An Apostolic Approach to Scripture

[larrylyates]

Originally Posted by A.W. Bowman

I think I might have posted something like this a couple of years ago - I don't remember. Age I guess.

Anyway, now for the hard question:

Gentlemen, how many of the universal instructions (commandments) that Jesus gave to His disciples do we know, understand, and observe to do - and teach others the same?

I must admit that I did not score well on this quiz. Now I am working harder to learn and to do. /sigh/

But, I now see a difference in being 'apostolic' from a modern day view point, and being a disciple of Christ from an historical perspective. It is the difference between trying to get everything 'right' so as to gain the approval of men, and living and walking in the Spirit in order to gain the approval of God.

The hard part is wiping the slate clean of all of the doctrines of men and learning how to actually study the Bible for what it says in spite of what men have made it out to say, in order to support their personal agendas and 'good' religious ideas. It also requires us to step away from all of the social and religious trappings of the modern church performances (trappings and rituals) and seek the simplicity of living our lives according to God's precepts - not our own.

Ah, the difference between conformity and unity. So often we strive for congregational conformity (dress, words, actions, etc.) and call it unity, and then wonder why yet another church/organization splits. Truly, today Christ is divided. The sad part is the body of Christ has been plagued with these same kinds of problems from the very start, and that explains why Paul had to write so many letters of correction. The problems are not new, they just look different.

So, what is the solution? As starters, my recommendations are these: Flock to leaders who teach the word of God - as He intended for it to be taught, rather than listening to those who simply preach about the word. Follow after those who encourage each individual to take responsibility for their own salvation and not to rely on church dogma or pastoral edicts. Find leadership that guides others toward spiritual maturity rather than spiritual dependance. Find those who point everyone toward Christ, Himself, and then gets out of the way.

As one preacher stated so well, "If Jesus came back today He would not cleanse the Temple, He would cleanse the pulpit."

Both of your posts give me pause to reflect on my own thoughts and attitudes. I am afraid that I fall far short of the mark. I thank you for your insight and welcome your addition to these pages. May you be blessed in the Lord this day!