Can you guys share your experience with me?

[stephen.auty]

Hi guys,

You all are very kind for helping me. I thought I should tell you about my visit to Church today as it was the first time I went on my own.

Firstly, there are two Churches in my locality, one called St. Bernards, and the other one that I went to today (that I can't remember the name of). My uncle told me that I should not go to St. Bernards, as there was no minister working there, so I went to te other one. There was no minister at this one I went to either! So, the service was taken by a lay preacher. She welcomed me wamrly to the Church.

The congregation was made mainly of old women, maybe 20 of them, 3 women, and 2 old men (one was the organist) and me.

After the service one of the old men came up to me and started asking me lots of questions about my background. The man asked me because I had quit other things in my life, for whatever reason (the Army, University), would I now quit the Church? And so I had to explain my reasons. He then asked me if my family went to Church. I said "No, but my girlfriend's family are all 7th Day Adventists", which he didn't like. We talked about their view on what the Sabbath is Saturday for them, and his words were "well they are right about the calendar changing, but wrong about a lot of other things!" The other thing that he said was that as the Church had no minister "this Church couldn't help me" at the stage I was at, as a seeker, so I should go on the Alpha Course to learn the basics, but I was "free to worship with them", with the undertone being that I was trying to join their club - not God's club.

Now, this Church has arranged to have a clean-up day, where the people who use this Church will clean it next Saturday, and I am going to help. I am also not going to be put off from going again every Sunday to worship Him. However, I also don't know why this man seemed to be trying to put me off going there with his questions.

From your experiences,what would you guys feel? I am glad I went to Church and spoke to God and took my first step of going alone to Church. However, I can't see why this man would be like this, do you think it is just because I'm young? I mean I admit I've quit a lot of things - I have been hopping from one job to the next, never happy, but I did not know Him then, and I can tell you I feel so much better in myself than I can remember. How can this man upset by implying I might quit on Jesus, after I know what He has done for me, and is showing me through the Bible the life that will make me happy?

Thank you again everyone.
I thanked Him for your messages to me, as I know that it is Him that makes you want to help me.

Stephen

[Kris777]

Sounds to me that you might want to find a different church.  There are some that are more like "club" that exspect you to look and act a certain way and put themselves first before God.  Try to look around for another chruch or go to the other one.  Praising God is the first important thing. Second is that you need people to have good fellowship in.  Explore around.  Maybe if you want try the chruch again and if you still don't like it move on.  I think that, that is a big reason why some people don't want to be Christian is that God is perfect and there is no way that we can be the perfect representitives always.

Hope you find a church you like ,
Your sister in Christ,
Kristen

[stephen.auty]

Hi,

Thanks for your words of encouragement. After having gone to Chruch today, and thinking about what that man said to me, I am not that bothered now, and will go next week without remembering what he sais to me. This is because I realise that the thing he said that upset me the most just makes no sense at all! This is because of what I read in the Gospel of John (thanks for starting me there, Petros)

The man impled that I'd leave the Church just as I left the Army! How can you compare God with a job? How can you leave Him who is with you always? How can you leave the His house, when He lives in your heart! Absolute nonsense. The Bible makes so much sense, I wish I knew about it all earlier, it makes understanding things so much easier. I thank God that He wants me to read the Bible, and learn about Him. Really guys, I wish I could tell you all how I feel right now - like I'm putting the final pieces in the jigsaw, and it feels good! I thank Him again for what he is showing me, through His teachings, and through those who help me.

Thank you all,

Stephen

[Petro]

stephen,

I am rejoiocing to hear the Lord is drawing you into the truth of His word.

It is important to read carefully, word by word.

Notice what Gods says, about to whom He teaches knowledge and doctrine; this is onyl speaking about His Word ;

Isa 28
9  Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.
10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:

Knowledge and doctrine are taught by God the Spirit according to Jesus's promise (Jhn 14:26), and the world cannot receive Him (Jhn 14:17).

It is important to understand firstly who Jesus is, and what the Bible teaches who He is.

This is essential since it is likened to milk (the essentials of the Christian faith) 1 Cor 3:1-2.

Only after one is weaned from this milk, can he learn the doctrines of the FAITH.

I would encourage to re read the gospel of John over as many times as possible, that you might learn all you can about Jesus, taking time to chew as one does when nourishing the body with physical food, you need to eat the spiritual bread sent down from heaven that you might growth in spiritual strength, it is almost as a literally eating every word written about Him.

The very first verse in the gospel, reveals who Jesus is. This can be understood by reading down to verse 14.

Verse 3, reinforces verse one.

Jesus the Word of God, created everything that is seen and not seen both on the earth, and in the heaverns,  anything that was created at the begining He created it. according to verse 3, but He himself was not created, since He existed as God before the world was.(John 1:1, and 17:1-5), He shared the same glory with God the Father.

This is a very important principle to remember when learning Gods Word.

Word upon Word, precept upon precept, line upon line, here a little and  ther a little.

Ask God to help you understand what you read, make sure you start with a reliable bible.

Don't settle for an easy to read versions as they are not as reliable as the KJV.

You may not undestand this now, but you will in due time as you learn the Word of God..

My prayers are with You.


Blessings, Petro

[Petro]

Hi guys,

You all are very kind for helping me. I thought I should tell you about my visit to Church today as it was the first time I went on my own.

Firstly, there are two Churches in my locality, one called St. Bernards, and the other one that I went to today (that I can't remember the name of). My uncle told me that I should not go to St. Bernards, as there was no minister working there, so I went to te other one. There was no minister at this one I went to either! So, the service was taken by a lay preacher. She welcomed me wamrly to the Church.

Stephen

Stephen you said;

"So, the service was taken by a lay preacher. She welcomed me wamrly to the Church"

I say run for your life..........

You need to find a church, which is bible centered, what is the point in reading your bible, if you are not going to be instructed by it, in the bible is found the Word of God, and His will for those who trust and believe Him.

By your words in your opening statement you did'nt know God, nor His word, learning His Word requires obedience to it.

He says through the Apostle at;

1 Tim 2
12  But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.

And if you dopubt this is a commandment made known by the Lord then consider what the same Apostle  says at;

1 Cor 14
34  Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.
35  And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.
37  If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.
38  But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.

Liberal Woman today make themselves preachers and teachers of men, since they choose to ignore Gods Word, with regard to this commandment, what could they possibly teach anyone, which would teach them to submit to Gods Word, when they themselves are disobedient.

Don't make the mistake which will lead you further from Gods Word by giving ear to satan, who desires to keep you ignorant of Gods will for you.

He wants to derail your coming to the truth.

Only those who Hear and Do Gods Word, are counted as children of the promise.

On the other hand if you desire to ignore what is written, then do whatever you want, and of course if you do this, nothing will change in your life.

Praying for you..

Petro

[stephen.auty]

Hello again,

I know Petro, but I wasn't aware that this would be the situation until I got there. Also, my knowledge of the Bible is weak, so I wasn't aware until now this would be such a bad thing. There is a minister visiting this week so I will ask him about any local Churches that he can recommend to me. Also, the version of the Bible I have as advised in the bookshop is the 'CEV (Contemproary English Version)'. Would you say this is not a good starting point? I think I should buy The KJV also...

Thanking you all for your help,

Stephen

[Early57]

Stephen


A few People have responded to you and it is great that they are taking you under their wing.

I want to give you a simple warning that should be heeded.

I gave you my Opinion and I think I gave good advice.  Petro is giving you an opinion and Petro thinks it is good advice.  Kriss777 is doing the same. and others have sounded in with their opinion of what is right.  The most important persons in your relationship with Jesus, is you and Jesus.  you need to read the word and study the word and DIGEST the word for yourself.  My opinion is just that, My opinion.  I take the word of GOD and put it in my mouth and chew on it so that I can receive the nurishment that I need.  Even though I tell you what it tastes like, do not take MY WORD FOR IT.  I may tell you what is right or wrong based on what I believe the Word of GOD is saying.  We can study all our life and still not scratch the surface of what His word really means.  There are Basics in the word and we all can tell you about those basics.  The most important person in your life who should be teaching you is Jesus and of course Yourself.


I call what you are receiving from me, Petro, Kriss777 and others  "PRE-CHEWED FOOD"   Food from my mouth that I have chewed and put it into your mouth for you to chew on.  Does not sound that good when you think about it.  I chew on the food and take all the flavor out of the food and then give it to you.

Get you several Bibles and concordances and you Read and re-read the word for yourself.  

I use NAS, KJV, NIV, LIIVING AND COMPARE THEM TO EACH OTHER.  I WANT TO EXAMINE GODS WORD IN ALL THE VERSIONS.  And then look at the Hebrew and Greek writings to see if the words that man has translated of GODS Word lines up.  If I find a passage that is off a little I examine that passage even farther.  I feel that you being a young Christian you should start training yourself to examine and study GODS word for yourself.  It does not mean you cannot take someones opinion of GODS word, just study it for yourself.


REMEMBER, I WILL NOT BE STANDING BEFORE GOD ON YOUR BEHALF.  YOU WILL BE THERE ON YOUR OWN BEHALF. YOU WILL NOT BE THERE ON MY BEHALF.

INMYOPINION
Early57  

[stephen.auty]

Hi,

Yes I understand that totally. Everyone does interpret what they read in a different way. It is funny that you mention the different versions of the Bible, as I ordered a KJV Bible yesterday to compare with the one I already have. As for this thread, I was just asking for advice - especially with what happened at my local Church. I never expected that type of welcome, or that type of service that happened there so I was wondering if there was anyone who had. I thank you all for sharing your opinions with me as I begin my journey. God Bless You all, but I do know it is my own journey, and I am enjoying knowing Him more and more. I hope to be able to help others who are seeking in the future, and pass on what I learn now.

Thank you all again,

Stephen