Is a church a sanctuary...

[woolybear]

Is one untouchable roofed under Gods ceiling. Is it a safe place that knows no monetary values in respect to the world evolving outside no matter how poor you are.....?

Is there comfort to be found in a church even if you haven't been a strict follower of their rules in the past?

What does it take to make things right or at least know you got one of the good guys on your side when adversity stares you in the face and crushes you daily?

Lot's o prayers going up....just wondering how long it takes for him to answer. Never been much into religions but there has come a time I don't know where else to turn.

Thoughts for myself....

[Jeramie]

I’ve waited on commenting on this until I felt comfortable. I didn’t want to rush in and just type any old "religious" garble.

The first thing to keep in mind is that there are two different meanings to "Church."

The first it church (small c) is the building. It is in itself, a building. The second is Church (capital C). It is the gathering of people for worship, sanctioned by God.

Does Church itself offer you a complete shelter? No. Jesus suffered on this earth and why should any man be better? However, Church does offer direction and serenity in what has become a cruel and vial world. Elements of this world (including money) should not come to play in a Church. Granted they have to keep the electric on but any good Church will not judge a man by his wallet.

"Is there comfort to be found in a church even if you haven't been a strict follower of their rules in the past?"

God is an all loving God and his commandments will keep true Christians from judging you. God himself can forgive you for not following, why shouldn’t man? Go to a Church with the right heart and the only part of life that will mater is what you do today and tomorrow.

"What does it take to make things right or at least know you got one of the good guys on your side when adversity stares you in the face and crushes you daily?"

Prayer and repentance. You’ve already admitted you didn’t follow God's word as you believe you should have. If you truly believe and follow Gods word things will turn around. Psalms - 37:25, I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

"Lot's o prayers going up....just wondering how long it takes for him to answer. Never been much into religions but there has come a time I don't know where else to turn."

God will answer and things will turn in due season. Meaning that now you have an understanding for how important a relationship with God can be in your life. Once you begin to truly walk the walk with a pure heart I firmly believe things will begin to turn for you. Mathew - 11:29, Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Valleys come into our lives for us to grow and learn that our lives are fulfilled through Jesus Christ. God does not bring hardship on us. It exist everywhere. If we aren’t following God those will eventually creep into our lives.

Isaiah - 57:7, For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee.

And proof that God Loves us and the blessings that can come from a true Spiritual life as a Christian.

1 Corinthians - 2:9, But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.