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Confused, nervous and in need of advice
- Thread starter BeyondGood&Evil
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TheMainException
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- Jun 13, 2004
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I can't help with the denomination thing...but as for "fear"...I think what you are referring to is the fearing of God. Yes, we are to fear God...but it is a reverent fear...we are really to be afraid of him but to revere him very highly....hope that takes away a bit of the anxiety...with love, Lauren
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Rafael
Only time enough for love
Really, the first thing to do is read a newer translation of the New Testament if you have problems with the King James Version. Prayer is just talking to God and believing that He is enough to address Him, as He is always near:BeyondGood&Evil said:Thanks everybody for your kind words and advice but I don't really feel ready yet. I don't want to go to church yet, certainly in my local area incase I see somebody I know. I'd also be going alone, which doesn't appeal to me and I still haven't got a clue which church would be best to go to. Somebody mentioned Baptist, but aren't they very harsh and prominent on the "fear" aspect of christinanity, something I don't agree with. I'm actually church of england *officially* (though I was never christened), but that's a denomination put onto me by my parents, not one through choice. I'm still pretty confused to be honest
Ro 10:8 Salvation that comes from trusting Christwhich is the message we preachis already within easy reach. In fact, the Scriptures say, "The message is close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart."
9 For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.
As you read the Bible and talk it over with your Creator (you are very special in His eyes), hopefully you will want to be in right standing with Him. This is called hungering for righteousness, but it only happens when we see what sin does to us and the world. Sin brings death and destruction, and that is a very sad thing. We have a beautiful world and a wonderful gift of life that is cursed by sin and death. It all happened because of one man's failure, and we inherited the sin nature from Him, Adam. God saw all this even before it happened and planned ahead to save us through His own sacrifice and payment for Adam's guilt and ours. Again, it was though one man, but the man was also God in Jesus - God manifested in the flesh, our physical dimension.
The book of John speaks of being "born again". This is one more step in the right direction; when you desire to have a new nature that walks away from sin and death, but all this takes desire on your part. Is God calling you to come? Have you counted the cost? It is written in the Bible, and the words of faith and life are there within those pages. Jesus said that His words are spirit and life to those who hear. Do you have ears that hear the word of God? I hope so and will pray for you to be energized with a heart that will seek the truth without half- heartedness.
About fear: Fear is a begining of knowledge and it is wise to fear the things that should be feared and respected for their power, but perfect love casts out all fear. When you get to know God and His love, fear is dispelled. See this verse:
1Jo 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.
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theywhosowintears
Well-Known Member
Hi mate!
Can I just encourage you in one thing. no matter what church you go to there are people there... and if all the other people in the world are like me and you they make mistakes. God doesnt magically make us perfect we have to work on it. so go to a church and if God touches you there then stay there. Let God lead you where HE wants you to be. No human is perfect so when the first christian you meet does something stupid remember God is still working on them too.
Peace
Can I just encourage you in one thing. no matter what church you go to there are people there... and if all the other people in the world are like me and you they make mistakes. God doesnt magically make us perfect we have to work on it. so go to a church and if God touches you there then stay there. Let God lead you where HE wants you to be. No human is perfect so when the first christian you meet does something stupid remember God is still working on them too.
Peace
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Ann Doupont
Veteran
Hello Beyond,
I just saw this thread for the first time today. You asked what the differences are among the many Christian denominations. There are many.
I've been Catholic, Assembly of God, Foursquare, Word of Faith and now Vineyard. I've also been to some non-denominational Christian churches. If your question is about these particular denominations, I could tell you some things about them.
I'm sure there are 100s of denominatons. Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, and more.
Hopefully, you will find what you're looking for by continuing to post on this forum.
Be blessed!!
With love,
Ann
I just saw this thread for the first time today. You asked what the differences are among the many Christian denominations. There are many.
I've been Catholic, Assembly of God, Foursquare, Word of Faith and now Vineyard. I've also been to some non-denominational Christian churches. If your question is about these particular denominations, I could tell you some things about them.
I'm sure there are 100s of denominatons. Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, and more.
Hopefully, you will find what you're looking for by continuing to post on this forum.
Be blessed!!
With love,
Ann
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Just a thought for you.
All areas of life have their cycles. A vocation, a marriage, and a relationship to Jesus generally begin with a honeymoon period, then enter a time during which the realities of life gradually replace the early building stage. This often leads into a time marked by varying degrees of disillusionment and discontent.
It is at this point that crucial decisions must be made. At work, one can quit, continue as a disgruntled worker, or see the problems through. In marriage, one can escape by divorce, continue in a lackluster relationship, or set about to mend the marriage. In the Christian life, one can drop out, continue as an unhappy and defeated believer, or determine to work through the difficulties. Going the full cycle often brings on a new level of satisfaction in the workplace, lifts honeymoon love to the level of mature mutually-enriching love, and transforms the euphoric faith with which we began into confident trust. Even then, struggles will continue.
As long as we are imperfect people living in this fallen world, we will confront doubts. But Jesus promised, I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life (Jn. 8:12). Because of our human frailty, we will sometimes step off His path into the darkness. But if we follow the hymnwriters admonition to trust and obey, we will soon be back on His path. The light of Christ, not the darkness, will be our home.
Warrior In Christ, Jeff
All areas of life have their cycles. A vocation, a marriage, and a relationship to Jesus generally begin with a honeymoon period, then enter a time during which the realities of life gradually replace the early building stage. This often leads into a time marked by varying degrees of disillusionment and discontent.
It is at this point that crucial decisions must be made. At work, one can quit, continue as a disgruntled worker, or see the problems through. In marriage, one can escape by divorce, continue in a lackluster relationship, or set about to mend the marriage. In the Christian life, one can drop out, continue as an unhappy and defeated believer, or determine to work through the difficulties. Going the full cycle often brings on a new level of satisfaction in the workplace, lifts honeymoon love to the level of mature mutually-enriching love, and transforms the euphoric faith with which we began into confident trust. Even then, struggles will continue.
As long as we are imperfect people living in this fallen world, we will confront doubts. But Jesus promised, I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life (Jn. 8:12). Because of our human frailty, we will sometimes step off His path into the darkness. But if we follow the hymnwriters admonition to trust and obey, we will soon be back on His path. The light of Christ, not the darkness, will be our home.
Warrior In Christ, Jeff
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Wolflily
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Hello friend!
You have taken a brave step on this spiritual journey - God will meet you where you are and bring you to where He wants you to be. I agree with the other posters here that it is important to find a solid church, eventually. For now, talk to God in your own heart and voice and read your Bible - start with the Gospel of John! It's the gospel that really focuses on Jesus' love. I was where you are once and really needed to see the Lord's love before I could wrap my mind around all the other things. You are welcome to come on board whenever you need to ask questions, receive prayer and guidance, and be part of the family. Don't rush into anything - be wise in your research and trust God to guide you. If you seek Him, He promises you will find Him, and as you come to know Him, you will recognize His voice and know in your heart the next step to take to follow Him.
Be well...
Wolf
You have taken a brave step on this spiritual journey - God will meet you where you are and bring you to where He wants you to be. I agree with the other posters here that it is important to find a solid church, eventually. For now, talk to God in your own heart and voice and read your Bible - start with the Gospel of John! It's the gospel that really focuses on Jesus' love. I was where you are once and really needed to see the Lord's love before I could wrap my mind around all the other things. You are welcome to come on board whenever you need to ask questions, receive prayer and guidance, and be part of the family. Don't rush into anything - be wise in your research and trust God to guide you. If you seek Him, He promises you will find Him, and as you come to know Him, you will recognize His voice and know in your heart the next step to take to follow Him.
Be well...
Wolf
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Bain_Adaneth
Regular Member
BeyongGood&Evil,
Welcome! It's difficult for some to find the "right church." I don't want to put down any denominations, so this is the best advice to you. Christians use the "Holy Bible." You can attend any church you'd like. But, if you really do want to know God, read the bible, and you should attend church too....The reason I say this is because you do not want to go to a church that doesn't even follow the bible. The Words of God and Trust in Christ is where a believer's foundation should be. Not what people say they can do/or not do. Just make sure that whatever you're being taught is from the bible. And there is no better way to understand the bible, than to read it and study it. I'm glad that you have brought yourself in here to post your thoughts. Yes, that was a big step....So don't you know that God loves you? Don't you want to know why He sent His loved Son to die for ouw sins? That's what you should read about, in the Bible....I can tell you that I believe it's the greatest book ever written....I mean that from the bottom of my heart......oh, and yes, pray...Prayer is your communication to God, your Father....Just say what's in your heart...If you believe that He did send His Son to die for your sins, then end that prayer with " in Jesus' name I pray, Amen." There is so much for you to know!!! How exciting....Hey, you said it's not God you're looking for....well maybe it is, maybe He brought you here....well anyway, I'm glad to have met you in the forum....thank you for posting your thoughts, and don't hesitate to pm me if you'd like....thanks...God Bless
Welcome! It's difficult for some to find the "right church." I don't want to put down any denominations, so this is the best advice to you. Christians use the "Holy Bible." You can attend any church you'd like. But, if you really do want to know God, read the bible, and you should attend church too....The reason I say this is because you do not want to go to a church that doesn't even follow the bible. The Words of God and Trust in Christ is where a believer's foundation should be. Not what people say they can do/or not do. Just make sure that whatever you're being taught is from the bible. And there is no better way to understand the bible, than to read it and study it. I'm glad that you have brought yourself in here to post your thoughts. Yes, that was a big step....So don't you know that God loves you? Don't you want to know why He sent His loved Son to die for ouw sins? That's what you should read about, in the Bible....I can tell you that I believe it's the greatest book ever written....I mean that from the bottom of my heart......oh, and yes, pray...Prayer is your communication to God, your Father....Just say what's in your heart...If you believe that He did send His Son to die for your sins, then end that prayer with " in Jesus' name I pray, Amen." There is so much for you to know!!! How exciting....Hey, you said it's not God you're looking for....well maybe it is, maybe He brought you here....well anyway, I'm glad to have met you in the forum....thank you for posting your thoughts, and don't hesitate to pm me if you'd like....thanks...God Bless
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well reality says to expirement with the different mass services on sundays and see which ones you feel more comfortable going to.BeyondGood&Evil said:
Nevertheless, many religions demonstrate power... exaltation, and a direct quote from the new testament (times of Jesus) says that the exalted shall be humbled and the humbled shall be exalted.
I'd recommend starting off with the bible, reading it, getting to know it better and better, for it is in this book that you shall find eternal salvation. - Salvation lies within - Shawshank Redemption - Warden to Andy Dufrayne.
My favorite quotes, 1Corinthians13:4-8
Luke8:5
Acts4:32
Once you know and understand that God has always loved you, loves you now, and will always love you forever... in the next part is becoming humble through the fear of the Lord.
Exodus 20, 1Cor6:9-10, Leviticus11.
That in stillness and in meditation, you shall be granted the love of God....
Know, understand, interpret, see, live, practice, love.
Do not seek life, let life seek you.
Do not seek God, let God seek you. Only in stillness (prayer, fasting, meditation) shall you gain the keys to salvation IMO.
Remember that God begot his only son, Lord Jesus and sent him to us. He took all our sins, all the sufferings, and took them upon the cross in the crucifixion. Any times you are in trouble, in fear, in pain, in danger, remember that Jesus is beside you, and that his pain was the greatest among us all. Crucified for demonstrating true love and service to the people. In uniting us all together as brothers and sisters, calling us into discipleship.
God Bless, may your curiosity spark this flame of interest.
Peace,
UC
valiant-neophase@hotmail.com
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BeyondGood&Evil,
See if there are Christian radio or television shows in your area. They have sustained me at times when individual churches have grown too thick in personal opinion. These allow you to get a nice mix of thought and a balance of theology (hopefully!), along with books or newsletters, online readings.
Church of England--Anglican? -- a formal service with liturgy and symbolism, right? There's a huge variety out there, if you ask around at work. But again, you don't need a denomination (especially if you don't go to church.)
Here's a BBC link describing differences:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/london/yourlondon/unitedcolours/protestant/welcome_history.shtml
Some friends of mine swear by e-sword for Christian readings. It's a bit overwhelming, but has a lot of resources on it.
If you 're not comfortable with the formality, other mainstream protestant denominations (Methodist, Presbyterian) have simpler, straightforward services with a similar order. Then there are wild and crazy services (Vineyard, Pentecostal, Charismatic, many independents), which are well worth visiting to get your blood moving but might feel uncomfortable at first. There are also some wonderful churches
independent of denomination, with any mix of service.
I currently attend a large city "Christian Fellowship" church, with an incredible music & worship team that sometimes totals 20-30 people on the platform. We have conga drums, trumpets, violins, flutes, and electric guitars that accompany an hour's worth of singing before the 45-minute sermon (gasp...the air gets stuffy after two services of lively singing).
Some people visit it just because they hear the music is great. But the sermons are very insightful, always attempting to stay on track with the Bible, and the church always stays involved with the needs of the community and members. The classes range from interpreting dreams and prophecy, to theology, to mothers supporting each other.
It's far from perfect, but such a treat. Some days I don't quite feel like going, and when I get there I am stunned that God would allow us to access such a wonderful thing.
My opinion of what would benefit you most:
Find individuals who believe God the way you think a Christian should. Find out what they do, where they go, and what they read. You will benefit so much from a group of people who truly believe in prayer and the power of God, compared to those who are discouraged and can't figure out what's not working.
See if there are Christian radio or television shows in your area. They have sustained me at times when individual churches have grown too thick in personal opinion. These allow you to get a nice mix of thought and a balance of theology (hopefully!), along with books or newsletters, online readings.
Church of England--Anglican? -- a formal service with liturgy and symbolism, right? There's a huge variety out there, if you ask around at work. But again, you don't need a denomination (especially if you don't go to church.)
Here's a BBC link describing differences:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/london/yourlondon/unitedcolours/protestant/welcome_history.shtml
Some friends of mine swear by e-sword for Christian readings. It's a bit overwhelming, but has a lot of resources on it.
If you 're not comfortable with the formality, other mainstream protestant denominations (Methodist, Presbyterian) have simpler, straightforward services with a similar order. Then there are wild and crazy services (Vineyard, Pentecostal, Charismatic, many independents), which are well worth visiting to get your blood moving but might feel uncomfortable at first. There are also some wonderful churches
independent of denomination, with any mix of service.
I currently attend a large city "Christian Fellowship" church, with an incredible music & worship team that sometimes totals 20-30 people on the platform. We have conga drums, trumpets, violins, flutes, and electric guitars that accompany an hour's worth of singing before the 45-minute sermon (gasp...the air gets stuffy after two services of lively singing).
Some people visit it just because they hear the music is great. But the sermons are very insightful, always attempting to stay on track with the Bible, and the church always stays involved with the needs of the community and members. The classes range from interpreting dreams and prophecy, to theology, to mothers supporting each other.
It's far from perfect, but such a treat. Some days I don't quite feel like going, and when I get there I am stunned that God would allow us to access such a wonderful thing.
My opinion of what would benefit you most:
Find individuals who believe God the way you think a Christian should. Find out what they do, where they go, and what they read. You will benefit so much from a group of people who truly believe in prayer and the power of God, compared to those who are discouraged and can't figure out what's not working.
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joerose
Well-Known Member
Hi! I am very excited for you and your relationship with God. If I were you, I would go to different churches and see for yourself. You'll know when you find the right church. You will have the same tug in your heart now to keep going back. It may take some time, but don't give up, just keep going. Peace of Christ be with you!!!
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