Is God Denominational?

[ama49]

I would love to hear your comments on my site about this. Please stop by at:

Grace for Grace

[prisonchaplain]

Some denominations are closer to correct teaching than others. Also, some have more accurate views of what the Scripture reveals, and yet do not live according to God's standards. Others are further away from accuracy, but live compelling, godly lives.

Nevertheless, the best course, the truest way to obey the command to "do all we can," is to combine godly living with true teaching and belief. Doctrine does matter, because God wants us to know him personally, spiritually, and intellectually.

Perhaps the following story will illustrate: a professor of religion was once asked what he would do if he knew Jesus would return in four years. His answer? I would study for 3 1/2 years, and then preach for six months!

The point is that it is far better to teach correctly for a short time, being well equiped, than to labor hard, but ignorantly and with little power.

[skalenfehl]

It's like it says quoting Ephesians:

Eph. 4: 5
5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

We believe we have the fullness of truth, but there is truth found in all other faiths. We only seek to add to the truth that is found in the other faiths, which is why all men are invited to come unto Him. For this very reason did He establish His church upon the foundation of apostles and prophets, Himself being the cornerstone.

[prisonchaplain]

The phrase "denominational" may throw us off. My contention is that there is truth, and there are teachings that are closer or further away from the truth. Likewise, there are behaviors and actions that are closer to or further from godliness.

Skalenfehl adds the perspective that there is one church with the fullness of the gospel. If so, it would not be a denomination, but rather the Church.

IMHO, as one who does not believe there is only one fully true church organization, denominations are okay, so long as we see ourselves as part of one true, universal Christian church. After all, my wife's baptism in the Presbyterian Church (Hapdong Branch - Korea) translated just fine into the American Assemblies of God. She didn't have to redo it. :-)

[abqfriend]

J. B. Phillips wrote a small book about 40 years ago-called "Your God is Too Small." It is a classic. It's basic premise is that we try to limit God or put God in a box."
"Denominations" or parts of various faith traditions do that. It is not limited to just Christianity.
There are "denominations or sub-groups in Judaism and Islam and Buddhism also.
I belong to one of the largest "denominations." called the Roman Catholic Church. In my opinion, it trys to do that also-put God in a box-it's box.
Each of us comes to a point in life where we feel that (hopefully) the Holy Ghost is guiding us in the direction of "Truth.' That truth may be in one "denomination." or another. Every "denomination" that I know of calls their church the "true church." Most denominations find some "truth" in other "denominations of their same faith tradition-such as Christianity, Judaism, Islam or Buddhism.
We, in our understanding of God may put limits on who belongs to who, but ultimately that decision is God's-or as some call Him, The Heavenly Father.
Perhaps our finding the Truth and living the Truth-- is our journey in this life.
I am a truth seeker-perhaps you are too-and if you have found it-that is wonderful for you.
May our Heavenly Faither Bless each of you in seeking, finding and living the Truth.
-Carol

[Traveler]

I believe this is a most interesting question - that is how does G-d view all of the demonations. I am quite sure that the creation of many demonations is not the work of G-d. I do not think he is pleased that believers divide themselves.

This leads us to one of two possible conclusions.

First. That there is no true demonation authorized by G-d as the holder of his truth.

Second. That there is a true demonation created and authorized by G-d and that all the other demonations are creations of man and have some truth and some error.

If G-d has a true religion it would seem to me that he would also have a true demonation as well. Logic tells me that if there is no authorized demonation that it cannot be argued that there is a true authorized religion.

The Traveler

[prisonchaplain]

Originally Posted by Traveler

I believe this is a most interesting question - that is how does G-d view all of the demonations.

Was this a typo or an attempt at humor?

I am quite sure that the creation of many demonations is not the work of G-d. I do not think he is pleased that believers divide themselves.

Let me help you. Denominations are unifying organizations, not divisive ones. For example, the Assemblies of God formed in 1914 to bring together many independent pentecostal churches, so that we might more effectively carry out the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). Today we unify over 12,000 congregations domestically, and nearly 60 million members worldwide. We did not form as a brake from any other group, but rather to unify. IMHO most denominations see themselves as I've described--not as breakaways from other churches, but as a union of like-minded believers.

This leads us to one of two possible conclusions.

First. That there is no true demonation authorized by G-d as the holder of his truth.

Second. That there is a true demonation created and authorized by G-d and that all the other demonations are creations of man and have some truth and some error.

I'd argue for the third option. Many denominations were ordained by God to carry out his work.

If G-d has a true religion it would seem to me that he would also have a true demonation as well.

IMHO, the Assemblies of God, Baptists, Pentecostals, Charismatics, Methodists, Presbyterians, Salvation Army, etc. are true denominations. They worship the right God in the right way, and please Him by the works and faith. I'm not sure why God's one true religions needs to be expressed by one denomination. The Bible does not name one true church, so if we ask which one is the one true church, are we looking for an answer that is not there?

Logic tells me that if there is no authorized demonation that it cannot be argued that there is a true authorized religion.

The Traveler

I would agree that there must be at least one true church, or there would be no true religion. However, I'm not so sure there has to be one and only one.

[VisionOfLehi]

I think they're has to be one that has ALL the correct answers, and contains all the truth. Obviously I believe one Church on Earth has this.

But I also believe there are other true churches, that do worship God, and are wonderful Christians. The Body, or Church, of Christ... I don't believe that just means LDS people. I believe it means faithful and obedient Christians.

They are the Body of Christ... They are not members of Christ's Church on Earth, IMO, but they're definitely... members of Christ.

I can't figure out how to word it.

But Christ judges on our hearts and our deeds, not just what church we belong to.

[Misshalfway]

I struggle a bit with the opening question of this thread. Makes me wonder if someone is trying to make us state whether or not God plays favorites. I wouldn't describe God as denominational. God is a Father first and foremost. And, we no matter where we find ourselves, are His children. I think he hears all prayers no matter what language or form they come in. I believe His blessings are over all the earth and that he is a rewarder of anyone who seeks Him.

I think there are eternal truths.......truths that God lives by and knows will bring us happiness. I think that those truths have been placed inside of the context of a church. But I think it is important to understand that the church is a vehicle or tool for bringing about God's purposes. And I think God uses many churches and institutions and circumstances to bring about his vast purposes. In the end though, there is one goal in my understanding. It is that God's purpose is to bring about the immortality and eternal life of man. And knows the truths that bring about such blessings.

It isn't so much about whether or not God favors this group or that. It is about truth. It is up to us to hear his voice as he leads us to the truth.

[prisonchaplain]

Originally Posted by VisionOfLehi

I think they're has to be one that has ALL the correct answers, and contains all the truth. Obviously I believe one Church on Earth has this.

You are taking upon your Church a burden that, imho, cannot be carried. Israel could not carry it, and sure 'nuf, neither could the Catholic Church. Even the Pope is only infallible when he speaks ex cathedra. The Apostles spent three years walking and talking with the Son of God. Yet, they could not maintain a perfect church, even according to your own theology.