Denominations: Doctrinal/Theological Differences

[Albion]

Are we talking past each other, friend? It seems that you are focused on a religious bureaucracy and I am focused on the body of believers in Jesus Christ, which is not a religious bureaucracy. Do you believe that there is no body of believer in Jesus Christ on this earth? If so, when do you think it disappeared?

I'll give you credit for staying dignified, but I'm thinking that if we knew what his religious affiliation is, we could probably understand what's behind these vague pontifications we're reading. As it is, we're just going to go on guessing at some kind of legalistic cult or perhaps another of those "one-man band" types.


However, this looks like the answer to that one question you asked:

There is no contemporary church that Jesus Christ is head of.

 

[bbbbbbb]

I'll give you credit for staying dignified, but I'm thinking that if we knew what his religious affiliation is, we could probably understand what's behind these vague pontifications we're reading. As it is, we're just going to go on guessing at some kind of legalistic cult or perhaps another of those "one-man band" types.


However, this looks like the answer to that one question you asked:

Agreed. Thank you.

 

[ViaCrucis]

Friend do you recall what Jesus says about his enemy who clandestinely sneaks into the field and sows bad seed? And his warning about a particular type of falsehood he describes as leaven that can destroy the whole lump?
There is not a single contemporary church that Jesus Christ is head of, but that does no also mean that there are not a few authentic Christians, but very few of them exist. Note Mt. 7:13&14.

Oh oh oh oh! Lemme guess, you're one of those "few authentic Christians", yes?

How's it feel being one of God's super special extra fantastic snowflakes that's better than the rest of us ordinary fake Christian folk?

-CryptoLutheran

 

[Theodore A. Jones]

Oh oh oh oh! Lemme guess, you're one of those "few authentic Christians", yes?

How's it feel being one of God's super special extra fantastic snowflakes that's better than the rest of us ordinary fake Christian folk?

-CryptoLutheran

Isn't it true that there are only a few who find what the gate into God's kingdom is according to God? Big number ain't in ya favor kiddo.

 

[ViaCrucis]

Isn't it true that there are only a few who find what the gate into God's kingdom is according to God? Big number ain't in ya favor kiddo.

It's helpful when reading the Gospels to understand both what Jesus is talking about and how Jesus is talking about it. I find frequently both often get ignored.

Also, this:

"After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands," - Revelation 7:9

-CryptoLutheran

 

[Albion]

Someday I'm going to run into someone who insists that "...there are only a few who find what the gate into God's kingdom is according to God" -- and doesn't automatically assume that he's one of the few.

 

[Theodore A. Jones]

Someday I'm going to run into someone who insists that "...there are only a few who find what the gate into God's kingdom is according to God" -- and doesn't automatically assume that he's one of the few.

You have. Congrats.

 

[Albion]

You have. Congrats.

OK, then the obvious question arises...aren't you interested in being right with God?

 

[Theodore A. Jones]

It's helpful when reading the Gospels to understand both what Jesus is talking about and how Jesus is talking about it. I find frequently both often get ignored.

Also, this:

"After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands," - Revelation 7:9

-CryptoLutheran

I find it all to frequent that this lot of contemporary "christians" pick scripture to argue against scripture. "and only a FEW find it." Mt. 7:14b. is a statement by God.

 

[ViaCrucis]

I find it all to frequent that this lot of contemporary "christians" pick scripture to argue against scripture. "and only a FEW find it." Mt. 7:14b. is a statement by God.

So how do you translate Matthew 7:14 to "there are very few authentic Christians"? Because the text doesn't say there are only a very small number of Christians, it contrasts the easy way of destruction and the hard way of life; so there has to be a reason you are interpreting this as "very few Christians".

Perhaps you could explain.

-CryptoLutheran

 

[Theodore A. Jones]

So how do you translate Matthew 7:14 to "there are very few authentic Christians"? Because the text doesn't say there are only a very small number of Christians, it contrasts the easy way of destruction and the hard way of life; so there has to be a reason you are interpreting this as "very few Christians".

Perhaps you could explain.

-CryptoLutheran

That multitude you are referencing will be made apparent, but you will not be in it. For this age "time of the the gentiles" the only possibility for you to be in that multitude is through the faith of obeying that law Paul is referencing. There are no exceptions. For NOW! is the day of salvation. Turn to Acts 2:38, see the word REPENT? That word has been added into law by the hand of the Mediator and put into effect through angels. The only Way it can be obeyed is by confessing directly to God that you are truly sorry his only begotten son Jesus was murdered when he was crucified.
God is not a respecter of persons. You cannot become one with God by not having the faith to use that lawful process to save yourself. The sin of murdering Jesus Christ was not in place of anyone.

 

[JCFantasy23]

That multitude you are referencing will be made apparent, but you will not be in it. For this age "time of the the gentiles" the only possibility for you to be in that multitude is through the faith of obeying that law Paul is referencing. There are no exceptions. For NOW! is the day of salvation. Turn to Acts 2:38, see the word REPENT? That word has been added into law by the hand of the Mediator and put into effect through angels. The only Way it can be obeyed is by confessing directly to God that you are truly sorry his only begotten son Jesus was murdered when he was crucified.
God is not a respecter of persons. You cannot become one with God by not having the faith to use that lawful process to save yourself. The sin of murdering Jesus Christ was not in place of anyone.

You're assuming no one in this thread has repented and is right with God?

 

[Albion]

You're assuming no one in this thread has repented and is right with God?

That's what his posts add up to, himself included.

 

[Grafted In]

Jesus Christ fulfilled The Law for us because we could not. We are no longer bound to The Law if we, by faith, are born again of The Spirit and walk in faith. The Laws are now written in our hearts and if we remain in faith we have kept all 613 laws.
How could it posible be any different? And so it is written "but we preach Christ and Him crucified". Period. No Law.

 

[ViaCrucis]

You're assuming no one in this thread has repented and is right with God?

More than that, it seems he has a very particular position on what repentance means and has concocted a brand new theology. Either the theology is his own invention or the result of some very wonky teachers.

-CryptoLutheran

 

[bbbbbbb]

More than that, it seems he has a very particular position on what repentance means and has concocted a brand new theology. Either the theology is his own invention or the result of some very wonky teachers.

-CryptoLutheran

True. The really curious thing is that he has admitted that he is lost and headed for eternal damnation, but somehow finds it in himself to tell us that we are just like him. I suppose misery loves company.

 

[Job8]

So how do you translate Matthew 7:14 to "there are very few authentic Christians"? Because the text doesn't say there are only a very small number of Christians, it contrasts the easy way of destruction and the hard way of life; so there has to be a reason you are interpreting this as "very few Christians".

While the text pertaining to the narrow gate (Mt 7:14) does not plainly state that there will be very few saved, it is implied. There are also other passage which speak of the wheat and the tares, the sheep and the goats, the good fish and the bad fish, the wise virgins and the foolish virgins, as well as the plain statement that Christ will be confronted by many who say "Lord, Lord" but they will be banished from His presence.

In essence, we have a multitude bearing the Christian label who are not necessarily regenerated. That is why Paul exhorts everyone to examine themselves to determine whether they are really "in the faith". And only God and Christ know who are truly His.

 

[Tangible]

While the text pertaining to the narrow gate (Mt 7:14) does not plainly state that there will be very few saved, it is implied. There are also other passage which speak of the wheat and the tares, the sheep and the goats, the good fish and the bad fish, the wise virgins and the foolish virgins, as well as the plain statement that Christ will be confronted by many who say "Lord, Lord" but they will be banished from His presence.

In essence, we have a multitude bearing the Christian label who are not necessarily regenerated. That is why Paul exhorts everyone to examine themselves to determine whether they are really "in the faith". And only God and Christ know who are truly His.

What a depressing way to be a Christian! How much better to faithfully proclaim "I am baptized!" and trust God to keep his promises.

 

[St Herman's Ghost]

I've been a Christian for six years and I really don't know what denomination I belong to, if any. I attend an Assembly of God church currently, which I know is a Pentecostal organization, but I really don't know what makes Pentecostals different from, say, Baptists, or Methodists, or Lutherans, or Protestants... etc. On the one hand, Paul clearly steered people away from divisions within the body of Christ, in 1 Corinthians 1, and elsewhere. On the other hand, it's almost unavoidable these days... which, I'm tempted to say shouldn't matter, because God's Word doesn't change along with our society. But with so many denominations out there, let's face it: best case scenario, only one of those enormous organizations is teaching the Bible correctly. Finding the right one should be a priority, to ensure we're receiving the truth. The thing is, if we don't even know the differences between them, how can we find the right church?

Surely there exists somewhere an accurate guide to the theological and doctrinal differences of the various "major" Christian denominations. Can anyone point me toward a reliable resource on the matter? Really hoping the solution isn't researching every denomination individually...

Frankly, this brings me to my next point, which can be found here.

It's simple, look at the historical and archaeological record of the Christian faith. Study the the rulings of the first seven ecumenical councils. You'll see that Orthodoxy is the teachings and practices of Christian since the first century from which all others draw upon. Notice the unbroken chain of apostolic succession in our Church.

God be with you brother in your quest, I will pray for you.

Make the Jesus prayer your foundation stone. Christ will guide you.

 

[Albion]

It's simple, look at the historical and archaeological record of the Christian faith. Study the the rulings of the first seven ecumenical councils. You'll see that Orthodoxy is the teachings and practices of Christian since the first century from which all others draw upon.

...which is exactly what other churches say also.

So, that doesn't really solve anything, EVEN IF being wrong for longer than some other Christians were something we'd consider to be a virtue.