Unsure about which church to attend...

  • Thread starter Taylorthemodel1
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Taylorthemodel1

Guest
#1
#1
Hey everyone,
I've recently done some researching and I believe differently than I used to. I'm afraid of what my parents will say to this. First, I believe you are saved by faith, and baptism is a sign of obedience after you are saved. Also, I don't think instruments in worship is a bad thing. I grew up in the Church of Christ denomination and I feel like I've been brainwashed because they told me only church of christ christians go to heaven. I don't know whether or not to leave the Church of Christ because I'm not sure what other denomination would fit my beliefs. Also my parents would be very upset, as they are devout. I'm just not sure what to do. What do u think?
 
K

Kyouken

Guest
#2
#2
Whatever church you go to, just make sure they teach by The Book. As long as they do that, they're good.
With that said, not all churches teach completely by The Book, even those that do. It sounds like the one you go to now doesn't exactly teach it by The Book, but if it's the best you can get, then be alert and vigilant. Pray for God to help you in discerning right and wrong, and let the Holy Spirit take notes for you. He won't tell you what's wrong - only what's right! Also, you can check what a church's statement of faith is, too - that will be one of the quicker ways to figure out what kind of church it is and what they believe in.

As for me, I go to a Baptist church, but I'm not Baptist. I go 'cause they teach by The Book (for the most part), but I'm aware of some doctrines that they preach aren't true. I've questioned as to whether or not I should continue going, and I decided to for the fellowship, but that is it.
 
K

Kyouken

Guest
#3
#3
Oh, and just be honest with your parents. Things work out better that way.
 
U

Ugly

Guest
#4
#4
Hard to give much of a suggestion without knowing what your beliefs are. Are you Chrarismatic? Do you prefer lively worship? Do you believe in tongues? Dancing in church? Giving people a clue as to what general types of doctrines and beliefs will make it easier for people to guide you towards a church fitting to your beliefs.
 
J

jimmydiggs

Guest
#5
#5
Taylorthemodel1 said:
Hey everyone,
I've recently done some researching and I believe differently than I used to. I'm afraid of what my parents will say to this. First, I believe you are saved by faith, and baptism is a sign of obedience after you are saved. Also, I don't think instruments in worship is a bad thing. I grew up in the Church of Christ denomination and I feel like I've been brainwashed because they told me only church of christ christians go to heaven. I don't know whether or not to leave the Church of Christ because I'm not sure what other denomination would fit my beliefs. Also my parents would be very upset, as they are devout. I'm just not sure what to do. What do u think?
Click to expand...
If you are concerned about what a denomination teaches, I have found this quiz to be generally reliable.


&#9655; &#9654;Christian Denomination Selector SelectSmart.com free Religion personality test, selector quiz, matching, choose, compare. <--- click


For example, my top five match me pretty well.


  1. Reformed Baptist
  2. Presbyterian Church in America/Orthodox Presbyterian Church
  3. Reformed Churches
  4. Southern Baptist
  5. Free Will Baptist
The quiz focuses on the more distinct features. The issues that make one group what it is or isn't.

Me personally, I'm glad you've recognized the errors of the Church of Christ. I use to believe a lot like they do concerning soteriology. (they're very anti-calvinism)
 
Last edited:
owyka

owyka

Member
#6
Aug 20, 2011
43
5
8
#6
There is no denomination in heaven. We are the peopld descriminating ourselves. There is never a time in the bible that Jesus said that only some particular people will make heaven. Heaven was prepare for the isrealite by God, thank God for Jesus we all have hope of heaven. Go to a bible believing church and read your bible always. Note that every church have their doctrine. The Lord will show you the right part Amen. Stay bless
 
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Helloimandrewyo

Guest
#9
#9
jimmydiggs said:
Joel Osteen won't stand up for truth.

[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwL1DThtxYg[/video]
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Joel osteen is a sap, and his wife is an idiot. I have seen so many interviews with him, he won't stand for anything.

How do you feel about abortion, how do you feel about gay marriage, how do you feel about any of the canidates, how do you you feel about anything???

.....well, i just don't feel like i have enough information about anything to actually have a formed opinion. I will get back with you when i have done more research....

He is just a self help instructor.
 
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Helloimandrewyo

Guest
#12
#12
Taylorthemodel1 said:
Hey everyone,
I've recently done some researching and I believe differently than I used to. I'm afraid of what my parents will say to this. First, I believe you are saved by faith, and baptism is a sign of obedience after you are saved. Also, I don't think instruments in worship is a bad thing. I grew up in the Church of Christ denomination and I feel like I've been brainwashed because they told me only church of christ christians go to heaven. I don't know whether or not to leave the Church of Christ because I'm not sure what other denomination would fit my beliefs. Also my parents would be very upset, as they are devout. I'm just not sure what to do. What do u think?
Click to expand...

I think i have been in the same position. As long as you study and show yourself approved by dilligently trying to seek truth, i don't know how they could be mad at you. You seem very spiritualluy aware! It sounds like God gave you that gift so you didn't always just go with whatever you've been told.

My family is jewish, and when i accepted christ at 16 they kicked me out of the house. It seemed like a horrible situation at the time, but in the years since then, I have found that God has the ability to make any situation good. Keep your head up child, things will turn out good!
 
B

barukhmalachi

Guest
#13
#13
I don't know how this turned into a joel osteen conversation but you are right. A lot of pastor have a certain style. Some prophesy some teaching basics some just running around hootin and hollerin. Joel osteen is a feel good councelor. If it don't feel good don't talk about it. In interviews I've seen he don't take a stand for truth. He aims to make everyone feel good about themselves not improve their walk with god. Back to original question. Denominations all started with disagreement. Someone didn't believe something so they broke away and started church on what they believed. Some denominations may be all truth but lacking a certain teaching. Some may have similarities but also include false teaching or just trying to please people not god. Like it or not christianity does have jewish roots. Jewish is old covenant christian is new covenant. Does the bible not say gentiles were grafted into the abrahamic covenant. As far as finding a good church reguardless off your exact denominational beliefs, 1. Go where you are being fed spiritually 2. Find a pastor that is not affraid to preach the entire bible despite what people may think. Some are to worried about losing members that they lose god. 3. If salvation is not a main consern you may be at the wrong church. The invitation to accept christ should be in every service. 4. Follow god first. If you don't see god at work if it don't bear witness with your spirit, it may be dry church with no presence of the holy spirit. Pray for discernment and guidance from god. As far as your parents go, there are saved christians in many denominations. We are called the body of christ. Christians need to put god first and quit worrying about denomination. If you are saved you are a child of god no matter denomination. And any church claiming to be the only way to heaven is wrong. Mormons and jehovah witness will tell you the same thing.
 
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LovesBrokenDream

Guest
#14
#14
First and foremost, find a church that teaches by the Bible. If the pastor tries to spread a message that cannot be backed up with Biblical references, run as fast as you can! Other than that, find a church where you feel like you're being poured into. Find a place that you know you can grow spiritually and become stronger in your faith. Obviously, you should pray about this decision. God will show you where He wants you to be. :)
 
TheAristocat

TheAristocat

Senior Member
#15
Oct 4, 2011
2,150
26
0
#15
Taylorthemodel1 said:
Hey everyone,
I've recently done some researching and I believe differently than I used to. I'm afraid of what my parents will say to this. First, I believe you are saved by faith, and baptism is a sign of obedience after you are saved. Also, I don't think instruments in worship is a bad thing. I grew up in the Church of Christ denomination and I feel like I've been brainwashed because they told me only church of christ christians go to heaven. I don't know whether or not to leave the Church of Christ because I'm not sure what other denomination would fit my beliefs. Also my parents would be very upset, as they are devout. I'm just not sure what to do. What do u think?
Click to expand...
I think you made the right decision. In their opinion you're still saved anyway I assume because you've been baptized. I'm surprised that you didn't just reject Christianity all-together which seems to be the choice a lot of Catholics and Mormons make when they start to think for themselves. But their decision is akin to throwing the baby out with the bathwater. They go too far.

Glad you're among the living. :cool: Now study study! That's something I should be doing...
 
W

wwjd_kilden

Guest
#16
#16
Love the lord your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your strength and your neighbor as yourself

I am the way, the truth and the life, no one cometh to the father but by me

that's really all that's important, whether they talk in tongues, dance, pray or use rituals is all about taste and interpretation

Faith saves you, deeds glorify God and make you living testimony to His love.
 
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Taylorthemodel1

Guest
#17
#17
Thanks everyone, your responses have really helped! =) I talked to my youth minister and understand why I believe what I believe now. Thank you for all your help! In Christ,
Taylor
 
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