In your open assembly meeting based on the NT, 1Cor. 12, Ephesians 4, and Romans 12?
Please share with us all how God used you this morning to the edification of the whole, Ephesian 4:16 where: '...the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which EVERY JOINT SUPPLIES (every member uses their function/gift) according to the effectual working in the measure of every part (every believer in the assembly) making increase (built up spiritually) of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.'
Oh boy. Now we can see why the appointed exalted one will never shift to the NT paradigm. He'll lose his job and salary. If everyone is doing the ministering we sure can't give paychecks to everyone.....can we? Knowwhatimean Vern?
So what did you share this morning to the edification of the whole? And don't say clapping your hands saying 'amen'. Smile.
1Co 14:26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
1Co 14:27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
1Co 14:28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
1Co 14:29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
1Co 14:30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.
1Co 14:31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.
1Co 14:32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
1Co 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
That is the truth,for it seems that in a lot of Churches it is only the preacher that does the speaking,when God wants everyone to have their say to edify the whole congregation.
Why,because as a whole more will be revealed,more will be known,more will be edified,more will learn,more questions answered.
Why,because God said that we need not that any person teach us,for the Holy Spirit will teach us.
When they tell you the word of God then search the scriptures daily to see if they are telling the truth.
God gives understanding to all the saints liberally,and equally,and upbraids not,so the least of the saints can understand just as well as the preacher.
God does not give more understanding to the preacher than He does to any saint that seeks to understand His word.
So if the preacher is the only one that gets to speak,and a common pew sitter can understand as well as him,as well as all the saints,and everybody studies different things,and can vary what they know,but collectively can show a great deal,why would God only want the preacher to speak to edify the congregation,when look at all the information and knowledge flowing through the congregation that can reveal a whole lot more,edify a whole lot more,uplift a whole lot more,answer questions,and doubts a whole lot more,and can reach people that are new a whole lot more,to where they might hear something that hits them,and they start to believe more.
Why would God leave it in the hands of one person,when collectively it can be better,by a long shot,and look at all the preachers,and all the different denominations,with varying understanding of the Bible that should not be there,and it appears if it is in the hands of one person over the congregation,they sure are not doing a very good job,if there is so much different understanding of the Bible.
The congregation should have a mutiny,but I only kid,for God would not want it that way.
I think Churches should say,hold on,I know we go by what this denomination laid down as the format of what the Bible teaches,but let us come together as a group,and see if it is true,and take scriptures as they are instead of trying to understand them according to the format they set forth.
If that were done,there would be so much correction going on.
But that is true if everyone could have a say so in the Church assembly,then why would the preacher get a salary.
But with that being said,it is put on the saints that they have to supply the needs of the preacher,as well as all the saints,if it is possible,which Paul said that he did not covet any person's gold,or silver,money,but only his necessities,they provided for his necessities,which Jesus told the disciples to not take gold,or silver,or brass,money,with them,but when they go from town to town,the believing will provide for their need,and the early Church sold all they had,as distribution was made to all the saints that had need.
So while the preacher does not get a salary for personal use,the saints do have to supply his needs,which a preacher's job should be 24 hours a day,7 days a week,that is why I say that,for if he only preaches on Sunday,and Wednesday,and does nothing else for the congregation,then he should get a job like all the saints that show up for Church Sunday,and Wednesday,but have a job.
