MarkBsnr,
Hey friend! Great to see you again. I miss not seeing your posts. Sometimes FR is a bigger place than we realize.
We do disagree at times, but I consider you a friend and a brother.
Here’s an example of one of those areas, where I think the position is not a good argument ...
“It’s fascinating watching those who claim that their pocket version of Christianity (varying as the days wax and wane) is superior to those to whom Christ entrusted His Church. The Church was begun by Christ. Where was your church begun? After a long and significant look in the mirror?”
God has no grandchildren. Only children. Every true believer is related directly to Him. Baptized by the Spirit into His Body, included as part of His Bride, included in the universal communion of the saints, immediately.
The believer who comes to Christ in a jungle or desert, who comes to entrust himself to Christ for salvation today, is part of His Church, though he is the first generation. Every true believer is the first generation. Where two or more are gathered for prayer and worship, His Body, His Bride, His Church is there. As such it ALL begins with HIM. It ALL ends with HIM. It’s ALL for His glory. EVERY church that is comprised of true believers was begins at the same time in history - directly attached to HIM.
Having said all that, it is great to see you :-)
I have not been posting overly much of late. Time and circumstance have been pressing on me.
God has no grandchildren. Only children. Every true believer is related directly to Him. Baptized by the Spirit into His Body, included as part of His Bride, included in the universal communion of the saints, immediately.
However, one must realize that if one does not enter into the relationship with God fully, or for selfish purposes, or walks away from it, then one effectively divorces God. St Paul is very clear on this - it is a lifetime commitment, not a one shot deal.
The believer who comes to Christ in a jungle or desert, who comes to entrust himself to Christ for salvation today, is part of His Church, though he is the first generation. Every true believer is the first generation. Where two or more are gathered for prayer and worship, His Body, His Bride, His Church is there. As such it ALL begins with HIM. It ALL ends with HIM. It’s ALL for His glory. EVERY church that is comprised of true believers was begins at the same time in history - directly attached to HIM.
Now, you're qualifying things. True believers? How many churches are comprised entirely of true believers? When you wander the mall and see a church of Joe in one of the storefronts, and look inside and see what? What's in there? The preacher has what credentials? What theological training? What ensures that he (don't get me started on female preachers) holds Christian beliefs?
Nuthin'.
Having said all that, it is great to see you :-)
You are most kind; thank you. I miss posting to the extent that I formerly did; perhaps I have contributed at least something.