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NASB | Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, ¶ To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons: |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed), To all the saints (God's people) in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, including the overseers and deacons: |
Bible Question:
Dear Saints, Define the local church (the Biblical ideal), explaining why we have the denominational (divisive) system in it's place. Frankly, I am disappointed that not one person tried to explain the plight the church is in today! The odds are that most of you are part of a denomination. So... tell me why? The other day I posted: A local church is a 'mutually committed expression of the body of Christ in a specific locality.' A family of believers that have bound themselves together before God, dedicated to showing forth Jesus to their neighborhood. In the early church, these were usually gathering in a saint's house. "how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house," Acts 20:20 NASB "also greet the church that is in their house. Greet Epaenetus, my beloved, who is the first convert to Christ from Asia." Romans 16:5 NASB "The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Prisca greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house." 1 Corinthians 16:19 NASB "and to Apphia our sister, and to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house:" Philemon 1:2 NASB Another aspect is that there should be fellowship, as in the sharing of lives, with our homes open to eachother. This implies a commitment to one another beyond *membership.* "And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." Acts 2:42 NASB Finally, I can find no reference in the Bible to connecting one local church to another in any form of organization. The thought of 'strength in numbers' is never spoken, nor is the binding of any local body to another for denominational (divisional) identity ever portrayed. The absence of any encouragement to 'make a name for yourselves,' and the many warnings not to become like the Pharisees, Saducees, scribes, or any other 'named' grouping, leads me to believe that God never intended for their to be anything more than the local church. I would welcome anyone that can Biblically defend 'denominationalism' without claiming superior doctrine or 'strength in numbers.' (both points are moot in Jesus) Blessings to all, and blessings to the local church. In Christ Jesus, charis |
Bible Answer: Charis - I agree with our brother Tim. I also see the early church as almost being divided in Acts 6 - on the care of people In Acts 15 there was some division - on circumsion and othe Jewish rites. 1 Cor. 1:10ff talks about divisions - following a leader. There are divisions over minor issues - eating meat offered to idols, dancing, going to movies, slavery, sign gifts, day of "worship", role of laity, music instruments, type of music, color of the carpet ... In John 17:21 when Jesus prayed for unity, Satan knew he had a simple task to cause divisons. I have gone to church of several denominations. We need to be able to gather with those who think differently on the minors. My pastor gets together with pastors of other denominations once a week. Yes, there are major differences that we should not allow - Jesus is the Son of God - the only way to heaven ... Steve |