01 July 2003             
APrayer 
of Jesus  
I thank thee, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes; yea, Father, for such was thy gracious will

 
YOUR QUESTION (No. 22)

What Happens?

(Regarding administration of churches and the Little Flock)

Imagine what would happen if we could fellowship together and all know that there is none among us a teacher. We would then really qualify to be his flock.

My question is: What happens to the five-fold ministry of nowaday synagogues for the gentiles? And, what happens to the flock? How do they organize on earth?


My Answer

You ask first, "What happens to the five fold ministry?"

You surely know that this idea comes from Paul (Eph. 4:11) where he lays out Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers as the basis for organization of the churches. You also know that the Lord has not authorized any of it and, in the embrace of His Light we are set free from all human administration.  This is a ministry of authorities among men that is anathema to Jesus.  It is interesting to note that Paul presented this as the means by which his disciples would work ". . . until we all come to the unity of the faith."  The fact is that this is instead the universal prescription for division and sectarianism.  Just examine its history!  I hope you understand also that we have true unity only as we receive and submit to the Truth as declared in the world by Jesus.  He stated it this way:

John.10

[16] And I have other sheep, that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will heed my voice. So there shall be one flock, one shepherd.
You see?  They will heed my voice.  This is the only effective prescription for the unity of the flock.

It is my opinion that the disciples of Paul, and of other self anointed prophets such as Muhammad, will continue to  operate in the world as they have always done.  Jesus has forewarned us of the strangers and the robbers who will attempt to destroy the flock -- of the "false prophets" who will appear performing great signs:

Matt.24

[11] And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.
So, what happens to Paul's five fold church administration scheme? It is only the fulfillment of this prophecy of Jesus.   It will almost surely continue on its way in and of the world and under the same judgment as that of the world, just as it has for the past two thousand years.  We human beings are easily influenced by the false presentations of the false apostle, Paul.   In no way is this a defeat for the Lord Jesus, who continues to minister to the Little Flock without reference to the disciples of Paul. You are a living example of the ongoing victory for the Lord and his kingdom.
You also ask, "What happens to the flock, and how do they organize on the earth?"

This is a question that arises because of our long exposure to Paulinism with its many offices and administrations.  In Truth, our organization (that of the Little Flock) is complete and perfect and is something that need not concern us for, as we listen to Jesus, we will find our unity and our tasks by keeping ever in mind that he is our sole leader, teacher and administrator and we are all brothers and sisters.
 Here are some relevant utterances:

Matt.23

[8] But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brethren.

Matt.20 

[26] It shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant,
[27] and whoever would be first among you must be your slave;
[28even as the Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Do you have fellow disciples nearby who are committed to Jesus?  You are doubly blessed because you can support and sustain each other in a common submission to Jesus, for he is in the midst of your assemblies and you will find your answers to all of these questions as you, together, listen to him who has promised to be with you:

Matt.18

[20] For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
If there are no others, perhaps there will be through your testimony.  In any case you are not alone:

John.14

[23] If a man loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.
So it is that our immediate fellowship is with him and, through him, with each other.  And when we communicate in this way with each other over the internet, we are further enriched by our fellowship in the Spirit.

So, the Little Flock will also continue while the race endures, adding a few to the Flock with each generation.  

Peace to you!

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