Dear Believers,

I have been struggling for sometime now with the way and the direction today's church is taking. A lot of titles, words and slogans have been added (or least that's how it looks from where I am) that day by day reduce the gloryfication of God and increase or replace it with the gloryfication of man, wealth and materialistic things.

For the purpose of this thread I will stick to the heading of this thread. Please help me or direct me if any of you knows where exactly, which verse in particular refers to pastors as a"man of God" or "Man of God".

You see I am even confused on even knowing how to write the "man" in small caps or big caps.

To my knowledge there are verses where Christ is referred to as the "Son of Man". To my understanding He used this to identify Himself with the ordinare person "saved" or not.

Also in many parts of the bible "people" of God referred to God's creation and children of God refers to those who are saved or belivers. If then the singular of "people" is "man" and the singular of "children" is "child", Why do the children/ a child of God choose to call themselves or himself "a man/Man of God" This bothers me because this new title seem to have brought a new wave of pride' self praise and licence to do whatever one wants.

This really puzzles me and I would appreciate someone to school me on this. I know sometimes the bible would talk about men who loved and where devoted to God as man after Gods heart etc. But these where not all pastors.

If then the bible does refer to devoted followers of God as man of God, does this little refer or preserved only for pastors or all devotees and followers of Christ?

We also know that the bible refers to all at times as "man" when referring to human beings. Where & when did this expression or this title end up being used to purify man of cloth some of whom unashamebly do not even attempt to leave a devoted life or purify themselves and earn such a title? The automatic blanket application of this title maybe is the main issue to me.

Just wondering outloud

Sorry young lady but I consider it a waste of time to go research Sacred scriptures just because someone some where calls another a man of God. If one is called a man of God because the individual has decided to be God's 'champion' then I am cool with it. Heck, everyone you should aspire to be men and women of God.

Now, it is all too obvious that not everything thing or name is explicitly stated in sacred scriptures and to adopt the slogan: 'if iT aint in scriptures then I aint doing it' is rather extreme. For instance, I am very sure that nowhere in Sacred scriptures are women asked to wear underwears or men asked to wear boxers but we go ahead and wear them anyways because they are a 'good to have'.

Similarly, there is no where in Sacred scriptures where a husband and wife are asked to call each other pet names but that is done because it is good and adds some much needed spice to the marriage. The point really is that if doing something is a 'good to have' in itself then it is by no way wrong to adopt it as long as it is not sinful and done to the glory of God.

BluIvy,...There are scriptures for this, actually...

1 Tim 6:11.."But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness

2 Kings 4:9..."And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually.

However, I agree with you that not All pastors/ministers should be addressed as such, except the ones living holy lives, with Christlike character(and for your information, they outnumber the fake ones!)

I like your passion for the word,by the way.

It is in the unwritten statement of paul, he totally forgot to pen it down,

Calling them men of God is not bad but I think that should go to the real men of God not all these business men in nigeria. Some even force you to call them daddy. It is just cow-dung.

To me whoever dutifuly obeys and follow the teachings from the bible is a man of God not neccesrily a pastor

I hear this first from a friend who is from nigeria that you speak from your pastors as man of God. We here in europa will never say to a pastor he is a man of God.

the problem is that most of this so called great man of god in Nigeria are only businessman and no one of this jetflying Pastors is a real man of God.
A real christian church will never preach your enemy must die because this is not christian. See what I got from a friend.
Or will never tell their followers that they can heal them from diabethes because this is dangerous.

Isa 2:27, 1king 12 and 13, 2king 1, 4,5,6,7,8. 2ch 23:14, 8:14, 11:2, 25:7-9, jer 35:4, ezr 3:2,

Man of God is all over the Bible, among them are Moses, david, shemaiah,elisha etc

Could not find a woman of God- am shocked

Redoil: To me whoever dutifuly obeys and follow the teachings from the bible is a man of God not neccesrily a pastor

phonetics: BluIvy,...There are scriptures for this, actually...

1 Tim 6:11.."But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness

2 Kings 4:9..."And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually.

.

I agree with the first post that every Christian is a man of God and not just Pastors. This is what Paul meant in the Timothy scripture above.

We must understand that moving from the OT to the NT, there were some fundamental changes. In the old, it was not out of place to call someone a man of God. But when Jesus came he showed us that things have changed along those lines. Our Lord taught in Matthew 23 that no one is rabbi, master or father to another in the church dispensation. he was showing us that rather than the clergy distinction that the OT emphasized, the new encouraged equality. That is why no one is called a man of God in the new. The only place the phrase is used in Timothy, refers to all Christians and not just the clergy.

Today, when people use MOG, they are again imposing the OT clergy/laity distinction, which is a sign of a backslidden church.

I find this topic interesting, for further understanding into the doctrinal errors that brought about this MOG emphasis, I invite you to this thread:

www.nairaland.com/1790500/word-faith-movements-doctrine-proponents

Redoil: To me whoever dutifuly obeys and follow the teachings from the bible is a man of God not neccesrily a pastor

End of discussion.. OP, you've been answered

God bless you bro

phonetics: BluIvy,...There are scriptures for this, actually...

1 Tim 6:11.."But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness

2 Kings 4:9..."And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually.

However, I agree with you that not All pastors/ministers
should be addressed as such, except the ones living holy
lives, with Christlike character(and for your information,
they outnumber the fake ones!)

I like your passion for the word,by the way.

Thanks @Phonetics for your response. But when I interpreters that verse it speaks to all belivers not only pastors?

striktlymi: Sorry young lady but I consider it a waste of time to go research Sacred scriptures just because someone some where calls another a man of God. If one is called a man of God because the individual has decided to be God's 'champion' then I am cool with it. Heck, everyone you should aspire to be men and women of God.

Now, it is all too obvious that not everything thing or name is explicitly stated in sacred scriptures and to adopt the slogan: 'if iT aint in scriptures then I aint doing it' is rather extreme. For instance, I am very sure that nowhere in Sacred scriptures are women asked to wear underwears or men asked to wear boxers but we go ahead and wear them anyways because they are a 'good to have'.

Similarly, there is no where in Sacred scriptures where a husband and wife are asked to call each other pet names but that is done because it is good and adds some much needed spice to the marriage. The point really is that if
doing something is a 'good to have' in itself then it is by
no way wrong to adopt it as long as it is not sinful and
done to the glory of God.

Sorry to bore you, as I said I was thinking outloud and wanted an opinion on this. Your examples I think are extreme especially when it comes to matters of the Gospel. Thanks anyway for your response.

larrymoore: It is in the unwritten statement of paul, he totally forgot to pen it down,

Which exact statement of Paul? This could be very interesting!

nora544: I hear this first from a friend who is from nigeria that you speak from your pastors as man of God. We here in europa will never say to a pastor he is a man of God.

the problem is that most of this so called great man of god in Nigeria are only businessman and no one of this jetflying Pastors is a real man of God.
A real christian church will never preach your enemy must die because this is not christian. See what I got from a friend.
Or will never tell their followers that they can heal them from diabethes because this is dangerous.

Wow!!@ your poster!!! Jesus Christ!!! Who dies exactly, if you do not marry?

DrummaBoy:

I agree with the first post that every Christian is a man of God and not just Pastors. This is what Paul meant in the Timothy scripture above.

We must understand that moving from the OT to the NT, there were some fundamental changes. In the old, it was not out of place to call someone a man of God. But when Jesus came he showed us that things have changed along those lines. Our Lord taught in Matthew 23 that no one is rabbi, master or father to another in the church dispensation. he was showing us that rather than the clergy distinction that the OT emphasized, the new encouraged equality. That is why no one is called a man of God in the new. The only place the phrase is used in Timothy, refers to all Christians and not just the clergy.

Today, when people use MOG, they are again imposing the OT clergy/laity distinction, which is a sign of a backslidden church.

I find this topic interesting, for further understanding into the doctrinal errors that brought about this MOG emphasis, I invite you to this thread:

www.nairaland.com/1790500/word-faith-movements-doctrine-proponents

Thank you for this response.

BluIvy:

Thanks @Phonetics for your response. But when I interpreters that verse it speaks to all belivers not only pastors?

BluIvy, yes, generally to All believers in a sense. But Specifically to Timothy-a pastor! Combining that with the Scriptures from the Old Testament, it seems it specifically refers to a Minister of the gospel.

Again, I don't believe that this is a validation for "superiority complex" on the part of. Ministers.

When it's all said and done, all believers are thesame before The Lord, by virtue of the blood of Christ.

Thanks for raising a nice topic.

phonetics:

BluIvy, yes, generally to All believers in a sense. But Specifically to Timothy-a pastor! Combining that with the Scriptures from the Old Testament, it seems it specifically refers to a Minister of the gospel.

Again, I don't believe that this is a validation for "superiority complex" on the part of. Ministers.

When it's all said and done, all believers are thesame before The Lord, by virtue of the blood of Christ.

Thanks for raising a nice topic.

Thanks. I agree ordinarily this would not bother me but the use of this title has brought a new wave of "manipulative" tactics in the house of God. And a mightier than thou attitude to those who are suppose to be humble servants of God. This troubles my soul! But maybe its nothing really!

I need to chill!

BluIvy:

Thanks. I agree ordinarily this would not bother me but the use of this title has brought a new wave of "manipulative" tactics in the house of God. And a mightier than thou attitude to those who are suppose to be humble servants of God. This troubles my soul! But maybe its nothing really!

I need to chill!

Now, I have a better understanding of your perspective!

Humility will always be a scriptural yardstick by which we assess if a person is a genuine servant of God.

"By their FRUIT you shall know them"...these are the words of Jesus.

It weighs so heavily on your heart because you are sensitive to the Holy Spirit.

I encourage believers to vote with their feet, and leave a church where the pastor does not display the Fruit of the Spirit!

I believe judgement will soon begin in the house of The Lord.

God bless you.

BluIvy:

Thanks. I agree ordinarily this would not bother me but the use of this title has brought a new wave of "manipulative" tactics in the house of God. And a mightier than thou attitude to those who are suppose to be humble servants of God. This troubles my soul! But maybe its nothing really!

I need to chill!

Thank you Blu for thanking me. I cannot remember anyone thanking me on nl in a long time. And for that I will add this:

The 16th century protestant revolution resulted in three primary doctrines

1. Sola Scriptura: Authority of scripture in all matters of life and ministry.
2. Justification by faith: rediscovering the Pauline gospel.
3. Priesthood of all Believers: Ending the hegemony of Catholic priests over the laity and encouraging all Christian to know truth for themselves. Result: equality.

Its the priesthood of all believers that we have lost today that makes some MOG and others "ordinary" children of God. In fact the church today have lost the protestant emphasis on these three mighty dictrines.

The grief in your heart against this is God expressing his own grief through you. God however can use you to draw the church attention to this but it will cost you and you must ask yourself if you can pay the price.

What are your views on the thread I referred you to earlier?

DrummaBoy:

Thank you Blu for thanking me. I cannot remember anyone thanking me on nl in a long time.

When you make a good submission HUMBLY, people will thank you for it but when your submission poses an I-know-it-all kind of posture then no thanks. Some of your posts are good though. and carries good lessons.

nora544: I hear this first from a friend who is from nigeria that you speak from your pastors as man of God. We here in europa will never say to a pastor he is a man of God.

the problem is that most of this so called great man of god in Nigeria are only businessman and no one of this jetflying Pastors is a real man of God.
A real christian church will never preach your enemy must die because this is not christian. See what I got from a friend.
Or will never tell their followers that they can heal them from diabethes because this is dangerous.

You forgot to mention your own pastors in south africa who told his members to eat grass to enable them see god..

Dragonking:

You forgot to mention your own pastors in south africa who told his members to eat grass to enable them see god..

I am not from south africa.

I know the bible very good and I want only that real christians open their eyes and that they understand how many fake pastors in nigeria who only want their money to fill their pockets.

The last I read is from a pastor who can heal diabethes but sorry that is something when you are mostly to fat and than you get this.
Why so many nigerians are fat when all what they do is praying and fasting!!!!!!!!!!!!

phonetics:


Now, I have a better understanding of your perspective!

Humility will always be a scriptural yardstick by which we assess if a person is a genuine servant of God.

"By their FRUIT you shall know them"...these are the words of Jesus.

It weighs so heavily on your heart because you are sensitive to the Holy Spirit.

I encourage believers to vote with their feet, and leave a church where the pastor does not display the Fruit of the Spirit!

I believe judgement will soon begin in the house of The Lord.

God bless you.

Thank you once again for your encouragement. I am really struggling to swallow these things. It affects my spirituality deeply and it seems as if it is out of my control not to feel bothered. I am at point of almost feeling physically ill becouse of these unbearable sights.

I know our God will prevail!

God bless you too, @Phonetics

nora544: I hear this first from a friend who is from nigeria that you speak from your pastors as man of God. We here in europa will never say to a pastor he is a man of God.

the problem is that most of this so called great man of god in Nigeria are only businessman and no one of this jetflying Pastors is a real man of God.
A real christian church will never preach your enemy must die because this is not christian. See what I got from a friend.
Or will never tell their followers that they can heal them from diabethes because this is dangerous.

.





Misinterpreting d bible



wait till witches chop off ur head

.

DrummaBoy:

Thank you Blu for thanking me. I cannot remember anyone thanking me on nl in a long time. And for that I will add this:

The 16th century protestant revolution resulted in three primary doctrines

1. Sola Scriptura: Authority of scripture in all matters of life and ministry.
2. Justification by faith: rediscovering the Pauline gospel.
3. Priesthood of all Believers: Ending the hegemony of Catholic priests over the laity and encouraging all Christian to know truth for themselves. Result: equality.

Its the priesthood of all believers that we have lost today that makes some MOG and others "ordinary" children of God. In fact the church today have lost the protestant emphasis on these three mighty dictrines.

The grief in your heart against this is God expressing his own grief through you. God however can use you to draw the church attention to this but it will cost you and you must ask yourself if you can pay the price.

What are your views on the thread I referred you to
earlier?

Brother you have no idea how this is costing at this moment. I had chosen to leave some of these pastors and I have been cursed and some have prayed for my death hence I find it hard to understand the authority of some of these so called Mogs to pray for the death of another believer just because you leave their fold and refuse to be led by the blind. But as I said our God will prevail through all of this.

I have not read the thread yet I promise to do that this weekend i have been very busy since.

Olusanya333: .





Misinterpreting d bible



wait till witches chop off ur head

.

Only in nigeria people believe in witches and that comes from this fake pastors also who put fear on their poor followers.

nora544:

I am not from south africa.

I know the bible very good and I want only that real christians open their eyes and that they understand how many fake pastors in nigeria who only want their money to fill their pockets.

The last I read is from a pastor who can heal diabethes but sorry that is something when you are mostly to fat and than you get this.
Why so many nigerians are fat when all what they do is praying and fasting!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have no problem with you exposing christians and their fake pastors, infact you are doing me a favour, but the problem i have with you is that you always come out to attack nigeria..I know you arent a nigerian but all your info is about nigeria. Why?
Let us know your country so that we all can expose the christians there too and their fake crusades.

nora544:

Only in nigeria people believe in witches and that comes from this fake pastors also who put fear on their poor followers.

How dumb. so people in your country or other countries in Africa dont belive in witches

Like i told you the problem i have with you is your constant but indirect attack on Nigeria and i am ever ready to tackle you down to the bone. If you have the balls ( wish i doubt) state your true country then will shall start from there.

BluIvy:

Brother you have no idea how this is costing at this moment. I had chosen to leave some of these pastors and I have been cursed and some have prayed for my death hence I find it hard to understand the authority of some of these so called Mogs to pray for the death of another believer just because you leave their fold and refuse to be led by the blind. But as I said our God will prevail through all of this.

I have not read the thread yet I promise to do that this weekend i have been very busy since.

Welcome to the club.

Some ten years ago I could have been bothered about the titles some pastors bandy around. Today, I careless. When I see a minister who finds security in the title he possesses, I am almost sure he carries nothing.

On the issue of cursing and death threats. Its not new. Usually its the last resort. But its also our opportunity to build our faith. I cannot count how many times I have faced issues at the threat of death only to come out alive. Next time, I face these issues, they are no longer issues.

At the moment, if there is anyone who still puts his trust in pastors, that person is to be pitied. What will keep the individual Christian today is to know God for yourself. The Christian environment is bleak in this country.

I hope you get around to study that thread. Myself and two other guys are doing a thorough study of a movement/doctrine which we believe is at the root of the problem with our churches. At the end you will find out that title or MOG is not even the problem.

You may also read up articles on my blog (see signature below) where I discuss sundry issues on religion and politics.

Cheers.

Dragonking:

How dumb. so people in your country or other countries in Africa dont belive in witches

Like i told you the problem i have with you is your constant but indirect attack on Nigeria and i am ever ready to tackle you down to the bone. If you have the balls ( wish i doubt) state your true country then will shall start from there.

Friend, don't get too worked up over Nora, she isn't even an African to begin with. I guess she's Scandinavian (judging from her past posts but this is a guess) and they sure don't give time or regard to witches like we do here.

Candour:

Friend, don't get too worked up over Nora, she isn't even an African to begin with. I guess she's Scandinavian (judging from her past posts but this is a guess) and they sure don't give time or regard to witches like we do here.

It's just the false gospel that is being preached in places like Nigeria that make it look like witches have effects on a child of God. People go to church every Sunday but return empty of the spiritual food. The word says, greater is he in you...than he in the world and yet, some christians will still tell you they are fight witches, calling it spiritual warfare - They are using their faith to fight war that is already won at calvary.

Friends, you're complete IN CHRIST....you don't need no addition, subtraction.

Goshen360:

It's just the false gospel that is being preached in places like Nigeria that make it look like witches have effects on a child of God. People go to church every Sunday but return empty of the spiritual food. The word says, greater is he in you...than he in the world and yet, some christians will still tell you they are fight witches, calling it spiritual warfare - They are using their faith to fight war that is already won at calvary.

Friends, you're complete IN CHRIST....you don't need no addition, subtraction.

Make God help us I tell u.

Bro, how u dey? Longest time.