Tired of looking

Urbanredneck · May 20, 2013

On being greeted.

I for one, kind of like fading into the background and being just another pew sitter so to speak. I'm always nervous about shaking hands.

But that's just my thing.

Some advice - if you've gone to a church a couple of times and have some issues, ask for a meeting with a pasor. If its doctrine, hours of serrvice, style of music, temperature of the building, parking, or just common habits of the people there - ask about them.

Plus remember there are no perfect churches. Hopefully you live in an area with a large variety of churches. there are some small towns where one or two churches is all that's there.

Another idea - ask around the other believers like neighbors or coworkers and ask where they go.

Also another idea - if your down in say a bad area of town and you see some ministry working there, ask and find out what church it's a part of.

I remember we picked out a church partly on the basis of anothe parent I met at my kids playground.

GreatSpeckledBird · Jun 1, 2013

wow if I were in North Carolina I would definitely visit Bible Tabernacle in Southern Pines /Carthage. They have a youtube/tv broadcast called midnight cry. I LOVE THOSE PEOPLE. I don't know how far that is from you though but I've been watching them for quite a while now & I've even thought of relocating to N. CArolina to worship with them, that's how lovely they are to me. You can check out their videos on youtube, donljohnson posts them and the main speaker is Phil Enlow. They also have a web site midnightcry.org

GreatSpeckledBird · Jun 1, 2013

the last church i attempted to fellowship with, i visited 3 times and twice I gave my phone number to the pastor and asked him to call me, he never did. couldn't be bothered i guess but I just had a few simple questions. I liked what they were doing with outreach but the people seemed very strange to me somehow, like i was in westworld or something. very strange...i'm glad he didn't call now, don't want to be joined with a cult

jsimms615 · Jun 1, 2013

Urbanredneck said:
On being greeted.

I for one, kind of like fading into the background and being just another pew sitter so to speak. I'm always nervous about shaking hands.

But that's just my thing.

Some advice - if you've gone to a church a couple of times and have some issues, ask for a meeting with a pasor. If its doctrine, hours of serrvice, style of music, temperature of the building, parking, or just common habits of the people there - ask about them.

Plus remember there are no perfect churches. Hopefully you live in an area with a large variety of churches. there are some small towns where one or two churches is all that's there.

Another idea - ask around the other believers like neighbors or coworkers and ask where they go.

Also another idea - if your down in say a bad area of town and you see some ministry working there, ask and find out what church it's a part of.

I remember we picked out a church partly on the basis of anothe parent I met at my kids playground.

I did some soul searching and realized that I am not happy at the church we visited twice either, so the search continues. I emailed the pastor, who has been in touch with me to say I appreciate his efforts to reach out, but that church just isn't for us.
I noticed the pastor is preaching from a book that he has read which was written from another pastor. While I don't have so much of a problem with being inspired from what you read, I think the main focus needs to be on the Bible as your inspiration and not another pastors words. A lot of emphasis on giving and then I also noticed on the email the church sends out that they are using up their savings and will have depleted their savings by the end of the year if things don't change.
I noticed another one near us that I haven't been to and will try it tomorrow.

StormHawk · Jun 1, 2013

jsimms615 said:
I did some soul searching and realized that I am not happy at the church we visited twice either, so the search continues... .

Jesus only set up one church, he isn't confused. He's returning soonn for those that are faithful to Him. Acts 2:3, 37-39; 1 Cor. 12:13, John 3:8 detail the true born again experience. Any organisation that preaches another "gospel" message such as "pray the sinners prayer" or "confess and believe in Jesus" hasn't got the revelation on salvation, so, they are doing "dead works" ... as indeed you are until you obey the truth.

I recommend you get in touch with the nearest contact here. Don't let distance put you off, God will provide.

"The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here." (Matt. 12:42)

jsimms615 · Jun 2, 2013

GreatSpeckledBird said:
wow if I were in North Carolina I would definitely visit Bible Tabernacle in Southern Pines /Carthage. They have a youtube/tv broadcast called midnight cry. I LOVE THOSE PEOPLE. I don't know how far that is from you though but I've been watching them for quite a while now & I've even thought of relocating to N. CArolina to worship with them, that's how lovely they are to me. You can check out their videos on youtube, donljohnson posts them and the main speaker is Phil Enlow. They also have a web site midnightcry.org

that isn't that close to me. It looks to be about 2 or more hours away

AwakenedOne · Jun 3, 2013

jsimms615 said:
I will admit that I have issues with the church. Not enough space or time to go into all that now, but I do have issues with the church. That may make me a very bias observer. I feel like it is a good place to at least settle for now because I know the pastor preaches a good sermon and I will get spiritually fed. That seems like a good enough reason for now to stay.

You mentioned a key word here: "Settle" You don't feel welcome there, you have issues with it and deep down you are still "searching".

What is it that you are truly seeking? Is it fellowship, friends or spiritual growth?

You said that you will settle there for not because your pastor preaches a good sermon and you will get spiritually fed. Are you fully dependant on your pastor for your spiritual growth?

If so, you might want to consider learning how to hear the voice of God for yourself. Spiritual maturity is about taking responsibility for our own spiritual growth by learning how to access God by faith.

Could it be what you are searching for is a deeper and more fullfilling relationship with God?

If so, the only way to get there is to stop being dependant on others to feed you spiritually but learn how to hear a Word from God yourself. We all have the same ability to access God as pastors do. It is not some special gift that only a 'select few'. You have the exact same ability to hear God as anyone else.

The question is- are you ready to take your walk with God to a whole new level?

AwakenedOne · Jun 3, 2013

sharing101 said:
It's good that you are trying to seek God's righteousness but you have to be careful not to be mislead. Ask God to give you guidance so you'll find Him.

Also, you have to remember why you want to attend church: it is to listen to God's word. As Bro. Eli Soriano said, "it's a grave crime to turn your back on the last remaining solution that is able to forgive your sins, that is, in attending church gatherings."

Hebrews 10:25
New King James Version (NKJV)
25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

1 Timothy 3:15
New King James Version (NKJV)
15 but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

"The sins you unwillingly commit in every week, it gets cleansed through your attendance at every church meeting. That is the light which cannot be bought with money. (1 Jn 1:7)" - Bro. Eli Soriano

1Jn 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Forsake not the assembling of yourself together? Can someone not assembe with other believers in a house church, starbucks, in a small group, in a living room?

Jesus said where two or more are gethered together in my name, there I am in the midst".

And going to a church 'service' is not the only way to get forgiveness as this bro Eli said. All one must do for forgiveness is ask God. This can be done anywhere, day or night.

Sounds like this bro eli has tried to make the house of God into a physical buildilng rather than teaching believers that they ARE they House of God.

"know ye not that the Lord that made the heavens and the earth does not dwell in temples made with human hands?" - Apostle Paul

"know yet not that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit?"

Fellowship is one thing but stop trying to say that the only way to access God, or get forgiveness is inside a church building.

Anyone who loves God has the Spirit of God living in them.

Jesus said, "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word. Then my Father will love him, and we will go to him and make our home within him John 14:23.

Every believer is a Temple of God and can access God at anytime and can fellowship with other believers wherever they please.

jsimms615 · Jun 3, 2013

AwakenedOne said:
You mentioned a key word here: "Settle" You don't feel welcome there, you have issues with it and deep down you are still "searching".

What is it that you are truly seeking? Is it fellowship, friends or spiritual growth?

You said that you will settle there for not because your pastor preaches a good sermon and you will get spiritually fed. Are you fully dependant on your pastor for your spiritual growth?

If so, you might want to consider learning how to hear the voice of God for yourself. Spiritual maturity is about taking responsibility for our own spiritual growth by learning how to access God by faith.

Could it be what you are searching for is a deeper and more fullfilling relationship with God?

If so, the only way to get there is to stop being dependant on others to feed you spiritually but learn how to hear a Word from God yourself. We all have the same ability to access God as pastors do. It is not some special gift that only a 'select few'. You have the exact same ability to hear God as anyone else.

The question is- are you ready to take your walk with God to a whole new level?

Sounds like you are assuming some things about me which simply aren't true. I actually study the Bible on my own on a weekly basis. The first priority for me is the quality of the sermon and if I feel like I can learn anything from the pastor. Too many churches have weak, watered down sermons that won't help anyone. I want to be challenged to think and for the church I go to to encourage me in my walk.
We have churches in this area where the pastor is the "good old boy" in the pulpit and he has made friends with the right people in the church, so they let him stay. Or he stands up at the pulpit and tells stories and jokes. If I want jokes I'll go see a comedian. I want to be fed the word. Otherwise, I feel like I am wasting my time and want to leave.
I also want christian friends who will be supportive of that walk and not a hindrance. I would like to get to know a few people who actually care about me and my family.

AwakenedOne · Jun 3, 2013

jsimms615 said:
Sounds like you are assuming some things about me which simply aren't true. I actually study the Bible on my own on a weekly basis. The first priority for me is the quality of the sermon and if I feel like I can learn anything from the pastor. Too many churches have weak, watered down sermons that won't help anyone. I want to be challenged to think and for the church I go to to encourage me in my walk.
We have churches in this area where the pastor is the "good old boy" in the pulpit and he has made friends with the right people in the church, so they let him stay. Or he stands up at the pulpit and tells stories and jokes. If I want jokes I'll go see a comedian. I want to be fed the word. Otherwise, I feel like I am wasting my time and want to leave.
I also want christian friends who will be supportive of that walk and not a hindrance. I would like to get to know a few people who actually care about me and my family.

Forgive me if I came off as offensive. It was not my intention. I understand your frustration.

When I was talking about learning how to 'hear' the Word, I wasn't just talking about reading the letter of the Word(the Bible), I was talking about learning how to 'hear' the living Word also.

Remember, in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word was around long before the Bible. God is still speaking today.

You said you wanted to be 'fed the Word'. That is a great thing to desire. I am simply trying to get you to take it a step further and learn how access the 'Manna from Heaven.'

It is like you can be fed fish, or you can learn to fish. I am simply trying to teach you how to fish. And to fish, you must learn to cast your hook deep within the well of your own Temple. Why? Because as Jesus said, "the kingdom is within you." And you are the temple. In order to get a word from God, you don't have to look at the written word only, because the Living Holy Spirit is not a page and ink, and He is living inside you.

If you want to learn how to access the Manna from Heaven,(the Living Word) than learn to put your faith in action and become a doer of the Word. I am not saying you aren't a doer of the Word I am saying that our primary focus should be on doing the Word, and not just on hearing it.

Esdra · Jun 3, 2013

God post, awakened one.
Actually even reminds me on Catholicism.
There the "Manna from Heaven" is the Holy Eucharist, bread and wine changed into the blood and body of Christ Jesus.
And we should be doer of the word, you're completely right here.

Hey, jsimms615: Maybe you should have a look at Anglicanism (or even Catholicism). I've seen the Anglicans to be good preachers as well.

Have a look here (besides others, look here.) or here [with womens ordination.] (depending your stance on women's ordination and if you're rather conservative or liberal.)

Albion · Jun 3, 2013

AwakenedOne said:
Remember, in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word was around long before the Bible. God is still speaking today.

That doesn't mean he's adding to the Bible, however.

It is like you can be fed fish, or you can learn to fish. I am simply trying to teach you how to fish. And to fish, you must learn to cast your hook deep within the well of your own Temple. Why? Because as Jesus said, "the kingdom is within you."

He meant that the kingdom--himself--was within their circle, in their midst. He didn't mean the kingdom was inside their bodies!

AwakenedOne · Jun 3, 2013

Esdra said:
God post, awakened one.
Actually even reminds me on Catholicism.
There the "Manna from Heaven" is the Holy Eucharist, bread and wine changed into the blood and body of Christ Jesus.
And we should be doer of the word, you're completely right here.

Hey, jsimms615: Maybe you should have a look at Anglicanism (or even Catholicism). I've seen the Anglicans to be good preachers as well.

Have a look here (besides others, look here.) or here [with womens ordination.] (depending your stance on women's ordination and if you're rather conservative or liberal.)

Thanks. However, I must clarify. I believe in communion because Christ said, "do this in rememberance of me." however, I do not believe that it turns into the literal body and blood of Christ.

Jesus said, Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal." John 6:27

Here, Christ is talking about spiritual Manna or the Word of God.

"For the bread of God is that which comes down out of heaven, and gives life to the world. Then they said to Him, "Lord, always give us this bread."

Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life, he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who beleives in Me will never thirst."

Jesus wasn't talking about a physical bread, or a religious ritual and he wasn't talking about communion.

He was talking about the spiritual Word of God which is able to fill the spirit. That is why He said, you will never hunger or thirst again.

This Manna is not talking about the Bible, or scriptures either.

Why?

Because when Jesus was talking about Manna from heaven, the Jews thought he was talking about the Law of Moses in the form of written words, or "the Old Testament".

John 6:31-32 They said to Jesus, "our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, He gave them bread out of heaven to eat.'

Jesus then said unto them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread out of heaven, but it is My Father who gives you the true bread out of heaven."

The bread of heaven can also be replaced with "living water". Like he told the woman at the well, "Ask of me, and I will give you living water"

"Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them."

so manna from heaven, living water, the Word of God, are all the same thing, they are spiritual, not physical .

Esdra · Jun 4, 2013

I see.
Yes, I also believed like you do when I still was in the Baptist Church.
But in the meantime I do believe in the Holy Eucharist and I believe that the new Manna Jesus is talking about in John 6 is His flesh and blood.

jsimms615 · Jun 4, 2013

AwakenedOne said:
Forgive me if I came off as offensive. It was not my intention. I understand your frustration.

When I was talking about learning how to 'hear' the Word, I wasn't just talking about reading the letter of the Word(the Bible), I was talking about learning how to 'hear' the living Word also.

Remember, in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word was around long before the Bible. God is still speaking today.

You said you wanted to be 'fed the Word'. That is a great thing to desire. I am simply trying to get you to take it a step further and learn how access the 'Manna from Heaven.'

It is like you can be fed fish, or you can learn to fish. I am simply trying to teach you how to fish. And to fish, you must learn to cast your hook deep within the well of your own Temple. Why? Because as Jesus said, "the kingdom is within you." And you are the temple. In order to get a word from God, you don't have to look at the written word only, because the Living Holy Spirit is not a page and ink, and He is living inside you.

If you want to learn how to access the Manna from Heaven,(the Living Word) than learn to put your faith in action and become a doer of the Word. I am not saying you aren't a doer of the Word I am saying that our primary focus should be on doing the Word, and not just on hearing it.

I have spent the last 14 years in some type of ministry including in and outside of the church. I work hard at demonstrating my faith everyday even though I fail often.
I agree with ou that we are to be doing the Word. You are absolutely correct in saying that. I think God actually shares more with those who use what he tells them to do. I also think that when God shares a word with you then you are to share it with someone else.

Albion · Jun 4, 2013

Did you try that other church last Sunday that you said you had been thinking of visiting?

jsimms615 · Jun 5, 2013

Albion said:
Did you try that other church last Sunday that you said you had been thinking of visiting?

Yes, we did. The youth pastor spoke since it was graduation Sunday. My kids enjoyed hearing him. We will be going back next week to hear the lead pastor. I have already heard the main pastor online and enjoyed the messages

Albion · Jun 5, 2013

jsimms615 said:
Yes, we did. The youth pastor spoke since it was graduation Sunday. My kids enjoyed hearing him. We will be going back next week to hear the lead pastor. I have already heard the main pastor online and enjoyed the messages

Glad to hear it. I'm convinced that there are churches "out there" for everyone, although finding them can prove to be a challenge.

Terry M · Jun 10, 2013

Hi jsimms615

I think many individual churches and ministers have moved away from what I refer to as 'The Main Event' that is, really helping is with our relationship with our loving God.

I think if you are liking the sermons, that is a fantastic start, because it will be helping you in the above.
I don't necessarily want to go into it all here, but I have written a book because of the drift away from what we are all supposed to be about. The sub title of my book is "Putting God before religion". Part of the bit I wrote on Choosing a church is:
Trying to recommend one Church over another is like trying to describe an ideal marriage partner. I could make a reasonable job of a list of things to look for, but it will always be one of those deeply personal, deeply individual chemistry things.
No Church will be perfect, for at least three reasons:
1. No Church is perfect.
2. Our walk with God, like any other relationship, will provide challenges no matter which Church we belong to. This is the nature of a love relationship.
3. We are in no position to judge.
Also, I think that hopping from one Church to another can be simply masking important issues that we might have.
I think for some people, going to a Church where you know someone else to sit with can be a big help.
For me, the most important thing is to find a local Church that really, openly, actively seeks to bring us close to our loving God and to each other and that is effective in doing this for us.
Hope this helps.

Bless you for your integrity in not settling for something that does not 'ring true' to you.

Esdra · Jun 10, 2013

Hey Terry,

just had a look on amazon.com for your book.
Looks indeed interesting. Maybe I'll buy it.
I can speak and read and understand English quite well, but is it also planned to be translated in German (and other languages)? I'd prefer it to read in German, it'd be easier for me nevertheless.

Esdra

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