GWR02
click below for
AUTHOR'S VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE
Author's Brief Testimony
A
Brief Look at Paradigms
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.
-
Paradigms:
define our understanding. They are pre-suppositions of how things
are or how things have to be.
-
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.
-
Religion
is among the many domains where paradigms exist
-
People
who are paradigm breakers may be considered radical, even
blasphemous or heretical
-
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.
-
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
-
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?)
-
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
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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."
-
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!
-
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
-
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.
-
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 is:
"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 Index
to all Charles Pinkney Christian Titles
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)
Update
08-2023
|