[UntoHim]

Originally Posted by Indiana

But the Local Churches have a special oneness also that tacitly requires of its members a universal accord with a universal leadership and ministry. This emphasis causes division and makes them sectarian.

Steve, I understand that you believe that there was a point in time (when is not important now) in which the Local Churches "changed", and went from meeting in true biblical oneness to becoming sectarian, emphasizing a universal leadership and ministry. Could you please point us to some concrete proof that the Local Churches ever practiced true biblical oneness with the Body of Christ at large, and not just within the confines of their meeting halls?

Proof, in my estimation, would be one or more of the following:
* Real and genuine cooperation with other churches and ministries in the cities in which they resided. Was there any joint gospel efforts? Did the LC join with other churches or ministries to fulfill the biblical mandate of taking care of the poor, taking care of orphans, widows and other needy ones? What joint efforts were made with other churches or ministries to represent and lift up the name of Christ in their community?

* A real and genuine effort to bring in outside ministers, teachers, scholars, etc. so as to expose the LC membership to a wider knowledge and appreciation of what God has done and is doing in the Body of Christ.

* The establishment of an independent board of directors for the Living Stream Ministry. A board composed of renown and approved men and women (gasp) not simply and solely beholden to the person and work of Witness Lee. This board would set the practical and moral standards for anybody who would minister among or have influence among the churches. Safeguards would be established and strictly maintained - no matter what your position or last name.

Steve, were any of the above things even remotely followed by Witness Lee or the Local Churches here in the US -EVER? I don't believe so. Maybe I've missed something over the past 35 years.