Good afternoon, people.

I have been thinking about something. Now, I think in pictures and when it comes to 1stCentury Christianity I see something very simple. It is this picture in my mind (and as far as I can see....in scripture) that caused me to want to begin the list (1stCen-Christianity). If anyone wants to come over and see what we are all about simply do this:
click on: 1stCen-Christianity-subscribe@onelist.com

There is a list called RM-Bible where I spent three years discussing different subjects...many of them comparing the scriptures with our practices. The *powers that be* on that list did not like what I discussed and finally banned me from the list.

A few days later I was *fooling around* on onelist.com and right there in black and white it said "Start your own list." Now if ever I felt like I had received a nudge from Almighty God it was at that time. I have very strong feelings about our leaving the teachings of the apostles and following traditions of men.

Just a bit of history: (I know some of you know more about this than I do.) The leadership was warned by Paul that there would be a falling away and it would be from among themselves. What is amazing is that happened. (It shouldn't be amazing, huh?) One man out of the *eldership* was appointed as president. President of what? There had to be something he presided over. It must have been at this time that formality of the gatherings begin to take shape. We often say it started from RC but this was even before they took hold.

Men were given power over other men. This was never the intention of Christ. There is no doubt about it, power pollutes. Man cannot handle power. It must be so in the worldly affairs but not in the kingdom of God.

I have been reading more lately about the martyrs who died standing up for scripture against the Catholic church. Rather than the Bible itself these people who stood firm even as they were burned at the stake increases my faith more than any other thing.

Another thing about tradition is when man gets a hold of something it has to become big. It has to become organized. It becomes big business.

I want later to give more on what I see (the big picture) the apostles and Christ taught about simplicity.

If you read this far, thanks.

-- Anonymous, October 19, 1999

Answers

Great thought provoking stuff, Nelta. You should think in pictures more often. You're in good company in this forum if you are used to following the truth at any cost.

Don't rock the boat.

Sink it!

-- Anonymous, October 19, 1999