Abiding In The Doctrine Of Christ (2 John 9)
Posted on Written by PreacherNorm 2 Comments
In this episode of Bible Q-n-A, we discuss the false doctrine of “Realized Eschatology.” That is the view that the 2nd Coming of Jesus occurred at the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. They say there is no future hope of the 2nd Coming of Christ because it has already occurred. I show, from the Bible, that to be absurd false doctrine.
Posted on Written by PreacherNorm 6 Comments
I just had a discussion with a Professor filling the pulpit in a congregation that used to be a faithful congregation of the Lord’s church. It was sad and very revealing about why so many once faithful congregations are no longer so.
I asked a series of questions and let him answer, trying very hard not to debate with him – and it was very hard. Here are my questions and a summation of his answers.
No, I am not happy about the way the conversation went. But, it did go exactly as I expected it to. Is it so sad that, to those like the Professor above, we who are careful to follow the New Testament pattern are always the bad guys? Was Paul the bad guy when he rebuked Peter to his face? (Galatians 2:11). Was Peter the bad guy when he rebuked Simon to his face? (Acts 8:20-22). Was Jesus the bad guy when he rebuked the scribes and Pharisees to their face? (Matt. 23:13-36). Or, were they speaking the truth in love? (Eph. 4:15; Jude 3).
The Professor claimed he was being put through a deposition. Well, if that’s what it was then it was so only in his own mind. To me, it was “speaking the truth in love” on two levels. First, and foremost, in love for the Lord and His word! And, whether he believes it or not, in love for him and those under his influence. I wasn’t so nieve to think that our discussion would end in him repenting and going back to correct the errors of the congregation where he serves. But it would have been wonderful if that were how it ended. I would love nothing more than to be able to express open and full fellowship with them. But I cannot, at this time, because they are not a sound congregation of the Lord’s church; and that is very, very sad.
Posted on Written by PreacherNorm Leave a Comment
There are many false beliefs where is the true church ?
Thank you for the GREAT question!
It has become somewhat “trendy” for churches to claim that they are “non-denominational.” This is part of the Community Church trend that started several years ago. However, most of those so-called Community Churches are simply denominations that have dropped the denominational name. They are still teaching and practicing, pretty much, the same things they did before they dropped the denominational name. So, really, there isn’t any difference between a denominational church and a non-denominational church, in that sense. If there are any differences it may be that they keep their money “in-house” instead of sending it in to a denominational headquarters. But, as far as teaching and practice, there are no real differences. Manmade, denominational, doctrines are still manmade doctrines whether you put the manmade name on it or not.
As far as what I am, I am not a member of any denomination. I am a member of the New Testament church, as described in the New Testament of Jesus Christ. I know many New Testament Christians have said for a long time that they are “non-denominational.” However, in my opinion, they need to quit using that terminology. In actuality, the true New Testament church is not “non-denominational, it is “anti-denominational.” With the Community Church trend and their use of the term “non-denominational,” non-denominational has actually become a denomination. Someone might respond to the question, “what denomination are you?,” with “non-denominational” in the same way someone would reply, “Baptist,” or “Methodist.” It has become just another sectarian identifier.
With the Community Church trend and their use of the term “non-denominational,” non-denominational has actually become a denomination. Someone might respond to the question, “what denomination are you?,” with “non-denominational” in the same way someone would reply, “Baptist,” or “Methodist.” It has become just another sectarian identifier. However, if someone asks me what denomination I belong to, I won’t reply that I’m “non-denominational.” I will say that I don’t belong to any denomination because denominationalism is unscriptural. That is, the Bible teaches against sectarian denominationalism. Therefore, I am anti-denominational. It isn’t just that I don’t belong to a denomination. I am AGAINST denominationalism. I am against it because the Bible, and therefore God, is against it. Read 1 Corinthians 1:10-13; 3:3; Philippians 1:27; 1 Peter 3:8; et al.
The only way to know the true church when you see it is to know how the church is described in the New Testament. If a congregation of people today is working and worshipping according to that pattern, or model, then they are the true New Testament church. That’s where you want to be!
Here is a video on the subject that you may find helpful:
Posted on Written by PreacherNorm 2 Comments
I just got through speaking with a baptist preacher at my door. He is trying to tell me Acts 2:38 is a different dispensation and that I need to go with Acts 15:11. Can you help me out? I would contact a local preacher, however, I currently don’t have one. You have helped my husband and myself before, so I came inside to my bible and preacher Norm:)
Mindy,
I’m not sure what his point is exactly, but it probably has to do with the false idea that there was one system for Jewish converts and another system for Gentile converts. This is not true and is a very weak attempt to get around the clear teaching of Scripture. [Read more…]
