not about model.

i don't know how many of you know that I was once put out of a "house church network" because, among other things, I didn't believe that "model" (specifically house-church) was the key to my ecclesiology. my understanding of what the church is.

i recently posted that I'd love to help to start home meetings all over the city and the tri-state. I didn't realize that I've been being equipped to equip, with such an extensive resume, but I have been. Jesus snuck it in, as we have simply lived, trying to obey, daily.

so now here i am, and i'm ready and willing to help, if i can, to encourage christians to grow in Christ--as disciples who OBEY the gospel and all He has commanded us... to encourage christians to open their homes to each other and to trust in and participate in the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the Body.

I am ready and willing to help. Not to hurt. not to hinder. No matter what a church's tradition, structure, polity... model. the Kingdom call is the same: Jesus has commanded us to be obedient to Him. Jesus has commissioned us to make disciples. disciples who OBEY Him.

jesus distinctly did NOT mention model issues. But if your church's tradition, polity, structure, or practice compromise basic obedience to christ, you've gone off the path in pursuit of the wold's comfort. Repent and refresh!

Example: Methodists:
examine the teachings and journals of Brother Wesley! How many of your pastors are preaching what he preached? How many would be raised atop the same mobs he was if they did?

Example: presbyterians:
of your preachers and congregations, how many are hungering for a ministry of the word like that of Jonathan Edwards?

these are just two examples, and good ones, of the slide that comes with time. These brethren were only endeavoring to connect us with Jesus, the Christ, the only son of God, who alone can save us from eternal hell and the second death! Jesus came to rescue us from the kingdom of Satan adn deliver us to the light from the dark. to life from death!

these good men would be laughed or thrown out of most churches! And think of what the Apostle Paul would endure at the hands of most church boards! Staff position? He'd never get one, much less keep one.


So no matter what your model may be, I hope that all who are Christians open their homes to each other, adn admonish each other daily to follow Christ without grumbling, murmuring, dissention, envy, factions... to follow christ and work out their salvation with fear and trembling.
no matter what "model" you're in, LOVE. nOt in word, but in DEEDs, daily. Practise hospitality. let the word dwell richly in you and SING. Communities/congregations like this will shine.

if you're a church leader, watch out. Jesus is looking to see that we accomplish the equipping of such. if you struggle with envy, jealousy, and control issues driven by fear and lust for the world... watch out.

well, i hope i can indeed help someone someday somehow by the grace of God. I hope that somehow, by a miracle of grace, that these writings can encourage and sharpen your mind's understanding that Jesus is the only way, and that is good news. period.

you don't need me. you need to obey Jesus.