Which church should I join

Here is my advice for choosing a church.

There should be no frills or benefits. It should not give you a warm fuzzy feeling when you go there. There should not be ceremonies, fortune telling, blessings or worshipping of statues nor bowing before humans. Your new church should not include it's own books in it's study of God's word. You should not be forced to pay any monies nor made to feel like it's required. You should not be told that people from other faiths, religions or churches will go to hell. You should not have to perform any right of passage or ceremonies. You should not be required to do any good works in order to earn salvation and you should not have to alter your body in any way.

Your new church should teach that the bible is 100% truth but that you need to rightly divide the word in order to understand what is written for you vs. what was written to the Jews and early Christians.

"Was the Church founded at pentecost, or before?

Matthew 18:17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican."

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Personaly i believe while Christ was in the world we had no need for a Church but knowing the out come of his mission he was preparing the apostles/church for their mission after his death, ressurection and assention, although i dont believe the church was in opperation/active, I believe it existed but awaited the death, ressurection, assention of our lord and the out pouring of the holy spirit before it could be activated.

Therefore I believe the foundations of the church had been laid in accordance with Mat 16:18 and since that time Jesus was teaching his apostles about their mission and I think this teaching is what you find in Mat 18:17 - which is interesting because it reiterates our desperate need to find the true church and listen as closely as possible to that church.

and while some might say that the church is the body of all belivers, that is a fine thing to believe, i wouldnt mind edging my bets a little and find the historical/biblical church also.

Prophet01 said:

I am following down the same path as you, there are so many contradicting theories and opinions about which church is the real deal, that for me there can only be two real guides for this.


1. Jesus' words - "the gates of hell shall not prevail against it"

meaning that the church started by Christ so long ago still remains today... therefore

2. Historical evidences.

So far I am down to just 2 possible out comes.

1. The Orthodox churches that are not in unity with the Catholic Church

2. The orthodox rite churches unified with the Latin (roman Catholic) rite, A.K.A the Catholic Church

Both seem to have been around since 33AD and were one united Church - what is bothering me at present is that a split occured in 1054 AD and I am still researching if the Catholic church split from the Orthodox Churches or the Orthodox Churches split from the Catholic Church, if i can determine who split from whom then I will know the original and preserved Church of Christ.

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May I be of some help?

http://www.fatheralexander.org/booklets/english/history_timothy_ware_1.htm#n4


hopefully help this will help you in your research.

tomwhodson said:

ive found a church called st giles which seems to have a good active youth group. I've got a friend who is new to christianity also so I'me gonna go with him. Also it's only about 10-15 mins walk.

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Tom:
Good for yoU! Tell us how it goes. That Youth Group is KEY! Keep you mind open to their teachings. Make sure they believe in the holy trinity(Father Son and Holy Spirit) Make sure they believe the only way to heaven is through Christ. Good Luck! Pray before you go that God will either comfort you there or show you if he doesn't approve. I am so glad it is walking distance for you. You are going to be that bright shining light to you family! Keep up the support for CHrist with all you have! God Bless You!

"May I be of some help?

http://www.fatheralexander.org/book...y_ware_1.htm#n4


hopefully help this will help you in your research."

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Thank you so very much for your link, very informitive, interesting and submerged in history, I have, thanks to your link now read an account from both the Western Church and the Eastern and believe I have come to perhaps not a doctrinal or theological understanding of which church holds as close to the true and original doctrines of catholic faith of the apostles, but at least a historical understanding thanks to you and others that also tie's into that the words of Christ himself.

I read all the document about the schism but it was one statement in a quote that really stood out above the others.

"My dearest brother, we do not deny to the Roman Church the primacy amongst the five sister Patriarchates"

I could only tie that in with the words of Christ to the first bishop of Rome.

"thou art Peter and upon this Rock I will build my Church and the Gates of Hell Shall NOT PREVAIL AGAINST IT"

Am I to listen to the orthodox scholers, that the "seat of Peter" has infact fallen foul to evil by claiming supremacy over the whole Catholic Church or Am I to believe the words of Christ, that the seat of Peter shall never fall foul to Evil - For all the concerns about doctrine and power of the pope I can not dispute the words of Christ.

Therefore I have to submit that the biblical church of the upper room is the Catholic Church, however, I have to at this point say, I also see the eastern churches as part of this biblical church, that east and west make up one Catholic Church. However I believe it is historically and biblically correct to say that the Pope in Rome is supreme in the faith and that Christ preserves the Seat of Peter from Evil. Therefore I have to believe that if it has been deamed correct/appropriate/neccisary that the Whole Catholic Church needs to be centralised under his leadership, then I believe it is in the best interests of the faith to do so.

I therefore Conclude that the orthodox eastern churchs have split not from the Catholic faith but from the Seat of Peter

As Supreeme amongst the five sister Patriarchates and preserved from Evil by Christs most holy Word, I can only say I believe it is in my best interests as well as the eastern churches and the Christian Church as a Whole to submit to his leadership because I believe to seperate yourself from the Bishop of Rome is to seperate yourself from the promise of Christ.

Just remember in Heaven there will be no denominations...just Christians worshipping God....

I also believe individual Christians from reformed denominations to belong to the Catholic faith, however I believe the Churches have not only split from the seat of peter and the promise of christ but also from the Catholic faith itself. Becoming theives and robbers who steal the sheep.

I would also like to remind everyone that Christ said

"How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life; and few find it."

"I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved"

"The one who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep"

"there will be one flock, one shepherd. "

""Simon (Peter), son of John, do you love Me?" "Yes, Lord," he said to Him, "You know that I love You." "Shepherd My sheep," He told him."

"I assure you: Anyone who doesn't enter the sheep pen by the door, but climbs in some other way, is a thief and a robber.(not the shepherd)"

MikeJ said:

Just remember in Heaven there will be no denominations...just Christians worshipping God....

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tomwhodson said:

Hi, I am a new Christian and I was wondering which church I should join. In the bible does it say that the RCC is the only way to go. But has the RCC become riddle with lies and human law as many say. I really am confused about who to join. Does the Lord mind which church we join? Is there only one 'true church? Is there a church that just sticks to the bible and to the word of the most high god rather than man made law?

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Hello Tom!!

If you're interested in exploring what the Catholic Church has to offer, why don't you post your questions at the OBOB forum? Once you get answers it might help you with your decision.

God Bless and prayers!

My advice...find a church that only follows the Bible and doesn't make up any of it's own doctrine or rules. And especially don't join one that has a "higher up" TELLING people what to believe. That is a church that is not blessed by God.

I hope your search and walk are going well. If you are still looking check out this site, as mentioned before, www.calvarychapel.com to find a church near you. God Bless. Your in my prayers.

Jesus said, "By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another". Find a fellowship where people really love each other (not just plastic smiles for an hour once a week... but where they REALLY love each other).

Then keep reading the Bible and follow what you believe God is saying above what any preacher, teacher, pastor, etc. says. Then you can't go wrong.

"Then keep reading the Bible and follow what you believe God is saying above what any preacher, teacher, pastor, etc. says. Then you can't go wrong."

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Thats what I used to believe but, it dosnt work that way, scripture itself say that scripture is hard to understand and those who are not being guided distort it, it also says scripture is not for private interpretatio. The bible is unified truth for all mankind, not just for each individual.

If we are born again, and have the indwelling Holy Spirit, nothing of God is hard.

1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.1 Corinthians 2:10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.1 Corinthians 2:11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.1 Corinthians 2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.1 Corinthians 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.1 Corinthians 2:15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.1 Corinthians 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

lipoftruth said:

Then keep reading the Bible and follow what you believe God is saying above what any preacher, teacher, pastor, etc. says. Then you can't go wrong.

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I would like to suggest that a great many people have gone wrong in just this way. Jim Jones of Jonestown, for one very good example.

I would like also to suggest that if you keep reading the Bible and follow not yourself, and also not other men and women, but only all the commandments of the Lord Jesus Christ, then you will not go wrong.

tomwhodson said:

Hi, I am a new Christian and I was wondering which church I should join. In the bible does it say that the RCC is the only way to go. But has the RCC become riddle with lies and human law as many say. I really am confused about who to join. Does the Lord mind which church we join? Is there only one 'true church? Is there a church that just sticks to the bible and to the word of the most high god rather than man made law?

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Mine! It teaches the bible from the original languages, using Isogogics, and Exegetics.

Regarding "You are Peter and on this rock...."---Rome was historically seen as the first among equals, but not supreme in jurisdiction. this was for 3 reasons: 1. rome was the capital of the empire 2. Peter was hte first bishop of rome 3. the west was steadfast in the faith for several centuries while many heresies came out of the east.

However, it is important to note that Rome was the first among equals, and not supreme. As the Body of Christ, the CHurch must be representative of God. Think about hte Trinity...The Father is the source of it all, but Christ and the Holy Spirit are equal to Him, thus Rome is given the place of honor, but the otehr bishops must be equal. When the bishop of Constantinople was first called hte "Ecumenical Patriarch", Pope Gregory the Great believed he was claiming universal headship, and wrote a letter insisting that no one bishop is head of the Church, bc Christ is the head of the Church. Also check out the Council at Jerusalem in Acts...Peter is there, but James leads the Council, bc its in his jurisdiction.

linssue55 said:

Mine! It teaches the bible from the original languages, using Isogogics, and Exegetics.

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Does it teach that we should both love the Christ and obey all of His commandments?

jonathanbrickman0000 said:

Does it teach that we should both love the Christ and obey all of His commandments?

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Of course. It is non-denominational Chritainity. All the tapes are free. Has been my church for almost 33 years. Here is a lttle something on what we recieve at Salvation................

The 40 things we receive at Salvation.......

01. Immputed Righteousness..... Rom 4: 3-5
02. Justification.....Rom. 3: 24-30
03. Regeneration .....John 3: 1-12, Titus 3:5, Rom 8:16, 1 cor 2-14
04. Human Spirit.....Rom 8:16, 1 Cor 2:14
05. Imputed Everlasting Life.....John 5: 11-12
06. Baptism of the Holy Spirit.....Rom 8: 1-2, Rom 8: 38-39, 1 Cor 15:2, 1 Cor 12:13, John 5: 11-12
07. Propitiation.....Ex 25: 17-22, Heb 9:4, 1 John 2: 2
08. Reconcilliation.....Rom 5:10, 2 Cor 5:18-19
09. Redemtion.....1 peter 1: 18-19
10. Forgiveness.....Isaiah 43: 25, Isaiah 44:22, Eph 1: 7, Col 1: 14
11. Removal of Condemnation.....John 3:18, Rom 8: 1-3
12. Removal of Domination of the Old Sin Nature.....Rom 6:6-12
13. Removal of Satan's Power.....Col 1: 12-13, 1 John 5: 19, Eph 6:11-12, Eph 2: 1-2, Gal 1: 12-13
14. Freedom from the Penalty of the Mosaic Law.....Rom 3: 8, Rom 8:2, Gal 3: 10-13
15. Identification with Jesus Christ.....Rom 6: 3-12, Gal 2: 20,
16. Indwelling of God the Father.....John 14: 23, Eph 4:6, John 14: 23
17. Indwelling of Jesus Christ.....John 14: 20, Rom 8: 10, 2 Cor 5: 3, Col 1: 27
18. Indwelling of the Holy Spirit.....1 Cor 6: 19-20, Math 3: 11, John 14: 7, Rom 5: 5, Rom 8:9, Gal 3:2
19. Sealing of your Salvation.....Eph 4: 30, Tim 2: 19, Eph 1: 13
20. Circumcision of the Soul.....1 Cor 7: 17-24, Jer 4: 4, Rom 2: 29, Deut 10: 16-17
21. Unseen Assets.....Eph 1: 2-6
22. Judgement of Sins.....1 Pet 2: 24, Rom 4: 251 John 1: 9
23. Royal Adoption.....Rom 8: 15, Rom 8: 23
24. Eternal Relationship to God.....Eph 2: 13, James 4: 8, Heb 10: 25
25. We are on the Rock Jesus Christ.....2 Cor 1: 21; 2, Cor 3: 11, Eph 2: 26.
26. We are a Gift to Christ.....John 17: 5, John 17: 11-12, John 17: 20, John 10: 29
27. Royal Priesthood.....Peter 2: 5, Peter 2: 9, Rev 1: 6
28. We are a Chosen Generation.....1 Peter 2: 9, Titus 2: 14
29. Access to God.....Eph 2: 18, Rom 5: 2, Heb 4: 14, Heb 10: 19-20
30. We are under God's Care.....Eph 2: 4, Eph 5: 2, 31.
31. We are His Inheritance.....Eph 1: 18
32. We Inherit Christ's Eternal Future.....1 Pet 1: 14, Eph 4: 14, Col 3: 24, Heb 9: 15
33. We have a Heavenly Partnership and Association.....Col 3: 4, 1 John 5: 11-12, Eph 2:6, 1 Cor 1: 9, 1 Cor 3: 9, 2 Cor 3: 3, 2 Cor 3: 6, 2 Cor 5: 20, @ cor 6: 4
34. We Become Heavenly Citizens.....Eph 2: 19, Phill 3: 20-21
35. We Become Members of the Royal Family of God....Eph 2: 19, Eph 3: 5, Gal 6: 10
36. We are the Light in the Lord.....Eph 5: 8, Thess 5: 4
37. We are United to the Trinity.....1 Cor 12: 13, John 15: 5, Eph 2: 19, Eph 2: 22, Eph 5: 25-27, 1 Peter 2: 5-9
38. We are Glorified.....Rom 8: 30
39. We are Complete in Him.....Col 2: 10
40. We Recieve a Guardian Angel.....Heb 1: 14

You should go to the church that you feel God wants you to go to. you should ask him to show you which church he wants you to go to.