The love of God is the culmination of wisdom …
But the fear of God is its beginning.
Author: Plumbline Faith
Simple Truths from a Lifetime of Service to the King of Kings
God’s into plumblines …
Not pendulums.
“Assembly” is probably the closest English word to “ekklesia,” which is the Greek word commonly mistranslated as “church” in our English Bibles.
But even “assembly” falls short.
When the New Testament was written, every city or province normally would have had its own ekklesia.
Each was a participatory assembly of local citizens, typically selected by the Emperor, who represented their communities and helped oversee local affairs under Roman authority.
For example, in Israel during Jesus’ time on Earth the local ekklesia under Roman rule was the Sanhedrin.
The internal function of each ekklesia, in their own locale, was democratic – with full participation and input by each member – just like a State assembly or town council today.
The idea of Christ building His ekklesia, therefore, was subversive to Roman ears, but fully in line with His further teachings on His Kingdom.
Unfortunately, “church” today has little to do – either as to form or function – with what “ekklesia” actually meant when the New Testament was written.
To really understand the Bible, we need to learn what it actually said when written, based on the meaning and context of the words used at the time …
Rather than reading back into those words our conflicting post-New Testament traditions and understandings.
Some believe God is so sovereign …
That He can’t choose to allow people to reject His grace.
Which means that they’re trying to protect His sovereignty …
By denying His sovereignty.
As a result, they’ve made an idol out of their own trans-Biblical, philosophical view of “sovereignty” …
Resulting in too low a view of God and His actual sovereignty.
Nonetheless, they compound their problems by then straining to filter all the rest of God’s Word – plus all the rest of life and everyone else – through the seeve of that core absurdity.
By so doing, they’ve become the arrogant new Pharisees of our day, captive to a dry intellectual edifice of their own creation …
Built on further absurdities heaped upon absurdities.
Is it any wonder, then, that it’s nearly impossible to find the joyous, dynamic life of Christ – or vibrant, multi-gifted Christian community – among them?
Although they are our brothers and sisters in Christ …
It’s time to recognize that they are our weaker siblings, rather than giving them the prominence they presume to demand among us.
There are many “Christian” idols in our churches these days.
For example, what most churches call “worship” …
Is mostly a contrived, manipulative affront to God.
And I’m not talking about styles of music …
But about turning “worship” into a “church service” rather than living lives of reverent obedience and sacrificial service to God.
Unfortunately, those unwilling to submit to how the New Testament actually defines worship and the focus of our gatherings …
Seldom even care.
And so they’ve elevated their own notions of worship above God Himself and what His Word actually says …
Thus ensnaring many in perpetual immaturity and carnality.
Until we discard the filter of “church” as we’ve come to know it …
We will never see church as the New Testament actually shows it.
In the New Testament, you can’t find – by command, precept, or example – what many call “church” these days.
Nope, not, nada …
Just ain’t there.
Instead, you see smaller, intentional, participatory fellowships which relate together in their own home towns as part of the local Body of Christ, with throughout-the-week community.
Continue readingWhile a true encounter with God will invoke intense emotions …
Many “churches” today try to invoke intense emotions then call it a true encounter with God.
It’s not.
It’s just fleshly manipulation masquerading as “worship.”
Big difference!
Ideas have consequences, as do doctrines …
Including the bad doctrine that doctrines don’t matter.
When the “Gospel” is reduced to a “decision” without repentance …
It, and anything that promotes it, is a lie.
Including “church.”
The greatest scandal with “church” these days …
Is preaching the “Gospel” of a Jesus who wants what you want.
Narcissists in power can be some of the most charming, inspiring people you know …
Until you cross them.
Beware of false dichotomies …
By which many are led astray.
Selfless living …
Springs from an attitude of gratitude.
Our greatest protections against repressive “progressives” …
Are the incarnation and the resurrection.
Because those who understand both …
Will never bend a knee to human tyranny.
Why the Cross?
Because even forgiveness demands justice …
And someone must always bear the cost.
Which is why cheap grace without repentance is still the preferred “gospel” …
Of carnal men today.
When the secular world does a better job responding to sexual abuse than your “church” …
And protecting the victims …
Isn’t it time to confront the fact that what you call “church” …
Really isn’t?
Existential “Christians” love the God they want …
Not the God who is.
Christ’s incarnation, ascension and promised return affirm we were not created to be detached spirits.
As His followers, we will always be physically embodied beings who exist in a material world.
That’s why mature disciples have hope for the future …
But remain well rounded and grounded in the present.
Any ideology rooted in unreality eventually becomes idolatry …
On whose altar all that is true, beautiful and good must be sacrificed.
The highest form of gratitude is not over what God does for you …
But what He allows you to do for others.
Without freedom, truth is tyranny …
And without truth, freedom is anarchy.
True repentance …
Brings transparency.
Mature disciples, along with those who are lost and know it, understand the inseparability of God’s:
Promises and warnings;
Forgiveness and judgment;
Mercy and wrath;
Love and truth;
Yeas and nays.
Fools, however, who elevate themselves above God and His written word of Scripture …
Don’t.
Worship.
People keep using that word.
But what they mean …
Is not what the New Testament means.
Which means they elevate their own understanding over God’s direct revelation …
And worship “worship” more than God Himself.
Plumbline Faith 