Posted on 01/12/2014 5:53:46 AM PST by knarf
You don't need a priest, or sacraments, or a "church", or a denomination, or charismatic 'gifts' or baptism or hierarchal permission, sanction nor absolution ...
>> “If you read the Scripture closely on that subject, you will discover that Christ was talking to the Jews. Not Christians or Catholics” <<
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LOL!
For the first two centuries, few believers were anything but Jews or Israelites.
Catholics didn’t exist until the 4th century!
Most of the bible as we know it did not start in Africa where we know the Catholic version of its bible originated...Instead of repeating the lie they tell you, you might want to check out the history of the bibles...
Let's suppose that your interpretation is correct, that Jesus said, "if he will not listen to the congregation, treat him as a pagan or tax collector."
This congregation must have taught with Christ's authority, since Christ could have said, "take it to ME," rather than, "take it to the congregation."
So this congregation taught with Christ's Authority.
Yet we know from other passages of Scripture that Christ also founded a Church. Did Christ's Church teach with His Authority? If yes, then this "congregation" would have to have been a part of Christ's Church, possessing the same body of doctrine, without which it could not settle disputes. If not, what purpose did a fallible church serve?
And why would an obscure congregation teach with Christ's Authority, unlike the Church that He founded?
This mis-translation is logically incoherent.
Suppose again that Christ was referring to any "congregation" to settle disputes among Christians. How could congregations with contradictory doctrines settle disputes?
This congregation would have to possess a non-contradictory body of doctrine, and would have to meet the above criteria, which ultimately proved to be an incoherent position.
Measurement of our walk with Jesus Christ IMHO comes in moments of crisis also known as tests of faith. Which I coin our Abraham with knife in hand moments. We either rise to the occasion and cling to His robes or fail miserably relying on self. Either way as with Abraham the situation presented is unavoidable. Although the situation is uncomfortable and in some cases earthly life threatening, comfort comes knowing He loves us dearly to refine us and hone the blade sharper. The OT has many such tests of faith, some rise to the occasion and some fail but recognize their failure and repent. David comes to mind.
I know.....You just want to belong...
God Bless and Welcome Home!
Do you miss my point?
There is no “church” as a body of nicolaitan authority.
Yeshua never created any such thing, in fact he rebuked those that held such beliefs.
A congregation has authority within itself, and those not conforming have no right to disrupt their worship.
James was wrong??? Who have you ever talked to that said James was wrong???
So, since Christ’s Bride is invisible the congregation is a group of invisible individuals. Gotcha.
I'm currently reading Dr. Mary Neal's book and have a couple more in the pipeline, but not Anita Moorjani. I'll add hers to my book list. Thanks again.
Speaking of, you mentioned Proof of Heaven as not being credible for you. Of the NDE stories I've read so far, his was similar enough in some aspects to the others to support rather than challenge my private theories, but not as readable as the others.
Fortunately, there is quite an abundance to sift through to find the stories that do speak to each of us, should we want to listen.
So the Catholic priest speaking in the place of God can forgive sins where the sinner in insincerely repentant...
Did any of you guys inform God of that???
God bless you too and thanks!
His bride will be quite ‘visible’ at the last trump, meeting him in the cloud. Until then it will remain dispersed among mixed congregations, part bride, and part tares, as he made clear.
It seems that you put a lot of trust in Martin Luther, who isn't mentioned in the Bible, nor is his doctrine of "the Bible alone."
While your Church is mentioned in the bible, we are warned to come out of it and stay away from it...
That verse is taken out of context and is not a proof text for the absolute authority of the Catholic church.
Amen!
Their you go quoting scripture again. Is there no end to this?/s
I think the misunderstanding with our FRoman FRiends is they assume we are all antinomians going off to sin city with no regrets once saved and professing our faith in baptism. To which I usually respond that once saved much is required of us as bond servants (slaves more accurately) to our Lord Jesus Christ.
Is English not your native tongue? Or are you deliberately putting false words into others posts?
“Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.’ And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’ “
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