Get Close To The Lord

THE APPOINTING OF A PASTOR # 3

Acts 14:21-28 - “And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia: And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled. And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles. And there they abode long time with the disciples.”

Pastors do not constitute a priesthood with mediation sacrificial, and absolving powers.

Ministers, in the New Testament, are never designated as priests. Oh yes, it is true that all born again believers, indeed, are “made kings and priests unto God,” and constitute a “royal priesthood.” Through the blood of Jesus Christ, they all have access through the veil and into the immediate presence of God to offer spiritual sacrifices. But Pastors are never called priests, not in any way indicated as a priestly order. Acts 14:11-15 - “And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker. Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people. Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:” Remember, we according to Paul to the Corinthians “we are labourers together with God:...”

So again, let us remember that our pastor has been called of God in a special way to teach and preach unto us the Word of God, and remember God gives to the good shepherds wisdom to preach with clarity the Word of God and to give us good council in the truths contained in the Bible that we might live our lives with purity and wholeness. Our pastor is a gift of God given to the church and we need to take serious the admonition of Heb 13:7 - 'Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.” Heb 13:17 - “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for
that is unprofitable for you.”

Therefore, let us remember 1 Tim 5:17 - “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.” 1 Thess 5:12-13 - “And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.”

Russell Stolp
Chaplain, CFO

Psalm 37:4 "Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart."
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy
ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.