Why do we need any one denomination?

[W2L]

Well what is my faith? I believe my faith is not mine but belongs to the entire Church, if by faith you mean the beliefs I hold and not the literal faith in Christ that we both have.

I don't see myself as unique enough for you to have my beliefs, but I would recommend the Orthodox Church's theology to anyone as to what Christianity authentically is.

I disagree

 

[W2L]

Depersonalized contact between anonymous individuals is not the same as standing next to someone and receiving the Eucharist with them.

I don't believe in the catholic doctrine of the Eucharist.

 

[W2L]

You're welcome...

We are all disciples, yes... (Luke 6:40, John 13:35)
And teachers too... (2 Timothy 2:15)
Having received a gift... (1 Peter 4:10)
We are to be good stewards... serve one another, steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the LORD, knowing that in the LORD our labor is not in vain... (1 Corinthians 15:58)

How do we use our gifts in service to God, in service to our neighbor, to the Universal Church (the Bride of Jesus), to the local church (denominational, or otherwise, within our community), within our family?

A topical study of Spiritual Gifts is revealing much to the individual Christian about how best to use their Spiritual Gifts. I confess I don't do everything I could to serve one another, always abounding in the LORD's work, and that it would be difficult for a "virtual friend" on the Internet; or how one might be able to help hold me accountable, as it were, as compared to a friend, or teacher, or pastor of mine at my local church.

The local church needs men, women, and families to congregate in the house of the LORD for worship, fellowship, prayer, Bible study, to grow in the LORD; and "they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." (Acts 2:42)

I don't agree with denominations so I don't follow them.

 

[Tone]

Depersonalized contact between anonymous individuals is not the same as standing next to someone and receiving the Eucharist with them.

I feel similarly sometimes...only, not the "churchy" thing, but assembling at the Appointed Times. I believe that there are three High Holy days where assembling is really required...it's not like the Sunday religion thing where you have to "go to church on Sunday". So,for me,fellowship here on CF is acceptable and it really helped me, and I have had some good fellowship here and mutual edification. Remember in Acts, the believers met with eachother daily and exercised their gifts to build up the Body.

 

[W2L]

I follow simplicity over tradition.

 

[☦Marius☦]

Myth

You can't just call the Oldest Church in the world's claim to be pre-denominational a "myth". Firstly, denominations came about after the reformation so that is definitely after the OC. Secondly its not a myth when the first elected Bishops who most protestants reject because of their teachings are firmly part of our church and its teachings. Sure the Catholics could make the same claim but we come from the same root, so technically both are pre-denominational unless you want to say people like St. Ignatius of Antioch and St. Polycarp were somehow protestant or evangelical.

What is the actual point of this thread or is it just another attempt to confirm an opinion you already have set in your own mind. Why sow dissent and cause further debate when you aren't interested in listening anyway. Either frame your topic as a statement rather then a question, or actually pay attention when people try to answer the OP.

 

[Radagast]

Depersonalized contact between anonymous individuals is not the same as standing next to someone and receiving the Eucharist with them.

Or singing together with them. Or praying together with them.

 

[W2L]

You can't just call the Oldest Church in the world's claim to be pre-denominational a "myth". Firstly, denominations came about after the reformation so that is definitely after the OC. Secondly its not a myth when the first elected Bishops who most protestants reject because of their teachings are firmly part of our church and its teachings. Sure the Catholics could make the same claim but we come from the same root, so technically both are pre-denominational unless you want to say people like St. Ignatius of Antioch and St. Polycarp were somehow protestant or evangelical.

What is the actual point of this thread or is it just another attempt to confirm an opinion you already have set in your own mind. Why sow dissent and cause further debate when you aren't interested in listening anyway. Either frame your topic as a statement rather then a question, or actually pay attention when people try to answer the OP.

its a debate about denominations

 

[W2L]

Or singing together with them. Or praying together with them.

And questionable traditions and doctrine.

 

[Archivist]

Strictly speaking we don't need denominations, yet they are a consequence of Churches not in communion with one another. So it seems like an odd question to ask.

The way you are presenting things, it's as if we can do Christianity on our own. Not ever has Christianity been done from a source text alone but always in direct relation to other people. The internet, as good as it is, cannot substitute for the way Church has been done for the last 2000 years, in person, receiving the sacraments and belonging to a real flesh and blood community.

My church doesn’t prohibit any Christian from taking Holy Communion.

 

[Not David]

its a debate about denominations

The Orthodox Church is not a denomination.

 

[Not David]

I follow simplicity over tradition.

Yet you believe in a God who is Three Persons.

 

[pasifika]

Why do we need any one denomination? We have the apostle's teaching, and CF for discussion, also computers and bible software. As Paul said, all things are ours.

Hello,

Ephesians 2:19, 20..."we are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people, and also members of His household, Build on the foundation of the Apostles and the Prophets, with Christ himself as the chief cornerstone....

We don't have to get the teaching of the Apostles or Prophets from a denominations But We have the BIBLE (written Word) and the Holy Spirit (Teacher) to teach us everything we need about Christ...1John 27...

 

[dqhall]

Why do we need any one denomination? We have the apostle's teaching, and CF for discussion, also computers and bible software. As Paul said, all things are ours.

God is not in a particular place, but in doing what is right.

Matthew 24:26 World English Bible (WEB)
26 If therefore they tell you, ‘Behold, he is in the wilderness,’ don’t go out; ‘Behold, he is in the inner rooms,’ don’t believe it.

 

[Radagast]

And questionable traditions and doctrine.

As far as I can tell, you're the Pope of a denomination that has exactly one member.

The chance that you've got it right, and every other Christian on the planet has got it wrong is, well, zero.

 

[Radagast]

I don't believe in the catholic doctrine of the Eucharist.

The Eucharist is not just a Catholic thing.

 

[Strong in Him]

Why do we need any one denomination? We have the apostle's teaching, and CF for discussion, also computers and bible software. As Paul said, all things are ours.

We need to meet together for fellowship, encouragement, to share what God is doing in our lives and to pray for, and with, one another. We also meet together to worship God.
But, as far as I'm concerned, a weekly house-group might meed that need. I hate denominations.

CF is ok, and we can have interesting discussions and learn from each other - but there are also lots of arguments, people teach unhelpful/anti Christian stuff and threads get closed down. Even CF has sections for different denominations.

 

[Daniel9v9]

All branches of Christianity (should) adhere to the creeds, which means professing a belief in one God in three persons; Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and in Jesus Christ, His life, death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins.

The problem is that the above is a very minimal confession and doesn't cover the serious scope of dividing issues in the Church. Questions such as who God is, what Christ has done for us, what is the nature and mission of the Church, what is apostolicity and who is in authority, what is the state of man after the fall, what relation does the Law have to the Gospel, how are we saved, what are the means of grace, what constitutes worship etc. Even simple expressions such as grace, faith and repentance are perceived differently.

The Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican, Reformed, Baptist and Charismatic systems are all very distinct individual systems and have a varying number of subsystems. Most follow in the steps of the Church fathers, but all selectively. Non-denominationalism is also quite a distinct system of doctrine, though somewhat loose and undefined, but very much following in the steps of Zwingli and a product of the American Restoration Movement.

As a consequence, and regrettably, the Gospel looks a little different in the varying theological systems. This shouldn't be and modern denominational thought is foreign to the NT - in the NT a denomination would have been understood as a sect, not all as valid branches. So, it's not accurate to say that they are merely different expressions of the same Gospel. Rather, it's the true Gospel but with different modes and levels of obscurity. It's God's truth with something added or mixed in. Christ compares this with yeast. This is a very profound analogy in that it's not an issue where some individual doctrines are wrong, but instead, something that corrupts or skews the entire theological system and thought.

Now, I hold that any Church body that faithfully reads and proclaims God's Word and administers Baptism and the Eucharist, even if somewhat obscure, do possess the saving Word of God, the Gospel. In this way, the Gospel can be received, even if not in all its clarity. So it is Christ who unites us in Himself and He is able to make us stand. So while schism is a terrible sin and to all of our shame, we still have hope in the person and works of Jesus Christ.

 

[bèlla]

There are philosophical and practical reasons why I could never align myself with a denomination or body. Though it took some time for me to understand my position.

It’s the little foxes that spoil the vine. My identity and connection with God isn’t based on a denomination, church, or the titles and history routinely flashed to lend credence to authority or ‘truth.’

None of these things can minister to a weary soul or a hardened heart. That’s probably why we’re less effective. Oftentimes our cares are ridiculous. We debate the silliest things.

This site has gathered men and women from many places unified in their belief in God. There is much that could be done and undertaken if the group was on one accord. But that is not the case. A gathering without purpose or fruit isn’t too significant.

It is unlikely our forefathers would find themselves echoing the same. This is a social website. A digital coffeehouse if you will. It is unlike a group who meets with an agenda they desire to put in place. We haven’t reached that point. And I’m uncertain if its ever crossed our mind.

I look to the disciples for my example. They were wholly focused on God’s work. While conversations took place the premise was always the gospel. The work was the central theme. Not leisure. I cannot fathom a message spreading if they emulated our behavior.

Wasting the time I’ve been given is not an option. I’m unable to reboot and start again. I have to make the most of the moments while they’re here and be in the company of others doing the same. That’s the example I want to see and follow.

I will choose the ant every time over the grasshopper.

 

[Strong in Him]

We need to meet together for fellowship, encouragement, to share what God is doing in our lives and to pray for, and with, one another. We also meet together to worship God.
But, as far as I'm concerned, a weekly house-group might meed that need. I hate denominations.

Having said that: I am a Methodist lay preacher, and I think that being part of an established church reassures others. It means I am accountable to the church, am doing this with their blessing and am part of a recognised church structure - with all surrounding issues such as safeguarding. If I went into the streets to preach, was questioned and said, "I'm not part of any church, I just do this on my own"; how would anyone know that what I was saying was not just my own ideas and interpretation of Scripture? How would they know that I'd been trained, and sent, by the church? How could they check that I was respectable and not part of some cult, or a criminal who was not out to trap vulnerable people?

Much as I dislike denominations, I believe I am called to preach so, for the moment, that means being part of a recognised denomination. Even though I may worship in other places on Sunday.