333 Words

333 WORDS….

How did evangelical traditions manage to trump several Biblical mandates? How did evangelicalism – dominate, powerful, far-reaching – become evangelicalism?

Who knows?

Evangelicalism is a fusion of catholicism, protestantism and its own unique peculiarities. We do know that evangelicalism is an alternative, one religion of many, to Scripture. Let’s call it The Evangelical Alternative.

The Bible speaks:

Exhorting one another…. When you meet together, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation…. Let two or three people prophesy, and let the others evaluate what was said…. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow…. God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. [See note # 1.]

The Evangelical Alternative speaks:

An open pulpit simply will not work…. Someone is likely to say something divisive. Can’t have that…. We need someone credentialed to teach Scripture, ensuring purity of the Word.

The Bible speaks:

Give as freely as you have received [See note # 2.]…. These hands of mine have worked to supply my own needs…. I was a burden to no one…. I have never coveted anyone’s silver or gold or fine clothes.

The Evangelical Alternative speaks:

“Because I do it all, I must get paid…. and because I get paid, I must do it all…. and because I do it all, I must get paid…. and because….” [See note # 3.]

The Bible Speaks:

Give, and you will receive…. Decide in your heart how much to give…. I will put my instructions deep within them, and I will write them on their hearts.

The Evangelical Alternative speaks:

Ten percent! Nothing less! Salaries must be paid, buildings purchased and maintained!

Please understand: Lord Jesus blesses, not through any religious alternative to His ways and His words, but through christians within religions. While many on the inside should withdraw from evangelicalism, many on the outside should attend (attend, not join!). Holy Spirit guidance is required.

For all attendees, serious vigilance is seriously advised.

NOTE # 1: The New Living Translation is used in this 333. To locate any verse, enter a few words into Blue Letter Bible (or an equivalent).

NOTE # 2: Our Bible teaches “The labourer is worthy of his hire”, and “You must not muzzle an ox”. However, there is no New Testament precedent for a salary.

NOTE # 3: This is a quote from The Way It Is (available at larryjones.ca).