Understanding Controversy

Understanding Controversy Acts 6:1a And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, Wherever Jesus went and ministered, there arose controversies concerning his ministry and the results of His ministry. The fact that there was opposition from His brethren in no way indicated that Jesus was doing something wrong. Controversy has always been present in a move of Gods spirit. When Martin Luther began to preach the priesthood of all believers great controversy arose, however he began a move of God that that set the church on a course of restoration. The fivefold ministry The church has experienced great controversy with the restoration of the five fold ministry, especially the ministry of the Prophet and Apostles. Many were happy with the Pastor, the Evangelist and the Teacher but found it really hard to accept the Ministry gift of the Prophet let alone the Apostle, even when plain logic demanded that if pastors, evangelists and teachers were acceptable you would have to accept the prophets and apostles, they come in the same package. True Christianity through the ages has existed amid controversy and God allows this. Ever since the reformation God has been restoring truth and every time truth is restored to the church there will be those Christians who oppose it. Prophets, especially when they are in the infancy of their ministry make mistakes. That does not make them false prophets it makes them human. We all learn from our mistakes that’s how life is, many of the important lessons we learn we learn by first getting it wrong. Psalms 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. 24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.  God is restoring truth As we progress towards the end of this age much more truth will be restored to the church, and the value of truth is that it sets one free. It does this by bringing expansion to our understanding along with a spiritual encounter or experience that breaks off yokes that hinder us. When we truly encounter truth something changes within us. John 8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. The truth that sets us free is truth that is entered in to and experienced; it is not just an intellectual agreement with truth. May have a knowledge of the word, most bible colleges will give you that as basic knowledge of the bible, however that is not enough. The Greek concept of knowledge was that of, intellectual knowledge detached from experience. Unfortunately it is not uncommon for Christian teachers to teach this way i.e. just presenting facts. True biblical teaching is to impart understanding that carries with it Spirit that quickens the truth, this releases the hearer into another dimension that of spirit which has the ability to bring true understanding thus leading the hearer to obey or practice the truth. There are two Greek words for knowledge which are; gnosis and epignosis; The first means knowledge – intellectual knowledge, the second means knowledge by experiencing it or participating in the knowledge. It is knowledge received by encountering the source. This epignosis is not just intellectual knowledge it is knowledge gained by an encounter with the source of the knowledge and this is the knowledge or truth that sets us free. This is what the Apostle Paul was saying to his disciple Timothy.  2 Timothy 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge (epignosis) of the truth.  Paul was saying there are those who are ever learning but not encountering the truth which changes them. Those who don’t have an encounter with the truth often oppose the truth and this is often the cause of controversy. We can expect great controversy over the next move of God; however we need to be able to stand for truth in an uncompromising way no matter what the cost. Those who pioneered truth faced opposition but refused to compromise, this took strength of character.  Cowards have no place in the Kingdom of God, truth is precious and thousands have died for the truth that we have today. You shall know the truth and the truth will set you free. Let us be open to God as He brings greater understanding in this next move of God as He enlarges us expanding our comprehension of His ways and purposes. Blessings Neville Johnson June 30, 2009