| by B. L. Cocherell (Nevada) |
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| Some believe and teach that the early church did not have an organized ministry which selected men who were given authority through the ritual of laying on of hands to supervise, teach, and govern congregations in an official leadership capacity. Some also believe and teach that men identified as elders in the early church were not spiritual leaders but were just older men with no official capacity. The logic used to attempt to validate these two beliefs, is that the Greek words translated in most English bibles as ordained are not a correct translation of these Greek words and that these Greek words do not indicate a process through which men are given authority and positions of leadership by someone with authority to do so. So, this must mean that no men exist in an official leadership capacity within the church (i.e., there are no elders). It is true that the English word ordained is not a correct translation of several Greek words in the New Testament, but instead is an interpretation of these Greek words which the translators thought would convey the essence and intent of the text. The following are the questions answered in this study: Did the early church have an organized ministry which selected men who were then given authority to supervise, serve, teach, and govern congregations in an official leadership capacity? Does the English word ordained as used in English translations of the New Testament convey the writer’s intent? Were men identified as elders in the early church just older men or were they in fact men with an official leadership function and responsibility? The Promise After Jesus asked Peter who he thought he was and Peter answered, “You are the anointed the son of the living God,” Christ made the following promise: And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not overpower it (Matt:16:18 KJV Para.). Christ assured his disciples that he would build a physical and spiritual organism on earth for his heavenly Father that would endure the test of time. Christ has kept his promise; his Father’s collective earthly family has continued to exist throughout the centuries alongside a growing counterfeit of biblical Christianity. In verse 18 the word build is translated from the Greek word oikodomeo, which is derived from the Greek word to be a housebuilder, i.e., construct or (figuratively) confirm. Is it logical that Christ who created everything for the Sovereign God (See Eph.3:9; Col.1:15-16), which is perfect in design, construction, and functionality, would allow his followers to embark on a world changing mission in a chaotic, haphazard, and dysfunctional manner? Of course not. An Organized Ministry? Did the early church have an organized ministry that selected men who were then given authority to supervise, serve, teach, and govern congregations in an official leadership capacity? In order to understand what is said in the New Testament about the organizational and governmental structure of the early church, it is helpful to review some of what is recorded in the historical record about the Sovereign God’s people who were called Nazarenes before and after 70 A.D. It is clear from secular records and the Book of Acts that, prior to 70 A.D., the Nazarenes had established a council at Jerusalem which governed all of the followers of Christ. This council of apostles and elders under the presidency of James was in direct opposition to the Jewish Sanhedrin. The Nazarenes saw themselves as loyal Israelites who gave their allegiance to Jesus Christ as the Messiah and rightful king of Israel. Therefore, they felt justified in creating a governmental system with which to exercise authority, responsibility, accountability, and jurisdiction over all believers at home and abroad until Christ returns. The appointment of James to the presidency of the Nazarene’s council seems to be partially a political appointment, because he was of the royal bloodline of King David (he was the son of Joseph and the brother next in age to Jesus). This might explain why he had been chosen over Peter. Moreover, Acts 15 shows him officiating over the council of elders after the manner of the ancient priesthood. Because the disciples expected Christ to return in their day to set up the Kingdom of God on earth, it would be quite natural to have one of Jesus’ relatives (Gal.1:19) in the position of the presidency representing him as the ruler of the spiritual nation of Israel. A great deal that appears obscure about the early church’s organizational and governmental structure becomes clear when it is understood that, before and after 70 A.D., there was a Nazorean council of elders which functioned much as the original Sanhedrin and this council exercised authority over the entire body of believers throughout the world. In Acts 15, the apostles and others act exactly like the Jewish Sanhedrin in making decisions concerning the body of the elect. This council sent out men to supervise new groups of believers; Peter and John were sent to Samaria, and Barnabas was sent to Antioch. They dispatched a delegation to Antioch to investigate the admission of Gentile converts to the church. They adjudicated disputes and rendered doctrinal decisions (Acts 15:13-21). And they directed the collecting of money and other gifts from among the congregations and distributed them to those in need. The Nazorean Council at Pella After the martyrdom of James (Jesus’ brother) and the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D., secular history shows the leader of the Nazarenes to be Simeon, the son of Cleophas, who is mentioned in Luke 24:18. Simeon’s father, Cleophas, was a Galilean and a descendant of David. Moreover, he was said to be a cousin of Jesus because his father was Joseph’s brother. After 70 A.D., history shows the Nazarenes were in Pella with Simeon as president of the Nazorean Sanhedrin. According to Hegesippus, the blood relatives of Christ continued in the presidency of the Nazorean council until the time of Tarjan Caesar. Hegesippus also says that Eusebius and Epiphanies bore witness that the Nazarenes were persecuted when they lived in the East after the fall of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. and that many Jews joined them. It is clear from secular history that the apostles established a council of apostles and elders similar to the Jewish Sanhedrin. Even if this were not true, it does not negate the fact that the early Church had an organizational and governmental system in which the apostles and elders were in authority. The decisions made by the council of elders surrounding the issues put forth in Acts, chapter 15 reveal that the elders did not have the right to act independently of the rest of the eldership, and that they were subject to the rule and counsel of a governing body composed of other elders. The biblical and historical records clearly show that the early church had an organized ministry, which consisted of apostles and other men in a leadership capacity. This is what Christ built. Authority When Christ gave instructions to his disciples about how to deal with problems within the Father’s earthly family, he also gave them authority to make decisions which would affect the lives of those they were to serve, teach, and supervise in the future: “I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them” (Matt:18:18-20 NIV). After Christ’s death and resurrection, the biblical record shows the apostles making many decisions, and issuing instructions and decrees which became law and are to be obeyed and practiced by the Father’s earthly family. These decisions, instructions, and decrees were not biblical law before they were rendered but had the full weight of biblical law after they were rendered. See Acts 15:1-29; 1 Cor.5:11-13; 1 Tim.5:19-20. Although the organizational system that Christ established with a central governing authority no longer exists today (2021), its ministerial function still exists, because without it, the many instructions, decrees, and laws given by Christ and the apostles that are to govern the Father’s earthly family cannot be practiced and what Christ built would disappear. Precept Upon Precept The biblical record is written in such a way that every word, sentence, phrase, and concept pertaining to any given subject are linked. The problem is finding this linkage. Although the prophet Isaiah meant the following principle to apply to the prophecies he documented, it also applies in principle to the entire biblical record: “Whom shall he teach knowledge? and who shall understand what is heard? Those weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts (i.e., spiritually mature individuals). For precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, there a little” (Isa.28:9-10 KJV Para.). What follows in an attempt to find this linkage and apply it to the subject at hand and answer these two questions: 1. Does the English word ordained as used in English translations of the New Testament convey the writer’s intent? 2. Were men identified as elders in the early church just older men or were they in fact men with an official leadership function and responsibility? WORD MEANINGS As with some English words, many Greek words can also express different nuances of thoughts, concepts, and meanings depending on what is attempting to be conveyed by the speaker or writer. This makes it extremely difficult to determine exactly what is being said in many biblical texts. However, this is not the case when it comes to understanding that congregations of the early church were not chaotic and dysfunctional and without an organized leadership but were in fact just the opposite; they were highly organized. Ordain and Ordained The English words ordain and ordained seem to be derived from the Latin verb ordinare (to order), which is from ordo (order ordained), (transitive) to order, arrange, prescribe, ordain. Most English dictionaries define the word ordain as 1. A transitive verb, to put in order, appoint, invest (in an entry sense) officially (as by the laying on of hands) with ministerial or priestly authority. 2. As an intransitive verb, which means to establish or order by appointment, decree, or law. 2a. Ordained, something that has been established by order, appointment, decree, or law. Elder and Elders The English word elder as an adjective (of one or more out of a group of associated people) means one of a greater age. Similar: older senior, first, firstborn, more grown up. As a noun, a person of greater age than someone specified. It is important to mention that in the New Testament there are only two Greek words which describe men as being old presbutes once in Lk.1:18, which means an old man and palaios once in Eph.4:22 and Col.3:9, which means not recent, worn out. Neither of these two Greek words are ever used in references to leaders of the early church described in English as an elder or elders. THIS REVIEW The following does not review scriptures in which the English words ordain or ordained are obviously referring to an apostle’s decision about an issue, passing judgement, or giving an edict, instruction, or decree. Instead, it focuses on texts that refer to men selected and authorized to serve the elect in an official capacity. The same criteria is used to determine if men identified as an elder or elders are just older men or are in fact men who have been and are being selected and authorized through a formal ritual to perform a function and responsibility in an official capacity among the Father’s elect. This criteria will allow us to more quickly determine whether or not the essence, intent, and meaning of a Greek word has been conveyed by its interpretation into the English words ordain, ordained, elder, and elders. Christ’s Example The following accounts by Mark and Matthew show Christ choosing men for a specific task, and authorizing them with power to perform it. Mark records that Christ said the following to twelve men he chose to be his companions and to share in proclaiming his Father’s good news message: “And he went up to a mountain and called to him those he chose: and they came to him. 14 And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, And to have power to cast out devils” (Mk.3:13-15 KJV Para.). Note: Words not in the original text are left out. Here, the English word ordained is translated from the Greek word poieo, which basically means to make or do (in a wide application, more or less to direct). The phrase he might send is translated from the Greek word apostello, which means to set apart, i.e. (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively. The English word ordained used in verse14 is a correct usage of this word, because it describes what Christ did. He set these men apart to be with him and to send them to preach, and gave them the authority and the power to perform what they were to do. Matthew gives a more detailed account of what Christ said when he gave these men the authority and power to proclaim his Father’s good news message: “And when he had called to him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease (v.1 KJV) . . . These twelve Jesus sent out and commanded them, saying: Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give” (v5-8 NKJV) (Matt.10:1;5-8). See also Lk.9:1-2. This is an example of Christ selecting men for a specific task and giving them the authority and spirit-power to perform their task. As we will see, this example of selecting men and giving them the authority to perform the task given them was followed by the apostles as they went about fulfilling their commission to proclaim the gospel message and establish congregations of believers. The apostle John records Christ saying the following to his disciples, which includes their selection, task, and the lasting results of their performance: “No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from my Father I have made known to you (NKJV). You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that you should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain that whatsoever you shall ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you” (Jn.15:15-16 KJV Para.). Here, the phrase have chosen is translated from the Greek word eklegomai which means to select. The word ordained is translated from the Greek word tithemi, which is a prolonged form of a primary theo (which is used only as alternate in certain tenses), which means to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively); properly, in a passive or horizontal posture. The word ordained in verse 16 tells us essentially that Christ personally placed these men in a position of authority and power to produce something of value that will endure. Here, the word ordained conveys the intent of the Greek word tithemi, because it conveys the essence and meaning of what Christ did. Paul and Barnabas The Book of Acts shows Paul and Barnabas selecting and appointing men to leadership positions in the cities of Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch: “And when they had preached the gospel to that city [i.e., Derbe], and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed” (Acts 14:21-23 KJV). Here, the word ordained is translated from the Greek word cheirotoneo, which in the context of verse 23 means to select or appoint. The word elders is translated from the Greek word presbuteros; comparative of presbus (elderly); older; as noun, a senior; specifically, an Israelite Sanhedrist (also figuratively, a member of the celestial council) or Christian “presbyter.” The substitution of the word ordained for the Greek word cheirotoneo in the context of verse 23 makes no sense if the men spoken of are just old men, because old men do not need to be selected or appointed to be old. In verse 23, the English word commended is translated from the Greek word paratithemi; which can mean to place alongside, i.e., present (food, truth); by implication, to deposit (as a trust or for protection): It also makes no sense that these men identified as elders were just old men presented and entrusted to God for protection (i.e., paratithemi). Unless they needed it because of the task they were given to perform. What makes sense is that these men were selected, authorized, and placed in an official leadership capacity to supervise, serve, teach, and govern congregations of the elect in Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch. Paul’s Letters to Timothy and Titus If as some believe no men were set apart for leadership positions in the early church, why did the apostle Paul spend so much effort discussing this subject in his letters to Timothy and Titus? In Paul’s letter to Timothy, he mentions his own status as a preacher, apostle, and teacher along with the fact that he was specifically selected to perform these functions and responsibilities: “Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth, and do not lie;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth” (1.Tim.2:7 KJV Para.). The word ordained is translated from the Greek word tithemi, which is a prolonged form of a primary theo (which is used only as alternate in certain tenses); to place (in the widest application literally and figuratively); properly, in a passive or horizontal posture. We know from the Book of Acts, chapter 9 that Paul was selected by Christ to proclaim the Sovereign God’s good news message to non-Israelites. We also know from other scriptures that Paul was given many supernatural abilities and authorized to use spirit-power to help him perform this task. In verse 7, the substitution of the word ordained in place of the Greek word tithemi does convey the thought that Paul was selected by Christ and placed in his function and responsibility as a preacher and apostle. The Bishop As the church grew in numbers, it became evident that more men were needed to serve in various capacities. In First Timothy, chapter 3, verses 1 through 13, Paul lists recognizable qualities a man must possess before being selected and placed in an official capacity to serve and supervise a congregation: “This is a trustworthy saying, If a man desires the office of a bishop, he desires a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach” (1 Tim.3:1-2 KJV Para.). See also verses 3-13. In verse 1, the English word bishop is translated from the Greek word episkope, which by implication means superintendence and in verse 2 the word bishop is translated from the Greek word episkopos; which basically means a superintendent. It makes no sense for Paul to give Timothy a long list of qualifications a man must have, if that man was not to be placed in a position of authority within the church. What is clearly shown in chapter 3 and other instructions to Timothy is that men were being selected to serve the elect in various official functions and responsibilities within the church. Note: The English word deacon used in chapter 3, verses 8,10, 12, and 13 gives the impression that Paul is giving a separate instruction about a function and responsibility other than that of a bishop. However, this is not the case. A study of the Greek language shows the words deacon and deacons in chapter 3, to be a translation of the Greek words diakoneo and its derivatives diakonia, and diakonos, which basically describe individuals that serve or attend to something. These Greek words do not describe a distinct position of authority or the title of an office within the early church. Payment for Services Rendered Paul’s clear instructions in 1 Timothy 5:17-18 show that those who serve Christ as spiritual leaders of the elect and labor in the proclamation of the gospel have the right to receive support from those they serve: “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine. For the scripture says, You shall not muzzle the ox that treads out the corn. And the laborer is worthy of his reward. Against an elder do not accept an accusation, except before two or three witnesses. Those that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear” (1Tim.5:17-20 KJV Para). In verses 17 and 19 the words elders and elder are translated from the Greek word presbuteros; comparative of presbus (elderly); older; as noun, a senior; specifically, an Israelite Sanhedrist (also figuratively, a member of the celestial council) or Christian “presbyter.” The phrase that rule is translated from the Greek word proistemi; which basically means to stand before, i.e., (in rank) to preside, or (by implication) to practice. The word honor is translated from the Greek word time, which means a value i.e., money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself. The word reward is translated from the Greek word misthos; a primary word; which means pay for services (literally or figuratively). Verse 19 tells us how to deal with an elder (i.e., a man in a leadership capacity) accused of a sinful act and what to do if he is found guilty. Laying on of Hands In First Timothy chapter 5, verses 21 through 22, Paul instructs Timothy to be objective and to not be influenced by personal feelings or opinions when selecting men for positions of service. “I charge you before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that you observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality. Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep yourself pure” (1 Tim.5:21-22 KJV). Some might think the ritual of laying on of hands as strange and unnecessary during this gospel age of salvation. However, the biblical record shows this ritual being performed before and after the advent of Christ to set men apart for a function, responsibility, or task, and to sometimes impart supernatural abilities and an authorization to use spirit-power to help these men perform their task. Paul also cautions Timothy not to make a snap decision when selecting and placing a man in a position of authority, lest he choose a sinner and thereby share responsibility for this man’s wrong attitude, behavior, and etcetera. Letter to Titus The apostle Paul wrote the following to Titus the Greek telling him to select men and place them in positions of authority and service in every city as he had previously told him to do: “To Titus, my own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior. For this cause left I you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are absent, and ordain elders in every city, as I appointed you” (Tit.1:4-5 KJV Para.). During the effort to preach the good news in several Crete cities, many people accepted God the Father’s offer of salivation through Christ’s sacrifice, after which Paul and others with him went elsewhere to continue their evangelistic effort before the church was properly organized. Therefore, Paul left Titus in Crete to establish congregations in cities where there were new converts and set in place a functioning ministry to serve them. Here, the word ordain is translated from the Greek word kathistemi; which can mean to place down (permanently), i.e., (figuratively) to designate, constitute, convoy. The substitution of the word ordain in place of the Greek word kathistemi does convey the essence and meaning of what Paul instructs Titus to do, which is to select men and place them in positions of service to the elect. In verse 5, the word elders is translated from the Greek word presbuteros; comparative of presbus (elderly); older; as noun, a senior; specifically, an Israelite Sanhedrist (also figuratively, a member of the celestial council) or Christian “presbyter.” If as some believe and teach, these elders were just older men, it makes no sense to identify them as being old, because old men are easily recognized. What makes sense and becomes obvious when we review verses 6 through 9 is that these men were to be selected, authorized, and placed in an official leadership capacity to supervise, serve, teach, and govern congregations of the elect in Crete. The Bishop “If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate. Holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers” (Tit.1:6-8 KJV). Here, the word bishop is translated from the Greek word episkopos, which means a superintendent. Clearly, the use of the Greek word episkopos in Paul’s letter to Titus describes a position of authority and an authorization to supervise other people in one fashion or another. Where the elect are concerned, this supervision has to do with the spiritual welfare of the elect. In verse 7, the word steward is translated from the Greek word oikonomos which basically means a manager or overseer, i.e., an employee in that capacity; by extension, a fiscal agent (treasurer). If a man is God’s steward, that man is managing something for him, and in God’s family that something is his children’s spiritual welfare. See 1 Cor.4:1-2. Peter the Apostle and Elder In Peter’s letter to the elect living in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, he writes the following specifically to the elders among them: “The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock” (1.Pet.5:1-3 NKJV). Here, the word elders is translated from the Greek word presbuteros; comparative of presbus (elderly); older; as noun, a senior; specifically, an Israelite Sanhedrist (also figuratively, a member of the celestial council) or Christian “presbyter.” And the word elder is translated from the Greek word sumpresbuteros; which means a copresbyter, i.e., a fellow elder. In Peter’s introduction to these men, is he just saying, I am an old man just like you, or is he in essence saying, I am a leader of the elect just like you. Notice that Peter tells these men to shepherd God’s flock. The word shepherd is translated from the Greek word poimaino, which means to tend as a shepherd or (figuratively), one who supervises. The phrase serving as overseers is translated from the Greek word episkopeo; which in the context of verse 2 means to oversee. If these men are not in a leadership capacity, why is Peter addressing them as men who are? Obviously, these men are in a leadership capacity; otherwise, Peter would not have given the kind of instructions he gave in verses 1 through 3. Summary Did Christ establish an organizational entity consisting of men in leadership positions who were to supervise, serve, teach, and govern his Father’s earthly children as they work out their salvation and proclaim the good news message? Yes, he did. Does what he established still exist today? Yes, it does. If not, Christ lied, and if he lied, we do not have a Savior. See Matt: 16:18. According to the apostle Paul, the organizational entity Christ built consisted of individuals who had accepted his Father’s call to salvation and men chosen among them to perform functions and responsibilities for the following reasons: “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors [shepherds] and teachers; 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, to a perfect man, to 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 …. ” (Eph.4:11-14 KJV). See also 1 Cor.12:28-31. This is the basic organizational structure Christ built to help his Father’s children grow toward spiritual maturity and proclaim the good news message. This is the structure which the apostles expanded to include other men, which were to also serve in leadership positions. Around 300 A.D., the historical record of the early church and its spiritual leadership seems to have almost completely disappeared. The records that do exist of individuals who attempted to maintain the teachings of the early church show a total lack of continuity in the succession of spiritual leadership. But does this mean that its spiritual leadership ceased to exist? No, it does not. Christ promised that what he would build would endure the test of time; therefore, somewhere on earth men who are authorized to lead and serve the Father’s earthly children are doing just that. The problem is finding these individuals and the people being led by them. Chaos If the belief were true that no men were ever selected to lead and govern the Sovereign God’s earthly children in an official leadership capacity, then the same situation shown in the Book of Judges would exist: “In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes” (Judg.17:6 KJV). See also Judg.21:25; Deut.12:8. Although it is evident today (2021) that some chaos, false belief, and teaching exists within various congregations of the elect, this condition does not negate the fact that men have been and are being selected and given authority within the Father’s earthly family to supervise, serve, teach, and govern congregations. The Problem The problem is to determine the difference between those whom Christ has sent to serve as elders, those whom Satan has sent to mislead the elect, and those who think Christ has sent them, but have actually sent themselves. Jesus said what he would build would endure (Matt.16:18); therefore, we know this body of true believers still exists on earth. Because we know it exists, logic follows that there are still men being selected and given the responsibility to guide and teach true believers in the path of righteousness and in the performance of the work of the church. What is evident today (2021) as it was during the days of the apostles, is that there is still a relentless effort by individuals and evil spirits to distort God’s truth and destroy the Father’s earthly children. It seems that few pay attention to the following warnings by Christ, Paul, and Peter: “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves” (Matt.7:15 KJV). “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also, of your own selves [i.e., the eldership] shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them” (Acts 20:29-30 KJV). “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world” (1.Pet.5:8-9 KJV). See also Jude 3-4. Paul told Timothy the following which applies to issues, wherein people use vague or difficult to 11understand scriptures and Greek or Hebrew words with multiple meanings to promote their particular belief: “If these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers” (2 Tim.2:14 KJV). Whether or not individuals who teach that no authorized leadership exists within the Father’s earthly family today, are deceived themselves, ignorant of what the scriptures actually say and mean, or are attempting to lead others astray, the result is the same. The belief and teaching that no authorized leadership exists within God the Father’s earthly family of believers strikes at the foundation of what Christ built and leads to chaos, distrust, division, and away from the many benefits Christ intended through proper leadership, when he said, “I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not overpower it.” What Christ built may have partially malfunctioned through the centuries, but it has not totally disappeared; it still exists today along with individuals placed in leadership positions to supervise, serve, teach, and govern congregations. And it will continue to exist, and it will be brought back to its full potential to perform a powerful witness to this world before Christ returns. See Acts, 13:40-41; Hab.1:5. |
| Iron Sharpening Iron In regard to: Are there Still Elders in the Church? Article by B. L. Cocherell Comments by Laura Lee (Bismarck, North Dakota) |
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| I will start with the last first. What Christ builds never malfunctions. Christ is perfect so therefore what he builds is perfect. As I went through this article, I got the feeling that you are expecting to find a whole bunch of people in one place that are appointing people to leadership positions as the Worldwide Church of God did when they existed. Let’s look at this in a different light. There have been so many church splits over the last several years that some people no longer have anyone to meet with. Some people are in circumstances beyond their control and have been without physical contact with brethren for years. Most people meet in home churches both today and at the time of Christ. And the way Christ is building His church is by the Gifts of His Holy Spirit. I Corinthians 12:27-31, Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church; first, apostles; secondarily, prophets; thirdly, teachers; after that, miracles; then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way. Ephesians 4:11-16, And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 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 fullness 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. Church doesn’t mean large group. Matthew 18:20 “When two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” I will give this newsletter as an example of how many scattered brethren are able to use their gifts. First of all, I originally did not start a newsletter on my own back in 2001. I wrote an article for another church newsletter and my husband Darwin came to me one day out of the blue and said I should start a newsletter. I thought to myself “large time-consuming workload” and I said “No” as in “No way”. Then it bugged me for the next week or so and then I told him “Okay, I will do it”. I still to this day have no idea why I changed my mind and I also have no idea how we ever printed and mailed between 300 – 500 24-page issues every 2 months using first an HP Printer that cost a fortune for ink. Then we started buying the ink in bulk and refilling the cartridges (what a mess), later I bought and figured out how to use a continuous ink system which splattered on me, the wall the carpet more than once. This was a major undertaking. We spent more of our money than we ever got from others. Eventually we couldn’t afford to buy postage, so we had to start charging at least for postage and paper. I not only had to learn how to put a newsletter together but if I wanted a decent Website, I had to learn some coding, and this turned out to be very time consuming. So then toward the end of 2009 our website was hacked to the point where it would have cost close to several hundred or more dollars to get it cleaned or we had to take it down. We had no backups and so it was all gone in two seconds as my server deleted the whole thing. I attempted for a while to get the website back up, but it never seemed to come together, and I was just at the time, overwhelmed and burned out. As humans we do have limitations. Perhaps it was God’s way of telling me to rest. So, I rested for over a decade. People liked that newsletter mostly because it gave everyone who participated a way to use their God given talents (their gifts of the spirit), whether it was to write an article, write a letter, answer a letter, or send a joke for us all to laugh at. I would never have restarted it again probably, because of all the work that goes with it. But I woke up one morning in February 2021 and said, “We are going down.” It was in reference to who became our President. I thought if we have to go down, let’s do it as a group who loves God. Let’s do it in preparation for the end of this age. . I have to read a lot, so I get tired, sometimes literally falling asleep at my computer. In our busy season which is now I work from 6 AM to 8 PM doing not just the newsletter but other stuff that has to be done besides. I don’t consider myself to be of any importance, but I can use my organizational skills to go over and organize what needs to be done to put this newsletter together every week. Saturday seems like a good day to send it out because of the scattered brethren in the church and this helps everyone who is alone to focus on the Sabbath. I guess you could liken me to a gate keeper. I go over what comes in and add to it as needed with editors notes or now iron sharpening iron. I know some probably don’t like editors notes or iron sharpening iron, but I use these tools to keep everyone grounded. I believe there are things we have not yet learned but I also see many things that come in that I know are not biblical and when that happens it has to come with a warning of some kind. It is not meant as a bad thing and if the author looks at it and does more research, he or she may find some things they understood wrongly and will maybe change. There are many people that contribute to this newsletter which have a lot to offer but sometimes no one to bounce it off of. Eventually we will all be on the same page but getting there sometimes comes with a humbling effect. This isn’t to say I know everything, because I don’t but that is why you are all reading this newsletter. You need to learn to speak when you see something is wrong because I can’t possibly catch everything. God has given me certain talents and he has given the rest of you other talents different from mine. Everyone reading this newsletter is either just being called, somewhere in the middle, or is matured to a point where they can help me with this gate keeping job, because we don’t want to teach wrong doctrine and those who do teach wrong doctrines generally believe they are beyond a shadow of a doubt right but if I am the only one that says it is not biblical perhaps I won’t be believed where if others see it and back me up, it helps others to see the problem. So, whatever your gift of the spirit is, use it because everyone reading this newsletter is part of the end time church that Christ is building. And if you have come here to purposely deceive you will be found out. Most people who write wrong doctrine just don’t understand the subject. And just because someone is out there trying to help others, it does not mean they appointed themselves. We are a part of the church, and we are not malfunctioning. There will always be elders in the church, whether they are old people or appointed by God/Christ for a certain task. To get back to the rest of your article, I could not find a Nazarene Sanhedrin when I searched. What I found when I did a search was the following: “There were two classes of Jewish courts called Sanhedrin, the Great Sanhedrin and the Lesser Sanhedrin. A lesser Sanhedrin of 23 judges was appointed to each city, but there was to be only one Great Sanhedrin of 71 judges, which among other roles acted as the Supreme Court, taking appeals from cases decided by lesser courts.” (From Google) So, I am not saying there was no Nazarene Sanhedrin because it was probably a lower court but still a part of the Great Sanhedrin. In other words, it was all one in the same, just a Lesser Sanhedrin. If anyone has any information in regard to the Sanhedrin, we will welcome it. |
| Iron Sharpening Iron In regard to: Are there Still Elders in the Church? Article by B. L. Cocherell Comments by Ray Daly (Lincoln, North Dakota) |
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| A good response in your closing comments on the purposes for “helping” works. As to the Sanhedrin. I read somewhere that one of the main purposes for the Sanhedrin was also to vote on what should or should not be placed into the written records of the Hebrews. They had 70 to begin with, but apparently added one more to be sure to break any ties. Anyway, a very good response to a lot of thoughts on Scripture. But please take note on the listing of gifts in the church. And Paul’s response when he uses “prophets” first and says that this is the one that should be pursued the most. Also, the Scripture that says. “Surely the Lord God will do nothing unless he reveals it [first] to his prophets”. Also, in a comment on prophets meant for all people. Para: “You will not believe, even though a man tells you”. Basically, saying that at this time in history, only the very few will heed, even if they hear. |
| Iron Sharpening Iron In regard to: Are there Still Elders in the Church? Article by B. L. Cocherell Comments by James Steinle (Swanville, Minnesota) |
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| I read with interest Laura, the struggles you have gone though over the years. Trying to make a difference in the world and for the brethren is a struggle and it can wear on a person. It certainly did for you, and Darwin had to deal with the results also, I’m sure. Thank you for not giving up entirely – and I think I can speak for that, for many of your readers. Who knows what awaits us yet… and there is some hope some may not have to go through the tough stuff that is coming… (Luke 21:36) |
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