If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed. 1 Timothy 4:6 NKJVLet's define "minister" according to Scripture: Nave's Topical Bible defines a minister as "A Sacred Teacher". Scripture defines it with the following verses:
Ambassadors of Christ 2 Corinthian 5:20
Angels of the Church Revelation 1:20, 2:1
Apostles Luke 6:13 Revelation 18:20
Defenders of the Faith Philemon 1:7
Elders 1 Timothy 5:17 1 Peter 5:1
Evangelists Ephesians 4:11 2 Timothy 4:5
Fishers of Men Matthew 4:19 Philemon 1:1
And many more.
Do any of these definitions apply to you? If so, you are a minister. Does that mean that you should be teaching others? That depends on whether or not you will teach them what the Bible really says. Those of us that feel called to share Scripture are under a heavier burden of judgement. If we share falsely, we bring upon ourselves swift destruction.
But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. 2 Peter 2:1 NKJV
Do you follow the teaching of Christ, and does your minister or paster follow them as well? If not, perhaps you should re-evaluate your reasons for following them. Remember, being a Christian isn't about storing up treasure here on Earth. It's about sharing who Jesus Christ was, and why He came to save us all. The most important leading you should receive is that of the Holy Spirit. All others, should be supporting what the Bible says, word for word. Not just what feels good to hear. If you aren't in communion with God on a daily basis, with prayer, and your own reading of Scripture, I urge you to BEWARE! You are in danger of being led astray. I pray you meditate on this today. Do you know what your bible says, and what it means? Are you a good Berean?
Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. Acts 17:10-11 NKJV
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Wonderful post again, Shalene!
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, today's Christianity is also alike a cult of personality. Millions get suckered into following a false teacher just because that teacher is well-dressed, well-presented and gives relief to their itching ears.
There's only one person we need to focus on -- our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
I totally agree with whatever teachings these teachers teach, we need to be alike the Bereans and test them against Scripture. The Bible teaches that these wolves in sheep's clothing are slick and know how to trick the naive. We need to be ever on our guard.
I always believe this: When in doubt, turn to God's Word.
Thank you for the reminder.
Shalom Aleichem.
A great reminder Shalene, and thank you for being a consistent voice of truth!
ReplyDeleteIsaiah and Michelle,
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by. May all the glory be to Him! May I always write only that which is true. Blessings to both of you!
Shalene,
ReplyDeleteThat was some nifty covert action on your part. Sounds like fun! I had a friend go through Cleansing Streams just so we could critique it. I wouldn't do it because I didn't want to be in a room where evil and deceptive spirits were flying around. :) Let us know if you do another one. I might join you. :)
Anywho...
There are some that are impressed with initials after the person's name. Some also find comfort when their beliefs lie with the majority. This puts way too much confidence in man. Anything man says MUST be tested with Scripture!
Hi Carol, I was truly curious about how it all worked, and was interested in "learning" how to be a minister, but I did also want to expose what many don't know about the whole process. I have to admit, as I'm sure you know, that I have made good use of the ordination, besides this use. I have been allowed to marry my friend and her husband by having done this, so there was a double benefit. Now, I can also use it to visit prisoners and/ or hospital patients that I am unrelated to, by having this ordination. I can say that the Holy Spirit has moved me to use that which He led me to do. So all around, it was a good thing. I generally, don't encourage others to call me a minister, though that is what I strive to be. Blessings to you, and thanks for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteQuote: Isaiah said:
ReplyDelete"There's only one person we need to focus on -- our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
Amen brother! I'm in total agreement.
I've seen a lot of what you talk about Shalene. I thank God for my early teachings to read God's word for myself and be in constant prayer/communication with the Lord God.