The Church

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   william.m.posted 14 years ago

   She is a stranger in a land of strangers . She is lonely and unfriended, sitting apart from earthly joy and fellowship. He whom she loves is far away. This separation is as a saint of old expresses it , "like a mountain of iron upon her heavy heart." She longs to be with Him . She sighs for the day of meeting. All this though sad , is both sanctifing and solemnizing . It is a daily burden , a continual chastening , yet it is well . It loosens from earth . It lifts to Heaven. It makes the world less fascinating. It prepares for the inseparable union: the meeting time- the bridal day.  H. Bonar.

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   1. 60

      tantrumposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Alchemical wedding. Are you an alchemist ? Or only a church lover ?

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   2. 60

      sooner than laterposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      beautiful

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   3. 0

      elliot.dunnposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      sang one of his hymns in church yesterday.  oddly enough it gives a perfect example of what church is and what church should be.  i agree that church, and those in charge of its order, are indeed sinful human beings like any others and so they're actions will never be perfect. but H. Bonar tells us there is a beautiful connection between God and man in church in his hymn "Here, O My Lord, I See Thee Face To Face" :
      
      Here, O my Lord, I see Thee face to face;
      Here would I touch and handle things unseen;
      Here grasp with firmer hand eternal grace,
      And all my weariness upon Thee lean.
      
      This is the hour of banquet and of song;
      This is the heavenly table spread for me;
      Here let me feast, and feasting, still prolong
      The hallowed hour of fellowship with Thee.
      
      Here would I feed upon the bread of God,
      Here drink with Thee the royal wine of Heaven;
      Here would I lay aside each earthly load,
      Here taste afresh the calm of sin forgiven.
      
      (stanzas 1-3)

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2. 62

   Daniel Carterposted 14 years ago

   "He" being Jesus Christ, and "she" being the church. The bridegroom coming for the bride, as a reference to the Second Coming. Philosophically, this is an interesting description. The absence of the bridegroom is a time of preparation, a burden, and as described by Horatio Bonar, the writer, a necessity.
   
   It's nice piece of literature, full of metaphor and literary device.
   
   After, all these years, I have a tendency that the Second Coming, the Rapture, the 1000 years of peace could be possible, but more and more unlikely unless mankind becomes changed from the inside out. I think it's possible to have a personal Rapture, to achieve a personal Second Coming, and have that proverbial 1000 years peace in one's heart more than is likely to happen among a planet of people.
   
   In that regard, I have a tendency to believe more along the lines of Buddhist philosophy, which, actually, is a little more like what Jesus taught. That the things of this world are an illusion, that forgiveness is based on understanding that what happens to us is transitory, and as soon as it's over, it no longer exists.
   
   Not sure of your views or intention of this post, but I guess I've started something by posting my views.

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3. 71

   rhamsonposted 14 years ago

   This is an explosive post to say the least.  A flaming is in the works and someone will be crying.
   
   The church has failed humanity time and time again.  If it was a success would we not all be in agreement with each other over one true religion?  If you look at the catholic church and all its' wealth one has to ask why is it being accumulated and for what ends?  Does the Pope really need gilded slippers? Does the bible say "Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." have any meaning to him.
   
   The rejection of other religions is inherent upon just about every faith that comes after.
   
   To believe in God is a personal choice and unfortunately some peoples and governments will tell you what that means and if you don't agree you will be judged and sentenced.
   
   Church is mans failing to live a spritual life and apply a political dogma.

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   1. 58

      Jeramiposted 14 years agoin reply to this

           Our own faults and misconceptions are like the back of our kneecaps ....   Much easier to see someon elesses.
      
           It is possible to see our own but it takes determination and extra effort.

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   2. 56

      atomswifeyposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      The church in this case is not any specific four walls building, or a temple or anything of that sort. The church is the body of Christ. Those who have chosen Him. (People).

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