Churchless Christian

In response to:Church & Tithing

2009-09-11T19:54:26+02:00

In a few biblical areas/times, care for the poor, physically and mentally ill, was shown to be done by the institutional priesthood. The rest of the times were unrecorded so we can assume it was done on the tribal or family level. With the coming of the institutional church and later the state sponsored church, such care transfered to the institutional state/church. When the separation between church and state occured, the state assumed the institutionally structured poor and ill and the church assumed some of those who didn't fit within the cracks of the institutional care. For individuals (or small groups of unrelated people like small churches), to assume the role of care for the poor and ill outside their family/tribe (the greater community), assumes a romantic lopsided idea about care in the abstract focused on isolated individuals. Strangers in recorded biblical times weren't able to abuse the system of its day and individuals referred them to the tribal leaders/priests. Today, there is a government office to help the mentally ill who are minors, adults, seniors, and another office to help the physically and mentally ill, with others to protect them from individual abuse, spousal abuse, senior abuse, etc. To bring such a big scale care system into the relm of the church individual guarantees a spotty, hit and miss system that makes the church member feel better about themselves and the person they are trying to help benefit. Obviously flawed system of thinking.

In response to:THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE HOUSE CHURCH

2009-09-02T18:30:56+02:00

My opinion is that church today has lost touch with spirituality. People seem to forget about going to church and even about God and the significance of forgetting about God. I prefer the house church and maybe today's churches should just do that and get closer to people in a community.
___________________________
Birmingham Home Insurance

In response to:Virginity pledge no guarantee

2009-08-11T21:58:08+02:00

Why so bitter Aideen? True Christians want no Govt funding, dont let the psuedo christians run you away from Christ.

In response to:Church & Tithing

2009-07-28T14:32:30+02:00

Hi, a great way to talk about the money of the church as in the current crisis the logical use of the same can benefit the society in the long run.

Credito Prestito

In response to:In Memory of Callum

2009-04-21T12:27:16+02:00

Lots of great memories of Callum.
I too lost touch with him over the years. I last saw him 7 years ago when he was up in Hams visiting.
Callum was a real 'brother' in my early christian walk, we shared things that we both struggled with. It was great to have someone to talk about deeper issues with at the time. I'm talking early 90's here. I remember the 'christian' speed metal music he would introduce me to, his first car, a rust bucket falcon that he re-painted in his garage, I remember sleeping on Waihi beach under the stars a couple of times, jam sessions and watching comedy at his flat.
Shocked to here of his death some two years later.

In response to:'FULL TIME SERVICE'

2009-04-21T12:12:01+02:00

I love my pastor.....He paints houses for a living three or so days a week and pastors the rest.

In response to:STORY

2009-04-03T16:46:34+02:00

Oh Dear. I seem to have intruded on another's private thoughts. I don't 'do' God myself but there is room for all on this planet of ours; at least until we destroy it or 'God' decides to pull the plug.

In response to:Church & Tithing

2009-03-16T16:02:52+01:00

I endorse a lifestyle of giving. I don't ever wonder if I've met my 10% criteria anymore - that is just legalistic bondage, to me.

In our home groups, we simply have a basket out each week and the overseer (meaning the head of the household that we meet in) keeps track of it. As a Body, we always share needs of people we individually know and then meet those needs to the best of our capabilities as a Body, financial or otherwise.

I believe we must learn to walk instance by instance with giving hearts with eyes wide open to meet the needs of those around us.

I will never again pay for church campus utilities, staff salaries or building projects. 100% of what I give goes directly to real people with real needs.

In response to:The True Meaning of “Church”

2009-03-03T05:28:32+01:00

The teaching on tithing always troubled my spirit. Something about the way it is practiced--does not seem right. first of all--tithing does not generally mean money in the bible. Secondly, most churches do not support the poo, widows or orphans on any consistent basis. The funds go more toward the comfort of the building and programatic events. Pastor's anniversaries, Brother's breakfasst, conferences and the like--all these sorts of things. Why is ther no emphasis on going out and being fisher's of men--soul winning for Jesus.
That is just a passing half hearted effort at most churches where I have attended. Is makes me sad. I know it is wrong in my gut. Most people do not study for themselves they simply follow blindly and that is very dangerous. Brothers let us please get this right. Lives are at stake.

Love

Sis Sylvia

In response to:Paul de Jong's Tithing Arguments Fail

2009-03-02T16:42:36+01:00

To read the TRUTH about the false monetary tithing ripoff, read a few of my tithing articles. Preachers have way too much MONEY to lose by preaching the REAL Biblical tithe (ONLY for the Children of Israel and ONLY on agricultural produce taken from the LAND of Israel!

In response to:'FULL TIME SERVICE'

2009-01-14T22:32:22+01:00

Absolutely spot on.

In response to:Virginity pledge no guarantee

2009-01-13T01:51:47+01:00

Actually it's the 'Christian' sources who frequently distort their facts so they can get their point across/get government funding. They tell lies like condoms are only 80% effective.

In response to:Passive Christianity

2008-12-30T08:49:46+01:00

In the minds of many, the terms 'church' and 'God's house' are synonymous with bricks and mortar, which seems to be all that such have between the ears. I do not wish to be rude, but it is time to wake up! That is dead religion.
'Unless the Lord builds the house they labour in vain who build it'
God is now in the process of re-building His house (the Church)It will consist of the 'called out' ones. He is calling many out of the system now . It is a time (and always was) when people must learn to hear God's voice for themselves. If you do not hear God's voice , how do you know you have been called. God's House will not be identified by denomination, 'movement' or other label and will not be found in cathedrals or other purpose-built edifices largely limited to Sunday activities. In fact it will be mostly 'underground'. Christians will fellowship wherever they choose and whenever, without the need for a paid Minister or organisational hierarchy. The Holy Spirit will determine those things.We already have the pattern in the book of Acts. We also have the warning of Jesus (which has largely been ignored ) to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees (which is hypocracy). God will purge us from that and all which is offensive to Him . Give yourself wholly to His purposes if you haven't already, and stop listening to the lies of men who by their traditions have rendered the Word of God to be without effect.There is much more I could say but you need to hear it from God Himself.

In response to:Virginity pledge no guarantee

2008-12-30T08:02:38+01:00

You need to be careful where you get your information. This is a non-Christian source which could perhaps be compared with the likes of the Family Planning Association in New Zealand, which for its own reasons distorts the facts terribly and cannot be trusted, in my opinion. I have read several reports in the past from reliable sources in the U.S. which indicate that pledges of abstinance have made a huge difference in teenage sexual behaviour in America.
The promotion of the use of comdoms and other means of contraception has no place among unmarried Christians, of course. Neither should they have to make such vows, but they do need be encouraged to live lives which honour God.The promotion of condom use by teenagers implies acceptance of their sexual behaviour. They need to understand that they do not have to follow the common herd but live by higher ideals. It is working , contrary to what you have heard.

In response to:Church & Tithing

2008-12-16T01:06:32+01:00

The money issue is such a stumbling block. The early Christians didn't need money to be the church, but today, without cash, many "churches" would fold.

In response to:A true christian candidate

2008-12-14T04:17:40+01:00

Real Christians don't get involved in politics. Fake Christians do.

In response to:Churchanity

2008-11-28T11:33:40+01:00

You are so right! I have looked into this myself, and you are totally right. Also, we might want to realize this, too. The word church was enforced primarily to give the Vatican authority. If they could deceive the masses in being observant to the Vatican in King James' time, they could control the government, and brainwash the people into believing that evil rulers and what they do should be upheld no matter what. I also would like to note that all Protestant faiths descend from Roman Catholic church. Even the Baptist church! I was raised in a Baptist church, and my pastor told me this once off the cuff: "Jesus is not God, but He is equal with God." The idea of a TRINITY is not Biblical. Anyone can look up John Chapter 1:14, and see that the Word became flesh, so that He could die for the sins of the world. At the beginning of that same chapter, you can see that "the Word was God" John 1, and if the Word was God and became flesh, then surely Jesus was God in the flesh. The Word made flesh! Now why would a Baptist pastor tell me that this wasn't true, and that Christ was not the Word made flesh? Only that He is equal with God? As if there are three gods? This is heresy according to the Word of God. They try to sneak this crap in on you! Hear O! Israel the Lord God is One!!! "Jesus answered, "The most important is, 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord" Mark 12:29.

Anyway, many of these things were changed, but if you buy the Geneva Bible (dated 1599 or before the Pilgrims brought to the New World)--along with the marginal notes that were removed by King James' translation--you soon find that Chapter 13's 666, the Beast and everything in there points directly to the Roman Vatican and the Papacy! It even mentions the two horned miter of the pope himself in the marginal notes. This our great-forefathers knew, but it has been hidden from our churches today, and these churches all descend from the Beast religious system. The only one who tried to separate themselves is the Baptist church, and guess what? Can't get around it. Even the Baptist is ritualistic. Many years ago, I wondered why I felt uncomfortable to enter a church. I felt this darkness loom over me. Paul even tells some Christians in the Bible that they need no one to teach them! Now, why would he say that? Beware the Beast Church System of Modern Times! Give your money to the homeless, the poor, the Salvation Army, but don't give it to a huge church building that makes special priest fat like John Hagee.

In response to:Church & Tithing

2008-11-04T22:22:02+01:00

I agree that we should be giving as the Spirit leads. I cannot go to church because of ill health, and God has shown me that it is the poor and the needy who need our money and not church buildings!! I give to the Salvation Army because they deal with those who are in need of help. To me, they are reflecting the sound of God, they are showing God's love in a way it was meant to be shown.

In response to:leave the Church of England alone

2008-10-25T00:28:41+02:00

I don't particularly want to knock the Church of England. I was 'christened' and confirmed in that institution. (When I was truly born again, much later, I was baptised in water and in the Hoy Spirit.)
God is, however, separating His Church from everything which is of man-made tradition. The Apostle Paul commented that one says he belongs to Appollos and another to Paul. 'Is Christ divided?' he asked. No. We all belong to Christ and we must lose our labels. We will, as God continues to outwork His plans.It is a recognised fact that Christians in general are the ones who benefit their communities because of their servant hearts. The state could not afford to do for money what they do for love.

In response to:Nearly Confirmed Anglican

2008-10-25T00:05:29+02:00

It is important to hold rigidly to what is true; not to 'views', because these can and do change as we see from new perspectives. If my words seem 'rigid' to you, it is because I am zealous for the truth and I do not like to see any-one drift off course. When they write a blog they can also influence others and thereby owe a duty of care as to what they express.If a ship drifts off course it can mean disaster to all its company. Those who read your blog have responsibility to test everything for themselves, but in fareness to you they should not remain silent when they see a need to offer correction. Otherwise their silence may be taken as assent.
As a watchman I cannot be silent.I am not merely offering views.Please, pray about what I have said.

In response to:Nearly Confirmed Anglican

2008-10-24T21:59:15+02:00

Hi Phil,
Glad to hear you have found a church home down there in the South. I also (like mum) have found that the older I get the more that I believe that theology and dogma are more improtant to man than to God. God is more interested in what is in our hearts and the actions we take than the arguments we make. I have noticed the whole of my 40 years that many christians can spend hours and hours arguing points of the bible and one can always find a verse to support a point of view!!!!
When faced with a dilemma or tricky situation it helps me to ask myself "what would Jesus do?"
As for church!!!! I used to spend many a Sunday morning as a child thinking that Jesus wouldn't be caught dead sitting in the pews of most churches he was out with the prostitutes and tax collectors!!!!!
Enjoy the CoE- some of my best friends are Anglicans!!!!!
love Megan

In response to:leave the Church of England alone

2008-10-24T10:33:03+02:00

I can't believe how judgemental some people can be. I've just read some of the comments and encourage you to follow where God leads you. Sometimes there are stepping stones to where we need to be and at least you are knocking on doors and not just sitting back and waiting. Takes courage to step out and try something new. I believe we are all worshipping the same God and desire to have the perfect relationship with him. When I first read your blog about Anglican's I was amazed! On thinking about it good on your Mum, liked her thoughts. I know you well enough to know that you are going where God has lead you. Good luck with that, you are in my prayers.
Luv Joanne

In response to:Nearly Confirmed Anglican

2008-10-16T05:54:42+02:00

Hi Harvey.

I think you are right in regards to me being an attention seeker, I guess in the end all bloggers are. As to your reflections I am sure many people would agree with you, which is why I guess I took the cowards way and waited to say something till we travelled to the end of the country! Perhaps in the end I believe in a God of enough grace to sort these things out even if I do not hold to those types of rigid views.

In response to:Nearly Confirmed Anglican

2008-10-16T04:49:11+02:00

Phillip,
Your condition of unbelief is connected with your attraction towards the Anglican Church. It is 'dead religion' you are talking about and not faith.You have chosen to believe a lie rather than the truth. The Truth is a person - Jesus Christ. The Bible tells us that 'the sum of Thy Word is truth'.You can't just pick the bits that suit and ignore the rest.
I would not waste time trying to persuade you by scientific argument, since you choose to disbelieve the clear and scientific evidence of the Creation magazine.You also reject the creation account of Moses in Genesis. Jesus validates Moses in Scripture, thereby validating the book of Genesis.It seems that you do not believe Jesus either and therefore cannot seriously claim to be a Christian.There is no basis for your faith.I must conclude that you lack a genuine conversion experience.
There is no such thing as a churchless Christian of course , since the body of true believers is the Church. Jesus plans for His church in these end times to become perfectly one. (See John Ch.17) That spells an end to denominations or 'streams'. Contrary to what your Mum says, theology is important. Judging from what I have seen so far of your blogg I suggest that you are merely an attention seeker.The Holy Spirit tells me that you are like a pea in a pod, which will die unless it gets out of the pod.You must be born again or you will never see the Kingdom of Heaven. I say this with all sincerity.

In response to:Nearly Confirmed Anglican

2008-10-16T00:50:38+02:00

Hey Philip,

All we can do is take the steps that we believe are right! I'm not certain that there is a right or wrong way of following Him! He knows us intimately and knows where and what is going to help us to get a stronger relationship with Him. Let's stop condemning people for taking the steps that He's asking us to take and let's just remember that if we get it wrong, surely he is big enough to help us to get back on track. Nothing will stop Him. Enjoy the church guys. Love to hear from ya. xxx

In response to:Climb

2008-10-14T03:50:04+02:00

very pretty!

In response to:Nearly Confirmed Anglican

2008-10-14T02:02:47+02:00

Phil, perhaps you're aging rapidly! Quite a few of our era from Bible College days are finding a spiritual home in Anglican churches in their superannuatint years.Those that were Anglicans still seem to be Anglicans. One remarked at a recent reunion that as a BC student she got the impression people wondered if she really could be a Christian and an Anglican The fact is that no church is perfect and all have made mistakes on the journey. No size fits all. The older I get the less I feel concerned about dogma and theology and realize God is more concerned about our heart attitudes-both ro Him and to others.

Go for it! Love Mum

In response to:Nearly Confirmed Anglican

2008-10-13T10:23:06+02:00

Sadley Harvey there is no hope for me! I was introduced to those magazines at university and I believed it all hook, line and sinker. In fact I became a subscriber and had them speak to my church about 6 years ago. However as you can tell I have become personally convinced that what that particular magazine emphasises is wrong (a young earth) so I am afraid that advice will not help alot but thanks for your idea :)

In response to:Nearly Confirmed Anglican

2008-10-13T08:49:23+02:00

Dear Phillip,
President Carter may be a Southern Baptist but that will not save him. If you have doubts as to the accuracy of the Bible, which bits do you believe? How can you guarantee their accuracy? What is your faith based on? God is the author of the Bible. His word is truth . Men only wrote what they received by the revelation of the Holy Spirit. It does not rest on their individual scientific or other knowledge.
I recommend that you check out CreationOnTheWeb.com for reassurance on the scientific accuracy. You could also subscribe to the Creation Magazine which is issued quarterly by Creation Ministries International for about $35 a year.Their address is Box 39005,Howick, New Zealand. I could almost guarantee that that it will remove all your doubts as you read articles written by scientists which confirm the accuracy of all the issues which are clouding your mind.You would also note the regular testimonies of countless people whose doubts have been erased by the scientific, straightforward explanations you will read. I urge you to follow this up.

In response to:Nearly Confirmed Anglican

2008-10-13T05:48:14+02:00

Dear Phil,
I'd like to share some thoughts about Church, paticualrly the Anglican Church.
1. The Anglican Church was formed by Henry the Eighth because the Roman Church would not let him marry Anne Bolyn.
The Holy Spirit had nothing to do with the establishment of the Anglican Church - an act of adultery did though ( to produce a male heir ).
2. A Church with a long history does not give it spiritual validity. Satan has exited for a long time and estabvlished many temples of ( pagan) worship. The Anglican Church incorporates many pagan festivals and practices.
3. The question we need to ask is: What Church did Jesus Christ establish when He was on earth?
The answer is: None. The New Covenant shifted the emphasis from The Great Temple in Jerusalem to the individiual body of each believer ( John 2: 14-25, 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, and 6: 19-20 ).
4. Definition of Church. The key is the definition of the word Church. Church is a translation of the Greek word Ekklesia - which basically means the called out ones from the assembly ( "Ek" out of and "Klessia" - assembly ) So the first believers were Jews who were called out of Jewish Synagogue Temple system, and later the Pagans who were called out of the Pagan Temples ( centres of Demonic worship 1 Corinthains 10:20). Jesus went further and said that the Jews actually worshipped Satan ( the devil ) and not God because they hated Him and were out to murder Him John 9:44). For a defintion of Chruch please go to my web-site: www.Kiwibamboo.co.nz, and click into Kiwibamboo News and scroll to the discussion entitled The Bride and The Harlot. If you go to Google, type in "kiwibamboo.co.nz in the centre and it will take you directly to the website )
4. Please note that the Temple built by King Solomon, plans of which were given to him by King David his father was built for God and Not Men ( 1 Chronicles 29:1 ) Men came to claim it for themselves - hence the cultus and rituals and forgetting the real reason for the Temple)
5. God does not live in Temples made by men's hands. Acts 748, and Acts 17:24. The repetiton underlines the importance of this statement given by The Hly Spirit.
6. The question we need to answer is: If God does not live in temples built by men's hands ( the arm of the flesh) , then Who lives there? There is no such thing as a spiritual vacuum Matthew 12: 43-45. I am convinced that Mr S A Tan lives there, with the name of each church - eg. Anglican Spirit ( demon), Baptist demon, etc. Hence the attrraction - if you are religious then you will want to go somewhere with that religious spirit. A person with adultery in their heart wil want to look a pornography. A person with violence in their heart will want to view violent movies etc.
7. May I suggest that what God did establish was men as heads of their households as Prophet Preists and Kings of their own homes, own households. Acts 16:31. The longest discussion of operation of a Christian household is found in Ephesians 5-6. The hard ( gentle ) word is given to the male head who must agape his wife. According to my reckoning Agape is mentioned 5 times in this pericope ( a self contained bodyof thought ). It is not accident that The Holy Spirit sets the discussion in context of Christ's agape for His Ekklesia, the spiritual Bride of Christ.
8. An ekklesia is made-up of household ( Greek "Oikos) plus oikos+ oikos etc. Who meet when ever as "two or three" as individuals or as family groups. Under persecution the meeting were few and far between. An oikos meets together all the time! The integrity of the household and authority of the Father is therefore kept sacrosanct.
9. Just one more thought. According to God's word a Christian cannot "go to church" since the Holy Spirit resides within! The implications are mind-boggling. Oh, how we have all been deceived!
Enjoy your children. Enjoy your helpmate and companion.
Enjoy true fellowship at home! I do. In so doing we learn about the intimate fellowship ( koinonia ) which exists in the Godhead ( 1 John 1: 1-10 ). Christiansity is, afterall, a way of living, of following our Lord and Saviour!
Lawrence Wong