RE: [TruthTalk] The Outside of the Cup

[Slade Henson]

Ah, I wasn't aware of that, Terry. We used to have a home fellowship as well. Until we grew out of our house and had to move to a building. Our fellowship was set up basically the same way you're describing. No one was paid there, either, but we were able to provide for a widow and send monetary gifts to those in need. I would say you're "paying the shepherd" in the form of the missionaries. Regarding money being spent on the buildings and stuff...yea, I think it's pretty sad. One church we attended spent over $40,000.00 on blacktop for their driveway. Now, I don't know anything about roads, but I thought the driveway looked fine. I was appalled at the amount of money, especially when they wouldn't send any missionaries to Israel. I know...because I asked and offered to go. I was answered with...Oh, NO! Israel is in the 10/40 (is that what it's called..maybe 10/30) window! That's too dangerous! Sounds to me like it's needed if it's in the scary window!     Kay -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]On Behalf Of Terry Clifton Sent: Monday, 06 December, 2004 18.04 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [TruthTalk] The Outside of the Cup    We don't have a church house or a pastor Kay.  We have a home church, as many in the early church did.  No mortgage, no janitor, no secretary, no preacher, no bills.  Our giving is to those in need.  In 1 Cor. 14:26, you find one , if not the only description of a church meeting.  If you read it, you will notice that it is not one guy talking and all the rest listening.  Everyone takes part, much the way I understand the synagogue to function, except we meet first for a shared meal, what the Bible calls a love feast, then a time of prayer requests, followed by prayer, followed by Bible study and discussion. Can you imagine how much money is pumped into buildings and speakers and choir robes and salaries and insurance  that could be spent to feed and house those living in garbage dumps in Manila, or build orphanages in India , or send out missionaries who now want to go but have no funding?  We made it possible for an orphanage in Slovakia to buy a much needed tractor so they could grow their own food.  I think the Lord would rather we do that than hire someone to preach to us We have preachers in this area and probably every area who preach without being paid.  They see it as a calling, not a career.  If they are stable residents, there is no reason why they should not support themselves as Paul did.  If, on the other hand, they are on the mission field or traveling evangelists, I see no reason not to take up an offering to help them. Terry