The message of Jesus Christ which was in short "the gospel of the kingdom of God", has been compromised and been used to create the institutionalize religion we call Christianity that is seen in the USA today.
Jesus said not too take titles and positions of authority when it comes to how we are to live our lives in relation to other believers in Him, however today we see in nearly every church across the land people with the titles of pastor, reverend, cardinal, father, bishop, archbishop, His excellency, abbot, vicar, chaplain, priest, deacon, pope, patriarch, monk, assistant pastor. Some of these names were descriptions of gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as, pastor which have now become titles and positions. Some where descriptions of those who are older in the faith and age to show who was trusted to bring those younger in age and the faith along in the truth of doctrine and life. The rest are nothing more then manufactured titles that props up an institutionalize religion in Jesus name. However, every name listed is nothing more then titles today. The people with these titles became officials and everyone else are not. We have these dividing terms like clergy and laity. Inevitably this leads to separating people so that one is above another or one below another. This results in people ruling others first and serving becomes secondary. Not to mention the feeding of pride and ego. You can tell by those who resent this position or those seeking these titles and positions how they will fight against these thoughts.
Jesus said, “But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,' for you have only one Master and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor are you to be called ‘teacher,' for you have one Teacher, the Christ. The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted."
Jesus said “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
When Jesus comes again He will set up His kingdom here on earth and it will be those who served their brothers and sisters in Christ who will reign with Him. Those who followed His teaching here and now. Those who refuse titles. Those who desire serving instead of wanting to rule. Those who refuse to follow the ways of the world but instead follow Jesus example. Those that let their love for Jesus control their actions more then their love for position.
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