What Is A Predenominational Christian?

[adisciplinedlearner]

You were the one that put it as the "title" for your denomination in your profile. You condemn yourself.

I did not ever intend to use it as a title or label. I am opposed to the use of all denominational titles or labels.

 

[Revmitchell]

You gave him a loop hole when you used the word "organized."

He does not believe that a leader over a flock, with ordinances, a set of beliefs and pratices, with a set agenda, and regulaly appointed services with guidelines for discipline and removal of membership is an "organized" church.

Well yes and no. Even if you meet as a group regularly you are organized. Your organization (like his) is not scriptural but it is organized. I am very aware of the heretical house church movement. Which is not to be confused with all people who hold services in a home.

 

[Dr. Walter]

Well yes and no. Even if you meet as a group regularly you are organized. Your organization (like his) is not scriptural but it is organized. I am very aware of the heretical house church movement. Which is not to be confused with all people who hold services in a home.

Very good!

 

[adisciplinedlearner]

There is nothing heretical about the house church movement. If Obama has his way, all of us might soon be worshipping in our homes. This is what Christians did originally.

 

[Dr. Walter]

There is nothing heretical about the house church movement. If Obama has his way, all of us might soon be worshipping in our homes. This is what Christians did originally.

You failed to understand what he said! He distinguished between a church that meets in a home versus the house church movement. They are not the same.

 

[adisciplinedlearner]

I do not agree with this distinction.

 

[Dr. Walter]

I do not agree with this distinction.

You better study it further before you take a stand. I will ask you one question - Do you know how many different kinds of conflicting religious beliefs are found within this movement?

 

[adisciplinedlearner]

I am very familiar with the house church movement, and I realize that many house churches are heretical. This does not mean the movement itself is heretical. Of course, Landmark Baptists automatically regard it as heretical, since it has no organic connection to Landmark churches.

 

[DHK]

There is nothing heretical about the house church movement. If Obama has his way, all of us might soon be worshipping in our homes. This is what Christians did originally.

Watchman Nee popularized the house church movement. He wrote a very good book, "The Normal Christian Life." But he wrote some other works as well, which exposed some of his heretical beliefs.

His belief on the church is this:

He pointed out that the church is constituted of all those who believe into Christ and who belong to Christ. On the one hand, this church is universal, and on the other hand, it is local. On the universal side, the church is both God's house and the Body of Christ in the universe. On the local side, the church is the local manifestation of the house of God and the Body of Christ. These local manifestations are the many local churches which together form the one unique church in the universe.
This church as God's house is also God's household and God's habitation, which affords God the satisfaction and joy of a Father with His children; it is also God's dwelling place, which affords Him full and satisfying rest. In this way, He can freely express all that He is, has, and can do in this house.

http://www.watchmannee.org/major-teachings.html


Sound familiar?

 

[DHK]

I am very familiar with the house church movement, and I realize that many house churches are heretical. This does not mean the movement itself is heretical. Of course, Landmark Baptists automatically regard it as heretical, since it has no organic connection to Landmark churches.

Where do Landmark churches come into this discussion.
Just because you were one, doesn't mean all Baptists are.
Quit making sweeping broad generalizations.

 

[Dr. Walter]

I am very familiar with the house church movement, and I realize that many house churches are heretical. This does not mean the movement itself is heretical. Of course, Landmark Baptists automatically regard it as heretical, since it has no organic connection to Landmark churches.

So you beleive it is unscriptural to meet anywhere but in a house? If not, then how is the "house church movement" any more scripural than a church which meets in a house or a temple or in a field or in a purchased building?

 

[DHK]

I did not ever intend to use it as a title or label. I am opposed to the use of all denominational titles or labels.

Like it or not you are a denomination in and of yourself. How many followers do you have?
You probably have your own website.
What is it?

 

[adisciplinedlearner]

My convictions are based upon my own study of the New Testament. I studied some of the writings of Watchman Nee and Witness Lee when I was in seminary over 25 years ago, but I have not been influenced by them.

 

[Dr. Walter]

My convictions are based upon my own study of the New Testament. I studied some of the writings of Watchman Nee and Witness Lee when I was in seminary over 25 years ago, but I have not been influenced by them.

So you beleive it is unscriptural to meet anywhere but in a house? If not, then how is the "house church movement" any more scripural than a church which meets in a house or a temple or in a field or in a purchased building?

 

[adisciplinedlearner]

I believe it is totally consistent with the New Testament to meet in a house, but I do not think this should be made a law. I am personally opposed to church houses, which came along later in church history, but I do not condemn those who use them.

 

[Dr. Walter]

I believe it is totally consistent with the New Testament to meet in a house, but I do not think this should be made a law. I am personally opposed to church houses, which came along later in church history, but I do not condemn those who use them.

What about in a massive complex like a "temple" in Jerusalem? What about in the open field? Why would the purchase of a house for the church to meet in be any better or worse for you to purchase a house for you to live in or use for a church to meet in?

Do you believe a church should purchase a piano or organ or buy a car - none of these things are mentioned in the New Testament either?

 

[DHK]

I believe it is totally consistent with the New Testament to meet in a house, but I do not think this should be made a law. I am personally opposed to church houses, which came along later in church history, but I do not condemn those who use them.

Where did the idea of making it into a law come into being? Who suggested that?
Don't you believe in soul liberty? How about separation of church and state?