What Is your denomination?
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There are many Christian churches today. Many people are searching for a church that suits their beliefs.
There are many different self professed Christian denominations/churches in the world. As an analogy, there are many armies in the world, all are armies but they are all opposed to each other. There are many countries in the world but they are all separate.
In fact, Jesus established His Church' The plain, simple truth is that Jesus Christ founded on earth directly and personally an organized religious society which he called His Church. He didn't establish hundreds/thousands of Christian churches which oppose each other. Instead, he founded one true church and promised to remain with it until the end of time. When you are seeking a Christian Church, find the one that Jesus founded, not the church that may appeal to you and the things you want to believe. Find the Church that Jesus founded, the one He promised to be with til the end of time, the Church that the gates of hell wouldn't prevail against.
That Church must still be here, as Jesus promised it would be. Find that Church/denomination and you'll be okay.
There are many different self professed Christian denominations/churches in the world. As an analogy, there are many armies in the world, all are armies but they are all opposed to each other. There are many countries in the world but they are all separate.
In fact, Jesus established His Church' The plain, simple truth is that Jesus Christ founded on earth directly and personally an organized religious society which he called His Church. He didn't establish hundreds/thousands of Christian churches which oppose each other. Instead, he founded one true church and promised to remain with it until the end of time. When you are seeking a Christian Church, find the one that Jesus founded, not the church that may appeal to you and the things you want to believe. Find the Church that Jesus founded, the one He promised to be with til the end of time, the Church that the gates of hell wouldn't prevail against.
That Church must still be here, as Jesus promised it would be. Find that Church/denomination and you'll be okay.
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Don't look for a church denomination that suits you, instead search for the Church that Jesus founded, it is still here, find Jesus' Church! Jesus didn't establish any church other than His own, find that Church. Today there are many Christian Churches/denominations, all claiming different beliefs. But Jesus only founded one true Church, find that Church, His Church.
In Matthew 16:18 Jesus said to Simon Peter, "And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." From this passage it is very obvious that Christ is the builder or founder of the New Testament church and that he calls this church his church. Any church founded by someone other than Christ is not Christ's church. David, in the Old Testament, announced a great truth when he said, "Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it" (Psalm 127:1). In the New Testament we learn that the "house of God is the church of the living God" (1 Timothy 3:15). If the Lord did not build the house (church) those who did build it labored in vain. Jesus declared, "Every plant which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up" (Matthew 15:13). No one should be a member of any spiritual household, religious plant, or church which man was responsible for starting. One should be a member of the church Christ established!
CHRIST THE FOUNDATION
Not only is Christ the founder of the church but he is also the foundation of the church. In that same statement to Simon Peter cited earlier Christ said, "Upon this rock I will build my church" (Matt. 16:18). What was or is the rock on which the church of Christ is established? It is the bed-rock foundation fact that Peter had just acknowledged -- namely, that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. In Matthew 16:16 Peter said to Jesus, "Thou art the Christ, the son of the living God." Following this statement Jesus said that upon this rock he would build his church. The rock was not the apostle Peter or any other man; rather it was Christ and his divine relationship to God- the fact that he is God's Son. The apostle Paul makes this abundantly clear when he states, "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 3:11). Any church built on a name or some special religious doctrine or some form of church government is built on the wrong foundation and will not stand. The church our Lord established is built on him - on the fact that he is God's Son. That is why every person who becomes a member of the church must confess his faith in Christ as the Son of God (Acts 8:37). The church is said to be a spiritual house made up of lively or living stones. Before a person can be placed on Christ the foundation and made a stone in that house he must believe that Jesus is the Son of God (1 Peter 2:5,6).
In Matthew 16:18 Jesus said to Simon Peter, "And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." From this passage it is very obvious that Christ is the builder or founder of the New Testament church and that he calls this church his church. Any church founded by someone other than Christ is not Christ's church. David, in the Old Testament, announced a great truth when he said, "Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it" (Psalm 127:1). In the New Testament we learn that the "house of God is the church of the living God" (1 Timothy 3:15). If the Lord did not build the house (church) those who did build it labored in vain. Jesus declared, "Every plant which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up" (Matthew 15:13). No one should be a member of any spiritual household, religious plant, or church which man was responsible for starting. One should be a member of the church Christ established!
CHRIST THE FOUNDATION
Not only is Christ the founder of the church but he is also the foundation of the church. In that same statement to Simon Peter cited earlier Christ said, "Upon this rock I will build my church" (Matt. 16:18). What was or is the rock on which the church of Christ is established? It is the bed-rock foundation fact that Peter had just acknowledged -- namely, that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. In Matthew 16:16 Peter said to Jesus, "Thou art the Christ, the son of the living God." Following this statement Jesus said that upon this rock he would build his church. The rock was not the apostle Peter or any other man; rather it was Christ and his divine relationship to God- the fact that he is God's Son. The apostle Paul makes this abundantly clear when he states, "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 3:11). Any church built on a name or some special religious doctrine or some form of church government is built on the wrong foundation and will not stand. The church our Lord established is built on him - on the fact that he is God's Son. That is why every person who becomes a member of the church must confess his faith in Christ as the Son of God (Acts 8:37). The church is said to be a spiritual house made up of lively or living stones. Before a person can be placed on Christ the foundation and made a stone in that house he must believe that Jesus is the Son of God (1 Peter 2:5,6).
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Don't look or belong to a church/denomination that suits you. Instead, look for the one church Jesus founded, promised to be with til the end of time, and that the gates of hell wouldn't prevail against. All other churches/denominations are facades. Look for the one church that Jesus founded. If your church/denomination isn't 2,000 years old and if Jesus didn't personally found your church, then it's not the church that Jesus personally founded. These are simple tests.
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Wow, only negative thoughts about my posts that Jesus founded His Church. And, make no mistake that he prayed that all Christians be one. And there are so many on this board taking delight in that they've chosen to 'not be one' and choose their own denominations/ways, the ways they desire.
Only One is the True Church of Christ
Many today believe that all churches are right. In other words, it does not really matter which church/denomination one goes to. They say, “God has saved people in all churches. It is up to the individual in each church to be sincere in his worship and accept Jesus as his personal Saviour.” They also say, “God has His children in all denominations. Therefore all churches are the same.”
These statements are made by well know preachers, “pastors,” and members of various denominations. I want to answer this opinion from the Biblical point of view. I would also like to ask each reader to be open-minded. The Bible says: “To-day if ye shall hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.” (Hebrews 3:15).
What Is a Church?
Before the above opinions can be discussed, we must first know what the word “church” means. “Church” is a translation of the Greek word ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia). Greek is the language in which the New Testament was first written. Ἐκκλησία means “a called out assembly,” “a congregation.” It refers to God’s people who are called out of the world into fellowship with Him (I John 1:3; Acts 26:16-18; Colossians 1:13, I Peter 2:9-10). The church is God’s redeemed people (Acts 20:28; Titus 2:14; I Peter 1:18-19). It is a holy nation (I Peter 2:9). Members of the church are citizens of a heavenly kingdom (Colossians 1:13; Philippians 3:20-21). The church is part of God’s eternal purpose in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 3:8-11). When Jesus said: “I will build my church,” He meant to establish His redeemed people who would be a holy nation, citizens of his heavenly kingdom (Matthew 16:18).
Since Jesus Christ Himself established His church, then no man on earth has a right to establish a church. Jesus said: “But he answered and said, Every plant which my heavenly Father planted not, shall be rooted up.” (Matthew 15:13). The Psalmist wrote: “Except Jehovah build the house, They labor in vain that build it” (Psalm 127:1).
Where Can One Find Salvation?
Since no man has a right to establish any church, it follows that only in the church which Jesus established is salvation to be found. Then Jesus promised, “I will build my church,” note that He was promising to build one church, not many. This one church began in Jerusalem on the first Pentecost day after His resurrection. Three thousand people heard the gospel. They believed and were baptized and the Lord added them to His church (Acts 2:36-38, 42, 47). Jesus Christ is the Saviour of His body, which is the church (Ephesians 1:22-23; 5:23).
According to Acts 4:4, the church soon grew to number 5,000 souls. Jesus meant for His church to continue and to overcome all opposition. It was to go to the whole world (Matthew 8:19-20; Mark 16:15-16). But he intended for His church to be one (John 17:20-21). He intended that all believers should be of the same mind and the same judgment (I Corinthians 1:10).
How Can We Know the Church the Lord Built?
This is an important question for one who wants to be saved. Jesus said: “and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32). No man can bring any truth today except that which is revealed in the Bible. The Lord only speaks to us in His Book (John 12:48; Hebrews 1:1-2). The Bible is a complete book. It has everything needed for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness (II Timothy 3:16-17). Speaking to the Father, Jesus said: “thy word is truth” (John 17:17). We must measure a church by the Word of God to see if it is the true church of Christ!
Please note the following:
• The church which did not begin in Jerusalem is not the true church (Acts 2:5; Isaiah 2:1-2; Micah 4:1-2).
• The church which has women in authority, or allows them to preach, is not the house of God (I Timothy 2:9-15).
• The church which sprinkles or pours water instead of immersing or dipping in water for baptism cannot be the Lord’s church (Romans 6:3-4; Acts 8:38-39).
• The church which has elders who are unmarried, and who do not have well behaved children who believe, is not the Lord’s church (I Timothy 3:2-5; Titus 1:5-9).
• The church which permits a man to marry more than one wife at a time is not the church of Christ (Matthew 19:4-6; I Corinthians 7:2).
• The church which uses instruments of music (such as drums, guitars, organs, etc.) in its worship cannot be the church of Christ (Ephesians 5:9; Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 13:15).
• The church which requires its members not to eat certain foods is not the church of God (I Corinthians 8:8; I Timothy 4:1-5).
• The church which calls its preachers “Reverend” or “Father” cannot be the body of Christ (Matthew 23:-12).
• The church which baptized babies and little children cannot be the church which the Lord built. Only those old enough to hear, believe, repent, and confess Christ can be baptized (Mark 16:16; Matthew 28:19 Romans 10:8-10; Acts 2:37-38; 8:12, 36-38.
• The church that teaches it has the power to pray so that its members can receive miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit is not the church of Christ. The Bible shows that only the apostles had the power to impart the gifts of the Holy Spirit. This was done by the laying on of hands (Acts 8:14-21; 19:5-6). Since the apostles are all dead, we know this does not continue today. When the complete New Testament was revealed and confirmed, the need for miraculous gifts ceased (I Corinthians 3:8-13).
The Bible teaches that if one is wrong on one point, he is guilty of all ( James 2:10). Therefore, any church which is wrong on any of the above points is not the true church of Christ! Do not teach the doctrines and commandments of men, but follow the Bible. Only those who do the will of God will be saved (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46). Obey the truth today and be added by the Lord to His one, true church (II Corinthians 6:2; Acts 22:16).
Only One is the True Church of Christ
Many today believe that all churches are right. In other words, it does not really matter which church/denomination one goes to. They say, “God has saved people in all churches. It is up to the individual in each church to be sincere in his worship and accept Jesus as his personal Saviour.” They also say, “God has His children in all denominations. Therefore all churches are the same.”
These statements are made by well know preachers, “pastors,” and members of various denominations. I want to answer this opinion from the Biblical point of view. I would also like to ask each reader to be open-minded. The Bible says: “To-day if ye shall hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.” (Hebrews 3:15).
What Is a Church?
Before the above opinions can be discussed, we must first know what the word “church” means. “Church” is a translation of the Greek word ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia). Greek is the language in which the New Testament was first written. Ἐκκλησία means “a called out assembly,” “a congregation.” It refers to God’s people who are called out of the world into fellowship with Him (I John 1:3; Acts 26:16-18; Colossians 1:13, I Peter 2:9-10). The church is God’s redeemed people (Acts 20:28; Titus 2:14; I Peter 1:18-19). It is a holy nation (I Peter 2:9). Members of the church are citizens of a heavenly kingdom (Colossians 1:13; Philippians 3:20-21). The church is part of God’s eternal purpose in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 3:8-11). When Jesus said: “I will build my church,” He meant to establish His redeemed people who would be a holy nation, citizens of his heavenly kingdom (Matthew 16:18).
Since Jesus Christ Himself established His church, then no man on earth has a right to establish a church. Jesus said: “But he answered and said, Every plant which my heavenly Father planted not, shall be rooted up.” (Matthew 15:13). The Psalmist wrote: “Except Jehovah build the house, They labor in vain that build it” (Psalm 127:1).
Where Can One Find Salvation?
Since no man has a right to establish any church, it follows that only in the church which Jesus established is salvation to be found. Then Jesus promised, “I will build my church,” note that He was promising to build one church, not many. This one church began in Jerusalem on the first Pentecost day after His resurrection. Three thousand people heard the gospel. They believed and were baptized and the Lord added them to His church (Acts 2:36-38, 42, 47). Jesus Christ is the Saviour of His body, which is the church (Ephesians 1:22-23; 5:23).
According to Acts 4:4, the church soon grew to number 5,000 souls. Jesus meant for His church to continue and to overcome all opposition. It was to go to the whole world (Matthew 8:19-20; Mark 16:15-16). But he intended for His church to be one (John 17:20-21). He intended that all believers should be of the same mind and the same judgment (I Corinthians 1:10).
How Can We Know the Church the Lord Built?
This is an important question for one who wants to be saved. Jesus said: “and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32). No man can bring any truth today except that which is revealed in the Bible. The Lord only speaks to us in His Book (John 12:48; Hebrews 1:1-2). The Bible is a complete book. It has everything needed for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness (II Timothy 3:16-17). Speaking to the Father, Jesus said: “thy word is truth” (John 17:17). We must measure a church by the Word of God to see if it is the true church of Christ!
Please note the following:
• The church which did not begin in Jerusalem is not the true church (Acts 2:5; Isaiah 2:1-2; Micah 4:1-2).
• The church which has women in authority, or allows them to preach, is not the house of God (I Timothy 2:9-15).
• The church which sprinkles or pours water instead of immersing or dipping in water for baptism cannot be the Lord’s church (Romans 6:3-4; Acts 8:38-39).
• The church which has elders who are unmarried, and who do not have well behaved children who believe, is not the Lord’s church (I Timothy 3:2-5; Titus 1:5-9).
• The church which permits a man to marry more than one wife at a time is not the church of Christ (Matthew 19:4-6; I Corinthians 7:2).
• The church which uses instruments of music (such as drums, guitars, organs, etc.) in its worship cannot be the church of Christ (Ephesians 5:9; Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 13:15).
• The church which requires its members not to eat certain foods is not the church of God (I Corinthians 8:8; I Timothy 4:1-5).
• The church which calls its preachers “Reverend” or “Father” cannot be the body of Christ (Matthew 23:-12).
• The church which baptized babies and little children cannot be the church which the Lord built. Only those old enough to hear, believe, repent, and confess Christ can be baptized (Mark 16:16; Matthew 28:19 Romans 10:8-10; Acts 2:37-38; 8:12, 36-38.
• The church that teaches it has the power to pray so that its members can receive miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit is not the church of Christ. The Bible shows that only the apostles had the power to impart the gifts of the Holy Spirit. This was done by the laying on of hands (Acts 8:14-21; 19:5-6). Since the apostles are all dead, we know this does not continue today. When the complete New Testament was revealed and confirmed, the need for miraculous gifts ceased (I Corinthians 3:8-13).
The Bible teaches that if one is wrong on one point, he is guilty of all ( James 2:10). Therefore, any church which is wrong on any of the above points is not the true church of Christ! Do not teach the doctrines and commandments of men, but follow the Bible. Only those who do the will of God will be saved (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46). Obey the truth today and be added by the Lord to His one, true church (II Corinthians 6:2; Acts 22:16).
The true church is God's elects.
From https://www.gotquestions.org/calvinism.html
Total Depravity - As a result of Adam’s fall, the entire human race is affected; all humanity is dead in trespasses and sins. Man is unable to save himself (Genesis 6:5; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3:10-18).
Unconditional Election - Because man is dead in sin, he is unable to initiate a response to God; therefore, in eternity past God elected certain people to salvation. Election and predestination are unconditional; they are not based on man’s response (Romans 8:29-30;9:11; Ephesians 1:4-6, 11-12) because man is unable to respond, nor does he want to.
Limited Atonement - Because God determined that certain ones should be saved as a result of God’s unconditional election, He determined that Christ should die for the elect alone. All whom God has elected and for whom Christ died will be saved (Matthew 1:21; John 10:11; 17:9; Acts 20:28; Romans 8:32; Ephesians 5:25).
Irresistible Grace - Those whom God elected He draws to Himself through irresistible grace. God makes man willing to come to Him. When God calls, man responds (John 6:37, 44; 10:16).
Perseverance of the Saints - The precise ones God has elected and drawn to Himself through the Holy Spirit will persevere in faith. None whom God has elected will be lost; they are eternally secure (John 10:27-29; Romans 8:29-30; Ephesians 1:3-14).
After God gave me the Holy Spirit, I found proof that TV, movies, novels, music, video games and computer games are all sins, except Christian stuff. Read 10 commandments.
link below will let you find out if you are one of God's elect (God gives you the Holy Spirit and the fruits of the spirit) or one of the nonelect (You reject the Holy Spirit, have a seared conscience). Mark 3:29, 1 Timothy 4:1-4, Romans 1:28
https://christianchat.com/testimoni...s-except-christian-stuff.199651/#post-4583333
From https://www.gotquestions.org/calvinism.html
Total Depravity - As a result of Adam’s fall, the entire human race is affected; all humanity is dead in trespasses and sins. Man is unable to save himself (Genesis 6:5; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3:10-18).
Unconditional Election - Because man is dead in sin, he is unable to initiate a response to God; therefore, in eternity past God elected certain people to salvation. Election and predestination are unconditional; they are not based on man’s response (Romans 8:29-30;9:11; Ephesians 1:4-6, 11-12) because man is unable to respond, nor does he want to.
Limited Atonement - Because God determined that certain ones should be saved as a result of God’s unconditional election, He determined that Christ should die for the elect alone. All whom God has elected and for whom Christ died will be saved (Matthew 1:21; John 10:11; 17:9; Acts 20:28; Romans 8:32; Ephesians 5:25).
Irresistible Grace - Those whom God elected He draws to Himself through irresistible grace. God makes man willing to come to Him. When God calls, man responds (John 6:37, 44; 10:16).
Perseverance of the Saints - The precise ones God has elected and drawn to Himself through the Holy Spirit will persevere in faith. None whom God has elected will be lost; they are eternally secure (John 10:27-29; Romans 8:29-30; Ephesians 1:3-14).
After God gave me the Holy Spirit, I found proof that TV, movies, novels, music, video games and computer games are all sins, except Christian stuff. Read 10 commandments.
link below will let you find out if you are one of God's elect (God gives you the Holy Spirit and the fruits of the spirit) or one of the nonelect (You reject the Holy Spirit, have a seared conscience). Mark 3:29, 1 Timothy 4:1-4, Romans 1:28
https://christianchat.com/testimoni...s-except-christian-stuff.199651/#post-4583333