The Source of Unity is Christ

[Axehead]

[background=white]What is suppose to connect Believers in Christ together? Answer: His Life in us. [/background]

[background=white]There is only One Body. Therefore, God only has one habitation. Yet, there are many members of this One Body. As we join ourselves to Him in truth and love then we are joined to others who honor and love Him, as well. True unity is not found in starting with each other but rather in starting with Him. There are many "bodies" of people that have so-called "unity", but if they are not lined up with the Lord Jesus in His purposes then they will not be "one" with He and His Father (John 17) and subsequently, other Believers who are also lined up with the Lord. You can sense this by the Spirit because you won't discern life (Jesus) and truth in that "body". Where Jesus is not the center and the focus of each individual, that particular "body" will give off a "savor of death". We just won't recognize the Lord's presence. [/background]

[background=white]If the Spirit of God is absent, then it is just another religious tower of Babel. Where the spirit of the Lord is there is life. [/background]Uniformity[background=white] [/background][background=white]exists today in many groups and "bodies", but that [/background][background=white]is not necessarily [/background]unity.[background=white] [/background][background=white]As each individual aligns their heart up with Jesus, then they will recognize/discern others who have also been joined to the Lord in His purposes and will.[/background]

[background=white]As the focus is not on you or I it is never on the Body as a whole, either, but on Jesus Christ (the Head). Never on us, always on Him. He must always remain the focus and the centrality of all things. There are many "groups" that major and focus on themselves and their collective unity and that is also a deception and not according to the Lord's prayer, "That they may be one as WE ARE ONE". What does that mean? Jesus brought His will into harmony with His Father's will. His Father's will became His will. "Not my will but Thine, be done". [/background]That is how we are one. Not by becoming one with each other, but by becoming one with Him. By becoming one with Him, we will be one with each other. We labor to enter His rest (harmony with His will), not each other's.

[background=white]So, we are not to be conformed to men or be conformed by men. Many think that if they can conform others to a certain standard (their standard) then they will have achieved something on earth that is of God, but "unless the Lord builds the House, they that labor, labor in vain". The only acceptable "conforming" is to be conformed to the image of Christ by the inward work of the Holy Spirit. As each man yields to the Lord and allows His work to go on in his/her life, they will be a functioning and loving member of the Body and in complete unity with other members (who are also looking to and yielding themselves to the Lord). [/background]

[background=white]We are not to be 1-dimensional, focused on the outward and not discerning what God may be doing in individual hearts. We build up individuals and leave it to God to position (fit) them in His Body. As we build up those whom the Lord brings to us then we are building up the Church. No need to conform anyone to our "vision" and the foundation we are called to build on is Christ.[/background]

1Co 3:10[background=white] ... [/background]But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.

1Co 3:11[background=white] For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, [/background]which is Jesus Christ.

Eph 4:15[background=white] But [/background]speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

[background=white]Eph_4:16 From whom the whole body [/background]fitly joined together[background=white] and compacted by that which [/background]every joint supplieth,[background=white]according to the [/background][background=white]effectual working in the measure of every part[/background][background=white], [/background]maketh increase of the body[background=white] [/background][background=white]unto the edifying of itself in love.[/background]

Col 2:19[background=white] And not [/background]holding the Head[background=white], (that is the key) [/background]from which[background=white] [/background]all the body by joints and bands having nourishment[background=white] ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.[/background]

[background=white]As we hold the Head we will receive nourishment and be healthy (no gangrene) and our sinews and muscles and tendons will remain knit together, and the church will continue to grow strong and increase and this life is from the Lord.[/background]

[background=white]The source of unity is not a shared vision or goal, a doctrine or creed, a man or men, an organization or a shared experience. The source of unity for Believers is a Person - Jesus Christ. [/background]

[background=white]Only as each individual holds to the Head will they be in unity and harmony with other members of the Body who are doing the same. It doesn't happen the other way around.[/background]

[background=white]Axehead[/background]

 

[Episkopos]

[background=white]What is suppose to connect Believers in Christ together? Answer: His Life in us. [/background]

[background=white]There is only One Body. Therefore, God only has one habitation. Yet, there are many members of this One Body. As we join ourselves to Him in truth and love then we are joined to others who honor and love Him, as well. True unity is not found in starting with each other but rather in starting with Him. There are many "bodies" of people that have so-called "unity", but if they are not lined up with the Lord Jesus in His purposes then they will not be "one" with He and His Father (John 17) and subsequently, other Believers who are also lined up with the Lord. You can sense this by the Spirit because you won't discern life (Jesus) and truth in that "body". Where Jesus is not the center and the focus of each individual, that particular "body" will give off a "savor of death". We just won't recognize the Lord's presence. [/background]

[background=white]If the Spirit of God is absent, then it is just another religious tower of Babel. Where the spirit of the Lord is there is life. [/background]Uniformity[background=white] [/background][background=white]exists today in many groups and "bodies", but that [/background][background=white]is not necessarily [/background]unity.[background=white] [/background][background=white]As each individual aligns their heart up with Jesus, then they will recognize/discern others who have also been joined to the Lord in His purposes and will.[/background]

[background=white]As the focus is not on you or I it is never on the Body as a whole, either, but on Jesus Christ (the Head). Never on us, always on Him. He must always remain the focus and the centrality of all things. There are many "groups" that major and focus on themselves and their collective unity and that is also a deception and not according to the Lord's prayer, "That they may be one as WE ARE ONE". What does that mean? Jesus brought His will into harmony with His Father's will. His Father's will became His will. "Not my will but Thine, be done". [/background]That is how we are one. Not by becoming one with each other, but by becoming one with Him. By becoming one with Him, we will be one with each other. We labor to enter His rest (harmony with His will), not each other's.

[background=white]So, we are not to be conformed to men or be conformed by men. Many think that if they can conform others to a certain standard (their standard) then they will have achieved something on earth that is of God, but "unless the Lord builds the House, they that labor, labor in vain". The only acceptable "conforming" is to be conformed to the image of Christ by the inward work of the Holy Spirit. As each man yields to the Lord and allows His work to go on in his/her life, they will be a functioning and loving member of the Body and in complete unity with other members (who are also looking to and yielding themselves to the Lord). [/background]

[background=white]We are not to be 1-dimensional, focused on the outward and not discerning what God may be doing in individual hearts. We build up individuals and leave it to God to position (fit) them in His Body. As we build up those whom the Lord brings to us then we are building up the Church. No need to conform anyone to our "vision" and the foundation we are called to build on is Christ.[/background]

1Co 3:10[background=white] ... [/background]But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.

1Co 3:11[background=white] For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, [/background]which is Jesus Christ.

Eph 4:15[background=white] But [/background]speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

[background=white]Eph_4:16 From whom the whole body [/background]fitly joined together[background=white] and compacted by that which [/background]every joint supplieth,[background=white]according to the [/background][background=white]effectual working in the measure of every part[/background][background=white], [/background]maketh increase of the body[background=white] [/background][background=white]unto the edifying of itself in love.[/background]

Col 2:19[background=white] And not [/background]holding the Head[background=white], (that is the key) [/background]from which[background=white] [/background]all the body by joints and bands having nourishment[background=white] ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.[/background]

[background=white]As we hold the Head we will receive nourishment and be healthy (no gangrene) and our sinews and muscles and tendons will remain knit together, and the church will continue to grow strong and increase and this life is from the Lord.[/background]

[background=white]The source of unity is not a shared vision or goal, a doctrine or creed, a man or men, an organization or a shared experience. The source of unity for Believers is a Person - Jesus Christ. [/background]

[background=white]Only as each individual holds to the Head will they be in unity and harmony with other members of the Body who are doing the same. It doesn't happen the other way around.[/background]

[background=white]Axehead[/background]

It is precisely this true connection to the Head which causes us to lay down our lives for the brethren (as Jesus did and does) and discern the Body of which we are members of each other. The account in Acts of a large group of people becoming connected to Christ and what that did to them...coming out of an individualistic pursuit and into a kingdom life in the Spirit...bears witness to the effect of becoming one Body. It is the absence of this testimony and life that shows we are NOT truly connected to the Head.

The purpose of God in Christ is not to have a panoply of radio controlled Christians with each their own agendas running around doing what they feel like. But rather, a cohesive flock of people that are interconnected as they are moved together by the Spirit.

the connection to Christ comes first...and then the outworking of that connection is the oneness of the Body. Otherwise we are going down the rabbit trail of grace and works again. Works of the Spirit come out of the grace we received. The greatest outworking of this grace is the love one finds only in the true church of Christ. We leave all to follow Christ and this very thing eliminates any impediment to a selfless unity among Christ's disciples.

It is when we see a lack of surrender of the self life to the Lord that the personal agendas restrict the purpose of God. The oneness of the Body is the fruit of being grafted into Christ.

We are NOT surrendered to the Body...but to Christ. In this way we are not depending on people being already perfect. There are thousands of excuses that the flesh will make to remain in a life that does not require the crucifixion of self. Today we have a cruci-fiction...which shows itself in the human agendas that pass for churches.

 

[Axehead]

It is precisely this true connection to the Head which causes us to lay down our lives for the brethren (as Jesus did and does) and discern the Body of which we are members of each other. The account in Acts of a large group of people becoming connected to Christ and what that did to them...coming out of an individualistic pursuit and into a kingdom life in the Spirit...bears witness to the effect of becoming one Body. It is the absence of this testimony and life that shows we are NOT truly connected to the Head.

Yes, self-ish pursuits definitely speak of ourselves being the "CENTER" rather than Christ. If there is no place for the CROSS in our lives then we will refuse the inward work of the Holy Spirit (circumcision, purging, sancitification). Holding to the Head will not even be a consideration.

The purpose of God in Christ is not to have a panoply of radio controlled Christians with each their own agendas running around doing what they feel like. But rather, a cohesive flock of people that are interconnected as they are moved together by the Spirit.

Agreed. And again, everything must be Christ-centered in our lives. Everything we do and say, must be in submission to Him and His purposes.

the connection to Christ comes first...and then the outworking of that connection is the oneness of the Body. Otherwise we are going down the rabbit trail of grace and works again. Works of the Spirit come out of the grace we received. The greatest outworking of this grace is the love one finds only in the true church of Christ. We leave all to follow Christ and this very thing eliminates any impediment to a selfless unity among Christ's disciples.

I like how you worded that. "the outworking of that connection is the oneness of the Body". To truly follow Christ, you have to "leave all". You cannot be joined to anything in your heart, save Christ alone. Everything must be on the altar of sacrifice. All we are and all we have belongs to Him.

It is when we see a lack of surrender of the self life to the Lord that the personal agendas restrict the purpose of God. The oneness of the Body is the fruit of being grafted into Christ.

and coming into agreement with Him and His will by our actions.

We are NOT surrendered to the Body...but to Christ. In this way we are not depending on people being already perfect. There are thousands of excuses that the flesh will make to remain in a life that does not require the crucifixion of self. Today we have a cruci-fiction...which shows itself in the human agendas that pass for churches.

We are living in perilous times and the Lord is speaking to a lukewarm and fallen away church to "Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else..." (Rev 2:5).

Who is taking His words seriously?

Come to the Lord Jesus with ALL your heart and do not be joined to anything in your heart but Him!

Axehead

 

[Episkopos]

We must consider the historical baggage that has moved us away from a child-like view of what the church is supposed to be. We tend to react to the other expressions of church that fall short of the biblical standard...by becoming cynical rather than seeing which part of the truth these expressions are seeking to flesh out.

This reminds me of when I was a kid and had a hockey card collection that consisted of a book that showed each team with a place to glue in the individual player cards. There were three of us one day comparing our hockey card books...none of had a whole set....but among us all we had enough loose cards to have one complete set among us. We could not agree on the trades so that none of us could complete his own book. The bigger sister of one of my friends decided that her little brother should have a whole set and proceeded to MAKE the trades necessary to have a complete set. We, of course, would never have done this as we could not agree on the trades necessary to do this. Our pride stood in the way. So we had our own decisions overridden by the big sister. At least, then, we could see what a whole set looked like in the book. I think the Body of Christ requires this kind of authority...which overrides our own sense of pride and justice. We have the gifts distributed among all...but nobody wants to work together. Our own immaturity stops us from being in a position to become more mature. If we wait for all the members to come to maturity on their own in order to selflessly build with others...it WILL NEVER HAPPEN. We don't get to maturity first and then see the body come together. Rather, we need the Body in order to come to maturity.

So we have a huge conundrum. We need the unity and the gifts of the Body in order to learn to be selfless...yet we will never surrender to Christ IN HIS BODY. So we remain weak and we die because we cannot discern the Body.

1Co 11:29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.
1Co 11:30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.
1Co 11:31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
1Co 11:32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

 

[Rex]

It is precisely this true connection to the Head which causes us to lay down our lives for the brethren (as Jesus did and does) and discern the Body of which we are members of each other. The account in Acts of a large group of people becoming connected to Christ and what that did to them...coming out of an individualistic pursuit and into a kingdom life in the Spirit...bears witness to the effect of becoming one Body. It is the absence of this testimony and life that shows we are NOT truly connected to the Head.

We serve a living God, in that it means He is active, moving. So how is it that we can see His position and movement 2000 years ago and presume He hasn't moved, changed His stance. What I'm getting at is He is at work far beyond what is manifest in the flesh of men. Pulling down strong holds, tending to the young, and adding to His flock daily - those that hear Him. We have been and are active in a spiritual war. A singular large group is vulnerable and week. For 40 years God purged the unbelievers from the multitude lead out of Egypt. Where we really see the mighty hand of God in the OT is in the weakness of the flock. The flock consist of those that are not yet ready to be killed to become food nourishment . To lay down their lives, to be raised up becoming spiritual. The goal of the shepherd is to bring in a harvest. What then do we see rising out of this weakness? Samuel Gideon Amos Esther Isaiah. The flock is the birthing place. When the clouds with hold rain and food is scarce the shepherd sees the strong and the week are purged.

My point is we are not called to be content in being the sheep of His hand but to called the Sons of God, to come out of the flock no longer being born of dust but being born transformed a living Spirit.

1 Co 15:46-49

Don't be fooled and become content, happy little sheep. The flock is week as a whole and from it also rises up unyielding rams that fight and cause trouble as well they need to be put down, least the flock be scattered, divided or they birth rebellious lambs as well.

The true strength of Gods hand is always seen in the few, it is never seen in the multitude.

 

[neophyte]

We serve a living God, in that it means He is active, moving. So how is it that we can see His position and movement 2000 years ago and presume He hasn't moved, changed His stance. What I'm getting at is He is at work far beyond what is manifest in the flesh of men. Pulling down strong holds, tending to the young, and adding to His flock daily - those that hear Him. We have been and are active in a spiritual war. A singular large group is vulnerable and week. For 40 years God purged the unbelievers from the multitude lead out of Egypt. Where we really see the mighty hand of God in the OT is in the weakness of the flock. The flock consist of those that are not yet ready to be killed to become food nourishment . To lay down their lives, to be raised up becoming spiritual. The goal of the shepherd is to bring in a harvest. What then do we see rising out of this weakness? Samuel Gideon Amos Esther Isaiah. The flock is the birthing place. When the clouds with hold rain and food is scarce the shepherd sees the strong and the week are purged.

My point is we are not called to be content in being the sheep of His hand but to called the Sons of God, to come out of the flock no longer being born of dust but being born transformed a living Spirit.

1 Co 15:46-49

Don't be fooled and become content, happy little sheep. The flock is week as a whole and from it also rises up unyielding rams that fight and cause trouble as well they need to be put down, least the flock be scattered, divided or they birth rebellious lambs as well.

The true strength of Gods hand is always seen in the few, it is never seen in the multitude.

God bless those that stay with God's One Church.

It was to His apostles that He gave the authority to rule and teach-

John 20:21
Matt.16:15-19
Matt.28:18-20
Luke 10:16
John 17:20-21
Eph.2:19-20

 

[Rex]

The last time I spoke to you I asked you nicely to please not bring the doctrine of the One holy and and apostolic church teaching to me.

I have to leave for a while.

http://www.christianityboard.com/topic/16850-the-importance-of-works/page__view__findpost__p__172203

Proverbs 27:3

 

[Axehead]

God bless those that stay with God's One Church.

It was to His apostles that He gave the authority to rule and teach-

John 20:21
Matt.16:15-19
Matt.28:18-20
Luke 10:16
John 17:20-21
Eph.2:19-20

It is getting wearisome to always have the "pseudo-christian" Catholic church injected in every post. No wonder true Believers are being chased away from CyB. I know that admission comforts you, Neo and probably emboldens you even more.

The last time I spoke to you I asked you nicely to please not bring the doctrine of the One holy and and apostolic church teaching to me.

I have to leave for a while.

http://www.christian...post__p__172203

Proverbs 27:3

Rex,

You are right, in that the Lord is working in His Church and maturing "many sons". We don't see a fraction of what He is doing and I certainly don't look for a visible, large public organization on earth to be doing His will. He has never moved in that way. He works through His Body, member by member. A lot of people don't understand this.

Psa 16:3 But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.
Psa 16:4 Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips.
Psa 16:5 The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.
Psa 16:6 The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.
Psa 16:7 I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.
Psa 16:8 I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
Psa 16:9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.

Axehead

 

[THE Gypsy]

It is getting wearisome to always have the "pseudo-christian" Catholic church injected in every post. No wonder true Believers are being chased away from CyB. I know that admission comforts you, Neo and probably emboldens you even more.

Axehead

Indeed. If people spent half as much time "defending the faith", as we are told to do, as they do "defending the church" they just might have something edifying.

 

[Rex]

It is getting wearisome to always have the "pseudo-christian" Catholic church injected in every post. No wonder true Believers are being chased away from CyB. I know that admission comforts you, Neo and probably emboldens you even more.




Rex,

You are right, in that the Lord is working in His Church and maturing "many sons". We don't see a fraction of what He is doing and I certainly don't look for a visible, large public organization on earth to be doing His will. He has never moved in that way. He works through His Body, member by member. A lot of people don't understand this.

Psa 16:3 But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.
Psa 16:4 Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips.
Psa 16:5 The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.
Psa 16:6 The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.
Psa 16:7 I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.
Psa 16:8 I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
Psa 16:9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.

Axehead

Thanks for the encouraging words Axehead, I wasn't taking a break because of neo or his post, I simply have a life I try to balance as well.
Out of respect for that which dwells with in me, this house, and those that dwell here I would just as soon not have to grab neo by the throat again. LOL.
As I told him last time "Light is a much easier burden than sand and stones" he's nothing more than a noisy distraction. He should take the example of other catholics here, and maybe have something to say besides C/P scripts. Such things will never prevent nor hinder the Lords calling or work.

AMen AH

BTW since you took him by the hand and showed him the new statement of faith he's testing the waters. "perhaps"

 

[Axehead]

Thanks for the encouraging words Axehead, I wasn't taking a break because of neo or his post, I simply have a life I try to balance as well.
Out of respect for that which dwells with in me, this house, and those that dwell here I would just as soon not have to grab neo by the throat again. LOL.
As I told him last time "Light is a much easier burden than sand and stones" he's nothing more than a noisy distraction. He should take the example of other catholics here, and maybe have something to say besides C/P scripts. Such things will never prevent nor hinder the Lords calling or work.

AMen AH

BTW since you took him by the hand and showed him the new statement of faith he's testing the waters. "perhaps"

You know, Rex, if the moderators want an ecumenical forum then we can't stop it and we're free to move on.

I am not going to fight apostate religious structures, whether they are Catholicism, Mormonism, or the Watchtower. I will concentrate my energy on exalting Jesus. More damage is done to Satan's kingdom by exalting Jesus.

As long as Neo and the other Catholics are here, they will be reading many good posts and Lord willing through prayer, something will sink in and a light will turn on.

Axehead

 

[epostle1]

[background=white]What is suppose to connect Believers in Christ together? Answer: His Life in us. [/background]

[background=white]There is only One Body. Therefore, God only has one habitation. Yet, there are many members of this One Body. As we join ourselves to Him in truth and love then we are joined to others who honor and love Him, as well. True unity is not found in starting with each other but rather in starting with Him. There are many "bodies" of people that have so-called "unity", but if they are not lined up with the Lord Jesus in His purposes then they will not be "one" with He and His Father (John 17) and subsequently, other Believers who are also lined up with the Lord. You can sense this by the Spirit because you won't discern life (Jesus) and truth in that "body". Where Jesus is not the center and the focus of each individual, that particular "body" will give off a "savor of death". We just won't recognize the Lord's presence. [/background]

[background=white]If the Spirit of God is absent, then it is just another religious tower of Babel. Where the spirit of the Lord is there is life. [/background]Uniformity[background=white] [/background][background=white]exists today in many groups and "bodies", but that [/background][background=white]is not necessarily [/background]unity.[background=white] [/background][background=white]As each individual aligns their heart up with Jesus, then they will recognize/discern others who have also been joined to the Lord in His purposes and will.[/background]

[background=white]As the focus is not on you or I it is never on the Body as a whole, either, but on Jesus Christ (the Head). Never on us, always on Him. He must always remain the focus and the centrality of all things. There are many "groups" that major and focus on themselves and their collective unity and that is also a deception and not according to the Lord's prayer, "That they may be one as WE ARE ONE". What does that mean? Jesus brought His will into harmony with His Father's will. His Father's will became His will. "Not my will but Thine, be done". [/background]That is how we are one. Not by becoming one with each other, but by becoming one with Him. By becoming one with Him, we will be one with each other. We labor to enter His rest (harmony with His will), not each other's.

[background=white]So, we are not to be conformed to men or be conformed by men. Many think that if they can conform others to a certain standard (their standard) then they will have achieved something on earth that is of God, but "unless the Lord builds the House, they that labor, labor in vain". The only acceptable "conforming" is to be conformed to the image of Christ by the inward work of the Holy Spirit. As each man yields to the Lord and allows His work to go on in his/her life, they will be a functioning and loving member of the Body and in complete unity with other members (who are also looking to and yielding themselves to the Lord). [/background]

[background=white]We are not to be 1-dimensional, focused on the outward and not discerning what God may be doing in individual hearts. We build up individuals and leave it to God to position (fit) them in His Body. As we build up those whom the Lord brings to us then we are building up the Church. No need to conform anyone to our "vision" and the foundation we are called to build on is Christ.[/background]

1Co 3:10[background=white] ... [/background]But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.

1Co 3:11[background=white] For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, [/background]which is Jesus Christ.

Eph 4:15[background=white] But [/background]speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

[background=white]Eph_4:16 From whom the whole body [/background]fitly joined together[background=white] and compacted by that which [/background]every joint supplieth,[background=white]according to the [/background][background=white]effectual working in the measure of every part[/background][background=white], [/background]maketh increase of the body[background=white] [/background][background=white]unto the edifying of itself in love.[/background]

Col 2:19[background=white] And not [/background]holding the Head[background=white], (that is the key) [/background]from which[background=white] [/background]all the body by joints and bands having nourishment[background=white] ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.[/background]

[background=white]As we hold the Head we will receive nourishment and be healthy (no gangrene) and our sinews and muscles and tendons will remain knit together, and the church will continue to grow strong and increase and this life is from the Lord.[/background]

[background=white]The source of unity is not a shared vision or goal, a doctrine or creed, a man or men, an organization or a shared experience. The source of unity for Believers is a Person - Jesus Christ. [/background]

[background=white]Only as each individual holds to the Head will they be in unity and harmony with other members of the Body who are doing the same. It doesn't happen the other way around.[/background]

[background=white]Axehead[/background]

I agree with most of the OP. I would add this:

Where there are sins, there are also divisions, schisms, heresies, and disputes. Where there is virtue, however, there also are harmony and unity, from which arise the one heart and one soul of all believers.
Origen, Hom. in Ezech. 9,1G 13,732.

 

[Axehead]

I agree with most of the OP. I would add this:

Where there are sins, there are also divisions, schisms, heresies, and disputes. Where there is virtue, however, there also are harmony and unity, from which arise the one heart and one soul of all believers.
Origen, Hom. in Ezech. 9,1G 13,732.

That's an interesting statement by Origen and maybe is meant to throw people off since he is a source of so many heresies and divisions and disputes.

 

[Rex]

You know, Rex, if the moderators want an ecumenical forum then we can't stop it and we're free to move on.

I am not going to fight apostate religious structures, whether they are Catholicism, Mormonism, or the Watchtower. I will concentrate my energy on exalting Jesus. More damage is done to Satan's kingdom by exalting Jesus.

As long as Neo and the other Catholics are here, they will be reading many good posts and Lord willing through prayer, something will sink in and a light will turn on.

Axehead

This is all well and good, I guess I don't completely understand your reasoning for replying to me that way.
I determined to quit a tread 6 days before it was closed and haven't pursued the issue since. http://www.christianityboard.com/topic/15410-why-are-catholics-so-bad/page__st__270#entry172150

I don't intend to go out of my way to argue with Catholics, nor do I intend to walk around them, Gypsy summarised it very well we defend the faith and they defend their church.

Avoiding traps or endless argument is something I've learned with experience, not simply in the context of this forum.If there is something I have missed about making myself clear please fell free to PM me. It sounds as though your accusing me of not "knowing when to walk away". I started a thread named the same.

If I have miss understood you, I apologize, If I need correcting, please God give me the eyes and wisdom to see what my brother sees

 

[dragonfly]

Hi Rex,

A few weeks ago, this was a Protestant board and there was very little attempt being made by the Catholics to acknowledge common ground as Christians - if there is any. I know the the Lord meets people in all kinds of situations, whether religious or secular, so my mind is very open to discover Catholics online to do know the Lord. So far, the Holy Spirit does not witness to me from anything by Catholics on CyB that I've read, that those particular Catholics have the kind of relationship with the Father that Jesus Christ died to restore by overcoming sin and Satan; but I know that at any time, that could change, if that's what the individual Catholic desires to enter into by faith in His word.

Where there are sins, there are also divisions, schisms, heresies, and disputes. Where there is virtue, however, there also are harmony and unity, from which arise the one heart and one soul of all believers.

Here is yet another statement which tries to cover too many bases at once, 'from which arise the one heart and one soul of all believers', obfuscating a realistic grasp of truth. 'Of all believers'? This implies that virtue comes from believers, rather than from the Lord; whereas the only virtue we have, is His.

First Corinthians will show you that sin had not led to enough division, there, and yet there were divisions. But Paul did not suggest they were caused by sins. It was more that they had to have their minds renewed.

And yes, they had to lay aside named sins, be washed again in the blood of the Lamb, and abide in Christ.

1 Corinthians 11:19 For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.

 

[Rex]

Hi Rex,

A few weeks ago, this was a Protestant board and there was very little attempt being made by the Catholics to acknowledge common ground as Christians - if there is any. I know the the Lord meets people in all kinds of situations, whether religious or secular, so my mind is very open to discover Catholics online to do know the Lord. So far, the Holy Spirit does not witness to me from anything by Catholics on CyB that I've read, that those particular Catholics have the kind of relationship with the Father that Jesus Christ died to restore by overcoming sin and Satan; but I know that at any time, that could change, if that's what the individual Catholic desires to enter into by faith in His word.




Here is yet another statement which tries to cover too many bases at once, 'from which arise the one heart and one soul of all believers', obfuscating a realistic grasp of truth. 'Of all believers'? This implies that virtue comes from believers, rather than from the Lord; whereas the only virtue we have, is His.

First Corinthians will show you that sin had not led to enough division, there, and yet there were divisions. But Paul did not suggest they were caused by sins. It was more that they had to have their minds renewed.

And yes, they had to lay aside named sins, be washed again in the blood of the Lamb, and abide in Christ.

1 Corinthians 11:19 For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.

I suspected Axehead was making a point about the liberty all have here. In defense of HammerStone let me say it makes this forum a mico chasm of the world, there is a wisdom in that. Just as we know and see the danger in isolation or the exclusiveness some teach in the power and wisdom of men. We are not called to be taken out of the world but to be kept from the evil one. John 17:15-16

May the moderators have the eyes and ears to judge that which is right before the Lord when two worlds collide.
It fascinates me that both the macro and micro no matter how high or how closely you look, there He is, working the same message. In that don't forget to stand on high and know the big picture. It's so easy to get involved in our micro we forget to just step back and marvel at the work He has placed before us. That He would manifest Himself threw us to complete the work He started, To be in this world but not a part of it, Lets go forward to accomplish that which He has placed before us, so we may rest, and be where He is

I would just as soon be speaking to the very highest principalities and powers directly but I'm confident they hear us.

Coming

 

[aspen]

Hi Rex,

A few weeks ago, this was a Protestant board and there was very little attempt being made by the Catholics to acknowledge common ground as Christians - if there is any. I know the the Lord meets people in all kinds of situations, whether religious or secular, so my mind is very open to discover Catholics online to do know the Lord. So far, the Holy Spirit does not witness to me from anything by Catholics on CyB that I've read, that those particular Catholics have the kind of relationship with the Father that Jesus Christ died to restore by overcoming sin and Satan; but I know that at any time, that could change, if that's what the individual Catholic desires to enter into by faith in His word.




Here is yet another statement which tries to cover too many bases at once, 'from which arise the one heart and one soul of all believers', obfuscating a realistic grasp of truth. 'Of all believers'? This implies that virtue comes from believers, rather than from the Lord; whereas the only virtue we have, is His.

First Corinthians will show you that sin had not led to enough division, there, and yet there were divisions. But Paul did not suggest they were caused by sins. It was more that they had to have their minds renewed.

And yes, they had to lay aside named sins, be washed again in the blood of the Lamb, and abide in Christ.

1 Corinthians 11:19 For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.

Seriously? You haven't noticed my relationship with Jesus? I am honestly surprised. The majority of my posts do not push Catholicism. I really thought you were able to recognize this. I've also been here for several years and I post a lot.

 

[Axehead]

This is all well and good, I guess I don't completely understand your reasoning for replying to me that way.

Hi Rex, just saw this. No, nothing personal at all was meant by this from me to you. Just posting my thoughts about our Vatican visitors.

I determined to quit a tread 6 days before it was closed and haven't pursued the issue since. http://www.christian...270#entry172150

I don't intend to go out of my way to argue with Catholics, nor do I intend to walk around them, Gypsy summarised it very well we defend the faith and they defend their church.

That is a great quote by Gypsy and yes, I noticed you backed off even before I did. :-)

It is quite a contrast thought in defending a Church or organization verses defending the faith.

Avoiding traps or endless argument is something I've learned with experience, not simply in the context of this forum.If there is something I have missed about making myself clear please fell free to PM me. It sounds as though your accusing me of not "knowing when to walk away". I started a thread named the same.

If I have miss understood you, I apologize, If I need correcting, please God give me the eyes and wisdom to see what my brother sees

No, need to apologize at all, brother. I have not been offended and I can see that I was much to much in a hurry when I was posting.

Be at peace. All is well. Really!!

Axehead

 

[Rex]

No, need to apologize at all, brother. I have not been offended and I can see that I was much to much in a hurry when I was posting.

Be at peace. All is well. Really!!

Axehead

That's what I thought; and the

isn't necessary LOL were big boys.

 

[epostle1]

Hi Rex,

A few weeks ago, this was a Protestant board and there was very little attempt being made by the Catholics to acknowledge common ground as Christians - if there is any.

I was under the impression that all were welcome. That's why I came here. And there is plenty of common ground, dragonfly, you just don't want there to be any. I can't even agree with the OP without getting my post hacked up.

I know the the Lord meets people in all kinds of situations, whether religious or secular, so my mind is very open to discover Catholics online to do know the Lord.

I'm glad your mind is open to such amazing discoveries.

So far, the Holy Spirit does not witness to me from anything by Catholics on CyB that I've read, that those particular Catholics have the kind of relationship with the Father that Jesus Christ died to restore by overcoming sin and Satan; but I know that at any time, that could change, if that's what the individual Catholic desires to enter into by faith in His word.

Because your mind is already made up. You don't believe Catholics are Christians. And nowhere in scripture do you find His word to mean the written word only. That is a man made tradition.

What's the thread title again? Have you ever read a good Catholic web site with an open mind? Have you ever read what Catholics have to say about unity? Are you aware that everything you believe that is true came from the Catholic Church?

Here is yet another statement which tries to cover too many bases at once, 'from which arise the one heart and one soul of all believers', obfuscating a realistic grasp of truth. 'Of all believers'? This implies that virtue comes from believers, rather than from the Lord; whereas the only virtue we have, is His.

It's a one liner from the 2nd century when there were no denominations! What do you expect?
See! I can't agree with the OP without some anti-Catholic disagreeing with my agreement! Do you want to know the source of disunity, dragonfly?