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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Is 'once saved always saved correct? | John 6:37 | Hank | 31461 | ||
Brian, I tend to agree with you about a 'teaching authority.' (Do you feel uncomfortable when a Southern Baptist agrees with a Roman Catholic? :-) Back to the teaching authority: I've taught church school classes, led seminars, presided over discussion groups and the like for many years, and you have my word for it: church members, many if not most of them, have no more idea than a goose in Wonderland what the church they claim to belong to believes, or what they believe, or even what they are "supposed" to believe or are "required" to believe. Church pews are filled with theological dunces and it's a shameful and disgraceful situation. People appear on this forum who claim to be Christian church-goers and don't know Adam from Zerubbabel. Whatever became of education? And I'm not talking about in the public schools. I'm talking about in the church. --Hank | ||||||
2 | Is 'once saved always saved correct? | John 6:37 | Brian.g | 31473 | ||
Hank I am never uncomfortable speaking with you. I have to much respect for you. Recently you asked a question regarding the one year anniversary of this forum. Time prevented me from answering, but I would like to answer now. This forum has demonstrated to me that Christianity, by its own hand has created a generation of lost and confused seekers. By that, I mean that each day, we are seeing more and more new denominations and non-denominations being created. Each proclaiming that they offer something which no other form of Christianity offers. Each then recruits their members from other Christian denominations. And, all to often these new churches are lead by unqualified people who are not capable or properly trained to be teachers or guardians of the faith. Thus, confusing and misdirecting to many people seeking God. In addition, even the major, more established denominations do a less than desirable job of educating - even my Church. As a result of past practices among the major denominations, compounded with the driving need for membership and self-justification from the new denominations - any resemblence of tolerance of other Christians ceases to exist. In reality, the opposite expands. Each person feels obligated to publicly justify why they are no longer part a different denomination. The only way most can vocalize their decision is through criticism of their previous choice. In addition, they are expected to spread the Gospel by "evangelizing", in reality they are just recruiting new members to their "team". The evangelizing isn't about Christ - its about their new denomination - and most don't even realize that is what they are doing - because they have not been properly educated to "evangelize" in the manner of Paul. How often I had heard that this or that denomination is the true way to Christ - for no other reason than its better than the last church the seeker was at. Then, after a few weeks, months or years - the seeker decides that the pastor hasn't served them properly and they move on, seeking a new church - while they, themselves have not contributed to the spiritual growth of the church. With each move to a new church, the seeker carries with them partial ideas from the old mixed in with ideas from the new, and on and on. Until, there is no cohesive understanding of Christianity. We are witnessing a situation of the blind leading the blind. This forum has shown us the need for tolerance, by demonstrating intolerance. This forum gives us the opportunity to speak to many people on a scale never before imagined and to present the truth. This forum can do more for Christianity than can be imagined because it gives people opportunities to converse, debate discuss and sometimes, yell at each other - but through it all - the truth is present and it makes itself known. It's time for Chrsitianity to unite to the point of ending the battles of which denomination is best - each legitimate denomination is rooted in Jesus. This forum will play a role in educating and shaping the direction for many seekers if they listen with their hearts. And many of the people who come here, do just that. As are all of us here, I am yours in Christ. Brian |
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