"non-denominational" churches

[Uncertaindrummer]

Question: "What is the purpose of the church?"



Answer: What is the purpose of the church? Acts 2:42 describes the early church, “They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” So, according to this Scripture, the purposes / activities of the church should be: (1) teaching Biblical doctrine, (2) providing a place of fellowship for believers, (3) observing the Lord’s supper, and (4) praying.



The church is to teach Biblical doctrine so we can be grounded in our faith. Ephesians 4:14 tells us, “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.” The church is to be a place of fellowship, where Christians can be devoted to one another and honor one another (Romans 12:10), instruct one another (Romans 15:14), be kind and compassionate to one another (Ephesians 4:32), encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11), and most importantly love one another (1 John 3:11).



The church is to be a place where believers can observe the Lord’s supper, remembering Christ’s death and shed blood on our behalf (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). The concept of “breaking bread” (Acts 2:42) also carries the idea of having meals together. This is another example of the church promoting fellowship. The final purpose of the church according to Acts 2:42 is prayer. The church is to be a place that promotes prayer, teaches prayer, and practices prayer. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”



Another “commission” given to the church is proclaiming the Gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8). The church is called to be faithful in sharing the Gospel through word and deed. The church is to be a “lighthouse” in the community – pointing people towards our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The church is to both promote the Gospel and prepare its members to proclaim the Gospel (1 Peter 3:15).



Some final purposes of the church are given in James 1:27, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” The church is to be about the business of ministering to those who are in need. This includes not only sharing the Gospel, but also providing for physical needs (food, clothing, shelter) as necessary and appropriate. The church is also to equip believers in Christ with the tools they need to overcome sin and remain free from the pollution of the world. This is done by the principles given above – Biblical teaching and Christian fellowship.



So, with all that said, what is the purpose of the church? I like the illustration in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27. The church is God’s “body” – we are His hands, mouth, and feet in this world. We are to be doing the things that Jesus Christ would do if He were here physically on the earth. The church is to be “Christian” – “Christ-like” and Christ-following.

I would pretty much agree with everything in that post. Some of the conditions are of course somewhat nebulous (for instance, protestants woudl say they remember the Lord's Supper, Catholics would say only Catholicism has the fullness of it), but overall that is a good description of the Church's role.

ONe point: The Church is grounded in Scripture but the Scriptures are also grounded in the Church. It is not a one-way thing.

 

[Scuba Pete]

Minor point... but neither Glasgowchick nor I consider ourselves "protestants". I think this holds true for a few others including (I think) Enhanced Spirit.

 

[glasgowchick]

Sure no problems there Assuming you were baptized into a catholic church

I don't see anywhere in Scripture that the Church calls itself Catholic, You keep talking about whats not in the Bible, why not abide by what has been written it in..

So? the catholic church doesn't worship idols.

Sure you do, what do you call kneeling down and praying to them is called, Please don't tell me, that this is something you don't do? I was a RC for over 30 years my parents longer..Is this not what Idolatry is all about? people making statues and praying to them..Leviticus 19:4 Do not turn to Idols or make for yourselves molten Gods, I am the Lord your God..

Sure. No problems there. Assuming you were Baptized into the Catholic Church.Deuteronomy 27: Cursed is the man who makes an Idol or a molten image, [All these statutes that are in the RCC,] they are an abomintation to the Lord, the work of the hands of the craftsmen and sets it up in secret and all the people shall answer and say Amen..Do you not believe God when he tells you not to make yourself an Idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth...I certainly do..Do you not believe God when he tells us to flee from Idolatry..Is it ok for the RCC To have all these images in the Church when God is telling you that all this stuff is an abomination to him.Its one thing defending your faith and blatenly ignoring the Commandments of God, thats what is ridiculous..

then you also have to believe in the Qu'ran the book of morman and countless other religeous books as well says so

Funny you should say that, I did study some with the Mormans, and the JWS for two years, but Im afraid their teachings didn't add up to what is taught in Scripture..For example the jws believe the Jesus is the son of God but they also believe that He is Michael the Archangel..They also believe that only 144,000 go to heaven, They don't partake of the Lords supper, They believe that their Organization is Spirit directed...I could go on, So to answer your question no I do not believe everything I read,. If Scripture is saying one thing and men are trying to tell me another, If God tells me I should flee from Idolitary and men are saying it is ok to have Statues Im going to listen to God.....Jesus said if you love me you will keep my commandments....Flee from Idolatray...

So? The Catholic Church doesn't worship idols. That is ridiculous.


Do you not SEE the error in logic here? You are believing in the Bible because the Bible SAYS SO? Then you also have to believe in the Qu'ran, the Book of Mormon, and countless other religious books because those books as well "say so".

 

[glasgowchick]

Hehe... I give up.... love ya ND.

Yeh I feel the same way scott..we are all just banging our heads off brick walls with eactother.. You Have your faith and we have ours so instead of arguing back and forth it would be good just to have a nice chat....So On a lighter note..How are ya..well I hope.. Tell me a bit about yourself [ If you will ] As you know my name is Jackie, I live in Glasgow Uk, Im married with 3 kids my oldest is 19 [Joseph ] Daniel who is 11 and Laura is 8 years old..My hubby is American to I have travelled back and forth to the States, He is From Cincinatti Ohio and I met him over here while he was in the Navy...I write some poetry and have 5 of my poems published, I entered a poetry contest online and they wrote wanting to publish my work, I also have one published here in London...I did start to write a book but I lost interest after a few pages :biglaugh: ..I just don't have the time, maybe one day [ God Willing ] I might just do that...I also helped look after the pensionsers for a couple of months but Daniel my son has FMS [ Fibromyaligia ] So I wasn't really as reliable as I wanted to be, so I quit to be there for my son incase he wasn't well at school. I also did a creative writing course which I enjoyed...Well Thats a bit about me..peace Scott....

 

[glasgowchick]

Minor point... but neither Glasgowchick nor I consider ourselves "protestants". I think this holds true for a few others including (I think) Enhanced Spirit.

Hi Net Doc, I second that, I don't consider myself to be protestants..just Christian..

 

[EnhancedSpirit]

Hi Net Doc, I second that, I don't consider myself to be protestants..just Christian..

I am a spiritual being wondering the desert. I visit many churches, but I have no church to call my own. I feel churches are made for those who are lost and seeking to find God. Well, I have already found him, and now I look for all the places he goes.

 

[Terrywoodenpic]

Question: "What is the purpose of the church?"



Answer: What is the purpose of the church? Acts 2:42 describes the early church, “They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” So, according to this Scripture, the purposes / activities of the church should be: (1) teaching Biblical doctrine, (2) providing a place of fellowship for believers, (3) observing the Lord’s supper, and (4) praying.



The church is to teach Biblical doctrine so we can be grounded in our faith. Ephesians 4:14 tells us, “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.” The church is to be a place of fellowship, where Christians can be devoted to one another and honor one another (Romans 12:10), instruct one another (Romans 15:14), be kind and compassionate to one another (Ephesians 4:32), encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11), and most importantly love one another (1 John 3:11).



The church is to be a place where believers can observe the Lord’s supper, remembering Christ’s death and shed blood on our behalf (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). The concept of “breaking bread” (Acts 2:42) also carries the idea of having meals together. This is another example of the church promoting fellowship. The final purpose of the church according to Acts 2:42 is prayer. The church is to be a place that promotes prayer, teaches prayer, and practices prayer. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”



Another “commission” given to the church is proclaiming the Gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8). The church is called to be faithful in sharing the Gospel through word and deed. The church is to be a “lighthouse” in the community – pointing people towards our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The church is to both promote the Gospel and prepare its members to proclaim the Gospel (1 Peter 3:15).



Some final purposes of the church are given in James 1:27, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” The church is to be about the business of ministering to those who are in need. This includes not only sharing the Gospel, but also providing for physical needs (food, clothing, shelter) as necessary and appropriate. The church is also to equip believers in Christ with the tools they need to overcome sin and remain free from the pollution of the world. This is done by the principles given above – Biblical teaching and Christian fellowship.



So, with all that said, what is the purpose of the church? I like the illustration in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27. The church is God’s “body” – we are His hands, mouth, and feet in this world. We are to be doing the things that Jesus Christ would do if He were here physically on the earth. The church is to be “Christian” – “Christ-like” and Christ-following.

I have read this three time and mad a copy for later.
Can't find any thing to ask or contradict.
Should be required reading
Quite excellent***********

Terry
_________________________________
Blessed are the pure of heart, they shall behold their God.

 

[Scott1]

Yeh I feel the same way scott..we are all just banging our heads off brick walls with eactother.. You Have your faith and we have ours so instead of arguing back and forth it would be good just to have a nice chat....

Well.... not to discourage the pleasant intentions, but we can chat privately....

I would like to take the time here to talk about two things:

Hi Net Doc, I second that, I don't consider myself to be protestants..just Christian..

We are all Christians.... and you have the right to call yourself whatever you'd like... but understand that a Protestant is what you are, and as a classification:
a non-denominational-Protestant-Christian-Religious-Human being

Sure you do(worship idols), what do you call kneeling down and praying to them is called, Please don't tell me, that this is something you don't do?

Well... we're not going to have a pleasant chat anytime soon with this kind of garbage being tossed about.
It is right to warn people against the sin of idolatry when they are committing it. But calling me an idolater is based on misunderstanding or ignorance of what the Bible says about the purpose and uses (both good and bad) of statues, and more importantly misunderstanding or ignorance of my personal faith.

Why can't you folks just have a relationship with Christ and quit trying to be right all the time? Your interpretation of Scriptures is no more valid than MY interpretation.... we can chit-chat once you realize this.

Scott

 

[Uncertaindrummer]

I don't see anywhere in Scripture that the Church calls itself Catholic, You keep talking about whats not in the Bible, why not abide by what has been written it in.. Sure you do, what do you call kneeling down and praying to them is called, Please don't tell me, that this is something you don't do? I was a RC for over 30 years my parents longer..Is this not what Idolatry is all about? people making statues and praying to them..Leviticus 19:4 Do not turn to Idols or make for yourselves molten Gods, I am the Lord your God..

I don't see anywhere in Scripture the word "Trinity" either but that doesn't stop you from believign that?

And it is obvious why you left the Catholic Church. You obviously did not understand it and DO not understand it. Anyone who thinks Catholics worship idols has NO knowledge of Catholicism at ALL. Do we make statues? Yes. To remember people. Do we pray to them? HECK NO! That is like me sayign that you pray to a BIBLE because you kneel while reading it in a church or something. Also, how about these Bible verses (and by the way, I still see no reason to lsiten to your Bible verses because, you still haven't explained to me why you believe in it in the FIRST place).

Exodus 25:18-20
Make two cherubim of beaten gold for the two ends of the propitiatory, fastening them so that one cherub springs direct from each end. The cherubim shall have their wings spread out above, covering the propitiatory with them; they shall be turned toward each other, but with their faces looking toward the propitiatory.
1 Kings 7: 23-29
The sea was then cast; it was made with a circular rim, and measured ten cubits across, five in height, and thirty in circumference.
Under the brim, gourds encircled it, ten to the cubit all the way around; the gourds were in two rows and were cast in one mold with the sea. This rested on twelve oxen, three facing north, three facing west, three facing south, and three facing east, with their haunches all toward the center, where the sea was set upon them. It was a handbreadth thick, and its brim resembled that of a cup, being lily-shaped. Its capacity was two thousand measures. Ten stands were also made of bronze, each four cubits long, four wide, and three high. When these stands were constructed, panels were set within the framework. On the panels between the frames there were lions, oxen, and cherubim; and on the frames likewise, above and below the lions and oxen, there were wreaths in relief. And there are others. So why do not YOU have statues? The Bible does. OH wait, thats right, you still aren't sure why you believe in the Bible...

 

[Uncertaindrummer]

Minor point... but neither Glasgowchick nor I consider ourselves "protestants". I think this holds true for a few others including (I think) Enhanced Spirit.

Maybe you do not like that but it is what you are. You are in effect protesting against the Church, hence Protesting Christian, hence a Protestant.

 

[Scuba Pete]

No Scott...

protestant churches were derived from the Catholic Church starting with Martin Luther. They were created out of "Protest", hence the name. They were intent on REFORMING a church that they saw as corrupt.

We feel no such connection with the RC church. It is not for us to reform YOU. Instead, we work on RESTORING the New Testament church in all of it's simplicity, power and glory. We derive from the early church, BEFORE there was a Catholic Church.

Calling me ANYTHING but a Christian (including protestant) is an insult. Please respect that.

 

[Uncertaindrummer]

No Scott...

protestant churches were derived from the Catholic Church starting with Martin Luther. They were created out of "Protest", hence the name. They were intent on REFORMING a church that they saw as corrupt.

We feel no such connection with the RC church. It is not for us to reform YOU. Instead, we work on RESTORING the New Testament church in all of it's simplicity and glory. We derive from the early church, BEFORE there was a Catholic Church.

Calling me ANYTHING but a Christian (including protestant) is an insult. Please respect that.

I do not think so. We CLEARLY do not agree that you are going about things in the right way. You know that already. It would not be an insult to call you what you are. If I had a little less tact I mgiht even call you a heretic.

 

[Scott1]

protestant churches were derived from the Catholic Church starting with Martin Luther.

Right... and without them = you would still be a Roman Catholic Christian..... I don't see how this is not obvious to you.

We feel no such connection with the RC church. It is not for us to reform YOU. Instead, we work on RESTORING the New Testament church in all of it's simplicity, power and glory. We derive from the early church, BEFORE there was a Catholic Church.

.... and this is where the confusion kicks in.... BE the early Church.... BE the early community in the Book of Acts..... share all of your possessions, give tribute to Jerusalem, use the Old Testament ONLY..... BE it, DO it. I hope it works out well for your little community.

Calling me ANYTHING but a Christian (including protestant) is an insult. Please respect that.

I will try to remember that my friend.... please remember I don't consider it an insult..... all humanity, all Christians are equal in my book. The fact that I'm a disciple of Christ defines me, not my membership in the RCC.

 

[Scuba Pete]

If I had a little less tact I mgiht even call you a heretic.

That would be an HONOR my friend, for so they called Jesus and the first Christians.

Matthew 5:11 "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." NIV

 

[Uncertaindrummer]

Well yes but I am not unhappy that you believe in Jesus--I am glad you do--I just wished you would put some more thought into it. Blind Faith is not a good thing, and you seem to be perilously close to it, by blindly accepting whatever the Bible says, even though you have no reason to believe in the Bible. Please do not take this as an insult--I am just still trying to figure out how it is that you justify your Faith in the Bible. And please do not tell me the "Spirt tells me so". Muslims, Mormons, JW's etc. all claim things much like this (i.e. the Mormon's "Burning in the Bosom") and yet you would not take theirs as sufficient.

 

[Scuba Pete]

I don't see how this is not obvious to you.

Well, that's a HUGE logical leap. Unfortunately, my legs aren't that strong. We base our church structure (lack of priests, etc) and our worship structure on the Bible. The Protestant/Reform churches retained much that was Catholic but cannot be found in Scripture.

BE it, DO it. I hope it works out well for your little community.

Even with out your blessing we have been doing this. We desire nothing but to be Christians only. Some of the churches of Christ excel in some areas, and others in other areas. No two are exactly alike. But as we understand the Scriptures we change to incorporate them. Are we perfect? Just like the churches in Revelations, each has a littany of faults.

The fact that I'm a disciple of Christ defines me, not my membership in the RCC.

Be careful my friend or UD might also be calling you a heretic! But you are right. Just as being ONLY a disciple of Jesus and a member of no denomination defines me.

 

[Scuba Pete]

Blind Faith is not a good thing, and you seem to be perilously close to it, by blindly accepting whatever the Bible says, even though you have no reason to believe in the Bible.

Somehow, I don't see condescension as a fruit of the Spirit (Galations 5)

Let's see what Jesus has to say about "blind faith":

John 20:24 Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!"
But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it."

26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" 27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."

28 Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!" 29 Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." NIV

Yeah, I feel rather blessed right now. I will gladly believe the Scriptures over YOUR interpretation of Christianity. Lets see what jesus says about THAT:

Mark 7:5 So the Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus, "Why don't your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders instead of eating their food with 'unclean' hands?"

6 He replied, "Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written:
" 'These people honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
7 They worship me in vain;
their teachings are but rules taught by men.' 8 You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men." 9 And he said to them: "You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions! 10 For Moses said, 'Honor your father and your mother,' and, 'Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.' 11 But you say that if a man says to his father or mother: 'Whatever help you might otherwise have received from me is Corban' (that is, a gift devoted to God), 12 then you no longer let him do anything for his father or mother. 13 Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that." NIV

Yeah, I think I'll stick to the Scriptures and let the Holy Spirit work his wonders in me.

 

[Scott1]

Well, that's a HUGE logical leap. Unfortunately, my legs aren't that strong. We base our church structure (lack of priests, etc) and our worship structure on the Bible. The Protestant/Reform churches retained much that was Catholic but cannot be found in Scripture.

... but you do have the episcopate, presbyterate, and diaconate, right?

 

[Scuba Pete]

We have preachers, deacons and elders. We don't have priests (other than ALL of the members), saints (other than ALL of the members) or Popes.

We DO need deaconesses as the Bible talks about. Frankly, the church needs to rethink it's views on females.

 

[Uncertaindrummer]

Somehow, I don't see condescension as a fruit of the Spirit (Galations 5)

Let's see what Jesus has to say about "blind faith":

John 20:24 Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!"
But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it."

26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" 27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."

28 Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!" 29 Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." NIV

True but what if Thomas had blidn faith in someone BESIDES Jesus? Wouldn't be good would it? You need to have a reason for your faith.

Yeah, I feel rather blessed right now. I will gladly believe the Scriptures over YOUR interpretation of Christianity. Lets see what jesus says about THAT:

My interpretation of Christianity COMES from the Bible! How do you know I'm wrong and you are right? You don't. How can we tell who is right? Who is the final authority?

Yeah, I think I'll stick to the Scriptures and let the Holy Spirit work his wonders in me.

Goshdarnit, WHY!?Why are you sticking to the Scriptures!? Would you please give me an answer there? If you don't that is fine, but then I do not see why you are on a religious discussion forum...