Being a new Christian is confusing

[DMC_72]

I am grateful God has poked me on the shoulder and said "It's time to see the truth". I have seen the truth and I have been so hungry to learn more. For the past 2.5 mos I have read the Bible and involved myself in several self Bible studies.

But still, there is so much to learn and it gets tough because everybody has such different views of the Bible's words.

Can somebody briefly explain the different views of a few denominations?

I have visited several churches, hoping God will show me when I reach the one that he has planned for me.

I have visited charismatic churches, Methodist churches, and Baptist churches. I really would love to visit a Calvary chapel Church, but there isn't one reasonably close to my home. I really like what I have learned about the Calvary Chapel Church. They have their beliefs, but they are clearly open to worshipping and sharing with ANY Christians. I really wish I could find a place like that near me.

It's tough. I want to join a church to learn more. Yet how do I distinguish what is true scripture. It seems there is more arguing within the Christian faith than from outside attackers.

It seems we are all serving the same God, just in different ways. But if the heart is right with God, isn't that what matters?!?!

Ugh, reading the Bible and making my own judgements has helped. But still, where to go, what to do?

I don't mind all the different denominations, but why are they so cutthroat towards eachother?

Just read some of the threads about The gifts of The Holy Spirit, communion, baptism, etc. Is it possible to actually know when somebody speaks from the heart and about truth, rather than trying to say, "hey, look at us, we know all the truth, everybody else is wrong".

I would venture to guess NO denomination is 100% correct. It would be impossible. So why do I see so much closed-mindedness when topics are debated. They even lead towards personal attacks or telling somebody they are going to hell. I mean, how Christian is that?

Anyways, I have rambled enough. But goodness, this is tough. God leading me to him was easy. It's tougher now, trying to find how to follow up what God is calling me to do.

 

[PuppyforChrist]

I know what you mean. I felt the same way when I became a Christian. But the Lord never said that Christianity was going to be easy. The devil is trying to get at you. He is trying to get you to come back to him.

Prove to the devil that you are stronger than that by staying strong with God. Ask him to keep you away from Satan's ways. Ask him to protect you from him.

I know Christianity is hard, but in the end, it's worth it.

 

[frost]

Hi DMC,

You're bound to get a ton of different answers as to "what's the best church to attend." That's okay, there are a lot of good, totally-different types of churches out there. First and foremost, find a church that teaches from God's word, the Bible. You might also ask yourself what kind of service appeals to you. Do you like the contemporary style of worship with a band? Do you prefer organ-driven hymn music? How important is Communion to you? Do you like more traditional types of worship? You need to be somewhere where you feel comfortable. You might have to visit several churches before you find the right one. Ask God for guidance and He will lead you to where He wants you to be.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.

God bless

 

[kimber1]

I agree with frost. first adn foremost make sure the church you go to teaches that the Bible is God's word adn the final authority. this may help a little. may not! depends on how far along you are maybe! but it could give you a clue as to what denomination you have the most beliefs with. http://www.selectsmart.com/FREE/select.php?client=DenomSelect

 

[Southwest Christians]

He will lead you to were He wants you to be.

 

[DMC_72]

Kimber1, that is an awesome link!!! Thank you. It suggested Assemblies of God as the top choice. Yet I am unfamiliar with them. Is that a Pentecostal Church...I always thought it was. But I am admittedly ignorant on the subject.

One non-negotiable I have is that no church should condemn others. When I hear a minister denouncing other denominations, I lose respect. I support all Christians if their beliefs are based on their view of the word of God. I detest the bickering among Christians.

Let me tell you all what I am looking for in a church and see if you have any suggestions.

I have visited a charismatic church several times and absolutely LOVE the type of high energy music and worship they offer. And their committment to God is unquestionable.

However, my personal interpretations (sp?) of the gifts of the Holy Spirit are a bit different than theirs. Realize, I am not doubting their beliefs or convictions, jusy my view is different.

I personally am not looking for a church that preaches a high level of importance on speaking in tongues etc. Yet I can't find a church that offers the entusiasm they do when it comes to worship. Does this make sense?

Thank you all soooo much for your support. This community has been great for me. I don't post much, but I have spent hours reading. It's very enlightening....and confusing. lol

 

[afnospam]

I agree with frost. first adn foremost make sure the church you go to teaches that the Bible is God's word adn the final authority. this may help a little. may not! depends on how far along you are maybe! but it could give you a clue as to what denomination you have the most beliefs with. http://www.selectsmart.com/FREE/select.php?client=DenomSelect

LOL! I did this several ways and Assembly of God always comes out at the top. Can someone check this out for accuracy?

 

[frost]

LOL! I did this several ways and Assembly of God always comes out at the top. Can someone check this out for accuracy?

I did this questionnaire as well. Mine came back with mostly Reformed churches (kind of the opposite extreme from AOG.) In fact, the second choice it gave me was the church type that I currently attend so I think it's a fair test. The questions seem to be based, in part, on Arminianism vs. Calvinism beliefs (infant baptism, once-saved always saved, Limited Atonement, etc.)

 

[kimber1]

yea, i kind of agree that it depends on some certain beliefs (baptism, OSAS, adn such) but i thought it might give a general idea! actually the first time i took it it paired me up with mormon and i was like WOAH!!! but i had the wrong interpretation of one of the questions!! LOL! then it put me at Independant Baptist which was exactly where i was going at the time!!


i'm not familiar with charismatic churches. like i said, i'm Baptist. adn i don't understand the tongues thing. i don't think my church believes in that other than that people were able to speak in foreign languages. i may be wrong!
if you have any questions feel frr to pm me anytime and good luck with your search!!

 

[psalmist]

Hello DMC. Can I ask Have you made a personal comitment to the Lord. I found that After I was baptized in the spirit and then the seminars were ended I felt lost and desperatley needed to meet with like minded people. The Lord found me a community that I am happy with and I bless His name. Do find a community near your home were you can receive the support you need. God will find a way. I hope this makes sense. God Bless You.

 

[Kaye8]

I attend a Calvary Bible Church. The service isn't really upbeat like the charismatic which I do kinda admit it was. But my youth group is so awesome. We really get into worshiping and stuff on Wednesday nights. I like my church because it preaches right from the Bible. They don't give you their own opinions and what they believe is right and wrong they just simply teach you what the Bible says. They don't speak out against other denominations. I think Calvary is alot like the Baptist churches. We don't talk much about tongues but we do not put it down. If people can do it then they can. It's not for us to judge wether they can or cannot. Just pray to the Lord to guide you to the right place. He will. Just trust in Him.

 

[SunLiteGrl]

I agree with your original post! It is confusing! However I am deep set iwth a church that is non-denonminational! It is all about following and loving Jesus, just like most christian churches, but without too many specific roots and traditions that so mamy denominations get caught up in instead of the important stuff

 

[Knight]

Holding Scripture as the final source of authority is essential to any church.

Here's another thing to look for. Make sure that the teaching is done out of the Bible rather than using Scripture as a springboard for the sermon.

 

[stillsearching]

I feel this way as well! I want to make sure if I attend church that I am in good hands.

I've always been a fairly liberal person, so I had been looking into liberal churches, but now I'm starting to doubt my own judgement and the fact that perhaps, if one is to live by the truth in the bible, one can't really compromise on it's authority.

I don't know, I'm so clueless right now!

 

[lil_one]

I know what you are going through... i'm searching for a church myself. I have no idea, being a new Christian and all. I'm so scared of going by myself too, no-on else in my family (except my sis who already has a church), attends church or wants to attend a church... I really don't know how to go about finding a church...

 

[Kaye8]

My parents don't go to church either. My sister attends with me sometimes. I was too scared to go to church by myself too but my friend brought me to his. My advice would be to ask around your friends and visit their churches with them and decide which one you like the best. Why don't you go with your sister to hers?

 

[lil_one]

She doesn't want me to. Its a small church and it's hers... plus she's 15, at an age where she wants all the independence she can get. And i don't think its my scene.
One of my friends is going to come to church with me this weekend which is nice.

 

[Karl - Liberal Backslider]

Well - did the selector - I came out Evangelical Lutheran. We don't have them here, so given that Anglican came in at #2, I appear to be in the right place.

 

[carebeare]

I read a post in here that said, "go to a church that teaches the teachings in the bible." I mean, that's nice and all, but there is more to the bible than what many are aware. New translations of the Hebrew scriptures, Christians arguing with others about the King James version, and so on. Don't just base a decision on what they teach from the bible, because the bible isn't as impressive as you think once you read what highly educated people have to say about it. It's a combination of things, the people,the teachings. Look for those who are true Christians, people who don't put a shield to block your words from breaking them down, for a true Christian fears nothing but God himself.

Knowledge is beautiful.

 

[AdoptedByGrace]

Wow, have you ever hit on a chord here! The bottom line that you should ALWAYS follw, first & formost, is -WHAT THE DOES THE BIBLE SAY?. Use that & ONLY that as your guide to finding a church. It is sad there there is so much disparity among the Christian churches today, & that is the reason that we are not nearly as effective today in our witness today as we should be. There is only one criteria that you should use in finding a good Church-that being -"Do they preach salvation through Jesus Christ & Him alone? That is the real issue of Christianity. Everything else is open to inretpretation, but this fact is not! That is what you should use as a guide. I have been to many churches over the years, before I found the right one for me, but might I make a few suggestions. Any of there churches are good starting churches for a new believer. Any Evangelical Free churches. These would be your best bets, because you can really get the basics of Christianity through these churches. It is not my intention to offend any members of other churches, but simply to make sure that a new Believer get a solid foundation under Him before moving on to another church. Please feel free to contact me any time at fizzbin54@juno.com if you have any questions about a particular church, & I will be happy to answer any questions that you might have! God Bless!

In Jesus name!
Bill