I know that many Christians, even within the same church and denomination, and I'm sure many on this forum, have different beliefs about certain subjects. How do I "know" what I should follow and feel what is right for me?
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Many Christians disagree on some things, but how do I "know" what I should follow and believe?
- Thread starter StrugglingWithLife
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Prayer. Bible study. Comparing scripture with scripture, realizing that context is crucial. No passages of scripture contradict others. Avoid using Hebrew Bible scriptures to contradict the Letters of Paul. Avoid "he said but he said but he said." That goes nowhere. The ministry of the Holy Spirit is right there to keep you on the Path.
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ChetSinger
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I've seen God's children in many congregations and denominations. Read your Bible and pray regularly. Look around for churches that you see doing God's work of love in your community, since Jesus said "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another". Look for churches where people are excited to be Christians.
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I'd like to add to this and say when looking for a church look for a higher Scripture reading in worship and Scripture teaching and study classes during the week ratio than musically diverse worship services. Praise is great but songs although pleasing to the ears can be lies.
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- Jan 28, 2002
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Hi SWL, is your question more along the lines of what should I follow within the orthodox Christian faith, or do you mean, why should I choose to follow Christianity in general?
Thanks!
Yours and His,
David
p.s. - I asked the above questions because you do not name the particular faith that you follow, or are considering following, under your Avatar.
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What works for me is I don't align the Bible to what I think, I align what I think to what the Bible says ..
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Solomons Porch
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If there is a christian in your life that you look up to and think highly of them and their lifestyle, ask them for help and guidance. BUT, be careful that you know in your spirit, from the leading of the Holy Spirit within you, that this person is truly a man/woman of God. Their life should line up with scripture and not stray from that truth. And of course, the bottom line as others have said, pray, pray and pray some more. Read the word as often as possible. There are some great youtube videos and sermons on the web, although you do have to be careful. I personally recommend Robert Morris. He is an excellent break it down teacher. He's truly gifted in the area of teaching.
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- Apr 17, 2017
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I agree, the more you grow in your knowledge of what the scripture says, and your walk with the Lord gets closer, you will start to discern if something someone is saying seems contrary to what you have read and know. Don't let that discourage you now, keep reading the scripture and find a good bible preaching church.
God Bless you
God Bless you
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- Apr 27, 2017
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Along with suggestions above, look at the "fruits" of what is being produced by a church or group, person, or organization you are considering. Are good things coming out of them, such as in Galatians 5:22-23 (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control) or are they sowing hatred in the name of Jesus and are anything *but* the above? Always keep in mind that just because someone says "Lord, lord" doesn't mean that they aren't really wolves, so know them by their fruits. (Matthew 7:16)
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Giacinta
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That's why there are so many, so many (Protestant) denominations today!
This happened because of Martin Luther's Sola Scriptura doctrine - only the Bible is authority and no human is authority, therefore, every Protestant is to read and interpret the Bible himself/herself "with the inspiration of the Holy Spirit" while rejecting the Pope.
Consequently, there are 30000 denominations today, which conflict with each other on "something".
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- Apr 27, 2017
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I view the many different denominations as a positive thing. A person may not be able to connect at all with one denomination, but may have a completely different experience in another. Had there been only the one denomination, that person may have never come to follow Jesus. Many of these conflicts between denominations are academic rather than crucial to a person's salvation. For example, whether or not someone believes in a purgatory or some interim place between death and the second coming isn't part of what determines salvation in the same sense as whether or not that person believes in Christ's resurrection, which is something practically all Christian denominations support.
I'm United Methodist, but I am thrilled if someone is able to come to know Jesus and develop a personal relationship with him in a Presbyterian, Baptist, Catholic, or any other church. Sure, I may disagree on some traditions or interpretations of scripture or doctrines, and sometimes enjoy discussing and debating them, but it's Jesus that counts, and he can be found anywhere.
I'm United Methodist, but I am thrilled if someone is able to come to know Jesus and develop a personal relationship with him in a Presbyterian, Baptist, Catholic, or any other church. Sure, I may disagree on some traditions or interpretations of scripture or doctrines, and sometimes enjoy discussing and debating them, but it's Jesus that counts, and he can be found anywhere.
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- Jul 6, 2006
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Great questions. Find a church that generally aligns with your beliefs. Don't attend a church whose theology makes you generally uncomfortable, because you won't feel comfortable inviting someone else to attend there. Continue to read the Bible, read in general, and pray. Most importantly, it's a church's duty to be faithful to Scripture. When it is unfaithful, a church forfeits any claim on your faithfulness to it. Don't be afraid to quietly walk out of a service if need be. God Bless.
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NothingIsImpossible
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Pretty much this quote below sums it up well. One thing I will add that is important is, for the most part, every denomination believes in Jesus and salvation. So just because one person says for example "Don't watch a R rated movie!" and another says "Its ok to watch a R rated movie!" doesn't change the fact both are christian and going to heaven. Or in other words we are all brothers and sisters in Christ even if we disagree on various things. So try not to look at a denomination with a different view as some terrible fake people. That and only God knows someones heart.
Now obviously even what I said is something that could be debated about "going to heaven" because the issue of OSAS (Once Saved, Always Saved) comes up. But don't worry about that issue just yet. Not on this topic at least.
I'm friends with people who have varying denominations such as baptists, catholic, pentecostal and so on. We disagree about things but we still have Jesus, the bible...etc in common. Also we have much in common with a messianic jew (born again jew who believes in Jesus and has been saved). But outside of them I don't really have any jewish friends just because we have two very different beliefs, but we still have some things in common (they use the OT, we use the OT and the NT) where as one friend I know is muslim, we have nothing in common. I also have friends who are Buddhist, agnostic and atheist. We don't have anything in common either but they are great people to try and lead to the Lord. Sorry if I am posting to much info at once lol.
Now obviously even what I said is something that could be debated about "going to heaven" because the issue of OSAS (Once Saved, Always Saved) comes up. But don't worry about that issue just yet. Not on this topic at least.
I'm friends with people who have varying denominations such as baptists, catholic, pentecostal and so on. We disagree about things but we still have Jesus, the bible...etc in common. Also we have much in common with a messianic jew (born again jew who believes in Jesus and has been saved). But outside of them I don't really have any jewish friends just because we have two very different beliefs, but we still have some things in common (they use the OT, we use the OT and the NT) where as one friend I know is muslim, we have nothing in common. I also have friends who are Buddhist, agnostic and atheist. We don't have anything in common either but they are great people to try and lead to the Lord. Sorry if I am posting to much info at once lol.
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RaymondG
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- Nov 15, 2016
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Dont put your trust in man. View all man's wisdom as opinions without judging and let God separate the truth from the non-truth. Seek first the kingdom of Heaven.
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Phil 1:21
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Christianity is like one of those Styrofoam balls you see at the craft store. It is what it is and there isn't anyway around it. But then different people want to keep sticking junk to it and then arguing about the junk. Get rid of the junk, read the Bible and follow the Word of God.
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