Okay so what am I?

[motherprayer]

I don't get it. I have been all through the Denominational boards, and cannot find one that fits. I tried Non-Denominational, but they are a bit liberal for my taste. I tried Conservative Christians, but I don't believe in the trinity, so that didn't work. I don't fit AT ALL into the Charismatic, for a lot of doctrinal reasons, so I'm stuck a bit.
Here is my belief system:
I believe that Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried and rose the third day.
I believe that Scripture is legitimate, and still applicable to today's world.
I trust God as much as I can.
I walk by faith.
I believe in demonic forces.
I believe in miraculous healing.
I believe in "once saved, always saved."
I believe Christianity is a process, and that very few completely shed their sinful behavior when they come to Christ.
I do not believe that any one single "religious" practice will get one into Heaven.
I do not believe that as a Christian I have the right to judge who is saved and who isn't.

So what am I?

 

[Puptart]

Just because you don't fit into the non-denominational forum on CF.com doesn't mean that "non-denominational" doesn't describe you. If you don't have a denomination then you are non-denominational for the most part. Whether or not you agree with other people who are non-denominational is irrelevant. You don't have to agree with them because non-denominational isn't a denomination by very definition! There are non tenets to follow, no rules, no guidelines.. you're just NOT a denomination.

The better question is... Why do you feel you need a denomination?

 

[FuegoPentecostes]

You seem to have beliefs from all sorts of denominations.
Once saved always saved sets you up with Baptists
Miraculous healing puts you with Pentecostals
And, well, not believing in the Trinity . . . sets you up with United Pentecostals, which I recommend steering clear of.

I'm Pentecostal however like you I believe in once saved always saved where as most Pents believe you can lose your salvation.
Reconsider non-denominational, they don't have any set-beliefs per say so you could always call yourself a conservative non-denominationalist I guess . . .

Don't beat yourself up about this, remember bottom line is we are all CHRISTIANS. God Bless you and I'll be praying you find what you're looking for.

 

[motherprayer]

Haha I don't

It was more an observation. This came to me after I posted in Conservative Christians, then was told the rules. I truly am conservative in my beliefs, so to look at the title, I thought I should be safe posting there.

Part of me just wants to have a place where I can share my more Biblical thoughts without them being picked apart regarding the so-called illegitimacy of the Bible.

I believe the Bible 100%, so the ND forums can be hard for me, because a lot of them seem to spend much time discussing why it isn't correct or why it is outdated.

Does any of that make sense?

 

[Puptart]

I can understand the sense of belonging Everyone wants that little corner of the world to call home, I think that's fairly natural.

The best thing I could say is to read the Statement of Purpose for any forum you post in and make sure you are abiding by the rules within, and then post in various places as you see fit

As someone who does not believe in Bible infallibility nor literalism, I can tell you that I understand exactly how hard it is to be in a forum where people have a different opinion. I get that way when I watch people go off on literalist tangents and what not. We're on the opposite side of the coin in that respect but we suffer the same problem: wanting to be around people who don't step on our toes in terms of belief. It's heart-wrenching to watch people talk about things you don't believe in. I get that.

For me it's easy I guess because I fit into the liberal mold and the church I attend is liberal (My denomination is the United Church of Canada) so I'm good to go.

For you, I can see how it would be a little harder.

What is the church you attend now? What denomination are they? Are you comfortable in that church? Perhaps visiting different churches might help you acclimate more to the real-world idea of what different denominations are like, rather than the CF-idea which does not always reflect reality

If all else fails, you can always find like-minded conversations somewhere on the forum I'm sure! Not everyone participates heavily in the denominational areas. Many people far prefer the Life Stages area, Christian Advice area, and so on.

 

[motherprayer]

As someone who does not believe in Bible infallibility nor literalism, I can tell you that I understand exactly how hard it is to be in a forum where people have a different opinion. I get that way when I watch people go off on literalist tangents and what not. We're on the opposite side of the coin in that respect but we suffer the same problem: wanting to be around people who don't step on our toes in terms of belief. It's heart-wrenching to watch people talk about things you don't believe in. I get that.

I love that you wrote this. I wish more people could be understanding about differences in opinion and doctrine. One thing I stand firm on is my belief that there is only one thing required for salvation, a belief in Jesus.

What is the church you attend now? What denomination are they? Are you comfortable in that church? Perhaps visiting different churches might help you acclimate more to the real-world idea of what different denominations are like, rather than the CF-idea which does not always reflect reality

I attend a Baptist church. God led me there, and its truly the best church I ever attended, but I honestly don't identify at ALL with the Baptist faith lol

 

[L0NEW0LF]

You're just like me. I can tell you exactly what you are: You're a Christian. Don't get yourself wrapped up in silly denominations. They all have different beliefs and they all argue with one another. Denominations do nothing but split us up. Jesus would have never intended for us to be so split up: And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand (Mark 3:25). I believe the Bible. It's that simple. All the other nonsense is, well, nonsense. Hence my name, L0NEW0LF. But I'm not really alone. I have God at my side; I have Jesus. The Lord and my Bible(s). That's it. That's all any of us need.

 

[motherprayer]

Yes!

 

[Crawdad]

Hindu.

 

[Dreamer8]

Hindu.

Trolololol

Don't worry bout what u are OP. believe what u truly believe, not to fit into a sect.
Srs, u can grab 2 random baptists and find stuff they disagree on even

 

[ViaCrucis]

Fairly standard American-style Evangelical which I can gather. Except for the Trinity part, which--and I mean this in the gentlest way I can--is something I'd highly recommend studying, reading, and considering. Belief in the Trinity isn't just some odd theological artifact, it's central to understanding Christianity as Christianity has historically been lived and practiced over these many centuries.

That isn't judgment or condemnation, just recommendation.

When I was younger and really struggling and asking tons of the big questions trying to figure out what this religion was that I had been raised in I went through a non-Trinitarian phase. It was quite brief, but in hindsight it largely had to do with the fact that I really had never truly tried to figure out many of the things I took for granted as someone raised a Christian.

For me, the more I've studied the doctrine of the Trinity, the more energy I've put into understanding the history of the teaching, and most importantly what is really being said and what it really means, not just theologically, but on a very practical level the more convinced I am that it lay at the heart, the very soul, of the Christian faith.

What we say about God matters, on a very practical level. If I confess that God loves everyone, then there's a good chance that in trying to imitate Him I'll want to love everyone too. If I confess that God is really angry and spiteful, just waiting to smite this or that person, or these sorts of people, then how I treat others is going to reflect that.

It may seem rather abstract or esoteric as to how something as complex as the doctrine of the Trinity has basic, day-to-day life ramifications, but it does; because in seeing God as Trinity--a loving, intimate, selfless fellowship of Three--and what that means when we see God revealed in the life and work of Jesus, and then what it means to say that God has invited us to share with us this same intimate, loving, relationship? That God is, by His very nature, self-emptying, self-pouring, endless love; then seeing this manifest in the revelation of Christ, the Word made flesh, and what now it means to be in Him, following Him, and how I ought to therefore look at and engage the world around me.

Again, no judgment. No condemnation. But missing out on one of the most beautiful, mysterious, intoxicating doctrines in the whole of Christianity seems like a tragedy to me.

Just some thoughts.

-CryptoLutheran

 

[I belong to the LORD]

I've been where you are.

 

[motherprayer]

Fairly standard American-style Evangelical which I can gather. Except for the Trinity part, which--and I mean this in the gentlest way I can--is something I'd highly recommend studying, reading, and considering. Belief in the Trinity isn't just some odd theological artifact, it's central to understanding Christianity as Christianity has historically been lived and practiced over these many centuries.

That isn't judgment or condemnation, just recommendation.

When I was younger and really struggling and asking tons of the big questions trying to figure out what this religion was that I had been raised in I went through a non-Trinitarian phase. It was quite brief, but in hindsight it largely had to do with the fact that I really had never truly tried to figure out many of the things I took for granted as someone raised a Christian.

For me, the more I've studied the doctrine of the Trinity, the more energy I've put into understanding the history of the teaching, and most importantly what is really being said and what it really means, not just theologically, but on a very practical level the more convinced I am that it lay at the heart, the very soul, of the Christian faith.

What we say about God matters, on a very practical level. If I confess that God loves everyone, then there's a good chance that in trying to imitate Him I'll want to love everyone too. If I confess that God is really angry and spiteful, just waiting to smite this or that person, or these sorts of people, then how I treat others is going to reflect that.

It may seem rather abstract or esoteric as to how something as complex as the doctrine of the Trinity has basic, day-to-day life ramifications, but it does; because in seeing God as Trinity--a loving, intimate, selfless fellowship of Three--and what that means when we see God revealed in the life and work of Jesus, and then what it means to say that God has invited us to share with us this same intimate, loving, relationship? That God is, by His very nature, self-emptying, self-pouring, endless love; then seeing this manifest in the revelation of Christ, the Word made flesh, and what now it means to be in Him, following Him, and how I ought to therefore look at and engage the world around me.

Again, no judgment. No condemnation. But missing out on one of the most beautiful, mysterious, intoxicating doctrines in the whole of Christianity seems like a tragedy to me.

Just some thoughts.

-CryptoLutheran

ViaCrucis, you are beautiful! I do not feel condemnation, only respectful disagreement, which I believe is okay at times between brethren. My studies have shown me what I believe to be true, but we both believe that it was Jesus, God in the Flesh, that died for our sins and was resurrected, no?
Ah, so that is the heart! Whether there be one God or three, we shall see when see meet Him, BUT! We will BOTH meet Him, I believe, because in all my studies, I do believe that God is so good and loving that He will save both those who believe in a One True God, and those who believe in the Trinity

 

[motherprayer]

I've been where you are. For a long time I looked for a group that believed the same as I did on various issues. However I realized that if I changed my denomination everytime I came to a new understanding of Scripture or God I would already have changed denominations several times. What was more important to me was folks who could lovingly wrestle some things through with me. Who could see as I know that I have truly been walking with Jesus all this time and wasn't not saved before I held this or that belief, and who would encourage me to continue to grow but would honestly share concerns and help me wrestle through things. I began to pray for the Lord to plug me into a group of people who realized that our walk with God is a journey that involves revelation and wrestling through things, learning and growing. I longed for fellowship with people who had the maturity to respectfully discuss various points of faith and doctrine knowing that we don't all see the big picture. I want to challenge me on weaknesses and called to articulate my faith well. I want the security of being surrounded by others who, if they see me heading for danger would warn me. I wanted to be able to share my insights and hear others' insights that we might grow together. Thankfully, the Lord lead me to the Seventh Day Baptists. They are a well established denomination from the 1800s. Though this may not be where the Lord leads you I thought perhaps my experience might be an encouragement to you. I'd be happy to chat with you. ~Sarah

Sarah, yes! Thank you! I go to a Baptist Church myself, haha but I do not attach myself to that denomination in my personal relationship with Jesus. I do believe you understand my situation well!
Bless you!

 

[I belong to the LORD]

You are welcome. Sometimes it just helps to not feel alone!
May the Lord walk with you and guide you into all truth.

 

[Albion]

You might be Oneness, Unitarian (doubtful), or Non-Denominational. I don't see any reason to shrink from Non-denom if others disagree with some of your views because it conveys no particular set of beliefs. You can post in the unorthodox theology forum.