---

Mere Traditions of men

---

 

Luke 9:1  Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.
2  And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.
3  And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.
4  And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart.
5  And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.
6  And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where.
7  Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him: and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that John was risen from the dead;
8  And of some, that Elias had appeared; and of others, that one of the old prophets was risen again.
9  And Herod said, John have I beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him.
10  And the apostles, when they were returned, told him all that they had done. And he took them, and went aside privately into a desert place belonging to the city called Bethsaida.
11  And the people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing.
12  And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place.
13  But he said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they said, We have no more but five loaves and two fishes; except we should go and buy meat for all this people.
14  For they were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, Make them sit down by fifties in a company.
15  And they did so, and made them all sit down.
16  Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude.
17  And they did eat, and were all filled: and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets.
18  And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am?
19  They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again.
20  He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God.

 

We the men have decided... we can disregard this..

 

"Let no man deceive you by any means: for [that day shall not come], except there come a FALLING AWAY FIRST,"

2 Thes. 2:3.

 

(Mat 15:6 KJV)   Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.

 

(Deu 17:14 KJV)  When thou art come unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, and shalt possess it, and shalt dwell therein, and shalt say, I will set a king over me, like as all the nations that are about me; (Deu 17:15 KJV)  Thou shalt in any wise set him king over thee, whom the LORD thy God shall choose: one from among thy brethren shalt thou set king over thee: thou mayest not set a stranger over thee, which is not thy brother.

 

(Jer 24:3 KJV)  Then said the LORD unto me, What seest thou, Jeremiah? And I said, Figs; the good figs, very good; and the evil, very evil, that cannot be eaten, they are so evil.

 

It should be clear to any knowledgeable Bible student especially of the New Testament as to how far away from the New Testament many of the so called Churches today have in reality too actually now drifted from those in the Books of acts, the New Testament, and even thus how we now have even too many false cults like Mormon's, Jehovah Witnesses as well. The too often mere status, social clubs, rather now false churches tend to even wrongfully to to justify their false departures from the New Testament Biblical pattern, even the personal example set by Jesus Christ Himself and the Apostles now too, even in regard to giving, ministering to others, helping others, praying for the sick, and in the pattern of the church worship services, prophesying now  too. I do rightfully do here want you to teach only valid New Testament truths and not to at all to continue the to much too many mere human lies as well.  Please firstly do also still get it clear you and I, all of us here firstly to  serve only God, Jesus Christ, His Holy Spirit and not some mere man or women now as well, or a cult, a sectarian denomination.

 

All to Jesus I surrender, all to Him I really Give... All... all my thoughts, all of my will, all of my goals, inclinations, desires too, and  Surrendering all to Jesus, even our wrong ways, our failures is a virtue on our part.. but surrendering to other men's false wills, desires, or to the devil is not a virtue... it is an immoral act still.  Simple too.

 

(Eph 3:14 KJV)  For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15  Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

 

 (James 4:7 KJV)  Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

 

(James 4:8 KJV)  Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

 

(2 Tim 2:26 KJV)  And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

 

(Rom 12:1 KJV)  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

 

(2 Cor 10:5 KJV)  Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

 

The Corrupted men's teaching tend to not only be useless but it still often leads others into more unacceptable sins too.

 

(Rev 13:10 KJV)  He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword.

 

(Eph 4:1 KJV)  I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3  Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4  There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5  One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6  One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

 

"And he (Jesus) is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all [things] he might have the preeminence."

 

Rather than take the Bible as the word of God and apply it even to all of the men in the ministry as well today's  pastors even do  too often rather still tend rather to distort it with false human reasoning's, false cultural practices, false traditions while too many falsely are still even claiming to uphold the word of God accurately , as being true prophets.

 

For example: Let us look at the Bible example, definition of the spiritual New Testament church elders. Which  now also differs from those Old testament elders Mosses had selected to help him lead the people too. (Num 11:16 KJV)  And the LORD said unto Moses, Gather unto me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom thou knowest to be the elders of the people, and officers over them; and bring them unto the tabernacle of the congregation, that they may stand there with thee. 17  And I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take of the spirit which is upon thee, and will put it upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear it not thyself alone.

In the New Testament the Disciples and the Apostles, " when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. (Acts 14:23) NO HIGHER EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENT WAS EVEN SET FORTH NOW TOO. It was all plain and simple too.

From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church.... He said unto them... Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. (Acts 20:17-28)

Paul and Timotheus, the (slave) servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: (Phil. 1:1)

For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:(Titus 1:5)

Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: (James 5:14)

Clearly firstly the  "Elders" and "Overseers", Bishops, Apostles,  note also this a a plural term now too in any church, meaning even more than one pastor of course, they are the same persons, elders, and that it is they who are given the responsibility to shepherd, or to pastor the local church of God. ("Shepherd" is the literal meaning of the word "pastor.") Deacons in contrast while they also are spiritually qualified persons specially looked after helping to distribute the donations, the money, assisting in helping undeniably  the local poor Christians. A role the modern day social club church has too often wrongfully falsely dropped and instead it even wrongfully despises the poor Christians, the poor people .

So while others besides Elders may also  exercise a pastoral, shepherding gift for instance, there is no hint  at all even in Scripture of anyone claiming to be the main captain of the ship, of the Church, the pope or what ever,  the sole dictator, the sole " Pastor" of a local church,  or  thus anyone assuming a position of oversight apart from Jesus Christ Himself and them being superior to the work of the local elders.  But in reality this servant, serving attitude, structure, approach tends not to be so today in churches and why? The Pastor it seems too often wants wrongfully to insure that they get  all of the monies as much as possible for himself and the glory too?

And still what about even in any of the other Churches and what about the different Church  titles? One big difference between the early New Testament churches and most of  the modern day churches is that none of the churches in the Bible had any distinct names, denominational ones included  too, rather they were defined by the name of the GEOGRAPHICAL CITY THEY WERE IN, FOR EXAMPLE  the Church of Corinthians, and what about the sad the fact that all the ones today do now have mostly SHOW OFF NAMES?

Notice that in the Scriptures, Paul now wrote to the church at Corinth, or to the church at Ephesians, and so on. Dozens of churches are  mentioned in the Bible, and the letter was always to the "saints" at Jerusalem, or to the church of the Thessalonians, or to the brethren at Colossae, etc. Never, was there a church address, name like the Independent Bible  or Pentecostal Church too.  Never. It is always assumed then and rightfully even now as well that a true Christian Church practiced, upheld Jesus Christ, the sole God,  as Lord of their life, invoking the power of his name as well, and practicing the whole New Testament Bible.

In Matt 18:15-20, Jesus states in verse 20, "For where two or three are gathered together IN MY NAME, there am I in the midst of them." Notice that He says "in my name". Whose name? The Pentecostal Name? The Brethren Name? The Baptist name? The Independent Fundamental  name? The Grace Baptist Church name, or whatever the name of your church is? NO. He said "in MY name.  For it is His sole church still too.  "And IN HIS NAME shall the Gentiles trust" . (Matt 12:21). "But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send IN MY NAME, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you". John 14:26 (He will send the Holy Ghost not in the name of even the Pentecostals, or the Apostles, but in the name of Jesus.)  "And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever shall call ON THE NAME OF THE LORD shall be saved". Acts 2:21 (John 12:32 KJV)  And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. " In the name of Jesus we are to still to  meet. "In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together,"1 Cor 5:4. Are we to gather together in a sectarian name, the divisive name of a  church, or the denomination? Whose name are we to gather? IN HIS NAME. ""Col 3:17 says, "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do) all IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." (This is a command of God that whatever we do, we are to do it in the name of Jesus.) ("In His name" means in His authority.) (So, are you serving in His name or are you serving in the your name or in the name of your church and/or in your denomination?)"

Clearly as well no where in the New Testament do we read now of a "Senior Pastor," or "Presiding Elder." or any such false self glorying power. prestige  titles, but in reality even this tends not to be so today and why? For man tries to replace God and his leadership, importance still even all the time. In fact this act does come perilously close to an anti Christ spirit  since Christ Himself is spoken of as "the Chief Shepherd" ((1 Pet 5:4 KJV)  And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.) (Eph 5:23 KJV)  For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

"For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd" (Jesus, the Shepherd ("poimen") which means pastor) and Bishop (Overseer) of your souls. (1 Peter 2:25)." And when the chief Shepherd (JESUS) shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away."

We all  are to seek to please God and not any man.. (Acts 5:29 KJV)  Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men...(Acts 5:32 KJV)  And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. Many people do not have the anointing of the Holy Ghost cause they are falsely trying to obey mere men and not God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit.

(Eph 4:11 KJV)  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;  12  For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13  Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14  That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15  But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

No one can dispute honestly, failry that Jesus Christ supposedly is no longer the head of the Church, and no one can equally dispute that the even the apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers are  not still being gifted to the local churches now too and yet many do try to do this and why? They want to wrongfully exalt themselves or some mere man or women.. and they rather serve the devil too.. My how self importance, pride is still a deadly sin for many professing Christians still too. why? Because they falsely have not yet died to self , self centeredness, self satisfactions, self seeking, on the cross of Jesus.

Third John 1:9-11. I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth [them] out of the church. Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.

(Acts 20:28 KJV)  Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.   29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. 31  Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. 32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. 33 I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. 34  Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. 35 I have showed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

(Gal 2:10 KJV)  Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.

The apostle Peter himself does confirm that the terms "elders" and "overseers" refer to the same persons, and that their work includes that of pastoring the flock: The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:  Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; (1 Peter 5:1-2)

(Psa 34:18 KJV)  The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

(Psa 51:17 KJV)  The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

Let us also make it clear in all of our minds that  that the Holy Spirit assigns you a specific flock to look after.. but the flocks still all belongs to God, is His alone... God does not share his glory with any man still too. The point that also does need to  to be fixed clearly in all of our  minds from the above scriptures is that, in the New Testament, churches were never, never, never shepherded only by one man, whatever his title or designation, but by a plurality of men, the elders. Even the elders were voluntarily subject to the congregational members for their selections, approval too Why? To insure balance, a check..

Who is in reality the head of the church and owns the church as well? Jesus ALONE AND NOT any others! So do we run the Church his way or our way STILL? In and by  His love  too? Or by our own self love? self ambitions?

1Cor 1:10-13 says, "Now I beseech you, brethren, BY THE NAME OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, that ye all speak the same thing, and [that] there be no divisions among you; (sects or denominations) but [that] ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them [which are of the house] of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? (Denominated) was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul"? We all know that the church at Corinth was very carnal. Paul had to straighten these people out on many things. One problem they had was becoming clickish (divided or denominated). These people were trying to invent the first denominations. Thus, began sectarianism in the church. (the beginning of religious sects or subgroups). Some in the church said "I am of Paul, others "I am of Cephas (Peter)". Some "I am of Apollos", and some were correct by saying, "I am of Christ." But many wanted to identify themselves with men rather than Christ. No doubt the reason for them choosing a man to identify with was that the person was probably saved by that particular man's ministry and probably baptized by him. "Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul?" Then he said, "I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel:" 1Cor 1:14-17. Notice that Paul seems to be saying that people that he had personally led to the Lord and baptized were denominating or dividing themselves unto him, as did others with whoever ministered to them. Thus, they wanted to become followers of Paul, and could be called "Paulites". Those who favored Apollo could have been called "Apollites", and those of Peter; "Cephites or Cephists" or whatever you want to call them. Silly you say. Well, no sillier than today. Today, people likewise say, "I am of the Baptist", or "I am of the "Methodist", or "I am of the Catholics", etc. (Did you know that each denomination was started by a man?) Baptist could say that "I am of John Smyth"(first to start a Baptist church), or the Brethren, the Pentecostals can say something similar?

"And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, [even] as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able [to bear it], neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas [there is] among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I [am] of Apollos; are ye not CARNAL? 1Cor. 1:1-4. Notice this time he did not include "I of Christ", as he did in 1 Cor 1:12-13. Only those who divide over men, Paul, Apollos, and etc. are carnal.)"

 How can you love and serve two masters? The Bible clearly says you can't. So in whose name will you serve? In the name of Jesus, or in some mere  man-made denominational name? "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods (denominations?) which your fathers served….BUT AS FOR ME AND MY HOUSE, WE WILL SERVE THE LORD." Josh 24:15.

So "What about church titles  You sure hear many of them in and around the modern day church, such as, Brother, Sister, Elder, Reverend, Doctor, Pastor, etc. But, what does the Scriptures say about this? In Job 32:21-22, it says, "Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man. For I know not to give flattering titles; [in so doing] my maker would soon take me away." Jesus also condemned it. Speaking of the Pharisees, Jesus said they "love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, [even] Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no [man] your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, [even] Christ." (Matt 23:7-10). Jesus is saying that they were not to call any man Rabbi, Master, or Father, which were spiritual titles for teachers and authoritative spiritual leaders. Then He added that they were not to allow others to call them by those titles. He said in verse 6 and 7 that the Pharisees loved these flattering titles. After saying this, do you think Jesus would call a minister today, Doctor, Reverend, etc? No, He would not! He said we are not to have religious titles, and we are not to call other men by them. Did you know that most people today would be offended if you did not put "Brother" or "Doctor" or some other title before their name? Certainly most preachers would. They would say that it is a lack of respect. But, in the Bible no one had these titles before their names. It wasn't Doctor Paul, or Reverend Paul or even Brother Paul; it was just Paul. Just Peter, James, and John. Just plain Timothy, Titus, and Philemon." Jesus is the only one who deserves a title, and that is Lord, or Christ, as in Lord Jesus or Lord Jesus Christ.

Some may say that it doesn't matter what the Bible says; we are going to follow tradition. We are still going to give men spiritual titles. "That's the way it's always been done, and everybody today does it that way." The Pharisees would agree with you". The same ones who now had killed Jesus rather than accept Him and His ways too.

Further more , the clear impression given by the New Testament  scriptures is that elders were generally raised up  AND EQUIPPED AS WELL by God Himself, from within the local church, and they were not hired and imported EVEN from outside and certainly THEY DID NOT COME mainly from the ranks of the  INSTITUTIONAL  "clergy". The Apostles themselves clearly disproved any of this. Who had equipped them for the role, tasks, positions? Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit.

Where also now in the Scripture is there any such thing as a servant of the Lord contracting to receive a stated fixed, regular, too often ridiculously high even  salary, with all the fringe benefits now as well  from any congregational church? Or appointed to the local church by the Corporation?

The New Testament does clearly sets forth the principle that those who preach the gospel are entitled to "live from the gospel"  But still we all do live by faith, we trust God daily to meet our needs, physical, spiritual ones too, healing included.

((Mat 10:9 KJV)  Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,

(Mat 10:10 KJV)  Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.

(1 Cor 9:14 KJV)  Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.

(1 Tim 5:17 KJV)  Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

(1 Tim 5:18 KJV)  For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.),

Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.(Gal. 6:6)

Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel... no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. (Phil. 4:10-16)

Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them. And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful. (Titus 3:13-14)

but there is never any indication that this LOVE OFFERING GIVING involves a guaranteed, stated salary, but rather they were all STILL free will gifts: For they too now have also to live by faith in God to provide for their needs like the rest of us, but sadly mostly today both clergy and members they do not too. And in reality if you as A GOOD SHEPHERD DO CARE, LOOK AFTER THE FLOCK THEY WILL ON THEIR OWN GLADLY HELP TO MEET YOUR NEEDS TOO.

(Heb 10:38 KJV)  Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

(Heb 10:39 KJV)  But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

"Neither as being lords over [God's] heritage, but being ensamples to the flock". (1Peter 5: 3)

"Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden Candlesticks; I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. Rev 2:1-6. (Jesus said "thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars.") (These are the "grievous wolves" Paul mentioned in Acts 20, those claiming to be apostles, and trying to draw men after themselves.) Notice, right after this statement of men claiming to be apostles, you find for the first time the word "Nicolaitans." Look at verse 6, and you will find that Jesus complimented the Ephesians for hating the deeds of the Nicolaitans. The word Nicolaitans is a compound word, "nikao" which means "to conquer", and "laos" which means "people". Put it together and you have "conqueror of the laity", or "conqueror of the people". This was an attempt to usher in a priestly order or clergy. Sounds familiar doesn't it? We know they later became successful because in Rev. 2:6, the "deeds" of the Nicolaitans later became the "doctrine" of the Nicolaitans in Rev. 3:15 at the church in Pergamos. But, Jesus condemns this modern idea of a clergy which divides an equal brotherhood. Remember, Jesus said in Matt 23:8, "But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, [even] Christ; and ALL YE ARE BRETHREN." So, we are not to have spiritual masters or leaders, because Christ is our spiritual master and leader. He said you can't serve two masters. "

PLUS a Distorted Position of the Pastor as being now a one man ministry like the Kings in the Old Testament does lead  many of the pastors to falsely enslave us as well. The apostle Judas was good example of some of the bad pastors we have in the church today.. who cared about his own agenda, his own importance, about monetary gains too.

"Speaking of Judas, Acts 1:19 says, "For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take". But, look what that passage in Psalms says referring to Judas, "Let his days be few; [and] let another take his office". Psalm 109:8. "Bishoprick" means office of a bishop. So, Judas had an office of a bishop or a bishoprick. (One of twelve offices or "bishopricks"). But, Judas had no church, nor authority, and was not over the other apostles. Jesus called him to a service, a ministry, a work, or an "office", and sent him out with the other disciples to preach the gospel. "

Like Judas it should be obvious even today still  that the too many rather hirelings not true shepherds in the   Ministry that  tend not to live by faith. to live by faith that God, not man will supply all of their personal needs now as well. Besides that too many religious workers, rather mere "Hirelings" do  still lie when they say they do not have a fixed  salary, income, sadly, they neglect to mention their designated, fixed expense accounts, budgets, supports, privileges that they have access too.. The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:  Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; (1 Peter 5:1-2)

But did not Jesus say, "The laborer is worthy of his hire" (Luke 10:7)? True, but the briefest glance at the immediate context, where these laborers are instructed to carry neither purse nor scrip, and to "eat and drink such things as are set before you"-shows that a fixed salary was the last thing our Lord had in view. Yes, the Lord's laborer is worthy of his hire, but who is it that "hires" him? In whose employ is he--the church's or the Lord's? Surely the Lord's, but the system of a fixed salaried pastorate clearly implies otherwise. I too cannot help but believe that the present-day "Pastor search" process, complete with resumes, salary negotiations, trial sermons, monetary abuses, and the like, is a grievous offence to the Spirit of God AND IT SHOULD BE TO ALL CONGREGATIONAL MEMBERS NOW TOO. On top of that anyone who received tithes was not allowed to own real estate, a fixed property too.

Many persons still do find it also still hypocritical how the rather too many rather bad pastors put a really high emphasis on the need of the Old testament tithing, but they do still give a very low accountability for it, on how it was spent. And they wrongfully clearly fail to give 1/7 of the tithe income money to the local poor people as required in the laws of the tithes in the Old Testament. It is very ironic that I have often said that if you really want to know how spiritual someone is, pastors , elders, included do first see how they do in regard their emphasis on the  importance of money, for their related greed for it will show their true spiritual values, or rather the lack of it. It is thus  interesting that too many CHURCH COMPLAINTS NOW revolve over the spending of the donations, money. Many persons already are too often rightfully complaining that too many evangelical pastors even are too often still  greedy for filthy lucre, and they really do not care about the spiritual welfare, physical needs of others. This should come no surprise to any person who knows their Bible. For the passage that most  of the preachers used to demand tithes (Mal 3:7 KJV)"  Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return? 8  Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. 9  Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. 10  Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. "It was the priests themselves firstly that God had accused them of robbing God of His tithes. Funny few tithe preacher fail to point this out too?

The only REAL case in Scripture of a "minister" receiving a fixed salary defined a such, occurs in Judges 17- a situation clearly filled with compromise and idolatry! (Judg 17:5 KJV)  And the man Micah had an house of gods, and made an ephod, and teraphim, and consecrated one of his sons, who became his priest.

Again our urgent question must be: why is to so many preachers fail to apply all of the  Scriptures adequately? Do they really Care too? In reality Preachers too often are just mere  men love to reject God's way and do their own sinful things still even today?

(Isa 30:1 KJV)  Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin:

 (2 Cor 6:14 KJV)  Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

Again where also is the notion that the public ministry of the Word of God that it is to be confined to only one man in a local church, and that it is contingent upon him being "ordained" solely by some well known, recognized human authority? On the contrary, in the Bible we read: Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. (1 Cor 14:29-31)

It is still very clear that the common Church practice these days of one man in the pulpit  monopolizing the public ministry of the Word was undeniably utterly foreign to all of the New Testament churches.  Again confronted with the plain teaching of the New Testament Scripture, we can not escape the instruction  that the oversight of the local church is to be exercised by mature brethren. elders,  raised up by the Holy Spirit from within the church but the actual  public ministry of the Word is open to any brother or sister who has been divinely gifted. called, selected by God  for it subject by the confirmation, judgment of others still too.

The  one - Pastor system:   Perpetuates the deplorable false partiality  between "clergy" and "laity."  Away also with the idea that Christian work is the province of only a special few for it wrongfully causes all of the believers to neglect their own responsibility for witnessing to the lost, in encouraging the brethren, in having their own in-depth Bible study, in visiting the sick, etc., out of a false conscious or a false subconscious assumption that these are all only  "the paid Pastor's Jobs." and which all  leaves little or no room for the exercise of personal individual spiritual gifts  of the local church. Thus it mostly leads to churches being continually built in the flesh, as mere programs, promotions, and the false godified Pastor's charms, personality replacing the spiritual gifts of the body... all eventually leading anyway to the death of the local church and often the dismissal next of the same hired pastor. Amazing how often pastors are fired, replaced today, unlike the true, godly Shepherds of the New testament era. All that also tends produces widespread discouragement among the sincerely lost Pastors, who are trying earnestly to fill an unscriptural role,  and it also wrongfully denies a sole Pastor a personal accountability, and  fellowship in the local church that  they so desperately need, and it all does tend to negate the sovereignty  of the Holy Spirit in the church. Though the Pastor may earnestly seek the mind of the Spirit, his perception is clouded by his own personality, desires, etc.

(Psa 140:11 KJV)  Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: 

(2 Cor 13:1 KJV)  This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.

It is much better, when formulating plans or making a decision, for the elders as a group, along with other spiritual men, to come before the Lord in prayer until the Holy Spirit speaks and brings them to a consensus, as in (Acts 13:1 KJV)  Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2  As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3  And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

Sadly as well the one man Ministry  is given responsibility for the entire ministry of the church-and since no one man tends to have   all of the Holy Spirit  gifts- the same Pastor is forced to spend much of their time doing ministry they are not supernaturally gifted to do, and the majority of the ministry even goes undone.

It also does now  creates a situation where one person, the Pastor, can turn a doctrinally sound church into a cult, a heretical church overnight. It happens much too often now too. Many pastors are often the very first ones to object to the existence of Apostles, elders these days cause they wrongfully seem to reuse to be mutually accountable to them as well.

The local church having multiple elders, while not providing absolute immunity from doctrinal error, is a powerful check against heretical teaching, but even whole church elders now have known to be corrupted, even arrested and sent to jail. Personal practicing the Bible daily is essential for all persons, elders, pastors, everyone..

 So where today is the rightful faith, emphasis, confidence that the Lord has already supplied the body with the leadership gifts needed? and where are these gifts being encouraged in the local church as well under a mostly still one man ministry? They rather are suppressed.

 Jude 1:3 Beloved, my whole concern was to write to you in regard to our common salvation. [But] I found it necessary {and} was impelled to write you and urgently appeal to {and} exhort [you] to contend for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints [the faith which is that sum of Christian belief which was delivered verbally to the holy people of God].

I must honestly still say that I am also really disappointed these days also with even two things,  the amplified Bible’s too often distortions of basic Christian Doctrines, and even with some professing Christian denominations,  Churches distortions of the basic Christian doctrines even in  regard to  what the basic ministry of the Church now should be today as well.. Beyond a shadow of the doubt the church’s ministry was to the local poor Christians and those abroad too, and that was why the office of the deacon was specifically created, the deacon in the New testament was not a money collector, or the church finance officer, but a social worker who distributed money to the poor people mainly,  unlike too often today as well in the churches.. Now looking at what the Bible says,,

 

Eph 4:11 And His gifts were [varied; He Himself appointed and gave, continues still today to give,  gifted, equipped men to us] some to be apostles (special messengers), some prophets (inspired preachers and expounders), some evangelists (preachers of the Gospel, traveling missionaries), some pastors (shepherds of His flock) and teachers.  12 His intention was the perfecting {and} the full equipping of the saints (His consecrated people), [that they should do] the work of ministering toward building up ( physically and spiritually now too) Christ’s body (the church), 13 [That it might develop] until we all attain oneness in the faith and in the comprehension of the [full and accurate] knowledge of the Son of God, that [we might arrive] at really mature manhood (the completeness of personality which is nothing less than the standard height of Christ’s own perfection), the measure of the stature of the fullness of the Christ {and} the completeness found in Him. ( meaning clearly the same works Jesus did we are also to do now too)

 

1 Pet 5:1 I WARN {and} counsel the elders among you (the pastors and spiritual guides of the church) as a fellow elder and as an eyewitness [called to testify] of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a sharer in the glory (the honor and splendor) that is to be revealed (disclosed, unfolded):

 

I want to look at the Amplified Bible’s limitation of the definition of the office of Apostles, Prophets, evangelist, pastors, teachers

-The Apostle is defined as a messenger, and yet the same description is almost given to the Evangelist too, the difference is the word special is added to the Apostle..

-Similarly prophets and teachers seem to hold similar offices according to the amplified Bible

and if these equipped, gifted, church positions are so similar with would be clearly redundant to have different names for the same offices, God has a reasons to call these offices different cause these persons do, did different things generally too…

-Pastors seem to be rightfully defined as shepherds of the flock… and note this the plural term of shepherds us used, and they rightfully are not defined as an ruling elder, an  administrator too.

 -Even the office of elders is mis-defined, and is limited  to being  pastors, and spiritual guides, when we all can know that in the new testament, the apostles, and prophets, were also called elders now.,.. not just  the pastors or evangelists, teachers..

- All these gifted persons,  Apostles, Prophets, evangelist, pastors, teachers, now also are existing now these days for the Greek term God gave means actual he continues to give to the church, the tense is continual present and they were mutually, willingly submissive one to another in the church.. unlike too often rather today.

 

An Apostle, plural gift too,  to be fair the definition of a New testament  Apostle it today  does not totally match the actual functions that the Apostles performed in the New Testament, for they now also  were also not just preachers, evangelists, expounders, shepherds, administrators, ruling elders,  as the situation required them to be but do note this  clearly  healing was a part of the ministry, for firstly  they also manifested now all the gifts of the Holy spirit. It seems the church these days falsely  has lost it’s essential  ministry of compassion to the sick and the poor so that is what they seem to discredit the existence of the Apostles, healers too..

 

Similarly the New testament Evangelists, plural term too, they  were also healers, not just preachers, travelling missionaries. Read the Bible for yourself and see this fact, truth.

 

Ezek 34:4 The diseased {and} weak you have not strengthened, the sick you have not healed, the hurt {and} crippled you have not bandaged, those gone astray you have not brought back, the lost you have not sought to find, but with force and hardhearted harshness you have ruled them.

Matt 4:24 So the report of Him ( Jesus)  spread throughout all Syria, and they brought Him all who were sick, those afflicted with various diseases and torments, those under the power of demons, and epileptics, and paralyzed people, and He healed them.

 

Acts 28:8 And it happened that the father of Publius was sick in bed with recurring attacks of fever and dysentery; and Paul went to see him, and after praying and laying his hands on him, he healed him.

 

And when was the last time you now even saw a Pastor submissive to the other church elders, rather it seems these  day the pastor, often only singularly too,  he wrongfully tries to force the elders to be under their submission alone which is clearly a non New Testament approach too.

 

The other reason we clearly do not see these God equipped persons wrongfully in most churches, is firstly because they now have put the wrong persons in the potions, rather too often unspiritual , unqualified persons in reality and they need to now change this drastically too.

 

And it is not just these days the Baptist, Plymouth, Brethren, Mennonites,  Lutheran, others who have it all wrong but even many Pentecostal churches. I was in the local Pentecostal church, Pentecostal assembly of Canada church too, and they wrongfully firstly did no home visitations at all for a start. Yes they care about compulsory tithing for the support of the pastor, church, it seems… but  how can you be a pastor shepherd and not know the state of the flock, not be with them in their homes. What Kind of shepherd now would leave his flock alone in the field to fend themselves alone against the wolves, lions, bears, etc., while he stayed at home in the house being an administrator, preacher, teacher rather a “Hireling” now only? and he did not look after the sick, poor, and did not pray for them in their homes to be healed like the apostles, elders often did  in the new testament church did That would be ridiculous too you would rightfully say too. Sure to say a false face they offer to pray for the sick in the church, and when the sick person was not healed, they had falsely blamed the sick person as being the guilty culprit for  the sickness, and the reasons now, next them  not being cured, due to their own sinfulness.. what hypocrites the church elders here are too for firstly while we are all sinners, Jesus and the apostle healed any sinner now as well. Which clearly they still cannot do and wrongfully do not determine why they cannot do. In their behavior they are not any better than managers of a secular corporations, and how they treat their employees.. and is nothing Christian  here rather.

 

God still only expects all of the church elders now too   to be willing to serve the poor, the sick and needy, and he by his holy spirit will equip the church elders into that role even today. But if you are unwilling, have the role as a self serving position it is no wonder God rightfully does not equip them too often theses days too.

 

I was really still surprised to note how many pastors are often fired from their jobs, for God still does fire bad pastors even these days, rightfully too.

 

Prov 27:23 Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, and look well to your herds;  24 For riches are not forever; does a crown endure to all generations? { the false pursuit especially for pastors, elders of riches, that can disappear in a moment, is vanity firstly too, and you can be your employment terminated, you dismissed from your job for doing so too now}  25 When the hay is gone, the tender grass shows itself, and herbs of the mountain are gathered in, 26 The lambs will be for your clothing, and the goats [will furnish you] the price of a field. 27 And there will be goats’ milk enough for your food, for the food of your household, and for the maintenance of your maids.

Ezek 14:7 For anyone of the house of Israel or of the strangers who sojourn in Israel who separates himself from Me, taking his idols into his heart and putting the stumbling block of his iniquity {and} guilt before his face, and [yet] comes to the prophet to inquire for himself of Me, I the Lord will answer him Myself!

 

Ezek 20:38 And I will purge out {and} separate from among you the rebels and those who transgress against Me; I will bring them out of the country where they temporarily dwell, but they shall not enter the land of Israel. Then you shall know, understand, {and} realize that I am the Lord.  

The proper role of a pastor, elders are not to assume the entire ministry of the church, but to mobilize and equip ALSO THE REST OF THE SAINTS to do the work of the ministry.

The concept of a church led by a SINGLE Pastor-equipped who mobilizes the saints to do the work of the ministry sounds attractive, but the experience of thousands of frustrated Pastors testifies that it simply does not even work.

God not being able to use as well some of the other  gifted members of the local church implies that the Holy Spirit is even incompetent in placing the proper leadership gifts within each church.

Is it seminary training that qualifies a man for leadership in the church, or the gifts of the Spirit? Not at all....

 "The word "overseer" is singular in 1 Timothy 3:2 and Titus 1:7 where the qualifications of the overseer are described suggests at least the possibility of "overseer" being a one-man work but It is a most natural use of language to employ the singular when describing the qualifications of a position. For instance, I might say, "A United States Senator (or even, the United States Senator) must be a man of integrity. honor, etc." without in the least implying that there is only one United States Senator, or even one per state! To stress Paul's perfectly explicable use of the singular here, while ignoring the overwhelming evidence of the rest of the New Testament, would be a strange and twisted exegesis. " when two verses earlier Paul had introduced the subject by reminding Titus of his instructions to "appoint elders [plural I in every city"?

Were not the "Pastoral Epistles" addressed to single individuals? This objection is based on the common misconception that Timothy and Titus were clergy sated as being  "Pastors" of local churches. This is simply not true, not stated  in the  Bible now.. It is human interpretations .Even James, the Lord's brother, was an apostle (Gal. 1:19). not a Pastor. Epaphras was an evangelist. The "fellow bond-servant" of Paul who brought the gospel to the Colossians (Col. 1:7). (Strange that if he were "Pastor" of the church at Colossae. he is never seen as present there, but always with Paul elsewhere!. (Col. 4:12; Philem. 23) Epaphroditus is simply described as one of Paul's fellow-workers who was sent by the Philippian church as a minister to his needs. None of  this is now any valid evidence for the one-Pastor system?

 Acts 14:23 ("So when they had appointed elders in every church...), James 5:14 ("Let him call for the elders of the church"),

Some would lie and say even if it can be proven that the New Testament churches had multiple elders that would not necessarily be normative for the church today. After all, everyone agrees that believers in the Jerusalem church sold their goods and had all things in common, yet who suggests rightfully by the Holy Spirit returning to that pattern today? God does, his New Testament standard does not change.

The passage in question, Acts 2:42-47, does not say that all those who believed sold all their possessions. The use of the imperfect tense in verse 45 implies that from time to time, as necessary, they sold their goods to distribute to brethren in need.

It is a false error to also say  that because God graciously blesses someone operating under a certain set of beliefs or practices, that He thereby endorses those beliefs or practices for all, including the pattern set forth by D. L. Moody or all of his view now too. We are to follow after God not men, men are just his mere mouth pieces with their real imperfections too. Praise God, He does not require us to be perfect in our interpretation of Scripture before He will use us. If so, who could hope to be used?

 Also, let us not forget that, quite apart from the question of what problems might be solved or created when WE  follow the New Testament pattern  we need to be led by the Holy Spirit who will not deny the pattern set in God's words in the New Testament now.  We still do need conform to the authority of Scripture as a matter of principle for  we invariably thus find God's way to be the best way.

In review all  Elders are not to lord over God's people, but to be personal examples. They also are not to receive base gain; "not for filthy lucre",  and they are not to be the false "Hirelings" but true shepherds, plural, of the sheep. Sadly the church today has tend to has become distorted, being run more like a business requiring an executive  businessman, hireling, to run it, a secular approach at the best still.

(1 Cor 11:1 KJV)  Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.  1 John 2:27  "But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him." "Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ." (1Peter 2:5).  (1 Chr 16:22 KJV)  Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm. (Psa 105:15 KJV)  Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.

2 Tim 4:3-4, it says, "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away [their] ears from the truth."

(1 Cor 11:3 KJV)  But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.

"But Jesus called them [to him], and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all". Mark 10:42-44.

"Not for that we have dominion over your faith , but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand" 2 Cor 1:23.

"Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth : for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew [it] unto you." John 16:13,14.

"Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood , to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light". 1Pet 2:5,9.

"…what [shall be] the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many ..." Matt 24:3-5.

"In reality the one-man pastorate, far from having the sanction of Scripture, is essentially a "Protestantized" holdover from the Roman Catholic clerical system? For those of us who claim the Bible, rather than tradition, as our authority, it is time to fervently search the Scriptures to see if these things are so.

(Acts 17:11 KJV)  These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

(Psa 119:59 KJV)  I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies. 60  I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments. 61 The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law. 62   At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments. 63  I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts. 64  The earth, O LORD, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes.

(Psa 119:59 KJV)  I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies. 60  I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments. 61 The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law. 62   At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments. 63  I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts. 64  The earth, O LORD, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes.

(Col 2:8 KJV)  Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

(Mark 7:3 KJV)  For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.  (Mark 7:8 KJV)  For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. 9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.

(2 Th 3:6 KJV)  Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

 

(1 Pet 1:18 KJV)  Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19  But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 20  Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, 21  Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. 22  Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: 23  Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 24  For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: 25  But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you. 2:1  Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 2  As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 3  If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. 4  To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, 5  Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 6  Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. 7  Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, 8  And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. 9  But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 10  Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. 11  Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; 12  Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. 13  Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; 14  Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. 15  For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: 16  As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. 17  Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

 

It seems that even in the Church something have wrongfully not changed.. pastors, elders, deacons are fighting for positions, recognition, and seem to have forgotten the flock..

(Mat 18:1 KJV)  At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? 2  And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, 3  And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4  Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5  And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. 6  But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. 7  Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! 8  Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. 9  And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. 10  Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. 11  For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. 

(Mat 23:11 KJV)  But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.

 

(Mat 23:12 KJV)  And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

 

(Luke 11:49 KJV)  Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute:

(Mat 10:2 KJV)  Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;

(Mat 11:13 KJV)  For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.

( Note Jesus the Apostle and the other Apostles expanded, clarified  next  the old testament teachings.. and all of the new testament books were written solely by an Apostle.)

(Mat 23:34 KJV)  Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:

(Mat 7:15 KJV)  Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

(Mat 24:24 KJV)  For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

If in comparison the   false prophets  and false apostles exist, there must also still exists the genuine ones too..

(Acts 2:42 KJV)  And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

(Acts 2:43 KJV)  And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

(Acts 4:33 KJV)  And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

(Acts 4:35 KJV)  And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

(Acts 5:12 KJV)  And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.

(Acts 8:18 KJV)  And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,

(Acts 13:1 KJV)  Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

 

(Eph 2:20 KJV)  And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

(Eph 3:5 KJV)  Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

(Eph 4:11 KJV)  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

I like the scriptures to firstly speak for themselves, on any topic now as well.. even about the APOSTLES NOW TOO

For a start we know that in the Church of Christ IN THE NEW TESTAMENT ERA there were more than just the 12 original apostles.. An Apostle is a calling,  who job description is being the senior father of the church, he is generally the, an original church starter, he is the equivalent today of a Missionary, and he or she  tends to have all, note all of the gifts of the Holy spirit. Apostle are generally characterized by the much persecutions and sufferings they bear too.. One generally tends to work one way up in the church and the last administrative position is the Apostle.. the job below the apostle are the prophets who are often found in the company of apostles, and generally below the prophets are the pastors -teachers who take the advice from the Prophets.. many pastor teachers deny the existence of apostles, prophets cause they are in sin and falsely refuse to submit to their authorities.. Some pastors today actually function in the role of an Apostle, but do not use the title.. and the elders are made up of the local pastors teachers, prophets, apostles.. there are women apostles.. such as Junia (Rom 16:7 KJV)  Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me... and women prophetess (by the way Apostle and prophets can be divorcees.. while pastor teachers cannot..) Evangelists is a separate gifted persons to the church, also one of the elders, generally has a healing or miracles gifts,   tend to travel from church to church, city while missionaries tend to be fixed.. Generally in the local Church the apostle is referred to as an elder.. as are the prophets, pastor teachers, evangelists.. Now as to a ruling elder, the church administrator,  the Bishop...an apostle, he tends to be responsible for a specific flock of churches in the geographical area.. he is the the most senior original apostle or his gifted appointee. God selects and equips the church  leaders, the church confirms it..

 

(Heb 3:1 KJV)  Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;

 

(Mat 21:11 KJV)  And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.

 

(Luke 24:19 KJV)  And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people

 

(John 6:14 KJV)  Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.

 

Jesus was a Prophet, but was now also the first Apostle of the church, he was the Apostle, the Prophet too...

 

Examples of the fatherly aspects of an apostle..

 

(Gal 4:19 KJV)  My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,

 

(1 John 2:1 KJV)  My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

 

(1 John 3:18 KJV)  My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

 

(Mark 10:14 KJV)  But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

 

Secondly apostle Paul clearly WAS NOT one OF THE original 12 OR the 13th apostle..

 

(1 Cor 1:1 KJV)  Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God

 

(1 Cor 9:1 KJV)  Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?

 

Have you also noticed that trying to discuss spiritual gifts with spiritual  fools tends to end up in fights? why?? Can you next really teach a fool who thinks he or she knows it all anything? no! 

 

(Rom 14:1 KJV)  Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. (Prov 9:9 KJV)  Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.

The New Testament office of an Apostle supposedly also had no parallel for sure in the Old Testament and I would agree that a more  valid Biblical definition of an "Apostle is a matured Holy Spirit anointed Christian person who has experienced all the gifts of the Holy Spirit... in other words he the Apostle has also personally had functioned in the role of prophet, pastor, teacher, evangelist, miracle worker, healer, giver, helper.. etc., and that was why they have been given such  importance in their roles now too. Mind you that is a general definition, the original 12 Apostles and Apostle Paul do not fully meet this criteria.

EPHESIANS 2:20 still does reminds us that the church of today as well is "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone". Note the inclusion of the New Testament prophets with the apostles as the continual. ongoing foundation of the church. "That these prophets are NT prophets cannot be seriously questioned, especially in the light of Eph. 3:5 where the apostles and prophets again are found together as recipients of the revelation of the mystery that the Spirit has "now" made known." And the gift of prophecy to the church was also to be eagerly sought.

 

(Eph 4:11 KJV)  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; Because many they have also wrongfully neglected the continual Greek verse tense here  in the passage, stating thus God keeps on giving these anointed persons, offices, some persons would wrongfully state that there is clear implications there being only one historic  "foundation" and that once a foundation is laid, it does not need to go on being laid thus pointing to a SUPPOSEDLY temporary nature and cessation of the office of Apostle or Prophet now as well.

 

The Christian Church foundational, original organization plan,  while truly first set in Pentecost is actually repeated  daily today as well when we now do build any new church work. In any new local church work the apostles, and  the NT prophets are continually raised up by still by God for them to serve in the founding, foundations  of the new church work. Once this task was, is complete, these offices of apostles and prophet's were  still needed even next in the administration and expanding the new church work and even by next also building another one, Now how come some people do not want to see this too? "In Eph. 2:20, apostles and prophets are closely linked. They are both important components of the one foundation.  Ephesians would actually indicate that we are dealing with two groups of specifically gifted people. In Eph. 4:11 we are told that Christ "gave some to be apostles, some prophets..." Here both nouns have their own definite article. They are clearly two separate groups.  Let’s also STILL note the important position accorded to New Testament prophets. In Eph. 4:11 they are mentioned second only to apostles. Their importance is also seen in Rom. 12:6-8, where the first gift mentioned is prophecy. Similarly, 1 Cor. 12:28 lists "first apostles, second prophets, third..." "

 

(Rev 22:6 KJV)  And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to show unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.

 

(Rev 22:9 KJV)  Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.

 

Like I have said one is not a Christian before one notice the vast difference between fundamental Christians, in particularly between the Pentecostals and the non Pentecostals.. the difference lies also in the aspects, emphasis  of the Holy Spirit, Spiritual Gifts, and the gifted Church members, offices too.,, such as even Apostles, Prophets.. and there are differences even on the issue of eternal security.. While both sides claim to believe the Bible is the word of God, they seem to explain it all very differently... the problem to me it seems is that clearly one group is doing it mostly in their own wisdom, not in God's, they are not allowing the Holy Spirit to guide,  teach them, but rather the flesh, mere men and the devil.. but next each one says the other group is doing this.. the same professing Christian group that has a low emphasis on the Holy Spirit is the one in error.

 

Jer 1:5 Before I formed you in the womb I knew [and] approved of you [as My chosen, equipped  instrument], and before you were born I separated {and} set you apart, consecrating you; [and] I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.

 

Jer 6:27 I [says the Lord] have set you as an assayer {and} a prover of ore among My people, that you may know and try their doings and be like a watchtower.

 

(Ezek 3:17 KJV)  Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.

(Ezek 3:18 KJV)  When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.

(Jer 1:18 KJV)  For, behold, I have made thee this day a defenced city, and an iron pillar, and brazen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land.19  And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the LORD, to deliver thee.

 

Jer 6:28 KJV)  They are all grievous revolters, walking with slanders: they are brass and iron; they are all corrupters.

(Jer 6:29 KJV)  The bellows are burned, the lead is consumed of the fire; the founder melteth in vain: for the wicked are not plucked away.

(Jer 6:30 KJV)  Reprobate silver shall men call them, because the LORD hath rejected them.

(Jer 7:1 KJV)  The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,

(Jer 7:2 KJV)  Stand in the gate of the Lord's house, and proclaim there this word, and say, Hear the word of the LORD, all ye of Judah, that enter in at these gates to worship the LORD.

(Jer 7:3 KJV)  Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, Amend your ways and your doings, and I will cause you to dwell in this place.

(Jer 7:4 KJV)  Trust ye not in lying words, saying, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, are these.

(Jer 7:5 KJV)  For if ye thoroughly amend your ways and your doings; if ye thoroughly execute judgment between a man and his neighbour;

(Jer 7:6 KJV)  If ye oppress not the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, and shed not innocent blood in this place, neither walk after other gods to your hurt:

(Jer 7:7 KJV)  Then will I cause you to dwell in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers, for ever and ever.

(Jer 7:8 KJV)  Behold, ye trust in lying words, that cannot profit.

(Jer 7:9 KJV)  Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not;

(Jer 7:10 KJV)  And come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, We are delivered to do all these abominations?

(Jer 7:11 KJV)  Is this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, even I have seen it, saith the LORD.

(Jer 7:12 KJV)  But go ye now unto my place which was in Shiloh, where I set my name at the first, and see what I did to it for the wickedness of my people Israel.

(Jer 7:13 KJV)  And now, because ye have done all these works, saith the LORD, and I spake unto you, rising up early and speaking, but ye heard not; and I called you, but ye answered not;

(Jer 7:14 KJV)  Therefore will I do unto this house, which is called by my name, wherein ye trust, and unto the place which I gave to you and to your fathers, as I have done to Shiloh.

(Jer 7:15 KJV)  And I will cast you out of my sight, as I have cast out all your brethren, even the whole seed of Ephraim.

(Jer 7:16 KJV)  Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer for them, neither make intercession to me: for I will not hear thee.

 

Jer 15:19 Therefore thus says the Lord  If you return [and give up this mistaken tone of distrust and despair], then I will give you again a settled place of quiet {and} safety, and you will be My minister; and if you separate the precious from the vile [also  cleansing your own heart from unworthy and unwarranted suspicions concerning God's truth], you shall be My mouthpiece. [But do not yield to them.] Let them return to you–not you to [the people].

 

(Rom 1:21 KJV)  Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

2 Tim 4:3-4, it says, "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away [their] ears from the truth."

1 Cor 1:10 -13 says, "Now I beseech you, brethren, BY THE NAME OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, that ye all speak the same thing, and [that] there be no divisions among you; (sects or denominations) but [that] ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

How can you love and serve two masters? The Bible says you can't. Whose name will you serve? In the name of Jesus, or in some man-made sectarian name? "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served….BUT AS FOR ME AND MY HOUSE, WE WILL SERVE THE LORD." Josh 24:15.

(1 Cor 11:1 KJV)  Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.  1 John 2:27  "But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him." "Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ."

"But Jesus called them [to him], and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all". Mark 10:42-44.

"Not for that we have dominion over your faith , but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand" 2 Cor 1:23.

https://pbulow.tripod.com/tradition.html  

https://pbulow.tripod.com/

http://postedat.wordpress.com/2009/05/30/grace/

http://thefocusonthefamily.wordpress.com 

http://stayinhealth.wordpress.com/

---