How do non-denominational Christians pick a church?

[jmcrae]

That, it doesn’t. You eat bread that looks like that?

I heard a wag once say, “It takes more faith to believe that this wafer is actually *bread *than it does to believe it’s the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Our Lord!”

 

[jmcrae]

No disrespect intended, because I know what the wafer, or host as you call it, means to you! But outwardly to the human eye, it looks like a wafer!

Actually, it looks like a piece of cardboard. But it is made of flour and water, and baked in an oven, so it is, actually, bread before it is Consecrated.

 

[fbl9]

Oooo… Where did I say that?

To be quite honest, I don’t know what you are confused about. I’m trying to be as clear as possible. I am not denying faith. I am saying, Christ says our only work is belief.

I do not go to a church which teaches works. I’m not sure where you are getting that. If this is all about being a Christian, then maybe you could clarify what exactly you would like to talk about.

And is it because you beleive that you feed the hungry, give to the poor, clothe the naked, visit the sick and imprisoned,?

 

[1beleevr]

And spiritually, He is in my heart, just as, spiritually, my husband is on my ring-finger - but it is even better to meet Him in person in the Eucharist at Mass, just as it is better to see my husband in person after work every day.

]

This my Christian friend, like many other things in life, is a matter of opinion! I too enjoy seeing, and holding my wife at the end of the day.As I have never attended a catholic mass, I cannot comment on whether it is better to experience Jesus in the eucharist or not The wafer seems to be(have attended catholic funerals) a symbol of the Body of Christ! And let me tell you, that in the midst of a fast, Jesus is VERY prominent and His presence is powerful!

 

[1beleevr]

And is it because you beleive that you feed the hungry, give to the poor, clothe the naked, visit the sick and imprisoned,?

]

These are examples of service, as outlined by Jesus in Matthew 25:31-40. One can still choose not to serve others as Jesus taught in Mark 10:45! I certainly hope there are no churches or denominations that teach works-based salvation

 

[fbl9]

]

These are examples of service, as outlined by Jesus in Matthew 25:31-40. One can still choose not to serve others as Jesus taught in Mark 10:45! I certainly hope there are no churches or denominations that teach works-based salvation

are you saying that St.Mark10:45 Jesus tells us that service is an option,or not necessary.?

 

[1beleevr]

are you saying that St.Mark10:45 Jesus tells us that service is an option,or not necessary.?

]

We as Christians know that when Jesus speaks, we are to obey(God prefers obedience over sacrifice), but because of free will, we don’t always serve others in His name. You know things like witnessing about Christ, evangelizing(Matthew28:19-20), feeding the homeless, hosting Bible studies for shutins and spending time with senior citizens or nursing home residents! Jesus said that," Even I, the Son of Man, came not to be served, but to serve." What percentage of Christians, regardless of denomination serve on a regular or semi regular basis? This would include street ministry.So to answer your question, no, He doesn’t tell us it is an option, or is not necessary; this choice is lefT to the individual believer!

 

[1beleevr]

Sitting here thinking about the title of this thread, and wondering, does it realy matter how anyone picks a church, or why? We know that when it comes to catholics, they are either born into it(cradle catholics, so cute!) or convert for whatever reason! The main thing is that you believe in God and the One whom He sent(Jesus)!:thumbsup:See how much time and words we waste debating an issue like this? We could just as easily ask, why don’t all Christians serve others in His name, or why don’t catholics(excluding "cafeteria catholics) eat meat on Fridays?

 

[PRmerger]

The main thing is that you believe in God and the One whom He sent(Jesus)!:thumbsup:See how much time and words we waste debating an issue like this?

I think it’s very important that we Christians come to know the Truth. We must love God with our entire heart, soul, MIND and strength. The MIND part is why most of us are here. We’re trying to understand Him with our entire MIND.

And, I believe that it is incorrect to say that the main thing is you* believe* in God. For Scripture does not say that–in fact Scripture says in James that even the demons believe.

I’ve heard of a 56 yr old Pastor, who believes in God and Scripture, marrying a 14 yr old young girl. Clearly, belief is not enough.

 

[jericho777]

I would pray and seek G-ds guidance where I should attend.

There seems to be some banter that Jesus is not present during a non catholic service ie eucharist. I have seen and felt the presence of the Lord moving during many services. The Holy Spirit’s conviction falling leading to repentance, people singing and praising G-d with all their hearts lifting hands in holy praise while tears of joy flow like a cleansing river, the Lord ministering to His people meeting their needs, binding up the broken hearted and setting the captive free. There are times you don’t really feel like leaving but linger. And two hours seems like two minutes! G-d is good and faithful.

 

[tweetymom]

I would pray and seek G-ds guidance where I should attend.

There seems to be some banter that Jesus is not present during a non catholic service ie eucharist. I have seen and felt the presence of the Lord moving during many services. The Holy Spirit’s conviction falling leading to repentance, people singing and praising G-d with all their hearts lifting hands in holy praise while tears of joy flow like a cleansing river, the Lord ministering to His people meeting their needs, binding up the broken hearted and setting the captive free. There are times you don’t really feel like leaving but linger. And two hours seems like two minutes! G-d is good and faithful.

Been there done that and I sure do miss it. God Bless you.

 

[jmcrae]

]

This my Christian friend, like many other things in life, is a matter of opinion! I too enjoy seeing, and holding my wife at the end of the day.As I have never attended a catholic mass, I cannot comment on whether it is better to experience Jesus in the eucharist or not The wafer seems to be(have attended catholic funerals) a symbol of the Body of Christ!

Not at all. It’s really Him!

And let me tell you, that in the midst of a fast, Jesus is VERY prominent and His presence is powerful!

I agree - fasting is good!

 

[Dokimas]

Actually, it looks like a piece of cardboard. But it is made of flour and water, and baked in an oven, so it is, actually, bread before it is Consecrated.

At the first giving of the communion table, Jesus gave us a symbol of His broken Body and shed Blood. In your description of the host, where’s the wine? Jesus gave both the bread and the wine, not just the bread.

 

[PRmerger]

At the first giving of the communion table, Jesus gave us a symbol of His broken Body and shed Blood. In your description of the host, where’s the wine? Jesus gave both the bread and the wine, not just the bread.

At the Catholic liturgy have bread and wine which is becomes the Body/Blood/Soul and Divinity of Christ at the consecration of the Mass.

 

[jmcrae]

At the first giving of the communion table, Jesus gave us a symbol of His broken Body and shed Blood.

Read it again. He said, “This is my body … This is my blood.” Nothing about symbols.

In your description of the host, where’s the wine? Jesus gave both the bread and the wine, not just the bread.

The chalice is offered separately. We receive and consume the Host, and then we approach the minister who is holding the chalice, and we take a sip from the chalice.

But (as when there is danger of a plague) the chalice is sometimes not offered - and it’s okay, because the Host itself is the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ, complete. We don’t believe that Christ is separated from Himself.

 

[tweetymom]

Read it again. He said, “This is my body … This is my blood.” Nothing about symbols.

The chalice is offered separately. We receive and consume the Host, and then we approach the minister who is holding the chalice, and we take a sip from the chalice.

But (as when there is danger of a plague) the chalice is sometimes not offered - and it’s okay, because the Host itself is the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ, complete. We don’t believe that Christ is separated from Himself.

And it hasn’t always been offered, only the Priest was privy to the cup.

 

[tweetymom]

I think it’s very important that we Christians come to know the Truth. We must love God with our entire heart, soul, MIND and strength. The MIND part is why most of us are here. We’re trying to understand Him with our entire MIND.

And, I believe that it is incorrect to say that the main thing is you* believe* in God. For Scripture does not say that–in fact Scripture says in James that even the demons believe.

I’ve heard of a 56 yr old Pastor, who believes in God and Scripture, marrying a 14 yr old young girl. Clearly, belief is not enough.

Nor are the Priest that molest little children.

 

[jmcrae]

And it hasn’t always been offered, only the Priest was privy to the cup.

During the Polio epidemic, and during the Black Plague, and other epidemics, this was certainly the case, yes.

 

[jmcrae]

Nor are the Priest that molest little children.

Exactly. We are not saved by “faith alone” - we also have to act on our beliefs - we have to refrain from committing sin, and we have to do all of the good works of Christ - we can’t just sit there in an easy chair and declare “I am saved.” Until you have lived your whole life without sin, and reach your deathbed with many good works to your credit, you cannot say “I am saved” because at any moment, you could commit a sin and damn yourself to Hell thereby - or you could go your whole life seeking personal gain, and never doing the good works that Christ requires of us.

 

[Xavierlives]

Sitting here thinking about the title of this thread, and wondering, does it realy matter how anyone picks a church, or why? We know that when it comes to catholics, they are either born into it(cradle catholics, so cute!) or convert for whatever reason! The main thing is that you believe in God and the One whom He sent(Jesus)!:thumbsup:See how much time and words we waste debating an issue like this? We could just as easily ask, why don’t all Christians serve others in His name, or why don’t catholics(excluding "cafeteria catholics) eat meat on Fridays?

Well, the thread (like many) has taken a slight detour. Occasionally someone still offers advice to finding a church home, though.