Can we be the church that we read about in the New Testament, leaving out our own ideas, and simply accepting Biblical truth? (re: salvation, church practices, christian living etc.)
2006-09-13 12:04:53 · 10 answers · asked by Aren H 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I hear you. It says nothing about dividing the church in the BibIe. That is why I attend a Bible teaching, Bible believing church that is non-denominational. It's just Christian. Like on my registration form for the SAT's, they have everything from Baptist to Mormon to Catholic to Jesuits. Me and my mom looked for just Christian, and there was no bubble for it. So I had to put other.
2006-09-13 12:09:44 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. God has a plan and a study of the Bible tells us that before Christ returns the church will fall into an age of apostacy when the church will become lukewarm and will not endure sound teaching anymore but will follow after teachers who will "tickle their ears". Tat age has come (I believe) and all this denominationalism simplys shows a complete discontent within the church as it is today. Everyone seems to be looking but no one seems to be able to find a church that they can be completely happy in. It is the way it is and I have though about it and talked with others about it and studied the Bible over it, and prayedabout it and the only thing I feel works today is individual relationships with God. God is not dealing with a the churches but with individuals. My Scripture basis for that is Revelation 3:
`"So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth. 17 `Because you say, "I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing," and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, 18 I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. 19 `Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent. 20 `Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. "
In verse 20 the answer is given. "if ANYONE hears My voice and opens the door," In this day and age faith is an indivudual matter. The fear - Jesus said, when I return will I find faith on this earth. The church today is the missionfield.
2006-09-13 19:21:07 · answer #2 · answered by oldguy63 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That sounds nice, and some day Christ will bring the church back to perfect unity, but in the mean time, we are stuck with sinful people and all the complications associated with our sin.
Denominations reflect differences in Biblical interpretation, in style, in traditions, in heritage. In general--"different strokes for different folks." All denominations have failings and flaws, which I think God will make clear to us at the end of the age. We can do our best to unify the different branches of the church, but differences will remain. Each of us needs to find a church that is a good fit (without looking for perfection) and go from there.
2006-09-13 19:17:54 · answer #3 · answered by happygirl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, we can! For 200 years, there has been a movement called the Restoration. It's aim was, and is, to restore the church found in the New Testament, free of denominational barriers. We are called Christian, Church of Christ, or Christian (Disciples of Christ). Yes, sadly, we do have divisions, but I believe we are close to what you are looking for. Contact me @ edward_lmb@yahoo.com. We'll talk.
2006-09-13 19:20:27 · answer #4 · answered by edward_lmb 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That assertion sounds like the congregation (sect) that I gladly left, and questioned myself as to why I did not leave it sooner. One of the many 'challenges that is not being dealt universally (in Christianity) is the definition of old testament. The Bible defines it one way, the addition another. There are other changes to God's Word in this country (US) also.
2006-09-13 19:54:11 · answer #5 · answered by jefferyspringer57@sbcglobal.net 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good question! However, allow me to add that the Old Testament has a lot to add in our walk as Christians.
2006-09-13 19:06:34 · answer #6 · answered by Exodus 20:1-17 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the Bible God himself saw man getting along and talking and it was good, but, he decided to scatter man across the face of the Earth and also change some of mans languages. Being scattered we naturally formed different churches and different religions followed. We worship the same God, but, in different ways, one God, many different religions.
2006-09-13 19:10:47 · answer #7 · answered by creeklops 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure would be wonderful, but I somehow just can't see it happening before Jesus gets back here to sort everything out.
2006-09-13 19:10:06 · answer #8 · answered by oceansoflight777 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Too much pride.
2006-09-13 19:13:08 · answer #9 · answered by Beauty_Queen 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If it were only that simple.
2006-09-13 19:31:22 · answer #10 · answered by jrealitytv 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋