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| Spontaneous Expansion (cont.) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Spontaneous expansion of a congregation and of the church of Christ must be free; it cannot be under an outsider's control, whether ours or someone else's.� | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� The New Testament never goes into an anxious appeal for Christians to go out and spread the gospel.� Irregardless, the church spread like wildfire in the first century, and following their ways can create the same thing for us 21 centuries later. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Spontaneous growth means creating an irresistible atmosphere to which people are drawn so they, too, may discover the secret of life.� Spontaneous growth means members telling others of Jesus' love for them as expressed through the Bible itself and loving acts of other Christians.� Spontaneous growth also means so many members added that other congregations are started, then left to themselves to begin the divine cycle anew. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Allen explains, "I know not how it may appear to others, but to me this unexhorted, unorganized, spontaneous expansion has a charm far beyond that of our modern highly organized [denominations].� I delight to think that a Christian travelling on his business could preach Christ.... | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� "I suspect...I am not alone in this strange preference, and that many others read their Bibles and find there with relief a welcome escape from our material appeals for funds and our methods of moving heaven and earth to make a proselyte. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� "But men say that such relief can only be for dreamers....I must...admit that...it is true...if it is really better that paid [clergy] be sent out by an elaborately organized office, and be supported by a department, and directed by a headquarters staff; if it is really true that our elaborate machinery is a great improvement on ancient practice; and that to carry the knowledge of Christ throughout the world it is in fact more efficient than the simpler methods of the apostolic age.... | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� "But if we [ministers], toiling under the burden of our organizations, sigh for that spontaneous freedom of expanding life, it is because we see in it something divine, something in its very nature profoundly efficient, something which we would gladly recover, something which the elaboration of our modern machinery obscures and deadens and kills." [18] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� What is it that causes the church to grow spontaneously?� It's in the power of the secret.� There is something exciting and wonderful and magical in sharing a secret.� The hearer is flattered at the trust shown.� After all, a secret could be betrayed.� What is the secret? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� "I did some terrible things.� I was going to be punished for them, but this stranger came along and offered to take my punishment for me." | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� "What stranger?" | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� "Jesus." | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� The human spirit automatically wants to share such a marvelous secret, but the Christian spirit wants more.� The Christian spirit wants to spread the good news that this Jesus will take their place for their punishment too.� Then all those new Christians in turn want to spread the word. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Such a person cannot relieve his own mind until he has told it and told it and told it.� And yet, the institutionalized church says, "Now wait a minute.� You're too new of a Christian.� You need to be grounded in the faith." | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� So the leaders ground them in the faith so far, that they never get up, as Jack Exum says..� Why do Christian leaders run from it?� Allen explains that it is because of their need to control.�� | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� "We fear it because we feel that it is something that we cannot control....'The wind bloweth where it listeth,' said Christ, and spontaneous activity is a movement of the Spirit in the individual and in the Church, and we cannot control the Spirit....For if we cannot control it, it is because it is too great, not because it is too small for us.� The great things of God are beyond our control.... | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� "There is always something terrifying in the feeling that we are letting loose a force which we cannot control....Whether we consider our doctrine, or our civilization, or our morals, or our organization, in relation to a spontaneous expansion of the Church, we are seized with terror, terror lest spontaneous expansion should lead to disorder." [19] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Allen goes on to explain the disastrous results in the trenches of life among lost souls. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� "Spontaneous expansion begins with individual expression, it proceeds to corporate expression, and if the corporate expression is checked there is again a danger of disorder.� The denial of...self-government, seems at the moment to be a great security for order...it represses the instinct for self-propagation.... | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� "The momentary security is thus gained at a serious cost....The instinct for expression is so strong that it cannot long be restrained.� Then must be repeated...the struggle...Here, too, it is not the desire for expression which produces the disorder, it is the desire breaking out against order because it cannot express itself within the order which it knows.� That, too, is grievous; it means the rending of the body; and that is a sore evil and a source of evil to the whole body." [20] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� When the church first multiplied, Satan tried to induce the apostles to control the new Gentile Christians by binding much of the Law of Moses on them.� The apostles resisted and refused to fall into the control trap. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� This is Satan's greatest weapon in the church.� If he can build a hedge of creeds and regulations around an organization, it can choke out the primary purpose of the church's existence, and in the process choke out the church. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Eighty years ago in Africa, there was discovered a simple New Testament church of some 100 Christians.� One of the village members had obtained a New Testament and learned to read it.� He taught his own friends and the good news spread.� They even built a little church building.� They met every morning before going to work on their farms and after they got home in the evening to learn more about what was in this New Testament. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Some years later in Tauran, Borneo, a congregation was discovered of over 40 Christians.� They had come from China.� One of their number had been converted to Christianity back in China.� He taught them what he knew and they built a little church building.� They came in contact with no other Christians for ten years; all they had was the New Testament. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� The spontaneous expansion of the church requires no elaborate organization, no large finances, no great numbers of clergy and paid laity.� It begins with the work of one person sharing the secret. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Allen concludes thusly:� "The missionaries who spread the Gospel and established the Church throughout the lands round the Mediterranean are not known to us as men of great learning or ability.� Most of them are not known by name at all....What is needed is the kind of faith which, uniting a man to Christ, sets him on fire.� Such a man can believe that others finding Christ will be set on fire also." [21] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Power of the Individual | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� The American Bible Society has reported instances of people coming to simple first-century Christianity with just the use of their Bible back in the late 1800s and early 1900s when missionary work was at its height.� The book BE ONE gives this account: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� "When a Chinese man was visiting several hundred miles away from home, a missionary gave him a New Testament.� He knew nothing of Christianity, but he read the Book.� He became interested in the Christ and called in his friends and neighbors and read to them.� They came to believe that Jesus is the Son of God, and that salvation from all sin is to be found through Him.� �� "They repented of their evil lives, and seeing in the Book where penitent believers were baptized, the man had someone bury him in baptism, and he baptized the other believers.� They elected such officers as they read of in the New Testament.... |
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| ����������� "Of what denomination where they?� They were not Catholic.� They had never heard of the pope, and certainly did not acknowledge his authority in any slightest particular.� They were not Protestants.� They had nothing against which to protest." [22] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Through the centuries the church of the New Testament has survived in remote corners away from the bombardment of the institutional church.� Just look up some of these movements.� Outsiders named them after their leader, though they wanted to just be called Christians.� Encyclopedias of general knowledge and encyclopedias of religion often call these groups "heretics" because they did not fall in line with "organized religion." | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� But that did not stop them.� They continued to grow.� They grew like wildfire.� Their leaders went around to the denominations asking people to put away their denominational allegiance and align themselves only with Jesus Christ and him crucified.� These groups are represented in the last chapter. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� They exist even today.� They are everywhere.� We do not always know about them because they are not represented by a world headquarters.� But Jesus knows who they are, because he has them registered in his headquarters, heaven. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� The church began and thrived with individuals.� It can do so again. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� The truly great work of the church has always been accomplished with the least amount of organization.� Peter and his group of unorganized friends created the church.� Paul was not accountable to a great organization; he only reported in to his home congregation who had encouraged him to go out and preach. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Martin Luther did not have a great organization behind him.� He started out alone.� Like Jesus, he was at war with the powerful organization of his day, the Catholic Church that now ruled most of christendom. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� David Livingstone, the most famous missionary to Africa, refused to come under the supervision of any organization.� Alexander Campbell, Barton Stone and other restorationists of first-century Christianity followed the Word of God so exclusively that the organized religions of their day withdrew from them. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Great restorationists, people who believe in restoring the church of the first century, call themselves out of denominationalism and separate themselves from the power of the political machinery that runs them all. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Great restorationists ~ the mechanics, the computer operators, the financial analysts, the waiters, the sales people, the engineers, the cab drivers, the day care workers, the contractors ~ all the great restorationists call themselves out of denominationalism, out of institutionalism, and into the light of simple New Testament Christianity. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Barton W. Stone and his congregation drew up a last will and testament of their presbytery in Kentucky nearly two centuries ago.� This is how it read: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� "We will that this body die, be dissolved, and sink into union with the body of Christ at large; for there is but one body and one Spirit, even as we are called in one hope of our calling....We will that our power of making laws for the government of the church and executing them by delegated authority forever cease; that the people may have free course to the Bible, and adopt the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus." [23] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| That They May Be One | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� The Christian world is so divided, we exist in a trap, trying to win people to the institutionalized church instead of to Jesus Christ.� Our institutionalization has become the source of our power instead of the Spirit-breathed gospel of salvation. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� The other cause of our divisiveness is our arguments over things that are either unprovable (when Christ will return) or issues which the scriptures show different points of view that we have not yet learned to balance (whether God chooses us or we choose God).� Amazing as it may seem, none of us is perfect in understanding.� Now all that is left is for us to admit it.� Can we?� Every one of us? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Sometimes, when congregations go through change, they go through "holy wars."� Most any change will create the loss of some members who decide to go to church where they still do things the old way.� That is their right.� They are just not ready to give up prided opinions yet.� They are just not ready to give up the traditional and predictable yet.� Let us not allow them to discourage us.� Let us be their example. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� There is so much more than we in the Christian world can unite on.� There is so much more that everyone in christendom agrees with.� It is the simple parts of the scripture.� So simple.� So dynamic.� Things that we all agree on. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1.�������� EVERYONE AGREES the name "Christian" is scriptural.� | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2.�������� EVERYONE AGREES that we must hear the gospel that Jesus died in our place with our sins on the cross, then conquered death three days later.� | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3.�������� EVERYONE AGREES that we must believe it to be saved.� | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4.�������� EVERYONE AGREES we must be willing to tell other people that we believe it.� | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 5.�������� EVERYONE AGREES we must ask God to forgive us for our sins. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 6.�������� EVERYONE AGREES that baptism is in the Bible, Jesus himself was baptized, and he commanded it of others. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 7.�������� EVERYONE AGREES we must sing and pray and read the Bible. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 8.�������� EVERYONE AGREES we must partake of the Lord's Supper. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� And there it is.� The basics of Christianity.� Actually, when we stop to think about it, we agree on many more things than we disagree on.� As the song from World War II days said, why not eliminate the negative?� Why not accentuate the positive? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� The apostle Paul wrote a strong letter to the church in Corinth for their spiritual immaturity and carnality.� Shortly after, he sent them another letter.� In it he said, "'Therefore come out from them and be separate,' says the Lord" (6:17). | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Do we dare make Jesus Christ the only head outside of our congregation, and heaven our only headquarters?� Do we have the courage?� The following chapters tell how church institutionalism built up through the centuries, and those who dared stand up against it.� | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� The record of their tortures and deaths by the thousands stands as a vivid testimony to people's determination to be Christians only, and to simply belong to the church headquartered only in heaven.� They believed it was worth dying for.� Do we believe it is worth living for? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Neither Catholic, Protestant, Nor Jew | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� While we're arguing and nitpicking and tearing each other down, more and more people are growing more and more lonely.� While we're spatting and ripping each other apart, more and more people are dying in their sins.� In all our arguing, perhaps we, too, have been left alone by Jesus.� Alone, and we don't even know it. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Division is a sin.� Leave it behind.� Let us all begin with a blank sheet of paper.� Let each member read through the Bible and list as s/he goes what is commanded for Christians to do, and refuse to go beyond it.� Throw the rest away.� Throw away all creeds.� Disband all organizations outside the congregation.� Decry all names but the name of Jesus Christ. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Division is a sin.� Would to God we could unite and call ourselves simply Christians, and identify the place where we meet simply as "the church on _________ street in ________ town." | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� If an entire congregation decides to do so, they can sign a document deeding their property to the newly formed non-denominational congregation.� Or they may decide not to even have a building if such is a stumbling block in their community, and meet in a school or civil auditorium instead. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� � In the book BE ONE by Norris Jacob Reasner, he suggests that congregations affiliated with national and world denominations draw up a document dissolving itself into union with the church of Christ headquartered only in heaven. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� "WHEREAS it is the supreme purpose of this church to exalt Christ in all things, by complete surrender to His will, that 'In all things He may have the pre-eminence;' | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� "AND WHEREAS He prayed for believers upon Him, of all ages of the world's history, 'That they may all be one;' [24] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� "AND WHEREAS there are ________________________ [state the number] of organized churches in this community, where He would have but one body of believers; | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� "NOW THEREFORE be it resolved by the _____________________ church in regular, congregation assembled, that we stand ready to dissolve our organization, and as individuals, unite with the individuals of any and each church that will take like action, to form a new congregation of believers upon Christ, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� "The said new congregation agreeing to recognize no authority between that of the local congregation and the Lord Jesus Christ, but recognizing His unlimited authority in all things. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� "The new church so formed is to take the New Testament as its sole written authority, and before permitting, requiring, or prohibiting any practice as a Christian practice of the congregation, to find where it was authorized by commandment, or approved in the practice of, or prohibited by, inspired men as recorded in the New Testament. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� "The new church is to have no official affiliation with any other organization, but all individuals are to be asked to designate the agency they desire to have handle their every offerings for 'others.' | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� "It is also understood that no minister shall be employed by the new church organization who does not heartily endorse to these sentiments." [25] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� There may be individuals reading this book with no denominational affiliation or no support for complete restoration from within their congregation.� Individuals wishing to unite with others who wish to be just New Testament Christians ~ no more and no less ~ may not know where to find others with this same desire.� | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Place a sizeable ad in the newspaper.� It may take a year to save enough to pay for an ad large enough to attract attention.� But do it.� There are others out there searching for you, just as you are searching for them. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Contact ministers in your community.� Ask them if they desire non-denominationalism.� If so, spend time with them.� Ask them to talk to their congregations to see if others feel the same way. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Do not give a name to the new congregation other than "the church."� Do not identify yourself as anything other than "Christians."� If people try to pigeon hole you, tell them in no uncertain terms that you reject any name they may call you other than Christ's name. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� But beware!� Once out, we must be careful not to develop another denomination.� What makes us a sect, a denomination? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1.�������� Our congregation emphasizes one area of doctrine far more than any other ~ grace, baptism, tongues, premillinialism, non-cooperation, predestination, etc. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2.�������� Our bulletin board notices and Bible school material are only produced by our congregation or people from congregations we approve of.� And never can they be written by non-Christians. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3.�������� We believe all the saved must go by the name we have outside our building. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4.�������� We refuse to associate with other religious groups whom we consider lost; thus refusing to accept them where they are and trying to save them and even learn from them. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 5.�������� We emphasize that members must agree on matters of opinion, and if they do not, we do not allow them to teach even children, nor to usher or do anything "public." | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 6.�������� We require that prospective members sign a statement of faith or confess it orally - a statement of faith not quoted from the Bible, but written by either our own group or group of congregations. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 7.�������� We blacklist other congregations who do not agree on points of opinion, and we "write them up" in church papers. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 8.�������� Those holding an office or position in the church are expected to be called by a title "out of respect for the position." | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9.�������� We refuse to accept others having performed Christian rituals if not performed by our group that goes by our name and with the identical understandings we have of them. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10.������ We check on other congregation who in general believe as we do to make sure they agree with us in matters of opinion; that is, we approve of them only under our conditions. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Sometimes this occurs in religious papers written for non-denominational groups but which report on congregations in an approving or disapproving manner.� We must let loose of all other congregations.� God will take care of them. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� If we lack the moral courage to become non-denominational with no one to answer to outside the congregation, why do we condemn others who do the same thing? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Two hundred years ago when a great restoration movement occurred in the U.S., these ministers went from city to city preaching in every denomination they could find ~ Presbyterian, Baptist, Methodist, Unitarian, Episcopal.� They were even accepted by the atheists.� The first to come over to the new movement in many of these places were the clergy who knew first-hand the evils of organization beyond the congregational level.� | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� These men preached unity in all kinds of denominations, and did so unless they were told not to come back.� But never did these restorationists turn them away.� All they had to do is abide by one rule:� Where the Bible speaks, we speak.� Where the Bible is silent, be silent. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Oh, Jesus.� You had the courage to die for us at the hands of the religious.� Give us of your courage. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Fearful and the Wonderful | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Must we keep checking on other congregations?� Must we make enemies of all religious people and keep them away from us?� | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Let go of all these burdens.� They are wasting our energy.� Let us from how on determine to concentrate only on our own congregation and our own neighborhood and our own sphere of influence.� Let us from now on determine to concentrate on ways to show God's love to a lost and wandering world.� Then we won't have time for the opinions. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Opinions must be lost in the sea of oblivion.� Floating atop that sea is a ship of victory.� Jesus is there in that ship.� He is the captain.� He cries out to all of us, "PEACE!� BE STILL!" | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Can we allow the storms with in our souls to have peace?� Can we allow the storms within our souls to be still?� Only then can we show the lost how to have peace and how to "be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10) of their lives now and forever. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Tears will flow.� Tears of sadness and tears of joy.� Sadness for all the divisiveness that separated us for so very long.� Joy for those with which we unite for the express purpose of leading the world to Christ. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Is "coming out from among them" easy?� Absolutely not.� It is not as difficult for people who have given up going to church altogether out of frustration.� But for congregations breaking away from a denomination, or individuals breaking away from institutionalized churches, it could be the hardest thing you ever did. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Well meaning friends who either do not want you to make them look bad, or who have not read enough Scriptures to understand what you are doing will pressure you to return.� You will be gossiped about, receive phone calls of friends who will thereafter be afraid to be seen associating with you, receive letters of warning, perhaps disfellowshipped from the congregation you are leaving, and maybe even written up in some kind of church paper. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� On the other hand, look at what the paid "clergy" would go through to dissolve their denomination.� They would be voting themselves out of a job.� Some can do it, as is shown below, but most cannot without our support.� | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Just look at the ecumenical movement.� In 1910 the first World Missionary Conference in Scotland met because missionaries did not want to explain denominational differences to converts in other countries.� But it was never considered an official conference by the denominations. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� In 1921 the International Missionary Council met, but all it accomplished was to form more councils in Asia and Africa.� | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� In 1924 the Conference on Politics, Economics and Citizenship met in England, but it had nothing to do with doctrinal differences.� In 1925, the Universal Conference on Life and Work met in Sweden, but it was similar. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� In 1927 the World Conference on Faith and Order met, but all they accomplished was help each other understand their denomination's unique beliefs better. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Finally in 1948, the World Council of Churches was formed, combining the Faith and Order and the Politics and Economics councils, and in 1961 it absorbed the International Missionary Council.� But the paid hierarchy of each church maintains its paid position.� No one is going to vote their denomination out of existence and in the process vote themselves out of a job. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Years ago when Lee Iacocca took over Chrysler to save it from bankruptcy, he gave orders to all division heads to reorganize and cut frivolous costs.� They didn't.� So he ordered it again.� They still didn't.� So he ordered it again.� Still no action. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� What was wrong?� They were protecting their turf.� They wanted their personal kingdoms to be as large as possible to make them look as important as possible.� What did Iacocca do about it?� He fired everyone of them. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� In the winter of 1998, Boris Yeltsen, President of Russia, fired his entire cabinet.� Why?� He'd given them years and years and years to down size their personal communistic kingdoms.� They refused.� He replaced them with younger, more free-enterprise-oriented people. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Expecting an organization to self-destruct from the top down will not happen. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� However, over the years, some individual ministers have actually done just that.� They have broken away from their denominational affiliations.� Here's the story of a few of them as reported in "Restoration Leadership Quarterly:" | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� A minister named Scott Crenshaw broke away from his denomination to become simply a New Testament Christian.� These are his words:� "October 5, 1984 marked both a beginning and an end.� It ended a year of serious soul-searching and many sleepless nights which stemmed from an intense, disturbing study of the Bible.� | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� "It ended a three-year pastorate in the _________________ church which was judged by all to be a highly successful one.� It began on the other hand, a new life in Christ and a new ministry, this time in the Church of our Lord.� And it began a set of circumstances which some would label problems, but others opportunities. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� "Worth it, it was, and will ever be.� But the costs were more dear than I had even anticipated.� First, of course, this decision cost me my job, which was my total livelihood, my only visible means of support in a tough financial time.� Second, my convictions compelled me to leave a congregation which I dearly loved.� Also my union with the church of Christ brought fierce opposition which in turn would cause me to endure much persecution.� But was not the only one who had to suffer, as my family and friends were persecuted as well as a result of my move.� It costs to do what is right. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� "But it must be noted here that God did not desert me.� As stated earlier, I had a peace of mind which I had never had before.� But god blessed me in other practical ways.� First, he took care of my material needs, and upon doing so, he lifted a great burden from my heart, in that my financial responsibility was great.� | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� "Second, although I left a congregation I dearly loved and still love, I went to a congregation which really took me in and loved me, which meant a great deal.� | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� "Third, in light of the persecution, God gave me great opportunities to return good for evil, thus not only silencing much of the idle conversation, but also opening many doors to study the Bible with people outside of Christ as they viewed my sincerity.� God takes care of those who take a stand for the Truth. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� "So, what things caused these changes in my life?� This has been difficult for some to understand, as I now believe in the same Lord Jesus Christ which I always have.� I believe in the same infallible and inerrant Bible that I always have.� I have always believed in the virgin birth, the reality of Heaven and Hell, and the preceding judgment.� And I have always seen the church as a local, autonomous body.� Much of my thinking has not changed. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� "The changes did not come about because of incidentals or a matter of expedience.� I did not leave my former faith and fellowship because I ceased to love my former brethren - we have the best of relationships, speaking of the people I worked directly with as their pastor.� I did not leave it because I became miffed at some sentiment of the ________________________ convention, though I disagreed with many of the _______________ practices.... Instead, my change was due strictly to conviction of what the Word of God teaches.... | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� "I must wear the name of my Lord.� And I can't in good conscience give coequal billing to any man-made religious name in relation to the name of Jesus Christ....I hurt inside when I think of all those I have taught wrongly....Tearing down presuppositions in order to see clearly God's Truth is a difficult task at best, but can be done with humble, honest and sincere hearts." [26] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� So, encourage your pastor or minister or preacher or whatever title he goes by.� Pulling out of denominationalism may mean him losing a well-respected position in the hierarchy of that denomination.� The persecution he may face will be much greater than what ordinary members do.� Encourage him and let him know he will not lose his job and the members of his congregation will stand by him. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Newness of Life | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Re-read the discussion about change in chapter four.� Discuss it as a congregation.� Then pray, pray, pray.� Pray together.� Have chain prayers.� Have prayer groups.� Pray each hour of a 24-hour day.� Watch your tolerance for each other grow.� Watch your differences melt into insignificance in the shadow of the cross. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� If you want a reliable sign on how to change, contact some neighbors to your church building and offer to provide breakfast some Saturday morning in exchange for them candidly telling you what they think of church in general and yours in specific.� This is called a focus group.� Ask for permission to record their comments for the entire congregation.� Then write them up and talk about them as a congregation. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Finally, give it a try.� Set aside one Sunday where you will follow only what the New Testament specifically says for the church, not what it infers or you wish it had said.� If the Bible is silent about something, omit it. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� At this first service, hand out a bulletin to everyone explaining what will happen so no one is caught by surprise.� Then read an appropriate scripture before each activity such as before the singing, before the praying, before the Lord's Supper, etc.� This way everyone will understand it is specifically represented in the God's Word.� And include these scripture in your bulletin where it lists each separate activity so everyone can go home and look it up and study it in private. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Then invite friends to come.� | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Remember when you first turned your life over to God?� Remember your excitement?� Maybe it's been hard to get that excited since then.� But now, using the exciting first-century pattern, the New Testament pattern, you will have a new excitement.� For now, your Sunday morning services will reflect God's love for everyone through you. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� This is the time to invite friends.� While you're still excited.� "We tried something new in church last Sunday.� It was unbelievable!� I felt so warm and so wanted.� I know it's going to change my life for the better.� Go with me next Sunday!" | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Many people will say no at first.� That is just because they need time to think.� The first no never really means no.� Give them time to think, then ask them again.� Tell, tell, tell.� Ask, ask, ask.� Your heart will overflow so much when you enter into worship the way Jesus intended it. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Worship that is simple, but dynamic in its simplicity.� | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Help us, God.� We want to worship you.� We want to be pleasing to you.� Help us do this! | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Oh Jesus.� We get set in our ways.� We think we're already in heaven, and forget to constantly re-examine ourselves.� Forgive us for setting ourselves before others.� Forgive us for holding back from being the example you want us be. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Forgive our selfishness in the way we worship you, regardless of the lost outsiders and even the lost among us who want to know you too. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Forgive our fears.� Help us understand that we cannot be "more than conquerors through you" unless we have something to conquer.� Take us in our weakness, and be our strength. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� You are our help and strength.� You are our rock of salvation.� You are the path we trod, the light that shines it, and our ultimate destination.� We fall at your feet unworthy.� We fall at your feet whispering "Thank you."�� | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS ABOUT THIS CHAPTER, YOU ARE WELCOME TO JOIN OUR GODFIND DISCUSSION GROUP. |
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| Detailed Table of Contents | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Endnotes for This Page | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| [18].� Allen, The Spontaneous Expansion of the Church, pg. 7-8. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| [19].� Allen, The Spontaneous Expansion of the Church, pg. 12-13. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| [20].� Allen, The Spontaneous Expansion of the Church, pg. 15-16. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| [21].� Allen, The Spontaneous Expansion of the Church, pg. 156-157. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| [22].� Reasoner, Be One, pg 269. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| [23].� Reasoner, Be One, pg. 248. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| [25].� Reasoner, Be One, pg. 257. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| [26].� Restoration Leadership Quarterly, "The Spotlight," Winter 1985, pg. 3. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||