Neat Stacks
Professional theologians would have us believe that paradigm is the proper way to perceive spirituality and the rest of life as the spirit is manifest in the earthly place: this is right, and that is wrong. Either this or that, then is the choice.
I am convinced that Jesus prefers a paradox: this is right, but so is that, and you must seek My wisdom to know which to apply to your life in this particular situation. Lose your life by giving it away, and that will be when you have truly first found your Life. Lose your life by dying to your self, and you will have truly opened the door to My influence making you able to become who you truly are in the spirit. He is the Lion of the Tribe of Judah; He is the Lamb of God, Who takes away sin by being slain by His creations.
Its hard to make rules that cover all situations when the Ruler likes paradox. Paradox means a word beside another word. You don’t need better theology. You need more Jesus in your ear and heart. The ekklesia of Christ didn’t have a New Testament for centuries. They had the Holy Spirit and people He gave gifts to. The professional theologians came along when Constantine brought all religions under his authority in his portion of the empire of Rome. Believers were subjected to professional priests and drawn into meetings where, instead of gifts operating through all the believers and a meal being central, the “laity” was instructed to stand up and shut up, and the “pros” handled everything properly from the throne and pulpit.
It is paradoxical to trust the leadership of Your ekklesia to people who hid when You were being crucified, who swore they didn’t know You, who are still doubting some of Who You are and who they are. That was wonderful, strategic planning according to Jesus, though.
He picked you. He wants to communicate with you – not just to you. Expect to be led and informed and made wise. Expect to succeed. Expect it to be difficult to stack in neat piles, though… If you try to put Him in a box, expect Him to embarrass you by not fitting well.