Destructive Divisions in the Church, Part II

From yesterday, I made the case that God hates the division between the priest and the people. Look at the purpose of God for His people.

Exodus 19:5,6 "If you will obey me and keep my words...you shall be unto me a Kingdom of priests."

I Peter 2: 5 "you also,...are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."

It is God's plan and purpose for ALL of his children to be priests. Now that does not mean "professional priests," but "performing priests." All priests are able to perform acceptable sacrifices through Jesus Christ.

God does not expect more from the pastor than He does from the people in regard to character, holiness, standing, or expectations. Yes, there are qualifications for elders, pastors given in the Word of God because God wants to make sure elders and deacons are qualified to serve and lead His people; but that does not mean they are to be separate from the people.

This division, if permitted to remain, will kill a local church and it will kill the pastor. Churches and pastors with this mindset are clearly outside of the will of God resulting in the members losing their spiritual standing and the pastor killing himself on the altar of busyness and serving outside of his spiritual giftedness.

But oh the church that is Holy Spirit filled, Word of God born and service orientated according to their spiritual gifts; that church has the anointing of God and will shake this world and the underworld.