----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, April 01, 2004 3:21
AM
Subject: [TruthTalk] FELLOWSHIP (was
Dialogue with Mormons)
John
wrote:
I
don't want to speak for Blaine, but I see nothing in Mormonism that prevents
either of us to fellowship with non-LDS Christians. Perhaps I don't
understand fellowship quite the same way you do
though. Fellowship. I do think that fellowship is
bigger than denominational boundaries but limited by a true sense of
mutuality and purpose. A lexical view of koinonia reveals a
number of nuances, to wit (old guys say that a lot, "to wit"):
fellowship, association, community, communion, joint participation,
intercourse. Note the progression. It was part of the
routine of the first church (Acts 2:42).
jt: Scripture defines "fellowship" as "walking in the light
as HE is in the light" This is the only way we can have true fellowship
(light also meaning truth) and this is when the blood of Jesus
Christ cleanses us. When we compromise with the mixture we are
fellowshipping with devils and this is not the standard Jesus and the
First Century Church left to us.
john: My
experience with the Mormon church has been one that is the witness to a
degree of exclusion which goes beyond sectarian or denominational bias.
It seems to me that this exclusiveness is the surrounding halo of a
world religion. If that is the case, we have no fellowship
or brotherhood. I don't like saying that. I have only my
instincts about this issue. If Blaine and I are brothers (or Dave and I),
to what eventuality can we point as the defining factor which
presents us with the same Parent? Or is there more to brotherhood than divine
genetics?
jt: The
fatherhood of God and brotherhood of man are taught by Freemasonry and the
mystic cults, it's part of the OLD religion. God created all men but today
Jesus defines the brethren. He said "who is my mother and who are my
brethren? and he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said,
Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father
which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother" (Matthew
12:48). This is an impossible feat if we are holding on to 'doctrines of
devils'
judyt
