Protestantism

Evangelical Friends International was created in 1989.

We can use the Pharisees as an example of this. They had lost their love of God and become so legalistic they were not an example, a good example, of what a believer should be. They scorned the Truth, Jesus, when they saw it because it disrupted their traditons etc. The same can happen to a church. We can become so caught up in the day-to-day part of religion we no longer are close to God. We become stale. The Holy Spirit is no longer able to move and do something new in their hearts because they are so bound up by traditions etc. The Israelites did the same thing. God said at one point. " Their lips praise me but their hearts are far from me." When worship of God becomes mundane and "same old", and we no longer want to obey God, we are in danger of becoming dead spiritually, whether it is a church or a person.

Some United Methodist sanctuaries will have little if any decoration other than a cross, the Christian flag and sometimes the US flag. However, many UM churches decorate their sanctuaries with banners appropriate to the liturgical season. A few UM churches get more experimental with their decorations, as can be seen at http://www.flickr.com/photos/24408597@N02/collections/72157611102045220/

with stuff

I think Joel Osteen is a wonderful speaker. I love what he has to say, he is truly wonderful. I do however notice in his casual way of speaking. It's as if there is an uneducated social class of influence, perhaps from his upbringing. His choice of grammatical words however are often not correct.

people are not allowed to wear hats inside the church

Ignorance is bliss.

The Church gained power after the Roman empire fell. For many years, Christians were persecuted by Roman emperors who were strongly opposed to the Church. When the Roman empire was falling, Constantine went into power and allowed Christians to practice their faith openly. Romans turned to the religion to hold on to their many traditions and practices, which is why the Church is heavily influenced by Roman culture. More and more people turned to Christianity during the fall of Rome which allowed the Church to gain the power it needed to survive over many centuries.

Archbishop James Ussher counted back the ages of the people mentioned in the Bible as being direct descendants of Adam.

The Berbers from north Africa were followers of Islam and often called Moors (black) during the Middle Ages because of their dark skin. In the year 711 Count Julian of Ceuta in Spain, a follower of Arianism, called on the Moors for support, because the king had converted to Catholicism and demanded that his nobles follow suit. This began a long period of Moorish rule in Spain. Methodism is a branch of Christian Protestanism originating in England.

CARLOS BELTRAN - Outfield

Bats: S Throws: R Ht: 6' 1 Wt: 200

Born: April 24, 1977 in Manati, PR

Family: Wife, Jessica

Major League Debut: September 14, 1998

When I was in Kansas City everything was going well for me. My marriage was good and I was very successful in baseball but something was missing in my life. That something was Christ. Every human being is born with a little defect in his heart. That defect is a hole in the heart that can only be filled by Jesus Christ. One night at a Bible Study in a Kansas City hotel room after a home game, the hole in my heart was filled. Accepting Jesus Christ into my heart was the biggest decision that I ever made. I'd been feeling like I wanted to have a better life, and I found it in God. It's not that everything is perfect now or that I don't have struggles anymore. But it's been easier going through it with Christ. God continues to change me everyday. Little by little He is taking away the things that He doesn't want me to do. What was important to me before is no longer important because I found a better life in God.

It is difficult to play in New York. Every time I take the field I think of my favorite verse-"I can do all things through him who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13). I tell Him, "I'm doing this in Your name." I don't worry about so many things, I play to please God and if I have a good game I give the glory to God. If I have a bad game I continue to give Him the honor and glory because He has control over everything.

That night in Kansas City I understood that we are all sinners. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). We can, however, be forgiven for our sins because of Jesus Christ's payment for our sins on the cross. "But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). When I die, I know that I'm going to heaven because I accepted Christ and He lives in me. I believe, because I'm saved, that I'm going to spend eternity with Him. God loves you too and He wants you to accept Jesus into your heart. Don't be afraid simply trust Him.

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No one knows if there really is a Hell, and if there is one, no one knows exactly who will go there.

Protestantism did not have such a great victory in Southwest Europe, especially Italy. This is mostly because Italy has always been a Catholic nation; it's home of the Vatican, Pope, and Rome (which is where Roman Catholicism comes from).

To a great extent England was already protestant by the time Edward VI was crowned, he did however inforce it on those who still did not accept the King as head of the Church, as some rebelled against it.

Edward VI had been brought up a Protestant like Elizabeth I was.

Established Protestant churches are denominations that have a formal and recognized relationship with the state, often enjoying certain privileges and support from the government. This status typically includes churches like the Church of England, the Church of Scotland, and the Lutheran Church in some countries. Established churches often play a significant role in national identity and cultural traditions, and their clergy may have specific legal roles in civil ceremonies. The relationship between church and state can vary widely depending on the country and its historical context.

Protestantism, particularly in its early forms, often reinforced traditional gender roles and social hierarchies, which limited women's opportunities for leadership and autonomy in religious and social contexts. Additionally, many Protestant reformers, while advocating for personal faith and scripture access, often adopted or perpetuated anti-Jewish sentiments prevalent in their societies, leading to marginalization rather than support for Jewish communities. Thus, while Protestantism sought to reform certain aspects of Christianity, it did not significantly advance the rights or status of women or Jews.

The inside of a Lutheran church typically features a simple yet reverent design, focused on the altar and pulpit. The sanctuary often includes pews arranged in a semi-circle facing the altar, with a prominent cross or crucifix displayed. Stained glass windows may depict biblical scenes, and the overall decor is generally modest, reflecting the Lutheran emphasis on worship and scripture over elaborate ornamentation. Many churches also have liturgical colors represented in paraments and banners, corresponding to the church calendar.