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NewManLiving · 04-08-2016, 07:49 PM

In the context of Acts chapter 9, Ananias is instructed by the Lord to go into the street and seek out Saul. Ananias is somewhat skeptical and reminds the Lord concerning Saul's reputation and authority to bind all those who call upon the Lord's name. The Lord reassures Ananias that Saul is an (not the) elect vessel to bear the Lord's name and to also suffer for His Name. The Lord does not distinguish Paul's election any different from our own by assigning to him the title: Apostle or Minister of the Age, having the One Vision of the Age. This is extra-biblical and is a thinly veiled nuance with no real substance.

In Corinthians, Paul speaks for himself and describes his calling and function. In 1:12 Paul shows deep concern about the strife and division taking place concerning the Corinthians' preference for one Apostle over the other. Because of this he calls them carnal and mere men. As was the case then and certainly is now, elevating an elect vessel to anything other than an elect vessel will bring about division. This has already taken place in the LSMLC first by Witness Lee elevating himself, then by his disciples continuing and enforcing this carnal practice.

So what does Paul have to say about himself? In verse 17 he tells us that Christ sent him to preach the glad tidings or gospel concerning the cross of the Christ. He never mentions anything about the Vision of the Age, nor does he claim himself to be The Apostle of the Age. As a matter of fact from eternity there is only one Vision and one Minister - Christ Himself. Paul knew this well! Paul tells us in 3:5 that he and Apollos are simply ministering servants through whom you have believed. Paul planted and Apollos watered; but it is God who gives the growth. However the planter and the waterer are one; but each shall receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God's fellow-workman; are God's husbandry, God's building. According to the grace of God which has been given to me as a wise master architect have laid the foundation, but another builds upon it.

Now those who are familiar with Paul know that he often uses analogies to make his point. For example, the Greeks were very enthusiastic for the games so Paul often used words like running, racing, fighting, wrestling, crown, prize and reward to clarify and emphasize his message. The same is true here. Corinth is known for the Corinthian order, the last developed of the three principal orders of Greek and Roman architecture. Paul never identifies himself as being the unique master-builder of the age, but rather provides insight as to his care and precision in laying the unique solid foundation of the Christ. Paul also goes on to tell us that others build upon this foundation; he cautions those building that they will face trial by fire to prove their labor and the material they use to build. The material must also be Christ Himself!

In verse 11 we see that no other foundation can man lay besides that which is already laid. There is no other unique anything in any age; past, present or to come, but Christ Himself. Unfortunately in the LSMLC today, there is another foundation, another vision, and a special vessel - building with wood, hay and stubble. May the Lord have mercy on all of us.

04-08-2016, 07:49 PM	#2
NewManLiving Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Posts: 153	Re: The Minister of the Age Examined In the context of Acts chapter 9, Ananias is instructed by the Lord to go into the street and seek out Saul. Ananias is somewhat skeptical and reminds the Lord concerning Saul's reputation and authority to bind all those who call upon the Lord's name. The Lord reassures Ananias that Saul is an (not the) elect vessel to bear the Lord's name and to also suffer for His Name. The Lord does not distinguish Paul's election any different from our own by assigning to him the title: Apostle or Minister of the Age, having the One Vision of the Age. This is extra-biblical and is a thinly veiled nuance with no real substance. In Corinthians, Paul speaks for himself and describes his calling and function. In 1:12 Paul shows deep concern about the strife and division taking place concerning the Corinthians' preference for one Apostle over the other. Because of this he calls them carnal and mere men. As was the case then and certainly is now, elevating an elect vessel to anything other than an elect vessel will bring about division. This has already taken place in the LSMLC first by Witness Lee elevating himself, then by his disciples continuing and enforcing this carnal practice. So what does Paul have to say about himself? In verse 17 he tells us that Christ sent him to preach the glad tidings or gospel concerning the cross of the Christ. He never mentions anything about the Vision of the Age, nor does he claim himself to be The Apostle of the Age. As a matter of fact from eternity there is only one Vision and one Minister - Christ Himself. Paul knew this well! Paul tells us in 3:5 that he and Apollos are simply ministering servants through whom you have believed. Paul planted and Apollos watered; but it is God who gives the growth. However the planter and the waterer are one; but each shall receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God's fellow-workman; are God's husbandry, God's building. According to the grace of God which has been given to me as a wise master architect have laid the foundation, but another builds upon it. Now those who are familiar with Paul know that he often uses analogies to make his point. For example, the Greeks were very enthusiastic for the games so Paul often used words like running, racing, fighting, wrestling, crown, prize and reward to clarify and emphasize his message. The same is true here. Corinth is known for the Corinthian order, the last developed of the three principal orders of Greek and Roman architecture. Paul never identifies himself as being the unique master-builder of the age, but rather provides insight as to his care and precision in laying the unique solid foundation of the Christ. Paul also goes on to tell us that others build upon this foundation; he cautions those building that they will face trial by fire to prove their labor and the material they use to build. The material must also be Christ Himself! In verse 11 we see that no other foundation can man lay besides that which is already laid. There is no other unique anything in any age; past, present or to come, but Christ Himself. Unfortunately in the LSMLC today, there is another foundation, another vision, and a special vessel - building with wood, hay and stubble. May the Lord have mercy on all of us.