by David Newby

For the purpose of illustration, we will use the pyramid to represent organisational hierarchy. In this instance, it refers to the ecclesiastical hierarchy that quickly developed in the first one hundred years of the post-apostolic period, paving the way for what became the catholic church in the fourth and fifth centuries AD.

In spite of the beliefs of the Reformers, changing from the old power-based leadership and organisational structures was too big an idol for them to topple, so these are still part of our “normal” church life and experience.

God had wanted ALL of Israel to be a nation of priests - to serve in His presence. Israel was to be the vehicle of salvation to the nations around them as well.

by Brett Jacobsen

Defining spirituality

Many people think that in order to be spiritual you need to be somewhat fruity, having a strange eerie manner about you. Others believe in a more relaxed down to earth lifestyle which sometimes leans towards carnal worldly living.

Jesus was the most highly spiritual being the planet has ever seen. He regularly defied natural laws by the supernatural power He had flowing from His life. Although He was a very spiritual individual, often spending whole nights in prayer and working many miracles, in a lot of respects He was a fairly normal guy. He wasn’t born into royalty or a revered religious family, He didn’t have political persuasion, and to those close to His life He didn’t seem to look too different.

by Jesse Morrell

Their Motive:

"Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Should not
the shepherds feed the flocks?" (Ezekiel 34:2)

A false teacher has an eye on people's bank accounts while a
true preacher has his eyes on eternity. False teachers may have
the appearance of loving people, yet they are truly only concerned
about themselves to further and enhance their own processions
and careers. They feed themselves when they need to be feeding
the flocks. They skin the sheep alive to clothe themselves, leaving
the sheep beaten, battered, and bloody to die. Paul was "poor, yet
making many rich" (2 Co 6:10) while these men are rich by making
many poor! With their manipulating words and twisting of
scriptures they ransack and plunder the pockets of unsuspecting
people to line their own.

by Jesse Morrell

-Recognizing a false teacher by specific characteristics.

I am not one to see a legion in every pig or a snake in every garden.
But through studying the Word of God and observing many modern
preachers I can boldly declare in the full confidence and blessing of
God that there are wolves disguised as sheep amongst our flocks!
Though there are many wolves in the woods and fields of
secularism and false religions, I am afraid that there are some who
have wandered out of those territories looking for food and have
entered into our own pastures.

by David Orton

 “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field…”

 Mat 13:44

The laws of the Kingdom of God are contrary to the ways of men.

Hidden from the casual seeker, the Kingdom is not superficial to be stumbled upon. It does not lie on the surface and is not obvious – it is “like a treasure hidden in the field”. It is in fact, concealed, obscured from our natural perceptions.

Christ the King – the Rock of Offence