I'm kinda a very open minded/flexible/science reality type guy.
I live down under in Australia (Melbourne).
Interested in maybe exploring christianity.
Got any suggestions on where to point me?
Hi, be great if you could get to church Digit mentions.
Many congregational forums in cf would show you different understandings and beliefs doctrines, etc.
I'm also non denominational. No Tradition, no rules, just the bible. Gods word. Bascially, salvation comes through faith in Christ Alone and is a gift comes by grace. Upon belief one is forgiven all sins, future, past, present. The Holy Spirit (God) indwells us once we believe and we are sealed, and can not lose salvation.
Father Son Holy Spirit are God. Jesus always existed and was not created and some more, as would be contained in statement of faith of a non denom church.
A good one doens't push someone elses theology(which abound), but just teaches from the bible and makes all sermons Christ centered by relating to Christ, whether in ot or new, where applicable, and most to many times always is. Or if not they would follow with how Christ is in the picture of topic sermon just given.
A christ centered church (whether denominational or not.) But I find mostly go to non denom type churches, but they can be off as well as can any church.
Be nice to connect with others in a church, which is how one learns more as well.
If you're not real close to that church Digit mentioned (don't know size of Melbourne) can look in phone book. I always call churches before I go. One doesn't have to, but I do.
I ask Pastor:
what they believe about Christ.
if hear gospel, which is Christ died for our sins and was resurrected; and to be saved is to believe such. Any more they add is good as helps grasp what they teach.
Do they believe one can lose salvation (if so, won't go)
Salvation by grace thru faith alone in Christ, not works. (must)
Jesus born of a virgin? must be yes.
Since any church can have a non christian as a pastor, as there are those decieved who believe they are Christians as well as there are wolves in sheeps clothing.
You can get a good grasp on what they believe and teach by what they say. But consider the above para as well, as such as those would know answers I would want to hear, but still may not be believers. Would become evident possibly in longer convo, or by meeting and listening.
Does your church have rules that attenders must follow to attend?
if yes, i don't go there (some exceptions below)
Does your church have rules for
members that must be followed: if yes I don't go there.
Many times such is laws added as burdens to people which God never mentions nor desires.
Such as can't dance, must wear dresses (women) those types rules, but can be any rule, like must come to every time church has a service.. sun wed fri..nope wont go there.
members in most churches will have rules as to voting for matters, business type, but otherwise for most part no rules except as governing how the church is run.
In some churches church discipline for members, not attendees is in the rules and this is okay actually very good (if the process used is same as in bible.)
Such might be considered a rule. If you want more info on church discipline let me know, but basically it's generally for members, and not attenders (which I'm always an attender), and say if a member commits adultry and is found out, then there is a process to follow.
There may be some other rules that are okay; just can't think about at this time.
If you have more specific questions please do post them and any more questions.
Can i come dressed as I am? if yes, go, if no, don't go.
These are some of the sort of question I might ask. The dress code one is interesting as much is revealed by the answer. If they say this is to wear and this is now okay to wear, then there is a problem and not really Christ centered or focused, (man focused) also reveals an unwillingness to be with those who don't dress as they like, and of course none of that has to do with Christianity.
Though of course there are churches where all dress to the nines, doesn't mean bad, as long as not required.
My list is messy above.
Sorry drifting to sleep, i know this post is a mess and much I've not put in should be here, and better explained.
Blessings,
tapero
My first stop, if you are open to it, would be to go to Swanston Street Church of Christ, it's an awesome church and I think you will not only find people to point you in the right direction there but also make some friends who can help you learn a little more. They also run lots of courses and studies - I think the Alpha course is starting soon again too. For more info on that, check here. It's right in Melbourne central, just outside the shopping center opposite the university of... is art? I can't recall now heh.
