Quote:
Originally Posted by Evangelical
Leaving denominationalism to go to the ground of locality, is not creating a new denomination. I know that is hard for some to understand, because they are so used to the idea of a divided Christianity.
Leaving denominationalism, to create a new church called "the such and such non-denominational free church", IS creating a new denomination.
So based on this, I would say that if both are on the ground of locality then they are both the "one church in Toronto".
An imperfect local church is a church on the ground of locality.
An imperfect division is a church on the ground of a denominational organization or institution. This is a human addition to God's plan.
Even if such a denomination were perfect in terms of brotherly love and sin, it cannot be truly perfect as it is a division.
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Maybe at one time there was something resembling ground of locality. Now? In current time those that call themselves local churches resemble more of ministry churches. The fellowship that exists in these so-called local churches is entirely based upon LSM publications. Without it, there is no fellowship.
While it is possible to have multiple assemblies in a given city meet on the ground of locality saying they receive everyone, it's only lip service.
Say with the church in Seattle, to the extent they receive is limited. If you or I were to suggest, "let's set side ministries and ministry publications and just take the Bible". How far would that go? That would be an indicator what the ground really is.