What does this mean??????

[jesusmyhealer]

I recently joined a Christian Church.

They tell me they are Assemblies of God now but it started as Pentecostal.

Anyone like to tell me what all this means in simple terms please;)

Coz I am slightly confused with all these different denominations and stuff:confused:

Seems like they are same as most Christians despite the fact that they talk about "speaking in tongues" and they all marry eachother from the church and have like 5 kids by the time they are 25:D

[jesusmyhealer]

:wave: :wave: :wave: :wave:

Is everyone ignoring me or did I ask a dumb question:blush:

[vespasia]

Historically Christians whilst agreeing on the basics of the Chritsian faith as demonstrated in the Apostles Creed/Nicene Creed tend to bicker and disagree when it comes to the finer points and they 'split'

Sometimes splits are for sound reasons sometimes not.

You may find it helpful to read their history from their Church Council website here http://www.ag.org/top/about/history.cfm .

The pastor of the AoG you attend should be wiling to answer further questions.
Hope that helps.

[jesusmyhealer]

Why thank you!

I will check out the link you sent me.

I find this a little confusing and like to know what I am getting involved in despite the fact that I feel it's right:)

[jazzypooh]

i checked out their website before and beliefs and all that. i think i pretty much agreed with like 99% of what i read. i dont remember coming across anything suspicious or that i didnt agree with. i think you've found a good church!

Be blessed!

[jesusmyhealer]

Yeh I had a look at the website and it has helped me.

I do feel good about my new church, it's just everyone else's sarcastic comments which makes me wonder.

And I'm still not 100% about this talking in tongues business. I guess I may open my eyes to it later after a few more prayers:)


i checked out their website before and beliefs and all that. i think i pretty much agreed with like 99% of what i read. i dont remember coming across anything suspicious or that i didnt agree with. i think you've found a good church!

Be blessed!

[TheGuide]

I recently joined a Christian Church.

They tell me they are Assemblies of God now but it started as Pentecostal.

Anyone like to tell me what all this means in simple terms please;)

Coz I am slightly confused with all these different denominations and stuff:confused:

Seems like they are same as most Christians despite the fact that they talk about "speaking in tongues" and they all marry eachother from the church and have like 5 kids by the time they are 25:D
Sounds like a cult to me, but I'm a suspicious type. Just watch and listen for now.

1) Do they all live together (like groups of them living in one dwelling)?
2) Do they do everything together and only include people they are trying to get to join their church?
3) Do they fellowship with other Chiristian churches (this one is very important) that are not under their denomination, or do they feel that their chruch is the "real church" and all others are going to hell?

If any of these things are going on then the church is a cult.

Now I'm not saying that you should leave, especially if you're enjoying the fellowship and are properly being fed God's word. I'm just saying to learn about the Lord what you can and don't get caught up in their church culture. At some point they may begin to apply pressure on you to conform. That will be the time to leave. If you know you are a weak person, or you have a problem with telling people "no," then you really need to start looking for a new church home right now. Don't worry about having joined. If it's not a good fit, find a church that is.

God bless you,

The Guide

[heymikey80]

I recently joined a Christian Church.

They tell me they are Assemblies of God now but it started as Pentecostal.

Anyone like to tell me what all this means in simple terms please;)

Coz I am slightly confused with all these different denominations and stuff:confused:

Seems like they are same as most Christians despite the fact that they talk about "speaking in tongues" and they all marry eachother from the church and have like 5 kids by the time they are 25:D
The US Assemblies of God are a charismatic, evangelical and evangelistic church. If there are any oddities those oddities would revolve around the use of miraculous spiritual gifts.

[twistedsketch]

Assemblies of God is just a more mellowed out version of the Pentecostals. Pentecostals (if I am correct) believe you have to speak in tongues or you're not saved. Assemblies of God don't necessarily, but they still believe that speaking in tongues makes you a better Christian.

[jazzypooh]

Yeh I had a look at the website and it has helped me.

I do feel good about my new church, it's just everyone else's sarcastic comments which makes me wonder.

And I'm still not 100% about this talking in tongues business. I guess I may open my eyes to it later after a few more prayers:)
here's a book that you could read. it might help:

http://www.daveroberson.org/images_drm/WOSWOP.pdf (http://www.daveroberson.org/images_drm/WOSWOP.pdf)

speaking in tongues is backed by scripture. i grew up in a Baptist church, and they taught that spiritual gifts were non-existent. i would've believed them if i hadn't already seen these gifts in operation. for me it was sort of like what they were saying about Jesus when He performed miracles. they asked how could He have done those things unless GOd were with Him. that's basically the same thing i asked the pastors at my church, and they had no answer for me. so they couldn't indoctrinate me unfortunately...

[jazzypooh]

Sounds like a cult to me, but I'm a suspicious type. Just watch and listen for now.

1) Do they all live together (like groups of them living in one dwelling)?
2) Do they do everything together and only include people they are trying to get to join their church?
3) Do they fellowship with other Chiristian churches (this one is very important) that are not under their denomination, or do they feel that their chruch is the "real church" and all others are going to hell?

If any of these things are going on then the church is a cult.

Now I'm not saying that you should leave, especially if you're enjoying the fellowship and are properly being fed God's word. I'm just saying to learn about the Lord what you can and don't get caught up in their church culture. At some point they may begin to apply pressure on you to conform. That will be the time to leave. If you know you are a weak person, or you have a problem with telling people "no," then you really need to start looking for a new church home right now. Don't worry about having joined. If it's not a good fit, find a church that is.

God bless you,

The Guide
it seems like almost every church does what you're talking about to some extent or another. i dont know any churches that fellowship outside of their denomination.

[jesusmyhealer]

Thanks for all your replies.

I think I am slowly working this out.

But at the end of the day, I seem content there and unless I see some wrong doings that I do not agree with, I will have to access the situation then.

You have all helped me heaps, god bless you:prayer:

[TheGuide]

it seems like almost every church does what you're talking about to some extent or another. i dont know any churches that fellowship outside of their denomination.
The church is not the denomination or the building. Church means congregation of people. WE are the church, and I've belong to several denominations and all, on occassion, have fellowshipped with other denominations. That's because all are Christians churches, and as Christians we are of one body. Any denomination that does not allow a pastor from another denomination to speak before their congregation, nor fellowships with other Christian churches outside of their denomination is not the church to be a part of.

The Apostle Paul visited and sent his trained staff to various churches throughout Europe. We are of one body, so regardless of the denomination, we should be in good company with our fellow Christian brothers and sisters.

God bless you,

The Guide

[jazzypooh]

i agree with you. i just haven't seen any that do that very often. i guess they haven't been able to set aside doctrinal differences yet.

[TheGuide]

i agree with you. i just haven't seen any that do that very often. i guess they haven't been able to set aside doctrinal differences yet.
Yes, and it's a shame, because it not only has non-Christians confused and suspicious, I'm sure many people stay away because of it.

God bless you,

The Guide

[Jere209]

I recently joined a Christian Church.

They tell me they are Assemblies of God now but it started as Pentecostal.

Anyone like to tell me what all this means in simple terms please;)

Coz I am slightly confused with all these different denominations and stuff:confused:

Seems like they are same as most Christians despite the fact that they talk about "speaking in tongues" and they all marry eachother from the church and have like 5 kids by the time they are 25:D

Hello there! Greetings from an AOG member of 9 years.

I am surprised that you did not have to attend a special class in order to join the church. That would have explained everything to you, and what we believe.


16 Fundamental Truths of the Assemblies of God

Condensed

(See full text version in English (http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Statement_of_Fundamental_Truths/sft_full.cfm) or Spanish (http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Statement_of_Fundamental_Truths/sft_full_sp.cfm))

These are nonnegotiable tenets of faith that all Assemblies of God churches adhere to. This list is derived from the official Statement of Fundamental Truths. Click links below to see the complete original statement with scriptures.

WE BELIEVE...The Scriptures are Inspired by God (http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Statement_of_Fundamental_Truths/sft_full.cfm#1) and declare His design and plan for mankind.
WE BELIEVE...There is only One True God (http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Statement_of_Fundamental_Truths/sft_full.cfm#2)–revealed in three persons...Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (commonly known as the Trinity).
WE BELIEVE...In the Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ (http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Statement_of_Fundamental_Truths/sft_full.cfm#3). As God's son Jesus was both human and divine.
WE BELIEVE...though originally good, Man Willingly Fell to Sin (http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Statement_of_Fundamental_Truths/sft_full.cfm#4)–ushering evil and death, both physical and spiritual, into the world.
WE BELIEVE...Every Person Can Have Restored Fellowship with God Through 'Salvation' (http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Statement_of_Fundamental_Truths/sft_full.cfm#5) (accepting Christ's offer of forgiveness for sin). [1 of 4 cardinal doctrines of the A/G]
WE BELIEVE...and practice two ordinances—(1) Water Baptism by Immersion (http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Statement_of_Fundamental_Truths/sft_full.cfm#6)after repenting of one's sins and receiving Christ's gift of salvation, and (2) Holy Communion (http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Statement_of_Fundamental_Truths/sft_full.cfm#6) (the Lord's Supper) as a symbolic remembrance of Christ's suffering and death for our salvation.
WE BELIEVE...the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a Special Experience Following Salvation (http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Statement_of_Fundamental_Truths/sft_full.cfm#7)that empowers believers for witnessing and effective service, just as it did in New Testament times. [1 of 4 cardinal doctrines of the A/G]
WE BELIEVE... The Initial Physical Evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is ‘Speaking in Tongues,’ (http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Statement_of_Fundamental_Truths/sft_full.cfm#8) as experienced on the Day of Pentecost and referenced throughout Acts and the Epistles.
WE BELIEVE...Sanctification Initially Occurs at Salvation (http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Statement_of_Fundamental_Truths/sft_full.cfm#9) and is not only a declaration that a believer is holy, but also a progressive lifelong process of separating from evil as believers continually draw closer to God and become more Christlike.
WE BELIEVE...The Church has a Mission (http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Statement_of_Fundamental_Truths/sft_full.cfm#10) to seek and save all who are lost in sin. We believe 'the Church' is the Body of Christ and consists of the people who, throughout time, have accepted God's offer of redemption (regardless of religious denomination) through the sacrificial death of His son Jesus Christ.
WE BELIEVE...A Divinely Called and Scripturally Ordained Leadership Ministry Serves the Church (http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Statement_of_Fundamental_Truths/sft_full.cfm#11). The Bible teaches that each of us under leadership must commit ourselves to reach others for Christ, to worship Him with other believers, and to build up or edify the body of believers–the Church.
WE BELIEVE...Divine Healing of the Sick is a Privilege for Christians Today (http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Statement_of_Fundamental_Truths/sft_full.cfm#12) and is provided for in Christ's atonement (His sacrificial death on the cross for our sins). [1 of 4 cardinal doctrines of the A/G]
WE BELIEVE...in The Blessed Hope—When Jesus Raptures His Church Prior to His Return to Earth (http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Statement_of_Fundamental_Truths/sft_full.cfm#13) (the second coming). At this future moment in time all believers who have died will rise from their graves and will meet the Lord in the air, and Christians who are alive will be caught up with them, to be with the Lord forever. [1 of 4 cardinal doctrines of the A/G]
WE BELIEVE...in The Millennial Reign of Christ (http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Statement_of_Fundamental_Truths/sft_full.cfm#14) when Jesus returns with His saints at His second coming and begins His benevolent rule over earth for 1,000 years. This millennial reign will bring the salvation of national Israel and the establishment of universal peace.
WE BELIEVE...A Final Judgment Will Take Place (http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Statement_of_Fundamental_Truths/sft_full.cfm#15) for those who have rejected Christ. They will be judged for their sin and consigned to eternal punishment in a punishing lake of fire.
WE BELIEVE...and look forward to the perfect New Heavens and a New Earth (http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Statement_of_Fundamental_Truths/sft_full.cfm#16)that Christ is preparing for all people, of all time, who have accepted Him. We will live and dwell with Him there forever following His millennial reign on Earth. 'And so shall we forever be with the Lord!'
We are in fact Christians, and we believe in the five fold ministry. Contrary to popular belief, we don't marry within the church, (although I'd love to meet a nice man there!), and we don't have 5 kids by age 25. Not all AOG members speak in tongues. Actually, there are many in other denominations, including Catholic, that speak in other tongues as well. :)

If I can help answer your questions, give me a shout!
Lisa

[Jere209]

Sounds like a cult to me, but I'm a suspicious type. Just watch and listen for now.

1) Do they all live together (like groups of them living in one dwelling)?
2) Do they do everything together and only include people they are trying to get to join their church?
3) Do they fellowship with other Chiristian churches (this one is very important) that are not under their denomination, or do they feel that their chruch is the "real church" and all others are going to hell?

If any of these things are going on then the church is a cult.

Now I'm not saying that you should leave, especially if you're enjoying the fellowship and are properly being fed God's word. I'm just saying to learn about the Lord what you can and don't get caught up in their church culture. At some point they may begin to apply pressure on you to conform. That will be the time to leave. If you know you are a weak person, or you have a problem with telling people "no," then you really need to start looking for a new church home right now. Don't worry about having joined. If it's not a good fit, find a church that is.

God bless you,

The Guide

Hello The Guide,
I have a question. She clearly stated this was an AOG church. Would that not tell you it isn't a cult??? I think that was a total disrespect to the Assemblies of God churches.
God bless
Lisa

[Jere209]

Assemblies of God is just a more mellowed out version of the Pentecostals. Pentecostals (if I am correct) believe you have to speak in tongues or you're not saved. Assemblies of God don't necessarily, but they still believe that speaking in tongues makes you a better Christian.


Totally incorrect.
AOG are Pentecostals. We do NOT believe you have to speak in other tongues in order to be saved. Nor do we as Pentecostals believe speaking in other tongues makes one a better Christian. Only Christ does that.
God bless
Lisa

[Jere209]

The church is not the denomination or the building. Church means congregation of people. WE are the church, and I've belong to several denominations and all, on occassion, have fellowshipped with other denominations. That's because all are Christians churches, and as Christians we are of one body. Any denomination that does not allow a pastor from another denomination to speak before their congregation, nor fellowships with other Christian churches outside of their denomination is not the church to be a part of.

The Apostle Paul visited and sent his trained staff to various churches throughout Europe. We are of one body, so regardless of the denomination, we should be in good company with our fellow Christian brothers and sisters.

God bless you,

The Guide

Amen!:amen:

[Jere209]

Thanks for all your replies.

I think I am slowly working this out.

But at the end of the day, I seem content there and unless I see some wrong doings that I do not agree with, I will have to access the situation then.

You have all helped me heaps, god bless you:prayer:

Sweetie, I think you have a found a good Bible teaching scripture based church. Listen to your spirit within you, test everything you hear, and hold it up against the Word of God. If it does not bear weight, then toss it aside. If God led you to the church, then He must be in your decision. If you did not understand everything about the church and decided to join, then I can understand why you are confused about things. Check with the Pastor or Associate Pastor and find out if they have a New Beginner's class. Being an AOG church, I am sure they have the curriculum there. :) So, I say all that to say I'm :crossrc: ing for you, and if you need anything, please just give me a big shout!
Love
In Christ
Lisa:groupray:

[TheGuide]

Hello The Guide,
I have a question. She clearly stated this was an AOG church. Would that not tell you it isn't a cult??? I think that was a total disrespect to the Assemblies of God churches.
God bless
Lisa
Do you even know what you're talking about? Please read the original post thoroughly. Clearly the poster states characteristics of the church she attends that are not in line with AOG or any denomination I've experienced. And their denomination was not my point. A church could call themselves Baptists and handle snakes during their church services. I mean, how closely are churches that assign themselves a denomination, or their individual mode of operation, being monitored? Do you truly know this?

The disrespect is you flying off the handle for no reason. My advice was to the original poster and I stand by it, as written.

God bless you,


The Guide

[Jere209]

Do you even know what you're talking about? Please read the original post thoroughly. Clearly the poster states characteristics of the church she attends that are not in line with AOG or any denomination I've experienced. And their denomination was not my point. A church could call themselves Baptists and handle snakes during their church services. I mean, how closely are churches that assign themselves a denomination, or their individual mode of operation, being monitored? Do you truly know this?

The disrespect is you flying off the handle for no reason. My advice was to the original poster and I stand by it, as written.

God bless you,


The Guide

:) Re-read it sir, and you will see I do know what I am talking about.

recently joined a Christian Church.

They tell me they are Assemblies of God now but it started as Pentecostal.

I did not fly off the handle, I merely pointed out you calling the AOG church a cult.

A church could call themselves Baptists and handle snakes during their church services. I mean, how closely are churches that assign themselves a denomination, or their individual mode of operation, being monitored? Do you truly know this?

Again, being a member of an Assemblies Of God church, I know when I see our logo on a church, that is indeed an AOG church. If the church had NOT given a denomination, then I would be wary and certainly not join until I saw the doctrine and faith statement. If you were familiar with the AOG church, you would know we are Pentecostal. So, to answer your question, yes, I do know this.

I think you are a bit misguided there in giving out advice without completely reading and fully understanding what she was saying. This is the kind of direction that could hurt someone because they do not understand.

You should not be so quick to give advice until you are well versed in the denomination stated. ;)

[Jere209]

Here is her post as originally posted. I read it correctly, you did not. No disrespect on my part, sir. :)

I recently joined a Christian Church.

They tell me they are Assemblies of God now but it started as Pentecostal.

Anyone like to tell me what all this means in simple terms please;)

Coz I am slightly confused with all these different denominations and stuff:confused:

Seems like they are same as most Christians despite the fact that they talk about "speaking in tongues" and they all marry eachother from the church and have like 5 kids by the time they are 25:D

[TheGuide]

:) Re-read it sir, and you will see I do know what I am talking about.



I did not fly off the handle, I merely pointed out you calling the AOG church a cult.


Again, being a member of an Assemblies Of God church, I know when I see our logo on a church, that is indeed an AOG church. If the church had NOT given a denomination, then I would be wary and certainly not join until I saw the doctrine and faith statement. If you were familiar with the AOG church, you would know we are Pentecostal. So, to answer your question, yes, I do know this.

I think you are a bit misguided there in giving out advice without completely reading and fully understanding what she was saying. This is the kind of direction that could hurt someone because they do not understand.

You should not be so quick to give advice until you are well versed in the denomination stated. ;)
Now I understand and I apologize that you are offended.

God bless you,

The Guide

[Jere209]

No offense taken. Apology accepted! Grace extended.

God bless!
thank you..

:wave:

[jesusmyhealer]

My, my glad you two sorted that out, I was beginning to worry I started an argument here coz of my thread:)

[jesusmyhealer]

I just wrote out a whole page response to you and it did not post and there's no chance I'm typing it out again!

I just wanted to thank you for the info you sent me, you have been a great help.

If I have any questions would you mind me sending you a PM?

:thumbsup:



Sweetie, I think you have a found a good Bible teaching scripture based church. Listen to your spirit within you, test everything you hear, and hold it up against the Word of God. If it does not bear weight, then toss it aside. If God led you to the church, then He must be in your decision. If you did not understand everything about the church and decided to join, then I can understand why you are confused about things. Check with the Pastor or Associate Pastor and find out if they have a New Beginner's class. Being an AOG church, I am sure they have the curriculum there. :) So, I say all that to say I'm :crossrc: ing for you, and if you need anything, please just give me a big shout!
Love
In Christ
Lisa:groupray:

[Jere209]

I just wrote out a whole page response to you and it did not post and there's no chance I'm typing it out again!

I just wanted to thank you for the info you sent me, you have been a great help.

If I have any questions would you mind me sending you a PM?

:thumbsup:

Hello! morning!
Absolutely! You can pm me ANY time you need to. That's what I am here for!!!

Have a blessed day honey!
Lisa:wave:

[Jere209]

My, my glad you two sorted that out, I was beginning to worry I started an argument here coz of my thread:)


No worries here, sweetie. :) Just a simple misunderstanding. :clap: