tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3833468736295573760.post8627968348073984818..comments2024-02-07T20:29:37.493+00:00Comments on Johli Baptist: Baptist and Independent, Independent and Baptist Johli Baptisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10932562727554974772noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3833468736295573760.post-13373628089814078602016-06-22T04:08:36.720+01:002016-06-22T04:08:36.720+01:00There is,of course, in this independency, a danger...There is,of course, in this independency, a danger of discouraging church unity, and living in a pious cocoon which does not engage or relate to everyday life. We must therefore take heed. We must endeavour to scratch where people itch and ensure that we are welcoming, warm and winsome. Church unity is important because the Lord wishes His children to love one another, to contend earnestly for the faith and to experience the abundant life of Christ in fellowship and in mission. Johli Baptisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10932562727554974772noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3833468736295573760.post-35681246682805053612016-06-19T09:51:29.946+01:002016-06-19T09:51:29.946+01:00For clarification, partnerships, projects and proc...For clarification, partnerships, projects and proclamations of the Gospel, the Good News of salvation in Christ, can be tremendously worthwhile and edifying. I am a supporter of the Hornchurch Passion Play, which may seem inconsistent with my ecumenicosceptic stance. Every project needs to be evaluated on its own merits. And the HPP really delivers! It makes the passion narrative come alive and as a result people are brought closer to God and sometimes converted, soundly saved. It is without doubt very spiritually beneficial to God's people far and wide, way beyond the Hornchurch area.<br /> Johli Baptisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10932562727554974772noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3833468736295573760.post-74873779307874993472016-06-19T01:47:18.164+01:002016-06-19T01:47:18.164+01:00I am against a hierarchical system of church pract...I am against a hierarchical system of church practice where the people of God are under those who Lord it over the flock and dictate the way things are done without recourse to the church meeting and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The congregation should be independent of outside influences and pressures as they could be unhealthy, unhelpful and unkind. <br /><br />It would be unfortunate for a church fellowship if it is dependent on external outside leadership which interferes with internal growth and development.<br /><br /> Johli Baptisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10932562727554974772noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3833468736295573760.post-48743601498821366852016-06-18T23:46:59.518+01:002016-06-18T23:46:59.518+01:00So there have been clergy without a true calling a...So there have been clergy without a true calling and experience of conversion, ministers devoid of the Holy Spirit. I wish to be completely independent of this sort of ecumenism, which allows ministers to operate without the spiritual resources and gifts from God. Without faith it is impossible to please God. Johli Baptisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10932562727554974772noreply@blogger.com