For Those Who Have Left Legalistic Fundamentalism

[childofgrace]

I have recently left a group of churches that was very fundamental in a very legalistic way. :clap: I am now a member of a very progressive church and rejoicing in the liberty I am experiencing in Christ.

I would like to hear from those of you who have left a legalistic background and hear about the circles you now run with and how your spiritual lives have changed.

I'll start --

I am now part of a very progressive, very contemporary church that has had great success in reaching non believers and the unchurched.

Spiritually --
I am now able to realize and accept the grace of God in a way I didn't and couldn't before.
I am able to view lost people as creations of God first rather than focusing on their peticular sins first.
I have learned to accept other believer's as equals before God despite our doctrinal differances.
I have been able to focus on the majors and not worry about the minors.

Looking forward to hearing from some of you.

Kirk

[PreacherFergy]

what kind of church was it, as in denominations?

what are you beliefs? :)

[Crazy Liz]

Congratulations!

I could say most of what you have, except I still tend to gravitate toward churches that are just a little bit more conservative theologically than I am. I've been trying to figure out why for a while now. ;)

[Wilfred of Ivanhoe]

I would have to say that I am in a rather conservative church and I can enjoy all the aspects you pointed out above. However, I would hardly call my church progressive or contemporary.

Is this church following Biblical doctrine to reach out to the lost, or are they trying to make God look cool? I just listened to a sermon on this very aspect of the Christian walk. It was discussing Acts 9:31 I believe. Remember Apollos planted, Paul watered, but GOD gave the increase. Its not the way in which a church reaches out, its that God, in his divine plan, uses us to convert the lost. I hope that made sense.

God Bless

[childofgrace]

Thanks for your responses.

Preacher Fergy -- American Baptist Association -- Landmark Baptists. I essentially believe the basic beliefs Baptists have historically believed; however, I don't necessarily believe they are all essential doctrines.

Crazy Liz -- I know what you mean. My natural personality bends toward conservative thought.

Wilfred -- I didn't start this thread to fight about ministry philosophy; however, to answer your question. My church isn't out to make God look cool, but we do desire to demonstrate how God and His word is relevant to the lives of those in our community. I am thankful that you are in a conservative church that provides you with a meaningful expression of your faith.

[childofgrace]

Thanks for your responses.

Preacher Fergy -- American Baptist Association -- Landmark Baptists. I essentially believe the basic beliefs Baptists have historically believed; however, I don't necessarily believe they are all essential doctrines.

Crazy Liz -- I know what you mean. My natural personality bends toward conservative thought.

Wilfred -- I didn't start this thread to fight about ministry philosophy; however, to answer your question. My church isn't out to make God look cool, but we do desire to demonstrate how God and His word is relevant to the lives of those in our community. I am thankful that you are in a conservative church that provides you with a meaningful expression of your faith.

[RhetorTheo]

Why a tendency towards conservative beliefs? Perhaps you suspect that the conservative may be telling you an uncomfortable truth, and the liberal is telling you what he wants to believe rather than what is right.

[theseed]

I once went to church that was legalistic, they required men to wear pants and women to wear dresses (virtully required). And they thought only used the KJV. And they pushed be to be dressed up in suits at church. They condemned Christian music that involved an electrical guitar. And the list goes on. . .

This was the first church I went to as a saved person, and I thought all churches were like this until I learned later. But in a period of a year, I quit going and stopped walking with God. But when I learned that it was not like that at all, I realized that it was about a relationship and not about rules.

[Crazy Liz]

Crazy Liz -- I know what you mean. My natural personality bends toward conservative thought.

I'm not sure I would say the same thing about myself. I think my natural personality bends toward pushing the envelope. I therefore tend to gravitate toward churches where there is an envelope to push. ^_^

[childofgrace]

Crazy Liz -- I am sure churches love having you come and deliberately push their buttons.

Role Troll -- I would love to discuss this area with you if you really cared to. I have a very painful history that clearly points me the direction I lean; however, I have existed in what I assume you mean by conservative circles for a very long time and have seen many half truths disguised as full truths come from these circles.

I am still in what most would consider conservative circles but I am no longer held in bondage to the unBiblical concepts put forth by man but not God.

The Seed -- I am so thankful that you have returned to the Lord's fold and that you have learned the reality of true discipleship versus simple religion.

Kirk