Inside the Mind of a Reformer

[Scott Hutchinson]

The True church is the body of Christ not any denominational affliation.

Originally Posted by Daniel Alicea

Um ... thus saith the 21st century OP.

Glad you said it...

[Joseph Miller]

Originally Posted by Ronzo

You're correct in your rejection of that idea. A study of church history proves that idea of continuance to be false.

To say "There has always been a 'Oneness Pentecostal' presence throughout history" is a manufactured statement.

Anyone ever read the book, Ancient Champions of Oneness?

Originally Posted by Joseph Miller

Anyone ever read the book, Ancient Champions of Oneness?

All I can say is... you're funny.

[Nahum]

Originally Posted by Daniel Alicea

Surely the effect of his words were coupled by a religious system that refused to give up it's monopoly over the lives of people in Europe.

"The background to Luther's 95 Theses centers on particular disputes with the Church dealing with the offering of indulgences— the granting of forgiveness - was being sold and thus the penance for sin was a commercial transaction instead of a genuine change of heart. In short, the practice of indulgences became somewhat commoditized (along with venerating holy relics) and then commercialized. So, instead of granting an indulgence as a remission of the penalty for breaking church law, making a confession, and then restoring whatever had been damaged - property or human relationships or other serious sins - an indulgence could be purchased. This was a gross violation of the original intention of confession, penance, and the role of indulgences, and contributed to what Luther felt was an offense to justification, a right relationship with God, or salvation, among Christians (there being only one church at this time) who were being falsely told that they could find absolution, that is, forgiveness of their sins, through the purchase of indulgences, rather than through the free gift of God's mercy offered in and through Jesus Christ." Online Encyclopedia

I found this quote remarkable.

Why is it that every religious system attempts to circumvent true Godliness through power, money and mental might?

Legalism is an incessantly marching mercenary.

[J-Roc]

Originally Posted by Ronzo

Thank you for posting this. I was going to do it myself, but glad you beat me to it.

For all the great things people look to Luther for, there was this huge ugly side to him.

He was very anti-Jew.

Which is why I find comfort in setting my sight on Jesus the Christ


Colossians 3:1-2 soothes me:

"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."

Men are earthly things...

[Joseph Miller]

I am based on scripture.

[Scott Hutchinson]

Originally Posted by pelathais

Not necessarily. The light could have dimmed or even been extinguished for a time. The real test of Matthew 16 is in the bigger picture. I think that's where we have erred.

The "gates of hell" is the "gaping mouth of death." If the church ever existed, even once for a time, then Hell failed.

Well we can disagree in love.Personally I feel like the church went underground.But this not a test of fellowship or salvation I can have an opinion,and I can be wrong.

[pelathais]

Originally Posted by Joseph Miller

Anyone ever read the book, Ancient Champions of Oneness?

Sad. I watched the author desperately try and defend it in a symposium. Sad.

[Nahum]

Originally Posted by Scott Hutchinson

I'm not trying to debate anybody or stir up strive but I am not a child of The RCC or any other denomination.God never started a denomination.

And I am only trying to show that Catholicism exists even within our own ranks.


We may need a healer, but we definitely need a reformation.