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To: stfassisi

Yes - I’ve not only though(t) about reading the statements of faith of web sites I post links to, I’ve actually read several of them.

I thoroughly agree with both of the statements you apparently extracted (I did not confirm them).

The Bible tells us that the universal (or lower case catholic) church IS the people Christ has redeemed regardless of where they live - and, ostensibly - regardless of whether they belong to the local church at Smyrna or Corinth.

As a Christian (called “saint” in Scripture), I believe that the Bible IS the only authoritative and infallible source for those things listed - including its instruction on church administration. The web site does not claim that the Bible tells each local group of elders what decisions to make every minute; merely that the Bible describes how a church is to organize and allocate duties among the 2 offices it establishes for the local church.

The headship of the universal church is none other than the Lord Jesus - no man or group of men can properly shepherd the flock of God except the Good Shepherd.

The local churches are the visible manifestations of the true church, which consists of only the redeemed in Christ. Each local church has “wheat and chaff” in it, as man cannot know the condition of another’s heart.

I hope I’ve answered your questions. Anton Bosch (the guy who runs the web site) has no illusions about being in charge. I’ve spoken with him (via email) and found him to be a humble man who seeks to honor the Lord and encourage those who claim Christ to look to Him and His Word for instruction on how to serve and honor Him. Seems most reasonable to me.


5,736 posted on 05/22/2008 11:45:28 AM PDT by Manfred the Wonder Dawg (Test ALL things, hold to that which is True.)
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To: Manfred the Wonder Dawg
The local churches are the visible manifestations of the true church, which consists of only the redeemed in Christ. Each local church has “wheat and chaff” in it, as man cannot know the condition of another’s heart.

If they were visible manifestations, as you say,than you would have unity(which you don't) and visibly teach the same thing(which you don't).

Nice try though ,Dear Brother.

I wish you a Blessed day!

5,737 posted on 05/22/2008 1:23:06 PM PDT by stfassisi ( ("Above all gifts that Christ gives his beloved is that of overcoming self"-St Francis Assisi))
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