upgraded March 5, 2010

"Wherever God erects a house of prayer, 

The Devil always builds a chapel there;

And 'twill be found, upon examination,

The latter has the largest congregation." - Daniel Defoe 1660-1731

theocracy n., pl. cies. 1. a form of government in which God or a deity is recognized as the supreme ruler.

autocracy n., pl. cies. 1. government in which one person has unlimited authority; the government of an autocrat.

democracy n., pl. cies. 1. government by the people; a form of government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised directly by them or by their elected agents under a free electoral system.

Webster's Dictionary

Jesus Christ is the Lord God.  Jesus Christ is the High Priest.  Jesus Christ is the ONLY AUTHORITY IN HEAVEN AND ON EARTH!

Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)  Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

God destroyed the concept of man as a High Priest following the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ, when God tore the curtain of the temple in two, from top to bottom:

Matthew 27:51 (NIV) At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split.

After the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ is the ONLY AUTHORITY over the "Born Again" Children of God!  Following Jesus Christ's Crucifixion, through faith in the Blood-Substitution-Sacrifice of Jesus Christ, YOU now have the opportunity to go into the Holy of Holies and commune personally with the Lord God.  The salvation of YOUR individual soul occurs, through YOUR personal communication with the Lord God, by YOUR faith in Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 4:14-5:10 (NIV) Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin. 16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. 5:1 Every high priest is selected from among men and is appointed to represent them in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness. 3 This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people. 4 No one takes this honor upon himself; he must be called by God, just as Aaron was. 5 So Christ also did not take upon himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to him, "You are my Son; today I have become your Father." 6 And he says in another place, "You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek." 7 During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9 and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him 10 and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek

Hebrews 6:19-10:25 (NIV) We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, 20 where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek. 7:1 This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him, 2 and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, his name means "king of righteousness"; then also, "king of Salem" means "king of peace." 3 Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, like the Son of God he remains a priest forever. 4 Just think how great he was: Even the patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder! 5 Now the law requires the descendants of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people--that is, their brothers--even though their brothers are descended from Abraham. 6 This man, however, did not trace his descent from Levi, yet he collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. 7 And without doubt the lesser person is blessed by the greater. 8 In the one case, the tenth is collected by men who die; but in the other case, by him who is declared to be living. 9 One might even say that Levi, who collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham, 10 because when Melchizedek met Abraham, Levi was still in the body of his ancestor. 11 If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood (for on the basis of it the law was given to the people), why was there still need for another priest to come--one in the order of Melchizedek, not in the order of Aaron? 12 For when there is a change of the priesthood, there must also be a change of the law. 13 He of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe, and no one from that tribe has ever served at the altar. 14 For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah, and in regard to that tribe Moses said nothing about priests. 15 And what we have said is even more clear if another priest like Melchizedek appears, 16 one who has become a priest not on the basis of a regulation as to his ancestry but on the basis of the power of an indestructible life. 17 For it is declared: "You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek." 18 The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless 19 (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God. 20 And it was not without an oath! Others became priests without any oath, 21 but he became a priest with an oath when God said to him: "The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: 'You are a priest forever.'" 22 Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant. 23 Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; 24 but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. 25 Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. 26 Such a high priest meets our need--one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. 27 Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself. 28 For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever. 8:1 The point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, 2 and who serves in the sanctuary, the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by man. 3 Every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices, and so it was necessary for this one also to have something to offer. 4 If he were on earth, he would not be a priest, for there are already men who offer the gifts prescribed by the law. 5 They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: "See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain." 6 But the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, and it is founded on better promises. 7 For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another. 8 But God found fault with the people and said : "The time is coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. 9 It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they did not remain faithful to my covenant, and I turned away from them, declares the Lord. 10 This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 11 No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. 12 For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more." 13 By calling this covenant "new," he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear. 9:1 Now the first covenant had regulations for worship and also an earthly sanctuary. 2 A tabernacle was set up. In its first room were the lampstand, the table and the consecrated bread; this was called the Holy Place. 3 Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place, 4 which had the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. This ark contained the gold jar of manna, Aaron's staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant. 5 Above the ark were the cherubim of the Glory, overshadowing the atonement cover. But we cannot discuss these things in detail now. 6 When everything had been arranged like this, the priests entered regularly into the outer room to carry on their ministry. 7 But only the high priest entered the inner room, and that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance. 8 The Holy Spirit was showing by this that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still standing. 9 This is an illustration for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper. 10 They are only a matter of food and drink and various ceremonial washings--external regulations applying until the time of the new order. 11 When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation. 12 He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. 13 The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. 14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! 15 For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance--now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant. 16 In the case of a will, it is necessary to prove the death of the one who made it, 17 because a will is in force only when somebody has died; it never takes effect while the one who made it is living. 18 This is why even the first covenant was not put into effect without blood. 19 When Moses had proclaimed every commandment of the law to all the people, he took the blood of calves, together with water, scarlet wool and branches of hyssop, and sprinkled the scroll and all the people. 20 He said, "This is the blood of the covenant, which God has commanded you to keep." 21 In the same way, he sprinkled with the blood both the tabernacle and everything used in its ceremonies. 22 In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. 23 It was necessary, then, for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24 For Christ did not enter a man-made sanctuary that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God's presence. 25 Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. 26 Then Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But now he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, 28 so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. 10:1 The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming--not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. 2 If it could, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins. 3 But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins, 4 because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. 5 Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: "Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; 6 with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased. 7 Then I said, 'Here I am--it is written about me in the scroll-- I have come to do your will, O God.'" 8 First he said, "Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them" (although the law required them to be made). 9 Then he said, "Here I am, I have come to do your will." He sets aside the first to establish the second. 10 And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 11 Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. 13 Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool, 14 because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. 15 The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says: 16 "This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds." 17 Then he adds: "Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more." 18 And where these have been forgiven, there is no longer any sacrifice for sin. 19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Jesus Christ stated that He is the Teacher and Lord, and the disciples recognized Jesus Christ as such:

John 13:12-17 (NIV) When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. 13 "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them."

After teaching against submission to an autocratic earthly spiritual leader, Jesus Christ did not correct Judas when Judas called Jesus Christ Rabbi, because Jesus Christ is the Rabbi, Teacher, Master and Lord:

Matthew 26:25 (NIV) Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, "Surely not I, Rabbi?" Jesus answered, "Yes, it is you."

Jesus Christ desired to establish His New Testament church, by giving five distinctly different types of calls, and many varied gifts to the Holy Spirit-of-God-filled believers, for the edification of the Body of Christ.  There are five distinct assignments given by Jesus Christ, referenced in Ephesians 4:11-16:

Ephesians 4:11-16 (NIV) It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

There are many gifts given to the individual members of the Body of Christ, by the Holy Spirit of God; when the individual members are filled with the Holy Spirit of God. Every person who is Born of the Holy Spirit of God, will receive at least one gift from the Holy Spirit of God, for the edification of the Body of Christ.

1 Corinthians 12:4-31 (NIV) There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. 7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. 12 The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free--and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. 15 If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body. 21 The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28 And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? But eagerly desire the greater gifts.

Those people who are called by the Holy Spirit of God, are to spend their time in Bible reading, prayer and communion with the Holy Spirit of God; in order to prepare and build up themselves, and to prepare and build up the members of the Body of Christ, for service:

Acts 6:2-4 (NIV) So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word."

The assigned and anointed servants of the Lord Jesus Christ, are to look to Jesus Christ for direction in their individual assignments.  They are then to serve the Body of Christ in the way that Jesus Christ directs them. All members of the Body of Christ are equal and subservient to each other. All members of the Body of Christ are in authoritative subjection only to Jesus Christ. The Body of Christ has harmony, as all of the "Born Again" Children of God are one in heart, and one in mind, in subjection to Jesus Christ.

Acts 2:1 (NIV) When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.

Acts 4:32 (NIV) All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had.

God has united the Body of Christ in purpose, focus, and direction. The Body of Christ is pulling together to accomplish God's purpose. Self-will has given way to God's will. Direction comes from Jesus Christ, to the Body of Christ, through ALL of Jesus Christ's assigned and Jesus Christ's gifted servants. Acts 6:1-7 is the Biblical basis for the establishment of a church board. The church board was established as a group of servants to wait on tables.

Acts 6:1-7 (NIV) In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word." 5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. 7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

Jesus Christ stated that "ALL AUTHORITY IN HEAVEN AND ON EARTH"  has been given to JESUS CHRIST, and that Jesus Christ would always be with the members of the Body of Christ.

Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV) Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

If Jesus Christ - THE AUTHORITY - is always with the members of the Body of Christ, where is the desire for personal authority over the members of the Body of Christ, by anyone but Jesus Christ coming from? When the Antichrist, and False Prophet (Pope), or anyone else places themselves in a position of authority over the members of the Body of Christ, whose position are they taking?

In an autocratic fashion, many "ministers" have positioned themselves in the High Priest position of Jesus Christ, and have acquired a control lust of their parishioners in lesser and greater degrees. This is the exact same control lust that has infected the devil, Jim Jones in Guyana, David Koresh in Waco, "Do" and "Peet" in California, and will infect the Antichrist (King of Syria) and False Prophet (Pope).

The devil desires to be God, and rule through authority.  The devil's desire for control is not for the love of the creation, but because of the devil's desire to destroy all of creation. The control over YOU that the devil desires to have, is to enable the devil to destroy YOU. The devil is attempting to control YOU, in order to effect YOUR death.  YOU will note that most of the followers of Jim Jones died under his authority, most of the followers of David Koresh died under his authority, most of the followers of "Do" and "Peet" died under "Do" and "Peet's" authority, and one-half of the people on earth will die under the authority of the Antichrist and False Prophet.

The Roman Catholic Church claims that the Pope is in the authority position of Jesus Christ!

Vicar of Christ (1570) : the Roman Catholic Pope - Webster's Dictionary

vicarious 1 a: serving instead of someone or something else b: that has been delegated <-authority> 2: performed or suffered by one person as a substitute for another or to the benefit or advantage of another : substitutionary <a - sacrifice> - Webster's Dictionary

The Roman Catholic Church falsely claims that Simon Peter was their first Pope, and that Jesus Christ directed Jesus Christ's church to be built on Simon Peter. What a ridiculous assertion!

Matthew 16:15-18 (NIV) "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" 16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 17 Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it."

The Roman Catholic Church IS built on the authority of the Pope, and the church leadership.  Even the local churches are named after humans that the Roman Catholic Church has canonized; i.e.  Saint Peter, Saint Mary, Saint Joseph, Saint James, Saint Charles, Saint Elizabeth, etc.   Fortunately, that is not the church that Jesus Christ is building. The "Rock" upon which Jesus Christ stated that Jesus Christ would build Jesus Christ's church is the solid foundation that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. The focus is on Jesus Christ, not Simon Peter, or the Pope. The authority figure is Jesus Christ, not the leadership of Judeo-Christian Organized Religion.

The lineage of the Roman Catholic Pope comes from the Roman Emperor Caesar, not from Simon Peter or Jesus Christ!  In ancient Rome, the head of the state - Caesar, was worshipped as God.  In the Roman Catholic Church, the head of the Church - the Pope - the Vicar of Christ - the substitute for Jesus Christ, has taken the place of God.  At the time of ancient Rome, Jesus Christ was Crucified, Peter was crucified, most of the disciples were martyred, and the Christians were fed alive to lions.  Who was in power, and who was being persecuted?  Rome was in power, and the Body of Christ was being persecuted.  Have you considered the Inquisition?  Who was in power, and who was being persecuted?  The Roman Catholic Church was in power, and the Body of Christ was being persecuted.  Read Foxe's Book of Martyrs to learn of the heresy of the Roman Catholic Church.

"It is a heretic that makes the fire, Not she which burns in it" - William Shakespeare 1564-1616

During the three and one-half year "great tribulation" Period, the False Prophet - Pope will again be leading the Roman Empire in a persecution of the Body of Christ.

Ecclesiastes 1:9-10 (NIV) What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. Is there anything of which one can say, "Look! This is something new"? It was here already, long ago; it was here before our time.

The Pope, standing atop his mountain of little-boy raping, pedophile priests, looks ridiculous in his attempt to claim moral authority. The pedophilia that was so prevalently practiced in the Roman Empire, has continued to be practiced in the Roman Catholic Church.  In September, 2006, there were two Roman Catholic Priests who were charged with embezzling 8.6 million dollars from the Roman Catholic Church.  The priests spent the money on gambling, girlfriends, slush funds, jewels etc.  When the news cameras recorded one of the priests going into the courthouse, the priest covered his head and face with his priestly garments, clearly revealing his priestly collar.  How ironically symbolic the picture was.  It was still another occasion of a priest attempting to hide his wickedness behind his priestly garments, and priestly collar.

"And of all plagues with which mankind are curs'd,

Ecclesiastic tyranny's the worst." - Daniel Defoe 1660-1731

Jesus Christ taught against submission to an autocratic, earthly spiritual leader. In a direct violation of the directions given by Jesus Christ, who is the Holy Word of God, the hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church teaches to address their leaders as "father." (Review FAQ #5  concerning authority, and particularly concerning the authority of the Body of Christ, and the authority of Organized Religion.)

Matthew 23:1-12 (KJV) Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, 2 Saying, "The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: 3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. 4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. 5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, 6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, 7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. 8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. 9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. 10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. 11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted."

Mark 12:38 (NIV) As he taught, Jesus said, "Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted in the marketplaces, 39 and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 40 They devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely."

Roman Catholic parishioners follow their priests blindly in direct violations of the Holy Word of God.

Isaiah 9:16 (NIV) Those who guide this people mislead them, and those who are guided are led astray.

If YOU have more faith in what YOUR "minister" says than in what the literal Holy Word of God says; if YOU disbelieve the Holy Word of God because of what YOUR "minister" says, YOU might as well go to Barack Hussein Obama and ask him what the Constitution says. I can tell YOU now that whatever they want it to say is what they will tell YOU that it says.

"Do not as some ungracious pastors do,

Show me the steep and thorny way to heaven,

Whiles, like a puff'd and reckless libertine,

Himself the primrose path of dalliance treads,

And recks not his own rede." - William Shakespeare 1564-1616

The structure that is followed by most of Judeo-Christian Organized Religion, with the Pastor as the primary autocratic authority positioned between God and man; was passed down from the heresy of the Roman Catholic Church, and was patterned after the Levitical Priesthood that was done away with by God, following the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ!  Jesus Christ is the ONLY AUTHORITY in the Body of Christ, and will not share Jesus Christ's authority with anyone.

Matthew 20:25-28 (NIV) Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave-28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for man."

The rest of Judeo-Christian Organized Religion is following the Roman Catholic Church, in placing their leaders in the authority position that belongs to Jesus Christ. The leaders of Judeo-Christian Organized Religion have attempted to usurp Jesus Christ's position of authority over the Church, and they have made a terrible mess out of it. No single person or group was to position themselves between the Body of Christ, and Jesus Christ Himself in an authority position.

The Pharisees loved to be elevated above the people, in order to receive praise and honor from men:

Luke 11:43 (NIV) "Woe to you Pharisees, because you love the most important seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces."

John 5:44 (NIV) "How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God"?

John 12:42-43 (NIV) Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved praise from men more than praise from God.

Jesus Christ cautioned the members of the Body of Christ, to beware of those who were attempting to elevate themselves above the members of the Body of Christ.

Luke 20:45-47 (NIV) While all the people were listening, Jesus said to his disciples, 46 "Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 47 They devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely."

The modern "teachers of the law" proudly exalt their own personal spiritual knowledge of the law, and their own personal importance. 

"There is not in the universe a more ridiculous, nor a more contemptible animal, than a proud clergyman." - Henry Fielding 1707-1754

No human has much knowledge, but the most knowledgeable of the humans realize how ignorant that they are. 

"The superior man is distressed by his want of ability." - Confucius 551-479 B. C.

The first spark of intelligence in a human, is when that human begins to realize how little humans know. 

"To be conscious that you are ignorant is a great step to knowledge." - Benjamin Disraeli 1804-1881

"All we know is still infinitely less than all that still remains unknown." - William Harvey 1578-1657

The very ignorant have so little personal knowledge, that the very ignorant think that they are intelligent.

1 Corinthians 8:1b,1c,2 (NIV)  We know that we all possess knowledge.  Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.  The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know.

"The superior man is distressed by his want of ability." - Confucius 551-479 B. C.

"The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool." - William Shakespeare 1564-1616

"The first and wisest of them all professed To know this only, that he nothing knew." - John Milton 1608-1674

"To be ignorant of one's ignorance is the malady of the ignorant." - Bronson Alcott 1799-1888

"There is a difference between happiness and wisdom: he that thinks himself the happiest man is really so; but he that thinks himself the wisest is generally the greatest fool." - Sir Francis Bacon 1561-1626

Jesus Christ is the Lord God.  It is the history of man, when in the presence of the Lord God, to personally assess himself.  After coming into the presence of the Lord God, a person's personal assessment of himself is always totally, and completely humbling.  A person's humility is in direct proportion to how much of the Lord God that person has been able to see.  Moses is an example of what personal interaction with the Lord God will do to a person's estimation of themselves.  When Moses was young, he "was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action."

Acts 7:22 (NIV) Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action.

In his youth, Moses was proud, brash, and bold, but Moses was ignorant about the Lord God.  When Moses matured, Moses was allowed to talk with the Lord God, face to face.  After Moses talked with the Lord God face to face, Moses gained knowledge of the Lord God, and consequently because of Moses' knowledge of the Lord God, Moses became the most humble man on the face of the earth.

Numbers 12:3 (NIV)  (Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.)

"Knowledge is proud that he has learn'd so much; Wisdom is humble that he knows no more." - William Cowper 1731-1800

Following Moses interaction with the Lord God, Moses was no longer proud, and in Moses' complete humility, Moses could no longer even talk. 

Exodus 4:10 (NIV) Moses said to the Lord, "O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue."

After being able to see the Lord God, Moses then recognized that on his own, Moses was of the dust of the earth.  Moses recognized that on his own, Moses was not even able to function in the most minor sense.  However, with the help of the Lord God, Moses was able to effect the plagues on Egypt, part the Red Sea, lead 1.5 million men and their families out of Egypt, lead the Children of Israel in the desert for 40 years, bring water from a rock and perform many other miracles.

Job had personal interaction with the Lord God.  After Job's interaction with the Lord God, like Moses, Job's estimation of himself was also affected.

Job 42:5-6 (NIV)  My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes."

Isaiah saw the Lord God.  After Isaiah saw the Lord God, Isaiah assessed himself and his people.

Isaiah 6:1-5 (NIV)  In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2 Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. 3 And they were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory." 4 At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. 5 "Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty."

If YOU gain much knowledge of, or are privileged to see the Lord God, YOU will by default automatically contrast YOURSELF to the Lord God, and YOU will recognize and be humiliated by YOUR own complete ignorance and YOUR own total insignificance!

ANY person who exalts his own knowledge or his own significance, does not have much knowledge of, and has never been able to see the Lord God!

3 John 1:11b,c (NIV) Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.

Most pastors today move from church to church frequently, because they are unwilling to risk their personal comfort or "career" in addressing a church problem.

John 10:12-13 (NIV) "The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it.  The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep."

Zechariah 11:17 (NIV) "Woe to the worthless shepherd, who deserts the flock! May the sword strike his arm and his right eye! May his arm be completely withered, and his right eye totally blinded!"

Many preachers today parallel the Levite that was used by Micah and the Danites in Judges chapters 17 and 18, in condoning idolatry and whoring themselves to the highest bidder.

In this world, there are predators and prey.  Many preachers are predators - wolves in sheep's clothing. 

Matthew 7:15-16 (NIV) "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them."

Acts 20:28-31 (NIV) Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.  I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.

Micah 3:5 (NIV) This is what the Lord says: "As for the prophets who lead my people stray, if one feeds them, they proclaim 'peace'; if he does not, they prepare to wage war against him.

These predators are preying for their personal benefit.  The preying that is being practiced in most of Judeo-Christian Organized Religion is not the prayer directed by Jesus Christ.

In another form of misplaced authority, Judeo-Christian Organized Religion has become democratic social organizations guided by man.  These democratic organizations have no desire for, nor knowledge of a need of Jesus Christ; in most instances, there is not even a sincere belief that Jesus Christ really exists.  The devil has used the sinful nature of man, in order to position the board of directors of the church in the place of Jesus Christ, in giving directions to the members of the church.  In this form, a Body Politic, (Webster's Dictionary says: "characterized by shrewdness in managing, contriving, or dealing: sagacious in promoting policy: shrewdly tactful") usually a small nucleus of the church board, dictates to the pastor, the direction for the church. This church is ruled by man; self-will by an elite group. God's will has succumbed to self-will. Politics directs this church. Because politics directs this church, it is doomed to being political. The pandering, pork barrel, manipulative control of people direct this church. "I will help you keep your job with its associated power and control, if you will help me keep mine." This is required in order to garner enough votes or power, either on the board, or in the church to maintain control. This situation breeds all of the evils associated with politics - in compromise, placating the issues, double talk, hypocrisy and outright lying.

James 3:16 (NIV) For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

In these democratic organizations, man has become a God unto himself. Sinful man subconsciously desires to place himself on the throne of God and worship himself.  Sinful man also subconsciously desires for other people to worship him. This was Satan's original conscious sinful desire.  Satan wanted to seize God's place.  The desire to be God, has evidenced itself since the fall of man, and continues to evidence itself in the heart of sinful man.

Genesis 3:4-5 (NIV) "You will not surely die," the serpent said to the woman. 5 "For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."

Isaiah 14:13-14 (NIV) You said in your heart, "I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain. 14 I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High."

John 8:44 (NIV) "You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies."

This is not a worship organization; this is a political organization, and produces divisions, cliques, and elitism. These cliques can polarize around family lines, tenure, finance, education, or intellect. The pastor of this type church is not a preacher directed by God, he is a politician, a puppet of the people - with his highest goal being to keep all factions assuaged by whatever means necessary so that he can remain employed.

Proverbs 26:28 (NIV) A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin.

Micah 3:11 (NIV) Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets tell fortunes for money. Yet they lean upon the LORD and say, "Is not the LORD among us? No disaster will come upon us."

Sometimes this puppet-preacher even deludes himself into thinking he is in control, as he is allowed to make minor decisions that the Body Politic deign to allow him to make. If he ever tries to give real direction to this church, he soon realizes that he cannot, and if he continues to press, he will be removed. Usually he is removed in a "behind-the-back" telephone attack of vague, insignificant, trumped-up pseudo-charges by the "saints" of the church. Some pastors have served for long periods of time at churches, because they understand the unwritten rules, and accept them. Satan controls this church. (Revelation 3:14-20)

YOUR church is either directed by God (heaven downward), or YOUR church is directed by man (earth upward).

If YOU find that this message makes YOU uncomfortable - Pray.

If YOU recognize YOUR church as a political organization - Pray for God's direction.

If YOU recognize YOURSELF as being a predator on the Body of Christ, or if YOU recognize YOURSELF as being involved in the Body Politic -

upgraded March 5, 2010

Frequently Asked Question #5

I read with interest your article on the church being a theocracy or democracy. It sounds like you have had some negative experiences with church boards and/or churches. I have experienced a few myself. It sounds to me like the issue is about authority. I would be curious to know how you view authority in the church from a biblical perspective. Obviously God has to work through fallible human beings who sometimes at our best make mistakes from which we must grow and learn. So how do you determine God’s will for a church when the Scriptures are not specific in a situation and there are good and godly people who honestly disagree. Can God work in this situation without condemnation toward the people? How do you tell the difference between "body politic" and the process of working through issues and discovering God’s will? How is authority established in the church and how is it to be used? I would be interested in your view and understanding of the Scriptures in these areas, because just as I have seen terrible abuses of authority and politics in a local church, I have also seen Spirit-filled people disagree on what the church should do at a certain point, but through time, prayer and discussion a solution was reached that became a great blessing to many. Thank you for your time!

Response

Due to our imperfect minds, one of the great pursuits of the Christian life is the goal of finding God's perfect will in our lives. This necessitates a complete change in our thinking process, from the personal control of our own lives as directed by our rebellious selfish-will prior to its crucifixion, into the post-crucifixion process, where we are constantly searching for and finding God's perfect will. We move from the master mentality of our own selfish-will, into the servant mentality of seeking God's will. We move from being our own God while serving ourselves, into having the Lord as our God, and attempting to serve Him in an increasing measure.

It is impossible for YOU to have a master mentality where YOU have set YOURSELF up as God as YOU pursue YOUR own agenda, while simultaneously having a servant mentality where YOU are seeking only the will of the Lord God. YOU either have the selfish-willed master mentality, or YOU have the servant mentality. Satan was the first creation with the, "I am God, the Master and Authority" mentality. He was trying to usurp the position of the Father, the Master and Authority, who is God. If YOU succeed, or even attempt to set YOURSELF up as Master and Authority over the Body of Christ, then YOU are following the very same path with the exact same desire as Lucifer.

Isaiah 14:13-14 (NIV) You said in your heart, "I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain. 14 I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High."

The Body of Christ is made up of SERVANTS seeking the will of God. If YOU are not a SERVANT, YOU are not in the Body of Christ! If YOU have set YOURSELF up as an Authority or Master in an attempt to control others in the Body of Christ, YOU are attempting to steal God's position! YOU have the same desire as Satan and the Anti-Christ!

John 13:1-17 (NIV) It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love. 2 The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?" 7 Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand." 8 "No," said Peter, "you shall never wash my feet." Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me." 9 "Then, Lord," Simon Peter replied, "not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!" 10 Jesus answered, "A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you." 11 For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean. 12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. 13 "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

authority 1a (1): a citation (as from a book or file) used in defense or support (2): the source from which the citation is drawn b (1): a conclusive statement or set of statements (as an official decision of a court) (2): a decision taken as a precedent (3): TESTIMONY c: an individual cited or appealed to as an expert 2 a: power to influence or command thought, opinion, or behavior b: freedom granted by one in authority: RIGHT 3 a: persons in command; specif: GOVERNMENT b: a governmental agency or corporation to administer revenue-producing public enterprise <the transit ~ > 4 a: GROUNDS, WARRANT <had excellent ~ for his strange actions> b: convincing force: WEIGHT <his strong tenor lent ~ to the performance> syn see INFLUENCE, POWER – Webster’s Dictionary

authoritarian 1: of, relating to, or favoring blind submission to authority <had ~ parents> 2: of, relating to, or favoring a concentration of power in a leader or an elite not constitutionally responsible to the people – Webster’s Dictionary

authoritative 1 a: having or proceeding from authority; OFFICIAL < ~ church doctrine> b: entitled to credit or acceptance: CONCLUSIVE <a most ~ literary critique> 2: DICTATORIAL, PEREMPTORY – Webster’s Dictionary

power 1 a: possession of control, authority, or influence over others b: one having such power; specif: a sovereign state c: a controlling group: ESTABLISHMENT - often used in the phrase the powers that be d archaic: a force of armed men e chiefly dial: a large number or quantity 2 a (1): ability to act or produce an effect (2): ability to get extra-based hits (3): capacity for being acted upon or undergoing an effect b: legal or official authority, capacity, or right 3 a : physical might b: mental or moral efficacy c: political control or influence 4 pl: an order of angels - see CELESTIAL HIERARCHY 5 a: the number of times as indicated by an exponent that a number occurs as a factor in a product; also: the product itself b: CARDINAL NUMBER 2 6 a : a source or means of supplying energy; esp: ELECTRICITY b: MOTIVE POWER c: the time rate at which work is done or energy emitted or transferred 7: MAGNIFICATION 2b 8: SCOPE, COMPREHENSIVENESS 9: the probability of rejecting the null hypothesis in a statistical test when a particular alternative hypothesis happens to be true

syn POWER, AUTHORITY, JURISDICTION, CONTROL, COMMAND, SWAY, DOMINION mean the right to govern or rule or determine, POWER implies possession of ability to wield force, permissive authority, or substantial influence; AUTHORITY implies the granting of power for a specific purpose within specified limits; JURISDICTION applies to official power exercised within prescribed limits: CONTROL stresses the power to direct and restrain; COMMAND implies the power to make arbitrary decisions and compel obedience; SWAY suggest the extent or scope of exercised power or influence; DOMINION stresses sovereign power or supreme authority;

syn POWER FORCE, ENERGY, STRENGTH, MIGHT mean the ability to exert effort. POWER may imply latent or exerted physical, mental or spiritual ability to act or be acted upon; FORCE implies the actual effective exercise of power; ENERGY applies to power expended or capable of being transformed into work; STRENGTH applies to the quality or property of a person or thing that makes possible the exertion of force or the withstanding of strain, pressure, or attack; MIGHT implies great or overwhelming power or strength – Webster’s Dictionary

influence 1 a: an ethereal fluid held to flow from the stars and to affect the actions of humans b: an emanation of occult power held to derive from stars 2: an emanation of spiritual or moral force 3 a: the act or power of producing an effect without apparent exertion of force or direct exercise of command b : corrupt interference with authority for personal gain 4: the power or capacity of causing an effect in indirect or intangible ways: SWAY 5: one that exerts influence

syn INFLUENCE, AUTHORITY, PRESTIGE, WEIGHT, CREDIT mean power exerted over the minds or behavior of others; INFLUENCE may apply to a force exercised and received consciously or unconsciously; AUTHORITY implies the power of winning devotion or allegiance or of compelling acceptance and belief; PRESTIGE implies the ascendance given by conspicuous excellence or reputation for superiority; WEIGHT implies measurable or decisive influence in determining acts or choices; CREDIT suggests influence that arises from proven merit or favorable reputation. – Webster’s Dictionary

The Greek word "exousia" occurs 104 times in 93 verses in the original Greek writings of the New Testament and is translated into the English words as follows:

The Strong’s Greek Dictionary definition for "exousia" is as follows:

1849. exousia, ex-oo-see'-ah; from G1832 (in the sense of ability); privilege, i.e. (subj.) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (obj.) mastery (concr. magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token of control), delegated influence:--authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength.

The complete list of New Testament Scriptures in which the word "exousia" occurs in the original Greek text is listed below. I have included the King James Version on some occasions for clarification. As we must interpret the Holy Word of God by the Holy Word of God, by reviewing the complete use of the word "exousia," we can assess the spectrum and range as well as the nuances of the word. Whatever thought processes the word "exousia" generated and communicated in the Greek language two thousand years ago, it generated and communicated consistently, each and every time it was used:

Revelation 22:14 (NIV) "Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right (exousia) to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.

The English word "authority" and "authorities," occurs 89 times in 81 verses in the NIV New Testament, and is translated from the Greek words as follows:

2026 - G1849 exousia (68)

870 - G758 archon (2)

2980 - G2715 katexousiazo (2)

3262 - G2963 kuriotes (2)

3259 - G2961 kurieuo (1)

5667 - G5247 hyperoche (1)

883 - G831 authenteo (1)

2198 - G2003 epitage (1)

3232 - G2937 ktisis (1)

2027 - G1850 exousiazo (1)

NIG – Not in Greek (9)-the word "authority" was placed where there was no corresponding word in the original Greek text

The word "authority" and "authorities" used in the NIV New Testament can be separated into the following categories:

10.  The Centurion’s authority

The Body of Christ’s authority

(The Holy Word of God reflects that the Body of Christ is authorized to: drive out evil spirits, heal every disease and sickness, trample on snakes and scorpions, overcome all the power of the enemy, build up the Body of Christ, and encourage and rebuke the Body of Christ. No one but Jesus Christ is given the authority to control the Body of Christ.) Anyone in the Body of Christ, who claims authority, needs to prove their authority by driving out evil spirits, healing every disease and sickness, trampling on snakes and scorpions, overcoming all the power of the enemy, building up the Body of Christ, and encouraging and rebuking the Body of Christ.

Titus 2:15 (HG) tauta:G5023 . laleo:G2980 . parakaleo:G3870 . elegcho:G1651 . pas:G3956 epitage:G2003 . medeis:G3367 medeis:G3367 periphroneo:G4065 .

2003. epitage, ep-ee-tag-ay'; from G2004; an injunction or decree; by impl. authoritativeness:--authority, commandment.

The word "authority" is not in Hebrews 13:17 of the original Greek. A careful study of the original Greek text printed below, presents the concept of considering the leaders teaching, as relates to the Holy Word of God. Submission to each other in the Body of Christ is taught throughout the New Testament, but autocratic submission to an earthly spiritual leader is taught against in Matthew 23:1-12. Matthew 23:1-12 is reviewed immediately following the review of Hebrews 13:17.

Hebrews 13:17 (HG) peitho:G3982 . . . . hegeomai:G2233 . . . hupeiko:G5226 humon:G5216 . . agrupneo:G69 . humon:G5216 psuche:G5590 . . . . apodidomi:G591 logos:G3056 . . . poieo:G4160 . . chara:G5479 . . . stenazo:G4727 . . . alusiteles:G255 . .

3982. peitho, pi'-tho; a prim. verb; to convince (by argument, true or false); by anal. to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflex. or pass. to assent (to evidence or authority), to rely (by inward certainty):--agree, assure, believe, have confidence, be (wax) content, make friend, obey, persuade, trust, yield.

2233. hegeomai, hayg-eh'-om-ahee; mid. of a (presumed) strengthened form of G71; to lead, i.e. command (with official authority); fig. to deem, i.e. consider:--account, (be) chief, count, esteem, governor, judge, have the rule over, suppose, think.

5226. hupeiko, hoop-i'-ko; from G5259 and eiko (to yield, be "weak"); to surrender:--submit self.

5216. humon, hoo-mone'; gen. of G5210; of (from or concerning) you:--ye, you, your (own, -selves).

69. agrupneo, ag-roop-neh'-o; ultimately from G1 (as neg. particle) and G5258; to be sleepless, i.e. keep awake:--watch.

5216. humon, hoo-mone'; gen. of G5210; of (from or concerning) you:--ye, you, your (own, -selves).

5590. psuche, psoo-khay'; from G5594; breath, i.e. (by impl.) spirit, abstr. or concr. (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from G4151, which is the rational and immortal soul; and on the other from G2222, which is mere vitality, even of plants: these terms thus exactly correspond respectively to the Heb. H5315, H7307 and H2416):--heart (+ -ily), life, mind, soul, + us, + you.

591. apodidomi, ap-od-eed'-o-mee; from G575 and G1325; to give away, i.e. up, over, back, etc. (in various applications):--deliver (again), give (again), (re-) pay (-ment be made), perform, recompense, render, requite, restore, reward, sell, yield,

3056. logos, log'-os; from G3004; something said (including the thought); by impl. a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extens. a computation; spec. (with the art. in John) the Divine Expression (i.e. Christ):--account, cause, communication, X concerning, doctrine, fame, X have to do, intent, matter, mouth, preaching, question, reason, + reckon, remove, say (-ing), shew, X speaker, speech, talk, thing, + none of these things move me, tidings, treatise, utterance, word, work.

4160. poieo, poy-eh'-o; appar. a prol. from of an obsol. prim.; to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct):--abide, + agree, appoint, X avenge, + band together, be, bear, + bewray, bring (forth), cast out, cause, commit, + content, continue, deal, + without any delay, (would) do (-ing), execute, exercise, fulfil, gain, give, have, hold, X journeying, keep, + lay wait, + lighten the ship, make, X mean, + none of these things move me, observe, ordain, perform, provide, + have purged, purpose, put, + raising up, X secure, shew, X shoot out, spend, take, tarry, + transgress the law, work, yield. Comp. G4238.

5479. chara, khar-ah'; from G5463; cheerfulness, i.e. calm delight:--gladness, X greatly, (X be exceeding) joy (-ful, -fully, -fulness, -ous).

4727. stenazo, sten-ad'-zo; from G4728; to make (intrans. be) in straits, i.e. (by impl.) to sigh, murmur, pray inaudibly:--with grief, groan, grudge, sigh.

255. alusiteles, al-oo-sit-el-ace'; from G1 (as a neg. particle) and the base of G3081; gainless, i.e. (by impl.) pernicious:--

The Holy Word of God in Matthew 23:3, directs the Body of Christ to consider the biddings as relates to the Holy Word of God, but clearly directs the Body of Christ not to subjugate themselves to an autocratic leader.

Matthew 23:1-12 (KJV) Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, 2 Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: 3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. 4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. 5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, 6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, 7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. 8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. 9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. 10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. 11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

Matthew 23:3 (HG) pas:G3956 oun:G3767 hosos:G3745 - an:G302 . epo:G2036 . tereo:G5083 . tereo:G5083 . poieo:G4160 . poieo:G4160 . . kata:G2596 . ergon:G2041 . . lego:G3004 . poieo:G4160 .

3956. pas, pas; includ. all the forms of declension; appar. a prim. word; all, any, every, the whole:--all (manner of, means) alway (-s), any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no (-thing), X throughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever.

3767. oun, oon; appar. a prim. word; (adv.) certainly, or (conj.) accordingly:--and (so, truly), but, now (then), so (likewise then), then, therefore, verily, wherefore.

3745. hosos, hos'-os; by redupl. from G3739; as (much, great, long, etc.) as:--all (that), as (long, many, much) (as), how great (many, much), [in-] asmuch as, so many as, that (ever), the more, those things, what (great, -soever), wheresoever, wherewithsoever, which, X while, who (-soever).

302. an, an; a prim. particle, denoting a supposition, wish, possibility or uncertainty:--[what-, where-, whither-, who-]soever. Usually unexpressed except by the subjunctive or potential mood. Also contr. for G1437.

2036. epo, ep'-o; a prim. verb (used only in the def. past tense, the others being borrowed from G2046, G4483 and G5346); to speak or say (by word or writing):--answer, bid, bring word, call, command, grant, say (on), speak, tell. Comp. G3004.

5083. tereo, tay-reh'-o; from teros (a watch; perh. akin to G2334); to guard (from loss or injury, prop. by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from G5442, which is prop. to prevent escaping; and from G2892, which implies a fortress or full military lines of apparatus), i.e. to note (a prophecy; fig. to fulfil a command); by impl. to detain (in custody; fig. to maintain); by extens. to withhold (for personal ends; fig. to keep unmarried):--hold fast, keep (-er), (ob-, pre-, re) serve, watch.

4160. poieo, poy-eh'-o; appar. a prol. from of an obsol. prim.; to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct):--abide, + agree, appoint, X avenge, + band together, be, bear, + bewray, bring (forth), cast out, cause, commit, + content, continue, deal, + without any delay, (would) do (-ing), execute, exercise, fulfil, gain, give, have, hold, X journeying, keep, + lay wait, + lighten the ship, make, X mean, + none of these things move me, observe, ordain, perform, provide, + have purged, purpose, put, + raising up, X secure, shew, X shoot out, spend, take, tarry, + transgress the law, work, yield. Comp. G4238.

2596. kata, kat-ah'; a prim. particle; (prep.) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case [gen. dat. or acc.] with which it is joined):--about, according as (to), after, against, (when they were) X alone, among, and, X apart, (even, like) as (concerning, pertaining to, touching), X aside, at, before, beyond, by, to the charge of, [charita-] bly, concerning, + covered, [dai-] ly, down, every, (+ far more) exceeding, X more excellent, for, from . . . to, godly, in (-asmuch, divers, every, -to, respect of), . . . by, after the manner of, + by any means, beyond (out of) measure, X mightily, more, X natural, of (up-) on (X part), out (of every), over against, (+ your) X own, + particularly, so, through (-oughout, -oughout every), thus, (un-) to (-gether, -ward), X uttermost, where (-by), with. In composition it retains many of these applications, and frequently denotes opposition, distribution or intensity.

2041. ergon, er'-gon; from a prim. (but obsol.) ergo (to work); toil (as an effort or occupation); by impl. an act:--deed, doing, labour, work.

3004. lego, leg'-o; a prim. verb; prop. to "lay" forth, i.e. (fig.) relate (in words [usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas G2036 and G5346 generally refer to an individual expression or speech respectively; while G4483 is prop. to break silence merely, and G2980 means an extended or random harangue]); by impl. to mean:--ask, bid, boast, call, describe, give out, name, put forth, say (-ing, on), shew, speak, tell, utter.

4160. poieo, poy-eh'-o; appar. a prol. from of an obsol. prim.; to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct):--abide, + agree, appoint, X avenge, + band together, be, bear, + bewray, bring (forth), cast out, cause, commit, + content, continue, deal, + without any delay, (would) do (-ing), execute, exercise, fulfil, gain, give, have, hold, X journeying, keep, + lay wait, + lighten the ship, make, X mean, + none of these things move me, observe, ordain, perform, provide, + have purged, purpose, put, + raising up, X secure, shew, X shoot out, spend, take, tarry, + transgress the law, work, yield. Comp. G4238.

Body of Christ’s Future Authority

Revelation 20:4 (HG) . . eido:G1492 thronos:G2362 . . kathizo:G2523 . . . krima:G2917 . didomi:G1325 . . . . . . psuche:G5590 . . . . pelekizo:G3990 . . marturia:G3141 . iesous:G2424 . . . logos:G3056 . theos:G2316 . hostis:G3748 . . proskuneo:G4352 . therion:G2342 oute:G3777 . eikon:G1504 kai:G2532 - ou:G3756 . lambano:G2983 . charagma:G5480 . . metopon:G3359 kai:G2532 . . cheir:G5495 . . zao:G2198 . basileuo:G936 . christos:G5547 . chilioi:G5507 etos:G2094

1492. eido, i'-do; a prim. verb; used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equiv. G3700 and G3708; prop. to see (lit. or fig.); by impl. (in the perf. only) to know:--be aware, behold, X can (+ not tell), consider, (have) known (-ledge), look (on), perceive, see, be sure, tell, understand, wist, wot. Comp. G3700.

2362. thronos, thron'-os; from thrao (to sit); a stately seat ("throne"); by impl. power or (concr.) a potentate:--seat, throne.

2523. kathizo, kath-id'-zo; another (act.) form for G2516; to seat down, i.e. set (fig. appoint); intrans. to sit (down); fig. to settle (hover, dwell):--continue, set, sit (down), tarry.

2917. krima, kree'-mah; from G2919; a decision (the function or the effect, for or against ["crime"]):--avenge, condemned, condemnation, damnation, + go to law, judgment.

1325. didomi, did'-o-mee; a prol. form of a prim. verb (which is used as an altern. in most of the tenses); to give (used in a very wide application, prop. or by impl. lit. or fig.; greatly modified by the connection):--adventure, bestow, bring forth, commit, deliver (up), give, grant, hinder, make, minister, number, offer, have power, put, receive, set, shew, smite (+ with the hand), strike (+ with the palm of the hand), suffer, take, utter, yield.

5590. psuche, psoo-khay'; from G5594; breath, i.e. (by impl.) spirit, abstr. or concr. (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from G4151, which is the rational and immortal soul; and on the other from G2222, which is mere vitality, even of plants: these terms thus exactly correspond respectively to the Heb. H5315, H7307 and H2416):--heart (+ -ily), life, mind, soul, + us, + you.

3990. pelekizo, pel-ek-id'-zo; from a der. of G4141 (mean. an axe); to chop off (the head), i.e. truncate:--behead.

3141. marturia, mar-too-ree'-ah; from G3144; evidence given (judicially or gen.):--record, report, testimony, witness.

2424. Iesous, ee-ay-sooce'; of Heb. or. [H3091]; Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Isr.:--Jesus.

3056. logos, log'-os; from G3004; something said (including the thought); by impl. a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extens. a computation; spec. (with the art. in John) the Divine Expression (i.e. Christ):--account, cause, communication, X concerning, doctrine, fame, X have to do, intent, matter, mouth, preaching, question, reason, + reckon, remove, say (-ing), shew, X speaker, speech, talk, thing, + none of these things move me, tidings, treatise, utterance, word, work.

2316. theos, theh'-os; of uncert. affin.; a deity, espec. (with G3588) the supreme Divinity; fig. a magistrate; by Heb. very:--X exceeding, God, god [-ly, -ward].

3748. hostis, hos'-tis; includ. the fem.

4352. proskuneo, pros-koo-neh'-o; from G4314 and a prob. der. of G2965 (mean. to kiss, like a dog licking his master's hand); to fawn or crouch to, i.e. (lit. or fig.) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore):--worship.

2342. therion, thay-ree'-on; dimin. from the same as G2339; a dangerous animal:--(venomous, wild) beast.

3777. oute, oo'-teh; from G3756 and G5037; not too, i.e. neither or nor; by anal. not even:--neither, none, nor (yet), (no, yet) not, nothing.

1504. eikon, i-kone'; from G1503; a likeness, i.e. (lit.) statute, profile, or (fig.) representation, resemblance:--image.

2532. kai, kahee; appar. a prim. particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so, then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, indeed, likewise, moreover, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yea, yet.

3756. ou, oo; also (before a vowel)

2983. lambano, lam-ban'-o; a prol. form of a prim. verb, which is used only as an alt. in certain tenses; to take (in very many applications, lit. and fig. [prop. obj. or act., to get hold of; whereas G1209 is rather subj. or pass., to have offered to one; while G138 is more violent, to seize or remove]):--accept, + be amazed, assay, attain, bring, X when I call, catch, come on (X unto), + forget, have, hold, obtain, receive (X after), take (away, up).

5480. charagma, khar'-ag-mah; from the same as G5482; a scratch or etching, i.e. stamp (as a badge of servitude), or sculptured figure (statue):--graven, mark.

3359. metopon, met'-o-pon; from G3326 and ops (the face); the forehead (as opposite the countenance):--forehead.

2532. kai, kahee; appar. a prim. particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so, then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, indeed, likewise, moreover, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yea, yet.

5495. cheir, khire; perh. from the base of G5494 in the sense of its congener the base of G5490 (through the idea of hollowness for grasping); the hand (lit. or fig. [power]; espec. [by Heb.] a means or instrument):--hand.

2198. zao, dzah'-o; a prim. verb; to live (lit. or fig.):--life (-time), (a-) live (-ly), quick.

936. basileuo, bas-il-yoo'-o; from G935; to rule (lit. or fig.):--king, reign.

5547. Christos, khris-tos'; from G5548; anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus:--Christ.

5507. chilioi, khil'-ee-oy; plur. of uncert. affin.; a thousand:--thousand.

2094. etos, et'-os; appar. a prim. word; a year:--year.

Organized Religion’s authority – It is interesting to note that in the New Testament, the exclusive use of the authority of Judeo-Christian Organized Religion, past and future, was and will be, for the persecution of the Body of Christ.

John 7:26 (HG) . ide:G2396 . laleo:G2980 parrhesia:G3954 . . lego:G3004 oudeis:G3762 . . . . archon:G758 ginosko:G1097 alethos:G230 . houtos:G3778 . . alethos:G230 christos:G5547

758. archon, ar'-khone; pres. part. of G757; a first (in rank or power):--chief (ruler), magistrate, prince, ruler.

Revelation 17:12-13 (NIV) "The ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but who for one hour will receive authority (exousia) as kings along with the beast. 13 They have one purpose and will give their power and authority (exousia) to the beast.

God’s authority

Acts 1:7 (NIV) He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority (exousia).

Jesus Christ's authority

John 2:18 (HG) oun:G3767 apokrinomai:G611 . ioudaios:G2453 . epo:G2036 . . tis:G5101 semeion:G4592 deiknuo:G1166 . . . . . . poieo:G4160 tauta:G5023 .

3767. oun, oon; appar. a prim. word; (adv.) certainly, or (conj.) accordingly:--and (so, truly), but, now (then), so (likewise then), then, therefore, verily, wherefore.

611. apokrinomai, ap-ok-ree'-nom-ahee; from G575 and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. (by impl.) to respond; by Hebr. [comp. H6030] to begin to speak (where an address is expected):--answer.

2453. Ioudaios, ee-oo-dah'-yos; from G2448 (in the sense of G2455 as a country); Judaean, i.e. belonging to Jehudah:--Jew (-ess), of Judaea.

2036. epo, ep'-o; a prim. verb (used only in the def. past tense, the others being borrowed from G2046, G4483 and G5346); to speak or say (by word or writing):--answer, bid, bring word, call, command, grant, say (on), speak, tell. Comp. G3004.

5101. tis, tis; prob. emphat. of G5100; an interrog. pron., who, which, or what (in direct or indirect questions):--every man, how (much), + no (-ne, thing), what (manner, thing), where ([-by, -fore, -of, -unto, -with, -withal]), whether, which, who (-m, -se), why.

4592. semeion, say-mi'-on; neut. of a presumed der. of the base of G4591; an indication, espec. cer. or supernat.:--miracle, sign, token, wonder.

1166. deiknuo, dike-noo'-o; a prol. form of an obs. prim. of the same mean.; to show (lit. or fig.):--shew.

4160. poieo, poy-eh'-o; appar. a prol. from of an obsol. prim.; to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct):--abide, + agree, appoint, X avenge, + band together, be, bear, + bewray, bring (forth), cast out, cause, commit, + content, continue, deal, + without any delay, (would) do (-ing), execute, exercise, fulfil, gain, give, have, hold, X journeying, keep, + lay wait, + lighten the ship, make, X mean, + none of these things move me, observe, ordain, perform, provide, + have purged, purpose, put, + raising up, X secure, shew, X shoot out, spend, take, tarry, + transgress the law, work, yield. Comp. G4238.

5023. tauta, tow'-tah; nom. or acc. neut. plur. of G3778; these things:--+ afterward, follow, + hereafter, X him, the same, so, such, that, then, these, they, this, those, thus.

1 Thessalonians 4:2 (HG) . . eido:G1492 tis:G5101 paraggelia:G3852 . didomi:G1325 . . . kurios:G2962 iesous:G2424

1492. eido, i'-do; a prim. verb; used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equiv. G3700 and G3708; prop. to see (lit. or fig.); by impl. (in the perf. only) to know:--be aware, behold, X can (+ not tell), consider, (have) known (-ledge), look (on), perceive, see, be sure, tell, understand, wist, wot. Comp. G3700.

5101. tis, tis; prob. emphat. of G5100; an interrog. pron., who, which, or what (in direct or indirect questions):--every man, how (much), + no (-ne, thing), what (manner, thing), where ([-by, -fore, -of, -unto, -with, -withal]), whether, which, who (-m, -se), why.

3852. paraggelia, par-ang-gel-ee'-ah; from G3853; a mandate:--charge, command.

1325. didomi, did'-o-mee; a prol. form of a prim. verb (which is used as an altern. in most of the tenses); to give (used in a very wide application, prop. or by impl. lit. or fig.; greatly modified by the connection):--adventure, bestow, bring forth, commit, deliver (up), give, grant, hinder, make, minister, number, offer, have power, put, receive, set, shew, smite (+ with the hand), strike (+ with the palm of the hand), suffer, take, utter, yield.

2962. kurios, koo'-ree-os; from kuros (supremacy); supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by impl. Mr. (as a respectful title):--God, Lord, master, Sir.

2424. Iesous, ee-ay-sooce'; of Heb. or. [H3091]; Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Isr.:--Jesus.

Revelation 2:27 (HG) . . . poimaino:G4165 . . . rhabdos:G4464 . sidereos:G4603 . . skeuos:G4632 . . keramikos:G2764 . . . suntribo:G4937 . suntribo:G4937 kago:G2504 . . lambano:G2983 . . pater:G3962

4165. poimaino, poy-mah'ee-no; from G4166; to tend as a shepherd (or fig. superviser):--feed (cattle), rule.

4464. rhabdos, hrab'-dos; from the base of G4474; a stick or wand (as a cudgel, a cane or a baton of royalty):--rod, sceptre, staff.

4603. sidereos, sid-ay'-reh-os; from G4604; made of iron:--(of) iron.

4632. skeuos, skyoo'-os; of uncert. affin.; a vessel, implement, equipment or apparatus (lit. or fig. [spec. a wife as contributing to the usefulness of the husband]):--goods, sail, stuff, vessel.

2764. keramikos, ker-am-ik-os'; from G2766; made of clay, i.e. earthen:--of a potter.

4937. suntribo, soon-tree'-bo; from G4862 and the base of G5147; to crush completely, i.e. to shatter (lit. or fig.):--break (in pieces), broken to shivers (+ -hearted), bruise.

4937. suntribo, soon-tree'-bo; from G4862 and the base of G5147; to crush completely, i.e. to shatter (lit. or fig.):--break (in pieces), broken to shivers (+ -hearted), bruise.

2504. kago, kag-o'; from G2532 and G1473 (so also the dat. kamoi, kam-oy'; and acc. kame, kam-eh'); and (or also, even, etc.) I, (to) me:--(and, even, even so, so) I (also, in like wise), both me, me also.

2983. lambano, lam-ban'-o; a prol. form of a prim. verb, which is used only as an alt. in certain tenses; to take (in very many applications, lit. and fig. [prop. obj. or act., to get hold of; whereas G1209 is rather subj. or pass., to have offered to one; while G138 is more violent, to seize or remove]):--accept, + be amazed, assay, attain, bring, X when I call, catch, come on (X unto), + forget, have, hold, obtain, receive (X after), take (away, up).

3962. pater, pat-ayr'; appar. a prim. word; a "father " (lit. or fig., near or more remote):--father, parent.

Revelation 12:10 (NIV) Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: "Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority (exousia) of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.

The Law’s authority

Romans 7:1 (HG) agnoeo:G50 . . adelphos:G80 . . laleo:G2980 . . . ginosko:G1097 . nomos:G3551 . . . nomos:G3551 . kurieuo:G2961 . . anthropos:G444 . chronos:G5550 . . zao:G2198

2961. kurieuo, koo-ree-yoo'-o; from G2962; to rule:--have dominion over, lord, be lord of, exercise lordship over.

Angelic authority

Jude 1:6 (HG) . . aggelos:G32 . tereo:G5083 . . arche:G746 . . apoleipo:G620 . idios:G2398 oiketerion:G3613 . . tereo:G5083 . aidios:G126 desmon:G1199 hupo:G5259 zophos:G2217 . . krisis:G2920 . . megas:G3173 hemera:G2250

32. aggelos, ang'-el-os; from aggello [prob. der. from G71; comp. G34] (to bring tidings); a messenger; esp. an "angel"; by impl. a pastor:--angel, messenger.

5083. tereo, tay-reh'-o; from teros (a watch; perh. akin to G2334); to guard (from loss or injury, prop. by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from G5442, which is prop. to prevent escaping; and from G2892, which implies a fortress or full military lines of apparatus), i.e. to note (a prophecy; fig. to fulfil a command); by impl. to detain (in custody; fig. to maintain); by extens. to withhold (for personal ends; fig. to keep unmarried):--hold fast, keep (-er), (ob-, pre-, re) serve, watch.

746. arche, ar-khay'; from G756; (prop. abstr.) a commencement, or (concr.) chief (in various applications of order, time, place or rank):--beginning, corner, (at the, the) first (estate), magistrate, power, principality, principle, rule.

620. apoleipo, ap-ol-ipe'-o; from G575 and G3007; to leave behind (pass, remain); by impl. to forsake:--leave, remain.

2398. idios, id'-ee-os; of uncert. affin.; pertaining to self, i.e. one's own; by impl. private or separate:--X his acquaintance, when they were alone, apart, aside, due, his (own, proper, several), home, (her, our, thine, your) own (business), private (-ly), proper, severally, their (own).

3613. oiketerion, oy-kay-tay'-ree-on; neut. of a presumed der. of G3611 (equiv. to G3612); a residence (lit. or fig.):--habitation, house.

5083. tereo, tay-reh'-o; from teros (a watch; perh. akin to G2334); to guard (from loss or injury, prop. by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from G5442, which is prop. to prevent escaping; and from G2892, which implies a fortress or full military lines of apparatus), i.e. to note (a prophecy; fig. to fulfil a command); by impl. to detain (in custody; fig. to maintain); by extens. to withhold (for personal ends; fig. to keep unmarried):--hold fast, keep (-er), (ob-, pre-, re) serve, watch.

126. aidios, ah-id'-ee-os; from G104; everduring (forward and backward, or forward only):--eternal, everlasting.

1199. desmon, des-mon'; or desmos, des-mos'; neut. and masc. respectively from G1210; a band, i.e. ligament (of the body) or shackle (of a prisoner); fig. an impediment or disability:--band, bond, chain, string.

5259. hupo, hoop-o'; a prim. prep.; under, i.e. (with the gen.) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the acc.) of place (whither [underneath] or where [below]) or time (when [at]):--among, by, from, in, of, under, with. In comp. it retains the same gen. applications, espec. of inferior position or condition, and spec. covertly or moderately.

2217. zophos, dzof'-os; akin to the base of G3509; gloom (as shrouding like a cloud):--blackness, darkness, mist.

2920. krisis, kree'-sis; decision (subj. or obj., for or against); by extens. a tribunal; by impl. justice (spec. divine law):--accusation, condemnation, damnation, judgment.

3173. megas, meg'-as [includ. the prol. forms, fem. megale, plur. megaloi, etc.; comp. also G3176, G3187]; big (lit. or fig., in a very wide application):--(+ fear) exceedingly, great (-est), high, large, loud, mighty, + (be) sore (afraid), strong, X to years.

2250. hemera, hay-mer'-ah; fem. (with G5610 implied) of a der. of hemai (to sit; akin to the base of G1476) mean. tame, i.e. gentle; day, i.e. (lit.) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole H24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the Jews as inclusive of the parts of both extremes); fig. a period (always defined more or less clearly by the context):--age, + alway, (mid-) day (by day, [-ly]), + for ever, judgment, (day) time, while, years.

Revelation 18:1 (NIV) After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven. He had great authority (exousia), and the earth was illuminated by his splendor.

Governmental authority

Matthew 20:25 (HG) . iesous:G2424 proskaleomai:G4341 . . . . epo:G2036 . eido:G1492 . . archon:G758 . . ethnos:G1484 katakurieuo:G2634 katakurieuo:G2634 . . . . . . megalos:G3171 katexousiazo:G2715 katexousiazo:G2715 .

2715. katexousiazo, kat-ex-oo-see-ad'-zo; from G2596 and G1850; to have (wield) full privilege over:--exercise authority.

Mark 10:42 (HG) . iesous:G2424 proskaleomai:G4341 . . . . lego:G3004 . . . eido:G1492 . . . . dokeo:G1380 . archo:G757 . . ethnos:G1484 katakurieuo:G2634 katakurieuo:G2634 . . . . megas:G3173 . katexousiazo:G2715 katexousiazo:G2715 .

2715. katexousiazo, kat-ex-oo-see-ad'-zo; from G2596 and G1850; to have (wield) full privilege over:--exercise authority.

Luke 22:25 (HG) . . epo:G2036 . . . basileus:G935 . . ethnos:G1484 kurieuo:G2961 kurieuo:G2961 . . . . . exousiazo:G1850 exousiazo:G1850 . . . kaleo:G2564 euergetes:G2110

1850. exousiazo, ex-oo-see-ad'-zo; from G1849; to control:--exercise authority upon, bring under the (have) power of.

Acts 16:19 (HG) . . . kurios:G2962 eido:G1492 . . elpis:G1680 . . eti:G2089 . exerchomai:G1831 . epilambanomai:G1949 paulos:G3972 . silas:G4609 . helkuo:G1670 . eis:G1519 . agora:G58 . . archon:G758

758. archon, ar'-khone; pres. part. of G757; a first (in rank or power):--chief (ruler), magistrate, prince, ruler.

Romans 13:5 (HG) dio:G1352 . . anagke:G318 . hupotasso:G5293 . monon:G3440 . orge:G3709 . kai:G2532 . suneidesis:G4893 .

1352. dio, dee-o'; from G1223 and G3739; through which thing, i.e. consequently:--for which cause, therefore, wherefore.

318. anagke, an-ang-kay'; from G303 and the base of G43; constraint (lit. or fig.); by impl. distress:--distress, must needs, (of) necessity (-sary), neededth, needful.

5293. hupotasso, hoop-ot-as'-so; from G5259 and G5021; to subordinate; reflex. to obey:--be under obedience (obedient), put under, subdue unto, (be, make) subject (to, unto), be (put) in subjection (to, under), submit self unto.

3440. monon, mon'-on; neut. of G3441 as adv.; merely:--alone, but, only.

3709. orge, or-gay'; from G3713; prop. desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), i.e. (by anal.) violent passion (ire, or [justifiable] abhorrence); by impl. punishment:--anger, indignation, vengeance, wrath.

2532. kai, kahee; appar. a prim. particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so, then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, indeed, likewise, moreover, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yea, yet.

4893. suneidesis, soon-i'-day-sis; from a prol. form of G4894; co-perception, i.e. moral consciousness:--conscience.

Romans 13:6 (HG) . . touto:G5124 dia:G1223 teleo:G5055 . phoros:G5411 kai:G2532 . . . theos:G2316 leitourgos:G3011 proskartereo:G4342 proskartereo:G4342 . touto:G5124 autos:G846 .

5124. touto, too'-to; neut. sing. nom. or acc. of G3778; that thing:--here [-unto], it, partly, self [-same], so, that (intent), the same, there [-fore, -unto], this, thus, where [-fore].

1223. dia, dee-ah'; a prim. prep. denoting the channel of an act; through (in very wide applications, local, causal or occasional):--after, always, among, at, to avoid, because of (that), briefly, by, for (cause) . . . fore, from, in, by occasion of, of, by reason of, for sake, that, thereby, therefore, X though, through (-out), to, wherefore, with (-in). In composition it retains the same general import.

5055. teleo, tel-eh'-o; from G5056; to end, i.e. complete, execute, conclude, discharge (a debt):--accomplish, make an end, expire, fill up, finish, go over, pay, perform.

5411. phoros, for'-os; from G5342; a load (as borne), i.e. (fig.) a tax (prop. an individ. assessment on persons or property; whereas G5056 is usually a gen. toll on goods or travel):--tribute.

2532. kai, kahee; appar. a prim. particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so, then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, indeed, likewise, moreover, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yea, yet.

2316. theos, theh'-os; of uncert. affin.; a deity, espec. (with G3588) the supreme Divinity; fig. a magistrate; by Heb. very:--X exceeding, God, god [-ly, -ward].

3011. leitourgos, li-toorg-os'; from a der. of G2992 and G2041; a public servant, i.e. a functionary in the Temple or Gospel, or (gen.) a worshipper (of God) or benefactor (of man):--minister (-ed).

4342. proskartereo, pros-kar-ter-eh'-o; from G4314 and G2594; to be earnest towards, i.e. (to a thing) to persevere, be constantly diligent, or (in a place) to attend assiduously all the exercises, or (to a person) to adhere closely to (as a servitor):--attend (give self) continually (upon), continue (in, instant in, with), wait on (continually).

4342. proskartereo, pros-kar-ter-eh'-o; from G4314 and G2594; to be earnest towards, i.e. (to a thing) to persevere, be constantly diligent, or (in a place) to attend assiduously all the exercises, or (to a person) to adhere closely to (as a servitor):--attend (give self) continually (upon), continue (in, instant in, with), wait on (continually).

5124. touto, too'-to; neut. sing. nom. or acc. of G3778; that thing:--here [-unto], it, partly, self [-same], so, that (intent), the same, there [-fore, -unto], this, thus, where [-fore].

846. autos, ow-tos'; from the particle au [perh. akin to the base of G109 through the idea of a baffling wind] (backward); the reflex. pron. self, used (alone or in the comp. G1438) of the third pers., and (with the prop. pers. pron.) of the other persons:--her, it (-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, ([self-], the) same, ([him-, my-, thy-]) self, [your-] selves, she, that, their (-s), them ([-selves]), there [-at, -by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with], they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which. Comp. G848.

1 Timothy 2:2 (HG) . basileus:G935 . . pas:G3956 . . . huperoche:G5247 . . . diago:G1236 . eremos:G2263 . hesuchios:G2272 bios:G979 . pas:G3956 eusebeia:G2150 . semnotes:G4587

5247. huperoche, hoop-er-okh-ay'; from G5242; prominence, i.e. (fig.) superiority (in rank or character):--authority, excellency.

1 Peter 2:13 (HG) hupotasso:G5293 . . pas:G3956 ktisis:G2937 . anthropinos:G442 . . kurios:G2962 . eite:G1535 . . . . basileus:G935 . huperecho:G5242

5293. hupotasso, hoop-ot-as'-so; from G5259 and G5021; to subordinate; reflex. to obey:--be under obedience (obedient), put under, subdue unto, (be, make) subject (to, unto), be (put) in subjection (to, under), submit self unto.

3956. pas, pas; includ. all the forms of declension; appar. a prim. word; all, any, every, the whole:--all (manner of, means) alway (-s), any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no (-thing), X throughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever.

2937. ktisis, ktis'-is; from G2936; original formation (prop. the act; by impl. the thing, lit. or fig.):--building, creation, creature, ordinance.

442. anthropinos, anth-ro'-pee-nos; from G444; human:--human, common to man, man[-kind], [man-]kind, men's, after the manner of men.

2962. kurios, koo'-ree-os; from kuros (supremacy); supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by impl. Mr. (as a respectful title):--God, Lord, master, Sir.

1535. eite, i'-teh; from G1487 and G5037; if too:--if, or, whether.

935. basileus, bas-il-yooce'; prob. from G939 (through the notion of a foundation of power); a sovereign (abs., rel. or fig.):--king.

5242. huperecho, hoop-er-ekh'-o; from G5228 and G2192; to hold oneself above, i.e. (fig.) to excel; part. (as adj., or neut. as noun) superior, superiority:--better, excellency, higher, pass, supreme.

2 Peter 2:10 (HG) . malista:G3122 . . poreuomai:G4198 opiso:G3694 . sarx:G4561 . . epithumia:G1939 . miasmos:G3394 . kataphroneo:G2706 kuriotes:G2963 tolmetes:G5113 . . authades:G829 . . . tremo:G5141 . blasphemeo:G987 blasphemeo:G987 . doxa:G1391

2963. kuriotes, koo-ree-ot'-ace; from G2962; mastery, i.e. (concr. and coll.) rulers:--dominion, government.

Jude 1:8 (HG) homoios:G3668 kai:G2532 houtos:G3778 . enupniazomai:G1797 miaino:G3392 . sarx:G4561 atheteo:G114 kuriotes:G2963 . blasphemeo:G987 blasphemeo:G987 . doxa:G1391

2963. kuriotes, koo-ree-ot'-ace; from G2962; mastery, i.e. (concr. and coll.) rulers:--dominion, government.

The husband’s authority

1 Timothy 2:12 (HG) . . epitrepo:G2010 . . gune:G1135 . didasko:G1321 oude:G3761 . authenteo:G831 authenteo:G831 . . aner:G435 . . . . kerdos:G2771

831. authenteo, ow-then-teh'-o; from a comp. of G846 and an obsol. hentes (a worker); to act of oneself, i.e. (fig.) dominate:--usurp authority over.

The Centurion’s authority

Luke 7:8 (NIV) For I myself am a man under authority (exousia), with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."

Jesus Christ's directions to the Body of Christ:

Acts 1:8 (NIV) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

The New Testament records some of what Jesus Christ and the Body of Christ were actually doing, and how they were financed

Luke 8:1-3 (NIV) After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; 3 Joanna the wife of Cuza, the manager of Herod's household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.

There were some designated areas of service within the Body of Christ

John 12:6 (NIV) He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.

After Jesus Christ arose, the Body of Christ followed the same course that Jesus Christ had shown and directed

Acts 16:40 (NIV) After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia's house, where they met with the brothers and encouraged them. Then they left.

Biblical examples of some form of leadership in the New Testament church. It appears that the Apostles and Elders as a collective group made decisions that were broadcast to the Body of Christ.

1 Peter 5:1-5 (NIV) To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. 5 Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

When man attempts to control the Body of Christ, he moves outside of God’s will.  Matthias was designated by the church to serve as one of the apostles. After his election, Matthias was never heard of again. The Apostle Paul was chosen by God to serve as one of the apostles. Paul wrote most of the New Testament. We are reminded again of how little the Disciples and the Body of Christ knew in (God Has Revealed Himself In A Greater Measure Throughout Time As Man’s Understanding Allowed It.)

Acts 1:15-26 (NIV) In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) 16 and said, "Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus-- 17 he was one of our number and shared in this ministry." 18 (With the reward he got for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. 19 Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) 20 "For," said Peter, "it is written in the book of Psalms, "'May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,' and, "'May another take his place of leadership.' 21 Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from John's baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection." 23 So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen 25 to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs." 26 Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.

Stephen is designated by the church to wait on tables

Acts 6:1-6 (NIV) In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word." 5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

God apparently had designs for Stephen different than waiting on tables. Stephen's message from God to the Synagogue is recorded in Acts 6:8 through 7:59, and his martyrdom was instrumental in spreading Judeo-Christianity around the world, as well as impacting the Apostle Paul.

Acts 6:8-7:59 (NIV) Now Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people. 9 Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)--Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia. These men began to argue with Stephen, 10 but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke. 11 Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, "We have heard Stephen speak words of blasphemy against Moses and against God." 12 So they stirred up the people and the elders and the teachers of the law. They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin. 13 They produced false witnesses, who testified, "This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. 14 For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us." 15 All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel. 7:1 Then the high priest asked him, "Are these charges true?" 2 To this he replied: "Brothers and fathers, listen to me! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran. 3 'Leave your country and your people,' God said, 'and go to the land I will show you.' 4 "So he left the land of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran. After the death of his father, God sent him to this land where you are now living. 5 He gave him no inheritance here, not even a foot of ground. But God promised him that he and his descendants after him would possess the land, even though at that time Abraham had no child. 6 God spoke to him in this way: 'Your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own, and they will be enslaved and mistreated four hundred years. 7 But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves,' God said, 'and afterward they will come out of that country and worship me in this place.' 8 Then he gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision. And Abraham became the father of Isaac and circumcised him eight days after his birth. Later Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob became the father of the twelve patriarchs. 9 "Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him 10 and rescued him from all his troubles. He gave Joseph wisdom and enabled him to gain the goodwill of Pharaoh king of Egypt; so he made him ruler over Egypt and all his palace. 11 "Then a famine struck all Egypt and Canaan, bringing great suffering, and our fathers could not find food. 12 When Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our fathers on their first visit. 13 On their second visit, Joseph told his brothers who he was, and Pharaoh learned about Joseph's family. 14 After this, Joseph sent for his father Jacob and his whole family, seventy-five in all. 15 Then Jacob went down to Egypt, where he and our fathers died. 16 Their bodies were brought back to Shechem and placed in the tomb that Abraham had bought from the sons of Hamor at Shechem for a certain sum of money. 17 "As the time drew near for God to fulfill his promise to Abraham, the number of our people in Egypt greatly increased. 18 Then another king, who knew nothing about Joseph, became ruler of Egypt. 19 He dealt treacherously with our people and oppressed our forefathers by forcing them to throw out their newborn babies so that they would die. 20 "At that time Moses was born, and he was no ordinary child. For three months he was cared for in his father's house. 21 When he was placed outside, Pharaoh's daughter took him and brought him up as her own son. 22 Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action. 23 "When Moses was forty years old, he decided to visit his fellow Israelites. 24 He saw one of them being mistreated by an Egyptian, so he went to his defense and avenged him by killing the Egyptian. 25 Moses thought that his own people would realize that God was using him to rescue them, but they did not. 26 The next day Moses came upon two Israelites who were fighting. He tried to reconcile them by saying, 'Men, you are brothers; why do you want to hurt each other?' 27 "But the man who was mistreating the other pushed Moses aside and said, 'Who made you ruler and judge over us? 28 Do you want to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?' 29 When Moses heard this, he fled to Midian, where he settled as a foreigner and had two sons. 30 "After forty years had passed, an angel appeared to Moses in the flames of a burning bush in the desert near Mount Sinai. 31 When he saw this, he was amazed at the sight. As he went over to look more closely, he heard the Lord's voice: 32 'I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.' Moses trembled with fear and did not dare to look. 33 "Then the Lord said to him, 'Take off your sandals; the place where you are standing is holy ground. 34 I have indeed seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their groaning and have come down to set them free. Now come, I will send you back to Egypt.' 35 "This is the same Moses whom they had rejected with the words, 'Who made you ruler and judge?' He was sent to be their ruler and deliverer by God himself, through the angel who appeared to him in the bush. 36 He led them out of Egypt and did wonders and miraculous signs in Egypt, at the Red Sea and for forty years in the desert. 37 "This is that Moses who told the Israelites, 'God will send you a prophet like me from your own people.' 38 He was in the assembly in the desert, with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers; and he received living words to pass on to us. 39 "But our fathers refused to obey him. Instead, they rejected him and in their hearts turned back to Egypt. 40 They told Aaron, 'Make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who led us out of Egypt--we don't know what has happened to him!' 41 That was the time they made an idol in the form of a calf. They brought sacrifices to it and held a celebration in honor of what their hands had made. 42 But God turned away and gave them over to the worship of the heavenly bodies. This agrees with what is written in the book of the prophets: "'Did you bring me sacrifices and offerings forty years in the desert, O house of Israel? 43 You have lifted up the shrine of Molech and the star of your god Rephan, the idols you made to worship. Therefore I will send you into exile' beyond Babylon. 44 "Our forefathers had the tabernacle of the Testimony with them in the desert. It had been made as God directed Moses, according to the pattern he had seen. 45 Having received the tabernacle, our fathers under Joshua brought it with them when they took the land from the nations God drove out before them. It remained in the land until the time of David, 46 who enjoyed God's favor and asked that he might provide a dwelling place for the God of Jacob. 47 But it was Solomon who built the house for him. 48 "However, the Most High does not live in houses made by men. As the prophet says: 49 "'Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me? says the Lord. Or where will my resting place be? 50 Has not my hand made all these things?' 51 "You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! 52 Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him-- 53 you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it." 54 When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." 57 At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58 dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."

In view of man being a trinity (The Star Of David Is The "sign"/Icon/Symbol For Jesus Christ, Who Is "the Son of Man" ), and being tempted in three ways (A Holy God Is Worthy Of, Requires, And Will Have A Holy People For His Holy City), to establish a hierarchy in Judeo-Christian Organized Religion, is very fertile ground for germination of the Sin of Pride within the hearts of those called to serve the Body of Christ. This comes in the form of "groupie worship" of those men within Judeo-Christian Organized Religion who have been used by God to show God's great power, rather than or possibly in addition to the worship of Jesus Christ who gave the men their gifts. This precipitates idolatry within the hearts of the members of Judeo-Christian Organized Religion. The hypocrites of Jesus Christ's day were skilled at cultivating this worship of themselves. It is easy to see that same spirit and situation in some "superstar" televangelist's and their worshippers, but is present in lesser and greater degrees in most church organizations. The Apostle Paul, who wrote a substantial portion of the New Testament, was given a thorn in the flesh, referenced in 2 Corinthians chapter 12, in order to keep Paul from becoming conceited because of the great things that Paul had been able to see through Jesus Christ. If it was necessary to keep pride crucified in Paul, I think that it is safe to say that it is an area in which all Jesus Christ's servants should be cautious. To structure a situation where this so easily becomes pride and idolatry, is to ignore the teachings of Jesus Christ and flirt with sin.

John 12:42-43 (NIV) Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved praise from men more than praise from God.

The persecution of the Body of Christ by those with the authority of Organized Religion

It is not the world that is persecuting the Body of Christ. Clearly it is the administration that is in control of Judeo-Christian Organized Religion that is persecuting the Body of Christ. It was the same in Jesus Christ's day. If YOU are in the administration of Judeo-Christian Organized Religion, are YOU persecuting the Body of Christ?

Luke 21:12 (NIV) "But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name.

Even some of the attempted efforts of service to God by those not Born of the Spirit of God is an attack on the Body of Christ.

John 16:1-3 (NIV) "All this I have told you so that you will not go astray. They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God. They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me.

The structured and tiered hierarchical "authority" role of church leadership was not possible after the destruction of the Temple, until 323 A. D. when Rome accepted Judeo-Christianity. From the time of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ, until 323 A. D., there was no structured and tiered hierarchy within the Body of Christ. With the buildings of Rome, came the tiered hierarchy of Rome, replacing Jesus Christ as the authority, and instituting man as the authority. In the middle of the Seven Year "covenant" Period, at the beginning of the three and one-half year "great tribulation" Period, when the Anti-Christ sets himself up in the Temple, "proclaiming himself to be God - 2 Thessalonians 2:4, the tiered hierarchy of Judeo-Christian Organized Religion including the False Prophet (Pope) will worship the Anti-Christ. The Body of Christ will go back underground. The buildings and hierarchy that Rome gave - Rome will take back. The Body of Christ will again be without buildings, or structured tiered hierarchy, and the only authority will be Jesus Christ.

How much authority over the Body of Christ, by the servants of the Gospel, is taught by Jesus Christ and the Holy Word of God?

By contrast, how much submission, servant-hood, and service to the Body of Christ, by the servants of the Gospel, is taught by Jesus Christ and the Holy Word of God?

If there is controversy within the organization, the Holy Spirit of God is not directing all of the members of that organization. The first and only important function of that organization, is for all of the members of that organization to first seek the direction of the Holy Spirit of God. Jesus Christ directed that exact same thing to His Disciples.

Acts 1:4-5 (NIV) On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."

After the Disciples complied with Jesus Christ's directions, the Disciples became unified in Spirit and unified in location:

Acts 2:1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.

Do what Saul in his humanity did not do referenced in 1 Samuel 13: 9-14. Wait upon the Lord. The Holy Spirit of God will direct YOUR paths clearly into God's will, if YOU earnestly seek to serve God, and the Body of Christ.

servant one that serves others; esp: one that performs duties about the person or home of a master or personal employer

serve 1 a: to be a servant b: to do military or naval service 2: to assist a celebrant as server at a mass 3 a: to be of use <in a day when few people could write, seals served as signatures - Elizabeth W. King> b: to be favorable, opportune, or convenient c: STAND BY, ASSIST d: to hold an office: discharge a duty or function < ~ on a jury> 4: to prove adequate or satisfactory: SUFFICE <a safe-conduct that served not only for him but for the entire party> 5: to help persons to food: as a: to wait at table b: to set out portions of food or drink 6: to wait on customers 7: to put the ball or shuttle cock in play in various games (as tennis, volleyball, or badminton) ~ vt 1 a : to be a servant to: ATTEND b: to give the service and respect due to (a superior) c: to comply with the command or demands of: GRATIFY d: to give military or naval service to e: to perform the duties of (an office or post) 2: to act as server at (mass) 3 archaic: to pay a lover's or suitor's court to (a lady) <that gentle lady, whom I love and ~ - Edmund Spenser> 4a: to work through or perform (a term of service) <served his time as a mate> b: to put in (a term of imprisonment) 5 a: to wait on a table b: to bring (food) to a diner 6 a: to furnish or supply with something needed or desired b: to wait on (a customer) in a store c: to furnish professional service to 7 a: to answer the needs of: AVAIL b: to be enough for: SUFFICE c: to contribute or conduce to: PROMOTE 8: to treat or act toward in a specified way: REQUITE <he served me ill> 9 a : to bring to notice, deliver, or execute as required by law b: to make legal service upon (a person named in a process) 10 of a male animal: to copulate with 11: to wind yarn or wire tightly around (a rope or stay) for protection 12 to provide services that benefit or help 13: to put (the ball or shuttlecock) in play (as in tennis or badminton) Webster’s Dictionary

The diversity of the Body of Christ with all parts being subservient and equal under the Head, who is Jesus Christ

1 Corinthians 12:12-31 (NIV) The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free--and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. 15 If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body. 21 The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28 And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues ? Do all interpret? 31 But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way.

It is not coincidence or happenstance that we move from the Gifts for Service to the Body of Christ, into 1 Corinthians chapter 13 - the "Love Chapter."

1 Corinthians 13 (NIV) If I speak in the tongues of man and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Servant/servants can be categorized into the following sub headings:

    Literal servant-hood of Jesus Christ

    Literal directions to the Body of Christ to be a servant, and references to the Body of Christ as a servant

    Parabolic servants referencing the servant-hood of the Body of Christ

    Parabolic negative servant-hood referencing what the Body of Christ is not to do

    Servant-hood of Mary, Israel, David, Simeon, Paul, Silas, Timothy, Cephas, Phoebe, Tychicus, Epaphras, Moses, James, Simon Peter, Jude, Apollos, and Angels

    Servants of the devil

    The servant-hood of those in governmental authority

    Literal historical servants referenced in the New Testament

    Incidental parabolic servant-hood

Literal servant-hood of Jesus Christ

Philippians 2:7 (NIV) but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

Literal directions to the Body of Christ to be a servant and references to the Body of Christ as a servant

Revelation 22:6 (NIV) The angel said to me, "These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place."

Parabolic servants referencing the servant-hood of the Body of Christ

Romans 14:4 (NIV) Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.

Parabolic negative servant-hood referencing what the Body of Christ is not to do

Luke 19:22 (NIV) "His master replied, 'I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew, did you, that I am a hard man, taking out what I did not put in, and reaping what I did not sow?

Servant-hood of Mary, Israel, David, Simeon, Paul, Silas, Timothy, Cephas, Phoebe, Tychicus, Epaphras, Moses, James, Simon Peter, Jude, Apollos, and Angels

Revelation 22:9 (NIV) But he said to me, "Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers the prophets and of all who keep the words of this book. Worship God!"

Servants of the devil (They are masquerading as servants of God.)

2 Corinthians 11:15 (NIV) It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.

The servant-hood of those in governmental authority

Romans 13:6 (NIV) This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing.

Literal historical servants referenced in the New Testament

Acts 12:20 (NIV) He had been quarreling with the people of Tyre and Sidon; they now joined together and sought an audience with him. Having secured the support of Blastus, a trusted personal servant of the king, they asked for peace, because they depended on the king's country for their food supply.

Incidental parabolic servant-hood

Luke 15:22 (NIV) "But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.

Serve

Revelation 22:3 (NIV) No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him.

Served

Hebrews 7:13 (NIV) He of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe, and no one from that tribe has ever served at the altar.

Serves

1 Peter 4:11 (NIV) If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Service

Revelation 2:19 (NIV) I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.

Serving

1 Peter 5:2 (NIV) Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve;