Name Tags: You are… Priests & Ministers

With Your Blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God…

Revelation 5:9-10 (NIV)

He has made us competent as ministers of a New Covenant– not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

2 Corinthians 3:6 (NIV)

In the first church, leaders were chosen by prayer, fasting, and proven character. On occasion, it even fell to “lots”.*

In churches today, leaders are chosen by personality and diplomas. Other traits that can help a pastor rise include good looks and powerful sermons.

In dramatic contrast, consider Paul, an inarguably fruitful preacher: ‘He is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing’ (2 Corinthians 10:10).

But in his religious education, Paul possessed AWESOME qualifications: ‘I studied under Gamaliel and was thoroughly trained in the law of our ancestors’ (Acts 22:3)

And yet, Paul said of these accomplishments: ‘I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless, because of what Christ has done’ (Philippians 3:7).

I don't mean to insult gifted pastors who've worked for man-ordained validations. They’re the state of the state in today's church and often required as “proof of knowledge.”

But unless I'm reading the Bible wrong, these degrees and certifications are trifles of paper awarded by men.

Because when the Great High Priest tore the veil, the appointed roles for God's future priests expanded to EVERY Spirit-filled saint: new ministers of the Word to the world– so all the poor, lost and powerless lambs might find refuge in the greenest pasture.

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

  • Seasoned spiritual mentors are good!

  • Congregations with wise elders are good!

  • Deep, faithful friends (who keep you real) are good!

  • God's Word and Spirit are MORE than good.

  • Only They can perfectly teach and preach.

  • So DON’T BELIEVE every man-crowned pastor! The warnings against false prophets (pastors) are abundant throughout both Testaments.

No matter what your church hierarchy says... God says YOU are His priests and ministers: humble, talented, Spirit-led Christians… free from denominational fetters and raised by Christ for such a time as this.

Name Tags: You Are… Priests & Ministers (Part 73)

* Proverbs 16:33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.

* What was the practice of casting lots? | GotQuestions.org

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.

Carey Arban