I noticed a few folks here dont really belong to any particular denomination but have seemed to started their own fellowship. I just wondered as to why you didnt join a Presbyterian church since the ones I am thinking about are certainly paedo. Is there something that just does not sit well with you in any particular denomination?

Not trying to start a flame here, but I am truly interested in why you dont affiliate yourselves with a particular denomination.

Also did you put anytime in for schooling with a particular denomination in order to get training fully knowing you would be leaving that group to start your own? or did you start off in that org to only end up disagreeing with something they teach?

Just wondering.


[Edited on 4-1-2004 by A_Wild_Boar]

Who are we talking about? What fellowship has been started? Who are yiou talking to?

__________________
C. Matthew McMahon, Ph.D.
John 5:39, "...search the Scriptures..."

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Life Maxim: Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.
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[quote:57362c7457][i:57362c7457]Originally posted by webmaster[/i:57362c7457]
Who are we talking about? What fellowship has been started? Who are yiou talking to? [/quote:57362c7457]

Sorry about that. This isnt meant to incite anyone. I am just curious. I just happened to notice a few folks here do not list a particular denomination in their signature strips.

I just wondered if you guys dont like an established church in your area for any particular reason. Or did your Church send you out to start another? I dont know how the home church thing works. Maybe I completely mistake your sigs and you do in fact belong to a church in your area. (you list yours, I just wondered about Scott) There are a few other folks who dont list their particular church in their sigs.

[Edited on 4-1-2004 by A_Wild_Boar]

I basically have the equivalent of a non-denominational status at the moment. I still attend my family's A/G church, and I figured you might have been wondering about that if you saw it in my signature. I'll be attending there while I'm still living with my family, but this fall when I go to college, I'll join an OPC or PCA church.

In Christ,

Chris

__________________
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Christopher Blum
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Sorry about that. I looked into it a little further. Are there no OPC churches in this area?

[Edited on 4-1-2004 by A_Wild_Boar]

[quote:3e97f8a212][i:3e97f8a212]Originally posted by A_Wild_Boar[/i:3e97f8a212]
Sorry about that. I looked into it a little further. Are there no OPC churches in this area? I couldnt acces the link before and assumed, (or is it presupposed) that you werent affiliated with any particular denomination. Maybe you should put OPC in the sig?

[Edited on 4-1-2004 by A_Wild_Boar] [/quote:3e97f8a212]

There are two "dying" churches (dead) in the South Miami and Noth Jupiter area. (Too far away.) But the OPC elder for home missions said they are dying churches (or dying church plants).

[Edited on 8-4-2005 by webmaster]

[quote:9f86edfab5][i:9f86edfab5]Originally posted by webmaster[/i:9f86edfab5]
Nope, not a one.


There are two "dying" churches (dead) in the South Miami and Noth Jupiter area. (Too far away.) But the OPC elder for home missions said they are dying churches (or dying church plants). [/quote:9f86edfab5]

Ok. So the OPC basically trains you and sends you out to get one started. Sounds cool. I guess if I were a Presbyterian I would love to assist as you are in the same area as me. I certainly wish you all the luck.

We'll see what happens. Maybe God will raise something up.

[Edited on 8-4-2005 by webmaster]

I have a friend that just left the Presbyterian church in Pompano. The one with J Letizia as pastor. Maybe I should have him come on board here and talk to you.

Dear Brethren,

Your question is an honest one. I will post my answer in prayer that I will not be banned for this.

We Christians are the Body of Christ, ie. THE Church. We each have a function in that body, wether it be the mouth, or the foot. One is not to think himself higher than the other for without the foot the mouth will have no place new to speak.

Several years ago, 1993 to be exact, the Lord brought me out of the A/G church organization I had been RELUCTANTLY attending due to disagreement in doctrine. I had been going so I would not be forsakeing the assembly with the saints. At that time He brought me to a home fellowship, some would call a house church. Everything, ok, MOST everything they were teaching I was already in agreement. At last I had people who agreed with me on doctrinal issues. Little did I know it actually had a name! (Calvinist, reformed, etc.) But I prefer to use the name of Christian. Out came the bibles, the questions, new format almost unheard of in church organizations. What is taught is HOW to study scriptures, keeping everything in context and not misquoting to fit our needs, unlearning false doctrine that was handed to me since beginning of my life. but more importantly, the fellowship.

In a church organization its easy for people to slip in and slip out and no one need know your life during the week, easy to hide. But when you get close to people, if somethings not right, the others know it! Thus, accountability. Also, EVERYONE is encouraged and expected to be looking into the material for the next week throughout the week, keeping everyone in the Word of God, in prayer, and in worship of the King most High!

I've attended some other organizations since then, and as I would listen, I wanted so desperately to ask questions, as I had become accustomed to. One placed, I felt, too much emphasis on childrens ministries, in that every week the children would get up in the front and it was a free for all. I believe children are not to be exalted, but to be at the feet of Christ, learning.

Do I have issues with church organzations? No. But I find, for myself, twenty plus years in different organized churches and I hadn't learned HOW to study scriptures, hadn't learned how to dig in for the treasures and how to change words on a page to ever lasting life! so, now I sit at the feet of Christ, but with an elder woman, guiding me, and we encourage one another!



:wr51::wr51:

Lori,
Hi; I don't believe I have had the opportunity to welcome you.

Your post is not offensive; in fact, it is very relatable. The majority of present day Christianity is assuredly -skewed-. I believe they go by the term "evangelical". Much of this is non denominational gatherings and an anti-sola scripture mentality. Praise God for lifting you up out of such a mess. I always ask myself, I wonder why Christ leaves the majority there??? it is a blessing that God has graced us reformed with. We should be gentle, humbled by this present, not arrogant. They are called "The Doctrines of Grace", not the "Doctrines of the Prideful".

Can I inquire:
Are you involved with any local assemblies at this time?

[Edited on 4-3-2004 by Scott Bushey]

__________________
Scott Bushey
Husband to Tina, father to Nicole, Danielle and Zoe
Member First Presbyterian Church of Margate PCA

[quote:ce721edac2][i:ce721edac2]Originally posted by A_Wild_Boar[/i:ce721edac2]
I have a friend that just left the Presbyterian church in Pompano. The one with J Letizia as pastor. Maybe I should have him come on board here and talk to you. [/quote:ce721edac2]

Roger,
I do not think NCC has any affiliation........

[quote:9edb8902b9][i:9edb8902b9]Originally posted by Scott Bushey[/i:9edb8902b9]
Lori,
Hi; I don't believe I have had the opportunity to welcome you.

Your post is not offensive; in fact, it is very relatable. The majority of present day Christianity is assuredly -skewed-. I believe they go by the term "evangelical". Much of this is non denominational gatherings and an anti-sola scripture mentality. Praise God for lifting you up out of such a mess. I always ask myself, I wonder why Christ leaves the majority there??? it is a blessing that God has graced us reformed with. We should be gentle, humbled by this present, not arrogant. They are called "The Doctrines of Grace", not the "Doctrines of the Prideful".

Can I inquire:
Are you involved with any local assemblies at this time?

[Edited on 4-3-2004 by Scott Bushey] [/quote:9edb8902b9]


Hi Scott, thanks for the welcome. I haven't had too much time to read too much here, but what I have skimmed or read I truly appreciate!

You are absolutely correct in that it is GRACE. Unfortunately some tend to forget the bit about GRACE! and become prideful! Paul said he "became as t hey", meaning he didn't hold himself "HIGHER" but understood where they were at and lifted them up, shewing them the way "follow me, for I follow Christ." To be gifted with Truth is, for me, a humbling experience, for who am I? Praise God for His Mercy!

As for the assembly? I attend a Bible Study, the same one since 1993. For the past year I've had the priveledge to host it in my home. Tonight we will continue in Joshua, presently on Chapter 21 and digging out the Cities of Refuge. I'm still working on that and the Levitical cities. Such Richness, ,when you see how they all relate, depict CHRIST!

Lori,
Are there no local churches in your area that can cater to your spiritual needs?

Also, your post implies that you all meet on Saturdays?

Scott, Yes we meet on Saturdays. And your question about local churches "catoring to my spiritual needs"... I don't understand your question. It implies that in order to feed the flock it has to have a name and be recognized by government. ?????? I do not understand that logic.

[quote:e24a52691f][i:e24a52691f]Originally posted by Loriann[/i:e24a52691f]
Scott, Yes we meet on Saturdays. And your question about local churches "catoring to my spiritual needs"... I don't understand your question. It implies that in order to feed the flock it has to have a name and be recognized by government. ?????? I do not understand that logic. [/quote:e24a52691f]

Lori,
I do not mean to be inciteful or challenging, but I have a few concerns. There is more to the issue than just "feeding the flock". Membership and local _church_ life, i.e. Pastor, eldership, and the responsibility to examine the body, church discipline, etc.
1) What is your understanding of the 4th commandment in relation to your saturday worship.
2) Do you think it important for your fellowship to be overseen and accountable by someone? ( please do not say that it is "overseen" by God or the Holy Spirit)

Scott,

Quote: "1) What is your understanding of the 4th commandment in relation to your saturday worship. "

Answer: Hebrews 4 tells us that Christ is our Sabbath, our rest.

Quote: "2) Do you think it important for your fellowship to be overseen and accountable by someone? ( please do not say that it is "overseen" by God or the Holy Spirit)"

Answer: And who is the church organizations accountable to... a pastor? a denomination? made up of what? MEN? (no, not hostile, sorry if it sounds I am).. We are to be accountable to one another.... Yes, we have discipline in our group. Scripture is plain on how to handle situations. I find we are MORE accountable to one another than if we were to be in a large congregation. Reason, I've seen people who walk into a church organization, look to be walking in the holy spirit, yet find out they are LIVING with someone they were not married to, or other instances the biggest partiers the town had! (those are just a few examples.) As to accountability of doctrine, I understand the concern that a lot of groups are off the deepend and not even know it. We hold strong to the doctrine of Grace set forth in scripture.


NO... it is not forbidden to attend a church organization... a few of our members do! And, that is one of the reasons we gather on Saturday. So anyone who wishes to do so , can attend an organization!

Yes, we have an elder, who is GIFTED with the gift of teaching.!

Lori,
Sending you a U2U..........

I hope that you all will join me in my current joy. As of last evening, the congregation of which I am a member, was accepted into the Ohio Presbytery of the OPC. It is a wonderful thing for our congregation and all are very pleased and humbled to be membered in the branch of God's Church known as the OPC.

As one who scoffed and even ridiculed those who were membered in churches not so long ago, I can tell you that there is nothing like being a formal member of the body of Christ. It allows for nourishment, accountability, discipline, and growth. I am so glad God has providentially "spanked" me so that I would know His blessings.

As I drove home from the Presbytery meeting with one of my elders, he said something that I had never thought before. Submission is only submission when there is disagreement between the parties. It is a wonderful picture of our relationship to God and to His Church. We disagree with God in our sin. The only way for us to submit to Him is to bend our will to His. Thankfully this has been made possible by the Holy Spirit's work.

In the Church, where the gospel is preached faithfully, the sacraments are administered correctly, and the discipline is carried out biblically, our submission means that we bend our will to that of our fathers (elders) and our brothers and sisters. We don't have to bend a thing where we agree. But where we disagree, that is the place of submission. And I am so thankful that God has fostered this relationship in His Church.

In Christ,

KC

__________________
Heb 13:20-21

Kevin C. Easterday
Member Covenant OPC, St. Augustine, FL
Husband to Tina (August 13, 1988), Father and Teacher to Kamden (16) and Kolton (14)
Federal Theology Website
Click to get: Board Rules -- Signature Requirements -- Suggestions?

Amen Kevin!
What a victory for the body at large to have your church gathering officially now part of the OPC!

Hi Scott. Not to be disrespectful in any way, But after reading the dialog between you and Loriann, I think I like Loriann's belief of what the church is more than yours. After more than 40 years of attending "church" I would be happy to attend a house church that is studying the scriptures.

After reading the scriptures through many times, I do not ever remember reading where a body of believers has to be tied in with a denomination in order to function as a church body, or overseen by a larger denomination.



[Edited on 4-3-2004 by Gregg]

__________________
Gregg M.
Truth Baptist Church
South Windsor CT.

[quote:eee863e060][i:eee863e060]Originally posted by Gregg[/i:eee863e060]
Hi Scott. Not to be disrespectful in any way, But after reading the dialog between you and Loriann, I think I like Loriann's belief of what the church is more than yours. After more than 40 years of attending "church" I would be happy to attend a house church that is studying the scriptures.

After reading the scriptures through many times, I do not ever remember reading where a body of believers has to be tied in with a denomination in order to function as a church body, or overseen by a larger denomination.



[Edited on 4-3-2004 by Gregg] [/quote:eee863e060]

Greg,
No disrespect taken. However, "liking" something and being theologically correct are horses of a different color.

Scott, do you think the Lord will be more pleased with your church attendance/affiliation with a larger denomination, than Loriann's small home fellowship?

Just [i:788d8ecfaa]more[/i:788d8ecfaa] schisms.

__________________
^Brian Lanier^
Member: Redeemer Presbyterian Church (OPC)
Santa Maria, CA
Attending: First Presbyterian Church (OPC)
Sunnyvale, CA
http://www.lanier-perspective.blogspot.com

[quote:de5bf51b0c][i:de5bf51b0c]Originally posted by Gregg[/i:de5bf51b0c]
Scott, do you think the Lord will be more pleased with your church attendance/affiliation with a larger denomination, than Loriann's small home fellowship? [/quote:de5bf51b0c]

Greg,
I believe God has set certain criteria's what make up a church. If history proves itself correct, the church at large functions in a certain way. Is this according to scriptural mandates-yes. Why is it, we do not see house churches everywhere instead of the local churches we see daily? because God ordained it this way.

All I'm saying is this, I have nothing against "plants". There is a difference though between a plant and a "house church".
matt and I would disband what we are doing if no affiliation was in store.