Jesus is All, and in All.

It's interesting that you say you didn't tell them they were going to hell or even that it was implied because it is certainly the impression they got. In fact that's pretty much what she remembers and is predominantly what I was told. (not directly by her) My response is based on that information. I find it rather odd that for not being said or even implied that's the only thing they remember.

My questions regarding the church and your knowledge of Brittany's context are in regard to that issue. People are going to hell. I just don't think that can be said unless the person rendering the judgement is spiritually mature and the situation is fairly conscious to the hellgoers. As in Peter with Annanias and Saphira. If you didn't say or imply it then my statements don't apply.

As for who we judge, it's your opinion that Brittany is in the church? I'm not sure how you come to that conclusion. My questions regarding the church are not meant to confuse and seeking to confuse someone is of the devil. Those are real questions that were intended to determine what your definition of the church is. Based on that comes how we deal with others in relation to it.

I don't have a problem with "virgin marriage" and I would say it's implied in the New Testament writings. I'm looking for Biblical support for what and when couples become "married". As I said, I believe it's when you have intercourse. The two shall become one. The ceremonies are nice but not necessary to constitute marriage. That's what I'm looking for biblical support for. And if there isn't any, and there isn't, you should wonder why does the church makes such a big fuss over it. And if you don't wonder then I wonder why you don't.

So hanging your hat on that kind of thing is what logically follows next. Without biblical support why make it necessary? Because it's another rule that can be used on the followers. The Roman Catholic church has made an entire code of behaviour not linked to the Spirit of God. Vitually every other church expression I've seen is a form of the same thing. I know you don't like generalities and I grant you I haven't been exposed to your church, but that doesn't negate the validity of my extrapolation. I've seen what it takes to get past it and I've seen the power of what holds mankind. Most never even get started. Jesus' statement support the view of few not many, hard not easy, many will say Lord, Lord... you never knew me.

As for following the ten commandments, it is, of course, never stated that way. It 1000 times more subtle than that. No different really than everyday culture that likes people to behave a certain way and puts pressure on you to do so. Recycle, don't smoke, stay in school, global warming..... goes on forever. In the Kingdom this is all hogwash. Jesus is all that justifies and there is nothing else. Thus the rendition "no external criteria for lifestyle." Watchman Nee says it's best to start out by saying "I will do nothing more for God" and never look back. The church doesn't know what that's about.

You're right that there's nothing you can say to convince me that God is working in your church. Although I have no doubt God is working in every church. If two or more are gathered in his name then he is there in the midst of them. I have great respect for God's church because it is the body of Christ on earth and he is everything. Now we're back to my questions that you interpret to confuse but I ask to clarify. We are in the same church. Christ's spriritual church. Just because I don't walk through the front doors of your building doesn't mean all believers are not part of the univeral body of Christ. My faith is what makes me part of that, not where I am or what I do.

Our discussions are on how the church is practically functioning. And that is definitely a different story than our overview perspectives of what the church is; although they are intertwined. I believe in the church and know what it is, but I don't know one where I would be at home with Jesus in. And that is where the rub is.

You think I made things up of my own construction and bias. Ha! Your last statement is the classic perspective of a legalist. I don't make it up, it stares me in the face. And I have little doubt this is an accurate representation of the perspectives of the Christians who come together in you building.

How do you know your reality is God’s way? How do you know that you sinful nature hasn’t burrowed in and caused you to think that sin is simply God’s freedom for you? How can we ever know if something is right or wrong?

I don't ask myself those questions anymore, I'm dead to them.
You need to answer them, not me.