DENOMINATIONS: FROM GOD OR MAN? VOLUME ONE

DENOMINATIONS: FROM GOD OR MAN? VOLUME ONE PDF

Author: John F. Lugger

Publisher: AuthorHouse

Published: 2024-05-08

Total Pages: 400

ISBN-13:

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Denomination can be defined as religious division caused by false teaching, so the case could be made that its origin traces back to the beginning of creation, with the account of Cain and Abel. Abel followed correct doctrine with his sacrifice, as God ‘respected’ it, whereas Cain chose to alter whatever instructions God had issued on the subject, choosing instead a different doctrine or ‘denomination’, and offering a sacrifice which God did not ‘respect’, one in which God had not ordained. (Genesis 4:3-5) Most denominations today attempt to follow some things taught or practiced by Jesus and His apostles. But these have been added to or modified to fit human ideas. We see this practice exhibited, even in the Old Testament. Israel “feared the Lord” (seemingly giving God some worship), yet they also served other gods, according to the nations around them (2 Kings 17:32-33). Mixing truth with non-truth makes discernment of God’s desired worship much more difficult, and “worshipping in vain” much more of a danger. (Matthew 15:9). Having earned his B.S. degree from Ohio State University in Business Administration, John had just begun a career in that vocation when he met Charlene, whom he soon married in the Spring of ‘74. John, a life-long Lutheran and Charlene, a member of the Church of Christ had some decisions to make concerning their respective faiths. Encouraged by his wife and others, including his dear friend and minister at the Fishinger and Kenny Rds. Church of Christ in Columbus, Ohio, Gene Carrell, John decided to let the Scriptures speak on the subject. One point seemed to trouble him the most—his baptism as an infant. Since all the examples he could find from the Scriptures described adult individuals who, after coming to belief, would repent, confess and agree / submit to baptism—infant baptism made no sense (how could he, as an infant make these decisions?) After several years of investigation and study of the Scriptures, John was convinced the Bible does indeed speak of a different kind of church than the one he grew up in. In fact, this church was different than any of the religions or churches of its’ day—even the Jewish religion or church, with its’ God-ordained animal sacrifices and specialized priesthood, was replaced by God with this church. For this church ushered in a New Covenant, instituted by Christ Himself, through a “once-for-all” sacrifice of Himself on the cross, offering permanent forgiveness of sins and a priesthood made up of all believers with direct access to God. John found himself wanting to be part of this Church of Christ. Following his obedience to the Gospel and being added to Christ’s church (not by any individual, but by God Himself, according to the Scriptures, Acts 2:47), John developed a passion for writing and teaching, particularly on the subject of modern denominations as compared to the Scriptures and to this New Testament church of Christ. His denominational background has given him a unique perspective, in this instance, to author the first of five volumes on “Denominations: From God Or Man?”

Making Sense of God

Making Sense of God PDF

Author: Timothy Keller

Publisher: Penguin

Published: 2016-09-20

Total Pages: 338

ISBN-13: 0525954155

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We live in an age of skepticism. Our society places such faith in empirical reason, historical progress, and heartfelt emotion that it’s easy to wonder: Why should anyone believe in Christianity? What role can faith and religion play in our modern lives? In this thoughtful and inspiring new book, pastor and New York Times bestselling author Timothy Keller invites skeptics to consider that Christianity is more relevant now than ever. As human beings, we cannot live without meaning, satisfaction, freedom, identity, justice, and hope. Christianity provides us with unsurpassed resources to meet these needs. Written for both the ardent believer and the skeptic, Making Sense of God shines a light on the profound value and importance of Christianity in our lives.

DENOMINATIONS: FROM GOD OR MAN?

DENOMINATIONS: FROM GOD OR MAN? PDF

Author: John F. Lugger

Publisher: AuthorHouse

Published: 2024-06-17

Total Pages: 416

ISBN-13:

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This book continues the series with a focus on the Eastern Orthodox Churches, following their split in A.D.1054 from Roman Catholicism, which set a floor for ongoing heresies, man-made doctrines, and pronouncements, with influential church leaders pioneering these atrocities as equal bearers of authority in the same manner as the Holy Scriptures. Exploring the early councils, attended by numerous Catholic/Orthodox bishops, which convened between A.D. 325 and 787, the author seeks to explain not only the reason for the split but what set the tone or ‘floor’ leading to this rebellion against God’s Divine Authority. The decisions/proclamations of the first seven councils hailed and elevated by these bishops as “Holy”, “Divine”, and “Authoritative”, were uncovered instead to be nothing more than man-made, hypocritical, and on occasion, even deceitful - plagiarizing God’s Word as if It were their own words of wisdom! (Exp. First Council, Canon 2 / 1 Timothy 3:6). This rebellion played out into a ‘Reformation,’ with Martin Luther pulling away, resulting in the first ‘protesting’ or protestant denomination, the Lutheran Church. Unfortunately, the Lutherans only modified the beliefs of their mother church – trading a pope for Synods, a restrictive liturgy for ‘faith only salvation’, and Holy Tradition for Confessions and Creeds. These modifications, a mixture of truth with non-truth, to this day make discernment of God’s desired work and worship more difficult to discern, and ‘worshipping in vain’ the more likely result. (Matthew 15:9). Paul told the Colossians, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all (not some) in the name (authority) of the Lord Jesus” (Col. 3:17). Mixing truth with non-truth is like being ‘lukewarm’ – neither cold nor hot, neither all in, nor all out – our Lord had something to say regarding this did He not? (Revelation 3:15-16).

The Religion of Man Vs. the Word of God

The Religion of Man Vs. the Word of God PDF

Author: D. C. Darr

Publisher: Tate Publishing

Published: 2010-06

Total Pages: 127

ISBN-13: 1616632224

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God gave us His Word to guide us on how we need to live our lives. The problem is, mankind also has free will, and with it comes an ego. In The Religion of Man vs. the Word of God: How Man Makes God Conform to Man's Image, author D. C. Darr has assembled a collection of topics exposing the arrogance of defining God in man's terms. We, as Christians, have become comfortable allowing our religious messengers, philosophers, and interpreters to form our opinion of who God is and what the Bible tells us. In this dangerous comfort zone, we do not question the opinion of our religious leaders, but instead accept it as fact. Discover with author D. C. Darr the serious offenses people have committed using manmade theologies. Find out how the doctrines of religion have led man to create 38,830 Christian denominations and dozens of Bible interpretations. This controversial exposé points out the consequences of blatantly defying God, intending to give readers a better understanding of, and relationship with, our Father in Heaven.

Understanding Jesus

Understanding Jesus PDF

Author: Joe Amaral

Publisher: FaithWords

Published: 2011-09-10

Total Pages: 118

ISBN-13: 1455512494

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Modern-day Christians often bring their own presuppositions and assumptions to the reading of the Bible, not realizing how deeply their understanding of Christ's life and teachings is affected by a 21st-century worldview. In Understanding Jesus, author Joe Amaral delves deep into Jewish history, societal mores, and cultural traditions, closing the gap created by geographical distance and over two thousand years of history. Using a chronological approach to the life of Christ, he guides the reader through significant events such as Jesus' birth, baptism, and crucifixion, pointing out illuminating details that that the Western mind would normally miss. Amaral's premise is that to understand Jesus, we must understand the time and place in which he was born, the background from which he drew his illustrations, and the audience he spoke to. Throughout the book he explores specific terms, places, and events for their significance and shows how they add richness and meaning to the text. Topics include the connection between Jesus and John the Baptist, the annual Feasts and why they are important to modern Christianity, Jewish customs such as foot-washing, clean and unclean foods, paying tribute to political governments, and the significance of various miracles. In Understanding Jesus, Amaral draws back the curtain on a way of life that existed during the reign of the Caesars, and in doing so, reveals truths about the way we live more than two thousand years later, half a world away.

The Story of Christian Theology

The Story of Christian Theology PDF

Author: Roger E. Olson

Publisher: InterVarsity Press

Published: 2009-08-20

Total Pages: 656

ISBN-13: 0830877363

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Christianity Today Book of the Year Award ECPA Gold Medallion Award History is made up of stories--narratives that recount the events, movements, ideas and lives that have shaped religions and nations. Theologian Roger Olson believes that the history of Christian theology should be told as such a story, one replete with thick plots, exciting twists, interesting people and fascinating ideas. In this panoramic work of historical theology Olson vividly recounts the deeds and words of the cultists and apostolic fathers of the second century, the clash between the theological schools of Alexandria and Antioch, the epochal division between East and West, the revolutionary advent of the Reformation and much more, right on up to the dazzling, sometimes dismaying fallout that has continued to shake Christians through the twentieth century. Through it all Olson detects and traces a common thread: a concern for salvation--God's redemptive activity in forgiving and transforming sinful human beings. Evenhanded, refreshingly readable, impressive in its breadth and depth, The Story of Christian Theology is poised to become a standard historical theology text.

Denominations Comparison

Denominations Comparison PDF

Author: Rose Publishing

Publisher: Rose Publishing Inc

Published: 2013-12-06

Total Pages: 11

ISBN-13: 1596365390

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The best-selling Denominations Comparison ebook contains a side-by-side comparison of what 12 Christian denominations believe about God, the Trinity, Jesus, and other spiritual issues. This easy-to-read ebook summarizes the beliefs of the different denominations on key topics and includes a "Family Tree of Denominations" which reveals the roots of today's denominations. Denominations Comparison includes a look at: Catholic, Orthodox, Lutheran, Anglican, Presbyterian, Methodist, Anabaptist, Congregational, Baptist, Presbyterian, Churches of Christ, Adventist, and Pentecostal churches. Each denomination believes in the deity of Christ and the importance of Scripture, so how are the groups different? The Denominations Comparison shows what denominations have in common as well as where they differ. The Denominations Comparison ebook compares 12 denominations on 11 different topics, such as: •When it was founded and by whom •The number of adherents in 2000 •How Scripture is viewed •Who God is •Who Jesus is •How individuals are saved •What happens after death •The definition of the Church •How each looks at the Sacraments •Other practices and beliefs •The major divisions and trends today. The Denominations Comparison ebook is an excellent source for pastors and teachers who want to present denominational beliefs in a concise and focused manner. The full color ebook organizes the denominations comparisons in the order in which they came to be, first covering the six liturgical denominations followed by the six non-liturgical denominations. The Liturgical Churches compared are: •Catholic •Orthodox •Lutheran (Evangelical Lutheran Church of America; The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod) •Anglican (Episcopal Church; Reformed Episcopal Church) •Presbyterian (The Presbyterian Church (USA) or PCUSA; The Presbyterian Church in America or PCA) •Methodist Churches (United Methodists Church; African Methodist Episcopal; Free Methodists) The Non-Liturgical Churches compared are: •Anabaptist (The Mennonite Church; Church of the Brethren; Amish) •Congregational (United Church of Christ: The National Association of Congregational Christian Churches; The Conservative Congregational Christian Conference) •Baptist (Southern Baptists, American Baptists; National Baptists) •Churches of Christ (Christian Church, Disciples of Christ) •Adventist (Seventh-Day Adventist Church, SDA, 7th Day Adventist) •Pentecostal Churches (Assemblies of God; Church of God in Christ) In addition to the side-side comparison of the 12 Christian denominations, the Denominations Comparison ebook contains a list of 42 "Helpful Words to Know" for studying denominational differences. This list defines words such as: Anabaptist, apocrypha, canon, Eucharist, incarnate, pope, predestination, and puritan. The Denominations Comparison ebook also contains several helpful references, such as: •Official web sites for major denominations •General online references •Other web sites for the major traditions. Denominations Comparison also contains a short summary on the following Christian groups, their founders, size, and denominational ties (if applicable): •Calvary Chapel •Christian and Missionary Alliance •Church of God •Church of the Nazarene •Evangelical Covenant Church •Evangelical Free Church of America •International Church of the Foursquare Gospel •Salvation Army •Vineyard Ministries International Topical index: Adventists, African Methodist Episcopal,Anglican,Assemblies of God, Baptists, Calvary Chapel, Catholic Church, Charismatic, Church of Christ, Church of England, Church of God, Congregational Churches, Episcopal Church, Evangelical Church, Foursquare Church, Free Methodists, Holiness Churches, liberal denominations, Lutheran Churches, Methodist Church, Orthodox Church, Pentecostal Church, Presbyterian Church, Quakers, Reformed Church, Roman Catholicism, Salvation Army, Trinity, United Methodist Church, Vineyard Churches, Westminster Confession.

Division among Christians: Disregarding God's word

Division among Christians: Disregarding God's word PDF

Author: Ronald E. Matteson

Publisher: Xlibris Corporation

Published: 2008-03-27

Total Pages: 185

ISBN-13: 1469117207

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This writing is from excerpts found in the book, “Division Among Christians:Disregarding God ́s Word,” by Ronald E. Matteson. Christianity was meant to be the worshiping of God, The Almighty, through Jesus Christ, by use of HEAVENLY words, Heavenly wisdom, and Heavenly understanding. Christianity has been moved from unity toward division by the influx of certain WORLDLY influences, and WORLDLY desires. In the early days of Christianity, the movement of division was due to the actions of some Christian humans who claimed that their leader was the, (a supposed,) actual visible god almighty on earth, and that salvation could take place only in their group and only under their leader. In return for a donation to the group, there came an offering of forgiveness of all debts due to sin, (the same debts God had already forgotten about,) also appearing was an implication of, (supposed,) salvation. Some worldly words, worldly desires, and worldly interests, of the group, caused the over-writing of some true Heavenly words from GOD’S MOUTH, and this action was defended by the word “tradition.” When some of the group’s priests were exposed to having homosexual relationships, it was possibly found necessary to soften the embarrassment by holding that the priests were tempted beyond the priest’s control, and that “the priest’s sexual actions were NOT SINFUL, in and of the priest’s behavior.” The group considers SAME GENDER sexual temptations, and acts as not sinful,(Homosexuality and Roman Catholicism, Wikipedia Encyclopedia). The group’s conclusion is DISCRIMINATORY when they compare sexual temptation and drive found in non-homosexuals, to the sexual temptation and drive found in homosexual’s. Only God, The Almighty, the creator of humans, is able to JUSTLY COMPARE sexual, temptations, and drives, found in both the homosexual, and in the non-homosexual. The group has concluded that homosexual temptation, and drive is much greater than non-homosexual temptation, and drive. Therefore, the homosexual’s actions are NOT sinful, but the non-homosexual’s actions are sinful. This unjust conclusion is due to worldly wisdom. The group has not relied on God’s applicable Heavenly words which denounce homosexual activity. GOD SAID, "One man must not lie with one other man, as he would lie with a woman for this is a hateful thing. Any man who does this must be CUT OFF FROM MY PEOPLE." (PRIESTS are INCLUDED,) Leviticus 18: 22, 29. The group’s worldly opinion concludes that God’s COMPASSION will either resolve the homosexual’s behavior, or on judgment day God will FORGIVE those displaying such homosexual actions since their acts are not sinful. Words from the MOUTH OF GOD, The Almighty, will not support any of the group’s above-mentioned conclusions. Now making an appearance are certain Bishops from various Protestant Denominations, who follow this same homosexual subject matter, and lead some of their flock down the evil path. The Bishops, more than likely, at some time in the past, have referred to the instigators as being worldly, yet the Bishops accept the instigator’s worldly view on homosexuality. DIVISION WITHIN the various denominations is on an INCREASE, and with no end in sight. The time has arrived when certain church members are beginning to leave their present denomination, and seek a denomination which, without a doubt, follows God’s true word. Remember that one does not enter the Kingdom of God because one belongs to a given-named denomination. Jesus Christ said, “will there be any, (heavenly,) FAITH on earth when I return,” Luke 18: 8. One, including those involved in homosexual activity, should now try to gain the necessary understanding as to believe at least some of the true heavenly words which claim that NOT ALL OF US WILL REMAIN IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD AS TO BE SAVED, Matthew 22:14; Luke 13: 23- 27; Romans 9: 27. The more disgusting of recent events is caused by some Christian leaders who CONSPIRE, and appr

Biblical Doctrine

Biblical Doctrine PDF

Author: John MacArthur

Publisher: Crossway

Published: 2017-01-13

Total Pages: 1269

ISBN-13: 1433545942

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Long-Awaited Systematic Theology by Well-Known Pastor, Author, and President of the Master's Seminary Doctrine isn't just for theologians—it's important for every Christian because it shows us who God is and how we should live. Systematizing the robust theology that has undergirded John MacArthur's well-known preaching ministry for decades, this overview of basic Christian doctrine covers topics such as God the Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Bible, salvation, and more. Comprehensive in scope yet written to be accessible to the average reader—with non-technical vocabulary, minimal footnotes, and a helpful bibliography—this volume offers Christians a solid foundation for what they believe and why.