Pagan Christianity

Everything we see and do in our "churches" has pagan roots.

“Pagan Christianity” is a book that traces the historical roots of everything we see and do in our churches.

Are we really doing church "by the Book"?
Why does the pastor preach a sermon at every service?
Why do church services seem so similar week after week?
Why does the congregation sit passively in pews?
Not sure? This book makes an unsettling proposal: Most of what present-day Christians do in church each Sunday is rooted, not in the New Testament, but in pagan culture and rituals developed long after the death of the apostles. Authors Frank Viola and George Barna support their thesis with compelling historical evidence and extensive footnotes that document the origins of our modern Christian church practices.

In the process, the authors uncover the problems that emerge when the church functions more like a business organization than the living organism it was created to be. As you reconsider Christ's revolutionary plan for His church--to be the head of a fully functioning body in which all believers play an active role--you'll be challenged to decide whether you can ever do church the same way again.

Cited from the back cover of Pagan Christianity.

Our current requirement for theologically trained (no ordination without seminary) paid Pastors/Teachers is a long way from the thriving first-century believers who spread Christianity without Bibles throughout the known world. The Holy Spirit led the body of Christ with discernment unfettered by the influence of men (who sought to corrupt the Holy Spirit’s course).

John 6:63 ESV  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.

Our services are in purpose-driven buildings where our Pastors are elevated to an unbiblical position of authority. The platforms from which they speak are elevated on purpose. We sing the songs we are told to sing (worship) to a band of musicians who determine the style of play, also from an elevated platform. The order of the liturgy is pre-determined along denominational lines, without question from anyone. We have become passive onlookers waiting to be fed the morsel of spirituality we will absorb for the week. In the main, the weekly message will not offend anyone for fear of vacation of a paying seat. The tithe is king in Laodicea.

Many of us meet in home groups regularly to build relationships with other church members. We “discuss” spiritual questions and everyone can present their opinions. The more opinions, the greater the “discussion”. We are taught to be accommodative of all people and their “opinions”.

I recently led a men’s Bible study and we “discussed” Matthew 13, primarily why Jesus started speaking in parables and the spiritual meanings of the Seed and the Sower and the Wheat and the Tares. Oh, what an eclectic bunch of “opinions” we uncovered. The worldly stories seemed unending until I brought the herd back (it was not appreciated by many). We ran out of time and there was much more I could have taught, but most were unresponsive.

Oh how far we have fallen.

Where are our contenders for the faith, the Oswald Chambers and A.W. Tozer’s?

Jude 1:3 ESV  Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.

Alas, they are in their graves and fewer and fewer men (and women) of the pulpit are clothed with their Spirit.

We have lost the concept of pursuit of YAH in love AND truth!

2 John 1:1 ESV  The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all who know the truth,

Conclusion

We must be not just be hearers of the word, but doers. Actions speak far louder than words.

James 1:19-27 ESV  Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;  (20)  for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.  (21)  Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.  (22)  But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.  (23)  For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror.  (24)  For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like.  (25)  But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.  (26)  If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.  (27)  Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

Anything we place between ourselves and Jesus is from Satan and is designed to distract us.

Please read 1 Cor 2, the whole chapter.

Many blessings from the shores of SE Queensland which also has a new conservative State Government.

The satanic dialectic is turning!

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