Tom, I expect that we'll not ever settle this here, but I see the very separatist nature of our churches as anathema to God instead of what God asks us to do.
Did you write that memo to the Apostle Paul?
We cannot fulfill Christ's call to unity, nor His prayer for unity if we are all separated by a concept of "stand alone" local congregation.
Paul established approximately 100 "local congregations" on 3 different missionary journeys. There is no such thing as a denomination, convention, association, or anything that is remotely similar in the Bible. Consider also that all of Paul's epistles were written to a "local congregation," or a pastor thereof. Was he wrong?
I also find the entire concept of separation to be one of necessity during some points in the history of the Church (universal) where one group has placed their foot on the neck of others -- not a typical need that we ought to promulgate at all other times and places.
Did Paul write in vain?
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. (Romans 16:17)
Christianity is a COMMUNITY affair, not an individualistic seeking of God that is withheld from all others for any number of reasons.
True, But the definition of Christianity and "the local church" are not the same thing. Biblical Christianity is composed of believers having a personal relationship with Christ and following in His steps doing whatever he commands. Part of that is being part of a local assembly.
And further, I've seen that radical separation and insistence that the LOCAL church IS the only expression of church as one that ultimately leads to heretical practice
So, Paul's practice was heretical?? That is what he practiced. It was separation, and it was radical in the eyes of the unbelievers around him of that day. They dragged him out of the city and stoned him. But in our society, "don't make any waves," (we want to avoid the persecution.) Furthermore the "practice" of redefining "church" as "universal" is unbiblical. "Church" means "assembly." It is impossible to have an unassembled assembly. It is a contradiction of terms.
-- not saying that EVERY local church that remains separated is heretical, by no means... But, that they can get there, and some have, and that "separation" is indeed sin against God who told us to be one as He is One.
And that is how Paul instructed the saints at the local church at Ephesus.
We ought not even be divided into denominations (and anti-denominations that are, for all practical purposes denominations anyway). We should be ONE church in multiple locations with leadership structure in each location.
How do you have one assembly in multiple locations? Do you know how absurd that sounds? The meaning of church is either assembly or congregation. Read through Darby's translation of the NT. He will consistently translate "church" as assembly. He avoided the political correctness forced upon the KJV translators by the Anglican translators of that day. He translated ekklesia accurately--assembly. It is impossible to have an unassembled assembly or an assembly that is scattered in different places. It isn't an assembly then is it? You cannot have one assembly in different places. Please look up the definition of assembly.
But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a
lawful assembly. (Acts 19:39)
And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed
the assembly. (Acts 19:41)
--The same word is used here in these two verses--ekklesia. It means assembly, and in every other place it is translated church. Why not here? Because the context is obvious. But the meaning is obvious. Ekklesia means assembly. It is a gathering of people.
Where do WE meet? Wherever we are, your place, my place, their place... Jesus said, "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” (Mat 18:20)
--The context of that verse is church discipline. It is not the definition of a church.
Who are the leaders? Whomever is the "under-shepherd" in that local congregation, who works as the called out one (or ones) representing and ministering to God's people in the name of the Shepherd, Jesus Christ. When will we meet again? The next time we meet -- everywhere and every place!
An assembly is gathered together on one place at one time. You apparently don't know that simple definition. And to further define what a church is, we also have the pastoral epistles to help us.
Would you "divide" Christ into one box or another, or the same for the Spirit which is the same Holy Spirit for all of God's people?
--Who is dividing Christ? To use your logic: Christ dwells in me; Christ dwells in you; Christ dwells in Tom, and in Amy. Therefore is Christ divided? Is there more than one Christ? This is your logic when it comes to the local church.
entitled Ecclesia--the Church. It can be found at: http://www.theologue.org/Ecclesia/Ecclesia-BHCarroll.html. I'm currently recording a lecture series in Japanese on ecclesiology, so it's fresh in my mind.
