I have a question and I’m confused

[Lost Witness]

I've decided to read the Bible & follow that. Forget about finding a church because there doesn't seem to be any denom for me. I will go at it alone & keep praying & reading. I've been purging more things out of my life as well.

There is a reason why the LORD sent his disciples out in pairs so that if one falls the other can pick them up.
You'll need spiritual leadership.

 

[Lærke]

Unfortunately I haven't had any even when I was in the churches so not much I can do about that. There's no one I've ever felt close enough or neutral enough to speak to for Christian fellowship. Most usually want to tell me what to believe, how to act or who I should be.

 

[Lærke]

So I am very comfortable in many different types of churches and their denominations. I’ve already stated that Since I’ve been to many over the years. And I also noted in a previous post that I was raised Catholic and still felt very at home within the church.

However, I am really confused by what people say about Catholicism and other denominations. How do we really know that we’re in the right denomination and does it really even matter what denomination unless they’re a cult obviously they’re wrong, but how do we know which one to follow, which one to go to or what church?

This is why I decided that I’m not going to go to any church because no matter what denomination I pick somebody’s telling me that it’s a cult or their denom/church is correct. I have prayed about this I have asked God to give me signs and sometimes the Catholic Church keeps coming back up but I don’t know if that’s just me or if it’s really a sign. Other times it’s Calvinism that comes up for me and again, I don’t know if it’s me or God. This is been going on for years. I cannot even begin to tell you how long this is why I bounce around and have gone to different denominations because I’m genuinely curious about how people practice their faith and I want to learn more about their beliefs. But I wish that I could just find something that really clicks for me and honestly, the Catholic Church is the only one that really clicks but at the same time there’s some things I don’t agree with so then I feel like I’m going to the wrong church and then I’m gonna go to hell. This has been going on for years.

I cannot even begin to tell you how long this is why I bounce around and have gone to different denominations because I’m genuinely curious about how people practice their face and I wanna learn more about their beliefs. But I wish that I could just find something that really clicks for me and honestly the Catholic Church is the only one that really clicks but at the same time there’s some things I don’t agree with so then I feel like I’m going to the wrong church and then I’m going go to hell.

I mean, I came here asking a question and I appreciate all the answers, and I’m not knocking any of the answers that I’ve received but this has been my general dealing with something like this. Surely, all these denominations have something in common yes, however, some saying my church is the correct church, but somebody else is saying no my church is the correct church. How do you know? How do you really know?

The last thing I want to do is to pick unwisely. All I really need to do is just follow Jesus and do what the Bible says. That’s what I’ve been trying to do. And since I have such high anxiety at all times, this is a real problem. It’s just one of the many things that I struggle with.

 

[boughtwithaprice]

I've decided to read the Bible & follow that. Forget about finding a church because there doesn't seem to be any denom for me. I will go at it alone & keep praying & reading. I've been purging more things out of my life as well.

You are behaving as a lost sheep. You have the call of God upon you and He loves you, but you are lost and He is seeking to find you. A sheep is not meant to be alone.
God is not a fantasy who lives only in our minds. He is present in our brother and sisters and we also consume His body and blood.
I do agree that if you are with a group that harms you spiritually, it is better to keep searching, but do not give up and resolve to stay lost. There had to be someone that you can talk with

 

[boughtwithaprice]

So I am very comfortable in many different types of churches and their denominations. I’ve already stated that Since I’ve been to many over the years. And I also noted in a previous post that I was raised Catholic and still felt very at home within the church.

However, I am really confused by what people say about Catholicism and other denominations. How do we really know that we’re in the right denomination and does it really even matter what denomination unless they’re a cult obviously they’re wrong, but how do we know which one to follow, which one to go to or what church?

This is why I decided that I’m not going to go to any church because no matter what denomination I pick somebody’s telling me that it’s a cult or their denom/church is correct. I have prayed about this I have asked God to give me signs and sometimes the Catholic Church keeps coming back up but I don’t know if that’s just me or if it’s really a sign. Other times it’s Calvinism that comes up for me and again, I don’t know if it’s me or God. This is been going on for years. I cannot even begin to tell you how long this is why I bounce around and have gone to different denominations because I’m genuinely curious about how people practice their faith and I want to learn more about their beliefs. But I wish that I could just find something that really clicks for me and honestly, the Catholic Church is the only one that really clicks but at the same time there’s some things I don’t agree with so then I feel like I’m going to the wrong church and then I’m gonna go to hell. This has been going on for years.

I cannot even begin to tell you how long this is why I bounce around and have gone to different denominations because I’m genuinely curious about how people practice their face and I wanna learn more about their beliefs. But I wish that I could just find something that really clicks for me and honestly the Catholic Church is the only one that really clicks but at the same time there’s some things I don’t agree with so then I feel like I’m going to the wrong church and then I’m going go to hell.

I mean, I came here asking a question and I appreciate all the answers, and I’m not knocking any of the answers that I’ve received but this has been my general dealing with something like this. Surely, all these denominations have something in common yes, however, some saying my church is the correct church, but somebody else is saying no my church is the correct church. How do you know? How do you really know?

The last thing I want to do is to pick unwisely. All I really need to do is just follow Jesus and do what the Bible says. That’s what I’ve been trying to do. And since I have such high anxiety at all times, this is a real problem. It’s just one of the many things that I struggle with.

By the sound of your post, God is calling you home to the Catholic Church, but you want to be sure it is God and you have right thinking
That is understandable and it shoud become clear when you understand that we are in a spiritual battle. The evil spirits are able to play on your feelings and emotions, they are confusing you, and they don’t want you in the Catholic Church.
You may object that there are things that you don’t agree with, then you need to start there. Study what you disagree by agree with and don’t stop until you are satisfied why you don’t agree. Lots of times people say I don’t agree, so I don’t want to talk about that. Do that and the demons win, because they have diverted your attention kept you in confusion and kept you out of the Church
Jacob wrestled with God. I will not let you go save thou bless me, and God did. That with which you don’t agree is your spiritual battle. Grab hold of it, put on the armor of Gpd and fight it until it becomes clear
My disagreement was with birth control. I fought it for years but did not give up. When I understood and submitted to Church authority by my own free will and with full knowledge, God blessed me and took my sins away, and now I wonder why I wanted them I the first place
I would be happy to help you if you have any questions but the fight is yours, do not let God go unless He blesses you

 

[The Liturgist]

I've decided to read the Bible & follow that. Forget about finding a church because there doesn't seem to be any denom for me. I will go at it alone & keep praying & reading. I've been purging more things out of my life as well.

That is not an advisable decision. Did you try the Episcopal Church?

 

[The Liturgist]

However, I am really confused by what people say about Catholicism and other denominations. How do we really know that we’re in the right denomination and does it really even matter what denomination unless they’re a cult obviously they’re wrong, but how do we know which one to follow, which one to go to or what church?

The difference between the major Christian denominations is minor and all of them are engaged in ecumenical relationships with the others. Many are in full communion. Now, there are some which teach false doctrines.

One thing i cannot emphasize enough however is that a lot of the negative things people say about the Roman Catholic Church are completely and utterly false. Anyone with an intimate familiarity with the Roman church knows what its actual problems are (and they are not the kind of shocking heresies the Roman church is accused of - the Catholic Church does not teach its members worship Mary or engage in idolatry, for example). I can get Lutherans, Anglicans, Methodists, Calvinists and Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Christians to attest to this, and these denominations have all had serious complaints about the Roman church over the years.

Another thing many people don’t realize is that many of Martin Luther’s complaints have been addressed. The Roman Catholic Church no longer sells indulgences, no longer conducts liturgies exclusively in Latin (actually they never did, but that’s a longer and more complex story, but now actually Catholics who prefer worshipping in Latin are being mistreated by some bishops, and the Traditional Latin Mass which Pope Benedict XVI made much more accessible, Pope Francis has now severely restricted, and this is unfortunate, because it is a very beautiful church service.

I am an Orthodox Christian, and i have been extremely ill since June, unable until two weeks ago to attend church. And attending our church was such joy! The familiar sounds, smells, sights and the taste of the Body and Blood of our Lord received in the Holy Eucharist is something I have always loved, but spending time away from it unwillingly makes it seem like paradise. And this is despite my having watched services at my parish and about 30 other churches that I really greatly like on my iPad and on my TV streaming via YouTube and Facebook. I also happen to really love the people in my church, and it is so nice spending time with them.

I think loving the people you go to church with is extremely important. The church must be like a family, so finding one where you feel welcome and can make friends with the people is critical. This is not just for reasons relating to the pleasure of socializing; it is actually directly related to our salvation. If we read the First Epistle of Paul to the Corinthains, he explains how the Church is the Body of Christ, and stresses how when we become Christians we are grafted onto that body, and he also talks about the importance of love within the congregation and also problems the church in Corinth had with one of their members who was engaging in an inappropriate relationship, in both 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians. So if you intend to pop open your Bible, I suggest you start there.

But beyond that, if we read the entire New Testament exegetically (that is to say, consistently, with each book being understood as guiding the correct interpretation of every other book), it becomes clear that God desires us to love one another, and in this manner, to become like He is, three persons, the Father, the Son, and the holy Ghost, coequal and in an eternal union of perfect love. The Holy Trinity is the original family and the template for all families that exist among men and the animals. The Church is an integral part of that, where we unite with people we love to worship our God who is love.

 

[RonJohnSilver]

You can listen usually to their online sermons. That can help you eliminate those who are unbiblical or just not for you. Pray as mentioned. For general guidelines, here's my recommendations ... Note, most churches are independent even if they belong to a more formal denomination so you'll find good and bad within a specific denomination. With that in mind. ... Bible churches are usually solid. They come under various names but if their names includes "Bible Church", that's a good start. Baptist are usually solid, usually. Church of Christ are usually solid, usually. Methodist churches used to be solid, now they're kind of iffy. Lutheran...iffy,. I would generally avoid Pentecostal, some are good but it's just hard to tell. Avoid Catholic, Mormon, Jehovah's Witness, Episcopal (Catholic-lite), any LGBT-friendly churches. Hope this helps.

 

[prodromos]

You want a Church that enables you to see your failings and provides the means to correct them so you can grow in holiness.

 

[The Liturgist]

You can listen usually to their online sermons. That can help you eliminate those who are unbiblical or just not for you. Pray as mentioned. For general guidelines, here's my recommendations ... Note, most churches are independent even if they belong to a more formal denomination so you'll find good and bad within a specific denomination. With that in mind. ... Bible churches are usually solid. They come under various names but if their names includes "Bible Church", that's a good start. Baptist are usually solid, usually. Church of Christ are usually solid, usually. Methodist churches used to be solid, now they're kind of iffy. Lutheran...iffy,. I would generally avoid Pentecostal, some are good but it's just hard to tell. Avoid Catholic, Mormon, Jehovah's Witness, Episcopal (Catholic-lite), any LGBT-friendly churches. Hope this helps.

Forgive me, but I must object to you grouping the Episcopal and Catholic churches wirh non-Christian religions such as Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses and also characterizing Lutherans as inherently “iffy”. Methodists too, for that matter. I have many Anglican and Catholic and Lutheran friends on this site such as @PloverWing @Paidiske @Shane R @Michie @concretecamper @chevyontheriver @fhansen @Valletta @JM @ViaCrucis and my best friend on CF.com, @MarkRohfrietsch , who is Lutheran, and I strongly recommend all three churches, but even if you disagree with their distinctive doctrines or their liturgical approach to worship, there is absolutely no cause to group them together with known dangerous and abusive cults like the Jehovahs Witnesses or Mormonism who are not Christian but reject the Trinity, the incarnation of God in the person of Jesus Christ, and the other essential doctrines of our faith, and who have modified in the case of the J/Ws the Gospel of John, and in the case of Mormons use contrived books written by a false prophet.

Catholics, Episcopalians and Lutherans have done none of this, nor do they prohibit their members from receiving blood transfusions if needed, nor does either of these three churches have a history of endorsing abusive polygamous marriages, neither do they engage in Scientology-style shunning of former members. And this is also the case with Methodists.

Indeed if I were asked to suggest specific denominations, the Anglican churches such as the Episcopal Church, the Roman Catholic Church, the Lutheran churches, particularly the LCMS/LCC and other confessional Lutheran churches that are highly liturgical, and the traditional Methodist churches of which my friend @Berserk is a pastor are among those denominations that I will always suggest, along with some Presbyterian and Congregationalist churches that have particularly beautiful worship services and preaching, for instance, Park Street Church in Boston or the Independent Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, Alabama (I also really like many parishes of the Church of Scotland, such as Crown Court Church in London) and those Eastern and Oriental Orthodox jurisdictions that are known to be accessible to western Christians in terms of having English language services (unless one specifically wants to immerse oneself in, for instance, an Aramaic-speaking Christian community, in which case you can’t go wrong with the Church of the East, which is the largest surviving Aramaic speaking population and does most of their church services in Aramaic, some in English, and the Syriac Orthodox likewise use Aramaic for most of their church services, and many of their members, and all their clergy, can speak it).

 

[Strong in Him]

I’m a Bible believing Christian. I would like to attend an actual church but I’m very confused on which one to attend since there are so many different denominations. There are a few different denominations in my area. What do I do? Can anyone offer me any advice? Thank you.

Have you been to any of the churches in your area?
Were they welcoming? Was the teaching good? Did anyone ask for your details so they could stay in touch/pray for you? Did they invite you along to a Bible study, or do they have classes for those who want to become members?

Doctrine and teaching are very important, but going to a church where no one welcomed, or spoke to me, would be a no no.

 

[RonJohnSilver]

Forgive me, but I must object to you grouping the Episcopal and Catholic churches wirh non-Christian religions such as Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses and also characterizing Lutherans as inherently “iffy”. Methodists too, for that matter. I have many Anglican and Catholic and Lutheran friends on this site such as @PloverWing @Paidiske @Shane R @Michie @concretecamper @chevyontheriver @fhansen @Valletta @JM @ViaCrucis and my best friend on CF.com, @MarkRohfrietsch , who is Lutheran, and I strongly recommend all three churches, but even if you disagree with their distinctive doctrines or their liturgical approach to worship, there is absolutely no cause to group them together with known dangerous and abusive cults like the Jehovahs Witnesses or Mormonism who are not Christian but reject the Trinity, the incarnation of God in the person of Jesus Christ, and the other essential doctrines of our faith, and who have modified in the case of the J/Ws the Gospel of John, and in the case of Mormons use contrived books written by a false prophet.

Catholics, Episcopalians and Lutherans have done none of this, nor do they prohibit their members from receiving blood transfusions if needed, nor does either of these three churches have a history of endorsing abusive polygamous marriages, neither do they engage in Scientology-style shunning of former members. And this is also the case with Methodists.

Indeed if I were asked to suggest specific denominations, the Anglican churches such as the Episcopal Church, the Roman Catholic Church, the Lutheran churches, particularly the LCMS/LCC and other confessional Lutheran churches that are highly liturgical, and the traditional Methodist churches of which my friend @Berserk is a pastor are among those denominations that I will always suggest, along with some Presbyterian and Congregationalist churches that have particularly beautiful worship services and preaching, for instance, Park Street Church in Boston or the Independent Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, Alabama (I also really like many parishes of the Church of Scotland, such as Crown Court Church in London) and those Eastern and Oriental Orthodox jurisdictions that are known to be accessible to western Christians in terms of having English language services (unless one specifically wants to immerse oneself in, for instance, an Aramaic-speaking Christian community, in which case you can’t go wrong with the Church of the East, which is the largest surviving Aramaic speaking population and does most of their church services in Aramaic, some in English, and the Syriac Orthodox likewise use Aramaic for most of their church services, and many of their members, and all their clergy, can speak it).

You are correct in that the JWs and Mormons are not in any way Christian so I'm sorry if I gave that impression. That's what happens when you paint with a broad brush. That said, though, some denominations are, IMO, more Biblically sound than others. As I mentioned in the post, even within a denomination there are some churches that are more solid than others so certainly prayer and discernment is the key. On the whole, though, I find that Biblically sound RC churches are in the minority (and no, I haven't visited them all). Check some websites under "Catholic salvation" or some similar topic. Some of their own writings state that salvation is only through the RC church and/or salvation must accompany the various RC rites. You don't think that is heresy? Most have some truth in their teachings but it seems to be so wrapped up in religious or ceremonial or ritual 'trappings' that it is often hard to find. Episcopals seem to me to be the same. For these 'liturgical' churches, the rite or ceremony seems to be more important that the Bible teachings themselves. There is a reason why the Church of England (Episcopal) is in steady decline. I admit that I painted with a very broad brush and again, I'm sorry if some of the groupings were wrong. Still, though I stand by what I said.

 

[St. Helens]

ADMIN HAT ON

ADMIN HAT OFF​

 

[St. Helens]

ADMIN HAT ON

After some cleanup this thread is now open for posting. Questions about the site's SoF need to be posted in the Support area.
ADMIN HAT OFF​

 

[The Liturgist]

You are correct in that the JWs and Mormons are not in any way Christian so I'm sorry if I gave that impression. That's what happens when you paint with a broad brush. That said, though, some denominations are, IMO, more Biblically sound than others. As I mentioned in the post, even within a denomination there are some churches that are more solid than others so certainly prayer and discernment is the key. On the whole, though, I find that Biblically sound RC churches are in the minority (and no, I haven't visited them all). Check some websites under "Catholic salvation" or some similar topic. Some of their own writings state that salvation is only through the RC church and/or salvation must accompany the various RC rites. You don't think that is heresy? Most have some truth in their teachings but it seems to be so wrapped up in religious or ceremonial or ritual 'trappings' that it is often hard to find. Episcopals seem to me to be the same. For these 'liturgical' churches, the rite or ceremony seems to be more important that the Bible teachings themselves. There is a reason why the Church of England (Episcopal) is in steady decline. I admit that I painted with a very broad brush and again, I'm sorry if some of the groupings were wrong. Still, though I stand by what I said.

Thank you for clarifying. I believe the decline in some liturgical churches like the C of E is due primarily to liberal theology, since the traditionalist liturgical churches such as the majority of Orthodox churches, the confessional Lutherans, the Traditional Latin Mass communities that Pope Francis is trying to abolish, the Continuing Anglicans and so on are seeing steady growth, and also have high birth rates.

 

[actionsub]

It’s a tossup because I like the style of a Catholic Church. I like the feeling because I was raised Catholic BUT I also like the Lutheran style AND also at the same time, I like more of a strict Bible believing church BUT I like the Pentecostal music. I’m confused about what church I should attend based on all those leanings. That’s about as much as I can think of at the moment.

Given that mix, I'd be looking for a Missouri Synod Lutheran church. (Despite the name, the Synod has churches all over the US.) There are some that are even dipping their toes in contemporary worship music.

 

[Neogaia777]

It's not really about you, or what you like, but where you can serve the most.

Do you have any children, or a wife, or any family, or anyone else attending with you, or is it just you?

God Bless.

 

[Neogaia777]

It's not really about you, or what you like, but where you can serve the most.

Do you have any children, or a wife, or any family, or anyone else attending with you, or is it just you?

God Bless.

For me, I am very, very secure in my own theology and my own beliefs. I know who and what I believe in, and who I am, etc. So for me, it is all about trying to find a place (a church) where I can be of the most use to the rest of the people there, etc. As I don't really even need to go to a church for worship or even teaching even, but only for people that I can help and fellowship with only, as I already know in whom and what I believe, and who I am.

And also because it's just only just me also, and I don't have anyone else attending with me, etc. No wife or family or kids, etc.

So my own needs are just to be able to serve or be of some good use there in some way only, and that would be pretty much be the only reason I'm there, etc.

God Bless.

 

[Neogaia777]

Christians not ever wanting to go outside of their little boxes, and not ever wanting to fellowship with anyone who is not exactly like them, etc, is one of the biggest problems around I think, etc.

And the lack of not having "servanthood" in mind when they go there, is yet another, etc.

God Bless.

 

[Neogaia777]

So, my advice is to go where the fields are ripe for harvesting, etc.

If it's just you, and you only, etc.

God Bless.