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Originally Posted by Koinonia
No, it's not.
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Ok then which group or groups are the local visible expression of the universal church? 3 choices as I see it are - all (all and any gathering of believers is valid, no matter what they teach or do), some (e.g. any group in particular), none (i.e. doesn't exist today, will exist again at the Lord's return, I believe Spurgeon believed in this).
Quote:
Originally Posted by Koinonia
All believers constitute the church.
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Agree. The universal church includes all believers. What about the local?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Koinonia
Evangelical, it is a heart-matter. You can talk all you want about "the practical aspects," but as long as your heart is proud, sectarian, and judgmental, it doesn't matter what you think your name is.
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So whether or not a group is a true local church (true expression of the universal church) depends on their condition?
I think it is the other way around. The churches mentioned in Revelation had problems, but were still referred to as churches in the city.