The Skinny on Church

I've been debating whether or not I should approach this topic, but church {and where I attend} is a big part of my life. As a milspouse, I know that finding a good church is going to be a constant battle and is also for many of my readers. So, I decided I'd tell y'all what's been going on in our house regarding church these days.

Most of you know that I started attending a church here while Joe was deployed. We never found a church home before he deployed, so I went to one at the suggestion of a friend. She told me that this was a Foursquare church, but I had absolutely no clue what denomination Foursquare was. I don't know why I didn't bother looking it up, but I didn't. I attended and listened closely to what the pastor taught and didn't find any faults with it. The worship was contemporary - which is what I love - and I really liked the pastor. So I stayed. When Joe came home on R&R, he went with me and seemed to like it too. I felt like I had a huge win.

That is, until recently. Once Joe came home and we weren't traveling, we attended the church's monthly "get to know us" meeting after the 11:00 service. I never attended one before because - honestly - I didn't want to go alone. Sad, I know, but this is what happens during a deployment. Plus, I didn't feel like I really needed to. So, we went to this meeting. We learned 2 things that didn't really sit well with us. 1) Foursquare denomination was started/founded by a woman in the '20s/'30s. {The Bible tells us that men are the spiritual leaders of the household, so our belief is that they should also lead churches.} 2) They have very different beliefs about the Holy Spirit. #1 is almost something you can dismiss, especially when women in the church we were attending rarely spoke from the pulpit. #2, however, is a different story. It's kind of a big deal.

So there was that. Then came the conference last month. You remember - the one where I worked nursery and Joe helped run sound. We were scheduled to serve during the Thursday and Friday night services, so we decided to attend the Wednesday night kick off service. We were pretty excited about listening to one of the speakers as well. Worship was awesome, as always. Our pastor spoke first for about an hour, and then the guest speaker was up. At first, everything was great. Then, suddenly, things took a turn. He spoke about how in debt he and his church is... {Which isn't necessarily uncommon in this economy, but we have a hard time believing God would lead someone into debt, as this man said he was lead.} Then he started speaking about the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Then came some questionable actions... He started "speaking in tongues" {aka babbling} and supposedly performing miracles on people.

It was at this point that Joe and I started thinking/praying about leaving that church and finding a church that believes as we do.

Now, I do believe that God performs miracles, but I didn't personally witness any that night. All I saw were people who were knocked backwards by what this man said was the Holy Spirit. Honestly, I'm still not sure what to believe about that. The bigger problem was the "speaking in tongues" and how it was "okay because we're Foursquare." Here's what we believe about speaking in tongues:

Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I bet to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the pipe or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in notes? ...So it is with you. Unless you speak INTELLIGIBLE* words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air
I Corinthians 14: 6-10


Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers... So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and inquirers or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind?
I Corinthians 14:22-23


First, can I just say that I love Paul? I can just hear him saying, "Will they not say that you are out of your mind?!" =) Anyway. So basically, speaking in tongues/unintelligibly shouldn't happen in the church. The babbling, in unintelligible "languages" are what I've come to know - through our church in NC - as prayer languages. The Bible says that when we don't know how to pray or don't pray intelligibly, the Holy Spirit will interpret for us. We believe that this kind of speaking in tongues should be done in the privacy of your own home, where you alone are talking to God. It should not be done in front of hundreds/thousands of people.

This isn't to say that I don't know people who have spoken in a different language...while not meaning to. I believe this is what true speaking in tongues is. When we were in college, Joe and I had a friend who went to China for a mission trip with our college ministry group. The group ministered to students in different ways, but this particular guy went to teach English. So, of course, they told the school that he would need a translator. I think it was on his first day... He went into the classroom with the translator and began to introduce himself to the class. As he turned to the translator to wait for him to speak to the class, the translator looked at him and said, "What do you need a translator for?" He had been speaking Chinese to them and had absolutely no idea. God put him in that position for a reason; God wanted to use him to minister to these people and gave him the brief ability to speak their language so they could better relate to him. Now, that is speaking in tongues! Also - going back to what Paul says - if you're going to speak in tongues {i.e. a different language}, have a translator.

Now, I kind of skipped over the baptism of the Holy Spirit part earlier... So let's get back to that.

This has a lot to do with salvation, so I suppose I should cover that first. In the Baptist faith {which is how both of us were raised, and still feel is true/right}, there's a lot to salvation. In order to save time, and to keep me from getting a headache, we believe that Jesus is the only way, the only truth, the only life. He died on the cross willingly to save us from our sins, and so that we could be with Him one day the way God originally intended it. It is His grace that saves us, and we can do nothing to save ourselves. In order to become saved, you have to repent - meaning you have to truly feel as if you've done wrong and be willing to turn away from it all - and ask Jesus to come into your heart and take control of your life. {That was a lot of paraphrasing, so if you don't understand this or want more explanation along with verses, feel free to email me. Seriously.}

It is at this moment - the rebirth or regeneration, as some call it - that we believe we receive the Holy Spirit. John 14:25 says that the Holy Spirit is our helper, and our teacher. We believe that the Holy Spirit starts speaking to people - teaching, guiding, helping, comforting - the moment they are saved.

And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance...
Ephesians 1:13-14a


Therefore, the baptism of the Holy Spirit takes place at salvation, not at a later date/time. {More info found on the Southern Baptist Convention's website, here. Scroll down to II, A.}

Now, Foursquare believes relatively the same things about salvation. By faith in God, belief that Jesus died for our sins, through God's grace and repentance of sin. Whew. This is where the similarities end. Interestingly enough, Foursquare's site quotes the same verses in John {and others} to prove their belief about the Holy Spirit as Baptists do. This isn't necessarily uncommon, but I always find it interesting how different denominations can take verses and change them into something they want them to say. They also believe the the Holy Spirit is a helper, comforter and teacher. However, they do not believe that this happens at salvation nor is there Scripture on their site to back up/confirm this belief. {More info can be found at Foursquare's website, here. Scroll down to X.} They also do not say when the baptism of the Holy Spirit takes place...only that it does...at some point. That alone is questionable.

All that to say this: we can't under good conscience attend this - or any - Foursquare church any longer. Honestly, I'm a little upset about leaving this church. The people are very kind and welcoming, and I love the worship. I think the pastor is a very good man, as are the rest of the staff. However, we can't attend a church because we like the people and the worship. Over the past few weeks, we've also felt as if the teaching is a bit...lax; not very thought provoking, or including deep teaching. As much as we are called to reach out and teach others about our faith, we also need to be "fed" by our pastor. We need to be taught, we need our toes to be stepped on {don't doubt that God does that} and we need to be challenged. Most importantly, as we bring a little person into the world, we need a church that preaches and teaches the truth. Not just what we think is right or good, but what we know God is telling us is right.

I hate to be "church shopping" once again, but I know it's for the best. And I am perfectly okay knowing that the church I attended while Joe was deployed was there to get me through that time in my life. I'm also okay knowing that I "chose" a church that wasn't right for us. This is why I'm not the spiritual leader of this household - among other reasons. I'm a little sad to be leaving a church full of great people, but I know that God has great things ahead for us and I'm just going to trust Him on this.

If you think about it, I'd appreciate it if you'd pray for us on this. I don't like being between churches and searching for a new one. We would both like to get "planted" as soon as possible and start making more friends and getting involved in church again.

And if you're in the same boat as us, let me know. We can all pray for each other and vent our frustrations together. ;-)

Best Day {so far}!

All I can say is, "wow." Today was a great day. {Obviously, it would have been better if my husband were here, but he's not soo....}

Last week, Mrs. C told me that she and her husband found a pretty good church. I was excited, because we have the same tastes in churches. Anyway, I went with them this morning. I was outside waiting for them when the music started. It was one of my favorite songs [and of course I can't think of it right now] and I immediately thought, "I'm home." =) The music was almost exactly the same as it is at DayStar and the message was unbelievable. 

Do you ever go to church and just have an amazing experience? That's totally what happened to me today. The sermon [by a guest speaker] was on overcoming fear. Hello!!! It's like he knew that I needed to hear that. I needed to remember that I serve an awesome, all powerful God and I have nothing to be afraid of. "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31...I believe.) As a Christian, I need - no, I'm called to live courageously. God doesn't want me to be afraid of what might happen. He wants me to trust Him. And after all He's done for me, how could I not?! I mean....the message was so powerful, I could just feel my heart...healing, realizing that I've been wasting time worrying about things that might not even happen! And, I know that once I get around this mountain called deployment, I will be so much better - and stronger - for having done it. And I'm not doing it alone. I've got God on my side. =) The message came mainly from Romans 8:31-39, with Ephesians 6:11-13 and Revelation 12:10 as related scriptures. I encourage you to read it if you're feeling afraid or alone. It's really uplifting. If you really want, I can type up my sermon notes and send them to you via email. It was a really awesome service. =)

After church, Mrs. C and I came back to my house. Her hubby wanted some guy time with his friend. Then, we went to a concert and fireworks showing on post. Oh. My. Word.

The concert was awesome!!! {I think I'm over-using that word tonight.} It was pretty stinkin' cool to see Smashmouth in concert. I took several videos and pictures. =) I got VIP seating thanks to my Blue Star Card. I was a little disappointed that the "VIP seating" was more like "the VIP pick your own spot and camp out section." Then, another friend and I got yelled at for standing as close to the stage as we could get [which was still 10 feet away] by this old, gripey lady because this "child" had been sitting on a blanket in an up-front spot all day. Ummmm, first of all, who are YOU to tell me what to do? Second, my husband is deployed. Third, this "child" can stand up here like the rest of us if he wants to see. Fourth, did he even know who Smashmouth was before his MOM found out about the concert? No, probably not. Get off your high horse and chill, woman. Ugh, anyway. =)

The concert was great - they played more of their hit songs which I loved. They also did some older rock songs, which was probably nice for the older people there. And by older I mean "senior." They ended the concert with "All Star." I was so stinkin' excited. LOL! I mean, I remember when that song came out! I remember listening to it on the radio, singing it on the band bus on the way to football games... To see them in concert was so amazing! I even got an up close view of him afterwards. I was sooo close to getting his autograph, but no luck. =( One of my friends did, though, so I took a picture of it! Haha=)

Then we waited for like an hour and a half for the fireworks to start. I big, red puffy heart fireworks. =) They are the highlight of the 4th...quite possibly the highlight of my year. Fireworks are the best! On what other holiday is it totally normal to light stuff on fire and watch it light up the sky? Maybe New Year's, but not always.

The fireworks were pretty awesome, but like I said I heart fireworks. I was cool with shooting off our own fireworks when I lived at home. So a show just totally makes my day. I wish my birthday were on the 4th. How cool would that be?!  I have a bunch of videos from the day, but they haven't made it to my computer yet. Maybe I'll post them tomorrow. =)

On this 234th anniversary of our country's birth, I'm very thankful for all the freedoms we enjoy. Their truly is no other nation on the face of the earth like ours. I'm thankful that I can worship my Savior without worrying if I'm going to get caught and put in prison. I'm thankful that people like my husband are willing to fight to protect the freedoms we enjoy here. I'm proud to be an American and even more proud to be a Soldier's Wife. 

The Soldier's Wife Creed

I am the wife of an American Soldier.
I am a supporter of the United States Army -
an encouragement for the protectors of the greatest nation on earth.
 
Because I am proud of my husband and the  uniform that he wears,
I will always act in ways creditable to him, the military service
and the nation he is sworn to gaurd.
 
I am proud of my husband. I will do all that I can to protect
and provide for my family in his absence. I will be loyal to my
husband and to the vows that we made as we entered the
covenant of marriage.
I will do my full part to carry on the values
and goals we have set apart for our family
and I will continue to instruct our children in the same manner.
 
As a soldier's wife, I realize that I play a vital role
in my husband's decision to become a member of a time-honored profession -
that I am doing my share to keep alive the principles of freedom
for which my country stands.
 
No matter what situation I am in, I will never do anything,
for pleasure, profit, or personal safety,
which will disgrace my husband, his uniform or our country.
I will use every means I have to encourage my husband to be
the best soldier that he can be.
 
I am proud of my husband, my country and its flag.
I will fly the flag and will always remember the sacrafices
made by my husband and by generations of men and women
that have served our beloved country.
 
I will try to make my husband proud of the
manner in which I accept his decision to defend my freedom and
the freedom of all American citizens -
for I am the wife of an American soldier.

Author Unknown

Hope y'all had a good Independence Day celebration!

{Sorry if you guys see this post in your reader a bazillion times. I had a hard time adjusting the font size. >:-|}

Get To Know You Sunday

It's Sunday - your favorite time of the week! Right? Right?! ;-)

1. If you could have one of Superman's, powers which one would you want? Superhuman strength..Flight..Superhuman speed..X-Ray vision..etc

Just one? Then, I'm gonna go with speed. I'm forever running late like good 'ole Clark Kent. Speaking of...I need to watch some more Smallville!

2. The best thing I ever won is....?

My Coach bag. =) Thank you, Mary Kay!


3. Have you ever skyped with a bloggy friend?

Yes and no. Yes because Melissa is technically my bloggy friend, but I also know her in real life...so no. I'm hoping to Skype with Mrs. S soon! =D

4. What is your favorite Summer month?

I have to say July 'cause it's my birthday month, and who doesn't like their birthday month [unless it's December or early January]?

5. Pool, Lake, or Ocean?

Uh, all of the above? I like the pool because I'm not a good enough swimmer to swim for very long in the ocean. I like the lake because of memories. I like the ocean because I love going to the beach and relaxing. There's nothing like watching the waves roll in.

6. One of my favorite Summer memories is.....?

Definitely my honeymoon. =) We drove from Western AR all the way to Sunset Beach, NC. Best road trip ever with a really great destination.

7. What's your favorite secret bargain?
 

Um? I don't usually keep bargains a secret... but I will say that every. single. piece of furniture that is in our house [excuse me WILL BE in our house] was given to us. Courtesy of my parents, family friends, and Joe's grandparents. We got incredibly lucky.

8. Do you plan on or have you been watching the World Cup?

Ha. No. I wouldn't even know what the World Cup was if not for the news and everyone on facebook talking about it. I don't get soccer. 

Head over to MannLand5 so I can get to know you too!

***

We tried another new church today. It did not go well. I don't know if it's just the church culture around here that feels so new and awkward or if it's me. I know part of it is that I was completely spoiled by our home church in NC and the church we went to in Augusta because of their resources (mainly worship music related resources). The 3 churches we've visited here just seem so...outdated. Yeah, now I totally sound like a spoiled brat. *sigh* A big part of church for me is worship music. It wasn't until we found our church in NC that I was introduced to a world of contemporary worship...and it captivated me. So now when I don't have that experience I feel cheated. I told Joe this morning that I felt like I was having flashbacks to the late 90s and early 2000s because of the music they were signing. It's not bad and it certainly still has its place and purpose, but it left me wanting something deeper. Am I making sense? Probably not. Next week, we're going to visit a baptist church in Kapolei. [Joe and I were both raised baptist, but we really try not to claim denominations because - for some reason - baptists seem to have a bad rep.] I've now had 3 people tell me we should visit and after this morning, I'm more than willing to go even though it's going to be a bit of a drive for us. At this point, I'm just eager to find the church where God wants us and where I can connect!

***

Thanks for all the dessert suggestions!! Y'all really got my brain working! I think I've decided on making Rice Krispie treats. Sweet, gooey, yummy...totally picnic-worthy. Now, what to wear...? I've already talked hubby into getting me some super-cute sandals and he seems to be ok with getting an outfit [or 2 or 3 ;-)]...  

Happy Sunday!