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Post by HUCK on Aug 17, 2006 23:38:52 GMT -5
With the contentions that discussion and debate causes within the Christian circles, I've almost concluded that I don't want to hear anything more than some simple gesture of faith from my acquaintances.....both in person and online.
My wife has a neat deduction concerning these matters with her deep devotion and faith in God to keep His promise of eternal life to "whosoever believes in His name". She refuses to debate or even deeply discuss other's beliefs.
Discourse breeds division in most cases as there is always something that hits a sore spot with the next person. I also find that the knowledge of another's choice of denomination is a dividing factor also. I really don't want to know!
When sharing brings about the topic of "What church do you go to", it seems like an inflaming question. Red flags go up and debate starts. One or the other gets invited to read their material or attend with them next Sunday. I really don't want to know!
From my vantage point, I can share my faith with a mixed crowd and feel the unity amongst all involved. If I were to single out any one in attendance and try to fellowship beyond "Jesus is Lord".....that's where the trouble starts.
Music is a universal language and when 250 people representing eleven different christian denominations stand to sing "How Great Thou Art",.......now that's exciting !!
So what church do you belong to?......I really don't want to know.
Howard
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Post by ClayRandall on Aug 18, 2006 6:15:34 GMT -5
With the contentions that discussion and debate causes within the Christian circles, I've almost concluded that I don't want to hear anything more than some simple gesture of faith from my acquaintances.....both in person and online. Excellent. Despite the fact that most of the Catholic contention here is caused by Howard, I look forward to this new approach from him.
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Post by HUCK on Aug 18, 2006 7:22:30 GMT -5
Despite the fact that most of the Catholic contention here is caused by Howard, I look forward to this new approach from him. This will be possible when we are all on the same level. I expect that will be when we all agree that there is One God, One faith and one Baptism........(and agree on the meaning of that phrase). That would be real unity wouldn't it !!! The Body of Christ would suddenly appear out of the mist. One Faith....in Jesus Christ, period. Are you willing to concede your position that the Catholic Church is necessary for salvation, Clay? You've already explained that those of us who are ignorant of or simply don't believe its claims can also attain eternal life with equal opportunity. In a round about way, you're saying that the Catholic Church is Not necessary for salvation. It appears that you're right and that IT REALLY DOESN'T MATTER.Prue and Bert will likely be happy to deny that any certain method of worship or support of a homebased ministry by homeless preachers is necessary for salvation. You might agree with them that apostolic succession has nothing to do with "Whosoever believes in me shall never die". Nate might even join his wife in the new Unbiased Catholic Church she attends after he becomes aware that IT REALLY DOESN'T MATTER !!Yes, Clay, I look forward also to the day when you can say IT REALLY DOESN'T MATTER !!
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Post by withopeneyes (Mandy) on Aug 18, 2006 13:49:14 GMT -5
I like the point of this.
All in all, it's not very profitable to debate about many of the subjects we come across here on TMB. What is profitable? When we come together to worship, praise, and enjoy Jesus and God.
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Post by Really on Aug 18, 2006 14:29:24 GMT -5
Some Christians have been indoctrinated to believe they are saved by the Christian group they choose to attend. When people place their faith in group association, then its very difficult to fellowship with a believer from even a slightly different group.
Others have been taught they are saved by believing all the right doctrines. Clay wrote once that all the doctrines of the RCC are required for salvation. What a load! When people place their faith in believing all the right things, then every doctrine becomes critical and its very difficult to fellowship with a believer from another group that doesn't have exactly the same doctrine.
When we stand before God, the Pope will not be present, nor will your pastor, priest or elder. When we stand before God, we will all be wrong about some things, but we better be right about one thing.
Jesus is the only mediator of the New Covenant and His grace is sufficient for all those who place their trust in His victory. Rom 4:5
Really
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Post by HUCK on Aug 18, 2006 14:38:30 GMT -5
WithOpenEyes and Really,
I agree with you both.
There is wisdom in silence.
Thanks, Howard
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Post by Hi Clay on Aug 18, 2006 14:48:34 GMT -5
With all respect Clay you have made your point.......now get off the cross. Please.
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Post by withopeneyes (Mandy) on Aug 18, 2006 16:15:36 GMT -5
Nicely worded, Really.
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Post by Universal on Aug 18, 2006 16:56:36 GMT -5
Music is a universal language and when 250 people representing eleven different christian denominations stand to sing "How Great Thou Art",.......now that's exciting !! Only if you live in a very small and self defined universe. I doubt the Japanese, for example, with their pentatonic scales would find the singing to be anything but annoying.
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Post by HUCk on Aug 19, 2006 13:27:46 GMT -5
I doubt the Japanese, for example, with their pentatonic scales would find the singing to be anything but annoying. With only 1 % of Japanese being Christian, I can see why.
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