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Old 07-18-2012, 12:24 PM   #26
aron
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Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Natal Transvaal
Posts: 5,632
Default Re: What is the structure of the assembly?

Quote:
Originally Posted by OBW View Post
I don't really think that there is a single "structure" of the assembly. But there is a pattern within which it does fit. And the pattern has structure. It has responsibilities that are not simply shared among everyone..
I really like your use of the word 'pattern'. In my discussion, I think that was what I was attempting to reference with the teachings of Jesus, which don't preclude organizational structures from forming, but rather might provide patterns, or principles, without which the structure might ultimately distort the fellowship of the saints with each other, their consciences, and God.

Quote:
Originally Posted by OBW View Post
And despite all the freedom we think we find in "all can prophesy" in 1 Cor 14, I really think that Paul was putting bounds and structure on an unfettered three-ring circus.
Your comments on Corinth are interesting. It took me a long time, post-LC, to realize that Paul was not so much giving the saints the permission to function, with the phrase "you can all prophesy", as he was trying to bring their function into line, with the stress on the following "one by one".

Certainly we cannot use our freedom in Christ Jesus as an excuse for disorder in the church. As you say, there are no easy answers. Simply looking for cast-iron solutions from the first-century church experience can stretch both the Bible and common sense past their breaking points. The only true universals I see are ones like "believe into Jesus Christ" and "love and forgive one another" and "try to avoid sin" and "if you are ambitous to be great, be the least".
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