| Author | Message | ||
| Jim02 Registered user Username: Jim02 Post Number: 12 Registered: 5-2007 |
After spending the past week reviewing the strings. I must admitt I am beside myself. I have taken those match religon tests before and they usually suggest that I am a conservative Christian Protestant. Big surprise. I think most of us find that trying to get a match to a new church is not so easy. I agree with one posting that said , it is a matter of individual guidance from God and or The Holy Spirit. I suspect, there is no such thing as a fit all church. That more likely, each of us will be directed (as a matter of answered prayer) to a church that is best suited to our character and soul need. I know I am starving to belong somewhere myself. Part of this start over is realizing how much of my doctrine has been influenced by spin and interprtation of the SDA teachings. Thus , I think what I will have to do is start over and take each facet, one issue at a time. I maintain simplicity must be a key and a rule. Because , I believe personally, that scripture must not be wrested from its basic common sense meanings. I have very little interest in wasting more years trying to regain my bearings. It simply cannot be this hard. The main thing I am trying to prevent is giving up all together. Thus , I see this danger. That to lead people out of error and then leaving them to drift aimlessly is worse than where they once were. For me, I have burned my brain out trying to absorb it all. It is an impossible task. I need to let it rest. Get some sleep, take a break from it. Go take a walk and watch some cartoons  Just stop thinking period. Then, when I have a better perspective. Start with one thing at a time. No filters. Compile my own doctrine. Get my own bearings. Otherwise, I will be tossed on the rocks in this storm. I will say this. I have seen several programs by Joel Osteen, a non denom ministry on TV. Of all the churches I have watched on TV. That one is by far my favorite. So totally refreshing. I believe true religon should be uplifting. That is the kind of church I am looking for. | ||
| Esther Registered user Username: Esther Post Number: 382 Registered: 5-2004 |
Jim, I understand your feelings of being overwhelmed, we were there once too. I just want to share something with you that helped me through that period: Matt 7:7-11 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. "For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. "Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? "Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him! God will NEVER fail you! He will continue to lead you and teach you and bring you to a place that feeds your soul. Just keep on leaning on Him! | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 3666 Registered: 3-2004  |
Jim, When I decided not to rejoin the SDA church through rebaptism, 3 years ago, I prayed and prayed. I also visited various churches. Jesus Christ was preached in each, but I was not comfortable. Finally one day, the week following Mother's day I was driving between patient's houses in my work as a therapist. I was talking to God, asking him which of the churches he had for me. When I quit talking and gave God a chance to speak, I heard this voice in my head. It said "go to that big church on Russell Rd, off 95". I remember looking up at heaven and saying "that big church" and His reply was "that big church". The following Sunday I went there. A seat was found for me and I sat down. When I sat down this incredible feeling of coming home came over me. After the service I went to guest central to talk to members about the church. I told the young lady my story, she prayed with me and I signed up for Starting Point. God knew what I needed and I am seeing that the longer I am a member here. God told me where He wanted me and He will let you know also. Keep praying and visiting churches. God will let you know where he wants you. He is always awesome. Diana | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 5895 Registered: 12-2003  |
I agree with Esther and Diana. It's not up to you to "figure out" where you need to be. Most of us are ill-equipped to really know that at first! God is faithful, though...He will show you where you need to be. You can visit churches without worrying about "knowing" whether or not you should join. Just visit. The reality of Jesus and His Spirit is that He will help you to have a settled sense about the church where you need to be. Of course, it needs to have orthodox core doctrines. But "uplifting" sermons are not the only criteria. The word of God needs to be taught, and people need to be finding their deep needs met in Jesus. Trust Him, Jim. Let go of the compulsive analysis (do I give my own weakness away?!), and remember Phil. 4:6-7. Remember to thank God for what He's doing in you! Colleen | ||
| Jim02 Registered user Username: Jim02 Post Number: 13 Registered: 5-2007 |
Philippians 4:6-7 (New International Version) 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Thank You All, Jim | ||
| Godssonjp Registered user Username: Godssonjp Post Number: 23 Registered: 1-2007 |
These last few posts are words that I needed to hear. I don't post often but I read posts multiple times a day. I just want to let you all know that your words, comments, posts, etc. are not falling on deaf ears. They have and are helping me on this journey. Thanks to all of you for allowing God to use you to help others like me who are struggling to leave behind the ingrained Adventist thoughts and replace them with Jesus' saving grace. Thanks again. |
