The doctrine of the Trinity reminds us that God always exists as a community. Since we are created 'in the image of God' we too are to find our fulfillment in relationships. The 'naked and not ashamed' verse in Genesis refers to that openness with God and with each other.
Our house churches should be places where we can experiment with new levels of relationship, genuine friendships rather than formal customs.
The doctrine of the Trinity reminds us that God always exists as a community. Since we are created 'in the image of God' we too are to find our fulfillment in relationships. The 'naked and not ashamed' verse in Genesis refers to that openness with God and with each other.
Our house churches should be places where we can experiment with new levels of relationship, genuine friendships rather than formal customs.
Any comments?
John
NZ
I'm speechless,
Where are you going with this? Are you saying people should experiment sexually? I apologize if I'm misunderstanding but it is kind of vague...
What I meant that the phrase is about openness between us and God and with each other. There was not the slightest suggestion of anything sexual. I'm a bit surprised you could see it that way.
Don't worry Johnnz, I didn't see it that way either.
I believe you are correct with your assumption, home churches are a great place to explore the topic. It is always difficult to have true community because we are all people and people are truly selfish and petty, especially when our invisible boundaries are compromised.
I think your on to something there Johnnz. In the format of a house church we have the freedom to explore what biblical love truely is. We are not chained by formalities. In no way did I see it imply anything sexual. As in the early church, those on the outside will miss the meaning and turn it into something evil. (They miss understood the taking of the Lord's supper as cannibalism)
Having started this thread I had better add to it.
We meet in homes, and everyone participates. Teaching is shared, interactive and life related. Food forms part of our gatherings.
Children are not excluded or compelled to stay, so they come and go as they want to. Sometimes we all stop while a toddler wants mum or dad for something, or just continue around any mild disturbance.
We usually meet on Sunday mornings, but if someone is busy then we will meet Saturday evening. Three weeks ago it was my wife's birthday. Church that week was a party on Friday evening.
We have talked through and prayed about crises in work situations, often over weeks, exams, family needs, contacts during the week and other life related experiences when we meet. Sometimes conversation over the initial coffee and snacks just continue through to lunch time, as we just continue to relate and share on a matter that arose.
We laugh, we cry, we encourage, we participate, we enjoy the children, we debate, challenge and get enriched. Didn't Jesus say something about others seeing real relationships (love one another) being evidence for others to come to belief in Him?
This is what lies behind the post. Let's hear from others.
What I meant that the phrase is about openness between us and God and with each other. There was not the slightest suggestion of anything sexual. I'm a bit surprised you could see it that way.
John
NZ
'naked' 'openness' with one another might lead some thoughts towards an awkward situation at least. It seems to suggest an openness almost no official 'churches' practice.
..
other tangent.
the doctrine of the trinity was never meant to remind us that god always exists as a community.
The community of Jews always understood that,
ever since Yhvh Chose Them,
and
the Jews, to Whom Yhvh entrusted the Scriptures,
and, the Jews, through whom Yhvh provided Salvation to the gentiles also,
don't agree with the greek ways of adding to and distorting Truth.
That's one very big reason the Jews don't like socalled christendumb.
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