Why I don't like organised religion
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The bible does say that one should not forsake the assembling together of like-minded believers but I understand what you are saying about organized religion. The thing is, a church does need to be organized but in such a way as to not take away from biblical principals. Tradition in itself is a good thing if based on spiritually healthy biblical principals. Paul makes mention of traditions but I'm certain that these traditions had strict spiritual guidelines.
1 Corinthians 11:2
Now I praise you because you remember me in everything and hold firmly to the traditions, just as I delivered them to you.
Part One of Two
I understand that many of the mature Christians out there are very disappointed with organized “Christianity” and the doctrines they espouse. I get it. I hear you …
I can’t find a church whose doctrines I agree with.
Even their gospel most teach is tainted with heresy.
…
I get it. But what do you expect?
Truth vs. Beliefs …
Yes, that is true within all Christian belief groups as well. We are no different. Our focus is on beliefs. The Atheists focus is on beliefs, the Mormons focus is on beliefs, the Jehovah’s Witnesses focus on their infallible core beliefs. I say it again:
Why? Because “By Definition” Every belief group already has, and believes the truth on EVERY core belief. EVERY belief group, just ask them. Atheists know they have and believe the truth, Muslims know they have and believe the truth. Pick a belief group, any belief group. They all have, and believe the truth. Ergo, according to every belief group, they teach the fullness of the truth on every core belief issue. Every group knows this, including yours, if you are in one. But being able to pass a lie detector test stating that you know you believe and teach the truth and help everyone with opposing beliefs get to the truth, is something the experts from every belief group can affirm with all their heart, mind, soul and strength and be completely honest about. They all believe it. Every belief group knows it’s true. No question, no doubt, they all KNOW their beliefs ARE truth. How can I say this? Because …
True or False: Deviate from any of their core beliefs and you will be silenced and/or removed. Why would you be silenced or removed? Because you are speaking contrary to the truth. You are the enemy of truth. Remember, their core beliefs are FACT. There is no question, no honest consideration of anything else. In all belief groups:
They heap to themselves teachers having itchy ears.
They close their eyes and ears lest they see or hear the truth and alter their beliefs and return.
… (Every response to truth listed in scripture for the religious lost)
How can I say this? Think about it. How many Baptist preachers teach and preach their doctrines and beliefs in Mormon churches? How many Calvinists preach on Calvinism in churches that are Arminian? Visa Versa? The answer is, if you deviate from the core beliefs you are silenced and/or removed. That’s EVERY belief group on the planet. Why? The target is to hold fast to their infallible core beliefs, not on what it takes to get to truth.
No, don’t just believe what I am saying. Study it through.
This is an excerpt from the book I am writing “Truth vs. Beliefs” (Methodology One: The Methodology Belief Groups Focus on.):
Methodology One (The Methodology of ALL Belief Groups) Entails Gathering:
1.) Tons of “Data” to prove your beliefs are “fact.”
2.) Massive amounts of information that proves all opposing positions wrong.
3.) Figuring out how to interpret their “selected” proof (1-2 prior) to fit their beliefs.
4.) Ways to dispose of “apparent” contradictions:
Everything that appears to contradict our conclusions is invalid, misinterpreted, distorted, added by evil monks... or we simply ignore data we don’t like, or make up meanings for it out of whole cloth, often choosing interpretations that no godly man or women in scripture ever thought or even considered. Some interpretations make God Himself a sinner, violating His own commands and ordinances to the point of blasphemy.
5.) Outside Verification of Correctness of Beliefs:
This includes holding to your faith because of signs, wonders, miracles, casting out of demons, a burning in the bosom, statues of Mary coming to life, including things like those listed in Mat. 7:23. This also includes using belief group details to affirm the voracity of their views. This includes, having the oldest church, fastest growing church, the most highly educated experts, our relatives have been a part of this group for 15 generations … anything that helps justify staying in their own particular group. See also Rom. 9:1-5."
Regardless of the belief group, Atheists, Moslems, Baptists, or the individual doctrines, people are not open to altering their core beliefs to fit the fullness of the truth when every single thing that might pertain is gathered, and every bit of it is “cut-straight”, making God, God’s people, and God’s word 100% consistent in all they say and do and all they don’t say and don’t do.
But if you are doing these 5 things, true, you can prove any belief unquestionably true, or unquestionably false depending on the desires of the people within the group. The problem is, if you are doing this you can NEVER get FROM erroneous beliefs TO truth. It’s impossible. Pick any of the five things in the list of what all belief groups do to hold fast to their beliefs on any issue, or refute those of opponents. If you do more of them, how long before you recognize that what you believed was true was really a lie from the pit of hell? Answer: You can never get FROM any erroneous belief TO truth doing more of this. It merely makes you an expert in that belief group. You are not gathering, and objectively examining, the information that would point out your error(s). If you do more of the five things on the list, how long before something you believed to be a lie, distortion, a doctrine from hell … is really the truth?
Answer: You can never get FROM belief in a lie TO truth using Methodology One. It’s impossible.
But that would mean that I am saying that ALL belief groups are hardened into believing lies are truth and that the truth is lies because this is their focus. Am I saying this? Yes, I am. God says it and explains why the methodology above guarantees that you will never get to the real truth to believe it, REGARDLESS OF YOUR CORE BELIEFS. Those habitually using this methodology do not love truth. They hate it. They love their beliefs. They love what they “Want to believe” “as” truth. And will resist any efforts to convert them. They will get angry with you for questioning "their" "faith". Why? Who wants to “knowingly” exchange absolute unquestionable truth for a lie? Every belief groups core beliefs are, by definition, what? Truth. All opposing beliefs are, by definition? Lies. No one intentionally gives any consideration of exchanging absolute truth for lies. And every belief group has absolute truth on every core belief. Ergo, eyes and ears are closed. They respond like dogs and pigs.... Ergo they all heap to themselves teachers having itchy ears. Ergo …
A belief in a lie, no matter how vehemently you believe it to be truth, never saves anyone. Miss the truth and you missed Jesus. Don’t know the real truth, and you never knew the real Jesus. Looking for an answer for those who believe Jesus is Lord in Mat. 7 being headed for hell, in spite of their beliefs, in spite of the signs and wonders they are doing that are EXACTLY THE SAME as those of true Christians of the day? This is it.
Use the Methodology above, as a habit and way of life, and you are not a true Christian ... yet. Yes, you may believe you are with all your heart, mind, soul and strength. Yes, you will KNOW you are His, and you will know, without question, that He is your Lord and Savior, as a Mormon, Roman Catholic, Jehovah's Witness, ... just like every other group that "knows" they are Christians, but without a love of the truth, what does every person get? What they need to believe lies (1-5 above in Methodology One). This is the universal Methodology of the religious lost. It is their defining point. Every Belief Group uses it. No Exceptions. Why? The goal is to hold fast to the unquestionably true core beliefs, "as" truth.
Scriptures (See part Two)
I understand that many of the mature Christians out there are very disappointed with organized “Christianity” and the doctrines they espouse. I get it. I hear you …
I can’t find a church whose doctrines I agree with.
Even their gospel most teach is tainted with heresy.
…
I get it. But what do you expect?
THE FOCUS FOR “BELIEF GROUPS, IS ON THEIR INFALLIBLE BELIEFS NOT ON TRUTH!
Truth vs. Beliefs …
Yes, that is true within all Christian belief groups as well. We are no different. Our focus is on beliefs. The Atheists focus is on beliefs, the Mormons focus is on beliefs, the Jehovah’s Witnesses focus on their infallible core beliefs. I say it again:
EVERY BELIEF GROUP FOCUSES ON THEIR INFALLIBLE BELIEFS NOT ON TRUTH!
Why? Because “By Definition” Every belief group already has, and believes the truth on EVERY core belief. EVERY belief group, just ask them. Atheists know they have and believe the truth, Muslims know they have and believe the truth. Pick a belief group, any belief group. They all have, and believe the truth. Ergo, according to every belief group, they teach the fullness of the truth on every core belief issue. Every group knows this, including yours, if you are in one. But being able to pass a lie detector test stating that you know you believe and teach the truth and help everyone with opposing beliefs get to the truth, is something the experts from every belief group can affirm with all their heart, mind, soul and strength and be completely honest about. They all believe it. Every belief group knows it’s true. No question, no doubt, they all KNOW their beliefs ARE truth. How can I say this? Because …
Belief groups exist to teach, promote, defend, evangelize … “Their Beliefs” “AS” Truth.
True or False: Deviate from any of their core beliefs and you will be silenced and/or removed. Why would you be silenced or removed? Because you are speaking contrary to the truth. You are the enemy of truth. Remember, their core beliefs are FACT. There is no question, no honest consideration of anything else. In all belief groups:
They heap to themselves teachers having itchy ears.
They close their eyes and ears lest they see or hear the truth and alter their beliefs and return.
… (Every response to truth listed in scripture for the religious lost)
How can I say this? Think about it. How many Baptist preachers teach and preach their doctrines and beliefs in Mormon churches? How many Calvinists preach on Calvinism in churches that are Arminian? Visa Versa? The answer is, if you deviate from the core beliefs you are silenced and/or removed. That’s EVERY belief group on the planet. Why? The target is to hold fast to their infallible core beliefs, not on what it takes to get to truth.
No, don’t just believe what I am saying. Study it through.
This is an excerpt from the book I am writing “Truth vs. Beliefs” (Methodology One: The Methodology Belief Groups Focus on.):
Methodology One (The Methodology of ALL Belief Groups) Entails Gathering:
1.) Tons of “Data” to prove your beliefs are “fact.”
2.) Massive amounts of information that proves all opposing positions wrong.
3.) Figuring out how to interpret their “selected” proof (1-2 prior) to fit their beliefs.
4.) Ways to dispose of “apparent” contradictions:
Everything that appears to contradict our conclusions is invalid, misinterpreted, distorted, added by evil monks... or we simply ignore data we don’t like, or make up meanings for it out of whole cloth, often choosing interpretations that no godly man or women in scripture ever thought or even considered. Some interpretations make God Himself a sinner, violating His own commands and ordinances to the point of blasphemy.
5.) Outside Verification of Correctness of Beliefs:
This includes holding to your faith because of signs, wonders, miracles, casting out of demons, a burning in the bosom, statues of Mary coming to life, including things like those listed in Mat. 7:23. This also includes using belief group details to affirm the voracity of their views. This includes, having the oldest church, fastest growing church, the most highly educated experts, our relatives have been a part of this group for 15 generations … anything that helps justify staying in their own particular group. See also Rom. 9:1-5."
Regardless of the belief group, Atheists, Moslems, Baptists, or the individual doctrines, people are not open to altering their core beliefs to fit the fullness of the truth when every single thing that might pertain is gathered, and every bit of it is “cut-straight”, making God, God’s people, and God’s word 100% consistent in all they say and do and all they don’t say and don’t do.
But if you are doing these 5 things, true, you can prove any belief unquestionably true, or unquestionably false depending on the desires of the people within the group. The problem is, if you are doing this you can NEVER get FROM erroneous beliefs TO truth. It’s impossible. Pick any of the five things in the list of what all belief groups do to hold fast to their beliefs on any issue, or refute those of opponents. If you do more of them, how long before you recognize that what you believed was true was really a lie from the pit of hell? Answer: You can never get FROM any erroneous belief TO truth doing more of this. It merely makes you an expert in that belief group. You are not gathering, and objectively examining, the information that would point out your error(s). If you do more of the five things on the list, how long before something you believed to be a lie, distortion, a doctrine from hell … is really the truth?
Answer: You can never get FROM belief in a lie TO truth using Methodology One. It’s impossible.
"The focus of belief groups is not getting to truth. The focus of every belief group is on THEIR “truth”." ME
But that would mean that I am saying that ALL belief groups are hardened into believing lies are truth and that the truth is lies because this is their focus. Am I saying this? Yes, I am. God says it and explains why the methodology above guarantees that you will never get to the real truth to believe it, REGARDLESS OF YOUR CORE BELIEFS. Those habitually using this methodology do not love truth. They hate it. They love their beliefs. They love what they “Want to believe” “as” truth. And will resist any efforts to convert them. They will get angry with you for questioning "their" "faith". Why? Who wants to “knowingly” exchange absolute unquestionable truth for a lie? Every belief groups core beliefs are, by definition, what? Truth. All opposing beliefs are, by definition? Lies. No one intentionally gives any consideration of exchanging absolute truth for lies. And every belief group has absolute truth on every core belief. Ergo, eyes and ears are closed. They respond like dogs and pigs.... Ergo they all heap to themselves teachers having itchy ears. Ergo …
"The first step to “get to” truth, so that you can believe it and be saved is to receive a love of truth that exceeds your love for ANY and ALL your beliefs."
"The second step for getting to the truth so that you can believe it and be saved, is to avoid Methodology One (Above) like the plague itself."
A belief in a lie, no matter how vehemently you believe it to be truth, never saves anyone. Miss the truth and you missed Jesus. Don’t know the real truth, and you never knew the real Jesus. Looking for an answer for those who believe Jesus is Lord in Mat. 7 being headed for hell, in spite of their beliefs, in spite of the signs and wonders they are doing that are EXACTLY THE SAME as those of true Christians of the day? This is it.
Use the Methodology above, as a habit and way of life, and you are not a true Christian ... yet. Yes, you may believe you are with all your heart, mind, soul and strength. Yes, you will KNOW you are His, and you will know, without question, that He is your Lord and Savior, as a Mormon, Roman Catholic, Jehovah's Witness, ... just like every other group that "knows" they are Christians, but without a love of the truth, what does every person get? What they need to believe lies (1-5 above in Methodology One). This is the universal Methodology of the religious lost. It is their defining point. Every Belief Group uses it. No Exceptions. Why? The goal is to hold fast to the unquestionably true core beliefs, "as" truth.
Scriptures (See part Two)
Part Two of Two
Here’s another excerpt from my book:
“Scriptures on Methodology One:
Non-Religious Atheistic Lost and their Response to truth (Rom 1:18-32) and God’s responses to their responses.
Religious Non-Christian Lost and Going to Scripture to Justify what they Want to Believe: (Rom. 10:1-3)
Those that believe Jesus is their Lord, God, Savior but Miss the truth and are still lost and headed for hell
(Mat. 7: 1-27) (Note: vss. 1-5 are about making sure you do not fall short of the judgment all Christians are supposed to make in vs. 6. The opposite “godly” response is found in vs. 7-12 (Parallel passage in Luke 11:13 says that it is this second group that gets the Holy Spirit, i.e. is Christian.) The “Many” in verse 13 and the “many” in verse 22 are the same. And we are commanded to judge their Christianity based on their fruits in 7:6 and 7:15-20. Note: This is us judging based on their fruits (Specifically 7:6 vs. 7:7-12, not based on hearts which men cannot see or judge by.) Those who fail the test of 7:6 no longer get to hear or see as true Christians are commanded not to continue sharing with them anymore.
The Summary Passage that Covers all the lost. Every person on the planet is on one side or the other of this issue right now. 2Th. 2:10-15
2Th 2:10 And with all deceivableness of wickedness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
Connecting word “but” linking those alive then, and being judged by the same standard, but having received a love of truth and thus belief in the truth instead of believing a lie as all the rest receive.
This makes this a timeless truth instead of just a truth for those deceived in the end times.
It also explains the absolute complete success of “Methodology One” allowing every person on the planet to believe anything they “want to believe” “as” truth.
And why we shouldn’t keep sharing with those displaying attributes like Mat. 7:6. If you keep sharing you are fighting against God’s work.”
What do you really love? The truth or your beliefs? Jesus is the way the truth and the life, and if you miss the truth, which this methodology guarantees you will, you are lost and headed for hell while believing with all your heart mind, soul and strength that Jesus is your Lord, God and Savior. Yes, I know… tons of passages on “believe and you will be saved”. But believe what truth or lies? Love what? Truth or lies? I get it. You have a zeal for God. So do the Muslims. You believe Jesus is Lord of all. The demons also believe.
Belief doesn’t save anyone. Only belief in the truth saves. The vast majority of beliefs harden people into believing lies as truth and truth to be lies, closing their eyes and ears, their hearts and minds to even considering anything else. “Seek and you shall find” is in the present tense indicating ongoing, continuous, way and habit of life action that NEVER STOPS till the day you die. Everyone using Methodology One has arrived. They have all found. Seeking, proving all things over and over again like a never-ending court case, holding fast to what is good/true, regardless of what it does to your beliefs, as you keep on doing so, is the path to truth.
Of course, this is just a little bit from the book, and I am in the process of editing it and gathering proof readers, and the process of getting to truth is more involved than this post can handle, but … at least it is something for you truth lovers out there.
Remember Mat. 7:6. (Examine yourself first to make sure you don’t fail in vs. 1-5 first BEFORE you obey Jesus’ command to judge in vs. 6 though.) There is a reason why (Our Pearls) with them. Those using Methodology One are going to do what? Get angry that we could ever question the voracity of their beliefs? Trample everything we share under foot with the massive amounts of information they have gathered to prove their beliefs true, and prove all opposing beliefs false, share with us how all their “selected” data, when interpreted correctly verifies their beliefs, explain away, discredit, invalidate, ignore … anything that doesn’t seem to fit, and, in general trample everything you share under foot.
Truth lovers cannot keep doing studies with those using steps One-Five above(Methodology One). You have no common ground for discussion, and their minds are made up and their eyes and ears are closed and fastened shut by the very method they use. This is a deluding influence FROM GOD to harden them into their false beliefs so that they may be judged. You are not looking for these people to share with. You are commanded by Jesus Himself NOT to keep sharing with those that respond this way. If you love Me you will keep My commandments. Do NOT fight against the very work God is doing in the hearts and minds of the lost, religious or otherwise, believing they are Christians or otherwise. Obey God. Keep on continuously seeking, proving all things, rightly dividing, examining the scriptures diligently daily to see if what is said is true …
And now you understand how every person on this planet can “KNOW” beyond any shadow of a doubt that their core beliefs are “FACT”, and believe completely opposite things from other groups that also know their beliefs are unquestionable truths. It’s the work of God Himself. if anyone is interested
I'm going to include the first few chapters of my book that are off to the editors in the attached files if anyone is interested. Of course, all of this might not be allowed in Christian Chat anyway. It depends on whether the focus is on beliefs or on what it takes to get to truth. I guess we will have to wait and see. Understand that these are "pre-editor" copies.
Here’s another excerpt from my book:
“Scriptures on Methodology One:
Non-Religious Atheistic Lost and their Response to truth (Rom 1:18-32) and God’s responses to their responses.
Religious Non-Christian Lost and Going to Scripture to Justify what they Want to Believe: (Rom. 10:1-3)
Those that believe Jesus is their Lord, God, Savior but Miss the truth and are still lost and headed for hell
(Mat. 7: 1-27) (Note: vss. 1-5 are about making sure you do not fall short of the judgment all Christians are supposed to make in vs. 6. The opposite “godly” response is found in vs. 7-12 (Parallel passage in Luke 11:13 says that it is this second group that gets the Holy Spirit, i.e. is Christian.) The “Many” in verse 13 and the “many” in verse 22 are the same. And we are commanded to judge their Christianity based on their fruits in 7:6 and 7:15-20. Note: This is us judging based on their fruits (Specifically 7:6 vs. 7:7-12, not based on hearts which men cannot see or judge by.) Those who fail the test of 7:6 no longer get to hear or see as true Christians are commanded not to continue sharing with them anymore.
The Summary Passage that Covers all the lost. Every person on the planet is on one side or the other of this issue right now. 2Th. 2:10-15
2Th 2:10 And with all deceivableness of wickedness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
- Stand Firm 13 But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: 14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
Connecting word “but” linking those alive then, and being judged by the same standard, but having received a love of truth and thus belief in the truth instead of believing a lie as all the rest receive.
This makes this a timeless truth instead of just a truth for those deceived in the end times.
It also explains the absolute complete success of “Methodology One” allowing every person on the planet to believe anything they “want to believe” “as” truth.
And why we shouldn’t keep sharing with those displaying attributes like Mat. 7:6. If you keep sharing you are fighting against God’s work.”
What do you really love? The truth or your beliefs? Jesus is the way the truth and the life, and if you miss the truth, which this methodology guarantees you will, you are lost and headed for hell while believing with all your heart mind, soul and strength that Jesus is your Lord, God and Savior. Yes, I know… tons of passages on “believe and you will be saved”. But believe what truth or lies? Love what? Truth or lies? I get it. You have a zeal for God. So do the Muslims. You believe Jesus is Lord of all. The demons also believe.
Belief doesn’t save anyone. Only belief in the truth saves. The vast majority of beliefs harden people into believing lies as truth and truth to be lies, closing their eyes and ears, their hearts and minds to even considering anything else. “Seek and you shall find” is in the present tense indicating ongoing, continuous, way and habit of life action that NEVER STOPS till the day you die. Everyone using Methodology One has arrived. They have all found. Seeking, proving all things over and over again like a never-ending court case, holding fast to what is good/true, regardless of what it does to your beliefs, as you keep on doing so, is the path to truth.
“The Door to Truth Only Opens from the Inside.”
“Closed minds can never be opened from the outside.”
“Getting to the truth is not something others can do “for” you.”
“As a habit and way of life you can either prove your beliefs true and hold fast to them, or you continuously keep on proving all things, over and over again, as a habit and way of life, and alter your beliefs to fit what is true/good. Pick One.
"The Methodology you habitually use, for and by yourself, proves what you really love: The truth or your beliefs.”
“If you gather what you can “use” to “prove your beliefs” true and what you can “use” to prove all opposing beliefs false, and then interpret everything in the light of your beliefs, there is no way to get from lies to truth. All you can do is harden yourself into what you “want to believe” “as” truth.”
“That which you love least will always be made to conform to that which you love most.
You can love truth, or you can love your beliefs. Pick one. Everybody does.”
“No one can have a relationship with your spouse, kids … for you. No one can have a relationship with the Truth “for” you. Either you will habitually keep on doing what it takes to get it for yourself, and by yourself, or it won’t get done.”
“Belief groups do not exist to get anyone “to” the truth. They exist to teach, promote, defend, evangelize … the groups beliefs “as” “truth”. You can’t get “to” truth from there.”
“The Biggest obstacle to getting “to” the truth is the firm belief that we already have it.”
“If your eyes and ears are closed to considering any other view, everything I may say or show you becomes meaningless contention.”
(Mikeisms: Note: I’m Mike)
Of course, this is just a little bit from the book, and I am in the process of editing it and gathering proof readers, and the process of getting to truth is more involved than this post can handle, but … at least it is something for you truth lovers out there.
Remember Mat. 7:6. (Examine yourself first to make sure you don’t fail in vs. 1-5 first BEFORE you obey Jesus’ command to judge in vs. 6 though.) There is a reason why (Our Pearls) with them. Those using Methodology One are going to do what? Get angry that we could ever question the voracity of their beliefs? Trample everything we share under foot with the massive amounts of information they have gathered to prove their beliefs true, and prove all opposing beliefs false, share with us how all their “selected” data, when interpreted correctly verifies their beliefs, explain away, discredit, invalidate, ignore … anything that doesn’t seem to fit, and, in general trample everything you share under foot.
Truth lovers cannot keep doing studies with those using steps One-Five above(Methodology One). You have no common ground for discussion, and their minds are made up and their eyes and ears are closed and fastened shut by the very method they use. This is a deluding influence FROM GOD to harden them into their false beliefs so that they may be judged. You are not looking for these people to share with. You are commanded by Jesus Himself NOT to keep sharing with those that respond this way. If you love Me you will keep My commandments. Do NOT fight against the very work God is doing in the hearts and minds of the lost, religious or otherwise, believing they are Christians or otherwise. Obey God. Keep on continuously seeking, proving all things, rightly dividing, examining the scriptures diligently daily to see if what is said is true …
And now you understand how every person on this planet can “KNOW” beyond any shadow of a doubt that their core beliefs are “FACT”, and believe completely opposite things from other groups that also know their beliefs are unquestionable truths. It’s the work of God Himself. if anyone is interested
I'm going to include the first few chapters of my book that are off to the editors in the attached files if anyone is interested. Of course, all of this might not be allowed in Christian Chat anyway. It depends on whether the focus is on beliefs or on what it takes to get to truth. I guess we will have to wait and see. Understand that these are "pre-editor" copies.
I don't like organized religion. It sounds like an oxymoron doomed to failure from the start, doesn't it? Organized religion=ordered faith.
That is why I prefer to think of my relationship with God as just that; relationship. Relation Ship. Relations-Father, Daughter, on this Ship of faith journeying through the time of my life.
That is why I prefer to think of my relationship with God as just that; relationship. Relation Ship. Relations-Father, Daughter, on this Ship of faith journeying through the time of my life.
I understand why you feel this way. And I partly agree with you. Denominationalism is scriptually wrong. Jesus prayed that we would all be one. The scriptures teach that division is wrong. The word “denominate” means to divide. The Catholic Church claims to be the first church but that is a lie. They are the first “denomination” of the original church which began in the New Testament but they are not anything like the New Testament Church. And their church has their beginning in about 606 AD. Since the church was in existence in New Testament times and is talked about abundantly in the New Testament., that makes the Catholic Church about 600 years too late to be the “first” church. All other denominations came along after that so obviously they are not the original church of the New Testament either.
However, Jesus himself says that he will build His church (Matt. 16:18). In Acts 2:47, the Lord was adding the saved to the church. In Christ’s Church, people don’t “vote” you into the church—the Lord adds you. And he adds all people who are saved. So if you are saved, you are in the Lords church and if you are not in His church then you are not saved.
Not only that, but Jesus loved the church and gave his life for it. (Acts 20:28) I recommend you do a study of the church of the New Testament. Present day denominationalism is “organized” religion that has been organized by man. And you are right to stay away from it because it is vain and useless. But don’t go too far in the other direction. There IS a church that is the one the Lord Jesus Christ built and died for. That is the one you must find and become a part of. After you study the New Testament Church, and you see how they were organized (1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1) and how they worshiped ( Acts 20:7, Ephesians 5:19, 1Corinthiabs 16:1-2) then find the 1 church that practices those same things in the same way the first century Christians did. The church that Christ built is in existence today.
However, Jesus himself says that he will build His church (Matt. 16:18). In Acts 2:47, the Lord was adding the saved to the church. In Christ’s Church, people don’t “vote” you into the church—the Lord adds you. And he adds all people who are saved. So if you are saved, you are in the Lords church and if you are not in His church then you are not saved.
Not only that, but Jesus loved the church and gave his life for it. (Acts 20:28) I recommend you do a study of the church of the New Testament. Present day denominationalism is “organized” religion that has been organized by man. And you are right to stay away from it because it is vain and useless. But don’t go too far in the other direction. There IS a church that is the one the Lord Jesus Christ built and died for. That is the one you must find and become a part of. After you study the New Testament Church, and you see how they were organized (1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1) and how they worshiped ( Acts 20:7, Ephesians 5:19, 1Corinthiabs 16:1-2) then find the 1 church that practices those same things in the same way the first century Christians did. The church that Christ built is in existence today.
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