dominations and a few questions

[Novawin87]

I saw a post earlier about dominations and it made me think cause I don't have one I say I'm a follower of Christ or Jesus but I'm not Catholic or Pentecostal or Baptist i believe we are saved by grace through faith “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8–9). I believe Jesus is God he came in the flesh lived a perfect life died for our sins , rose and appeared again and is going to come again i also believe we live for him as his followers sharing the gospel and
“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. Matthew 16:24 i believe living a life for Christ is so important and having him guide us through prayer and the bible to lead a life not of this world but through him


growing up my mom went to church of latter day saints (Mormon) and then converted to jw Jehovah witness and my dad was Catholic but he didn't go to church much and when i first got married i went to the Mormon church off and on but i was stuck in addiction so it didn't last then , fast forward to 3 years ago when i started church i ended up going to a UPC church its united Pentecostal church but they don't believe in the trinity now i went and still go sometimes because i find the fellowship is great and i go to worship God but i don't believe in many of their teachings

unfortunately i live in a small town and there's not many to church's to chose from many are closed too because Canada has strict views on covid up here but like there's some where im lost at i feel sometimes like what's the truth on some things like for example baptism I believe its so important to be baptized at upc they baptize in Jesus name and i do agree with that part because i know some do in the Father Son Holy Spirit but the reason why i believe being baptized in Jesus name is because of how it says in 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: the part where it say NAME in this scripture indicates to me that would be Jesus name but then the part in UPC where they believe in salvation to be saved you have to speak in tongues and to receive the holy ghost now for me i struggle with this because i was in a alcohol addiction for 10 years on jan 11 of 2019 i hit my knees and asked God to save me cause i heard him say i had to stop or it was going to ruin me and my family and id end up in jail or worse dead so i felt convicted I just knew i couldn't do it on my own that was absolute i felt the Holy Sprit like i never have before and the following week when i went to church for the first time i remember them playing this song and i felt like scared cause i didn't feel like i belonged i felt shame and convicted again but i know that when Moses say the burning bush he was fearful at first and my initial thought was oh my goodness this is God this is a sign I'm on the right track here and i wasn't even baptized or talked in tongues or any of that so i believe i felt the Holy Spirit leading me then . i Love the fellowship at upc some make me feel like family there's some not so much but i feel like im loved by certain ones there and most important im there for God and to worship HIM i have been to other church's and just never felt like i was welcomed or fitted in even tho at upc im completely different in how i look and dress i don't feel like im judged by many some yes but i believe wherever you go that will happen

i do a lot of apologetics searching and watch some sermons online because i feel like i want to search for the truth and since i went to so many different church's with very vast views i struggle with what's true and what's not but i also believe what i wrote that i believe at the beginning of this forum is important and true . i watch a lot of YouTube and i feel like craig groeschel is really great i feel his sermons really relate to many things in my life and how i can turn to God for them there's more too just he stands out the most to me . is it wrong for me not to have a domination yet i just don't think like one certain denomination is saved and everyone else is not , what are your thoughts on this ? and any suggestions are welcomed thanks so much for reading

 

[Magenta]

is it wrong for me not to have a denomination yet

No

 

[ResidentAlien]

is it wrong for me not to have a domination yet i just don't think like one certain denomination is saved and everyone else is not , what are your thoughts on this ? and any suggestions are welcomed thanks so much for reading

No, there's nothing wrong with not be a member of a denomination. The best thing you can do is read your Bible for yourself; the truth's in there.

The New Testament describes all the born-again believers as the "body of Christ," and Christ Himself is the Head. There's one body but there are many denominations. Being a member of a denomination doesn't automatically make you truly a part of the body. The important thing is to make sure you're a member of Christ's body.

 

[2ndTimothyGroup]

It isn't popular to say such a thing, but I don't really associate with today's modern-day church "system." This means that while I say that I am a Christian, I am not a Christian in how others perceive themselves to be Christians. Further still, I do not identify or equate to the general, Biblical worldview, as the general, Biblical worldview does not relate to the Spiritual Circumcision of Christ. Therefore, I prefer to associate myself with "The Way."

Acts 24:14, 22 NLT - 14 "But I admit that I follow the Way, which they call a cult. I worship the God of our ancestors, and I firmly believe the Jewish law and everything written in the prophets." ... 22 "At that point Felix, who was quite familiar with the Way, adjourned the hearing and said, "Wait until Lysias, the garrison commander, arrives. Then I will decide the case."

Do your best not to believe all things that you are told, but study the Lord's Word and let that Bible speak to your heart. Seek the Truth. Seek our Powerful God, and He will show you The Way.

John 14:6 NLT - "Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me."

 

[JohnDB]

I saw a post earlier about dominations and it made me think cause I don't have one I say I'm a follower of Christ or Jesus but I'm not Catholic or Pentecostal or Baptist i believe we are saved by grace through faith “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8–9). I believe Jesus is God he came in the flesh lived a perfect life died for our sins , rose and appeared again and is going to come again i also believe we live for him as his followers sharing the gospel and
“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. Matthew 16:24 i believe living a life for Christ is so important and having him guide us through prayer and the bible to lead a life not of this world but through him


growing up my mom went to church of latter day saints (Mormon) and then converted to jw Jehovah witness and my dad was Catholic but he didn't go to church much and when i first got married i went to the Mormon church off and on but i was stuck in addiction so it didn't last then , fast forward to 3 years ago when i started church i ended up going to a UPC church its united Pentecostal church but they don't believe in the trinity now i went and still go sometimes because i find the fellowship is great and i go to worship God but i don't believe in many of their teachings

unfortunately i live in a small town and there's not many to church's to chose from many are closed too because Canada has strict views on covid up here but like there's some where im lost at i feel sometimes like what's the truth on some things like for example baptism I believe its so important to be baptized at upc they baptize in Jesus name and i do agree with that part because i know some do in the Father Son Holy Spirit but the reason why i believe being baptized in Jesus name is because of how it says in 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: the part where it say NAME in this scripture indicates to me that would be Jesus name but then the part in UPC where they believe in salvation to be saved you have to speak in tongues and to receive the holy ghost now for me i struggle with this because i was in a alcohol addiction for 10 years on jan 11 of 2019 i hit my knees and asked God to save me cause i heard him say i had to stop or it was going to ruin me and my family and id end up in jail or worse dead so i felt convicted I just knew i couldn't do it on my own that was absolute i felt the Holy Sprit like i never have before and the following week when i went to church for the first time i remember them playing this song and i felt like scared cause i didn't feel like i belonged i felt shame and convicted again but i know that when Moses say the burning bush he was fearful at first and my initial thought was oh my goodness this is God this is a sign I'm on the right track here and i wasn't even baptized or talked in tongues or any of that so i believe i felt the Holy Spirit leading me then . i Love the fellowship at upc some make me feel like family there's some not so much but i feel like im loved by certain ones there and most important im there for God and to worship HIM i have been to other church's and just never felt like i was welcomed or fitted in even tho at upc im completely different in how i look and dress i don't feel like im judged by many some yes but i believe wherever you go that will happen

i do a lot of apologetics searching and watch some sermons online because i feel like i want to search for the truth and since i went to so many different church's with very vast views i struggle with what's true and what's not but i also believe what i wrote that i believe at the beginning of this forum is important and true . i watch a lot of YouTube and i feel like craig groeschel is really great i feel his sermons really relate to many things in my life and how i can turn to God for them there's more too just he stands out the most to me . is it wrong for me not to have a domination yet i just don't think like one certain denomination is saved and everyone else is not , what are your thoughts on this ? and any suggestions are welcomed thanks so much for reading

A lot of people have issues understanding the meaning of scriptures to form a complete theology of their own based upon them.

And in the end...where it is important to know your Heavenly Father. (He is the reason) I have yet to find a church organization that believes all that I do because I have studied the scriptures a LOT.

So belonging to a particular denomination isn't exactly in my wheelhouse. However I do join with other believers and pray, sing, and engage in charitable acts.

And it's been a long time (for me) to attend church. (2 years).

I so miss everyone. I want to go. But they have issues. And when they stop having outbreaks of Covid I'll be happy to go. Currently it's like playing Russian roulette at mine...and the group I used to hang out with is in shambles. Some have died, others on permanent disability, and others have left the Faith.

There's a precious few left.

So I'll probably be looking for a new church home with friends...not really going to care about denomination so much...I'll look at the leadership to see what they are focused on but I'm not as much for sermons as I am creating friendships and relationships.
Because that's what church is about.

I'm not religious. But I really am a zealot when it comes to God. And I love to hang out with fellow Christians. It's not so much about being one of the "Kool Kids Club". But just being friends, helping, encouraging, and even admonishing when need be. And they have license to do the same thing with me and my wife... because they are friends.

I don't expect them to be right all the time and they struggle with ideas as well. But somehow this motley crew gets it right on occasion...and I dream of my home in heaven.

 

[LoveBrokeThru]

Denominations are man made.
Christianity is CHRIST Made.

This explains why there are no denominations in Heaven, .. while there are 40 on every street corner.

 

[Oblio]

"…4There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.…" - Ephesians 4: 4-6
I enjoyed reading your post. Your sincerity comes though loud and clear. I talk to the Lord (mainly with my thoughts), like I'm talking to a real person...because I am. I ask Him to help me understand the word and He does.
I don't believe you have to be in a specific denomination. I also don't believe you have to read a specific translation of the bible. Find a good one...you must decide what that means.
I used to have a drinking problem. I don't anymore. If I started drinking again, I would.
Bless you, and once again welcome to Christian Chat. How 'bout those truckers, eh?
"For where two or three gather together in My name, there am I with them.” - Matthew 18:20

 

[Novawin87]

A lot of people have issues understanding the meaning of scriptures to form a complete theology of their own based upon them.

And in the end...where it is important to know your Heavenly Father. (He is the reason) I have yet to find a church organization that believes all that I do because I have studied the scriptures a LOT.

So belonging to a particular denomination isn't exactly in my wheelhouse. However I do join with other believers and pray, sing, and engage in charitable acts.

And it's been a long time (for me) to attend church. (2 years).

I so miss everyone. I want to go. But they have issues. And when they stop having outbreaks of Covid I'll be happy to go. Currently it's like playing Russian roulette at mine...and the group I used to hang out with is in shambles. Some have died, others on permanent disability, and others have left the Faith.

There's a precious few left.

So I'll probably be looking for a new church home with friends...not really going to care about denomination so much...I'll look at the leadership to see what they are focused on but I'm not as much for sermons as I am creating friendships and relationships.
Because that's what church is about.

I'm not religious. But I really am a zealot when it comes to God. And I love to hang out with fellow Christians. It's not so much about being one of the "Kool Kids Club". But just being friends, helping, encouraging, and even admonishing when need be. And they have license to do the same thing with me and my wife... because they are friends.

I don't expect them to be right all the time and they struggle with ideas as well. But somehow this motley crew gets it right on occasion...and I dream of my home in heaven.

i relate to what your saying so much same thing with my church with random covid outbreaks same with mine too the 2nd last time i went there was an outbreak thankfully it missed my daughter and I i do alot of online but for a while sometimes it takes me a bit to be the new person im not shy but i struggle with being new if that makes sense , I agree too I tell people all the time im a follower of Jesus or follower of Christ many people say im religious but it couldn't be more farther from the truth i love worshipping God and just fellowship even if it its only with a few people i talk to

 

[Novawin87]

"…4There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.…" - Ephesians 4: 4-6
I enjoyed reading your post. Your sincerity comes though loud and clear. I talk to the Lord (mainly with my thoughts), like I'm talking to a real person...because I am. I ask Him to help me understand the word and He does.
I don't believe you have to be in a specific denomination. I also don't believe you have to read a specific translation of the bible. Find a good one...you must decide what that means.
I used to have a drinking problem. I don't anymore. If I started drinking again, I would.
Bless you, and once again welcome to Christian Chat. How 'bout those truckers, eh?
"For where two or three gather together in My name, there am I with them.” - Matthew 18:20

thanks so much i agree with you too about the domination thing i think it doesn't have to be just one im just so new to just learning about the bible and God and sometimes i just ask am i on the right track? I have interest to learn all these things and sometimes i just want to double check to see what im reading is correct with everything online now a days but i do believe that through prayer and study i will be lead to the truth through the Holy Sprirt ,

congrats on your sobriety too same here with me if i started again i wouldn't stop i used to drink until i passed out i just couldn't handle one or 2 and stop it was tough the Lord brought me through that and even through all the cravings and im forever grateful to Him i know He will bring me through much more in the future . thanks so much for the welcome and yeah that was pretty crazy thing for a while with the truckers i live on the east coast of canada but am from ontario so when they showed the ambassador bridge Windsor (thats where i was born and raised till i met my husband) i was like wow i never thought life would be like this now . covid rules have been pretty strict up here and they finally lifted it but im not sure how long that will last im praying the cases don't climb but with spring too it usually is a period window for colds and all that hopefully by summer we can all enjoy the nice weather and be outside and feel more like free thanks again for replying

 

[Oblio]

I went shopping 2 days ago and for the first time I didn't have to wear a mask! Let's hope it stays that way!

 

[JohnDB]

i relate to what your saying so much same thing with my church with random covid outbreaks same with mine too the 2nd last time i went there was an outbreak thankfully it missed my daughter and I i do alot of online but for a while sometimes it takes me a bit to be the new person im not shy but i struggle with being new if that makes sense , I agree too I tell people all the time im a follower of Jesus or follower of Christ many people say im religious but it couldn't be more farther from the truth i love worshipping God and just fellowship even if it its only with a few people i talk to

I really enjoy small group bible studies... AKA Sunday School...
Except now we do it in coffee shops or something.

It's getting to be the time of year we can do them outside....
Usually you can find one in a bakery. (Just saying) and possibly glom into one.

But I agree that it's become very difficult to find a good group lately...part of the reason why I am building a bakery coffee shop...and we plan on going to the various churches to invite them to come and have small group bible studies in our place. Ignoring all denominational differences. Catholics, Baptists and Methodists...all under the same roof eating the same bread and drinking the same coffee. We would invite the SDA but we got pork products. So they are on their own.

But mostly I think that people need a place to feel more of a part of the community.
You aren't a newby joining anything in our mind if you live here. You just haven't been able to stop and talk...and try a fresh Danish while you are at it.

 

[DavidTree]

I saw a post earlier about dominations and it made me think cause I don't have one I say I'm a follower of Christ or Jesus but I'm not Catholic or Pentecostal or Baptist i believe we are saved by grace through faith “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8–9). I believe Jesus is God he came in the flesh lived a perfect life died for our sins , rose and appeared again and is going to come again i also believe we live for him as his followers sharing the gospel and
“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. Matthew 16:24 i believe living a life for Christ is so important and having him guide us through prayer and the bible to lead a life not of this world but through him


growing up my mom went to church of latter day saints (Mormon) and then converted to jw Jehovah witness and my dad was Catholic but he didn't go to church much and when i first got married i went to the Mormon church off and on but i was stuck in addiction so it didn't last then , fast forward to 3 years ago when i started church i ended up going to a UPC church its united Pentecostal church but they don't believe in the trinity now i went and still go sometimes because i find the fellowship is great and i go to worship God but i don't believe in many of their teachings

unfortunately i live in a small town and there's not many to church's to chose from many are closed too because Canada has strict views on covid up here but like there's some where im lost at i feel sometimes like what's the truth on some things like for example baptism I believe its so important to be baptized at upc they baptize in Jesus name and i do agree with that part because i know some do in the Father Son Holy Spirit but the reason why i believe being baptized in Jesus name is because of how it says in 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: the part where it say NAME in this scripture indicates to me that would be Jesus name but then the part in UPC where they believe in salvation to be saved you have to speak in tongues and to receive the holy ghost now for me i struggle with this because i was in a alcohol addiction for 10 years on jan 11 of 2019 i hit my knees and asked God to save me cause i heard him say i had to stop or it was going to ruin me and my family and id end up in jail or worse dead so i felt convicted I just knew i couldn't do it on my own that was absolute i felt the Holy Sprit like i never have before and the following week when i went to church for the first time i remember them playing this song and i felt like scared cause i didn't feel like i belonged i felt shame and convicted again but i know that when Moses say the burning bush he was fearful at first and my initial thought was oh my goodness this is God this is a sign I'm on the right track here and i wasn't even baptized or talked in tongues or any of that so i believe i felt the Holy Spirit leading me then . i Love the fellowship at upc some make me feel like family there's some not so much but i feel like im loved by certain ones there and most important im there for God and to worship HIM i have been to other church's and just never felt like i was welcomed or fitted in even tho at upc im completely different in how i look and dress i don't feel like im judged by many some yes but i believe wherever you go that will happen

i do a lot of apologetics searching and watch some sermons online because i feel like i want to search for the truth and since i went to so many different church's with very vast views i struggle with what's true and what's not but i also believe what i wrote that i believe at the beginning of this forum is important and true . i watch a lot of YouTube and i feel like craig groeschel is really great i feel his sermons really relate to many things in my life and how i can turn to God for them there's more too just he stands out the most to me . is it wrong for me not to have a domination yet i just don't think like one certain denomination is saved and everyone else is not , what are your thoughts on this ? and any suggestions are welcomed thanks so much for reading

Now, we know that God does not permit denominational entry into the Kingdom of CHRIST.

HE does however emphasize that only Born-Again Children are permitted in.
Jesus Christ is the Way the Truth and the Life, no man enters Heaven but thru Christ and Christ alone.
HE also emphasizes that the Baptism in His Holy Spirit is the 2nd PROMISE of God that we are to CHERISH.

HE who established, forever, His Word is the TREE of LIFE where only Good Fruit can be found All Year Long.
That TREE is ALIVE and ETERNAL and HE made the Path clear for us to follow.

So the TREE of LIFE gives us this Pathway and Unction:

And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

MEDITATE: If the Disciples who walked with Christ, experienced His miracles firsthand, seen Lazarus raised from the dead, stood at the Feet of the Cross watching Christ bleed out in tremendous scandalous suffering and then experienced His Resurrection for 40 days could not go out into the world to proclaim the Good News until SOMETHING ELSE took Place - shouldn't everyone who believes in Him be seeking the SAME PROMISE of the Father..............

Why would anyone speak against the Promise of the Father???

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow." James 1:17

 

[gb9]

I went shopping 2 days ago and for the first time I didn't have to wear a mask! Let's hope it stays that way!

it can stay that way. make a personal decision not to wear one. and don't.

 

[Oblio]

it can stay that way. make a personal decision not to wear one. and don't.

My youngest wouldn't wear one. In my area, if you didn't wear one, you'd have to deal with the police.

 

[DavidTree]

it can stay that way. make a personal decision not to wear one. and don't.

Wearing a mask, unless for hazardous work environment/dust/chemicals/etc, is detrimental to your health.

Follow the science God ordained and reject the science fiction of sinful men.

 

[2ndTimothyGroup]

What Davidtree wrote (above) is right. He said:

"no man enters Heaven but thru Christ and Christ alone."

What does this mean? To discover what this means, we must thoroughly study the Word of God, and between the two covers of your Bible, it will disclose to you three things:

1) The Purpose of Christ
2) The Work of Christ
3) The Effect of Christ

Don't waste your time figuring out Eschatology, for this knowledge is useless until and unless you have received the four Works of Christ as listed below:

1) The Circumcision of Christ
2) The gift of Repentance, which is the Lord Causing His Elect to Turn to Christ and actually change
3) The gift of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit who changes the ways of the Children of the Lord
4) His death upon a Cross, thus paying the debt for our sin - and by believing in this act, and the Power of His own resurrection, this final act is what makes us Right with God.

No one needs a denomination to understand these things . . . they need the Spirit to understand these things.

 

[Novawin87]

I went shopping 2 days ago and for the first time I didn't have to wear a mask! Let's hope it stays that way!

i so agree lol

 

[JohnDB]

Wearing a mask, unless for hazardous work environment/dust/chemicals/etc, is detrimental to your health.

Follow the science God ordained and reject the science fiction of sinful men.

Would you stop trying to divide everyone on one of the dumbest things?

Let them do as they want without condemnation from you. How about exercising the thing you claim you want called GRACE. You want some? Then use some!

 

[Novawin87]

I really enjoy small group bible studies... AKA Sunday School...
Except now we do it in coffee shops or something.

It's getting to be the time of year we can do them outside....
Usually you can find one in a bakery. (Just saying) and possibly glom into one.

But I agree that it's become very difficult to find a good group lately...part of the reason why I am building a bakery coffee shop...and we plan on going to the various churches to invite them to come and have small group bible studies in our place. Ignoring all denominational differences. Catholics, Baptists and Methodists...all under the same roof eating the same bread and drinking the same coffee. We would invite the SDA but we got pork products. So they are on their own.

But mostly I think that people need a place to feel more of a part of the community.
You aren't a newby joining anything in our mind if you live here. You just haven't been able to stop and talk...and try a fresh Danish while you are at it.

thats so awesome and amazing your doing that thats such a great idea ! yes i love how now its starting to get warmer here thank goodness i can sit outside and study thats so true and a good way to look at that never thought of looking at it that way ill just have to post some more lol and thanks i cant resist a Danish congrats on your new bakery!!

 

[2ndTimothyGroup]

Let them do as they want without condemnation from you. How about exercising the thing you claim you want called GRACE. You want some? Then use some!

? - You do realize that you have just executed David's right to his own opinion, right?