Ok, this is a bit strange, speaking of this on a firearms forum, but here goes....


Anyone here ever have a hard time with finding a new Church, or getting back into the Faith? I've known for a long time I haven't always walked on the right path, but now, with all the trouble over my divorce, and the problems with custody, and the kids (One has been diagnosed with a Serious disorder and is medicated for it, but because of my legal (custodial) standing I can't even say a word) I've notice a pull back to my faith. Especially since I've seen how the kids are turing out in a 'for the most part' atheist household now. Don't know exactly what I'm saying here, but it's a bit frustrating, especially as of late. I see what is lacking in my continual education, and worry how I will try to teach the children in light of everything. I don't know. I guess it's because I feel out of place in the Christian community here, and I've never fit in with the non Christian folks either. I just don't want to see my stumbling translated into the children. That's all. Thank you. I'm not really sure what I've been trying to say, or ask here. I've lost my way with words as of late.


Tim

Tim,

It took me many years to even think about stepping foot in church again. As a young boy, I was forced to go to church in a very abusive environment, and became very angry at God as a result. But, time heals all wounds as they say, and as I got into my thirties, I mellowed out considerably and started asking those big questions about life and what comes after. Some friends invited me to their church (the Church of Christ), and after attending for about a year and a half I became baptized. Even now that I have been a Christian for about 5 and a half years, I still occasionally struggle, and I sometimes see people "use" the church or their faith inappropriately, but now that I am older and wiser I can chalk these things up to mans foolishness, not God's.
We all have our own walk, and yours is different than mine, but if you need anything, everybody on this forum is here for you. But more importantly, God is there for you.
Hope this helps answer your questions.

rt

Tim,

Welcome to Crosswire and this is just what is discussed here on this forum. Usually not about firearms but can also be included.

Your Father has been with you since you turned your back on him. Remember the Prodigal son?

Oh maybe I'm speaking out of turn. That is what happened to me. When I was young I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior. I turned away from him out of anger and mocked and denied him for years. Got married had a son, got divorced. Got married again had another son. Always put work before anything else. Tried to convince myself it was for the family when all any of them, both families ever wanted was time with me. The Lord always was with me, I can see it looking back, took care of me, when I sinned and it was often he always was willing to forgive me even though I hadn't asked him yet. I have since repented but am still a sinner.

I and my 2nd (current)wife and the love of my life raised both boys. There are problems caused by divorce. Just another way the fallen one deceives and manipulates us. I have fallen for a lot of them. The Lord kept them to what we could handle. When I turned 40 I realized that something in my life was askew, an emptiness. My wife and I started visiting local churches of different doctrine, Luthern, non-denominational and Baptist which is how I was raised and she wasn't raised in a church family at all. Well after finding a Bible based church family we made it our home. My wife accepted Christ and we became members. I am striving to follow in my Lords footsteps but we all fall short of his Glory.

I recommend that you start visiting churches. They must be Bible based. Forget about doctrine concentrate on the teachings of Jesus. If they don't teach about Jesus and with his teachings keep looking. When you have your kids take them, it is important. Change your lifestyle. You've always realized when you did something wrong. Just do something about it now before you do it. That's the Holy Ghost, trust him.

Learn to pray and talk to your Father, reintroduce yourself and confess all of your sins. He will forgive anything and everything... but do it. This is something that you can do alone in fact I recommend it. No need to confess to the world. This is something between a son and his Father. Sins against our Father are His concern only. Realize that you've done others wrong and ask them for their forgiveness. Keep it simple.

Get into the Word (The Bible) read it reflect on it and get into a Bible study group of some kind associated with the church that you are drawn to. Learn from it.

Man I know I've rambled on but know that I will be praying for you. There are some good men and ladies on this forum who have Christ as their Savior. Ask and it shall be given, knock and the door shall be opened. We are here for you if you need us.

God bless Tim,
Greg Franks

I believe the doctrine of a denomination is of utmost importance when looking for a church home. A lot of churches seem the same until you see where the roots are and what the belief grounds are.

I have always been amazed at how few people realize what they are saying they stand for by attending a certain church and how when asked about it, think it matters so little that their beliefs are so different than those of the church.

Get right with God. Read His word and pray. Pray for his guidance. I will pray also. You are seeking Him and He is there. Your work of learning about Him will be rewarded.

Looking for a church was the toughest thing my wife and I have ever done. My wife was brought up Catholic and I was from the Evangelical Free background. The first year of our marriage was tough, looking for a church that would suit both of us and teach the Bible. With God's help we found a nice fit where we could serve. After 10 years the church changed with new leadership and a number of us serving the ministry felt God no longer wanted us there. We moved on, again struggling to seek God's guidance in finding a new home. He led us to a place where our spiritual gifts could be used again to meet His needs.

From what you wrote I would suggest the following. Find a congregation that first and foremost teaches the Bible correctly. Listen carefully to the sermons preached. Second, see what support ministries they offer. Our congregation has a great support ministry for those who are hurting. These hurts include addictions, divorce, unemployment etc. The goal is to come around those hurting so they can feel comfort and value in Christ's arms. Look for a church that has a strong men's ministry. This is a growing trend over the past 15 years, (Thank YOu Promise Keepers). The church has finally recognized the many struggles that man have experienced and how these struggles damage the family as well as separate so many from the church. By linking men together in small groups who hold each other accountable we have a way to share without feeling shame or betrayal.

While you are looking continue to read the Bible, maybe even read through the book Wild At Heart, and pray for guidence. Be patient, God will lead you to a place.

Brad S
Hebrews 10:39

Thank You all for the replies, and the support.
Denomination has always been a question to me. I grew up in a certain denomination, and for the most part believe those same teachings. I for the most part am nondenominational, if there really is such a thing. I believe in the BIBLE, and the teachings contained within. I guess I had/have gotten frustrated walking into a church and seeing almost dismayed faces on some, disapointment, or what have you on others.....
It has always seemed a contradiction to me to see people behave this way because someone merely looks a bit different, or can't afford a suit to wear on Sunday. Perhaps I've let myself get just as petty as those whos actions I've disaproved of. I should have been trying to learn, AND show by example that the actions are what count, and the words spoken, and not the clothing, ect. I do appologise if I ramble. I mostly come here to relax after a days work, so my mind drifts a bit sometimes before hitting the hay :rolleyes:. Don't know. Perhaps pride has had something to do with it as well. I just want to get back to were I should be, and get my kids started off in the right direction.


Tim

Tim
You are on the right track.

Below is something JR1 wrote on another thread in Crosswire. He has hit the nail on the head.

Remember this: On the day your meet Father face to face, His question will NOT be, "What denomination were you?"
It will be threefold, and threefold only.
1. Do I know you? Matt 7:21-23,Luke 6:46ff
2. Did you make more disciples? John 21
3. Did you serve 'the least of these'? Matt. 25
That'll be the pop quiz, the evidence that Jesus is your Lord and Savior. So keep growing, read the Bible, hang around other believers who will encourage you in the faith.

Brad S.
Hebrews 10:39

Dang, Brad...that was pretty good! Thanks for remembering it. . .

Dang, Brad...that was pretty good! Thanks for remembering it. . .

JR1
That post was hard to forget. I copied it and gave it out to my sunday school class. It clearly summarized the core requirements of Christianity which are all too often forgot.

Thanks.

Brad S
Hebrews 10:39

I have stored that away also.

I was raised by a very devote Christian mother and a father that only attended church if one of his kids were in a play or something. Set up alot of problems in our household. Early on I attended church every Wednesday and Sunday, sang in the choir, and participated in the Christian Youth Organization- UNTIL I turned 15 or so. After that I did not see the importance of going to church- I thought 'my dad turned out fine and he does not go to church, why do I have to attend'. I stayed out about 15 years. During that time I married the most wonderful woman you could ever imagine (she is Catholic). I attended church off and on for 10 years after that, but I could see that it was bothering her that I did not have the passion that she had. It wasn't until about 15 years ago while visiting my uncle (dad's older brother) that something just clicked. Some will say it was a 'calling' or 'awakening'. I really don't know what it was, but from that day forward things have been much different for me spiritually. My wife had a job for a few years after the visit to my uncle that required her to work weekends. She commented one day that I had changed and that she liked it. I was the one that made sure our boys made it to Sunday School and that they attended Mass when she was not home. I now am the one that encourages other to attend church. Personally I feel like a better person. I can't give you specific reasons except that I feel more at peace with myself and life.
All I can say is don't give up on yourself or your children. GOD has a way of bringing back those that love him. I understand now that His love for us is a done deal. No matter what we do He will love us. Times will not be easy.
I saw in a magazine one time a story about a womens group that did not understand a passage in the Bible about GOD overseeing us "like a forger of silver". One of the women voluteered to talk with a silversmith to see what that passage could mean. She did not tell him why she was curious about silversmithing. She watch him melt and shape the silver. He stated that he must hold the silver in the hottest part of the flame to get the most out of it. She asked him how he knew when it was ready to use. He stated "Oh that is the easy part. When I see my image in the silver it is ready". She then understood that GOD places us in the hottest part of situations and watches our reactions until we shine and HIS reflection is in us.
GOD BLESS!!!

Some excellent advice given here.
It sounds like one of your concerns finding a church is acceptance. Remember that God is ready to meet you where you are. All you have to do is have a desire to change directions and realize that God your Creator loves you beyond what you can imagine and wants the very best for you. That doesn't mean He will erase the consequences of your past but He can and will do what you cannot in terms of dealing with it.

It sounds like you definitely want to change directions. The next step is to enter into a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Simply tell Him you're weary of running from Him, of trying to run your own life, that you accept the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross for the forgiveness for your sin and that you want to know and follow His plan for your life. Don't worry about doing it wrong - God knows the attitude and intention of your heart.

Ask around and try and get some recommendations about churches who teach the Bible. You can search on the internet or find a Christian radio station and ask them. Then visit a church, tell your story to a pastor or church leader who will listen and tell them you need a mentor or someone to disciple you. Pay attention to their response. You'll be able to tell soon enough if they accept you. If they give you a puzzled, blank look, visit another church until you find someone who will listen, be honest with you and mentor you. Be cautious too - there are plenty of wolves who look like sheep who do not have your best interest at heart. If you're unsure about finding a church, I or someone here can probably help with that.

And keep checking back here - there are lots of folks here who do have your best interest at heart and will accept you.

Some excellent advice given here.
It sounds like one of your concerns finding a church is acceptance. Remember that God is ready to meet you where you are. All you have to do is have a desire to change directions and realize that God your Creator loves you beyond what you can imagine and wants the very best for you. That doesn't mean He will erase the consequences of your past but He can and will do what you cannot in terms of dealing with it.

It sounds like you definitely want to change directions. The next step is to enter into a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Simply tell Him you're weary of running from Him, of trying to run your own life, that you accept the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross for the forgiveness for your sin and that you want to know and follow His plan for your life. Don't worry about doing it wrong - God knows the attitude and intention of your heart.

Ask around and try and get some recommendations about churches who teach the Bible. You can search on the internet or find a Christian radio station and ask them. Then visit a church, tell your story to a pastor or church leader who will listen and tell them you need a mentor or someone to disciple you. Pay attention to their response. You'll be able to tell soon enough if they accept you. If they give you a puzzled, blank look, visit another church until you find someone who will listen, be honest with you and mentor you. Be cautious too - there are plenty of wolves who look like sheep who do not have your best interest at heart. If you're unsure about finding a church, I or someone here can probably help with that.

And keep checking back here - there are lots of folks here who do have your best interest at heart and will accept you.



Thanks again all for the help, and advice. Still looking for a church, but my outlook is a little better, I hope,


Tim

The reason I am Catholic is for all the above mentioned reasons. Many other denominations think we don't believe in the Bible. That is far from the truth. After much investigation my choice was made when I realized that the Catholic Church believes in the Apostolic Succession, that is that the Pope comes from a long line of popes that goes way back to Saint Peter our first Head of the Church. We also have the seven sacraments that the church always had and at the heart of these sacraments is the Holy Eucharist, which many call the Lord's Supper. Also you will be a part of a church that numbers over one billion fellow church members. We also believe in the sanctity of life, the Trinity, Evangelism, and all parts of the Lord's Prayer, also known as the Our Father. I also must point out that we don't adore statues, Mary, idols, etc. We respect Mary for being the Mother of Jesus. We have statues to remind us us of our mortality. We have a Crucifix (a cross with Jesus on it) to remind us of what Jesus did for us, that is, die to forgive us our Original Sin, which happened when Adam and Eve disobeyed God the Father at the Garden of Eden and were turned out. I also believe that all other churches broke away from the Catholic Church for very good reasons as mortals even the Popes and Bishops of the Catholic Church made serious mistakes that turned many pious people away from the original church and formed their own denominations. The trend of the Catholic Church today is to reconcile with other denominations and try to continue on with one belief. It came close about 20 years ago with the Lutheran Church. Also in view is a serious discussion with the Anglican Church, which we Catholics never called a protestant church but the "English Catholic Church) as the beliefs did not change when Henry the VIII took it over only that they no longer accepted the Pope as the Head of the Church, but Henry. Our Priests and Deacons, or any member of the Church you may know personally, are more than willing to talk to you. And no they will not try to convert you, but will help you "discern" which way you should go. It all depends on your personal beliefs.

Hi Tim, being a new Christian I may have a lot less knowledge than most of the people who have talked on this forum.
I would like to give you a little advice first find a strong bible based church you will know it when you find it.
Next if you need a bible find a translation that is easy to read example (New Living Translation)worked for me.
The third thing is what to read in the bible and as a new believer I started reading the Gospel of John and than Romans these are both found in the New Testament. I did not know this and after struggling trying to read the bible was given this good advise.
This is meant in no way as a insult, I am just attempting to help a brother in Christ.
I really knew the longing you are feeling and I also know the peace you are going to find!
May God bless you and your family.

Keep your eyes on the Son
Dan