Results 1 - 10 of 10
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Which Church is the right one? | NT general Archive 1 | CDBJ | 71351 | ||
People will tell you just about anything and even some on this forum will try to exalt their particular denomination. The truth is what does the Bible teach; Jesus Christ is building the true church. 1 Cor. 12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. Be very cautious of those that lift up a denomination instead of the person of Jesus Himself there can no good come of it. It’s not lifting up Jesus Christ plus anything, it’s him only! The true church of Christ isn’t an organization but an organism. Jesus when talking to a person who was trying to pin worship down to a place covered the point of worship. John 4:20-24 Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. [21] Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. [22] Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. [23] But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. [24] God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. Acts 7:48 Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet, Acts 17:24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. There is no particular denomination that is 100 percent right, they all have their flaws. Pick out one that teaches Bible doctrine and emphasis God’s written Word not a lot of ritual because all the ritual in the world wont sustain you in times of trouble! Luke 4:4 And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. When someone tells you something make sure that is stacks up with Scripture and that it isn’t someone’s impression of theology. Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. 2 Tim. 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: [17] That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. |
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2 | Which Church is the right one? | NT general Archive 1 | Hank | 71354 | ||
Well, CDBJ, I see the New Year hasn't changed you much! You're up to your usual stunts of saying some mighty fine things and saying them well. On reading your post concerning the inquiry into the subject of what the "right" church is, a thought crossed my mind that perhaps there is an analogy between the concept that certain contemporary religious sects have of what constitutes Christ's church and what some of Jesus' disciples had of what kind of kingdom Jesus would establish during His time on earth. They in Jesus' day who expected a visible, earthly kingdom were in much error. They in our time who set themselves up as THE church, to the exclusion of the remainder of God's people, are in similar error also. --Hank | ||||||
3 | Which Church is the right one? | NT general Archive 1 | CDBJ | 71385 | ||
Greetings Hank, I do in fact attend church and, with my wife, do as much as we can within the church; it is a very large church and we thoroughly enjoy the fellowship as well as the teaching and worship aspect of it. The only problem is I don’t want to mislead someone into thinking that a building or a particular denomination is going to do them any good as far as their salvation is concerned. There are many in our church that are practicing churchanity and it bothers me to no end. When listening to their testimony, as it were, they talk about how nice the church is and how much they have enjoyed it since attending. The main thing that is missing in their testimony is the name Jesus. Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. If I spend five minutes lifting up the benefits of belonging to my church I look at it as wasting that time that I could have used lifting up my incredible Savior Jesus Christ. People need Christ first and if they are obedient to the study of the Word, II Tim. 2:15, the Lord will put them where he wants them. As someone so aptly put it, sitting in a church will no more make you a Christian the sitting in a garage will make you a car. There are a lot of people sitting in churches that are assuming that they are Christians and that just isn’t the case and the big problem is that they won’t find out until it’s too late. Matthew 7:21-23 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. [22] Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? [23] And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Too many people are trying to put the cart before the horse, only when they get the cart they forget all about the horse, thinking that they have it all with the beautiful cart that they are sitting in. All of the church ritual in the world won’t take the place of the reality of a personal relationship with the living Jesus Christ. It is like trying to explain an automatic washing machine to someone that has never seen one. They are perfectly content with beating their clothes on a rock; the will never miss something that they have never had and your not about to convince the any different. That is what it says in Matthew in spiritual terms. Matthew 16:15-17 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? [16] And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. [17] And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. We can’t reveal to anyone who Jesus really is, that is the work of the Father and as a result those that have had this revealed to them by the Father are members of the true church or body of Christ. People are always trying to perform works for God and God makes it pretty clear what he wants man to do. John 6:28-29 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? [29] Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. So the way I see it I should be lifting up Christ not my denomination in order for people to have faith in him. Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. I think that churches with their pastors and teachers are for the believers not unbelievers so that the believers can do the work of reaching the unregenerate. Ephes. 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Well it even sounds to me like I am beginning to soapbox so I guess it’s time for me to shut up! CDBJ |
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4 | Which Church is the right one? | NT general Archive 1 | Hank | 71388 | ||
Good response, CDBJ, and if you were "soapboxing" it seems to me at least that you were on the right box! Years ago when my family and I were newcomers to town, a pastor from a certain "upscale" church we'd visited called on us in our home. He was cordial and affable, and I remember still the way he kept referring to the church as the excellent "campus" that provided such great "facilities." offered such a variety of "programs," and had such a marvelous "vision" of the future. I really began to wonder whether he was inviting us to join his church or matriculate in the local college! I fail to recall a single instance in which he exalted the name of Jesus or even mentioned His name. Later I discovered that this pastor was quoted as saying that his church was so blessed to have so many leaders of the community among its membership. Well, the bottom line is that we chose not to unite with this church and through the years have had no occasion to regret our decision or to return to this church even for a visit. --Hank | ||||||
5 | Which Church is the right one? | NT general Archive 1 | CDBJ | 71397 | ||
It sounds to me like the fellow who visited you was a name-dropper but if I were the one he was talking to he should have been expounding on a name that is above every name. What “I” look for in a local church is it’s ability to communicate and teach God’s Word to all levels of believers and it’s outreach to save a lost and dying world along with a strict adherence to biblical principals with ministers that aren’t so heavenly Holy that they are no earthly good; example, as Paul put it, 1 Cor. 9:18-23 What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel. [19] For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. [20] And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; [21] To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. [22] To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. [23] And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you. From my point of view if people are not encouraged to carry a Bible to church by their ministers, so that they can prove their views, something must be wrong and they are afraid of being exposed by the truth if in fact they are teaching truth! Check out the first two words in this verse. 2 Tim. 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: Tie this with the following from the NASB with emphasis on the word SUM, meaning all added up together with nothing left out. Psalm 119:160 The sum of Thy word is truth, And every one of Thy righteous ordinances is everlasting. Sound like I’m at it again! CDBJ |
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6 | Which Church is the right one? | NT general Archive 1 | EdB | 71405 | ||
CDBJ You and Hank are right on target with this. Unfortunately a pastor’s success or the lack there of is based not on how well he represents and preaches Jesus but rather on how fast the church grows. There are many in the pastoring churches now not because they were called but because it was away to make a living. Marketing skills become more important than correctly handling the word. You can say and do anything if you entertain while doing it. I saw one man preach a whole sermon holding a python that had absolutely nothing to do with the message. He used it a stage prop to keep the people entertained as he did his thing. Upon leaving the church I heard more than one person remark abut how anointed the pastor was this morning. The man was spiritually dead and his preaching reflected it, but the people loved the entertainment. EdB |
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7 | Which Church is the right one? | NT general Archive 1 | Hank | 71412 | ||
EdB. Your story about the minister with the python is just about par for the course these days. During my long years as a church-goer, I've seen, among other things, comedians, impersonators, clowns, snake handlers, acrobats, and odd assortments of actors dressed as Jesus, Mary, Joseph, Abraham, Moses, angels, demons, Roman soldiers, and just about anybody else you could imagine. Once during a Christmas pageant, I witnessed a live donkey being led down one of the aisles of the church sanctuary. Top that! --Hank | ||||||
8 | Which Church is the right one? | NT general Archive 1 | justme | 71425 | ||
Hank: I believe I can top that or come pretty close. I saw a baby pig as a sermon illustration. What made it so bad.... was the illustration really did not fit his sermon! Ug a pig in church! Once, when I was preaching I had a member who raised sheep. I asked him to bring a lamb to church. I used as a illistration of Christ being the Lamb of God, and how Christ died for our sins. I have had several who are adults now, that were children then, say they have never forgotten that baby lamb. This was a rural church. Perhaps city folk might not have known what it was. One of these adults attends the church we go to now, and she now has two small children of her own. Your remarkes about churches, and 2b4Christ's question is a tuff one. I find that just because a church I attend is right on, does not mean that in Arkansas (just a small state to the south of us) might be totally different there. I have seen American Baptist Churches that are very conservative, and others that were for me, liberal to the extreme. I am sure that could be said for many other denominations as well. In our area there are at least 20 baptist churches in a 25 mile area. There are four SBC churches in one near by town alone. Three were started by splits. It took my wife and I three years to find a church we felt God wanted us to serve and worship Christ in. (Glad your back) justme |
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9 | Which Church is the right one? | NT general Archive 1 | Mae64 | 71489 | ||
justme: I agree with you on finding a Church its hard to find one that has order and things working with the Holy Spirit. I myself and husband has been down that road. I feel this is the Church nnow that I am in. but when you have sorrow and all folks never call or come and visit and talk with you. and I try to be for them when things happen and I feel the Church anymore )NOt all) are a gathering place and not a careing Preachiing the Gospel -but preaching what he has in an from his heart..if he's mad at somethhing that didn't go right and someuupset him ..blow me down out it comes and out the door if you don't like what I'm saying. this is what we are going thur. I find that the Word says Love your Pastor and brothers and Sister where is the Prov 17:17 at? God Bless; Mae65 |
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10 | Which Church is the right one? | NT general Archive 1 | justme | 71512 | ||
Mae65: I think with the busy lives, and people wanting to be left alone, are a big reason that church members don't visit or call. Perhaps out time and culture are so changed, and we are from a different time that makes our expectations unrealistic for the times in which we now live. What do you think? justme |
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