Do you think Two Church services a month is enough?

Originally Posted by Michlow

Hi Roxie

Yes, I am a member of HIS body, not the UPC's body. Not a Pastor's body. Not a local congregations body. But Jesus' body. And I seem to be desperately looking for other members. But everyone I find seems to be pledged to a man or an organization.

Sis,

I believe your understanding is wrongly being influenced by things other than those that are Godly and righteous, and this is causing you much unnecessary conflict in your attempt to walk with Jesus.

Here's how simple little redneck me figures the equation works:

I am a member of the body of Christ, having been by that one Spirit been baptized into this one body. I have been set in His body as He has willed, and for now, His will is that I am joined together with likeminded believers to advance the work of His kingdom. I have been given a pastor, an overseer, a bishop, a watchman on the walls, to feed me, direct me (and the rest of the local body to which I belong) in the ways of the Lord, to reprove, rebuke, exhort me with all longsuffering and doctrine, as needed. I have been joined with fellowlaborers who have different roles in the body than I do, yet all of these blend together to create a unit that can minister to itself and to others not yet a part, in ways that I never could all by my lonesome. This local assembly is currently affiliated with the Oregon District UPCI. This is not a problem to me, rather, it means that, beyond my local assembly, there is a collection of other assemblies who are of the same mind and purpose, and I can gather together with them from time to time for fellowship. But, above all, and through all, I am a member of His body, and have a direct and personal relationship with Jesus, and thus am striving to be like Him, which is a full time work.

Originally Posted by Rico

I stopped worrying about what people like Sister Murphy think about me a long time ago. I'm just here to be a pain and remind people like her that they aren't as perfect, holy, righteous, and godlike as they like to think themselves to be.

Bless your ornery soul, Rico, but I am already so acutely and painfully aware of just how far short I fall.

When you are converted, strengthen the brethren.

[Michlow]

Originally Posted by SISTER Murphy

Sis,

I believe your understanding is wrongly being influenced by things other than those that are Godly and righteous, and this is causing you much unnecessary conflict in your attempt to walk with Jesus.

Well you certainly aren't alone in that

Here's how simple little redneck me figures the equation works:

I am a member of the body of Christ, having been by that one Spirit been baptized into this one body. I have been set in His body as He has willed, and for now, His will is that I am joined together with likeminded believers to advance the work of His kingdom. I have been given a pastor, an overseer, a bishop, a watchman on the walls, to feed me, direct me (and the rest of the local body to which I belong) in the ways of the Lord, to reprove, rebuke, exhort me with all longsuffering and doctrine, as needed. I have been joined with fellowlaborers who have different roles in the body than I do, yet all of these blend together to create a unit that can minister to itself and to others not yet a part, in ways that I never could all by my lonesome. This local assembly is currently affiliated with the Oregon District UPCI. This is not a problem to me, rather, it means that, beyond my local assembly, there is a collection of other assemblies who are of the same mind and purpose, and I can gather together with them from time to time for fellowship. But, above all, and through all, I am a member of His body, and have a direct and personal relationship with Jesus, and thus am striving to be like Him, which is a full time work.

I agree that we need to be accountable, and I agree that we need fellowship. However, I believe we are to submit to one another, and I believe that Jesus is our only Master, and that we can only have one Master. I do not believe this seperation we have put between ministry and laity is biblical.

I am not catholic, and I do not need any man to help me get to God. I have direct access.

You know, in a way, I admire the catholics, at least they ADMIT that they put the word of the pope and tradition on equal footing with the Bible. We (apostolics) do the same thing, but refuse to call it by name. (sorry that's slightly off topic....)

[Steve Epley]

Jesus died for the church.
He is the head of the church.
He is coming for the church.

[Michlow]

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

Jesus died for the church.
He is the head of the church.
He is coming for the church.

and I think you will be surprised at some who are members

Originally Posted by Michlow

Well you certainly aren't alone in that



I agree that we need to be accountable, and I agree that we need fellowship. However, I believe we are to submit to one another, and I believe that Jesus is our only Master, and that we can only have one Master. I do not believe this seperation we have put between ministry and laity is biblical.

I am not catholic, and I do not need any man to help me get to God. I have direct access.

You know, in a way, I admire the catholics, at least they ADMIT that they put the word of the pope and tradition on equal footing with the Bible. We (apostolics) do the same thing, but refuse to call it by name. (sorry that's slightly off topic....)

Sigh...

Dear Michlow,

When did the Biblical principles of obedience and submission get turned around in your spirit to wrongly think that some person is being interposed between you and God? The ministry is one of Jesus' GIFTS to His Church, His Bride!!! This "I don't need any man to help me get to God" is a deceitful twist of scripture, straight from the enemy of our souls. It lies about what the ministry truly is and does, then falsely accuses and declares evil what Jesus Himself has given as a gift to us.

There is multitudinous scriptural support for the idea of the ministry, those whom God has set apart for His purpose and made them (the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers) gifts to the church,

for the perfecting of the saints FOR the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

Please, don't misrepresent and thereby despise the precious gifts Jesus has given to you and I, for our GOOD!!!

Originally Posted by Michlow

and I think you will be surprised at some who are members

And, sadly, I think you will be surprised at some who aren't.

[Steve Epley]

Originally Posted by Michlow

and I think you will be surprised at some who are members

I can promise you all have been born again of water and the Spirit if they are members of the Lord's church.

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by Michlow

Because I don't see the point



You think they could see that past the cut hair and TV watching habits?



And teach them to believe that God only loves you if you measure up?

I wash my hands. There really is no more point in dialog here other than to cast negative innuendos on anyone that does not believe like you do

[Rico]

Originally Posted by Praxeas

I wash my hands. There really is no more point in dialog here other than to cast negative innuendos on anyone that does not believe like you do

Prax, if there is one thing I am convinced of it's that this divide is gonna grow wider and wider as the years go by.