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By What Authority? A Challenge to Protestant Pastors
LumenGentleman Apologetics ^ | Jacob Michael

Posted on 04/14/2004 8:49:17 PM PDT by narses

By What Authority? A Challenge to Protestant Pastors

This article represents a bit of a departure for me. The majority of my articles are written for Catholics, to help them better understand and defend their faith. A minority of my articles are written with Protestants in mind, to challenge them to rethink some of their beliefs. This is article, however, is written with a very specific and limited group in mind: Protestants who call themselves "pastor."

The title of this article is, of course, taken from the pages of Sacred Scripture. The Jews asked this very question of Jesus:

"And when he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to him as he was teaching, and said, 'By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?'" (Matt. 21:23)

This is indeed a legitimate question, and one that any sincere Christian ought to ask of anyone who claims to be a leader appointed by God. This is my challenge to Protestant pastors: "by what authority" do you claim your title and position, and "who gave you this authority?"

To understand the gravity of this challenge, I must define the term "pastor." What is a "pastor?" The word is from the Latin, in fact, and it means - quite simply - "shepherd." If you call yourself a pastor, you are claiming to be a shepherd of God's flock.

The term "pastor" is also interwoven with the biblical term "overseer," or "elder" - in the Greek, episkopos, or "bishop." We see this in St. Paul's farewell discourse to the elders of Ephesus:

"Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God which he obtained with the blood of his own Son." (Acts 20:28)

There is the connection: the "episkopoi" of the church at Ephesus have guardianship over "the flock" of God's people.

Further, to be a "pastor" (shepherd, overseer, elder) is also to be an "ambassador" for Christ (c.f. 2 Cor. 5:18ff).

This is no light responsibility, and Scripture tells us that this position is never self-appointed. That is, no man can merely take it upon himself, of his own initiative, to start shepherding God's flock:

"And one does not take the honor upon himself, but he is called by God, just as Aaron was." (Heb. 5:4)

Now, the astute reader will note that the above passage is referring specifically to the office of High Priest. Some may object that it only this highest of offices that cannot be self-appointed. But this is false, since this passage speaks of pastors as well as the High Priest. Am I reading too much into this passage? No, for we see that, just as a "pastor" is a shepherd of God's flock, so the priests and High Priest are also shepherds of God's flock:

"The word of the LORD came to me: 'Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say to them, even to the shepherds, Thus says the Lord GOD: Ho, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves! Should not shepherds feed the sheep?'" (Ezek. 34:1-2)

Here Ezekiel rebukes the priests of Israel, and explicitly calls them "shepherds." We can see the connection with the title of "pastor" simply by examining the Latin Vulgate text of this same passage:

"fili hominis propheta de pastoribus Israhel propheta et dices pastoribus haec dicit Dominus Deus vae pastoribus Israhel qui pascebant semet ipsos nonne greges pascuntur a pastoribus."

Thus, when Heb. 5:4 addresses the office of High Priest, it is the office of High Shepherd, High Pastoribus. Clearly, the restriction of Heb. 5:4 applies to all "shepherds," all "priests," all "pastors": the office, because of its solemn duties and grave responsibilities (James 3:1), cannot be taken upon oneself, but rather, one must be called to this office by God.

The same, of course, goes for "ambassadors." The dictionary defines the word to mean, an "authorized messenger or representative" - thus, an ambassador must be sent. In fact, the word "apostle" is Greek for "sent one." To this we can add the words of St. Paul, who says that preachers must be "sent." (Rom. 10:15)

Now, what does "to be sent" mean, except that someone in authority over you has conferred the privilege and authority upon you? In fact, it goes without saying that the one who confers the authority must be superior in authority to the one being commissioned, since no one can confer that which he does not possess himself.

In other words, a congregation's vote cannot suffice, Scripturally speaking, to appoint a man as "pastor," since the congregation (of inferior authority) cannot confer superior authority upon a man.

What is the Scriptural pattern for such things? This we can ascertain by observing the mission of Our Lord, Jesus Christ. It is a pattern of Divine Succession:

  • God the Father (the superior authority) sends Jesus Christ
    • "...these very works which I am doing, bear me witness that the Father has sent me." (John 5:36)
  • Jesus, in turn, sends the Apostles
    • "...As the Father has sent me, even so I send you." (John 20:21)
  • Jesus sends these Apostles "as the Father has sent me," that is, in the same manner, with the same authority: "all authority."
    • "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." (Matt. 28:18)

The Apostles, then, did not take their office and authority upon themselves, but were appointed by a Superior Authority, Jesus Christ. The Scriptures attest to the unique authoritative status of the Apostles in several ways, which we will examine now.

Scripture shows that only the Apostles are "entrusted" with the care of the Gospel message:

  • St. Paul
    • "...they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel to the circumcised."(Gal. 2:7)
    • "...in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation." (2 Cor. 5:19)
    • "...in accordance with the glorious gospel of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted." (1 Tim. 1:11)
  • St. Timothy
    • "Paul, Silvanus [Silas], and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians... we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel." (1 Thess. 1:1, 2:4)
    • "O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you." (1 Tim. 6:20)
    • "...guard the truth that has been entrusted to you by the Holy Spirit who dwells within us." (2 Tim. 1:14)

You may object at this point that St. Timothy was not an apostle. I will concede that he was not an "Apostle," with a capital "A," but you must concede that Scripture clearly calls St. Timothy an apostle, thereby attesting to his apostolic authority:

"Paul, Silvanus [Silas], and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians... nor did we seek glory from men, whether from you or from others, though we might have made demands as apostles of Christ." (1 Thess. 1:1, 2:6)

It is not only St. Timothy who is called an apostle by Sacred Scripture, but also St. Barnabus, Apollos, and St. Titus:

St. Barnabus
"But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out among the multitude..." (Acts 14:14)

Apollos
"I planted, Apollos watered... He who plants and he who waters are equal." (1 Cor. 3:6, 8)

"I have applied all this to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brethren... For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death." (1 Cor. 4:6,9)

The objection will be raised: Titus is nowhere in Scripture explicitly called an apostle. I reply, it is implicit in what kind of authority is accorded to the apostles. Scripture testifies that only apostles are given full authority. Compare what is said of St. Paul and St. Timothy (both of whom are called "apostles") with what is said of St. Titus:

St. Paul
"...nor did we seek glory from men, whether from you or from others, though we might have made demands as apostles of Christ." (1 Thess. 2:6)

St. Timothy
"As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine..." (1 Tim. 1:3)

"Command and teach these things." (1 Tim. 4:11)

"Remind them of this, and charge them before the Lord to avoid disputing about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers." (2 Tim. 2:14)

St. Titus
"This is why I left you in Crete, that you might amend what was defective, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you." (Tit.1:5)

"Declare these things; exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you." (Tit. 2:15)

"...our boasting before Titus has proved true. And his heart goes out all the more to you, as he remembers the obedience of you all, and the fear and trembling with which you received him." (2 Cor. 7:14-15)

Scripture also shows that only the Apostles refer to the Gospel message as their own personal possession:

"...when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus." (Rom. 2:16)

"Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ..." (Rom. 16:25)

"Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descended from David, as preached in my gospel." (2 Tim. 2:8)

"Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians... for our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction." (1 Thess. 1:1 & 5)

"Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians... God chose you from the beginning to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. To this he called you through our gospel..." (2 Thess. 1:1 & 2:13-14)

The Apostles possess the Gospel message precisely because it was (as the above passages demonstrated) "entrusted" to them, i.e., given to them, and not taken by them on their own initiative. This is completely in keeping with the restriction imposed by Heb. 5:4.

Thus far we have established how the Gospel message and the necessary authority that accompanies its preaching was passed on from God to Jesus Christ, then to the Apostles. The question we must ask now is this: after the original 12 Apostles, how is this Gospel and apostolic authority passed on? Is it passed on at all? After the death of the last Apostle, can any individual who feels "called" by God simply take up the mission and message and carry on where the Apostles left off?

The answer to this question is plainly "no," as we have already begun to see from Scripture. The mission and the message can only be passed on by someone who first possessed it. That is, the mission does not merely entail preaching the message, but with it comes the authority to spiritually "reproduce" and pass on the necessary authority to the next generation. Let us recap and see how this is so:

  • God is the source of this mission and authority
  • He passes it to Jesus ("the Father has sent me... all authority has been given to me")
  • Jesus passes it on - along with "all authority" to act "in my name" - to the Apostles ("as the Father has sent me, [i.e., in the same way and with the same authority] so I send you," "go and make disciples")
  • The Apostles pass the mission and authority on to men like St. Timothy and St. Titus ("with all authority" Tit 2:15)
  • The second apostolic generation is expected to entrust the mission to the next generation, ad infinitum

It is this last point that we must now unpack and develop a bit further. The first generation of Apostles takes care to not only pass along the message, but also creates new pastors with apostolic authority to continue transmitting the message:

"And when they [Ss. Paul and Barnabus] had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they believed." (Acts 14:23)

"This is why I left you in Crete, that you might amend what was defective, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you." (Tit. 1:5)

"...and what you have heard from me before many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also." (2 Tim. 2:2)

Note once again the appearance of the word "entrust" in this last passage. St. Paul expects that St. Timothy will "guard what has been entrusted" to him, and then later "entrust" that same mission and authority "to faithful men."

There can be no other reason why St. Paul would leave his two spiritual "sons" (Ss. Titus and Timothy) explicit instructions about the qualifications for overseers, elders, bishops, etc. (c.f. 1 Tim 3:1-7, Tit. 1:5-9), than that he expects them to confer apostolic authority on new men who meet those requirements.

I mentioned earlier that the Apostles were given the responsibility of spiritually "reproducing" new pastors and bishops. It would be profitable for us to look at this in more detail.

In the beginning, God created Adam and Eve. This much we all know (again, I am assuming that I am addressing Protestant pastors who are at least mildly literate in Scripture). What may be new to you, however, is the implicit Father/Son imagery that is used in the creation narrative:

"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him... then the LORD God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being." (Gen. 1:27, 2:7)

"When Adam had lived a hundred and thirty years, he became the father of a son in his own likeness, after his image, and named him Seth." (Gen. 5:3)

What these two passages tell us is that, when God created Adam, He was fathering a son in His own image and likeness. Note that God, in the act of fathering his first human son, breathes on the Man, at which point the Man receives his living spirit. Compare this to Jesus and the Apostles:

"Jesus said to them again, 'Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.' And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit.'" (John 20:21-22)

In the context of conferring His authority on the Apostles, commissioning them to go in His name to build and govern His Church, Jesus does the very same thing His Father did to the First Adam: He breathes upon them, gives them the Spirit, and "fathers" them, spiritually speaking.

This is why the Apostles then turn around and "father" new sons (that is, pastors, bishops, etc., with apostolic authority) - because this is what Jesus did to them. Thus we see St. Paul referring to Ss. Titus and Timothy (both second-generation apostles, according to Scripture) as his "sons," and calling himself their "father":

"But Timothy's worth you know, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel." (Phil 2:22)

"To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord." (1 Tim. 1:2)

"To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord." (2 Tim. 1:2

"To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior." (Tit. 1:4)

From here, we turn to the area of preaching specifically, that is, intepreting and teaching Scripture. Along with the title of "pastor," you (if you are a Protestant pastor) take upon yourself this responsibility, of "rightly dividing the word of truth" and teaching your flock from Scripture. Yet, as the Scriptures note that only the Apostles are "entrusted" with the Gospel, and only the Apostles refer to the Gospel in the possessive, so also the Scriptures teach that only validly appointed and commissioned "ambassadors" can have the responsibility of teaching Scripture in this authoritative fashion.

Although many Protestant pastors apply St. Paul's words, "rightly divide the word of truth," to themselves, in fact, these words were written to St. Timothy specifically, not to the congregation in general. 2 Tim. 3:16-17 shows the relationship between the legitimate ambassador and Scripture:

"All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." (2 Tim. 3:16-17)

There is the relationship: the Scriptures are a tool for "teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness," but who is to use this tool for these purposes? That is, who has the authority to teach, reproof, correct, and train others in righteousness? The "man of God" has this authority.

But, who is the "man of God?" You may wish to claim this title for yourself as well, but a short survey of Scripture's use of the title will reveal that this, too, is a privileged title that cannot be simply taken upon oneself:

Moses
"This is the blessing with which Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death." (Deut. 33:1)

"Then the people of Judah came to Joshua at Gilgal; and Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him, 'You know what the LORD said to Moses the man of God in Kadesh-barnea concerning you and me.'" (Josh. 14:6)

The Angel of the Lord
"Then the woman came and told her husband, 'A man of God came to me, and his countenance was like the countenance of the angel of God, very terrible; I did not ask him whence he was, and he did not tell me his name...' Then Manoah entreated the LORD, and said, 'O, LORD, I pray thee, let the man of God whom thou didst send come again to us, and teach us what we are to do with the boy that will be born.'" (Jud. 13:6, 8)

Samuel
"The servant answered Saul again, 'Here, I have with me the fourth part of a shekel of silver, and I will give it to the man of God, to tell us our way.'" (1 Sam. 9:8)

Elijah
"And she said to Elijah, 'What have you against me, O man of God? You have come to me to bring my sin to remembrance, and to cause the death of my son!'" (1 Kings 17:18)

Elisha
"And she went up and laid him on the bed of the man of God, and shut the door upon him, and went out... When Elisha came into the house, he saw the child lying dead on his bed." (2 Kings 4:21, 32)

David
"According to the ordinance of David his father, he appointed the divisions of the priests for their service, and the Levites for their offices of praise and ministry before the priests as the duty of each day required, and the gatekeepers in their divisions for the several gates; for so David the man of God had commanded." (2 Chr. 8:14)

St. Timothy
"But as for you, man of God, shun all this; aim at righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness." (1 Tim. 6:11)

Contrary to the opinion that the "man of God" can be any Christian without distinction, Scripture itself will not allow such an interpretation, insisting that the "man of God" is a figure of authority, either commissioned by God directly through Divine Intervention (such as Moses or the Angel), or appointed by another holder of authority (such as Samuel, David, Elisha, and St. Timothy).

From this very brief survey of the phrase "man of God" (there are perhaps a dozen or so more passages, relating to the characters listed above - I have chosen representative verses), we see that what holds true for "pastors" holds true for the "man of God": it is a title of authority that can in no way be taken upon oneself, but rather, it is bestowed upon a man by a higher authority. A man must be called by God to hold this title of "man of God."

But there is another objection here: you will say, "I have been called by God to be a pastor." Very well, let us take another look at Scripture to measure your claim.

Biblically, there is only one way to become a legitimate ambassador of Christ, or "pastor": by appointment from a superior. This can be done in two ways: being commissioned by a legitimate ambassador (apostolic succession), or being called directly by God. We saw examples of this in Scripture already: Ss. Timothy and Titus were appointed to their positions of authority by succession, Moses was appointed to his position directly by God, with no human mediation.

As to the first method, apostolic succession comes through the laying on of hands in ceremony:

"Hence I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands... guard the truth that has been entrusted to you by the Holy Spirit who dwells within us." (2 Tim. 1:6, 14)

When St. Paul imposed his hands on St. Timothy, he passed on a legitimate apostolic authority, "entrusted" the "truth" to him, and imparted the gift of "the Holy Spirit" for the safekeeping and preservation of the Gospel.

As has already been said, only a superior can do this, and not an inferior, since an inferior cannot pass on what he does not already possess.

Now, the majority of Protestant pastors reject entirely the notion of apostolic succession (although it has now been shown, from Scripture, that apostolic succession is the ordinary means of transmitting apostolic authority and the Gospel message), and so only one option remains for the Protestant pastor: to claim to have been appointed directly by God, as Moses was (that is, by extraordinary means).

To those who would make such a claim, I issue this warning: you had better be sure of your claim. Scripture does not speak well of those who illegitimately take this position upon themselves. In the book of Acts, illegitimate leaders attempted to confuse the Christians by claiming that circumcision was necessary for salvation. The Council of Jerusalem commented upon this, saying:

"...we have heard that some persons from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your minds, although we gave them no instructions..." (Acts 15:24)

Note well what is presumed here: that it was wrong of these men to act in such a way without first having received their commission, their "instructions," from those in legitimate authority.

Further, when King Jereboam began to rule the northern tribes of Israel, it is noted that his sin was not dividing the kingdom, but dividing the Old Testament "church" by setting up alternative places of worship, and illegitimately appointing pastors:

"And this thing became a sin, for the people went to the one at Bethel and to the other as far as Dan. He also made houses on high places, and appointed priests from among all the people, who were not of the Levites." (1 Kings 12:30-31)

That being said, let us examine the claim of the Protestant pastor who purports to have been called extraordinarily by God. We will look at three examples of men (or groups of men) in Scripture who were truly called by God directly to their ministry: Moses, the Apostles, and Jesus Christ.

Scripture teaches that this supernatural, extraordinary calling by God directly is the exception, not the rule. The rule is appointment by succession (as in the case of the kings, prophets, and the second generation of apostles). In the exceptional, extraordinary case, Scripture requires the proof of miracles, signs, and wonders for authenticity:

Moses
"Then Moses answered, "But behold, they will not believe me or listen to my voice, for they will say, 'The LORD did not appear to you.'" The LORD said to him, "What is that in your hand?" He said, "A rod." And he said, "Cast it on the ground." So he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from it. But the LORD said to Moses, "Put out your hand, and take it by the tail" -- so he put out his hand and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand -- "that they may believe that the LORD, the God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you." Again, the LORD said to him, "Put your hand into your bosom." And he put his hand into his bosom; and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous, as white as snow. Then God said, "Put your hand back into your bosom." So he put his hand back into his bosom; and when he took it out, behold, it was restored like the rest of his flesh. "If they will not believe you," God said, "or heed the first sign, they may believe the latter sign. If they will not believe even these two signs or heed your voice, you shall take some water from the Nile and pour it upon the dry ground; and the water which you shall take from the Nile will become blood upon the dry ground." (Ex.4:1-9)

"...the LORD said to Moses, "I am the LORD; tell Pharaoh king of Egypt all that I say to you." But Moses said to the LORD, "Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips; how then shall Pharaoh listen to me?" And the LORD said to Moses, "See, I make you as God to Pharaoh; and Aaron your brother shall be your prophet... You shall speak all that I command you; and Aaron your brother shall tell Pharaoh to let the people of Israel go out of his land. But I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and though I multiply my signs and wonders in the land of Egypt..." (Ex. 6:29-7:3)

The Apostles
"...how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard him, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his own will." (Heb. 2:3-4)

"Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at that gate of the temple which is called Beautiful to ask alms of those who entered the temple. Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked for alms. And Peter directed his gaze at him, with John, and said, "Look at us." And he fixed his attention upon them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, "I have no silver and gold, but I give you what I have; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." And he took him by the right hand and raised him up; and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up he stood and walked and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God." (Acts 3:1-9)

"And now, Lord, look upon their threats, and grant to thy servants to speak thy word with all boldness, while thou stretchest out thy hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of thy holy servant Jesus." (Acts 4:29-30)

"And Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people." (Acts 6:8)

In addition to the Apostles in general, there is the specific case of St. Paul, whose calling truly was extraordinary, in a way that the other apostles' calling was not. They were called by Jesus while he was still a man on the earth; St. Paul was called through a vision and a heavenly voice. Thus, we see in Scripture:

"And God did extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, so that handkerchiefs or aprons were carried away from his body to the sick, and diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them." (Acts 19:11-12)

His calling was extraordinary, and so, in keeping with this, he performed "extraordinary miracles."

Finally, we come to our last example: Our Lord Himself. His was, of course, an extraordinary calling, He being sent on His mission to earth by God the Father directly.

"Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father in me; or else believe me for the sake of the works themselves. Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I go to the Father. (John 14:10-12)

"If I bear witness to myself, my testimony is not true; there is another who bears witness to me, and I know that the testimony which he bears to me is true. You sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth. Not that the testimony which I receive is from man; but I say this that you may be saved. He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. But the testimony which I have is greater than that of John; for the works which the Father has granted me to accomplish, these very works which I am doing, bear me witness that the Father has sent me." (John 5:31-36)

This last case should truly give pause to any professed follower of Christ who claims to have been called as a Shepherd of God's flock. Where are the miracles that must attend your ministry as verification of your extraordinary calling? If even Jesus submitted to this proof-test, how can any mere man exempt himself from this same test, unless he wishes to say he is greater than even Jesus?

Here, then, is the summary of what we find in Scripture: no man can take the responsibility or title of "pastor" to himself. Rather, he must be sent by God, either indirectly (via succession), or directly (via extraordinary calling). If he claims the latter, his mission must be accompanied by miracles, signs and wonders as proof of his Divine vocation.

This is the crux of my challenge to you, if you are a Protestant pastor: by what authority do you claim your office? By succession? If so, demonstrate that you were called by a superior authority who himself had a legitimate claim to his office. By extraordinary calling? If so, then show the required signs and wonders that authenticate your ministry.

In conclusion, I say to you: you must be absolutely sure, for your own soul's sake, that your calling is legitimate. In Numbers 16, Korah set himself up as an illegitimate authority against God's appointed authorities, and was destroyed for his audacious act. This problem has not disappeared in our day, for we find St. Jude warning us of falling into the same sin:

"Woe to them! For they walk in the way of Cain, and abandon themselves for the sake of gain to Balaam's error, and perish in Korah's rebellion." (Jude 11)

You may choose to brush this challenge aside, but that will not absolve you of the account that you will have to give before God one day regarding these issues. I invite to ask yourself, honestly: have you set yourself up illegitimately against the legitimate authorities who can prove their mission by succession? Are you in danger of being destroyed for committing Korah's sin?

One side note, to those of you who read this who are not pastors: this same challenge applies secondarily to you. Are you certain that the man who shepherds your soul is a legitimate leader? Or are you following a self-appointed shepherd who is in rebellion against God's appointed authorities?

Jacob Michael
LumenGentleman Apologetics



TOPICS: Apologetics; Catholic; Charismatic Christian; Ecumenism; Evangelical Christian; Mainline Protestant; Moral Issues; Orthodox Christian; Other Christian; Prayer; Theology; Worship
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To: irishtenor
......crickets......
61 posted on 04/14/2004 10:47:58 PM PDT by CARepubGal
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To: CARepubGal
???:>)
62 posted on 04/14/2004 10:49:38 PM PDT by irishtenor (Taglines for sale - please inquire within.)
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To: judapuh
Would you care to tell us what you are talking about? I would call you many things but Protestant would not make the short list. Troll OTOH would.
63 posted on 04/14/2004 10:51:34 PM PDT by CARepubGal
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To: irishtenor
Oops! Missed the response. :>) And Gary North as a Presby Spokesman? When did that happen?
64 posted on 04/14/2004 10:53:06 PM PDT by CARepubGal
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To: CARepubGal
Not sure I've ever heard of Gary North.
65 posted on 04/14/2004 10:57:19 PM PDT by irishtenor (Taglines for sale - please inquire within.)
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To: judapuh
Signs and wonders ceased with the canon of Scripture.

Can you prove that using nothing but scripture?

66 posted on 04/14/2004 11:15:38 PM PDT by P-Marlowe (Let your light so shine before men....)
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To: narses
Bumpus ad summum
67 posted on 04/14/2004 11:39:37 PM PDT by Dajjal
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To: narses; All
OH PUHLEEEZE!

GIVE THE CARNAL (too politically tainted political geneologically based) AUTHORITARIANISM A REST!

"Hence I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands... guard the truth that has been entrusted to you by the Holy Spirit who dwells within us." (2 Tim. 1:6, 14)"

IS SUFFICIENT.

THE GIFT OF GOD.

We can observe in Scripture how GOD CALLED ST PAUL without any intervention from any other single PERSON AT ALL. God further trained the already PhD in the wilderness. EVENTUALLY, the Apostles in Jerusalem had the good sense and discernment to put their stamp of approval on

WHAT GOD HAD
----ALREADY----
DONE!!!
(entrusted to you)
BY
THE HOLY SPIRIT
who dwells
WITHIN

Such happens today in more or less similar fasion--though often much less dramatic--ALL OVER THE WORLD. Educated people are called to be pastors. Uneducated, impoverished people are called to be pastors. Individuals with significant libraries are called to be pastors. Individuals with but scraps of Scripture are called to be pastors. AND GOD CONFIRMS IT WITH SIGNS FOLLOWING

THOSE
WHO BELIEVE!!!

God Often went outside the accepted conventional HUMAN notion of succession. King David was but one example. Such shifts in succession did not originate with clusters of religious elite meeting and communicating with whifs of smoke their exalted political decisions. Such successions were originated with and By God Almighty and implemented by Him with little to no engineering on the part of man. And, often with lots of complications and hinderance from the religious and supposedly spiritual elite.

We can read in

1 Corinthians 14 29Let two or three prophesy, and let the others evaluate what is said.

Local congregations are well able, if there be any truly spiritual among them at all, to set apart as Scripture says--those called to be pastors etc. They are well equipped to lay hands on them and ordain them TO THE OFFICES GOD ALMIGHTY HAS ALREADY OBVIOUSLY SET THEM APART FOR as evidenced by the fruits of their labors and God's Holy Spirit anointing on their lives and efforts.

Interestingly, there is a senior pastor in Mexico who DOES NOT EVEN CONSIDER anyone for CANDIDACY for junior pastor UNTIL SAID PERSON HAS AT LEAST SEVERAL VERIFIED RESURRECTIONS FROM AUTHENTICALLY FORMERLY VERY DEAD PEOPLE under his belt FIRST. The Pope nor the Roman church is not involved at all.

BUT
GOD
ALMIGHTY
IS
VERY
INVOLVED

As is abundantly evidenced by the "signs following THOSE WHO BELIEVE as The Scriptures teach.

The same is true in China and a host of other countries, including most in South America.

In developed countries where too many believe the doctrines of man instead of the plain and clear Scripture, less dramatic confirmations tend to be the norm. Nevertheless, even in the spiritual deserts of Europe, Canada and America, God can still make clear to even a small group of people the one HE has called to be that group's pastor. And, they can confirm God's calling and lay hands on the called one for further anointing and gifting as well as group ordination for service.

This may not tickle the hearts of the religious bureaucrats.

But I find and sense that it seems to tickle God's heart consistently and tremendously,

68 posted on 04/15/2004 12:03:07 AM PDT by Quix (Choose this day whom U will serve: Shrillery & demonic goons or The King of Kings and Lord of Lords)
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To: narses; knarf
Chapter 6
THE LOCAL CHURCH AND THE PASTOR

In the revelation of the divine mystery of the assembly of believers, the local body of Christ, the office of pastor is unique and ought to be clearly understood that it is a "gift" (Eph. 4:11) and evaluated in that context.

Three New Testament Epistles (1 and 2 Timothy and Titus) were written to and for men selected by the Lord for this ministry. The supernaturalness of the local assembly and the position of the pastor in this divine scheme merits reverential study and diligent application.

We would do well to see this gift as pastor-teacher, i.e., shepherd-instructor. Others may also be made teachers, but the pastor occupies a place in the divine plan that is distinctive and awesome.


THE CALLING
There is a difference between natural talents and supernatural gifts. Talents come through the genes of natural inheritance; gifts directly by the Lord. Talent comes from the first Adam and, however attractive, is still a part of man's fallen nature. The gift is by the Holy Spirit, as it pleases Him. Therefore, talents and aptitudes cannot be considered the determining factors in ascertaining God's will as to service, contributing perhaps but not necessarily conclusive.

Aptitude tests contrived by man or the results of what is fed into a computer are hardly the Lord's way of taking a Peter from his fishing business or a Paul from his law practice into special apostleships.

No man, however naturally talented, can make himself a pastor in God's sight. No amount of academic studies or theological degrees can produce a pastor, for this is a divine choice by the sovereign Holy Spirit.

The pastor IS a gift and has THE gift! Man cannot and must not try to make pastors of men. That is solely the Lord's business, His choice.

Either the man is God's gift or he isn't. He either has the gift or he doesn't. He who is so called by God to be a shepherd will know it. He will not require the backslapping of men to bolster that inner compulsion. If obedient to the Lord, he will make full proof of his ministry (2 Tim. 4:5).

This is not to say that God's chosen instrument is at once and automatically thoroughly furnished (2 Tim. 3:17) nor to infer that he need not stir up this gift of God (2 Tim. 1:6). This involves training heart and mind in the Word. If called of God, he is called also to prepare that the total personality be disciplined. The Lord is not limited to any one form of preparation.

In one instance the Arabian desert suited God's plan better than a time spent in Jerusalem with the elders. In every case one needs to have a lofty concept of who God is, become saturated with the Word of God, and be fascinated with God's expressed purposes. Wherever the study, personal initiative may be of greater importance than what is offered in a classroom.

When the Lord calls to show His choice, this is also according to His own will. God chooses the time to impart this to His servant, as well as the way. It is seldom spectacular, but always deep. The choice is God's, not man's. What the man does about it is, of course, important.

We ought not persist in assuming that any school of men can manufacture a pastor. Only God can make this gift! The best that formal Bible schooling can do is to assist the man who has been sovereignly selected by God in his absorption of the Word of God. This includes intercession and counselling.

To be a shepherd is by appointment and not by attainment. It is by the will of God and not by works or by worth. No man ought to take this honor unto himself. Neither a sincere desire to serve Christ nor an aspiration to preach to others is the same as being designated by the risen Lord as His undershepherd.

The carnal system evolved in Christendom prescribes certain subjects for study, looks for favorable personality traits and natural aptitudes, and insists upon endorsement by a hierarchy. Then it sets up its product before society and says: "This is a clergyman." Such a man may be saved and sincere, but he is merely the product of a man-made religious system and qualified only to serve that system.

But the Lord, Who seeks counsel from no man, may choose from the womb a prince with an ungodly father, a herdsman in Tekoa, a boy with a godly mother, a fisherman in Galilee, an introvert, an extrovert, a civil service officer or a young lawyer from Tarsus and say, "I have chosen you and ordained you." With such a selection a man will find it hard to be disobedient to the heavenly calling.

RECOGNITION
If we really understand the uniqueness of the local assembly­it is supernatural­and see its primary purpose in God's plan as discussed earlier, we are better prepared to recognize the man of God. On the other hand, if we do not fully appreciate God's purpose with the local assembly, we shall become occupied with looking at the flesh­an organizer, a musician, one who seems to have a knack for interesting young people, a promoter, or an evangelist­rather than a man chosen by the Holy Spirit and filled with the Holy Spirit to serve as an expositor of the written Word of God.

The denominational system required certain positions, including what it calls the pastorate, but that is not necessarily synonymous with the apostolic concept. Therefore, it is better to adhere to the revelation of the mystery, see the pastor as indicated in the Epistles, and educate the local church in exercising discernment in selecting a shepherd.


PASTORAL ESSENTIALS
Education for the man called of God does not cease with his graduation from a school! All through his career he must "give attendance to reading." No one will exhaust in his lifetime the mine of wealth­doctrine, history, prophecy, poetry, literary excellence, practical psychology­in the sixty-six books of the Biblical library.

He would be well advised to read other selected material so as to keep himself informed of religious movements and the theological trends, in order to intelligently safeguard the flock. Wolves have a tendency to modernize the tailoring of their sheep's clothing.

The shepherd is God's man, ordained by Him to feed the flock, to lead the flock, and to protect the flock. His ministry is not primarily to the community-at-large but to God's people.

As we have noted in earlier chapters, constituents of an assembly well-fed, properly led, and lovingly protected will together exemplify the mystery of godliness; and then as individuals, pastor included, will properly represent the Gospel in their daily lives, which is the basis and genius of missions.

When the risen Lord instructed His aged Apostle, John, to communicate to local assemblies in Asia Minor, the letters were addressed to the pastor in each case (Rev. 2,3). The pastor was to see himself identified with his people. This included both approval and disapproval from the Lord. In these letters one recognizes again the elements of feeding, leading, and protecting.

Ordination­so often abused and too often used merely to indicate approval for any number of services­should be limited to men called of God to be pastors and in the light of all the solemn factors we have been considering. (The whole subject of ordination ought to be re-examined.)

The shepherd-teacher should keep in mind that the flock, purchased with the blood of Christ, is more in need of fresh, applicable messages from God's Word than for the pastor's society.

At no time ought he forget how the pastor is described in the Word: "minister of Jesus Christ" (1 Tim. 4:6); "man of God" (1 Tim. 6:11; 2 Tim. 3:17); "soldier of Jesus Christ" (2 Tim. 2:3); and "servant of the Lord" (2 Tim. 2:24).

A Bible-centered church will seem strange to those who are enmeshed in the procedures and traditions of institutionalized Christendom. The Bible-centered assembly will take the apostolic view of the pastorate.

Whether he be selected from among the local spiritual elders or called from another area to lead the local church, the criteria will be the evidence of the Divine call and the Spirit's enduement, not natural skills and academic certificates.

A local church being guided by what is so evident in the Scripture will also know the significance of shepherding, make no unreasonable demands upon him, and recognize him for what he is in God's plan.

Where there is an unfortunately low evaluation by a local assembly of itself, the pastor will be regarded merely as a hired itinerant preacher, who was once favored over others by a representative pulpit committee, to be under constant critical scrutiny and tolerated so long as he can politically maneuver among the diverse elements. (The idea of a pulpit committee ought also to be re-examined.)


TREASURE IN EARTHEN VESSELS
The pastor is a man and has experiences and needs like other men. It is often embarrassing for him to talk about his feelings, frailties, family, or finances. He may often wish that someone would think about this. Someone has.

In King's Business, dated April, 1959, a heartwarming article appeared written by Helen Frazee-Bower entitled "Pastors Are People." In her opening paragraphs she expressed her personal appreciation for pastors who had fed her from God's Word and referred to this calling as a "most exalted position." Then she went on to call attention to the fact that "they too are people."

Pastors are people! They have feelings. Few of us would think of criticizing a fellow member of the congregation for the way his wife dresses, or his children behave, but we seem to think it is our business to keep an eye on the pastor's family. Did you ever hear, "Why are preacher's children always the worst?" The answer, of course, is that they are not. It is only that more people observe them.....What would be considered rudeness, if spoken of anyone else, is sometimes said of the pastor's family, with an actual sense of having fulfilled a righteous obligation!

Pastors are people! They get tired. They have physical limitations. It is no easier for them to work constantly than for any other human being. Even Jesus became weary; else why was He asleep on a pillow during the storm at sea?

Our individual troubles are not unique to the pastor: they are part of a long succession of similar experiences covering the entire congregation. No matter how much one may long to do for others, human strength cannot be stretched beyond a certain limit: there is a breaking point for all men. One of the finest sermons I ever listened to was preached by a pastor who had been up all night with a dying man. His message was undoubtedly enriched by this experience. Nevertheless, his life was shortened because he spent his strength too freely for his people. Because few pastors will spare themselves when they feel they are needed, it becomes the obligation of the congregation not to make thoughtless demands upon them.

Pastors are people! They make mistakes. Just because a man is called of God to preach the Gospel, he is not necessarily placed beyond the possibility of making human errors. The Scriptures say that we shall be like Jesus­"when we see Him as He is." But until that time, we are in the flesh and are heirs to the weaknesses of the flesh. All of us are capable of making wrong choices, unwise decisions, unfortunate remarks. We all exhibit flaws and make errors....Pastors will sometimes make mistakes. These are God's concern, not ours. The Scriptures say, "To his own master he standeth or falleth." Indeed they say more, "Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand."

Pastors are people! They need privacy. Because men of God, like men of medicine, are on twenty-four hour call, their private life is constantly invaded. The pastor has less time with his family than the average man­but needs more. He, who gives constantly to others, has need of the comfort, understanding, and warmth that are basic portions of life within the family circle. Unnecessary phone calls to his home rob him of his all-too-brief opportunity to be alone with his own....It is God Himself who "setteth the solitary in families;" so there must be something there that a man can find nowhere else. The pastor's privacy needs to be guarded by his congregation. Over against this fact there stands another opposed to it, but equally true.

Because pastors are people, they are often a little lonely. The very nature of their task makes them that way. They have been set apart by God for a holy work, and they must spend much time apart with God, in preparation for that work. For this reason they may often seem aloof. The man in the pulpit has been dwelling "in the secret place of the most high," and it is as unfair to expect him to come suddenly down to earth at the sanctuary door, as it would be to expect Moses of the shining face to come down from the mountain to inquire, "And how are all the children?"

The pastor's aloofness may trouble him more than anyone else. He must not play favorites with members of his flock; he dare not discuss his problems with anyone in the congregation. He is a man who "must show himself friendly," yet have few intimate friends of his own. If he seems a little aloof, don't forget that he is a little lonely too.

Pastors are people: very special people, to be sure­ chosen vessels of the Lord, to be used of Him that others might come to know the Savior­but human, nevertheless. As people, they have feelings, physical limitations, human desires, weaknesses as well as strengths­even as you and I. Perhaps they would like us to remember this sometimes.

Perhaps the greatest service we can render our pastors is to grant them the same understanding we would extend to any fellow Christian, and not expect more of them than we would have them expect of us."1


SATAN'S DEVICES
When the army to the north engaged in battle against Israel, the order was given to the Syrian troops to concentrate on destroying the leader of the warriors of Israel (2 Chron. 18:30). In all segments of society God has ordered that there be leaders­nation, family, military. God has also set some to rule in the local church. The devil would be a poor strategist if he did not order his demons to concentrate their efforts upon the spiritual leaders, and the pastor in particular, in this spiritual warfare.

James was killed with the sword. The apostles were per-secuted, imprisoned, and beaten. Paul's productive ministry led to his execution, evidence of satanic hatred and satanic strategy. Demas, of great potential, was enticed from service by the attraction of the world.

Satan also works to discredit any servant of the Lord that exposes his wiles. Anyone familiar with the life of the Apostle Paul knows how he was compelled to defend his character and apostleship, (e.g., in writing to the Corinthians) even though he was personally most reluctant to do so.

Contemporary history of Bible churches reveals vehement onslaughts in various forms upon conscientious pastors, including unjust criticism and abuse from fellow pastors. Each man suffers personally, but what is even more serious, a local church's collective testimony can be irrevocably destroyed!

There are three areas in which pastors may be especially vulnerable. They are (1) his high calling, (2) his ministry, and (3) his person as a man. He must have the Scriptural concept of the position he holds, remembering Who put him there. His ministry should be characterized by faithful teaching of the Word. His personal life ought to be above reproach, e.g., a strict adherence to confidentiality and guarding his tongue. He should listen to Paul as he counseled Timothy and not miss these words:

Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee (1 Tim. 4:16).

http://www.middletownbiblechurch.org/lochurch/lchurch.htm#2
69 posted on 04/15/2004 4:16:13 AM PDT by RaceBannon (VOTE DEMOCRAT AND LEARN ARABIC FREE!!)
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To: narses
"One side note, to those of you who read this who are not pastors: this same challenge applies secondarily to you. Are you certain that the man who shepherds your soul is a legitimate leader? Or are you following a self-appointed shepherd who is in rebellion against God's appointed authorities?"

Oh, good grief!

The first, the most insidious of lies and deception ever, and still promulgating heresy ...

Yea, hath God said.

The question of the tite begs one to restrain from Catholic bashing when an air of superiority is woven through the entire 'thesis' while attempting to intellectualise (Gnosticism) the calling of God.

Paul was called of God.
No one was around to hear it, and he had a tough time trying to validate himself almost everywhere he went.

Your cloak of intellectual honesty is false and I accuse all of you of bashing the non-Catholic.

Now claim victimhood, I have spoken.

70 posted on 04/15/2004 5:18:53 AM PDT by knarf (A place where anyone can learn anything ... especially that which promotes clear thinking.)
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To: knarf
Oops ... tite = title.
71 posted on 04/15/2004 5:20:25 AM PDT by knarf (A place where anyone can learn anything ... especially that which promotes clear thinking.)
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To: narses
Smashing post. May the Blessings of Eastertide descend upon you and all our Catholic brothers and sisters.
72 posted on 04/15/2004 5:49:46 AM PDT by Catholicguy (MT1618 Church of Peter remains pure and spotless from all leading into error, or heretical fraud)
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To: narses
'spose one could also post a painting of King David - an adulterer and a murderer - thereby suggesting the Lord's Covenant with him was rendered nugatory due to David's infamous sins.

However, the issue is authority not impeccability or the faithful discharge of that Divinely-Constitued authority.

73 posted on 04/15/2004 6:02:59 AM PDT by Catholicguy (MT1618 Church of Peter remains pure and spotless from all leading into error, or heretical fraud)
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To: narses; newgeezer
I just had a discussion with a Catholic and was asked the same kind of question. By what authority to I say the bible says anything. I found it very very interesting that this same person had never even once read about Joseph, the son of Jacob. It never ceases to amaze me how people who care so little about the bible have so much to say about who really has authority to say what it means.
74 posted on 04/15/2004 6:18:16 AM PDT by biblewonk (The only book worth reading, and reading, and reading.)
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To: narses; drstevej
Mark 9:38-40 John said to Him, "Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we tried to prevent him because he was not following us." But Jesus said, "Do not hinder him, for there is no one who will perform a miracle in My name, and be able soon afterward to speak evil of Me. For he who is not against us is for us."

I guess not everyone was "formally" appointed.

BTW-Paul went to the Gentiles. Peter to the Jews. You Catholics need to focus more on your group. :O)

75 posted on 04/15/2004 6:36:03 AM PDT by HarleyD (For strong is he who carries out God's word. (Joel 2:11))
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To: knarf; GatorGirl; maryz; *Catholic_list; afraidfortherepublic; Antoninus; Aquinasfan; Askel5; ...
Paul was called of God.
No one was around to hear it, and he had a tough time trying to validate himself almost everywhere he went.

Read my responses to Post #5, Dr Steve answered correctly "God's Word" or a direct call from God. That's one of the TWO forms acknowledged by the author and the Church as valid.

Your cloak of intellectual honesty is false and I accuse all of you of bashing the non-Catholic.

Try reading the posted paper and responses before engaging in false to fact ad hominem attacks.

Now claim victimhood, I have spoken.

You spoke. Perhaps reading in silence would have served you better. Now are you acknowledging that at least ONE of the TWO cited means of acquiring authority is valid (a direct call)? How about the other?

76 posted on 04/15/2004 6:36:22 AM PDT by narses (If you want OFF or ON my Catholic Ping list, please email me. +)
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To: drstevej
I should have added none are supposed to have illegitimate children either. Do tell, you reject the interpretation of "elder" I offered, under what authority? That has been accepted by the Christian Community for 2,000 years - at least the two largest and longest lasting communities - the Orthodox and Catholics. I point out AGAIN you simply have avoided answering the question posed here while twisting this argument throughout the thread. Why?
77 posted on 04/15/2004 6:41:50 AM PDT by narses (If you want OFF or ON my Catholic Ping list, please email me. +)
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To: narses
Narses, reread the qualifications for elder/bishop in the Bible. Your conclusion that this is a prohibition against bigamy and illegitimacy only is laughable exegesis.

Note these are stated as POSITIVE requirements rather than PROHIBITIONS. You turn them into the later making them exclusions. On what authority?

None of your bishops meet the qualifications Paul establishes for them, including the bishop of Rome.

By what authority do they set aside the requirements of the Word of God?

Is it any surprise that having set aside these qualifications that they can not deal with rampant homosexuality in the ranks and worse?

You can keep your traditions than make void the Word of God.
78 posted on 04/15/2004 6:50:36 AM PDT by drstevej (Peter had a mother-in-law)
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To: Catholicguy
Hey guy,

It's still amazing to me how much you Roman characters are convinced that you have a

monopoly on "catholic" in Christendom.

Sheesh!
79 posted on 04/15/2004 7:05:22 AM PDT by Quix (Choose this day whom U will serve: Shrillery & demonic goons or The King of Kings and Lord of Lords)
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To: biblewonk
Oh, dear me!

Am I agreeing with Biblewonk??

Jesus is clearly coming again!
80 posted on 04/15/2004 7:07:03 AM PDT by Quix (Choose this day whom U will serve: Shrillery & demonic goons or The King of Kings and Lord of Lords)
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