Today millions or billions of people are sad because a man they refer to as their holy father has left an office he was elected to. Presumably, according to them, by the Holy Spirit.
I declare to you today that this practice of calling any man on earth father was forbidden by Christ and is recorded in Scripture.
9 Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. (Matthew 23:9)
Let us look more closely at the verse in context though.
Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, 2 saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. 3 Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. 4 For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. 5 But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments. 6 They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, 7 greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi.’ 8 But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. 9 Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. 10 And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. 11 But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.(Matthew 23:1-12)
Do you see it? The call is not just about not calling a man “father”, but about titles and positions of authority over others. In further support of this idea, look at verse 8.
But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren.
And you are all brethren. If we are all brethren, then we are equal to one another. Despite if one is more mature than the other. In maturity each person has a different piece to offer anyway. So that together we make up the whole. Does that make sense? We cannot stand on our own, nor can we rightfully stand if we are lording over others or someone is lording over us!
What shall we do? Twice in verse 8 and again in verse 10 he says “for One is your Teacher, the Christ.” If he is our teacher, then let’s let Him teach us so that we can rightfully and completely serve our Holy Father in Heaven!
Last Days of the Age 
It makes me sad that these truths are neglected by so many these days. It makes me furious that those professing and promoting themselves as “Christian” leaders refuse to obey these plain words of scripture. Think about this for a moment: When you think about the biggest names around the world who profess to be Christians and tout their personal brands of theology, is there even one of them that actually obeys God alones these lines? No, not even one.
Not being quite adequate in filling up their own measure of sin, these “leaders” set themselves up as idols before the people (in words and deeds, not truth), promote their own works as a brand to be franchised and substitute themselves in the place of God the Holy Spirit.
Somehow, I don’t think it wise to awaken the jealousy of the Almighty.
Amen Michael. God Bless you brother. Here’s another example from Matthew 20
25 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mat. 25:25-28)
Let us therefore go and serve as the Lord has called us. Not to lord over one another. Do we have a right to disobey the words of Christ and yet say that we love Him?
I agree totally with all of you. Anytime I try to fellowship with church folks, they just can’t think for themselves. They always seem to reply with “Reverend so and so said this” or “Pastor such and such said this”, Nobody thinks for themselves or studies the Word on their own, seems like most are just too lazy so a pastor is their only link to God’s Throne? Weren’t we all called “priests” of the New Testament, so we don’t need a man to go the Throne for us, right? Things are so out of whack, I don’t see any remedy, other than an act of the Lord, and I can’t recall Him ever speaking of some “End Times Revival”,, I am beginning to understand and see the fulfillment of “falling away” and “reprobation” as I rarely meet up with true believers. Thanks for the site, have enjoyed the articles thus far.
Blessings!!
Chris
Hi Chris, God Bless! Thanks for sharing. Glad to hear the Lord is working His light in you. Hope to hear more from you as well.
Thanks for sharing brother!