Quote:
Originally Posted by Terry
The following is from a former LC brother identified as "singnewsong".
"Witness Lee spoke about the Lord's Recovery carrying Christianity baggage. We interpret "Christianity baggage" as being traditions of men carried over from previous generations. Thus the present Lord's Recovery still possesses some traditions. We have never heard anyone speak about any specific items as being Christianity baggage. Yet we wish to identify three traditions as "the Christianity Baggage Trinity" They are: (1) selling the things of God, (2) churches owning property, and (3) non-profit corporations.
Doves, pigeons, and lambs were sold in the temple during Jesus' time. Did he approve of that? Not at all. (Luke 19:45-46) Today, look at all the business transactions regarding publications and certain kinds of meetings. Did Paul charge those who came to him? (Acts 28:30-31, 1 Corinthians 9:18)
The Bible does not record any early church owning property. The practice of building cathedrals and meeting halls did not spring up overnight. It must have begun during the Pergamos era when human government and the church "married". It was likely promoted by the two teachings mentioned in the letter to Pergamos: (1) Nicolaitans, and (2) Baalam. (Revelations 2:14-15)
Is not a non-profit corporation an unholy marriage between human government and God's people? This is a case of, "Whom should we obey, men or God?" Is not money the motivating factor? We also ask, "Where does the Bible give human government the authority to define a church?"
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After I left the LC's, as both Cleveland and Anaheim were grabbing their spoils of war, I connected with a local community church. At first I felt that the senior pastor had the gift of faith, and his faith really helped me back in those days.
Then, over the years since then, a few times of testing arose mostly concerning money. I initially thought that faith in God was the primary
motivating factor of this independent congregation, but several diverse trials seemed to have proven differently. It now takes more faith than I have to keep believing that faith is their motivating factor.
These folks can't even sit down for dinner without passing the plate, as the Pastor says in every meeting, "
Can we all now get excited about giving our offerings to God?"
An old and wise brother, whom I have known for decades, recently said to me, "
money is the mother's milk of religion!"