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Visible, Local NT Church Biblically Defended! VIRTUAL "Church" Debunked!

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December 31, 2022, 10:08:58 am NilsFor1611 says: blessings
August 08, 2018, 02:38:10 am suzytr says: Hello, any good churches in the Sacto, CA area, also looking in Reno NV, thanks in advance and God Bless you Smiley
January 29, 2018, 01:21:57 am Christian40 says: It will be interesting to see what happens this year Israel being 70 years as a modern nation may 14 2018
October 17, 2017, 01:25:20 am Christian40 says: It is good to type Mark is here again!  Smiley
October 16, 2017, 03:28:18 am Christian40 says: anyone else thinking that time is accelerating now? it seems im doing days in shorter time now is time being affected in some way?
September 24, 2017, 10:45:16 pm Psalm 51:17 says: The specific rule pertaining to the national anthem is found on pages A62-63 of the league rulebook. It states: “The National Anthem must be played prior to every NFL game, and all players must be on the sideline for the National Anthem. “During the National Anthem, players on the field and bench area should stand at attention, face the flag, hold helmets in their left hand, and refrain from talking. The home team should ensure that the American flag is in good condition. It should be pointed out to players and coaches that we continue to be judged by the public in this area of respect for the flag and our country. Failure to be on the field by the start of the National Anthem may result in discipline, such as fines, suspensions, and/or the forfeiture of draft choice(s) for violations of the above, including first offenses.”
September 20, 2017, 04:32:32 am Christian40 says: "The most popular Hepatitis B vaccine is nothing short of a witch’s brew including aluminum, formaldehyde, yeast, amino acids, and soy. Aluminum is a known neurotoxin that destroys cellular metabolism and function. Hundreds of studies link to the ravaging effects of aluminum. The other proteins and formaldehyde serve to activate the immune system and open up the blood-brain barrier. This is NOT a good thing."
http://www.naturalnews.com/2017-08-11-new-fda-approved-hepatitis-b-vaccine-found-to-increase-heart-attack-risk-by-700.html
September 19, 2017, 03:59:21 am Christian40 says: bbc international did a video about there street preaching they are good witnesses
September 14, 2017, 08:06:04 am Psalm 51:17 says: bro Mark Hunter on YT has some good, edifying stuff too.
September 14, 2017, 04:31:26 am Christian40 says: i have thought that i'm reaping from past sins then my life has been impacted in ways from having non believers in my ancestry.
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Author Topic: Visible, Local NT Church Biblically Defended! VIRTUAL "Church" Debunked!  (Read 14161 times)
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« Reply #90 on: July 03, 2017, 10:11:16 am »

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« Reply #91 on: July 08, 2017, 01:27:14 pm »

No, not off-topic - just another example from another situation...over why being in a visible, local NT church is vitally important!

https://www.rt.com/news/395734-putin-g20-summit-presser/
Putin: Trump different than on TV, we can restore relations with US
Published time: 8 Jul, 2017 13:59
Edited time: 8 Jul, 2017 17:39

 The Donald Trump seen on television is different from the one in real life, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the G20 summit, adding that after his meeting with the US leader in Hamburg, he felt like relations between the two countries could at least partially be restored.

“As for personal relations, I think that they are established,” Putin said of his Friday meeting with Trump.

“The Trump we see on TV is very much different from the real person.”

“I think that if we continue building our relations like during our conversation yesterday, there are grounds to believe that we’ll be able to – at least partially – restore the level of cooperation that we need,” Putin said.

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« Reply #92 on: July 10, 2017, 09:21:52 am »



http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=7917226183
Ye Did Run Well - Who Tripped You?
Ye Ran Well - Who Tripped You?
7/9/2017 (SUN)
Audio: http://www.sermonaudio.com/playpopup.asp?SID=7917226183
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« Reply #93 on: July 24, 2017, 11:51:29 am »



http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=719172216349
Dangers For The Conscecrated Christian
7/19/2017 (WED)
Audio: http://www.sermonaudio.com/playpopup.asp?SID=719172216349
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« Reply #94 on: July 30, 2017, 03:11:04 pm »



http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=728172146470
How To Know The Will Of God & My Spiritual Gifts
7/28/2017 (FRI)
Audio: http://www.sermonaudio.com/playpopup.asp?SID=728172146470
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« Reply #95 on: August 07, 2017, 10:46:52 am »

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« Reply #96 on: August 24, 2017, 09:18:48 pm »

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« Reply #97 on: August 25, 2017, 07:06:30 pm »

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« Reply #98 on: August 26, 2017, 09:14:18 pm »



http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=730172321261
Seven Spiritual Gifts For The Child Of God
7/30/2017 (SUN)
Audio: http://www.sermonaudio.com/playpopup.asp?SID=730172321261
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« Reply #99 on: August 28, 2017, 12:01:51 pm »

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« Reply #100 on: August 28, 2017, 01:52:58 pm »



http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=825172245230
Spiritual Sabatoge - Partial Obedience - When God Strengthens Your Enemies
8/25/2017 (FRI)
Audio: http://mp3.sa-media.com/download/825172245230/825172245230.mp3
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« Reply #101 on: August 28, 2017, 05:35:36 pm »

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« Reply #102 on: August 28, 2017, 05:37:44 pm »

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« Reply #104 on: August 29, 2017, 09:41:23 am »



http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=82917546520
Victories Vulnerabilities: Snatching Defeat From The Jaws Of Victory
8/29/2017 (TUE)
Audio: http://mp3.sa-media.com/download/82917546520/82917546520.mp3
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« Reply #106 on: September 07, 2017, 12:21:12 pm »



http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=9717426461
Signs Of Spiritual Immaturity
9/7/2017 (THU)
Audio: http://mp3.sa-media.com/download/9717426461/9717426461.mp3
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« Reply #110 on: September 14, 2017, 08:42:40 pm »



http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=91417740492

The Spirit of Constant Conspiracy And Paranoia
9/14/2017 (THU)
Audio: http://mp3.sa-media.com/download/91417740492/91417740492.mp3
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« Reply #112 on: September 16, 2017, 09:24:59 pm »

http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/1-thessalonians-2-20.html

1 Thessalonians 2:20

For ye are our glory and joy.
] Or "our joy", as the Syriac, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions read; this is a repetition, and a confirmation of what is before said; and signifies that these saints were then the glory of the apostles, being the seals of their ministry; and whom they gloried of and rejoiced in, and hoped and believed they would be such, as would be their joy and crown in time to come, and for ever.
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« Reply #113 on: September 17, 2017, 09:18:49 am »

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« Reply #114 on: September 29, 2017, 11:54:51 am »



http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=928172348381
Virtual Church: Can Social Media Replace The Local Church?
Series:  OPBC ONLINE Radio Show  · 9 of 9
9/28/2017 (THU)
Audio: http://mp3.sa-media.com/download/928172348381/928172348381.mp3
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« Reply #115 on: September 29, 2017, 08:05:35 pm »

http://reformation21.org/articles/the-advantage-of-virtual-church.php

Excerpt:

Iain Murray's latest book on Martyn Lloyd Jones makes a point about his view of preaching.

'he believed that the gospel preached in a worshipping church, and in a local setting, has an advantage over other situations. Here the preacher is not just one man addressing a crowd; he is part of a community of believers who are not onlookers; they are involved; they too are witnesses in whom the Holy Spirit is present.' (p15)

'sermons should be heard in the context of worship not listened to casually as one might listen to anything else' (p19)

We live in an unbelievably individualistic world, and this has not just crept into the church; it has run full steam in and is in danger of wiping us out.  Church is full of difficult people, people we don't naturally get on with each other, but that is the church for which Christ has died.  We neglect these people at our peril. It is the community of God's people that God meets with. Murray continues

'When this is a reality, the incomer is confronted by something that has no counterpart in the world - thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is in you of a truth (1 Cor 14:25 av). Something of eternity may be felt on such an occasion: 'Our coming together in public worship should be a foretaste of heaven'.(p15)

You just don't get that listening on your iplayer in the car or listening to sermons because you can't sleep.  We have adopted a celebrity culture in evangelicalism when conferences - or more accurately conference organisers - often feel they are the true barometer of Christianity in our culture.  If numbers are up at a conferences - 'Jubilation God is on the move' but if on the other hand numbers go down - 'people have lost their hunger for the gospel, a sad reflection on the church at this time'.  If 98% of conferences were got rid of would it make any difference?  Admittedly certain speakers would have a lot more time on their hands, but would the church suffer?

All the time the local church is bleeding because people have lost their commitment to the nitty gritty of church life.  Some are frustrated that their ministers aren't half as good as the ones they hear online. Of course the internet can be greatly used for the kingdom. Of course God has used the web ministries, but there is danger for us here.

I recognise there is a danger that we swing to the other extreme of not recognising gifted men and giants in the church. The speakers at many of these conferences are godly men doing a great work, but the danger remains. Local church can seem so dreary compared to the glamorous conferences. For us as ministers we can long to be on the bigger stage and get frustrated with the work that God has called us to do in the local church.

The church of Christ is the apple of Gods eye, the centre of what he is doing.  He cares passionately about our local church life. What goes on in your local church is infinitely more important that what goes on in any conference or any web ministry.  Don't be dazzled by the internet preachers or Christian celebrities.  Be amazed that you have been called to play your part in Gods new community - The church.
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« Reply #116 on: September 29, 2017, 08:15:45 pm »

http://www.christianpost.com/news/virtual-reality-will-enable-the-next-large-revival-in-the-global-church-141393/

Virtual Reality Will Enable the Next Large Revival in the Global Church
By Christopher Benek , CP Op-Ed Contributor | Jul 10, 2015 12:53 PM

Twenty-five years ago most people didn't imagine that the Internet would reshape the way that they existed on a day-to-day basis. Twenty-five years from now people will think about Virtual Reality the same way we think about the Internet today - we won't even be able to imagine our global existence without it. One of the largest beneficiaries of this technological development could be the global church because VR is going to change the way that Christians participate in worship.

The main impact that VR is going to have on the global church is that it is going to, one-day, enable Christians to easily gather from a variety of places without being in the same physical location. This will enable persons who are homebound, sick, caregivers, without transportation, on vacation, or severely disabled to participate in worship with the larger community of faith without needing to leave the place where they are physically residing.

Eventually, VR technology will allow these participants to feel fully immersed as if they are actually physically present. It will also allow them to participate virtually in ways that they may not be able to in their present reality. No longer will one's lack of physical ableness be a deterrent that keeps people from ushering or serving communion. Folks will be able to perform these tasks from afar. Congregants who participate via VR will tithe and partake in the sacraments digitally. Of course this means that, particularly with regard to the sacraments, many ecclesiastical traditions will need to do the theological work of reimagining how modern developments in science and technology inform our understanding of sacramentality with regard to particulate matter.

But before society is exposed to fully immersive VR it is likely that most congregations will transition between VR and their present reality by utilizing Augmented Reality. The benefits of using AR in worship would be that a congregant who is sitting in a church in our present reality could view participating VR congregants by wearing Google Glass (or some equivalent) eyeglasses, contacts, or implanted lenses. So, even though to the naked eye many pews may look empty, when viewed with AR the congregation may actually prove to be more full than ever.

If this renewed sense of community is properly embraced, it is going to have the potential to create a revival in church participation that has never before been seen in the history of the global church. Millions of people who have been disenfranchised from the church because of physical constraints will now be empowered to participate fully via virtual reality in worship and fellowship. At the same time, congregants who still seek the holiness that is found through the physicality of God's creation in our present reality will also be able to fully engage will those VR participants via their augmented reality wearables and enhancements. For these and the aforementioned reasons, technological savvy churches should begin to seriously investigate these exponentially advancing technologies now.

It is also of significance that with the development of VR and AR will come moral and ethical temptations that have never before existed in the history of humanity. The church universal has a spiritual responsibility to model behavior when it comes to the uses of new technology. As such, the global church must not delay in charging its congregants who are, by vocation, scientists and technologists to actively engage in developing these new technologies in ways that will work towards advancing Christ's redemptive purposes for humanity and the world. Not to do so would be poor stewardship of the gifts that God has given us through technological advancement that can help to advance the global church in Christ's Kingdom purposes.
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« Reply #117 on: September 29, 2017, 09:02:50 pm »

http://www.baptistpillar.com/article_256.html

The Local Church
vs.
The Universal Church

H. Meyers

There has been a confusion amongst Bible believers that has lasted for hundreds of years. Many have been deceived for so long, they will not even hear what the Word of God really says. There are others who are not even aware of what their "so-called" churches are standing on. I am speaking about the "universal, invisible church" theory.

The word "church" occurs 77 times in the singular form, and 37 times in the plural form in the Bible. All these verses are found in the New Testament. Therefore it is one of the ten New Testament mysteries. "A mystery is defined as truth withheld from the Old Testament but revealed in the New Testament." (Landmarks of Bible Prophecy, page 54). "This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church." (Ephesians 5:32).

Although it is a mystery, it doesn't mean that it needs to be mystical. And what would be more mystical than a "universal, invisible" church? The church was a mystery for the Old Testament saints because it had not been revealed to them yet. But it was revealed to the New Testament saints. Jesus said that He would build His church, and that He would preserve it. Nothing would prevail against it, not even the gates of hell!

The meaning of the word "church" (Ekklesia) is "a lawful, organized assembly". Strong's Concordance defines it as "a calling out, a popular meeting, assembly." The very definition of the word "church" proves that it is a local church, and not an "invisible, universal" church. An assembly must be local, visible, organized, and constituted. None of these attributes could describe the "universal, invisible" church.

The first occurrence of the word "church" is found in Matthew. "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:18). As we have learned in Bible Institute, one of the general rules of Bible interpretation is the "Law of First Mention". The first place a subject is mentioned in the Bible usually gives us the key to its meaning.

If this is going to be our key verse, let's look at its context. Starting at verse 15: "He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." Who is speaking? Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God. Who is He speaking to?

First he speaks to his disciples, then he turns to Simon Peter. When is this conversation taking place? He says in verse 18 that He will build his church. When did He actually build his church? For the ones who are confused and think that the church started at Pentecost: two chapters later, the church is already in existence. "And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican." (Matthew 18:17). Jesus was building His church at that very moment (Matthew 16:18). He had already called His disciples back in chapter 10 of Matthew, and He was giving his instructions on how to conduct the church.

Some seem to confuse who the rock is. "Peter" (Petros) is a piece of rock, while "rock" (Petra) is a mass of rock (Strong's Concordance). Some assume that Peter is the rock on which Jesus built is church, but 1 Corinthians 3:11 takes care of that. "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." From other Scriptures it is obvious that the "rock" is Jesus Christ. "And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ." (1 Corinthians 10:4). Here is a list of verses that will show who the rock is without a doubt. Deuteuronomy 32:4, 15, 18; 1 Samuel 2:2; 2 Samuel 22:2, 3, 32, 47, 23:3; Psalm 18:2, 31, 28:1, 31:3, 42:9; 62:2, 6, 7, 71:3, 78:35, 89:26, 92:15, 94:22, and Romans 9:33.

"Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican. Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." (Matthew 18:15-20).

This portion of Scriptures deals with problems in the church, and the proper way of dealing with them. The last resort is church discipline. And again, we see the authority of the church given by Jesus Christ. This portion of Scriptures could not possibly be speaking about an "invisible, universal" church. How could you practice church discipline if it is invisible? Nonsense!


"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common. And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." (Acts 2:38-47).

Here, Peter is preaching to the church. They had received the power of the Holy Ghost Jesus had promised in Acts 1:4 and 5. This was the greatest revival ever. Notice that they were all of one accord. Thousands of souls were getting saved, baptized, and added to the church. Once more, how can you add to something that is not yet existent?

Let's look at the four characteristics of the local church or "assembly". An assembly must be local. Here is Webster's definition for "assemble": "To collect a number of individuals or particulars into one place, or body; to bring or call together; to convene; to congregate." A church must come together into one place. Hebrews 10:25 says "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." We are instructed in the Word of God to come together in one place.

If the church is universal, how are we supposed to do that? In almost all the verses where the word "church" or "churches" appear, it speaks of a specific place or locality. For example the church at Jerusalem was a local church. "... And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles." (Acts 8:1) So was the church at Cenchrea and at Corinth. "I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:" (Romans 16:1). "Unto the church of God which is at Corinth,..." (1 Corinthians 1:2). You can also look up these following verses: 1 Corinthians 14:23, 16:19, 2 Corinthians 1:1, Colossians 4:15, 16, 1 Thessalonians 1:1, 2 Thessalonians 1:1, Philemon 1:2, 1 Peter 5:13, Rev. 2:1, 8, 12, 18, 3:1, 7 and 14.

The Universalists like to use Ephesians 5:23 to prove that the church is not local. "For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body." They say that it can only mean one "universal" church because there can only be one head. But what about the rest of the verse? Is there also a "universal" husband and wife? 1 Corinthians 11:3 tells us that Christ is head over many men. "But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God."

In the Bible, there are three metaphors concerning the church. A metaphor is a short similitude; a similitude reduced to a single word; or a word expressing similitude without the signs of comparison. (Webster's dictionary). The first metaphor is the body. "And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence."(Colossians 1:18).

The second metaphor is the building. "And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." (Ephesians 2:20-22). The third metaphor is the bride found in 2 Corinthians 11:2, "For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ."

As we look at each of these, we see that they must all be local. If a body is scattered or dismembered it is no longer a body. A building must be built on a foundation and in one place. A bride must be in one place.

An assembly must be visible. A church can not operate unless it is visible. Who has ever heard of invisible believers, invisible tithes, or invisible church discipline? "Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?" (1 Thessalonians 3:10). And again, the three metaphors (body, building and bride) must also all be visible.

An assembly must be organized. Remember the definition of "ekklesia"? "A lawful, organized assembly." 1 Corinthians 14:40 says, "Let all things be done decently and in order." This is speaking of the church for it says in verse 33, "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints." "For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ."(Colossians 2:5). "For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:"(Titus 1:5). "But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth." (1 Timothy 3:15). Here again, the three metaphors must also be organized.

An assembly must be constituted. Constituted means, "Set; fixed; established; made; elected; appointed." Members of an assembly must meet some qualifications. Can just anyone be a member of a New Testament church? No, first they must be born again, and then baptized. It must be established. The same goes for the metaphors. The body, the building, and the bride must be made with just the right materials.

I'm sure by now, you are convinced that the word "church" in the Scriptures is not even close to a "universal or invisible" church.

Let's look for a moment at how the theory of the universal church got started. This theory is not by any means based on the Bible. The early Christians knew nothing of this theory. So, where did this theory get its origin?

The Roman Catholic church came up with the "Universal Visible" church by confusing "Church" (ekklesia) and "Kingdom" (basileia). This is Webster's definition of "catholic": "Universal or general; as the Catholic church." This is what the Roman Catholic church is based on. They confused the "kingdom of God", or the "family of God" with the "church of God". As we will see later, God's family and God's church are two different things.
So, how did we pass from a "universal, visible" church to a "universal, invisible" church? During the Reformation, when people started to see some of the heresies of the Catholic church, began to leave and start their own "churches", they had to come up with something to take the place of the "universal, visible" church. They were still confusing the "church" with the "kingdom". The "universal, invisible" church was their answer.

Here is what Dr. R. K. Maiden, former editor of the Word and Way of Missouri has to say about this theory:

"As nearly as can be determined, the first formal, official identification of church and kingdom was projected when the Roman Empire became nominally Christianized, about the time of the consummation of the great ecclesiastical apostasy. It was the Ecumenical Council of Nice, called by the Emperor Constantine, that affirmed and projected as its creed the idea of a 'Catholic' World Church. From then down to the Lutheran Reformation of the sixteenth century, the universal visible theory of the church held the field, except for the scattered, comparatively obscure, hunted and persecuted little churches known by various names at different times –churches of the New Testament type in doctrine and policy. Following the Reformation period and born of the Reformation movement, there emerged a new theory of the church – the universal, invisible spiritual theory." (The Myth of the Universal Invisible Church Theory Exploded, page 11.)


What it really comes down to is the Universalists confuse the "Church of God" with the "Kingdom of God". And yes, the Kingdom of God is universal and invisible.

The word "kingdom" means "the power or authority of a king; a realm or a domain over which it extends." (Landmarks of Bible Prophecy, page 17) The "Kingdom of God" is also called the "Kingdom of Christ"–"For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God." (Ephesians 5:5), and the "kingdom of Heaven" throughout the book of Matthew.

Let's compare the "kingdom of God" in the same way we did the "church". The "Kingdom of God" is universal. Unlike the "church" it is not local. It is made up of all the saints of all ages. "Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named," (Ephesians 3:15). "Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:6-9, 26). Therefore, it is impossible for the "kingdom of God" to assemble together in this present age.

The "kingdom of God" is invisible. It is a spiritual kingdom. Luke 17:20-21 says, "And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you." Romans 14:17 says "For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost."

There is only one "kingdom of God", but there are many local New Testament churches. The local church practices church discipline, but it is not so for the "kingdom of God". The church practices democracy while the "kingdom of God" is totally theocratic. The church has pastors and ordinances, but the "kingdom of God" doesn't. "To whom also he showed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power." (Acts 1:3-7).

What about 1 Corinthians 12:13 "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit." and Ephesians 4:3&4 "Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;" The Universalists use these two portions of Scriptures to prove their theory by wrong interpretation. They believe the word "body" is speaking of the "universal" church, but the word itself means it is local. Remember the metaphor we spoke of earlier? What did it represent? The local church.

The Universalists have come to their erroneous conclusion by starting out with an idea, and then going to the Scriptures to prove it. The Catholics said the "body of Christ" was the "universal, visible" church, and the Protestants said the "body of Christ" was the "universal, invisible" church. We must interpret Scriptures with Scriptures; not Scriptures with man's ideas. All this verse is saying is that by the same Spirit (the Holy Spirit) that lead us to salvation, we are lead to be baptized and become part of the body of Christ, the local church.

What has the "universal, invisible" church theory accomplished? It has made Jesus Christ out to be a liar. Jesus said He would build His church, but the "universal, invisible" church theory says the Holy Spirit did. They also say that the church wasn't started until Pentecost, but I proved them wrong earlier. "Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it."(John 8:44).

How the devil must be laughing! He has succeeded in spreading his seeds of confusion and he is now reaping. Believers will neglect the church of God–the local New Testament church–because it is not important to them. They believe the great commission was given to individuals and not to the local church. The ordinances are not important, neither is baptism. And that might as well include their personal testimonies, too.

The Universalists refuse to believe God's Word. They would rather believe man made fables. They want to hang on to their religion. They need to repent, turn to God, and stop relying on traditions. "God forbid: ye, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged." (Romans 3:4). "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. (1 Corinthians 14:33).
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« Reply #118 on: October 01, 2017, 10:29:52 pm »

1 Corinthians 4:15  For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.

Psalm 119:99  I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.
Psa 119:100  I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.


Proverbs 22:28  Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.

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« Reply #119 on: October 02, 2017, 11:04:22 am »



http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=101172139361
MENACE OF FEMINISM: Identical Rights Or Equal Rights?
The Menace Of Feminism
10/1/2017 (SUN)
Audio: http://www.sermonaudio.com/saplayer/playpopup.asp?SID=101172139361
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