Greater Callings

The King of Glory calls some of His people to greater sacrifice. To some, He calls into greater revelation. Some find greater provision. The idea that any of these differences in callings have a line drawn between them that could be called “clergy” on one side and “laity” on the other is quite different from any of the writings we call the New Testament.

According to what Luke wrote in Acts, the apostles were clearly growing to believe that they were the new clergy, having replaced the Levites and their priests. In chapter 6, when the apostles laid their hands on seven Hellenistic believers to ordain them to the ministry of daily meal distribution for Hellenistic widows, the Holy Spirit filled the young men with Himself, and with supernatural gifts. Stephen became a powerful teacher. No one could win a debate with him regarding the Jewish Scriptures. He was murdered for his faith and his ministry (chapter 7).

Luke then wrote that a great persecution broke out, and all the believers but the apostles were thrust out of Jerusalem. Suddenly, everyone but the apostles seems to have been thrust into their ministries. Philip, another of the seven young men, overpowered demons and diseases in a town in Samaria to the point that he led the entire population to Christ, including the local witch. Two apostles then came to the town to lay their hands on the new believers to fill them with the Holy Spirit (chapter 8:1-17).

Constantine imposed Greek styled gatherings and priests and buildings on believers under his government. His influence was the beginning of what culminated in the church of Rome, calling itself the Catholic Church. “Catholic” can be translated as “universal.” It’s influence furthered Constantine’s twisting and controlling, to the point of murdering it’s challengers.

Every believer is called to an important work. Ministry means service. Every believer’s important ministry requires a supernatural gift, manifesting the Holy Spirit as He works in the earth. Some believers are called to greater sacrifice or responsibility, and there are many gifts, looking different, like body parts.

The Roman mythology that created the line between clergy and laity, however, really is a myth. Brought to you by the same people who brought you wise men in manger scenes, the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus and Cupid. And the Holy Roman Empire. And uncounted thousands of tortured and murdered believers, some for the crime of translating the Scriptures so believers could read them in their native tongues.