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.
jt: I'm not referencing you in particular
Bill.
I have never said anything about the Church being populated by "osmosis,"
exclusion coming only to those who have refused our Lord.
jt: I'm sure glad to hear that.
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.
jt: Would the above include both repentance and
obedience since God gives the Holy Spirit to those who obey Him?
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
jt: This is good to know Bill - So why do we have a
problem and why do you constantly retreat?.
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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