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NASB | Exodus 20:14 ¶ "You shall not commit adultery. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Exodus 20:14 ¶ "You shall not commit adultery. [Prov 6:25, 26; Matt 5:27, 28; Rom 1:24; Eph 5:3] |
Subject: How can I submit to fallable clergy? |
Bible Note: Dear alreadytaken, Greetings in the name of Jesus! I agree heartily that all believers must take the time to be still before God and hear His voice. But you must understand that when you listen in submission to an approved (by God) man of faith, called to shepherd the flock of Christ, you ARE listening to the counsel of God. In the same way that reading the words on a page are nothing until the Holy Spirit causes the Bible to be life to the believer. Yes, God does speak to us in our hearts, but this can be just as unreliable as false (self-serving) teachers or miappropriated Scripture. You (and I) need all three means to hear the voice of God. Truly, if they are the voice of God, they will be in harmony. Note carefully that we are *responsible* to entrust ourselves to men of God. It is not an option! To say, "I like the church (the worship, the teaching, the youth group, whatever) but I can't stand the pastor/leadership!" is not something God would be pleased with. Yes, shepherds must be held accountable! But sheep must be shepherded! Period! If you are not a partaker in this tri-fold counsel of God, you are in grave danger of walking out of God's counsel. When a minister of the Gospel speaks in the authority of the name of Jesus (preaching, teaching, counseling), he is more than 'just a human.' Truly, he cannot be called infallible or perfect, but by heeding his words in faith and submission, God will honor His servants. And He will honor you! Peace and joy in Christ Jesus, charis |