searching for open minded SA church (Houston: fit in, live in, rail)

[hamjeepr]

Originally Posted by LadyAlli

I believe the OP was asking for suggestions about an "open minded" church and not asking for criticism from other people. I'm sure he/she got enough of that from the church he/she was attending. It amazes me how some people can call themselves Christians, but be so critical of other people and be downright rude. If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say it at all!

To the OP: You seem like a wonderful person, and I hope you find a church that meets your needs. Good luck!

A true Christian church should help each member to identify and move away from their sin, not affirm the person in their sin. This does not include abuse of the person but it does include refusal to accept the sin. Churches that openly cater to sinful acts serve satan and not God. If the person is repentant and is willing to turn away from the sin, there are many churches that will welcome the person with open arms and help in every way possible.

[sapphire]

Originally Posted by JNA

I think what the church may be indicating is that there is a difference between a person committing sin in their life versus living in sin. We are required to repent of our sins when we become Christians. That doesn't mean we will never sin.

However, we are not to live a life in sin as we should be changed beings after becoming a Christian. When sin is lovingly pointed out in our lives, we as Christians are called to repent of our sins, seek forgiveness, ask God's help in changing our lifestyle and make a concerted effort to do so.

We all sin. Every day that I open my eyes, I barely make it out of the shower before I start sinning--usually my negative thoughts. I make a concerted effort to not sin, but I'm human. I feel like the OP is trying to get right with God, and to be turned away from serving OUR Lord is not Christian, IMO. I guess what I am trying to say is, I sin every day, even though I feel I am repentant. Who are you to tell me what's in my heart? Only God knows that, and it's between me and Him. I hope and pray that they can find a "come as you are" church that will make them feel welcome. I am not even sure I can recommend my own church--I honestly don't know how they would be received. I know the mantra is "love the sinner, hate the sin" at Harvest, and they love me sin and all, but I am married. I am honestly not sure how people in alternative lifestyles are accepted. I don't know of any there.

[JuneOf48]

For those who pick and choose, if you haven't read it before. (I originally thought that it came from Michael Moore, but I'm not sure. The addressee is Dr. Laura Schlesinger.)

Dear Dr. Laura,
Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I have learned a great deal from your show, and I try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind him that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination. End of debate.
I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some of the specific laws and how to best follow them.

1. When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odour for the Lord (Lev. 1:9). The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odour is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?
2. I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?
3. I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness (Lev. 15:19-24). The problem is, how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.
4. Lev. 25:44 states that I may indeed possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?
5. I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself?
6. A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination (Lev. 11:10), it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this?
7. Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room here?
8. Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev.19:27. How should they die?
9. I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?
10. My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev. 19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? (Lev.24:10-16) Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev.20:14)

I know you have studied these things extensively, so I am confident you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.
Your devoted disciple and adoring fan,
J. Kent Ashcraft

[Eleanor Rigby]

I've seen that one around, but I don't know where it originated.

In the same vein, I give you:

God Hates Shrimp.com

My favorite thing to tell my tubthumping obnoxious holier-than-thou roommate in college when she started in on how the Jews were corrupted by sin and stuff was to get a horrified look on my face and point at her sweater and say, "God will smite you for your mixed-fiber sweater! Repent, sinner, repent!"

[TexasTeq]

Originally Posted by AirForceDoc

I don't mean to sound condescending. It concerns me though, didn't Jesus teach that there was such a thing as sin? How is it that we want the Lord to change for us and not us change for the Lord? It's not hard to find someone who will tell you what you want to hear as long as you add to the plate. Or are you looking for a church that still will call a sin a sin but will still love its members and help them to come to Christ? Is that the kind of acceptance you mean?

Excellent Post Doc.

[JNA]

Originally Posted by sapphire

We all sin. Every day that I open my eyes, I barely make it out of the shower before I start sinning--usually my negative thoughts. I make a concerted effort to not sin, but I'm human. I feel like the OP is trying to get right with God, and to be turned away from serving OUR Lord is not Christian, IMO. I guess what I am trying to say is, I sin every day, even though I feel I am repentant. Who are you to tell me what's in my heart? Only God knows that, and it's between me and Him. I hope and pray that they can find a "come as you are" church that will make them feel welcome. I am not even sure I can recommend my own church--I honestly don't know how they would be received. I know the mantra is "love the sinner, hate the sin" at Harvest, and they love me sin and all, but I am married. I am honestly not sure how people in alternative lifestyles are accepted. I don't know of any there.

I understand what you're saying. I have visited Harvest on two of my visits to San Antonio and from what I have seen, I doubt they'd be accepting of "alternative lifestyles". I do feel they would be open to someone who has been in an "alternative lifestyle" and is seeking to move away from that lifestyle and into confirmity with God's will in that person's life, as it should.

This isn't really a religious forum, but I guess the way of differentiating committing sin versus living in sin is whether a person's lifestyle is defined by it. Using the sin of adultery as an example, I wouldn't expect my church to accept into fellowship someone that is living with another person in an adulterous relationship while married to someone else. That person would be an evangelistic prospect if they are unwilling to repent from that sin when confronted with it.

That would be different from a person who has committed the sin of adultery, but is not living with the other person involved in the act of adultery, repents and seeks forgiveness of that sin. That person will very likely be tempted to commit that sin again and may very well do so, but the church should be there to help and encourage the person who's making the effort. This person should be welcome into the church as a brother or sister.

As far as leadership positions in the church, the Bible has much more stringent requirements because of the shame it brings on God and the church when a leader gets wrapped up in sin and the scandal that often results from it.

[TexasNick]

Guys, I don't think it matters what church one goes to when they are searching for answers. I believe that the Holy spirit will help guide them as they become closer to God. Last year, I was all over place searching for answers. I went to all kinds of churches. After half a year, I finally found my place in a Baptist church--and that was the gut feeling I had all along. I felt the Baptist church was genuine and authentic.

First, get right with God and then he'll show you the doors to where you need to go. He only helps those who help themselves. Nothing is ever accomplished over night. Remember, by following Jesus, good works will come naturally.

[open minded]

I wanted to post an update for anyone who reads this blog. I did leave the church that I originally posted about and I have found the church where I belong. I would invite everyone to come visit my church and see if its the right fit for you. Check out our website at Gateway Fellowship Church, Helotes, TX 78023

Thanks for the support!

[PopsGuysRule]

Originally Posted by TexasNick

Guys, I don't think it matters what church one goes to when they are searching for answers. I believe that the Holy spirit will help guide them as they become closer to God. Last year, I was all over place searching for answers. I went to all kinds of churches. After half a year, I finally found my place in a Baptist church--and that was the gut feeling I had all along. I felt the Baptist church was genuine and authentic.

First, get right with God and then he'll show you the doors to where you need to go. He only helps those who help themselves. Nothing is ever accomplished over night. Remember, by following Jesus, good works will come naturally.

Can I ask you which Baptist church that is? My church growing up and then again in Ohio from 1998 to 2006 was American Baptist..... I haven't found any American Baptist churches here in SA, but I do 'have my eye' on a Baptist Church near my home....

[fierce_flawless]

I just wanted to mention Travis Park ... gosh I don't know the exact name of the church but one of my closest friends goes there and always talks about how open and accepting they are. It's downtown, near Travis Park (duh!)