WHERE SHOULD I GO TO CHURCH?
WHERE SHOULD I GO TO CHURCH?
Maybe the most frequently asked question that I have received over the past few months since we started this ministry is this (I will try to paraphrase dozens into just one question):
Dear ReAsOn:
Since joining your email list and learning so many Truths of God right in our own Bible, we believe that we are only getting at best, the milk of the word and not the meat, at our local Holier-Than-Thou-Church of the Self Righteous. Could you tell me where there is a church that doesn’t teach or require: tithing our salaries, belief in a trinity, mumbling in unintelligible gibberish, observing the physical Sabbath day, falling on one’s back and shaking violently while foaming at the mouth, the imminent anticipation of a (to hell with everybody -- let’s get out of here and save our own necks) secret rapture, a do-nothing heaven of singing gospel rock, eating chocolate and sweets at The Big Rock Candy Mountain, participating in heaven’s most popular spectator sport of watching our unfortunate children fry in hell, and other such unscriptural teachings? We live in Deception City, but we would be willing to drive many miles to meet with believing brothers and sisters of like mind. Can you tell us where we can find such a church?
Desperate for fellowship,
John and Jane Doe
MY LAST DAY OF CHURCH
I usually tell them that I am in the same position as they. The institutionalized church of men that I last encountered was rather interesting. I was attending a very small nondenominational church in Orlando. There are a number of reasons why I did this. I wanted to see firsthand what is being taught in mainstream Christianity, and I wanted to see if anyone was truly interested in the real Gospel of Jesus Christ. The pastor seemed above average in his knowledge of the Bible. He taught in series and mostly about practical everyday living. He does stress godliness, love/charity, grace, and hope more than most topics and a lot of times he came very close to teaching something that is actually the meat of God's Word. I don't know what his beliefs are on hell and the lake of fire, but he did do a sermon on God's consuming fire being spiritual and not literal. I got to know him a little, and once related to him that I believe all that happens is part of God’s plan, even if it involves evil. Over all I think he's more sincere and truthful than most preachers though I don't agree with his trinity theory and his challenging the congregation to tithe and if no significant increase, he does give all your money back after 90 days.
It was enjoyable to sing hymns with a full live band and choir. But once one matures spiritually, there are other "Hymns" that one can sing in spirit to God.
But back to the question: "Where does one attend church where heresy is exposed and the Truths of God are taught?"
This will continue to be an enigma to thousands until they learn that there are two aspects of "The Church." One is physical and the other is spiritual: One is for babes and the other for the mature. I will show you the difference and why they are both necessary for our spiritual development.
CHRIST AND THE SYNAGOGUES
"And when He [Jesus] was departed thence, He went into their synagogue [Gk: 'an assemblage of persons; specifically a Jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); BY ANALOGY a CHRISTIAN CHURCH:--assembly, congregation, synagogue']… Then said He [Jesus] stretch forth your hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole … Then the Pharisees [Gk: 'a separatist, i.e. exclusively religious; a Pharisaean, i.e. Jewish sectary'] went out, and held a council [Gk: 'advisement; specifically a deliberative body, i.e. the provincial assessors or lay-court:--consultation, counsel, council'] against Him [Jesus] how they might destroy Him" (Matt. 12:9, 13, & 14),
"And when He [Jesus] was come into His own country, He taught them in the synagogue … And they were offended in Him" (Matt. 13:54 & 57).
"… and He [Jesus] went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up for to read … And ALL they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath [rage], And rose up, and thrust Him out of the city, and led Him unto the brow of the hill, whereon their city was built, that they might cast Him down headlong [over the cliff head first] …" (Luke 4:16b, 28-29).
Does anyone believe that Jesus enjoyed Sabbath services in the Synagogues? Jesus didn’t go to the synagogues to worship God: Jesus worshiped God twenty-four hours a day, every day. Jesus didn’t go to the synagogues to have a good time. Jesus went to the synagogues to teach the truths of God! And many hated Him for it.
STEPHEN AND THE SYNAGOGUE
"Then there arose certain of the synagogue … And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he [Stephen] spake. Then they suborned [bribed] men which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God" (Acts 6:9-11).
PAUL AND THE SYNAGOGUES
"And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews … And when there was an assault [violent attempt] made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them" (Acts 14:1 & 5).
"…they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews: And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three Sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures … But the Jews which believed not. Moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd [evil] fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company [mob], and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted [attacked] the house of Jason …" (Acts 17:1-2 & 5).
"And he [Paul] reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks … Paul was pressed [compelled] in the spirit and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ. And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads, I am clean: from henceforth I will go to the Gentiles" (Acts 18:4-6).
"And he [Paul] went in to the synagogue, and spoke boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God. But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spoke evil of that Way before the multitude, he departed from them…" (Acts 19:8-9).
CHRIST PROPHESIES REGARDING THE SYNAGOGUES
"But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge [severely beat] you in their synagogues" (Matt. 10:17).
Jesus repeats this unbelievable prophecy:
"Wherefore, behold I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues…" (Matt. 23:34).
"They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time comes that whosoever kills you will THINK THAT HE DOES GOD SERVICE." (John 16:2).
From the above Scriptures it would appear that the synagogues housed some rather dubious and evil men. And for sure that is true. However, there were also those who did listen to Jesus, the Apostles, and Paul in the synagogues, and turned to God. In some cities such as Thessalonica, there were large numbers both of men and women, Jews, Hellenists, and Gentiles. And so it was good for those whom God called that they were in the synagogues to hear the Truths of God preached. And just as the synagogues served a purpose historically, the churches of Jesus Christ have served a purpose down through the centuries; continue doing so today, as well as into the future.
THE FUNCTION OF THE SYNAGOGUE
Was there one overall purpose carried out in all of those many ancient synagogues in Judea and other parts of the Roman Empire? Yes, there was.
"For Moses of old time has in every city them [preachers who are the High Priest, Chief Priests, Levitical Priests, Lawyers, Doctors of the Law, the Elders of the people, Pharisees, Scribes, Sadducees, Herodians, Essenes, & the Rulers of the Synagogues (Basically the WHOLE SANHEDRIN or JEWISH HIGH COUNCIL] that preach him [Moses], being read in the synagogues every Sabbath day” (Acts 15:21).
"Then there arose certain of the synagogue … which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God" (Acts 6:9-11).
By "Moses" is meant the "books of Moses," the "Law of Moses," and the "Religion of Moses."
"…after the most straitest [very strictest] SECT OF OUR RELIGION I [Paul] live a Pharisee" (Acts 26:5).
Remember that the Scribes and the Pharisees were among the most zealous for the Law of Moses and they were the leading, ruling class of the day, along with the Chief Priests. They did indeed "sit in Moses’ seat [settled bench, worktable, work surface]." (Matthew 23:2).
"These words spake his [the man born blind] parents, because THEY FEARED THE JEWS [Sanhedrin lead by the Pharisees]: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that He [Jesus] was Christ ['Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard Him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, THE SAVIOUR OF THE WORLD.' (John 4:42) & 'Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God ... (And this is what the Apostles confessed) And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son (Jesus - Jehovah - SAVIOUR) to be THE SAVIOUR OF THE WORLD. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.' (1 John 4:2, 14-15)], he should be PUT OUT OF THE SYNAGOGUE ... Then they reviled [Gk: 'TO REPROACH, i.e. VILIFY (SPEAK ILL OF, MALIGN, DEGENERATE, RUN DOWN, PULL TO PIECES, BELITTLE, DISPARAGE, LIBEL):--REVILE, ABUSIVE, i.e. A BLACKGUARD (A LOW CONTEMPTIBLE PERSON, SCOUNDREL, A GROUP OF MENIAL WORKERS (USUALLY IN THE KITCHEN OF A LARGE HOUSEHOLD, THE SERVANTS OF AN ARMY, CAMP FOLLOWERS), TO REVILE IN SCURRILOUS LANGUAGE):--RAILER, REVILER'] him [the man born blind], and said, Thou art His [Jesus'] disciple; but WE ARE MOSES' DISCIPLES. We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this [Jesus] fellow, we know not from whence He is." (John 9:22, 28-29).
"Wherefore, behold, I SEND [future] unto you prophets ['prophets and apostle' (Luke 11:49)], and wise men, and scribes: and some of them YOU SHALL KILL AND CRUCIFY; and some of them shall YOU SHALL SCOURGE IN YOUR SYNAGOGUES [a gathering together, an assembly, a congregation, CHURCH], and PERSECUTE THEM FROM CITY TO CITY" (Matthew 23:34).
"And certain men which came down from Judea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised AFTER THE MANNER OF MOSES, YE CANNOT BE SAVED. When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension [a popular uprising; figuratively controversy] and disputation [to investigate jointly, i.e. discuss, controvert, cavil:--dispute (with), inquire, question (with), reason (together)'] with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question [debate]. But there rose up certain of the SECT of the Pharisees [Gk: ''exclusively religious'] WHICH [also] BELIEVED [in Jesus], saying, That it was needful to circumcise them [Christians under the New Covenant], and to COMMAND them [Christians under the New Covenant] to KEEP THE LAW OF MOSES [the Old Covenant]. And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter." (Acts 15:1-2 & 5-6).
"I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews ['For he is NOT a Jew, which is ONE OUTWARDLY; neither is that circumcision, which is outward IN THE FLESH: But he IS a Jew, which is one INWARDLY; and circumcision is that OF THE HEART, IN THE SPIRIT, and not in the letter (OF THE LAW OF MOSES); whose praise is NOT OF MEN, BUT OF GOD.' (Rom. 2:28-29)], and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan [TEACHING AND ENFORCING THE LAW OF MOSES AND OLD COVENANT TO NEW COVENANT CHRISTIANS]. Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee." (Revelation 2:9 &
"And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the HIGH PRIEST, and desired of him LETTERS to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this Way [found any followers of Jesus FOR JESUS IS THE WAY John 14:6], whether they were men OR WOMEN, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem" (Acts 9:1-2).
"They shall put you out of the synagogues; yea, the time comes, that whosoever KILLS YOU will THINK that he does God service [by following the law of Moses under the Old Covenant]." (John 16:2).
To prove to God his GREATEST ZEAL, Paul persecuted and slaughtered the church, which was legal for him to do under the authority of the High Priest, Chief Priests, Elders and Council at the Temple in Jerusalem, of whom Jesus Himself said, "They SIT IN MOSES SEAT." And it was this very ZEAL FOR GOD that also made him the world’s WORST SINNER! Unbelievable! UNBELIEVABLE!! UNBELIEVABLE!!!
And one other purpose for the synagogue and temple,
"My house shall be called of all nations the House of Prayer…" (Mark 11:17).
But the truth of the matter was, that they had already "…made it a den of thieves." We also saw in a previous installment that this "den of thieves" continues on in the Church today.
Paradoxically, hundreds of millions of dollars collected by the fraudulent vehicle of tithing is invested by many large denominations into such manufacturing as the Defense Industry. And whereas our Lord instructed us to "LOVE your enemies," the Church helps finance weapons of mass human destruction and more since 9/11! Do you ever think about these things?
Now then, is "Moses" still taught in the churches of God, today? Yes, of course he is. The Law of Moses is virtually worshiped by many in the Church. Many believe that observing the seventh day Sabbath is the identifying sign that sets them apart as the only true believers and followers of God. They even make granite idols of the Ten Commandments and bow themselves down to them. I saw them with my own eyes on national television at the courthouse steps in Birmingham, Alabama. While they were removing this Ten Commandment Monument, one man was heard crying out, "You are taking away OUR GOD!"
Today’s Church teaches Moses and Christ. Nearly every person on earth that has ever heard of Christ has heard of Him through the Church. Can a deceived Church, "Teach Christ?" Well, they can, and they do. Is this a good thing? Yes, it is, even if their motives are not always perfect. Notice what Paul said regarding this:
"Some indeed [truly] preach Christ even of envy [Gk: 'ill-will (as detraction), i.e. jealousy (spite)'] and strife [Gk: 'a quarrel, i.e. wrangling (internal strife, backbiting, squabbling, bickering, POWER STRUGGLES):--contention, DEBATE, strife, variance']; and some also [preached Christ even] of good will [Gk: 'satisfaction, i.e. (subjectively) delight, or (objectively) kindness, wish, purpose:--desire, good pleasure (will), × seem good']: The one [carnal preachers] preach Christ of contention [Gk: 'properly intrigue, i.e. (implication) faction:--contention, contentious, strife'], not sincerely [Gk: 'impurely, i.e. falsely:--not sincerely'], supposing to add affliction [Gk: 'pressure (literal or figurative):--afflicted, affliction, anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble'] to my bonds: But the other [spiritual preachers preach Christ] of love [Gk: 'love, i.e. affection or benevolence; specifically (plural) a love-feast:--(feast) of charity ([-ably]), dear, love, God's love in us'], knowing that I am set for the defense of the gospel [of the Kingdom of God]. What then? Notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence [Gk: 'an outward showing, i.e. pretext:--cloke, color, pretence, show'] or in truth, CHRIST IS PREACHED; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice" (Phil. 1:15-18).
But do they teach the truth regarding the gospel, grace, faith, resurrection, judgment, and a dozen other paramount doctrines? Well, not too well. One of the most simple and profound proofs that the Church is not teaching consistently and Scripturally on these subjects is conclusively proved by the very fact that there are so many hundreds of disagreeing denominations in Christendom. How are individual untrained truth-seekers supposed to believe all that a particular church denomination teaches when the educated trained leaders of these denominations cannot even agree among themselves as to what is Truth?
Regardless of what our particular denominational bent might be, I hope that we can all agree that Paul and the Apostles had the Truth. Although I know of quite a number of believers around the world who believe that Peter and Paul were virtually enemies to each other. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Did new converts to Christ continue to attend synagogues to be edified in their new-found-faith? NO! They were persecuted in the synagogues! They left the synagogues. They left the mother Church. Remember our lesson where Jesus said, "I will build My church..." (Matt. 16:18). Jesus didn’t say that He would purify or purge the existing Church. No, Jesus built a New Church—His Church, "MY Church" Jesus called it.
And so it was in the religion of Judaism that the people learned of God and the Law of Moses. But when they learned of the gospel of Jesus Christ, they were forced to "COME OUT OF HER…"
"Therefore [for this reason], behold, THE DAYS [not just one day, but days throughout the ages] COME, saith the LORD, that it shall NO MORE be said, The LORD liveth, that brought up the children of Israel OUT OF THE LAND OF EGYPT ['And their (the two witnesses) dead bodies shall lie in the street of THE GREAT CITY, which SPIRITUALLY is called Sodom and EGYPT, where also our Lord was crucified (Christ was crucified in JERUSALEM)].' (Revelation 11:8) & 'And there followed another angel, saying, BABYLON is fallen, is fallen, THAT GREAT CITY (WHICH IS JERSALEM called also Sodom & Egypt), because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.' (Revelation 14:8)]; but, The LORD liveth, that brought up the children of Israel ['For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. And as many as walk according to THIS rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the (NEW spiritual) Israel of God.' (Galatians 6:15-16)] from the land of the north, and from all the lands whither He had driven them ['And not for that nation only, but that also He should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.' (John 11:52) & 'And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.' (Acts 8:1)]: and I will bring them again into their land that I gave unto their fathers ['And (Jesus) hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign ON THE EARTH.' (Revelation 5:10); 'For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. For such as be blessed of Him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of Him shall be cut off.' (Psalm 37:9-11 & 22); & 'Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.' (Matthew 5:5)]. Behold, I will send for many fishers ['And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.' (Mark 1:17)], saith the LORD, and THEY SHALL FISH THEM; and after will I send for many hunters, and THEY SHALL HUNT them from EVERY mountain [Gk: 'country, KINGDOM'], and from every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks. For Mine eyes are upon all their ways: they are not hid from My face, neither is their iniquity hid from Mine eyes. And first I will recompense their iniquity and their sin double; because they have defiled My land, they have filled Mine inheritance with the carcasses of their detestable and abominable things." (Jeremiah 16:14-18).
"Be ye [all of you DISCIPLES of Christ] not unequally yoked together with [Gk: 'to yoke up differently, i.e. (figuratively) to associate discordantly (conflictingly, clashingly, bitterly):--unequally yoke together with'] unbelievers [Gk: '(active) disbelieving, i.e. without Christian faith (specifically a heathen); (passive) untrustworthy (person), or incredible (thing):--that believeth not, faithless, incredible thing, infidel, unbeliever, unbelieving']: for what fellowship [Gk: 'participation, i.e. intercourse (contact, communication, interaction):--fellowship'] hath righteousness [Gk: 'equity (of character or act); specifically (Christian) justification:--righteousness'] with unrighteousness [Gk: 'illegality, i.e. violation of law or (generally) wickedness:--iniquity, × transgress, transgression of the law, unrighteousness, lawlessness']? and what communion [Gk: 'partnership, i.e. (literal) participation, or (social) intercourse, or (pecuniary {financial, fiscal, economic}) benefaction (support, patronage, investment, backing, sponsorship, aid):--(to) communicate, communication, communion, distribution, contribution, fellowship'] hath light [Gk: '(to shine or make manifest, especially by rays; luminosity (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative):--fire light'] with darkness [Gk: 'shadiness, i.e. obscurity (literal or figurative):--darkness']? And what concord [Gk: 'accordance (agreement, harmony, unity, peace, friendship)'] hath Christ [Gk: 'anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus:--to smear or rub with oil, i.e. (implication) to consecrate to an office or religious service:--anoint, Christ'] with Belial [Gk: 'worthlessness; Belial, as an epithet of Satan:--without profit, worthlessness; by extension destruction, wickedness, evil, naughty, ungodly, ungodly men, wicked, Belial']? Or what part [Gk: 'a portion, i.e. province, share or (abstractly) participation:--part, × partakers'] hath he that believeth [Gk: 'objectively trustworthy; subjectively trustful:--believe, believing, believer, faithful, faithfully, sure, true'] with an infidel [Gk: '(active) disbelieving, i.e. without Christian faith (specifically a heathen); (passive) untrustworthy (person), or incredible (thing):--that believeth not, faithless, incredible thing, infidel, unbeliever, unbelieving']? And what agreement [Gk: 'a deposition (of sentiment) in company with, i.e. (figuratively) accord with:--agreement'] hath the temple of God with [the temple of] idols [Gk: 'an image (i.e. for worship); implication a heathen god, or (plural) the worship of such:--idol']? For ye [all of you believers/DISCIPLES of Christ] are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Wherefore [For this reason] COME OUT FROM AMONG THEM [the unbelievers, unrighteousness, darkness, Belial, infidels, and idols ], and BE YE [all of you believers of Christ] SEPARATE [Gk: 'to set off by boundary, i.e. (figuratively) limit, exclude, appoint, etc:--DIVIDE, separate, sever'], SAYS THE LORD [JESUS], and TOUCH [Gk: 'Properly to attach oneself to, i.e. to touch (in many implied relations):--touch'] NOT the unclean [Gk: 'impurity (the state), morally:--filthiness, impure (ceremonially, morally [LEWD] or specifically [DEMONIC]), foul, unclean'] thing; AND I WILL RECEIVE YOU, AND WILL BE A FATHER UNTO YOU, AND YE [all of you believers/DISCIPLES of Christ] SHALL BE MY SONS AND DAUGHTERS, SAYS THE LORD [JESUS] ALMIGHTY [Gk: 'the all-ruling, i.e. God (as absolute and universal sovereign):--Almighty, Omnipotent']." (2 Cor. 6:14-18).
"And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, COME OUT OF HER, MY PEOPLE, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double. How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow. Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her. And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning, Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, THAT GREAT CITY BABYLON [Jerusalem which is spiritually also called SODOM and Egypt], that MIGHTY CITY! for in one hour is thy judgment come." (Revelation 18:4-10).
When we read the history of the Apostles in the book of Acts, they and their new converts to Jesus did not continue to worship Jesus in the synagogues. They now began to meet among themselves and in private homes. Paul’s habit was to go to the synagogues of whatever city he was evangelizing to teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul did not go to these synagogues to worship Jesus Christ, but rather to teach that Jesus was the Christ. And those who were truly called of God left the synagogues and met with believers of like mind in private homes.
It is true that the Apostles continued for a time to go up to the Temple (not the local synagogues), but they were warned under threat of death that they should discontinue teaching in the Temple. But Peter, who denied Christ three times just weeks earlier, now, spoke fearlessly:
"And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to TEACH AND PREACH Jesus Christ" (Acts 5:42).
THE CHURCH OF GOD IN PRIVATE HOUSES
There was a transition period where the disciples still went up to the temple, but God’s intimate dealings would now be found in more humble surroundings. When the Holy Spirit was poured out on the first Saints of Jesus, it was not in a synagogue, but in a house:
"And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all THE HOUSE where they were sitting" (Acts 2:1-2).
Church services were held in houses:
"And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread FROM HOUSE TO HOUSE, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord ADDED to the church DAILY [3000 in one day, Ver. 41] such as should be saved" (Acts 2:46-47).
"And daily in the temple, AND IN EVERY HOUSE, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ." (Acts 5:42).
Even when Saul (Paul) was persecuting the early church they were in houses:
"As for Saul, he made havoc of the CHURCH, ENTERING INTO EVERY HOUSE, and haling men and women committed them to prison." (Acts 8:3).
Before Acts 8 they were still in the temple and some synagogues, but after Saul they went into houses.
"…they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews: And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three Sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures… But the Jews which believed not. Moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd [evil] fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company [mob], and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted [attacked] THE HOUSE of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people." (Acts 17:1 & 5).
"And he [Paul] reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks… Paul was pressed [compelled] in the spirit and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ. And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads, I am clean: from henceforth I will go to the Gentiles. And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man's HOUSE, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose HOUSE joined hard to the synagogue. And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord WITH ALL HIS HOUSE; and many of the Corinthians [This is the Corinthians Church Paul wrote his two epistles to] hearing believed, and were baptized." (Acts 18:4-8).
"Likewise greet the CHURCH that is in their HOUSE. Salute my well beloved Epenetus, who is the first fruits of Achaia unto Christ." (Rom. 16:5).
"For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren [the Corinthians Church], by them which are of the HOUSE of Chloe, that there are contentions among you." (1st Corinthians 1:11).
"I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the HOUSE of Stephanas, that it is the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboreth." (1st Corinthians 16:15).
"The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the CHURCH that is in their HOUSE" (1 Cor. 16:19).
"Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the CHURCH which is in his HOUSE." (Col. 4:15).
"The Lord give mercy unto the HOUSE of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: but, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me." (2nd Timothy 1:16-17).
"Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellow laborer, and to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the CHURCH in your HOUSE." (Philemon 1-2).
Based on a quick reading and misinterpretation of Acts 20:20, many believe that the apostle Paul preached the gospel of the kingdom from house to house, to those who were unconverted. But when the entire paragraph is read, starting in verse 17, the proper meaning can be understood.
Paul “sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the Church,” saying to them, “I…have taught you [elders of the church] publicly, and from house to house.”
He taught the Church leaders in their own homes. Paul did not go from house to house, teaching whomever answered his knock at the door.
At his own hired house in Rome, Paul,
“And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.” (Acts 28:30-31).
Which Christ had commanded him to preach. Christ had personally taught the gospel to Paul:
"And last of all He [Jesus] was seen of me [Paul] also, as of one [apostle (v. 9)] born out of due time." (I Cor. 15:8);
"But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ ... And I went up by revelation [of Jesus Christ], and communicated unto them [the 12 Apostles, ver. 17] that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately [house to house] to them [the 12 Apostles, ver. 17] which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain." (Gal. 1:11-2:2).
One of Christ’s teachings was that we are not to force our beliefs on anyone.
"Give not that which is holy unto the DOGS, neither cast your pearls before SWINE, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and REND you [‘tear you in pieces’ Goodspeed Translation]" (Matt. 7:6).
This makes clear that Paul did not try to convert people by preaching from house to house. His public teachings were carried out mainly in the Jewish synagogues.
"And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews… And when there was an assault [violent attempt] made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them" (Acts 14:1 & 5).
"…they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews: And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three Sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures… But the Jews which believed not. Moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd [evil] fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company [mob], and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted [attacked] the house of Jason…" (Acts 17:1 & 5).
"And he [Paul] reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks… Paul was pressed [compelled] in the spirit and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ. And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads, I am clean: from henceforth I will go to the Gentiles" (Acts 18:4-6).
"And he [Paul] went in to the synagogue, and spoke boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God. But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spoke evil of that Way before the multitude, he departed from them…" (Acts 19:8-9).
Acts 2:46 is another widely misunderstood verse:
“And they [the twelve apostles and other disciples], continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness.”
It is important to note that these individuals were unified. They continued daily with “one accord.” They all believed the same things. This scripture is describing people who ate together, just as someone might invite friends and close acquaintances to his home for a meal and fellowship. These verses make no mention of Church members going out of their way to preach the gospel to strangers.
In this particular circumstance, many from different nations had gathered at Jerusalem to keep Pentecost, one of God’s annual feasts. Since they had traveled a great distance and had no home in Jerusalem, the Jerusalem brethren invited them to their homes to eat. (The Word of God uses the term “breaking bread” to signify sharing God's truth with each other.) Converted Christians were sharing the Word of God in the homes of other converted Christians (THIS IS WHAT CHRIST'S CHURCH WAS ALL ABOUT)—they were not preaching in the homes of unconverted individuals or families.
In Luke 10:5-7, we find direct instruction from Christ not to preach from house to house:
“And into whatsoever house you enter, first say, Peace be to this house. And if the son of peace [a converted Christian] be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again. And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the laborer is worthy of his hire. Go NOT from house to house.”
Christians should never be out trying to force anyone to accept the truth of the Bible. Christ showed that God’s Word is too valuable and precious for us to flaunt carelessly.
"Give NOT that which is holy unto the DOGS, neither cast your pearls before SWINE, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and REND you [‘tear you in pieces’ Goodspeed Translation]" (Matt. 7:6).
Conversely, we might ask, “Should we invite into our homes ministers or others who are going from house to house teaching doctrines contrary to the Bible?” God’s instruction on this matter is found in 2 John, verses 10-11:
“If there come any unto you, and bring NOT this doctrine, receive him NOT into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that bids him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.”
Christ’s example, and that of the apostles, is that Christians neither preach from house to house nor invite into their homes anyone approaching them soliciting a false gospel or any other man-made religion.
Paul instructs Timothy (and use) to,
"... be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same [things that you have heard of me among many witnesses] COMMIT THOU TO FAITHFUL MEN, WHO SHALL BE ABLE TO TEACH OTHERS ALSO [the things that you have heard of me among many witnesses]. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please Him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. The husbandman that laboreth must be first partaker of the fruits. CONSIDER WHAT I SAY; AND THE LORD GIVE THEE [SPIRITUAL] UNDERSTANDING IN ALL THINGS ... Study [use speed, i.e. to make effort, be prompt or earnest, do give diligence, be diligent (forward), endeavor, labor] to show thyself approved [acceptable, tried] unto God, a workman [toiler, teacher, laborer, worker] that needeth not to be ashamed [irreprehensible (blameless, faultless, flawless, immaculate, perfect, impeccable, impossible to fault, spotless)], rightly [in a straight manner, correctly, plainly, honestly, directly, uprightly] dividing [to make a straight cut, i.e. to dissect (expound, explain) correctly] the Word of truth [(the divine message) true, truly, verity]. But shun [keep away from, avoid] profane [heathenistic (pagan), wicked, blasphemous, irreligious, irreverent, disrespectful (to God), pious] and vain [useless] babblings [empty sounding, fruitless discussions]: for they [useless, fruitless discussions] will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker [cancer]: of whom is Hymeneus and Philetus; who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already [by preaching that those who have died went straight to heaven or hell, and by passed even being resurrected by Christ in the last days at His coming]; and overthrow the faith of some." (2nd Timothy 2:1-7 & 15-18).
When we come to the famous Jerusalem Conference in the fifteenth chapter of Acts, we read that Paul and Barnabas were "…being brought on their way by the CHURCH…" (Acts 15:3). This is the Church of Jesus Christ, not the church of the synagogue system. Notice that in this conference their determination was to not force the Law of Moses on new Gentile converts:
"Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with THE WHOLE CHURCH…" (Acts 15:22).
The High Priests did not attend this conference. This was the first ‘ecumenical counsel,’ if you will, of the Church of Jesus Christ, consisting of only those who believed, who formulated policy which would be binding on the whole church.
The Jews had "synagogues"—church buildings. The newly converted Christians came out of those synagogue church buildings and their doctrines, and met in homes. Why? Mostly because Christ was not taught or tolerated in these synagogues. In order to worship and follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, it became necessary to "come out of her"—the synagogue system of religion.
Jesus Christ, the teachings of Jesus Christ, and the followers of Jesus Christ were hated and despised by most leaders of most synagogues. Do we think that anything has changed regarding this in today’s churches? If Jesus Christ returned to virtually any Christian church in the world today, unrecognized in a business suit, and began teaching His own Gospel, the leaders of the churches would throw Him out. And I say this without the least hesitation as to what the implications of my statement are.
Maybe the most frequently asked question that I have received over the past few months since we started this ministry is this (I will try to paraphrase dozens into just one question):
Dear ReAsOn:
Since joining your email list and learning so many Truths of God right in our own Bible, we believe that we are only getting at best, the milk of the word and not the meat, at our local Holier-Than-Thou-Church of the Self Righteous. Could you tell me where there is a church that doesn’t teach or require: tithing our salaries, belief in a trinity, mumbling in unintelligible gibberish, observing the physical Sabbath day, falling on one’s back and shaking violently while foaming at the mouth, the imminent anticipation of a (to hell with everybody -- let’s get out of here and save our own necks) secret rapture, a do-nothing heaven of singing gospel rock, eating chocolate and sweets at The Big Rock Candy Mountain, participating in heaven’s most popular spectator sport of watching our unfortunate children fry in hell, and other such unscriptural teachings? We live in Deception City, but we would be willing to drive many miles to meet with believing brothers and sisters of like mind. Can you tell us where we can find such a church?
Desperate for fellowship,
John and Jane Doe
MY LAST DAY OF CHURCH
I usually tell them that I am in the same position as they. The institutionalized church of men that I last encountered was rather interesting. I was attending a very small nondenominational church in Orlando. There are a number of reasons why I did this. I wanted to see firsthand what is being taught in mainstream Christianity, and I wanted to see if anyone was truly interested in the real Gospel of Jesus Christ. The pastor seemed above average in his knowledge of the Bible. He taught in series and mostly about practical everyday living. He does stress godliness, love/charity, grace, and hope more than most topics and a lot of times he came very close to teaching something that is actually the meat of God's Word. I don't know what his beliefs are on hell and the lake of fire, but he did do a sermon on God's consuming fire being spiritual and not literal. I got to know him a little, and once related to him that I believe all that happens is part of God’s plan, even if it involves evil. Over all I think he's more sincere and truthful than most preachers though I don't agree with his trinity theory and his challenging the congregation to tithe and if no significant increase, he does give all your money back after 90 days.
It was enjoyable to sing hymns with a full live band and choir. But once one matures spiritually, there are other "Hymns" that one can sing in spirit to God.
But back to the question: "Where does one attend church where heresy is exposed and the Truths of God are taught?"
This will continue to be an enigma to thousands until they learn that there are two aspects of "The Church." One is physical and the other is spiritual: One is for babes and the other for the mature. I will show you the difference and why they are both necessary for our spiritual development.
CHRIST AND THE SYNAGOGUES
"And when He [Jesus] was departed thence, He went into their synagogue [Gk: 'an assemblage of persons; specifically a Jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); BY ANALOGY a CHRISTIAN CHURCH:--assembly, congregation, synagogue']… Then said He [Jesus] stretch forth your hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole … Then the Pharisees [Gk: 'a separatist, i.e. exclusively religious; a Pharisaean, i.e. Jewish sectary'] went out, and held a council [Gk: 'advisement; specifically a deliberative body, i.e. the provincial assessors or lay-court:--consultation, counsel, council'] against Him [Jesus] how they might destroy Him" (Matt. 12:9, 13, & 14),
"And when He [Jesus] was come into His own country, He taught them in the synagogue … And they were offended in Him" (Matt. 13:54 & 57).
"… and He [Jesus] went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up for to read … And ALL they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath [rage], And rose up, and thrust Him out of the city, and led Him unto the brow of the hill, whereon their city was built, that they might cast Him down headlong [over the cliff head first] …" (Luke 4:16b, 28-29).
Does anyone believe that Jesus enjoyed Sabbath services in the Synagogues? Jesus didn’t go to the synagogues to worship God: Jesus worshiped God twenty-four hours a day, every day. Jesus didn’t go to the synagogues to have a good time. Jesus went to the synagogues to teach the truths of God! And many hated Him for it.
STEPHEN AND THE SYNAGOGUE
"Then there arose certain of the synagogue … And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he [Stephen] spake. Then they suborned [bribed] men which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God" (Acts 6:9-11).
PAUL AND THE SYNAGOGUES
"And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews … And when there was an assault [violent attempt] made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them" (Acts 14:1 & 5).
"…they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews: And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three Sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures … But the Jews which believed not. Moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd [evil] fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company [mob], and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted [attacked] the house of Jason …" (Acts 17:1-2 & 5).
"And he [Paul] reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks … Paul was pressed [compelled] in the spirit and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ. And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads, I am clean: from henceforth I will go to the Gentiles" (Acts 18:4-6).
"And he [Paul] went in to the synagogue, and spoke boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God. But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spoke evil of that Way before the multitude, he departed from them…" (Acts 19:8-9).
CHRIST PROPHESIES REGARDING THE SYNAGOGUES
"But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge [severely beat] you in their synagogues" (Matt. 10:17).
Jesus repeats this unbelievable prophecy:
"Wherefore, behold I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues…" (Matt. 23:34).
"They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time comes that whosoever kills you will THINK THAT HE DOES GOD SERVICE." (John 16:2).
From the above Scriptures it would appear that the synagogues housed some rather dubious and evil men. And for sure that is true. However, there were also those who did listen to Jesus, the Apostles, and Paul in the synagogues, and turned to God. In some cities such as Thessalonica, there were large numbers both of men and women, Jews, Hellenists, and Gentiles. And so it was good for those whom God called that they were in the synagogues to hear the Truths of God preached. And just as the synagogues served a purpose historically, the churches of Jesus Christ have served a purpose down through the centuries; continue doing so today, as well as into the future.
THE FUNCTION OF THE SYNAGOGUE
Was there one overall purpose carried out in all of those many ancient synagogues in Judea and other parts of the Roman Empire? Yes, there was.
"For Moses of old time has in every city them [preachers who are the High Priest, Chief Priests, Levitical Priests, Lawyers, Doctors of the Law, the Elders of the people, Pharisees, Scribes, Sadducees, Herodians, Essenes, & the Rulers of the Synagogues (Basically the WHOLE SANHEDRIN or JEWISH HIGH COUNCIL] that preach him [Moses], being read in the synagogues every Sabbath day” (Acts 15:21).
"Then there arose certain of the synagogue … which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God" (Acts 6:9-11).
By "Moses" is meant the "books of Moses," the "Law of Moses," and the "Religion of Moses."
"…after the most straitest [very strictest] SECT OF OUR RELIGION I [Paul] live a Pharisee" (Acts 26:5).
Remember that the Scribes and the Pharisees were among the most zealous for the Law of Moses and they were the leading, ruling class of the day, along with the Chief Priests. They did indeed "sit in Moses’ seat [settled bench, worktable, work surface]." (Matthew 23:2).
"These words spake his [the man born blind] parents, because THEY FEARED THE JEWS [Sanhedrin lead by the Pharisees]: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that He [Jesus] was Christ ['Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard Him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, THE SAVIOUR OF THE WORLD.' (John 4:42) & 'Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God ... (And this is what the Apostles confessed) And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son (Jesus - Jehovah - SAVIOUR) to be THE SAVIOUR OF THE WORLD. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.' (1 John 4:2, 14-15)], he should be PUT OUT OF THE SYNAGOGUE ... Then they reviled [Gk: 'TO REPROACH, i.e. VILIFY (SPEAK ILL OF, MALIGN, DEGENERATE, RUN DOWN, PULL TO PIECES, BELITTLE, DISPARAGE, LIBEL):--REVILE, ABUSIVE, i.e. A BLACKGUARD (A LOW CONTEMPTIBLE PERSON, SCOUNDREL, A GROUP OF MENIAL WORKERS (USUALLY IN THE KITCHEN OF A LARGE HOUSEHOLD, THE SERVANTS OF AN ARMY, CAMP FOLLOWERS), TO REVILE IN SCURRILOUS LANGUAGE):--RAILER, REVILER'] him [the man born blind], and said, Thou art His [Jesus'] disciple; but WE ARE MOSES' DISCIPLES. We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this [Jesus] fellow, we know not from whence He is." (John 9:22, 28-29).
"Wherefore, behold, I SEND [future] unto you prophets ['prophets and apostle' (Luke 11:49)], and wise men, and scribes: and some of them YOU SHALL KILL AND CRUCIFY; and some of them shall YOU SHALL SCOURGE IN YOUR SYNAGOGUES [a gathering together, an assembly, a congregation, CHURCH], and PERSECUTE THEM FROM CITY TO CITY" (Matthew 23:34).
"And certain men which came down from Judea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised AFTER THE MANNER OF MOSES, YE CANNOT BE SAVED. When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension [a popular uprising; figuratively controversy] and disputation [to investigate jointly, i.e. discuss, controvert, cavil:--dispute (with), inquire, question (with), reason (together)'] with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question [debate]. But there rose up certain of the SECT of the Pharisees [Gk: ''exclusively religious'] WHICH [also] BELIEVED [in Jesus], saying, That it was needful to circumcise them [Christians under the New Covenant], and to COMMAND them [Christians under the New Covenant] to KEEP THE LAW OF MOSES [the Old Covenant]. And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter." (Acts 15:1-2 & 5-6).
"I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews ['For he is NOT a Jew, which is ONE OUTWARDLY; neither is that circumcision, which is outward IN THE FLESH: But he IS a Jew, which is one INWARDLY; and circumcision is that OF THE HEART, IN THE SPIRIT, and not in the letter (OF THE LAW OF MOSES); whose praise is NOT OF MEN, BUT OF GOD.' (Rom. 2:28-29)], and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan [TEACHING AND ENFORCING THE LAW OF MOSES AND OLD COVENANT TO NEW COVENANT CHRISTIANS]. Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee." (Revelation 2:9 &
"And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the HIGH PRIEST, and desired of him LETTERS to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this Way [found any followers of Jesus FOR JESUS IS THE WAY John 14:6], whether they were men OR WOMEN, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem" (Acts 9:1-2).
"They shall put you out of the synagogues; yea, the time comes, that whosoever KILLS YOU will THINK that he does God service [by following the law of Moses under the Old Covenant]." (John 16:2).
To prove to God his GREATEST ZEAL, Paul persecuted and slaughtered the church, which was legal for him to do under the authority of the High Priest, Chief Priests, Elders and Council at the Temple in Jerusalem, of whom Jesus Himself said, "They SIT IN MOSES SEAT." And it was this very ZEAL FOR GOD that also made him the world’s WORST SINNER! Unbelievable! UNBELIEVABLE!! UNBELIEVABLE!!!
And one other purpose for the synagogue and temple,
"My house shall be called of all nations the House of Prayer…" (Mark 11:17).
But the truth of the matter was, that they had already "…made it a den of thieves." We also saw in a previous installment that this "den of thieves" continues on in the Church today.
Paradoxically, hundreds of millions of dollars collected by the fraudulent vehicle of tithing is invested by many large denominations into such manufacturing as the Defense Industry. And whereas our Lord instructed us to "LOVE your enemies," the Church helps finance weapons of mass human destruction and more since 9/11! Do you ever think about these things?
Now then, is "Moses" still taught in the churches of God, today? Yes, of course he is. The Law of Moses is virtually worshiped by many in the Church. Many believe that observing the seventh day Sabbath is the identifying sign that sets them apart as the only true believers and followers of God. They even make granite idols of the Ten Commandments and bow themselves down to them. I saw them with my own eyes on national television at the courthouse steps in Birmingham, Alabama. While they were removing this Ten Commandment Monument, one man was heard crying out, "You are taking away OUR GOD!"
Today’s Church teaches Moses and Christ. Nearly every person on earth that has ever heard of Christ has heard of Him through the Church. Can a deceived Church, "Teach Christ?" Well, they can, and they do. Is this a good thing? Yes, it is, even if their motives are not always perfect. Notice what Paul said regarding this:
"Some indeed [truly] preach Christ even of envy [Gk: 'ill-will (as detraction), i.e. jealousy (spite)'] and strife [Gk: 'a quarrel, i.e. wrangling (internal strife, backbiting, squabbling, bickering, POWER STRUGGLES):--contention, DEBATE, strife, variance']; and some also [preached Christ even] of good will [Gk: 'satisfaction, i.e. (subjectively) delight, or (objectively) kindness, wish, purpose:--desire, good pleasure (will), × seem good']: The one [carnal preachers] preach Christ of contention [Gk: 'properly intrigue, i.e. (implication) faction:--contention, contentious, strife'], not sincerely [Gk: 'impurely, i.e. falsely:--not sincerely'], supposing to add affliction [Gk: 'pressure (literal or figurative):--afflicted, affliction, anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble'] to my bonds: But the other [spiritual preachers preach Christ] of love [Gk: 'love, i.e. affection or benevolence; specifically (plural) a love-feast:--(feast) of charity ([-ably]), dear, love, God's love in us'], knowing that I am set for the defense of the gospel [of the Kingdom of God]. What then? Notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence [Gk: 'an outward showing, i.e. pretext:--cloke, color, pretence, show'] or in truth, CHRIST IS PREACHED; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice" (Phil. 1:15-18).
But do they teach the truth regarding the gospel, grace, faith, resurrection, judgment, and a dozen other paramount doctrines? Well, not too well. One of the most simple and profound proofs that the Church is not teaching consistently and Scripturally on these subjects is conclusively proved by the very fact that there are so many hundreds of disagreeing denominations in Christendom. How are individual untrained truth-seekers supposed to believe all that a particular church denomination teaches when the educated trained leaders of these denominations cannot even agree among themselves as to what is Truth?
Regardless of what our particular denominational bent might be, I hope that we can all agree that Paul and the Apostles had the Truth. Although I know of quite a number of believers around the world who believe that Peter and Paul were virtually enemies to each other. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Did new converts to Christ continue to attend synagogues to be edified in their new-found-faith? NO! They were persecuted in the synagogues! They left the synagogues. They left the mother Church. Remember our lesson where Jesus said, "I will build My church..." (Matt. 16:18). Jesus didn’t say that He would purify or purge the existing Church. No, Jesus built a New Church—His Church, "MY Church" Jesus called it.
And so it was in the religion of Judaism that the people learned of God and the Law of Moses. But when they learned of the gospel of Jesus Christ, they were forced to "COME OUT OF HER…"
"Therefore [for this reason], behold, THE DAYS [not just one day, but days throughout the ages] COME, saith the LORD, that it shall NO MORE be said, The LORD liveth, that brought up the children of Israel OUT OF THE LAND OF EGYPT ['And their (the two witnesses) dead bodies shall lie in the street of THE GREAT CITY, which SPIRITUALLY is called Sodom and EGYPT, where also our Lord was crucified (Christ was crucified in JERUSALEM)].' (Revelation 11:8) & 'And there followed another angel, saying, BABYLON is fallen, is fallen, THAT GREAT CITY (WHICH IS JERSALEM called also Sodom & Egypt), because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.' (Revelation 14:8)]; but, The LORD liveth, that brought up the children of Israel ['For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. And as many as walk according to THIS rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the (NEW spiritual) Israel of God.' (Galatians 6:15-16)] from the land of the north, and from all the lands whither He had driven them ['And not for that nation only, but that also He should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.' (John 11:52) & 'And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.' (Acts 8:1)]: and I will bring them again into their land that I gave unto their fathers ['And (Jesus) hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign ON THE EARTH.' (Revelation 5:10); 'For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. For such as be blessed of Him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of Him shall be cut off.' (Psalm 37:9-11 & 22); & 'Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.' (Matthew 5:5)]. Behold, I will send for many fishers ['And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.' (Mark 1:17)], saith the LORD, and THEY SHALL FISH THEM; and after will I send for many hunters, and THEY SHALL HUNT them from EVERY mountain [Gk: 'country, KINGDOM'], and from every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks. For Mine eyes are upon all their ways: they are not hid from My face, neither is their iniquity hid from Mine eyes. And first I will recompense their iniquity and their sin double; because they have defiled My land, they have filled Mine inheritance with the carcasses of their detestable and abominable things." (Jeremiah 16:14-18).
"Be ye [all of you DISCIPLES of Christ] not unequally yoked together with [Gk: 'to yoke up differently, i.e. (figuratively) to associate discordantly (conflictingly, clashingly, bitterly):--unequally yoke together with'] unbelievers [Gk: '(active) disbelieving, i.e. without Christian faith (specifically a heathen); (passive) untrustworthy (person), or incredible (thing):--that believeth not, faithless, incredible thing, infidel, unbeliever, unbelieving']: for what fellowship [Gk: 'participation, i.e. intercourse (contact, communication, interaction):--fellowship'] hath righteousness [Gk: 'equity (of character or act); specifically (Christian) justification:--righteousness'] with unrighteousness [Gk: 'illegality, i.e. violation of law or (generally) wickedness:--iniquity, × transgress, transgression of the law, unrighteousness, lawlessness']? and what communion [Gk: 'partnership, i.e. (literal) participation, or (social) intercourse, or (pecuniary {financial, fiscal, economic}) benefaction (support, patronage, investment, backing, sponsorship, aid):--(to) communicate, communication, communion, distribution, contribution, fellowship'] hath light [Gk: '(to shine or make manifest, especially by rays; luminosity (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative):--fire light'] with darkness [Gk: 'shadiness, i.e. obscurity (literal or figurative):--darkness']? And what concord [Gk: 'accordance (agreement, harmony, unity, peace, friendship)'] hath Christ [Gk: 'anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus:--to smear or rub with oil, i.e. (implication) to consecrate to an office or religious service:--anoint, Christ'] with Belial [Gk: 'worthlessness; Belial, as an epithet of Satan:--without profit, worthlessness; by extension destruction, wickedness, evil, naughty, ungodly, ungodly men, wicked, Belial']? Or what part [Gk: 'a portion, i.e. province, share or (abstractly) participation:--part, × partakers'] hath he that believeth [Gk: 'objectively trustworthy; subjectively trustful:--believe, believing, believer, faithful, faithfully, sure, true'] with an infidel [Gk: '(active) disbelieving, i.e. without Christian faith (specifically a heathen); (passive) untrustworthy (person), or incredible (thing):--that believeth not, faithless, incredible thing, infidel, unbeliever, unbelieving']? And what agreement [Gk: 'a deposition (of sentiment) in company with, i.e. (figuratively) accord with:--agreement'] hath the temple of God with [the temple of] idols [Gk: 'an image (i.e. for worship); implication a heathen god, or (plural) the worship of such:--idol']? For ye [all of you believers/DISCIPLES of Christ] are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Wherefore [For this reason] COME OUT FROM AMONG THEM [the unbelievers, unrighteousness, darkness, Belial, infidels, and idols ], and BE YE [all of you believers of Christ] SEPARATE [Gk: 'to set off by boundary, i.e. (figuratively) limit, exclude, appoint, etc:--DIVIDE, separate, sever'], SAYS THE LORD [JESUS], and TOUCH [Gk: 'Properly to attach oneself to, i.e. to touch (in many implied relations):--touch'] NOT the unclean [Gk: 'impurity (the state), morally:--filthiness, impure (ceremonially, morally [LEWD] or specifically [DEMONIC]), foul, unclean'] thing; AND I WILL RECEIVE YOU, AND WILL BE A FATHER UNTO YOU, AND YE [all of you believers/DISCIPLES of Christ] SHALL BE MY SONS AND DAUGHTERS, SAYS THE LORD [JESUS] ALMIGHTY [Gk: 'the all-ruling, i.e. God (as absolute and universal sovereign):--Almighty, Omnipotent']." (2 Cor. 6:14-18).
"And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, COME OUT OF HER, MY PEOPLE, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double. How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow. Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her. And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning, Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, THAT GREAT CITY BABYLON [Jerusalem which is spiritually also called SODOM and Egypt], that MIGHTY CITY! for in one hour is thy judgment come." (Revelation 18:4-10).
When we read the history of the Apostles in the book of Acts, they and their new converts to Jesus did not continue to worship Jesus in the synagogues. They now began to meet among themselves and in private homes. Paul’s habit was to go to the synagogues of whatever city he was evangelizing to teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul did not go to these synagogues to worship Jesus Christ, but rather to teach that Jesus was the Christ. And those who were truly called of God left the synagogues and met with believers of like mind in private homes.
It is true that the Apostles continued for a time to go up to the Temple (not the local synagogues), but they were warned under threat of death that they should discontinue teaching in the Temple. But Peter, who denied Christ three times just weeks earlier, now, spoke fearlessly:
"And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to TEACH AND PREACH Jesus Christ" (Acts 5:42).
THE CHURCH OF GOD IN PRIVATE HOUSES
There was a transition period where the disciples still went up to the temple, but God’s intimate dealings would now be found in more humble surroundings. When the Holy Spirit was poured out on the first Saints of Jesus, it was not in a synagogue, but in a house:
"And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all THE HOUSE where they were sitting" (Acts 2:1-2).
Church services were held in houses:
"And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread FROM HOUSE TO HOUSE, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord ADDED to the church DAILY [3000 in one day, Ver. 41] such as should be saved" (Acts 2:46-47).
"And daily in the temple, AND IN EVERY HOUSE, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ." (Acts 5:42).
Even when Saul (Paul) was persecuting the early church they were in houses:
"As for Saul, he made havoc of the CHURCH, ENTERING INTO EVERY HOUSE, and haling men and women committed them to prison." (Acts 8:3).
Before Acts 8 they were still in the temple and some synagogues, but after Saul they went into houses.
"…they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews: And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three Sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures… But the Jews which believed not. Moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd [evil] fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company [mob], and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted [attacked] THE HOUSE of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people." (Acts 17:1 & 5).
"And he [Paul] reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks… Paul was pressed [compelled] in the spirit and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ. And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads, I am clean: from henceforth I will go to the Gentiles. And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man's HOUSE, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose HOUSE joined hard to the synagogue. And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord WITH ALL HIS HOUSE; and many of the Corinthians [This is the Corinthians Church Paul wrote his two epistles to] hearing believed, and were baptized." (Acts 18:4-8).
"Likewise greet the CHURCH that is in their HOUSE. Salute my well beloved Epenetus, who is the first fruits of Achaia unto Christ." (Rom. 16:5).
"For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren [the Corinthians Church], by them which are of the HOUSE of Chloe, that there are contentions among you." (1st Corinthians 1:11).
"I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the HOUSE of Stephanas, that it is the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboreth." (1st Corinthians 16:15).
"The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the CHURCH that is in their HOUSE" (1 Cor. 16:19).
"Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the CHURCH which is in his HOUSE." (Col. 4:15).
"The Lord give mercy unto the HOUSE of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: but, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me." (2nd Timothy 1:16-17).
"Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellow laborer, and to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the CHURCH in your HOUSE." (Philemon 1-2).
Based on a quick reading and misinterpretation of Acts 20:20, many believe that the apostle Paul preached the gospel of the kingdom from house to house, to those who were unconverted. But when the entire paragraph is read, starting in verse 17, the proper meaning can be understood.
Paul “sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the Church,” saying to them, “I…have taught you [elders of the church] publicly, and from house to house.”
He taught the Church leaders in their own homes. Paul did not go from house to house, teaching whomever answered his knock at the door.
At his own hired house in Rome, Paul,
“And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.” (Acts 28:30-31).
Which Christ had commanded him to preach. Christ had personally taught the gospel to Paul:
"And last of all He [Jesus] was seen of me [Paul] also, as of one [apostle (v. 9)] born out of due time." (I Cor. 15:8);
"But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ ... And I went up by revelation [of Jesus Christ], and communicated unto them [the 12 Apostles, ver. 17] that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately [house to house] to them [the 12 Apostles, ver. 17] which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain." (Gal. 1:11-2:2).
One of Christ’s teachings was that we are not to force our beliefs on anyone.
"Give not that which is holy unto the DOGS, neither cast your pearls before SWINE, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and REND you [‘tear you in pieces’ Goodspeed Translation]" (Matt. 7:6).
This makes clear that Paul did not try to convert people by preaching from house to house. His public teachings were carried out mainly in the Jewish synagogues.
"And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews… And when there was an assault [violent attempt] made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them" (Acts 14:1 & 5).
"…they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews: And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three Sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures… But the Jews which believed not. Moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd [evil] fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company [mob], and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted [attacked] the house of Jason…" (Acts 17:1 & 5).
"And he [Paul] reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks… Paul was pressed [compelled] in the spirit and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ. And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads, I am clean: from henceforth I will go to the Gentiles" (Acts 18:4-6).
"And he [Paul] went in to the synagogue, and spoke boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God. But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spoke evil of that Way before the multitude, he departed from them…" (Acts 19:8-9).
Acts 2:46 is another widely misunderstood verse:
“And they [the twelve apostles and other disciples], continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness.”
It is important to note that these individuals were unified. They continued daily with “one accord.” They all believed the same things. This scripture is describing people who ate together, just as someone might invite friends and close acquaintances to his home for a meal and fellowship. These verses make no mention of Church members going out of their way to preach the gospel to strangers.
In this particular circumstance, many from different nations had gathered at Jerusalem to keep Pentecost, one of God’s annual feasts. Since they had traveled a great distance and had no home in Jerusalem, the Jerusalem brethren invited them to their homes to eat. (The Word of God uses the term “breaking bread” to signify sharing God's truth with each other.) Converted Christians were sharing the Word of God in the homes of other converted Christians (THIS IS WHAT CHRIST'S CHURCH WAS ALL ABOUT)—they were not preaching in the homes of unconverted individuals or families.
In Luke 10:5-7, we find direct instruction from Christ not to preach from house to house:
“And into whatsoever house you enter, first say, Peace be to this house. And if the son of peace [a converted Christian] be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again. And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the laborer is worthy of his hire. Go NOT from house to house.”
Christians should never be out trying to force anyone to accept the truth of the Bible. Christ showed that God’s Word is too valuable and precious for us to flaunt carelessly.
"Give NOT that which is holy unto the DOGS, neither cast your pearls before SWINE, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and REND you [‘tear you in pieces’ Goodspeed Translation]" (Matt. 7:6).
Conversely, we might ask, “Should we invite into our homes ministers or others who are going from house to house teaching doctrines contrary to the Bible?” God’s instruction on this matter is found in 2 John, verses 10-11:
“If there come any unto you, and bring NOT this doctrine, receive him NOT into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that bids him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.”
Christ’s example, and that of the apostles, is that Christians neither preach from house to house nor invite into their homes anyone approaching them soliciting a false gospel or any other man-made religion.
Paul instructs Timothy (and use) to,
"... be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same [things that you have heard of me among many witnesses] COMMIT THOU TO FAITHFUL MEN, WHO SHALL BE ABLE TO TEACH OTHERS ALSO [the things that you have heard of me among many witnesses]. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please Him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. The husbandman that laboreth must be first partaker of the fruits. CONSIDER WHAT I SAY; AND THE LORD GIVE THEE [SPIRITUAL] UNDERSTANDING IN ALL THINGS ... Study [use speed, i.e. to make effort, be prompt or earnest, do give diligence, be diligent (forward), endeavor, labor] to show thyself approved [acceptable, tried] unto God, a workman [toiler, teacher, laborer, worker] that needeth not to be ashamed [irreprehensible (blameless, faultless, flawless, immaculate, perfect, impeccable, impossible to fault, spotless)], rightly [in a straight manner, correctly, plainly, honestly, directly, uprightly] dividing [to make a straight cut, i.e. to dissect (expound, explain) correctly] the Word of truth [(the divine message) true, truly, verity]. But shun [keep away from, avoid] profane [heathenistic (pagan), wicked, blasphemous, irreligious, irreverent, disrespectful (to God), pious] and vain [useless] babblings [empty sounding, fruitless discussions]: for they [useless, fruitless discussions] will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker [cancer]: of whom is Hymeneus and Philetus; who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already [by preaching that those who have died went straight to heaven or hell, and by passed even being resurrected by Christ in the last days at His coming]; and overthrow the faith of some." (2nd Timothy 2:1-7 & 15-18).
When we come to the famous Jerusalem Conference in the fifteenth chapter of Acts, we read that Paul and Barnabas were "…being brought on their way by the CHURCH…" (Acts 15:3). This is the Church of Jesus Christ, not the church of the synagogue system. Notice that in this conference their determination was to not force the Law of Moses on new Gentile converts:
"Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with THE WHOLE CHURCH…" (Acts 15:22).
The High Priests did not attend this conference. This was the first ‘ecumenical counsel,’ if you will, of the Church of Jesus Christ, consisting of only those who believed, who formulated policy which would be binding on the whole church.
The Jews had "synagogues"—church buildings. The newly converted Christians came out of those synagogue church buildings and their doctrines, and met in homes. Why? Mostly because Christ was not taught or tolerated in these synagogues. In order to worship and follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, it became necessary to "come out of her"—the synagogue system of religion.
Jesus Christ, the teachings of Jesus Christ, and the followers of Jesus Christ were hated and despised by most leaders of most synagogues. Do we think that anything has changed regarding this in today’s churches? If Jesus Christ returned to virtually any Christian church in the world today, unrecognized in a business suit, and began teaching His own Gospel, the leaders of the churches would throw Him out. And I say this without the least hesitation as to what the implications of my statement are.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Hezekiah Ben Israel on
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You should go to a church that reads the word of God, and does it on the Sabbath..
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Permalink Reply by Ricardo 'ReAsOn' Butler on
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Seriously, this is not a difficult matter to resolve. However, we need to be careful about labeling things. Scripturally, there is no such thing as the "CHRISTIAN Sabbath." The Sabbath commandment was given to ancient Israel, not to Christians. The Christian Sabbath, the day on which Christians rest and worship is clearly SUNDAY! Christendom as a whole with a few exceptions such as Seventh Day Adventists have kept Sunday as their day of worship down through the centuries.
So clearly, SUNDAY is the Christian Sabbath, if we insist on using that awkward terminology.
The Sabbath that Jesus Christ observed (AND BROKE), was not, however, Sunday or the first day of the week. We know for a fact, historically, the Sabbath being kept in the time of Christ's earthly ministry, was the SEVENTH day or Saturday. Actually from Friday sunset till Saturday sunset.
The calendar has been changed numerous times through the centuries; however, the seven day weekly cycle has NEVER been changed or tampered with. Even when they dropped TEN WHOLE DAYS out of the calendar to bring the calendar back in line with the Spring equinox, they did NOT change the weekly Sabbath. One day was say Tuesday November the 10th and the NEXT day became Wednesday November the 20th! The week stayed the same.
As the Sabbath command was part of the Old Covenant Law, which Paul went to great length to inform us that we are no longer under, it makes little difference which day is the Sabbath of Israel. The Sabbath like ALL aspects of the law of Moses and the law of God, the Torah, the Old Testament, was a shadow of something to come.
So, if one tries to KEEP the Sabbath after Christ as already fulfilled it (as with the Passover lamb), then by trying to keep the law you actually BREAK the law!
"For the law [like Sabbath Day observance] MADE NOTHING PERFECT, but the bringing in of a better hope [Christ, 1 Tim. 1:1] did; by the which [Gk: 'Whom' or 'Christ'] we draw nigh unto God." (Hebrews 7:18).
Just like when Paul said if we are circumcised to fulfill the law of circumcision given to Abraham and Israel, to show our spirituality, we indeed "fall from grace."
"Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoked of bondage. Behold, I Paul say unto you, [sounds important…] that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you NOTHING. For I testify again to every man that is circumcised [or observes the Sabbath Day], that he is a debtor to do THE WHOLE LAW [Abraham was circumcised, but Moses taught it AS A LAW that HAD to be obeyed. 'For whosoever SHALL KEEP THE WHOLE LAW, and YET (STILL) OFFEND IN ONE POINT (BREAKS ONE LAW LIKE THE SABBATH DAY), HE IS GUILTY OF (OFFENDIN IN, OR BREAKING THE WHOLE LAW OR) ALL (THE LAW).' (James 2:10)]. Christ is become of NO EFFECT unto you, whosoever of you are [Gk: ‘are’ should be ‘attempt to be’] justified by LAW; ye [‘ALL of you’] are FALLEN FROM GRACE." (Galatians 5:1-4).
By works of law no flesh at all shall be justified Paul tells us.
"But that NO MAN is justified by the law [like Sabbath Day observance] in the sight of God, it is evident: for [Gk: 'because'], The just shall live by faith. And THE LAW IS NOT OF FAITH ..." (Galatians 3:11-12).
How can one REST FROM HIS WORKS by keeping (spiritual WORKS) the Sabbath LAW?
"For BY [GOD'S] GRACE are ye [all of you being] saved ['For the GRACE OF GOD that BRINGETH SALVATION hath appeared to all men, (IS) TEACHING US that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world ('present wicked eon/age' {Gal. 1:4}).' (Titus 2:11-12)] THROUGH FAITH ['I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and THE LIFE WHICH I NOW LIVE IN THE FLESH I LIVE BY THE FAITH OF THE SON OF GOD, who loved me, and gave Himself for me. I DO NOT FRUSTRATE THE GRACE OF GOD for IF righteousness come by the law, THEN CHRIST IS DEAD IN VAIN.' (Galatians 2:20-21)]; and that ['FAITH'] not of yourselves: it [THE SON OF GOD'S FAITH ...] is the gift of God: not of works ['Now what have you which you did not OBTAIN? Now if you OBTAINED it also (from GOD) WHY ARE YOU BOASTING as though (you are) not obtaining (it from God)?' (I Cor. 4:7 Concordant Literal New Testament)], lest any man should boast ['Where is boasting then? IT (YOUR BOASTING) IS EXCLUDED. By what law? of works? Nay: but BY THE LAW OF FAITH. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds (WORKS LIKE SABBATH DAY OBSERVANCE) of the law.' (Romans 3:27-28)]. For we are His [God's] workmanship [Gk: 'ACHIEVEMENT'], created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained [good works] that we should walk in them [good works]." (Ephesians 2:8-10).
"And if by grace [of God], then is it no more of works [of the law]: otherwise grace [of God] is no more grace [of God]. But if it be of works [of the law], then is it no more grace [of God]: otherwise work [of the law] is no more work [of the law]." (Romans 11:6).
"O foolish [Gk: 'unintelligent'] Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye [all of you] should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn [ask] of you, Received ye [all of you] the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye [all of you] so foolish [unintelligent]? [All of you] having begun in the Spirit, are ye [all of you] now made perfect by the flesh?" (Galatians 3:1-3).
THE CHURCH IS OBLIVIOUS TO THE COMMANDS OF GOD
The architecture, holy days, and doctrines of the Church are pagan.
Here is what God warns against just such things:
"Thus says the Lord, LEARN NOT THE WAY OF THE HEATHEN…" (Jeremiah 10:2)
Deut. 12:30—"Take heed to yourself that you BE NOT SNARED BY FOLLOWING THEM, after that they be destroyed from before you, and that you enquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? EVEN SO WILL WE DO LIKEWISE."
Lev. 20:23—"And YOU SHALL NOT WALK IN THE MANNERS OF THE NATION, which I cast out before you: for they committed all these things, and therefore I ABHORRED them."
Lev. 18:3—"After the doings of the land of EGYPT, wherein you dwelled, SHALL YOU NOT DO: and after the doings of the land of Canaan, where I bring you, SHALL YOU NOT DO: neither shall you walk in their ordinances."
It is never okay to sin. What did Paul say:
"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin [but just HOW do we get 'dead to sin?'] live any longer therein? Know you not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death? [THAT'S how we get 'dead to sin']. Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life" (Rom. 6:1-4).
This "newness of life" means "led by the Spirit" of Jesus Christ IN US.
But here's the problem with most Christians. Most Christians have been baptized in WATER, but they have never been "baptized into His DEATH." Therefore they write me weekly telling me how important this physical ritual of water baptism is, because they have never been SPIRITUALLY "baptized into the NAME of Jesus," or "baptized into His DEATH," and therefore know nothing of the spiritual meaning of these physical symbols.
For this reason they also feel it most important to observe the physical ritual of Sabbath keeping, because they have not as yet "entered into His [SPIRITUAL] rest." ("For we which have believed DO ENTER INTO REST..." Heb. 4:3).
For this reason they feel it most important to partake of a little grape juice and a wafer on a regular basis, because they have not as yet SPIRITUALLY "eaten His body or drunk of His blood" (John 6:54).
For this reason they want to "give unto God the things that are CAESAR'S." They want to give God the filthy lucre tax money with Caesar's image on it instead of "unto God the things that [truly] ARE God's." Such as:
"WHAT? Know you not that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which you have of God, and you are not your own? For you are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's" (I Cor. 6:19-20).
Therefore, since our bodies belong to God and ARE God's, we are to "...present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable UNTO GOD [NOT Caesar's filthy tax money], which is your reasonable [rational, intelligent] service. And be not conformed to this world, but be you transformed by the renewing ['walk in newness of life,' (Rom. 6:4), 'a new creature,' II Cor. 5:17, 'a new creature,' Gal. 6:15] of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable, and perfect will of God" (Rom. 12:1-2).
For this reason they feel it most important to be physically circumcised in the flesh, because they have not as yet been circumcised "in heart and in spirit" (Rom. 28-29).
For this reason they desire physical healing over spiritual healing, etc., etc. Sadly, the Church of Christendom knows little of Christ's "words of spirit." (John 6:63).
If we are to believe that "fulfilling the law" of Moses can only be accomplished by living, teaching and enforcing the law of Moses, then something is wrong with that theory because Jesus obviously did NOT carry out many commands of the law of Moses in His own life!
The theologians have debased the New Covenant as being nothing more than the Old Covenant, with a few added twists. Jesus "fulfilled the law" not by adding a few spiritual twists to it, but by keeping a MUCH HIGHER SPIRITUAL LAW that actually contradicted much of the letter of Moses’ Law.
One doesn’t need a physical law of the letter chiseled in stone, to "keep the Sabbath" when he has entered into "God’s SPIRITUAL REST" in his heart.
One doesn’t need a physical law of the letter to "swear by His name" when in his heart his desire is to "swear NOT at all."
One doesn’t need a physical law chiseled in stone telling him "thou shalt not commit adultery" when in his heart he no longer "even looks on a woman to lust after her."
One doesn’t need a physical law telling him to "HATE his enemies" when now in his very heart, he "LOVES his enemies."
For you newcomers to the world of theology, LOVE is a lot different than just putting a spiritual twist on HATE. Not swearing at all is more than putting a spiritual twist on the commandment TO SWEAR. Am I going too fast for anyone?
And neither did Jesus take the commandment to "bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse" and spiritually twist it into "bring ye all the money into the pastor’s bank account."
And so what is it that Jesus is teaching us with regards to money? Simple, neither the king nor his children pay tax—any tax (including even Temple tax)! "…then are the children FREE." Need I remind anyone that we are the children of God’s kingdom? And neither our King, nor we, pay taxes or tithes to our own kingdom.
"Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as He [Jesus] IS, SO ARE WE in this world" (I John 1:17).
And so the reason… the only reason, that Jesus paid this tax was, "…lest we should offend them." Not because it was a LAW OF MOSES and Jesus had to keep the law of Moses, but only because, "…lest we should offend them."
Furthermore, where did Jesus get the money (the very small amount of money) to pay this temple tax so as to not offend them? From His own pocket? From the treasury held by Judas? From Peter’s house? No. He had God provide for it in a fish from the sea. Jesus did not even deign to pay this tax from His own money. And say, did you notice that Jesus paid for Himself and Peter only? He did not even pay for the other eleven.
Do you suppose we are sinning if we follow His steps by not tithing? Should we follow His steps, or commandments of the clergymen?
"Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29).
"For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that we should follow His steps" (I Pet. 2:21).
© 2024 Created by Raliegh Jones Jr..
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