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Jesus told us how we could identify His followers by their fruits - love for one another.
All the nonsense over church membership and the "precepts and doctrines of men" is the result
of human vanity and hubris, period.
So you chose the Baptist Church for what reason? It was closest to your house? The meeting times were more convenient for you? You like the pastor's personality? It's a nicer building and the pews are more comfortable than most? You fit in with the rest of the congregation better? They have better church socials?
I chose it largely because I had friends there. I went a couple times and appreciate the pastor's sermons, as well as the fellowship.
Again...there are several good churches in town that I could have easily gone to. I have friends in other churches. None of them are the ONE TRUE church.
I chose it largely because I had friends there. I went a couple times and appreciate the pastor's sermons, as well as the fellowship.
Again...there are several good churches in town that I could have easily gone to. I have friends in other churches. None of them are the ONE TRUE church.
In other words, it really doesn't matter what church you go to.
Jesus told us how we could identify His followers by their fruits - love for one another. All the nonsense over church membership and the "precepts and doctrines of men" is the result of human vanity and hubris, period.
And people who actually affiliate with an organized church are undoubtedly vain and proud, right?
And people who actually affiliate with an organized church are undoubtedly vain and proud, right?
No, their leaders are - thinking they have the keys to the kingdom, as it were. We all have the keys (and the ability to mess up) by who we ARE - the character of the embryo Spirit we are developing and maturing. If we pursue life with love for one another and a concern for the well-being of everyone involved with us, we are followers of Christ - whatever we THINK we are. Vice versa!
No, their leaders are - thinking they have the keys to the kingdom, as it were. We all have the keys (and the ability to mess up) by who we ARE - the character of the embryo Spirit we are developing and maturing. If we pursue life with love for one another and a concern for the well-being of everyone involved with us, we are followers of Christ - whatever we THINK we are. Vice versa!
So maybe you can explain to me how someone can pursue life with love and concern for others while simultaneously being vain and proud, because you do seem to be saying these things are mutually exclusive.
No, their leaders are - thinking they have the keys to the kingdom, as it were. We all have the keys (and the ability to mess up) by who we ARE - the character of the embryo Spirit we are developing and maturing. If we pursue life with love for one another and a concern for the well-being of everyone involved with us, we are followers of Christ - whatever we THINK we are. Vice versa!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Katzpur
So maybe you can explain to me how someone can pursue life with love and concern for others while simultaneously being vain and proud, because you do seem to be saying these things are mutually exclusive.
I do not think it can be done. They are mutually exclusive. Vanity and pride are indices of an immature Spirit. That is why love and concern for others is a pursuit! We ALL have immature Spirits because we are not yet born as Spirit. When we are, we will still be only an infant Spirit so vanity and pride are only two of the many faults our immaturity fosters within us. It seems to me that an extreme expression of both vanity and pride is assuming the authority to speak for God and presuming to lead others to Him. When you do that, you are taking on the responsibility for the spiritual development of others. That to me is a heavy burden to bear before the Father, indeed. But, c'est la vie!
No, their leaders are - thinking they have the keys to the kingdom, as it were. We all have the keys (and the ability to mess up) by who we ARE - the character of the embryo Spirit we are developing and maturing. If we pursue life with love for one another and a concern for the well-being of everyone involved with us, we are followers of Christ - whatever we THINK we are. Vice versa!
How is my pastor different from me? Because he earns a salary?
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I'm with TroutDude...
