The Apostle Paul’s ministry among the Ephesian Christians is mentioned in the book of Acts as well as in his letter to the Ephesians. There are some Bible Scholars who are not convinced that Paul composed the epistle to the Ephesians because he doesn’t mention anything about the Philippian jailer, Lydia from the city of Thyatira or the mistreatment by Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen who made silver crafts in honor of the goddess Diana [Artemis]. Be that as it may, the narrative seems to be composed of at least two separate letters that are combined into a single one [1: 1 thru 3: 21 and then 4: 1 thru 6: 26].The recipients of this message are Gentiles (Cp. Ephesians 2: 11-13; 3: 1, 6, 8) whom Paul doesn’t seem to have met in person (Cp. 1: 15), whereas in the Book of Acts he primarily engages in contact with Jewish brethren in the synagogues. In order to better understand his correspondence with the believers in Ephesus it is necessary to read both the epistle to the Ephesians and the book of Acts. Some of the more significant themes in Ephesians are as follows:
Ephesians 1: 3b
-Heavenly places in Christ.
Ephesians 2: 6
-And raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 1: 5
-Having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself.
Ephesians 1: 11b
-Being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will.
Ephesians 1: 9a
-Having made known to us the mystery of His will.
Ephesians 3: 3-4.
-How that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I briefly written already, by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ).
Ephesians 3: 9a
-And to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery.
Ephesians 6: 19b
-That I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel.
Ephesians 2: 1
-And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins.
Ephesians 2: 5
-Even when we were dead in trespasses, God made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved).
Ephesians 2: 2b
-The prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the sons of disobedience.
Ephesians 3: 10b
-To the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the Church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6: 12
-For we do not wrestle [fight/struggle] against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 2: 11a, 12-13
-Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh. . .That at that time you were without Christ [Moshiach], being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus [Moshiach Yeshua] you who were once far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ [Moshiach].
Ephesians 2: 17-18
-And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off [Gentiles] and to those who were near [Jews]. Now, therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.
Ephesians 4: 15a
-Speaking the truth in love.
Ephesians 4: 25a
-Therefore, putting all lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor.”
Ephesians 4: 29
-Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth.
Ephesians 4: 28
-Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his own hands what is good, that he may have something to give to him who has need.
Ephesians 4: 31
-Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, loud quarreling, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.
Ephesians 4: 32a
-And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another.
Ephesians 5: 3-4a
-But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for the saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting [joking].
Ephesians 5: 8a
-For you [all] were once darkness. . .
Ephesians 5: 11
-And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose [reprove] them.
Ephesians 6: 13-17
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore,(1) having girded your waist with truth, having (2) put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Above all, (3) taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And (4) take the helmet of salvation, and (5) the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
1 Thessalonians 5: 8
But let us who are of the day be sober; putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.
Acts 19: 1, 8-10
And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions [of “Galatia;” Cp. 18: 23b], came to Ephesus. And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God. But when some were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the ‘Way’ [“ha-Derekh”] before the multitude, he departed from them and withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus [“rabbinical or philosophical” school??]. And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia [Minor??] heard the Word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.
Acts 19: 23-28
And about that time there arose a great commotion about the Way [ha-Derekh]. For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Diana [Artemis], bought no small profit to the craftsmen. He called them together with the workers of similar occupation, and said: “Men, you know that we have our prosperity by this trade. “Moreover you see and hear that not only in Ephesus, but throughout almost all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are not gods which are made with hands. “So not only is this trade of ours in danger of falling into disrepute, but also the temple of the great goddess Diana [Artemis] may be despised and her magnificence destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worship.” Now when they heard this, they were full of wrath and cried out, saying, “Great is Diana [Artemis] of the Ephesians!”
Acts 19: 29, 35-36
So the whole city was filled with confusion, and rushed into the theater with one accord, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians, Paul’s traveling companions. And when the city clerk had quieted the crowd, he said: “Men of Ephesus, what man is there who does not know that the city of Ephesus is temple guardian of the great goddess Diana [“Artemis”], and of the image which fell down from heaven.” “Therefore, since these things [are facts which] cannot be denied. . .”
NOTE: Diana is associated with the Greek goddess Artemis, who was the patron deity of wild animals as well as a fertility goddess. Her temple in Ephesus was one of the "Seven Wonders" of the ancient world. On May 25, miniature statues of the goddess were carried to the Ephesian amphitheatre for a celebration of music, dancing and drama plays.
Acts 20: 17-21, 27-33
From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church [assembly/congregation]. And when they had come to him, he said to them: “You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, “serving the LORD with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; “how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, “testifying to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our LORD Jesus Christ. “For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. “Therefore take heed to yourself and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of the LORD and of God which He has purchased with His own blood. “For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. “Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. “Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears. “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
June 11, 2011
robertrandle51@yahoo.com
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Monday, August 15, 2011
A critical study on Speaking in Tongues
The one visible evidence of salvation, especially among Evangelical Christians [“Pentecostals”] is the phenomenon known as “Speaking in Tongues.” And while this gift is a genuine manifestation of the Holy Spirit, yet the purpose for receiving this bestowal of grace may not be clearly understood. There are a more than a few who will even say that this is the sign or evidence that a person has received salvation, is a child of God and truly “born again.”
Acts 2: 38, 41a
Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized into the name of Jesus Christ [Yeshua Moshiach] for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Then those who gladly received his word were baptized.
1 Corinthians 12: 1, 4
Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant [without understanding or guidelines]. There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
1 Corinthians 14: 1-5, 9-13
Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification. So likewise, unless you speak by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken; for you will be speaking into the air? There are, as it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world, and none of them is without significance [meaning]. Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be a foreigner to him who speaks, and he who speaks will be a foreigner to me. Even so you, since you are zealous [eager] for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel. Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret.
1 Corinthians 14: 15-17, 19
What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the Spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding [interpretation]. I will also sing with the Spirit, I will also sing with the understanding. Otherwise, if you bless with the Spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed [unbeliever or one who does have the spirit of discernment] say “Amen” at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say? For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified. I thank my God that I speak with tongues more than you all; yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.
1 Corinthians 14: 22-25, 27-28, 39
Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe. Therefore if [when] the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind? But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all. And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you. If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in the church, and let him speak to himself and God. Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not prevent [forbid, resist or discourage] to speak in tongues.
COMMENTARY: This encapsulates the directives that the Apostle Paul, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit taught to the Church at Corinth. In at least four instances in the fourteenth chapter of 1 Corinthians, Paul rates the superiority of prophesying over that of speaking in tongues. There are those who say that “tongues” is angel-speak, or a type of divine language spoken between the person and God, and although that might be true in some special set of circumstances the clear meaning here is that of one spoken among the diverse human family (Cp. 1 Corinthians 14: 10-11). This can be further proven as in the following below:
Acts 2: 2, 4, 6-8
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues [languages], as the Spirit gave them utterance. And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and was confused [confounded/perplexed], because everyone heard them [the disciples] speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans [normally speaking a dialect of northern Aramaic]? “And how is it that we hear, each in our own language [dialect] in which we were born?”
So while it is certainly proper for a believer in the church assembly to be directed by the Holy Spirit to speak in a tongue, it is for the sole purpose to bring the knowledge of salvation to an unbeliever who is assembled, but the words have to be spoken by one who interprets; or the Holy Spirit may chose to reveal the word of truth to the unbeliever without any human agency if He decides to do it in that manner. It is however, a little surprising when quite a few Evangelical and Pentecostal Churches frequently manifest the gift of speaking in tongues without an interpreter, and not only that, they don’t appear to realize that it is more an act of self-gratification [edification] as opposed to speaking understandable words of grace that will uplift and edify the body of believers, as in prophesying. In fact the Apostle Paul writes that we should earnestly desire prophesying out of all the spiritual gifts (Cp. 1 Corinthians 14: 1).
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
August 14, 2011
robertrandle51@yahoo.com
Acts 2: 38, 41a
Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized into the name of Jesus Christ [Yeshua Moshiach] for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Then those who gladly received his word were baptized.
1 Corinthians 12: 1, 4
Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant [without understanding or guidelines]. There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
1 Corinthians 14: 1-5, 9-13
Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification. So likewise, unless you speak by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken; for you will be speaking into the air? There are, as it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world, and none of them is without significance [meaning]. Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be a foreigner to him who speaks, and he who speaks will be a foreigner to me. Even so you, since you are zealous [eager] for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel. Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret.
1 Corinthians 14: 15-17, 19
What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the Spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding [interpretation]. I will also sing with the Spirit, I will also sing with the understanding. Otherwise, if you bless with the Spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed [unbeliever or one who does have the spirit of discernment] say “Amen” at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say? For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified. I thank my God that I speak with tongues more than you all; yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.
1 Corinthians 14: 22-25, 27-28, 39
Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe. Therefore if [when] the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind? But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all. And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you. If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in the church, and let him speak to himself and God. Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not prevent [forbid, resist or discourage] to speak in tongues.
COMMENTARY: This encapsulates the directives that the Apostle Paul, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit taught to the Church at Corinth. In at least four instances in the fourteenth chapter of 1 Corinthians, Paul rates the superiority of prophesying over that of speaking in tongues. There are those who say that “tongues” is angel-speak, or a type of divine language spoken between the person and God, and although that might be true in some special set of circumstances the clear meaning here is that of one spoken among the diverse human family (Cp. 1 Corinthians 14: 10-11). This can be further proven as in the following below:
Acts 2: 2, 4, 6-8
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues [languages], as the Spirit gave them utterance. And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and was confused [confounded/perplexed], because everyone heard them [the disciples] speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans [normally speaking a dialect of northern Aramaic]? “And how is it that we hear, each in our own language [dialect] in which we were born?”
So while it is certainly proper for a believer in the church assembly to be directed by the Holy Spirit to speak in a tongue, it is for the sole purpose to bring the knowledge of salvation to an unbeliever who is assembled, but the words have to be spoken by one who interprets; or the Holy Spirit may chose to reveal the word of truth to the unbeliever without any human agency if He decides to do it in that manner. It is however, a little surprising when quite a few Evangelical and Pentecostal Churches frequently manifest the gift of speaking in tongues without an interpreter, and not only that, they don’t appear to realize that it is more an act of self-gratification [edification] as opposed to speaking understandable words of grace that will uplift and edify the body of believers, as in prophesying. In fact the Apostle Paul writes that we should earnestly desire prophesying out of all the spiritual gifts (Cp. 1 Corinthians 14: 1).
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
August 14, 2011
robertrandle51@yahoo.com
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Is Christ divided?
There used to be an old saying in the Church which went something like this: “If we can’t get together down here on Earth then how are we gong to be able to get together up there [in Heaven]?” It is an important matter to consider because it cuts right to the heart of one of the biggest problems among Christian denominations, and this is having a ‘spirit’ of sectarianism [division]. It seems that most, if not all Christian Churches are administered or directed by a some creed, a governing body, charter, regional presbytery or brotherhood, or ecclesiastical council which claims apostolic succession; or in some cases an individual may say that God or Jesus personally leads them in guiding the Church. Along with that, each congregational church, even those who are non-affiliated [NA] defend their faith practices and doctrine as not being subject to any ‘exogenous’ [outside their group] theological scrutiny and Spiritual admonition because they are distinctly and uniquely autonomous in organizational structure and hierarchy. Later in this study will be a comparison of the faith practices of three different churches, but before getting to that it is imperative to search the Holy Scriptures and have the Spirit of God reveal how the Christian Church handled such matters from its beginning.
1 Corinthians 1: 12-13
Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul” or “I am of Cephas” or “I am of Apollos” or “I am of Christ.” “Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?”
NOTE: To put it into a modern context, the people attached themselves to a particular church leader and apostle, or rejected them altogether and claimed to be led by Jesus Himself [through the Holy Spirit??]. This is no different than believers ‘only’ worshipping and fellowshipping with those Christians who belong to their Church-The Church of Paul; The Church of Cephas; The Church of Apollos; or even the Church of Christ. The apostle Paul asked 3 short but poignant questions: Is Jesus [Christ] divided? Was Paul [Pastor, Elder, Bishop, Evangelist, Brother, Apostle or Reverend] crucified for you? Were you baptized in so and so’s name, and more importantly, was he crucified for you? The way some believers unduly esteem and honor their pastors/preachers [beyond what is written] you would think the answers to those questions are a resounding yes.
1 Corinthians 3: 4a, 5, 9
For you are still carnal [walking in the flesh]. For when one says, “I am of Paul” and another, “I am of Apollos” are you not carnal [fleshly]?” For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building.
NOTE: The last part of verse 9 expands the concept beyond just a particular congregation or denomination but includes “everyone” who is in the body of Christ. However, some will say that they follow the teachings of their Reverend Paul or Pastor Apollos as through some spiritual proxy of ownership; instead of just accepting them as laborers in the LORD and mere men. But before I get ahead of myself I want to draw the reader’s attention to the following:
1 Corinthians 1: 2
To the church of God which is at Corinth; to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus [Yeshua Moshiach], called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our LORD, both theirs and ours.
NOTE: No sectarian spirit here. The Church included: those sanctified in Christ Jesus, those called to be saints, and those who call upon the name of the LORD in “every” place [not just in Corinth].
1 Corinthians 4: 17
For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the LORD, who will remind you of my ways in Christ [Moshiach], as I teach everywhere in every Church.
NOTE: Timothy had the apostolic commission delegated to him from Paul to go to various churches and correct anything that might be contrary to his ways in Christ, even though Timothy was not a “member” of that Church. Not only that, but the Apostle Paul himself went to or wrote every Church teaching the gospel or settling other matters of the faith.
Colossians 1: 1-2, 4-6a, 7
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother: To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ [Moshiach] who are in Colosse. Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints; because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of truth of the gospel, which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as you also learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf.
Colossians 4: 7-8, 16
Tychicus a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the LORD, will tell you all the news about me. I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts. Now when this epistle is read among you, see to it that it is also read in the Church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.
NOTE: The Church at Colosse wasn’t even started by the apostle Paul but yet he still was concerned with the progress of the saints there as well as the believers in Laodicea. The Scriptures don’t reveal much about the organizational structures, faith practices and leadership of these congregations but it seemed that the one thing they had in common was a relationship in Jesus Christ instead of worrying about having the ‘right’ denominational church name.
1 Corinthians 12: 12-13a, 20, 27
*For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ [Moshiach]. For by one Spirit were all baptized into one body.* But now indeed there are many members but one body. Now you are [all] the body of Christ, and members individually [in the congregations or churches].
Now its time to make a comparison of the “Statement of Faith” among three Christian denominations [The Open Bible Church, Seventh-day Adventist Church and Christian Center Church] to see what are their common beliefs.
1. A belief in the inspiration of Scripture (Cp. 2 Timothy 3: 16).
2. A belief in “The Trinity” (Cp. Matthew 28: 19).
3. The Fall of Man (Cp. Romans 5: 12-19).
4. The resurrection of Christ (Cp. 1 Corinthians 15: 1-20).
5. The New Birth/Salvation (Cp. John 3: 3, 16; Romans 10: 10-17).
6. The belief of Church relationships (Cp. Acts 2: 47; Ephesians 1: 22-23; 2: 19-22; Hebrews 10: 24-25).
7. Baptism in water (Cp. Matthew 28: 19-20; Romans 6: 1-6; 8: 12-17; 10: 44-46; 11: 14-16; 15: 7-9; 16: 30-33; 22: 16; Colossians 2: 12-13).
8. THE LORD’S SUPPER (Cp. 1 Corinthians 10: 16-17; 11: 23-30; 2 Corinthians 13: 5).
9. The gifts of the Holy Spirit (Cp. Romans 12: 4-8; 1 Corinthians 12: 1-31; Galatians 5: 22-23; Ephesians 4: 8, 11-16; 1 Peter 4: 10-11).
10. Sanctification of the Christian life (Cp. Romans 6: 11-14, 19-20; 12: 1-2; Ephesians 5: 2-23; 1 Thessalonians 5: 23; 2 Corinthians 6: 14 thru 7: 1; 10: 1-6; 1 Peter 3: 1-4).
11. The Second Coming of Christ/Rapture of the Church (Cp. Matthew 24: 14, 27-44; 1 Thessalonians 1: 5-10; 4: 13-18; Titus 2: 12-13; Revelation 1: 7; 14: 14-20; 19: 11-21; 2 Thessalonians 1: 7-10).
12. The Final Judgment (Cp. Matthew 13: 41-43; 25:46; Revelation 19: 20; 20: 11-15; 21: 1-5; Malachi 4: 1, 3).
13. The New Heaven and Earth (Cp. 2 Peter 3: 13; Revelation 21: 1).
COMMENTARY: Of course this brief list does not exhaust some more of the worship practices and teachings that these churches share with one another, or even the differences, like: divine healings, Sabbath worship, and Holy Ghost baptism, eternal punishment, The Great Commission, sanctity of Marriage/Family, the atonement of Christ, grace [faith] vs. works, “feet-washing”; just to name a few. What it does show is that in some of the most important theological or hermeneutical themes there is a basis for dialogue and interaction [fellowship] rather than isolation and avoidance. Interestingly, the Scriptures that the different Churches use during the collection of tithes and offerings [Cp. 2 Corinthians 8: 1-22, 24] have its basis with the Gentile believers sending assistance to their believing Jewish counterparts in Jerusalem [whom they have never met].
It is clear from the book of Acts [Cp. Acts 15: 1-5, 13, 19-29] and elsewhere in the New Testament [Cp. Romans 15: 25-28] that there were two distinctly different Churches in Christ; one Jewish and the other Gentile but it did not prevent the Apostle Paul from encouraging cooperation, recognition, and relationships among these believers. “Does this mean that a believer should fellowship anyone who claims to be of God, certainly not [Cp. 1 John 4: 1, 6; 1 Corinthians 2: 12-16; Ephesians 5: 11; 1 Timothy 4: 1-2; 2 Peter 2: 1-3]!” The Apostle Paul was accused of being associated with a ‘sect’ of the “Nazarenes” [Heb. ‘nazar’-to separate or consecrate oneself; Cp. Acts 24: 5] and they might have been the same ultra-conservative Jews who came from the Church of James [Cp. Acts 15: 1, 13, 19; 22: 18; Galatians 2: 12] in Jerusalem. The Apostles Peter and Paul had a controversy over the very issue of fellowship among the Jewish and Gentile believers [Churches], as in the following:
Galatians 2: 11-13a, 14
Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed; for before certain men came from James, he would eat [share in a fellowship ‘seder’ {meal}] with the Gentiles, but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision [another or different church]. And the rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite with him. But when I saw they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all, “If you, being a Jew, live in the manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews, why do you compel the Gentiles to live as Jews?”
NOTE: The Antioch Church was comprised of “Hellenists” who are Jews by ethnicity but in language as well as custom they are Greeks, and thus are considered Gentiles.
Lastly, there are those preachers or church leaders who appear rule their congregation or flock with a rod-of-iron and are not as agreeable to open fellowship with the saints of another Christian Church, perhaps out of a fear of losing some members or maybe prestige, church position and influence; perhaps it is even out of resistance to an admonition regarding a disciplinary issue that needs correction; as in The Church of Diotrephes:
3 John 5: 9-10
I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence [ruler ship or authority] among them, does not receive us. Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating [talking] about us with malicious words [slander, lies]. And not content with that, he himself does not receive [fellowship] the brethren [other saints], and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church.
I wonder if there is an autonomous, Evangelical or Fundamental Christian Church of Diotrephes out there somewhere in Christendom today? Christ broke down the middle wall of partition separating the Jews and Gentiles [Cp. Ephesians 2: 11, 13-14] but it seems that doctrinal barriers as well as tradition have been erected among the Christian Churches of today to impede the saints from fellowshipping one another, and enjoy the rich diversity of faith practices and worship that exists in the body of Christ.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
August 9, 2011
robertrandle51@yahoo.com
1 Corinthians 1: 12-13
Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul” or “I am of Cephas” or “I am of Apollos” or “I am of Christ.” “Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?”
NOTE: To put it into a modern context, the people attached themselves to a particular church leader and apostle, or rejected them altogether and claimed to be led by Jesus Himself [through the Holy Spirit??]. This is no different than believers ‘only’ worshipping and fellowshipping with those Christians who belong to their Church-The Church of Paul; The Church of Cephas; The Church of Apollos; or even the Church of Christ. The apostle Paul asked 3 short but poignant questions: Is Jesus [Christ] divided? Was Paul [Pastor, Elder, Bishop, Evangelist, Brother, Apostle or Reverend] crucified for you? Were you baptized in so and so’s name, and more importantly, was he crucified for you? The way some believers unduly esteem and honor their pastors/preachers [beyond what is written] you would think the answers to those questions are a resounding yes.
1 Corinthians 3: 4a, 5, 9
For you are still carnal [walking in the flesh]. For when one says, “I am of Paul” and another, “I am of Apollos” are you not carnal [fleshly]?” For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building.
NOTE: The last part of verse 9 expands the concept beyond just a particular congregation or denomination but includes “everyone” who is in the body of Christ. However, some will say that they follow the teachings of their Reverend Paul or Pastor Apollos as through some spiritual proxy of ownership; instead of just accepting them as laborers in the LORD and mere men. But before I get ahead of myself I want to draw the reader’s attention to the following:
1 Corinthians 1: 2
To the church of God which is at Corinth; to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus [Yeshua Moshiach], called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our LORD, both theirs and ours.
NOTE: No sectarian spirit here. The Church included: those sanctified in Christ Jesus, those called to be saints, and those who call upon the name of the LORD in “every” place [not just in Corinth].
1 Corinthians 4: 17
For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the LORD, who will remind you of my ways in Christ [Moshiach], as I teach everywhere in every Church.
NOTE: Timothy had the apostolic commission delegated to him from Paul to go to various churches and correct anything that might be contrary to his ways in Christ, even though Timothy was not a “member” of that Church. Not only that, but the Apostle Paul himself went to or wrote every Church teaching the gospel or settling other matters of the faith.
Colossians 1: 1-2, 4-6a, 7
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother: To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ [Moshiach] who are in Colosse. Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints; because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of truth of the gospel, which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as you also learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf.
Colossians 4: 7-8, 16
Tychicus a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the LORD, will tell you all the news about me. I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts. Now when this epistle is read among you, see to it that it is also read in the Church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.
NOTE: The Church at Colosse wasn’t even started by the apostle Paul but yet he still was concerned with the progress of the saints there as well as the believers in Laodicea. The Scriptures don’t reveal much about the organizational structures, faith practices and leadership of these congregations but it seemed that the one thing they had in common was a relationship in Jesus Christ instead of worrying about having the ‘right’ denominational church name.
1 Corinthians 12: 12-13a, 20, 27
*For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ [Moshiach]. For by one Spirit were all baptized into one body.* But now indeed there are many members but one body. Now you are [all] the body of Christ, and members individually [in the congregations or churches].
Now its time to make a comparison of the “Statement of Faith” among three Christian denominations [The Open Bible Church, Seventh-day Adventist Church and Christian Center Church] to see what are their common beliefs.
1. A belief in the inspiration of Scripture (Cp. 2 Timothy 3: 16).
2. A belief in “The Trinity” (Cp. Matthew 28: 19).
3. The Fall of Man (Cp. Romans 5: 12-19).
4. The resurrection of Christ (Cp. 1 Corinthians 15: 1-20).
5. The New Birth/Salvation (Cp. John 3: 3, 16; Romans 10: 10-17).
6. The belief of Church relationships (Cp. Acts 2: 47; Ephesians 1: 22-23; 2: 19-22; Hebrews 10: 24-25).
7. Baptism in water (Cp. Matthew 28: 19-20; Romans 6: 1-6; 8: 12-17; 10: 44-46; 11: 14-16; 15: 7-9; 16: 30-33; 22: 16; Colossians 2: 12-13).
8. THE LORD’S SUPPER (Cp. 1 Corinthians 10: 16-17; 11: 23-30; 2 Corinthians 13: 5).
9. The gifts of the Holy Spirit (Cp. Romans 12: 4-8; 1 Corinthians 12: 1-31; Galatians 5: 22-23; Ephesians 4: 8, 11-16; 1 Peter 4: 10-11).
10. Sanctification of the Christian life (Cp. Romans 6: 11-14, 19-20; 12: 1-2; Ephesians 5: 2-23; 1 Thessalonians 5: 23; 2 Corinthians 6: 14 thru 7: 1; 10: 1-6; 1 Peter 3: 1-4).
11. The Second Coming of Christ/Rapture of the Church (Cp. Matthew 24: 14, 27-44; 1 Thessalonians 1: 5-10; 4: 13-18; Titus 2: 12-13; Revelation 1: 7; 14: 14-20; 19: 11-21; 2 Thessalonians 1: 7-10).
12. The Final Judgment (Cp. Matthew 13: 41-43; 25:46; Revelation 19: 20; 20: 11-15; 21: 1-5; Malachi 4: 1, 3).
13. The New Heaven and Earth (Cp. 2 Peter 3: 13; Revelation 21: 1).
COMMENTARY: Of course this brief list does not exhaust some more of the worship practices and teachings that these churches share with one another, or even the differences, like: divine healings, Sabbath worship, and Holy Ghost baptism, eternal punishment, The Great Commission, sanctity of Marriage/Family, the atonement of Christ, grace [faith] vs. works, “feet-washing”; just to name a few. What it does show is that in some of the most important theological or hermeneutical themes there is a basis for dialogue and interaction [fellowship] rather than isolation and avoidance. Interestingly, the Scriptures that the different Churches use during the collection of tithes and offerings [Cp. 2 Corinthians 8: 1-22, 24] have its basis with the Gentile believers sending assistance to their believing Jewish counterparts in Jerusalem [whom they have never met].
It is clear from the book of Acts [Cp. Acts 15: 1-5, 13, 19-29] and elsewhere in the New Testament [Cp. Romans 15: 25-28] that there were two distinctly different Churches in Christ; one Jewish and the other Gentile but it did not prevent the Apostle Paul from encouraging cooperation, recognition, and relationships among these believers. “Does this mean that a believer should fellowship anyone who claims to be of God, certainly not [Cp. 1 John 4: 1, 6; 1 Corinthians 2: 12-16; Ephesians 5: 11; 1 Timothy 4: 1-2; 2 Peter 2: 1-3]!” The Apostle Paul was accused of being associated with a ‘sect’ of the “Nazarenes” [Heb. ‘nazar’-to separate or consecrate oneself; Cp. Acts 24: 5] and they might have been the same ultra-conservative Jews who came from the Church of James [Cp. Acts 15: 1, 13, 19; 22: 18; Galatians 2: 12] in Jerusalem. The Apostles Peter and Paul had a controversy over the very issue of fellowship among the Jewish and Gentile believers [Churches], as in the following:
Galatians 2: 11-13a, 14
Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed; for before certain men came from James, he would eat [share in a fellowship ‘seder’ {meal}] with the Gentiles, but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision [another or different church]. And the rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite with him. But when I saw they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all, “If you, being a Jew, live in the manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews, why do you compel the Gentiles to live as Jews?”
NOTE: The Antioch Church was comprised of “Hellenists” who are Jews by ethnicity but in language as well as custom they are Greeks, and thus are considered Gentiles.
Lastly, there are those preachers or church leaders who appear rule their congregation or flock with a rod-of-iron and are not as agreeable to open fellowship with the saints of another Christian Church, perhaps out of a fear of losing some members or maybe prestige, church position and influence; perhaps it is even out of resistance to an admonition regarding a disciplinary issue that needs correction; as in The Church of Diotrephes:
3 John 5: 9-10
I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence [ruler ship or authority] among them, does not receive us. Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating [talking] about us with malicious words [slander, lies]. And not content with that, he himself does not receive [fellowship] the brethren [other saints], and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church.
I wonder if there is an autonomous, Evangelical or Fundamental Christian Church of Diotrephes out there somewhere in Christendom today? Christ broke down the middle wall of partition separating the Jews and Gentiles [Cp. Ephesians 2: 11, 13-14] but it seems that doctrinal barriers as well as tradition have been erected among the Christian Churches of today to impede the saints from fellowshipping one another, and enjoy the rich diversity of faith practices and worship that exists in the body of Christ.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
August 9, 2011
robertrandle51@yahoo.com
Monday, August 8, 2011
Will you also go away?
In the sixth chapter of the gospel of John, Jesus had just passed over the Sea of Galilee [Tiberias] and gone up on a mountain with His disciples. Jesus saw the multitudes approaching Him and told Andrew [Simon Peter’s brother] to make the people sit down in the grass and He took 5 barley loaves of bread and 2 fish [5+2=7], gave thanks, distributed them to the disciples and they meted out the food to the 5,000 people that were gathered there. On the next day Jesus crossed back over the Sea of Galilee and came to Capernaum [village of comfort/encourage].
In the synagogue [church] Jesus continues to expound on some really deep spiritual things such as eating His flesh [bread] and drinking His blood but their reaction and Jesus’ response is recorded in verses 60-61: Therefore many of His disciples [church people], when they heard this, said, “This is a hard saying; who can understand it?” When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples [church people] complained [grumbled] about this, He said to them, “Does this [teaching] offend you [cause you to stumble]?” Because His followers were spiritually blind and carnal-minded they could not grasp what Jesus was teaching, and sadly in verse 66, it reads: From that time many of His disciples [church people] went back [withdrew/went away] and walked with Him no more. Jesus was not literally talking about some kind of sadistic ritual of religious cannibalism, but rather offering a richer, deeper and more fulfilling relationship with Him in the Holy Spirit leading to eternal life (Cp. John 6: 53-54, 63).
What is quite instructional is mentioned in verse 64a: But there are some of you who do not believe [in the synagogue/church]. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe [past tense].
John 5: 40-41
“But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life. “But I know you, that you do not have the love of God in you.”
There is no record in the gospel of John of any of those disciples who fell away ever returning back to Jesus, but it is possible that some of them may have done so at a later time. The thing is Jesus already knows who in the church today never did believe in Him and when the word of God offends them because they cannot spiritually discern it, become uncomfortable, agitated and eventually will no longer walk with the LORD. But as Peter said in verse 68: LORD, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.
1 Peter 2: 7, 8b
Therefore, to you who believe, He [Jesus] is precious; but to those who are disobedient [disbelieve]. . . They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which also they were appointed.
Hebrews 10: 38-39
Now the just shall live by faith: But if anyone draws back [walks away from grace], My soul shall have no pleasure in Him. But we are not of those who draw back to perdition [everlasting destruction], but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.
Luke 7: 23
And blessed is he who is not offended [is not caused to stumbled] because of Me.
When Jesus finished feeding the multitude He said in John 6: 12a: “Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost.” This ties in perfectly with verse 39: “This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me that I should lose nothing, but shall raise it up at the last day.” Jesus also knows who belongs to Him and who is a “devil” (Cp. John 6: 70). Now what does it mean to be a ‘devil’? The Muslim religion has a very interesting definition for Satan or the Devil, and quite appropriately, as “one who separates.” Let’s see how this compares to the Christian Scriptures.
Proverbs 6: 16, 19b
These six things the LORD hates. Yes, seven are an abomination to Him. And one who sows discord [disunity/separation] among brethren.
Romans 16: 17
Now I urge you, brethren, note [reprove or expose] those who cause divisions [separations] and offenses, contrary to the doctrine [teaching/instruction] which you have learned and avoid them.
COMMENTARY: There are some worshippers in the Christian Church today who enjoy a pleasant service where the sermon is administered as a very soothing balm, like in Isaiah 30: 10b, which says: “Do not prophesy [proclaim] to us right things; speak unto us smooth things, things of deceit.” But it says in Hebrews 4: 12: For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow [body], and is a discerner [revealer] of the thoughts and intentions of the heart. There can only be one of two responses to hearing strong preaching of the word-repentance and contrition of heart or rebellion and hardness of heart resulting in falling away [rejection of truth and grace]. A person may still continue to assemble in the sanctuary and participate in worship, but there is no conviction of sin by the Holy Spirit. The Apostle James writes in chapter 1: 22-24: But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
August 7, 2011
robertrandle51@yahoo.com
In the synagogue [church] Jesus continues to expound on some really deep spiritual things such as eating His flesh [bread] and drinking His blood but their reaction and Jesus’ response is recorded in verses 60-61: Therefore many of His disciples [church people], when they heard this, said, “This is a hard saying; who can understand it?” When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples [church people] complained [grumbled] about this, He said to them, “Does this [teaching] offend you [cause you to stumble]?” Because His followers were spiritually blind and carnal-minded they could not grasp what Jesus was teaching, and sadly in verse 66, it reads: From that time many of His disciples [church people] went back [withdrew/went away] and walked with Him no more. Jesus was not literally talking about some kind of sadistic ritual of religious cannibalism, but rather offering a richer, deeper and more fulfilling relationship with Him in the Holy Spirit leading to eternal life (Cp. John 6: 53-54, 63).
What is quite instructional is mentioned in verse 64a: But there are some of you who do not believe [in the synagogue/church]. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe [past tense].
John 5: 40-41
“But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life. “But I know you, that you do not have the love of God in you.”
There is no record in the gospel of John of any of those disciples who fell away ever returning back to Jesus, but it is possible that some of them may have done so at a later time. The thing is Jesus already knows who in the church today never did believe in Him and when the word of God offends them because they cannot spiritually discern it, become uncomfortable, agitated and eventually will no longer walk with the LORD. But as Peter said in verse 68: LORD, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.
1 Peter 2: 7, 8b
Therefore, to you who believe, He [Jesus] is precious; but to those who are disobedient [disbelieve]. . . They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which also they were appointed.
Hebrews 10: 38-39
Now the just shall live by faith: But if anyone draws back [walks away from grace], My soul shall have no pleasure in Him. But we are not of those who draw back to perdition [everlasting destruction], but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.
Luke 7: 23
And blessed is he who is not offended [is not caused to stumbled] because of Me.
When Jesus finished feeding the multitude He said in John 6: 12a: “Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost.” This ties in perfectly with verse 39: “This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me that I should lose nothing, but shall raise it up at the last day.” Jesus also knows who belongs to Him and who is a “devil” (Cp. John 6: 70). Now what does it mean to be a ‘devil’? The Muslim religion has a very interesting definition for Satan or the Devil, and quite appropriately, as “one who separates.” Let’s see how this compares to the Christian Scriptures.
Proverbs 6: 16, 19b
These six things the LORD hates. Yes, seven are an abomination to Him. And one who sows discord [disunity/separation] among brethren.
Romans 16: 17
Now I urge you, brethren, note [reprove or expose] those who cause divisions [separations] and offenses, contrary to the doctrine [teaching/instruction] which you have learned and avoid them.
COMMENTARY: There are some worshippers in the Christian Church today who enjoy a pleasant service where the sermon is administered as a very soothing balm, like in Isaiah 30: 10b, which says: “Do not prophesy [proclaim] to us right things; speak unto us smooth things, things of deceit.” But it says in Hebrews 4: 12: For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow [body], and is a discerner [revealer] of the thoughts and intentions of the heart. There can only be one of two responses to hearing strong preaching of the word-repentance and contrition of heart or rebellion and hardness of heart resulting in falling away [rejection of truth and grace]. A person may still continue to assemble in the sanctuary and participate in worship, but there is no conviction of sin by the Holy Spirit. The Apostle James writes in chapter 1: 22-24: But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
August 7, 2011
robertrandle51@yahoo.com
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