This seems worth considering. If one desires to know more of this subject about non-denominations, one can PM me for some discussion on what I have learned of it. - 1watchman
As to the question about starting a church, I think one needs to first know what the Church is, and it is not like what we are seeing in christendom in the world today. One cannot "start a church", for the Church as shown in the Bible is the spiritual "body of Christ" (and there is only one, as God shows) containing every true believer in Christ ---not an organization as designed by men. People might start a religious gathering to suit themselves, but that is not the Church God has set forth ---"the Bride of Christ". Any local Christian assembly ought to be only the local expression of the universal Church in unity everywhere. This means to follow the Bible-only for the order and function of God's testimony.
If one deviates from God's order they are opposing God's mind, and asserting themselves to do something that will only further divide and scatter the saints of God in the world, and dishonor the Lord. That is a very serious matter, and should be a word of caution. One should find that which God shows as already existing in full accord with God's Word, and pray earnestly to God to teach one and not let one go astray. Does one want to know what God intended in unity for His Church in the world?
Some voices say the various denominated sects are all we have, but history shows how church truth was recovered by God (not men) in the early 1800's, with a recorded simple gathering in 1827 A.D. in Ireland, after the religious bondage and tyranny of the Middle (dark) Ages ---about 500-1500 A.D. under the rule of the RC religion; and then the sectarianism of men that prevailed on to circa 1800.
Some of us have embraced that revival of 1827 without a name or program for fellowship (which still exists) and to obey and honor the Lord. That plain and precious truth can be shared with any who are sincere in seeking to know. I surely would not even think of changing what God gave us ---it is His Church after-all. It surely is not what various religious men have proposed down through the years with their doctrines, rituals, traditions, innovations, entertainment, etc. --denominated and sectarian.
If one looks to Acts 2:41-42 at the beginning of the Church, and studies the Epistles, they can see God's mind for His testimony in unity worldwide. It is not like what we are seeing with the various sects around us. Men should not be trying to "start a church", but be associated with the testimony in unity that we can still find today.
Rather than each one proposing religious ideas after their feeble reasoning, we need to appreciate esteemed Bible teachers down through history, who are able to show the mind of God from His immutable Word. If one knows God intimately and trusts Him through faith in His beloved Son ---the Lord Jesus Christ, he/she can earnestly and honestly seek His mind on what one reads in His Word. Relying on our ideas and reasoning will surely cause us to go astray, and forfeit much for eternity.
Readers can see some sound ministry about this at the site: biblecounsel.net, and learn much about church history at Bible Truth Publishers, Addison, IL -USA. -RLD
Starting A Church?
Thoughts By R. L. DeWitt
One reportedly raised a question among some Christians as to what one would do differently if they were going to start a church, and improve on the many churches around us. The thoughts herein should thus be considered for unity as given in the Bible.Thoughts By R. L. DeWitt
As to the question about starting a church, I think one needs to first know what the Church is, and it is not like what we are seeing in christendom in the world today. One cannot "start a church", for the Church as shown in the Bible is the spiritual "body of Christ" (and there is only one, as God shows) containing every true believer in Christ ---not an organization as designed by men. People might start a religious gathering to suit themselves, but that is not the Church God has set forth ---"the Bride of Christ". Any local Christian assembly ought to be only the local expression of the universal Church in unity everywhere. This means to follow the Bible-only for the order and function of God's testimony.
If one deviates from God's order they are opposing God's mind, and asserting themselves to do something that will only further divide and scatter the saints of God in the world, and dishonor the Lord. That is a very serious matter, and should be a word of caution. One should find that which God shows as already existing in full accord with God's Word, and pray earnestly to God to teach one and not let one go astray. Does one want to know what God intended in unity for His Church in the world?
Some voices say the various denominated sects are all we have, but history shows how church truth was recovered by God (not men) in the early 1800's, with a recorded simple gathering in 1827 A.D. in Ireland, after the religious bondage and tyranny of the Middle (dark) Ages ---about 500-1500 A.D. under the rule of the RC religion; and then the sectarianism of men that prevailed on to circa 1800.
Some of us have embraced that revival of 1827 without a name or program for fellowship (which still exists) and to obey and honor the Lord. That plain and precious truth can be shared with any who are sincere in seeking to know. I surely would not even think of changing what God gave us ---it is His Church after-all. It surely is not what various religious men have proposed down through the years with their doctrines, rituals, traditions, innovations, entertainment, etc. --denominated and sectarian.
If one looks to Acts 2:41-42 at the beginning of the Church, and studies the Epistles, they can see God's mind for His testimony in unity worldwide. It is not like what we are seeing with the various sects around us. Men should not be trying to "start a church", but be associated with the testimony in unity that we can still find today.
Rather than each one proposing religious ideas after their feeble reasoning, we need to appreciate esteemed Bible teachers down through history, who are able to show the mind of God from His immutable Word. If one knows God intimately and trusts Him through faith in His beloved Son ---the Lord Jesus Christ, he/she can earnestly and honestly seek His mind on what one reads in His Word. Relying on our ideas and reasoning will surely cause us to go astray, and forfeit much for eternity.
Readers can see some sound ministry about this at the site: biblecounsel.net, and learn much about church history at Bible Truth Publishers, Addison, IL -USA. -RLD
