Difficulties with finding a church

[ChubbyCherub]

I would view myself as a fundamentalist because the definition of that, traditionally, was sola scriptura. Whatever the bible says to believe, do or think, I believe that is what we should believe, do or think. It doesn't matter how it feels, what others are doing or not doing, what governments say or don't say, what friends or neighbors believe or even family. Point, blank and period.

This is why I struggle to find a church. The churches are populist movements, in the main, wanting to seek approval from a congregation for donations or whatever the agenda is, possibly government led/influenced social engineering.

I am struggling with my current church for this reason. They don't preach about sin. The lead pastor reminds us all he is the 'lead' pastor but refuses to lead. Singing goes on longer than sermons etc.

 

[David Lamb]

I would view myself as a fundamentalist because the definition of that, traditionally, was sola scriptura. Whatever the bible says to believe, do or think, I believe that is what we should believe, do or think. It doesn't matter how it feels, what others are doing or not doing, what governments say or don't say, what friends or neighbors believe or even family. Point, blank and period.

This is why I struggle to find a church. The churches are populist movements, in the main, wanting to seek approval from a congregation for donations or whatever the agenda is, possibly government led/influenced social engineering.

I am struggling with my current church for this reason. They don't preach about sin. The lead pastor reminds us all he is the 'lead' pastor but refuses to lead. Singing goes on longer than sermons etc.

Sadly, there are all too few churches here in the UK that seem willing to preach anything that might be seen as unpopular, like sin, God's judgment, salvation only in Jesus Christ, and so on. I don't know whereabouts in the UK you live, but have you checked out all the churches within reasonable travelling distance? Hopefully you will find one that does preach the whole counsel of God.

 

[ChubbyCherub]

Sadly, there are all too few churches here in the UK that seem willing to preach anything that might be seen as unpopular, like sin, God's judgment, salvation only in Jesus Christ, and so on. I don't know whereabouts in the UK you live, but have you checked out all the churches within reasonable travelling distance? Hopefully you will find one that does preach the whole counsel of God.

Thank you.

It took me 23 years to go to church and I am disappointed that the one I was willing to commit to doesn't feel right after much prayer and consideration.

I am meeting with one of the pastors and the director of ministry, at some point soon, to discuss their sermons etc.

However, I am disappointed that my concerns were forwarded to the lead pastor who did not respond and, instead, appointed someone else to respond. Not even a courtesy acknowledgement!

Many churches fly flags of sin, which is why I have not joined a church in so many years and elected to join a non-denominational church which is part of the FIEC Beliefs - FIEC

I'm unsure about the Statement of Faith from certain denominations, which are more local to me, as they miss out a key statement which suggests they uphold a sinful view which I will not condone through membership.

Thank you for your thoughts regarding this...it's a lonely thing to be a Christian in the UK, sometimes!

 

[David Lamb]

Thank you.

It took me 23 years to go to church and I am disappointed that the one I was willing to commit to doesn't feel right after much prayer and consideration.

I am meeting with one of the pastors and the director of ministry, at some point soon, to discuss their sermons etc.

However, I am disappointed that my concerns were forwarded to the lead pastor who did not respond and, instead, appointed someone else to respond. Not even a courtesy acknowledgement!

Many churches fly flags of sin, which is why I have not joined a church in so many years and elected to join a non-denominational church which is part of the FIEC Beliefs - FIEC

I'm unsure about the Statement of Faith from certain denominations, which are more local to me, as they miss out a key statement which suggests they uphold a sinful view which I will not condone through membership.

Thank you for your thoughts regarding this...it's a lonely thing to be a Christian in the UK, sometimes!

I am surprised that an FIEC church is soft on sin. Paragraph 4 of the FIEC doctrinal basis says:

"4. The Fall
As a result of the fall of our first parents, every aspect of human nature has been corrupted and all men and women are without spiritual life, guilty sinners and hostile to God. Every person is therefore under the just condemnation of God and needs to be born again, forgiven and reconciled to God in order to know and please him."

The website also says:

"All FIEC churches unite around the truths of historic, biblical Christianity found in our Doctrinal Basis."

That could be something to mention politely to the leaders of the church when you meet them. Yes it can be lonely. Here in Devon there are very few bible believing churches. I do pray that your problem will be resolved.

 

[bèlla]

It’s challenging to get everything you want anywhere. Societal changes may require us to go about it differently. Keeping an open mind is best. We became aware of technological intrusions in places of worship a week ago and that was our line. Some churches are installing software with facial recognition unbeknownst to attendees that has tracking features. That’s a hard no for us. Thankfully we have other sources for teaching and fellowship.

~bella

 

[retired firefighter]

That just is not the case. Just as the KJV was translated from Hebrew and Greek, so are most, if not all, translations of the bible. Why make a translation of a translation, rather than translating the original languages?

Incidentally, we also speak English here in the UK, where the KJV was translated; it's not "English only if they are in the USA."

i so glad you read Hebrew and Greek , i can't so i'll stick with the KJV

 

[David Lamb]

i so glad you read Hebrew and Greek , i can't so i'll stick with the KJV

Sorry, I don't read Hebrew or Greek. Where did you get that idea? I mainly use the NKJV.

 

[retired firefighter]

Sorry, I don't read Hebrew or Greek. Where did you get that idea? I mainly use the NKJV.

from your post that the KJV is different from the Greek and Hebrew, i'm aware that there are differnces , for one the English language is more complex and for most english speaking folks they are limited to only reading English, as far as i'm concerned the Kjv is the best we have and all other translations are somewhat watered down