<![CDATA[Christian Forums - Wesley's Parish - Methodist/ Nazarene]]> http://www.christianforums.com The forum for Methodist, Nazarene and similar denominations. en Mon, 23 Nov 2009 04:20:09 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.christianforums.com/style/misc/rss.jpg <![CDATA[Christian Forums - Wesley's Parish - Methodist/ Nazarene]]> http://www.christianforums.com Precious Fruit http://www.christianforums.com/t7418835/ Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:50:40 GMT (Daily Bread) *But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodbess, faith, meekness, temperence: against such there is no law.* _*Galatians 5:22-26*_... (Daily Bread)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodbess, faith, meekness, temperence: against such there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-26


How much would you be willing to pay for a piece of fruit?
In Japan, someone paid more than $6,000 for one Densuke watermelon. Grown only on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido, this beautiful dark-green sphere looks like a bowling ball. The nearly 18-pound watermelon was one of only a few thousand available that year. The fruit’s rarity brought an astronomical price on the market.

Christians have fruit that is far more precious than the Densuke watermelon. It’s called the fruit of the Spirit: "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" (Gal. 5:22-23).

Each "fruit" is a different aspect of Christlikeness. In the Gospels, we see how Christ exemplified these virtues. Now He wants to produce them in our hearts—in what we say, how we think, and how we respond to life (John 15:1-4).

A rare and delicious fruit may bring a premium price in the marketplace, but Christlike character is of far greater worth. As we confess all known sin and yield to God’s indwelling Spirit, our lives will be transformed to the likeness of Christ (1 John 1:9; Eph. 5:18). This spiritual fruit will fill our lives with joy, bless those around us, and last into eternity. —
Dennis Fisher

Think not alone of outward form;
Its beauty will depart;
But cultivate the Spirit’s fruits
That grow within the heart. —D. De Haan

Fruitfulness for Christ depends on fellowship with Christ.
 ]]> cavell http://www.christianforums.com/t7418835/ Tell Me About The United Methodist Church http://www.christianforums.com/t7418830/ Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:29:29 GMT I've been heavily considering trying the United Methodist Church. I was born and raised Catholic, and left a few years ago to try Baptist. Since then, I alternated between Baptist and Non-Denominational. It's been about a year since I've been to church though.

In regards to the Methodist service, what is it like? Strict like Catholic, or more laid back like non-denominational? What type of service music is played, hymns or more contemporary?

Are there a lot of practices (such as the Catholic religion), or more of a go in, sit down, and listen to the service (such as non-denominational and baptist)?

Those are the questions I can think of at the moment, thanks for any answers. :) ]]> jesuschristmysavior http://www.christianforums.com/t7418830/ Two Questions http://www.christianforums.com/t7418073/ Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:28:15 GMT I've been mulling over two questions posed in a book I'm reading. They were posed in a book that I've been reading, well, actually re-reading.

These questions are much deeper, I think, than what they appear. I think it could be quite easy to answer them without really thinking about it.

Question 1: Who am I?

Question 2: Whose am I?

Let's ponder away!

Blessings!

IP ]]> IowaPastor http://www.christianforums.com/t7418073/ The Function of Conscience http://www.christianforums.com/t7417859/ Sun, 15 Nov 2009 23:45:19 GMT *She obeyed not the voice......she drew not near to her God - * Zephaniah 3:2 (http://bible.logos.com/passage/kjv/Zephaniah%203.2) Gods finger is on the spot.....that is where we have disobeyed God, and brought paralysis upon our life and service - conscience disobeyed. Conscience is the safety... She obeyed not the voice......she drew not near to her God -
Zephaniah 3:2

Gods finger is on the spot.....that is where we have disobeyed God, and brought paralysis upon our life and service - conscience disobeyed.

Conscience is the safety valve of moral and spiritual life. No man can refuse to heed it and escape the consequenses. Some have seared their consciences as with a hot iron. 1Tim 4:2...and they have ceased to function because of persistent sin.

The converted person has a conscience more delicately tuned than ever; and as the servant of the Holy Spirit, conscience is a fine asset.

Is there something on your conscience? Is ther some debt not payed: some apology not given? Is there some secret habit not forsaken? To we that are Christians God speaks to us about sin, and our responsibilities; our simple duties; and there can be no blessing until conscience is obeyed. I am convinced that there are a great many Christians who never get very far, because somewhere in the past, there has been a refusal to obey that inner voice of the conscience.

How remarkable is the emphasis Paul laid on this point, he said in his defence before Felix, "and herein do I exercise myself to have always a good conscience void of offence towards God and towards men" Acts 24: 16.

When he wrote to Timothy he told him that it was not only the doctrine he preached which was important, but the conviction of the heart within the preacher - "holding faith and a good conscience"
1Tim 1:19

Has your conscience been stabbed awake? Obey it. ]]> cavell http://www.christianforums.com/t7417859/ Former Methodist. http://www.christianforums.com/t7415960/ Sun, 08 Nov 2009 02:19:58 GMT Its nothing you guys did, it was more a matter of being manipulated by a renegade pastor that managed to take some 600+ members with him some time ago. I actually started as an ultra-conservative pentecostal years ago. Marrying into the Methodist church was a new experience for me, a world of... Its nothing you guys did, it was more a matter of being manipulated by a renegade pastor that managed to take some 600+ members with him some time ago.
I actually started as an ultra-conservative pentecostal years ago. Marrying into the Methodist church was a new experience for me, a world of difference that turned me into a liberal.
So, I'll be around... ]]> rdclmn7 http://www.christianforums.com/t7415960/ Question on how we view other Christian religions http://www.christianforums.com/t7415024/ Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:50:00 GMT I am Wesleyan and have been so for a little more than a year. I know some people don't consider Catholics to be Christian, but I do. I am not sure if this is even the right place for this question. I guess the issue is
that I chose to come to the Wesleyan church because my beliefs fit in with the teachings and also I was led there. My family is Catholic. Also, I cannot help but think of the years that so many were Catholic before other options became available in Christianity. Maybe I am just lost. Not sure if I am making much sense. My question is more or less what is the view on other Christian religions in the Wesleyan tradition? Thank you in advance. ]]> HopingForJesus http://www.christianforums.com/t7415024/ Why do people continue to claim that the UMC is liberal? http://www.christianforums.com/t7414943/ Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:32:22 GMT I am always hearing the the United Methodist Church is liberal. Seems whether in my local church, in the news media, and certainly when talking to others outside of Methodism (be it on a forum like this or in real life) the perception is that United Methodists are all liberals. A new participant in... I am always hearing the the United Methodist Church is liberal. Seems whether in my local church, in the news media, and certainly when talking to others outside of Methodism (be it on a forum like this or in real life) the perception is that United Methodists are all liberals. A new participant in Wesley's Parish even made that statement. In truth, I find just as many liberal Baptists (once saved always saved, so it doesn't matter how you live your life type folks--the epitome of liberalism, even liberatianism if you as me) as I do Methodists. Yet, over and over again I have to combat the notion that we in the UMC are accepting of homosexuality and straining at the bit to endorse gay lifestyles, conduct homosexual marriages, and ordain gay and lesbian ministers. In case you too have been believing that (disinformation of the devil in my opinion), I offer this as a reality check:

Judicial Council voids sexuality statement
Quote:
There is an official position in The United Methodist Church on gay and lesbian sexuality, and that states the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching.

The Judicial Council, the denomination's highest court, in a ruling released Nov. 2 said that the Baltimore-Washington Annual (regional) Conference went too far in adopting its own statement declaring "a more authentic and truthful representation of The United Methodist Church" is that "we disagree" on gay and lesbian issues.

"The effect of the Baltimore-Washington resolution is to negate the church's clearly stated position as reflected in current disciplinary language," the council wrote. "Moreover, the Baltimore-Washington resolution attempts to articulate a new and different standard of church belief using language that has been specifically rejected by the General Conference."

Delegates to the 2008 General Conference rejected proposed changes to the United Methodist Social Principles that would have acknowledged that church members disagree on homosexuality and instead adopted a report retaining language that describes homosexual practice as "incompatible with Christian teaching."

A California-Nevada resolution directing the conference to distribute a list of retired clergy willing to perform same-sex union ceremonies was considered an endorsement of actions prohibited by the Discipline.
Council rejects resolutions on same-sex marriages
Quote:
United Methodist clergy cannot perform same-sex marriages, even in states where such unions are legal or the ceremonies are endorsed by a regional church group.

The Judicial Council, the denomination's top court, ruled at its spring meeting that it is a chargeable offense for United Methodist clergy to perform ceremonies celebrating same-sex unions.

"An annual conference may not legally negate, ignore or violate provisions of the (Book of) Discipline with which they disagree, even when the disagreements are based on conscientious objections to the provisions," the council ruled.

The council [also] reversed California-Pacific Conference Bishop Mary Ann Swenson's ruling supporting a conference resolution recognizing "the pastoral need and prophetic authority of our clergy and congregations to offer the ministry of marriage ceremonies for same-gender couples."
]]> GraceSeeker http://www.christianforums.com/t7414943/ Orthodox and Wesleyan Spirituality http://www.christianforums.com/t7413971/ Sat, 31 Oct 2009 18:58:50 GMT Has anyone here read the book " Orthodox and Wesleyan Spirituality" ? . I did about a year ago and really enjoyed it. It discusses areas of similarity between the teachings of Wesley and Eastern Christian thought focusing a lot on the issues of holiness, sanctification, and theosis. A second book from the same authors came out comparing Orthodox and Wesleyan understanding of scripture ( Orthodox and Wesleyan Scriptural Understanding and Practice ) but I haven't got around to reading that one yet. ]]> Christos Anesti http://www.christianforums.com/t7413971/ The Global South http://www.christianforums.com/t7412939/ Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:48:20 GMT http://www.christianforums.com/t7412938/ http://www.christianforums.com/t7412938/ ]]> cavell http://www.christianforums.com/t7412939/ Conscience http://www.christianforums.com/t7412661/ Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:06:03 GMT "I exercise myself to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men - Acts 24: 6

Paul the Apostle in speaking of his conscience, says, first of all, that he has to exercise it in order to keep it in condition; and secondly, that it is to be without offence i.e. it is neither to stumble itself, nor to make other people stumble because of it.

But a thing which needs exercise to keep it in condition, a thing which can stumble, or can make other people stumble, is obviously not infallable! I think we shall not be far wrong if we say of it, that while it is a thing by which we judge ourselves and are judged, we shall nevertheless have to admit that it is a fluctuating factor.

So, the problem of conscience is not absolutely clear. Unaided it is a goad, but aided it is a guide. I thinks its tendancy is infallibly correct when it says 'Do right at any cost', but its direction is not infallibly correct and we need something to show us what is right after conscience has said 'Do right at any cost'

It is like the sighting of a rifle. If a rifle had only one sight, you would not hit the target very often. The rifle has two sights, and if both come level to your eye, there is every chance of you hitting the mark.

Now you have conscience as one sight. What do you need at the other end? You need the revelation of God, as you have it here in the bible, his written word; and as these two are brought into line and relation you will find the life which begins to aproximate to the will of God. ]]> cavell http://www.christianforums.com/t7412661/