, what time or times of the day or evening to pray, and even how long you should pray. Do you have to pray before bed, before a meal, when we get up, when the sun is at it's peak. Prayer should become second nature to you, just like checking your social media or emails or even texting. God is relevant 24 hours a day 7 days a week 365 days a year. Talking to God should be as natural as talking to someone else. When in doubt pray.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Q. Where should I pray and Where shouldn't I pray.
A. Easy answer, God is everywhere, so pray everywhere. Yes Jesus, in Matthew 6:6 Said "But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly." Jesus condemned those that made a spectacle out of their faith because they wanted to be seen as pious and holy, but if you need to pray, pray no matter where you are at just keep it private and don't make a show of it.
Q. Is There Really Power in prayer?
A. Yes There is!! There are countless people who have experienced life changing events because of prayer, there are people who have asked for trivial things in prayer like just help finding their lost keys, no matter how big or small God wants to here it all! The power of prayer is directly linked to faith. In Matthew 21:22 we are told "And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” But that doesn't mean that God doesn't answer sincere prayer in order to build our faith even when we doubt or are worried that He is not going to answer us. Just remember God gives us what we need not what we want. So Give honest and sincere prayer a try if you haven't already, you may be surprised.