Do unbelievers belong in the assembly?

[Esaias]

Originally Posted by TGBTG

But unbelievers cannot understand tongues, right?

Isn't that why Paul said an unbeliever might think we are out of our mind if said unbeliever saw a bunch of believers speaking in tongues? So how does speaking in tongues help them believe?

With stammering lips and another tongue will I speak to this people, yet for all they will not hear me.

Wherefore tongues are a sign for them that believe not.

That is to say, if everyone is peaking in tongues with no interpreter, then the unbeliever will not become convinced, but will conclude the church is insane and off their rocker. IE they will not 'believe' or hearken unto God. Thus, tongues becomes a witness or sign against them, as per the OT citation.

Paul would rather they prophesied, so as to produce belief, not just speak in tongues (with no interpretation) which will likely not produce belief.

[phareztamar]

Do unbelievers belong in the assembly?

Gee, I dunno...do sick people belong in a hospital?

[Esaias]

Originally Posted by phareztamar

Do unbelievers belong in the assembly?

Gee, I dunno...do sick people belong in a hospital?

Is the church a hospital?

Did Jesus say for us to go forth and build churches so the sick can come in if they want to and get better?

Or did he say for us to go forth and TELL THEM THE GOOD NEWS, heal them, and receive them as members of the church?

[TGBTG]

Originally Posted by Esaias

With stammering lips and another tongue will I speak to this people, yet for all they will not hear me.

Wherefore tongues are a sign for them that believe not.

That is to say, if everyone is peaking in tongues with no interpreter, then the unbeliever will not become convinced, but will conclude the church is insane and off their rocker.

I get that part. Interpretation is needed.

Originally Posted by Esaias

IE they will not 'believe' or hearken unto God. Thus, tongues becomes a witness or sign against them, as per the OT citation.

Paul would rather they prophesied, so as to produce belief, not just speak in tongues (with no interpretation) which will likely not produce belief.

1 Cor 14 "...but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe."

Based on what you wrote, it seems you're saying prophesying serves unbelievers?

[Esaias]

Originally Posted by TGBTG

1 Cor 14 "...but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe."

Based on what you wrote, it seems you're saying prophesying serves unbelievers?

No. I'm saying prophesying can produce belief, therefore it is a sign for them that believe.

[Praxeas]

So clearly Paul was ok with unbelievers in our midst...

[Esaias]

Originally Posted by Praxeas

So clearly Paul was ok with unbelievers in our midst...

Paul's statement indicates unbelievers being in the assembly was an exception, not the rule. He said 'IF one comes in' etc. Thus, while unbelievers were not unilaterally excluded from all meetings whatsoever at all times, it was nevertheless RARE for an unbeliever to come into the assembly.

They certainly had no concept of the assembly as being the primary place for evangelistic efforts. That was reserved for 'out there'.

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by Esaias

Paul's statement indicates unbelievers being in the assembly was an exception, not the rule. He said 'IF one comes in' etc. Thus, while unbelievers were not unilaterally excluded from all meetings whatsoever at all times, it was nevertheless RARE for an unbeliever to come into the assembly.

They certainly had no concept of the assembly as being the primary place for evangelistic efforts. That was reserved for 'out there'.

No he does not indicate it is an exception. He indicates it's possible and not forbidden.

Even in my church we don't always have an unbeliever visiting.

BTW Im not sure but it seems like you just agreed with me except that for some reason you want to argue over how often?