[CAROL IN SF]

I am like a baby (60yr. old baby) in Christ. I prayed for salvation on the 700 club, just the other day. They were supposed to send me some material, but I never got it. This Sunday will be my first time to go to church in a while. Maybe it sounds funny, but Iwant to DO IT RIGHT FOR GOD!
I have an aunt who is Baptist, another is Pentecostal, my son is Charismatic (i think) my best friend is Presbyterian. How do I know what is right. I have heard to go to a Bible believing Church, but aren't they all Bible believing?
YOURS IN CHRIST

[lucyjoy]

Being a chirstian has to do with your relationship with christ, not about religion. I don't believe any one church has all the answers as man is failable. Find a church that encourages you and assists you in your journey to understand God and the bible. It's o'kay to investigate a few different ones. Listen to the preachers, talk to the people. God will lead you if you listen and pray. Start with chuches close to you so you can be involved.

[sspete]

Carol.....You cannot go wrong by going to a Bible preaching Church. You would be surprised how many Churches don't really TEACH from the Bible. This is what ALL christians need to learn and grow in Christ!!!! I myself after many years of being in different Churches find The Baptist Church the most comfortable!!!! Remember however that they ALL have something you are not going to LOVE. THere are NO perfect Churches. I agree with Lucyjoy.....Pray about it and God will Lead you where you need to be!!!!!!

MOST IMPORTANTLY.......CONGRATULATIONS ON BECOMING SAVED!!!!!!!! WHAT A WONDERFUL GIFT YOU GAVE TO YOURSELVE AND THE LORD!!!!!

Sending you A HUGE HUG and Many Blessings!!!!

S Pete

[ladyjubilee]

Which ever one makes you feel like you're "home".

[CAROL IN SF]

Thank you for your replies. My Ma and Pa believed that the Baptist was the ONLY church. In fact I wasn't allowed to play with the kids next door because they were Catholic. I could only have friends from church. No school proms, movies, no playing cards allowed in the house. Ma said they were "of the devil".
Ma and PA (my gparents) came here from Germany, so they were also OLD COUNTRY STRICT. Anyway, I think this is part of my confusion. I am however so glad to hear that there isn't just ONE CHURCH. I will PRAY. I have actually gotten dressed to go to Church and then not gone. It is very hard for me to be around people I don't know. To talk to people. Maybe because of the ROUGH LIFE I have led, with my alcoholism, being a bmother, like I am different than a lot of people. Of course this was before I asked GOD for SALVATION. So I have to be positive and know that GOD will help me. I am sorry I am rambling on....
I THANK GOD FOR ALL BLESSINGS
I AM A MIRACLE.
FROM MY HEART-CAROL IN SF

[ladyjubilee]

If you don't like going places where you don't know anyone, call some local churches. Explain that you just don't feel comfortable "just showing up". Many churches would be happy to have one of their members met you for coffee or something before you have to show up with the whole "crowd". That way you have someone to walk in with and sit with so you don't feel alone.

Remember the whole point of church is family. Like families, one size doesn't fit all, and one church isn't perfect----though one may be perfect for you.

[FROG93]

CAROL,
unfortunately, not all churches are bible believing. However, denomination is not what you need to look for. Look for a relationship with Jesus Christ, seek Him,and ask Him to lead you to a bible believing place of worship. I'm not saying that denominations are bad, but some of them focus on earthly issues and desires instead of God's will. Ask Him, and he will let you know when you have found the right place. I looked for many years for a good church. I finally found one 5 years ago. What's right for one, may not be right for another. I'll keep you in my prayers this week! And I know He will lead you. The bible says, Your receive not because you ask not. Just ask!
God bless you, and congratulations on your new life with the Lord!
Michele

[sspete]

Ladyjubilee said it best......You will feel like you are HOME. Praying for YOU......S Pete