Today, reply is made on differences among roles as clergy within the body of Christ, his church upon the earth. While it is the duty of all Christian believers to display the active presence of GOD as vessels of the imparted, indwelling Spirit, there are specific duties and tasks within assemblies and congregations that set some members apart through accountability, anointing, authority, division of labor, hierarchy, and witness. Included are apostles, bishops, deacons, pastors (to oversee the gathering and waiting of flocks), and priests. A writer at “Yahoo! 7 Answers (Australia)” using the ID “Parka” (Level 2 with 611 points, a member since November 12, 2016) posted the following:
What is the difference between a priest, preacher, and a minister?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. (Romans 12: 4-8, King James Version, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A Servant and More (08/17/2016); Holy Garments? (09/24/2015); Those Having the True Secrets? (04/14/2015); How Many Apostles? (04/30/2014); The Ruler Of the Earth? (05/01/2014); On Judging Preachers as “Fake” (12/23/2013); Jesus Arose Bodily (12/24/2013)
“Parka”, many mature Christians believers acknowledge Jesus Christ as a divine High Priest as well as a sacrificial lamb offered to the Most High. Among Christians there are several offices representing divinity that display authority as ordained and set apart (consecrated) to be sacred servants (we say, clergy). Many confuse the terms “priest”, “preacher”, and “minister” because they think they all are to carry out the same tasks and provide the same benefit within a congregation. Correctly understood, only priests are those sanctified to make offerings and sacrifices of blood and life upon the holy table (i.e., the altar) that may be thought of as the “point of contact” between heaven and earth. Otherwise “common” things that are offered to GOD must be cleansed, sanctified by prayer, and transferred to heaven by being burned upon the altar in holy fire. The fire (that also represents judgment) destroys separation, sin and uncleanness while releasing the spirit content of the gifts that may include awe (i.e., fear of the Lord), gratitude, joy, praise, respect, reverence, and wonder. Preachers are those whose duty is to make proclamations from the sovereign ruler of the divine kingdom. Thus, they operate as those who prophesy (i.e., comfort, edify, exhort), as teachers of the holy writings, and as spokespersons sent from GOD. Ministers are those who maintain the house of GOD by providing “behind the scenes support” and assistance to those in consecrated office. Ministers, therefore, are important through their work to foster the administration, distribution and management of spirit substance and sacred gifts. Included among ministers are deacons, prayer and study leaders as well as those who prophesy through music (choir, orchestra, etc.). Consider the following points from the Bible:
(1.) Ephesians 4: 10-12, King James Version (KJV): 10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
(2.) Luke 9: 46-48, KJV: 46 Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest. 47 And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him, 48 And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.
(3.) 1st Corinthians 12: 1-6, KJV: 1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. 2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. 3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. 4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Romans 8: 5-9, KJV: 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Washington, DC
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