Apostle Paul has long been one of my role models in Scripture. I admire his intellect, his devoutness, his sincerity, his logic,, his tenacity, and his resourcefulness. Saul of Tarsus was educated as a Pharisee — a scholar of Biblical law. He was trained under Gamaliel, one of the greatest Bible scholars in the history of Israel. And yet, despite all that legal and theological training, Saul also learned to make tents.
We know from the Book of Acts that, because of his intense knowledge and zeal, Saul wanted to defend the Jewish way of life against any enemies. And, because of a misunderstanding about the new sect of Judaism that was called The Way (that is what Christianity was originally called), Saul wanted to put a stop to what he perceived as false teachings. (After all, how could anyone go around teaching that people should worship some carpenter that had risen from the dead…??) And so, the zealous Saul participated in the hunting down and execution of dozens of early Christians.
“Bivocational”
We also know from the Book of Acts that, while on the road to Damascus, Saul of Tarsus was confronted by the risen Jesus in a divine vision. Jesus told the startled Saul that he had been persecuting Jesus. By inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Saul realized that he had been persecuting “the least of these” that Jesus had died to save. Astonished and transformed, Saul changed his name to Paul (a meaningful topic for another time). And then, Paul made contact with the very Christians that had been on his way to kill. They took him in, and they taught him some details about The Way. And then, he became the greatest apostle (meaning “one that is sent”) that wrote half the books of the New Testament. Paul did have formal religious training in his background, but he was not “ordained” in a formal ceremony. At least, it was not like the ones that modern churches have. But, the people in Ananais’ house in Damascus watched the scales fall from Paul’s eyes as he regained his sight. That’s a rather convincing “ceremony”.
Although he did collect donations that supported his evangelistic ministry, Apostle Paul also made tents along the way. He mostly supported himself, and then used the donations to bless others. Paul had two jobs. The word for that is “bivocational”, derived from Latin. The members of those early Christian congregations trusted Paul to handle both religious doctrine and the money bag.
“Go and do likewise”
Christians should be the most trustworthy people in society. Sadly, that is not always the case. (Then again, not every conversion is a “true” conversion to Christianity….) True Christians are trustworthy for two reasons. First, we have the Holy Bible as a guide. Second, we have the Holy Spirit living inside us. So, not only should we be trustworthy in our own actions, but also we have an accurate measuring rod for the behavior of others. True Christians should be able to discern truth from error and falsehood as easily as a trained Secret Service agent can spot counterfeit money.
With this foundation in mind, I submit to you that — although I have not yet had a formal ordination ceremony — I have been ordained directly by God through a series of messages and prophetic signs. Some people might try to claim that is hard to believe. But, Jesus said that you will know the tree by its fruit. So, if you are wise “workers in the field”, then you will use your knowledge of the Bible and your relationship with the Holy Spirit to discern whether my calling is true by looking at my words and deeds.
Last week, I told my pastor (yes, every pastor should also have a pastor) that “the world is on fire, and I want to be a fireman”. I was specifically talking about the fact that we are in the End Times. By my analysis of world events and comparing them with Scripture, we likely have about three years before Jesus returns. (Now, before you get all hyped-up that I’m “setting dates”, consider this. Jesus said, “No man knows the hour nor the day, but only the Father in Heaven.” He meant exactly that: hour and day. He also said that we will know the signs and the seasons that precede His return. The Hebrew word for “seasons” is sometimes also translated as “months”. So, as events unfold, we should be able to discern to within approximately a month of His return. “Look up, for your redemption draws near.”)
Because I believe that Jesus’ return is so near, I feel a burning urge in my heart to help people avoid going to Hell. Thus, I did not pursue the “title” of pastor merely for the sake of a title. I did it because some people will not pay attention to Biblical analysis unless the person talking to them has the title “pastor”.
And, I most certainly didn’t do it for the money. (I have been funding this church launch for the past several months out of my own pocket. I live on Social Security and my VA disability pension. Do the math.) I first felt the calling to ministry around 1985. Thus, I “ran away” from my calling for more than 40 years. (Look what happened to Jonah when he ran away from his calling! I have spent a lot of time in the metaphorical whale’s belly.)
My reason for posting this information now is that, somewhere along the line, I anticipate that someone will try to say that I am “not qualified” or perhaps “not truly called” because I never had a fancy ceremony. To those people, I say simply, “Judge the tree by its fruit.” And, part of my goal is to find some solidly faithful men and then help them “go and do likewise”. But, when possible, I will give them a ceremony.
