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FAQs -
FAQs
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Contributed by Phil Spadaro
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Thursday, 13 July 2006 |
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Page 2 of 7 Bad Experiences
I have found that those who had a bad experience with a particular branch of the Restoration Movement will not reconsider unity with them in the future. For example, some ICOC people came from the mainline (mainstream) churches of Christ and some remember their time in the church of Christ less than fondly. Overcoming experiential prejudice is difficult.
Acts 10 is the account of the “official” entrance of Gentiles to the kingdom of God. Peter requires a vision, God talking to him and repetition (Acts 10:9-16). Later (Acts 10:44-46), God pours the Holy Spirit on the Gentiles present to further prove their acceptance (Acts 10:47-48). Acts 11 is Peter defending his actions to the remainder of the (Jewish) fellowship.
Take note of the amount of proof God had to provide to unmistakably allow Gentiles into the church. Unfortunately, we will never have that much proof forcing us to conclude we should be unified with others from the Independent Christian Churches, churches of Christ or ICOC. However, we can look for clues other than visions, God speaking directly to us or people speaking in tongues. John 13:35 (NIV) says, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." Galatians 5:22-23 provides a convincing list of attributes which will identify brothers, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
Previous experiences are not an acceptable basis for determining fellowship on a grand scale. Because one has found one person or congregation not following John 13:35 or displaying Galatians 5:22-23, it is not reasonable to assume their entire fellowship of churches is the same.
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Last Updated ( Monday, 16 July 2007 )
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