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See, I think those distinctions, certainly important and valid, are better treated as polarities than as chunks. In fact, I think a lot of rancor could be addressed bu thinking that way.

Yes. Church, army, church militant, etc. And though Paul's "body image" (heh heh) is probably the one he uses the most, of course, the toesies (sorry, I had a daughter, it affected my mind) in Christ's body are no farther from the head than the neck is. So we can't work that analogy too hard.

Hmm. Galatians.... New Testament, right? Let my get my Cliff Notes ... ;-)

I think, um, Ps 87:7b -- ... all my springs are in thee.

That is, it's not so much that salvation doesn't come through my works, it's that I don't have any works to call my own. "Tamquam nihil habentes, et omnia possidentes." 2 Cor 6:10.

... all things come of thee, of thine own have we given thee. (1 Chronicles 29:14b)

So, really, the only thing of which boasting is even reasonable is the Cross of our Lord, by which we also are crucified unto the world. And I can't take credit for THAT! Boasting just ain't happening.

Mind you, I will TRY to boast, because I'm a jerk. But my sweet Lord will clobber me upside the haid when I do. So it's all good.

But there is this: Most of the time, for most of my life, I have tended to go with practical and quiet clothes (except for the occasional bow-tie, because I think bow-ties are ludicrous and the world needs more silliness.)

But, in these latter days, a friend turned me on to extravagantly designed socks. So in occasions of celebration, like Sundays, I wear fancy socks just to celebrate. Some might think that's boasting. But it's not. It's just saying Hallelujah. We should say Hallelujah a LOT, and when a good work happens in our vicinty is a fine time to do so.

Here endeth the rant.

>> I think a lot of rancor could be addressed bu thinking that way.

We certainly can do with less rancor and more unity in the body of CHRIST.

Differences WITHIN the body of CHRIST fade to nothing, compared to the difference BETWEEN GOD’s Kingdom of Light (as manifest in His church) and the kingdom of the “prince of the air” (as manifest in marxism, islam, secular humanism, etc.)

We do well to stand shoulder-to-shoulder, put our armor on, and fight with prayer the battle in the heavenlies. Soldiers of CHRIST, Arise!

FRegards, and GOD’s blessings on you, in JESUS’ name.