Repost Time!! Is God's Rulebook Enough?

If we come up with our own “rulebook” apart from Scripture, and attempt to hold people to it/judge people by it… are we in danger of becoming like so many other groups of people, who have created their own religion?

For example: the Mormon people claim to worship the same God that we do. What’s the difference? Where did they get off track? Perhaps it was a great leader whom they respected so much; that they started holding his writings and teachings in equal standing with the Bible. Maybe their original intentions were good. Maybe they just thought it was godly to honor the traditions of the men who went before them. 

But wait, what about Scripture? What about God’s Word? 

Do we take the time to evaluate every single thing we do and believe in; with the Holy Bible (which is the inspired Word of God?)

If we were on a desert island with nothing to go by but the Bible- no previous world views to contend with, no cultural influence, no presumptions about religion… what would we do? What would we act like? What would we dress like? The key is realizing that the Bible actually IS the only thing we have to go by. 

Through the ages, mankind has added to God’s principles in one way or another in an effort to “polish” their religion; or, (God forbid), in an attempt to gain power over God’s people. The end result is not true religion. Now, I seriously doubt that God will condemn you for trying to go above and beyond with your dress standards… etc. That is, if you have the correct motive. God does, after all, look at the HEART. But, trying to hold other Christians to your own measuring stick? Now that, I believe, is dangerous stuff.

What’s our Measuring Stick…?

I have met people who believe that whatever their pastor says is the law. That kind of thinking really scares me… because there is so much room for fault when an imperfect man is in a position of power. It’s as if Satan preys on those in power; delighting when he can lead them away from God’s boundaries and causes them, in turn, to lead others astray. We as humans, seem to be prone to falling into idolatry. It is so very easy to begin worshipping a man, rather than God. If we begin using other sources as our measuring stick other than the Word of God, we begin a downward spiral through an ever disintegrating foundation.

Where do we draw the line...?

Let’s pretend that one pastor says, “I think everybody should wear blue hats. That’s the only way to get to heaven!” But another pastor disagrees and says, “No, I think red gloves should do the trick. That’s what will distinguish us as God’s people!” Who’s right?

There is “safety in a multitude of counselors” you say? Alright… let’s say there are 15 ministers. 12 of them believe in the blue hats uniform, and 3 of them don’t agree there should be a uniform at all. Would you go along with the majority? What if the 12 say to the 3: “You will lose out with God if you do not respect the decision of the majority of the brethren to wear blue hats! If you don’t comply, we will dis-fellowship you!”

Sounds silly right? Maybe that’s because it is...

 

Nowhere in Scripture are men given the right to decide who is “in or out” of Christ’s Body of Believers. And Scripture is very clear about not making up our own rules and “adding” to the Word of God. If we don’t use the Bible as our source of wisdom and direction… if we start following men… where does it end?

Who do we please?

Although I do believe we should carefully examine the men we choose to follow, in order to make sure they will not lead us astray… I am not advocating a spirit of rebellion. I’m pointing out that we need to have God’s Word set on a MUCH higher pedestal than man’s opinion! Trust me. God knows if you have rebellion in your heart. And, if you do, it will probably make its appearance in your home long before it shows up at church.

Here are a few verses, which lead me to believe in “Sola Scriptura”:

Proverbs 30:5-6 “Every word of God is pure: He is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him. Add thou not unto His words; lest He reprove thee and thou be found a liar."

Acts 17:11 "Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so."

Matthew 15:3 “And He answered and said to them, “Why do you yourselves transgress the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition?”” 

 2 Timothy 3:16 “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”

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Delving deeper into the subject of the authority of church leadership:Respect and submission to our God-given authority is vitally important according to the Word of God. Having said that, not all authorities are created equal! For example: God's authority over us completely supersedes any earthly authority. God is our ULTIMATE AUTHORITY, but He has also placed over us earthly lords.

When we first enter this world, we are subject to our parents. Being under the authority of your father is an umbrella of protection that God has installed for your youth. If you are a woman, that authority transfers to your husband when you get married.

Children honoring their father and mother, and wives submitting to their husbands are the 2 main earthly authoritative positions that Scripture discusses. There are numerous Scriptures regarding both of these "chains of command" that God set up. He MUST have thought they were very important, because He repeated Himself quite often on the importance of these orders.

The authority of church leadership is a subject spoken of much less often in Scripture. Probably the most common verses used for this topic are:

~ Hebrews 13:5 “"Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the outcome of their life, imitate their faith."

~ Hebrews 13:7a “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account…”

The writer actually chooses two special words in the latter verse. This is the only time this particular word for "submit" is used in the New Testament. It does not mean "rank under" as the other words for submit used in Scripture do. Rather, it means to yield, or withdraw. That is a little different. As you consider the elders, the outcome of their lives and how they lead you through teaching the Scripture, are you willing to withdraw or to yield to the truth that they present? That is not the same as standing under, in a military sense.

 And then the word "obey'' has in its foundation again a special word. It does not mean to accept orders. Rather, it means to be persuaded. Consider what these godly men say, be willing to be persuaded, but clearly, they must demonstrate the truth that God has them to speak. Do not merely take blind orders; but be persuaded.

A true man of God will persuade you to submit to God, not himself.

 The husband/father of a household is the “priest” of his household, which means he is responsible for leading his family spiritually. (A wife is never to obey her pastor over her husband! Wives are commanded twice in Scripture (Eph. 5:22 and Col. 3:18) to submit to their "own husband". Meaning, not to another woman's husband. That includes a pastor; as he would either be single or married to someone else.) 

If a man prays to God for guidance, I believe God will lead and guide him to a church assembly which fits his family’s needs, provides a place for them to be active workers in the kingdom, and aids/encourages them in spiritual growth.

I’ve come to realize what a treasure a true shepherd is. Having a pastor who has the spirit of a servant rather than that of a master is a HUGE BLESSING! If you have one, be grateful!

 Thank God for the righteous authorities in your life! They have a tough job, and are worthy of our prayers!

Making your own All-Natural Household Cleansers (For pennies!)

Lol... don't vintage cleaning ads just crack ya up?

I've wanted to switch to all-natural chemical-free household cleansers for some time now. The only thing stopping me was money. See, I'm a penny pincher... and I coupon. I was getting most of my cleaning products for free or close to it with my couponing... so I just couldn't bring myself to pay (a lot) more money for the natural stuff I saw in health food stores and catalogues.

Well, I've finally gotten to the point where I realize our health is more important than money. I'm tired of holding my breath while I clean, and knowing my kids are inhaling those dangerous fumes.

WELL! I've finally discovered a solution!!! MAKE THE STUFF MYSELF. SO cheap, SO eco-friendly, SO healthy, SO effective.... Am I missing anything?

The thing I use most is an all purpose disinfectant (for wiping down counter tops, toys and baby stuff, laminate floors etc.) So I decided to mix 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 2 parts water, adding a few drops of lavender oil. If you aren't familiar with hydrogen peroxide: it's simply amazing. It kills more germs than Lysol and it's actually safe to ingest. In fact, if you do ingest it, you'll be a little bit healthier. *smile* The Lavender oil is a naturally anti-bacterial as well, and it smells SO nice! You can play around with different essential oils for whatever smell you like in your cleansers.

You know how name brand chemical cleansers "smell good", but if you breathe in deeply it kinda burns your throat? Well, now when I clean I can NOT stop breathing in the smell. There's no burning; it just smells so pure and clean and WONDERFUL! Nick keeps commenting on the great smell as well.

Okay, so I've been researching recipes for other cleansers too and here's what I've found:
(Let me know how they work for you if you try them... also let me know if you have a fantastic laundry detergent recipe. I'm "shopping around" :).... the cheaper to make, the better! 




General Cleansers:
1.Vinegar and Salt: Mix to make a good surface cleaner.
2. Baking Soda: Dissolve 4 tablespoons baking soda in 1 quart warm water for a general cleaner.
3. Baking soda on a damp sponge: Cleans and deodorizes any kitchen or bathroom surfaces.
4. Liquid castile soap and baking soda or Borax: Use in different ratios. Try a little soap and soda/borax with large amount of water for floors, walls and counters. Try more soap, soda/Borax for tubs and sinks and anything that can be rinsed well.
5. Paste of baking soda and water: Makes an effective scouring cleanser.


Disinfectants:
1. Half-cup of borax and 1 gallon hot water: Add a few sprigs of fresh thyme, rosemary or lavender. Steep for 10 minutes, strain and cool. You could also add essential fragrant oils instead of fresh herbs. Store in a plastic spray bottle.
2. 2 tablespoons Borax, 1/4 cup Lemon Juice, 2 cups hot water: Combine the borax and lemon juice with the water in a spray bottle. Use to replace any commercial all-purpose cleaner.


Wood Furniture Polish:
Try a mixture of olive oil and lemon juice. (Always test your mixture on a small out of sight part of your furniture first!)

Glass Cleaners:
1. Undiluted vinegar in a spray bottle
2. Equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle
3. 1/2 lemon juice and 2 cups water in a spray bottle

Oven Cleaner:
Sprinkle baking soda all over stuck-on food and grease in the bottom of oven. Spray with water until moist. Continue to spray every few hours keep it moist. Let set overnight. By morning it should wipe clean easily.
(I have to inject here that I bought a commercial oven cleaner a few months ago. I thought I had no choice- had to get it clean somehow... the fumes were SO incredibly bad I felt we should all be wearing hazmat suits. I'm not kidding. I hope this recipe works as well as I've heard it does, but either way: I will NEVER buy that other stuff again!)


Toilet Bowl Cleaners:
1. Baking Soda and Vinegar: Sprinkle baking soda into the bowl, then squirt with vinegar and scour with a toilet brush.
2. Borax and Lemon Juice: Mix enough borax and lemon juice into a paste. Flush toilet to wet the sides, then apply the paste. Let sit for 2 hours and scrub thoroughly.
3. 1 cup borax, 1/2 cup white vinegar: Flush to wet the sides of the bowl. Sprinkle the borax around the toilet bowl, then spray with vinegar. Leave for several hours or overnight before scrubbing.
4.Liquid castile soap and baking soda or Borax: Scrub with a toilet brush.


Drain Cleaner:
1/2 cup baking soda
1 cup white vinegar
1 gallon boiling water
1/2 a used lemon


Pour baking soda down drain/disposal, followed by vinegar. Allow the mixture to foam for several minutes before flushing the drain with boiling water.

Tub And Tile Cleaners:
1. Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda just like scouring powder. Rub with a damp sponge. Rinse thoroughly.
2. Vinegar and Baking Soda: Apply vinegar full-strength to a sponge and wipe. Then use baking soda as you would scouring powder. Rub with a damp sponge and rinse thoroughly with clean water.
3. Vinegar: Use 1/4 cup (or more) vinegar to 1 gallon water.
4.Baking Soda: For grout cleaning, use 3 cups baking soda in a medium-sized bowl and add 1 cup warm water. Mix into a smooth paste and scrub into grout with a sponge or toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly.


Porcelain Cleaner:
Rub with cream of tartar sprinkled on a damp cloth.

Plumbing Fixtures:1. To clean stainless steel, chrome, fiberglass, ceramic, porcelain or enamel fixtures, dissolve 2 tbsp baking soda in 1 qt of water. Wipe then rinse.
3. Hard lime deposits around faucets can be easily removed by covering the deposits with vinegar-soaked paper towels. Leave the paper towels on for about one hour before cleaning. Leaves chrome clean and shiny.


Metal Shower Heads: To remove deposits combine 1/2 cup white vinegar and one quart water. Completely submerge the shower head and boil 15 minutes.


Plastic Shower Heads: Combine 1 pint white vinegar and 1 pint hot water. Completely submerge the shower head and soak for about one hour.


Rust Stain and Hard Water Deposit Remover:Apply full-strength vinegar or lemon juice and allow to set until spot disappears, rinse and repeat if necessary.

Pretty sure this goes without being said... but in case you're wondering: just purchase some spray bottles for your homemade cleansers, and label them accordingly! :)

Oh yeah, and I'd recommend using distilled water in your recipes for less residue left behind.

Pants and Earrings - Do they offend you?

Do women wearing pants and earrings offend you? If so, then the question is, why?

There is no biblical premise for saying that these things are a sin.

Last week, someone told me that I had lowered my "standard", because I now wear pants and earrings. It saddens me that some people actually believe the "standard" Christians should live by is referring only to clothing. I believe your "standards" (i.e. principles) should be rooted in God's Word, and go much deeper than outward appearance- into issues of the heart. Am I condoning any type of clothing? Absolutely not! Biblical modesty is very important. But, I believe the entire point of "covering up" our bodies to not defraud our brother. When you focus on specific clothing rules, somehow that point gets missed entirely and you lose the conviction behind the clothing choices you make.

Let's examine each of these issues individually:

women wearing pants:
The ONLY verse I've ever heard to support the teaching that women should not wear pants is Deut. 22:5:

"The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God."

When I hear this verse used in the "women wearing pants" issue, I have to laugh- mostly because when this verse was written, men and women both wore long robe-like dresses. Knowing this fact, I always wondered at this verse's meaning. It just didn't seem to add up... Someone else prompted me to examine the original Hebrew text and translation of this verse. That's when it got really interesting.

The Hebrew word used for "man" is gheh-ber

Translation: Valiant man, Warrior or Soldier.

Geh-ber is very rarely translated as "man".

So, women should "not wear that which pertaineth unto a WARRIOR"?? Meaning, it is not Biblical for women to go to war? Hmmm...

After realizing the root of this word, and what the point of this verse was, it began to make a lot more sense to me. After all, women going to war would be a direct contradiction of everything the Bible has to say about the role of a woman.

That said, I firmly believe the Bible is clear in differentiating the roles of male and female.

They were created VERY differently and I believe they should look very different. Have you ever glanced at a person walking down the road, and did a double-take to figure out if they were male or female? Perhaps you still couldn't tell. God is not pleased with that. Women should make an attempt to not only look, but ACT feminine!

 Godly womanhood is something I am VERY passionate about. I believe that daughters should submit to their fathers, and wives to their husbands. I believe wives should be resourceful "keepers at home" (Titus 2 & Pro. 31). I detest women's lib and the feminist movement... So if you are thinking I want to wear pants so I can be more like a man, you are very mistaken! I love that God made me a woman! :)

In case you are wondering... I still wear skirts and dresses to church, when "dressing up", and sometimes just because I love to wear them! I wear pants to keep warm in the winter, for modesty when playing sports, for modesty/convenience when wrangling my 1 year old in and out of a tall truck... etc. When getting dressed in the morning, I simply consider what my day holds, and try to dress appropriately.

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earrings:
Several years before I got married, I did a study on earrings. You may assume I did this because I wanted to wear them. Not true. Actually, I was scared to death to have someone poke a hole through my ear lobe, and had absolutely NO intention of ever having it done. :) I stuck to clip on's!

(Note: 6 years later I got them at the request of my husband and I love them!) 

So, the reason for my study? I simply wanted to know what God thought. I knew people who considered them to be sinful. I also knew very Godly women who had them.

I just wanted the TRUTH.

In Ezekiel 16:11-12, God is speaking to His church. He says:

"I decked thee also with ornaments, and I put bracelets upon thy hands, and a chain on thy neck. And I put a jewel on thy forehead, and earrings in thine ears, and a beautiful crown upon thine head."

Wow! What a picture! If you saw a woman walking down the street that looked this, what would you assume her to be? A Jezebel, perhaps??

Nope... it's the Bride of Christ,

His beloved whom He plans to adorn with precious jewels. Do you still think earrings are sinful? Do you dare criticize the way God plans to adorn His church?

Interesting huh? How we've developed certain opinions about outward appearance. If you do a thorough study, you will find many occasions in Scripture where it's clear that jewels and adornment are viewed favorably by God. You will also find occasions where adornment is used to describe harlots and rebellion.

1 Timothy 2:9 says, "In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array"

Seem like a contradiction to the verse in Ezekiel?? What God is saying to us, is that these outward embellishments can not replace our inward character. He wants us to focus on the heart, rather than on outward beauty.

As I read this I realized that we females quite often attempt to "gain honor" or "favor" by embellishing the outward appearance. Wearing the latest fashion... making our hair look just right...  The question is, do we put as much effort into preparing our hearts with the character of Christ? Where is our focus? That is the issue at hand.

Note: While conducting my own "interrogation", I stumbled across an article written by Doug Phillips titled "Questions Concerning Piercings and Body Mutilation" (click on title to read the article.) I found this to be quite helpful in understanding what is historically pagan and what is not when it comes to piercings.

Ending Notes:

The point of this article is not to defend myself. Defending Brittney is utterly pointless. I am just a sinner saved by grace, and still make mistakes daily. Defending God and His Word, however, is definitely worth writing about. I do not claim to have it all together, and I know I sometimes falter in the area of clothing. I look to the Bible and my husband for guidance in this area. The reason I write this is to plead with you not to assume yourself better than someone who dresses differently than you. By doing that, we run people off from the Christian walk and the blood of Christ. We are not being faithful ambassadors when someone feels judged in our presence.

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"The Sinner Woman"

A group of preachers sat around the table, eating and conversing with their new acquaintance. They were determined to question this man until they found out his true identify- and his agenda. They wondered at his "strange doctrine", and whispered among themselves that perhaps he was just a lunatic. From where did he get his authority? What gave him the right to come into their territory and "steal their saints"?

When the woman entered the room, all fell quiet. Although the space was dimly lit, the men recognized her immediately as a sinner. Her clothing gave that fact away. She wasn't the "sort" they mingled with. As they glared down their noses at her in contempt, the host tilted his gaze to the floor in embarrassment. His thoughts raced as he searched for an appropriate response to the situation. Before he could conjure up a reason to show her out the door, she slowly began to approach their guest. The men gasped collectively at her boldness, each of them doing little to hide their horrified expressions. As she grew closer and knelt at the man's feet, it was apparent she was weeping. With her head bowed low to the ground, her tears trickled onto the feet of the man called Jesus, washing away the dust and sand. After using her long, undone hair to wipe away the salty liquid, the woman leaned down to kiss the feet upon which she had wept. The men were silent, stunned by the scene unfolding in front of them. As the woman proceeded to pour ointment over Jesus' feet, his host, Simon, privately thought, "This man is no prophet! He is so naive that he does not even recognize this woman as a sinner. If he knew, he would never have allowed such a display!"

Of course, Jesus already knew Simon's innermost thoughts, just as He knows ours. Jesus perceived Simon's motive, and saw his heart. He also sees our heart whenever we make a snide comment about someone else's apparel. He knows our motive when we toss a sideways glance at a friend regarding a person we disapprove of.

"Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little." Luke 7:47

What marvelous compassion! What mercy flowed forth that day! I believe this woman's clothing gave away her sinful status, which leads me to ask myself, "Whenever I am in the presence of someone dressed inappropriately, which spirit do I have towards them? That of a pharisee, or that of Jesus?"

Jesus ate with sinners, spoke with harlots, and allowed a woman with a bad reputation to anoint Him for His burial.... and WE feel it's our duty to judge others who don't "measure up" to our standards?

Shame on me for ever thinking that way! Oh, Lord have mercy on my wretched soul!My heart is desperately wicked, oh God... but YOU... YOU can save me from myself!YOU can cleanse and purify my inward being! YOU can change my heart so that mercy and compassion flows forth from my being...

...just as it does from yours.

Abortion is Murder... There Are No Exceptions

A heavy topic, once again...



I have recently been examining various controversial and ethically challenging situations that we currently face as a society...  Abortion is murder. I think the vast majority of people reading this post would agree. But, what about the tough situations? What about when mother and child's life both hang in the balance... and a choice has to be made. Doug Phillips wrote a very thought provoking and Biblically sound article on this topic. To read it, click HERE. There are answers in Scripture to EVERY ethical problem we have, EVERY confusing situation, and EVERY circumstance in life... if we will only accept God's Word as the final authority.

There are many Christians who are greatly confused about the definition of abortion. It is not only taking the life of an UNWANTED unborn child, it is also performed unknowingly on a regular basis. What does the Bible say about birth control? Does your birth control contain abortifacient factors? Did you even know that was possible? If you don't really understand the simple science of it read:  They Never Told Us That Birth Control May Be Killing Our Unborn Babies. Are you scared to read this? Do your unborn children a huge favor and read this. You might save their lives.

Also, here is an interesting article by Geoffrey Botkin about the history of the "pill", and it's moral applications:
How the Pill has Altered Our Moral Conscience

I understand for some people this is a scary topic. Perhaps you think ignorance is bliss... you are afraid you may uncover a truth too painful for you to accept... too difficult for you to live by. My friend, I plead with you! Open your heart and consider these articles as you read them.

Ignorance is not bliss. It's just ignorance.... and ignorance of God's statutes will reap destruction.

Is God's "Rulebook" Enough For Us?

If we come up with our own “rulebook” apart from Scripture, and attempt to hold people to it/judge people by it… are we in danger of becoming like so many other groups of people, who have created their own religion?

For example: the Mormon people claim to worship the same God that we do. What’s the difference? Where did they get off track? Perhaps it was a great leader whom they respected so much; that they started holding his writings and teachings in equal standing with the Bible. Maybe their original intentions were good. Maybe they just thought it was godly to honor the traditions of the men who went before them.

But wait, what about Scripture? What about God’s Word?

Do we take the time to evaluate every single thing we do and believe in; with the Holy Bible (which is the inspired Word of God?)




If we were on a desert island with nothing to go by but the Bible- no previous world views to contend with, no cultural influence, no presumptions about religion… what would we do? What would we act like? What would we dress like? The key is realizing that the Bible actually IS the only thing we have to go by.





Through the ages, mankind has added to God’s principles in one way or another in an effort to “polish” their religion; or, (God forbid), in an attempt to gain power over God’s people. The end result is not true religion. Now, I seriously doubt that God will condemn you for trying to go above and beyond with your dress standards… etc. That is, if you have the correct motive. God does, after all, look at the HEART. But, trying to hold other Christians to your own measuring stick? Now that, I believe, is dangerous stuff.

What’s our Measuring Stick…?

I have met people who believe that whatever their pastor says is the law. That kind of thinking really scares me… because there is so much room for fault when an imperfect man is in a position of power. It’s as if Satan preys on those in power; delighting when he can lead them away from God’s boundaries and causes them, in turn, to lead others astray. We as humans, seem to be prone to falling into idolatry. It is so very easy to begin worshipping a man, rather than God. If we begin using other sources as our measuring stick other than the Word of God, we begin a downward spiral through an ever disintegrating foundation.

Where do we draw the line...?

Let’s pretend that one pastor says, “I think everybody should wear blue hats. That’s the only way to get to heaven!” But another pastor disagrees and says, “No, I think red gloves should do the trick. That’s what will distinguish us as God’s people!” Who’s right?

There is “safety in a multitude of counselors” you say? Alright… let’s say there are 15 ministers. 12 of them believe in the blue hats uniform, and 3 of them don’t agree there should be a uniform at all. Would you go along with the majority? What if the 12 say to the 3: “You will lose out with God if you do not respect the decision of the majority of the brethren to wear blue hats! If you don’t comply, we will dis-fellowship you!”

Sounds silly right? Maybe that’s because it is...

 

Nowhere in Scripture are men given the right to decide who is “in or out” of Christ’s Body of Believers. And Scripture is very clear about not making up our own rules and “adding” to the Word of God. If we don’t use the Bible as our source of wisdom and direction… if we start following men… where does it end?

Who do we please?

Although I do believe we should carefully examine the men we choose to follow, in order to make sure they will not lead us astray… I am not advocating a spirit of rebellion. I’m pointing out that we need to have God’s Word set on a MUCH higher pedestal than man’s opinion! Trust me. God knows if you have rebellion in your heart. And, if you do, it will probably make its appearance in your home long before it shows up at church.

Here are a few verses, which lead me to believe in “Sola Scriptura”:

Proverbs 30:5-6 “Every word of God is pure: He is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him. Add thou not unto His words; lest He reprove thee and thou be found a liar."


Acts 17:11 "Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so."


Matthew 15:3 “And He answered and said to them, “Why do you yourselves transgress the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition?””


 2 Timothy 3:16 “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”

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Delving deeper into the subject of the authority of church leadership:Respect and submission to our God-given authority is vitally important according to the Word of God. Having said that, not all authorities are created equal! For example: God's authority over us completely supersedes any earthly authority. God is our ULTIMATE AUTHORITY, but He has also placed over us earthly lords.

When we first enter this world, we are subject to our parents. Being under the authority of your father is an umbrella of protection that God has installed for your youth. If you are a woman, that authority transfers to your husband when you get married.

Children honoring their father and mother, and wives submitting to their husbands are the 2 main earthly authoritative positions that Scripture discusses. There are numerous Scriptures regarding both of these "chains of command" that God set up. He MUST have thought they were very important, because He repeated Himself quite often on the importance of these orders.

The authority of church leadership is a subject spoken of much less often in Scripture. Probably the most common verses used for this topic are:

~ Hebrews 13:5 “"Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the outcome of their life, imitate their faith."

~ Hebrews 13:7a “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account…”

The writer actually chooses two special words in the latter verse. This is the only time this particular word for "submit" is used in the New Testament. It does not mean "rank under" as the other words for submit used in Scripture do. Rather, it means to yield, or withdraw. That is a little different. As you consider the elders, the outcome of their lives and how they lead you through teaching the Scripture, are you willing to withdraw or to yield to the truth that they present? That is not the same as standing under, in a military sense.

 And then the word "obey'' has in its foundation again a special word. It does not mean to accept orders. Rather, it means to be persuaded. Consider what these godly men say, be willing to be persuaded, but clearly, they must demonstrate the truth that God has them to speak. Do not merely take blind orders; but be persuaded.

A true man of God will persuade you to submit to God, not himself.

 The husband/father of a household is the “priest” of his household, which means he is responsible for leading his family spiritually. (A wife is never to obey her pastor over her husband! Wives are commanded twice in Scripture (Eph. 5:22 and Col. 3:18) to submit to their "own husband". Meaning, not to another woman's husband. That includes a pastor; as he would either be single or married to someone else.) 

If a man prays to God for guidance, I believe God will lead and guide him to a church assembly which fits his family’s needs, provides a place for them to be active workers in the kingdom, and aids/encourages them in spiritual growth.

I’ve come to realize what a treasure a true shepherd is. Having a pastor who has the spirit of a servant rather than that of a master is a HUGE BLESSING! If you have one, be grateful!

 Thank God for the righteous authorities in your life! They have a tough job, and are worthy of our prayers!