7 Traditions Denominations Will Not Give Up

Denominations are man made organizations that try to force the way they see things in the Word on those that belong to them. They have come into existence because of the world system that we live in. The Church of God is a living organism, not an organization. But to function in the world, we are forced to adopt some of the worldly procedures. This has led to the church becoming like another business or club. In many cases we have taken principles in the Word and twisted them to suit our organization.

1st Tradition -- Paying of Tithes

2nd Tradition -- Church Membership

3rd Tradition -- Emphasis on Church Meetings

4th Tradition -- Compulsory Education Or Bible School Training for Ministers

5th Tradition -- Statements Of Faith

6th Tradition -- The Pastor As A Super Hero

7th Tradition -- Church Buildings

Paying Of Tithes

The subject of tithing has caused a lot of conflict in the Church. It is stressed by most church organizations and public ministries, largely because they all need finance to operate. So rather than look to God as their source, they do their best to bring God's people under bondage to the Old Testament practice of tithing. The New Testament teaches a far better way, and we will be explaining it in detail here. But first let's see why tithing does not apply to the New Testament Church. Read New Testament Tithing article.


Church Membership

Membership of an organization does not come from the Scriptures, but is a result of trying to make the Church another worldly organization. It is an attempt to force people to subject themselves to rules and regulations that do not come from the Word, but from the leaders of the organizations. We will see what the Scriptures say about this.


Emphasis On Church Meetings

One of the Scriptures most used by preachers is Hebrews 10:25

"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as you see the day approaching."

This is largely because preachers want people to come and listen to them, fill the pews, and pay their dues. If they cannot offer anything to draw people to the meetings, then they use this as a way of making them feel guilty for not attending church. But this is only one passage amongst many that teach more important activities we should be doing as believers. We will consider all of them and see what the Scriptures teach.


Compulsory Education Or Bible School Training for Ministers

The standard preparation for ministry these days is a period of education at a Bible Seminary or other educational institution. A person is not considered qualified to preach the Word until he has some qualification behind him. But what was the pattern in Bible times? This is another worldly principle that has crept into the church. We will be looking at the leadership ministries in the Church and God's pattern for training them.


Statements Of Faith

Because of the many different doctrinal viewpoints there are today, most organizations have put together a summary of what they believe, which they call their 'Statement of Faith.' This is just a way of showing that they are different to other organizations and emphasizes the teachings that they have decided to make their hobby-horse. A statement of faith is therefore nothing more than one group's interpretation of Scripture. But what is the Scriptural pattern? We will see what the Bible says about this.


The Pastor As A Super Hero

Since the minister of the church has attended a training institution, has a qualification behind him, and has been given credentials by his organization, he is set up in a position that places him a cut above the rest. He is to be revered, called by his title (usually 'Pastor') and is the final authority in the church. The Scripture teaches very clearly what it is that gives a man authority and how he should be treated by those whom he leads. We will consider exactly how leadership in the church should be set up and how such leaders should function.


Church Buildings

Have you noticed that one of the first things a congregation does when it grows in size, is to start making plans for a church building. This building then becomes the "Church" and we refer to a church by where its buildings are - The Church at the corner of Main Street and First Avenue. But the early church were not like this at all. We will see what God's order is for church buildings.

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@Reason

First off. I like the way you think. You aren't caught up in church mentality like most others are. You are either already "conscious" or headed that way fast. Big ups to you for that.

Tithing:
Tithing is not at all "bondage". This is the word Christianity slaps on everything in the Old Testament without a real understanding of what it was and why. Paul's words are taken out of context in order to facilitate this. Paul wasn't talking about the 10 commandments or all the laws that made Israel a functioning nation. He was talking about the corruption of the religious leaders who sought power. It was that power which compelled him to hunt down messianic Israelites. Therefore he was very much aware of that power and spoke against it just as Yeshua spoke against it when he confronted the scribes and pharisees. They had actually perverted the law and made it into a burden. Here's an illustration:

Matthew 23:13 - But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.

Tithing is not something a church should do. Churches do it, like I said, because they don't understand. The offerings were free will and any amount was acceptable. People gave what they could afford. Tithes, were a NATIONAL TAX. Because Israel was a NATION, not a "church", they had a tax that was dedicated to public services... what this country calls "welfare". If you add it up you're paying a monstrous 30-45% (or more depending on your income) in what are essentially "taxes". Is it any wonder why we as a people are so poor and cannot support our own communities and start businesses? People in the NT hated tax collectors because of this very thing. They could barely live at the same time of having to pay the Roman empire. So.... the point is.... no one's church has any right to ask for Tithe... unless they are an independent nation.
Israel was a church.

"THE" CHURCH VS. "MY" CHURCH
During Jesus’ ministry, He spoke of "the" church and "My" church. There already existed "the church" (Matt. 18:17), at the very time that Jesus said He would build "MY CHURCH" (Matt. 16:17). For fifteen centuries God established Israel as a church:
"This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, ‘A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; Him shall ye hear.’ This is HE [Christ, That Prophet, 1 Cor. 10:4], that was in the CHURCH [Gk: 'a calling out, i.e. (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both): — assembly, church' & Heb: 'from 6950 {a primitive root; to convoke: — assemble (selves) (together), gather (selves) (together)}; assemblage (usually concretely): — assembly, company, congregation, multitude'] IN THE WILDERNESS with the angel which spoke to him [Moses] in the mount Sinai, and with our fathers who received the lively oracles to give unto us: To [Christ] Whom our fathers WOULD NOT OBEY, but thrust Him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt" (Acts 7:37-39).
We could, of course, trace the church back through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, back to Noah, and indeed, back to Adam.

DEFINING "CHURCH"
Just what is a "church?" Strong’s Greek Dictionary, #1577. ekklesia, a calling out. (1b) Ekklesia, from ek, "out of," and klesis, "a calling…" So the church is those whom God has CALLED OUT to be His "called out ones," hence, Jesus said,
"So the last shall be first, and the first shall be last [sorry, don’t have time to explain this unique statement of our Lord]: for many be called, but few chosen." I will take the time to explain this second statement, however.
Notice that the "called" and the "chosen" cannot be the same group, as one is "many" and the other is "few." God has given us a general statement as to whom He has called and whom He has not called. We already know the number of those called is "many." Now we will see the two general classifications of those called:
THE "CALLED" AND THE "NOT CALLED"
"For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many [some, but not many] wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.
But God has chosen the foolish things [many translations do not insert the word "things" in these verses] of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And the base things of the world, and things which are despised, has God chosen, yes, and things which are not, to bring to nought [nothing] things that are: that no flesh should glory in His presence" (1 Cor. 1:26-29).
So we see that God calls MOSTLY those who are: weak, base, despised, nothings! Are we to believe that God is going to build a SPIRITUAL ARMY of Sons and Daughters by which He will conquer and SAVE THE WORLD?
Hard to believe, isn’t it? I think we can all agree that there is a great deal of work to be done with and to these "nothings of the world" whom God is calling to such a formidable, once-in-an-eternity task!
But of the "many called," we are told, "few are chosen" (Matt. 20:16). Why is that? God has intended it to be such. We are given the parable of the "sower of seed" (Look out for my paper titled "Which Church Are You In (The Parable of the Sower)" where much of the seed fell by the side of the tilled soil, and the birds ate it; some had no depth and withered in the sun; still more fell among thorns and were choked, but some fell upon good soil and produced much fruit. Many seed are sown, but few seed produce good fruit. "Seed" we see everywhere in the Church; "fruit" of God’s spirit is more rare. These few have the added designation of:
"These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for He is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with Him are called, and chosen, and faithful" (Rev. 17:14).
These are the "very elect" who cannot be deceived any longer by the Great Whore, "Mystery Babylon the Great, Mother of Harlots, and the Abominations of the earth."
One more important verse regarding our calling that I will cite out of the Concordant Literal New Testament because I believe they translate the Greek aorist tense properly, whereas the King James uses the past tense:
"Now we are aware that GOD [it is unfortunate that the King James leaves out "God" even though it is in the manuscripts. Most translations do put "God" in this opening phrase. Things don’t just ‘work’ together without GOD doing the ‘working’] is working all together for the good of those who are loving God, who are [being] called according to the purpose that, whom He foreknew, He designates beforehand, also, to be conformed to the image of His Son, for Him to be Firstborn among many brethren. Now whom He designates beforehand, these He calls [not ‘called’ as all are NOT YET called, it is the aorist tense] also, and whom He calls, these He justifies, also; now whom He justifies, these He glorifies also" (Rom. 8:28-30).
Now, pay attention: All which God foreknew, He then designates beforehand (He hand-picks them, if you will). And therefore, since He has already designated them beforehand, when they are born in whatever generation God designates; He then calls them. Now it is true that God calls MANY OTHERS whom He has NOT designated to be "conformed to the image of His Son" AT THE TIME that each generation appears in history.
There are many more "called" in each generation than are actually, "chosen" to be conformed to the image of His Son at that time.
All that are not chosen will be in the second resurrection/white throne judgment/lake of fire. These will go the "broad way into destruction" from which they will await judgment at the great white throne. But, those which God foreknows and designates beforehand, He definitely does call, but these designated ones GO ON to be JUSTIFIED AND GLORIFIED. They are not just the "called," but the "called AND CHOSEN" which will go on to glorification in service with Christ, as the manifested Sons and Daughters of God, in the Kingdom of God, to bring the rest of heaven and earth to SALVATION!
When Jesus says that,
"MANY will say unto Me in that day, Lord, Lord… Then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, you that work iniquity" (Matt. 7:22-23),
He is not speaking of a minority but a majority. The "many" NEVER means the minority!
We will see it conclusively proved from God’s Word that the majority in the Church today are going the "broad way," and not the "straight and narrow way." And I am not just preaching to the choir when I say that only a "FEW" will be in the first resurrection and rule and reign with Christ, I am speaking to all the church and to myself as well. I know these aren’t the "soft" words that tickle people’s ears, but what I am telling you is a "hard saying" of the Scripture that is absolutely true. Jesus Christ Himself said that "THE MANY" must "DEPART from Me." Jesus doesn’t "know" the many, in a spiritual relationship, because they are too carnal to be spiritual.

The church in the wilderness came with a covenant. And the Church of Christ came with a covenant. Jesus said these covenant's DO NOT MIX! One is a house built on SAND (the desert/wilderness) IS FULL OF SAND. This church is described in Revelation as MYSTERY BABYLON WHO HAS FALLEN, because she was built on SAND!

The NEW Church was built upon the ROCK--CHRIST OR SPIRIT, with the Apostles and Prophets also part of that foundation (Eph. 2:19-22)! And it will stand!

THE CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST GROWS
The next mention of the Church that Christ said He would build is found in Acts 2:46-47:
"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).

PERSECUTION COMES QUICKLY
"Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" (2 Tim. 3:11).
Those are the words of Paul, and he should know, HE WAS THE CHURCH’S BIGGEST PERSECUTOR!
"And Saul [Paul] was consenting unto his [Stephen's] death. And at that time there was A GREAT PERSECUTION AGAINST THE CHURCH which was at Jerusalem, and they were ALL scattered abroad through the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles" (Acts 8:1).
And just who was behind this persecuting of the Church of God? Answer: The other Church of God that was also headquartered in Jerusalem!!!
"And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter [murder] against the disciples of the Lord [that would be Christ’s Church], went unto the HIGH PRIEST [of the OTHER Church of God, in the TEMPLE—remember back in Acts 2:46 where the Church of Christ was ‘continuing daily with one accord?’ Yes, that temple!]
And [Saul] desired of him LETTERS [letters of authorization from the highest level of God’s Church—the HIGH PRIEST] to Damascus…" (Acts 9:1-2).
Letters for the purpose of continuing his persecution and slaughter of Christ’s New Church. I told you it is not pretty picture.
Paul tells us how Abraham had two sons—one was born of a bondwoman after the flesh, and the other born of a freewoman by promise. Paul says,
"Which things are an allegory [An allegory is when characters or events represent abstract or spiritual ideas or principles]: for these ARE THE TWO COVENANTS; the one from the Mount Sinai [Mt Sinai is where the Ten Commandments and Laws of Moses were given. What is Gods attitude toward the Laws of Moses, the ten commandments, the Old Covenant—‘Mt. Sinai’?] which genders [gives birth] to BONDAGE, which is Hagar [the Egyptian]." (Gal. 4:24).
Notice how this whole Mosaic, Ten Commandment, Old Covenant, Mt. Sinai system is categorized:
"For this Hagar [the Egyptian] is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answers to Jerusalem which now is, and is in BONDAGE with her children" (Verse 25).
"But Jerusalem which is above [spiritual Jerusalem] is FREE, which is the mother of us all… For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband. Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. BUT AS THEN [IN ABRHAM'S DAY] HE [ISHMAEL] THAT WAS BORN AFTER THE FLESH PERSECUTED HIM [ISAAC] THAT WAS BORN AFTER THE SPIRIT, EVEN SO IS IT NOW [TODAY, those who are under the Law of Moses/Old Covenant Church/Jerusalem which now is and is in bondage, are persecuting those under the Faith of Christ/New Covenant Church/New Jerusalem which is above and is free]. Nevertheless what says the scripture? CAST OUT the bondwoman AND her son [her children, Ver. 25]: for THE SON OF THE BONDWOMAN SHALL NOT BE HEIR WITH THE SON OF THE FREEWOMAN" (Gal. 4:26, 28-30).
And I believe we all understand that what being "heir" to, is the Kingdom of God.
This battle between the children BORN AFTER THE FLESH and the children BORN AFTER THE SPIRIT is what Jesus hinted about in Matthew:
"Think not that I [Jesus] am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, BUT A SWORD. For I am come [with a sword] to set a man at variance [Gk: 'to make apart, i.e. sunder (separate), figuratively to alienate, set at variance'] against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his OWN HOUSEHOLD [What 'HOUSEHOLD'? 'But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the HOUSE OF GOD, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.' (1st Timothy 3:15) & 'But in a GREAT HOUSE there are NOT ONLY vessels of gold and of silver, but also of (vessels) wood and of earth; and some to honor, AND SOME TO DISHONOR.' (2nd Timothy 2:20)]." (Matthew 10:34-36).
"Suppose ye [all of you] that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; BUT RATHER DIVISION [Gk, 'disunion (of opinion and conduct):--division']: for from henceforth [from this time forth, from now on] there shall be five in one house divided [Gk: dismerizo, "to partition thoroughly (lit. in distribution, fig. in dissention):--cloven, divide, part], three against two, and two against three. The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law." (Luke 12:51-53).
Do you think that maybe a man’s foes could even be of his OWN CHURCH?
"But if any provide not for his own ['For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?' (1st Timothy 3:5)], and specially for those of his own house ['And a man's foes {Gk: "enemies"; So love your enemies says, Matt. 5:44 because they possibly can and...} shall be they of his own household.' (Matthew 10:36) & 'But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the HOUSE of God, WHICH IS THE CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD, the pillar and ground of the truth.' (1st Timothy 3:15)], he hath DENIED THE FAITH, AND IS WORSE THAN AN INFIDEL [unbeliever of Christ, one without faith in Christ]." (1st Timothy 5:8).

"For whatsoever things were written aforetime [under the OLD Covenant] were written for OUR [CHRIST'S NEW Covenant Church] LEARNING…" (Rom. 15:4).

"Now these things were OUR [CHRIST'S NEW Covenant Church] EXAMPLES, to the intent we [CHRIST'S NEW Covenant Church] should not lust after evil things, as they [MOSES and the OLD Covenant Church] also lusted. Now ALL these things happened unto them [MOSES and the OLD Covenant Church] for examples: and they are written for OUR [CHRIST'S NEW Covenant Church] ADMONITION [to reprove, caution, warn, remind of obligation or duty, etc.], upon [US, CHRIST'S NEW Covenant Church] whom the ends of the world [‘eons—ages’] are come." (1st Corinthians 10:6 & 11).

"Unto whom it was revealed, that NOT unto themselves [the writers of the Old Testament], but unto US they [the writers of the Old Testament] did minister the things, which ARE NOW reported unto YOU [US, CHRIST'S NEW Covenant Church] by them [the writers of the Old Testament] that have preached the gospel unto YOU [US, CHRIST'S NEW Covenant Church] with the Holy Spirit sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into [the angels didn't even understand God's Word]. Wherefore gird up the loins of YOUR [US, CHRIST'S NEW Covenant Church] mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the GRACE that is to be brought unto YOU [not ‘them’—they DIED not receiving the promises made to them] at the revelation of Jesus Christ" (1 Pet. 1:12-13).

"Therefore no one has the authority to say that you're right or wrong [judge you] about what you're eating or drinking, or what you're doing about a religious festival or a new moon festival or a day of rest [Sabbath days]. These things are just a shadowy picture of things to come. BUT THE PERSON CASTING THAT SHADOW IN CHRIST." (Colossians 2:16-17, Everyday American English).

Christ is our High Priest under the New Covenant.

"For such an High Priest became us, Who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens." (Hebrews 7:26).

And we know Jesus fulfilled "the law and the prophets."

"Think not that I [Jesus] AM come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I [Jesus] AM not come to destroy, but to FULFILL ['For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second (covenant). For the law HAVING A SHADOW OF GOOD THINGS TO COME, AND NOT THE VERY IMAGE OF THE THINGS, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. But in those sacrifices (SHADOWS) there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. For it is not possible (impossible) that the blood of bulls and of goats (SHADOWS) should take away sins. Wherefore when He (Jesus THE REALITY) cometh into the world, He saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body (JESUS' BODY, YOUR BODY, HIS CHURCH'S BODIES) hast thou prepared Me.' (Hebrews 10:1-5)]." (Matt. 5:17).

And Jesus WILL SEPARATE THE HOLY FROM THE UNHOLY, BY DIVISION, JUDGING, WAR, WHICH IS THE SWORD OR WORD OF GOD!
http://bible.worthwhile.com/bible.php?b=matt&c=16&v=0&d...

#1577

Transliteration:
ekklesia {ek-klay-see'-ah}

1. a gathering of citizens called out from their homes into some public place, an assembly
A. an assembly of the people convened at the public place of the council for the purpose of deliberating
B. the assembly of the Israelites
C. any gathering or throng of men assembled by chance, tumultuously
D. (additional definitions added by Christians)

This really has nothing to do with called vs. chosen.

the many are those that are called. This does not express the better part which is being chosen. You can be called but not chosen but you can't be chosen and not called. But anyway, no matter. The important thing is the actual definition of this word is "congregation". This is simply a body of people who are gathered together. An assembly. When you assemble (for anything) you have been called out. Therefore even a rap concert would be an ekklesia of sorts.
It has a lot to do with called and chosen.

Many need to 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.

The giant difference between the physically called of God and the spiritually Chosen of God is that the first are immature babes, and the second are spiritually mature sons—having the mind of Christ. If you believe in Jesus Christ, you are in the Church. But if you are in Christ Jesus, then you are no longer in the physical carnal church, but in God’s spiritual Church—the very Body of Christ. The physical Church knows Christ only "after the flesh." The carnal believe that Jesus Christ was "crucified" for them—which is true. But the mature know by experience that, "I am crucified WITH Christ." The carnal-minded Christians "will be saved," but they will not be in the first resurrection, nor will they reign with Jesus Christ as the manifest sons and daughters of God in the Kingdom of God throughout the oncoming ages. Let me assure you on the authority of all the Sacred Scriptures that carnal (enmity filled hatred) minded Christians are not members of the spiritual body of Christ. Jesus Christ is preparing a "bride"—a VIRGIN (pure in TRUTH) bride. Our Lord will not marry a WHORE (corrupt in DOCTRINES) or prostitute—Mystery Babylon.

"For MANY [THE 'MAJORITY' IN THE CHURCH] are called [Gk: 'invited'] but FEW [THE 'MINORITY' IN THE CHURCH] are chosen [Gk: 'selected, elected, chosen out; by implication: favorite']" (Matt. 22:14).

Few realize that there is a "church WITHIN the church." When God chooses us FROM AMONG the called, we become separate from their doctrines and sins. We are still "The Church of the Living God," but we are a peculiar people that no longer follows the traditions of men, which the many called who are building their house upon the sand continue to follow. The Bible refers to the "called" as "the Synagogue of Satan" and to the "chosen" as "the Body of Christ." But Jesus Christ calls both groups in the book of Revelation: "The mystery [Gk: 'to shut the mouth, a secret or "mystery" (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites)'] of the ... seven golden candlesticks ... the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches [Seven (God’s number of completeness) represent the WHOLE CHURCH OF GOD down through centuries to our very day FROM PENTACOST UNTIL HIS COMING]." (Revelation 1:20).

"Wherefore henceforth [from this time forth, from now on] know we no man after [according to] the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, YET NOW HENCEFORTH [FROM THIS TIME FORTH] KNOW WE HIM [CHRIST] NO MORE [after the flesh]" (2 Cor. 5:16).
"Therefore if any man be IN Christ, he is a new [SPIRITUAL or not after the FLESH] creature [creation]: old things [THE FLESH, THE CARNAL, THE WORLDLY, THE LITERAL, THE PHYSICAL, THE EARTHLY, THE MATERIAL, THE OLD COVANENT (WITH THE TEN COMMANDMENTS), MYSTERY BABYLON (OLD JERUSALEM), HOUSES BUILT ON THE SAND] are passed away; behold ALL THINGS ARE BECOME NEW [SPIRITUAL, HEAVENLY, GODLY, POWERFUL (LIKE THE WIND), ETERNAL, INVISIBLE, THE NEW COVENANT, THE BRIDE OF CHRIST (NEW JERUSALEM), HOUSES BUILT ON THE ROCK]" (2 Cor. 5:17)!
How many Christians believe that "IN Christ" we are a NEW creation and that ALL the old things have passed away and that ALL things are become NEW? How many pastors teach the NEW Covenant?
Christians sing: "Give me that OLD TIME religion—it’s good enough for me."
There was an OLD covenant, and now there is a NEW covenant. Do you know what the NEW COVENANT is? Theologians teach that the New covenant is keeping the OLD covenant, BETTER! That is unscriptural nonsense! They teach that we are to keep the law of Moses, BETTER, and we will fulfill the NEW testament.
Is the New Covenant patterned according to the Old Covenant? Let’s read it:
"For finding fault with them, He says, Behold, the days come says the Lord, when I will make a NEW covenant with the house of Israel [church of God in Christ] and with the house of Judah [he is a JEW who is circumcised in his heart and spirit, Rom. 2:29]: NOT ACCORDING TO THE [OLD] COVENANT that I made with their fathers…" (Heb. 8:8-9).
So then, is the NEW covenant "according" or "NOT according" to the Old covenant?
Then why does the Church continue making the Old Covenant binding on Christians?
Christendom is attempting to believe in the New Covenant, while at the same time trying to live in the Old Covenant. This can’t be done. In fact, Jesus sternly warned against attempting to do such a contradictory and damaging endeavor:
"And He [Jesus] spoke also a parable unto them [the Pharisees]: No man puts a piece of NEW garment upon an OLD [garment]: if otherwise, then both the NEW makes a rent [tear], and the piece that was taken out of the NEW agrees not with the OLD [‘NOT according with the covenant which I made with their fathers (the OLD Covenant, Heb. 8:9)]. And no man puts NEW wine into OLD bottles [wineskins]; else the NEW wine will burst the [OLD] bottles, and [the OLD bottles] be spilled, and the [OLD] bottles shall perish [be RUINED]. But NEW wine must be put into NEW bottles; and both [the OLD and NEW] are preserved. No man also having drunk OLD wine straightway [IMMEDIATELY] desires NEW; for he says, The OLD is better ['And these are they likewise which (the Word of God/NEW Covenant) are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word (of God), IMMEDIATELY receive it (the Word of God/NEW Covenant) with gladness; and HAVE NOT ROOT IN THEMSELVES, and so endure but for a time (a season): afterward, when AFFLICTION (TRIBULATION) or PERSECUTION ariseth for the Word's (NEW Covenant's) sake, IMMEDIATELY THEY ARE OFFENDED.' (Mark 4:16-17)]." (Luke 5:36-39).
This is a parable! Jesus is speaking of the Old and New Covenants. We cannot, we dare not, try to put the old with the new. BOTH WILL BE RUINED! Why don’t we believe Jesus? We can’t put the Old and the New together. And true to Jesus’ words, when people come into a knowledge of the New Covenant, they PREFER THE OLD BETTER!
Did you also notice that when we put these two covenants in their proper places (the Old is for babes to bring them to Christ, while the new is for those maturing into Sonship), that they are BOTH PRESERVED? Yes, both are preserved, but only if we don’t MIX THEM. Could anything be clearer.
The "Chosen" live by the New Covenant: The "Called" try to live by the New and the Old Covenants. They have never learned this simple lesson: "No servant can serve TWO masters…" (Luke 16:13). The two covenants are not even in "according" with one another—they are not to be "unequally yoked together," seeing that they are not equal. If you want to be a New Testament Christian, then you need to learn and know what the New Testament is all about.
Here is the most concise Scriptural description of the Old and New Testament that I can give you:
"For the Law was given by Moses [that would be the OLD Covenant], but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ [that would be the NEW Covenant]" (John 1:17).
Law is good, but grace and truth is better.
The Word of God admonishes us to:
"And this is my prayer, that your love may grow ever richer and richer in real knowledge and all discernment, that you may test [Gk: 'approve, PROVE'] THE THINGS THAT ARE BETTER [or MORE EXCELLENT] ..." (Philippians 1:9-10a, Modern Language Bible).
"And knowest His [God's] will, and APPOVEST THE THINGS THAT ARE MORE EXCELLENT, being instructed out of the law." (Romans 2:18, King James Version).
Grace and truth is a much more demanding and much higher calling. If you aspire to be among the "chosen" you must learn what the New Covenant really is.
Church Membership:

good point. The word translated to "church" in the NT should have been translated as "congregation". There were congregations, not "churches" like we have now which are their own entities. Paul advised people to avoid anyone spreading such division. Yeshua prayed for oneness for his followers. Membership goes against this prayer. This turns churches to gangs and keeps them from working together as one. Christians... there are so many of yall.... yall should have changed the world 7 times over by now. It's sad. You have the power.

Compulsory meetings:
The only times the Israelites were supposed to come together was for Shabbat and the feast days (these were also kept in the NT and after the resurrection), but they were often missionaries teaching at people's houses. Whatever day of the week it was was whatever day they arrived. This is why people think there is such a thing as a weekly Sunday meeting. There isn't. But since Europeans were keeping Sunday everyone else followed suit, not knowing that the reason was actually because Constantine was a pagan sun-worshiper and Sunday was a day common to pagans.
Compulsory Education:

Another good point. The disciples were all taught by Yeshua who was taught, and made a very big deal of it, by the spirit of G-d that was within him. When you get formally educated people you get people who think they're right because of their education, because they have a divinity degree, because they graduated, because they got good grades, because they had to read certain things or study certain languages. It doesn't always hurt to have these things and it shouldn't. But it can corrupt a person, making them pompous, egotistical, elitist, thinking and believing they know more than others. The pharisees believed the same thing and so they ended up changing the laws of Israel.

Statements Of Faith:

Yeah this is a pretty bad one. It's basically saying "let me tell you what to think" so that when anyone says something there will be 100% head nodding, leaving no room to question or challenge. Most churches, even if convinced they are wrong, are not going to change their "official" position. So these statements become statements of "BLIND FAITH" and help to blind people to any thing their church doesn't teach.
The Pastor as a Super Hero:

the problem with this is self-evident. Or should be.

Church Buildings:

The money spent on church buildings could save the lives of countless people. Churches could just buy land and set up folding chairs under pavilions. But its better to have a nice church than to save lives, right? After all, that's where G-d lives, right? In a brick house with pretty windows? In reality the church is just a building that makes people feel important and right. And they make a religion out of coming to this building and that makes them feel more important and more right than others.

The reality is that the bible has nothing to do with man-made organizations. It only deals with nations. The kingdom of G-d is a KING-DOM, not a non-profit organization you give a ridiculously long and/or boastful name to.

shalom

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