As our world is getting closer and closer to the time of our Savior's return and that day we will stand before Him, accountable for everything done in the body, we are seeing people all over the world having their eyes opened to the scriptures. We hear amazing insights never before acknowledged, how the bible is seamless. One story. From cover to cover that has not changed.
Met in temple courts, met in synagogues and heard about the fulfillment of the promised Messiah from the Disciples
If they accepted the message, they were probably forced from synagogues for following "The Way". Here is where the true church started.
Acts 2:42, met every day, fellowship with meals, prayer, devoted to truthful doctrine
Rom 16:3 meeting in homes
1Corinthians 16:9 meeting in homes
Philemon 1:1-2 meeting in homes
As soon as “church” became a product of the state, the clergy/laity system developed and meeting in homes lessened as men became power driven. This is the Nicolaitan system that Yeshua hates and we are to hate (Rev 2 & 3) “Nico” means, to lord over and “laity” means, the people.
This Nicolaitan format does not allow for those on the “clergy” side to be publicly examined at the time they are speaking for YHVH. The clergy have set themselves above, both in mind and physically (pulpit) above the laity. The laity is expected to remain silent for the most part and listen weekly to either a main speaker or a few others. No laity participation is expected or even allowed.
What we do not realize is that truthful doctrine is only preserved according to scriptural examination. Brethren are to carefully weigh what is said and immediately correct. The false format promotes an authority system that is unbiblical and it creates a laziness among brethren (laity) who believe that others are “called to the ministry”. The laity believe there are degreed professionals who should know more, therefore should tell the laity how to interpret scripture.
Matt 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
1Cor 14:26When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up. 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. 28 If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and to God.
29 Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. 30 And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. 31 For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged.
37 If anyone thinks they are a prophet or otherwise gifted by the Spirit, let them acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command. 38 But if anyone ignores this, they will themselves be ignored.
1Tim 4:1The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.
6 If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.
Matt 23:7 they love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and to be called ‘Rabbi’ by others.8 “But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. 9 And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. 10 Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Messiah. 11 The greatest among you will be your servant. 12 For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.
Matt 20:25 Yeshua called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
If you're hungry for more and want to align your life with the words of scripture, your actions must be intentional and you will have to lay down what is not aligned with scripture. Will the cost (loss) now, be worth it in the long run? You tell me.