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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Visit other churches? | Rom 16:16 | charis | 33949 | ||
Dear Saints of the forum, Just curious, but for those among you that are committed members of a local church: How many other churches have you visited in say, the last 5 years? Of those, how many were of different denominations? Someone is going to ask, "Why do you ask?" I'll tell you after I get some answers! :-) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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2 | Visit other churches? | Rom 16:16 | John Reformed | 34095 | ||
I have been a member of my local church for Approx 4 years and have not worshipped(corporately) any place else on Sunday Mornings. You've aroused my curiosity to discover the intent of your question. John Reformed |
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3 | Visit other churches? | Rom 16:16 | charis | 34118 | ||
Dear John, Greetings in Jesus' name! Sorry, I was a bit busy (Sunday comes a bit earlier here than the US) I wrote to Hank (twice) to explain the reason behind my question. Please take a look at 'Dear Hank' February 9. A quick personal reply would be that I see a trend in the universal church toward two poles. Mind you, this is not every church, every Christian! But there seems (to me) to be those who are a bit 'xenophobic,' and those who are quite 'loose' in their commitment to a local church. I find both categories to be distant from the relationship of God's people to His church as described in the Bible. I see from your answer that you have not fellowshipped in another church for some time. Please answer honestly: Do you feel you have a healthy respect for the faith and actions of other Christians? Are you knowledgeable of other practices without judging them? From where do you get your information about other styles of worship? Do you feel you have a certain amount of (Biblical) tolerance toward others? Friend, none of my questions are veiled personal accusations. I am truly interested to know what motivates the bi-polar trend I see. I have been part of a church that was very well-informed AND open-minded toward other faiths, but over a period of 10 years became very legalistic and xenophobic in their outlook. I became a casualty of their fear of outsiders after serving faithfully in the mission field, finding myself (quite literally!) excommunicated! On the other hand, I look toward the 'opposite-lock' of (dare I say it?) Charismatic and Para-church Christianity, and am very uncomfortable there. I see that there is a great amount of emnity toward one another from both of these camps. Is this God's will? I doubt it! Wasn't that short! :-) Many blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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4 | Visit other churches? | Rom 16:16 | John Reformed | 34177 | ||
Dear Charis, Thank you for your response. Regarding your first question pertaining to respect for the faith and actions of other Christians, I will try to be as honest as I am able. It is my desire to act in love regarding the bretheren. Even when I am in strong disagreement with their doctrine or their particular method of worship. However, we fail to practice love when we place unity higher than truth. I can't bring myself to respect those things that are not in accordance with God's Word. Having said that; I do not feel it necessary to divide over non-essential issues or views. Even in my own denomination (Presbyterian P.C.A.) there are differences regarding eschatology, music used in worship, Creation (7 litreral days vs. 7 ages)etc. But concerning essential doctrine such as Justification, The Trinity, the inerrancy of scripture...there is no room for compromise. Christian liberty is one thing and heresy is another! It is the responsibility for each one of us to judge church doctine and worship practices in the light of scripture. I say this because I have been under the instruction of poor(sometimes to the point of false) teaching in the past and have learned thru my experience just how valuable the truth of God is. God makes all things work together for good to those who love Him and are called accoding to His purpose. There is more I would say, but I need to sign off. Please write me again, I don't always know if I've addressed a question correctly or have reponded appropriately. I'm a newbie on the Forum. God Bless Charis. John |
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