Inspired papers written with word definitions from Strong's Concordance

Added  07-08-08

(mesos)

            “And Simon Peter said, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”  And Jesus answered and said to him, Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.  And I also say to you that you are Peter, (a [piece of] rock [larger than a stone]) and upon this rock (a [mass of] rock) I will build my church; and the gates of Hades shall not overpower it.  I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you shall bind (1210) on earth shall be bound (1210) in heaven, and whatever you shall loose (3089) on earth shall be loosed (3089) in heaven.” (Matt. 16:16-19)

            “And if your brother sins, go and reprove him in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother.  But, if he does not listen to you, take one or more with you, so that BY THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY FACT MAY BE CONFIRMED.  And if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax-gatherer.  Truly I say to you, whatever you shall bind (1210) on earth shall be bound (1210) in heaven; and whatever you loose (3089) on earth shall be loosed (3089) in heaven.  Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by my Father who is in heaven.  For where two or three have gathered together in My name, there I am in their midst.” (Matt. 18:15-20)

            After the resurrection, “Jesus therefore said to them again, Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.  And when he had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, Receive the Holy Spirit.  If you forgive (863) the sins of any, their sins have been forgiven (863) them; if you retain (2902) the sins of any, they have been retained (2902).” (Jn. 20:21-23)

            The religious world of men are grappling for this power.  Especially those organizations that call themselves Christian, for they at least, “tip the hat” respectfully to the thought of scripture.

            When Christ came, the Law of Moses, the old covenant, had run its course.  Groups of men, such as the Sadducees, Pharisees, scribes and lawyers had emerged at what they thought was the top.  They got there by murdering, scourging and persecuting in their synagogues or the temple, righteous blood. (Matt. 23:34, 35)  They didn’t even know God. (Jn. 16:1-3)

            If Christ soon returns and the outgrowths of the New Covenant observed, many denominations or religious sects will be seen, also having emerged with the illusion of being on top.  Each is laced with positions of power created by men and sought by the men of that persuasion.  These positions often have godly sounding titles with twisted definitions and job descriptions.  Men striving, unlawfully, for a prize (II Tim. 2:5); chasing an evolutionary doctrine of men’s traditions.  

            Some say the first paragraph of this paper proves Peter got the goods, i.e. authority.  So there are those who claim to be his successors, historically trying to prove their “right to rule”.   But the second and third paragraphs confirm the dispersment of empowerment among believers who have the empowered One in their midst. 

            If two or three (no positions or offices necessary) gather in His name (defined as authority, character, title, reputation, person), He is in their midst.  So what if high-ranking religious personnel gather together without His authority, character, title, reputation or person; haven’t they forfeited the true power that binds and looses, forgives and retains?  

            “Jesus came up and spoke to them saying All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” (Matt. 28:18)  The question is if He who has authority is in your midst.  If He is there your empowered, if He is missing you have nothing of the heavenly, just lifeless structure, perhaps tyranny.

            The enemy and men create man-centered counterfeits confusing the simplicity of the gospel.  Instead of the two or three gathered in His name at any place or any time with no special format, they try to move the faith towards centralization of control and ecclesiastical authority.  They create unbiblical New Testament priest-craft, build unbiblical temples and devise endless unmerited ceremony; saying that it is here you will find God and His will, His empowerment for your life.  Denominations are born.

            Did you know the Kingdom of God can’t be observed with the eyes (Lk. 17:20-21); the Sun never did arise because the rooster crowed, even though he thought differently?

            Let’s go back to breaking bread together and encouraging one another as brothers,

IN HIS NAME,

Then God will be in our midst.

Empowering us.

    “Is there not a cause?”

Strong’s 3319

March 24, 2003