Core Essentials of Our One Faith (for fellowshipping with others)?

[Vine Abider]

This topic has come up on a few threads lately, that is, about the core or essential items of our one Christian faith. Personally, I believe the Lord has shown me that I am to be uncompromising about just a few things, and hold loosely the many other things.  This is to facilitate open fellowship with more genuine believers, even though they might not hold to the same idea of things like foot washing, tongue speaking, celebrating certain days or something else which (to me) is really nonessential to our one faith.

Accordingly, every so often I think it's beneficial to have this discussion, so I'll start out:

My core items are:

1. God, in Christ, was/is reconciling the world to Himself

2. Jesus is Lord and Christ, and a person must believe on Him and receive Him into themselves to be saved

And if I was to add a #3, it might be - The bible is Word of God

There's 2-3 core essentials - I think if anyone believes in these, then the way should be open to have fellowship with them.

So what core item have I forgotten?  Is there anything that glaringly stands out that's missing from this short list, that would prevent fellowship?  (Frankly, there may actually be a couple more, but right off the top that's all I can come up with . . . )

 

[warrior12]

1 hour ago, Vine Abider said:

 

There's 2-3 core essentials - I think if anyone believes in these, then the way should be open to have fellowship with them.

 

 

So, can you explain what you mean by fellowship.  It may almost always end up with discussion about theology with beliefs and thats' fine, except it never goes anywhere.  They will stand on their grounds and you would stand on yours and thats' ok too.   Visiting their home church also may require you to have to obey their rules and that's ok too as long as you are not squirming inside or protesting inside.  I am being honest in what I have seen as I use to like to visit other churches to see how things services in other church are like and as you say fellowship.

Some people don't like to shake hands, some don't like to talk to visitors or you get that impression, which did not bother me, some, even the staff totally ignore the visitor , but most will welcome you and answer any questions you have.  Then the invitation to come back, and your phone number please if they like you and your dialogue,or if they think you are a really nice fellow. 

Not everyone is happy to see someone else in their seat, you may be asked to shift further down.  Petty things that you have to ignore if you really are out to fellowship.   I would say most though, would welcome you and seek to get to know you or a lttle about you .  The baptist church will have a table with all kind of goodies at the end of the service, when the others may come to say hi.

Besides those and others , like maybe dress code , you should be ok.   This is mainly visting others home church.  

Outside of the church, then getting to know people and being kind to one another and showing the love, nothing wrong with that.  

[Vine Abider]

14 minutes ago, warrior12 said:

So, can you explain what you mean by fellowship.  It may almost always end up with discussion about theology with beliefs and thats' fine, except it never goes anywhere.  They will stand on their grounds and you would stand on yours and thats' ok too.   Visiting their home church also may require you to have to obey their rules and that's ok too as long as you are not squirming inside or protesting inside.  I am being honest in what I have seen as I use to like to visit other churches to see how things services in other church are like and as you say fellowship.

Some people don't like to shake hands, some don't like to talk to visitors or you get that impression, which did not bother me, some, even the staff totally ignore the visitor , but most will welcome you and answer any questions you have.  Then the invitation to come back, and your phone number please if they like you and your dialogue,or if they think you are a really nice fellow. 

Not everyone is happy to see someone else in their seat, you may be asked to shift further down.  Petty things that you have to ignore if you really are out to fellowship.   I would say most though, would welcome you and seek to get to know you or a lttle about you .  The baptist church will have a table with all kind of goodies at the end of the service, when the others may come to say hi.

Besides those and others , like maybe dress code , you should be ok.   This is mainly visting others home church.  

Outside of the church, then getting to know people and being kind to one another and showing the love, nothing wrong with that.  

These seem more like practices of different groups (hand shaking, dress codes, how they treat visitors, etc.) rather than theological stances, right?

[warrior12]

12 minutes ago, Vine Abider said:

These seem more like practices of different groups (hand shaking, dress codes, how they treat visitors, etc.) rather than theological stances, right?

Yes .  So, now explain what you mean by fellowship ?.

 

[Marilyn C]

3 hours ago, Vine Abider said:

This topic has come up on a few threads lately, that is, about the core or essential items of our one Christian faith. Personally, I believe the Lord has shown me that I am to be uncompromising about just a few things, and hold loosely the many other things.  This is to facilitate open fellowship with more genuine believers, even though they might not hold to the same idea of things like foot washing, tongue speaking, celebrating certain days or something else which (to me) is really nonessential to our one faith.

Accordingly, every so often I think it's beneficial to have this discussion, so I'll start out:

My core items are:

1. God, in Christ, was/is reconciling the world to Himself

2. Jesus is Lord and Christ, and a person must believe on Him and receive Him into themselves to be saved

And if I was to add a #3, it might be - The bible is Word of God

There's 2-3 core essentials - I think if anyone believes in these, then the way should be open to have fellowship with them.

So what core item have I forgotten?  Is there anything that glaringly stands out that's missing from this short list, that would prevent fellowship?  (Frankly, there may actually be a couple more, but right off the top that's all I can come up with . . . )

 

Hi VA,

I can have good fellowship with all who love the Lord but do not believe all I do. All the truths the Lord has revealed to me, (by teachers and His word) are precious and I find them all essential to my walk with the Lord but do not expect that of others in their walk with the Lord. 

[Mr. M]

3 hours ago, Vine Abider said:

My core items are:

1. God, in Christ, was/is reconciling the world to Himself

2. Jesus is Lord and Christ, and a person must believe on Him and receive Him into themselves to be saved

And if I was to add a #3, it might be - The bible is Word of God

The Ministry/Baptism of the Holy Spirit, including:

John 3:7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’

Example:

Luke 24:49 Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you;

but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued

with power from on high.”

Edited June 25, 2024 by Mr. M

[enoob57]

I would definitely need number three as I understand that is the only established truth and all else is brought under that scrutiny...

John 17:17 (KJV)

[17] Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

So, if sanctification is necessary to a believer Hebrews then and there I will stand...

[Marathoner]

1 hour ago, Marilyn C said:

Hi VA,

I can have good fellowship with all who love the Lord but do not believe all I do. All the truths the Lord has revealed to me, (by teachers and His word) are precious and I find them all essential to my walk with the Lord but do not expect that of others in their walk with the Lord. 

Well said. If I weigh in on a matter and it appears that I am utterly detached or uncaring regarding it --- anything political is a perfect example of that --- that's a result of my calling in the Lord and walking in those works He created me to do. As a friend to my neighbor no matter who they are... as one who listens to the troubles and burdens of many... I need to offend no one in order to please the Lord.  

So, it was good that I never remained in one place for long, moving on frequently so I had no choice but learn how to make fast friends with strangers. Even better that my international travels made this possible with virtually anyone from anywhere. I never had time to pay attention to politics or the like. Being homeless reinforced that further. My priorities were finding work, food, and shelter. 

After the Lord restored me, I witnessed the wisdom of the Lord in all of those things. It was exceedingly humbling. 

[enoob57]

I might add being lifted from the world and it's goods as priority is the begin of sanctification ... just look how Jesus lived = an eye opener to say the least!

[First and the Last]

Acts 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 2:37 Captures the moment when the listeners were deeply convicted by Peter's sermon on the day of Pentecost. Peter had just explained how Jesus, whom they crucified, was both Lord and Christ. This revelation brought a profound sense of guilt and urgency, prompting the crowd to seek guidance on how to attain forgiveness and salvation. This passage shows the initial step towards salvation, highlighting the necessity of a heartfelt conviction and repentance. The question "What shall we do?" signifies the recognition of sin and the desire for redemption. Peter's response in the subsequent verse, instructing them to repent, be baptized in Jesus' name for the remission of sins, and receive the Holy Spirit, forms the foundational salvation message  for the Body of Christ. This passage underscores the importance of a personal, transformative response to the gospel, leading to the Acts 2:38 salvation experience, which includes repentance, baptism in Jesus' name, and the infilling of the Holy Spirit as essential steps in the New Testament pattern of salvation.

Acts 2:38 encapsulates the essential steps of the salvation process as preached by the Apostle Peter on the Day of Pentecost. This verse is foundational to our faith, emphasizing the necessity of repentance, baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, and receiving the Holy Spirit. Repentance is understood as a sincere turning away from sin and turning towards God. Baptism by immersion in the name of Jesus Christ is seen as vital for the remission, or forgiveness, of sins, reflecting obedience to the apostolic teaching and the invocation of the name of Jesus, which carries divine authority. Receiving the Holy Spirit, evidenced by speaking in tongues, is considered a critical component of the new birth experience, signifying the indwelling presence of God and empowerment for a holy life. This three-step process is believed to restore the relationship between humanity and God, ensuring salvation and entrance into the kingdom of God. Acts 2:38 thus forms the cornerstone of Biblical doctrine, guiding evangelism, worship practices, and personal spiritual journey.

The core tenets of faith according revolve around the belief in the oneness of God, the necessity of repentance, baptism in Jesus' name, and receiving the Holy Spirit. Scripture firmly adhere to the doctrine of the Oneness of God, affirming that Jesus Christ is the manifestation of the one God. Salvation, they believe, involves a specific process that includes repentance, water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and receiving the Holy Spirit evidenced by speaking in tongues. This experience is seen as essential for salvation and a continuation of the Apostolic faith and practice as recorded in the Book of Acts. The Scriptures also emphasizes holiness in both inward character and outward conduct, encouraging believers to live lives separated from worldly practices and dedicated to God. Additionally, the anticipation of the imminent return of Jesus Christ is a significant aspect of their faith, motivating a life of holiness and evangelism. These core beliefs shape the theology, worship, and practices of the True Church, distinguishing it within the broader Christian landscape.

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