What are you?

[sierra21]

I go to the "church of God". I'm not sure where that fits in so I just put non-denominational. I used to go to a charismatic church but it just wasn't a good fit.

I'm not going to comment on the other questions because most of you already know that and I don't feel like getting bagged!

Sierra

Church of God is a Pentecostal denomination. I was a member of one for a while. The church I attend now, when I am able, is pastored by someone who was a Church of God pastor, but he left it because it wasn't as conservative as it used to be. It is an independent Pentecostal Church.

Are you sure?? There is nothing about my church that seems pentecostal.

[forrestkc]

Are you sure?? There is nothing about my church that seems pentecostal.

'

Is it The Worldwide Church of God? If so, don't they keep kosher?

[forrestkc]

Here is a link to the Church of God I am familiar with. http://www.churchofgod.cc

As I mentioned, the Pastor of the church I attend on occassion used to Pastor in this denomination, but pulled out of it because he perceived it had become too liberal. It is not that the Church of God is liberal by the standards of most churches today. On the contrary. Most people would consider them to be very conservative, but they have abandoned some of the holiness doctrines they used to hold to in the early days of the church. That would be things like doctrines concerning clothing and hair length. In addition, some have become accepting of new Bible translations. I don't fully agree with all the holiness standards of the church I associate with, as in some instances, they go beyond what the Bible says, but I prefer a church that is overly strict over one that is overly liberal. I will also provide a link to this church. http://www.pawcreek.org

I noticed Forrest has a church link, and I have visited it in the past. I wonder if anyone else has a link to the church they attend as well. Since we are discussing "what we are," this would only add to the thread, at least in my opinion, provided it remains friendly as it has so far.

What do you mean by "holiness doctrines"?

[sierra21]

Ok Butero I chatted with my Pastor about this today. He says we are an Independent Church of God. So that would explain the fact that we are not all pentecostally ( ). I would say that the theology is conservative...but with a liberal edge- does that make sense?

We invite everyone to worship Christ, and we don't caste people away because of their life choices or different biblical views. As long as you love Jesus and you want to grow in your faith you're welcome. We do a lot of work in the community and have a lot of street people wandering in...which I personally think is awesome. These are some of the people that Jesus misses the most.

Ya- I love my church. And we had an awesome service today.

[forrestkc]

I answered that question in the post you are responding to. In addition to hair length and clothing standards, they also hold to things that I feel go beyond absolute Biblical standards, but still have some merit to someone who wishes to be wholy separated from the world like they don't believe in listening to any secular music, don't go to movies or dances, don't smoke or drink any alcohol, don't gamble, etc. I don't necessarily see all of these things as transgressions of the law, but as I said in my previous post, I would rather have a Pastor calling me to walk closer and more separated to God, than have one that tells me I am living by too strict of a standard and accuses me of "legalism," something I don't believe is even a Biblical doctrine. Most churches today are having a negative effect in that they are teaching people to walk as close to the world as possible (calling it "freedom in Christ") and still giving them the hope of making it to heaven. The Pastors are actually calling us to lower our standards and become more worldly. I want nothing to do with that type of religion. I can do better staying away from those churches, and simply reading my Bible and praying in my prayer closet. I know the Bible won't steer me wrong.

What I meant is Holiness Living, like women never cutting their hair, and dressing very conservatively and so on?

[sierra21]

I answered that question in the post you are responding to. In addition to hair length and clothing standards, they also hold to things that I feel go beyond absolute Biblical standards, but still have some merit to someone who wishes to be wholy separated from the world like they don't believe in listening to any secular music, don't go to movies or dances, don't smoke or drink any alcohol, don't gamble, etc. I don't necessarily see all of these things as transgressions of the law, but as I said in my previous post, I would rather have a Pastor calling me to walk closer and more separated to God, than have one that tells me I am living by too strict of a standard and accuses me of "legalism," something I don't believe is even a Biblical doctrine. Most churches today are having a negative effect in that they are teaching people to walk as close to the world as possible (calling it "freedom in Christ") and still giving them the hope of making it to heaven. The Pastors are actually calling us to lower our standards and become more worldly. I want nothing to do with that type of religion. I can do better staying away from those churches, and simply reading my Bible and praying in my prayer closet. I know the Bible won't steer me wrong.

What I meant is Holiness Living, like women never cutting their hair, and dressing very conservatively and so on?

How does not cutting your hair make you more holy?? I would hate that...all those split ends would drive me insane!

[sierra21]

Ok Butero I chatted with my Pastor about this today. He says we are an Independent Church of God. So that would explain the fact that we are not all pentecostally ( ). I would say that the theology is conservative...but with a liberal edge- does that make sense?

We invite everyone to worship Christ, and we don't caste people away because of their life choices or different biblical views. As long as you love Jesus and you want to grow in your faith you're welcome. We do a lot of work in the community and have a lot of street people wandering in...which I personally think is awesome. These are some of the people that Jesus misses the most.

Ya- I love my church. And we had an awesome service today.

Well I am glad we got that cleared up. While I was looking for a link for the Church of God, one I did eventually find, I was surprised at how many churches called themselves, "Church of God." The one I used to attend is based out of Cleveland, TN. Anyway, I am glad you like your church and that you had "an awesome service today."

God bless.

I tried to find the website for our church but it appears that it's currently "under construction" right now.

And yeah- we had a lunch after church and it was SO good....

With that I'm gonna go take a little nap! Blessings!

[Floatingaxe]

Well, I guess I am a hopeless sinner with short hair!

[Floatingaxe]

Deuteronomy 22:5...

A woman must not wear a man's clothing, nor a man wear women's clothing. This kind of thing is an abomination to God, your God.

Right! I wear women's pants... women's clothing at all times. Women's clothing INCLUDES slacks. Get over it. This scripture reference is warning against sexual deviancy.

1 Corinthians 11:13-16...

Don't you agree there is something naturally powerful in the symbolism

[Floatingaxe]

Abominable? Pervert? Come now! such strong language! You'd think the devil wrote it! You are so wrong.

The translation I used is exactly the way I have been taught for years what that passage means! It saved me the time and effort to tell you.