Definition of Christian

[Chuck Naill]

An example of how things are in America. This is from John Kilpatrick. You can look up his name. I attended a revival at his church in 1996.

From 2018:

“I am not being political, but I don't see how President Trump bears up under it," Kilpatrick said in his sermon. "He is as strong as I've ever seen a man be. But here's what the Holy Spirit said to me last night and what He said for me to tell you. He said, 'Tell the church that so far, Trump has been dealing with Ahab. But Jezebel's fixing to step out from the shadows.' That's what the Lord said to me.

"He said, 'Pray for him now, because he said there's about to be a shift, and the Deep State is about to manifest, and it's going to be a showdown like you can't believe.' So, I'm coming to you as a prophet, as a man of God, and I'm telling you, it's time to pray for the president."

[dneal]

What does that have to do with trinity doctrine? Your TDS is flared up something awful today.

[Chuck Naill]

What does that have to do with trinity doctrine?

Nothing to do with the trinity doctrine. Do I need to address the Trinitarian Community again?

What it does address is how Evangelicals embraced Trump and, in the process, alienated themselves from those attending or wanting a place to worship free of politicalization.

As Ted is pointing out, people are leaving in droves from places that have lost their way, or worse, never were what Jesus commanded them to do.

[dneal]

Don’t you have a political christian thread for your Trump rants?

[Chuck Naill]

If you’re going to try and control the narratives, make sure you follow your own lead. Or, just troll as usual.

[dneal]

You're confusing "controlling narratives" with pointing out you can't follow topics, but you being confused is a common occurrence.

[Chuck Naill]

You haven’t any idea what you’re talking about.

[dneal]

Sure I do. This thread is about trinity doctrine as a requirement for the definition of Christian. Is Jesus' divinity a key component?

Many denominations historically have rejected the notion, and others codified it.

You, on the other hand are mumbling about Trump. If there's anyone who doesn't know what they're talking about, it's clearly you.

[Chuck Naill]

No, this isn't the topic. It is about what defines "Christianity". The OP asked if he/she were still a Christain because they didn't believe Jesus was God.

Many denominations do exist. Many are not scripturally based but based on traditions.

No, I am pointing out that leaders within the church are combining belief in Jesus with supporting a political candidate.

Are you now saying you identify as a Christian?

[dneal]

You apparently don’t grasp the meaning of “divinity”.

You need a new mentor, it seems.

[Chuck Naill]

What do you think it means?

[Chuck Naill]

It’s important we focus on what Jesus thinks than what I or anyone thinks. If I read Plato, his words come first. If I read or listen to Trump or Biden, their words come first

[Chuck Naill]

Where does experience come into play? Maybe someone doesn’t know anything about scripture or theology, but they take what they know Jesus said and experience a life change? Do we discount it based on science says that can’t happen?

[dneal]

*yawn*

[Chuck Naill]

I knew you were not serious and just wanted to allow you to publicly demonstrate that you’re interested in trolling.

[Chuck Naill]

I am reading Luke 10 this morning. The story of an exchange between a religion professor and Jesus. The professor asks Jesus what was required to have eternal life. I have missed this exchange because I know the rest of the event. This educated Jew understood the availability of eternal life. The quality of life is being defined here. This Jewish teacher well understood the Leviticus 19 passage. He understood he was to love his neighbor as he loved himself. When he answered thus, Jesus said, "do this and you will live".

It has been posted here that people are choosing to not be affiliate with religion. I understand, but this exchange is not about attaining knowledge or theology, but about how one wakes each morning and decides to live their lives and not about church membership or being a Christian or Muslim, or anyone other member.

Notice Jesus didn't mention anything about the forgiviness of sin to get eternal life.

[Chuck Naill]

Israel is attacked because of the police actions shooting up a mosque last April during Ramadan and Passover. I was curious to learn about the genetic makeup of Palestinians. Some sources say the ancient Jewish and Samaritan indigenous people.

[Chuck Naill]

Always loved this quote, “Does that mean," asked Mack, "that all roads will lead to you?"

"Not at all," smiled Jesus as he reached for the door handle to the shop. "Most roads don't lead anywhere. What it does mean is that I will travel any road to find you.”

[dneal]

Israel is attacked because of the police actions shooting up a mosque last April during Ramadan and Passover. I was curious to learn about the genetic makeup of Palestinians. Some sources say the ancient Jewish and Samaritan indigenous people.

Ever hear of Canaan?

You need a new bible mentor.

[Chuck Naill]

Few if any concern for Palestinians is being voiced, many, I am discovering, are Jewish or mixed like Samaritan's. Historically, Jewish peasants who converted to Christianity and later Islam. From 2008-2020 there have been over 5000 Palestinian deaths compared to less than 300 Israeli.

I've asked myself, given the history we have of Jesus, how, as an apprentice, should I treat this situation? If those ancient Jewish peasants were the first to become Chrisitan, I would not be surprised to learn because of the demographics of Jesus followers.

"26 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards,[a] not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 so that no human being[b] might boast in the presence of God." I Corinthians 1:26-29

Today the modern Evangelical even thinks that Israel has a special deal with God. They wouldn't say it, but that is the way it is treated. Not many consider the same message to others would be presented to the Jewish people. These ideas are generated by "end time prophetic" beliefs where Jesus comes back and the Jews except their Messiah. I am personally okay with whatever plans God has; my focus is on being apprenticed to Jesus.

Jesus was Jewish of course yet he used the hated Samaritan as an example of a neighbor and later met with a Samaritan woman. He was accused of being a friend of sinners and a drunk.