Sunday, October 13, 2013
Building People of Substance for Works of Power
It is important where you’re connected, Friend.
I heard this last week of a young man who officiated at a wedding. I asked a friend of his how he was able to do that, as I was not aware that he was ordained, or had any other credential. He told me that he had obtained an ordination certificate on line. This reminded me of another story of an attorney who, in the prosecution of a case, went online and obtained an ordination for her dog, thus proving how little the piece of paper meant. This seems to confirm the opinion of another lady who told me years ago that she was going to pastor, but did not want to seek credentials because, “I don’t need a piece of paper to prove I am called.” That is absolutely true. In fact, ordination as I understand it is not a piece of paper. The New Testament church didn’t issue ordination certificates. I have a piece of paper, but that is only for the purpose of showing to people who don’t know the spiritual reality of ordination. Ordination is a spiritual experience, a milestone, and an ongoing empowerment.
· Ordination is a statement about me. A recognized Christian eldership is acknowledging my call in public. They are verifying that I have a prescribed level of doctrinal agreement with them. They are confirming that I have demonstrated character and maturity in ministry. They are endorsing my separation into the ministry to which God called me. Acts 13:1-3
· Ordination is an impartation. The eldership places their hands on me after prayer and fasting. There is an impartation of gifts and anointings that come from the flow in the house. There is spiritual power in being connected to an eldership. It produces a spiritual flavor that is distinct as the anointing flows through channels of authority and submission. 1 Tim 4:12-16
· Ordination is connection. When I present myself for ordination I am submitting myself to an eldership to be held accountable. It is my obligation as a part of protecting myself and the people God gives me, to seek genuine accountability. Pride wants to say I am infallible. Reality says I need someone who can speak into my life consistently. I need to be connected. Gal 2:11-14
I get paper credentials every year, but they are not my ordination. I only show them to bureaucrats at jails and hospitals. My ordination is the spiritual flow, the connection I have to an ordaining body. They have recognized God’s call and confirmed before men that they have observed my faithfulness to it. They have laid hands on me and I have seen the increase in the gifts and anointings that mark this branch of the Family of God. They maintain contact and connection with me, and I with them. They are a lifeline. They are family.
Somebody Said: “A rule I have had for years is: to treat the Lord Jesus Christ as a personal friend. His is not a creed, a mere doctrine, but it is He Himself we have. Dwight Moody
Scripture Reading: This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for Him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News.
(2Ti 1:6-8 NLT)
When I think of ordination, I think of the spiritual heritage that flows to me and through me. I am grateful for the confidence that comes from knowing that I am connected, that my gifts and calling are recognized by people of substance and experience. I am inspired to nurture the relationship by maintaining connection. It is a two way street. It is reassuring to know that I have a real family within the family of God. All of those things would be true if I never received another piece of paper.
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Click here to watch the class “Is There an Interpreter in the House.”
pastorvirgil.com 