Comments on: No Such Thing as a Church http://www.christisall.org/2005/08/24/no-such-thing-as-a-church-by-brett-jacobsen/ Making Him Our Focus, His Word Our Foundation Mon, 06 Feb 2012 02:01:04 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.3 By: matty http://www.christisall.org/2005/08/24/no-such-thing-as-a-church-by-brett-jacobsen/#comment-899 matty Tue, 07 Nov 2006 14:36:40 +0000 http://www.christisall.org/archives/49#comment-899 Bretto that just creased me, the Word is just the final authority on everything and how can we who have tastedof the truth go back to our own ways and the traditions of man??? It's all so different from everything I have ever been taught, but its so true and I can't deny the Word of God. Thanks so much for hitting the truth, I'm so tired of hearing stuff that is just pleasing to my ears when there is truth that will buckle me. How amazing is Jesus, nothing I could ever say or do could ever come close to describing his beauty in the least bit, he is so far above and beyond my comprehension. As Heb 13 says, our hearts have gotta be completely rooted on His grace...what unbelieveable grace He has! What is man that God should be mindful of us? Lets hit the truth and let Him manifest His presence through us and diffuse His fragrance in every place. Let us behold His glory as in a mirror! I have no boast but in Jesus Christ! There are no other names or titles or organisations, only Him! Thank you Jesus. Lord Please soften people's hearts to Your Word and Your Truth and may Your will be done, I pray for the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of You, the eyes of our understanding being enlightened. Please do Your thing with Your body Jesus! Bretto that just creased me, the Word is just the final authority on everything and how can we who have tastedof the truth go back to our own ways and the traditions of man??? It’s all so different from everything I have ever been taught, but its so true and I can’t deny the Word of God. Thanks so much for hitting the truth, I’m so tired of hearing stuff that is just pleasing to my ears when there is truth that will buckle me. How amazing is Jesus, nothing I could ever say or do could ever come close to describing his beauty in the least bit, he is so far above and beyond my comprehension. As Heb 13 says, our hearts have gotta be completely rooted on His grace…what unbelieveable grace He has! What is man that God should be mindful of us? Lets hit the truth and let Him manifest His presence through us and diffuse His fragrance in every place. Let us behold His glory as in a mirror! I have no boast but in Jesus Christ! There are no other names or titles or organisations, only Him! Thank you Jesus. Lord Please soften people’s hearts to Your Word and Your Truth and may Your will be done, I pray for the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of You, the eyes of our understanding being enlightened. Please do Your thing with Your body Jesus!

]]> By: Nick http://www.christisall.org/2005/08/24/no-such-thing-as-a-church-by-brett-jacobsen/#comment-804 Nick Fri, 06 Oct 2006 07:54:45 +0000 http://www.christisall.org/archives/49#comment-804 "The church" vs "A church". Touche'! Soz bretto I too am gramattically challenged. Anyway that wasn't a big deal really...just a side issue mate, as you can hopefully tell. I myself am part of a non-denominational gathering, but still call it church because basically I am lazy bum and can't find any other term for it. But once again, besides the point because I know my position as a 'called out saint' and thats all dat matters. One question mate...do you think its bad/disturbing that my 'church/gathering' is looking at becoming affiliated with one denomination for legal reasons or sumthin else (i don't really know the reason)? Affiliated as in we are not part of them but under their banner even though we do our own thing. Since we are no 'cookie cutter' bunch of saints the task is proving more difficult than first predicted, because we can't find one with similiar ideals and mission statement. Secretly I hope it doesn't go ahead because I really believe its unnecessary...but yeh anway wots your thoughts man? Peace. Nicko. “The church” vs “A church”. Touche’! Soz bretto I too am gramattically challenged. Anyway that wasn’t a big deal really…just a side issue mate, as you can hopefully tell. I myself am part of a non-denominational gathering, but still call it church because basically I am lazy bum and can’t find any other term for it. But once again, besides the point because I know my position as a ‘called out saint’ and thats all dat matters. One question mate…do you think its bad/disturbing that my ‘church/gathering’ is looking at becoming affiliated with one denomination for legal reasons or sumthin else (i don’t really know the reason)? Affiliated as in we are not part of them but under their banner even though we do our own thing. Since we are no ‘cookie cutter’ bunch of saints the task is proving more difficult than first predicted, because we can’t find one with similiar ideals and mission statement. Secretly I hope it doesn’t go ahead because I really believe its unnecessary…but yeh anway wots your thoughts man?

Peace.
Nicko.

]]> By: Brett Jacobsen http://www.christisall.org/2005/08/24/no-such-thing-as-a-church-by-brett-jacobsen/#comment-803 Brett Jacobsen Thu, 05 Oct 2006 22:58:01 +0000 http://www.christisall.org/archives/49#comment-803 Response to Nick, Thanks for the kind words mate. When I say ‘no such thing as a church’ I am not saying ‘no such thing as THE church’. For instance: it would be wrong to say “I go to A church” when in fact there is only THE church, which is the body of Christ. It is just as misleading to say “I go to A house church”. Although I could probably be grammatically backed into a corner on this point, I think most will realize that I don’t mean there is no such thing as THE church. Keep pressin’ into what the Lord is doing in this hour and the next. Blessings Bretto Response to Nick,

Thanks for the kind words mate.

When I say ‘no such thing as a church’ I am not saying ‘no such thing as THE church’. For instance: it would be wrong to say “I go to A church” when in fact there is only THE church, which is the body of Christ. It is just as misleading to say “I go to A house church”. Although I could probably be grammatically backed into a corner on this point, I think most will realize that I don’t mean there is no such thing as THE church.

Keep pressin’ into what the Lord is doing in this hour and the next.

Blessings
Bretto

]]> By: Nick http://www.christisall.org/2005/08/24/no-such-thing-as-a-church-by-brett-jacobsen/#comment-801 Nick Thu, 05 Oct 2006 13:11:02 +0000 http://www.christisall.org/archives/49#comment-801 An insightful and relevant msg mate, really helpful! I used to be frustrated inside when talkin to da gc boys who have chosen 'gospel' over 'church' as it is commonly known nowadays...simply because I felt like I might be straying on the wrong path and generally offendin the lord if what they had to say about it was legit. From readin about it now and seein it in the context of church being the 'called out saints' of God I am clear of confusion. I still think its funny that the title of this article is "No such thing as a church" when there is still in fact a church, just different in the way it is defined...but that is of course trivial to the deeper arguements conveyed in this article. I spose that can be used as an attention grabber, as anyone who comes from an institutionalised, dare I say mega-church background is automatically gunna want to know more. But, in saying this I think its important to be loving when trying to explain to these people the many misconceptions that have been bred into them regarding church. I guess it is up to the individual to view that as an attack or as an attempt for unification. Sick point about the rome wineskin...that is an eye opener and something I never really thought about. I am by no measure ignorant that such 'organisation mentality' has been around for a long time and therefore has its origins, but I gotta say I never have been able to pinpoint a place and time so accurately. Nice homework! Its interesting to note that such a view of church stemmed from such blatent pagan roots. Wack...wot else can one say really.... Finally, couldn't agree more with the statement describing denominating as one the most rotten fruits of 'modern church'. That is where the real rubber meets the road with my view of church. I don't have a problem with still meeting in the one place every week, sitting down learning from a sermon or praising the lord through music, as long as it is all done with that outwardly focus and in such a fashion that it does not lead to spiritual retardation as woody commented on (easy to do bloke). But indeed the body is one body, singular not plural...that is the real shame of the modern take of 'doin church', and I am sure the one which would shatter the Lord the most. Keep up the good revies! Peace. Nick. An insightful and relevant msg mate, really helpful! I used to be frustrated inside when talkin to da gc boys who have chosen ‘gospel’ over ‘church’ as it is commonly known nowadays…simply because I felt like I might be straying on the wrong path and generally offendin the lord if what they had to say about it was legit. From readin about it now and seein it in the context of church being the ‘called out saints’ of God I am clear of confusion. I still think its funny that the title of this article is “No such thing as a church” when there is still in fact a church, just different in the way it is defined…but that is of course trivial to the deeper arguements conveyed in this article. I spose that can be used as an attention grabber, as anyone who comes from an institutionalised, dare I say mega-church background is automatically gunna want to know more. But, in saying this I think its important to be loving when trying to explain to these people the many misconceptions that have been bred into them regarding church. I guess it is up to the individual to view that as an attack or as an attempt for unification.

Sick point about the rome wineskin…that is an eye opener and something I never really thought about. I am by no measure ignorant that such ‘organisation mentality’ has been around for a long time and therefore has its origins, but I gotta say I never have been able to pinpoint a place and time so accurately. Nice homework! Its interesting to note that such a view of church stemmed from such blatent pagan roots. Wack…wot else can one say really….

Finally, couldn’t agree more with the statement describing denominating as one the most rotten fruits of ‘modern church’. That is where the real rubber meets the road with my view of church. I don’t have a problem with still meeting in the one place every week, sitting down learning from a sermon or praising the lord through music, as long as it is all done with that outwardly focus and in such a fashion that it does not lead to spiritual retardation as woody commented on (easy to do bloke). But indeed the body is one body, singular not plural…that is the real shame of the modern take of ‘doin church’, and I am sure the one which would shatter the Lord the most.

Keep up the good revies!

Peace. Nick.

]]> By: Richard Magrath http://www.christisall.org/2005/08/24/no-such-thing-as-a-church-by-brett-jacobsen/#comment-536 Richard Magrath Tue, 20 Jun 2006 00:09:29 +0000 http://www.christisall.org/archives/49#comment-536 8 years ago I thought if I was to bring this message through I would be stoned, I love the truth of this and can only say that my wife and I walk talk and flow in the miraculous of the Holy Spirit daily and whilst painful at times it is the most exciting walk one will ever have... Richard Evangelist for our Lord Jesus. 8 years ago I thought if I was to bring this message through I would be stoned, I love the truth of this and can only say that my wife and I walk talk and flow in the miraculous of the Holy Spirit daily and whilst painful at times it is the most exciting walk one will ever have…

Richard

Evangelist for our Lord Jesus.

]]> By: Damien http://www.christisall.org/2005/08/24/no-such-thing-as-a-church-by-brett-jacobsen/#comment-88 Damien Fri, 02 Dec 2005 12:55:22 +0000 http://www.christisall.org/archives/49#comment-88 I think that one of the most exciting aspects of the New Testament Church is that there is no longer the clergy, as now, in Christ we are all made kings and priests.It is interesting, having just watched the movie: Luther, reading this article and seeing that not much has changed in the body since the reformation, we are still slaves to those above us and decieved into accepting a form of Christianity, that offers no real saving power: just spoon fed heresies. I am encouraged by the scripture: "Be dilligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Tim 2: 15-16). It states the consequences of not seeking Gods word, as found in (Hosea 4: 6): "My people are destoryed for lack of knowledge) and the worshipers that God requires are those that worship in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-25). There has probably been no greater urgencey than in this current Church age, for Christians to hold fast to the truth of Gods word in all aspects of the Christian faith, and it is long over due for the Church (as an insitution) to look at the fruit of this man made structure: for the Lord will build his Church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will finish off with a quote from the Cross Movement: "If its blessed, come lets test it, bring it down manifest it" We need to hold true to the confession of our faith and not be swept away by every doctrine of man. We are the Church: Praise GOD!!!! Awesome article Mr. Jacobsen!!!! I think that one of the most exciting aspects of the New Testament Church is that there is no longer the clergy, as now, in Christ we are all made kings and priests.It is interesting, having just watched the movie: Luther, reading this article and seeing that not much has changed in the body since the reformation, we are still slaves to those above us and decieved into accepting a form of Christianity, that offers no real saving power: just spoon fed heresies. I am encouraged by the scripture: “Be dilligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim 2: 15-16). It states the consequences of not seeking Gods word, as found in (Hosea 4: 6): “My people are destoryed for lack of knowledge) and the worshipers that God requires are those that worship in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-25). There has probably been no greater urgencey than in this current Church age, for Christians to hold fast to the truth of Gods word in all aspects of the Christian faith, and it is long over due for the Church (as an insitution) to look at the fruit of this man made structure: for the Lord will build his Church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will finish off with a quote from the Cross Movement: “If its blessed, come lets test it, bring it down manifest it” We need to hold true to the confession of our faith and not be swept away by every doctrine of man. We are the Church: Praise GOD!!!!
Awesome article Mr. Jacobsen!!!!

]]> By: Woody http://www.christisall.org/2005/08/24/no-such-thing-as-a-church-by-brett-jacobsen/#comment-27 Woody Fri, 07 Oct 2005 15:26:49 +0000 http://www.christisall.org/archives/49#comment-27 I feel that because of my teaching as a young Christian throughout my church years, there is an undoing that must take place. I have become such a custom to being entertained through professional music and comedy preaching that i would determine whether church was good or not by the perfomance. It is a hard knock to accept the fact that i am spiritually spoilt and retarded. I needed to have a professional band, flashing lights and big bold words infront of me to enter into Gods Presence. You would think that after 13 years of being a Christian, I would be able to feed myself and enter into Gods Presence and have powerful spontaneous worship with my own words in the presence of my own bedroom with my Lame voice. But truth be told, i have enjoyed being entertained. I have jumped from venue to venue to find the best show. It was easy not having to pick up my word all week and get a revelation from some one else. We have created a lazy generation of spoon fed saints, that enjoy being entertained and tickled. The fruit proves our Laziness as Christians float from church to church, separating ourselves from the world, in our own little safety zones. For me, i have had enough. Its time for me to grow up, feed myself and get out into the world to bear fruit. I dont want to waste my time making Christians comfortable, it about time they feed themselves. The Holy Spirit and the word is all they need. I care about those that dont know the lord getting born again, and getting new born Christians on their feet for themselves. I have seen a lack of fruit in my past years and its time for a change cause i'm over the BS. I feel that because of my teaching as a young Christian throughout my church years, there is an undoing that must take place. I have become such a custom to being entertained through professional music and comedy preaching that i would determine whether church was good or not by the perfomance.

It is a hard knock to accept the fact that i am spiritually spoilt and retarded. I needed to have a professional band, flashing lights and big bold words infront of me to enter into Gods Presence. You would think that after 13 years of being a Christian, I would be able to feed myself and enter into Gods Presence and have powerful spontaneous worship with my own words in the presence of my own bedroom with my Lame voice. But truth be told, i have enjoyed being entertained. I have jumped from venue to venue to find the best show. It was easy not having to pick up my word all week and get a revelation from some one else.

We have created a lazy generation of spoon fed saints, that enjoy being entertained and tickled. The fruit proves our Laziness as Christians float from church to church, separating ourselves from the world, in our own little safety zones. For me, i have had enough. Its time for me to grow up, feed myself and get out into the world to bear fruit. I dont want to waste my time making Christians comfortable, it about time they feed themselves. The Holy Spirit and the word is all they need. I care about those that dont know the lord getting born again, and getting new born Christians on their feet for themselves. I have seen a lack of fruit in my past years and its time for a change cause i’m over the BS.

]]> By: M.Walder http://www.christisall.org/2005/08/24/no-such-thing-as-a-church-by-brett-jacobsen/#comment-18 M.Walder Sat, 27 Aug 2005 07:39:03 +0000 http://www.christisall.org/archives/49#comment-18 I find it interesting how we as the church have shifted the focus off 'us' in a somewhat subconcsious effort to shirk the responsibilities of accountibility, spiritual 'mother and fatherhood' and delivering a sometimes offensively potent gospel to a world in desperate need of the love and grace of Christ Jesus. And have shifted the focus onto our consumer friendly buildings, (and pulpits) where comfort and enterainment seem to be the order of the day. I find the above article refreshing as it pinpoints a key issue that on the surface may seem trivial but with closer inspection exposes underlying mindsets that must be addressed if we are to see REAL unity and a church that is equipped with an uncomprimised gospel, that points people to Jesus and not to the 'new comers lounge'. I find it interesting how we as the church have shifted the focus off ‘us’ in a somewhat subconcsious effort to shirk the responsibilities of accountibility, spiritual ‘mother and fatherhood’ and delivering a sometimes offensively potent gospel to a world in desperate need of the love and grace of Christ Jesus. And have shifted the focus onto our consumer friendly buildings, (and pulpits) where comfort and enterainment seem to be the order of the day.
I find the above article refreshing as it pinpoints a key issue that on the surface may seem trivial but with closer inspection exposes underlying mindsets that must be addressed if we are to see REAL unity and a church that is equipped with an uncomprimised gospel, that points people to Jesus and not to the ‘new comers lounge’.

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