Book Discussion: Pagan Christianity

[Dedicated Mind]

no one book is going to change christianity. all denominations will continue their traditions with modest evolution but nothing more. there is nothing new under the sun. all fads will eventually fade and what will remain is what we presently have. can anyone describe any recent major changes? i don't think the house church movement is significant unless there is major political change like communism.

[BrotherEastman]

Very interesting thread. Thank you Amanah. That being said, I think church buildings are here to stay and that God is not surprised by them. They've been around for people to meet for 2 millennial years. Some are involved in community and some are not, but I find God in places where Christians meet whether at a house or a church building. JMHO.

[Amanah]

I think it is another option for people to choose from. And it is probably a good way for someone who is feeling frustrated in wanting to do more in the way of ministry to find an outlet for increased participation.

I'm going to finish reading the book and may or may not make further comments on it on the forum.

Thanks everyone for your comments.

[Michael The Disciple]

Home fellowship/Churches are great. They are not the answer to all things. If a Church teaches false doctrine it would not be a good Church just because it meets in the home. Same with Plurality of Eldership. I think it is Biblical but I would prefer a one Pastor/Elder Church that taught truth over a plurality of Elders who were teaching error.

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Amanah

I think the church is changing and adjusting.
The Pastors on this forum are the proof of it.
Younger Pastors are less authoritarian.
They see the fallout of the mistakes of their Fathers.
There is a movement towards including home church meetings,
there is a softening in the approach of preaching.
And a movement away from preaching unbiblical standards.

Viola vehemently opposes an attack on the precious men and women of God who are Pastoring our churches and doing the best they know how with what was handed to them when they began. When I get home I'm going to find the statement that he made to that effect and post it.

It's not a light thing to transform the way you minister. It's done very cautiously so as to preserve like precious faith.

And it's easy to critique, but let's give credit for the prayers and fasting and hours of blood sweat and tears that have been poured out by concerned precious men and women who are doing their dead level best to lead the Church. I have made it a point to tread very softly in my review of this book out of love and concern for those who are giving their life for the gospel.

The countless men and women who will have received the Spirit and been baptised in the Name will rise up and call many on this forum blessed for their work and service to the Lord.

And if this post turns into a bash fest then I will request that it be locked.

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Amanah

"At this moment, all the rebellious hearts are applauding and are plotting to wield the above paragraphs to wreak havoc in their churches. If that is you dear rebellious heart, you have missed our point by a considerable distance. We do not stand with you. Our advice: Either leave your church quietly, refusing to cause division, or be at peace with it. There is a vast gulf between rebellion and taking a stand for what is true" (Viola 5)

[Digging4Truth]

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple

Home fellowship/Churches are great. They are not the answer to all things. If a Church teaches false doctrine it would not be a good Church just because it meets in the home. Same with Plurality of Eldership. I think it is Biblical but I would prefer a one Pastor/Elder Church that taught truth over a plurality of Elders who were teaching error.

Well that's sort of a given right?

Anyone would desire a church that balances on a fence and teaches truth than a church that sits in a pavilion and teaches error.

We should also remember that the vast majority of "steepled" churches preach error. So error or truth isn't, by any stretch of the imagination, a modern version versus house church version issue. That is as prevalent in any model as it is in another.

[Sabby]

Originally Posted by Amanah

"At this moment, all the rebellious hearts are applauding and are plotting to wield the above paragraphs to wreak havoc in their churches. If that is you dear rebellious heart, you have missed our point by a considerable distance. We do not stand with you. Our advice: Either leave your church quietly, refusing to cause division, or be at peace with it. There is a vast gulf between rebellion and taking a stand for what is true" (Viola 5)

Viola give Excellent advice (Either leave your church quietly, refusing to cause division, or be at peace with it) for those with issues with doing church.
I agree with others that believe it will take some time for change and that church “buildings” will always be with us. It depends upon the ministry, the ability to think “out of the box” and an intentional willingness to find God even in the “small” things, like home church.
About 4 years ago I had a conversation with a denominational brother, a Christian school instructor my age with a doctorate degree from Dallas Theological Seminary . I was giving him a ride to a school basketball game and we were talking about the ministry. He knew I was a pastor and asked where we were having church. When I replied, "Home Church", he looked at me quizzically and asked, “Don’t you feel that weakens the church?” My answer was, “Brother, if anything, it strengthens the church”. He didn’t agree, but that’s alright. If this verse is a little out of context forgive me, but in a way it applies,

Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. Romans 14:4

One form of methodology is not greater than another, as long as we are building the kingdom of God, as Jesus said,

Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest.
And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him,
And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.
And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us.
And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us. Luke 9:46-50


To your post, Amanah: having the right attitude and spirit is so important!

[Amanah]

Thank you for your post Sabby

[Scott Hutchinson]

If one wants to listen to house church services check this out.
http://www.ubm1.org/?page=ubmradio