"Neither Do I Condemn Thee"
#5 Why so Many Denominations
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Why so Many Denominations
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I have at times lost faith in some Teachers that were instructing me
I Still Believe: I Still have Faith: I Still have Hope
My life has come through many backgrounds to be a part of the body of Christ so I ask Myself,
Why so many Denominations?
“The Holy Spirit and the Gifts of the Spirit”
The Quilt Made for God the Father
From the Remnants of Life on Earth
Jesus and His Church: With all the labels listed for a Church. Which one is right? Which Church is Jesus coming for?
Heb_10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Isa 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
Jesus is coming for His Remnant, His Bride
Coming for many believers to make His Quilt (the Church)
Gods Remnants, His Church
"There is a way which seemeth right unto a man,
but the end thereof are the ways of death" (Proverbs 14:12),
Can All Leaders be Trusted?
Remember, Leaders Killed Jesus
Mat_23:13 But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.
Mat_23:14 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.
Mat_23:15 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.
Mat_23:23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
Mat_23:25 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.
Mat_23:27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.
Mat_23:29 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous,
God has sent leaders to teach us but can all leaders be trusted?
Mat_23:34 Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:
Yet Jesus would say
Mat_5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
So if we cannot always trust our leaders of what they say, but we must exceed their righteousness
What is Jesus saying to His people?
To begin here, I am to describe examples of those that walked with Jesus when Jesus was here on the earth. They were given what I would call “labels”. They came from many backgrounds. They were lawyers, doctors, fisherman, tax collectors, Writers, a Prostitute, they were Rich and poor, some like the lady at the well, with many lovers, some had live-ins, and some with many husbands. There were scholars of the scriptures, Sadducees, Pharisees, the rich young ruler, there were those with sicknesses as leprosy, dumb or blind. Some were even raised from the dead. Jesus even met with the Sanhedrin, Pharos, and leaders in Rome. I am describing these interactions as labels.
Today, there are labels beyond occupational, lifestyle situation and stance labels. Jesus walks with us in a Spiritual and yet a personal way. These experience that that we each have had, are religious labels that we attach to each other today. I am not endorsing one religion above the other or meaning to denigrate one religion below the other. I am just listing a sampling of many labels we have given in our society but not including all. There are Atheists, Adventists, Baptists, Brethren’s, Catholics, Evangelicals, Followers of Christ, German Baptists, Jews, Jehovah Witnesses’, Methodists, Mennonites, Mormon’s, Orthodox, Queers for Christ, Religious freedom organizations, Seventh-day Adventists, Unitarians, Worshipers of Satan and many more. We apply labels and we attach likes and dislike meanings to these labels.
Jesus selected Disciples and followers from some of the many different labels that we attach to each other in society. The disciples came from these lifestyles, labels. They were divided in thinking. They each experienced a different relationship with Jesus. They were in disagreement with one another. In their own understanding they were in disagreement with what Jesus was communicating. Before the cross, they were building a kingdom. One was deeming closer to Him than another. During the cross, they were disillusioned, confused, disappointed, scared, and humiliated. After the cross there was a resurrection, it was then another but a different personal experience for each of them with Jesus for a few days.
It is now that they find themselves in the upper room. Each of them shared their personal experiences with Jesus with each other. Each of their experiences now had a new meaning. Their lives were changed. Their desires were changed. Each one expressed their personal experience of being with Jesus the Christ as they came to be within one accord. Their eyes were opened to see what Jesus was actually saying all along. It was so clear. The question is, How could they have misses it?
As history repeats itself, we as sinful natured people, we tend to find ourselves in the same scenario today as did the disciples did of old. We apply the Christian labels to others in a condemning way (Oh, you are one of them?) as of them being nonbelievers as one may believe, or being a cult. A cult is (in a pejorative sense) considered a subjective term, a cult is a social group with socially deviant or novel beliefs and practices. As were the disciples of old, we tend to see in our perspective only our own walking with Jesus, that all we have learned Biblical teachings and have applied it properly in our own lives. We have found the Savior. But we todays Christians (with many labels), are like the disciples of old, divided in thinking and understanding. We were in the period of being led by wolves in sheep’s clothing. Could some of our understandings that have been taught while walking with Jesus as Christians have a different meaning? With the falling away we are disillusioned, confused, disappointed, scared, and humiliated. Maybe it is time for His disciples to come together for the upper room experience.
Heb_10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Rev_12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Rev 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
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Definition of rem·nant
[ˈremnənt] NOUN
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a small remaining quantity of something.
synonyms: remains · remainder · leftovers · residue · rest · residuum
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a piece of cloth or carpeting left when the greater part has been used or sold.
synonyms: scrap · piece · bit · fragment · shred · offcut · oddment
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a surviving trace:
"a remnant of the past"
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christian theology
a small minority of people who will remain faithful to God and so be saved (in allusion to biblical prophecies concerning Israel).
Where do these remnants come from?
1st Corinthians 12:
Diversities of gifts differences of administrations diversities of operations
Definition of Administrations
a. The executive branch of a government.
b. The group of people who manage or direct an institution, especially a school or college.
1Co 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
1Co 12:2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
Definition of GENTILE
1. 1often capitalized : a person of a non-Jewish nation or of non-Jewish faith; especially : a Christian as distinguished from a Jew
most of the nations at the time of the Bible were "heathens", believing in other gods. The term "gentiles" is derived from Latin, used for contextual translation that commonly means non-Jew.
1Co 12:3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
1Co 12:4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
1Co 12:5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
1Co 12:6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
1Co 12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
1Co 12:8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
1Co 12:9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
1Co 12:10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
1Co 12:11 But all these (gifts) worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
Definition of severally one at a time : each by itself : separately: apart from others : independently
1Co 12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
1Co 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or “Gentiles”, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
Eph_3:6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
Gentiles : Non-Jews, "heathens & Christians”, labels we apply, there are Atheists, Adventists, Baptists, Brethren’s, Catholics, Evangelicals, Followers of Christ, German Baptists, Jews, Jehovah Witnesses’, Methodists, Mennonites, Mormon’s, Orthodox, Queers for Christ, Religious freedom organizations, Seventh-day Adventists, Unitarians, Worshipers of Satan and many more. We like to apply labels and we attach meanings to these labels and extended labels. All are sinners in need of a Savior.
Rom_12:5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
1Co_12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
Heb_10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Eph_4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Eph 2:14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
1Co 12:14 For the body is not one member, but many.
We would not be the Christians we are today but for the studies and persuasions of the reformers, their messages, and parts of the body that have walked before us.
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Christian
I Am a Christian today with a mixture of each belief that God has revealed to our Forefather’s before us.
In essence I am a:
Disciple of Jesus, a:
Catholic: I believe in God and Faith in Jesus Christ
Waldenes: I believe in the Idea that God's Word as the Foundation of Faith
Presbyterian: I believe in Obedience to God over the Church
Lutheran: I believe in Truth of Justification by Faith
Anabaptist: I believe in Truth about Baptism by Immersion
Methodist: I believe in Truth about Sanctification
Advent believer: I believe in Truth about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ
Seventh day Baptist: I believe in Truth about the Seventh day Sabbath
Seventh-day-Adventist: I believe in The collection of the beliefs above.
Why so many Religious groups? Because these are the vehicles God has given us the Light and Truth through. Truth came little by little as his people came out of the dark ages towards the Second Coming of Jesus Christ Our Lord, Savior, Redeemer and King.
God's word says:
Heb_10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. In essence, we learn from one another.
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Heb_10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. In essence, we learn from one another.
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1Co 12:15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
1Co 12:16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
1Co 12:17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
1Co 12:18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
1Co 12:19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?
1Co 12:20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.
1Co 12:21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
1Co 12:22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
1Co 12:23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
1Co 12:24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:
1Co 12:25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
Heb_10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
1Co 12:26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
1Co 12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
1Co 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
1Co 12:29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
1Co 12:30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
1Co 12:31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
1Ti 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
Joh 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
1Th 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
Isa 8:20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.
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FOUR HORSES gallop across the sky representing FOUR SUCCESSIVE AGES in the history of the church:
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Rev 6:1 And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.
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A WHITE Horse of Purity & Victory: This period of apostolic purity and power lasted to about 100 a.d.
Rev 6:2 And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.
A RED Horse of Fierce Persecution: This period of fierce persecution dates from about a.d. 100 to 313.
Rev 6:3 And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see.
Rev 6:4 And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.
A BLACK HORSE of Compromise & Corruption: Had a pare of scales picturing the church as "Weighed in the balance and found wanting". Dan 5:27 TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.
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Rev 6:5 And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.
Rev 6:6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.
Rev 6:7 And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see.
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The PALE Horse of Spiritual Death: Compromise has become spiritual death. seems a corpse is riding a pale horse.
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Rev 6:7 And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see.
Rev 6:8 And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.
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This panorama of prophecy took 400 years, from about a.d. 100 to 500 leading to the DARK AGES.
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Dan 8:12 And an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practised, and prospered.
2Th 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
2Th 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
2Th 2:5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
2Th 2:6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.
2Th 2:7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
As people were coming out of the dark Ages, God didn't pour out All Truth on one person but used MANY reformers to restore truth.
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Jud 1:3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
Rev 14:6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,
Rev 14:7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.
Mat_22:6 And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them.
Rev 12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Rom_11:5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
Rev 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
Isa 8:20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.
Mat 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Mat 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Heb 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
Heb 11:14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.
Heb 11:15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.
Heb 11:16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
Mat 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
Mat 7:8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.