So the NT would not know of why a christian would desire to stay not a member of a local church, it seems!
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- Thread starter Reformed
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I think the inference is strong that Christians are to commit themselves to a local body of believers. How else can there be accountability in the body of Christ? How can the body operate if someone decides to just leave? Church discipline is rendered moot.
The modern world thinks of commitment in terms of signing a contract. The church has simply followed along with what the world thinks.
Some people accurately believe they can commit to a local body without signing a contract.
But I say if the contract becomes a stumbling block for some, and a wedge between a believer and the local body, he ought to just sign it.
I would relegate it to an issue of liberty
Some people accurately believe they can commit to a local body without signing a contract.
But I say if the contract becomes a stumbling block for some, and a wedge between a believer and the local body, he ought to just sign it.
I would relegate it to an issue of liberty
Yes. Hebrews 10 warns us not to neglect meeting together with other believers so that we might be accountable to each other.
Then what? I would say desipleship and then hitting the streets for Christ....and that is what I see as the problem...ie churches don't prepare people to take the Word of God to the world (who desperately needs to know the Christ)
See if you don't prepare them then you default to a gathering place church....then you are apt to get what my wife laughingly calls 'CHINO's....Christians In Name Only.
I do not know what "hitting the streets for Christ" means. The church exists to feed the sheep and to be a light to the world. Not everyone is going to knock on doors and pass out tracts. Evangelism takes on many forms. But the issue at hand is whether a Christian is supposed to make a commitment to a local church. I believe the answer is a resounding "Yes!" Do churches have problems? Sure. Do they fail to meet all the needs of their members? Yes. Is that a valid excuse not to make a commitment? Hardly. If your spouse fails to meet all your needs is that a valid reason to file for divorce? You make the best of your situation and work to improve it.Then what? I would say desipleship and then hitting the streets for Christ....and that is what I see as the problem...ie churches don't prepare people to take the Word of God to the world (who desperately needs to know the Christ)
See if you don't prepare them then you default to a gathering place church....then you are apt to get what my wife laughingly calls 'CHINO's....Christians In Name Only.
Only Christ saves brother.
Did I suggest otherwise?
Well that is where I would put my emphasis... I have seen too many bad churches to start condoning them. Frankly, they scare me.
But you are not dealing with the issue of the OP.
Yeah I know....the real issue is about generating revenue. Then these churches will shrink and close. In most of there present states maybe it might not be a bad thing. God will still be working and in control.
Yes, as the local church is where the work of ministry/preparation/equipping the saints, along with disciplining happens!
Does it now!?!
God I only wish that that was true (unfortunately)
Ever since I have known you on this board you have maintained a low opinion of the church. Local assemblies are made up of flawed human beings, but it is exactly that group of people that Christ is the head of. You claim that every church in North Jersey is like that. You would likely say that about every church in Chicago, Montgomery, Seattle, Tempe et al.Does it now!?!
Again your opinion.. you do know what opinions are like don't you.
So now...I have witnessed pedofilia, a pastor stealing his church blind, another setting up cameras to look up his assistants dress, a pastor driving a guy out of church for not setting his kid up as autistic so the pastor could get government funding for his church ....yada yada yada. And I could go on and give you many more stories in great detail. So, the many I administer to in the streets ... repleate with all the stories of church abuse you can answer to because I will not send them back to those sin filled places. Rather I will pray with them, cry with them, laugh with them....focus them on their higher power...but send them back for more abuse.. .nope. unless it was Padre Durante....he is the genuine article,..he would get my endorsement.
There are some who fancy themselves as lone rangers, as if God will bless working apart from His church.
This is a fantasy type of existence. failing to commit to a local assembly, there is no accountability.
They cannot obey these verses...Hebrews 13:7....17
God has rule over all....not man.
Yes...and clearly Hebrews state's that we are to obey those who have the rule over us in God's ordained institution.
Obey those that have the rule over you as they watch for your souls .
Did the pediphile watch over the souls of his victims.....did the pervert pastor watch over the souls of the office assistant while look @ her cleveage and under her skirt....did the pastor who labeled a man's daughter as autistic so he could obtain money for his school, was he looking out for their souls? Shall I go on?
In that case those involved should invoke Matthew 18.