[Ohio]

Originally Posted by Evangelical

I used the extreme example to make a point. But that "LGBT church" could as well be a tongue-speaking pentecostal church which the Presbyterians might reject because they speak in tongues. In other words the acceptance for fellowship becomes very subjective based upon doctrinal matters. The basis for fellowship is not something necessarily sinful. This is why the basis for spiritual fellowship should only be Christ and the basis for practical fellowship is both Christ and the locality.

I agree but this does not explain why the Presbyterians do not receive the Baptists and why Lutherans do not receive Anglicans. Their differences are not due to sin but doctrinal, practical or historical preference. There is really no biblical mandate for that.

Evangelical, instead of blaming everyone else for what they do or may not do, why don't the LC's stop rejecting other Christians and start opening their hearts to others? There are great numbers of Christians who serve in old denominations, yet the Lord is touching their hearts to reach out in love. You condemn others for what you are not doing yourselves. The LSM/LC leadership ought to start pray-reading verses like Romans 2.1-8 for themselves.

Therefore, you have no excuse—every one who judges. For when you judge others, you condemn yourself, since you, the judge, practice the exact same things. Now we know that God's judgment against those who act like this is based on truth. So when you pass judgment on those who practice these things and then do them yourself, do you think you will escape God's judgment?

Or are you unaware of his rich kindness, forbearance, and patience, that it is God's kindness that is leading you to repent? But because of your stubborn and unrepentant heart you are reserving wrath for yourself on the day of wrath, when God's righteous judgment will be revealed. For he will repay everyone according to his works: eternal life to those who strive for glory, honor, and immortality by patiently doing good; but wrath and anger to the factious and disobedient to the truth, obeying unrighteousness.

For example, the church closest to me, which I have visited, is PCA (Presbyterian Church of America), yet they don't go by that name anymore, but instead call themselves the Blankville Community Church. They have made far more progress in the oneness of the faith than you have. At least they are moving forward, while you are moving backwards.