[Gubei]

Igzy,

It is very clear we are seeing the same thing just differently. You are more concerned about a negative aspect of the truth (i.e. oppression and abuse) and I'm more concerned about the other negative aspect of the truth (i.e. de facto legalizing division). But I'm sure we are in the same camp in God.

Just for more clarification,

1. I do not think we should strive for one set of eldership in the way of make or break. The one set of eldership is there ALWAYS regardless of our recognition of it. This is my general principle. As I wrote in the previous post, the only case this one set of eldership over a whole city is easily accepted is when there was no existing church in that city. So, Paul was able to set up a lot of churches and elders in his journeys without difficulties in terms of eldership. But, as you said, this 21 century gives us a totally different picture. For example, in NYC, there were a lot of Christians even before WL and LSM set up their group. As I said, the church in NYC should includes all the saints there. Thus, WL or LSM -appointed ones cannot represent the whole Christian body in NYC. So, they cannot claim they are in charge of NYC. However, they can present the early church model and fellowship the application of the truth in NYC to other Christian groups. The outcome of this kind of so called "NYC Conference with all responsible brothers" could be positive or negative. Even though the outcome is not so satisfactory, that kind of trying is not without meaning. At least they can be reminded of the importance of oneness.

But as you and I repeatedly pointed out, WL and LSM's approach was not like this. They just started their meeting and proclaimed they are legitimately in charge of NYC. This is, as you said, oppression and abuse.

2. How to identify one set of eldership. Igzy, there is no perfect or practical way unless we are omniscient. The same "problem" happens when we talk about how to identify who is an apostle. And there is no guarantee that yesterday's elder or apostle is today's elder or apostle. So, asking who is your elder of apostle is, in a sense, meaningless.

3. You are right when you say my model is not 100% practical. My model assumes an ideal situation. My belief is that God may have not expected this model to be fully kept by Christians, but must have wanted to set a ideal model (which is as perfect as He is) before us for us to consider our situation againt that model. In that sense, the function of the truth is same with the Mosaic Law.

Igzy, please give me about one week before I post my writings about apostleship. I'm very time-pressured now for personal affairs. Thanks.

Gubei