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Basics of the faith

Discussion in 'Other Christian Denominations' started by Michael Wrenn, Mar 28, 2012.

  1. Michael Wrenn

    Michael Wrenn New Member

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    What do you folks think are the things necessary to believe to be a Christian?
     
  2. Godspeaks2me

    Godspeaks2me New Member

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    John 3:16, of course!:thumbs: Next question, please. :godisgood:
     
  3. Michael Wrenn

    Michael Wrenn New Member

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    So, that's all that is necessary? That's the essence of the Gospel, in a nutshell?

    If you were starting a church or founding a new denomination, is that all you would require to be believed?
     
  4. Godspeaks2me

    Godspeaks2me New Member

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    It's a good start.


    Basically

    I would require only an open mind towards the possibility of God for someone to come to my church.

    Now if your asking "and I think you are" what I consider to be a born again Christian and my brother in Christ, well, If you believe John 3:16 then you are my brother and the rest can be discussed over potluck, with zeal and brotherly love.
     
  5. Thinkingstuff

    Thinkingstuff Active Member

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    Everything in the Nicean Creed. Just for a refresher I'll post it here.

     
  6. savedbymercy

    savedbymercy New Member

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    The basics of the Faith according to scripture, is the foundation of Christ 1 Cor 3:11

    11For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

    Who He is, what He accomplished, for whom He accomplished it and Why ?
     
  7. Michael Wrenn

    Michael Wrenn New Member

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    Can a pro-choice person be a Christian? Can a practicing homosexual be a Christian?
     
  8. annsni

    annsni Well-Known Member
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    Yes they can but the Spirit will convict them of their sin.
     
  9. Michael Wrenn

    Michael Wrenn New Member

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    So, if all a person needs to believe to be a Christian is that Jesus lived and died as one of us, to save us from sin and hell, and was physically resurrected and thus defeated death and the devil, why the need for denominations with all their extra "stuff"? And all the charges back and forth between them of false teachings?

    Shouldn't there be a church/denomination where the only requirement for membership and service is to believe the above, repent of your sins, and resolve to live a holy life? If you are a Christian according to the above criteria, what does it matter what other or additional beliefs you hold?
     
  10. Thinkingstuff

    Thinkingstuff Active Member

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    I thought that was pretty much it for being a Christian.
     
  11. Heavenly Pilgrim

    Heavenly Pilgrim New Member

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    HP: If that does not happen antecedent to salvation, they cannot fulfill the first stated condition of salvation, i.e., repent.

    Repentance must preceed salvation. Jesus said unles ye repent ye shall all likewise perish. No repentance, no salvation.
     
  12. Michael Wrenn

    Michael Wrenn New Member

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    My point exactly.

    So, shouldn't there be a church/denomination where this is the only requirement, and let people believe what they want in all other areas?

    Further, if people are Christians according to that criteria, then there are no false beliefs, are there -- only mistaken opinions?
     
  13. Thinkingstuff

    Thinkingstuff Active Member

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    Now you are getting into the question of "how much has God revealed himself" and "through what means".

    All Baptist are Sola Scriptura and believe that God primarily and fully reveales himself in the scriptures. However, since each man is his own authority on this it is on each man/woman to fall back onto to each person's personal interpretation of the scriptures and how much God has revealed to them individually through his word. Though it isn't spoken much baptist also believe in a General revelation that some of what can be known of God is revealed in nature. Finally, though this isn't spoken much of either baptist believe of an internal revelation in each person as the Holy Spirit presents each individual person more revelation. The obvious problem is that no one agrees on what deeper revelation God is presenting them. But despite this problem the prevailing view is that each person is at a different level than others.
     
  14. Michael Wrenn

    Michael Wrenn New Member

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    I think that's a good analysis.

    I am, for the most part, Baptist in my thinking and beliefs, but I don't hold to Sola Scriptura, preferring instead the "Wesleyan Quadrilateral". I used to hold that the Spirit is the final authority, like the Quakers, but that can lead to problems, too. Evangelical Quakers solve this by saying if a leading purported to be of the Spirit does not line up with scripture then it is a false leading -- which in effect returns to Sola Scriptura.

    Well, anyway, in my searches I've found that even those churches carrying a "non-denominational" label still have denominational-like teachings. I haven't been able to find a church that says if you accept Jesus and repent, you can believe whatever else you want to. Seems that there should be a church like that. :)
     
  15. fortytworc

    fortytworc Member

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    It has been my opinion that homosexuals do not have to practice any more than heterosexuals.
    Something not quickly forgotten.
     
  16. mont974x4

    mont974x4 New Member

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    1Co 2:2 For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.

    This is how Paul summarized it. The problem is we tend to get into disagreements regarding just what that means. A reading of 2 John gives us some guidance:

    2Jn 1:7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist.
    2Jn 1:8 Watch yourselves, that you do not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward.
    2Jn 1:9 Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son.
    2Jn 1:10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting;
    2Jn 1:11 for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds. (NASB)
     
  17. Moriah

    Moriah New Member

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    Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him."John 14:21.
     
  18. billwald

    billwald New Member

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    Agree that the Nicene Creed is sufficient to define "Christian."
     
  19. billwald

    billwald New Member

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    >All Baptist are Sola Scriptura

    And all Republicans are Sola Constitution. The devil is in the details.
     
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