Does this seem like a good church to attend

keydish2 · Apr 28, 2010

This is what they believe...............................

1. THE WORD OF GOD:

We believe that the Bible is the Word of God, fully inspired and without error in the original manuscripts, written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and that it has supreme authority in all matters of faith, and conduct. II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:20,21; Mark 13:31; John 8:31,32; John 20:31; Acts 20:32

2. THE TRINITY

We believe that there is one living and true God, eternally existing in three persons; that these are equal in every divine perfection, and that they execute distinct but harmonious offices in the work of creation, providence, and redemption. Genesis 1:1, 26; John 1:1,3; Matthew 28:19; John 4:24; Romans 1:19; Ephesians 4:5,6

3. GOD THE FATHER

We believe in God the Father, an infinite, personal spirit, perfect in holiness, wisdom, power, and love. We believe that He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of men, that He hears and answers prayer, and that He saves from sin and death all who come to Him through Jesus Christ. Luke 10:21,22; Matthew 23:9; John 3:16; 6:27; Romans 1:7; I Timothy 1:1,2; 2:5,6; I Peter 1:3; Revelation 1:6

4. JESUS CHRIST

We believe in Jesus Christ, Godís only begotten Son, fully God and fully man, conceived by the Holy Spirit. We believe in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, and teachings. We believe in His substitutionary atoning death, bodily resurrection, ascension into heaven, perpetual intercession for His people, and physical bodily return to earth Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38; John 1:1; 20:28; Romans 9:5; 8:46; II Corinthians 5:21; I Peter 2:21-23; John 20:30,31; Matthew 20:28; Ephesians 1:4; Acts 1:11; Romans 5:6-8; 6:9,10; Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 9:28; I Timothy 3:16

5. THE HOLY SPIRIT

We believe in the Holy Spirit, eternally generated from the Father and the Son to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and to regenerate, sanctify, and empower all who believe in Jesus Christ. We believe that the Holy Spirit indwells every believer in Christ, and that He is an abiding helper, teacher, and guide. John 14:16,17; 26; John 15:26,27;John 16:9-14 ; Romans 8:9; I Corinthians 3:16; 6:19; Gal. 5:22-26

6. SALVATION

We believe that man was created by God in His own image; that he sinned and thereby incurred physical, spiritual, and eternal death, which brought separation from God; that as a consequence, all human beings are born with a sinful nature and as a result are also sinners by choice and therefore under condemnation. We believe that those who, by the grace of God, repent and forsake sin and trust Jesus Christ as Savior have evidenced their regeneration by the Holy Spirit and become new creatures, delivered from condemnation, and receive eternal life. We believe that those who trust in the merits of Christís atoning work alone are declared justified in Godís sight and are credited with a righteousness which they do not in themselves possess Genesis 1:26; Genesis 2:17; 3:19; 5:2; Ecclesiastes 2:11; John 3:14; 5:24; John 5:30; 7:13; 8:12; 10:26; Romans 8:1; Romans 9:22; II Thessalonians 1:9; Revelation 19:3, 20; 20:10; 14:15; 21:18; Ps. 51:7; Jeremiah 17:9; James 1:14; Romans 3:19; 5:19; Proverbs 28:13; 1 John 1:9; John 3:16; John 1:13; II Corinthians 5:17

7. THE CHURCH

We believe in the universal church, a living spiritual body of which Christ is the head and all regenerated persons are members. We believe in the local church, consisting of a company of professing believers in Jesus Christ, baptized on a credible profession of faith, and associated for worship, work, and fellowship. We believe that God has laid upon the members of the local church the primary task of giving the gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost world all to the glory of God. We believe the children of believers to be part of Godís covenant family and are, therefore, to receive baptism as well. Ephesians 2:19-22; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:42; Hebrews 10:23-25; Genesis 17:10

8. THE SACRAMENTS

We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has committed two sacraments to the local church, baptism and the Lordís Supper. We believe that Christian baptism is with water into the name of the triune God. We believe that the Lordís Supper was instituted by Christ for commemoration of His death, containing His spiritual presence. We believe that these two ordinances should be observed and administered until the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 6:3-5; I Corinthians 11:23-26

reigningfish · Apr 28, 2010

Seems like a pretty standard protestant creed. Could be from any baptist, methodist, etc... church.

Do they have a website?

keydish2 · Apr 28, 2010

Yes they do..........................

Branch of Hope --Torrance Ca

sbbqb7n16 · Apr 28, 2010

How do they treat visitors?
Can you plug in to the church to serve others?
Do they love one another?
How do they serve the local community?
Is there a ministry at that church that you would like to be a part of?
Is the pastor motivating?
Does he/she keep your attention?
Do they explain the Word of God in a manner that you can learn and grow there?

fm107 · Apr 29, 2010

Do the women in the Church wear head coverings?

1 Corinthians 11:6
If a woman does not cover her head, she should have her hair cut off; and if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut or shaved off, she should cover her head.

Are the women in the Church silent?

1 Corinthians 14:34
women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says.

.............................................................................................

The bible is God's word and therefore if they are not doing what I mentioned above then they are disobeying God's word. If this is the case, I would advise you find another Church which does obey God and has not lost its way like so many churches these days.

2 Timothy 3:16
All Scripture is God-breathed

Feel free to pm me at any time.

Jpark · Apr 29, 2010

Never mind.

student ad x · Apr 29, 2010

keydish2 said:
Does this seem like a good church to attend

This is what they believe...............................

1. THE WORD OF GOD:

We believe that the Bible is the Word of God, fully inspired and without error in the original manuscripts, written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and that it has supreme authority in all matters of faith, and conduct. II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:20,21; Mark 13:31; John 8:31,32; John 20:31; Acts 20:32

2. THE TRINITY

We believe that there is one living and true God, eternally existing in three persons; that these are equal in every divine perfection, and that they execute distinct but harmonious offices in the work of creation, providence, and redemption. Genesis 1:1, 26; John 1:1,3; Matthew 28:19; John 4:24; Romans 1:19; Ephesians 4:5,6

3. GOD THE FATHER

We believe in God the Father, an infinite, personal spirit, perfect in holiness, wisdom, power, and love. We believe that He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of men, that He hears and answers prayer, and that He saves from sin and death all who come to Him through Jesus Christ. Luke 10:21,22; Matthew 23:9; John 3:16; 6:27; Romans 1:7; I Timothy 1:1,2; 2:5,6; I Peter 1:3; Revelation 1:6

4. JESUS CHRIST

We believe in Jesus Christ, Godís only begotten Son, fully God and fully man, conceived by the Holy Spirit. We believe in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, and teachings. We believe in His substitutionary atoning death, bodily resurrection, ascension into heaven, perpetual intercession for His people, and physical bodily return to earth Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38; John 1:1; 20:28; Romans 9:5; 8:46; II Corinthians 5:21; I Peter 2:21-23; John 20:30,31; Matthew 20:28; Ephesians 1:4; Acts 1:11; Romans 5:6-8; 6:9,10; Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 9:28; I Timothy 3:16

5. THE HOLY SPIRIT

We believe in the Holy Spirit, eternally generated from the Father and the Son to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and to regenerate, sanctify, and empower all who believe in Jesus Christ. We believe that the Holy Spirit indwells every believer in Christ, and that He is an abiding helper, teacher, and guide. John 14:16,17; 26; John 15:26,27;John 16:9-14 ; Romans 8:9; I Corinthians 3:16; 6:19; Gal. 5:22-26

6. SALVATION

We believe that man was created by God in His own image; that he sinned and thereby incurred physical, spiritual, and eternal death, which brought separation from God; that as a consequence, all human beings are born with a sinful nature and as a result are also sinners by choice and therefore under condemnation. We believe that those who, by the grace of God, repent and forsake sin and trust Jesus Christ as Savior have evidenced their regeneration by the Holy Spirit and become new creatures, delivered from condemnation, and receive eternal life. We believe that those who trust in the merits of Christís atoning work alone are declared justified in Godís sight and are credited with a righteousness which they do not in themselves possess Genesis 1:26; Genesis 2:17; 3:19; 5:2; Ecclesiastes 2:11; John 3:14; 5:24; John 5:30; 7:13; 8:12; 10:26; Romans 8:1; Romans 9:22; II Thessalonians 1:9; Revelation 19:3, 20; 20:10; 14:15; 21:18; Ps. 51:7; Jeremiah 17:9; James 1:14; Romans 3:19; 5:19; Proverbs 28:13; 1 John 1:9; John 3:16; John 1:13; II Corinthians 5:17

7. THE CHURCH

We believe in the universal church, a living spiritual body of which Christ is the head and all regenerated persons are members. We believe in the local church, consisting of a company of professing believers in Jesus Christ, baptized on a credible profession of faith, and associated for worship, work, and fellowship. We believe that God has laid upon the members of the local church the primary task of giving the gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost world all to the glory of God. We believe the children of believers to be part of Godís covenant family and are, therefore, to receive baptism as well. Ephesians 2:19-22; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:42; Hebrews 10:23-25; Genesis 17:10

8. THE SACRAMENTS

We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has committed two sacraments to the local church, baptism and the Lordís Supper. We believe that Christian baptism is with water into the name of the triune God. We believe that the Lordís Supper was instituted by Christ for commemoration of His death, containing His spiritual presence. We believe that these two ordinances should be observed and administered until the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 6:3-5; I Corinthians 11:23-26

YES!....

Even as a Particular Baptist ("reformed" Baptist), I would have little problem with this statement of faith.

sbbqb7n16 · Apr 30, 2010

fm107 said:
Do the women in the Church wear head coverings?

Are the women in the Church silent?

Really?? That's what you consider important in a church?

Don't worry about how they view Jesus, it's more important how well they repress women.

.............................................................................................

The bible is God's word and therefore if they are not doing what I mentioned above then they are disobeying God's word. If this is the case, I would advise you find another Church which does obey God and has not lost its way like so many churches these days.

2 Timothy 3:16
All Scripture is God-breathed

Feel free to pm me at any time.

And how many churches have you been to lately? How many of them had women (and/or men) just sitting there chatting away during the sermon? You don't think "so many churches these days" would do something about a distraction like that?

I'm sure Paul meant those verses to keep women (and only women!) silent, not to remove distractions from the service.

There once was a time when there were people who were really strict about things that weren't meant to be. They came up with all sorts of extra rules and held people to them. You could only walk so many steps on a Saturday, or you broke the Sabbath. If you even tried to help someone, that was considered work too. They held people to the minute laws and neglected the more important things like justice, mercy, and faithfulness. All because "the law says." You and I would know them as the Pharisees. We've read what Jesus had to say to the Pharisees in that day.

I wonder what He would say to the ones in ours...

If you're looking for a good church, evaluate how they treat Jesus. Do they tell the truth about Him? Do they lead you towards Him? Do they help you lead others towards Him?

"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."
Matthew 6:33

Or just wear a big Jack in the Box head next time you go to church - because then you will have your head covered and all will be okay.

heron · Apr 30, 2010

Or just wear a big Jack in the Box head next time you go to church - because then you will have your head covered and all will be okay.

Where do we get one of those?

Tangible · Apr 30, 2010

Sounds pretty standard to me, if pretty vague in some areas. Curiously Calvinist view of the sacraments. I were you, I'd hold out for the Real Presence.

"We believe that those who, by the grace of God, repent and forsake sin and trust Jesus Christ as Savior have evidenced their regeneration by the Holy Spirit and become new creatures, delivered from condemnation, and receive eternal life."

This is a problem passage for me. It directs the Christian to look inwardly for their assurance of faith instead of outwardly to the work of Christ and the promises of God. Repentance, obedience and faith are results of justification by grace through faith, but are NOT to be used as proofs or evidences of regeneration.

sbbqb7n16 · Apr 30, 2010

heron said:
Where do we get one of those?

haha I don't know! Saw someone with one on halloween. So I thought it would be pretty easy with a little internet search, but alas - it was not to be. Found some discussions on how to make one though

But doesn't this seem like a good church-going guy?

fm107 · May 1, 2010

sbbqb7n16 said:
Really?? That's what you consider important in a church?

Of course I do, God's word is extremely important and if that is what he has told us to do then we should do it otherwise we are sinning!

sbbqb7n16 said:
Don't worry about how they view Jesus, it's more important how well they repress women.

Huh? Where did I say any of that?

sbbqb7n16 said:
And how many churches have you been to lately? How many of them had women (and/or men) just sitting there chatting away during the sermon? You don't think "so many churches these days" would do something about a distraction like that?

Sounds like your so very easily distracted, have you tried approaching these sisters and speaking to them about this?

sbbqb7n16 said:
I'm sure Paul meant those verses to keep women (and only women!) silent, not to remove distractions from the service.

Well of course Paul wrote those scriptures with that purpose in mind. That much is obvious.

sbbqb7n16 said:
There once was a time when there were people who were really strict about things that weren't meant to be. They came up with all sorts of extra rules and held people to them. You could only walk so many steps on a Saturday, or you broke the Sabbath. If you even tried to help someone, that was considered work too. They held people to the minute laws and neglected the more important things like justice, mercy, and faithfulness. All because "the law says." You and I would know them as the Pharisees. We've read what Jesus had to say to the Pharisees in that day.

sbbqb7n16 said:
I wonder what He would say to the ones in ours...

This happens even today. I am not making up "all sorts of extra rules," I am stating clear scripture teachings of which must be followed!

sbbqb7n16 said:
If you're looking for a good church, evaluate how they treat Jesus. Do they tell the truth about Him? Do they lead you towards Him? Do they help you lead others towards Him?

sbbqb7n16 said:
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."
Matthew 6:33

Or just wear a big Jack in the Box head next time you go to church - because then you will have your head covered and all will be okay.

What your saying is actually disgusting.

How do we "treat Jesus" well?

By obeying him!

John 14:15
"If you love me, you will obey what I command."

Therefore obey him!

My guess is you are not i.e. that you attend a Church which do not follow these clear commands given by God.

P.S. The reason why I highlight these commands as opposed to as you put it "how well they treat Jesus" is because that is such an obvious thing someone would look for and also because many things someone should look for has already been stated previously. But I go deeper and say how do we know how well we treat Jesus? It's by obeying his commands! And two of those which are often not obeyed by many Christians were the ones I posted earlier.

heron · May 1, 2010

Is that an ice cream cone on his head?

What your saying is actually disgusting. How do we "treat Jesus" well? By obeying him

I think he just meant what they say about Jesus. Some churches are so focused on one trend in teaching, that they don't teach repentance, Jesus' redemption, etc.

fm107 · May 1, 2010

I know exactly what he's saying.

I consider the whole of the bible important.

Where as in his statement (below) he obviously doesn't think this is important.

"Really?? That's what you consider important in a church?"

In fact he seems to be of the opinion that women being silent and wearing head coverings is some how repressive:

"Don't worry about how they view Jesus, it's more important how well they repress women."

So before sbbqb7n16 tries to put down what I say or anyone else for that matter he ought to think before hand about what that person is actually saying.

If you read my post, what I said was from the bible hence the quotes and is therefore important! I hope he learns from this.

Wearing hats and women being silent is a quick tell tail sign of whether a Church is following the bible teachings. If a Church "treats Christ" well then the sisters would be following the teachings of God.

heymikey80 · May 1, 2010

Yes, it looks like a very good church doctrinally, if it's a good church relationally for a new Christian.

There can easily be additional doctrines or approaches in any church that would thwart it otherwise. However, this is a good start.

sbbqb7n16 · May 2, 2010

fm107 said:
I know exactly what he's saying.

I consider the whole of the bible important.

Where as in his statement (below) he obviously doesn't think this is important.

You're right. I depise the Bible. You caught me.

In fact he seems to be of the opinion that women being silent and wearing head coverings is some how repressive:

"Don't worry about how they view Jesus, it's more important how well they repress women."

So before sbbqb7n16 tries to put down what I say or anyone else for that matter he ought to think before hand about what that person is actually saying.

If you read my post, what I said was from the bible hence the quotes and is therefore important! I hope he learns from this.

Yeah I'm not learning anything from your posts at all - sorry bud. <- That's not scarcasm. My other statements were.

But since you didn't catch what I was saying, here goes: When asked "what is important in a church?" you replied with "keep the women quiet and make sure they cover their heads." You focused on the outer things which are really irrelevant, and neglected the more important things. (see! I did read your post after all) The fact that when asked that question, your mind jumped to controlling the women in the church - showed me a big problem. Which I'm strongly against (and getting kinda angry with honestly).

My point was/is that it's far better to find a church that focuses on what's going on inside your heart, rather than if women cover their heads or not.

25. "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside they are full of robbery and self-indulgence.26. "You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, so that the outside of it may become clean also.27. "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness.28. "So you, too, outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.
Matthew 23:25-28

Wearing hats and women being silent is a quick tell tail sign of whether a Church is following the bible teachings...

hahahahahahaha you've got to be kidding me...

By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.
John 13:35

heron · May 3, 2010

Yes, it looks like a very good church doctrinally, if it's a good church relationally for a new Christian.

There can easily be additional doctrines or approaches in any church that would thwart it otherwise. However, this is a good start.

I agree. You will find when you go there whether things strike you as off-base or not.

Remember that going one place does not mean you sign over your life to them. People in a church will disagree with each other on doctrine, and it still works out.

There are so many good churches now in many regions, that we have a lot more freedom to make choices.

Funny, when I first read the mission statement it struck me as overly cautious, but don't listen to me -- churches need to do that these days.

Does this seem like a good church to attend

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