One thing known to all of us, is, that we truly do need to be in fellowship with others that are liked minded. Especially when it comes to the deception that is rampant in the church today. For some of us, we just don’t fit anymore, seems like we have forever been altered by what God has brought us through, we feel misshapen and out of place in the pews today. The believers who sit around us, don’t get us. They think we’re odd, out of place, don’t understand why we don’t enter the worship like they do or the church programs, or get involved in the churches politics. We speak of deception in the churches and they look at us like we are literally from another planet. While they may agree with it, if they listen, they have a look of…” what does that have to do with me?….can we get back to the plans for the ladies luncheon or what event our small group is planning???”…… Like a round peg shoved into a square hole and they desire for us to fit into it but we don’t, we can’t.

Psalms 133:1-3  A song of degrees of David. Behold how good and how pleasant for brethren to dwell together in unity!

UNITY: assemble- alike (Strongs)

It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the shirts of his garments;

As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon; the mountains of Zion: for there the LROD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.

Although we realize that even within the institutional church today there remains believers that are certainly part of the body of Christ. It has become apparent that for many of us who have come out of deception and the institutional church; that it’s not an option to enter back in. We need to truly understand that although we are still a part of the body of Christ, just as those believers who still remain and attend an institutional church are also, we don’t necessarily mix or function well together. We are vastly different in that we now: function, think, walk, talk, operate from a point that is almost foreign and alien to those who go to a church. We are truly a different part of the body and for us to try and acclimate ourselves again to the church “climate” is impossible, for some of us. And that’s ok, we need to try and connect with others of the “same part” (likeminded) of the body of Christ so that we can strengthen and support each other and grow in Him. It’s explained clearly in:

1 Corinthians 12:14 For the body is not one member, but many.

The entire chapter speaks of our differences and yet all of us are in Him. So it stands to reason that we, who are outside the institutional church aren’t going to fit. We are part of that body that attends one; but we are like a finger trying to fit and grow on a foot, it’s not where we belong. The need to find likeminded believers who have gone through similar things and have an understanding of them is necessary and that can share what God has done for them through it all. We are a part of the whole body of Christ but parts, (in particular) that need each other. We don’t fit any place else, we won’t function properly, we won’t be able to benefit the body if we are not where we are supposed to be.

Eph. 4:16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

We generally don’t see Baptist’s going to a Charismatic church every week or vice versa. Yet they are both considered “parts” of the body of Christ. I hope that all would agree on this. They both stay within the part of the body they belong to and function accordingly and appropriately as intended. So too, I’m beginning to see this also, with those of us who have come out of false doctrine and false teaching and are outside the institutional church walls.

I understand that many or most will look at this and not get it. I’m trying to figure things out within myself and just putting it out there so if anyone wants to weight in, feel free.