The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum I'm so confused!

I'm seriously trying to know the details of differences in denominations that claim to be Reformed/Calvinists.

If there are denominations I should avoid, I need to know the reasons.

I won't attend PCUSA because I read that they ordain LBGTs and what I see in my Bible tells me that God doesn't approve of the Supreme Court's decision.

Please help.

Many denominations that claim to be Reformed are so only on paper. The one you mentioned, for example, claims the Westminster Confession of Faith as its standard of doctrine and practice, yet as you see, in actual practice they deny it.

The same can be said of many other denominations and individual churches. One needs to look beyond the paper and see the actions taken by church courts, committees, position papers, and publications. It takes some time and a bit of digging, but it's important and very enlightening!

Lynda, good to see you again. I would concur with what Robin said. As a denomination, the PCUSA, has gone completely off the mark and should be regarded as apostate. I know we have had discussions about them in the past which may be worth doing a search for. What is worse is that through lack of Church discipline, the PCA and OPC have been infiltrated with heresy. It is impossible to regard one denomination as being completely immune to this. Your best defense is to prayerfully study the Scriptures for yourself and be prepared to discern Truth from error. Being wise also to the fact that many redefine familiar terms.

I must say that as a bonefide curgmugeon, although a realist, that there is not ONE denomination which is not infected with error on our day. Yes, there are some which are better than others and that's where one must decide the "lesser of evils" when considering joining a church within any denomination. Many years ago I was a member of a church that was affiliated with the RCA (Reformed Church in America), which is a denomination which had departed from orthodoxy and has grown increasingly worse. BUT... it basically did not abide by any of the unbiblical mandates, doctrines and/or practices espoused by the denomination. It gave no monies to the denomination but rather supported orthodox endeavors. Eventually it was forced to make the decision to leave, which it did by a unanimous vote.

So, the bottom line is that what you should be seeking is not a denomination per se, but a faithful local church that stands firmly upon historic biblical Christianity (Reformed/Calvinism) and is consistent in both doctrine and life. One of the main criteria, if I may make the suggestion, is to observe what kind of WORSHIP is practiced. For, that will reveal the church's doctrine of God as well as its adherence to biblical truth, e.g., the Regulative Principle of Worship.

Yes, it is a daunting task to find a solid church in our day among the thousands that exist out there. And, it can become quite depressing when you see just how far astray most of them have gone. So, be prayerful in your search and perhaps God will be gracious to you and lead you to a good church.

This reminds me of something I was reading by Pink recently describes quite well what we are seeing happen in the Church today. ~ A.W. Pink Repentance—Introduction

2Tim 3:13 " But evil men and impostors shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived."

Robin, may God help me! I wish I were younger! I need a crash course --- I'm nearly sixty-nine.

I know what you're talking about, but staying home sets a bad examlpe to children and grandchildren. You're aware that there are only two choices on my area --- RCNA and PCUSA, right?

Would you confirm the identity of the RCNA? Would it be the Netherlands Reformed Church? I think that given the state of the PCUSA which went south many years ago. Maybe late 1800s? So there would be no question in my mind not to consider going there.

Lynda, a question comes to mind: why is it a bad example to not go to something that is bad? I am sure you would agree that not going to bad place, is a good example to the children. If you were to go to the PCUSA, you would be setting a bad example for it would be done in violation to God's Word.

You may want to review the Three Marks of a True Church found in the Belgic Confession, Art. 29 and use them as a guide.

While I wouldn't tell you to stay home if there was any faithful churches within a reasonable driving distance to your home, I would say that you would be ill-advised to go to one which is a false church.

That sure looks like a perfect opportunity to enlighten someone and dispel some wrong ideas they might have.