TheEvan

Check it out. Red Harley

The 'cell church' or home group church that has become a part of a growing number of larger churches is somewhat analagous to way twigs. Most of them seem to be very top-down, with teaching lessons supplied, etc. And regular gatherings of the larger bodies, even thouh they're meeting in small groups on Sunday mornings. It's nice perhaps, but the hard core house church movement takes a dim view...

I've been watching this movement with some interest. As decentralized as this thing is there is sure to be a big variety of what's going on out there. But the part identifiable as the 'rising house church movement' has some distinctives that are at least very common if not universal. 1. Church government by elders. Government by concensus, not by vote. Unanimity, or likemindedness is the aim. 2. No identifiable "pastor " in the meetings. 3. No set order of service. The service unfolds organically. (I'll bet with lots of gentle nudging, though). 4. Communion as a meal taken together each time the church meets. 5. A strict view of women's roles...no teaching, etc. And a number of other distinctives. Those are from the top of my head. I've read several books on the movement. I've spoken at a few. And I have an employee active in the movement. I also went to a mini-conference by one of the chief progenitors of the movement. (I was not impressed). I believe in the general concept, but the specifics are up for grabs.

May I suggest Blueridge? Lots of guitar for the money, easy to play, sounds wonderful, pretty except for the garish head inlays. So what? Real men play classical.

I would expect nothing less than nuance from you, Mark. Of this I'm certain: I would thoroughly enjoy the visit & the exchange.

That was my conclusion, Clay. When I left I attempted to establish a Christian foundation under me by going the Luther route (sorry Mark) and burying myself in Romans. A year of that is all it took to wash the bulk of Wierwillism out of me. Rather than trot out a laundry list of PFAL errors (it's been done, and by far better than me) I would point out this, Mr. McKeon: Jesus' followers are not known by WHAT they believe, but by WHO they follow. (And yes, I understand that to some extent the two are interrelated) If you were picked up on charges of being Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict? I'd like to be guilty of that...

Thanks LG. You'll have some heavy tweaking to do, though! (Referring to my black heart, of course ) Glad you respect me, but will you still respect me in the morning??

Well, CM, looks like we killed this thread. Say something nice and *poof*!

Since we're talking about Rom. 15:4, may I add that Wierwille missed the point badly? Romans 15:1 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. 3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. 4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Paul presents his point in v. 1. The strong bear the infirmities of the weak (not very Wayish concept there). In v. 2 he calls Christians to be ,what, abrasive and standing on the "word"? No. To please his neighbor, the "unbeliever". In v. 3 he calls upon christ's example as something we should follow and is applicable to us. He then backs it up with a prophecy concerning Christ. THEN in v4, he makes that prophecy concerning Christ applicable to US, the reader. That prophecy is truth to us, we learn patience though our trials and persevere because of God's comfort. The question isn't "to whom" is it addressed, the question is WHAT KIND OF PERSON ARE YOU? The Bible calls us to reflect Christ's nature. Biblical arrogance wasn't one of His traits, bruh.

Right on, LG. And the concept comes home to roost as a dirty lie when he dances through Rom 9-11, claiming they are written to Jews in one place, Gentiles in another, and NOT the Church.

(Dear Lord, Mark, that animation is awful!) 1. So ck, one cannot get saved unless they do Rom. 10:9,10?! 2. 3 gods? What are you talking about? Ohhhhh, are you talking about Trinitarian doctrine? Oops, 'fraid you listened too closely to Wierwille, friend. You're against you know not what. Trinitarians don't believe what you allege. Not even close. ck, there are many who hold to "the Word" and disagree. Jesus said people would know we are His disciples because we have love one for another. If you were arrested for being Jesus' disciple would there be enough evidence to convict? Or is your love reserved for the few remaining people who hold to that curious mix of doctrines I'll call wierwillism?

Back to your question. Where has "the Word" gone? Jesus is the Word. I thought Mark O'Malley's post says it all. That's a great starting point.

A view, templelady, not exclusive to your group. Very nearly orthodox... (It used to bother me when I found my views becoming increasingly orthodox)

Interesting topic. I think the answer is a hearty "both". Faith, by nature, is believing something without direct evidence. Yet, that does not exclude a foundation built on evidence, both personally (based on past performance, I may reasonably expect...) and logically (if it says all this, then surely...). Nevertheless, the greatest tangible thatbirths faith is revelation. It is why Jesu sends the Holy Spirit. To reveal the Lord unto us. Faith is the natural result of having a revelation in your spirit.

Fantastic post T-Bone! ROTFLMAO!!!!

Gosh, I was unaware of the OPC. They are doctrinally to the "right" of the PCA it seems.

That's a classic false dilemma. It's the old Wayfer method of "winning" an argument by misrepresenting what the other side believes. My take on the Godhead is that it is seemingly ambiguous in the Bible because that's the way it's meant to be. Anybody whose explanation of the Godhead purports to 'splain it has a small "boxable" God, imo. But it amuses me to hear people argue endlessly about the minute particulars of the God they worship...as if they really know <_<

Well, I guess since this is the Doctrinal gallery I'll refrain from arguing the points biblically. You all are nice people and mean well. Except Garthie, of course.

I really enjoyed the travelogue, Geo. Nice that all the enjoyment and pursuing of personal interests can be parlayed into a bit of business. Even without it, "cultural travel" is its own reward. Now we need pictures. Of the schoolgirls, hehe.

Whoah, heavy reaction there, Garth. Got some issues, buddy? I feel the overriding problem in DaWey was somewhat opposite. People were taught to think they were supermen, "controlling their thoughts" and bleeeeving for Big Things. And, as you know, one of our defining characteristics as a group was overwhelming arrogance. A bit of humility would have helped. :blink: I think they used dumb thinking to control people, just other dumb thinking. _________ Funny, this issue came up in our congregation. One person strenuously objected to the idea that we are unworthy. He may have been thinking of this hymn, in fact, when he protested that He made us worthy. Nice thought, but it has no biblical support. Not once are we ever called worthy. Jesus is, though. and, to extend the thought, God doesn't just accept everybody. That is a great misconception. But all those who approach Him in faith are "made holy & acceptable before Him in love." What is universal and unequivocal is God's love. He loves everybody of all time so much he gave his son to die for them, even for those who wouldn't accept Christ's work for them. Anyway, hope you're feeling better, bro.

Chuck, I did the script that was back post before last or so. I read it to my daughter in the presence of that august company while she emoted appropriately, looking beautiful in her formal outfit. That, friend, is the shot n' long of it.

Everybody got all dressed up, we went to White Oak Plantation and had a nice little ceremony with a reception afterwards. No tears or anything earth-shaking, but it was appropriately solemn & meaningful. White Oak Plantation

Neat. Thanks

Rump Wranglers Rassle Rewards for Risque Riding.

Participation in this ceremony is voluntary & paid for by the participating families. Therefore, we've got about a dozen in this ceremony. And for senior graduation, we've got about 28 signed on at this point, which is about 2/3 of the seniors in our particular group. Bear in mind there are 6+ other home school organization in our little metro area alone.