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A Layman's Questions

by Shadowcaster

Rated: ASR · Book · None · #2344774

A Blog on Biblical thoughts

Biblical Thoughts and questions from reading God's word.

Show Recent Comments

7 Most Recent Blog Comments:

Jeff

Jan 18, 2026 at 12:34pm
In response to "How do you define Church membership?"

I don't think I've ever been a part of a church that's required formal membership. Most of my church experiences have been with churches that roughly approximate membership by general numbers, and allow people to decide for themselves whether they consider themselves members of the church or are just visiting. Some people jump right in and consider themselves members after a few weeks, and others can go for months before considering themselves a part of the church. Everyone's different, I suppose!

Shadowcaster

Dec 30, 2025 at 7:11pm
In response to "Does dress matter in church. leadership?"

(Answer to comment above sent via email)

Thanks for your comment. The church referred to was Southern Baptist. I was thinking more in general terms. I myself like wearing jeans and when I was younger shorts. However just as the church was far more formal years ago it is now often dressed down a lot. Pastors and deacons should not overly care what people think but while dress should never be overly emphasized, they should respect their position of servanthood. This is why I think the more formal pastors should dress down occasionally and those who always dress down should consider more formality.

JACE

Dec 30, 2025 at 9:16am
In response to "Does dress matter in church. leadership?"

You didn't say what denomination you were, but maybe it doesn't matter. I attend a United Methodist church that has lay folks help with the elements. I've never really noticed what they were wearing. It didn't make any different to the congregation whether they wore suits or casual. I grew up Catholic and my wife is Lutheran, and those giving the elements always wore vestments of some sort.

Jeff

Nov 25, 2025 at 11:11pm
In response to "Interlude: What is my favorite Disney Biblical advice?"

I've never thought about the biblical implications of "Hakuna Matata" ... thanks for sharing!

Amethyst Agape Angel ♡

Sep 13, 2025 at 9:06am
In response to "How can you compare it?"

I thought this was absurd as well. If government give rights, it can also take them away. That's the most dangerous belief of all. Thanks for sharing.

Shadowcaster

Aug 31, 2025 at 10:18pm
In response to "Honoring the Lord in our Bodies"

Thanks for the comment.

I admit that just because something has Eastern or mystic roots does not make it evil and yes a lot depends on teachers of such arts. However. So much of them like yoga is actually Eastern mystical practice and worship. the importance of understanding where such items are based is important because of the dangers to suffocating ones first love which should be Christ. It is not coincidence that individuals involved in such practices often have an extra amount of messed up in their lives. Satan is a counterfeiter and if he can't dominate our senses through something like lust or more obvious addiction why not through hidden sensuality or even hidden homage to pagan deities?

Jeff

Aug 28, 2025 at 1:57pm
In response to "Honoring the Lord in our Bodies"

I don't think I've ever associated yoga, martial arts, dancing, or healthcare with evil. Some of those things definitely have their roots in Eastern culture, but I don't know that I believe that equates to something being evil. Although I suppose, like with most things, evil is more about the intention behind its use rather than the thing itself...

January 18, 2026 at 8:14am

#1106258

How do you define Church membership?

I have been to churches where you just where there for a while and were considered a member I have been to churches that have you go through classes and state that you agreed with their doctrine. I believe both ideals could use some change for neither kinds are great at filtering out truly bad eggs though I lean towards the one where you are gotten to be known and slowly allowed to participate if you are truly saved. I think of the church having members have to sign statements of faith with more than their adherence to Jesus his Godship, Lordship, death and resurrection is like Israel asking for a king. there are benefits but also many dangers. My reasons are below

1. Bylaws and Doctrine documents do protect churches from evil heresies and wrong teachings such as LGTBQ, social gospel and other errors but often include superfluous beliefs which may not be true and are not central to salvation. They should guard their doctrines but should not worry about contrary doctrines which do not threaten the very basic tuths of scripture.

2.All true believers are already members of the church of which Christ is the head.

3. False Christians and even those without understanding come into these churches anyway and so such documents do nothing but help create hypocrites.

4. Such documents cause men to twist themselves in pretzels. I have been in several Southern Baptist and Baptist churches ministers come to certain passages and do great verbal gymnastics to deny parts seem to contradict the doctrine of Security of the believer. Even if this doctrine is right this is a prime example of doctrines over scripture in places that are on many fronts very solid churches.

Granting that churches do need to keep themselves pure and often are not careful enough in association the practical application is questionable. I think of Jesus telling his disciples that he who is not against us is for us when they came across one who was not an part of the group but driving out demons in the name of Jesus (Mark 9:38-40)

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