A. Amos Love

Waneta

You ask…
“Could you describe how you think churches ought to operate?”

First off – Which “Church” are we talking about? 😉
1 – “The Church of God.”
2 – the church of man.

It seems from your writing and thinking process
you have spent a lot of time researching and teaching about
the horror of male-dominance, domestic violence, and abuse. Kudos.
You really know what you know, and you’re passionate about it.

I’m thinking you’ll also have to do that with the word “Church.”

I suffered thru “Spiritual Abuse” from “Men in Power.”
I was taught, some, men with “titles,” where there by God, for my protection.
I was taught, some, are “God Ordained Authority in the church.”

And I needed to **submit** to “God Ordained Authority in the church.”
If not – I was bad, I was in rebellion and I was in trouble with God.
I was not to say much, disagree with, or “Touch God’s Anointed.”
I was allowed and encouraged to – Pray, Pay, and Obey…
And I believed them. Oy Vey!!! 🙁

Of course, with God, there is always a benefit… 😉

The “Spiritual Abuse” drives you to Jesus… 😉

And you learn, you can get it from Jesus, directly.
You become a “Disciple of Christ.” And learn from Him.
NO longer a “disciple of man.” You need NO?MAN teach you.

John 6:45
It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God.

Deuteronomy 4:36
Out of heaven he made thee to hear his voice,
that he might instruct thee:

1 John 2:26-27
These [things] have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.
But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you,
and, **ye need not that any “man” teach you:**

“Disciple” means, learner and student.
“Disciple of Christ” means, a learner and student of Christ. 😉

Now… about this word “Church.”

You might already know what “Church” means for you, BUT, if not…
You might want to get before God and hear from Him yourself,
about this very important word “Church.” And what it means to Him.

NOT “The Traditions of Men” we have seen and been taught.
For a long time I was in “bondage” in the church of man.

In “the Church of God” there is “Liberty.” Glory!!! Thank you Jesus. 😉

If you want to know what this word ”Church” means for you?
Look up the definition in the Greek, look up the root words. Ek, and Kaleo.
Go to the computer, print out every verse that has the Greek word “Ekklesia.”
Read the verses, over and over again, Pray, ask God, What does this mean, “Church?”

IMO – The best way is “Get It” for yourself, from Jesus. Then NO ONE can take it away.

I’ll give you a few hints about “church” that I “noticed” to get you started.

In the Bible, I found…
NO one ever went “To Church.”
NO one ever joined “A Church,”
NO one ever applied for “Church” membership.
NO one ever “Tithed” to a “Church.”
NO one ever brought their friends to “Church.”
NO buildings with Steeples and crosses called “Church.”
NO – Pastors – in Pulpits – Preaching – to People – in Pews. 😉

IMO – Throw out all you think you know about “Church.”
Start over like you’re hearing the word for the first time. Because…
Jesus warned us about “The Traditions of men” that make “Void” the word of God.

KJV – Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition…
ASV – Making “void” the word of God by your tradition…
NIV – Thus you “nullify” the word of God by your tradition…

Where people go sunday morning is NOT “The Church of God.”
It is a 501 (c) 3, non-profit, tax $ deductible, Religious $ Corporation.

Should we call a $ Corporation “the Church of God?”

Most of what goes on sunday morning is NOT in the Bible.

Be blessed in your search for truth… Jesus