2. Does It Make Any Difference? Part 4 Clergy/laity distinctions, fund raising, and women leadership

3. We have already noted… The danger in false teachers & doctrines What God says about “good” people Church founders Church beginnings Church names and their authority

4. A Common Practice is the Clergy/Laity Distinction Seen in the “clergy” claiming authority to forgive sins and refuse communion Seen in the wearing of special clothing to set them apart Seen in accepting titles like Reverend, Doctor, Pastor, Father, etc., etc.

5. Matthew 20:25-26 the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 26 It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, This is a practice of the world

6. Matthew 23:2-7 They do all their deeds to be seen by others “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat, 3 so practice and observe whatever they tell you—but not what they do. For they preach, but do not practice. 4 They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. 5 They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, 6 and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues 7 and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others. They were doing their deeds to be seen of men

7. Matthew 23:11-12 The greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. The greatest are the servants and those who exalt themselves will be humbled.

8. Fund Raising & Special Collections also set Men’s churches apart. To many Religion = asking for money… for… Extravagant televangelist’s income Churches investing in Wall Street Churches running secular businesses Concerts and entertainment venues

9. SCRIPTURAL Fund raising is easy to understand and identify 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. 2 On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come. The collecting DAY was clear

10. SCRIPTURAL Fund raising is easy to understand and identify 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. 2 On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come. The GIVERS are clear

11. SCRIPTURAL Fund raising is easy to understand and identify 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. 2 On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come. The MEASURE of giving was clear

12. SCRIPTURAL Fund raising is easy to understand and identify 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. 2 On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come. The POINT of giving was clear

13. Women Leaders and Preachers 1 Timothy 3:15 15 if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. Showing how one should behave oneself “in the church”

14. 1 Timothy 2:11-12 Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. The context here demands that it must be “spiritual” Women Leaders and Preachers

15. Women Leaders and Preachers? In the church, the ladies are not to teach or exercise authority over a man, Period.

16. If the name of your church does not glorify God or our Savior If your church is connected to some central body or headquarters If your church leadership is elevated above the rest of the body If your church is taking up money and it’s not the first day of the week If a woman is leading men in any church function You’re in the wrong place…

17. Are you glorifying God in HIS church? Are you respecting Christ by respecting HIS body?