Trying to find my way back to Christ, should I look for a church or do I just not have what it takes ?

Question

I went to a Bible Fellowship about 8 years ago but I only stayed 2 years and have not been to church since. The pastor called me at home to tell me I had to kick my teenage son's best friend out of my home because it gave the appearance of evil to have him living with us since I was divorced. This boys mom died and I took him in as he had no one and he was a nice boy. He finished high school and got a good job and his own place and every Mothers Day I get a beautiful card from him thanking me. Also, one day I took a ride home from evening service from an older gentleman because it was pouring out and pastor called me up to say that gave the appearance of evil. He also told all the women he would bring in a "real christian woman" to teach us how to dress. I never saw anyone dressed inappropriately. He wanted big dresses and heads covered in hats. Swimming should be done in outfits that cover past knees and elbows. Should I look for a church or just watch Charles Stanley?

Answer 1

There is now no condemnation. Jesus is the hope of our salvation. Ask yourself, are you following Christ, or following the teachings of a man? That pastor was out of line and Satan will use him to keep saints out of church if he can. Forgive your former pastor for his foibles as a human being, and go find a church where the Word of God is taught, and not the word of some control freak pastor.

God Bless.

Answer 2

You need a church that has a pastor that teaches the bible. You were more of a christian to the boy than the pastor was to you. If you needed a ride, and the man didn't try to hurt you in anyway, he was doing the right thing, better than the pastor. That pastor needs to reread the bible, NEW TESTAMENT, not just the OLD. Find a real church. Pray and ask God to place you where your talents can glorify him. You might ask for a sign, (he does give signs, he gave me a swarm of butterflies) when you have been to the church he wants you at. I will pray for you also. God bless.

Answer 3

First, God bless you on your desire for Christ. You've made His heart so happy, and He knows that you sincerely want to be close to Him.

Sit down in a quiet place and pray to Him. Let Him know what is on your mind; you'll find you can tell Him things you feel you can't tell anyone else.

I have been on my own search for Him also. I grew up as a Jehovah's Witness until I was about 12, and then my family more or less drifted between churches trying to find the "right" one. We finally landed on the faith that was my mother's as a girl. I was baptized Catholic when I was fifteen, but didn't go any further than that. Again, we drifted, only going to Mass here and there. It wasn't till a year ago that I finally decided it was time to learn what I could about my faith. I was tired of the loneliness and the darkness, always trying to learn things on my own or pick up bits and pieces here and there. I enrolled in an adult education class with my local church, and omg, my life has not been the same since. I finally learned what it meant to be Catholic, and what my faith really meant. I attend Mass every Sunday, and absolutely love it.

I can understand how it must've made you feel, the comments from that pastor. At first I could understand how it could have possibly had the appearence of evil, but I know you had sincere intentions. God bless you for caring of that young man and being there for him. You've given him a gift that said his is not alone in the world. I don't know of many people who would have done that.

If you have any questions that I could be of help on, I'd be glad to. And if I don't know the answer myself, I'll ask someone who does, lol.

Again, God bless you, and take care.

Answer 4

Well he's not on Yahoo answers tonight. He's right there waiting for you to accept him back in your heart. Just repent for sin and ask him to save you and then confess to everyone what you did, read your bible and find a good church.

What you see is not as real as God. What you see should prove to you their is a God. If you try and tell me we just became without a creator then you need to go rethink some things. Ask an athiest How the whole universe came about to exist and I mean every galaxy and every star, also the ones still forming. Ask how the earth has one set speed it to turn and one set speed to rotate around the sun. Also the sun is just at the right distance for life to be sustained here on earth which includes billions of diverse lifeforms (That according to athiest just popped out of nowhere or crawled out of the Ocean). Where did the Ocean come from then?. Also ask them to get an empty glass and set it up in their house and go back to the glass 20 or 30 years or more if needed and see whats in it..........you know what would be in it? Still nothing. You have to have a Creator and it scares them. Also for the big bang theory supporters........where did the material that went bang come from and the energy to make it go BANG? I'll tell you God created it and he may have made a "BIG BANG" out of it to put it where he wanted it. I won't dispute that because the Universe is still expanding. All in all the athiests have to many questians to explain themselves that the Bible already explains. I'd rather believe there is a God and die and if there isn't I lose nothing but if there is and I've argued to people he isn't then I would lose alot. Think it over friend. Are you really sure about denying God?

Answer 5

Yikes that church is very legalistic,You definitely don't need that.It kind of reminds me of the Pharisees.There are many wonderful Christian churches out there,just go explore them.Fellowship is important for spiritual growth so even if you don't find a church right away try to talk with Christan friends,attend a Bible study,and read books and the Bible,and pray.Fellowship helps to keep you close to God,without it,it can be difficult.You learn so much from each other and have someone to turn to when you're in need.Just don't go back to that church,their doctrine is focusing on the outward appearance.As for the kid you helped,Jesus said,when you do for the least of these,you do it for me.So don't listen to that pastor,listen to God and ask him to help you find what you need.

Answer 6

Hi, Kelly! First of all, I want to thank you for the encouraging message you sent me a couple days ago. I tried to respond, but I just got a message that said, "Your message did not go through because the recipient's email address is not confirmed."

If you are trying to find your way back to Christ, I would start with really digging into His Word and asking Him to speak to you through it. You could read through the gospel of John or maybe Romans. I think it's best to use a good, literal, word-for-word translation like the New American Standard or King James. If you use a paraphrase-type translation, you get a lot of the translator's biases in there.

Here are a couple of websites I recommend:

Another Interview with God:
http://www.livingwaters.com/interview/index.shtml

Save Yourself Some Pain: 10 Steps for New & Growing Christians:

http://www.livingwaters.com/articles_growth.shtml#

I do think that it is important that you find a good, Bible-based church. If it's not Bible-based, you can't be sure that you're getting the truth (and most of the time, you're probably not!). The Bible tells us not to forsake assembling together (Hebrews 10:25).

There are definitely Scriptures that tell us to avoid the appearance of evil, to dress modestly, and even to cover our heads in prayer (1 Corinthians 11). However, there are also passages telling us that "true religion" involves caring for orphans, which you very compassionately did! There are churches that are concerned with righteousness AND mercy, both of which are important. I would encourage you to look for one with that balance.

God bless you. I'll pray for you! :)

Answer 7

Keep looking sister. They need you. Please forgive that pastor for his mistakes. I'm not saying that it applies to you, but I say this so that you will know that there is a wide range in the way newcomers are greeted. In fact I'm sure this goes way beyond any theoretical thing you could have done. A friend of mine was at his church one Sunday when they had a group of guys that did all kinds of feats of strength. Everyone had invited their neighbors and friends for this. As one amazing thing after another was performed, several people in the crowd were heard to use cuss words as exclamations. There were all the holysh1+, and son of a b etc. He sat back and smiled, because that is exactly who they needed to be reaching out to. Bringing in people who spoke that way was their whole purpose. Again, I am not suggesting that you committed anything like this, so PLEEEZ don't be offended. I just think you should know that there is a different way. If you care to email me with what city I will be happy to try to direct you to another church.

Answer 8

I go to Community Assembly of God and they are very nice. They don't even blink at your appearance, because it is truly what's inside. I also think that you did a good thing for that boy. Pray about it! Going to a good church where you feel good is important. Being around other believers you can befriend and talk to help really helps with spiritual growth and helps you whenever you may feel discouraged. Pray, it may take some time to find a good church but I know you will if you make an effort. You may need to visit a few before you find that one, but don't give up. I hope you find what you're looking for. God Bless. A love letter from your father is here for you, fathersloveletter.com click on listen, then click on listen online. God Bless you!

Answer 9

Everyone "has what it takes" : ) Just because this guy put the word "pastor" in front of his name doesn't make him a good person or a preacher of truth. Here's my moral compass: Did you do what Christ would have had you do (WWJD?) by giving unselfishly so that this motherless boy had a home and a family? DARN STRAIGHT YOU DID! Don't worry about the pastor, he probably needs a clue. I know a guy who goes by "Pastor Tim" who is by far the most filthy, vulgar, disgusting person I know. (He is truly a wolf in sheep's clothing - yikes!) I also know some of the most trustworthy, wonderful, Christ-like people who don't attend church because of just this type of situation.

If you are looking to find a church again, find one that is in harmony with the teachings in the Bible, even if you have to keep looking. Keep praying about it, and become familiar with the Bible for yourself. You will be able to discern who is teaching scripture and who is not.

Answer 10

Charles Stanley has good word. But it is hard to stay fed by the word of God and grow spiritually on your own sometimes. The bible says that it is good to be with the body (meaning the church because,the neck needs the head, the foot needs the leg , etc.). Everyone in the church has differen't gifts given from God and can help eachother grow in righteousness. Pray to God and ask him where you should go and what you should do. He will give you the answer. I don't think you have to go to church to be saved, but it's hard to be right without hearing the word of God and reading the bible. You must be fed or you will starve.