On Sat, 5 Feb 2005 21:04:51 EST [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
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?
No. There are reasons why surface impressions are what they are. The truth, in this case, is more involved than one might originally think........but the surface is reality.
jt: Not in God's economy - man looks at the outward
appearance, God looks at the motives/heart because that's where it's going
on...
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 -
No it doesn't or I wouldn't have asked the
question.
the Church he is coming for will
have no spot, wrinkle, or blemish; wouldn't you categorize strife
and disunity as wrinkles and
blemishes?.
And here is where we part company
-- I on the right and you on the left (I just love talking like you
guys -- it gives me such a sense of power , anyway) I
beleive that the unblemished Church is the redemptive work and consideration of
God in Christ. You think it has to do with your
efforts.
jt: I do not and please don't
tell me what I believe JD. The unblemished Church are those who follow Him
withersoever He goeth, those who through faith and obedience inherit the Promise
- IOW the Overcomers, the ones who get the white
stone.
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.
JD:
What is the situation with God and disciple(s) until that
happens -- as in the case with you and I? Are they in Christ or
what?
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.
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.
"grow into Christ" you
say. So there is a time when the church is not united in lockstep
teaching and doctrinal verbage. You do include "verbage,"
correct?
jt: Not in the way you are
talking about it - No....
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....
too many red beers, apparently. I suppose I was asking about those in I Cor 1, those who followed different personalities -- was the problem "in Christ" or did they move into Christ at the time they solved the problem? John
jt: I have no idea how many of that group became
"overcomers" but one thing I do know, they weren't going to
make
it by following Paul/or and Apollos - this was the
reason for the rebuke.
