dominations and a few questions

You are so welcome!

obtw, Love you signature!

Amen. My friend is still not talking to me. I think she has me on "ignore" status.

I saw a post earlier about dominations and it made me think cause I don't have one I say I'm a follower of Christ or Jesus but I'm not Catholic or Pentecostal or Baptist i believe we are saved by grace through faith “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8–9). I believe Jesus is God he came in the flesh lived a perfect life died for our sins , rose and appeared again and is going to come again i also believe we live for him as his followers sharing the gospel and
“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. Matthew 16:24 i believe living a life for Christ is so important and having him guide us through prayer and the bible to lead a life not of this world but through him


growing up my mom went to church of latter day saints (Mormon) and then converted to jw Jehovah witness and my dad was Catholic but he didn't go to church much and when i first got married i went to the Mormon church off and on but i was stuck in addiction so it didn't last then , fast forward to 3 years ago when i started church i ended up going to a UPC church its united Pentecostal church but they don't believe in the trinity now i went and still go sometimes because i find the fellowship is great and i go to worship God but i don't believe in many of their teachings

unfortunately i live in a small town and there's not many to church's to chose from many are closed too because Canada has strict views on covid up here but like there's some where im lost at i feel sometimes like what's the truth on some things like for example baptism I believe its so important to be baptized at upc they baptize in Jesus name and i do agree with that part because i know some do in the Father Son Holy Spirit but the reason why i believe being baptized in Jesus name is because of how it says in 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: the part where it say NAME in this scripture indicates to me that would be Jesus name but then the part in UPC where they believe in salvation to be saved you have to speak in tongues and to receive the holy ghost now for me i struggle with this because i was in a alcohol addiction for 10 years on jan 11 of 2019 i hit my knees and asked God to save me cause i heard him say i had to stop or it was going to ruin me and my family and id end up in jail or worse dead so i felt convicted I just knew i couldn't do it on my own that was absolute i felt the Holy Sprit like i never have before and the following week when i went to church for the first time i remember them playing this song and i felt like scared cause i didn't feel like i belonged i felt shame and convicted again but i know that when Moses say the burning bush he was fearful at first and my initial thought was oh my goodness this is God this is a sign I'm on the right track here and i wasn't even baptized or talked in tongues or any of that so i believe i felt the Holy Spirit leading me then . i Love the fellowship at upc some make me feel like family there's some not so much but i feel like im loved by certain ones there and most important im there for God and to worship HIM i have been to other church's and just never felt like i was welcomed or fitted in even tho at upc im completely different in how i look and dress i don't feel like im judged by many some yes but i believe wherever you go that will happen

i do a lot of apologetics searching and watch some sermons online because i feel like i want to search for the truth and since i went to so many different church's with very vast views i struggle with what's true and what's not but i also believe what i wrote that i believe at the beginning of this forum is important and true . i watch a lot of YouTube and i feel like craig groeschel is really great i feel his sermons really relate to many things in my life and how i can turn to God for them there's more too just he stands out the most to me . is it wrong for me not to have a domination yet i just don't think like one certain denomination is saved and everyone else is not , what are your thoughts on this ? and any suggestions are welcomed thanks so much for reading

very interesting read. You have a denomination it is in your use of the word of God. Because you hold to it seem doctrine from many of them. UPC has a bad habit of being controlling and will tell you that you're not saved if you don't speak in tongues and are baptized in Jesus' name only. That is unbiblical.

most people who say they don't have a denomination actually repeat denominational doctrine. Just like those churches who say they are non-denominational are very much in line with their "belief" from denominations.

God fully understands if you can't go to church where you live it is not all that strange many places have cell groups in the house about 7 to 10 people. Mixed groups. Where the UPC gets it wrong is 1. being baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is a valid baptism 2. Baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ is a valid baptism too. They disagree. they have a legalistic position. and just wrong.

Denominations are usually quite dogmatic in a rather inflexible way. You have to believe in X, Y, Z doctrines to be in their denomination and there is no room for debate or a different interpretation.

While you may be allowed to worship with them, you will never be allowed to be a guest speaker and preach a different message to their congregation without quickly being labeled a heretic and most likely shown the door. I am not speaking from personal experience, but denominations are like franchises that have a brand and image to uphold. Think of it like Burger King being allowed to sell Whoppers at Chick-Fil-A. It'll never happen! Denominations are the same way.

For some of these reasons is why non-denominational churches are among the fastest growing churches in the USA, but it doesn't end there. Non-denominational churches are not necessarily better and are plagued by their own problems.

It can be very difficult to find the "perfect church" and I have witnessed people just saying they settle for something that's relatively better than the other churches they've experienced. For that reason people often do some church shopping to find where they might fit in.

its sad ill be honest with my opionion i beleive everyone has a right to their own what they think of this covid and if they want ot get shots and wear a mask because they believe they feel safter then thats their choice and if people dont want to thats their choice what i dont agree with is the attacks and critisim i see the rudeness and shutting outs that makes me look around and be like wow this world is gettting more and more worse through this pandemic there were two scriptures that came to mind that made me just realize how important keeping my eyes on jesus were i knew if i just trusted in him he would guide me to truth and those two sciptures were
Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will

and

13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. matthew 7 : 13-14

and this stuck with me like I felt like god was leading me especially with my family issues i have with my oldest daughter (shes struggling with identity right now and many other mental health ) and mental health wanted me to agree it was alright for things i just dont believe in Ive been there for her and tried to work out a plan that works but without disobeying God because i believe God made us in his own imagine and he doesn't make mistakes ( sorry i get passionate when it comes to explaining why i think that ) but i also believe it has to do with not conforming to be like the world and being rude and bashing people for their opinions on coved and the second scripture hit me because i noticing the world will follow destruction and its getting so much worse with arguments where everything has to be right in some ones eyes for some people and i felt God sayingg just trust me and dont get into these certian arguments and yeah im sorry for rambling just for me my opinion on it is i refused to live in fear i dont wear a mask unless i have to i dont have any shots here in canada over 90 percent do and the reason why is because of the authenticity in it im not against shots but im not putting in something thats not the " real" virus to fight it also here where im at they told unvaccinated that we couldn't dine in restaurants go to gyms play any sports there was a huge list and then when they took away you couldn't sing even with a mask on i said nope im going to sing and dance like david did for the Lord shortly after they have lifted restrictions so im back to still singing and dancing lol i think masks will lead to many health related things down the road and the only thing im going to do is pray for healing and that people get along i lost some people too im so sorry to hear you did also , i dont know all i know is that we dont live forever in this life unless we give our lives to Jesus and follow him belive in him and give him our all and im looking so forward to that day <3

It seems you have a good head on your shoulders you are looking to God trusting him and living freely in Christ, I am supposed to be very prone to getting the virus due to the fact I have a damaged immune system from when I had cancer plus I have diebetes which apparently makes you more likely to get it as well I don't wear a mask I don't think anyone should have to unless they want to and no one should force it on anyone either. I am for it if it makes you feel safe but by all accounts I should have gotten it and died from it by now yet not once have I gotten it

I believe in freedom of choice and if that is taken away from people that is where I have a problem, I love that you sing for God with your heart and that you don't let a mask keep you from doing that you seem like a very devoted daughter to him

Denominations are usually quite dogmatic in a rather inflexible way. You have to believe in X, Y, Z doctrines to be in their denomination and there is no room for debate or a different interpretation.

While you may be allowed to worship with them, you will never be allowed to be a guest speaker and preach a different message to their congregation without quickly being labeled a heretic and most likely shown the door. I am not speaking from personal experience, but denominations are like franchises that have a brand and image to uphold. Think of it like Burger King being allowed to sell Whoppers at Chick-Fil-A. It'll never happen! Denominations are the same way.

For some of these reasons is why non-denominational churches are among the fastest growing churches in the USA, but it doesn't end there. Non-denominational churches are not necessarily better and are plagued by their own problems.

It can be very difficult to find the "perfect church" and I have witnessed people just saying they settle for something that's relatively better than the other churches they've experienced. For that reason people often do some church shopping to find where they might fit in.

I'll listen to different people, but I've learned to think for myself. Sounds like you do the same thing. Good!

im so sorry about what your going through that would be so difficult i agree 100 percent of what your saying i think we all should have our choices my pastor had covid and he had gbm cancer and thankfully he is okay and doing great the doctors are surprised hes on his 112 chemo round its amazing how far .

thanks so much for your beautiful words that meant so so much

Oh he is going through that treatment right now? mine is over luckily but hopefully his will be too and hopefully there won't be much permanent damage from it i remember those treatments they were horrible send him my blessings for me. but my friend there is no need for thanks I just call them as I see them there is such joy in your heart for him you seem to have a very close and child like relationship with him and it is endearing to see

i definitely will hes an awesome pastor i only knew him and his family for 3 years but they are amazing , i know back in 2013 he got it and lost his vision and God restored it back he got his license back im not sure on the year he was cancer free but he still takes chemo im not sure why i think its cause the doctors recommend it or something but he has tookin 112 rounds i and there is no toxicity in his blood and his labs and mri are all normal i think he does chemo every other week its a absolute miracle and he gives all the glory to God! its amazing and its so amazing Gods brought you through all your cancer too thats amazing also! thank you again for your kind words you have such a beautiful light to you thank you again

Is there christian radio in your area? We should recommend online sites, preachers, etc for the OP.

Good idea most of the ones i watch involve bible prophecy so maybe not the best fit but I am sure many here know plenty to recommend

Is there christian radio in your area? We should recommend online sites, preachers, etc for the OP.

i think theres one here where im out in the country and it doesnt work out here at all but i can go on tune in or my tv has alot of that ive checked some out thats a grreat idea ty

Well since you have internet online would be your best bet youtube has a lot of teachers to watch that you might enjoy i found some pretty good ones myself that way

i think theres one here where im out in the country and it doesnt work out here at all but i can go on tune in or my tv has alot of that ive checked some out thats a grreat idea ty