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| Different Denominations |
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So many choices...so little time! I don't know about you, but I study the Word on each particular issue to determine what I believe. And these beliefs are changing daily as I grow in Christ. I try to pull the good out of each and every denomination, instead of focusing on the negative. I believe that denominations exist for the same reason that we have vanilla and chocolate ice cream. I know the Biblical thing to do is to follow the Word alone. But we can gleam different beliefs from the different types of churches that are out there.
At this point in my walk, I guess you could say that I am a Reformed Presbyterian Baptist Pentecostal Non-Denominational Christian. Or you could just say "Bible believer." :)
When it comes to theology and grace, I am Reformed/Presbyterian
When it comes to baptism, I am a Baptist
When it comes to getting real excited about Jesus and worship, I am a Pentecostal
When it comes to going to a "come as you are" church, I am a Non-Denominational Christian.
So I attend a church where you will find a wonderful mixture of these folks. You can dress how you see fit, and the Pentecostals worship right next to the Presbyterians.
I am just curious where you are in your walk, when it comes to denominational differences. Do you follow a particular denomination to the letter? Or do you find yourself taking little nuggets from many different denominations?
Please respond with your comments, but any argumentative post will be deleted. This is a post to help us get to know what we each believe. And it is not a post to correct or rebuke one another.
So where do you stand at this point in your walk? |
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| To add a comment to "Different Denominations" |
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| August 12, 2007 |
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| I am what you would call a Reformed Baptist as far as my theology and probably closer to Anglican or Catholic on how I view church government. I have a reserved personality so I don't get very "Charismatic" about anything :-) As far as churches go...I attend a Baptist church but do not believe that denominations are a biblical concept...so overall, I'm a non-charsimatic refobaptolic :-) |
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| August 12, 2007 |
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| I grew up Southern Baptist and attended a few different types of churches over the last 15 years, but I am now definitely a "dyed-in-the-wool" Lutheran. |
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| August 13, 2007 |
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jam, seems interesting to me that one could go from Baptist to Lutheran, or from a seemingly more casual style of worship to a more traditional/formal/liturgical one. To me this shows great maturity and a deep love for the meanings behind those liturgies. Also seems unusual to me that one could go from believer's baptism point of view to paedobaptist, assuming that's included in your transformation to Lutheranism. Usually it's the other way around, since most Bible verses concerning baptism when taken literally seem to point to believer's baptism - i.e. a deeper understanding of covenants may be needed to really embrace the meaning behind baptism of infants.
Zach, I had you pegged as a non-charsimatic refobaptolic from the start. Discernment is a gift of mine.
~mike |
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| August 13, 2007 |
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| Grew up Roman Catholic, I am now just a servant o of Christ. |
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| August 13, 2007 |
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| Oh yeah, then there's me. Grew up Presbyterian. Traditional services, Sunday school, ushers, offering plates, the Doxology, pastor in a robe, wooden pews, church membership, infant baptism, elderly members, highly organized church govt, VBS, hymns, dress clothes, sanctuary with a balcony, choir, etc. And I loved ALL of it. (Except for neckties.) Now I'm trapped in a non-denominational church with none of that. Man do I feel far from home!!! ~mike |
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| August 13, 2007 |
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In order to know who I am you must understand like many of you the different types of denominations that I had once attended.... Greek Orthodox, Catholic, Baptist, Luthern, and the list does continue. I had a lot of jumping around in my religion when I was younger, knowing there was more but not knowing where to find it. I grew up.. sorta... My personality is that of a high spirited kid who needs serious structure, ( the type of kids who are harmlessly rowdy, but always into something!) I attend a pentecostal church, that fulfills my need to be rowdy and high spirited, and I have alone time( Closet of prayer) with God to fulfill the time of need of great structure. I have learned to balance What I believe in these two parts of my religion. As far as Do I believe every inch of my doctrine well not really, but I believe that we all are called to a great commission and a place to worship, and I am wher God wants me to be right now.
Mike ...I am sorry you are "trapped' you must really love something there, or someone.
Really great Question... |
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| August 13, 2007 |
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Hi Dorcus! Maybe I should explain why I'm trapped. Or.... maybe you've just given me the topic for my next blog....  |
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| August 13, 2007 |
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| I remember the first time I was home. Safe in the arms of Jesus. My Father had revealed himself in me. I had never felt so safe in my life. I still feel safe today. Tho I have changed churches, I know whom I have believed. I am a home (mansion) that Jesus and I share together and my church is Gods house. In My Fathers house are many mansions if it were not true I would have told you. What does your house look like? Thanks Sue, good topic. God is bringing unity to the church body. It's good to share these things. |
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| August 13, 2007 |
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Great question, Sue. Our congregation is non-denominational, but apostolic. Previous and first congregation, (when we lived in Seattle), was also non-denominational. Both believe - as do I - that all the gifts of the Spirit are for today, but that those gifts are to be used in the Biblical sense and order that the Scripture talks about. I won't go into any more detail than that, simply because I've been thinking about blogging about this and don't want to be repetitive. Or blog-jack yours, for that matter! :-) |
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| August 13, 2007 |
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| Hmm, "blog-jack". What interesting terminology we come up with here - hehe. |
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| August 13, 2007 |
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Mike, the Southern Baptist churches I grew up in were less casual (in the structure of the service) than some churches I went to later on, although none of them were as formal as the Lutheran church I attend now (yes, I love Lutheran liturgy!). Also, the Southern Baptist church I attended in junior high/high school was doctrinally "deep" (it was the closest thing to a "reformed baptist" church that I ever regularly attended), so it's not too surprising to me (looking back on my life) that I would end up at a Reformational and confessional church. And, yes, I believe in infant baptism, although my reasons for doing so would be better discussed elsewhere. |
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| August 13, 2007 |
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| I grew up in the Episcopal church, so I was baptized as an infant by sprinkling. I now attend a Church of Christ, which believes in submersion. These two churches also differ greatly in types of music, and types of worship, and I prefer what I have now. |
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| August 13, 2007 |
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| i believe each denomination has what they feel is the best approach to knowing God fully. From my personal experience the denomination with the greatest helps isthe Catholic church. The terms they use, the liturgies and traditions they have really provides an easy way to converse with God and be changed by Him. I enjoy a non-denominational style better, but I only receive a high. For me growth is hard to come by unless it's in a catholic way, so far as denominations go. I am a baptist who practices catholicism because it helps me grow. I believe to depends on what a person is looking for, spiritual growth, spiritual knowledge or a spiritual feeling. |
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| August 13, 2007 |
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Ha ha! guess!
well, born Catholic and stayed a happy Catholic...but have gone through several "movements."
When I started taking my walk with Christ more seriously I was something of an mmm... "evangelical" Catholic, as in hard-core focused in evangelism, relaxed atmosphere, upbeat praise and worship.
Then I got caugh up in "charismatic" Catholicism. Prayed in tongues, sang really reaaally loud, danced, saw lots of healings, but I got seriously freaked out when people started casting out demons! eeekkkk!!!!
Then, as a reaction I became more of "Trad" (traditional), gimme my rosary, some gregorian chant a couple of Icons and I'm goood... ha! but sometimes I get slightly annoyed at the "latin-or-nothing" Trads...
so now I'm just a regular Catholic that likes praying her rosary, listens to Casting Crowns and Gregorian Chant and gets a little freaked out with the Charismatic/Pentecostal things...(though at times secretly wants to pray in tongues again!) ha ha!
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| August 13, 2007 |
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Wow...It is clear that we all have had many different experiences while growing in Christ. I too have my share. As we move from babes in Christ on toward maturity in Christ we are changed in the process. Yet the key is to remain in Christ through it all and laying aside all the stumbling blocks that could hinder our growth in Christ. For me, I fellowship with different churches but my walk is always in Christ our Lord and Savior.
The unity of the Faith is also important. This unity is done by our walk in the Spirit of Christ. He guides and teaches us the ways of the Lord. We all have only one Lord, one God and one Spirit whereby we walk in one hope, and in one body; the Body of Christ and in one Faith, our Lord Jesus Christ.
-Peace-
--JR
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| August 13, 2007 |
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| I did a study on this a few years ago for a sermon I was preaching on reconciliation. There are over eighty different denominations that call themselves Christian churches. Most of them are seperated by a few minor differences. In actuality, It is mankind that cannot accept the mysteies of God. We have to come up with educated guesses on issues that I believe God left unclear on purpose. We form whole denominations based on these educated guesses and then allow them to keep us seperated. I believe in predestination and free will. I believe once we are saved, we are always saved and that we have to continue to obey God until the end in order to be saved. I believe in the gifts of the spirit and the authority of the Bible. Why? Because the Bible teaches them all. I have my educated guesses as to why I believe what I believe. But I know it is my commitment to Christ and His death and resurrection that saves me. |
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| August 13, 2007 |
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I just can't do it. :) HEEEEEEEELLLLLLLP! |
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| August 13, 2007 |
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Hmm...Methodist by birth, Jesus People by rebirth, spent time in Independant Christian, Catholic Student Centers, Southern Baptist, Charismatic, Neo-Orthodox, now in a Prophetic-Apostolic (not Apostolic Church, but believeing in Apostleship in this time) Trinitarian Church. Been there, done that at one time or another, but have spent most of my life in two churches, and don't believe in changing easily !
BTW, I'm also a Pan-Millenialist....hehe...... |
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| August 13, 2007 |
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What Norm, you can't respond to another one of my controversial post? lol
Ricky Ricardo..."Trapped"....I think you got some 'splainin to do!
Deb, Boy did you miss out on a perfect blog pluggin' opportunity! So I did it for you :)
Thanks to everyone for your stars and comments. I am so blessed to see that this was done in a spirit of unity. This was one of my first blog ideas, and I hesitated to post it for fear of sowing dischord. I am glad to see that we all handled this in a mature manner. God bless you all!
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| August 13, 2007 |
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| I was brought up and baptised in the Churches of Christ, but have spent the past 12 years in different Baptist churches. Since 2003 I've worked for the Wesleyan Methodist Church, and have great respect for their emphasis on holiness. In my work I meet Christians from a range of denominations, and have come to appreciate the distinctives of each. |
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| August 13, 2007 |
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If I couldn't respond to another controversial post, I wouldn't be here in the first place. :) Controversial post. You say no arguing and call this controversial???? :) What I couldn't do is properly identify the origins of my beliefs as it relates to a particular religion. Nor did I want to label them to begin with. :)
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| August 13, 2007 |
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I am a part of a family of believers in an Assembly of God church. I was raised in a catholic church ...attended on Holy Days, went to a UPC church on Sundays, was saved in a Baptist church as an adult, and am currently growing in an AG church. I love the Lord and love to worship Him like David...although it's in the quiet reverent moments that He is able to speak to my heart. So I guess you could say I am a bapticostal
Really I just like to consider myself a Christian...but bapticostal is fun to say...bap-ti-costal..try it!
Fun topic Sue! |
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| August 14, 2007 |
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It looks like everyone gave their backgrounds here, so I guess I will....
I was born and raised Catholic. I got saved at the age of 25 at a Calvary Chapel, and have been going to non-denominational Christian churches ever since.
Zach: I think the Reformed Baptist has the best statement of faith I have ever seen. I agree with the entire 1648 Confessional, and I can't say that for any of the others :) The only thing that made me feel "not a part," was that I love contemporary worship and lifting my hands and getting all excited for Jesus. I just didn't "fit in" there, because of that. I also like to wear shorts and jeans to church, and it was expected that all of the ladies wear a skirt or dress. Well, I only lasted about a month there :) I did give it a good try, since the doctrine was so spot on. |
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| August 14, 2007 |
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| well I think I have given up on denoinations all together. The book of Acts talks about what church should be like (Acts 2:42) and Corinthians tells us how we should live together. I have come to the realization that we don't need buildings. They can be useful, but they are NOT the church. |
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| August 14, 2007 |
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Oh! I forgot something! I was a member of the "Fellowship of Christian Athletes" in high school...they introduced me to the concept of a "youth group" (had never attended one)
does that count? ha! :D
they were really cool, they even let this little catholic girl preach a couple of times! fun! |
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| August 14, 2007 |
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I am a happy Full Gospel Christian, but…
-Catholic by birth (I was baptized and did 1st communion in the Catholic Church when I was a kid). -I was saved (accepted Jesus as my savior), formed and educated under the Pentecostal church. -Baptist by association (some of my good friends are Baptist), -I am currently a Full Gospel believer in a non-denominational church (with an awesome group of people), - But more that anything I am a Christian woman saved by grace and on my way to heaven, and totally crazy in love with God!
So, Yes, I am a loud lover of Christ. lol |
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| August 14, 2007 |
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| So are the rest of us "part gospel" lol sorry could not resist |
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| August 14, 2007 |
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I know!!!! I know!!! A well-taken-point!
Gosh, I knew somebody was going to go there. lol What can I say? That is the name of the movement our church is part of, but I really do not think we are better or any less than any other group or denomination as long as we are in Christ.
Hey, we are all "Full of Him" and "Full of Grace". That's what counts. Right? ;-)
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| August 14, 2007 |
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I got a therory on the denomination/ skisim thing the great commission call for christions to Go ` 28:16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. 28:17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.
``
16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 16:18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. 24:44 And he said unto them, These [are] the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and [in] the prophets, and [in] the psalms, concerning me. 24:45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, 24:46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 24:48 And ye are witnesses of these things. 24:49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. But pastors want to keep their flock and people get comfortable inside a church building even if the mature enough to eat meat rather than just the milk of the word they have dificulty leaving their comfort zone to GO and bring all nations unto Jesus. The divisions are like seperate organs in one body which Jesus is the head and each has it's pourpose and function but the divisions would not be so strong if we were all seeking Jesus and Going as was the original intent. |
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| August 14, 2007 |
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| Actually I was reading a book where the guy made the case that there *should* be differences in parts of the body of Christ. The basic argument was that the Greek gentiles culturally needed to be approached differently then the Jerusalem Jews. |
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| August 14, 2007 |
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I found what you said to be so much like me .I just want to worship and praise ,I have no demonation at all .I believe in the word !I love to be able to shout if I am excited in him .I am so much like you I am alittle in all areas .But if I do go to a church that puts down other demonations I don't return because the Bible clearly says in heaven there is no domanations .I think we all have our own little special ways with our Father in heaven .God Bless you in all you do .
Loria |
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| August 15, 2007 |
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When I was first saved and searching for a church, God impressed upon me this:
Picture a cake - 3 ingredients - Father, Son & Holy Spirit
Cake with chocolate frosting - Catholic
Cake with white frosting and sprinkles - Lutheran
Strawberry cake - Baptist ect...
Doesn't matter what frosting & decorations, as long as the cake is made up of the original 3 ingredients. The decorations & flavors are where you can accept the cake and be fed. Everyone doesn't have the same tastes. They are all His churches, He provides many types for our individual tastes. The point is: scrape away the decorations & icing and make sure those 3 ingredients are present.
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| August 16, 2007 |
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| Wyatt, I think I am the same way, (mixed up fruit salad)! Just what I was looking for, thanks :) |
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| August 16, 2007 |
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| I am an Independent Baptist,but in my quest for God I tried out everything from Jehovah Witness to Lutheranism.My beliefs don't entirely lineup to the letter with any denomination.Honestly,I think I'm Bapticostal (Baptist/Pentecostal).I liked the point of Shellies word cake analogy. |
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| August 16, 2007 |
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I was raised a United Methodist, but little biblical doctrine was taught to me. I didn't learn the Bible from any denomination or popular author/teacher. I surrendered my life to Christ in a prison segregation cell when I was 37 years old and immediately had an unquenchable hunger for absorbing God's Word, and for many months I had nothing to do but read and study God's Word and get all I could get from it.
When I was released from segregation and had the opportunities to fellowship with other believers fom all different denominational backgrounds, it was easy for me to identify doctrines or teachings that did not line up with God's Word. We can pick out a verse in the Bible and make it say just about anything we want our itching minds to believe, but God is not the author of confusion. What we believe must line up with all other scripture (no opinions added).
I suggest that before any believer layed hold of any particular denominational teachings, that he/she first diligently read and study the Word thoroughly with prayer. The Holy Spirit will enlighten us if we only yeild ourselves to Him. That takes humility and love. Then, when we are faced with questions of what is truth and what is error, we are one step up from those who put their faith in denominations and not in the Word. God is wonderful. Seek Him through His Word and prayer and He will manifest Himself to you and blow your mind.
Walk in love, light and life. Peace out! Good Soldier , Oshkosh, WI
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| August 17, 2007 |
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| One more thing: we don't have to join an "anything goes" church to get all that God has for us. God does not "flip flop", nor does He change. We need to grow in the church we belong to, and we grow (in part) by learning and practicing the truth of His Word. We cannot grow by accepting every wind of doctrine. I encourage everyone to read and study their Bibles and continue to walk in the faith that works by love. Peace out! |
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| August 17, 2007 |
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Hey Soldier, The truth is we don't have to "join" anything!! Scripture tells us that WE are the church. So I don't know what I would be joining. Do we "join" families? I have studied for years and I can not find anywhere in my Bible where I "join" anything. Consider this: 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
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| August 17, 2007 |
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(Sue clears her throat)
Let's please stick to the topic here folks. I know we follow the Word, I know we follow Christ. I know the church is the people and not the denominations. I just think that we all have different beliefs from different denominations. I thought it would be fun to find out what we each believe. That's all. This post was created so that we could share what we believe, and maybe make some new friends in the process.
Sos: I have been wanting to say this a few post back, so please don't think I wrote this for you, just because I wrote it after your comment :) |
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| August 18, 2007 |
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Well, let's see.....I was raised as a Protestant......went to a Baptist church as a young lad....veered off the Path for a number of years and I now currently attend a Lutheran church. I feel that it matters not what your background is or how you were raised....we all share one common factor.....Praises to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Btw Sue....excellent blog....you get a star from me!! God's Blessings to all. |
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| August 20, 2007 |
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| Sue, I was born into a Baptist family, moved among the Christian Indepedent / non-denominational churches as a teen, then got to know Christ as a friend, then in a very discernable moment I developed an intense hunger for scripture. Then after one night of very late heavy prayer and a deep desire to "get" one aspect of scripture, my prayer was answered a few days later by actually experiencing the intense Presence and Love of God through Christ. Shortly after that I experienced the Presence of Christ in other ways. It was at that moment that I decided to check out the denomination that taught and practiced what I was experiencing. I was terrified that I was doing something offensive to God so I asked Him to prevent me from doing something against His will. But I kept experiencing Him more deeply, and so much of scripture was so much more understandable. The personal relationship that I had always heard about was developing. I saw a side of life I could never have imagined. My objectives were met head on with nothing but scripture. And then one night just before Easter, the final doubts and concerns crumbled and a personal relationalship grow intensly. I was at the place where Christ wanted me to be. And I am so thankful that God gave me, and that I accepted, the courage to go where I did not want to go. I am so thankful that I became Catholic. |
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| August 22, 2007 |
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OK what I believ, as far at my religion is, i don't have one, if you read John 14:6, and all of you should know that, there is only one way and Jesus saids that he is the way. so my religion is Jesus way.
Pastor Irwin. | |
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| August 22, 2007 |
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| Please don't let the word "denominations" through you off. This post is more about what we believe as individuals. |
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| August 24, 2007 |
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I was born and raised Catholic; met Jesus, was baptized and taught as a Pentecostal; now I am non-denominational as we are all members one Church Body. I follow the Word of God; where His pillar of cloud goes, I follow. I believe that Church is whereever I am 24/7, not the building I attend.
I have been saved, sanctified, Holy Ghost filled and baptized. Forgive me, but I feel that if we limit ourselves to a denomination and doctrine, we may be missing out on part of what the Lord has for us as well as fellowship; interesting conversation with other believers and perhaps the chance to share Jesus with someone who does not know Him.
For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. For in fact the body is not one member but many. ~1 Corinthians 12: 12-14 NKJV
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| August 24, 2007 |
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| lol, It seems like no matter how many times I write "I know we follow Jesus and His Word, and not denominations," someone will still come along and say "I follow Christ, not a denomination." I don't know if it is because people are skimming the post and comments, or if I didn't say it clear enough :) But I said it in the post itself and several times in the comments. I thought about re-phrasing the post to make it more clear, but I read it several times and it is clear! I give up!! :) |
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| August 24, 2007 |
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If you have read any of my blogs. You won't like what I think about theoligy. I have to state. There are many denomanations because there are many "traditions of men". "Religion", which our Lord hated.Matthew 15:3. There are many places in the Bible that speak against religion. It makes void the word of God. There is no agrement with any. Christianity is not a religion. It is reality!!
However, I fought in battle as a combat soldier for your right to believe what you wish. I would do it again. We must be free to think and discuss all which is believed. Gos bless!! |
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| August 24, 2007 |
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Ok, I was raised in a Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. Somehow when I decided to follow Jesus in a real relationship, I landed in a commune called Jesus People, sort of a Full Gospel, non-denom charismatic place, that eventually joined the Covenant Church. Don't ask me.
I left Jesus People and landed in a Covanent Church, then on to Baptist, but currently I attend a Christian Missionary Alliance Church. Most of my moves were more a change of location, so change of church, than anything else. I think finding a new church when you move can be a very difficult thing to do.
I love the CMA church I currently attend because I can praise God however He leads me, and because the emphasis on missions. My current church has a "mission & vision to turn spiritual and casual attenders into passionate followers of Jesus Christ, growing them together into a vibrant, biblically-functioning community of faith to the Glory of God"
I guess that is why I love my church, and praise God for leading me there.
peace
Glenn |
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| August 24, 2007 |
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oh yeah.
Great Blog topic Sue!
peace
glenn |
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| August 26, 2007 |
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Hearing the lists of all these denominations, nondenominations and UNdenominations, etc. reminds me of going to the world's largest buffet. Just look at this wonderful delicious spread! Some folks don't like spinach, some don't eat meat, some like a lot of variety, some only like meat and taters. There's nothing wrong with the food..but it's all US choosing OUR preference.
Thanks Sue for this blog and everyone who has responded. It has given me an idea for a new blog!
bona petite |
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