[skully03]

^I don't have as much of a problem with different denominations as I do denominationalism. There is a difference. Many times, I have asked the local Christian church, Nazarene church, Baptist church and other churches pastors to come preach for revivals. I have went to other churches to help them in tough times, etc...

People have different preferences about certain things. Some like contemporary music, some like traditional. Some like Spirit-filled shoutin' sermons, some like liturgical and transcripted sermons. There are even churches I read or hear about that have meetings end in cussing matches about carpet color! (What a shame!)

To some extent denominations are okay. However, I do not believe in denominationalism. That is, choosing to shut the doors to others, pointing out differences instead of celebrating similarities, not working together to feed the hungry, clothe the naked and share the Gospel.

I have known of 2-3 tiny churches in different areas get merged to save money on bills and to avoid the churches 'dying out'. Almost everyone in these churches under the age of 90 agreed. They all get together after the paperwork is done and the combined church doesn't last a year until almost everyone leaves. We have proven throughout history that all Christians cannot get together in the same place, in the same heart and in the same accord outside of the clear and present presence of the Holy Spirit. When Jesus comes to call us home, we will worship Him as one in Heaven. 'Every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord!' Until we are in His perfect presence, I do not know if it is possible.

What I do know is that we better work together to share the love of Christ with a lost and dying world and 'take up our cross and follow Him'.

I will close this long post with this warning/truth/hope: No matter what is over the door, the Holy Spirit better be in our hearts. And no matter what is written on the sign outside, the Word of God should be written into our thoughts.

That very last part is what I am trying to get at. It is because if denominations why all Christians can not come together and worship in spirit and in truth. There are so many diff teaching out there that some people can't even talk about the bible without getting into a shouting match and its ridiculous. The church I go to says united baptist but we are not In a conference or association. We are independent and we believe as long as you preach the Word of God and you stay within the lids of the Bible then we will allow you to preach at our church no matter the denomination. But if some preachers come their particular denomination will get mad. This has never happened before but it could and it shouldn't, because we are all Gods children.