Path of the Wolves was sent to Living Ministries by Church of Hope in Waterville, Washington. This 49 page booklet originally made me feel very cautious when I pulled it out of the envelope, but I appreciate the work they put into this pamphlet.
I was a little surprised to see quotes from writings not found in the bible: 1 Clement, Trallians, Philadelphians, Smyrnaeans and Polycarp. 1 Clement was written by Clement, an associate of Paul and a Pope/Bishop of Rome from 88 to 99 AD. The other books were written by Ignatius, who was Pope/Bishop of Antioch. He elevated the clergy to the highest place of prominence and he we would be Christ to the people.
But we were not called to lift any human to the same level as God and this is the premise of this reading. Putting anyone or anything higher than God is idolatry. As we study the word and have a greater understanding of the gift of Jesus‘ death on the cross and resurrection, we begin to realize that where we once had a law-based religion, we now are free to enjoy a grace-based relationship with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
Now, Jesus is the only head of the church. The leaders of the church are meant to be guides as God manifests His gifts through His followers, as He moves freely among all the people. Maturity would allow church leaders to step aside to let all followers to experience Jesus. Paul included everyone to bring their revelations, teachings, songs, and prophecies to share with the church.
We have to be mindful that satan is the angel of light. He knows how to create a counterfeit of God. That is why we are to look for the Fruits of the Spirit to make sure we are experiencing a fellow follower: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control. If you don’t see these attributes in someone’s life, they are probably not a Jesus Follower.
I found this reading to be thought provoking. This is my impression of what I got from the writing. I appreciate the work that was put into this writing, however I could not find anything about this church online so I can’t verify their existence.
