Christians, what if a White Pastor refuses to Baptize a Black Man because he wants him to go to hell?
Would you leave that Church?
THE BATTLE AXE: Why Jesus Used Parables (11/03/2013)— (5.) Parables were a device used by seers, one of the ancient forms of prophetic ministry established following the priesthood bestowed upon Adam, and long before the model for prophets demonstrated in Moses. Appearing as the Messiah, Jesus was to manifest eternal person, divine sovereignty, and answer as a living accumulation (we say, adding all in one, a summation) for all the singular and unchanging purposes of GOD displayed through varying streams of prophecy. In the same way Jesus was not sent to end the covenants or annul divine law, Jesus would fulfill and perform things proclaimed, promised, and recorded in the Scriptures as prophecy, and was not sent to discredit or end prophecy. Jesus nourished believers using “the law and the prophets,” not “law or the prophets,” not “law without the prophets.” Jesus exalted and revealed sacred law as eternal and unchanging, yet, prophetic in function and nature—that is, fully capable of being completed and fulfilled through operations of GOD, and like promise and prophecy subject to being closed, concluded, and satisfied (see Psalms 19: 7-14, Matthew 5: 18, Luke 21: 33-34, Psalms 119: 137-144 and Habakkuk 2: 1-4, KJV.)
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. (Matthew 18: 15-17, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Confessing Only to GOD? (04/08/2013); Evidence of the Unseen Spirit? (04/09/2013); On Titles and Respect (03/15/2013); On Producing Atheists (03/16/2013); My Sheep Hear My Voice (03/08/2013); Wanting To Have Our Way (03/09/2013); Escape from Racism (10/24/2012); Christians Who Ignore GOD’s Laws (10/25/2012); The Spirit by Measure (09/22/2012); A Man in Heaven? (09/23/2012)
“Peter”, here are a few points that mature Christian believers are careful to consider when challenged by the various issues from judgment of clergy that may arise within the body of Christ:
(1.) In the same way believers are not to “jump to conclusions”, none are to “jump to condemnation.” A pastor’s behavior and duty as leader within the body of believers must respond to many layers that are in place to maintain continuity, divine order, predictability, and stability. Included are the holy Scriptures; conviction through the Holy Spirit that appears as ones personal commitment; and affiliation and response to other institutions (e.g., other congregations of similar believers (we say, same denomination); oversight agencies of the denomination; parochial schools and seminaries). The pastorate must be understood as alive, dynamic, and organic responding even to familiar, old and recurring challenges and circumstances with newness, and vision that may at first appear as contradiction, heresy, hypocrisy, partiality, and rejection of fundamental truth.
(2.) Instead of walking away, seeking a new home church, the faithful and steadfast behavior of a congregation is its major tool for correcting pastoral errors. The church is a gathering of believers at various levels of spiritual growth, knowledge, maturity, power, skill, and understanding. All must submit to operations of the imparted, indwelling Spirit. Conformity to Jesus Christ (we say, perfection) only comes through change and growth that can be instantaneous and miraculous, however, also entails movement that is gradual, and subtle (i.e., barely detectable). Rather than condemn, the duty of believers include encouraging change, practicing forbearance, forgiving, and patiently waiting for the outworking of divinity.
(3.) The many reasons why a person (e.g., females, gays, lesbians, ethnic minorities, transgender persons) might be denied baptism, ordination, and other privileges of the church pertain to their content of spirit substance from GOD. Indicators of readiness for baptism should appear that include enthusiasm; humility; willingness to have ones character, personality, relationships and reputation permanently changed by GOD; and willingness to perform necessary efforts to acquire new knowledge through fellowship with believers, meditation, prayer, unselfish service, and study of the holy writings.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually understood. (For example, (4.) Error and sin appear in ones life like the back of their head—always present, a part of their person, often visible to others, yet, unseen to oneself. No one fully escapes the bondage and consequences from error and sin without the operations of divine love shown through others like themselves. We are our brothers keeper; and members of the clergy are no less our brothers.) I trust this fragment will be useful. Even so, be it unto you according to your faith. Jesus is coming soon. Grow in grace.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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