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The practice of “Nepotism” is another matter that has crept into the kingdom that needs to be addressed.
That the lawful heirs of reigning monarchs would succeed them on their demise has been an accepted rite for centuries.
In family corporations both large and small, the heir apparent, usually the eldest son, with the father’s blessing, eventually takes control of the business and its assets. Cases in point are Kerry Packer and Richard Murdock, whose respective sons have been given the reigns of the family business. Also, it is not uncommon to see a small business with the appendage, “and Son” attached to the name. These things are normal and in most cases just.
But is this correct for Christianity? Should pastors be passing on the saints to their sons like goods and chattels, or pieces of real estate? Where do these men get their authority from to act in this manner? When did Christ ever relinquish His ownership over those He purchased with His own blood and deliver them into the control of men? After His resurrection Jesus Christ was given to be Head over all things to the Church, which is His body. When did He step down from His position? The truth is He never has given away what the Father gave Him. His position is unassailable; He is and always will be the Supreme Lord, Lawgiver, Judge and King. His name is to be hallowed, (honoured and worshipped); His authority over His kingdom here on earth as in Heaven is absolute; it is insufficient to only pay lip service to this fact, God will see to that. Nepotism is practiced where possible whenever a church becomes wealthy. Assets then become the primary consideration.
Plato’s Republic points out that all forms of tyrannical and unlawful government have a short life. Citizens of France overthrew the Monarchy in a violent revolution. Fascism in Germany, Italy, Spain and South America; and Communism in Russia and elsewhere suffered a similar fate. Eventually over-throwers become the overthrown, because all humanistic forms of government are basically corrupt, whether they are dictatorships or democracies.
A few short years after the French revolution, the new Republic became a “police state”. Very quickly the oppressive conditions that the people were subjected too became worse than those of their former rulers. Nothing left to itself ever improves, but almost immediately begins to degenerate and self destruct.
Enshrined within the constitution of most churches in the present modern religious systems, (many have millions of dollars worth of assets) the senior pastor has the muscle to ensure that only the man that he endorses will be allowed to take over his business, (oops! Church) provided he doesn’t fall morally, or become the victim of a “coup d'état”. His authority is rarely questioned; his energies are spent making certain that the business does not fall into the wrong hands. If he has a son, or a close family member i.e. daughter and son-in-law, they are his first choice. This kind of behaviour is called “Nepotism”, which the dictionary defines as; “favouritism, especially in governmental patronage extended toward relatives”. This practice has been imposed upon many congregations.
The new ruler (usually about thirty-five to forty) is not chosen by the people, but appointed by those in a position to do so. They are vehemently apposed to any democratic form of government. Voting is anathema to them, it is claimed to be unscriptural, (Acts 1:26? Well almost) besides it is repugnant to these leaders because they fear that unsuitable people may get control of the assets of the business and interfere with their plans. I have often heard the remark, “if I am to take over this church, then I must have the authority to choose my own team.” The saints in most cases have no say whatsoever but must submit or split. This is the doctrine of the Nicoaitans, which Jesus HATES. Rev 2:6;15-16. All who practice this doctrine are rebels, they may be ignorant rebels, but they are rebels none the less, and thus enemies of righteousness. Its close connection to the doctrine of Balaam made by Jesus is very suggestive. Balaam loved the wages of unrighteousness.
The love of money and lack of morality are seen to go hand in hand in the Bible.
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