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''Assimilating Community'' - Living among societies... (short study)
acomplishedartis:
I have made a short study regarding the first communities united by the life of Jesus Christ. It is to hopefully help us to understand better our position on this time of history where God wanted us to breath. I just finally decided to share it all with the bt forum (It have quotes from Ray's writings and it might help us to appreciate even better the opportunity that we have of learning and communicating together through the internet).
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''Assimilating Community''
The belief that God is totally sovereign, that He will save all men and the many consequences of believing so, is a great precious gift that bound us together; this online script is for the ones able to share this belief.
In the past (some years ago) I used to deceive myself constantly, I took advantage of many and send to a literal hell anyone who didn’t believe as I did. All because of ignorance, of course; now, if any good you have seen in me, it’s because of great grace and if any truth and encourage you can take from this paper, then all the work will be proven worthy.
Assimilating Community – a “common unity” of constant love out of a clean conscious and un-hypocrite faith.
Now, before trying to assimilate what a real true community is, for a better understanding, we will take a look of our place in this present predominating society and the different ways on which it is arranged or structured.
A Widely Overview
People ordinary perceptions are usually limited to their common close-up scenes, what they live daily at work, family, location, class status, ethnicity, education, religious system beliefs and the highly persuasive influence of the Internet, many of this things rule our way of thinking and perceiving things. Also, the perceptions about the native language, the culture (sometimes including a national constitution), the main ideology surrounding the person, the current developments of fashion, mass media, technologies, and by many kind of institutions that work as social engineers. All this things and many more can definitely play a decisive role in shaping the choices available to a whole group of people.
Historical changes and institutional contradictions are the terms in which we should see and explain the common perceptions that society has; its troubles and victories, their fights and losses. We must develop the mind skills to grasp the interplay of human nature and society, of his/her biography, the age on history where he/she lives, and then try to perceive the structural changes that usually lie behind them all, so to get a better idea of the place where we find ourselves.
The truth is that the perceptions of us humans are frighteningly limited. Everybody just lives his life from one generation to the next along with the historical events that he/she was meant to experience, each moment of a single person contributing to the shape of the course of history as a whole.
And here are the widely overwhelming questions; what are the basis and foundations of the way of thinking, of the perceptions, of the thoughts beyond the acts of this present predominating society where we live in?, and where does our epoch in history stands? Mostly, what kind of 'human nature' is revealed in the conduct and character we observe in the members of this present society?
It is obvious that this predominating society where we live is in opposition, in great contrast; actually it’s a contradiction of how the first communities of believers, trying to live a piety life, were organized. Problems always lie on the basis and foundational issues; you have to look in the root of the problem, not in the present problem by itself. The main example of this is: the excessively WEAK HEART of man.
On communities and societies, social circles have unique sets of norms and values, and when someone does not comply with them, he/she will surely be obstructed, admonished, or even embarrassed by other members of the social circle. Now, when this norms and values are wrong, the constant social pressure can be too overwhelming, so people usually comply. We must be always careful where do we get our noses in, on a daily basis.
In conclusion, what any carnal human sinner needs within a society, it’s not new man made reforms, rules, plans or better organization. What we really need is a New Heart; possible only, by a great predestinated miracle from above!
The Internet Age
The first written communication began with pictographs. Later paper appeared allowing communication across long distances, after sometime Gutenberg invented the printing-press; this invention gave placed to what could be call the 2nd revolution in written communication. Nowadays, information can be transferred via controlled waves and electronic signals, that’s call the 3rd written communication revolution, thus giving rise to the INTERNET AGE.
We are coming into a world were knowledge, power, and productive capability will be more dispersed than at any time in our history. They are millions of media buffs using blogs, wikis, chat rooms, video-conferences, personal broadcasting, and informative web-pages and there are tons of online forums growing excessively fast. The easy accessibility puts the tools required at everybody’s fingertips, all one needs is a computer, a network connection, a strong motivation and that’s it.
The internet age is only starting and we should better take it seriously; because minds are maturing faster, information is flowing and people are traveling. We also need to face the fact that now we have great possibilities to be no longer a consequence of our immediate physical surroundings.Today also, True Community is less hard to find than on generations before us. Thanks to these new technologies the few like-minders out there can be able to find each other and stay together once again.
There are some few persons that are designated by God to live in a true common unity by the life of Jesus Christ at this generation of history, because this is true:
"Now we are aware that GOD [it is unfortunate that the King James leaves out "God" even though it is in the manuscripts. Most translations do put "God" in this opening phrase. Things don’t just ‘work’ together without GOD doing the ‘working’] is working all together for the good of those who are loving God, who are [being] called according to the purpose that, whom He foreknew, He designates beforehand, also, to be conformed to the image of His Son, for Him to be Firstborn among many brethren. Now whom He designates beforehand, these He calls [not ‘called’ as all are NOT YET called, it is the aorist tense] also, and whom He calls, these He justifies, also; now whom He justifies, these He glorifies also" (Rom. 8:28:30).
Now, pay attention: All which God foreknew, He then designates beforehand (He hand-picks them, if you will). And therefore, since He has already designated them beforehand, when they are born in whatever generation God designates; He then calls them. Now it is true that God calls MANY OTHERS whom He has NOT designated to be "conformed to the image of His Son" AT THE TIME that each generation appears in history. Words and quote by L.Ray Smith
In the future we will see this present time (the beginning of the century XXI) as a critical turning point in the way we communicate. Today is the time, again in history, for many more ‘true Christ follower’s communities’ to get organized like on the beginnings.
We need to take out of our heads the notion that if we are going to live differently that we must take the masses along with us. The time to overcome is not for them, yet. We should be sufficient if we can be able to merely make it ourselves first. If we are on a spiritual war, then, there is no time to get bored, to let ourselves go with the current or to lose focus, because there are ideologies all around us, trying to trick us and take us away of the important spiritual matters.
No matter how open minded ordinary people around us pretend to be, they also have ideologies (different types of thinking, set of aims and ideas that direct their goals, expectations, and actions) whether or not they propounded them as an explicit systems of thoughts. As a matter of fact the main purpose behind an ideology is to offer change (through a process) to make people adherent to its set of ideals.
In societies, rulers usually determine the dominant ideology (religiously, politically, etc.), and it is easier for them to take advantage and confuse the best interests of the ones behind them.
Very often, dominant ideologies appear as "neutral", holding to assumptions that are largely unchallenged. Meanwhile, all other ideologies that differ from the dominant ideology are seen as radical, no matter what the content might be. So there are many ideologies difficult to destroy, because they perpetuate the cultural and social values that the group holds dear (Christendom false theology is a great example), where day-to-day interaction reinforces the norms of the set of beliefs or particular lifestyle and preserve group unity.
Now, let me tell that by taking ideology as; a type of thinking, (a set of aims and ideas that direct our goals, expectations and actions…), The first communities in acts did have their own ideology. And I will try to cover at least some of its surface on this present writing.
The Term Community
Roughly, a Community is a group of interacting organisms sharing an environment. In general human communities, intent, belief, resources, preferences, needs, risks, and a number of other conditions may be present and common, affecting the identity of the participants and their levels of cohesiveness. Also it fits to tell that Community no longer have geographical limitations, as people can now virtually gather in online communities.
It is said that the degree to which the norms of a particular community or society are adopted determines one's willingness to engage with others. Also, members always depend on the flow of communication to establish their own identity within these structures and learn to function in the group setting.
Have you ever wonder about the first communities united by the life of Jesus Christ himself?
acomplishedartis:
How did THEY Lived. Part I of II
The about to be brethren had heard well the great story, about HIS death, about the ones who were in His presence after his resurrection, about all the wonders and signs and about His first followers (the disciples). Then, consequences became naturally; a small army of new followers aroused, and little by little became more prepared, prepared to give an explanation regarding their new faith, to prove wrong those who contradicted and prepared to do almost anything for the new cause, even to sell all that they had! They already knew about prophesies of old talking regarding this events and because of it, they very well knew, where they fit in the history period they were living in.
Jails, trials and public disturbs were not able to stop them, in the contrary, all of it used to work for benefit of the growing of this new revolution. What they were doing, among them, was changing their old society structures with statements strong enough that were worthy to be re-considered by all.The church that Christ was building was surely growing!
The next mention of the Church that Christ said He would build is found in Acts 2:46-47:
"And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord ADDED to the church DAILY [3000 in one day, Ver. 41] such as should be saved" (Acts 2:46-47).
(Words and quote by L.Ray Smith)
And everyone should see it coming; persecutions, sufferings and adversities were inevitable! since they were changing the deep social structures of old. Everyone was also learning how hard was to be loyal to this new ideology; all the great attack and adversity,
Jesus said that the "gates of hades [realm of the DEAD] will not prevail [katischuo]against it." In other words, His Church would NEVER be overpowered to death.
And so, the Church that Jesus Christ built is still around today. L. Ray Smith
What if the true church that Jesus Christ built has already got online? What if today like never before in history (except since the formation of the first communities), more members of this church are able to connect and met and eat the spiritual bread and meat with gladness and singleness of heart?
On the first communities, I am very sure that their sense of community was very high, frequently giving abundantly to others, having great feelings of togetherness, mutual bonds, deep respect and much affinity, having times for listening and descent understanding for others, while feeling part of a trust-worthy stable structure.
I wonder, how do they were able to adapt to their new surrounding contexts? They just got a new starting point to re-write their own history, and a new concept of self! They just got new kind of norms, resources, rewards and punishments... How did they become prepared for unintended consequences? Well, it worked, because they had a new stable and strong common goal and safe ground rules. Another thing that glued them together was that they knew and felt that they were all part of a body (of Jesus Christ body). And WHEN THE DOMINANT IDEOLOGIES AND STRUCTURES ARE RIGHT…; A GOOD, SMART AND DESIRABLE COURSE OF EVENTS IS TO FOLLOW.
Okay, so specifically what used to unite them so cohesively? Which were the main common goal and the new safe ground rules? What about their new history, along with the new analogies and symbolisms that they just got…? What about their new speech or discourses…? Did they get different ways of trade or surviving?
"Therefore if any man be IN Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new" (II Cor. 5:17).
This is the new, converted, believer’s life "IN Christ." And when God comes to judge the world, we will have no fear of judgment for we are being judged now "IN Christ." Highlight this verse in your Bibles:
"And we have known and believed the love that God has to us. God is love; and He that dwells in love dwells IN GOD, and GOD IN HIM. Herein is your love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: BECAUSE [get ready; here it comes…] As He [Jesus Christ] IS [right now, this minute] SO ARE WE in this world" (I John 4:17).
We are to overcome "even as" Jesus Christ conquered and overcame. What was it that Jesus Christ "overcame?" John 16:33,
"These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but BE OF GOOD CHEER; I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD!"
L. Ray Smith
How did THEY Lived. Part II
From the first communities we know that many of their members used to live together in houses, as they used to go from house to house eating with gladness and singleness of heart. So this means that they were living on places with higher degrees of interaction and openness with one another while sharing responsibilities and resources.
But what does it really meant that they had all in common? Were they supplemented by extensive common facilities? If so, they were surely wasting less and taking better advantage of spaces and items. The new culture and values of these first communities were reshaping them as a whole, along with the coming new followers. What used to hold them together was not merely the spirit of kinship and solidarity, but the spirit of Jesus Christ himself!They were told that anyone that wanted to be on a higher position among them, that he then must humbly become the servant of all!
Keep thinking about it, if everything was common to everybody (except specific things that could be hold by personal willingness. Act 5:4), then, they were able of providing quality goods for everybody on the lowest costs (since they had to get things by quantity), and if they were getting things from no middle mans, this was even more beneficial. Elders that were distributing things had to know very well regarding their real basic necessities.
Also, many in there, surely used to have skills on different services and crafts that surely don’t used to charge upon other members of the community, rather they surely were able to share their knowledge’s and learn from each other. By the ways of living of the epoch, they could pretty much almost be living in a sustainable way. If they followed the new rules; ‘greed’ then, was out of the equation and their work motivation had surely moved beyond the present wrong dominant ideologies of their time.
“So all the folks continuing in trusting and believing were at the same [place], and they continued having and holding all things in common and with joint-participation (in a fellowship of partnership)”
Acts 2:44 (Jonathan Mitchell’s New Testament Translation)
Whenever they assemble together; all things done were meant to be for the edification of the whole community.
‘‘Let the word of Christ be making its home in you richly, in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing yourselves; in psalms, in hymns, in spiritual songs, singing, with grace in your hearts to God.’’ Colossians 3:16 (Concordant Literal New Testament)
‘‘And we may be considering one another to incite to love and ideal acts, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves, according as the custom of some is, but entreating, and so much rather as you are observing the day drawing near.’’ Hebrews 10:24-25 (Concordant Literal New Testament)
‘‘… all things (everything) [directed] toward edification, upbuilding and construction – let it habitually happen (come to be; occur)!’’ 1Cor. 14:26 (Jonathan Mitchell’s New Testament Translation)
All this is koinonia, precious assemblies and formidable bounds and ways of living,
Paul gave us a profound prophetic statement regarding the direction the church would take immediately after his departure:
"For I have not shunned to declare unto you ALL THE COUNSEL OF GOD. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to ALL THE FLOCK [the entire Church of God, and remember that ALL of Paul’s epistles were read and distributed by Peter as well to the Jewish saints, II Pet. 3:16-17], over the which the Holy Ghost has made you overseers, to feed THE CHURCH OF GOD, which He has purchased with His own blood. FOR I KNOW THIS, that after my departing shall GRIEVOUS WOLVES enter in among you, NOT SPARING THE FLOCK. Also of your OWN SELVES shall men arise, speaking PERVERSE THINGS, to DRAW AWAY DISCIPLES AFTER THEM. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day WITH TEARS [Paul knew and could see how horribly deceived the Church of God was to become]. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified" (Acts 20:27-32).
WOW … Not a pretty picture, is it? It gets worse.
Paul knew that just as he had to come out of religious Babylon, those under his evangelism would also have to one day come out of the New Testament Church of God’s Babylonian practices.
Words and quote by L. Ray Smith
Usually when groups become full of way too many individuals, many members can get confused regarding their role on certain important matters and false teachers can easily arise. One of the most common causes for a community or group to malfunction is the lack of control of the main leaders or elders.
If you put attention enough, in groups and communities, (you can see it even more clearly in online communities) there are the ones who participate intensely, these are usually the leaders or elders often making important decisions or putting order when is required. Then there is an active group that participate regularly but not at the level of the first group. And for last, there is a group full of passive participants that are still learning they level of involvement in the community (very often representing the majority on the group). All members have to be nurture and keep walking at a certain rhythm or pace, not so fast that it can become too overwhelming! Each teaching is necessary for the community and it has its own unwritten rules about what can be said and how it can be said.
May the Lord have mercy on us and let us dwell as part of HIS True Living Community Church in this time of history! Just remember one of the little details that we are asked for; to forsake family, and possessions and all that used to be of value for us AS AN IDOL, to take our cross daily, and to follow HIM.
Now, I am going to introduce this community, constructed with wisdom and intelligence (Ef.1:7), Chosen by grace, enriched in knowledge, in discourse and personal skills(1Cor.1:4-6)
In this community, members must walk in love - As Jesus loves them--by self sacrifice (Ef. 5:1 and 1:15). On this community you are not to participate on fruitless deeds or partake along with deceivers (Ef.5: 6-7 & 11).
I present you the verily surface of the,
‘‘True Community united by the life of Jesus Christ’’
United cohesively, by believing on ‘Predestination’ (Eph.1:4-6)-witch totally destroy the illusion of free-will,by believing on the ‘forgiveness of sins’ (Eph.1:7) and that ‘Jesus came to save sinners/ALL sinners’ (1Tim. 1:15), by a foundation; ‘Jesus Christ’ (1Cor.3:11, Eph.2:20), by the shared ‘hope in the resurrection’ (1Cor.6:14) and by the belief that ‘God is operating all things on everyone’ (1Cor.12:6), that ‘He will save all mankind’ (1Tim.2:4) and that eventually ‘HE will be all in all’.
Main goal or final share, To become holy and flawless in Gods sight by grace (Eph. 1:4 & 6), Love for the saints(Eph.1:15), do the good works that God have make ready before hand for them (Eph.2:10), attain the state of oneness with their brothers and become mature mans (Eph.4:13), become rejuvenated on the spirit of our minds in righteousness and benignity(Eph.4:23-24), and lead a mild and quiet life in all devoutness, piety and dignity (1Tim2:2)
Their history of old, walked through their offenses and sins (Eph.2:1), doing the will of the flesh and being children’s of natural impulses (Eph.2:3)
A couple safe Rules or Norms, walk with all humility and meekness, with patience, bearing with one another in love(Eph.4:2), by no means walk according to the way that the nations (the multitudes; and/or pagan groups) are continuously walking; within the emptiness and vanity of their minds (intellect) (Eph.4:17). Lies are prohibit (Eph.4:25), Stealing is prohibit, rather, they must work with their own hands (Eph.4:28). Rotten words are prohibit (Eph.4:29), Bitterness, fury and anger, calumny and all malice must be removed (Eph.4:31) rather, there must be kindness and compassion with one another (Eph.4:32). And also, it is Highly Prohibit to the core: Greed, Prostitution, obscenity and foolish speaking, these are not even to be mentioned among them (Eph.5:3-4) Idolatry; prohibit too.
Some Analogies and symbolisms, the members are compared with buildings under construction (Eph.2:21), also with a living body working properly (Eph.4: 16), they are presented as spiritual warriors that have to wear the full spiritual armor of God (Eph.6:11)
Regarding the ‘discourse of the community’; about what can be said and how can it be said, anything good (profitable, virtuous) toward building up-edification that bring grace to those hearing is allowed (Eph.4:29), also they can speak in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and playing music in their hearts to the Lord (Eph.5:19), they must constantly make petitions, prayers, pleadings, and thanks giving for all mankind (1Tim.2:1) and they can also talk about their circumstances and affairs, what are they involved in or what are they doing (Eph.6:21)
Regarding their economy, part of their main motivation of working with their own hands and make profit out of it is to share it with the ones who are in need (Eph.4:28). Also, we already clearly saw how Greed (that little gear that makes our present predominating economy run forward) was Highly Prohibit, as well as dishonest gains. Their lifestyle was frugal (1Tim.6-9). Donations were practiced (1Cor.16), and pouring shame and disgrace down on those presently having nothing was talked against.
A couple ‘social groups positioning’ that were inside the whole structure; this were Elders, Marriages, Servants and Masters. However, the way on which they used to function was very differently from ordinary leaders, marriages, servants and masters.
Okay, so what we are trying to do here is to compare the circumstance of these first communities with our own present circumstances, so that these will inspire us to do alike, while trying to understand the meaning of the epoch in history where we are living in and try to walk on it wisely.
Remember what Paul said to the Ephesians regarding,
‘‘Be observing accurately, then, brethren, how you are walking, not as unwise, but as wise, reclaiming the era, for the days are wicked.’’ Eph.5:15-16. (Concordant Literal New Testament)
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The last part of the study will be posted soon...
Terry:
I enjoyed that, very interesting, thanks
Terry
Drew:
Greetings, Brother Moises,
To begin, I am humbled at the apparent wisdom that our Father has given you. Unless your picture is rather old; you appear to be, physically, much younger than I. Since I am a relatively new member of the forum, I have been attempting to present myself as one who truly is wanted to grow in a (the) knowledge and wisdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. I have come to believe, in the short time that I have been a forum member and reader of the teaching of Jesus through Brother Ray, that you and other forum members are my fellowship along with the Father and the Son.
Your thoughts, along with Bro. Rays', on the assimilating of this community, are more than interesting to me and at this point, my point in responding to your post is to let you know, and others who will be reading my response, that my desire is to become more and more involved in becoming a servant to all who are a part of what is a new community for me.
When I first started to communicate using this forum, I admit that I was a bit frustrated that my first questions were not answered. I introduced myself and wanted to know if there were any forum members in my area of the world. No response. However, because of that nil response, I have realized that that is not to be at the present but that my fellowship for now is with the brothers and sisters by this medium; and that is by no means a negative. I have been very blessed by reading and even responding to some of recent posts. The fellowship of like-minded saints is more than satisfying in the "not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together as the manner of some is" and I'm not fully understanding, I admit, of the "the manner of some is". Maybe you or someone else can help me with that.
I will conclude this post with: I made an observation that you, possibly, are not a native English speaker, however, your fluency is admirable. Is that a valid observation?
Blessings,
Drew
acomplishedartis:
Yes, I am not a native English speaker...
I should post the coming last part of these ''short'' study soon.
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