I believe I understand the Elder's position better now...
Who is this new brother?
__________________ "It is inhumane, in my opinion, to force people who have a genuine medical need for coffee to wait in line behind people who apparently view it as some kind of recreational activity." Dave Barry 2005
I am a firm believer in the Old Paths
Articles on such subjects as "The New Birth," will be accepted, whether they teach that the new birth takes place before baptism in water and Spirit, or that the new birth consists of baptism of water and Spirit. - THE PENTECOSTAL HERALD Dec. 1945
"It is doubtful if any Trinitarian Pentecostals have ever professed to believe in three gods, and Oneness Pentecostals should not claim that they do." - Daniel Segraves
The apostles taught the early church those things which Jesus commanded them to teach. They also taught by direct inspiration, in a manner not available to us today (considering the canon of Scripture is closed).
Did they ever teach that the church, or that elders, may bind the conscience of other brethren or of the whole church, or any part of it, in ways not revealed by the Word of God?
Or, is the authority of elders in the church restricted to teaching ONLY that which Jesus commanded the apostles to teach the church?
I submit that if an elder may bind the conscience of the church, or even a part of the church, in one manner (such as practices to be maintained) he may likewise bind the conscience of the church in another manner (such as doctrines to be believed).
In other words, if an elder has God ordained authority to require his brethren to shave, for example, he must of necessity also have the authority to teach as doctrine that which the Bible has not revealed.
"Teaching as doctrine the commandments of men", perhaps?
You know folks Biblical illiteracy is amazing Paul spoke of MY children, MY sons and he was an Apostle of the early church.
he was a pastor of the church! Speaking of bible illiteracy, the bible says the apostles ordain elders in every church. You know the same ones that were to be called for prayer if one was sick.
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Today pull up the little weeds,
The sinful thoughts subdue,
Or they will take the reins themselves
And someday master you. --Anon.
The most deadly sins do not leap upon us, they creep up on us.
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