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Short Writings

A Fresh Breeze is Blowing (adapted from New Wine Skins) - by Nate Krupp A fresh breeze is blowing. In this hour, God is calling and leading His Church back to the humility, simplicity, and mutuality of the Early Church as seen in the New Testament. He is saying, "For 1,700 years you have done it your way. Now you are going to do it My way." We are now in the midst of the early days of a sovereign, very radical, new move of God that will result in true, New Testament Christianity and the final fulfillment of the Great Commission. This new move of God is characterized by the following: 1. From serving God to knowing God. Most of us have known about and served God for years. Now He is calling us to truly and deeply know Him and supremely love Him and Him alone. True fruit will be produced naturally as we intimately know and love Him. 2. From a Gospel of "easy-believism" to the Gospel of the Kingdom. In the 1960's people were encouraged to "accept Christ." This often resulted in shallow conversions, people who were not truly converted. Today, God is calling His servants to preach "the Gospel of the Kingdom" which requires us to call men to repent (turn from sin) and to make Jesus their Lord or King, the Sovereign ruler of their lives. 3. From the efforts of man to the works of God. The days of putting out a sign, starting some programs, and conducting services to do God's work are over! We must learn to "do God's work in God's way." We need to wait upon Him; learn to know His voice; get our direction from Him alone; and obey promptly and totally. We must pay the price for revival. We must give ourselves to united, intensive, extraordinary prayer and warfare. We need to believe God to confirm His Word with signs and wonders. We need to implore God to teachus to do His work His way - and be ready to make drastic changes as He does just that. Then the fruit will be produced by Him - and He will get all of the glory. 4. From insecure, wounded people to people made whole by Jesus Christ. Most of us have had traumatic experiences and have received deep woundings from other people. The word "salvation" means soundness, deliverance, wholeness. Jesus wants to heal us and set us free - body, soul, and spirit - to live a life of total victory. He is today raising up an army of such people - made whole by Him in every way - to live an abundant life that brings glory to God. 5. From being told by man what to do to learning to hear God's voice and doing what He tells you to do. For too long we have gotten our revelation and guidance from others. God wants us to grow up, learn how to hear His voice (John10:3-5), and get our understanding of truth and direction from Him. And yet, of course, we need to do that in an attitude of submission towards all. 6. From clergy-dominated services and programs to mutually-participating communities of believers. We are used to attending "a church" and participating in "a service" led by "the minister, clergy, or pastor." But such is not the case in Scripture. The Early Christians, for three hundred years, gathered in their homes to experience "koinonia," to share their lives with each other (Acts 2:42-47). They gathered together to build up one another by that which each one shared with the group (1 Corinthians14:26, Ephesians 4:15-16, Hebrews 10:23-25). The moving of God's Spirit in supernatural expression and power was an important aspect of these gatherings (1 Corinthians, chapters 12-14). Today we have developed a spectator Christianity where a few (the "clergy") perform and the many (the "laymen") observe. Many of our Sunday morning services are nothing but a religious "production." We have made idols out of the Sunday morning service, the pastor, the building, pulpit, choir, platform, etc. We need to repent and return to the humility, simplicity, and mutual participation of the Early Church. The indication that the time is ripe for this transition can be seen in many churches today where godly people ("laymen") who have been deep in the Word for twenty years, and have gifts and ministries that God has given them, are getting "bored" with being spoon-fed. They are eager to do some sharing themselves. God has been teaching them much, taking them deeper in understanding the Word, intercession, etc. Yet,when the Body of Christ gathers together, there often is little or no opportunity to share. 7. From one-man leadership to team, servant leadership. The early Christians worked in teams: Jesus sent the twelve and seventy out in pairs; Paul always had associates (Barnabas, Silas, Timothy, Titus, Priscilla and Aquila, etc.) working with him; the churches were led by a group called elders (Acts 14:23, 20:17-32, 1Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9, 1 Peter 5:1-5). Today we have borrowed our organizational patterns from Roman Catholicism, the military, and the corporate world, and have developed religious hierarchies, where men rule over men, in contradiction to Matthew 20:25-28, 23:8-12, and 1 Peter 5:3. And most of these religious systems have perpetuated one-man leadership, i.e., "the pastor of the local church" or the president or director of the para-church organization. This generally leads to domination, manipulation, autocratic rule, and personal failure. We have developed charismatic leaders who entertain and who use God's people and finances to fulfill the leader's dreams rather than servant-coaches who serve-coach-release the people of God to fulfill their various dreams. Today God is loudly calling His Church back to the simple patterns of the Early Church where those in leadership walk in humility (1 Peter 5:5-6), work in teams, are submitted to one another (Ephesians 5:21), are servants (Matthew 20:25-28), and are coaches, releasing all others into ministry (Ephesians 4:11-12). 8. From being "meeting" oriented to being "relationship" oriented. The standard often used for evaluating how committed one is as a Christian has often been how regularly he attends the standard meetings of the church, i.e., Sunday School, Sunday a.m. service, Sunday p.m., and Wednesday p.m. God doesn't care how many meetings we attend - or don't attend! He is concerned about relationships. He is concerned that you have a committed, growing relationship with Him; He is concerned that your relationship with all others is without sin; He is concerned that you have a deep, committed, growing, wholesome relationship with a small group of fellow Christians; and He is concerned that you develop natural, loving relationships with several unsaved friends in hopes of seeing them come to Christ. Let's get off of this "meeting kick" and start developing relationships. Let's make sure that we are "without offense toward God and men" (Acts24:16). Let's put a priority on one-to-one and small group time together. Let's restructure our church services to be times of building relationships with God and with one another. (There should be time during the service to share with one another and pray for one another as stated in James 5:16.) Meetings and programs come and go - only God-ordained, committed relationships last. We must give priority to relationships. 9. From gathering in church buildings to gathering in homes. Jesus never erected any buildings and He never said anything to His disciples about erecting buildings. He taught that true worship has nothing to do with a place (John 4:20-24); and that His Kingdom is within us (Luke 17:21). The Early Christians gathered in their homes (Acts 2:46, 5:42,11:12-14, 12:12, 16: 40, Romans 16:5,16:2; 1 Corinthians 16:19, Colossians 4:14, Philemon 2). The Jewish Christians in Jerusalem went to the Temple. But after it was destroyed there is no record of Christians in Jerusalem, or anywhere else, having any desire to erect "church" buildings. For three hundred years the Christian Church was home-centered: just believers coming together in their homes to worship (Acts 13:2) and praise God (Acts 2:47), pray (Acts 12:5), read the Scriptures (1 Timothy 4:13), encourage one another (Hebrews 10:24-25), sing (Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16), listen to the apostles' teaching (Acts 2:42), have a meal together (Acts 2:46), have the Lord's Supper (1 Corinthians 11:22), etc. When the group grew too large for one home, one could assume they simply began to meet in two. What a simple way to expand: no expensive building programs, fund-raising, or facilities to maintain. Think of the money saved that was used to fulfill the Great Commission and to minister to the poor. Today God is restoring these simple home-centered meetings to His Church. In China and other "closed" nations, secret house-churches are the way of life for most of the Christians. In many pioneer mission situations, the converts are won in their homes through door-to-door evangelism or home Bible study groups. The young believers are then discipled in home-centered meetings. In some places a "church" building is eventually erected, but in other places the times of coming together are kept in the homes. In large, crowded cities, like Hong Kong and Singapore, many of the churches are house-churches. There is, in fact, a growing house-church movement world-wide. Even in suburban North America, one of the most popular Christian activities is home-meetings, during the week or on Sunday evening. God is leading His Church more and more back to the home. We will see this trend continue to accelerate world-wide. In fact, we could see the church buildings closing quite quickly in many nations through a change in non-profit tax laws, an energy crisis, a political upheaval, an economic collapse, war, or end-time persecution. This writer believes that Jesus will find His Church primarily meeting in homes when He returns. 10. From looking inward to looking outward. It is easy for all of us to become involved in our own lives and forget others. But Jesus said we were to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39) and that we will be judged in respect to our ministering to others (Matthew 25:31-46). The Bible further exhorts us to not look out just for our own interests, but also for the interests of others (Philippians 2:4). Too often we have been too concerned about our own needs, and have become a "bless me" club. Too often the Church has been too concerned about its own continued existence rather than about the great needs in the world and the fulfilling of Christ's Great Commission. The Church has taken a defensive posture, functioned as a hospital, and attempted to care for all of the believers' needs and wants. It is time to take the offensive, begin to function as an army, and go out to evangelize the world, trample on the devil, and take this world back from him and deliver it to Jesus. God is looking for soldiers! God is calling His Church afresh to be deeply involved in: a. evangelism - taking the Gospel to every person in your nation and seeing multitudes brought to Christ. b. missions - seeing the Gospel taken cross-culturally to the yet unreached 12,000 unreached people groups. c. social justice - seeing the oppressed of earth - the refugees, the homeless, the poor, the disadvantaged, the minorities, the oppressed, the disfranchised - have a chance to live productive, wholesome lives. d. all of society under Lordship of Christ - seeing every segment of society - the home, the schools, government, banking, business and industry, the media, the arts, sports, etc. - called to return to a Biblical foundation and brought under the rulership of the living Lord Jesus Christ. 11. From big, expensive programs of evangelism to the simple, Spirit-led witness of "the little people". When we have given ourselves to the evangelization of the world, we have often thought in terms of some big, expensive program. But, increasingly, God is emphasizing that the world will be evangelized by the simple, Spirit-led witness of every day people who love Jesus with all of their hearts - sharing Him by life and word everywhere they go. 12. From the subjugation of women to a release of women as equal partners in the Kingdom of God. The Church through the centuries has been one of the entities that has restricted women in their role at home, in society, and in the church. Much of this has been based on an erroneous interpretation of 1Corinthians 14:34-35 and 1 Timothy 2:11-15. But, little-by-little, that has been changing since about 1850. And based upon a look at all of Scripture, women are increasingly being released to be fully and freely led by God's Spirit to manage their home (Titus 2:5), to be fully involved in the life and ministry of the Church (Acts 2:17-18), and to pursue and attain all that God may have for her in the business and professional world. When Jesus returns He will find His women fully released and ministering under the leadership and anointing of His Spirit (Acts 2:17-18). 13. From financial "sloppiness" and cover-up to financial integrity, accountability, and disclosure. The Body of Christ and the world recently have seen a major example of financial mismanagement, cover-up, and fraud. There are many other examples of "sloppiness." Christians, of all people, should be people of utmost financial integrity. The following should never take place: the pastor setting his own salary, the congregation not knowing how much is received in the offering, the pastor's wife keeping the books, etc. There should be a full disclosure of how much comes in and how it is spent. Salaries and major expenditures should be determined by a group appointed by the congregation. 14. From denominations to "the church of a city". There exists today over 20,000 denominations and many more Christian organizations. All of these groups have come into being as a part of spiritual awakenings, the restoration of truth and practice, or to meet a particular need, and all have been used by God. In the New Testament we find that all of the believers in a given city were identified as "the church in (that city)," i.e., "the church in Jerusalem" (Acts 8:1), "the church in Ephesus" (Revelation 2:1), etc. They were identified as one church even though they met in many various homes throughout the city. Today God is restoring this aspect to His Church. Increasingly, believers in a given city are seeing themselves as the church in that city. In a growing number of places the leaders of all the various groups are coming together on a regular basis (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly) to share and pray and to begin to function as the elders of that one, city-wide church. This will continue and accelerate. As it does, denominational and organizational distinctions will become less and less clear as each receives from the other and all flow into functioning as the Body of Christ, or "church of (that city)." (In all of this we are talking about heart unity of true believers, not organizational unity of the apostate church.) 15. From being related to one another organizationally to being related to one another in the Kingdom of God. It use to be that one related to others primarily on the basis of similar organizational connections, i.e., Baptist, Methodist, Campus Crusade, etc. But that is drastically changing. God is bonding people of various backgrounds and affiliations together for His own purposes. We need to be open to these divine connections, allow these relationships to develop as the Spirit leads, and be used by God as He would choose. Return

A Growing House-Church Movement in North America and Around the World - by Nate Krupp "Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert." - Isaiah 43:19 (NASB) In January, 1966, I was scheduled to conduct several days of personal evangelism training for evangelical pastors from across the U. S.; to be conducted in Webster, New York, at the invitation of my Free Methodist pastor friend, Art Prouty. I arrived a day or two early. A snow storm blew in. The conference had to be cancelled. Art and I had several days on our hands. We discovered that we were both searching for answers: Does God have a plan for His Church? If so, what is it? Art and I spent those days fasting, praying, and searching the Scriptures together; seeking God for answers. By the end of the time we had reached very, very, radical conclusions: God has a plan for His Church; it is very clearly given in the Scriptures; and it is so radical, that we will probably never see it happen in our lifetime, especially in North America. In 1986-87, Joanne and I were attending YWAM's Leadership Training School in Kona, Hawaii; and praying about our future. One day while I was in prayer, the Lord said to me, "Do you remember what I showed you about My Church in 1966?" I said, "Of course!" He said to me, "Now is the time!" Wow! What was I to do with this - now was the time! Since 1987, in our travels across the U. S., we are seeing God do incredible things: people are leaving the institutional church by the thousands; they are tired of being an audience, instead of a functioning body; they question increasingly all of the money that goes into buildings; they are tired of being controlled and manipulated; they long to use their giftings to serve God and to see "the priesthood of all believers" instead of "the clergy," and they long to see the Holy Spirit allowed to freely move instead of everything being controlled. Yes, we are right now in the midst of the early days of a sovereign, very radical, new move of God! He is leading His Church back to New Testament Christianity. In place of "church" as we have traditionally known it, with the building, the minister, the Sunday morning service, and all of the programs, God is sovereignly, in these days, raising up a massive, growing movement of people who are desiring to function like the early Christians in the Book of Acts. Believers are turning their backs on all of the programs and returning to their first love, Jesus. They long for Him to be the Head of His Church. They are gathering in their homes for simple times of worship, sharing their lives with each other, studying the Bible together, praying for one another, having the Lord's Supper together - being a family, rather than an organization. They have an understanding that everyone can minister (1 Corinthians 14:26). Some groups meet in the same home every week, while others move to another home every week or once a month. Some groups are incorporating, while others are being led to have no official connection with the government. Some groups have given themselves a name, while others desire to have no name but His. The leadership styles vary, but most groups have an understanding of getting away from the clergy-laity practice, and look to several to give limited, shared, elder leadership. The groups vary as to their understanding of the role of women. They meet the needs of children in various ways, but generally agree that the training of children in the ways of God is a responsibility of the parents not the Sunday School, junior church, or kids clubs. All of this may seem quite radical, but it is happening everywhere. Every week we hear from some new group or network of groups - Oregon, Washington, Montana, Idaho, New York, Connecticut, Colorado, Rhode Island, Kansas, Arizona, Ohio, Texas, Georgia, Germany, New Zealand, Russia, etc. Why is God doing this? We can only surmise: to prepare for coming revival (what a simple way to care for millions of converts), to see the Great Commission fulfilled (what a simple way to reach and disciple the multitudes), and to prepare for possible, coming persecution (depending on your understanding of what's ahead for the Church). Return

New Wine and New Wine Skins - by Nate Krupp (The following was given in early 1995, during Forty Days of Prayer, while praying about how to bring together the two concepts of "the new wine" that is being poured out today and "the new wine-skin" that God is raising up today. Introduction We live in a needy world - poverty, immorality, terrorism, wars, injustices, economic uncertainties - and on the list could go. Where is the Church of Jesus Christ in all of this? We should be speaking to these ungodly ways of this world - and bringing change. But all too often the Church has been too short-sighted, introspective, and powerless to speak to world conditions, let alone be a major agent of change. So what will it take to see today's Church become the powerful Church of the Living God as seen in The Acts (Acts 17:6, 19:10, 1 Thess. 1:8)? A growing number of voices are saying that we need new wine - and new wine skins. In His day, Jesus had this to say, "And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the new wine will burst the skins, and it will be spilled out, and the skins will be ruined. But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. And no one, after drinking old {wine} wishes for new; for he says, 'The old is good (enough.)'" (Luke 5:37-39). How we can be encouraged! In this hour God is beginning to pour out new wine. And He is raising up a new wine skin. New Wine In recent decades we saw fresh outpourings of God's Spirit manifested in the charismatic renewal, the Jesus movement, the world-wide prayer movement; new, fresh church movements such as Calvary Chapel and Vineyard; and in fresh, new mission movements like Operation Mobilization and Youth With A Mission. In this hour God is moving again - more powerfully - and more radically. We see new wine flowing in the revival of joy coming from the ministry of Rodney Howard-Browne and the Toronto (Canada) Vineyard. We see new wine flowing in the growing, world-wide prayer movement. We see new wine flowing as God has recently, sovereignly visited a number of Christian college campuses. We see new wine flowing at the Brownsville Assembly of God in Pensacola, FL - and in many other locations. And we see new wine flowing in a quiet way in the lives of many believers. Many believe that even greater outpourings of the Holy Spirit are yet to come. New Wine Skin God is also in this hour raising up a new wine skin. Everywhere there is a growing emphasis on this. A. This new wine skin must be very simple - and able to: 1. Contain the new wine; 2. Facilitate the coming, great, end-time revival; 3. Catch and preserve the coming, great harvest; and 4. Withstand the coming, end-time persecution. B. This new wine skin is characterized by: 1. We are the Church. It has nothing to do with buildings. There is a growing, deep revelation-recognition that "we are the church." The English word "church" is from the Greek word "ekklesia" and means "the called out ones." It is not something one goes to - or joins - or has - or does. We are the church! Many of God's people are receiving this revelation are learning to just walk with God - and enjoy Him! 2. Jesus is Lord! The Church has but one leader, Jesus. No person should interfere with His sovereign leadership of every believer, every family, and every gathering of believers. Controlling leaders will be brought down. 3. The Church of the city. This church exists by locality, i.e., "the church which is at Cenchrea" (Romans 16:1). In your locality there is only one church - we need to begin to think, talk, and walk this important truth. 4. The Church scattered. The church (us) is not just when we come together - it functions in two settings - "the church gathered," when we get together; and "the church scattered," when we are out in the world, i.e., the neighborhood, the market place, etc., loving and serving, evangelizing, and being a prophetic voice. 5. The Church gathered. The "church gathered" can happen any where and at any time - any where and any time two or three come together in His Name (Matthew 18:20). The most common Biblical place of gathering is the homes of the believers (Acts 2:1-2, 2:46, 5:42, 8:3, 10:24-27, 12:12, 16:40, 20:20, 28:30-31; Romans 16:3-5, 16:23; 1 Corinthians 16:19; Colossians 4:15; and Philemon 2). 6. A functioning Body. When the church gathers, it is not to be an audience, but rather it is to be a many-membered, functioning Body, where all (men and women) are free to fully participate under the Holy Spirit's leading and annointing (1 Corinthians, chapters 12-14; Ephesians 4:16). 7. A Biblical approach to leadership. Human leadership (male and female), submitted to Jesus, is to be: a. shared, rather than one person (Acts 14:23, 15:6, 20:17, Titus 1:5, etc.). b. raised up from within by the Holy Spirit, rather than brought in from the outside (Acts 14:23, 20:17, Titus 1:5, etc.). c. there to serve, release, and coach the Body to obey the Holy Spirit and to be a functioning Body; rather than to control, manipulate, and do all of the ministering. A New People Who 1. Are returning to their first love of Jesus. 2. Are people of character - broken of self, purity, integrity, humility 3. Are becoming like Him. May God help us to be open to His new wine, in all its many forms, and to His new wine skin, as radical as it may seem! And may we return to Him! Return

Reasons for Today's House Church Movement - by Nate Krupp Introduction We live in a needy world - the Church should be impacting - but, much of the Church is impotent and ineffective. God is pouring out new wine - and raising up new wine skins - open church, cell church, house church, etc. Definitions House church - any group of believers who gather on a regular basis in one or more homes and see these home meetings as their primary place of fellowship in the Body of Christ. Movement - there are now thousands of groups all over North America - and world-wide. It is a quiet, hidden move of God. Reasons God's original intention for His Church Biblical basis No mention of church buildings in the New Testament Jesus - this one is coming down in three days! Paul - we are the house of God Peter - God is making one of living stones John - one is coming down from heaven Old Testament special buildings special priesthood special rules & regulations special sacrifices New Testament - worship anywhere (John 4:21-24) all are priests (1 Peter 2:9, Rev. 1:6) led by Spirit, not rules Jesus the Sacrifice. Early Christian met in their homes - Acts 2:46, 5:42, 12:12, 16:40, 20:20, Romans 16:3-5, 16:23, Col. 4:15, Philemon 2, etc. Entire NT written in context of meeting in homes! Easiest way to reach the lost - believers loving/serving them in every neighborhood. Especially true in large cities of the world. Simplest most easily reproducible form of church life - for finishing the task of world evangelization. Home church is a family atmosphere - best place to care for new converts. Best place to care for one another. An atmosphere which allows the Body to function. This informal, family atmosphere is also the best atmosphere for believers to discover/exercise their gifts/ministries. All Christians need to be broken of self and selfishness. The close, personal relationships of home church provide an excellent place for this to happen. To be prepared for a soon-coming, End-time Revival and Harvest Define revival Revivals in history Joel 2:23 - early and latter rain Soon coming, end-time revival The need to be prepared - what to do with the converts? House church is part of this preparation End-time Restoration before Christ Returns Acts 3:19-21 Restoration concept Early Church model Church departed - Rev. ch. 2-3, 350 AD, Dark Ages Restoration began about 1100 AD Today - God is restoring the Church to His original intent - purity, love, authority, power, purpose, pattern, fruitfulness To be prepared for coming end-time Persecution Coming end-time persecution - Mat. 24:9-14 Need to be prepared Home church is part of the needed preparation CONCLUSION God is definitely saying and doing something around the world today in leading His Church back to the New Testament model. What does this mean for YOU? Reasons for Today's House Church Movement

Planting a Church God's Simple Way - by Nate Krupp INTRODUCTION Much has been said and written in recent years about church planting. Usually it is in the context of planting a traditional church with a building, pastor, paved parking lot, etc. This article is written with the view of planting simple house churches such as Paul established in the First Century. That last statement, alone, may surprise some. The churches Paul started met in homes. There are no references to "church" buildings in the New Testament and no historical evidence of "church" buildings until the Third Century. Neither did he bring in a "pastor" to lead the churches he started - a group called elders were appointed from among the believers to give oversight. So this is a simple set of guide-lines for those who are led to plant a church like was planted in New Testament times. THE CHURCH PLANTER Most important is the person or persons doing the planting. God uses people. And He is looking for people that He can use - people with certain qualifications. A person sold out to God. God is looking for people who are sold out to Him - people who have given Him everything - their lives, their time, their possessions, their future, their hopes - everything! A person of the Word. God is looking for people who know the Book - and love It - and live by It. That doesn't mean you have to go off to Bible school (unless God leads you that way). The Holy Spirit will teach you His Word - if you will spend much time in the Word - asking the Spirit to teach you. A person of prayer. God is looking for people of prayer - people who love to spend time with Him in prayer - privately and with others. Once again, the Holy Spirit will teach you how and what to pray. A person of the Holy Spirit. God is looking for people who are intimate with the Holy Spirit - people who know His infilling, who long for His fruit and His gifts - and long to see Him move - in purity and in power. A person who is whole. The word "salvation" means "wholeness." When we are born-again God makes us a new creation. But that is only the beginning of a process of deliverance, healing, and growth that will result in our being a whole person - mentally, spiritually, emotionally, physically, and socially. Jesus was not "religious." He was the most "well rounded" person Who ever lived. He was so full of love, joy, peace, righteousness, etc., that people loved to be around Him. God wants to make us whole, not religious. A person of integrity. A person who is whole is a person of integrity. You can trust them because everything in their life is integrated into one, whole, Christ-like person. A person without prejudice. You never know where God will lead you to plant a church. It may be with people of a different language, skin color, economic status, social level, or cultural practice than yourself. So you need to be a person without prejudice. Ask God to do that in your life. A person who keeps his (or her) family in proper perspective. The family unit is the most important unit in society. One who is involved in church planting, or any other aspect of the Lord's work, needs to be careful to keep his family in high priority. A pioneer. Church planting is pioneering. You never know under what conditions you will be living. It is not easy work. You may be all alone. Ask God to give you a pioneering spirit. A team person. Hopefully, you will not be starting a church all by yourself. Paul always had a team that worked with him in his church planting. It is so much better if there is a group of people working together, each with different gifts. A team of three to six is a good number. So you will need to be a "team player." Ask God to bring together a team of His choosing. And ask Him to make you a team player. A person with a world vision. God wants His servants to have a world vision - people who are consummed with reaching the whole world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Study about the world (history, geography, current events, etc.), begin praying for the nations of the world, and ask God to give you a world vision. A person with a Biblical understanding of the New Testament church. So what kind of church do you plan to plant? God has a plan for His Church. We can discover that plan in the New Testament. Hopefully, you want to plant that kind of church. So let's see what the church is like from God's perspective. A BIBLICAL UNDERSTANDING OF THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH Meets in homes and anywhere. The early church, in the first two centuries basically met in their homes. There is no hint of "church" buildings. So likewise, today, the simplest way to fulfill the Great Commission is to plant simple churches which meet in homes. Meets around Christ and under His leadership. The early Christians met to worship the Lord Jesus and to encourage one another in their walk with Him. They gathered "into His Name" - Matthew 18:20. They did not gather unto a Baptist doctrine, or a Pentecostal style, or any other name, doctrine, or program - they gathered "unto Him." They knew He was there. So they trusted Him to lead the gathering. The Holy Spirit moving. The early Christians knew the Holy Spirit as a real Person. They knew Him as the One Who had filled them on the Day of Pentecost. They knew Him as the One Who gave gifts. They knew Him as the Lord of the harvest. They believed that He would be in their midst moving mightily upon them. The body functioning. When the early Christians came together, they knew that each (men and women) was gifted by the Holy Spirit with something for the Body (Ephesians 4:11-16, 1 Corinthians, chapters 12-14). They did not come together to be an audience - they came together to be a many membered, functioning body. Shared leadership. The early churches knew nothing of a one-man pastor/CEO structure. They had a group of fellow believers, called elders, who gave some protective oversight. A vision to multiply. The early Christians were endued with a passion to take the Good News to every creature, just as Jesus had instructed them. They had no time to build buildings, start programs, etc. They were too busy evangelizing the world! (For more on this and other aspects of the church in the New Testament, you are encouraged to read "God's Simple Plan for His Church" - by Nate Krupp.) THE PROCESS OF CHURCH PLANTING Steps of Preparation. Don't overlook the steps of preparation - your own life and having a Biblical understanding of the church. Spend much time in prayer, that God will bring together His team. Then the team should begin to spend much time in prayer together; that God will knit you together, show you where to start your first church or network of churches, and that He would prepare their hearts. Start with new people - evangelism. The whole purpose of church planting is to reach new people - people who have not yet come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. So our church planting efforts need to be directed toward reaching new people. Stay a very short time. Paul and his team stayed most places only a short time - sometimes only a few days or weeks. They preached the Good News to individuals and the crowds, healed the sick, cast out demons, gave some basic teaching, and moved on. Most church planters today stay too long. Consequently the converts become dependent upon them instead of being totally dependent upon the Lord. See a group of converts form in a few days or weeks - then move on. Teach only the basics. In Hebrews 6:1-2 we have a list of the basic teachings of the Christian faith. These and other basic, foundational teaching should be given by the church planters to this new groups of belivers. Then the church planting team needs to move on. Move on - come back and visit. The church planters need to evangelize; gather the new converts together; give basic, foundational teaching - all in a few days or weeks - then move on. These new believers need to learn to look to the Lord to lead them and the Holy Spirit to teach them. And they need to learn to minister to one another. If the church planters stay too long the converts will become dependent upon them rather than the Lord. Then you can return later to see how they are doing - and to appoint elders (see Paul's first missionary trip in Acts 13-14). GETTING GOD'S STRATEGY Once you are the person God wants you to be and have a Biblical understanding of the church and church planting, you need to get God's strategy for your particular work. Being led by God. The most important aspect of getting God's strategy is to learn to be led by Him. We need to learn to hear His voice, get our every direction from Him, let him lead. All we have to do is live a life of obedience to His still, small voice. As we obey His voice, His will will come to pass. The Team. Who we work with is very important. You need to wait upon God and allow Him to put together a team of people for this church planting effort. The People Group. It is also very important to find out from God what group of people you are to reach. He will show you as you wait upon Him. God's method of evangelism. There are many approaches to evangelism - door-to door, person-to-person, literature distribution, outdoor preaching, drama, music, etc. Let God show you what approach(es) you are to use. God's method of discipleship. Begin to disciple the new converts by spending time with them one-on-one. Also begin gathering them together. Some of the times together should be for your apostolic instruction to them. But some of the times together should be for them to begin functioning as a body, where each contributes, and where you stay in the background. You are preparing them for the day very soon when you will no longer be there. Be assured, God's team, being led by the Holy Spirit, reaching out to the people of His choosing, using methods He indicates, will produce His fruit! God bless you as you follow Him!

A Message to House Church Leaders - by Nate Krupp INTRODUCTION This paper was developed in dialogue with several house church leaders in the Northwest and first shared with several different groupings during a tour of the Southwest in the summer of 1997. It sets forth the items of importance relative to house church leaders. YOUR LIFE Most important is ones own life - his personal character and His personal walk with the Lord. This is far more important than ministry. We reproduce what we are. A person sold out to God. God uses people who are sold out to Him - people who have given Him everything - their lives, their time, their possessions, their future, their hopes - everything! A person of the Word. God uses people of the Book - who know It - who love It - and live by It. That doesn't mean you have to go off to Bible school (unless God leads you that way). The Holy Spirit will teach you His Word - if you will spend much time in the Word - asking Him to teach you. A person of prayer. God uses people of prayer - people who love to spend time with Him in prayer - privately and with others. Once again, the Holy Spirit will teach you how and what to pray. A person of the Holy Spirit. God uses people who are intimate with the Holy Spirit - people who know His infilling, who long for His fruit and His gifts - and long to see Him move - in purity and in power. A person who is whole. The word "salvation" means "wholeness." When we are born-again God makes us a new creation. But that is only the beginning of a process of deliverance, healing, and growth that will result in our being a whole person - mentally, spiritually, emotionally, physically, and socially. Jesus was not "religious." He was the most "well rounded" person Who ever lived. He was so full of love, joy, peace, righteousness, etc., that people loved to be around Him. God wants to make us whole, not religious. A person of integrity. A person who is whole is a person of integrity. You can trust them because everything in their life is integrated into one, whole, Christ-like person. A person without prejudice. You never know who God will lead you to work with. It may be with people of a different language, skin color, economic status, social level, or cultural norm than yourself. So you need to be a person without prejudice. Ask God to do that in your life. A person who keeps his (or her) family in proper perspective. The family unit is the most important unit in society. One who is involved in church leadership, or any other aspect of the Lord's work, needs to be careful to keep his family in high priority. A team person. The oversight of the churches in the New Testament was given by a group of people called elders. They worked in cooperation and submission with one another. So you will need to be a "team player." Ask God to make you a team player. A person with a world vision. God wants His servants to have a world vision - people who are consummed with reaching the whole world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Study about the world (history, geography, current events, etc.), begin praying for the nations of the world, and ask God to give you a world vision. A person with a Biblical understanding of the New Testament church. If you are going to be involved in leadership in God's church you need to know His plan for His Church. We can discover that plan in the New Testament. In the next section we will see what the church is like from God's perspective. A BIBLICAL UNDERSTANDING OF THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH Meets in homes and anywhere. The early church, in the first two centuries basically met in their homes. There is no hint of "church" buildings. So likewise, today, the simplest way to shepherd God's church and to fulfill the Great Commission is to plant simple churches which meet in homes. Meets around Christ and under His leadership. The early Christians met to worship the Lord Jesus and to encourage one another in their walk with Him. They gathered "into His Name" - Matthew 18:20. They did not gather unto a Baptist doctrine, or a Pentecostal style, or any other name, doctrine, or program - they gathered "unto Him." They knew He was there. So they trusted Him to lead the gathering. The Holy Spirit moving. The early Christians knew the Holy Spirit as a real Person. They knew Him as the One Who had filled them on the Day of Pentecost. They knew Him as the One Who gave gifts. They knew Him as the Lord of the harvest. They believed that He would be in their midst moving mightily upon them. The body functioning. When the early Christians came together, they knew that each was gifted by the Holy Spirit with something for the Body (Ephesians 4:11-16, 1 Corinthians, chapters 12-14). They did not come together to be an audience - they came together to be a functioning body. Shared leadership. The early churches knew nothing of a one-man pastor/CEO structure. They had a group of fellow believers, called elders, who gave some protective oversight. A vision to multiply. The early Christians were endued with a passion to take the Good News to every creature, just as Jesus had instructed them. They had no time to build buildings, start programs, etc. They were too busy evangelizing the world. (For more on this and other aspects of the church in the New Testament, you are encouraged to read God's Simple Plan for His Church - by Nate Krupp.) YOUR MINISTRY Have a Biblical understanding of church leadership Church leadership, as seen in the New Testament, was: Servant. Jesus said that His leaders were to be servants and slaves; ministering, not being ministered to; and not being involved in any kind of religious heirarchy (Matthew 20:25-28). Older. The word "elder" means just that - older. Elders are to be those who are older in years and older in the Lord. They need to be old enough to have successfully raised their children (1 Timothy 3:5). Shared. The leadership in the early Church knew nothing of one-man CEO style leadership. There was a team of overseers called elders. They worked in cooperation and submission to one another. Coaches. Leadership in God's Church is not to do all of the ministering. They are to serve, release, and "coach" the Body to function (Ephesians 4:11-12). And it is this functioning body which will come into unity and maturity (Ephesians 4:13-16). Appointed. God raises up elders, but the time does come when they need to be officially recognized or appointed. (The King James version uses the word "ordain," which has developed into an elaborate ceremony, a clergy-laity division, and the use of the word "Reverend," all of which are contrary to the intent and spirit of the New Testament.) A more accurate rendering of the Greek is "appointed." Elders are to: Lead. (Hebrews 18:7, 17, 24) This does not mean dominate, manipulate, control, or do all of the ministering. It means to go first, set the example. Give oversight to God's people. (Acts 20:28, Philippians 1:1, 1 Timothy 3:1-2, Titus 1:7) The elders are to oversee, look over, guard, superintendent, coordinate, and protect the welfare of the saints and the proper functioning of the Body. They are not to dominate, manipulate, or control. Jesus is referred to as the "overseer" of our soul (1 Peter 2:25). Shepherd God's people. (Acts 20:28, 1 Peter 5:1-4) Teach God's people. (1 Timothy 5:17) Pray for the sick. (James 5:14) (For more on the whole subject of church leadership you are encouraged to read Leadership-Servanthood in the Church - by Nate Krupp. This is a 22-page booklet that looks at every New Testament portion of Scripture on the subject.) Walk in that understanding and in the leading of the Holy Spirit. So how does one function as an elder? Simply by doing three things: Continue to be the person of God you are. Don't change who you are now that you are an elder (some people do!) - be yourself. Continue to walk in what the New Testament teaches about elders. There is much in the New Testament about elders. Continue to study this - and walk in it. Be led each moment by the Holy Spirit. God uses each of us as we are led by His Spirit. There is no substitute for this! Return

New Testament Church Life - Statement of Belief and Purpose - by Nate Krupp (You may find the following Statement helpful. You may modify it and use it any way you choose.) We are a group of Christian believers, knit together by God, who are attempting to walk with God and each other in the freedom and simplicity found in the New Testament. More specifically - We believe that the salvation which God has provided through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ includes forgiveness, adoption, the new birth, healing (mental, emotional, physical), deliverance from demonic activity, and the baptism of the Holy Spirit, on God's part; and repentance, faith, and a daily walk with Jesus on man¹s part. (Scriptures are not given, for it would include much of the New Testament!) We diligently seek to allow the living Jesus Christ to be the Lord of all that we are, think, do, and say. (Matthew 16:18, Acts 2:36, 10:36, 1 Corinthians 12:3) We believe that our supreme purpose in life is to glorify God by loving Him with all our being and loving our neighbor as ourself. (Matthew 5:16, 22:37-39, John 17:4) We believe that the Old and New Testaments of the Bible are God's authoritative revelation to mankind of Himself and His ways; and that this Book is to be diligently studied and obeyed/applied in every aspect of life. (2 Peter 1:20-21, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Timothy 2:15, Matthew 7:13-27, Psalms 1:2-3) We believe in the God-given value of the individual and we commit ourselves to loving, affirming, protecting, encouraging, and releasing all Christians in their God-given abilities, gifts, ministries, and God-ordained destiny. (John 10:10, Ephesians 4:11-16, Acts 14:22, Colossians 1:28) We believe in the importance of the family unit in God's plan for mankind and we seek in every way possible to preserve and enhance the families of the earth. (Genesis 1:17-28, 2:18-24, Ephesians 5:21-6:4) In this regard, we believe that the primary place of Christian training of children is in the home by their parents. (Ephesians 6:4, 1 Timothy 3:4-5, Deuteronomy 4:9, Proverbs 13:24, 22:6, 29:15, 17) We affirm that Jesus' last instructions demand that we wholeheartedly commit ourselves to - seeing the Good News of Jesus, the Messiah, taken to every person on earth in every generation (Matthew 28:19, Mark 16:15), and baptizing in water and teaching those who turn to Christ in true repentance and faith (Matthew 28:19-20). We believe that there is only One Church, made up of all who walk with Jesus Christ. We will diligently do all we can to preserve and pursue that Oneness with all of God's people. (Romans 12:4-8, 1 Corinthians, chapter 12, Ephesians 2:14-22, 4:1-6, John 17:20-23) We believe that this is the Church Age and that God's plan for His Church is given in the New Testament. In this regard, we believe - in the importance of God-ordained relationships. (Acts 9:27, 11:25, 13:2, etc.) that the most common place to gather is in the homes of the believers. (John 4:20-24, Acts 7:48, 12:12, 16:40, 17:24-25, 20:20, Romans 16:3-5, 16:23, 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, 16:19, Colossians 4:15, Philemon 2, 1 Peter 2:5) But God's people are encouraged to meet any time/anywhere. that when the Church gathers, it is to be a many-membered, functioning Body. This Body will be built up and come into maturity when all of God's people are released to freely minister to It, according to their gifting, under the leading and anointing of the Holy Spirit. God has given apostles, prophets, shepherds, evangelists, and teachers to His Church for this purpose. (1 Corinthians, chapter 12-14, Ephesians 4:7-16) that the activities when the Church is together include, but are not limited to: fellowship, teaching, the Lord's Supper, prayer (Acts 2:42), worship and ministry to the Lord (Acts 13:2), Bible reading (1 Timothy 4:13), spiritual gifts operating (1 Corinthians 12-14), praying for the sick (James 5:14-16), foot washing (John 13:1-17), love feasts (Jude 12), offerings taken for specific purposes (1 Corinthians 16:1-3), local leaders appointed (Acts 14:23), and workers sent out (Acts 13:3). that God will raise up elders from among us, mutually submitted to one another, who will carry this vision and be servant-leaders to this community and all whom God sends to us. The elders will lead without any form of control or manipulation. The Body will joyfully submit to their humble, godly leadership. (Acts 14:23, 20:28, 1 Peter 5:1-3, Hebrews 13:17) that rather than a set amount (10% in the Old Testament), under the New Covenant, God's people are encouraged to live a simple life-style that allows them to give generously as the Spirit leads: to the support of traveling ministries (1 Corinthians 9:6-23, Philippians 4:10-20), full-time elders (1 Timothy 5:17-18), needy believers (2 Corinthians 8 and 9), widows and orphans (1 Timothy 4:3-16, James 1:27), and the poor ( Matt. 25:31-46). that we are to be for Him a glorious, beautiful Bride, prepared for His Return (Eph. 5:27, Revelation 19:7). This involves a deep work of the cross that we might become like Jesus. (Mark 8:34-35, John 12:24-25, 15:1, Rom. 8:28-29, 36, 1 Cor. 15:31, 2 Cor. 4:10) that, for the sake of multiplication, we should keep everything as simple and easily reproducible as possible. (Acts 4:4, 8:1) We commit ourselves to the highest standards of moral and doctrinal purity and ethical behavior. In this regard, we commit ourselves to living lives of humility, openness, repentance, sacrificial service, and mutual respect and submission to one another (without any control or manipulation), according to the Scriptures. (Matthew 18:3, Philippians 2:1-8, 2:12-16, John 13:34-35, Ephesians 4:25-32, 5:15-21, Colossians 3:1-25) We look forward to the Return of Jesus Christ at the end of this Age to gather His Church and to judge the world. (Acts 1:11, Matthew 24:29-44, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-5:9, 2 Thessalonians 1:5-2:15, 2 Peter 3:3-13)

Caution - Steps Toward Denominationalism - by Nate Krupp (I have been working on this paper for several months. The first draft was sent to about two dozen close advisors for their input. Much good input was received and prayerfully considered. The following is the final draft. We do not intend for this to be a list of "do's" and "don'ts." Just some thoughts from one brother about a matter of concern. We do not "own" this paper in any way. You are encouraged to work it over further and use it any way you would like.) There is a sovereign, growing church-in-the-home movement around the world. Like all new movements, born of God, it can get off track, it can be taken over and controlled by man, or it can continue to develop into all that God intends. When man takes over, and men begin to control men, the Holy Spirit is grieved, and we are left with just a human organization. This has happened often in the past, leaving us with today's denominations. How we need to pray that this will not happen again. Most importantly, we must be clearly led by God's Holy Spirit in all that we do. There are definite steps which will have a tendency to lead to the "slippery slope" toward organized religion and denominationalism. We will attempt to address these steps in this paper. Incorporating. Incorporating is the process of gaining government approval for your existence. When a new ministry or church gets started, the usual tendency is to go to the State and get corporation papers and go to the Federal government and get a tax exempt status. The Body of Christ does not exist because the government says it can! The Body of Christ exists by the will of God. We should not give the government a say in whether we exist or not. Incorporating also gives the government the legal right to oversee our activities, a right they should not have. Our activities should be overseen by God, not man. There does need to be some means of accountability on the proper use of finances, but this accountability should be done within the Body of Christ, not from the government. Our admonition is, do not incorporate. (We are not intimating that all government is evil. Government is ordained of God and should be godly in it's character and operation. Much government today is obtrusive at best, and evil at worse. But even with good government, the Body of Christ does not exist by government approval.) Having a Name. When filling out papers to incorporate one has to declare the name of the group, i.e., Home Churches of Seattle. Even groups who do not incorporate may be tempted to give themselves a name. When a group gives itself a name it automatically includes and excludes certain believers, those who belong and those who do not belong to the group who has taken that name. One reason we take a name is because we want to build our own kingdom, we want to make a name for ourselves. This was part of the sin connected with the building of the tower of Babel, wanting to make a name for themselves (Genesis 11:4). Taking a name is a big step toward denominationalisim and should be avoided. Statement of Faith. Connected with incorporating there usually is the process of formalizing a Statement of Faith, a statement of what the group believes. Such a Statement usually has the result of including those who agree with the Statement, and excluding those who do not. Home church groups should be open to anyone who knows Jesus as Lord, not just to those who agree to certain doctrinal beliefs. Such a Statement can, therefore, be another big step toward denominationalism. Owning Property. Most home church groups have an aversion to owning property. Their vision is to grow, multiply, meet in more homes, and never own property. Their vision usually includes that all the groups occasionally will come together (every one to four months). But this larger gathering can be held at a park, a farm, a rented building, a large home, etc. Owning a building usually becomes a millstone around the group's neck, and should be avoided. If the groups do own property it will probably want to name the property, i.e., Home Church of Chicago. This is another step toward denominationalism. Titles. One of the ways we gain status in this world is to have titles. This is also true in the religious world. Most religious leaders love to have a title - bishop, apostle, prophet, elder, pastor, deacon, etc. The New Testament does teach that there are various functions and ministries. But if God has made you an apostle, or an elder, or whatever, why not just humbly function in that, and shun taking a title. Why not be content with Him, and with His Name? Salaries. There were those in the New Testament who gave themselves to the extension of Christ's Kingdom on a full-time basis. Jesus did. The Twelve were called to leave their secular employment and give themselves to the work of the Kingdom (Matthew 4:20, Luke 5:28). Jesus and the Twelve were supported by some women (Luke 8:1-3). There were those who were called to "give themselves to the ministry of the Word and prayer" (Acts 6:4). Paul wrote that those who spend their lives in Gospel work are to receive their livelihood from their work (Galatians 6:6, 1 Corinthians 9:6-14, 1 Timothy 5:17-18). There were also times when Paul and others "paid their own way" - Acts 18:3-4, Acts 20:33-55, 1 Thessalonians 2:9, 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9, etc. But nowhere do the Scriptures talk about salaries. If God leads one to give himself to Kingdom work on a full-time basis, then that person should look to God for his provision. When God's servants trust Him for their provision, and when God's people are obedient to the Spirit's leading in when, where, and how much to give, all needs will be met. Let's refuse the practice of salaries. Using the term "house church." There are currently at least three types of "new wine skins" developing around the world. They use the descriptive terms of open church, cell church, and house church. Anyone familiar with what God is doing today knows what each of these terms means. This can be a good thing in helping to communicate the particular type of group that may exist. But the use of these terms can also have an excluding effect. You may feel that you are part of the "cell church movement" and therefore not a part of the "house church movement." We must continue to see ourselves as simply part of the Body of Christ. We would do well to not use terms that divide, but just say something like, "We are a group of believers in Jesus, who meet from house to house." Networking. Once several similiar home groups develop in a given area, and discover one another, they usually want to get together occasionally. This networking, built on relationships, can be a very healthy function. But if this network of groups takes on a name, i.e., Fellowship of Home Churches of Dallas, it is a big step toward denominationalism. If the networking becomes a we-they network, it also is a big step toward denominationalism. We must learn how to network and co-labor without denominating. Trans-local ministries. It can be a very healthy thing to welcome trans-local ministries into your midst, i.e., apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, teachers, etc. It is most healthy to welcome a large variety of such ministries. But we need to be cautious about beginning to have "our apostle," "our prophet," etc., and becoming "a part of the network of churches overseen by apostle Jones." Before long this just becomes another heirarchy and step toward denominationalism. We-they mentality. There is only one Church, the world-wide Body of Christ. In Scripture it is often referred to by locality, i.e., the Church of Ephesus. It is important to not develop a we-they mentality with reference to any portion of the Body of Christ, especially a house-church versus organized church mentality. We must always love, pray for, and fellowship with the entire Body of Christ as much as possible. Separating off as only part of the Body is a sure step toward denominationalism. In Conclusion: In this era when men are so prone to take control of what God is doing, we strongly encourage you to avoid all of the above and to concentrate on the following - - knowing Jesus and His ways, having His heart, doing His will - your own walk with the Lord - your family - relationships that God has given you - worship - the Bible - the Holy Spirit - individually and corporately hearing from God - intercession - the miraculous - evangelism and multiplication - missions - impacting society - servant leadership - releasing all to their full potential in God - relating to all believers as much as you can - don't isolate - keep it simple - no corporation, no name, no statement of faith, no property, no titles, no salaries, etc. - just believers gathering simply, in His Name. Return

Evaluating Your Home Church Group - by Nate Krupp Some questions to consider in evaluating your home church group (Prayerfully think about, elaborate on, and explain all answers. What should you do to improve what you are doing?) Is your group and gatherings about you or about HIM? Are you emphasizing "house church" or "the Kingdom of God"? Are your times together too meeting oriented and superficial, or do you have true koinonia/community/shared life? Do you talk a lot about relationships, and then all just "do your own thing"? What did the Early Church talk about? What do you talk about? What part do children plan in the life of the group? Are you producing mature, balanced, fruitful believers? What are you doing to contribute to fulfill of the Great Commission? What works and why? Evaluating Your Home Church Group. Return

What About The Teaching Of Ultimate Reconciliation? - by Nate Krupp We are running into a growing number of people who are being swept up by the teaching of Ultimate Reconciliation. This teaching says that eventually everyone, including the devil and his demons, will be reconciled to GOD in heaven in ages to come. There is no clear evidence of this teaching in the Bible. We see it as a very dangerous teaching. We offer the following refutation and further recommended reading. (Only New Testament passages have been used in this study - comparable conclusions can also be found in the Old Testament.) In attempting to find out if the word "eternal" or "everlasting" means "age lasting," as taught by the U.R. teaching, or "never ending," as usually taught, one needs to look at the various ways it is used in the Scriptures. When doing this we find such uses as - Eternal God - Romans 16:26 Eternal Spirit - Hebrews 9:14 Eternal glory - 1 Peter 5:10 Eternal King - 1 Timothy 1:17 Also see 2 Corinthians 4:17,18, 5:1; Hebrews 9:12; 1 John 1:2, 5:20; 1 Timothy 6:16; Hebrews 13:20; 2 Peter 1:11. It seems clear in these cited passages that is is not talking about something that will come to an end at the end of an age but rather that is "never ending." And so, likewise, with "eternal life" (Matthew 19:16,29; Mark 19:17,30; Luke 10:25,30; John 3:15,16, 36, 4:14,36, 5:24,39, 6:27,40,47,54,58, 10:28, 12:25,50, 17:2,3; Acts 13:46, 48; Romans 2:7, 5:21, 6:22,23; Galatians 6:8; 1 Timothy 1:16, 6:12,19; 2 Timothy 2:10; Titus 1:2, 3:7; Hebrews 5:9, 9:15; 1 John 2:25, 3:15, 5:11,13; Jude 21), and "eternal punishment" (Matthew 18:8, 25:41; Mark 3:29; 2 Thessalonians 1:9; Hebrews 6:2; Jude 7). Likewise, with the word "forever" there is the suggestion that it means "unto the age" rather than "never ending." We find the use of this word in referring to - the duration of God's glory - Romans 11:36 the Word of God - 1 Peter 1:25 Jesus' priesthood - Hebrews 5:6 Also see Matthew 6:13; Luke 1:33; Romans 1:25, 9:5, 16:27; 2 Corinthians 9:9; Hebrews 6:20, 7:17,21, 13:8. The above passages seem to be clearly talking about things that are "never ending." So, likewise, with "life forever" (John 6:51,58, 12:34, 1 John 2:17; 2 John 2) and "punishment forever" (Jude 13) - never ending. Also, the word "forevermore" or "forever and ever" we find used in referring to - God's glory - Galatians 1:5 God's throne - Hebrews 1:8 Also, see Philippians 4:20; 1 Timothy 1:17; 2 Timothy 4:18; Hebrews 13:21; 1 Peter 4:11, 5:11; Revelation 1:6, 4:9,10, 5:13,14, 7:12, 10:6, 11:15, 15:7. So, likewise life (Revelation 22:5) and punishment (Revelation 14:11, 19:3, 20:10) - never ending. In Matthew 25:46 we find "And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." Now if the life mentioned is "never ending," then so would the punishment be also. There is not a single passage which talks plainly of final judgment (such as Matthew 5:22,29, 30; Mark 9:42-48, 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9; Hebrews 10:26-31) that gives any hint of a later reconciliation. The Book of Revelation is understood by most Christians to be a chronological picture of God's plan from John's time to the very end of time and right on into eternity. As one looks at the final "wrap-up" of things (20:10-22:5), one is impressed with the fact that there is no hint of an ultimate reconciliation of anyone or even of an age when such a thing could possibly take place. Those who teach Ultimate Reconciliation say that the punishment of hell will produce repentance on the part of those who are there. Punishment does not always produce repentance - Revelation 9:20,21, 16:8-11. There are those who support the doctrine of Ultimate Reconciliation by teaching that the second death (Revelation 20:6-14) is the casting of death and hades into the lake of fire. This just is not true according to every translation that the writer has consulted. The lake of fire is the second death. Those who teach Ultimate Reconciliation usually lean heavily upon the love of God in their reasoning. But His love (which is a wonderful fact) must be kept in proper perspective with His wrath - Matthew 3:7; Luke 3:7; John 3:36; Romans 1:18, 2:5,8, 4:15, 9:22; Ephesians 2:3, 5:6; Colossians 3:6; 1 Thessalonians 1:10, 2:16, 5:9; Hebrews 3:11, 4:3; Revelation 6:16,17, 11:18, 14:19, 15:1,7, 16:1,19, 19:15. There is not a single passage that gives any clear teaching of hope for the ultimate reconciliation of anyone (people or the devil and his angels) in hell and/or the lake of fire. This teaching can only be supported by one's interpretation of certain passages (primarily Acts 3:21, 1 Corinthians 15:22-28, Colossians 1:20, and Philippians 2:10,11). The concept of Ultimate Reconciliation is found only by interpretation - and never by the clear, obvious teaching of the Scriptures. And it is not supported by any major Bible translation or evangelical scholar. May those who would hold to this teaching, or who might be considering it, prayerfully examine the Word of God, interpreting every passage in accordance with its context as well as in accordance with the plain teaching of the rest of the Word of God. And may they also consider the solemn warning of Revelation 22:11-20. OTHER RECOMMENDED READING We would also suggest the following books for further reading on this subject. "A Divine Revelation of Heaven," - by Mary Baxter, Whitaker House, New Kensington, PA 15068, 205 pages, $12.99. A series of visions from GOD of heaven - very wonderful reading! "A Divine Revelation of Hell," - by Mary Baxter, Whitaker House, New Kensington, PA 15068, 216 pages, $12.99. A series of visions from GOD of hell. Causes you to want to make sure you don't go there! "Eternal Suffering of the Wicked and Hades," - by Robert Govett, available from Schoettle Publishing Company, PO Box 1246, Hayesville, NC 28904; 706-896-3333, 227 pages, $8.95. A very comprehensive book by an 1800's author. Answers arguments of annihilationists and UR. Looks indepth at subjects of eternal, punishment, destruction, life, death, immortality, and GOD's character. "Heaven and Hell," - by Edward Donnelly, Banner of Truth, Carlisle, PA 17013; 717-249-5747, 127 pages, $11.99. Gives a good overview of things to come. "The Bible: Its Hell and Its Ages," - by TJ McCrossan, 142 pages. This is a classic on refuting the UR teaching if you can find a copy - it seems to be out of print. "The Doctrine of Endless Punishment," - by WGT Shedd, Banner of Truth, Carlisle, PA 17013; 717-249-5747, 201 pages, $8.50. A very thorough, biblical look at all Scriptures pertaining to this subject, with special attention given to sheol, hades, gehenna, age, and ages. Very convincingly shows that there are only two ages - the present and eternity. And very convincingly proves the evangelical position that every person will rejoice forever in heaven or suffer forever in hell. "The Last Assize," - by G.H. Lang, available from Schoettle Publishing Company, PO Box 1246, Hayesville, NC 28904; 706-896-3333, 102 pages, $3.95. This is a very comprehensive book on the final judgment by a well known Christian leader in the 1800's. It very well refutes universal restoration and annihilation and lays out the biblical case for final punishment. Return

The High Calling- by Nate Krupp If God has called you to be really like Jesus in all your spirit, He will draw you into a life of crucifixion and humility, and put on you such demands of obedience, that He will not allow you to follow other Christians, and in many ways He will seem to let other good people do things which He will not let you do. Other Christians and ministers who seem very religious and useful may push themselves, pull wires, and work schemes to carry out their plans, but you cannot do it; and if you attempt it, you will meet with such failure and rebuke from the Lord as to make you sorely penitent. Others can brag on themselves, on their work, on their success, on their writings, but the Holy Spirit will not allow you to do any such thing, and if you begin it, He will lead you into such deep mortification that will make you despise yourself and all your good works. Others will be allowed to succeed in making great sums of money, or having a legacy left to them, or in having luxuries, but God may supply you daily because He wants you to have something far better than gold, and that is a helpless dependence on Him, that He may have the privilege of providing your needs day by day out of the unseen treasury. The Lord may let others be honored, and put forward, and keep you hid away in obscurity, because He wants to produce some choice, fragrant fruit for His coming glory, which can only be produced in the shade. God will let others be great, but keep you small. He will let others do a work for Him, and get the credit for it, but He will make you work and toil on without knowing how much you are doing; and then to make your work still more precious, He will let others get the credit for the work which you have done, and this will make your reward ten times greater when Jesus comes. The Holy Spirit will put a strict watch on you, with a jealous love, and will rebuke you for little words and feelings or for wasting your time, which other Chrisians never seem distressed over. So make up your mind that God is an infinite Sovereign, and has a right to do as He pleases with His own, and He will not explain to you a thousand things which may puzzle your reason in His dealings with you. God will take you at your word; and if you absolutely will yourself to be His slave, He will wrap you up in a jealous love, and let other people say and do many things that you cannot do or say. Settle it forever, that you are to deal directly with the Holy Spirit, and that He is to have the privilege of tying your tongue or chaining your hand, or closing your eyes, in ways that others are not dealt with. Now when you are so possessed with the loving God that you are, in your secret heart, pleased and delighted over this peculiar personal, private, jealous guardianship and management of the Holy Spirit over your life, you will have found the vestibule of heaven. (Source Unknown) Return

Dying To Self - by Nate Krupp When your good is evil spoken of, when your wishes are crossed, your advice disregarded, your opinions ridiculed, and you refuse to let anger rise in your heart, or even defend yourself, but take it all in patient, loving silence....that is dying to self. When you lovingly and patiently bear any disorder, any irregularity, any impunctuality, or any annoyance; when you stand face-to-face with waste, silly extravagance, spiritual insensibility, and endure it as Jesus did....that is dying to self. When you are content with any food, any offering, any climate, any society, any raiment, any interrogation, any interruption by the will of God....that is dying to self. When you never care to refer to yourself in conversation, or to defend your own beliefs, your own good works, or itch for commendation, when you can truly love to be unknown....that is dying to self. When you can see your brother prosper and have his needs met, and can honestly rejoice with him in spirit, and feel no envy, nor question God, while your own needs are far greater and in more desperate circumstances....that is dying to self. When you receive correction and reproof from one of less stature than yourself, and can humbly submit inwardly, as well as outwardly, finding no rebellion, retaliation, self-sympathy, self-defense, self-vindication, self-justification, resentment, bitterness, unforgiveness in heart....that is dying to self! (Source Unknown) Return

Reaching Cities for Christ - by Nate Krupp Jesus gave us a command - to take the Gospel to every person in the world (Mark 16:15). He also gave a pattern - to go to the streets and lanes of the city, and then the highways and byways that surround the city (Luke 14:21, 23). The Great Commission is our taking the Gospel to the lost where they are, in their culture and at their time and place of convenience. Most churches and Christians are totally unprepared to do this. We expect/require the lost to come to our place of designation and time, and enter our Christian culture, to hear the Gospel. When are we going to TAKE the Gospel TO the lost in their culture and at their time and place of convenience - every person, every home, every street, every neighborhood?! This is the task that is before us! We believe that any city can be reached for Christ in a few years. It will take four things - The Body of Christ coming together in functioning unity. This means a coming together of all involved in ministry/leadership - pastors, para-church leaders, house church leaders, authors, intercessors, etc. - such as GOD is doing in many cities around the world. All believers released and mentored to their destiny - Eph. 4:11-12. All believers need to be released to be who they are in GOD - and mentored toward their destiny. This is what Eph. 4:11-12 is all about - we are to equip the saints for their ministry. It¹s their ministry that needs to come into focus - and we need to be coaches. All believers challenged and trained to reach ³their world.² All believers need to be challenged and trained to reach their ³world.² This will include training them to be personal soul winners. I believe that GOD is about to release a new wave of evangelism to bring in a final harvest before Jesus returns. I am believing GOD for millions of soul winners to be raised up around the world. There needs to be a functioning representative of the Body of Christ in each neighborhood. The spiritual leaders of the city need to encourage all believers to find the other believers in their neighborhood, work place, etc. These groupings of believers in each neighborhood, work place, etc., need to be encouraged to begin meeting together at least once a month to get better acquainted, pray for one another, begin to pray for the neighborhood, begin to meet the needs in the neighborhood, and begin to literally be the Body of Christ in the neighborhood. In time they will begin to see others coming to Christ through their servant-witness. As thousands of believers become Spirit-led soul winners, and as the neighborhood and work place fellowships being to reach out in each neighborhood and work place, the city can literally be reached for Christ. For further information on reaching your city for Christ, see the web site cities4christ.net. Return

What is GOD After in His Church? - by Nate Krupp He is after something where Jesus Christ is Lord of all. He is after something that is led and controlled by Him, not men. Throughout Church history, GOD has often initiated something and then man soon takes it over; tries to organize it and control it; and GOD leaves the scene. He is after something that gets people out of religion and programs - and challenges them to develop a deep, personal, intimate relationship with GOD. He is after something that will be built on GOD-ordained relationships - and all needs (parenting children, evangelism, discipling converts, caring for the elderly, etc., etc.,) are met thru GOD-ordained relationships, not programs. He is after something that will release all believers into their wholeness, giftings, ministries, and destiny. He is after something that will recognize and enhance the GOD-ordained importance of the family. He is after something that will work under any circumstances - urban, suburb, rural, free society, Communism, Islam, etc. He is after a "new wine skin" that can catch and preserve the "new wine" that GOD is pouring out. He is after something that is so simple and GOD-led that it can grow, divide, multiply, and cover the earth. He is after something that will result in the Gospel being taken to every nation, language, people group, neighborhood, family, and individual on the face of the earth. He is after something that will be a glorious, beautiful Bride, prepared for His Return. Return