Christian Denomination Differences

amadeus · Sep 21, 2019

4Jesus said:
Apparently this is the case . Only one of us will be saved then, or none. Which one of us will be with Him?

Well both of us can make it as even the highway of holiness for each of us to follow may have variations in it because we are different parts of His Body with different assigned functions. Hmmm!

ScottA · Sep 21, 2019

amadeus said:
Well both of us can make it as even the highway of holiness for each of us to follow may have variations in it because we are different parts of His Body with different assigned functions. Hmmm!

Indeed, if we are of the Body of Christ...we are saved already.

4Jesus · Sep 21, 2019

amadeus said:
Well both of us can make it as even the highway of holiness for each of us to follow may have variations in it because we are different parts of His Body with different assigned functions. Hmmm!

And let's circle back to the original post in this thread good sir!

We're in a loop now...

4Jesus · Sep 21, 2019

marksman1 said:
Just some thoughts. No denominations are right because the scripture is clear that unity is the way to go so anyone or anything that divides is not from God.

I thought that's where I was; in another post I just learned I have to go be an un-denominational non-denominationalist...

marksman1 said:
My relationship is with God first and foremost. I do not have a relationship with a denomination.

It is God that meets all your needs. Not a denomination.

It is God that saves you through his son Jesus. No denomination has any saving power.

You won't find most of what any denomination does in the scriptures.

Except for a non-denominationalist, or more accurately now, an un-denominational non-denominationalist

marksman1 said:
When you follow the teachings of a denomination you are following a broken cistern.

Whether you speak in tongues or don't speak in tongues has no basis in whether you are born again as speaking in tongues is not mentioned anywhere in scripture in relation to be being born again.

You cannot know anything outside of the Holy Spirit who leads you into all truth. If he is not doing the leading it is not the truth.

My dependency is not on the system (denominations) it is on a risen living Saviour. Take him out of the equation and you have nothing. Denominations, rituals, communion, mass, positions, being paid to be a Christian, wearing your collar back to front, meetings, good works, none of these can give you salvation.

There is only one thing that matters and that is knowing the risen Christ and following him.

Well said, amen!

Nancy · Sep 21, 2019

4Jesus said:
I thought that's where I was; in another post I just learned I have to go be an un-denominational non-denominationalist...

Except for a non-denominationalist, or more accurately now, an un-denominational non-denominationalist

Well said, amen!

"un-denominational non-denominationalist...

"

lol

4Jesus · Sep 21, 2019

Nancy said:
"un-denominational non-denominationalist..." lol

Oh yeah, we'll let's not even get into the anti-"un-denominational non-denominational"ists...

historyb · Sep 21, 2019

4Jesus said:
Thoughts

I know where God is not where God is not

CovenantPromise · Sep 21, 2019

4Jesus said:
With all of the differing Christian denominations, categorized into 2-4 branches of Christianity, most/all having differences with the others, and claiming to be right (or, "more right") than the others, will Jesus Christ not accept those who believe in Him and are saved by Him, The Messiah, if one is in "the other" denominations/branches that are "wrong" (or "more wrong")?

Will Jesus Christ reject us if we aren't in the "right" denomination (whatever that means)? Will Jesus say to those in one denomination or another, "Depart from me I never knew you." (Matthew 7:23 "And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'")?

We are all imperfect, thus, wrong, at least a little, some more than others, according to Jesus Christ, the perfect one. He and His Father can claim they are not wrong, and are perfect. This obviously is why Jesus was sent to us as a sacrifice for our sins, because we are all at least a little, wrong.

So how far "departed", or how much wrong, is too much?

To me, it's my belief, that since Jesus was sent to us sinners, we are all wrong. He knows this, in some ways or others, that none of us are perfect. If we are to be held to the standard of how "perfect" we are, He wouldn't need to have saved us, because none would qualify. Jesus doesn't want us to go to Hell, His Father desires no one should perish (2 Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.").

Of course I don't know definitevly, none of us do, only Jesus does, so this is all just for discussion.

To me, my view of Jesus is that if there is belief in Him, wholeheartedly, and you are saved by His sacrifice for your sins, denominational differences do not matter to Him (at least during this time period). He is a teacher, He is The Teacher. My view of Him is that He'd rather have us with Him, and then teach us what was right/wrong here on earth during this time, so we can then live righteously with Him in His Kingdom. Therefore denominations and their doctrines don't matter ultimately now, and will be a non-issue in His future Kingdom here on Earth.

Thoughts?

Just a funny side, the non-denomination group is a denomination

And sorry in advance for the length. It's a good topic, I think.

John 18:37
37“Then You are a king!” Pilate said. “You say that I am a king,” Jesus answered. “For this reason I was born and have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to My voice

So there must be only one Truth. So what is Truth according to the Word?Clearly there were heretics during the apostles time . Paul had to correct and admonish people all the time. So what is truth and is it enough to just profess Jesus or does one have to adhere to all he says? After all if it is only the name of Jesus one needs then why all the doctrine associated with His name?

4Jesus · Sep 21, 2019

CovenantPromise said:
John 18:37
37“Then You are a king!” Pilate said. “You say that I am a king,” Jesus answered. “For this reason I was born and have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to My voice

So there must be only one Truth. So what is Truth according to the Word?Clearly there were heretics during the apostles time . Paul had to correct and admonish people all the time. So what is truth and is it enough to just profess Jesus or does one have to adhere to all he says? After all if it is only the name of Jesus one needs then why all the doctrine associated with His name?

The people Jesus spoke to and stated "I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of iniquity" in Matthew 7:23, not only believed in Him, but thought they were doing good for Him, in His name.

I guess the key there is in Matthew 7:21 "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.".

Obeying God-the-Father is first, as Jesus commanded us to "love God with all your heart, and mind, and soul" as well as "love thy neighbor". The only other unforgivable act is blaspheming the Holy Spirit.

So if we do those things, isn't all else forgivable? Which then leads to the question you asked, "why all the doctrine associated with His name"...which I guess coincides with doing the will of The Father, since the same could be said about the rest of Jesus teachings (for example, giving away all one's possessions, if we wish to be perfect).

CovenantPromise · Sep 21, 2019

4Jesus said:
The people Jesus spoke to and stated "I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of iniquity" in Matthew 7:23, not only believed in Him, but thought they were doing good for Him, in His name.

I guess the key there is in Matthew 7:21 "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.".

Obeying God-the-Father is first, as Jesus commanded us to "love God with all your heart, and mind, and soul" as well as "love thy neighbor". The only other unforgivable act is blaspheming the Holy Spirit.

So if we do those things, isn't all else forgivable? Which then leads to the question you asked, "why all the doctrine associated with His name"...which I guess coincides with doing the will of The Father, since the same could be said about the rest of Jesus teachings (for example, giving away all one's possessions, if we wish to be perfect).

Hmm? I have to pray upon this. Thanks for sharing.
God Bless!

Naomi25 · Sep 22, 2019

4Jesus said:
With all of the differing Christian denominations, categorized into 2-4 branches of Christianity, most/all having differences with the others, and claiming to be right (or, "more right") than the others, will Jesus Christ not accept those who believe in Him and are saved by Him, The Messiah, if one is in "the other" denominations/branches that are "wrong" (or "more wrong")?

Will Jesus Christ reject us if we aren't in the "right" denomination (whatever that means)? Will Jesus say to those in one denomination or another, "Depart from me I never knew you." (Matthew 7:23 "And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'")?

We are all imperfect, thus, wrong, at least a little, some more than others, according to Jesus Christ, the perfect one. He and His Father can claim they are not wrong, and are perfect. This obviously is why Jesus was sent to us as a sacrifice for our sins, because we are all at least a little, wrong.

So how far "departed", or how much wrong, is too much?

To me, it's my belief, that since Jesus was sent to us sinners, we are all wrong. He knows this, in some ways or others, that none of us are perfect. If we are to be held to the standard of how "perfect" we are, He wouldn't need to have saved us, because none would qualify. Jesus doesn't want us to go to Hell, His Father desires no one should perish (2 Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.").

Of course I don't know definitevly, none of us do, only Jesus does, so this is all just for discussion.

To me, my view of Jesus is that if there is belief in Him, wholeheartedly, and you are saved by His sacrifice for your sins, denominational differences do not matter to Him (at least during this time period). He is a teacher, He is The Teacher. My view of Him is that He'd rather have us with Him, and then teach us what was right/wrong here on earth during this time, so we can then live righteously with Him in His Kingdom. Therefore denominations and their doctrines don't matter ultimately now, and will be a non-issue in His future Kingdom here on Earth.

Thoughts?

Just a funny side, the non-denomination group is a denomination

And sorry in advance for the length. It's a good topic, I think.

This is a good topic. There seems to be so much division in the world these days, and unfortunately we see it within denominations. Although...I'm not sure that 'denominations' is perhaps were I would park in terminology. I would say that 'denomination' is what I would use to discuss the different bodies within Protestantism, for example. And mostly we would find that they agree on essentials.
And I think there in lies the heart of the matter. The essentials. I think there are those things we find in scripture that must be regarded as essential for our understanding, if we be called 'Christian'. Things like the Trinity, which I know is controvertial to some, but I contend that rightly understanding God and who he has revealed himself to be to us, is not only important in our relationship with him, but essential, especially as it would then have spill over into every other facet of our understanding.
There are things that are non-essential, like the use of spiritual gifts, for example, that differ from Church to Church. These things ought to bring conversation between Churches, not discord, as they read it differently.
But most certainly, I believe there are things that God has made clear about himself, his Son and his plan for us in his word that we can understand. And those who don't, those who twist or misunderstand...well...we'd have to call them outside of orthodoxy. Perhaps even cults. Because I'm not so sure its just about wanting to love God. God has given us his word, which he tells us IS truth. If we love him, we will read and accept his truth, as it is, as he has given it.

It might be interesting to discuss what people see as essential and non-essential doctrines. It may also be a lightning rod for argument! Not that we often need a lightning rod here...

4Jesus · Sep 22, 2019

Naomi25 said:
This is a good topic. There seems to be so much division in the world these days, and unfortunately we see it within denominations.

Agreed. And with some in one saying to the others that they're wrong on some/all matters, and most/all doing the same thing, there would be none left if they're all right.

Though Jesus did say Matthew 7:23-24 "13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.". How few is few, and does this mean the "other denominations" are not part of this "few"? Obviously on Jesus can answer, as it is up to Him ultimately; but the discussion could be good now, for us.

Naomi25 said:
Although...I'm not sure that 'denominations' is perhaps were I would park in terminology. I would say that 'denomination' is what I would use to discuss the different bodies within Protestantism, for example. And mostly we would find that they agree on essentials.

Why would you use "denomination" only within the different bodies of Protestantism?

The Catholic branch, so to speak, even has denomination within it, if you account for the Orthodox Catholic Church separating from the Holy Roman Catholic Church (I guess Holy Roman Catholic Church was/is a denomination also).

Within the "Reformationist" branch, there's at least a few denominations in there too.

Naomi25 said:
And I think there in lies the heart of the matter. The essentials. I think there are those things we find in scripture that must be regarded as essential for our understanding, if we be called 'Christian'. Things like the Trinity, which I know is controvertial to some, but I contend that rightly understanding God and who he has revealed himself to be to us, is not only important in our relationship with him, but essential, especially as it would then have spill over into every other facet of our understanding.

Exactly as I understand it too. The "minimum requirements", one of which is receiving salvation from Jesus Christ and of course believing that only God can save us thus Jesus is God-the-Son.

Naomi25 said:
There are things that are non-essential, like the use of spiritual gifts, for example, that differ from Church to Church. These things ought to bring conversation between Churches, not discord, as they read it differently.

Agreed. Add in a longer timeframe, with some assults by an enemy to seek out and destroy the beliefs God has given us, and it can easily become divided as more and more "situations" of daily life intermix and complicate more than necessary. Then the discord occurs, and then denominations, and sometimes even branches, are leftover, until we have what we do today.

Naomi25 said:
But most certainly, I believe there are things that God has made clear about himself, his Son and his plan for us in his word that we can understand. And those who don't, those who twist or misunderstand...well...we'd have to call them outside of orthodoxy. Perhaps even cults. Because I'm not so sure its just about wanting to love God. God has given us his word, which he tells us IS truth. If we love him, we will read and accept his truth, as it is, as he has given it.

There are those who are not purposefully twisting and misunderstanding however; maybe they're getting used by an exterior party (satan) to do the twisting and misinformation spreading, but are honest about what they're believing. Not that the result doesn't occur, and does divide, but at least that some of those leaders were acting in "good faith" to God.

Naomi25 said:
It might be interesting to discuss what people see as essential and non-essential doctrines. It may also be a lightning rod for argument! Not that we often need a lightning rod here...

I brought this up in another post in here. To me, the essentials are: 1. Salvation by God-the-Son, covering our sins in His sacrifice 2. Following Jesus commands (1. Love God with all of our heart, mind, soul 2. Love the neighbor) 3. Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is unforgivable.

Outside of those essntials, to me, everything else can be forgivable (not stating that they are definitively here). If we don't follow His ways and teachings to a "t", will that cause us to be part of the "not few" who find the Kingdom of Heaven/eternal life?

Nancy · Sep 22, 2019

4Jesus said:
Oh yeah, we'll let's not even get into the anti-"un-denominational non-denominational"ists...

Interdenominalisticly speaking ... I have nothing to say ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Soverign Grace · Sep 22, 2019

4Jesus said:
With all of the differing Christian denominations, categorized into 2-4 branches of Christianity, most/all having differences with the others, and claiming to be right (or, "more right") than the others, will Jesus Christ not accept those who believe in Him and are saved by Him, The Messiah, if one is in "the other" denominations/branches that are "wrong" (or "more wrong")?

Will Jesus Christ reject us if we aren't in the "right" denomination (whatever that means)? Will Jesus say to those in one denomination or another, "Depart from me I never knew you." (Matthew 7:23 "And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'")?

We are all imperfect, thus, wrong, at least a little, some more than others, according to Jesus Christ, the perfect one. He and His Father can claim they are not wrong, and are perfect. This obviously is why Jesus was sent to us as a sacrifice for our sins, because we are all at least a little, wrong.

So how far "departed", or how much wrong, is too much?

To me, it's my belief, that since Jesus was sent to us sinners, we are all wrong. He knows this, in some ways or others, that none of us are perfect. If we are to be held to the standard of how "perfect" we are, He wouldn't need to have saved us, because none would qualify. Jesus doesn't want us to go to Hell, His Father desires no one should perish (2 Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.").

Of course I don't know definitevly, none of us do, only Jesus does, so this is all just for discussion.

To me, my view of Jesus is that if there is belief in Him, wholeheartedly, and you are saved by His sacrifice for your sins, denominational differences do not matter to Him (at least during this time period). He is a teacher, He is The Teacher. My view of Him is that He'd rather have us with Him, and then teach us what was right/wrong here on earth during this time, so we can then live righteously with Him in His Kingdom. Therefore denominations and their doctrines don't matter ultimately now, and will be a non-issue in His future Kingdom here on Earth.

Thoughts?

Just a funny side, the non-denomination group is a denomination

And sorry in advance for the length. It's a good topic, I think.

We've been in two distinctly bad churches: One was a strict Presbyterian church that was legalistic and there was much "respecter of persons" in that church - in accordance to who you were. We were in another independent Bible church where the leadership thought they were little gods and hurt whoever they wanted because "God put them in their positions."

Jesus showed us an example. He was kind and good to the poor and those without "positions" - choosing unlearned fishermen as his disciples. I'm afraid if Christ Himself came back He would be rejected by many of the legalistic churches, and the churches where "position" means everything. They probably wouldn't have the time of day for him.

After many years in different churches I truly learned the meaning of "wide is the way that leads to destruction, narrow is the way that leads to life and few there be that find it."

He showed us an example and I think if we follow that we can't go wrong. But I see very very few who follow it.

marksman · Sep 23, 2019

When you come to think of it, one of the biggest barriers to being a follower of Jesus is denominations. Generally speaking, you have to follow their precepts and ways of doing things to be accepted. Say something they don't like and you are on the outer.

Here is a classic example for you. About 10 years ago I was a founding member of an AOG church in the town where I lived. All went well for about a year and then it all came crashing down. The Pastor(sic) issued a book of doctrines and said we had to sign that we agreed with them (nowhere in scripture for this). I said I could not because there was one I was still coming to grips with. I didn't disagree with it but I still needed to study it a bit more.

A couple of weeks after I said this the pastor told me that his area minister had said I was to be stripped of all ministry and kept on the sidelines until I signed the document. I was being punished for being honest.

The fact that I was the person who had been a Christain the longest, the only one with university degrees and a theological degree and had led churches and parachurch ministries already was irrelevant.

However, it was OK for the pastor to claim that God told him he was going to double the congregation every year. Today that meant it was going to be about 50,000. Today he has a congregation of about 40. He was rewarded for that deception by being made an area minister.

If you follow the teaching of a denomination you are definitely in danger of being led up the garden path.

Naomi25 · Sep 23, 2019

4Jesus said:
Agreed. And with some in one saying to the others that they're wrong on some/all matters, and most/all doing the same thing, there would be none left if they're all right.

Though Jesus did say Matthew 7:23-24 "13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.". How few is few, and does this mean the "other denominations" are not part of this "few"? Obviously on Jesus can answer, as it is up to Him ultimately; but the discussion could be good now, for us.

I take comfort from the fact that in Revelation we are told that an 'innumerable multitude' was seen. From all tribes, tongues and nations.
That tells me that we'll do alright. Despite our bumbling, sniping, erroneous futzing...we won't get lonely in heaven.

Why would you use "denomination" only within the different bodies of Protestantism?

The Catholic branch, so to speak, even has denomination within it, if you account for the Orthodox Catholic Church separating from the Holy Roman Catholic Church (I guess Holy Roman Catholic Church was/is a denomination also).

Within the "Reformationist" branch, there's at least a few denominations in there too.

Well...I hadn't given the wider terminology much thought...so I'm not in any way planting my flag on this hill. But I suppose I would say that perhaps the difference between Protestant and Catholism might be best served by calling them differing 'sects' of Christianity...that's a little broader. And then, as you say, within each of them they both have different denominations.
Maybe?

Exactly as I understand it too. The "minimum requirements", one of which is receiving salvation from Jesus Christ and of course believing that only God can save us thus Jesus is God-the-Son.

Preach!

Agreed. Add in a longer timeframe, with some assults by an enemy to seek out and destroy the beliefs God has given us, and it can easily become divided as more and more "situations" of daily life intermix and complicate more than necessary. Then the discord occurs, and then denominations, and sometimes even branches, are leftover, until we have what we do today.

Yup. And as it gets easier to travel, and easier to 'church plant' or watch stuff online...and as people get more and more comfortable 'asserting' their beliefs (we're all armchair warriors now, only our armchair are invisible!), we don't, I think, feel like we have to smooth things over with our brothers and sisters; agree for the peace, live in accord with all, as Paul says. We can just lay it down 'my way or the highway' and then get in our cars or demand a Facebook vote.
It's getting a little nuts. We had a bit of drama hit our church this year and it's never really had it before. What do you do when people you just thought were decent, sensible people do silly, unbiblical, scratch your head stuff? I dunno.

There are those who are not purposefully twisting and misunderstanding however; maybe they're getting used by an exterior party (satan) to do the twisting and misinformation spreading, but are honest about what they're believing. Not that the result doesn't occur, and does divide, but at least that some of those leaders were acting in "good faith" to God.

I often think about these people. And it always weighs heavily on my heart. Because...I suppose no one ever REALLY knows if they are right or they are wrong, in these matters. We all do what we think is right...what we believe the bible is saying and where we believe the Spirit is leading. And I suppose we can do no more. And, I truly believe that if we come at God's word and Spirit with a truly open and willing heart to the truth, God will not turn us away. But....
But. I don't think just being sure and being honest about what you believe will save someone. Look at the Jews. They believe in the right God. They truly believe they are following the right path, the path of their forefathers, the path that YHWH laid out for them. But...
I think there are many, many people who truly know Jesus and are saved who get non-essential stuff wrong. And I would hope, as I do for myself...that they never stop searching for God's truth. But, I think they are okay. After all, it is upon Jesus' work and life that they are saved. But I also think there are some out there who call upon Jesus name, but don't really know him. They don't see his grace, don't accept it, or him, as he really is. And, as he told us, HE is the only way, the only truth and the only life. If we don't get him right, we get everything else wrong automatically.
So, yeah...it weighs on me, but I tend to think that's the only biblical conclusion. I hope I'm wrong.

I brought this up in another post in here. To me, the essentials are: 1. Salvation by God-the-Son, covering our sins in His sacrifice 2. Following Jesus commands (1. Love God with all of our heart, mind, soul 2. Love the neighbor) 3. Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is unforgivable.

Outside of those essntials, to me, everything else can be forgivable (not stating that they are definitively here). If we don't follow His ways and teachings to a "t", will that cause us to be part of the "not few" who find the Kingdom of Heaven/eternal life?

Oh, golly. I might need a whole day to think of the essentials. Off the top of my head though: The Trinity, Incarnation of Christ (God-man), Salvation by grace through faith in Christ, physical death on the cross of Christ, bodily resurrection of Christ, physical return of Christ. I may have left some out.
I don't think we have to follow everything to a 't'. I think even though we're regenerated it would be impossible for us to. We have the capability to WANT to not sin, not the abilty to completely stop sinning, if you catch the difference. I think what God wants from us in this life is to always be taking steps towards becoming more Christ-like. Loving God, loving others, becoming more holy. It's a life-long process that we'll never perfect...something to look forward to in eternity...that moment when we don't need to struggle anymore, we can just look into the face of our Lord and be at peace!

4Jesus · Sep 26, 2019

Nancy said:
Interdenominalisticly speaking ... I have nothing to say ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Ahahahahahah, LOL, that was good.

I see your interdenominalistic-ness and raise you intradenominalistic-ness

4Jesus · Sep 26, 2019

Soverign Grace said:
We've been in two distinctly bad churches: One was a strict Presbyterian church that was legalistic and there was much "respecter of persons" in that church - in accordance to who you were. We were in another independent Bible church where the leadership thought they were little gods and hurt whoever they wanted because "God put them in their positions."

Jesus showed us an example. He was kind and good to the poor and those without "positions" - choosing unlearned fishermen as his disciples. I'm afraid if Christ Himself came back He would be rejected by many of the legalistic churches, and the churches where "position" means everything. They probably wouldn't have the time of day for him.

After many years in different churches I truly learned the meaning of "wide is the way that leads to destruction, narrow is the way that leads to life and few there be that find it."

He showed us an example and I think if we follow that we can't go wrong. But I see very very few who follow it.

Well said. They'd at least shun/exile Him for not being one of them, instead of them being His.

There's too much world-loving for me even in denominations, as your example with the Presby church showed. Way, way too much world-loving for me. And Jesus spoke repeatedly on that, that this "world" will not last, to not love it, keep our treasure in Heaven, etc.

Hopefully He burns this "world" up soon, then His Eternal Kingdom can begin on earth.

4Jesus · Sep 26, 2019

marksman1 said:
When you come to think of it, one of the biggest barriers to being a follower of Jesus is denominations. Generally speaking, you have to follow their precepts and ways of doing things to be accepted. Say something they don't like and you are on the outer.

Here is a classic example for you. About 10 years ago I was a founding member of an AOG church in the town where I lived. All went well for about a year and then it all came crashing down. The Pastor(sic) issued a book of doctrines and said we had to sign that we agreed with them (nowhere in scripture for this). I said I could not because there was one I was still coming to grips with. I didn't disagree with it but I still needed to study it a bit more.

A couple of weeks after I said this the pastor told me that his area minister had said I was to be stripped of all ministry and kept on the sidelines until I signed the document.

The fact that was I probably the person who had been a Christain the longest, the only one with university degrees and a theological degrees and had led churches and parachurch ministries already was irrelevant.

However, it was OK for the pastor to claim that God told him he was going to double the congregation every year. Today that meant it was going to be about 50,000. Today he has a congregation of about 40. He was rewarded for that deception by being made an area minister.

If you follow the teaching of a denomination you are definitely in danger of being led up the garden path.

And all of that (in that church you spoke of) was done in His name.

I agree with you completely, regarding the teachings of denoms leading away from Him. It focuses on "us with Him" rather than just Him, in my view anyway.

Now here's the kicker, even though their actions at the church were wrong, and sidelined you unjustly in my view, do you think Jesus will condemn them for that, to be specific, will He say to the person/persons "depart from me I never knew you"? Of course, each of us has our own opinion on what Jesus will do, but Jesus will only do what He will do, it's not up to us. But it's interesting conversation in the least, and perhaps, might have an effect on preventing the type of actions that led to you being sidelined from occuring. I doubt it, but it's a possibility.

BTW, are you still wanting to get your old username/handle back, the "marksman"? I sent you a PM to see if I can help out, but if you're unsure of how to view those, you may never see my message to you. PM or publicly, doesn't matter to me. Let me know if you are still wanting "marksman" back...

Nancy · Sep 26, 2019

4Jesus said:
Ahahahahahah, LOL, that was good.

I see your interdenominalistic-ness and raise you intradenominalistic-ness

Well, that's all fine and dandy and, I will raise you microouterdenominalationalism

Christian Denomination Differences

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My eldest granddaughter showing the result of her

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