A nagging problem in Christianity has been the trinitarianism doctrine. At the least it is confusing and at worst it is polytheism.
I would venture to say that every revival or awakening in history has occurred as focus moved away from trinitarianism and its traditions and formalities, to the essence of Christianity.
What is the essence of Christianity?
→ Jesus as God with us
→ Jesus as the incarnate Word
→ Jesus as redeemer
→ Jesus as healer
→ Jesus as deliverer
→ Jesus as authorizer for us to be filled with His Holy Spirit
→ Jesus as one with us in His Holy Spirit
→ Jesus as the name by which His Holy Spirit power is manifested
Apart from these realities of pure Christianity any box that is constructed for Christians to move in is of man and not of Christ. I use term 'box' to reference tradition, programs, orders of service, rituals, holy days, etc.
The church or Body Of Christ is to operate in unison directed by the head of the body, who is Christ Jesus. That which connects the head to the individual members of the Body is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the inspiration for the Word and He is the Spirit in whom we should worship as indicated above.
Where is the church hierarchy in this model?
Good question: There is none.
Some would argue regarding bishops and the Five Fold Ministry as being scriptural and they would not be wrong.
However, this article is focused on Jesus Movements which have never and will never come out of church hierarchy.
There is a stress between organization and freedom. Organization demands prescribed order and authority. Freedom requires only opportunity.
Many times the Holy Spirit is quenched because of fear that the individual may say or do something that is 'in the flesh'. However, there is a way that this can be dealt with in love when it occurs.
Let all things be done decently and in order. |
This is an instruction to the individual who exercises their freedom while controlling themselves in the interest of edification of the Body Of Christ.
Because of ignorance of the Word when a Jesus Movement occurs there will be disorder and some confusion. But that is no reason for the establishment to stifle (quench) the Holy Spirit who is inspiring the Jesus Movement.