TXDisciple

Awesome dodge to the question! It was merely a quick note to the topic and believe it or not, a very sincere statement. It was not my main reply which will be forthcoming despite the sarcasm. Jay

I will go ahead and throw a guick note out...... In regards to what an original "church" service or assembly was like and what we can know, just what does everyone here expect to find? To me, the answer to that question is the stumbling block - people are expecting to find something that is not there. It's the simplicity of what the original assembly of believers was like that seems to be what many overlook due mainly to how that simplicity has been lost for generations. Jay

Soon Nebula Sorry, it's rare that I go on the internet on weekends, hence the delay. BBL, Jay

I understand. I'll take the challenge and post a response to that later. Regards, Jay

Hi Nebula, Are you speaking of the finer details of how they would have worshiped? (i.e. what the Church bulletin would have read like) It's ironic isn't it....the farther away we get from Christ chronologically, the farther away we seem to get from knowing his Truth and yet we have His written Word within our hands. Jay

Good Morning Everyone, You do realize that some church denominations deny the divinity of Jesus or that the Bible is the inspired Word of God? So if we were to apply a "unity at all costs" mentality, look where we would find ourselves. No, any old church denomination will not do!! Lets look at this from a different perspective. How far does a denomination have to stray before you would consider it too far? Jay

Ok... So you're in a scenario where your church has been taken over by unBiblical practices, and you have either left in obedience to the Lord's directive 'Come out and be separate' - or else the unBiblical leadership has kicked you out - and then what? If 'it is wrong to start your own church' and you can no longer go to your former church, what are you to do? Sit and twiddle your thumbs? (In other words, if the unrighteous have taken over the church and kicked out the righteous, what are the righteous to do?) If someone has been kicked out of the church, there probably is not much you could do unless the Lord opens a door (meant figuratively...not a pun). But if a door is opened to a negative environment then being a light unto the unrighteous to where you might influence the church in a positive way and thereby helping to get them back on track could be a start. This, of course, is where denominational rules would get in the way and I don't see church hierarchy changing "policy" based on what someone from the congregation says. But again, it all comes back to denominational rules because even if a specific church assembly decided to move away from a certain denomination due to a denominational rule that was unbiblical, they would not be able to do so and stay under the denominational umbrella. They would pretty much have to start their own assembly. But starting their own assembly does not have to equate starting a new or joining a pre-existing denomination. Jay

Everyone deserves the opportunity to receive mercy. But the mercy and forgiveness they really need is from God. The real question here is will they ever repent and turn away from that sin laden lifestyle they live. Amoung other things, that would require them to walk away from all that they are connected with in Hollywood.....something I would hope, but doubt they ever would do. Jay

Hello Everyone, The following verses are of a most serious nature. In fact, they speak of eternal consequences and not good ones at that. Over the years I have read many opinions and commentaries regarding what they mean and I would like to read of other peoples viewpoints on these scriptures and how they understand them. I do have my own firm understanding of these scriptures and originally elaborated quite a bit more in this initial post but deleted those comments until a bit later. So please post your understanding of the following verses: (Heb 6:1 [KJV]) Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, (Heb 6:2 [KJV]) Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. (Heb 6:3 [KJV]) And this will we do, if God permit. (Heb 6:4 [KJV]) For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, (Heb 6:5 [KJV]) And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, (Heb 6:6 [KJV]) If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. (Heb 6:7 [KJV]) For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: (Heb 6:8 [KJV]) But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned. Regards, Jay Edited for incorrect spelling!

That is a misrepresentation of the passage. Shiloh, Would you provide your interpretation of the above?.....don't take this as an aggressive question....I value your input and would like to read of your knowledge on this matter. Regards, Jay

Pity about that. If everyone thought the same way we would not be talking on these boards right now. We would be insular, divided, and the kingdom would have stagnated. Ever read Paul's letters to the churches? And yet, here I am participating.

Hello Everyone, I too am one who does not belong to any particular denomination and never will. That does not mean that I never have fellowship with other believers and it also does not mean that I never pass through the doors of a church of a particular denomination. However, I could never sign the dotted line of a denominational church membership. While denominational church doctrines do not change frequently, when they do it's almost always for the worse and in some cases, they are changed for blasphemous reasons. God's Word never changes and neither should our core beliefs whether from an individual standpoint or collectively from church doctrine. So to answer the original question and to be completely honest, fellowship with other believers is a rarity for me......not something to be proud of. Regards, Jay