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Mr. Ekklesia...tear this temple down?

E

ejected

Member
Is the church the house of God?

Many on Sunday use the phrase 'lets go unto the house of God'.

But is a church the house of God? Does God really live/dwell there?

If a brother is wearing a hat, why does he remove it when walking into the building?

Why do men wearing the religious title 'pastor' say things like ' when the doors are open in the house of God you need to be here.'

Why is the auditorium called the 'sanctuary'? ....denoting it as a special 'holy' place like the tabernacle in the wilderness?

Where did the pulpit come from?

Why is there a podium that elevates a special class above the body of Christ?

Why are all the seats facing one direction?

Enquiring minds want to know.
 
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Re: Is the 'church' the house of God?

The church is not a building, the church is in US. Blessings.
 
Re: Is the 'church' the house of God?

Here are my thoughts.
Withheld said:
Many on Sunday use the phrase 'lets go unto the house of God'.

But is a church the house of God? Does God really live/dwell there? God lives and dwells all around us.

If a brother is wearing a hat, why does he remove it when walking into the building? Respect. I remove my hat any time I enter a building. Doesn't matter if the building is a church, school, or someone's home.

Why do men wearing the religious title 'pastor' say things like ' when the doors are open in the house of God you need to be here.' Never heard this phrase used.

Why is the auditorium called the 'sanctuary'? ....denoting it as a special 'holy' place like the tabernacle in the wilderness? Never heard this.

Where did the pulpit come from? Don't know but it is used almost any time an event will likely have a speaker, not just in a church. It's handy for providing a place for the speaker to keep his notes, hold a microphone if used, etc.

Why is there a podium that elevates a special class above the body of Christ? It's not for the purpose of elevating anyone above anyone except physically because it is easier for the audience to be heard and easier for all to see the speaker. This too is not conducive to churches only. The speaker's podium is almost always placed above the crowd.

Why are all the seats facing one direction? Again, to be heard. Our ears are designed to hear things facing us easier than things behind us. Its also more engaging to be facing the speaker than not. Ever try to carry on a conversation with someone that won't look at you and give you his/her attention? Kind of pointless for the most part.

Enquiring minds want to know.
Click to expand...
 
Withheld said:
Is the church the house of God?

Many on Sunday use the phrase 'lets go unto the house of God'.

But is a church the house of God? Does God really live/dwell there?

If a brother is wearing a hat, why does he remove it when walking into the building?

Why do men wearing the religious title 'pastor' say things like ' when the doors are open in the house of God you need to be here.'

Why is the auditorium called the 'sanctuary'? ....denoting it as a special 'holy' place like the tabernacle in the wilderness?

Where did the pulpit come from?

Why is there a podium that elevates a special class above the body of Christ?

Why are all the seats facing one direction?

Enquiring minds want to know.
Click to expand...
Because the church copied the pattern of how Israel met together and taught the masses from the OT.

(Which is ironic when you consider how forbidden anything OT has become.)

So, unless you can make a compelling case from scripture for another way that God has ordained for us to meet (not WHAT we do in our meetings) you'll have an uphill battle trying to change the centuries old traditions of how we construct our churches and teach the masses.
 
Hebrews9:24 Christ has not entered tabernacles made by the hands of men....

Most keep their hats on when walking into Walmart, but remove them walking into a 'church' building' out of the sense that this building is God's house which it is not.

The seats are facing one direction, as you say, so everyone can listen to one man rant. This does not constitute in any way, shape, or form, a n.t. Assembly of believers. See:1Cor.12 and 14 .

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] THE PULPIT[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]In most European languages the pulpit is still referred to by its[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] original heathen name, [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"ambo."[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif](Latin: ambon)

[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The pulpit pre-dates Christianity and is [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]wholly pagan[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]in origin. The heathen priest, standing in a heathen temple, moved out onto a walkway which had a banister around it and made his announcements to the pagan onlookers. This was called the ambo. (The Pope still does this.)
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Those first Christian church buildings followed this heathen practice, putting an [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]ambo[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] inside the building, high upon one of the columns. Centuries later when the Protestants took over northern Europe, those Protestants inherited thousands upon thousands of Catholic church buildings.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The Protestants [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif](Martin Luther in particular) tore out that unapproachable area up front where the priests had conducted their magical mass. Not stopping there, they literally ripped the ambo off the church column and placed it up front in the center.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]So was born the Protestant pulpit[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif].
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The word pulpit came to us from the Latin [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"pulpium."[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] It originally meant a scaffold or platform. Even today the harpoonist, who stands way out on the front end of a whaling ship,[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] stands on a pulpit.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]What is the purpose of a pulpit today? No, it's not so that a [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"preacher"[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] can have a place to prop his notes and lay his bible.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]A pulpit is used today[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] to make the person standing behind it feel really Big and really Important.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]A pulpit is used today[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] to purposely impress you and to awe you, the humble pew-sitter.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]A pulpit is used today [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]to keep you from asking questions; and from falling asleep.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]A pulpit is used today[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]to keep you, the lowly, second-class Christian apart from those first-class, full-timers up front.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Its very presence is intimidating to dialogue, communication, and sharing.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]pulpit[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] strongly encourages [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"showmanship"[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]on the part of its occupant. Remember, part of the definition of a pulpit is [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"a stage." [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The Apostle Paul said, [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"We preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake." [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Evidently, it must be easy for a person to preach himself instead of Christ. It seems that the modern pulpit makes this even easier to do. Being a place for public oratory, the pulpit practically demands that those who enter its precincts bring forth a sermon type speech in the style suitable for a public show. This is what is expected.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]For this very reason, the pulpit exercises strange and strong powers over men. Its transforming power is amazing at times. A man of mild manner and soft voice steps into the pulpit and suddenly, instantly, almost miraculously, he becomes a dramatic, shouting, hand-waving creature with a totally different personality. Now he’s a [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"preacher" [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]doing what a preacher is supposed to do.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The praise and applause of the people (in the form of [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"amens"[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] and [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"head noddings,"[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] as well as the [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"after-church"[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] hand shaking ritual and compliments at the back door) makes it very tempting for teachers and preachers to work harder at [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]performing well[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] than teaching the truth.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]While the pulpit encourages this type of behavior from its occupants, it likewise encourages everyone else to be [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]spectators[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]." [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] (so the term [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"Spectator Christianity"[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif])
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]So, as can easily be seen, and we may as well face up to it, in the post reformation Church scene, the pulpit is much more than a [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"fixture." [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] It is much more than just another piece of [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]religious furniture[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] scattered throughout [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"the church." [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] The problem is not with the inanimate platform, but with what it means to so many people; what it represents, and what it contributes to [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]the further corruption of the Christian faith.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Furthermore, being what it is and being used as it is used in the "[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]church system[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]" today, [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]the pulpit is tailor-made for other abuses.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]It also may be used, AND IS, used as[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]:
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif](1) a political tool to put forward and promote ones own agenda within the church structure
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif](2) to pressure the other [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"church leaders" [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]into certain decisions
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif](3) to pressure the congregation into desired directions
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif](4) a flogging station, at which the preacher flogs the weak and defective disciples week after week
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif](5) a sanctuary, [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]a protected place of immunity[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif], from which the preacher either attacks or strikes back at his personal enemies.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Remember, just like with some other things we do in the church today, the use of the pulpit [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]has[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]its origins in heathenism[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif].
[/FONT]​
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Keep all of these things in mind the next time someone says in a grave and sanctimonious voice:
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"We stand here behind the sacred desk preaching obedience to the Word of God!"[/FONT]
 
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Not being disrespectful, but I only have time to scan what you just posted.

All I can say is put your conspiratorial ideas away and read to the left of Matthew for where the idea of the elevated wooden pulpit comes from. If some pope or somebody else profaned it's use that doesn't make the pulpit itself unBiblical.
 
Not being disrespectful but I have already given the compelling case that the modern church is out of order and defunct over and over and over again on this site with lengthy commentary with tons of scripture. The foundation of which being the biblical outline for a gathering in 1Cor. 12 and 14, but few there be will accept Paul's description.

Now what do you mean read to the left of Matthew? Thanks.

My conspiratorial ideas? What? Do you think that I just dreamed all this stuff up. History and scripture more than backs the things I have said.
Do you not think that the enemy of God and His Christ and His ekklesia has not been working over time ad nauseum through arrogant men over the course of 6000 years
To deceive His own and screw up His wonderful plan of indwelling His children and bringing them to maturity for His purposes?
A conspiracy of satan against God and His ultimate plan for fallen man? Tell me it ain't so! But it is so. That conspiracy is threaded through out the bible...you know that. Common knowledge, the war goes on.
 
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Withheld said:
Not being disrespectful but I have already given the compelling case that the modern church is out of order and defunct over and over and over again on this site with lengthy commentary with tons of scripture.
Click to expand...
But, as is usually true of loose-cannon theology, an unrightly divided presentation of scripture that throws the baby out with the bath water.



Withheld said:
The foundation of which being the biblical outline for a gathering in 1Cor. 12 and 14, but few there be will accept Paul's description.
Click to expand...
Until the church stops adopting million dollar budgets you won't change a thing. Give it up. Don't try to change the system. Start your own. But as it is right now, I'm convinced you'll only attract other loose cannons and rebels. I shudder at the thought of sitting in a fellowship of such.


Withheld said:
Now what do you mean read to the left of Matthew? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Old Testament:

"4 Ezra the scribe stood at a wooden podium which they had made for the purpose. And beside him stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah on his right hand; and Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah and Meshullam on his left hand. 5 Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up. 6 Then Ezra blessed the Lord the great God. And all the people answered, “Amen, Amen!” while lifting up their hands; then they bowed low and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground. 7 Also Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, the Levites, explained the law to the people while the people remained in their place. 8 They read from the book, from the law of God, translating to give the sense so that they understood the reading." (Nehemiah 8:4-8 NASB)

Probably the only thing you are right about is the pulpit predates Christianity.

(Do you know why it is the Levites who are performing this service of teaching the people?)



Withheld said:
My conspiratorial ideas? What? Do you think that I just dreamed all this stuff up. History and scripture more than backs the things I have said.
Do you not think that the enemy of God and His Christ and His ekklesia has not been working over time ad nauseum through arrogant men over the course of 6000 years
To deceive His own and screw up His wonderful plan of indwelling His children and bringing them to maturity for His purposes?
A conspiracy of satan against God and His ultimate plan for fallen man? Tell me it ain't so! But it is so. That Conspiricy is threaded through out the bible...you know that. Common knowledge, the war goes on.
Click to expand...
We all know how the church has been corrupted. But that doesn't mean what they corrupted is itself corrupt and unBiblical.

What you lack, IMO, is a fundamental common sense about addressing this issue in the church. We still live in a physical, practical world full of people who respond to natural stimulus as well as spiritual. You can't neglect the nature of things in this world when trying to affect a spiritual change in things. Let me give you a simple example:

A church wants people to come to their meetings, right? And they are convinced the Spirit will draw them. But if you don't provide enough parking spaces for them you can hope and pray all you want but you're probably not going to get many new visitors. Simple, basic example to illustrate the point of how we can't neglect pure practical matters when trying to affect change in the church.

The point being, you have to meet people where they're at to bring them to where you want them to be.
 
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What is a loose cannon? We're Jesus, Paul, and the first century believers loose cannons? Im only presenting what they presented. have i become an enemy because i care for the ekklesia? am i loose cannon, a ranting nut because i use sound scripture to back my thesis?
You are calling me names now. I can't call you any names or I'll get deleted. So I must remain quiet and careful in that area.
I've studied these things out. Have you?
Read your history. No reformer went untouched by the wrath of the Pharisee spirit.

Tyndale sounded from the house top many of things I'm pointing out. He was burned at the stake. I guess from your vantage point he was a loose cannon to. I only pray that I can get as loose as he was.
 
And please know, Withheld, it is entirely possible to conduct a 1 Corinthians 14 meeting from a wooden pulpit. I've done it.

As you know, if I explained how I did that, most people would not recognize it as a Biblical meeting of the saints that you and I both endorse, but disagree on how to implement in the present church...and who actually will be in charge of it.
 
Withheld said:
Hebrews9:24 Christ has not entered tabernacles made by the hands of men....

Most keep their hats on when walking into Walmart, but remove them walking into a 'church' building' out of the sense that this building is God's house which it is not.

The seats are facing one direction, as you say, so everyone can listen to one man rant. This does not constitute in any way, shape, or form, a n.t. Assembly of believers. See:1Cor.12 and 14 .

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] THE PULPIT[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]In most European languages the pulpit is still referred to by its[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] original heathen name, [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"ambo."[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif](Latin: ambon)

[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The pulpit pre-dates Christianity and is [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]wholly pagan[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]in origin. The heathen priest, standing in a heathen temple, moved out onto a walkway which had a banister around it and made his announcements to the pagan onlookers. This was called the ambo. (The Pope still does this.)
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Those first Christian church buildings followed this heathen practice, putting an [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]ambo[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] inside the building, high upon one of the columns. Centuries later when the Protestants took over northern Europe, those Protestants inherited thousands upon thousands of Catholic church buildings.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The Protestants [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif](Martin Luther in particular) tore out that unapproachable area up front where the priests had conducted their magical mass. Not stopping there, they literally ripped the ambo off the church column and placed it up front in the center.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]So was born the Protestant pulpit[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif].
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The word pulpit came to us from the Latin [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"pulpium."[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] It originally meant a scaffold or platform. Even today the harpoonist, who stands way out on the front end of a whaling ship,[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] stands on a pulpit.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]What is the purpose of a pulpit today? No, it's not so that a [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"preacher"[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] can have a place to prop his notes and lay his bible.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]A pulpit is used today[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] to make the person standing behind it feel really Big and really Important.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]A pulpit is used today[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] to purposely impress you and to awe you, the humble pew-sitter.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]A pulpit is used today [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]to keep you from asking questions; and from falling asleep.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]A pulpit is used today[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]to keep you, the lowly, second-class Christian apart from those first-class, full-timers up front.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Its very presence is intimidating to dialogue, communication, and sharing.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]pulpit[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] strongly encourages [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"showmanship"[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]on the part of its occupant. Remember, part of the definition of a pulpit is [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"a stage." [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The Apostle Paul said, [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"We preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake." [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Evidently, it must be easy for a person to preach himself instead of Christ. It seems that the modern pulpit makes this even easier to do. Being a place for public oratory, the pulpit practically demands that those who enter its precincts bring forth a sermon type speech in the style suitable for a public show. This is what is expected.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]For this very reason, the pulpit exercises strange and strong powers over men. Its transforming power is amazing at times. A man of mild manner and soft voice steps into the pulpit and suddenly, instantly, almost miraculously, he becomes a dramatic, shouting, hand-waving creature with a totally different personality. Now he’s a [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"preacher" [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]doing what a preacher is supposed to do.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The praise and applause of the people (in the form of [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"amens"[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] and [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"head noddings,"[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] as well as the [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"after-church"[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] hand shaking ritual and compliments at the back door) makes it very tempting for teachers and preachers to work harder at [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]performing well[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] than teaching the truth.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]While the pulpit encourages this type of behavior from its occupants, it likewise encourages everyone else to be [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]spectators[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]." [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] (so the term [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"Spectator Christianity"[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif])
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]So, as can easily be seen, and we may as well face up to it, in the post reformation Church scene, the pulpit is much more than a [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"fixture." [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] It is much more than just another piece of [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]religious furniture[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] scattered throughout [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"the church." [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] The problem is not with the inanimate platform, but with what it means to so many people; what it represents, and what it contributes to [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]the further corruption of the Christian faith.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Furthermore, being what it is and being used as it is used in the "[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]church system[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]" today, [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]the pulpit is tailor-made for other abuses.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]It also may be used, AND IS, used as[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]:
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif](1) a political tool to put forward and promote ones own agenda within the church structure
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif](2) to pressure the other [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"church leaders" [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]into certain decisions
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif](3) to pressure the congregation into desired directions
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif](4) a flogging station, at which the preacher flogs the weak and defective disciples week after week
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif](5) a sanctuary, [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]a protected place of immunity[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif], from which the preacher either attacks or strikes back at his personal enemies.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Remember, just like with some other things we do in the church today, the use of the pulpit [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]has[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]its origins in heathenism[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif].
[/FONT]​
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Keep all of these things in mind the next time someone says in a grave and sanctimonious voice:
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"We stand here behind the sacred desk preaching obedience to the Word of God!"[/FONT]
Click to expand...
I must say there are some good points made in this thread and things to consider, but also consider that in the "true" meeting of the saints, there is a divine order, there is a purpose and focus upon the witness of Christ to the world. Now if this "focus" upon Christ and unity and order of the Spirit, are present, then these others issues are in effect just traditions that are overcome by the truth. When these things become the "focus" they are in fact sinful. The Lord Himself would stand upon elevated places to deliver the truth, He Himself ordained positions of authority in the church. These things subject to Him are true and right, these things that are subject to man and mans religion are never right, no matter what order they are placed in.
 
Withheld said:
What is a loose cannon? We're Jesus, Paul, and the first century believers loose cannons? Im only presenting what they presented. have i become an enemy because i care for the ekklesia? am i loose cannon, a ranting nut because i use sound scripture to back my thesis?
You are calling me names now. I can't call you any names or I'll get deleted. So I must remain quiet and careful in that area.
I've studied these things out. Have you?
Click to expand...
I'm not for direct, mean-spirited name calling. I'm saying your methodology is 'loose cannon', but obviously that does make you a loose cannon. You have labeled the church with your opinion of present church methodology, so I think it fair that your opinion come under scrutiny, too.

What I have done is lived this out. I agree with your basic premise, but I disagree with your attitude and aggressiveness toward those you want to liberate. It's like trying to catch butterflies with a hammer.
 
Christ placed Himself in a position to be heard for sure, but He still did not come to be served but to serve.

What we have in the local 'church' is an established and accepted two tier, one up, others down system that cannot be validated by the word but rather condemned by the word. Religious hiearchy that the true ekklesia adopted from the Catholic Church who adopted it from the o.t. Priest caste and greek paganism. History speaks loud.

The book of Hebrews brings out the battle between those who follow Christ in simplicity and those that would revert back to Judaism while holding Christ's hand.
Mixture. New wine into old wine skins. Placing the liberating Jesus back into the shackles of dead religion and form thereby quenching the Spirit of God, relegating Jesus to the back of the bus. He stands at the door of the church house building and knocks. No one hears.
The first 'church' construction with brick and mortar was the Tower of Babel. 'Let us build a kingdom reaching unto God' guess where the steeple came from?
Jesus told his own 'not one stone will remain on another' speaking of the 'church' building in Jerusalem. In 70ad Titus razed the brick and mortar church building to the ground, Jesus finalizing the fact that He now has a body prepared for Him, a spiritual building unto The Lord,
To show forth His glory within the believers themselves.
He was glorified at the Mount of Transfiguration. Peter wanted to start a building program. 'Lets build some church buildings' Jesus said' not what I'm all about'.(mine).

He told the woman at the well 'neither at this 'church' in this mountain, nor the 'church' in Jerusalem will you worship.........but in spirit and truth.'
He said His kingdom was not of this world...not of the material.
He said to His own that they are lively stones built up a spiritual house.
He said that God does not dwell in buildings built by man but within His redeemed...they are the house/temple of God. They met in homes. Never entered their thinking to raise a brick an mortar edifice.

Even back in the day Hosea 8:14 'for Israel hath forgotten his maker, and buildeth temples(churches) and Judah hath increased strong cities.'
This brick building and stained glass thing is not God's heart or intention.
His body is organic, not organization..as modernity defines it.

Jesus ascended into heaven giving gifts unto men, each member with a unique expression of Himself. He is to be represented on earth through the body of believers, each member
with his or her spiritual function. From 'New Covenant Transition' George Davis and Michael Clark. All their books are free. What a novel concept huh? Now who was it in the n.t. That refused to charge for the gospel? Let me think.....help me out here.
When we construct our auditoriums as they are, the very design kills any opportunity for each member of the body of Christ to use their gift. Only a handful are allowed to function....the same few week after week, pretty much. For a pay check.
All the seating one direction toward the privileged 'professionals'. So they perform, with one special man going on a biblical pre packaged rant.
This is anathema on His body, of which He desires to operate through each one of His children their special gift/function. Would this next scripture be in order right here 'and the leg says unto the foot, we have No need of thee'.
The executive 'pastor' and his team of experts are in essence saying to all the sheep 'we have no need of thee and your 1Cor12. and 14, functions. However we do need your tithes'.
So can you see how the religious brick and mortar temple steals from Christ His preeminence, giving it to one man, stifles the Holy Spirit, and handcuffs and muzzles His children/body parts? Why is this so hard to see?
First century believers met in homes. Small groups so all could participate in an open meeting with Jesus as Master of ceremonies. Not some awesome man.
The bible is so clear on this yet the devil has muddied the waters from the get go bringing in traditions through men to make void His clear intentions for His manefestation in His ekklesia on earth.
We are His temple to dwell in and work His purposes through and out from us into this vacant lot called earth.
He destroyed the temple in Jerusalem. He nailed the o.t. law to the cross taking it out of the way, all of the 'old system'.
A new covenant He purchased with His blood. A living organism, empowered by Himself, filling all and in all. All this glorious potential within each member of His glorious blood washed body and all we get out of it is a 12 inch by 12 inch padded pew to seat our caboose...and that's it baby...not much more to it. Keep your mouth shut and pay your tithes. You just did your weekly service to God Almighty and His Son. Somebody wake me up when the sermon's over.
I'm staying on this train ride till somebody hears me.
Leesleyfilms.net. God bless.
 
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We assembly together to worship Our God. Where and when is not as important as why and with whom. Every day should be spent thanking God but the assembling of the saints is especially special and should be done regulary and with those we believe belong to him. Our rest is in him not in meeting on a certain day, in a certain building. And any monies collected are to be used to futher the Gospil which is Jesus Christ is God and the Saviour of HIS people, not for better clasrooms, or more entertainment, or other such wordly things.
 
Withheld said:
Hebrews9:24 Christ has not entered tabernacles made by the hands of men....

Most keep their hats on when walking into Walmart, but remove them walking into a 'church' building' out of the sense that this building is God's house which it is not.

The seats are facing one direction, as you say, so everyone can listen to one man rant. This does not constitute in any way, shape, or form, a n.t. Assembly of believers. See:1Cor.12 and 14 .

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] THE PULPIT[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]In most European languages the pulpit is still referred to by its[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] original heathen name, [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"ambo."[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif](Latin: ambon)

[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The pulpit pre-dates Christianity and is [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]wholly pagan[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]in origin. The heathen priest, standing in a heathen temple, moved out onto a walkway which had a banister around it and made his announcements to the pagan onlookers. This was called the ambo. (The Pope still does this.)
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Those first Christian church buildings followed this heathen practice, putting an [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]ambo[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] inside the building, high upon one of the columns. Centuries later when the Protestants took over northern Europe, those Protestants inherited thousands upon thousands of Catholic church buildings.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The Protestants [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif](Martin Luther in particular) tore out that unapproachable area up front where the priests had conducted their magical mass. Not stopping there, they literally ripped the ambo off the church column and placed it up front in the center.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]So was born the Protestant pulpit[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif].
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The word pulpit came to us from the Latin [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"pulpium."[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] It originally meant a scaffold or platform. Even today the harpoonist, who stands way out on the front end of a whaling ship,[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] stands on a pulpit.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]What is the purpose of a pulpit today? No, it's not so that a [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"preacher"[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] can have a place to prop his notes and lay his bible.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]A pulpit is used today[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] to make the person standing behind it feel really Big and really Important.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]A pulpit is used today[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] to purposely impress you and to awe you, the humble pew-sitter.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]A pulpit is used today [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]to keep you from asking questions; and from falling asleep.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]A pulpit is used today[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]to keep you, the lowly, second-class Christian apart from those first-class, full-timers up front.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Its very presence is intimidating to dialogue, communication, and sharing.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]pulpit[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] strongly encourages [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"showmanship"[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]on the part of its occupant. Remember, part of the definition of a pulpit is [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"a stage." [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The Apostle Paul said, [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"We preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake." [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Evidently, it must be easy for a person to preach himself instead of Christ. It seems that the modern pulpit makes this even easier to do. Being a place for public oratory, the pulpit practically demands that those who enter its precincts bring forth a sermon type speech in the style suitable for a public show. This is what is expected.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]For this very reason, the pulpit exercises strange and strong powers over men. Its transforming power is amazing at times. A man of mild manner and soft voice steps into the pulpit and suddenly, instantly, almost miraculously, he becomes a dramatic, shouting, hand-waving creature with a totally different personality. Now he’s a [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"preacher" [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]doing what a preacher is supposed to do.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The praise and applause of the people (in the form of [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"amens"[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] and [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"head noddings,"[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] as well as the [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"after-church"[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] hand shaking ritual and compliments at the back door) makes it very tempting for teachers and preachers to work harder at [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]performing well[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] than teaching the truth.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]While the pulpit encourages this type of behavior from its occupants, it likewise encourages everyone else to be [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]spectators[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]." [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] (so the term [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"Spectator Christianity"[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif])
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]So, as can easily be seen, and we may as well face up to it, in the post reformation Church scene, the pulpit is much more than a [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"fixture." [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] It is much more than just another piece of [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]religious furniture[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] scattered throughout [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"the church." [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] The problem is not with the inanimate platform, but with what it means to so many people; what it represents, and what it contributes to [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]the further corruption of the Christian faith.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Furthermore, being what it is and being used as it is used in the "[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]church system[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]" today, [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]the pulpit is tailor-made for other abuses.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]It also may be used, AND IS, used as[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]:
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif](1) a political tool to put forward and promote ones own agenda within the church structure
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif](2) to pressure the other [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"church leaders" [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]into certain decisions
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif](3) to pressure the congregation into desired directions
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif](4) a flogging station, at which the preacher flogs the weak and defective disciples week after week
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif](5) a sanctuary, [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]a protected place of immunity[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif], from which the preacher either attacks or strikes back at his personal enemies.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Remember, just like with some other things we do in the church today, the use of the pulpit [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]has[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]its origins in heathenism[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif].
[/FONT]​
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Keep all of these things in mind the next time someone says in a grave and sanctimonious voice:
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"We stand here behind the sacred desk preaching obedience to the Word of God!"[/FONT]
Click to expand...
Sorry, I just plain disagree with your opinion, which is what this is, and I would appreciate it if you would not violate our ToS by misrepresenting my point of view further.
 
It's not an opinion. It's seeing the kingdom that he purchased in the new covenant. Also I r dumb. What r a tos representing wrong whose point of what?.
 
Withheld said:
It's not an opinion. It's seeing the kingdom that he purchased in the new covenant. Also I r dumb. What r a tos representing wrong whose point of what?.
Click to expand...

You are quoting things I wrote and replacing some of the words so the meaning is different making it appear as though that is what I said. This misrepresents me and is a violation of our ToS.
 
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