We also strongly recommend two books that are very informative and interesting concerning churches and organized religion. One is called Pagan Christianity and Reimagining Church, by Frank Viola and the other one is called Beyond Radical by Gene Edwards. It shows a historical depth of how each organized section of church originated and it's very roots. Those books are eye opening experiences.
Here, we begin and conclude with this:
Who is the Body of Christ?
Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-31
Key Points:
-There is one body, many members, different purposes.
-Jew, Gentile, Bond, Free, ALL in one Spirit.
-Each member needs to contribute, all are necessary.
(have churches become a one man show?)
-Members are to care for one another and suffer with one another.
-Each member has a gift from God to contribute.
*Question: Did God reveal his Word to one man to write one book, or many men into 66 books for the Bible?
"Now ye are the Body of Christ and members in particular." 1 Corinthians 12:27
"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the spirit of God dwelleth in you?"1 Corinthians 3:16
The Body of Christ needs to be a living sacrifice, holy and unconfirmed to this world. Read Romans 12:1-2.
There is ONE body, not varied by denomination or building. Read Ephesians 4:4-6.
"And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in the breaking of bread and in prayers."Acts 2:42.
Please take the time to read Hebrews chapter 9! Hebrews shows the before and after parts of the creation of the church. We will read in Hebrews 9:1-10 that it describes the "worldly sanctuary" and how the old way of having church were physical things of the flesh. When we continue to Hebrews 9:11-end which shows how Christ has established a "perfect tabernacle" within us, not in a building made of hands. He made a Spiritual one within us and established a new covenant. We no longer need to observe these things in the flesh or in the physical way, but now we can have church wherever we go because he dwells within us.
We see the believers after Jesus' death meeting in homes, assembling together and even Paul went and had "church" with some women by the river as he was passing by (Acts 16:13). We are free, for Christ has made us free indeed!
"For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant." 1 Corinthians 7:22
2 comments:
Seems like God pours out His Spirit and there is revival and genuine church takes place. Then as it grows men take the glory a little here and there, give it a name, a style of building, a book of bylaws and over time it basically dies spiritually. It becomes a form of Godliness without power. It even happened to the early home organic churches, where "organization(by-laws)" and "leadership" became the unhealthy focus...
Galatia: organization focus (bylaws, legalism,ritual)...
Gal 3:3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
and leadership focus at Corinth...
1Cr 1:12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
Thats not to say we run from organization or leadership, but to be diligent at keeping these "tools" out of the spot light, where the simplicity of devotion to Christ belongs.
This voice in wilderness blogspot is a perfect example of a beautiful application of ministry. There is "organization" in the presentation and protection (control) of what is shared. There is healthy "leadership" which is doing their job conveying Christ. There are followers (funny thats what blogspot calls them). I dont see this blog as a one man (or woman) show but it is handled carefully with leadership and organization to fufill its calling: "We established this Ministry to share our findings as we dig deeper into the Bible"
Good information here. Will readthe rest of the posts. wb
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