The problem with this theory is that the writings in the Bible are no just stories needing to be made relevant today. We read in the Bible, both Old and New Testaments, are about real people with real situations in real life. They are not simply stories of fictitious people living fictitious lives. They struggled with the same issues we do today. They sinned as we do today. We need to show thi...more

The problem with this theory is that the writings in the Bible are no just stories needing to be made relevant today. We read in the Bible, both Old and New Testaments, are about real people with real situations in real life. They are not simply stories of fictitious people living fictitious lives. They struggled with the same issues we do today. They sinned as we do today. We need to show this generation that these were real lives that real people lived. This generation needs to identify with the individual written about in the Bible. This generation needs to know that they, themselves are in the same place, even if a different time, and will have the same outcomes. They also have the same hope that is in Jesus Christ our Lord. The saying that “there is nothing new under the sun” is very true. Changing doctrine is the very last thing we should be doing. What was a sin in the ancient days is still a sin today. God does not change – not ever. We, today, should be smarter than these people whose lives are recorded in the Bible, because we have the Bible. We have their experiences and we know what the outcomes were. Too much of this –“make everything relevant to today” will kill us all. We need to see that everything in the Bible is already relevant to today.less

(Chris333 cont’d from above) Actually I believe denominations do bring people together. Sure there are people falling away from denominations and moving toward the “feel good” stadium churches. But these churches no longer focus on the essentials that you identified or those that I receive from my church. Can you imagine if we didn’t have any denominations? Where and how...more

(Chris333 cont’d from above)
Actually I believe denominations do bring people together. Sure there are people falling away from denominations and moving toward the “feel good” stadium churches. But these churches no longer focus on the essentials that you identified or those that I receive from my church. Can you imagine if we didn’t have any denominations? Where and how would people gather as a Christian family and learn from pastors and other lay people about God’s Word and to pray for His guidance? How much more unity would there really be without denominations?
I don’t believe we will ever have unity in faith. Certainly there has been no unity in followers of Christ since he walked the Earth. I am sure you have read the epistles from Peter, James, Paul who were constantly concerned about the directions the followers of Christ were heading. The only one who will be able to bring unity to the Church is Christ.
Thank you again for sharing your personal situation and your thoughts. I appreciated hearing what you had to say.less

Chris333, Thanks so much for your response. I am sorry that I have not responded back. I have just gotten back to a point where I can take time to think on what you said and respond. I asked you the questions that I did from your comments: “The Lutheran church doesn't realize that people are tired of worn out denominations. I for one am markedly against such denominations as Luthera...more

Chris333, Thanks so much for your response. I am sorry that I have not responded back. I have just gotten back to a point where I can take time to think on what you said and respond. I asked you the questions that I did from your comments: “The Lutheran church doesn't realize that people are tired of worn out denominations. I for one am markedly against such denominations as Lutheran and Baptist, and so on….” Also, “I am not a Lutheran or a Roman Catholic or a Baptist, I am a Christian. I bear the name of Christ, not Luther or Calvin.”
Interesting though, on your choice of denominations you used as example because I was baptized in the Presbyterian church (mom’s family) but raised in the Lutheran church (Dad’s family). Anyway, I guess the expression “worn our denominations” is what really caught my eye.
You asked if I thought the Lutheran doctrine is perfect. Luther, himself, was certainly not perfect but I do believe how he interprets the scriptures on Who God is – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I do believe, as you do, that only by Christ’s death on the cross and resurrection are we saved, through God’s Grace. I can say that my beliefs are embodied in the Apostles, Nicene, and Athanasian creeds. I do turn to Luther’s small catechism to understand what these mean to me as a Christian. Lutherans certainly do not worship Luther, but he did provide enlightenment on the God-inspired truth of the Bible to help us in our faith in God. I do enjoy attending church in God’s house and listening to what God has to say to me. (to be cont'd)less

Chris3333 What exactly does it mean to you to "bear the name of Christ"? As a Christian, what is it you believe about Christ? Who do you say He is with respect to God and the Holy Spirit and your relationship with Him? With whom is it that you as "a Christian... bearing the name of Christ" are you in unity? Who do you go to in order to learn more about God, Christ, and ...more

Chris3333
What exactly does it mean to you to "bear the name of Christ"? As a Christian, what is it you believe about Christ? Who do you say He is with respect to God and the Holy Spirit and your relationship with Him?

With whom is it that you as "a Christian... bearing the name of Christ" are you in unity? Who do you go to in order to learn more about God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit, about your faith, about your eternity? Where do you go when you are in doubt, in pain, in sorrow? Who carefully, and lovingly, explains to you the many complex passages in the Bible in order to let your faith grow?

What do you tell others about your faith? Or does your faith change with the prevailing world view?

Most of the primary denominations, particularly the Lutheran church, have clear statements of what they believe about God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. There is no confusion about what these churches teach and there are educated theologically trained pasters and lay people who are there to help teach people the Word of God as clearly and concisely as possible while not forcing anyone into belief. In the LCMS, we have faith that the Holy Spirit is the only one that can bring people to faith in Jesus Christ.

God does not change or "wear out"... ever..., neither does His Word, neither does His Church.less