Quote:
Originally Posted by OBW
Yes. But the idea that Christ is expressing his sovereignty by simply moving in everyone there is not supported even by the scripture. The very passages that we like to claim give us the most freedom in meetings (1 Corinthians 12 - 14) is actually giving us differing functions, not amorphously everything. It defines "prophesying" as for some, not all. Even suggests only 2 or 3 prophets be set up to speak. And how big was this group? It might have been large. But many of these churches were not much bigger than a large home meeting. (The inference is somewhat larger for Corinth due to the amount of disagreement going on.)
Paul also took great pains to direct certain persons (not the whole congregation) to consider certain qualities when selecting elders. He wrote some letters to the churches. But others to specific people who were to take action to deal with issues. Doesn't sound like this American democracy that we like to think it is.
Remember, the whole church having multiple copies of the Bible is a very new thing. Just a few generations ago, most didn't even have one. And if they did, they couldn't read it. And I'm not sure that the full access by everyone to scripture on demand has been as truly helpful as we often like to think. The number of divisions was vastly smaller before we could all read. The result of general private reading of scripture by everyone has been anarchy.
I'm not suggesting taking the scripture away again. But we need a different approach. The idea that I can just access the Spirit within me and be everything I need is balderdash. But we buy it out of the "dented and returns" surplus store every day.
I am happy to read scripture and see that I disagree with some writers/teachers. (especially Lee and Nee) But I am quick to pass my fantasy thoughts through others who know more. And groups who will consider but weigh it. There is something to be said for what has already been said. The fact that we think we see something truly new should be scary, not encouraging. We should cherish being covered and found deep in the known paths of truth. Treading on new ground suggests that we have gotten off the "straight and narrow."
All of this coming from a guy who is always taking note of the new stuff and asking questions.
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I am not arguing that we forsake the gathering of ourselves together and not subject our thoughts or idea or emotion or supposed "leadings" to eachother.
Indeed, it may well be true objectively that all I have to do is "follow the Spirit." But the
reality is that
I don't know how!!! I need my brothers and sister to learn how to do that. I need sharpening stones and shepherds. I need them to learn how to submit as well as to learn to develop the talents He has given me.
No piece of what I am arguing is that we don't need to assemble and God will just work everything out. His working out is most often
thru others. But that is different than having "offices" and "formal structure."
And yes, it is
obvious that at the time described in the Bible their were identifiable congregations, as a decriptive matter. And yes, in that context, Paul even gave some prescriptions about appointing elders and how to have meetings.
It is
not, however, automatically the case that these are then prescriptions for all time, rather than situational ones. That would require closer study of the Word. Which I am always in for!
In Love,
Peter