1 Timothy 3:15

[Alabaster]

In the body of Christ, there are many parts. To each of us, God gives particular gifts and responsibilities. Jesus established his Apostles as an authority to lead His Church. The responsibility lay with them to properly interpret scripture. That does not mean that no other part of Christ's body can interpret Scripture, but it means that the final authority on such matters is the authority which Christ established. Without such a final authority, people can (and have) come up with various absurd interpretations. How can so many interpretations appear if every Christian is truly guided by the Spirit in his interpretations?

That is totally false. THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE INTERPRETER OF SCRIPTURE!! HE IS THE FINAL AUTHORITY!! No man can be or should be...God certainly has not ordained it.

The Body of Christ is in unity. We agree on issues concerning salvation. We also agree on other important matters, especially concerning the gifts of the Spirit, which produces for us God-anointed people who are our teachers, pastors and leaders in general!

The Holy Spirit in me tells me what truth is, and what Scripture is teaching. all I need to do is ask Him to elucidate to my spirit, and He does!

1 Corinthians 12:28
So God has appointed some in the church [for His own use]: first apostles (special messengers); second prophets (inspired preachers and expounders); third teachers; then wonder-workers; then those with ability to heal the sick; helpers; administrators; [speakers in] different (unknown) tongues.

 

[Laudate Dominum]

In the body of Christ, there are many parts. To each of us, God gives particular gifts and responsibilities. Jesus established his Apostles as an authority to lead His Church. The responsibility lay with them to properly interpret scripture. That does not mean that no other part of Christ's body can interpret Scripture, but it means that the final authority on such matters is the authority which Christ established. Without such a final authority, people can (and have) come up with various absurd interpretations. How can so many interpretations appear if every Christian is truly guided by the Spirit in his interpretations?

That is totally false. THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE INTERPRETER OF SCRIPTURE!! HE IS THE FINAL AUTHORITY!! No man can be or should be...God certainly has not ordained it.

God will help them interpret it correctly, that we all may trust that interpretation, intead of our own. If God did not intend the Apostles to be an authority, then they would not have been chosen in the first place, as they would have been unnecessary.

 

[Alabaster]

God will help them interpret it correctly, that we all may trust that interpretation, intead of our own. If God did not intend the Apostles to be an authority, then they would not have been chosen in the first place, as they would have been unnecessary.

The apostles were chosen to initiate the Church. We are the disciples of Jesus Christ and all gifts are bestowed upon us as Christ's authority on earth. Jesus did not bestow His authority to only a few--it is to all.

The major blunder is now revealed in Catholicism, and I thank you for revealing it to us all. The papacy and the priesthood is UNNECESSARY.

We are a royal priesthood as children of the King. We don't hide behind the robes of clergy, for we are priests and messengers of light tand salt to the world...we are the Church and nothing is Scripture counters that truth.

1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God's] own [a]purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

 

[Laudate Dominum]

God will help them interpret it correctly, that we all may trust that interpretation, intead of our own. If God did not intend the Apostles to be an authority, then they would not have been chosen in the first place, as they would have been unnecessary.

The apostles were chosen to initiate the Church. We are the disciples of Jesus Christ and all gifts are bestowed upon us as Christ's authority on earth. Jesus did not bestow His authority to only a few--it is to all.

The major blunder is now revealed in Catholicism, and I thank you for revealing it to us all. The papacy and the priesthood is UNNECESSARY.

We are a royal priesthood as children of the King. We don't hide behind the robes of clergy, for we are priests and messengers of light tand salt to the world...we are the Church and nothing is Scripture counters that truth.

1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God's] own [a]purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

But the Apostles also gave their authority to others (well, God technically did it) like the seven deacons. Each Christian community had elders. There is a universal priesthood, but an ordained priesthood as well, through the power of God.

 

[Alabaster]

[quote="Laudate Dominum":6ced8]
God will help them interpret it correctly, that we all may trust that interpretation, intead of our own. If God did not intend the Apostles to be an authority, then they would not have been chosen in the first place, as they would have been unnecessary.

The apostles were chosen to initiate the Church. We are the disciples of Jesus Christ and all gifts are bestowed upon us as Christ's authority on earth. Jesus did not bestow His authority to only a few--it is to all.

The major blunder is now revealed in Catholicism, and I thank you for revealing it to us all. The papacy and the priesthood is UNNECESSARY.

We are a royal priesthood as children of the King. We don't hide behind the robes of clergy, for we are priests and messengers of light tand salt to the world...we are the Church and nothing is Scripture counters that truth.

1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God's] own [a]purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

But the Apostles also gave their authority to others (well, God technically did it) like the seven deacons. Each Christian community had elders. There is a universal priesthood, but an ordained priesthood as well, through the power of God.[/quote:6ced8]


Not true, whatsoever. The authority of Jesus Christ is all ours. He calls people to leadership by His Holy Spirit.

 

[Laudate Dominum]

The apostles were chosen to initiate the Church. We are the disciples of Jesus Christ and all gifts are bestowed upon us as Christ's authority on earth. Jesus did not bestow His authority to only a few--it is to all.

The major blunder is now revealed in Catholicism, and I thank you for revealing it to us all. The papacy and the priesthood is UNNECESSARY.

We are a royal priesthood as children of the King. We don't hide behind the robes of clergy, for we are priests and messengers of light tand salt to the world...we are the Church and nothing is Scripture counters that truth.

1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God's] own [a]purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

But the Apostles also gave their authority to others (well, God technically did it) like the seven deacons. Each Christian community had elders. There is a universal priesthood, but an ordained priesthood as well, through the power of God.

Not true, whatsoever. The authority of Jesus Christ is all ours. He calls people to leadership by His Holy Spirit.

Then how do you explain the deacons? Acts 6:1-7

 

[Alabaster]

What about Acts 6:1-7?

But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food.

2 So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. 3 And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. 4 Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.â€Â

5 Everyone liked this idea, and they chose the following: Stephen (a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit), Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch (an earlier convert to the Jewish faith). 6 These seven were presented to the apostles, who prayed for them as they laid their hands on them.

7 So God’s message continued to spread. The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted, too.



All we read of here is the wisdom of God in action, by employing delegation!

 

[Laudate Dominum]

What about Acts 6:1-7?

But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food.

2 So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. 3 And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. 4 Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.â€Â

5 Everyone liked this idea, and they chose the following: Stephen (a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit), Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch (an earlier convert to the Jewish faith). 6 These seven were presented to the apostles, who prayed for them as they laid their hands on them.

7 So God’s message continued to spread. The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted, too.



All we read of here is the wisdom of God in action, by employing delegation!

Then why the laying on of hands? If all that was intended was a mere delegation of responsibilities, then why the prayer and laying on of hands?

 

[Alabaster]

Then why the laying on of hands? If all that was intended was a mere delegation of responsibilities, then why the prayer and laying on of hands?

We often lay our hands on those we delegate into ministry. That is a role of leadership to do just that.

 

[Devekut]

Alabaster is quoting today's Liturgy! Perhaps God is trying to hint at something :wink:

 

[Laudate Dominum]

Then why the laying on of hands? If all that was intended was a mere delegation of responsibilities, then why the prayer and laying on of hands?

We often lay our hands on those we delegate into ministry. That is a role of leadership to do just that.

But how do you become a leader? 8-)

 

[Alabaster]

Alabaster is quoting today's Liturgy! Perhaps God is trying to hint at something :wink:

Listen up!

 

[Alabaster]

[quote="Laudate Dominum":69bb8]

Then why the laying on of hands? If all that was intended was a mere delegation of responsibilities, then why the prayer and laying on of hands?

We often lay our hands on those we delegate into ministry. That is a role of leadership to do just that.

But how do you become a leader? 8-)[/quote:69bb8]


How do I become a leader?

By being obedient to God. By being faithful in small things! God will bless, increase and promote!

 

[Laudate Dominum]

We often lay our hands on those we delegate into ministry. That is a role of leadership to do just that.

But how do you become a leader? 8-)

How do I become a leader?

By being obedient to God. By being faithful in small things! God will bless, increase and promote!

I don't think you understand what I was asking, so forget I asked that.

Anyway, there must be something in the laying on of hands that confers authority. Otherwise, why is it done?

 

[Alabaster]

The laying on of hands is in obedience to God regarding following His will, and is symbolic as well, of the delegation of authority of Christ to His many disciples. What happens really is in the heart, life and ministry of the recipient. God confers honour and blessing and promise of fruitfulness to that individual.

 

[Laudate Dominum]

The laying on of hands is in obedience to God regarding following His will, and is symbolic as well, of the delegation of authority of Christ to His many disciples. What happens really is in the heart, life and ministry of the recipient. God confers honour and blessing and promise of fruitfulness to that individual.

Laying on of hands confers authority. Do you agree?

 

[Laudate Dominum]

The laying on of hands is in obedience to God regarding following His will, and is symbolic as well, of the delegation of authority of Christ to His many disciples. What happens really is in the heart, life and ministry of the recipient. God confers honour and blessing and promise of fruitfulness to that individual.

Laying on of hands confers authority. Do you agree?

Rereading your post, I see that you do.

 

[Alabaster]

The laying on of hands is in obedience to God regarding following His will, and is symbolic as well, of the delegation of authority of Christ to His many disciples. What happens really is in the heart, life and ministry of the recipient. God confers honour and blessing and promise of fruitfulness to that individual.

Laying on of hands confers authority. Do you agree?

We already have all the authority of Jesus Christ. It is symbolic, in that the local Body of Christ is providing covering to and for that leader.

 

[Laudate Dominum]

Waht this all leads to is the assertion that the pope and the bishops are the sucessors of the Apostles. Can you prove this to be untrue?

 

[Alabaster]

Waht this all leads to is the assertion that the pope and the bishops are the sucessors of the Apostles. Can you prove this to be untrue?

It is untrue, as we are all disciples, and spiritual successors of the first disciples! the word of God is written for us, and the gifts in the body are for all of us to share in. Every one of them!

The so-called succession to which you refer is a religious affectation that man has created, and has not been ordained by God. It is error perpetuated for far too long.