Of Lords and Bishops This is a look at titles within the Church. I have found out here lately that many people are upset with titles that many Churches are using within their organizational circle. Lets look at the Bible and see what God has to say. The First Title I want to look at is; “Reverand.” This first verse of scripture has been misinterpreted by many. Psa 111:9 He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name. “holy and reverend is his name” This section of the verse is what we are going to look deeper into. The word “holy” and “reverend” if you noticed is not capitalized, which signifies that these are not names of God but attributes of God. The same attributes that Jesus aspires us to be. Ref; 1st Peter 1:15,1:16, Lev. 11:44, 19:2, 20:7. For those who wish to create a controversy, they skip the word ”holy” and only concentrate on the word ”reverend.” There are many places in scripture that the word holy is used in signifying a man and a land. Lets look at the meaning of the word; 1belonging to, derived from, or associated with a divine power; sacred.
2regarded with or worthy of worship or veneration; revered: a holy book.
3living according to a strict or highly moral religious or spiritual system; saintly: a holy person.
4specified or set apart for a religious purpose: a holy place.
5.Solemnly undertaken; sacrosanct: a holy pledge.
6.Regarded as deserving special respect or reverence: The pursuit of peace is our holiest quest. Now lets look at the word ”reverend”. You say then; “What about the word reverend?” “reverend” ADJECTIVE;
1.Deserving reverence.
2.Relating to or characteristicof the clergy; clerical.
3.ReverendAbbr. Rev.Used as a title and form of address for certain clerics in many Christian churches.
NOUN:
Informal
4.A cleric or minister. Used with the.ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old French, from Latin reverendus.
If you noticed in definition # 2 it is a characteristic of a minister, a title and not a name. Not being a name is extremely important and being a characteristic or title is the key. Rom 13:4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. I wish to look at Romans 13:4 a little closer, The words, “be afraid” and “a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.” Rom 13:5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
Rom 13:6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
Is Romans 13:4-6 speaking of a physical fear? No. Its speaking of a reverence fear as we fear God. So a “reverend, preacher, minister” is a man called and ordained, by God, to deliver the Gospel, to those that are lost and to those who are under his charge, to maintain the acceptable standard of conduct as a Christian according to the Commandments of Christ. His duty’s include, Preaching the word, being instant in season, out of season; reproveing, rebukeing, exhorting with all longsuffering and doctrine. By the Power delivered to him by God and Christ, who is the head of all things concerning the Church. 1Ti 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 1Ti 6:1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. Well what about other names for the clergy in Scripture? Stewards, Minister, Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists; Pastors, Teachers, Bishop, Elder and Deacon. The word,”trustee” is not in scripture but the word means; A member of a board elected or appointed to direct the funds and policy of an institution. Many a hypocritical Christian will overlook many a name if it suites them, but will not go against titles that are not listed in scripture. Why is that? Is it because they want attention or to cause division within the Church? They don’t come out against the title “lord”, why is that? And when you give them scripture or try to explain to them the meaning of a title or word, they close a deaf ear to you. The establishment of a trustee came about from the passage, Acts 6:3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. And the title “trustee” came from the word “Trust”. What about the word ,”lord” is it proper to call a minister or any one else lord? Yes, its acceptable with God. 1Pe 3:5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:
1Pe 3:6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement. But again we must look at the way the word “lord” is written. A small [L] not a capitol. What about the word “Priest”? Its OK. but not the title of “High Priest”, for we only have one High Priest which is Jesus Christ. Heb 5:1 For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:
Heb 5:2 Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.
Heb 5:3 And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins.
Heb 5:4 And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. But we must remember that this title is only given by God. “but he that is called of God” What about the word”Father?” No. Mat 23:9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. What about the word,”Rabbi?” No. Mat 23:8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. What about the word “cardinal?” Not in scripture. What about the word,”pope?” Not in scripture. Has many a Christian overemphised titles because of a lack of knowledge of Scripture? Are there thoses that are in need of reteaching? Are there those who have forgotten who they are in Christ, which come out with hateful remarks, not following after the teachings of Christ? I am saddened to say, Yes, there are. They have forgotten to read and study, they have forgotten about love and compassion, they have forgotten about comming together and reasoning one with another, they have forgotten who they are supposed to represent. I pray that this message comes forth as a learning experience so that all can remember who we are, Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus. ars.
