What are your beliefs?

[KimLCMS]

Hey all!!
My sister and her husband were recently baptised in a non-denom church. I was just curious about the beliefs and practices of various nd churches. I realize that they each have their own ways of doing things hence the term non- denominational.

I just wondered if each of you would tell me about your particular church. I'm particularly interested in what your specific churches teach about the following:

The Lord's Supper/Communion

Baptism

Salvation

Maintaining a relationship with the Lord

The Bible

Thanks for your time. Feel free to PM me if you feel you want or need to explain something privately.
Kim

[andross77]

Hey all!!
My sister and her husband were recently baptised in a non-denom church. I was just curious about the beliefs and practices of various nd churches. I realize that they each have their own ways of doing things hence the term non- denominational.

I just wondered if each of you would tell me about your particular church. I'm particularly interested in what your specific churches teach about the following:

The Lord's Supper/Communion we have it once a month. we don't believe in Transubstantiation (i think that's only Catholic but maybe some ND's believe that). Our pastor's say it's only for those who know Christ so if you are an unbeliever please refrain from participating. Also, we should reconcile any fights between friends, family or others before participating (the verse about leaving the gift on the altar, being reonciled to your brother and then coming back to offer your gift).

Baptism we have both baby and adult baptism. Our church encourages baptism as it's a sign in a believers life that is recommended by Scripture. Our church does not believe that someone who is not baptised will go to hell b/c of it. Baptism doesn't save, Jesus does.

Salvation Our church believes what Scripture says. We are saved by grace, through faith, and not by works so that no one may boast. If we confess with our tongues and believe in our hearts that Jesus Christ is Lord, we are saved. Also, as James says, faith without works is dead.

Maintaining a relationship with the Lord Community and church participation is important. Daily reading in His Word. Surrounding yourselves with believers. Always seeking to improve your relationship with God and Christ and the Holy Spirit above all else.

The Bible The 66 books of the Bible are the Inspired, Inerrant Word of God (can't remember if they believe in innerrancy or infallibility. i'll have to get back to you on that one :) ) Nothing will be added to them. They are useful for teaching, rebuking, and training in righteousness, etc (1 Tim.)

Thanks for your time. Feel free to PM me if you feel you want or need to explain something privately.
Kim

Hope that is what you are lookin' for.
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[talitha]

The Lord's Supper/Communion - We have open communion - each person is responsible for deciding whether they are ready for it or not, and it's open to all professing believers in the Gospel of Jesus. We take communion together about once a month, and the elements are also available in every service for people/families to partake during worship if they choose.

Baptism - We baptize people of any age of consent "in the name of Jesus, which is the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit".

Salvation - Salvation is the free gift of God through Jesus Christ and is available to any who acknowledge their need for it. All we must do is accept it. And then a person who has truly accepted it will naturally become more and more Christlike in wisdom, behavior, and character.

Maintaining a relationship with the Lord - We maintain our relationship with the Lord by communicating and communing with Him in prayer, meditation, obedience, learning of Scripture, and practicing His presence.

The Bible - The 66 books of the Bible are the written expression of the message of God to the world. This Word of God is the standard by which anything else that claims to be "truth" is measured. The more we know about the Bible, the better we can discern the truth from lies, and the stronger our faith becomes.

[luv4HIM]

The Lord's Supper/Communion- was instituted by the LORD and delivered to apostles and is observed by believers in rememberance of HIM, communion every Sunday, open to all believers not just members

Baptism- immersion, in the name of the FATHER, SON and HOLY SPIRIT, any age, outward sign of inward decision, not 'required' for salvation but called for in the Bible

Salvation-through CHRIST alone, works are good but won't save you. they are another outward sign of your faith

Maintaining a relationship with the Lord-be in the Word daily, spend time in prayer daily, come together with other believers to worship, praise GOD


The Bible- both old and new testament(66 books)inerrant word of GOD. GOD's inpired word and is divine authority by which Christians are called to live.

[PaladinGirl]

Hey all!!
My sister and her husband were recently baptised in a non-denom church. I was just curious about the beliefs and practices of various nd churches. I realize that they each have their own ways of doing things hence the term non- denominational.

I just wondered if each of you would tell me about your particular church. I'm particularly interested in what your specific churches teach about the following:

The Lord's Supper/Communion

Baptism

Salvation

Maintaining a relationship with the Lord

The Bible

Thanks for your time. Feel free to PM me if you feel you want or need to explain something privately.
Kim
As for communion, I believe it is symbolic and that it is meant as a remembrance for us of what Christ did for us on the cross.

As for baptism, it is supposed to be done by immersion and it is symbolic of our new relationship with Christ. It is an outward symbol of an inward commitment.

As for salvation, it is through Christ alone and by faith alone.

As for maintaining a relationship with the Lord, it is important that we do so and we should spend time daily in the Bible and pray daily. We should also attend church services frequently.

As for the Bible, I believe in all 66 books of the old and new testaments. I believe that the Bible is God's inspired and inerrant word. It is the only authority for Christians.

[KimLCMS]

Thank you for the responses so far!

[Kelly]

http://www.ctkc-oxford.org/who/#beliefs

[JAS4Yeshua]

The Lord's Supper/Communion: Communion is done in remembrance of Christ's sacrifice for us. He instituted it the night before He was crucified. Our church has communion on the first Sunday of the month, and is intended for believers. Those who are not believers are encouraged to become believers or not partake in communion.

Baptism: Full immersion. It symbolizes our death to our old nature and rebirth in our new nature. It is done out of obedience to God and a desire to identify with Christ's death. It isn't a requirement of salvation.

Salvation: In Christ alone. You must put your faith and trust in His finished work on the cross, and be willing to turn from your sins and turn to Christ for the forgiveness of sin (repentance).

Maintaining a relationship with the Lord: Daily time in prayer and study of God's word. Getting involved in a Bible Teaching fellowship and other groups within your church. (Such as home studies or mid-week studies).

Bible: The inspired Word of God. The 66 books are God's love letter to us, that tells us how we are to live, and how we can glorify His Name in our lives.

[DaughterofZion63]

The Lord's Supper/Communion
We believe the Lord's Supper is a commemoration of the Lord's body which was broken for us and of His blood that was shed for our sins. There are two requirements that must be met before a person can partake of the Supper. First, a person must be born again, for one who is not saved cannot show forth the Lord's death when he has been unwilling to accept the Savior and His atoning work for him. Secondly, a Christian must examine himself to determine if he is in right fellowship with the Lord. We are warned of the consequences of partaking unworthily. When these two requirements are met, the believer is free to participate. We believe it is the Lord's table and as such is open to all believers who are in right relationship with God, regardless of denomination. Not only is the Lord's Supper a memorial of what Christ has done on the Cross, but it shows our faith in that past work and faith in His anticipated return. (Luke 22:19-20; 1 Cor. 10:16; 11:23-30).

Baptism
We believe that baptism by immersion is an ordinance of definite institution in the New Testament. It is the outward sign and confession of our identification with the Lord Jesus Christ in His death, burial and resurrection. (Rom. 6:3-7; Col. 2:12; Acts 2:38; 10:48).
I have not been baptized in my ND church. I was baptized Catholic so I will have to make a decision as to whether or not I feel I need to be baptized again since I no longer consider myself Catholic.

Salvation
We believe that Salvation is only by grace through faith based upon the redemptive work of our Lord Jesus Christ. All who receive the Lord Jesus Christ through faith are born again of the Holy Spirit and thereby become the children of God (Rom. 3:24; Eph. 2:8-9; John 3:5; John 1:12-13).
As a result of salvation, the believer is to glorify God in his body through a life of fellowship and service for the Lord (1 Cor. 6:19-20; Rom. 6:13; 12:1-2: Col. 3:17; Rev. 4:11).
The consummation of salvation will occur at the rapture when the believer shall be delivered from the presence of sin, at which time he will also be glorified, being conformed to the image of Christ (1 Thess. 4:13-18;1 Cor. 15:51-58; Phil. 3:20-21; 1 John 3:1-3).
Once salvation has transpired, it is eternal and unchangeable. We believe this because of:

The eternal purpose of God toward the objects of His love;
His freedom to exercise grace toward the meritless on the ground of the atoning blood of Christ;
The very nature of the divine gift of eternal life;
The present and unending intercession and advocacy of Christ in heaven;
The immutability of the unchangeable covenants of God;
The regenerating, abiding presence of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of all who are saved. (John 5:24; 10:28; 13:1; 14:16-17; 17:11; Rom. 8:29-39; John 3:3,8; 1 Cor. 6:19; Heb. 7:25; John 17:15; I John 2:1-2; 5:13; Jude 1:24; 2 Tim. 1:12).

Maintaining a relationship with the Lord
I don't see anything in their information about this, but we are of course encouraged to pray and read The Bible daily. Almost every sermon ties in our relationship with God somewhere.

The Bible
We believe in the verbal plenary inspiration of the Scriptures (Old and New Testaments). By verbal, we mean that the original writers were guided by the Holy Spirit in the exact choice of words yet respecting and using the personality characteristics, style and vocabulary of each writer. By the word plenary, we believe that this divine verbal inspiration extends equally and fully to all parts of the original manuscripts - historical, poetical, doctrinal, and prophetical - so that every word is both infallible as to truth and final as to divine authority (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:21; John 10:35; 2 Pet. 3:16).
We believe in the literal method of interpretation; which gives to each word the same exact meaning it would have in normal, ordinary, customary usage, whether employed in writing, speaking or thinking. We believe that the greater part of the Bible makes sense when interpreted literally; that it is the only sane and safe check on the imaginations of man; that it grounds interpretation in fact; that it delivers us from both reason and mysticism; and that this approach does not blindly rule out figures of speech, symbols, allegories and types. We must take every word at its primary, ordinary, literal, usual meaning unless the context indicates clearly otherwise.
However, we believe that the following principles are prerequisites to a proper interpretation of the Scriptures, these are:

One must be born again and have an utter dependence upon the Holy Spirit to guide and direct (John 16:7-14; 1 Cor. 2:7-16).
One must interpret according to the immediate context, according to the larger context, such as the scope or the design of the book itself, and by comparing Scripture with Scripture.

[ranyhyn]

Here are the articles of Faith from our Church Directory...


ARTICLES OF FAITH




The ScripturesWe believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and it is a perfect treasure of Heavenly instruction; that it has GOD for its author, salvation for its end, and without any mixture of error for its matter; that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us; and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions shall be tried.


We accept the King James Version as the authentic translation


SCRIPTURES

2 Timothy 3:16
2 Peter 1:20 - 21


2. GOD

We believe there is one, and only one, living and true God, an infinite, Intelligent Spirit, whose name JEHOVAH, the Maker and Supreme Ruler of Heaven and Earth: inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor, confidence, and love: that in the unity of the Godhead-equal in every divine perfection and executing distinct but Harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.


SCRIPTURES

Genesis 1: 1-27
Matthew 28:19
1 John 5:7



3. A GOSPEL CHURCH

We believe a church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel. Observing the ordinances of Christ, governed by His laws, and exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word, and seeking to extend the Gospel to the ends of the earth. It’s scriptural officers are Bishops or Elders and Deacons.


SCRIPTURES

Titus 1:2-3
Acts 20:28
1 Timothy 3:1-16



4. THE FALL OF MAN

We believe man was created by the special act of God as recorded in Genesis. He was created in a state of holiness under the law of his Maker, but through the temptation of satan, he transgressed the command of God and fell from his original holiness and righteousness, whereby his posterity inherit a nature corrupt and in bondage to sin, are under condemnation, and as soon as they are capable of moral action, become actual transgressors.


SCRIPTURES

Genesis 1:26
Genesis 3:1-13
Psalms 51:5
Romans 3:23



5. ELECTION

We believe God determined from the beginning to save all who would comply with the conditions of salvation. By faith in Christ all men become His elect.


SCRIPTURES

Romans 8:29-30
Ephesians 1:3-6



6. WAY OF SALVATION

We believe the salvation of sinners is wholly by grace through faith and is through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God. God desires the salvation of all, the Holy Ghost strives with all, and whosoever will may come and take of the water of Life freely.


SCRIPTURES



John 3:3 Ephesians 5:8 Isaiah 55:1
Mark 1:15 Romans 5:11 Ezekiel 33:11
Acts 13: 38-39 Titus 2:11 John 3:16
Revelation 22:17

7. JUSTIFICATION

We believe we are justified when we repent of our sins and believe in Jesus Christ.


SCRIPTURES

Mark 1:15
Acts 13:38-39
Romans 5:1



8. PERSEVERANCE

We believe in the eternal redemption of all saints who are faithful to the end. We reject the theory of “ONCE IN GRACE ALWAYS IN GRACE”

SCRIPTURES

Matthew 24:13
Revelation 2:10
1 Corinthians 10:12
Galatians 5:4
1 Corinthians 9:27



9. SANCTIFICATION

We believe that sanctification is that work of the Holy Ghost by which the pardoned soul is cleansed from all inherited depravity, and made partaker of His holiness, and is wrought after the believer makes a full and final consecration to God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

It is begun in regeneration and is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Ghost in the continual use of the appointed means – especially the Word of God, self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer.


SCRIPTURES

John 17:16-17
Ephesians 5:25-27
John 15:2



10. BAPTISM OF HOLY GHOST

We believe in the baptism with the Holy Ghost and speaking with other tongues, as the Spirit gives utterance, to be the initiatory evidence of this experience. We believe the Spirit indwells every born-again person, however, the baptism with the Holy Ghost empowers for service and dedicates to a Holy use and living sacrifice to God.


SCRIPTURES

Matthew 3:11
Acts 2:4, 10:44-46, 19:6



11. DIVINE HEALING

We believe in divine healing for the body but do not condemn medical science. We believe every blessing we receive from God, including divine healing comes through the merits of the atonement.


SCRIPTURES

Acts 3:2-12, 9:32-43, 5:15-16
James 5:14, 1:16-17
Romans 5:11



12. SPIRITUAL GIFTS

We believe God has set in the church spiritual gifts, and that they are still operative today and are to be coveted by believers. These gifts work harmoniously for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ and to bring believers into the unity of the faith, the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.


SCRIPTURES

1 Corinthians 12:1-12
1 Corinthians 14
Ephesians 4:8-16
Romans 12:6



13. THE LORD’S DAY

The first day of the week is the Lord’s day. It is a Christian institution for the regular observance. It commemorates the resurrection of Christ from the dead and should be employed in exercises of worship and spiritual devotion, both private and public all worldly amusement and secular employment should be refrained from, works of necessity and mercy only accepted.


SCRIPTURES

Mark 16:9
John 20:19
Acts 20:7
Revelation 1:10
Hebrews 10:25



14. BAPTISM and THE LORD’S SUPPER and FOOT WASHING

We believe that Christian Baptism is the immersion in water of the believer, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; to show forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem our faith in the crucified, buried and risen savior, with its effect, in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life. It is prerequisite to the privileges of a church relation and to the Lord’s supper, in which the members of a church by sacred use of bread and wine are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ – preceded always by solemn self-examination


SCRIPTURES

Matthew 3:15-17, 28:29
John 13
Acts 2:38
Matthew 26:26-28
1 Corinthians 11:23-32



15. THE RESURRECTION

The scriptures clearly teach that Jesus rose from the dead. His grave was emptied of its contents. He appeared to the disciples after His resurrection and now lives in His glorified body at the Father’s right hand to make intercession for all believers. We believe there will be a resurrection of the righteous and the wicked. All who die out of Christ will be punished eternally but those who die in Christ shall share in His Glory forever.


SCRIPTURES

Daniel 12:2
Matthew 24:45
John 5:29
Jude 7



16. THE RETURN OF GOD

We believe in the imminent, personal, visible return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The time of His coming is not revealed. It is the duty of all believers to live each day in readiness for His coming and by continuance in good works to make manifest to all men the reality and power of their hope in Christ.


SCRIPTURES

Acts 1:10-11
Revelation 1:7
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Matthew 24:36

[whateveristrue]

THE LORD'S SUPPER - Anyone who recognizes Jesus as their Lord and Savior is welcome to take communion. It doesn't matter what denomination or church you come from.

BAPTISM - If you have accepted Jesus Christ into your heart as Lord and Savior, you should be baptized. Immersion is preferred, but not required.

SALVATION - John 3:16

MAINTAINING A RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LORD - Worship; Spend time reading Scripture; Pray; Fellowship with other believers

THE BIBLE - is God's word and a historical record; contains absolute truths for living

[New_Wineskin]

The Lord's Supper/Communion


Eating and drinking with fellow believers .




Baptism


By the Lord with the Spirit - no water required .




Salvation


Entering into a trusting relationship with the Lord .



Maintaining a relationship with the Lord



Spend time with Him . Talking to Him and listening to Him .



The Bible



A religious and confusing term that usually deifies the Scriptures ( worshipping and serving created things rather than the Creator ) . It confuses the idea of the Scriptures by implying that they are singular in nature and not plural .