![]() | Christian Religion Web Site The Preacher's Files Apologetics Press The Gospel of Christ Site For The Lord |
| ||||
| Re: We are brethren!
This cuts the root of all titles of position in the church, including, if I might be so bold, pulpit minster vs family minister vs youth minister, each making different amounts based upon importance in the hierarchy. On a second note, as many who know me and hear me often say, calling people directors in the church is wrong. We have an absolute platform to stand on too regarding such titles, the ENTIRE Word of God. Even elders (older guides), teachers (teach and guide), deacons (translates to servant), preachers (preach the Word), evangelists (traveling preachers) have titles right? Nope! They are only designations to describe what work they are involved in and none of the names have any hierarchy inference in the root meaning. |
| |||
| Re: We are brethren!
Reminds me too of what Paul told the brethren at Corinth. (Of course, Paul was dealing with those who had the miraculous gifts in part and the brethren there were very ‘proud’ of their spiritual gifts.) But we all are gifted in one way or another…some more than others and the principle applies. Paul told the brethren at Corinth that the gifts they received were for the “common good” (1 Cor. 12:7) of “the body… For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit” (1 Cor. 12:12,13). Then Paul takes the analogy of a human body, comparing how difficult it would be for a human body to function without a foot, ear, or eye. As one who is practically handicapped in one hand, I can tell you from experience, when you have to learn to do without a hand then that hand becomes ever so important. And I think that is the point that Paul is trying to make. What we may think of little significance may very well be the cement that holds the whole body in tact. As for me personally, my little insignificant hand has caused me to give up a big portion of my livelihood. (I am only telling my story to put my words in some prospective…I’m not fussing, I still have a hand and it comes in quite useful at times.) But my whole point is, this little, maybe insignificant, maybe out of the spotlight individual, may very well become very noticed if suddenly taken out of the picture. And this individual is your brother, your fellow worker. Naturally though, those who hold the office of elder or deacon or preach and teach certainly have a role in the church that is more vivid than others, but this does not make them any more important than any other individual of the Lord’s church. Paul asked, “…that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other. For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive” (1 Cor. 4:6-7)? If someone has the ability or talent to serve in the Lord’s church in this capacity, then they have no room to boast (1 Cor. 4:7). The last thing Jesus did for His disciples were to wash their feet. Of course, Peter would have no part of it and Christ told Peter, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” And Peter said, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” If the washing of the disciples feet does not teach a life of serving others with a humble attitude, then I don’t know what does (John 13:1-20)? Thank you, John. We all need to be reminded of these things from time to time. |
| ||||
| Re: We are brethren!
It amazes me how we are dead and fleshly, learn the Word of God and see He wants us to not be like the world, learn from the Word for years and then when a man becomes a deacon, then even later becomes an elder, then as soon as they can make some decisions, they become so wise in their own eyes they command preachers to dilute the Word (the Word that saved them), create hierarchy within the ministers through titles and levels and then lift up women over men in direct rebellion against God's Word. What in the WORLD got into their head? Do they not have any appreciation for the God and His Word that saved them?
|
![]() |
| Thread Tools | |
| |
Similar Threads | ||||
| Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
| Greetings Brethren | GAParker | Welcome | Member Introductions | 2 | 10-13-06 03:47 PM |