Yeah! BFA has become weary of the "law is eternal" threads. I'll bite, but my response is only one toe in the water. I have more to say, but here's where I'll start:
The church is "all" people? Or just "some" people?
I see no reason to think that the church is forced on anyone. The church is those who want to be the church.
Would you differentiate between a "disciple" and someone who has learned or is learning to live out their God-given nature?
I would differentiate between living out that which God gives to me and having faith that God will do in me according to His good pleasure. I've yet to meet a person who has learned (though "learning" is certainly possible).
The church is the gathering of believers where the Gospel is taught and the sacraments administered. (Lutheran enough for you?) Evangelism is not the main function of the church service. We are to go to the world and spread the gospel.
The church is a set of people who have been called out of the rest of society to perform a particular task. There is nothing expressly [religions] about the church. Every organization is a church because the people who belong to that organization have been called out to perform a particular task and function within society that cannot be effectively accomplished by one individual. It is too bad that Christians have hijacked the term.
Last edited by sentipente; 5th July 2009 at 09:58 AM.
The church is the gathering of believers where the Gospel is taught and the sacraments administered. (Lutheran enough for you?) Evangelism is not the main function of the church service. We are to go to the world and spread the gospel.
Yes -- super Lutheran, lol! Welcome, Ricker.
So I take it that for you the church, the gathering, is an interior and enclosed operation?
Originally Posted by Byfaithalone1
I see no reason to think that the church is forced on anyone. The church is those who want to be the church.
You mentioned making disciples the other day but didn't really say what that meant to you. A disciple is... what?
Originally Posted by sentipente
The church is a set of people who have been called out of the rest of society to perform a particular task.
And what would you say the particular task of the Christian ecclesia is?
So I take it that for you the church, the gathering, is an interior and enclosed operation?
Far from it, but the primary reason for the church service itself is not to evangelize, but to minister. I would like to think we are very welcoming. We also have programs to reach out to the community at large to bring people to Christ.
Far from it, but the primary reason for the church service itself is not to evangelize, but to minister. I would like to think we are very welcoming. We also have programs to reach out to the community at large to bring people to Christ.
Ricker -- why did you think I was speaking of "the church service" -- as in the liturgy? I just noticed this aspect of your response.
Is your position that "the church" only exists around the liturgy?
Ricker -- why did you think I was speaking of "the church service" -- as in the liturgy? I just noticed this aspect of your response.
Is your position that "the church" only exists around the liturgy?
No. Hope this helps about liturgy. This is from the Augsburg confession. (1530 AD)
Article VII: Of the Church.
1] Also they (our church) teach that one holy Church is to continue forever. The Church is the congregation of saints, in which the Gospel is rightly taught and the Sacraments are rightly administered. 2] And to the true unity of the Church it is enough to agree concerning the doctrine of the Gospel and 3] the administration of the Sacraments. Nor is it necessary that human traditions, that is, rites or ceremonies, instituted by men, should be everywhere alike. 4] As Paul says: One faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of all, etc. Eph. 4:5-6.
Article VIII: What the Church Is.
1] Although the Church properly is the congregation of saints and true believers, nevertheless, since in this life many hypocrites and evil persons are mingled therewith, it is lawful to use Sacraments administered by evil men, according to the saying of Christ: The Scribes and 2] the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat, etc. Matt. 23:2. Both the Sacraments and Word are effectual by reason of the institution and commandment of Christ, notwithstanding they be administered by evil men.
As for other things the church (Christians) should be involve in, to strive for peace and justice and to help the needy and take good care of God's creation, among other things. As Christians we should follow the great commission, and live as holy witnesses to Christ, whether collectively or singularly. Do you think denominations are anything more than the gathering of believers united in the faith?
We also have programs to reach out to the community at large to bring people to Christ. 
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