Is This Group Right For Me? My Question for Chaplynn

MissSharon2013

Well, I posed a question Chaplynn about whether or not this was a non-denominational group. I am not Catholic, and I was truly concerned that I could be getting into murky waters with regard to my faith and what I believe. We agreed that others may have the same question. I asked her if this was leaning toward the teachings of the Catholic Church and because it is different than what I, as a member of a church with quite a different format than the Catholic Church, believe. I wasn't sure if I could continue as a member under the teachings of the Catholic Church. I related that her work here is very appreciated; and that I am just seeking some clarity. She responded with an answer that she is going to share here. Her answer reassured me that we are on the same page about our Lord, what her teachings are about and what she is teaching. I appreciate that she took such time and care to answer me. I am glad to be part of a group that teaches Jesus' Christ as our Lord and Savior, gives us a chance to pray for others, allows us to explore the scriptures and study the word of God.

Lord, thank You, for providing the answers to my questions. Thank you for Chaplynn; who continues in love and faith to teach Your words; and to put them into practice with kind patience. We are blessed to have her. I pray that others will benefit from the question and answers here as to whether this is the right group for you!

HealthFitNow

This is a great question because there are many things that are confusing to people in the history of the church.

First, I am not Catholic (big C) and the Catholic Church would never accept me as a woman pastor. However, I believe in the 'holy catholic(small c) church' -- The Apostle's Creed uses a small c--and the word catholic by definition means universal, which covers all Christians, regardless of which church they attend. The 'universal or catholic with a small c' church is God's church, not an institution of human making.

Two, the lectionary is simply a systematic reading of the Scriptures that combine the Scriptures in such a way as they relate to each other, e.g. Advent/Christmas season (talks about the first and second coming of Christ/the first arrival of Christ as a baby/the end times of Christ's return) Epiphany is focused on the discovery of who Christ is and what we believe about Christ. Epiphany as a word means an insight into things--the aha moment of discovery. Hence on Epiphany (which starts the season of Epiphany) we celebrate the Wise Men/Magi visiting the Christ child/ the flight into Egypt and through the season, the many other instances where people encountered Christ first hand, e.g. Paul on the road to Damascus. In March, we'll enter Lent/Easter--the season that honors the fasting that Christ did in the wilderness, passion week and of course the celebration of his resurrection and meeting with people. Fifty days later, is Pentecost...and then the ordinary time fills in the other stories of Scripture, until the last week before Advent, which celebrates Christ the King.

Three-- The Apostle's Creed was written and accepted by the churches in the 300s AD (4th Century) soon after Constantine made Christianity a legal religion. The religious leaders gathered together and formed a synod to discuss what the basic tenants of faith all Christians believe. They came up with the Apostle's Creed. It was in existence LONG before the Roman Catholic church. I don't know of any Christian church that doesn't believe the tenants of the Apostle's Creed.

Four--the Roman Catholic (big C) Church -- first took the name Catholic, because they believed they were the universal church. Of course the Greek Orthodox Church took exception and they split off. The other splits off the RC church until the Reformation (16th century) were small. Of course, since the Reformation, many churches have sprung up. Some of the leaders of these churches may not have formal training and not know the history of the early church fathers and how the Scriptures came to be translated etc. But if you were to discuss beliefs and the meaning of the Creed, I have yet to find any Christ believing church that doesn't follow these.

Some "churches" cannot say the Creed because they don't believe that Jesus was the Son of God and God was the Father. Others believe that men on earth can become Sons of God (with a capital S) and so they can't say ONLY begotten Son of God. I believe there is one Son (capital S) of God and many children/sons/daughters of God, who have been adopted into God's family.

I am going to call you MyBerean! Paul complimented the church in Berea and all the Bereans because they wrestled with the Scriptures, thinking and studying about God and reading every word Paul wrote, examining it in light of the Old Testament. He said all Christians should be like that. You cannot go wrong wrestling with the words about Christ and faith, with a prayerful heart.
Acts 17:11-12

New Century Version (NCV)

11 These people were more willing to listen than the people in Thessalonica. The Bereans were eager to hear what Paul and Silas said and studied the Scriptures every day to find out if these things were true. 12 So, many of them believed, as well as many important Greek women and men.

You are so wonderful and you contribute more than you know. Your personal anecdotes make the Scriptures alive by showing they apply to life. People need that.

I hope I have answered your questions and allayed your concerns.

Love in Christ,
Lynne

Gwen_B

Oh goodness, I just learned so much. I am so glad you clarified everything!!

MissSharon2013

Gwen, I did too! And I have much more to learn!!

Smeltzer2

I took two 34 week discipleship courses and did learn a lot there. You explained things so quicklyl. Capitalization if words is so pertinent in scripture. I always capitalize He, Lord. Jesus, God when I am writing. My sister is very opposed to saying the Apostles creed. I always knew it is the universal church. It is a beautiful creed. I akways pray in Jesus name as he is my Savior. I cannot imagine praying through anyone else. I do believe that belief in the Father, Son, Holy Ghost, Trinity is A church that believes on the shed blood. I try to follow this leaning when I worship