Binaca Chugger said:
rsc2a said:
[quote author=Binaca Chugger]First - why would you not expect visitors/unbelievers in your church? Do you not live in such a way that causes others to recognize Christ and testify of God to others?
This is a fundamental disconnect here, namely what the church is and its purpose. The church is the assembled body of believers, and its purpose is to equip the saints. Equip them so that they can "live in such a way that causes others to recognize Christ and testify of God to others". The church is for the saints. The saints who then go into the world and make disciples...that eventually become part of the church.
C'mon, Really!?! Surely you do not put bouncers at the door to only allow the members in. :
To expect no curious neighbors, co-workers, friends or relatives to see what church is all about, is quite un-evangelistic. Yes, the church is for the saint, but surely you expect unbelievers to periodically visit.[/quote]
Sure. Non-believers will visit. That doesn't mean we change the purpose of the church because of this. The church is still there to equip the saints. The more you shift from this purpose to "evangelism", the less relevant you make the church for the saint...the very one the church is supposed to be for.
[quote author=Binaca Chugger][quote author=rsc2a][quote author=Binaca Chugger]Second - If the believer believes himself to no longer need self-examination, repentance, dedication or to die daily (purposes for invitation) - the church should offer an invitation for the believer to repent of his pride.[/quote]
I can do that just fine from my chair. And if I feel a particular need, I can pull someone aside and talk with them. The 'altar' is mainly for show....well, show and stoking a pastor's ego.
[/quote]
Yes - you can do that in your chair, your sofa or your bathroom. Yes - there are many showboat Christians who misuse the altar. Yes - many pastors view their greatness by how many people "responded."
However - properly used as:
- An opportunity to ask a group leader for further explanation, prayer or consoling
- An opportunity to immediately respond to the truth that had been presented
- A place to pour out your heart to God in expression of humility
- A time for the believer to sacrifice his will to God's
- A time for the believer to "die daily"
- An acknowledgement that no one in the church "has it all together," but that each of us are struggling and in the process of sanctification
the altar and the invitation for the saint to personally do each or one of these actions at the altar, is a significant portion of the church service.
[/quote]
And this cannot be done from your chair why? I mean...sure....you cannot draw attention to yourself by doing it from your chair, so that might be a problem for some.