And it is ironic that you use that particular verse, which in context concerns not worship but church discipline. Read the whole set of verses from Matthew 18:15-20.

I always enjoy reading your responses, but (forgive me) whenever I see the word "theonomy" I get shivers down my spine. What exactly do you mean by theonomy?

I for one do not subscribe to the idea that we can or should live according to the OT Law. Man in his total depravity cannot live according to these standards, if that's what theonomy means. Human government should, however, be concerned with issues of justice such as avenging wrong (especially for capital offenses such as murder, according to Genesis, which I hold). I also disavow antinomianism, because for Christians, we should be ruled by Christ through the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit. So I do not see imposing a theonomical standard into our governmental model, when we as believers are governed by Christ. That's assuming I know what theonomy means. I don't. Other than that I realize it means "God's Law" or something to that effect.

I will have to politely disagree with your church on eschatology since I am Amillenial. I'm also not exactly sure where I fall on the whole "tongues" issue either, except I'm not much of a cessationist, and I lean towards what I've read from John Piper (I prefer the term "continuationist" to "charismatic"). I wholeheartedly affirm Calvinism, however. So I'm kind of a mixed (up?) bag. I'm sure my theology will change as I grow and mature. So, I do have some disagreements with your church's doctrinal positions, but I can certainly disagree politely.

I could be wrong here, but somewhere along the way I read about there being three types of communion:

1. Closed - Each church invites only its local fellowship (members in good standing).

2. Close - Invitation is to believers only, but not restricted to members of the church where this takes place.

3. Open - Open to anyone and everyone, but perhaps based upon personal conscience.

The article states, "Admittance to the Church is normally a two-year process. But Mr Blair, because he is already a regular attender, is likely to be fast- tracked."

Hmmmmmm. But the Bible states,

Acts 2:41, 47

41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Hebrews 12:23
To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,

1 Peter 5:13
The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son.

Looks like to me that the true church is a divinely governed institution and that God decides who He puts in. This is quite unlike the Roman mockery based upon earthly wisdom and standards and glory. No, instead only those who belong to Christ are in His body.

Why do so many spend so much time and energy here evangelizing for a false gospel?

Could it possibly be for the same kind of error rebuked by Christ in Matthew 23:13-15?

Incidentally, I think the Mozilla line of browsers (the pre-Firefox branch) is just about officially dead. Mozilla has basically continued on in the SeaMonkey branch, if you're interested.

Netscape's browser is back in development, now, and I think the 9.0b1 is the latest beta version (Windows and Linux). And I've heard reports of a browser named IceWeasel I believe that is an independent version of Firefox if I understand correctly (I've never tried it). There are probably others, as well.

There are probably a few Christians in political offices all throughout the world in many nations. But Christ's Kingdom is not of this world. Christians would have much greater political and social power in this world if God primarily saved the mighty and noble, but we know from the Scriptures in 1 Corinthians He does not. It amazes me that so many Christians these days are willing to invest time and energy into establishing an earthly theocracy which at its best could never be governed by anything other than imperfect men with imperfect understanding and imperfect motives.

Not fast enough, too many ads, too many users, becomes...
Faster, more ads, more users, becomes...
Not fast enough, too many ads, too many users.
Repeat, as necessary.