Quote:
Originally Posted by ThankfulForever777
Personally, I believe that the "one city, one church" teaching is one of the strongest mental “prisons” for individuals trying to break free from the constraints of LC. While it may sound biblical and well-intentioned, this kind of teaching always produces spiritual pride, arrogance, abuse, control, and isolation. It will lead individuals, including former LC members, to withdraw from fellowship with other Christians. Also, I found it very difficult to see the light in the Scripture concerning this matter.
As Nell has already pointed out, there is no explicit obligation or commandment regarding this matter in the Scriptures; rather, it is descriptive in nature. We can see many other things descriptive in nature pertaining to the early church.
For example, early Christians practiced kneeling in prayer, fasting, breaking bread daily, sharing meals before the Lord's Supper, meeting in homes, sharing possessions, and having everything in common. They also laid hands on one another, preached in synagogues and marketplaces, spoke in tongues, and adhered to customs like women not cutting their hair and covering their heads.
Should we feel compelled to replicate every outward detail of the early church? Or should we consider their unique circumstances and cultural context, such as the persecution that prompted them to meet in homes?
We should not be cherry-picking certain descriptive practices that resonate with you like “one city, one church” and impose them as mandatory requirements for all our brothers and sisters in Christ.
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ThankfulForever777,
There is no commandment “One city, one church.” I agree! (For me it’s about the reality of the gospel)
No compelling brothers and sister to whatever. I agree!
No cherry picking and bothering others with things that are only outward. I agree!
Turning a blind eye to what I see as a split body: I can’t do that.
Accepting other views: of course I will.
