House Church Talk - The Local Church

[Paul Cox]

Dan, 

I shared this matter with another brother who does not monitor this
discussion group, and here is his response:

"to my knowledge the basic point of ref. for the Local Church i.e.
ground of locality idea came from nee's work: "The Normal Christian
Church Life".  he did this work and in the preface he clearly stated
that he hoped it would not be used as handbook for a church model. so
what do readers do?  make it a handbook for a church model. lee took
this to new heights and turned it into a teaching taught dogmatically at
every given opportunity.  

the problem with this is twofold:

1. it ignores the original intent of the author, and, more importantly,

2. nee is not our point of ref in the 1st place - the bible and the Holy
Spirit are." End quote.

Your news about meeting with the LC brothers is encouraging.  If I
remember correctly, you meet somewhere in Ohio?  There seems to be some
tendency in that direction among the LC saints meeting in that part of
the country.  You must know, however, that the hierarchy in Anaheim are
die-hard devotees to Witness Lee, and pretty much regard his teachings
to be infallible.  For the openness to continue will take much prayer.
May the Lord be with you.
Paul Cox

-----Original Message-----
From: House Church Talk -bounces at housechurch.org
[mailto:House Church Talk -bounces at housechurch.org] On Behalf Of Dan Beaty
Sent: Wednesday, September 24, 2003 8:17 AM
To: House Church Talk
Subject: Re: House Church Talk -  The Local Church

Paul and Jim,

Speaking of the Local Church,

Some HC friends in our area met with us and some of the brothers of the
"Local Church" movement last evening. It was very encouraging as they
spoke
very openly with us about their desire to be less sectarian and more in
fellowship with the greater body of Christ.

It looks like we have the opportunity to encourage one another from time
to
time. Everyone seemed to really enjoy the fellowship which lasted much
longer than the time that was originally alotted.

On the "one church in the city" concept of Watchman Nee. I think I
understand his desire for real practical unity in every area, but I am
not
sure the NT writers were using the terms and defining the church as
Watchman
Nee was, or even as we normally would today.

Greater cooperation among believers in any given locally without the
need to
control one another would IMO bring much glory to God and blessings to
the
people as well. What do y'all think?

Dan Beaty

     
    
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