Man breeds pride, as pride leads man to destruction. Unless pride is overcome, then the latter is certain in one form or another. Even to be humble, is a gift easily swayed.
To define and/or describe 'PRIDE' in an acceptable and trusted fashion, is to do so using an inerrant and infallible source, found only in the Holy Bible. This is not a position of judgement, arrogance, or pride in itself, but rather, that which is irrefutable - a source throughout the centuries propagated as the lie - when just one lie, called a PlanDemic, is about to awaken the global populous from its stupor, while embracing lies as though truth.
HERE ARE 12 DESCRIPTIONS OF 'PRIDE'
Isaiah 2:11 tells us, "Human pride will be brought down, and human arrogance will be humbled."
Proverbs 11:2 tells us, "Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom."
Proverbs 13:10 tells us, "Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise."
Proverbs 16:18 tells us, "Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall."
Proverbs 29:23 tells us, "Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor."
Job 16:15 tells us, "My pride lies in the dust."
Psalm 73:6 tells us, "They wear pride like a jeweled necklace and clothe themselves with cruelty."
Psalm 73:8 tells us, "They scoff and speak only evil; in their pride they seek to crush others."
Romans 12:16 tells us, "Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!"
Galatians 6:3 tells us, "If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important."
2 Timothy 3:4 tells us, "They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God."
1 John 2:16 tells us, "For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world."
IN DEFENCE OF THOSE WHO TRUST NOT THE CHRISTIAN OR ITS POSITION
Many Christians don't like me because I am one, bolder than most, constantly calling for accountability; so I hear you when you choose to run from, rather than to, the truth you need, while appreciating, the examples set by the Christian, can be far from Jesus and not much different than the world - we sincerely apologize - we are without excuse.
Change is inevitable, but change starting with self is worthy of applause - PK
Point being, no one is perfect, we're human, and pride knocks on everyone's door, especially the Christian. The devil comes to steal, kill, and destroy, and couldn't care less who he involves or hurts; age, male or female, or what a person believes.
A must hear audio clip entitled 'How The Church Has Let You Down,' can be found on the menu link 'INSIGHT' of this website, in reference to what I mean by, 'pride is the devil's keyholder,' as pride takes simplicity and turns it into complexity.
It is said there may be 30K Christian denominations. All of them fall prey to the devil, through title and doctrine, before ever getting to the literal living word of God.
Got Questions skims the topic as follows:
Worship and Theological Groupings
Charismatic — 584 million. Charismatic churches can be evangelical, fundamental, or liberal. They are characterized by an emphasis of experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit, often manifested by the use of tongues and belief in faith healing.
Evangelical — 285 million. Evangelical just means having an emphasis on sharing the gospel. The term can apply to about any denomination; even the Catholic Church has evangelical adherents.
Mainline Protestant — 220–305 million. Mainline churches are generally older and more formal, but they can also be more theologically liberal than evangelicals. Includes Methodist, Lutheran, Episcopal, Presbyterian, American Baptist, United Church of Christ.
Fundamental — unknown. In its most basic form, a fundamentalist church believes in biblical inerrancy and rejects theological liberalism and cultural modernism. Some consider Catholics to be fundamentalists. There is overlap as mainline and evangelical churches can also be fundamentalist.
Liberal — unknown. Liberal Christianity teaches a way of interpreting the Bible that is less literal. They tend to emphasize the social gospel and de-emphasize Jesus’ miracles. Liberal theology is more common among mainline denominations.
General Groups
Baptist — 300–400 million. Baptists can be evangelical, fundamental, or liberal. The name “Baptist” comes from the belief that only believers should be baptized—not infants. There are over 218 Baptist conventions, associations, and unions.
Pentecostal — 280 million. Pentecostalism began in the early 1900s and emphasizes the experience of the Holy Spirit. Pentecostals are known for their belief that the signs gifts seen in Acts have continued to this day, as well as their enthusiastic worship. Pentecostalism is comprised of over 700 denominations.
Anglican — 85 million. The Anglican Church started pulling away from Roman Catholicism as early as the days of St. Patrick in 432, but it became fully autonomous during the reign of King Henry VIII when the Catholic Church refused to let the king divorce Catherine of Aragon. The Episcopal Church is the main American branch of Anglicanism.
Non-denominational Evangelical — 80 million. While many non-denominational churches are truly independent, there are a few that were planted from a single church and still maintain some affiliation. Examples are Calvary Chapel and Vineyard churches.
Lutheran — 65–90 million. Lutheran churches have about 36 different groups. And it should be noted that, in some European countries, it is nearly a legal requirement to register with a denomination and support them financially, even if the taxpayer does not attend services or even believe the church’s doctrine. Often, the Lutheran Church is chosen.
African Protestant — 60 million. African-initiated churches were started by local pastors and not missionaries from European denominations. Some sects developed because of cultural differences between native Africans and European missionaries, and some have theological differences and heresies that reflect this.
Presbyterian — 40–50 million. Although Presbyterianism started in Great Britain and has a long history in the United States, it is far more common in Africa, where it was introduced in 1898.
Methodist — 30–80 million. Methodism is an offshoot of the Church of England, an Anglican church. Methodists are primarily Arminian and emphasize good works. Their reliance on liturgy varies within the different congregations.
Continental Reformed — 20–30 million. Less known in the U.S., the Continental Reformed churches are Calvinistic churches with roots in the European continent, as opposed to Presbyterian and Congregational churches, which began in Great Britain.
Congregational — 5 million. Congregational churches are governed by the congregation, as opposed to a Presbyterian church, which is governed by a group of elders, or an Episcopal church, which is governed by an episcopate or single person—although this form of church polity is not limited to churches in the Congregational denomination. There are three main groups within Congregationalism, but none claim more than 2 million members.
Denominations
Church of England (Anglican) — 80 million. The number may be an exaggeration. Other statistics mention 25 million baptized members and 1.7 million attending at least one service each month.
Assemblies of God (Pentecostal) — 67.5 million. As a fellowship, the Assemblies of God (AoG) is comprised of over 140 autonomous groupings. To make things more interesting, there are at least three other fellowships that include “Assemblies of God” in their name.
Calvary Chapel (non-denominational) — 25 million. This number is an estimate, as Calvary Chapel churches do not have formal membership. There are about 1,500 independent churches associated with the movement. Their humble beginnings in Southern California took off in 1965 when Chuck Smith broke away from the Foursquare Church and ministered to hippies and surfers.
Evangelical Church in Germany (Lutheran) — 24.5 million. The Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD) is a federation encompassing nearly all the other Protestant denominations in Germany, including Lutheran, Calvinist, and United. Churches are restricted to regions in Germany that reflect borders from 1848. These churches do not infringe on each other’s territories, so if a Lutheran parishioner moved from one region to another, he would go to the church in that region, even if it is Calvinist or United. In addition, any pastor is welcome to preach at any other church.
Church of Nigeria (Anglican) — 18 million. Anglicanism was brought to Nigeria in 1842 and 22 years later saw its first local bishop. It broke from the Church of England in 1919. They oppose the ordination of homosexuals and stand in communion with other Anglican and Episcopal churches that do the same.
Southern Baptist Convention (Baptist) — 16.2 million. The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) is the largest Baptist body in the world and the second largest Christian body in the U.S. after the Roman Catholic Church. Southern Baptists are evangelical and generally conservative in their theology.
Apostolic Church (Pentecostal) — 15 million. The Apostolic Church began in Wales. They emphasize missions and the teachings of the New Testament apostles. The largest national church is in Nigeria and has 4.5 million members. They believe in the continuation of the offices of apostle and prophet.
Vineyard Movement (non-denominational) — 15 million. The Vineyard Movement split from Calvary Chapel in 1982 when its founder, John Wimber, started emphasizing healing and other sign gifts, although they have formally moved away from prophetic words. The worship style is generally charismatic but varies depending on the individual congregation. They value missions and being casual and undogmatic.
Zion Christian Church (African Protestant) — 15 million. The Zion Christian Church (ZCC) is the largest church in Southern Africa that originated in Africa and not Europe or England. Other sources say they may only have 5 million members. Engenas Lekganyane, the founder, had a background in Anglicanism, Apostolicism, and Catholicism. In 1948, Lekganyane’s son moved the church’s emphasis away from signs and toward more Bible teaching. Their practices still include prophecy and healing, and they believe that their church’s leader is their mediator to God.
Fang Cheng Fellowship (Pentecostal) — 12 million. Fang Cheng is the second largest denomination in China and one of the largest house church networks in the world. In the early 2000s, they experienced persecution by the Chinese government; in 2000, 130 members were arrested, and one leader was imprisoned from 2004 to 2011.
United Methodist Church (mainline) — 12 million. Formed by the partnership of the Methodist Church (USA) and the Evangelical United Brethren Church, the UMC is Wesleyan/Arminian in theology. It is the largest mainline Protestant denomination in the U.S. Worship style is a mix of liturgical and evangelical.
International Circle of Faith Apostolic Churches (Pentecostal) — 11 million. International Circle of Faith Apostolic Churches (ICOF) emphasize repentance, baptism for the remission of sins, receiving the Holy Spirit, and racial equality. Their own statistics claim over 25 million constituents.
China Gospel Fellowship (Pentecostal) — 10 million. Also known as the Tanhe Fellowship, the China Gospel Fellowship is a house church network and the second largest Protestant denomination in China. Devoted to reaching minority groups, they are targeted by the government and suffer persecution from other religious groups as well.
Eternal Sacred Order of Cherubim and Seraphim (African Protestant) — 10 million. Like many African-originating denominations, this one started out of a desire for signs and wonders. Where the European missionaries saw voodoo, the Africans saw Bible-based sign gifts—particularly healing. Ambiguity abounds as they claim to fight witchcraft and demon possession but prophesy and perform strange miracles.
Using the Anglican Church's position before getting to the living word, the following are just 6 of 39 Articles as found at Anglicans Online, with the summaries listed (in italics) from AOC International; of which God is saying, blah, blah, blah.
I. Of Faith in the Holy Trinity. There is but one living and true God, everlasting, without body, parts, or passions; of infinite power, wisdom, and goodness; the Maker, and Preserver of all things both visible and invisible. And in unity of this Godhead there be three Persons, of one substance, power, and eternity; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
Defines our faith as Trinitarian as we believe in a triune Godhead of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit (see St. Matthew 28:19).
II. Of the Word or Son of God, which was made very Man. The Son, which is the Word of the Father, begotten from everlasting of the Father, the very and eternal God, and of one substance with the Father, took Man’s nature in the womb of the blessed Virgin, of her substance: so that two whole and perfect Natures, that is to say, the Godhead and Manhood, were joined together in one Person, never to be divided, whereof is one Christ, very God, and very Man; who truly suffered, was crucified, dead, and buried, to reconcile his Father to us, and to be a sacrifice, not only for original guilt, but also for actual sins of men.
Speaks of God the Son as having two natures: both fully man and fully God, who was virgin-born, and whose death on the cross reconciles all true Christians to the Father (see St. John 1:14).
III. Of the going down of Christ into Hell. As Christ died for us, and was buried, so also is it to be believed, that he went down into Hell.
Makes mention of Christ going down into “Hell.” While there remains some debate concerning his actually going into the portion of the underworld where the evil and notorious are held until the Great White Throne Judgment, it is accepted that he did descend to the lower world (see Ephesians 4:9).
IV. Of the Resurrection of Christ. Christ did truly rise again from death, and took again his body, with flesh, bones, and all things appertaining to the perfection of Man’s nature; wherewith he ascended into Heaven, and there sitteth, until he return to judge all Men at the last day.
Teaches us about the resurrection of Christ and that he will return and judge all people at the last day. (See Revelation 22:12.)
V. Of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost, proceeding from the Father and the Son, is of one substance, majesty, and glory, with the Father and the Son, very and eternal God.
Defends the inclusion of the filioque as found in the Nicene Creed, which states that the Holy Ghost does indeed proceed from both the Father and the Son (see St. John 14:16, 15:26, and 16:7).
VI. Of the Sufficiency of the Holy Scriptures for Salvation. Holy Scripture containeth all things necessary to salvation: so that whatsoever is not read therein, nor may be proved thereby, is not to be required of any man, that it should be believed as an article of the Faith, or be thought requisite or necessary to salvation. In the name of the Holy Scripture we do understand those canonical Books of the Old and New Testament, of whose authority was never any doubt in the Church.
MEANING - 33 more articles from the Anglican church alone, plus, 29,999 more denominations offering a similar smorgasbord of positions, before getting to Jesus and His living word, 40+ God-inspired authors of the Holy Bible.
As you can see, pride is the devil's keyholder. Amidst all the above, through the over complication of a simple thing, the inerrant and infallible truth that sets you free can be found, 'IF' you will go directly to the source., Jesus Christ, nothing added, nothing taken away, as in 'ALL SCRIPTURE,' and not according to denominational perspective and opinion.
In closing, if Christian teachers, and the church as a whole, were to humbly apply Kelly Johnson's 'KISS Principle' logic that reads "most systems work best if they are kept simple rather than made complicated; therefore, simplicity should be a key goal in design, and unnecessary complexity should be avoided," leaving behind their denominational pride, doctrines, articles, and statements, it is guaranteed by the Covenant of Grace that the power of the Holy Spirit will bring to life the living word, all 31,173 verses, 66 books only, like never before experienced, leaving seasoned, or new Christians, void of worry, fear, and doubt, because of the free gift of grace in which Jesus came to bring us.
The simplicity of the following 12 scriptures speak volumes - with full corresponding teaching with each reference that man is unable to provide!
John 3:16 "For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."
John 11:25 "Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying."
John 14:6 "Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me."
Romans 10:9 "If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
Psalm 91 "For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you;
no plague will come near your home. I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name."
Psalm 138:3 "As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength."
Psalm 139:15-16 "You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed."
Mark 11:24 "I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours."
Luke 1:37 "For the word of God will never fail."
Hebrews 6:18 "It is impossible for God to lie."
Titus 1:2 "This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God—who does not lie—promised them before the world began."
Revelation 20:15 "And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire."
PS:
Invest in yourself! Invest in truth!
Consider the purchase of one or all four Holy Spirit led authored books HERE or HERE addressing 'How & why we must connect with Jesus' - 'Man gives us religion - God gives us truth' - 'Lesson to live by' (powerful on grace & gratitude) - and 'Super hero's for Jesus' as a grass roots learning tool ... I thank you ... and I thank you, Jesus, amen and amen!
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