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*Sidles in* Okay, me answer too.
What is your denomination?
I am an Orthodox Presbyterian. Not a lot of people recognize it; it’s small enough that I’m familiar with many of the leaders from across the Southeast. To make it short, I’m a Calvinist. XD
Did you grow up with this denomination? Are you still growing up with it?Or did you convert to it yourself?
I grew up in it. In college, my dad didn’t know where he belonged spiritually, and he tried many churches. This is where he ended up.
We (meaning me, my friends and my parents) have always been openly conversational about other beliefs. I know I used to be more combative, but as my friends/family taught me, empathy really sheds light on more than just other people. I understand myself more when I listen to others.
So I’ve become more like my dad, who stepped out of his comfort zone to understand the different churches. Maybe in a way, I experienced the same conversion. 🙂
How many books are in your bible? And if you wish, what are those books?
66. I am curious about how those books came to be put together, though. My class is a bunch of hooligans, but thoughtful hooligans nonetheless, and we want to prepare a researched conversation for it soon.
How many people in your family are that denomination? (If any are a separate denomination, or religion)
My immediate family and grandparents have the same denomination.
How many sacraments do you have? (If any…again, I am not sure if there is a denomination with zero sacraments)
Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
Who is the head of your denomination? (i.e. The pope for Catholics.)
Depends on what you mean by ‘head.’ XD Jesus Christ is the head of the church, and all spiritual truths are found directly from the Bible.
For church government… Each individual church has elders and deacons. These are members of the congregation who step up to guide the others.
As for all the churches together? The OPC has some similarities with American government where representatives from each church (elders, pastors, etc.) are called to make larger scale decisions.
Ultimately nobody is free from criticism, and all the elders hold each other responsible.
Who is your favorite hero from the Bible? (Can’t be Jesus. But he should be all of ours.)
Hm… I’ve always been a big Jonathan fan. He is the best friend ever.
And finally, what is your favorite tradition from your religion? (It could be a family christian tradition, or a church tradition Example: Whenever my family hears a siren we pray a Hail Mary.)
I don’t know if this counts as a tradition. XD But our churches can be very familial and cozy.
Our members get to know each other very well, regardless of age. This might just be Southern hospitality at work, but I love every adult parent in my church like bonus parents of my own. One family practically adopted me when I moved here. I was shy and touch starved, but now I am a hugger, all thanks to them.
Anyways, yeah. It’s very special to me.
#ProtectAdolinKholin
1) Oneness, Apostolic, Pentecost, Holiness, Baptist, Jesus name, Christians! 😆 (United Pentecost Church International (UPCI))
2) I have been blessed to have been raised in this awesomely beautiful truth!
3) 66
4) All my immediate family, both sets of grandparents, all my aunts and uncles, and all my first cousins. (Not all of them attending churches in the UPCI fellowship, but our churchs share beliefs on major issues.)
5) By sacraments, are you referring to what I believe a person does to be saved?
I believe a person needs to obey the gospel by repenting, be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins (Being born of the water), recieve the gift of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues (being born of the Spirit), and then live a righteous and holy life.
6) Jesus is the head of the body (the church), but the UPCI does elect a General Superintendent, which position is currently held in the U.S. by Dr. David K. Bernard.
7) Three of my favorites are Timothy, Peter, and David.
8) Attending North American Youth Conference (NAYC25!!!!) biannually is pretty cool, though I also have a soft place in my heart for Bible Quizzing events.
You will love what you spend time with.
big Jonathan fan.
(Jonathan is my middle name!!!) I love. . . and yet am disappointed with him. His story hurts me. 🥹
You will love what you spend time with.
My church has always explained that being a Christian isn’t a religion. It isn’t a list of “dos and don’ts” and it’s not just “a” religion, it’s the TRUTH. being a Christian and believing in the Bible has always been a direct relationship with God to me.
Religion isn’t necessarily a “bad” word, but in my opinion I like to avoid it when I’m talking about Jesus, because He isn’t a religion to me. If he were a religion, (at least to me) that implies that He’s an option and He might not be totally real. But He is real, which is why we can have a relationship with him.
If that makes sense? Idk maybe I’m just weird XD but that’s how I understand it, you can totally disagree with me and I won’t be offended!!!!
"Hair. Mouth. Cheese of yak. Come, Sintar, bRiNg a MeLoN."
Ok that makes sense. I think your Church just uses an unconventional definition of the word which isn’t what religion typically means. It just means “belief in and worship of a god or gods”. We believe in a God. The one and only true God.
So it’s just a silly definition mix up lol. We agree on everything else I think.
🎵It takes a long time to wait 🌻
It isn’t a list of “dos and don’ts” and it’s not just “a” religion, it’s the TRUTH.
YES! I like that! Not “a”, but “the”! 😁
You will love what you spend time with.
While I can see your point, the Bible itself calls Christianity a religion. See James 1:26-27
If you want to find all the cops, they're hanging out in the donut shop.
@theducktator @savannah_grace2009 @power @loopylin
I think the reason Sara, (and I) shy away from the word “religious” is because it’s become so misused. I’ve been around people where when they find out I’m a Christian they say, “oh yeah, I’m religious too!” Then I ask them simple things about what they believe, (normally about when did they come to Christ,) and they get all mad and reply, “I told you I’m religious, are you judging me?” when all I was interested in was another beautiful story of Salvation. I think if you can’t tell me who God is and you can’t tell me how you came to believe in Him then you aren’t really a believer. (The Bible supports me on that one. 😉 ) So yeah, I honestly think it’s the misuse of the word that makes us shy away from it.
What is your denomination?
I’m Reformed Baptist/ Covenantor
Did you grow up with this denomination? Are you still growing up with it? Or did you convert to it yourself?
I grew up in it, though even now there are some small things that our family will look at because we heard someone teach and knew what they were teaching was wrong, but didn’t actually know what was right. (Like end times prophesies. The Locust are not Helicopters.)
How many books are in your bible? And if you wish, what are those books?
66.
Testament Books
Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings, 1-2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi
New Testament Books
Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, 1-2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, 1-2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1-2 Peter, 1-3 John, Jude, Revelation
(I decided to list them because no one else has. *shrug*)
How many people in your family are that denomination? (If any are a separate denomination, or religion)
My mom, dad, and siblings believe the same as I do. My dad side the family is all messed up and scary, (drug dealers and gang leaders and such) my mom’s side believes in God….. but not much else beyond that. They kind of pick and chose different ways of belief from different denominations.
How many sacraments do you have? (If any…again, I am not sure if there is a denomination with zero sacraments)
Hmm, I guess I never used the word “sacraments”. That always made me think of the Catholic belief, but I would say Baptism on Confession and Communion every week.
Who is the head of your denomination? (i.e. The pope for Catholics.)
God is. Christ is the head of the church and we are His body and His bride. But we do have elders who teach and lead, and men in history who we learn from through their writings, but we always check anything we hear against the Bible.
Who is your favorite hero from the Bible? (Can’t be Jesus. But he should be all of ours.)
Oh I love Jonathan, but I think I have to say: Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael. They were just young teenagers but they obeyed God in the very smallest of things while in a foreign land as captives. How many of us feel tempted to slide when our parents aren’t looking? Their parents weren’t around and yet they still remained faithful in the smallest of things, (which turning down food from a king is a big deal over there and could have gotten them flogged or killed) and then as older teenagers they were willing to lay down their lives and die in a terrible way rather then worship any other god or even go through the motions of looking like they were.
Also Stephen. Another young man who was willing to give his life for his faith, and he did so beautifully and with such courage and strength. And when he spoke before the counsel he was humble and his words, though strong, were spoken in love. And then, as he’s dying, he prays for his killers.
*lets out a deep breath* I love stories like the ones above that I’ve mentioned.
And finally, what is your favorite tradition from your religion? (It could be a family christian tradition, or a church tradition Example: Whenever my family hears a siren we pray a Hail Mary.)
Ummmm…… I love our family traditions for celebrating Christmas, and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the weddings that our church preforms. Oh they are so beautiful and so simple yet so full of love for God and each other….. it’s a time even the guys in our church look forward to! And now one of the our elders has a son who’s about to get married!!!!!! (I don’t really know if that counts as tradition. *shrug*)
Also, my family memorizes the catechism. (not the Catholic one, it’s a Covenantor one.) It’s not that we believe that you aren’t a Christian if you don’t, and our church doesn’t even tell us to, but it’s a great source for knowing answers to fundamental questions that might be asked of us, as well as just comforting to speak such truths ever evening.
Here are a few for examples.
What is our only hope in life and death?
That we are not our own but belong, body and soul, both in life and death, to God and to our Savior Jesus Christ.How can we glorify God?
We glorify God by enjoying Him, loving Him, trusting Him, and by obeying His will, commands, and law.What is the church?
God chooses and preserves for Himself a community elected for eternal life and united by faith, who love, follow, learn from, and worship God together. God sends out this community to proclaim the Gospel and prefigure Christ’s kingdom by the quality of their life together, their actions, and their love for one another.So yeah. Hope I answered your questions.
Man is born for the fight, to be forged and molded into a sharper, finer, stronger image of God
Thanks for replying 😀
and thanks for the compliment!
God is our head. It is good to have a few people you look up to for wisdom, but I think having one person in charge of a whole denomination can cause problems pretty easily.
Trust, it does… There is a whole history of how different people have fought over being the pope! Plus the anti-popes! It’s a whole issue.
Idk if that counts as a tradition. We also have the best brunch on Easter together. And dances for both Pentacost and Christmas.
That definitely counts!
"Goats are like mushrooms, if you shoot a duck. I am scared of toasters." -A guy
OOPS! I noticed the typo when you pointed that out! Thanks! I meant denomination LOL!
But fun fact: whenever my Grandpa (on my Mom’s side) hears a train, he says “Praise the Lord!” (it’s a long story, but it’s a good one)
If you wouldn’t mind, I would love to hear the story!
I love how God uses broken people to carry out His will. Everyone he chose wasn’t qualified in the least, they were just like us and ordinary, but He used them anyway. The Bible is a love story between us and God and everything in it proves that <3
I know! I do feel like some of them weren’t really the “average person” but they still were sinners, just like us!
(I am referring to how some of them were kings and queens… meaning they had more influence! But still sinners!)
"Goats are like mushrooms, if you shoot a duck. I am scared of toasters." -A guy
We (meaning me, my friends and my parents) have always been openly conversational about other beliefs. I know I used to be more combative, but as my friends/family taught me, empathy really sheds light on more than just other people. I understand myself more when I listen to others.
So I’ve become more like my dad, who stepped out of his comfort zone to understand the different churches. Maybe in a way, I experienced the same conversion. 🙂
Wow! Thats cool! I used to be the same way, competitive about Catholicism. Thinking I should try to get everyone to become it. But now as I grow older, like what grcr’s mom says, we are all just sinners saved by grace. (I hope I didn’t mess that up)
Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
I love how most of our denominations have Baptism! Even if it is different for each of us!
I don’t know if this counts as a tradition. XD But our churches can be very familial and cozy.
Our members get to know each other very well, regardless of age. This might just be Southern hospitality at work, but I love every adult parent in my church like bonus parents of my own. One family practically adopted me when I moved here. I was shy and touch starved, but now I am a hugger, all thanks to them.
I love when church communities grow a stronger bond and know everyone by name! My church is too big to know everyone by name. But I do a large majority of the people who regularly attend!
"Goats are like mushrooms, if you shoot a duck. I am scared of toasters." -A guy
Thanks for stopping by!
I believe a person needs to obey the gospel by repenting, be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins (Being born of the water), recieve the gift of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues (being born of the Spirit), and then live a righteous and holy life.
Yeah, basically. I didn’t know so many denominations don’t use the word “sacraments” That’s SO cool! This is why I love learning!
"Goats are like mushrooms, if you shoot a duck. I am scared of toasters." -A guy
@theducktator
@savannah_grace2009I hope this is a friendly debate and NOT an angry fight! 😉
I trust you guys won’t fight, personally I think you both are right! It is the truth, but you can also refer to it as a religion!
I hope I am not butting in though.
(Also it’s fine if you stay away from the word religion! No judgment ;D)
"Goats are like mushrooms, if you shoot a duck. I am scared of toasters." -A guy
My mom, dad, and siblings believe the same as I do. My dad side the family is all messed up and scary, (drug dealers and gang leaders and such)
Really?! I am so sorry to hear that! I’ll keep them in my prayers!
Oh I love Jonathan, but I think I have to say: Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael. They were just young teenagers but they obeyed God in the very smallest of things while in a foreign land as captives.
Oh, what book are they in?
Ummmm…… I love our family traditions for celebrating Christmas, and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the weddings that our church preforms. Oh they are so beautiful and so simple yet so full of love for God and each other….. it’s a time even the guys in our church look forward to! And now one of the our elders has a son who’s about to get married!!!!!! (I don’t really know if that counts as tradition. *shrug*)
I think that counts!
I also have a question for you, you know how your pastors and elders are allowed to marry. So do you have any teachings on that? Like I would love to know more about that! (Our pastors/priests are not allowed to have any love relation ships and can only be male)
"Goats are like mushrooms, if you shoot a duck. I am scared of toasters." -A guy
Thank you for the prayers.
They are in the book of Daniel. (and Prince Jonathan is David’s best friend in the 1-2 book of Samuel.)
Yes, our elders marrying is actually supported in the Bible. (and only men teach and read scripture in our church. which is also supported by the Bible.)
1 Timothy 3:1-7
The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church?Titus 1:5-9
This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.There were also several Apostles who were married, including Peter…. who I believe is considered to be someone important in your domination?
Matthew 8:14-15, it states: “And when Jesus was come into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother laid, and sick with a fever. And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.”
So yeah, there’s more, but I don’t want to swamp ya. lolol
Man is born for the fight, to be forged and molded into a sharper, finer, stronger image of God
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