Woody Posted January 15, 2011 Posted January 15, 2011 What do you consider to be 'church'? I am not looking for a theological discussion. I am looking at a personal usage. When you use the term 'church' ... do you mean the Christian Church population or are you referring to the denomination? I find that when I talk to SDAs that they consider 'church' to be the denomination. But when I talk to Christians of any other denomination ... they think of 'church' as the Christian community of those who are attempting to spread the Gospel as we are instructed to do. So, I am curious about this. Is my perception or experience correct? What has been YOUR experience? Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
Members phkrause Posted January 15, 2011 Members Posted January 15, 2011 What do you consider to be 'church'? I am not looking for a theological discussion. I am looking at a personal usage. When you use the term 'church' ... do you mean the Christian Church population or are you referring to the denomination? I find that when I talk to SDAs that they consider 'church' to be the denomination. But when I talk to Christians of any other denomination ... they think of 'church' as the Christian community of those who are attempting to spread the Gospel as we are instructed to do. So, I am curious about this. Is my perception or experience correct? What has been YOUR experience? I think your right. When talking to most SDAs you get the impression that our church/denomination is the church. I believe its the christian population, because I believe that Jesus/God is inclusive and not exclusive. We just might be the remnant or last church that will be organized before Jesus comes, but at the end of time when it talks about a remnant people I believe its talking about people from all the different denominations, plus some that have never been to an organized church, which will also include many Jews. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Woody Posted January 15, 2011 Author Posted January 15, 2011 Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
Moderators LynnDel Posted January 15, 2011 Moderators Posted January 15, 2011 I always like it when one of our members stands up to make the announcements and says, "Good morning, church." I think I'll do that next time it's my turn. LD Quote LD
Dr. Shane Posted January 16, 2011 Posted January 16, 2011 When I use the word church in conversation, I am normally referring to my own religious experience. That would be the people I interact with. We attend three different churches so for us "church" would be the people we interact with from all of those. However, sometimes I do use the world "church" to refer to my denomination. I may say, "my church believes this or that." In that context, I am referring to the SDA denomination. Theologically, I think most Adventists believe that the universal church is the invisible church made up of all believers and perhaps even some of non-Christian religions who are following the convictions of the Holy Spirit. I agree with that but I don't use the word "church" in that context much in my every-day conversations. Quote Pastoral Family Counselor... Find me at www.PostumCafe.com Author of Peculiar Christianity
Overaged Posted January 17, 2011 Posted January 17, 2011 What do you consider to be 'church'? I am not looking for a theological discussion. I am looking at a personal usage. When you use the term 'church' ... do you mean the Christian Church population or are you referring to the denomination? Currently, I am studying with Catholics, and they say the same thing that you say Adventists say. According to them; they are THE Church, and all the others are something else. I know that some Adventists think the same about our Church; but I have not seen too many think like that. One reason I would never become a Catholic though is because Adventists have taught me the Bible's view of "Church," and I really appreciate that view. It comes in really handy when talking to other denominations. But since you don't want any "theology," I guess I have to stop here. Quote "People [rarely] see...the bright light which is in the clouds..." (Job 37:21)"I cannot know why suddenly the stormshould rage so fiercely round me in it's wrathBut this I know: God watches all my pathAnd I can trust""God helps us to draw strength from the storm" - OveragedFaith makes things possible; it does not make them easy, Steps To Christ
Woody Posted January 17, 2011 Author Posted January 17, 2011 Thanks for your comments Overaged. And thanks also for not getting into the theology part of it. I'm sure that was hard to resist. :) Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
Administrators Gail Posted January 17, 2011 Administrators Posted January 17, 2011 Thanks for your comments Overaged. And thanks also for not getting into the theology part of it. I'm sure that was hard to resist. :) Quote Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.
Overaged Posted January 17, 2011 Posted January 17, 2011 Thanks for your comments Overaged. And thanks also for not getting into the theology part of it. I'm sure that was hard to resist. Ha ha! Yes. It was. Quote "People [rarely] see...the bright light which is in the clouds..." (Job 37:21)"I cannot know why suddenly the stormshould rage so fiercely round me in it's wrathBut this I know: God watches all my pathAnd I can trust""God helps us to draw strength from the storm" - OveragedFaith makes things possible; it does not make them easy, Steps To Christ
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