a double-minded man is unstable in all his ways. James 1:8
When my wife and I left attending a local Church assembly after some 25 years, there was one particular verse that was 'quickened' to both of us individually at that time …
Jesus ... My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me John 10:27
It was to us both a word of encouragement and also a word of admonition !
It seemed like Father Shepherd was clearly ordering our steps in our change of direction, but that He was also making us aware that there was a greater need to seek Him, stay close to Him, listen for and heed his voice along our future journey and pilgrimage.
And so it has proved.
That self same voice eventually led us to become fully 'un-churched' as far as attendance at any denomination in the PRS (present religious system) was concerned
We quickly found that the 'unchurched' are totally dependent on getting their own spiritual food, on seeking God earnestly, on studying the Scriptures for themselves, on earnest prayer, on the Holy Spirits actual guidance and quickening, on true fellowship with other like-minded people. They must either do such …. or starve spiritually … and it takes effort, discipline and a fair dose of pure determination ! BUT … the deep satisfaction and the sheer JOY that it brings is reward enough! And so 15 years have quickly passed.
But there's a difference with those who enjoy such small meetings among the un-churched, but who also still attend denominational meetings of the PRS.
Now that's fine for them, we are all at different stages of our life and walk, and its a free world, but it has become quite apparent that this has had its own effect … what I now call DOUBLE TROUBLE … listening to 2 quite differing sets of influence.
It would appear that Christendom and the PRS has had a deep influence on most all believers. And that a second conversion has occurred and is evident ! People after having been 'born-again' of the Spirit, without even realising it, have had a second 'conversion' to that particular system of denominational religion, where it happened, where everything is 'second-hand' and predigested by the professional ministers of religion. Where all one basically needs to do is show up, listen up, fit in, attend regularly, pay ones tithe, and dont rock the boat ! Quite like a religious kindergarten. Comfortable, socially acceptable, but not quite satisfying to ones inner spiritual being. In short … 'Religiosity' at work, and all with a minimum of effort – largely a 'spectator sport'
When such people meet along with the 'unchurched' there seems like a tug-of-war is going on … double trouble is occurring.
Like the contrast of swimming in a pool as compared to swimming in the open sea.
The confinement of a pool where its only measured lengths, versus the freedom of tackling the waves and the surf, fishing, boating ... and the deep blue water beyond.
Recently I have noticed afresh some scriptures about being like-minded, about being 'of the same mind' … wow In any group, no matter how small
Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgement. 1 Corinthians 1:10
So, the early Church had the same problems, and St Paul was on to it quite evidently … in this the 10th verse of the first of some 29 chapters to those at Corinth. It was the very first problem he tackled head on when writing to that local assembly.
fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Philippians 2:2
For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. (Paul speaking of Timothy) Philippians 2: 20
Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind. Philippians 3:15, 16
Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:5,6
There would seem to be marked differences between ...
the 'unchurched' the PRS
those who have withdrawn the Present Religious System
from the religious 'system'
FAITHFULLNESS
to Jesus / God alone to God PLUS their denomination
and when in conflict … who wins ??
MEETINGS
when & where as agreed As REGULARLY as programmed
true priorities - family etc Frequent attendance is paramount
absences are noted
GIVING
to whatever need as prompted the TITHE (continued from the Old Covenant)
spontaneous regularly
knowing where its going destination unknown - to buildings & salaries !
MEETINGS
Transparent, open-ness easy to 'hide' to just be a spectator
sharing from ones heart as 'closed' as one wants to be
contributing as solitary as one wants to be
FELLOWSHIP
getting to really know each other as superficial as one desires
getting involved just a spectator
Individual 'GIFTINGS'
able to be exhibited and known generally suppressed
but if realised … then thrashed to exhaustion
and 'burn-out '
SHARING
each one contributes one person / the leaders alone
what has God been saying to each one pre-digested, second-hand,
Holy Spirit led formal and traditional predictable
“we have always done it this way”
Freedom to be 'led' Conformity to a SYSTEM
Holy Spirit led 'Nice' and orderly, patterned
A L I V E can degenerate into something starting with D !!
My only regret amongst small groups … not always enough singing, or musicians amongst us to assist us
Can two walk together, unless they are agreed? Amos 3:3
SINGLE MINDED ness has its own reward Matthew 6:22 – 24
DOUBLE MINDED ness brings instability and frustration
as one tries to serve 2 masters, on hearing 2 conductors of the orchestra
a double-minded man is unstable in all his ways. James 1:8
Ohhhhh, for the freedom of the open sea !
A passage that's always stirred and warned me …and the PRS !
Not every one that says to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your name? and in your name have cast out devils? and in your name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, you that work iniquity. Matthew 7: 21-23
And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13
By night on my bed I sought the one I love; I sought him, but I did not find him. “I will rise now,” I said, “And go about the city; In the streets and in the squares. I will seek the one I love.” I sought him, but I did not find him. The watchmen who go about the city found me; I said, “Have you seen the one I love?” Scarcely had I passed by them, When I found the one I love. I held him and would not let him go Song of Solomon 3:1-4
