[UntoHim]

Sorry Steve, but as you may have realized by now brother Tomes' participation in this forum is only one way. (Isn't that frustrating..)

In any event, I think it's safe to say that Nigel has come to the conclusion that the whole idea of any one Christian sect, denomination or movement being "a recovery" of the Church is basically hogwash. This might be especially applicable to groups that claim that they are THE RECOVERY, such as been the claim of Witness Lee and his followers.

Such is the story of mankind, and God's interaction with man, since the beginning of recorded time. Since The Fall the entire history of God's interaction with man has been one of redemption (maybe "recovery" if you want). From God's saving of Noah and his family from the flood, to the calling out of Abraham, to Passover and exodus of the Hebrews, to all the times God showed mercy and redeemed Israel throughout the centuries, all the way to the ultimate redemption provided at the cross by the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the real story of the Bible....a story of redemption. This is the real story of the Gospel....a story of redemption.

All other items added to this story of redemption by man (no matter how well meaning) are worthless wood, hay and stubble and will not last into the next age. Thankfully, God in his mercy is going to save all genuine believers and provide us with the ultimate redemption - the ultimate recovery - from The Fall (in a twinkling of an eye, the redemption of our bodies). But many will be "saved, yet so as through fire". I think Nigel has come to the conclusion, as have so many of us, that much of what we knew as "The Lord's Recovery" will not make it into the next age. It will not survive the fire. So why should we hang on to it in this age?