MS wrote:
...but to become a "member" of a meeting place is an invention of man.

Seems strange that any historical Christian greatly used of God e.g. Spurgeon etc. all hold to church membership, though not a member of a particular 'meeting place' as the same congregation could meet anywhere.

John UK wrote:
I do feel sorry sometimes for the children of believers-taken through the Catechisms.

See Christ the Mediator, Justification, Saving faith-

CHAPTER XV.Repentance Unto Life

'By it, a sinner, out of the sight and sense not only of the danger, but also of the filthiness and odiousness of his sins, as contrary to the holy nature, and righteous law of God; and upon the apprehension of His mercy in Christ to such as are penitent, so grieves for, and hates his sins, as to turn from them all unto God, purposing and endeavouring to walk with Him in all the ways of His commandments'

CHAPTER XVIII. Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation

'the testimony of the Spirit of adoption witnessing with our spirits that we are the children of God'

The child is continually under gospel preaching taught that they need a God wrought conviction of sin and a felt sense of danger to repent and call upon Christ for Salvation AND that the only evidence of adoption is the witness of God's Spirit that they are a child of God.

An interesting sermon from David Silversides. Let all things be done with and in 'charity' re: internet blogging etc.

Some debates are better done by email where if you wish to get personal do it in private! Good debate between brethren though is done in charity-a good point to remember before we all begin to type a comment!