do believers go forward at the end of services?

[SonOfThunder]

Tell us what time is the meeting, and we will pray for you whikle you are there. (we meaning me)

Thanks Mate, the meeting is this afternoon, today is a public Holiday here in Australia (It's Australia Day) I thought he might cancel, but he is coming in 9 hours time.

SOF, you are on your way. You know what this reminds me of?
Do you know how to catch a monkey? Well you drill a hole in a coconut and place a small rock inside of it. You leave it by the tree and wait for the monkey. Soon enough that monkey will come and examine the coconut. (lets assume we are in an area near monkeys otherwise you all will be waiting ALONG time ) So the monkey puts his hand inside and gets ahold of the rock. You can walk right up to that monkey because he is bound and determined to get that rock that is already in his hand. The problem is that he cannot pull his hand out unless he lets go of that rock. SO the monkey will sit for hours with his hand inside the coconut pulling and jamming his hand in there until he tires and then tries again later.
Sometimes our old ways OR doctrines that were imbedded in us is the rock that the monkey is holding on to. All we have to do is let go of that rock and pull our hand out of that coconut to be free.
Your letting go of that rock!

that made me smile, I have a brain that thinks in pictures and uncle buds avatar came to mind with 'THAT' expression.


I was wondering if I am hanging onto old doctrines? old ways? I pray I am open and real with God and certainly desire to KNOW Him. I think I went into a strange church and trod very carefully, not knowing what to expect and how it all works. It's a fine line you tred if you go in and start having major discussions on doctrine right away and tell them all your background. This Scripture comes to mind.



Mat 7:15Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves
In this same chapter of the Bible are a couple of verses that cause me to think, they were often quoted in our congregation. One is about the 'narrow way'



Mat 7:13Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide [is] the gate, and broad [is] the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

Mat 7:14Because strait [is] the gate, and narrow [is] the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it

This one brings to mind the many many many places I could have gone to when I first left, who has 'truth'? who is following Biblical principles? Which church is closest to how God wants us to be as believers? which one is on the right path?

The other very scary one my dad quoted to me as I left the family home. He said "Son, I pray this isn't you, when you're ready to accept 'truth' come home"



Mat 7:21Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Mat 7:22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

Mat 7:23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

This afternoon the pastor is coming to my home, I am feeling positive about it all, I now know his levels of integrity more than day one, and believe he will perhaps help in some ways. I have spent a lot of time praying for words of wisdom, thankyou for your kind responces


James

 

[SumTinWong]

Praying here buddy!

 

[JMandrell]

At the end of service at my church the altar is open to anyone who feels a need to talk with God, whether you are are there for salvation, to get your life back on track, or if you want to just pray for someone. I must say, that when I kneel at the altar, I feel about as close to God as I can get. I have not left the altar yet without being in tears, and I don't tear up to easy. To me, it just feels like I can open up more with God when I am there. I don't know why.

 

[Gwenyfur]

During our "invitation" time, the altar is open to anyone, whether for prayer, salvation, rededication, baptism, whatever the person needs. Believer or non believer. We are a praying congregation, so we do gather to pray. Often times if someone is having a really hard time, we'll group up and pray for them and with them at the altar...

It's nothing weird for us...maybe for some others...

 

[SonOfThunder]

The thought that invitation time is for anyone to go forward is good. The church I go to, invitation was for new converts until the once where it was open for prayer for anyone struggling.

It's good to know that individual needs your prayers, even if you don't know the reasons.

Last week I was due to have the pastor come to my home and he didn't show. He had forgotton and wants to make a new date. Today at church he was apologetic and said I'll catch you after the service to make a time. He got busy so I think talking with him has to be in God's timing as it just isn't happening.


James

 

[GreenEyedLady]

The thought that invitation time is for anyone to go forward is good. The church I go to, invitation was for new converts until the once where it was open for prayer for anyone struggling.

It's good to know that individual needs your prayers, even if you don't know the reasons.

Last week I was due to have the pastor come to my home and he didn't show. He had forgotton and wants to make a new date. Today at church he was apologetic and said I'll catch you after the service to make a time. He got busy so I think talking with him has to be in God's timing as it just isn't happening.


James

Oh my heart sank when I read this!
Latley God has been teaching me the power of prayer and that He really answers them. Its almost like I was praying with little faith that He would do anything about my request. Boy was I ever wrong! Its unbelievable how many prayers have been answered in the last few months. You keep praying James, He will answer you. I pray daily for my family, or more my 2 brothers because that is all I have left. They are not saved and refuse to go to church but claim the Catholic faith. When I pray for them I keep having to tell myself, God will answer my prayers. Either they will be misrable for the rest of thier lives because of the convictions that God lays on them or they will get saved. Please know that your prayer for your family WILL be answered. I am so inspiried my your courage to search for truth and acceptance when you found it.

To answer your previous post, yes I think you and all of us hang on to "old" and "false" doctrines which causes us to not fully understand God's perfect doctrines. For me, one of those use to be what I THOUGHT something meant. If something made sense it was truth and if something did not make sense it was false. God has proven me wrong in both areas. Its all in His word. I am thankful for the Word He has given us.

Blessings to you James,
GEL

 

[klake4]

At our church it is simple. If a person is saved and Baptized by immersion in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit they become members of our church. Communion is one of the ways our church members can check our hearts and make sure our sins are confessed so we are right with the Lord. We can participate as we please. Our Pastor leaves it between us and God.