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Originally Posted by OBW
Somewhat true. And moreso in some places than in others. But the idea that we all are teachers in terms of the meetings for worship is inconsistent with the example provided. It does seem that the apostles taught (in the beginning) and then teaching was also done by elders (if we consider Paul's qualifications for elders). Not saying there is no place for the voice of the rest of us. But maybe our voice is mostly in the praise and worship of God.
And in the evangelical setting, this limited to singing (and too often songs that are more about us than God). We are more observers of others. And the amount of singing and scripture reading has been reduced further so that we can listen to a longer theological treatise that is often of little practical value other than to check off a box saying we "learned more about God." As much as we tend to dismiss the older liturgical traditions as "Christless," I wonder if we are missing something of the participation in worship beyond singing. Speaking together in almost all parts of the time of worship besides that much shorter sermon that is common there.
It is something that has seemed worthy of some further study.
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I was raised a R Catholic, and have attended Lutheran "services" as well- the people sing, there are responsive prayers by the people, there is prayer for the unity of the Church, there is the Lord's table as the center of the gathering, the NT and OT are read- yes, there is something to consider and learn from the historical. Yet it is obvious that that whole liturgy was written for the masses of people who were illiterate and did not have individual bibles which they could read. For the time, I'm sure it was the best that could be done. Today, for the most part, everyone can read and have numerous translations of scripture at their fingertips. I can pull up a multitude of teachers on the internet and listen to messages on any and all bible topics. Yet, the typical modern day Christian gathering seems centered around a teacher and their teaching.
The thing that attracted me about the "recovery" was saint reading their bible, applying what they read and speaking, praying, praising, encouraging, etc., from what they got- worked the good land of their inheritance, brought their portion, and offered it up. God seemed glorified, the saints were encouraged, and there was building of God's house.
Then came the LSM takeover and the authoritative speaking of scripture that brought about fellowship, was replaced by a man's lofty teachings and then authority. All things were not the result of the individual working their inheritance and bringing their fruit, but adhering to and exalting LSM, and the lamp stand went out and it got dark!
Obviously, in the beginning, there was a need for teaching, as well as supernatural gifts apparently, but according to Paul ( Ephesians), that was to bring about the function of each member, and each member was responsible for the whole- Paul did not write his teachings to the Pastor of a church , but to all the saints.
It's amazing to me that the "recovery" sank so low and that the saints and the movers and shakers do not realize from whence they have fallen, and repent and do the first works. W. Née, whom they seem to want to stand on his shoulders, warned severely about spiritual pride. WL obviously fell off WN's shoulders, hit his head and got dillusional.