looking to convert

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womanofchrist28

Guest
#1
Hey, my name is Mary. I am Catholic I have been Catholic since I was born. I am finding that I dont know if I am catholic. I know that I am christian for sure but I know I want to convert to a different denomination of Christianity. So I am here to learn about the different denominations to see where my beliefs fit best... I do not know if that makes sense...so sorry if I confuse you!
 

MartyrNdaMaKn

Senior Member
Jan 22, 2013
4,482
12
38
#2
Hello and welcome Mary, delighted to have you here. To be truthfully honest with you, denominations to don't play a part of what makes you a Christian. Being a Christian means that you believe that Jesus is the son of God, he died for our sins, rose again and is seated at the right hand of our heavenly father, we also acknowledge that he is Lord and Savior of our lives. If you have anymore questions, feel free to ask.
 
B

biscuit

Guest
#3
[h=1]Choosing A Denomination[/h]
Christianity is a very diverse religion and there are numerous denominations that you can choose. While they all have similarities there are also numerous distinct differences between each of the denominations. In today’s guide we shall help you in choosing a denomination by looking at some of the most popular Christian denominations and their main ideologies.
How to Choose a Christian Denomination
With so many different Christian denominations it can be hard to know where to start. The best way to choose the right one for you is to research them and find out what their ideologies and values. It should be quite easy to choose one once you know this as one will just ‘fit’ with you.
Below we shall try and help you in your search for the right Christian denomination by outlining what their beliefs are. However, this list is not exhaustive and if you don’t find one that fits you quite right then carry on researching as there are plenty of others that may be better for you.
One thing they all have in common though is a belief in God and their sacred text is the Holy Bible (they may put more emphasis on different parts of the Bible however).
Orthodox Christianity Denomination
Orthodox Christians have the belief that the ultimate goal of every Christian is to continually draw closer to God through a process called theosis. Every Orthodox Christian strives to be more holy and more like Christ within Jesus Christ. They aim to be closer to God than existed in the Garden of Eden.
The Orthodox church is the second largest denomination with over 225 million members around the world, and is considered to have been established by Jesus Christ almost 2,000 years ago.
Orthodox Christians believe in the Trinity. The Holy Trinity are three distinct beings with no overlap between them.
Lutheran Christianity Denomination
Lutheranism is another major denomination of Christianity that originated from the 16th century teachings of the German reformer – Martin Luther. Through Luthers attempts to reform theology the Protestant Reformation began.
The main reason that Lutheranism split from the traditional Roman Catholic Church was over a disagreement on the doctrine of Justification. Luther had the belief that the doctrine of justification “by grace alone through faith alone because of Christ alone.”
Lutheran theology is very different to reformed Christianity in terms of the purpose of God’s law, the divine grace and predestination. Unlike the reformed Churches, Lutherans have retained much of the liturgical practices and sacramental teachings from the early Church.
Protestant Christianity Denomination
Protestantism is one of the four main denominations of Christianity. There are indeed various denominations within Protestantism itself however most are very closely tied to the Roman Catholic Church.
The doctrines of Protestant denominations vary however there are some similarities, including Sola Scriptura and Sola fide. Sola scriptura is the belief that the Bible is the final source of authority for all Christians; and Sola fide refers to the belief that salvation comes from faith alone in Jesus Christ rather than through good work.
The three fundamental principles behind traditional Protestantism are: supremacy of the Bible, justification by faith alone and the universal priesthood of believers.
Roman Catholic Christianity Denomination
Roman Catholicism is the most widely spread of the Christian denominations with over a billion members accounting for approximately half of all Christians worldwide and one sixth of the world’s population.
The Roman Catholic church has the mission of spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, administering the sacraments and exercising charity. They believe that there is one eternal God who exists as three separate beings – God the Father, God the Son and the Holy Spirit.
All of the beliefs of Roman Catholics are summarized within the Nicene Creed as well as in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
Anglican Christianity Denomination
Anglican Christianity refers largely to Christian churches that are historically connected to the Church of England or have similar beliefs and worship structures.
Anglicanism is a very traditional form of Christianity. Essentially they believe that the Bible is true and that it contains everything necessary for salvation – with nothing else required. They also heavily believe in the importance of the tradition and history of the church and put a heavy emphasis on the Nicene Creed, the Apostles Creed and the Athinasian creed.

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W

womanofchrist28

Guest
#4
I am Christian looking to find a different denomination that better fits my beliefs
 
N

Nicee

Guest
#7
When it comes to Christianity I don't think God really cares about which denomination you are in. All he cares about is what's in your heart and for you to know the truth.
 
M

MadParrotWoman

Guest
#8
When it comes to Christianity I don't think God really cares about which denomination you are in. All he cares about is what's in your heart and for you to know the truth.
I do agree with this, however I am concerned about some of the RC doctrine:

1. I don't believe we should be praying to saints.
2. I don't think the RC church should be making saints - it is for God to give people "ranks" when we get to Heaven.
3. The pope is just a man - not God so why do RC's flock around him like he is some kind of God?
4. Mary, as Jesus' mother should be respected but never worshipped or ranked on a par with Jesus who suffered and died for us.

I'm sure there are more but I don't know that much about Catholicism.
My advice is to pray for guidance - that is how I found my church. God bless you :)
 
M

MadParrotWoman

Guest
#9
Just to add..I think the best churches are non-denominational.
 
H

Hoffco

Guest
#10
Hi Mary, So glad to hear that you have the decernment of the Spirit to know where you are is not where God wants you . It will be a hard task to find the right church fellowship; But this I know , keep yourself with a good warm group that makes you comfortable doctrinally and personally. I have had 53 yrs, of pain in trying to find a dem. to fit my Bible faith ,and sorry to say, I had to make my own. I was trained for the ministry with Bible college, and Seminary, but never found a home. I identify somewhat with many dem.s but never was accept on a few crucial points. The Gospel of Repent, Trust Jesus and obey Jesus, thrown me out ever time. One great Bible preacher of today is John Piper, Desiring God. Dr. Piper is the BEST , in my opinion. John MacArther is good, Grace to you, a very enjoyable broadcast is: Songtime USA with Adam miller at One Place ,com. but some of the preachers are shallow BUT PTR. Paul David Tripp is very good , also Ted Tripp, his brother, is great. Love to all, Ptr Doug, Hoffco
 
Sep 16, 2014
1,666
100
48
#11
However actual choices of local congregations of Christians you have, visit the ones God might be pointing out. Some guidelines my wife and I have found useful are:

Follow the New Testament commands, not a group, not your "flesh", not letting comfort or prestige influence you. Many attend somewhere because they have a name plate on a bench, or their family has always gone there, or the boss/customers attend there, etc. Avoid any hint of wrong reasons. The right church congregation will offten define what denomination you become part of.

Consider joining believers who are actively obeying Mark 16:15 and other marching orders from Jesus to actually witness to people. Too many Christians do well to just show up and sit an hour a week or month. However, it might be that the Lord needs someone new to lead a congregation out of a ditch to get busy getting people saved. Be open to being prepared by God for such tasks in that chapter and many others in the New Testament.

If most of a church's emphasis is on a particular doctrine of the many taught in scriptures, not preaching the amazing whole gospel of Jesus frequently, avoiding the mention of sin and judgment of God, tolerating immoral behavior by anyone claiming to be saved, or shying away from "God our creator" as the Bible teaches instead of man evolving from "common ancestors", stay away. Add to that list of warnings is not emphasizing Jesus as Lord and of course savior who saves by grace alone through faith alone. Many believers add required works to that other than what Jesus and the apostles prescribed. Salvation doesn't require us to keep begging for a gift already given.

Study the scriptures daily, at least as much as you eat food and enjoy recreation, and take time upon waking to have a talk with God (pray). That will prepare you to recognize where God wants you, and doing what you are already tasked to do.

Seek to live by the power of God, not the wisdom of people around you. 1 Cor 2:1-5
 

Trailblazer

Senior Member
Sep 8, 2014
432
30
18
#12
However actual choices of local congregations of Christians you have, visit the ones God might be pointing out. Some guidelines my wife and I have found useful are:

Follow the New Testament commands, not a group, not your "flesh", not letting comfort or prestige influence you. Many attend somewhere because they have a name plate on a bench, or their family has always gone there, or the boss/customers attend there, etc. Avoid any hint of wrong reasons. The right church congregation will offten define what denomination you become part of.

Consider joining believers who are actively obeying Mark 16:15 and other marching orders from Jesus to actually witness to people. Too many Christians do well to just show up and sit an hour a week or month. However, it might be that the Lord needs someone new to lead a congregation out of a ditch to get busy getting people saved. Be open to being prepared by God for such tasks in that chapter and many others in the New Testament.

If most of a church's emphasis is on a particular doctrine of the many taught in scriptures, not preaching the amazing whole gospel of Jesus frequently, avoiding the mention of sin and judgment of God, tolerating immoral behavior by anyone claiming to be saved, or shying away from "God our creator" as the Bible teaches instead of man evolving from "common ancestors", stay away. Add to that list of warnings is not emphasizing Jesus as Lord and of course savior who saves by grace alone through faith alone. Many believers add required works to that other than what Jesus and the apostles prescribed. Salvation doesn't require us to keep begging for a gift already given.

Study the scriptures daily, at least as much as you eat food and enjoy recreation, and take time upon waking to have a talk with God (pray). That will prepare you to recognize where God wants you, and doing what you are already tasked to do.

Seek to live by the power of God, not the wisdom of people around you. 1 Cor 2:1-5
Very good post. I agree with everything that you have posted.
No excuse for this. I for one am bad about not reading the Bible enough. Christian Radio is another way of hearing Gods word
for those of us that are screwing up by not reading Gods word as much as we should. One can have Christian radio on usually many hours per day being filled with the Spirit of his word.

What Word_Swordsman speaks about in his last paragraph is very powerful in the Christian walk.
That is the best advice a person can give one to another. For nothing in this world is more satisfying then knowing that
Jesus is close with you, and he knows you well.