Quote:
Originally Posted by PeterG
Meanwhile I have read a lot here and was often shocked. But I would like to encourage everyone who has had a bad experience with the idea of "Lord's Recovery" to rethink about what it was actually about in the beginning and would ask if you really want to give it up.
If, in a Location full of unsaved people, some come to faith through the gospel: Then God does not want them to split into individual denominations, but that a visible multitude is living for his glory. He is looking for them to testify to their faith by their unity and thus also become light and salt for the world.
Was there ever anything wrong with this? It is what Christians have always known and what was WN's mission. Because of his spiritual clarity and his background he was predestined not to shy away from the practical consequences. This way he inspired generations of believers. And he was also wise and far-sighted. That is why he always emphasized how careful we have to be in founding a new “church”. That we must not add to the confusion.
I'm not nearly as familiar with WL as I am with WN. But apparently Lee acted far more carelessly, which led exactly to what his teacher wanted to prevent. But what is the consequence for us today?? To give up the good goal and finally accept church confusion? Or do we still have the responsibility to do the right thing?
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Hi PeterG,
Personally, I have come to see denominations not just in a negative light, but also in a positive way. The truth is, all churches—whether they call themselves "non-denominational," independent, house churches, or even groups like the Lord's Recovery "local churches"—are inevitably denominations.
According to the dictionary, a "Christian denomination" is defined as: "A distinct group within Christianity that shares common beliefs, practices, and organizational structures, but differs from other groups in theological interpretations or worship styles."
By this definition, any Christian group, whether large or small, old or new, fits the bill.
What is positive about denominations? For example, they serve an important role in the Body of Christ by reflecting the diversity within God's people—whether in worship style, emphasis, or reach. They allow the gospel to reach a wider range of individuals across different communities, social backgrounds, age groups, and cultures. Through this diversity, we can grow in love and service toward one another, learning to embrace unity despite our differences. They also help believers to distinguish true churches and Scriptural teachings from false churches and heretical teachings.
Since leaving the Lord's Recovery, I’ve shifted my focus from dogma and outward practices, like the "local ground of the church," to God’s love, good fruit, and humility.
In my research on Christian cults, I have noticed a common thread: they all claim to be the only true church. While they reach this conclusion through different doctrines or logic, the result is the same—an attitude of pride, elitism, and judgment toward other Christian groups, while fostering fear, shame, and inadequacy in their own members.
Consider groups like the Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, Exclusive Brethren, William Branham’s followers, the Moonies, and the Local Church of Watchman Nee and Witness Lee and alike. They all express anti-denominational stance and claim to represent the true unity of the church. In fact, their behaviour demonstrates that they are a cultish denomination and a false church that does not follow the teachings of Christ.
I believe God is less concerned with outward labels and practices and more focused on what’s happening inside of our hearts. When it comes to meeting together, I don’t think God cares whether we identify as Baptist, Pentecostal, Non-denominational, or meet in a home. What matters to Him most is whether we love and respect all children of God and considering others better than ourselves, or if we are caught up in pride and strife.