posted
Another new trend that has shown up in some HC sites that troubles me. Some are using the term "the Christ" or "Coporate Christ" to describe a Christ much like that of the manifest sons doctrine or the New Age system.
Some say because he is the head & we the body, that we actually become "the Christ" on earth. Not So! We are the Church, the Body, the Bride. Christ lives in us through his Holy Spirit. That doesn't make us the Christ. Even though he is the head of the body, he is seperate from us. He is our Savior, Lord & King. He gives us a new life as he lives in us; but we are not him.
The term "the Christ" used in this manner gives the impression that we are God, the same NA belief that has infiltrated many churches, especially the Charismatic. It is the same old lie Satan told Eve---you shall be as God.
According to scripture, it is blasphemy to call ourselves God. (Mk. 14:61-64) We will never be God; rather we will be like him at the last trumpet, when corruptable is changed to incorruptable. Let's be very careful to use biblical doctrine rather than that of men.
Another thing that worries me is the offering of the Alpha Course by some sites. It is basically the new false gospel or "gospel lite". It is not so much what they say, as what they don't, that is incorrect. They do not confront any with sin or call for repentance.
If you are in a group using Alpha, please research the dangers of it now! There are many discernment sites exposing the errors of this course. If anyone is interested and needs help to locate discernment sites, I'll be glad to look hunt some for you.
posted
Please! Obviously we are not Christ himself, and I don't think anybody takes their understanding that far. However, even Christ himself, when meeting Saul on the road to Damaskus, asked "why do you persecute ME?", not "the church" nor "my people" but "me". So it is clear that there is a strong identification between the Lord and his church, not thereby negating the difference regarding deity. There is really no need to adress this subject, since most christians are quite capable of seperating identification with Christ from being the one and same as He.
Equally there's no need to rebuke the Alpha Courses this harshly. It's a mere tool, a framwork in which christians can share their faith with others including relevant conversations which could explain things not mentioned in depth in the course material. And it's directed to people foreign to the gospel, church life and church wordings. That should be taken into consideration before judging. Also it seems to bear much fruir, more than most churches do, IC's and HC's alike...
And as discernment sites go, quite a few of them need to be discerned themselves!
posted
Obviously, this is a matter of semantics. But semantics has alot to do with how people recieve what you are saying. Remember when Jesus said, "If you don't eat of my flesh or drink my blood you can have no part in me?" Well, they got pretty freaked out at that! So yes, Faith. There is a problem with the "semantics" but we need to carefully see what they are "Saying" besindes how they are saying it. If you still find the content is objectionable, then contact the webmaster of that site, and make sure that they are not speaking for all House Churchers, but disclaim that this is their view.
------------------ Nettie
faith
posted
Regarding Jezper's comments,
My problem with the Alpha course is that they put more emphasis on relations and signs than they do Christ and the Bible. Relations are good and should be the outcome of brotherly Christian fellowship. However, relationships outside the Word of God are not too overly important. We have to live in the world & tolerate the world; but darkness and light have no fellowship and can't walk together.
The Alpha refuses to confront anyone with sin. All lifestyles are OK by them. Thus, they deny the need for Jesus as savior. Sure they have more people interested in showing up for the party. But what have they been won too? Not Godly living, as no one can confront sin. Not knowing Jesus, as the Bible is put on the back burner as a dusty old book of little revelance.
Alpha is definately a tool. However, it is the IC and the world religion that is pushing Alpha. It's a lot like what Constantine did. Accept everyone and all their beliefs into one big happy ungodly family and call it Christian. No matter that they left Jesus outside in the cold!
They also have one leader, a no no here at HC sites. This leader sways the group to talk about contraversal subjects and then come to group agreement on what is right. Individuals are hushed. Keep everybody happy and in their comfort zones. No conflict allowed. How dare someone turn the world upside down like Jesus & the disciples. Be peaceful, tolerant, hide your head in the sand and bite you lip. Be silent, be a good little lamb. Sounds too familiar to the IC to me.
Yes Alpha may be the broad way, but is it the right way?
in the love of Christ,
Faith
Faith
posted
In response to JCIY-2 Cor 13:5's comment.
I guess I didn't proofread my original post. Referring to Gen. 3:3-5, I said Satan's lie was: man would become as God. I should have included: and live forever. (I was thinking of those who teach they are gods when writing this.) Satan told Eve that she would not die; but gain the knowledge of good and evil. Verse 22 does say that "the man is become one of us, to know good and evil:" Knowledge is only one aspect of God & does not make man a god, nor does man know & understand all things as God does. God was concerned that man would eat of the tree of life and obtain eternal life & really be like God, eternal. He didn't want that to happen in man's rebellious, sinful state. Thus, God cast Adam & Eve from the garden.
No, man is still not like God or a god; but still has flesh & bones & a fleshly spirit that wars with the Holy Spirit. Ask Paul why we must continue in the race. We are not perfect yet. As we die to ourselves and allow the Holy Spirit to work in us, we become more like Christ; but not a god nor God.
I'm sorry for the confusion & will try to be more clear in the future. I realize not everyone has the same background or understanding in everything. It is easy to misinterpret what one means. I still haven't a clue as to your understanding of the verses.
Sorry to take so long in replying to your question. Alpha is a 10 week course supposedly to introduce people to the basics of Christianity. It was written by an ex-atheist. It has gained popularity within many church denominations and even some house churches. It is accepted by the Catholic church and many big name evangelists like Billy Grahamn.
So what's wrong with that? Well, they teach another Jesus, another gospel, and another spirit. While they mention Jesus, their focus is on unity at all costs. No repentance needed for alpha; just tolerance for everyone and every thing including sin. No one is allowed to confront sin, that is too offensive for alpha. The group meetings are lead by a trained leader who does lead or manipulate the group to come to group agreement on various issues. (much like the OBE education and situational ethics that are taught in public school)
Their main focus is not on dying to self to serve the Lord; but on getting everyone the "power" of the spirit so they can serve "self". This falls into the catagory of those who believe lying signs and wonders during the endtimes. They are always looking for a new high, new gift, new revelation.
While they state they believe the Bible and use it as a standard, they really don't. It is too negative for them. Too many thou shalt nots I guess. It becomes a time for fun and games, you're OK, I'm OK, with very little real Bible study. No hard questions, no offensive questions, Just love, love, love. But love must be tough sometimes. NOt to require repenatance is not love.
This course is being used to unify various denominations, and even different religions for the world religion.
If you want to know more about it, type in the words Alpha Course on your search engine. You will find many articles and sites. Some will be for alpha, others will be discernment sites exposing the errors in alpha. I hope this has answered your question.
God bless you in your walk with him.
Faith
Kelly
posted
Hi Faith! I've had some hesitations about the Alpha Course also. Before accepting it as as the Way To Lead People Today To Jesus , we better know our stuff! Jesus said that H He is the Way and NO ONE COMES TO THE FATHER EXCEPT BY HIM! You have raised some good concerns and I for one am going to pay attention to this more closely. In Christ Jesus, Kelly (redeemed)
posted
Well, you know what the bible tells us. It says to let no man deceive us by any means. I don't know about you, but I take this to heart and very seriously. I don't let any man decieve me and I examine absolutely every teaching. We have a right not to be lead into deception.
Awake, awake, O sleeping virgins, awake out of your slumber and arise to awareness. There are many that would deceive.
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