November 2010
What's The Difference? Baptists and Catholics
Dr. Phil Lineberger, Senior Pastor | Matthew 16:13-20 | Posted On 11/21 | More info...
Catholics and Baptists both profess faith in the grace of Jesus Christ as Savior. How they express that faith and how they access that grace differs. The Catholic Church teaches that faith in Jesus Christ is expressed primarily through the sacraments of the Church and grace is conveyed through those sacraments. Only the bishop or priest has the authority to mediate that grace. Baptists believe that grace comes by faith alone and that Jesus is the only mediator between God and man. Baptists believe that salvation comes through one’s personal confession of faith in Jesus Christ.
What's the Difference? Historic Christianity and Mormonism
Dr. Phil Lineberger, Senior Pastor | Galatians 1:6-3:7 | Posted On 11/14 | More info...
The Mormon Church claims to be the only true church because it contends that it is the only church since the time of Christ which has received the divine revelation (through Joseph Smith and others), and which may still continue to receive divine revelation through its presidents. Joseph Smith himself was once asked, “Will everybody be damned, but Mormons?” His answer was, “Yes, and a great portion of them, unless they repent, and work righteousness.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 119). Brigham Young said, “Every spirit that does not confess that God has sent Joseph Smith, and revealed the everlasting gospel to and through him, is of Antichrist . . .” (Discourses of Brigham Young, p. 435).
What's the Difference? Christianity and Islam
Dr. Phil Lineberger, Senior Pastor | John 3:16 | Posted On 11/7 | More info...
All Muslims are different just as all Christians are different. There are some Muslims who interpret the Qur'an according to Eighth Century customs while others try to interpret it according to the Twenty-First Century customs. Some Muslims are very violent and see violence as a part of their commitment to their faith. Other Muslims are non-violent.
What is our responsibility toward Muslims? We should love them as God’s creation and treat them with respect as fellow human beings. We should recognize the exclusive nature of their faith and their intolerance for any different faith. We should oppose any effort by Muslims to impose their religious law (Sharia) on society. We should use every opportunity God provides to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with them.