Danger Ahead

[TheMewster]

Ok, I have good news and bad news.

The good news is that my mom talked to someone who goes to one of te Baptist churches I was interested in (I'm leaving Church of Christ for those of you who do not know) and I may be able to go soon. However, mom said something that outweighs this.

I will have to break it to my folks that I ain't CoC, and Mom wants me to talk to my pastor at CoC first.

I'm afraid I wont be able to defend myself or will have my defenses torn down, and end up CoC again. I'm depressed from this, and having to displease so much of my family.

Anyway, the main reason I'm leaving is because baptism is NOT necessary for salvation, contrary to what CoC teaches. I need to build stronger points than Romans 10:9, and to tell the truth I'm not even strong in explaining off the ones that suggest that baptism is.
Of course, I would be stronger if I was really studying hard, but I've lost my passion for studying, I've lost my passion for serving God in general. I spend way too much time gaming, especially when I don't have schoolwork to do. I know I might need to delete some games from my iPhone, but I'm afraid I'll lose my save data in case I get back into it again. Stupid reason, I know. I also spend too much time listening to music. Thank God I listen to Christian rap; I dunno how much more unmotivated for God I'd be without it nor do I want to know. Yet I listen to so much secular music, and yet I love it so much. I'm such a mess.
I'll admit, I also have anger issues, I have cussing issues, I have invasive bad thoughts about my Lord, I spend way too much time fantasizing and not thinking of Scripture or obeying the Philippians Law (whatever is TRUE, whatever is PURE, etc.) and my thoughts don't glorify God, I keep lying to myself and to God so I don't have to give up stuff... Ssometimes I wonder why I bother with Christianity. I used to be so good. Now I fail so epically. I've seen heather acting more like Christ than me, REALLY!
I'm considering just staying in CoC so I womt have to debate this. Sure it would be dangerous in the long run, but... I feel safer sitting through a sermon than through a Bible verse-flinging battle. Please pray that I can defend myself, that my CoC family can get saved, and that I can get over my gaming addiction and start studying my Bible more. I do not feel safe right now, and I'm getting depressed very fast.

[TheMewster]

Excuse the double post, but first, don't start a debate here. PM me with advice. Second, I went ahead and deleted all my games. I had to repeat the word, "Crucify, crucify..." in my head. I feel like I just lost a part of myself, but I also feel better and freer.

[Xeno]

Pastor: So why are you wanting to leave the Church of Christ?
You: I don't agree with all the doctrines that are taught.
Pastor: Why is that?
You: Some things that I've studied have led me to other thinking. I'm not going to debate it and I've made my choice. I'm just informing you.

[TopazRaven]

I'll be praying for you. Otherwise I don't really see what advice I could give you that you haven't already been given in the past.

[TheMewster]

Xeno, I'll have to memorize that script. Thanks. And I'll be sure to point out contradictions. If I've got a Bible handy, I'll be ok. Thanks. I feel better already.

And to all you who put up with all my questions, I was confused on one Scripture. It was seeming to say that baptism is necessary. However, I learned to TAKE THINGS IN CONTEXT AND BOTHER WITH THE CONTEXT BEFORE ASKING and found out that it's about not living in sin, putting off the old man, and putting on the new man like Christ at the resurrection. Context matters, you're right. Thanks so much for all your help.

[K. Ayato]

I agree with Xeno. You don't have to give a 5-point outline for why you're leaving. I left a church years ago. I just told the associate pastor (since the senior pastor was away at the time) that this church wasn't for me anymore. He respected that and wished me well.

No need to panic, Mew.

[TheMewster]

Thanks, K. Ayato. Thanks. I've calmed down now and I'm confident. Besides, I can't be worried more about pleasing men than God when it comes to my folks. God bless <3.

[Atria35]

Praying, too. What Xeno and K Ayato said- you don't need to say a word more than 'I just no longer agree with some of the teachings of this Church'. Anything more, and you're probably going to put yourself at the losing end of a theological argument, because they've been thoroughly trained in arguments and counter-arguments, and you haven't.... Though most pastors/assistant pastors will not push people to answer as to why they're leaving, so you won't have to deal with that. I bet that, like for the other two, all it will take is you saying that you just no longer agree.

So good luck, and wish you the best.

[TheMewster]

OK. I keep worrying yet I have nothing to worry about... Jesus is with me... WHY did I let the devil get me worrying to the point of almost staying in CoC to avoid confrontation?
(/TT_TT)/

And the part about my epic failure as a Christian? Well I guess that's what grace is for. I sure do need to learn what that means, don't I?

[goldenspines]

Indeed, I also agree with Xeno and K-chan. Though, I fear the pastor's response may not be the nicest (I'm a pessimist, after all), but I will be praying for you, Mew. Be ready to stand firm for NOT debating. Don't get caught up in particulars, even if more questions are asked. Keep it short and sweet and politely excuse yourself after you give your main answer.

Best of luck!

[Lynna]

And the part about my epic failure as a Christian? Well I guess that's what grace is for. I sure do need to learn what that means, don't I?

As do we all I'll be praying!

[TheMewster]

Thanks for the prayers, guys .

James 5:16 KJV
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.