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Post by Ed on Oct 5, 2007 12:14:31 GMT -5
"A brother in deep frustration sighed out a few years ago to me, "Wayne, we have to figure out what it is that separates believers!" That statement has never been far from my thoughts since that time . He’s right. One of my struggles with institutional systems is that they often love well as long as people conform to the group, and treat harshly those who don’t. Of course I am not saying that is true of your group. But I do think part of the ‘programs’ and ‘shared power’ that many groups fall into will continue to produce difficult moments on both sides when people don’t fit in with the direction the group is headed. Wouldn’t it be great if we could affirm each other’s journeys and let people move as God leads them without so much pain and suspicion? God has only one church in your community and whether people gather at the same place or not doesn’t change that reality. I suspect some of those people may be hungry for relationships to be rebuilt in love. It pains me to see the Body of Christ continually splintered and the damaged relationships that result. But that may be the unintended fruit of the systems in which we invest God’s revelation. Instead of freeing people to follow him, they feel forced to conform or leave." www.lifestream.org
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Post by Scott Ross on Oct 5, 2007 12:39:37 GMT -5
Howdy Ed, Not having read much that you have posted here on these boards, I 'clicked' on your name and looked up some of your old posts. Those who are unfamiliar with what/how Ed posts would benefit form this. I for one appreciate what/how you post Ed. Thanks! In regards to the above, I see some splintered and damaged relationships being rebuilt here on these boards. I agree that there is only one Church. It doesn't matter WHERE we worship, it is all about HOW we worship. We recently heard in a sermon at our church how wonderful it is to be able to walk in to any church which is truly Christian and be welcomed as a fellow member. It was a very uplifting sermon, and it was so nice to hear. When we live our lives by the great commandment of love, we really show how to be Christians, and will constantly be there for one another in the Body of Christ (true Church) By acknowledging that we each have our own gifts to bring and share with each other we will continually grow in our faith, and help others to grow in theirs. Thanks Ed, Scott P.S. You get my vote debating with GIT.....
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