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To: norge

Norge,

Good question about the assertion that church services are for believers. First, the church is simply the body of Christ. There are no pagans in the body of Christ. Acts 2 tells us "they came together in one accord" (no, this was not a Honda automobile) - meaning they were believers in Jesus. This was pentacost. Keep reading Acts - and the other letters from Paul & Peter - and you will see that lost folk who came to their services (by whatever word you want to use) were saved by the preaching of the Truth. The Apostles did not conform their teaching or doctrine to make it easy for pagan ears to hear. Pagans become saints by hearing hte Truth and being convicted of sin and falling humbly at the feet of the Lamb of God. The only accomodation made for pagans was a "oh, by the way" comment by Paul in 1 Corinthians 14 after he had forcefully told those saints to speak a few clear, understandable words rather than babble in unknown tongues. Verses 21 and following show that by speaking in a known tongue the unchanging Truth of God's Word, lost folk were convicted and fell on their face to worship Christ.

Yes, my own church is "seeker sensitive" and I am earnestly contending for the faith therein.

In all things and all ways, let the Lord God of all creation be our only guide.


110 posted on 05/07/2005 10:18:50 AM PDT by Manfred the Wonder Dawg (In all things give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.)
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To: Manfred the Wonder Dawg

Agreed, that the Church is the Body of Christ. And even though I attend church and am part of that church, my opinion is that the modern day church, in whatever form it may take, is a rather human construct.

And you are right about the dynamic preaching of the apostles, but Paul himself cautions us in Colossians. 4:5,6..."Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye ought to answer every man." (Now, I'm not a KJV kinda guy, but I posted that version so I am not accused of perversion. But I like my favorite version, the New Living Translation for these verses)

I doubt Christ Himself, or Peter or Paul or any of the disciples would feel comfortable in the church of today, especially the time out for the offering or the serving of communion from gold or silver commemorative plates in little teeny cups and little teeny pieces of crust that get caught in your throat.

I like the original concept of meeting in houses and breaking bread and praising God together...but I can live with what we've been given.


121 posted on 05/07/2005 10:41:34 AM PDT by norge
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