Quote:
Originally Posted by Ohio
Kevin, you should note that the ground of locality was never properly learned from scriptures, rather it was used by Nee in China during the early 20th Century as a means to declare indepenence from Western missionaries. I found this a little disconcerting since these missionaries sacrificed their lives to bring the Gospel to them.
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In the genesis of this movement one should appreciate the degree of anti-Western sentiment behind it. Both Nee and Lee's parents were Christian and were persecuted. Nee's 'local ground' proposal, learnt from Darby et al, seemingly cut the Gordian knot and they streamed in by the tens of thousands.
But as Breadfish noted, any who critically examine the teachings got shunted aside and the mass became 'yes robots'. We now see imperialism redux as exported Chinese-flavored churches emerge. In some western communities the Chinese-speakers are so prevalent that they've segregated themselves from the natives. As long as they call it a "meeting" and not a "church" they presume propriety. But guess what - the NT Greek has the same word for each. Ekklesia.
If the Lord's Recovery's basis or ground is judgment and condemnation of others for spiritual fornication, then how will they find the means for repentance and forgiveness when they're similarly found? I mean, who is without fault?