Neglecting the assembling of the saints

Ecclesiastical tradition is a hot topic for many Christians. Especially those that direct our 'coming together.' For some it evokes feelings of splendor, liturgy, and commonplace. For many others, it sparks debate, hostility, and downright angst. Even though I am beginning to feel that traditions might rank up there with the no-no's of silence regarding Politics and Religion.

Falling somewhere in the middle of the two camps, I find myself always questioning what it is we do, why do we do it, are we doing it right, and does our Christian liberty give us the flexibility to be 'right' even when we are way off in left or right field?

I suppose I could elaborate a million miles in many directions about the impact that liberty has on our 'Christian Practices.' But, I have grown weary of justifying what liberty allows. Today, as a believer, disciple, and wretch, I am more concerned with what did the scripture really say about what we do.

It is really easy to look at events in scripture, compare them to our current church traditions, and then read back into the text why it is okay to do it as we do it, even thought they do not align. Sprinkle a little liberty on top, and now we have justification for our behavior.

I am sorry if I fulfill my calling as a dissident, and resist this. But I am going to anyway. I cannot in good conscience continue to accept the Romish practices of yesteryear we call Protestantism (evangelicalism), and not protest that which at least is contradictory to scriptural revelation. And with that said, I am being pretty liberal here.

There is a great number of 'traditions' I have been looking at with great scrutiny as of late, and I am beginning to find that they are all inextricably linked together.

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
(Heb 10:23-25)

If I have your attention, and you are interested in joining me in this discussion, or even plausibly visiting my electronic monastery of ecclesiastical reflection and vein monkish babbling, here is what I am looking at the most lately.

• The breaking of bread - Is it sacrament, oyster crackers and dainty plastic cups of grape juice, transubstantiation, consubstantiation? Can we justify this current practice by measuring it against the examples of the New Testament?

• The meeting dynamic - What impact does the actual practice of breaking bread have on the meeting and the order we conduct our service?

• The apostolic ordinances/traditions - What of Paul's instruction in 1 Corinthians? What is our response to Paul's instructions regarding the Lord's table, breaking bread, the gifts, and the issue of women speaking/not speaking (not teaching, prophesying) in the meeting?

How are all these tied together you might ask? Well, for this post I will leave it stated as simply as I can with all the information I have been absorbing concerning all of these topics.

If the assembling of ourselves together, to stir one another on to good works, in an 'official' manifestation of the assembled church meeting is as the New Testament demonstrates (coming together to break bread), then what do the apostolic ordinances of Corinthians, the existence of gifts, and the role of men and women all look like in that meeting?

I do plan to elaborate more on my thoughts regarding these issues here at the blog, and definitely amongst the beloved brethren I share fellowship with, but now I pose the question to you. While we may not be forsaking the assembling of ourselves together even in the most liberal of ecclesiastical practices, are we neglecting it?

A Twisted Scripture 4

In the spirit of Alan Knox's "Scripture...as We Live It" series,

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received act like you want it, and it will might be yours.  (Mar 11:24 Twisted)

Seeking a Kingdom: New Devotional

New devotional posted at Seeking a Kingdom. Titled, Nourished through the vine. It is my prayer that our righteousness be strengthened through the food that comes from the Father. If we submit ourselves to his care, abide in Christ, and do his will, we will abide in the Father, and be friends of God.

You can subscribe to Seeking a Kingdom through Twitter, Facebook, Feedburner, and in the future, Youtube.

Good Ministry, Bad Ministy, You Decide...

Good Ministry: Enrolling widows that qualify, have faithfully served the saints, cared for the afflicted, and devoted themselves to every good work into support of the church. (1Ti 5:9-10)

Bad Ministry: Not helping a sister who is struggling in the assembly because she does not qualify for the 'widows' roll. (2Co 8:12-15)

Prayer Request!

I am taking my state licensing exam for my Social Work License today at 11:00 AM (EST). I have not prepared as well as I should have, and have had great anxiety doing what preparation I have. Please lift up my time of testing in prayer, and on my behalf, request with me that the Lord would forgive my oversight and quicken my mind to do well.

"Well" for me is good enough if it is passing!

Free Audiobook: The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges

You can still get in on this months free Audiobook from christianaudio. It is a book I have long wanted to read, but have not quite gotten to yet. Maybe I will get to finally check it out on the daily commute. It is Jerry Bridges' "The Pursuit of Holiness" and is available until the end of January.

If you prefer the print version, and have a few dollars to spend on it, you can order it here.

A Twisted Scripture 3

In the spirit of Alan Knox's "Scripture...as We Live It" series,

Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place which is inconvenient, but instead let there be thanksgiving.  (Eph 5:4 Twisted)

HT: GPP

Excellent Hymns from Page CXVI Hymns

Page CXVI Hymns has graciously posted their new Hymns III album and is streaming them for free. You can preview the entire album before you purchase it. They have seemingly found an excellent compromise between a modern sound and classic hymns. They have truly made hymns accessible and known again. What I love most about this group is that they are a cool drink of water in a desert of worthless contemporary Christian music that makes my ears bleed sometimes. This is a worthy purchase indeed, and I hope you enjoy it.