Warning: Let Us Not Turn Back, The Gathering, October 26, 2013

http://youtu.be/8wLcOJl_43E
Video teaching regarding walking in the truth of God's Word as it is revealed to us. Not falling back into riturals and practices that we think are the will of God but are not required by the word of God.  Always recognizing that Christ is the Head of His Body and His spirit dwells within us.

The Church Organism or Organization?? Continuation part 4, Authority & Submission

Arguably all that proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord believe that His Word is the final authority in all things. Discussion becomes even more necessary as we see that in many members of the body of Christ the church, Jesus Himself as Head is NOT the authority through demonstration. Therefore it’s imperative that we do as His Word tells us. “Be diligent or study to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth.” In light of this command we continue to examine organism or organization.

 

First let me give you the definition of the word authority from Strongs: (in the sense of ability); privilege, that is, (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token of control), delegated influence: - authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength. I think for the most part we understand the just of it. However, I’ve underlined words that we failed to consider as part of God’s definition of authority, freedom and liberty. Based upon this insight we determine that if submitting to God’s authority there will be freedom and liberty. For His Word says, “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”

In His Word we see Jesus functioning as teacher when questioned by the chief priests and elders saying, “By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority?” The authority that Jesus has is obvious. He did not have to tell anyone to submit to His authority. In fact Jesus did not answer them. As in today, those that are functioning as He wills have no need to tell anyone to submit to their authority. For true authority comes from God. Those that He gives His authority to desire to do His will. Those that recognize true authority submit themselves and reap the benefit without being commanded.  

Consider the organization of men calling it the church. The most dangerous and crucial issue for you reconize is any man or woman that speaks as the authority of God without the truth of God’s Word. Jesus is our example! Men should not attempt to force you to submit to them by threats, shame, dissociation or mishandling of God’s Word. For we know the Words of God and with eager hearts we submit to Him. He said “My sheep hear My voice and I know them, and they follow Me.” “Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” Within man’s organization you are told he is the final authority. You are told to submit to his authority and those he determines. Each one of his appointees backs up the other in support . Again they mimic the organism of His body the church where every joint supplies. However, when not acting upon truth Paul withstood Peter to his face! Which is an example of true authority because when Paul spoke the truth Peter submitted to God’s Word. Jesus is the final authority.

You are told and it is implied that if you challenge or refute the authority of man that says He speaks for God, you will be damned, marked as not in submission, deemed as outside of the provision and blessings of God. Why are you following the voice of strangers? The voice of our God is written in His Word. Why are you joined to an organization instead of being members of the organism of the body of Christ the church?

Man makes up terms and rules and likens them to God’s Word. For example the word and rules that govern concerning “covering.”  Where does God speak of a covering that protects you? Where did this lie originate? Doctrine of demons or doctrines of men? Regardless, it is not of God and therefore this authority of man can not produce the liberty and freedom of God’s Word. This authority of man regarding covering binds and destroys God’s people. People are afraid to leave man’s organization they call the church believing they won’t be covered. If Jesus is the head of the church and you are truly a member of His body the church, how can changing location of gathering separate you from Christ?

 

Another example of man’s organization regarding authority is how man uses his own personal knowledge of your actions to berate you. Remember God’s authority involves freedom and liberty, therefore even as we are chastened and corrected by God we are made free not fearful! "Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?"

 

Consider the mother of the Zebedee’s John and James. She asked Jesus that her sons be given the status of sitting on the left and the right hand of Jesus in His kingdom. The other disciples were greatly displeased. Yet Jesus said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet is shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant.” His Word says that with us authority would not be exercised over us, we are not to be lorded over!

God’s Word tells us “Likewise you younger people submit yourselves to your elders, yes all of you be submissive to one another and be clothed with humility.” Also, “wives submit to your own husbands.” Notice it says your own, not someone else's. Even here the act of submission is willingly not of compulsion.

True authority is from God. He makes us free as we submit to His Word. Jesus said, “Assuredly, I say to you whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” You are responsible and accountable for whatever you allow. His Word says, “And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.”

The Church Organism or Organization?? Continuation Part 3, Leadership & You

Let’s continue to determine truth based upon God’s Word pertaining to leadership in the Body of Christ the church. For many are deceived, disillusioned or just plain defeated by not retaining the  knowledge of the truth whereby to stand upon His Word when confronted and therefore unable to grow.

In the body of Christ the church “God appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.” Let’s remember that these appointments are for the purpose of function not preference or preeminence. Interesting how men give preference to some and ignore others. God’s wisdom says “having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.” Beloved, without true apostles and true prophets laying accurate foundational doctrine in our lives, we will not, we can not grow. As the early church “continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship” they grew. These gifts given to  the body of Christ the church lead us by way of their function. As in any building the foundation is at the bottom of the building, not the top! We have allowed those not called of God as apostles and prophets to attempt to function in His church as such. They are not equipped to do that which He has purposed. Which is evident by the lack of maturity in the body of Christ. Where are the foundational teachings of truth by which we grow? Simply, where is the fruit? "Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit." "A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit." "Therefore by their fruits you will know them." Men take His Words and in their own strength create organizations (remember the definition giving previously) not building the organism of His church. For they are not able to build that which is living (the church) without the Spirit of the living God, His calling and anointing to function in the capacity that they will.

In man’s organization that he calls the church, he is the leader and the decision maker. In some cases he may appoint a governing board. This may be for appearance or indeed for the purpose of various views. However in many cases the leader often called pastor, bishop and now even apostle, he is the final authority.  He founds his said church, he sits himself as head of his organization and he governs it. However, God’s Word says, “He (Jesus Christ) is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.” "And that the government would be upon His shoulders." Man may call his team leadership, eldership, headship or give them various titles such as pastor of children’s church, worship leader or the like. Our Lord gives us the honor of being called, His Body! “He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His Body.”

In organizations men sit in the seats of prominence and have parking places upfront to distinguish themselves as leaders.  Yet, didn’t our Lord tell us that it should not be so with us! “But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments. They love the best places at the feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, greetings in the marketplaces to be called by men, Rabbi, Rabbi ( Pastor, Bishop) But you, do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, the Christ and you are all brothers/sisters.” Oh foolish ones, how have we strayed so far from the Words of our Lord and God? That we do and allow exactly that which we were commanded NOT to do? Why do you transgress His Word and think you do not sin against Him that called you?

I have used the example of organization to reveal that which is evident. Those that lead organizations and call them churches can be liken to Pharisees. For the heart is the same, which is; to keep what they know of God the same or to create something of God without God. Yet even they were/are blessed for “the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned.” Therefore hope remains!

Let me make myself perfectly clear so that no one has to wonder what the purpose of these teachings are. Simply, to expose darkness by the light of His Word. The greater question is, what will you do with the truth? Will you point your finger at the man that  leads you without first examining why you allow it? “Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”  

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth and be turned aside to fables. But YOU be watchful in all things.”

I pray that You who sit in darkness will see the light of His Word.

The Church, Organism or Organization?? Continuation

Let us continue to determine truth based upon His Word, the bible as it pertains to The Church. His Word says, “Gods has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as he pleased.” His Word says we are one body and as one body His church. His Word says that “He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers.” This is very clear in terms of WHO gave to His church. Understanding this setting in is in Him, not about location or where we gather. Remembering always that He is the head of the church. The organism (living being) of the church is only possible by the Spirit of God manifesting the Word of God. Simply we must obey and trust that which God Himself has determined according to His Word. These specific gifts are “for the equipping of the saints” they are not greater or more important than any other part of His body, the church.  Additionally they are not exempt from every ordinance and command of God as are each one of us in His body. Moreover, they will come under a stricter judgment.

Now in the organizations of man/woman called the church there is a completely different process of putting things together. The leader, called Pastor may appoint his wife as pastor or co-pastor, often times giving her the title of prophetess. His sons and daughters may also be set in the organization with a title or place of prominence. His friends are overseers in some capacity. All with an allegiance to their leader. If this man determines someone to be of value to their organization they will recognize them for their cause, set them in where useful and use them. When the leader of an organization retires or dies or is unable to continue with his duties, he will assign his son to take the helm.  If they were not calling this organization the church I would have no issue with how they frame or structure their club, company etc. Yet because they call themselves the church of God, they must come under the examination of the Word of God!

Now those whom God chooses to set in the body the church we have examples of  in His Word. Paul whom was called to be “an apostle not by the will of man but by God” did not lead a church as we think today, yet without question was an elder, apostle and teacher by calling and demonstration/function in the church. Peter also an apostle had a believing wife as did the other apostles yet their wives' names are not mentioned nor their function in the body of Christ. Jesus had many brothers and sisters for His Word says, “Lord your mother, brothers and sisters are here,” yet we see only James set in the body as an apostle. James and John the sons of Zebedee were natural brothers and called to be apostles. We know nothing of their father Zebedee.  Apphia and Archippus a wife and husband had the church meeting in their house. Yet His Word fails to say what function or calling either of them had however clearly they were a part of His body for the church was gathering in their home. Anna was a prophetess that stayed in the temple daily praying, she had a husband whose name nor function in the body was mentioned. Timothy’s grandmother Lois and mother Eunice were said to have genuine (unhypocritical) faith. And we see Paul instruct Timothy in Word and ministry, yet God’s Word does not say Timothy was a pastor.

Interesting how far we have strayed from His Word in our beliefs and behaviors regarding His church. We fail to acknowledge those whom God has chosen and yet wholeheartedly accept those that commend themselves by failing to acknowledge His Words.  Jesus said, “I come in My Father’s name, and you do not receive me, if another comes in his own name him you will receive.” In many organizations called churches men are only addressed according to their own self appointed title. For if God indeed has called one and set them within His body for a purpose with a function surely it is not for the bolstering of oneself. But as He said “for the equipping of the saints.”

It is imperative that I reiterate always that all set in the church called of God was/is for a purpose that functions for the benefit of His body. God giving the grace and ability to do that which He determined. In looking at an organization of man called the church, we see men and women without the grace and ability from God and therefore their is no fruit, no benefit to His body, yet great benefit to the man. Without being set in the body as He says, we the saints of God are not equipped, we fail to have unity and we fail to mature to the fullness of Christ.

Exposing and discussing the differences between the organism of the church, the body of Christ which God has determined and the organization that man has designed and calls the church is needful and of great benefit. Many lack discernment and knowldge of God’s Word therefore embrace that which has always been in their knowing regarding the church and/or that which man has said without inquiry or question. God’s Word tells us “the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God.” We are instructed to examine all based upon the knowledge of Him and rebuke and/or stop anything that would contradict His Word. This must first start within each of us!

The Church, Organism or Organization?

The Word of God says, “He (Jesus) is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things, He (Jesus) may have preeminence.”  Also, “He put all things under His feet, and gave Him (Jesus) to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.”

Clearly based upon the Word of truth Jesus is the head of the church, the body of Christ. And the church and His body are one in the same.

“For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.” We are an organism:  a complex structure of interdependent and subordinate elements whose relations and properties are largely determined by their function in the whole:  an individual constituted to carry on the activities of life by means of organs separate in function but mutually dependent :  a living being, a body.

The definition stated above is Webster. Interesting that it describes the body’s function perfectly. Yet understandably this functionality can only exist and perform by the Spirit of God in the sense of His body. This is a spiritual application in that God design that we as individuals with various personalities, backgrounds, functions, etc would compliment and thrive as one in Him. “speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head, Christ--from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.”

Now let’s briefly discuss the church as an organization. Organization, defined by Webster: a company, business, club, etc., that is formed for a particular purpose, the act or process of putting the different parts of something in a certain order so that they can be found or used easily, the act or process of planning and arranging the different parts of an event or activity.

Why is this distinction so crucial? Because God has created the organism of His body the church. And man has created his organizations and calls it the church.  God sets us in the body as it pleases Him and does not reveal all His purposes. Although has told us that “God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame things which are mighty, that no flesh should glory in His presence.” Man sets men and women in his organizations as it benefits him. Man has a purpose as well and may believe he is accomplishing God’s will. Yet, to do this in His own strength, own knowledge and power is carnal and against God. God’s Word says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” Man’s thoughts and ways are evident to those that see clearly through the light of His Word.

The church of God is not of man’s doings or according to man’s purposes. The church is the body of Christ with members individually, created by God maintained by God for God.

Beloved the time has come and always has been when God is calling His people who will hear His voice to walk in the truth of His Word free from “the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting.” Many have exchanged the truth of God’s word for lies, and worship the created more than the creator. “Who shall separate us from the love Christ?” Yet, one says I am of this organization (church), another I am of this organization (church). Forbidding fellowship one with another and creating fear of man’s consequences within the body of Christ, the church! God forbid and forgive us for this great wickedness. “There are many members, yet one body. And the eye can not say to the hand, I have no need of you; nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.” Yet foolishly you say we have all that we need in your congregations! What, are you greater than God? You know more than Him that created all? Oh foolish man that you are!

“There is one body, and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith and one baptism, one God and Father of all who is above all and through all, and in you all.”

Amen

*Please note that I have taken the liberty to paraphrase in some instances for the purpose of the length of this writing but not to confuse or deceive any. Also, as is my custom I have left out the addresses of the scriptures so that you would search to confirm the accuracy of this writing. In all things it is my desire that you grow and walk in truth. You must test the spirits (this writing and all writing/teachings) to see it they are of God.
 

Lastly I will soon begin to post video teachings for the continual building the church of God. May God give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding  being enlighten that you may know what is the hope of His calling, and grant you repentance as needed.

I have written a book for the purpose of growing in Him.  It is available on amazon.com

The title is His Words are in Red. It’s cost is $7.19