House Church Blues

(Excerpt from, Building Blocks of the Church: Re-examining the Basics)

"The house church idea is not a new one. It finds its roots in an overemphasis of the fact that the New Testament churches frequently met in homes. In some parts of the world, such as China, it is a spontaneous God-ordained movement. In most Western countries however, these "churches" are generally populated and promoted by discontents and reactionaries who had been either hurt or disillusioned by the excesses and failures of the Charismatic revival.

At the outset, however, it must be said that the New Testament did meet in homes, but not exclusively so.

The first problem with this line of (house church) thinking is that it is strongly and negatively influenced by the bad experiences and frustrations in established churches. This is experiential theology in reverse and it works as follows: 'Because authority is abused in some churches, we will have no authority in ours. Because there is an over-emphasis on money in some, we will not participate in any form of giving. Because theological training has opened the door for some ungifted men to enter the ministry, we will not have anything to do with anyone who has a (theological) academic background. Because some full time ministers are lazy and abuse their privilege, 'we shoot paid preachers.' Because some sermons are boring, we reject all forms of formal preaching and teaching.'"

Building Blocks Of The Church

From the Preface:

"There is a strong possibility that Jesus will completely reject many of the ministries that are currently conducted in His name - even some of the ministries that boast about pulling down demonic strongholds in the name of Jesus, as well as ministries proclaiming false, extra biblical prophecies as special communications from God: 'Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your name, cast out demons in your name, and done many wonders in your name? And then I will declare to them, I never knew you; depart from me, you who practice lawlessness!' Matthew 7:22-23."

Contending Contentiously

A must read from Anton Bosch at Herescope Blog

"Let me be very clear on this: No one who is not involved in a local church (no matter how small), and who does not regularly teach the Truth, has the right to teach against error! There is no mention of a fault-finding, or critical ministry in the Bible. It is those who are “apt to teach” the Truth, who also then point out the error and warn concerning the wolves....

Every spectator on the sidelines of a sports game knows better how to play the game than anyone on the field! Yet there is no room for arm-chair critics in the church – only for those who are willing to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty with the vomit and diapers of new babes."

God All Sufficient

By Dr. Opal Reddin

LORD GOD ALMIGHTY
Omnipotent King, Lion of Judah, Rock of Ages, Prince of Peace, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Provider, Protector, Paternal, Leader Ruling Lord and Reigning King of all the universe.
He is Father, He is Helper, He is Guardian, and He is God. He is the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End, He is the Keeper of Creation and Creator of all He keeps; The Architect of the universe and manager of all times. He always was, He always is, and always will be...unmoved, unchanged, undefeated, and never undone.
He was bruised and brought healing .He was pierced and eased pain. He was persecuted and brought freedom. He was dead and brought life. He is risen and brings power. He reigns and brings peace.
The world can't understand Him, the armies can't defeat Him the schools can't explain Him, and leaders can't ignore Him. Herod couldn't kill Him, The pharisees couldn't confuse Him, People couldn't hold Him, Nero couldn't crush Him, Hitler couldn't silence Him, The New Age can't replace Him, And Oprah can't explain Him away!
He is Light, Love, Longevity and Lord. He is goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, and God He is Holy, Righteous, Mighty, Powerful and Pure. His ways are right His word is eternal, His will is unchanging, and His mind is on me!
He is my Savior, He is my Guide,
He is my Peace, He is my Joy,
He is my Comfort. He is my Lord and He rules my life.
I serve Him because He is God and is worthy to be served. His bond is love, His burden is light, and His goal for me is abundant life.
I follow Him because He is...THE wisdom, THE power of the powerful, THE ancient of days, THE ruler of rulers, THE leader of leaders, THE overseer of overcomers and sovereign Lord of all that was and is and is to come.
Now if that seems impressive to you, try this on for size. His goal is a relationship with ME !He will never leave me, never forsake me, Never mislead me, never forget me, never overlook me,and never cancel my appointment in His appointment book!
When I fall, He lifts me up. When I fail, He forgives. When I am weak, He is strong. When I am lost, He is the way. When I am afraid, He is my courage. When I stumble, He steadies me. When I am hurt, He heals me. When I am broken, He mends me .When I am blind, He leads me. When I am hungry, He feeds me. When I face trials, He is with me. When I face persecution, He shields me. When I face problems, He is the answer When I face loss, He provides for me. When I face death, HE carries me Home! He is everything for everybody, everywhere, every time, and every way.
He is God, He is faithful and true, I am His and He is mine.
My Father in Heaven has already defeated the father of this world, and so if you're asking why I stand and feel so secure, understand this; He said it, and that settles it.
God is in control, I am on his side, and that means all is well with my soul.
Every day is a blessing for... GOD IS!