How do you know your denomination is right?

[vic1980]

To anyone that has stated there is no perfect church " body in Christ Jesus " , Please review the following. It clearly describes thee attribute of those that are His people.
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Revelation 3

Message to the Church in Philadelphia

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7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. 10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. 12Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. 13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

 

[vic1980]

Here's why:

When I noticed that Jesus got most of his disciples right off the streets instead of out of the churches ... I asked God... "Why does it seem like you get [choose] more people off of the streets instead of getting them out of the churches? At least the people in the churches know that they need you and are reading their bibles and such." His reply (paraphrased) "The people in the churches KNOW that they need to seek ME, but they stopped when they found RELIGION"

This is very well stated, reminds me of John the Baptist how ALL of Israel came to hear him preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. and of Him who was to come and baptise them with the Holy Ghost & Fire.

Interesting thought to note , John the Baptist never enter a synagogue of the Jews if my memory is correct.

 

[Johnny_B]

It appears no one played into the set up of the OP so he boogied?

Just like a teenager to get in over their head by opening their mouth, thinking they know everything. I remember being 16 and thinking I knew it all, I also remember being a believer for about 3 years thinking I knew everything then about 2 years later I was reading a book and realized I knew nothing.

 

[Rokurac]

Because we go by Sola Scriptura

 

[nddreamer]

Your parents must have introduced you to the KJV. Most of the youth today start with the NIV. Once you begin to understand the imagery in the KJV, there's nothing more beautiful.
Every denomination and church these days has their statement of faith on the internet. I'd start there. It's harder to find a pastor, priest or minister that can answer all the needs of each individual. These days, their time is consumed more and more by the emotional carnage of people trying to negotiate their way through a life filled with anger, betrayal, and disappointment.
But, if what you're seeking after is a greater truth, it's harder to find a source. This cite has many knowledgeable people. It has a lot of passionate people too, but you probably noticed that. The desire for a greater truth, though, is a journey that you must pursue on your own. Bible studies within the churches are typically social clubs that never get beyond the milk stage (Heb.5:12-14). If you want the strong meat, you must run the race (1 Cor. 9:24) to receive the prize. I hope you get the anointing. That's the only way to get there. You can have degrees, doctorates, etc., etc., etc. But when only man teaches you, that's pretty much all you've got.
At just 16, you're wondering if heaven is enough. Good for you! Most of us never ask the question, "What more is there?" I wish you well and hope you give your need for more everything you've got and don't let the world cause you to stumble (James 1:6-8).
You want the third heaven (2 Cor. 12:2-4). Me too! But if I'm lucky enough to get to the first, I'll probably only get a glance at the door to the second. I'll pray for you, Masonian. Good Luck and never give up (Is. 34:16). And please don't be discouraged by all the noise.
(Can you imagine just being able to take the lowest seat in the third heaven? Just to be a fly on the wall - so to speak. If you get there, I want to be on your "twitter" page.) Blessings!

 

[Bookends]

As it says in the title, I am asking how do you know that your specific beliefs are leading you on a path to third-heaven? I don't ask this to start argument or debate but I'm very curious as to what makes you sure that your chosen church/denomination is the correct one to follow. Naturally I'd like to comment on every response to evoke more thought! I am 16 and very well-read. If/when quoting or citing scriptures please use the KJV (1611) version of the bible to keep everything mainstream and no mix up's in translations when I respond God Bless

I'm not worried about if my denomination is right, just concerned if they are wrong. I don't pay attention to denominations. All that matters is if your're IN Christ.