How do you know your denomination is right?

[FacingFaith]

What 'denomination' was our Holy Saviour???

Matthew 16:16-20
[16] Simon Peter answered and said: Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God. [17] And Jesus answering, said to him: Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jona: because flesh and blood hath not revealed it to thee, but my Father who is in heaven. [18] And I say to thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. [19] And I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose upon earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven. [20] Then he commanded his disciples, that they should tell no one that he was Jesus the Christ.

 

[dcontroversal]

He's gone to the place where the banished ones go.

That would be that sleepy little town along I-44 called Banville......

 

[Angela53510]

The denomination I am a member of is 100% correct doctrine; you just set your standards too low.

Which church?

And what doctrines do you believe?

The fact that you will not answer these two simple questions screams "CULT!!

"For nothing is hidden that will not become evident, nor anything secret that will not be known and come to light." Luke 8:17

 

[tourist]

I am in the church of the living God where the doctrine is 100% correct.

1 Timothy 3:15
But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

In other words, you don't attend church. Is this correct?

 

[NayborBear]

Matthew 16:16-20
[16] Simon Peter answered and said: Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God. [17] And Jesus answering, said to him: Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jona: because flesh and blood hath not revealed it to thee, but my Father who is in heaven. [18] And I say to thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. [19] And I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose upon earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven. [20] Then he commanded his disciples, that they should tell no one that he was Jesus the Christ.

He, meaning Jesus, is that "denomination", called "CHRIST men!"

It would seem, according to verse 19 you posted, that "denominationalism", has not done, or is not having a very good effect, in that "binding that which is upon earth." Does it?

Seems, Christ men, in efforts of killing 2 birds with 1 stone, have "fused" the "Great Commission", with verse 19.

They, we, yeah? Myself included, have allowed "scribes and paharsee's", though they are called different names these days, in the driving a wedge, between Christ men, and the State! And, have made a pretty large "chasm", for these efforts, it would appear.

 

[KelbyofGod]

I have already chosen my own beliefs everyone please do not assume that because I am only 16 I am asking this question because I am searching. I posted because I am curious as to what others believe and why.

I like your post and appreciate the way you said it (especially the original posting). I haven't read the thread through but see you caught your first jab only a few posts in.. Please don't fall into the trap of returning them.

In simplest reply I'd say this.. If people don't learn how to get ahold of God in prayer, they won't even know IF they've got it right.

Here's why:
When I noticed that Jesus got most of his disciples right off the streets instead of out of the churches ... I asked God... "Why does it seem like you get [choose] more people off of the streets instead of getting them out of the churches? At least the people in the churches know that they need you and are reading their bibles and such." His reply (paraphrased) "The people in the churches KNOW that they need to seek ME, but they stopped when they found RELIGION"

 

[KelbyofGod]

The farce is strong in this one.

That is just too funny of a quote not to give you a high-five/physical-reprimand <--(depending how people want to interpret it) lol

 

[KelbyofGod]

I'll say one thing (hopefully last one for awhile) then be silent...at least for an hour or two...

No matter the OP's preference (or possible disdain) for the KJV...why did so many people jump all over him for choosing a version he/she felt would be some sort of standard for common reference?

If someone said "Hey, I'm Blatheric and I use the BBBV (Blah-blah-blah) version of the bible. Can someone show me salvation in that version of the bible?"...have people not considered that our job would be to show them salvation rather than start blasting them?"

 

[stonesoffire]

What 'denomination' was our Holy Saviour???

He was a Nazarene. Not the current denomination.

 

[dcontroversal]

Which church?

And what doctrines do you believe?

The fact that you will not answer these two simple questions screams "CULT!!

"For nothing is hidden that will not become evident, nor anything secret that will not be known and come to light." Luke 8:17

Anyone claiming to be 100% correct....one of the following...

a. Full of it
b. Has no more that one to three doctrines
c. Did I say full of it?
d. Ignorant of the facts
e. Has head in the sand
f. Knows better but states it any way
g. Etc.....

 

[Laish]

Hello KelbyofGod
short answer about the reactions to the op’s remarks about the KJV . We have had several new folks show up posting either that the KJV is the only true non satanic Bible version or that the KJV is such a poor version that it she done away with. Most not to that extreme ,but I think you get what I mean . Many here are just tired of the ongoing problems this causes . A healthy decision is fine now and then. Ongoing KJV threads that show up with almost clockwork regularity is tiresome and dose nothing to further the Gospel message
Blessings
Bill

 

[KelbyofGod]

Hello KelbyofGod
short answer about the reactions to the op’s remarks about the KJV . We have had several new folks show up posting either that the KJV is the only true non satanic Bible version or that the KJV is such a poor version that it she done away with. Most not to that extreme ,but I think you get what I mean . Many here are just tired of the ongoing problems this causes . A healthy decision is fine now and then. Ongoing KJV threads that show up with almost clockwork regularity is tiresome and dose nothing to further the Gospel message
Blessings
Bill

Hi Bill.
Thanks for the honest explanation.
Kelby

 

[JaumeJ]

If Jesus did not belong to it, it is not completely correct; it is wrong.

Jesus taught the faith of Abraham.....no, not Moses, Abraham, the man who first received the Gospel of Jesus and the promises for all nations.

 

[Johnny_B]

I have read the Bible over 50 times, and read it in French, the NT in Greek and some of the OT in Hebrew. I have used many translations, but never the KJV. Can't understand it at all! Too many obscure words and antiquated grammar. Plus, whenever anyone comes onto CC with some really bad doctrine, it always comes out of the wrong interpretations of the KJV. Of course, you could make bad doctrine out of any version, but it seems to be much easier to do it with KJV.

I have attended charismatic/Pentecostal churches the first 15 years after I was saved. Woke up one day and saw shallowness, and lack of character development. Walked away, into an Evangelical Free. Then tried Alliance (after a move!) finally ended up in a Southern Baptist Church. I feel that Baptists best represent what I have read in the Bible. But, the SBC had some major things I disagreed with, went to a North American Baptist church. Another move, and now in a Baptists of Western Canada. I do agree with the doctrines and distinctives, and I love our church. But we called a new pastor and he told me privately he is into Open Theism. I knew something was wrong with his preaching! But, I have prayed, and God told me to stay and be involved, which I am.

Our relationship with Jesus Christ is what matters in the long run, not what church we attend. If we are being fed and growing in Christ, then that is a good church! I think God moves us when he knows it is time for us to move forward. Or, if the individual church is really walking with God as a body, it may be possible to stay in a church a long time.

We do need to move to maturity and be transformed in character. And God is the one who is teaching us, and the preaching and teaching of a church is part, but not all of that. God is really laying on my heart, the importance of moving on to maturity and also obeying Christ, and finding out our purpose, and what he personally wants us to do. God never wants us to sit back in a church we like, and warm the pews. If the church is not encouraging us to grow, no amount of correct doctrine is going to help us be transformed.

Walk with the Holy Spirit, be faithful to read and study the Bible, always pray, and seek to be of use to God. I guess that is something we all need to do, no matter which denomination we attend.

PS. I have learned so much from my brothers and sisters on CC. I have totally changed my soteriology because of the faithful witness of people here. God is good!

Amen, I could not of said it better myself.

 

[Johnny_B]

In the Bible Discussion Forum certain members won't say what denomination is right but will be very quick to tell you which ones are wrong. There is also a certain bias against the KJV bible. Actually I prefer the NKJV but the KJV is good too. Not sure what this third-heaven is that your referring to is. Glad to have you join us. Welcome to CC.

It sounds like mormon doctrine, they believe in the third heaven being the ultimate heaven in their doctrine and they KJVers as well.

 

[eternally-gratefull]

What 'denomination' was our Holy Saviour???

he had no denomination, He was the church..

 

[Johnny_B]

All these folks that claim they only use the 1611 KJV, I have a hard time believe that it is the only version they have ever used and never use any means of firguring out what it is saying without having read a more modern translation, here is the 1611 KJV.

Who hath beleeued our report? and to whom is the arme of the Lord reuealed?
2 For he shall grow vp before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a drie ground: hee hath no forme nor comelinesse: and when wee shall see him, there is no beautie that we should desire him.
3 He is despised and reiected of men, a man ofsorrows, and acquainted with griefe: and we hid as it were our faces from him; hee was despised, and wee esteemed him not.
4 ¶ Surely he hath borne our griefes, and caried our sorrowes: yet we did esteeme him striken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was vpon him, and with his stripes we are healed.
6 All we like sheepe haue gone astray: we haue turned euery one to his owne way, and the Lord hath layd on him the iniquitie of vs all.
7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lambe to the slaughter, and as a sheepe before her shearers is dumme, so he openeth not his mouth.
8 He was taken from prison, and from iudgement: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the liuing, for the transgression of my people was he stricken.
9 And he made his graue with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.
10 ¶ Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him, he hath put him to griefe: when thou shalt make his soule an offring for sinne, he shall see his seede, hee shall prolong his daies, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.
11 He shall see of the trauell of his soule, and shalbe satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous seruant iustifie many: for hee shall beare their iniquities.
12 Therefore will I diuide him a portion with the great, and he shall diuide the spoile with the strong: because hee hath powred out his soule vnto death: and he was numbred with the transgressours, and he bare the sinne of many, and made intercession for the transgressours.

If they have posted one time the name Jesus, they have used a modern translation because the 1611 KJV does not use the name Jesus in it and I have not seen one of these KJV 1611 only folks use it in any quote of the Bible they have posted, they use a modern translation. Here is Matthew 1:1

"The booke of the generation of Iesus Christ, the sonne of Dauid, the sonne of Abraham."

I have a feeling that all these KJV 1611 are hypocritical, because they have at some time had to use a modern translation to know to use Jesus instead of Iesus. I have not seen one person that says that the 1611 KJV is the only true word of God use Iesus, they all use Jesus, so they do not rely on the 1611 KJV only as they claim.

 

[TurtleLife]

I assume that you mean “right” in terms of doctrine. A simple listing of Orthodox doctrine would be the measure to examine a particular church denominational or otherwise.

Summary:
1) That God is the Sovereign Creator, upholder, and ruler of the universe, and that He is eternal, omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent.
2) That the Godhead, the Trinity, comprises God the Father, Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
3) That the Scriptures are the inspired revelation of God to men; and that the Bible is the sole rule of faith and practice.
4) That Jesus Christ is very God, and that He has existed with the Father from all eternity.
5) That the Holy Spirit is a personal being, sharing the attributes of deity with the Father and the Son.
6) That Christ, the Word of God, became incarnate through the miraculous conception and the virgin birth; and that He lived an absolutely sinless life here on earth.
7) That the vicarious, atoning death of Jesus Christ, once for all, is all-sufficient for the redemption of a lost race.
8) That Jesus Christ arose literally and bodily from the grave.
9) That He ascended literally and bodily into heaven.
10)That He now serves as our advocate (mediator) in priestly ministry and mediation before the Father.
11)That He will return to the earth in a second advent.
12)That man was created sinless, but by his subsequent fall entered a state of alienation and depravity.
13)That salvation through Christ is by grace alone, through faith in His blood sacrifice.
14)That entrance upon the new life in Christ is by regeneration, or the new birth.
15)That man is justified by faith.
16)That man is sanctified by the indwelling Christ through the Holy Spirit.
17)That believers will be resurrected and those alive will be translated.
18)There will be a final judgment of all men.
19)That the gospel is to be preached as a witness to all the world.

I plagiarized most of this from the 7[SUP]th[/SUP] day Adventist 19 beliefs (per Wikipedia), with very minor modification. This encapsulates, in my mind, Christian Orthodoxy.
As a senior citizen, I have over the years attended both denominational and nondenominational churches. I always examine the doctrinal belief as stated by that particular church before I join it. Currently, I am a member of a Presbyterian Church which adheres to the above list of doctrines.
As an addendum I would like to add that there is no perfect church or perfect person in the church; this should be self-evident. Also when engaging others with regard to Christian matters I like to be clear on what are salvation issues and what are simply differences in belief that do not threaten a person’s salvation.
Even though translations are not per se the topic of this thread, I would make the following comment: the intent of any Bible study is to discern the mind of God as he teaches us. Translations of the Bible have been offered in a variety of ways and languages to help us to do that. If I am dealing with a difficult passage I always look at two or three additional translations and perhaps a commentary. It is a particular translation that is important, but rather how can we best discern the mind of God.

 

[tourist]

The only denominations that I have are a five and a couple ones. Cash is such a nuisance.

 

[mcubed]

As it says in the title, I am asking how do you know that your specific beliefs are leading you on a path to third-heaven? I don't ask this to start argument or debate but I'm very curious as to what makes you sure that your chosen church/denomination is the correct one to follow. Naturally I'd like to comment on every response to evoke more thought! I am 16 and very well-read. If/when quoting or citing scriptures please use the KJV (1611) version of the bible to keep everything mainstream and no mix up's in translations when I respond God Bless

Well, then you can look the scriptures up for yourself. But there are some doctrines that Paul says we hold true. The Scripture is the infallible, inerrant Word of G-d. Y-shua is 100% Man 100% G-d. He died on the cross for our sins, He rose on the third day and He is coming back. And salvation is by grace alone. All the others like, being rich, health, drink alcohol don't drink alcohol, how praise and worship should be done, king james only... so on and so forth are not fundamental of doctrine for salvation so they are (cuss word) matches (probably if a christian should/not cuss too...(lol). And whatever makes people happy and extremely fun to debate.