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NASB | Romans 16:16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Romans 16:16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you. |
Subject: Visit other churches? |
Bible Note: Dear John, Greetings in Jesus' name! Sorry, I was a bit busy (Sunday comes a bit earlier here than the US) I wrote to Hank (twice) to explain the reason behind my question. Please take a look at 'Dear Hank' February 9. A quick personal reply would be that I see a trend in the universal church toward two poles. Mind you, this is not every church, every Christian! But there seems (to me) to be those who are a bit 'xenophobic,' and those who are quite 'loose' in their commitment to a local church. I find both categories to be distant from the relationship of God's people to His church as described in the Bible. I see from your answer that you have not fellowshipped in another church for some time. Please answer honestly: Do you feel you have a healthy respect for the faith and actions of other Christians? Are you knowledgeable of other practices without judging them? From where do you get your information about other styles of worship? Do you feel you have a certain amount of (Biblical) tolerance toward others? Friend, none of my questions are veiled personal accusations. I am truly interested to know what motivates the bi-polar trend I see. I have been part of a church that was very well-informed AND open-minded toward other faiths, but over a period of 10 years became very legalistic and xenophobic in their outlook. I became a casualty of their fear of outsiders after serving faithfully in the mission field, finding myself (quite literally!) excommunicated! On the other hand, I look toward the 'opposite-lock' of (dare I say it?) Charismatic and Para-church Christianity, and am very uncomfortable there. I see that there is a great amount of emnity toward one another from both of these camps. Is this God's will? I doubt it! Wasn't that short! :-) Many blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |