Are Sermons Biblical?

Are Sermons Biblical?

Prequel to: Father Demands Freedom of Speech!

Chapter 16 Preview: Quick! What was last week’s sermon about? Chances are you dont remember unless the speaker had gone from “preachin” to “meddlin”. Were you asleep? We could revive the old “cattle prod” method of the Puritans, except that most people have learned to “sleep” with their eyes open! Yet the Biblical approach to Sabbath Assemblies would keep you awake due to the dynamic participation! Dont assume that Father wants a one-man-show when the Bible provide a much different scenario. The Sabbath was set aside for a learning experience and also because “... it is the point in time when we should awaken from our sleep [ignorance], because our eternal Life is nearer to us than when we first became believers.” (Romans 13:11).

Why is it that most Sabbatarian Assemblies, or “services”, so closely resemble typical Protestant “Church”* services? Did the Protestant reformers follow in the footsteps of the apostle’s protocol? Did the Churches of God (to use an example that I am familiar with) lead or follow them in regard to this? It should be evident that much knowledge has been lost in the last nearly 2000 years, but by comparing our every belief and practice with scripture, we can again approach the faith that was once delivered to the Saints). There is still much room for improvement!

Life is so much simpler when we sincerely ask the right questions. Would it concern you if you were to learn from Scripture that the worship “services” that you attend each Sabbath do not conform to the scriptural format? Would you even care? If the “service” were to be different than the way you are accustomed to, would it make a difference in your life? Could there be a better way than the way we hold “services” now?

The underlying premise of this article is that “sermons” are not Biblical! The word “sermon” is not mentioned in the Bible! Believe it or not, sermons, as they are carried out today, actually thwart true spiritual growth. Furthermore, they have probably prevented you from forming a closer connection to your Creator, as well as to your brothers and sisters in Yeshua (Jesus*). The problem extends far beyond the Latin origin of the term “sermon”. While I favor eradicating the borrowed terminology of the “mainstream churches” when we assemble together, the problem is far more than one of semantics. Sermons form the core of a religious “service” that allows one person to “pontificate” (to use another Latin term) for perhaps an hour, after which people are quickly dismissed. This format has enabled various churches (Catholic, Protestant, and Churches of God alike) to each maintain iron fisted strangleholds over their own congregations, by only allowing “their” doctrines to be preached the way they want them to be preached. This is precisely the totalitarian way—with the threat of eternal death for anyone who would dare ask too many questions! If it is Scriptural, then great, so be it. Father would have chosen to work thru dictators rather than stones. But is it Scriptural? In truth, it is absolutely contrary to Scripture!

Are “Church Services” Biblical?

The traditional religious use of the word “service” illustrates the exclusive stranglehold that the clergy holds over a flock by enforcing the set-in-concrete formats that have evolved. My Living Webster Dictionary defines “service”, under the heading of religious application, as follows:

“public religious worship according to prescribed form and order; a ritual or form prescribed for public worship or for some particular occasion; as the marriage service; the serving of God by obedience or piety; a musical setting of those portions of a liturgy which are sung”. The exclusive demands of formality completely stifle an educational environment while substituting the backbone of brainwashing, namely repetition.”

The Biblical way promotes solid understanding and awareness of Scriptural teachings by each individual. The Biblical way actually tends to prevent false doctrine from entering into the congregation, except for when the majority of the congregation wants it, but even then, using the Biblical method, everyone knows where the others stand on any position, good or bad, right or wrong. Knowing that there are differences should cause a concerned person to search even more carefully for the truth.

As an example, how did so much heresy creep into the Worldwide Church of God after the death of its leader in 1986? Was it not first taught from the pulpits? Was the congregation asked for their opinion or input? No! Werent we always taught to trust in “the church” Yes, undoubtedly! The WCG taught that Christ was the “Head” of “His Church” and that Yeshua had put doctrine into His church through an apostle, who was a man. It taught that Father always worked through one man at a time. Questioning any teaching coming from headquarters was dangerous; and even a trace of persistence would bring on banishment from the corporate body. (Yet, no man can banish you from Yeshua’s, if you are in it!) Such were the dangers that many of us have lived thru. Since false doctrines undeniably entered the Worldwide Church of God from the top, then what is to prevent that from happening in your current organization (if you are in one)? Furthermore, the former method of “preserving unity” not only didnt prevent division; on the contrary, it fostered and promoted the malignant subterfuge, enabling it to eventually permeate the entire organization. So wouldnt it be vitally important to employ a Biblical format that would prevent this kind of subtle deception from ensnaring you? This single understanding alone could determine whether or not you “endure” to the end!

The apostle Paul described the problems that the Corinthian’s were having with their Sabbath assembles; and he specified the only Biblical solution. This totally forsaken admonition is “hidden” in the “Tongues Chapter”, a chapter sure to be ignored except by the energetic so-called Pentecostal churches. While I do expect that the “spiritual gifts”, which include speaking in tongues during Sabbath Assemblies, will make a come back as the end time approaches, that is not the topic at this time and much of the tongues commentary has been omitted from the following quotation:

1 Corinthians 14:1 Earnestly endeavor to acquire love; and be zealous in the pursuit of the gifts of the spirit, particularly sacredly inspired revelation. GV

Note: “Earnestly endeavor to acquire” ... “sacredly inspired revelation!” Who was the letter to the Corinthians addressed to anyway? Was it to “the minister” of the “Church of God”? Actually, it was to the congregation!

1 Corinthians 1:2-10[Paul] to the Assembly of Yehovah in Corinth, to those invited and made sacred, who are made dedicated in Yeshua the Messiah; and to everyone, everywhere who invokes the name of their and our Master, Yeshua the Messiah. 3 May compassion be with you, and peace; from Yehovah our Father, and from our Master Yeshua the Messiah. 4 I thank Yehovah continually on your behalf for the compassion of Yehovah that is given to you in Yeshua the Messiah; 5 that in everything you are enriched by Him, in everything said, and in all knowledge; 6 even as the Testimony of the Messiah was confirmed among you: 7 so that you arent deprived in any of His gifts; but are waiting for the appearing of our Master Yeshua the Messiah; 8 who will stabilize you to the end, so that you can be blameless in the Day of our Master Yeshua the Messiah. 9 Yehovah, who has called you by name into the fellowship of His Son, Yeshua the Messiah, our Master, is faithful. 10 I implore you Friends, in the name of our Master Yeshua the Messiah, that you all have one teaching; and that there will be no divisions among you; but that you will become perfectly of one mind, and of one way of thinking. GV

A Closed Door Policy?

By the time we get to 1 Corinthians 14, we begin to see some very specific instruction for our weekly Sabbath Assemblies:

1 Corinthians 14:2-24 Anyone who speaks in a foreign language isnt talking to people, but to Yehovah; because no one understands what is said; yet in the spirit, they speak mysteries. ... 12 Similarly, since you’re zealous for the spiritual gifts to build the assembly, strive to excel in them. ... 23 So if the whole assembly gathers, and they are all speaking with foreign languages, and “new” people come in, or those who dont believe, wont they say, “These people are crazy”? 24 But if you are all speaking under pure revelation, and “new” people or unfaithful come among you, they’ll be convicted after examining everything that happens. GV

These instructions forbid a closed door policy! A look into the Bible actually reveals that a faithful assembly will have what many term an “open door” policy—and that door should be wide open! Also, consider what is required to be “convinced” and “convicted” “by all”.

Continuing: 25...40 What had been hidden from their minds is no longer hidden from them; then they will fall face down, and worship Yehovah, and say, “Truly, Yehovah is among you”.[Have you ever heard of this happening in any of the congregations that you have been a part of? It isnt even possible under the current “format” that most WCG descended groups are accustomed to!] 26 So I tell you Friends, that when you assemble, whoever has a psalm [special music], should speak; as well as anyone who has a doctrine, and whoever has a revelation [new understanding], and whoever has a foreign language, and whoever can interpret. Every type of thing should be done to build us up. ... 29 As for inspired speakers; two to three should speak, and afterward ALLOW THE OTHERS TO RENDER THEIR JUDGMENT. [This is the key missing element in most (all?) corporate Sabbath Assemblies! There must be interactivity!] 30 If someone else sitting there can disclose a point that was previously unknown, then the one speaking should be kept in silence for a time. 31 YOU CAN ALL TAKE YOUR TURN speaking under inspiration; [“ALL” should speak under divine inspiration, not just the privileged few!] so that everyone can learn by practice. Everyone can give and receive consolation and encouragement. 32 You see, the rational spirit of inspired speakers cooperates with other inspired speakers. 33 Yehovah is not the author of instability, but of tranquility, as in every Assembly of the Saints. 34 “Your women should remain silent in public gatherings. They are not allowed to speak out, they must be submissive, as the Roman law says. 35 If women want to be informed about any subject, they should ask their husbands at home; because it is unbecoming for women to speak in a gathering”. 36 What! Did the Words of Aloha originate with you? Are you Corinthians the only people it has reached? 37 If one of you are of the opinion that you are an interpreter of oracles, or that you belong to the sacred spirit, then you should realize that the things that I write to you are the commandments of Yehovah. 38 If anyone is ignorant of this, disregard him. [Dont be ignorant of what the “commandments of Yehovah” are, relevant to Sabbath assembly protocol?] 39 So Friends, desire inspired speaking, and dont forbid anyone from speaking in foreign languages. 40 But everything should be done with decency and in regular succession. GV

And so it continues to “you”, the Saints, verse after verse, and not to a particular individual or minister. If there were such a thing as a local “minister” in charge of these people, then why would Paul have bothered writing to the whole Assembly? These problems would not, and could not have even existed, unless the minister was a bad apple. But, if that were the case, then Paul would have either written to the minister, or replaced him. Thus, there was still no need to write to the “church”, unless there was no minister at all in Corinth. Now, as a side note, consider what that Corinthian “church” was to do on their own, without a minister to hold their hand. (Constantine introduced the idea of one minister ruling, rather than elders serving.) They assembly was to:

Rather than use a word borrowed from the Catholic Church, I would prefer to use a straightforward term such as “teaching”, “lecture” or “discourse” to describe what takes place when a member of Yeshua’s body elaborates on what he has learned from studying the Bible. The “Lecture on the Mount”, of Matthew chapters 5-7 is a good example of this. Yeshua did not use the cold and formal approach of religious leaders.

Matthew 7:28 After Yeshua had finished saying all these things, the crowds were amazed at His doctrine; GV

Deep Sleep: Due to a Sermon?

Acts 20:9 And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long ‘preaching’, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead. KJV

Many would emphasize that this typical translation is some of the best evidence validating the preaching of sermons, carelessly assuming that Paul was giving one. A closer look at the word “preaching”—“dialegomai” in the Greek, reveals that the word can mean one of two things; and I think that we can readily eliminate the first possible meaning in this instance. The word itself should readily clue you in to where we got the English word “dialogue” (or you could check an English dictionary for the origin of the word). Contrary to popular opinion, this is an example of Paul’s enthusiasm for having long interactive dialogs with his Friends! I doubt that he left many questions unanswered. (As for the first reference, there are institutions for people who try to hold “dialogs” with themselves.)

In fact, Paul having dialogues with his students was not limited to just that one time—he always used the natural interactive method of teaching.

Acts 17:2 Paul, as usual, went in with them, and for three Sabbaths he discussed [dialegomai] the Scriptures with them; GV

Acts 17:17 He conversed [dialegomai] in the synagogue with the Jews, and with others who feared Yehovah, and in the marketplace he spoke with those who gathered there daily. GV

Acts 18:4 He conversed [dialegomai] in the synagogue every Sabbath, persuading both Jews and Hellenists. GV

Acts 18:19 They came to Ephesus, and Paul went into the synagogue, and conversed [dialegomai] with the Jews. GV

Acts 19:8 Paul entered the synagogue, and boldly debated [dialegomai] the Scriptures very persuasively for three months, about the Kingdom of Yehovah.

Acts 19:9 Some of them were hardened, refusing to believe, and spoke evil of the Way of Yehovah before the Assembly. So Paul left them, and separated the Disciples from them. He had daily dialog [dialegomai] with them in the school of a man named Tyrannus. GV

Acts 20:7 Then on the first of the Sabbaths, when we Assembled to break bread, Paul had dialog [dialegomai] with them, because he was going to leave the next day; and he continued his dialog till midnight. GV

Acts 24:12 They didnt so much as find me debating [having “dialegomai”] with anyone in the Temple, and certainly not exciting a riotous gathering in their synagogues, or in the city.

Acts 24:25 Their dialog concerned righteousness, and self control, and the future Judgment Day. Felix became alarmed; so he said, “For the present time, go; and when I have an opportunity, I will send for you”. GV

Had Paul instructed the Assemblies to use strictly monologues (sermons) instead of dialogues, he could have easily done so.

Harmony or Thought Suppression?

A facade of harmony appears to be present when only a few people are permitted to express their thoughts. Thought suppression easily takes place when speakers on a payroll preach the party line upon the threat of being fired. Likewise, the threat of being “excommunicated” (not for blatant sin—which is Biblical—but for thinking differently) keeps most others from saying anything. Paul clarified the conditions required for putting people out of the Assembly and required it in this very epistle to the ministry ... oops, I mean, to you, the Saints. I thought for years that my brethren were all like minded until major heresies were introduced and a scattering took place. Today, if you get the boot in one congregation, the group down the road will likely welcome you (unless you ask too many questions). After all, the feeling of most is that your previous group was “Laodicean” anyway. One can never express a truly inspirational thought under the looming threat of an ever present ax.

This situation is not at all what Father intended. We should not put some individuals on a pedestal and consider only their opinions concerning Father’s word. This is how “hirelings” and “yes men” are created. Dedicated men of character wont make the compromises “necessary” to be put into or keep jobs requiring them to compromise their convictions in order to conform to human leadership. Yet these indispensable convictions are all too often labeled as insubordination. The Biblical practices of 1 Corinthians 14, if they are ever implemented in the “Churches” “of God”, will certainly contribute to some lively debates! Safeguards of civility and orderliness would, of necessity, have to be implemented, also, as per Paul’s instruction: “Let all things be done decently and in order”. However, the principle of freedom of speech is a principle that Father Himself established thru the founding fathers of the U.S. Similarly, every man in a congregation should be actively involved in doctrinal discussion. To be certain, heresies will arise, but they will be out in the open rather than being secretly introduced. Opposing viewpoints could quickly expose any slight of hand doctrinal alterations, while “new interpretations” would be given a fair hearing. After all, when iron sharpens iron, friction and heat are invariably involved.

1 Corinthians 11:18-19 First of all, when you gather together as an Assembly, I hear that there you are divided; and this is destined to happen. 19 Of necessity there must be sects among you, so that the genuine can be distinguished from the counterfeit] among you. GV

It is far better to allow people to be sorted out by their beliefs than to pretend, for whatever reason, that differences dont exist! In this way, those who advocate the truth “can be distinguished from the counterfeit”. GV

2 Peter 2:1-2 As false prophets arose in history, there will also be false teachers among you, who will by stealthiness introduce destructive sects, denying the Master who bought them; and bring on themselves swift and eternal death. 2 Many will comply with their deadly ways; because these deceivers blasphemed [blasphemeo] the Way of truth. GV

If even one person were allowed to sound an alarm in the hearing of the people that a wolf has entered the flock, the sheep would be on alert!

Once I heard a minister say that the fellowship following “services” was just as important as the formal service. That would be a reference to the positive influence that each of us can have on our brethren, the personal encouragement, admonition, and council that the people who know you best can supply.

“Prove All Things”—or Form a Committee?

The admonition to “Prove all things” ... that’s just for doctrinal committees, right? Actually the context of the statement to “prove” or “test” all things is directed specifically to the brethren! That’s right; an apostle said to check up on him in the Scriptures:

1 Thessalonians 5:4-21 But you, Friends, arent in darkness ... 5 because you are all children of the light, and children of the day; you arent children of the night or children of darkness. 6 So let’s not sleep as everyone else does; but let’s stay awake and be sober. ... 12 Friends, we beg you to recognize those who who labor among you and preside over you in our Master, and advise you. 13 Esteem them very highly, with abundant love, because of their work, and live in harmony with them. 14 Friends, we encourage you to admonish offenders, comfort the timid, sustain the weak, and be patient with everyone. 18 Be thankful for everything, because that is Yehovah’s will, thru Yeshua the Messiah for you. ... 21 Analyze everything, and hold tightly onto anything genuinely precious. GV

Certainly there should be people employed to support and advance Father’s commands, but there are very specific limitations on these individuals. “Authority” is not something to be exercised in circumstances without Biblical mandates, except perhaps under dire circumstances! True ministers should be our servants, not people who lord it over the body.

The Olivet Prophecy, contained in Matthew 24, given just two days before “the Son of Man” was “to be crucified” (Matthew 26:2), is not a Biblical example of a sermon, rather, it was the result of a question asked of Yeshua. It is quite noteworthy that Yeshua did not start this dialog until He “left the Temple and was going on His way” (Matthew 24:1). Could this forebode something about the conditions in which learning would take place among His followers after His death? Presumably He could have revealed these astonishing things in the temple itself, since it was a Monday anyway, to add credence to the statements. Instead, He chose to walk away from the edifice that purportedly represented the worship of our Great Father, choosing instead to sit on the Mount of Olives (part of His own creation) to reveal His summarization of the events pertaining to the end of this age.

Yeshua strictly avoided the formality of revealing His truths using accepted religious protocol. He spoke on mountainsides, He spoke on the seaside and He met with His followers in houses. When He was given an opportunity to speak in a synagogue, the brevity of His words spoke as loudly as what He said! Does this have a bearing on what a “Church” is? Most professing “Saints” (presumably called “Christians” by their enemies: Acts 11:26) think first of buildings and ruling bodies of religious leaders when asked what a church is. Others, partially understanding the meaning of the Greek word “ekklesia” (allegedly church), think that a “government approved” and “duly incorporated” body of believers is a “Church”. That is just as much in error as the building idea.

According to searchgodsword “ekklesia” applies to any gathering of people, even a mob, unless accompanied by “of God”:

This primary application of ekklesia stresses the wholly human connotation of the term. The fourth application of “Church” (actually “Assembly” ) is only significant when it precedes the words “of Father”. Only then is the definition “the whole body of Christians scattered throughout the earth” impliied.

Are You A Priest?

We are a priesthood! Physical Israel was under a priesthood, but Spiritual Israel is a priesthood!

1 Peter 2:5 You are also, like living stones in the temple, a rebuilt spiritual Temple, with sacred priests who offer spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to Yehovah, thru Yeshua the Messiah. GV

1 Peter 2:9 But you are a select race, officiating as priests of the Kingdom; a sacred nation [1], a congregation that proclaims the virtues of the One who called you by name, out of darkness and into His precious light.

[1] This is one place where translators dont mess up and use the word “gentile”.

It seems as tho all of the leading ministers of the Churches of God are trying to see who is the “greatest”. Even among Yeshua’s hand picked men this was initially an issue.

Mark 9:33-35 Then He came to Capernaum. And when He was in the house He asked them: What was it you disputed among yourselves on the road? 34 But they kept silent, for on the road they had disputed among themselves who would be the greatest. 35 And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them: If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.

The difference is that the twelve disciples repented!

Matthew 20:25-27 But [Yeshua] called them to Himself and said: You know that the rulers of the ‘gentiles’ [Nations] lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. 26 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. 27 And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave.

Matthew 23:8-15 But you, do not be called “Rabbi”; [Teacher, Master (Mister), Reverend, etc.] for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. 9 Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. 10 And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ.11 But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. 13 But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in. 14 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. Therefore you will receive greater condemnation. 15 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.

Should We “All Speak the Same Thing”

Chances are good that the people preaching sermons to you are also telling you to “all speak the same thing” that they do! Does heeding the viewpoints of a minister gain you “points” with Father? Is that what it means to all speak the same thing? What if your minister’s opinion just happens to be right and your neighbor’s minister just happens to be wrong. Will Father some day say to you: “Well done you good and faithful servant, because you just happened to listen to the right man, I will bless you more than your neighbor who just happened to listen to the wrong man” Is this any different than the parable where the one son told his father: “‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go.”, while the other son said: “I will not”, but after reflection, he begrudgingly did follow his father’s instruction? Which of Father’s prospective Sons is right in this situation?

Many churches appeal to 1 Corinthians 1:10 for credibility as they require all of their followers to accept their viewpoints. “We must all speak the same thing”, they warn. The “same thing”, presumably being, that the “clergy” or “leader” or “leadership of the church” has the authority to determine for you what is supposed to be “the truth” and what is not the truth. Is this the position that Father inspired Paul to explain or could this Scripture mean something entirely different? Where is the opportunity to grow when you are always told what to do?

Here is 1 Corinthians 1:9-12 as rendered in the traditional KJV:

God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son [Yeshua the Messiah] our Lord. 10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord [Yeshua the Messiah], that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 11 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. 12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. KJV

1 Corinthians 1:10 is continually used by many to reinforce the assertion that “lay” members are not qualified or even permitted to discuss the Bible among themselves, at least not without having a minister present, and that they should leave such matters to the “clergy”, preferably without questioning. Even in the Churches of God (or especially in these Churches) such has been the practice.

Now, let’s consider the context that “all speak the same thing” is used in. Verses 9 and 10 refer to Yeshua and the Saints’ relationship with Him. Verse 12 pertains to how some people “associated” with certain other people, rather than literally consulting Yeshua’s own words. In reality, the context explains the exact opposite of what is generally taught! Paul taught that people are not to follow a man but rather that they must follow Yeshua. The implication is that we are to follow the instructions of Yeshua, rather than use any man as a mediator between Father and ourselves in any sense of the word. With this in mind, verse 10 should be easier to comprehend. The actual meaning of Paul’s admonition was to persuade people to follow Yeshua, and specifically that they “all” are to speak, or teach, what He taught! This is, paradoxically, a prohibition against blindly following a “religious leader” ! We can, and certainly should, learn from our brethren, but we are being judged by how we use our understanding of Scripture and not by how loyal we are to adhering to the judgments of others. It is our thoughts and behavior that Father is evaluating in this life. Your character is ascertained by the decisions you make, that is, what you decide to do in every circumstance in your life, especially in new situations that challenge your conscience.

You can absolutely never be certain that you understand a truth unless you are willing to evaluate other possible explanations of an issue. If you are afraid to consider another person’s beliefs, then you should ask yourself why. Are you afraid that you may become confused? If so, then you are conceding that you are not certain that you are right. Are you subconsciously afraid that another explanation may be the true perspective? On Judgment Day, what will Yeshua have to say to you about that? Are you afraid to learn something new because you dont feel that any truth that the “true church”, as you suppose it to be, does not yet understand could be of any value? The command to “prove all things” is valuable for many reasons; not the least of which is for your own peace of mind! Being taught to “never read dissident literature” is the backbone of religious mind control! The truth can set you free but only when you have proven the truth to be the truth. Fear of discovering that you may be wrong is cowardly and sinful! Notice the very first sin mentioned on this list:

Revelation 21:8 But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the sinful, the polluted, murderers, male prostitutes, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, are destined for the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, that is the second death”. GV

Undoubtedly, the words “all speak the same thing” refer to speaking the same things as “our Master”. Paul was expounding against the dangerous present reality that people were following “the man of their choice”. This becomes evident if one swallows pre-selected collections of teachings without personally proving, to the very best of one’s ability, every aspect of what is being taught. Again, Paul’s entire point is that “all” must follow the words of “Yeshua”. Disciples are to look to our heavenly Father and to Yeshua, and live by the written Word of Elohim (God). How can we all speak the same thing that Yeshua did if we are not “all” permitted to speak?

In 1 Corinthians 1:9, Paul pointed out that it is into Yeshua’s spiritual Assembly that Saints are called, and not into corporations. Father’s Assembly, His “Church”, is not divided into sects—separated by time and distance; rather Father’s Assembly is the one true spiritual body of believers who are entirely loyal to their Father. Our fellowship with the brethren is solely a result of our personal relationship with Father. Never be deceived into thinking that your salvation is somehow assured because you keep good human company in a corporate church! Time and space may some day become irrelevant, but the bonds of kinship that have been developed among the true followers of [Yeshua the Messiah] will last for eternity. Be sure that you are truly following directly in the footsteps of [Yeshua the Massiah].

Practical Application Postscript Added 4/17/04

How could a Sabbath Assembly be properly conducted? I would suggest that the talk radio format is a perfect example of how it should be done. They have a guest speaker present an uninterrupted monologue to present a basis for discussion. Questions are delayed long enough to allow the speaker to construct a sequential arrangement of facts that would presumably answer most of the pertinent questions, from his perspective. Then callers are allowed to ask questions on a point by point basis or are given an opportunity to express differing conclusions to which the guest speaker is allowed to respond.

Incidentally when Paul said in 1 Corinthians 14:29 “two to three should speak, and afterward allow the others to evaluate”, in a Sabbath Assembly; that would not mean that a second monologue on the same topic should follow. That would not be “dialegomai”. It is not about getting “equal time”, it is about learning to reason together in patience and love.

Again, Acts 17:2 Paul, as usual, went in with them, and for three Sabbaths he discussed [dialegomai] the Scriptures with them; GV

Another analogy, but a bit more adversarial, would be that of a jury trial. The accused is given an opportunity to present the alleged facts in defense of his position. His accusers are then allowed to present presumed evidence to the contrary. The accused is then given the opportunity to respond to every charge. Hopefully in this manner the real truth will be arrived at.

If “equal time” were the objective, then in the radio analogy, the guest speaker, after presenting his monologue would be gagged as his opponents are given free range to come up with criticisms that he could not respond to.

Criticisms must be dealt with one point at a time.

In the court room analogy, “equal time” would be like the accused being given time to present his explanation of the circumstances on which he is to be judged, but then to be quickly rushed back to jail to await the verdict. Then the accusers would be allowed to make countless accusations to which the accused could not respond.

In the Sabbath Assembly, opposing viewpoints should be dealt with one point at a time but unlike in the court situation, where the jury is sequestered until a verdict is reached (which may be wrong), time constraints may need to be imposed, after all, you probably have more important things to do on the Sabbath.

A friend of mine asked me if I knew when sermons first came into use. My initial word searches took me to my own site. Finally, I found some information on the topic. I would click on the Sermons and Sophists section and begin reading there, to avoid some of the Sunday/Trinitarian stuff.

To read some astonishing statistics about “Home Churches” check out this link*.

Were more people familiar with what Paul was really saying in Romans 16, perhaps a few more people would take their spirituality into their own hands instead of subbing it out to paid professionals. Here is the text with the critical words marked with Strong’s numbers:

Romans 16:17-19 I implore you, Friends, that you take note [1] of those who cause seditions and scandalous impediments [skandalon] among you, rather than the doctrine that you have learned, and that you avoid them. 18 Anyone who does that sort of thing doesnt serve our Master Yeshua the Messiah; rather they feed their own stomachs. By eloquently prepared oratory, they deceive the minds of the ignorant. 19 But your obedience to true requirements is known to everyone. So I’m jubilant for you; and I would have you be sophisticated [sophos*], about good things, and naive about evil things. GV

[1] Listening to eloquent public orators was a popular form of entertainment in Greek culture. These celebrities were well paid. Constantine used professional oratory as a way to increase the attendance in the massive church buildings that he built, replacing interactivity (which is the core of the sequel to this chapter). These speeches became known as “sermons”. Sermons later fell out of use, under Catholicism, until the Protestant Reformation.

Evolutionists may be content believing that the universe is getting better and better, by blind circumstances, but the universe is really devolving. Similarly, Christians may believe that the church is evolving into something even better than the “early church”; but if so, they are “being misled”.

2 Timothy 3:13 Wicked and seducing people get worse and worse, misleading and being misled themselves. GV

BOOK ENDORSEMENT

“Pagan Christianity (Revised and Expanded) by Frank Viola and George Barna. Have you ever wondered why we Christians do what we do for church every Sunday morning? Why do we “dress up” for church? Why does the pastor preach a sermon each week? Why do we have pews, steeples, choirs, and seminaries? This volume reveals the startling truth: most of what Christians do in present-day churches is not rooted in the New Testament, but in pagan culture and rituals developed long after the death of the apostles. Coauthors Frank Viola and George Barna support their thesis with compelling historical evidence in the first-ever book to document the full story of modern Christian church practices.”

This book should start a revolution. While the authors dont endorse living by both the “Torah (Law) of Elohim” (the “Old Testament”) and the “Testimony of Yeshua” (the “New Testament”), they nevertheless, expose numerous land mines for anyone claiming to be a follower of Yeshua. Decades ago I was astounded when I read The Two Babylons, a book exposing the pagan roots of Catholicism. I was just as shocked today (2/25/08), as I finished reading Pagan Christianity, which in essence rattles both Catholicism, and particularly Protestantism to the bone, but from a totally different perspective. It is not only the Sunday Christians who are in for a surprise, because if Sabbatarians have the courage to read outside of their corporate boxes, they will be shocked as well. Sabbatarians are taught that their cherished traditions come directly from the First Century “Church” (Assembly). Yet, as it turns out, many of their cherished traditions were unheard of until the Protestant Reformation! Iron clad evidence shows that many of their traditions stem directly from the fickle minds of the Protestant Reformers—in opposition to the Bible!

The Protestant Reformation barely scratched the surface in uncovering the changes that needed to take place. That revolution only wanted to reform Catholicism, it did not endeavor to return to the pristine condition of the First Century Nazarene Assembly (Christianity). Worse still, many of the truths uncovered during the Reformation were quickly re-buried, and have remained hidden for 500 years! This book finds paganism where you least expect it. It is in the most dangerous of places. I hope to see virtually every situation described in this book rectified. Another wonderful thing about this book is that the authors are zealous for change, and the zeal rubs off on you as you turn the the pages. My own book, Mysteries of the Everlasting Kingdom exposes the double edged sword of Nicolaitan hierarchy, and so-called “laymen” simply being uninvolved “sermon spectators”, but I had only searched out a very few historical references. I simply found hierarchy and sermons totally absent from the Bible. This book follows the paper trail tracing who started these heresies—providing names and dates, why they did it, and it exposes the totally unperceived damage done to each of us. —Lon