Omega Message – April 1995
Gary Sonmore
We are a group of local fellowships connected only by our belief in Jesus Christ, our common love for one another, and a common vision of God’s plan for the end of this age. There are no legal affiliations, memberships, nor individual leaders that join us together, only a common goal and understanding of God’s plan and purposes for the day we live in.
We believe in “body ministry” and respect the word of the Lord through even the youngest of brethren. We do, however, recognize certain individuals that we believe God has placed in our midst, that hold strong mantles and specific ministry to the Body of Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13). In one respect, they are no different than any other, and they are required of the Spirit to respect the ministry of anyone else, even the littlest of members in the Body. On the other hand, however, there are certain authority and leadership abilities that God has placed in them. Those placed in this capacity are not novices in moving in the things of the Lord. They are “tried and true,” and typically have lived a life that exemplifies integrity and an unshakable love for the Lord and His Body.
I have observed over the years that when opposition comes, or various ones stop fellowshipping with us, much of the time it is because they are having conflict with the relationship that these in leadership have to our local fellowships. Because we are outside of the “Church system” and teach against the error of a “one-man pastor” role, we are rightfully sensitive to any resemblance of one individual taking too predominant of a position. Herein lies much of the dilemma. Given any specific meeting, there will be those that will complain because there was not enough leadership, and “every man was doing that which was right in their own eyes.” At that same time, there will be those that will complain that certain ones were trying to “control” and “run the show.”
It has been an almost unwinnable situation for those accused. As a side note, I think many that feel led to aspire to this type of ministry feel squelched; sometimes, by their fear of being caught in the middle of this type of ironic opposing criticism.
The real issue is that much of the time, we “shoot the messenger” when we do not agree with the message. I have come to the position that, because of my love, trust and respect for these brethren, even when I hear something that does not quite hit me right, I first weigh it carefully before the Lord before I bring a word of correction. I now have to admit that in many cases when this (has) occurred, it was really my flesh that did not agree with the word that came forth. This is not to say that everything that has been spoken has totally been in the Spirit of the Lord. As great and powerful and accurate as any one of these brethren normally are, they are still imperfect and have the ability to minister out of their flesh from time to time. No one is above correction, but correction must come bathed in prayer and love. This is also why God has raised up elders and watchmen in our midst. These are normally the ones that have the responsibility to bring correction where needed.
We again have an issue of balance. There is always the tendency to either desire “a king over us” (Ref. 1 Samuel 8:19), or to be in rebellion against those God has placed in leadership. Maybe we are wrestling even with the issue of whether God, in fact, has leaders within His Body. “Aren’t we all just a member, and don’t all fulfill an equally important role?” Yes, this is true, but I would say that at least until we all come into full stature that there is a function that God has ordained for certain ones to operate in the capacity of leadership (Ref. Ephesians 4:11-13).
On the one hand, no one is different than anyone else; we are all “just a member of the Body of Christ.” But I choose to submit myself to these ministries, and I recognize God’s authority in them and God’s mantle upon them in a special way. Although I have no problem with God-ordained leadership, I will also be the first to jump up and condemn the actions of any one trying to become our pastor.
With regard to those that have chosen to leave, I have to say that, unfortunately, many of us have not always reacted properly towards them. We often react, administering the same spirit of rejection towards them that they have ministered against us. This should not be (1 Peter 3:9, Proverbs 18:19). This is not to say that if they return, we allow the error to come back into our midst, however. We are not rightfully dividing the vessel from their error (Ephesians 6:12). There must never be a locked door toward anyone no matter what their past actions (Galatians 6:1). However, on the other hand, it is appropriate to have certain wise requirements or limitations placed on those that return. Repentance is always a good first step for them.
Are we in some way exclusive in God’s eyes? No. We do not espouse the doctrine of exclusivity, and do not believe that those that choose to leave our fellowships are in any way less in God. When God directs, it is absolutely appropriate for them to go, and to go with our full blessing. The problem is that, many times, certain ones leave due to doctrinal disagreement, or even personality conflicts. I have witnessed too many times that (of) those that go in opposition or with conflict, their spiritual lives move into stagnancy or severe doctrinal error. It is not necessarily due to their leaving that brought on the error, but I believe the conflict and their subsequent departure were only by-products of an already pre-existing condition of the error (Matthew 24:10-12, 1 John 2:19). In any event, when such a situation is discussed concerning us, we often are labeled as having “cultic” tendencies of “elitism.”
Let me be very clear. We are just a small part of many true believers around the world that make up the worldwide Body of Christ. However, as well, I need to also clarify that we see that Body differently than most. On the one hand, we feel that the true Body of Christ is not made up of churches, or even “end-time” fellowships. It is made up of individuals that are a part of a remnant people within the overall born-again Christian community (Romans 9:27, Revelation 12:17). In most Christian circles, the Body of Christ is synonymous with all born-again Christians. Some would even say that the Body of Christ extends to the whole Christian community, even those that do not teach the need for a salvation experience. It may be a real paradigm shift for some to think that the true Body of Christ may only be a remnant within Christianity, but you need to weigh it carefully by the Spirit. This remnant will be those that are now contending for and will be willing to continue to pay the price to be a part of God’s overcoming sons.
We will not enter into this wedding feast piggybacking on someone else’s revelation or experiences. We will enter as individual members of this overcoming Body of Christ, based on our own relationship with the Lord. Yet, as individuals, God is also speaking strongly of a need for one another, and a corporate commitment (Hebrews 10:25).
Because we realize a need for one another and we enjoy the frequent coming together of these brethren that God has joined us to, we become easy targets for those that say we have become a sectarian commune and have become ingrown. I agree that in the natural (that which is visible, as opposed to the spiritual) there may be outward appearances that would lead one to that conclusion, but in every case I have witnessed this was just an easy excuse to try to discredit us and justify their grievance. Unfortunately, I have yet to see any one of these bring forth a greater understanding, or move into a stronger place in God. In most cases, as I have mentioned, they either move toward stagnancy, or become victims of their own cursings.
We are not a “holy cow” or individuals that can do no wrong. We are not the ultimate group of fellowships in the world. However, concerning that for which we are contending and the doctrines that we espouse, there is no greater word or revelation. We are a part of God’s final chapter in man’s restoration process. Are those words too bold for some? Again, I am not saying I have attained, neither am I already perfect, but I am pressing, even as Paul, towards that prize.
We must differentiate between the word we have received, and ourselves functioning in it. Few in ministry will question that when God anoints us, we minister words much beyond our own level of maturity and unfortunately, our own commitment level. I think (many times) that we will all be quite surprised, when God brings down that final curtain, at who will be a part of that overcoming company, and who will not (2 Thessalonians 2:3, Matthew 10:22, 1 Corinthians 9:27, 10:12). If we are not walking with a trembling (heart) before God regarding the very revelation that He has so graciously allowed us to see, we might as well quit wasting our time pursuing this word. Save yourself the pain.
We do not feel we are special or have a corner on truth. No one has pre-qualified for this position; no one has a guarantee. This message is available to anyone, and we welcome everyone. Those that think they are unique in God’s eyes have already disqualified themselves. We are joined with thousands of like-minded brethren around the world that are contending for God’s ultimate purpose for mankind. That purpose is God’s desire to have a Body that will so be given over to God that, He, in a specific moment in time, will enter into them in a greater degree than man has ever experienced before. In this entering, it will consume the last remaining vestiges of the sin nature within us (1 Corinthians 15:50-54). These will be a remnant of people that will enter into perfection and will begin to establish the government of God in the earth.
Serious times require serious attitudes. Much of Christianity, due to their intoxication with an escape indoctrination (rapture) are not as sober (1 Peter 4:7). This is not a time to laugh, but a time to weep, repent and cry out to God. So, Lord Jesus, come quickly.
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