I'm confused and guilty and I'm not sure what to do or how to feel

[geiroffenberg]

in my case it has turned out that i have to hold myself back from all sects, and it has been best for me, because thus i has found the true Lord God, though there is still much for me to achieve (including in this regard), but as compared to God i don't know what exactly is/will be better and best for you

Blessings

In a broad sense all churches are sects at this point, i've been heavily in and heavily out of them, still without certain teachers that have touched my life deeply, i probably would not have found God. The catholic church have many very deep and beauitufl doctriners that can help people and they do, but so does protestants! Also there are many horribles in both streams! I regard church life as examplified by israel in the wilderness. 40 years in part suffering, part revelations. But when it comes the time to cross over jrodan, we need to do that alone and moses have to die in the wilderness. Thats my experienc, at least. Doesnt mean moses wasnt good---- he got them to the border. But then we need to say bye bye because something better than following a prophet is waiting.

 

[Papa Jon]

It is great to see that you desire to be plugged in to a "good" church. The thing to remember is, while this is a noble and worthwhile goal, on this side of heaven all churches "know in part." That is to say, there is no church to affiliate with that has every element of doctrine, Church government, philosophy of ministry perfectly correct. Notice I said "every" element and did not say "any" element. There are definite essential elements which make up a good chuch, particularly in relation to doctrine. (Deity of Jesus, Inerrancy of Scripture, Atonement for sins through cross, etc.)

I recently read a quote that might be helpful with your dilemma. The quote is an excerpt from the journal of Sheldon Vanauken written in the midst of his quest to see if Christianity was true. While studying at Oxford, England several Christians in his social circle were naturally sharing their faith. Regarding this he wrote "our friends though Anglican, Baptist, Roman Catholic and Lutheran were united by far more – mere Christianity – as C.S. Lewis would put it, than (what) divided them."

So how does this help. For me it helps because I can relax and know I'm not going to find the "perfect church" with the perfect stance on every issue. What I can do is explore churches that are correct in the essentials and then prayerfully see which one I'll best fit into.
Where I can both flourish personally and help others flourish as well.

I would not get super hung up on a particular denomination as being "the best." For me personally I have a preference of a church group I like to affiliate with. But if I had to move to some remote place where there were none of these type churches around then I would be in the same dilemma as you and use the same criteria as I sought a place to worship.

In your post you also mentioned your quest involves your boyfriend which is quite normal. However, the thing to keep in mind is if this relationship doesn't end up in getting marraige you very well may face the dilemma again. Quite often when a relationship ends and both people are at the same church one or the other will move on to a different church. This isn't always the case, but it does happen sometimes so just keep this in mind.

I hope this was helpful and will pray God lead you. One last thought. In the midst of it all relax and enjoy your relationship with God through Jesus and especially enjoy God as your loving Father and Jesus as the perfect older brother/friend. Know they are walking with you through this journey and are readily available to comfort and guide.

 

[masmpg]

so its a bad if I'm comfortable with the church I go to? how is it a bad thing to be comfortable in gods temple? I don't get it

2Timothy:3:12: "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." Far too many "Christians" overlook most of the bible and pick and choose what they think is right for them. The reason this is not happening today is because nobody is moving church goers from their spiritual lethargy. Jesus said in Matthew:24:14: "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." Why hasn't Jesus come to take His children home? Because we, His children are not doing what we are told to do. He gave us all gifts in order to expand His kingdom, NOT ours. He gave us a commission Matthew:28:19: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:" This is not being done because far too many "Christians" want to be comfortable. The reason that Christians are not being persecuted is because the peace and safety messages that are being yelled from every pulpit in every denomination is not what is ever needed. The trumpet needs to be blown in Zion warning that danger is coming. Jesus is coming soon and even He said that the few (minority) will make it into the straight gate, and the many (majority) will take the broad road to destruction. I do all I can to try to wake people up to these enormous principles. Far too many rely wholly on their pastor to lead them and forsake their duty to do what Paul tells Timothy in 2Timothy:2:15: "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Not many can rightly divide the word of truth. It takes a life of study to do that, weekly church attendance, although is a spiritual shot in the arm, needs to be strengthened by our personal study and daily devotion and giving ourselves to God every moment.

I write the way I do so I will have nobody's blood on my hands. All I can do is warn people like I am told to do in Ezekiel 3 & 33. Everyone who names the Name of Jesus has a job to do for Him. There is NO idling into heaven. The founding fathers of the first apostolic church were lowly fishermen and tax collector, etc. Jesus passed by the "leaders" of His church, the scribes and pharisees. We as Christians need to know the difference.

 

[1213]

...
Tl;dr I'm SO torn because I don't want to be a Catholic anymore, ... ... What should I do?

What if you would choose to be just directly a disciple of Jesus, without any denominations? After all, that is what NT is about.

Jesus therefore said to those Jews who had believed him, "If you remain in my word, then you are truly my disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free."
John 8:31-32

I recommend that for all.

 

[toLiJC]

In a broad sense all churches are sects at this point, i've been heavily in and heavily out of them, still without certain teachers that have touched my life deeply, i probably would not have found God. The catholic church have many very deep and beauitufl doctriners that can help people and they do, but so does protestants! Also there are many horribles in both streams! I regard church life as examplified by israel in the wilderness. 40 years in part suffering, part revelations. But when it comes the time to cross over jrodan, we need to do that alone and moses have to die in the wilderness. Thats my experienc, at least. Doesnt mean moses wasnt good---- he got them to the border. But then we need to say bye bye because something better than following a prophet is waiting.

yes, unfortunately, many hitherto prevailing so-called "churches" were not true churches, but heretical sects, and this is because they had accepted and followed heretical beliefs and doctrines, i also had to run away from such sects many years ago that only knew (how) to judge others, but never worked for true salvation of others

Blessings

 

[Sketcher]

that is not what the meaning of the verse is. If you studied Early Church History, you would know that the confession is to the whole Church, which was later changed to a private confession to the presbyter to avoid gossip. It was NEVER confession to the one you have sinned against.

What you are referring to, private sins confessed to another, was covered by the rest of my post that you did not quote.

 

[Meowzltov]

We teach that you should have someone who is trustworthy that you can confess other sins to. Small groups have a tradition of a "four walls rule" - what is confessed to the group doesn't leave the group.

I think it's wonderful that you do this. Does everyone in your church participate in this sort of thing?

 

[TKICBS]

After reading many of the posts here I thought it of the Lord that I make some comment.
It is good that you attend other denominations so that you can learn discernment. Every denomination has errors. But God can speak to you through a donkey if he desires. I don't know if anyone addressed it but scripture tells us in 2 peter to study prophecy as light that shines in a dark place until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your heart. Another tells us to study to show ourselves approved. Another tells us that the word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Our walk is to learn to fellowship with the Holy Ghost and hear His voice. If we accept any denomination we stifle the voice of God to some extent. It is the voice of God that has lead you out of the Catholic church. In the book of Rev we are told of a harlot, Babylon the Great the Mother of Harlots. Full of abominations with the cup of fornication in her hands. Notice she is dressed in scarlet and purple and is guilty of the blood of the saints and the martyrs of Jesus. There is only one entity in the world today that is dressed in scarlet and purple and stands out so all the world can see. That is the RRC with all of its cardinals etc. The word tells us that whoredom and wine and new wine take away the heart.
What does the prophet mean?
There is natural fornication that is a sin against the body of Christ and there is spiritual fornication that is against the body of Christ. You know what natural fornication is. However, in the same manner, spiritual fornication is taking the Pure Holy Word of God and blending it with the teachings of other religions. What you come up with is a toxic poison. Many fall into this trap because all faiths have similarities but the end of most is death.
Your goal as a Christian should be to walk with Christ. Learn to discern his still small voice. Jesus is the Word made flesh. The Holy Ghost speaks to us through His word. His word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. But if we mix His Word with confucius or Mohammed or the teachings of Buddhists or Hindus etc etc, we will be lead by these in our walk as well as the Word of God. The result is confusion and a false peace. When the Lord would say this the other teachings will say that many times and we are either confused or we gamble following the wrong leading. Christ's place is at the throne of our heart. We are the temple of God and are to suffer the exhortation of the Word of God. Those who are lead by the Spirit are the son's of God. But those who are lead by the spirits of the false religions are the sons of pride. This is why Babylon loves to teach Christians of the religions of the world. It is to bring confusion and place them in bondage to their king, the Pope.
The book of Revelation tells us to come out of Babylon the Great and tells us that the beast from the abyss will destroy her with fire in one hour prior to Christ's return.
There are hundreds if not thousands of proofs that the Vatican is Babylon the Great of Rev and therefore an abomination to God. A study of the origin of the Black Pope would be a good place to start. The very first Jesuit General created an army to destroy the enemies of the Spanish Pope. These were the Lutherans and anyone who would not submit to the Papal authority. Many were burned at the stake. Now many believe that Pope Francis is the final Pope and it is not a coincidence that he is the first Jesuit Pope. He has been recorded saying that it is dangerous to seek a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. In the 2016 Easter celebration at the Vatican they recited a Latin lethargy declaring the Jesus is the son of Lucifer. They have the largest telescope on earth searching the stars for ET. The telescope is called Lucifer. Francis has said that if ET comes he will offer them salvation through the Blood of Jesus. It is very likely they will come but they are not God's angels as Mormons believe but are the fallen angels, the watchers, and Satan is their leader.
Did you know that the secret society of the Illuminati initiate 12 year old girls in the chambers deep beneath the Vatican. There is a Lady who was initiated with 6 other girls and taught the ways of the Illuminati for 30 years before she came to Christ. She tells of her experience and how priests took them into the chambers under the Vatican where there was a witches pentagram painted in the floor. They were made to stand in the center of it and another priest brought in a 5 year old boy and killed him with a dagger in front of them. They were terrified and were made to swear their allegiance to the New World Order.
Now look at the Vatican with all of it's statues and demons of the walls outside. Look at the Obelisk in the center of ST Peter's square. What is a pagan idol doing in a place supposedly dedicated to God? They claimed they did an exorcism on it and cast the demons out of it. It is a rock! And according to scripture it is an abomination to God.
Now I tell you all of this to set your mind at ease concerning leaving the Catholic Church. But I warn you that every denomination has its demons. But many have Christ working in them as well. This is why John was given the scripture in Rev telling those children of God in Babylon to come out of her. If he said come out of her and it pertains to the final 3 1/2 years of this age then there must be some true sons and daughters of God in her. Rest assured, it is God who is calling you out by His Holy Spirit. He has convicted you concerning her practices and now you are his.
Concerning baptism: Jesus was submerged and said it was because of righteousness that he did it.
Old testament doctrine was submerging. Who is your enemy? Is it not Satan the god of this age who accused the brethren day and night? Do you want to shut him up on this issue. Find a Holy Ghost church and get submerged. It is an act of obedience to Christ's doctrine where your sins are washed away when done through prayer and fellowship with him. Then he can't bug you and you will have peace on this front.
Satan is a legalist. He uses scripture to bring us down. But when we come into agreement with God's Word Satan has no grounds to accuse us. Are you living in any sin? Repent. Ask God to forgive you and tell Satan to get behind you in Jesus name.
Remember the earth was submerged in water at Noah's time and it will be cleansed with fire at the end of time. Likewise we are baptized in water through submerging and cleansed by the fire of the Holy Ghost as He convicts us and burns the sin out of our lives.
As for a comfortable church! Are you living in sin? If you are then you can find a church that allows you to attend and will not say anything about your sin so you can be comfortable. There are thousands of them to chose from, depending on your sin. Then you will have some peace. But it is better you find a Holy Ghost filled church that will preach the truth to you and through prayer help you overcome the sin and repent so you can again discern the voice of the Lord. They will speak truth into your life in love and not in condemnation. And the Holy Ghost will bring conviction if you let him and then you just need to stop it. You may need help but that is what the true body of Christ is here fore.
Soon the Holy Ghost will be leaving the earth in the same manner as He came. God could not send Him until Jesus ascended into heaven. Jesus said it is imperative that I go so that the Father can send you the comforter, the spirit of truth. In the same manner Jesus cannot return until his Holy Ghost returns to him.
In 2 Thess 2 we see that the wicked one can't be revealed until He who lets is taken out of the way. It explains that this is the one restraining the wicked one from appearing. The He who lets is the Holy Ghost filled church. God will take those who have been found worthy so they don't have to experience the temptation to take the mark of the beast or die. This is why it should be the goal of every Christian to learn to fellowship with the Holy Ghost. Many do not know the Holy Ghost. Many know of Him but they are bound in sin or religious pride and for this reason have no communion with him. They have accepted one of the millions of lies floating around the church. They will have to go through the fire of the final years to prove their faith.
But those who know Him are known of Him and He will never leave them nor forsake them.
So your walk is between you and your maker and no-one else. Be blessed, be obedient to the faith and learn to walk with Him. And pray that you be found worthy.

 

[Sketcher]

I think it's wonderful that you do this. Does everyone in your church participate in this sort of thing?

Some are connected, some aren't, we're a big church. Other ministries I have been a part of also have this practice.

 

[Goodbook]

OP I will PM you about the gulit and confusion you feeling from members of this church, all I can say is its not of God, as He is not the author of confusion.

Bless you.

 

[insurchoftruth]

All christian denominations, have the christian basics or foundations the same. For example, all christians believe that Jesus died for our sins on the cross, rose from the death, and we all believe in the Golden Rule; "do to others like you want to be done to you".

Only in some other spiritual matters, there is difference in opinion.

And about confessing our sins.... The Bible tells us in the Epistle of James to confess our sins to one another. I believe that relates to confess our sins one to another, when we sin against each other. Like for example when Jesus told Peter to forgive many times, if a brother sins against him. We are NOT to confess all our sins to one another. We confess all our sins to God, because only He is the the one who judges us. But if we sin against another brother, we are commanded to confess our sin against him, to him.

 

[toLiJC]

All christian denominations, have the christian basics or foundations the same. For example, all christians believe that Jesus died for our sins on the cross, rose from the death, and we all believe in the Golden Rule; "do to others like you want to be done to you".

Only in some other spiritual matters, there is difference in opinion.

And about confessing our sins.... The Bible tells us in the Epistle of James to confess our sins to one another. I believe that relates to confess our sins one to another, when we sin against each other. Like for example when Jesus told Peter to forgive many times, if a brother sins against him. We are NOT to confess all our sins to one another. We confess all our sins to God, because only He is the the one who judges us. But if we sin against another brother, we are commanded to confess our sin against him, to him.

who knows what the situation in each of those churches is except people that have attended them?! - we can pray for (overall) sanctification rather than be sure what goes on there

Blessings

 

[geiroffenberg]

yes, unfortunately, many hitherto prevailing so-called "churches" were not true churches, but heretical sects, and this is because they had accepted and followed heretical beliefs and doctrines, i also had to run away from such sects many years ago that only knew (how) to judge others, but never worked for true salvation of others

Blessings

i know what youre talking of. Still i would like to say, even tho i was angry at the church for a ling time (maybe still am a bit) i believe i have discovered later that the time in the wilderness HAD a purpose - like it had for the people of Israel. I am sure we all could have skipped the wilderness years, but i for one apparantly had to go trough it.
By the wilderness years i mean churchlife: lot of activity, no fruit