It is official

[Ragamuffins]

As of today I am no longer a member of a Baptist church, so my role here will regulated to that of fellowship. I am looking into orthodoxy at St Elias (http://www.sainteliasny.com), but am also attending another church on Saturday nights called the Eastern Hills Bible Church (http://www.easternhills.org/). I am convinced that one of these churches will be my home in the future.

Peace and thanks for everything.

[Sword-In-Hand]

Did this particular church do something that offended you, or the Baptist denom in particular? Or combo of the two?

I'm not a stickler for denominations anyway, as long as Jesus is Lord of your life and Savior, you're fine by me:thumbsup:. I hope the Lord leads you to where He would have you.

[aReformedPatriot]

As of today I am no longer a member of a Baptist church, so my role here will regulated to that of fellowship. I am looking into orthodoxy at St Elias (http://www.sainteliasny.com), but am also attending another church on Saturday nights called the Eastern Hills Bible Church (http://www.easternhills.org/). I am convinced that one of these churches will be my home in the future.

Peace and thanks for everything.

Your doing what!? :eek: No offense my brother, but you are walking into so many doctrinal errors that I am seriously concerned. I urge you to rethink and change your mind completely and if there is anything that I might do, let me know.

Praying for you,
Mark

[MrJim]

As of today I am no longer a member of a Baptist church, so my role here will regulated to that of fellowship. I am looking into orthodoxy at St Elias (http://www.sainteliasny.com/), but am also attending another church on Saturday nights called the Eastern Hills Bible Church (http://www.easternhills.org/). I am convinced that one of these churches will be my home in the future.

Peace and thanks for everything.

:clap:

:prayer: May God guide you clearly and unquestionably to where He wants you to be.

[MrJim]

Your doing what!? :eek: No offense my brother, but you are walking into so many doctrinal errors that I am seriously concerned. I urge you to rethink and change your mind completely and if there is anything that I might do, let me know.

Praying for you,
Mark

Read his blog-he is not entering anything without much prayer and consideration and wrestling with doctrines and scriptures and counselors and history. Praying for him is the best thing you can do. I only wish I had as fortitude.

[aReformedPatriot]

:clap:

:prayer: May God guide you clearly and unquestionably to where He wants you to be.

Do you believe the Holy Spirit leads various people subjectively into contradictory belief systems? If something is not right, then its is false. Many people claim God leading them to do this and that, most of which is contradictory. Since God is the author of truth he does not lead others into falsehood, yet this seems to be what you are saying.

[jenptcfan]

Pray and listen to the Holy Spirit and you will not go wrong. God bless you as you seek God's will in your life.

[Ragamuffins]

Did this particular church do something that offended you, or the Baptist denom in particular? Or combo of the two?
I have always been uncomfortable with the Baptist faith in general. I always referred to myself as a Christian that attends a Baptist church, even though i hav ebeen a member of this church. Did the church offend me, or anyone in it? The pastor did a few times by not listening to me, or I should say hear what I was asking. One particular time when I had a tough question in my mind I asked him the question and he suggeste the reason I was asking the question was because sin was in my life. Instead of dealing with the question.

I have asked many questions and have recieved many varied opinions regarding the Baptist faith and after being confused for so long by the lack of one solid answer I began looking elsewhere. I am not saying I have found the answer in either of the above mentioned churches but they at least offer a chance at the answers wheras i do not feel this church does.

I'm not a stickler for denominations anyway, as long as Jesus is Lord of your life and Savior, you're fine by me:thumbsup:. I hope the Lord leads you to where He would have you.
Yes Jesus is the Lord of my life, and He is my saviour for there is no other :) i am not big on denominations as well, which is why my other church of choice is a non-denominational, Bible church. Thanks for the well wishes.

[aReformedPatriot]

Bud, I am not trying to rag on you or rain on your parade. I'd count you as a friend that I'd do practically anything for, and I owe you my opinion, I think as we have interacted over the last long while.

I am very just,.... very surprised. I wish I would have read your blog before now.

[Ragamuffins]

Your doing what!? :eek: No offense my brother, but you are walking into so many doctrinal errors that I am seriously concerned. I urge you to rethink and change your mind completely and if there is anything that I might do, let me know.

Praying for you,
Mark
Thanks mark but I do believe that the Holy Spirit is leading me away from this church in particular and perhaps the Baptist church in general. I am sincerly seeking the truth and that search has lead me to the Orthodox door. It very well may be that I will not find the truth here ither, but I am commited to keep looking until I find it.

the Baptist church in general needs help in re-establishing its image and where it stands in so many issues. It seems that anyone can have a Baptist church, as long as you pay your dues. It doesn't matter that any given church can have a homosexual pastor, or a woman as a pastor for that matter even though their very authority, the Bible is against the idea. The justification coming from the pulpit is that that was for then, this is for now. Where does that line stop? Who decides? There has to be one truth from the Bible, not various interpretations all of which cancel each other out.

How can we have a Baptist church right across the street from our church and they will never speak to us because we do not have the label Fundemental or we perhaps have the NIV and not the KJV?

I will not turn this into a lecture or anything, but I do not feel that truth can be subjective. Right here in this ery forum we have many people clinging to what we feel as the truth. Some of these thoughts conflict in a major way. Calvinism and Arminanism for instance. These two views paint two very different gods and yet we call each other brothers in Christ. How can we be brothers if our father is different?

This is just the tip of the iceburg my friend as you well know being in seminary.

I understand your alarm TLE you know I love ya brother, and i never thought I would be in this position or on this journey away from this church. I do encourage your prayers for myself and for my family that we are not led into error, and I would never refuse any

[Ragamuffins]

Do you believe the Holy Spirit leads various people subjectively into contradictory belief systems? If something is not right, then its is false. Many people claim God leading them to do this and that, most of which is contradictory. Since God is the author of truth he does not lead others into falsehood, yet this seems to be what you are saying.
Let me explain about the two contradictory systems that we are attending. In my house my wife is not a Christian, she is a seeker. She does not like the structure of the Orthodox church and did like Eatern Hills. So for her sake, for the sake of her learing the very basics of God, and not losing her interest in going to church I am attending Eastern Hills with her on Saturday and the Orthodox church by myself on Sunday. She also said the incense gives her a headache.

I would ask the same question to you TLE about the subjective nature of the Baptist church and the autonomy of the various churches. Does God lead throught he Holy Spirit all these churches into error by suggesting contrary doctrines to the various bodies? The are two diametrically opposed churches right across the street from each other in my town with the same name of Baptist in their title. Did the Holy Spirit lead them both into error or just one? Which one?

See where the questions come from?

By the way i am just posing questions, not looking to debate. I can take this up in PM if you like TLE.

[ZiSunka]

Well, we love you Brother and we always will. Our love for you doesn't depend on which church you are a member of, but on the fact that we have Christ in common. I personally get less and less denominational all the time.

[Sword-In-Hand]

I know that Baptists have their flaws just as much as any other denomination, so finding a church that follows the exact Truth will be hardpressed, but of course with God it is possible.

Just don't categorize all Baptist churches like the one you are leaving. I know how you feel on the issue. The first church I ever joined was an Independant Baptist Church and they take the whole "indepedance" thing to an extreme. To the point they don't involve themselves with many other churches at all. Then after this I moved my membership to a Southern Baptist Church. I was apprehensive about the SBC because of many rumors I heard, but most were put down immediately. For instance, our church is governed by the local autonomy not the SBC which is a common misconception.

So, maybe you should try other Baptist churches? From what you have described you are looking for seems to fit the church I attend, and I could be bias a little. But we don't believe in ordaining homosexuals or women. We worship the living God, dare I say, much like David did. Vain traditions have been cast aside, our pastor preaches only from the Bible, no other outside sources. So see there are Baptist churches out there that can possibly fit the mold you are looking for.

But like I said, just go where the Lord wants you to be. Make sure it isn't some church built on apostasy. Everyone here knows your intelligent, and I hope you find what you are looking for.

[Ragamuffins]

So, maybe you should try other Baptist churches? From what you have described you are looking for seems to fit the church I attend, and I could be bias a little. But we don't believe in ordaining homosexuals or women. We worship the living God, dare I say, much like David did. Vain traditions have been cast aside, our pastor preaches only from the Bible, no other outside sources. So see there are Baptist churches out there that can possibly fit the mold you are looking for.

But like I said, just go where the Lord wants you to be. Make sure it isn't some church built on apostasy. Everyone here knows your intelligent, and I hope you find what you are looking for.
I have thought of anopther Baptist church but int he area that i live in now they are either Independant Fundamentalists, or they are ABC, which what i cannot abide by. I am not sure I want anymore of the same thing that i just left.

I ask for your prayers as well that i am not led into a church full of apostacy as well. I know there is one church that i will never be a part of and that is very clear from my many rants on it, but this church, the Orthodox church, intrigues me.

Bless Sword and thanks again.

[Ragamuffins]

Well, we love you Brother and we always will. Our love for you doesn't depend on which church you are a member of, but on the fact that we have Christ in common. I personally get less and less denominational all the time.
Thanks LL, I appreciate your remarks and you :)

[BBAS 64]

Good Day, Ragamuffin

I can not say that I am surprized given the types of discussions we have had in the past couple of years. I wish you well as you continue your process, and will keep you in my prayers...

Peace to u,

Bill

[mesue]

As of today I am no longer a member of a Baptist church, so my role here will regulated to that of fellowship. I am looking into orthodoxy at St Elias (http://www.sainteliasny.com/), but am also attending another church on Saturday nights called the Eastern Hills Bible Church (http://www.easternhills.org/). I am convinced that one of these churches will be my home in the future.

Peace and thanks for everything.
If you are at peace with where and how you serve the Lord, then who am I to say you're wrong?
However, I go to an Independent Baptist Church. We're really just a bunch of Bible believing Christians. So, I think I take issue with your statement about the "Baptist Faith". Not all Baptists are the same.

[Joykins]

May God give you peace and make it clear to you where he is calling you. :)

[PaladinGirl]

Praise God forever! :clap:

[InnerPhyre]

Bud, that's a really beautiful church.

[Ragamuffins]

If you are at peace with where and how you serve the Lord, then who am I to say you're wrong?
However, I go to an Independent Baptist Church. We're really just a bunch of Bible believing Christians. So, I think I take issue with your statement about the "Baptist Faith". Not all Baptists are the same.
I do not doubt that and I am not at all trying to slight individual people who are indeed looking for the truth. The problem is exactly what you said, that all Baptists are not the same and it is hard to get a grasp on exactly what makes a Baptist a Baptist.

Anyway I do love all the people in my now former church and feel that they are searching for God as hard as i am. I just was not finding what i was looking for there. I hope I did not offend you further, as we have always been civial to each other, if not friendly ;)

[Ragamuffins]

Praise God forever! :clap:
I am trying really hard to understand why you would be excited about me leaving the Baptist church when I am in no way headed towards yours.

[ps139]

Brother - God bless you and my prayers are with you. :crossrc: Abraham followed God for a long time without knowing exactly where he was headed, but we all know he ended up in the right place. :)

[mesue]

I do not doubt that and I am not at all trying to slight individual people who are indeed looking for the truth. The problem is exactly what you said, that all Baptists are not the same and it is hard to get a grasp on exactly what makes a Baptist a Baptist.

Anyway I do love all the people in my now former church and feel that they are searching for God as hard as i am. I just was not finding what i was looking for there. I hope I did not offend you further, as we have always been civial to each other, if not friendly ;)
I've always thought we were on friendly terms. I hope I've posted enough in these boards for people know that I speak what's on my mind. It would be dishonest of me to originally have said "Oh, okay." and leave it at that if I have ought against you because I felt you were grouping the whole lot of Baptists into one barrel.
Matthew 5:23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
Matthew 5:24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
I don't want anything to come between me and a brother, or sister, in the Lord. Even if it's my silly ego.
Be well and be blessed my friend. May God give you a special blessing for desiring to put Him first, and not the name of a religion. :hug:

[Ragamuffins]

I've always thought we were on friendly terms. I hope I've posted enough in these boards for people know that I speak what's on my mind. It would be dishonest of me to originally have said "Oh, okay." and leave it at that if I have ought against you because I felt you were grouping the whole lot of Baptists into one barrel.
I understand.

I don't want anything to come between me and a brother, or sister, in the Lord. Even if it's my silly ego.
Be well and be blessed my friend. May God give you a special blessing for desiring to put Him first, and not the name of a religion. :hug:
Thank you so much for that blessing you are truly a saint. hugs back.

[Ragamuffins]

Brother - God bless you and my prayers are with you. :crossrc: Abraham followed God for a long time without knowing exactly where he was headed, but we all know he ended up in the right place. :)
I fully hope to see you on the same road as I am on eventually my friend, even though i am sure you will be miles ahead of me :)

[ps139]

I fully hope to see you on the same road as I am on eventually my friend, even though i am sure you will be miles ahead of me :)Thank you :) I wouldn't be too sure about me being miles ahead of anyone - but as long as we arrive in the New Jerusalem, that is all that matters. :)

[FreeinChrist]

As of today I am no longer a member of a Baptist church, so my role here will regulated to that of fellowship. I am looking into orthodoxy at St Elias (http://www.sainteliasny.com/), but am also attending another church on Saturday nights called the Eastern Hills Bible Church (http://www.easternhills.org/). I am convinced that one of these churches will be my home in the future.

Peace and thanks for everything.

Well, I will pray that you find what you are looking for. :)

For myself, I couldn't be Orthodox. I attend a nondenom with Baptist theology - hence the icon I use. Why I couldn't be Orthodox:
"Orthodox Christianity teaches that each person will be bathed in the light of God's love in the afterlife with absolutely no cruelty and no discrimination. Those who would prefer to cling to their malice, ignorance, and rage will experience the love of God as caustic so long as they refuse to leave their sins. Those who would prefer to be transfigured by God's love will experience the love of God as bliss.

God is virtuous -- that is to say holy, just, loving, and kind -- he does not punish except to amend and his greatest anger is directed to the amelioration of the guilty. His wrath operates on us in the very same manner as his love."

"You're not quite right about the Orthodox understanding -- there will be no "separation from God" in the afterlife. God will place all humans directly in the bright light of his love (i.e. his justice; his wrath) with no discrimination and no cruelty. He will NOT let the people with malice in their heart get away from the heat of his love. So long as they cling to their malice, the light of God's love, projected directly into their hearts, will be experienced as pain.

Why? Because under the light of God's love, the sinner will know itself to be wrong. Love will plant a flag of truth in this horribly rebellious soul, even if no fuller and better conquest is to follow. Such treatment is the most loving thing to do to a human who refuses to be transfigured by love -- this pain is better for the creature itself. For, if evil is present, pain at recognition of the evil, being a kind of knowledge, is relatively good; for the alternative is that the unrepentant soul should be ignorant of the evil, or ignorant that the evil is contrary to its nature, either of which is manifestly bad."

Contrast with:
Rev 19:20 And the beast was seized, and with him the false prophet who performed the signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image; these two were thrown alive into the lake of fire which burns with brimstone.

Rev 20:10 And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.


Rev 20:14 Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.

Rev 20:15 And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.


Mat 5:22 "But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, 'You good-for-nothing,' shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, 'You fool,' shall be guilty {enough to go} into the fiery hell.

Mat 18:9 "If your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it from you. It is better for you to enter life with one eye, than to have two eyes and be cast into the fiery hell.

Rev 21:8 "But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part {will be} in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death."


Gal 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us--for it is written, "CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO HANGS ON A TREE"--

Hbr 10:10 By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Hbr 10:11 Every priest stands daily ministering and offering time after time the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins;

Hbr 10:12 but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, SAT DOWN AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD,

Hbr 10:13 waiting from that time onward UNTIL HIS ENEMIES BE MADE A FOOTSTOOL FOR HIS FEET.

Hbr 10:14 For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.

See the story of Isaac...And Passover. See Leviticus 16.
Rom 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Rom 5:9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath {of God} through Him.

Rom 5:10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

Rom 5:11 And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

Rom 5:12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned--



And I believe we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

Eph 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, {it is} the gift of God;

Eph 2:9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Eph 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.



If what you are looking for is a church where everyone thinks the same - I don't think you will find it in the Orthodox Church either.

[12volt_man]

As of today I am no longer a member of a Baptist church, so my role here will regulated to that of fellowship. I am looking into orthodoxy at St Elias (http://www.sainteliasny.com), but am also attending another church on Saturday nights called the Eastern Hills Bible Church (http://www.easternhills.org/). I am convinced that one of these churches will be my home in the future.

Peace and thanks for everything.

Aren't most Bible churches baptistic in nature, anyway?

[Sword-In-Hand]

I am trying really hard to understand why you would be excited about me leaving the Baptist church when I am in no way headed towards yours.

Now that was just insanely funny. :D Good show! LOL!

[JPPT1974]

Well I hope that you make the right decision
God bless you
:wave: :thumbsup:

[Monica, child of God]

Contrast with:
Rev 19:20 And the beast was seized, and with him the false prophet who performed the signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image; these two were thrown alive into the lake of fire which burns with brimstone.

Rev 20:10 And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.


Rev 20:14 Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.

Rev 20:15 And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.


Mat 5:22 "But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, 'You good-for-nothing,' shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, 'You fool,' shall be guilty {enough to go} into the fiery hell.

Mat 18:9 "If your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it from you. It is better for you to enter life with one eye, than to have two eyes and be cast into the fiery hell.

Rev 21:8 "But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part {will be} in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death."


Gal 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us--for it is written, "CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO HANGS ON A TREE"--

Hbr 10:10 By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Hbr 10:11 Every priest stands daily ministering and offering time after time the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins;

Hbr 10:12 but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, SAT DOWN AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD,

Hbr 10:13 waiting from that time onward UNTIL HIS ENEMIES BE MADE A FOOTSTOOL FOR HIS FEET.

Hbr 10:14 For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.

See the story of Isaac...And Passover. See Leviticus 16.
Rom 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Rom 5:9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath {of God} through Him.

Rom 5:10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

Rom 5:11 And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

Rom 5:12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned--



And I believe we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

[font=Georgia]Eph 2:8 For [color=magenta]by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, {it is} the gift of God;

Eph 2:9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Eph 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.


Just an FYI (and I am not trying to debate here) the Orthodox do affirm the fire that burns those who are opposed to God's love--we just believe that fire is God's glory, His presence. We also belive that we are saved by grace through faith.

Blessings,
Monica

[RED that's ME]

Ragmuffins I still wanna call you Uncle Bud :P I hope you find a good Bible believing/teaching church. Baptists don't have the monoply on God, neither does any other faith group. We do believe that our beliefs are closer to the Bible than any other group though. :) Take what you hear from others teaching and see how it lines up with the Bible, if it goes against the Bible, then run. Too many want to add to what the Bible says as God's Word.

You've been a blessing to me and many others here at CF. You better still come by and post fellowship post with us. :)

http://www.choiceshirts.com/images/A1/10/A11050D-md.jpg

[jennistout]

As of today I am no longer a member of a Baptist church.


Well I have to say congratulations! I am very excited to hear that you had the "guts" to stand up for your family and yourself and get out of a church that you aren't growing in. I was in that same position at one point, but it was a little different because my father was the pastor of the Baptist church we left. My father has been a Baptist preacher most all my life and we have seen and heard it all. We had church memebers do some very ugly stuff because my father was preaching from the Word and they didn't agree and didn't like it. So we resigned and left. You did the right thing by getting out of there. Now just follow the Lord's guidance. You will find a church that will help you to grow. :clap:

[Gold Dragon]

God bless you brother on this exciting new chapter in your spiritual journey in Christ. We may not post in the same forums anymore, be we are definitely on the same team! May God do wonderful and mighty things in you and through you.

TLE, I believe most of Ragamuffin's posts in this forum about his desire to pursue the Orthodox way happened before you became a regular here.

[Ragamuffins]

Thank you all for your posts, both supportive and cautionary. I will take into account everything said here and appreciate the time you have taken to say anything to me :)

[Andyman_1970]

Bud I'm happy for you and pray that God will lead you where He wants you to go regardless of what the sign on the front of the building says..........Shalom brother...........

Your doing what!? :eek: No offense my brother, but you are walking into so many doctrinal errors that I am seriously concerned.

Baptist churches have their fair share of "doctrinal errors" as well............

[Iollain]

Bud, hath thou saweth this?



The end of the earthly life of the Most Holy Mother of God was the beginning of Her greatness. "Being adorned with Divine glory" (Irmos of the Canon of the Dormition), She stands and will stand, both in the day of the Last Judgment and in the future age, at the right hand of the throne of Her Son. She reigns with Him and has boldness towards Him as His Mother according to the flesh and as one in spirit with Him, as one who performed the will of God and instructed others (Matt. 5:19). Merciful and full of love, She manifests Her love towards Her Son and God in love for the human race. She intercedes for it before the Merciful One, and going about the earth, She helps men.

Having experienced all the difficulties of earthly life, the Intercessor of the Christian race sees every tear, hears every groan and entreaty directed to Her. Especially near to Her are those who labour in the battle with the passions and are zealous for a God-pleasing life. But even in worldly cares She is an irreplaceable helper. "Joy of all who sorrow, and intercessors for the offended, and feeder of the hungry, consolation of travellers, harbour of the storm-tossed, visitation of the sick, protection and intercessor for the inform staff of old age, Thou are the Mother of God on high, O Most Pure One" (Sticheron of the Service to the Hodigitria). "The hope and intercession and refuge of Christians", "The Mother of God unceasing in prayers" (Theotokion of the Third Tone). "She day and night doth pray for us and the sceptres of kingdoms are confirmed by Her prayers" (daily Nocturne).

There is no intellect or words to express the greatness of Her Who was born in the sinful human race but became "more honourable than the Cherubim and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim." "Seeing the grace of the secret mysteries of God made manifest and clearly fulfilled in the Virgin, I rejoice; and I know not how to understand the strange and secret manner whereby the Undefiled has been revealed as alone chosen above all creation, visible and spiritual. Therefore, wishing to praise Her, I am struck dumb with amazement in both mind and speech. Yet still I dare to proclaim and magnify Her: She is indeed the heavenly Tabernacle" (Ikos of the Entry into the Temple). "Every tongue is at a loss to praise Thee as is due; even a spirit from the world above is filled with dizziness, when it seeks to sing Thy praises, 0 Theotokos. But since Thou art good, accept our faith. Thou knowest well our love inspired by God, for Thou art the Protector of Christians and we magnify Thee" (Irmos of the 9th Canticle, Service of the Theophany).

from The Orthodox veneration of the Mother of God



http://home.it.net.au/~jgrapsas/pages/Veneration.html

[Lenora56]

I know that Baptists have their flaws just as much as any other denomination, so finding a church that follows the exact Truth will be hardpressed, but of course with God it is possible.

Just don't categorize all Baptist churches like the one you are leaving. I know how you feel on the issue. The first church I ever joined was an Independant Baptist Church and they take the whole "indepedance" thing to an extreme. To the point they don't involve themselves with many other churches at all. Then after this I moved my membership to a Southern Baptist Church. I was apprehensive about the SBC because of many rumors I heard, but most were put down immediately. For instance, our church is governed by the local autonomy not the SBC which is a common misconception.

So, maybe you should try other Baptist churches? From what you have described you are looking for seems to fit the church I attend, and I could be bias a little. But we don't believe in ordaining homosexuals or women. We worship the living God, dare I say, much like David did. Vain traditions have been cast aside, our pastor preaches only from the Bible, no other outside sources. So see there are Baptist churches out there that can possibly fit the mold you are looking for.

But like I said, just go where the Lord wants you to be. Make sure it isn't some church built on apostasy. Everyone here knows your intelligent, and I hope you find what you are looking for.

Your church sounds a lot like mine. It's SB also.

[Ragamuffins]

Bud, hath thou saweth this?



The end of the earthly life of the Most Holy Mother of God was the beginning of Her greatness. "Being adorned with Divine glory" (Irmos of the Canon of the Dormition), She stands and will stand, both in the day of the Last Judgment and in the future age, at the right hand of the throne of Her Son. She reigns with Him and has boldness towards Him as His Mother according to the flesh and as one in spirit with Him, as one who performed the will of God and instructed others (Matt. 5:19). Merciful and full of love, She manifests Her love towards Her Son and God in love for the human race. She intercedes for it before the Merciful One, and going about the earth, She helps men.

Having experienced all the difficulties of earthly life, the Intercessor of the Christian race sees every tear, hears every groan and entreaty directed to Her. Especially near to Her are those who labour in the battle with the passions and are zealous for a God-pleasing life. But even in worldly cares She is an irreplaceable helper. "Joy of all who sorrow, and intercessors for the offended, and feeder of the hungry, consolation of travellers, harbour of the storm-tossed, visitation of the sick, protection and intercessor for the inform staff of old age, Thou are the Mother of God on high, O Most Pure One" (Sticheron of the Service to the Hodigitria). "The hope and intercession and refuge of Christians", "The Mother of God unceasing in prayers" (Theotokion of the Third Tone). "She day and night doth pray for us and the sceptres of kingdoms are confirmed by Her prayers" (daily Nocturne).

There is no intellect or words to express the greatness of Her Who was born in the sinful human race but became "more honourable than the Cherubim and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim." "Seeing the grace of the secret mysteries of God made manifest and clearly fulfilled in the Virgin, I rejoice; and I know not how to understand the strange and secret manner whereby the Undefiled has been revealed as alone chosen above all creation, visible and spiritual. Therefore, wishing to praise Her, I am struck dumb with amazement in both mind and speech. Yet still I dare to proclaim and magnify Her: She is indeed the heavenly Tabernacle" (Ikos of the Entry into the Temple). "Every tongue is at a loss to praise Thee as is due; even a spirit from the world above is filled with dizziness, when it seeks to sing Thy praises, 0 Theotokos. But since Thou art good, accept our faith. Thou knowest well our love inspired by God, for Thou art the Protector of Christians and we magnify Thee" (Irmos of the 9th Canticle, Service of the Theophany).

from The Orthodox veneration of the Mother of God



http://home.it.net.au/~jgrapsas/pages/Veneration.html (http://home.it.net.au/%7Ejgrapsas/pages/Veneration.html)
Nope hadn't seen this.

[HumbleMan]

:hug:Rags,


As someone posted above, as long as we meet in the New Jerusalem. God opens our eyes in various ways to see and seek His glory.
I hope you stick around and stay involved here.

[Ragamuffins]

:hug:Rags,


As someone posted above, as long as we meet in the New Jerusalem. God opens our eyes in various ways to see and seek His glory.
I hope you stick around and stay involved here.
I hope to see everyone I know there :) God has opened my eyes to many knew things I never considered, even though I still battle with things that in my rational mind make no sense, I am progressing.

I plan on being around as much as I can, you all are like a family to me.

[RED that's ME]

Close for Staff Review

[RED that's ME]

http://www.christianguitar.org/forums/images/smilies/cowgirl.gif STAFF HAT ON http://www.christianguitar.org/forums/images/smilies/cowgirl.gif
This thread is reopened.

This is also a reminder that ONLY Baptists/AnaBaptist members can discuss/debate here.

6.4 a. Postings in the “Congregation” category forums are restricted to those of that denomination except for posts for fellowship and earnest questions.

Meaning:
Non-Baptist/Anabaptist members (eg. Catholic,Charasmatic, Weselyan, Lutheran, etc... members) can only post fellowship posts here or posts to ask a question regarding Baptist/Anabaptist doctrine. Once the question is answered, there shall be no debate over the answer in this forum by the Non-Baptist/Anabaptist members. Any debate posts by Non-Baptist/Anabaptist members will be deleted or moved to the appropriate forum. In other words, only Baptist/Anabaptist members can debate here.


http://www.christianguitar.org/forums/images/smilies/cowgirl.gif STAFF HAT OFFhttp://www.christianguitar.org/forums/images/smilies/cowgirl.gif

[ZiSunka]

I hope to see everyone I know there :) God has opened my eyes to many knew things I never considered, even though I still battle with things that in my rational mind make no sense, I am progressing.

I plan on being around as much as I can, you all are like a family to me.


Now I'm concerned. God gave you a good mind so you can use it to His glory. If you have to stop using your mind in order to go on the road you are on, I'm worried that you might be on the wrong road for you.

[Ragamuffins]

To everyone that got this thread shut down, I am suprised. I was not on my computer yesterday so whatever was said is lost to the void that is thread hell. Please do not try and fight about stuff here. i am well aware of the many things that i disagree with in the Orthodox church otherwise I would be Orthodox. I am fully aware that things that they believe are opposed to what the baptist chruch believed in.

Hopefully for the last time let me say that i as a rational thinking human being I could not square alot I was hearing from my Baptist church to what I have learned from reading church history and I had to make the move away. I may not end up Orthodox, but as they seem to be the last link to the early church i am willing to listen to what they have to say.

I may find that they are right, and I have been wrong. It could be the opposite. Either way I knew where I was was wrong.

Now I'm concerned. God gave you a good mind so you can use it to His glory. If you have to stop using your mind in order to go on the road you are on, I'm worried that you might be on the wrong road for you.
I will not stop using my mind LL, in fact if you read my blog I am in no way stopping that practice :)

[JPPT1974]

Now I'm concerned. God gave you a good mind so you can use it to His glory. If you have to stop using your mind in order to go on the road you are on, I'm worried that you might be on the wrong road for you.

Just use your mind for good
Use your mind, soul, and spirit to doing God's good work
Please seek help asap
Christian counseling as well
Will be praying for you my friend