A concern id like to get a fellow protestants opinion on.

[Neostarwcc]

Okay maybe I can't call myself a Protestant when I don't belong to the Protestant church.

I do believe that I am chosen by God,saved, and will preservere to the end (since I believe in perseverance of the saints and I've tried to leave the faith before. Its impossible), my beliefs line up with most Protestants therefore I label myself a Protestant despite not actually being a member of any Protestant church.


Anyway I have a few questions. I'm getting a car VERY soon so my wife and I have been excited and have been looking for some Baptist churches in our area. The problem? There are virtually none. We literally live in the middle of nowhere.

I've found one Baptist church in South Burlington thats really promising. But south Burlington is over 100 miles away and would cost my wife and I at least $60 a week to go to by the time you count donations and gas money. That's almost $250 a month and honestly just isn't realistic for my wife and I on our VERY limited income.

So its seeming like church continues to be hopeless because I absolutely refuse to get into a car with a complete stranger for 6+ hours when I have a car now. Plus who would agree to drive for 6 hours for basically free and eat $40+ a week in gas not to mention wear and tear on their car? Nope, not realistic.

So I have a question. Since church attendance just isn't realistic in any way,shape, or form for me will I lose my salvation? If I don't take communion will I lose my salvation? Or get baptized the "right" way? Because my wife and I both were already baptized. We just were infants at the time. I want to make a public declaration of my faith in Christ so maybe I will get baptized full immersion one day and pay for that cost.

Okay fine, you can't lose your salvation. I know its a commonly held Protestant belief that's taught in the Bible. But isn't a faith that saves a faith that's never alone? I.E. I SHOULD get baptized full immersion and I SHOULF regularly attend church, regularly take communion,...etc.


After all that's what God created me for and commanded me to do right? No sarcasm here I'm being serious and I really do believe that a saving faith is a faith of action.

True, I do Gods will and Gods work everyday of my life but is it really enough to say "I have saving faith and will believe in Christ until the day I die?"

I know I will preservere not just because I believe in perseverance of the saints but also because I couldn't lose my faith in Christ even if I TRIED.
I know I have the Holy Spirit for several reasons but I guess I am just thinking a long the lines if "what if I'm wrong and I don't have the HS?" What if what I witnessed of my rebirth was a lie?


Idk... I just feel like crap. Like I have no right to call myself a Protestant is if all I do is believe like a Protestant and love to watch Protestant services on YouTube. I happen to think Piper is fantastic. And he says that Church attendance doesn't make the Christian. But many other Pastors do. So its like... Who do I listen to?

 

[Aldebaran]

Okay maybe I can't call myself a Protestant when I don't belong to the Protestant church.

I do believe that I am chosen by God,saved, and will preservere to the end (since I believe in perseverance of the saints and I've tried to leave the faith before. Its impossible), my beliefs line up with most Protestants therefore I label myself a Protestant despite not actually being a member of any Protestant church.


Anyway I have a few questions. I'm getting a car VERY soon so my wife and I have been excited and have been looking for some Baptist churches in our area. The problem? There are virtually none. We literally live in the middle of nowhere.

I've found one Baptist church in South Burlington thats really promising. But south Burlington is over 100 miles away and would cost my wife and I at least $60 a week to go to by the time you count donations and gas money. That's almost $250 a month and honestly just isn't realistic for my wife and I on our VERY limited income.

So its seeming like church continues to be hopeless because I absolutely refuse to get into a car with a complete stranger for 6+ hours when I have a car now. Plus who would agree to drive for 6 hours for basically free and eat $40+ a week in gas not to mention wear and tear on their car? Nope, not realistic.

So I have a question. Since church attendance just isn't realistic in any way,shape, or form for me will I lose my salvation? If I don't take communion will I lose my salvation? Or get baptized the "right" way? Because my wife and I both were already baptized. We just were infants at the time. I want to make a public declaration of my faith in Christ so maybe I will get baptized full immersion one day and pay for that cost.

Okay fine, you can't lose your salvation. I know its a commonly held Protestant belief that's taught in the Bible. But isn't a faith that saves a faith that's never alone? I.E. I SHOULD get baptized full immersion and I SHOULF regularly attend church, regularly take communion,


After all that's what God created me for and commanded me to do right? No sarcasm here I'm being serious and I really do believe that a saving faith is a faith of action.

True, I do Gods will and Gods work everyday of my life but is it really enough to say "I have saving faith and will believe in Christ until the day I die?"

I know I will preservere not just because I believe in perseverance of the saints but also because I couldn't lose my faith in Christ even if I TRIED.
I know I have the Holy Spirit for several reasons but I guess I am just thinking a long the lines if "what if I'm wrong and I don't have the HS?" What if what I witnessed of my rebirth was a lie?


Idk... I just feel like crap. Like I have no right to call myself a Protestant is if all I do is believe like a Protestant and love to watch Protestant services on YouTube. I happen to think Piper is fantastic. And he says that Church attendance makes the Christian. But many other Pastors do. So its like... Who do I listen to?

There are many of us on this site who don't go to church (myself included) either because we are socially awkward, or could never find the right church environment to include ourselves in. I don't believe at all that your salvation is in jeopardy because of it.
As for making a public declaration of your faith, you can do that here, or you can do it simply in how you live among others you see each day.

 

[Albion]

Anyway I have a few questions. I'm getting a car VERY soon so my wife and I have been excited and have been looking for some Baptist churches in our area. The problem? There are virtually none. We literally live in the middle of nowhere.

I've found one Baptist church in South Burlington thats really promising. But south Burlington is over 100 miles away and would cost my wife and I at least $60 a week to go to by the time you count donations and gas money. That's almost $250 a month and honestly just isn't realistic for my wife and I on our VERY limited income.

Before we go further, let's see if we can handle this matter. The Baptists are very common in our country, but if there are no congregations near you...then there aren't! However, there are a lot of Protestant churches that are almost de facto Baptist churches if we look their beliefs, worship style, and so on. Certainly, when it comes to baptism, communion, congregational independence, and more, the differences almost don't exist. So are you sure that there are none of these near you--a non-denominational congregation or one of the Churches of Christ, for instance?

 

[paul1149]

Why does it have to be Baptist? How about a community church or non-denom?

You can't mean S. Burlington, VT, right?

 

[Aldebaran]

Something else to consider as an alternative to a church would be a home bible study. I'm not sure how you would go about finding out where one was located, but if there are really no churches of the type you're looking for in such a wide area around you, then it would seem likely that someone would have started up something in their home where people in that area can meet. The need for things like that usually arise when there is a real lack of an established church in a particular area.

 

[Neostarwcc]

Before we go further, let's see if we can handle this matter. The Baptists are very common in our country, but if there are no congregations near you...then there aren't! However, there are a lot of Protestant churches that are almost de facto Baptist churches if we look their beliefs, worship style, and so on. Certainly, when it comes to baptism, communion, congregational independence, and more, the differences almost don't exist. So are you sure that there are none of these near you--a non-denominational congregation or one of the Churches of Christ, for instance?

Well there is a Methodist church on the main street of the town we live in but we aren't comfortable with them for a few reasons. 1. Their pastor is female 2. They believe in free grace theology which to us directly contradicts the Bible (Hebrews 10:36, & Matthew 24:13 just to name a few) and there was one church across from my old apartment that my wife and I checked out a few years ago. The pastor there made us uncomfortable by claiming that he had revelations from God that basically were "we're the only true church and give us money". We left immediately before the service was even over lol. I believe there is a Presbyterian church within a half hour of here but I honestly don't know much about the Presbyterians. What do they believe?

Umm I had a friend from south Carolina try to find us a church and he was like "holy crap! You really don't have many church options in your area if you don't want to be Catholic do you?" lol.

Even the Catholic churches in our area are kind of "bad". Many of them don't believe that you need Christ to be saved, that you are saved by your works, just lots of good stuff like that. Sadly my mom is stuck in a cult like that.

Just... Such a bad town. But I've lived here for most of my life and don't really want to leave when I'm going to be owning my own house soon.

Oh yeah my wife brought up a Baptist church in Saranac Lake but apparently they believe that you have to speak in tongues to be saved. That's probably why my friend never mentioned them. Honestly I doubt even mind it if the church I joined was KJV only even if I don't believe in that anymore. At least being KJV only it shows that you're dedicated to scripture.

 

[Neostarwcc]

Why does it have to be Baptist? How about a community church or non-denom?

You can't mean S. Burlington, VT, right?

Yes I mean south Burlington vt. My parents used to go there for Drs appointments when my sister and I were sick and stuff but that was years ago. We live in upper New York state close to the border. I mean I guess I can look up Canadian churches in like Ottawa and Cornwall. There's a thought. They're relatively close to us but if have to buy a passport again.

 

[paul1149]

I know the area a little bit. I went to school in Potsdam, and I had in-laws in Essex Jct, VT. I can't believe there are no Baptist churches closer than 100 miles. But what about other community or congregational type churches? Have you ever tried one?

Just looking at google maps, and it does look quite barren. Malone seems to have several types of churches.

 

[Albion]

Well there is a Methodist church on the main street of the town we live in but we aren't comfortable with them

Right. Methodism is not very close to what you are seeking.

and there was one church across from my old apartment that my wife and I checked out a few years ago. The pastor there made us uncomfortable by claiming that he had revelations from God that basically were "we're the only true church and give us money".

I wouldn't recommend this one!

I believe there is a Presbyterian church within a half hour of here but I honestly don't know much about the Presbyterians. What do they believe?

The Presbyterian Church is closer to what you seek. It has dignified services but not all the ceremonial things that people associate with Episcopalians, Lutherans, and even many Methodists. On questions of salvation, etc. Presbyterians (the largest church body that is associated with Calvinism--predestination, perseverance of the saints, and so on) actually are similar to what are called Regular Baptists. This congregation might deserve a visit from you.

Oh yeah my wife brought up a Baptist church in Saranac Lake but apparently they believe that you have to speak in tongues to be saved. That's probably why my friend never mentioned them. Honestly I doubt even mind it if the church I joined was KJV only even if I don't believe in that anymore. At least being KJV only it shows that you're dedicated to scripture.

In sum, I believe you when you say you have few choices where you live, but there is no really good substitute for church attendance. If you can find a church near enough, I urge you to give it a try. And if you find that it is basically okay but you disagree here and there, consider attending without seeking to become a member. That "half a loaf" approach is way better than House Churches, home Bible study groups, online church services, and so on--all of which are last ditch approaches.

 

[Sketcher]

I believe there is a Presbyterian church within a half hour of here but I honestly don't know much about the Presbyterians. What do they believe?

Presbyterians are highly variable. Some are liberal, others are conservative in spite of denominational trends. They're closer to "high church" in terms of the way they conduct their service than "low church".

 

[Albion]

They're closer to "high church" in terms of the way they conduct their service than "low church".

Presbyterians come in a wide variety, that's so, but if the choices are as slim for our friend as he says they are, this is probably one to at least check out. That's my view, anyway.

I have attended Presbyterian churches which were called "high church," and I didn't see anything that warranted that label.

However, if the minister wearing a black robe or a worship service that has a prescribed format of prayers is to be called "high church" by comparison to the average Baptist church, then maybe.

 

[miamited]

Hi neostarrwcc,

Have you visited the 'Ignite' church? I looked it up on line and it seems to be a fairly small congregation, but the review I read did say that they were on fire for the Lord. I've also worshiped with baptist fellowships for quite awhile, but I have also attended non-denominational. My biggest issue is whether or not the teacher teaches the true word of God. I'm not interested in new age theology or what translation of the Scriptures they use, or pretty much any of the other stuff. Does the pastor stick to the truth of the word and do they offer communion service from time to time.

It does look like the Ignite fellowship does use a praise team style of music worship. I know that turns a lot of people off and especially if it is too loud, but it certainly beats not attending worship at all. I'm not sure that I could maintain for long with out some revival and regeneration in sharing with a fellowship of believers. The world's just too hard a place for anyone to go too long without being with the gathering of the believers.

God bless,
In Christ, ted

 

[ilovejcsog]

" SHOULD get baptized full immersion and I SHOULD regularly attend church, regularly take communion,"
Those are man made SHOULDS.
I can't got to church for various reasons and I don't feel condemned. It just isn't possible but I do watch church on TV on the Sabbath spending the whole day with the ministers I like. To my knowledge taking Communion is not done regularly in any protestant church I have been to. One of the ministers I watch does do communion on occasion so I am sure you could find one that would do it more often if you find it necessary. Seems to me you are demanding from yourself what the world demands. What does Jesus ask of you, do you know. I feel comfortable with what Jesus expects of me and how I reciprocate.
God bless you and give you peace.

 

[Sketcher]

Presbyterians come in a wide variety, that's so, but if the choices are as slim for our friend as he says they are, this is probably one to at least check out. That's my view, anyway.

I have attended Presbyterian churches which were called "high church," and I didn't see anything that warranted that label.

However, if the minister wearing a black robe or a worship service that has a prescribed format of prayers is to be called "high church" by comparison to the average Baptist church, then maybe.

Oh, he should definitely check it out.

My background is very "low church," though I have been to Presbyterian services when visiting my grandparents. Definitely "high church" compared to what I'm used to.

 

[ilovejcsog]

" SHOULD get baptized full immersion and I SHOULD regularly attend church, regularly take communion,"
Those are man made SHOULDS.
I can't got to church for various reasons and I don't feel condemned. It just isn't possible but I do watch church on TV on the Sabbath spending the whole day with the ministers I like. To my knowledge taking Communion is not done regularly in any protestant church I have been to. One of the ministers I watch does do communion on occasion so I am sure you could find one that would do it more often if you find it necessary. Seems to me you are demanding from yourself what the world demands. What does Jesus ask of you, do you know. I feel comfortable with what Jesus expects of me and how I reciprocate.
God bless you and give you peace.

I can give you a few protestant teachers of the word that have services on tv if you are interested.

 

[Dave-W]

Have you tried Church at the Well? They are a non-denom in Burlington.

Church at the Well - A Christian Church in Burlington, Vermont

 

[Albion]

" SHOULD get baptized full immersion and I SHOULD regularly attend church, regularly take communion,"
Those are man made SHOULDS.

Well, Baptism itself is not, and receiving Communion is not. Christ himself said that his followers were to do both of them. A person who does not do that may not jeopardize his salvation in the process, but clearly is not living in accordance with Christ's commands to him if he is able to receive both and simply decides not to.

 

[Dave-W]

I can't got to church for various reasons and I don't feel condemned. It just isn't possible but I do watch church on TV

How can you obey the command in Hebrews by watching tv?

Hebrews 10:25
not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near

You cannot be assembled together and you cannot personally encourage anyone from the receiving end of a tv transmission.

 

[Rescued One]

Okay maybe I can't call myself a Protestant when I don't belong to the Protestant church.

I do believe that I am chosen by God,saved, and will preservere to the end (since I believe in perseverance of the saints and I've tried to leave the faith before. Its impossible), my beliefs line up with most Protestants therefore I label myself a Protestant despite not actually being a member of any Protestant church.


Anyway I have a few questions. I'm getting a car VERY soon so my wife and I have been excited and have been looking for some Baptist churches in our area. The problem? There are virtually none. We literally live in the middle of nowhere.

I've found one Baptist church in South Burlington thats really promising. But south Burlington is over 100 miles away and would cost my wife and I at least $60 a week to go to by the time you count donations and gas money. That's almost $250 a month and honestly just isn't realistic for my wife and I on our VERY limited income.

So its seeming like church continues to be hopeless because I absolutely refuse to get into a car with a complete stranger for 6+ hours when I have a car now. Plus who would agree to drive for 6 hours for basically free and eat $40+ a week in gas not to mention wear and tear on their car? Nope, not realistic.

So I have a question. Since church attendance just isn't realistic in any way,shape, or form for me will I lose my salvation? If I don't take communion will I lose my salvation? Or get baptized the "right" way? Because my wife and I both were already baptized. We just were infants at the time. I want to make a public declaration of my faith in Christ so maybe I will get baptized full immersion one day and pay for that cost.

Okay fine, you can't lose your salvation. I know its a commonly held Protestant belief that's taught in the Bible. But isn't a faith that saves a faith that's never alone? I.E. I SHOULD get baptized full immersion and I SHOULF regularly attend church, regularly take communion,...etc.


After all that's what God created me for and commanded me to do right? No sarcasm here I'm being serious and I really do believe that a saving faith is a faith of action.

True, I do Gods will and Gods work everyday of my life but is it really enough to say "I have saving faith and will believe in Christ until the day I die?"

I know I will preservere not just because I believe in perseverance of the saints but also because I couldn't lose my faith in Christ even if I TRIED.
I know I have the Holy Spirit for several reasons but I guess I am just thinking a long the lines if "what if I'm wrong and I don't have the HS?" What if what I witnessed of my rebirth was a lie?


Idk... I just feel like crap. Like I have no right to call myself a Protestant is if all I do is believe like a Protestant and love to watch Protestant services on YouTube. I happen to think Piper is fantastic. And he says that Church attendance doesn't make the Christian. But many other Pastors do. So its like... Who do I listen to?

It isn't your fault that the church is so far away. You could use that $250 as a contribution to the church in S. Burlington that you would like to attend and ask them about the possibility of planting a church closer to you. You listen to the word of God. Read online sermons if that's the best you can do.

Salvation comes from God. You can't lose it because He doesn't allow anyone to steal it from you.

"Our perseverance is a gift from God. In our salvation, God blesses us with assurance through His gift of perseverance (2 Thessalonians 3:5). However, many Christians lack full assurance of their salvation because their understanding of assurance is founded on the constantly changing emotions of their hearts rather than on the eternal Word of God."
Reference: Assured by God, P&R, 2006, p. 19-20. Used by Permission. Get this book!
Author: Burk Parsons

"If I did not believe the doctrine of the final perseverance of the saints, I think I should be of all men the most miserable, because I should lack any ground for comfort."
Author: C. H. Spurgeon


More Quotes:
https://gracequotes.org/topic/perseverance-eternal_security/

Books You can order from Amazon or maybe CBD:

 

[fwGod]

Okay maybe I can't call myself a Protestant when I don't belong to the Protestant church.

I do believe that I am chosen by God,saved, and will preservere to the end (since I believe in perseverance of the saints and I've tried to leave the faith before. Its impossible), my beliefs line up with most Protestants therefore I label myself a Protestant despite not actually being a member of any Protestant church.


Anyway I have a few questions. I'm getting a car VERY soon so my wife and I have been excited and have been looking for some Baptist churches in our area. The problem? There are virtually none. We literally live in the middle of nowhere.

I've found one Baptist church in South Burlington thats really promising. But south Burlington is over 100 miles away and would cost my wife and I at least $60 a week to go to by the time you count donations and gas money. That's almost $250 a month and honestly just isn't realistic for my wife and I on our VERY limited income.

So its seeming like church continues to be hopeless because I absolutely refuse to get into a car with a complete stranger for 6+ hours when I have a car now. Plus who would agree to drive for 6 hours for basically free and eat $40+ a week in gas not to mention wear and tear on their car? Nope, not realistic.

So I have a question. Since church attendance just isn't realistic in any way,shape, or form for me will I lose my salvation? If I don't take communion will I lose my salvation? Or get baptized the "right" way? Because my wife and I both were already baptized. We just were infants at the time. I want to make a public declaration of my faith in Christ so maybe I will get baptized full immersion one day and pay for that cost.

Okay fine, you can't lose your salvation. I know its a commonly held Protestant belief that's taught in the Bible. But isn't a faith that saves a faith that's never alone? I.E. I SHOULD get baptized full immersion and I SHOULF regularly attend church, regularly take communion,...etc.


After all that's what God created me for and commanded me to do right? No sarcasm here I'm being serious and I really do believe that a saving faith is a faith of action.

True, I do Gods will and Gods work everyday of my life but is it really enough to say "I have saving faith and will believe in Christ until the day I die?"

I know I will preservere not just because I believe in perseverance of the saints but also because I couldn't lose my faith in Christ even if I TRIED.
I know I have the Holy Spirit for several reasons but I guess I am just thinking a long the lines if "what if I'm wrong and I don't have the HS?" What if what I witnessed of my rebirth was a lie?


Idk... I just feel like crap. Like I have no right to call myself a Protestant is if all I do is believe like a Protestant and love to watch Protestant services on YouTube. I happen to think Piper is fantastic. And he says that Church attendance doesn't make the Christian. But many other Pastors do. So its like... Who do I listen to?

When church attendance isn't financially possible, there's nothing wrong with hearing gospel messages on the radio, tv, or by internet. Hearing God's word however you can is most important.

What the other preachers say about attendance, they would have to be speaking to those who would have no problem getting to the church.
Since you don't live close enough to a church, then you should not take on any condemnation for something that you can't do anything about.