With all due respect, if you want to believe what you said of me, that is fine by me, but I will warn you that you putting yourself in a dangerous ground by making a judgment call that you aren't even allowed to make that sort of judgment... That in itself will get yourself into trouble with God.With all due respect, as far as God's Words, I showed ALL respect to His Words.I Corinthians 12:28 - And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.I Corinthians 12:29 - Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?I Corinthians 12:30 - Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?You are free to believe whatever you want Tallman. I trust God and God's interpretation. I don't trust men's interpretation of God Words. I won't judge you like you judged me, but I will point out of your fallacy of men out of Love.
New Christian Confused About Which Church To Go To
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forgivenWretch
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No, but it is important. We are to be in the company of others, those who can guide us and of which we can grow with each other.
Good, cause for one, some people rather have Bible Study at home and it is a building you can fellowship with family and friends to grow with... the same goes for the internet. Aren't we trying to share His Words and grow with other people that we don't know in real life? Sure do. I rather place no limits on a single building.All forms of fellowshipping, whether at home or at a "local church" or at the street with the poor or at the internet, all forms of assembly are in the company of / with others.
This post by Whitknuckle is absouluty right and very simular to what I told you in my first post ...Every denomination thinks they are right ..None are 100% right ... Gods Word has no religion except one and that is to be a Christian period .... as I told you before God says church is where two or more gather in his name ... Christ is a personal God ..meaning you have a personal relationship with him ..you do not need a church to have that relationship .... Just wait until you find one that feeds you truth and you enjoy the people ...otherwise just keep studying his Word ...
forgivenWretch
New Member
Acts 2:42 could be considered a purpose statement for the church: “They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” According to this verse, the purposes/activities of the church should be 1) teaching biblical doctrine, 2) providing a place of fellowship for believers, 3) observing the Lord’s supper, and 4) praying.The church is to teach biblical doctrine so we can be grounded in our faith. Ephesians 4:14 tells us, “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.” The church is to be a place of fellowship, where Christians can be devoted to one another and honor one another (Romans 12:10), instruct one another (Romans 15:14), be kind and compassionate to one another (Ephesians 4:32), encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11), and most importantly, love one another (1 John 3:11).The church is to be a place where believers can observe the Lord’s Supper, remembering Christ’s death and shed blood on our behalf (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). The concept of “breaking bread” (Acts 2:42) also carries the idea of having meals together. This is another example of the church promoting fellowship. The final purpose of the church according to Acts 2:42 is prayer. The church is to be a place that promotes prayer, teaches prayer, and practices prayer. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”Another commission given to the church is proclaiming the gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8). The church is called to be faithful in sharing the gospel through word and deed. The church is to be a “lighthouse” in the community, pointing people toward our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The church is to both promote the gospel and prepare its members to proclaim the gospel (1 Peter 3:15).Some final purposes of the church are given in James 1:27: “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” The church is to be about the business of ministering to those in need. This includes not only sharing the gospel, but also providing for physical needs (food, clothing, shelter) as necessary and appropriate. The church is also to equip believers in Christ with the tools they need to overcome sin and remain free from the pollution of the world. This is done by biblical teaching and Christian fellowship.So, what is the purpose of the church? Paul gave an excellent illustration to the believers in Corinth. The church is God’s hands, mouth, and feet in this world—the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). We are to be doing the things that Jesus Christ would do if He were here physically on the earth. The church is to be “Christian,” “Christ-like,” and Christ-following.The Bible tells us we need to attend church so we can worship God with other believers and be taught His Word for our spiritual growth (Acts 2:42; Hebrews 10:25). Church is the place where believers can love one another (1 John 4:12), encourage one another (Hebrews 3:13), “spur” one another (Hebrews 10:24), serve one another (Galatians 5:13), instruct one another (Romans 15:14), honor one another (Romans 12:10), and be kind and compassionate to one another (Ephesians 4:32).When a person trusts Jesus Christ for salvation, he or she is made a member of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27). For a church body to function properly, all of its “body parts” need to be present (1 Corinthians 12:14-20). Likewise, a believer will never reach full spiritual maturity without the assistance and encouragement of other believers (1 Corinthians 12:21-26). For these reasons, church attendance, participation, and fellowship should be regular aspects of a believer's life. Weekly church attendance is in no sense “required” for believers, but someone who belongs to Christ should have a desire to worship God, receive His Word, and fellowship with other believers.
WhiteKnuckle
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1 Corinthians 5:4For I truly, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that has so done I praise the Lord that I can "gather" with people on these forums. Otherwise I'd be alone as I don't have a church home yet, and I don't have any friends that are believers.So comming together online is Just as well. We may not be present physically but we are in Spirit, and we are all part of one Christ, one God and one Spirit.So if you're in Bankladesh or Odessa Texas and are talking online you are one in spirit. We are here to edify eachother, support eachother, teach eachother, learn from eachother, pray for eachother, uplift eachother, love eachother.There are many people just going through the motions that go to a church building. The Lord doesn't live in buildings.Now, that this was an original topic from a New Believer, it's a shame that this discussion has to go on like this and all from one person.
You are completely wrong. I can and should repeat the judgement of God's word. Like the apostles I know precisely when a person has received the Spirit and when they havn't.It is you that makes a judgement you shouldn't make by presuming to call yourself or others "Christian" if God has not given his independent witness of speaking in tongues.
This is proven to be false.You have ignored the clear teaching of scripture that relates to the receiving of the Spirit and have taken verses that don't refer to the receiving of the Spirit and represented them as though they do.1 Cor. 12 is not about what different people get when they receive the Spirit, it is about how God wants people that have already received the infilling of the Spirit (with ALL his attributes - see 1 Cor. 1:4-7) when they meet.If, as you teach God only gives it to some Christians can pray in tongues then(1) Paul would never have to reason with them not to all do so when they meet, the problem could never arise(2) Paul would be disagreeing with God by saying "I would that you all speak in tongues"(3) by your argument only some Christians get wisdom, knowledge, faith, etc as they are in the same "gifts" list as tongues.
Matthew 7:1 - Judge not, that ye be not judged.Luke 6:32 - Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:John 8:15 - Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man.------------------------------------
Ephesians 2:8 - For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:Ephesians 2:9 - Not of works, lest any man should boast.Romans 11:6 - And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.With all due respect, I don't see anywhere in the bible where it says we have to have Christ plus works to gain salvation to be saved. One more thing, I don't see anybody in the bible where it says God want us to have something and be unlearned to it. *sigh* God wants us learned... not unlearned.
This is sad - what must Faralady be thinking!Take your arguments to a different place I reckon.Faralady, the best thing you can do is join a good churchbut if that is impossible (like you live in the middle of nowhere orthere is no bible based church where you live)then that is OK too to not go. You can find other ways to meet withand talk to christians. God understands. The most importantthing is your relationship with Him.
Your right TuiBird which makes an important point Faralady Once you bring a religous denomination argument into the mix you get argument whether or not one believes Tallman is right or wrong he brought his denominational believes into the thread and its always the same which is why we do not teach doctrines of religious denomnations Gods word has only one religion to be a Christian and believe upon him ..We can most all agree that God wants a personal relationship with you that a good church is desired not required ...
WhiteKnuckle
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I think where people are getting this Works plus Faith is,, "faith without works is dead". I admit If I try to read more into it than the Lord intended I get confused even though I already know the answer. I'm thinking it's because I apply my own reasonings to it.Obviously, we can believe, but just to simply believe isn't enough. But, the best way that has been put "We are saved unto good works" Not that we have to prove anything to anyone, but, "Our" works show that we believe and are pleasing to God. Even though our righteousness counts for nothing, we also, "Have the mind of Christ" Either way, If we believe Jesus get's the Glory, if we believe and obey it's because the Lord had mercy and showed himself to us, so Jesus get's the Glory.(Although I know you understand this Jordan, this is for the new believers benifit)BTW, well stated Christina.
Alright folks, out of respect to the OP, keep your discussion relevant to her. If she wants to pursue these discussions, she is welcome to, but I don't see that she asked for this.Welcome to denominations Faralady. This thread serves as a great introduction as to how sometimes good people can disagree. What's important is that you find the right place for you. I say that not so you'll find comfortable teaching; look for a church that compares well to the Word of God (the Bible) and one where you are challenged and inspired. The worst thing you can do is be a pew potato!
Hello dear friends,I want to thank everyone who took the time to answer my post with suggestions and words of encouragement.
Just a little update.I have been church shopping this whole time, visiting several churchs. I have prayed and asked for God to guide me to the right church for me, to a place where I would be able to contribute and serve and grow in Christ. This whole process has resulted in me finding a church where I am feeling at home. Last sunday, I was baptized in water !!
God be praised. It is a wonderful feeling overall to be in a place where the teachings are Biblical and where sunday services spend a lot of time on Bible chapters. All in all, an inspiring place on many levels. I dont want to get into the denominational debates about speaking in tongues (the church I have found is a Pentecostal church by the way
) and I know that some of us prefer not to have a physical church. As far as I am concerned, I feel this need to have a physical church and face-to-face fellowship...
I appreciate again all the support and guidance!!!! FaraLady
Really to be honest i cant tell you what kind of church to go to, i would say this much about church in general though. Make sure that there feeding the people and teaching the people based on the bible not there own theories. Its also important to keep in mind that there main goal is not simply to get money, nothing against giving money but i always make it a good rule of thumb to tithe were the people are being fed spiritually. A good peace of scripture i always refer to on that note is Hosea 6:6 "For i delight in loyalty rather than sacrifice, And in the knowledge of god rather than burnt offerings"Hope my advice helps
I think it is absolutely essential to find a church that you can call home.Otherwise you will likely become victim of your own self-study at libraries and on the Internet and be reduced to thinking you are correct in your faith and the way you believe because you can out-scripture others in a Christian chatroom.Get with a church that holds Bible studies and worship services. That has a preacher who moves you from milk to meat and a vision of what Christ wants them to do.
I am one of these people that doesn't go to church anymore. I've been to three of them, and I'm not going to post details on here. I don't feel that way of being I'm right in my faith. I rather have God teach me, because I don't see many people standing up for what God truly says. Besides internet seems to have a better chance for me being corrected.Blessings
Mighty Bear
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hi FaraLady,Just like to add to Christina's comment about Matthew 5:18 that it's completely true, but don't take the Old Testament laws literally for they are highly spiritual.Matthew 5:18 ESV For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.Leviticus 11:10 ESV But anything in the seas or the rivers that has not fins and scales, of the swarming creatures in the waters and of the living creatures that are in the waters, is detestable to you.Acts 9:18 ESV And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized;
"Just like to add to Christina's comment about Matthew 5:18 that it's completely true, but don't take the Old Testament laws literally for they are highly spiritual." -- MightyBear-- The Ten Commandments, for example
It sounds to me that Fara has already found her church. congragulations on finding a physical church to go too, i really do feel happy for you, it is highly important to find a place to gather with your fellow christians. But if that new church doesn't work I want you to know that we are your church, your family, and your brothers and sisters. We are one in christ. Find comfort and strength in us as we will find comfort and strength in you. I thank God that you have decided to join us.Because this church will never turn our back on you.your brother in christRyan fitz
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