This post is written in response to a post written by my sister in Christ, which you may find at Confessions of An Unchurched Believer. However, please note that we are not in disagreement, so much as we are attempting to edify one another in our common belief and faith in the One true Lord and God of all. Again, this is not an argument against said post, only an attempt at clarification. I believe that we are unified in our faith, and even our doctrine. (I think the only thing we may disagree on, is whether or not other revisions of the bible are just as effective and true to the Source as the KJV. And this, I don't believe is reason enough to state that we are not unified in our efforts to glorify the Lord. This, and this alone, is the only purpose in ministering to others- Glorifying Him above All things.) So, on to the post:
1) I agree that a vast majority of churches have "taken leave of the very principles established by the Author of the Church." However I do not agree that this did not happen in the churches that were founded directly by the disciples of Christ and the apostles. If this were so, there would have been no need for many of the letters that Paul wrote to the churches in Corinth (1 and 2 Corinthians), Galatia (Galatians), Colosse (Colossians) and Thessalonica (1 and 2 Thessalonians), Even Ephesus had false teaching arise within the church there, prior to Paul's final letters to them. (1 and 2 Timothy) (I will be returning to 2 Timothy later in the post.)
2) I agree that there are contentions and divisions within the church today. Furthermore, I say that any church that states that any part of the bible is not applicable to life today is under the influence of the deceiver! Any person that notices this, should immediately pray for the souls in membership and leave that body of "believers." Unless of course, they would do the more desirable thing; and that is to attempt to correct the teacher (whether they be pastor or evangelist, etc.) I am aware that this is not always possible, or even effective, but we are called to gently, and with love correct, rebuke and encourage one another. This is what it means to hold one another accountable.
3) I do agree that in order to hold one another accountable, we must FIRST be in fellowship with Him, and established in the stronghold of the Word. Having said that, I do not think that this is defined by perfectly pure, sinless living (it's not possible, because we are sinners, until we leave this earth and join Him in Heaven.) I also do not agree that it is a judgement to hold another accountable. Just as in this situation, I do not judge my sister for her stance, as I do not feel she judges me. Only that we pray and hope to encourage one another in Spirit filled living as we understand it-having full knowledge of, and basis in, His holy Word. I agree 100% that without the Lord's guidance, prayer, petition and full understanding of God's word, we cannot, and should not, attempt to be anyone's accountability partner. However, if we have done these things, and feel strongly moved (by the Spirit) to correct or admonish one another (again, in love- defined in 1 Corinthians 13 as not judging, or demanding its own way) then we must do so.
4) I agree that it is not a requirement that we hold one another accountable, because not many take the time to be sure there words are of wise council. But for those that do, it is our duty, in my opinion, to encourage one another in our spiritual maturity, by giving account to each other. This does not apply to unbelievers.
This only applies to like-minded believers. I agree that this issue has been a cause of one of the bad reputations that Christians have as being "holier-than- thou." This directive has been taken out of context.
5) Finally, let me say that I agree that there is no greater responsibility than to defend the integrity of the Word in it's wholesomeness (or revision-addition mine.)
Author's Note: This post is not an attempt to hold any other blog author accountable for their opinions. Again, this post is offered only as a means of edifying another within the body of Christ- or "church" if you will. May God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ give you grace, mercy and peace. (2 Timothy 1:2 NLT)
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Shalene, I am most blessed by your "response" post! I believe that you and agree on probably every point, I think it's an issue of semantics that is hard to overcome via blog, web communications. It is difficult to have bible sessions on a blog, that was my first concern when I started. It's like trying to cook a perfect steak in a microwave oven! In any event, it just further shows me I need to be vigiliant in making sure that I am in "tune" with the Spirit when creating a post. I wanted to support you in your clarification to our readers that we are not in a "war of words", but rather that God may be glorified through our discussions as His daughters through Christ, and He indeed has been! May He continue to be glorified, uplifted and praised!
ReplyDeleteIn addition I wanted to clarify that I don't promote the KJV as superior on my blog. I do state that I use the KJV. Personally, I have used, as you have, NLT and NIV until a few years ago. I've found some inconsistencies (sp?) between the NLT and KJV that changed (I felt) the meaning of the scripture a bit. That is not to say I will condemn anyone for using these two translations. I do not encourage anyone to read, or not to read, a specific translation, unless, of course that translation is adding to, or taking away from the Word. I, myself, have used these translations for many years before I switched to KJV completely. To be perfectly honest, I do feel that the KJV is superior to modern translations. Believers should be aware that not all translations were created equal and should do some research (read the introduction of the translation)on the translation and the person who translated it. That would be my only advice. As long as one continues to be lead of the Spirit and trust that the Lord will reveal His wisdom, that is really all one needs!
ReplyDeleteOne last thing... :) (Yes, I am a bit long winded when it comes to the Word)
ReplyDeleteI wanted to clarify as well, that when I quote the unity of the early church, I'm speaking of the time right after Christ ascended. During the Penecost. (Acts 1 and 2) as it explains that the (very)early church was as one and had all things common. I DO recognize that there were divisions in Paul's time, otherwise, as you stated there wouldn't be any letters to these churches, admonishing them for being divided....
Food for thought... in thinking of the modern church... read this scripture Rev. 3:14-22 tell me what you think...
Just wondering what the thought might be since the church has been corrupted since the fourth century when it through Romanization and brought it under the power of the wicked one which Christianity is engrossed in Idolatry since that time. Celebrating easter and Ishtar with the egg and then here comes the sun god on Christmas. The Romans adopted their winter solstice sun worshiping into Christmas. Then on top of that how can you count for the blood guilt that has been poured on the ground from this organization of Christendom.
ReplyDeletePaul was referring to his day, because the corruption had
not take place yet. Every religion and church breaks the first two commandments of Moses. This whole world is under the power of the wicked ones.
Christianity is drowning in their blood guilt and their sins.
The Almighty Divine Father does not want anything in between you and his relationship. What keeps people from leaving a church is their attachment to there religion. By the way I do believe that Jesus is the Anointed one of the children of light and suffer, died, and rose.
In response to enlight, Yes the history of Christianity is frightening, to say the least. What is so magnificent about the Word is that it is TRUTH. This is why Believers must walk cautiously during these times by, first, recognizing the times we're in. (I believe) Satan's most effective weapon today is to pacify, when one is pacified, one is content at where they are in life. It is important to ask ourselves why we believe what we believe. It should be in support of the Word as opposed to policies/doctrines of an association. Also, we must walk cautiously by "testing the spirits" (1John4) Jesus warns us in Matt. 10:16 - "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves..."
ReplyDeleteStay strong in the Word!
This is why you need to leave religion and get away from the blood guilty organization that is involved with Idolatry. Every religion on the face of the earth breaks the first two commandments of Moses. Maybe you need to test the spirits in your church. The lower entities have control over it. That is way religions are based on rules upon rules upon rules, which is based on fear, shame, guilt which results in control. The cross signifies war. One path crossing the other. Paul, Peter, John never talked about praying or worshiping wood or stone. Its Idolatry. It's sick.
ReplyDeleteJust to let you know religion does serve a purpose for a person that does not have any faith. Religion helps the person grow in their faith. It also serves as a road block to people that have grown in their faith but attached to their church and religion. The Almighty Divine Fathers wants a person to be his friend in love and faith without anything in between. I ask yourself do you need your religion to have a relationship with the Almighty Father. If not then all you need to do is study and pray and you will be directed.
ReplyDeleteEvery religion has some truth to their dogma, but every religion is drowning in falsehood. The trick is to identify the truth and leave the rest behind.
Free yourself from the Idolatry of Christendom.
Enlight: in my posts I refer to myself as a Christian, however, I do this not because I am "religious" but because that is how I would be identified by others the most easily. What I am is a Christ follower, and a believer in Christ as my one and only savior. I do not cling to my "religion" but I do cling to the Word as the only infallible word of God. You are in error to say that Paul and the others never referred to prayer. They often prayed and instructed others to do so. Prayer is the way that we commune with the One who is the Alpha and the Omega, the I AM, the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. Blessings to you, may your faith be strengthened by my posts.
ReplyDeleteI was talking to how people pray to wood and stone. Like praying to a cross in a church, or the Jews praying to a stone wall in Jerusalem, Islam will face Mecca and pray to a stone house. Buddhism prays toward a stone image of Buddha If you going to a church its a form of Idolatry. Like I said many people need their religion because they are not strong enough for a one on one relationship with the Divine Almighty Father.
ReplyDeleteIt is good to acknowledge the times we live in varying religions. In my blog I focus on Christianity, because I love Christ and His Church. My focus on bringing certain issues to light is not to CONDEMN, but to EDIFY. We must be careful of making sweeping condemnations and suggestions such as "leaving". In my blog I don't suggest any to "leave". Simply because that is NOT my job to do so. My blog was created to defend the faith, the Word of the Living God that has been so distorted. I believe God had the power to overcome any and all circumstances as He is the Author, Creator of us all. If power of the Holy Spirit may touch someone and recognize HIM through my testimony, then that is the GLORY and POWER of HIM!!! So I DARE not hinder what God can do! I continue to preach TRUTH based on the Word.
ReplyDeleteOpinions are fine, but the Scriptures are Truth. May I always speak truth!!!
Enlight, if you have not read my post "The Integrity of Fellowship and Accountability" at www.confessionsofanunchurchedbeliever.blogspot.com I would love for you to do so.
I will expound on this comment in a post... so please watch for a new post soon....
To clarify a "typo" in my earlier comment...I typed "I believe God had the power...." when I should have typed God HAS (present tense) the power to overcome any and all circumstances..."
ReplyDelete:)