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I've been pretty clear over the years, that I don't believe in using a title such as "Pastor" or "Reverend", that would leave the impression that any one person is actually of a higher rank or status than the rest of the church, body or congregation of Jesus Christ. There is only one head of the Christian Church, and he is Jesus (the) Christ. Pastors are only human. They have the same temptations that you do, and they have no more of a "Red Phone" line to God, than you do! Most people want to believe that their pastor is Holier and ranked higher than they are, and the pastors wallow in it like a pig wallows in the mud. I'm sorry, but this is just simply "Not True". If you are depending on your pastor to get you to heaven, then you are on the wrong boat. The boat you need to be looking for would more resemble a row boat with just enough room for two. You and God. You need to know that not everything your pastor teaches you is 100% correct! You would be hard pressed to find even two pastors who agree on everything, even within the same denomination. God never intended for you to find a disciple of Christ, then follow him around the rest of your life. God intended for you to "Be the Disciple!" He intended for you to then "make disciples" and set them free to do the same. Jesus never intended for us to be forever dependant on a church or so called Church leader. Matthew 23:10 - "Do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, Christ."You" are to be the guide! "You" find out where the water is, then "You" lead people who don't know where the water is, to the water. Then you let "them" drink it! Then they will be able to lead other people who are thirsty to the water, because they know where it is. John 4:14 - but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life."One of the problems with the modern Church is that (so called) spiritual leaders are not leading you to the living water. Instead, they keep the water locked up and ration out just enough to make you feel good, but then you have to return to them later for more! Then they teach you to recruit other people to come to "them" for the water. Soon they are as much a captive as you are. "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, teach him to fish and you feed him for life". A person who makes you dependent on something that you can only get from them by going back every week, is called a "pusher" not a preacher. "A Good Leader Makes Leaders, Not Followers". Jesus is the living water. If you want this water, you have to go to him. Then you can lead others to "him", not to any man or address. Jesus made it very easy for you to be saved and go to heaven. However, many false teachers within the Church, make it "very hard" for you. Dan Douglass (I have spoken) GIVE ONLY IF YOU CAN AFFORD TO GIVE!
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