Anyone else struggling to cope?

[GotGrace]

What would really help me cope right now is having a church that I can call home. I live in a fairly populous area but finding a church with good theology, that's pretrib (or at least not anti-prophecy), and that doesn't have horribly loud music is hard. (The music is important because the church we were attending has such loud bass & drums that we could feel it in our chests and my daughter says it makes her feel like she's having a panic attack.)

Anyway, I've been spending a lot of time researching churches, checking out services online, praying ... and I'm discouraged, so I'm just venting here.

Then it was just loud noise and not music at all let alone worshipful.

 

[cheeky200386]

What would really help me cope right now is having a church that I can call home. I live in a fairly populous area but finding a church with good theology, that's pretrib (or at least not anti-prophecy), and that doesn't have horribly loud music is hard. (The music is important because the church we were attending has such loud bass & drums that we could feel it in our chests and my daughter says it makes her feel like she's having a panic attack.)

Anyway, I've been spending a lot of time researching churches, checking out services online, praying ... and I'm discouraged, so I'm just venting here.

Check out Spencer Smith's church locator on his website. He is a Baptist preacher who is all about the fundamentals of the Bible, including prophecy. Nothing wacky or sensational.

Andy Woods also suggests looking at Schafer Serminary's church locator too.

 

[Belle of Grace]

What would really help me cope right now is having a church that I can call home. I live in a fairly populous area but finding a church with good theology, that's pretrib (or at least not anti-prophecy), and that doesn't have horribly loud music is hard.

Reason and Hope, perhaps you've already checked out (or even attended) one of these churches that are listed on the website of Chafer Theological Seminary. If so, please ignore their suggestions.
Evergrace Fellowship, Everett, WA
Evergreen Baptist, Shoreline, WA
Lakeland Bible, Federal Way, WA (almost an hour from your location) We drive this far every week, because there's nothing nearby that we would join. Already tried several. (We're not Calvinists, Legalists, or Rick Warren fans)
It's really hard to find a suitable church these days, as so much has changed in recent years from the churches I grew up in. Hope at least one of these will be what you're hoping to find.

 

[seated with Christ]

Agree. While were still here for as long as He desires, our focus should be on Him, and helping others see the Light.

I no longer fret, or worry about when the rapture will happen. Today, tomorrow, next year, next century, no matter when, the church will end up at the same place. Our eternal destination is already set.

The Apostle Paul even in his most trying times, lived his life to the fullest, because no matter the circumstances he wrote

Philippians 11-13
11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:
12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

This post of yours is really good!

 

[Reason & Hope]

Reason and Hope, perhaps you've already checked out (or even attended) one of these churches that are listed on the website of Chafer Theological Seminary. If so, please ignore their suggestions.
Evergrace Fellowship, Everett, WA
Evergreen Baptist, Shoreline, WA
Lakeland Bible, Federal Way, WA (almost an hour from your location) We drive this far every week, because there's nothing nearby that we would join. Already tried several. (We're not Calvinists, Legalists, or Rick Warren fans)
It's really hard to find a suitable church these days, as so much has changed in recent years from the churches I grew up in. Hope at least one of these will be what you're hoping to find.

What a great idea, looking at the Chafer Theological Seminary website, where Dr. Andy Woods is on staff! Thank you! I did try to find some links to people who had attended events at the Pre-Trib Study Group, but they don't show that information.

The Evergrace one in Everett is currently online only (I assume at this point it has to do with building issues and not Covid), but Evergreen Baptist looks possible. Husband has already decided to check out a place called Open Door Baptist tomorrow. I know they have families with young kids, unlike the church we checked out last Sunday whose average age was 75. However, my daughter liked the music. We'll see what tomorrow and next week bring.

 

[NewWine2020]

I feel like it's getting to be more of a struggle to stay strong. I'm fighting to keep my 13 y.o. from becoming brain washed, 98% of my Christian friends aren't interested in end times or think "that's what they've been saying for years" regarding the Rapture. I can't watch a nice show on TV without sex or the gay agenda being shoved in my face. There's so much death. People don't listen anymore when discussing prophecy. I'm finishing up school as I went back for a better degree, but I wished I had spent the time enjoying life because we're going to be called home soon. I have my eye on Jesus, but I have tunnel vision. I can't explain what I feel in words. I feel guilty for being selfish, but I want to go Home.

It feels like we are living behind enemy lines. The online/Social media aspect is exponentially worse than real life but yeah, my wife and I both feel like we just don't belong very often.


Keep looking up and know that many, many Christians feel this as well. (and this is not even counting the Christians who are experiencing life or death style persecution in places like China, Africa and the Middle East).

 

[Wally]

Poem by Anna Bartlett Warner​

As originally published in 1860, it appeared in four stanzas, as follows: [per Wiki]

Jesus loves me—this I know,
For the Bible tells me so:
Little ones to him belong,—
They are weak, but he is strong.

Jesus loves me—he who died
Heaven’s gate to open wide;
He will wash away my sin,
Let his little child come in.

Jesus loves me—loves me still,
Though I'm very weak and ill;
From his shining throne on high,
Comes to watch me where I lie.

Jesus loves me—he will stay
Close beside me all the way.
Then his little child will take
Up to heaven for his dear sake

The refrain we all know was added

Yes, Jesus loves me,
Yes, Jesus loves me,
Yes, Jesus loves me—
The Bible tells me so!

Train up a child. May I never forget those simple .. wise .. things.