Today, Scripture points are shared on the “basics, essentials, and must-haves” for a new Christian congregation. More than simply an ability to express optimism, pleasantry, and positive attitudes in the midst of crises and troubles, a body of believers must contain life essence (we say, spirit) from the makeup of Deity, display the godly character and nature of Jesus Christ, and continually operate using principles given by the Creator to continue the existence and integrity of the divine Creation. A writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “WinonaGal” (Level 7 with 32,029 points, a member since May 24, 2006) posted the following:
If you were starting a new church from scratch, what are your ideal must have things?
I'm trying to help out a bit. My church just had a long term minister retire and we are at a point of change. I think it might be a good exercise to ask this question and see what people want in a church.
This is a Christian Church.
Please, I'm not up for derogatory comments about my faith, be respectful.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. (Ephesians 4: 25-32, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A Price for Religious Liberty? (06/30/2015); Respect to Our Religious Beliefs? (04/21/2015); Relationship With Our Creator? (03/16/2015); A Pillar and Ground? (04/13/2013); Palm Sunday (04/14/2013); The Right Place to Get Knowledge? (02/17/2014); Arguing Against the Bible in Church? (02/18/2014)
“WinonaGal”, because a congregation must operate as an instrument of divinity, its believers must all possess a correct knowledge of eternal purpose, sacred process, and the expression of divine will through law. All must acknowledge rebirth through baptism (i.e., death of ones inborn spirit, new life from divine DNA, so to speak) with the necessary task of gradual growth for permanent change by enduring life challenges upon the earth. There should be mutual acceptance among the members, commitment, humility, and respect. However, friendliness, pride, self-regimen and sentiment are less vital than faith that manifests the righteousness of divine law, hope for the soon coming of Jesus, and a continuing sorrow for sins. Consider again these admonitions and encouragements we share from the Scriptures:
(1.) The Holy Spirit. Romans 8: 5-9, King James Version (KJV): 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
(2.) Confidence. Philippians 1: 6, KJV: 6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
(3.) Discernment. 1st Corinthians 2: 11-14, KJV: 11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
(4.) Gratitude. Psalms 100: 1-3, KJV: 1 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. 2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. 3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
(5.) Prayer. Acts 4: 29-31, KJV: 29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, 30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. 31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
(6.) Truth. John 16: 12-14, KJV: 12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. 13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
Of course there are many more Scriptures that should be shared, correctly understood, and spiritually taken into account. (For example, (7.) Trust. Psalms 22: 2-4, KJV: 2 O my God, I cry in the day time, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent. 3 But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. 4 Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
No comments:
Post a Comment