Subject: INVITATION |
Bible Note: No, Steve. I am not putting matters of self above matters of God. Be careful lest you judge for you know me not. I am strictly speaking of biblical standards. There is nothing in the scriptures to indicate that members of the early church had to 'fill out an application' or 'have prior approval' or 'majority approval' or 'unanimous approval' or 'give a public testimony' as a condition to attending the church in worship and fellowship. I find this trend alarming and anti-scriptural. I have been asked to support this stance with scripture, but how can one provide scripture to substantiate something that was not addressed in the early church? No where does it say in the scriptures that applications shall not be required, or that approval must not be a requirement to attend. Can you read this example that I copied off the internet and honestly tell me that this is grounded in Scripture? "Realizing that the church covenant includes regular attendance at the three weekly services of the church, contributing weekly to the support of the church, etc., and that I will be disciplined according to Article VI of the constitution if I fail to keep any part of the covenant without a completely adequate and reasonable excuse I here sign that I agree to abide by the covenant of this church." As for privacy not being a Biblical standard, I disagree. Being a church member does not grant one carte blanche to stick one's nose into the business of others. Only GOD can be a critic of the thoughts and intents of the heart. |