[Sons to Glory!]

I was invited to a Zoom meeting by Henry Hon last week, which I was not able to attend, but am now watching a recording of it. On it about 20 participated, who consisted of ex-LC leaders and members, and people who've had nothing to do with the LC. In this meeting, everyone shared about their experience with home ekklesia - just gathering with other believers apart from any ministry. Many wonderful stories about how awesome the fellowship and oneness is, when the gatherings are 100% centered around Christ and not any particular teachings or practices!

One brother shared how the cross must be at work in us, in these gatherings, in order to enjoy real fellowship in oneness with those adhering to various teachings or practices! As I've fellowshipped with different Christians who participate in various ministries, this has definitely been my experience too . . . I have to drop my preferences to enjoy genuine fellowship.

Another one (an ex-LC leader; I don't know if I'm at liberty to give his name) shared how he found a group of Christians in Missouri, who had just come together in a simple way to share Christ with one another. They were not part of any other group or ministry, and simply accepted anyone who was a believer. Their fellowship thrived and grew. Then someone started meeting with them who was a seminary graduate. This one told the group, "You have one thing missing - a pastor!" So this one started pastoring the group. Before long, this thriving fellowship generally disintegrated.

Henry shared how a prominent minister recently said in a video that home gatherings must exclude those who are lukewarm (I saw that video too). Henry said that this is an exclusionary "rule" that cannot be found in scripture. If we start "discerning" who is lukewarm or not, then we start adhering to a teaching that leads to division. (and who is to judge if someone else is lukewarm or not?) I agree with this.

Anyway, it was quite an enjoyable Zoom meeting to watch, and I hope I can participate in the next one. If Henry thinks it's okay, I'll post the link to it on here. (but because of some sensitivity to ex-LCers present in the video, he might think it isn't a good idea)