-
Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.
If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!
To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.
I see two major flaws in this thinking.
First off, calling someone an ENEMY if they have a wrong understanding is a bit exaggerated. It vilifies them while making us oh-so-grandiose. There are lots of reasons why someone may have a wrong understanding over something essential to the faith. Perhaps they are a NEW CHRISTIAN and they haven't yet wrapped their head around orthodoxy. Perhaps they are involved in a group that has some hinky doctrine. Perhaps they are just ignorant. Perhaps their very presence here is God's way of correcting their doctrinal errors.
If someone shares their understanding, but their understanding is ignorant (meaning lacking in knowledge), there are PLENTY OF WAYS that we can lovingly talk to someone and share orthodoxy with them.
But let's pretend they don't lack knowledge. Let's say this person has examined scriptures and drawn a conclusion that is in opposition to orthodoxy. For example, they might say that there is no such thing as the Trinity. You discuss the concept with them rationally and lovingly and realize they have researched this topic. They do not adhere to orthodoxy, so THEY ARE THE ENEMY.
Obviously, we must then do what the scriptures instruct us to do when we are confronted by THE ENEMY. So we viciously, verbally attack them and try to bully them into the truth. Nope. We shame them publicly know it will lead them to the light. Nope. We pretend to be the Holy Spirit go on about how they are destined for hell and then refuse to talk to them further. Nope.
Here's what the bible says we should do....wait for it...wait for it...
OH WOW....we are supposed to LOVE THEM and PRAY FOR THEM.
What?????
Yes, that's right. The people who "have the right gospel" are meant to be loving their enemies and praying for them. Hmmm...we don't see much of that around these boards, do we?
First off, calling someone an ENEMY if they have a wrong understanding is a bit exaggerated. It vilifies them while making us oh-so-grandiose. There are lots of reasons why someone may have a wrong understanding over something essential to the faith. Perhaps they are a NEW CHRISTIAN and they haven't yet wrapped their head around orthodoxy. Perhaps they are involved in a group that has some hinky doctrine. Perhaps they are just ignorant. Perhaps their very presence here is God's way of correcting their doctrinal errors.
If someone shares their understanding, but their understanding is ignorant (meaning lacking in knowledge), there are PLENTY OF WAYS that we can lovingly talk to someone and share orthodoxy with them.
But let's pretend they don't lack knowledge. Let's say this person has examined scriptures and drawn a conclusion that is in opposition to orthodoxy. For example, they might say that there is no such thing as the Trinity. You discuss the concept with them rationally and lovingly and realize they have researched this topic. They do not adhere to orthodoxy, so THEY ARE THE ENEMY.
Obviously, we must then do what the scriptures instruct us to do when we are confronted by THE ENEMY. So we viciously, verbally attack them and try to bully them into the truth. Nope. We shame them publicly know it will lead them to the light. Nope. We pretend to be the Holy Spirit go on about how they are destined for hell and then refuse to talk to them further. Nope.
Here's what the bible says we should do....wait for it...wait for it...
OH WOW....we are supposed to LOVE THEM and PRAY FOR THEM.
What?????
Yes, that's right. The people who "have the right gospel" are meant to be loving their enemies and praying for them. Hmmm...we don't see much of that around these boards, do we?
Here are a few suggestions.
Some possibilities
Some possibilities
C
Just keep visiting some until you find one you like. That's what my brother did when he believed God existed. He went to a bunch of churches until he found one he liked. You can also look on internet to get an impression.
When you don't have one yet maybe check this out, it's not a church but a worldwide movement and he has free teachings on internet:
Home - The Last Reformation
When you don't have one yet maybe check this out, it's not a church but a worldwide movement and he has free teachings on internet:
Home - The Last Reformation
D
Predictable. "It's not my fault I don't trust God. It's your fault. See? See? See?"
Next comes, "I don't have to be moral. I'm not a Christian. But I'm still going to judge you on YOUR morality."
Typical practices of those not truly interested in God at all, merely growing the excuse list for why you find no need to trust him.
Next comes, "I don't have to be moral. I'm not a Christian. But I'm still going to judge you on YOUR morality."
Typical practices of those not truly interested in God at all, merely growing the excuse list for why you find no need to trust him.
D
Try Presbyterian (just about any one but PC-USA.) If you find one that isn't doing exactly that, (teaching the Bible verse by verse from beginning to end), then maybe you found another liberal church telling you they are "christians." But most Presby denominations only teach Bible as sermons and as during-the-week Bible studies. We don't do "101 ways to be a good husband/wife," "the exact proper way to pray," "End Times," "How to earn your salvation," or any other sub-messages. We study the Bible.
E
I would say if your looking for the "perfect" church that teaches everything "perfect" You will never find one (in my 40 years, I have yet to find one.
So find a church that preaches the right gospel. And focuses on body life. And you will probably be ok.. A few differences of non essentials is not going to kill a church.
So find a church that preaches the right gospel. And focuses on body life. And you will probably be ok.. A few differences of non essentials is not going to kill a church.