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Simionas
28th September 2005, 12:05 AM
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
I am a Christian from Chishinau, Republic of Moldova.
Born in 1969, born again in 1989, married, five children.
I'm a member of a small congregation (around 20 people) that meet every Sunday, around a big table, for Bible studies, fellowship, Lord' supper and prayer (in a private place).
We named our group according to Romans 16.16 an < Ekklesia of Christ> or a Community of Christ (Christian community etc.) from Chishinau.
Also, we have many Christian friends in the city or other places or countries. We love them in Christ even they are in different denominations and we like to visit them when is possible or welcome them as visitors. A brother said: The Christians are like colored eggs (red, green, blue etc.), but when we take out the eggshell we realize that we are the same (of course, if we are truly born again).
Reading the Bible, we realize that into the teachings of Christ, there is no place for the issues that are considered the meaning of Christianity in our culture. When somebody thinks on Christianity today, he is linked with Denominations, clerics (Pope, bishops, priests, pastors) and church buildings (chapels or cathedrals).
But Christ doesn't included these aspects in His plan.
He speaks about Unity under His Name (but the history shows a dissolution of The Way into so many denominations).
He speaks about Service in Spirit, under the authority of the Word (but we see Clerics ruling according to their traditions, misinterpretations or ambitions).
He speaks about a communitarian life, with real love relationships among the members in a local body that energizes our private and public life (but we see fan clubs around special buildings, charismatic leaders or interesting activities).
But, this is not all we can see. We still can see Christ in many people that love Him, obey the Word, and serve others through His Spirit of love.
They are spread all around, in so many countries, in many denominations, in churches or private homes, in universities or on the streets etc.
I am so thankful and happy that I am also a part of this authentic and victorios movement.
I belong to a group that identified with the Name of Christ and it is served by biblical ministers that avoid abuses, dictatorship or the personality cult and it is not interested in church buildings or large audiences. We want to be fervent in personal evangelization, but also in planting new ekklesiastical groups anywhere is possible.
If you understand me, I want to ask a question:
Is it proper and necessary to advice the other Christians to promote a Reform into their own ekklesiastical bodies by fighting against The denominational-clerical-basilical spirit and by the restauration of The Apostolic Identity, Doctrine and Practice?
For example, is it proper to advice a baptist brother and friend to promote a reform in his church by renouncing to the denominational identity, one pastor - leadership and church - centralized ministry?
It's an important question, I presume.

FLANDIDLYANDERS
28th September 2005, 01:52 AM
People gotta do what God calls them to do. By all means talk about these things, but be respectful of their relationship with God. And honestly, some people aren't ready to leave the warm, comfortable nipple that is a church service or building.

Personally, I say kill the church. Let other people recieve God's healthcare.

M Paul
28th September 2005, 03:51 AM
If you understand me, I want to ask a question:
Is it proper and necessary to advice the other Christians to promote a Reform into their own ekklesiastical bodies by fighting against The denominational-clerical-basilical spirit and by the restauration of The Apostolic Identity, Doctrine and Practice?
For example, is it proper to advice a baptist brother and friend to promote a reform in his church by renouncing to the denominational identity, one pastor - leadership and church - centralized ministry?
It's an important question, I presume.

There is a time and procedure for everything in life. It is proper and necessary to always maintain and defend the truth--however, there is a time and place and way to do so. If you want to disagree with a Baptist, then learn first what Baptists are all about, and what is the best way to converse with them, and to disagree with them. Then, pray about how God wants you to relate to them and follow his guidance. If you want to promote what you believe is the truth in general concerning the church, then first realize that many Christians want to do so, but their views are often different than your own. Respect them always, and ask God how you should make a contribution to helping all of us move toward the truth concerning the church. If he gives you a call and a plan, follow it--but examine the fruit that comes from your efforts, and make revisions as necessary. If he does not give you a call, then perhaps, you might find someone who has one and a way to lend aid and support.

Regards,

Paul

Wisdom's Child
28th September 2005, 05:36 AM
From my viewpoint God is moving in that general direction anyway.
The "big denominational" organizations are steadily losing congregations, and are slowly becoming more liberal in an effort to make the Gospel more appealing to Man and keep their incomes.

Many are waking up to the "True Church" and are forming small groups and cell churches at home.

Yes, talk about it, but with love and understanding.

New_Wineskin
28th September 2005, 03:50 PM
If you understand me, I want to ask a question:
Is it proper and necessary to advice the other Christians to promote a Reform into their own ekklesiastical bodies by fighting against The denominational-clerical-basilical spirit and by the restauration of The Apostolic Identity, Doctrine and Practice?
For example, is it proper to advice a baptist brother and friend to promote a reform in his church by renouncing to the denominational identity, one pastor - leadership and church - centralized ministry?
It's an important question, I presume.

It is proper if the Spirit is leading a person . I would personally advise the individual to seek Him more and more and allow their relationship to dictate what to do in the situation . The whole idea of denominationalism is centralized by your advice - "reform" the system . The system isn't the important thing - the relationship with the Lord is the important thing .