Loveabounds : I have heard a preacher say it is a covenant rather than a Contract. I had never heard that before, I guess i really did not understand Contract and Covenant. So I went to good old dictionary to look up the difference.
Contract:
1. a: a binding agreement between two or more persons or parties;
especially: one legally enforceable
b: a business arrangement for the supply of goods or services at a fixed price <make parts on
contract>
c: the act of marriage or an agreement to marry
2. Covenant a usually formal, solemn, and binding agreement
: compact
a: a written agreement or promise usually under seal between two or more parties especially for the performance of some action
b: the common-law action to recover damages for breach of such a contract
By Merrian webster standards it reads about the same to me.
The biggest problem I see that to many people don't read the contract, or understand the terms and if they do they just don't care.
Where it really gets good is when you have people interpreting the Bible as to the Standards of who can or can't be in Ministry. I just met with my Pastor today. I took him out to lunch. to discuss ordination, I had a real eye opener, he told me because you were married before you could not be a pastor, and as he explained I could not be a Deacon either.
I explained I was not saved during the time I had been Married and divorced, he explained that even though I was saved now and called to preach and have done so for the last ten years. I was still not eligible, to be a Pastor. As Far as the church is concerned I was not eligible to be ordained, since in my ministry that I was not shepharding a Church. On the contrary I preach every sunday and teach a Bible study, and have led souls to christ. I have a little congregation at the rescue mission.
I was told by the Sheriffs department they needed a Chaplain, since I am a Chaplain with the Vienam Veterans of America, would I be interested in being a Police Chaplain. The very first question on the qualification form is are you a Ordained ?
So while I was talking to my Pastor I showed him the Paper and told him this was what my problem is he told me he would call the coordinator and tell this coordinator that I was more than qualified for this position then again i tried to explain, as it tells in 1st Timothy Chapter 3 qualifications and the same applies to this position with the sheriffs department Religious section.
Finally after lunch I went home as I though of all that was said, i realized that this church no matter what I will never be ordained as much as I love the Pastor and the people. I will still do the Ministry God has given me to do, I do not want change churches, I have been in this church since I was saved, but I feel like I need to do something, for now I will leave it in Gods Hands and pray for guidance.
What are your thoughts on this matter? I am very confused and puzzled?