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Discipleship
5
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AUTHOR'S VIDEOS
ON YOUTUBE
Expectations
and Guidelines
for Christian Fellowship & Worship
The form
of Christian fellowship and worship which I describe here may be very
different from your traditional religious experiences. It is virtually
unknown in contemporary denomination churches. It is nonetheless entirely
Scriptural, modeled after the Teachings of Paul in all his epistles.
Koinonia (fellowship) is the hallmark of the Christian gathering.
Unlike Biblical koinonia that were usually home meetings, the traditional
church experience that we see everywhere in denominational Christianity
lacks little more than token participation among the body of believers.
This familiar form of denominational Christianity is guided and controlled
by credentialed leaders or overseers who are generally called the priests
or pastors.
The Ek-kles-si'-a (Greek word translated church) might be translated
"called out assembly" consists of a relatively small group
of professing and Holy Spirit empowered believers. These believers meet
to regularly to share and participate in the active life of and interaction
with God. Such sharing is exercised with openness and liberty.
The the essential aim of the gathering consists of transacting life
of the Kingdom of God; of sharing food, making prayer, offering praise,
bringing forth teachings, testimonies, psalms, spiritual songs, prophetic
revelations and in celebration of the cup and bread of the Lord. Such
gatherings are mostly democratic with a good deal of freedom to express
whatever the Holy Spirit is pleased to do in that time. We can presume
based on all the truth of Scripture noted elsewhere in these texts that
each believer has a place, a gift and a essential role to play in the
Kingdom of God. The Lord Jesus is the rule and the authority of any
Ecclessia. Where the body gathers Christ Jesus is the invited and welcomed
participant.
WHY
GATHER AS A BODY? SOME GUIDELINES AND EXPECTATIONS
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To
be: United in Spirit and purpose - knowing the reality of
Jesus as Savior; and having fellowship with God our Father through
Him and giving glory to God. After any person is reborn spiritually,
they become part of one heavenly family who share the "gift
of God." To continue to be United in Spirit - The same Spirit
that is in Christ Jesus.
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For
the body in fellowship to continue to grow (be edified) in knowledge
of truth (Holy Bible is the guide)
-
To
be bound in mutual love and acceptance. The spirit of Love denotes
we are Christians.
-
To
seek God's manifested presence corporately. (Seeking and activating
His kingdom to be manifested on earth)
-
To
recognize and invite the Holy Spirit to empower, lead and guide;
to reveal Jesus.
-
To
value and build from the unique gifts and abilities that the Holy
Spirit of God has given to each believing disciple. (our brothers
and sisters)
-
To
follow the "Gatekeeper", shepherd, or the head of the
home, who is practiced in following the Holy Spirit in an orderly
way.
-
For
all to discern and guard against spiritual pitfalls, against against
disunity; To guard against the expression of any wrong spirit --
anger, prejudice, suspicion, jealousy that will "grieve"
the Holy Spirit.
-
To
see to it: That all things serve to edify and build each believer
kindly with liberty in the Holy Spirit.
Doctrinal purity must employ the whole counsel of God, The Word
of God. (Scripture) Scripture is used for instruction in Godliness,
correction and reproof thus it is the proper authority when contending
for correct doctrine.
The Scriptural
model of intimate corporate fellowship (Koinonia) is found in 1 Corinthians,
Chapters 12, 14; 1 Peter 4:10-11
MODELING
JESUS' THE SPIRITUAL PATH
The
Spiritual Life - Learning Christ
"Be Ye Imitators of Christ as dear Children."
Go to next book: Disciples
Handbook 06
E
Book 1:
The Gospel
Without Religion
E Book 2:
A Disciples Handbook
E Book 3:
Mysteries
in the Bible Index
to all Charles Pinkney Christian Titles
Index to
all Charles Pinkney Christian Titles
Resources:
Understanding Home Fellowships
Frank Viola Interviews a typical church-goer
(Discussion of Open Church)
Frank
Viola
"Who's Your Covering"
"Rethinking the Wineskin"
Index to all Charles Pinkney
Christian Titles
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