P-Rehbin no disrespect but who gives the increase or let us not esteem one higher than another seems quite clear. Jesus referred himself as a servant. Let no man be called reverend...if I err please explain.
Which is exactly my point. Preachers, Teachers, Pastors, Evangelists are ALL servants of the Body of Christ. Just as Jesus came to serve and not be served. And I know so very many Godly men and women who have dedicated their lives to serving Him who are not in the least "puffed up" with self importance because they may have the title Pastor, Teacher, Preacher, or Evangelist. God HIMSELF established these titles/positions in the Church, and I see no reason why people should have such disdain for those who serve in those positions.
Hebrews 13:7) Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
and verse 17) Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
Bill Brinkworth said:
(and I agree)
All throughout the Bible there are examples of how God dealt with those that rose up and spoke against God’s man such as:
- When Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses, Miriam was plagued with leprosy (Num. 12:9-10).
- When the people of Israel spoke against God and Moses (Num. 21:5-6), God sent fiery serpents to chastise them for their sin.
- When Korah and over 250 others spoke against Moses and Aaron (Num. 16:2-3), God allowed the earth to swallow Korah and the others up.
- When children mocked God’s man, Elisha (II Kings 2:22-23), God allowed two she bears to destroy 42 of the mockers.
- History tells us that Pontius Pilate, who ordered Jesus’ death, died by suicide.
- Judas turned against Jesus, and became so miserable about what he had done against Jesus that he killed himself (Mat. 27:5).
- The thief that perished on the cross with Christ, spoke against Jesus, and did not get saved and go to heaven.
David would not go against King Saul, even though the King did wrong several times against him. David’s heart was, “The LORD forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed: …” I Samuel 26:11. David knew it was wrong to oppose God’s man. However, today there are many that have not the fear or respect to restrain themselves from talking against or doing ill against the leader God has placed over the local church.
The pastor of any church certainly is not perfect. No one will agree with everything anyone does, let alone the many decisions the local shepherd has to make. He probably would not agree with all we do, either. However, he is the leader of the local church that God has for this time and should be obeyed, respected, and encouraged. Unless when scriptural error is involved, God takes him home, or God relocates him, he is to stay the church leader.
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Against God's Anointed - Sunday school lessons &...[/h]
These people have been called by God, purposed by God to serve His Church. This is the anointing of God on these people, and to defame those anointed by God is surely a most dangerous and foolish thing to do.
Now, people like to pick out a few bad apples, and there surely are some of those and use them and their sinful deeds to BROAD BRUSH condemn ALL who God has called to the Ministry.
One final warning...........then you guys can enjoy yourselves............anyone who speaks ill of one anointed by God will be judged for it on the day of Atonement. People better think before they start BROAD BRUSH condemning God's servants.
HAHHA
