Christians, please read and help?

Question

Hey guys....

I am searching for a church to belong to. I used to go to church years ago, but then I guess I changed, or stopped believing enough to dedicate my life. I still believe, just not as strong as I once did.

I am looking for a congregation to belong to, and also some type of fellowship. I can say this much, that I know there is a God, because He has saved my life numerous times, I should be dead many times over, and I was able to get out of a real mess of a life just a year ago.

This is a long shot, but any advice would be greatly appreciated, or if you will pray for me, then thats great too.

Thank you.

J

Answer 1

I have prayed for you Jason.

Would you like to know what I believe about you? ...if you don't look away now, (smile)
I believe that you have a calling on your life and perhaps it may be evangelism, but whatever it is, it's got satan running scared, so over the years, he has been continually been pulling at you, whispering in your ear, impressing things upon your heart and causing doubts and sin.
You most likely will have to be delivered from whatever these things are. But you are released from satan now and the Lord and angels... are working in your life right now as we speak.
You are covered by the blood of the Lamb and are protected.
Gods calling on your life is great.
Pentecostal churches like the Assemblies of God, Christian outreach centre, and wherever they allow the Holy Spirit to operate in anyones lives with freedom.
Ask your Father to guide you to the one that will be your 'Spiritual Home'.
And sweet Jason, get your eyes into the bible and ask the Lord to give you His Holy Spirit so that you may be lead into the understanding of the truth.*

When you do give your life to God, could you please let me
know?
Le7

Answer 2

The choice of a church is a personal decision, however, I can tell you what my wife and I did, when we were looking for a new church.
We got the phone book out and (in our case,) picked out Baptist Churches. We went down the list and visited a different church every sunday and sat through the Worship hour.
The church we eventually ended up picking had a worship hour that mostly singing (With a christian rock group leading the songs,) and 20 minutes of the Preacher teaching the word. What got us hooked was that he didn't stand behind a pulpit, but rather walked the stage, catching the attention of everyone.
I would recommend that you do the same, visit every church around you and pick the best. This might take some time, and you might have to drive 10-15 miles to find one you like, but when you do, it's worth it.

Answer 3

The best fellowship of believers is one which believes the Bible is the Word of God. If the pastor does not preach salvation by the shed blood of Jesus, move on! If the pastor has to read his sermons and prayers, he doesn't know the Word well enough to preach and teach others!

I'm sure that those of us who are making an attempt to sincerely answer your question and concern will certainly lift you and your search for a church up in prayer!

Whatever you do, don't look for a "perfect" church - they don't exist! And, if they *did*, once you joined, it would no longer be perfect! Our church is a "hospital for sinners" - not a "rest home for saints"!

I won't tell you what denomination our church is a part of because I have to admit that I've been in other congregations of our denomination which did not make my wife and me feel an integral part of the fellowship of believers, even though the pastors preached and taught the Word of God; but if I've peaked your interest enough that you want further info, please e-mail me!

God bless!

Answer 4

Finding a church is so hard. After I moved I didn't go to church for six months just because I was so intimidated at the idea. Also I tend to have a more liberal mindset and I didn't want to walk into a fundamentalist church unknowingly.

I'd say look through the phone book or this website (www.churchangel.com) and find churches in your area. Then search for their website and read what they believe in. Find one that lines up with you doctrinally and then work up the nerve to walk in on a Sunday!

Yeah it's hard, but it's worth it. It's so nice to have Christian fellowship. Hardly any of my friends these days are Christian so going to church is really energizing for me. I eventually found one that I love and that lines up pretty well with what a believe in. Good luck!

(PS: In most major metropolitan areas there is a large church or two that's known on a national level. If you really want personalized advice you could tell me the general place where you live and I'll let you know if I know of any churches. I read a lot of contemporary works done by major pastors so I may be able to help. Promise I won't stalk you!)

Answer 5

Hey J! =0 )

For starters, I want to say it's good to hear you haven't lost your faith...It can be very confusing at times about church's, so it's no wonder you've stepped back from them...My family & I have searched for a "home church" for quite some time, & never seemed to find exactly what we're looking for...There's so much out there that's either too much, or not enough...We finally had to stop searching for "the perfect church" (cause I don't believe there is one), & accept where the Lord took us...We just put it in His hands & He guided us to the church we're at now...It took some time, & visit's to many churches, but when it's the one, you'll know...All I can say is be patient, don't give up faith, & pray that the Lord will find a church where you'll belong...I will pray for you too...If you need to talk, you know where to find me...I hope this helped in some small way...Many blessings to you on your search & in your everday life! =0 )

Answer 6

I will pray.

Also, i suggest finding a smaller Church, because that's more like a community, and you get to know people better. Traditional Churches are the kind i go to, for although most people say they are boring i like the beauty of the ceremony, and besides worship is to show appreciation for God, not for our own amusement.

My #1 suggestion is to find a Church that takes Baptism & Communion very seriously. Too many rock 'n roll Churches just fling the Bread and Wine at you, when they should be holy. After all, Jesus specifically told us to do this.

When you find a smaller Church and people are friendly and greet you, want to talk with you, you will know that you are where God wants you to be.

Praise the Lord for what He has done for you! :D

Answer 7

In searching for a church, the most important bit of counsel I could give you would be to seek a congregation that has a reputation for being a "fellowship of grace." Each denomination will vary greatly from congregation to congregation. Set up time to visit with the pastor and you should be able to tell a great deal about the congregation from his/her personality and demeanor. I will pray for you in your search. God bless!

Answer 8

J, searching for a church to "join" is not the answer.Don't go to a church to see if you "fit" in. Just go for the fellowship of other Believers. God, through His holy spirit, will lead you into all truth.

I recommend the outreach program of Stone Kingdom Mininstries. Ask for their free Bible study: FEED MY SHEEP.
It's a start, then go from there. And, in case you're wondering, there is no "one and only". The Bible says it's here a little, there a little, line upon line, precept upon precept. Isaiah 28:10

Answer 9

Calvary Chapel. Look them up on the internet. there is probably one close to you. That is a good safe church. Then there would be Baptist, Presbyterian, and maybe Bible Church. All four are sound denominationally and doctrinally. Some (Baptist) may be a little more aggressive and outspoken than the others-but they are right on. Calvary Chapel evolved out of the Jesus movement from the 60"s. They are a conservative Bible teaching church. Very lax, laid back, casual people.

Answer 10

Hey J
I am and will continue to pray for you. Gods only requirement for men and women is to keep His commandments, this is how we show love to God and His commandments are love towards us.
1Jn 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
I have read some answers here to your question that say to pray and ask God for His Holy Spirit, This is good, but to receive this precious gift one must first be baptized to receive the Holy Spirit.
J do you know what sin is----1Jn 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
I bring this up because we all must keep the law of God, and one of His laws is keeping the Sabbath day, which is the 4th commandment of God. Jesus one would read the word of God with understanding, one would see that Jesus keeped the sabbath day and His apostles keeped the sabbath day after His death as did all of Gods people from the beginning of time, it was men who changed Gods law, not God, I only wish that all of the world would allow their hearts and minds to understand this very important detail.
Rev 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
Rev 22:15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
I do not wish for Jesus to say that i am a liar,
1Jn 2:4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
So with this all said here are a couple of Churchs of God that do also Keep that great 4th commandment along with the other 9.
www.cgi.org www.ucg.org www.lcg.org

The only way to fight satan is through the word of God, by reading and searching for God in His precious words we call the Bible.