“See, my lord, from this room—from this room I govern not only Paris, but China: not only China, but the whole world, without any one knowing how ‘tis managed.”

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Thanks. Interesting remarks.

>"Go directly to Christ Jesus. you dont need no intermediary. Go directly to Him. drop the catechism, go directly to Scripture. get fed with truth."

The best church is one that minimizes 'group think' and is interactive. That aspect is something the Amish have right. They have no churches and their homes are where they gather in prayer and study. Each other's homes is where interaction, etymological research, presentation, and discussion is best served. Prayer to your representative (Christ) is the way and permeating light that reaches our Creator; the Father. Is it any wonder there is an effort to ban bible studies? I'm done with the corporate church. They contracted their existence to the State.

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The Spirit has spoken to me a little bit about "home church". To my surprise, i am not the only one who is getting this input.

I must admit it really rattled me in the sense of even shock and disappointment how easily the corporate church rolled over and took the freaking mandates levied by THE SECULAR POWER..

That and the ever present concern for tax exempt status, which also requires secular approval.

I look to returning to New Testament "Bible study" gathering at house churches. We have discussed also that each can be available to present some teaching, discussion, whatever.

I do believe there can be, as in the New Testament church, some overseeing in the sense of not just being a loose cannon. This is to protect from false doctrines and not to give undue power perks or privilege.

There is also not the insane self enrichment we have seen by those given "status" and it become a cult of personality, or other misuse.

I could go on, but slowly it is being brought about, discussed and time will tell.

Strangely enough the Spirit has me revolving around two fellowships (churches) and a house church. He has not directly assigned me to just one, i was startled that i am still to be involved with them all.

He reminds me that i am there for people, regardless of the structure they are meeting under. It's always about relationship. But i personally will cow to NO secular power. It is also part of my responsibility to be able to speak truth no matter whether it is popular or not, regardless of the fear and the fake narrative. Also regardless of personal cost. Not with a rebellious spirit, but a spirit of gentleness, respect, and always love. As Christ models for us. Now when He had to, He flipped some tables. But whose tables did He flip and why? Go forth and do likewise, if so led by His Spirit.

To experience the house church that i attend is quite revelatory. Everyone knows each other. There is not just being preached TO, but rather an EXCHANGE concerning God's Word and its working out in our lives. No one lords it above the others. Each contributes. Things are done decently and in order, not a chaotic free for all. Real study, real life, accountability and concern for each other. Good stuff! Spirit did advise me this would become more the case: "bible studies" at home. That is our phrase for house church gatherings. Church is not a building but a Body. And i can tell that you understand that. More and more are coming to this. Being called out from the American church.

What you have said, IMHO, is to the point and quite sound.

The Lord bless you in your walk!

The Spirit has spoken to me a little bit about "home church". To my surprise, i am not the only one who is getting this input. I must admit it really rattled me in the sense of even shock and disappointment how easily the corporate church rolled over and took the freaking mandates levied by THE SECULAR POWER.. That and the ever present concern for tax exempt status, which also requires secular approval. I look to returning to New Testament "Bible study" gathering at house churches. We have discussed also that each can be available to present some teaching, discussion, whatever. I do believe there can be, as in the New Testament church, some overseeing in the sense of not just being a loose cannon. This is to protect from false doctrines and not to give undue power perks or privilege. There is also not the insane self enrichment we have seen by those given "status" and it become a cult of personality, or other misuse. I could go on, but slowly it is being brought about, discussed and time will tell. Strangely enough the Spirit has me revolving around two fellowships (churches) and a house church. He has not directly assigned me to just one, i was startled that i am still to be involved with them all. He reminds me that i am there for people, regardless of the structure they are meeting under. It's always about relationship. But i personally will cow to NO secular power. It is also part of my responsibility to be able to speak truth no matter whether it is popular or not, regardless of the fear and the fake narrative. Also regardless of personal cost. Not with a rebellious spirit, but a spirit of gentleness, respect, and always love. As Christ models for us. Now when He had to, He flipped some tables. But whose tables did He flip and why? Go forth and do likewise, if so led by His Spirit. To experience the house church that i attend is quite revelatory. Everyone knows each other. There is not just being preached TO, but rather an EXCHANGE concerning God's Word and its working out in our lives. No one lords it above the others. Each contributes. Things are done decently and in order, not a chaotic free for all. Real study, real life, accountability and concern for each other. Good stuff! Spirit did advise me this would become more the case: "bible studies" at home. That is our phrase for house church gatherings. Church is not a building but a Body. And i can tell that you understand that. More and more are coming to this. Being called out from the American church. What you have said, IMHO, is to the point and quite sound. The Lord bless you in your walk!

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"Church is not a building but a Body."

Back at you brother. Exactly right. The 'Body' to which you refer is pleasing to the Spirit, which is as defined in the bible via Strong's, Thayers, and Liddel-Scott-Jones in the Greek is translated as 'pneuma' (G4151), which is defined as -- “a movement of air; a gentle blast (a) of the wind, hence the wind itself (b) breath of nostrils or mouth.” The word “psuche” (G5590) is defined in Strong’s Concordance as the following:

breath (a) the breath of life (i) the vital force which animates the body and shows itself in breathing of animals (ii) of men (b) life, (c) that in which there is life (i) a living being, a living soul
the soul (a) the seat of the feelings, desires, affections, aversions (our heart, soul etc.) (b) the (human) soul in so far as it is constituted that by the right use of the aids offered it by God it can attain its highest end and secure eternal blessedness, the soul regarded as a moral being designed for everlasting life (c) the soul as an essence which differs from the body and is not dissolved by death (distinguished from other parts of the body). The word “psuche” (G5590) is derived from “psucho” (G5594), which means “to breathe, blow, cool by blowing.” Note, the same concept is found with the word “spirit,” or in Greek -“pneuma” (G4151), which is “a movement of air; a gentle blast (a) of the wind, hence the wind itself (b) breath of nostrils or mouth.”

“Pneuma” is derived from the Greek word “pneo” meaning -- “blow,” “wind.” The same relationship is found with “aer” (G109), which is derived from “aemi” - to breathe unconsciously, i.e. respire; by analogy, to blow. One can get an understanding of how the word “spirit” -- (pneuma), “air” – (aer), and (psuche).

So, 'Spirit', as in holy** Spirit or [holy] Spirit is better understood. **The word 'holy' was a added by the patristic translators to differentiate 'spirit' from the Spirit.

I won't dive any deeper, but there is much to talk about [for better understanding] in a bible study. Good tidings to you.

>"Church is not a building but a Body." Back at you brother. Exactly right. The 'Body' to which you refer is pleasing to the Spirit, which is as defined in the bible via Strong's, Thayers, and Liddel-Scott-Jones in the Greek is translated as '*pneuma*' (G4151), which is defined as -- “a movement of air; a gentle blast (a) of the wind, hence the wind itself (b) breath of nostrils or mouth.” The word “*psuche*” (G5590) is defined in Strong’s Concordance as the following: 1. breath (a) the breath of life (i) the vital force which animates the body and shows itself in breathing of animals (ii) of men (b) life, (c) that in which there is life (i) a living being, a living soul 2. the soul (a) the seat of the feelings, desires, affections, aversions (our heart, soul etc.) (b) the (human) soul in so far as it is constituted that by the right use of the aids offered it by God it can attain its highest end and secure eternal blessedness, the soul regarded as a moral being designed for everlasting life (c) the soul as an essence which differs from the body and is not dissolved by death (distinguished from other parts of the body). The word “*psuche*” (G5590) is derived from “*psucho*” (G5594), which means “to breathe, blow, cool by blowing.” Note, the same concept is found with the word “spirit,” or in Greek -“*pneuma*” (G4151), which is “a movement of air; a gentle blast (a) of the wind, hence the wind itself (b) breath of nostrils or mouth.” “*Pneuma*” is derived from the Greek word “*pneo*” meaning -- “blow,” “wind.” The same relationship is found with “*aer*” (G109), which is derived from “*aemi*” - to breathe unconsciously, i.e. respire; by analogy, to blow. One can get an understanding of how the word “spirit” -- (*pneuma*), “air” – (*aer*), and (*psuche*). So, 'Spirit', as in *holy*** Spirit or [*holy*] Spirit is better understood. **The word 'holy' was a added by the patristic translators to differentiate 'spirit' from the Spirit. I won't dive any deeper, but there is much to talk about [for better understanding] in a bible study. Good tidings to you.

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Wow! What a treat!

Of course this may seem overbold, but yes the Spirit i spoke of is His Holy Spirit. I tend to speak concerning body soul and spirit as my "spirit man".

When there is agreement between first Spirit, His Holy Spirit first and foremost, and the harmony then found in my "spirit", joy is born from this.

I recollect Psalm 133 when the phrase "oil running down Aaron's beard" came immediately to mind. This when the Body enjoys fellowship together and in harmony with God and His Holy Spirit.

I may not be as erudite, but really enjoyable to touch upon the Word and all that the Lord has given us. These wonderful things as well as the fellowship that the believers.

To hear of others (shall i say) enthusiasm for His Word and their walk with Him and with others, it gives me hope. Not that i am downcast. 2 Cor 4:8-10.

It's only up from here, fren. And always good to remember others are out there in the fields with us, the fields ripe for harvest. One large family, each doing his/her part and God willing, meeting together for such study and encouragement as this conversation is about.

Godspeed and blessings in your study and sharing of His Word! The Lord bless you and those around you.

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