| Even though I am a full-time minister, I wouldn't | | | | the glory that is of God" (KJV). Denominational |
| allow anyone to call me "reverend", nor would I | | | | preachers seem to love and crave the glory that |
| ever put that word in front of my own name as | | | | is of men more than the glory that is of God, as |
| a "title". The word reverend is found only one | | | | witnessed by their own actions and attitudes. |
| time in the entire Bible (in Psalms 111:9), and it is | | | | Jesus said in Matthew 23:9, "And call no man your |
| an adjective describing the holy name of God! | | | | father upon the earth: for one is your Father |
| Since this word is set aside for God alone, why | | | | which is in heaven" (KJV). Most people understand |
| do you call your preacher reverend? Do you | | | | that Jesus was speaking about a "spiritual" father, |
| believe he is "on par" with God? Is your | | | | not a biological parent. To use the word reverend |
| preacher's name as holy as God's name? Do you | | | | as a man's title is very similar to men who wear |
| believe your preacher is somehow spiritually | | | | the name father in the Catholic denomination. |
| superior, or more "sinless" than other men? | | | | Even the Apostle Peter, who was divinely inspired |
| Furthermore, you should ask your preacher why | | | | by God and who served as one of the 12, |
| he would want to be called reverend, when the | | | | refused to allow a man to offer him any form of |
| word applies only to God's name. In my opinion, | | | | worship. Consider what happened to him when he |
| applying the title of reverend to a man is a subtle | | | | entered Cornelius' house in Acts 10:25-26; |
| form of "man-worship". These men enjoy the | | | | Cornelius fell at Peter's feet to worship him, but |
| accolades of the title, and all that goes with it. | | | | Peter took him up saying, "Stand up; I myself also |
| Where is the humility and humble attitude of | | | | am a man" (KJV). The Bible clearly refers to |
| denominational preacher's? Why don't they take | | | | preachers as ministers, but NEVER refers to any |
| Paul's advice from Romans 12:3 where he reminds | | | | preacher or minister as Reverend, or Father. |
| Christians not to think more highly of themselves | | | | Your "reverend preacher" may not be willing to |
| than they ought? | | | | accept this Bible truth, but if you'd like to find out |
| Denominational preachers today could be likened | | | | for yourself, ask him to remove the word |
| to the Pharisees in the first century who loved | | | | reverend from his name, from the church sign, |
| the praise of men (Matt. 6:2), and loved their titles | | | | from the church letterhead, and from his business |
| (Matthew 23:5-7). Some of these preachers even | | | | cards (reminding him that he too is just a man |
| get angry if you don't call them by their religious | | | | [Acts 10:26]), then watch his response. After |
| titles! John said in John 12:42-43, ""Nevertheless | | | | reading this, you may choose to continue to call |
| even of the rulers many believed on him; but | | | | him reverend, but I couldn't do it. I encourage you |
| because of the Pharisees they did not confess it, | | | | to remember the words of Joshua 24:15, "but as |
| lest they should be put out of the synagogue; for | | | | for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!" |
| they loved the glory that is of men more than | | | | How about you? |