Autonomy

With the many problems the church in Corinth had and the many problems the churches in Asia had neither Paul nor Jesus recommended "discipline."  I suggest we, today, would not have associated with many of those same congregations. Admonishing and pointing out error does not require separation in fact it requires association. We are supposed to be gentle with those "weak in faith."

 

In his letter to the Romans, Paul wrote: "Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand." James wrote: "There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?" In each case the intended audience was people who had been immersed for the remission of their sins. I am saying we need to give the greatest leniency to other congregations as long as they are following Christ.

 

When you remember Jesus' prayer for his followers to be unified I suggest many of those causing the multiple divisions within those practicing a cappella are going to find themselves counted with the  "goats" thinking they were saved but Jesus said he didn't know them.

I do not want to get off the subject it is just the congregational autonomy practiced today is the type of autonomy as long as they do the same things I do in the same way I do them autonomy.