Haggai 1:3-9
Then the word of the LORD came by Haggai the prophet, saying, “Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses while thishouse lies desolate?” Now therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts, ” Consider your ways! “You have sown much, but harvest little; you eat, but there is not enough to be satisfied; you drink, but there is not enough to become drunk; you put on clothing, but no one is warm enough; and he who earns, earns wages to put into a purse with holes.”

Thus says the LORD of hosts, ” Consider your ways! “Go up to the mountains, bring wood and rebuild the temple, that I may be pleased with it and be glorified,” says the LORD. “You look for much, but behold, it comes to little; when you bring it home, I blow it away. Why?” declares the LORD of hosts, ”Because of My house which lies desolate, while each of you runs to his own house.

At the end of Ezra chapter 4 we read that work on the house of God had ceased due to the signing of a decree by King Artaxerxes (Ahasuerus) which rescended a previous decree signed by King Cyrus. At the beginning of chapter 5 we read that as Haggai and Zechariah prophesied to the Jews, the spirit of Zerubbabel was stirred up and he, along with Jeshua, returned to building the house of the Lord. At the beginning of Haggai’s prophetic utterance we read the opening text above. It seems the people of God had shifted their efforts from building the temple to building their own individual dwellings. They no longer worked together toward the realization of that which testified of the kingdom, but instead chose to put their efforts into individual pursuits – the building of paneled houses. Indeed, they were still building – however, they were building the wrong thing. They even went so far as to proclaim that it was not yet the season to rebuild – but the Word of Lord reproved them.

In the midst of this situation a prophetic decree is issued that challenges the Jews concerning their behavior. So one named Zerubbabel, along with one named Jeshua, responded and stirred up the people to return to the Lord’s purpose – building the temple. Interestingly, Zerubbabel means “sown in Babylon” and of course Jeshua means “Jehovah is salvation.” So we see the co-laboring of one born in Babylon and one who is our salvation.

So it is today. Most church leaders are busy building their own paneled houses, leaving the temple undone. Rather than working together with other elders toward a common, kingdom-oriented purpose, they choose to focus on their own work (church, ministry, outreach, etc.) Many have heard and will assent to the need for unity and a true borderless expression of the body of Christ, but sadly, they continue to echo the Jews saying, “It is not the season.” Or the more common phrase “This is the Lord’s doing, not mine,” as if they have no part to play. Even the lack of harvest and spiritual potency cannot awaken them.

But God is raising up a seed which, although sown in Babylon, is now choosing to co-labor with the God of their salvation to return to the building of the temple. The hearts of the people are being stirred and many are hearing the Word of the Lord, “Set aside your paneled house and return to the work of My House.” So then let us be obedient to the prophetic word in our day and combine it with faith that we might be built together into a habitation of God in the Spirit.

I leave you with this thought. It is not now nor has it ever been about my church, my ministry, or my work for the Lord. It has always been about His church, His work and His purpose in the earth – which is far greater than what I am doing. Therefore I will be so bold as to say this. If your church, ministry or work does not find itself functioning within, contributing to and building towards the greater context of the Body of Christ, the eternal purpose of God and the Kingdom – then you probably need to review your materials list!

As is the case with institutions, the structure exists to facilitate the synthetic, programmatic growth of the organization – not the organic, interdependant growth of the family. The agenda of the few (or the one) dominates and subjugates the many. Under the pretense of “protection” & “covering” many saints are often led into the bondage of serving someone’s “vision” rather than being raised up and released to serve the all-encompassing vision of the Father.  Others, having become enchanted by incredible facilities, exorbitant lifestyles & charismatic personalities, are led down a path that steals, kills and destroys rather than imparts the life and peace of God – or worse they whole-heartedly embrace a theology that twists the truth of God to fit human ideals.

The result is all too typical: people are damaged emotionally, psychologically and spiritually, often to the point they disengage from any connectivity with other believers – effectively forsaking the assembling of themselves together. Due to innacurate teaching or the self-seeking motives of some leaders these precious saints engender mistrust leading to isolationism – the state I call being spiritually homeless.

Most of the spiritually homeless were once deeply imbedded in the life of the church, seeking to express their passion and gifting as functional members of the body. They continue to love Jesus and desire to serve people, but have recoiled from connecting for fear of being burned yet again. They know the institutional church system is wrong, but have yet to see through the haze of dissappointment and fear of repeated abuse. Praise God that He continues to lead us into all truth as we fix our eyes on Jesus, for there is a more excellent way.

We have this promise from Psalm 68:6 which tells us that God places the lonely in families. Let’s briefly consider the two words “lonely” and “families.”

The Hebrew word used for “lonely” is the word yachiyd, which is generally used to denote “the only.” Such as when God spoke to Abraham concerning Isaac calling him Abraham’s only son. In this context it depicts a state of loneliness wherein one feels alone – isolated – solitary. Now, in some instances and for certain seasons I have both experienced and observed the Lord leading saints into a solitary walk. However, such a walk is neither permanent nor impelled by hurt. I would venture to say most of those who are walking alone are doing so by way of reservation, not revelation. So then what is God’s remedy – families.

The Hebrew word for “families” is bayith, which is the common word for house, or in this context a household. It depicts relational wholeness within the context of a lineage or kinship, not merely a physical structure – as in the “House of Abraham.” In a household there is structure and safety. There are fathers, mothers and children who coexist within the context of relationship – not common agreement on a goal. In a household there is unconditionl love and grace for mistakes. In a household there is encouragement and impartation towards maturity.

Having worked in the educational sphere for several years as a teacher and principal I can clearly attest to the distinct difference between those children who are raised in solid, loving, intact families and those raised in institutional settings. Without question the former is superior to the latter. Children thrive in families – not in institutions.

As George Davis so aptly writes, “God places the lonely in families – not orphanages.” George goes on to say, “Institutionalization is as destructive to God’s children as it is to those natural children, who for whatever reason have been taken out of the home environment, and placed in an institution. The same principles, which are conducive to a strong natural family apply to God’s family.”

Mostly what we see in Christendom today are institutions, not families. Institutions are driven by an agenda (call it vision) – families are built by relationship. Institutions have care-takers – families have fathers. Institutions seek to retain all viable constituents to continue the furtherance of the institutions goals – families seek to mature and release their children into the fulness of their unique expression. God has never built an institution but rather has been building His family, His church, outside the camp.

Are you spiritually homeless? Then God has a family for you. For a season you may need to connect beyond the borders of your locality but I exhort you to make every effort to connect somewhere. Look for those with the heart of a father – avoid those with the agenda of a builder. Look for those whose desire is to serve – avoid those who desire to be served. Look for those who are releasing others – avoid those who seek to retain. Look for those being built together by relationship and the fellowship of the Spirit into a habitation of God by that which every one supplies, and there you will find family.

My family and I were part of a large church that had many activities and ministries. I jumped in the swirl and began to form relationships with others who were involved in the same things as me. We enjoyed each other, experienced intense spiritual moments together, spoke the same language, voiced the same longings. All the things that make up friendship. Except for one detail; our involvement was limited to a church building and a church ministry. Most of my church friends, probably 99 percent, had never been to my home nor I to theirs. The people I would pray with and cry with and have spiritual intimacy with did not know my children’s names or know that I am an avid rose gardener with over 20 rose bushes in my backyard.

It was like an illusion, the illusion of friendship and the illusion of community.

Alan then comments…

Yep. Busy-ness and projects can create the illusion of friendship and community. But, it could be just an illusion.

How can we tell? What happens when the project ends? What happens with the tasks are complete? Is there still a relationships and a desire (that is acted upon) to spend time together? No… then it was an illusion.

This illusion can cause the busiest, most engaged, most assimilated people within the church actually live a lonely life.

With the right formula, marketing and presentation it is fairly easy to amass a group of people. An edgy name, edgy worship music and Steve Jobs style message presentations seem to dominate many up and coming churches. A well-crafted vision statement, humanitarian-oriented outreach and service-projects are becoming a prevelant feature as well. But is this what being the Body of Christ is about?

I say no. Not that there is anything intrinsically wrong with names, music styles and communication methods. And not that we shouldn’t attend to the needs others. But the Body is about being built together in love, by the Spirit, into a mature expression of Christ. For this to occur we must attend to matters that have little to do with the above-mentioned – or we become a synthetic organization rather than an spiriual organism. Here are three such matters I believe are fundamental to being the Body.

Engagement
We experience strength and the enjoyment of our individual uniqueness in Christ when we actively engage one another. The spirit of the age elevates individualism and independance whereas the Spirit of God causes us to be corporately interdependant. Therefore we must endeavor to engage one another at various levels such that our lives become intertwined. People are complex. Each one’s life-story filled with victories, failures, overcomings and disappointments. So to understand and appreciate my brother or sister fully, I must engage with them in all aspects of life. This requires time and intent – considering others as more important than ourselves.

Accountability
More and more I am realizing just how much we hear and serve God together. Indeed, there is safety when we submit to one another and allow others to speak into our lives concerning our lifestyles, words and even what we believe God has spoken to us. A disturbing trend I see is increasing isolationism and narcissism with every one doing what seems right in their own eyes. Many are so keen on not being judged they have become unteachable. Many leaders are so bent on doing what they believe “God said” they reject the counsel of others to their own demise and subsequently damage those under their care. May the Father return us to the place where we rely on one another and defer to one another so that we can serve one another rather than ourselves.

Transparency
Lastly, we must be a people who are honest with one another. So many saints want to deal with their issues in the privacy of their own mind or home hoping to hide from their brothers and sisters who they really are. So many are wrapped up in maintaining their own facade they lack the ability to see through someone else’s. Beloved we are encouraged to confess our faults so that we might be healed and to cease lying to one another. We are called to bear one another’s burdens and thereby fulfill the Law of Christ – the Law of love. But unless we are honest and transparent before one another we continue living a lie.

All these points require an atmosphere of trust and genuine love for one another. Until we are more committed to one another than we are to projects and programs we will fall short of God’s individual and corporate purpose, and fail to truly express Christ to the world. We will be alone in the crowd and an uncharted Christian island in a sea of lost humanity – when we are called to be in intimate fellowship with one another by the Spirit of the Living God, whose Kingdom has come to overtake the earth. Let’s return to the journey of apprehending Christ and one another.

Let’s begin by considering the following passages and a few key words in each.

According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. 1 Cor. 3:10 NASB (emphasis mine)

Grace
I believe Paul’s use of the word “grace” is a direct reference to his apostolic grace, according to which he “laid a foundation” having the wisdom of a “master builder.” It is by an outworking of his respective grace that he accomplishes the task set before him. Therefore we should look deeper into the words “master builder” and “laid a foundation.”

Master Builder
The word here is architekton, from which we get the modern word architect and it’s many derivatives. Dr. Renate Fruchter, professor of Civil and Environmental engineering at Stanford University says this regarding the role of a master builder.

“The Greek root of the word architect is architekton, meaning master builder. Historically, master builders understood the architecture or aesthetics, the structural engineering or mathematics, and the construction materials and technology necessary to design and build edifices. They had ateliers in which apprentices worked as a team and contributed to the execution of work bearing the master’s signature.”

This is instructive as it points to what was in Paul’s mind when he chose to use this word to describe the outworking of his grace. He could faithfully lay an accurate foundation because he was an architekton. He had divine understanding into the spiritual structure God was building in the earth and how to properly lay an accurate foundation upon which that structure could be built.

Laid a Foundation
The foundation can be described as the framework upon which a building is constructed and in this case the only legitimate foundation is Christ. The Body of Christ as the habitation of God cannot be built upon a man or a vision, it must be built exclusively upon Christ. So then we see that a key signiture of the apostolic grace is the wisdom to found and build. In the case of the Corinthians, Paul remarks that others are building upon the foundation he laid and that they should build “carefully,” a word that denotes discernment, insight and understanding (see the Greek word ‘blepo’).

The Apostolic Grace
So then we see that the apostolic grace is uniquely wired to lay an accurate foundation, carries the blueprint for accurate building, and will not attempt to build upon charisma, gifting, vision or anything other than Christ. Therefore, the suppression of this grace causes innaccurate building upon improper foundation – a tragedy we see throughout the Body of Christ. So often we see “churches” built upon personality or doctrinal cohesion or vision, because there is a lack of true apostolic grace. Simply put, the evangelistic, teaching or shepherding (or pastoral) grace is not wired to see the blueprint or build the structure, which is why so many communities of believers lack proper foundation and structure.

Let me emphasize. This is not about control this is about grace. We must learn to allow the various grace giftings to function complimentarily or the structure will be flawed. And in the case of the apostolic grace, the flaw is foundational – therefore the structure, no matter how accurate, is destined to fall. Indeed, there is much to say about individuals who carry a legitimate apostolic grace but fail to submit to their counterparts, but that will have to wait for another post. Suffice it to say, apsotles are not the end-all, be-all. However, the continued suppression of that grace causes churches to be stuck in religious ruts due to poor foundations and lack of spiritual impulse.

I want to further ellucidate this point through a careful consideration of Paul’s charge to both Timothy and Titus but that will have to wait. Indeed, this topic is so important and expansive there will certainly be several posts to follow.

Your thoughts & comments are welcome and encouraged.

First, I believe it is essential to recognize that most of us out-of-the-camp types were at one point deeply immersed in the Christian religion. By grace we were lead out as we sought the Lord for a greater revelation of Christ – but from Babylon we came nonetheless. I believe the tendancy towards religion is intrinsically bound up in the human heart and has been since Adam and Eve attempted to hid their nakedness. It is only by the washing of the water of the Word that our minds are renewed to see that we are accepted in Christ because of His sacrifice and no longer need to make coverings for our nakedness. Indeed, we have been clothed with Christ and are no longer naked before God.

I also think it important to recognize that any position, regardless of how “present-truth” it may be, is subject to becoming Babylon-ized. For even though we have seen more of Christ and His purpose in the earth – our sight still falls far short of His glory. So then we must remain a people of pursuit, like Abraham, living in tents, continually pursuing that city whose builder and maker is God.

I agree with Mark, that a time is coming and now is when a strong prophetic declaration of Exodus is sweeping the earth. Those who have ears to hear have but one response…”Come out of her My people.” Most believers have seen and experienced the futility of “church.” But bantering over the inadequacies of the Christian religion is equally as futile. The rehearsal of past hurts and offences is not the way forward. We must be faithful to build according to the pattern we have seen and walk in love towards those who would speak against us. In the end, the Lord is our defense. I do see a day approaching wherein a bold prophetic and apostolic voice speaks back into Babylon, but I think that time is still to come.

So then what of those still in Babylon? What is our position towards them? I am struck by the parable of the wineskins and the wine. Notice what Luke brings out.

And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the new wine will burst the skins and it will be spilled out, and the skins will be ruined. But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. And no one, after drinking old {wine} wishes for new; for he says, ‘The old is good {enough.}’ Luke 5:37-39

This passage is quite instructive. Here are a few points in brief for your consideration.

1. Jesus is using common sense to make His point. For these people it was quite obvious that no one would put new wine in an old wineskin. That should be obvious to us as well.
2. Jesus is concerned primarily for the wine, but secondarily for the skin. So then, for whatever reason, he does not want the old skin to be ruined. Maybe it is useful for those who are content to drink the old. Indeed, once that wine is fully drunk the skin becomes useless.
3. New wine = Fresh wineskins – Enough said!
4. See how strong a pull the taste of the hold has in that no one wishes for the new. (It should be noted that some manuscripts contain a word that suggests no one “immediately” desires the new.)

I believe Babylon is a position of the heart that we can find ourselves in regardless of the form we inhabit. And though the outworking of Babylon is manifest in old forms and traditions that have rendered the Word ineffective, we must continually guard against an internal Babylonian position so as not to rebuild that which the Lord has destroyed.

There is much to say regardig the Christian religion, but this will have to suffice for now. Perhaps part three will be forthcoming.

For my purpose here I merely want to focus on the rest of the verse – the part that seldom gets quoted. It reads, “…The people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.” We see then that the nation who is blessed is that nation made up of His inheritance. This, beloved, is a spiritual nation. This is the Body of Christ. Not some geo-political entity, but the inheritance of God! According to Peter, we are His inheritance – not the USA or any other nation. Indeed, Peter calls us a “holy nation”: a Nation set apart from the nations and kingdoms of this world. A nation composed of those who are found in Christ, the new Adam – a new humanity, created after the order of resurrection. This nation – the nation of the redeemed of the Lord – is blessed!

It is my conviction that if the true nation of God would quite trying to change the nations of the earth but rather focus on being His inheritance, the glory of Christ would be seen in the earth. Jesus said His kingdom is not of this world, and He did not come to the earth to demolish human governments. He came to reveal His rule and authority over the kingdom of darkness and to destroy the works of the evil one. Now, we are the vessels of His glory – the ambassadors of His kingdom. Let us not get caught up in trying to fix that which God has already determined to destroy and recreate. Rather, let the people of God arise as His blessed nation – a nation of light, peace, love, freedom from sin, deliverance from bondage and authority over Satan.

Indeed, blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord – the people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance!

Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down to the hem of his garment! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore. Ps. 133

One of the key characteristics expressed through the Godhead from Genesis to Revelation is oneness. Indeed the Trinity reveals the beauty of oneness as each Person of the Godhead prefers and honors the other and all speak with one voice. The Father exalts the Son, placing all things under His feet and giving Him the name that is above every name, the Son exalts the Father, considering equality as ungraspable, and ultimately returning all that He has been given back to the Father, and the Holy Spirit always points to Christ. Perfect unity, perfect humility.

It only makes sense then, that we who call upon the name of Jesus as Lord and Savior and collectively constitute His body, should seek to express God’s characteristic oneness in our corporate expression – as Paul exhorts the faithful in Ephesus and Philippi:

“Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (There is) one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.” Eph. 4:1-6

“Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel”. Phil. 1:27

“Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Phil. 2:1-2

Without question, the example and expectation of the Lord is that His people walk in the unity of His Spirit, manifesting a living witness of His oneness to the world. For when we seek the unity of the Spirit and reject schisms we show forth the glory of the One whose singular greatness exceeds our need for individual expression.

As His body we have been called out of the world to be His chosen race, royal priesthood and holy nation – a people for His own possession (1 Pet. 2:9-10). We have been called out of the domain of darkness into the kingdom of His dear Son. And we have been called into the fellowship of the Godhead (1 John 1:3). We are one body, one people, one nation, with one vision and one hope, serving one Lord. It is time to set aside that which divides us and begin a diligent pursuit of oneness.

For years I have heard brothers pray for unity. I have been involved with and founded prayer meetings with the focus of achieving unity. Why then, after so many years and so many prayers, do we still fail to see a true expression and pursuit of oneness? Surely most of you reading would assent to the principle of there being only one body of Christ.  But it is not enough to agree with the principle of oneness; we must execute the practice. Indeed, both our practice and expression reveal that the one body is clearly fragmented, with various camps of believers distanced from each other on all but the most fundamental aspects of our common faith. Yes, I understand the need for multiple gatherings, and understand that those various communities will express some unique corporate aspect of Christ. But we must cease the practice of isolation and seeing “our church” as somehow separate from other communities of believers.

In Wichita, Kansas – my home city – there are over 700 “churches.” Each of which, for the most part, has their own agenda and vision and programs. Over the past 15 years I have seen lots of money be spent and lots of energy expended. I have watched and even participated in so-called “unifying” events that promised radical change and revival. Churches with sweeping vision and prophetic unction have come and gone – but the city has yet to truly be impacted.

Recently, a dear brother of some national repute spoke a clear rebuke regarding this matter stating that he could find no evidence in scripture to justify anything but a single expression of Christ in a city. And that those who call themselves “pastor” or “elder” need to begin looking beyond “their church” toward God’s corporate purpose. Over 12 years ago I self-published and distributed a book locally speaking this same word (and labeled a heratic I might add). So then it is not for a lack of truth being proclaimed.

It really comes down to willingness and intent. Until we are willing to lose whatever we have built for the Father’s greater purpose; until we are intent on pursuing the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, even if it means setting aside superfluous pet doctrines; until we are more captured by the vision of Christ being revealed than our individual visions brought to pass – we shall be merely another generation that dies in the wilderness in unbelief.

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit–just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call–

one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.

There are many depths to this passage, but for the purposes of this post we will only consider this point: To whom grace was given. What we see clearly is that grace was given to each one of us. Not to a select few, or a ministerial class composed of “the called,” but to every believer! Brethren this is tremendous, for it reveals that every believer is meant to walk in some measure of the apostolic, prophetic, evangelistic, shepherding or teaching grace of Christ. As well, it is through the administration of that grace that the body is built as each one minsters their respective grace to one another.

Can you see then how devestating it is when a singular grace is allowed to dominate a fellowship of believers? Can you see how it is impossible to experience corporate maturity when manifestations of the grace of Christ have been morphed into positions or “offices” of ministry that are held by the select few? Indeed, the status quo has stifled most believers in the ability to express their respective grace and the consequent corporate expression is grossly malformed.

So then how did we get into the current, erroneous paradigm? Actually, this error finds its roots in the earliest days of the faith, primarily trumpeted through Ignatius of Antioch as seen here.

The more, therefore, you see the bishop silent, the more do you reverence him. For we ought to receive every one whom the Master of the house sends to be over His household, as we would do Him that sent him. It is manifest, therefore, that we should look upon the bishop even as we would look upon the Lord Himself, standing, as he does, before the Lord. Epistle to the Ephesians 6:1

See that ye all follow the bishop, even as Jesus Christ does the Father, and the presbytery as ye would the apostles; and reverence the deacons, as being the institution of God. Let no man do anything connected with the Church without the bishop. Let that be deemed a proper Eucharist, which is [administered] either by the bishop, or by one to whom he has entrusted it. Wherever the bishop shall appear, there let the multitude [of the people] also be; even as, wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church. It is not lawful without the bishop either to baptize or to celebrate a love-feast; but whatsoever he shall approve of, that is also pleasing to God, so that everything that is done may be secure and valid. Epistle to the Smyrnaeans 8:1-2

This viral mentality found a perfect breeding ground in the soil of Romanism when the church entered the Constantinian Captivity, and has become the prevailant paradigm for the body of Christ. But this is a new season brethren. One in which the Father is moving us to a new corporate level wherein we begin to learn how to function with Jesus as the solitary head, and the older saints as a college of leaders who each function in a mature expression of their grace giftings as overseers and examples. It is time to take a bold step in our corporate walk and establish a new paradigm that activates and brings to maturity the grace in each one allowing Christ Jesus – the true Shepherd and Bishop of our souls (1 Pet. 2:25)- to reign as king in our midst!

While reflecting on John chapter six and the feeding of the five-thousand I was struck by two different thoughts.

First by the reality of how we, like the loaves and fish, are often too small for the task God has laid before us. In this situation He asked the disciples to provide food for more than they could possibly feed; essentially, they were being asked to serve at a level beyond their capacity. I am reminded at how often the Father calls us to a work that is far too great for us so that we are required to rely on Him to see it fulfilled. Yet He places a demand on us saying, “You give them to eat.” (A statement actually found in the other Gospels’ accounts.)

When faced with such circumstances we often kick into doing mode. We strategize, plan, vision-cast and perform until we are spent, exhausted and burned-out. Instead, we must allow our offering to be broken and blessed by the Lord so that the little we bring to him can be multiplied – with enough remaining to feed ourselves. So many today are working the world system to bring about the work of God. Yet all our efforts to feed the multitude are in vain – for we will never have enough. We cannot look to our lack, but must look at His mighty power and present what we have to Him so that He can serve the people.

Second, and from quite a different angle, I was drawn to meditate on Jesus’ admonition to “Gather up the left over fragments so that nothing will be lost.” This reminded me of all those who have spent themselves in the Lord’s work who have been cast aside as fragments by the insatiable appetite of the religious. Remember, those who ate  were following Jesus to get their bellies full – not because of who He was. There are many dear brother and sisters who have unwittingly given their all for Jesus within a religious system that has done nothing more than ingest the best part and discard the rest. Many are laying on the ground in need of collection.

I maintain that the largest congregation of believers are those who never attend a church or fellowship. True enough, they should not forsake the assembling of themselves together, but sometimes the wounds are too deep. As David said,

For it is not an enemy who taunts me– then I could bear it; it is not an adversary who deals insolently with me– then I could hide from him. But it is you, a man, my equal, my companion, my familiar friend. We used to take sweet counsel together; within God’s house we walked in the throng. Psalm 55:12-15

They love Jesus and want an authentic relationship with Him and others, but the betrayal and usary of those claiming to be “leaders” has left them spiritually masticated – in need of healing.  To that end we must labor so that none will be left over.

Oh how the body is in great need of restoration and recovery!

First and foremost, I appreciate Frank’s statement that although tithing is biblical – being that it is found in the bible. However, tithing is not Christian, in that there is literally no New Testament evidence to support the practice or rule of tithing in the early church. As well, Frank points out that tithing is inherently tied to produce and livestock rather than income earned – and my added observation is that if the tithing of money were a viable New Testament practice where is the reference or teaching, from Jesus or any of the apostles?

One point of disagreement I have with Frank is his assertion that Israel actually were required to give 23.3% rather than 10%. He gets this by what I consider a msreading of Deut. 14:22-29. I believe a more careful reading will reveal that there was a three-year rotation: years 1 & 2 the tithe was consumed by the family at Jerusalem, and year 3 was given into the town. This of course is purely academic since we both agree that tithing is not defensible as a New Testament practice.

Frank also touches lightly on the Abraham arguement and the Malachi passages (which are the most misught and misunderstood passages in this regard), both of which are standard “thither” arguments that when researched without bias clearly reveal the preposterousness of the present-day teaching. Indeed, any honest reading the scriptures concerning tithing reveals both the simlicity of its practice and the heinous misuse of the principles within a New Testament context. Of course Frank’s treatment of this matter is light due to the nature of the book.

For more in-depth consideration I suggest my writings on the subject (click here to read) and the folowing books.

• Tithing in the Age of Grace by Joel Parker
• Tithing: Low-Realm, Obsolete & Defunct by Matthew Narramore
• Beyond Tithing by Stuart Murray
• and the most complete treatment Should the Church Teach Tithing by Russell Earl Kelly

Now on to clergy salaries: a much more complex discussion that bears some serious consideration. Frank refers to Cyprian of Carthage as the first known to have conected the Levitical priesthood with the New Testament clergy in the matter of tithing. Indeed, Cyprian’s Epistle 65:1 clearly places an expectation on believers to support those in “clerical service” according to 2 Tim. 2:4. He even states that this “was done by divine authority and arrangement, so that they who waited on divine services might in no respect be called away, nor be compelled to consider or to transact secular business.”

Frank then shares a brief history of tithing as it spread from the state to the church: mostly referencing Stuart Murray’s book. The essential point is that the clergy class became landlords and the tithe became the ecclesiastical tax, being a borrowed practice form previous land-lease payments: which happened to also be a tenth. Frank also quotes Durant as asserting that the “tithe became required by law in many areas of Western Europe” by the eight century. I have attempted to verify this statement to no avail – yet I do believe it is most likely true. We do know that tithing was demanded  and enforced by secularauthorities by the end of the tenth century so previous development is most likely true. Of course it was Constantine who actually instituted the paying of a fixed salary to members of the clergy, it just took a while for the practice to get tied to the Old Testament law of tithing. However, once it was established – it has failed to give any ground.

Now, to thoroughly discuss all the scriptures pertaining to financially supporting God’s workmen is beyond this post. Instead, I will offer the following thoughts in bullet form and await your responses for discussion.

• It is without question that believers in Christ should support those who co-labor with God in the work of the gospel.
• It is also without question that those workers have no right to demand, require or manipulate believers to do so.
• There is no scriptural support for paying someone to preach to or function as a spiritual leader over a congregation.
• The two main areas of giving recognized in the New Testament are: toward the saints so that none have need, and toward the apostolic workers who are spreading the gospel.

Lastly, I am compelled to echo Frank. True OT tithing was good news for the poor. The erroneous NT application is oppresive and downright unChristian. I know of several examples where saints who served chruches faithfully were denied funds for their needs because they were not “tithers.” Brethren, this should not be – and those so-called “pastors” who practice such nonesense should be marked among us! As well, all God’s people are now priests who don not descend from Levi but from Melchizadek through Abraham. We are of a different priesthood – one that never offered sacrifices at the alter, and one that never exacted tithes from the people. Reread Paul’s discourse in Heb. 7:5-16. Therein we see that nothing applied to Levi applies to us, for we are of a different tribe – one not associated with sacrifices and tithes. Indeed, that priesthood is worn out – useless – along with it’s associated practices.

Beloved, let no man place you back under the Law, for you are under grace and have liberty to give as you feel moved by the Spirit. Moreover, you no longer need pay for spiritual service for you are a priest unto God. Let us not be like those priests receiving rebuke in Malachi who were using the people’s gifts for themselves – let us rather give of ourselves freely to one another, ministering the person of Christ in whatever measure He allows.