Do you wonder if Paul knows Jesus, Paul spent over 2 years in Arabia where there was no church meetings and spent years in prison until the end of his life here on earth. Should we question his devotion to Christ because he didn't go to church? How about John and his time spent on Patmos? The truth is what most are referring to when they use the word church, never existed until the third century, so should we question every believer's relationship with the Christ, that lived prior to this organized way of meeting. If so doesn't this bring question to what they wrote also (the whole new testament)?
When it comes down to it, this way of thinking seems very backwards to me. My connection to the Church depends on, and only on my personal connection to Christ, not my connection with Christ depends on my connection with the Church. I meet with other believers often but I do it outside the confines of the religious institution and have done this for several years. We have meals together and genuinely share the Lord's love and life with each other. But I am part of something that is bigger than any meeting or gathering on this earth, because of my connection with Christ I am part of his spiritual body that exists in the heavens.
So if any want to question my relationship with Christ, because I fail to paritcipate in religious institution's liturgy and gatherings it's ok, the only opinion I really care about when it comes to my relationship with the Christ, is Jesus'.
Do you wonder if Paul knows Jesus, Paul spent over 2 years in Arabia where there was no church meetings and spent years in prison until the end of his life here on earth.
How about John and his time spent on Patmos?
Hi brother....good to hear from you. Regarding Paul and John, these men were pioneers of the faith. Not on the same level...God forbid....but like the Master Himself..... Trailblazers indeed. Upfront. The remainder of of the Christian flock......us...."would not be neglecting the assembling of themselves together, as the manner of some had become"
The truth is what most are referring to when they use the word church, never existed until the third century, so should we question every believer's relationship with the Christ, that lived prior to this organized way of meeting.
In Acts 7 v 38 Stephen talks of the "church in the wilderness" You will know that "church" = "called out" these were called out from Egypts bondage to represent God under the Mosaic Covenant untill the Messiah should come.
When it comes down to it, this way of thinking seems very backwards to me. My connection to the Church depends on, and only on my personal connection to Christ, not my connection with Christ depends on my connection with the Church.
"backwards" We could drift apart here. Our connection to the Master, through Salvation, through Calvery, through the shedding of His blood, via the New Birth, it absolutely vital.. Paramount indeed. Nothing can take its place, it will never be superceded.
Having experienced this, we became the "church" the eclesia, you will know this. Believers are the "Church"
Seperated by God Almighty unto Himself. I choose to fellowship with those of like-mind. In a building, seperated and set apart for such worship I accept the godly covering of the leadership. I support the fellowship with my tithe and gifts. Last year this fellowship donated £34,000 to missions, worldwide.
We number 200 folks, small by American standards. Parties each year visit the areas we support, Bulgaria, Columbia, Zambia, the Sudan, and others, to ensure that our gift is being received and is a blessing
But I am part of something that is bigger than any meeting or gathering on this earth,
We are all a part of a bigger picture. But right now, the "fields are white unto harvest, pray ye, that the Lord of the harvest will send forth labourers into the harvest field" Jesus.
because of my connection with Christ I am part of his spiritual body that exists in the heavens.
That is true of all who love Jesus.
