questions about the church

No dancing I am baptist

If you read what I said I stated that I believe the church is not the kingdom of God or the whole family of God, but apart of them. Clearly, if one would read the New Testament without bias the Scripture deals with both the local church and the Church as a whole. To deny this is to ignore the Scripture. That you don't agree with the Scriptures I gave that they speak to this is your choice.

I do enjoy talking with people about their different views of the Scripture, but I don't enjoy speaking with one who is condescending in his attitude. Unfortunately, you have done this not only here but in dealing with issues with others. Why do you seem to have a problem just dealing decently with the discussion rather than having an attitude that turns people away. You and I can disagree, but let's drop the snooty attitude.

Thanks---

Bro Tony

 

Don't mis-state what I said. I never said the "only" requirement. Please notice an important word in my post (include). I am sure you know what that word means, it does not speak of the whole, but a crucial requirement. While a local church may require one to be baptized to be in their membership, and live a certain life, and even sign a church covenant, that is their local church polity. But those things have nothing to do with being a member of the Lord's Church His Body.

Bro Tony

 

Great question. I have already stated that I dont believe that every believer from all time is a member of the Church. I dont equate OT believers as members of the Church. I would say they are in the Kingdom of God. As the members of the NT Church are in the Kingdom of God.

Would you say that all believers since Pentecost are a part of the Church?

Thanks.,

Bro Tony

 

Again, read what I wrote concerning this. To whom is Paul writing. The one the letter is addressed to clarifies who the information refers to.

Bro Tony

 

I will make my response simple here so it cannot be missed. I certainly do believe this passage speaks of Christ's giving of Himself totally for the church. If His giving did not include His death & resurrection, then it is meaningless. Only Christ could give the Church what it needs that is a Savior who died for our redemption. The church is not some impersonal organization, but the body of those who have received Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

Bro Tony

 

Bro Tony,

No. But I think we're getting off the topic. As I understand, "universal" means all believers (and lets just say after Pentecost for our conversation) are members of the body of Christ. It's this idea I disagree with.

 

TCassidy,

In response to your first reply of your last three. That was the most childish display I have seen in a long time. The last time I saw that kind of mimic performance was from a third grader. Time to grow up brother. You can do better.

To the second response. Nothing has change in what I have said. You asked how do you know. I could ask you the same question even if one has passed all the local church requirements. How can you know for sure?

Thirdly, if he was teaching that all saints would be caught up it stands to reason that would include the church and not just the local one.

Bro Tony

 

Please read the verse again. The command is that I love my wife like Christ loved the church. He demonstrated that love by giving himself for her.

I do love my wife to that extent that I would give my life for her. As I would my kids. As I was willing to do for my country. But that is beside the point my life would not redeem hers, while Christ's sacrifice has brought us redemption. The ultimate expression of the Lord's love is expressed in His willingness to sacrafice his life for us. In that He did give Himself for her and not just to her (ie the church).

Bro Tony

 

The word “church” doesn’t only mean a local assembly of believers.

There was one church in Judea and Galilee and Samaria or were there many churches there?

It’s obvious that the word can mean both a local assembly and a larger collective body of believers depending upon it’s context.

It’s also obvious (to some of us at least) that the word “church” is used as a metaphor for the whole body of Christ, the unity of believers in Christ.

Peter supports the idea of a united “church” of believers by calling us a “spiritual house for a holy priesthood” (1 Peter 2:5).

In Eph 5, the relationship between the husband and wife is compared to Christ’s love for the church. Just as a husband desires his wife to be pure and blameless, without spot or wrinkle so Christ desires to present Himself to the Church; He sanctifies us, (cleansing and purifying us).

The word "church" is a singular feminine noun.
Is it just coincidence that the word “Church”, (eκκλησίa in Greek) is feminine and singular? It adds to the imagery of Christ as a bridegroom of the Church, which includes believers of all ages (Luke 5:34,35).

What other metaphors are there for the general collection of all believers?

Rob

 

Yes, Paul is telling the church at Thessalonica that all the saints will be caught up, not just some of them, so their fears that they had missed the rapture, based on the false letter they received, were unfounded, which he deals with in detail in his next letter to them. </font>[/QUOTE]You don't mean a "false lettter" do you? It was a misunderstood letter right?