tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1777773975428010636.post2137882415517342469..comments2008-06-19T13:44:59.346-04:00Eric Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17559297084562073727noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1777773975428010636.post-33602022283637334222008-06-19T13:44:00.000-04:002008-06-19T13:44:00.000-04:00What a wonderful reminder that the church body, the bride of Christ, encompasses more than just the Panton fellowship. I think it's really important to maintain friendships with fellow believers, whether or not we go to the same church. My own journey with Christ has been encouraged many times by friends from other churches. Sometimes because it challenges me to search out the reasons for my own beliefs; at other times because despite different doctrinal teachings, we have both arrived at the same conclusion about God's bottomless grace.suzannenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1777773975428010636.post-60869458291913095822008-06-19T08:36:00.000-04:002008-06-19T08:36:00.000-04:00I love reading the blogs- thanks Eric for starting the conversation. I agree the opportunity to meet with other Christians and seek spiritual adivce is powerful. We need to do it more! In order to provide Godly advice I first need to be in prayer and fellowship with Christ and I also need to have a relationship with people in my church. After spending time with families and individuals in the church - I begin to develop an understanding of thier spiritual walk then as I form a trusting relationship with them I am open to sharing my struggles and feel confident of the advice and spiritual encourgement- In turn they also know me~ faults and all and still are there to build me up, pray for me and encourage me. <BR/>I say all this to note- as we in the church continue to pursue Christ and began spend time with each other- our isolation will decrease- our trust will increase and we will be a greater influence for Christ to each other. <BR/>I am at times frustrated because I have this type of relationship outside of our church. I have three couples I can speak with who will challenge my thinking- my attitudes, decisions. They provide biblical instruction and at times rebuke. I love these people. They are not just like me. They have made other life choices for themselves and families. One couple follows another doctrinal statement. These relationships are so important because I do not feel judged- I feel loved. They still love me and want the best for me ~ the spiritual best! I in turn also pray for them, attempt to offer Godly advice and support them in thier walk. <BR/><BR/>All this takes time- lots of it. Yet the rewards are countless. Investing time in our church body - maybe this key. <BR/><BR/>Open to thoughts from others.JDnoreply@blogger.com