So I wrote a bit about what church is and made an attempt at contrasting old testament worship in a temple with new testament worship in spirit and truth. You can read that post here. As I ponder more on these things God brought me to think about how He ordains us as kings and priests as is stated in Revelation 1 and Revelation 5.
To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, 6 and has made us to be kings and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen. (Rev. 1:5-6)
“You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God
persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. 10 You have made them to be a kings and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.” (Rev. 5:9-10)
So as kings, it brings to mind that we have authority and freedom. What do we have authority and freedom to do? We have authority and freedom to love, to serve and to worship. Where? Wherever the Spirit of the Lord brings us together. When? Whenever the Spirit strikes up a conversation between disciples.
But He said we are priest too right?
9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (IPeter 9)
So if we are all priests unto the Lord we all have freedom and authority to minister to the Lord as He calls us. Also:
For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Mat. 8:20)
Within this context do you begin to see that our authority lies in Christ as He opens up our understanding of Scripture? We don’t need men with theological degrees to lord over us. The gospel is simple and can be studied for yourself. I am not saying such men can’t speak truth into your life, but that you have a responsibility on your own to seek God for Truth in Christ and He is drawing those who are His into this worship in spirit and truth.
Last Days of the Age 