Prophets

Prophets

by | Nov 8, 2021 | Bible, Simple Bible Truth

Prophets

Prophets & the gift of Prophecy

This blog is part nine of a ten-part series on the church.  In this blog, we are going to take a look at the manifestation of the gift of a prophet.

Many are confused as to what exactly a prophet is. A prophet is one divinely commissioned to deliver a message from heaven. Predicting future events was not necessarily a part of a prophet’s gifting, especially as the word is used in the New Testament, although it can be. But as we read, every predictive prophecy must come to pass or the prophet is not from God. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/matthew/10-41.htm

The person with the gift of prophecy preaches the Gospel (the same Gospel Jesus preached). A prophet is a man or woman inspired by God to tell forth (forthtell) the words of God. They declare the message of God and speak forth His divine truth.

Prophets Speak & Preach Divine Truth

By “a prophet” it is meant, not one that foretells things to come, but a preacher of the Gospel. Prophesying sometimes signifies preaching, so a prophet is a minister of the word: and to “receive” him, is not only to embrace his doctrine, but to entertain him in a kind, and generous manner; and he that does this, “in the name of a prophet” (Gills Exposition of the Entire Bible)  https://biblehub.com/commentaries/matthew/10-41.htm

Definition: a prophet (an interpreter forth-teller of the divine will)
Usage: a prophet, poet; a person gifted at expositing divine truth.

One who speaks forth by the inspiration of God; a prophet.

One who declares the mind (message) of God, which sometimes predicts the future (foretelling) – and more commonly, speaks forth His message for a particular situation. 4396 /prophḗtēs (“a prophet”) then is someone inspired by God to foretell or tell-forth (forthtell) the Word of God.

https://biblehub.com/greek/4396.htm

Men & Women Prophesy

This is what was spoken about through the prophet Joel about these last days.

‘And in the last days it will be,’ God says,
‘that I will pour out my Spirit on all people,
and your sons and your daughters will prophesy,
and your young men will see visions,
and your old men will dream dreams.
Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.

Both sons and daughters will prophesy.  All will have God’s spirit and both men and women can and will prophesy.

Prophets Prophesy to Strengthen the Church 

Each member of the body, whether an eye, foot or hand, should be ministering to one another with the gifts that they received. This makes for a healthy, vibrant, and growing church.

1 Corinthians 14:26-30 says, “When you come together, each one has a song, has a lesson, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all these things be done for the strengthening of the church.”

Believers are Equal Spiritually, But Have Different Gifts & Different Roles

Galatian 3:23-29 explains that all believers, those who have responded in faith and were baptized, are equal in Christ in terms of the spirit and inheritance. There are no nationalities, male or female, or slave or free. We have all become sons of God through faith in Jesus. We are all equal spiritually as God’s children.

But, these verses are not saying that there are no differences in people, between the sexes, our roles, or in our lot in life. We all know that there are differences, but in Christ, we are free from the bondage that these differences create. These worldly prejudices separate most of humanity, and we must be different. The church must be unified.

Prophets Must Speak, But The Also Must Use Self-Control

The gift of “prophet” is listed first and plays an enormous role in getting God’s Kingdom message to the church and world. If there are no words, there is no message. 

Prophets, like those who speak in other languages, and women, are all required to have self-control (1 Corinthians 14). They are not forbidden to speak but must do so in an orderly manner. A prophet should be able and willing to stop speaking God’s words forth at any time if someone else has something to add or share.

God’s Message & The Lonely Prophet

If you are gifted as a prophet, that gift can sometimes leave you in a lonely place, or people angry at you for the message that you bring. At times, many may not like to hear what God has given you to say. As we know, prophets may not always bring the feel-good message most want to hear. We saw that quite often in the Old Testament. But those prophesying and those hearing the message must remember that the message is God’s, not the message bearers.

Prophet or Not, All Believers Are Called to Share the Hope They Have

Even though there is a gift of prophecy, as well as the gift of teaching, all believers are told to be ready to give an answer to the hope that is in you (1 Peter 3:15). No matter our giftings, we are all called to be a light in this dark world and to plant the Kingdom seeds we were all given.

In part ten we will end our series summing up what a healthy church looks like.

Until then, as always, I encourage you to seek truth, to love God, and to obey Jesus.

Pastors

Pastors

by | Oct 17, 2021 | Bible, Simple Bible Truth

Pastors

Who Can Pastor in the Church?

This blog is part eight of a ten-part series on the church.  Today we will address the gift of pastors and pastoring. Once again, the big question many ask is, can a woman be a pastor? My answer is yes, and no! Please read to the end so what I have to say will not be misrepresented.

“Pastor” is Not Used Interchangeably with Elder/Overseer

As stated before, an elder and overseer can be used interchangeably. We must consider what is written and not try to make it say something it doesn’t. Elder/overseer is not used interchangeably with the word pastor. This is where the church today has confused roles or “offices” with gifts and ministries. (Acts 20:17, 28; Titus 1:5, 7)

4166 poimḗn – properly, a shepherd (“pastor” in Latin).

“Pastors” in Ephesians

Ephesians is the only place that the noun “pastor” is used. It is on the list along with apostles, prophets, evangelists, and teachers. If to read the context it says that these are gifts of Christ, repeating some of the Corinthian passage on gifts.

So, if to say that women cannot be “pastors” or shepherds in the church, you would have to say she cannot be an evangelist, prophet, or teacher either. Some actually do say this, but then you must conclude that the gifts of the spirit are not given to women.

A Gift & Ministry

Pastor is one of the spiritual gifts or ministries given to some of the members of the church. A man who is gifted (given the gift) of pastor, would be one likely to step up and possibly desire to be an elder. But he must also be gifted in leadership and teaching, and meet the other qualifications to serve in this way. All elders must be teachers and shepherds. But not all gifted to serve the church as a teacher or pastor/shepherd, are elders.

Teaching and pastoring are gifts and ministries. An elder/overseer is a position or office in a local church. Although the gifts of teaching and shepherding are also needed for that position. So, it is important to define what a pastor is since in today’s age most churches have made a pastor to mean what is biblically meant by elder/overseer. As a result, this suppresses those in the church who possess the gift of pastoring, but are not in the office of elder.

Women Pastors in the Church

A woman may have the gift of pastoring, but according to the qualifications of an elder/overseer, she should not hold that office. This is not saying in any way that she is less or her ministry is not valid or needed in the church. We must focus on what God has ordained us to do through His spirit and not worry about what He has not given us to do.

Those whom women are called to shepherd are most likely other women. They may need shepherding in a way that a male would not be unable to do, or it could be inappropriate for him to do. If women think this ministry is less important or not as valuable as pastoring as an elder, then they themselves are demeaning women and giving them less value.

Shepherding in 1 Peter 5:1-3

Many misuse 1 Peter 5:1-3 and try to equate pastor to mean elder. That is not what the verse says. In verse 2 it says, “Give a shepherd’s care to God’s flock among you,” (NET) or other translations say “pastor the church,” which may confuse some into thinking it says “pastoring” is a role or a position, an office or job in the church.  It does not say that. The verse says to shepherd/pastor the flock/church. Just like other places, it says to exhort and to teach. Like I said before, an elder/overseer is required to have the gift of teaching and shepherding, as well as other gifts and ministries.

Yes, an elder is a pastor, a teacher, and possesses other gifts. That still does not mean that the word shepherd or pastor is interchangeable with the words elder or overseer. We do not see them grammatically used interchangeably in any verse.

Pastors in the Church

There can and should be other people functioning in the church with the gift of pastor, men and women alike, just not in the “elder” idea of pastor in today’s church, as overseer of the whole church. The elders/overseers should be pastoring those using their gift of pastor. Likewise, they should shepherd all those using every other gift given to the body. They will have to give an account one day to Jesus as to how they “ruled” their eklessia. Did they help keep unity in the church? Were they able to keep false teachers and teaching out of the church? Did they keep order when the church gathered?

Multiple Gifts & Ministries

It seems that people can be given multiple gifts since elders/overseers must have multiple gifts. Also, we are told that we can and should be eager for or desire those “greater” gifts.  The people with the “greater” gifts are not greater in and of themselves but are greater because of the impact they can have on the spiritual growth of the church and increasing the future citizens in God’s Kingdom.

Pastoring and teaching are two examples of gifts and ministries that elders/overseers MUST possess, but others in the church are also given these gifts and ministries.

Cognate: 1320 didáskalos (a masculine noun derived from 1321 /didáskō, “to teach”) – a teacher, an instructor acknowledged for their mastery in their field of learning; in Scripture, a Bible teacher, competent in theology. See 1319 (didaskalia).

Teamwork

We are a team, leaders and those they lead, and need each other.  As they say, if there is no one following, you are just going on a walk by yourself! And, if the church does not have leaders, chaos can happen and the Devil can be given a foothold.

We will be blessed by being a blessing and gain rewards for our service and our service in encouraging and supporting others who are serving.

“Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. Whoever receives a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward. Whoever receives a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. And whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple, I tell you the truth, he will never lose his reward.” (Matthew 10:40-42)

Paul & Barnabas

One last thing to consider… Of course, sometimes people and ministries go different ways such as Paul and Barnabas did. But, if we stir up others against someone serving God and the saints in truth, or try to destroy the work that they are doing, we will answer to God because. In reality, it is His work being destroyed or spoken against.

This does not mean though we should not bring to light false teachers or teaching. We are commanded to do that for the well-being of the churches and the saints. This is one of the roles of elder/overseer, and not a pastor, in regards to the church as a whole.

Obviously, if you are pastoring or disciplining someone or a small group, you must shepherd and counsel them in truth. You must also show them any false teachings or ideas that they may have.

Men & Women Pastors

Men and women alike who have the gift of pastoring must seeks God’s direction as to whom He wants them to shepherd. There may be one flock or many within or outside the eklessia that need spiritual food, guidance, and protection from the world and false teachings. A shepherd can teach and counsel the person or people God directs them to. They do not need to be an elder to do this, and it is for their own good as well as others, that they are still under the authority of the local elders/overseers.

In part nine we will take a look at the manifestation of the gift of prophesying.

Until then, as always, I encourage you to seek truth, to love God, and to obey Jesus.

P.S.

In case there is any confusion in this blog or video (as one has said), in short, “pastor” is a gift and ministry given to the church, men and women alike. It should not be an “office or job.” It is not the same as elder/overseer OFFICE. Unfortunately the church today has made “pastor” to be an office, basically of elder. In that case, a woman should not fill that role. Elders are men.

Church Leadership

Church Leadership

by | Oct 10, 2021 | Bible, Simple Bible Truth

Church Leadership

Church Leadership Empowers the Church

This blog is part seven of a ten-part series on the church.  Today we are going to dig deeper into the topic of church leadership and also try to answer the question many ask, “can women hold these offices?”

Summing up church leadership according to Scripture, the heavy responsibility of caring for the overall need of God’s local churches and protecting the church from false teaching from within and without, and keeping order among the body, is similar to the responsibility parents are given to care for their children, and husbands their wives. In the same way, serving to guide and elevate others and help them to be the best that they can be with what they have been given. They empower the church; they are not the power.

Roll of Elder/Overseer

The “leader’s” (elders and overseer’s) purpose, is to help the church BE HEALTHY IN THE FAITH and protect them from myths and commands of people who reject the truth. They must be able to give exhortation in healthy teaching and correct those who speak against it.

The position of elder/overseer is not just a committee that decides how much to pay a pastor, or what color carpet to install. It is a position of SPIRITUAL leadership and protection.

Who can be Elder?

As the Greek reveals, the overseer/elder is a supervisor who manages the public affairs (of the church) and administers justice. This is a job given to men who qualify and desire to serve in this way, knowing that choosing to serve in such a way comes with self-sacrifice and many responsibilities, yet along with rewards if one serves faithfully as intended, and severe consequences if one does not.

Church Leaders are Servants

It is no light undertaking and not a matter of just filling a “position.” It should be a man who will sacrifice himself to keep an eye on God’s flock (just like a man deciding to get married and care for his wife.) The focus is upon the responsibility for caring for others, not on self or on being “over” people.

In reality, as a servant, you are under all of the people you serve. The idea of being “over” them is like a mother hen being over her chicks to protect them, or an eagle’s big wings over its eaglets, not “over” them as in being superior.

Husband of One Wife

I have heard these verses about elders and overseers to be twisted for the sake of women’s rights.  The verse says, “husband of one wife.” It is stating a fact, not talking in general about being a spouse. The verse is defining the elder as a husband, while making the main point of the verse, who has only ONE wife.

The Greek word “husband,” used in Titus 1:6 and 1 Timothy 3:2, means, “a male human being; a man, husband.”  It is “a reference to sex, and so to distinguish a man from a woman.” https://biblehub.com/greek/435.htm  It is not saying it could be a man OR a woman just because the point is about faithfulness and having just one husband or wife.

Church Leaders Have Obedient Children

We know that the Apostle Paul said, if possible, you should remain single so your total focus could be on ministry (1 Corinthians 7:32-35). If to suggest, in order to twist the passage, that an elder must be married, then Paul’s advice is nullified too.

Many go on to say, in order to twist the passage further, it must then mean that the elder must not only be married but must then have children. They say if to take the “husband” part literally, because it says that his children must not be rebellious, then you must assume that they must have children.

It is a matter of fact, IF you have children, they must be obedient. The scripture is not saying that you must have children. Again, the point was not in having children, but that if he did, they should be obedient. Some take so far to say it would have to mean then that there must be multiple children, and so if you just had one child then you couldn’t be an elder.

All of this nonsense and attempt to twist what is said to make it say what you want, must be stopped.

The High Standard of Church Leadership 

As we saw previously, there are very high standards for these leadership positions, and if to serve, you must meet all the requirements. The list is not a buffet to pick and choose from. Then, if you meet the qualifications to be an elder or overseer, you must desire to serve as well. It is not an easy job and it demands much self-sacrifice and humility, always looking out for the best interest of the other brothers and sisters. That is why Hebrews 13:17 says to the church, “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls and will give an account for their work. Let them do this with joy and not with complaints, for this would be no advantage for you.”

Teamwork (Unity) Between the Church and Its Leadership

The appointed leadership in the church has great responsibilities, but the church itself does as well. They should try to make the job easier for their elders and overseers as they too serve alongside the leadership with their gifts and ministries. The church is one body, united by one spirit, with one purpose, which is to keep unity of the spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3). The church is strengthened as it attains unity in knowledge of the son of God, and this results in being a mature believer in Messiah, which results in a healthy and strong church.

In part eight we will address the gift of pastoring and continue the discussion on women, this time in the role of pastor.

Submission

Submission

by | Sep 12, 2021 | Bible, Simple Bible Truth

Submission

Submission, Not Subjection

This blog is part six of a ten-part series on the church.

What do you think about when you hear the word, “submission?” Most people jump right to wives submitting to their husbands.  Unfortunately, most Christian literature and sermons only address this single biblical aspect and neglect the rest. I hope to take this topic a bit deeper today, and it may surprise you. It will also probably be the longest blog in the series because it is an essential topic that is rarely fully discussed!

Since we are discussing the body and different forms of leadership, we will also consider Ephesians 5:22-33. This passage uses marriage to describe how things are between Christ and the church.

Submit to Messiah

The whole church must submit to Messiah because he is the head of the church and savior of the body. He sanctified, cleansed, and fed her with his words (teachings); for the purpose of making her glorious with no blemishes.

The word “head” not only implies a ruler or lord but a cornerstone uniting two walls. https://biblehub.com/greek/2776.htm Jesus and husbands alike unite two walls and should make the building stronger than if each wall stood on its own.

Jesus’ Example

Jesus cares for the church and meets it’s needs and we must submit to him, which is not difficult because he laid down his life for us and demonstrated his sacrificial love toward us. He was a servant to his people. He thought of us first, and not himself. And in this same way, husbands are to love their wives.

Jesus chose to sacrifice his life for ours. He not only did this literally when he was crucified, but he did it each day of his life when he made the hard choice not to give in to temptation and to sin. The life he lived was a sacrifice, not only the life he gave up when he was murdered, which the Father accepted as a judicial sacrifice and payment on our behalf.

When we submit, we humble ourselves and joyfully choose to trust him. It is a blessing, not a curse, and we do it eagerly, not with reluctance (at least we should!)

Willingly Submit

Jesus humbled himself and washed feet, as well as submitting himself to the cross. He chose to lay his life down for us. We are told to submit to each other out of reverence to Messiah, both men and women (Ephesians 5:21) and to submit, or yield, to authority (Hebrews 13:17).

To submit means to give away without resistance, to surrender yourself. Submitting one to another means that we willingly put other’s needs before our own. Submission is not meant to be oppressive, and it is our choice, not forced subjection. On both sides it is the highest form of love for another being. It even says in John 15:13 that there is no greater love than one who lays his life down for his friends. Rarely, this may be literal, but daily it will simple self-sacrifice, putting others needs or desires before your own, again, in regards to the one submitting and the one being submitted to.

When we submit to Christ, we declare that we trust him and are willing to obey (which is not difficult because we trust he has our best interests in mind and he was willing to sacrifice himself for us.)

Obedience & Submission are a Choice

The word “obey” is again a choice and connotates persuasion and having confidence in (https://biblehub.com/greek/3982.htm). It is choosing to be allied with or binding oneself to the one you are choosing to obey.

So, if you are in a ruling position, you certainly should work to be a person others would choose to be allied with. We have a choice as to if we will submit or not, men and women, and we must choose wisely as to whom we will bind ourselves.

Submission in Marriage

The same points about submission are made about marriage; and seeing Jesus’ example, it makes known the great responsibility husbands have to actively love their wives JUST AS Christ loved the church, self-sacrificing and willing to lay down his needs and desires for his wives needs and desires.

He must be a spiritual leader feeding his wife not only with Christ’s words, but his own as Christ did. His own words must feed her and help make her be glorious and blameless, not discourage or humiliate her. His words must build her up, not tear her down. He must provide for her needs and feed her. He must love and care for her as he does his own body. I don’t know why we don’t hear this message preached or books written on this subject. This is where submission begins!

Wives Submit

Likewise, wives should submit to husbands as they do to Christ. But don’t forget, men and women both must submit to Christ equally, and we are told to submit to each other. These commands are no less than the command for a wife to submit to her husband. It isn’t just about wives submitting to husbands, but that too should be done. A wife chooses to willingly surrender her will to her husband just as her husband chooses to surrender his will to Christ, and all Christians submit one to another.

It starts from the head and the head must first submit, as Jesus did to his Father. Submission does not begin with the one choosing to submit. If the husband has truly submitted to Christ, what woman would not be willing to submit herself to her husband if he was treating her like Christ did the church, and showing honor to her and loving her in such a great way?! Most people would gladly submit themselves to someone who was willing to sacrifice their own life and desires for them.

Submission is not Subjection

True submission cannot be forced; it is done willingly. Submission is not subjection, which is forced submission and is oppressive. The marriage relationship is not meant to be oppressive as a master or ruler over a slave, but is for the greater good, more like a lover caring for his beloved, again, as Christ did and does for the church.

Imagine a couple doing ballroom dancing. Both dance and both partners are just as important to make the dance successful; but, only one can lead or it would be disastrous. The leader is not greater than the one he is leading; it is just a different role to help make the dance beautiful. When done properly, both dancers look good and feel good about their performance. It is a team effort, and as they say, it takes two to tango.

Authority Comes with Great Responsibility

Authority was given to Christ and authority is given to husbands. But, with authority comes great responsibility! Christ gave up his life for the benefit of his bride, and a husband ought to do the same.

Just as a man and woman leave their families to become one flesh, the church leaves the world to become one flesh with Christ! (The verse says, “This mystery is great—but I am actually speaking with reference to Christ and the church.”)

Again, the point of this passage was to understand Christ and the church, “nevertheless, each one must also love his own wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.” (Ephesians 5:33, Colossians 3:18-19)

Husbands, Love Your Wives

Even though husbands are to respect their wives and wives are to love their husbands, perhaps the emphasis on men loving their wives and women respecting their husbands is because each of these is not only what the other desires but what is hardest for each one to do. (The word for love here is from “agape” which is unconditional love that cares for the wellbeing of another, it is a choice. It is not sexual or merely friendly emotional love. Respect is fear that proceeds from love, or reverence.) Many men are self-centered and many women fear giving such power to another individual. To obey this command, both must trust the other, and ultimately God, that their needs and desires will be met. 

Marriage Mirrors Christ & the Church

Marriage should mirror Christ and the church, that is, the love of Christ for his church, and the willingness to submit to Christ. We can learn how to be better husbands and wives when we study the church’s relationship to Christ and Christ to the church. And if we want a healthy church, it must start in the life of the believer and in Christian homes.

Silent in the Church?

In regards to women, I will also mention 1 Corinthians 14:33 compared to 1 Corinthians 11:2-16, but will not delve into the details since this has been addressed adequately by many others. The two passages cannot contradict each other, nor go against the fact that all gifts were given to all people (since they were not differentiated as to some to men and some to women, or none to women.) So, women cannot be silent, that is not speak, when the church gathers. In fact, we are told that everyone (not excluding women), is to come with something to share.

If to look at the context of 1 Corinthians 14, the issue at hand, and not only women speaking, but tongue speakers and prophets as well, was an issue of disorder. The church lacked order and Paul was helping solve their problems.

Can Women Teach in the Church?

Another text many have difficulty with is 1 Timothy 2:11-12. As with any teaching, we must weigh it with the rest of Scripture and know that any one verse cannot contradict other verses.

“A woman must learn quietly with all submissiveness. But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man. She must remain quiet.”

3 Points: Be Calm

There are three points here to address. We will start with the last one about women keeping quiet or being silent. This word does not mean speechlessness. It is stillness, implying a God-produced calm for the believer, inner tranquility that supports appropriate action. https://biblehub.com/greek/2271.htm  A woman should have this calmness in her, not getting herself worked up because she has been placed by God in a submissive role.

Be a Good Student

Next is “learning quietly with all submissiveness.” Again, it does not mean speechlessness. It is a stillness or calm in one’s inner spirit. It is also elevating women from that day and allowing them to learn and gain knowledge. Simply stating, “be a good student.”

Authority Over Men?

Lastly, and the most difficult to grasp, is not allowing a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man. We have to weigh this with the gifts being given to all believers, that women will prophesy, and that in the past there were women judges over Israel. So, how do we understand what seems to be a contradictory teaching here in Timothy?

It seems that the word “authority” in 1 Timothy 2:12 is only used once in the Bible. It implies governing, dominating, or having mastery over. It seems to be more of an attitude, “I am domineering over.” It is usurping or taking authority away from a man. It is self-appointed and literally means to take up arms and act like an autocrat.  https://biblehub.com/greek/831.htm

In reality, even a man should not do this in the church. But if to consider what this is saying about women in the church, it simply means to be under another’s authority and not make yourself the head. It does not mean that you cannot use your gifts or serve the church.

Under Authority

One last thing to consider is perhaps there are general “rules,” but as with most, there are also exceptions. The general rule was that most Judges were men, but some women were called by God to fill that role. Typically, it is an elder, who is male, who teaches and preaches during the assembly of the ekklesia, but there are women who are called to teach and prophesy, as well as other men who are not elders.

Unfortunately, today’s worldview has made submission to be evil or a position of humiliation. In reality, submitting and placing oneself under authority is actually putting yourself in a position of security and care as you exercise your gifts. There is nothing wrong with placing yourself under a godly and self-sacrificing elder or husband.

I will give one example and then we will move on because this could be a whole series in itself. I use the example of me teaching or speaking under Anthony Buzzard at his church. Even though I am speaking or teaching, I am still under his authority. He has given me the opportunity to speak. At any time he could stop me and say not to teach such and such. I answer to him and he ultimately is responsible before God for what I say. Just because I am speaking does not mean that I am domineering over him or usurping his authority. At no time could I tell him what to say or not say, yet he could me.

Submission Starts at the Top

Unfortunately, most books, sermons, and teachings are focused on women and wives submitting. In all reality, it should start with the husband and Christian men if they truly are the head or specific leaders in the church. Leadership and a healthy, functioning body should start at the top and work their way down.

How can we make this happen? First of all, as I said, we must look to Christ’s example and see what he taught his disciples. After that, we need more teaching on, and exhortation to boys and men. The culture and worldview today have stripped them of their God-given strengths and roles. They must be encouraged in the church and family to step up and take responsibility. They should be in training to serve and spiritually protect at minimum, the women in their lives.

Mutual Submission, Serving Together

I acknowledge that over the years if it wasn’t for faithful women working and keeping the church alive, many would be long gone. I am not saying that the women need not work or serve in the church. Women must continue to use their God-given gifts and ministries for the benefit of the church, but men need to wake up, step up and use their gifts and ministries as well if we want to see a healthy church and one representing Christ and the Kingdom to this world. If men step up, this does not mean that we are asking women to step down. We are a team, and our team is weak when everyone is not playing their position, so to say, the positions that have been given to each one by the head of the church.

Christian Men, Stand Up & Get Moving

Men claiming to follow Christ, must stand up and start moving in order to actually follow Jesus. Christ is not standing still and if we are not moving, there is no way we can say that we are following him. Those who don’t move will be left behind and judged accordingly. Christian husbands and men in the church, Jesus will ask, “what have you done with what you have been given?”

In part seven we will continue some of these thoughts and dig a little deeper into the topic of church leadership.

Money and Tithing

Money and Tithing

by | Sep 3, 2021 | Bible, Simple Bible Truth

Money and Tithing

Money and Tithing

This blog is part five of a ten-part series on the church.  Today we are going to examine the confusing topic of money and tithing.

  • Have you ever wondered why the church practices tithing or collects money during a service?
  • What is your financial responsibility as a Christian?

Many Christians do not want to talk about money and giving, but it is essential to understand and follow the New Testament command and practice if we wish to prosper individually, and as a church.

Supporting Those That Minister

First of all, according to 1 Corinthians 9: 3-18 those who serve the body have the right to financial support. Those that minister to the saints and are on the front lines sharing the Gospel of the Kingdom, have a right to be supported by the rest of the church.

Common sense tells us as well as did the law of Moses “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.’  If spiritual blessings are sown, the sower can reap material things. Those who serve in the temple, eat food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar receive a part of the offerings. In the same way, the Lord commanded those who proclaim the gospel to receive their living by the gospel.

In doing so, those proclaiming the Gospel can focus on just that, proclaiming the Gospel. They have already given up their personal lives for this work and if to have to divide their efforts, they can do neither to its fullest.

Tentmaking

Paul was in a position to pass on this “right” and chose to provide for his own needs for the most part because he could. If those proclaiming the Gospel or serving a local church can provide for their own needs, this is certainly good; if not, those being served should help meet the physical needs of the one sowing and serving. Not all ministers of the Gospel have this opportunity as Paul did.

Church Care

As we saw in Acts 2:42- 47, the church cared for its members. All local members cared for one another, and when they heard of a need elsewhere in the world of like-minded believers in need, they helped meet their needs as well.

Only after all the members of the church are cared for, then can you look outside the local body as to whom you may help, and even then, it should still be in the household of like-minded faith.

When all the needs are met in the global church, then can one invest in those outside of the church. (I am not saying it is wrong or bad to help a local homeless person who crosses your path. Of course, we must, just like the parable Jesus taught about the good Samaritan, but we should not be supporting and investing in other organizations and ministries where people may receive a little physical food, but are starved of the true Bread of Life and the Living Water, or worse yet, fed a poisonous false Gospel.

We are told that those outside the church will be blessed when they see the love we show to one another, not by opening another soup kitchen. We will be known by our love amongst the church, Christians to Christians first.

Money and Tithing in the New Testament

In the New Testament, we are simply told to give generously. There is no law as to how much we should give, it just must be generous. All that we have and own belongs to God and He has blessed us.

Tithing was part of the old covenant law in the Old Testament. Unfortunately, many churches today preach on, require, or guilt people into tithing. If you think you have to tithe, then I hope you are keeping all the rest of the Law because tithing was only a small part of it.  Also, if to research tithing, it isn’t what people have made it to be today. (You can read more on tithing and giving here.)

Cheerful Giving

It says that God loves a cheerful giver and that you should not let your left hand know what your right hand did. When we give, we should give with joy in our hearts and release the gift to God. We also should do it humbly and not make it known to everyone.

Once you give, you are no longer the manager of that money. You release it and God will be the judge as to how it was used. Of course, you should be wise and if you see it mismanaged, then you just don’t give anymore to that person, church, or organization.

A good practice is to listen to God speaking to you in your spirit. Ask Him to show you to whom or for what you should give, and then give generously. It truly is more blessed to give than receive, but if you are on the receiving end, accept it graciously and give praise to God for His provision.

God’s Provision

Jesus told us that if we seek God’s Kingdom first, and His righteousness, then our needs will be met. And if Jesus said it, we can believe it! This requires faith and obedience! It is not easy to do, but it is an amazing experience when you see God’s hand at work and providing for your daily needs.

In part six we will discuss the topic of submissions and how this relates to individuals and the church.

Elders

Elders

by | Aug 23, 2021 | Bible, Simple Bible Truth

Elders

Elders, Overseers, & Deacons

This blog is part four of a ten-part series on the church.  Today we are going to look at the roles of elders, overseers, and deacons.

  • Have you ever wondered about local church leadership and what elders, overseers, and deacons, jobs are?
  • Have you been in a church that doesn’t appear to be functioning in a biblical manner because the leaders seem to be in positions of power, rather than that of service?

Elders Volunteer or are Appointed

Those in LOCAL church leadership who hold the office of overseers/elders and deacons have different roles than the general church using their gifts and ministries that they have been given.

These men (yes, men, this will be discussed in a later video) are specific leaders in the church and are appointed with prayer and fasting (Acts 14:23) or volunteer to serve IF they desire and meet the qualifications (1Timothy 3:1). These specific leadership roles are “offices,” like a job, and those holding them must have multiple gifts and ministries, specifically those of teaching, leading, and shepherding.

The Words “Elders” & “Overseers” Are Used Interchangeably

Their PURPOSE is to care for the church, the body, and to give exhortation in healthy teaching, as well as correcting those who speak against it. The Bible says that they must rebuke those people sharply so that they may be healthy in the faith. They are to devote themselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word. (Acts 6:5). This is a hard job! It sounds similar to the judges in Israel but is never referred to as such.

Elder – presbuteros –  did not differ at all from the (ἐπίσκοποι) bishops or overseers, among Christians, those who presided over the assemblies (or churches), managed public affairs and administered justice.

Elder and overseer are used interchangeably, but, never elder and pastor (Acts 20:17, 28; Titus 1:5, 7).

OVERSEER/bishop – episkopé  -supervision, overseership

Vs 2 episkopos -(used as an official title in civil life), overseer, supervisor, ruler, especially used with reference to the supervising function exercised by an elder or presbyter of a church or congregation. the focus is upon the responsibility for caring for others.

1985 epískopos (a masculine noun, derived from 1909 /epí, “on/fitting contact,” which intensifies 4649 /skopós, “look intently,” like at an end-marker concluding a race) – properly, an overseer; a man called by God to literally “keep an eye on” His flock (the Church, the body of Christ), i.e. to provide personalized (first hand) care and protection (note the epi, “on“).

Local Church Leadership

Elders or overseers are appointed in local congregations where believers are meeting together. They are not appointed over Christians in general or in ministries. There is no indication as to how many there should be. It would seem that it depends on who wants to serve and who is qualified. There should never be a person appointed to this position merely to fill the position.

We see that elders were appointed, plural, in the New Testament, and it seems best to have multiple people caring for the body in these ways. This would not only help in ministering so the burden is carried by several, but also to make them more accountable to one another.

High Christ-Like Standards

The REQUIREMENTS for overseers are very high moral and spiritual standards, and should never be taken lightly. They should be as Christ-like as possible.

According to 1 Timothy 3 an overseer/elder should be:

    • above reproach
    • the husband of one wife (if married)
    • temperate
    • self-controlled
    • respectable
    • hospitable
    • able teacher
    • not a drunkard
    • not violent
    • gentle
    • not contentious
    • free from the love of money
    • He must manage his own household well and keep his children in control without losing his dignity (if he has children, they should obey him and he shouldn’t lose his temper with them)
    • He must not be a recent convert (pride could be a problem and Satan could use it against the church)
    • he must be well thought of by those outside the faith (or he may disgrace the church and Satan will use it against them)

Elder & Overseer Qualifications in Titus

In Titus 1 they were told to appoint elders in every town and it repeats the qualifications to be an elder.

    • blameless,
    • the husband of one wife, with faithful children who cannot be charged with dissipation or rebellion (if married with children)
    • blameless as one entrusted with God’s work
    • not arrogant
    • not prone to anger
    • not a drunkard
    • not violent
    • not greedy for gain
    • he must be hospitable
    • devoted to what is good
    • sensible
    • upright
    • devout
    • self-controlled
    • he must hold firmly to the faithful message as it has been taught

The main purpose of an elder/overseer is to spiritually care for the church of God. The focus is on servant leadership.

Qualifications of Deacons

This passage then goes on to describe the requirements and role of a deacon. It is summed up as selfless service.

A DEACON (diakonos) is a waiter, a servant; anyone who performs any service, or an administrator. A deacon cares for the poor and sick. They must be:

    • dignified
    • not two-faced
    • not given to excessive drinking
    • not greedy for gain
    • holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.
    • must be husbands of one wife (if married)
    • good managers of their children and their own households (if they have children)

It also says that they must be tested first, and only then to allow them to serve as deacons if they are found blameless. Deacons who have served well are promised a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

Deacons Wives

Likewise, this passage also addresses deacons’ wives. Their wives must be:

  • dignified
  • not slanderous
  • temperate
  • faithful in every respect

It would seem that this service to the body would benefit from having a husband and wife performing these duties together.

These instructions about the specific roles of elder and deacon are to let you know how people ought to conduct themselves in the household of God because it is the church of the living God. They should be the best examples as to how to be a Christian and how to serve one another.

Church Growth & Deacons

We see that when the church got bigger and there were more people to care for, they were told to “carefully select from among you, brothers, seven men who are well-attested, full of the spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this necessary task.  But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” (Acts 6:3-5)

It would seem logical that the number of deacons would relate to the need and size of the local body.

Elders/Overseers, & Deacons Serve the Local Church

In short, elders and overseers have the duty of spiritual leadership and service to the church, including protecting them from false teachings and keeping things orderly. Deacons have the responsibility to serve and make sure the physical needs of the body are being met. Both are sacrificing to serve the body of Christ.

 

In part five we will take a look at money and tithing and how this relates to the church.