Quote:
Originally Posted by Oregon
It didn’t have to be taught. What was taught was that there was only one body and the division of that one body was judged and condemned. So if there were believers in a certain place…..they were “the one body”….or ….”the church” in that place. That’s why the New Testament is full of references concerning “THE” church at such and such a place………………………………................................. .................................................. .............................................NEVER ……………..”Churches” at such and such a place.
|
Yes Oregon. The New Testament is full of examples concerning the church. These references were always referring to believers meeting in a particular city. Don't we need to drop the concept that church equals assembly?
How I interpreted what was taught is that a local church/assembly was the sole expression of the church in that city. That where you live, if you wanted to meet in the New Testament pattern, you had to meet with the local church/assembly. That's not to say there aren't other assemblies that meet this way. It's just what was taught in the local churches.
Assemblies that follow Witness Lee's ministry exclusively can no longer say they are the expression of the Church. Rather when you go to one of their meetings, you'll find the speaking an expression of Witness Lee's ministry. I'm not intending to be negative about Witness Lee's ministry, but the general Christian will be seeking Christ and not a man's ministry. This is why I see the LSM local churches having a minimal increase. There are very few Christians that would have an appetite for Witness Lee's ministry while there are many more Christians wanting just Christ.
How I view assemblies that severed ties with LSM, is these places may be trying returning to expressing the Church rather than a man's ministry.
Terry