Comments on Borderline Anarchist Follower of Jesus?

Bill commented on 'Borderline Anarchist Follower of Jesus?'

2008-09-10T10:46:01Z

Hey Matt,

Well, I was really thinking more about local dictatorship than denominational dictatorship. You're right though. My opposition to denominational dictatorship goes without saying. But I think local dictatorship is as much (if not more) of a problem than denominational dictatorship.

Matt commented on 'Borderline Anarchist Follower of Jesus?'

2008-09-10T01:08:54Z

Ok, so you're against denominational dictatorship. I'm thinking you're ok on that one. I can think of no denomination where they're getting it right, and it seems more and more like they'd do better to stay out of the way and let the local church bodies contend for the truth in their communities.

Bill commented on 'Borderline Anarchist Follower of Jesus?'

2008-09-03T14:21:45Z

Hi Matt!

Yes, a healthy community of faith will have in it's midst those whom Paul identifies as elders. They've been walking with Christ for a while. They have proven character and wisdom. But Paul never intended for these men to be installed as governors. He did intend for them to be identified and respected as men worthy of being listened to and corrected by when correction is required. They are to be servants, not governors.

Matt commented on 'Borderline Anarchist Follower of Jesus?'

2008-09-03T02:04:24Z

Bill, what about where Paul writes to Timothy about the qualifications of elders? The original language shows there is at least in the local body a need for an undershepherd (or better yet, more than one elder)? These are not intended to be ham-fisted autocrats, but they are supposed to oversee and lead the flock, aren't they? Isn't this some evidence of church 'government' in the NT?

Jennifer @ Quiverfull Family commented on 'Borderline Anarchist Follower of Jesus?'

2008-08-30T17:37:51Z

Hi Bill, we're in Canada actually - Alberta :). Thanks for visiting our blog! I should actually update that About page, it's not entirely accurate anymore. For example - we don't currently have an "in-person" fellowship at the moment as I mentioned in my previous comment :). We've only been saved for a couple of years, and sometimes it feels like we are really stumbling our way through this thing called faith and the Christian life.

I suppose being led by the Holy Spirit is like that at times...being led by hand through the dark - just have to trust.

Bill commented on 'Borderline Anarchist Follower of Jesus?'

2008-08-29T02:01:29Z

Hi Jennifer!

Thanks so much for taking the time to read my post and leave a comment. I spent some time reading your "about" page on your blog. I have deep admiration for the lifestyle you've chosen. What state are you in?

Many blessings to you!
bill

Jennifer @ Quiverfull Family commented on 'Borderline Anarchist Follower of Jesus?'

2008-08-28T22:07:54Z

I'm with you here more and more brother:

"Where I am fully antinomian is in the dozens, yea hundreds, of ancillary, extra-Biblical laws erected and enforced by systems of organized religion over the centuries; Like the membership card I had to sign with one denomination promising that I would never dance or drink a glass of wine."

Amen! Thanks for the post :). We're currently without a church home due to this sort of extra-Biblical law making, whether overt as in your example or subtle and implied.