Protestant service last night.

[peace2u2]

Ok, so I went to a Non-denominational service last night. I was doing it as a favor and trying to be somewhat ecumenical. Knowing where they stand, I had serious misgivings about attending. Now I know why.

The sermon was on Revelation Chapter 2:18-3:5, specifically the the churches of Thyatria and Sardis. The pastor proceeded to say the church of Thyatria represented the Catholic church, talking about all of the good the Catholic church has done in the world. Then, quoting the passages addressed to the churches of Thyatria, especially v 20-21, proceeded to talk about idolatry and false teachings. He then mentioned purgatory, confession to a priest, and the Mass itself, all as being unbiblical. He kept talking about how people are “caught up in this system”, and “the system isn’t going to save you”. “dont need a church, just a relationship”. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I wasn’t really surprised, but I was upset by it.

When talking about the church at Sardis, he immediately compared it to Protestantism. Honestly, I know I didn’t take in all he said here, because I was so upset that he was using the pulpit to attack Holy Mother Church. However, I do remember that when he spoke negatively of Protestantism, it was mainly the Lutheran, Anglican, or Methodist churches (probably because they werent enough like his church). Of course he only had good things to say about his own brand of Protestantism.

The pastor asked for a show of hands before the sermon of how many had a Catholic upbringing. About 40-50 people raised their hand. I wanted to walk out in the middle, but I didn’t out of respect for who I was there with. All I wanted to do afterward was go to Adoration.

A lot was on my mind afterward. I know a lot of what this preacher said was nonsense. Should I have walked out? Should I not have gotten so upset? This pastor was using his position and attacking the Catholic church as idolatrus and false. Not sure whether it was ignorance or malice. It seems as though my misgivings about attending were confirmed.

I welcome any thoughts on this

Yes, you should have been upset.

Maybe you should write this Pastor of this church a letter stating the same things you mention in your post.

It would have been very powerful if you did get up and walked out. I suppose if you took off your shoes and slapped them together as you left, that would have been powerful also. But, probably not very Christ-like.

So, I think the letter is a good idea telling the pastor of that church that you were very offended by his remarks and if that is what he is teaching in his church, then you will not be returning and instead, you will be running with open arms back to the Catholic Church!

I have to tell you that awhile back, I kept receiving in the mail literature from a church that called themselves un-denominational. I was offended by their pamphlet on Baptism which critized the churches that baptize infants. I sent their church a letter telling them I was offended and sent a couple of articles backing up Infant Baptism with Sacred Scripture. I mentioned to them that who are they to decide who and when should be baptized? Wouldn’t that be discriminating against someone because of their age? And as a parent of an infant, isn’t it my right to have my infant child baptized because I want to, as their first teacher, teach them about who Jesus is and for them to know and love Him?

As far as their claims as “age of reason”. Well, we do have an age of reason in the Catholic Church. At around the age of 7, our Catholic children, after 2 years of religious instruction, make their First Holy Communion and receive Jesus by the means of the Holy Eucharist. And then again after religious instruction, are anointed with Chrism and with the Laying on of Hands by the Bishop receive the Gifts of the Holy Spirit around age 13. Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation form a unity. And, once Confirmed, Baptism is complete.

 

[peace2u2]

Last night I went to a Lenten series at an Episcopal church. That is the American versionof the CofE.

It was based on a video of Anglican bishop T J Wright and that was OK. But the discussion following was bad and and made me angry.

They were angry about the Catholic rules about Holy Communion.
Apparently Episcopalians will give the Eucharist to anyone who comes to the rail,and they hated the close communion of the Catholic church.

Several defied our rules and recieved communion anyway.

How was that respect?

It was very disrespectful.

I attended a non-denominational Bible study a few years ago and someone made a comment (I forget what we were discussing) but said how they hate when those of the “Eastern” Church alway talk about God like He is just theirs when they refer to God in their conversation and prayer by saying “He is Our Lord and Savior”, He is our God, etc.

I couldn’t quite understand what point they were trying to make as don’t we all refer to Him like that when we pray or if we are talking to someone about God? I just pointed out that perhaps a reading of Romans was in order and we should just let God do the judging?

In any event, I was offended because I am Catholic, and those she was insulting are my brothers and sisters in Christ. I left the Bible study shortly after my Infant Baptism was insulted and told that it was just a sprinkling and that in order to be baptized I had to be immersed in water! Really, now they know whether or not God considers me His child?

 

[converting2024]

i once went to a seminar being held in our small city about end times. at first i didn’t know it was being put on by the 7th day adventists. the seminar lasted several weeks.
there were a few other catholics from my church who were also attending. i won one of their Bibles in a raffle they held each week. the seminar was interesting until we got to John Hus and then the Catholic bashing began. and it didn’t stop. i was pretty shocked and angered. the man leading the seminar knew there were Catholics in attendance because we had to fill out a form. these people were nice and i have heard of anti-Catholicism, but this was the first time i ever sat somewhere and had the man saying so many bad things about the Catholic church. none of us walked out. we were all women.
one woman never went back. another woman’s father had been a 7th Day Adventist and she continued to come. i stayed away for a week or two, but returned for the last night.
i was curious i guess. anyhow, there was no way i was going to join and i really didn’t even feel like i got an answer about the end times.
i have never been to a protestant service that bashes the Catholic church. i agree with the poster who said that a polite e-mail might be sent to the pastor. i haven’t really attended many protestant churches though. i grew up in the episcopal church and didn’t attend church for many years.

7th day adventists as well as the Mormon and Jehovah’s Witness “churches” are actually considered cults based on their heretical views of scripture. Even most of the mainstream Protestant churches view them as such. Focusing on the end of times is a waste of energy that could be used for evangelizing. Jesus tells us that it is not He, nor the choirs of angels but only the Father in Heaven who knows the time and date of the end of times. We must always be ready. I, for one, would love to be alive for the second coming.

 

[Lochias]

I was under the impression that the Holy Spirit was involved somehow.

Certainly, in the Church that Jesus Christ started for mankind. The Church decided which of those texts should make up the Bible as we know it, guided by prayer and the Holy Spirit. Elegant, no?

And, I don’t take most invites to other services outside of the Church. Once or twice I have, with friends that I’ve trusted, but even that was before I started digging deeper into the core of my own faith.

 

[CopticChristian]

Ok, so I went to a Non-denominational service last night. I was doing it as a favor and trying to be somewhat ecumenical. Knowing where they stand, I had serious misgivings about attending. Now I know why.

The sermon was on Revelation Chapter 2:18-3:5, specifically the the churches of Thyatria and Sardis. The pastor proceeded to say the church of Thyatria represented the Catholic church, talking about all of the good the Catholic church has done in the world. Then, quoting the passages addressed to the churches of Thyatria, especially v 20-21, proceeded to talk about idolatry and false teachings. He then mentioned purgatory, confession to a priest, and the Mass itself, all as being unbiblical. He kept talking about how people are “caught up in this system”, and “the system isn’t going to save you”. “dont need a church, just a relationship”. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I wasn’t really surprised, but I was upset by it.

When talking about the church at Sardis, he immediately compared it to Protestantism. Honestly, I know I didn’t take in all he said here, because I was so upset that he was using the pulpit to attack Holy Mother Church. However, I do remember that when he spoke negatively of Protestantism, it was mainly the Lutheran, Anglican, or Methodist churches (probably because they werent enough like his church). Of course he only had good things to say about his own brand of Protestantism.

The pastor asked for a show of hands before the sermon of how many had a Catholic upbringing. About 40-50 people raised their hand. I wanted to walk out in the middle, but I didn’t out of respect for who I was there with. All I wanted to do afterward was go to Adoration.

A lot was on my mind afterward. I know a lot of what this preacher said was nonsense. Should I have walked out? Should I not have gotten so upset? This pastor was using his position and attacking the Catholic church as idolatrus and false. Not sure whether it was ignorance or malice. It seems as though my misgivings about attending were confirmed.

I welcome any thoughts on this

You may not know this but the Pastor is often told of the “sins” or “issues” of the group that he is addressing. Many others may have invited Catholics to the meeting and the Pastor then gears the message to them. Sometimes people in the audience believe God is speaking to them because the Pastor hits notes that resonate with people like you and in this case caused you to be upset.

I would have gone to the pastor and said this…

Pastor…you believe in Jesus and love Jesus do you not? Yes

Pastor Jesus gave his life for the Church…do you agree…Yes

Pastor, the Church is the bride of Christ…Yes

Pastor do you agree that Christ is the same today, yesterday and tommorrow? Yes
Pastor do you believe that if the body of Christ is the Church, The Church is the Bride of Christ and Christ cannot change then the Church cannot change…do you agree with that?

Then say…Pastor…I read in the Bible, Romans that the wrath of God is revealed for those that suppress the truth…do you believe that…wait…and then

Pastor I don’t believe that what you say is true…and then leave.

 

[Anna_Scott]

Last night I went to a Lenten series at an Episcopal church. That is the American versionof the CofE.

It was based on a video of Anglican bishop T J Wright and that was OK. But the discussion following was bad and and made me angry.

They were angry about the Catholic rules about Holy Communion.
Apparently Episcopalians will give the Eucharist to anyone who comes to the rail,and they hated the close communion of the Catholic church.

Several defied our rules and recieved communion anyway.

How was that respect?

andrewstx,

That is very disrespectful and taking Communion in a deceitful manner is spiritually dangerous for those who do so.

I’m sorry you had such a bad experience. Not all Episcopalians are like those you encountered. Our Anglo Catholic Rector speaks of Catholicism with respect; even quotes Popes and Catholic authors in his lessons and sermons from time to time. He also quotes Orthodox writers and incorporates Orthodox prayers.

In reading through current threads about people visiting Churches; it seems there are a lot of angry Christians. Not sure what is going on. When Christians attack and fight with other Christians, our witness and call to spread the Gospel suffers. Whatever happened to “love one another”? Seems to have gone out of style.

Peace,
Anna

Anna that particular parish has had many problems. The rector I grew up with was Anglo-Catholic and there over 30 years. The parish was in an aging part of town where no-one wanted to live or go. So he started a chapel of ease, two chrurches he was both over.

When he retired all hell broke loose a new rector was named who refused to go to the original church, canceled all sunday masses there, and moved the parish offices to the church in the new money area.

After several interims another rector, female, was hand picked by the Sr Warden who was the richest man in the parrish and maybe the city. They soon were married by the bishop no less, after a few short years she moved off to Berkely to get her DST degree. And there were more interims and each time the parish lost members.

The priest in charge there now was raised Church of Nazarene, all traces of anglo catholicism are long gone. I left the EC years ago.

This area always conservative has gone from conservative (I am conservative) to radical.
Many of the former members have gone to Christ Church, a schismatic denomination that calls it’self “anglican”.

With all the political fights going on and the ignoring of the holy Gospels, I grieve for my former church.

andrewstx,

This is such a tragic turn of events, and I’m sure it does grieve your heart. My goodness–30 years under the leadership of an Anglo Catholic Rector, and it has now come to this?

What you’ve demonstrated here is how quickly a Parish can be hijacked.

People wonder what has happened to The Episcopal Church. It has been hijacked in similar ways. Once a departure from orthodoxy slips in, the leadership positions can be hijacked so fast, you are left stunned. Orthodox Anglicans are pushed out and leave. More liberals pour in from both churched and unchurched populations. And before you know it, TEC is unrecognizable and the Anglican Communion is compromised.

Our current Rector is also Anglo Catholic. Our Parish is conservative and the Gospel is truthfully and faithfully proclaimed. However, I know that everything could change, if he were to leave. Some of us are already making “contingency” plans. And of course, I’m still here on this Catholic forum.

Peace,
Anna

 

[andrewstx]

andrewstx,

This is such a tragic turn of events, and I’m sure it does grieve your heart. My goodness–30 years under the leadership of an Anglo Catholic Rector, and it has now come to this?

What you’ve demonstrated here is how quickly a Parish can be hijacked.

People wonder what has happened to The Episcopal Church. It has been hijacked in similar ways. Once a departure from orthodoxy slips in, the leadership positions can be hijacked so fast, you are left stunned. Orthodox Anglicans are pushed out and leave. More liberals pour in from both churched and unchurched populations. And before you know it, TEC is unrecognizable and the Anglican Communion is compromised.

Our current Rector is also Anglo Catholic. Our Parish is conservative and the Gospel is truthfully and faithfully proclaimed. However, I know that everything could change, if he were to leave. Some of us are already making “contingency” plans. And of course, I’m still here on this Catholic forum.

And please do remain. When Fr Hungerford retired a mess ensued. He was cradle Episcopal and orthodox.

His succesors were all converts from Evanglical protestant chruches. The woman was originally campbellite DofC and she had a unique way of doing Mass, instead of communing herself first she would give the host to communion ministers,and they would give holy communion to the altar boys and girls and congrgation as she was seated.

At the very last she would recieve communion from one of the Eucharstic ministers-lay readers. She was a social climber and likely a closet lesbian, she got her millions from the Sr Warden and then took off to Berkely. I’m sure she fit in there.

But it all shows that TEC is more social than spiritual. And the churchmanship can and does change instantly

Peace,
Anna

 

[Anna_Scott]

And please do remain. When Fr Hungerford retired a mess ensued. He was cradle Episcopal and orthodox.

His succesors were all converts from Evanglical protestant chruches. The woman was originally campbellite DofC and she had a unique way of doing Mass, instead of communing herself first she would give the host to communion ministers,and they would give holy communion to the altar boys and girls and congrgation as she was seated.

At the very last she would recieve communion from one of the Eucharstic ministers-lay readers. She was a social climber and likely a closet lesbian, she got her millions from the Sr Warden and then took off to Berkely. I’m sure she fit in there.

But it all shows that TEC is more social than spiritual. And the churchmanship can and does change instantly

andrewstx,

Such a mess; but keep in mind there are still orthodox Episcopal Parishes. Not sure how long they will last. Time will tell.
Anna

 

[andrewstx]

andrewstx,

Such a mess; but keep in mind there are still orthodox Episcopal Parishes. Not sure how long they will last. Time will tell.
Anna

I know the exist, but now I’m happy Othodox, with them when the priest changes things still go on as before.

 

[Anna_Scott]

I know the exist, but now I’m happy Othodox, with them when the priest changes things still go on as before.

andrewstx,
I wish I had the same assurance.

Peace,
Anna

 

[Legal_Eagle]

Sounds like the preacher was expecting you and fashioned his ‘bible study’ in a way to proselytize a Catholic, you.

Yep.

Also, and I know this is not going to be PC, but why did you feel the need to be “ecumenical”?

Why Catholics keep going to these services is simply beyond me. Want to go to a friend’s wedding or funeral? Fine. Go out of respect for the couple or the deceased. But why on earth a faithful Catholic would go to just a regular ol’ preachin’ service?

Peace,

 

[jlhargus]

About 1/3 of the crowd had a catholic upbringing. I really dont know if the pastor knew there was going to be any devout catholics there, and frankly dont know that it would matter to him. If the sample was accurate, that means roughly 1/3 of their congregation are former catholics. Certainly sounds like he was trying to reinforce their decision by slandering the Catholic faith.

JL: As a former non-denominational Protestant I know that sometimes a pastor will anounce the topic of the sermom in advance. Asking the congreation to invite non members to whom the topic may apply or strick. I suspect this is the case since the pastor asked a show of hands of Catholics before hand. Could be most of those Catholics who raised their hands were invited and just visiting like you. The pastor would have already known or had a very good idea of how many former Catholics were members of his congregation. Catholics are considered easy pickens to grow the congregation.

 

[rinnie]

Ok, so I went to a Non-denominational service last night. I was doing it as a favor and trying to be somewhat ecumenical. Knowing where they stand, I had serious misgivings about attending. Now I know why.

The sermon was on Revelation Chapter 2:18-3:5, specifically the the churches of Thyatria and Sardis. The pastor proceeded to say the church of Thyatria represented the Catholic church, talking about all of the good the Catholic church has done in the world. Then, quoting the passages addressed to the churches of Thyatria, especially v 20-21, proceeded to talk about idolatry and false teachings. He then mentioned purgatory, confession to a priest, and the Mass itself, all as being unbiblical. He kept talking about how people are “caught up in this system”, and “the system isn’t going to save you”. “dont need a church, just a relationship”. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I wasn’t really surprised, but I was upset by it.

When talking about the church at Sardis, he immediately compared it to Protestantism. Honestly, I know I didn’t take in all he said here, because I was so upset that he was using the pulpit to attack Holy Mother Church. However, I do remember that when he spoke negatively of Protestantism, it was mainly the Lutheran, Anglican, or Methodist churches (probably because they werent enough like his church). Of course he only had good things to say about his own brand of Protestantism.

The pastor asked for a show of hands before the sermon of how many had a Catholic upbringing. About 40-50 people raised their hand. I wanted to walk out in the middle, but I didn’t out of respect for who I was there with. All I wanted to do afterward was go to Adoration.

A lot was on my mind afterward. I know a lot of what this preacher said was nonsense. Should I have walked out? Should I not have gotten so upset? This pastor was using his position and attacking the Catholic church as idolatrus and false. Not sure whether it was ignorance or malice. It seems as though my misgivings about attending were confirmed.

I welcome any thoughts on this

Wouldn’t you have just love to stand up and say. Okay then if we don’t need the Church where are we to find truth? In the bible? Okay lets have it your way.

What does the bible say? The CHURCH is the Pilar of All Truth. Now you said we don’t need a Church just a relationship! Okay then who is telling the truth you or the bible?

Then say if we are not to confess to a Priest why did Christ say to the Apostles whose sin you forgive is forgiven and who sin you bound is held bound? What would Christ have been talking about then!! That would do it

 

[rinnie]

JL: As a former non-denominational Protestant I know that sometimes a pastor will anounce the topic of the sermom in advance. Asking the congreation to invite non members to whom the topic may apply or strick. I suspect this is the case since the pastor asked a show of hands of Catholics before hand. Could be most of those Catholics who raised their hands were invited and just visiting like you. The pastor would have already known or had a very good idea of how many former Catholics were members of his congregation. Catholics are considered easy pickens to grow the congregation.

I am a little confused here. Why would Catholic’s of all religions be easy pickens?

I would think we would be the worst of any faith, because speaking for myself here now. I could never go to a Protestant Church and give up the Eucharist.

The Eucharist is the center of the CC and you must have the laying of hands (Holy Orders) to turn bread and wine into the living Christ. I mean thats written in the bible. When the Apostles went out to gather Priests, that were told to be carefull of who they lay their hands on.

 

[pismopal]

Ok, so I went to a Non-denominational service last night. I was doing it as a favor and trying to be somewhat ecumenical. Knowing where they stand, I had serious misgivings about attending. Now I know why.

The sermon was on Revelation Chapter 2:18-3:5, specifically the the churches of Thyatria and Sardis. The pastor proceeded to say the church of Thyatria represented the Catholic church, talking about all of the good the Catholic church has done in the world. Then, quoting the passages addressed to the churches of Thyatria, especially v 20-21, proceeded to talk about idolatry and false teachings. He then mentioned purgatory, confession to a priest, and the Mass itself, all as being unbiblical. He kept talking about how people are “caught up in this system”, and “the system isn’t going to save you”. “dont need a church, just a relationship”. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I wasn’t really surprised, but I was upset by it.

When talking about the church at Sardis, he immediately compared it to Protestantism. Honestly, I know I didn’t take in all he said here, because I was so upset that he was using the pulpit to attack Holy Mother Church. However, I do remember that when he spoke negatively of Protestantism, it was mainly the Lutheran, Anglican, or Methodist churches (probably because they werent enough like his church). Of course he only had good things to say about his own brand of Protestantism.

The pastor asked for a show of hands before the sermon of how many had a Catholic upbringing. About 40-50 people raised their hand. I wanted to walk out in the middle, but I didn’t out of respect for who I was there with. All I wanted to do afterward was go to Adoration.

A lot was on my mind afterward. I know a lot of what this preacher said was nonsense. Should I have walked out? Should I not have gotten so upset? This pastor was using his position and attacking the Catholic church as idolatrus and false. Not sure whether it was ignorance or malice. It seems as though my misgivings about attending were confirmed.

I welcome any thoughts on this

I would advise against walking in as opposed to walking out. Don’t be too surprised about a non Catholic denom leader knocking the Church…it is partially politics(religious politics) and part ignorance, in varying degrees. You have the truth in the Church and the only thing, at best, that other gatherings have to offer is varying degrees of truth. Why settle for Iris soda when you have the “Real Thing?”

 

[Diana_Catherine]

I am a little confused here. Why would Catholic’s of all religions be easy pickens?

I would think we would be the worst of any faith, because speaking for myself here now. I could never go to a Protestant Church and give up the Eucharist.

The Eucharist is the center of the CC and you must have the laying of hands (Holy Orders) to turn bread and wine into the living Christ. I mean thats written in the bible. When the Apostles went out to gather Priests, that were told to be carefull of who they lay their hands on.

There are very many Catholics who don’t or haven’t been taught the truths about the Catholic faith and so are easily swayed. Many don’t know or understand what is the Eucharist. It is sad but true. Also, the Catholic church does hold the truths so that is why it is attacked so much because the devil would like to see as many souls leave the true faith as possible. Jesus said they hated him and they will hate us also.

 

[jlhargus]

I am a little confused here. Why would Catholic’s of all religions be easy pickens?

I would think we would be the worst of any faith, because speaking for myself here now. I could never go to a Protestant Church and give up the Eucharist.

The Eucharist is the center of the CC and you must have the laying of hands (Holy Orders) to turn bread and wine into the living Christ. I mean thats written in the bible. When the Apostles went out to gather Priests, that were told to be carefull of who they lay their hands on.

JL: Catholics are considered easy picken because they are seen as ignorant of the bible. Most Catholics who convert to other denomination are ignorant of the bible and even the Catholic faith. However most Protestants who convert to Catholic know the bible and can see those things you point out such as Eucharist etc…

 

[JRRTFAN]

Ok, so I went to a Non-denominational service last night. I was doing it as a favor and trying to be somewhat ecumenical. Knowing where they stand, I had serious misgivings about attending. Now I know why.

The sermon was on Revelation Chapter 2:18-3:5, specifically the the churches of Thyatria and Sardis. The pastor proceeded to say the church of Thyatria represented the Catholic church, talking about all of the good the Catholic church has done in the world. Then, quoting the passages addressed to the churches of Thyatria, especially v 20-21, proceeded to talk about idolatry and false teachings. He then mentioned purgatory, confession to a priest, and the Mass itself, all as being unbiblical. He kept talking about how people are “caught up in this system”, and “the system isn’t going to save you”. “dont need a church, just a relationship”. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I wasn’t really surprised, but I was upset by it.

When talking about the church at Sardis, he immediately compared it to Protestantism. Honestly, I know I didn’t take in all he said here, because I was so upset that he was using the pulpit to attack Holy Mother Church. However, I do remember that when he spoke negatively of Protestantism, it was mainly the Lutheran, Anglican, or Methodist churches (probably because they werent enough like his church). Of course he only had good things to say about his own brand of Protestantism.

The pastor asked for a show of hands before the sermon of how many had a Catholic upbringing. About 40-50 people raised their hand. I wanted to walk out in the middle, but I didn’t out of respect for who I was there with. All I wanted to do afterward was go to Adoration.

A lot was on my mind afterward. I know a lot of what this preacher said was nonsense. Should I have walked out? Should I not have gotten so upset? This pastor was using his position and attacking the Catholic church as idolatrus and false. Not sure whether it was ignorance or malice. It seems as though my misgivings about attending were confirmed.

I welcome any thoughts on this

My family are all lapsed Catholic now non-denom Evangelical Protestants. Before I became so profoundly insulted by one of their teaching “pastors” (a 32 year old genius with a 2 year study certificate from a local store front seminary) I attended their services for about 10 years (only after attending Mass first). I would say, conservatively, I have attended 500 evangelical services. During that time I saw a lot of pretty girl singers, who were not bad at boogey down dancing, and heard some real rip snorting sermons. But overarching it all was the concept that religion is unnecessary. It’s you and Jesus, “Mozart is to be loved, the symphony hated” kind of thing.

The Bible, as exegeted by the guy speaking, is the sole and sufficient rule of life and faith.

The Catholic, or preferably. “Roman” church went astray with Constantine. So you didn’t hear anything outside the norm.

The interesting thing to me is that 50 years ago an Episcoplean, Lutheran, Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, etc. would have been that for his whole life. Now (and I’ve been to these communions) you are unlikely to hear a difference between a Methodist and Baptist, between which there is a huge gulf in textbook theology. SO the presence of the non-denom Evangelicals has really diluted the denominations of Protestantism which are in their death throes and trying desperately to attract new adherents.

You didn’t hurt anything by staying, it opened your eyes and now you know. Bear this in mind any church sign you see with a funky sign “Metro” “Seeker” “Community” “Church in the Son” “Highpoint” “Reachers” “Target”, et al, et seq. Is the same theology. Now, some have better laser light shows and more comfortable chairs and prettier, better, singers but when the “senior” “teaching”, etc. pastor stands up to deliver the “word” it’s the same deal.

Kick the dust from your sandals and go to the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church for only there will you be fed, I said fed, not necessarily preached well to and most certainly not enjoy as good music, but fed.

 

[Legal_Eagle]

I attended their services for about 10 years (only after attending Mass first). I would say, conservatively, I have attended 500 evangelical services.

May I respectfully ask why? It just blows my mind that you would do that.

Peace,

 

[Sword_Brethren]

Ok, so I went to a Non-denominational service last night. I was doing it as a favor and trying to be somewhat ecumenical. Knowing where they stand, I had serious misgivings about attending. Now I know why.

The sermon was on Revelation Chapter 2:18-3:5, specifically the the churches of Thyatria and Sardis. The pastor proceeded to say the church of Thyatria represented the Catholic church, talking about all of the good the Catholic church has done in the world. Then, quoting the passages addressed to the churches of Thyatria, especially v 20-21, proceeded to talk about idolatry and false teachings. He then mentioned purgatory, confession to a priest, and the Mass itself, all as being unbiblical. He kept talking about how people are “caught up in this system”, and “the system isn’t going to save you”. “dont need a church, just a relationship”. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I wasn’t really surprised, but I was upset by it.

When talking about the church at Sardis, he immediately compared it to Protestantism. Honestly, I know I didn’t take in all he said here, because I was so upset that he was using the pulpit to attack Holy Mother Church. However, I do remember that when he spoke negatively of Protestantism, it was mainly the Lutheran, Anglican, or Methodist churches (probably because they werent enough like his church). Of course he only had good things to say about his own brand of Protestantism.

The pastor asked for a show of hands before the sermon of how many had a Catholic upbringing. About 40-50 people raised their hand. I wanted to walk out in the middle, but I didn’t out of respect for who I was there with. All I wanted to do afterward was go to Adoration.

A lot was on my mind afterward. I know a lot of what this preacher said was nonsense. Should I have walked out? Should I not have gotten so upset? This pastor was using his position and attacking the Catholic church as idolatrus and false. Not sure whether it was ignorance or malice. It seems as though my misgivings about attending were confirmed.

I welcome any thoughts on this

You should never have gone to a Non-denominational service.