7.1Perspectives of Church

Perspectives of Church I am often asked about the basis on which I prescribe how church should function. Should I not just leave everyone to do church as they feel led by the Holy Spirit? The problem with that is that many people follow man-made traditions instead of the Holy Spirit. They might give it a modern look and say it is the Spirit of God, but instead it is just emotional hype which is far removed from what we read in Scripture. Does it matter to our King and Saviour how we do church? Contrary to popular belief, it does and therefore I do see a blueprint of church in Scripture. However, the task is for us to interpret the Scripture correctly. Interpreting Scripture starts off by understanding what the Bible is, and what it is not. Our understanding of the Bible affects not only how we practise Christianity, but also what we believe is the gospel. I understand that there are many of you that agree with most of what I have just stated here, but obviously not with everything; which is perfectly fine, as there is a good chance that I don’t have everything correct. However, there are many Christians that seem to have the attitude that when they disagree with one another, they will agree to disagree. That is an unfruitful attitude, because it prevents us from growing and learning. We should rather have the attitude that we might not see things the same way at this point, but be open to the Holy Spirit to use the different parts of the body to teach each other. Each view brings a different perspective on an issue, so that, when we bring these perspectives together, this may give us revelation which we would not have received by just looking at an issue from one perspective. If we are patient with each other, the Holy Spirit will bring us to the unity of the faith. However, the unity of the Holy Spirit will be hindered if we are not patient with each other and when we try to force our views on each other. We should allow the Spirit to teach us through each other even in our disagreements. James writes: Jas 1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: Jas 1:20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. (KJV) We have to understand that we don’t know all things, but we are to make every effort to know and understand what the Lord wants us to understand. Paul writes in: Eph 5:15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

Eph 5:16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Eph 5:17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. (KJV) The more we show ourselves faithful with the things that God reveals to us, the more God will bless us with His marvellous treasures in Christ Jesus. What has this got to do with how we do church? Paul writes: Eph 3:10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, Eph 3:11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: (KJV) God’s eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus, is, that the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church. Imagine this, that the manifold wisdom of God is being made known by the church! Paul even goes so far as to say in: 1Ti 3:15 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. (KJV) The church is the pillar and ground of truth. That is a very powerful statement and not something we can just brush aside. We ought to know how we are to conduct ourselves in the church, the house of God. The Spirit of truth reveals truth through the church. We therefore cannot afford to be blasé about how we do church. Looking at our modern types of church we can roughly identify three main streams or trends in the evangelical church today. First we have the institutional church, secondly we have the out-of-church type of church and thirdly we have what we call the organic church. These types are based on three totally different paradigms. Let me sum up each of these different church paradigms for you. The institutional church has a very religious and traditional emphasis. It has a place of worship, worship services and a hierarchy structure with a clear distinction between the clergy and the laity, with a great emphasis on the authority of the clergy. The institutional church is run by programmes. The undeniable truth about the institutional church is that it is built on money as it is

unable to function without it. Within the institutional church you will find various worship service styles, doctrinal differences and opinions which define the different denominations, but their structures and worship services follow the same basic principles as stated above. Usually, to be part of and to function in a particular church structure you need to adhere to pretty much all of that 1. particular church’s theology and dogma. The out-of-church, is based on individual experiences and revelations. It has no division of clergy and laity but are often guru driven. What I mean by guru driven is that the members place great importance on listening to professional bible teachers, either via social media or by reading books written by them. The out-of-church model has no formal structure or programmes, but functions by sharing knowledge, experiences or so-called liberating truths. Many of them would not like to be labelled out-of-church, as the very nature of being out-ofchurch is not to be placed in any box or category. They sometimes visit institutional churches and home or organic churches alike, but do not commit to any group. The reason for that, is that they, rightly, see themselves as part of the whole body of Christ, and so they say, “Why should we divide ourselves in order to belong to any particular group?” However, this correct analysis of the problem, does not necessarily lead to the correct solution. They don’t see the need for true body life commitment. The concept of true body life where believers can take care of and be responsible for each other as members of Christ’s body, is not adhered to by people in this model. Rather, they fellowship with only those who are like-minded, and only as long as it seems mutually 1. beneficial to them. The organic church is sometimes called the home church or ekklesia church. It has no place of worship, or traditional worship services, but differs from the outof-church model in that it does have official meetings. These meetings are interactive and actually judicial in form. The meetings may have a loose structure and are not programmed or clergy-led. The organic churches that are healthy are not guru driven but rather are relationship driven. This kind of church model is distinctly relationship-based, and is unable to function without close brotherly love. Within the organic churches like those of the institutional churches, many have various doctrinal differences and opinions; however, they are more tolerant of doctrinal differences within these fellowships. They don’t allow these differences to divide them from each other; they would rather challenge each other in a gentle and loving way in order to grow in the grace of 1. our Lord. All three of these church paradigms claim that they are Christ-centred. It may be

true that a lot is spoken about Christ in all three of these types, but these claims are not necessarily an indication of them being Christ-centred. Being Christcentred means to be focused on what matters to Christ and His kingdom. The very life of Christ is not expressed by ideas, or revelations, or strategies, or programmes, or charismatic personalities. The life of Christ is about being part of His body, the household (family) of God, with Christ as the head. The household of God is the body of believers called the body of Christ whose purpose is to seek and establish the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God is not what God does for us, but about Christ being the centre of our lives and the ruler of our hearts. Being Christ-centred takes the focus away from man and 1. places it on Christ. It might not be so in all cases, but you often find that in the institutional church, the message is about the needs of people and how God is obliged to meet, or is focussed on meeting those needs in Christ. In return, all that is required from the members is to perform by faith, demonstrated either through their financial giving, dedication to church programmes, or religious observation of their 1. denominational ideology. The out-of-church movement’s view of Christ-centeredness is not always easily clear-cut, as it has aspects both of the view of the institutional church, as well as that of healthy organic churches. However, some people in the out-of-church movement don’t see how a family of believers can actually play a role in their walk, and for some, being involved with other Christians is seen as only a distraction. In contrast to both these views, the organic church that functions healthily, centres its focus on the kingdom of God and Christ’s rule in our hearts 1. as executed by His body – the church. Although these summaries are generalisations, they are not unfounded. This is clear when you consider the kind of narrative that is used by those who promote each type of church. What is interesting to note, is that the paradigms behind these three types are greatly influenced by the way they read and interpret the Bible and the value the Bible has in their Christian experience. Before we look at a biblical perspective of the Bible, let’s briefly summarise the view of the 1. adherents of each of these three paradigms. From the institutional church’s perspective, the Bible is often called the Word of God. Unfortunately, this does not guarantee that their practices line up with what they call the Word of God. Numerous members of the institutional church are quite inconsistent in their approach to the Bible. They pick and choose those Scriptures that suit their world-view. They find texts to verify their ideas and

then oblige their followers to agree with them by telling them that this is what the Word of God says. Yet, when it comes to passages that contradict their world-view they spiritualize them, sweep them under the carpet of the cultural context, and manipulate the Scriptures till the passages become completely unrecognizable. If that does not get the desired result, they simply ignore them, stating that there are more important issues to consider. This demonstrates the inconsistency between what they say and what they practise when it comes to 1. viewing the Bible as the “Word of God”. The out-of-church people have a very simplified approach to the Bible. For many of them, the Bible is not the Word of God. They do see its value in gaining knowledge and understanding, but consider that it’s not necessary to line up one’s world-view accordingly. To them the Holy Spirit is sent to us to “teach us all things”. Even though those in the out-of-church movement would not admit this, in practice their following the “Spirit” is merely doing what feels right to them. They don’t see any need to adjust their view according to Scripture, as it is generally seen as relative to anyone’s interpretation. For them, to be obliged to follow any Scripture is of no real value to the Spirit life. Some of them would mistakenly consider what Paul said: “the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life” as referring to all Scripture and not only to the Law of Moses. The organic church’s way of approaching the Bible, could easily be confused with both of these two approaches when viewed superficially. That’s why we need the following four sections in this chapter in which to clarify some of the points that I am briefly going to make now. Many who are part of the home church do not necessarily see the Bible as the Word of God, but rather as the Holy Scriptures. What is the difference? That I’ll get into shortly, but for now I can confirm that those who see the Bible as the Holy Scriptures have a greater sense of obligation to follow the instructions of Scripture more accurately than the adherents of the institutional church. However, like those who are part of the out-of-church movement, they understand that following the Scriptures without the life of the Spirit are dead works. Those who understand the Bible as the Holy Scriptures have a unique understanding of what is meant by all Scripture being inspired by the Holy Spirit. It might seem contradictory, but they don’t necessarily understand the term “inspired by the Holy Spirit” to mean the same thing as the Word of God. By understanding the Bible as the Holy Scripture instead of as the Word of God, they implement a logical and consistent approach to the cultural and historical contexts of various passages in Scripture. The way we approach Scripture has a great influence on whether we are able to discern Bible teachers’ and church

leaders’ motives. This discernment will protect Christians from wandering fruitlessly in the darkness of man’s opinions and doctrinal fads. Act 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. (NKJV)

1. This perspective is based on my personal dialogues and email correspondence I had with various leaders in these groups.

7.2The Word of God

The Word of God In dealing with the topic of Scripture’s being the Word of God, please don’t jump to a conclusion at this point as you might completely misunderstand me. I believe the Bible is inspired by the Holy Spirit and is therefore above all of man’s doctrines, opinions, and perspectives regarding our walk with Christ and church practices. However, I do question the motive behind calling the Bible the Word of God while acting on it as though it is merely a suggestive guideline… making God’s Word of no effect through our traditions. The very people, who argue that the Bible is the Word of God, tend to be the very people who pick and choose from the Bible, according to whatever suits their own worldview, and then ignore other Scriptures as irrelevant or trivialize their importance. What is interesting to note is that you will NOT find one passage of Scripture that actually states that the Bible or the Scriptures are the Word of God. Nevertheless, there do seem to be some Scriptures that some people will say implies this. So let’s have a look at one of these passages that many claim does state that Scripture is the Word of God. It is found in: 2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 2Ti 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (KJV) The phrase “inspiration of God” is translated from the Greek word theopneustos 1. which literally means God breathed. God breathed is used in the Bible to mean God gives life to or empowers something or someone. However, one does not find a single Scripture reference that would validate the notion that God breathed also means God’s Word. That is why God breathed is correctly translated to mean inspired of God instead of the Word of God. I know that this probably doesn’t make sense, but bear with me; it will become clearer shortly. To get our minds around this, we would need to properly define the term the Word of God. All the uses of the phrase: the Word of God in the Scriptures, are of instances where God actually spoke about something, either through a vision, or an angel or a prophet, for example, in: Gen 15:1 After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. (KJV)

2Ki 9:36 Wherefore they came again, and told him. And he said, This is the word of the LORD, which he spake by his servant Elijah the Tishbite, saying, In the portion of Jezreel shall dogs eat the flesh of Jezebel: (KJV) The following verse helps us distinguish between the terms Scripture and the Word of God: 1Sa 3:1 And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision. (KJV) This passage makes it clear that while the priests had the written Scriptures of Moses, the “word of the LORD” was rare in those days. This is a clear indication to us that the word of the Lord did not mean the same as Scripture to the priests and the prophets in the Old Testament. Another point to consider is the fact that there are many strange and even obscure events in Scripture, for instance the apostles having a disagreement. We cannot say that these recorded instances, themselves, were things that God spoke. They were merely things that happened which the Holy Spirit led the writers to record for our benefit. Even Paul made a distinction between what he wrote by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God in the following instances: 1Co 7:12 But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. (KJV) 1Co 7:25 Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful. (KJV) There are things written in Scripture that are the words of God, such as when the prophets spoke God’s words. These instances are indicated by the phrase: “the word of the Lord came ….” In that instance, God inspired the prophets to record His words. I have to emphasise, that the Word of God means spoken by God whereas God breathed means inspired by God or life from God. The phrase life from God simply means that God has breathed life into Scripture. For instance, an artist may be inspired to paint a scene from nature. The painting is not the actual scene but only an expression of the artist. In the same way, God’s Spirit inspired the writers of the Bible to write certain things, but only some of the things that were recorded are the actual words of God. The Scriptures therefore, as Paul taught Timothy, are used to teach doctrine, to

test doctrine, to correct behaviour and to teach us about righteousness. Scripture is there to test whether what people claim is from God, is truly from God, as the Spirit will not contradict Himself. This means that when the saints prophesy, they should not go against what is written in Scripture; for Scripture is inspired by the same Spirit Who has given them a word. For instance Paul writes: 1Th 5:19 Quench not the Spirit. 1Th 5:20 Despise not prophesyings. 1Th 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. (KJV) John confirms this in: 1Jn 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. (KJV) On the other hand, doesn’t testing a word of prophecy with Scripture not confirm that Scripture is the Word of God? Let us explore a passage that does seem to imply this, in: Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (KJV) When we look at the context though, we read that the author of Hebrews was discussing entering God’s rest. To make his point, he quotes a prophetic word from Psalm 95: Heb 4:7 Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. (KJV) The word of God in this context has to do with God speaking through the prophet. The word of God is living and powerful. When God speaks to us it is like a two-edged sword, dividing that which is soulish from that which is spiritual. Saying this, take note that the author of Hebrews was not referring to the whole Bible, but to those passages that record what God actually spoke. Paul illustrated this when he taught about the gift of prophecy, in: 1Co 14:24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one

unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: 1Co 14:25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth. (KJV) Reading a passage of Scripture to the church doesn’t mean that the reader is giving a word of prophecy which would be the word of God for those hearing it. All Scripture is inspired by the Holy Spirit, but not everything that is in Scripture is the Word of God. Do you see the difference? I will repeat the point that the word of God that is recorded in Scripture is that utterance that God has made either through an angel or through a prophet for a specific audience for a specific reason. A recorded event in Scripture is not the word of God even though the Spirit inspired the writers to record those events for us. This leads us to investigate the difference between the Greek words, logos and rhema, that are translated as “the word” in English. Some Bible teachers give a simple explanation by suggesting that logos means the written word and rhema means the spoken word. However, that distinction is not made in Scripture. A more accurate distinction is that rhema is a distinct revelation or word relating to a particular situation or person, whereas logos is the complete mind or 2. thought of God’s will behind the revelation. An example of God’s logos would be that people should not commit adultery; whereas God’s rhema would be to a particular person who is in an adulterous relationship. In other words, the rhema of God might be that God says to this person that if he does not repent of the adulterous relationship he will lose his family, his job and get fatally ill. This however is not the case for everyone, even though the logos for all people is that they should not commit adultery. During the Roman Empire the Greeks understood rhema to mean a general discussion of a subject, whereas logos was seen as the expression of precise 2. ideas and concepts. The apostle John reveals a new dynamic to this distinction by calling Jesus the Word or Logos of God. Joh 1:1 In the beginning was the Word [logos], and the Word [logos] was with God, and the Word was God. Joh 1:2 The same was in the beginning with God. Joh 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. (KJV) In this personification of Jesus as the Word of God the true meaning of logos is

captured by the following words: Joh 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. (KJV) The Logos who is the complete and precise mind and thought of God was in the bosom of the Father, and He declares to us who the Father really is. Jesus is the Word, the Logos of God. We can only know the Father through His expressed Word in the person of Jesus Christ. Scripture only tells us about God, but Jesus lets us know God intimately. Without Christ, the Logos of God, Scripture is a dead religious book. Saying this there are those who believe all scriptures or the bible is the Word of God, and so it is the Bible that became flesh in the man Jesus. This is obscurely wrong and no Scripture supports this. Even Jesus said in: Joh 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. Joh 5:40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. (KJV) With Christ, Scripture is “profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, instruction in righteousness that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. Without Christ, trying to follow the Bible, is but an empty dead pursued of a religion without life.

1. Vine’ s New Testament “Inspired Of God”, e-Sword 13.0.0 2. Vine’ s New Testament “word”, e-Sword 13.0.0

7.3Church Foundation

Church Foundation This brings us back to how we do church. Does it matter to God how we do church and, for that matter, who determines how we do church? Paul writes in: Eph 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; Eph 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; Eph 2:21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: Eph 2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. (KJV) Paul makes a rather strong statement when it comes to the church being built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. Our English word, apostle, 1. comes from the Greek word apostolos literally meaning “sent out”. Apostles are the delegates of a king whose task is to establish his kingdom wherever they have been sent. For instance, look at Jesus’ command when he sent out the apostles, in: Mat 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Mat 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (KJV) When the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples and the church was born, we read the following, in: Act 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. Act 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. (KJV) 2.

The Greek word for doctrine is didaché and means teaching . The church continued in the apostle’s teachings as Christ commanded. What’s interesting to note is that the church did not only follow the apostle’s teachings but also

their traditions as the following passages state: 2Th 2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. (KJV) 2Th 3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. (KJV) Paul went so far as to say, in: 2Th 3:14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. 2Th 3:15 Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. (KJV) Paul placed great importance on the apostolic writings, to the point of saying that whoever does not obey the apostles’ letters should be isolated from the church in order to put them to shame. Paul also praised those in the church who followed the traditions that they delivered to them, in: 1Co 11:2 Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you. (KJV) The Greek word for tradition is paradosis, which means a handing down of 3. values and practices . From a plain reading of Scripture, it’s clear that we are to follow the apostles’ values and church practices. Some would quibble because the Lord and His apostles also taught us not to follow traditions: Col 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. (KJV) Peter even writes in: 1Pe 1:18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 1Pe 1:19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: (KJV) Jesus goes so far as to say in:

Mat 15:3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? Mat 15:4 For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. Mat 15:5 But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; Mat 15:6 And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. (KJV) Yet, as we read these passages from Christ, Paul, and Peter, we can see that they were talking about man-made traditions that were not inspired by God. At the time the Jewish oral traditions were commentaries and interpretations of God’s commandments and Scriptures. Later on, these were written in a format called the Talmud. There are therefore traditions created by man, for his own agenda, and then there are traditions that are inspired by God’s Spirit, for an important purpose. From a New Testament perspective, the apostles’ traditions were not manmade, but were inspired by the Holy Spirit. Unfortunately, the institutional church has formulated new man-made traditions that have turned us away from the apostles’ traditions as laid out in Scripture. So, part of the foundation of the church needs to be based on the apostles’ teachings and the apostles’ traditions but not the traditions of man. That explains the foundation of the apostles, but where do the prophets come in? We read in: Rev 19:10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. (KJV) The prophetic words of Scripture centre on the testimony of Jesus. Jesus revealed this fact to two of His disciples in: Luk 24:25 Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Luk 24:26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? Luk 24:27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. (KJV)

Peter said the following, in: Act 10:42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. Act 10:43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. (KJV) Peter also wrote in: 2Pe 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 2Pe 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 2Pe 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (KJV) The Spirit behind the prophetic words in Scripture is Jesus Christ. The church is built on the revelation of Jesus as the anointed King, as prophesied in the Old Testament. As we meditate on the prophetic Scriptures about Christ, God’s mystery that was hidden at times past will be illuminated in our hearts. Paul writes in: Eph 3:1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, Eph 3:2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: Eph 3:3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Eph 3:4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Eph 3:5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; Eph 3:6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: Eph 3:7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. (KJV) In practice, the church is to be built on the words of the prophets as recorded in

the Old Testament Scripture, speaking of the Messiah and of God’s plan to establish His kingdom. It is also built on the teachings of the apostles, as recorded in the New Testament Scripture, that instruct us how to function in this kingdom of Christ in and through the church.

1. Vine’ s New Testament “apostle”, e-Sword 13.0.0 2. Vine’ s New Testament “doctrine”, e-Sword 13.0.0 3. Vine’ s New Testament “tradition”, e-Sword 13.0.0

7.4Validating Scripture

Validating Scripture Some would ask why we would hold to the Bible alone as authoritative if there are also other writings from that time? Validating the importance of the Old Testament should be simple for Christ often used the Old Testament Scriptures to validate Himself. This fact, in turn, validates the Old Testament Scriptures. One example of this is Christ’s conversation with two of His disciples after He was raised from the dead: Luk 24:27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. (KJV) What then about the New Testament? Matthew, John, and Peter were three of the twelve disciples who Jesus validated in: Mat 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Mat 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (KJV) These apostles, who Christ personally commissioned, were eyewitnesses of Christ’s glory as John explains in: 1Jn 1:1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; 1Jn 1:2 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) 1Jn 1:3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 1Jn 1:4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. (KJV) Peter explained it like this in: 2Pe 1:16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made

known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 2Pe 1:17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 2Pe 1:18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. (KJV) This set the twelve apostles apart from the other apostles who were sent out by the church. The apostles who were sent out by the church are sometimes called second-generation apostles. We call them missionaries today. As you might recall, apostle literally means sent out. An example of a second-generation apostle, who was sent out by the church, is Barnabas: Act 11:22 Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. Act 11:23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. (KJV) The second generation apostles did not have exactly the same calling as the first twelve who were commissioned by Christ in person. The Bible also shows that the twelve apostles form the foundation of the New Jerusalem in a prophetic sense, in: Rev 21:14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. (KJV) There is a lot of symbolism found in Scripture concerning the number twelve, however what is important to note in this context, is the fact that there were twelve chosen by Christ who form the foundation of the heavenly city, the New Jerusalem. We can deduct that this has something to do with the foundation of the church. As you might recall, church, as translated from the Greek ekklesia, has to do with those elected from a town or city to make decisions concerning the affairs of the kingdom. The twelve form the foundation of the heavenly capital city of God’s kingdom. Of those twelve would be, John, Peter, Mathew and Jude who wrote letters and historical documents in the New Testament. This leaves us with James, Mark, Luke and Paul who were also writers of the rest

of the New Testament, but which one would not normally included in the twelve. James is a bit tricky to explain. There were three disciples of Christ named James; of which one was called the son of Zebedee. He was martyred in about 44 C.E, which makes him an unlikely candidate to have written the letter. 1. Theologians doubt that the other apostle James, the son of Alphaeus, was the 2. writer, because he was not spoken of often in Scripture. Yet I am not so sure whether this would be a good reason for him not being the writer. The third apostle, James, was the James that has been identified as Jesus’ 1. brother and who had a great influence on the church of Jerusalem. However, because there is no consensus among theologians as to which James wrote the letter of James; I would not like to make a definite statement about which one wrote the letter; as whoever it was, he was identified as an apostle, who was with Christ. Mark and Luke were not part of the twelve, however, they did not write doctrine to the church. They merely wrote a biography of the events of Jesus’ life, His teachings and the events around the apostles’ actions during the infancy of the church. Mark and Luke were both close companions of Paul. Paul, on the other hand, is somewhat different to the other apostles. More than half of the apostolic traditions and teachings that we have from Scripture come from Paul’s writings. The issue with Paul is that he was not part of the original twelve. If he was not part of the original twelve, why should we build church theology and practices on what Paul had to say? Well, I believe Scripture gives us the answer for this. As you would recall, Judas, who was one of the twelve, was deceived by Satan and betrayed Jesus, and so he was disqualified from being part of the twelve. The question is then, who would have replaced Judas as one of the twelve? Before the Holy Spirit was given to the church, the apostles took it into their own hands to remedy this problem. We read in: Act 1:15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,) Act 1:16 Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. Act 1:17 For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry. (KJV)

Act 1:20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take. Act 1:21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, Act 1:22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection. Act 1:23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. Act 1:24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, Act 1:25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. Act 1:26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. (KJV) At this point, the church had not received the gift of the Holy Spirit nor is there any proof that it was Jesus who appointed Matthias as the twelfth apostle to replace Judas. You will recall that Jesus commanded them to wait for the Holy Spirit to be poured out on the church, in: Luk 24:49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. (KJV) Jesus did not ask them to appoint a replacement for Judas, but to wait for the Holy Spirit. At most, we can only say that Matthias was appointed as an apostle by the church but not by Christ, personally. Therefore, it would be a mistake to count him with the twelve. However, if Christ did not mean to replace Judas with Matthias, then who was to replace Judas? There is something really marvellous in the way God worked this all out. As satan stole Judas away from the twelve, by divine intervention, Christ stole one of satan’s disciples to replace Judas. His name was Saul. We read about this in: Act 9:1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, Act 9:2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

Act 9:3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: Act 9:4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? Act 9:5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. Act 9:6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. (KJV) Saul, whose name changed to Paul, is shown here to be an eyewitness of Christ’s glory and at that moment was commissioned by Christ Himself to be His apostle. Paul qualifies his apostleship as given to one who was born out of due time: 1Co 15:7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. 1Co 15:8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. 1Co 15:9 For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 1Co 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. (KJV) It does seem apparent from Scripture that Paul was the twelfth apostle chosen by Christ to replace Judas. Peter even validated Paul’s place by acknowledging Paul’s letters as part of the rest of Scripture, in: 2Pe 3:15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; 2Pe 3:16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. (KJV) Peter’s words, “also the other Scriptures”, indicate that Peter considered Paul’s letters to be Scripture together with the other writings inspired by God. The church is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Jesus as the chief cornerstone. In practice, the church must be built on the Scriptures that prophesy about Christ in the Old Testament, as well as on the New Testament instructions of the apostles concerning Christ. That foundation shows that the

church is subjected to the resurrected Christ who is King. A church that claims to be subjected to Christ will be built according to the instructions found in Scripture.

1. Philip Schaff, History of the Christian Church, Chapter 3 Apostolic Age, (21,16,0), e-Sword 13.0.0 2. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Letter-of-James

7.5The Letter that Kills

The Letter that Kills The church is being built on Scripture written by both the Old Testament prophets and the New Testament apostles, with Christ being the chief cornerstone. We repeat Paul’s words to Timothy, in: 2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 2Ti 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (KJV) What does Paul mean that all Scripture is profitable? To answer this question, let’s first look at a much debated passage found in: 2Co 3:6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. (KJV) What is the “letter” that Paul is talking about here? Let’s understand the context of Paul’s words, by reading from: 2Co 3:5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; 2Co 3:6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 2Co 3:7 But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: 2Co 3:8 How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? (KJV) In this passage we see that Paul is dealing with the Law of Moses that was written on stone, and not the prophetic words about Christ, when he stated, “the letter kills”. I’ll get into this in much more detail in the book I wrote “Understanding what we Preach”. What I’ll say for now is that we cannot obtain righteousness by our religious performances. Only Christ in us is able to be the righteousness that God requires. It is not through a religion but through a personal relationship with the righteous One in us – Christ Jesus. Scripture is therefore not meant to be followed to obtain righteousness. Righteousness is only through the person of Christ and not our own effort. There is no exception to this. From this standpoint, we need to understand

what place Scripture has in our lives. Scripture is used to instruct us how to walk in Christ, who is our righteousness. 1Co 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: (KJV) Scripture therefore, is given so that we may know how to function as the church of Christ, and to show us how to discern whether or not we are following the Holy Spirit. In other words, if the church does not follow the Scriptures as laid out by the apostles, then we can be sure the church is not being led by the Holy Spirit. 1Co 4:6 And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another. (KJV) However, I must add that, just because we follow the apostles’ traditions to the letter, this does not mean that we are being led by the Holy Spirit. The church of the Bible should not be a church that follows the Bible correctly from the outside. The church of the Bible should have a deep longing to experience intimacy with Christ in their midst. Jesus said the following, in: Joh 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: (KJV) It is a sad fact, but many Christians interpret Scripture according to what they would like it to say, rather than what Scripture actually teaches. I have found that even genuine brothers who have a very good grasp of exegesis and hermeneutical principles will compromise those principles, should the Scriptures in question not align with their world-view. For the sake of interest, exegesis deals with the context, culture, and purpose of the writer during the time when a passage of Scripture was written. On the other hand, hermeneutics deals with whether or how that Scripture applies to us. So, how can we get around this tendency to compromise the correct interpretation so as to suit our own worldview? Peter wrote in: 2Pe 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. (KJV) Peter wrote this at a time where they generally had only the Old Testament

prophecies concerning Christ to guide them. Today, we also have the apostolic Scriptures, whereas then they had the apostles with them. However, what Peter wrote still stays the same and that is that no Scripture is a matter of private interpretation. So what does this mean in practice? Let’s get back to Jesus being our Shepherd. When Christ speaks to His Sheep, He makes them one flock. Joh 10:16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. (KJV) The proper way to interpret Scripture is through the body of Christ and not through our own private interpretation. That is why Paul wrote (and I repeat): Eph 3:10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, Eph 3:11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: (KJV) Also in: 1Ti 3:15 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. (KJV) The manifold wisdom of God is made known through the church which is the pillar and ground of the truth. When the church meets and together interprets the truth of Scripture, God’s wisdom is declared to the principalities and powers. This means that the interpretation of the Scriptures has to stand the scrutiny of others in the family of God. The proper interpretation and understanding of Scripture forms the foundation from which we discern what the Spirit is saying to His church. We should not become lazy or ignorant concerning our responsibility. There are tremendous dangers in thinking that we need some guru to help us understand Scripture, rather than corporately discerning what the Bible teaches. That is why Paul also wrote, in: Eph 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

Eph 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; Eph 2:21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: Eph 2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. (KJV) Again, we consider the words of Paul, in: Eph 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; Eph 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Eph 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: Eph 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; Eph 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: Eph 4:16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. (KJV) As has been said before, Paul did not say that apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers should do all the ministering. The apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers are there to equip the saints in order for the rest of the church to do the ministering. When the whole church does the ministering, then the church will not be tossed to and fro, carried about with every wind of doctrine, as we so often see in the institutional church and the out-of-church movement. In the institutional church, and even in the out-ofchurch movement, the saints are used to following gurus and so do not know how to discern as a church. It’s my conclusion, therefore, that the church cannot function without the Holy Scriptures. It’s true that the early church did not have the Bible that we have now, but they did have the Old Testament prophecies and the twelve apostles

on whom the church is built. It is also true that many Christians in those days were not able to read, but there were always people in their midst who could read to the illiterate. We can see evidence of this in these verses: 1Ti 4:13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. (KJV) 1Th 5:27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. (KJV) Even though the Bible is not the word of God per se, we cannot afford to ignore the instructions of the Holy Scripture. God has preserved the Scriptures through the blood of many saints so that the church can be grounded on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. We cannot afford to do church the way we like. We, the church, have to follow the apostles’ traditions. However, we must also understand that Scripture is empty without the living presence of Christ in our midst, as Christ alone is the chief cornerstone of the church. I pray that as you search the Scriptures through the revelation of the Holy Spirit, you will be able to rightly divide the word of truth.

Chapter 8: A Spirit filed Church