Why I have no denomination

[KennethC]

Your exegesis is wrong. The construction in the Greek indicates that it is in fact Holy Spirit baptism in Acts 2:38. Matthew and Mark passages are not water nor are they Holy Spirit baptism.

Jesus never commanded us to be water baptized nor was He required to be baptized. Acts 10 where Philip baptizes the eunuch is a clear presentation of water baptism if you care to look at it.

We have denominations because of the carnal nature of man. Man is hopelessly religious and cannot stop himself from creating organizations like denominations to give him order and discipline. From this inherit need comes all kinds of conflict and strife. The needs God allows us have is so that we will be drawn to Him to satisfy those needs. Mans nature is to attempt to meet those needs within himself instead of turning to God.

For the cause of Christ
Roger

Wrong as the Greek word used in them is Baptizo;

Definition: lit: I dip, submerge, but specifically of ceremonial dipping; I baptize.

1. properly, to dip repeatedly, to immerge, submerge (of vessels sunk,Polybius 1, 51, 6; 8, 8, 4; of animals, Diodorus 1, 36).
2. to cleanse by dipping or submerging, to wash, to make clean with water; in the middle and the 1 aorist passive to wash oneself, bathe; soMark 7:4 (where WH text ῥαντισωνται); Luke 11:38 (2 Kings 5:14ἐβαπτίσατο ἐν τῷ Ιορδάνῃ, for טָבַל; Sir. 31:30 (Sir. 34:30; Judith 12:7).

 

[atwhatcost]

A man of God, such as a pastor or a priest's duty is to preach the word. The moment we have faith to believe in the true Gospel, the Holy Spirit enters into us as a promise of God to guide us and lead us and to teach us. Man cannot rely on another.

Sounds like something you were taught. Definitely not Biblical or half the NT is invalid. After all, very much a thing on who was leading and guiding whom. Paul guided Tim. Barnabas guided Paul. Peter and Paul had to duke it out, because Peter was the rock.

And considering older men and older woman are supposed to guide younger men and younger woman, this is simply false.

So, yeah, you're merely repeating what you heard or read from whomever is guiding you. And, given, you think it's wise to avoid learning from others, I strongly suspect whoever is guiding you is a wolf.

You aren't of a denomination for some reason, but it's not Biblical reasoning. And I'm not even telling you to join a denom. I'm telling you that you're getting terrible teaching. It will either lead you to create your own god or to hate God for daring to put you there, when all along, you put yourself there.

 

[atwhatcost]

Not to derail the thread.

But john the baptist said jesus would come and he would baptize with the HS and fire. So unless you deny Jesus has the ability to baptise with The HS and with Fire (which shall never be quenched it says) then you have to admit you are wrong.

This is not a baptism thread, so I will not get into specifics. But just say you are horribly wrong, and trying to replace the work of God with the work of man.

A sinner who needs saved can not wash you, any more than a priest who is a sinner, can make a sacrifice to forgive sin.

You and Kenneth both derailed this thread. (Again with the discernment thingy.)

 

[Blain]

Take this at face value. It seems to me the ones who most quarrel about denominations are those who consider themselves not of a denomination.

I was talking about denominations quarreling with each other. think of the church- the body of Christ as a human body. denominations within that body belonging to a certain part of the body say the arms or legs for instance. the human body to function correctly requires that the entire body works correctly and not against itself. if you have the right arm working against the left arm then you have flailing arms and you cannot reach out your hand to help pick someone up if you have the left leg working against the right leg can you imagine how hard it would be to walk?

We are the the very body of Christ himself if one part of Christ is not working with the other then the body is ineffective, such is the state of the church today not simply because of the times but because each denomination works against the other

 

[atwhatcost]

when I became saved I had no one to teach me what it meant to be a Christian or how to be one not even a church to go to, I didn't know how to pray or how to do anything as a believer I was alone. So I said to myself I will just go to the best teacher of all- God himself. I spent all day everyday with him seeking him out learning slowly yet surely how to connect with him how to pray how to think as a believer what it means to be a Christian what it means to be strong.

denominations only confused me they didn't feel right to me it seemed to me as if denominations were only causing the body of Christ to stumble and separate making the body so much less affective. So before I even knew there was such a thing as nondenominational I chose to not belong to a single denomination but instead be called a child of God.

Weren't you saved or newly saved when you joined this site?

And yet? You think you did it all alone?

 

[Blain]

Weren't you saved or newly saved when you joined this site?

And yet? You think you did it all alone?

When I joined this yes I was newly saved but I never once said I did alone I don't know where you got that idea. I didn't have anyone to teach me what it means to be a Christian so I went to God directly I was never alone and I had and have the best teacher of them all. Also the amount of time one is saved does not exactly measure the wisdom from God nor the strength of their faith and love, a babe in Christ can easily have more faith and love and even wisdom than a person who has been in the game for many years because people tend to lose sight of what it means to be a Christian and why we are Christians

 

[eternally-gratefull]

A man of God, such as a pastor or a priest's duty is to preach the word. The moment we have faith to believe in the true Gospel, the Holy Spirit enters into us as a promise of God to guide us and lead us and to teach us. Man cannot rely on another.

We should never assume we will just know it all and automatically be taught by the HS, God did not even send people out on their own. We need a discipler. and someone we trust to make sure our flesh does not get in way of our interpretation.

 

[eternally-gratefull]

there are three gospels.

Licentious (easy believism, I can sin all I want)

Grace

Works

Of all the denomination, each one can only teach one of these three options.

Where denominations differ is mostly how they do church, what doctrines they want to realy focus on, and other issues.

As long as they teach the correct gospel. they are part of the true church and going to heaven, no matter what differences they may have.

 

[eternally-gratefull]

I was just asking because it can get lonely out there if you are on your own but as long as you have a group of people to meet with and help bear each others burdens I have always said going to church won't save you. But it is nice to have people to pray with and speak about God and praise Him together. Good for you loving Jesus at 17 a lot of teens don't.

amen, it is not only lonely, but you set yourself up for satanic attack. An army needs to stay together, we are in a spiritual war. we need all the help we can get. That is why it is so important to be together as a group (and not just on sunday or sunday and wed, or saturday for those who worship on Saturday)

they meet continually in the NT. not just on certain days.

Church is more than a building or a pastor shepherding some people (as unfortunately most churches are now adays) . it is a community.

 

[eternally-gratefull]

I don't agree. We are not to be part of any body of believers that teaches heresy (and I count pre-trib rapture under that heading) and we are commanded specifically to turn away from those who have the form of godliness but deny the power. That would rule out many of those places who teach that the gifts are not for today, or that there are no prophets or apostles any more.

What has gone wrong with denominational Christianity is they largely reject Godly authority by making the pastor take the leading and central role. This means that many are subject to dead sermons which they are spoon-fed week after week, and they never have any opportunity to explore for themselves what their true calling is, so that they can take their rightful place in the assembly and function in their ministry.

If we think denominational Christianity is ok, it is a good idea to read all of 1 Corinthians 12 through and remind ourselves how things are supposed to be, soberly judging if our own church fellowship measures up. If it doesn't, then get out of there. Don't risk your eternity falling asleep in the pew...remember Jesus will spew the lukewarm out of His mouth.
1 Cor 12:
1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.

2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
14 For the body is not one member, but many.
15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?
20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.
21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:
25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

and here is the problem which comes from denominational sects, and why the postor believes the way she does.

News flash. If I am saved by the one and only gospel and you are also saved by the one and only gospel.

what we believe concerning the rapture has no bearing on ones eternity. It is just a way for satan to divide us.

So thank you for proving the intention of the OP.

 

[atwhatcost]

I was talking about denominations quarreling with each other. think of the church- the body of Christ as a human body. denominations within that body belonging to a certain part of the body say the arms or legs for instance. the human body to function correctly requires that the entire body works correctly and not against itself. if you have the right arm working against the left arm then you have flailing arms and you cannot reach out your hand to help pick someone up if you have the left leg working against the right leg can you imagine how hard it would be to walk?

We are the the very body of Christ himself if one part of Christ is not working with the other then the body is ineffective, such is the state of the church today not simply because of the times but because each denomination works against the other

Reality check.

1. Reread this thread. Who is quarreling with whom and which denomination do they represent? (Hint: the quarrelers seem to be all nondenoms or no-deoms.)

2. I've been a Christian for several decades and have never seen the Ag's quarreling with the Methodists, the Methodists quarreling with the Lutherans, the Lutherans quarreling with the Baptists nor the Baptists quarreling with the Presbyterians. Why would they? To what purpose? The minor differences were the cause for the lineage to begin with. Sure, they are important distinct differences, but "minor" was used because we all believe the basics for salvation and sanctification. Thems the major similarities.

3. We do quarrel when some would take away the major similarities. Dagnabit! That's why we split. Should women have leadership roles? I'm a woman, so of course I've got strong opinions, but it's still minor. Is Jesus not God? Is the Bible unimportant? Is everyone but Hitler saved? Bring that crap up and there's going to be a split!

You're still arguing over the minor stuff, while denominations sussed that out long ago. No need for us to quarrel over that stuff. We can all read the history of when it got resolved by whom, and why to figure out if they got it right. The major stuff? My denomination got right. The minor stuff? That's another topic we ca go at until the 20th generation of these cows come home. lol

You, on the other hand, are stuck thinking you have to reinvent the wheel. I'd rather just buy the wheel and move on from there. (I already checked the cost, since I can see who got that wheel when.)

The only ones complaining about the state of the churches today are the ones avoiding them. Frighteningly related to the amount of heretics on this site promoting a new variation on Christianity -- aka the legalists, the perfects, the anarchists, the WoFer, and the lone gunmen.

Kind of like how many people who have never been married like to tell married folks how to keep their marriages working.

 

[atwhatcost]

When I joined this yes I was newly saved but I never once said I did alone I don't know where you got that idea. I didn't have anyone to teach me what it means to be a Christian so I went to God directly I was never alone and I had and have the best teacher of them all. Also the amount of time one is saved does not exactly measure the wisdom from God nor the strength of their faith and love, a babe in Christ can easily have more faith and love and even wisdom than a person who has been in the game for many years because people tend to lose sight of what it means to be a Christian and why we are Christians

I was commenting on the "just me and God" mentality. The truth is you've learned much from folks on this site too, so it wasn't just you and God. Not saying how good what you learned was. Merely suggesting you are a bit like me. Got nothing else, so learn from what you got. This IS what we got.

Of course, I've got history and my Dead Guys going for me. This is three years later and you're still determined to invest a lot of time in reinventing the world because you're actually judging Christianity from THIS site. Scary. The Internet is not RW.

The only reason I'm not in a church anymore is because I cannot.

The only reason you aren't still is because you will not. That's not good. Then you're stuck reinventing the wheel and taking bits from sound people and heretics alike.

What's the use of having experience if it is now a major thing that young people won't learn from someone else's experience? It's really becoming apparent that younger generations refuse any trust of older generations. (And I'm saying that knowing I'm not old. I am still willing to learn from the old folks.) If you're all about taking God at his word, then do a study about what God wants older folks and younger folks to do. Because, you're not doing it now. (I've seen you do it, so I'm not saying you're never doing it. But you sure aren't right now.)

 

[Blain]

Reality check.

1. Reread this thread. Who is quarreling with whom and which denomination do they represent? (Hint: the quarrelers seem to be all nondenoms or no-deoms.)

2. I've been a Christian for several decades and have never seen the Ag's quarreling with the Methodists, the Methodists quarreling with the Lutherans, the Lutherans quarreling with the Baptists nor the Baptists quarreling with the Presbyterians. Why would they? To what purpose? The minor differences were the cause for the lineage to begin with. Sure, they are important distinct differences, but "minor" was used because we all believe the basics for salvation and sanctification. Thems the major similarities.

3. We do quarrel when some would take away the major similarities. Dagnabit! That's why we split. Should women have leadership roles? I'm a woman, so of course I've got strong opinions, but it's still minor. Is Jesus not God? Is the Bible unimportant? Is everyone but Hitler saved? Bring that crap up and there's going to be a split!

You're still arguing over the minor stuff, while denominations sussed that out long ago. No need for us to quarrel over that stuff. We can all read the history of when it got resolved by whom, and why to figure out if they got it right. The major stuff? My denomination got right. The minor stuff? That's another topic we ca go at until the 20th generation of these cows come home. lol

You, on the other hand, are stuck thinking you have to reinvent the wheel. I'd rather just buy the wheel and move on from there. (I already checked the cost, since I can see who got that wheel when.)

The only ones complaining about the state of the churches today are the ones avoiding them. Frighteningly related to the amount of heretics on this site promoting a new variation on Christianity -- aka the legalists, the perfects, the anarchists, the WoFer, and the lone gunmen.

Kind of like how many people who have never been married like to tell married folks how to keep their marriages working.

Arguing? I thought we were merely discussing these things, I have seen denominations attacking each other all the time especially here in cc so that is why I said what I did.

I tend to see things differently than others and it tends to upset ppl and also bless others, I can see what others can't yet at the same time I am blind to what others see.

 

[Blain]

I was commenting on the "just me and God" mentality. The truth is you've learned much from folks on this site too, so it wasn't just you and God. Not saying how good what you learned was. Merely suggesting you are a bit like me. Got nothing else, so learn from what you got. This IS what we got.

Of course, I've got history and my Dead Guys going for me. This is three years later and you're still determined to invest a lot of time in reinventing the world because you're actually judging Christianity from THIS site. Scary. The Internet is not RW.

The only reason I'm not in a church anymore is because I cannot.

The only reason you aren't still is because you will not. That's not good. Then you're stuck reinventing the wheel and taking bits from sound people and heretics alike.

What's the use of having experience if it is now a major thing that young people won't learn from someone else's experience? It's really becoming apparent that younger generations refuse any trust of older generations. (And I'm saying that knowing I'm not old. I am still willing to learn from the old folks.) If you're all about taking God at his word, then do a study about what God wants older folks and younger folks to do. Because, you're not doing it now. (I've seen you do it, so I'm not saying you're never doing it. But you sure aren't right now.)

at first yes God was all I had and was the only teacher I had but when I came to cc I made friends I also learned form many wise ppl, I never said that I only had God now if you recall I used the words when I first became saved. Also I go to church I don't know why you think I don't, also I love old people I actually make friends with them much easier than young ppl because I am attracted to their wisdom and experience. You really do not seem to know me at all

 

[atwhatcost]

Arguing? I thought we were merely discussing these things, I have seen denominations attacking each other all the time especially here in cc so that is why I said what I did.

I tend to see things differently than others and it tends to upset ppl and also bless others, I can see what others can't yet at the same time I am blind to what others see.

No, you've seen people from different denominations have hissy-fits over some pet prove-a-point. And you've seen that online. No? Really? Someone is arguing online? Yikes!

Really? What else is there to do online. Not like we're all going to get the dinner dishes washed together. lol

 

[eternally-gratefull]

Wrong as the Greek word used in them is Baptizo;

Definition: lit: I dip, submerge, but specifically of ceremonial dipping; I baptize.

1. properly, to dip repeatedly, to immerge, submerge (of vessels sunk,Polybius 1, 51, 6; 8, 8, 4; of animals, Diodorus 1, 36).
2. to cleanse by dipping or submerging, to wash, to make clean with water; in the middle and the 1 aorist passive to wash oneself, bathe; soMark 7:4 (where WH text ῥαντισωνται); Luke 11:38 (2 Kings 5:14ἐβαπτίσατο ἐν τῷ Ιορδάνῃ, for טָבַל; Sir. 31:30 (Sir. 34:30; Judith 12:7).

well you gave about 1/3 of the whole defenition of what the word bapto means,

The word is not even bapto, it is Baptizo, which is far more involved then Bapto.

The word baptizo in ancient greek did not even have water involved, only in CERMONIAL cleansings was in used in this way, but in a figurative sense.

 

[Blain]

No, you've seen people from different denominations have hissy-fits over some pet prove-a-point. And you've seen that online. No? Really? Someone is arguing online? Yikes!

Really? What else is there to do online. Not like we're all going to get the dinner dishes washed together. lol

people often times show what is truly in their hearts online because they are behind a computer screen most would not say what they do to each other face to face.

Also if all their is to do online is argue then there is no point in having an online Christian community. I did not come here to argue I came here to be with fellow believers to learn and grow to see and show the heart of God to help others ect.
So why did you come to cc then?

 

[gb9]

well you gave about 1/3 of the whole defenition of what the word bapto means,

The word is not even bapto, it is Baptizo, which is far more involved then Bapto.

The word baptizo in ancient greek did not even have water involved, only in CERMONIAL cleansings was in used in this way, but in a figurative sense.

surely he did not just give the part of the definition that backed up his belief??? nahh that would be dishonest. and yet we are reprobate to them because we actually care about correct Biblical truth, not pushing agendas.

 

[Brother_J_BELGIUM]

Denominations are never mentioned in the Bible, yet many "Christians" separate themselves through it. Denominations aren't meant for Christianity because there's only one Gospel. One Gospel that makes us Christians. And that's it.

Well said, Elizabeth. 1 Cor. 3:3-4 speaks of this as well, allow me to paraphrase this passage:

For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?

"I am Catholic, and I am Baptist, and I am Protestant, and I am Evangelic..." ARE YE NOT CARNAL?

Are we not spiritual? Are we not ought to be in Christ? We are Christians, for we are in Christ.
I don't like the labeling either. Some Christians even call themselves fundamentalistic or conservative; yet there's only one kind of Christianity: the one described in the Bible (specifically the book of Acts). I'm not saying you can't be a conservative but why give everything names? It proves that there is division. Even the word "non-denominational" is used in 501c3 churches and yet they are identical to all the other churches. That's why I don't even call myself "non-denominational", because it too has become a name of "what kind of church you are in".

It's true what you say, that when two or three Christians gather in His name, He is in their midst; that's the Church, the Body of Christ.

 

[KennethC]

You and Kenneth both derailed this thread. (Again with the discernment thingy.)

Well I apologized to the OP and got back on track with the topic, but I see somebody else can not do the same so I put them on ignore. Also the only other time I mentioned Babtizo was to another posters question about Matthew 28:19, Mark 16:16, and Acts 2:38.

We have many threads on baptism and this is not one of them, so please stop engaging me on that topic to those who will not.
Please to those go to those other threads if some of you want to discuss it again........