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The Church.......is something missing? |
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Have you heard the most interesting or inspirational sermon in years.... |
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rrrrBut something is missing? |
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Have you listened to the most talented praise and worship... |
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rrrrBut something is missing? |
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Everyone seems to be nice.... |
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rrrrBut something is missing? |
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Supported groups or programs and tried to fit in.... |
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rrrrBut something is missing? |
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xxxThe American church has introduced so much business, marketing, entertainment, and academia we have forgotten to talk to/receive the person of Jesus Christ. We have lost the art of prayer as the agenda not as simply part of the agenda. A two minute open/closing prayer, bulletin brief, perfectly timed sermon and out the door to the minute is a great business model but is a horrible personal application of finding out what is needed for someone’s heart. Tragically, two whole chapters in the Bible that give specific instructions to correct what is missing are disregarded simply because they do not fit the current church format (1 Corinthians 12 and 14 *abbreviated 1Cor). |
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xxxJesus as “the word of God John 1:1” means He wishes to communicate to His children! We are commanded by God to receive His word not just read it. 1Corinthians 12:8-10 “For to one is given a word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another a word of knowledge by the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing of spirits, to another kinds of tongues, to another interpretation of tongues.” This is how God establishes His 2 way communication. It's a group effort! How many churches/families are destroyed because they refuse to allow any 2 way communication and want to keep their strict control over their authority. This does not mean the pastor and church does not have authority. What it does mean is “The eye cannot say to the hand, I don't need you! 1Cor 12:21” |
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xxxMight this 2 way communication cause disruptions? Very much so which is why Paul used scripture to keep things in proper order. Letting others speak after you have spoken (be silent)1Cor 14:30, limiting how many people are to speak1Cor 14:27,29, and speaking in order1Cor 14:33,40 are just a few. Disruption was a huge problem then and now. The church should not turn into an emotional free for all. |
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xxxOn a personal note the Bible says we are Christ familyMathew:12:49. Family knows each other and communicates with each other. How do we begin to love “one another John 13:35” if we are not encouraging, confessing, listening, talking, and edifying as commanded1Cor ch 12,14. “Pray one for another, that ye may be healed James 5:16 ” is pretty useless while sitting in the pew with 1 way communication, looking at the back of someone's head and guessing what their needs are. God’s perfect love for His church is shown by our love for one another which is praying for one another and bearing one another’s burdens. Scheduled interruptions from start to finish does not follow the spirit of the Bible to “wait on the Lord Psalm 27:14” or the example given by Jesus “the Son can do nothing on his own but speak only what the Father has instructed me to sayJohn 8:28.” If we're not cutting God out He promises to show up! |
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xxxFitting Jesus into the program strengthens the church. Instruction turns into edifying and sharing, gifts turn into spiritual blessings, prayer is magnified, testimonials and praising God in hymns become more inspiring! |
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xxxWhat is so good about the instructions given to the first church is the small/house church can easily follow these guidelines. The big church has ministered wonderful projects through out the world, given good instruction given their academic qualifications, and evangelized major crusades some even having radio ministries. But is a radio ministry really a church? Are they rooted in the principles outlined in 1 Corinthians chapters 12 and 14? What about the house churches exploding through out the world that don't have these business or academic tools. I don't think anyone can draw the line physically, but spiritually the Bible states: And to all these qualities add love, which binds all things together in perfect unityColossians 3:14 GNB . Unity is simply focusing on God's spirit. |
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xxxBut hasn't the church as it is now been this way for almost 2 thousand years? Yes, that is the shocking truth! The early church fathers after the disciples where so intellectual it was somewhat like historical Socrates, Pluto and Aristotle being so closely grouped they changed the course of history. The leaders between Clement of Rome (A.D. 95) through Augustine (430 A.D.) wrote voluminous works in Christianity so that intellectual theology became know as the Western Religion. Because of their intellectualism they got away from our roots and the power of God. “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truthJohn 4:23.” To their defense, because of the many barbaric religions and even sects, they did establish a religious framework. But because of their class and literary distinction, along with some good old pride, fathers Clement of Rome stated, “the priest (a form of New Testament clergy) have been given his own special services...and (the) layman is bound by the ordinances of laitysee source 1.” Two way teaching and educating were gone, The clergy was empowered and the laity was shackled. History has shown they were not easily letting go. In this day of the outpouring of the Spirit of God, all believers are empowered to do His will as his body. All believers are essential to do their part as empowered by the Lord Himself. |
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References: An exhaustive book on the house church is Mega Shift by James Rutz. Also Francis Chan – “Rethinking Church” on You tube especially minute 8 and beyond. For Free: Fun and easy handouts to share your faith, coloring books and more. Plus tools to walk in your faith and witness easily with yout phone. Visit https://aftersalvation.wixsite.com/grace. *this article, “Church... is something missing?” can be viewed from the website above under “Our Walk” or printed from the download button on the homepage. God Bless! Bob Sources: 1. www.timeandbeing.com... (click here) paragraph 1 quote 1 |