What is the boundary of the Local Church?

[Ohio]

Originally Posted by Igzy

The NT Testament only gives two solid validations of an Apostle.

1. They were closely associated with Jesus while he was here, or with somebody who was.
2. They could work miracles. (I don't see how you can explain away 2 Cor 12:12.)

Without criteria such as these, how could Ephesus "try those who call themselves apostles and are not, finding them false"? (Rev. 2.2)

Originally Posted by Igzy

Why wasn't Lee content to be a traveling teacher and author like most other teachers in the Church? Because he wasn't content with having a ministry. He wanted to control things.

According to all the testimonies from those who knew him, during his first decade in the US, Lee was "content to be a traveling teacher and author like most other teachers in the Church."

But then, beginning in early 1974, Lee changed. He wanted to control things. He wanted to control not just his ministry, but all the workers, elders, and Local Churches. Things at first did not work out so well, but once he placed his son Philip in charge, what a ruler he became!

[Steel]

Originally Posted by Ohio

But then, beginning in early 1974, Lee changed.

Why do you think this happened, Ohio?

[Ohio]

Originally Posted by Steel

Why do you think this happened, Ohio?

We can only answer what happened and what was taught, and whether it was according to God's word.

You have to ask WL the why.

[Steel]

Originally Posted by Ohio

We can only answer what happened and what was taught, and whether it was according to God's word.

That's a wonderfully limited response... I appreciate your effort in being limited in it.

Originally Posted by Ohio

You have to ask WL the why.

He's dead.

But praise the Lord that we can all, if we choose to, before the living God... Enjoy the writings that come from his ministry.

[Ohio]

Originally Posted by Steel

But praise the Lord that we can all, if we choose to, before the living God... Enjoy the writings that come from his ministry.

OK, enjoy, but ...

Don't choke on the leaven of pride, bro.

[Steel]

Originally Posted by Ohio

OK, enjoy, but ...

Don't choke on the leaven of pride, bro.

I try... But know even if I do... The Lord cares enough for me that He won't allow me to lose my salvation even if my choking kills me.

My brother... I didn't come here today to speak the things I did below... But as I started reading the comments here I felt a compelling to write what I have below... And as I was doing this I was simply trying to do the best I can before the Lord... And if there is pride, my hope is that He will save me out of it.

And know this... The things I speak here, I speak anywhere... Because I believe the Lord has given these things to me to speak... And I want to be one with and obdient to Him.

If my speaking offends you, take it before the Lord... If my speaking uplifts you, take it before the Lord.

[Cal]

Oneness is a laudable value and goal.

But the way the LCM tries to achieve it has not worked and has actually produced the opposite results.

When I hear LCMers talking about oneness, it sounds like when the Pharisees talked about Moses. Technically they had a point, but only technically. Otherwise they were off the reservation.

In the meantime, I see oneness growing in other ways.

God is going to cause us all to "arrive at the unity of the faith." Let's trust him and love each other.

[Ohio]

Originally Posted by Steel

If my speaking offends you, take it before the Lord... If my speaking uplifts you, take it before the Lord.

Brother Steel, unfortunately it is only the heartless and the bullies who speak this way. This is how they "wash their hands" of any responsibility. Either you learned these bad habits within the LC, or you joined them because of similarity.

While I was inside the LC fold, all of the offenses flowed "down hill" in their well established hierarchy. Members had no recourse but to "take it before the Lord," because if one opened his mouth, it only got worse for him. Having left the LC structures, I then realized that I have a voice on behalf of others.