20 ESSENTIAL Questions To Ask While Church Shopping
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- čas přidán 5. 07. 2024
- These are 20 essential questions to ask a pastor that will help you find a Biblical church.
1. What is man's biggest problem: sin or self-esteem?
2. What must a man do to inherit eternal life?
3. How do you deliver the salvation message?
4. How hard is it to become a Christian?
5. How often do you talk about sin, righteousness, and judgment?
6. How seeker-sensitive is your church?
7. How do you handle complex theology in your sermons?
8. What is your mixture of topical vs. expository preaching?
9. Describe your youth programs.
10. Describe your evangelism programs.
11. What church growth model do you follow?
12. How much do you give to missions and the hungry?
13. Do you believe the Bible contains any errors?
14. Do you believe in a literal six day creation?
15. Do you believe in a literal hell and eternal punishment?
16. When you distribute the Lord's Supper, do you emphasize the need to examine yourself?
17. Can a person who is living in a willful and persistent, unrepentant lifestyle of sin inherit eternal life?
18. Does your church exercise church discipline?
19. What criteria are used to determine if someone is qualified to be a Sunday school teacher or a youth volunteer?
20. What are the essentials of the Christian faith?
Need to find a church? Here’s three sites that can help:
founders.org/church-search
tms.edu/find-a-church
9marks.org/church-search
--
Wretched TV and Radio are hosted by Todd Friel. On the show, you will see and hear live witnessing encounters, discussions of tough theological issues, and christian commentary on current events. We might even make you laugh.
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Need to find a church? Here’s three sites that can help:
founders.org/church-search
tms.edu/find-a-church
9marks.org/church-search
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if you are baptistic, these are appropriate resources
YaH The Heavenly FATHER HIMSELF was Who they Crucified/Pierced for our sins and “HERE IS THE PROOF”
From the Ancient Egyptian Semitic:
"Yad He Vav He" is what Moshe (Moses) wrote, when Moses asked YaH His Name (Exodus 3)
Ancient Egyptian Semitic Direct Translation
Yad - "Behold The Hand"
He - "Behold the Breath"
Vav - "Behold The NAIL"
THIS, Understanding This, is Salvation
HalleluYAH translates “Praise ye YaH”
YaH is The Heavenly Father
YaH arrives via the TENT OF MEETING
YaH was Who they Crucified for our sins
- Ancient Semitic Cuneiform of Moshe (Moses)
- Isa Scroll (The Original Isaiah)
Isaiah 42:8
"I am YaH; that is my Name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols.
Isaiah 43:11
I, I am YAH, and there is no other Savior but Me.
Isaiah 45:5
I am YaH, and there is none else.
If every pastor preached like Ray Comfort, we'd have lower church attendance, but far stronger believers!
Lol...it seems to be preference...
He's not that baaaaaaaaaad
I think it’s more of a compliment lol because he preachers truth and a lot of people don’t like to hear the truth, but for those few that do it would be beneficial
Agreed 💯
Thank you for this. As a NEW Christian I sometimes feel like a fish out of water. Not knowing who to turn to, listen to, read about. It's scary because there's so many false teachers and he said/she said going on. I have so much to learn and I just pray I can learn it all before it's too late.
Yes, it is scary, but God will guide you 🙏 as you follow these questions and know that no church is perfect. My church is not perfect but has these stables of a godly church down and are even improving. So I'm blessed to be a member of it because it has rooted me in the Word of God.
@BonnieC
Dear sister i know what you mean. The only advice i can give you is: test them ALL !...test them and what they say with God's Word and you wont go wrong. Ask God for wisdom and He promises in His Word He would...
James 1:5 "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."
....God Bless you Dear Sister and welcome to the Kingdom of our Dear LORD and GOD. Nothing is more priceless than being Born Again into His Kingdom and into the Body of Christ. I was Born Again into New Life the first day that God led me to open the Scriptures to the Book of John. (The Gospel of John.) And discovered whom Jesus was. Then we know we are indwelt and sealed by the Holy Spirit. Who then teaches us "all truth." My suggestion is check everything against scripture. Be a Berean and check every verse. I have been saved 3 and a half years and l still check everything. Never a day goes by that l'm not in my Bible. It's actually falling apart. I'm having to tape in sections as they fall out. Of course l have other Bibles but l love this one Soo much, because God gave it to me as a gift. Dr. Steven Lawson on One Passion Ministries...has fantastic teachings on the New Birth and what it means to be born again. I highly recommend him. If you are truly Born Again the Holy Spirit will keep you from error. You may venture off at times but you will always recognize the truth when you hear it, and come back. I'm on Instagram under this same name if you would like to talk. God Bless you richly ..📖✝️🌷
I know the feeling. Had the same experience about 7 years ago. I have found my best measuring rod for what is true and what is false about God comes from reading and re-reading the Bible. I don't do study well. I can do it, but I usually have to have help. However, I can read the Bible. And with enough reading (I haven't had enough yet...will need to keep reading to remind myself every day) of the Bible, you get to know what God would and would not actually do, say, desire of us, etc. Best shield against false teachers. And by the way, he said/she said shouldn't even come into it until you're familiar with what God said. Thank God He left us a manual for living the Christian life: The Bible.
@Cade Wolfson Absolutely not trying to offend you...but absolutely no where in Scripture does it tell us to accept Christ into our heart for Salvation. It's not the Biblical way to Salvation. If you go to Ephesians 1:13 it says regarding Jesus "after you hear the Word of truth, the gospel of your Salvation" then you trust and believe. But if you go back to v4 it tells us whom it's speaking of who God has chosen before the foundation of the world. The Gospel is 1 Corninthians 15:1-4. And turning away from sin? No man can do that until The Holy Spirit of God has come unto us and given us the New heart at the New Birth. Then we are granted repentance by God. It's all a supernatural working of God. Stick with the scriptures. God Bless...🙏
This short video is a sermon alone and better than a lot I’ve heard in my church praise God. People don’t want to hear Gods truth they want entertainment and a self esteem lecture
Great questions
Amen!
“if your church has a picture of Ken Ham in the lobby, you’re probably good to go”😂😂😂
Been Christian for a little over a year and mainly read the bible and watch content and sermons on YT. But I'm noticing stagnation recently so I really need to go find a church now.
For sure! You need to be in a body of believers my sibling
Ministers
Motivatingu2win
Mike Winger
Allen Parr
The watchman
Costi Hinn
Wretched
JerusalemChannel?
Ruslan?
Lion of Judah
Got Questions
Off the Kirb ministries
Reformed wiki 2.0
Living waters
Robert Breaker
Dr.Sean McDowell
Desiring God
Alex Wilson
Here’s some amazing youtubers can watch until then.. but in any case always evaluate what’s being said.
Orthodoxy is Truth
@@HasanUnknown God is Trinity
Prayers for you my friend that the Lord lead you and put your where He wants you. In the meantime, this here is Church, believers on CZcams chatting about the goodness of Jesus, amen?
The Christian life, like anything worth doing, is simple, but it ain’t easy. My life didn’t get complicated until I was saved.
I found this video bcause I had ?? About Trunk or Treat, ( and santa claus and easter eggs) , no salvation/sinner talk, no real altar calls. I'm leaving this watered down church after 10+ yrs. I live in a small town where most people know most people, and I live across the street from the church! After a few conversations and a meeting with the leadership, today is my third week at a new church, literally around the corner. Helpful video for me to submit questions to the new pastor. My prayer in Jesus name, is that all of you who are looking for a true, Bible believing and Bible following Fellowship of believers will be led by the Holy Spirit to a house of worship where you can serve and be served
God’s providence is so timely! This weekend is to begin my church hunt. Thank you Lord 🙌🏼🙌🏼
J Day. this is the single most important thing you can do for yourself and your family going forward. i will add you to my prayer list for the next month as you seek. my only thought: if you can, don't hesitate to drive to get to a good church. we have to drive 45 minutes and it is more than worth it
Same here haha
Praying for you to find a good one
If you need a church home I can help you find your local Catholic Church
@@dman7668
Catholic church? You gotta be joking!!
As a member of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, I can say that my church does meet these criterion. My pastor is more interested in what scripture has to say than what the world has to say. However, I would add something to this list, and it is something simple but essential. What is the role of scripture within the worship service? If it is only a couple of quick blurbs during the sermon and nothing more, I would advise running away as fast as possible. However, if you can take the totality of the order of service and point to it and then show it in scripture, then look carefully and reference the scriptures and see how those verse exist in the greater of context in which they occur.
Me too. Hello fellow LCMS member!
We also have fantastic church signs…St. Mark’s Ferndale.
That's a really good point. Being a religion of the book, it might be a good idea for the pastor to open that book every once and again.
I love reading and the biblical texts are, just as a story, phenomenal. The story telling is pretty amazing, the storyline ebbs and flows and the reader is often either weeping or ready to throw it at the wall in frustration. It's a really good book. People really should read it more.
I stumbled into a church that checks all of these blocks. Praise the Lord! There are some people who need to stumble out of their so called church.....
As a pastor since 1977 I must tell you - you are spot on. This is so important and so many churches today are neglecting the essentials
I’m visiting a new church this coming Sunday. This video couldn’t have been better timed. I’ll certainly try to find someone in charge to talk to after the service.
I can help you find a nice Catholic Church..it doesn't matter what Church you go to really. Just a Bible believing one..which the Catholic Church is.
@@dman7668
Why are you so blind? The Catholic church is a cult, made up of tradition of men, not God. Do your history homework.
Amen.
Preach! 🔥🔥🔥.... my family recently moved and still have yet to find a new home church, largely because many/most of our local churches miss the mark on these
I don’t know why your clapping I’m talking about you! Amen brother Paul Washer 🙏🏽🙏🏽
They should have clapped even louder after he said that!
I’ve delivered the salvation message with the scriptures to unbelievers and to believers. I was told by other believers in church and at a Christian college I attended, that it needed to condensed down, and that the sinners prayer was good enough. My reply was: What does Gods Word say? I got, we think you may have a critical spirit, my response was, I think that you do not or have not been taught the Word by solid biblically grounded men.
God's word isn't referring to the Bible in every case. We don't go by scripture alone obviously. That wouldn't make any sense.
Love it!!
Boom.
@@dman7668
What? God's word means.
The bible, holy scriptures.
@@khrystalkhoury62 uh, no it doesn't lol, most of the time the word of God in the Bible isn't referring to the Bible. How do I know this? Because the Bible wasn't compiled first. The letters were written and then put into a Bible later! 😅
@@alliesmom2946
I am not arguing that the bible is not God's word. However the Bible never states that we are to go by scripture alone. I reject this doctrine of the reformers because I see now basis for it.
One name for all your problems dear friend is: A M E R I C A!
Greetings from Christians from the "poor" East 👍🙋♂️
Thank you! Perfect timing (as Gods timing always is) I’m in search of a church now. God Bless
P.S. I’m glad you guys turned comments on again a while back. I love reading what my Brothers and sisters in Christ have to say. Love y’all
Ahh...good to see Ray Comfort in your mentioned answers. You mr. Friel and mr. Comfort are some of my favorite Christian giants. Thank you that you do what you do.
Yep, the Atheists Nightmare...the Banana! 🤣😂
@@harrycooper5231 🤣🤣🤣
Please pray for my church. We lost our last pastor just before Christmas. Replacing sound pastors is...pretty hard.
Thank you! We've been burned by a few churches in the past and we've been attending one that seems to be "the one". We're taking extreme care with much prayer this time and we need to be asking the pastor one of the questions. This was definitely God's timing.
Many years ago I just happened to come across Joel Osteen on Larry King. In it, Joel said, "I never use the word "sin." (He just did!) I later got a hold of a tape of his later where he is preaching on forgiveness. You guessed it. He never used the word "sin." He said we need to be forgiven for our "mistakes!" I think anybody would know the difference between a sin and a mistake. (A mistake would be if I called someone by his wrong name; a sin would be if I clobbered him!) Oh, and the sermon was only about 15 minutes long. Typical of seek-friendly churches. Thank-you, Todd for your ministry. To me you ARE Biblically sound.
Love this! Now, more than EVER, we need to combat the darkness by simply being the Light of the World in Christ's place.
Scripture, Eucharist and silence to contemplate Christ' sacrifice for the forgiveness of sin.
HAHAHA! "picture of Ken Ham in the lobby" todd, you are too funny
Idolatry
"Are there criteria Sunday school volunteers must meet?" In addition to, are they breathing?
oh great comments are back. love your stuff keep it up
If more preachers did their jobs they God say, the church would be much more stronger but fewer and you wouldn't have as many problems in it.🙏
We have good theology at our church but a rock band with not so great songs. We come late and decide when last song is sung wether we leave early.❤️
As a young man I agree, please don't squish! We need something to look up to not something watered down for us
thanks this is well made, i think this is also a great test to see if you are already a part of a sound church, just think about what your church teaches and does with these issues
Amen. Thank you for the links for the church searches because the church I am currently at is starting to change and not for the good.
If you are in the Houston area, stay on 59 southbound past Lakewood Church, exit West Airport Bl, and come see us at Sugar Grove Church. We preach from the Bible.
Really liked what John Macarthur had to say about Communion. It's such a Holy moment. I'm leaving the church I go to because it's not taken seriously when passed around. In the blink of an eye it's over. It hasn't been properly explained or taught on so the congregation hasn't a clue what it truly means.
There isn't any communion taking place. MacArthur denies Jesus is physically present body and soul in the sacrament. It isn't a Holy Moment. In fact, Holy Communion is called Holy Communion because people believed they were recieving Jesus literal body and literal blood under the appearance of bread and wine.
It's like Christians don't even know why a thing is called that anymore lol.
For more proof that the true Church contradicts MacArthur see the early Church fathers. They are right and MacArthur is a false teacher.
@@dman7668 we are going to have to disagree here. Jesus gave the first communion, to Jewish men. There isn't a chance in the world or Jewish teaching that they believed what they were given was anything but a metaphorical blood and body. I realize Rome teaches this is a literal happening. Biblically speaking, it's a false teaching. It cannot be reconciled to the new or old testament, but only to the tradition of Peter as taught by the Roman Catholic church.
@@dman7668 100% agreed. I would only note that MacArthur is "correct" in what he says, but may not be fully aware of the implications. It's better for Protestants to have only a 'pretend' sacrament. The true Eucharist is simply too perilous.
@cristiewentz8586
You wrote: " There isn't any chance in the world or Jewish teaching that they believed what they were given was anything but a metaphorical blood and body"
I never got around to responding to this comment. In the New Testament we see the Jews did NOT think Jesus was speaking metaphorically, what you are saying here is actually untrue. What you also are not aware of is the the way the sacrifices worked in Jewish religion and the significance of Christ being the sacrificial lamb.
Gen. 14:18 - this is the first time that the word “priest” is used in Old Testament. Melchizedek is both a priest and a king and he offers a bread and wine sacrifice to God
Psalm 76:2 - Melchizedek is the king of Salem. Salem is the future Jeru-salem where Jesus, the eternal priest and king, established his new Kingdom and the Eucharistic sacrifice which He offered under the appearance of bread and wine
Malachi 1:11 - this is a prophecy of a pure offering that will be offered in every place from the rising of the sun to its setting. Thus, there will be only one sacrifice, but it will be offered in many places around the world. This prophecy is fulfilled only by the Catholic Church in the Masses around the world, where the sacrifice of Christ which transcends time and space is offered for our salvation. If this prophecy is not fulfilled by the Catholic Church, then Malachi is a false prophet
Exodus 29:38-39 - God commands the Israelites to “offer” (poieseis) the lambs upon the altar. The word “offer” is the same verb Jesus would use to institute the Eucharistic offering of Himself
Lev. 19:22 - the priests of the old covenant would make atonement for sins with the guilt offering of an animal which had to be consumed. Jesus, the High Priest of the New Covenant, has atoned for our sins by His one sacrifice, and He also must be consumed
Zech. 9:15-16 - this is a prophecy that the sons of Zion, which is the site of the establishment of the Eucharistic sacrifice, shall drink blood like wine and be saved. This prophecy is fulfilled only by the priests of the Catholic Church
Exodus 12:5 - the paschal lamb that was sacrificed and eaten had to be without blemish. Luke 23:4,14; John 18:38 - Jesus is the true paschal Lamb without blemish
Exodus 12:8,11 - the paschal lamb had to be eaten by the faithful in order for God to “pass over” the house and spare their first-born sons. Jesus, the true paschal Lamb, must also be eaten by the faithful in order for God to forgive their sins
Lev. 7:15 - the Aaronic sacrifices absolutely had to be eaten in order to restore communion with God. These sacrifices all foreshadow the one eternal sacrifice which must also be eaten to restore communion with God. This is the Eucharist (from the Greek word “eukaristia” which means “thanksgiving
2 Kings 4:43 - this passage foreshadows the multiplication of the loaves and the true bread from heaven which is Jesus Christ
John 6:4,11-14 - on the eve of the Passover, Jesus performs the miracle of multiplying the loaves. This was prophesied in the Old Testament (e.g., 2 Kings4:43), and foreshadows the infinite heavenly bread which is Him
I love typology. You can see the connection here and why what the Catholic Church says is the truth and what MacArthur teaches is false teaching.
John 6:51-52- then Jesus says that the bread He is referring to is His flesh. The Jews take Him literally and immediately question such a teaching. How can this man give us His flesh to eat
John 6:53 - 58 - Jesus does not correct their literal interpretation. Instead, Jesus eliminates any metaphorical interpretations by swearing an oath and being even more literal about eating His flesh. In fact, Jesus says four times we must eat His flesh and drink His blood. Catholics thus believe that Jesus makes present His body and blood in the sacrifice of the Mass. Protestants, if they are not going to become Catholic, can only argue that Jesus was somehow speaking symbolically
John 6:23-53 - however, a symbolic interpretation is not plausible. Throughout these verses, the Greek text uses the word “phago” nine times. “Phago” literally means “to eat” or “physically consume.” Like the Protestants of our day, the disciples take issue with Jesus’ literal usage of “eat.” So Jesus does what
John 6:54, 56, 57, 58 - He uses an even more literal verb, translated as “trogo,” which means to gnaw or chew or crunch. He increases the literalness and drives his message home. Jesus will literally give us His flesh and blood to eat. The word “trogo” is only used two other times in the New Testament (in Matt. 24:38 and John 13:18) and it always means to literally gnaw or chew meat. While “phago” might also have a spiritual application, “trogo” is never used metaphorically in Greek. So Protestants cannot find one verse in Scripture where “trogo” is used symbolically, and yet this must be their argument if they are going to deny the Catholic understanding of Jesus’ words. Moreover, the Jews already knew Jesus was speaking literally even before Jesus used the word “trogo” when they said “How can this man give us His flesh to eat?” (John 6:52
John 6:55 - to clarify further, Jesus says “For My Flesh is food indeed, and My Blood is drink indeed.” This phrase can only be understood as being responsive to those who do not believe that Jesus’ flesh is food indeed, and His blood is drink indeed. Further, Jesus uses the word which is translated as “sarx.” “Sarx” means flesh (not “soma” which means body). See, for example, John 1:13,14; 3:6; 8:15; 17:2; Matt. 16:17; 19:5; 24:22; 26:41; Mark 10:8; 13:20; 14:38; and Luke 3:6; 24:39 which provides other examples in Scripture where “sarx” means flesh. It is always literal
John 6:55 - further, the phrases “real” food and “real” drink use the word “alethes.” “Alethes” means “really” or “truly,” and would only be used if there were doubts concerning the reality of Jesus’ flesh and blood as being food and drink. Thus, Jesus is emphasizing the miracle of His body and blood being actual food and drink
John 6:61-63 - Jesus acknowledges their disgust. Jesus’ use of the phrase “the spirit gives life” means the disciples need supernatural faith, not logic, to understand His words
John 3:6 - Jesus often used the comparison of “spirit versus flesh” to teach about the necessity of possessing supernatural faith versus a natural understanding. In Mark 14:38 Jesus also uses the “spirit/flesh” comparison. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. We must go beyond the natural to understand the supernatural. In 1 Cor. 2:14,3:3; Rom 8:5; and Gal. 5:17, Paul also uses the “spirit/flesh” comparison to teach that unspiritual people are not receiving the gift of faith. They are still “in the flesh
John 6:63 - Protestants often argue that Jesus’ use of the phrase “the spirit gives life” shows that Jesus was only speaking symbolically. However, Protestants must explain why there is not one place in Scripture where “spirit” means “symbolic.” As we have seen, the use of “spirit” relates to supernatural faith. What words are spirit and life? The words that we must eat Jesus’ flesh and drink His blood, or we have no life in us
John 6:66-67 - many disciples leave Jesus, rejecting this literal interpretation that we must eat His flesh and drink His blood. At this point, these disciples really thought Jesus had lost His mind. If they were wrong about the literal interpretation, why wouldn’t Jesus, the Great Teacher, have corrected them? Why didn’t Jesus say, “Hey, come back here, I was only speaking symbolically!”? Because they understood correctly
John 3:5,11; Matt. 16:11-12 - here are some examples of Jesus correcting wrong impressions of His teaching. In the Eucharistic discourse, Jesus does not correct the scandalized disciples
Anyway, the Church always maintained this truth of the Christian faith. The deviation occurs later in reformers. Hence why we must reject Protestantism. In light of all this information I have personally decided it's all a sham. A clever ruse by Satan to prevent you for obtaining the Eucharist.
I recently moved to Florida and yesterday was my third week at a new church. Next week is our new member luncheon where we get to chat with the leaders and our pastor to ask questions. Ironically, I know almost all of the answers to these questions after only THREE WEEKS of his sermons on Romans 6 & 7. I’ve been searching for a true church since 2018 and I feel God has finally blessed me with a true church family. When you know what to look for it’s pretty easy to weed them out. I went to another church only one time because the pastor said if you aren’t healed and rich it’s due to unbelief. I find pastors who are off track love to shame “church hoppers”. They make a point to instill in you during their sermons that it’s a “you” problem if you leave. Great video!! Praying for all of God’s people to find their local families.
It sounds like you have found a solid Bible-based full-council church. A good church is ESSENTIAL to have a life/community that provides the needed foundation in life.
P.S. The fact you are watching Todd says a lot.
What part of Florida and what church is this if I may ask
I thank the Good Lord every day for the church He guided us to. It's phenomenal!!! And we drive nearly an hour several times a week to get there!
If you're gonna be a youth pastor, and this is important for reaching the kids, make sure you get earings/gauges and bonus points if you can wear more revealing, relaxed clothes so they can see the crappy tattoo you got in college. Also, take up skateboarding
my youth group has both fun and scripture. we do an activity and after the activity we involve that w a piece of scripture… it’s absolutely awesome
I’m actually church shopping right now in Nashville Tennessee and these are absolutely fantastic fundamental questions that I will be asking.
If you found any, please let me know so I can check it out. I'm actually going to Nashville for college next year.
God Bless to keep God Living Word
Joel Osteen is like a Bible inspired life coach. He makes you feel great. I live in predominantly Christian community, but their behavior makes me often wonder what does it mean to be a Christian.
This is a GREAT list of questions to ask!! I recently found a new church and so far they meet all of these. Phew!
There is so much great truth here!
Brother Todd, Thanks so much for this informative video. ALL TRUE !!! GOD BLESS You. Shalom! 🍃⚘🍃
Great timing! Thanks 😊
Amen...Number 4 is barely ever mentioned. No man can believe unless The Holy Spirit comes and regenerate's him into New Spiritual life. Then the Holy Spirit leads us to the Scriptures....and we can understand it, and believe it ..and make a saving confession."No man can say Jesus is Lord but by the Holy Spirit." 1 Corninthians 12:3. 📖✝️🌷
You have shared an incorrect understanding of that passage.
1 Corinthians 12:3 KJV - Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
No one can call Jesus Lord except by the Holy Ghost right?
Romans 10:14 KJV - How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
They receive the Holy Ghost upon believing in the death burial and resurrection of Jesus, at which point they are saved and are enabled to call Jesus Lord.
God doesn't force anyone to have faith in Him, God allows you to choose to have faith at which point you are regenerated and given then Holy Spirit.
Calvinism is not a biblical set of teachings
@@henryjoseph3584 Wrong. I know what happened to me. I was a confessed believer my whole life, but l was NEVER saved. Confessing Christ is not enough if there is not a move of the Holy Spirit...and you have not been Born Again as Jesus said you must be. Then you're not saved. You can't even see the Kingdom of God. Nor can you enter into. Should l give you more verses? Why are you here? You have a different understanding of scripture from us Reformed Believers. Then simply move along. The rest of us remember how we were saved. I was Born again into New Life when l foolishly thought l was saved. Then l opened the scriptures and made a real saving confession by the Holy Spirit. You think Calvinism is wrong. Great...go hang out with your Armianian buddies. I will stay with the truth of scripture. God chooses His Elect from before the foundation of the world. Ephesians 1:4. No matter what scripture l give you...you are blinded too it because of your presuppositions. You need to ask God to show you a deeper understanding of Scripture. God Bless...📖✝️🙏
@@michellecheriekjv4115 1 not an Arminian, they are Calvinistic also just with a different surface, 2 I'm here to share you the truth of scripture 3 personal experiences do not trump scripture, but you do truly have to believe. 4 Ephesians 1:4 states that God had elected, before the world, that those who would be in Christ would exhibit holiness and be forgiven etc... Not that He would choose people to have faith. If you believe that Ephesians 1 is rendered as God chose who is in Him before the foundation of the world I invite you to read chapter 2 of that same letter and see that before they believed in Christ they were not in Him so how could they be in Christ before the foundation of the world? It's a misreading with the Calvinistic presuppositions you have been taught
@@michellecheriekjv4115 more importantly if you were wrong would telling me to go away be the right move? Or would it be worth your while to be able to defend what you believe. The Bible says study to show thyself approved, and that you should be ready always to give an answer for the reason of the hope within you with meekness, have you studied the Bible? Did you come to Calvinism yourself or did someone guide you down that road, can you defend with coherence the doctrines you affirm? Or does is being wrong okay with you because you're in the "In" group? I'll happily sit and go through verse by verse and show you where Calvinism falls short if you'd like
@@henryjoseph3584
I'm enjoying the polite dialogue. I hope it stays that way. 🙏
This was spot on, Todd... SPOT ON!
Thank you Todd. Great video and helpful.
Thank you for the helpful guidance.
Loving the new style takes lot of more work but more engaging! Thank you.
Thank you, Wretched.
Amen, and again I say, Amen!
Thanks Todd for presenting a really good list of questions you must ask yorself when trying to pick a new church to attend. I have moved around a lot in my 79 years of life and have used various questions like this to determing which church I should pick as a church home. This list is the first and most complete list that I have seen that will help you pick when you are in need of a church home.
I have added one more qustion that you must ask of youself in this process. Have I prayed about this search and requested the Lord's help in leading me to a new church home.
Outstanding, Thank You Sir.
As a Catholic instead of 20 I only need to ask one question 😊
What is the one question?
Is this the Church Jesus found? Or in other words does it follow apostolic succession?
Solid! I enjoy the contrast from bad example, to a better example.
THANK YOU!
Outstanding video, Todd. God bless you and your team.
Perfect. On track. 😊
Enjoyed video and reading comments. Sometimes if you're a new believer a church is ok till you're called out of it by something.. keep in the Word and prayer..
Thank You for helping
This is really good. Bless you.
I live in a place where there are no healthy churches...I got live with what I got. Really a tragic situation.
Great video!!! Perfect timing!
Fantastic questions!
For the past six months I have been in the process of finding a new church home and asked many of the same ones and more.
If you need a new Church home I can help you find the one Jesus actually made. The only Church that actually exists. The Catholic Church.
Wow I love my church! Passed with flying colors!
Great questions - Thank you 🙂
Definetly some serious questions to be thinking about... and potentially bring up with our pastors.
Thank you so very much for making this video, I've been scared to go back to church because of subtleties that I could miss and be led astray. Going to copy this list down and give it to the pastor of each church I visit. If they don't respond, I guess that should probably be a grounds for not attending either. God bless the wretched ministry, keep following Jesus!
blessing!
I agree with almost everything, except your take on William Lane Craig. While he may disagree on Old Earth vs. Young Earth, it’s not an essential doctrine that makes ones salvation. We can disagree on minor interpretations while agreeing on core doctrine, which William Lane Craig is on point with.
Really? If you deny the first chapter of the Bible, then you are starting down a slippery slope of denying other teachings of the Bible. Who are you to tell GOD what is true in His Word or not. I suggest you go to the website answersingenesis. They stick with what Genesis 1 (God!) says. Also, check out Ray Comfort.
I agree with you about the (un)importance of that doctrine and I agree with William Lane Craig about the age of the universe
It's not an essential doctrine? If you deny Genesis One, what stops you from going down a slippery slope of denying other teachings? Who are we as sinners to tell God what is essential in His Word, and what is not essential?
@@user-mj9ti4zz8c It's not denying Genesis 1 to deny a literal 7-day creation. It's a question of different interpretations.
I read men like Ken Ham, Tim LaHaye, Henry Morris, John MacArthur and my own pastor, David Jeremiah. They all teach that the Hebrew word in Genesis 1 is the word for a twenty-four hour day, NOT millions or billions of years. How can one misinterpret the word "day?" Sad to say, people who claim that the day in Genesis 1 are listening to evolutionists and not to what God says. If you interpret "day" as millions/billions of years, and then read, for example that Noah lived 960 years, then that would mean Noah lived 960 years times 365 million/billion days. Jesus rose after three days in the tomb, not 3 million/billion years.
This sure is a lot better than "If you're in a church and you don't like the way the Pastor presents things, that's just being picky and looking for an excuse to church shop" or something along those lines. "If you're in a church and you don't like the music, that's not good enough to leave" .... well, it really DOES depend on the music. If it's hypnotic, extremely loud, and feels a lot like a bar or lounge, that's a good red flag.
LOVE this list of 20 questions! This is real. This is necessary. And I hope and pray this will reach MANY people! (And I'm adding this after having gone and shared it all over the place!)
Really that's what you do as a protestant. In protestantism if you don't like what the Church says you just make another denomination. Protestants don't actually believe Church authority is a thing.
@@dman7668 I hear you. It's not what I do as a protestant. But I'm one of the very few. Many protestants don't actually believe church authority is a thing. In fact, I am a member of my local church because they actually do church discipline following the guidelines Jesus gave us in Matthew 18. Sadly, and very frighteningly, the vast majority of those who call themselves "Christian" in America, have never read their Bible and cannot even articulate what they have been saved from, let alone bow to any church authority or even God's authority. May God have mercy on those whom He will have mercy on.
@@thecrew777
You strike me as having genuine wisdom in this area. It is true, Christian's are subject to Church authority. You speak the truth there for sure. I am beyond impressed that you are saying those things, such things could only come from the spirit of truth. The Holy Spirit. The problem is that in protestant life, the minute one disagrees with their Church, they claim the bible is their authority and find another denomination.
At what point do people accept God appointed authority? Only as long as the agree with it. This is why while I love my non-Catholic Christians in Christ, with the exception of yourself, and maybe Mormons, they understand this is not how the Church is to operate.
This is what lead me to simply living as a Catholic. Because for me, being a person of logic like yourself, I can never accept the idea of their being multiple Church authorities. That to me is confusing.
Have you ever considered that this is also why athiesm is on the rise in America? It's a private thought I am sharing with you. That due to their being too many Churches and not just ONE Church, that nobody can choose anything due to the confusion.
And thus Satan's plan to divide and conquer the Church is completed. You see in Protestantism, it doesn't matter which Church you go to as long as it is a "bible believing Church" but that's so subjective!
This leads to people not even picking a Church all together, since no church is really greater then the other anyway, why even need a Church? Just some private thoughts I thought you might have had.
@@dman7668 perhaps if I share, briefly, how I went from a jaded, cynical, ex-pseudo-charismatic (forced on me at a young age, thus not my choice) who had grown up to become an atheist, it will be of help. I hope so. If not, thank you for reading anyway.
At the ripe age of 55 years old, I realized there was a resentment I had left that I had never really looked into and figured I should do so. That was this: I knew I had been lied to about God, but I didn't know what the lies were. As someone raised protestant who had been dragged to over 2700 services in 19 years (many, many different churches) my first thought was NOT to go to a church or a preacher. I decided I needed to know the truth about God directly from "the horse's mouth" as they used to say. A way to get the real truth. So I read the Bible alone, secretly, to see what God Himself had to say about Himself. That turned out to be the best thing I've ever done in my life. After the first read, cover to cover I was gobsmacked. Shocked. I couldn't count the lies, but they no longer counted. I began to want to know the truth better. So I read it again. Somewhere in that second reading God saved my wretched soul. I became aware that God was REAL (not made up) and in light of that was horrified at how I had lived my life insulting Him. I did a lot of repenting, and it was only later, when my desires changed that I realized God had saved me. So I'm grounded in the Bible in a way that many are not. Being housebound, I have read it about 22 times through now, and the more I read it, the more I realize the ultimate authority over all is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Once you submit yourself to Him fully, it's about following Him, not following your own "best ideas" anymore. America is almost completely made of "do your own thing" philosophy, so you can imagine how much I do NOT fit in to culture anymore. I hope that helps. I have great hope I never possessed in my life, and have only the triune God to thank for it. It is no longer about what I want, but what God says in His Word that He wants.
Thank you for uploading this video. I pray that many people will take on board to what you have said and that they find a true Bible believing church. The Christian church in the UK is struggling and that's because Pastors preach a water down version of God's word. Please pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the churches that still hold faith to Holy scriptures.
Best EVER! Thank you
Thank you
THANK man great job!
Wow, these sermons are awesome. The searing sarcasm is hilarious!
Absolutely priceless! So solid! Thank you!! Keep it coming ❤
"Tell me about the wrath of God." That's what I use.
Good list of questions brother
Thank you for this it's been just what I needed, I am looking for a biblical church.
I was in the wrong church for a while and now I have not been to church because I was scared to make the same mistake.
Great discussion!
Solid video
I’ve been looking for a year and a half.
If you're seeking a church, I recommend Church Of Christ (Iglesia Ni Cristo). It's hits these good points pretty well. They have some good videos on yt also
Way to go growing that beard Todd!
Very helpful stuff 🤌🏻
"Don't go all squishy, please, please, please..." - Thank you for sharing Mr., Mr., Mr. Friel. (and I'm sure you also meant this for the lyrics of the praise and worship team...😳😔
I’m a LCMS Lutheran and my two cents are this. If you ask the pastor what repentance means and they say “turning from sin” you should find another church. Also if they’re obsessed with the book of Revelations and rarely preach the Gospel you should find another church. For unbelievers and people who are very new to the faith, I recommend Onorato Diamante’s channel. It’s bare bones, and to the point, and it’s the Word of God being breathed.
If you are watching this the lord is already growing you.
Good questions. I've tried asking similar questions, but two separate pastors took it personal and exhibited resentment from my reasonable questions.
About time you got your comment board up and running.
I just want to say, I love Todd Friel!
Love the ability to comment.
Thanks man for turning on comments so we can ask some questions we don’t know👍
Amen & amen!
I'm loving the beard!
wretched forgot this passage 2 timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Just pick whatever Church you like, thanks to the protestant reformation you can now just Church hop or pick a new one every week like an icecream parlor. When the Bible talks about a church, it really means a collection of like minded believers. Not one singular authoritative church that governs all the Christians. That single institute would not be confusing and that's why we reject this idea. We want a confusing collection of denominations from which to choose.
Informative
Wow. Carlton hasn’t changed much in the last 35 years.