the computer club?

[hermeneutika]

A few years back i used to belong to the local computer club. If one wanted to retain ones membership of the club you had to pay your dues and adhere to the rules. if one did not comply one was ejected from the club!

If the analogy holds then the same applies to the Christian Church. Pay your dues and keep the rules. or be excommunicated!!!

Maybe i should completely leave the Church?? i cannot/will not keep the rules.....

[Kendall K. Down]

On 02/03/2023 16:59, hermeneutika wrote:

> Maybe i should completely leave the Church?? i cannot/will not keep the rules.....

Or maybe you should find a church which has fewer rules or rules that
you can support? And, of course, it does depend to a certain extent on
whether the rules are man-made or given by God.

If, for example, you were required to wear white shoes (as one black
church I know of in Washington DC demands), I think you would be well
within your rights to refuse to keep such a rule. If, on the other hand,
it was refraining from coveting your neighbour's wife, then I think you
ought to give exact obedience to the rule.

God bless,
Kendall K. Down

[Mike Davis]

On 02/03/2023 16:59, hermeneutika wrote:

What rules don't you keep, and what rules DO you keep?

M
--
Mike Davis

[John]

Strangely enough, you were objecting quite strongly on a previous post
because you believed the rules weren't being adhered to.

I agree with Ken, if it's something in the bible that Christians should
adhere to, then it's right to follow it, bearing in mind that if you've
sinned (broken that rule) forgiveness is a key part of Christianity.

If it's a church rule then, as you say, stick to it or look for another
church.

[Mike Davis]

Umm, I'm not sure if this will help Michael, but - as Christians - we
are called to be perfect, not merely 'obeying the rules' as the Jews
felt (feel?) called to. (And - I would add - so many Christian sects too!)

Remember the Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5), where Jesus 'undermines' the
rules by pointing out the path to perfection.

eg v21-22: “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You
shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’
But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be
subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister,
‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’
will be in danger of the fire of hell.

or v43-48
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your
enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who
persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He
causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the
righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what
reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if
you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do
not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father
is perfect."

Living the life of the Spirit means we are called to the very highest
ideals, but we know that when we try to reach them (rather than being
satisfied by the 'rules') where still we fall short is atoned for by
Jesus' death and resurrection.

Mike
--
Mike Davis