I have to continually ask myself why people let these organizations and their appointed 'rulers' have any say in their relationship with G_d? Where in the Bible is any earthly ruler appointed to be the medium between us and G_d?

I don't mean this to be an attack because I'm truly curious what answers there are out there for this! Admittedly I'm recently reborn in Jesus, though have been 'awake' for some years now regarding our earthly situations so there is much growing I intend to do in my faith--including reconciling how others connect to the Most High.

I can understand if having an intermediary to G_d is how someone was both introduced to faith and possibly raised that way from childhood. Even so, I can't reconcile how aware adults can be close to Him when false idols are placed anywhere in that relationship. A relationship which you alone have the power and will to cultivate, and a relationship that you can build, rely upon, and carry with you until the end of your days.

I don't mean to say that those testifying aren't worth following or listening to (but use discernment, trust your intuition); my commentary is more focused on trying to clear the fog and hear input from others regarding the individual and their direct relationships with G_d.