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In the realm of the Christian faith, particularly within the church, the designations such as "fathers," "reverends," and "popes" are often viewed as fundamentally inconsequential. This notion emerges powerfully through the words of Jesus found in Matthew 23:9, where He clearly instructs His disciples: "And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven." This vital teaching stands as a part of a broader critique directed at the religious leaders of His time—a group that often sought to elevate themselves above the rest of society. Jesus’ directive not only emphasizes that all reverence and authority ought to be directed exclusively toward God—the true Father—but also serves as a crucial reminder about the danger of exalting any human figure to a divine status.
There are several key insights to be gleaned from Matthew 23:9, which can deepen our understanding of Jesus' message:
1. Recognition of One Heavenly Father**: At the heart of this passage is the profound realization that God, who reigns in heaven, serves as the one and only true spiritual Father for all believers. This acknowledgment fosters a familial bond among Christians, illustrating that all are children under one Divine parentage.
2. Rejection of Earthly Authority: Jesus champions the concept of not ascribing any undue venerations to human leaders, insisting that such honor is meant solely for God. This principle encourages a community rooted in humility, where faith is directed toward the Almighty rather than to human figures who, despite their admirable roles, are still fallible.
3. Principle of Servanthood: This teaching inherently links to a larger principle: that true greatness in the eyes of God is achieved through servitude. The call to serve rather than to dominate reflects the servant leadership model exemplified by Christ himself, who sought to uplift rather than to be elevated.
4. Condemnation of Hypocrisy: Additionally, Jesus unearths the pride and hypocrisy prevalent among the religious elite of His era—those who sought accolades and honor through their titles rather than embodying the essence of humility and service to the community they were meant to guide.
Expanding further on the theme of spiritual leadership, Ephesians 4:11-13 from the King James Version provides crucial insight into the roles within the church:
"11 And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13 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 fullness of Christ."
This scripture underscores the significance of spiritual leadership in fostering growth and unity within the body of believers. However, it also underscores a critical perspective: the focus of leadership should always be on serving others rather than seeking personal glory or recognition.
True Christianity and the church are ultimately constructed upon the foundational commandments of Christ and His genuine doctrine. As articulated in Matthew 16:18 (KJV), "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." This declaration not only establishes Jesus’ authority in establishing the church, but it also reinforces the idea that the church stands resilient against all forms of adversity.
Moreover, Romans 16:17 cautions believers, urging them to "mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them." This passage reaffirms the necessity of staying true to the teachings of Christ and warning against those who would distort those teachings for personal gain or to sow discord within the community.
In essence, the messages encapsulated within these scripture passages invite believersl to cultivate a faith predicated on genuine service, unity, and commitment to divine authority, steering clear of the pitfalls of human veneration and division.
In the true Church of Jesus Christ the holy Spirit is given to those who obey
Acts 5:32
King James Version
32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him
James 2:10
King James Version
10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all
1 John 3:4
King James Version
4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law

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