INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
HOME CHURCH VISION
NEW THIS MONTH
PRAYER & PRAISE REPORTS
E-mail : bbmin@yahoo.com
HOME CHURCH VISION
A HOME CHURCH IS A CHURCH THAT MEETS IN HOMES INSTEAD OF BUILDINGS. ALL MINISTRY FUNCTIONS TAKE PLACE IN THE HOME. THE HOMES THEN NETWORK (INFORMALLY) TO FORM THE BODY OF CHRIST.
Greetings in Christ’s name,
This quarter I publish my "95 thesis"(I have 20!) for reforming churches: Hereto nailed on the electronic church door!!!! (For all to hear)
1) That the clergy is a man made institution and not in accordance with scripture. That the scriptures affirm that all are priests unto God, and teaching a "clergy" and "laity" is evil and of the doctrine of the Nicolaitans. (nikao "to conquer" and laos "the people"or laity)
2) That "church buildings" are unscriptural in light of the Biblical statement "God no longer dwells in temples made with hands, but in the temple of the heart"
3) That denominations are in violation of the scripture "by one spirit are we all baptized into one body". They divide instead of unify, defeating the teachings of Jesus, thus they are evil.
4) That requiring membership in a local assembly is not in accordance with scripture and is slavery.
5) That the selling of sermon tapes, teaching material, worship music or other word based item violates the scripture "freely you have received, now freely give"
6) That the act of tithing is a old covenant regulation, and as such is not binding on christians.
7) That payed ministers, singers, teachers and administrators are unscriptural and are a misuse of God's money. The acceptance of a salary denotes one as a hireling, not a servant.
8) That promising financial blessings or miracles in return for offerings is nothing more than modern day indulgences and as such are evil in God's eyes and violate the scriptures. These no one can promise to anyone.
9) That the scripture should be in the vernacular of the people, and as such modern english versions of the scriptures are acceptable and "King James only" is a teaching to keep people in the dark and ignorant of the scriptures.
10) That baptism is a outward sign of an internal truth, that sins are "washed" away spiriturally. Baptism itself cannot save nor is it an agent of salvation, it is symbolic.
11) That the apostolic and prophetic offices were closed at the end of the apostolic era with the compiling of the N.T. scriptures. Jesus is our apostle and prophet, the Bible is our "more sure word of prophecy". There is no more new revelation of God, only new direction by the Holy Spirit.
12) That spiritural gifts are given to the church to comfort, lead, direct, empower, encourage and energize. These gifts reside with the church and never go out of existence, and that for some to say they no longer apply is evil and a spirit of antichrist.
13) That all believers do not possess all the manifestations of these gifts, and to require some to demonstrate certain gifts; i.e. speaking in tongues; in order to become a member in a denomination or to "prove" possession of the gift (evidence) is evil and is tempting God.
14) That all the ministry gifts that are still in operation, (evangelist, pastor, teacher), operate equally in the body of Christ, they are not administrative offices so there is no ranking or hiearchical order to them. Administrative offices, (deacon, elder), are administrative as elders oversee assemblies and appoint deacons to serve. To elevate pastors to a ruling position over elders and the other ministry gifts is dictatorial and is vile and evil in God's eyes.
15) That the scriptures teach that in Christ there is neither male or female, so women are equal in ministry gifts and operation. To teach that women cannot lead or oversee in a spirit of oppression.
16) To stand against certain sins (abortion, crime, welfare) while ignoring others (social issues) is a spirit of politics and not Christ.
17) That the mixing of politics and faith amounts to "leaning on the arm of flesh" , and compromises the Christian witness.
18) That racism is the formost sin facing the Church, and the Church is the most segregated institution in society. This sin is satanic and the Churches lack of correction shows it's weakness and corruption.
19) That most "integrated" congregations usually have "segregated" leadership. This is evil in God's eyes.
20) That I boldly make these statements without apology or fear!
PRAYER & PRAISE REPORT
Break Bread Ministries desires to be on the cutting edge of the home church movement. We do not claim to have all the answers or know all things. We only desire to serve Jesus Christ to the fullest extent possible by stripping away man made traditions and hindrances and presenting a pure, first century form of people based Christianity. I have invited many of you to try this way, some have and remain with us. Some, though have tried and never returned, needing the old wineskin of structure to grow. Others have never come, fear or contentment with their present system the reason. In any event, I hope you find your walking path with Christ and stay with HIM. Turning back now is a dangerous thing to do, "The cross before me, the world behind me, NO TURNING BACK, NO TURNING BACK" STAY WITH JESUS!!!