Subject: choosing a church? |
Bible Note: hello again, doc, The gospel is the good news that we have been reconciled to God through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Obviously, much more is included in the gospel, but that is the simple gist of it; I have no need to debate doctrine here. I am no stranger to the bible, and I don't expect to encounter anyone - or any church - that I can completely agree with on every single point of doctrine; in fact, it is my opinion that much of what gets debated does more to create division among believers (and thus give unbelievers opportunity to criticize Christianity) than it ever accomplishes in the effort to prove, promote, or protect sound doctrine. Sola scriptura; let the bible speak. In 1 Cor 8:8ff, Paul speaks of the matter of eating meats sacrificed to idols, concluding that he knows it is okay for him to eat the meat, but that he would forbear doing so if it causes a brother to stumble. Some things I see hotly debated among sincere Christians, I consider to be matters of meat; Jesus Christ, and Him crucified, yea, rather that is risen again, at the right hand of God, ever making intercession for us, remains the litmus test. You don't believe musical instruments should be used in worship? I'll leave my guitar at home, and my opinion on the issue, as well. One person has a Calvinistic perspective on Election; another believes man must make a choice. The Bible presents both perspectives in different places, and I am content to wait until after the Judgement to see the resolution of the seeming dichotomy; you both believe that without Jesus, we are lost. As for what a disciple of Christ looks like...he looks like a believer in Christ who takes a practical approach to living his life in a dignified manner, loving others and helping them, and not causing dissension within the body of Christ. He is hard to find, but relatively easy to recognise; knowledgable about the bible, but not feeling the need to impress others with that knowledge; sometimes he is the last one you even suspect, until suddenly some trial or tribulation assaults you, deep in your very gut, when life becomes hard through illness, death, or some great misfortune, and he shows up at your door...and somehow healing begins. I have met him, but have not been him nearly so often as I should. What is the church? Such a good question. I have never been one to join clubs. The church is, to me, a local group of believers in Jesus Christ, who assemble together to worship God, and to fellowship with one another; people of faith who wish to edify, and to love, one another. Very hard to find...or maybe the problem is me. |