DisclaimerDisclaimer

I will be dealing with some of the I will be dealing with some of the sensitive inner workings of an sensitive inner workings of an ecclesia arrangement.ecclesia arrangement.

Temptation will be to assume that Temptation will be to assume that we are specifically addressing you or we are specifically addressing you or situations you know.situations you know.

Repeated DisclaimerRepeated Disclaimer

Temptation will be to assume that Temptation will be to assume that we are specifically pointing to you or we are specifically pointing to you or situations you know.situations you know.

Resist this temptation.Resist this temptation.

His Sheep Am IHis Sheep Am I

A prerequisite A prerequisite

You might consider Br. Ric You might consider Br. Ric Cunningham’s recent talk entitled “The Cunningham’s recent talk entitled “The Ecclesia” which builds a strong case Ecclesia” which builds a strong case for following the ecclesia arrangement for following the ecclesia arrangement first established by our Lord.first established by our Lord.

And we as His Sheep follow this And we as His Sheep follow this ecclesia precedentecclesia precedent, even today, two , even today, two thousand years later.thousand years later.

The ecclesia …The ecclesia …

IN CONSIDERING this subject it is well IN CONSIDERING this subject it is well that we keep clearly before our minds that we keep clearly before our minds the oneness of the Church, and that the oneness of the Church, and that while the entire Church throughout the while the entire Church throughout the world is one, yet in another sense of the world is one, yet in another sense of the word each separate gathering, or word each separate gathering, or company, of believers is a company, of believers is a representation of the whole…representation of the whole…

Each separate Each separate EcclesiaEcclesia, therefore, is to , therefore, is to consider the Lord as consider the Lord as itsits Head, and to Head, and to consider the twelve apostles as the consider the twelve apostles as the twelve stars, bright ones, teachers twelve stars, bright ones, teachers Vol Vol 6. Page 2736. Page 273

The EcclesiaThe Ecclesia

Servants of the EcclesiaServants of the Ecclesia Elders as under shepherdsElders as under shepherds Only Only consecratedconsecrated cast votes cast votes Each member has Each member has single votesingle vote

A single interpretation of the Lord’s will.A single interpretation of the Lord’s will. Collectively it is more likely to be accurate.Collectively it is more likely to be accurate.

Ecclesia decisions also represent the Lord’s Ecclesia decisions also represent the Lord’s willwill Permissive – or Express will of GodPermissive – or Express will of God

Eg. – Israel wandering in the wilderness vs. entering Eg. – Israel wandering in the wilderness vs. entering the promise landthe promise land

Permission of Evil also applies to the EcclesiaPermission of Evil also applies to the Ecclesia

Navigating in Perilous Navigating in Perilous TimesTimes

Can an under shepherd protect and Can an under shepherd protect and ecclesia from these “plausible ecclesia from these “plausible counterfeits”?counterfeits”?

Plausible counterfeits…Plausible counterfeits… "In the last days," says the Apostle, "perilous "In the last days," says the Apostle, "perilous

times shall come." (times shall come." (2 Tim. 3:12 Tim. 3:1.) Why? .) Why? Because the prince of darkness will make Because the prince of darkness will make every possible effort to retain his power and every possible effort to retain his power and dominion; and ignorance, error and dominion; and ignorance, error and superstition are his strongholds. He first used superstition are his strongholds. He first used all his power to keep men in ignorance and to all his power to keep men in ignorance and to foster superstition. foster superstition. But now God's due time But now God's due time has come for knowledge to be increased has come for knowledge to be increased ((Dan. 12:4Dan. 12:4), and the Millennial dawn is ), and the Millennial dawn is breaking; and not only the Church but the breaking; and not only the Church but the world is now waking up and beginning to world is now waking up and beginning to think. So the policy of Satan now is to devise think. So the policy of Satan now is to devise plausible counterfeits of the truth whereby to plausible counterfeits of the truth whereby to entrap and mislead those who have been entrap and mislead those who have been making progress in the knowledge of the making progress in the knowledge of the divine plan.divine plan. R4798R4798

Voice of the ShepherdVoice of the Shepherd

Joh 10:27Joh 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I know them, and they follow me:

How is this voice heard?How is this voice heard?

Conscience tuned by the Word of God.Conscience tuned by the Word of God.

Other educating of the conscience?Other educating of the conscience?

Following Christ, Following Christ, Shepherd of the FlockShepherd of the Flock

APOSTLE PAUL: APOSTLE PAUL: 1Co 11:11Co 11:1 Be ye followers of me, Be ye followers of me, even as I also even as I also amam of Christ. of Christ.

What is a transparent leader/under What is a transparent leader/under shepherd?shepherd?

Transparent Leaders…Transparent Leaders… Pastor Russell as an examplePastor Russell as an example

We find the man or woman who tries to put We find the man or woman who tries to put themselves forward, to make themselves themselves forward, to make themselves conspicuous, will injure their influence to conspicuous, will injure their influence to that extent. I would say that especially with that extent. I would say that especially with regard to elders of various classes. It seems regard to elders of various classes. It seems to me … [the elder]… aught to perform the to me … [the elder]… aught to perform the duties that devolve on an elder in a spirit that duties that devolve on an elder in a spirit that is so permeated with humility that others is so permeated with humility that others would get a blessing from his service, and yet would get a blessing from his service, and yet at the same time would hardly be aware of at the same time would hardly be aware of the fact that he was the elder of the class. the fact that he was the elder of the class. B H B H

Barton P 274 Pilgrim Echoes – “Christian Fellowship”Barton P 274 Pilgrim Echoes – “Christian Fellowship”

Also gives Holy Spirit to Also gives Holy Spirit to GuideGuide

Joh 16:13Joh 16:13 Howbeit when Howbeit when itit, the , the Spirit of truth, is come, Spirit of truth, is come, itit will guide will guide you into all truth:you into all truth:

Guide you into all truth…Guide you into all truth…

Today in the US and around the world Today in the US and around the world – why do we see ecclesia boundaries? – why do we see ecclesia boundaries? Or larger group boundaries?Or larger group boundaries?

There are possible scenarios that we There are possible scenarios that we will briefly examine.will briefly examine. Small groups can self confirm plausible Small groups can self confirm plausible

arguments.arguments. Individuals in ecclesia/region with an Individuals in ecclesia/region with an

inordinate amount of influence.inordinate amount of influence.

In this In this "voluntary"voluntary association" of the association" of the consecrated there is no imperial authority of consecrated there is no imperial authority of one over another; and no lording over God's one over another; and no lording over God's heritage should be permitted; for the one and heritage should be permitted; for the one and only Lord has left the instruction, "Be not ye only Lord has left the instruction, "Be not ye called Rabbi; for one is your Master, even called Rabbi; for one is your Master, even Christ, and Christ, and all ye areall ye are brethren."brethren."----Matt. 23:8Matt. 23:8. .

Instead of the kingly and lordly rule prevailing Instead of the kingly and lordly rule prevailing in the customs of the world, the Master gave in the customs of the world, the Master gave all another and an opposite rule, saying, "Ye all another and an opposite rule, saying, "Ye know that they which are accounted to rule know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you; but them. But so shall it not be among you; but whosoever will be great among you, shall be whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister [literally, servant]; and your minister [literally, servant]; and whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all [or greatest servant]; for even servant of all [or greatest servant]; for even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto the Son of man came not to be ministered unto [to be served], but to minister [to serve], and [to be served], but to minister [to serve], and to give his life a ransom for many."-- to give his life a ransom for many."-- Mark Mark 10:42-4510:42-45. . R1574R1574

We like sheep have gone We like sheep have gone astray…astray…

Addressing two parts…Addressing two parts…

There are two different parts of the There are two different parts of the ecclesia that are interrelated. ecclesia that are interrelated.

We will be addressing We will be addressing Leaders of SheepLeaders of Sheep SheepSheep

Issues facing under Issues facing under shepherdsshepherds

Must Give an AccountMust Give an AccountHeb 13:17Heb 13:17 Obey them that have the Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as for they watch for your souls, as they they that must give accountthat must give account, that they may , that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for do it with joy, and not with grief: for that that isis unprofitable for you. unprofitable for you.

Perilous times – Plausible Counterfeits Perilous times – Plausible Counterfeits Protect flock from grievous wolvesProtect flock from grievous wolves Exhorting, RebukingExhorting, Rebuking

Temptations for under Temptations for under shepherdsshepherds

To be anxious about these difficult To be anxious about these difficult issuesissues Anxiety Anxiety Fear Fear ?? ??

Fear does not mean that the under Fear does not mean that the under shepherd would stand trembling. shepherd would stand trembling.

Fear can trigger a seemingly Fear can trigger a seemingly strong/bold response and the true strong/bold response and the true fear is hidden.fear is hidden.

Comfort for these Comfort for these anxieties…anxieties…

Proverbs 19:21 Good News – “People may Proverbs 19:21 Good News – “People may plan all kinds of things, but the Lord’s will is plan all kinds of things, but the Lord’s will is going to be done.”going to be done.”

Proverbs 22:12 Good News “Proverbs 22:12 Good News “The Lord sees The Lord sees to itto it that Truth is kept safe by disproving the that Truth is kept safe by disproving the words of liers.”words of liers.”

- Yes we can be a tool of the Lord- Yes we can be a tool of the Lord

- But owning the issue is anxiety producing- But owning the issue is anxiety producing

- “The Lord sees to it…”- “The Lord sees to it…”

Who is Captain of this Who is Captain of this boat?boat?

Steadying the arkSteadying the ark Careth thou not that we perish?Careth thou not that we perish? ““Why are ye so fearful – how is it Why are ye so fearful – how is it

that you do not have faith?”that you do not have faith?” If we lack faith – can we become If we lack faith – can we become

over controlling – trying to “help” over controlling – trying to “help” the current situation.the current situation.

God is fighting for us not God is fighting for us not vise versavise versa

THE CONTENDING FORCESTHE CONTENDING FORCES For whom do we fight--for God? for Christ? No, we For whom do we fight--for God? for Christ? No, we

answer. We answer. We fight for ourselves.fight for ourselves. A great mistake is made A great mistake is made on this point by many who seem to imagine that fighting on this point by many who seem to imagine that fighting the good fight of faith is doing something the good fight of faith is doing something forfor God,God, which which deserves His thanks and reward. The Almighty God does deserves His thanks and reward. The Almighty God does not need that we should fight for not need that we should fight for Him.Him. He is omnipotent, He is omnipotent, abundantly able to take care of Himself and His cause; abundantly able to take care of Himself and His cause; He needs not our puny effortsHe needs not our puny efforts. God is fighting for . God is fighting for us,us, and assisting and encouraging us to fight the good fight and assisting and encouraging us to fight the good fight of faith on of faith on our own behalf.our own behalf. It is well that this feature of It is well that this feature of the case be clearly discerned. the case be clearly discerned.

Against whom do we fight? We answer, our battle is not Against whom do we fight? We answer, our battle is not against our fellow-creatures, nor with carnal weapons… against our fellow-creatures, nor with carnal weapons… R5109R5109

Inordinate influence or Inordinate influence or control…control…

Two disservices to the SHEEP Two disservices to the SHEEP results (at least)results (at least) Sheep will reject the under shepherdSheep will reject the under shepherd

(specifically or generally where the (specifically or generally where the ministry is blamed)ministry is blamed)

Sheep are trained into submission to Sheep are trained into submission to the under shepherd (thereby preparing the under shepherd (thereby preparing them to be controlled by any other over them to be controlled by any other over zealous under shepherd)zealous under shepherd)

Impact on the SheepImpact on the Sheep

Over influencing of SHEEP sends Over influencing of SHEEP sends negative messagesnegative messages:: I don’t trust you to be able to do it rightI don’t trust you to be able to do it right I don’t respect your spiritual judgment I don’t respect your spiritual judgment I don’t think you are spiritually I don’t think you are spiritually

competent competent I don’t value your sanctified insight, I don’t value your sanctified insight,

experienceexperience

Warning from THEE Warning from THEE ShepherdShepherd

Mat 18:6Mat 18:6 But whoso shall offend one But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, millstone were hanged about his neck, and and thatthat he were drowned in the he were drowned in the depth of the sea. depth of the sea.

Mat 18:7 Woe unto the world Mat 18:7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! man by whom the offence cometh!

What is an under What is an under shepherd shepherd

to do then?to do then? Help to build a stronger sheep.Help to build a stronger sheep.

SHEEP: Ecclesia VotingSHEEP: Ecclesia Voting

Midterm Elections – Did you vote?Midterm Elections – Did you vote? When asked –what would you sayWhen asked –what would you say Do others vote in their church Do others vote in their church

meetings? If they have no say – then meetings? If they have no say – then they have to pick a church to go to.they have to pick a church to go to.

For us we have this great privilege of For us we have this great privilege of the ecclesia and voting, as if we were the ecclesia and voting, as if we were members of the board of directors for members of the board of directors for the “Church”the “Church”

One vote per sheepOne vote per sheep

The collective vote of the ecclesiaThe collective vote of the ecclesia Each consecrated member Each consecrated member

contributes one votecontributes one vote Sheepish votingSheepish voting Voting our conscience Voting our conscience

Achilles Heel of the Achilles Heel of the EcclesiaEcclesia

Inordinate influence in Nominations Inordinate influence in Nominations and Voting time can be a sign of and Voting time can be a sign of ecclesia weakness.ecclesia weakness.

From Wikipedia: From Wikipedia: An An Achilles’ heelAchilles’ heel is a fatal weakness in spite of overall is a fatal weakness in spite of overall strength, actually or potentially strength, actually or potentially leading to downfall.leading to downfall.

SummarySummary

Maintain integrity of ecclesia Maintain integrity of ecclesia decisions.decisions.

Maintain integrity of individual and Maintain integrity of individual and conscience.conscience.

Maintaining Truth.Maintaining Truth. Maintaining the Spirit of the Truth.Maintaining the Spirit of the Truth.

An antidote for anxiety…An antidote for anxiety…

Phil 4:6 NIV “Do not be anxious about Phil 4:6 NIV “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”requests to God.” I am thankful for long business meetings I am thankful for long business meetings

because it means the brethren still have a voice.because it means the brethren still have a voice. I am thankful for the cold drafts in our meeting I am thankful for the cold drafts in our meeting

hall because it means we still have somewhere hall because it means we still have somewhere to meet.to meet.

I am thankful for the children making little I am thankful for the children making little noises because it means that their parents want noises because it means that their parents want them to be with the brethren.them to be with the brethren.

I am thankful for…I am thankful for…

Viewing other sheepViewing other sheep I remember the words of the Apostle Paul in Romans 15:24. He told us I remember the words of the Apostle Paul in Romans 15:24. He told us

about the journey he hoped to make to Spain, and he said he expected to go about the journey he hoped to make to Spain, and he said he expected to go by way of Rome, and he would stop and visit the Roman brethren, and he by way of Rome, and he would stop and visit the Roman brethren, and he said he hoped that he would be somewhat filled with them. Another said he hoped that he would be somewhat filled with them. Another translation makes it a little clearer – “he hoped he would be partly satisfied translation makes it a little clearer – “he hoped he would be partly satisfied with them.” What! Did the Apostle expect to be partly satisfied with the with them.” What! Did the Apostle expect to be partly satisfied with the brethren at Rome. Did he not expect to be entirely satisfied? No. He was brethren at Rome. Did he not expect to be entirely satisfied? No. He was not entirely satisfied with himself, so how could he be entirely satisfied with not entirely satisfied with himself, so how could he be entirely satisfied with them? I know I have been acquainted with myself a great deal longer than them? I know I have been acquainted with myself a great deal longer than I have been acquainted with you and I know that I have had opportunities I have been acquainted with you and I know that I have had opportunities to understand my motives better than I could possibly understand your to understand my motives better than I could possibly understand your motives, because I can not read your hearts, and I know I have had plenty motives, because I can not read your hearts, and I know I have had plenty of time to get accustomed to my own peculiarities and idiosyncrasies, and of time to get accustomed to my own peculiarities and idiosyncrasies, and so on, while I have not had much opportunity to get acquainted with yours. so on, while I have not had much opportunity to get acquainted with yours. It must be then, that if after all of these years I am not satisfied with It must be then, that if after all of these years I am not satisfied with myself, how can I possibly be satisfied with you. I know that in you there myself, how can I possibly be satisfied with you. I know that in you there are things I do not like; if I do not know what they are it is simply because I are things I do not like; if I do not know what they are it is simply because I have not been with you long enough. If you and I could live under the same have not been with you long enough. If you and I could live under the same roof for about six months probably I would know something about your roof for about six months probably I would know something about your weaknesses, and probably you would know something about mine; and weaknesses, and probably you would know something about mine; and therefore the thing for us to do is not to cultivate the spirit that would therefore the thing for us to do is not to cultivate the spirit that would readily find fault because a brother is weak, but rather the spirit which readily find fault because a brother is weak, but rather the spirit which seeks to be strengthened and benefited and helped by the weaknesses of seeks to be strengthened and benefited and helped by the weaknesses of the brethren. How can these weaknesses help us? By developing in us the brethren. How can these weaknesses help us? By developing in us more of the spirit of patience, of compassion etc – the spirit that would more of the spirit of patience, of compassion etc – the spirit that would make allowances for that brother. make allowances for that brother. B H BARTON – P 278 Pilgrim B H BARTON – P 278 Pilgrim Echoes – “Christian Fellowship”Echoes – “Christian Fellowship”