Sunday Night and Wed. Bible study

Sorry to have caused this debate. Just stated the fact that when thelast pastor resigned, because of family concerns, the congregation chose to suspend Sunday evening services. The sign and bulletin both mention Sunday eve services so I expressed that we need to either hold them or remove reference from the sign and bulletins.

Again, my appologies for having caused this issue.

 

No apologies needed. Sometimes a good debate can remove: "Baptist Barnacles Without Biblical Basis" and other "traditions of men".

Sorry about your church

Selah,

Bro. James

 

The pastor is described as an overseer, one having charge, or a ruler. That certainly carries an element of authority in it.

A church can carry on without a pastor, but they are out of order when they do, and should seek to resolve that as quickly as possible.

 

They are out of order...

Whose order?
Can one have confession without a priest?

A New Testament Assembly is indwelled by The Holy Spirit--who leads in all Truth.

The authority to preach, baptize and teach is vested in the Assembly. She delegates the various areas of responsibility to whomever she chooses--by democratic vote. The ones who carry out the responsibilities have the authority to carry out only as delegated by the congregation.

"Power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely"

Selah,

Bro. James

 

I ask again---what do you do with Hebrews 13:7 & 1 Thessalonians 5: 12-13

The church is not a democracy---it is a theocracy that has positions of authority---just like Heaven----don't think that Heaven will be run by democratic process!! The sloppiest form of Governnment is democracy.

"Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely"

Well, then, what do you do with what Jesus said----"All power is given unto Me both in Heaven and in Earth."----if power corrupts---and absolute power corrupts absolutely----then Jesus is absolutely corrupt!!! Is that what you're saying????

 

Leadership does not equal authoritarian rule.

In the book of Acts Chapter 1:15-26 we find the First New Testament Assembly in business meeting for the purpose of selecting a replacement for Judas Iscariot. There were two nominations: Justus and Mathias. In verse 26, and they(120, vs.15) gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias and he was numbered with the eleven. This is a democracy--lead by the Holy Spirit, Who makes all the difference. Heaven will be a pure theocracy--we are not in heaven yet, and still under the New Testament pattern. See the Book of Acts, Chs. 1 and 2.

The "power/corrupt" reference applies to depraved men, not the Lord Jesus.

Selah,

Bro. James

 

I have some loose notes on Colossians, the last book I taught through, if you're interested. Colossians is a badly needed medicine. We need to teach our people to have Christ-centered worldviews.

 

HORRORS! You sat on one of the holy items of worship in the sanctuary?