Dave Bernard addresses beards

[Truthseeker]

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

You know folks Biblical illiteracy is amazing Paul spoke of MY children, MY sons and he was an Apostle of the early church.

he was a pastor of the church! Speaking of bible illiteracy, the bible says the apostles ordain elders in every church. You know the same ones that were to be called for prayer if one was sick.

[Coffee99]

Originally Posted by Truthseeker

The mentaolity: "My church" "my saints" "it's his church" has cause many problems.


"the pastor of the church" would be foreign to the early church.

Actually, that isn't quite correct. Did they call them pastor? No. They called the Presbyters and they presided over the local domain or congregation.

I don't believe that Rev. Epley is correct in his approach to beards. However, he was elected as the Pastor of that particular assembly and it appears the "members" approve. If it is a problem for someone, it is probably only one of many and they wouldn't be happy there anyway. So it is best for them to go elsewhere. I certainly would. And both Rev. Epley and I would be happier for it!

[Truthseeker]

Originally Posted by Coffee99

Actually, that isn't quite correct. Did they call them pastor? No. They called the Presbyters and they presided over the local domain or congregation.

I don't believe that Rev. Epley is correct in his approach to beards. However, he was elected as the Pastor of that particular assembly and it appears the "members" approve. If it is a problem for someone, it is probably only one of many and they wouldn't be happy there anyway. So it is best for them to go elsewhere. I certainly would. And both Rev. Epley and I would be happier for it!

No where on the bible will one read a Pastor/presbyter ruled of an assmebly.

BTW You also never read of a minister be ELECTED to the office. What happen to be called by the Spirit??

[Steve Epley]

Originally Posted by Truthseeker

No where on the bible will one read a Pastor/presbyter ruled of an assmebly.

BTW You also never read of a minister be ELECTED to the office. What happen to be called by the Spirit??

The messages were sent to THE angel of the church not a college of angels. However we agee on the 2nd point.

[Sam]

Originally Posted by Truthseeker

No where on the bible will one read a Pastor/presbyter ruled of an assmebly.

BTW You also never read of a minister be ELECTED to the office. What happen to be called by the Spirit??

1 Tim 5:17 says, "Let the elders (Greek presbyteros) that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the Word and doctrine"

Hebrews 13:7 says, "Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the Word of God to you..."

Peter called himself an elder and he wrote to elders to shepherd/pastor the flock of God and to serve as an overseer (NKJV) or take oversight (KJV). This sounds like a certain amount of authority to me. He also told them not to be
"lords over God's heritage" but to be an example. Then he told them to put on the towel of humilty (probably remembering Jesus in the upper room girding Himself and washing their feet), and exhorted young and old to serve one another and to submit to one another (1 Peter 5:1-6)

As far as "voting" someone into office,
The Apostles chose/elected/nominated two men and left it up to God to reveal His choice for an Apostle in Acts 1:23-26.
Looks like they chose/elected 6 men for servants/deacons in Acts chapter 6.