The Structure of the New Testament Church
Looking to the New Testament, there is an obviously established arrangement for Christ’s church. It is built upon a foundation of Prophets and Apostles with Jesus Christ being its chief cornerstone. It was established geographically, with churches growing up in the areas they were planted. But it was also centralized as Paul went about gathering collections for the starving Saints in Jerusalem. It was a body of believers who gathered in geographically convenient locations to know the Lord through scripture, worship Him in Spirit and Truth, and take communion (until he came).
The Role of Apostolic Leadership
This New Testament church was under apostolic rule – which is what kept His church whole and prevented the gates of hell from dominating over it. If they were not important in this effort He would not have called and trained them. Even with their presence and leadership, the church still struggled against all manner of immensely evil infiltrations, but it was able to withstand falling because of this direct Apostolic leadership. Ever what would happen without these Apostles on earth? Just take a look at material church history from around 100AD to the present and you’ll have your answer.
Some Christians today try and paint the ancient Church in glowing light – and granted, there have always been a true body of believers – but organized religion has never, in any case, escaped corruption and the gates of hell. The need to remain righteous and good and in the vine was paramount in the lives of the earliest church and the teachings of the Apostles constantly warned the nascent church to stay faithful amidst all manner of difficulties and temptations in preparation of His coming return with reward and punishment upon the people of that age. This is the central apostolic message – receive Him before it was too late, and remain in Him until the end. Anyone reading the New Testament has to honestly admit this.
Church Organization and Leadership
Additionally, wherever a church was established in the Apostolic church deacons and elders were appointed by the believers who were encouraged and led by written and in person apostolic direction. Again, the vital influence of Christ’s chosen ones upon that church cannot be understated. The New Testament is a record of this church prior to Christ coming to take it, bringing reward and punishment. If He has NOT taken it, then we ought to still operate in the manner Jesus’ living apostles set it up.
This is the way most Christian churches approach the faith today. Talking to Pastor’s I hear so many using the Bible to justify how they believe things are to be done in Christianity today. But it's comical because it's all a game of pick and choose. Either the Bible is the guide or the Bible is not – and when any pastor on earth is questioned, they will all – everyone of them, in some way or another – justifying why some things are still done and why some things are not. And they all differ with each other. What’s fascinating is most of them agree that tithes should continue – isn’t that interesting. Of course, if Jesus has come taken His church back in 70 AD then trying to continue with practices of the New Testament is wholly unnecessary.
So let’s go to our board of direction – I want answers – and you should want answers too.
Living Apostles
As proven all through the content of the NT they were vital. Jesus called these men and taught these men and left His church in these men’s hands which was (or is) vital to the survival of the church! Notice they did not replace each other over the course of the NT? Without Apostles we have 30,000 denominations and churches without any real leadership! None. If Jesus is coming back the church is in trouble. A new age, where the brick and mortar is over and God reigns over His Kingdom by and through the Spirit without the interventions of Men!
Deacons
1st Timothy 3:8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; There ought to be deacons (or servants) in Jesus Church. This one’s easy – select diakonos and let them serve. Those led to help and serve will. Because the focus is NOT on material church there is no heavy need for specially called deacons.
Elders
Titus 1:5 For this cause I (Paul) left thee in…
Apostolic Leadership and Church Practices
Older men in the faith were elected by the Apostles and the people to oversee Jesus' Church. Pretty easy to – but remember, the Apostles seemed to oversee the elders elected, so if no apostles, we have to wonder about the effectiveness of today's elders chosen. There is no need to elect Elders if there is no material church to serve. At this point, let’s start looking at some things in the New Testament that either came from Jesus or the Apostles. In so doing, we have to ask – are we in the position to discard them and if so, who gives us that right? Offsetting some people’s “right to ignore these things” lies the fact that others will NOT ignore them because they are in the Bible.
So whose right? Where’s the Apostolic leadership to direct us? Oh, it’s in the Bible?! But not what they said “here,” just what they said “there?” Get the problem? The Restorationist movement led by Alexander Campbell addressed these issues and Mormonism was a product of such thinking. But we know the issues there.
Jesus' New Testament Church
So, for every Pastor who says that they just follow the Bible, I want answers to the following things Jesus and or the Apostles said explained:
1. For believers to avoid marriage
1st Corinthians 7:27 – Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife. Do we still give this advice? Seems like we are in a different age. This advice was important to an age WHY? Because that was about to end but its nonsensical in a kingdom that will never end. Some preach this, some ignore this – who is right? Where are our apostles? Oh, the Spirit will guide? Then shouldn’t that be the case on everything? This is a ridiculous discussion altogether in the past 2000 years. Marriage is a union of this world – whatever is is. Let every man and woman be subject to God according to how they are led.
2. Pray for the sick for healing
James 5:14 – Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he has committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Are elders healing the sick with prayers and oil today? Oh yes, yes they are, comes the reply. Unless you are speaking to a “Cessassionist.” That’s a group of people who have made it convenient to say all spiritual gifts have stopped. Why do they believe this? Because the Apostles are all gone!
We have churches who still follow this, churches that reject it, churches that prey upon others using it, churches that make healing their focus – it's freaking endless! Today we have doctors. They didn’t really have effective ones then. This passage says what to do with the sick. It’s clear, it's apostolic, it's in the word. Show me a pastor who has a child who wakes up in a feverish coma, and only does what this advice commands and I will show you a zealot. But then, isn’t this what all Christians SHOULD do? See the problem with assigning the Word directly to our material lives today?
3. Women are not to talk in church
1st Corinthians 14:34 – Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. The Two Greek words are clear here – see-gah-o for silence and la-eh-o for not speak. Keep your mouths shut and do not talk. In other places, Paul talks about women prophesying and teaching but this does not relate to what he says to them in church.
Apostolic Instructions and Cultural Context
You tell me. I know there are some churches today that follow this. Does this make them better? The real question is WHY all churches don’t follow this? How can anyone who claims the Bible as their authority justify disobedience to it? Now, think about those instructions relative to the conflicts of the age and time; that Paul was trying to protect the church from the gates of hell (which would have included cultural expectations) Right? Now take that thinking and assign it to the rest of the Apostolic teachings.
Teachings on Wealth and Riches
What does the New Testament say to the rich? Let's look to the brother of Jesus himself. James 5:1-5 addresses the rich directly, warning them of the miseries that await due to their corrupted riches and deceitful ways. The scripture criticizes those who have lived in pleasure and luxury at the expense of others, especially the laborers whose wages they have withheld through fraud. It is a clear message that is often overlooked in many churches, particularly in affluent areas. Churches tend to selectively preach certain verses while ignoring others, creating a contradiction in their teachings. It is astonishing that some churches preach against riches while striving to accumulate wealth themselves, highlighting a significant hypocrisy within religious institutions. Both the rich and the poor have a role to play in God's spiritual kingdom, and it is essential to acknowledge this balance and the potential for pride in both wealth and poverty.
Plainness and Appearance
Speaking of women, Peter said in 1st Peter 3:3 to avoid outward adorning such as braiding hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel. This raises questions about the practices within churches today concerning women's appearance. Many churches seem to allow, and even promote, the opposite of what is prescribed in the scripture. In the spiritual church, these external adornments are considered superfluous. This acceptance of simplicity in appearance for women should extend to other aspects of church teachings as well.
Self-Mutilation Over Temptation
Matthew 5:29-30 presents a radical teaching by Jesus regarding temptation, suggesting self-mutilation as a preferable alternative to sinning. This passage challenges the believer's faith and the church's interpretation of scripture. How would a pastor react if someone took these words literally? The concept of Sola Scriptura has led to varied interpretations of scripture, with each pastor assuming the authority to decide its meaning. However, Hebrews 10:16-17 reminds us that God has inscribed His laws into our hearts and minds, eliminating the need for human interpretation.
Non-Defense of Self
Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:39 about non-resistance to evil, instructing followers to turn the other cheek, is a principle that is often ignored. As a "Christian Nation," the tendency is to retaliate rather than embrace this non-violent instruction. This teaching from the Lord poses a challenge: do we live by these teachings, or do we justify them away? Following Christ's edict is a personal choice, requiring strength in faith to succeed. Those who are not ready may struggle with this commitment.
Understanding Biblical Teachings
Giving to Any Who Ask
Matthew 5:42 states, "Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away." Similarly, Luke 3:11 says, "He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise." The question arises: Would your pastor recommend this? Why or why not? In an age that was about to end, the advice makes sense – there was no reason to save up for the future – but what about now? Mary and I live one block from three homeless shelters. If we walk down the block, we run the potential of being asked for money 100 times in a row. What to do? In our age, we are led by the Spirit. The church Jesus spoke to was of another time. To take this message literally is an impossibility. But the real question is who gets to say this is up to the Spirit but another passage is not?
Teachings on Marriage and Divorce
Jesus said, "Don’t marry a divorced woman." Matthew 5:32 states, "But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery." So what about this one? I met with a pastor who claimed they follow the New Testament (he actually used it to justify tithes – uggh). He believes in discipling people in sin too! Ha. I didn’t ask him, but I wonder if a wealthy man married a woman who was divorced if he would call the man an adulterer? Is this passage true? If it is, how are we to approach it in the churches today? Oh, I know – there are pastors who are real sticklers on this one – even disinvite people from attending their services if there has been divorce. But I wanna know if they follow all the things we’ve discussed. Under law, Jesus' words are correct but we are not under law. We are in the New Covenant of Grace. The place where God has written His laws upon our hearts and minds. The material is done – it is shakable – but the spiritual reigns – and its fruit is love. LOVE LOVE LOVE. Whatever is good and loving and is of God is determined by the individuals involved. They are responsible before their God, making sentences like this up to them.
Saving Money
Don’t save your money! Jesus said it! Matthew 6:19 tells us, "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal." All over the Christian world, there are these financial gurus – Dave Ramses – telling people how to be wise financially. How to save, right? But Jesus said something entirely different, didn’t He? What to do? Jesus' words make sense to an age or world that He was coming to take and destroy, right? But they are somewhat nonsensical in our day and age. OR NOT. For those led of the Spirit to not save, they are fine. And for those led of the Spirit, they are fine too. Get it?
Family Relations
Oooh, how about this one: Hate for family. Luke 14:26 states, "If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple." Oh, we need to take these words in context? I agree. They ALL need to be taken in context – especially the context of the time and what was happening. But Again, again, again – we are faced with who DECIDES what is actual, what is not actual but a principle, and what is a metonym. To THAT Jewish economy, these words were true. Today they may still be true, or they MAY not. Who’s to decide – the individual!
Forsaking All Possessions
Almost done! “Give away all you has!” Luke 14:33 says, "So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple." The Greek for forsake means to say goodbye. To what? To all that he has! To a Jew becoming a Christian then this would almost be enforced upon them. In this day? And how does this apply to children born in Christian homes? The children of pastors? Are they supposed to say goodbye to all they have too? More importantly, is this to be read literally? Figuratively? Actually?? And the best question is who on earth gets to tell us which it
The New Covenant and Guidance by the Spirit
Your pastor? Mine? Your bishop, your pope, your Reverend? Some pastor’s churches teach this literally and take EVERYTHING a person owns from off their hands so they can be more holy, right? All of these difficulties are erased when we accept that all of this has one, been fulfilled and that in the New Covenant of Christ the Spirit guides on what to give, and what to withhold, without ANY intervention of men needed.
I love this one – the “Treatment of Widows” 1st Timothy 5:9 Let not a widow be taken into the number who is . . . under threescore years old, (that’s sixty) having been the wife of one man, well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work. We can see that this is a description for that time and age. Because what if there was a homeless widow of 29, in desperate need? What would Jesus say to our treatment of her and our willingness to help her? Are we going to go by these directives? What if she has no children but meets everything else? What if 59 and a half? We know what scripture says, right? If she has been married twice? Not such a good report? No children. No strangers lodged? No feet washed? No afflicted relieved? Not followed diligently after every good work?
Paul’s advice was to them then. Today, we aren’t in the business of churching, we are in the business of being Christian – without the brick and mortar, by the Spirit. And we can see this advice for what it is – historical information on what was in the early church – before Jesus took it.
Providing for Family
Oooh, this is a good one. How about our thoughts for “Those who fail to provide for their families” 1st Timothy 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. (an UNBELIEVER) Would a Pastor teach this today – that it would be better for a man to be an UNBELIEVER in Christ AND provide for his family then to be a believer and fail to provide for his own? Come on, it's right here in scripture – black and white! In our age of women working and providing does this still apply? I know some pastors who would say it does. And this is 2000 years since this was written. What about when we are in 3000 AD?
Bottom line, if this is true in the life of a believer God will make it known by His Spirit and the man will get a job. If it isn’t it’s between the man and God anyway. That’s the beauty of the faith today.
Family Burials and Other Practices
On family burials, Matthew 8:21 Jesus tells a man who had just lost his father and wanted to see to his burial before joining Jesus, Jesus said: "Let the dead bury the dead." Are we maintaining this view? Or are our funerals elaborate and church sponsored? Imagine a pastor telling someone to let the dead bury their dead father! But it’s in the Bible! YOU claim to follow the Bible. Do you follow this? If not, WHY not? Ah, context – then why not context for all of it?
The law that governs believers today is love. All decisions are based on whether it is loving or not. Because in His love we are representing Him. This is the personal guide.
Washing feet John 13:14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. Who’s doing it, bro’s? And who chose to ignore it and who says which was is acceptable? Another example of the insipid nature of claiming to follow the Bible as a material church today. Part of the material church – to do it is to play church.
Women’s heads 1st Corinthians 11:5 But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoreth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. 6 For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered. Come on now! It’s right here! Some accept – Amish, Mennonites – most reject. Which is it, but most importantly, who GETS to say which it is? Nobody folks. Nobody. Which lends me to the grand conclusion. Nobody on earth can say anything. Those who do are all playing church. And it has
Phone Lines
Let’s open up the phone Lines: (801) 590-8413
Emails
Hey, someone online was asking which of these two I represent most – and they forwarded me this graph. Take a look: We will use next weeks show to address this – so tune in.
