Hi All,
Here's a little about my background...
I grew up in the south (United States) and when I was a child, I was introduced to Christianity by my Grandmother who attended an African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church. One of my uncles on my father's side of the family was a baptist preacher, who baptized me around age five; however, my family didn't go to any particular church on a regular basis.
My parents divorced when I was very young and my family was rather dysfunctional, to say the least... Fast-forward to about age 13, my mother got involved with the Worldwide Church of God (WWCG), which was founded by Herbert W. Armstrong. In my heart, I always felt that there was something "off" about this "church," and as I became an adult, I learned that the things they taught as truth, were actually false doctrines. They were a very legalistic, controlling, fear-based, salvation by works organization. Looking back, I now consider their version of the church to be emotionally, spiritually and financially abusive.
In the 90s WWCG went through a "reformation" of sorts to move towards a more sound doctrine based on the Gospel of Jesus Christ; however, we left (as many other families did) and the organization disintegrated into several splinter groups... Following this, I briefly attended a Seventh Day Adventist church with my boyfriend at the time; however, I never really found my footing in a local Church. I've been reading my bible and searching, but often feel disconnected. I also deal with anxiety/depression and I pray for God's healing in this area. Please pray for me...
I believe in God and I accepted Christ as my personal savior many years ago, but I struggle with the guilt of my past and I feel that my faith is weak at times. I'm still trying to find my way, and have visited some local churches recently with hopes of finding a good bible-teaching church home. I'm here to learn and grow in my faith and I look forward to connecting with you all.
Here's a little about my background...
I grew up in the south (United States) and when I was a child, I was introduced to Christianity by my Grandmother who attended an African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church. One of my uncles on my father's side of the family was a baptist preacher, who baptized me around age five; however, my family didn't go to any particular church on a regular basis.
My parents divorced when I was very young and my family was rather dysfunctional, to say the least... Fast-forward to about age 13, my mother got involved with the Worldwide Church of God (WWCG), which was founded by Herbert W. Armstrong. In my heart, I always felt that there was something "off" about this "church," and as I became an adult, I learned that the things they taught as truth, were actually false doctrines. They were a very legalistic, controlling, fear-based, salvation by works organization. Looking back, I now consider their version of the church to be emotionally, spiritually and financially abusive.
In the 90s WWCG went through a "reformation" of sorts to move towards a more sound doctrine based on the Gospel of Jesus Christ; however, we left (as many other families did) and the organization disintegrated into several splinter groups... Following this, I briefly attended a Seventh Day Adventist church with my boyfriend at the time; however, I never really found my footing in a local Church. I've been reading my bible and searching, but often feel disconnected. I also deal with anxiety/depression and I pray for God's healing in this area. Please pray for me...
I believe in God and I accepted Christ as my personal savior many years ago, but I struggle with the guilt of my past and I feel that my faith is weak at times. I'm still trying to find my way, and have visited some local churches recently with hopes of finding a good bible-teaching church home. I'm here to learn and grow in my faith and I look forward to connecting with you all.