Hi guys hope you can help?

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.

Lynx

Folksy yet erudite
Aug 13, 2014
27,139
9,236
113
#21
Hmm okay, thank you gave me some clarity and confirmed some things I had already thought. I do not want to say Eastern orthodoxy is ethnocentric because I think it's an unfair judgement to make but here in the West, it's presented as such and unfortunately for me as much as I wanted to feel the presence of God in an Orthodox church I didn't (I'm not saying they don't have the presence of God by the way) granted I've only attended one service but in contrast to when I attended a Catholic church and felt God right away it does say something I suppose. I was very disappointed in myself because all the time I see videos of people discovering Orthodoxy and attending their first Liturgy and feeling overwhelmed spiritually and I didn't feel that way, that doesn't mean I won't attend again though.

The only problem I have with church hopping is I've never received the sacrament of baptism and I feel called by Jesus to do so, so strongly but to do that I'd have to join a church and I don't want to simply be baptised by a church that teaches things that are almost heractial in nature. I hope that makes sense.
Don't get too hung up on the brand name. Some Baptist Churches are thick with God's presence. Others are dead. Same with just about every denomination.

Shoot, I've known Pentecostal churches that were dead and Catholic churches that were very much alive in the spirit. You never know until you walk through the door.
 

ResidentAlien

Well-known member
Apr 21, 2021
8,228
3,571
113
#22
The only problem I have with church hopping is I've never received the sacrament of baptism and I feel called by Jesus to do so, so strongly but to do that I'd have to join a church and I don't want to simply be baptised by a church that teaches things that are almost heractial in nature. I hope that makes sense.
Your instincts about getting baptized are spot on. However, you don't have to join a church to get baptized. When you get baptized you're baptized into Christ, not a church or denomination. Just find another believer who is willing to baptize you and do it. Also, study the passages in the New Testament about baptism.
 

PennEd

Senior Member
Apr 22, 2013
13,566
9,083
113
#23
Where does the bible say that? none of the early church fathers say that either, but you're entitled to your opinion.
It's not MY opinion. It's the Lord's.

Matthew 16:15-18

New King James Version
15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
16 Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
17 Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.


You notice Jesus didn't say upon YOU Petra, I will build my Church. Because OF COURSE the Church is built upon Jesus Christ, The fact that He is the Son of God, in fact God Himself in human form, His Sacrifice, and Resurrection. Certainly NOT built on Peter!
 
Jul 30, 2023
48
18
8
28
Nottinghamshire
#24
I understand you better now and as far as not feeling that the Orthodox church is not right for you, i would say that's great. It means that it's not for you basically.
As far as baptism goes, i was baptized by a church which is not only far away from me now but even if it was close to me i wouldn't recognize it because it has changed so much in terms of people and architectural changes.
So i personally don't think it's important to stay "bound" to a church just because they baptized you.
I wish you all the best in your journey and may God bless you and fill you with happiness, health and joy.
Thank you, I guess I should stop being so particular about where I'm baptised then. I do tend to have a habit of overthinking things and it can be a blessing and a curse sometimes. I hope I find much more clarity in my Christian walk and find a community in person that can support me along the way.

God bless
 
Jul 30, 2023
48
18
8
28
Nottinghamshire
#25
Your instincts about getting baptized are spot on. However, you don't have to join a church to get baptized. When you get baptized you're baptized into Christ, not a church or denomination. Just find another believer who is willing to baptize you and do it. Also, study the passages in the New Testament about baptism.
Thank you I wasn't aware of this, I simply thought if I'm baptised in a church then that automatically makes me a part of it, thank you for letting me know that's not the case.
 
Jul 30, 2023
48
18
8
28
Nottinghamshire
#26
It's not MY opinion. It's the Lord's.

Matthew 16:15-18

New King James Version
15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
16 Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
17 Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.


You notice Jesus didn't say upon YOU Petra, I will build my Church. Because OF COURSE the Church is built upon Jesus Christ, The fact that He is the Son of God, in fact God Himself in human form, His Sacrifice, and Resurrection. Certainly NOT built on Peter!
I don't think the Catholic stance is that the church is built upon Peter or maybe I've missed the mark and they do think that but I'm not under that impression, I do know the same verse is used to defend the Pope of Rome's papacy. I will say either way it does seem that Christians a lot of the times seem to be in disagreement over semantics (apart from those that are actually heretical) and everything else seems to get lost and that is how we've ended up with all these different denominations which are very confusing to newcomers. I want Christians to be united but I don't see that happening anytime in the near future but God willing I am wrong.

I understand human beings are diverse and the ways in which we worship God will be different but you must also agree with me that you wouldn't think the way people from other religions worship God or their ideas of Him are correct or true so why should give Christianity special treatment, all these different sects with varying beliefs, they can't all be true or the truth.

Jesus didn't want his church which was meant to be his kingdom on earth, in it his body to be divided up in this way. I don't mean to offend anyone I just can't help but think unification is needed within Christianity and we won't seem to get that if we have every body interpreting the bible for themselves, is it good to read and fully understand the bible? yes but where should we go to when we want explanations? should we instead draw our own conclusions, this is how wokeism has taken over a lot of christian churches in the united states and the UK (where i am) sadly. Do I want sinners i.e homosexuals, transgender people or sex workers expelled from the church? no I do not because Jesus said he came for not the righteous but the sinners but he came not to affirm their sin but cast them out so they could have new life in him. Do you see where I'm going with this? if you go only based off taking the bible as you're only authority this is where things end up.
 

ResidentAlien

Well-known member
Apr 21, 2021
8,228
3,571
113
#27
Thank you I wasn't aware of this, I simply thought if I'm baptised in a church then that automatically makes me a part of it, thank you for letting me know that's not the case.
Glad I could help. There are churches out there that will tell you if you want to become a member of their church you have to be baptized by them, even if you've already been baptized. And there are churches that try to make you think the only way to be legitimately baptized is in their church, but that simply isn't the case; at least not scripturally.

There's only two cases I can think of when a person should get rebaptized. One, if they were only sprinkled the first time. The Bible teaches baptism by full immersion. And two: if they were baptized as an infant they should get baptized by full immersion when they become old enough to choose Christ for themself.
 
J

jennymae

Guest
#28
Yes you’re somewhere in Finland right?
Ive seen your posts about how they say one thing and do another over there in regards to clean energy or guns.
Glad you’re seeing that.
Also the bishop of Russia is essentially a politician and ”blessed” Putin’s war.
No, I’m in Norway. Finland is a two hour drive from here. I don’t know much about Finnish politics, but here in Norway politicians do say one thing and then they do the complete opposite. It wasn’t any different in Alabama, where I’m from originally.
 

Cameron143

Well-known member
Mar 1, 2022
18,819
6,467
113
62
#29
I don't think the Catholic stance is that the church is built upon Peter or maybe I've missed the mark and they do think that but I'm not under that impression, I do know the same verse is used to defend the Pope of Rome's papacy. I will say either way it does seem that Christians a lot of the times seem to be in disagreement over semantics (apart from those that are actually heretical) and everything else seems to get lost and that is how we've ended up with all these different denominations which are very confusing to newcomers. I want Christians to be united but I don't see that happening anytime in the near future but God willing I am wrong.

I understand human beings are diverse and the ways in which we worship God will be different but you must also agree with me that you wouldn't think the way people from other religions worship God or their ideas of Him are correct or true so why should give Christianity special treatment, all these different sects with varying beliefs, they can't all be true or the truth.

Jesus didn't want his church which was meant to be his kingdom on earth, in it his body to be divided up in this way. I don't mean to offend anyone I just can't help but think unification is needed within Christianity and we won't seem to get that if we have every body interpreting the bible for themselves, is it good to read and fully understand the bible? yes but where should we go to when we want explanations? should we instead draw our own conclusions, this is how wokeism has taken over a lot of christian churches in the united states and the UK (where i am) sadly. Do I want sinners i.e homosexuals, transgender people or sex workers expelled from the church? no I do not because Jesus said he came for not the righteous but the sinners but he came not to affirm their sin but cast them out so they could have new life in him. Do you see where I'm going with this? if you go only based off taking the bible as you're only authority this is where things end up.
It might be worth distinguishing between churchgoers, churches as denominations, and born again believers.
Everyone should be welcome to church services. No denomination holds a monopoly on truth and even within denominations, there is widespread dissent on doctrine. So there isn't unity even within denominations. So the only real chance for unity is amongst the truly saved. But, as you can see from this site, there is still much disagreement even here.
Having a goal of unity is admirable. Ephesians 4 says we are to endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit. But notice, it is the unity of the Spirit. That it is a unity produced by the Spirit and not us. We are tasked to maintain or keep it.
 
Jul 30, 2023
48
18
8
28
Nottinghamshire
#30
Glad I could help. There are churches out there that will tell you if you want to become a member of their church you have to be baptized by them, even if you've already been baptized. And there are churches that try to make you think the only way to be legitimately baptized is in their church, but that simply isn't the case; at least not scripturally.

There's only two cases I can think of when a person should get rebaptized. One, if they were only sprinkled the first time. The Bible teaches baptism by full immersion. And two: if they were baptized as an infant they should get baptized by full immersion when they become old enough to choose Christ for themself.
hmm thats interesting and yes i've noticed some churches do require you be re baptised, not a problem i've had though since i've been baptised in the first place
 
Jul 30, 2023
48
18
8
28
Nottinghamshire
#31
It might be worth distinguishing between churchgoers, churches as denominations, and born again believers.
Everyone should be welcome to church services. No denomination holds a monopoly on truth and even within denominations, there is widespread dissent on doctrine. So there isn't unity even within denominations. So the only real chance for unity is amongst the truly saved. But, as you can see from this site, there is still much disagreement even here.
Having a goal of unity is admirable. Ephesians 4 says we are to endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit. But notice, it is the unity of the Spirit. That it is a unity produced by the Spirit and not us. We are tasked to maintain or keep it.
I do see this more and more and even in a book I'm reading on a short introduction to orthodoxy before the church split they were divisions so really and truly is there any such thing as a one true church? It seems the more i research the more i'm inclined to say maybe not and the more i'm inclined to just say Jesus lead me to whatever you think is holy and good as its too overwhelming to lean fully on my own discernment.
 

seekingthemindofChrist

Casting down imaginations
Jul 10, 2023
1,178
573
113
#32
No, I’m in Norway. Finland is a two hour drive from here. I don’t know much about Finnish politics, but here in Norway politicians do say one thing and then they do the complete opposite. It wasn’t any different in Alabama, where I’m from originally.
How'd you wind up in Norway, if I might ask? That's quite a distance from Alabama.

Politicians are corrupt everywhere.

:cry:
 

seekingthemindofChrist

Casting down imaginations
Jul 10, 2023
1,178
573
113
#33
The only problem I have with church hopping is I've never received the sacrament of baptism and I feel called by Jesus to do so, so strongly but to do that I'd have to join a church and I don't want to simply be baptised by a church that teaches things that are almost heractial in nature. I hope that makes sense.
It might help if you better understood what, or should I say who, the church really is.

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1577/kjv/tr/0-1/

ekklēsia

Whenever you see the English word "church" in your Bible, you are seeing a translation of the Greek word ekklēsia, which means a called out assembly or congregation of people. Every believer who has been called out of darkness and into God's marvelous light is a member of the church or a member of God's called out assembly, so you do not need to join something that you are already a part of.

Having said that, you should be water baptized, but it does not need to be done by a "church". In fact, I have water baptized people myself in the past.
 

seekingthemindofChrist

Casting down imaginations
Jul 10, 2023
1,178
573
113
#34
@Tanaya

Was the Ethiopian eunuch baptized by a "church"?

Acts 8:26-38

"And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him."

Was the Apostle Paul baptized by a "church"?

Acts 9:10-18

"And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized."

Etc., etc., etc.
 

I_am_Canadian

Senior Member
Dec 8, 2014
2,430
821
113
#35
No the Ethiopian Eunich was Baptised by Philip, Under the authority of Jesus Christ. So was Paul.
Remember that Jesus was God almighty in the flesh, that God exists as 3 people, The Father, The Son (Jesus) and the Holy Spirit. These 3 are one. God does not need mans authority, approval, credentials etc. to do His will, Gods authority is the Highest Authority.

God can ordain a preacher without that man ever setting foot in a seminary school. If He so desires. Yes we should be under authority to the local church, it's called accountability. However if that is not an option than it's enough just to be under Gods authority as he will hold us accountable regardless.
 

GRACE_ambassador

Well-known member
Feb 22, 2021
3,190
1,598
113
Midwest
#36
The only problem I have with church hopping is I've never received the sacrament of baptism and I feel called by Jesus to do so, so strongly but to do that I'd have to join a church and I don't want to simply be baptised by a church that teaches things that are almost heractial in nature. I hope that makes sense.
I hope I find much more clarity in my Christian walk and find a community in person that can support me along the way.
Precious friend, of course there is the thought that we should have fellowship
because of our mutual 'faith in Christ,' instead of denominational traditions of
water [ ↓ not for today, Under Grace ], to become a 'member.'


Please Be Very RICHLY Encouraged And Edified In
The LORD JESUS CHRIST, And His Word Of Truth, Rightly
Divided
(+ I and II).

Grace, Peace, And JOY!… + RICH Blessings ♫ 😇 ↑

If 'Rightly Divided' studying is of any interest to you, then you can email:
BereanBibleSociety.org, and they may be able to help find a church or
small study group in your area.

Amen.
 

Bob-Carabbio

Well-known member
Jun 24, 2020
1,591
797
113
#37
For anyone who is from the Orthodox or Catholic background currently or formally... I am confused between which one is the truth, I know only one can be the original church Christ started but I don't know which one.
SImple answer: NEITHER OF THEM!! The "original church that Christ started, which is the Pillar and Ground of TRUTH is fully embodied in NO VISIBLE CHURCH SYSTEM / Denomination present on earth.

It never HAS BEEN, but was MUCH closer to the ideal in the beginning immediately after Pentecost that it has ever been since.

The "Orthodox" Catholic is marginally closer to the truth than the Roman version.
 
Jul 30, 2023
48
18
8
28
Nottinghamshire
#38
It might help if you better understood what, or should I say who, the church really is.

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1577/kjv/tr/0-1/

ekklēsia

Whenever you see the English word "church" in your Bible, you are seeing a translation of the Greek word ekklēsia, which means a called out assembly or congregation of people. Every believer who has been called out of darkness and into God's marvelous light is a member of the church or a member of God's called out assembly, so you do not need to join something that you are already a part of.

Having said that, you should be water baptized, but it does not need to be done by a "church". In fact, I have water baptized people myself in the past.
I think for me because I have no Christian friends (no friends at all might I add) i have to find a church I can build a habit of going to which in turn I'd then meet people there and hopefully make good Christian friends that can guide me somewhat. Having been to three churches in the past month and feeling very out of place in the first one (it was like I was at a concert), feeling God or at least some hint of Him in the second (which was catholic) and then the third I only felt annoyed at myself (Greek orthodox church) because i didn't understand the language or when to cross myself or stand etc. and I didn't experience the overwhelming spiritual feeling many claim to feel when first attending an Orthodox church and to that I'm yet to feel that way in any church i've been to.

I know all this talk of church business might seem superficial to seasoned Christians but I don't lament over it without good reason, I've tried to be Christian before without joining a church and ended in me being almost an atheist. Satan is real and he attacks, in fact I've had several subtle attacks from him (and all throughout my life) since I've started embracing Jesus again, I can only imagine this would be made a little less daunting if I had a stable church home with other believers I can confide in.

I hope that makes sense and maybe gives some clarity on why I am stressing so much on finding a church home.
 
Jul 30, 2023
48
18
8
28
Nottinghamshire
#39
SImple answer: NEITHER OF THEM!! The "original church that Christ started, which is the Pillar and Ground of TRUTH is fully embodied in NO VISIBLE CHURCH SYSTEM / Denomination present on earth.

It never HAS BEEN, but was MUCH closer to the ideal in the beginning immediately after Pentecost that it has ever been since.

The "Orthodox" Catholic is marginally closer to the truth than the Roman version.
Okay thank you, I know it's almost impossible to have a true church that Jesus himself built but if I could be led by Him to what he approves of, that would be good enough for me.
 

Bob-Carabbio

Well-known member
Jun 24, 2020
1,591
797
113
#40
Okay thank you, I know it's almost impossible to have a true church that Jesus himself built but if I could be led by Him to what he approves of, that would be good enough for me.
WHAT I WOULD SUGGEST would be a "BAPTIST" denomination church. I was originally Saved in a Southern Baptist Church, and then moved on to Pentecostal churches - the Assemblies of God being the largest denominational group in the genre.

Personally, I'm a member of the Assemblies of God denomination which tends these days unfortunately to have "Worship times" that resemble "soft rock concerts", which I'm not personally fond of, but the Sermons by the pastors at our place (Crossroads of life, Duncanville, TX) are extremely substantive.

The Smaller churches tend to be less "Overproduced", maybe with a piano, Organ, and hymn books. Baptists are theologically Sound, and the smaller ones, tend to be more personable. "Nazarene", ANd come "community" churches might work too.

I would counsel AGAINST Catholic/Orthodox denominations because they substitute "Religious activity" for actual Born Again relationship with God.