Does church affiliation matter?

Question

After returning from an over-seas mission trip with an independent organization, I made the decision to seek out a smaller church community. I had been attending a large church of 20,000+. Around this time I felt the Lord calling me into longer term missions and I applied for a position in the same organization. After the initial contact I was informed that I would need a sending church. Not having a church where I live, I asked the church I grew up in to act as one. One hurdle stood in the way and that was the issue of baptism. I grew up in the Church of Christ church, which believes along with faith, confession, and repentance, baptism is also needed for salvation. The organization, along with myself, subscribe to salvation through grace by faith. After talking this out with my sending church they still agreed to commission me. A month passed by and the issue came up again, in a way where the church no longer felt they could send me, because of the org's view on salvation. In the meantime I have been attending my aunt's church (another Church of Christ) as a way to get involved in a smaller community, but also as a way to sort of appease my sending church.

With this new development I am torn as to what to do. My entire family is Church of Christ, but after wrestling with scripture on this issue I no longer believe the necessity of baptism for salvation. I have already started to get involved with this new church and my grandfather is thrilled that I am once again with this denomination, but all I think on Sunday Mornings is, "I don't believe this." I'm also concerned that any future work with this organization would be hindered by this church affiliation. However, I'm tired of starting over and trying to find a new church seems overwhelming. I'm also concerned about my families reaction to this, after I was so willing to ask for their support for this missions opportunity. Any advice?

Answer 1

Gayle,



First rule of thumb in ministry is, "be honest with yourself and those around you."



I have a friend who was in a similar situation. He was a missionary in

China. The group he was working with did not believe the same way he did in several ways. He considered leaving the mission in China but decided against it because he "didn't want to let down the people who sent him there - the people who were supporting him." Resentment set in, followed by bitterness. To make the story short, he no longer wants anything to do with China, missions, church, or God.



If you are convinced of significant doctrinal error then be honest with the people. Be tactful, also. I was asked by the pastor and deacons of a local church to serve as their youth pastor. It was a church that had some errors (in practice if not in doctrine). But, I had no indication that the error was still there. After prayer and presenting to them a proposal, I felt comfortable. They agreed with the proposal. Before my formal coming to the church, I was sitting in a service and heard the pastor say something that was exactly opposite of what the Bible teaches. There was an immediate "Amen!" that came from most everyone in the building. A cold chill ran up my spine. It was all I could to to remain in the service until it ended. After that, I explained the situation, leaving out the details of the event, and left. The people were upset with me, but my conscience was clear. There was no point is explaining the doctrinal error because they obviously believed it to be true.



Remember Jonah. After completing the task God had given to him, he was reprimanded by God. Why? Service is only accepted by God if it is done with the right attitude. Service with resentment is not acceptable. "God loves a cheerful giver" is not dealing only with money.



If this doctrinal error might cause resentment either for you or the sending church, it is better for the mission, you, and the church if you look for another sending church. I understand the frustration of moving to another church. I've had to do it several times. But, your first goal should be to please God. God dosn't NEED our help in accomplishing anything. Allow Him to work out the details. If He wants you involved in this mission, He will make the way. Concentrate on following Him and applying the principles He teaches in the Bible. He will work out the details.



I hope you find this helpful.

Terry

Answer 2

Perhaps some additional study will help you. I know a lot of people who after taking a look at this material changed their mind on the salvation issue. I hope you will go to www.wecareministries.com and watch the video on the Gospel Presentation. It is an awesome video and does a whole lot of logical explanation about the Gospel and faith. It is not the "5 step" program like the Jules Miller series you are probablyy used toseeingg and hearing. By 5 step I mean hear, believe, repent, confess, and be baptized. It is about defining biblically what the gospel is and why and how you obey it.



It is true that grace saves us thru our faith. We cannot ever earn salvation. Because of God's love for us Jesus died on the cross for our sins. But there are conditions that Jesus gave that we are required to comply with to receive that grace. It is Jesus blood that cleanses our sins. The Bible tells us that Jesus shed His blood in His death. The Bible also tells us that there is a way that we get into His death. All of this info is in the video.



Perhaps the additional study can make a difference and this whole problem you have will resolve itself. Please keep in touch

Answer 3

A candidate's religious affiliation can be indicative on how the country will go on issues of keen interest to particular groups - like abortion, same sex marriage, etc. A good candidate will remind folks that no matter what his own religious convictions, he is in office to represent the people and will not allow his own personal feeling and convictions to influence his policy making. That is what John Kerry did in the last election - he indicated that as a Catholic he was personally against abortion, but he recognizes that he is a public servant and promised to act according to populous sentiment. Conversely, George Bush has stated unequivocably that he is anti-Choice and that he would approve any anti-Choice legislation that came his way - then he appointed judges that would be conservative enough to threaten current Pro-Choice legislation. If the public sentiment was with him (which is currently about 50-50), what could anyone say - but he presents it more that it is his conviction and so he will do what he can to further that agenda in American laws. That is dangerous to the separation of Church and State and a nation founded on Freedom of Religion. Peace!

Answer 4

All of which simply demonstrates the futility of trying to find the truth through personal interpretation of Scripture. I guess that's the beauty of Protestantism. You can decide for yourself what the truth is and then find a church that teaches what you want to hear. On the other hand, there is the actual truth which resides in the one Church founded by Jesus Christ. Think about it.

Answer 5

Church officialities can become a nuisance but some churches are much more flexible than others...



About baptistism - Jesus said that to enter the kingdom of God requires to be born again of water and the Spirit. The 'water' indicates the re-birth symbolism of water baptism - so yes it is necessary ALTHOUGH if humans don't baptise you before you leave your mortal body you may still have re-birth by water baptism of a metaphysical kind - God Himself will baptise a faithful convert if necessary in a mystical way to allow entry into His kingdom...



Having said this - to avoid baptism by water by members of Christ's Church is obviously against the way of public repentance expected of Christians - but its not going to be unforgiveable and deny you access to the kingdom...

Answer 6

Acts 2:37-39, 1 Peter 3:21 show that baptism is an essential part of believing in Jesus - identifying with his death for you.



But really the question of what u believe about baptism is moot if you havn't received the grace by receiving the Spirit (evidenced by speaking in tongues) - have you?

Answer 7

Obviously from your commentary it is important what church one attends. If you want to be a missionary you should be aware that false teaching is a sin so it is important to teach the fullness of truth and practice. So obviously it is important who you look to for truth.



I have been a missionary most of my adult life, formerly as a Moravian. I commend you for choosing this difficult but rewarding work. Very few answer this call and many are needed.



Jesus prayed that we all be one in His Church. Obviously from the Bible and history that Church is the Catholic Church which is the one and only Church founded by Jesus and the apostles. It is the Church that the Bible teaches will be the ark from evil in this world. It is the Church promised by Jesus to always contain the fullness of truth. The Bible warns of false teachers. Unfortunately many with good intentions become these false teachers teaching the doctrines of men from thier man-made churches. You mentioned one such doctrine of men which is that Baptism is not necessary but Scriptures teach differently and so does the continuing practice of the Church.



So it seems you are at a crossroads. It is your choice whether to teach the doctrines of men or the teaching of Jesus and the apostles. Satan has already tempted you into believing against His Sacrament and against, as a result, the grace it bestows by bringing one into the family of God while cleansing them of their sin making them into new creatures, born again in Christ.



If you really want access to the fullness of truth and practice it comes from His Church and His Church only, the Catholic Church. Choose Christ's teaching and not the doctrines of men. God bless!



In Christ

Fr. Joseph

Answer 8

It is the Christ Jesus Affiliation that matters and if by Church you mean the Body of Christ yes , if you mean denomination no however not all so called Churches are affiliated with Christ Jesus. We have to seek the Truth which is another name for Christ Jesus and we have to hold the teachings of any church up to the Light of His Word the Holy and Inerrant Bible.

Answer 9

We're all preoccupied with minor theological issues in the churches-there are 2 things that matter-to repent and to follow Christ-I've seen Christ use the Catholic church to reach people though ive been told the RCC was a dangerous ally of Satan-"I dont occcupy myself with things too high for me" ps 132 i think.Youre over thinking it really

Answer 10

I believe that there are many denominations (and non-denominations) that have churches which glorify God.

The local church gathered must be committed to the same principles as Acts 2.42 "They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."

The first thing to look for in a church is devotion to the Bible (in the sermons especially). The second thing to look for is personal warmth among those in the church.

I would definitely avoid the cultic 'churches' of LDS and JWs.

Answer 11

I understand because I came from the Church of Christ background. After studying God's word intensely, I realized that there is not anything I can do for my salvation. Jesus did it. Now it is my job to keep close to Him and have a personal relationship. My baptism is because I am saved by Him. Noah was saved by God's intervention with water. I am saved by Jesus' intervention for me and His willingness to become my sins crucified.



I am now attending a non denomonational fellowship where Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit are exaulted. God bless.

Answer 12

Find a church that teaches the bible, does not compromise the word of God, and is alive with the love of Christ, prayer and service. That's my advice.

Answer 13

Religions are different because they teach different things and worship in different ways.



Does it matter how we worship? (Many say it does not.)



"God is a spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth" (John 4:24). Our worship must be spiritual but it must also be according to truth.



Cain and Abel were both offering sacrifices to God, a form of worship in the Old Testament. Abel's was by faith; Cain's was not. (Genesis 4, Hebrews 11:4) Without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb. 11:6). Since faith comes by hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17), and Abel worshiped by faith, it can be concluded that God must have told them what He wanted. They were both worshiping, but Abel worshiped according to truth (God's word). Cain did not and his worship was rejected.



Nadab and Abihu were both worshiping, but they were using a fire that God had not authorized. Even though they were worshiping, it was not pleasing to God and he punished them with their life. (Lev. 10:1-2)



Jesus said of some, “In vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrine the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:9). They were worshiping, but it was “vain”, or useless, because they were worshiping according to the commandments of men. It mattered how they were worshiping.



Jesus said he has “all authority” and the apostles were to teach the things he had commanded them (Matt 28:18-20). If we follow the authority (instructions) of men in our worship, then does Christ have all authority in our lives? Most is not the same as all. Who has the authority in religion?



Paul wrote that his “hearts desire and prayer” was for the salvation of a certain people in Israel. (Romans 10:1-3) Those he was speaking of had “a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.” They were “ignorant of God’s righteousness” and were “seeking to establish their own righteousness”. They were worshiping, and they were zealous in their worship, but it was not according to truth.



Yes, according to the Bible, it does matter how we worship!



We should be satisfied to worship God in the way His word instructs. We should not add to the word of God, take away from it, or distort it. (Deut. 4:2, Deut 12:32, Prov. 30:5-6, Galatians 1:6-9, Rev. 22:18-19, 1 Cor 4:6, 2 John 9, et al)



Like it says in Numbers 22:18, "I could not go beyond the word of the Lord my God to do less or more!" We should be satisfied to worship as God's word has instructed.



You stated that you sit in church saying to yourself, "I don't believe that". "Nevertheless what saith the scriptures?" (Gal 4:30)



As for baptism, Jesus said, "He that believes and is baptized shall be saved" (Mark 16:16).



What would Jesus have said if he had meant "He that believes and is baptized shall be saved"?



I believe he said what he meant. I believe Jesus! "He that believes not shall be condemned." (Mark 16:16)



When someone asks what they need to do to be saved, why not give the same answer Peter gave in Acts 2:38?



“Reform, and be baptized each of you on the name of Jesus Christ, to remission of sins…” (Young’s Literal Translation)



“Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins…” (American Standard Version)



“"Be sorry for your sins and turn from them and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and your sins will be forgiven.” (New Life Version)



“"All of you must turn away from your sins and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then your sins will be forgiven….” (New International Reader's Version)







(Please read the articles at the first two links below, or if you have time, read the book at the third link. I think you will be glad you did!)

Answer 14

Only Church I know that God and Christ instituted is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Check them out.

Answer 15

Is it so hard to make a decision and get baptized? I was in the same position as you. I got baptized and it was such a wonderful day. Get baptized!