Nondenominational

MadParrotWoman · Apr 25, 2015

So is nondenominational the way to go? I think so. I was reading this today about how things are going in the US: http://endtimeheadlines.org/2015/04/8-reasons-christians-are-leaving-denominational-churches/

We need more nondenominational churches here in the UK, currently we don't have one in my city if we did and it was a good one I would probably attend. This link covers eight reasons why nondenominational churches are more popular in the US but I think the top reason is doctrine, denominations are usually infected with the doctrine of man which is often in conflict with God's word and the older the denomination the more of man has crept into it IMO - the Roman Catholic and Anglican churches being prime examples here in the UK.

Those of you from from the US and Canada might like to add what is going on in their most established denominations, this would be of interest to me and perhaps others not familiar with what is going on the other side of the Atlantic! From what I read here and on facebook it would seem that the biggest step away from God and His word is the acceptance of homosexuality with some even willing to perform same sex "marriages" in the US.

Here in Britain it's all about "bums on pews" with established churches adopting the mindset of liberalism "pulling 'em in", the idea that if the Bible is too unpalatable then "soften" it to apply to today's liberal-thinking culture. In fact the opposite being the truth, this idea is simply not working. Strong Bible-believing churches are the ones flourishing here.

I have covered just one topic of debate here on this thread but the link covers eight reasons why nondenominational is the way to go. All comments posted below whether in agreement or not would be appreciated. God bless.

eyesonly · Apr 25, 2015

I asked a couple of lifelong catholics at work on separate occasions what faith they were, each answered without hesitation, I'm Catholic.
I said oh, if you accepted Christ, wouldn't you be Christian, both answers were, NO, i'm catholic first, Christian second.
Wow, huh. totally like a cult i would say.

Denominations are man made, there is only one true following of the word and that is simply Christianity. The first time i read the new testament year and half ago, i realized that the word has absolutely nothing to do with man made religion. It is about LOVE, pure and simple.

With God everything is possible, God is love and through love we experience everything that is God.

God bless

pwrnJC · Apr 25, 2015

I like your 'spin' on this! JESUS never came to start a new 'religion" or denomination. He never made Peter a pope. He never endorced catholicism, in fact, HE said "GO YE..." and catholicism built monasteries to 'shut out' the world so that monks could write, grow gardens, discover coffee, make beads as a rosarie to remind them just how to pray, and chant all day if they liked.
I have yet to find anyone who can tell me the real difference between Interdenominational and Nondenominational. I have attended both and find no big difference at all.. Same thing with Pentacostal and Evangelical...both allow the Holy Spirit to dictate the order of service and worship, as opposed to a church bulletin.
I tend to like things 'black and white" with no gray areas. Which leads me to this conclusion: There are only 2 kinds of churches: The Happy/Clappy & the Frozen/Chosen.

Miri · Apr 25, 2015

Hi mpw, I put a thread in the testimony forum about God providing a £20 million church - which is currently being built.

It explains how different denominations are pulling together in the city where I live. These are churches which have those
minor doctrinal differences which would normally cause all sorts of problems. But churches have been willing to see the bigger
picture and work together with amazing results. So much so that even the local council are noticing and are becoming very
supportive of the churches.

I'm not suggesting we are becoming an anything goes city as they are all Bible believing Christ centred churches. They are just realising that reaching out to people is far more important than standing alone due to minor quibbles.

Interesting I have also noticed some off the Catholic Churches in the area are starting to put Jesus at the centre of their thinking rather than Mary etc and they are becoming very evangelical in their thinking. They are also reaching out to others whereas usually the Catholic Church has been a bit hidden away doing their own thing.

i honestly believe this is all a sign of the revival which has been building for a few years. I'm not saying everything is perfect, but there is a definite spiritual shift going on in the churches.

I agree also with you when you say it is the bible believing churches which are flourishing in the UK.
I think people whether they are Christians or not, respect organisations who at least know what they believe, rather than
ones who are forever changing to fit in with modern thinking - there is just something so false about this and people know that.

I think also that people in the UK are waking up a little more to the realisation that things have got to change and politics
does not have the answer. I daily see people who are trapped in circumstances who are crying out for change but feel
powerless. So many people looking for answers.

Lets prayer that they find the answer in Jesus.

MadParrotWoman · Apr 25, 2015

I spend SO much time at work (whilst working you understand lol) witnessing to Christians than non-Christians, there is a RC guy and he worries me with what he believes. One quote of his I had to put right: "I believe that people who do good in this world will have a place in Heaven" yes he believes it's "works" getting you there. This is just one example of many false beliefs he has. There is more and from other "Christians" too, this worries me more than the unsaved in many ways because a non-believer can be taught truth but someone with set beliefs is much more difficult to change because of his/her established mindset.

eyesonly · Apr 25, 2015

MadParrotWoman said:

Ask him if he's actually read the New Testament from front to back. It's shocking the actual number of "religious" people who have never even read the New Testament in full. All their views come from their priests. What they don't realize is that they are teaching only the doctrine of their denomination and not the true intended spirit of the word as given by God through Christ Jesus.

Just remember, you can't change anyone, only Christ can, offer this guy a couple passages of the word that clearly say that works are dead and then suggest he read the New Testament in full.

these people have been so mind culted that they will refuse to accept any truth that is not theirs even if it comes from Christ himself.
Dont spend your energy on him, let Christs spirit work through you, patience is the key, and be prepared that it's ok if he refuses to see the truth, after all if Christ himself couldn't change everyone the how can we. The key is they can only change themselves through Christ , we can only provide the knowledge of the real truth.

If you spend too much time on trying to change one individual you may miss the other 10 who are ready and waiting for the word.

God bless

p_rehbein · Apr 25, 2015

MPW SAID:

Here in Britain it's all about "bums on pews" with established churches adopting the mindset of liberalism "pulling 'em in", the idea that if the Bible is too unpalatable then "soften" it to apply to today's liberal-thinking culture. In fact the opposite being the truth, this idea is simply not working. Strong Bible-believing churches are the ones flourishing here.

.....................................................................................................................

About this, because I see it in the US also, let me offer my opinion. Congregational worship is not for the gathering in of unbelievers. It is intended for the Church, the Flock. A time to be "fed," to join together in fellowship and praise of God, to edify God and each other. Now, if an unbeliever happens to wander in, sure, that's great! This unbeliever will see a congregation of believers praising and worshiping God, edifying one another and God, and this will be a great witness to them.

Jesus commanded we "Go FORTH............." So, when it comes to the unbelievers of the world, we should be going forth, not trying to gather them in as many churches do today with all sorts of shinny babbles and entertainment shows under the pretense of worshiping God.

Now this is just me, so..............

Utah · Apr 25, 2015

eyesonly said:

I asked a couple of lifelong catholics at work on separate occasions what faith they were, each answered without hesitation, I'm Catholic.
I said oh, if you accepted Christ, wouldn't you be Christian, both answers were, NO, i'm catholic first, Christian second.
Wow, huh. totally like a cult i would say.

Denominations are man made, there is only one true following of the word and that is simply Christianity. The first time i read the new testament year and half ago, i realized that the word has absolutely nothing to do with man made religion. It is about LOVE, pure and simple.

With God everything is possible, God is love and through love we experience everything that is God.

God bless

Amen! This is one of the best posts I've yet to read here on CC, and I've read many good ones!

Utah · Apr 25, 2015

MadParrotWoman said:

For years a Reformed Church in my town held steady at about 125 active members and did well for the community. A new pastor came in and all he talked about was gay rights and citizenship for people who entered America illegally. The congregation swelled to more than 400 members.

The love of God and saving grace of Jesus Christ doesn't draw these liberal snapperheads in to worship, but glorify decadence and extend your middle finger at law and order and they can't get through the doors fast enough.

alan68 · Apr 25, 2015

You have to be wary of some churches that are labeled "nondenominational." I visited one once, and it turned out to be one of those "prosperity gospel" places. I was shocked that I was never once asked to open my Bible during the sermon. In fact, he seemed to be implying that God's Word was not really all that important in the grand scheme of things. And any church that would tell you that - AVOID AVOID AVOID.

Miri · Apr 25, 2015

Yeah I have seen that a lot in some other churches I have attended.

my current church which I have been attending for a number of years has a different approach. It holds evangelistic services at least 6 times a year and also uses the Christmas service as an opportunity to reach out to unsaved people. It makes a big thing of them printing out invites so the church members can invite non Christian friends and family. There is always a significant
number of non Christians who turn up to these, and some return again and again to hear the gospel message. Many have
been saved through this and many others at least have heard the message and it may well come to remembrance in later life.

It also runs a course for people who are seeking answers who want to explore Christianity, then there is a course for new Christians and various other courses which people can sign up to which all give a good solid foundation.

No one forces anyone into anything, in fact people are encouraged to count the cost.

The evangelistic services make me cry, when you see a person running to the front crying out for Jesus or standing there, or even on their knees, you just know it's real. Lives are being changed, wonderful testimonies are told at these evangelistic services.

God is good he makes new creations out of people wreaked by circumstances. It is a beautiful thing to see a life
transformed. Don't allow cynicism to creep in, I know it can be hard but Almighty God is still on the throne.

Oops Sorry I'm getting a bit preachy now

. It's just when I see God moving, it delights my heart.

http://youtu.be/hC2vp_Tg_E8

Isaiah 61:1-3 NKJV
[1] "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, Because the LORD has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound; [2] To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, [3] To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified."

eyesonly · Apr 25, 2015

alan68 said:

I think we all need to understand that Christ is the church, and as Christ is in your heart that is where the foundation of church starts for each of us, in our hearts.
we accept Christ and seed him in our hearts and read his word of the New Testament every single day, then there is no man made brick and mortar church that could or should ever shake our spiritual church we have developed directly with Christ Jesus himself.

Christ is the rock, and the rock is seeded in your heart to which he will build the foundation of his church on through his word in the New Testament. His foundation is indestructible, how well you build your church in Christ is up to you.

God bless

ps: let's not forget that those who have accepted Christ are going to heaven, whether they have a good understanding of the word or not. So maybe we should concentrate our descipleship in and for Christ towards the unbelievers. Just a thought and just my opinion.
as I too find myself spending a lot of time trying to show Christians like Catholics how they have been taught wrong. But they are going to heaven as I am so maybe that effort should be put towards saving the unsaved.

Blain · Apr 25, 2015

I chose to be non denomination because I saw how all these denominations were separating the body of Christ making them enemies basically and I wanted no part of that so I refused to belong to any denomination. I think denominations are simply the enemies way of scattering the sheep

Blain · Apr 25, 2015

eyesonly said:

I think we all need to understand that Christ is the church, and as Christ is in your heart that is where the foundation of church starts for each of us, in our hearts.
we accept Christ and seed him in our hearts and read his word of the New Testament every single day, then there is no man made brick and mortar church that could or should ever shake our spiritual church we have developed directly with Christ Jesus himself.

Christ is the rock, and the rock is seeded in your heart to which he will build the foundation of his church on through his word in the New Testament. His foundation is indestructible, how well you build your church in Christ is up to you.

God bless

ps: let's not forget that those who have accepted Christ are going to heaven, whether they have a good understanding of the word or not. So maybe we should concentrate our descipleship in and for Christ towards the unbelievers. Just a thought and just my opinion.
as I too find myself spending a lot of time trying to show Christians like Catholics how they have been taught wrong. But they are going to heaven as I am so maybe that effort should be put towards saving the unsaved.

True but the actual church building and fellowship and worship of God began with the disciples and so it is still a good thing to go to church

p_rehbein · Apr 25, 2015

eyesonly said:

I think we all need to understand that Christ is the church, and as Christ is in your heart that is where the foundation of church starts for each of us, in our hearts.

Christ is the Head of the Church........the Groom.......we are the Church........those blood bought, born again believers who are His disciples........just saying......

we accept Christ and seed him in our hearts and read his word of the New Testament every single day, then there is no man made brick and mortar church that could or should ever shake our spiritual church we have developed directly with Christ Jesus himself.

True, nor should any denominational ideology separate us from the Church or from Christ.

Christ is the rock, and the rock is seeded in your heart to which he will build the foundation of his church on through his word in the New Testament. His foundation is indestructible, how well you build your church in Christ is up to you.

? This one a bit confusing.......He is certainly the Cornerstone, the First fruit, He is Lord......and His Church is indestructible for sure.......as to the last part........If I understand you are simply saying how our congregation preaches/teaches the Gospel of Christ is up to us, then yes........

God bless

ps: let's not forget that those who have accepted Christ are going to heaven, whether they have a good understanding of the word or not. So maybe we should concentrate our descipleship in and for Christ towards the unbelievers. Just a thought and just my opinion.

Accepting Christ is certainly the point of salvation, but it is just the first step. It is the beginning of our walk with Christ to fulfill God's purpose for our lives with Christ.

as I too find myself spending a lot of time trying to show Christians like Catholics how they have been taught wrong. But they are going to heaven as I am so maybe that effort should be put towards saving the unsaved.

There is room for concern with this statement....Jesus spoke of those who He will deny at the time of accounting......just saying.......we don't save the unsaved, but we surely should be witnessing to them. Jesus saves......we serve......

anyway...............my thoughts

MyLighthouse · Apr 25, 2015

The same reasons fall for non-denominational churches now, to most I know they have become a denomination too.

What bothers me about non-denominational is lack of instruction or authority. They seem to let everyone believe and do what they want. which is just as destructive as the other. I'm interdenominational and it seems to work, but like anyone I rather go to a church with like minded individuals :/

Ultimately we are the church, the buildings are simply places to fellowship with believers.

p_rehbein · Apr 25, 2015

MyLighthouse said:

That may be true for some, don't know about every non-denominational church...........but it is certainly not true for all. I can assure you it is not true for mine. Yes, we ARE the Church.........

oldthennew · Apr 25, 2015

one of the rarest things we have witnessed in our walk
over many years is a like-minded-complete-unified-body
of called and chosen and sealed believers in Jesus Christ.

one season, satan infiltrated and the body was scattered -
many of the group found each other and began to build and
worship again, they continue unto this day as they are commanded -
they wait together in reverence of their Father, armed in the Spirit for
they know the time is near for all the world will be torn asunder and shattered to pieces......

Jeff_56 · Apr 25, 2015

MadParrotWoman said:

yes. "come out of her my people" is about the whole world system and all the false religions whether called 'christian' or not.

knowing the father is what's important, what is life, what is truth. through jesus he grants a way, and most
of the denominations may not provide examples nor instructions on how to find the kingdom of heaven.

being 'non'anything though also does not mean TRUTH is known. even the "non"d's may kick you out if you actually are saved and stand up for the TRUTH in JESUS by GOD'S GRACE.

yes, the whole world is a dangerous place, and death-dealing, and under a death sentence.

Jeff_56 · Apr 25, 2015

oldthennew said:

................................. amen. he who seeks and keeps seeking, shall find.

................................. GOD'S PROMISE!

Nondenominational

MadParrotWoman

Guest

Banned

Banned

Miri

Guest

MadParrotWoman

Guest

Banned

Senior Member

Banned

Banned

alan68

Guest

Miri

Guest

Banned

The Word Weaver

The Word Weaver

Senior Member

MyLighthouse

Guest

Senior Member

oldthennew

Guest

Banned

Banned