Welcome to the video series to study of "Kingdom Now: Pursuing Unity in the Body of Christ to Change the World." This video introduces Lesson 6. Scriptures referenced in this video:Eph. 4:11-1318John 20:20-23John 8:1-11Please note: We didn't realize until we were recording this that we had very different views on John 20:20-23 and that I really don't feel comfortable endorsing the view Pat expressed. This is an example of how we can have differences of opinion about things, especially unclear verses in Scripture, but still love one another and work together for the furtherance of the Kingdom. My belief on this is that not every believer is given the authority to forgive or not forgive in such a way that those positions are reflected in Heaven. Rather, I believe that authority was given first to the Apostles and then to those determined to carry on their ministry by the laying on of hands. My concern is that the belief that "any Christian can offer absolution" would mean that a less mature Christian could keep someone from being forgiven in Heaven. Rather, Jesus would have entrusted this responsibility to those who are proven in their godliness and maturity, approved by the laying on of hands. I also became Catholic since recording this with Pat, and I have to say that the Catholic view does exactly what we were looking for: It cultivates a culture of grace, accepting that we all sin, sin is taken seriously, we confess to a priest (and in the Mass, we confess generally to one another), who lovingly takes it very seriously, and we receive absolution (and sometimes counsel). Either view (Pat's or mine at that time) could be perceived from reading this verse. What do you think? We would encourage you to search it out for yourselves, discuss it with one another, and come to your own conclusion. And stay friends.To buy Kingdom Now: https://amzn.to/3hWY5Zd (affiliate link) .


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Alyce-Kay Ruckelshaus
Sweetwater, Tennessee USA