Monday, June 18, 2007
My "Church," My "Religion," and My Faith
If you have followed my last few posts regarding "church" membership, fellowship and accountability, then you will understand that I do support the attendance within a "church." I do this not because I support a particular doctrine or place of worship, rather it is because I find that fellowship with like minded believers helps to strengthen my own faith walk. I do not expect others to agree with my stance, nor do I feel it lessens their ability to strengthen their own faith walk, unless they find that they are unable or unwilling to "walk in the Spirit" on their own. There are not many that can do so. In order for most to be strong in their faith and in their convictions that what they believe is the Truth, they need others to help guide their steps. Yesterday, in the church that I attend, our pastor made a good point for this. He gave an illustration of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus took 3 of his closest "friends" and asked them to stand watch for him, because as He said: "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Matthew 26:36-38 (NIV) In Ecclesiastes we read that "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to heop him up! Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NIV) This was also from our sermon yesterday. The basis for this sermon was being Spiritual Warriors for the Lord, and that we all need others that will help us. This does not mean that we must belong to a "church" as a place, but rather to a "church" as a body of LIKE MINDED believers, regardless of the meeting "place." I do not think it necessary for me to denounce my "religion" as my faith is my "religion." I give myself a label of "Christian" because that is what others would say I am. I am a Christ follower, first and foremost. I am not perfect, only loved by a perfect God! Nor has any other Christian ever been perfect (Jesus was not a Christian, as He did not follow himself.) I do not feel as some do that the Cross is a symbol of warfare, but rather a symbol of all that Christ gave, so that we might have eternal life. I do not worship the cross, but rather the one that died upon it, and then rose from the dead 3 days later! I pray the blessings of the Lord upon all that read this post.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
The ego attaches to the label. Many are called, few a chosen. The reason is because a person is not strong enough to walk the solo walk, like you are saying. It's is sad that people have to carry a label. The ego thrives on the identity of a label. Those labels have caused wars, notably, the crusades of Christendom murdering other humans and justifying that is was in the name of Jesus. This is why Jesus will say "I never knew you, get away from me you workers of lawlessness. This whole world is under the power of the wicked ones, thus Satan offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the world because Satan-lower entity has control over all of them.
ReplyDeleteWe don't even know if Jesus died on a cross. Back then the crucifixion was very popular among the Romans. Have you ever wondered why there is very little, or none at all, information about the first century and the use of the crucifixion. The cross is a form of Idolatry which Christians have an emotional attachment to. Jesus taught Faith and Love which is what Moses taught. Faith, one on one with the Father through Jesus because of the corruption of religion.
Oh thats right the KKK are Christian also; workers of lawlessness.
It is sad to see you faith is your religion. The definition of Faith is at Hebrews 11:1 which has nothing to do with a church, or religion.
ReplyDeleteI am stating a point that a person can have a much deeper personal intimate relationship with the Almighty Divine Father through Jesus without a Religion having to be labeled. The problem with a church is that there dogma stems from the corruption of the Romanization of the fourth century. I just hit it hard to manifest what is in a person's heart.
As I said, I do not attach myself to the label, only that others would attach this label to me. I have also said before that those that would call themselves Christian and yet, do not walk the walk while talking the talk are not truly Christ followers, and are deluding themselves into thinking that their actions are reflective of their "faith." As for not knowing whether or not Christ died on a cross, I most vehemently disagree with you. The bible (the only divinely inspired, infallible word of God)states in Matthew 27:45 that Jesus was crucified upon a cross, and that the Roman guards gambled at his feet for his clothes. Mark 15:24 also states "Then the soldiers nailed him to the cross." I could quote you others as well, but I think you get the picture. You would do well to read your bible too, in order that your posts and comments would be effective witness, unless of course, your goal is not to witness but to lead astray. In Jesus' Holy Name, I pray that is not the case. I hope that as the Christ follower that you are claiming to be, that you are not passing judgement on me or my blog, or that you are comparing me to the KKK. I love all people regardless of skin color, or religious affiliation, and despise that which the KKK stands for. As far as the whole world being under the power of the wicked ones and the deceiver, I agree, as the bible states that the deceiver was given dominion over the Earth. That is why we must accept Christ as our savior and strive to live our lives according to the Word. I don't think anyone is strong enough to walk that walk alone. Not even Jesus tried to do it alone, and He could do it. Food for thought. I pray the Jesus Christ will shine His light upon you, and that you will see Truth as He is.
ReplyDeleteEnlight: And by the way Satan is no more than an angel of darkness he is not comparable to God at all. (not even as a lower entity.) He is not even God's opposite. That would be like comparing apples to oranges. Blessing to you.
ReplyDeleteI am not comparing you, I don't personally know you. I am referring to the organization of Christanity. It is being involved with the organization which is blood guilty, that is the problem.
ReplyDeleteThe bible was not written in English, The Greek scriptures regarding the cross should be translated at stake. The Greek word is "stauros" meaning post or upward stake. They used a cross beam to raise the stake with ropes, upward with a full grown man nail on it. Jesus was nailed to an upward stake, post, with his hands over head so it would make it more difficult to breath. The English translation is from the Catholics that had control over the copying of the manuscripts. They manipulated the Greek scriptures just like the Jews did to the Hebrew, Although the whole truth can still be figured out.
I am not referring to you personally. The point is, a person can do better without being involved in a blood guilty religion.
Enlight, if you could take a moment and go to my blog www.confessionsofanunchurchedbeliever.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteAnd read my "response" post.
Enlight, it seems to me that you are doing the labeling (??) I believe in the power of the Spirit as stated in the Bible. I believe the Bible is INFALLIABLE. In stating that, I believe He died on the Cross. We can obsess and be carried away about all the details regarding the "deception" of the Wicked One, (I think that we would be playing in his hands) Or we can focus on promoting the Glory of Salvation that we all have received by FAITH. And encourage others, through edification. What power do we have regarding various religions that do wrong?? The power of His Word! What DOES Christ call us to do?? To love in deed and in truth 1 JOhn 3:18. Please read my latest post, www.confessionsofanunchurchedbeliever.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteThe link for Hannah's blog is http://confessionsofanunchurchedbeliever.blogspot.com Please omit the "www"
ReplyDelete