Denominations

[Woman_At_The_Well]

Amen other one.

[missmuffet]

56 minutes ago, Yowm said:

Except they add works to the Gospel which says we are saved apart from works.

That does not bode well with Gal 1:8.

That is true. They have several beliefs that are not Biblical. Does that put them in the category of a cult? I don't know.

[Guest Robert]

On 9/16/2016 at 10:42 PM, eileenhat said:

Do you feel the need for structure then?

Not all are at that level of involvement with God.

A child needs structure, an adult in God does not.

 

Acts 7:48, "Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands;"

Acts 17:24, "God...dwelleth not in temples made with hands;"

A believer needs structure at all stages and levels, and to say that the spiritually mature do not need "church" is a very bad idea that will lead to spiritual shipwreck sooner or later. Scripture tells us:

"Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:19-25, NASB, emphasis mine)

 

14 hours ago, eileenhat said:

Why would an apostle need to learn from a pastor?

(This should indicate to you that 99.9% of Christians are spiritually immature).

So just talking about a possibility.

I believe other topics have well worn groves.

Not interested in 'typical' conjecture.

Dull indeed.

Wow... just plain wow.

What I find "dull" are the putdowns here and the insinuation that you alone are spiritually mature. Sorry, but any "curreny" you may have had in this conversation just went right out the window with those remarks.

 

 

[Guest Teditis]

If the spiritually immature were the only ones at church, who would

be there to help them into maturity?

[Woman_At_The_Well]

16 hours ago, eileenhat said:

Why would an apostle need to learn from a pastor?

(This should indicate to you that 99.9% of Christians are spiritually immature).

So just talking about a possibility.

I agree with Robert and the rest. Frankly, SMH in utter disgust. You make yourself sound as if you are in a class all by yourself. The conversation went south quickly! To make such a comment and/or comments is completely out of line.

Job 2:10

“But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.”

Proverbs 16:18
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Jesus said, “Consider carefully how you listen…” (Luke 8:18). It’s equally important to Choose Your Words Carefully.
 

[GoodFruit]

3 hours ago, Teditis said:

If the spiritually immature were the only ones at church, who would

be there to help them into maturity?

I was thinking the exact same thing Teditis.

[GoodFruit]

1 hour ago, Cobalt1959 said:

Every Christian needs Church structure.  If you say you do not need this "structure" in your life, then you are either:

A.  Lying.

B.  Feel that you are so superior, spiritually, that biblical dictates do not apply to you.

Big problem with either option.

A person who's faith in God, and relationship in Christ is in good health should be able, theoretically, to  cultivate that relationship outside the confines of a church, and in reality, each true believer does that every single day.  But to attempt to do so without the support and involvement in a formal church body is both foolhardy, and patently stupid.  Not to mention that it clearly violates scriptural dictates. 

If you feel that you are so spiritually superior in your walk with Christ that there is absolutely nothing you can learn from other believers, then you have placed yourself in a position that no believer should place themselves in.  Because this belief has brought you to the point that you feel you are so advanced, you have nothing left to learn.  You can come to realizations on your own, but in reality, you cannot teach yourself, so where does that leave you?

Jesus established the Church body for a reason, and no believer gets to opt out.   You may think that your position is so elevated that the Church has nothing to teach you, but on the flip side of that, your choice also means that you have nothing to offer the Church.

If you have to pointedly let people know how spiritually superior you are, in reality, that means that your spiritual superiority is not nearly as great as you think it is, or you wouldn't need to point it out to people.

Ding, ding, ding!  We have a winner folks!   What you described above is exactly how heretical beliefs take root and false teachers are born. 

While there are many doctrinal disagreements within the various churches, the main focus should always be to gather together united IN CHRIST to give all glory, praise and honor to God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  No one who is IN CHRIST should try to go at it alone without the support of other members of the Body.  It keeps us all grounded and accountable to one another so we can do what we are called to do...spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the unbelieving world.

 

For there is not a just man on earth who does good and does not sin.  Ecclesiastes 7:20 NKJV

   

[Woman_At_The_Well]

19 hours ago, Davida said:

...anyone else feeling a little dizzy? :-)

Yes Davida

[GoldenEagle]

On ‎9‎/‎18‎/‎2016 at 1:48 PM, eileenhat said:

Do you feel the Apostles then needed Church structure?

I do not.

They were matured in spirit by Christ himself.

Did the Tribulation Saints need a Church to santify their sacrifice?

No.  They have evolved to unity with the Holy Spirit which was their guide.

Just a few examples of when Church structure is not helpful to maturity in the spirit.

These two examples would be "elders" of the Church.

So....in fact the Church would need them (not the other way around).

Note "pastors etc." not a part of this level of spiritual attainment in Christ.

Thinking about this thread this week.

The Apostles gathered with other Believers. What evidence do you see in Scripture otherwise?

Acts 5:12-16

Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon's Portico. None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem. And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, so that they even carried out the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them. The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed.

What tribulation saints?

I think you are way out in left field on this one. If the Church needed the apostles or those stronger in the faith why would they not partake in teaching and equipping the Church (other Believers)?

God bless,
GE

[SHINY4UJESUS]

1) I personally don't agree with the walls of separation created by factioning into denominationalistic format. Truly Jesus said, "whoever is not against us is for our part". Paul also said it was of no matter how a person/church chose to believe...so long as the message is of Christ crucified and risen. 

2) That said, I do not fault the children for choosing one denomination or another. Praise God that you believe; regardless what denominational title you select. 

3) Let us simply keep in mind...same team concept applies. If others disagree..just let them disagree. Let us endeavor to promote a spirit of peace, unity and love...rather than find reason to contend. God Bless!