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NASB | Jeremiah 5:31 The prophets prophesy falsely, And the priests rule on their own authority; And My people love it so! But what will you do at the end of it? |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Jeremiah 5:31 The prophets prophesy falsely, And the priests rule on their own authority; And My people love [to have] it so! But what will you do when the end comes? |
Subject: Being a dictator ? |
Bible Note: Dear Brad, Yes, you're right that we have to be exceedingly careful when resisting authority. Given the penchant of the human heart for rebellion, we must be very wary. Only the very immature fail to always be suspicious of their own motives! On the other hand, no pastor or elder has the authority to bind our conscience beyond the explicit instruction of the Word -- although they must never neglect binding anything less! I think you are expressing the same truths as that of the old Historic Baptist divines. Chapter 26 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith is a full discussion of the nature of the church. Paragraph 10 states the following: "The work of pastors being constantly to attend the service of Christ, in His churches [autonomous local congregations], in the ministry of the Word and prayer, with watching for their souls, as they that must give an account to Him; it is incumbent on the churches to whom they minister, not only to give them all due respect, but also to communicate to them of all their good things according to their ability, so as they may have a comfortable supply, without being themselves entangled in secular affairs; and may also be capable of exercising hospitality towards others; and this is required by the law of nature, and by the express order of our Lord Jesus, who hath ordained that they that preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel. (Acts 6:4; Hebrews 13:17; 1 Timothy 5:17, 18; Galatians 6:6, 7; 2 Timothy 2:4; 1 Timothy 3:2; 1 Corinthians 9:6-14)" If you are interested, you can read the whole chapter here: http://www.vor.org/truth/1689/1689bc26.html In Him, Doc |