Blainer wrote: > What difference does it make whether we use "church" of > "congregation." A rose by any other name still smells the > same.
The word "church" has connotations todays which were not present when Jesus and early believers used the word "ekklesia," which is the New Testament word that is translated as "church." If the word "ekklesia" had any organizational connotation, it was a polititical one, describing the political committees that ruled the early Greek city-states. In Acts 19, the same Greek word is used to describe an assembly of idolators gathered together for the purpose of stopping the preaching of the gospel. Hardly a church, wouldn't you say? Yet, the word "assembly" translates just fine. My point is that when the Bible talks about a church of Jesus Christ, it does not have the ecclesiasitical organization in mind that you and Roman Catholics seem to have in mind. When I read the word "church" in the Bible, I have in mind those who believe in Jesus Christ. You apparently have in mind the Mormon organization. That is why understanding the meaning of this word "ekklesia" and that an accurate translation of the Bible doesn't ever need to use the word "church" can go a long way toward helping someone like you break away from the bonds of your deception. Peace be with you. David Miller. ---------- "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6) http://www.InnGlory.org If you do not want to receive posts from this list, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and you will be unsubscribed. If you have a friend who wants to join, tell him to send an e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and he will be subscribed.
