Which church should I join

[tomwhodson]

Hi, I am a new Christian and I was wondering which church I should join. In the bible does it say that the RCC is the only way to go. But has the RCC become riddle with lies and human law as many say. I really am confused about who to join. Does the Lord mind which church we join? Is there only one 'true church? Is there a church that just sticks to the bible and to the word of the most high god rather than man made law?

[Entertaining_Angels]

My advice is to really seek God in this matter...pray. He'll lead you to the right church.

In the Bible, when you read 'catholic', that does not refer to the RCC. Catholic means universal and is simply talking about the universal body of believers. The catholic church simply used the word describing the body of believers as their name.

When seeking a church, make sure they dig deep into the Word. Too many churches are becoming as the church of Laodicia (in Revelations) and are lukewarm, focusing more on self-help and emotions rather than God. If you visit a church and it doesn't seem right and is teaching extra-Biblical teachings, you are probably in the wrong church.

I attend a Calvary Chapel. I like it because it is simple and doesn't stray from the Word.

God bless.

[RichardT]

a non-denomintional church or maybe even a baptist church might be better... You need to go to a church where they only teach the word, nothing extra , nothing less...

Don't go to any cult that claims to be a prophet of God , like the RCC , JW , mormon church , gnostics ect... for example...

The bible is pretty straight foward , you don't need anyone to interpret it for you.. Though catholics beleive they need the church to inerpret it for them....

[Stinker]

Hi, I am a new Christian and I was wondering which church I should join. In the bible does it say that the RCC is the only way to go. But has the RCC become riddle with lies and human law as many say. I really am confused about who to join. Does the Lord mind which church we join? Is there only one 'true church? Is there a church that just sticks to the bible and to the word of the most high god rather than man made law?

Any church that you may want to become a member of will first want to know how you became a Christian before you are included in their membership.

[Sappheire]

Follow your heart and pray that God leads you to the right church.

[Praying4Peace]

http://www.beliefnet.com/story/76/story_7665_1.html

This should help you to narrow down the denominations you could focus on as you go out and visit your local churches. I hope this helps you. Good luck!

* I just re-took the Belief-o-Matic and found that the church I am a member of comes as #3 ("Mainline to Liberal Christian Protestants") in my results. I think this test is fairly accurate.

[CyberPaladin]

I would say pray about it and try several different churches possiblely before you consider picking one I would say look at some of the smaller denominations too I have always attend Church of God or Christian Union Church and I am very happy with them and there beliefs. Also to you will probably be just attending for awhile I know my church the usually expect you part of the church for six months before starting the membership class. I don't know about other churches the main reason behind the policy in my they want you to be sure you want to be part of the church first.

[ghs1994]

When seeking a church, make sure they dig deep into the Word. Too many churches are becoming as the church of Laodicia (in Revelations) and are lukewarm, focusing more on self-help and emotions rather than God. If you visit a church and it doesn't seem right and is teaching extra-Biblical teachings, you are probably in the wrong church. God bless.

Amen. :thumbsup:

Check out their articles of faith. That is very important. What they believe. It must line up with biblical doctrine. I don't know where you came up with the idea of the bible instructing the RCC church as the only church. Could you fill me in on that? I'm just curious for study.

[tomwhodson]

thanks alot for your replies ille have a look around and see which church follows the word. I have to say this is the quickest response ive ever got on a forum and also true proper responsese rather than people trying to argue and fight and humiliate me but rather to help me.

thanks, god bless

[The Lord is my banner]

Tom, great to have you here, and so glad you're part of the family too.

Just wondering about how you came to know Jesus - is there someone nearby who helped you along, and could they help you explore the churches in your area and find out which ones have some great youth activities, learning and fellowship going on?

God bless, love Sue

[ChrisinMI]

Tom, great to have you here, and so glad you're part of the family too.

Just wondering about how you came to know Jesus - is there someone nearby who helped you along, and could they help you explore the churches in your area and find out which ones have some great youth activities, learning and fellowship going on?

God bless, love Sue

Wondering the same thing as well is if you are only 14...where does your families faith stand?

[tomwhodson]

my family are atheists and deny all existance of god. I am glad that the holy spirit led me to christ and to the bible. I read the bible and connected to it and knew it was the truth, from there I tried to become a better person as a christian and am trying to help other people become christians like me at school. I have had some success with this so far.

[ChrisinMI]

my family are atheists and deny all existance of god. I am glad that the holy spirit led me to christ and to the bible. I read the bible and connected to it and knew it was the truth, from there I tried to become a better person as a christian and am trying to help other people become christians like me at school. I have had some success with this so far.

Oh! Praise the Lord that you found Christ! You are up against a tough road with a family of unbelievers but God does not make mistakes and YOU could be the person that leads your family to Christ! What church do you friends that are christians go to? Have you tried their church? I suggest you try a church that has a very active Youth Group that you can get involved in and meet other christians you same age with your same life struggles. You need to keep growing in the Lord and others can help you. Stay on this board too to stay encouraged. Throw us your questions and see if you get answers you can understand. Have you checked your phone book to see if there are churches near you? I am assuming that transportation is going to be an issue too, unless you parents are willing to transport you at your request.

I am also very curious HOW you found Christ? You are so young...but are seeing very clearly! Tell us your 'testimony' which is how you found Christ.

[savedbyfaithinchrist]

If you want to go to a church thats all about the word with contempory worship go to calvarychapel.com and look for 1 in your area

[Prophet01]

I am following down the same path as you, there are so many contradicting theories and opinions about which church is the real deal, that for me there can only be two real guides for this.


1. Jesus' words - "the gates of hell shall not prevail against it"

meaning that the church started by Christ so long ago still remains today... therefore

2. Historical evidences.

So far I am down to just 2 possible out comes.

1. The Orthodox churches that are not in unity with the Catholic Church

2. The orthodox rite churches unified with the Latin (roman Catholic) rite, A.K.A the Catholic Church

Both seem to have been around since 33AD and were one united Church - what is bothering me at present is that a split occured in 1054 AD and I am still researching if the Catholic church split from the Orthodox Churches or the Orthodox Churches split from the Catholic Church, if i can determine who split from whom then I will know the original and preserved Church of Christ.

[jonathanbrickman0000]

I am following down the same path as you, there are so many contradicting theories and opinions about which church is the real deal, that for me there can only be two real guides for this.


1. Jesus' words - "the gates of hell shall not prevail against it"

meaning that the church started by Christ so long ago still remains today... therefore

2. Historical evidences.

So far I am down to just 2 possible out comes.

1. The Orthodox churches that are not in unity with the Catholic Church

2. The orthodox rite churches unified with the Latin (roman Catholic) rite, A.K.A the Catholic Church

Both seem to have been around since 33AD and were one united Church - what is bothering me at present is that a split occured in 1054 AD and I am still researching if the Catholic church split from the Orthodox Churches or the Orthodox Churches split from the Catholic Church, if i can determine who split from whom then I will know the original and preserved Church of Christ.And then there is the Ethiopian Church, which is older yet.

As for me, I follow the Christ, and I will worship with any and all who also follow the Christ, no matter where they do so.

[tomwhodson]

ive found a church called st giles which seems to have a good active youth group. I've got a friend who is new to christianity also so I'me gonna go with him. Also it's only about 10-15 mins walk.

[Overcomer2002]

The kingdom of heaven is within YOU. Whether you are sitting in a pew of a denominational or a non-denominational church, YOU are the temple of the Lord. Pray everyday for Jesus to place His seed in your heart. When that seed matures you will bear fruit. Say to all, "follow the Law of God". It is when someone decides to do the right thing instead of the wrong thing that they show faith. And without faith, NO ONE SHALL SEE GOD!!!! And let's not forget, Jesus CANNOT work ANY miracles if He doesn't see any faith.

So, help your family members, church members, and friends, to DO what is right. Go the extra mile with them. Help them to walk down the straight and narrow road through the struggle and pray they will do the same for you.

I could write for hours, But in summation, I think church begins when you leave that building on the Lord's Day.

Sincerely

[Prophet01]

"then there is the Ethiopian Church, which is older yet"


Uhh?

Excuse my ignorance, but wasnt the original church of christ founded at pentecost, when the holy spirit decended on the apostles in the upper room in 33 AD?

From biblical references the original preserved church of Christ must have its roots back to that church in Jeruselem, only 2 do, if the ethiopian church is older than the Church of the apostles, then how can it be the true church that christ instituted and the church we read about in the bible.

in my humble opinion any church older than 33AD and younger than 1054 AD can not be the church spoken about in the bible.

[jonathanbrickman0000]

Uhh?

Excuse my ignorance, but wasnt the original church of christ founded at pentecost, when the holy spirit decended on the apostles in the upper room in 33 AD?

From biblical references the original preserved church of Christ must have its roots back to that church in Jeruselem, only 2 do, if the ethiopian church is older than the Church of the apostles, then how can it be the true church that christ instituted and the church we read about in the bible.

in my humble opinion any church older than 33AD and younger than 1054 AD can not be the church spoken about in the bible.Was the Church founded at pentecost, or before?

Matthew 18:17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

[heyder]

Here is my advice for choosing a church.

There should be no frills or benefits. It should not give you a warm fuzzy feeling when you go there. There should not be ceremonies, fortune telling, blessings or worshipping of statues nor bowing before humans. Your new church should not include it's own books in it's study of God's word. You should not be forced to pay any monies nor made to feel like it's required. You should not be told that people from other faiths, religions or churches will go to hell. You should not have to perform any right of passage or ceremonies. You should not be required to do any good works in order to earn salvation and you should not have to alter your body in any way.

Your new church should teach that the bible is 100% truth but that you need to rightly divide the word in order to understand what is written for you vs. what was written to the Jews and early Christians.

[Prophet01]

"Was the Church founded at pentecost, or before?

Matthew 18:17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican."


Personaly i believe while Christ was in the world we had no need for a Church but knowing the out come of his mission he was preparing the apostles/church for their mission after his death, ressurection and assention, although i dont believe the church was in opperation/active, I believe it existed but awaited the death, ressurection, assention of our lord and the out pouring of the holy spirit before it could be activated.

Therefore I believe the foundations of the church had been laid in accordance with Mat 16:18 and since that time Jesus was teaching his apostles about their mission and I think this teaching is what you find in Mat 18:17 - which is interesting because it reiterates our desperate need to find the true church and listen as closely as possible to that church.

and while some might say that the church is the body of all belivers, that is a fine thing to believe, i wouldnt mind edging my bets a little and find the historical/biblical church also.

[rainbowbright]

I am following down the same path as you, there are so many contradicting theories and opinions about which church is the real deal, that for me there can only be two real guides for this.


1. Jesus' words - "the gates of hell shall not prevail against it"

meaning that the church started by Christ so long ago still remains today... therefore

2. Historical evidences.

So far I am down to just 2 possible out comes.

1. The Orthodox churches that are not in unity with the Catholic Church

2. The orthodox rite churches unified with the Latin (roman Catholic) rite, A.K.A the Catholic Church

Both seem to have been around since 33AD and were one united Church - what is bothering me at present is that a split occured in 1054 AD and I am still researching if the Catholic church split from the Orthodox Churches or the Orthodox Churches split from the Catholic Church, if i can determine who split from whom then I will know the original and preserved Church of Christ.

May I be of some help?

http://www.fatheralexander.org/booklets/english/history_timothy_ware_1.htm#n4


hopefully help this will help you in your research.

[ChrisinMI]

ive found a church called st giles which seems to have a good active youth group. I've got a friend who is new to christianity also so I'me gonna go with him. Also it's only about 10-15 mins walk.

Tom:
Good for yoU! Tell us how it goes. That Youth Group is KEY! Keep you mind open to their teachings. Make sure they believe in the holy trinity(Father Son and Holy Spirit) Make sure they believe the only way to heaven is through Christ. Good Luck! Pray before you go that God will either comfort you there or show you if he doesn't approve. I am so glad it is walking distance for you. You are going to be that bright shining light to you family! Keep up the support for CHrist with all you have! God Bless You!

[Prophet01]

"May I be of some help?

http://www.fatheralexander.org/book...y_ware_1.htm#n4 (http://www.fatheralexander.org/booklets/english/history_timothy_ware_1.htm#n4)


hopefully help this will help you in your research."

Thank you so very much for your link, very informitive, interesting and submerged in history, I have, thanks to your link now read an account from both the Western Church and the Eastern and believe I have come to perhaps not a doctrinal or theological understanding of which church holds as close to the true and original doctrines of catholic faith of the apostles, but at least a historical understanding thanks to you and others that also tie's into that the words of Christ himself.

I read all the document about the schism but it was one statement in a quote that really stood out above the others.

"My dearest brother, we do not deny to the Roman Church the primacy amongst the five sister Patriarchates"

I could only tie that in with the words of Christ to the first bishop of Rome.

"thou art Peter and upon this Rock I will build my Church and the Gates of Hell Shall NOT PREVAIL AGAINST IT"

Am I to listen to the orthodox scholers, that the "seat of Peter" has infact fallen foul to evil by claiming supremacy over the whole Catholic Church or Am I to believe the words of Christ, that the seat of Peter shall never fall foul to Evil - For all the concerns about doctrine and power of the pope I can not dispute the words of Christ.

Therefore I have to submit that the biblical church of the upper room is the Catholic Church, however, I have to at this point say, I also see the eastern churches as part of this biblical church, that east and west make up one Catholic Church. However I believe it is historically and biblically correct to say that the Pope in Rome is supreme in the faith and that Christ preserves the Seat of Peter from Evil. Therefore I have to believe that if it has been deamed correct/appropriate/neccisary that the Whole Catholic Church needs to be centralised under his leadership, then I believe it is in the best interests of the faith to do so.

I therefore Conclude that the orthodox eastern churchs have split not from the Catholic faith but from the Seat of Peter

As Supreeme amongst the five sister Patriarchates and preserved from Evil by Christs most holy Word, I can only say I believe it is in my best interests as well as the eastern churches and the Christian Church as a Whole to submit to his leadership because I believe to seperate yourself from the Bishop of Rome is to seperate yourself from the promise of Christ.

[PastorMikeJ]

Just remember in Heaven there will be no denominations...just Christians worshipping God....

[Prophet01]

I also believe individual Christians from reformed denominations to belong to the Catholic faith, however I believe the Churches have not only split from the seat of peter and the promise of christ but also from the Catholic faith itself. Becoming theives and robbers who steal the sheep.

I would also like to remind everyone that Christ said

"How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life; and few find it."

"I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved"

"The one who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep"

"there will be one flock, one shepherd. "

""Simon (Peter), son of John, do you love Me?" "Yes, Lord," he said to Him, "You know that I love You." "Shepherd My sheep," He told him."

"I assure you: Anyone who doesn't enter the sheep pen by the door, but climbs in some other way, is a thief and a robber.(not the shepherd)"

[ChrisinMI]

Just remember in Heaven there will be no denominations...just Christians worshipping God....

:amen:

[Quijote]

Hi, I am a new Christian and I was wondering which church I should join. In the bible does it say that the RCC is the only way to go. But has the RCC become riddle with lies and human law as many say. I really am confused about who to join. Does the Lord mind which church we join? Is there only one 'true church? Is there a church that just sticks to the bible and to the word of the most high god rather than man made law?

Hello Tom!! :wave:

If you're interested in exploring what the Catholic Church has to offer, why don't you post your questions at the OBOB forum? Once you get answers it might help you with your decision.

God Bless and prayers! :crossrc:

[SteelDisciple]

My advice...find a church that only follows the Bible and doesn't make up any of it's own doctrine or rules. And especially don't join one that has a "higher up" TELLING people what to believe. That is a church that is not blessed by God.

[vangelicmonk]

I hope your search and walk are going well. If you are still looking check out this site, as mentioned before, www.calvarychapel.com (http://www.calvarychapel.com) to find a church near you. God Bless. Your in my prayers.

[lipoftruth]

Jesus said, "By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another". Find a fellowship where people really love each other (not just plastic smiles for an hour once a week... but where they REALLY love each other).

Then keep reading the Bible and follow what you believe God is saying above what any preacher, teacher, pastor, etc. says. Then you can't go wrong.

[Prophet01]

"Then keep reading the Bible and follow what you believe God is saying above what any preacher, teacher, pastor, etc. says. Then you can't go wrong."

Thats what I used to believe but, it dosnt work that way, scripture itself say that scripture is hard to understand and those who are not being guided distort it, it also says scripture is not for private interpretatio. The bible is unified truth for all mankind, not just for each individual.

[CrazyforYeshua]

If we are born again, and have the indwelling Holy Spirit, nothing of God is hard.

1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.1 Corinthians 2:10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.1 Corinthians 2:11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.1 Corinthians 2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.1 Corinthians 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.1 Corinthians 2:15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.1 Corinthians 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

[jonathanbrickman0000]

Then keep reading the Bible and follow what you believe God is saying above what any preacher, teacher, pastor, etc. says. Then you can't go wrong.I would like to suggest that a great many people have gone wrong in just this way. Jim Jones of Jonestown, for one very good example.

I would like also to suggest that if you keep reading the Bible and follow not yourself, and also not other men and women, but only all the commandments of the Lord Jesus Christ, then you will not go wrong.

[linssue55]

Hi, I am a new Christian and I was wondering which church I should join. In the bible does it say that the RCC is the only way to go. But has the RCC become riddle with lies and human law as many say. I really am confused about who to join. Does the Lord mind which church we join? Is there only one 'true church? Is there a church that just sticks to the bible and to the word of the most high god rather than man made law?Mine! It teaches the bible from the original languages, using Isogogics, and Exegetics.

[jckstraw72]

Regarding "You are Peter and on this rock...."---Rome was historically seen as the first among equals, but not supreme in jurisdiction. this was for 3 reasons: 1. rome was the capital of the empire 2. Peter was hte first bishop of rome 3. the west was steadfast in the faith for several centuries while many heresies came out of the east.

However, it is important to note that Rome was the first among equals, and not supreme. As the Body of Christ, the CHurch must be representative of God. Think about hte Trinity...The Father is the source of it all, but Christ and the Holy Spirit are equal to Him, thus Rome is given the place of honor, but the otehr bishops must be equal. When the bishop of Constantinople was first called hte "Ecumenical Patriarch", Pope Gregory the Great believed he was claiming universal headship, and wrote a letter insisting that no one bishop is head of the Church, bc Christ is the head of the Church. Also check out the Council at Jerusalem in Acts...Peter is there, but James leads the Council, bc its in his jurisdiction.

[jonathanbrickman0000]

Mine! It teaches the bible from the original languages, using Isogogics, and Exegetics.Does it teach that we should both love the Christ and obey all of His commandments?

[linssue55]

Does it teach that we should both love the Christ and obey all of His commandments?Of course. It is non-denominational Chritainity. All the tapes are free. Has been my church for almost 33 years. Here is a lttle something on what we recieve at Salvation................

The 40 things we receive at Salvation.......

01. Immputed Righteousness..... Rom 4: 3-5
02. Justification.....Rom. 3: 24-30
03. Regeneration .....John 3: 1-12, Titus 3:5, Rom 8:16, 1 cor 2-14
04. Human Spirit.....Rom 8:16, 1 Cor 2:14
05. Imputed Everlasting Life.....John 5: 11-12
06. Baptism of the Holy Spirit.....Rom 8: 1-2, Rom 8: 38-39, 1 Cor 15:2, 1 Cor 12:13, John 5: 11-12
07. Propitiation.....Ex 25: 17-22, Heb 9:4, 1 John 2: 2
08. Reconcilliation.....Rom 5:10, 2 Cor 5:18-19
09. Redemtion.....1 peter 1: 18-19
10. Forgiveness.....Isaiah 43: 25, Isaiah 44:22, Eph 1: 7, Col 1: 14
11. Removal of Condemnation.....John 3:18, Rom 8: 1-3
12. Removal of Domination of the Old Sin Nature.....Rom 6:6-12
13. Removal of Satan's Power.....Col 1: 12-13, 1 John 5: 19, Eph 6:11-12, Eph 2: 1-2, Gal 1: 12-13
14. Freedom from the Penalty of the Mosaic Law.....Rom 3: 8, Rom 8:2, Gal 3: 10-13
15. Identification with Jesus Christ.....Rom 6: 3-12, Gal 2: 20,
16. Indwelling of God the Father.....John 14: 23, Eph 4:6, John 14: 23
17. Indwelling of Jesus Christ.....John 14: 20, Rom 8: 10, 2 Cor 5: 3, Col 1: 27
18. Indwelling of the Holy Spirit.....1 Cor 6: 19-20, Math 3: 11, John 14: 7, Rom 5: 5, Rom 8:9, Gal 3:2
19. Sealing of your Salvation.....Eph 4: 30, Tim 2: 19, Eph 1: 13
20. Circumcision of the Soul.....1 Cor 7: 17-24, Jer 4: 4, Rom 2: 29, Deut 10: 16-17
21. Unseen Assets.....Eph 1: 2-6
22. Judgement of Sins.....1 Pet 2: 24, Rom 4: 251 John 1: 9
23. Royal Adoption.....Rom 8: 15, Rom 8: 23
24. Eternal Relationship to God.....Eph 2: 13, James 4: 8, Heb 10: 25
25. We are on the Rock Jesus Christ.....2 Cor 1: 21; 2, Cor 3: 11, Eph 2: 26.
26. We are a Gift to Christ.....John 17: 5, John 17: 11-12, John 17: 20, John 10: 29
27. Royal Priesthood.....Peter 2: 5, Peter 2: 9, Rev 1: 6
28. We are a Chosen Generation.....1 Peter 2: 9, Titus 2: 14
29. Access to God.....Eph 2: 18, Rom 5: 2, Heb 4: 14, Heb 10: 19-20
30. We are under God's Care.....Eph 2: 4, Eph 5: 2, 31.
31. We are His Inheritance.....Eph 1: 18
32. We Inherit Christ's Eternal Future.....1 Pet 1: 14, Eph 4: 14, Col 3: 24, Heb 9: 15
33. We have a Heavenly Partnership and Association.....Col 3: 4, 1 John 5: 11-12, Eph 2:6, 1 Cor 1: 9, 1 Cor 3: 9, 2 Cor 3: 3, 2 Cor 3: 6, 2 Cor 5: 20, @ cor 6: 4
34. We Become Heavenly Citizens.....Eph 2: 19, Phill 3: 20-21
35. We Become Members of the Royal Family of God....Eph 2: 19, Eph 3: 5, Gal 6: 10
36. We are the Light in the Lord.....Eph 5: 8, Thess 5: 4
37. We are United to the Trinity.....1 Cor 12: 13, John 15: 5, Eph 2: 19, Eph 2: 22, Eph 5: 25-27, 1 Peter 2: 5-9
38. We are Glorified.....Rom 8: 30
39. We are Complete in Him.....Col 2: 10
40. We Recieve a Guardian Angel.....Heb 1: 14

[bannaboat101]

You should go to the church that you feel God wants you to go to. you should ask him to show you which church he wants you to go to.

[tomwhodson]

I went to the church and the people there seem really nice. There was a woman who helped me out and showed me what to do and everything there. And there everyone seems to geniunly care. Thanks alot for your support and guidance.

God bless

[Quans]

The real church is us the people that belive in God and in Jesus Christ, the Bible is the church guide if you like.
non-denominational is the best study for yourself with no bias keep an open mind and each day study a little and eventually you will be shown the light the word will come to you 'Seek and you shall find nothing is hidden!"

Take a look on www.biblelight.org there are some studies that might be intereting

[Godslilgurlalways]

I would say pray to God and ask him which one he would like you to go to. I would say look to the one that you are learning more about God and around loving people and have the beliefs you do:) It's the most likely one to picck:) God Bless you indeed:)

[Godslilgurlalways]

Please come back soon when you find out can' ait to hear be blessed:)

[IgnatiusOfAntioch]

Hi, I am a new Christian and I was wondering which church I should join.

Wouldn't you want to join the Church which Jesus Christ founded? To begin with, pray for guidance. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you to the Pillar and Foundation of Truth, which the bible says is His Church.

Now as to discerning this Church; There are a few things we know about this church:

1) It was built by Jesus Christ himself (Matt 16:18) which means that the Church Jesus Christ founded must be about 2000 years old.

2) Jesus only built ONE church (Matt 16:18).

3) This church is the God -ordained upholder, protector and defender of the truth (1 Tim 3:15).

4) This church is the fullness of Christ (Eph 1:22-23) which means that it is also the fullness of truth (John 14:6).

5) The unity of this church will be proof to the world that Jesus was sent by God (John 17:21,23). In order for this unity to be seen by the world this church must be a visible church.

6) The unity of this church must be a unity like that which exists between Jesus and the Father (John 17:21-23), therefore there can be no contradictions in doctrine. The Father and the Son do not disagree on doctrine therefore neither can the "true church".

7) This church can never change what it proclaims to be true. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever (Heb 13:8) therefore truth is the same yesterday, today and forever (John 14:6).

I hope this helps narrow it down.

Your brother in Christ.

[vincejohn]

The true church of JesusChrist keeps the commandments as Jesus said
'' If you want to enter life keep the commandments.''
also Rev Chapter 12.17
''the dragon pursued the church that keeps the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus''
This is the true church, I am part of the true church, I do my best to keep the commandments and follow Jesus. You do not have to find a church in 4 walls what is important is that you find God first.....search for the Kingdom of God within YOU. This is done by being baptised, repenting of your sins as Peter said '' repent and be baptised'' I am a follower of Holy Jesus and do not like any labels by man. I pray this helps you.. Holy Yeshua Jesus bless you. love Vince.

[xenia]

I am following down the same path as you, there are so many contradicting theories and opinions about which church is the real deal, that for me there can only be two real guides for this.


1. Jesus' words - "the gates of hell shall not prevail against it"

meaning that the church started by Christ so long ago still remains today... therefore

2. Historical evidences.

So far I am down to just 2 possible out comes.

1. The Orthodox churches that are not in unity with the Catholic Church

2. The orthodox rite churches unified with the Latin (roman Catholic) rite, A.K.A the Catholic Church

Both seem to have been around since 33AD and were one united Church - what is bothering me at present is that a split occured in 1054 AD and I am still researching if the Catholic church split from the Orthodox Churches or the Orthodox Churches split from the Catholic Church, if i can determine who split from whom then I will know the original and preserved Church of Christ.

You're on the right path. Come on over to The Ancient Way and talk to us.

[BigAlSmith]

Well, there are a lot of questions and opinions about this subject. As someone accurately pointed out, by being a Christian you are already a member of CHrist's Universal or Catholic church... and that is regardless of what local community church or group you belong too. For me, I am currently not a member of any local church; there are two that I attend and split time between but as for being an official member, I am not into that.
At one time, I was actually a "member" of two churches at the same time; one church did not care but the other seemed to take issue with it. There were just so many things that I wanted to be involved in; I would go to the early service at one and the late morning service at the other; I was involved in programs and held responsibilities at both and it was a very fulfilling process.
I guess the most important thing is to find the one that the Spirit guides you to....you will feel fulfilled and you will know it is right for you then.....