Free thinking Christian Church goers - church advice?

I haven't been to church in a long time but I can answer one of your first questions about why hell is only mentioned in the new testament. I don't have references off hand but could get them to you if you really wanted them...not gonna bother with it now not knowing whether you want to even hear about it. Before Jesus' death, there was no heaven or hell...it was like a waiting area(can't remember what it was called). Those in the Old Testament believed that God would send a savior to atone their sins while New Testament and today believe that God did send a savior to atone sins. Once Christ died, there was then a heaven and hell. Hell was translated as Hades or "lowest pit" or "grave" in the Old Testament among other things...but if you look at the root words you will see that they all mean "sheol" which is the place of hell...or if you don't like the word hell it is the farthest place away from heaven. Google it and decide for yourself. Anyway, I could go on and on but won't bother...I take no offense what way you believe and wish you the best in your search for a church that matches your beliefs. To each his own. I believe the Jehovah's witnesses or mormons don't believe in hell?...some consider that Christian. Websites usually have their beliefs listed on the website and whether or not they believe in hell is usually there.

Non-demoninational churches are not all the same. I'm a member of one; we are part of a national/international network of churches, so we aren't really independent. We are liberal thinking in that we view ourselves as having responsibilities and obligations to each other, the earth & the world. We advocate for the rights of the poor, imprisoned and disenfranchised. However, I suppose we are conservative in our interpretation of the bible, including a real place called hell.

All that to say, you really need to investigate a prospective church before you join. All churches, including non-denominationals, are not the same. Find out as much as you can. I attended regularly for a year before I joined.

Keep this in mind too. We can't pick a church that makes us feel good and we like the sermons all the time. The right church is biblically sound and it will make you feel a little uncomfortable at times -- not in a condemning and judgmental way, but in a way where the Holy Spirit convicts us on our own issues.

I would suggest a non-denominational church. It's not held down by all the rules and regulations that the major religions tend to follow. I should tell you though, I go a to a non-denomination church and we believe in a heaven and a hell. Christianity isn't a pick and chose type of religion. Either you believe in everything the Bible says ( no matter how unbelievable it is) or you don't. I guess the moral of the story is...if you've accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior, believe that He died on the cross for your sins and rose from the dead 3 days later and have repented of your sins, you shouldn't have to worry about hell at all - you'll spend eternity in heaven. :)

Hell isn't an actual place, so much as the absence of the presence of God. Hell is where God isn't, so if God casts you away, anywhere you end up is Hell. There is a similar concept in Judaism that I'm not too well versed in, but my understanding is such that acts of sin push you further away from the Light that is God. Sacrifices, acts of contrition, etc., bring you closer to that light. So, really, the concept isn't totally alien to Judaism. Besides, the New Testament represents a new covanent, and therefore new rules, some of which wouldn't be in the Old Testament.

Hell does appear in the OT, but there it represents the grave. Good people like Jacob knew they would go there when they die. The Bible says Jesus went to hell. That meant his grave, surely he did not deserve torture.

When looking for a place to go look for people who are not in it for the money, or prominence. Look for these signs:

1)John 13, 34,35 - are the loving of their neighbors and even of their enemies.

2) 2 Timothy 3:16- They view the Bible as the inspired word of God.

3) They share their message willingly and freely with their neighbors and their message focuses on God's Kingdom Mathew 28:19,20 & Matthew 24:15 - 4)

They don't meddle in politics, but lke Christ are not over materialistic but focus on the spiritual things.

These are a few suggestions.

Wow; loads of decisions here. First thing; most churches have some sort of greeters at the door. If you tell them you are not yet Christian, and that it is your first visit to a church of that denomination, my guess is they will welcome you first! Then, one of them will take you under their wing, or, seat you with someone else who will. That way they can guide you as to what is going on. There are differences amongst the denominations, as you can probably guess. There are 2 broad divisions: high, and low as they are sometimes called. This division is by no means hard and fast! But the High churches (Roman Catholic, Anglican/Episcopal, Lutheran, etc.) will usually have a set liturgy, or service, that is written in a book of some kind. Often there will be a bulletin which you can follow, and tells you what page to turn to. There will be a separate book with hymns. The service is very traditional, with the priest in robes, and so on. "Low" churches are much more free form. More modern songs, a longer sermon, and possibly no books at all. Sometimes they project the songs using an OHP. This guide is VERY rough! E.g. Anglicans come in low and high, or both. The community church is one that is likely not officially affiliated with a particular denomination. They tend to be low, and are very much like Baptist churches, although not always. You do not need to take anything but yourself. Dressed nicely, but, not overboard. Business casual would do for most churches. Some dress fancier, and others don't at all (our last priest used to wear jeans and sandals under his robe. When he wore a robe!). So, aim for the upper middle, and you'll be fine. If you are not baptized, you normally will not be allowed to take communion. Odds are, the low church service won't be communion anyway, as they don't do them nearly as often as high churches. But, you are entirely welcome, even encouraged, to come up for a blessing. Some people I know just try different churches, and stay with the one they feel the most comfortable in. I have a denomination that I am very happy with, but, rather than saying why, I just recommend finding your "favourite." Where the people welcome you, and make you feel like family. If what the priest/minister/pastors says makes sense: even better. EDIT: reading some of the other comments: some denominations are big on Hell, others aren't. As a (again VERY!) general rule, higher churches have a different version of Hell than the lower ones. E.g., my denomination does not see it as a place of torture, and nothing to threaten someone with at all. Others take a different approach. But, there will be no demands for money, or threats of Hell in all churches!

Small Child you need to read the whole Bible alot to get the knowledge that your asking others to give you. Take some time and start your own study course and learn the word of God from beginning to the end. It will greatly enrich your life. I believe that you will come away a changed person for it. It takes time to get to know the truth. Jesus said I am the way the truth and the life.

If you want to know Jesus get to know the truth of God's word.

The truth will set you free.

Most Christian demoninations teach that you go to Hell if you die in your sins without accepting Jesus as savior, everybody doesnt just automatically go there. I personally question the eternal Hell idea. Spending time seperated from god may be part of a non-believers jugdment, but I believe in time all men will be reconciled with god, thats radical considering I am Southern Baptist. My advice is, make sure you have accepted Jesus Christ as your savior and follow his lead from there.

Dear friend,

If what you say is true - that you believe in what the bible says - then I just encourage you to read the bible and see what it says about hell, about the judgment of God, about the eternal punishment awaiting those who do not know God, etc.

There are many good Bible study aids available on the internet.

As Christians, we are to submit ourselves to God and allow Him to lead us and guide us. We do not change His word - we allow His word to change us.

I really encourage you to pray, ask God for His guidance, and be willing to accept correction in your life. Your "free thinking" sounds like you think you can simply pick and choose what you want from God's word.... that is a very dangerous way of life.

Find a church where Christ is exalted, the bible is honored, and the people are unashamed of their love for Jesus and for each other.

god bless

What about Saddleback Church? www.saddleback.org

I would find a Spirit filled, Bible teaching church.

Non-denominational just means is a Christian Church that doesn't follow the Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, etc...teaching. My Church is a non-denominational and we use the Holy Bible.