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Comment List
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The first scripture I'd like to share is in Romans.
Romans 16:17 (NIV)
17I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.
Now on the face of this, it would almost seem to only be saying what you are concerned with and addressing. There is more to it than just that. Go to the context. That says more.
Also in 1 Corinthians:
1 Corinthians 5:1-3 (NIV)
1It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that does not occur even among pagans: A man has his father's wife. 2And you are proud! Shouldn't you rather have been filled with grief and have put out of your fellowship the man who did this? 3Even though I am not physically present, I am with you in spirit. And I have already passed judgment on the one who did this, just as if I were present.
I see the language here to be clear. So, because some will gather together teachers to tickle their ears, there are going to be divisions in the church as the world sees it. That does not mean that the body of Christ is truly divided.
I have to go, so I'll try to elaborate a little farther from the experience I have and of those whom I know quite well...
In Love,
Mel
2005-12-07 20:01:52 Posted by Mel ()
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Okay I see alot of sense in what you are saying., but I need to say also that as someone who at this point is not part of any denomination and see the non denominational churches turning into a denomination of their own but I will probably not be the only one here to say that though I don't place myself in any denominational boundries I am far from afraid to approach any confrontational orcontroversial issues. I fellowship with those I do not because they are willing to believe whatever I want to believe is okay but because we believe fairly similar views and hold one another accountable to that. The only reason I have everleft a church was not because I did not agree with doctrine but because I did not agree with what I saw in those that regularly attendedand could not see a way to change it without coming accross as holier than thou. As christians no matter what the basics of salvation should be the same. The rest is just window dressing
Be blessed
2005-12-08 00:01:05 Posted by Ross ()
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The idea that the non-denominational churches are turning into denominations of their own only supports my point. This means that non-denominational churches does not mean getting rid of denominational stances and therefore is not getting rid of divisions among Christians. This suggests that my suggestion of open communication between denominations would be a better way of dealing with the division among the Church associated with the many denominational divisions.
2005-12-08 00:28:00 Posted by C'Anne ()
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I agree and let me say you are a very well spoken young lady your parents have good reason to be proud of you. If you really look though at most of the differnces I ythink you will find the biggest difference is worship style I have been to any different denominations throughout my life and I don't really see that much of a difference besides that unless you want to get into the difference between charismatics and non . I've got no answer for that one
Be blessed
2005-12-08 00:46:51 Posted by Ross ()
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Yes, she is, and much more importantly, I sense that her heart is in the right place as well.
C'Anne, I put one big pile on my main study blog, but I have not put the examples in yet that I think I promised you, so those will still be coming.
With more to share,
Mel
2005-12-08 03:18:50 Posted by Mel ()
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I have been wrestling with this enigma for years, I have found in my limited experience that you either believe, or you do not! You either belong to the Church which has Christ at its head or you do not!
The OT was about God & His chosen race, the Lord of Hosts. The NT is about a more personal relationship with God through the works of Jesus Christ. That is, Christ's sacrificial death on the cross, God's global plan for his world.
The way we do this is by belonging to a local Church which has Christ at its head. The way we do this differs from place to place. Presumably this is the main reason that there are so many "Churches" the small differences should not bother us, but any major theological differences surely mean that questions should be asked about the authenticity of any establishment.
There is an ongoing debate within the Anglican Church worldwide on this very issue.
Jesus says, "love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul & with all your mind & with all of your stength. Then love your neighbour as yourself". To love your neighbour as yourself means, NO DIVISION! Test the spirits & be on the lookout for false teachers.
That is our responsibility as I see it, tell others about God's redeeming love, not division in the Church.
That would be Awesome
Love in His Name Stuart
2005-12-08 03:27:15 Posted by Stuart (stuart@sadrankin.com)
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I see a benefit in denominations also. Of course, they came out of, and sometimes foster power struggles and judgementalism. But they do serve by appealing to different worship styles and teaching emphasis. There are many different ways to approach God that are still christian and it can be good that someone can better find a style that works best for him.
Your points that they need to exist,but be open to each other is the best solution.
And I agree, your parents must be amazing!
2005-12-08 09:49:31 Posted by Jon ()
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My parents are amazing. I would promise to pass that information along, Ross, except that it would be superfluous. Although, Daddy, if you hadn't already, you should pass it on to mom, because she deserves to hear it too.
2005-12-08 15:38:48 Posted by C'Anne ()
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Ok. Your daddy got me good. Christ's own words. I put it on my blog. And I was finally able to put at least one example up for you, and any others who are interested in them.
Be Blessed,
Mel
2005-12-09 01:45:02 Posted by Mel ()
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