Family of God: Re: [Church_of_Christ] Re: Truth for the world

To Ray

You said, "The discussion of terminology gets very tricky. When you say something isn't there, that can mean several different things. If you are in a discussion with most people in the denominational world, it will mean that you don't see the CONCEPT." Yes I understand what you are saying and this is where my understanding is different from yours. I believe that what is revealed in the new testament is enough. The conclusions that are reached by the inspired writers is all that is required upon mankind to follow Jesus, to go beyond that is to go beyond what is written. I feel forbidden to do that.

You said, "I do believe God requires people to attend a worship service as a way to please Him. Absolutely I do." I understand that you do and so do a lot of preachers but if this is true then it is not stated as such in the New testament.

You stated, "Every doctrine uses a label to define it. Every practice, every congregation. You can't escape labels. You have tried desparately in this very post, but failed continually." There are two worlds that exist in Christianity the real and the matrix of organization. I agree with you that by living in the matrix of organized religion that it would be nearly impossible to live with out labels and unscriptural language but in the world of the true kingdom of God this is not true. For in God's reign his exacts words are used in the terms he designated. No other labels or designations are required.

You said, "From my point of view, this philosophy (and yes, speak where the bible speaks and be silent where it is silent is a PHILOSOPHY) doesn't work or have any value. Most of the doctrines of men that have begun to shine came about because of applying this philosophy." I will say this, I have observed that many say they are following this philosophy but in practice they are not. They have caused much division by mis-applying this philosophy and inserting their own words as the word of God.. And when misapplied it does not work.

One other point that you have made and I think it is at the heart of what I have been saying, "Such a discussion would be reduced to quoting the bible and saying nothing else." You have hit the nail on the head. You understand my point exactly.

Thanks Dan

----- Original Message -----

From: rbpesach09@att.net

To: Church_of_Christ@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Monday, June 01, 2009 4:59 PM

Subject: [Church_of_Christ] Re: Truth for the world

Dan,

>You said, "Of course, I see the concept throughout the NT, but the two words are not there together as a label." This is the whole point. maybe because of your background you see it to be true, but there are others that see right the opposite simply because it is not >there.

The discussion of terminology gets very tricky. When you say something isn't there, that can mean several different things. If you are in a discussion with most people in the denominational world, it will mean that you don't see the CONCEPT.

In my experience, the churches of Christ are far more hung up on terminology. AS you said, I fully admit that 'worship service' is nowhere in scripture. But neither are thousands of other terms. Theology involves many terms that are not found in scripture, and I've never seen that as problematic.

This discussion is similar to what Ed and I have been through over discussions of scripture. Ed stated recently that since this is a biblical discussion board, he discusses scripture. My approach is that biblical discussion involves philosophy, theology, logic, ethics, and many other disciplines. Biblical discussion is not confined to 'bible words'. Such a discussion would be reduced to quoting the bible and saying nothing else. That's not a discussion.

>Now if you were to press your opinion on others and require it upon them to attend a "worship service" as a way to please God, then you >have required upon them something God did not.

I do believe God requires people to attend a worship service as a way to please Him. Absolutely I do. But I'm not hung up on the terminology for that meeting. Now, if you mean, do I go around telling people that they should attend, I never do that. Period. But I do believe it's true.

> Now I do not believe that you would but some do and this is what cause divisions among disciples.

I don't believe holding people accountable causes divisions AMONG disciples, I believe it MAKES disciples.

> Labels are a big deal to people that only want to follow the New >testament without the additions of men's opinions.

Every doctrine uses a label to define it. Every practice, every congregation. You can't escape labels. You have tried desparately in this very post, but failed continually.

> It is the concept to speak where the bible speaks and be silent where it is silent so as to not allow the commandment and doctrines >of men to shine above the truth of what God has actually said.

From my point of view, this philosophy (and yes, speak where the bible speaks and be silent where it is silent is a PHILOSOPHY) doesn't work or have any value. Most of the doctrines of men that have begun to shine came about because of applying this philosophy.

Ray

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