Ummm not too sure whether "unworthy servant" here is opposing or supporting me. At any rate, I agree with everything that is said in unworthy's post. Please know that it is not MY view that it is bad to meet in a large building. The entire point I was making with that is, when a group meets in a larger building there needs to be some sort of governing body over the upkeep. Thank you for citing Scripture. I was pressed or time earlier and was unable to break out my Bible. I hope there was no misunderstanding of anything I said. It seems like we agree. Please have a great day. ---Mike

Alrighty here I am to bust out with my opinion. But first, I want you to know about me. I am a Southern Baptist. I am also the son of a minister. I have grown up in both comfort and extreme poverty. At this present moment I am receiving an education in Riverside, CA.

None of that is to show that my opinion is right or wrong, but merely to give everyone a background of my life.

I have not shame in calling myself a Southern Baptist. Nobody in this denomination would ever state the claim that if one is not a Southern Baptist, then they are not a Christian. Certainly everyone would agree, that whether SB, Lutheran, Episcopal, Methodists, or yes, even Catholic, Pilgrim; everyone would agree that one's salvation bears no weight on what group you belong to.

I will take offense, however, at ANYONE who seems to feel superior in faith to myself because they "meet in someone's home" instead of a church building. Nor do I claim to be the most spiritually mature, however, arrogance over this matter is uncalled for. There is nothing wrong with holding church in a larger building. Praise the Lord that some places NEED larger buildings to accomadate all those who are seeking or being spiritually fed! And the fact of the matter is, no matter where you go in the USA there will be taxes. Property taxes, etc. Do you think the Lord cares if the church gets good enough treatment from the government today as to be able to avoid some of these taxes? Why not look upon this as a blessing. People, in America, have the privilege now of going to church and, as of now at least, the government supports it.

I agree with the statement as well, that Christ's church is not an organization. It is an organism. Living and working to fulfil the commands of Jesus who is the Christ. But you also need to understand that the "Board of Directors", as one poster called them, are there to maintain the upkeep of the building. I hope with ALL of my heart that none of you find this process sinful. Maintenance of any place of worship for Christian's should be like second nature. Wherever we meet, God is there. There is no shame in keeping it beautiful for Him.

Perhaps, I am looked down upon for my choice of association. I am a Southern Baptist. Denominations are NOT sprung forth by the devil. People naturally gravitate to where their beliefs are more commonly held. It is not the work of Satan that, in order to prevent any heretical ideas from breaking up the church, that this body of believers set forth some guidelines as to what they believe. Just because I am a Southern Baptist, however, it is not mandatory that I agree with everything they put forth. In no way do they tell us what to believe. And, although I do not know where you all live, I have lived in Pennsylvania and California, I have never encountered any Christian who did not regard other Christians, no matter what denomination, as their brother or sister in Christ.

It is a shame that this has to be debated. All Christians, no matter where they gather for worship, should all be working toward the same goals: Reach people with the love of Christ Jesus and grow in individual understanding of the Lord and his precepts to become more Christ-like.

God Bless---Mike