The MENA "Let's discuss religion and our own personal belief" thread

[Nagishkaw 510]

First, there is the Trinity....Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Example: the egg. You have the shell, the yoke and the egg white. Is it not an egg? We call an egg an egg, yet we know an egg has 3 parts to it. So does the Trinity. They are one, but have 3 parts.

The Word begins with " In the beginning". Then..."The SPIRIT of God was hovering over the waters." Then later God said. LET US MAKE MAN IN OUR IMAGE. Why didn't he say LET ME make man in MY own image?? Because He was referring to the trinity.

The 0ld Testament is all about the foretelling of Christ. The New Testament is about Christ

( Y'shua ) coming to earth, leaving the thrown of heaven to ultimately pay the price for the remission of our sins. No longer is the spilling of animals blood required. No longer do we have to go to a priest who enters the holiest of Holy's in the temple to get to God. We now have direct contact to Him whenever, where ever we choose.

I had a question about this use of plural in the Qur'an. The Qur'an uses "We" and "Us" to talk about God too. This confused me profusely because Islam has such an emphasis on the oneness of God.

As far as using "US" and "WE" in the Bible (and the Qur'an) it was explained to me that since God is not a "He" or "She" the plural is used. It also signifies the magnificence and glory of God.

In the original languages the Qur'an and Bible were written in, the use of plural most likely makes sense (grammar wise). When it gets turned into English the plural confuses the readers.

That is how I've understood it.

I have also had Christians explain it to me the way you just explained it (The trinity).

It's confusing to me how we can all find what we want in other texts and beliefs.

The message of Christ crucified. That about sums up a true version from false doctrine.

[sandinista! 1,816]

also, the verse nagishkaw cites carries very different meaning for jews using the same text but having a different belief system. the traditional Jewish interpretation here is "wind," as "spirit" would imply a living supernatural presence co-extent with yet separate from God at Creation. This, however, is the sense in which rûach was understood by the early Christian church in developing the doctrine of the Trinity, in which this passage plays a central role. Most English translations render this phrase as "the Spirit of God." obviously for them, there's no trinity being hinted at there.

[sandinista! 1,816]

The differences between different sects of Christianity are more than just baptism. The biggest split is between Catholics and Protestants. Within Protestantism you find denominations such as Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Baptist, etc.

The division between Catholics and Protestants occured in 1517 when Martin Luther posted his 95 theses on a church in Wittenberg Germany. The practices of the Catholic church at the time were corrupt and Luther and his followers felt outside of the Bible. (such as the selling of indulgances - meaning people would pay for their sins to the church so that they could "go to heaven" and not be stuck in purgatory - the more money you gave the faster you could get out).

Protestantism is also credited as creating a shift towards independence and free interpretation. It helps that this was the same time period as moveable type was invented and bibles and other religious material could be produced on a larger scale - making it available to common people. In Protestantism regular people were free to interpret the works on their own, where previously only those church leaders were permitted to do this.

Protestants also do not believe in an intermediary. In the Catholic church one prays to an intermediary, such as Mary, Jesus or even a priest - there is no direct communciation with God.

Those are the major differences. If others want to add more excellent!

how would jesus be an intermediary if catholics believe he is God?

another huge bone of contention between catholics and protestants is transubstantiation. the literal vs. the symbolic in the eucharist. for catholics, it is believed that there is a literal change in the substance of bread and wine into the body and blood of christ. protestants believe that it is merely symbolic.

[SP&JM 0]

ok this may sound like a stupid question but i really would like to know the answer, what is it that separates the different sectors of Christianity as in, Catholic, Lutheran, Baptist, Assembly of God, Jehovah witness, im sure there are more but thats the ones i can remember at this time.

sara

This is a great question!!! I will again answer to the best of my knowledge based on the church I attend. The one thing to keep in mind with this question is that we all see our church as being the right one. So, I'm not saying anyone who isn't Lutheran is wrong, I'm just saying this is my personal belief...

The two that I have the most knowledge on is Catholic vs. Lutheran. I know that there are other differences between the other protestant religions but unfortunately I'm not exactly sure what they are.

Lutheranism is very similar to Catholocism in many ways. However, Lutherans don't believe in indulgences. Indulgences are how Catholics (both alive and in purgatory) can pay for their sins. Lutherans believe that the only one who can forgive sins is God, not a priest. Also, Lutherans do not put as much faith in Saints as Catholics, for example.. many Catholics will wear their Saint Alexander (I think) who is the patron Saint of travel when they travel for protection.

Also, Lutherans do not believe they have to attend confession with a priest to be absolved. Confessing your sins to God is salvation. I would suggest reading Martin Luther's 99 thesis which are the differences between the Catholic church and the Lutheran Church. Lutherans believe in original sin and the need for baptism.

Now that being said, there are two types of Lutherans.. ELCA and Missouri Synod. ELCA is a more relaxed version in my opinion and they also allow women to be Pastors and heads of the Church. My chuch is Missouri Synod and does not believe in woman being Pastors or heads of the Church. It is mentioned many times in the bible that the man is the head of the house and the church. However, I have many friends who are ELCA lutheran and I have attended services and weddings with woman Pastors and I can definitely respect that in an ELCA church.

I took to long writing and some of this has already been said. Oh well, I don't want to go back and rewrite it - so sorry for any repeat info.

I'm a Catholic and spent a lot of time in Catholic schools...so I'll try to respond/add on to some of this from the teachings I've received.

I'm pretty sure there aren't indulgences anymore. The modern Church doesn't let people pay money for forgiveness. I suppose it might be some kind of penance if you had stolen money from someone to pay it back, but paying directly to the Church? The only thing I've ever done as penance is pray...

Catholics do believe that the route to understanding and coming to Christ is through the Church. Througout the Old and New Testament there are references to the Church as the bride of Christ. We believe that He is only fully revealed through the teachings of the Church.

We also believe in original sin and the necessity of Baptism.

One of the common misconceptions is that Catholics worship saints and Mary. You can pray to a saint or to Mary (or to your dead Grandma) if you want but with the understanding that this person will intercede for you - basically speak to God on your behalf, take up your cause as it were...

Another huge difference is the host. Catholics believe that the bread and wine of Holy Eucharist are literally the body and blood of Christ after Transubstantiation (through the Consecration by the priest). Any leftover communion wafers are not thrown away. They are either used at another mass or eaten by a priest (not at the mass). That's also why we kneel towards the Tabernacle (where the host is kept) - we believe that Christ is literally present in the bread.

Non-Catholic Christians are not allowed to recieve Holy Communion (although they are always welcome at a Mass) because they do not believe that the host is Christ.

Other differences. Catholics make the sign of the Cross and kneel in the Mass (unless there is some physical reason they cannot). Crosses in Christian Churches do not have Jesus...Catholic Churches all have crucifixes. Reconciliation/Confession is a big difference (as stated above by Laura). The format of the Mass is usually very rigid and formal to someone who is not Catholic and not used to it (the opinion of a Baptist friend).

I'm sure I'll think of more things later.

I apologize for any inaccuracies regarding the Protestant faith.

Samantha

P.S. The Immaculate Conception is the conception of Mary without sin, not the virgin conception of Jesus. You can bet that question was on any test I had regarding Catholic doctrine

[sara..... 371]

"What separates Muslims and Christians for the most part is the believe in Jesus in the way that he was conceived" Sara

The way that Jesus was conceived (or the 'Immaculate Conception') also separates Christians, most notably Catholics.

i'm not sure i understand what you mean, or what sara means.

muslims most assuredly believe in the virginal conception of jesus. the utter majority of mainstream christians, whether catholic or protestant also believe in the virginal conception of jesus. there are groups who do not adhere to that belief, but they are not the majority, and do not fall along the lines of catholic vs protestant etc. when it comes to embracing or disavowing that belief.

i don't know what sara meant when she said that what separates muslims and christians is the manner of jesus' conception. the nature of jesus, absolutely. but not his virginal conception.

what i meant had nothing to do with his virginal conception, i mean that i can not accept that God is the father of Jesus, so there for its hard for me as a Muslim to believe that Jesus is the son of God.

I believe that God created Jesus.

I do ask that you have patience with me as English is not my first language so if i just blurt something out and think that everyone will understand what i mean im sorry.

sara

[Nagishkaw 510]

what i meant had nothing to do with his virginal conception, i mean that i can not accept that God is the father of Jesus, so there for its hard for me as a Muslim to believe that Jesus is the son of God. smile.gif

I believe that God created Jesus.

I do ask that you have patience with me as English is not my first language so if i just blurt something out and think that everyone will understand what i mean im sorry.

sara

[New Beginnings 32]

ok this may sound like a stupid question but i really would like to know the answer, what is it that separates the different sectors of Christianity as in, Catholic, Lutheran, Baptist, Assembly of God, Jehovah witness, im sure there are more but thats the ones i can remember at this time.

sara

This is a great question!!! I will again answer to the best of my knowledge based on the church I attend. The one thing to keep in mind with this question is that we all see our church as being the right one. So, I'm not saying anyone who isn't Lutheran is wrong, I'm just saying this is my personal belief...

The two that I have the most knowledge on is Catholic vs. Lutheran. I know that there are other differences between the other protestant religions but unfortunately I'm not exactly sure what they are.

Lutheranism is very similar to Catholocism in many ways. However, Lutherans don't believe in indulgences. Indulgences are how Catholics (both alive and in purgatory) can pay for their sins. Lutherans believe that the only one who can forgive sins is God, not a priest. Also, Lutherans do not put as much faith in Saints as Catholics, for example.. many Catholics will wear their Saint Alexander (I think) who is the patron Saint of travel when they travel for protection.

Also, Lutherans do not believe they have to attend confession with a priest to be absolved. Confessing your sins to God is salvation. I would suggest reading Martin Luther's 99 thesis which are the differences between the Catholic church and the Lutheran Church. Lutherans believe in original sin and the need for baptism.

Now that being said, there are two types of Lutherans.. ELCA and Missouri Synod. ELCA is a more relaxed version in my opinion and they also allow women to be Pastors and heads of the Church. My chuch is Missouri Synod and does not believe in woman being Pastors or heads of the Church. It is mentioned many times in the bible that the man is the head of the house and the church. However, I have many friends who are ELCA lutheran and I have attended services and weddings with woman Pastors and I can definitely respect that in an ELCA church.

I took to long writing and some of this has already been said. Oh well, I don't want to go back and rewrite it - so sorry for any repeat info.

I'm a Catholic and spent a lot of time in Catholic schools...so I'll try to respond/add on to some of this from the teachings I've received.

I'm pretty sure there aren't indulgences anymore. The modern Church doesn't let people pay money for forgiveness. I suppose it might be some kind of penance if you had stolen money from someone to pay it back, but paying directly to the Church? The only thing I've ever done as penance is pray...

Catholics do believe that the route to understanding and coming to Christ is through the Church. Througout the Old and New Testament there are references to the Church as the bride of Christ. We believe that He is only fully revealed through the teachings of the Church.

We also believe in original sin and the necessity of Baptism.

One of the common misconceptions is that Catholics worship saints and Mary. You can pray to a saint or to Mary (or to your dead Grandma) if you want but with the understanding that this person will intercede for you - basically speak to God on your behalf, take up your cause as it were...

Another huge difference is the host. Catholics believe that the bread and wine of Holy Eucharist are literally the body and blood of Christ after Transubstantiation (through the Consecration by the priest). Any leftover communion wafers are not thrown away. They are either used at another mass or eaten by a priest (not at the mass). That's also why we kneel towards the Tabernacle (where the host is kept) - we believe that Christ is literally present in the bread.

Non-Catholic Christians are not allowed to recieve Holy Communion (although they are always welcome at a Mass) because they do not believe that the host is Christ.

Other differences. Catholics make the sign of the Cross and kneel in the Mass (unless there is some physical reason they cannot). Crosses in Christian Churches do not have Jesus...Catholic Churches all have crucifixes. Reconciliation/Confession is a big difference (as stated above by Laura). The format of the Mass is usually very rigid and formal to someone who is not Catholic and not used to it (the opinion of a Baptist friend).

I'm sure I'll think of more things later.

I apologize for any inaccuracies regarding the Protestant faith.

Samantha

P.S. The Immaculate Conception is the conception of Mary without sin, not the virgin conception of Jesus. You can bet that question was on any test I had regarding Catholic doctrine

I agree with what you wrote Samantha, I apologize if I wasn't clear though on one point. I know Catholics do not actually worship the saints but are able to pray to them for help. The difference with Lutherans is that we believe that by praying we already have the ear of God.

Also, Missouri Synod Lutherans believe that the wafer and wine becoming the body and blood of Christ. In Missouri Synod, if you are not baptised and confirmed into the church you cannot take communion. If you are not a member of the church you must speak with the Pastor prior to the service so you can take the communion. When the service is done, if there is any leftover wafer's and wine they are not just thrown away either. There is a special prayer that is said in order to not dispose of the body and blood of Christ.

Missouri synod and Catholics are extremely similar in our services.. they are both rigid and generally don't include progressive music, like christian rock music.

That was a really great and informative post Samantha!

[New Beginnings 32]

Ok, so my husband and I have a question!

In the Bible, there is the Old Testament and the New Testament. The only part of the Bible that Jewish people believe in, is the Old Testament... Do you know of a place in the Old Testament that speaks of the coming of Christ. If there is a place that does, why dont Jewish people believe that Jesus was the son of God or in New Testament?

What are the core differences between Judaism and Christianity?

Sorry if this is phrased poorly, it isn't meant to offend. Hopefully a Jewish person can help shed some light on this for us!

Thanks!!

[missmissy 38]

ok this may sound like a stupid question but i really would like to know the answer, what is it that separates the different sectors of Christianity as in, Catholic, Lutheran, Baptist, Assembly of God, Jehovah witness, im sure there are more but thats the ones i can remember at this time.

sara

This is a great question!!! I will again answer to the best of my knowledge based on the church I attend. The one thing to keep in mind with this question is that we all see our church as being the right one. So, I'm not saying anyone who isn't Lutheran is wrong, I'm just saying this is my personal belief...

The two that I have the most knowledge on is Catholic vs. Lutheran. I know that there are other differences between the other protestant religions but unfortunately I'm not exactly sure what they are.

Lutheranism is very similar to Catholocism in many ways. However, Lutherans don't believe in indulgences. Indulgences are how Catholics (both alive and in purgatory) can pay for their sins. Lutherans believe that the only one who can forgive sins is God, not a priest. Also, Lutherans do not put as much faith in Saints as Catholics, for example.. many Catholics will wear their Saint Alexander (I think) who is the patron Saint of travel when they travel for protection.

Also, Lutherans do not believe they have to attend confession with a priest to be absolved. Confessing your sins to God is salvation. I would suggest reading Martin Luther's 99 thesis which are the differences between the Catholic church and the Lutheran Church. Lutherans believe in original sin and the need for baptism.

Now that being said, there are two types of Lutherans.. ELCA and Missouri Synod. ELCA is a more relaxed version in my opinion and they also allow women to be Pastors and heads of the Church. My chuch is Missouri Synod and does not believe in woman being Pastors or heads of the Church. It is mentioned many times in the bible that the man is the head of the house and the church. However, I have many friends who are ELCA lutheran and I have attended services and weddings with woman Pastors and I can definitely respect that in an ELCA church.

I took to long writing and some of this has already been said. Oh well, I don't want to go back and rewrite it - so sorry for any repeat info.

I'm a Catholic and spent a lot of time in Catholic schools...so I'll try to respond/add on to some of this from the teachings I've received.

I'm pretty sure there aren't indulgences anymore. The modern Church doesn't let people pay money for forgiveness. I suppose it might be some kind of penance if you had stolen money from someone to pay it back, but paying directly to the Church? The only thing I've ever done as penance is pray...

Catholics do believe that the route to understanding and coming to Christ is through the Church. Througout the Old and New Testament there are references to the Church as the bride of Christ. We believe that He is only fully revealed through the teachings of the Church.

We also believe in original sin and the necessity of Baptism.

One of the common misconceptions is that Catholics worship saints and Mary. You can pray to a saint or to Mary (or to your dead Grandma) if you want but with the understanding that this person will intercede for you - basically speak to God on your behalf, take up your cause as it were...

Another huge difference is the host. Catholics believe that the bread and wine of Holy Eucharist are literally the body and blood of Christ after Transubstantiation (through the Consecration by the priest). Any leftover communion wafers are not thrown away. They are either used at another mass or eaten by a priest (not at the mass). That's also why we kneel towards the Tabernacle (where the host is kept) - we believe that Christ is literally present in the bread.

Non-Catholic Christians are not allowed to recieve Holy Communion (although they are always welcome at a Mass) because they do not believe that the host is Christ.

Other differences. Catholics make the sign of the Cross and kneel in the Mass (unless there is some physical reason they cannot). Crosses in Christian Churches do not have Jesus...Catholic Churches all have crucifixes. Reconciliation/Confession is a big difference (as stated above by Laura). The format of the Mass is usually very rigid and formal to someone who is not Catholic and not used to it (the opinion of a Baptist friend).

I'm sure I'll think of more things later.

I apologize for any inaccuracies regarding the Protestant faith.

Samantha

P.S. The Immaculate Conception is the conception of Mary without sin, not the virgin conception of Jesus. You can bet that question was on any test I had regarding Catholic doctrine

I agree with what you wrote Samantha, I apologize if I wasn't clear though on one point. I know Catholics do not actually worship the saints but are able to pray to them for help. The difference with Lutherans is that we believe that by praying we already have the ear of God.

Also, Missouri Synod Lutherans believe that the wafer and wine becoming the body and blood of Christ. In Missouri Synod, if you are not baptised and confirmed into the church you cannot take communion. If you are not a member of the church you must speak with the Pastor prior to the service so you can take the communion. When the service is done, if there is any leftover wafer's and wine they are not just thrown away either. There is a special prayer that is said in order to not dispose of the body and blood of Christ.

Missouri synod and Catholics are extremely similar in our services.. they are both rigid and generally don't include progressive music, like christian rock music.

That was a really great and informative post Samantha!

It's the same with Episcopalians and Anglican Church's.

It has been interesting to read all of this. I have had questions about the Muslim faith and wanted to ask but was too scared of offending someone. Thanks ladies, this is very, very good.

[Nasturtium 500]

I just thought of a question. This is a question for Christians.

I grew up in the Catholic Church, now I don't really adhere to a religion. I've studied religion and I don't really understand why Christians believe Jesus is the son of God. I know this is a staple of faith in Christianity and I don't mean to offend. Bible and I just don't find where it states that Jesus is the son of God.

Hi Leyla,

The Bible states several times that Yeshua is Son of G-d, but also Yeshua states it Himself. You just have to know the Torah and Tanakh to see His references.

The Bible states it here:

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of G-d." Romans 3:23

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of G-d." John3:5

"For G-d so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. For G-d sent not his son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." John 3:16, 17

"If you shall confess with your mouth the L-rd Yeshua (Jesus), and shall believe in your heart that G-d has raised him from the dead, you shall be saved." Romans 10:9

"Whosoever shall confess that Yeshua (Jesus) is the Son of G-d, G-d dwells in Him and he in G-d." 1 John 4:15

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of G-d is eternal life through Yeshua (Jesus) Messiah our L-rd." Romans 6:23

"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." 1 Timothy 3:16

"looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Messiah Yeshua," Titus 2:13

"Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Yeshua Messiah, To those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Yeshua Messiah:" 2 Peter 1:1

"And I will kill her children with pestilence, and all the churches will know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts; and I will give to each one of you according to your deeds." Revelation 2:23

"who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself." Philippians 3:21

"And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high," Hebrews 1:3

"Yeshua Messiah is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews 13:8 (reference to Malachai 3:6: " For I am the L-rd, I change not."

"For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form," Colossians 2:9

"And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, 'You are certainly God’s Son!'" Matthew 14:33

^^ a couple of examples... then examples of what He said Himself:

"I and the Father are One." (John 10:30) (fairly self-explanatory)

"Truly truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM." (John 8:58)

"Now Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was." (John 17:5) (pre-existence to creation-- G-d)

"Where two or three have gathered in My name, I am in their midst." (Matt 18:20) (omnipresence)

"For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom He wishes." (John 5:21)

"For not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given all judgement to the Son." (John 5:22)

"Son, your sins are forgiven." (Mark 2:5) (Only G-d can forgive sins)

"That you may know that the Son of Man has power on Earth to forgive sins." Matt 9:6

"Him that has Power to give out Healing Power and Power over Death to His followers." Matt 10:8

"The Son of Man is L-rd even of the Sabbath Day" Matt 12:8

"The Son of Man shall send forth HIS ANGELS and they shall gather out of His kingdom all things that offend ... and shall cast them into a furnace, ... then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father" Matt 13:41-43

"Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven." Matt 16:16-17

"When the Son of Man shall come in His glory and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory and before Him shall be gathered all nations, and He shall separate them ...." Matt 25:31

"No man has ascended up to Heaven but He that came down from heaven even the Son of Man which is in heaven" John 3:13

"All men should honor the Son even as they honor the Father. He that does not honor the Son, does not honor the Father." John 5:23

"For I came down from heaven ..." John 6:38

"I am the Bread of Life ...." John 6:35 (a reference to the temple bread)

"You are from beneath, I am from above - I am not of this world." John 8:23

"What if you shall see the Son of Man ascend up where He was before?" John 6:62

"No man takes (My Life) from Me. I lay it down of Myself. I have Power to lay it down and I have the power to take it up again!" - John 10:18

"If you had known Me, You would have known My Father also: and from henceforth you Know Him and have seen Him." John 14:7

"I am the Alpha and the Omega (Alef and Tav), the Beginning and the End" Revelation 1:8

"Don't you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me?" John 14:10,11

^^^ etc.... this is a pretty decent sampling of His claims, including prophetic claims.

I suppose a follow up question is: Assuming Jesus is the son of God, why do we need a mangod to die for our sins? and what does that mean?

Leyla, honestly I don't think the majority of Christians have any real clue why Yeshua had to die-- especially as evidenced by the pograms, etc against the "Jesus killers" If they really knew, and understoodf, you wouldn't get this kind of reaction. it's not too complicated, but it involves stripping away of man-made traditions which directly contradict the Bible. You can get to the answer and He even says who He is, but in an effort to fulfill Daniel's prophecy of replacing the L-rd's appointed times and places with their own (unknowingly I guess), they succeeded...

From the beginning, it is apparent that the wages of sin are death-- the penalty is death. Sins can only be covered in blood. When Adam and Eve sin, their sins are covered in blood-- the goat skins. G-d covered them. This begins the long sacrifices. The sacrifices are imperfect though-- animal blood can only cover the sins for which it is sacrificed. An animal is an imperfect solution. In order to stop the cycle of imperfect solutions, there has to be a perfect sacrifice. the only perfect thing is G-d. G-d promised a Messiah, and He provides.

This is a basic G-d deal. Abraham is one notable G-d deal-- when Avram made a covenant with G-d (and thus took on a portion of His name as did Sarai-- the last "hay" (ה) of G-d's name becoming Avraham and Sarah to show their bond), G-d caused Avram to sleep and not be involved in the deal-- because Avram would, basically, screw it up. It was a one-sided covenant. This is also a one-sided covenant. Our responsibility is faithfulness, He does everything else.

So, back to Messiah. In order to cover sins, G-d needs a perfect sacrifice. The only perfect thing in existence is G-d. So, only G-d can attone for the sins of creation. It must be a G-d deal. This process is foretold in all of the feasts-- the story of the Messiah. Yeshua will fulfill all 7, but currently has done 4. The last 3 will be done at second coming. Yeshua is the unblemished lamb of passover (pesach). On teh 14th of Nissan, He was sacrificed. The feast of unleavened bread follows. One must hide the unleavened bread... and leaven represents sin. Yeshua was burried, and was without sin. The feast of first fruits (Reishit Katzir) is His resurection. The feast of Shavu'ot (also called pentacost because it occures after counting the omer, 50 days) is when He ascended into heaven and the Ruach is given (the Ruach HaKodesh, the Holy Spirit, is also in the Tanakh, by name, in case anyone thinks it's a new thing).

you can PM me if you have any questions

[Nasturtium 500]

From a lot of studying and reading, modern Christianity (post 325 AD) is the product of the Council of Nicea.

"When Constantine defeated Emperor Licinius in 323 AD he ended the persecutions against the Christian church. Shortly afterwards Christians faced a trouble from within: the Arian controversy began and threatened to divide the church. The problem began in Alexandria, it started as a debate between the bishop Alexander and the presbyter (pastor, or priest) Arius. Arius proposed that if the Father begat the Son, the latter must have had a beginning, that there was a time when he was not, and that his substance was from nothing like the rest of creation. The Council of Nicea, a gathering similar to the one described in Acts 15:4-22, condemned the beliefs of Arius and wrote the first version of the now famous creed proclaiming that the Son was "one in being with the Father" by use of the Greek word "homoousius." Found here

Some argue that this is not the case, that before the 4th century Jesus was considered the Son of God and divine. A book that I've read is called "A History of God" by Karen Armstrong - she's very well known religious writer and the book really explained Christianity, Judaism and Islam and the evolution of the religious through the last 4000 years.

This is true and untrue... depends on your angle. The modern practices of Christianity in the sense of all major sects is basically completely a product of the Roman church. The Biblical practice is essentially a sect of Judaism. They are pretty different. In order for Yeshua to be Messiah though, it would require divinity in order to create the perfect sacrifice.

[Nasturtium 500]

ok this may sound like a stupid question but i really would like to know the answer, what is it that separates the different sectors of Christianity as in, Catholic, Lutheran, Baptist, Assembly of God, Jehovah witness, im sure there are more but thats the ones i can remember at this time.

sara

There are a lot of differences which seperate them.. some of which you've had answers to and some not. Jehovah's Witnesses, LDS, and a couple others are techincally not Christian-- it's like claiming Nation of Islam is Muslim. To go into the real doctrinal differences would take a long time... and a lot of typing... some of it does have to do with baptism, some has to do with politics, some with the 95 theses of Martin luther (a real hitch in there being trans- versus consubstantiation-- the meaning and method of communion (which is just the Passover cups and if they knew that and stopped trying to deny it it would solve the issue LOL)).

It's an interesting question... Jesus being the son of God.

But here is my question: Aren't we all, in effect, children of God?

Depends on what you mean... spiritually or physically? In a sense, everything is His creation, but spiritually no.

[Nasturtium 500]

ok this may sound like a stupid question but i really would like to know the answer, what is it that separates the different sectors of Christianity as in, Catholic, Lutheran, Baptist, Assembly of God, Jehovah witness, im sure there are more but thats the ones i can remember at this time.

sara

I was raised Baptist for years and served in the Baptist church for about 14-15 years. We were taught to believe in one God, Jesus being born from a virgin birth, He is the Savior and He is God's Son, the Trinity-Father, Son, Holy Ghost, Crucifixtion---(Jesus died on the cross for our sins and had atonement for them and by believing in Him you had eternal salvation---we believed everyone is a sinner and this was the only way to get to Heaven is through accepting the blood of Christ that was shed on the cross). We believed in the Ressurection, Divine Grace, You were born without sin, Once saved always saved, Separation of Church and State adn also the Baptists come in with their own view of Baptistm. They do not baptize as a young baby because it is to be believed they were born without sin and do not know better and it is their own responsibility to accept Jesus as their Savior later in life. They used full immersion Baptism in the church I attended which is like a public statement saying that I have accepted Jesus as my Savior. Also, the Baptist church is governed by the pastor and deacons which are voted on by the church members.

If I can remember or help with anything else please let me know.

Baptism is a mikveh. the rules of a mikveh are plain and simple-- full immersion in living water. Living water is a river, creek, spring, whatever. So, you gotta be naked, in the living water. When Yeshua was baptised by Yochannan, He was undergoing the ritual of rabbis-- He first went into the desert for 40 days, then you have a mikveh (that is the seriously shortened version of it LOL).

[Nothing1234 2]

Julianna Happy to see you around.

[sara..... 371]

I for one would like to thank everyone, all of the answers have been very informative. I have learned alot from reading about other religions and im sure there is alot more to come

sara