Help I torn between 2 completely different Christian denominations! Please help me!?

2008-10-03 04:57:39 UTC

Hi Sahara,

All that I can tell you is to read and understand the Bible.You may go to any Church as long as it accepts and believes that Jesus is God which HE is.

Michael is an angel a creation of Jesus.and Christians believe in resurrection not reincarnation.

God Bless.

tsar_pushka

2008-10-02 17:42:17 UTC

Welcome to the world of Denominational Confusion, young lady.

I find your last comment surprising, though: "I don't know what to believe in". It shows that your SDA beliefs were shaped by your parents & family rather than as a result of any independant thought on your part.

Before I try to put forth my suggestions, I would like to clarify that I am not a Christian myself.

So the first step is to ask yourself this: Are your current (SDA) beliefs about (say, God) really the correct ones?

Secondly: What are the things that are common in your beliefs and ND (or RC or JW for that matter) and WHY (this is important, because while there may be many similarities between these 2 denominations, the REASONS would be quite different). Then focus on what things are UNCOMMON and WHY?

All religions, regardless of geography teach love, kindness towards humanity and resposnsibility. No religion teaches its followers to indulge in corruption, lies or murder.

From your question, I can see that your brought up has been quite upright and that your parents have instilled good moral and family values in you from an early age. THAT is a good start. Build on that. Focus on becoming a good person without joining in the denominational confusion that seems to be the hallmark of modern Christianity.

I can tell you this: Once you succeed in being a good person (and this is a constant exercise) and in spreading that goodness to humanity in general, you become eligible for what my religion calls Hidayah, or Enlightenment. This is a fancy way of saying that you will be able to see your path to spiritual fulfilment yourself.

Remember this: It is not YOU who choose God and the correct Path, but GOD who chooses you and shows you the correct Path.

So your focus should be on being an upright person and in helping others be upright. Your path will be shown to you, never fear.

Let me know if you need more clarification.

Inquisitive411

2008-10-02 17:08:03 UTC

I almost have the same problem. I was brought up as a Catholic which is a christian religion (the first actually). Because it is the oldest christian religion, it has gained so many traditions and practices that sometimes don't seem necessary or important to me. I respect Catholicism but I like the non denominational church my friend goes to. We read directly from the Bible and talk about it in my friend's church. I like aspects from both churches.

I suggest that you to read on your own the holy book that you wish to get your morals from, whether that's the Bible or some other holy book. Then you, yourself interpret it. You make the decisions and don't let other people tell you what to believe. In the end, the faith is created within you by you and not by the people that tell you what to do or believe.

You should also ask your family why they believe this or why they do that. Do the same with your friend. Then do what you think is best.

I believe that whatever you choose to do and however you choose to worship, God will notice that you are trying. I believe he will appreciate that and he will help you choose what's best for you.

Remember, in the end it's your personal life choice.

2008-10-02 17:00:22 UTC

I am a Pentecostal and was raised in a Baptist home but we saw other denominations in the summer at a Christian conference ground and went to Bible school all summer. I enjoyed the summers much better and switched to Presbyterian, then got involved with charismatics from the Pres. church and they invited me to other activities which I enjoyed a great deal.

Then the Lord led me to go to an AoG church (Assembly of God which is Pentecostal). After going to 5 years of home bible school (we meant in churches) the Lord told me to quit that and that he had something else for me now. So, I obeyed and quit, and he told me to read "Tortured for Christ," by Richard Wurmbrand. I did and was sobbing throughout the book, when I was then baptized in the Holy Spirit. The Lord then gave me gifts of reading (I had hardly understood a thing before) and writing (he gave me the words many times), and more added to it. Then he told me what books to read to increase my knowledge. I've read many books since then and learned much. I received this baptism when I was 33 and I'm now 66, went thru many trials and tribulations along the way.

So, just want to say to you---the ND church is much better than the SDA. There are false prophets that have influenced the SDA church. Jesus and the arch angel are absolutely NOT the same person. Jesus is part of the trinity. The arch angel Michael is the highest of the angels. There are many other things I could tell you that are not right in the SDA church. the ND is much closer to the truth and almost 100% right I'd say. Stay with that church.

2008-10-02 17:45:43 UTC

Let me discuss some of these beliefs:

SDA: once you die, you stay in the ground and don't go to heaven until god calls

ND: once you die you go to paradise until God calls you to go to Heaven.

The Bible says

(6) Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:

(7) (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

(8) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

2 Corinthians 5:6-8 KJV

SDA: Michael the Arch-angel early incarnation of Jesus

ND: Michael and Jesus differnet people

Jesus is not Michael the Arch-angel, Jesus is the Word!

John 1:1-3 KJV

(1) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

(2) The same was in the beginning with God.

(3) All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

At times, however, the Bible talks about Jesus when it says the angel of the Lord. The worrd "angel" means messenger.

SDA:Saturday!!!

ND: Sunday!!

Matthew 28:1 KJV

(1) In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.

Mark 16:9 KJV

(9) Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.

Luke 24:1 KJV

(1) Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.

John 20:1 KJV

(1) The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.

John 20:19 KJV

(19) Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

SDA: keep Sabbath holy all day

ND: go to church then go home

Colossians 2:16-18 KJV

(16) Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:

(17) Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

(18) Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,

Florence B

2008-10-02 16:53:11 UTC

Once you die, the Bible says, 'Absent from the body, present with the Lord'. The sleep referred to in the Bible, is just the body, until Judgement Day.

We go to Paradise first, yes. Then after God cleanses the Earth, we live on the New Earth or Heaven and can commute between both.

The Sabbath, I am told is really Saturday. According to some Calendar. I don't know. I work Sunday. The Bible talks about Jesus working on Sunday too. Jesus said it was okay if it really needed doing.

I love the Baptist Church. And my Intouch website

2008-10-02 17:11:50 UTC

Please don't let this drive you insane. There are so many denominations out there. You are 17, and have a lot living to do. The choice that you make today may not be the choice you decide to make in a few years. And any choice you make is certainly not the last choice you will make, and it is okay to make mistakes. If you decide to join your friend's church..learn all you can..take what sits right with your soul..leave the rest. If you decide to stay SDA..learn all you can..take what sits right with your soul..leave the rest. If you decide to change your mind in a week..at least you learned something..how to be true to you..and that is a very valuable lesson. I know it's really hard to make a decision as big as " where do I belong?" At 17, I had NO idea.

geneabri

2008-10-02 16:57:06 UTC

Death: To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord... (2 Corinthians 5: 7(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

8We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

God is in Heaven... once believers die they are in Heaven.

Michael is an archangel; Jesus is the Son of God.

The Sabbath technically is Saturday, from what I believe, but we should be fellowshipping with God on a daily basis anyway... so to me, that is not as relevant... the change may have occurred because of how jobs, etc. are set up, where Sunday is the day people are least likely to work... (just my opinion)... many churches also have services through the week in order to accomodate those with varying schedules. I think it is awesome that there are so many choices!

All nondenominational churches do not just go to church and go home... depends on what you have purposed to do...

Bottom line, even nondenominational churches can vary... just make sure it lines up with scripture (as it seems you are doing)... and do not get so caught up in things that are kinda trivial...

good luck in your pursuits - the most important thing is Jesus residing in your heart... God bless you!

guitarrman45

2008-10-02 17:03:11 UTC

SDA: once you die, you stay in the ground and don't go to heaven until god calls (Absent from the body, present with the Lord.)

ND: once you die you go to paradise until God calls you to go to Heaven. (Absent from the body, Present with the Lord)

SDA: Michael the Arch-angel early incarnation of Jesus.( Where in the bible does it say that?)

ND: Michael and Jesus differnet people (Right Michael is an arch Angel. Jesus is the son of God)

SDA:Saturday!!! (Jesus said remember the saboth)

ND: Sunday!! Chose the day that Jesus rose from the dead to worship)

SDA: keep Sabbath holy all day (We are to remember the saboth but we no longer live under the law. We live under grace.)

ND: go to church then go home (Shure. You can go to church, then go home. But lets not forget that every day is to be lived in rememberence to Him.)

Ahhhh I'm so confused someone please help me. I don't know what to believe in!!

2 minutes ago - 3 days left to answer.

You need to read the bible for yourself. And not have others read and interperet it for you. Pray for wisdom which the Lord gives liberaly. The Holy Spirit will help you to learn. Why? Because God said so!

iToke

2008-10-02 16:54:05 UTC

That's a tough question to answer. What it really boils down to is what you believe to be true. No one should decide which denomination you should believe in, that would take away the entire meaning of faith. I personally favor ND churches. Mostly because it is more laid back and tells the bible how it is. There aren't as many biased opinions as many Christian denominations have. I also believe that many denominations are way too focused on the tradition of church rather than the act of faith and spiritually growing in God.

Thardus

2008-10-02 17:02:18 UTC

This is all that matters-do you know Jesus? We can argue about a lot of specific things. You don't need to serve a full day of Sabbath to be saved. You need Jesus to be saved. We should honor God with our life and recognize Sabbath for what it is, but not see it as a means to salvation.

Another thing is that once you die, you don't go to paradise-you either go to Heaven or Hell; no waiting period, you just go. But you can't go to Heaven unless you've repented of your sins, and turn to Jesus. You need to recognize God as the only god, and know that the Bible is the source of truth. The founder of SDA had failed prophecies; so to think of her as a prophet is not wise.

I would suggest to keep searching for the truth. There's no perfect denomination; as long as they have the fundamentals of Christian doctrine and strive to grow in God as a church body, I think you're fine. Hope that helps!

corene

2016-05-29 12:27:06 UTC

They are ALL Christian, but some of their beliefs differ, or the way they practice. Over the centuries, Christianity has divided into numerous denominations. Each denomination has its own distinctive beliefs or practices, but they are commonly considered branches of the same religion because they agree on such fundamentals as the Bible, the Trinity, and the teachings of the Nicene Creed. The way in which members regard other denominations varies from mutual respect and acceptance to suspicion and denial that the other group is really "Christian."

Gods child

2008-10-02 16:57:55 UTC

I know! Christianity is about one mind and one heart and with all the protestant sects out there developing their own set of doctrines which are man made by the way who could blame those who are far away from God for not having a conversion of heart. The Catholic Church given to the world is a divine institution from Christ and will never change even though it has human beings in it who sin.

Ren

2008-10-02 16:52:13 UTC

You're the only one who knows what to believe in. If you believe you stay in the Earth until God calls and think Michael and Jesus are different people, then that's what you believe (not saying you do, just making an example). You decide what you believe, no one else does. Or should.

grendaginny

2008-10-02 16:52:03 UTC

I can appreciate how you feel. I too have been torn between my own religion and non denominational. In the end, the Non denominational won. I loved the fact that you are accepted exactly as you are. You don't have to have your beliefs all figured out right now at 17. We are taught to have faith and the answers will come through the word of the Lord. Don't give up. The answers will come to you.

Aimee

2008-10-02 16:50:40 UTC

I've had the same problem, just with two different denominations. For me, it was just focus on the values, and not so much on the physical things, like, "Oh, I don't wanna have to church on Saturdays" or "Well, for ND we get to just hang out for the rest of the day on Sunday". However, if that's what matters to you, just go for what makes you feel better about going to church and being religious.

kitster_kosh

2008-10-02 17:02:38 UTC

Pray. :) You will get an answer if you are patient. But regardless of the different standards etc. you should pick which religion you think is right. If there are doctrine of these religions you don't believe in, pray about them to get a better understanding and if you still feel they are wrong, then don't participate in it. It's not the true church.

Al Scusi

2008-10-02 19:41:09 UTC

It can be very simple

Stick with what Jesus said - no add ons - nobody else's interpretations

Just you and God and the Bible.

Pray for revelation, then gently open your eyes. Allow the Holy Spirit to be the guide. Never take what anyone else ever says if it contradicts what Jesus said.

God said it - I read it - That settles it - Amen

2008-10-02 16:51:05 UTC

What ever you are drawn to spiritually is all that matters. I understand the only thing holding you back is your family, and that could be tough.

But there comes a time when you have to follow your own path, and if you are more spiritually connected to something than the other you should always follow your own heart.

Dont listen to what others say, be your own profit

2008-10-05 18:10:15 UTC

Seek the truth on the word of God. Do not believe what either church tells you. It i s a great feeling to find truth for yourself. That is why God left you His word and a personal relationship with Him through Jesus. There is only one truth and you have to find it yourself so no one can take your faith from you.

2008-10-02 17:00:45 UTC

Stop being a sheep, I realized one day when I had to explain to someone for a college assignment they were doing what I believed and why I believed in it. As I was doing this I realized I was simply explaining what I had been told to believe and not what I really believed.

You are a person in your own right, people like to control your mind, I was surprised to when I attended a course on mind control that most of the basic techniques are practiced weekly in Church's, mosques and temples all over the world.

Choose you own path and objectively prove it to yourself.

2008-10-03 12:59:22 UTC

Go to both. Many non-denom churches worship on Sunday. Go SDA on Saturday, non-denom on Sunday. You can never get too much of church or Jesus.

2008-10-02 17:04:57 UTC

Shalom,

Doctrine and dogma,... you could be suffering from to much doctrine and dogma. Sister I know where you are I started as a soon to be ordained Jesuit and now I am a Messianic Rabbi and yes I am Jewish from birth.

The heart of the matter is this read your Bible and see what Jesus/Y'shua tells you personally. Today religions are simply that religions, (Like clubs or fraternities), the L-rd doesn't mind them they are good for all of His childeren to gather and fellowship with eachother, (make new friends).

-BUT-

Jesus/Y'shua although He is our friend He is also the Father, G-d and your Father just wants a relationship with His daughter, that's you!

To cover all of man's sin G-d in the person of Jesus/Y'shua hung on the cross and died as a sacrafice for you and me to show us that He really does love us so be a good daughter of G-d and just love Him and try not to sin -BUT- if you sin remember repent and you are always forgiven. Precious one just talk to Him every chance you get and begin to truly know your Father who is G-d.

May the Grace and Peace that is the Messiah Jesus be with you always, Shalom!

Eli

2008-10-02 16:51:26 UTC

Believe and have faith in God. Both of these are just religions and following their doctrines will do you no good. One must have a personal relationship with Christ. This is the most important thing. Free yourself from religion and follow Christ.

2008-10-02 16:57:20 UTC

pray to God. it is the same Gid bth religions believe in. He will show u.

-i believe that you go to Heaven when you die, but then God will one day create a new Heaven and Earth which we will go to.

-I believe that the is only three parts to God: Father, Son (Jesus) and Holy Spirit- none are Michael.

-i go to church on sunday but its cool if u go on saturday too. sunday is Gods day but its ok to go on saturday instead.

-i go to church, go home, but respect it as Gods day.

Jesus doesnt expect us to live under a strict order, just to follow his commands. we can sing christian rap cuz its still praise.

its your choice. pray. hey, you could be a bit of both~ you are still christian tho and i believe you are saved no matter what.

yours in Christ,

~total harry potter fan!!~

Katy E

2008-10-02 18:01:00 UTC

Perhaps it is not our prerogative to believe anything about the supernatural. Unless God itself/himself/herself comes down directly to us personally, and lets us know, not in our dreams, not in prayers answered, but actually speaks to us personally, or reveals to us (or you/me), not "uncle Joe", not your relative, not your spiritual adviser, but you personally, can anyone have the 'true right' to believe.

Belief is knowledge of a proven thing. Belief is based on knowing something that you can actually see and touch or know exists, like emotions and even the air you breathe, which you cannot see, but would wither or die without.

That said, whether God exists and the rules you stated are true or not, it is still in the realm of the supernatural. Which means that such deity , if it does exist, exists apart from us in a realm of their own with no connection whatsoever to this realm. Which means it does not exist here at all in any form, period, except in the way we treat each other and the beautiful Earth and life.

There is no occurrence or proof in the scientific sense of actual supernatural happenings, ever. Lots of ghost shows, and the Bible is chock full of supernatural things, and there are millions of UFO sighter's but have YOU actually seen or heard anything at all? To be true to yourself is important and that which you bear witness to will speak of your personal integrity and conscious pursuit of knowledge and truth.

If a God exists, do you think He would be in the least bit concerned about raising a soul up to Him that believes the words of man instead of the consideration and thought of the person them self? To praise God, you must think of things YOU think would praise him, whether helping others that can be helped, being Earth friendly or just being considerate enough to pay attention to your driving so you don't hurt or kill anyone.

To have faith is actually what Jesus of the Bible says, is not to believe a damn thing, but to have faith. To be faithful, you must be spiritually mature, a lifetime of consideration could well put you on the right path.

A.J.

2008-10-02 16:50:58 UTC

It's entirely your choice. Don't ask the people on the internet to choose your faith for you. If you are not happy in your religion, then you are following the wrong one. Follow the path that makes you happy and at peace.

Good luck!

-A.J.

kundun7777

2008-10-02 16:50:16 UTC

You have been brainwashed from birth. God is everything you are god. Your beliefs are beautiful but a metaphor. Look into the golden ratio. Science is the best way to connect with god.

naka

2008-10-02 16:51:52 UTC

umm, i havent done the church thing in a while, but i talk to god very frequently, and prey and im not religious, just spiritual...

my suggestion to you is just to belive whatever is in your heart

maybe do some more research by visiting other churches...

Corey H

2008-10-02 16:54:52 UTC

I myself am a non denominational christian. my advise for you would be to read the Bible and see for yourself. read the new testament and see if it inspires you.

the important thing is to have accepted Christ into your heart. as long as you believe he died for your sins and that he rose again three days later, you're pretty much set for heaven. smaller details don't matter as much as long as you have the big things set straight

Leannain

2008-10-02 16:55:06 UTC

If you ae determined it will be one of these pick the one you think will be easiest for you to live with.

There are lots of other denominations out there that might fit your needs better

meganfre$h

2008-10-02 17:21:54 UTC

i think you should believe in whatever you want to believe in.

even if it doesn't fall under a certain category.

if you don't go into a category, who cares?

i don't think anyone should be put into categories like that anyways.

which is exactly why i don't believe in anything. like god-wise.

i believe in what i want to and i don't consider myself anything.

i'm more close to agnostic though, but this isn't about me. haha

like i said, you should just do what you think is right for you

Tinkerbell77

2008-10-02 16:50:07 UTC

Just follow what is right for you. Go to whatever church you feel comfortable at and remain true to yourself. There is no right answer.

2008-10-02 16:49:17 UTC

READ: Only if you can handle the bitter truth.

My Christian brothers and sisters the truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off.

Wake up and stop dreaming, you are not saved. Studying about other religions will be the best thing you can do to save yourself from this false religion and beliefs. These confused and interfered people think that a great man named Jesus is God or God's son. How dumb you have to be to believe such nonsense. Let me get this straight, Christ is not anyone's savior but God is. God is the master of the entire universe and everything that exist anywhere even beyond our imaginations. Jesus is a servant of God almighty. Christianity is a religion of Satan. These misguided people worship a man named Jesus (who was indeed a very pious and great man who obeyed and worshiped his true God). But these misguided people made that great man a God’s son. They will get there share of punishment when they return to the God of Jesus, Mosses, Abraham and the entire universe. Christianity is irrelevant especially in this time when you have access to all the information. Don't be stupid use your head. God didn't give you that head to follow Satan. I strongly urge my Christian brothers and sisters to open up their eyes, heart and mind, learn about other religions of the world. I am sure they will find some other religions to be more sensible, true and worthy of acknowledgment than Christianity. I know everyone thinks that their religion is right and others are wrong without even learning about those religions. Christianity was spread through terror and force throughout the history. From crusades to massacre Muslims to holocaust to massacre Jews to the massacre of Native Americans to enslave African American and taking away their religion, names and identity. The most religious Christians and Christian priests sodomized little boys the list goes on. The Christian terrorism has a long history. I personally think Christians should at least learn about Judaism and Islam. You will be surprised how much more sense they make compare to Christianity. I was lost is this false and satanic religion for over 30 years, thanks to God who put some sense in me and I began learning about other religions specially Judaism and Islam. I am currently still learning. Are you learning too?

Don’t forget to give me a Thumb Down and than go learn something.

For websites with info on Islam:

http://www.islam.com/introislam.htm

http://www.islam101.com/

For websites with info on Judaism:

http://www.ajewwithaview.com

me

2008-10-02 16:53:01 UTC

The bible says to "worship with spirit and truth" there is only one truth you should wait until you find a religion that you believe everything----the best way to find the true religion is to see who bases everything on the bible---make sure they can show you scriptures that show that what they are saying is true

2008-10-02 16:50:01 UTC

Sahara, it's your decision and no one elses.Choose carefully as we are all judged by our beliefs. Pray without ceasing.

Any day and every day is the right day to rest in the Lord!

zoe

2008-10-02 16:50:00 UTC

who basis their beliefs on the bible? remember that christianity should be based on the bible. many religions make assumptions that are not based on the bible, but people still believe it. do your own research and compare the beliefs of these religions, and others, to what the bible says.

seucampineiro

2008-10-02 16:53:06 UTC

We can explain to you our beliefs until we are blue int he face (or red in the fingers?), but it won't convince you.

You need to find out for yourself. James 1:5 "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." If you truly want to know, seek an answer from God. Let Him be the one to tell you if one of these is His church and is the truth.

Remember that you are not looking for a church that fits your lifestyle, but a church that has the whole truth and whose lifestyle you are willing to live.

I will tell you that I believe that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true church established by the hand of God on earth. I would encourage you to investigate more about the church. Again, I cannot expect you to believe my words. You must find out for yourself.

2008-10-02 16:50:49 UTC

You choose. Which ever one you think will bring you closer to God.

2008-10-02 16:50:37 UTC

go with the one that match's your beliefs, God should come first before everything else.

ZER0 C00L ••AM••VT••

2008-10-02 16:48:51 UTC

I suppose you'll have to figure out which one is scripturally sound.

Then again if you don't care about strict adherence to the "Good Book" then just go with your gut.

monkeysarecool

2008-10-02 16:50:05 UTC

no one can tell you what to believe. follow your heart, jesus will hyelp guid you to!

Konswayla

2008-10-02 16:49:03 UTC

Oh Brother. Do you need help.

2008-10-02 16:49:32 UTC

sweetie, go to a baptist church, and go and talk to the pator. he can help you better than myself

soccergirl12

2008-10-02 16:51:58 UTC

i'm sorry but i can't give you any advice on this. this is your choice and you have to make it no one else can choose your religion. follow your heart.

2008-10-02 16:49:01 UTC

many christians consider SDA cultish. (non-biblical)

cadisneygirl

2008-10-02 16:48:52 UTC

No one can tell you what you should believe. You have to figure that out for yourself.

2008-10-02 16:48:39 UTC

Neither. Find your own spiritual path.

carbinekilla44

2008-10-02 16:49:36 UTC

Roman Catholic or hell your choice