The Myth of Church Leadership (2)

I must confess that for many years I myself propagated the myth of church leadership! Actually, there are many myths (in bold type below) which are associated with “church leadership”.

I highly regarded the separate class of the “clergy” which was appointed and “ordained” to lead the “laity”.  I attended and graduated from Bible school where I was trained in “homiletics” (which I was falsely informed was “the art of sermon preparation and delivery”). I served as a “pastoral intern” in preparation for “entering the ministry”. I was “ordained” a “clergyman” and given the highly respected title of “Reverend”. Not long after that I was “installed” as “the pastor” of a mission church in the West Indies. Here I was elevated to an elite place of ministry (“the pulpit”) above other believers and appointed to teach in a Bible school which was established to train other “church leaders” for “the ministry”!

But even then (the late 1970’s) the Lord was beginning to shake my concepts of “church leadership”:

- I began to be troubled every time I stood in the pulpit to lead (i.e. monopolize a “service”). I became deeply burdened realizing that the very fact that I was the appointed speaker meant that every other believer was virtually muzzled! They could not function (in stirring one another up to love and good works and exhorting one another) as God intends when His people assemble together! (Hebrews 10:24,25)

-I eventually realized that instead of a church hiring one “pastor” from outside the congregation to commence his ministry among them, God had designed an assembly of His people to be cared for by a plurality of elders/overseers/shepherds who were raised up within that gathering,  well known by them and recognized by the saints by the work that those men were already doing! (Acts 14:23, 20:28, I Timothy 3 and Titus1)

But for many years I still firmly believed that such elders/overseers/shepherds (of which I was regarded as one) were to be the leaders of the church, were to be appointed to be the primary speakers as well as to appoint or invite others to lead the saints by giving pulpit ministry.

I also believed that there were certain “church leaders”, “full-time Christian workers” or  “translocal servants”  such as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors or teachers who were to be paid or “supported financially”. But scripture never teaches any these things!

But I am just now beginning to realize that the practice of all of the above ideas (in bold type) denies many truths stated plainly in scripture. They deny…

- the priesthood of every believer (I Peter 2:5-10),

- the giftedness of every believer for ministry (I Peter 4:10,11; Romans 12:3-13; I Cor.12:7-27),

- the leadership of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit in the life of every believer (Ps.23,2,3; 25:5; 27:11; 139:24; Isaiah 40:11; 48:17; 55:4; John 10:3; Romans 2:4; 8:14; Rev.7:17)

- the promise of divine provision for the needs of every believer who purposes not to hoard, save or stockpile for their own future but who rather gives generously to meet the needs of others as he/she is able. This provision is promised regardless of one’s gifting or function in the Body! (Phil.4:19 with 4:13-16; Acts 2:45; 4:35; and II Cor.8:11-15)

But perhaps even more, these myths about “church leadership” deny the facts that every believer from the youngest to the oldest, whether male or female, bond or free, Jew or Gentile, literate or illiterate…

-has all of the Father, all of the Son and all of the Holy Spirit dwelling in them (John 14:16-23)  Therefore the impression, often given, that “church leaders” are nearer to God than the rest of us is simply not true!

-hears the voice of God  (John 5:24; 8:47 & 18:37) has the anointing of God and is taught of God. (John 6:45; I Thess.4:9; I John 2:27)   Therefore the impression, often given, that “church leaders” hear from God for the rest of us is simply not true!

But most important of all, these many myths about church leadership entrusted into the hands of mortal men or women deny many vital truths concerning the relationship of every believer with their crucified, risen and ascended Lord Jesus Christ! These myths are practical denials of the following facts…

-Every believer has one mediator between God and themselves and one mediator of the New Covenant- the man Christ Jesus!  (I Tim.2:5; Hebrews 8:6; 9:15; 12:24) Therefore the impressions , often given, that we cannot meet with God, hear from God or speak with God apart from certain church leaders are simply not true!

-Every believer has just one Master and ought not to regard any other or submit to any other as “Master”, “Rabbi”, or “Father” nor to anyone who wishes to hold a place of preeminence or control over them. Those who are truly great among God’s people are happy simply to be “brothers” and “servants”!  In Matthew 23:2-12 the Lord Jesus warns us of those who desire titles, control, preeminence and power over others.

“The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: all therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.  For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, and love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.”

-Every believer has just one Lord and ought not to give allegiance to any other. To do so is to deny the Lord Jesus and to bring division into His Body. 

Hear Paul’s reproof in I Cor.1:11-13 and his plea in Ephesians 4:1-6:

“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?”

 “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”

-The Body of Christ has only one head! Therefore no one else has any right or authority to direct, to rule, to take charge over the lives or ministries of other saints or to hold others accountable to one’s self!  In Colossians 1:18 Paul declares the headship of Christ

“And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.”

In Romans 14:12 he reminds us that our accountability is to God and not to men!

“So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.”

In the next couple of posts, I hope to set forth the dangers and detrimental effects which follow when ever mortal men lead God’s people, the great blessings which accrue when God leads and how we can adjust our own minds and hearts to become followers of the Lord Jesus rather than aspiring to be leaders of others.

The Myth of Church Leadership

Contrary to popular opinion, biblical churches have no earthly leaders!

Neither the Lord Jesus nor any of the apostles taught that anyone could become a “church leader”! Rather the Lord Jesus is our leader, our Lord, our Master and our Head. That being said, the position of “church leader” has already been filled and God is not taking any more applications for the job!

The Lord Jesus never concerned Himself with the matter of “leadership development”, assigning leaders to “take charge”, “fill positions” or “hold offices” and neither should we. But His priority of calling, training and sending followers (those who would follow Him) should still be our priority!

One whose goal is to be a leader is always concerned that he himself/she herself has a following. But one whose goal is to be a follower of Christ is only concerned that the Lamb has a following!

Those who seek to be leaders make sure that they give directions, instructions and assignments to others to insure that they maintain control over those who look to their leadership. But loyal followers of Christ listen to their Lord, obey what he says and simply teach others to do the same!

A body only has one head and it is the leader, the director, the guide of all the members. Neither the foot, the hand nor the mouth are equipped to lead. They are all equipped and designed to follow the head. So too, the Body of Christ has one head and, as each member follows him, the body functions as it was intended.  But if the mouth, the right hand and the left foot each assumed “leadership” over different portions of the Body there would be utter confusion and the Body could not function as it was intended!

Is it any wonder that there is so much confusion, division and lack of co-ordination in the Body of Christ today?  Multitudes of “church leaders” have usurped the place of the Head. Their followers are trained to listen to and obey their voice but are never trained to listen to and obey the voice of the One who purchased the church with His own blood!

Some objections which will be raised against what I am writing here include the following:

(1) Are not apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers given to the church to be leaders among God’s people?

No. Such gifts, just like any of the other gifts, are given so the body will be edified. But each gift and each member is to follow the Lord, their head. No apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor or teacher was ever instructed to lead, direct or be a head for any other members of the body.

(2) Are not elders (overseers) and deacons (ministers/servants) to be the leaders of the churches?

Elders and deacons have their God-given responsibilities and assignments to fulfil (just as every other member of the body does). But neither has been assigned the task of leadership! Traditionally, we have been taught that elders are leaders but the scriptures do not support this idea at all. Paul realized that elders would soon begin to think they were to be leaders rather than simply followers of the Lord Jesus. That is why he warned the elders at Ephesus with these words: “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.”  Acts 20:28-30

Being a follower is a humble task and a lowly assignment which does not naturally suit any one of us. We naturally want to “rise” to be recognized and acknowledged. Our flesh is not satisfied to simply be one follower among many. Knowing the tendency of the human heart, Paul warned the Ephesian elders to beware. Men not satisfied with following would soon aspire to be “leaders” and “would draw away disciples after them.”

From whom would those disciples be drawn away?  From their true shepherd, the Lord Jesus who purchased them with His own blood! (Acts 20:28)  Just as no man can serve two masters, no disciple can follow two leaders!

In the next few days I hope to develop this truth that every believer is to be a follower of Christ and not a leader. But in the mean time, feel free to write your own comments, questions, challenges. I trust that a healthy and edifying discussion of this vital topic may develop.

A brother in Christ,

Bruce

Apostolic Traditions: Giving vs. Saving

In the previous post I mentioned the consistent teaching of scripture that giving amongst God’s people should flow from those who have abundance to those who are in need so that there may be equality. (II Cor.8:9-15) But in our Western society there is a longstanding tradition and belief that we must look out for ourselves or no one else will! This expresses itself in many ways but one of the most prevalent is the idea that it is wise and prudent to save and invest one’s finances so as to be able to have resources on hand to meet unexpected losses, reverses, or to provide for unknown future needs.

However, the words of the Lord Jesus and the apostles clearly reprove the error of such beliefs! Scripture does not speak of “saving” per ce but it does speak of the equivalent -“laying up for one’s self treasure on earth”! Such behaviour is forbidden by the Lord Jesus. Instead we are commanded to lay up treasures in heaven.

Matthew 6:19)  Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20)  But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

The apostle Paul explains how we are to do this, i.e. how we are to avoid laying up treasure on earth but rather to invest according to the Lord's desires and instructions:

2 Corinthians 8:9)  For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. 10)  And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago. 11)  Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have. 12)  For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. 13)  For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: 14)  But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality: 15)  As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.

A study of the scriptural subject of laying up is a most interesting one! Laying up is a wise and obedient practice when it is commanded by God:

-Noah was instructed to prepare to build the ark,

-Moses and the Israelites were instructed to collect and gather materials for the building of the Tabernacle.

-Solomon was instructed to collect and gather materials for building the temple.

-Christians are instructed to lay by themselves in store as God has prospered them so they will have resources (not for their own needs, but rather) to be used to meet the needs of poor saints (I Cor.16:1-3)

-Parents are instructed to lay up for the needs of their children. (II Cor.12:14) and

-Families and churches are instructed to meet the needs of widows of their own house. (I Timothy 5)

Laying up for some future project is right and proper when:

(1) It is commanded by God,

(2) the amount of the need is known  (i.e. Moses commanded the children of Israel to stop bringing when the needs for the Tabernacle had been met.) 

(3) the needs which are being met are current, known needs for the daily care of one's children or widows of one's family, and

(4) the laying up is for the purpose of meeting needs of others (not one's own needs).

But saving or laying up so as to have a "nest egg", to be able to meet unexpected emergencies, provide for times of possible unemployment, to have "life savings" for one's "Old age" all violate the above scriptural principles!  Such laying up is not commanded by God but actually disobeys Him,  one never knows how much will be enough so resources that could be used immediately to aid others in need is disobediently "stashed away" and one begins to rest on their own schemes for the future rather than resting in and depending upon the Lord to meet future and unexpected needs in His own way!

By listening to the world and it's financial counsellors, multitudes of God's people have been deceived and vast resources which God intends for meeting the needs of His poor saints and for the spread of the Gospel are withheld! We must remember that we are simply stewards of His resources and not owners of our own!

May God help us to realize that we must give account to Him for our stewardship of all that He has entrusted to us. May we do it with joy and not with grief!

Apostolic Traditions Regarding Giving (Part Two)

In our physical bodies service and supply always flow from members which have to those members which lack or need that service or supply.

The lungs always have an abundance of oxygen and the cardiovascular system is continually moving that oxygen from the place of abundance to the places of need (every cell in the body).

The stomach and intestines are regularly supplied with food/nourishment/fuel. The cardiovascular system continually moves that nourishment from the place of abundance to places of need (every cell) throughout the body.

When one member suffers (an itch, a wound, a break) other members which are equipped to render service or supply to the suffering members do so.  A fingernail scratches a mosquito bite to relieve the itch. When an ankle is sprained - the hands bind it up and the other leg and the arms share the weight of the body to allow that ankle to rest and heal. If an arm or leg is broken, it is immobilized and other members of the body bear its responsibilities while it heals.

So also in scripture we see that service and supply in the Body of Christ is to flow from abundance to need:

     -from the fed to the hungry,

         -from the watered to the thirsty,

              -from the hospitable to the stranger,

                  -from the clothed to the naked,

                      -from the healthy to the sick,

                          -from the free to the prisoner,

                               -from the strong to the weak,

                                    -from the comforted to the troubled.

Below are a number of scriptures which outline instructions and commands which have been passed down to us by the apostles to guide us in the matter of giving. As you read them, ask: “Is this apostolic perspective on giving the same as or radically different from what we have been traditionally taught regarding giving, to whom we are to give and whom we are to support?”

Acts 20:33)  I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. 34)  Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. 35)  I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Romans 12:13)  Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

Romans 15:1)  We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

2 Corinthians 8:9)  For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. 10)  And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago. 11)  Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have. 12)  For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. 13)  For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: 14)  But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality: 15)  As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.

Ephesians 4:28)  Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. 29)  Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use (need) of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

1 Thessalonians 5:14)  Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

1 John 3:17)  But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

How do these apostolic commands differ from what you have traditionally been taught about giving? To what kind(s) of people did the apostles say we should give?  To what kinds of people have we been traditionally taught to give?

Apostolic Traditions Regarding Giving: (Part One)

I am discovering that traditions of men are almost always contrary to apostolic traditions! Traditionally we have been taught that, in Christian ministry, giving should always flow from a large group of people to a small group of people and that the needs of the small group are to be met differently than are the needs of the large group. In this post, I simply ask you to consider some questions I’ve been asking myself as I’ve been seeking answers in the scriptures.  I hope this will spark your interest in searching the scriptures for your own answers and then hopefully we can discuss what we have discovered in future posts!

How are the needs of elders/overseers/pastors to be met? (Acts 20:28-35)

Do apostles, prophets, evangelists or teachers have a right for their needs to be met in a different manner than those of local elders/overseers/pastors?  Yes/No

If so, what scriptures set forth such a right?

If not, what scriptures teach the wisdom of the needs of both being met in the same ways? (Acts 20:33-35; II Thess.3:6-15)

Which apostles demanded or used such rights?  (Acts 6:2,4;  I Cor.9:4-6,12)

Which apostles did not demand or use such rights?  (Acts 20:33-35; I Cor.4:9-17;  I Cor.9:6,12,15,18;  II Cor.11:7-9; II Cor.12:12-19; I Thess.2:1-9; 4:9-12; II Thess.3:6-15)

Are there any good reasons to surrender such rights and not demand them?  (I Cor.9:12,15-18)

Did any apostle, whose needs were met differently than those of elders, teach others to follow his own example? Yes/No

Are apostles. prophets, evangelists, pastors or teachers to be hired, paid and even fired by other believers? Yes/No

If so, what scriptures would teach these things?

If not, who calls, appoints, sends and rewards apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers? (Matthew 10:16; 23;34; John 20:21; Acts 20:28-35; I Peter 5:1-4)

Who gave such men to the Body?  (Ephesians 4:10,11) Who is then responsible to see that they receive their hire or reward for their labour?  (Matthew 16:27; 20:1-16; I Cor.3:18; I Tim.5:18; Rev.22:12)

Are the financial and material needs of widows, orphans, the weak, the hungry, the thirsty, the naked, the imprisoned and the poor to be supplied by believers?  Yes/No

If not, what scriptures teach this?

If so, what scriptures teach this? How and by whom are such to be supported? (Matt.25:34-46; Acts 6:1-6; 11:27-30; 20:35; Rom.15:25,26; I Cor.16:1,2;  II Cor.8:13-15; 9:12; Gal.2:9,10;  Eph.4:28; I Tim.5:3-15)

 For what reason should some such not be given anything? (II Thess.3:10-15; I Tim.5:9-14)

What does scripture teach us…

- about “saving” for the future? (Matt.6:19,20;  10:7-12; Luke 10:1-8; I Cor.16:1-3; II Cor.3:13-15)

- about saving for known needs (i.e. storing crops for use in the winter when they won’t grow, for meeting the current known needs of one’s own children, elderly or widowed parents.)  (Prov.6:6-11; II Cor.12:14; I Tim.5:3-16)

-about saving for unknown needs (“for a rainy day”, for possible “emergencies” or catastrophes, for security in old age, for children’s education etc.)

“Saving” is not mentioned in scripture. But the Lord Jesus and the apostles did instruct us regarding “laying up”. Is “laying up” an equivalent to “saving”?  How is “laying up” the same as or different from “saving”?

Is fundraising (the act or occupation of asking, pleading, appealing or making known needs for funds) for ministry scripturally justified? Yes/No    If so, what scriptures teach us …

- how to do it? Acts 11:27-30; Phil.4:6

- to whom such appeals should be made? Matt.7:2,7,8,11,12;  Acts 11:27-30; Phil.4:6

- by whom such appeals should be made? Acts 11:27-3                                                                                                                         - the reasons for generous response to such appeals? Luke 6:28-38; II Cor.9:6;  Gal.6:7-10.

The reason why the promise of Phil.4:19 was made to  saints at Philippi and not to others is found in Phil.4:14-16! This is entirely in keeping with the teachings of Luke 6:28-38, II Cor.9:6 and Gal.6:7-10!

 - the reasons for which some such appeals should be rejected? Prov.1:22-33; II Thess.3:10

What scriptural commands teach how the needs of the following are to be met:

  -apostles?  -prophets?  -evangelists?  -pastors/elders/overseers?  -teachers?  -the poor?  -the weak?

  -widows?  -orphans?  -saints/believers?  All of the above are instructed by Matt.6:3,4 & 19,20;  Matt.7:2,7,8,11,12;  Luke 6:30,31,38; Acts 20:33-35;

What scriptural examples show (right or wrong) how the needs of the following have been met?

  -apostles?  -prophets?  -evangelists?  -pastors/elders/overseers?  -teachers?  -the poor?  -the weak?

  -widows?  -orphans?  -saints/believers?

Does any historical event or practice recorded in scripture establish an apostolic tradition which is incumbent on believers today, or must such responsibilities be established by an apostolic command?

What kinds of people are scripturally entitled to receive financial assistance? Poor saints Romans 15:25-27; those who preach the Gospel I Cor.9:9-14; those who teach Galatians 6:6;  faithful widows I Tim.5:3-14; elders who labour in the word and doctrine  I Tim.5:17,18

What apostolic traditions (commands of the Lord through the apostles) give us guidance in these matters? (the texts immediately above)

Who serves the Lord? Who are “the servants of the Lord”? (Col.1:1,2 with 3:24;  Romans 12:1,11)

Who is to “live of the Gospel”?  Who are those who “preach the Gospel”? (Evangelists?, Sunday school teachers?, parents who teach their children their need of a Saviour? Christians who are faithful witnesses to co-workers etc?)

What does “living of the Gospel” mean?  Does it mean -charging for preaching? - receiving a salary or wage for preaching?  - being hired to preach? - looking for one’s reward from the hand of the One who appointed the preacher? - something else?   If so, what does it mean?

What does the negative command “muzzle not the ox that treadeth out the corn” mean for us? 

-Does it mean positive commands such as: “Pay the apostle.” -“Pay those who preach the Gospel.” or “Pay the elders who labour in the word and doctrine” ?  If so, how are they to be paid, how much and by whom? 

Or does a negative command teach us there is something we are NOT to do?  If so, what are we NOT to do regarding apostles, those who preach the Gospel, or elders who labour in the Word and doctrine?  What does this mean in practical ways….how will this affect our care for such? 

   -When one literally muzzles an ox, what does he do and why does he do it?

   -When a believer or an ekklesia “muzzles” an apostle, a Gospel preacher, a teacher or an elder who labours in the word and doctrine? What do they do? Why do they do it?

Specifically, what are we NOT to do in this matter regarding apostles, Gospel preachers, teachers or elders?

Have you been surprised by any of the answers you have discovered in the scriptures? Feel free to share and comment on whatever you have learned in this regard in the "comments" section below or in an email to me at bwood4d@gmail.com

Greater Works?

My good friend, Lem, has made some great comments and asked some good questions lately. The following comment of his was noted in my last post but because the post was already too long I wanted to address this separately.

Lem wrote: “When I look at the verse in John 14:12, I’m led to interpret Mark 16:16-18 in the same light. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.”   To me, greater works means more signs and miracles than what Jesus did.”

Lem, are you sure that when the Lord Jesus spoke these words that He meant that believers would do more signs and wonders than what He did?

Consider that he made the lame to walk, gave sight to the blind, healed lepers, straightened crooked backs, restored withered hands, gave hearing and speech to the deaf and the dumb, mended an ear which had been sliced off with a sword, cast out evils spirits, raised people up from the dead, and even performed such miracles when the sick people were not even in his presence or even in the same town!  He walked on water,  stilled storms and the waves of the sea, withered up a fig tree simply by his word, turned water into wine. But not only did the Lord Jesus not “advertise” his own miracles, he often told others not to tell about them! And yet His fame was spread far and wide by those who observed and knew what He had done!

In addition, John 20:30 tells us that He did many other signs in the presence of his disciples which are not written in the scriptures!  So it is clear that none of the apostles, no one among the first century Christians and no one in our own day has ever come close to the miracles and signs which the Lord Jesus did! So if the Lord Jesus was promising that those who believed on Him would do more signs and wonders than He did,  that promise has certainly not been kept!!!

So it is clear that the Lord Jesus was not talking about miracles, signs or wonders for which He became famous and which proved that He truly was the Son of God. That was the very reason why John’s Gospel was written… “But these (signs) are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God and that believing ye might have life through His name.” (John 20:31)

Think about this…. Since the signs/miracles/wonders which Jesus did were the proof that He truly was the Son of God and that people could have life by believing in Him….what would be proved if someone came on the scene doing more signs, miracles or wonders than Jesus did???  Would it not prove that they also would be the Christ and that life could be had by believing in them???

Can you see where this interpretation would inevitably lead us if it were true? It obviously is not!

But if you have a Strong’s Concordance or any Online Bible program you will notice that the word which the Lord Jesus used in this statement for “works” was NOT any of the words he used for “signs”, “miracles”, “wonders” etc!  It was a very common word “ERGON” which is translated as “work”, “deeds” or “labor”.  It’s the Greek word from which our word “ergonomics” is derived. 

We are certainly not called to do greater signs, miracles and wonders than the Lord Jesus did, so how could “work” that we do be “greater” than the works He did?  Let me suggest that the greatness is not in visible display of physical power but rather 

(1) in the importance of the effect of the work and

(2) in the permanence of the work.

Of all the miracles and healings which Jesus did during His earthly ministry…how important were they and how long did their effect last?  All whom he healed and even those whom he raised from the dead eventually died!  So the importance of those signs was only temporal.

But the work (ergon) which New Covenant believers (i.e. since Calvary) are called to do is far greater in its importance and in its permanence than the signs and wonders which the Lord Jesus did!  The work to which we are called transforms lives (vs. simply healing bodies) and these changes are permanent and not just temporary!

Notice how the apostle Paul describes this work (ergon) in his first epistle to the Corinthians:

1 Corinthians 9:1)  Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?  In chapter 5, Paul had described the nature of his work in the Corinthian believers:

1 Corinthians 6:9)  Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10)  Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11)  And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. He also emphasizes that other believers are also involved in the same work (i.e. seeing lives transformed for eternity!

1 Corinthians 16:10)  Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.

2 Timothy 4:5)  But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work (ergon) of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

So, in summary, the “greater works” of which the Lord Jesus spoke in John 14:12 could not be more signs and wonders or greater signs and wonders than the Lord Jesus did for those were the evidence that He gave that he truly was the Son of God.

He did not say that believers would do “greater signs, wonders or miracles” than He did but rather “greater works” (ergon).

These works (transformed lives) are greater in effect and in permanence than any temporal signs or wonders.

Thus churches which desire to be biblical in their practices will be glad whenever God gives gifts and bestows signs and wonders according to His own will, but they will emphasize and be eager to be involved in the work (ergon) of the Lord which radically transforms lives for eternity!

Should Biblical Churches Be Marked By Signs & Wonders? (Part Two)

In response to my post a few days ago, “Should  Biblical Churches Be Marked By Signs & Wonders?”, my good friend Lem has commented again as follows (my responses are in blue.)

Since you use the absence of the word “ALL” to interpret “them” in the verses of Mark 16:16-18, shall we do the same thing for hundreds of other bible verses that do not contain the word “ALL” in it?  If we first just look at the three verses mentioned in Mark.

Mark 16:15And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 17And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

If I were to apply the same method of interpretation to verse 15, I might be tempted to think that not ALL people should go into the world and preach the gospel, for the verse did not say: “And he said unto ALL of them”  OR “And he said unto them ALL” OR“ Go ye ALL into the world” OR “Go ALL of ye into the world”

If I were to apply it to verses 16 and 17, I would be tempted to interpret that Jesus did not use the word “Whosover” and used the word “He” (in verse 15) instead, AND therefore since “He” is more singular than “them” (plural in verse 17),  I would conclude that not ALL that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, and not ALL that believeth NOT shall be damned. 

Why should the absence of ALL in verse 17 cause us to reduce the meaning of the word “them” to “not ALL”.  If we were to use the same rule of thumb to interpret all the other verses in the bible with the word “them”, I think we’d have some serious troubles.

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: (John 1:12)

Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent (John 6:29)

While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them. (John 12:36)

Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; (John 17:20)

Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. (1 (Corinthians 14:22)

In all the verses above, I have always interpreted (and I’m pretty sure anyone you ask would do so to) the word “them” to mean “all inclusive”.

When I look at the verse in John 14:12, I’m led to interpret Mark 16:16-18 in the same light. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.”            To me, greater works means more signs and miracles than what Jesus did.   (Are you sure this is what Jesus had in mind when He spoke these words, Lem?  To do this one justice, I’ll address this in another post.)In this verse, it clearly says “He that believeth”.  It is no different in meaning when this phrase is used in other verses such as:

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.  (Mark 16:16)

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. (John 3:36)

Ok…so you’re probably wondering about what I think about God’s designation of functions and spiritual gifts in the church as outlined in 1 Corinthians 12. Yes, I agree that these verses would put those verses in Mark and John in perspective.

Hi Lem,  It is primarily because of I Cor.12 which teaches us clearly that not all believers have the gifts of tongues or healing etc that I believe we are to understand Mark 16 as I suggested earlier. But that is not the only reason. Other reasons for this are as follows:

(1) God cannot lie. (Titus 1:2)  Mark 16:17&18 is clearly a promise of God and, as I mentioned in my last post, God has kept every aspect of that promise.  However if we understand it to mean that He promised that all of those signs would follow every believer, then God is clearly a liar since all of those signs have clearly not followed every believer!  But since we know that God cannot lie, we know that to understand the text in that way is wrong!

(2)Mark 16:17,18 is not a conditional promise, i.e. it is not conditioned on any obedience or performance of believers.  If, for example, Jesus had said, “These signs shall follow them that believe who pray fervently enough and fast regularly enough”,  then we could conclude that if those signs don’t follow me then I’m just not praying fervently enough or fasting regularly enough!  But the fulfillment of that promise has absolutely nothing to do with us or our performance! It is entirely God’s responsibility!

Lem continued: However, if I was to take each one of these spiritual gifts, I’d have to honestly face the fact that most of what I’ve seen is not from God.

I know I’m getting off the topic, and it may appear like I’m judging. No, I believe, I’m discerning instead. Judging implies condemnation of others. Discernment implies knowing truth from falsehoods.

It’s relatively easy for man to imitate the gifts of teaching, helping people, managing and speaking in tongues, and these you see plenty of. In addition, even many of these are not from God (i.e. false teachers).

But miracles, gifts of healing and prophesying are not easy to imitate. Yes, the devil can do these things. But so can God. What am I saying? I just want to see more of God’s works (the glory of God) and not man’s works. That is all.

The third reason that I believe we must understand Mark 16:17,18 as I mentioned is…

(3) The dispersal of spiritual gifts (including the miraculous sign gifts) is according to the will of God (I Cor.12:11). If you or I were in charge of distributing spiritual gifts, we would likely do it quite differently, but God has not given either of us that responsibility. So rather than expressing our disappointment that God doesn’t do things the way we would like, our responsibility is to exercise faithfully the gift(s) which He has given to us.   Our eyes could be quite critical of the ears because “they just don’t see it!”  But God never intended that ears should see anything!  The ears could be critical of the eyes because “they just won’t listen!” But God never intended that eyes should hear anything!

But as the ears listen and communicate to the head all that they hear and as the eyes watch and report to the head all that they see, and as the nerves sense and report to the head all that they feel, and as all the muscles receive and obey the directions which the head sends to them….the body functions quite well!  So too, in the Body of Christ, we will only function in a healthy manner and edify the body if we fulfill the functions for which we have been uniquely fitted by God and obey the directions which the Head (the Lord Jesus) speaks to each one of us.

It is this that the apostles emphasized and that which I am seeking to emphasize on this blog….that the churches of which we form a part will only function in a biblical manner as we hear, acknowledge and obey apostolic traditions which have been passed down to us from the Head!

As always, your comments and responses are always encouraged and welcomed!