Kinds of Christian Gatherings

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and foremost, for everything we do individually or corporately we need the Spirit.  We should never take the "letter" of the scriptures as our teaching or our stand.  We must always seek the Spirit's leading for all that we do.  Otherwise we are destined to repeat the history of forming a new group, a new practice, a new teaching all in the name of Christ, yet void of Christ.  Too many Christians and so-called churches or Christian groups find a passage of scripture and build a teaching or practice around it because it is in the Bible.  We should only follow Christ and the Spirit's leading for all we do.</div> <div>  </div> <div> <A HREF="#prayer_ministry_of_the_church_" TITLE="Kinds of Christian Gatherings"><U><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f00000bf00.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Prayer </B></U></A><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" ><A HREF="#prayer_ministry_of_the_church_" TITLE="Kinds of Christian Gatherings"><U>Ministry of the Church</U></A></FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="#prophesying_for_the_building_up_of_the" TITLE="Kinds of Christian Gatherings"><U><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000bf0000.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Prophesying </B></U></A><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" ><A HREF="#prophesying_for_the_building_up_of_the" TITLE="Kinds of Christian Gatherings"><U>For the Building Up of the Body of Christ</U></A></FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="#gospel_meetings__acts_2_" TITLE="Kinds of Christian Gatherings"><U><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f00000bf00.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Gospel</B></U></A><B> </B></div> <div> <A HREF="#special_needs__acts_15__acts_2017_" TITLE="Kinds of Christian Gatherings"><U><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000bf0000.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Special Needs</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#ministry_from_the_gifted_members_of_the" TITLE="Kinds of Christian Gatherings"><U><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f00000bf00.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Ministry </B></U></A><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" ><A HREF="#ministry_from_the_gifted_members_of_the" TITLE="Kinds of Christian Gatherings"><U>From the Gifted Members of the Body</U></A></FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="#the_lord_s_table__matthew_2626_28_" TITLE="Kinds of Christian Gatherings"><U><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000bf0000.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Breaking Bread</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#where_two_or_three_are_gathered" TITLE="Kinds of Christian Gatherings"><U><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f00000bf00.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Where Two or Three are Gathered In My Name</B></U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b701900000bf00.gif" HEIGHT="27" WIDTH="27" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"><A NAME="prayer_ministry_of_the_church_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>Prayer Ministry of the Church </div> <bR> <div> <U>Watchman Nee </U><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" >wrote a book entitled, "</FONT><U>The Prayer Ministry of the Church</U><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" >."  In this book he cites many examples in the Word of saints meeting together for the purpose of prayer in order to advance God's economy on the earth.  He addresses the prayer ministry of the church in which he fellowships concerning praying "in this way", praying "in the name of the Lord Jesus, the authority of prayer, and the exhortation for all believers to "watch and pray."</FONT></div> <bR> <div> This is a good book to read from the perspective of Biblical references to the importance of corporate prayer.  Saints need to pray and corporate prayer solicits the hand of God in the heavens to act on the earth to carry out His eternal purpose which is to have a group of people filled with Him as life to express Him. </div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#this_page_will_discuss_various_kinds_of" TITLE="Kinds of Christian Gatherings"><U>Back to Top of Page</U></A></div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b701900000bf00.gif" HEIGHT="27" WIDTH="27" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"><A NAME="prophesying_for_the_building_up_of_the"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>Prophesying For the Building Up of the Body of Christ<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> (1 Corinthians 14)</div> <bR> <div> 1 Corinthians, more than any other New Testament book, mentions the matter of prophesying.  This is a typically misunderstood concept based on denominational or theological perspectives rather than Biblical practice.  The apostle Paul specifically addressed the matter of prophesying with the Corinthians believers mainly because they were messing up a wonderful spiritual practice.  In his presenting of a proper practice of prophesying to the Corinthians we can learn much about a needed practice among believers in Christ today for the building up of the Body of Christ.</div> <bR> <div> First we should understand that the Old Testament prophets would prophesy mainly in two ways:  </div> <div> 1) they foretold coming events and 2) they simple spoke exactly what God told them to speak.  There were countless references of both kinds of prophecy laid down in the Old Testament.  The New Testament, however, has few references of foretelling coming events, rather, the New Testament citations emphasized speaking for and speaking forth Christ.  </div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" >Paul, in 1 Corinthians 13:2 mentions prophecy as a gift, "</FONT>And if I have the gift of <U>prophecy </U>and know all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.<FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" >"  Then, in 1 Corinthians 14, Paul speaks of all prophesying.  "</FONT><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#BF0000" FACE="Times New Roman" >Pursue love, and desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.  2  For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God; for no one hears, but in his spirit he speaks mysteries.  3  But he who prophesies speaks building up and encouragement and consolation to men.  4  He who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but he who prophesies builds up the church.</FONT><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" > "  The direct context contrasts the gifts of speaking in tongues with prophesying.  From this we clearly see the PURPOSE of New Testament prophesying:  1) to speak building up, 2) to speak encouragement, and 3) to speak consolation ... all for the purpose of building up the church.</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" >In verses 10-12, Paul says, "10  </FONT>There are perhaps many kinds of voices in the world, and not one is without <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#0000BF" FACE="Times New Roman" ><U>significance</U></FONT>. 11  If then I do not know the <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#0000BF" FACE="Times New Roman" ><U>meaning </U></FONT>of the voice, I will be to him who is speaking a barbarian, and he who is speaking a barbarian to me.  12  So also you, since you are zealous of spirits, seek that you may <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#0000BF" FACE="Times New Roman" ><U>excel </U></FONT>for the building up of the church.<FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" > "  This shows that prophesying is to speak with significance and meaning in order to be understood by those who listen.  The result of such spiritual speaking will bring excellence to the church.</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" >In verses 15-17, Paul goes on to say, " </FONT>I will pray with the spirit, and I will <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#0000BF" FACE="Times New Roman" ><U>pray also with the mind</U></FONT>; I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing also with the mind.  16  Otherwise if you bless with the spirit, how shall he who fills the place of the unlearned in tongues <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#0000BF" FACE="Times New Roman" ><U>say the Amen at your giving of thanks</U></FONT>, since he does not know what you are saying?  17  For you give thanks well, but the other is not <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#0000BF" FACE="Times New Roman" ><U>built up</U></FONT><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" >. "  Prophesying involves not only the mind of the speaker but also the mind(s) of the listener(s).  Even the listeners should be able to say, "AMEN" or "I agree" or "So be it" after they hear someone prophesy.  Again, the goal is the building up of the saints in the Body of Christ.</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" >According to verse "19  </FONT>But in the church I would rather speak five words with my mind, that I might <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#0000BF" FACE="Times New Roman" ><U>instruct others</U></FONT> also, than ten thousand words in a tongue. 20  Brothers, do not be children in your understanding, but in malice be babes and in <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#0000BF" FACE="Times New Roman" ><U>your understanding be full-grown</U></FONT>. <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" >."  Another purpose of prophesying is to instruct others in order to impart words which can bring others to maturity in their spiritual understanding.  Paul was directly comparing the use of tongues speaking to the practice of prophesying.  He implied that to speak in tongues in their corporate settings was immature in comparison to prophesying to one another.</FONT></div> <bR> <div> Prophesying can be practiced by all the saints and can convict others in the Lord.  "24  <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#BF0000" FACE="Times New Roman" >But if all prophesy and some unbeliever or unlearned person enters, he is </FONT><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#0000BF" FACE="Times New Roman" ><U>convicted </U></FONT><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#BF0000" FACE="Times New Roman" >by all, he is examined by all</FONT>."  Again, the context here does not support the matter of foretelling coming events, but rather, speaking for and speaking forth the Christ that each one has enjoyed and accumulated in their daily life.  This is implied in verse 26, "<FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#00BF00" FACE="Times New Roman" >26  What then, brothers? Whenever you come together, </FONT><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#0000BF" FACE="Times New Roman" ><U>each one has</U></FONT><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#00BF00" FACE="Times New Roman" > a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up</FONT>."  The phrase, "each one has" implies preparation before the Lord and impartation from the Lord before presenting to others.  To prophesy is <U>not </U>to speak "your mind" or your opinion or your doctrine.  Prophesying is to be led by the Spirit and to speak by the Spirit.</div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" >Paul does distinguish between some gifted members prophesying and each saints prophesying, but that is not the scope of discussion here.  Lastly, Paul says, "31  </FONT>For you can all prophesy one by one that all may <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#0000BF" FACE="Times New Roman" ><U>learn </U></FONT>and all may be <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#0000BF" FACE="Times New Roman" ><U>encouraged</U></FONT><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" >."  Again, all saints can prophesy for the purpose of learning and encouragement.</FONT></div> <bR> <div> What a wonderful practice in the New Testament!</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#this_page_will_discuss_various_kinds_of" TITLE="Kinds of Christian Gatherings"><U>Back to Top of Page</U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b701900000bf00.gif" HEIGHT="27" WIDTH="27" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"><A NAME="gospel_meetings__acts_2_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>Gospel Meetings (Acts 2)</div> <bR> <div> It is hard for believers to shake off their traditional practices especially when it comes to the gospel.  Church history shows an interesting trend which has remained to this day.  Mostly this trend is religious and has little value in terms of effectively presenting the gospel to mankind. </div> <bR> <div> The first gospel meeting was totally spontaneous, led by the Spirit's rushing in at Pentecost.  Peter, filled with the Spirit, presented the gospel to countless thousands of people.  Several thousand people received Christ when he was done speaking!  Now, that is a gospel meeting!  Unfortunately, over the first few centuries, the matter of the gospel was not open to the public due to severe persecution.  People were saved by the best way on earth:  mouth to mouth, house to house, speaking to relatives, friends, and acquaintances.  Eventually, when Catholicism and orthodoxy took shape, the gospel was brought into liturgical settings inside buildings.  The "Church" would hold meetings to speak to the heathen in order for them to get saved and follow the church and the church authorities.  Any gospel is better than no gospel (Philippians 1:15-21), however, that gospel was biased and tainted with clerical politics.</div> <bR> <div> Even after the reformation, when state churches and even some independent churches came into existence, the main practice of a corporate gospel was done within buildings.  Churches would hold specific meetings for the gospel and this took place in their church building.  It is no wonder that even until today people equate church with a building rather than church with believers, people.  </div> <bR> <div> One of the first major breaks from the traditional corporate gospel meetings took place in the 1500's with John Wesley.  He had the audacity to preach the gospel right out in the street or more commonly in an open field!  This became known as "open air preaching."  This was a fresh, attractive means of propagating the gospel.  Gifted speakers like John Wesley and George Whitefield became world famous for their open air preaching.  [<I>Benjamin Franklin was a close friend of George Whitefield and he would experiment to know the distance Whitefield's voice could carry in a crowd.</I>]</div> <bR> <div> Eventually, open air preaching became "modernized" to "tent meetings" and "gospel campaigns."  Probably the most famous preacher of the twentieth century was Billy Graham.  They would invite believers to bring their friends to a meeting and the gifted evangelist would preach a message.  Surely, God blessed this as many came to Christ.  The unfortunate part is that believers become dependent on the gifted preachers to speak the gospel.  Certainly, God used the gospel preached in big campaigns but this should not and cannot replace the most effective gospel message that comes from my mouth to yours.  The most effective gospel has never changed:  believer to unbeliever at work, at school, at the store, wherever.</div> <bR> <div> Today, many denominations and church groups hold gospel meetings which are basically a small scale rendition of Billy Graham's crusades.  Saints invite people and a gifted minister or speaker preaches.  These kinds of meetings can have their place and have significant value.  This affords my family member or my boss or my classmate to hear the same basic message that I have preached to him or her by my daily living or my words.  It offers them another way to receive Christ.</div> <bR> <div> BUT corporate meetings should not become our sole means of gospel preaching.  We cannot depend on others to do what the Lord delegates and imparts to us.  Too many believers go to gospel meetings as just another church meeting.  They are not burdened for unbelievers, they are not praying desperately for another's salvation ... they are literally "dead" spiritual weight.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#this_page_will_discuss_various_kinds_of" TITLE="Kinds of Christian Gatherings"><U>Back to Top of Page</U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b701900000bf00.gif" HEIGHT="27" WIDTH="27" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"><A NAME="the_lord_s_table__matthew_2626_28_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>The Lord's Table<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > (Matthew 26:26-28; Mark 14:12-26; Luke 22:13-21; 1 Corinthians 11:23-34)</FONT></div> <bR> <div> Click on:   <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#00BF00" FACE="Times New Roman" ><A HREF="id344.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Breaking Bread from House to House"><U>Breaking Bread From House To House</U></A></FONT>   or   <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#0000BF" FACE="Times New Roman" ><A HREF="id173.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Specific Church Life goals"><U>Specific Church Life Goals</U></A></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#this_page_will_discuss_various_kinds_of" TITLE="Kinds of Christian Gatherings"><U>Back to Top of Page</U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b701900000bf00.gif" HEIGHT="27" WIDTH="27" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"><A NAME="where_two_or_three_are_gathered"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>Where Two or Three are Gathered Together in My Name<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> (Matthew 18:18-20)</div> <bR> <div> Truly I say to  you, Whatever you bind on the earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you  loose on the earth shall have been loosed in heaven.  Again, truly I say to you that if two of you are in harmony on earth concerning any matter for which they ask,  it  will be done for them from My Father who is in the heavens.  For where there are two or three gathered into My name, there am I in their midst<FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" >. (Matthew 18:18-20)</FONT></div> <bR> <div> The meetings of the believers are initiated by the Lord, who calls the believers out of all persons, matters, and things that occupy them and gathers them together into His name to enjoy the riches of His presence. Such a gathering of a few people, of two or three, implies one of the ways for the church to meet locally.  Such meetings of a few people must have been held in the believers' homes, as mentioned in Acts 2:46 and 5:42, for the purpose of prayer (v. 19; Acts 12:5, 12), fellowship, the breaking of bread, teaching, or the preaching of the gospel (Acts 2:42; 5:42).  Many such meetings may be held separately in the same locality, yet they are still the unique church in that locality (v. 17). Otherwise, they are not separate meetings but divisions, and they become sects (Gal. 5:20).   [<I>Footnote from the New Testament Recovery Version, Witness Lee, Living Stream Ministry</I>]</div> <bR> <div> These "two or three" are the two or three mentioned in verse 16 of the same chapter in Matthew.  The saints here are gathered together into the Lord's name, signifying that they are members of the church, the Body of Christ.  It is a blessing and a testimony that we can meet with another or with others in the name of Jesus.  We do not need to attend some official gathering in a so-called church or building.  We need only gather in the Spirit.  Too many believers are ignorant to this fact.  They honestly and possibly naively believe that most spiritual experiences happen in the context of "church."  These verses clearly reveal the blessing of living Christ in our daily life outside of religion or organization.  </div> <bR> <div> However, we should also note that just because two or three are gathered in Jesus' name, they are not necessarily the entire church in that locality because verse 17 says that if there is some problem, they need to tell it to the church.  We, as believers in Christ should realize that whenever we come together in the reality of Christ's name, we are His people, the members of His one Body.  At the same time, we should realize that there are possibly many other saints in our locality who are also members of the Body of Christ.  This implies that the church is NOT some organization nor some group we are members of, it is the unique Body of Christ constituted of ALL genuine believers in Christ.  </div> <bR> <div> Practically speaking, we should be able to recognize and fellowship with any believers in a locality or on the earth as brothers and sisters.  Christ not only accomplished our redemption, but He also removed any and all barriers between His children.  <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#BF0000" FACE="Times New Roman" >For He Himself is our peace, He who has made both one and has broken down the middle wall of partition, the enmity, abolishing in His flesh the law of the commandments in ordinances, that He might create the two in Himself into one new man, so making peace, and might reconcile both in one Body to God through the cross, having slain the enmity by  it.</FONT> (Ephesians 2:14-16)  Paul, in Ephesians 2, was stating unequivocally that Jews and Gentiles are no longer two peoples in the Body of Christ, but one.  There could not have been a greater separation of culture, nationality, tradition and existence than between Jew and Gentile.  Therefore, if Christ broke down their middle wall of separation, certainly no wall exists among any believers in Christ.  Christ only sees one people when He sees the church.  He only recognizes His children, His believers, His brothers, His saints.  In Christ's eyes, there are NOT and cannot be different "groups" of Christians on the earth as is practiced among Christianity today.  <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#BF0000" FACE="Times New Roman" >There cannot be Jew nor Greek, there cannot be slave nor free man, there cannot be male and female; for  you  are all one in Christ Jesus</FONT>.  (Galatians 3:28)  This alone sets us apart from other religions and people in the world.  This alone is the testimony of God's people on the earth that God Himself is One.  This alone should be our realization and goal whenever we see a brother or sister in Christ no matter their background, race, culture, traditions, etc.  We are one gathered in Jesus' name!</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#this_page_will_discuss_various_kinds_of" TITLE="Kinds of Christian Gatherings"><U>Back to Top of Page</U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"><A NAME="special_needs__acts_15__acts_2017_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#BF0000" FACE="Arial" >Special Needs</FONT> (Acts 15; Acts 20:17)</div> <bR> <div> Gatherings of saints, believers in Jesus Christ, is of utmost importance to the edification of all believers and ultimately to the building up of the Body of Christ.  However, the essence of all fellowship among believers must take Christ is our Head with the realization that He always leads us through the Spirit.  Unfortunately saints lose sight of the essence of fellowship when they read and practice their New Testament faith especially in terms of meetings and gatherings.  For some reason, church history has shown a pattern of legalism, formality, ritualism and tradition emerging out of the Spirit's lead to meet specific needs of saints.</div> <bR> <div> The New Testament cites special meetings scheduled because of a need at the time.  The Spirit orchestrated these gatherings under the Headship of Christ.  Two such gatherings were recorded in Acts 15 and Acts 20.  Both gatherings were convened to address an issue among the members of Christ's Body.  The former passage addressed Gentile believers being recognized as true believers in Christ, the latter passage addressed mixing Judaistic practices into the New Testament faith.  Neither meeting was intended as the initiation of systematic theology or methodology for meetings from that point on.  These were special gatherings for special needs in which the saints fellowshipped and prayed for the Spirit's working and leading.</div> <bR> <div> This same principle applies to the New Testament.  We must take the Spirit as our Lead and Christ as our Head.  So many doctrines and practices divide the Body of Christ today because teachings, practices, sacraments, rituals, icons, etc. have replaced the Spirit's Lead and usurped Christ's Headship.  The so-called church offices of elders and deacons illustrates this point.  Paul went to a particular city according to the Spirit's leading.  He preached Christ and Him crucified.  A few to many people would come to Christ as their salvation.  Paul would return to these new churches and appoint elders to oversee the "flock" that existed in that city.  Certainly we all see the <U>need </U>for leadership among young believers.  We should also note that when Paul wrote his New Testament epistles, there were no existing divisions.  He did not need to write to the Church of the Nazarene, nor to the Presbyterian Church, nor to the Catholic Church.  There were only believers in a city and that was the church in that city.  Today's situation is confused and divided to the point where brothers and sisters are in competition with each other or even at enmity with each other based on teachings, practices, rituals, etc.  Leadership is one of the main causes of these problems.  Leaders have established and exalted themselves and saints have followed despite the devastating results to the Body of Christ.  We must realize that leadership is a matter of the Spirit's lead and always under Christ's Headship.  </div> <bR> <div> When it comes to offices like "elders" and "deacons" we should ask ourselves ... do we even need official "elders" in our fellowship?  Has the Spirit led us in this matter?  Or have we taken the way of tradition and church history to submit to priests, to pastors or to leading brothers?  It is one thing to honor those more mature in the faith, it is quite another thing to submit because they are "in authority."  Christ is our Head, meaning He is our sole authority.  Granted, he will use people to rule over us in the worldly sense, but generally speaking we must submit to Christ and Christ alone in our daily life.  Believers throughout history have allowed men to replace Christ as their head either because they followed tradition or because of some strong leader.</div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" >The apostle John did not mention any church offices in any of his writings canonized in the New Testament.  Neither did he use any kind of ecclesiastical language.  Once, he used the term "elder", but that was a loving term for an older, mature brother in Christ, not the leader.  John wrote the final five books of the New Testament more than 20 years subsequent to any other writer.  His whole view and emphasis was to fellowship with God and love God and to fellowship with and to love one another.  What wisdom!  This kind of wisdom would not proliferate division or disharmony among believers.  On the contrary, it genuinely lays the foundation for the building up of the Body of Christ.  What a dynamic conclusion to the Bible!  </FONT>See also:  <A HREF="id604.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Family of God, NOT the socalled Chur"><U>The Family of God, Not the So-Called Churches</U></A><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" >.</FONT></div> <bR> <div> Seven "deacons" were appointed in Acts 7 for a particular need at a particular time.  Paul in 1 Timothy and Titus also mentioned the need for deacons in the church.  Does this now establish orthodoxy?  Does this mean we must always have such offices in the church life?  Why is it that 100% of churches voted for or assign leadership according to the pattern of 1 Timothy and Titus?  Is there any room for prayer before assuming God wants these offices in our gathering?  Does Christ automatically appoint elders so there is a proper authority structure established?  Or could it be that the Spirit's leading has been dropped and replaced by formality and tradition?  Could it be that Christ's Headship has been compromised by ritual or by self-acclaimed leaders and by complacent masses?  Is it too bold to say that deacons (<I>and elders for that matter</I>) are only needed in a gathering when the Spirit leads.  If the "office" of elder or deacon becomes set in stone as in many so-called churches today, haven't we compromised or even lost Christ as our Head?  Surely, the words "elder" and "deacon" in Greek are wonderful because they simply mean a mature one and a serving one.  These terms do not have to imply special offices in the church, nor special titles of identification, nor elevated significance in the Body of Christ.  They can imply the normal growth in life of believers in whom God has placed some divine authority or service towards His saints without having an official recognition.</div> <bR> <div> How can Catholics and Orthodox believers reconcile the verse that tells us not to call any man our "father" on earth because we have a Father in heaven?  [<FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#BF0000" FACE="Times New Roman" >And do not call anyone on earth your father, for One is your Father, He who is in the heavens</FONT>.  Matthew 23:9]  These so-called churches deny the Bible and elevate men above others in the Body of Christ.  Surely, this is not according to Christ's Headship!  But the Protestants and Independent groups should not judge ... how can they reconcile "Reverend" and "Pastor" as a special title when the Lord told His disciples that this is true in the world, but should not be so among us?  [<FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#BF0000" FACE="Times New Roman" >But Jesus called them to Him and said, You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it   over them, and the great exercise authority over  them.  It shall not be so among you ; but whoever wants to become great among  you  shall be your servant, And whoever wants to be first among  you shall be your slave</FONT>.  Matthew 20:25-27]  These so-called churches also elevate the clergy above the laity, meaning the Headship of Christ is also undermined.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#this_page_will_discuss_various_kinds_of" TITLE="Kinds of Christian Gatherings"><U>Back to Top of Page</U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"><A NAME="ministry_from_the_gifted_members_of_the"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#BF0000" FACE="Arial" >Ministry From the Gifted Members of the Body</FONT> (Eph. 4:7,11-13)</div> <bR> <div> But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of the gift of Christ<FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" > (Ephesians 4:7).  </FONT></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#BF0000" FACE="Times New Roman" >And He Himself gave some as apostles and some as prophets and some as evangelists and some as shepherds and teachers</FONT> (Ephesians 4:11).  "Each one" in verse 7 includes every member of the Body of Christ, each of whom has received a general gift; whereas the four kinds of gifted persons mentioned in verse 11 are those who have been endued with a special gift.  [<I>Footnote from the New Testament Recovery Version, Witness Lee, Living Stream Ministry</I>]</div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#BF0000" FACE="Times New Roman" >For the perfecting of the saints unto the work of the ministry, unto the building up of the Body of Christ</FONT> (Ephesians 4:12).  <U>Perfecting </U>means equipping, supplying the functions.  <U>Unto</U> here means resulting in, for the purpose of, or with a view to.  The many gifted persons mentioned in verse 11 have only one ministry, that is, to minister Christ for the building up of the Body of Christ, the church.  This is the unique ministry in the New Testament economy (2 Corinthians 4:1; 1 Timothy 1:12).  According to the grammatical construction, the <U>building up of the Body of Christ</U> is the work of the ministry.  Whatever the gifted persons in verse 11 do as the work of the ministry must be for the building up of the Body of Christ.  However, this building up is not accomplished directly by the gifted ones but by the saints who have been perfected by the gifted ones.   [<I>Footnote from the New Testament Recovery Version, Witness Lee, </I><I>Living Stream Ministry</I>]</div> <bR> <div> The ministry of the gifted members of the Body of Christ is like a father to his sons.  The father exhorts, admonishes, disciplines and nurtures his children, pouring his very life into them so they would become as he is.  This parallels God's economy.  God's intention is to dispense Himself into us so that we would become as He is.  The Bible is filled with the analogy of father to son relationships.  God often calls Himself our Father and we His sons.  This is true both in the Old Testament and the New Testament.  A father may speak to his son a particular teaching, a particular lesson or a particular warning in order to match the growth in life of the son as he matures to adulthood.</div> <bR> <div> A fundamental and treacherous flaw in Christianity today is the inability of leadership to allow God's children to mature.  It seems throughout church history that a line of demarkation has been established between spiritually gifted ones and the common people.  This line is a travesty to the Body of Christ.  Preachers, priests and church leaders intentionally or inadvertently suppress the maturity of the believers in Christ rather than nurture saints in the discipline and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).  </div> <bR> <div> Paul continued the matter of gifted ones ministering to the Body of Christ by saying, <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#BF0000" FACE="Times New Roman" >Until we all arrive at the oneness of the faith and of the full knowledge of the Son of God, at a full-grown man, at the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,  14  That we may be no longer little children </FONT>Ephesians 4:13-14a]  The purpose of a gifted one in the Body of Christ is to infuse, nurture and raise up the younger saints until they are mature.  The ultimate function of gifted leaders in the church is to work with Christ to produce oneness and harmony in the Body of Christ.  As saints mature in the divine life, this becomes possible because the more we grow in life, the more we will cleave to the faith and to the apprehension of Christ, and <U>the more we will drop all the minor and meaner doctrinal concepts that cause divisions</U>. Then we will arrive at, or attain to, the practical oneness; that is, we will arrive at a full-grown man, at the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.</div> <bR> <div> I think we all must admit that the Biblical goal of gifted ones in the Body has not been accomplished.  Instead of producing oneness and harmony among God's children, leaders and gifted ones have intentionally or inadvertently created disharmony and boundaries within the Body of Christ.  Instead of causing saints to mature in Christ, leaders and gifted ones have stunted saints' growth so they can maintain their position in the "church."</div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" >The Lord Himself was the divine, awesome Gifted One in the New Testament.  While walking among the people, He taught a great deal.  But in His last days on earth before His crucifixion, His primary goal was only seen behind closed doors at Bethany or in an upper room.  What was His greatest concern?  You must read the gospel of John especially chapters 13-17.  His final earthly words stressed believing in Him and loving Him and one another.  Take a look at a few of His statements: </FONT><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#BF0000" FACE="Times New Roman" >You call Me the Teacher and the Lord, and you say rightly, for I am.  If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to <U>wash one another's feet</U></FONT><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" >. (John 13:13-14)  </FONT>A new commandment I give to  you, that  you love one another, even as I have loved  you , that  you  also <U>love one another</U>.  By this shall all men know that  you  are My disciples, if  you  have love for one another<FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" >.  (John 13:33-34)  </FONT><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#00BF00" FACE="Times New Roman" >Do not let your heart be troubled; believe into God, believe also into Me</FONT><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" >.  (John 14:1)  </FONT><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#BF0000" FACE="Times New Roman" >This is My commandment, that you <U>love one another</U> even as I have loved you</FONT><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" >.  (John 15:12)  Eventually, the Lord prayed for the oneness of all God's children:  </FONT>That <U>they all may be one</U>; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us; that <U>the world may believe</U> that You have sent Me<FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" >.  (John 17:22)</FONT></div> <bR> <div> The most tragic part is that God wishes all men (John 13:24) and the whole world (John 17:22) to believe in Him based on the oneness and love of His children.  Yet, today, unbelievers scoff at the so-called churches, rightfully pointing out the division, confusion and enmity among God's own people!  Why?  One of the main reasons is the improper ministry of the gifted members of the Body of Christ, hindering the maturation process of believers.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#this_page_will_discuss_various_kinds_of" TITLE="Kinds of Christian Gatherings"><U>Back to Top of Page</U></A></div> <bR> <div> Return to <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="verdana" ><A HREF="id26.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Gathering Together"><U>Previous Page</U></A></FONT></div> </td> </tr></table></body>