CLERICUS

FAITH:
1 Chronicles 22:2-24:31

David planned the temple. After the exile, these dimensions were used to rebuild the temple.

In service to God, everyone's job remains important. Each person's part honors God.

When we compare the present day churches to the original blueprint it is strikingly apparent that many deviations have been permitted which have been detrimental to the life of the church. Through the centuries the church gradually turned away from simple provisions which made it such a powerful and compelling force in its early years, and there came in terrible distortions from which we are suffering greatly today. The popular thinking fastened upon the building as the identifying symbol and emphasis was put upon great imposing structures and massive cathedrals. In the beginning, "working in the church" meant to exercise a gift or perform a ministry among Christian people wherever they were, but gradually it came to mean doing some religious act within a building.

Along with this came a gradual transfer of responsibility from the people to what was termed, "the clergy," which is a term derived from the Latin clericus meaning a priest. The scriptural concept that every believer is a priest before God was gradually lost and a special body of super-Christians emerged who were looked to for practically everything and so came to be termed "the ministry."

When the ministry was thus left to the professionals there was nothing left for the people to do other than come to church and listen. They were told it was their responsibility to bring the world into the church building to hear the pastor preach the gospel. Soon Christianity became nothing but a spectator sport, very much akin to the definition of football---22 men down on the field, desperately in need of rest and 20 thousand in the grand stands, desperately in need of exercise.

This unbiblical distortion has placed pastors under an unbearable burden. They have proved completely unequal to the task of evangelizing the world, counseling the distressed and brokenhearted, ministering to the poor and needy, relieving the oppressed and afflicted, expounding the Scriptures, and challenging the entrenched forces of evil in and increasingly darkened world. They were never meant to do it......

Nothing is more desperately needed that to return to the dynamic of the early church.......

Again it is the entire body of believers who must attempt the work of the ministry, equipped and guided by gifted men who are able to expound and apply the
Scriptures with such wisdom that even the least believer discovers and begins to exercise the gift of gifts the Hoy Spirit has given him. The whole body then stirs with resurrection power. Boldness and power again become the trademarks of the church of Jesus Christ.
by Ray C. Stedman

Applying it: How can you begin to serve God? Perhaps you can help lead a Bible study for new believers or even open your home so someone else can. Look for a way you can lift the load from someone else.
Exploring it: Body of Believers---Romans 12:3-6; 1 Corinthians 12:4-27' 14:3-5' Ephesians 2:21; 4:11-12, 12-16.

FRIENDS:
Father, Lift up our eyes so that we may see the gifts your Spirit has placed in us. Help us to see what the difference is between a Christian who's reaching out to people, trying to help people and one who just sits in the pew week after week. Teach us to worship by feeding the poor, giving a word of kindness to someone who need it, by encouraging someone or studying with them. Teach us to use our hands to help Jesus heal the brokenhearted. In Jesus' name, Amen.

DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE
January 20
Matthew 8:14-22; Acts 11:19-30; Psalms 19; Genesis 42-43
January 21
Matthew 8:23-34; Acts 12; Psalms 20; Genesis 44-45

A few more questions to ponder:
6. How do we know from Acts 20:28 that it is the church that is called the flock of God?

7. Where is judgment to begin? 1 Peter 4:17

8. What is the church called in 1 Corinthians 3:16

9. What did Paul call the church when giving behavioral instructions in 1 Timothy 3:15?

10. How are we to behave in the church assembly according to 1 Corinthians 14:40?

FOOD:

Impossible Southwestern Pie (meatless)

1 1/2 cups frozen whole kernel corn
8 medium green onions, chopped
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1/3 cup shredded Cheddar
1/2 cup Bisquick
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup thick-and-chunky salsa
2 eggs
Additional thick-and-chunky salsa

Heat oven to 400°. Grease 9-inch pie plate. Layer corn, onions and beans in the pie plate. Sprinkle with cheese. Stir baking mix, milk, 1/2 cup salsa and
the eggs until blended. Pour into pie plate. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes. Serve with salsa and sour cream.

Makes 6 servings

1 Serving: 230 calories (55 calories from fat)

FUN:

Dear Dad,
$chool i$ really great. I am making lot$ of friend$ and $tudying very hard. With all my $tuff, I $imply can`t think of anything I need. $o if you would like, you can ju$t $end me a card, a$ I would love to hear from you.
Love,
Your $on


The Reply:

Dear Son,

I kNOw that astroNOmy, ecoNOmics, and oceaNOgraphy are eNOugh to keep even an hoNOr student busy. Do NOt forget that the pursuit of kNOwledge is a NOble task, and you can never study eNOugh.
Love,
Dad