Nov 3, 2013
Note from Chris Lawson: When listening to this message please note that I am not against the Theocratic leadership model for the Hebrews, as is found in the Bible, that God Himself instituted for Moses - back then - in order to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt.
Rather, I am against the setting up of one man over others to the point of the detriment of a balanced and fully scriptural New Testament plurality of elders, within a local congregation and church movement.
A thorough investigation of Scripture clearly shows a balanced plurality of biblical eldership for New Testament churches - from the day of Pentecost to the Rapture, not top-down "Moses-style" models that place one man above the rest with the end result of heavy shepherding, various forms of spiritual abuse, stonewalling fellow pastors/elders, and church leadership that reflects Diotrephes (3 John 9-11).
John the Apostle warned about Diotrephes and God the Holy Spirit through the text of Scripture (via John's penmanship) shows us, "I [John] wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not."
The context of 3 John 8-12 also shows us the contrast between the arrogant "Diotrephes" versus the godly Demetrius; "Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record, and ye know that our record is true." (3 John 12).
Recommended: Biblical Eldership by Alexander Strauch
Related:
(1) CCOF Ministry Rejects Warnings (2011), (2) Calvary Chapel Alert, (3) Steve Berger and Have Heart: "Christian" Clairaudience/Clairsentience?
Chris
Lawson
Jude 3