Christian Forums

This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

  • Focus on the Family

    Strengthening families through biblical principles.

    Focus on the Family addresses the use of biblical principles in parenting and marriage to strengthen the family.

  • Guest, Join Papa Zoom today for some uplifting biblical encouragement! --> Daily Verses
  • The Gospel of Jesus Christ

    Heard of "The Gospel"? Want to know more?

    There is salvation in no other, for there is not another name under heaven having been given among men, by which it behooves us to be saved."

Old Church

2024 Website Hosting Fees

Total amount
$905.00
Goal
$1,038.00

WIP

Staff member
Moderator
Over this past weekend, some friends and I were discussing how divided Christianity is today, evidenced by all the Christian denominations that have been created over the eons. One of the fellows in our group told us this story so I thought I’d share it.

There was a guy stranded for quite a long time on a deserted island. When he was rescued, it was noticed that he had built four buildings on the island. Curious, he was asked what they were for. He said, “This building here has been my home. The smaller one over there is my outhouse. That third one over there is the church I attend.” One of his rescuers asked, "What is that fourth building for?" He said, “Oh yes. That’s the church I used to attend.”
 
Over this past weekend, some friends and I were discussing how divided Christianity is today, evidenced by all the Christian denominations that have been created over the eons. One of the fellows in our group told us this story so I thought I’d share it.

There was a guy stranded for quite a long time on a deserted island. When he was rescued, it was noticed that he had built four buildings on the island. Curious, he was asked what they were for. He said, “This building here has been my home. The smaller one over there is my outhouse. That third one over there is the church I attend.” One of his rescuers asked, "What is that fourth building for?" He said, “Oh yes. That’s the church I used to attend.”


When we first come to the Lord, we naturally want to be around other believers, to worship, fellowship and hear the word.


After some time, as we study and learn, we may find that what is being taught in the Church we attend, is not scriptural, and therefore we seek to be where the truth is taught.



JLB
 
When we first come to the Lord, we naturally want to be around other believers, to worship, fellowship and hear the word.


After some time, as we study and learn, we may find that what is being taught in the Church we attend, is not scriptural, and therefore we seek to be where the truth is taught.



JLB
While I think this is true for some, I also think that most Christians never really take the time to study. ( Guilty as charged). But moreso, there are a lot of Christians that accept what they hear from the pulpit as truth. When they hear anything else, instead of studying for themselves (such were the Bereans) they lash out at the other group. Why? Because they were taught from the pulpit that "those other folk" aren't really your Brother in Christ and there are in err. I think this is where Apologetics has really hurt the Church as a whole.

Its really hard to do at times, but I would really like this site to be a site of mutual respect for one another with an emphasis on reconcilliation.

Jesus told us he didn't come to bring peace, but instead division. I don't mind dividing us who seek mutual edification with a heart toward reconcilliation from those who seek deeper division
 
While I think this is true for some, I also think that most Christians never really take the time to study. ( Guilty as charged). But moreso, there are a lot of Christians that accept what they hear from the pulpit as truth.


Unfortunately this is exactly what I’m getting at.



JLB
 
When they hear anything else, instead of studying for themselves (such were the Bereans) they lash out at the other group. Why? Because they were taught from the pulpit that "those other folk" aren't really your Brother in Christ and there are in err. I think this is where Apologetics has really hurt the Church as a whole.


Actually it depends on how one defines apologetics.


Apologetics that teaches and defends the truth, the doctrine of Christ, is an asset to the kingdom of God.


Apologetics that teaches and defends heresy is a liability to the kingdom of God.




JLB
 
Actually it depends on how one defines apologetics.


Apologetics that teaches and defends the truth, the doctrine of Christ, is an asset to the kingdom of God.


Apologetics that teaches and defends heresy is a liability to the kingdom of God.




JLB
I agree, but what we are seeing is individual church doctrines being taught not under the light of truth, but instead they are derived to pit us apart from one another.

How many churches have you gone to where they prop themselves up by exploiting the differences of the other denomination.

Let me ask you this. For as many years that you've been a member of this and other online communities, why do the same arguments come up time and time again, and that's about all folks consume their time with?
 
I agree, but what we are seeing is individual church doctrines being taught not under the light of truth, but instead they are derived to pit us apart from one another.


This is the work of the Devil, to divide us, as well as cause some to depart from the faith.


Most don't understand the value of the teaching of Christ.


They have been taught a feel good, seeker friendly Gospel, that is designed to tickle their itching ears, so they will continue to come, and give.


Look how Paul begins and ends 1 Timothy 4 -


  • Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, vs 1
  • Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you. vs 16




JLB
 
I suppose we need to look bit closer at what feels good to most people and what causes their ears time itch.
I wonder where that phrase originally came from too....

John 3:19

English Standard Version
And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.

People love darkness more than the light. It's easier to cast blame and point fingers than take responsibility.

When I hear anyone anywhere putting others down to prop themselves up, my ears always come to attention with extreemly caution.

We stand or fall on our own merits. Sadly, I have seen scripture taught in a way that misses its original intent because it's been mispropriated to defend a doctrine that can't stand on its own merits...
 
Ephesians 4:4 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.

One body of Christ in unity through the Spiritual rebirth and the word of God. One Spirit being the Spirit of God that indwells those who are in Christ and He in them, John 15:5; Acts 2:37-41. Only one God and His spoken word, not from the alter, but to what He had given to Jesus to speak and teach us, John 12:44-50.

The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch, Acts 11:1-26, and were the first sent out to establish the true church of Christ teaching the Jews and Gentiles.

God is not about religious denominations/non-denominiations, but about everyone having a personal relationship with Christ and fellowship with the Father. Division comes by teaching man's doctrines and not the true doctrines of Christ. Everyone has a Bible, but not everyone will read and study from it as they would rather rely on man and not the Holy Spirit teach them. Many are never taught what God's salvation is as even some Pastors can not explain it and many have never heard of the baptism of the Holy Spirit little lone the Spiritual rebirth. I too was like that many years ago. I was reading the Bible, but my understanding came from the pulpit and not the Holy Spirit.

I know for a fact there is a very strong religious spirit that everyone needs to be set free from its bondage, Acts 20:29, 30; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; Philippians 3:2 . I wrestled against its hold on me and God set me free from it as He opened my Spiritual ears and eyes to begin to understand that which has already been written as He gave me a hunger for His word.
 
Ephesians 4:4 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.

One body of Christ in unity through the Spiritual rebirth and the word of God. One Spirit being the Spirit of God that indwells those who are in Christ and He in them, John 15:5; Acts 2:37-41. Only one God and His spoken word, not from the alter, but to what He had given to Jesus to speak and teach us, John 12:44-50.

The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch, Acts 11:1-26, and were the first sent out to establish the true church of Christ teaching the Jews and Gentiles.

God is not about religious denominations/non-denominations, but about everyone having a personal relationship with Christ and fellowship with the Father. Division comes by teaching man's doctrines and not the true doctrines of Christ. Everyone has a Bible, but not everyone will read and study from it as they would rather rely on man and not the Holy Spirit teach them. Many are never taught what God's salvation is as even some Pastors can not explain it and many have never heard of the baptism of the Holy Spirit little lone the Spiritual rebirth. I too was like that many years ago. I was reading the Bible, but my understanding came from the pulpit and not the Holy Spirit.

I know for a fact there is a very strong religious spirit that everyone needs to be set free from its bondage, Acts 20:29, 30; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; Philippians 3:2 . I wrestled against its hold on me and God set me free from it as He opened my Spiritual ears and eyes to begin to understand that which has already been written as He gave me a hunger for His word.
amen - reading the bible for ourselves cover to cover over and over fixes a lot of funny thinking

i also like how you focused on relationship - if we fix our eyes hearts minds on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith we would do a whole lot better at being in unity

for the things we disagree on Romans 14 would help us to understand that God will finish the work HE started because we are God's workmanship

man's ideas don't compare to God's - reading God's words rather than man's words about God's words produces better results
 
man's ideas don't compare to God's - reading God's words rather than man's words about God's words produces better results

:thumbsup

When God set me free from the religious spirit that indwelled me and filled me with His Holy Spirit I had to let go of everything I had even been taught. I began with an empty mind and allowed the Holy Spirit reveal the mysteries of the word of God that I never saw or understood before. It was like opening little gifts from the Holy Spirit and being so excited with what was given me and still given me all these many years later.
 
:thumbsup

When God set me free from the religious spirit that indwelled me and filled me with His Holy Spirit I had to let go of everything I had even been taught. I began with an empty mind and allowed the Holy Spirit reveal the mysteries of the word of God that I never saw or understood before. It was like opening little gifts from the Holy Spirit and being so excited with what was given me and still given me all these many years later.
wow - amen - i love hearing solid testimonies like this - very inspiring
 
Over this past weekend, some friends and I were discussing how divided Christianity is today, evidenced by all the Christian denominations that have been created over the eons. One of the fellows in our group told us this story so I thought I’d share it.

There was a guy stranded for quite a long time on a deserted island. When he was rescued, it was noticed that he had built four buildings on the island. Curious, he was asked what they were for. He said, “This building here has been my home. The smaller one over there is my outhouse. That third one over there is the church I attend.” One of his rescuers asked, "What is that fourth building for?" He said, “Oh yes. That’s the church I used to attend.”
Nw that’s funny!!!
 
My issue at this time isn't the soundness of what is preached and taught. It's the infusion of what I consider a narrative that America is God's unique nation, virtually a Christian version of OT Israel, and we have to get America back to some ideal state it was once in. I frankly don't like being expected to stand to sing to "I'm proud to be an American" while a patriotic video plays. Or to sing praises to America. Not in church.
I understand my thoughts on this are unpopular.
I would be feeling a lot better about my church if it recognized that the church is a universal body.
 
Back
Top