DISSENTERS ... NOW AND THEN !
'Life is full of surprises' the saying goes ….
Particularly so, when I recently came across a new word that seemed to apply to help describe me !
And to confirm it, a dear friend recently even called me such in discussion !
A DISSENTER indeed ! Just what is this new word (to me) I wondered ?
But let me briefly explain ….
My first booklet was penned just before I ventured into the vast world of computers and the internet. My thoughts about the deficiencies of structured religion and the exciting prospect of meeting in small groups was forming. But the only other book that confirmed my thoughts was Stan Firths CUSTOM & COMMAND, otherwise I thought that I was pioneering ! But, when this booklet was published and started to be distributed, my world changed for ever …. a response from Stan Firth brought an immediate expansion to my universe, other contacts were soon established around the globe …. there were actually others who thought similarly about Christendom !
Then, a copy of Wolfgang Simson's HOUSES THAT CHANGE THE WORLD was obtained and devoured.
It was amazing – it seemed that the Spirit of God was at work, silently and personally but similarly all over the globe … it was humbling and precious !
And since those early years my wife and I have met, corresponded and fellowshipped with a network of many like-minded people (including a few such but still with their own agendas we eventually found out – but that's life and people !)
So this all has continued until recently, when this new (to me) word appeared
For those who are interested ….Wikipedia says ….. the term DISSENTER (from the Latin dissentire, “to disagree”), labels one who disagrees in matters of opinion, belief, etc. In the social and religious history of England and Wales, however, it refers particularly to a member of a religious body who has, for one reason or another, separated from the Established Church.[1]
The terms "dissenter" and "dissenting," which had acquired a somewhat contemptuous flavour, have tended since the middle of the 18th century to be replaced by "nonconformist," a term which did not originally imply secession, but only refusal to conform in certain particulars with the authorized usages of the Established Church.[1]
Still more recently the term "nonconformist" has in its turn, as the political attack on the principle of a state establishment of religion developed, tended to give place to the style of “Free Churches” and “Free Churchman.” All three terms continue in use, “nonconformist” being the most usual, as it is the most colourless.
English DISSENTERS were Christians who separated from the Church of England in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.[1]
So, there's 'nothing new under the sun' as the saying goes !
A remarkable fact has become apparent …. that in every age and generation there would seem to be those who have seen the deficiencies of organised structured religion, and 'dissented' accordingly. The insight into the difference between the Present Religious System (the PRS) so aptly named, and simply following Jesus and the Holy Spirit leadings, has been evident in most every era.
In Jesus day, his encounters with the Pharisees and Saducees, and his vehement denouncement of them and their religious system is well recorded eg Matthew 23
but their descendants in spirit, attitude and practices have continued and are still evident in this day and age.
What a thrill to know that down through the centuries since the early Church age, there have been those who withdrew themselves from, and 'dissented' and protested against such, and to whom we are so indebted ….... Priscillian Bogomilians, Petrobusians, Paterenians, Waldensians, Lollards, Celts, Anabaptists, Luther, Huss, Zwingli, Melanchthon, Calvin, John Knox, Labadie, Huguenots, Spener, Wesley, Blake ….. most every century has had them ….. DISSENTERS all
against the established and man organised structured 'Church' system
then and now ….
them and us ….
past and present ….
yesterday, today …. and tomorrow ….
By recent report there are approx 15 million Christians in USA who are 'outside' of the established religious system, an estimated 100 million similarly in China alone, and vast numbers who meet in small groups in most every country on the globe.
They may not be fully aware of it, (as I wasn't until recently), but effectually they are DISSIDENTERS all ….. of whom the world was not worthy Hebrews 11:38
Derided possibly, denounced maybe,
but known to God, watched by witnesses, even observed by angels !
Called, led, and blessed indeed !
All in evidence of Jesus words that spoke to us so and helped lead us out of the PRS :
MY sheep hear MY voice and I know them, and they follow ME John 10 : 37
God is up to something, and always has been, I venture to suggest !
Jesus is building His church His way .... stillMatthew 16:18
the wind blows where it wills, so is every one who is born of the Spirit John3:8
as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God Romans 8:14
where 2 or 3 are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them... Jesus said Matthew 18:20
continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house did eat their food with gladness and singleness of heart Acts 2:46
having therefore obtained help of God I continue until this day ... witnessing Acts 26:22
if God be for us, who can be against us Romans 8:31
and as Gamaliel once wisely observed ....
if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought, but if it be of God, you cannot overthrow it, lest haply you be found even to fight against God Acts 5:38
Amen and amen
