The Narrow Path Ministries

Christopher, by "rejection" I am thinking non-membership. When a local church asks a congregant to commit to membership and the congregant says, "no thanks", is that not rejection? Church membership =/= exclusive loyalty to one group. It does not limit how or with whom you minister. It may impact th...

Steve, I did not mean to impugn anyone's character. If anyone feels I have done so, I extend my apologies. I had already addressed the apostacy comment, the next day I retracted it. Thanks for revisiting it. You are right, I do not understand the rejection of the local church. By doing so, are you n...

Steve Thanks for your thoughts. Can you show me where I've impugned someone's character? Because it is only Homer and I who seem to be continuing the conversation and who see why membership is beneficial, I am assuming you are addressing me in this accusation. I'd like to see it, because I do not re...

Christopher, this question also popped up for me. Are you attending a church regularly? Putting aside the whole membership issue. Here are the common definitions of "cult": cult: A religion or religious sect generally considered to be extremist or false, with its followers often living in an unconve...

Christopher, I hope and pray your perception is wrong that I have a low view of my Christian brethren (and sistren). Rather, my fear is that too many have succumbed to the cowboy culture so common in America. "I can do this my way." I have been thinking about that verse in John 10, in particular you...

Here is yet another article. I know cut and paste is considered lazy by many internet discussers, but these articles say it much better than I do.

If you have the time, read them.

http://www.ccwonline.org/pwhyj.html

I also found this link that may interest some on this discussion:

http://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/a ... gchap1.htm

"The communion of the Church was not instituted to be a chain to bind us in idolatry, impiety, ignorance of God, and other kinds of evil, but rather to retain us in the fear of God and obedience of the truth."

— John Calvin

Hi JJB, You seem to be very concerned about maintaining orthodoxy and accountability for believers. I don't disagree with you that this is a good thing. However, I have a few questions for you: 1. How is "orthodoxy" determined, and how is it kept in check? In other words, who or what is the final a...

See the discussion on church membership......