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JEB said:
What do you folks think about the following quote from a sermon I recently witnessed?

"You cannot be a Christian without the church." . . .

This quote was in a sermon both demanding adherence to the Sabbath day and the obedience to Elders/Preachers. I hope the context helps. I am interested to see what you might think of it. I have already reacted to it, I'm just interested in what some of my brethren think.... <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> To God be the Glory ....JEB
There is some merit to this, in that a Christian will desire to observe the Sabbath Day, and he/she will certainly submit to the authority of the Elders, as it is God's design for the Church......

[Linked Image] with these qualifications:

Sabbath Day observance: Although to demand that one adhere to a specific set of rules and regulations which an individual congregation has drawn up is disputable. And, to not observe the Sabbath completely or to not follow a set of man-made rules and regulations in regard to the Sabbath which are not found in Scripture does not of necessity mean that a person cannot be saved (be a Christian).

Submission to the authority of the Elders: Basically, this is a true statement but since the Elders are not infallible and do err, perhaps more than most would care to admit, an individual believer does have the right and responsibility to reject the counsel and/or advice of the Elders when it is contrary to Scripture.

You might want to read: WCF XX Section II

In His Grace,

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simul iustus et peccator

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