by Stephen2 on 2013/11/20 12:03:18///#2 If you are the church you cannot "leave the church". Leaving a group or organization or institution is not the same as leaving the Church. If you take yourself out of the Church you are leaving Christ's Body and thus, Christ. So, your statement is grossly inaccurate.///I think you misunderstood me. I didn't mean big C church. See what I wrote, ///Is GF parachurch or is it a movement away from local churches?///
A.W. Pink left the local churches and isolated himself for the same reasons articulated on this thread. He believed the churches were in too poor a condition. I categorically do not believe he was a liar, but I believe he was very wrong. Brother, please understand, I don't believe anyone on this thread is lying.
///Now, you are painting a broad brush that all "local churches" are somehow untouchable, yet you want GF NOT TO BE untouchable. That is a bit hypocritical, don't you think.///I don't think local churches are untouchable. We should be critical. We should work for change and call for repentance. I have never objected to such criticisms. But you are objecting to my even seeming to question GF. That's what I mean by 'untouchable'.
Brother, I'm asking questions. It doesn't make sense to me that a group which espouses unity would at the same time be a group that is a movement out of local churches. I would like to know why that is deemed necessary. Many of the movements of the past that have started for the same reasons have only become new denominations. The brethren movement started much like this as an attempt to unify believers and became the most splintered segment of the Christian Church.
///The idea of a one-man leadership as well as the unbiblical use of elders as a voting body is foreign to the New Testament. ///
Would GF be like the brethren movement in its understanding of church governance?
Hi MurrcolrSomething is happening that is for sure. Not sure what but I feel I need to look around a bit more. I did visit one church that sunday I posted this subject. The church was okay, typical. But my son and I had a great time hanging out together. I usually go to visit a church by myself instead off hauling them all out. occasionally son comes with me.I'll be praying for you brother!BTW you have encouraged me! Appreciate it a great deal!
DolfanI will be praying for you and your family.
Thanks for that Stephen.One thing is for sure in my walk, I feel more closer and have grown more than I did inside the "IC". My bible studies have been better and I have felt I have learned a lot more than I did before. I have been more relaxed since this time. My relationship with God has grown.