So what did you contribute....

[reneweddaybyday]

Well if you are holding to word on this, then great, you are not my audience. Its the ones that are not willing to see the contrast of the modern church up against sound teaching on the subject.

There are going to be those who are not willing to see the contrast in these latter days. The instruction is clear as to how each member of the body is needful and that each member of the body has a function within the body; that each member has been placed in the body as it pleases God (not self). If/when all members do not participate as instructed by God, the blame does not all lay at the feet of the pastor. While I understand your point, sometimes it is the individual members not adhering to the instruction.

But i hesitste a bit. You were asking me 'how?' do we implement God's instructions for a biblical gathering. Sounded like you weren't sure about it all.

I asked does the fact that Scripture plainly tells us there will be apostasy keep us from functioning as instructed in 1 Cor. 12, Eph 4, and Rom 12. And the answer to that question is a resounding "NO!!!".

And the thread is not focused on self but neither should the assembly focus on one man behind a grecian pulpit and his ministry only. Others have something to day also.

And when would you have these "others" say whatever it is they have to say? Are you advocating for a church similar to what Paul found in Corinth where each person hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation (1 Cor 14:16)? Paul corrects this behavior by instructing to Let all things be done decently and in order (1 Cor 14:40).

 

[reneweddaybyday]

I think she was asking how YOU were edified this past Sunday, in your assembly.

In other words, answer your own question...?

Yep. You got it, hornetguy.

 

[reneweddaybyday]

I can't imagine this family having to go through this terrible time without the love and support of their Church family. If someone is in a Church that doesn't love and care for their members and community at large then they need to find another, but to discard this type of fellowship is dangerous and absurd.

Yes, I agree ... our "church family" is just that ... "family". We are members one of another and when one member suffers, all the members suffer. My prayers go out to this family and to your church community as well. Your friend will be sorely missed by all.

 

[Yet]

The question for all is this. God used every member in the first century assembly. That's borne out in the chapters. But you guys believe He discontinued such an arrangement in favor of using just one man or woman with a title today.

Is that it?

 

[Yahweh_is_gracious]

The question for all is this. God used every member in the first century assembly. That's borne out in the chapters. But you guys believe He discontinued such an arrangement in favor of using just one man or woman with a title today.

Is that it?

No. I don't think that. At the same time though, I don't think everyone today is being used, or if they are, there are a whole bunch of bench warmers.

 

[hornetguy]

The question for all is this. God used every member in the first century assembly. That's borne out in the chapters. But you guys believe He discontinued such an arrangement in favor of using just one man or woman with a title today.

Is that it?

Do you mean, like he used Eutychus, who fell asleep during Paul's preaching, and fell out a window? What was HE contributing to the assembly? Entertainment?

I think you are mis-interpreting a description of how assemblies are supposed to be.

Tell me how, in our assembly, all 450 of us can each "contribute" something?

 

[Yet]

No. I don't think that. At the same time though, I don't think everyone today is being used, or if they are, there are a whole bunch of bench warmers.

But don't you see, they've been trained to be bench warmers. Nothing expected of them except the false tithe being dropped in the plate.

There were so many times God would give me a word of inspiration in the middle of the 'service' but i was not allowed to speak.
I would have been out of order according to church practice.

I'm sorry if i sound like a head shrink with his patients.(did i spell that right?)

But i just cannot grasp this resistance to God's word.

 

[Willie-T]

But don't you see, they've been trained to be bench warmers. Nothing expected of them except the false tithe being dropped in the plate.

There were so many times God would give me a word of inspiration in the middle of the 'service' but i was not allowed to speak.
I would have been out of order according to church practice.

I'm sorry if i sound like a head shrink with his patients.(did i spell that right?)

But i just cannot grasp this resistance to God's word.

Then you should have gotten your sorry, complaining butt up out of there and found a church such as where I attend where anyone and everyone who makes it known in a decent manner (Not just standing up deciding to tell everyone something) can come to the front (or stand at their seats if they prefer) and have a brief five minute, or so, say.

This is what irritates me so about some of you. You didn't look any, or certainly not enough, or you would have found it, and you don't have the gumption to start your own congregation to do something about worshiping with a group who feels the way you think it should be. If I could find the place where I attend, you could have also found a similar place.

I hear all the bellyaching you do, and I can't imagine you even looked for more than a tiny bit. I know this has to be right because so many of us attend churches that are nothing like you keep incessantly describing. We sure managed to find them.

 

[fredoheaven]

Hi Sir Yet,

Here are a scripture gifts for you, maybe you can consider these.

1 Corinthians 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.
1 Corinthians 10:23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.

"There were so many times God would give me a word of inspiration in the middle of the 'service' but i was not allowed to speak."

Thank you

 

[Willie-T]

But don't you see, they've been trained to be bench warmers. Nothing expected of them except the false tithe being dropped in the plate.

There were so many times God would give me a word of inspiration in the middle of the 'service' but i was not allowed to speak.
I would have been out of order according to church practice.

I'm sorry if i sound like a head shrink with his patients.(did i spell that right?)

But i just cannot grasp this resistance to God's word.

Actually, you sound more like a head shrinker's patient.

 

[breno785au]

Each member having their part in the body of Christ is not limited to function during gatherings each week, it belongs outside the gathering in everyday life. The gathering of believers is to equip them to do what they have been called to do whether that is within serving at a congregation or serving outside of it!

So whether I had a word for someone, or prayed for someone or whatever during the service (which I certainly have had and done as my time in walking with the Lord) is largely irrelevant to what God has me do outside of it.

 

[pottersclay]

Then you should have gotten your sorry, complaining butt up out of there and found a church such as where I attend where anyone and everyone who makes it known in a decent manner (Not just standing up deciding to tell everyone something) can come to the front (or stand at their seats if they prefer) and have a brief five minute, or so, say.

This is what irritates me so about some of you. You didn't look any, or certainly not enough, or you would have found it, and you don't have the gumption to start your own congregation to do something about worshiping with a group who feels the way you think it should be. If I could find the place where I attend, you could have also found a similar place.

I hear all the bellyaching you do, and I can't imagine you even looked for more than a tiny bit. I know this has to be right because so many of us attend churches that are nothing like you keep incessantly describing. We sure managed to find them.

Willy you ran a little over on this post. All of us needs to get a piece of yet so please stand down for the next 2sets please. You were a bit out of order too.

 

[damombomb]

God can use us anywhere or give a word ect. Here is one. Yet you are bitter because of past church. Do not let that deter
your calling. Don't waste your time fretting. Move forward into his glory and forget the past. Let God do a new thing. It is
he who is in control.

 

[JesusLives]

I love this song.....Personally I think everyday we should do as this song states even when it is just the regular routine.... We weren't all called to be Billy Graham but we can Brighten the Corner Where We Are.....Make life better for your family, take care of the regular stuff praying for those around you and helping to put a smile on their face. Some times it's the little things that mean so much....Let Jesus shine through your heart and it does Brighten the Corner Where You Are.



Brighten the Corner Where You Are

Do not wait until some deed of greatness you may do,
Do not wait to shed your light afar,
To the many duties ever near you now be true,
Brighten the corner where you are.

Refrain:
Brighten the corner where you are!
Brighten the corner where you are!
Someone far from harbor you may guide across the bar;
Brighten the corner where you are!

Just above are clouded skies that you may help to clear,
Let not narrow self your way debar;
Though into one heart alone may fall your song of cheer,
Brighten the corner where you are.

Refrain

Here for all your talent you may surely find a need,
Here reflect the bright and Morning Star;
Even from your humble hand the Bread of Life may feed,
Brighten the corner where you are.

Refrain

 

[Blain]

The question for all is this. God used every member in the first century assembly. That's borne out in the chapters. But you guys believe He discontinued such an arrangement in favor of using just one man or woman with a title today.

Is that it?

I was reading through the whole thread before intending to answer but I had to reply to this one here. God has always and will always use every member of the church assembly in some way or another, there is a place among the kingdom for every person each individual has strengths that is needed among God's church and body some are called to teaching some are called to be prayer warriors some are servants some are called to encourage and to council others are called to guide and to lead as a tutor and others still are called to preach but regardless of the title one goes by every person is of great value and use for god not just the pastor that you hold such bitterness to.

The pastor is not in charge or the leader of the church he is not more important than any other believer within the church he simply plays the role he was called to.

 

[reneweddaybyday]

The question for all is this. God used every member in the first century assembly. That's borne out in the chapters. But you guys believe He discontinued such an arrangement in favor of using just one man or woman with a title today.

Is that it?

No. I do not believe that at all.

I believe what is written in Ephesians 4:11-17:

11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.


Since you will not answer my questions concerning whether another believer ministered to you, perhaps you will answer whether you followed the instruction of vs 15.

Did you minister to someone in love?



1 Corinthians 12 also speaks to some of the issues you raise:

1 Corinthians 12:

12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

14 For the body is not one member, but many.

15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?

16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?

17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?

18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.

19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?

20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.

21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.


Vs 18 – God places each member of the body where they are as it has pleased Him

Vs 17 – If all members were pastors, who would be the flock?

Vs 15-16 – the flock member cannot say "because I am not the pastor, I am not part of the body".

And vs 21 speaks to those who try to remove / minimize the functioning of other members of the body And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.

Every member of the body is needful and every member of the body is where he/she is because that is pleasing to God.


Willie-T seems to have solved the dilemma you face to his satisfaction. He found a church where he can speak so long as he lets someone know beforehand.


breno785au brings up some good points --- we function as members of the body of Christ every day of our lives, not just the days/times we attend church. Jesus tells us the fields are white already to harvest (John 4:35). The fields are not just the church congregation. The fields are the workplace, the gas station, the grocery store, the post office, the gym, the library (if we use our library voice ), the dog park, the subway, etc., etc.

 

[Willie-T]

*Yet*,

As a demonstration of just how far out of touch you are in your never-ending tirade against churches and pastors, here is a short statement by the current head of our denomination.

[video=youtube;5l9NTGNdCRo]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5l9NTGNdCRo[/video]

 

[reneweddaybyday]

Some people come to Father with the attitude of here am I; send me and will function wherever there is a need.


Others come to Father with the attitude of send me only if I can function as _____________ (fill in the blank).


Who is God going to use when needs come up in the body? The guy/gal with the here am I; send me attitude? Or the guy/gal who limits him/herself to what he/she feels comfortable with?

 

[Willie-T]

As I said to Peter Jen in another thread, I know you probably won't watch this, *Yet*. But here is something you seem to have never experienced.

[video=youtube;OJTefRV8u_o]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJTefRV8u_o[/video]

 

[Willie-T]

No. I do not believe that at all.

I believe what is written in Ephesians 4:11-17:

11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.


Since you will not answer my questions concerning whether another believer ministered to you, perhaps you will answer whether you followed the instruction of vs 15.

Did you minister to someone in love?



1 Corinthians 12 also speaks to some of the issues you raise:

1 Corinthians 12:

12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

14 For the body is not one member, but many.

15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?

16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?

17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?

18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.

19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?

20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.

21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.


Vs 18 – God places each member of the body where they are as it has pleased Him

Vs 17 – If all members were pastors, who would be the flock?

Vs 15-16 – the flock member cannot say "because I am not the pastor, I am not part of the body".

And vs 21 speaks to those who try to remove / minimize the functioning of other members of the body And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.

Every member of the body is needful and every member of the body is where he/she is because that is pleasing to God.


Willie-T seems to have solved the dilemma you face to his satisfaction. He found a church where he can speak so long as he lets someone know beforehand.


breno785au brings up some good points --- we function as members of the body of Christ every day of our lives, not just the days/times we attend church. Jesus tells us the fields are white already to harvest (John 4:35). The fields are not just the church congregation. The fields are the workplace, the gas station, the grocery store, the post office, the gym, the library (if we use our library voice ), the dog park, the subway, etc., etc.

Actually, even that isn't always necessary. On occasion, someone might quietly raise their hand, maybe no higher than their ear, and if it is contextually appropriate to do so, the speaker will give them the opportunity to say something. And at the end of the talk, those things are always welcomed.