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!