David from New Bern

Some time back, this thread was started by David from New Bern. I was reminded about it while discussing a similar topic about denominations and whether they were good or bad? The question is, can the body of Christ really come to a place of complete unity bringing about an end to the need for denominations and basically churches on every corner, or are these divisions necessary? Is it the only way we can have peace when it comes to worshipping God? In addition, does the fact we choose to divide up into groups mean that we think we are the only true church, or is it simply the best system we can come up with given the fact none of us interpret scripture alike, or like the same type of music, style of worship service, or even Bible translations? Hey Butero...My e-mail notification reminded about worthyboards. You mean this thread is still alive...14 months later. I guess we didn't solve this one quickly. The subject came up recently around a cup of coffee with 2 Presbyterians, 2 Baptist, 1 Pentecostal, and an independent Charismatic pastor. In fact, we were all pastors...it was an accountability group I attend on Wednesdays. They are all my friends so we enjoy exploring each others views. I never heard anyone raise their voice when challenged on what they believe. That is unusual among those with credentials in any discipline. The independent charismatic suggested that while denominational origins are the result of conflict they have become a strategic outreach plan. What do you think?

My question was...How patient should the church be? not should they accept the status quo...

What about a situation involving a brand new Christian? The partner has had no similiar expereince with Christ. They are now a new convert living with a non-Christian outside the covenant of marriage, but with children produced through the longterm union. How patient should we be as the church in prescribing separation as the solution?

There are probably about 200 hundred people who think of me as their pastor and probably a few more who would respect my position and would be offended if I didn't recognize them in public. I was thinking the other day as I was stopped by a couple of people at Walmart for conversation, I wonder how Rick Warren would respond to a situation like Walmart. "Be kind to everybody, you might be their pastor!"

Who would ever suggest that love is not confrontational? True love is confrontational. The born again experience is the result of a response to the confrontation of revelation. Our sanctification is the result of continued confrontation of conviction, and discipling is the process of confronting the natural mind with the truth of heaven. But of course most of the issues tearing our churches apart are often not spiritual ones, but the vast numbers of churches are eat up with passivity and compromise, because no one will stand for truth. Because they don't understand the confronting nature of true love. My friends toleration is the subtle attack of Satan.

Rebebekah...It is hard to repent of an objective statement that doesn't call you wrong or me right. My statement stands that the issue at hand that there is only one true answer. To embrace the right answer should be without reservation. If tongues that are happening in the church are legitimate, those not embracing it are missing the work of God here in a crucial point of church history and are guilty of quenching the Spirit...that is a sin...right. If people are practicing speaking in tongues and this is not a work of the Spirit but only an ignorant emotional response of sincere worshippers, Satan is having a heyday with this. i don't believe anyone should argue this...There is only one right answer...this is not simply a matter of preference, style, tradition, or doctrinal emphasis. It is of God or it is a counterfeit of Satan. In either case, our personal feelings should be intentionally sidelined and a hungry search for truth begun. God Bless you as you ask the "Teacher" what the truth is.

I agree probably with your practical goal in your post, but you are incorrect in saying heaven is not our home. We are repeatedly told we are aliens, strangers, pilgrims here. We are told to keep our eyes on the finish line. We are told to be motivated for the rewards of heaven. We are told the test of the genuineness of our faith is a desire to join Him in what He has prepared for us. We are told to be watchful and alert for the second coming. We are told to store our treasures in heaven and not here.....etc...etc...etc... But I agree, our faith is not an elementary "pie in the sky" mentality. We are "saved unto good works". We need to be busy and look forward to the big party but not stall. David, I am glad to finally have something I can agree with you on. I absolutely disagree with that statement about being too heavenly minded to be of any earthly good. I believe it is just the opposite. I believe you can be too carnally minded to be of any good to God. I agree with you that for the Christian, heaven is our home and we are strangers and pilgrims on this earth. We are citizens of the Kingdom of God and ambassadors in this world. As such, we should be about the Father's business while here below. Concerning A.K. and Tess's position about living eternally on a renovated earth, I do not disagree with that. After the millenial reign of Christ there will be a new heaven and a new earth, but until Christ sets up his kingdom, the departed Christians will dwell in heaven. I suppose one could claim to be "renovated earthly minded" and then debate the issue of whether that is good or bad. Hey Butero...we agree and no reservation...But there really is a lot we do agree on we just converse most often on the few areas we disagree...But it is nice to celebrate absolute agreement.

Nothing like a good political discussion to bring WorthyBoards to a filibuster....

What about this verse? We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death.1 John 3:14NKJV

I would like to see proof that it changes the molecular structure of food. What about Lord pleaswe remove the calories and the excessive fat grams

This sounds like a simple question, but you will not find a more profound and defining question in the Christian faith. As you know the book of James discusses the tension between faith and works, but I chose different words to hopefully open our minds to the spiritual tension of the argument. Which is more important?...Doing or being?

I worded this thread carefully...The question is not a discussion about divorce or avoiding divorce but one about a divorce has happened, what can I do in the life of the church with my new marital status? So no matter how you feel about divorce, it is a reality in every church and every denomination. What can these people look forward to doing with their giftedness and new painful experiences?

Occasssionally, I will meet a "professing" Christian who will display in their conversation a deep cultural prejudice against blacks or hispanics. Immediatetly their authienticity as a Christian is questionable. A whole volume of Scriptures start racing through my head how about you. But in this thread, if we can try to reach a conclusion. Can a biggot be a Christian?

One of the minimal Christian expectations it seems, is at least to pray over the meal in private or in the public. But, do we do that because tradition tell us or is this the "11th commandment"? If you are in a non-Christian setting do you lead the prayer or do you pray privately to yourself? If responding please separate what you term Biblical interpretation from what personal conviction leads you to do.

The number one excuse by non-christians for not associating with us is..."the church is full of nothing but a bunch of hypocrits." The word means actor or one playing a role. It really surprises them when I say, "you are exactly right, we are all a bunch of hypocrits." Now, I'm convinced that we may be capable to maintain hypocrisy-free extended periods of time, but in this earthly existence we are never completely free of the contradiction of our actions not matching our desires. What do you think? Are we all hypocrits?