Why So Many Different Christian Views?

  • 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.
Oct 6, 2021
496
83
28
I will start with something My Pastor says: Do not ask me a question about any specific Church, or Pastor, we do not have the right to judge any man; But we do have the right to discern what is right or wrong from the word. In the last few months I have been to several denominational, and nondenominal churches and have heard that Jacob stole Esau's birthright, the rapture, the law "the 10 commandments" is no longer has a place in the church today it has been replaced by grace, We need money we are behind in our budget, in general the word is not taught. If it is taught it is watered down milk and a few verses and then how good ol uncle Joe did things back in the day . . .
Yes, it can be difficult to find the truth if we look in the wrong places. We can get our information directly from God, through the Holy Spirit, or by looking for that perfect church. Most choose the church because they don't understand why we are given a gift of the Holy Spirit. I have taught many folks over the years...mostly strangers that God has placed in my path. Most, were once believers, who walked away from the church because they were seeking the truth. But they couldn't find what they were looking for in a church. Many simply go to a church to be saved, they do not go seeking the Truth. Many don't know what they're looking for....until they find it...as in my case. My greatest sorrow is for those who believe they have the truth, only to discover they didn't, when Christ leaves them behind.

Not that it can't be found in a church, but the odds are slim with so many options. As a teacher, I lead the lost Christian back to where they started...back to the Holy Spirit, where they can learn from God.
 
Oct 6, 2021
496
83
28
If I left anyone wondering....
The Holy Spirit teaches us according to our maturity level.
When we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, we are taught as little children, children who need to be shown Right from Wrong....AKA...Gods Laws. There are many different ways we can break the Laws of God....and not even know it. But through the Holy Spirit we will know these Laws, Laws which will bring us Grace, the Grace through which we are saved.

Jesus taught about this Grace in (John 14:21-23), where he taught... keeping his commandments is what causes God the Father to love us. Folks, that Love...is what saves us. But strangely, it's not his love for us...It will be our love for him.
Believe me...When you are under Gods Grace, you can not help but love him back!! When you keep the Lords commandments...which are easily understood, as we are directed by the Holy Spirit through our conscience. When under Gods Grace, you will see Gods loving hand in every aspect of your life. Not just imagined, but you will actually know the blessings come from God, because these blessing are confirmed by Gods Holy Spirit.

So...Why do so many of us miss out on the wonders of Grace?
Many Christians believe they are instantly saved when they get baptized, say the sinners prayer...or healed by some TV preacher.
If you only wanted to be saved, and you believe you are, why would you want to do anything God wanted you do? You simply see no gain in losing that which you lust in the world.
Why not cheat on your wife or husband...I mean you're saved..Right?
Why not steal from your company, so you can buy that new car...you're saved..Right?
Why not lie to your boss when you Call in sick to work..You're saved..Right?
This is why those in the world see the Christian as a hypocrite, because there is no difference between them.

Ever read the Lords parable about the seed in (Luke 8)?
The seed is the word of God...Okay, we all know that.
But where do we get the word?
That's right...that's the mystery!!
The answer?
The Holy Spirit!!
What are we to do with the seed, the word we receive from the Holy Spirit?
But that on the good ground are they that, in an honest and good heart, having heard the Word, keep it and bring forth fruit with patience.
(Luke 8:15)


God “will repay each person according to what they have done.” To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.
(Romans 2:6-7)
 

kenallen

Active member
Apr 8, 2022
437
92
28
If I left anyone wondering....
The Holy Spirit teaches us according to our maturity level.
When we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, we are taught as little children, children who need to be shown Right from Wrong....AKA...Gods Laws. There are many different ways we can break the Laws of God....and not even know it. But through the Holy Spirit we will know these Laws, Laws which will bring us Grace, the Grace through which we are saved.

Jesus taught about this Grace in (John 14:21-23), where he taught... keeping his commandments is what causes God the Father to love us. Folks, that Love...is what saves us. But strangely, it's not his love for us...It will be our love for him.
Believe me...When you are under Gods Grace, you can not help but love him back!! When you keep the Lords commandments...which are easily understood, as we are directed by the Holy Spirit through our conscience. When under Gods Grace, you will see Gods loving hand in every aspect of your life. Not just imagined, but you will actually know the blessings come from God, because these blessing are confirmed by Gods Holy Spirit.

So...Why do so many of us miss out on the wonders of Grace?
Many Christians believe they are instantly saved when they get baptized, say the sinners prayer...or healed by some TV preacher.
If you only wanted to be saved, and you believe you are, why would you want to do anything God wanted you do? You simply see no gain in losing that which you lust in the world.
Why not cheat on your wife or husband...I mean you're saved..Right?
Why not steal from your company, so you can buy that new car...you're saved..Right?
Why not lie to your boss when you Call in sick to work..You're saved..Right?
This is why those in the world see the Christian as a hypocrite, because there is no difference between them.

Ever read the Lords parable about the seed in (Luke 8)?
The seed is the word of God...Okay, we all know that.
But where do we get the word?
That's right...that's the mystery!!
The answer?
The Holy Spirit!!
What are we to do with the seed, the word we receive from the Holy Spirit?
But that on the good ground are they that, in an honest and good heart, having heard the Word, keep it and bring forth fruit with patience.
(Luke 8:15)


God “will repay each person according to what they have done.” To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.
(Romans 2:6-7)
Hosea 6:6 For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
To add to that we put other "gods" before God. Your fishing boat: I can't make it to church I have to be at the lake with the family; or I don't have time for bible study the kids have basketball, the list could go on and on. We don't look at that as being displeasing to God. Does He want us to have fun with our family? Yes He does but we still have to make him number 1. Going to church every Sunday setting in the same spot listing to some dry message that may have 4or 5 verses and then some story about good ol uncle Bob and how he did it back in the day is not pleasing to God. The sad part is those people thank that they are doing God's will and yet they are spiritually dead, I mean as dead as a hammer.
You got it right and I hope there are those out there that read this and the light goes on.
Thank you for putting this out for us.
 
May 22, 2020
2,382
358
83
For several years, something hit me in the head. It felt like someone threw a brick at me! It was like someone started annoying me and won't leave me alone!

The Bible seems to be saying that we Christians, have the same "Holy Spirit" that guides us in all truth. I heard a pastor say, that unbelievers can't understand the Bible because they don't have the Holy Spirit. And yet at another Church I met a guy who claimed that even before He became a Christian He knew the Bible better than most Christians, simply because He enjoyed reading a lot. He became a Christian, therefor God did get a hold of him! But according to that one pastor, it was backwards.

When I log into Christian forums, I see an awful lot of "interesting" views. I wonder, if everyone has the same "Holy Spirit" then why does all these views exist? Some of these views set me on edge. Because of all the different Bible teachings I have ever heard, I've never come across some of these ideas. And other thing. I do the best I can. I listen to an audio Bible while I work. I've been through the entire thing from Genesis to Revelation, probably 4 or 5 times, and some of these ideas never even entered in my mind once! So when I read them, I'm like where on earth are these ideas coming from? When I look at the provided scriptures, at first glance, it looks like people are reading in between the lines, or taking things out of context to form their views. But why on earth, anyone who has the "Holy Spirit" would do such a thing? I suppose we could have some wolves in sheep clothing, but then again, we would have an awful lot of self deceived people. Which would make it really hard to determine who is and who isn't deceived. Because people who are deceived, don't know they are the deceived. That is what deception is...

So I guess, I'm curious, why do you think "Spirit Filled" people are messing up so bad?

Below are just scripture verses that I found before I started writing this post.

John 14:26
26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

Romans 8:26
26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.

John 16:13
13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.

1 Corinthians 12
4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.
Very simple query;
The Bible says...."in the end times there will be great delusions".
We are in the end times and the Christian community is being attacked and deluged with conflicting teachings. Most and majority occurring since the 1960's era.
 
May 22, 2020
2,382
358
83
If I left anyone wondering....
The Holy Spirit teaches us according to our maturity level.
When we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, we are taught as little children, children who need to be shown Right from Wrong....AKA...Gods Laws. There are many different ways we can break the Laws of God....and not even know it. But through the Holy Spirit we will know these Laws, Laws which will bring us Grace, the Grace through which we are saved.

Jesus taught about this Grace in (John 14:21-23), where he taught... keeping his commandments is what causes God the Father to love us. Folks, that Love...is what saves us. But strangely, it's not his love for us...It will be our love for him.
Believe me...When you are under Gods Grace, you can not help but love him back!! When you keep the Lords commandments...which are easily understood, as we are directed by the Holy Spirit through our conscience. When under Gods Grace, you will see Gods loving hand in every aspect of your life. Not just imagined, but you will actually know the blessings come from God, because these blessing are confirmed by Gods Holy Spirit.

So...Why do so many of us miss out on the wonders of Grace?
Many Christians believe they are instantly saved when they get baptized, say the sinners prayer...or healed by some TV preacher.
If you only wanted to be saved, and you believe you are, why would you want to do anything God wanted you do? You simply see no gain in losing that which you lust in the world.
Why not cheat on your wife or husband...I mean you're saved..Right?
Why not steal from your company, so you can buy that new car...you're saved..Right?
Why not lie to your boss when you Call in sick to work..You're saved..Right?
This is why those in the world see the Christian as a hypocrite, because there is no difference between them.

Ever read the Lords parable about the seed in (Luke 8)?
The seed is the word of God...Okay, we all know that.
But where do we get the word?
That's right...that's the mystery!!
The answer?
The Holy Spirit!!
What are we to do with the seed, the word we receive from the Holy Spirit?
But that on the good ground are they that, in an honest and good heart, having heard the Word, keep it and bring forth fruit with patience.
(Luke 8:15)


God “will repay each person according to what they have done.” To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.
(Romans 2:6-7)
Great point.

We are seeing develop a new age religion group which has a whole new set of Bible interpretations...which comply with the end time prophecy of...."tickle my ears and tell me what I want to hear".
Seems to have begun in the 1960's when major new moral standards began to form...totally inconsistent with Bible meaning and God;s intent.
 

kenallen

Active member
Apr 8, 2022
437
92
28
From Genises to Revelation God has told us that there would be false teachers, prophets, pastors, ministers, etc.
2nd Corinthians 11:
12But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we. 13For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
I know that I use this verse a lot, but it shows the truth; there are a lot of people out there that are being led by these types of teachers, pastors etc. They are being taken down primrose LN. right into the hands of Satan and they will never see it coming. I am afraid that far to many will the words of Christ "depart from me for I know you not" When they could hear the words "enter into the joy and rest of your Master" if they would only follow the example of the Bereans. Acts 17. 10And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews 11These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. 12Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few. How many "Christians" today receive the word with all readiness of mind and then go home and search dig for hat nugget of gold or look for that pearl and sell everything they have to buy it. Not to many and even worse when was the last time you heard a preacher say do not take my word for it check it out for yourself. When was the last or even first time you have head a preacher say you need to have a good Strong's concordances and a Smith's Bille Dictionary and deair I say a King James Authorized 1611 bible so you can check me out. Everyone of them should be saying that but because of church doctrine, that they must follow if they want to keep there job they teach the traditions of men rather than the True Word of God.
I thank you get the point.
 
Jan 14, 2021
1,599
526
113
Seems to have begun in the 1960's when major new moral standards began to form...totally inconsistent with Bible meaning and God;s intent.
If you listen to some of Joe Biden's quotes, he alleged that the new "liberal world order" started right after WW2.
 

JohnDB

Well-known member
Jan 16, 2021
6,280
2,560
113
It started in the book of Acts...
It's gotten worse since then. A lot worse.
The Early Church fathers were all over the place theologically speaking...there were a ton of squabbles then and now.

Then things calmed down some until the rediscovery of the Bible itself. Then the invention of the printing press put a copy in everyone's hand.

Today people have no foundation in why these books and not others...what constitutes scriptures...understanding of the writing style of 5,000 years ago vx the writing styles of 2000 years ago.

When I say that Jesus took on the role of a schmeekah rabbi everyone looks at me as if I'm lost....they know more about the television show Jesus than the one of the scriptures.

Lots of people seem to operate on the basis that the Holy Spirit will teach them everything that they need to know...they don't even need to read the Bible because by osmosis the requisite knowledge will pass through their fingers into their brains somehow just by holding a Bible.

However....God spent thousands of gallons of his favorite people's blood just for them to have what they have today in the Bible.

The bible is simple and complicated at the same time. Hermeneutics is a blend of the writing arts and sciences to interpret what is said. And nobody wants to include the real sciences....anthropology being chief...history, geography, geology, climatology, and etc all necessary to make sense of the scriptures.

This is their eternal life and yet they ensure it with so little I have to wonder what exactly their faith is based upon....if they really have any faith.
 
Sep 15, 2019
9,989
5,540
113
I believe it was because Peter stopped eating with the Gentiles , so Paul called him out on it...Barnabas followed Peter in his action , Peter was being a hypocrite...
...xox...
Probably an easy mistake to make. Look at all the churches over the past 2 years that banned the unvaccinated (or unmasked) when the government said to. And these weren't even God's laws - just silly man-made laws, that did more harm than good.
 
Oct 6, 2021
496
83
28
Lots of people seem to operate on the basis that the Holy Spirit will teach them everything that they need to know...they don't even need to read the Bible because by osmosis the requisite knowledge will pass through their fingers into their brains somehow just by holding a Bible.
Thats true...
The Bible definitely helps to fill in the gaps...but when it comes to Salvation, you better learn how to follow the Holy Spirit, because you won't find the way by yourself. The evidence of this, is the church itself, with its many doctrines, doctrines which are founded upon one's interpretation of the Bible. There is only one way, not many ways as one must believe if all these doctrines are true.

I've had thousands of teaching from the Holy Spirit, teaching which are written in the Bible, which confirm that they are from the Spirit. I still remember my first one, the first after I was Born of God, as if it was yesterday. You see after you are Born Again, God begins to answer many of our questions...through the Spirit. You soon discover, God through his Holy Spirit,...is actually living in you. Your thoughts are not just yours anymore. You share your heart and mind with God.

Kinda hard to explain really. They are not audible teachings, but clear enough in your mind, that you can sit for hours listening, much like a child listening to their favorite stories. But these teachings, are taught in the order in which God wants to teach them, and not by request. I am simply mesmerized during these times and the hours just fly by when I am being taught. It's not like sitting in church, watching the clock, waiting for the 45 minute sermon to end. I wouldn't want to miss a single minute of these teachings, and in the beginning I would sometimes sit for an entire day just listening, filled with a peace and Joy that the world has never known. As close as you can get to Heaven on earth.

As usual, I was sitting in my LazyBoy drinking my morning cup of coffee looking at my lapTop, much like I am doing now. Then all of a sudden a question popped into my head, "What is Faith?"
I thought to myself..Where did this question come from? It was in my mind, but I wasn't thinking about it nor did I even have my mind on God at the time. It was as if someone, something has taken over my conscious thoughts. Before I could catch my breath, the teaching began..though I tried to interrupt, the teacher continued. Giving me the Story of Abraham and Issac as an illustration of faith. I have very little bible knowledge, but I did know this story from my childhood. I argued with what I was being taught, saying No..No.. No..No..That's not faith..that's obedience!! It was as if my thoughts were being hijacked.

Again the teacher continued despite my interruptions, teaching why, what appeared to be obedience, was actually faith, by using facts I found a few days later, written in the bible, a bible which I had never read.
So folks there is so much more to a life in the Spirit awaiting many of you...but you must be born of God, else you will not get to enjoy it.
 
J

JAPOV

Guest
John 1
English Standard Version Par ▾
The Word Became Flesh
1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God. 3All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4In him was life,a and the life was the light of men. 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.
9The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11He came to his own,b and his own peoplec did not receive him. 12But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
14And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Sond from the Father, full of grace and truth.

I think it's really arrogant to assume any man will ever master God's word. It should be enough for us to humble ourselves, accept that we are not perfect, and praise God for the forgiveness that He always knew we would need from the foundation of the Earth. The Spirit of humility is the one thing we should ALL have in common.
 

TMS

Senior Member
Mar 21, 2015
4,030
1,319
113
Australia
Two people claim to be inspired by the Holy Spirit and have different beliefs. So what is truth?
The word of God, the Holy bible is the truth and we can only understand it, as the Holy Spirit inspires us.
 
J

JAPOV

Guest
John 1
English Standard Version Par ▾
The Word Became Flesh
1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God. 3All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4In him was life,a and the life was the light of men. 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.
9The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11He came to his own,b and his own peoplec did not receive him. 12But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
14And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Sond from the Father, full of grace and truth.
I think it's really arrogant to assume any man will ever master God's word. It should be enough for us to humble ourselves, accept that we are not perfect, and praise God for the forgiveness that He always knew we would need from the foundation of the Earth. The Spirit of humility is the one thing we should ALL have in common.
Consider this... Men were never more arrogant than they were during the time of Noah. They could still count their generations back to Adam and Eve, so faith was not an issue. Even at the time of Nimrod, men were united in purpose and challenged God directly.
So, what if we WERE able to discern the mind of God? Where would our arrogant and sinful natures lead us today? I believe, if God had not "humbled" us at the tower of Babel, we would have destroyed ourselves long ago...
 

GRACE_ambassador

Well-known member
Feb 22, 2021
3,242
1,641
113
Midwest

Truth01

Active member
May 7, 2022
119
35
28
Well there you have it. 10 pages of posts of different reasons why there are different denominations in christianity should give you an idea of how many there possibly are out there. In summary though, the main reason is that there is satan. In heaven there was harmony, until the devil introduced disharmony. In order to maintain that harmony he was cast out of heaven. He is now here, continually sowing disharmony. The holy spirit is a helper and teacher, but has many students at different stages of growth and misunderstanding who he is still in the process of educating.
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
5,265
1,110
113
John 3:3 Jesus said unless a man is reborn he cannot SEE the kingdom. "See" meaning comprehend.
John 3:5 He goes on to say unless a man is born of water and Spirit he cannot ENTER the kingdom.

People refuse to accept the initial message given by Peter on the Day of Pentecost. Upon belief in the entire message, that begins with accepting Jesus sacrifice, burial and subsequent resurrection, those believers will obey the command to repent and be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. At which time they will begin to comprehend the truth that God provides upon obedience to His command. (John 3:3) In addition, those same believers will be required to receive the Holy Ghost who will lead them into all truth. (John 3:5)

Sadly many follow man-made traditions and as God's word states: "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death."
 

GRACE_ambassador

Well-known member
Feb 22, 2021
3,242
1,641
113
Midwest
Well there you have it. 10 pages of posts of different reasons why there are different denominations in christianity should give you an idea of how many there possibly are out there. In summary though, the main reason is that there is satan. In heaven there was harmony, until the devil introduced disharmony. In order to maintain that harmony he was cast out of heaven. He is now here, continually sowing disharmony. The holy spirit is a helper and teacher, but has many students at different stages of growth and misunderstanding who he is still in the process of educating.
Precious friend, A Very Warm Welcome to Chat. Amen! The Holy Spirit
Teaches those who adhere to His Bible study Rules, Correct?

Please Be Very RICHLY Encouraged, Enlightened, Exhorted, And Edified In
The LORD JESUS CHRIST, And In His Word Of Truth, Rightly Divided!

GRACE And Peace...