He Said That? Part 3

We have looked at several quotes from Star Scott in the previous two posts. The following are further illumination of his apparent desire to be seen as above the congregation in his ability to hear from God for the purpose of not only running the church, but running your lives.

"We live in a day when we've  lost sight of the fact that God predominantly speaks to men that are placed by Him in roles of leadership." (Knowing God's Voice...Pt 2)

"And I want you to see that one of God's major methods of guidance is divine authority, spiritual authority, recognition and confidence in God's order, that allows me to be led by orders of my superiors."  (Knowing God's Voice...Pt 5)

"You're going to be deceived and you're going to become shipwrecked if you refuse to understand that God has put counselors, overseers, and spiritual authority into your life who will speak to you the Word of God.  They hear the Word of God from a different perspective and on a different level than you hear it."  (Knowing God's Voice..Pt 2)

He is stating unequivocally that one of our major methods of knowing God's guidance is by the established leadership.  Throughout the years we attended Calvary Temple, there were numerous teachings that established this "truth". Fortunately, the Word of God does not support this. The word of God shows us a new and better way.  As mentioned in the previous post, Star Scott has greatly exaggerated a biblical truth for his own purposes.

Much of the teaching entitled Knowing God's Voice, Doing God's Will  includes encouragement to put God's word above all else when seeking to hear God's Voice.  But once again, Star Scott has another message and the above quotes give us the real thought he wants to communicate.  He uses circular reasoning to say - yes, God's word is the primary source of leading but His word says obey them that have the rule over you, therefore, obey me and you will be fulfilling the scripture. (For an accurate explanation of the biblical meaning of Hebrews 13:17, read this) So in the end, Star Scott wants you to seek God in His Word and discover that God's primary source of leading is the men he has placed over you, your superiors.

This is not to say we should not seek counsel from a pastor nor follow the example of the godly men and women in our lives. And as far as how the church functions, of course we should follow the guidelines set down by those in authority. But for my own personal life and that of my family, I believe that God has set husbands as the priests of their own households and has given each one of us the gift of the Holy Spirit who leads and guides our individual lives. (Star Scott once said that the husband's only role in the family is to reinforce the teaching of the pastor and be sure it is carried out in his home.) The pastor is not to reach into the home and usurp the role of the husband. Beyond the order established for a church or home, each individual must hear from God - we each one will stand before God on our own. No pastor, husband, parent or other authority will be standing next to us. And if no one will be standing with us then surely God does not intend others to be responsible for our own relationship with Him. We are responsible, and He has given us the ability to walk this walk of faith.  Seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.  2 Peter 1:3

Why is this such an important subject? Because man is not infallible. Star Scott is not infallible. He does not have some special ability to hear God for my life that God has not given to me. An elder of a local congregation leads and guides the church for the sake of order and growth in the church. The danger comes when the members are convinced that to disobey the pastor (even when he is wrong - see previous post)  is to disobey God. And when the pastor himself is communicating that very message, the members must understand they are in a very dangerous, authoritarian, and even cult-like group.

The following scriptures tell us of the precious relationship God has granted each one of us through the death and resurrection of His Son. He gave His all so that the door would be opened and Jesus would come and have fellowship with us. Should we say - no, we want a king (man) over us? Jesus is our High Priest, not Star Scott.

Not that we have dominion over your faith, but are fellow workers for your joy (said Paul) 2 Cor 1:24

And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven's Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus.  By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place.   Hebrew 10: 19-20

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they will follow Me.  John 10:27

For as many are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God. Romans 8:14

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding: in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3: 5-6

Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, "this is the way, walk in it" whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left." Isaiah 30:21

But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:26

And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever - the Spirit of truth.  ....you know Him, for he lives with you and will be in you. John 14: 16-17

Some of us who spent many years under the teachings of Star Scott and his associates have had a difficult time recognizing the twisting of scripture that allows a pastor to gain control over our individual lives. I suggest researching the following subjects:  authoritarian churches, abusive churches, and religious abuse. The links posted on the right side of this blog are all very informative. As believers in Jesus Christ, we must protect ourselves from false teachers that deceive many. Please do not take lightly the many voices warning fellow believers of the unbiblical and dangerous teachings of Calvary Temple.