quote: Originally Posted by vega:One caveat Bill, the hierarchy of the Catholic Church and manmade government of the Baptist Church is no different. When man has associations that determines what is good for the geese when a simple reading of scripture would suffice. A practice of such is the same nonsense as seen in denominations including the Catholic Church. The Church belongs to Christ and is not to be fiddled with.
Hi Vega,
I agree that the many denominations, including the Baptists -- have truly muddied the Christian waters. That is why, when someone asks me about our church, I tell them we are a Christian church -- a Christ-centered, Bible-teaching Christian church. If they continue to push, I will say that we are affiliated with the Baptist General Conference. But, on none of our church tracts or other material do we say we are a Baptist church; we are a Christian church. It is not that we are ashamed of being Baptist. Only that, as you said, the real church is not Baptist, Methodist, Roman Catholic, Lutheran, or whatever. The real church is the body of believers, worldwide, who have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
The church which began with the 120 disciples in the Upper Room in 33 AD -- had no denominations. And, it is a sad commentary on man that we have so many today. But, we must all keep in mind that all men are fallen -- even though many of us have become "forgiven sinners" who walk with Christ.
I have written my own personal Statement of Beliefs based upon what I believe the Bible teaches us. And, since my personal Statement of Beliefs fits so closely with that of the Baptists, or theirs with mine -- I will tell folks that I am a Baptist-flavored Christian.
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
Bill