Thinking of changing churches

[RenewedbyFaith]

I'm sick of church-as-usual.

I'm sick of Christianity-a-usual.

What else is there?

[Morgaine1205]

Well, you've not given us much to go on - other than you sound really frustrated, and I'm sorry for that! It sounds like a change of church might be the thing - also, pray for God's leading - that He will take you where you belong.

What are you looking for in a church?

[RenewedbyFaith]

I'm not looking for "a church."

I'm looking for "The Church," the body of people who believe on Christ but don't have to dominate others or scurry around preaching words instead of using their minds and bodies to help and love people the way Christ did.

[Morgaine1205]

To me, church is for worshipping God, through our singing and prayers, and outreach to our fellow man. It is for fellowship with other Christians, and study. Sermons are for learning (hopefully!); though I admit to being disappointed in some 'fluff' sermons I've heard.

[Morgaine1205]

Oh, you changed your post, so mine doesn't make much sense now - but I understand what you mean - I know how hard it is to find such a place, where you can find "the Church". I've recently moved to a new city, and left an amazing church, with so much love and outreach - so we're (my family and I)searching too.

[RenewedbyFaith]

To me, church is for worshipping God, through our singing and prayers, and outreach to our fellow man. It is for fellowship with other Christians, and study. Sermons are for learning (hopefully!); though I admit to being disappointed in some 'fluff' sermons I've heard.

It's great that it works for you. But after 8 years, I'm not feeling it anymore. Church is just a place to go on Sundays because that's the place Christians are supposed to be on Sundays.

I think "church" should mean more than the place to go on Sundays or the thing to do on Sundays.

[malckiah]

Hello friend, so you are looking for The Church!...Great! Now days people try to make church all about the building, but the word "CHURCH" in the New Testament is Eklessia in greek.....it means body of believers gathered together. Remember how the Lord said...wherever 2 or more are gathered in My name, I AM there in the midst of them......Well, that is also a church! Now i must agree that church as most people think of it has become a once or twice a week thing, then the rest of the week they don't even acknowledge God!.....and that is irritating! However, not all people are like that. There are real Christians out there. You want to go to The real Church....go outside....go to the store....go to the sidewalks and alleys....go to anywhere that there are people and talk about God, be an example to others, help people in need, show love! God can NOT be put in a box with a specific time and place! You may be on your way somewhere and God may put someone in your path that needs help!~ help them......you cant get closer to God than when you allow Him to work through you! The only reason that i go to a church building is because i want to help those who come to the church. Church may be a Sunday thing for alot of people, but it doesnt have to be for you!....Find God in all you do.......and He will show you where the Church is! May The Lord bless you my friend! amen. :thumbsup:

[RenewedbyFaith]

Thanks malckiah,

I really appreciate what you said. I've been feeling for a long while that ritualized Christianity is missing the boat. I'd either like to ditch church altogether and take up my cross daily and follow Him, or I'd like to find a group of people who pick up their crosses daily to follow Him with.

There has to be more to being a Christian than just putting a Jesus fish on my car and singing hymns and listening to sermons.

[SecretOfFatima]

I'm sick of church-as-usual.

I'm sick of Christianity-a-usual.

What else is there?

I hope you not planning to start another denomination...

LOL

Seriously, try the church that Christ established in Matthew 16 (http://www.ourcatholicfaith.org/thechurch.html).
Satan cannot touch your heart, he may harden it (sin) but he cannot get in, your heart is for you and GOD alone, ...and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you to the truth, not what you want it to be the truth (not my will but your will Father), but the truth for your salvation, then really listen to your heart. ...Unless you not truly prepared for that jump.

Remember the bible is a catholic book and nothing in it contradicts the church or vice versa (first came the church then the bible (http://www.biblechristiansociety.com/download/mp3/which_came_first_church_or_bible.mp3)).

May the LORD bless you and keep you.

[RenewedbyFaith]

I think the last thing the world needs is a new denomination, but I can't agree with you that Catholicism is the church Christ established in Matthew 16.

Christ's church wouldn't tolerate the abominable things the Catholic establishment has done over the years, from persecuting non-Catholics to covering up for pedophile priests.

The church that Christ established doesn't need a palace. Christ's church is in the streets, and in the fields and at the city dump where bare-footed orphaned children search for recyclables so they can get money for food.

Christ's priests don't need fancy robes to let people know they are followers of Christ, because they show it by their love.

The solution for the problem isn't in changing churches or denominations.

[Hackett]

:prayer:I think the last thing the world needs is a new denomination, but I can't agree with you that Catholicism is the church Christ established in Matthew 16.

Christ's church wouldn't tolerate the abominable things the Catholic establishment has done over the years, from persecuting non-Catholics to covering up for pedophile priests.

The church that Christ established doesn't need a palace. Christ's church is in the streets, and in the fields and at the city dump where bare-footed orphaned children search for recyclables so they can get money for food.

Christ's priests don't need fancy robes to let people know they are followers of Christ, because they show it by their love.

The solution for the problem isn't in changing churches or denominations.
Hi RBF, I sense some real pain in your words. I pray that our Loving Lord will lead you to the place where you will know His presence and His peace as you seek HIM with all your heart HE will direct your path.:prayer:

[Hackett]

I think the last thing the world needs is a new denomination, but I can't agree with you that Catholicism is the church Christ established in Matthew 16.

Christ's church wouldn't tolerate the abominable things the Catholic establishment has done over the years, from persecuting non-Catholics to covering up for pedophile priests.

The church that Christ established doesn't need a palace. Christ's church is in the streets, and in the fields and at the city dump where bare-footed orphaned children search for recyclables so they can get money for food.

Christ's priests don't need fancy robes to let people know they are followers of Christ, because they show it by their love.

The solution for the problem isn't in changing churches or denominations.
Hi RBF, I sense some real pain in your words. I pray that our Loving Lord will lead you to the place where you will know His presence and His peace as you seek HIM with all your heart HE will direct your path.

[SecretOfFatima]

duplicate post

[SecretOfFatima]

Let me start by saying this "Jesus is LORD".

I personally think you are generalizing in your post, which seems quite wrong to me with such serious matters...
what if Jesus did establish the catholic Church like we can see clearly in scripture (Matthew 16), does your generalized accusation still applies to everyone else behind the catholic church?

While I don't and cannot deny that those despicable acts have taken place, the church has address them and put measures into place for them not to happen again, so I cannot accept or agree fully with your generalized accusations (even if those acts can turn our stomaches), specially if you consider yourself to be a True Christian... but when you talking about individuals, ask yourself, what do you know about the particular individuals who have done these despicable acts, were they themselves abused? Were they in Mortal Sin? Think about it... instead of pointing fingers at the actions of individuals lets all work together to make sure these acts do not happen again.

You know the funny thing here, is that in the same chapter, in Matthew 16 that I just pointed out and which clearly proves the authority of the apostolic succession of Peter and the Catholic church , it also talks about Satan trying to destroy the same Catholic church but not succeeding, till this date it seems to me that the catholic church is the church which is always under attack by Satan...
See bold text again below

Jesus asked his disciples "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" The disciples then offered various answers - "Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." But the question that Jesus then asked was crucial: "But who do you say that I am?"
The answer provided by Simon Peter set in motion the formation of the Catholic Church by Jesus. "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." With this answer, Jesus established the Catholic Church with Simon Peter designated the first Pope.

"Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."

But while we are in a moral discussion here, Let me ask you something else... where and how did abortion started? What is your church doing to stop it?


May the LORD bless you and keep you


I think the last thing the world needs is a new denomination, but I can't agree with you that Catholicism is the church Christ established in Matthew 16.

Christ's church wouldn't tolerate the abominable things the Catholic establishment has done over the years, from persecuting non-Catholics to covering up for pedophile priests.

The church that Christ established doesn't need a palace. Christ's church is in the streets, and in the fields and at the city dump where bare-footed orphaned children search for recyclables so they can get money for food.

Christ's priests don't need fancy robes to let people know they are followers of Christ, because they show it by their love.

The solution for the problem isn't in changing churches or denominations.

[ZiSunka]

Hi RBF, I sense some real pain in your words. I pray that our Loving Lord will lead you to the place where you will know His presence and His peace as you seek HIM with all your heart HE will direct your path.

No pain here. A person doesn't have to have pain to form strong opinion.

[jsimms615]

I'm sick of church as usual also. Maybe God wants to take you to a higher place with him. I would encourage you to really seek his face and pray and ask for Him to lead you.
God bless

[RenewedbyFaith]

Let's promise to pray for each other! :)

[RenewedbyFaith]

Hi RBF, I sense some real pain in your words. I pray that our Loving Lord will lead you to the place where you will know His presence and His peace as you seek HIM with all your heart HE will direct your path.

I'm not in pain.

Trading churches isn't the answer to any of my questions. Whether it is the Catholic Church or any other church, it's all just church.

With Catholicism's history, it's obvious to me that it doesn't have any more answers than any of the other churches.

The Christian life should be something more than just church.

[doc303]

RenewedbyFaith,

Seeking fellowship with believers of "like precious faith" is a worthwhile pursuit. Your growth as a Christian hinges on mutual worship and Bible study. Teaching and learning in a Socratic environment - where everyone participates - will mature you more rapidly that you will believe possible.

This growth is rarely possible in denominational surroundings where you sit and listen every Sunday. I suggest you look into the "house2house" website for a new group near you. Some are struggling with basic issues of organization - unwilling to leave the institutional church (IC)behind, but for the most part they are successful in arriving at a balanced local body - without a paid ministry - who love Christ and want to be like Him.

Be prepared to work at this type of Body - every one else will.

Go with God,
doc303

[malckiah]

I agree with renewedbyfaith

[FreeInChrist2]

I'm looking for "The Church," the body of people who believe on Christ but don't have to dominate others or scurry around preaching words instead of using their minds and bodies to help and love people the way Christ did. Here’s the problem with “church looking” for “The Church”. There is the visible church here on earth which everyone can see with there own eyes…there are churches of every type of mans belief, on most any corner, all around the world, and many choose to go to these church’s for all kinds of reasons...usually other than for the right reason. They all say they have “The God”. But as there is only The One True God whom has His Own Church, thus His church is invisible to the world. If this is the church you are looking for, then you won’t find it…it must find you. And if it doesn’t find you, then you don’t belong to it, so it really won’t matter which church you choose to go to so just pick one and be happy & perish. But if the One True God is seeking you to worship Him in Spirit & Truth, (Jn 4:23-24) then you will be lead by Him to that church. Now I don’t know if He is seeking you or not, so perhaps I can give you some food for thought.

What are your motives for going to church…for self or to lift Christ?
Is it important to go to the right church or will just any church do?
Must the church you choose to go to be a church that fits your standards or Gods?
Does the truth (Gods) matter or can we just believe however we want (mans)?
Do you want a church that just makes you feel good or one that it’s preaching is making you fit for God’s kingdom?
Do you want to hear jokes & human event stories or self improvement lessons, or the work of God according to His word?
Do you want to dance to the band (mans music) or sing Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual songs…Gods own words/songs?
Do want to be entertained or do you want to learn more about the God whom has saved us, whom serves us, for what does he need from us that we should serve Him? This is not the same as being of service for His kingdom.
Do you want to know the whole counsel of God (even the parts you dislike) or just the parts you want and like?
Do you want to work your way into heaven (only to be rejected) or do you want His mercy & grace because of your sin?

Remember the devil has disguised himself as an angel of light. Have you seen any of “The Devils House” signs….of course not…you see the visible the church. Now I’m not referring to the true church. But don’t get me wrong here, the true church is found with-in the visible church on earth; no one outside the visible church will be saved. Only, as believers we want to be drawn to a body of believers, the saints, to worship God as He commands (not as man has made up in their own minds)…usually called the “Regulative Principle of Worship”…in other words, how has God commanded His saints to worship him according to scripture, for any other worship is not pleasing to Him as you surely understand from the scriptures the many whom found their lot in hell for false worship, preaching and witness.

So here’s the real question, which should be of the most importance…am I truly saved, truly a child of God, and how do I know this for sure… just because I say so? Is it your belief God loves everyone? Did Jesus pay for the sins of everyone? If this was true then everyone would go to heaven, or else God would be a liar sending many he sent His Son to die for & loves to hell…what kind of love is that, or God is that? What?…their sins were paid for but now they have to pay for them too…double indemnity? And if Jesus paid for all mans sins then wouldn’t that mean Hitler, Saddam, Jeffery Dalmer, Pharaoh, Cain, and many others are in heaven? But many will say it was their choice to go to hell…they had free will…but does not the bible say that Christ died for their sins too? Or perhaps He didn’t? What say you?

So once some of these issues are worked out in your mind & heart, if you are the Lords, you will be lead to “The Church”. For He calls His sheep by name and they shall never perish, neither shall anyone snatch them out of His hand. So if Hitler, Saddam, Jeffery Dalmer, Pharaoh, Cain and so many others were his sheep, no one could snatch them out of God the Father or God the Son’s hand…not even themselves could make that choice.

Thus once you know which God you believe in…True God or false god, then you will end up in the church which is established for you. Yet only by the Holy Spirit will the True God be revealed to you. You can’t find Him yourself.

If you would like to discuss this further or scripture proof to anything I have said here, I can be available to do so.

Sincerely, FreeInChrist,
By Grace alone, By Faith alone, By Christ alone, to God be all the Glory. Amen.

PS. So how important are all these questions? Eternal Life or Gods Eternal wrath, punishment and burning........SSssiiiigggghhhh!!!
Fear of the Lord is the 1st step to wisdom...not the last.

[MatthewEn]

I suggest AOG I look fword to going to chruch every week :)

[If Not For Grace]

What else is there?

There is spirituality.

Stay in a church, (it does not hurt to visit) and concentrate on spirituality, perhaps a 12 step or other version--once you have the foundation the "church stuff" will not bother you as much. It is religion you are tired of..not God. I think God is tired of it too.

The only thing I have found to be consistent in studying various religions of the world is that all the "main leaders" missed the main point(s) in hind sight.
Even James, Peter and Paul had differences.
The pharisees were criticised for legalism. The Catholic Church never ceases to be without controversy over rituals, etc. God is the foundation, man will screw up all things given enough time. Do not despair--God is still in charge and the Brick and Mortar system is like our legal system, it has its flaws but its the best thing we have--unless you like another suggested are thinking like Martin Luther?

[Frame1520]

So many suggestions! Two cents: Find like minded people who want to 1) know God, 2) serve Him alone, 3) grow in Christ by being like Him.

How to do so? Start a bible study or small group that digs into the word, deeply...not this superficiality that the world (and even some churches) presesnt. I'm talking about straight bible. Believe me, there are plenty of people who feel just the way you do about "church". Growing spiritually is something that takes a lot of effort. There are certainly plenty of valleys to go thru, as when we seek God, we will find Him. But be aware, Satan does not want this, and his attack upon us will grow more intense. Prayer and fasting; studying the word; more prayer and fasting. That might be a good start.

I commend you for your desire to be more Christ-like, and I will pray for your efforts. It will not be easy. God be with you. He helps all who call upon Him.

[Kristos]

If you are looking for "the Church" I recommend starting at the beginning. Look past the hype, the fads, the innovation of the last few centuries. If the Church was founded by Christ through his apostles, then what happened to it? Trace it through time.

[Frame1520]

If you are looking for "the Church" I recommend starting at the beginning. Look past the hype, the fads, the innovation of the last few centuries. If the Church was founded by Christ through his apostles, then what happened to it? Trace it through time.
That is an interesting journey indeed. Good advice.