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Which one do I attend? - 5/5/2008 7:02:45 PM
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Mona6122
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Okay as a relatively new believer in Christ, how does one decide which church to attend. Where can I find definate understandable differences in the churches? I think I need a degree in theology to read and understand their beliefs page. I have been to baptist, missionary baptist and a christian church. Help!
Thanks
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RE: Which one do I attend? - 5/5/2008 7:18:19 PM
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cog41
Posts: 566
Joined: 7/16/2006
From: tejas
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First take into consideration how you came to faith in Christ. Who led you to the Lord?
Pray for guidance. Visit different churches and revisit them at different times.
Eventually it comes down to the doctrine of the church. Beliefs on salvation,baptism,wortship,leadership etc.. Most importantly who is Jesus and is the bible true?
Find a mature friend to help.
Pray.
Pray some more.
_____________________________
Psalm 122:6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: "May they prosper who love you."
Hook'em Horns! Roll Tide!
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RE: Which one do I attend? - 5/5/2008 7:20:30 PM
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earthless
Posts: 4738
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From: where bbq pigeons roast....
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CRI wrote a perspective on this back in 2005. I recommend reading it because it deals directly with your question, which is a very important and valid one:
"One of the questions I am most frequently asked is, “How do I find a good church?” This question has taken on added significance in recent years because of the massive impact televangelism has had on our culture. In all too many cases, worship has been replaced with entertainment, and fellowship has been transformed into individualism.
In view of these cultural developments, it is critical that Christians have a handle on the ingredients of a healthy well-balanced church.
The first sign of a healthy, well-balanced church is a pastor who is committed to leading the community of faith in the worship of God through prayer, praise, and proclamation.
Prayer is so inextricably woven into the fabric of worship that it would be unthinkable to have a church service without it. From the very inception of the early Christian church, prayer has been a primary means of worshiping God.
Through prayer, we have the privilege of expressing adoration and thanksgiving to the One who saved us, sanctifies us, and one day will glorify us. In fact, our Lord Himself set the pattern by teaching His disciples the Prayer of Jesus (Matthew 6:9–13).
Praise is another key ingredient of worship. Scripture urges us to “speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs” (Ephesians 5:19).
Singing psalms is a magnificent means for intercession, instruction, and the internalization of Scripture. In addition, the great hymns of the faith have stood the test of time and are rich in theological tradition and truth. Spiritual songs, in turn, communicate the freshness of our faith.
Thus, it is crucial that we preserve both a respect for our spiritual heritage and a regard for contemporary compositions."
For the rest CLICK HERE
_____________________________
Probing Today's Religious Movements | Promoting Doctrinal Discernment & Critical Thinking | Providing Reasons for Christian Faith & Ethics
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RE: Which one do I attend? - 5/5/2008 10:52:07 PM
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colliefan
Posts: 2164
Joined: 4/12/2005
From: Raleigh, NC
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The following is a link for the "movement" of which my church is a member.
http://www.theamia.org/
I say movement and not denomination b/c we are under the spirtual authority of the Espiscopal Churches of Rwanda and South East Asis. We believe in the balance of the Spirit, the Sacrements, and Scripture. At my church, the Church of the Apostles, in Raleigh our mission statement is "Reach the Lost, Build up the Found, and to transform the City through Jesus Christ." Our Sunday worship is rooted in the riches of historic Anglicanism but done in a contemporary format.
Find a church that preaches the gospel but also has a format in which you are comfortable. The Church of Jesus Christ is a mosaic with threads of many colors, all giving glory to God.
_____________________________
The grace of God is infinite and eternal. As it had no beginning, so it can have no end, and being an attribute of God, it is as boundless as infinitude.
A. W. Tozer (1897–1963)
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RE: Which one do I attend? - 5/6/2008 8:16:54 AM
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MusicianDad
Posts: 122
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When we've moved over the last several years and had to find a good church, we've looked for a place that was teaching the truth on essentials, and wasn't trying to shove a bunch of non-essentials down our throats. I think our time listening to the wise teaching of Church leaders like John McArther helped us know what we were looking for.
_____________________________
Heartland Rocks!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=EK9opsMo0jg
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RE: Which one do I attend? - 5/6/2008 9:31:32 AM
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kernsfamily
Posts: 1104
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From: Dallas (originally Detroit)
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quote:
When we've moved over the last several years and had to find a good church, we've looked for a place that was teaching the truth on essentials, and wasn't trying to shove a bunch of non-essentials down our throats.
And, that's where it gets a bit "fuzzy"....what you consider "non essential", some people may consider VERY "essential", and "vice-versa"....
there's so much "personal preference" involved...
if I were to ask my in-laws about where to go to church at (if I moved up where they live), well, they would likely recommend churches that I would NOT consider (the church they go to...UGH..i won't even start with that)....because, I know the one church that we would most likely attend: Well, they can't stand that one....and would never recommend it...even if we did ask....
_____________________________
Proud dad of 3 great girls....Erin, Emilie and Elise
Blessed to have all of them in a "totally awesome" public elementary school!
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RE: Which one do I attend? - 5/6/2008 3:36:15 PM
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mcleod
Posts: 550
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May I give my advice to this subject who in my some forties years having been involveled with a lot of so-called gatherings,.
First if Jesus Christ isn't mention as being in the four front of everything thing. Then, as excuse my expression and that get the hell out of there. Next If they talk about (you) and only about you having a life. Then you have can and will missed the meaning of what God and the prophets told us what is important in life. Then again as a banana split the scene.
For one thing it was not God intention for us to only think of ourselves and nobody else. If you would go into the details on the God head you would notice something which I find is quite unique. That one does nothing without the other.
Just has the Father had faith in his Son who shed his blood on calvary for our sins, and the faith the Son who had in the Father to accepts his blood for our sins. Then the Holy Spirit who both Father and Son having Faith into leading people to having the understandings in this method. Which we could but our faith in it, come into a fellowship with God.
For it was in the words in which the serpent used to entice the woman in eating the forbidden tree. He said "If you want to be like God then you will not die but have your eyes inlighten to the facts around you".
Humans since then and still today want to become like God and control their own destiney.
Please I hope my back gets better so I not on so much trash drugs. And I not reading my writings hundred times but fifty.
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RE: Which one do I attend? - 5/6/2008 3:57:54 PM
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StephK
Posts: 1842
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Southwest Louisiana
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quote:
ORIGINAL: earthless
CRI wrote a perspective on this back in 2005. I recommend reading it because it deals directly with your question, which is a very important and valid one:
"One of the questions I am most frequently asked is, “How do I find a good church?” This question has taken on added significance in recent years because of the massive impact televangelism has had on our culture. In all too many cases, worship has been replaced with entertainment, and fellowship has been transformed into individualism.
In view of these cultural developments, it is critical that Christians have a handle on the ingredients of a healthy well-balanced church.
The first sign of a healthy, well-balanced church is a pastor who is committed to leading the community of faith in the worship of God through prayer, praise, and proclamation.
Prayer is so inextricably woven into the fabric of worship that it would be unthinkable to have a church service without it. From the very inception of the early Christian church, prayer has been a primary means of worshiping God.
Through prayer, we have the privilege of expressing adoration and thanksgiving to the One who saved us, sanctifies us, and one day will glorify us. In fact, our Lord Himself set the pattern by teaching His disciples the Prayer of Jesus (Matthew 6:9–13).
Praise is another key ingredient of worship. Scripture urges us to “speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs” (Ephesians 5:19).
Singing psalms is a magnificent means for intercession, instruction, and the internalization of Scripture. In addition, the great hymns of the faith have stood the test of time and are rich in theological tradition and truth. Spiritual songs, in turn, communicate the freshness of our faith.
Thus, it is crucial that we preserve both a respect for our spiritual heritage and a regard for contemporary compositions."
For the rest CLICK HERE
Thanks for this article.
_____________________________
Stephanie
Religion has accepted the monstrous heresy that noise, size, activity and bluster make a man dear to God. To a people caught in the tempest God says, `Be still, and know that I am God.' ~AW Tozer
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RE: Which one do I attend? - 5/6/2008 4:32:06 PM
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rcjames
Posts: 4591
Joined: 7/15/2005
From: Oklahoma
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Mona6122
Okay as a relatively new believer in Christ, how does one decide which church to attend. Where can I find definate understandable differences in the churches? I think I need a degree in theology to read and understand their beliefs page. I have been to baptist, missionary baptist and a christian church. Help!
Thanks
How did you come to be saved? That might be a good place to stay for a while until you are more settled on the nuances of doctrine that is out there.
Thanks
RC
_____________________________
Just a country Preacher's humble opinion
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RE: Which one do I attend? - 5/6/2008 5:49:16 PM
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Mona6122
Posts: 12
Joined: 5/5/2008
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earthless...thanks for the article.
rcjames....I was not saved in a church....I am a long haul truck driver and there are many ministries out here for us and I would pick up every bit of information I could find and read it. Then I bought a bible and started reading it. So, while there are chapels on the road you are not actually a baptized member of "a church".
I guess I'm really confused about this long line of beliefs and the way they word them on their webpages.......so many disagree on things and I tend to wonder HOW do I know which on is teaching the truth?
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RE: Which one do I attend? - 5/6/2008 5:52:41 PM
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Mona6122
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Okay here's a for instance I have a problem with......Jesus only talks about one church(and I am out of my league here feel free to correct me if I am wrong) is it christianity vs. say muslim or is it baptist vs. pentecostal. This is one of my major issues on choosing a church. Maybe I am just making it more complicated than it needs to be.
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RE: Which one do I attend? - 5/6/2008 5:55:20 PM
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earthless
Posts: 4738
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: where bbq pigeons roast....
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Mona6122
Okay here's a for instance I have a problem with......Jesus only talks about one church(and I am out of my league here feel free to correct me if I am wrong) is it christianity vs. say muslim or is it baptist vs. pentecostal. This is one of my major issues on choosing a church. Maybe I am just making it more complicated than it needs to be.
What Jesus/Scripture means about "One Church" is the universal Church - the body of all born-again believers. It is not about a certain denomination versus another, nor about ledger membership in a certain local church's membership role.
No.
But what Jesus is talking about is anyone and everyone that is His - anyone and everyone that is a true born-again/washed in the blood/sealed & stamped by the Holy Spirit believer.
They are the ones that make up the Church.
_____________________________
Probing Today's Religious Movements | Promoting Doctrinal Discernment & Critical Thinking | Providing Reasons for Christian Faith & Ethics
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RE: Which one do I attend? - 5/6/2008 6:15:23 PM
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cow451
Posts: 3672
Joined: 5/6/2005
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Mona6122
Okay as a relatively new believer in Christ, how does one decide which church to attend. Where can I find definate understandable differences in the churches? I think I need a degree in theology to read and understand their beliefs page. I have been to baptist, missionary baptist and a christian church. Help!
Thanks
Generally speaking, the best church is the one you will attend. But carry a few grains of salt as you visit churches and check out doctrine. Always get more than one opinion about interpretation, etc. Get a good study Bible and read it. People spend their whole lives studying and there's always more to learn. Being a Christianity is a journey.
_____________________________
Wenn zuerst Sie nicht gelingen, Versuch, versuch wieder. Geben Sie dann auf. Es gibt keinen punkt, in ein zu sein, verdammt Narren darum. -- W. C. Fields
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RE: Which one do I attend? - 5/7/2008 12:32:28 AM
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Hephzibah610
Posts: 19
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Perhaps there are some people who are better able to handle such questions...I think if you wrote to "In Touch" or "Insight for Living" or "Turning Point for God" ministries they could give you a more complete answer... Personally, I am non-denominational but I have received help from these ministries although I don't agree with everything they believe.
The basics are:
Do they believe that God the Father sent His Son, Jesus (who is God) to earth to save us?
That He was conceived by the Holy Spirit of God and born of a virgin.
That He suffered, died and was buried.
That on the 3rd day he rose again according to the Scripture.
That He is now seated on the right hand of God in order to judge the living and the dead.
That He will return to take us home.
If you pray and ask God to show you what to do, He is willing to guide you....He said in His Word that if you ask for wisdom He gives it generously.
I will pray the following on your behalf from His Word:
quote:
For this reason also , since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding ,10. so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God ;
11. strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience ; joyously
12. giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. God bless you! And remember, no matter what church you end up in....it is up to you to study the Word to make sure that you are being taught Truth! (I have learned this the hard way.)
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RE: Which one do I attend? - 5/7/2008 2:27:54 PM
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Lurker
Posts: 731
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Silver Spring, MD
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Mona6122
Okay here's a for instance I have a problem with......Jesus only talks about one church(and I am out of my league here feel free to correct me if I am wrong) is it christianity vs. say muslim or is it baptist vs. pentecostal. This is one of my major issues on choosing a church. Maybe I am just making it more complicated than it needs to be.
Sadly, there used to be one church, but over time, due to various actions or inactions it's split into quite a few different churches. But it might be edifying to pick up a book of church history and read up on things. :)
That said, you should also pray that the Lord will guide you to where you're meant to be. And continue to read the scriptures, but you might also look into some books about famous Christians throughout history for some nice inspirational. I particularly like Francis of Assisi myself. :)
_____________________________
Do not be afraid of Christ! He takes nothing away, and he gives you everything. When we give ourselves to him, we receive a hundredfold in return. Yes, open, open wide the doors to Christ—and you will find true life.
-Pope Benedict XVI
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RE: Which one do I attend? - 5/13/2008 4:05:52 AM
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BibleL7
Posts: 410
Joined: 2/1/2008
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You said you have gone to a baptist, missionary baptist, and a christian church, I dont know of the Christian church but do know that many baptist churches do have good doctrine. What it boils down to is being sure they teach the Bible in context and where you would feel comfortable attending. You say you have read the Bible so check what the preacher is saying against the Bible. If it lines up then it would be a possible good church. It should also include praising the Lord in song with the entire congregation. Prayer again is important. Other than that look to find one that you feel comfortable becoming a part of. One that it would be relatively easy to get involved with such as a family. One that you will attend regularly. Of course the teaching is most important. You said also that you have talked to many ministry people ask some of them what they recommend. If you know any other believers in your neighbor hood ask them what church they attend and why. And of course pray about which church the Lord would have you be at. Be patient on deciding some times it does take a while to choose a church. The factor that you are looking to join a congregation is a good thing. And welcome to the family of believers.
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