Heidelcast Heidelcast: Have This Mind: Philippians (15)
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Mar 8, 2026 A study on Philippians' structure and why the visible church matters. Discussion of American individualism versus New Testament ecclesiology. Timothy and Epaphroditus are presented as mission envoys sent to encourage and protect the congregation. Practical notes on church ministry, pastoral care, illness, and honoring ministers.
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Visible Church Is Central To Christian Life
- The New Testament expects Christians to live their faith within the visible institutional church.
- Scott Clark argues American individualism and suspicion of institutions distort Christian practice and marginalize the Christ-confessing covenant community.
Neighbors Claimed Membership In The Invisible Church
- A pastor told a couple claiming to be Christians that they lived together yet avoided church by calling themselves members of the church invisible.
- Norman Hofflinger's neighbor used extra-canonical 'leading' to justify cohabitation and skipping the visible congregation.
Belgic Confession Affirms No Salvation Outside Church
- Historic Reformed confessions affirm there is no salvation apart from the visible church and require joining where God has established it.
- Clark cites the Belgic Confession Article 28 and Cyprian's extra ecclesiam nulla salus to support corporate covenant membership.
