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First, I would like to point out that in almost every avenue of Christianity we allow for flexibility to accomodate the changing times in which we live. One such example has recently surfaced in the Sabbath rest discussion. The concept was presented that since the Sabbath was made for man we should use it to work in our best interest. If it is in our best interest to rest then we should by all means rest. If working to support our familiy is in the best interest of the whole then we should not rest, but work.
So, I thought I would take this opportunity to demonstrate how progressive thinking may have altered the basic home church experience resulting in the incorporated churches we see today. This is by no means all inclusive. I may expand on it as permitted.
With the passing of time it seems that Christians grow more disparate in their ideas of truth rather than united as the Lord purposed for His church. With the explosion of denominations there would have arisen a need to protect the teaching body of believers from detractors--those who would pass themselves off as fellow believers but preaching another gospel. What would stop an extreme group from calling themselves by the same or very similar name? Civil law. Thus, the name would have be to registered and the body incorporated.
It's sad that it has come to this but if civil law did not protect corporations then people might be tempted to take the law into their own hands. So God has ordained the civil power to squelch evil. This the Holy Spirit revealed to us in Romans 13.
So to retain a purer name the churches may have been forced, in our modern age, to register their names in order to preserve civility. Something that was unheard of and unnecessary in the early church. There was, at that time in history, only a small group claiming the name of Jesus Christ. This was a time when the church was more pure due to the persecution suffered by those claiming that name. Today, the moderate Christian does not suffer for their faith and so the church is not pure but full of Christians in name only.
When the people of God, purified by the Holy Spirit, stand firm for the truth then persecution will arise again and there will be no need for them to adopt any appellation of their own for their enemies will name them. But for now I see it as a necessary "evil"--as some would call it.
quote: So to retain a purer name the churches may have been forced, in our modern age, to register their names in order to preserve civility.
The need to register their names was to preserve their own views, own teachers preaching their own gospel that they liked. Currently they also join with the governments for tax gains, which leads to controls on teachings. We are not to heap up teachers of different denominations.
2 Tim. 4:3 (KJV) For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
1 Cor. 1:12 (KJV) 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.
1 Cor. 3:4 (KJV) For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos;are ye not carnal?
2 Cor. 11:4 (KJV) For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
Galatians 1:6 (KJV) I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
There is one Lord, one gospel, one church. Christ is the head. The Holy Spirit is the teacher. God keeps the role book of life. Those who enter the New Jerusalem (God’ spiritual church) leave Babylon (the world’s false churches). There is no need to register or protect the name of his church for the gates of hell will not prevail!
Faith
-------------------- 1 Thes. 5:21 (KJV) Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
Did you see what I just posted about government seizure of parental rights in the UK? Not to mention the rights of the unborn, also seized.
The governments of the West are already taking churches hostage, threatening to take away the rights which they supposedly bestowed. Even threatening imprisonments!
"He who takes the Kings' shilling must do the King's bidding."
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Have you studied the churches of China? I suggest reading Mega shift first. They have not submitted to the state and have grown to about 120 million. I would do a real study of the history of religions before deciding to indorse organized religion of any type. The Chinese have managed just fine without Bible Colleges , seminaries pulpits etc. You may say well they have to do this because of the Gov. but I say we don't need a building or a non profit stat here or in any place on the planet.
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Changing cultures are never an excuse to not obey the Word of God, especially where clear. The IC's ways and methods are in no way endorsed or even implied in the Scriptures and should be avoided. We should strive for the ideal of scripture as God leads:
Gilbert Keith Chesterton (1874-1936)
"The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting; it has been found difficult and left untried." - Chapter 5, What's Wrong With The World, 1910
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