| Author | Message | ||
| Prinsen Registered user Username: Prinsen Post Number: 5 Registered: 5-2005 |
Have any of you felt the same as me about finding a new church? I know I have to leave Adventism and I know which denomination to go into but not which local church of that denomination. I kind of have three churches to choose from, each one with its pros and cons. It always seems so hard every Sunday to go to one of these churches to find out more so I eventually can make a choice. Of course Satan wants to keep me in between the Adventist church and the other churches. Theology is not the issue for me but rather how the churches function, how I would fit in and feel welcome? /Martin | ||
| Raven Registered user Username: Raven Post Number: 336 Registered: 7-2004  |
Martin, I know how frustrating it is to figure out which church to fit into! At least you have it narrowed down to a particular denomination. We felt so overwhelmed when we first left the SDA church in 2004, because instead of choosing between a few SDA churches, we had literally hundreds of non-SDA churches to choose from, between many different denominations. We're still not officially members, but only recently have become settled on where we are trying to fit into. I really think that the long period of time that was spent church-hopping, God also used as a processing time to help us figure out what we believe and what things are important to us in a church home. What's so amazing, is so very many little details that have nothing to do with theology, that seemed important to us, are in this church we're starting to call home, and the theology is also there. I guess what I'm trying to say is, that I'm sure Satan does want you between churches, but God can use that for your benefit, and He will. It's okay to move slowly. Maybe someone who has more experience has more advice to offer, because we do still feel new, and are not quite sure when we'll eventually feel like part of the family. But I trust God is a part of what's happening, and it will work out in time. | ||
| Lynne Registered user Username: Lynne Post Number: 115 Registered: 10-2005 |
Martin, The sentence in which you mentioned satan wanting you to do something... That is what Adventism teaches. That satan somehow is always around controlling us. That satan is somehow equal to Christ or even has more control in our lives than Christ. At church today, the pastor said that satan cannot read our minds, he did not make us nor can me make anything, he can only deceive. Satan is NOT our almighty powerful god. Jesus is! Praying a lot and reading the bible has been helping me. You will know which church is for you as you do the foot work keep praying to Him. Pray for the Holy Spirit to lead you. Lynne John 15 - The Vine and the Branches 1"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. 3You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. | ||
| Raven Registered user Username: Raven Post Number: 337 Registered: 7-2004 |
You're right, Lynne, and thanks for posting the reminder that Satan is not as controlling of Christians as the SDA's make it sound! What I meant with my post, was that whether or not Satan is making life difficult and putting up barriers (which he obviously does whenever he can), God's will is worked out even then, so that what seems like a lengthy time without a place to call a church home, can still be a blessing and time of major spiritual growth. The waiting time may also be specifically ordained by God for that growth process. | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 2069 Registered: 3-2004  |
Prinsen, Pray about it and pray some more. God will let you know where He wants you. That is what He did for me and I am very happy where I am. He knows best what is best for each individual and He knows what is best for you. Just keep praying and looking. Diana | ||
| Loneviking Registered user Username: Loneviking Post Number: 402 Registered: 7-2000 |
Prinsen--don't get hung up on denominational labels. Simply because a church has a sign over the door saying that it belongs to a certain denomination is no guarantee of what is being taught inside. In every area God has a group of people who are teaching from the Word and reaching out to a lost world. But, you aren't going to find these folks by looking for denominational labels. You find them by visiting and asking folks you know or meet. Who do you work with who is a Christian? Where do they worship and why? Every good church I've found has been because somebody either invited me or told me about it. Bill | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 3019 Registered: 12-2003  |
Raven, Thank you for sharing your post about finding your church. It's amazing to see how the whole picture is coming into focus for you, because you have been sharing throughout the year about your frustrations with the various places you've visited. What you said about God using the time--about the timing of finding the right church--being in God's hands is such an important insight. And Loveviking, you're so right about not using denominational lables (unless a church really has cultic doctrines or unbiblical practices) to narrow your selection. Martin, God is using every step of this journey to teach you to trust Him and to solidify Biblical truth in your own mind. Most "formers" don't understand, in the early stages of leaving the church, that many of their expectations and concerns regarding church have been shaped by Adventist culture--not necessarily even Adventist theology per se. There is a complete life change that the Holy Spirit works in us as we follow Jesus. God will direct you to the church where He wants you to be in His time. Meanwhile, pray, as Diana said, and pray some more for guidance and growth, and surrender to Him the desire to get it all "settled" quickly. I friend of mine used to say to me, "Time is on your side." Don't try to force resolution to these open-ended problems prematurely. God already knows where He wants you to settle, and He will prepare you and guide you to it in His time! He is faithful. Colleen | ||
| Prinsen Registered user Username: Prinsen Post Number: 6 Registered: 5-2005 |
Thanks all for your advise and encouragement. Lynne- Thanks for reminding me that Satan has no power over me unless I let him, and I surely won't. It's just that when things get a little ruff it's easy to fall into the belief that Satan is trying to make you fall. Bill- I'm not that hung up on denominational labels, it's just that there are not that many different denominations here in Sweden as it is in the US for example. There are seven or eight different protestant denominations here and some of them is out of question for obvious theological reasons. Of those who are left Interact (baptist) is the only one that is really alive. It doesn't matter which of the Interact churches you go to there is genuine joy in Christ, they are alive in the Holy Spirit, they are biblically sound and they really care for the lost. I know quite well what is taught in Interact churches because I did a year at their Bible-school a few years ago. The Bible-school was actually the thing that got me thinking in different ways and the momentum that got me going in my transition out of Adventism! My dilema is this: If I spend a weekend without going to church I kind of feel guilt because I wasted another chance to get to know more people in those churches and to see which church that suits me best. I know that my relation with the Lord doesn't depend on my church attending but rather on my own devotional time. But I do hunger for a christian fellowship to belong to and be a part of. /Martin | ||
| Jwd Registered user Username: Jwd Post Number: 163 Registered: 4-2005 |
Dear Martin, If you test each church, not by the music, the "program," the organization, or friendliness of the members, but by whether or not the foundation stones of that church are, Sola Scripture, Sola Christ, Sola Grace, Sola Faith, and Sola Glory to God, THEN all the fellowship and good feelings will follow. Test all by the WORD and the Fruits. Jess | ||
| Prinsen Registered user Username: Prinsen Post Number: 7 Registered: 5-2005 |
Jess- Thanks for making it clear on those important principles. Maybee I was a little bit vague how I described the Interact church in my answer to Bill. When I talked about them as "biblically sound" I meant all those principles you listed although I didn't wrote it out. The fruit of the church is good as far as I've seen over the years but maybe I should walk a wile longer whatching them from afar? I don't mean to be in a hurry but I just long for true christian fellowship. /Martin | ||
| Javagirl Registered user Username: Javagirl Post Number: 109 Registered: 6-2005 |
I love this site I found. http://www.gracewalk.org/ It has lists of suggested churches, alphabetical by state... You can also submit your church for those looking. Some great sermons here, listen online. The FAQ section was awesome for me. Common questions about New Covenant Christians, with simple, easy to understand answers, for non-theologians like me! Hugs all JavaGirl |
