72. Facing a Crossroads
Posted by:
SeLahGirl on
June 19, 2008 at
11:23AM EST
Thoughts during a conversation with a college-age friend, who is
searching out a church to attend... Thought this might be helpful to
others as well. I know several ppl who are at a similar crossroads in
their life. Luv and Hugs <3
--------------
I
was raised Roman Catholic. My husband was raised Pentecostal Holiness.
Both of us were out of church when we met, but as our relationship
became more serious, we began discussing God. It's an amazing story how
God brought us together and back to him. But in the beginning we
wondered how it would ever work with our church backgrounds the way
they were. We began reading our Bibles together -- we weren't even in
church at the time. And the church that seemed to fit our understanding
best of what we were reading and what God was putting in our hearts at
that time was the Assembly of God denomination.
We were there
for 11 years and loved it, but felt God was calling us to a
contemporary movement called the Vineyard. We were there for eight
years, and have recently settled in a Nazarene church because our teens
are challenged by the youth group and love it. They are also very
community outreach minded, and are not just hearers but doers. Tons of
opportunities are available and encouraged to get involved in practical
community fellowship and service.
I was just thinking this
week how refreshing it was to actually feel like a part of THE CHURCH
rather than A CHURCH. I recently heard of a band called BRADDIGAN. They
really stress having a heart for a global community. I think there is
too much emphasis on our churches and not enough emphasis on THE CHURCH
as a global force ministering to a global community.
anyway,
sorry to ramble so... it's late and I'm very sleepy. I was just so
moved by God lately. He is so real and active in our lives today. If a
person just takes the time to believe that he is speaking to them, they
will hear him saying so much to this generation of the church (young
ones and old ppl). haha. (Selahgirl)
...
It
gets complicated sometimes trying to find a church that is in tune with
everything in our heart or that we feel Scripture teaches. I don't
think I've ever found one that aligned perfectly. But the core of the
Christian Faith, the standards of the Apostle's creed, Nicene Creed...
is the heart of the Christian Faith for me, cuz it's laid out in the
word of God from what I understand after reading the Bible and praying
for Guidance.
Beyond that I feel like God tells us to work out
our own salvation. That doesn't mean to find excuses for stuff we want
to do... it means to let God fine tune your walk and make it personal.
It's like being cookies made from the same doe, but shaped and
decorated and flavored by the baker's own hand and preference. So there
is a distinct beauty in every denomination that agrees with the
fundamental teachings of the Christian Faith.
The Vineyard
doesn't take a stand on several controversial issues... such as the
Rapture. There were ppl that believed it and others that thought is was
a ludicrous teaching. So the church taught that either could be true...
but here is the catch. It was never boldly taught from the pulpit. It
wasn't a big deal at first, but over time I missed hearing messages
about the Blessed Hope of the Rapture. And my children weren't hearing
it proclaimed and taught in the sanctuary (though they heard it at
home).
So it's kind of a give and take when you step outside
the fundamentals of the faith. I don't think denying the rapture will
send you to hell. You might not go up when it occurs, but you just
might. I don't know how God will judge or fulfill it. I'm just called
to express to the people around me what I believe God wants of us and
of me, and then I've gotta step aside and let them work out their own
salvation with God. Our walk is so completely personal, yet so very
global and community focused. I luv how it will never fit into a box!
Your
heart is following desperately after what will please God. I am
convinced that such motives will always lead to good things. Our
heavenly Father loves us, and will not allow us to mis-step if our
heart is sincere. Mastering that wrestling within our own heart is the
most difficult part, but God will walk you thru it. Sometimes it's a
process requiring much patience so we can be sure of what we believe,
if it was always easy we would be tempted to doubt further down the
road. (Selahgirl)
:o)
