Who "Sent" Protestant Church Pastors

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I do not expect anyone to ‘twist’ the Bible and don’t appreciate the insinuation that this is what I requested, because I assure you, I am not twisting the word.

You have to read things in context. Part of the context is who authored what, what languages did they use, are words being used that mean the same thing, who was being spoken too, etc. etc. We cannot read everything with a modern view, seeking only a meaning that can be applied to what we believe. We should be applying our beliefs to what is written and the context it is written in, and within the other scriptures.
I believe it is twisting when it is used in a different context. I do not believe that you or anyone who uses those terms the way they do believe it is twisting. In other words, I do believe that it is twisting for me. I do not want to impugn anyone’s motives though. Just because I believe that it is twisting, does not mean that I think anyone’s actions are intentional. I always assume good motives as I am reminded by those who care.
 
I believe it is twisting when it is used in a different context. I do not believe that you or anyone who uses those terms the way they do believe it is twisting. In other words, I do believe that it is twisting for me. I do not want to impugn anyone’s motives though. Just because I believe that it is twisting, does not mean that I think anyone’s actions are intentional. I always assume good motives as I am reminded by those who care.
So, if someone disagrees with your interpretation, which is that which is received when reading in context, it’s ‘twisting’ scriptures, whether intentional or not? See, this is where we part ways on ‘twisting’. I would quickly show you the authority of the Church/tradition, in addition to the authority of scriptures, using scriptures. Just as quickly, I would present a case, again using scriptures, that teach against private interpretation of scriptures. Thereby, I would produce by what authority I disagree with your interpretation. I would expect the same of you, since you say I’m twisting scriptures as opposed to attributing our differences to interpretations.

So, please provide the scriptures that grant you such an authority as to claim someone who disagrees with your interpretation is ‘twisting’ scriptures.
 
So, if someone disagrees with your interpretation, which is that which is received when reading in context, it’s ‘twisting’ scriptures, whether intentional or not? See, this is where we part ways on ‘twisting’. I would quickly show you the authority of the Church/tradition, in addition to the authority of scriptures, using scriptures. Just as quickly, I would present a case, again using scriptures, that teach against private interpretation of scriptures. Thereby, I would produce by what authority I disagree with your interpretation. I would expect the same of you, since you say I’m twisting scriptures as opposed to attributing our differences to interpretations.

So, please provide the scriptures that grant you such an authority as to claim someone who disagrees with your interpretation is ‘twisting’ scriptures.
Why are still discussing this? The crux of this is not about you and me. So I would prefer to discuss consent of the whole church, what the Bible teaches about being sent, or any of the other issues. I have asked a lot of questions about what consent of the church means and directly trying to address who else holds valid apostolic succession.

The answer to your question is no. I do not believe different interpretations are twisting. I do believe using words outside of their original context and giving them new and extrabiblical meanins is twisting. Now can we go on to the meat of the conversation? No one gives a darn about what I think. Lets talk Bible!
 
Okay I will answer this one and then please answer my question about what churches the Catholic Church recognizes as having valid orders.
Okay now to your answer. When it is phrased the way you just phrased it I believe we actually almost agree! Using the Bible. Paul directly received his apostleship from God. We agree that he had hands laid on him by a disciple. We have no idea if that was someone who had hands laid on them by an existing apostle. Its an argument from silence either way. It never says that the laying on of hands can only occur from an apostle or someone chosen by an apostle.
Yes, the laying on of hands comes from the elders or presbyters. I agree with that. Okay, now tell me where you disagree briefly.
Holy orders is scriptural. There are more and I have already produced those that show the imposition of hands through the authority passed on through Apostolic succession. As for the Catholic Church recognizing valid orders, only those with true Apostolic succesion; the Catholic and Orthodox Churches.

**Act 20:28 Take heed to yourselves and to the whole flock, wherein the Holy Ghost hath placed you bishops, to rule the Church of God which he hath purchased with his own blood.

Luk 22:19 And taking bread, he gave thanks and brake and gave to them, saying: This is my body, which is given for you. Do this for a commemoration of me.

Joh 20:22 When he had said this, he breathed on them; and he said to them: Receive ye the Holy Ghost.

Act 6:6 These they set before the apostles: and they praying, imposed hands upon them.

Act 13:3 Then they fasting and praying and imposing their hands upon them, sent them away.

Act 14:23 (14:22) And when they had ordained to them priests in every church and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, in whom they believed.

1Ti 4:14 Neglect not the grace that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with imposition of the hands of the priesthood.

2Ti 1:6 For which cause I admonish thee that thou stir up the grace of God which is in thee by the imposition of my hands.

Tit 1:5 For this cause I left thee in Crete: that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting and shouldest ordain priests in every city, as I also appointed thee:**

As for Paul’s appointment, God chose Paul, just as He chose the 12.

I was hoping you’d provide a demonstration of someone receiving an appointment through the ‘laity’ or themselves, since that seems to the be gist of your view that the congregation chooses Church leaders.

As I explained from your sources so far, CLERGY and laity put forth men who were approved by the WHOLE Church, through doctrines of the Church. Doctrines taught and passed on from the Apostles, who learned from Christ, and men appointed by the Apostles and on through succession.
 
There is a seperate word for priest in the NT. I will not use it in relation to the three fold ministry. I find it personally objectionable because the Bible does not do it. I understand it is how you use the term but its not what the Bible teaches.
We can’t see eye to eye on this. Best to move on to the rest of content if you will.
You are just wrong but unable to see it because of your bias.

Okay, Mr. Fundamentalist, I want to ask you a question. In the creation stories of Genesis, it is said that God created man from clay and breathed life into it and it became a living being. Did God tell the clay/man to continue breathing??? No He didn’t, so why are we still living and breathing and the bible doesn’t tell me to. That sounds ludicrous doesn’t it? That’s how silly your strict use of the word presbyter and the presbyterite.

There is plenty of evidence in the writings of the early Church Fathers to back up what we believe, you have access to it. Only reformed theology can you find to back up your ascertains. The St. Clement quote you use was only a fraction of the writing used out of context, and it does not back up what you say it means; you are just wrong, fundamentally wrong!

The beauty of it is, I don’t have to prove my point, you do. History and scripture back up what I believe to be true and still in practice within His Church built on the rock, Peter. Who by the way was an ordained priest consecrated by Christ as Bishop of Rome. Can you guess who ordained him? Yeah, you guessed it, the same guy who ordained Saul and changed his name to Paul.

Who ordained Matthias? Peter and company, why were they able to ordain him? Because they possessed the authority from God to do so, how do we know this? Its because scripture and tradition tell us so. But you will not see it this way because you have a different agenda than the Church. Look up Code of Cannon Law 1752, and then tell me why the Church is so wrong in what she does.

So many come here with the desire to inform us Catholics, but you won’t last. THE Church will last forever, untruths will not. Jesus told Peter that, “I give you the keys…and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against you.” I trust I am in that same Church and no matter what if I hold true to the truths passed on to me I am safely with Jesus.

I really dislike debating people who make up the rules so that the argument favors their perspective. You say Clement backs you up, I disagree and history and tradition back me up, but I am still wrong? Because you say so??? Whatever…

Ordination is what it is, laying on of hands. It is performed by one who has authority to do so, apostolic succession. This is fully present within the Latin rite Church, there are other denominations with partial lineage, and Martin Luther was a duly ordained Priest and licitly consecrated Bishop. The Priests he ordained were validly connected to the Apostles. So it can be said there is succession there. Many other validly ordained people have left the Church and done their own thing, so it could be argued many can be traced back to the apostles.

Only one can claim the successor to Peter, and that is the Holy Church of the Latin Rite, RCC!
 
Holy orders is scriptural. There are more and I have already produced those that show the imposition of hands through the authority passed on through Apostolic succession. As for the Catholic Church recognizing valid orders, only those with true Apostolic succesion; the Catholic and Orthodox Churches.

**Act 20:28 Take heed to yourselves and to the whole flock, wherein the Holy Ghost hath placed you bishops, to rule the Church of God which he hath purchased with his own blood.

Luk 22:19 And taking bread, he gave thanks and brake and gave to them, saying: This is my body, which is given for you. Do this for a commemoration of me.

Joh 20:22 When he had said this, he breathed on them; and he said to them: Receive ye the Holy Ghost.

Act 6:6 These they set before the apostles: and they praying, imposed hands upon them.

Act 13:3 Then they fasting and praying and imposing their hands upon them, sent them away.

Act 14:23 (14:22) And when they had ordained to them priests in every church and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, in whom they believed.

1Ti 4:14 Neglect not the grace that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with imposition of the hands of the priesthood.

2Ti 1:6 For which cause I admonish thee that thou stir up the grace of God which is in thee by the imposition of my hands.

Tit 1:5 For this cause I left thee in Crete: that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting and shouldest ordain priests in every city, as I also appointed thee:**

As for Paul’s appointment, God chose Paul, just as He chose the 12.

I was hoping you’d provide a demonstration of someone receiving an appointment through the ‘laity’ or themselves, since that seems to the be gist of your view that the congregation chooses Church leaders.

As I explained from your sources so far, CLERGY and laity put forth men who were approved by the WHOLE Church, through doctrines of the Church. Doctrines taught and passed on from the Apostles, who learned from Christ, and men appointed by the Apostles and on through succession.
The Polish National Catholic Church. The Assyrian Church of the East. The Oriental Orthodox as well…right? Prodigal the reason I am asking is that valid holy orders does not denote doctrinal agreement.
The multitude of churches in Rome had leaders. I have no indication that it had to be in any form of a linear manner. None of these verses state that either. On the other hand, they do not state that it doesnt have to be in a linear fashion as well. It is silent on that. Do you believe the Great Commision only applies to the apostles? If so, how much other parts of the gospels only applies to the apostles as well?
 
Why are still discussing this? The crux of this is not about you and me. So I would prefer to discuss consent of the whole church, what the Bible teaches about being sent, or any of the other issues. I have asked a lot of questions about what consent of the church means and directly trying to address who else holds valid apostolic succession.

The answer to your question is no. I do not believe different interpretations are twisting. I do believe using words outside of their original context and giving them new and extrabiblical meanins is twisting. Now can we go on to the meat of the conversation? No one gives a darn about what I think. Lets talk Bible!
See, when it comes to proving an authority of interpretation, it always becomes time to move along, nothing to see here.

Are you a linguist? I used translators and the dictionary to show definitions, because I am not a linguist. You reject anything from a reliable source, based on your view of ‘twisting’, yet you can’t see the contradiction in this?

I do not twist. I sincerely pray for knowledge as God wants it known. I check original languages and ‘several’ translations to my native tongue, English. I read a verse in context of a passage and a passage in context of a chapter and a chapter in context of a book. I also read the context of other books to arrive at an interpretation. Once I’ve done that, I look in the Catechism to see if the Church offers an interpretation.

Since you don’t want to discuss where you have an authority to tell others their interpretation is incorrect, we can move on. The silence can speak for itself.
 
See, when it comes to proving an authority of interpretation, it always becomes time to move along, nothing to see here.

Are you a linguist? I used translators and the dictionary to show definitions, because I am not a linguist. You reject anything from a reliable source, based on your view of ‘twisting’, yet you can’t see the contradiction in this?

I do not twist. I sincerely pray for knowledge as God wants it known. I check original languages and ‘several’ translations to my native tongue, English. I read a verse in context of a passage and a passage in context of a chapter and a chapter in context of a book. I also read the context of other books to arrive at an interpretation. Once I’ve done that, I look in the Catechism to see if the Church offers an interpretation.

Since you don’t want to discuss where you have an authority to tell others their interpretation is incorrect, we can move on. The silence can speak for itself.
I am offering my views. If you do not wish to engage in discussions, thats fine. I am giving my views based upon my interpretation of scripture. I believe that everyone makes a personal decision based upon their own interpretation of the evidence. If you choose to accept the interpretation of the Catholic Church, I get that…obviously. Do you ever notice I do not try to make this about other people but the content? I will take exception to how words are used buts its not usually about the other person. I find that kind of conversations odd and I tend to bristle at them.
 
The Polish National Catholic Church. The Assyrian Church of the East. The Oriental Orthodox as well…right? Prodigal the reason I am asking is that valid holy orders does not denote doctrinal agreement.

The multitude of churches in Rome had leaders. I have no indication that it had to be in any form of a linear manner. None of these verses state that either. On the other hand, they do not state that it doesnt have to be in a linear fashion as well. It is silent on that. Do you believe the Great Commision only applies to the apostles? If so, how much other parts of the gospels only applies to the apostles as well?
But you’re wrong. Doctrine is what validates Apostolic succession in the view of the Catholic Church.

Scriptures show Apostolic succession, but it doesn’t specify a lineage to your satisfaction, because why? Would it invalidate someone who has assumed the authority from other than how it’s described in scriptures?

We are all called to a royal priesthood, that is to share the good news within us. We are all NOT appointed and cannot appoint ourselves or others. Where did Christ ‘appoint’ a multitude in scriptures?

1Co 12:28 And God indeed hath set some in the church; first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly doctors: after that miracles: then the graces of healings, helps, governments, kinds of tongues, interpretations of speeches.
1Co 12:29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all doctors?


See, we all have our places within the Church, but it was God that set the authority. Those that received the authority, can set authority.

Again, where is an example of someone, other than men of the Church, in scriptures appointing others or themselves? You’re the Bible only person. If it’s not in scriptures, it is not in line with scriptures.
 
I am offering my views. If you do not wish to engage in discussions, thats fine. I am giving my views based upon my interpretation of scripture. I believe that everyone makes a personal decision based upon their own interpretation of the evidence. If you choose to accept the interpretation of the Catholic Church, I get that…obviously. Do you ever notice I do not try to make this about other people but the content? I will take exception to how words are used buts its not usually about the other person. I find that kind of conversations odd and I tend to bristle at them.
You tend to bristle at them? How are others who disagree with your interpretation supposed to receive your correction of their interpretation and referring to it as twisting? For me personally, I will request by what authority…everytime.
 
But you’re wrong. Doctrine is what validates Apostolic succession in the view of the Catholic Church.

Scriptures show Apostolic succession, but it doesn’t specify a lineage to your satisfaction, because why? Would it invalidate someone who has assumed the authority from other than how it’s described in scriptures?

We are all called to a royal priesthood, that is to share the good news within us. We are all NOT appointed and cannot appoint ourselves or others. Where did Christ ‘appoint’ a multitude in scriptures?

1Co 12:28 And God indeed hath set some in the church; first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly doctors: after that miracles: then the graces of healings, helps, governments, kinds of tongues, interpretations of speeches.
1Co 12:29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all doctors?

See, we all have our places within the Church, but it was God that set the authority. Those that received the authority, can set authority.

Again, where is an example of someone, other than men of the Church, in scriptures appointing others or themselves? You’re the Bible only person. If it’s not in scriptures, it is not in line with scriptures.
Lets do this one at a time, the Assyrian Church of the East, the various Oriental Orthodox bodies, the Eastern Orthodox and the PNCC and the Catholic Church all have valid orders but they certainly do not agree in doctrine. Certainly not the Papacy, right?
 
You tend to bristle at them? How are others who disagree with your interpretation supposed to receive your correction of their interpretation and referring to it as twisting? For me personally, I will request by what authority…everytime.
Okay.
 
There are a number of ethnic groups who broke off and took on the title Orthodox like the Ethiopian Orthodox.

What you also don’t know is where people split from Rome, they later came back…so you have Orthodox Ethiopian Christians who have liturgies, etc., and then you have Roman Catholic Ethiopian Christians who both have similarities of thought between the two…that among us there is still that much more held in common than that where there is a complete invalidation by American Fundamentalists you see so common in our country.

You can do a search on the Rites of the Catholic Church, and of the smaller churches, look at their history, see when they became Orthodox and then search more and see how a number of them return to the Latin Rite.

You must have someone in your congregation who thinks like alot of people…but has a sense of authority about him, and who ends up having the final say…that is how the Holy Spirit has worked down through the ages, and that when there was a decision made, all could recognize the authority of the Chair of Peter.
 
I would prefer to discuss consent of the whole church, what the Bible teaches about being sent, or any of the other issues. I have asked a lot of questions about what consent of the church means
Guess you didn’t read By What Authority.
What is a “pastor?” The word is from the Latin, in fact, and it means - quite simply - “shepherd.” If you call yourself a pastor, you are claiming to be a shepherd of God’s flock.

The term “pastor” is also interwoven with the biblical term “overseer,” or “elder” - in the Greek, episkopos, or “bishop.” We see this in St. Paul’s farewell discourse to the elders of Ephesus:

“Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God which he obtained with the blood of his own Son.” (Acts 20:28) There is the connection: the “episkopoi” of the church at Ephesus have guardianship over “the flock” of God’s people.

Further, to be a “pastor” (shepherd, overseer, elder) is also to be an “ambassador” for Christ (c.f. 2 Cor. 5:18ff).

This is no light responsibility, and Scripture tells us that this position is never self-appointed. That is, no man can merely take it upon himself, of his own initiative, to start shepherding God’s flock: “And one does not take the honor upon himself, but he is called by God, just as Aaron was.” (Heb. 5:4)

the office, because of its solemn duties and grave responsibilities (James 3:1), cannot be taken upon oneself, but rather, one must be called to this office by God.

The same, of course, goes for “ambassadors.” The dictionary defines the word to mean, an “authorized messenger or representative” - thus, an ambassador must be sent. In fact, the word “apostle” is Greek for “sent one.” To this we can add the words of St. Paul, who says that preachers must be “sent.” (Rom. 10:15)

Now, what does “to be sent” mean, except that someone in authority over you has conferred the privilege and authority upon you? In fact, it goes without saying that the one who confers the authority must be superior in authority to the one being commissioned, since no one can confer that which he does not possess himself.

There can be no other reason why St. Paul would leave his two spiritual “sons” (Ss. Titus and Timothy) explicit instructions about the qualifications for overseers, elders, bishops, etc. (c.f. 1 Tim 3:1-7, Tit. 1:5-9), than that he expects them to confer apostolic authority on new men who meet those requirements.
and directly trying to address who else holds valid apostolic succession.
Since this is a Catholic forum, a distinction needs to be made between “valid” and “licit”. Although we strive to observe both categories, validity is more important than liceity. So, for Holy Orders:

Valid and licit (from a Catholic perspective… the Orthodox generally don’t make the distinction): Catholic, Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox

Valid but illicit: usually, those claiming to have valid Catholic orders although their ordinations were not authorized by the Catholic Church (e.g. Old Catholic, SSPX, independent “Catholic”); a new bishop consecrated when there are fewer than three co-consecrating bishops (though licit with the Pope’s permission, per Canon 1014)

Invalid but licit: can’t think of an example

Invalid and illicit: “ordination” of women
 
Lets do this one at a time, the Assyrian Church of the East, the various Oriental Orthodox bodies, the Eastern Orthodox and the PNCC and the Catholic Church all have valid orders but they certainly do not agree in doctrine. Certainly not the Papacy, right?
The original question was what orders does the Catholic Church consider valid and by what source. It’s doctrine. There are those of Apostolic succession in those Churches. The ‘differences’ in doctrines are being discussed in hopes of a unification. None are so far in disagreement near the degree as some of the denominations of Protestantism. Then we arrive at the point of this discussion, how does a Protestant denomination have claim to Apostolic succession if their leaders received their authority other than as taught in scriptures?

Why would a Protestant bring up those differences as a justification of their own denomination? If you truly felt anyone of those Churches was more correct, wouldn’t you be seeking membership with them?
 
Martin Luther was a duly ordained Priest and licitly consecrated Bishop. The Priests he ordained were validly connected to the Apostles. So it can be said there is succession there.
Martin Luther a bishop? You sure 'bout that? I don’t see that anywhere on this timeline.
 
Obviously many Protestant churches do not believe in a literal apostolic succession similar to what Catholics and the Orthodox believe. I, however, do believe it would be erroneous to think that all Protestants practice some sort of willy-nilly-do-what-you-like ordination process. Some churches are more formalized than others, but many require some sort of discernment and that their pastors be licensed.

This licensing can be either done by their home congregation or the local district and this might only happen after that person has shown sufficient maturity and attended an approved college for Biblical or pastoral studies. There are congregations that have committees that meet and pray over candidates or seek God’s help in approaching some that would be good.

The kind of places you are thinking of where somebody comes and just sets up shop may be renegades from larger churches where they didn’t fit in or perhaps they are licensed preachers from their denominations establishing a new church elsewhere under their auspices, like a mission church.

To categorically say they are all spreading false teachings is a bit unfair and uncharitable. Sure they don’t have the fullness of the Catholic faith, but many do have solid, Biblical understandings and preaching that are part of the Catholic faith. A lot of their pastors go through years of study and training under other pastors before getting a church of their own, sort of like serving an apprenticeship. I know in the UMC the vast majority of their ministers, and even just the licensed preachers (a step down from minister, which has more to do with the hierarchy and advancement rather than a difference in responsibilities) all have Masters-level degrees in theology, Bible studies etc.

ChadS
I have a couple of questions?
Does the protestant faith believe:
1: in the real presence?
2: in queen mother Mary?
3: in purgatory?
4: in Papal Authority?
5: in Peter as first pope?
6: in Reconciliation (confession to a priest)?
etc…

The answer to all of these are NO. So yes they are spreading false teaching if they teach against these doctrines of the church. If they had as you say “many do have solid, Biblical understandings and preaching that are part of the Catholic faith.” then they would not teach against these truths we know so well as Catholics.
 
The original question was what orders does the Catholic Church consider valid and by what source. It’s doctrine. There are those of Apostolic succession in those Churches. The ‘differences’ in doctrines are being discussed in hopes of a unification. None are so far in disagreement near the degree as some of the denominations of Protestantism. Then we arrive at the point of this discussion, how does a Protestant denomination have claim to Apostolic succession if their leaders received their authority other than as taught in scriptures?

Why would a Protestant bring up those differences as a justification of their own denomination? If you truly felt anyone of those Churches was more correct, wouldn’t you be seeking membership with them?
No. They do disagree in doctrine. Apostolic succession may help in being more similiar than different but it did not create anymore doctrinal unity than we have with the Baptists or non-denom churches in my view going off of scripture alone if you will. It just is not very convincing. People may or may not be aware that thousands of groups claim apostolic succession. So do I evaluate each of their claims? I suppose I could. I have looked into it but they run the gamut of the Traditional Catholics to the Gnostics claim it. They have websites with their lineages and such.
I have said that Paul was called by God. I have said that Christ told his apostles to go out and make disciples and to baptize them. I do not see anything in scripture that says that bishops, presbyters, and elders are only chosen by people who were chosen by the apostles. ON the other hand, absolutely the apostles and elders and so forth started churches and in that process laid hands on people.
 
I am giving my views based upon my interpretation of scripture.
Acts 8:30-31:
Philip ran up and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?” He replied, “How can I, unless someone instructs me?” So he invited Philip to get in and sit with him.
Luke consistently tells us that reading and understanding Scripture are not the same thing (e.g. Luke 6:3, Luke 6:39, Luke 10:26-28, Acts 13:27).
 
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