Need encouragement--Protestants only, please

[LuxPerpetua]

Hello friends.

I really need some words of encouragement. I've been feeling really down lately about an issue close at heart here at CF: The disunity among Christ's followers. I am sick of having synods, creeds, and interpretations thrown at me and worrying about all of the particulars of our faith and miss the bigger picture of our hope in Christ and the need for us to share that good news with the world. I get very discouraged when I am told that I cannot worship fully with other believers because I am not allowed to share in Communion with them since I am not Catholic or Orthodox. I want to just cry and say "Was Christ's body not sacrificed for all of us who call him our Lord and savior???!" I don't pretend to understand all of God's mysteries, and I've never attended a Protestant church that claimed to be the only true church of Christ, and I am so thankful for that. I am thankful that my baptism and commitment to my faith in Christ is recognized by all Protestant denominations and I can worship with my brothers and sisters without reservation or shame. But, I get very discouraged by these other Christians. Many Catholics and Orthodox members have been very sweet to me, but every now and then I encounter someone who has not only been condescending to me but has been downright hateful and alienating. I try to be patient and loving but my words constantly get twisted against me. I just really need a hug and some words of our unity in Christ. I ask you, as my brothers and sisters, to please lift me up in prayer. Also, if you could offer any words of advice or Scripture or hugs or whatever, all would be appreciated. I really need to be reminded that I'm a child of God, too, because it feels like some Christians forget that occasionally.

 

[Lotar]

 

[dsdumpling]

LP, I have felt the same discord here at CF. It's hard to feel good when someone tells you only their "faith" is going to heaven. Trust in the Lord, it's all we can do sometimes. Jesus was beaten and scourged for you and me. Just know that Jesus loves you and me. I've quit going to OBOB so I won't get discouraged, it has been a good practice so far.

God Bless You!

 

[BBAS 64]

Good Day, LP

Heb 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Heb 12:3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

Keep a clear focus on HIM and Him ALONE! He will not fail you!

For your Hubby as well


Bill

 

[LuxPerpetua]

Thanks everyone! I'm feeling better already. Your warm thoughts and hugs are mightily appreciated.

 

[InquisitorKind]

Many Catholics and Orthodox members have been very sweet to me, but every now and then I encounter someone who has not only been condescending to me but has been downright hateful and alienating.

I have experienced both types, not only with my interaction with these, but with any group that has called themselves Christian. Not all who call upon the name of the Lord (or partake of His sacraments, are baptized, go to church, preach and teach, etc.) are really His servants or sheep (Matthew 7:15-23). I don't say this to discourage you, but to remind you that you are not required to have unity with those who do not act and preach the truth of Christ. And when those who abuse the name of Christ to forward their own beliefs direct their sinful words to hurt you, consider the words of our Lord:

Matthew 5 (emphasis mine):

3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5 "Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.
6 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
7 "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9 "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
10 "Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness [desiring unity is righteous], for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.
12 "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

~Matt

 

[racer]

LP,

Here's a great big hug&kiss for you!

Let me just say, I have some very fulfilling and rewarding friendships that I have developed with Catholics on this MB and others. My friendships with these people did not start out all sugary and sweet. In the beginning, we butted heads heatedly. So the best advice I can give is never be discouraged!! We all have differing beliefs and we all feel strongly about our beliefs. You don't have to compromise or change your beliefs to overcome what seems to be huge blockades. I haven't, but nor do I expect those with whom I have formed such friendships with to compromise or change their beliefs.

Hang in there, you are in my prayers!!

God bless!!

Lisa

 

[Isaiah 53]

Hello friends.

I really need some words of encouragement. I've been feeling really down lately about an issue close at heart here at CF: The disunity among Christ's followers. I am sick of having synods, creeds, and interpretations thrown at me and worrying about all of the particulars of our faith and miss the bigger picture of our hope in Christ and the need for us to share that good news with the world. I get very discouraged when I am told that I cannot worship fully with other believers because I am not allowed to share in Communion with them since I am not Catholic or Orthodox. I want to just cry and say "Was Christ's body not sacrificed for all of us who call him our Lord and savior???!" I don't pretend to understand all of God's mysteries, and I've never attended a Protestant church that claimed to be the only true church of Christ, and I am so thankful for that. I am thankful that my baptism and commitment to my faith in Christ is recognized by all Protestant denominations and I can worship with my brothers and sisters without reservation or shame. But, I get very discouraged by these other Christians. Many Catholics and Orthodox members have been very sweet to me, but every now and then I encounter someone who has not only been condescending to me but has been downright hateful and alienating. I try to be patient and loving but my words constantly get twisted against me. I just really need a hug and some words of our unity in Christ. I ask you, as my brothers and sisters, to please lift me up in prayer. Also, if you could offer any words of advice or Scripture or hugs or whatever, all would be appreciated. I really need to be reminded that I'm a child of God, too, because it feels like some Christians forget that occasionally.

So in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. (Romans 12:5)

 

[PatrickM]

Amen, sister. Hugs and, well, holy kisses at you!

(Shameless plug here) It's amazing you posted this. If you dare , check out an intriguing thread along the same lines in the (dun dun dun) Charismatic arena; "How much should 'Christian' (ala Pilgrim's progress) fight?"

Hmm, is the Spirit working in the Body or what?
(emots are soooo tackey )

 

[LuxPerpetua]

(emots are soooo tackey )

I like to emote myself

P.S.--I'll check out that thread in just a sec. Thanks!

***

Again, thanks for the encouragement folks! I just need a lil pick-me-up every now and again to counter the negativity. I just love being called a "Protestant deformer" ya know.

 

[Col]

Dear LP,
please take heart that you are not the "Lone Ranger". I also get irritated by condescending attitudes that place more importance on the words of man than the words of God, so much so that the Good News takes a back seat. It is like history repeating itself.

Mark 7
6He replied, "Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written:
" 'These people honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
7They worship me in vain;
their teachings are but rules taught by men.'[2] 8You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men."

Christ message is so simple, "Love God and Love your neighbour as yourself", everything is encapsulated within this.

It is unfortunate that we (imperfect man (or woman)) have, over time, complicated this simple message beyond recognition. And not only this but then we have the temerity to pass judgment on each other, and like the Pharasies, look down on those who are not "religious" enough in our eyes, or do not abide by particular rules, rituals and ceremonies that we have created. I am sure this must make Jesus weep.

I find the content and discussions in PRE much more fruitful than some other areas, as the emphasis here is more on God, than it is on institutions, so stick around and I am sure you will be encouraged.

Your observations on Protestant denominations and worshiping are quite amazing really aren't they. Eventhough PRE covers thousand of denominations, the Good News of Jesus is invariably the same in every denomination. I believe that this is because despite the number of denominations, the simple message fo Jesus Christ has been preserved by the leading of the Holy Spirit. Which just goes to show that God is everywhere and the Holy Spirit will indeed guide all those who earnestly seek God.

 

[JVAC]

It is greatly upsetting indeed! I remember my dialogue back in IDD when we were talking about communion, and all that would be said is "your church is false", "You are in Heresy", etc. It frustrated me a great deal, also it made me question my faith. That was really horrible. However, I realised why I am a Lutheran, because God loved us so much, that He would freely give Himself to all who seek and want Him!

Don't let them get you down! After all, "The pharisees sit in Moses's seat."

-James

 

[LuxPerpetua]

I so needed to hear that, Col. What wise words!

I've noticed that a lot of non-Protestants see the numerous Prot. denominations as a negative thing, but I'm beginning to think otherwise myself (I have questioned this off and on in the past). As Protestants, we all agree on the foundational issues but our external decor varies. I don't think that every building has to look the same so long as its foundation is strong. . . . just my ramblings.

 

[LuxPerpetua]

Thanks for your words,too, James!

 

[Col]

Oh you are too kind

Bless Ya
Col <><

 

[countrymousenc]

Lux, dear, I sympathize with you, being at a cross-roads myself about what you said in your OP. We'll pray for each other.

 

[LuxPerpetua]

Surely will, countrymouse.

 

[P_G]

Dear one:

Be of good cheer!
I am going to let you in on a little secret:

God hates religion!

Religion is that group of practices and beleifs and inturpertations that man creates to try very hard to put God in a box. So that our puny mortal minds can understand an infinate God. Worse yet to subjegate the people with endless rituals and rules.

What did El'ohim say?

Isa 1:11 To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats.
Isa 1:12 When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts?
Isa 1:13 Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting.
Isa 1:14 Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them.
Isa 1:15 And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.
Isa 1:16 Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;
Isa 1:17 Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.
Isa 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

See the people had all these religious practices but not the heart for God. It will be Him who washes away your sin. Not your practices?

WHAT PASTOR??? SALVATION BY GRACE UNDER THE OLD COVENANT?? SAY IT AINT SO!!!

Yes yes it's there in black and white salvation by grace! It is only by seeking and loving the Lord are you saved! The "religion" the practices the "You must do it our way to be saved" God HATES!

Not yet convinced? What did Y'shua say?

Mat 23:1 Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples,
Mat 23:2 Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:
Mat 23:3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.
Mat 23:4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
Mat 23:5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,
Mat 23:6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,
Mat 23:7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.
Mat 23:8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.
Mat 23:9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
Mat 23:10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.
Mat 23:11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.


I suggest you read all of Matt 23!
Y'shua reserves no anger reffering to the "Religious" Pharisees. Calling them blind guides and basically revilling them.


Here is the point

When it is all stripped away it's about Jesus
And where are you with him today?

Praise the name Y'shua! Love Him cling to Him.
You'll not get lost if you stay close to the shepherd!


Much Love

Pastor George

PS: I hope that a predenominational, charismatic, messianic mennonite qualifys as protestant!

 

[PatrickM]

PS: I hope that a predenominational, charismatic, messianic mennonite qualifys as protestant!

No way! Does this make you a protesting protestant?

I love "predenominational"! May I have permission to use it, tho I'm not messianic?

 

[Phoebe]

How are things, little sista?