Ministry vs. Management

Elder Robert C. Gay, Area Seventy for the Southeast Area, of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, spoke to the Augusta, Georgia Stake yesterday and discussed the focus of our newest revision of the LDS Handbook of Instruction to focus on ministering to the one, and not just managing or administering to the ninety and nine.

Alma 22:23-25 Now this was done in the presence of the queen and many of the servants. And when they saw it they greatly marveled, and began to fear. And the king stood forth, and began to minister unto them. And he did minister unto them, insomuch that his whole household were converted unto the Lord. Now there was a multitude gathered together because of the commandment of the queen, and there began to be great murmurings among them because of Aaron and his brethren. But the king stood forth among them and administered unto them. And they were pacified towards Aaron and those who were with him.

Elder Gay cited this great example in the Book of Mormon where Aaron was teaching the King of the Lamanites where the King said "I will give away all my sins to know God." After the King was converted, it says that the King "ministered" to his household and they were all "converted." Not long after a crowd gathered outside alarmed that a Nephite was speaking with their Lamanite King. The King then "administers" and only "pacifies" them.

My wife and I were recently having a discussion about the difference between "ministering" and "administering." Too often it is easy to get into a rut of going to church, teaching our lesson, going to our meetings, and planning our activities and believe that we are living up to the expectations that the Lord has for us. How much "converting" are we involved in vs. how much "pacifying"? My wife is a great example of what it means to "minister." She is always working with different people one-on-one, helping them return to full activity, or to become temple worthy. Unfortunately, this can be very heart-rending work as not everyone responds to her ministering.

Elder Gay told our Stake that the LDS Church was going to change how it measures progress. Instead of focusing on percents, the church was going to highlight numbers of individuals making and keeping covenants. To minister, Elder Gay taught, involves visiting, blessing, and teaching. He also said something that was surprising. He also spoke on Councils and that revelation will be scattered throughout our ward council members as we focus on the specific needs of specific families and individuals. Elder Gay promised us that as we focus on ministering in the church, more fully consecrating our lives to God, and loosing ourselves in the Lord's service; we will be living up the the expectations that that Lord has for us, and we will more fully experience the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. The power of the Atonement of Christ, which Christ told Joseph Smith many churches deny, doesn't just Justify us from sin, but will sanctify us and purge us of any desire to do evil. Instead we will only be filled with love of God and the desire to do good continually.

Elder Gay also relayed a desire of President Monson that LDS members give talks focused on specifically how certain gospel principles have blessed their lives, and not just telling the congregation everything they know on that subject or what LDS leadership have said on that subject. With this in mind, if I were assigning speakers, I might ask those invited to speak to share with me how a certain principle had blessed them and ask that they include those comments in their talk.

3 Paradigms on the Christian Church

When Jesus Christ lived upon the Earth and after his resurrection and prior to His ascension to heaven, the New Testaments says that He organized a religious organization or church with Apostles, Bishops, Elders and Deacons. When it comes to modern Christian religions, there are 3 main paradigms of belief with regard to the physical and spiritual reality of Christ's Church. These 3 paradigms are described by the lines in the picture in the top left of this post.

The branched lines in the middle example represent the paradigm of the Catholic and Protestant religions. After the martyrdom of Christ's Apostles and many of the Early Church Fathers, there were many isolated and independent Christian churches scattered throughout the Roman Empire. Desiring to better unify the Empire Constantine sought to unify Christianity under one belief and doctrine. Therefore, Emperor Constantine called together many Christian theologians in what are known as the Ecumenical Councils of Nicaea, Constantinople, Ephesus, Chalcedon, Lyon and Trent, etc. The decrees of these councils were strictly enforced and dissidents were labeled heretics and punished severely.

However, this strict enforcement of orthodoxy failed to preserve a lasting unity. In 1054 the Patriarch of Constantinople rejected the Bishop of Rome's position of primacy as the supreme head over the church. Consequently, this East-West Schism resulted in the division of the church into the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches. Further division followed the Great Protestant Reformation from great reformers such as John Wycliffe, Martin Luther, and William Tyndale. Tyndale was declared a heretic for his English translation of the Bible and was strangled and then burned at the stake.

Many Catholics place a lot of importance in their belief that the Catholic Church has an unbroken line of priesthood authority through the Popes. On the other hand, most other Christians hold a different paradigm. Evangelical Christians do not generally view Christ's Church as a physical reality. As represented by the dotted line at the bottom of the diagram, this paradigm holds that no matter what denomination or non-denomination a person belongs, there have always been true believers which make up a figurative and spiritual body and Church of Christ. Depending on who you talk to, many Evangelicals may not believe that ordinances like baptism by immersion or partaking of the Lord's Supper are necessary.

I have found that most Christians who are are members of Protestant Churches like Baptists, Lutheran, Methodists, and Presbyterians, etc. share the Evangelical paradigm. Most denominational Christians like non-denominational Christians do not consider their membership in their respective church to have much significance. Therefore, it has become more common to see individuals and families attend a Methodist church in one town, a Presbyterian church in another town, and then a non-denominational church in another. For many Evangelicals, a church is a community of believers where they like the Pastor, find acceptance, and where they can enjoy fellowship with other believers.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints presents a 3rd paradigm of belief with regard to the physical and spiritual reality of Christ's Church. The LDS Church is the restored Church of Jesus Christ and not a Protestant Church. LDS understand the Bible to foretell that together with the death of Christ, and the destruction of the temple, that the original Church of Jesus Christ would fall into apostasy. As Christ said in Matt 24, in that generation the Sun would refuse to give its light, the moon would become as blood, and the stars would fall from the sky. In other words, in consequence of the martyrdom of the Apostles and Prophets, all sources of spiritual light would cease. And just as the temple was destroyed, doctrinally speaking, not one doctrinal stone of Christ's Church would be left upon another (2 Thes 2:3) (Amos 8:11-12).

The spiritual darkness during the Dark Ages persisted until the Restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Last Days (Acts 3:19-21). After decades of spiritual darkness, God called another prophet beginning with Joseph Smith and restored the truths of the gospel, ordinances, priesthood authority, church organization, as well as His temple.

While LDS understand the Bible to teach that the Church of Christ is both a spiritual and physical reality, we do not reject the Evangelical paradigm. LDS do accept that there have been true Christian believers throughout history. If it wasn't for the spark of true belief, the Bible would still only be written in Latin, and there would not have been the Protestant Reformation. All of these realities were essential in making the Restoration of Christ's Church and gospel possible through Joseph Smith. Had Joseph Smith lived in the 1500s like William Tyndale, the Restoration would never have survived as a religious movement.

Even after the Reformation and the promise of religious freedom in America, the LDS Church hardly survived during what is known as the Mormon War. All LDS members were forced out of Missouri by mobs led by a coalition of a Methodist, Baptist, and Presbyterian clergyman and an extermination order signed by Governor Lilburn Boggs. Joseph Smith was later imprisoned and killed by an angry mob dressed in black in 1844 and the age of 38. But, the Church of Christ and the truth of God flushed none the less. This time the Church of Christ has been promised never to be taken again from the Earth. In Daniel's vision of the Last Days, Daniel sees a small small stone cut out of the mountain without hands which rolls forth until it destroys the terrible image and becomes a mountain which fills the whole Earth (Dan 2:34).

Now that the true authority and Church of Jesus Christ has been restored, we invite all true believers to join, take part in it, and rejoice together.

Chastening: A Sign of the True Church

One sign of the true church of Christ is that the church disciplines its members for serious sin before those sins become a public scandal. Paul says that there should be grounds for righteous judgement resulting in partial disfellowshiping or excommunication. I wonder when it was the last time an Evangelical church disciplined its members for committing fornication, abortion, or adultery.

1 Cor 5:12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?
1 Cor 11: 31-32 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

Does your church have mechanisms to receive confession and discipline its membership before a person's sins become a threat to the public and the membership. While a church should never shield and protect lawbreakers, a church is am important instrument and institution of self- government which has a duty to protect the public. Therefore, it should have active systems in place to discipline its membership and prevent sin and not only react when there is a public scandal and embarrassment. Does your church protect and enable sin, simply react to sin after the fact, or actively seek to prevent sin?

1 Cor 5:9-13 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

1Tim5: 19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses .20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

Titus 3: 10 A man that is an heretik after the first and second admonition reject;

Heb. 12: 7, 10-11 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

Rev. 3: 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

i Cor 6:2-5 (Luke 22:30) Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? 3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church. 5 I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?

John 7 :24 (1 Cor 11:31) Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment

see also 1 Cor 11:26-34, Titus 1:10-16, James 5: 16, 1 Jn 1:9

Most sins don't require confession to the bishop but to God only. But there are certain sins regarding morality, substance abuse, physical abuse, abortion, criminal law, heresy that are serious and require assistance. They are serious because they generally affect other people, are difficult to repent of, and manifest a longstanding pattern of sinful thought and behavior leading up to the serious sin. In other words, there has been a lot of water that has gone under the bridge. This is to not say that stealing candy bars is less sin than homosexuality. Both must be repented of and paid for by the blood of Christ. The reason certain sins get marked as needing discipline by Paul is the difficulty of repentance.

Depending in the seriousness of the act, and the repentant nature of the sinner, the bishop may counsel the person, withdraw rights in the church to partake of the sacrament or have certain callings for a time. If the seriousness of the seriousness of the sin requires possible excommunication, a church disciplinary council may be called so that disciple is not given without sufficient witnesses. The purpose of discipline is not vengeance but correction out of love for the sinner. Discipline is a wake-up call to the sinner, to inspire "godly sorrow" which worketh repentance, and to communicate to the sinner that certain sins cannot be tolerated in heaven or in the church and if the person really accepted Christ and His Spirit they would never have been guilty of them. Again, discipline is for the purpose of inspiring self-examination, godly sorrow, repentance, and faith in Christ.

2 Cor. 7: 9-11 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

Discipline and "godly sorrow" is not about inspiring guilt and shame, or a holier-than-thou attitude. Some Evangelicals I fear confuse the Spirit with a vain justification for sins. Evangelicals generally sin and vainly tell themselves "isn't God great and merciful that he justifies me in committing sin". Isn't God great who "tolerates sin and the sinner in his presence".God chastens those who he loves. God chastens and disciplines his children. God empowers his children to repentance and to forsake sin by giving us "godly sorrow". However, those who have experienced Gods chastening should not feel "holier-than-thou" but feel empathetic and sympathetic to others who are also suffering from sin and "godly sorrow". And true believers should seek to bare one another's burdens and not heap more burden upon them.

Many people know that LDS enjoy the blessings of the restored temple of God. Many people also know that not everyone can enter these temples unless that person meets minimum worthiness requirements. Many of these same people scoff and mock at the idea that anyone need be "worthy" to go anywhere. For an LDS member, a temple recommend is our ticket to admission to the temple and signifies we are members in full fellowship and standing in our church. And to get a temple recommend requires that we pass a worthiness interview with our spiritual leadership. And it turns out that in addition to confessing to our leaders our devotion and faith in Jesus Christ as our savior, the requirements of the interview are exactly the same worthiness requirements that Paul details in the Bible. Therefore, the temple recommend interview turns out to be one of our most important disciplinary mechanisms in the LDS church. And as I said before, it comes right out of the Bible.

1 Cor 5:9-13 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

Paul specifically says that if those among us who enjoy our fellowship at church are fornicators, covetous, idolaters, railers, drunkards, or extortioners, they should receive some type of church discipline. Here is how the temple questions in the temple recommend interview correspond to the direction of Paul in the Bible.

1. Fornication involves sexual sin. Therefore LDS members in a temple interview are asked about and invited to confess any issues and sin with regard to their sexual morality.
2. Covetous involves greed and the love of money over God. LDS members are required to pay a full 10% tithing to God and are asked to declare that they are a full tithe payer. Tithing is a demonstration that God comes first before money in the life of a believer.
3. Idolatry involves belief in and support of heretical groups and/or ideologies. LDS members are asked to confess if they have sympathies and/associations with any heretical groups.
4. Railing involves verbal and physical abuse of wife and family. LDS are specifically asked to confess any behavior related to physical, emotional or sexual abuse of wife and children.
5. Drunkenness involves abusing mind altering substances for the purposes of intoxication. The LDS have a wonderful and inspired law of health known as the Word of Wisdom that prohibits the consumption of alcohol, tobacco products, tea and coffee, and other harmful substances. LDS are specifically asked to confess that they are living Gods law of health.
6. Extortion involves issues of honesty, cheating, and fraud. Accordingly, LDS are asked to confess that they are honest in all their dealings with their fellow men.

In addition to being asked if we believe and accept Jesus Christ as our Savior and the only way to salvation we are asked specific questions about each one of these important issues that Paul specifies. If we do confess to sin, depending on the severity, and our repentant attitude, we may well be denied a temple recommend, and we will receive inspired discipline and instruction from our Bishops on what steps we must take to repent. The LDS temple recommend interview is not about stone throwing and exacting vengeance. These questions are part of church disciple that allows the person to confess and repent, to protect the public and the congregation, to judge righteously within as Paul says say so we wont be judged without.

In addition to authorizing and administering the gifts, sacrifices, sacraments, and ordinances of the church, receiving confession and determining ritual purity is the main job of an LDS bishop. LDS bishops are not "preachers." LDS membership preach the sermons and give the Sunday School lessons among ourselves. The LDS Bishop should be apt to teach, but one primary responsibility is to determine ritual purity just as priests in the Old Testament. But under the New Covenant, the Bishop is concerned with inward purity and not external purity.

Helps and Governments

There are some Christians out there that have developed a kind of "Jesus is the answer" and "Jesus is all I need" doctrine to the extreme to exclude the need for any religious authority other then themselves and their personal interpretation of scripture. Yes, Jesus Christ promised that the Comforter or Holy Ghost could and would dwell in us and guide us into all truth. But Jesus Christ also said the Bible was not meant to be privately interpreted. These say, "There is no church organization, only Jesus, there is no priesthood, no more revelation or scriputure, no more prophets or Apostles, no baptism or communion, just Jesus."

2 Pet. 1: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
And while many deny the need for ordinances like water baptism, and the laying on of hands, or communion of the Lord's Supper, or the need to pay tithing, or an authorized religious governing authority to interpret the Bible and regulate doctrine, the Bible clearly relates that Christ established these institutions before His ascension into heaven.

1 Cor 12: 27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

Jesus has given us gifts such as helps and governments to help draw us to Him. I will receive all that Christ has given us. Jesus has given and continues to give the Body of Christ; apostles, prophets, teachers, ordinances, priesthood, additional scripture, helps and governments.

Matt 21: 33-41 Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country: And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it. And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another. Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise. But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son. But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance. And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him. When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen? They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.

This parable is directed at the leadership of the ancient Jews who sought to kill Jesus. Jesus Christ foretold that the honor of governing the Kingdom of God on the Earth would be given to other husbandmen. Who are these other husbandmen who would render Christ fruits in their season? It seems clear that Christ's appearance and fillfillment of the Law of Moses didn't do away with religious authority and priesthood. According to the parable, there would be other husbandmen, prophets and Apostles. And as Isaiah said, speaking of the Last Days, there would be watchmen called upon Mount Zion who Christ would see eye to eye with at His second coming.

Isa. 52: 8 Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall bring again Zion.

Gainsaying, Priestcraft and Filthy Lucre

In a previous post I discussed that the Bible teaches that no one should preach the gospel for money. I talked about how the Bible teaches that the congregation should not be given power over the church leadership. I then explained that if the Pastor were voted in by a Council of Deacons, then there would be a conflict of interest in calling the Deacons to repentance. No such conflict is present if instead the Pastor is appointed by a hierarchy. If on the other hand, the Pastor owns the mortgage on the church there is another conflict of interest in calling the tithe-payers to repentance. Paul in his Epistle to Titus teaches against the Bishop or Pastor receiving money for the preaching of the word. After giving a list of attributes for a good Bishop, Paul says:
Titus 1: 9-16 [Hold] fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake. One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth. . . They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

Paul coins a new word here. He uses the word "gainsayer" and defines the word as an unruly person who is a vain talker and deceiver for money or "filthy lucre." "Filthy lucre" is the term for money obtained unethically or ill-gotten gain. Today, the word "gainsayer" just means someone who lies. But Paul seems to use the word in association with preaching for money or priestcraft.

In my opinion this passage of scripture is another example of Bible teaching that those appointed and ordained to preach the gospel should live the gospel and not make a living off the gospel (1 Cor. 9: 14 ). Or in other words, we should thank God for the prophets and not thanking God for the profits. I also like Paul's words here pointing out that a man can deny Christ by his lack of good works every after professing that they know God with their mouths.

Acts 20: 34 (33-34). Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.
2 Cor. 11: 7. Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?
1 Thes. 2: 9. For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.
1 Cor. 9: 17-18 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.

Christian Church Organization: Bishop, Elders and Deacons

The LDS 6th Article of Faith reads: "We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth."

LDS General Church leadership

(1) 1 Chief Apostle (Peter with keys of presidency) Matt. 16: 19
(2) 3 Apostles of the First Presidency (Peter, James, John) Mark 9: 2
(3) 12 Apostles (includes Matthias, Paul, Barnabas, and James, not Junia) Luke 6: 13
(4) 7 Presidents (Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas) Acts 6: 3
(5) Multiple Quorems of Seventy ("other seventy") Luke 10: 1

Matthias (Acts 1:26) and other men such as Barnabas, Paul (Acts 14: 14), and James (Gal. 1: 19) who are referred to as Apostles were called and ordained to fill vacancies in the quorem. The Quorem of 12 Apostles was ment to be a standing governing body in the Christian Church.

What about Junia who was female? Paul writes that "Andronicus and Junia, . . . are of note among the apostles" (Rom. 16: 7) Some interpret this to mean the term "apostle" had a generic meaning for any missionary because the verse seems to call Junia an apostle. However, this is not what this verse means. Paul is simply saying that the names and good works of Andronicus and Junia have been recognized by the apostles."

LDS Local Leadership

(6) Bishop (Episkopate or Pastor) 1 Tim. 3: 1-2, Titus 1: 7
(7) Elder (Presbyter or any sub-office in the Melchisedek Priesthood) Acts 20: 17,28
(8) Deacon (Any sub-office in the Aaronic Priesthood) 1 Tim. 3: 8-13
(9) Patriarch (Evangelist Philip, Timothy) 2 Tim. 4: 5, Acts 21: 8

The overall structure of the church with Aaronic or Preparatory Priesthood of the Deacons and a Melchizedek Priesthood of the Elders is still in place. But the church is a living church and the some of the organizational aspects can change to meet the needs of the church.

What do I mean? I mean that when the Christian Church was first organized, no one had been Bishop, administered the Lord's Supper, or done anything in the church before. But today, some LDS churches have male membership where a majority of it's Melchizedek Priesthood holders have at one time or another been a member of a Bishopric. And with young men growing up in the church, the responsibilities of the Aaronic Priesthood was delegated to younger men. Remember that it is the blessing of the everlasting covenant that all members be given the Melchizedek Priesthood and be ordained an Elder. Being a Deacon in the Aaronic Priesthood is preparatory.

And it is very inspired to involve young men in the priesthood early and was a wonderful blessing to me to administer the emblems of Christs body and blood each week, to collect offerings, and to administer the sacrament at homes of members too sick to attend church.

Also, although there are different sub-offices in the Melchizedek and Aaronic Priesthood such as High Priest and Elder, and Priest, Teacher, Deacon; in reality LDS consider all Melchizedek Priesthood holders to be Elders (we even call the Apostles Elder so-and-so), and all Aaronic Priesthood holders can be considered Deacons.

Clement and Church Hierarchy

In reaction to what some saw as a corrupt and apostate hierarchy of the Catholic church, many Protestant Reformers began to interpret the bible to mean that there was not to be any hierarchy in Christ's church. Consequently, many Evangelical and Protestant churches are locally owned and controlled. In many cases, the governing Elders elect their pastor or bishop. This belief was based on the truth that every member has access to the Holy Ghost and a personal relationship with God (which is true). However, if the majority of Elders did not approve of the teaching or conduct of their pastor then they can vote him out and that vote would represent the inspired will of God.

While the New Testament is not clear on many aspects with regard to the operation of the Christian Church, there are some details found in writings from several 1st-Century Early Christian Fathers which provides additional reliable information on the organization and operation of the church.

Clement was appointed by the Apostles to be the Bishop of Rome after the martyrdom of Peter. Clement knew the Apostles personally and visa versa. In fact, Clement is mentioned specifically by Paul in Philip. 4:3 as being written "in the Book of Life." Clement is considered to be the fourth Pope of the Catholic church. Although there is no evidence from his or other's writings that his authority as Bishop or Rome exceeded that of the other Bishops or Presbyters.

How do the LDS view Clement. Clements writings are not considered scripture. But modern Apostles have said that LDS doctrine is reflective of 1st-Century Christian doctrine as opposed to 3rd-Century Christian doctrine just before the Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church attempted to establish a uniform doctrine for all Christians through a series of scholarly meetings, doctrinal debates, and voting. Unfortunately, this doctrine by committee, and enforcement by the sword, failed to unify the Christian Church. While few Christian writings exist from the 1st-Century, those from Bishop Clement of Rome, Bishop Ignasias of Antioch, and Bishop Polycarp of Smyrna are well respected by LDS General Authorities.

In the first surviving epistle from Clement, Bishop Clement writes the Corinthians to express his shock that they had removed their leaders. His words on the matter shed light on how the original Christian church operated with respect to the appointment of local leadership. Clement begins his epistle:

1 Clement 1 "and especially to that shameful and detestable sedition, utterly abhorrent to the elect of God, which a few rash and self-confident persons have kindled to such a pitch of frenzy, that your venerable and illustrious name, worthy to be universally loved, has suffered grievous injury"

1 Clement 46:9. “Your schism has turned aside many, has cast many into discouragement, many to doubt, all of us to grief, and your sedition continues.”

This situation reminds me of the words of John, who wrote in a similar letter concerning Diotrephes who had usurped control of one of the Christian churches against the will of the Apostles:

3 John 1:9-10 "I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church."

So, here we see an example of the hierarchy in operation from the New Testament itself. John an Apostle, is criticizing a local church and a leader but praising others he considers better and says he will settle things further when he arrives in person.

Clement provides even more detail in a similar situation in the church in Corinth:

1 Clement 44 Our apostles also knew, through our Lord Jesus Christ, and there would be strife on account of the office of the episcopate. For this reason, therefore, inasmuch as they had obtained a perfect fore-knowledge of this, they appointed those [ministers] already mentioned, and afterwards gave instructions, that when these should fall asleep, other approved men should succeed them in their ministry. We are of opinion, therefore, that those appointed by them, or afterwards by other eminent men, with the consent of the whole Church, and who have blame-lessly served the flock of Christ in a humble, peaceable, and disinterested spirit, and have for a long time possessed the good opinion of all, cannot be justly dismissed from the ministry. For our sin will not be small, if we eject from the episcopate those who have blamelessly and holily fulfilled its duties. Blessed are those presbyters who, having finished their course before now, have obtained a fruitful and perfect departure [from this world]; for they have no fear lest any one deprive them of the place now appointed them. But we see that ye have removed some men of excellent behaviour from the ministry, which they fulfilled blamelessly and with honour.

Here we see Clement criticizing the Elders at Corinth for unjustly removing their bishop. But according to some evangelical understanding, the council of Elders should have every right to do so. But it seems clear from 1 Clement 44 that that kind of thing is contrary to the organization of the body of Christ which analogy itself suggests hierarchy. In a hierarchy, leadership is appointed from the top down and not voted upon from the bottom up. A man is selected from among the Elders and that appointment is then ratified by the "consent of the whole church" according to Clement and not just the council of Elders.

Clement reminds those at Corinth that the Apostles foresaw that there would be strife over the calling of pastor or bishop. Who would be contending over this issue? The local membership would be. Therefore, the Apostles appointed the Bishops. This was the appointed and approved ministry. Not an elected ministry. And after the death of the Bishop, others would be approved and appointed by them (the Apostles) or other eminent men (in the hierarchy) as opposed to being elected by the Elders. Then those appointed Bishops should be ratified by the consent of the whole church. Clement didn't say anything about a council of Elders but chastised the membership for removing their Bishop not for sin, but most likely over doctrinal issues. And here we see the great apostasy develop.

Now upon reading this, an Evangelical friend of mine sent we a link to some literature which explained an Evangelical view on church authority and hierarchy:
http://interimpastor.net/Documents/Authority.doc

What caught my attention was the following: "Nowhere in Scripture is the church given authority over its leaders. Every passage that deals with authority in the church may be summed up with Hebrews 13:17 - Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you."

The key is that according to this doctrinal paper, the church should never be given authority or power over its leaders. However, I know that many Evangelical churches are owned by a council of Elders and they vote their Pastor in and out. Or in other cases a pastor owns his own church. The problem with these two ecclesiastical models is both models subject the leadership to the authority of the church. How so?

In the first case where the Church is locally owned by a council of Elders and/or Deacons, the Pastor or Bishop is subjugated to the whims of the council. The creates a huge conflict of interest. Do you think that Pastor will as aggressively call his flock to repent? He won't because of the fear of offending the Elders, getting voted out, and loosing his job. So, the Pastor can't do his job in this system which is to offend and call his flock to repent and come to Christ.

The second case is as bad or worse than the first. Even though the Pastor owns the church, he really doesn't own it. The Pastor likely owns the bank mortgage on which he must make expensive monthly payments. Again, there is a significant conflict of interest here. Paying the bills depends on the tithes of the people in the church. So, again, the Pastor will fear to do his job and aggressively call his flock to repent and come to Christ for fear of offending the tithe payers upon which his livelihood depends.

In each of these arrangements the church has power over the Leadership because the Pastor doesn't want to offend the elders or tithe payers. But according to Clement the Bishop was to be appointed by the Apostles or other imminent men and not voted in. Then that appointment was to be ratified by the common consent of the "whole church". The key word here is appointed. And in this system, the Bishop was free to preach repentance and could only be removed for serious sin, but not over doctrinal disputes and preaching repentance. I mention doctrinal disputes because that is another benefit of a hierarchy is a uniformity of doctrine. A church with central leadership can interpret the word of God for the whole church and better keep the doctrine pure.

The Great High Priest

A friend of mine asked why the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ordains high priests; isn't Christ supposed to be the great and last high priest, and His sacrifice to be the great and last sacrifice?

No where in the Bible does it explicitly say that other high priests were not supposed to be called in Christ's church. Paul in Hebrews beautifully teaches that Christ is our Great High Priest. Yet to begin the epistle Paul also calls Christ the Apostle. Yet that didn't prevent Christ from calling and ordained other Apostles. Paul also calls Christ the Shepherd and Bishop, but other bishops where called to shepherd the body of Christ. Christ is also called King and Lord. But that doesn't prevent the Bible from calling Christ the King of kings and Lord of lords at His second coming. In the same way Paul considers Christ the Greatest High Priest. But that doesn't mean others have not been called to follow Christ and to be ordained and set apart to this holy calling.

Heb. 3:1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;

According to the textual, biblical, and cultural context of scripture, God is a God of gods (Ps. 136:2), King of kings, Lord of lords (Rev. 19:16), Apostle of apostles (Heb. 3:1), Judge of judges (Ps. 82:1), Bishop of bishops, Shepherd of shepherds (1 Pet. 2:25), Holy of holies, and High Priest of high priests (Heb. 3:1); the Most High God, and the Most High Priest (Gen. 14:18-20, 22).

What Paul is saying to the Hebrews is that high priests, who before offered their own daily sacrifices, are no more. Now high priests are ordained to represent the Great High Priest Jesus Christ, and administer the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Christ set the table, prepared the feast (trod the winepress alone), but allows us to participate with Him in serving the flesh and blood of His great and last sacrifice. So the point of the epistles was to teach that Christ's sacrifice was to be the last and infinite sacrifice and not that there were to be no more high priests.

And just as we follow Christ down into the waters of baptism, we should follow Christ into being made high priests so that just like Christ was said to have learned obedience from the things he suffered and was made perfect (Heb. 5: 8-9), so by exercising the God's authority of the Melchizedek priesthood we can be be sanctified through participating in Gods work with Him by the Holy Ghost.

Again, LDS high priests do not offer their own sacrifices. They offer Christ's sacrifice and represent Jesus Christ. Everything done in by the priesthood is done in the name of Jesus Christ as if he were doing it Himself. Christ is acting through us by the power of the Holy Ghost and the authority of the priesthood because no man can do good of himself. Therefore, man merely becomes a chosen vessel filled with His love, and instrument in His hands, and a mirror that reflects His perfect image and countenance. It is a sanctifying honor that God works through us, and allows us to serve one another in His name.

And this fits in-line with our concept of Eternal Life and Exaltation that just as we are enabled to participate with God in His work of administering Christ sacrifice here as high priests, we will be enabled to participate with God in His work of creation in Heaven.

Matt. 16:19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Christ in Matthew 16 tells Peter that he would give Peter the Keys of the kingdom. Christ had already called and ordained Peter and an Apostle (John 15:16). So, what are these keys that Peter didn't yet have and when and how did he receive them.

Those keys where the authority of the Melchizedek priesthood. Peter received those priesthood keys soon after from those prophets who had exercised them previously on the Mount of Transfiguration. This was the purpose for the appearance of Moses and Elijah; neither of which had tasted death but were translated beings so that they could pass the authority on to future dispensations by the laying on of hands even though the Christ had not initiated the resurrection yet.

Matt. 17:3-4 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.

[Moses and Elijah will not be the the 2 witnesses in Jerusalem during the tribulation because they will be killed and resurrected. You can't kill a translated being like Moses and Elijah (was taken up to heaven in a chariot of fire).]

These same Melchesidek preisthood keys are the same keys which were restored to Joseph Smith when Peter, James and John appeared and ordained the newly called prophet. So, in the last days, there wouldn't just be one high priest ordained, but thousands and even millions. Because of the preisthood of all believers, all believers could be endowed with this authority and from every tribe of Israel; not just Levi.

These are the 144,000 who are sealed before the tribulation. 144,000 being symbolic for a huge number. These will be high priests of the LDS church, from every tribe of Israel, who have been called by prophecy and by the laying of hands, and who have been washed, annointed on their foreheads, and clothed in the undergarments and robes of the priesthood as was Aaron in modern LDS Temples.

Rev. 7:3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.

Rev. 7:4-8 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.

Despite the biblical evidence, some insist that there is only supposed to be one high priest at a time. Because, this was how it was during the Law of Moses. In a way that is true. Christ is the Great High Priest and all those who are called high priests in the church represent Him and His final sacrifice. However, before the Law of Moses during the times of the Patriarchs there were multiple high priests at the same time. Melchizedek, the Prince of Salem, was considered the greatest high priest over his house until Christ. And Abraham went to Melchizedek and was given the Melchizedek priesthood and ordained a high priest over his house at the time he gave his tithe offering. Abraham then bestowed this priesthood right (birthright) onto his son Isaac who then bestowed it upon Jacob (Israel), who ordained Joseph (clothed him in the temple robe and garment of the priesthood or 'coat of many colors") and then adopted and ordained Ephraim with the same birthright priesthood.

Later, Israel was in a state of apostasy and oppression, Moses was led to the tent of Jethro and was given the Melchizedek priesthood. Jethro, the high priest of Midian, ordained Moses in the same way that Moses was later commanded to wash, anoint, and ordain Aaron high priest over the House of Israel. So, we see, when the Melchizedek priesthood was in full operation it was used to spiritually govern over a family and household. Only in the Law of Moses was it important that there by only one high priest because the detail pointed to and was a type of Christ, The Greatest High Priest.

When Aaron and subsequent High priests were ordained, they were washed, annointed, and clothed in an undergarment and robes of the priesthood. These robes were purple, red, and blue like Joseph's coat of many colors. Now, through the atonement of Christ, Christ's blood has washed our robes white and modern high priests are dressed in all-white in LDS temples.

Many it seems, cannot stand anything that elevates the worth of man. Yes, without Christ man is nothing. But man is not worthless. If evangelicals persist in teaching the worthlessness of man, than how are they any better than evolutionists who teach that man is evolved from slime and not much better than the bonobo.

However, the worth of man is endless and infinite becasue within him are the seeds of divinity because all men are literal spirit children of God. God is love. And God's love is not making more worthless, degenerate beings to circle your throne. God's love and His glory is to give all He has to His children. And for those who put their faith in Jesus Christ, the power of Christ's Atonement will elevate man to become like our Heavenly Father. Christ promises, to those that overcome, will be blessed not only just circle His thone but to sit in His throne with Him, to be dressed in white robes, to be given a new name, and to be heirs of god, kings and high priests unto the Most High God and Most High Preist forever (Rev. 2-3).

Not Infallible, Just More Dependable

A friend asked me if every Christian believer has rights to the Holy Ghost, why priesthood leaders like apostles and prophets are necessary; and if prophets are infallible, how are believers expected to follow them?

Priesthood is the authority to have spiritual responsibility and stewardship over others. There is a hierarchy of priesthood authority from prophets to bishops, fathers and mothers to the individual. The Holy Ghost is the power by which the Priesthood operates. Without the Holy Ghost and the principles of righteousness, the D&C says "Amen to the priesthood and authority of that man" (D&C 121: 37).

Acts 6:3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

Those chosen by God to be priesthood leaders, according to the Bible, were to have demonstrated that they were filled with the Holy Ghost as a prerequisite for being a priesthood leader. While every believer has access to the Holy Ghost, not every believer has received the Holy Ghost to the same degree. Our individual degree of acceptance of the Holy Ghost is based on our continued righteous choices or sin. So, in this way, prophets and apostles are known to have better received the Holy Ghost than the rest of us. But that doesn't make them infallible, just more dependable.

In this way, while all believers have rights to the continual prescence of the Holy Ghost, because the work of sactification is not complete, we may give way to temptation or the appetites of the flesh and loose or momentarily reject the guidance of the Holy Ghost through sin. Prophets and other leaders serve as a backup, helping us to repent and turn to Christ again at times when we may not be listening very well to the Spirit. Otherwise we could be completely cut off from the presence of the Lord.

Because prophets and apostles have the authority to act in the name of God, they can help us know God's will for us. By the Holy Ghost, believers are inspired and empowered to repentance, good works, and ordinances as part of the process of sanctification. The prophets and apostles by virtue of their authority and the power of the Holy Ghost within them can let us know what to expect. Believers are then invited to verify and confirm their words by obedience and prayer.

Priesthood Operation in Acts

Many "so-called" orthodox or evangelical Christians interpret the Bible to teach that Priesthood has no operation since the resurrection of Christ. They claim the Bible teaches that God spoke to a few men known as prophets via the priesthood in the Old Testament. But now, in the New Testament and since the resurrection of Christ, God manifest Himself only through the Holy Ghost. Christ did ordain Apostles to head His New Testament church but all their works and administration were done by the Holy Ghost and not Priesthood authority.

Heb. 1: 1-2 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son,
1 Tim. 2: 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
Heb. 7: 28 For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.

I believe Orthodox go way beyond the mark with their interpretation of these scriptures. Instead of interpreting this as an expression of appreciation for Gods word given to us by His Son Jesus Christ and that acceptance of Christ sacrifice is the only way to salvation, Evangelicals are told to believe that these scripture reveal that the priesthood has no more operation in Christ's church, there is to be no other prophets and apostles because Christ is our only mediator, our only High Priest and there is to be no additional revealed scripture and the canon and the heavens are closed. God has given His word by His Son and that Word is all sufficient just like Christ's blood. Why would you even want more after you have heard it from Christ himself. What is Christ not good enough for you?

Heb 5:1-5 For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest;

Concerning the calling of current high priests we need to look at Heb 5. First, Paul says that men are ordained high priests in the present tense. Those ordained high priests were called as was Aaron (past tense). How was Aaron called. Aaron was washed, annointed, clothed in the robes of the Priesthood. And this is what is done in LDS Temples for every believer men and women the same.

Second, Heb 5 says speaks about high priest being ordained to offer sacrifice. But current high priests do not offer their own sacrifice. According to Heb 7, Christ offered the final sacrifice. Current high priests, therefore, are called to help administer Christ's atoning sacrifice in His name of Christ, acting as if Christ were administering Himself.

Third, Heb 5 communicating that Christ was made The Great High Priest of high priests, King of kings, Lord of lords. The same reason we follow Christ into the waters of baptism, we follow Christ into being ordained high priests and priestesses. And as Christ learned obedicece and was sanctified and perfected by exercize of the Melchezidek preisthood, so to must all men become sactified and receive this same priesthood.

The priesthood is the authority to act in the name of God, administer the atonement of Christ in Christs name, and to receive revelation on behalf of others. Athough preisthood is given to all believers, it is given by the laying on of hands, there are different offices and stewardships that all things be done in wisdom and order.

John 14:12 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.
Matt. 16:19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Heb. 5:4 And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.
Heb. 7:11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?
1 Tim. 4:14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery
James 5:14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
Matt. 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
Acts 8:18-19 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
1 Pet. 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

Christ gave the priesthood authority to the Apostles to give the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. However, since the Holy Ghost cannot enter into unholy temples, when the gift is bestowed, the one bestowing the gift invites the believer to "recieve the Holy Ghost."

John 20:22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

There are many instances when some have had the Holy Ghost upon them and not had the laying on of hands. But this is temporary. The Laying on of hands and the gift of the Holy Ghost gives the right for Its continual presence.

Heb 3:1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;

Most theological argument against the need for ordaining high priests other than Christ who is our Great mediator and Great High Priest site Heb3 and Heb 5. But, if that were so, then why would Paul call Christ The Apostle in Heb 3 when we know Christ himself ordained other Apostles. So, this logic that Heb proves Christ is the only High Preist has no basis and is refuted here by Paul setting up the the whole sermon by calling Christ "the Apostle and High Priest" because we know Christ called other Apostles, therefore Christ also called high preists.

Again, we believe in the preisthood of all believers, and just as Christ was made a High Priest, believers follow Christ being made high priests. Christ himself being The Great High Priest of high preists, the Great Apostle of apostles, King of kings, Lord of lords, God of gods, Holy of holies, Great Judge of judges.

Acts 61 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. 3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. 5 ¶ And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: 6 Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

Why would the Apostles need to lay their hands on the 7 evangelists.

Acts 131 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

Paul and Barbabas are called by prophesy and the laying on of Hands. The Holy Ghost is the Spirit of prophecy, and the Priesthood is necessary for the laying on of hands.

Acts 14 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

Paul and Barnabas who were ordained and set appart Apostles together, and sent two by two, ordained elders in every church. This would be done by prophesy and by the laying on of hands by those who had the power of the Holy Ghost and the Melchesidek Preisthood.

Acts 15:5-6 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.

Now we see the apostles and elders who have been ordained by the laying on of hands by those with the Melchezidek Preisthood that has the authority to give the gift of the Holy Ghost and ordain persons to offices in the church come together to clarify and interpret the doctrine of the chuch.But if Christ is our only mediator, and our only High Priest and our only Apostle, then why are what the apostles needed.And if there is an exception for the Apostles, then why did they invite the elders to assist. And why were the 7 ordained and "set apart" by the laying on of hands.

Acts 19 1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, 2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. 3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. 4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

Here we see a group who like Apollos only knew the baptism of John. Now there was nothing wrong with the authority of John the Baptist. But these disciples were not really baptized by John the Baptist. Had they been baptized by John, they would have known to look forward to The One who would baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost. So, Paul re-water-baptized them by the appropriate authority, and then bestowed upon them the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands.

Acts 19 13 Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. 14 And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. 15 And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? 16 And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

So, here are these Jews who try to cast out evil spirits in the name of Jesus. But they do not have the keys and the authority of the priesthood and the gates of hell prevailed against them, and overcame them.

Acts 20:7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

Priesthood authority is required to administer the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper.

Acts 20 28 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. 29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

The Holy Ghost has made overseers over the congregation by prophecy. And it is assummed the laying on of hands by the correct priesthood authority. But Paul warns of those in the congregation which will arise who are not choosen, set apart, by the spirit of prophecy and by proper ordination who will draw away disciples and speak preverse doctrines.

Acts 21:8 And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.

Here is Philip, one of the 7 evangelists who was ordained and set appart by the laying on of hands by priesthood keys and authority. Why couldnt anyone be called an evangelist. It didnt say that Philip went to a Divinity school of evangelism. Every believer had the Holy Ghost but not every believer was an evangelist. Christ's church was build on a foundation of prophets and apostles."He gave some apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists... until we come to a unity of the faith"

Well, are we to suppose that the apostles were only the 12 apostles. What about evangelists. Are we to suppose that we are built only on the 7 evangelists. What about pastors and teachers. Or is the church of Christ to be established and maintained by a standing body of apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, and evangelists who baptize, ordain, clarify doctrine, administer Lord's supper, and call, ordain and set appart others in Christ's church.

Christ is our only mediator, but all those called to offices in Christ's chruch do everything they do in the name of Christ. And they do not make new sacrifice, but they administer Christ one sacrifice again and again to each and every person.

Priesthood Operation in the New Testament

Many "so-called" orthodox or evangelical Christians interpret the Bible to teach that Priesthood has no operation since the resurrection of Christ. They claim the Bible teaches that God spoke to a few men known as prophets via the priesthood in the Old Testament. But now, in the New Testament and since the resurrection of Christ, God talks to all men only through the Holy Ghost. Except that Christ did ordain Apostles to head His New Testament church but all their works and administration were done by the Holy Ghost and not Priesthood authority.

Heb. 1: 1-2 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son,

1 Tim. 2: 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

Orthodox go way beyond the mark with their interpretation of these scriptures. Instead of interpreting this as an expression of appreciation for Gods word given to us by His Son Jesus Christ and that acceptance of Christ sacrifice is the only way to salvation, Evangelicals are told to believe that these scripture reveal that the priesthood has no more operation in Christ's church, there is to be no other prophets and apostles because Christ is our only mediator, and there is to be no additional revealed scripture and the canon and the heavens are closed. God has given His word by His Son and that Word is all sufficient just like Christ's blood. Why would you even want more after you have heard it from Christ himself. What is Christ not good enough for you?

This is a nice tidy doctrine on its surface, except for the fact that Christ never wrote down any of his own words, and He promised his chosen servants would do greater works and reveal greater words than even He had done after his ascension.

John 14: 12 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.

Christ's words and these "greater works" were recorded by eye-witnesses of His resurrection. These were the Apostles and Evangelists who were given the Holy Ghost which was to "bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you" (John 14: 26). And even though Mark and Luke were not Apostles, they were companions to the Apostles. Luke was from Antioch was likely a travel companion to Paul and may have been an eye witness of his conversion.

Except Paul wasn't even one of the original 12 Apostles. Matthias was chosen to replace Judas, not Paul. "For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take" (Acts 1: 20). However, and Evangelical explained to me that Matthias wasn't God's choice to take Judas' spot. Because the remaining 11 had merely cast lots, Jesus Christ appeared to Saul of Tarsus and Paul became Christ's choice as special "eye witness" to the resurrection and the 12th Apostle instead of Matthias.

Also, orthodox belief tells us to ignore when others are called Apostles like Barnabas and James. In spite of being referred to as apostles in the same sense as Paul (Gal. 1: 19, Acts 14: 14). Orthodox belief claims that apostles can be used in a generic sense meaning "one who is sent." Orthodox interpretation suggests that Barnabas and James (the brother of Christ) were referred to as apostles in the same sense as Junia (a feminine name) and Andronicus (Rom. 16: 7). But I would add, Paul doesn't call Junia and Andronicus apostles. Paul says they are "of note among the apostles," which means their example, sacrifice, works, and doings have been "noteworthy" and "spoken of with high regard" among the apostles.

So, what is going on here. Well Christ taught that His church would be "build upon a foundation" or led by apostles and prophets and that the quorum of 12 Apostles was meant to be a standing quorum for the government of His church to clarify doctrine, ordain leadership, and bare a special witness of Jesus Christ in all the world. And we clearly see the Apostles and the Seventy (Luke 10: 1, 17) act in this capacity in the Book of Acts written by Luke.

1 Cor. 12: 28-29 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments,

Eph. 2: 20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

Eph. 4: 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

Notwithstanding orthodox interpretation, there is no evidence to suggest that the proceeding scriptures referred to only the original 12 or 13 Apostles just like the church now can't possibly be expected to stand upon the works of the original evangelists, pastors, and teachers alone. That would put a lot of evangelical pastors out of work. The Bible taught that when one apostle or pastor died or was martyred, another was to be chosen to replace him by prophesy and by the laying on of hands; not by casting lots.

1 Tim. 4: 14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

However, when the last apostle was martyred, the authority and keys of the apostleship were lost. Consequently, Christ church could no longer function because the keys Peter held could not be passed down by the laying on of hands. The unbroken line of priesthood authority was broken (a very important doctrine for my Catholic friends). Consequently, there no longer existed someone in the church who could continue to receive revelation, interpret scripture, and choose and ordain leadership such as pastors and teachers. This period was known as the Great Apostasy and was foretold in the Bible (Dan. 2: 45, Amos 8: 11, 2 Thes. 2: 3, Acts 20: 29, Rev. 12: 6).

After the martyrdom of the Apostles, there was a lot of discordant belief in the early Christian church. The church was plagued by mysterious Gnostic and Coptic doctrine and practices as well as being plagued by concocted and contrived pseudopigriphal writings. After a few centuries without the Apostles, there was no one to declare doctrine and interpret scripture and there were all kinds of different beliefs which claimed to be Christian. Consequently, Constantine called the first ecumenical council to establish orthodox doctrine. While well meaning, those councils voted on and accepted doctrine that had been mixed with Greek philosophy (especially Plato who taught that matter was evil and God was immaterial). This new apostate, creedal doctrine, was considered orthodox and was enforced by capital punishment.

However, no one in the Universal or Catholic church had the keys or authority of the priesthood to call such a council. Although, lots were cast in favor of these new doctrines and creeds; the doctrines like Matthias (accepting orthodox belief about Matthias), weren't God's choice.

Other Christians do not consider the LDS faith to be Christian because, while we accept Christ atonement as the only means for salvation, and we recognize the divinity of Christ; we reject their non-biblical, extra-canonical creeds which were established in the 4th-century or later. I don't see how Protestants have any reasonable basis for excluding the LDS faith from being Christian on that basis. If they think the ecumenical councils of the Catholic Church had authority to establish and define correct doctrine, then why are they not Catholic?

Again, Christ taught His Apostles that they would do even greater works and reveal greater words than even He had done (John 14: 12 ). But is Priesthood involved here, or would these greater works be done by the Holy Ghost alone? When Paul told Timothy to "neglect not" his gift which was given by prophecy and by the laying on of hands, was Paul referring to Priesthood or just the Holy Ghost? (1 Tim. 4: 14). When Christ taught his Apostles, "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you" (John 15: 16), to what where the Apostles ordained? And when Peter was promised the "keys of the kingdom (Matt. 16: 19)," was that speaking of the priesthood or the Holy Ghost?

With the beginning of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the resurrected Jesus Christ appeared to the boy Joseph Smith and called him as a prophet and apostle or special witness of Christ just like Paul. And through Joseph Smith the keys and authority of the priesthood which is the authority to confer the gift of the Holy Ghost was restored to the Earth. Also, the understanding and interpretation of the true roll and relationship of the priesthood and the Holy Ghost has been clarified. This understanding hasn't come by casting lots, or voting; but by revelation to a prophet of God which has been recorded as additional Holy Scripture.

So, what is that relationship? The roll of the Holy Ghost is to allow any individual who processes it to know the mind and will of God. All those who have accepted and become justified by the blood of Jesus Christ have right to the sanctifying power of the Holy Ghost. The promptings and influence of the Holy Ghost can be described as a "still small voice" (1 Kgs. 19: 12) or a "burning in the bosom" (Luke 24: 32). But no one is perfect, and sometimes we will reject the promptings of the Holy Ghost which will lead us to read scripture, partake of the Lord's Supper, and enter into covenants and ordinances with God such as baptism. All of these things having been prepared for the sanctification of the disciples of Christ.

But, because man at times rejects the Holy Ghost, we reject Christ (John 13: 20). Consequently, we cut ourselves off from the mind and spiritual presence of God. Therefore, God has a backup plan. God has given us the priesthood. God has ordained certain men who can do the same thing as the Holy Ghost on our behalf. An individual with the Priesthood has the authority, depending on his stewardship (jurisdiction), to tell others the mind and will of God and to reveal to them what the Holy Ghost will be inspiring and empowering them to do in their process of sanctification. Therefore, those of us not responding to the Holy Ghost, can be motivated to repent, and turn again to Christ, and continue on in the process of sanctification. While the Holy Ghost gives the individual the authority to receive revelation for themselves, the priesthood is the authority to receive revelation and perform service for others.

So, while it is true that the Holy Ghost may empower me to forsake sin in one area and may empower you to forsake sin in another area, and I shouldn't judge myself to be more righteous than you. As long as we both remain in the grace of Christ, and endure to the end, it doesn't matter where on the straight and narrow path we are when we die, so long as we are on it, Christ's grace will be sufficient for us. However, the nature of Christ's atonement does not preclude or prohibit modern prophets from telling us that God wills all his disciples that they be baptised, attend church, read the scriptures and that the Holy Ghost will empower us in the accomplishment of these works. And that our reception of these works then become a manifestation of the grace of Christ working in us and a testimony of the power of Christ's atonement for we can do no good works of ourselves.

It turns out that modern prophets have said that receiving the priesthood is also necessary to enter into the presence of God. In the Old Testament only the oldest son, or a certain tribe was given rights to the priesthood. But now, the priesthood has been made available to all men and by temple work for the dead it has been made available to all those who would have accepted it while living. This doctrine is referred to as the "priesthood of all believers." But, while orthodox churches call it priesthood, they really don't believe priesthood operates in the same way as in Bible times. The "so-called" orthodox belief claims that Jesus Christ is our only High Priest. Of course, this does not apply to their pastor.

Heb. 3: 1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;

LDS know that we are to walk in the foot steps of Jesus Christ. Scriptures like this do not mean that there are not to be any more Apostles, or prophets, or High Priests. Rather, this scripture invites all men to become like Christ and be made High Priests. Christ being our Great High Priest.

Therefore, in the LDS church all worthy males are ordained by prophecy and by the laying on of hands by those who have an unbroken line of authority to Joseph Smith and from Joseph Smith to Peter James and John who received their authority under the hands of Jesus Christ himself. LDS men are first ordained deacons, teachers, and priests in the Aaronic or preparatory priesthood. This is the priesthood that was given to Aaron and the Levites to offer sacrifice and set up the tabernacle and provide for the maintenance and upkeep of the temple. It is also the authority of John the Baptist who had the authority to preach the gospel of repentance, and baptise by immersion and receive the administration of angels.

Then an LDS male is ordained to the Melchizedek or Higher priesthood (After the order of the Son of God) and given the power and authority to ordain others in the priesthood, preside in Christ's church, and confer the gift of the Holy Ghost (baptism by fire). There are different offices in the Melchizedek priesthood. First a male is ordained to the office of an elder and then as he gains experience in leading the church he is called to the office of a High Priest. Modern revelation says that the Melchizedek priesthood has the power and authority to make it possible for a man to return into the presence of God.

Heb. 5: 1-10 For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.

Paul says to the Hebrews, that every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices for sin. Paul is not talking about past high priests but talking in the present tense. Paul isn't confused about the past or the present because he then says that "no man taketh [the priesthood] unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron." And how was Aaron called in the past? Aaron was called by a revelation given to Moses and then he was washed, anointed in the tabernacle and clothed in the robes of the priesthood and then ordained to his calling by the laying on of hands by Moses.

Today in Christ's church both men and woman are washed, and anointed, and clothed in the robes of the priesthood as was Aaron in modern-day temples. As the role of women in the home is respected and they do not need to be troubled with the burden of setting up chairs at church and doing other administrative tasks outside the home, woman are not given priesthood responsibility other than their office of mothers and positions as part of helps and governments in the kingdom such as the relief society, young women's , and primary organizations (1 Cor. 12: 28-29).

So, just as Christ was considered a High Priest after the order of Melchizedek, and due to service in this order; Jesus Christ was made perfect by obedience to the will of His father. Therefore, all men are commanded to receive this same order of priesthood and become like Jesus Christ, and follow the Savior. And Just as we follow Christ into the waters of baptism, the Holy Ghost will sanctify us in our exercize of this authority and empower us to become kings and priests unto the Most High God. And when Christ comes in the Millennium, He will rule and reign as a King of kings, Lord of lords, Judge of judges, and the Great High Priest of high priests. Like scriptures, and the church, the priesthood has been given to men for their sanctification to prepare us to enter into the presence of God so that when he appears, we will be like Him (1 Jn. 3: 2).

And what about the Holy Ghost? While the Priesthood is the authority to act in the name of God. The Holy Ghost is the power. So, those with the priesthood can not exercize the priesthood except through the grace of Jesus Christ and upon the principles of righteousness. Holders of the priesthood are invited to receive a greater portion of the Holy Ghost so as to empower their authority the same as we talk about "empowering moral authority."

D&C 121: 36-37, 41 That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness. That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man. . . . No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned;

Therefore, because the Holy Ghost is the power by which the Priesthood authority operates, we see that the Holy Ghost had operation in Old Testament times any time the priesthood was being exercized as well. But, the operation of the Holy Ghost in the OT was even seen in a limited bases apart from the authority of the preisthood. After Moses was inspired to ordain 70 men to assist him in the judgement and government of the tribes of Isreal, 2 men who where not ordained were seen prophesying. Eldad and Medad had not yet been ordained as Seventy, but had the Holy Ghost rest on them and empower them to prophesy in the camp.

Num. 11: 24-29 And Moses went out, and told the people the words of the Lord, and gathered the seventy men of the elders of the people, and set them round about the tabernacle. And the Lord came down in a cloud, and spake unto him, and took of the spirit that was upon him, and gave it unto the seventy elders: and it came to pass, that, when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied, and did not cease. But there remained two of the men in the camp, the name of the one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad: and the spirit rested upon them; and they were of them that were written, but went not out unto the tabernacle: and they prophesied in the camp. And there ran a young man, and told Moses, and said, Eldad and Medad do prophesy in the camp. And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his young men, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them. And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them!

So, we clearly see that although it sounds neat and tighty to say there was priesthood in the OT and Holy Ghost in the NT, it just isn't so. And only through the restored authority of God's priesthood and modern prophets and apostles has the true doctrine on the relationship between the power of the Holy Ghost and the authority of the Priesthood been clarified after thousands of years of casting lots on the subject.