Subtle attacks on the church

[B-A-C]

I am amzaed at how many speak badly of the church. We certainly have a lot of "church judgers" here.
Are churches perfect? No, in fact it seems most churches in the Bible had thir problems.

The word church "ekklesia" appears over 70 times in the New testament.
Mostly by Paul, but by Jesus Himself 9 times.

Matt 16:18; "I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.
Matt 18:17; "If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.

Rev 2:1; "To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand, the One who walks among the seven golden lampstands, says this:
Rev 2:8; "And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life, says this:
Rev 2:12; "And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: The One who has the sharp two-edged sword says this:
Rev 2:18; "And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: The Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet are like burnished bronze, says this:
Rev 3:1; "To the angel of the church in Sardis write: He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars, says this: 'I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.
Rev 3:7; "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: He who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says this:
Rev 3:14; "To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this:

In fact the first time we hear the word "church", in the New Testament it is Jesus speaking. This word doesn't really exist in the Old Testament.
In the Old Testament, there wasn't really a concept of "church" per se. They had the temple to be sure. But as far as 'the body' it was really just circumcized Jews tha adhered to the Law for the most part.
If you were a Gentile, you got circumcized and started following the Law. There aren't a lot of conversations between God and "regular" people in the old testament.
God usually talked to prophets, judges and leaders of Israel. Angels appeared to people more in the old testament it seems.

But in the New Testament, the church itself is institutionalized by Jesus. Later by Paul, but Luke James and John all speak of the church in their writings.
Paul mentions the church more than anyone else. In fact he mentions it over 40 times.

It seems the church is a place to resolve conflicts amongst believers.

Matt 18:17; "If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.

Five of the seven churches in Asia had some serious problems. They were told to "repent" or else. It's interesting that Jesus would tell His church to repent.
( didn't they already repent when they first believed? )

Have you ever stopped and counted how many times we are told to do things "together" in the New tetsament? Here is a small sample, there are dozens more.

Eph 2:21; in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord,
Eph 2:22; in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.
Eph 4:16; from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.
Php 1:27; Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
Col 2:19; and not holding fast to the head, from whom the entire body, being supplied and held together by the joints and ligaments, grows with a growth which is from God.

...and yet for whatever reason, some people feel it is their job to go around criticizing "the church". Rememeber how you judge, is how you will be judged. ( Matt 7:2; )

We are told we should be coming together, assembling together as a theme of the New testament.

Heb 10:25; not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

1Cor 11:17; But in giving this instruction, I do not praise you, because you come together not for the better but for the worse.
1Cor 11:18; For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that divisions exist among you; and in part I believe it.
1Cor 11:20; Therefore when you meet together, it is not to eat the Lord's Supper,

Paul is giving some harsh words to the church here, not because they are coming together, but because they fight when they do come together.

1Cor 14:26; What is the outcome then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.

We are supposed to be loving each other. But some make it their job to judge others.

Rom 14:10; But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.
Rom 14:13; Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother's way.
Jas 5:9; Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door.

Whatever happened to love one another?

Mark 9:50; "Salt is good; but if the salt becomes unsalty, with what will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another."

John 13:34; "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
John 13:35; "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
John 15:12; "This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.
John 15:17; "This I command you, that you love one another.

If you're a follower of Jesus, you don't speak against the church. You love one another.

Rom 12:10; Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;
Rom 12:16; Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.
Rom 13:8; Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.

We shoud be building each other up.

Rom 14:13; Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother's way.
Rom 14:19; So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.

1Cor 12:25; so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another.

Gal 5:15; But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.

The mission of believers.. "the church" is to care and love for one another.

Gal 5:26; Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.
Gal 6:2; Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.
Eph 4:2; with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love,
Eph 4:25; Therefore, laying aside falsehood, SPEAK TRUTH EACH ONE of you WITH HIS NEIGHBOR, for we are members of one another.
Eph 4:32; Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
Eph 5:19; speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord;
Eph 5:21; and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.
Php 2:3; Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;

Pray for one another, love one another, forgive one another, lift up one another, be subject one to another, teaching one another...

Col 3:13; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.
Col 3:16; Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
1Thes 3:12; and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you;
1Thes 4:9; Now as to the love of the brethren, you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another;

Encourage one another, pray for one another...

Heb 3:13; But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
Heb 10:24; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds,
1Pet 4:8; Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.
1Pet 4:9; Be hospitable to one another without complaint.
1Jn 4:7; Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.

Are there false Christians and false churches out there? Certainly. Is it your mission to go around calling them out and judging them? No.
Instead of looking for reasons to fight with one another, we should looking for reasons to love, encourage, lift up one another.
What is your focus? What is your purpose here? To fight or to love?

Gal 6:2; Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.

We can't love one another, bear one another's burdens, pray for one another... if we're too busy tearing down one another.

 

[PloughBoy]

Note: just legit questions no tricks about it, ok.

What year did the word “ekklesia” became the word “Church” and what was the original true and plain definition of the word “ekklesia” what year of the 1st Lexicon definition used after AD 60? “Etymology”.

And 2nd. Is there a difference in. A “Institutional body that is called “Church” and another “body” of people that is A particular group of people who are “The Congregation of GOD” that is recorded in The “Original Copied Manuscript” pertaining to The “Biblical Text” of “Holy Scripture” as rightly Recorded.
Is there a difference between the 2 groups or there is no two groups of People but only one?

We might as well sink deeper into the Text of “Holy Scripture” since we all find our selves here at the same spot as yesterday. So let us launch out into “The Deep” and get off of the Beach and shadow waters. For we are not afraid of Deep Waters for we cannot drown.

PS. How many year had pass since The Books and Letters of The New Testament writings was written that a “Bible” had been composed. Hand written, by maybe hundreds of Copiers, some maybe we’re Professionals “Amanuensis’, some not. It is a know fact. Get 50 copiers in one room and have them copy the same document, most likely you will get 20 to 30 different copies. And everyone had the same “Original”

 

[QuestionIt]

I am amzaed at how many speak badly of the church. We certainly have a lot of "church judgers" here.
Are churches perfect? No, in fact it seems most churches in the Bible had thir problems.

The word church "ekklesia" appears over 70 times in the New testament.
Mostly by Paul, but by Jesus Himself 9 times.

Matt 16:18; "I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.
Matt 18:17; "If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.

Rev 2:1; "To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand, the One who walks among the seven golden lampstands, says this:
Rev 2:8; "And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life, says this:
Rev 2:12; "And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: The One who has the sharp two-edged sword says this:
Rev 2:18; "And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: The Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet are like burnished bronze, says this:
Rev 3:1; "To the angel of the church in Sardis write: He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars, says this: 'I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.
Rev 3:7; "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: He who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says this:
Rev 3:14; "To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this:

In fact the first time we hear the word "church", in the New Testament it is Jesus speaking. This word doesn't really exist in the Old Testament.
In the Old Testament, there wasn't really a concept of "church" per se. They had the temple to be sure. But as far as 'the body' it was really just circumcized Jews tha adhered to the Law for the most part.
If you were a Gentile, you got circumcized and started following the Law. There aren't a lot of conversations between God and "regular" people in the old testament.
God usually talked to prophets, judges and leaders of Israel. Angels appeared to people more in the old testament it seems.

But in the New Testament, the church itself is institutionalized by Jesus. Later by Paul, but Luke James and John all speak of the church in their writings.
Paul mentions the church more than anyone else. In fact he mentions it over 40 times.

It seems the church is a place to resolve conflicts amongst believers.

Matt 18:17; "If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.

Five of the seven churches in Asia had some serious problems. They were told to "repent" or else. It's interesting that Jesus would tell His church to repent.
( didn't they already repent when they first believed? )

Have you ever stopped and counted how many times we are told to do things "together" in the New tetsament? Here is a small sample, there are dozens more.

Eph 2:21; in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord,
Eph 2:22; in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.
Eph 4:16; from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.
Php 1:27; Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
Col 2:19; and not holding fast to the head, from whom the entire body, being supplied and held together by the joints and ligaments, grows with a growth which is from God.

...and yet for whatever reason, some people feel it is their job to go around criticizing "the church". Rememeber how you judge, is how you will be judged. ( Matt 7:2; )

We are told we should be coming together, assembling together as a theme of the New testament.

Heb 10:25; not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

1Cor 11:17; But in giving this instruction, I do not praise you, because you come together not for the better but for the worse.
1Cor 11:18; For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that divisions exist among you; and in part I believe it.
1Cor 11:20; Therefore when you meet together, it is not to eat the Lord's Supper,

Paul is giving some harsh words to the church here, not because they are coming together, but because they fight when they do come together.

1Cor 14:26; What is the outcome then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.

We are supposed to be loving each other. But some make it their job to judge others.

Rom 14:10; But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.
Rom 14:13; Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother's way.
Jas 5:9; Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door.

Whatever happened to love one another?

Mark 9:50; "Salt is good; but if the salt becomes unsalty, with what will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another."

John 13:34; "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
John 13:35; "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
John 15:12; "This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.
John 15:17; "This I command you, that you love one another.

If you're a follower of Jesus, you don't speak against the church. You love one another.

Rom 12:10; Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;
Rom 12:16; Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.
Rom 13:8; Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.

We shoud be building each other up.

Rom 14:13; Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother's way.
Rom 14:19; So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.

1Cor 12:25; so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another.

Gal 5:15; But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.

The mission of believers.. "the church" is to care and love for one another.

Gal 5:26; Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.
Gal 6:2; Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.
Eph 4:2; with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love,
Eph 4:25; Therefore, laying aside falsehood, SPEAK TRUTH EACH ONE of you WITH HIS NEIGHBOR, for we are members of one another.
Eph 4:32; Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
Eph 5:19; speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord;
Eph 5:21; and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.
Php 2:3; Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;

Pray for one another, love one another, forgive one another, lift up one another, be subject one to another, teaching one another...

Col 3:13; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.
Col 3:16; Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
1Thes 3:12; and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you;
1Thes 4:9; Now as to the love of the brethren, you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another;

Encourage one another, pray for one another...

Heb 3:13; But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
Heb 10:24; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds,
1Pet 4:8; Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.
1Pet 4:9; Be hospitable to one another without complaint.
1Jn 4:7; Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.

Are there false Christians and false churches out there? Certainly. Is it your mission to go around calling them out and judging them? No.
Instead of looking for reasons to fight with one another, we should looking for reasons to love, encourage, lift up one another.
What is your focus? What is your purpose here? To fight or to love?

Gal 6:2; Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.

We can't love one another, bear one another's burdens, pray for one another... if we're too busy tearing down one another.

Which "church" do you refer to?

 

[Samson2020]

Note: just legit questions no tricks about it, ok.

What year did the word “ekklesia” became the word “Church” and what was the original true and plain definition of the word “ekklesia” what year of the 1st Lexicon definition used after AD 60? “Etymology”.

And 2nd. Is there a difference in. A “Institutional body that is called “Church” and another “body” of people that is A particular group of people who are “The Congregation of GOD” that is recorded in The “Original Copied Manuscript” pertaining to The “Biblical Text” of “Holy Scripture” as rightly Recorded.
Is there a difference between the 2 groups or there is no two groups of People but only one?

We might as well sink deeper into the Text of “Holy Scripture” since we all find our selves here at the same spot as yesterday. So let us launch out into “The Deep” and get off of the Beach and shadow waters. For we are not afraid of Deep Waters for we cannot drown.

PS. How many year had pass since The Books and Letters of The New Testament writings was written that a “Bible” had been composed. Hand written, by maybe hundreds of Copiers, some maybe we’re Professionals “Amanuensis’, some not. It is a know fact. Get 50 copiers in one room and have them copy the same document, most likely you will get 20 to 30 different copies. And everyone had the same “Original”

My understanding of the word Ekklesia is " the Called out, or Called forth" and it only applies to those who have been CALLED OUT from the world, a single group, composed
of many individuals whom the LORD our God chooses to call.

 

[PloughBoy]

My understanding of the word Ekklesia is " the Called out, or Called forth" and it only applies to those who have been CALLED OUT from the world, a single group, composed
of many individuals whom the LORD our God chooses to call.

Can you go back further than that, more “Archaic” Etymology AD 30 or AD 10. “Ekklesia”?

 

[PloughBoy]

Ecclesia, Greek Ekklēsia, (“gathering of those summoned”), in ancient Greece, assembly of citizens in a city-state. Its roots lay in the Homeric agora, the meeting of the people. The Athenian Ecclesia, for which exists the most detailed record, was already functioning in Draco's day (c. 621 bc).

 

[PloughBoy]

Ecclesia

CONFUSION in CHRISTENDOM Much confusion exists in Judeo-Christianity regarding the use of the word "church" in New Testament scripture. Improper translation has distorted the biblical truth of...

www.biblebonanza.com

 

[Godbehonored]

“Are there false Christians and false churches out there? Certainly. Is it your mission to go around calling them out and judging them? No.”

Are you sure? Paul in his epistles named people who were false Christians. Peter wrote condemning judgments about false Teachers who were no doubt fellow Christians. Jude did similar things in his letters. Their letters are read by all believers, so they did go around calling out and judging false Christians like you said they shouldn’t.

No, it is not a mission to go around looking for trouble. But if the church is to be protected from deception and false Teachers, people need to judge and call out what needs to be called out. The organised religion of Christianity is in its current state of rampant immorality and false doctrines precisely because everyone’s looking for peaceful gatherings rather than standing up for the truth.

 

[QuestionIt]

 

[complete]

I am amazed at how many speak badly of the church. We certainly have a lot of "church judgers" here.
Are churches perfect? No, in fact it seems most churches in the Bible had thir problems.

The word church "ekklesia" appears over 70 times in the New testament.
Mostly by Paul, but by Jesus Himself 9 times.

Matt 16:18; "I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.
Matt 18:17; "If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.

Rev 2:1; "To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand, the One who walks among the seven golden lampstands, says this:
Rev 2:8; "And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life, says this:
Rev 2:12; "And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: The One who has the sharp two-edged sword says this:
Rev 2:18; "And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: The Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet are like burnished bronze, says this:
Rev 3:1; "To the angel of the church in Sardis write: He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars, says this: 'I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.
Rev 3:7; "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: He who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says this:
Rev 3:14; "To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this:

In fact the first time we hear the word "church", in the New Testament it is Jesus speaking. This word doesn't really exist in the Old Testament.
In the Old Testament, there wasn't really a concept of "church" per se. They had the temple to be sure. But as far as 'the body' it was really just circumcized Jews tha adhered to the Law for the most part.
If you were a Gentile, you got circumcised and started following the Law. There aren't a lot of conversations between God and "regular" people in the old testament.
God usually talked to prophets, judges and leaders of Israel. Angels appeared to people more in the old testament it seems.

But in the New Testament, the church itself is institutionalized by Jesus. Later by Paul, but Luke James and John all speak of the church in their writings.
Paul mentions the church more than anyone else. In fact he mentions it over 40 times.

It seems the church is a place to resolve conflicts amongst believers.

Matt 18:17; "If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.

Five of the seven churches in Asia had some serious problems. They were told to "repent" or else. It's interesting that Jesus would tell His church to repent.
( didn't they already repent when they first believed? )

Have you ever stopped and counted how many times we are told to do things "together" in the New testament? Here is a small sample, there are dozens more.

Eph 2:21; in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord,
Eph 2:22; in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.
Eph 4:16; from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.
Php 1:27; Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
Col 2:19; and not holding fast to the head, from whom the entire body, being supplied and held together by the joints and ligaments, grows with a growth which is from God.

...and yet for whatever reason, some people feel it is their job to go around criticizing "the church". Rememeber how you judge, is how you will be judged. ( Matt 7:2; )

We are told we should be coming together, assembling together as a theme of the New testament.

Heb 10:25; not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

1Cor 11:17; But in giving this instruction, I do not praise you, because you come together not for the better but for the worse.
1Cor 11:18; For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that divisions exist among you; and in part I believe it.
1Cor 11:20; Therefore when you meet together, it is not to eat the Lord's Supper,

Paul is giving some harsh words to the church here, not because they are coming together, but because they fight when they do come together.

1Cor 14:26; What is the outcome then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.

We are supposed to be loving each other. But some make it their job to judge others.

Rom 14:10; But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.
Rom 14:13; Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother's way.
Jas 5:9; Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door.

Whatever happened to love one another?

Mark 9:50; "Salt is good; but if the salt becomes unsalty, with what will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another."

John 13:34; "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
John 13:35; "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
John 15:12; "This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.
John 15:17; "This I command you, that you love one another.

If you're a follower of Jesus, you don't speak against the church. You love one another.

Rom 12:10; Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;
Rom 12:16; Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.
Rom 13:8; Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.

We should be building each other up.

Rom 14:13; Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother's way.
Rom 14:19; So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.

1Cor 12:25; so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another.

Gal 5:15; But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.

The mission of believers.. "the church" is to care and love for one another.

Gal 5:26; Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.
Gal 6:2; Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.
Eph 4:2; with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love,
Eph 4:25; Therefore, laying aside falsehood, SPEAK TRUTH EACH ONE of you WITH HIS NEIGHBOR, for we are members of one another.
Eph 4:32; Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
Eph 5:19; speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord;
Eph 5:21; and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.
Php 2:3; Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;

Pray for one another, love one another, forgive one another, lift up one another, be subject one to another, teaching one another...

Col 3:13; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.
Col 3:16; Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
1Thes 3:12; and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you;
1Thes 4:9; Now as to the love of the brethren, you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another;

Encourage one another, pray for one another...

Heb 3:13; But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
Heb 10:24; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds,
1Pet 4:8; Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.
1Pet 4:9; Be hospitable to one another without complaint.
1Jn 4:7; Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.

Are there false Christians and false churches out there? Certainly. Is it your mission to go around calling them out and judging them? No.
Instead of looking for reasons to fight with one another, we should looking for reasons to love, encourage, lift up one another.
What is your focus? What is your purpose here? To fight or to love?

Gal 6:2; Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.

We can't love one another, bear one another's burdens, pray for one another... if we're too busy tearing down one another.

Hello @B-A-C,

Yes, we are to love one another.

'Ecclesia' means 'assembly', or a congregation of called out ones. The Church which is of God is not determined by man, neither is it confined to a building of man's appointment, it is of God, in Christ Jesus.

* Israel, as a whole, was an Ecclesia (G1577), or an assembly ('qahal' - H6951) of People called out from other Peoples and Nations. (Genesis 28:3; Numbers 16:3-35 & 41-42).

'And God Almighty bless thee, and make thee fruitful,
and multiply thee, that thou mayest be a multitude (H6951) of people; ... '
(Gen 28:3)

'This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel,
A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you
of your brethren, like unto me;
Him shall ye hear.
This is he, that was in the church (G1577) in the wilderness
with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sinai,
and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us: ... '
(Act 7:37-28)

* It is used of other companies too in the OT, who were called out for a specific purpose.

* The 'Ecclesia' of ''The Gospels' was that of the the 'sheepfold' of John 10. 'The Porter' (ie., John the Baptist) 'opened' it and admitted the true Shepherd and the sheep whom He gathered; Baptism (the pool by the sheep-gate) being the mode of admission. Christ was the good Shepherd of these 'lost sheep of the House of Israel' . Hence He was at once the 'door' (v. 7), and the 'shepherd' (v.14).
* Peter called out the 'other sheep' which the Shepherd had (Acts 8-12), and brought them in to the 'one flock' (v.16). They were 'not of this (Jewish) fold,' but Gentiles (as such), with Israelites in the place of their dispersion among the nations, who confessed Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God. These are the 'Ecclesia or 'Church' of the Gospels and Acts.
* They had been led into this fold, but they were to be led out (John 10:9), and this commission was given to Paul. In Acts 19:9, he began this work when he 'separated the disciples', and the 'hardening' of Isaiah 6 was approaching its 'completion.' When that Prophecy was fulfilled in Acts 28, the change of Dispensation was completed.
* From then on the word 'Ecclesia' acquires a more restricted meaning, and is used of 'the Church of God' eleven times in Paul's Epistles.
* We must not confuse the truth belonging and peculiar to these Dispensations, which is seen in the various usages of the word 'Ecclesia'.

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[complete]

'Subtle attacks on the Church'.

Hello @B-A-C,

The verbal attacks that are made on the forum against specific churches, are directed not so much upon those who sit in the congregations, as upon those who stand in the pulpit and the doctrines they uphold. It is error and false teaching that is the cause of complaint surely, and concern for those who sit in the pews and ignorantly sit under the sound of such error.

If the truth is being preached within the assemblies throughout the world, whatever the name above the door, then there should be no cause for strife. It is differences of doctrine which cause division, if all were preaching Christ, according to what is written in God's word rightly divided, then there would be no division.

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[PloughBoy]

It is sad, it seems that a “child of GOD” gets to one spot in a building and become comfortable but stuck, Trap held down with chains in a dungeon like what happen to “Pilgrim”. And there they remain until they die. And there they are in The “Slough of Despond” and like the slaves where in the south when the“Emancipation” was sign and came to age. They were told that, they were Free.

Many did not know what free meant, so they remained on the plantation because in freedom they didn’t know what to do, They never experienced it, and hope of such was never in sight.

But those in Christ, “Born of GOD”,
Only a few who have come to age, and become mature and had become “Sons” knows, what True freedom is “in Christ”..[in The Anointed One].
A child cannot experience what “True Sonship” consists of, on earth. Children always enjoyed the company and the Tapestry of babes, and secretly enjoy the milk bottle or a sipping cup.

New International Version
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when you have succeeded, you make them twice as much a child of hell as you are.

Galatians 4
1What I am saying is that as long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a slave, although he is the owner of everything. 2He is subject to guardians and trustees until the date set by his father.
3So also, when we were children, we were enslaved under the basic principles of the world. 4But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5to redeem those under the law, that we might receive our adoption as sons.6And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”7So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, you are also an heir through God.

NASB 1977
I am writing to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I have written to you, children, because you know the Father.

PS. [ When you except “The Leaven that spoils The Lump you can never in this lifetime Understand “The Whole Lump”]

Why:
Douay-Rheims Bible
“A little leaven corrupteth the whole lump.”

Because, “The WORD of GOD” cannot be “BROKEN”!
If you choose to except lies about the Word of GOD and add or replace replacement words that have a different meaning, Than what The LORD has Spoken, The Word of GOD has been broken, And “THE FATHER of “Lights” will not allow you to know The TRUTH concerning this matter, because you have accept a lie over a “TRUTH”!
NASB 1977
Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation, or shifting shadow.


The Institutionalize Church is Not a perfect gift coming down from “The FATHER of Lights”,
BUT “Jesus The Christ” is
“The “Congregation of GOD” is! “Born of HIS Spirit”, “Born from Above” “Born of GOD” A HEAVENLY BIRTH. Not of “Flesh” nor The Will of man BUT by THE “WILL” of GOD!