Which Is Your Religion?

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There is a fine line in that regard. One has to be careful how they regard a pastor or other leader (religion, politics, it is all the same). They must be respected because of their calling. But at the same time, great care must be taken so that one doesn't begin 'worshipping' (for lack of a better term) that person.

One thing a person needs to remember is that while a pastor should be respected, they also are still a fleshly man. Open to all of the trappings that befall all mortal men.


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I know I am gonna catch hell for this one. But this seems to be what the catholic church is today with the amount of importance they place on priests and especially the Pope.

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Yeah, I can agree with what you're saying to an extent, but then again, all of the metho-bapti-costals that "worship" the televangelists are doing the same thing. Even the traditional baptists that buy all the Gaither Homecomings are worshipping an idol in a way, even if it has something to do with God.

I look at church and other services as being sacred because they are houses of God and it is holy ground. However, I feel that the religions and their denominations are all guidelines by which to have a relationship with God, no matter if that God you believe in is Yahweh, Bhudda, Confucious, Allah, or good ole Gawd [img]/LDPforum/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

I'm not saying I believe that there's more than 1 way to heaven, because I believe that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life...but others may not believe the same as I do, so their religious faith is their way of having a guideline to have a relationship with whatever they believe in. That's why I try my best not to begrudge other religions, because if someone has faith in a higher being, that's something I can identify with, even if we don't believe the same way.

I think if I understand that my faith is my faith, and someone else's is someone else's, then I can be a better witness as long as they understand that I'm not trying to overtake their faith and force it onto them.

Oak Grove Baptist...reason that sticks out in my mind is from their sponsorship of the game of the week on radio with the catch phrase: "Here at Oak Grove, Jesus loves you and so do we."

Oak Grove is a very active church in the community. A lot of people are shocked that they would sponsor a football game. This church is very active in the community.

That pleases me, because to witness you must infuse yourself into all aspects of life. The apostle Paul is our role model for that. Show me a church that is active in the community and community activities, and I'll show you a church that is vibrant, growing, alive, and making a difference in people's lives.

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Even the traditional baptists that buy all the Gaither Homecomings are worshipping an idol in a way, even if it has something to do with God.


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That's why I don't watch a lot of "religious" programs on TV. The event/program becomes the focus rather than God.

Watch the Easter Drama in downtown Big Stone Gap that Oak Grove does every year. It is like you're really there.

I marched band with the preacher's son. My best friend used to go to that church. He started inviting me to youth with him. The more I started liking it. I always felt at home at OGBC.

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Even the traditional baptists that buy all the Gaither Homecomings are worshipping an idol in a way, even if it has something to do with God.


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That's why I don't watch a lot of "religious" programs on TV. The event/program becomes the focus rather than God.

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Yeah, people tend to forget that the most important thing isn't how much you're in church or how many times you've read the Bible or how much money you give...it's whether or not you've got a good relationship with Jesus and through him one with God. Show me a Christian who wants to show me he's a Christian, and I'll show you somebody with their priorities out of whack.

Just because people give a lot of money for offering doesn't make them right with God. You can't buy your way into heaven.

I agree whole heartedly with you.

Careful at berea...they've become a bastion of liberal theology since I was there...and it was pandemic then.

Cumberland in KY and Liberty