Hey you,
Here is a thought provoking question.
Would you know if there is any scripture that says anyone as a believer has the authority to control another persons life using scripture because they are ordained to do so?
Here is another question, about Jesus Christ.
Would you agree that Jesus Christ only spoke with Jews and never to Gentiles? It seems like it would be very hard to be a complete disciple of Christ Jesus if you aren’t Jewish, He hand picked 12 and they were enough, it seems: what do you think about that?
Yes and no. Objectively many could argue no, subjectively I could argue yes.
Basically I believe in the basic authority structure you see in the ancient churches like the Catholic church, Orthodox churches etc. Bishops, presbyters and deacons.
I technically am a lapsed Coptic Orthodox. My wife flaked on the church years before we got divorced. She loved going to the church at least with me. But when I resumed a non traditional work schedule her attendance waned even though she had lots of friendly people in the church, and eventually stopped altogether my occasional church attendance going to special mid week and Saturday evening services soon out stripped hers. And eventually the church people got suspicious obviously assuming a divorce (made worse by the fact I stopped wearing my wedding ring since it bothered me typing on a computer key board). And I felt uncomfortable enough to stop going before the divorce..... And of course the actual divorce does not improve things.
On the positive side of things coming from the Charismatic movement I have been generally open to the notion of where is God leading me. As well as other issues, especially things like using you spiritual gifts etc. The parable of the talents especially comes to mind, where the wicked servant doesn't use his investment etc. So I have continued on being active in trying to develop ministry or at least help people with the things I have when it comes to teaching, and sometimes prayer, and sometimes even financial and other forms of practical aid.
There is a saying that "When life gives you lemons make lemonade" and I have tried to do that. Also in theology, philosophy etc. it is recognized that conflict and crises can lead to new solutions and things society needs. And when it comes to my own life, I sort of find the need to try to pioneer something different. I have a lot of experience and education that has mostly gone unused in different fields like psychology (was not able to finish my masters degree to have a career). And that sort of thing can make you sad when you reflect on the past. But their is suppose to be no waste with God.... And all the experiences are suppose to eventually be for out good if we are in Faith.
So I seem to be on the slow road of trying to carve out some kind of new pathway that can let me use all the stuff I have learned in my life from: psychology, my early years as a Lutheran, my time as a nondenominational Charismatic, 3 years taking courses part time at Fuller Theological seminary, my time studying Orthodoxy, and time spent in the Coptic church. In the past I had some affinity for things like Apologetics, and seem to be doing that, as well as other things like Biblical commentary etc.
I could easily go back to the Coptic church etc. because their is a lot of things I miss about it. But I think I got more out of attending those kind of churches, that I could really give or make use of my gifts etc. But I believe that God often shows you what to do, by pointing out "the low hanging fruit" around you (In the Bible, their are many occasions where he uses some aspect of what the person has immediately available to them). So I am doing that, but open to change for the future....
