ECT Is the Mega-Non Denomination Church Good or Bad for Christians

[Saved.One.by.Grace]

It's all a part of the mystery of iniquity that doth already work (2 Thessalonians 2:7 KJV) run by these (2 Corinthians 11:13-15 KJV). They're no good for those who nameth the name of Christ (2 Timothy 2:19 KJV).

Would you explain your comment in a bit more detail?

 

[chrysostom]

Going to church to fulfill some non-scriptural obligation is not a good thing.

A church too big can make it difficult for ministries they support to get to the people in need.

don't worry about why they go to church
that is not your job
what is your job?
people will go where they want
to get what they need

thank God we have churches

 

[Saved.One.by.Grace]

No, not 100%. But the differences are very minor and not concerning the fundamentals of the faith.>

That's good.

Sorry to hear that.

I started listening to John MacArthur when I was an Evangelical Charismatic. He is a brilliant teacher who strives to spread God's word, not his own brand of Christianity.

So you're a Calvinist.

I haven't read much of what John Calvin wrote. But I have read much of those who call themselves Calvinists in this age. So yes, I am a Calvinist.

 

[chrysostom]

So yes, I am a Calvinist.

do you know what that means?

 

[Saved.One.by.Grace]

don't worry about why they go to church
that is not your job
what is your job?
people will go where they want
to get what they need

thank God we have churches

My father, mother, sister and I would go to church together when I was growing up. My mother and sister would talk about what people were wearing, style-wise, after church. They always had some catty things to say. My father always wore a hat before and after church because he was probably sensitive about being bald. He always tipped his had in acknowledgement when we passed a church with a cross on it. My mother and sister were deeply involved in fortune telling, ouija boards, Tarot cards, etc. So who was the better Christian? Of the three, I believe my father had the best chance of making it to heaven. But I really don't know if he was saved, or even if he still believed when he died.

Your post is just more nonsense. I don't mean to hurt your feelings but I can't see that you put much thought into what you write.

 

[chrysostom]

My father, mother, sister and I would go to church together when I was growing up. My mother and sister would talk about what people were wearing, style-wise, after church. They always had some catty things to say. My father always wore a hat before and after church because he was probably sensitive about being bald. He always tipped his had in acknowledgement when we passed a church with a cross on it. My mother and sister were deeply involved in fortune telling, ouija boards, Tarot cards, etc. So who was the better Christian? Of the three, I believe my father had the best chance of making it to heaven. But I really don't know if he was saved, or even if he still believed when he died.

Your post is just more nonsense. I don't mean to hurt your feelings but I can't see that you put much thought into what you write.

stop worrying about who is saved
and
start worrying about
if
you will be saved

your salvation will depend on what you do
the salvation of others, thank God, will not depend on you

 

[Saved.One.by.Grace]

stop worrying about who is saved
and
start worrying about
if
you will be saved

your salvation will depend on what you do
the salvation of others, thank God, will not depend on you

Eph 2:8 For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God's gift --
Eph 2:9 not from works, so that no one can boast.

Are you starting your own cult? All false religions are based on salvation by works. Christianity is based on salvation by grace. My faith is in Christ's works, not my own.

 

[chrysostom]

Eph 2:8 For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God's gift --
Eph 2:9 not from works, so that no one can boast.

Are you starting your own cult? All false religions are based on salvation by works. Christianity is based on salvation by grace. My faith is in Christ's works, not my own.

you will be known
and
not saved by your works
and
it looks like you are working very hard at judging who will be saved

 

[Saved.One.by.Grace]

you will be known
and
not saved by your works
and
it looks like you are working very hard at judging who will be saved

I don't believe there is anyone else at TOL who has turned more people off to the Roman Catholic Church and its unscriptural teachings. Good job Chrys!

 

[heir]

Would you explain your comment in a bit more detail?

I don't believe for one minute that the gospel that is being preached in the mega churches is the gospel that Paul preached. Those we see behind the pulpits of these churches are deceitful workers doing the work of the author of confusion (2 Corinthians 11:13-15 KJV). We have no business as those who name the name of Christ assembling where the truth is not preached. We have never been asked to unify with religious iniquity, but to depart from it (2 Timothy 2:19 KJV). Paul beseeches us to walk worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called endevouring to keep the unity of the Spirit (Ephesians 4:1-6 KJV).

 

[heir]

you will be known
and
not saved by your works
and
it looks like you are working very hard at judging who will be saved

We know it's foolishness to you as you believe not (2 Corinthians 4:3-4 KJV).

1 Corinthians 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

 

[rougueone]

I believe in home assemblies.

So do I.

But Mega-Churches also have many home Fellowships. We are to also Pastor each other. I see this occasionally at TOL.
FYI, Rick Warren started his church by knocking on doors and started a home fellowship. He asked ( some non- belivers/many?) " What would you like a church to be", Then it grew and he rented a basement gym at a school.
Chuck Smith of Calvary Chapel did the same. , ( except knocking on door's ) Then started Maranatha music productions.

You know the rest.

 

[rougueone]

don't worry about why they go to church
that is not your job
what is your job?
people will go where they want
to get what they need

thank God we have churches

Truth. Same applies to a country church near a cornfield. Some are there because of tradition, some are really seeking Holy fellowship, Et...

 

[Saved.One.by.Grace]

I don't believe for one minute that the gospel that is being preached in the mega churches is the gospel that Paul preached. Those we see behind the pulpits of these churches are deceitful workers doing the work of the author of confusion (2 Corinthians 11:13-15 KJV). We have no business as those who name the name of Christ assembling where the truth is not preached. We have never been asked to unify with religious iniquity, but to depart from it (2 Timothy 2:19 KJV). Paul beseeches us to walk worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called endevouring to keep the unity of the Spirit (Ephesians 4:1-6 KJV).

Thank you for expounding on your comment. I believe you've made a valid, scriptural point.

 

[heir]

Thank you for expounding on your comment. I believe you've made a valid, scriptural point.

You're very welcome!

 

[revpete]

I have no problem with large churches if they rightly divide God's Word and have their priorities right. As an example, entertainment should not be a priority. This doesn't mean that I dislike good music in a church. The main priority should be to feed people from the Word of God.

Entertainment should not figure at all in a Christian Church; it is not biblical, theological nor does it enhance true worship. Rather it misleads the congregation and gives occasion for the flesh. Don't misunderstand, I like Holy Spirit led worship and I think that God gifted musicians are a great blessing. However, when entertainment rears its fleshly head, no!

 

[therhema]

Is the mega-non denomination church a good or bad thing for Christians? I ask this question not really sure of the answer. It can be great entertainment leading into worship, and for some, this is how they get close to God thru the working of the Holy Spirit. But as the mega churches get bigger, you are further removed from the pastor. There then becomes a need for associate pastors for just about everything. There's worship pastors, nursery pastors, media pastors, etc. Is this good for the average Christian with problems?

Having grown up in a megachurch, the issue was not the size of the church, but what they were willing to compromise for the sake of numbers. The focus was so much on quantitative growth that the qualitative focus seemed to be thrown out the window.

I result of this was an overall misunderstanding or neglect of repentance. Their version of repentance was "praying the prayer" and asking Jesus to come in to your life. Obviously, there is nothing inherently wrong with that prayer, but if there is no repentance or addressing turning from sin and recognizing that Jesus "was made sin who knew no sin," then the gospel really isn't being preached.

Having said all that, it obviously depends on the church. Although I have recognized that the entire "mega church movement" values numbers over sound doctrine. That's a problem...and that's what leads to things like "The Purpose Driven Movement," which is just the epitome of a watered down gospel that simply repurposes the old man...put's new wine in the old wine skin. What are some of your experiences?

 

[oatmeal]

Is it bad? as in evil? probably not. but is it the best? is it what God instructs in scripture? a review of scripture in the book of Acts and in the epistles reveals that people were meeting in homes.

They may have met or first heard Paul and Barnabas or others in synagogues, but those that continued in the word ended up meeting in homes for the most part.

 

[PureX]

As with most things, there will be advantages and disadvantages. I suppose I'd have to assume that their success is their justification. Apparently a lot of people are finding what they need in those super-large gatherings. So I say 'God bless 'em'. I could see how being one among so many people, all praising God, together, would be very positive and uplifting. How it could help combat the cynicism and hopelessness that can be easy to fall into in these times.

 

[Poly]

I have no problem with large churches if they rightly divide God's Word and have their priorities right. As an example, entertainment should not be a priority. This doesn't mean that I dislike good music in a church. The main priority should be to feed people from the Word of God.

This seems to sum up the answer pretty well. :up: