United Kingdom now on lockdown

Mountainmike said:

"Wherever two or more are gathered in my name, there I am". Social distancing is preventing that explicitly. So my view the devil could not have done a better job of sabotage, than Corona.

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So if someone is watching, and taking part in an online service or singing along to worship tapes, Jesus is not there with them?

The devil wouldn't need Corona virus to sabotage the body of Christ; he's been doing it for centuries. Just look at CF and the "the KJV is the only true Bible/the Catholic church is the only true church", threads. Look at the arguments about women in ministry, with some getting quite insulting/judgemental towards those who don't share their opinion. Look at the number of Sunday Christians, or pew warmers, that there are in various churches - people who think that if you go to church and do good deeds, you'll be ok.
The gates of hell cannot come against the church, from the outside; but the devil can try to destroy it from within.

Mountainmike said:

Not the place for theological discussion, but perhaps I would remind you that John the apostle knew what the eucharist meant, and it is recorded in his disciples letters such as ignatius to smyrneans what teaching was handed down, It stated clearly, a eucharist of the real flesh but only if presided over by a bishop in succession. So either John apostasized (hardly!) or that is what God said and passed on...long before there was a new testament! In the first generation after apostles.

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Despite the fact that this common practice, it is completely unscriptural. And those letters have no authority when compared to scripture.

So Lets go with a stamement respected by evangelicals instead and is why some think the eucharist is efficacious: "Wherever two or more are gathered in my name, there I am". Social distancing is preventing that explicitly. So my view the devil could not have done a better job of sabotage, than Corona.

We must of course do all we can to work to commune with each other within the rules.

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Amen, another time another place, but not this thread.

But for interest only and not contention, regarding the verse you quoted.-
Matt18v19Again, I tell you truly that if two of you on the earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven. 20For where two or three gather together in My name, there am I with them.”

Everybody reads this as a need to have at least two or three before Jesus is present. But that contradicts everything we know about the Lord's presence within and among believers.

But from a Jewish traditional viewpoint it has a different interpretation. According to Rabbinical rules, they could not have a prayer gathering unless there was a 'minyan' or quorum of ten people.
In making that statement, Jesus was directly confronting the false traditions of Jewish religious leaders, traditions that blocked men's relationships with God.

Of course the question is not what scripture says, but what scripture means. Unless you have both true meaning and scripture you do not have the word of God.

Real presence , sacrament, needing succession bishop is clearly what the apostles taught, since that is what their disciples say. It is also what those councils who decided the canon ( aka New Testament) and creed believed and taught. Indeed nobody doubted it for a Millenium.

It is only when the reformation empowered all and sundry to decide their own meaning that interpretations diverged , and denominations split and split again. As Luther said of the result of sola scriptura “ it is the greatest scandal, every milkmaid now has their own doctrine”

As you say. This isn’t the thread.

But back to corona - I believe the lady of Fátima when she said “ God will punish for the indifferences, outrages and sacrileges” . Man is getting worse, with the destructionof marriage, on demand abortion, gay marriage and the rest.

Francis Drake said:

Despite the fact that this common practice, it is completely unscriptural. And those letters have no authority when compared to scripture.

Amen, another time another place, but not this thread.

But for interest only and not contention, regarding the verse you quoted.-
Matt18v19Again, I tell you truly that if two of you on the earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven. 20For where two or three gather together in My name, there am I with them.”

Everybody reads this as a need to have at least two or three before Jesus is present. But that contradicts everything we know about the Lord's presence within and among believers.

But from a Jewish traditional viewpoint it has a different interpretation. According to Rabbinical rules, they could not have a prayer gathering unless there was a 'minyan' or quorum of ten people.
In making that statement, Jesus was directly confronting the false traditions of Jewish religious leaders, traditions that blocked men's relationships with God.

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Mountainmike said:

But back to corona - I believe the lady of Fátima when she said “ God will punish for the indifferences, outrages and sacrileges” . Man is getting worse, with the destructionof marriage, on demand abortion, gay marriage and the rest.

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So you think the Corona virus is a punishment from God?

Strong in Him said:

So you think the Corona virus is a punishment from God?

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I believe so.
But He is offended for a far wider range of issues than homosexuality.
Take Abortion on demand.

(Always a warning first, and always to the church first.)

Standing on those orange "feet" in Sainsbury's is like (the more enjoyable part of) a game of rounders!

Amittai said:

(Always a warning first, and always to the church first.)

Standing on those orange "feet" in Sainsbury's is like (the more enjoyable part of) a game of rounders!

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Haven't been to Sainsbury's recently. I send my husband; I can't be bothered with queues.

Anthony2019 said:

Read the news today reporting that now even Boris has got the virus.
This is getting more mind-boggling by the day.

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And now in ICU. Praying for him and all who have it seriously, and for those caring for them.

Anthony2019 said:

Joining you in prayer for Boris, that God will grant him a speedy recovery.

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Praise God; he's out of hospital. Thank you Lord.