JESUS destroyed the divide between clergy & laity
Man rebuilt it
If I rebuild what was destroyed, I prove that I am a law breaker
In eternal terms, there simply is no divide in God’s Kingdom, no clergy/laity divide or any other divide
Each of us is to be transformed. The more we each accept God’s WORD, the better…the better for each of us ultimately, and the better for others and the better for every gathering, every synagogue, every kenista, every group, every community, fellowship…
We are to function as such
To demonstrate and live out this truth consistently
Someone asked, “So to what degree are we to oppose the rebuilt structure, particularly given how many have accepted and re-engaged in it?”
There is honestly no need to oppose others
Look how ingrained this is
Try this and see how difficult it is. It is nearly impossible, and so this will prove there is no need to oppose others because we who aspire to be leaders have allowed this thing to grow in us and this gets subtly draped like a thin veil over the flocks. Those who teach and live contrary to God’s WORD will be judged more severely.
Here is the simple test
Obey JESUS’ simple teaching
He said to the leaders
Do not be called rabbi
Do not call any man father
Do not be called teachers
Since most have no rabbi
Most would die by the letter and say
“He did not say. ‘Do not be called pastor.'”
The letter kills
The Spirit gives life
He said
You have ONE [count them, 1] teacher, ONE shepherd [which the latinos call pastor]
He demolished the divide
Men love honor
Try calling a bishop brother with the great dignity and respect in that term JESUS gave us
We are brothers
Going from memory, I often incorrectly recall JESUS’ words in this as saying
Do not be called rabbi
Do not call any man father
Do not be called teachers
See, my faulty memory steeped in these deeply ingrained traditions of man even subtly phrases it in a way which puts the onus on those considered lower. That’s actually easier. See, this whole thing itself is a nefarious web…the more you look at it. Wyclif saw this too.
It’s not directed as another burden for the ‘lowly’ followers to carry. It’s leveled at the blind guides to humble themselves, ourselves, myself. You have heard people call us who aspire to be leaders using the title pastor. Does it seem annoying to ask people continually to call us brother? It’s not annoying. If it is, that’s because we make it annoying. What if we actually take the time and care to show our brothers and sisters that we are brothers…
