Didache on paying prophets and apostles

I've read this a few times, and I don't understand it... I really don't know what to make of it.

2 Chapters from the Didache, or Teaching of the Twelve Apostles 50 - 120 A.D.
http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/didache-roberts.html

Chapter 11. Concerning Teachers, Apostles, and Prophets. Whosoever, therefore, comes and teaches you all these things that have been said before, receive him. But if the teacher himself turns and teaches another doctrine to the destruction of this, hear him not. But if he teaches so as to increase righteousness and the knowledge of the Lord, receive him as the Lord. But concerning the apostles and prophets, act according to the decree of the Gospel. Let every apostle who comes to you be received as the Lord. But he shall not remain more than one day; or two days, if there's a need. But if he remains three days, he is a false prophet. And when the apostle goes away, let him take nothing but bread until he lodges. If he asks for money, he is a false prophet. And every prophet who speaks in the Spirit you shall neither try nor judge; for every sin shall be forgiven, but this sin shall not be forgiven. But not every one who speaks in the Spirit is a prophet; but only if he holds the ways of the Lord. Therefore from their ways shall the false prophet and the prophet be known. And every prophet who orders a meal in the Spirit does not eat it, unless he is indeed a false prophet. And every prophet who teaches the truth, but does not do what he teaches, is a false prophet. And every prophet, proved true, working unto the mystery of the Church in the world, yet not teaching others to do what he himself does, shall not be judged among you, for with God he has his judgment; for so did also the ancient prophets. But whoever says in the Spirit, Give me money, or something else, you shall not listen to him. But if he tells you to give for others' sake who are in need, let no one judge him.

My 95 Thesis - Point 7 - Magic 8 Ball

Here's my 7th Point in My 95 Theses.

Does the Bible give clear answers on all issues?

There is a tendency in Christian circles to try to find answers to every question in the pages of Scripture. We often cut and paste snippets from here and there and string them together into a proof for whatever point we need to make. It is amazingly easy to do, see my Washing Hands post.

I've heard Bible based arguments for Yes and No sides the following issues:

• Gambling
• Drinking alcohol
• Dancing
• Mixed gender swimming
• Females wearing pants
• Playing cards
  
• Females without head coverings in church
• Females in leadership roles at church
• Symbols like Christmas trees used in church
• Use of drums in church
• Use of musical instruments in church
• Going to movie theaters
• Listening to secular music
• Birth control
• Polygamy
  
• Participating in Halloween
• Participating in armed conflict
• Being protestant
• Being catholic
• Being ______

Purpose of the Church

I just saw this video. I like the connection he makes between the purpose of the nation of Israel and the New Testament Church... to announce and demonstrate to the world that God reigns.

My 95 Thesis - Point 6 - Membership

Here's my 6th Point in My 95 Theses.

The way we do church membership is not found in Scripture. The body of Christ is a universal body. The members of the body are all Christ followers.

Does encouraging people to become members of a local assembly encourage or discourage them from viewing themselves as part of Christ's larger body?

Does encouraging people to become members of a local assembly that does not get along well with other assemblies force Christ followers to pick sides on battle lines created by others in past generations?

I suspect the way membership is done in local assemblies often does more harm than good to the unity of Christ's body.

Yes it may encourage unity in a local sense... but what are they unified towards??? Unified around a unique set of beliefs that puts them in opposition to other Christ followers?

What are the benefits to local 'church' membership?


Related Posts:

• I don't go to church
• Thoughts on membership
• Some membership questions - with some verses
• Leaving or joining church
  

Playdough Scripture Eph 4:1-5

"As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely bold because you know you are right humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There are many local bodies, each with their own local leaders, and some with regional leaders over them. These local bodies have relationships with some other bodies in other locations but don't associate with some other church bodies close by. is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."

Eph 4:1-5 (Playdough Version)

Joining or Leaving a church

Did you hear that __(name here)___ is no longer going to our church anymore? They are now part of _(location-denomination here)_ church.

Is there any evidence people talked like this in the early church?

Is it possible to leave one church and join another?

Why do we consider this normal behavior?

Related Posts:

• I don't go to church
• Thoughts on membership
• Some membership questions - with some verses