Ex-Catholic looking for help becoming protestant

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Sketcher

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I've been sticking to my bibles and i've been trying to find the best version to read. I own a king james, an english standard, and a Good News bible (catholic). I'm currently trying to get my hands on a copy of the Halleluyah Scriptures (sorry if i spelled that wrong) and I'm curious to know what you guys recommend I should read.
My church uses ESV, so I think you're good there. KJV is good for deeper study because it is older and therefore the more classic resources for study (i.e. Strong's Exhaustive Concordance) use it. My general advice is to go with the translation your church uses because it is easier to follow along that way, but since you don't have a church yet, use what you have.

On to the church part- I'm having trouble figuring out what kind of church I should go to or if any at all. I'm a bit afraid because all i've ever known is Catholicism. I really want to do things right and become born again.
There are liturgical and non-liturgical Protestant churches. The Gospel can be found in both kinds, though going from Catholic to non-liturgical can be a bit of a culture shock for ex-Catholics. Some of them like it, others prefer the more liturgical setting and go to a Lutheran church or other liturgical church. Both have Biblical reasons for their respective approaches.

I'm non-denominational, so I can't really recommend any particular denomination unequivocally (or any non-denominational church I have zero familiarity with, for that matter). Instead, I can give you an incomplete list of red flags to avoid.

- If they say Jesus is just one way of many to get to Heaven, leave.
- If they deny the Trinity, leave.
- If they have another holy book other than the Bible, leave.
- If they push "prosperity teaching," leave.
- If they're King James Only, leave.
- If they say you have to have a certain gift of the Spirit (tongues is a popular one) or else you're not saved, leave.
- If there seems to be a cult of personality about the pastor, as in the church is named after him or he is given an exalted title, leave.
- If the church does not disclose its finances to its members* upon request, leave.

* Membership is different from whether or not you attend. It may require taking a class and making a commitment to go to that church. This is fine.

What you should do is look up their statements of faith on their web sites, as a starting point. They may also post sermons or services, which you can use to preview the church. Before you judge the church based on its style though, you would do well to actually go through its doors and meet its people. There's more to a good church than just what happens in the Sunday service.
 
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GraceBro

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Hi, I left the Catholic church about a year ago. I left because of bad experiences, mean and ignorant priests, no solutions to my questions or problems, and a never ending feeling of evil around me. I have a lot of backstory as to why I left but I'm not going to explain everything here right now. Maybe some other time. Anyway, after I stopped going to mass I was looking into the ideas and ways of evangelists and lutherans. I've been sticking to my bibles and i've been trying to find the best version to read. I own a king james, an english standard, and a Good News bible (catholic). I'm currently trying to get my hands on a copy of the Halleluyah Scriptures (sorry if i spelled that wrong) and I'm curious to know what you guys recommend I should read.

On to the church part- I'm having trouble figuring out what kind of church I should go to or if any at all. I'm a bit afraid because all i've ever known is Catholicism. I really want to do things right and become born again. For now all i've been doing is reading the word and finding people on youtube to listen to. I've been watching alot of Living Waters with Ray Comfort and other youtube channels like Derek Prince, Fred Tarsitano, Alan Horvath, etc. I used to watch videos from the priest from my (old) diocese "Ascension Presents" with Father Mike Schmitz but I stopped because obviously I don't want to be RC anymore (roman catholic) I don't know if I want to label myself as a certain type of christian or just call myself a christian. I want to surround myself with people who are christian and want to help and guide other to christ the right way and find supporters. I have no idea where to go and i'm young so i have time to figure this all out, but I'd rather start now than later because I could get into a car crash and die tomorrow for all i know. I really want to stay away from evil and stay away from sin. The Catholic church is full of stuff like that. (sorry catholics)

Any advice or recommendations is appreciated!
My question is are you born again? Jesus said, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again (John 3:3).” Once you get that situated then God will lead you to like-minded believers to fellowship with. Grace and Peace.
 
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timothyu

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Going from the self serving ways of the flesh to being born to the ways of servitude of the Kingdom (and I don't mean clergy) is a bigger step than finding a church. So much of what the world has taught us is there to reject.
 
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rockytopva

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I cannot recommend any certain denomination. So many preachers come out of the cemetery (oops! I meant seminary) arrogant, not having been taught that the ego of man is not the unction of God.
And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations. - Luke 16:9

There can be blessings in dwelling with the humbler side of humanity.
 
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Rebemk80

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My church uses ESV, so I think you're good there. KJV is good for deeper study because it is older and therefore the more classic resources for study (i.e. Strong's Exhaustive Concordance) use it. My general advice is to go with the translation your church uses because it is easier to follow along that way, but since you don't have a church yet, use what you have.


There are liturgical and non-liturgical Protestant churches. The Gospel can be found in both kinds, though going from Catholic to non-liturgical can be a bit of a culture shock for ex-Catholics. Some of them like it, others prefer the more liturgical setting and go to a Lutheran church or other liturgical church. Both have Biblical reasons for their respective approaches.

I'm non-denominational, so I can't really recommend any particular denomination unequivocally (or any non-denominational church I have zero familiarity with, for that matter). Instead, I can give you an incomplete list of red flags to avoid.

- If they say Jesus is just one way of many to get to Heaven, leave.
- If they deny the Trinity, leave.
- If they have another holy book other than the Bible, leave.
- If they push "prosperity teaching," leave.
- If they're King James Only, leave.
- If they say you have to have a certain gift of the Spirit (tongues is a popular one) or else you're not saved, leave.
- If there seems to be a cult of personality about the pastor, as in the church is named after him or he is given an exalted title, leave.
- If the church does not disclose its finances to its members* upon request, leave.

* Membership is different from whether or not you attend. It may require taking a class and making a commitment to go to that church. This is fine.

What you should do is look up their statements of faith on their web sites, as a starting point. They may also post sermons or services, which you can use to preview the church. Before you judge the church based on its style though, you would do well to actually go through its doors and meet its people. There's more to a good church than just what happens in the Sunday service.

This is super helpful!
 
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Rebemk80

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My question is are you born again? Jesus said, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again (John 3:3).” Once you get that situated then God will lead you to like-minded believers to fellowship with. Grace and Peace.

I am not born again, that's my goal
 
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charsan

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I am not born again, that's my goal

You identify as Christian on your profile. Did you get baptized? Do you follow Christ? If you answer yes you are a Christian don't let people tell you different
 
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Yarddog

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Hi, I left the Catholic church about a year ago. I left because of bad experiences, mean and ignorant priests, no solutions to my questions or problems, and a never ending feeling of evil around me. I have a lot of backstory as to why I left but I'm not going to explain everything here right now. Maybe some other time. Anyway, after I stopped going to mass I was looking into the ideas and ways of evangelists and lutherans. I've been sticking to my bibles and i've been trying to find the best version to read. I own a king james, an english standard, and a Good News bible (catholic). I'm currently trying to get my hands on a copy of the Halleluyah Scriptures (sorry if i spelled that wrong) and I'm curious to know what you guys recommend I should read.

On to the church part- I'm having trouble figuring out what kind of church I should go to or if any at all. I'm a bit afraid because all i've ever known is Catholicism. I really want to do things right and become born again. For now all i've been doing is reading the word and finding people on youtube to listen to. I've been watching alot of Living Waters with Ray Comfort and other youtube channels like Derek Prince, Fred Tarsitano, Alan Horvath, etc. I used to watch videos from the priest from my (old) diocese "Ascension Presents" with Father Mike Schmitz but I stopped because obviously I don't want to be RC anymore (roman catholic) I don't know if I want to label myself as a certain type of christian or just call myself a christian. I want to surround myself with people who are christian and want to help and guide other to christ the right way and find supporters. I have no idea where to go and i'm young so i have time to figure this all out, but I'd rather start now than later because I could get into a car crash and die tomorrow for all i know. I really want to stay away from evil and stay away from sin. The Catholic church is full of stuff like that. (sorry catholics)

Any advice or recommendations is appreciated!
I'm a Catholic but I'm not trying to convince you to stay. I was born a Baptist and God called me into the Catholic Church when I was 28.

Just to let you know, if you have been a Catholic and baptised, you are already a "born again" Christian. You haven't had your "aha" moment but God is alive in you already. You just need to take the time to hear his Holy Spirit.

I pray you find your path.
God bless
 
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Rebemk80

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You identify as Christian on your profile. Did you get baptized? Do you follow Christ? If you answer yes you are a Christian don't let people tell you different

I was baptized Catholic as a baby. I honestly just don't think that counts as the baptism god wants me to have...I need to wait I think until God deems me ready
 
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Albion

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I was baptized Catholic as a baby. I honestly just don't think that counts as the baptism god wants me to have...I need to wait I think until God deems me ready
This ^ would seem to complicate the advice a number of people here have offered--that you should consider a Lutheran church. Probably a Baptist or similar one would align with your beliefs better.
 
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Hi, I left the Catholic church about a year ago. I left because of bad experiences, mean and ignorant priests, no solutions to my questions or problems, and a never ending feeling of evil around me. I have a lot of backstory as to why I left but I'm not going to explain everything here right now. Maybe some other time. Anyway, after I stopped going to mass I was looking into the ideas and ways of evangelists and lutherans. I've been sticking to my bibles and i've been trying to find the best version to read. I own a king james, an english standard, and a Good News bible (catholic). I'm currently trying to get my hands on a copy of the Halleluyah Scriptures (sorry if i spelled that wrong) and I'm curious to know what you guys recommend I should read.

On to the church part- I'm having trouble figuring out what kind of church I should go to or if any at all. I'm a bit afraid because all i've ever known is Catholicism. I really want to do things right and become born again. For now all i've been doing is reading the word and finding people on youtube to listen to. I've been watching alot of Living Waters with Ray Comfort and other youtube channels like Derek Prince, Fred Tarsitano, Alan Horvath, etc. I used to watch videos from the priest from my (old) diocese "Ascension Presents" with Father Mike Schmitz but I stopped because obviously I don't want to be RC anymore (roman catholic) I don't know if I want to label myself as a certain type of christian or just call myself a christian. I want to surround myself with people who are christian and want to help and guide other to christ the right way and find supporters. I have no idea where to go and i'm young so i have time to figure this all out, but I'd rather start now than later because I could get into a car crash and die tomorrow for all i know. I really want to stay away from evil and stay away from sin. The Catholic church is full of stuff like that. (sorry catholics)

Any advice or recommendations is appreciated!
Just remember that the church is all who are born again believers. Keep focused on Christ, who He is, what He has done for you and who you are in Him. That will keep you busy for the next 70 years. I don't know that a particular denomination matters. I'm protestant. Some would call me charismatic. Find a place where Jesus is Lord in more than just theory and where you are comfortable. Ask the Lord to lead you to the right place.
 
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Aussie Pete

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If you have been baptized and received the Holy Spirit you are born again.

Lutherans consider Catholic baptism to be a valid baptism.
Baptism is not a prerequisite for being born again. Receiving Christ is. You can't have the Holy Spirit until you've received Christ. Christianity 101.
 
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rockytopva

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I am not born again, that's my goal
Keep in mind that becomming born again is very easy....

This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? - Galatians 3:2
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. - Acts 16:31
The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. - Romans 10:8-10

And as you have already done this I believe you are already born again. The issue here is finding you a good church where you can build your faith.
 
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rockytopva

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My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you... - Galatians 4:19
And... We want the born again experience to be Christ in you, and not some kind of preconceived idea that may not be what's best for you.
 
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I'll just say this...don't leave a church simply because you experience difficulties in that denomination. Every single denomination has its own unique problems. You should honestly seek out the truth and find the church you believe most closely holds to the truth. You're problems will not magically go away because you start going to a different kind of church, you'll just get different kinds of problems.
 
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On to the church part- I'm having trouble figuring out what kind of church I should go to or if any at all.
I believe the atonement is twofold. Jesus died to reconcile us with our Heavenly father. Also we are to be reconciled with each other. Jesus taught us to pray, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. People need to love each other to be qualified to get into Heaven then this is where we learn how to be loving people and how to speak words of life, health and healing. So when looking for a church find the most loving church you can find. Also find a church where they talk about the Blood of Jesus and how we are to be washed and cleansed in and through the Blood. If you are coming out of a Catholic Church they you maybe more comfortable with a Church that uses the Book of Common Prayer. The Holy Spirit of God is to be our Comforter, Teacher & our Guide to show us the way we are to go. So we are lead by God to show us the right people for us to fellowship with. We do not know for sure who is saved and who is not going to be saved. That is up to the angels to sort them out at the end of this era. It is pretty easy to tell if people are speaking words of life and encouragement or death and destruction.
 
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Swan7

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I am not born again, that's my goal

You’ll only get so far without Christ in your heart. In my younger years, before I made a conscious decision to follow Him, I had some knowledge in the Bible but did not understand many things in it. This is what’s referred to as “relying on your own intellect/understanding rather than God’s. This was my mistake.

How I got out of that was by hitting rock bottom in my life which caused me to pose a question to my/our Creator. “What is Your absolute Truth?”

I was tired of being deceived and getting no where, only more confusion. So I asked Him that question and, let me tell you - right after I repented and asked Him into my life to lead it and I follow, He gave me understanding like I never knew before.

This is what believing in Jesus Christ means. Ask anything in His will and name - He will do it: John 14:13-14
:yellowheart:
 
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I grew up Catholic and i knew there is God, i feel inside my heart that there is an empty space for God, one of my friend invited me to Grand Harvest Christian Ministry Inc. and i encountered God, simple and amazing. its not about the church, God said if you seek Him you will find Him. I pray as you continue seeking God he reveal to you where church you can serve Him and know Him more. Godbless
 
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Hi, I left the Catholic church about a year ago. I left because of bad experiences, mean and ignorant priests, no solutions to my questions or problems, and a never ending feeling of evil around me. I have a lot of backstory as to why I left but I'm not going to explain everything here right now. Maybe some other time. Anyway, after I stopped going to mass I was looking into the ideas and ways of evangelists and lutherans. I've been sticking to my bibles and i've been trying to find the best version to read. I own a king james, an english standard, and a Good News bible (catholic). I'm currently trying to get my hands on a copy of the Halleluyah Scriptures (sorry if i spelled that wrong) and I'm curious to know what you guys recommend I should read.

On to the church part- I'm having trouble figuring out what kind of church I should go to or if any at all. I'm a bit afraid because all i've ever known is Catholicism. I really want to do things right and become born again. For now all i've been doing is reading the word and finding people on youtube to listen to. I've been watching alot of Living Waters with Ray Comfort and other youtube channels like Derek Prince, Fred Tarsitano, Alan Horvath, etc. I used to watch videos from the priest from my (old) diocese "Ascension Presents" with Father Mike Schmitz but I stopped because obviously I don't want to be RC anymore (roman catholic) I don't know if I want to label myself as a certain type of christian or just call myself a christian. I want to surround myself with people who are christian and want to help and guide other to christ the right way and find supporters. I have no idea where to go and i'm young so i have time to figure this all out, but I'd rather start now than later because I could get into a car crash and die tomorrow for all i know. I really want to stay away from evil and stay away from sin. The Catholic church is full of stuff like that. (sorry catholics)

Any advice or recommendations is appreciated!

Here is something:

Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference - Wikipedia

Got some friends that belong to this church. NASB is in my opinion one of the best Bible translations out there.
 
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I am not born again, that's my goal

To be born again spiritually check out this tract here:

full


Chick.com: This Was Your Life

It helped me.
 
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