Mashiyach teaches us how to nurture our relationship with YHWH; he came to bring a relationship. Nevertheless, it’s been said that when the “Gospel” went to Rome it became an institution, and when it went west it became a business enterprise. Religion is the biggest business on Earth and practically all modern “priesthoods” have fashioned their enterprises after the model of hierarchical Babylon .
YHWH says, “I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place, and the name of the Chemarim with the priests; And them that worship the host of heaven upon the housetops; and them that worship and that swear by YHWH, and that swear by Malcham; And them that are turned back from YHWH; and those that have not sought YHWH, nor enquired from him” (Zephaniah 1:4-6). Most religions teach some of the truth but the vast majority also swears by Malcham which is represented by any leadership hierarchy that establishes traditions in opposition to the Word of YHWH. Certainly Christianity and Judaism contain many elements of Truth, but their hierarchies (or denominations) routinely issue credentials and authority to leaders whose qualifications are not valid by Torah and Renewed Covenant standards.
Chemarim, as mentioned before, means “black robe priests” which are priests of Baal (Lord) who function under the authority of man whose underlying humanism is haSatan (the Adversary) who opposes the Government of Mashiyach. Both Christianity and Jewish leaders have adopted black robes (darkness) to reflect their religious authority. Many orthodox Jews and Christians even wear traditional black (or dark) costumes to distinguish their religious sects. Both the autocratic spirit of Roman “superpower” civilization and the hierarchy of Baal play important roles within the modern Greco-Roman church and Judaism.
Y’shua instructs that “where two or three are assembled in my name, there I am also among them” – which is precisely the function of a Beit Din. A Beit Din is a group of men who are qualified according to Scripture, who individually and collectively seek YHWH’s counsel. This principle is derived from B’midbar/Numbers 35:30 and D’varim/Deuteronomy 17:6; 19:15 which requires two or more witnesses petition YHWH to obtain His Judgment. This is a legal requirement that ensures YHWH’s authority, rather than man’s, is established. (See also 1 Cor. 14:27-29; 2 Cor 13:1; 1 Tim 5:19; Hebrews 10:28.) the individuals YHWH raises up are well qualified to do His bidding; but there is a vast difference between religious hierarchy and the Government of Mashiyach. (See chart that follows for some examples).
Religion is big business. Religious hierarchies posture that truth is very difficult and complex to understand, but they have credentials and preaching that proves they have entered into “deep spiritual intelligence.” In reality, what religious leaders do is “market” themselves; they run internal “polls” to know what people want to talk about; they are masters of “current events” and ride on macro gossip trends which keep them on top of their game. Some of these hierarchical leaders have even written books about how to posture and market and become “successful” and popular. Others are simply enemy-centered using other religions to spar with, while being utterly unable to come up with anything original on their own.
The majority establishes the authority of hierarchy, which is why there are some 33,800 Christian denominations on Earth. Each organization has leaders who seek the majority vote of their followers. When the doors of the church or synagogues close and everyone is inside, the hierarchical leader simply needs to maintain the majority vote of his followers to stay “in power.” This seems right in the eyes of man, but this is how Babylon operates and how Baal and haSatan began their ministries. The example that Y’shua set is exactly the opposite; he served and wasn’t “lording” authority over people or seeking a majority vote.
YHWH's Leadership | Man's Hierarchies |
Qualified by Torah Valient – Fears YHWH - Truthful - Hates Covetousness Wise – Understanding – Knowledgable (Sh'mot/Exodus 18:21; D'varim/Deut 1:13 | Qualified by man's Credentials University or Seminary Approved (gains the respect of men by being qualified and approved by man's traditions) |
Qualified by Serving | Qualified by "good" Preaching |
Teaches Torah | Teaches denominational or religious traditions |
Agreement in the Ruach haKodesh | Exercises veto authority over others |
All men participate in leadership responsibilities | Leaders hold meetings for other men to attend |
Transparent to all | Private life and "public life" |
Accessible to all | "Secretary" screens people |
Responsible to YHWH and His people | Responsible to "up-line" hierarchy or no one |
Disciples and motivates souls in Mashiyach and Torah | Wields power over the souls of others |
Humility and meekness | Great in the eyes of man, "Rab" (Great one) |
Seeks the | Seeks support (finances) for big vision |
Makes Disciples | Increases size of membership |
Makes Disciples | Makes "friends" of the ministry |
Elevates Truth | Elevates tradition |
Offers freedom from sin | Offers religious solution to cope with sin |
Identity is in Y'shua | Identity in the institution or denomination (brand) |
Everyone Created for YHWH's purpose | Us good and them bad (or not as good as us) |
Esteems in the | Esteems in large buildings and congregations |
Leads by YHWH's Spirit | Follows majority (the democratic or popular vote) |
YHWH’s leadership is comprised of His servants who are qualified by His Word. His servants serve Him through each component of life, according to sustain righteous lifestyle. Every human being is fallible; everyone is liable to err and can be deceived at times, but false religious leaders have no shame. Oftentimes, to save face and maintain their pride, they willfully uphold popular false doctrines and the evils of their institutions that are contrary to YHWH and His Mashiyach. These hierarchical leaders are called “fierce wolves” (Acts 20:29).
Hierarchical leaders put authority over men’s souls by making them subject to their churches and institutions. Those who elevate men (or women) with flattering titles are also contributing to the loss of their own sovereignty in Mashiyach. Men who ask to be referred to as “father”, “holy father” or “reverend” are demanding fear or respect unto themselves that belongs to YHWH and His Mashiyach. By lessening the sovereignty of the “sheep” the hierarchies wield greater control over their congregants who are often unable to distinguish between the authority of “the church” and responsibilities that are due unto YHWH. This is one reason why the Harlot Church became so contemptuous against Torah, because Torah upholds the sovereignty of each individual in the “fear of Elohim.” Torah also promotes a spiritual relationship between each individual and YHWH, which empowers each person to refrain from disobedience towards YHWH and His Mashiyach.
Week after week billions sit under some man’s teachings, going to churches, synagogues and mosques. Like children in a school room they learn about life through the opinions of men according to their hierarchy of choice where they feel most comfortable. Precious few people stop to consider why. What makes people think that their hierarchy has all the answers? What makes people think that the hierarchy is going to protect and provide for them? The hierarchies of men are plundering the people they are supposed to love. In reality, the hierarchies and the people go to destruction together hand-in-hand and even now, when haSatan is bringing all his religious hierarchies together under one big umbrella of “one world” perversity, it seems right in the eyes of man; but it is an abomination unto YHWH. The image of Babylon id hierarchy; the really big business of Babylon is government and religion.
Unity is not hierarchy. Unity is equality and servanthood towards each other and each soul in the Community of YHWH is equal. Unity is a product of Righteousness and the thirst for Righteousness is what unites YHWH’s people. Y’shua taught: “Let it not be thus among you, but whoever among you desires to be great, let him be a servant to you.” (Matt 21:26) and; “And you should not be called leaders, because one is your leader, the Mashiyach. But he who is greatest among you, let him be a servant to you” (Matt 23:10-11).
YHWH's leadership is pronomian. Whereas, Hierarchy is antinomian.
ReplyDeleteThe modern symbol which is found on Israel's flag is the star of David. Is not the 2nd commandment against appointing symbols to represent YHWH?
ReplyDeleteThe 4th commandment is NEVER nailed to the cross.
ReplyDelete