A comment concerning the Nazarene Church

[p.rehbein]

I hope I am allowed to comment here, if not, then please have the Mods delete it.  I just wanted to say that I have much love for the Nazarene Church.  When I was living in a place where my Church had no congregation, I attended a Nazarene Church and loved the Church and people.  My sistler lives in California and there is not one of our Churches near enough for her to attend, she currently attendes a Nazarene Church and she and her husband are quite happy there.  

Just wanted to make this comment here, hope I am not violating any rules or such

God bless you all

[stevehut]

My experience with the Nazarenes has been a bit different.

For one, the Naz church in my old neighborhood turned by aunt away when she tried to attend a worship service back in the 60's.  "We don't let colored girls in here."   

Second, I've studied Naz doctrine and I found it odd that the church doesn't follow Wesley's teaching on salvation.  And yet they call themselves descendants of the Methodist movement.

[p.rehbein]

My experience with the Nazarenes has been a bit different.

For one, the Naz church in my old neighborhood turned by aunt away when she tried to attend a worship service back in the 60's.  "We don't let colored girls in here."   

Second, I've studied Naz doctrine and I found it odd that the church doesn't follow Wesley's teaching on salvation.  And yet they call themselves descendants of the Methodist movement.

Steve, just saw this comment.  I would submit that had your aunt gone to pretty much any Church back in the 60's that was a white church, she would have heard the same thing.  Yes, there would have been some (mine would and did) who would have welcomed her in with Christian love and fellowship, but I fear many would have not.

I have only visited the Nazarine Church a few times, but have listened to the preaching and spoken with some of the members so I am not an expert on their theological ideology.  That being said,  from what I have learned they are pretty much in line with other Christian churches on salvaiton through Jesus Christ..........don't know what you are specifically referring to from Wesley's teaching, so can't comment on that.  Truth is, there probably should be a member of the Nazarine Church speaking of this anyway.

Do we have any active members who are?

[stevehut]

P, Wesley was an Anglican priest.  As such, he subscribed to the Nicene Creed and accordingly taught that baptism brought the forgiveness of sins and salvation.

Since his day the Meth movement has splintered at least a dozen times.  Among them, Naz and Wesleyan churches don't share that doctrine on salvation.  I figure, two guys can disagree now and then and still be brothers.  But on something as important as salvation?  I'm just bewildered as to how they can be so different and still call themselves descendants of Wesley.

And sure, I don't think all Naz members are racists, or that all were then.  Racism was quite common in many churches and denom's, then, as it is now.  But that was my aunt's ONE experience with Christianity, and it influenced her opinion for all time.

[p.rehbein]

Thanks for the comment Steve.  I know who Wesley was, just didn't know for sure which of his teachings you were referring to.

FYI my church broke from the Methodist Church as well...........The Church of God Reformation Movement Anderson, Indiana.  So, you are correct that there have been several Churches that splintered from the Methodist Church. I see what you are referring to, but here on their Forum probably isn't the proper place to discuss that issue/teaching since neither of us are of the Nazarine Church.  We should respect their Forum that much I supose.

Thanks for your comments and you will be getting my email sometime today with regards to that other thingy we spoke of.....

God bless ya!

[stevehut]

Good enuf.  Let's reserve this space for the Nazarene folk.

[aelk1986]

I am a Nazarene, I am very sorry that anyone was ever turned away from a church.  But you were turned away for long hair, the wrong clothes, etc... in the past at a lot of churches  so sad.  Salvation at the Nazarene church is through asking Jesus Christ to forgive us of our sins plain and simple.  Following through with baptism after is just to come in front of the church to acknowledge what you have done and to also follow through with what the Lord has said to do.  But you are not going to go to hell if you as Christ in your heart and do not get baptised right away and get in a car accident the next day.  I think it is sad though that a lot of people put off getting baptised and I am not sure why.  I grew up Catholic and was baptised as a baby. When I left the church and joined the Assembly of God church at first, I got baptised right away because I thought it was an important thing for me to do. (Boy were my parents offended)