More to the point is the idea that men (in this case, the early church fathers) are responsible for scripture. Some gathering of men. Some group. Some particular set of, yes, let’s call them followers of Christ. So, the conclusion goes, let’s follow...THESE MEN...
I will follow the scriptures which GOD gave those early church fathers and by GOD’S SPIRIT be led into all truth. This will include finding those that worship God in Spirit and in truth (because such please the Father) and when I am with 2 or 3 others who are gathered in the name, which is above every name, (the name of Christ), there will HE (Christ) be in the midst). Ta Da. Church. His Church. His Spirit-led church. Ordained by God (as it follows His Scripture (and not men). Does the church have a name (a brand) in front of it? Possibly, but this is man’s attempt to identify itself. Is this pride? From this thread, it sounds like it can be—the God of the Bible hates pride, by the way. Does it have to be this gathering or that? It has to be Spirit-led. For such please the Father.
If you look back over this thread, (and now I’m talking to the author of this thread—I’ve forgotten who that is just now) you will see many bringing you to a place where THEY worship. And I know you’ve asked for the opinions of men, so I do not denigrate their willingness to respond. But, if you are looking for the place where you are to meet with GOD, to worship HIM and to serve HIM, then you need to ask HIM (The scriptures say, “...if you seek ME with all your heart, you will find ME.”) I have my own ideas about where He WON’T lead you, but I will choose to keep these to myself. I have gone on these threads to discuss scripture before and they are maddening...ultimately, the people who profess to know Christ can look awfully petty and mean-spirited before a world that is dying and needing to know Christ or confront the eternal separation that comes from not knowing the Savior—you know, preaching the gospel to all nations. We forget the mission (myself included) and, instead, prop up our own understanding. It is the spirit which is life, the flesh profits nothing. Do we need to confront false doctrine, heresies, error? Yes, but we are also commanded to avoid foolish, endless arguments, which is what threads like this can become.
Again, to the author of this thread, go back to your original query, prayerfully be still before God, be led by His Spirit. He will guide you into all truth.
I know what you mean, I have been in some of those threads myself. My thread was not meant to be one of those. Sorry if it turned out that way.
I must say though, I'm glad I did it. I have received some great advice, and guidance, which is exactly what I was looking for.
Well you and I are off on the wrong foot with that statement....God is the one responsible for scripture and that thru His Spirit. I do not hold to a church who practices churchianity. Where they see themselves thru the eyes of the Vatican rather than thru the eyes of Christ and His word. Jesus said to "follow ME". I believe He ment just that and not a church...the church is 'a building' where believers meet..and then they go out among men and reflect Christ to an unsaved world.
When a church denomination centers it's members on vast numbers of rituals and various readings and classes to memorize volumes of literature, and repetively learn specific prayers to idlols and departed individuals and such, then they have deveated from the centrality of Christ Himself and the relationship He desires of us.
It becomes "legalistic" the very thing Christ warned us about. People get trapped into doing enough, learning enough, doing enough to be acceptable to Christ. It's a work's program that robs people of the joy of the relationship they have in Christ...and instead becomes a burdensome stone that weighs them down.
Further when young people have just begun their walk with God it is not wise to burden them with "service" until they have a strong foundation under them. Far too many go into service un-prepared and unfortunately haven't a clue what they are doing. Even paul did not jump ahead of where the Lord would have him..and that was with those who knew Christ well, before he was sent to minister.
Those who have a relationship with Christ rarely forget what the mission is, most never do.... He is what decipleship is about...He is the reason we preach Christ crucifed. There is no Gosple message without Christ.
As far as those discussing the things of God on these threads. You are mistaken they are mean spirited...for the most part the open threads are intended for passionate debate...and rightfully so, even the Apostles debated Gods truth..passionatley....if you want a softer side of Christianity the wonderful moderators can direct you to the devotional threads and others more to your suiting.
But when it comes to the open threads..tempers and passions with indeed do and will esculate...especailly when lies or untruths are spoken. We are called to defend the truth and that can mean with "volume" when it falls on deaf ears. Regardless if you think they are foolish.
Jesus debated the Saducees and Pharasees of His time...he called them white washed hypoctites, a brood of vipers, and various other "woes" against them. So if the kitchen is too hot people need to leave.
| John 6 |
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| 51 | I am the living |
| So Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you; |
| 54 | he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. |
| 55 | For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. |
| 56 | He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. |
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