Theological question.

[84vanagon]

I'm sort of baring my soul here.

Being new to this forum, I have a few questions.

I admit to being a sinner.

I was baptized when I was a baby.
As a child I attended a Protestant Congregational Church.
I do believe in god, but I haven't read the Bible
and don't attend church services.
I don't pray to God every day, but do pray for others in
times of need. Rarely Do I pray for myself.
I (for the most part, need to work on a few exceptions)
try to treat people like I would like to be treated.

In my area, Dallas Tx., a lot of the churches are multi-
million dollar enterprises that seem to border on corporations.
Granted, the more money a church takes in, the more it
is supposed to give back to the community.
For every one of these big churches there are many more
smaller churches.

This thumb-nail back-round may help to provide me with
some answers.

Is there a difference in believing in God, and being
"saved"?
Does one have to attend a "church" to be saved?
Is it wrong to not belong to a specific "church".
Are the "non-denominational churches" recognized by
Our Heavenly Father?

Thank y'all for any input.

God Bless!
Don.

[demonhunterfan]

Hey Don,
Way to go, postin' this here. You come to the right place my man, coz even tho' we're a buncha crazy model builders, we do has answers to yer questions. :-[Ooops, almost fergot-- you're a crazy model builder too!

Seriously Don, depending on what you do after reading the replies you get, will determine where you spend eternity. So cool how you're already doin' some of what it says to do in The Bible to be saved. I'm a sinner too, Don, but Jesus has saved me from so many things, but most importantly HE has saved me to spending eternity with HIM in Heaven--- not Hell. Jesus saved me because I asked HIM to. HE wants to save you too, but it is your decision to ask HIM-- HE will not force you.

About your asking "Is there a difference in believing in God, and being "saved"?"........ uh, yes and no. You pretty much gotta believe in HIM to be saved-- but-- just believing in HIM doesn't get you saved. There's tons of peeps in Hell that 'believe' in God.

Like I said before, it's cool how you've already done some of what The Bible says about getting saved-- you admitted to being a sinner. OK, well, we sinners need to be saved from the punishment we deserve, and aint no other way, or no other person that can save us from that punsihment, but Jesus Christ. If you truly want to be saved, you have to ask Jesus to come into your heart. Like I said, you already did step 1-- admitting your sinfullness. Jesus willing gave up HIS life on the cross to pay the penalty for all our sins-- but each one of us has to accept HIM as our personal Saviour, and the best way to do that is to talk to HIM (pray) personally-- just as if you and I were in the LHS together talking to each other.

Talk to Jesus, Don. Tell HIM you want to be saved, that you want to get to know HIM. That's pretty much all you gotta do-- if you are sincere in your heart about it-- and then HE will do the rest. HE will start leading you in different ways, kinda like he led you to this here forum. In The Bible, God says that HE doesn't want anybody to perish, meaning that HE would like everbody to be saved-- to be with HIM in Heaven when they leave this earth, so HE does cool stuff like having Fletch start this forum up, and then having Treehugger and me just sharing with you, and inviting you to check out this forum & stuff, but like I said before Don, it's up to you now.

Just talk to HIM.

Later, and God bless.

[84vanagon]

Thanks John!

I know I have asked a lot of "big"
questions. And that there are going
to be as many different answers as
all of us have elbows.

I feel your answer is going to be
a step in the right direction!

Thank you God, for good friends like John and
Treehugger Dave for leading me here and
Fletch for providing this forum!

God Bless y'all!

[Fletch]

Don, as John has already indicated the steps if you will to being saved are simple. It's up to us to determine if we choose to take them.

Bear with me as I add to what John posted so we can make sure we get all your questions answered.

1.Is there a difference in believing in God, and being "saved"?

The answer is yes there is a difference, believing in God is recognizing that being who is superior to us has dominion over heaven and earth and that we are his creations. Believing in God does not equal being saved. Anymore then there being enough good we can do to overcome our sins. Even in Old Testament times the Jews believed in God. Every year they would go to the temple to offer up a sin sacrifice for their transgressions of the past year. Even though they believed and offered up sacrifices every year they were not saved. It required the sacrifice of the perfect Lamb of God for us to be Saved.

From the time of the Garden of Eden we have had free will or free choice. Right or wrong we make our own decisions. With each and every decision we make there are consequences, if the choice is in line with what is good for us the consequence is positive, if the choice is against what we should be doing....... well you get the picture. The negative choices are more often then not are against God and lead to sins.

I guarantee you Brother there is not a one of us here that is not a sinner. Even after we are saved we still are sinners, we still make bad choices and sin against God. Fortunately, God accepts our ongoing confessions of sins and forgives us just as He did when we first ask for forgiveness.

Believing in God is acknowledging His existence and power and His Love for each and everyone of us.
Being saved expands on acknowledging God as Lord and Creator. Being Saved requires admitting being a sinner and asking Jesus Christ to come into your heart and be your personal Savior.

Here is a suggested Prayer:

“Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and I do not deserve eternal life. But, I believe You died and rose from the grave to purchase a place in Heaven for me. Jesus, come into my life, take control of my life, forgive my sins and save me. I am now placing my trust in You alone for my salvation and I accept your free gift of eternal life.”

That is all that is required, admitting you're a sinner and asking Jesus for the gift of Eternal Life.

If we take a look at Luke Chapter 23:39-43 we can see just how easy it is to be saved:

Luke 23:39-43 (New International Version)

39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!"
40 But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong."
42 Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
43Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."

In Verse 41 the one criminal states that “We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve.” He was in effect admitting to being a sinner. In Verse 42 he acknowledges Jesus as Lord and Savior, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." In response to his admission and acknowledgment Jesus responds in Verse 43, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise." In those few words we have recorded the first sinner’s prayer and first person accepting God’s plan of Salvation.

2. Does one have to attend a "church" to be saved?

Salvation as seen above has nothing with attending a Church. Don’t take that as a blank check where Fletch says I don’t have to attend Church. Being part of a body of believers will help you grow in your faith and help you become a stronger Christian. I included Luke 23:39 above for a reason. That reason being that Satan did everything he could to get Christ to turn away from God’s plan for our Salvation even up to the time he was nailed to the cross. I have no doubt what so ever that the criminal talked about in versed 39 was Satan. If he could convince Christ to alter the plan of Salvation then Satan not Christ would have won our souls. Brother, if Satan is so bold as to try and tempt Christ as he hung upon the cross then you and I are fair game. Being part of a body of believers will help protect you from the slings and arrows of this life.

A body of believers will help you better understand God’s Word and his plan for your life. Believe me he does have a plan for you if you will allow it to happen. They can come along side you as a new Christian. There is strength in numbers when the Prince of Darkness comes to call.

3.Is it wrong to not belong to a specific "church"

No place in the Bible does it suggest a specific Church that we should attend. The Bible does use the term “Church of God” and there are a lot of churches out there that use that name. Does that make them the specific church? I don’t believe so. There are a lot of churches today that feel they need to have the latest, greatest programs in order to be “THE” church that people attend. Truth be known the only program they need is the Bible and teaching Gods Word.

4.Are the "non-denominational churches" recognized by Our Heavenly Father?

If we look at the first century church we find in the Book of Acts they did not have the Bible as we do today. They taught the lessons that Christ had taught them. There was no Catholic Church, no Southern Baptist Conference; there was no organized Christian religion. They were the Church.

My personal opinion is the Church we see illustrated in the Book of Acts is what the Church is still supposed to be. Non-Denominational Churches should be teaching the Bible exclusively. Being they are not part of a denomination or organized religion they shouldn’t have any church doctrine to take your focus off God’s Word. I may step on some toes with this next statement but here goes. Christ died for our Salvation not so that religious leaders can add their ideas to the teachings of the Father.


Above all else if the Church you choose to attend does not use God’s Word to teach from and challenge you to get into the word, find a Church that does. If the Pastor does not challenge you to open the word while they are delivering the sermon, find a Pastor that does. If the church members do not greet you as a returning lost sheep, find a Church that does. Do Not allow religion to come between you and the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Do Not mistake religion for Christianity or Christianity for religion, they are not the same.


Don, I hope Brother that this helps to answer your questions. I would highly recommend that you acquire a Bible and spend time in God's Word daily, it will help you with your walk with Christ. I would recommend that you go to a Christian Book store and talk to their staff about which translation to buy. I would recommend a literal translation versus a paraphrase translation. I'm sure there are excellent Christian stores in the Dallas area. There are great resources available online as well, one is Biblegateway.com.

If you would like help getting plugged into a Bible teaching Church in the Dallas area let me know. I'll reach out to my contacts in your area to find a good fit for you.

I pray that the Father holds you close and provides you comfort and keeps you safe. Amen.

Your Brother In Christ

Fletch

[demonhunterfan]

Hey Don, you're quite welcome.

One thing I would like to add that has helped me along the way ever since I accepted Jesus about 13 years ago is that you get yerself a 'daily devotional' book, or booklet. Not sure if'n the churches in Texas do the same thing they do hereabouts, but some churches offer little booklets called "Our Daily Bread" or "The Upper Room". What these booklets are (and sometimes they come in LARGE PRINT!) are just like the 'devotionals' that Fletch posts up here everday, with a verse or two from The Bible, and then some related story about how some person or persons had a similar experience with God--what we call a 'practical application'-- you can apply it to your life, your situation, in a practical manner.

To me, and a lot of other people, it is a good way to continue to let God lead you in your being saved, and the journey afterwards. You got a lot of caring Brothers here who are very interested in helping you along the way, and we offer any help we can give, but-- we are human, and we make mistakes, and we get excited, etc, so we may try and rush things. The really cool thing about reading a devotional every morning is that if, and when, you are serious about 'devoting' that time to 'listening' to what God may be 'saying' to you thru the words you read, then HE will 'answer' you, and you will know it when you 'hear' HIS answer to you. God's Answers are always the best answer, because HE is alll wise, and truly loving. HIS Answer may come as another part of the devotional reading, or a verse that HE leads you to in The Bible, or you may hear something on the radio, TV, at a church HE may lead you to, or here.

Bottom line, when you commit to reading a 'devotional', you are committing to bettering your relationship with your Heavenly Father. A good way to start is to simply thank God for the devotional book, or reading, and ask HIM to help you understand what HE is saying. It is all about relationship-- and it is like any relationship we can have here on earth-- when we are cool about it, we let the other person talk and we listen, then we talk and they listen. That's kinda what happens when God sees that you are serious about wanting to know HIM by your reading a devotional every day-- it's the same as you asking a father here on earth, every day, "Good morning Dad, how are you? What's up today?" etc. When HE, our Heavenly Father sees that you truly are interested in letting HIM be a part of your daily life, HE is overjoyed to lead you and tell you things, like how to handle situations. So many people who read daily devotions have seen that God knows exactly the situation they are in, and gives them the answer, the comfort, and encouragment they need at the very moment they need it. It's almost as if you could read ahead so you could see what's up 2 weels ahead of time, but it don't work thataway. God loves to give us 'our daily bread'. Like Fletch said, the people at a Christian book store can help you find a Bible, and a devotional book as well.

We're here for ya Don, but if'n we can't answer a question of yours, HE can!

Later and God bless

[Kit Karson]

Don, the first book in the Bible that I would have you read would be the book of John. btw BIBLE is an acronym. It is: Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth!! The book of James is also a great read providing daily directions for the believer to live by.

The comments that Dave and John have shared with you in trying to answer your questions are the same responses that so many others have needed to hear as they search the path to salvation. Your questions are the same as many have asked and the answers are just road signs along the path to salvation. Your personal salvation is of the greatest concern of all of the believers that have crossed your path.

The moment you ask Christ into your heart will be a mile marker that will change your life forever! It will also be the beginning of a walk with God that you will never forget!! You'll have even more questions as you walk the walk. But others will see the change and the change will become even more apparent the more you are in His Word!!!

The last and most important part of your decision is, it's never too soon and God will accept you as you are! You need not be concerned that you have not reached any certain level of understanding all the gifts that He has for you. Just know that accepting Jesus into your heart is the first and greatest of all the gifts you'll ever receive from God!!!!

He is waiting to Bless you...

[treehuggerdave]

Well hi all ;D
I love everything I read here. Dave's prayer on inviting Jesus into your heart is "Right On".
Don your questions are so exciting.

To me, church is where we get most of our first major questions answered.
Church choice can be a tough decision, but exciting when you find the one that fits.
I've moved several times to different churches, and have a system that works for me. First, I don't attend small churches, especially if they aren't growing.
Me, I want to attend a vibrant growing church that is excited to bring people to Christ, full of the HOLY SPIRIT, and have plenty of serving options, so I can get involved.
Most small churches don't seem to have the same "energy" and unfortunately most in a small church have busy body "ISSUES".

The church I'm involved with now is pretty large, about 3000-3500, and is heavy into community outreach work, donating their time and helping with money and support.
Our pastor really has a heart for those without Jesus and people struggling in rural communities.

For me, I stay away from denominational churches, organized religion.
I'd start praying, and ask God to lead you to a church, and when you start visiting different churches, talk to the pastor, to see if you "Click" and ask the people there why they like it.

Don, I can tell your hearts in the right place with Christ, and HE will lead you to where you need to be.

I'll be praying for you and ask GOD to help you find a church that is a real blessing to your life and has a good "Recovery Program" - Many do.

Bless you Don on your new and exciting journey as GOD leads you my friend.

dave

[84vanagon]

Wow, thanks Fletch, John, Kit and Dave.

That is a lot of information y'all gave me.

I've decided the first thing I need to do is
get a bible. I had to go to Wally-World to get
a few things so on a whim I went to the book
section to see what they had to offer. Boy was
I surprized. Here in the buckle of the Baptist
Bible belt Wally's doesn't offer much. There is
a small bookstore in town that I'm going to try
tomorrow after work. The only Christian book stores
are a ways away, and would have to wait until
Saturday.

I was doing some surfing after I read Fletch's
reply yesterday. I found a site in the net that
lists all of the published Bibles and you can pull
up any part of them to look at. When I was growing
up the King James Bible seemed to be the most
prevelant. Fletch suggested a NIV version and there
is one. After reading Genesis I, I find the King James
version to be comforting, but I am drawn
to the New Living Translation for some reason.

Thanks to all for your help! I'm here
to stay.

God bless!

Don.

[Kit Karson]

Amen

[84vanagon]

Jun 1, 2009 23:34:27 GMT -8 Kit Karson said:

Amen

Thanks!