You are right, Franklin, the 21 year old was viewing the office of elder as a title that anyone could take a turn at. In contrast, a biblical elder is a person God molds over a lifetime in order that the man might help others learn how to live for the Lord. The word means what it says. The man is supposed to be older, seasoned (mature). Maybe the things I said that evening introduced a new thought to that young man? I hope he started investing himself if, someday, he truly does become an elder in his church.
Hank, I agree. An elder should study to understand the Scriptures by which he hopes to help others to grow in the Lord. As for Jesus instructing his followers to "turn the other cheek" instead of demanding "an eye for an eye" - I believe He wasn't distinguishing between the OT and the NT. I think he was correcting a false teaching of the Scribes and Pharisees. They had mistakenly taken God's proper principle of justice to be enforced by "judge and jury" and applied it to personal revenge, grudge holding, etc.
Interesting. For this 21 year old it almost seems like this is more of a “tradition” for being a church goer or even a family tradition. Not necessarily becoming an elder because of faith and disciple of God’s word. Grow up in the church -> become an elder. Almost like an office setting. Start as a receptionist or sales person -> become a manager. More of a title thing than a calling.
Forsell, In your book, you talked of needing Product Knowledge. to help the people better.
How a person not know what is written and advise people? Plus they must know the difference between OT and NT. "An eye for an eye," is OT. "Turn the other cheek is NT" It would be wrong for and elder to advice "An eye for an eye."
You are right, Franklin, the 21 year old was viewing the office of elder as a title that anyone could take a turn at. In contrast, a biblical elder is a person God molds over a lifetime in order that the man might help others learn how to live for the Lord. The word means what it says. The man is supposed to be older, seasoned (mature). Maybe the things I said that evening introduced a new thought to that young man? I hope he started investing himself if, someday, he truly does become an elder in his church.
Hank, I agree. An elder should study to understand the Scriptures by which he hopes to help others to grow in the Lord. As for Jesus instructing his followers to "turn the other cheek" instead of demanding "an eye for an eye" - I believe He wasn't distinguishing between the OT and the NT. I think he was correcting a false teaching of the Scribes and Pharisees. They had mistakenly taken God's proper principle of justice to be enforced by "judge and jury" and applied it to personal revenge, grudge holding, etc.
Interesting. For this 21 year old it almost seems like this is more of a “tradition” for being a church goer or even a family tradition. Not necessarily becoming an elder because of faith and disciple of God’s word. Grow up in the church -> become an elder. Almost like an office setting. Start as a receptionist or sales person -> become a manager. More of a title thing than a calling.
Forsell, In your book, you talked of needing Product Knowledge. to help the people better.
How a person not know what is written and advise people? Plus they must know the difference between OT and NT. "An eye for an eye," is OT. "Turn the other cheek is NT" It would be wrong for and elder to advice "An eye for an eye."