Quote:
Originally Posted by Indiana
The saints in Durham and Raleigh have brotherly love. They, as one Raleigh brother intimated, “have a little strength and have kept [the Lord’s word] and have not denied [His] name.”
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But who are the "saints in Durham and Raleigh"? And what is meant when the phrases "kept the Lord's word" and "not denied His name" are used?
Before anyone gets my meaning wrong, I am not suggesting that the statement does not aptly apply to those who were in attendance at the recent conference and those of the various fellowships which they represented. Be joyous about the teaching and fellowship received/engaged in. Overflow in abundance.
But don't presume it to mean something unique to your fellowship or to be favored by God.
The question is "is there anyone else who is a saint in Durham and Raleigh."
Is there a view that what it is to do those things that were mentioned indicates some special position?
Is it missed that even the church in Philadelphia was exhorted to "overcome"? Or is it missed that the church in Sardis was not a "defective" church (like the RCC views all of Protestantism) but one that faced obstacles. That there was nothing so outstandingly negative to be pointed out is not indicated as a feather in the cap of Philadelphia. And those in Thyatira were not encouraged to move to Philadelphia.
The purpose of this is not to raise anyone's view of any person or group, but to suggest that even when there is the appearance of Philadelphia, it is good not to think more highly of one's self than one ought. Neither to think more lowly of (or debase) one's self. And not to pitchfork the warning to Pergamum as not relevant to you who think you are in Philadelphia. Yes, the letter that was sent to Philadelphia was specifically to them. But it was also recorded in a common writing with the other six letters and seen by all. Why? Not so the others could gloat over not having
those problems, but so that all would be alert to the reality of opposition from both without and within. And to expect that such would arise.
So. Who are the "saints in Durham and Raleigh"? I hope this is not another relic of the errors of the LC that designate certain ones more highly than others?