Hello From New Zealand

Corey P · Dec 14, 2023

Good morning/afternoon/evening everyone,
I am from New Zealand and my wife and I are starting (restarting) on our journey in Christianity (my wife was a Christian in her teens and I was a JW in my teens - family were attending). We are now finding ourselves drawn to Christ (sensing the increase in evil in the world and being drawn in the opposite direction) and wanting to find the purest form of Christianity (as Christ taught) and are working through this process via research, to determine what denomination may be appropriate for us. High level research led me to the Eastern Orthodox denomination (the 'original church', which included what also later become the Roman Catholic Church, after the schism?) but I am little unsure of the kissing of icons, the saints etc and the rigirous requirements to fully enter the church as a member (not afraid of hard work but just seems like barriers to potentially feeling part of the church). Also, here in NZ the EO churches mostly speak their own language in service (greek, arabic, romanian etc) and unsure how we would be received. We would appreciate any thoughts from members who are in a similar position (seeking the purest form of Christianity) and what their research and experiences have uncovered/revealed. Many thanks and God bless.

Ignatius the Kiwi · Dec 14, 2023

Do you live in Auckland?

Corey P · Dec 14, 2023

Ignatius the Kiwi said:
Do you live in Auckland?

Christchurch

jacks · Dec 14, 2023

Welcome.
I once visited New Zealand. A beautiful country and Christchurch was my favorite city.

Ignatius the Kiwi · Dec 14, 2023

Corey P said:
Christchurch

Shame cause i was going to reccome d coming to my Church here. Still If you're ever in Auckland come to the Russian Orthodox Church.

Corey P · Dec 14, 2023

jacks said:
Welcome.
I once visited New Zealand. A beautiful country and Christchurch was my favorite city.

Ignatius the Kiwi said:
Shame cause i was going to reccome d coming to my Church here. Still If you're ever in Auckland come to the Russian Orthodox Church.

Thank you, I do travel for work sometimes, so will likely be in Auckland again, within the next year.

Corey P · Dec 14, 2023

jacks said:
Welcome.
I once visited New Zealand. A beautiful country and Christchurch was my favorite city.

Thank you

Aussie Pete · Dec 14, 2023

Corey P said:
Good morning/afternoon/evening everyone,
I am from New Zealand and my wife and I are starting (restarting) on our journey in Christianity (my wife was a Christian in her teens and I was a JW in my teens - family were attending). We are now finding ourselves drawn to Christ (sensing the increase in evil in the world and being drawn in the opposite direction) and wanting to find the purest form of Christianity (as Christ taught) and are working through this process via research, to determine what denomination may be appropriate for us. High level research led me to the Eastern Orthodox denomination (the 'original church', which included what also later become the Roman Catholic Church, after the schism?) but I am little unsure of the kissing of icons, the saints etc and the rigirous requirements to fully enter the church as a member (not afraid of hard work but just seems like barriers to potentially feeling part of the church). Also, here in NZ the EO churches mostly speak their own language in service (greek, arabic, romanian etc) and unsure how we would be received. We would appreciate any thoughts from members who are in a similar position (seeking the purest form of Christianity) and what their research and experiences have uncovered/revealed. Many thanks and God bless.

The purest form of Christianity is revealed in the Bible. You won't find it in denominations. If you are born again, you are already a member of the church. It's a family, not an organisation. Jesus did not tell His followers to build an organisation. The first Christians met in each others homes. Every believer is a saint. Mary does not rate a mention in Acts or the epistles.

I was saved 50 years ago. I went to many different churches as I was in the Navy at the time. I went to any church I could find. I discovered that in reality there is very little difference doctrinally. I seek fellowships where Jesus is preached and the people love one another. I do not include Catholicism as I disagree with some of their core teachings. Presently I attend an Anglican church. The pastor sprinkles babies yet is happy to baptise adults by immersion. I've had better fellowship with him than any other pastor where I live, including the doctrinally more accurate Baptists. God does not have a theological entrance exam into His Kingdom. He wants to know if you are alive. The Anglican pastor loves Jesus, seeks the kingdom of God and has welcomed my wife and I. That will do me.

Michie · Dec 14, 2023

Welcome!

Corey P · Dec 14, 2023

Aussie Pete said:
The purest form of Christianity is revealed in the Bible. You won't find it in denominations. If you are born again, you are already a member of the church. It's a family, not an organisation. Jesus did not tell His followers to build an organisation. The first Christians met in each others homes. Every believer is a saint. Mary does not rate a mention in Acts or the epistles.

I was saved 50 years ago. I went to many different churches as I was in the Navy at the time. I went to any church I could find. I discovered that in reality there is very little difference doctrinally. I seek fellowships where Jesus is preached and the people love one another. I do not include Catholicism as I disagree with some of their core teachings. Presently I attend an Anglican church. The pastor sprinkles babies yet is happy to baptise adults by immersion. I've had better fellowship with him than any other pastor where I live, including the doctrinally more accurate Baptists. God does not have a theological entrance exam into His Kingdom. He wants to know if you are alive. The Anglican pastor loves Jesus, seeks the kingdom of God and has welcomed my wife and I. That will do me.

Thank you for your insights and sharing your experience Aussie Pete. The above makes perfect sense, we are going to attend a service at our local baptist church this weekend.

Carl Emerson · Dec 15, 2023

Corey P said:
Good morning/afternoon/evening everyone,
I am from New Zealand and my wife and I are starting (restarting) on our journey in Christianity (my wife was a Christian in her teens and I was a JW in my teens - family were attending). We are now finding ourselves drawn to Christ (sensing the increase in evil in the world and being drawn in the opposite direction) and wanting to find the purest form of Christianity (as Christ taught) and are working through this process via research, to determine what denomination may be appropriate for us. High level research led me to the Eastern Orthodox denomination (the 'original church', which included what also later become the Roman Catholic Church, after the schism?) but I am little unsure of the kissing of icons, the saints etc and the rigirous requirements to fully enter the church as a member (not afraid of hard work but just seems like barriers to potentially feeling part of the church). Also, here in NZ the EO churches mostly speak their own language in service (greek, arabic, romanian etc) and unsure how we would be received. We would appreciate any thoughts from members who are in a similar position (seeking the purest form of Christianity) and what their research and experiences have uncovered/revealed. Many thanks and God bless.

If you would like some dialogue and friendship, I am in Auckland.

Valletta · Dec 15, 2023

Corey P said:
Good morning/afternoon/evening everyone,
I am from New Zealand and my wife and I are starting (restarting) on our journey in Christianity (my wife was a Christian in her teens and I was a JW in my teens - family were attending). We are now finding ourselves drawn to Christ (sensing the increase in evil in the world and being drawn in the opposite direction) and wanting to find the purest form of Christianity (as Christ taught) and are working through this process via research, to determine what denomination may be appropriate for us. High level research led me to the Eastern Orthodox denomination (the 'original church', which included what also later become the Roman Catholic Church, after the schism?) but I am little unsure of the kissing of icons, the saints etc and the rigirous requirements to fully enter the church as a member (not afraid of hard work but just seems like barriers to potentially feeling part of the church). Also, here in NZ the EO churches mostly speak their own language in service (greek, arabic, romanian etc) and unsure how we would be received. We would appreciate any thoughts from members who are in a similar position (seeking the purest form of Christianity) and what their research and experiences have uncovered/revealed. Many thanks and God bless.

Enjoyed the park with all of those odd trees and Dux De Lux before the earthquake. Beautiful country. I'm a Catholic, I recommend lots of prayer.

Corey P · Dec 15, 2023

Valletta said:
Enjoyed the park with all of those odd trees and Dux De Lux before the earthquake. Beautiful country. I'm a Catholic, I recommend lots of prayer.

Thank you for your advice on prayer. We are very lucky here in NZ to live in one of many beautiful countries on earth.

Corey P · Dec 15, 2023

Carl Emerson said:
If you would like some dialogue and friendship, I am in Auckland.

Thank you Carl for your kind offer, we would love to engage in some dialogue.

Carl Emerson · Dec 15, 2023

Corey P said:
Thank you Carl for your kind offer, we would love to engage in some dialogue.

I will send you a PM (private message)

Christoph Maria · Dec 15, 2023

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maintenance man · Dec 15, 2023

Welcome to CF! I'm praying God points the way for you. Many blessings.

honey badger · Dec 15, 2023

as a fellow KIWI by citzenship ( for whatever weight that holds ) i would stay clear of all temples/churches and those who speek of the gospel as something of gain ...

Brihaha · Dec 16, 2023

Welcome to CF friend. I'm sure you can enrich our time here. I love seeing inspired believers from all over the world. Y'all bring much to the forums and it's fun to interact and learn from each other. Have a great day.

Corey P · Dec 16, 2023

Brihaha said:
Welcome to CF friend. I'm sure you can enrich our time here. I love seeing inspired believers from all over the world. Y'all bring much to the forums and it's fun to interact and learn from each other. Have a great day.

Thank you, we are very happy we have found this forum, to learn from our fellow Christians and grow our faith through study and be in community with each other.

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