The Need For A Church Council

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Edify

Well-known member
Jan 27, 2021
1,559
656
113
#21
Lately I have spent some time reading some of the post presented at this forum. I have realized that some members here respond with wisdom.

Given the wide array of conflicting doctrines, I believe it is time for a general Church council to be formed. Such a council would have authority and it's decisions would be binding upon all Churches.

Such positions would be non- salaried and no council member would render a decision in consideration for any sum of money.

Can some of you sincere biblical persons present scripture in support of such a council?
Don't worry, just wait a little while and a worldwide version will be available to tell every christian organization what to do.
I'm personally not planning on being here when it does.;)
 

hornetguy

Senior Member
Jan 18, 2016
7,097
1,731
113
#22
You say that the poster has only been here a few minutes while you have been here many years. You remind me of the Jewish Pharisees and Scribes who criticized Jesus for being a newcomer. They rejected the very Cornerstone because they had been defending the faith for a long time. So, PennEd, just because you've been posting a long time, with a lot of posts, doesn't make your opinion worth more than others.
Lately I have spent some time reading some of the post presented at this forum. I have realized that some members here respond with wisdom.

Given the wide array of conflicting doctrines, I believe it is time for a general Church council to be formed. Such a council would have authority and it's decisions would be binding upon all Churches.

Such positions would be non- salaried and no council member would render a decision in consideration for any sum of money.

Can some of you sincere biblical persons present scripture in support of such a council?
No. No scripture that I know of would support such an thing.
Each church is to be autonomous, under the leadership of elders (bishops, overseers) with deacons appointed if needed.
There is no scripture that instructs otherwise, to my knowledge.
 
P

pottersclay

Guest
#23
A council leads to conformity. Which is not bibical. Each of us are challenged to be a berean.
View points imo are very important to see the strengths and weaknesses of the church.
Who are we to say who is mature or not or who is wise or not? We have discernment which comes from the Holy Spirit to decide.
Jesus said 2 things about his church ....it prays....and it will prevail.
What the church needs is more doers than just hearers.
 

CS1

Well-known member
May 23, 2012
13,013
4,315
113
#24
A council leads to conformity. Which is not bibical. Each of us are challenged to be a berean.
View points imo are very important to see the strengths and weaknesses of the church.
Who are we to say who is mature or not or who is wise or not? We have discernment which comes from the Holy Spirit to decide.
Jesus said 2 things about his church ....it prays....and it will prevail.
What the church needs is more doers than just hearers.
are we rebels? Are not the gifts of Christ given to lead us found in Eph chapter 4?


11 And He Himself (Jesus)gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

Are WE not to Conform to the image of our Lord?
 
P

pottersclay

Guest
#25
are we rebels? Are not the gifts of Christ given to lead us found in Eph chapter 4?


11 And He Himself (Jesus)gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

Are WE not to Conform to the image of our Lord?
No we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.
This is one of the mistakes the church has done over the years. Conformity is to rule over, what you should eat, dress, ect.
 

Blik

Senior Member
Dec 6, 2016
7,312
2,428
113
#26
It is true we have seen how dangerous a church or state theocracy can be. There has to be a balance between protecting the truth versus false teachings.

If we get too heretical, we will see the dangers that the Roman Catholic or Calvin produced with harming any opposition.

Martin Luther had the minority opinion and it provided the opportunity for a reformation or great schism that allowed truth to prevail.

We must always realize most of us are all looking at the same book and we all are not perfect in interpretation.

We must give the freedom to debate and grace to differ on minor beliefs.
Scripture tells us exactly what to do about false teaching. We are told to resist not evil and to replace evil with good.

Our evangelism is to be sure the information is there for people, but if they refuse it to walk away. We are not to throw pearls before swine.

We are to make our church strong enough to transform lives, to not only tack the tack but walk the wack. That is how God told it as far back as Abraham who showed the idol worshiping nations the one true God.
 

PennEd

Senior Member
Apr 22, 2013
13,578
9,094
113
#27
You say that the poster has only been here a few minutes while you have been here many years. You remind me of the Jewish Pharisees and Scribes who criticized Jesus for being a newcomer. They rejected the very Cornerstone because they had been defending the faith for a long time. So, PennEd, just because you've been posting a long time, with a lot of posts, doesn't make your opinion worth more than others.
. Well Art,
Yeah, I’ve seen quite a bit of heresy from you already.

Tell us again how Mary is God’s mother.
 

arthurfleminger

Well-known member
Aug 18, 2021
1,405
780
113
#28
. Well Art,
Yeah, I’ve seen quite a bit of heresy from you already.

Tell us again how Mary is God’s mother.
No problem, Mary is Jesus' mother and Jesus is God. Pretty simple. Anything you can't grasp about that?
 

Aerials1978

Well-known member
Dec 10, 2019
1,707
987
113
#29
I’m in agreement will a lot of the other posters here. A centralized governing body would be detrimental. It’s been tried and has had less than stellar results.
 
Nov 26, 2021
1,125
545
113
India
#30
Prov 15:22 says: "Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellers they are established."

And in Mat 18:20, Jesus Himself says: “For where two or three are gathered together in My Name, there am I in the midst of them.”

He says this just after saying in vs. 17 and 18 that the Apostles will have power to bind and loose in His Name, like they would later do in the Council of Jerusalem in Acts 15. That Council was called when someone was wrongly saying that circumcision and the law of Moses was necessary for Christians. The Council met together and the Apostles and elders unanimously judged otherwise. Then the whole Church heard their decision and accepted it as Christ's decision through His Apostles. The idea is, if the Bishops or Pastors of the Church gather together in a Council, and pray for guidance, e.g. in studying the Scriptures together, the Holy Spirit will guide them.

The same principle of holding Councils of Bishops when disciplinary or doctrinal disputes come up in the life the Church worked well in Nicaea in the 4th Century. It all started when Arius, a bishop of Alexandria, began going around stating the heresy that Jesus Christ was not God. The Bishops of the entire Church from across the whole world gathered together in a Council in Nicaea to settle the issue. There were 320 Bishops. 318 of 320 declared that Christ was truly God, and the Nicene Creed was promulgated. Arius was excommunicated from the Church, and the simple faithful were delivered from the danger of believing the error that Christ was just an ordinary person. New Advent has the Acts of the Council here: https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/3801.htm

Patriarch Bartholomew of the Orthodox Church and Pope Francis have invited All Christians to gather together in some kind of Council in 2025, to mark the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea: https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Bar...-the-first-synod-of-Nicaea-in-2025-31213.html God Bless.
 

CS1

Well-known member
May 23, 2012
13,013
4,315
113
#31
No we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.
This is one of the mistakes the church has done over the years. Conformity is to rule over, what you should eat, dress, ect.
split hairs conform to the image of our lord and transform our minds by the word of God.
 
P

pottersclay

Guest
#32
split hairs conform to the image of our lord and transform our minds by the word of God.
Conformity
In order for you to attend our church you need to dress in a clean casual suit. We only allow the king james to be studied of. We beleive in the following if you do not then you cannot fellowship here. We ask that you give 10% of your earnings as it is required by the Lord. We pray on our knees as this is proper. We sing only theses songs as it is proper.
Please worship God in this way only. Ect ect ect. Putting God in a box is not a good thing. Pharisaism.

Transformity.
Paul said be ye not conformed but rather transformed by the renewing of our minds.
The word of God being sharper than any to edge sword. Thy word is a lamp under my feet and a light unto my path.
God throughout the bible has used multiple ways and people for his good pleasure. To execute his will to be done.
There are many gifts but one God. Who knows the ways of the Lord? Who can council him?
A naked prophet on a park bench....a bug eating baptist wrapped in camel hair. A Pharisee to a bondservant....a young Shepard boy to a king.....a pagan idle maker to a father of faith of many. Need i go on?
 

CS1

Well-known member
May 23, 2012
13,013
4,315
113
#33
Conformity
In order for you to attend our church you need to dress in a clean casual suit. We only allow the king james to be studied of. We beleive in the following if you do not then you cannot fellowship here. We ask that you give 10% of your earnings as it is required by the Lord. We pray on our knees as this is proper. We sing only theses songs as it is proper.
Please worship God in this way only. Ect ect ect. Putting God in a box is not a good thing. Pharisaism.

Transformity.
Paul said be ye not conformed but rather transformed by the renewing of our minds.
The word of God being sharper than any to edge sword. Thy word is a lamp under my feet and a light unto my path.
God throughout the bible has used multiple ways and people for his good pleasure. To execute his will to be done.
There are many gifts but one God. Who knows the ways of the Lord? Who can council him?
A naked prophet on a park bench....a bug eating baptist wrapped in camel hair. A Pharisee to a bondservant....a young Shepard boy to a king.....a pagan idle maker to a father of faith of many. Need i go on?
no sir, I said Conform to the image of the LORD! not a church organization. You must keep what I said in context to what I said. If not that is dishonest. You added dress , KJV only stuff not me :)
 
P

pottersclay

Guest
#34
no sir, I said Conform to the image of the LORD! not a church organization. You must keep what I said in context to what I said. If not that is dishonest. You added dress , KJV only stuff not me :)
And what is the image of God? (Jesus)
 

PennEd

Senior Member
Apr 22, 2013
13,578
9,094
113
#35
I was not talking about this site or the owner of this site.
Ok. My bad. Sorry.

Your post did make it seem like you were talking about here, but after rereading, I see you did not.
 

CS1

Well-known member
May 23, 2012
13,013
4,315
113
#36
And what is the image of God? (Jesus)
conforming to the image of Christ is walking in the Spirit

Roman 8:1


1. There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. as WE read on in this chapter we see THE FOLLOWING:

2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.


FINALLY IN THE LATTER PART OF THE CHAPTER


28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.


to be conforming to the image of Christ one must walk in the Spirit. We are to be spiritually minded, and we must understand that we are dead to sin and walk not after the flesh AS Christ did. the transforming of our minds by the word od of God produces conformity to the image of Christ who we are to be a witness of HIM and not us.
 
A

Avery

Guest
#37
Conformity
In order for you to attend our church you need to dress in a clean casual suit. We only allow the king james to be studied of. We beleive in the following if you do not then you cannot fellowship here. We ask that you give 10% of your earnings as it is required by the Lord. We pray on our knees as this is proper. We sing only theses songs as it is proper.
Please worship God in this way only. Ect ect ect. Putting God in a box is not a good thing. Pharisaism.

Transformity.
Paul said be ye not conformed but rather transformed by the renewing of our minds.
The word of God being sharper than any to edge sword. Thy word is a lamp under my feet and a light unto my path.
God throughout the bible has used multiple ways and people for his good pleasure. To execute his will to be done.
There are many gifts but one God. Who knows the ways of the Lord? Who can council him?
A naked prophet on a park bench....a bug eating baptist wrapped in camel hair. A Pharisee to a bondservant....a young Shepard boy to a king.....a pagan idle maker to a father of faith of many. Need i go on?

You seem to have a basic misunderstanding of what CS1 is saying and I am not taking sides. Further, you either just forgot or are. taking liberty with scripture. What do I mean? Well, for example, you state Paul said we should not be conformed but that could mean anything and that is the liberty you have taken. Look at the actual scripture:

2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2

Paul is saying do not be conformed to the world which is the correct understanding of conformity in this case and nothing to do with being conformed to the image of Christ. We are to conform to the image of Christ, obviously not the world. This is scripture and yes, the renewing of our minds does most definitely align with that conformity. In the case of conforming to the image of Christ, that is a goal all believers share.
 

Roughsoul1991

Senior Member
Sep 17, 2016
8,848
4,504
113
#38
Scripture tells us exactly what to do about false teaching. We are told to resist not evil and to replace evil with good.

Our evangelism is to be sure the information is there for people, but if they refuse it to walk away. We are not to throw pearls before swine.

We are to make our church strong enough to transform lives, to not only tack the tack but walk the wack. That is how God told it as far back as Abraham who showed the idol worshiping nations the one true God.
I agree.
 
A

Avery

Guest
#39
And in response to the op. We need a church council like we need a one world religion enforced upon us all. That's coming though.
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
14,018
5,688
113
#40
It is true we have seen how dangerous a church or state theocracy can be. There has to be a balance between protecting the truth versus false teachings.

If we get too heretical, we will see the dangers that the Roman Catholic or Calvin produced with harming any opposition.

Martin Luther had the minority opinion and it provided the opportunity for a reformation or great schism that allowed truth to prevail.

We must always realize most of us are all looking at the same book and we all are not perfect in interpretation.

We must give the freedom to debate and grace to differ on minor beliefs.
yep agree on all You said

the thing is in my own view individual interpretation is always wrong , but if we allow the witness of the law and prophets and epistles into our thinking letting what we learn “ interpret “ the gospel we’re going to find simplicity and faith built on what God said , rather than what the newest author of the latest “miraculous grace book “ or the latest “ secret keys to the kingdom book “

Gods word makes it easy to grasp the gospel you see the same echoes through the law prophets psalms epistles and even revelation everything points to Jesus and his teachings , having faith in him hearing his words in the gospel but hearing his words as of we understand he is the Lord our only savior

“Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.

I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God. Yea, before the day was I am he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it?”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭43:10-13‬ ‭

what he was saying then was so we might hear this and believe it is he and it invites us to believe in Jesus and hear his word of eternal life

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one.”
‭‭John‬ ‭10:27-30‬ ‭KJV‬‬

if we just pray and ask the lord to help us understand his word better every time we study and when we pray ask him to help us apply the new understanding to life he will answer, with that inner strength and peace only he can give.

only Jesus and the spirit can really give us understanding but often we want to give everyone else our understanding , rather than sharing the gospel Jesus preached which is Gods understanding

what I’m saying is if we don’t interpret away anything and let the Bible do it for us it always leads somewhere very sensible within the bounds of scripture and reconciles one scripture and what it’s saying to another and what it’s saying .

And also usually leads to another open door to understand another aspect as we grow and move forward

What I mean is if we stay here

“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
‭‭John‬ ‭8:31-32‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”
‭‭John‬ ‭5:24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.”
‭‭John‬ ‭12:49-50‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭28:18-20‬ ‭


If we set anchor in The gospel Jesus preached and sent to all Nations for anyone who believes . everything else makes sense in time but we learn and grow by faith , as we learn from Jesus how to walk after him and rest in his provision for our salvation and perfection thereafter in glory beyond death .

For now his great forebearance towards us , his covenant of mercies renewed each day towards his followers and believers of his name. Offering us repentance and remission of sins in his name

I’m just meaning to say there’s very little interpretation of we find the correct order and authority of who’s who in the Bible Jesus first , everyone else is witnessing of him and the time he would come ( ot) when he came won victory and returned to heaven (gospel) or after he sent the Holy Ghost back to the hearts and minds of his believers on earth ( epistles) really the whole Bible is about Gods plan to redeem creation through Jesus.