Featured Discussion.

I do not identify with Calvin, primarily because of his persecution of Servitus. My church people were persecuted in the past by many so called Christian churches so we are in effect the persecuted not the persecutors. Thus Catholics, Calvinists, Lutherans, Anglicans etc are excluded from my choices. I don’t like the Amish treatment of their children and animals , sometimes it’s brutal. The OPC told me my son that died in infancy was hellbound… and that is a direct result of their ridged doctrine (what a wake-up) and Catholics would put him in purgatory or limbo.

Then many of these churches have gone Woke ie, Methodists, Episcopal's, PCUSA as well I think SBC with their falling membership. My own chosen church the Primitive (meaning original) Baptists, I give high marks for their simplicity, dedication to scripture and just plain family orientation. You will not see a pastor , we call them elder, who do have advanced seminary degrees…rather they are standing members of their community with secular jobs to support their families, Bible studied and well versed in scripture and spirit led. And that last one I find very important.. you can practically feel the spirit speaking through these men … for the edification of the congregation ( the Children of God— that’s what we refer to ourselves as.) Very wholesome and unpretentious.

 

Spirit of the L-rd or Holy Spirit. I can say where and what I no longer want to be part of in the church. I do not want magician tricks, for example, I once walked into a church and put money in the donation or charity box. The sermon or show began and the Pastor of the church began talking and said the exact amount of cash I counted and put in the donation box. The guy behind me working the sound booth said he caught me, the Pastor like a bad case of reverb said, he caught .... and went silent. The sound booth guy was communicating with the Pastor through a headset.

Let's not go into the countless churches where deacons and members gossip and report back to the elders and Pastor for their greatest show on earth. I am seriously done w/ the church but my wife remains wanting to worship because she like most people believe Christianity has the exclusive rights to Hashem. I am tired of peoples playing religion.

I am looking forward to finding a place of corporate worship nearby, however, I will not be subject again to man and manmade church government nor will I take a vow of such leading others within such practices in any church. I am not a new Christian and was educated in a Private Roman Catholic prep school where religion classes were mandatory. Decades ago, my own historical timeline resembled the church, Roman Catholic, Gnostic, Protestant, Reformed, to independent if per say. Judaism seemingly has become the most mature descriptive practice I have yet to engage in a corporate atmosphere though I have been in synagogues.

I do appreciate your sentiments, however, I detest most Christian practices today. I am at the point in life when and where I couldn't care less whether or not I am in a church and speak my mind or put someone in their place as necessary. Don't get me wrong, I am not looking to fight but as you know Marine, too many passive aggressives today, and what's worst to me is the church has become a safe place for passive aggressiveness. I am done w/ the side ways talk rabbits, the magicians, and the secular inspired counselling etc. supplemented w/ the modern push in sorcery for prescription health care. I understand churches are not perfect, needlessly said, they are not perfect, and some are a 501k tax exempt joke.

Shalom

 

You realize Servetus was a stalker, wanted, and Calvin had demonstrated mercy by requesting green wood? Calvin warned Servetus not to follow him, and when Servetus was caught and sentenced to death Calvin requested, that is, he had not charged or convicted Servetus, but requested green wood. Green wood was considered more merciful because smoke inhalation more than likely killed before the flames touched the flesh.

 

The emphasis was upon the sins in Adam probably. Augustine as well Roman Catholicism believed in baptismal regeneration. Baptismal regeneration is not a practice of the OPC, rather the doctrine is factual from a historical perspective in the Roman Catholic church to this day believing once baptismal waters touch anybody the person is regenerated. The OPC believes in Covenant baptism, the sprinkling of water is the sign and seal of the Covenant and was the promise. The water or sprinkling of water point to the hyssop and the blood.

 

Was hilarious, and a reminder about the roots of Pentecostalism, generally considered at least to be the religion or denomination of the uneducated.

No kidding, @JonC, after having experienced such practices I began wondering what planet peoples lived on.

 

Two questions… where do you live and is your wife Jewish? You can answer privately if you perfer.

 

Idaho, and no my wife is not a Jewess.

 

I realize that Servitus was a nut but he didn’t deserve death and Calvin could have done something to secure his life. He didn’t.

 

In the letters which exists between Calvin and Servetus, Calvin warned him and stated he himself has no power or authority in Geneva. Geneva at times swinged, towards Calvin and away from him. Perhaps because at times Geneva too became political. Servetus was wanted, and hunted, escaped from prison and stalked Calvin. I realize Servetus was educated and credited functions of the heart or Pulmonary system, though the eerie nature of Servetus made me wonder how he discovered if be cadavers the systems of the heart.

 

This has allot to do with wether you believe in original sin. If I did then being baptized would be critical to my child’s salvation. But I did not baptise my child thus I exposed him to hell. I put him in hell. Tell that to your wife and see if she accepts that!

 

I can quote Calvin verbatim if you want evidence of complicity. In any event, I personally believe he was insane and it’s not my practice to execute them. If I did so there would be allot of people lying at my feet.

 

Interesting… allot of ppl moving there. My son wants to move to Oregon from Florida. He doesn’t like Florida, feels Oregon provides a better lifestyle… more wholesome. Are there any Mennonite’s there.. they are peace centered.

 

No objections, I had written on my site the other day we live in a time among a society when and where if we do what was right we should avoid being caught.

 

I hope, I do not come across as anti-Christian? Hypocrisy, has been and always will be the issue. Your testimony emphasizes your genuineness and sincerity at your age regardless of innocence or discernment. You are blessed with community, and hopefully, in holiness worship the Most Holy.

Shalom,
William

 

No Mennonites, when we arrived here back in 2019 couldn't go ten blocks without running into a church. Now can't go five blocks without running into a medical facility. Socialized medicine is taking over.... .

This area was considered a few years ago to be the fastest growing and most lucrative to invest in of anyplace in the U.S. The area has developed at a rapid rate and new demographics want to change the area. The area which was "Christian," has become a central focus and target. Idaho doesn't need fixing was a slogan on a T-shirt a few years back.

 

Well most of the evil ppl have names & addresses brother​

 

Oh my, of course…where else would you put all the undereducated and unproductive medical students looking for work? Wow just wow… human pollution glut.