I am so SICK of denomination!!!!

[acts2-38]

By denomination I mean man made traditions and rules that have nothing to do with salvation.

Maaaan we visited a church tonight, well, last night. The dude was apostolic, as were we all. But he chose to preach on bowling, clothes, and ear rings, etc. First off, you are a guest preacher at a Pastor's Anniversary service. You shouldnt even be goin there. By the way, dude preached for like a hour and a half. I left after the first hour. Everybody knows that our church was the only one there that goes bowling and to the movies and allow women to wear MODEST makeup and jewelry. He was tryin to be funny because when he got up to preach, he acknowledged everyone BUT my pastor.

I mean I go to an apostolic church but I am so tired of these local old fashioned apostolics. I mean I love the doctrine but this man made stuff is crazy. All I got to say is: thats probably why 99% of apostolic churches in my town have less than 15 adult members and absolutely no skilled contemporary musicians in their churches.....
 Its all about how you interpret scripture. If I start a church, I will stick with certain interpretations but I will not have a denomination.....somebody please tell me HOW CAN I CHANGE MY USER NAME??????????
 

[churchyreal]

You might be opening a can of worms and be glad you're posting this while LaRue is not here.........lol!








Just warning you bro!

[acts2-38]

You might be opening a can of worms and be glad you're posting this while LaRue is not here.........lol!













Just warning you bro!

So? He can get it to! Naw just kiddin....

But think about it:  

 Why did Bruce Lee found Jeet Kun Do? Bruce lee founded Jeet Kun Do because most other forms of martial arts had a lot of extra motions and movements by tradition that looked cool, but had absolutely nothing to do with the fight. So ask yourself,  how many rules and traditions in the church (women wearing pants, make up, in the pulpit, what you wear to church, going to movies or bowling) have absolutely nothing to do with whether you go to heaven or hell? I think we should utilize the "Jeek Kun Do" Philosophy in church, if you know what I mean

[malthumb]

You might be opening a can of worms and be glad you're posting this while LaRue is not here.........lol!
......

That's why he wants to change his user name......LaRue cain't hit what she cain't see.     

[4hisglory]

I've been tired of denominations for a while myself.  Not because of the denomination itself but because people deep into there denominations have that "We're number one", "We're the best", etc.... mentality

[Mysteryman]

I've been tired of denominations for a while myself.  Not because of the denomination itself but because people deep into there denominations have that "We're number one", "We're the best", etc.... mentality

We are!   

[Mysteryman]

I feel like I'm a few steps from leaving but I'm hanging in there. Sometimes you may be the person to institute change and sometimes it's just time to go.

[sjonathan02]

I've been tired of denominations for a while myself.  Not because of the denomination itself but because people deep into there denominations have that "We're number one", "We're the best", etc.... mentality

Or that, 'We have the only correct biblical interpretation', mess. 

[churchyreal]

Ill let yall do a search on my opinion on this....LOL!

[c3hamby]

When I was in college I went to this private Christian school in West Texas.

They would not allow you to dance. Reason being is that it might lead you to do 'other things'.

This wasn't a problem for me because the church I grew up in didn't allow me to dance either so I wasn't missing anything.

BUT-at night, all of the city parks near the college campus would be full of cars with steamy windows, people were doing all the 'other things'.

My dad went to the same college in the fifties, and when he was there they were building houses across the street from the campus.

Every weekend, everyone of those unbuilt houses would have a car in the driveway with steamy windows, right in front of the main administration building!!!!

[Hasmonean1]

We did a LGM bible study on this once.  Church hurt truly runs deep.  I personally like your username brother.  But if you must change it or go on to something else, very well.  It is tough to get a whoopin when you are innocent (spiritually & naturally).  I can put up some of the scriptures we found, when one person or group considers something to be sin when it's not, if you like.   In the meantime, I wish you nothing but encouragement. The apostalic denomination can indeed be difficult at times but to God be the Glory.

[betnich]

IMO lots of times certain Pastors who are wary of touching certain issues (like dress, hair, giving, etc.) will bring in guest speakers to 'discipline' their flock. This is also common in conferences and Youth camps.

...and often these preachers have other weird side teachings....I heard one online rail against straying from the 'rules' lest young people bring a curse upon their families, while insisting that people could hang out with angels and dead saints in worship....all in the same sermon...

   

[Fenix]

Its possible that pentecostals are getting this mind-set too. Why can't we just focus on the core gospel.

I work with a lot of SDA folk who truly believe that the rest of us are committing some mortal sin by not going to church on Saturdays. That Saturday/Sabbath thing is such a big deal for them and they can't seem to go past that. its like its some kind of necessary requirement for salvation or something.

I wouldn't mind so much if denominations would just stop holding the monopoly on salvation.

[betnich]

We did a LGM bible study on this once.  Church hurt truly runs deep.

True - and here's a website - http://churchhurtministries.com/

Its possible that pentacostals are getting this mind-set too. Why can't we just focus on the core gospel.

I work with a lot of SDA folk who truly believe that the rest of us are committing some mortal sin by not going to church on Saturdays. That Saturday/Sabbath thing is such a big deal for them and they can't seem to go past that. its like its some kind of necessary requirement for salvation or something.

I wouldn't mind so much if denominations would just stop holding the monopoly on salvation.

Amen.
That "holier than thou"  mindset is all over the Body of Christ, not just certain denominations...

[Arkhams Finest]

Its possible that pentecostals are getting this mind-set too.

I'm a Pentecostal.  As far as I know we aren't moving in that direction.  Just the opposite really.  There will always be people, in every denomination, that hold on to the past and refuse to move forward.

[Fenix]

Are you REALLY pentecostal, Mr RJ? If you were , then re-type all what you said up there...in tongues.

But yeah I have to say that, from my observation, more and more pentecostal churches are adopting ritualistic worship and embracing orthodoxy.

[fmason3]

I am sick of denominations too.  But they are necessary because being a "Christian" is no longer enough. 

There was a documentary done a year or so ago by Bill Maher called Religulous.  It asserted that organized religion is ridiculous (hence the portmanteau).  In this documentary he interviews people across the religious spectrum (from gay muslims to a man who believed he was Jesus Christ) about religion and the existence of God.  But in this documentary, Maher lumps all of christianity together.  He takes what the majority of all Christians believe and assumes that this is what all who call themselves Christians believe as well.

So since the majority of Christians believe that when you die, you go immediately to heaven, then anyone who claims to be a Christian must have the same believe.
Or since the majority of Christians go to church on Sunday, so must we all if we call ourselves Christian.  How many times have I met a musician in guitar center that enjoyed my playing and subsequently said "man, I gotta come hear you play one Sunday."

But Christians are lumped into one category, and yet not all Christians have the same beliefs.  So when one says that they are a Christian, it can mean something completely different from someone else...or what the bible actually says.

On Aug. 16, 2005, the 700 aired a special entitled "Polygamy: The Next 'Right' to be Legalized?"  The interviewed individuals who had started a movement called the Christian Polygamy Movement.  It was said that "Polygamy has a range of defenders, including evangelical Christians"  Their founder, Mark Henkel, says "Christian polygamists believe husbands are called to love their wives, as Christ loved the churches, according to Scripture.  Then he goes on to say "certainly polygamy is not a sin according to the Bible. But it's illegal in the United States? It's illegal primarily because, first of all, individuals have thought it was a sin. That becomes a circular argument: Why is it a sin? Because it's against the law. Why is it against the law? Because it's a sin.'"  Even once back in 2001, Pat Roberson said online that "You won't find the Bible calling polygamy a sin."

I say all of this not to make an argument for the state of the dead, the sabbath or polygamy.  But that those polygamists call themselves "Christian."  I'm not even going to argue whether or not they should call themselves such.  But what I am saying is that in today's society, I am no longer comfortable simply carrying the name Christian alone because that name has been misused and misrepresented.

In the bible, followers of Christ were called just that; disciples (Acts 6:7)  Then they were called Christians at Antioch (Acts 11:26)  But back in those days, if someone was a Christian, you knew exactly what that meant.  If you weren't Christian, you were a Jew, pagan, or heathen.  There were no offshoots yet.  If you were Christian, you followed a specific person, you had a specific message, and you had a certain set of beliefs.

But now today, that same name that could clearly identify Peter and Paul and James can no longer clearly identify us because of the vast number of offshoots and splinters.  So rather than have a disdain for more specific names, find the one whose beliefs lines up with or most closely mirrors the Christians of the bible and wear that name proudly.  Because just calling yourself Christian could mean almost anything these days.  Some believe homosexuality is okay.  Some believe tithing is no longer required.  Some believe that the 10 commandment law of God is no longer binding.

Jesus prays in John 17 that we are sanctified by truth (vs 17) and that we all are one (vss 21, 22).  Then Paul writes in Eph. 4 that "there is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." (vss 4-6)  But that was very true back then.  Sadly, today we're all over the place.

[Gibby]

Are you REALLY pentecostal, Mr RJ? If you were , then re-type all what you said up there...in tongues.

wow...

[churchyreal]

I am sick of denominations too.  But they are necessary because being a "Christian" is no longer enough. 

There was a documentary done a year or so ago by Bill Maher called Religulous.  It asserted that organized religion is ridiculous (hence the portmanteau).  In this documentary he interviews people across the religious spectrum (from gay muslims to a man who believed he was Jesus Christ) about religion and the existence of God.  But in this documentary, Maher lumps all of christianity together.  He takes what the majority of all Christians believe and assumes that this is what all who call themselves Christians believe as well.

So since the majority of Christians believe that when you die, you go immediately to heaven, then anyone who claims to be a Christian must have the same believe.
Or since the majority of Christians go to church on Sunday, so must we all if we call ourselves Christian.  How many times have I met a musician in guitar center that enjoyed my playing and subsequently said "man, I gotta come hear you play one Sunday."

But Christians are lumped into one category, and yet not all Christians have the same beliefs.  So when one says that they are a Christian, it can mean something completely different from someone else...or what the bible actually says.

On Aug. 16, 2005, the 700 aired a special entitled "Polygamy: The Next 'Right' to be Legalized?"  The interviewed individuals who had started a movement called the Christian Polygamy Movement.  It was said that "Polygamy has a range of defenders, including evangelical Christians"  Their founder, Mark Henkel, says "Christian polygamists believe husbands are called to love their wives, as Christ loved the churches, according to Scripture.  Then he goes on to say "certainly polygamy is not a sin according to the Bible. But it's illegal in the United States? It's illegal primarily because, first of all, individuals have thought it was a sin. That becomes a circular argument: Why is it a sin? Because it's against the law. Why is it against the law? Because it's a sin.'"  Even once back in 2001, Pat Roberson said online that "You won't find the Bible calling polygamy a sin."

I say all of this not to make an argument for the state of the dead, the sabbath or polygamy.  But that those polygamists call themselves "Christian."  I'm not even going to argue whether or not they should call themselves such.  But what I am saying is that in today's society, I am no longer comfortable simply carrying the name Christian alone because that name has been misused and misrepresented.

In the bible, followers of Christ were called just that; disciples (Acts 6:7)  Then they were called Christians at Antioch (Acts 11:26)  But back in those days, if someone was a Christian, you knew exactly what that meant.  If you weren't Christian, you were a Jew, pagan, or heathen.  There were no offshoots yet.  If you were Christian, you followed a specific person, you had a specific message, and you had a certain set of beliefs.

But now today, that same name that could clearly identify Peter and Paul and James can no longer clearly identify us because of the vast number of offshoots and splinters.  So rather than have a disdain for more specific names, find the one whose beliefs lines up with or most closely mirrors the Christians of the bible and wear that name proudly.  Because just calling yourself Christian could mean almost anything these days.  Some believe homosexuality is okay.  Some believe tithing is no longer required.  Some believe that the 10 commandment law of God is no longer binding.

Jesus prays in John 17 that we are sanctified by truth (vs 17) and that we all are one (vss 21, 22).  Then Paul writes in Eph. 4 that "there is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." (vss 4-6)  But that was very true back then.  Sadly, today we're all over the place.

That's not enough of a justification for me in regards to the pros of having denominations. 

I get what you're saying and agree with you on many points but that's not enough to convince me that denominations are necessary.

[jeremyr]

That Saturday/Sabbath thing is such a big deal for them and they can't seem to go past that.

PREFACE...this is going to be LONG

It's not about being "holier than though", but it's more like saying "you have to keep all of Gods law", because Breaking one is breaking them all. So therefore by openly denying the Sabbath you are openly sinning and telling others that's it's OK to SIN, which is anti-christ teaching seeing as the word became flesh, and that flesh was Jesus Christ, so going against it goes against him.

I'll agree that SOME Seventh-Day Adventist get caught up on nothing, but the Sabbath, but more so the people  are caught up on keeping ALL of God's law (please note we're not talking about ceremonial law, written by Moses, which was nailed to the cross).

Why is keeping all of Gods commandments crucial you may ask? please see Revelation 22:14, Revelation 14:12, Revelation 12:17.

Now why is it we believe you have to keep all of Gods law? The first reason is God said it, which in all honesty SHOULD be enough reason for everyone, but alas it isn't, so we'll dig into the word and see exactly why keeping Gods law does equate to salvation ONCE you know it and accept him.

The first thing we need to all understand and agree upon is that the bible does not contradict itself.....EVER. If it did we all would be in trouble, but thank God it doesn't. Now with that being said here we go.... See More

The next thing we need to understand is WHAT EXACTLY IS SIN? Sin is breaking God's law. There's no way around it, no matter how much justification we
want to try and make it just doesn't change....EVER. That's all sin is, going against God's word. So a quick recap goes like this: with no law,
there is no sin, and with no sin there's no need for a Savior who came to save us from sin, and with no savior there's no need for a Gospel (bible) and with no Gospel there's no need for a church and with no church there's no need for this conversation.

The fact of the matter is that We are all born in sin, which therefore makes us unrighteous. Psalms 58:3 "The wicked are estranged from the womb; they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies." We can't help but to be sinful and the only thing that can make us Righteous is accepting Jesus and putting our faith in him. That covers your
past sins, which is why if you die after you accept Christ you shall see him in heaven. Let us note the thief on the cross. So what happens after you accept Christ? Can we just continue to sin and do what we want? Absolutely not. Here's what Paul says. Romans 6:1-2 "1What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
2God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? "

Sin is what makes us unrighteous. There's no way around it. If we were to enter heaven in our unrighteousness we would MESS IT UP and God isn't going to let that happen. Paul also tells us that the unrighteous will no inherit heaven.
1 Corinthians 6:9 "9Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,...."

So by breaking the law of God after we know that we are breaking it we are living in unrighteousness and the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom.
So keeping his law (not the mosaic law, which isn't' to be confused with the law of God) is ESSENTIAL to our salvation.

This is why agreeing to disagree about Gods Law is essential