Denominationalism, Apostolic church etc

Subject: Denominationalism, Apostolic church etc

purest1 12.05.12 - 08:37pm
Many texts, like Acs 20:17,28; 1Peter 5:1-2 all contain directions on the bishops/elders governing the groups/congregations to guide their churches rightly and there isn't in ONE place anywhere where the Apostles established a portifolio in charge of more than one congregation. I'd be happy if anyone can show me a governing structure which the Apostles set, which was supra-congregational. Its men who usurped the Apostolic prerogatives who illegally assumed control over more than one group, pa * +

purest1 12.05.12 - 08:40pm
Particularly their 'daughter' churches, whom they unscripurally denied autonomy. * +

purest1 12.05.12 - 08:48pm

@ way2go - 12.05.12 - 07:38pm
The 1st century Christians were not demoninations until later, because of that apostasy,as the pw pointed out. One point though, Jehovah's Witnesses are neither a denomination or a sect,since we are not a breakaway from another body. Yes,we are organized with a governing body of men who direct the preaching and teaching work that is done worldwide. We believe Jesus Christ is head of the congregations. Regardless of whether people agree with us or not,we always base things on the Bible.

''A largegroup of religiouscongregations united undera common faith and nameand organized under asingle administrative andlegal hierarchy.'' Jehovah's witnesses ARE a 'denomination'. You fit all these descriptions. * +

purest1 12.05.12 - 09:01pm
''We believe Jesus Christ is head of the congregations.'' Theoretically, yes. Practically, no. Like all denominations, the 'head' authority of the congregations is the Headquarters/governing body. Catholics have their Vatican. SDAs their global conference, Pentecostals their headquarters, Witnesses their governing body. It is THESE that head the congregations. Hence the unauthorized exercise of authority. Christ does NOT have a right to say anything to the congregations, except that which * +

purest1 12.05.12 - 09:02pm
except that which the big bosses above assent he has said. Yet Eph. 1:22-23 puts it plainly that the church is headed by Christ. In Rev. He writes individually to the 7 congregations in Asia minor, thus DIRECTLY governing them, without any 'head office' bureaucratic structure to pass through. *