When I got saved in 1996 I didn’t know enough about the Bible to tell you the difference between the Old Testament and New. I was ignorant of the things of God and the ways of God; so for a time I relied upon the teaching of my new Pastor and little by little I would discover on my own the truths of God as I read and studied His Word. I still make discoveries every time I read it today. For the 16 years I’ve been saved I’ve watched as my Pastor was ridiculed for his stand on the holiness of God and defended him when others mocked him of his strict stance on the holiness of the platform of our church. The Church outside the boundaries of the walls of the actual building have become so much like the world that when the world is brought inside the doors it seems natural. The holiness of God is pushed aside to make way to appease men. Oh, I’m not going to win too many friends here this morning, but it’s on my heart, so I’m going to say it.
As I read Exodus this morning my heart was pierced with this thought beginning in Exodus 24:
1-2 And he said unto Moses, Come up unto the Lord, thou, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel; and worship ye afar off. And Moses alone shall come near the Lord: but they shall not come nigh; neither shall the people go up with him.
God was in church building mode, and from the beginning of it He called them out by name. They were all common people, but their role in the church was anything but common. If they were in His service they talked it and walked it or God smote them dead. I think that means He takes serving on the platform of the church pretty serious. When they began the construction of the tabernacle God was very specific right down to the nuts and bolts of how the church should be built as well as the tapestry and material for the drapes. God’s in the details!
By the same token, ask an unsaved person their opinion of those who serve in the church and they can call out the sinner and the saint in about three seconds. By the way, we’re all sinners, but I’m talking about those who live in habitual un-confessed sin. God set a standard in the Old Testament that hasn’t changed today, there’s a difference, and leadership of the church is going to be held accountable for what’s being allowed to happen in the church of God.
God called Moses and seventy-three others out for a leadership service; He then called Moses forward alone. I’m not a Bible scholar but this is how the Word spoke to me today. Pastor’s are held to the highest of standards, this is why my Pastor holds the platform of the church in such high regard as to be very careful who preaches and sings, because he alone will stand accountable to God for our Church. He wants to know that their testimony stands strong. Are they perfect, of course not, but they should be living in such a way that their reputation is founded in Christ. Church leadership falls right behind the Pastor, and so does their accountability. They will be held to a higher reckoning than those in the congregation for what goes on in the church. So if you’re a Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, Singer or other leader you have to have an understanding of the holiness and separation of God. Not just anyone or anything can be placed before the congregation of the Lord.
The New Testament reads:
2 Corinthians 6:17 ~ And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
There’s a difference or at least there should be. I hope to hear from you today! Blessings in abundance to you and your family.