Everybody must have a pastor?

[KeptByTheWord]

Originally Posted by mfblume

People think of spiritual government is people dominating saints. That is not so. Jesus spoke of his leaders not dominating people.

They ruled spiritually but not as though people served THEM, but these leaders directed people to serve God.

Rom 13:1-7 KJV Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. (2) Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. (3) For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: (4) For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. (5) Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. (6) For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. (7) Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

God has authority we are meant to recognize as authority.

EVEN JESUS recognized spiritual authority and would not respond to the high priest until the high priest, said, "I adjure thee by the living God, tell me..."

Mat 26:62-64 KJV And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee? (63) But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God. (64) Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.

It is quite obvious through the scriptures, as you have shown plainly, that spiritual authority was part of the NT churches. There was a respect for elders, wives were to be subject to their husbands, and the governing ministerial gifts were to be subject one to another, as members all part of one body.

The reason the physical body is used as the example of how the church is to operate is very simple. The body has many different functions, hands, arms, feet, head, legs... and all are necessary to the proper function of the body. We have two feet that have to coordinate in order to walk. Such is the way the church was designed to operate.

There is an understanding that no one is "over" anyone, but yet, we are all subject to each other.. working together to accomplish the overall plan for the kingdom of the Lord.