Congregant: Difference between revisions
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A congregation is a [[Free Assemblies|free assembly]] of [[Elders|elders]] or heads of families. | A congregation is a [[Free Assemblies|free assembly]] of [[Elders|elders]] or heads of families. | ||
So a '''congregation of record''' composed of '''[[Elders|elders]]''' is '''core''' to the kingdom but having no corporate nature they are not '''one body''' in a legal sense. | So a '''congregation of record''' composed of '''[[Elders|elders]]''' is '''core''' to the kingdom, but having no corporate nature, they are not '''one body''' in a legal sense. | ||
There is no corporate nature to a '''Congregation of | There is no corporate nature to a '''Congregation of Recorded [[Elders|Elders]]''' ([[CORE]]). Nor is a congregation an ''[[Unincorporated_association|unincorporated association]]''. | ||
A [[Congregations|Congregation]] of Record [[CORE]] is nothing more than an assembly who has given common testimony of recognition of a [[Titular|titular]] minister who leads the [[CORE]] in service to each other but also to the whole Church established by Christ. They are ''home churches'' but with an eye and heart for the [[Kingdom of God]] and His [[Righteousness|righteousness]]. | A [[Congregations|Congregation]] of Record ''[[CORE]]'' is nothing more than an assembly who has given common testimony of recognition of a [[Titular|titular]] minister who leads the [[CORE]] in service to each other, but also to the whole Church established by Christ. They are ''home churches'', but with an eye and heart for the [[Kingdom of God]] and His [[Righteousness|righteousness]]. | ||
That service is like the Greek word ''leitourgia'' meaning "a public office which a citizen undertakes to administer at his own expense" from which we get the word ''liturgy''. | That service is like the Greek word ''leitourgia'' meaning "a public office which a citizen undertakes to administer at his own expense", from which we get the word ''[[liturgy]]''. | ||
* "Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your [[Faith|faith]], I joy, and rejoice with you all." [[Philippians]] 2:17 | * "Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your [[Faith|faith]], I joy, and rejoice with you all." [[Philippians]] 2:17 | ||
There is no authority of this leader ''over the people'' nor can there be any authority of the people over the [[Minister|minister]]. There is only free choice in the manner and | There is no authority of this leader ''over the people'', nor can there be any authority of the people over the [[Minister|minister]]. There is only free choice in the manner and extent of your contribution to his service. | ||
* "For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;" [[2 Corinthians 9]]:12 | * "For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;" [[2 Corinthians 9]]:12 | ||
Each elder contributes out of the [[Love|love]] in his or her heart for their neighbor both in and out of the congregation and for the stranger in their midst in accordance with the purposes of Christ. | Each elder contributes out of the [[Love|love]] in his or her heart for their neighbor, both in and out of the congregation, and for the stranger in their midst, in accordance with the purposes of Christ. | ||
* "Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me." [[Philippians]] 2:30 | * "Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me." [[Philippians]] 2:30 | ||
Because of the free nature of a gathering called a congregation there are no real '''members''' in a legal sense of the word ''member as a person'' of a legal body or ''corpus''. | Because of the free nature of a gathering called a congregation, there are no real '''members''' in a legal sense of the word ''member as a person'' of a legal body or ''corpus''. | ||
In law a legal body's member's individual ''status'' | In law, a legal body's member's individual ''status'' affects all the members. We see this in the phrase ''guilt by association''. This is why a congregation should guard against becoming considered an [[Unincorporated association|unincorporated association]]. So to describe someone gathered in such a free assembly, one needs to seek out and understand other terms. | ||
Christ had a solution we call salvation that depends on our willingness to come together in a system of faith, hope and charity under the perfect law of liberty bound by love. This is COR. This is the [[COR_Solution]] of Christ. | Christ had a solution we call salvation that depends on our willingness to come together in a system of faith, hope and charity under the perfect law of liberty bound by love. This is COR. This is the [[COR_Solution]] of Christ. | ||
=== Status === | |||
* '''Supplicant''' could also apply in the sense that those who gather are now praying to the God of charity and love instead of the gods of force and violence as most people do. | The status of the individual is a product of their past. [[Repent]]ance is a changing of the mind and the direction of the soul which will determine the status of their future through the grace of God. | ||
A [[Sacred Purpose Trust]] (SPT) form cannot change the status of the individual. It's purpose is to provide a [[Breeches|covering]] for the Minister and provide a tool in the [[communion]] of the whole [[society]] and [[community]] of the Church from generation to generation in the [[daily ministration]] of the affairs of the [[Kingdom of God]] in a continuous declaration of faith. | |||
If the status or state of the individual congregant could be changed by the Church then the congregant would be a subject of the Church and not a free [[soul]] under God. The testimony of a minister concerning the faith and charity of a congregant should be judiciously given with equal love and concern for all other congregants. That testimony is based not only on the minister's observation and the congregant's claim but also the witness of two more other people with intimate knowledge of the congregant and known to the minister over time.<Ref>Luke 22:28 Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations.</Ref> And more importantly based on the [[Holy Spirit]] who is the [[Comforter]]. | |||
The Church has a system of [http://www.hisholychurch.org/declarations/index.php declarations and records] for internal use in the fulfillment of its ministerial [[duty|duties]] and the purposes of the Church assigned by Christ. The [[seek]]ing of the [[Kingdom of God]] must be first [[spiritual]] and also [[righteous]]. Our testimony must be reasonably sure and prove the test of time in all things. | |||
Documents are often merely an expression of intent while the deeds are a testimony of sincerity, conviction and truth. It is not by what people "say"<Ref>Matthew 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. | |||
: Luke 6:46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?</Ref> but by their works we will know them.<Ref>James 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.</Ref> | |||
Some nations recognize the natural rights of ''people of faith'' and because of freedom of religion laws in those jurisdictions the testimony of a minister may be useful in obtaining exemptions and exclusions. The testimony should also be given judiciously and with mutual counsel of the brethren of the Church and the guidance of the [[Holy Spirit]]. | |||
=== Terms === | |||
* '''[[Congregant]]''' is one term that has been used to describe all the members of Families who gather in [[free assemblies]]. | |||
* '''[[CORE]]''' means a ''Congregation of Recorded Elders''. | |||
* '''Communicant''' could also be applied to the [[Elder]] or spokesmen of a family who has chosen a minister and communicated his desire and intent to be a part of that testamentary assembly of record bound by [[Sacred Purpose Trust|the sacred exercise]] of [[charity]] and the [[perfect law of liberty]] with the [[kingdom of God]]. | |||
* '''[[Elder]]''' is a head of a family. | |||
* '''Supplicant''' could also apply, in the sense that those who gather are now praying to the God of [[charity]] and [[love]] instead of to the gods of force and violence, as most people do. | |||
{{CORE}} | {{CORE}} | ||
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It is the minister who ''recognizes'' the congregant as a matter of record. | It is the minister who ''recognizes'' the congregant as a matter of record. | ||
To give the minister a legal but unencumbered identity a Sacred Purpose Trust [SPT] is created by the offerings of the people. The word Sacred denotes that the substance or corpus of the trust is consecrated to God and therefore is not to be considered a normal statutory trust but yet it has a legally recognizable identity, thanks be to Christ and His sacrifice. | To give the minister a legal but unencumbered identity, a [[Sacred Purpose Trust]] [SPT] is created by the offerings of the people. The word Sacred denotes that the substance or corpus of the trust is consecrated to God, and therefore it is not to be considered a normal statutory trust, but yet it has a legally recognizable identity, thanks be to Christ and His sacrifice. | ||
The offering of a Sacred Purpose Trust forms an [[Altars|Altar]] of the Church by estoppel, and it becomes a matter of record through the testimony of the people. Each [[stones|stone]] of these [[altars]] are called ''His Church'' at (xxx). | |||
No minister of His Church ought to accept these ''sacred'' contributions on behalf of ''[[His Church]]'' unless he is going to recognize that that individual is gathering in [[charity]] as a congregant of a [[CORE]]. | |||
Offerings are freely given. They are [[burnt Offerings|burnt up]] to the giver, and the ''reigns'' of control are the province of the [[Minister]] of [[His Church]]. The giver may express an opinion as to the purpose they desire in prayer, but it is the minister who accepts or rejects the offering, as well as being the determiner of its distribution. | |||
Besides the status of a minister being [[separate]] from the [[world]] or act [[ex officio]] there are several other conditions to consider because of the [[Doctrine of Jesus]] and [[Natural Law]]. | |||
* If the congregation has the power to determine the use of the funds, they have not truly nor entirely given them up. | |||
* If the congregation has the power of ''yea'' or ''nay'' over acceptance or distribution of funds, they enjoy a ''corporate right'' making them at least an [[Unincorporated Associations|unincorporated association]] subject to state regulation. | |||
If | * If a congregant has any entitlement or fiduciary relationship with a the ''sacred purpose trust'' it's "sacred purpose" may come into question. | ||
* If the choices and control of the corpus of a ''sacred purpose trust'' does not remain independent and exclusive then they may not remain ''[[sacred]]''. | |||
How [ | == COREs and Orders == | ||
How does a [[CORE]] differ from a [[Religious Orders|Religious Order]]? | |||
There are extremely complex spiritual and legal relationships at work in the system or body established by Christ. | There are extremely complex spiritual and legal relationships at work in the system or body established by Christ. | ||
It is a multidimensional puzzle that fits together on several different levels. | It is a multidimensional puzzle that fits together on several different levels. | ||
But like our own natural body they should be automatic and not require constant attention. They should be natural. | But like our own natural body, they should be automatic and not require constant attention. They should be natural. | ||
To illustrate part of this relationship: | To illustrate part of this relationship: | ||
* Think of a minister in part as a terminal in a [ | * Think of a minister in part as a terminal connection point in a [[network]]. | ||
He has ten or more connection points where people can congregate around and seek Christ. | He has ten or more connection points where people can congregate around and seek the [[kingdom of God]] and the [[righteousness]] of Christ. | ||
By interacting with each other and | By interacting with each other and his minister, the congregant is interacting with his minister's minister and therefore connected to all other congregants through the interaction in love with the larger spiritual body. | ||
The world does the same but in the kingdom this is done by empowering the individual to make their own choices but not choices for others. | The world does the same, but in the kingdom this is done by empowering the individual to make their own choices but not choices for others like the princes of the [[world]]. | ||
The minister in God's government was never meant in old or new | The minister in God's government was never meant in old or new testaments to stand between man and God, but he was to facilitate a [http://www.thelivingnetwork.org network] between men -- hopefully seeking the [[Kingdom of God]]. | ||
A man of God is one who eats of the tree of life as said in the | A man of God is one who eats of the tree of life, as said in the Old Testament, or as it says in the New Testament he receives the revelations or Comforter of God, in spirit, and then he acts upon them, in truth. | ||
We know connection to God is by acceptance of God as our father and we draw near him by our sacrifices in love. | We know a connection to God is by acceptance of God as our father, and we draw near him by our sacrifices in His love. | ||
If the elders can tell the minister who can congregate or connect to him then the minister is directly their servant. | If the elders can tell the minister who can or cannot congregate or connect to him, then the minister is directly their servant and not the servant of God. | ||
A minister is to serve the congregation, but as Christ's servant -- not theirs. | |||
Many will want and do regulate their minister in the Churches of the ''world'' | Many will want to regulate, and do regulate, their minister in the Churches of the ''world''. This is not the way of [[Christ]] nor [[Moses]]. The stones should not be ''hewn''. They must freely give and freely receive. | ||
If the minister is answerable to the directives of the congregation then they will seek to rule over ''their'' minister. The minister belongs to God not to the people. This is no small thing. | If the minister is answerable to the directives of the congregation, then they will seek to rule over ''their'' minister. The minister belongs to God, not to the people. This is no small thing. | ||
== Legal Bonds == | == Legal Bonds == | ||
If the people rule or regulate or ''hue | If the people rule or regulate or ''hue'' the living [[stones]] of God's [[altars]] and do it as a ''body'' then if any of them have another [[father]] as a matter of record that ''earthly father'' [Patronus] will have jurisdiction over the ''office of the minister'' and therefore the Church in matters of adjudication. Then the muster role of the congregation and the Church would bind the minister and the Church and bring them into subjugation. | ||
Even if | Even if the Church does not incorporate the ''[http://www.hisholychurch.org/sermon/fatherabba.php fathers] of the earth'' will claim jurisdiction by [[Unincorporated association|association]]. | ||
This is why offerings are burnt up | This is why offerings are | ||
''[[Burnt Offerings|burnt up; entirely given]]''. The power over that which is freely given, reigns of control over the distribution of offerings, must be entirely bestowed upon the minister and therefore the Church without any encumbrance attached. | |||
By the same measure there can be no power over the minister as to who he can accept or reject. | By the same measure there can be no power over the minister as to who or what he can accept or reject. That power of choice is held individually by ministers of an order or [[Ex officio]] by such ministers recognized by their service. | ||
Yet the power of choice remains entirely in the hands of the congregant but only over himself. | Yet, the power of choice to give remains entirely in the hands of the congregant but only over himself individually. | ||
=== To demonstrate: === | === To demonstrate: === | ||
In a practical matter if the minister is accepting people that drive congregants away or practice regular activities that the biblical instructions tell us | In a practical matter if the minister is accepting people that drive congregants away or practice regular activities that the biblical instructions tell us to avoid or stay away from such as we see in | ||
* 1 Timothy 6:5 "Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself." | * 1 Timothy 6:5 "Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself." | ||
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or | or | ||
* 2 Timothy 3:5 "Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away." | * 2 Timothy 3:...5 "... Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away." | ||
Then we may depart from that minister and choose another leaving judgment to God. | Then we may depart from that minister and choose another leaving judgment to God. | ||
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That process should include approaching the minister, approaching the overseer and other congregants but that is the choice of the congregant. | That process should include approaching the minister, approaching the overseer and other congregants but that is the choice of the congregant. | ||
In an order the members have left behind all their worldly connections and laid their life down for Christ in word and deed. | In an order the members have left behind all their worldly connections and laid their life down for Christ in word and deed. They are not of the [[world]] with no other father, such as the [http://www.hisholychurch.org/sermon/fatherabba.php fathers of the earth]. | ||
== Heart of the Assembly == | == Heart of the Assembly == | ||
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The ministers are dependent on the God of Heaven working in the hearts of the assembly and each other. | The ministers are dependent on the God of Heaven working in the hearts of the assembly and each other. | ||
For that to be real they need to strive and persevere. | For that to be real they need to strive and persevere with those who diligently assemble in the [[Name]] of [[Christ]]. | ||
They will need the blessings of God through the hearts of the people | They will need the blessings of God through the hearts of the people bestowed upon the minister according to law and righteousness. There must be a chain of authentication so that he is not considered ''"robbers of churches"''.<Ref>[[Acts 19]]:37 For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.</Ref> | ||
The [[Sacred Purpose Trust]] (SPT) form is a matter of record for the protection of the minister. It is his [[Breeches|covering]]. | |||
The SPT is for the protection of the minister. | |||
Why do we say ''protection''? | Why do we say ''protection''? | ||
'''"If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true."''' [[John 5]]:31 | |||
A | * A man is not a Church? | ||
* A congregation is not a Church? | |||
* A ministry is not a Church? | |||
* Are you a church or even a minister because you say so? | |||
The [[Church]] is an [[appoint]]ed body, "the religious society founded and established by Jesus Christ, to receive, preserve, and propagate his doctrines and ordinances." | |||
How do you form that body without taking or pooling the rights of the people? | |||
This is done through a "community of Christians, united under one form of government by the profession of one faith, and the observance of the same rituals and ceremonies." | |||
Those [[rituals and ceremonies]] include "service and sacrifice in charity and love" and the documented record of the continuous diligence from generation to generation to be used by the ''body'' of the Church to affirm a righteous ''conduct'' in truth concerning important matters, as in the performance of duties, transaction of affairs of Church which was appointed the Kingdom. | |||
Is a minister appointed by God and if so who will bear witness to the truth of that claim? | |||
Is a minister in a [http://www.thelivingnetwork.org network] of ministers where the highest amongst them is a servant to all and not just their local congregation? | |||
* John 5:33 "Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth." | * John 5:33 "Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth." | ||
Why did Jesus go to John the Baptist to be baptized by his ''authority''? | Why did Jesus go to [[John the Baptist]] to be baptized by his ''authority''? | ||
* Matthew 3:15 "And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer [it to be so] now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him." | * Matthew 3:15 "And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer [it to be so] now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him." | ||
=== Points to Ponder === | |||
Why did they ask ''By what authority?''<Ref>Matthew 21:23 "And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?"</Ref> | |||
And why did Jesus | And why did Jesus ask the same?<Ref> Matthew 21:24 -25 "... I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him?"</Ref> | ||
Why was he talking about ''authority'' and why did he get the baptism of John? | Why was he talking about ''authority'' and why did he get the [[baptism]] of John? | ||
We know the baptism of the temple was by the authority of Herod so why was the baptism of John and his authority such an issue and why did Jesus think he needed it to be righteous. | We know the baptism of the temple was by the authority of [[Herod]] so why was the baptism of John and his authority such an issue and why did Jesus think he needed it to be righteous. | ||
== Witnesses == | === Witnesses === | ||
* Acts 22:5 "As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren...." | * Acts 22:5 "As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren...." | ||
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Why do we want the testimony of the people? | Why do we want the testimony of the people? | ||
Are we afraid to move forward | Are we afraid to move forward without that testimony? | ||
Or do we move forward because we are compelled by the spirit within so that all things may be fulfilled? | Or do we move forward because we are compelled by the spirit within so that all things may be fulfilled? | ||
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Do you think Jesus sought the testimony of the people in Jerusalem because he was afraid? | Do you think Jesus sought the testimony of the people in Jerusalem because he was afraid? | ||
Did Peter try to talk Jesus out of going to Jerusalem because he was afraid for Jesus? | |||
Do you think Jesus was baptized by the authority of John because Jesus was afraid or because He knew the will and ways of God the Father? | Do you think Jesus was baptized by the authority of John because Jesus was afraid or because He knew the will and ways of God the Father? | ||
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It is your ''letter of determination'' so the minister does not need the IRS's ''letter of determination''... with enough SPTs we make our own determination. | It is your ''letter of determination'' so the minister does not need the IRS's ''letter of determination''... with enough SPTs we make our own determination. | ||
The chain of authentication of the Government of the people, for the people, and by the people begins with the SPT | The chain of authentication of the Government of the people, for the people, and by the people begins with the SPT form which is the prima facia evidence that we are what we say we are. | ||
It is important but by itself it is not enough. | It is important but by itself it is not enough. | ||
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Charity and love complete the parts of the complex puzzle on many dimensions. | Charity and love complete the parts of the complex puzzle on many dimensions. | ||
== Elders == | === Elders === | ||
Some then wonder that it is the elder who will say who is a minister by my vote/ offering? | Some then wonder that it is the [[elder]] who will say who is a minister by my vote/offering? | ||
You are an Elder by circumstance. An Elder is the elder of a family. | You are an [[Elder]] by circumstance. An Elder is the elder of a family. | ||
The minister testifies that a family is a part of a congregation of record. | The minister testifies that a family is a part of a congregation of record. | ||
He is the one who bears witness that you are a contributing element of a congregation of record and a viable part of the [http://www.thelivingnetwork.org living network]. | He is the one who bears witness that you are a contributing element of a congregation of record and a viable part of the [http://www.thelivingnetwork.org living network] of the Church and Kingdom of God. | ||
Remember it is not the people who appoint the minister. God appoints the minister but the [http://www.hisholychurch.org/news/articles/world.php world] cannot hear God for it has gone out of His presence. So the [[world]] needs the testimony of the people to accept the ministry of the servants of God as true. | |||
The world needs to see the testimony of the people in a form they can accept. | The world needs to see the testimony of the people in a form they can accept. | ||
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== The Way of the World == | == The Way of the World == | ||
The way of the world is the way of force and power, control and covetousness. They can see no other way for they are blind to | The way of the [[world]] is the way of force and power, control and [[covetousness]]. They can see no other way for they are blind to [[The Way]]s of God. In fact they will say the ways of the Father in heaven are wicked. | ||
The people should only support ministers who are seeking the kingdom of God and the service of God. They should only seek and apply for benefits that are freely given and provided by | The people should only support ministers who are seeking the kingdom of God and the service of God in righteousness. They should only seek and apply for benefits that are freely given and provided by [[freewill offerings]]. | ||
It is right that it is testimony by the people that makes that minister a minister of the people from the point of view of the [http://www.hisholychurch.org/news/articles/world.php world]. | It is right that it is testimony by the people that makes that minister a minister of the people from the point of view of the [http://www.hisholychurch.org/news/articles/world.php world]. | ||
It is also right that it is testimony by God through that minister that makes that minister a minister of the God from the point of view of the people who should testify of that minister to | It is also right that it is testimony by God through that minister that makes that minister a minister of the God from the point of view of the people who should testify of that minister to edify an office from which they may serve. | ||
We call that an office of His Church, and each His Church is a separate un-hewn stone of one altar. | We call that ''an office'' of His Church, and each [[His Church]] is a separate un-hewn stone of one altar. | ||
What we see in the world today is most ministers serving the [http://www.hisholychurch.org/sermon/godsmany.php gods] of the [http://www.hisholychurch.org/news/articles/world.php world] and | What we see in the world today is most ministers serving the [http://www.hisholychurch.org/sermon/godsmany.php gods] of the [http://www.hisholychurch.org/news/articles/world.php world] and taking the name of the Lord in vain. They form the [[altars]] of [http://www.hisholychurch.org/sermon/nicolaity.php Balaam] like the [[Nicolaitan|Nicolaitans]] whose deeds God hates. | ||
Woe unto the minister who claims to serve the God of heaven and comes to serve himself. | Woe unto the minister who claims to serve the God of heaven and comes to serve himself. | ||
The servants of God are blessed as they do the will of the Father. | |||
The servants of God are | |||
So in recognizing by written testimony the servants of God the people are blessed because they are reaching out to protect His servants. | So in recognizing by written testimony, the servants of God, the people, are blessed because they are reaching out to protect His servants. | ||
We have seen in the Bible where people are blessed and protected by God because they blessed and protected His servants. | We have seen in the Bible where people are blessed and protected by God because they blessed and protected His servants. And the minister is to testify of the faith of the individual congregant with the safety of all other congregants in mind. | ||
* Matthew 25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done [it] unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done [it] unto me. | * Matthew 25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done [it] unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done [it] unto me. | ||
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Have you been seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness?<Br> | Have you been seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness?<Br> | ||
http://hisholychurch.net/audio/2012-1-28VotariesandCongregants.mp3 | http://hisholychurch.net/audio/2012-1-28VotariesandCongregants.mp3 | ||
{{Template:Network}} | |||
== Footnotes == | |||
<references /> | |||
{{Template:Gregory-info}} | |||
[[Category:Topics]] | |||
[[Category:Articles]] |
Latest revision as of 19:54, 30 March 2023
Not Members
There is a misconception concerning congregations and being a member of a Congregation of Record (COR) or CORE.
A congregation is a free assembly of elders or heads of families.
So a congregation of record composed of elders is core to the kingdom, but having no corporate nature, they are not one body in a legal sense.
There is no corporate nature to a Congregation of Recorded Elders (CORE). Nor is a congregation an unincorporated association.
A Congregation of Record CORE is nothing more than an assembly who has given common testimony of recognition of a titular minister who leads the CORE in service to each other, but also to the whole Church established by Christ. They are home churches, but with an eye and heart for the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.
That service is like the Greek word leitourgia meaning "a public office which a citizen undertakes to administer at his own expense", from which we get the word liturgy.
- "Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all." Philippians 2:17
There is no authority of this leader over the people, nor can there be any authority of the people over the minister. There is only free choice in the manner and extent of your contribution to his service.
- "For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;" 2 Corinthians 9:12
Each elder contributes out of the love in his or her heart for their neighbor, both in and out of the congregation, and for the stranger in their midst, in accordance with the purposes of Christ.
- "Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me." Philippians 2:30
Because of the free nature of a gathering called a congregation, there are no real members in a legal sense of the word member as a person of a legal body or corpus.
In law, a legal body's member's individual status affects all the members. We see this in the phrase guilt by association. This is why a congregation should guard against becoming considered an unincorporated association. So to describe someone gathered in such a free assembly, one needs to seek out and understand other terms.
Christ had a solution we call salvation that depends on our willingness to come together in a system of faith, hope and charity under the perfect law of liberty bound by love. This is COR. This is the COR_Solution of Christ.
Status
The status of the individual is a product of their past. Repentance is a changing of the mind and the direction of the soul which will determine the status of their future through the grace of God.
A Sacred Purpose Trust (SPT) form cannot change the status of the individual. It's purpose is to provide a covering for the Minister and provide a tool in the communion of the whole society and community of the Church from generation to generation in the daily ministration of the affairs of the Kingdom of God in a continuous declaration of faith.
If the status or state of the individual congregant could be changed by the Church then the congregant would be a subject of the Church and not a free soul under God. The testimony of a minister concerning the faith and charity of a congregant should be judiciously given with equal love and concern for all other congregants. That testimony is based not only on the minister's observation and the congregant's claim but also the witness of two more other people with intimate knowledge of the congregant and known to the minister over time.[1] And more importantly based on the Holy Spirit who is the Comforter.
The Church has a system of declarations and records for internal use in the fulfillment of its ministerial duties and the purposes of the Church assigned by Christ. The seeking of the Kingdom of God must be first spiritual and also righteous. Our testimony must be reasonably sure and prove the test of time in all things.
Documents are often merely an expression of intent while the deeds are a testimony of sincerity, conviction and truth. It is not by what people "say"[2] but by their works we will know them.[3]
Some nations recognize the natural rights of people of faith and because of freedom of religion laws in those jurisdictions the testimony of a minister may be useful in obtaining exemptions and exclusions. The testimony should also be given judiciously and with mutual counsel of the brethren of the Church and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Terms
- Congregant is one term that has been used to describe all the members of Families who gather in free assemblies.
- CORE means a Congregation of Recorded Elders.
- Communicant could also be applied to the Elder or spokesmen of a family who has chosen a minister and communicated his desire and intent to be a part of that testamentary assembly of record bound by the sacred exercise of charity and the perfect law of liberty with the kingdom of God.
- Elder is a head of a family.
- Supplicant could also apply, in the sense that those who gather are now praying to the God of charity and love instead of to the gods of force and violence, as most people do.
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Approval
Also, and because of the free nature of God's system of government, in becoming a congregant there is no approval required by the other congregants.
It is the minister who recognizes the congregant as a matter of record.
To give the minister a legal but unencumbered identity, a Sacred Purpose Trust [SPT] is created by the offerings of the people. The word Sacred denotes that the substance or corpus of the trust is consecrated to God, and therefore it is not to be considered a normal statutory trust, but yet it has a legally recognizable identity, thanks be to Christ and His sacrifice.
The offering of a Sacred Purpose Trust forms an Altar of the Church by estoppel, and it becomes a matter of record through the testimony of the people. Each stone of these altars are called His Church at (xxx).
No minister of His Church ought to accept these sacred contributions on behalf of His Church unless he is going to recognize that that individual is gathering in charity as a congregant of a CORE.
Offerings are freely given. They are burnt up to the giver, and the reigns of control are the province of the Minister of His Church. The giver may express an opinion as to the purpose they desire in prayer, but it is the minister who accepts or rejects the offering, as well as being the determiner of its distribution.
Besides the status of a minister being separate from the world or act ex officio there are several other conditions to consider because of the Doctrine of Jesus and Natural Law.
- If the congregation has the power to determine the use of the funds, they have not truly nor entirely given them up.
- If the congregation has the power of yea or nay over acceptance or distribution of funds, they enjoy a corporate right making them at least an unincorporated association subject to state regulation.
- If a congregant has any entitlement or fiduciary relationship with a the sacred purpose trust it's "sacred purpose" may come into question.
- If the choices and control of the corpus of a sacred purpose trust does not remain independent and exclusive then they may not remain sacred.
COREs and Orders
How does a CORE differ from a Religious Order?
There are extremely complex spiritual and legal relationships at work in the system or body established by Christ.
It is a multidimensional puzzle that fits together on several different levels.
But like our own natural body, they should be automatic and not require constant attention. They should be natural.
To illustrate part of this relationship:
- Think of a minister in part as a terminal connection point in a network.
He has ten or more connection points where people can congregate around and seek the kingdom of God and the righteousness of Christ.
By interacting with each other and his minister, the congregant is interacting with his minister's minister and therefore connected to all other congregants through the interaction in love with the larger spiritual body.
The world does the same, but in the kingdom this is done by empowering the individual to make their own choices but not choices for others like the princes of the world.
The minister in God's government was never meant in old or new testaments to stand between man and God, but he was to facilitate a network between men -- hopefully seeking the Kingdom of God.
A man of God is one who eats of the tree of life, as said in the Old Testament, or as it says in the New Testament he receives the revelations or Comforter of God, in spirit, and then he acts upon them, in truth.
We know a connection to God is by acceptance of God as our father, and we draw near him by our sacrifices in His love.
If the elders can tell the minister who can or cannot congregate or connect to him, then the minister is directly their servant and not the servant of God.
A minister is to serve the congregation, but as Christ's servant -- not theirs.
Many will want to regulate, and do regulate, their minister in the Churches of the world. This is not the way of Christ nor Moses. The stones should not be hewn. They must freely give and freely receive.
If the minister is answerable to the directives of the congregation, then they will seek to rule over their minister. The minister belongs to God, not to the people. This is no small thing.
Legal Bonds
If the people rule or regulate or hue the living stones of God's altars and do it as a body then if any of them have another father as a matter of record that earthly father [Patronus] will have jurisdiction over the office of the minister and therefore the Church in matters of adjudication. Then the muster role of the congregation and the Church would bind the minister and the Church and bring them into subjugation.
Even if the Church does not incorporate the fathers of the earth will claim jurisdiction by association.
This is why offerings are burnt up; entirely given. The power over that which is freely given, reigns of control over the distribution of offerings, must be entirely bestowed upon the minister and therefore the Church without any encumbrance attached.
By the same measure there can be no power over the minister as to who or what he can accept or reject. That power of choice is held individually by ministers of an order or Ex officio by such ministers recognized by their service.
Yet, the power of choice to give remains entirely in the hands of the congregant but only over himself individually.
To demonstrate:
In a practical matter if the minister is accepting people that drive congregants away or practice regular activities that the biblical instructions tell us to avoid or stay away from such as we see in
- 1 Timothy 6:5 "Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself."
or
- 2 Timothy 3:...5 "... Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away."
Then we may depart from that minister and choose another leaving judgment to God.
That process should include approaching the minister, approaching the overseer and other congregants but that is the choice of the congregant.
In an order the members have left behind all their worldly connections and laid their life down for Christ in word and deed. They are not of the world with no other father, such as the fathers of the earth.
Heart of the Assembly
The ministers are dependent on the God of Heaven working in the hearts of the assembly and each other.
For that to be real they need to strive and persevere with those who diligently assemble in the Name of Christ.
They will need the blessings of God through the hearts of the people bestowed upon the minister according to law and righteousness. There must be a chain of authentication so that he is not considered "robbers of churches".[4]
The Sacred Purpose Trust (SPT) form is a matter of record for the protection of the minister. It is his covering.
Why do we say protection?
"If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true." John 5:31
- A man is not a Church?
- A congregation is not a Church?
- A ministry is not a Church?
- Are you a church or even a minister because you say so?
The Church is an appointed body, "the religious society founded and established by Jesus Christ, to receive, preserve, and propagate his doctrines and ordinances."
How do you form that body without taking or pooling the rights of the people?
This is done through a "community of Christians, united under one form of government by the profession of one faith, and the observance of the same rituals and ceremonies."
Those rituals and ceremonies include "service and sacrifice in charity and love" and the documented record of the continuous diligence from generation to generation to be used by the body of the Church to affirm a righteous conduct in truth concerning important matters, as in the performance of duties, transaction of affairs of Church which was appointed the Kingdom.
Is a minister appointed by God and if so who will bear witness to the truth of that claim?
Is a minister in a network of ministers where the highest amongst them is a servant to all and not just their local congregation?
- John 5:33 "Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth."
Why did Jesus go to John the Baptist to be baptized by his authority?
- Matthew 3:15 "And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer [it to be so] now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him."
Points to Ponder
Why did they ask By what authority?[5]
And why did Jesus ask the same?[6]
Why was he talking about authority and why did he get the baptism of John?
We know the baptism of the temple was by the authority of Herod so why was the baptism of John and his authority such an issue and why did Jesus think he needed it to be righteous.
Witnesses
- Acts 22:5 "As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren...."
Why do we want the testimony of the people?
Are we afraid to move forward without that testimony?
Or do we move forward because we are compelled by the spirit within so that all things may be fulfilled?
- Hebrews 12:23 "To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,"
Can any imagine that some preach the whole gospel and go against the heart of the whole world and do these things out of fear of men or out of fear of God respecting his will?
Do you think Jesus sought the testimony of the people in Jerusalem because he was afraid?
Did Peter try to talk Jesus out of going to Jerusalem because he was afraid for Jesus?
Do you think Jesus was baptized by the authority of John because Jesus was afraid or because He knew the will and ways of God the Father?
What did Jesus tell Peter when Peter tried to say that Jesus did not need to go to Jerusalem and get the support of the people?
If the people are to be free they should bear witness to titular leaders who seek to serve because that is in the heart of the people.
Un-hewn Stones
- Exodus 20:25 "And if thou wilt make me an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn stone: for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it."
The minister is the living un-hewn stone of the Altar of God.
No one has any say so in what the COR does because it is a free assembly. It also helps the Overseer if needs arise. It also protects the whole church by barring the world.
It is your letter of determination so the minister does not need the IRS's letter of determination... with enough SPTs we make our own determination.
The chain of authentication of the Government of the people, for the people, and by the people begins with the SPT form which is the prima facia evidence that we are what we say we are.
It is important but by itself it is not enough.
Charity and love complete the parts of the complex puzzle on many dimensions.
Elders
Some then wonder that it is the elder who will say who is a minister by my vote/offering?
You are an Elder by circumstance. An Elder is the elder of a family. The minister testifies that a family is a part of a congregation of record.
He is the one who bears witness that you are a contributing element of a congregation of record and a viable part of the living network of the Church and Kingdom of God.
Remember it is not the people who appoint the minister. God appoints the minister but the world cannot hear God for it has gone out of His presence. So the world needs the testimony of the people to accept the ministry of the servants of God as true.
The world needs to see the testimony of the people in a form they can accept.
The world cannot see God or His ways.
The Way of the World
The way of the world is the way of force and power, control and covetousness. They can see no other way for they are blind to The Ways of God. In fact they will say the ways of the Father in heaven are wicked.
The people should only support ministers who are seeking the kingdom of God and the service of God in righteousness. They should only seek and apply for benefits that are freely given and provided by freewill offerings.
It is right that it is testimony by the people that makes that minister a minister of the people from the point of view of the world.
It is also right that it is testimony by God through that minister that makes that minister a minister of the God from the point of view of the people who should testify of that minister to edify an office from which they may serve.
We call that an office of His Church, and each His Church is a separate un-hewn stone of one altar.
What we see in the world today is most ministers serving the gods of the world and taking the name of the Lord in vain. They form the altars of Balaam like the Nicolaitans whose deeds God hates.
Woe unto the minister who claims to serve the God of heaven and comes to serve himself.
The servants of God are blessed as they do the will of the Father.
So in recognizing by written testimony, the servants of God, the people, are blessed because they are reaching out to protect His servants.
We have seen in the Bible where people are blessed and protected by God because they blessed and protected His servants. And the minister is to testify of the faith of the individual congregant with the safety of all other congregants in mind.
- Matthew 25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done [it] unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done [it] unto me.
Audio
Congregants
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/brother-gregory/2013/09/21/hebrews-chapter-1
Votaries and Congregants
How does God want you to govern yourself in this world?
How does the perfect law of liberty work?
Have you been seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness?
http://hisholychurch.net/audio/2012-1-28VotariesandCongregants.mp3
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Footnotes
- ↑ Luke 22:28 Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations.
- ↑ Matthew 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
- Luke 6:46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
- ↑ James 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
- ↑ Acts 19:37 For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.
- ↑ Matthew 21:23 "And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?"
- ↑ Matthew 21:24 -25 "... I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him?"
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