A Doctrine God Hates

God hates “the doctrine of the Nicolaitans” (Rev. 2:15). The word “nicolaitan” comes from a combination of two Greek words: “Nico” = to conquer. “Laitan” = laity.  Put together the word means “to conquer the laity.”  It is a doctrine that puts the laity of a church in a lower class than those in the clergy.  It is a hierarchy whereby the preacher is BIG and the one in the pew is SMALL.   God hates it.

The older I get, the more I realize the great honor and privilege I have to serve among the ranks of the laity.  I am not above or over anyone, but “I am among you as he that serveth” (Luke 22:27).  I am less than the least of any of the flock at Bible Baptist.

In this “Nicolaitan” age, it would be good to remember, the Lord Jesus spent thirty years as a layman, doing carpenter work, and only three as a preacher.

If the Lord lets me live, someday in the not too distant future, I will  return to being layman again, as I was before 1974.  When that day comes, by God’s grace, I will continue to be just as zealous and dedicated serving the Lord in church as I do today as a pastor.

A kindergarten girl tried out for her school’s Christmas play. Her mother knew she didn’t have a chance, but tried not to discourage her from trying.  Picking her up after tryouts, expecting a tearful daughter, she instead saw a jubilant little girl. Running to the car, she cried, “Oh, mother, I got a part in the play. I get to clap and cheer!” And so can we, my friends.