Im curious

[freenow0]

I posted this earlier, in another place, and got no response. My apologies to those who have already read this.

Hi there,

I recently took a Christian Denomination selector test. I cant post the link yet...

I am looking for a chuch home, and it said my beliefs were most compatible with Presbyterian and Reformed Churches. And Assemblies of God too.

This surprised me. I always considered Presbyterian as sort of formal for me, lots of ritual and stuff. Maybe I am way off here. I love contemporary christian music, and informal praise and worship services. I am new to being free IN Chirst, and am amazed by what the Holy Spirit is doing in my life. Is there emphasis on the Holy SPirit in Presbyterian/Reformed circles? I will read the definitions, and creeds etc, but was hoping for some responses from personal experience from those of you who have experience in these churches.
Thanks all
Happy Thanksgiving!
His Praise is continuously on my lips.

freenow

 

[PapaLandShark]

Could you describe in more detail what you are looking for in a gathering of believers?

I attend a group that calls themselves "Non-denominational" but has heavy reformed leanings.

We sing, play music, and are very comfortable in a "agape" loving way towards each other. Communion is held every Sunday at some point during services ( The Elders try to change the timeing to keep everyone alert ) Bunch of different stuff.

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit are accepted but not a focus. Jesus is the primary focus and always shall be. Everything we do is.

You might consider taking a "tour" of the various churches in your area. The "tone" of your post reminds me of one of the folks who just started attending services with us. He and his family come from a "Foursquare" background.

 

[StAnselm]

I recently took a Christian Denomination selector test. I cant post the link yet...

I am looking for a chuch home, and it said my beliefs were most compatible with Presbyterian and Reformed Churches. And Assemblies of God too.

This is very interesting. A lot of the time the results of these sorts of quizzes can be taken with a grain of salt, but there are a number of important things to consider here:

1. Many Presbyterian churches do have contemporary christian music, etc. Although there certainly are "Reformed" principles of worship, our distinctives are mainly related to doctrine.

2. Presbyterian and Reformed churches put a very strong emphasis on the Word. If you love the Bible, then a quiz like the one you undertook is quite likely to point you in our direction.

Is there emphasis on the Holy SPirit in Presbyterian/Reformed circles?

3. Absolutely. Though not in the same way he is emphasised in Pentecostal churches. John Calvin, the theologian associated most closely with Reformed churches is often called "a theologian of the Holy Spirit". We believe, for example, that no-one can believe in Jesus unless the Holy Spirit is first at work in that person's heart.

 

[freenow0]

Could you describe in more detail what you are looking for in a gathering of believers?

Basically, I just want to worship and study the word of God with others who want to grow in grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I would love to see more unity among believers (not in a new age sort of way). Where are those who worship, who are amazed by the gospel of grace, whos hearts are full of gratitude for what Christ did, and who want to let the Holy Spirit transform their lives. Maybe that is a more gentle way of expressing what I long for.

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit are accepted but not a focus. Jesus is the primary focus and always shall be. Everything we do is.

In my understanding, God the father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are one. How do you focus on Jesus, without focusing on God and the Holy Spirit?

Absolutely. Though not in the same way he is emphasised in Pentecostal churches. John Calvin, the theologian associated most closely with Reformed churches is often called "a theologian of the Holy Spirit". We believe, for example, that no-one can believe in Jesus unless the Holy Spirit is first at work in that person's heart.

What about the continued presence and power of the holy spirit in your life? After you believe? I am "aware" for lack of a better word, of the presence of the Spirit in my life, actually an indwelling if you will (I hate that word, but cant think of a better one). I am indeed a different person than I was before. I have unexplained love and compassion for people, I am "in communion" with God throughout the day. I am changing from being totally self-centered to becomming God/other centered. I am overwhelmed with Gratitude for God, which just seems to well up from somewhere deep inside me.
I havent "spoken in tongues" which some of the Charismatic churches seem to require as evidence of the Holy Spirit and true conversion. But I am very different. Something is changing me from within. I consider it the Holy SPirit of God. The "fruit" of the Spirit, patience. gentleness, self control.......are growing in my life, without consious effort on my part, except submission to GOd and his will. Does all that make sence?

I dont want rote ritualistic religious services. I dont want extended theological or doctrinal debate. I am looking for real people, in a real world, living out their lives in gratitude and service to the King, and yes, with agape love.
And please, I could not tolerate being burdened again with the yoke of slavery. (legalistic ego-enhancing,Godless, religious practice).
I am free now, and I praise GOD.

freenow

 

[PapaLandShark]

Basically, I just want to worship and study the word of God with others who want to grow in grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I would love to see more unity among believers (not in a new age sort of way). Where are those who worship, who are amazed by the gospel of grace, whos hearts are full of gratitude for what Christ did, and who want to let the Holy Spirit transform their lives. Maybe that is a more gentle way of expressing what I long for.

Amen

In my understanding, God the father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are one. How do you focus on Jesus, without focusing on God and the Holy Spirit?

You can't.

I read so much about folks who focus on works, legalism, etiquette, ect...This is not what we were commanded to do by our Savior.

What about the continued presence and power of the holy spirit in your life? After you believe? I am "aware" for lack of a better word, of the presence of the Spirit in my life, actually an indwelling if you will (I hate that word, but cant think of a better one). I am indeed a different person than I was before. I have unexplained love and compassion for people, I am "in communion" with God throughout the day. I am changing from being totally self-centered to becomming God/other centered. I am overwhelmed with Gratitude for God, which just seems to well up from somewhere deep inside me.

I havent "spoken in tongues" which some of the Charismatic churches seem to require as evidence of the Holy Spirit and true conversion. But I am very different. Something is changing me from within. I consider it the Holy Spirit of God. The "fruit" of the Spirit, patience. gentleness, self control.......are growing in my life, without consious effort on my part, except submission to God and his will. Does all that make sense?

Yes it does.

I dont want rote ritualistic religious services. I dont want extended theological or doctrinal debate. I am looking for real people, in a real world, living out their lives in gratitude and service to the King, and yes, with agape love.

And please, I could not tolerate being burdened again with the yoke of slavery. (legalistic ego-enhancing,Godless, religious practice).
I am free now, and I praise GOD.

freenow

It sounds like you have a wonderful beginning and Praise the Lord for that. A word of caution is in order though. Where ever you go you will find a little of the stuff you don't like. There is no perfect "church" as of yet. Look to the Word for this. The early gatherings of the Body had no small amount of troubles. All through history you see the struggle of men and women trying to stay true to the Word. The Reformed movement itself is a child of this struggle.