Do All Religions Lead To God?

[NightTwister]

When I see error or something that's not logical, I question, I have found God to be logical.

all I am attempting to do is cause folks to question, yes, sometimes I push to hard.

but even if I say 2 + 2 = 4 folks stake their life its 6 1/2

All I am attempting to do is cause you to answer a single question. After several attempts, I now push hard. Still, you refuse to answer. The answer should be simple. Which church/movement do you belong to? I'm never going to answer any more of your questions until you answer this one.

 

[bytheblood]

night-twister

Why are there so many different churches?
If understanding the Word of God comes from just simply reading it, why are there so many different churches?
If the Truth is the Truth why so many?
If you can explain I would love to here your explanation

There are many people who have read the Word of God, from Genesis to maps, can memorize and repeat it, and don't spiritually understand it. " My son, if thou wilt receive My words, and hide My commandments with thee; So that thou incline INCLINE THINE EAR UNTO WISDOM, and APPLY THINE HEART TO UNDERSTANDING; Yea, if THOU CRIEST AFTER KNOWLEDGE, AND LIFTEST UP THY VOICE FOR UNDERSTANDING. If thou SEEKEST HER AS SILVER, and SEARCHEST FOR HER as for hid treasures; THEN SHALT THOU UNDERSTAND the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God." Proverbs 2:1-5. There is much more then just reading God's Word to get understanding. It has to be revealed by the Holy Spirit, to those He has quickened. "....ye have not because ye ask not." James 4:2. " Study to show thyself approved UNTO GOD, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, RIGHTLY DIVIDING the Word of truth." 2 Tim. 2:15. There is only one church, with many branches, of which Jesus is the" true vine ." John 15:1 Isn't it Jesus' responsibility to separate the wheat from the chaff and the sheep from the goats? Isn't He the Righteous Judge?

 

[Gideon300]

Denominations are not the church. The church is all who are born again, no matter in which format they meet. That may even include you. I'm not so sure about that.

 

[Journey_man]

"World" is one of those words with multiple meanings. Like father, son, eternal, forever, etc. Context is important.

We read that "God so loved the world..." and then read in 1 John "Love not the world". In the first example "world" is understood to mean "humanity as a whole" whereas in the second example it means "the systems and schemes that govern the affairs of men".

Again, context is important. Certainly, Satan is the ruler over the darkness of the world, how men conduct themselves apart from the love of God.

The bible is interpreted in many different ways, this is why there are thousands of Christian Denominations teaching radically different theology and doctrines.

You touched on one of the most controversial verses in the bible John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life,".

Some interpret the word "world" in this verse to mean the "whole world, not just Israel". They claim that it refers to the Gentiles as well as the Jews, (because the Jews needed to know that Christ came to save people from every tribe and tongue form all over the "world" and not only the Jews.

Most Denominations teach that their particular interpretation is the only correct one and all the rest are wrong. Thank God we are not saved by possessing the correct interpretation of the bible and all of the controversial doctrines in it.

I have listened to many debates on sermonaudio.com and found that the Theologians who hold to radically different interpretations of the gospel, are both very convincing because they both have a bunch of verses which support their side.
If the experts can't agree with each other, I wouldn't expect many ordinary Church goers to agree with each other.

Our pastor urges our congregation, not to allow our different or opposing views to cause division among us.

 

[Gideon300]

The bible is interpreted in many different ways, this is why there are thousands of Christian Denominations teaching radically different theology and doctrines.

You touched on one of the most controversial verses in the bible John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life,".

Some interpret the word "world" in this verse to mean the "whole world, not just Israel". They claim that it refers to the Gentiles as well as the Jews, (because the Jews needed to know that Christ came to save people from every tribe and tongue form all over the "world" and not only the Jews.

Most Denominations teach that their particular interpretation is the only correct one and all the rest are wrong. Thank God we are not saved by possessing the correct interpretation of the bible and all of the controversial doctrines in it.

I have listened to many debates on sermonaudio.com and found that the Theologians who hold to radically different interpretations of the gospel, are both very convincing because they both have a bunch of verses which support their side.
If the experts can't agree with each other, I wouldn't expect many ordinary Church goers to agree with each other.

Our pastor urges our congregation, not to allow our different or opposing views to cause division among us.

Much of the time, the congregation neither knows nor cares much about doctrines specific to the denomination.

 

[memberofthebride]

There are many people who have read the Word of God, from Genesis to maps, can memorize and repeat it, and don't spiritually understand it. " My son, if thou wilt receive My words, and hide My commandments with thee; So that thou incline INCLINE THINE EAR UNTO WISDOM, and APPLY THINE HEART TO UNDERSTANDING; Yea, if THOU CRIEST AFTER KNOWLEDGE, AND LIFTEST UP THY VOICE FOR UNDERSTANDING. If thou SEEKEST HER AS SILVER, and SEARCHEST FOR HER as for hid treasures; THEN SHALT THOU UNDERSTAND the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God." Proverbs 2:1-5. There is much more then just reading God's Word to get understanding. It has to be revealed by the Holy Spirit, to those He has quickened. "....ye have not because ye ask not." James 4:2. " Study to show thyself approved UNTO GOD, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, RIGHTLY DIVIDING the Word of truth." 2 Tim. 2:15. There is only one church, with many branches, of which Jesus is the" true vine ." John 15:1 Isn't it Jesus' responsibility to separate the wheat from the chaff and the sheep from the goats? Isn't He the Righteous Judge?

I agree with some, here is what i find in the Word
unless the Father calls a person to Christ they will never be given the Holy Spirit.
Which means unless the Father open a person mind to understand the truth, they will understand very little

Denominations are not the church. The church is all who are born again, no matter in which format they meet. That may even include you. I'm not so sure about that.

Please, enlighten me.

Confusion, lies, division and all transgressions against God -- began with Satan. and Satan is the ruler of this earth until Christ returns, all systems, religions and governments are His, operate as he directs. Satan is THE god of this world.

God is order, law, righteousness and Truth.
Remember, Christ taught , in effect, a divided house, nation, church, what ever, can not stand. GOD is ONE! not many! GOD is ONENESS -- not diversity!

How can "no matter in which format they meet" be of God, which also must means "no matter how different, how contrary their doctrines are".

Paul taught followers of Christ must be of the same mind!

The Church of God is ONE BODY, ONE church, ONE wife! Not many!

Matthew quoted Christ stating: 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name?

"Many", Jesus Christ is condemning --THE Many, not the few, not the ONE.

Are there not many churches claiming to follow Him, what ever the numbers is, it is not ONE or even 2 or 3.

If I was just starting out and seeing the diverse gaggle of doctrines; most teach a trinity, some that Christ was not God, some that upon death you go directly to heaven, some, 2 or 3 kinds of raptures, some baptize some not, on and on ---- and this is acceptable to the God of Truth and Order?

Christ taught a narrow difficult WAY, not a broad wide way, the norm !

The web says there are 45,000, whatever the true number is, why would The God of order and Truth make us choose from a huge number that do not agree on major doctrines ?
Why must we even have to choose? That makes no sense to me.

After Pentecost, there was only ONE, and that lasted until Rome stepped in to control.

Why must we choose? Why not ONE?

Christ taught He is bringing the FEW into eternal life; not at this time --the many.

 

[memberofthebride]

Much of the time, the congregation neither knows nor cares much about doctrines specific to the denomination.

and that is a good thing?? what is God's purpose with that condition? Just believe what ever?
Do not believe that is biblical.

 

[Journey_man]

Much of the time, the congregation neither knows nor cares much about doctrines specific to the denomination.

That's true for the most part, but there is the other extreme as well. A family left our Church, because the father and wife didn't agree with our Pastors view of eschatology.
The Pastor tried to reason with them, saying that one's eschatological view is not a core foundational doctrine and it shouldn't cause anyone to break fellowship with the Church, but it was to no avail, they demanded that the pastor change his view to agree with theirs, so it was a deal braking demand.

Another lady member left as well because she wanted to preach from the pulpit, but the Elders rejected her request and she left. There are many other incidents where members leave for various reasons, but it's always over disagreements over bible doctrines and the interpretation of certain controversial scriptures.

 

[Gideon300]

That's true for the most part, but there is the other extreme as well. A family left our Church, because the father and wife didn't agree with our Pastors view of eschatology.
The Pastor tried to reason with them, saying that one's eschatological view is not a core foundational doctrine and it shouldn't cause anyone to break fellowship with the Church, but it was to no avail, they demanded that the pastor change his view to agree with theirs, so it was a deal braking demand.

Another lady member left as well because she wanted to preach from the pulpit, but the Elders rejected her request and she left. There are many other incidents where members leave for various reasons, but it's always over disagreements over bible doctrines and the interpretation of certain controversial scriptures.

It's an indictment on Christianity that such trivia should lead to division. The main problem is that so many church attenders are Christian in name only. The "all welcome" policy of most assemblies is not scriptural. I've been in meetings where a witch has sat in the back spraying curses while no one did a thing to stop her.

One older couple I know left because they did not like the music. I can understand that. The trouble is that the church is the body of Christ. You don't get to pick and choose your feet, hands or build. It's too easy to up and leave, but sometimes doctrines are so far from truth that you must. But it must be for the right reason and led by the Lord. We are not members of a club.

 

[Aaron56]

The bible is interpreted in many different ways, this is why there are thousands of Christian Denominations teaching radically different theology and doctrines.

You touched on one of the most controversial verses in the bible John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life,".

Some interpret the word "world" in this verse to mean the "whole world, not just Israel". They claim that it refers to the Gentiles as well as the Jews, (because the Jews needed to know that Christ came to save people from every tribe and tongue form all over the "world" and not only the Jews.

Most Denominations teach that their particular interpretation is the only correct one and all the rest are wrong. Thank God we are not saved by possessing the correct interpretation of the bible and all of the controversial doctrines in it.

I have listened to many debates on sermonaudio.com and found that the Theologians who hold to radically different interpretations of the gospel, are both very convincing because they both have a bunch of verses which support their side.
If the experts can't agree with each other, I wouldn't expect many ordinary Church goers to agree with each other.

Our pastor urges our congregation, not to allow our different or opposing views to cause division among us.

Yeah, John 3:16 gets too much attention over all other verses. It was popularized via televised sporting events by "Rainbow Man", a man currently serving multiple life sentences for violent crimes.

You bring up a solid point: Knowing what the Bible says can be discerned by people who can read. Knowing what the Bible means requires the Holy Spirit. If it was the other way around, our high priests would be logicians and scholars. As it stands now, and as it is written in the scriptures, our elders are those who have proven themselves in their daily walk with the Lord.

 

[NightTwister]

Much of the time, the congregation neither knows nor cares much about doctrines specific to the denomination.

That's always the first thing I look at before attending a new church. Fortunately the one that I currently attend, they keep essential things essential, and allow for liberty in non-essential things. I wish more churches did that.

 

[memberofthebride]

That's always the first thing I look at before attending a new church. Fortunately the one that I currently attend, they keep essential things essential, and allow for liberty in non-essential things. I wish more churches did that.

and I wonder who decides what is essential and what is not?

 

[NightTwister]

and I wonder who decides what is essential and what is not?

There is a general consensus amongst evangelical churches as to what is essential and what is not. I have found that Catholic and Baptist churches generally draw a tighter line on that, as do some smaller and independent churches.

 

[Just_A__Follower]

Denominations are not the church. The church is all who are born again, no matter in which format they meet. That may even include you. I'm not so sure about that.

True. Also how many times do we hear people say “my church” or “your church”? I don’t remember Christ saying He would build me a church. There is one church and it is His. Without Him there is no church. As for denominations they existed amongst the Jews before Christ came with the Sadducees, zealots, Pharisees, etc. Christ brought everyone back together but it didn’t take long for us to mess it up again.

 

[Gideon300]

and I wonder who decides what is essential and what is not?

Not you, that is for sure.

 

[Journey_man]

It's an indictment on Christianity that such trivia should lead to division. The main problem is that so many church attenders are Christian in name only. The "all welcome" policy of most assemblies is not scriptural. I've been in meetings where a witch has sat in the back spraying curses while no one did a thing to stop her.

One older couple I know left because they did not like the music. I can understand that. The trouble is that the church is the body of Christ. You don't get to pick and choose your feet, hands or build. It's too easy to up and leave, but sometimes doctrines are so far from truth that you must. But it must be for the right reason and led by the Lord. We are not members of a club.

After leaving the Roman Catholic Church in my early 20's, I spent three years "Church Shopping". I visited many different Churches and Denominations, and I heard radically different versions of the gospel being preached. I look back to that time and realize that I was looking for a "Seeker friendly Church"

I was looking for a Church that had a good loud Rock Band, with lots of young ladies jumping up and down to the music, during the Sunday morning service. The preaching had to be progressive, inclusive and non judgemental of anyone, regardless of their choice of lifestyle or sexuality.
After three years of attending seeker friendly Church Services, I found I was still feeling empty, lost and spiritually bankrupt.

I ended up coming before the Lord in desperation, asking Him to lead me to a Church that He would approve of. He did answer my prayer and a friend invited to visit a Church with him, and that's where I heard the true gospel being preached for the first time.
There was no rock band, just an old lady at the piano and a serious looking Pastor. The gospel message was not the usual "you're a good person in a bad world", it was "you're a sinner, who's heart is desperately wicked".
I felt compelled to keep going back for more fire and brimstone preaching and I've been attending regularly since 2012.

I have invited many of my family and friends, to our evangelistic services, but only one of them was converted. Most of my family, relatives and friends don't like to hear the truth about themselves, so they never come back for more.

 

[Journey_man]

Yeah, John 3:16 gets too much attention over all other verses. It was popularized via televised sporting events by "Rainbow Man", a man currently serving multiple life sentences for violent crimes.

You bring up a solid point: Knowing what the Bible says can be discerned by people who can read. Knowing what the Bible means requires the Holy Spirit. If it was the other way around, our high priests would be logicians and scholars. As it stands now, and as it is written in the scriptures, our elders are those who have proven themselves in their daily walk with the Lord.

It's a sobering thought, to consider what God said about revealing the truth in, Matthew 11:25"At that time Jesus answered and said, 'I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes.'"

I have read books and heard sermons, by highly educated priests, bishops, pastors, theologians and bible scholars. Their high level of education, doesn't always mean they have the correct interpretation of the bible.

John 12:40 "He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, Lest they should see with their eyes, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them."

This verse seems to be speaking about the proud, arrogant and wise.

 

[Pilgrimshope]

It gets very confusing with all the different religions and claims that this or that belief or ideas from various movements that they have the path that leads to God, so is it. When you hear a religious leader or teacher claim that all religions lead on a path to God, scripture is clear that is not the case. We find it in John 14...

John 14:6
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Jesus declares that the only way to God is through Him.

https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=5fd0...cmVsaWdpb25zX2xlYWRfdG9fb25lX2dvZC5odG0&ntb=1

Yeah what other faith requires brief in the gospel of Jesus Christ and says there’s no other name given by which we must be saved ?

the Bible makes it a binary choice to choose Jesus Christ as Lord. We can’t for instance be Muslim and believe “ God has no son “ and also believe “ God sent his only begotten son to save us “ it’s contrary . If the gospel is true then all other religions can’t lead to God but only Jesus and the gospel

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 1 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; 2 but he that believeth not shall be damned.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭16:15-16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

all creatures belief or non belief of the gospel seems pretty binary and singular you can mix some religions but Christianity requires us to reject all the other faiths and choose Christ and the gospel

 

[Gideon300]

After leaving the Roman Catholic Church in my early 20's, I spent three years "Church Shopping". I visited many different Churches and Denominations, and I heard radically different versions of the gospel being preached. I look back to that time and realize that I was looking for a "Seeker friendly Church"

I was looking for a Church that had a good loud Rock Band, with lots of young ladies jumping up and down to the music, during the Sunday morning service. The preaching had to be progressive, inclusive and non judgemental of anyone, regardless of their choice of lifestyle or sexuality.
After three years of attending seeker friendly Church Services, I found I was still feeling empty, lost and spiritually bankrupt.

I ended up coming before the Lord in desperation, asking Him to lead me to a Church that He would approve of. He did answer my prayer and a friend invited to visit a Church with him, and that's where I heard the true gospel being preached for the first time.
There was no rock band, just an old lady at the piano and a serious looking Pastor. The gospel message was not the usual "you're a good person in a bad world", it was "you're a sinner, who's heart is desperately wicked".
I felt compelled to keep going back for more fire and brimstone preaching and I've been attending regularly since 2012.

I have invited many of my family and friends, to our evangelistic services, but only one of them was converted. Most of my family, relatives and friends don't like to hear the truth about themselves, so they never come back for more.

Yes indeed. Most preachers have forgotten that Jesus is the Stone of stumbling and the Rock that causes offence. The great crime in the Western world these days is to offend someone. That attitude is prevalent in what calls itself church. Mega churches have mega budgets.

I spent 30 years or so in a home based fellowship. It was a small group and no one could hide. I owe the now deceased pastor a great deal. He did not care what anyone thought of him. He spoke the truth in love, at great personal cost. The people have moved on now. I attend an Anglican (you read that right!) church. It's about as good as we get around here. The pastor has made us welcome and he preaches a good word. I don't agree with all his doctrines, but mostly he is sound. As he said, he does not agree with me on all things either. But we can fellowship without getting heated. I don't imagine I'll find a fellowship like we had for those 30 years. All I can do is try and pass on what I've learned to others.

 

[Dino246]

Most Denominations teach that their particular interpretation is the only correct one and all the rest are wrong.

That is not true. Only in cultic fringes do leaders teach that “all the rest are wrong”. Healthy churches teach their own view with support from Scripture.