Category: The Organic Church

Uniting the Churches

On By Ashley GatewoodIn The Organic ChurchLeave a comment

The Mission

I’m on a journey, carrying a message within me. There are many others running as well carrying the same message. And though we remain obscure the winds of change are blowing. This message entails a change of mindset from the manmade construct of the church/noun/place and all it’s denominational separatism back to God’s original idea, the Manifold Wisdom, the Body of Christ for which Christ died on the Cross to establish in the earth. The New Creation. We mistakenly refer to it as ‘the church’ but church isn’t even a biblical word, it’s a mistranslation. This message is difficult to relay, it’s going to take some time, but God will not relent.

The question becomes, how do we deliver this message most effectively? Then, how do the leaders of the Body of Christ (representing all the churches at large) wrestle with it and guide the churches together into unity? What mindsets to keep, what ideas to let go of, what sacrifices to make?

The Approach

Just because a large scale societal system, namely the church construct, has worked well enough for two-thousand years and established itself throughout history doesn’t mean it is the best idea.

We need look no further than 1 Samuel 8:10-22 to see that people implemented the exact opposite of what God desired concerning their future and lived with the consequences for far more than two thousand years. And I lay before tens of thousands of denominations today, originating with the Orthodox Catholic church, that yet again, we got it wrong:

“But the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel. And they said, “No! But there shall be a king over us.”

How do the churches approach the possibility that they might have gotten it wrong after all?

Below is a video Gavin Ortlund uploaded. It’s not about church unity per se, but the principles of engagement he speaks of are paramount to addressing God’s message to the churches today. I wanted to site it as a reference.

Bart Ehrman Agrees With Wes Huff on the Isaiah Scroll?

Remaining Sensitive to the Holy Spirit in Order to Engage

I like that Ortlund is open to wrestling with difficult matters which would otherwise be considered outside of church-as-usual norms:

“First, a religious commitment is not necessarily opposed to a sincere interest in truth.”

Yes, I appreciate this.

“Again the appeal is not that there’s nothing to criticize about Christian apologetics, there often is. The appeal is that all claims whether they’re apologetical, counter-apologetical – use any other label you want – all should be treated on a case by case basis and charitably received and evaluated on the basis of arguments rather than moved to the side because of a perceived agenda or motivation.” 

Again, yes.

One Must Empty Themselves of Ego Before Engaging Something New

Ego runs rampant when we’d rather fight for our denominational doctrines as opposed to actually accepting and wrestling with a truth that God is placing before us. I believe this is because we find our identity in our denominations, rituals and traditions. Perhaps we even view the world first through the lens of our denomination and church institutions before Christ. To do away with these manmade constructs is to somehow throw away our identities. This is human nature but a transcending of this mindset is desperately needed. We tend to hide behind rigid doctrines and easy tradition and shy away from the difficulty of changing our mindsets to undergo true transformation.

Converting is easy. Transforming is not. God wants transformation from the inner parts, not an intellectual conversion of thought only. The mindset along with the entire physicality of the person must shift into alignment with Christ, hence, we are New Creations in Christ. This means shedding all superfluous manmade doctrines for the sake of unity. Everything requires a sacrifice.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

2 Corinthians 5.17

I’m Not the Leader; I Don’t Have The Final Answer

Now whether Ortlund or other Christian leaders will take seriously the message I and others are carrying remains to be seen. It would make it easier to relay. Let me be clear, I’m not the leader of a movement. I’m one of many messengers. I’m not the spearhead or the one with the answers.

No one person will have the answer. A thoughtful word of caution we’d do well to consider in this endeavor:

You want to be very careful about doing large scale experimentation with large scale systems because the probability that, if you implement a scheme in a large scale social system, that that scheme will have the result you intended, is negligible. What will happen will be something you don’t intend, and even worse, something that works at counter-purposes to your original intent.

Dr. Jordan Peterson

The Body will answer God’s call for unity. I know far less church history than theologians like Ortlund. He and his peers and all other leaders must wrestle with God’s word to the churches at large to come to an understanding of what God wants. Again, this message may be obscure today but let me reiterate – the winds of change are blowing and the Lord will speak to His people.

I’m not the one who decides the direction of the Body of Christ, I’m only bringing the message. Ultimately, this is for the leaders of the Body of Christ to wrestle with, to carefully think through. That being said, the message is for all the Body, all the denominational churches, all the people who know Christ as their Savior regardless of church affiliation or current situation. That’s why I think it is admirable and important what Ortlund is saying he believes, that is, to be open to all points of view in an open and honest dialog.

It Will Be A Collective Effort

The church will do well to nurture our ability to understand the importance of remaining open and discussing difficult, deeply uncomfortable ideas (change is difficult and risky):

“Revolutions come at a cost. Sometimes they’re necessary. How do you decide when? That’s what free speech is for. That’s how you negotiate that. Should we stick with what we’re doing or should we do something new? If you can do what everyone else has always done, do that. If that isn’t working, okay, well, maybe it’s time for a new idea. Carefully. And let’s think it through. But it has to be dialog. This is why the right to free speech, that’s not some right that you have. It’s the process by which the negotiation of the future takes place. So when it goes, everything goes.” 

Dr. Jordan Peterson

This is what the Church, the Body of Christ must undergo to reconcile our understanding with God’s Manifold Wisdom: digging down into the mistranslation of the word church and how we’ve skewed our understanding of ekklesia rendering it an arbitrary and misleading term; dropping the necessity that all denominational doctrines and creeds be accepted before the churches come into unity (which is letting go of puffed up superiority); and doing away with the supremacy mindset that our (insert denominational name here) church is the only, one true church.

Church/noun/place means nothing. The living, organic Body of Christ means everything.

“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.“

It sounds impossible, but with Christ all things are possible. I’m sure there are separatist denominations, churches, and individuals who have been taught that they should be afraid of those ‘other denominations’ – and that’s human nature, isn’t it? But God’s ways are higher than our ways and we need to address and bridge this fear.

It’s going to be far more difficult for those who are separatists and fearful of others. And isn’t this idea of unity layers deep? If we don’t get this right how will we know where the line should be drawn? “You are in this world but not of it. Come out and be separate.” Should we integrate with all religions in the name of harmony and tolerance? It’s a dangerous game that is no game at all. I pray we get this right.

The Time Has Come

Those who come into unity, dropping all superfluous manmade doctrines will make themselves available to God for service in this next wave that’s coming. (Do we not see how Satan is unifying our enemies against us? How are we to stand in that hour if we are divided?) Those who don’t unify in Christ alone but instead remain obstinate in their doctrines and only true church syndromes simply won’t be available in a broader capacity. I don’t think this means they won’t retain their salvation, it’s simply a matter of unity and being open and available to God. It’s possible we will see a march larger split (denomination) before it’s over, one that divides the churches between those that choose Religion over Christlike transformation. Indeed, the Body of Christ is within and throughout all the church denominations. His sheep will know His voice and He will separate them out.

Can two walk together, except they agree?

I’m excited for the Body of Christ and the moving of the Spirit over His people. There is coming a darker hour with Superintelligence, Transhumanism and technology that promises eternal life, all gathering together in unity and broadcasting over Social Media which reaches into all the world. These factors along with the more atheistic mindset that is open to progress but closed entirely to God will bring a great blindness to the lost looking for answers.

Religious Interfaith Tolerance

Not to mention, have you noticed, the devil is also working to unify the religions of the world? This includes Christianity, and God cannot be joined with demons. We can’t even discern the difference between Religion and God. We are still drinking milk, thinking God is religion. The confusion is coming brothers and sisters, I’m pleading with the churches, we must face this refining process now. The consequences of avoiding it are too great.

One of the most confusing issues we will face is religious tolerance – tolerance for what, which values take precedence, who’s religion will win out, who’s religion will be shamed if not exuding tolerance? Children of God, all these questions are false and do not pertain to God’s flock. Religion is the Red Herring. What is playing out in our secular culture if indeed seeping throughout our religious institutions because anything manmade suffers the consequences of secular ideology. And God is calling out to His people – do not place your trust in the secular institutions of this world, they are going to crumble beneath your feet. Everything that is temporal is already passing away. The Kingdom of God is eternal.

Listen carefully:

“The Parliament of the World’s Religions seeks to promote interreligious harmony, rather than unity; this understanding is key to our framework:”

Interreligious harmony is an attainable and highly desirable goal. Such an approach respects and is enriched by the particularities of each tradition. Moreover, within each tradition are the resources (philosophical, theological, and spiritual teachings and perspectives) that enable each to enter into respectful, appreciative, and cooperative relationships with persons and communities of other traditions. This is especially important as we work together to address the critical issues of our time.

Parliament of the World’s Religions

What does God think of that statement? Is the Holy Spirit in it? Does it serve the purposes of the Kingdom of God? We must answer these questions Saints – and the sooner the better.

The Antichrist boasts of bringing to human beings the peace and tolerance that Christianity promised but has failed to deliver.

René Girard, I saw Satan Fall Like Lightning

The Churches Lack Discernment

If we cannot discern the difference between Religion and God then we are in danger of falling for anything. And the secular world with all its mimicking of biblical language – grandiose in its religious formality but lacking the power of God – is only going to confuse the matter more.

Unity, now more than ever, is required for God’s purposes in this coming future. Take heart! The Light is only going to get brighter my friends.

Long live the Savior of the world and His Hagios.

Catholic and Orthodox Conversations Online

On By Ashley GatewoodIn The Organic ChurchLeave a comment

Youtube Conversations

I’ve had some engaging online conversations recently concerning the Church. Some people were accommodating while others were highly offended, defensive and then robotic. By robotic I mean indoctrinated.

It really bothers me. On a fundamental level. I’ve prayed about it and asked God why I see these things when I don’t have the ability to fix them. It’s terribly frustrating. I’m fairly relaxed and easy-going, but not online and not concerning lies. I’m not a gentle, soft-spoken person online. Overall, I’m not afraid to say what I’m feeling and sometimes I can be too opinionated. I don’t mind a good tussle but at the same time, I’d rather not get involved at all – my carnal nature often interjects: ‘Who cares!?’ I wish I could believe it….so I could quit and feel justified.

Doctrines of Men

I get angry and disappointed when I see people who love Jesus and are so on fire for Him and they end up captured in these indoctrinated churches just spewing phrases they’ve been taught – as if they are scripture when they don’t remotely line up with scripture.

These doctrines box people in, “well, it’s not always about putting the word of God first,” and I say, there is no recourse with that kind of doctrine. It’s kingdom of God first and then all else. How can you win an argument with someone who isn’t even playing the same game?

God will have to show me how.

Why Do I Have To See It?

So I pray to God about this. Why do I have to see this when I can do nothing about it? But the Spirit won’t leave me alone. I think to myself that it must be for some future generation, once everything begins to fall apart they’ll be searching for answers.

But that’s silly, because surely I’m not the only one who sees this. People who know more than others tend to feel alone. I don’t just feel alone, I am alone in this. Somewhere there are the preverbal ‘7000’ that have not bent the knee and God has reserved for Himself. Maybe He will show me who they are because all my searches come up empty. No one seems to see it or think it matters.

So I think, then why should I?

Denominations, physical churches can be more easily captured than the ‘church which God writes His laws on their hearts.’ My heart is not easily captured, nor my thoughts. The Spirit is like the wind, He moves things around and you can see the affects of it, but you can’t see His Person. That’s the true Church.

No one understands this who also says that the denominated church is the one true church. This is a false narrative.

The Call Is Terrifying

So I have to move forward with this, and tell what I know about who the Church really is. How do you approach effectively discerning the church – counterfeit though it might be – that God has been using for millennia? With much reverence, trepidation, fear of the Lord and a boldness that only the Spirit of God could give me as I face this manmade construct. That’s how. God works all things together for good the scripture tells us, so He’s used this church overlay, the construct of mens’ imaginations, to further His purposes in the Earth. I think there are good reasons for that. One being that the fullness of the Gentiles had to come into the fold.

I suspect there’s no way this would have happened had the true Church, the Body of Christ been left unchecked in the earth. Satan is a balancing tool by the way. He buffered the Church, then captured it, once he figured everything out that had happened to him, ha, God is so brilliant. The Cross is the victory for us while making the devil a fool.

No One Has Brought A Legitimate Argument Against Me

One of the most interesting comments I received on my perspective was this:

I’d already been thinking about how the Body of Christ is comprised of multiple parts. It is one body with many elements and moving parts. We are all one in Him, but separate from each other. Yet, if we are moving and living and having our being within Him, then also we are one with each other. This is the spiritual mystery that Paul said marriage alludes to.

This commenter was arguing that by me calling the remaining church, (that would be either the Catholic or Orthodox Church since Protestant churches do not use the word ‘schism’), a denomination it wouldn’t be true because it is only the schismatic church that becomes the denomination.

But the Body of Christ cannot schism because all the elements are needed to make up the whole. This is where I can clearly see the ‘church’ which both these religions started are a construct of man.

Let’s Talk Elements

You cannot remove O from H2 and still have water. The Body of Christ has many elements which combine to show the ‘manifold wisdom of God’. So it is a combined element like water, it’s whole but made up of multiple parts. As soon as that first manmade church suffered schism, it became a part unto itself, it reverted to H2. And H2 alone isn’t water. So that argument also has been broken.

Creepy Indoctrination

The creepiest comments are the indoctrinated ones where a repeated phrase just keeps getting chanted in my comment section with little to know intellectual understanding:

“I believe in one holy, catholic, and apostolic church.”

and again by another commenter,

“There is only one holy, Catholic, and apostolic Church.”

But the worst? Oh it’s far more sinister. It makes me cringe. It angers me and I find it deeply disturbing: “Outside of the Catholic Church there can be no salvation.”

As if Christ died on the Cross and it meant nothing because it’s a church that does the saving, not the Son of Man….

I have no love in my heart for these types of comments. I can see exactly how Christ did not restrain Himself from calling out with great passion,

“You vipers!”

I must weave my whip. There is no other way I can do this without sinning. And if Christ had to weave one whip, then I must weave ten thousand.

“Go ahead, then, and complete what your ancestors started!”

You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell? Therefore I am sending you prophets and sages and teachers. Some of them you will kill and crucify; others you will flog in your synagogues and pursue from town to town. And so upon you will come all the righteous blood that has been shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berekiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar.

I don’t want to do this…..

The Revelation of a Kingdom, Not a Denomination

On By Ashley GatewoodIn The Organic ChurchLeave a comment

God is not a Church, He isn’t a Denomination, nor is He a Religion

If you can understand the revelation Munroe is thowing out here, then you can understand why no denomination was God’s idea.

Denominations are not of God, they are of man.

The Catholic denomination is possibly the worst because they are prideful in saying they are the first church – and are blind to the fact that they are a denomination. Until we understand there is no such thing as denominations or brick and mortar churches in God’s Kingdom, we will never bring the Kingdom of God into the earth.

But I have faith in the true Church, the organic Bride of Christ, that she will bring the Kingdom of God into the earth in these last days.

Because there is nothing else that will be capable of rising up against the anti-christ in these last days.

It’s time to start reorienting ourselves in God, and bring the kingdom Christ taught and spoke of into the earth. And to prepare for much spiritual warfare when we do.

Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world; if it were, My servants would fight to prevent My arrest by the Jews. But now My kingdom is not of this realm.”

John 18

John 18 is one of the most fascinating conversations in the Bible, imo. And realizing what Munroe says, that Jesus didn’t even speak to the religious men who were ‘representing’ God, but did speak to a gentile sinner who was ruler over a kingdom just blows my spiritual mind.

The Kingdom of God Defined | Dr. Myles Munroe

My challenge I’m putting on myself this year is to live a fasted life and pursue the understanding and revelation of this Kingdom God is desiring to manifest into the earth. If I can channel His kingdom through my life, I’m here for it~

Featured Image by Johannes Plenio.

Don’t Hold Back What God Has Asked For: Release God’s People When He Calls for Them

On By Ashley GatewoodIn The Organic ChurchLeave a comment

The Privilege of Learning Under Great Ministers

There are certain ministers that in years past have imparted great things to me concerning God and His word. I’ve learned much from them. But there are those with whom God has called us to partner with indefinitely, and those for only a short while.

God, the skillful tapestry Weaver, threads people in and out of our lives at just the right times and seasons. We may have garnered much from those whose thread only remained for a short while, but unless we move where the Spirit moves us, we’ll never grow into the fulness of Christ. 

This is why it’s important that ministers not get offended when people leave and move on with other congregations or ministries. God’s people have grown up under your care and watchful attention. Don’t take it out on His sheep because He is calling them to another field to graze.

And refrain from making excuses like it’s the sheep’s faulty hearing; that God couldn’t possibly call them away from one church and lead them to another. Different church ministries offer varying levels of bread as spiritual sustenance. Don’t be offended that someone has outgrown your level. You’ve done what has been required of you in God’s service. This is a beautiful thing; don’t get greedy or covetous.

God’s People Belong to Him

God’s people don’t belong to any one human being, minister or otherwise. His people belong to Him and He will chose who He wants to partner them with. Ministers need not be possessive over individuals in the Body of Christ. We are all one in Christ, not owned, not collected.

John the Baptist understood this and flourished. Until the day he stumbled and was offended. He ended up bound and cutoff. Is your ministry stagnant? Has it lost the life giving waters of the Holy Spirit? Think about this then and ask yourself seriously if you are not offended by those who have left. Then ask yourself why you feel the way you do and what God is saying to you about it. This is important to your growth and the growth of those presently in your care. 

Grow up the people God has given into your care. Teach and nurture them in the capacity God has graced you with, then let them go if God calls them. Don’t be caught holding on to what God has asked for. Joshua chapter 7 is a warning for those who, out of ill-gotten intentions, try to hold on to something that God has asked for. Don’t be that minister.

God’s People are the Focus, Not the Size of a Congregation or its Shepherd

I look back on all I’ve learned, such a rich dining table of God’s best teachers in my opinion, some of the greatest I had seen at that time. But after many years the chair doesn’t fit anymore, the cup’s too small and the yard isn’t long enough to stretch my legs

If only ministers would treat their congregations like growing up any child into a functioning adult, I think the Body of Christ would be far more developed, well-rounded and capable of stepping out in the fulness of Christ.

This is only one way that denominations have hurt the Body, it promotes exclusion and possession or collection of God’s people.

God’s people belong to no one but Him. The shepherds are caretakers, not gods to pledge allegiance to. This is how Lucifer fell from heaven, having taken the praise and glory unto himself and corrupting his merchandise.

Be gracious to God’s people, He does not without blessings from those who put Him first in the kingdom. All other things will be added to you, fear not. He is faithful.

Outside The Church Walls

On By Ashley GatewoodIn The Organic ChurchLeave a comment

Below is a quote I saw today on FB that speaks to the truth of unity in the Body of Christ. I think Christians are not realizing that God is moving outside of the church/noun/place. This next move of God will not be contained or defined by the church building sitting on the corner of Main and Broadway. And this shifting of His presence from inorganic to organic will continue until we are free of the ‘structure’ we’ve created as a mental image falsely defining who and where God is, and instead begin to embrace the truth that God is free of our manmade structures and died to dwell within us, His chosen temples, not those temples made by man’s hands.

“For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.” 2 Corinthians 6:16

“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” 1 Corinthians 3:16

This is part of a continuation of signs I am seeing outside of the church doors: God moving through men and women who were formerly atheists or agnostic but who have come to know Jesus. These individuals are at different levels of their walk with God, seemingly nomads functioning under the anointing of the Holy Spirit in spite of being outside the church’s rigidity and formality of manmade doctrines; this, however, not in any way disqualifying them from being used mightily by God but by some irony of God, they are being used more so than those within the church establishment. Why would God not choose a vessel, one only He is able create to dwell within, as opposed to a manmade, inorganic structure that simply has not been chosen by God as a place of habitation since Pentecost?

People, not structures, are chosen by God. He will use anyone willing to yield their vessel, their mind and body, to the work of the Lord. I think many members of the church, church leaders especially are completely missing the move of God. Behold, I’m telling you He is doing a new thing…and here we are completely blind to it.

Facebook post (quote not cited, so unknown author):

“The body of Christ is God’s instrument in this earth to promote His kingdom purpose. In order to fully fulfill this, however, we are to be “one heart, one mind, striving together for the faith of the Gospel” (Philippians 1:27). Unity and harmony in the body of Christ should not be a question mark. It is the will of God. Unfortunately, we see the body of Christ constantly at odds with one another. Denominational differences are magnified and small wars are being fought in the body of Christ. Even more than that, in the local church environment, we see people taking pot shots at each other all of the time.

We need to realize that unity is one of the most basic truths about God’s will that nobody can misunderstand. Unity is vital. All believers have enough in common to be joined together because we have Jesus Christ. We have the basis for resolving challenges that face this world. We have to stop focusing on our differences and focus instead on what we know the world needs: Jesus. That’s when dramatic change comes to this earth. That’s when revival, awakening, and outpouring will come.”

-unknown

My thoughts were as follows:

…[this] points to something that is clear as day to me: God is not going to use a church/noun/place. He’s looking for His body in the earth today, the Church/noun/person. For whatever reason, there are many Christians who don’t agree with this, but there’s not much I can do about that. Until we understand that the Church is actually the Holy Spirit living within us, in unity, as one with God and Christ and each other, the Protestants will continue to denominate in vain. God always calls those He will use OUT of the greater whole. Gideon’s 300 men in Judge’s 7 is a type. ““There are still too many soldiers,” the Lord told Gideon…'” Be prepared for God’s move to happen outside of the church/noun/place. And one MAJOR confusion Satan will use is ‘unity among all religions’. This is antichrist in nature for God remains pure, not mixing with any other gods, not mixing salt water into spring water.

I’m unsure how the church remains blind to this truth. It’s like we say the words but don’t act out the reality. ‘yes we are one with Christ, the Holy Spirit lives within us’ but then we continue to denominate and say only ‘our church/structure’ will be the one chosen. No, no….God is leaving the church/structure behind. He didn’t die on the Cross so we could go back to temples in the desert where only priests could go into the holy of holies.

No.

Christ died on a Cross to make you and me and all Christians, His creation, His very own holy of Holies. This is the promise. This is what was delivered to us. This is truth. And God is getting ready to manifest this truth.

And my oh my, will it be a wonder to behold:):)

Featured Image by Nick Abrams.