Exploring the Christian Denominations

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Permalink Reply by Deacon Nathaniel Benson Jr. on October 31, 2014 at 1:20am

Greetings to you:

It's my prayer in this moment that the Holy Spirit will direct the contents of this submission, because my way of thinking is by far; not the Lords way of thinking. That is a given for all men (Isa 55:8); which creates a real problem for people like yourself. Why would I make such a statement? Here's why:"I'm already a confused individual in search of God and now I'm even more confused and more frustrated." God isn't thee author of confusion(1Co 14:33a), but the enemy feeds on these type of emotion to increase his holdings. He doesn't want you to know the truth, thus he utilizes men to alter it to lead you astray. For instance you said: "Catholicism is the original Christian church." I can't help but wonder how did you come up with that when Christ said onto Peter: "(Mat 16:18c upon this rock I will build my church .)" Here He spoke of the doctrine of the Father as given by the Son; who proclaimed that: "(Jn 14:6 (KJV) I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. It's imperative that you seek after the Lord in spirit and in truth; for it has been stated: "(KJV) Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."

You're right to be concerned about the house as well as the method of teaching that you should adhere to. The Bible states we are to: "(KJV) 2Ti 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. In doing so, you will encounter such verses as followed: "(KJV) Pro 3:5-7 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.  7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. Here's something for you to truly consider: "A real Christian will submit to the will of God and not the doctrine of men. Paul declared it best here: "(KJV) Rom 12:1-2
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world:but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Your will God, not mine is what we need to be crying continuously. In a direct sense of speaking you need to truly examine the doctrine of some of these so called Christian organizations to see if what they practice lines up with the word of God. Always keeping in mind that to be Christ like means to be about the Fathers' business just as Jesus was.

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Permalink Reply by Gary Schultz on November 2, 2014 at 8:18pm

Kayla,

As far as translations, I'm not a big fan of the NLT either. I have read the NIV and now read the NKJ. The KJ has it's minor problems and would remind you that it is also a translation. My opinion is this, get yourself a side by side of the NKJ and NIV. The point is, read the word. If the NIV is easier for the first read, great, but don't be afraid to look at other translations. Stay away from any Bible translated by a denomination like the one used my the Jehovah Witness. 

As far as denominations, Look at their doctrines, teachings, preaching, and traditions. If they don't not line up with scripture question staying there.

Judaism doesn't believe Jesus was the Christ. Catholicism is not the original church.

The "Church" is comprised of all born again believers in Jesus. It has nothing to do with denominations. It is Ok to look around and ask questions when looking for a church. I will remind you though, no church is perfect. Find a church that believes in the 5 solas and will help you grow in your faith.

1.Sola scriptura: “Scripture alone”
2.Sola fide: “faith alone”
3.Sola gratia: “grace alone”
4.Solo Christo: “Christ alone”
5.Soli Deo gloria: “to the glory of God alone”

Just my thoughts

Blessings

Gary

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Permalink Reply by Amanda on November 3, 2014 at 7:54am

The 5 Solas -- I like it, Gary. Good word.

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Permalink Reply by Leonard T on November 5, 2014 at 3:36pm

Caution: When exploring denominations, especially older ones, it is important to know what they believe currently, which is usually revealed by their actions, and not only what they believed when they were founded. Many of the denominations statement of faith will never change from the inception of the group, but other literature will supersede the original therefore moving them in a whole new direction that no longer resembles the original group. The statement of faith becomes an archive document instead of continuing to be guidelines for operation as a group.

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Permalink Reply by Adryian on November 8, 2014 at 1:27am

There is a lot of misinformation in some of the replies that I've read. It would be hard to go through all of these replies and refute this misinformation.

Anyways, I think you have some really great questions and you should start your research here with these videos:

http://kingjamesbible.info/battle.php

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