Doubts in my Church

user1234 · Nov 24, 2017

Hi DHoffman

This ↓ is only an opinion after a very scant look at this church, so I would suggest you looking further into it. I dont know this pastor at all, but we had round the clock connections/updates with them during the hurricanes with ministries in Houston, and Florida, and are now in full on mode in PuertoRico and rotating teams.

It was a blessing to see how God moved through so much of what was happening there, so I was made aware of this church thru that (with the osteen fiasco going on in another area of houston getting so much press, there were some really amazing grace things happening elsewhere that werent being talked about much.)

There were also confusing things and false reports, so of course let God lead, but this place sounds like it would have many of the elements that you would find blessings in, and growth in the Lord. My assessment is at the end of this post.

Btw, Im glad to hear you seeing the Trinity more clearly, its an answer to prayer. Jesus baptism by John in the Jordan shows the 3 persons of the Godhead so beautifully, but its still hard for us to wrap our minds around God being one in three, three in one.

Its like 1 what and 3 whos, but that still doesnt explain it. We cant. Hes infinite, we're finite. But trust Him, we are growing and He knows how to reveal Himself to us His children when and as we need, Not in a personal secret revelation sense like hidden knowledge, but I just mean getting to know Him better as we grow.

An entire oak tree is contained in an acorn, but we dont see all the branches and leaves and colors until it grows its mighty way, but its all in there.

Getting back to Trinity, I just point to the fact that God is love, and He is always loving, God is eternal, and love is eternal,....therefore, If there is no truth in the tri-unity of God, iow, if Hes a single, sole, alone being, then who was He loving before creation?

It makes the creator dependant on His creation to be who He is, but that's impossible, since He always is, was, and ever shall be. Jesus is before all things, and by Him all things consist, so the love of God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Ghost is and always is, non-dependent on anything He created. (The fact that He created everything for us His children is amazing love and grace!)

Here...maybe if these guys are close to you, you might want to check them out....
I wrote this ↓ earlier and pasted it...

~~Theres a Calvary Chapel in Houston, southern part.
(Friendswood, Texas is it? Is that right or anywhere near?*)
They baptize in a built in pool on the stage.
No baby baptisms, only dedications for them.
Spirit led worship music, a little charisma but not too much,
im not sure about tongues, but I dont think so, openly,
perhaps as private prayer language for some? Check, tho.
Healing if God wills and leads, not by man's command.
No tossing around the Holy Spirit like Hes our play thing.
Verse by verse straight bible teaching. Jesus is center.
Sound doctrine, it seems, ... Always test though.
Salvation by grace, a gift, not works, faith in Jesus Christ.
Seem like kind of laid back ppl, fairly large church, all walks and ages.~~

Hope that helps. God bless you, DHoffman .

Andrew · Nov 24, 2017

Snerfle said:
Hi DHoffman

This ↓ is only an opinion after a very scant look at this church, so I would suggest you looking further into it. I dont know this pastor at all, but we had round the clock connections/updates with them during the hurricanes with ministries in Houston, and Florida, and are now in full on mode in PuertoRico and rotating teams.

It was a blessing to see how God moved through so much of what was happening there, so I was made aware of this church thru that (with the osteen fiasco going on in another area of houston getting so much press, there were some really amazing grace things happening elsewhere that werent being talked about much.)

There were also confusing things and false reports, so of course let God lead, but this place sounds like it would have many of the elements that you would find blessings in, and growth in the Lord. My assessment is at the end of this post.

Btw, Im glad to hear you seeing the Trinity more clearly, its an answer to prayer. Jesus baptism by John in the Jordan shows the 3 persons of the Godhead so beautifully, but its still hard for us to wrap our minds around God being one in three, three in one.

Its like 1 what and 3 whos, but that still doesnt explain it. We cant. Hes infinite, we're finite. But trust Him, we are growing and He knows how to reveal Himself to us His children when and as we need, Not in a personal secret revelation sense like hidden knowledge, but I just mean getting to know Him better as we grow.

An entire oak tree is contained in an acorn, but we dont see all the branches and leaves and colors until it grows its mighty way, but its all in there.

Getting back to Trinity, I just point to the fact that God is love, and He is always loving, God is eternal, and love is eternal,....therefore, If there is no truth in the tri-unity of God, iow, if Hes a single, sole, alone being, then who was He loving before creation?

It makes the creator dependant on His creation to be who He is, but that's impossible, since He always is, was, and ever shall be. Jesus is before all things, and by Him all things consist, so the love of God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Ghost is and always is, non-dependent on anything He created. (The fact that He created everything for us His children is amazing love and grace!)

Here...maybe if these guys are close to you, you might want to check them out....
I wrote this ↓ earlier and pasted it...

~~Theres a Calvary Chapel in Houston, southern part.
(Friendswood, Texas is it? Is that right or anywhere near?*)
They baptize in a built in pool on the stage.
No baby baptisms, only dedications for them.
Spirit led worship music, a little charisma but not too much,
im not sure about tongues, but I dont think so, openly,
perhaps as private prayer language for some? Check, tho.
Healing if God wills and leads, not by man's command.
No tossing around the Holy Spirit like Hes our play thing.
Verse by verse straight bible teaching. Jesus is center.
Sound doctrine, it seems, ... Always test though.
Salvation by grace, a gift, not works, faith in Jesus Christ.
Seem like kind of laid back ppl, fairly large church, all walks and ages.~~

Hope that helps. God bless you, DHoffman .

Thank you snerfle! Sounds similar but with less bias and "show" then the church I currently attend. Im not sure what it is that comes out of my mouth but its definitely foreign to me, it's very calm and quiet and I don't believe anyone can really hear it so that shouldn't be a problem. I tried on several occasions to shout it out to glorify God but I stop midway because it doesn't feel right for some reason, I now just refer it to my intimate prayer language rather than speaking in tongues.
Do you know the name of the church btw? Maybe there is a similar one a wee closer to me? South Houston might not be too bad I may be able to go just not every week like I would like to.

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user1234 · Nov 24, 2017

DHoffmann said:
Thank you snerfle! Sounds similar but with less bias and "show" then the church I currently attend. Im not sure what it is that comes out of my mouth but its definitely foreign to me, it's very calm and quiet and I don't believe anyone can really hear it so that shouldn't be a problem. I tried on several occasions to shout it out to glorify God but I stop midway because it doesn't feel right for some reason, I now just refer it to my intimate prayer language rather than speaking in tongues.
Do you know the name of the church btw? Maybe there is a similar one a wee closer to me? South Houston might not be too bad I may be able to go just not every week like I would like to.

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Not sure if Im permitted to post this here...
TO THE CH ADMINS: I'll just say Im not endorsing or rejecting this church,
only showing a friend a church option in the Houstion area, I hope thats ok.

[video]https://www.calvaryh.org/[/video]
Click the link and scan down to the bottom for info.
Again, Im not endorsing or rejecting,
I dont know them enough personally to do either.

Andrew · Nov 24, 2017

Snerfle said:
Not sure if Im permitted to post this here...
TO THE CH ADMINS: I'll just say Im not endorsing or rejecting this church,
only showing a friend a church option in the Houstion area, I hope thats ok.

[video]https://www.calvaryh.org/[/video]
Click the link and scan down to the bottom for info.
Again, Im not endorsing or rejecting,
I dont know them enough personally to do either.

Thanks again!
Btw I did ask for church suggestions so if any moderators have any issues I just want them to know it's in the op

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MoreCoffee · Nov 24, 2017

Try your local Catholic Church and see how you go. Talk to the priest or the pastoral worker. Take your time and let them take their time too. It will do you good.

user1234 · Nov 24, 2017

Regarding your prayer language in church, on Sunday night prayer/worship in my church, there are ppl w all kinds of views in the pews. (Lol, I just caught that myself) (oops, no boasting. sorry)
Sometimes I hear ppl 'whispering to themselves' during when we break up into small groups.Theres no judgement.

No one gets weird and wild in my church, (well, THATS debateable...they let ME in, for one thing:boggled

and we dont view any 'sign gifts' as anything to be 'taught' or practiced 'til you get it'. If God bestows a gift *like that* on someone personally, thats between them and God. *But Gods gifts are to be used to edify, not for a one-man show.* Corporately, things are done decently and in order.

If someone jumps up in the course of preaching/teaching/prayer, and shouts 'THE LAAWWWDD IS TELLING ME TO TELL YOU, SHUNDAMACHAI, SHINY OLD COMMODE, ECONOMY CARSHOW, they will be politely escorted somewhere private, where they shall never be seen or heard from again.
Lol, just kiddin.

We only drag them out into the parking lot and tune them up a bit, they usually return quietly and restored, sound in mind just a little bruised in body.
Lol, just kiddin again.

Theyll be talked to and perhaps asked to come back another time to avoid a spectacle, as we're there to honor the Lord and minister to each other and worship God in Spirit and in Truth.

One thing I forgot to mention that was told to me...
Its important to remember, dont look for the perfect church...
If you find one, as soon as you join it, you'll ruin it! :spinningsmilie:

Of course, the One True Church, the Body of Christ, IS perfect,
in the sense that its composed of us imperfect ppl that our Perfect Saviour
has saved and is perfecting by His grace and word.

Peace

Confessional Lutheran · Nov 24, 2017

Well, I guess I'd best recommend my own church, www.lcms.org. This is a Confessional Lutheran Church, whose theology is based entirely on the Bible and those traditions that are themselves Biblical. If you like, www.bookofconcord.org describes our position in matters of faith and doctrine, but the best way to learn about us is to speak to a Pastor and see if the Holy Spirit is leading you thence.

Andrew · Nov 24, 2017

MC I was strongly considering getting back in Catholicism before I went to the Pentecostal church. A big reason I didn't go was because I couldn't get anyone to go with me, no family and no friends, but im more likely to just start walking into whatever church I want now that im used to going by myself. A friend invited me to the Pentecostal church so that got me back in the habit (I also recommend that I have someone I know explain to me whats going on and what not to do).
I will be there at funerals and weddings and if I mt relatives start going back I will likely go with them. I might even get slammed with a thousand Hail Marys for not going to confession since forever.

Snerfle, it depends on the environment, if people start stirring up the Spirit (if its not me leading worship lol) I really get into it nearly running through the doors (yes running in church is allowed haha) jumping and spinning, shouting and stomping are all part of the church, not for show in my case but I do it as the Lord liberates my spirit in rejoicing and praise, and when it gets emotional its easy for outsiders to think of Pentecostalism as very bipolar in observance. I don't find it too weird but its nothing like what ive seen on television with people flying into eachother lol.
I can adjust in respect to other churches in holding myself proper according to that particular member of The Body of Christ.
I heard of some Pentecostals that claim they were escorted out for acting "silly" and I just laugh at it but I do find it a bit disrespectful of them to frighten the sweet old people who might not "get it".

CL, im curious about the beliefs in this church more so because I don't know of any protestants let alone Confessional Lutherans (mainly just baptist) but I'm going to look into it and do some research before attending a service. I intend to go at least once to all Christian churches locally.

A friend of mine really wants me to join the free masons but that sounds more extra curricular then an actual church, from my understanding its more of a club or brotherhood.
Another suggested some sort of church for men and husbands through Christ teaching, cant think of the name but he really seems to be into it.

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Imalive · Nov 24, 2017

Freemasons... NOOOOOOOOO
I've had hours of prayer cause my grandpa was in that cult.
There's quite some churches there. You can listen to a sermon on their web page maybe. I was looking for a church here a while ago. One seemed good. I started listening to a preaching and after 2 mins I had enough of it. Handy, then I didn't have to go there.

tango · Nov 24, 2017

Imalive said:
Yes cause ppl dont pay and expect a pastor to have a job and do some pastoring extra for free, at least here in Holland. One pastor I had had a 60 hour job. He gave a nice talk on sunday, but that was it. Can't blame him. You have no energy left to also spend hours for Bible studies. Cant believe they dont have good churches in America though. The Bible school he went to was American. Nobody here in evangelical churches knows that stuff unless they go to a Bible school in America themselves. We get good food, but actually any other church I attended they didnt have that. He just gives Bible school lessons.

I think you can have a pastor who does secular work as well as spiritual work without necessarily being bad at either of them. It's hard to see how a pastor who works 60 hours a week in a regular job can have much time to spare for pastoring but at the same time a small church simply can't afford to pay a full time wage to a full time pastor, so their options would be to have a part time pastor or have no pastor at all.

MoreCoffee · Nov 24, 2017

DHoffmann said:
MC I was strongly considering getting back in Catholicism before I went to the Pentecostal church. A big reason I didn't go was because I couldn't get anyone to go with me, no family and no friends, but im more likely to just start walking into whatever church I want now that I'm used to going by myself. A friend invited me to the Pentecostal church so that got me back in the habit (I also recommend that I have someone I know explain to me whats going on and what not to do).
I will be there at funerals and weddings and if I mt relatives start going back I will likely go with them. I might even get slammed with a thousand Hail Marys for not going to confession since forever.

I wouldn't worry about a thousand hail Marys

Do whatever seems best to you and pray. God is listening and he will help.

user1234 · Nov 24, 2017

It can be just the opposite, though.
Ive seen some 'sweet old ladies' jump and fall and run, howl like wolves and bark like chickens and cluck like dogs.

ointing:. Ive seen ppl of the 'elderly sort' be the ones to act like morons while some young folks are looking at them with a 'seriously??' look in their eyes and wanting no parts of it. So its not always the way we think its gonna be.

I think ppl really want and need sound doctrine and teaching, the theatrics are leaving them empty, but so is the oh-so-proper 'churchy' type religious formalism and ritualism of so many denominational, 'traditional' churches at the other end.

There's a freedom and life to God in the Spirit that shouldnt be quenched by 'proper church' , but there shouldnt be ppl running into walls and falling down in screams or hysterics either.

I dont believe that God wants us to check our minds OR our emotions at the door, but we should worship and love Him, AND love each other, with BOTH.

Andrew · Nov 24, 2017

Imalive said:
Freemasons... NOOOOOOOOO
I've had hours of prayer cause my grandpa was in that cult.
There's quite some churches there. You can listen to a sermon on their web page maybe. I was looking for a church here a while ago. One seemed good. I started listening to a preaching and after 2 mins I had enough of it. Handy, then I didn't have to go there.

Yeah I would never join, ever. I havent told him but it seems very cultish. He got drunk one night and started reading these weird mormon type rituals and the rest sounded like a strange lawyer mumbo jumbo, i dont see the benefits of it sounds more like a bondage type of situation. I have a masonic bible because I was digging down the rabbit hole back then and according to the book, everything in the bible is relative to everything in free masonry which suggest that they are the only true christians or jews or whatever, but in secret... meh.
Oh earlier you mentioned something about my church experience sounds like it might be a cult. It does seem weird sometimes even for me but I know that I dont see eye to eye with a few beliefs, I even find it creepy sometimes when they make a church out of bible study in a little apartment, they get loud and I cant get into the mood lol they might try to keep all late but we really get into the word and they point out a lot of mind blowing connections when comparing the OT prophecies with the fulfillments in the NT, even some that have not fulfilled, so thats worth the meetings. I just feel like people see me now outside church as "oh so im going to hell?" like im judging everyone, the church really feels that we need to save everyone which I agree but I believe many are that arent in the Pentecostal scene, im not going to convert my dear old grandma to Pentecostal I might as well be Mormon [emoji14]

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user1234 · Nov 24, 2017

Imalive said:
Freemasons... NOOOOOOOOO
I've had hours of prayer cause my grandpa was in that cult.
There's quite some churches there. You can listen to a sermon on their web page maybe. I was looking for a church here a while ago. One seemed good. I started listening to a preaching and after 2 mins I had enough of it. Handy, then I didn't have to go there.

Yes. Btw, did you ever get a chance to check .... Oh, nm, I think that one was way too far in another section of Holland that time .... Thats also a prob .... You find one that seems great...sound teaching, great worship, Christ-centered, God-honoring, etc., and you cant access it.

My one church I can only get to on Sun night for prayer/worship, so I miss the great bible teaching and fellowship on Wed night, and Sun morning I go to a diff church altogether.

So im grateful for their website with tons of resources, and all the Sun sermons and Wed bible studies are recorded and available, plus the cd's I purchase, I have many, but my player is broken. idk if the portable cd players play the same format...that would be handy.

Imalive · Nov 24, 2017

Snerfle said:
Yes. Btw, did you ever get a chance to check .... Oh, nm, I think that one was way too far in another section of Holland that time .... Thats also a prob .... You find one that seems great...sound teaching, great worship, Christ-centered, God-honoring, etc., and you cant access it.

My one church I can only get to on Sun night for prayer/worship, so I miss the great bible teaching and fellowship on Wed night, and Sun morning I go to a diff church altogether.

So im grateful for their website with tons of resources, and all the Sun sermons and Wed bible studies are recorded and available, plus the cd's I purchase, I have many, but my player is broken. idk if the portable cd players play the same format...that would be handy.

No it's on the other side of the country and my church is far better of course.

Andrew · Nov 24, 2017

Snerfle said:
It can be just the opposite, though.
Ive seen some 'sweet old ladies' jump and fall and run, howl like wolves and bark like chickens and cluck like dogs. ointing:. Ive seen ppl of the 'elderly sort' be the ones to act like morons while some young folks are looking at them with a 'seriously??' look in their eyes and wanting no parts of it. So its not always the way we think its gonna be.

I think ppl really want and need sound doctrine and teaching, the theatrics are leaving them empty, but so is the oh-so-proper 'churchy' type religious formalism and ritualism of so many denominational, 'traditional' churches at the other end.

There's a freedom and life to God in the Spirit that shouldnt be quenched by 'proper church' , but there shouldnt be ppl running into walls and falling down in screams or hysterics either.

I dont believe that God wants us to check our minds OR our emotions at the door, but we should worship and love Him, AND love each other, with BOTH.

Yeah we got some old ladies that look incredibly young and have amazing energy, they have been going to pentecostal churches there whole life, but so is my grandma who is Catholic. Most elderly country folk here wont stand for full blown charismatic worship and would probably rope and round me up with a rosary or strike me with a ruler. Im just really happy in spirit like a kid so they wouldnt bother me but i wouldnt do it in there church.
I havent heard any barking or clucking in church but if I did I might choose an animal, im thinking orangutan

jk

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user1234 · Nov 24, 2017

Imalive said:
No it's on the other side of the country and my church is far better of course.

Of COURSE!
How silly of me not to know that.
That was back when you werent going to your one great superior church for a short time and we were looking for something together as an option when you were saying how fallen away so many of the dutch churches have become.
But Im so glad you got back to your one great superior fantastic church! :clap2:
Whew! :;;D::ewink: :friends:

Imalive · Nov 24, 2017

Snerfle said:
Of COURSE!
How silly of me not to know that.
That was back when you werent going to your one great superior church for a short time and we were looking for something together as an option when you were saying how fallen away so many of the dutch churches have become.
But Im so glad you got back to your one great superior fantastic church! :clap2:
Whew! :;;D::ewink: :friends:

Thanks! I'll send you the teachings. Good to learn to speak Dutch tongues.

user1234 · Nov 24, 2017

Imalive said:
Thanks! I'll send you the teachings. Good to learn to speak Dutch tongues.

Yay! :cheer:Im so excited Im beginning to clüucken ja!

user1234 · Nov 24, 2017

Misonderstandings.

They're the bset!

:stars:

Doubts in my Church

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