If you were not Baptist, ...

[RipponRedeaux]

If I were not Baptist, I think I might be Plymouth Brethren, so long as the assembly I attended wasn't too Dispensational. I enjoy their celebration of the Lord's Supper.

That's my original denominational/non-denominational background. And I feel the same way.

 

[ntchristian]

It is good to discuss these things with others you believe may be in error. They probably think you are in error (which could very well be the case).

Normally those who cannot find Christians that do not agree with them are most likely the ones making the error. Sometimes it is over minor issues (predestination vs free-will; tithes; music, eschatology, covenant theology vs dispensationalism, ect.) and folks get bent out of shape. But sometimes it is a primary doctrine.

JonC, what doctrines would you consider primary?

 

[JonC]

JonC, what doctrines would you consider primary?

The Gospel of Jesus Christ (which includes doctrines such as the divinity of Christ) is primary. Likewise, the inerrancy of Scripture (the revelation of Jesus Christ to man). The work of the Spirit. Things like that.

What I am getting at is our understanding of God's actions, motivations, ect. are secondary to what is actually written in the text of Scripture.

 

[ntchristian]

The Gospel of Jesus Christ (which includes doctrines such as the divinity of Christ) is primary. Likewise, the inerrancy of Scripture (the revelation of Jesus Christ to man). The work of the Spirit. Things like that.

What I am getting at is our understanding of God's actions, motivations, ect. are secondary to what is actually written in the text of Scripture.

Okay, I see what you mean. Thanks for explaining.

 

[1689Dave]

But brother, who determines what "Truth" is? If it was easy, there wouldn't be so many denominations. Believe me, I sympathize with you. But what I have decided for myself is this: I will try to find a local church that has a loving spirit and that I can mostly agree with. If we decide not to fellowship with any church that doesn't have 100% of the "Truth", we'll end up being a church of one, and I don't believe that's what Jesus intended.

On a personal note, just in the past few months, I have had a change of mind on something that was very important to me and which I was absolutely convinced that the Bible upheld. This has almost caused me to rethink my church affiliation options, but realistically I don't have much choice where I live.

Blessings to you.

Once you know the truth, your attitude changes. It is priceless and you won't trade it for anything. Especially fellowship with heretics.

“Buy the truth, and sell it not; Also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.” Proverbs 23:23 (KJV 1900)

 

[1689Dave]

It is good to discuss these things with others you believe may be in error. They probably think you are in error (which could very well be the case).

Normally those who cannot find Christians that do not agree with them are most likely the ones making the error. Sometimes it is over minor issues (predestination vs free-will; tithes; music, eschatology, covenant theology vs dispensationalism, ect.) and folks get bent out of shape. But sometimes it is a primary doctrine.

If you love others, you will speak the truth and it will cause division. If Christ raised you as he did me, you know first-hand the damage false doctrine does to faith. I found however that as long as you square with the ecumenical creeds you are on safe ground.

 

[AustinC]

Once you know the truth, your attitude changes. It is priceless and you won't trade it for anything. Especially fellowship with heretics.

“Buy the truth, and sell it not; Also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.” Proverbs 23:23 (KJV 1900)

Have you read "Life Together" by Diedrich Bonhoeffer? The first chapter on Community is worth the read for every believer.

 

[JonC]

If you love others, you will speak the truth and it will cause division. If Christ raised you as he did me, you know first-hand the damage false doctrine does to faith. I found however that as long as you square with the ecumenical creeds you are on safe ground.

It depends on the "truth" in question. If you mean the gospel (i.e , evangelism) or confronting immorality in the church then I agree.

If you mean "truths" that are debatable between Christians, then no - that is unbiblical.

Scripture tells us we are NOT to become involved in those issues within a church because they can become sources of division and strife.

We like to, and we argue on forums like this, but when we "take it to the street" we sin (per Scripture).

 

[37818]

. . . who determines what "Truth" is?

For starters from birth we grow up learning a language. And with that language the words and their meanings give us basic presuppositions of some truths we accept by default.
Then there are self evident truths.
And what we have come to believe from our own experiences.
Most of what we think we know comes from the witness of others - starting with whom we are brought up by.
Then our use of logic we conclude certian things to be true based on what we had already presupposed to be true.

The Christian faith is primarily built on the New Testament documents and what is believed and understood from them to be true. These written documents are a witness of others.

1 John 5:9, ". . . If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: . . ." And understanding the how of the latter.

 

[Salty]

If you love others, you will speak the truth and it will cause division....

you will speak the truth and it MIGHT cause division......

 

[1689Dave]

you will speak the truth and it MIGHT cause division......

Jesus says it always causes division. Why so many different "Baptists"? Or Denominations?

 

[1689Dave]

It depends on the "truth" in question. If you mean the gospel (i.e , evangelism) or confronting immorality in the church then I agree.

If you mean "truths" that are debatable between Christians, then no - that is unbiblical.

Scripture tells us we are NOT to become involved in those issues within a church because they can become sources of division and strife.

We like to, and we argue on forums like this, but when we "take it to the street" we sin (per Scripture).

Three versions of salvation? Only one can be true. Immorality in the churches? Try to find one that doesn't marry divorced people.

 

[1689Dave]

Have you read "Life Together" by Diedrich Bonhoeffer? The first chapter on Community is worth the read for every believer.

I haven't read it. But do you trust him with scripture?

 

[Salty]

Jesus says it always causes division. Why so many different "Baptists"? Or Denominations?

Just because you disagree with someone does not mean division.

For example - in our association some churches use CCM, some Trad, some mixed -
but we are not divided - we can still worship together and work together in our association meetings.

Also notice - I used the word "MIGHT" therefore- there can be division, but does not mean that there has to be division - as shown in the example above..

Now, if a Baptist church were to call a h0mosexu@l as pastor -
that would be a cause for division.

 

[1689Dave]

Just because you disagree with someone does not mean division.

For example - in our association some churches use CCM, some Trad, some mixed -
but we are not divided - we can still worship together and work together in our association meetings.

Also notice - I used the word "MIGHT" therefore- there can be division, but does not mean that there has to be division - as shown in the example above..

Now, if a Baptist church were to call a h0mosexu@l as pastor -
that would be a cause for division.

Three different types of salvation when only one is true = huge division.

 

[Salty]

Three different types of salvation when only one is true = huge division.

first - lets answer my question/example -
Can churches association even if music (as well as other minor difference) style is not exactly the same?

 

[Yeshua1]

If you love others, you will speak the truth and it will cause division. If Christ raised you as he did me, you know first-hand the damage false doctrine does to faith. I found however that as long as you square with the ecumenical creeds you are on safe ground.

No, as long as based upon the scriptures, are on solid rock and ground!

 

[1689Dave]

first - lets answer my question/example -
Can churches association even if music (as well as other minor difference) style is not exactly the same?

Salvation by works does not save. How can you justify fellowship with those who teach it? Most churches teach this today.

Some in these churches are saved by grace but ignorant about how God saved them.

 

[Yeshua1]

Three versions of salvation? Only one can be true. Immorality in the churches? Try to find one that doesn't marry divorced people.

Who teaches 3 ways to get saved? And there are biblical cases of divorce!

 

[1689Dave]

first - lets answer my question/example -
Can churches association even if music (as well as other minor difference) style is not exactly the same?

What fellowship hath light with darkness? Where do you draw the line?