Is something going wrong with todays Churchs?

GospelCompilation · Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2008 8:31 am Post subject:

We agree, Eleven. It is only when we view others as outside ourselves that we forget who we really are in Christ. As you pointed out, we are ONE body, and that body belongs to Christ (it doesn't belong to us, and it doesn't belong to any particular denomination). We are all a part of Christ's body.

THE SIN OF SELECTIONISM

For this very reason, my wife and I detest the doctrine of election, because it carnally selects who can and cannot be in the body of Christ. It arrogantly claims that only they are Christ's body, and anyone who believes differently than they are not Christ's body. That is a sick and arrogant attitude, as far as we are concerned. But Calvinists are not the only ones who have this attitude. Anyone who believes they are "in the right" while everyone else is "in the wrong" is a selectionist (that is, they have the divine right to select who is and isn't going to be saved).

THE PURPOSE OF OUR CALLING

Christ did not call us for the purpose of dividing us (and anyone who relies on Luke 12:51-53 to justify their divisive tactics and attitudes is a victim of their own arrogance); Christ called us together, to unite us into ONE body (which is His body, not ours), in order that we might nourish and strengthen and support one another.

THOSE WHO ARE SPIRITUAL

We agree that Surfer's typical mode of operation is to attack, criticize, and accuse the body of Christ. But, understand this: Surfer is still a member of Christ's body, even at the same time he's abusing it. Therefore, Christ has called us (that is, you and I) to nourish, strengthen, and support him.

Surfer is like Christ's finger that keeps poking Christ's eye and scratching Christ's flesh and digging at Christ's privates. His behavior is both painful and contrary to the purpose of his place in the body. So we agree that Surfer is out of control, doing what a finger should NOT be doing, and we agree that he does need correction. However...

LET US NOT GROW FAINT OR WEARY

Let us not forget that Surfer is still a disciple of Christ, and he is still a member of Christ's body (even if, in his misguided arrogance, he doesn't think we are). And let us not grow weary as we lovingly deal with an errant brother.

So our suggestion is that we not shut up. Instead, let's choose to use our words the way God intended us to use them: that is, to build and encourage, to give hope and peace, and to bless and support. That is why God gave us a mouth, so we could use our words in the same creative, empowering manner that He uses His words. Therefore, let us use our mouths in such a way that Christ's body will benefit from what we say.

Then Christ will applaud us, and we will no longer have to applaud ourselves.

eleven · Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2008 8:43 am Post subject:

Silver Surfer · Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2008 9:48 am Post subject:

The modern churches of today, are works oriented.

They want to get into heaven by what they think is right...never mind what God says.
"God Says, But I Think".

The Bible carries no authority for them as the ONLY instruction book for HOW Salvation is obtained.

Which is why Jesus said: would he find faith in the earth when HE returned.

The current trend is this:

Isaiah 4:1 And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach.

People want to be called Christians, but also want to keep Jesus at arms lenght away from their desires and and wants.

YET, those who obey what the Bible says are opposed and derided as foolish people.

"Those who endeavor to obey all the commandments of God will be opposed and derided.

They can stand only in God.
In order to endure the trial before them, they must understand the will of God as revealed in His word; they can honor Him only as they have a right conception of His character, government, and purposes, and act in accordance with them.

None but those who have fortified the mind with the truths of the Bible will stand through the last great conflict.

To every soul will come the searching test: Shall I obey God rather than men?
The decisive hour is even now at hand.

Are our feet planted on the rock of God's immutable word?

Are we prepared to stand firm in defense of the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus? {GC 593.2}

(From the book: The Great Controversy Between Christ and satan, By E. White)

As Satan gains more control, he will urge people to fight against those who follow Jesus Christ all the way......

Revelation 12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

As the Bible says:
Only those who truely know Jesus Christ will keep the commandments of God......

1 John 2:3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

2:4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
_________________
Matthew 5:11 Blessed are ye, when [men] shall revile you, and persecute [you], and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

eleven · Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2008 1:39 pm Post subject:

Silver Surfer · Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2008 2:37 pm Post subject:

eleven · Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2008 6:15 pm Post subject:

Luvnlife · Lion King Joined: 22 Feb 2007 Posts: 1271 Location: US

Back to the topic....

I think a lot of churches rely too much on glitz and glamour and not enough on the word of God.

For example, in the church I used to attend we did not really read the bible as much as I hoped we would. Instead, we spent a lot of time making announcements from the pulpit, asking for tithe and funding for many other things and we had a lot of special speakers, gospel singing groups, people who talked in tongues etc.....

I also think many churches bend a little too far regarding clothing. I think maybe I'm just a little old-fashioned but I think there should be at least a minimal dress code. I think blouses that show a womans belly, old slogan t-shirts, tight jeans, overalls and tank tops probably should not be worn in church.

I also think when churches start bending over too far and accepting behaviors the bible speaks against, they turn people who are trying to follow the bible off. (Just as a side-note, the church I attended did not bend on biblical doctrine but I know other churches in this area that do. I don't think it's our place to shun people because Jesus tells us to love one another but we can still stand up against behaviors that are not supported by the bible.

The church I have been attending for several months now is a little different. No frills, nothing fancy, small congregation trying to serve God the best we know how. We read and discuss on average about 3 chapters of the bible every Sunday. I like the good ol' fashioned way they teach about God straight from the bible.

Luv
_________________
Matthew 6:21
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Biblegateway Christian Viewpoints

eleven · Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2008 7:26 pm Post subject:

JonMarie · Grizzly Bear Joined: 18 Feb 2008 Posts: 737 Location: Pa.

JonMarie · Grizzly Bear Joined: 18 Feb 2008 Posts: 737 Location: Pa.

Eleven:

JonMarie · Grizzly Bear Joined: 18 Feb 2008 Posts: 737 Location: Pa.

eleven:

eleven · Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2008 6:05 am Post subject:

eleven · Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2008 6:42 am Post subject:

JonMarie · Grizzly Bear Joined: 18 Feb 2008 Posts: 737 Location: Pa.

eleven: