Quote:
Originally Posted by Evangelical
Wherever we go and whatever we do, we are always in the church, the Body of Christ.
Being in prison did not stop the apostle Paul from being in the church.
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Unfortunately I'm an amateur and not qualified to teach or edify. But we're all priests and kings, and can at least hold forth on the word. (somewhat).
It seems to me that you overlay current meaning onto ancient text, and create an ontological entity that shouldn't exist in its own right, the creation of which becomes a distortion and diversion.
Our faith is in Christ, right? At least Luther got that right. And Wesley. They were refused the sacraments of the church but they had faith, and didn't waver. We gather in the name of Jesus Christ, not in the name of some church programme, or doctrine, or theology, or ministry (of the age!! - sorry, couldn't resist). The gathered faithful, assembled by the Holy Spirit, are focused on the One who can lead them home to the Father of lights. Instead, however, the gathering becomes focused on the gathering. The bride begins to eye her garments, and suppose herself a queen. She takes her eyes off the King, and light becomes darkness. And how great is the darkness!
The word 'ekklesia' predated Christ by centuries. See e.g. LXX, "In the midst of the 'ekklesia' I'll sing hymns of praise to Thee". Jesus didn't invent some new term or idea when He told Peter that He'd build "My church". The focus of the church, or meeting, or gathering, is on Jesus, and on Jesus alone. Jesus is the drawing power, Jesus the Architect and Builder, Jesus the light, Jesus the Shepherd and sole trustworthy voice. "In these last days God has spoken to us in the Son. . ." (Heb 1)
I'm not saying any of your statements are wrong. And perhaps your devotion to the Lord puts mine to shame. But to posit the church as an ontological entity in its own right is a prelude to distraction, and opens a door for fierce men and women to rise up and mislead, if possible, even the elect.