Kings and Priests by Os Hillman
http://www.identitynetwork.net/Articles-?blogid=2093&view=post&articleid=83486&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=Os%20Hillman&fldTopic=0
By Os Hillman
"And
hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the
earth." - Revelation 5:10 KJV
The Bible describes two distinct
roles in the Old Testament-kings and priests. Kings were the rulers; priests
were the religious leaders. The New Testament reveals we all are kings and
priests because of the redemptive work of Christ.
Today, kings are most often
represented by business and political leaders, while pastors represent the
priestly roles. God calls each of us to fulfill both roles in our lives today.
However, our vocational roles often create a division that is misunderstood by
both workplace believers and pastors. These misunderstandings have led to a
weakened and less effective Church.
Pastors have been guilty of
viewing their workplace believers as dollar signs. They sometimes see them for
what they can contribute to their ministries instead of equipping them to use
their gifts and talents to impact the workplace believer's mission field-their
workplace.
Workplace believers have tried to
get pastors to operate their churches like businesses, and have used their
worldly ways for spiritual purposes. They often view the pastor as the primary
ministry worker instead of taking on the responsibility themselves to do the
work of the ministry.
This is a grievous sin that
exists in the Body of Christ, and it requires repentance from both groups.
Unless we recognize this, we will never see the reality of revival that God
wants to bring to the business community, and pastors will fail to gain an ally
to fully complete the work of the Church in their community.
Are you a pastor who has failed
to see the calling that workplace believers have received to the workplace? If
so, ask God to forgive you for viewing your workplace believers as those to be
used for your own purposes.
Are you a workplace believer who
sees your church as another business to be run based on worldly measurements?
Do you see the pastor's role as one who is primarily responsible for the work
of the ministry? If so, you must repent and ask God to forgive you of this
unbiblical view. God has called both of you to fulfill His purposes together
through your gifts and talents.
Os Hillman
Releasing Kings For Ministry in The
Marketplace
Book
by John S. Garfield & Harold R.
Eberle
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"And the Lord said to Joshua, 'This day I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with you.'"(Josh 3:7-8). Joshua had been a faithful number two man under Moses for 40 years. Can you imagine serving one man for 40 years? Now that is faithfulness! Even so, when the time came to pass the mantel to Joshua, God knew he needed to be elevated in the eyes of the people in order for Joshua to accomplish his purpose. That is the purpose for elevation - so that you and I can fulfill our purpose and our mission.
http://www.identitynetwork.net/Articles-?blogid=2093&url=10&view=post&articleid=206343&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=Os%20Hillman&fldTopic=0
"Then Elimelech, Naomi's husband, died; and she was left, and her two sons. Now they took wives of the women of Moab: the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth. And they dwelt there about ten years. Then both Mahlon and Chilion also died; so the woman survived her two sons and her husband." Ruth 1:3-5 Naomi's life was going well. A great husband. Two fine sons who had two wonderful wives. Then the unthinkable happened. Her husband died. A little time later both her sons die. Her and her daughter-in-laws find themselves in the midst of shattered dreams. This isn't how life was supposed to be.
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"While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, 'Simon, three men are looking for you. So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.'" Acts 10:19-20 Peter had never preached to the Gentiles. In fact, he believed it was against Jewish law to associate with the Gentiles. God needed to change Peter's attitude about this, so God gave Peter a vision that showed him it was permissible to preach to the Gentiles. The Spirit came to Peter and informed him that some men were about to come visit him, and he was to go with them. He went with them, and the Lord did great miracles in the lives of Gentiles through Peter.