Hello
Just saying hi. I'm really trying to find a place to fit in where i can talk with people without my beliefs being such an issue. I've been a christian since I was 4 years old. I've always had a passion for the word of God and to understand the truth of the word. Over the years i've studied very hard, taught classes on specific topics(mostly theological issues and eschatology). Because I've always valued the truth of the word over anything from man....it has changed my theological beliefs and understanding over the years. To the point that at this moment, i would describe myself in a very specific way that isn't much accepted when i talk about it openly.
I grew up baptist, but quickly realized that i believed the gifts of the spirit were for today(which to me is a no brainer). I found that i believe that baptism in Jesus' name is the most correct biblical way to baptize(immersion, as a believer). I've always been more pre-trib rapture than anything...but have more recently discovered that i'm more pre-wrath.....not seeing the tribulation as 7 years, but as 3 1/2 years. I believe in salvation by grace through faith alone, apart from works and that works are the "result" of salvation and that all of our works shall be judged(1 corinthians 3).
However, i have discovered that the thing that sets me apart from mainstream christianity in the most drastic way which has created much division with people i have known for a long time is my belief in the oneness of the Godhead....and much more specifically that there is only 1 image of God(onlyoneimage) and that is Jesus Christ. It has set me apart from many of my "friends"...who i primarily know through church or theological discussions.
I'm definitely looking for a place to talk to people of a similar mindset...but that are also open to discussing different topics and thoughts. I really don't want to get torn down simply for a differing belief...and so the closest i could get would be oneness pentecostal in some form. I do speak in tongues....although that has only happened in the last couple of years. I do not believe it is necessary for salvation though. I currently attend an Assembly of God church....but don't really find myself comfortable there. However, salvation being the biggest issue with me....all of the oneness churches in my area tend to be much too legalistic for my belief set or taste. I'm very grace oriented...but with an emphasis on growth and works as a result of salvation. So, any advice or better understanding would be helpful. I've have several oneness pentecostal friends that i've known for a long time...and they've helped me with some very difficult questions. Particularly because i grew up trinitarian and saw Jesus as the only image of God at some point....and didn't know how to reconcile that with my belief and the bible. I was helped through that with a better understanding....but still have questions.
Anyways, thanks for having me.
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"And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one."-Zechariah 14:9
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