Yes, I remember they
would strongly reject those labels, claiming to uphold the truth for all
mankind even if they couldn't fellowship with everybody. The label of
'denomination' was also denied.
Well…that sounds kind of noble, I guess.
If it’s not said in pride it could be like saying: "We’re privileged
to belong to the only real Church that includes all Christians and that we wish
everybody else would belong to". Let's just check out these labels, starting with 'denomination'...
A
'denomination' is a religious group or sect.
A 'sect' is:
- a group of persons having the same principles, beliefs or opinions
- a religious group separated from an established church
(World Book)
- a group of persons having the same principles, beliefs or opinions
- a religious group separated from an established church
(World Book)
I can't see what their problem is. The Brethren
are a religious group with common beliefs, separated from established church -
aren't they?
That’s for sure and by the way, here is what the
Jews said to Paul:
"...for as concerning this sect, we know that everywhere it
is spoken against." Acts 28:22...where sect comes from the Greek: hairesis,
meaning 'party of choice' - which gave us the word 'heresy'!
Heresy?? How did Paul take to that?
He didn't bother to argue the point - he just
carried on witnessing about Jesus from morning ’til night!
Mmm…so much for labels. Okay, what
about this word 'church'? 
‘Church’ has about 11 different meanings but broadly we understand it to
refer to the House of the Lord and it is used as a translation of the Greek
word ekklesia, meaning 'those called out to assemble'.
The Brethren claim to uphold the teachings of John Nelson Darby (1800-1882) but you won't even find the word 'church' once in the Darby translation that they use!
Darby said*: "I have a pious horror of the word 'church', because no one knows what it means."
You’re kidding me aren’t you?? How inconsistent is that!...claim to uphold
Darby's teachings and use his translation and yet reinvent yourselves as the
'Plymouth Brethren Christian Church' - after bad publicity.
...with 46,000 members claimed world-wide. Well here is what the Bible says about ‘church membership’:
"Now ye are Christ's body, and members in particular." 1 Corinthians 12:27
"...for we are members
of his body, we are of his flesh, and of his bones." Ephesians 5:30
So that means Christians are members only of
Christ's body and I'm sure you won't find ‘Plymouth Brethren Christian Church’
in the Bible just like you won't find any other denominations either.
That means 'church membership’ as we know it today has no biblical authority!
Why do churches go in for this membership business?
It’s supposed to give you a sense of belonging and
discourage you from wandering off, plus big numbers not only look impressive,
it means.....
…yeah, I know....more money! So do the
Brethren really do this membership thing?They go one better…you get your family included in the international photo album!
Whoopee for them!!
Now for that ugly label
– 'cult' - in: Who's Boss around here .....NEXT
Click on: http://hotspuds.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/whos-boss-around-here.html
*Collected Writings of J.N.Darby vol 31 p281
Acknowledgements: plymouthbrethrenchristianchurch.org
Image credits:
mikejentes.com
danieljohnson07.blogspot.com
Image credits:
mikejentes.com
danieljohnson07.blogspot.com
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