Thank God for Denominations

[JamOn]

One more comment regarding denominations. I think all of us can agree on. When the money is gone so are the denominations. What happens to all the souls who have been abandoned by these bankrupt originations?

One such mega church mars hill was the fastest growing mega church in America two years ago now it’s bottomed up closed to doors

 

[p_rehbein]

However one feels about denominations......DO NOT blame God or Christ for their existence.

Man came up with those things all by his lonesome...……….

Might be worth considering that Christ NEVER taught denominations, and there won't be any denominations in Heaven either.

 

[Roughsoul1991]

G

that sadly is the problem- many denominations end up putting their beliefs over Bible beliefs. many mean well, but it seems to lean heavily in the direction of denominational beliefs over Biblical truth.

Most if not all of us are part of some denomination. Even if your nondenomination, the nondenominational still holds certain doctrines as core beliefs.

As to why I'm sure you believe your view to be correct where as the denomination down the road would see your view as wrong.

My point is, when revivals happened in the past. The denominations laid down their small indifferences and United on the core of Christianity. The core doctrines like Jesus Christ savior and only way to salvation. We are at a point in history we cannot afford to be divided.

 

[Roughsoul1991]

One more comment regarding denominations. I think all of us can agree on. When the money is gone so are the denominations. What happens to all the souls who have been abandoned by these bankrupt originations?

Nah denominations are just a reality that people dont agree on every detail of scripture. It would still be people not in agreement. One says they absolutely know while the other says they absolutely know. When in reality there is great mystery in some subjects.

 

[Roughsoul1991]

I didn’t see where mentioning Africa and get along on less than Americans had anything to do with thank God for denominations in the conclusion and you did not mention united Methodist before the conclusion and actually I didn’t see you actually praise them before your conclusion statement. there are rich and poor people in Africa and there’s rich and poor people in America. I didn’t just type fixation on a whim you talked about fixation on American dollars.

It was a current event, a current example how a denomination used the separation of powers and the checks and balances of having a Conference where many voices can be heard. Your zoning in too deeply on one part and missing the big picture.

 

[JamOn]

It was a current event, a current example how a denomination used the separation of powers and the checks and balances of having a Conference where many voices can be heard. Your zoning in too deeply on one part and missing the big picture.

I only zoned in when you started placing multiple topics into one. It might of been better just to stick with just one. And Catholic is a denomination as well but I’m not giving thanks only in thanks for opening my eyes to the crap. Sorry but I don’t see stating that others get by on less money as thanks for denominations, it’s kind of sneaking in a view about Americans it seemed.

 

[Roughsoul1991]

I kinda liken it to political elections. A Church's "statement of faith" is similar to a party's platform.

So I know what they stand for and can line up my vote or Church membership accordingly. However, I have not found a Church, OR political party that believes exactly as I do on every issue.

But you can eliminate a Church, like Mormons or Catholics because their heresy is so great. Just like you can eliminate voting for certain parties because their beliefs are too awful to consider.

Exactly. And this allows the majority to come together not in full agreement on every doctrine but in unity on the core doctrines with one thought. To change the culture and save the lost. Once saved the individual can then choose how to iron out their theology. Studying past revivals this is what took place.

 

[JamOn]

I keyed in on this, this doesn’t sound like a blessing and thank God for denominations

"Unfortunately, some United Methodists in the U.S. have the very faulty assumption that all Africans are concerned about is U.S. financial support. Well, I am sure, being sinners like all of you, some Africans are fixated on money.
But with all due respect, a fixation on money seems more of an American problem than an African one. We get by on far less than most Americans do; we know how to do it. I’m not so sure you do. So, if anyone is so naïve or condescending as to think we would sell our birth right in Jesus Christ for American dollars, then they simply do not know us. Because, we know how to live on much, how to live on little, and how to live on nothing. Amen!"

 

[Roughsoul1991]

I only zoned in when you started placing multiple topics into one. It might of been better just to stick with just one. And Catholic is a denomination as well but I’m not giving thanks only in thanks for opening my eyes to the crap. Sorry but I don’t see stating that others get by on less money as thanks for denominations, it’s kind of sneaking in a view about Americans it seemed.

Nope not my intentions just a example of how the denominational system kept one denomination from leaving Biblical accuracy.

 

[JamOn]

Nope not my intentions just a example of how the denominational system kept one denomination from leaving Biblical accuracy.

I’ll give you that it was subtle.

 

[Roughsoul1991]

I keyed in on this, this doesn’t sound like a blessing and thank God for denominations

"Unfortunately, some United Methodists in the U.S. have the very faulty assumptio IPO on that all Africans are concerned about is U.S. financial support. Well, I am sure, being sinners like all of you, some Africans are fixated on money.
But with all due respect, a fixation on money seems more of an American problem than an African one. We get by on far less than most Americans do; we know how to do it. I’m not so sure you do. So, if anyone is so naïve or condescending as to think we would sell our birth right in Jesus Christ for American dollars, then they simply do not know us. Because, we know how to live on much, how to live on little, and how to live on nothing. Amen!"

Why not? Thank God he had the freedom to share his thoughts and it largely affected the votes. Thank God he wasn't burned at the stake for heresy of thrown in jail for going against the state.

 

[Roughsoul1991]

However one feels about denominations......DO NOT blame God or Christ for their existence.

Man came up with those things all by his lonesome...……….

Might be worth considering that Christ NEVER taught denominations, and there won't be any denominations in Heaven either.

Christ didn't teach on many subjects but we look at the whole Bible as a guide to life.

What would be your alternative than denominations? A theocracy or state church?

 

[JamOn]

Why not? Thank God he had the freedom to share his thoughts and it largely affected the votes. Thank God he wasn't burned at the stake for heresy of thrown in jail for going against the state.

I figured it was someone else’s statement.

 

[Gregoryp]

I have tried several so called denominations and sadly all fell short of the glory of God. For a long time I have worshiped alone , read and studied alone. I have since been watching all of these demoninatins that I have tried, and many have fallen over, some don't even exist anymore. We have a church down the road from here, they have an outstanding welfare program for the poor, food bank, finances to help pay bills, a social worker etc. However they now perform same sex marriages, they invite the Muslims to pray and worship with them, they have become world in other words. They don't satisfy me, and could never worship there.

 

[p_rehbein]

Christ didn't teach on many subjects but we look at the whole Bible as a guide to life.

What would be your alternative than denominations? A theocracy or state church?

How about how it was intended to be? One Church...….The Church of God, of which Christ is the Head? If you use the "whole Bible" as your guide, you should be familiar with how Christ taught, and how the Apostle Paul, James, John, and Peter taught about the Church.

As I see it, denominations are the result of people disagreeing on the interpretation of Scripture, and dividing apart from those who disagree with their interpretation. Denominations appear to be far more concerned with teaching THEIR interpretation (denominational ideologies) of Scripture, than teaching the Gospel of Christ.

Ephesians, Chapter 4:
1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

 

[Roughsoul1991]

I have tried several so called denominations and sadly all fell short of the glory of God. For a long time I have worshiped alone , read and studied alone. I have since been watching all of these demoninatins that I have tried, and many have fallen over, some don't even exist anymore. We have a church down the road from here, they have an outstanding welfare program for the poor, food bank, finances to help pay bills, a social worker etc. However they now perform same sex marriages, they invite the Muslims to pray and worship with them, they have become world in other words. They don't satisfy me, and could never worship there.

When humans are involved nothing will be perfect. But scripture does tell us the believer to be part of the body of Christ. What is preventing you from going into these churches and trying to be the truth and light? Why couldn't you start a church? Or find like minded individuals to meet periodically? No denomination will be perfect and if one has gotten heretical then another group can easily be started. This is good for the truth to separate from extreme heresy.

Bible tells us we need to be in worship and part of the body. If your alone then so many dangers can come of that. So if we are called to worship and to stay in the truth then your only option is to move or find like minded individuals and start a new church to counter false teachers in the community.

Thankfully so many of us have that freedom, while so many others wish that had this freedom.

 

[Roughsoul1991]

How about how it was intended to be? One Church...….The Church of God, of which Christ is the Head? If you use the "whole Bible" as your guide, you should be familiar with how Christ taught, and how the Apostle Paul, James, John, and Peter taught about the Church.

As I see it, denominations are the result of people disagreeing on the interpretation of Scripture, and dividing apart from those who disagree with their interpretation. Denominations appear to be far more concerned with teaching THEIR interpretation (denominational ideologies) of Scripture, than teaching the Gospel of Christ.

Ephesians, Chapter 4:
1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

So which group is the church of God. If you want a universal church then which one is completely accurate? Or are you the only one completely accurate? Knowing the human heart isnt a universal church a dangerous idea?

 

[JamOn]

How about how it was intended to be? One Church...….The Church of God, of which Christ is the Head? If you use the "whole Bible" as your guide, you should be familiar with how Christ taught, and how the Apostle Paul, James, John, and Peter taught about the Church.

As I see it, denominations are the result of people disagreeing on the interpretation of Scripture, and dividing apart from those who disagree with their interpretation. Denominations appear to be far more concerned with teaching THEIR interpretation (denominational ideologies) of Scripture, than teaching the Gospel of Christ.

Ephesians, Chapter 4:
1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

To be a pastor of most denominations the person has to or had gone to a bible school of that denominations belief system to be a pastor at their church. They surely don’t let anyone to be a pastor. that’s a red flag in its self.

 

[JamOn]

God leads the strong with the weak, many of folks in the Bible who were not top pastors or even great citizens yet God use them. does God require a bible school credentials No.

 

[Roughsoul1991]

To be a pastor of most denominations the person has to or had gone to a bible school of that denominations belief system to be a pastor at their church. They surely don’t let anyone to be a pastor. that’s a red flag in its self.

No not necessarily many churches often hire on experience. But like you said you dont need a degree but in reality in our culture it does give you some authority which is helpful.