Regarding posts number 350 and 378:
We know that the early disciples met in the Temple, in homes, by the rivers, and in upper rooms. Corinthians tells us of meetings in public and in private. The early Christians met daily (often in the evening, after work and continued late into the night) and, sometimes, on the first day of the week. We know that at times they each voted, sometimes decisions were made by throwing lots and sometimes they held councils - most notably, the council at Jerusalem whose requirements are laid out in Acts 15.
We know that there continued to be bickering and that some even embraced Gnosticism in binding more than the simple Good News on others in actions, or by claiming one teacher superior to another. We know that even Paul and Peter had very public disputes. In other words, they continued to be human.
However, Paul, John and Peter agreed that we have a new law in Christ, that nothing God cleansed is unclean, that we should love one another and protect the weakest among us from stumbling. We know that we have been reconciled to God, by God, and that we and all of our brothers and sisters in Christ were "circumcised by Christ, and not with hands." We are in Christ, covered by Christ, and His Spirit dwells next to ours.
No one should seek to be first, no one is to be domineering, and we should all submit ourselves one to the another. It's the disputes that are a shame.
Good post. Good spirit. Thanks
Very well put. Bears repeating. Thanks.
However, Paul, John and Peter agreed that we have a new law in Christ, that nothing God cleansed is unclean, that we should love one another and protect the weakest among us from stumbling. We know that we have been reconciled to God, by God, and that we and all of our brothers and sisters in Christ were "circumcised by Christ, and not with hands." We are in Christ, covered by Christ, and His Spirit dwells next to ours.
No one should seek to be first, no one is to be domineering, and we should all submit ourselves one to the another. It's the disputes that are a shame.