What do you mean "Non-denominational"?

[RefrusRevlis]

Quote:
Originally Posted by RefrusRevlis
1 Corinthians 12:30 refutes the idea that all saved people do/can/should speak in tongues.

No it doesn't, "the gifts" passage is not about what different people get when they become christians, it's about different ministries in the church.
The context is that chap.11 Paul has been correcting the Corinthians about how the meeting should be run.

In 12:8-10 he says:-
" to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith . . tongues . . interpretation . ."

No-one ever suggests that only some christians have faith or knowledge, yet according to your useage of this passage this is what we have to believe, yet the letter begins by affirming that all have all inside (1:4-7) - that's why Paul has to reason with them not to all speak in tongues when they meet.

(Note also it says "to one", because in meetings, only one should speak at once)

The fact that Paul needed to reason with them not to all act as one member and specifically tell them not to all speak in tongues when they meet affirms what Acts shows - all Christians speak in tongues . . . it's "praying in the Spirit".

(Note also it says "to one", because in meetings, only one should speak at once)

This is absolute supposition and does not fit the context, the word is merely being used to show the variety of gifts, in the same way we might say "one person has the gift of tongues, 1 person has faith..."

The context in 1 Corinthians 12 is not the church assembly - it is in the body of Christ (see how many times the word body is used). The means the body as an entity and is not restricted to certain times. It is not until chapter 14:23 that gifts in the assembly is specifically adressed.

No-one ever suggests that only some christians have faith or knowledge, yet according to your useage of this passage this is what we have to believe, yet the letter begins by affirming that all have all inside (1:4-7) - that's why Paul has to reason with them not to all speak in tongues when they meet.

Using your own logic, only one person at a time could have faith or knowledge in the church meetings.

The faith and knowledge mentioned here are miraculous gifts.

Refrus

 

[RevRicneck]

I always took the term to mean that all religious views and belief's are accepted. We will fellowship with everyone.

This is the way I feel Too.

 

[talitha]

I always took the term to mean that all religious views and belief's are accepted. We will fellowship with everyone.

yikes, that is definitely not what I would say.

I'm with flyingsum0 and floatingaxe.....

maybe I need to be flippingtal!

LOL

blessings.......

 

[J4Jesus]

For years non denominational was churches that were not denominations like Baptist, Methodist,etc that had headquarters and supervisors that ruled the churches and they were accountable to. They were independent but believed all the majors Christian doctrines and were Spirit filled. Then several years ago there were denominations who wanted to be independent so were called non denominational. The last few years there are a few churches that call themselves this but do not believe some or very few of the main Christian teachings. It's getting confusing to me so now I hesitate to say that at times, as to not be associated with the non Christian ones. When you ask they are vague. Those I avoid. If they are truly Christian and not just in name only, I think they will openly tell you what they believe.Too many only say we just believe the Bible and teach that. True, we do too. But EVERYONE claims to do so. I want to know specifics.

 

[Floatingaxe]

For years non denominational was churches that were not denominations like Baptist, Methodist,etc that had headquarters and supervisors that ruled the churches and they were accountable to. They were independent but believed all the majors Christian doctrines and were Spirit filled. Then several years ago there were denominations who wanted to be independent so were called non denominational. The last few years there are a few churches that call themselves this but do not believe some or very few of the main Christian teachings. It's getting confusing to me so now I hesitate to say that at times, as to not be associated with the non Christian ones. When you ask they are vague. Those I avoid. If they are truly Christian and not just in name only, I think they will openly tell you what they believe.Too many only say we just believe the Bible and teach that. True, we do too. But EVERYONE claims to do so. I want to know specifics.

I'm with you dear! When I encounter one who has the icon or tells me he is nondenominational, I wait a bit and see what is said that will show me whether or not he is just a disassociated believer or if he is really plugged in and getting well-fed.

Amen!

 

[J4Jesus]

I'm with you dear! When I encounter one who has the icon or tells me he is nondenominational, I wait a bit and see what is said that will show me whether or not he is just a disassociated believer or if he is really plugged in and getting well-fed.

Amen!

Ah! We can see what you look like now!

 

[OrchidAngel]

It means no matter what details about faith you believe you will still be welcomed in if Jesus Christ died for your sins and is your Savior My understanding is that Christianity had different flavors.... Non-denom flavor would be everything put together (yummy)!

 

[amadeus2]

Without a name! Is this what non-denominational means?

If it is then in a real sense it is not me (even though I say non-demonational when asked for a group designation). I am, however, taking on a name and it is the name of Jesus. But is there a new name coming after while?

"He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it." Rev 2:17

 

[Zecryphon]

I'm with SumO

I was raised Episcopalian, became a Christ-follower in ( and attended for many years) a Baptist church and now attend a Nazerene church.

So- what denomination am I?

That would depend upon what you believe. If you are in agreement with the doctrinal positions and theological basis of the Nazarene church, then you would be of that denomination. Also it would depend upon if you signed any kind of statement of faith, that too would make you a member of that denomination.

 

[Zecryphon]

I am wondering about the groups who regard themselves as non-denominational, there seem to be a lot of different meanings attached the the phrase.
I have seen the word used to mean:

Pan-denominational (we will fellowship with everybody, or at least most people)

Sub-denominational (when we get a few more congregations/members we will be a "real grown" up denomination).

Non-denominational (we are the church, all others follow falsehood).

Denominational (our denomination is non-denominational). ?????


Can you think of any others? What do you think the word Non-denominational means or how have you seen the word used?

Best wishes
Refrus

I think non-denominational is just a "seeker-friendly" tag that churches have adopted to get as many people to walk through the doors as possible. Some people can be scared away by what they have heard about the Baptists, Methodists, Catholics, Lutherans, Episcopalians, etc. By attending a non-denominational church, they feel less "threatened" and safer. Non-denominational churches don't just accept everything under the sun and call it Christianity. For instance, the last non-denom church I was a part of held to the reformed view of Communion. They believed that Communion is symbolic and denied a real presence of Christ in and with and under the elements of bread and wine. This differs drastically from the Catholic, Lutheran and Episcopalian view. To me the non-denom church is as varied as the people who attend them. One may be real liberal while another may be real conservative. The problem with the non-denom church is that they present themselves as having something for everyone, but when you look past what's written on the church sign or weekly bulletin and look into what they actually believe, teach and confess in their historical and theological documents and writings, it's often a very different story and you may not like what you find or what that church believes.

 

[Eleknar]

God never intended for there to be "denominations", all he wants is for us to have a relationship with Him. That's what Christianity is, it's not about religion and denominations, it's about having a relationship with the Creator. This is why I am one of the "non-denominational" folks, because God is all I need.

 

[Lightcreated]

Agreed

 

[Eleknar]

It's good to see that a U.S. Republican and a U.S. Democrat can agree on something. lol. I guess that's part of the beauty of being brothers in Christ.

 

[suprdrk]

It's good to see that a U.S. Republican and a U.S. Democrat can agree on something. lol. I guess that's part of the beauty of being brothers in Christ.

We're citizens of heaven first - citizens of the US second

 

[Eleknar]

True indeed.

 

[AllTalkNoAction]

God never intended for there to be "denominations", all he wants is for us to have a relationship with Him. That's what Christianity is, it's not about religion and denominations, it's about having a relationship with the Creator. This is why I am one of the "non-denominational" folks, because God is all I need.

Which congregation do you actually attend Eleknar ?

 

[Indianbird]

I Say I Am Non-denomiational Because I Can Not Find A Church That Has My Same Belives! I Think Jesus Is The Way To Everlasting Life And The Bible Is Our Set Of Rules And Our History Every Other Book Is For Self Help.i Will Follow Nothing But The Words Of Our Lord I Belive The Holy Spirit Will Lead Us To All Trueth Not The Rules Of Man!!!!!!!

 

[Indianbird]

God never intended for there to be "denominations", all he wants is for us to have a relationship with Him. That's what Christianity is, it's not about religion and denominations, it's about having a relationship with the Creator. This is why I am one of the "non-denominational" folks, because God is all I need.

I AGREE!!!!!!!! I AM SO HAPPY THAT THERE ARE OTHERS THAT FEEL THE SAME AS I DO.MAY THE FATHER BLESS YOU AND YOURS!!!!!1

 

[AllTalkNoAction]

I Say I Am Non-denomiational Because I Can Not Find A Church That Has My Same Belives! I Think Jesus Is The Way To Everlasting Life And The Bible Is Our Set Of Rules And Our History Every Other Book Is For Self Help.i Will Follow Nothing But The Words Of Our Lord I Belive The Holy Spirit Will Lead Us To All Trueth Not The Rules Of Man!!!!!!!

May I ask what state u r in, maybe someone can help with a church

 

[Floatingaxe]

I AGREE!!!!!!!! I AM SO HAPPY THAT THERE ARE OTHERS THAT FEEL THE SAME AS I DO.MAY THE FATHER BLESS YOU AND YOURS!!!!!1

Yay!