Comments for Empire of the One

Comment on No Denomination just Jesus by Chris Goforth

Chris Goforth — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 22:42:46 +0000

Are you saying to love all people and that there is something to be learned from all people. That statement mostly captures what I was talking about.
All the other points you are getting at have nothing to do with this piece. You have other valid points that might be good for a different discussion, but none of it pertains to what I was getting out.
Just because a practice is not defined as something we would practice in the Christian realm doesn’t necessarily make it wrong. The Native Americans are great at taking care of the earth, and as stewards of what God has given us, their practices are a good example for us and how we can better care for what God has given us. That’s just an example. Just because another group of folks believe differently than I do doesn’t mean I can’t take some of those practices of and incorporate them into my own worship of Jesus. I don’t for a minute believe just because it isn’t something you or anyone else would call a “Christian practice” means I can’t incorporate it into my form of worshiping God, again it goes back to learning from others and taking away and applying good stuff that will draw me closer to Jesus.

I don’t really have much more to say on it nor can I explain it any other way, so it may be best to agree to disagree if we need to on this. I do appreciate your comments.

Comment on No Denomination just Jesus by Sandra

Sandra — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 18:27:29 +0000

Maybe I am missing the point. I am trying to get it. Are you saying to love all people and that there is something to be learned from all people. I would agree if that is what you are saying. But do you believe that the Bible is God’s word and that our concept of God should come from it? Or are you saying that as long as we follow some type of God/Jesus concept we are all going to heaven? If something is true and we believe that truth, it is not being exclusive, it is just being intellectually honest. We can be loving and accepting to all people and their beliefs without agreeing that they are all worshiping the One true God and going to heaven. If we adopt a view that everything is true so that we can include everyone we are being intolerant of God and the truth. And we are committing intellectual suicide, contradicting things can’t be true. Also what about loving people enough to care whether or not they have a true relationship with One true God through Jesus Christ? If we see everyone as going to heaven already regardless of what they believe then we have no need to share the good news. What is true love, sharing God’s message for salvation, or allowing them to miss the opportunity by being inclusive? Just to be clear I agree that side issues about, baptism, tongues, church membership, etc. are not important enough to bring up, I’m talking about central issues like who God is, who Jesus is, the fact that salvation is only by grace and only through Jesus Christ as he is presented in the Bible. There is nothing that should cause christian denominations to not accept each other as the body of Christ but when it comes to other religions we need to care enough about their eternity to lovingly share the truth in God’s word.

Comment on No Denomination just Jesus by Chris Goforth

Chris Goforth — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 00:58:17 +0000

I think you missed the whole point of what I am saying and focused more in on other types of religion. My point being, I don’t need a specific denomination to worship Jesus. As a part of the body of Christ we are all one and I don’t believe Jesus sees us as a specific denomination. In heaven we will all be one united together, no denominations, but all worshiping Jesus. Everything you are pointing out refers to them not worshiping or believing in Jesus and following his ways, which has nothing to do with where I am at or feel is necessary. Anything that I do or incorporate into my worship of Jesus and draws me closer to him is a good thing, it may be something from a different practice, but the essence is it enhances my worship of him. Drawing closer to and being transformed into the image of Christ is what I believe is most valuable.

Comment on No Denomination just Jesus by Sandra

Sandra — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 20:16:48 +0000

I agree, all christian denominations are worshiping the same God and we can incorporate and benefit from different methods of worship that come from traditions that are not familiar to us. And we should accept love and value all people. But not all religions are actually worshiping the same God that we believe in. Mormon’s believe that God was a man that lived on the earth at the same time that Jesus lived on the earth and they both died and Lucifer was Jesus’ brother. They believe there are 3 levels of heaven but God is only in the highest heaven. They earn their way to higher heaven by following rules. No tea, no coffee, no alcohol, be Mormon, be married in the Mormon temple, be baptized, tithe 10%, and repent of every sin to a bishop. They believe that no other religions have the “fullness” of the gospel. They believe the Bible has errors but the book of Mormon does not. They pray for the dead so that people who have already died can choose to move to a higher heaven. And they believe that If you earn your way to the highest heaven you get your own planet. I agree that that they have good family values and they are kind people. They are free to believe what they want and live they way that they want. And I can be friends with them and love them. But I wouldn’t say we have the pursuit of Jesus in common because we are just not following the same Jesus. They don’t follow the Jesus of the Bible. If you don’t start with the truth about Jesus then anything can be truth. And if there is more one truth then it isn’t truth. Same with Buddhists and Muslims, if we don’t start with truth then we end up following a lie. I start with the truth of the Bible. And I am careful not to be dogmatic about things that are not clear in the Bible. I believe the body of Christ is way bigger than any one denomination but when a religion clearly contradicts the Bible I can’t say that we are pursuing the same God. How can you pursue God and reject what he says in his word?

Comment on Betrayed Love by clearstreamofreason

clearstreamofreason — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 18:36:25 +0000

You are a good person…You need to believe in the goodness of god ,of others & urself ..The teaching is to love your neighbour as urself.. So the first thing to do is love urself… Accept your faults and move on… God is always there look to after you..he will never leave you orphan…. Believe that good things are in store for you …

Comment on About by the table: banquet feast | missio journey

the table: banquet feast | missio journey — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 14:06:13 +0000

[...] By Chris Goforth [...]

Comment on I’m For What? by christopher (@twistedxtian)

christopher (@twistedxtian) — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 20:58:02 +0000

I think that’s really important and something I often struggle with. Especially as it is often things in the church that I’m against. Even the moniker, “twistedchristian” seems to speak more for what I’m against, than for. Though I’m trying to change that perception. Hmm… lots to think about. Thanks, Chris.

Comment on Betrayed Love by Chris Goforth

Chris Goforth — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 20:13:15 +0000

Thank you very much I really appreciate that.

Comment on I’m For What? by Chris Goforth

Chris Goforth — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 20:12:54 +0000

Thanks, I tried to cover all areas of my life what I live for. As I do believe we should be known what we are for rather than against.

Comment on Betrayed Love by Chris Goforth

Chris Goforth — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 20:12:11 +0000

Great question – I owe you an e-mail and I will explain in more detail in that about this. For me, grace is difficult, I have a difficult time extending it to those within the church who continue to do those things I have experienced. It is easier for me to extend grace to those outside the church, yet I know both are just as deserving.
As for me I have difficulty receiving it as well. I often don’t believe I deserve it after all I have done, which I know isn’t true either.