Quote:
Originally Posted by Igzy
I'm interested in how the Church actually can operate--manifestly from scripture and observation of what works.
|
I think that would be a good basis to find common ground. Certainly we can all agree on the following:
1. The Church cannot operate and never would have operated without the leading of the Spirit. And the leading of the Spirit as recorded in scripture was often accompanied by signs and wonders.
2. We can also agree that some laws trump other laws. If I am in the army I must follow the orders of my commanding officer unless those orders violate the Geneva convention, in which case I should not follow those orders. Likewise, Martin Luther felt that the orders of the church leaders of his day violated a higher law and so rebelled. To me church leaders are like traffic cops, they have authority and you have to obey, but if you are driving a fire engine you can ignore their laws. This is what Peter did and this is what Paul did.
3. God is not the author of confusion, so the idea that the church would not be "in good order" and "headed up" is not supported by the New Testament. That suggests leaders, rule and authority.
4. Every single believer will be held accountable for their own actions before the Lord's judgement seat. There is no excuse that you were merely "following orders". Regardless of how much you feel you are required to "obey" church leaders, that obligation will never exceed your obligation to obey the Lord's speaking to you. WL will stand before the judgement seat for TFoTPR and RK and KR will also stand before the judgement seat for TFoTPR.