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I may or may not be correct on this but here is my feeling upon "denominations". If we read the statement of faiths for each denomination we will find everything from major to minor differences in their beliefs. This is what the particular demonination believes when spoken about "the governing board". So the sign in front of the building will read "Lutheran", "Methodist" ect. Some will even add "Pentacostal" or "Charismatic". This is how others will know what their Biblical doctrines are at the core. I myself am a "member" of The Christiam and Missionary Allianance Church which calls itself non-denomination but is basically a reformed church. I joined because i believe their statement of faith. But that is MY reason for becoming a member. There are many like myself who attend a particular church due to the statement of faith (which, i think, many dont know about the church they attend).
This leads to my point. I believe many call themselves a particular "denomination" name only because its the church they attend. They dont really know the chrches statement of faith but they enjoy the "type" of service given there. Good example is Amazing-Grace in saying she is more reformed in her own statement of faith but attends a different "denomination" church. She enjoys the service, worship and teaching. She is comfortable there so that is where she goes for service. But she also would not call herself by that denominations "name". She, i believe, would call herself "A Christian" (which i do when asked). We should not be divided by "denomination". There are in the end only two "churches". Those who believe and have given their lives in faith to Christ and those who dont. God divides us by faith not denomination. God looks at the heart, man looks at the building or denomination one attends.
I know i have not answered the question but i dont believe anyone else has either. The best way to undetstand a certain "denomination" is to search their statement of faith. But, unfortunately, this could also vary between specific churches within a particular denomination depending on the church. They will stay within the means for financial support but may have slight differences withon their own particular statement of faith. We now have a great way at hand to research this....the internet. But dont just read one "definition", read two or three or ten. This would be the best way i can think of to actually answer the OP. When i see someone post about a certain church i never heard of i do research. Not only do you end up understanding more about a particular denomination, it ends up leading to Bible study.
Obviously this is my own thinking upon the subject so take it as you will. There are true Christians in every "denomination" of Christianity. There are also non-Christians within every "denomination" of Christianity. We must be very careful when we "start throwing stones" just because of "denomination".
This leads to my point. I believe many call themselves a particular "denomination" name only because its the church they attend. They dont really know the chrches statement of faith but they enjoy the "type" of service given there. Good example is Amazing-Grace in saying she is more reformed in her own statement of faith but attends a different "denomination" church. She enjoys the service, worship and teaching. She is comfortable there so that is where she goes for service. But she also would not call herself by that denominations "name". She, i believe, would call herself "A Christian" (which i do when asked). We should not be divided by "denomination". There are in the end only two "churches". Those who believe and have given their lives in faith to Christ and those who dont. God divides us by faith not denomination. God looks at the heart, man looks at the building or denomination one attends.
I know i have not answered the question but i dont believe anyone else has either. The best way to undetstand a certain "denomination" is to search their statement of faith. But, unfortunately, this could also vary between specific churches within a particular denomination depending on the church. They will stay within the means for financial support but may have slight differences withon their own particular statement of faith. We now have a great way at hand to research this....the internet. But dont just read one "definition", read two or three or ten. This would be the best way i can think of to actually answer the OP. When i see someone post about a certain church i never heard of i do research. Not only do you end up understanding more about a particular denomination, it ends up leading to Bible study.
Obviously this is my own thinking upon the subject so take it as you will. There are true Christians in every "denomination" of Christianity. There are also non-Christians within every "denomination" of Christianity. We must be very careful when we "start throwing stones" just because of "denomination".
D
I suppose what I meant by technically Pentecostal, is some churches have this
in their name. Others like Baptist don't, but they do church same as the named Pentecostal
down the road. Probably when the Pentecostal movement started out, it was different from
the more traditionally stiff starchy way of doing church. Lol But now there isn't the same
defining borders, there is a lot of overlap between the denominations and I think
that now, it's just a case of finding a church which suits you and teaches the truth,
Irrespective of the title in the name
To me i suppose Pentecostal goes together with freedom, like amazinggrace said.
Some churches are so rigid you can almost feel strangled and instead of meeting
with God, you spend your time trying to meet the approval of the rest of the
congregation.
For me a church should be a place of freedom, and I find my current church is
the place which allows me to be free to meet with God.
Soooo Lynn are you going to visit the dark side. Lol
in their name. Others like Baptist don't, but they do church same as the named Pentecostal
down the road. Probably when the Pentecostal movement started out, it was different from
the more traditionally stiff starchy way of doing church. Lol But now there isn't the same
defining borders, there is a lot of overlap between the denominations and I think
that now, it's just a case of finding a church which suits you and teaches the truth,
Irrespective of the title in the name
To me i suppose Pentecostal goes together with freedom, like amazinggrace said.
Some churches are so rigid you can almost feel strangled and instead of meeting
with God, you spend your time trying to meet the approval of the rest of the
congregation.
For me a church should be a place of freedom, and I find my current church is
the place which allows me to be free to meet with God.
Soooo Lynn are you going to visit the dark side. Lol
Truthfully, I'm comfortable in either for the worship part. The uncomfortable comes in the sermon.
D
I get that, but "Pentecostal" (Yay! I'm finally spelling it right the first time lol) and "Charismatic" aren't referencing denominations. They're adjectives describing both denominations and nondenominations. Back in the early 70's, the first time I ever hear of "Charismatics," they were a Roman Catholic Church in all their Roman Catholicy ways, except they were surprisingly happy in the praise part of mass, actually used modern instruments for worship, and had an upbeat sermon. AND it was in English, not Latin. (50/50 on if a mass would be in English or Latin in the early 70's. By the end of the 70's, most masses were in English. Kind of made me have to think out what I was saying, since I spent my youth responding in Latin. lol)
And then I heard other churches were going charismatic. But none of them left their denom to do that, so it's not a denominational thing. It's something else.
It's like me telling most people I'm an MG writer. Everyone gets I'm a writer. You can picture what I do when I write, but that MG part is likely to make you wonder what that means. It adds something to what I am, but without understanding the term, I'm forever lost on what someone is trying to tell me they are.
And then I heard other churches were going charismatic. But none of them left their denom to do that, so it's not a denominational thing. It's something else.
It's like me telling most people I'm an MG writer. Everyone gets I'm a writer. You can picture what I do when I write, but that MG part is likely to make you wonder what that means. It adds something to what I am, but without understanding the term, I'm forever lost on what someone is trying to tell me they are.
The most faithful and true translation of "I Am" from the original tongue is "The Self-Existing." It is more a title than a name, like the Almighty or Lord of Hosts.
According to the Word, when we are all in the Kingdom God will return to us all a new language (tongue) in order for us al to call Him by One Name. This will probably be His true name and no long one title amongst many.
Meanwhile we honor the Living God by our faith in Jesus Christ.
I bow the knees and confess Jesus Christ is Lord............now for the mysteries, come the Kingdom, to all be revealed. That is going to be true wonderment.
According to the Word, when we are all in the Kingdom God will return to us all a new language (tongue) in order for us al to call Him by One Name. This will probably be His true name and no long one title amongst many.
Meanwhile we honor the Living God by our faith in Jesus Christ.
I bow the knees and confess Jesus Christ is Lord............now for the mysteries, come the Kingdom, to all be revealed. That is going to be true wonderment.
I am a Christian- a follower of Christ, not a follower of man-made religions- which are false doctrines. God says "They worship Me in vain (not resulting in salvation), their doctrine is merely human rules." What false doctrines do is mix scripture with man-made rules- so it is partly true, but God wants us to follow His doctrine only (The New Testament). "All scripture is God-breathed... ...for every good work." If scripture covers every good work, then whatever man can add is not good- like 1 Timothy 4 gives examples of added things- like forbidding people to marry or to not eat certain foods- this is false doctrine.
I have been asked "Of what faith are you?" And I answered "There is only one Lord, one Faith, and one baptism." In Colossians chapter one it says that Christ is the head, and His body is the church. Christ does not have more than one head, nor does He have more than one body (church/practice/belief). Christ did not die for the buffet of churches in the phone book, but only for His church.
It is therefore up to each individual to study the scriptures and make sure what they practice matches the Bible. There is a book about a couple who did just that- they searched every church doctrine they could to find out which one matched the New Testament church. The book is called "Muscle and a Shovel" if you're interested in what they discovered. You need to dig deep into the Word (shovel) and use your brain (muscle) in order to search for the truth.
A red flag that it's not Christ's church is that it is not named after Him, such as the Church of Saint So and So, Baptist, Lutheran, Methodist, etc. Christ appointed elders in individual congregations to make sure things go according to scripture, but there is no man over all the congregations of Christ church- Christ is the only head (authority) over His church, and the New Testament is the only doctrine His church is to follow.
So when you ask me, I dont say what branch I belong to- because there are no branches. There is only one true church, and many, many false churches. The Bible commanded the apostles that they all teach the same- no conflicting views- which is easily done when all teach only what the New Testament teaches. It is a fact that is two beliefs conflict, that at least one of them are wrong.
I have been asked "Of what faith are you?" And I answered "There is only one Lord, one Faith, and one baptism." In Colossians chapter one it says that Christ is the head, and His body is the church. Christ does not have more than one head, nor does He have more than one body (church/practice/belief). Christ did not die for the buffet of churches in the phone book, but only for His church.
It is therefore up to each individual to study the scriptures and make sure what they practice matches the Bible. There is a book about a couple who did just that- they searched every church doctrine they could to find out which one matched the New Testament church. The book is called "Muscle and a Shovel" if you're interested in what they discovered. You need to dig deep into the Word (shovel) and use your brain (muscle) in order to search for the truth.
A red flag that it's not Christ's church is that it is not named after Him, such as the Church of Saint So and So, Baptist, Lutheran, Methodist, etc. Christ appointed elders in individual congregations to make sure things go according to scripture, but there is no man over all the congregations of Christ church- Christ is the only head (authority) over His church, and the New Testament is the only doctrine His church is to follow.
So when you ask me, I dont say what branch I belong to- because there are no branches. There is only one true church, and many, many false churches. The Bible commanded the apostles that they all teach the same- no conflicting views- which is easily done when all teach only what the New Testament teaches. It is a fact that is two beliefs conflict, that at least one of them are wrong.
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Im just gonna answer because I like Teddy Bears
Well I consider myself Pentecostal Charismatic now imma say why
I believe Pentecostals (generally) lack when it comes to going outside of a church.. Its more a Charismatic thing to go out of the shell and talk about God to strangers.
When I say Im pentecostal charismatic I dont mean Im in some sort of church, but their teaching is the closest so far that I can identfy with.
I believe that spiritual gifts are still at work today, not that its necessary to salvation, but its still today they exist. I believe Christians receive the Holy Spirit when theyre saved (with and without laying on hands). I believe prayer is powerful and that spiritual warfare is real. I believe that Jesus is what saves, not working towards salvation like some believe. I believe we are forgiven through the grace and mercy of the our God. That Jesus mediates for us to our father because unrighteousness cant get near him because he is holy.
I believe God wants a relationship with us and not just a ''hi and bye" kind of relationship, but a close father and child relationship. I believe that seeking God is important.
What I am not..well I do not believe that gifts died out, which is common in other denominations. I dont believe only going to church once a week is enough to grow but really trying to understand God.
I dont believe that God doesnt hear our prayers when we mess up. I dont believe he leaves or forsakens us though it sometimes looks like it. I believe all things good and evil work together to the perfect will of God.
I feel like im forgetting something but I cant think of it right now
Well I consider myself Pentecostal Charismatic now imma say why
I believe Pentecostals (generally) lack when it comes to going outside of a church.. Its more a Charismatic thing to go out of the shell and talk about God to strangers.
When I say Im pentecostal charismatic I dont mean Im in some sort of church, but their teaching is the closest so far that I can identfy with.
I believe that spiritual gifts are still at work today, not that its necessary to salvation, but its still today they exist. I believe Christians receive the Holy Spirit when theyre saved (with and without laying on hands). I believe prayer is powerful and that spiritual warfare is real. I believe that Jesus is what saves, not working towards salvation like some believe. I believe we are forgiven through the grace and mercy of the our God. That Jesus mediates for us to our father because unrighteousness cant get near him because he is holy.
I believe God wants a relationship with us and not just a ''hi and bye" kind of relationship, but a close father and child relationship. I believe that seeking God is important.
What I am not..well I do not believe that gifts died out, which is common in other denominations. I dont believe only going to church once a week is enough to grow but really trying to understand God.
I dont believe that God doesnt hear our prayers when we mess up. I dont believe he leaves or forsakens us though it sometimes looks like it. I believe all things good and evil work together to the perfect will of God.
I feel like im forgetting something but I cant think of it right now
I always thought the Pentecostals (holy rollers) is what we use to call them. Not saying its a bad thing . It seems Charismatic is a spin off of Pentecostals, Working in the gifts, teaching the gifts, but not going as far as snake handling and such. i'm not really sure, i've been to both types of churches and they seem kind of the same, but it seems Pentecostal is more deep into it.
D
I went to the Pentecostal church, from time I was a child but somewhere along the way, I began to see things that brought me no comfort. Most often, we were called Holy rollers. As Pentecostal is just a title but the title it's self doesn't matter, what matter's is your intent, as a title can not save anyone, as title most of the time just divides people.
D
Im just gonna answer because I like Teddy Bears
Well I consider myself Pentecostal Charismatic now imma say why
I believe Pentecostals (generally) lack when it comes to going outside of a church.. Its more a Charismatic thing to go out of the shell and talk about God to strangers.
When I say Im pentecostal charismatic I dont mean Im in some sort of church, but their teaching is the closest so far that I can identfy with.
I believe that spiritual gifts are still at work today, not that its necessary to salvation, but its still today they exist. I believe Christians receive the Holy Spirit when theyre saved (with and without laying on hands). I believe prayer is powerful and that spiritual warfare is real. I believe that Jesus is what saves, not working towards salvation like some believe. I believe we are forgiven through the grace and mercy of the our God. That Jesus mediates for us to our father because unrighteousness cant get near him because he is holy.
I believe God wants a relationship with us and not just a ''hi and bye" kind of relationship, but a close father and child relationship. I believe that seeking God is important.
What I am not..well I do not believe that gifts died out, which is common in other denominations. I dont believe only going to church once a week is enough to grow but really trying to understand God.
I dont believe that God doesnt hear our prayers when we mess up. I dont believe he leaves or forsakens us though it sometimes looks like it. I believe all things good and evil work together to the perfect will of God.
I feel like im forgetting something but I cant think of it right now
Well I consider myself Pentecostal Charismatic now imma say why
I believe Pentecostals (generally) lack when it comes to going outside of a church.. Its more a Charismatic thing to go out of the shell and talk about God to strangers.
When I say Im pentecostal charismatic I dont mean Im in some sort of church, but their teaching is the closest so far that I can identfy with.
I believe that spiritual gifts are still at work today, not that its necessary to salvation, but its still today they exist. I believe Christians receive the Holy Spirit when theyre saved (with and without laying on hands). I believe prayer is powerful and that spiritual warfare is real. I believe that Jesus is what saves, not working towards salvation like some believe. I believe we are forgiven through the grace and mercy of the our God. That Jesus mediates for us to our father because unrighteousness cant get near him because he is holy.
I believe God wants a relationship with us and not just a ''hi and bye" kind of relationship, but a close father and child relationship. I believe that seeking God is important.
What I am not..well I do not believe that gifts died out, which is common in other denominations. I dont believe only going to church once a week is enough to grow but really trying to understand God.
I dont believe that God doesnt hear our prayers when we mess up. I dont believe he leaves or forsakens us though it sometimes looks like it. I believe all things good and evil work together to the perfect will of God.
I feel like im forgetting something but I cant think of it right now
On the base of what you've said, it sounds like most of us are Pentecostal Charismatics. So, when you say it in front of Christians are you saying it to let us know you're of the the-gifts-haven't-died, on-going-relationship-with-Christ group?
D
I disagree. The titles we give ourselves do matter, so others can understand what we believe without having to constantly give a detailed description. Which would you rather hear when you're asking someone about themselves?
"I keep track of the money coming in and going out of the company, prepare this information to be used by the accountants at tax time, use this information to continue to try to collect debts, make sure the owners know they have enough for payrolls, and bills, to let them know the solvency of the company and the market, and to keep track of which customers are worth trusting and which aren't."
Or
"I'm a bookkeeper."
And yet, if I told you I was a palynologist, and expected you to understand what that was, wouldn't it bother you that after knowing me for years, you still don't know what I do that obviously interests me enough to study it?
I get people are trying to tell me something about who they are when they use these words, but if I don't get the words, as often as they use them, I don't get what they want me to know about them. I've heard Miri and Demi call themselves "Pentecostal," so it means something to them. I'm trying to learn what it means.
"I keep track of the money coming in and going out of the company, prepare this information to be used by the accountants at tax time, use this information to continue to try to collect debts, make sure the owners know they have enough for payrolls, and bills, to let them know the solvency of the company and the market, and to keep track of which customers are worth trusting and which aren't."
Or
"I'm a bookkeeper."
And yet, if I told you I was a palynologist, and expected you to understand what that was, wouldn't it bother you that after knowing me for years, you still don't know what I do that obviously interests me enough to study it?
I get people are trying to tell me something about who they are when they use these words, but if I don't get the words, as often as they use them, I don't get what they want me to know about them. I've heard Miri and Demi call themselves "Pentecostal," so it means something to them. I'm trying to learn what it means.
I just figured out a song we can sing about this!!
Sing with me... (to the tune of Mary Poppin's Supercalifragilisticexpialadosia...)
♫ PenteCharisMatholicLutheristAngliBaptist... ♫ PenteCharisMatholicLutheristAngliBaptist... ♫ PenteCharisMatholicLutheristAngliBaptist... ♫ PenteCharisMatholicLutheristAngliBaptist...
[video=youtube;tRFHXMQP-QU]https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=tRFHXMQP-QU[/video]
Sing with me... (to the tune of Mary Poppin's Supercalifragilisticexpialadosia...)
♫ PenteCharisMatholicLutheristAngliBaptist... ♫ PenteCharisMatholicLutheristAngliBaptist... ♫ PenteCharisMatholicLutheristAngliBaptist... ♫ PenteCharisMatholicLutheristAngliBaptist...
[video=youtube;tRFHXMQP-QU]https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=tRFHXMQP-QU[/video]