Hi Everyone,
Well I'm sort of confused about some things....Let's see, I was raised Methodist, didn't attend church regularly. My parents sent us to Sunday School so they could have their sunday mornings to themselves. They never went to church. I was never baptised, christened, and what is the difference between them. My boys weren't either,but I would like to become baptised along with my kids. Ok, I want to learn more about the Methodist religion, but I don't know where to start and I have so many ques. I would like to become more spiritual in the way that I believe, by being a Christian. I've attended church on and off for the last 5 yrs, but I feel kind of lost. I say prayers daily and we do as a family, too. I'm embarrassed because I don't know what to do or where to start. Any suggestions and help would greatly be appreciated! Thanks for listening!

Dana

My personal beliefs are that if any religion uses anything other than the bible then I would steer clear of that religion. They are mixing in what men wrote against what God wrote. I believe the bible is inspired of God. I look directly to the bible for answers. Reading acts should help with the baptism question. And Mark 16:16. As for christening, I believe that is a man made thing. You can look things up in the bible using a concordance. But remember to read the scriptures before it and after so you dont take things out of context. I have seen so many do that. I try to practice a New Testament Christianity. I follow the New Testament, using the apostles as examples in how to worship. There wasnt all these other religions out there and the apostles would know best about such things. I hope you find the truthful answers that you seek.
Reena

It is really good that you have questions! This is the perfect place to start. Have you gone to a Methodist minister to ask some questions so you can find out?
I am not one to give information about words used such as the difference between Baptism and Christening. In my opinion, they can be called either.
I don't claim any religion but grew up Catholic.
I go to a "church" named Unity. It is a positive thought church....
One of the things I have read in Unity literature is that it is good to wonder about what it is you believe. There are no "shoulds".....finding you own way is encouraged.


(My Mom and Dad and siblings for that matter were never into church when I was growing up...I knew that I was into God...not religion.)

Hi Pagirl,
First, you must be commended for your desire to learn. I go along much with what Reena wrote especially about using the Bible.

The question that all of us need to ask ourselves is, does the religion I'm considering teach all things scripturally backed up?

1) Ask for scriptures to support a teaching and look them up yourself. --Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17
2) Be sure that the religion is active in a teaching work as Jesus instructed. --Acts 20:20; Matt. 24:14; 28:19, 20; Romans. 10:13-18
3) Make sure that the religion follows what the Bible says regarding baptism. One needs to be old enough to be taught before they can make a decision to dedicate themselves to God and get baptized. --Matt. 28:19, 20; Acts 2:41. Christ was not baptized as an infant. Mt. 3:13-15; Heb. 10:7; Ac 8:38, 39
4) Ascertain that their teachings are based on the Bible.
A) Do they teach Christian neutrality as Christ died? John 17:16; 18:36
B) Are it's members expected to be moral?
1 Cor. 5:11
C) Are their doctrines (teachings) regarding death and resurrection in complete harmony with scripture? Eccl. 9:5, 10; John 5:28, 29
D) Do they teach about the earth becoming a paradise? Ps. 37:10, 11; Isa. 35:5-7; 65:20-25; Rev. 21:3, 4

Pagirl, I've just touched on a few points that I hope might be helpful. If you would like further scriptures on what I wrote or have any questions, I invite you to e-mail me. If you or anyone wants to know the other teachings that need to be examined to know the truth and the scriptures please ask.

Again, I would like to commend you on your sincerety and caring about your family spirituality.

Sincerely,
Victoria
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Hi Reena,

You are one after my own heart for encouraging Pagirl to check things out with her Bible. You may have also read what I wrote her above. This post reminds me of what Jesus said as recorded at Matthew 7:13-23. He brought out that it's by their fruits one would recognize them. And it also speaks about misdirected zeal.

Wishing You Well,
Victoria
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Hi Faith & Hope,
How've you been?

Good point you brought out to Paygirl. You wrote about wondering about what we believe. I so agree because we don't want to be guilable. If I believe something I have to wonder if there is a scriptural basis for it or isit simply because a religion "shoulds" me?

We can appreciate Pagirls wanting to learn. I think it's important that parents find the right answers from the Bible for their children. Often people choose a faith or religion because it is the one they are raised in. Others change because of their marriage mate. Some are not raised in any religion and make choices later as adults. And still others are looking for one that teaches the truth.

I think the Bible itself is like a magnet that will draw one to the truth within its pages. Then one can tell if a religion teaches what is supported by the truth.

"This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ." --John 17:3

I've been thinking about you and think it was nice that you replied to paygirl's post.

Take Care,
Victoria

Hi PAGirl

You've had some excellent responses here, and I have to agree that the bottom line is the you need to find a church that has its doctrine based totally and solely on the entire Bible. For your own personal study, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are often the easiest books of the Bible to start with. However, Psalms is an uplifting book. I find a lot of myself in the book of Psalms.

One other recommendation I have - and I am not a big proponent of televangelists, but there are those out there that I believe are sincere (Billy Graham being one), but I also believe that Joyce Meyer is truly a woman after God's own heart. She has several daily broadcasts, and I have found it helpful to listen to her sermons, take notes and then do further study on the scriptures she provides on my own. She also seems to know where those of us who are anxious or fearful or worried are coming from. I know that she struggled with many of these issues herself some years ago.

Hope this helps! Don't ever be discouraged. God hears your prayers even if you don't feel they are put together "the right way". He knows your heart and what you need before you do. He will be with you and teach you how to grow!

God Bless - Reta

Dana,

If you want a general intro to Christianity, try the Alpha program: http://www.alphana.org/ I've heard really good things about it.

It is non-denominational, meaning that many different Christian churches, including Methodist, participate. You may even find a course at a Methodist church near you. You can search on their website for upcoming courses anywhere in the country (and world).

Good luck, you are embarking on the best journey of them all!