Of lords and bishops

Of Lords and Bishops

1 Peter 1:15-1:16 (NIV, NIRV, TNIV, KJV)

Of Lords and Bishops This is a look at titles within the Church. I have found out here lately that many people are upset with titles that many Churches are using within their organizational circle. Lets look at the Bible and see what God has to say. The First Title I want to look at is; “Reverand.” This first verse of scripture has been misinterpreted by many. Psa 111:9 He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name. “holy and reverend is his name” This section of the verse is what we are going to look deeper into. The word “holy” and “reverend” if you noticed is not capitalized, which signifies that these are not names of God but attributes of God. The same attributes that Jesus aspires us to be. Ref; 1st Peter 1:15,1:16, Lev. 11:44, 19:2, 20:7. For those who wish to create a controversy, they skip the word ”holy” and only concentrate on the word ”reverend.” There are many places in scripture that the word holy is used in signifying a man and a land. Lets look at the meaning of the word; 1belonging to, derived from, or associated with a divine power; sacred.

2regarded with or worthy of worship or veneration; revered: a holy book.

3living according to a strict or highly moral religious or spiritual system; saintly: a holy person.

4specified or set apart for a religious purpose: a holy place.

5.Solemnly undertaken; sacrosanct: a holy pledge.

6.Regarded as deserving special respect or reverence: The pursuit of peace is our holiest quest. Now lets look at the word ”reverend”. You say then; “What about the word reverend?” “reverend” ADJECTIVE;

1.Deserving reverence.

2.Relating to or characteristicof the clergy; clerical.

3.ReverendAbbr. Rev. Used as a title and form of address for certain clerics in many Christian churches.

NOUN:

Informal

4.A cleric or minister. Used with the. ETYMOLOGY:

Middle English, from Old French, from Latin reverendus.

If you noticed in definition # 2 it is a characteristic of a minister, a title and not a name. Not being a name is extremely important and being a characteristic or title is the key. Rom 13:4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. I wish to look at Romans 13:4 a little closer, The words, “be afraid” and “a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.” Rom 13:5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

Rom 13:6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

Is Romans 13:4-6 speaking of a physical fear? No. Its speaking of a reverence fear as we fear God. So a “reverend, preacher, minister” is a man called and ordained, by God, to deliver the Gospel, to those that are lost and to those who are under his charge, to maintain the acceptable standard of conduct as a Christian according to the Commandments of Christ. His duty’s include, Preaching the word, being instant in season, out of season; reproveing, rebukeing, exhorting with all longsuffering and doctrine. By the Power delivered to him by God and Christ, who is the head of all things concerning the Church. 1Ti 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 1Ti 6:1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. Well what about other names for the clergy in Scripture? Stewards, Minister, Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists; Pastors, Teachers, Bishop, Elder and Deacon. The word,”trustee” is not in scripture but the word means; A member of a board elected or appointed to direct the funds and policy of an institution. Many a hypocritical Christian will overlook many a name if it suites them, but will not go against titles that are not listed in scripture. Why is that? Is it because they want attention or to cause division within the Church? They don’t come out against the title “lord”, why is that? And when you give them scripture or try to explain to them the meaning of a title or word, they close a deaf ear to you. The establishment of a trustee came about from the passage, Acts 6:3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. And the title “trustee” came from the word “Trust”. What about the word ,”lord” is it proper to call a minister or any one else lord? Yes, its acceptable with God. 1Pe 3:5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:

1Pe 3:6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement. But again we must look at the way the word “lord” is written. A small [L] not a capitol. What about the word “Priest”? Its OK. but not the title of “High Priest”, for we only have one High Priest which is Jesus Christ. Heb 5:1 For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:

Heb 5:2 Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.

Heb 5:3 And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins.

Heb 5:4 And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. But we must remember that this title is only given by God. “but he that is called of God” What about the word”Father?” No. Mat 23:9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. What about the word,”Rabbi?” No. Mat 23:8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. What about the word “cardinal?” Not in scripture. What about the word,”pope?” Not in scripture. Has many a Christian overemphised titles because of a lack of knowledge of Scripture? Are there thoses that are in need of reteaching? Are there those who have forgotten who they are in Christ, which come out with hateful remarks, not following after the teachings of Christ? I am saddened to say, Yes, there are. They have forgotten to read and study, they have forgotten about love and compassion, they have forgotten about comming together and reasoning one with another, they have forgotten who they are supposed to represent. I pray that this message comes forth as a learning experience so that all can remember who we are, Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus. ars.

What gift will you give

Now that the hustle and bustle of Christmas is around us, this may be a good time to sit back, relax, and contemplate what would be the best gift that we could give this Christmas.

We are often told that wisdom is passed down through the ages, so I would like to take you on a little journey back to the time of the Magi and see what truths we can glean from their wanderings.

Follow me, if you will to the Book of Matthew, Chapter 2, verses 1-12. (I will place the text here so that you can refer to it as needed: Taken from the King James Version)

NOW when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east toJerusalem,

2. Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

3. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalemlace with him.

4. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.

5. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,

6. And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Judea, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

7. Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

8. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

9. When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

10. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

11. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down and worshipped him and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

12. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

What are some lessons that can be gleaned from the previous passage: Well, to start, we notice that it was the light which drew the Magi to Christ.

The Bible tells us in Mt.5:14-16 that Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

This is exactly what happened with the Magi; They saw the light and it was that light which drew them to Christ. Is your light shining brightly? Are others being drawn to Christ through you?

It was this light, which caused them to search:

The Wise men could have stayed where they were, but they knew that they would find God ONLY IF they followed the light.

God Promises us in Jeremiah 29:13,14a

And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. 14. And I will be found of you, saith the Lord:...

And what did they do when they found Him? They Worshipped Him!

The word worship, comes from the Greek word PROSKOONEH'O. It means: To Adore - To Fall Down Before God in Awe.

An Example of this type of worship can be found in Revelation 4:10-11

The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 11. Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Worship is not just saying, "I Love you Lord" with your mouth, but with your whole being. Ezekiel 33:31 tells us ...With their mouths they show much love but their heart goeth after their covetousness.

Many at Christmas say "I Love You Lord" but in their heart they are more concerned with what to buy so and so.

At Christmas We Can Get More Caught Up With Christmas Presents Rather Than His Presence!

We must be careful not to get caught up with the tradition of Christmas and forget to truly worship Him of whom Christmas is all about.

And Lastly: They opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. These were COSTLY gifts!

We think nothing of spending money for an extra special gift for someone we love. We will diligently seek for just that perfect gift.

The Question Is,

WHAT GIFT HAVE YOU FOUND FOR JESUS?

He is the one who loves you so much, He was willing to die for You. John 15:13 says, Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends

Now Please take note: I am not saying that Christ Expects you to kill yourselves for Him! What he does want is your life, but in the sense of a life that is dedicated to Him. It is a matter of giving up your way of thinking and doing things and taking on His ways, by learning of Him and acting the way He would have you to act.

While we think of our families and the gifts we will give them, let us not forget about Christ and what gift is the most fitting for Him.

Matthew 10:37-39 tells us,

Any one who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me, and anyone who does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

ARE WE WILLING TO SPEND THAT MUCH?

IT IS COSTLY!

BUT WHAT A PERFECT GIFT TO GIVE HIM

Let us give our lives to Christ this Christmas and live our lives all year through in fellowship with Him.

"O COME LET US ADORE HIM, CHRIST, THE LORD"