3Jo 10* Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.

you know, I didn't find where Paul or the apostles casted anyone out, what he wrote is to have the Christians avoid the preachers that refused to work for their pay, and to avoid the fornicators, but I simply do not see him teaching to cast out people that disagree

Fred; you are correct. It is easy for tradition to take a scripture, expand it to a far greater effect then it was intended for. Of course, Paul called for certain people to be put out of the assembly; sin that obviously put the church in a bad light in a community. I would say, that CGCM has lost sight of this teaching, and uses it on sin that no one is aware of in the community or even in the church. This is "justification by excommunication" and is totally unscriptural. Anyone who wants to challenge this, I will refer to what Menno Simons teaches and how he interprets scripture.

Qwerty has experienced this same thing twist of scripture; although in COGR, I suppose they believe they represent the "church outside of which there is no salvation." CGCM may operate as such, but theologically they teach salvation not to occur in the church, but in the "kingdom".

It almost takes a legal scholar to remain a Christian today. There is so much stuff being promoted "off the Bible" it can make your head spin.

Thanks Fred
I think I may ask some of the H how they view that scripture when the right topic comes up.
Very good.
Herman

>>It almost takes a legal scholar to remain a Christian today. There is so much stuff being promoted "off the Bible" it can make your head spin.<<

Fred
I agree that there is a lot of false doctrine out there. However If one is determined he wants to follow God and is willing to search the scriptures I am sure God will reward him or her. I also know some of my ideas may not be perfect, But I do know God has forgiven my sins and is leading me if I listen to his word.
Herman