I was once instructed by a dear brother that all of those with “like precious faith” are our brothers. That on its face is true. What this dear saint meant though was church of Christ only. Our further conversations confirmed that clearly.
So, here is my question. Is every member of a church of Christ my brother or sister? Isn’t there some things one must believe to be considered a true Christian? Or, is the fact that he is a member of a coC congregation enough. That is obviously the view of many.
A man who shows none of the Christian graces and spends his days being critical of other church of Christ men who don’t agree with him about the supremacy of a cappella music and insists that everyone who does not agree with him is lost. Is this man my brother?
A preacher denies the bodily resurrection of Jesus saying as some of the cults that the resurrection of Jesus was only “spiritual”. Never mind the passages that record Jesus walking and talking, and eating meals with his friends after he arose. Thomas touched him as did others. Is this man my brother?
A fellow denies the divinity of Jesus, the bodily resurrection, and even pokes fun at Paul for incorrect teaching and brags that the Jehovah’s Witnesses have invited him to speak for them. Is this man my brother?
What are the foundational doctrines one must hold? What are the fundamentals of the Christian faith? Is the kingdom of God broader than “some” Restoration Movement churches? If so, on what grounds?
Is a person who has been “scripturally baptised” yet believes Jesus was a fraud and liar my brother? Is there an answer to these questions? Where do we draw the line of brotherhood?
Royce
Grace Digest 
Royce I told myself I would never comment on your blog again, but it seemed necessary for both you and me that I do so.
Mt: 18:21: Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
22: Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven..
Mt: 19:18: He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,
Royce I believe the exact statement was. “I have been invited to speak at their meetings, but never have.” (at their meeting, not carrying their message to the world) The invitation went something like this, we have “outsiders” speak at our meeting from time to time, you would be welcome to speak. My preacher and elders, at that time seemed to think it was a good idea, an opportunity. You seem to think it is something Jesus wouldn’t even consider. I believe he would.
You said this about me (and brags that the Jehovah’s Witnesses have invited him to speak for them.) to them, not for them as long as this lie remains out on the internet without an apology it simply is bearing false witness over and over. If you ask God and I to forgive you, it would behoove both to do so.
It takes a big man and a good Christian to publicly admit. He lied. We will see where you stand
And I will break a promise too and approve a comment from you once more.
It seems that I have erred on a technicality. If if misquoted you I am sorry, I had no intention of misrepresenting you.
The most sad thing is that you are upset about this part of what I said and offer no defense about the other which is absolutely true.
Royce
If that is a sufficient confession, and apology to God, I sure won’t stand in the way.
I am not so sure Jesus would “speak” at a JW meeting. If so, he would most likely speak against what they teach about Him.
I do think Royce raises a good question. Where do we draw the lines? I think unity has to be on the fundamentals. What are the fundamentals – and will all agree on them is the big question.
Jesus would be far more gracious than we are. I believe it was Jesus that said, “I chose you, you did not choose me.”
By the way, Thomas did not touch Jesus. He was offered, but it never says if he did.
The truth is, we don’t know if he did or did not touch Jesus. The Bible does not say. I think it might be safe to assume he did since Jesus asked him to, but it really doesn’t matter. The point of the statement was, Jesus had a touchable, ovservable body. 1 John 1:1 leaves no doubt Jesus resurrection body was physical. And then of course Paul in 1 Cor 15 says over 500 people saw him at one time, some of whom were still alive when Paul penned the letter.
Thanks for your comment and for stopping by.
Royce
Royce,
You are correct.
I do believe it is Jesus who decides who is “in” and who is “out.” We do not have the capacity to judge who is and who is not a disciple. According to Matt 25:31ff the sole criterian is who feeds the hungry and gives a cup of cold water to the thirsty et al. We certainly do not know who that is. And then there is the passage where the disciples wanted to stop some people casting out demons, Jesus said if they are not against us they are for us.
So I think we as disciples are not to judge who is in and who is out. God does not give us enough info.
When we say our own sins are covered but another believers sins are not we are pridefully saying that the mercy of God is limited that there is no hope for them. I believe every person needs God’s saving grace. When people deem others as not good enough maybe they should look at themselves and see the abundance of grace God has given to them. When people are busy about condemning people, which is God’s job, they forget what we are suppose to be doing telling people about Jesus.
So true. I remember Jesus saying that He didn’t come to earth to condemn men but to save them. We should follow his lead.
Royce
Wouldn’t it be a wonderful blessing if we knew all the answers? Thanks for the thoughts.