Church Membership

[VoiceInTheWilderness]

Abiyah-

I am truly saddened to hear that you had to go through such a terrible ordeal.

There is absolutely no Biblical reason for you to have to remove a wedding band before entering a church. If at all I would think that a church would say just the opposite. Marriage is beautiful thing and something to be celebrated, especially in the church. God is the one who ordained marriage in the first place.

In a situation like yours, you were not disciplined because of sin, but because your past church was practicing gross legalism and you refused to submit.

What you have said would be all that would be necessary for a church to accept you into their membership, and ours would have absolutely no objection to someone in your situation.

Please - I hope you do not in any way feel as though our discussions have been directed towards you.

[ August 29, 2002, 08:11 PM: Message edited by: A voice crying in the wilderness ]

 

[Abiyah]

Oh, Voice! In no way do I think that this thread
is against me, but I think that I do demonstrate
an unusual situation that a church could come
across. You see, the pastor had his story of
what happened, and I have mine. I have never
heard his, and would really be interested in
hearing it!, but I have been told that his story is
that I was noncompliant. Well, I was. It is just
that his story does not go far enough. 8o)

If, however, he were asked for a letter of
recommendation for me, there is no way he
could write an honest letter without implicating
himself as at fault. That would put him in a very
uncomfortable position. Furthermore, based
upon his actions in the past, I would not expect
an honest letter.

There really are faulty church and faulty
pastors. I call my old church a cult, and based
upon a theological definition, it is. So when one
leaves a cult, that cult is not about to give either
an honest assessment of the person leaving
or one that is positive.

[ August 29, 2002, 08:35 PM: Message edited by: Abiyah ]

 

[ForumChaplain]

Originally posted by A voice crying in the wilderness:
I see that you have NOT read your homework assignment, let me go back and say again...
PLEASE STUDY 1 CORINTHIANS 5 BEFORE YOU MAKE ANY FURTHER RESPONSES TO THIS THREAD.

Then and only then if you would like to discuss the interpretation of scripture will I respond to any more of your opinions.

Will God’s sun come up tomorrow if you do not respond to my post. You have absolutely no idea how little I care if you respond or not.

I have spent more time in Corinthians than you have spent in the bible. If you cannot respond more courteously, “PLEASE SHUT UP”.

The problem with some of the posts on this board is that people are so quick to post an ... as you put it, opinion, without any knowledge of what the Bible actually says about a subject. What I am posting is not an opinion but an interpretation of scripture.

What you call an interpretation, I call erroneous garbage. I call it the ranting of an angry illiterate arrogant sorry Christian.

There are some things that are not up for discussion. If you have no knowledge of a subject, I don't think one ought to pretend that one does.

If someone genuinely has a desire to learn something, that is altogether different. I have no objections to sharing truth from scripture.

But before anyone jumps on and tries to imply that I sound highminded or like some authority, I'll be the first to admit, I'm not. Brethren I have much to learn myself, and don't pretend to have it all figured out.

But we cannot intelligently discuss Bible if we are all not familiar with what the Bible says.[/QB]

You do have a lot to learn, start with some manners.
What you think means “0” to me.
If I came here to learn, you are the last idiot that I would listen to.
You do not sound highminded, doesn’t appear that you have enough mind to get off the ground.

I will post my opinion as I please, but I refuse to ever again lower myself to your level of conversation. And I did so this time only for your edification…

 

[ForumChaplain]

Originally posted by Ernie Brazee:
Voice,

There are some here who only listen to opinions, ignoring the only authority....God's Word.

You posted what the Bible teaches, they rejected it, what use is further discussion?

What does the Bible say if they reject the Word?

Titus 3
10 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;


Pretty strong, but it is in the book!!!

Are you suggesting that i am a heretick. You are quick to judge. Even Satan can quote scripture. What's in your heart????

[ August 29, 2002, 09:48 PM: Message edited by: Chappie ]

 

[ForumChaplain]

Originally posted by Abiyah:
Oh, Voice! In no way do I think that this thread
is against me, but I think that I do demonstrate
an unusual situation that a church could come
across. You see, the pastor had his story of
what happened, and I have mine. I have never
heard his, and would really be interested in
hearing it!, but I have been told that his story is
that I was noncompliant. Well, I was. It is just
that his story does not go far enough. 8o)

If, however, he were asked for a letter of
recommendation for me, there is no way he
could write an honest letter without implicating
himself as at fault. That would put him in a very
uncomfortable position. Furthermore, based
upon his actions in the past, I would not expect
an honest letter.

There really are faulty church and faulty
pastors. I call my old church a cult, and based
upon a theological definition, it is. So when one
leaves a cult, that cult is not about to give either
an honest assessment of the person leaving
or one that is positive.

I to was chased out of a Pentecostal church in Porterville, Ca. because my wife would not remove her weding ring. And because I never spoke in tongues. (Spirit never prompted me to do so)

Sorry my opinion has created such a mess here. But when all is said and done, "God is good"..

 

[longshot]

Originally posted by A voice crying in the wilderness:
[QB]

What I am posting is not an opinion but an interpretation of scripture.

There are some things that are not up for discussion. \QB]

Hi Voice,
There are a lot of intelligent, spiritual minds on this board. Many who have studied for years and who I have learned much from by reading their posts and references. The most impressive thing I notice from them is their lack of arrogance.

 

[VoiceInTheWilderness]

Acts 7:54-58

When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth....

.... Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,And cast him out of the city, and stoned him:

As Solomon once said... There's nothing new under the sun.

 

[VoiceInTheWilderness]

Originally posted by longshot-
There are a lot of intelligent, spiritual minds on this board. Many who have studied for years and who I have learned much from by reading their posts and references. The most impressive thing I notice from them is their lack of arrogance.

Either I had that coming our you just couldn't resist.

Point taken though ... I think I said something about having alot to learn.... maybe you missed that.

I am sorry that I came across so harshly, I repent.

[ August 30, 2002, 07:18 PM: Message edited by: A voice crying in the wilderness ]

 

[Daniel David]

Chappie said:
I have spent more time in Corinthians than you have spent in the bible.

Preach says:
Keep studying.

 

[Daniel David]

Chappie-

I've got to agree with Voice on this one. But since you think his interpretations stinks up the place...

What you call an interpretation, I call erroneous garbage. I call it the ranting of an angry illiterate arrogant sorry Christian.

I would like to be blessed with your sweet smelling interpretation.

1 Corinthians 5:3-5
For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,
To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

 

[ForumChaplain]

Originally posted by PreachtheWord:
Chappie-

I've got to agree with Voice on this one. But since you think his interpretations stinks up the place...

</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr /> What you call an interpretation, I call erroneous garbage. I call it the ranting of an angry illiterate arrogant sorry Christian.

I would like to be blessed with your sweet smelling interpretation.

1 Corinthians 5:3-5
For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,
To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

</font>[/QUOTE]Hello Preach:
Your response to me was a tad sarcastic, yet sarcasm properly applied is an effective communications tool. And in this case does not violate the rules of Christian conduct..

Now if you will pay very close attention (my christian sarcasm) you will note that 1 Cor 5:3 does not deal with admissions of members, but rather discipline of members. ((((BIG DIFFERENCE )))

Yet even this passage must be moderated/reconciled with: Matt 18:21-22
21Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? 22Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
KJV

Careful not to run off after reading one passage, thinking you have read the whole bible.

How's that? Sweet enough for you??

 

[ForumChaplain]

Originally posted by A voice crying in the wilderness:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr /> Originally posted by longshot-
There are a lot of intelligent, spiritual minds on this board. Many who have studied for years and who I have learned much from by reading their posts and references. The most impressive thing I notice from them is their lack of arrogance.

Either I had that coming our you just couldn't resist.

Point taken though ... I think I said something about having alot to learn.... maybe you missed that.

I am sorry that I came across so harshly, I repent. </font>[/QUOTE]Matt 5:22-24
22But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

23Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;

24Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
KJV

 

[ForumChaplain]

Originally posted by PreachtheWord:
Chappie said:
I have spent more time in Corinthians than you have spent in the bible.

Preach says:
Keep studying.

Thanks for the encouragement.. I shall do even as you seggest.

 

[ForumChaplain]

Well, did we figure out the mechanics of church membership and church discipline???

 

[Abiyah]

Well, I came here to learn, but things got kind of
weird here for a while!! 8oO ! ! !

My decision has been to just get in there and
learn. I am going to more services than ever
before, and I am sure that will help. 8o)

 

[Rev. G]

This touches upon a huge problem in Baptist churches - both the "church vote" and the issue of accepting people without finding whether or not they have credible professions of faith before they join. Those who think that membership classes, the pastor/elders speaking with the prospects beforehand, and other such things are "unbaptistic" have no idea of what our history is!!!!!!!! A good source to study is BAPTIST POLITY, ed. Mark Dever.

Rev. G

 

[Grammy1013]

I've been attending a Baptist church for 13 yrs now and this is one thing I still don't understand. Why is there 'pressure' to "join" or become a member? Aren't we all members of "the church" upon salvation? Why the formality? Too much hub-bub about this kind of stuff, if you ask me (which nobody did, so sorry if I'm speaking out of turn).

I love the Lord, and I really want to worship Him with brothers and sisters of like mind, so I go to church to do that.

But join? Why??

 

[Doc Yankum]

Originally posted by Grammy1013:
[QB]I've been attending a Baptist church for 13 yrs now and this is one thing I still don't understand. Why is there 'pressure' to "join" or become a member? Aren't we all members of "the church" upon salvation? Why the formality?

Grammy, what you are talking about is a universal, invisible church instead of a local, visible body. The universal church theory is something that baptists had never held to. At least the others posting on this fracas purport to be baptist. Sometimes it is difficult to tell if they are from their positions.

 

[Doc Yankum]

Well Chappie. I got in on this thread late and enjoyed the exchange between you and some of the others. Since it has been a few days since you posted, I hope you've had time to cool off and not talk to me as you did to Voice and Ernie. Boy, you sure can unload when riled. Seriously, in a previous post (back in August I think) you said

"I believe that the doors to "Christs" church must remain open to even the worst of sinners."

My question to you--Do you mean saved sinners or unsaved sinners?
BTW, I notice on your profile you are a member of a G.N.B. Missionary Baptist Church. I am also a member of a MIssionary Baptist Church, but I am unfamilar with G.N.B. Can you enlighten me?

 

[rsr]

The universal church theory is something that baptists had never held to.

Why do you say that, Doc?

From the 1689 London Confession:

"1. The catholic or universal church, which (with respect to the internal work of the Spirit and truth of grace) may be called invisible, consists of the whole number of the elect, that have been, are, or shall be gathered into one, under Christ, the head thereof; and is the spouse, the body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
( Hebrews 12:23; Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 1:10, 22, 23; Ephesians 5:23, 27, 32 )

2. All persons throughout the world, professing the faith of the gospel, and obedience unto God by Christ according unto it, not destroying their own profession by any errors everting the foundation, or unholiness of conversation, are and may be called visible saints; and of such ought all particular congregations to be constituted.
( 1 Corinthians 1:2; Acts 11:26; Romans 1:7; Ephesians 1:20-22 ) "

The same language is in the 1742 Philadelphia Confession.

The 1858 Abstract of Principles of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary:

"The Lord Jesus is the Head of the Church, which is composed of all his true disciples, and in Him is invested supremely all power for its government. According to his commandment, Christians are to associate themselves into particular societies or churches; and to each of these churches he hath given needful authority for administering that order, discipline and worship which he hath appointed. The regular officers of a Church are Bishops or Elders, and Deacons."

I'm aware that many on the board don't hold to the belief, but it's not outside Baptist tradition.