GWR
Chapter 2
A
Brief Look at Paradigms
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Author's Brief Testimony
3
paradigms of Wisdom: worldly, religious, & Christian
"Paradigm"
is word that not everyone may know. We are nevertheless all powerfully
affected by our paradigms. There are paradigms which guide our thoughts
and understanding in art, culture, religion and technology in every age.
We become victims of these understandings which we come to accept as laws
or "facts" when presented by teachers or leaders. A Paradigm
is a system of accepted understanding that attempts to answer 'the way
things are,' or answer questions about essential facts. We rarely question
or think outside of these premises or to escape from the paradigms that
are set in place for us. It takes imagination and even courage to reexamine
paradigms critically. Outside of a paradigm is where invention and discovery
occurs. Paradigm break-throughs lead to advances in science, art, or religious
thought.
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Paradigms:
define our understanding. They are pre-suppositions of how things
are or how things have to be.
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Paradigms:
limit our ability to function outside of that paradigm - or receive
understanding outside of the paradigm. They are in a sense glass
walls or ceilings in the domain of that paradigm.
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Religion
is among the many domains where paradigms exist
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People
who are paradigm breakers may be considered radical, even blasphemous
or heretical
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Paradigms
of science or cosmology have often been in conflict with religious
teaching and dogma. Religious authorities were frequently intolerant
of new ways of thinking. Whether about the earth and solar system
as envisioned by Copernicus or Newton or teachings that are outside
of their own orthodoxy. Old ways of thinking do not receive a new
paradigm without resistance and tension.
Examples of religious paradigms
1. The Church is the
"house of God"
2. A Church is where you go to worship.
3. All human beings are the children of God
4. Religious (Spiritual) knowledge is the domain of the clergy or priesthood
5. Heaven is the place you go when you die
6. Believers should submit to the headship (covering) of a church authority
or pastor
7. The saints and disciples are Biblical personalities from
another by-gone age
8. Signs, wonders and the miraculous have passed away in modern times
9. God does not speak to human beings in the He way did in the early days
of the church.
10. The new covenant excludes the root and foundation of the covenants
of Judaism. Some outside-the-paradigm view points
11. Priests or sacramental rites provide a guarantee of good standing
with God.
12. Duties in the form of 'good works' will help us to win favor with
God and give us spiritual stature.
Biblical Support For Contrary Views to the Above
Paradigms.
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1.
The church is comprised of each person who believes and has been born
into the kingdom of God. Each believer is described as a 'living
stone' that forms the greater house, also known as the body
of Christ
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2.
You do not go to a church rather each believer is a
component of the the Church (Ekklesia Christ's called-out body.)
You and others are called to come together in Jesus' name. Whenever
two or three gather in His name, you become an assembly of believers
Christ the Messiah is manifested. The Ekklesia. He has called us OUT
of darkness into the glorious light of the sons and daughters of God.
(See link: Why Should Christians Gather?)
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3.
The Jews sought to stone Jesus when he inferred that God was his father.
There was no such designation as 'children of God' until Jesus pronounced
this doctrine on our behalf and taught his disciples to pray, "
Our Father... " Furthermore, no man comes to the Father except
through Jesus Christ, the door. Others in the world are not children
of God. Jn 1:12 - for those who believe on His name he gives
the power (exousia = authority) to become the sons (children)
of God
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4.
The priest hood has actually been eliminated in the new covenant Gospel
of the Kingdom. In the days of Moses, the people of Israel
rejected God's plan to become a nation of kings and priests (Exodus
19:) and demanded that Moses and Aaron become the intermediaries before
God on their behalf. Since the founding of the church (also the day
of Pentecost) The fire of God fell on each believer and they received
the Power (Gk.dunamis) to be witnesses of the wonderful works of
God. Gradually after the original apostles passed from the scene,
the priesthood insinuated itself back into the world of Christianity
and has held believers captive until this time. The ecclesiastical
traditions of formal religion dominate the whole world of Christendom
today.
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5.
Heaven. Jesus prayer among other matters, essential to the life of
faith, about connecting the realm of the heavenly (The Kingdom of
Heaven) which is the realm of the Spirit with this world. Let
thy Kingdom come. Let Thy will be done. On earth as in Heaven!
This revelation of the Kingdom can be experienced to various degrees
in this present dispensation, while we live as people 'born and led
by the Spirit.' We have overlooked that which is that which prevails
at the present most fundamental in the religious experience. (The
Lord's prayer or the Disciple's prayer.) Heaven is a continuing reality
but on a Spiritual (non intellectual) plane. Heaven was presented
by Jesus as accessible by his disciples. How can heavenly things
become accessible? Only through a Spirit-born and spirit-governed
life in which the natural man has been transformed. The "new
man" with his natural limits subdued and crucified by the POWER
OF G-D. Access to heavenly things is gained by losing one's self awareness,
self-identity and self-governed life. Jesus said, "I go to
prepare a place for you, that where I am you may be also. - -"
To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord - - I was
in the Spirit on the Lord's day - - I heard - - and behold - - I see
- -. Physical death is the ultimate loss of self control. "Carrying
the cross" is about losing our preoccupation with self so that
Christ's life may manifest within us.
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6.
The concept of pastoral authority (or covering) is a feature of the
tradition-bound, priest-led institutional church. From early times
priests were designated clergy and the general congregation of pew-sitting
listeners was designated laity. In this system the laity functions
primarily as a personal support system that supports the institutional
church. (Ownership of a flock of God permits the overseers to make
merchandise of them.) Pastoral leadership should not be a distinctive
superior class but as examples to disciples who are maturing in their
own leadership. John writes regarding this misuse of authority: Read
about Diotrophes in 3 John and in The Revelation see: (Nicolaitinism.
See.. Rev. 2 and Rev. 3) This is the answer to the question
of human headship; The Lord is my shepherd - My sheep hear my voice
- - There is one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus.
Also we are told in Luke's epistle (Gospel of Luke) That we are not
to call any man
"Father," "Master," or "Rabbi," Matt.
23: 7-11. I make the assumption that the
term pastor fits the criterion of religious titles that set leaders
apart. Servant leadership is the correct model.
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7.
We who believe and have received the transforming gift of New Life,
are called to be Saints, for we are all called to be "in Christ
Jesus", seated in heavenly places. We are exhorted to grow up
in the knowledge of Him until we reach the fullness of Him. (Ephesians
4:13.) The only question is how do we grow and how are we discipled?
The pastoral leadership (discipleship) paradigm is only partially
effective as it does not prepare all brothers and sisters for leadership
and full participation in the things of God. There is a continuing
notion that some are called into the ministry and then seek to be
trained in "the ministry." I have heard this countless times.
Discipleship is what the great commission seeks to produce. "Make
disciples of all nations - - ." (Matt. 28:19) Discipleship
is best realized through Koinonia meaning mutual participation
and sharing of the God life in fellowship. (It is my position that
there is no Ekklesia without Koinonia!) Those called out of the
world into the body of Christ have within them the essence of Jesus'
love. These believers are drawn to value and share their fellow brothers
and sisters that make up the body. A number of authors are adding
to the same message that I promote here. We see liberty in the body
being promoted and the trend to come out from institutional religious
systems." Mega Shift" by James Rutz and other web
published writings which teach the full gospel message free of institutional
religious connection: One of my own published titles is found under
the title, " The Gospel Without Religion."
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8.
Signs and wonders and miracles are either part of your religious doctrine
or they are not. Those who exclude this from their doctrines do participate
in the living reality of a church that is that first delivered to
the saints. (Jude 3) Miracles and supernatural that was part
of the Pentecostal awakening movement that began in the recent century
in 1906. But experiencing the supernatural seems to be waning among
the Pentecostal/Charismatic Christians today. If your paradigm does
not allow for the supernatural you will not see it because you are
essentially saying No to the experience. Today more supernatural signs
and wonders are in evidence than ever before. There is no more powerful
key concepts to understand than Paul's statement that the gospel is
the "POWER OF G-D" I have never heard a substantial teaching
on this phrase. Yet it is a key to our understanding the promise of
the gospel. The Power of G-d is all about what G-d does, is doing,
and will do. It is not about our ability to understand the Bible,
solve problems or transform ourselves. The "new creation"
is a product of the power of G-d. Spiritual gifts are a product of
the power of G-d!
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9.
The most amazing thing any believer can ever discover is that God
can and does reveal himself to us individually. The miraculous and
revelation awaits any who through the power of the Holy Spirit seek
first the kingdom and knock at heaven's door. Hebrews 11:7 is a powerful
key concept in realizing that some seem to never believe or receive
the gift of salvation. "- - whoever comes to G-d must FIRST believe
that he is and that he WILL REWARD those who diligently seek him.
(!) Hebrews 11:7
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10.
The paradigm of the Old covenant (Judaism) is the root into which
Christianity has been grafted. Christianity is actually nothing more
than Messianic Judaism in which we discover the wholeness and fulfillment
of God's word in which the Mashiac was foretold and
depicted in typology, from Genesis to the prophets and in the Psalms.
He fulfills the promise of the "One new man," Jew
and Gentile joined under the Messiah. It is unfortunate that the terminology
of the Messiah was traded in for the Greek term Kristos (the
anointed one) This designation has reinforced the deception that Judaic
foundations has been replaced by Christianity with a rejection of
anything Jewish. We Gentiles by the grace of God have been grafted
into the vine of Israel. To disregard this HERITAGE of our root and
foundations is unbiblical and damnable. The Gentiles in the age of
the church is a distinct chapter and expression of God's planned time-table
in restoring his people Israel, The physical kingdom and rule of the
Messiah upon the earth is the culmination of G-d's plan. It will be
the reign of the Messiah for 1000 years upon the earth.
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11.
Religious studies have prepared scholars to ordination thus
to qualify to become priests and overseers. They erroneously
give the laity to understand that they posses a particular power and
authority that the church goer does not have. We may well place our
faith in a priest to communicate with God on our behalf. If only the
Christian world knew and understood that there is but "one
mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus."
The great questions of life that philosophers
ask are:
"Who are we? Where
do we come from? Where are we going? Where will we go to seek
wisdom and answers to these mysteries? Do
we inquire according to secular wisdom, or religious teachings? Or is
there another? How does Godly Wisdom contrast to secular wisdom? How does
Godly Wisdom contrast with "religious" wisdom? 3 PARADIGMS OF
WISDOM AND TRUTH
The Paradigm of Worldly Wisdom Contrasted to
Godly Wisdom
For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and
will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. (1Cor:1:19:KJV)
For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew
not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that
believe. (-1Cor:1:21:KJV ) THE PARADIGM OF WORLDLY WISDOM Worldly
wisdom extols and rewards self-exaltation and individuality Godly wisdom
(the Truth) says deny yourself take up your cross, die to yourself. In
the Jesus, Spirit-led model of wisdom no man is "good "Worldly
wisdom is based upon observation and the appearance of things Godly
wisdom (the Truth) The unseen things are eternal and have a substance
yet to be known by human reason.
Worldly wisdom is based upon "scientific" principle and measurable
phenomena. Godly wisdom (the Truth) teaches that if you believe in the
unseen you have faith and will see the results manifested. Worldly wisdom
is characterized by the domination (rulership) of the strong and the mighty
over the weak.
Godly wisdom (the Truth) teaches that God chooses the weak and the insignificant
to shame the wise and strong.
Worldly wisdom devalues humans with few assets, (the poor) having childlike
meekness and simplicity. Godly wisdom (the Truth) reveals that the greatest
in the kingdom of God are like children. Humble, trusting, and meek.
Worldly wisdom values and rewards intellectual achievement, scholarship
and leadership attributes.
Godly wisdom (the Truth) teaches that the wisdom of man is foolishness
to him.
Worldly wisdom recognizes classes as inferior or superior rank and class,
this is respect of persons.
Godly wisdom (the Truth) teaches that those who are poor shall eventually
receive the blessings of the kingdom. The proud and the mighty he scatters
and turns away.
Worldly wisdom's view of the "vast timeless universe" diminishes
or negates the need of a savior.
Godly wisdom (the Truth) teaches that God created the heaven and the earth
by wisdom and all things that are in it. And he called his creation "good."
Worldly wisdom values "self preservation" as a principle
Godly wisdom (the Truth) speaks of self sacrifice as a divine virtue
Worldly wisdom believes life may well be over when one dies
Godly wisdom (the Truth) we are eternal beings who retain our own soul's
personal identity forever. Some will inherit eternal blessings and others
will inherit eternal separation from God.
Worldly wisdom presumes that God regards any and all religions or faiths
as equally valid.
Godly wisdom has limited the way to a narrow one. There is one narrow
way and one name only by which sins may be atoned and we may be saved.
Jesus Christ. There is only one mediator between God and man. This Jesus
is the son of God, the king of the Jews.
Worldly wisdom presumes that God does not favor any one nation over another.
Godly wisdom (the Truth) reveals that one nation has been designated as
the chosen people of God. The Bible has established upon infallible promises,
Godly wisdom (the Truth) reveals that one nation is the chosen people
of God.
Worldly wisdom would suggest that whichever God we name that it is the
same divine being but simply designated by many names.
Godly wisdom (the Truth) though there are many Gods there is but one God
who is above all and we can hold no God higher than He. There is no other
God above Him. Those who name other gods are idolaters and their fate
is judgment and destruction.
Worldly wisdom presumes that God is essentially impersonal.
Godly wisdom (the Truth) says that we can become sons of God. Adapted
into the family. We are called to inherit the blessings and partake in
His divine nature. Worldly
wisdom (allowing religious belief) believes that all of the human race
are automatically "children of God"
Godly wisdom (the Truth) Whoever believes on the Son of God, Jesus Christ,
shall have eternal life. Whoever has not the son has no life but the condemnation
of God remains upon them. (John 3:18)
Paradigms of Religious Wisdom:
In the religious paradigm the religious
life centers around a "church house"
In the religious paradigm the church building is called the "Church"
In the religious paradigm the traditional church features such elements
as: pulpits and pews, stained glass windows, organs and 'sacred music'
solemnity and formalism, Ecclesiastical garb, robes, orders of service,
ritual, - - designated ranks of clerical authority.
In the religious paradigm a formally trained priest or clergy "officiates"
over the "services"
In the religious paradigm a formal address or sermon delivered to the
faithful is called "preaching"
In the religious paradigm one or two hours a week meet one's religious
requirements, involvement
In the religious paradigm only the professionally trained clergy are qualified
to "minister"
In the religious paradigm there is "respect of persons" - -
a heirarchy of spiritual rank or authority
In the religious paradigm members may be totally disassociated in worship
or prayer
In the religious paradigm a person's spiritual life is largely governed,
directed or sustained others
In the religious paradigm the exploits of God and Saints are in the dim
past
In the religious paradigm people are taught how to please God with certain
deeds or obligations
In the religious paradigm there are may be particular duties required
to attain "good standing"
In the religious paradigm one often does not experience God but only hears about
God
In the religious paradigm one often doesn't know if he/she qualifies for
a heavenly reward, (is saved)
In the religious paradigm Bible doctrine plus traditional teachings
form core doctrines
Paradigm of Godly Wisdom, (Modeled by Jesus)
In the Jesus, Spirit-led model of wisdom there are paradoxes to the natural
instincts or wisdom of man the least shall be greatest;
The first shall be last; many called but few chosen; we must
die (to ourselves) in order to live;
We must hate the things of this world; we must be like a child,
God has hidden wisdom from the wise; the unseen things are a greater
reality than the seen. etc.
I
n the Jesus, Spirit-led model of wisdom man in his natural abilities (I
can do nothing of myself) can do nothing of value for the kingdom
of God
In the Jesus, Spirit-led model of wisdom, the spiritual man is totally
dependent upon the guidance of the Spirit
In the Jesus, Spirit-led model of wisdom we are in a perpetual spiritual
battle for survival and dominance in life
In the Jesus, Spirit-led model of wisdom there is eternal life, promised
rewards and consequences
In the Jesus, Spirit-led model Jesus preached to those outside pertaining
to the Kingdom of God and taught his followers
In the Jesus, Spirit-led model of wisdom only those who are born of the
Spirit and led of the Spirit are the Children of God
In the Jesus, Spirit-led model of wisdom people are discipled; disciples
are nurtured and matured and prepared for ministry
In the Jesus, Spirit-led model of wisdom ministry is through the leading of
the Holy Spirit
In the Jesus, Spirit-led model of wisdom true worshipers worship in
Spirit and in Truth
In the Jesus, Spirit-led model of wisdom, wisdom and insight is hidden
from the double minded and the unredeemed
In the Jesus, Spirit-led model of wisdom we could memorize the Bible and not
fully know God and the truth- only the Spirit reveals it.
See
Above Link to Chapter 13; Religious Terminology
Next
Chapter
E
Book 1:
The Gospel Without Religion
E Book 2:
A Disciples Handbook
E Book 3:
Mysteries in the Bible
General
Index to all Charles Pinkney Christian Titles
Resources:
Understanding Home Fellowships
Frank Viola Interviews a typical church-goer
(Discussion of Open Church)
04-10-2024
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