If you could start a church of your own, What kind of church would it be ?
Mine would be absolutely non judgemental .
Starting your own church.....
by oldflame 24 Replies latest jw friends
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abbagail
5. SEATED
4. ASCENDED
3. RAISED
2. BURIED
1. CRUCIFIED
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A "Pauline Dispensational" assembly... though I haven't decided if I'm Classic or Mid-Acts.
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PAUL FOR THE CHURCH -- While on earth, prior to the Cross and in His humiliation, Jesus the Messiah gave the "Gospel of the kingdom" (Matt. 4: 23) exclusively to the nation of Israel. When in heaven and glorified, AFTER the Cross, the Lord Jesus Christ gave His "glorious Gospel" (1 Tim. 4:11) exclusively to His Church, primarily through Paul. "The Gospel which was preached by me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by revelation of Jesus Christ" (Gal. 1: 11,12). Two totally different Gospels, both based upon the same shed Blood; but one for the earthly, the other for the heavenly. http://withchrist.org/MJS/512.htm
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And only because there are no Pauline churches locally that I know of.
(Of course I wouldn't be the one running it, lol).
It wouldn't be a "church church," but just a gathering together of members of the Body.
No rock bands, thank you.
Corporate singing, the good old fashioned kind, yeah!
No "outcome based numbers game" (the "mega church" thang).
"As oft as you do this"-communion, not just once-per-year-WT-style.
No "dumbing down" of the Body for the sake of the "culture."
Testimonies, singing, praying, teaching, studying, association... a building up of the saints... gettin' rapture ready...
And throw in some witnessing "projects," too (outreach)... Wide open as to what method! (no time slips required, lol).
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These are posed to the Bethel/WT spies who may be lurking at any given date or time:
Why be OT- and Synoptics-oriented, holding the Body to the earthly level of Israel and her law?
Why substitute the synoptic "Gospel of the kingdom" for Paul's exclusive "glorious Gospel"?
Why subject members of the heavenly Body of the glorified Lord Jesus Christ to Israel's earthly New Covenant, or her Mosaic and Kingdom law system--that to which the Christian has died? "For through the Law I died to the Law, that I might live to God" (Gal. 2:19).
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And for any lurking/current JWS, read more here, and let the scales fall off your eyes (you won't be sorry!):
http://withChrist.org/MJS/newbirth.htm
/ag -
fresia
It would be a place of friendship and hospitality, somewhere where people can come and feel wanted and loved, appreciating all Jesus taught and how it can help us to become more compassionate and caring, I would love to be able to walk in a place where it glows with warm and I felt and made others feel relaxed and at ease.
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eclipse
oldflame, I'd join your church
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bebu
The Great Bebu-lon church!!
Sorry.
What's funny is that if you take a concept like love and define it narrowly (like, be nice or help the poor), you have to keep adding and stretching. Love is broad and also compact--like a universe on the head of a pin.
I agree though--in general I think being judgemental is harmful and we need to cut back drastically on this. I live in a glass house, anyway, so I have reason to pause. But also I do not want the "fear of being judgmental" to be the ultimate guideline--I would simply start to judge people for not being non-judgmental!
I think affirming the deep love of God for each (learning about it), and letting it transform us (submitting to it) so that we can reflect it (by accepting and forgiving others) are how God reaches both individuals and the world. I would hope any church I belong to (or would hypothetically start) would be part of that equation.
bebu
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bluesbreaker59
I'd make it a place where you can go and drink a cold adult beverage, watch a game, eat sausage sandwiches or BBQ, have male bonding, and be able to leer at females, watch a live band, and discuss things ranging from politics to the Family Guy. Our idol would be Homer Simpson.
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Hortensia
bluesbreaker - that church already exists - it's called a sports bar.
I'd make a church with no doctrine, just a regular prayer circle. We'd sit in a circle, and each person would name someone or something that needs praying for, and we'd take a minute for everyone to pray for that and then go on to the next person. I've done it a few times, it is a very wonderful experience.
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Nosferatu
It would be a yellow church.
I'd have upside down crosses and holy kool-aid. Oh yeah, I'd be using a wiki-bible so members could make their own stuff up. That way, end of the world predictions can be changed without a messy paper trail being left behind. We'd have public burnings every Sunday after the service to eliminate demons and old tires. Free bag of marshmallows for every donation greater than five bucks.
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snowbird
What fresia and old flame said. We would meet from house to house as was done in earlier times. I would suggest a weekly real Bible study starting with Revelation 22:21 and working backward. We would discuss anything and everything close to our hearts; pray for the Holy Spirit's leading in all things; help those in financial need; feed the hungry and clothe the scantily-clad.
Sylvia
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rebel8
There would be no membership dues, no initiation ritual, no pressure about attending, and no way to get kicked out. One of the only rules would be that you have to be respectful of people and property.
Instead of sermons there would be interesting talks from guest speakers on topics about ethics, peace, health, environmentalism, and science. Religious books would only be used to illuminate a certain topic of discussion; the discussion would not center on religious teachings or beliefs. Intellectual growth would be encouraged.
There would be a lounge for kids to play while their parents attended lectures. No one would be allowed to volunteer with kids unless they have gone through a vigorous background check. Allegations of violent crime or abuse of any kind would disqualify the person immediately.
Cappuccino would be served and everyone would sit on couches. Questions and answers would be encouraged.
The group would sponsor different charities by volunteering to help them. We would also have a food bank.
Everything about the building and property would be eco-friendly and healthy.
Materialism would be de-emphasized.
There would be lots of healthy, fun activities for families and adults, including lots of stuff for singles.
People's successes would be celebrated and their efforts to make the world a better place, encouraged.
Unhealthy social norms would be challenged.