Holy Ghost Hath Made You Overseers?

Are elders supreme rulers of a congregation of the church? Can he be questioned or deposed? A senior male becomes the shepherd of feeder of the flock because he has A holy spirit filled with the counsel of God. He rules by teaching or feeding and the "lambs" obey by learning, following his faith and watching the outcome of his life. Some whom Paul identified as overseers by A holy spirit would lead the flock astray. Therefore, they were not eternally dominant pastors by the sovereign grace of God.
James R. Cope: "In matters of judgment and expediency, those meeting the divine qualifications of bishops are supreme and their word is final. The Holy Spirit has appointed them A senior male
and to resist their authority is to rebel against the Holy Spirit.

God knew that the final decisions in the sphere of expediency had to be made by somebody, and divine wisdom has provided for them in the eldership. Regardless of the individual's judgment, it becomes his solemn obligation to acquiesce in the bishop's rule when that rule is announced. For all practical purposes, their decision is God's decision, and therefore, must become the disciple's decision. To do otherwise is to nullify the office of elders and reflect upon God's purpose in providing them..." James R. Cope, Guardian of Truth, September 19, 1985.
If that is radically outrageous then members are taught to believe it:
An E-Mailer: "What can't you understand about the great commission? "This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the sinful nature and despise authority (kuriotes or Lords). [such as our elders that are bashed on some of your website links]
Bold and arrogant these men are not afraid to slander celestial beings (beings worthy of worship); yet even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not bring slanderous accusation against such beings in the presence of the Lord." 2 Peter 2:10-11
Jesus: "Those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them [Jesus said to his disciples]. But it shall not be so among you!" {Mark 10:42b-43a RSV}
Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. John 20:21
And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: John 20:22
When Luke looked back to record this history he said:
THE former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, Acts 1:1
Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: Acts 1:2
When Paul bestows the "spirit" on the elders it is because he has taught them the whole counsel of God.
Men are especially identified as having an "unholy spirit" if they dishonor Christ by dishonoring His counsel and substituting "youngers" to lead the church into charismatic music and theatrical performance.
If an elder lords it over the flock then Jesus would define him out of the "among you" even for inspired apostles.
Therefore, dominant leadership is to claim superiority to the apostles and perhaps "celestial beings" are among us.
An Unholy Spirit
"But an old Hubris tends to bring forth in evil men, sooner or later, at the fated hour of birth, a young Hubris and that irresistible, unconquerable, unholy spirit, Recklessness, and for the household black Curses, which resemble their parents. - John M. Allegro, The Sacred Mushroom and the Cross.

"The inner spirit sings a boding song, Self-prompted, sings the Furies' strain- And seeks, and seeks in vain, To hope and to be strong!

The Gift of A Holy Spirit The king/queen of Tyre called the "harp playing prostitute" wanted to be "remembered as a male." She/he has an unholy spirit but seeks in vain to be strong. She sought in vain for approval by dedicating her "musical" proceeds to the Lord for fine food and clothing.

ELDERS TAKE OVERSIGHT IN ORDER TO FEED: NO ONE JUST TAKES THE OVERSIGHT WITHOUT QUALIFICATIONS OR CONDITIONS:

Everyone including the elders or senior males have to be taught. When their own spirit or mental disposition conforms to the will of God as the Mind of Christ then they may be honored because they are laboring to the point of exhaustion in preaching and teaching.

In the "proof text" for elders becoming dominant pastors over the flock because they believe that whatever they want to do is the will of God because they have been MADE into a holy feeder by the direct work of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, within that context hear Paul say:

For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Acts 20:27

Counsel is volition, purpose, will. They have the MIND of Christ or His Spirit.

Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God (Theos), which he hath purchased with his own blood. Acts 20:28

There are two words used: one is "holy" and the other is "spirit." The senior males are feeders now that Paul has taught them the counsel of God.

The holy spirit which makes a person an overseer is the PERSON'S OWN HOLY spirit or mental disposition. In the same way, being a husband and father and ruling his own family is a measure of the MAN'S HOLY SPIRIT.

The elders ARE NOT singled out by the Holy Spirit as a third member of the "god family."

Senior males are qualified because they have something holy about them:

Hagios (g40) hag'-ee-os; from hagos , (an awful thing) [comp. 53, 2282]; sacred (phys. pure, mor. blameless or religious, cer. consecrated): - (most) holy (one, thing), saint

Hagnos (g53) hag-nos'; from the same as 40; prop. clean, i.e. (fig.) innocent, modest, perfect: - chaste, clean, pure.

And the holy thing is their own human Mind or Spirit--unless they are God!

Pneuma (g4151) pnyoo'-mah; from 4154; a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by anal. or fig. a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by impl.) vital principle, mental disposition, mind. Comp. 5590.

Or God Himself.

Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; Ph.1:27

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Ph.2:5

Paul the apostle was not a MASTER but a slave, a deacon. He was qualified by HIS OWN SPIRT and God's WORD.
 
HEAR IS THE WAY A LEADER IS IDENTIFIED BY HIS OWN HOLY SPIRIT:
 
Giving no offence (stumbling block) in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed: 2 Cor 6:3
But in all things approving our selves as the ministers (DEACONS) of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, 2 Cor 6:4
In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; 2 Cor 6:5
 
By (our) pureness, by (our) knowledge, by (our) longsuffering, by (our) kindness, by the (our) Holy SPIRIT, by (our) love unfeigned, 2 Cor 6:6
 
By the (His) word of truth, by the (His) power of God, by the (His) armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, 2 Cor 6:7
 
By (our) honour and (our) dishonour, by (our) evil report and good report: (REGARDED) as deceivers, and yet true; 2 Cor 6:8
 
When elders claim honor greater than Paul the hand-pick, Spirit (Christ) instructed apostle then someone is trying to deceive someone for some reason not Biblical

God is pure or Holy Spirit. Therefore, God's "spirit" is to God what our spirit is to us?

But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit:
for the
Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 1 Co. 2:10
For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him?
even so the
things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 1 Co. 2:11

Only when "our" spirit conforms to God's Spirit can our spirit said to be holy or "set aside for God's use." If we, as "vessels" are filled with the spirit of the world then our spirit is an unholy spirit.

Christ has his own children

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 1 Co. 2:12

Which things also we speak, not in the words which mans wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual 1 Co. 2:13

Satan has his own children

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually (non- physically) discerned. 1 Co. 2:14

We saw the devil face to face and He is Us when we "speak of our own."

Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. Jn.8:44

Lust is "longing after the forbidden." Some things are forbidden or God is to be a liar! We are liars when we speak of our own and do not follow God's Will.

The king/queen of Tyre and Babylon are the bisexual Lucifer/Zoe character because they used music to "speak a lie."

He/she is a liar because they speak their own words in order to silence God's Words and get the worship for themselves.

For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit, (do mind) the things of the Spirit. Ro.8:5

Therefore, when the elders use their unholy spirit to attract through "holy entertainment" then they will collect only people who are after the human or carnal mind.

If you use carnal means you collect carnal people: you don't have to be a "nucuelur physicist" to know that.

Those with A holy spirit are in tune with Christ the Spirit.

But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 1 Co. 2:15

For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Co. 2:16

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but (spirit) of power, and (spirit) of love, and (spirit) of a sound mind. 2 Ti. 1:7

But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. 1 Pe. 3:4

Do elders claim superiority to Messiah?

AND there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: Isa 11:1

And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord; Isa 11: 2

And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: Isa 11: 3

But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth:

<>and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth,
and with the
breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. Isa 11: 4

Therefore, when we have A holy spirit it is taught to be like the Mind of Christ which is the Spirit of God.

Paul to the Thessalonians shows the contrast between an unholy and a holy spirit. Those with an UNHOLY spirit devoid of the Mind and Word of Christ will be seen preaching "HOLY" ENTERTAINMENT.

That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 2 Thess 2:12

Pleasure: Eudokeo (g2106) yoo-dok-eh'-o; from 2095 and 1380; to think well of, i.e. approve (an act); spec. to approbate (a person or thing): - think good, (be well) please (-d), be the good (have, take) pleasure, be willing.

Here is how God chooses to bring salvation:

But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through

sanctification of the Spirit (a holy spirit)
and belief of the truth: 2 Thess 2:13

This is why A Spirit God can only be worshiped "in spirit" or the mind (nous) and in truth (the Word or Mind of Christ Jn 6:63). We worship God in His holy temple (naos) and anyone so presumptious as to bring a team of theatrical entertainers into that holy place will be baptized with the Spirit and with Fire.

Therefore, God does not call other through "holy" entertainment but He speaks only through His Truth impacting our spirit or mind.

Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thess 2:14

Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. 2 Thess 2:15

Therefore,

Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; Ph 1:27

And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; Ep.4:23

And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Col.3:10

Elders must have a holy mental disposition to be "feeders" or teachers of the truth. This is important because:

For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Acts 20:29

These burdens are "spiritual anxiety created by religious rituals." Jesus died to remove those burdens and if you believe that "church" is burdening people with programs, programs, programs then you are a wolf and not a shepherd.

For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on mens shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. Mt. 23:4

The "shepherd" in the Old Testament most often ate the sheep. That is, they lived off the income of their sheep:

Also of your own selves shall men arise (presume authority), speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Acts 20:30

Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. Acts 20:31

If one of the elders begins to eat the lambs do we intend to say that he has been SUPERNATURALLY ORDAINED by the Holy Spirit or God and can make no mistakes?

What should you do when you WATCH because you understand the Counsel of God and have A holy spirit or mind? Do you just let the wolf eat up the proceeds of the flock?

Of course not! But, how can we know a wolf from a lamb or shepherd? When a hireling begins to hire "staff" and more staff he has staff infection. His co-hirelings want "an office and a crust of bread" so that they don't have to be a shepherd who FEEDS.

Paul said:

I have coveted no mans silver, or gold, or apparel. Acts 20:33

Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. Acts 20:34

Hupereteo (g5256) hoop-ay-ret-eh'-o; from 5257; to be a subordinate, i.e. (by impl.) subserve: - minister (unto), serve.

If you want to RULE in a Spiritual kingdom you have to SERVE or be subordinate. If you claim to rule in a command sense you are a WOLF however "spiritual" the holy entertainers make HIM feel.

Here is that "holy spirit" or mind mental disposition without which you are not qualified:

I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring (feel fatique) ye ought to support (succor) the weak,

<>and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said,
It is
more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:35

In the Dominant Pastor, the pulpit as feeding place is turned over to the musical and theatrical performers. They eat up the lambs or chase them away to make room for more tender "body worshipers."

The word "elder" simply means a mature, older man. If he has a holy mind or mental disposition and if he holds the knowledge of the faith then he has advanced. However, the older male who is to be followed is further qualified by his existing imitation of Paul's counsel from God:

Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 1 Tim 5:17

A senior male is to be honored. And the "youngers" who dishonor any of them is heaping up his own basket of wrath.

However, some senior males are worthy of extra honor (not necessarily money) and should be followed because of his teaching, faith and walk in life:

Kopiao (g2872) kop-ee-ah'-o; from a der. of 2873; to feel fatigue; by impl. to work hard: - (bestow) labour, toil, be wearied.

I beseech (beg) you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry (diakonia) of the saints,) 1 Cor 16:15

That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth (co-labor). 1 Co.16:16

PARALLEL MEANING FOR THE DEACONS:

When the first "deacons" were chosen they must be FULL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT and WISDOM (Acts 6:3).

Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report,

full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom,

whom we may appoint over this business. Acts 6:3

Grouping a THIRD member of the god "family" along with wisdom would make no sense. However, a holy spirit means a holy or pure mental disposition.

Paul said that this means that the deacons must be:

Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. 1 Tim 3:9

In Acts 2:38 Peter promised the gift of A holy spirit as a result of turning to Christ in repentance and baptism. In 1 Peter 3:21 the same Peter said that baptism was the time and place where we ask God for a clear conscience.

This means much more than "freedom from a guilty feeling." It means that all obstacles to grasping the mysteries of the faith have been cleared away

Suneidesis (g4893) soon-i'-day-sis; from a prol. form of 4894; co- perception, i.e. moral consciousness; - conscience.

Suneidesis (g4894) soon-i'-do; from 4862 and 1492; to see completely; used (like its prim.) only in two past tenses, respectively mean. to understand or become aware, and to be conscious or (clandestinely) informed of: - consider, know, be privy, be ware of.

This insists that those how hold THE FAITH in a pure or HOLY consiousness have the gift of A holy spirit. This means that they have the gift of discernment because their mind is filled with the Word of Christ. Jesus said of His WORDS:

It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. John 6:63

Therefore, elders and deacons as the TEACHERS of the flock are made so by THEIR Holy Spirit or holy conscience.

The elders are POINTED OUT because they are already "laboring to the point of exhaustion in preaching and teaching." Paul confirms that an evangelist or later a preacher or elder is qualified because he is ALREADY a Suffering Servant.

A True Shepherd is not a hireling. That is, he must imitate Jesus who identified the under shepherds as "going to seek and save the lost."

The Shepherd worthy of true respect does not slip in under the walls of a sheepfold, get himself selected as a shepherd and then claim authority over the senior male leadership who may "already be laboring to the point of exhaustion in preaching and teaching.

Those who usurp the authority of another flock are, as Jesus warned, just doing what they by nature are destined to do. Elders who refuse to "teach the Word as it has been taught" are liars.

Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. Jn.8:44

The early bishops or elders clearly understood their "regional" or provincial responsibility as when Paul remained at one place for a few years but the whole "province" was taught.

The missionaries were elders who went out gathering sheep in huge cities until they were taught by congregational elders with A holy spirit.

Those who build mega-mega sheepfolds and are then forced to gather "goats" to pay the bills always invite in a few wolves to destroy the work of the hireling. This, in turn, steals the honor and support for the true preacher-evangelists who would love to have some of that increasingly- squandered resource to teach Muslims not to hate Americans.

Kenneth Sublett
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