SPLIT: Does the Bible support this "invisible church"?

[Darryl_B]

Yep, “Catholic” as in universal, invisible …

The invisible Church? The Church is invisible? Somewhere is the Church but I cannot see it? I don’t think you mean invisible at all. You mean disestablished Church, you mean divided Church, you mean a Kingdom divided against itself Church, you mean individualistic Church, but certainly not invisible. Catholic would mean indivisible not invisible.

 

[crazzeto]

Yep, “Catholic” as in universal, invisible …

It’s not my intent to debate this issue, because I think perhaps it’s against the spirit of the thread. I will pray however that God open your heart to the fullness of his truth. God bless.

 

[crazzeto]

Since the character of this thread has now changed with the split, I would like to begin with the following two scripture verses:

drbo.org/x/d?b=drb&bk=61&ch=3&l=15#x

1 Timothy 3:15
But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

[15] But if thy brother shall offend against thee, go, and rebuke him between thee and him alone. If he shall hear thee, thou shalt gain thy brother.

drbo.org/x/d?b=drb&bk=47&ch=18&l=15#x
[16] And if he will not hear thee, take with thee one or two more: that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may stand. [17] And if he will not hear them: tell the church. And if he will not hear the church, let him be to thee as the heathen and publican.

In both cases, the church is set up as the ultimate authority figure. In St. Paul’s writing, the church is the pillar and defense of the truth here on earth. In another way, via his parable Christ sets up the church in a similar light offering a practical application as an analogy to the authority on earth which the earth enjoys.

In this context, I find it quite impossible for the church to be invisible in any context. Rather in is required to be quite plainly visible and accessible.

 

[Darryl_B]

The church is likened to a (singular) city on a hill that cannot be hid. That is a tangible entity with structure and Community of the Saints. It is also very similar to the promise Jesus Christ made to Peter.

I’m disappointed that I was not taught this sooner in my life.

The invisible Church idea is a euphemism for ‘split’ which provides it with mystery, a secret club of you-know-who-you-ares and even sometimes we-know-who-arents.

I guess if invisible is a euphemism for ‘split’ this thread could also be described as invisible.