Priests By The Score
Bishops ---------------------------- Titus 1:5-9
Vernie N. Collins
F. Laymond Parks
Wilfred E. Stephenson
Deacons ---------------------------- 1 Tim.3:8-11
Lowell L. Lynn
Odell Mallett
John A. Willbern
Evangelist --------------------------- 2 Tim.4:5
Robert F. Turner
Priests ------------------------------- 1 Pet.2:5,9
Every Christian.
And the most vital and significant part of the whole "line up" is that portion that most likely startled you. A similar "cast" on a recent Indiana paper (Emerson Ave., Indpls.) gave me the same pleasant surprise.
We have only three overseers in the Oaks-West church; three deacons, and only one evangelist supported by the congregation in this local field; although we have four or five other qualified teachers here, and assist in supporting three evangelists elsewhere. BUT WE HAVE A WHOLE CONGREGATION OF PRIESTS, according to the NewTestament way of defining "priests." The priests of Judaism (Old Testament) with their High Priest (order of Aaron) wore peculiar robes, headdress and other "holy" vestment. They "went into the first tabernacle" accomplishing the service of God. (Heb. 9:6) But if you will read carefully Heb.8: 9: you will see that Christ is our High Priest, and heaven the true tabernacle. A literal earthly priesthood pertained to the types of the 0. T., and were never intended for N. T. Christians. (Reb.8:4-f. 9:8-f.)
This is a potent blow at the so-called "holy fathers" "worshipful masters" etc., of today's sacerdotalism. But just now I have another target.
"The priesthood of believers," so prominent in reformation and restoration history, is almost unknown to many professed Christians today. If all saints are indeed "priests" (as 1 Pet. 2:5, 9, etc., declare) a vast majority of those who claim to be "set apart" "called" into His service, are neglecting their holy calling. Clergy-laity. distinctions (?) are fostered by people who do not know its danger. "Holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling" arise and serve God!!