If I Constructed A Meetinghouse

[Reformer]

REFORMATION RUMBLINGS
BUFF SCOTT, JR.
_______________

If I Constructed A Meetinghouse
For Believers

    It is my persuasion that church structures and edifices, which began to be built in about 200 A. D. in Egypt, were one of the leading causes of apostasy. And today we esteem the "works of our mighty hands," as though God Himself built them. Lest we forget, the Lord was provoked to anger when the children of Israel made Asherah poles as symbols of worship [1 Kings 14:15].         

    Likewise, we have constructed church structures and edifices as symbols of worship, the very thing for which God condemned old Israel. We fail to see that God no longer "lives in temples built by [human] hands" [Acts 17:24].  His only sanctuary today is the believer's heart [1 Cor. 3:16]. Church edifices are not "sanctuaries," although many believers feel  they are obligated to go there to make contact with their God. 

    As most of you are surely aware by now, I'm a staunch promoter of house meetings, believing that our alliance with church edifices have almost reached the pinnacle of idolatry. But that aside, if I were in charge of constructing a meetinghouse for believers, it would be a simple construction, as opposed to an elaborate edifice. 

    The seating arrangement would be the most important item on the agenda. The building would contain one large room. All seats would be installed to form rolls of nearly completed circles. Everyone would be able to see most everyone else's face.  The gawking at back of necks would cease.

    In each meeting there would be a mutual exchange of ideas by as many who might wish to participate, both male and female.  Participation would not be compulsory, but everyone would be encouraged to get involved, for "group therapy" or mutual ministry would be the crux of each meeting. Each session would be led by one or more mature believers with the gift of leadership. They would be seated where everyone could see them.

   The Lord's Supper would be the nucleus of attention on those occasions when it is offered. The Supper would be a happy and joyous celebration—happy and joyous because our Savior conquered death by resurrecting and ascending! The Supper would be a period of jubilation and pondering, not a death march.

    There would be no elite functionary to deliver "sermons" while others drifted into their dream world. His office would be as useless as pickles for fish bate. Mature and older men called "elders" or "overseers" would shepherd and guide the body of believers. Their role would not be authoritative but likened unto gentle and loving fathers. 

    Variation of opinion would not be discouraged, as diversity yields growth. No one would be coerced into conforming to someone else's conception or interpretation of truth. Although everyone would be urged to look for pearls, a few would find lesser stones. These few would not be rejected but induced to look deeper.

    I am not radically opposed to classrooms inside a meetinghouse. However, Christian parents would be taught and encouraged to teach and train their children within the family circle. Paul said as much in Ephesians 6:4.

    Regular meetings called for the benefit of all believers would consist of general participation, but there would be occasions when some gifted orator might be invited to address the congregation on some social, cultural, or special issue or topic—as was the case in the formulating years of the redeemed community. Paul in Acts 20:7 is an example. This would be the exception, not the rule.

    These changes are not likely to come about overnight, for they did not develop overnight. Hopefully, somewhere along the trail change will come. May God grant those changes.

[Texas Conservative]

It is my persuasion that church structures and edifices, which began to be built in about 200 A. D. in Egypt, were one of the leading causes of apostasy.

Your entire premise is false.

Apostasy needs no building or edifices to flourish. 

[Reformer]

TC:

    Apparently, you have not been exposed to the same historical information I and others have been exposed to. Consequently, those of us who differ with you have adopted a "false" doctrine. No surprise on this end!

   Be more attentive to what others write. For example, I wrote, Church structures and edifices "...were one of the leading causes of apostasy"—not the only cause.

"Buffalo Bill"

[Texas Conservative]

Hell naw, to the naw, naw, naw., Not even a leading cause. 

The bible shows us the heart is desperately wicked, not a building.

You are barking up the wrong tree.

"Bishop Bullwinkle"