***I think the fact some people believe the Sermon on the Mount wasn’t intended to be received by the ears of all believers is really really strange. Talk about elitism and exclusion.***
No doubt. There is the role of clergy and there is the role of laity. If one takes on the role of clergy, then there are many things that one must take on above and beyond the role of laity.
Not everyone’s role is the same; neither is everyone’s gifts from God the same.
All believers are the lively stones of His congregation.
Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy." -- 1 Peter 2:5-10"Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
If one takes on the role of clergy, then there are many things that one must take on above and beyond the role of laity.
The role of the clergy is clearly spelled out in Scripture, and it does not include anything about being "another Christ" or sacrificing Christ anew with every worship service.
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love." -- Ephesians 4:11-16"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;