For the sake of teaching this little lamb...

[marks]

Hello Adoration,

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of his body, which is the church,

What do you think Paul means here?

Peace be with you!

Acts 9
15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.

Paul knew he wasn't done yet.

Much love!

 

[Addy]

@historyb We're good... We are truly good... I absolutely understand walking around with your back up in the air all the time...
Someone asks something.... and you think you are being set up.... NOT a nice feeling at all...and I really am sorry I left that impression when I asked you these questions... By your responses... I see that you have truly been convinced that I did not have a sinister motive... I simply wanted to know the answer.

I too have carried so much anger over the years ... because in my mind... my questions about Christianity should have been easy to answer... but my journey did not work out that way... It took me 20 years to fight through the security of my Salvation.... NOW I guard my heart and I am just learning that I don't have to be angry with those who believe differently than I do... WE all see through a dimly lit glass.

I think you will find that I am a very open and transparent person.... plus... I find it easy to apologize when I am wrong... which makes life a lot easier.

I hope that you find a few on here that you are able to trust and feel secure with . Tenderly... Adoration

 

[Deborah_]

"Evangelical" is a term that has come to mean different things in different places. Originally it meant "holding to the Gospel" (as opposed to 'liberal' theology). If you want an "official" definition, the most widely accepted one is the "Bebbington quadrilateral":

• The Bible: a particular respect for the Bible (e.g. all essential spiritual truth is to be found in its pages)
• The Cross: a focus on the atoning work of Christ on the cross
• Conversion: the belief that human beings need to be converted
• Activism: the belief that the gospel needs to be expressed in action

By this definition, you can find evangelical Christians in all denominations (even the Catholic Church!)

But then it gets more complicated.... in the USA, "evangelical" is a term that has become associated with white Republican voters. It's become politicised and even racialised. Presumably this is where the idea of "evangelicalism" has come from - it's a term I've never heard used in the UK.

To me evangelicalism is any who are not part of Traditional Churches such as Anglican/Episcopalian, Catholic, Orthodox, Lutheran, Methodist, and I may be missing some.

So what term would you use for those people who fit the definition above but are members of 'traditional' denominations? We would call ourselves 'evangelical' - what would you call us?

"Sola Scriptura" is another much misunderstood term. It goes back to the Reformation, when Luther and other reformers were going back to the Bible and dismantling some of the extra church traditions that had grown up over the centuries. It doesn't actually mean "the Bible is our only authority" but "the Bible is our only final authority". Against the Catholic teaching that the church has equal authority with the Bible, Protestants believe that the Church must be subject to the Bible. This doesn't rule out tradition altogether, but it puts it in its proper place.

 

[Addy]

Thank you @Deborah_ This was a wonderful answer.

Your description of Sola Scriptura is where I believe I also fit in.. however I do not belong to a denomination of any kind.

 

[historyb]

So what term would you use for those people who fit the definition above but are members of 'traditional' denominations?

Traditional Christians certainty not evangelical. Nor do I mean a political party, I mean those who are do not like the real Traditional Christianity but likes the new Christianity where they can decide what Christianity is for themselves like non denominational folk, Baptist, etc.

We would call ourselves 'evangelical' - what would you call us?

If your any of my list not evangelical for sure to me that term is no different than saying pagan, makes me bristle.

 

[historyb]

On Sola Sctiptura I do not believe the Bible is our final authority and soundly reject that doctrine of man, I do believe Christ is our final authority than the Church which is the pillar and foundation of truth. So I hear you say what of the Bible then? The Bible is profitable for instruction, reproof, and correct but not for anything final. In fact no where in the Bible does it say go by itself alone, it was a man made idea though and through. I do hold a high view of Scripture bt it is not the final authority

 

[Addy]

On Sola Sctiptura I do not believe the Bible is our final authority and soundly reject that doctrine of man, I do believe Christ is our final authority than the Church which is the pillar and foundation of truth. So I hear you say what of the Bible then? The Bible is profitable for instruction, reproof, and correct but not for anything final. In fact no where in the Bible does it say go by itself alone, it was a man made idea though and through. I do hold a high view of Scripture bt it is not the final authority

Ok... I understand your views now...( I think )... I would have to look up all the churches that practice the sacrament of holy communion... in the way of believing in transubstantiation.... but I do get the picture.... You would NOT like me then... LOL... which is quite a pity because I was really counting on the fact that you would... since I'm such a cute little lamb... LOL...

Oddly I do not go to church ... I live as a recluse... a real live TROLL... but I live in an apartment on the lake.. NOT under a bridge... LOL

 

[Cooper]

The word evangelical is derived from the Greek word "evangel", which means "good news". It refers to the message that Jesus died for our sins and rose from the dead. The primary meaning is someone who believes this message. Like other words it can be misused and acquire new meanings so if someone calls himself an evangelical be sure to find out what he really believes. Since most evangelicals supported Trump's candidacy for president some use it to describe a person's political beliefs.

Sola Scriptura means relying only on the Bible. Some groups think that the Bible cannot by understood unless interpreted correctly so the rely on traditional interpretations as will as on the Bible itself. Here is a good explanation:

Sola Scriptura | CARM.org

This site, CARM.org | Equipping the Saints. Reaching the Lost., is a good place to go to find answers about the Bible.

CARM is a grace forum, that allows people to behave in any manner they please and still be saved because of God's grace. I left there years ago. If people can walk in paths of wickedness, they are not saved by the grace of God, and their end will be worse than their beginning.
.

 

[Addy]

CARM is a grace forum, that allows people to behave in any manner they please and still be saved because of God's grace. I left there years ago. If people can walk in paths of wickedness, they are not saved by the grace of God, and their end will be worse than their beginning.
.

Actually CARM is a CALVINIST based forum... and according to their doctrine... they believe in PRE election and PRE selection... in other words.. God chooses whom He wants to save and He has created some to be sent to hell.. This is a very simplistic definition... but I don't SEE much GRACE in that... I still use the site because the articles are researched well... and I pick and choose my topics.

I keep hearing about these Christians that are ACTING like they please... but I can't seem to find them... HARSH judgements.

 

[Cooper]

Actually CARM is a CALVINIST based forum... and according to their doctrine... they believe in PRE election and PRE selection... in other words.. God chooses whom He wants to save and He has created some to be sent to hell.. This is a very simplistic definition... but I don't SEE much GRACE in that... I still use the site because the articles are researched well... and I pick and choose my topics.

I keep hearing about these Christians that are ACTING like they please... but I can't seem to find them... HARSH judgements.

Yes, I know they are Calvinist, tulip and all that. More false teaching. I cannot say they act in ungodly ways because I do not know any personally, but they leave room for it in their teaching. Ah well, whatever.
.

 

[Episkopos]

This is what someone said to me a few days ago... and I found it to be most interesting... I tried to private message this person to ask for explanation... but... I do not think they realize I TRULY DID NOT understand... and so I am making this a discussion...
PLEASE... I am ASKING for definitions of these terms and how they go together.
NO BASHING... NO ARGUING... I TRULY want to know about this topic.

Could someone explain to me what Evangelicalism means... and what Sola Scriptura means with reference to why someone would state they HATE it. What other way is Salvation based on ?? I honestly have never heard anyone claim to ADD onto the works of Christ on the Cross.

I could look this stuff up... and I may regret asking on here... but.... this is truly a new thing for me... I have honestly never heard it before... TEACH ME... I have cookies... I will share...

The flesh is at war with the Spirit and the Spirit at war with the flesh. Now championing the flesh over the Spirit has become quite popular nowadays in the church.So there are a lot of doctrines blowing around that deny the life in Christ as a reality.

Sola scriptura means to be overly afraid of a spiritual connection to God by actual connection to Him (other than what men can do by physically reading the bible the way they see fit). So in the end many of these modern doctrines deny any real visitation or touches from heaven. It denies a walk that is beyond human power (by grace). It turns faith into a dogmatic ideology...a checklist set of religious sounding laws that they feel gives them assurance of a good outcome on judgment day. Turning grace into a law that serves mankind...rather than the exact opposite. And these kinds of antics are exactly opposite to what is said in the "scripturas". So you have many of these flesh champions now who deny the work of the Holy Spirit. Since these have no actual connection to God themselves they seek to deny it to others. Like the Pharisees where Jesus said..."you neither enter into the kingdom yourseves and you stop others also from doing so" (paraphrased)

Evangelicalism is just another way of mankind exploiting God for what men have decided for themselves. Just more championing of the flesh...looking to save oneself or any way that God can be exploited by the flesh.

If we seek to save our lives we will lose them. But if we give up our lives to God, we will find them.

Modern believerism is very far from the faith we read about in the bible. But each person must be convinced in themselves.
If we seek to save our lives we will lose them. But if we lose our lives to Christ...we will find them.

 

[Addy]

@Episkopos This is very interesting to me... Your words... would suggest that I myself am practicing a faith that is not pleasing to God... Yet I feel most BELOVED by Christ... I grew up as a late bloomer into Catholicism... but the rest of my family are LEGALISTS.... and so I RAN from all of that with a vengeance after my mother passed away in 2007.... I do not belong to any religious denomination... and I suppose as far as most Christians would think... I am a DISOBEDIENT Christian because I have forsaken the Assembly ( so to speak ). I do not attend church.

I hope you have not read this yet... as I am adding to it... I should have thought things through better before posting...

On another thread I mentioned my 4 tender issues... topics that I simply cannot talk about in a rational manner.
They are as following... Catholicism.. Calvinism... Word of Faith/Prosperity Gospel..and the topic of Christians losing their salvation.... I would have to add to this list... the possibility of sinless perfection... I had never heard of this teaching until just recently... and I emphatically reject the entire notion.

So.. out of those topics... I am guessing that you would pick the Word of Faith and Prosperity Doctrines as modern day evangelicalism ???

 

[Episkopos]

@Episkopos This is very interesting to me... Your words... would suggest that I myself am practicing a faith that is not pleasing to God... Yet I feel most BELOVED by Christ... I grew up as a late bloomer into Catholicism... but the rest of my family are LEGALISTS.... and so I RAN from all of that with a vengeance after my mother passed away in 2007.... I do not belong to any religious denomination... and I suppose as far as most Christians would think... I am a DISOBEDIENT Christian because I have forsaken the Assembly ( so to speak ). I do not attend church.

Well you are still finding your way! God goes easier on newer believers. Just like a parent with a child. So God is patient and kind with us...with a love that is meant to change us.

But what if we stiffen our necks and refuse to be changed by His love? What if we become spoiled and rebel against God's purpose and just want to have our own way? Well, this is a constant theme with they who wish to exploit God for His love. These see God's love as a weakness that they can take advantage of. And this is taught everywhere.

But there is a balance with God. He is a consuming fire. He is love...but He does not suffer fools for too long. God will give each of us as we have done. We reap what we sow.

There is no need to panic however...you can't make your heart love. We can allow God's love to transform us. That is the way to grow into the likeness of Christ. And what a journey it is. Very difficult...but at an increasing depth of love in faith, and knowledge, understanding and wisdom.

 

[Rita]

@Episkopos This is very interesting to me... Your words... would suggest that I myself am practicing a faith that is not pleasing to God... Yet I feel most BELOVED by Christ... I grew up as a late bloomer into Catholicism... but the rest of my family are LEGALISTS.... and so I RAN from all of that with a vengeance after my mother passed away in 2007.... I do not belong to any religious denomination... and I suppose as far as most Christians would think... I am a DISOBEDIENT Christian because I have forsaken the Assembly ( so to speak ). I do not attend church.

I get that too Adoration - interestingly enough I left the year following my own mother’s death in 2006 - - I just couldn’t stomach all the religion that existed. I would be open to return to meeting with others again but doubt I would ever agree on becoming an official member again.
Rita

 

[Addy]

@Episkopos I am so sorry.... I added to my post while you were answering... I missed you... DARN !! Oh well... Note to self... Don't post until you are SURE you are finished saying what you want to say... LOL

 

[Addy]

I get that too Adoration - interestingly enough I left the year following my own mother’s death in 2006 - - I just couldn’t stomach all the religion that existed. I would be open to return to meeting with others again but doubt I would ever agree on becoming an official member again.
Rita

I do really believe that GOD is doing something very significant at this time in history... I think there is a much bigger picture to this covid thing than just a new disease... I think God is shaking His Church... It will be interesting to see what the rest of this year is going to bring.

I think we are going to see the coming back of small house meetings.

 

[Addy]

I get that too Adoration - interestingly enough I left the year following my own mother’s death in 2006 - - I just couldn’t stomach all the religion that existed. I would be open to return to meeting with others again but doubt I would ever agree on becoming an official member again.
Rita

Hi Rita.... I am late at getting back to you on your quote... I have been pre-occupied this week with the THOUGHT of NOT fitting in... I don't even know where I am SUPPOSED to fit in... so in some senses... I do feel lost and alone... but in the sense of being CHURCHED or part of a church fellowship somewhere... like you... I don't see that happening... FAR too much damage has been done... and my trust level would never allow trying again. With that said... like you... I would be open to trying a small house meeting... a get together ( so to speak ) where by we could pray together... do a bible study together... and have a meal together... as well as encourage each other and pray for each other through out the week.
THAT is something I would delight in doing... Gosh ... RITA... Would you like to be the first member to join my HOME CHURCH ??? LOL... We could stop by and pick up Helen.... and Nancy... I'll bring lunch... I think we should also bring @Heart2Soul ... something tells me she can sing!!!

 

[Nancy]

Hi Rita.... I am late at getting back to you on your quote... I have been pre-occupied this week with the THOUGHT of NOT fitting in... I don't even know where I am SUPPOSED to fit in... so in some senses... I do feel lost and alone... but in the sense of being CHURCHED or part of a church fellowship somewhere... like you... I don't see that happening... FAR too much damage has been done... and my trust level would never allow trying again. With that said... like you... I would be open to trying a small house meeting... a get together ( so to speak ) where by we could pray together... do a bible study together... and have a meal together... as well as encourage each other and pray for each other through out the week.
THAT is something I would delight in doing... Gosh ... RITA... Would you like to be the first member to join my HOME CHURCH ??? LOL... We could stop by and pick up Helen.... and Nancy... I'll bring lunch... I think we should also bring @Heart2Soul ... something tells me she can sing!!!

Lol...What's for dinner?!

 

[Addy]

Lol...What's for dinner?!

I'm soooooo glad you asked... I thought we would start off with a Caesar salad with home made dressing...croutons and bacon bits...
then lasagna... with home made buns... and then for dessert.... strawberry shortcake.

 

[bbyrd009]

Traditional Christians certainty not evangelical. Nor do I mean a political party, I mean those who are do not like the real Traditional Christianity but likes the new Christianity where they can decide what Christianity is for themselves like non denominational folk, Baptist, etc.



If your any of my list not evangelical for sure to me that term is no different than saying pagan, makes me bristle.

understand why the pimps and hos are beating you into the kingdom