A “Not Many” Ministry

Paul’s was a “not many” ministry, and so it is with ours. The “not many” ministry is the ministry to which God has called us!

For you see your calling, brothers, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called(I Corinthians 1:26).

When we ask Paul, “How many …?” Paul gives us the answer: “Not many!” So, the next time you are asked one of those “How many” questions, simply reply, “Not many!”

Instead of a “many” ministry, ours is a “foolish,” “weak,” “base,” “despised,” and “things that are not” – i.e., “nothing” – ministry!

For you see your calling, brothers, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world, and the things which are despised, has God chosen, yea, and the things which are not, to bring to nought the things that are: that no flesh should glory in His presence. But of Him are you in Christ Jesus, Who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: that, according as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord” (I Corinthians 1:26-31).

Let’s not allow ourselves to be carried away with the Gentile obsession of numbering people. Let’s not fight the divine plan and viewpoint! Let’s stop contending with God.

Clyde L. Pilkington, Jr.
Bible Student’s Notebook
© 2000, 2009

The Few of Paul’s Ministry

In the early part of the book of Acts we read of the 3,000 and then of the 5,000. While reading on in the book of Acts, when we come to Paul and His Gentile ministry, we don’t read of specific numbers like this. How many were actually involved in Paul’s ministry? What do you usually visualize when you think of his work?

Let’s take the capital of the Roman Empire for example. How many believers were at Rome when Paul wrote to them? It would appear from Romans chapter 16 that there were as many as five households represented there (“the church in your house”). Now, how many saints could be connected with a specific household (family members, servants, friends, etc.)? Perhaps 10 to 30? These numbers multiplied by 5 household would be a total range from 50 to 150. This number would not just be men (as are the 5,000 numbered in the book of Acts), but men, women and children in 5 home gatherings in the capital of the Roman Empire. This was after some 15 years of Pauline ministry in the Empire. Impressive? It depends on one’s viewpoint; but the story grows more interesting!

Paul actually went to Rome and taught for two years. During Paul’s first Roman imprisonment he served under house arrest. This worked out to a great advantage for Paul, for we read in the Book of Acts,

And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him (Acts 28:30-31).

You would think after this two-year teaching ministry of Paul, out of his own rented house, that we might see a great influx in numbers. Yet the truth is that it got worse!

Paul wrote the Book of II Timothy from Rome, but when he writes Timothy this last time, what does he say?

All they who are in Asia are turned away from me (II Timothy 1:15).

Paul addresses the Asian problem because this was where Timothy was. This is the ruins of which Timothy was personally aware. That’s why he starts that statement,

This you know, that all they who are in Asia are turned away from me.

If the truth be known, this apostasy of the Body of Christ proliferated throughout the entire Roman Empire. While in this last Roman imprisonment Paul said, concerning his first trial date,

No man stood with me, but all men forsook me (II Timothy 4:16).

There was not one man in Rome who came and stood with Paul! This was after some 23 years of ministry in the Roman Empire. It was after writing an epistle to the saints at Rome, and it was after coming to Rome and having a two-year house teaching ministry there. What happened to the Roman saints? Now we can’t even count 5 households.

Clyde L. Pilkington, Jr.
Bible Student’s Notebook
© 2000, 2009

Numbering People: A Gentile Obsession

We have an inherent obsession with numbering people. We are impressed by it. It is a vexation of our spirit that carries over into our view of spiritual life. We assume that if it is of God, or for God, it must be large and involve many people.

Listen to what people say:

“How many believe what you believe?”
“How many do you have on Sunday?”
“How many were at the Conference?”
“How many are attending Bible study now?”
“How many are on your mailing list?”
“How many …?”

Just pay attention next time you are with other Christians. You might be amazed at how central this concept is thought to be in our “spiritual” life.

However God is not so obsessed and impressed. He is not bound or motivated by such a Gentile viewpoint.

Let’s reflect on a few Biblical examples.

Noah and the Ark

And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly (II Peter 2:5).

Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water (I Peter 3:20).

God’s work in the ark resulted in the world-wide saving of eight souls. Count them – eight souls. This is not very impressive by Gentile standards (nor Christendom’s either!).

Gideon’s 300

Israel was facing the Midianites in battle, who, with the Amalekites were situated,

Along in the valley like grasshoppers for a multitude; and their camels were without number, as the sand by the sea side for a multitude (Judges 7:12).

Gideon had one small problem: he “only” had 32,000 men to fight against them. God, however, had a different view. He thought that Gideon had too many in his army.

The people that are with you are too many for Me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against Me, saying, “Mine own hand has saved me” (Judges 7:2).

So God had Gideon reduce the number. He told Gideon to tell the people, “Whosoever is fearful and afraid, let him return and depart …” (:3). The result? 22,000 departed. Gideon’s army was reduced to 10,000 men. Yet God said that there were still “too many” (:4), so He gave them a test that resulted in the release of another 9,700 men. Gideon was then left with an army of 300.

God used Gideon and his army of 300 to do the job against “a multitude”!

The 3,000 and 5,000 in Acts

The Book of Acts is sometimes viewed as a place where positive significance is given to “large” numbers:

Then they that gladly received His word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls (Acts 2:41).

Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand (Acts 4:4).

This all sounds very impressive doesn’t it? Yet these two numberings are really a part of the indictment against Israel. Think about it for a moment: God had been dealing with Israel (Abraham’s physical descendants) for over two millennia. He had sent them a host of prophets; He had given them His Word; He had sent them His Son; and what was the national result? 5,000 men! 5,000 men from an entire nation? 5,000 men from an entire nation after over 2,000 years of work!? This would seem more like an indictment against the Nation. So maybe we need to adjust our Gentile thinking to match the context – maybe these numbers are not as impressive as they may first appear.

Garden of Eden

The ultimate illustration may be at the very beginning. In Eden’s garden, how many people did God make? He made one man and one woman. Now, think about that for a moment – He could have made multiple men and women. In so doing he could have provided other women for Eve with whom to do “girl things.” He could have provided a wonderful opportunity in the garden for “women’s fellowship and Bible study meetings” – but this was not in the mind of God.

In making multiple men, God also could have provided Adam with other men with whom to do “guy things.” They could have had “men’s meetings,” and they could have had a sympathetic ear as they shared things that they could not talk about with their wives (what things?) – yet, neither was this not in the mind of God.

Then, of course, in making multiple men and women, God could have provided other couples for Adam and Eve with whom to “hang out” and do “group” things together. These multiple couples could have also provided children for Cain and Able with whom to socialize. They could have played together, and even have been assembled together for social and educational purposes – but neither was this necessary in the mind of God.

God Is Interested in Weighing People

As we study the Scriptures, one thing which we will learn is that God is not so concerned with counting people, but in weighing them:

You are weighed in the balances, and are found wanting (Daniel 5:27).

The issue with God is one of personal faithfulness:

Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man is found faithful (I Corinthians 4:2).

… The same commit to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also (II Timothy 2:2).

Sort, Not Size

God is looking not for size, but a certain sort of work!

… The fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is (I Corinthians 3:13).

Clyde L. Pilkington, Jr.
Bible Student’s Notebook
© 2000, 2009

The Religious System

Except the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it (Psalms 127:1).

Are we still following the religious course of this world? Man has taken the entire dispensation of grace – up until our day– to demonstrate clearly that all human religious institutions, no matter how humbly and focused they seem to begin, end up in apostasy. What is it that makes us feel that we can do better? Are we smarter? Are we more spiritual? What do we have that others have not had?

There is something about the very nature of religious organizations that eventually shifts the focus off of the original message, ministry and spirit of its purpose, and transfers it to themselves. They take on a life of their own. All of them eventually do. Some of them do it more quickly than others. Some take a generation or two.

Do we dare attempt success in a human concept that has managed only to demonstrate failure? Shall we create a future monster to deliver to our children and grandchildren? Is concern over preserving finances, maintaining some type of religious “testimony,” or whatever our goal may be, really worth the risk, even if it were only a small one? Shall we leave our children with religious politicking and power struggles, with misplaced direction and love, with endless business meetings, financial statements and squabbles, with their attention and focus off of personal relationships and ministry and on the perpetuation and control of “the institution”?

To emphasize the point, let’s look at a quote from The Berean Searchlight, May, 1996 (all emphasis in this quote is as it appeared in the publication):

Paul warns us about those who, whether wittingly or unwittingly, would spread unsound doctrine among us. We are living in a time when some of the brethren seem to deem it important to find something new. Of course, it is not our intent to discourage anyone in regard to exercising the “Berean spirit.” However, care should be taken not to undermine the foundation upon which our faith rests. We do well to remember that “The Doctrinal Statement” our forefathers forged for us was a product of intense debate with the denominational leaders of their day. Each plank of the statement was carefully crafted as a defense and confirmation of the Fundamentals of the faith and Paul’s gospel. Therefore, let us not be too quick to challenge those things which are “tried and true.” … Our “Doctrinal Statement,” … has served us well for over fifty years …

Does such a statement trouble you?

Is “the foundation” upon which your faith rests “The Doctrinal Statement”? This is a sad commentary on organized religion.

Clyde L. Pilkington, Jr.
Bible Student’s Notebook
© 2000, 2009

Offering to God What He Does Not Want

For you see your calling, brothers, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world, and the things which are despised, has God chosen, yea, and the things which are not, to bring to nought the things that are: that no flesh should glory in His presence. But of Him are you in Christ Jesus, Who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: that, according as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord” (I Corinthians 1:26-31).

God has chosen to use the foolish, weak, base and despised things of this world to bring about His Own purpose and glory. Yet, how often do we as believers, following the course of this world, seek to offer to God what He does not want? We seek to offer Him something impressive, something mighty, something lofty, something logical, something noble, and something BIG.

Our dreams are to give God something worthy of His greatness, but in so doing, we undermine His very purpose. As sincere as our motives may be, they are human, not divine. We have missed the divine viewpoint, and seek to elevate our own wisdom, strength and ingenuity above His. We are like Cain, bringing God an offering of our own choosing – offering God something from our own hands.

The world looks for greatness, prestige, prominence, honor and reputation. We must abandon our earthly perspectives and recognize that God looks for foolish, weak, base and despised things. We can ultimately rejoice in this, because we have exactly what God is looking for! As we submit to this divine plan, we can be used to give God what He wants, and in the process bring Him, and Him alone, glory!

Let’s give up our large and noble ambitions!

Let’s stop offering God what He does not want!

Clyde L. Pilkington, Jr.
Bible Student’s Notebook
© 2000, 2009

The Danger of the “House Church” Movement: Religious Tradition in Disguise

When Paul uses the phrase, “the church in your house,” he is not referring to the building or architectural “house.” Instead he is referring to the “household” (i.e., the family itself). The Greek word that Paul uses for “house” is oikos (house, usually the household) instead of oikia (house, usually the building).

The most common words to express the concept of family in the New Testament are oikos, “house,” and its derivatives. Oikos may indicate the couple, their children, and any servants or relatives living in the house (I Timothy 3:5, 12). – Lawrence O. Richards, Zondervan Expository Dictionary of Bible Words

Oikos … by implication, a family. – James Strong, Strong’s Greek Lexicon, #3624, Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance

Oikos … by metonymy, of the members of a household or family. – W.E. Vine, Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words

There is a growing movement afloat called “the House Church Movement.” It has, in some circles and areas, become quite popular. It’s an acceptable, alternative “thing to do.” Home is where the “members” of this movement “do church.”

I would like to be clear that this is not what Paul is talking about when he utilized the phrase “the church in your house.” He was not talking about a house church movement. Paul was not a part of any man-made movement. The only movement he knew anything about was the natural movement of Christ through the members of His Body.

This should be a good enough “movement” for us: Christ living and moving through the members of His Body. This should be the only movement of which we would desire to be a part!

Why is it that members of Christ’s Body seem never to be satisfied with their identity in Christ? Why is it that we have this pressing desire to be recognized and identified with something else – anything else – beyond Christ?

House Church and Home Church?

Now, the fact is that there is no such term in Scripture as “house church” or “home church,” anymore than there is the term “local church.” Surely there will be those who will accuse us of “squabbling over semantics,” but words are important – they mean things. There is a vast difference between “the local church” and the church in a locality; and just the same, there is a vast difference between “the house church” or “the home church,” and “the church in your house.”

The church is not something we “do,” it is not somewhere we “go.” It is who we are! We are the church whether we are at work, at school, or on vacation. Yet we do not use the terms “work church,” “school church,” or “vacation church” to describe these. We are simply the church at work, the church at school, the church on vacation.

The church is everywhere that the saints are! It is everywhere its members (i.e., Body parts) are, and when the church gathers it is not “doing” church, it is not “going” to church. We were the church before we gather, we are the church when we gather, and we are the church when we disassemble! Anchor this truth in your soul: We Are the Church!

That’s why the Scriptures tell us that Paul “gathered the church together” (Acts 14:27). What was Paul gathering? Bricks and mortar? No! An organization? No! He was gathering the church. He was gathering saints. He was gathering Body parts, and they were the church, even when they were not meeting. So, neither is the meeting the church!

Do you begin to see the problem with “house church,” and “home church?” It brings us right back to the exact same problem that the traditional “church” has. It steals our identity. “House church” and “home church” are not God’s church! They are man’s pitiful attempts at imitation!

Now, we appreciate what some in the “House Church Movement” have done to awaken many to the problems with the traditional “church”; but, to some degree, the “House Church Movement” has replaced one architectural form (the chapel) with another (the house). The danger is that we carry the system of the chapel into the home. Have we simply swapped “having church” in a chapel with “having church” in a house? If so, the primary difference is architecture, and architecture is not even close to being the issue!

The issue is the life of Christ living in and through His church – when, where and how He pleases! Every day, in every place, and within every circumstance – Christ is manifesting Himself in His living church! This is “the house of God!” This is “the church of the living God!” This is “the pillar and ground of the truth!” This is “the mystery of godliness!”

But if I tarry long, that you may know how you ought to behave yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness … (I Timothy 3:15-16).

“The church in your house” supports these truths. The “house church” and “home church” supplant them! (It’s religious tradition under guise of Bible truth.)

Are you the church, or do you “do church?” Do you “go to” a “house church?”

Don’t settle for anything less than who and what God has made you in Christ!

Clyde L. Pilkington, Jr.
Bible Student’s Notebook
© 2000, 2009

Institutionalization of God

Our culture has developed a system of dealing with our aged parents and grandparents. We “put them away” in institutions for the elderly. It is all neat and clean. They are out of our daily lives and we can go about our daily business and lives, going to visit them on weekends, schedules permitting.

The sad thing is that we have done this in our minds with God for a long time. God is neatly tucked away from our daily lives. His worship and service are even tucked away, because we do that on Sunday at the “worship service”!

• Where does God dwell?
• Where do you worship God?
• Where do you serve God?
• Where does ministry take place in your life?

Have you limited these activities to some man-made institution? Most of the Body of Christ has. This is sad beyond description! Shame on us! Will we continue to be party to such a conspiracy against God? A conspiracy it is: It is a conspiracy against the truth of His Word, the truth of our identity, the truth of His very Own character and attributes. Resist this “institutionalization of God”! Refuse to allow our God to be “put away”!

Protest by refusing to participate in such a practice any longer! Let us be free to be who we are! We are the church, we are the house of God, we are the habitation of God, we are His building. The worship, service and ministry of God are daily features of His life in us and are not regulated by time or place. Let’s stand there!

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life that I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, Who loved me, and gave Himself for me (Galatians 2:20).

Clyde L. Pilkington, Jr.
Bible Student’s Notebook
© 2000, 2009

Would Paul Have Qualified for “501c3” Status?

The following is taken directly from the IRS code:

IRC 501(c)(3) – Religious Purposes

Churches are a subset of IRC 501(c)(3) organizations organized and operated for religious purposes. See, e.g., De La Salle Institute v. United States, 195 F. Supp. 891 (N.D. Cal. 1961); Chapman v. Commissioner, 43 T.C. 358, 363 (1967).

501(c)(3) Requirements

An organization must be described in IRC 501(c)(3) to qualify as a church under IRC 170(b)(1)(A)(i), although it need not be recognized as such by the Service (given that churches are exempt from the filing requirements of IRC 508(a) and (b)).

In determining if a religious organization is a church within the meaning of IRC 170(b)(1)(a)(i), 508(c)(1)(A), or 6033(a)(2)(A), consider if the organization has the following characteristics:

A distinct legal existence;
A recognized creed and form of worship;
A definite and distinct ecclesiastical government;
A formal code of doctrine and discipline;
A distinct religious history;
A membership not associated with any other church or denomination;
A complete organization of ordained ministers ministering to their congregations;
Ordained ministers selected after completing prescribed courses of study;
A literature of its own;
Established place of worship;
Regular congregations;
Regular religious services;
Sunday schools for the religious instruction of the young;
Schools for the preparation of its ministers; and
Any other facts and circumstances that may bear upon the organization’s claim for church status.

Now we have one simple question: Would Paul have qualified?

If not, then how is it that we can follow him, and yet we can qualify for this religious, governmentally sanctioned distinction?

Pressing the Issue

In Paul’s day, Israel’s religion had long been a part of the Roman religious system. It was a legitimately recognized religion by the government. It was religio licita (had official religious license) from Rome.

Did it ever occur to you why Paul, a Roman born citizen, had legal battles and ended up executed by Rome?

When Paul started his ministry he was undoubtedly recognized under the religio licita of Judaism; but he received progressive “revelations” (II Corinthians 12:1) from the Lord concerning “the mystery” (Ephesians 3:3). The more truth he received and taught, the more he distanced himself and the ecclesia from Israel. The more clearly and strongly he taught, “rightly dividing the Word of Truth” (II Timothy 3:15), the more he was saying in essence, “This is not that,” “the church the Body of Christ is not Israel.” From town to town, and speech by speech, he was pounding nails in his own coffin. He was identifying the church, the Body of Christ as being outside of the religious system. He operated religio illicita (as an illegal, unlicensed religion); but this was his intent, for which he would lay down his life!

He builds too low who builds beneath the skies. (Anon.)

Paul gives us a solemn warning:

… Let every man take heed how he builds … (I Corinthians 3:10).

Clyde L. Pilkington, Jr.
Bible Student’s Notebook
© 2000, 2009

“Church, Inc.” Religion

Now, let’s get down to brass tacks. The Body of Christ, as a whole, is deeply submerged in the snare of the Babylonian religious system! Oh, that God would open our eyes to see such a sad state of affairs!

This is not a situation that has just developed. This spoilage of the church began in Paul’s day.[1] He warned of it often. It was later brought to great and evil heights by Constantine. Sorrowfully, there was little or no real change produced as a result of the “Reformation.” In fact, the Body of Christ may be more religious, more entangled in the Babylonian religious system now than at any point in its history. The worst part is that many members of Christ are, by and large, ignorant of this captive corruption.

501c3 Religion

The government and our precious misled brethren who have come before us have led us down the primrose path that has ended in this bondage. We have our own Americanized version of the Babylonian system. We have “Inc.” religion, of the “501c3” variety.

501c3 is the federal bureaucratic code given to churches and other religious non-profit organizations that meet governmental approval. Many dear brothers who are held by the religious system would deny that they are a part of it; but here is an honest and objective test: Are you a part of a religious “Inc.?” Are you a part of a “501c3?” Are you using the exact same system that every other religious group in the United States uses? Are you actually a part of the same system against which you profess to stand? Are you members with them in this Gentile religious system?

Listen to our apostle, Paul:

Be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what concord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has he who believes with an infidel? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God; as God has said, ‘I will dwell in them, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be separate,’ says the Lord, ‘and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and you shall be My sons and daughters,’ says the Lord Almighty. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and of the spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God (II Corinthians 6:14-7:1).

Are you a part of a “Church, Inc.” – a governmentally formed and controlled religious entity? Are you a part of a 501c3 organization, officially approved, recognized and sanctioned by the federal government?

If so, then you are fellow religious members with every “unclean thing” (II Corinthians 6:17), and I encourage you, as we are entreated by Paul, to “come out from among them,” that we “touch not the unclean thing,” and that we “cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit …” (II Corinthians 7:1).

According to the context, all of this “unclean” stuff is the Gentile religious system.

Do you think that “your church” or “your ministry” is not a part of this system, that you are not a member together with them? If you don’t think that you are, then call the bank where your “church” or “ministry” does business. They will tell you what you are! They can also tell you under what Federal “class” you are categorized. They could also tell you who else is in that “class” with you.

Or ask the Federal Government – the IRS in particular. They know what you are. They know what group and class you belong to. You may try to deny what you are, but you are in with all the rest of the religions – Muslim, Buddhist, Wiccan, Satanist, Christian; as far as this nation is concerned, you’re all the same!

It is all really simple. The world knows what we are, even if we try to pretend that we are really different. We are self-deceived. I say we, because I have been where you are. I was a part of something that has a religious legal identity, one that I pretended didn’t really exist, and one that, on occasion, I will even speak against – but I was a part of it just the same! I encourage you to be honest with yourself and with the world around you. Come clean.

Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; but have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the Word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God (II Corinthians 4:1-2).

Stop trying to pawn off your “church” as the “church of God.” Stop joining forces with the religious systems of this world! I encourage you to leave the system. Come on outside the camp!

Clyde L. Pilkington, Jr.
Bible Student’s Notebook
© 2000, 2009

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[1]For a detailed study of this early departure from the truth and pattern of Paul, read the author’s book – The Church in Ruins: Brief Thoughts on II Timothy; available from www.ClydePilkington.com, PO Box 265 Windber, PA 15963, 1-800-784-6010.

Division Enters

Let’s continue our thoughts about Paul’s church work, using the believers at Corinth as an example.

Paul preached the gospel to the lost; they trusted and were made members of the church, the Body of Christ. Every believer was a member of this church, no exceptions, for one Spirit had baptized them all into one Body. Now this is the ground of truth that Paul taught the believers to live and practice – their oneness.

Yet suppose for a moment that someone came up with the idea to start another church in Corinth – a church other than the one that God already had in place. Suppose he thought that it would be very beneficial to organize people for various reasons. So, he selected a nice name for his “church” (denominationalism). He devised certain “articles of faith” that he thought ought to be stressed and emphasized in his “church” (credalism). He developed a nifty governmental system from which his “church” could operate (clericalism). He laid out a program for his “church” meetings (formalism).

Also since all the other religions had one, he carefully made arrangements to secure a “sanctuary” for his “church” in which to meet (heathenism). He registered his “church” with the office of incorporation, and with the office of governmental recognition. He set up a bank account in the name of his “church.” He printed stationery, business cards, offering envelopes, visitor’s cards and, of course, a nice sign – all proudly bearing the wonderful name of his new “church” (and it all bore his own name as well – “Rev. Sam S. Smith,” or maybe it was just “Pastor Sam S. Smith”). Then he purchased ads in the Corinthian Chronicle Daily inviting all to “attend” and join his “church,” especially his “unchurched” brethren.

When one stops and considers all of this in the light of divine revelation, it seems really strange and odd, does it not? Yet it is much more than that. A serious problem has just been introduced onto the scene of the life of “the church of God at Corinth” – division!

Pastor Smith, wittingly or not, has just planted division in the church which is Christ’s Body. Pastor Smith and his “church” now stand in contradiction and competition with God’s church. Are all the members of God’s church in Corinth, members of his? Does he have members in his “church” that are not members of God’s? Now, not only do we have the problem of division, we also have the same problem that Israel had in its past – the “mixed multitude.”

One thing should be obvious, there are now two churches in Corinth. One is God’s church – a divine, organic organism. The other is man’s church – a human, fabricated organization. One is true, the other is false. The root of such a divisive religious system was already at work in Corinth when Paul wrote to them.

Now this I say, that every one of you says, “I am of Paul;” and “I of Apollos;” and “I of Cephas [Peter];” and “I of Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? … (I Corinthians 1:12-13).

Do a couple of names in that passage stand out to you?

How about the first name – Paul. Is he not our apostle – “the apostle of the Gentiles”? Yes, he is; but it is wrong to use his name as a rallying point to create another division within the body of Christ! Isn’t Paul the apostle of every member of Christ’s Body? Do you say “I am of Paul” with implication of separation and division from the rest of the members of Christ’s Body?

Or, how about that last name – Christ. Is He not our Savior? Of course He is; but it also is wrong to use His name as a rallying point to create another division within the His Own body! Saying, “I am of Christ” sounds very noble, doesn’t it? Yet isn’t every member of God’s ecclesia “of Christ” – aren’t we all of Him? When we make this proclamation, we implicate a separation and false division from the rest of the members of His Body!

We must never forget that we are “members one of another”! Anything short of “the church, which is His body” is not God’s church – regardless of how large, fancy, modern or decorated it is!

Why not simply be content with who and what God has made us in Christ?

And you are complete in Him … (Colossians 2:10).

What more could we want or need? Let us heed Paul’s warning which he gave to us in light of this completeness in Christ. This serious plea can be found only two verses before:

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ (Colossians 2:8).

Why not stand on the ground of who God has made us? Nothing more, nothing less.

Clyde L. Pilkington, Jr.
Bible Student’s Notebook
© 2000, 2009