DENOMINATIONS: FROM GOD OR MAN? VOLUME ONE

DENOMINATIONS: FROM GOD OR MAN? VOLUME ONE PDF Author: John F. Lugger
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN:
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 391

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Book Description
Denomination can be defined as religious division caused by false teaching, so the case could be made that its origin traces back to the beginning of creation, with the account of Cain and Abel. Abel followed correct doctrine with his sacrifice, as God ‘respected’ it, whereas Cain chose to alter whatever instructions God had issued on the subject, choosing instead a different doctrine or ‘denomination’, and offering a sacrifice which God did not ‘respect’, one in which God had not ordained. (Genesis 4:3-5) Most denominations today attempt to follow some things taught or practiced by Jesus and His apostles. But these have been added to or modified to fit human ideas. We see this practice exhibited, even in the Old Testament. Israel “feared the Lord” (seemingly giving God some worship), yet they also served other gods, according to the nations around them (2 Kings 17:32-33). Mixing truth with non-truth makes discernment of God’s desired worship much more difficult, and “worshipping in vain” much more of a danger. (Matthew 15:9). Having earned his B.S. degree from Ohio State University in Business Administration, John had just begun a career in that vocation when he met Charlene, whom he soon married in the Spring of ‘74. John, a life-long Lutheran and Charlene, a member of the Church of Christ had some decisions to make concerning their respective faiths. Encouraged by his wife and others, including his dear friend and minister at the Fishinger and Kenny Rds. Church of Christ in Columbus, Ohio, Gene Carrell, John decided to let the Scriptures speak on the subject. One point seemed to trouble him the most—his baptism as an infant. Since all the examples he could find from the Scriptures described adult individuals who, after coming to belief, would repent, confess and agree / submit to baptism—infant baptism made no sense (how could he, as an infant make these decisions?) After several years of investigation and study of the Scriptures, John was convinced the Bible does indeed speak of a different kind of church than the one he grew up in. In fact, this church was different than any of the religions or churches of its’ day—even the Jewish religion or church, with its’ God-ordained animal sacrifices and specialized priesthood, was replaced by God with this church. For this church ushered in a New Covenant, instituted by Christ Himself, through a “once-for-all” sacrifice of Himself on the cross, offering permanent forgiveness of sins and a priesthood made up of all believers with direct access to God. John found himself wanting to be part of this Church of Christ. Following his obedience to the Gospel and being added to Christ’s church (not by any individual, but by God Himself, according to the Scriptures, Acts 2:47), John developed a passion for writing and teaching, particularly on the subject of modern denominations as compared to the Scriptures and to this New Testament church of Christ. His denominational background has given him a unique perspective, in this instance, to author the first of five volumes on “Denominations: From God Or Man?”

DENOMINATIONS: FROM GOD OR MAN? VOLUME ONE

DENOMINATIONS: FROM GOD OR MAN? VOLUME ONE PDF Author: John F. Lugger
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN:
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 391

Get Book Here

Book Description
Denomination can be defined as religious division caused by false teaching, so the case could be made that its origin traces back to the beginning of creation, with the account of Cain and Abel. Abel followed correct doctrine with his sacrifice, as God ‘respected’ it, whereas Cain chose to alter whatever instructions God had issued on the subject, choosing instead a different doctrine or ‘denomination’, and offering a sacrifice which God did not ‘respect’, one in which God had not ordained. (Genesis 4:3-5) Most denominations today attempt to follow some things taught or practiced by Jesus and His apostles. But these have been added to or modified to fit human ideas. We see this practice exhibited, even in the Old Testament. Israel “feared the Lord” (seemingly giving God some worship), yet they also served other gods, according to the nations around them (2 Kings 17:32-33). Mixing truth with non-truth makes discernment of God’s desired worship much more difficult, and “worshipping in vain” much more of a danger. (Matthew 15:9). Having earned his B.S. degree from Ohio State University in Business Administration, John had just begun a career in that vocation when he met Charlene, whom he soon married in the Spring of ‘74. John, a life-long Lutheran and Charlene, a member of the Church of Christ had some decisions to make concerning their respective faiths. Encouraged by his wife and others, including his dear friend and minister at the Fishinger and Kenny Rds. Church of Christ in Columbus, Ohio, Gene Carrell, John decided to let the Scriptures speak on the subject. One point seemed to trouble him the most—his baptism as an infant. Since all the examples he could find from the Scriptures described adult individuals who, after coming to belief, would repent, confess and agree / submit to baptism—infant baptism made no sense (how could he, as an infant make these decisions?) After several years of investigation and study of the Scriptures, John was convinced the Bible does indeed speak of a different kind of church than the one he grew up in. In fact, this church was different than any of the religions or churches of its’ day—even the Jewish religion or church, with its’ God-ordained animal sacrifices and specialized priesthood, was replaced by God with this church. For this church ushered in a New Covenant, instituted by Christ Himself, through a “once-for-all” sacrifice of Himself on the cross, offering permanent forgiveness of sins and a priesthood made up of all believers with direct access to God. John found himself wanting to be part of this Church of Christ. Following his obedience to the Gospel and being added to Christ’s church (not by any individual, but by God Himself, according to the Scriptures, Acts 2:47), John developed a passion for writing and teaching, particularly on the subject of modern denominations as compared to the Scriptures and to this New Testament church of Christ. His denominational background has given him a unique perspective, in this instance, to author the first of five volumes on “Denominations: From God Or Man?”

DENOMINATIONS: FROM GOD OR MAN?

DENOMINATIONS: FROM GOD OR MAN? PDF Author: John F. Lugger
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN:
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 416

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Book Description
This book continues the series with a focus on the Eastern Orthodox Churches, following their split in A.D.1054 from Roman Catholicism, which set a floor for ongoing heresies, man-made doctrines, and pronouncements, with influential church leaders pioneering these atrocities as equal bearers of authority in the same manner as the Holy Scriptures. Exploring the early councils, attended by numerous Catholic/Orthodox bishops, which convened between A.D. 325 and 787, the author seeks to explain not only the reason for the split but what set the tone or ‘floor’ leading to this rebellion against God’s Divine Authority. The decisions/proclamations of the first seven councils hailed and elevated by these bishops as “Holy”, “Divine”, and “Authoritative”, were uncovered instead to be nothing more than man-made, hypocritical, and on occasion, even deceitful - plagiarizing God’s Word as if It were their own words of wisdom! (Exp. First Council, Canon 2 / 1 Timothy 3:6). This rebellion played out into a ‘Reformation,’ with Martin Luther pulling away, resulting in the first ‘protesting’ or protestant denomination, the Lutheran Church. Unfortunately, the Lutherans only modified the beliefs of their mother church – trading a pope for Synods, a restrictive liturgy for ‘faith only salvation’, and Holy Tradition for Confessions and Creeds. These modifications, a mixture of truth with non-truth, to this day make discernment of God’s desired work and worship more difficult to discern, and ‘worshipping in vain’ the more likely result. (Matthew 15:9). Paul told the Colossians, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all (not some) in the name (authority) of the Lord Jesus” (Col. 3:17). Mixing truth with non-truth is like being ‘lukewarm’ – neither cold nor hot, neither all in, nor all out – our Lord had something to say regarding this did He not? (Revelation 3:15-16).

Understanding Jesus

Understanding Jesus PDF Author: Joe Amaral
Publisher: FaithWords
ISBN: 1455512494
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 118

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Book Description
Modern-day Christians often bring their own presuppositions and assumptions to the reading of the Bible, not realizing how deeply their understanding of Christ's life and teachings is affected by a 21st-century worldview. In Understanding Jesus, author Joe Amaral delves deep into Jewish history, societal mores, and cultural traditions, closing the gap created by geographical distance and over two thousand years of history. Using a chronological approach to the life of Christ, he guides the reader through significant events such as Jesus' birth, baptism, and crucifixion, pointing out illuminating details that that the Western mind would normally miss. Amaral's premise is that to understand Jesus, we must understand the time and place in which he was born, the background from which he drew his illustrations, and the audience he spoke to. Throughout the book he explores specific terms, places, and events for their significance and shows how they add richness and meaning to the text. Topics include the connection between Jesus and John the Baptist, the annual Feasts and why they are important to modern Christianity, Jewish customs such as foot-washing, clean and unclean foods, paying tribute to political governments, and the significance of various miracles. In Understanding Jesus, Amaral draws back the curtain on a way of life that existed during the reign of the Caesars, and in doing so, reveals truths about the way we live more than two thousand years later, half a world away.

Give Me an Answer

Give Me an Answer PDF Author: Cliffe Knechtle
Publisher: InterVarsity Press
ISBN: 9780877845690
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 172

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Book Description
Cliffe Knechtle offers clear, reasoned and compassionate responses to the tough questions skeptics ask.

God and the Gay Christian

God and the Gay Christian PDF Author: Matthew Vines
Publisher: Convergent
ISBN: 1601425163
Category : Christian gays
Languages : en
Pages : 226

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Book Description
Reinterpretations of key Bible texts related to sexual orientation, written by a Harvard student, present an accessible case for a modern Christian conservative acceptance of sexual diversity.

Facing Death and the Life After

Facing Death and the Life After PDF Author: Billy Graham
Publisher: W Publishing Group
ISBN:
Category : Family & Relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 296

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Book Description
We are called to confront the sobering fact of death--realistically, but always with the confidence that through our relationship with Christ we can conquer this final enemy.

How to Stay Christian in Seminary

How to Stay Christian in Seminary PDF Author: David Mathis
Publisher: Crossway
ISBN: 1433540339
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 82

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Book Description
Seminary is dangerous. Really dangerous. The hard truth is that many seminarians enter pastoral ministry feeling drained, disillusioned, and dissatisfied. But the problem isn't with the faculty or the material. Rather, the most perilous danger to the soul of the pastor-in-training is the sin residing deep within his own heart. Drawing on their years of pastoral ministry and seminary experience, David Mathis and Jonathan Parnell take a refreshingly honest look at this oft-neglected—yet all too common—experience, offering real-world advice for students eager to survive seminary with their faith intact. In seven short but challenging chapters, the authors remind readers of the foundational role of the gospel in the life of ministry, equipping them with the keys to grow in their faith while making the most of their education.

Catechism of the Catholic Church

Catechism of the Catholic Church PDF Author: U.S. Catholic Church
Publisher: Image
ISBN: 030795370X
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 849

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Book Description
Over 3 million copies sold! Essential reading for Catholics of all walks of life. Here it is - the first new Catechism of the Catholic Church in more than 400 years, a complete summary of what Catholics around the world commonly believe. The Catechism draws on the Bible, the Mass, the Sacraments, Church tradition and teaching, and the lives of saints. It comes with a complete index, footnotes and cross-references for a fuller understanding of every subject. The word catechism means "instruction" - this book will serve as the standard for all future catechisms. Using the tradition of explaining what the Church believes (the Creed), what she celebrates (the Sacraments), what she lives (the Commandments), and what she prays (the Lord's Prayer), the Catechism of the Catholic Church offers challenges for believers and answers for all those interested in learning about the mystery of the Catholic faith. The Catechism of the Catholic Church is a positive, coherent and contemporary map for our spiritual journey toward transformation.

Gospel-Centered Discipleship

Gospel-Centered Discipleship PDF Author: Jonathan K. Dodson
Publisher: Crossway
ISBN: 1433530244
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 178

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Book Description
Reflecting on the practice of disciple making in young adult, college, graduate, and local church contexts, Jonathan Dodson has discerned some common pitfalls. For many, discipleship is reduced to a form of religious performance before God. For others, it devolves into spiritual license and a loose adherence to spiritual facts. Both approaches distort biblical motivations for Christian obedience and are in need of reform. By explaining various motivations for discipleship, Dodson charts a biblically faithful, grace-driven alternative. Additionally, he provides a practical model for creating gospel-centered discipleship groups—small, reproducible, missional, gender-specific groups of believers that fight for faith together. This book blends both theology and practice to inspire and equip Christians to effectively fight sin, keep Jesus central, and make gospel-centered discipleship a way of life. Both new and growing Christians will learn to trust the gospel in community as they fight together for holiness as well as how to start gospel-centered community groups in any local church.

The Complete Guide to Christian Denominations

The Complete Guide to Christian Denominations PDF Author: Ron Rhodes
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
ISBN: 0736952926
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 450

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Book Description
Do you ever wonder what the difference is between one denomination and another? Why are there so many kinds of Baptist or Presbyterian or Lutheran churches? Where do those names come from, anyway? You can find answers in this concise but comprehensive guide. Learn about the leaders, teachings, and history of most of the church families in America. In addition to membership statistics, you'll find... a brief explanation of how the denomination began a short summary of its teaching on God, the Bible, the church, and other important topics a quick overview of some of its distinctive characteristics Whether you're looking for a new church or enriching your fellowship with believers from other traditions, you'll be much better prepared with this revised and expanded edition of The Complete Guide to Christian Denominations.