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Judy wrote > However, we are
supposed to grow out of it (that's if we are part of the real Church); contrary
to what some claim we are not just sucked up into Christ because we have not
refused the incarnation.
If this is a backhanded reference to me, Judy, you have missed the
point. Please observe the terms I use more closely, and then have the
integrity, when referencing me, to apply them the way I do. I have never said
anything about the Church being populated by "osmosis," exclusion coming only to
those who have refused our Lord. God was in
Christ reconciling the world to himself, but the world was not made the
Church in the atonement: Paul says, "therefore be reconciled to God." The Church
universal is made up of those who have not only not
rejected Jesus Christ but have themselves believed the good news of their
salvation and received the gift of the Holy Spirit. Local churches may be
frequented by "non-believers" of varying degrees, and this for different
reasons, but the "Church" itself is populated by believers.
Bill
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, February 06, 2005 12:31
PM
Subject: Re: [TruthTalk] Basis of
Unity
Who is Walter Cradock? I agree that 'peace at any
price' is no peace at all so division is not always a bad thing.
However, we are supposed to grow out of it (that's if
we are part of the real Church); contrary to what
some claim we are not just sucked up into Christ
because we have not refused the incarnation. The
work of the ministry (including evangelists) is necessary to prepare God's ppl
for works of service so that the body of Christ may
be built up until we all reach UNITY IN THE FAITH and
(UNITY) IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE SON OF GOD and become mature, attaining to the whole
measure of the fullness of Christ.
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and
forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in
their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the
truth in love, we will in all things grow up INTO HIM who
is the Head, that is Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament,
grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
Do you have a problem with any of the
above Kevin? judyt
"It is better to have divisions than an evil uniformity." Walter
Cradock Judy Taylor <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
wrote:
In a message dated 2/5/2005 9:56:11 AM
Pacific Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
There is no strife or disunity in Christ and He is not
divided
JD: On the surface, this is
untrue.
jt: Had you ever considered that maybe
what we see 'on the surface' is not the reality?
But, perhaps I do not know what you
mean with the phrase "no stife or disunity in Christ."
jt: It means just
what it says - the Church he is coming for will have no spot, wrinkle,
or blemish; wouldn't you categorize strife and
disunity as wrinkles and blemishes?.
When can we say unity has occurred?
jt: When we are of one heart and one mind. When
we are all say the same thing and doing what He says.
When
a division occurs and assuming one believer in definitely in
Christ -- how does the onlooker tell the difference in the
two opponents?
jt: Eventually, as ppl grow into Christ and His
love is perfected in their hearts a wolf will be exposed in spite of the
sheepskin by
what is coming out of his mouth.
In I Cor 1, when ones describes as a part
of the problem are in Christ? John
jt: Is the above a question? I don't get
it....
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