Are "Non-Denominational" Christians free to believe in the Real Presence?

[LivingWordUnity]

I am referring to the bread of life discourse in John Chapter 6. Do you interpret this at face value?

May God bless you. :)

[Zecryphon]

I would say they are free to believe in real presence, as non-denom churches don't have an agreed upon doctrine when it comes to anything. They are free to believe whatever they want since they don't answer to an outside governing body or overseeing church. So a real presence theology could be taught and adhered to. As you know most Reformed churches though do teach that there is no real presence in The Lord's Supper and it is strictly symbolic. I used to be a member of a non-denom church before becoming a Lutheran.

[JHM]

If by being non denominational you mean not belonging to any esablished church espousing some particular doctrine, then I would think they are free to believe what they will; though it doesn't necessarily mean they are right. But that said, I think you will not go wrong by believing in what is in the bible.

But that would seem obvious. Am I missing something here?

[Mick116]

The existence of independent catholic churches notwithstanding, I would suspect that most non-denominational churches would have a fairly "protestant" statement of faith.

[New_Wineskin]

I am referring to the bread of life discourse in John Chapter 6. Do you interpret this at face value?

May God bless you. :)

All nondenoms can have whatever doctrines that they wish . So , yes to the thread;s question .

Do *I* interpret that passage literally and physically ? No . Personally , I find it ridiculous . And , I was raised Catholic .

[jive4005]

If by being non denominational you mean not belonging to any esablished church espousing some particular doctrine, then I would think they are free to believe what they will; though it doesn't necessarily mean they are right. But that said, I think you will not go wrong by believing in what is in the bible.

But that would seem obvious. Am I missing something here?
Yes!

His,
Rev J

[MoNiCa4316]

I am referring to the bread of life discourse in John Chapter 6. Do you interpret this at face value?

May God bless you. :)

Most if not all non denom. churches are evangelical Protestant in theology. Most of them do not believe in the Real Presence. As for me, I actually do think that it's more than symbolic, but not in the way that the RCC church teaches....I believe that the Holy Spirit somehow uses or transforms the bread and wine and that this affects us. I guess my view of it would be more EO or mainline Protestant than Catholic. However, I think that even when people believe it's merely a symbol, they still take Communion with reverence and real faith... I think it is still effective for them. I go to a non denom church, and I've experienced His presence after taking Communion there...I felt Him living in me, I can't really explain this though. :) So it 'works' there too, I think. Even though it is believed to be a symbol, it is taken seriously...we pray for forgiveness and confess our sins to God before Communion, and when we take it the pastor says "this is His blood which was shed for us on the Cross", etc. Plus it helps us remember His sacrifice and appreciate it so much more.
So..I guess I'm still trying to figure it all out, but I do believe the Holy Spirit affects me when I take Communion.
God bless.

[JHM]

Out of curiosity, what do you call someone who believes in God , Christ, the Holy Spirit and the scriptures; trys to practice a charitable lifestyle; but is not a member of any church? I would have thought THAT was non denominational; but apparently that term has been appropriated by splinter denominations of the majors. (principally protestant I gather).

[MoNiCa4316]

Out of curiosity, what do you call someone who believes in God , Christ, the Holy Spirit and the scriptures; trys to practice a charitable lifestyle; but is not a member of any church? I would have thought THAT was non denominational; but apparently that term has been appropriated by splinter denominations of the majors. (principally protestant I gather).

I think those people can be called non denominational too, but they might be confused with those who go to 'non denom churches'. I don't think there is a particular name for them; just Christians. :)

[warriorofprayer]

If by being non denominational you mean not belonging to any esablished church espousing some particular doctrine, then I would think they are free to believe what they will; though it doesn't necessarily mean they are right. But that said, I think you will not go wrong by believing in what is in the bible.

But that would seem obvious. Am I missing something here?

That is so true. I belonged to a Non-denominational church for may years, and there was nobody above the senior pastor to give established doctrine. This church truly believed that they were a covering for all, and no evil would touch those in that flock. That was so not right. But they always supported their beliefs and actions with Scripture, although it was twisted and paraphrased, the believed they were right.

So, I agree, you will not go wrong believing what is the Bible.

[BustedFlat]

Out of curiosity, what do you call someone who believes in God , Christ, the Holy Spirit and the scriptures; trys to practice a charitable lifestyle; but is not a member of any church? I would have thought THAT was non denominational; but apparently that term has been appropriated by splinter denominations of the majors. (principally protestant I gather).
Unchurched ,,, and I may add in danger of sliding into spiritual troubles.

[JHM]

Which then is better then - Being "Unchurched", or being a member of the "Church of Laodicea" as desribed in Revelations?

[warriorofprayer]

So, are you saying that someone who is in a "church" is not at risk of sliding into Spiritual trouble?

[BustedFlat]

Both have spiritual pitfalls and both can produce saints, but being grounded in the scriptures and taking the Word very seriously will get you past all the traps of the enemy.

Hbr 10:23 (http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/popup.pl?book=Hbr&chapter=10&verse=23&version=kjv#23)
Let us hold fast the profession of [our] faith without wavering; (for he [is] faithful that promised)
Hbr 10:24 (http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/popup.pl?book=Hbr&chapter=10&verse=24&version=kjv#24)
And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
Hbr 10:25 (http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/popup.pl?book=Hbr&chapter=10&verse=25&version=kjv#25)
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.


Rev 3:20 (http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/popup.pl?book=Rev&chapter=3&verse=20&version=kjv#20)Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
Rev 3:21 (http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/popup.pl?book=Rev&chapter=3&verse=21&version=kjv#21)To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.


(http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/popup.pl?book=Hbr&chapter=10&verse=25&version=kjv#25)

[warriorofprayer]

Both have spiritual pitfalls and both can produce saints, but being grounded in the scriptures and taking the Word very seriously will get you past all the traps of the enemy.

Hbr 10:23 (http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/popup.pl?book=Hbr&chapter=10&verse=23&version=kjv#23)
Let us hold fast the profession of [our] faith without wavering; (for he [is] faithful that promised)
Hbr 10:24 (http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/popup.pl?book=Hbr&chapter=10&verse=24&version=kjv#24)
And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
Hbr 10:25 (http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/popup.pl?book=Hbr&chapter=10&verse=25&version=kjv#25)
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.


Rev 3:20 (http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/popup.pl?book=Rev&chapter=3&verse=20&version=kjv#20)Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
Rev 3:21 (http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/popup.pl?book=Rev&chapter=3&verse=21&version=kjv#21)To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.


(http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/popup.pl?book=Hbr&chapter=10&verse=25&version=kjv#25)

I know quite a few people who do not attend a "church". They are all well versed in Scripture and do not go without fellowship.

Matthew 18:20
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

To me there is more that can be learnt through gathering in smaller groups and discussing scriptures. This better enables all involved to ask questoins and "study" the scriptures together.

So I don't think going to a building every Sunday and gathering with over 100 people keeps you any more safe from the enemy.

Like JHM said, as long as you believe and follow what is in Scriptures, you can't go wrong.

[BustedFlat]

There is big difference between church and Church. We meet on Sundays in a school cafeteria, Sunday and Tuesday evenings in homes and Thursday evenings in a rented Church building.
The important thing is that there is a pastor/teacher and a network to help keep everyone walking the strait path to the narrow gate.

[JHM]

@ Busted Flat : Suggest you read this thread :
http://foru.ms/t6051463-jews-qa.html
From start to finish, (not that long), then give me your honest opinion, of whether or not I am right.

[MoNiCa4316]

Matthew 18:20
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

To me there is more that can be learnt through gathering in smaller groups and discussing scriptures. This better enables all involved to ask questoins and "study" the scriptures together.

I agree, it's not about the building anyway, but about the people. It does not matter where they meet, or how many, as long as it's in God's name. :)

[BustedFlat]

@ Busted Flat : Suggest you read this thread :
http://foru.ms/t6051463-jews-qa.html
From start to finish, (not that long), then give me your honest opinion, of whether or not I am right.
Not only are you wrong, your work is based on flaws and laziness.

[warriorofprayer]

There is big difference between church and Church. We meet on Sundays in a school cafeteria, Sunday and Tuesday evenings in homes and Thursday evenings in a rented Church building.
The important thing is that there is a pastor/teacher and a network to help keep everyone walking the strait path to the narrow gate.

I attended a "Church", we met on Sundays in a basement (later in a building), Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings in others houses for Intercessory Prayer, and on Fridays with the Youth. The Pastor was self-appointed, she never attended any Christian College, in fact no college, never attended seminory etc. Money was their main issue, whether her son (who is also a self appointed pastor and principle of the school he created, who also has no formal education), would make enough money. My family was told that unless we tithe more, we will not be helped out by the church. Every week, money would come up in the sermon. The only people that were worthy of being used my the Lord (according to the Pastor and Elders) were the ones who had money. It just so happened that the elders of the church ended up being the 4 richest men in the church and their wives.

For the last two years of my attending that "Church" all the talks were on Absolom and Jezebel. There was no outreach to the community or surronding area, unless there was TV cameras around to catch the event.

I was fed false teachings and "self taught" teachings from this pastor and the several others in the church.

So, please forgive me if I don't think that a "Church" setting is always the right place to receive the presence of God and receive the guidance from a "Pastor". I truly believe that where two or more are gathered in HIs name and worship and praise Him and follow the scriptures, they cannot go wrong. There is sin in everyone's life and it is only the conviction of the Holy Spirit that can change a persons life. Being told on a daily basis by a "Pastor" that "you are a sinner" doesn't keep me on the straight and narrow. The checks and convictions in my heart by the Holy Spirit is what keeps me going.

I feel that i was led "astray" while in this setting of a "church". I do attend services at surrounding churches, on the Lord's leading, but will not become a "member", unless the Lord leads me to.

With all that said, not all churches are like that one I had attended. I have a bitter taste in my mouth and a bit of apprehension towards pastors. The Lord is working on my in that area.

thank you for letting me ramble!