Hi everyone! I just wanted to say that our God is an awesome God! My salvation is assured, so that is nothing to worry about.
I wanted to ask for some advice...
Before I moved to another country, I attended a non-denominational church... I thought that I was saved but realized later on that I wasn't. I didn't understand at the time what 'saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ' meant. When I moved here, my aunt, whom is a Baptist started to guide me and teach me through scripture... I really enjoyed the bible study and devotions we shared. I wanted to get on a spiritual level like my aunt. She told me, of course, from the guidance of her local church &pastor, she was able to get a better understanding of the Word. I understood what the importance of doctrine. And so a few months/year after moving , I committed to giving up my life to Jesus... live according to Gods will. It did take me 2 years to find a local church which has helped me grow in spirit & faith. The church I attend has solid doctrine backed up by scripture &I find joy in learning the Word of God... the thing is, I've been starting to question if I had been 'brainwashed'/closed minded because the pressure my aunt gave me on following Gods word? I mean, I know the Bible is our manual to life but sometimes it's like I am living to really just please her AND God. Does that make sense? I love the church, the people, what I am learning. But somethings seem a bit questionable. I'm scared that I'm doing things no longer in enjoyment but maybe I'm scared of God being disappointed in me? I don't want to disappoint him... but somethings that my aunt &cousin tell me are kind of questionable. For example: My cousin (a pastors wife by the way) was saying it's not biblical for a church to have a senior pastor &then other pastors. She said a church is to have 1 pastor, elders &deacons are ok. So therefore, I am getting an idea that I have to go to a totally independent church with only 1 pastor. Another thing is the use of drums at church. I understand the drums feed the flesh, but if a person listens to gospel songs with drums being played, with intention of praising God, is that bad? She was also saying it's not allowed to color the hair because it's not biblical... but c'mon! I know we must be living according to the bible but coloring the hair? It's not biblical to put on makeup, but I know Christian women still do. The not wearing jeans, I am starting to understand why a woman should refrain from using them...
When I go back to the states, I am not sure where to attend church... I want to live according to Gods purpose and I want to please him... I know theres no such thing as a perfect church, but a local church does help in guiding us..
I hope you all understand where I'm coming from.
I wanted to ask for some advice...
Before I moved to another country, I attended a non-denominational church... I thought that I was saved but realized later on that I wasn't. I didn't understand at the time what 'saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ' meant. When I moved here, my aunt, whom is a Baptist started to guide me and teach me through scripture... I really enjoyed the bible study and devotions we shared. I wanted to get on a spiritual level like my aunt. She told me, of course, from the guidance of her local church &pastor, she was able to get a better understanding of the Word. I understood what the importance of doctrine. And so a few months/year after moving , I committed to giving up my life to Jesus... live according to Gods will. It did take me 2 years to find a local church which has helped me grow in spirit & faith. The church I attend has solid doctrine backed up by scripture &I find joy in learning the Word of God... the thing is, I've been starting to question if I had been 'brainwashed'/closed minded because the pressure my aunt gave me on following Gods word? I mean, I know the Bible is our manual to life but sometimes it's like I am living to really just please her AND God. Does that make sense? I love the church, the people, what I am learning. But somethings seem a bit questionable. I'm scared that I'm doing things no longer in enjoyment but maybe I'm scared of God being disappointed in me? I don't want to disappoint him... but somethings that my aunt &cousin tell me are kind of questionable. For example: My cousin (a pastors wife by the way) was saying it's not biblical for a church to have a senior pastor &then other pastors. She said a church is to have 1 pastor, elders &deacons are ok. So therefore, I am getting an idea that I have to go to a totally independent church with only 1 pastor. Another thing is the use of drums at church. I understand the drums feed the flesh, but if a person listens to gospel songs with drums being played, with intention of praising God, is that bad? She was also saying it's not allowed to color the hair because it's not biblical... but c'mon! I know we must be living according to the bible but coloring the hair? It's not biblical to put on makeup, but I know Christian women still do. The not wearing jeans, I am starting to understand why a woman should refrain from using them...
When I go back to the states, I am not sure where to attend church... I want to live according to Gods purpose and I want to please him... I know theres no such thing as a perfect church, but a local church does help in guiding us..
I hope you all understand where I'm coming from.