are Independant Baptist closest to Jehovah's Witnesses? [Archive]

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SonOfThunder

25th July 2004, 06:12 AM

daveleau

25th July 2004, 08:16 AM

JW's deny many things about Christ, including His deity. IB's are simply very strict Baptists that do not allow anything that could remotely be considered temptuous. They are nothing alike.

ZiSunka

25th July 2004, 12:29 PM

Abiel

25th July 2004, 02:10 PM

What you need, in addition to lambsloves correct post, is lots of good christian love. Here is some coming your way.

RED that's ME

25th July 2004, 02:57 PM

You will find different kinds of Independent Baptist churches some are more legalist/conservative than others. They might even differ from your country to the ones in the states. Independent Baptist are nothing like Jehovah Witnesses.

As it has already been suggested go and find a Bible teaching church. We will pray for God's guidance for you. :prayer:

SonOfThunder

25th July 2004, 03:59 PM

Go to the nearest Bible-believing, Bible-preaching, Bible-practicing church. It doesn't matter WHAT denomination it is. Denominations are all man-made titles anyway. Focus on Christ, who he is, what he did and what he wants from you now and everything else will fall into place.
When I look down the yellow pages telephone directory I see one and a half pages of churches locally... I live in a small area also. Say if I rang all of them, I am pretty certain all will say they are Bible believing and practicing so that leaves me to go visit them and find out myself. This process seems very difficult for me and possibly a waste of time as I wander from one to another.

Been praying for direction, for Jehovah God to guide me to a place where I can slot into nicely. Can I ask for more prayer please in this direction?

James

GreenEyedLady

25th July 2004, 09:24 PM

~Wisdom Seeker~

25th July 2004, 10:02 PM

I am looking at where to go now I have left the Jehovh's Witnesses, Someone said that the Inderpendant Baptist are strict, and are Bible believing and only use KJV.

I cant think about dancing or speaking in tongues or laying on the floor or even a lot of music just yet in worship. But I am seeking truth and good solid foundation and help in a local assemby. What can you tell me please, about communion, Bible studies, music, doctrine and Baptism? what are the foundations of being a Christian? Are they a good place for ex Witnesses to go?

Its been about 4 weeks since I went to a service.

James

Independent Fundamental Baptist are very strict. Very. And yes, we only use the KJV because it is considered the only correct English translation of the Bible because of it's origin being different from the other versions.

Communion is for the church membership only. It consists of reading from the Bible, prayer and drinking the symbol of the blood (grape juice aka new wine) and the symbol of the body (unleavened bread). It is done often, but not usually weekly, usually more like once a month. The belief is that if a person has not confessed their sin and partakes of the Lords Table it will be a condemnation to them, or make them sick in laymens terms.

Bible studies are part of every service. Services are about 3 times a week, with two additional Bible study, one in the Bible class or Sunday School and one by itself.

Music is traditional or contemporary sung in a traditional way. There is no swaying in the isles, raising of hands or dancing.

The Bible is the authority for the doctrine. It is always and only Bible based.

Baptism occurs in every service, after the invitation usually. A person gets baptised after praying for their own salvation, as a public testimony of their faith to the congregation. It represents the death, burial and resurection of Jesus Christ. After Baptism a person is a memeber of the church.

The foundations of being a Christian are to be saved, and to live the Bible.

I can't answer if the IFBC is a good place for a Jehovah's Witness to go because I have not fully studied what the Jehovah's Witness' believe or where it is different. You would have to answer that personally. I can only tell you that my church has converts from every religion. And everyone seems to feel at home. But I don't know if that's because I go to an exceptional church or that that is just how IFBC's are.

God Bless you. And if you need any other information please p.m. me. I can either answer you myself, or will connect you with someone who can.

~Wisdom Seeker~

25th July 2004, 10:20 PM

Here's a link to what my IFB church believes: ;) http://www.lancasterbaptist.org/ind.believe.php

GreenEyedLady

25th July 2004, 11:52 PM

That is a HUGE church you are in Wisdom!

bleechers

26th July 2004, 09:17 AM

There are a number of good ex-JW Christian organizations. They probably have a list of both good local churches and good support ministries. As an ex-RC, I find great comfort and fellowship from my fellow saved ex-RCs!

The best thing these organizations will do, is that they will make sure that you truly understand the gospel and that you are truly saved. Most IBCs are a good place to get the gospel and bible teaching, but that is not always universally true.

Crazy Liz

26th July 2004, 02:00 PM

I am looking at where to go now I have left the Jehovh's Witnesses, Someone said that the Inderpendant Baptist are strict, and are Bible believing and only use KJV.

I cant think about dancing or speaking in tongues or laying on the floor or even a lot of music just yet in worship. But I am seeking truth and good solid foundation and help in a local assemby. What can you tell me please, about communion, Bible studies, music, doctrine and Baptism? what are the foundations of being a Christian? Are they a good place for ex Witnesses to go?

Its been about 4 weeks since I went to a service.

James

Baptists tend to evaluate a church first on what it believes, ans second on what it practices. If I understand the OP, I think some of the members who answered have misunderstood your post. I think you are saying that you no longer believe in the Arianism of the JWs, but would feel more secure in a church that has similar practices to the ones you are used to, such as using the KJV only, having a lot of rules, etc. Yet you also want to avoid Charismatic churches and others that have a lot of exuberant worship.

If I'm right about this, a couple of key words might help you ask questions that will narrow your search. (1) Ask whether the church is fundamentalist. Probably you will want a fundamentalist church because they tend to have rules and tend to use similar methods to interpret the Bible to those used by JWs. They come to different conclusions, but do tend to use similar methods. (2) Ask whether the church is Charismatic. If the church is Charismatic, you probably will not want to attend it, since you are likely to find the kinds of exuberance and enthusiasm in worship that you said would make you feel uncomfortable. (3) You might want to ask aobut their style of worship. Many churches use the terms "contemporary" and "traditional." Many churches in the US have two or more services each Sunday, with one having traditional worship - a choir and organ, for example, and one with contemporary worship - a band, often with drums, newer music, and often less formal dress. It sounds like you would be more comfortable in a "traditional" worship service.

Another option you might want to consider is an "alternative," "emerging," or "relational" worship service. These usually are smaller, consist mostly of young people, and are usually held on Saturday or Sunday evening. They often aren't publicized, so it might take you a while to find one. The worship in these services will be quite unusual to you, but the people are very interested in forming relationships. Many have a common meal before or after every service. A lot of former JWs are very lonely because they are shunned and ostracized by a gorup that was formerly a very large part of their lives. Sometimes they are ostracized by their own families. Finding a church where you can form new relationships may be more important than finding one with a more familiar style of service.

Your attitude about what you are and aren't ready for is a good one. I think you might feel comfortable in a strict fundamentalist church for a while, but after a while, you might find find it too confining. Alternative/emerging/relational services often have special understanding of people's spiritual woundedness, have people from a wider variety of religious backgrounds, and are well-suited to people in transitional phases of their spiritual journey.

I pray you find a place where you can worship God where you are now and as you grow. :prayer:

~Wisdom Seeker~

30th July 2004, 09:44 AM

That is a HUGE church you are in Wisdom!I know, it grows and grows. We are always building to have more room for all the people that come to worship. And yet it's the friendliest church I've ever gone to.

Besides being really friendly, the preaching is really good, the music is uplifting, and the Bible is not only used but taught. People pray, people accept the Lord, People are baptised in water every service. It's really great to belong to a church where you can see God working.

I think people are literally starved for that in this day and age. At least that seems to be what I've seen by visiting many other churches in my area. People are either bored, (The looks on their faces say they are not glad to be there, just that they can't wait until it's over and they can leave) Or it's all fellowship and hardly any Bible. Some churches seem to be more about partying than worshipping these days. I don't understand it.

RED that's ME

30th July 2004, 10:43 AM

I know, it grows and grows. We are always building to have more room for all the people that come to worship. And yet it's the friendliest church I've ever gone to.

Besides being really friendly, the preaching is really good, the music is uplifting, and the Bible is not only used but taught. People pray, people accept the Lord, People are baptised in water every service. It's really great to belong to a church where you can see God working.

I think people are literally starved for that in this day and age. At least that seems to be what I've seen by visiting many other churches in my area. People are either bored, (The looks on their faces say they are not glad to be there, just that they can't wait until it's over and they can leave) Or it's all fellowship and hardly any Bible. Some churches seem to be more about partying than worshipping these days. I don't understand it.
I belong to a large church too and I went with a group to another small church that was starting an AWANA program to share about it and the positive impact it made.
The church service one of the songs was "Oh How I Love Jesus" and not one of the choir members, song leader, pastor was smiling singing this but with long faces. All the other songs were like this too but when you sing a song about loving Jesus with a gloomy face does that attract others to want what you have?
God gives hope, joy etc... and we need to show the same to others in our actions, words, expressions.

I agree, it's great to be in a church to see God moving and lives being change for the good.http://www.christianguitar.org/forums/images/smilies/yep.gif

/me goes off singing, "Oh How I Love Jesus". :angel:

SonOfThunder

5th August 2004, 04:45 AM

I belong to a large church too and I went with a group to another small church that was starting an AWANA program to share about it and the positive impact it made.
The church service one of the songs was "Oh How I Love Jesus" and not one of the choir members, song leader, pastor was smiling singing this but with long faces. All the other songs were like this too but when you sing a song about loving Jesus with a gloomy face does that attract others to want what you have?
God gives hope, joy etc... and we need to show the same to others in our actions, words, expressions.

I agree, it's great to be in a church to see God moving and lives being change for the good.http://www.christianguitar.org/forums/images/smilies/yep.gif

* RED that's ME goes off singing, "Oh How I Love Jesus". :angel:
:wave: I think you comment is valid but if everyone judged a church on the basis of long faces whilst singing a song about Jesus we have it wrong.

To many people base their moves from church to church on 'PEOPLE' AND NOT ON 'truth' or what is being practiced or taught.

"PEOPLE" will let us down, they are sinful and sometimes just NOT HOW WE PERCEIVE a 'christian' to be.

If I based my path with Jehovah God on people and family, I would be with my friends and family and congregation today. They are the most beautiful people I know. On Monday/Tuesday I move out of home at the request of my parents because I have chosen to follow 'truth' and not false teachings.

As I don't have a church as yet to go to, I pray :prayer: I wont be influenced by the people within the walls of a place of worship, but on what God says, and if the teachings line up with Scripture.

James

GreenEyedLady

5th August 2004, 10:23 AM

If I based my path with Jehovah God on people and family, I would be with my friends and family and congregation today. They are the most beautiful people I know. On Monday/Tuesday I move out of home at the request of my parents because I have chosen to follow 'truth' and not false teachings.

As I don't have a church as yet to go to, I pray :prayer: I wont be influenced by the people within the walls of a place of worship, but on what God says, and if the teachings line up with Scripture.

James
James,
I will be praying that God leads you where He wants you. Keep reading His word and he will speak to you. It will be tough, but it sounds to me like you have a calling for something and if you have to leave your parents home to follow that calling your headed down the right road. Chosing GOD instead of the comfort of your family is somthing that I am amazed that you are doing at your age.
Keep walking my brother, He will lead you!
GEL

RED that's ME

5th August 2004, 01:58 PM

You're correct we shouldn't always just judge another christian by having a long face. The point I was making is that as Christians we have God's truth, hope, joy, peace... and it should be reflected through us. :angel:
There is a verse in OT I think it's in Psalms I need to find again, it talks about praising God that it should be outward so that others can see and fear God.

The Bible tells us to judge them by their fruits. What fruits are they talking about? The fruits of the Spirit which are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness,self-control.

God gives us expressions for a reason even though it can fool us at times people still use the "act of expressions" as a communication tool. Don't just say it show it.http://www.christianguitar.org/forums/images/smilies/yep.gif
Positive attitude people draw other people to them. Negative people repel. Having an outward showing of what God has done for us inwardly is a good thing.

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SonOfThunder

5th August 2004, 06:22 PM

James,
I will be praying that God leads you where He wants you. Keep reading His word and he will speak to you. It will be tough, but it sounds to me like you have a calling for something and if you have to leave your parents home to follow that calling your headed down the right road. Chosing GOD instead of the comfort of your family is somthing that I am amazed that you are doing at your age.
Keep walking my brother, He will lead you!
GEL

Thankyou for your comments. In answer to your wondering why I might be doing this at my age, it started a while ago so I thought I would copy and paste a little of what I have already posted, that is a lot of questions and reasons under my previous Jehovah's Witness nick and then got the admins to change it when I left the Organisation. I will paste some as I go to save typing again but will warn you it is a paste.

I am 19, and grew up in a family of third generation Jehovah's Witnesses. All my life I have been in The Jehovah's Witness Organistion. Dad is an elder'

PASTE..

My cousin went through a perfect pregnacy in a birthing centre, this baby was much loved even before the birth. Her choices on blood transfusions were discussed a few times during the routine visits before birth, with mum and dad.

On that day a beautiful healthy baby boy was born and mum gazed down in awe like most mothers do whilst her body started to bleed. It was 2am in the morning when they rushed her to theatre and asked 'THAT' question once again.

Whilst in theatre her husband was asked to reverse her dicisions on NOT TAKING BLOOD, he didn't. The theatre staff were angry and intubated her and wheeled her to ICU where family were asked to turn off the machine as she was officially dead.

Baby was well, dad distraught as was the whole family at the loss of life. When she waved at the theatre door did she know this might be her end?

I have struggled with this since, on the one hand admiring her belief in these Scriptures to the point of agreeing to allow her life force to drain from her. On the other, anger at how Scripture sometimes isn't so clear or pointed. This particular Scriptural basis mgiht seem clear in four words, however I struggle with the historic and contextual background. I struggle!!!!!!

When we read the Bible we are to look at the reasons Jehovah instituted His instructions both historically and for us today. Your reasoning above is correct for non emergency situations... my cousins was an emergancy situation. It is true that dna and aids were not known to be contained in blood in times past. When Jehovah wants to be clear in instructions it is repeated over and over in the Bible and we are given examples in parables.

Lev 17:11 says the soul of the flesh is in the blood
Gen 9:3,4 speaks clearly of food

Any spilt blood belongs to Jehovah, it was to foreshadow the blood that Jesus was to spill for us. Now that Jesus has fulfilled this and he said "IT IS FINISHED" does this OT law about the importance of abstaining from blood still apply today? why isn't this clear in the Bible? why do lives hang on three words?

'ABSTAIN FROM BLOOD'

This must be looked at carefully in context as lives are being lost. Whilst we might say that successful surgery can be performed today with out whole blood, what about the people who die?

The thing is who has time to research in depth? we accept blindly what we are shown.

My dad is an elder and he also has a demanding job, I know some weeks he is sneaking in reading ahead of the watchtower study and writing his responces to be seen to be participating. His life is a whirlwind of visitation, field work, leading book studies and daily readings. His devotion and energy are commendable however he has no time to study where the quotes originate from and blindly accepts (as we all do) that the organisation has done the groundwork.

We are instructed as believers to test the Spirits, that we all stand alone spiritually before Jehovah God. So our search for 'TRUTH' must be given priority in our lives if we are to serve Jehovah in Spirit and in Truth.

we as believers must do our best within our limitations to obey Jehovah God and somehow aslo take instruction from other humans. Jehovah has said that these teachers will be judged more severley.

2 PET 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

As for individuals Jehovah views much deeper, into the inner man, his very heart and if my cousin died because she had her heart set in obedience to Jehovah and what she understood to be correct teachings then I believe that Jehovah will see that FIRST. Is the onus on individuals who desire to serve and do their best within their limited knowledge and understanding? HE knows our hearts.

This is where it began. I asked questions, started to read The Bible and study.

PASTE

When we look at the OT as a whole we see it is a picture of what is to come, using ritual and impossible laws that demonstrate that man cannot ever do enough. The OT is also full of prophesy and rituals that are a forerunner to the coming of Jesus Christ and how He will come and spill out His blood for us individually and His created. Jehovah gave us this spilt blood. So Blood was of course sanctified for this very event. It was treated as an offering to Jehovah God.

I was also thinking about the temple, how the chief priest would enter, how when he was within the inner sanctum he was in the presence of Jehovah God. How he entered through the curtain which I believe may have been called The Way, The Truth, The Life, a symbol that to get to The Father we can only do that through Jesus Christ. In the OT Jehovah came on people and went again, His shekina Glory was seen in this Scripture also.

Exo 33:9 (KJV) "And it came to pass, as Moses entered into the tabernacle, the cloudy pillar descended, and stood at the door of the tabernacle, and talked with Moses."

When Jesus spilt His blood for us all he cried out 'IT IS FINISHED'

JOHN 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

At this time also the curtain was rent in two and there now was and opening of The Way to the Father through Jesus Christ's spilt blood.

MAT 27:51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;

The words 'it is finished' interest me as I think perhaps all of this was a forerunner and now it is very different for us as believers. We now have the indwelling of The Holy Spirit. Does BLOOD and the taking of it via tranfusions fall into the category of 'it is finished'?

The I moved onto what I thought was the main differences and started with a study on how to study contextually. Then moved onto the BIG topic of TRINITY.

I am still not able to grasp it fully, but cannot deny it nor say it is true. I just plain dont comprehend. I think I do but not sure, almost afraid.

I also studied Jesus, if He was Michael the Arch angel as I had been taught and thought I was being taught some error. As a Jehovah's Witness we say to people we minister to if there is one error, surely all is in doubt.

Jesus is NOT Michael.

Also once a year we have The Memorial so just before this year I studied out taking 'the emblem' I think you call it communion. I have never seen anyone take it, this is reserved for the anointed (or the 144,000)

PASTE

My love for Jehovah is so strong and yet the path to 'truth' seems so wide. I fear that the peace I seek in knowing I am secure in Jehovah is a long way off, the more I read and study the more I wonder who has the truth. The path we all take in following a denomination is important, yet what I feel is more important is the heart condition. If I speak to my creator from my heart and continually ask for HIs guidance and for Him to help me in this search I KNOW without a doubt that HIS peace will follow.

I take comfort from Scriptures like these and thank The ALMIGHTY.

MIC 7:5 Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom.

Here we see that our trust is not in others.

MIC 7:6 For the son dishonoureth the father, the daughter riseth up against her mother, the daughter in law against her mother in law; a man's enemies are the men of his own house.

here I see that as my family decide to be cold toward me... I then have hope in verse 7

MIC 7:7 Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.

I look to HIM, wait for HIS timing and hope for salvation as HE DOES hear me.

MIC 7:8 Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me.

This is where I feel right now, in darkness, yet have the promise of HIS light shining me way

MIC 7:9 I will bear the indignation of the LORD, because I have sinned against him, until he plead my cause, and execute judgment for me: he will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold his righteousness.

Whatever comes my way, I know I have the assurance of a way to be right with MY CREATOR by repentance. In the future HIS judgement on my life is what I must focus on, for I can't wait to behold HIM.

My parents support me at university and now I have been disfellowshipped they are speaking about my independance from them as I have chosen to follow 'christendom'.

My dad has been challenged about being an elder and not being able to keep his household (me) in order. They doubt his Fatherly roles and so are saying he should step down. This means he is putting more pressure onto me and I know I should separate Spirit from the world but am finding it difficult.

Having prayed heaps and missed many many book studies and meetings I was put on 'probation' and more recently disfellowshipped.

Dad has stepped down now and I leave home Monday, my parents say (to protect my younger brother from false teaching) and my dad will be able to take up his position as elder again.

So thats the James story. A strange, confusing, but exciting path to follow, now at uni, (that's where I will stay) there is a Christian fellowship group I am hoping to become part of, from there I need to work out where to go, which church to go to.

James

MParedon

5th August 2004, 09:23 PM

I'm so sorry about your dissfellowshipping. That must have been really tough. It sounds like you've traveled very far and are in constant search for the truth. I'm so glad you've not been disheartened but excited to continue on this journey. I just wanted you to know that my prayers are with you.

May God Bless you and Keep you in all things.

GreenEyedLady

5th August 2004, 10:57 PM

So thats the James story. A strange, confusing, but exciting path to follow, now at uni, (that's where I will stay) there is a Christian fellowship group I am hoping to become part of, from there I need to work out where to go, which church to go to.

James
Luke 12:51 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:
52 For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.
53 The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

I know what you are going though. There is division in my family because I left the Catholic Church after years of being fed false doctrine and my faith being in the church and the sacrements. My husband and I still quote this verse, because we both know the reason that wall is there. The sad thing James, is its NOT about religion that seperates us, its about a person named Jesus, and our family is trying to say its religion. Its not.
The bible says this about religion

James 1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.
James 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

About the trinity,
If you would like, post a thread up, or I will and we can discuss. I sent you a PM about it last week. I would love to help you understand it more.

GEL

MParedon

6th August 2004, 12:45 AM

To be fair GEL, I think from most Baptist's POV, Catholic doctrine isn't all false, the Trinity being a great example. I think Catholics and Baptists can agree on many doctrines.

*MParedon tiptoes out before someone finds a nice heavy brick (honest, I didn't come into this thread with any 'Catholic agenda' intentions. I just wanted to let the OP know of my prayers and sympathy without bashing or debating about anything)*

SonOfThunder

6th August 2004, 07:39 AM

SOF,
The first thing is to get saved. Have you been born again? If not someone in here can show you how to be born again. If you don't have the spirit living in you, you will be confused! This is your first step to freedom. You see, salvation is NOT in the church, but in Jesus Christ. Stay away from churchs that tell you YOU MUST do <insert work word here> to get saved. Its JESUS that saves you, JESUS did the work, HE paid it all!
THANK YOU LORD!It was pointed out to me in a pm that I missed answering this question.

This is a huge question for me, because I know what you are comfortable with (terminology wise) is not what I have been taught.

You say the first thing is to 'get saved', I don't know if you understand what Jehovah's Witnesses say about this, and I'm not about to share what I have been taught becasue I dont want to fall into the trap of defendinga doctrine, but rather being open and only speak what I know from MY OWN personal reading of The Bible. This might be wrong also, so I am open to Scriptural help.

Jesus Christ is the Son of God and all throughout the Ot it was promised that He would come and that blood would be spilt as the ransome sacrifice. Jesus would be the second Adam.

Now I admit I don't understand trinity and have done extensive studies but cannot decalre one way or the other on this.

But I am certain that Jesus created and in

John 1:10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

it says he came to His own ( I think that is His created, and not just the Jews) and His created knew Him not.

John 1:12But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Something happens here that is given, I have received this news and accept that this is The Son of God and that He is indeed our way to The Father as people full of the sins of Adam. This is Holy Spirit Power, given to us as believers and based on the fact that God love for us meant did give us His only begotten son, that who-so-ever believes in Him shall have everlasting life.

This Power is indwelling and unlike in the Old Testament where The Holy Spirit used to come UPON people for a season. With us it is indwelling.

So whether I believe or cant graps that Jesus is GOD...does this matter, am I still christian? I know I am really, but wonder why others say I am not.

I am bothered a lot by this.

Anway, my husband and I did alot of searching and the devil is going to do his best to confuse you like crazy!
We went though the yellow pages and called all the Independent Baptist Churches.
At this point why Independant Baptist as opposed to any other relgion?
I have no idea what they all stand for, and I am sure they all say they believe The Bible.

Ask where the Pastor went to college. Find out if any of the churches are missonary churches that were planted. You can narrow things down that way.
What colleges are best? If I studied those and their beliefs ...... it seems huge, maybe you had standpoints first, maybe your beliefs and path was narrow to start with?.

Mission work is Important and is done very well by Jehovah's Witnesses, I mean 'going to all the world' with field work etc. So a 'church' without it is not good.

Most of all, asking the Lord God to guide you in prayer and where HE wants you to be is the key.

Sound advice, thankyou. He is the key, this forum is very very good for me also.

I have a man who I am in pm with since the beginning, He is one of the senior site people here. He is excellent and knows The Bible very well, interestingly he shares a different angle of God and His Son Jesus Christ with me. It is based on UNCONDITIONAL LOVE..... his messages help lift me personally and give me heaps to study with and think about. So this forum is THE BEST ... I love it

Thankyou for you help

James

Blessed-one

6th August 2004, 08:02 AM

hi James, you might like to try the Australia forum to see whether anyone has any suggestion for you in regards to finding a church. What about the salvation army?

GreenEyedLady

6th August 2004, 12:46 PM

.
But I am certain that Jesus created and in

John 1:10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

it says he came to His own ( I think that is His created, and not just the Jews) and His created knew Him not.

John 1:12But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Something happens here that is given, I have received this news and accept that this is The Son of God and that He is indeed our way to The Father as people full of the sins of Adam. This is Holy Spirit Power, given to us as believers and based on the fact that God love for us meant did give us His only begotten son, that who-so-ever believes in Him shall have everlasting life.

This Power is indwelling and unlike in the Old Testament where The Holy Spirit used to come UPON people for a season. With us it is indwelling.

So whether I believe or cant graps that Jesus is GOD...does this matter, am I still christian? I know I am really, but wonder why others say I am not.

I am bothered a lot by this.

At this point why Independant Baptist as opposed to any other relgion?
I have no idea what they all stand for, and I am sure they all say they believe The Bible.
I think it is very important for you to understand who the Messiah his, and what he came for and what he represents. Does it mean that your not a christian, no. However, I think that learning who He is very important in your faith. Knowing that Christ is God and was NOT created by the Father, is very important. I don't think it discredits you as a christian, but I do think that is something that you should settle between you and the Lord.

I think hit the nail on the head when you said that I narrowed my beliefs. I did alot of searching before I could hear where God was calling me. I did not just leave the Catholic church and NOT figure out WHY I left. As I proved to myself and allowed God to show me the truth though His word, the truth became more visable to me. I stuck with Gods word first and ALOT of prayer. It took me 2 years to find a church that I could narrow down so to speak. I wrote Independent Baptist because that is what church I am in and thier core doctrines are as close to God's word as i could get. I like the fact that they preach on being seperate from the world. Not all churchs preach that and because you are comming out of a chuch that preachs that, I would think you would agree atleast on that one doctrine.
God Bless
GEL

Crazy Liz

6th August 2004, 12:51 PM

What about the salvation army?

Good suggestion! The Salvaton Army could be a very good choice for a former JW.

BTW, since the Salvation Army is a Free Church Protestant denomination that is not Charismatic or Pentecostal, Baptist/Anabaptist would be your denominational "home" here at CF. :D

ZiSunka

6th August 2004, 04:45 PM

Hi GreenEyedLady! I was just praying for you last night! How are you doing?

GreenEyedLady

6th August 2004, 05:54 PM

I am doing real good. God is with me!!!!!!
Praise the Lord! And thank you so much for prayin for me lambslove. Its really nice to hear that. I don't hear that much anymore!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
GEL

Athanasian Creed

6th August 2004, 06:07 PM

Good suggestion! The Salvaton Army could be a very good choice for a former JW.

BTW, since the Salvation Army is a Free Church Protestant denomination that is not Charismatic or Pentecostal, Baptist/Anabaptist would be your denominational "home" here at CF. :D

Wonderful idea - as a former Salvationist (& Junior Soldier) in my preteens, the Army will provide a solid foundation for a young believer (their "specialty" ;) ) They will provide amply opportunity as well for service. You will be very welcomed there James. :)

You are just beginning to grasp what the Bible teaches about salvation, the Trinity and the Deity of Jesus - it will take much study and teaching from the Holy Spirit and gifted teachers that God has graced His Church with to understand even a fraction of it all. Ask the Lord to reveal His fulness to you - tell Him you believe what He said of Himself to be true and ask Him for understanding. His Word promises -

James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.;)

God bless you in your walk with Him - be prepared for the trials and temptations that will come your way (and already have) but also open your heart to the wonderous blessing God has in store for you !!:bow:

Ray :wave: