Where to really worship God

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-19-2004
Where to really worship God
12
Mon, 08-01-2005 - 11:33pm

I would like some honest, unbiased feed back about my confusion. Please, I am not starting this thread to be a debate, I am just really confused right now, and need some direction. For about16 years I have been a member of the nondenominational Church of Christ where I live. Recently I withdrew my fellowship from them because I felt that there were scriptual issues that they weren't following correctly. I feel that following the teachings of the new testament are vital to pleasing God, but with this church, they believe and teach that if you don't follow the bible the way they do, you are wrong and you are not going to go to Heaven. This even applies to churches of Christ that are considered "liberal" whatever that means. Of course, the liberal churches of Christ think that the "Anti" churches of Christ are wrong also. So there is division in the churches of Christ as to which church? I know according to this church of Christ, if I don't go to a faithful church of Christ, even if I am attending a different church faithfully, then I have "left the Lord" and will not go to Heaven. In fact, if I was still a member of my former church, they would withdraw from me for leaving their church to attend a church other than a faithful church of Christ, stating that I was walking disorderly according to the Bible. They would even withdraw from me if I left thier church of Christ to attend what they consider is an "unfaithfull" church of Christ. Their teaching is that they go strictly by what the Bible teaches and add nothing else to it, and condem those churches that interpret the Bible differently. Interestingly enough, even though the Bible does say that elders must be fathers of faithful children, one of the elder's has a daughter that was divorced by her husband for adultery, and yet he is still an elder. His interpretation of the Bible is that as long as she isn't living in his home, then he is not responsible for her actions. I discussed that issue at length with another elder and told him that if the church was going to go by what the Bible says then this church was wrong to have this man as an elder. He disagreed saying that he didn't think that's what it meant. I told him that if that was how the church members believed then how could that church look down on anyone else for interpreting the Bible differently than that church. There is another church of Christ in town that is, according to whatever, is a faithful church of Christ, but I am really hesitant about going there, because I don't want to be caught up in the "if you don't worship as we do, you're aren't going to Heaven." I want to worship God, and I know that anyone I would talk to, no matter what their affiliation, would show me chapter and verse about why their church is faithful to God. What is the right way? I just want to serve God and praise him through worship without being taught that anyone that doesn't do it a certain way is wrong. Anyone have any unbiased words of wisdom?

Thanks, Pam

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-30-2005
Wed, 08-10-2005 - 12:00am

yOU ARE THE TEMPLE OF THE lIVING GOD. lET AND ALOW THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST GROW BE REVEALED WITHIN. NOW THE church word has been misused. Now the so called churches are not to be condemed nor condoned.There is a diference in religion and spiritual Life. we are here with the living and given an opportunity to Gain Life . remember both living and life are very important. so here is something and be careful how you handle this. // The goal of life is not marriage but love. Those who function God as love are
those who have finished their course in mortal love and marriage. These can
understand what is being worked out in the
race,and note with joy the activities that partake of a higher spirit of love.
Marriage fulfills itself to any ego when the male and female qualities of being
are united within one form this making
for spiritual birth and resurection. These gain the righteous concepts fo Love
and Marriage and become the means, spiritually, by which higher order may work
out in the race. People in the race
thought and love are given to do racial work that more perfectly align it to
higher ideals of love and marriage. Companionate marriage is one of these racial
factors by which people are
prepared for a higher advancement, and then freedom of bondage is determined.
The source of being should be seen as the author of all these changes, then the
ego will find in the ideas pertaining to
them opportunity by which to advance. Ida M
each in whatever place of living that is single,married,devorce,seperated, companionate oneetc. can explain more, Just let ,allow,and avail yourself with a precious heart and more Truth will come forth to dispell errors and partake more of Life receiveing from the magesties unlimited supply needs and some wants to receive and dispense under Holy Spiorit guidance. imperfect ira

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-09-2001
Sat, 08-13-2005 - 12:52pm

I am not Christian, either, but I would trust your inner wisdom. It is my belief that our deity/deities speak to us there, in the quietness of our own hearts and spirits. There are many Christian churches and denominations out there. I'd suggest trying out different churches in your area and see if there is one that matches what your inner wisdom is telling you. Perhaps do some research about different denominations, on-line? There are many choices and opportunities for worship from which you can choose. I'd pray about it, also, and for guidance to find the right church for you. Trust your God. He will help you. ;)

Here's a couple of links where you can read up on different denominations, perhaps:

http://www.beliefnet.com
http://www.religioustolerance.com

Wishing you the best,
Gypsy



Blessings,

Gypsy

)O(



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