By What Authority Do I Teach?
(This is an updated version of the original post now in the archives.)
As far as “theological background”, if you are wondering by what authority I teach, it is by the authority of Jesus Christ, just like every other Christian has the same exact authority, right and responsibility to do. I believe in the ministry and ordination that every Christian already has from God. This is what the Bible teaches and so I do not pursue degrees, letters of recommendation, man made ordination papers or other meaningless accolades of men.
God's wisdom from the Bible always wins hands down compared to the worldly thinking of the average theological "doctor" or PhD. Of course there are some very good Christians who have legitimate PhDs and use them quite appropriately, but these people are usually few and far between. Most wear these titles as badges of false authority contrary to Matt 23: 8-12 and do much harm with them. Naive Christians are often very taken in by such things and often blindly follow these people because of their “impressive” degrees.
If you think my tone is too strong at times, please understand that in the Bible we see Jesus calling the Pharisees a brood of vipers and white washed tombs full of dead men’s bones. Many “Pastors” and “Elders” today can easily be likened to modern day Pharisees who, just like the Pharisees of old, have made the Word of God of none effect by throwing out what the Bible teaches in favor of the traditions of men. My words towards these men are nowhere near as strong as those of Jesus. Additionally, we see the Apostle Paul and other disciples using very strong words (much more intense than mine) towards those who were doing damage to the Gospel or to the Body of Christ. These men are our examples as well.
If you think I am overbearing or narrow minded in my views, please remember that the Bible tells us to trust and obey the Scriptures and stand our ground. We are commanded to test all things according to the Word and to reprove, rebuke and exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine (see 2Tim 4:2). In order to do this, we must judge whether things are Biblical or unbiblical. This has absolutely nothing to do with inappropriate judgment (such as judging things according to one’s personal opinions) or hypocritical judgment that the Bible condemns.
For those of you who have written in asking about my qualifications and for others that may be interested, I hope this helps,
ChristiansFree.com
(This is an updated version of the original post now in the archives.)
As far as “theological background”, if you are wondering by what authority I teach, it is by the authority of Jesus Christ, just like every other Christian has the same exact authority, right and responsibility to do. I believe in the ministry and ordination that every Christian already has from God. This is what the Bible teaches and so I do not pursue degrees, letters of recommendation, man made ordination papers or other meaningless accolades of men.
God's wisdom from the Bible always wins hands down compared to the worldly thinking of the average theological "doctor" or PhD. Of course there are some very good Christians who have legitimate PhDs and use them quite appropriately, but these people are usually few and far between. Most wear these titles as badges of false authority contrary to Matt 23: 8-12 and do much harm with them. Naive Christians are often very taken in by such things and often blindly follow these people because of their “impressive” degrees.
If you think my tone is too strong at times, please understand that in the Bible we see Jesus calling the Pharisees a brood of vipers and white washed tombs full of dead men’s bones. Many “Pastors” and “Elders” today can easily be likened to modern day Pharisees who, just like the Pharisees of old, have made the Word of God of none effect by throwing out what the Bible teaches in favor of the traditions of men. My words towards these men are nowhere near as strong as those of Jesus. Additionally, we see the Apostle Paul and other disciples using very strong words (much more intense than mine) towards those who were doing damage to the Gospel or to the Body of Christ. These men are our examples as well.
If you think I am overbearing or narrow minded in my views, please remember that the Bible tells us to trust and obey the Scriptures and stand our ground. We are commanded to test all things according to the Word and to reprove, rebuke and exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine (see 2Tim 4:2). In order to do this, we must judge whether things are Biblical or unbiblical. This has absolutely nothing to do with inappropriate judgment (such as judging things according to one’s personal opinions) or hypocritical judgment that the Bible condemns.
For those of you who have written in asking about my qualifications and for others that may be interested, I hope this helps,
ChristiansFree.com