I feel that non-denominational churches are the "true" Christian churches...

[Gnarwhal]

Actually that was most likely the way the early churches were in their own unique way. It was no big deal back then as it is now.

Not really, in reality the churches were united (as seen by the fact that the Holy Spirit guided all of them to create the Nicene Creed). They simply operated in different geographical areas and thus required their own episcopal authority.

 

[Stephen Kendall]

Yes, they were united being newly formed and guided by the Holy Spirit. They were purged as well. I take back some of my comments, yet you noticed how they quickly were forming differences. It was the spirit-filled and chosen Apostles that help contain the separatists around. The Apostles warned of the things over taking the church when they were gone. At this point in its history with the absence of the Apostles is where I intended to put my statement that the early church was like our present denominational churches, or that is becoming like them.

However, I do like what I said: Actually that was most likely the way the early churches were in their own unique way. It was no big deal back then as it is now. It was no big deal, as long as the Apostle's guidance kept things from forming.

The church is still around like in the early days, its just not the same. You have to see around the man-made or should I say demon-made walls trying to separate its members from each other. If you love God, you can see around the walls. If you love something else, you will have trouble.

The problem is that the Apostles knew better than the leaders do today about the will of God. It seems to be human nature to do human things like what separatists have done through the centuries. Why do I call them separatists, because like sin, they are not separating from one another, but from God himself. They don't fear God or know Him. Their hearts are far from God and are disobedient to Jesus. The traps to judge them have been in place since the beginning of time. Just because they hide away in churches as leaders, makes no difference. Why are they there? Jesus told us a parable about this. The tares are planted along side of the good seed. If the good seed are in church, then the enemy planted his along side.

 

[fireof god98]

we Christians are allowed to disagree on the non-essentials look in Romans 14:1–5 for proof.

 

[Stephen Kendall]

we Christians are allowed to disagree on the non-essentials look in Romans 14:1–5 for proof.

Thank you and that is correct. Only the pull away from God over the centuries has distorted our faith. In fact, as soon as the Apostles were gone, leadership changed and faith was distorted. The original essentials were easy: believe in Jesus Christ & be Baptized, confess your sins & repent, stop sinning, obey & follow the teachings and commands of the Son of God, Jesus and spread the Gospel. However, quickly after the leadership of the Apostles was gone, their dire warnings for the church came into play. The essentials became the Nicene Creed, as well as many church requirements. Believing in theology became essential for salvation (Trinity). Through denominations came a confusing array of so called proven Bible-based requirements for salvation (pleasing God, thus Christ).

So now essentials are far from the original ones. I plan on doing some more mission work in the future. The last time I did mission work (my first really) several years back, I didn't even know exactly what I believed in, I sort of suppose it was the Creed or something more involved. After years of thought, research, reading the Bible, prayer and discussions, I know exactly what I believe in. With the skill of a diplomat, I can cross the turbulent waters of modern-day denominations' creeds and still preach the original essentials and guide people so they can become Christians and followers of Christ. Wow! That is as dynamic as the early Apostles and what they did. How many people here can claim victory over the turbulent waters of modern-day denominations' creeds and still preach the original essentials and guide people so they can become Christians and followers of Christ.

I advise everyone to check out what they truly believe in. Make sure that they are in no way hindering the Spirit or the Gospel of Christ. The original essentials were known in the beginning, but are they now? We have the advantage of looking over all of history and getting to know through prayer and difficult study Jesus, his Father and even the Holy Spirit with the Gospel. We can become dynamic as the early believers and Apostles were and know God and not hinder His work.

I am sure that God overlooks our innocent errors and ways, but wouldn't it be great to know what we are doing and truly believe in. We aren't suppose to lie. I couldn't tell people that I believed in something when I didn't know about it. After years of study and prayers, I knew exactly what I believed in. I never needed to study God or Jesus to believe in them. I seem to have believed in God at the very beginning and I really wanted to read of Christ. However to accept what man told me as essential and true would be a lie to my soul and God, unless I believed in them. So, I did my homework and I waded through the confusing murky water of theologies, histories and all until I came to know my own faith and I can now share it easily and well with others. Can you, have you?

 

[fireof god98]

oh yes I compare the doctrines of churches together in light of scripture and traditional things. I read the church fathers (people don't read them enough) the creeds I believe are great because they give us a standard of our faith. Nicene creed was made to fight the heresies known as Arianism (modern day Jehovah witnesses) we must look up church history together as well. and of course ask god almighty.

 

[SharonL]

I was raised strict Protestant, married Cathloc after years tried Lutheran to meet in the middle, been to many different churches. Nothing compared to finding the Spirit Filled life, all alone at home and visited by the Holy Spirit. Suddenly labels had no meaning any more. Jesus is in the heart of all Christians and if we believe in God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit to guide us - it does not matter what label you are, you belong to Jesus.

 

[fireof god98]

yes but if you go to church that church is part of some denomination

 

[Stephen Kendall]

yes but if you go to church that church is part of some denomination

That church is but we are not, if we choose to Jesus' alone forever. Having fellowship is not changing your faith, it is just sharing and being with other Christians. Even the members of a denomination may not agree with their chosen church, so are they really truly a member?

I go to different churches. I don't and won't join them, but love to share and talk with them, having fellowship together.

 

[Donnyboy]

I agree. Most organized religions were established as seats of power and control over their followers. I think true Christians are self-promoting and don't follow the dogmas of any particular church.

 

[fireof god98]

we should stay in one church and not jump around from church to church. you can try to be a good Christian outside church but you would not be a strong Christian. the problem with disagreeing with the church your in well you can blame private interpretation for that one. they say you can interpret it anyway you want but if it differs from that church your be leaving soon

 

[SharonL]

I disagree with this as not being able to be a strong Christian outside the church. I have found that my faith is stronger when it is not bogged down by all the do's and don'ts of the man made church laws. Concentrating only on what God has for us to do. Helping where it is needed and volunteering where needed. Constantly helping those in need, instead of a closed circle of people. Not knocking anyone - just saying this is what I have observed. If you are in a strong church and you are being fed, stay there - but if you feel better without the labels, then concentrate only on being a servant of the Lord.

 

[LilLamb219]

MOD HAT ON

This is a reminder that this is the Non-Denominational Forum. If you are not a member of a Non-Denomination church, you may ONLY post fellowship posts or ask questions. You may NOT teach against their beliefs or attempt to proselytize in any way.

MOD HAT OFF

 

[fireof god98]

sorry my mistake I will give my views on another thread I hope to follow the rules and not be a rebel. god bless

 

[Dean62]

I feel that non-denominational churches are the "true" Christian churches.

Every Christian I've met that has that pure ego-less, selfless, pure loving attitude and heart is all about non-denominational churches.

What do you guys think? What is your opinion or experience on this (all pride/ego aside)?

Of course the "true" church is the body of Christ however I do agree with the OP. I believe the laws of Moses have their purpose as do all commands in the bible however I believe I believe Jesus is the way and the freedom He gave us from sin is the solution to the laws of slavery and I see know reason to go back under the law. The definition of religion for me is about the rules, laws or "traditions" one must follow in order to be a part of a church.

This is why non denominational churches try to steer clear of traditions that other denominations and Christian faiths follow such as the Eucharist as an example or the belief that baptism is a requirement to salvation. I believe in spiritual baptism however water baptism is only symbolic to me and is something I chose to do as a declaration to the world of what has already taken place inside of me. I am a child of God now.

The definition of religion for me is also when any human being try's in anyway to intercede between God and His children. When it comes to eternal life I recognize the authority of Jesus Christ, not the authority of men.

I have heard many different interpretations of the bible by many people that I do not agree with but when I go to my non denominational church I agree 100% of what I hear. It is where I belong as far as hearing the word and being with like minded Christians.

I accept that others disagree and that is ok. I'm not hear to win an argument, I'm simply stating what I believe. With all the denominations I have found a quote credited to Augustine (I don't really know where it came from) to be work for me.

In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, and in all things love.

Picking parts of the bible outside of the Gospel to focus on as doctrine takes away from the Gospel itself, takes away from our focus on Jesus, on the Father and the Holy Ghost.

That in my opinion is human error and in to many cases religion.

 

[Gnarwhal]

Thank you and that is correct. Only the pull away from God over the centuries has distorted our faith. In fact, as soon as the Apostles were gone, leadership changed and faith was distorted.

Wrong. The Church that was established by Christ and the Apostles, the same church that compiled the biblical canon and held the ecumenical councils from which we have things such as the Nicene Creed (which by the way is this websites measuring stick as to whether a person is a Christian or not), has never deviated. It has carried on down through the centuries and the gates of hell have never prevailed against it just as Christ promised they wouldn't.

Christ didn't come along intending for people to scatter about into the wind and traipse about in their faith with no real substance or meaning, just wandering the wilderness and believing they have a direct line by which esoteric knowledge is fed to them. No, there was form. The Apostles continued in their Jewish faith for quite a while until they were forced out by the Jews whom didn't believe Christ was the Messiah. However they continued in a liturgical fashion, they had episcopal authority. It wasn't any of this individualistic kool-aid that gets sipped on in non-denominational groups.

There was liturgy, there was episcopal authority and there was unity.

 

[fireof god98]

about non-denominational churches if each individual church makes decides the beliefs could you have a church that prayers to Mary and the saints or how does all that work?

 

[Stephen Kendall]

Wrong. The Church that was established by Christ and the Apostles, the same church that compiled the biblical canon and held the ecumenical councils from which we have things such as the Nicene Creed (which by the way is this websites measuring stick as to whether a person is a Christian or not), has never deviated. It has carried on down through the centuries and the gates of hell have never prevailed against it just as Christ promised they wouldn't.

Christ didn't come along intending for people to scatter about into the wind and traipse about in their faith with no real substance or meaning, just wandering the wilderness and believing they have a direct line by which esoteric knowledge is fed to them. No, there was form. The Apostles continued in their Jewish faith for quite a while until they were forced out by the Jews whom didn't believe Christ was the Messiah. However they continued in a liturgical fashion, they had episcopal authority. It wasn't any of this individualistic kool-aid that gets sipped on in non-denominational groups.

There was liturgy, there was episcopal authority and there was unity.

I can not remember the areas in the New Testament in which Apostles told about after they were gone, the church had trouble coming to it, much like that which has happened now already with the denominations. I believe that it was Paul for one who spoke of these things. I am sorry to not be of much good here to tell you where I read this, especially from Paul's letters, but it is in there.

I am not a trusting person, outside of God, Christ and the Holy Spirit. I am sure there are decent persons and Angels, but I don't rely on power or miracles, but upon the Word of God alone. I trust the Apostles, though they were humans, but they point me to Jesus. I do not trust after the Apostles the leaders that came. Some were followers and some not. God is the judge.

To me, it is nonsense to rely on anyone outside of Christ and his chosen Apostles for leadership. There has been constant corruption and non Christ-like behavior over the centuries. I am glad that a consensus was formed to form the Bible and basic principles of our Faith, but outside of the Bible, I don't trust the forum of opinion. I do trust their canonizing of the Bible, but not the politics to direct thoughts and faith. I trust the Holy Spirit who is totally sufficient, according to Jesus Christ, spoken to us so.

I am sorry to not be able to support my claims and standing with Scripture, being 60 years old seems to limit my memory and zeal to prove myself.

 

[Dean62]

about non-denominational churches if each individual church makes decides the beliefs could you have a church that prayers to Mary and the saints or how does all that work?

I wasn't sure if this was a serious question or not. It's not complicated. There have been reform movements in the past that attempt to go back to a more pure church without laws, traditions, ordinances and other non biblical doctrines and dogma. The non denominational churches attempt this same thing.

Praying to Mary or any saint is a non biblical tradition found in the Catholic church and perhaps other denominations. It is the very type of thing you find in denominations, not in non denominational churches. A person becoming a saint after three confirmed miracles is not biblical. Luther's biggest issue with the church that he was a member of was the selling of indulgences for salvation. Again, non biblical.

In Essentials Unity, In Non-Essentials Liberty, In All Things Love (Charity). It is the non essentials that make up the different denominations. Different denominations "makes decides the beliefs" of each denomination.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is essential. Jesus is our focus. Adding to the Gospel is taking away from Jesus.

The bible is clear on judging others. It is in the area of non essentials that judgement becomes a problem, "who is right, who is wrong". It's not our place to judge. It is our place to share the good news, not to take sides or make rules that people must follow. If you want to pray to Mary, go ahead. I suggest knowing and sharing the Gospel and getting to know Jesus on a personal level.

 

[HisSparkPlug]

When I go and look at all these Episcopal, Baptist, Catholic, Lutheran, etc. churches, I've never, ever gotten the true "spiritual", "godly" feeling that I get when I go to the first, and only, true non-denom church I've ever been to. Also- I've never been prophecied to before by people with the gift of prophecy at any other church except this one (4 people in relation to this church known for prophecy all prophecied to me). My inner gut is REALLY telling me that denominations are somewhat wrong and the TRUE spirit really lingers in non-denom churches.

I don't know about the churches, but but I do know it is not God's will that there be "denominations" and I believe in these end days there is coming a complete & utter revision of the 'church as we know it'. Many leaders will be removed and new leadership put in place - It will be GOD's church GOD's way - Not man's way.

1 Cor 1:10-17
Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment. 11 For I have been informed concerning you, my brethren, by Chloe’s people, that there are quarrels among you. 12 Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, “I am of Paul,” and “I of Apollos,” and “I of Cephas,” and “I of Christ.” 13 Has Christ been divided? Paul was not crucified for you, was he? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? 14 I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 so that no one would say you were baptized [k]in my name. 16 Now I did baptize also the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized any other. 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in cleverness of speech, so that the cross of Christ would not be made void.

 

[HisSparkPlug]

oy vey... I do not agree at all with the RC church nor Eastern Orthodox. Neither of those churches focus on relationship with Yeshua Ha-mashiach (Jesus Christ) at all. They also do not teach people to read the Word of God for themselves either. I would stay far away from both of them personally. Abba is looking for a people who are sold out to Him and Him only - not to any church denomination, and the RC church is the church which persecuted the apostles. There is much deception there.

Additionally, the last days church will not be held in buildings with a 'schedule' to adhere to. The church of the last days is one which is simply a group of true believers praising God with everything within them and loving HIM with all of their hearts. This is what 'church' consisted of in Jesus' day when the people were all together and of one accord in unity focused on Yahweh.