This vital message is an excerpt from the book Deceivers and False Prophets Among Us
The Divine Guarantee of Counterfeit Leaders
and Their Subversion of Truth
GOD alone is in control and not the false prognosticator false watchmen! HE’s in control of the timing of all things, not you or any other fraud! … REMEMBER, when that demonic maniac hitler was on the world scene, many thought it was the end! Wrong! Think!
Any man calling himself (self-appointed) a prophet, is suspect. True servants of the lord simply do their LORD’s work humbly, never drawing attention to themselves by using titles – which Jesus forbids (Matthew 23:8-12).
BEWARE OF THE “PROPHETIC” WARLOCKS! The term “prophetic” never appears in Scripture, much less phrases invented by modern wolves such as “prophetic praise,” “the prophetic,” “prophetic warfare,” “prophetic worship,” etc. RUN from this witchcraft which is designed to bring you under the control of Satan’s warlocks pretending to have a word for you as a prophet of God! Wolves in sheep’s clothing! You have God’s Word and Holy Ghost – from Genesis to Revelation – which is the “MORE sure word of prophecy” (2 Peter 1:16-21).
2 Peter 1:12-21 is so important in realizing that the WRITTEN Word is “the MORE sure word of prophecy.” The Holy Scriptures are the divine Word which is prophetic in nature because God who gave it “inhabiteth eternity” and declared that He spoke it. He spoke “the end from the beginning” and it’s all recorded in the Holy Scriptures (Isaiah 46:9-10; 57:15). God’s written Word is even more divinely authoritative, sanctioned than the actual audible voice of the Father speaking from Heaven! Life changing revelation here. Hope it will be poured over carefully by His saints. Go read this passage in the King James Bible (always). 2 Peter 1:12-21
“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily (secretly) shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.” 2 Peter 2:1-3
Notice the promise given us here: “there shall be false teachers among you.” This is a definitive statement – “there SHALL be false teachers among you.”
The so-called “prophetic” movement is for those who want to self-actualize, a luciferian New Age term and practice. Pure damnable pride. These are warlocks and witches, operating in witchcraft while using the name of the LORD in vain.
Many seek to capitalize on your desire to discern, know, and follow God’s will. Beware.
God’s Word says “despise not prophesyings” and yet in the very next sentence it also warns us to “prove (test) all things” (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21). I don’t even read most “prophecies,” prophetic words, dreams, visions, etc. that circulate these days. Most of these “words” are coming from un-grounded novices, or flagrant flakes who don’t simply “Preach the word” but rather keep the circus wheels of their “ministry” spinning by their continual words (2 Timothy 4:2-4). Not that I despise them and yet the Word of God is inherently prophetic and the primary way God leads and guides His New Testament church (Isaiah 46:9-10; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21, etc.).
“Despise not prophesyings. 21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21
GOD already told us in His Word all we need to know about these final days (Isaiah 46:9-10; 2 Peter 1:3-4; 19-21, etc.). Gauging all things by the written Word is key to escaping the prophesied end time apostasy. Some people choose to be led astray by the “MANY false prophets” Jesus warns us about who would “deceive MANY” (Matthew 24:11).
Here’s what the so-called “prophetic” is all about… scary…. SHOCKING DOCUMENTARY – False spirits invade the church – KUNDALINI WARNING – Andrew Strom
The Son of God warned:
“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening (devouring) wolves. Ye shall know (discern) them by their fruits.” Matthew 7:15-16
“Beware.” This Scriptural instruction is seldom found on a refrigerator door in a Christian household, yet maybe it should be, to keep us alert to our need for vigilance and discernment concerning the reality of those in our midst who are “false prophets” and operate in “sheep’s clothing” and yet are “ravening (devouring) wolves.”
Is it not possible that Jesus is alerting and warning His people that the very leaders, to whom you and I now listen, are deceivers among us? Doesn’t His statement make this obvious? Who will we trust and serve, the One who bled for us and is soon to return, or those who claim to be leading us in the right way?
Over reaction on the Bible topic of false leaders? If you can find the phrase “many true prophets” in God’s Word, show it. Hint: It’s not there. Yet, we are repeatedly warned of “many false prophets” who would “deceive many” and how in these last days “evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived” (Matthew 24:11; 1 John 4:1; 2 Timothy 3:13).
CLUE: False leaders say what they say and do what they do TO GET YOU TRUSTING IN THEM, PATRONIZING THEIR MINISTRY. True servants of Christ preach you into a corner so that you have nowhere else to look but upward to the LORD and nothing else to do but to cry out to JESUS in full surrender (1 Corinthians 1:29-2:5).
In the most basic sense, a true prophet is simply one who represents the LORD from a pure heart and according to His Word, whereas a false prophet misrepresents the LORD by his refusal to adhere to the teachings of Christ and His apostles.
In this same text, Jesus told us we would know all leaders according to the “fruit” of their lives and this includes whether or not they teach the pure Word of God (Matthew 7:15-20). It simply does not matter how upstanding, educated, well-spoken or popular a man is – he is still only a man, and if he is not establishing God’s Word in the hearts of people, he is false.
“Sheep’s clothing” – Whether knowingly or unknowingly, “wolves” labor among God’s people undetected by most. Stealth deceivers could be their nomenclature. Those who are convicted to love and serve their LORD to the end discern the false from the true and depart from the false, while the unsuspecting remain and unknowingly endanger their own lives and perhaps the lives of others.
“Inwardly” – God looks on the heart, not the outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7). In walking close to the LORD, we must seek and learn to see things the way He does. He plainly reveals to us here that there are those among us who pose as His and yet are leading His sheep into deception and ultimately destruction.
“Ravening (devouring) wolves” – Many in the church world today are not even aware of and/or do not perceive the severity of the Master’s warning. Remaining under the leadership of a devouring wolf (or wolves) who exists to destroy God’s sheep, can be deadly. In general, the wolf disguised by his sheep’s clothing, is simply a person in leadership who refuses to obey the Word of God, specifically in the doctrinal essentials (John 8:47; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; 2 Corinthians 11:1-4; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 3 John 9-12). The written Word of God has always been and will always be the primary way the LORD Jesus Christ leads His true followers (Mark 13:31; John 10:35; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:16-21, Revelation 22:18-19).
WHEN deceivers use the phrase “Don’t put God in a box” what they are really saying is “Don’t listen to how God described Himself, His will, and His attributes, etc. Don’t listen to HIS own Word, let me show you an alternative, something that contradicts His Word!” Apostasy! Run! See Acts 17:10-11; Psalms 33:11; 119:89, 105; John 8:47; Romans 3:4; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21.
“God is not the way we say He is, God is the way the Bible says He is.” A.W. Tozer
In his book The Great Gospel Deception, David Kirkwood writes:
“False teachers are very deceptive. They have some exterior indications of being genuine. They may call Jesus their Lord, prophesy, cast out demons and perform miracles. However, the ‘sheep’s clothing’ only hides the ‘ravenous wolf.’ They aren’t of the true sheep. How can it be known if they are true or false? Their true character can be known by examining their ‘fruits.’
What are the fruits of which Jesus was speaking? They are the fruits of obedience to all He has taught. Those who are true, teach and do the will of the Father. Those who are false, teach what is not true and ‘practice lawlessness’ (7:23). Our responsibility, then, is to compare their teaching and lives with what Jesus taught and commanded.
False teachers abound today in the church, and we should not be surprised, because both Jesus and Paul forewarned us that, as the end approaches, we should expect nothing less (see Matt. 24:11; 2 Tim. 4:3-4). The most prevalent false prophets of our day are those who teach that heaven awaits the unholy. They are responsible for the eternal damnation of millions of people. Of them, John Wesley wrote:
‘How terrible is this!-when the ambassadors of God turn agents for the devil! – when they who are commissioned to teach men the way to heaven do in fact teach them the way to hell … If it be asked, Why, who ever did this?…I answer, Ten thousand wise and honourable men; even all those, of whatever denomination, who encourage the proud, the trifler, the passionate, the lover of the world, the man of pleasure, the unjust or unkind, the easy, careless, harmless, useless creatures, the man who suffers no reproach for righteousness’ sake, to imagine he is in the way to heaven. These are false prophets in the highest sense of the word. These are traitors both to God and man…They are continually peopling the realms of the night; and whenever they follow the poor souls they have destroyed, ‘hell shall be moved from beneath to met them at their coming!’” p. 164, 165
Faith Ranger writes:
“Psychics are sometimes accurate, does this make them prophets? Does the enemy not have his own prophets? The woman that followed the disciples, telling others that they were men of God, was a false prophet and the disciples rebuked her. But what she was saying was true.”
Can devils do miracles? “For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty” (Revelation 16:14). See also 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 and Deuteronomy 13:1-10.
EVEN IF SOMEONE PROPHESIES AND IT ACTUALLY COMES TO PASS, OR DOES A REAL MIRACLE, DOES NOT MEAN THEY ARE TRUE! GET FAMILIAR WITH DEUTERONOMY 13:1-10 SAINTS. 1. CHECK THEIR DOCTRINE, AND 2. IF THEY ARE ANNOUNCING THEMSELVES AS A “PROPHET,” THAT IS A RED FLAG.
Honesty is Essential to Kingdom Learning
Saint of the LORD, before we continue, please allow a somewhat parenthetical assertion here, which will assuredly optimize this read. Being a truthful person, void of the predisposition of bias, is imperative to prosperous learning in God’s kingdom. Such is foundational to authentic learning and fruitfulness and demonstrates before the Supreme Court of the Universe, the absence of the sinful idolatry of mere men. Many of us are grossly steeped in what Christ and Paul termed “the doctrines of men” and we don’t even realize it (Mark 7:7-9; Colossians 2:22). Let us establish that in order to “grow” in the LORD, we are to “desire” and pour over the oracles of God and “receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls” (James 1:21). “The sincere milk of the word” is to be consumed and when it is, spiritual nutrients fill the heart (1 Peter 2:2). The true, born-again believer will hunger for the spiritual food of God’s Word. In order to glorify God by knowing why we believe what we believe, we must embark upon being more deeply rooted in the divine truth of holy Writ.
Especially in light of this guaranteed last days epidemic of beguilers and their false teachings, it is essential that we become more doctrinally intensive in order to more perfectly serve the One we love (Acts 18:24-26; 2 John 7-9). Without the sincere resolve to know God’s Word, it is evident that one possesses “no root in themselves” and is going to forfeit the blessed apprehension of divine truth and place his own soul in grave danger of deception (Mark 4:17). The upright character trait of honesty when looking at God’s Word is essential to fruitful learning and living in the kingdom (Luke 8:15).
“Thou shalt not wrest (pervert, twist, dilute) judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous. That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live, and inherit the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.” Deuteronomy 16:19-20
In this all-important text, God instructs His people concerning divine truth and how they are to handle it. Note in particular: “thou shalt not respect persons…That which is altogether just shalt thou follow.”
Beloved, one must be sincerely willing to stop and make the grounded determination that the LORD truly is his God, and that the words, personalities, and teachings of all mere men (people in places of spiritual leadership) are vastly inferior and less aggrandized than the words of the Almighty. Such repentance from this subtle and deadly idolatry will include laying the axe to the root of the esteeming of best-selling authors and influential speakers. We must realize that hero worship is plainly spiritual adultery and actually causes our hearts to depart from the only One worthy of our heart worship and affections (Hos. 4:11).
Deceivers Guaranteed
“And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.” Matthew 24:3-5
When His twelve asked Jesus what would be the “sign” of His return, the very first thing He revealed and promised as a sign of the end of this age would be deceivers who come in His name (using His name) bearing messages to deceive “many.” This perhaps can apply to those evil emissaries who work within and outside of the church world. Many have claimed “I am Christ.” One particular world religion has as its head a “Pope” who is said to be the Vicar of Christ, or the one on earth who takes the place of Christ. More on this later (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12).
The Son of God warned “Take heed that no man deceive you.” To the believer, the deceiver who is operating within the church world, posing as a true servant of Christ, offers by far the most dangerous threat. This is what Jesus was talking about when He spoke of wolves who wear sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15-23).
Who are the agents He warned would come to give persuasive, seducing, delusions and messages which would deceive “many”?
“Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.” Revelation 3:11
The Son of God warns here to “hold fast” to Him and to allow “no man” to “take thy crown.”
It is unfortunate that most in leadership today refuse to teach on the subject of the end times. God’s people would be so blessed to know the very first and most prevalent sign of the last days. Is this not amazing that we have refused to inform them? Isn’t it amazing that we seldom hear this cornerstone and safeguarding truth of the end times that Christ provided? According to the LORD Jesus, the most prevalent sign that would indicate that His return is coming soon is the manifestation of deceivers! Isn’t it high-time that His Word on this matter is made known?
This epidemic of evil being perpetrated in Christ’s very name is far too important to overlook. So, let us review and make sure this word sinks down into our hearts (Luke 9:44). What did the LORD say would be the most obvious sign of the end and of the soon return of Jesus Christ to the earth? In the most popular chapter on the return of Christ in the entire Bible, the disciples of Christ asked Him an all-important question and He answered them clearly. Can we read it again?
“And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.” Matthew 24:3-5
The warning here is two-fold: “And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.”
Deception through the vehicle of men is the very first sign that the return of the LORD is near. – “Take heed that no man deceive you.”
“Beware of men.” Matthew 10:17
Most people, especially born-again believers, would like to think the best of people around them, especially their leaders. But Jesus warned us to beware and not to serve men but God alone (Luke 4:8).
“Many,” Not a Few
Deception through self-appointed leaders bearing false witness of themselves is the second earmark of deceivers.
“For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.” Matthew 24:5
In order to cause His remnant to awake to the grave danger of those who “shall deceive many,” the Son of God goes on to lace this last days’ narrative with warnings of false prophets.
“And many (not a few) false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many (not a few).” Matthew 24:11
Here Jesus promised that not a few, but “many false prophets shall rise” and “shall deceive many.”
Fundamentally, the Master desires to embed in His people the reality of false prophets who look like they are His yet aren’t. Christ’s goal and desire is that we be not deceived by these “false brethren” working amidst His people (2 Corinthians 11:26; Galatians 2:4).
“And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.” Luke 21:8
Christ repeatedly foretold that in the final days of this age “there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders (lying signs and wonders); insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect” (Matthew 24:24).
In iteration and warning concerning these last days in which we live, our LORD revealed that “many (not a few) false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many” (Matthew 24:11).
The apostle John states:
“For many deceivers are entered into the world ….” 2 John 7
The Bible foretells a great falling away in the end, not a great revival. So, when we hear such claims of a supposed revival, a red flag should go up. See 2 Thessalonians 2:13, 9-12 and 2 Timothy 3:13.
Of all those who fill pulpits, write books, speak on radio programs, and produce any number of Christian media communications, isn’t it amazing that so little is ever stated about the danger and prevalence of deceivers and false teachings in this last day? In fact, to the contrary, at the same time so many crassly neglect warning God’s people of deceivers, some even teach that these last days will bring a great revival. This is in stark contradiction to the prophesied “falling away” of the final days (2 Thessalonians 2:3).
“Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition.” 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3
Preceding the manifestation of “the son of perdition,” the Holy Spirit warned us that there would “come a falling away first.” It seems apparent that the LORD’s people must be blindfolded and the truth must be shunned in order for this mass deception to occur. According to the biblical revelation, this mass apostasy will come and is presently well under way, at the hands of a literal global army of deceived leaders, many who have formed a “conspiracy” against the LORD (Ezekiel 22:25-27).
Should we be surprised that God is angry with leadership? Is His wrath toward leadership a new thing? No, it is an ancient “controversy” (Isaiah 56:10-12; Jeremiah 23; Ezekiel 34; Hosea 4:1-19). Israel’s leaders were throughout the centuries specifically addressed and rebuked, and cited for their evil doings and how they had led astray God’s people (Isaiah 9:16).
“Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand.” Ezekiel 34:10
“Controversy” is an integral part of walking with the LORD (Ezek. 22:25-27; 44:23-24). As long as the LORD Almighty allows evil to exist, there will be conflict – until He returns in His time to put down all rebellion. Until then, conflict is a reality, so we must face it in His truth and power as He leads (Ps. 94:16). Since the fall of man, conflict has been and will be until His kingdom is established upon the earth with His full reign (Matt. 11:12; Eph. 1:20-22; 1 Cor. 15:24-28; Heb. 2:8; Rev. 12:11).
Make no mistake: there is a “conspiracy” (Ezekiel 22:25-27). Mass apostasy comes at the hands of false teachers and their false teachings, and yet there must be those who believe and support these false teachings in order to facilitate this departure from the faith.
Speaking of “A Foreign Grace,” David Kirkwood, in his book The Great Gospel Deception, says:
“It is not only the fruit of people’s deeds that mark them as false teachers, but also the fruit of their words. If they teach what is contrary to essential New Testament doctrine, they are false teachers.
Of course, no teacher in the church is going to stand up and declare that he is teaching what is contrary to the New Testament. Rather, he will neglect certain important scriptures and twist others to persuade his constituency that he is teaching the truth. This is being done today by many very popular and influential teachers who teach about a grace that is foreign to the Bible. The grace they proclaim is not the true grace that leads to holiness…” p. 230
As David Kirkwood points out here, the false teacher is not going to stand up and announce that he is a wolf. It is the individual believer’s responsibility to discern leaders by the fruit of their teaching. What is not taught (left out of the message) can be more deadly than what is taught. What we don’t know can kill us. “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hos. 4:6). To be able to discern one must study the Word diligently and be exercised therein (2 Tim. 2:15; 3:16; Heb. 5:11-14). This gross lack of knowledge among those claiming to know the LORD is also an indication that many have not diligently studied the Word of God for themselves, but rather have relied upon their leaders to tell them what God has said. Consequently, so very many have been deluded with a false gospel.
Saint of the LORD, is Jesus Christ important enough to you to learn what He has stated to you in His Word? Is the LORD truly your first love? Are you actively and diligently memorizing Scripture – His words?
“These false teachers literally deny (notice the titles Jude used) the “only Lord God” (Jude 4). Because obedience is, in their minds, optional for those on the way to heaven, Jesus need not be one’s Master and Lord. Thus they deny that He is who He is by their teaching and lifestyles.” The Great Gospel Deception, David Kirkwood, P. 231
Outnumbered
“And there shall be, like people, like priest: and I will punish them for their ways, and reward them their doings.” Hosea 4:9
The Table of Jesus or Jezebel?
Mass apostasy was foretold (2 Thessalonians 2:3; 2 Timothy 4:3-4). When mass departure from the faith occurs, both classes are involved – leader and listener. It takes both parties to complete the circle and conspire against the LORD Almighty. Remember that Lucifer was the very first conspirator against the Almighty and was actually successful in convincing one-third of the angels in Heaven to depart with him (Revelation 12:4). Rebellion against the LORD is a reality today as it has been throughout history, yet there is a remnant, as has also been the case throughout history (1 Kings 18:4, 19).
“For it was so, when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the LORD, that Obadiah took an hundred prophets, and hid them by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water.)…Now therefore send, and gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, WHICH EAT AT JEZEBEL’S TABLE.” 1 Kings 18:4, 19
Like the days of Elijah, today is no different. The “MANY false prophets” we are often warned about today, eat at the table of the enemy (Matthew 7:15; 24:11). They are known in that they have sacrificed Christ for provision, a salary, the applause of sinful men, and if they don’t repent will perish.
Apparently, as we see in this scenario, those true prophets that Obadiah fed were outnumbered by the false prophets 850 to 100.
We are missing the very warnings about deception which we most urgently need. We must not allow our ears to wax heavy amidst the activities of this fleeting life lest we lose out in the end (Luke 21:34-36).
Is it not utterly astounding that many leaders do not care enough to warn their listeners to “beware of false prophets” and teachers who spawn and perpetuate the multiplicity of deceptions present within the church world today? Perhaps their refusal to warn reveals that some of them do not want to be detected as false themselves.
One of the greatest tragedies is that, in many cases, these damnable doctrines, taught by “false teachers” and “false prophets” go unchecked, unchallenged and unannounced by those in leadership (2 Peter 2:1). Does such dreadful negligence not make suspect these who refuse to recognize and announce such?
When was the last time you personally heard a message preached warning believers to “beware of false prophets” and to “beware lest any man spoil you?” (Matthew 7:15; 1 Jn. 4:1; Colossians 2:8).
Friend, are you aware that whole chapters of Scripture are dedicated to exposing false prophets? (See Deuteronomy 13, Jeremiah 23, Matthew 23, Ezekiel 22, Ezekiel 34, Jude, 2 Peter 2, Revelation 2 and 3, the end of Isaiah 56 and Philippians 3.) The frequency of such divine warnings underscore the vital nature of staying in the doctrine and will of Christ and guarding against the beguilers who “lie in wait to deceive” (Ephesians 4:14). What is staggering is that even though the LORD Himself considered it extremely important to have numerous warnings recorded concerning the prevalence and danger of deceivers and false teachings, today we are hard-pressed to find any of our leaders saying a single word about such an onslaught against the minds and eternal destiny of God’s people. What an outrage! Much is at risk. Who has ordered this gag rule? This can be nothing less than diabolical!
Storm Clouds Have Gathered
“That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.” Ephesians 4:14
Those leaders who are true to God preach, warn, and teach in order to prepare His people for Christ’s soon return (Colossians 1:27-29). God’s people are to take personal responsibility to become grounded in His Word so that they can discern, and no more be tossed about by the many and various storm winds of false doctrine blowing through the world of the Church at large. Being grounded in the Word and able to discern truth from error is a mark of maturity.
It is a divine mandate for those who are called to “feed the flock of God” to establish His truth in the hearts of the sheep of the Great Shepherd (1 Peter 5:2). By hearing and adhering to the pure Word of God, His people are matured and no more as vulnerable to the winds which are blown into the midst of the body of Christ on the wings of an army of false teachers. God’s people are nourished and secured in His truth (Proverbs 4:20-24; 30:5; Luke 4:4; Acts 20:27-32). Those who are not being fed and who are not personally taking time to study the Word of God, are sickly, malnourished, and have become prey to the wolves in our midst. The Psalmist cried:
“Lift up thy feet unto the perpetual desolations; even all that the enemy hath done wickedly in the sanctuary. 4 Thine enemies roar in the midst of thy congregations; they set up their ensigns for signs. 5 A man was famous according as he had lifted up axes upon the thick trees. 6 But now they break down the carved work thereof at once with axes and hammers. 7 They have cast fire into thy sanctuary, they have defiled by casting down the dwelling place of thy name to the ground.” Psalms 74:3-7
Note in the above text that David sought the LORD in weeping because the enemy of souls roared “in the sanctuary…of thy (God’s) congregations.”
The fact alone that the word “beware” appears 14 times in connection with deceivers and deception in the New Testament Scripture is evidence enough that those who don’t openly declare such to the sheep of God’s pasture are, at best, deceived. It is nothing less than reprehensible that men who stand in places of leadership would not pay attention to and communicate these divinely-inspired warnings. Those who don’t are suspect as those who intentionally and dishonestly dodge truth that does not play into their own personal agenda. It seems that, unlike David, the overwhelming majority of men in leadership positions today do not care nor cry out for the LORD to deliver His people from the enemy and his ravaging lies. They also refuse to awake and warn God’s people with a warning which would otherwise secure His children in the safety of His truth (Prov. 30:5).
Sounding the Alarm
In any developed nation, alarms and meteorologists sound off when storms are approaching, in order to warn the people of that local geographic area to take cover or measures to prevent the harm the coming storm could bring. For sure, the threat is announced loud and clear repeatedly in order to warn all of the people to beware and take precaution. Yet, amazingly enough, the most deadly danger in the universe exists in the Church world which threatens the spiritual health and eternal well-being of the very people of God, and warnings arise from so few.
In 2005, when hurricane Katrina was approaching the gulf coastal states, the beckoning call to flee was sounded long and loud to people who lived in those areas. Most fled, some stayed. The winds were at 160 MPH, so the severity of the threat was at level 5. Such approaching danger could not be overly stressed, just as the great threat of the hurricane winds of deception rushing upon the coasts of the people of God cannot be over exaggerated.
When some envision deceivers, they picture one who manipulates people out of their earthly monies, yet much more evil are those who rob men of their eternal souls by not leading them to the only One who can save and secure them. One can go to Heaven while poor on earth, but he cannot go to Heaven without possessing and maintaining the riches of Christ’s salvation. Far more insidious and dangerous are those who withhold divine truth and the warning they are supposed to be giving to the souls they are called to feed, oversee, guard, and nurture.
Because they don’t drink in and heed the “more sure word of prophecy,” the Holy Scriptures, many men in leadership today do not see/perceive the storm clouds that have gathered to converge upon the people of God (2 Peter 1:19-21). We have been warned about the great falling away and the fact that Satan has but a short time and has therefore come down with great wrath upon the saints, yet little or no warning is ever heard amidst the many words of the leaders who forge ahead, building their own names and kingdoms (2 Thess. 2:3; Rev. 12:12). Have you ever wondered if we possess even a clue?
YOU won’t find many church buildings in the book of Acts (Acts 2:42-47). Yet you find true worshipers!
“Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” Revelation 3:17
Like those in Laodicea whom the LORD addressed here, many in leadership positions are preoccupied with self-interests. These men are blinded, having no idea how separated they are from the LORD. Perhaps these men haven’t fasted even one day for years, don’t read the Bible more than five minutes daily, and have little or no intimacy in their personal prayer lives. Like the leaders of Isaiah’s day, they are greedy and blind and cannot respond to the alarm of God much less give it to the people they oversee.
“His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter. Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant.” Isaiah 56:10-12
Did you notice the root cause of the blindness of these wayward leaders? Read the above text again and notice the selfishness and self-idolatry of these false prophets the LORD cites. The LORD warned us prophetically that In the final days there would be those who would have a “form of godliness” and at the same time would be “lovers of their own selves” (2 Timothy 3:1-5).
Satan is plundering the people of God with numerous cyanide-laced poisons and, like the armies of Israel, most leaders seem to be doing little about it. They are too busy with their own self-life. Like David, the man with a heart that panted after the LORD, and a valiant warrior of Jehovah, we must ask as he did:
“Is there not a cause?” 1 Samuel 17:29
The ‘giant’ of exponential falsehoods is stealing the glory of the Most High and poisoning His very people. Is this not reason enough to be outraged? Why do some take such an atrocity that strikes at the heart of our LORD so lightly and crassly overlook such a deadly threat which causes men to be spiritually spoiled (ruined)? (See Col. 2:8.) How can this be?! Perhaps the LORD is calling us to revisit and obey Isaiah 58.
False doctrines, peddled by wolves in sheep’s clothing, place the souls of men in danger of hell fire. Friend, speaking specifically of the very last days, the divinely inspired terms “doctrines of devils” and “damnable heresies” clearly communicate to us that there are devils behind certain doctrines and they will damn the souls of those who buy into them (1 Timothy 4:1; 2 Peter 2:1). Furthermore, it is essential to remain in Christ and in His doctrines and to give no approval to falsehoods, but to remain in right standing with God (2 John 9-10). How needed are those who love Christ and His body enough to obey the mandate to establish His truth and warn His people to beware!
Historical Sketch
Should we be surprised that God is angry with leadership? Is His wrath toward leadership among His people a new thing? No, it is ancient. Israel’s leaders were throughout the centuries specifically addressed and rebuked, and cited explicitly for their evil doings.
“Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand.” Ezekiel 34:10
Terrorist Warnings
Would it be wrong for the government of any nation to neglect to warn their own people of certain cataclysmic events they have knowledge of? If information of an attack was known prior to the violence transpiring, and the government didn’t warn the people, would the people of that nation be justified in their outrage? Thousands of lives could be at stake. Would the withholding of known information by our political leaders concerning an attack on America be criminal treason? The answer is obvious.
Israeli, American, and British intelligence of criminal terrorist activities is the best in the world. Having intelligence of a terrorist plot to kill and maim the citizens of a nation, encumbers the entity that possesses that information with a moral obligation. At best, it would be contemptuous to withhold such vital data, which would lead to the prevention of many casualties. On the other hand, a national agency, having been informed of a planned terrorist attack at a certain location and time, which doesn’t divulge that information to the people, has committed treason and is responsible for the harm that comes upon that people. The written laws of civilized nations include the criminal act of conspiring to withhold information and obstruct justice. Such is contemptuous and criminal.
In the same way, if those who hold positions of spiritual leadership, armed with numerous scriptural intelligence warnings of evil emissaries and their teachings, do not warn God’s people, they are conspiring with the enemy of all souls and placing themselves under the judgment of a holy divine Shepherd. These leaders have refused to arm themselves and warn according to the divinely breathed intelligence report once delivered to the saints of Christ in holy Writ. The refusal of leaders to warn God’s people of those terrorists whom He repeatedly guaranteed would creep in secretly and sow deadly poisons is criminal.
If the officials of your city possessed intelligence of a terror attack planned against your neighborhood and refused to warn the people, how would you feel if such an attack came and killed and maimed many? Would you feel outraged? Would you now feel violated? Would you feel vulnerable or safe and secure?
Are You Outraged?
Friend, are there not people being spiritually destroyed due to the refusal of those in leadership to warn, according to the perfect divine source of intelligence, God’s Word? The apostle Paul clearly told us that warning was an integral part of the divine calling mandated upon true shepherds (Colossians 1:27-29; 2:8).
Consider the divine mandate upon those in leadership and the severe consequence for not warning:
“But if the watchman (leader) see the sword come (judgment coming), and blow not the trumpet (warn), and the people be not warned; if the sword (judgment) come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman’s hand.” Ezekiel 33:6
Men who refuse to warn of the evil winds of doctrine blowing upon the people of God are liable before the holy Judge of the Supreme Court of the Universe. Without repentance and life change, these men will be found guilty of causing many of God’s blood-bought people to go astray. Such gross negligence is criminal and will be punishable at the Judgment seat.
“Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.” Proverbs 28:10
The absence of such warning transmitting from supposed men of God is nothing less than criminal.
If Paul Warned, Why Don’t Leaders Today Warn?
Paul the apostle of Jesus Christ, sets forth the standard for all who will be true to the LORD in their leadership:
“…Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.” Colossians 1:27-29
The Holy Spirit empowered Paul to preach about Jesus while also warning and teaching. Paul openly announced here that his calling was to preach, warn, and teach. That’s right, we are instructed to preach, warn and teach. – Not just preach and teach, but also to warn. This is the Gospel calling, and anyone who will please the LORD will do all three of these things when ministering. Does this mean that a third of what we do should be to warn? Think about it.
The apostle Paul warned the Ephesian elders:
“For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” Acts 20:29-30
It should be noted here that this great apostle of Jesus was deeply concerned with safeguarding the souls of God’s people, thus this explicit prophetic warning extends to all Christians of the New Testament era. He told the Philippian believers that he did “write the same things” (Philippians 3:1). Paul continually reiterated the pillar doctrines of Christ. This apostle of Jesus stated that such continual reestablishing of eternal truth was “safe” for the Philippian Christians. This servant of God was a safeguard to the people of God by teaching and continually infusing divine truth in them.
Counterfeit ministers in prominence are the very first sign that our LORD’s return is near. Why then do those in leadership seldom if ever tend to this Biblically prevalent doctrine today? This utterly astounds me personally. As I read through the New Testament, I witness the multiplicity of warnings concerning deceivers and false prophets and marvel that this is almost never mentioned much less taught in the church world today! Wow! Where is the protective concern in our leaders? Are they so busy serving their own selfish, ego-driven appetites that they have no heart for God’s sheep?
Was Jesus lying when He told us that there would be “many false prophets” cloaked in “sheep’s clothing”? (See Matthew7:15.) If we truly believe upon Jesus, we should embrace all of His Counsel, and we are mandated to divulge it (Mark 8:38).
Here is a partial Bible list by term of the type of counterfeit leaders to beware of in this last hour:
- False prophets (term appears 7 times: Matthew 7:15;24:11,24; Mark 13:22; Luke 6:26; 2 Peter 2:1; 1 John 4:1)
- False teachers (2 Peter 2:1)
- False apostles (2 Corinthians 11:13; Revelation 2:2)
- Deceivers (Job 12:16; Malachi 1:14; Titus 1:10; 2 John 7)
If Jesus Warned, Why Don’t Leaders Today Warn?
The deafening silence of those who lead today enables deceivers and false teachings and allows for God’s people to be led astray. Carte blanche access has been given to Satan’s emissaries who wear sheep’s clothing to distort, deceive, and bring ultimate damnation. Leaders (and all believers) are mandated and responsible to warn, in obedience to Christ.
On many occasions, Christ warned of false prophets and deception. Anyone who is following Him should be doing the same – in an attempt to protect those who are His. The Son of God made a public announcement, warning all to “Beware” of the writers of His day and at all times:
“Then in the audience of all the people he said unto his disciples, Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts; Which devour widows’ houses, and for a show make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation.” Luke 20:45-47
The Method of Deception
Plainly Christ warned “Beware of the scribes.” The Greek word here for “scribe” is grammateus, which means a writer, i.e., (professionally), a scribe or secretary. As in Christ’s days on earth, we should be very careful of the writers of today, the modern-day scribes who write books, many of which are best-sellers that fill the shelves of Christian bookstores. In my estimation, the modern church world today clearly demonstrates its lack of discernment and apostasy by the way it neglects the 66 books of the Bible and runs after deceptive and doctrinally misleading and heretical fad books. Specific resources are available concerning some of these fad books on this site.
“Scribes” would include any religious or “Christian” communicator today such as Bible translators, writers, journalists, bloggers, etc.
Discernment is a landmark of spiritual maturity and to be sought for by all believers. It is the duty of all leaders to foster such in those they lead (Colossians 2; Revelation 3:18).
“Let no man deceive you with vain words.” Ephesians 5:6
The apostle Paul here warns us that false prophets, who are prevalent in our midst, deceive through words. Also, under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, the apostle Peter and Jude penned these words of warning:
“For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.” 2 Peter 2:18
“These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage.” Jude 1:16
The Test of Deception
“People want a word from God instead of the Word OF God.” Warren Smith
You may be asking: Why would the LORD allow such deceivers and deception to operate and even abound? Here is the reason:
“For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.” 1 Corinthians 11:19
Apparently, we have a glimpse into the mind of God here concerning the dividing purpose of truth and lies. He ultimately rules over deceivers and their deceptions. If one can be led astray from the LORD by false teachings and false prophets, it is because his heart is simply not in right standing with the LORD. The true disciples of Christ are made “manifest” by embracing the truth of God’s Word amidst the many deceptions that abound in the church world in this last hour. In contrast, those who are not true in their heart of hearts to the LORD, even though they have an outward appearance of serving Him, will be taken in by the deceptions of the last day false prophets and their deceptive teachings, luring them to serve the lusts of their own flesh.
“For there are certain men crept in unawares (undiscerned; not noticed by most), who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness (in their teachings), and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jude 4
Ultimately, the LORD created all and is in charge of all.
“With him is strength and wisdom: the deceived and the deceiver are his.” Job 12:16
It is undeniable that there are and will be those who will be drawn away from the truth after having known it:
“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly (clearly), that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.” 1 Timothy 4:1-3
To religious people (those who are religious but don’t know Jesus), Christ states:
“Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” John 8:44
Satan knows he only has a short time to use his tool of deception to lure us away from the LORD, so he has come down with great wrath through the use of many a media method and messenger.
“Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” Revelation 12:12
Remaining in the Truth
We are to nurture and remain in the truth of the Gospel of Christ until the end of our lives.
“Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth (remains) not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth (remains) in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.” 2 John 9
It is imperative that we also help others to hearken to the voice of the LORD and escape the fate of the “many” who are being deluded all around us.
“If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained…Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” 1 Timothy 4:6, 16
As “a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith,” other “brethren” are to “hear thee…(as you) put the brethren in remembrance” of “the words of faith.”
The Danger of Being Led Astray
“Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.” 2 Peter 3:17
Even though the New Testament and Old are replete with such warnings, it may be the very first time anyone has ever pointed out to you that God has promised that there would be “many false prophets” in our day and that you are personally in danger of being led astray if you don’t guard your heart with His Word.
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try (test; examine) the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1
Because of the numerous revelations from our LORD, we understand that there are “many false prophets” who are “gone out into the world.” And, in the complete absence of any such statement in Holy Scripture of many true prophets, we should be left to understand that the false far outnumber the true. The Bible simply never hints, much less promises, that there would ever be many true prophets or servant-leaders. The phrase “many false prophets” appears in Scripture, yet the term “many true prophets” never does. By simple deduction of what we read in Holy Scripture, we know that there are “many” false and few true godly leaders in the world.
“And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.” Matthew 24:11
If the Apostle John Warned, Why Don’t Leaders Today Warn?
False prophets are simply identified by the fruit of their lives which would include the falsehoods they teach, leading the righteous away from the LORD and His ways. Identifying, staying clear of them, and helping others discern, are all-important tasks in this last hour before Christ returns. Consider the pastoral words of the apostle John in warning those he wrote to then, and now, to be careful of “them that seduce you.”
“These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.” 1 John 2:26-28
With all confidence, John assures all believers of the “anointing,” which is the presence of the Holy Ghost indwelling us. John confirms that the Holy Ghost will lead us into all truth, as we abide in the LORD and His Word. It is when we are continuing in the doctrine and life of the LORD Jesus Christ that “we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming” (1 John 2:26-28).
Each and every follower of Jesus Christ is personally responsible to remain in the truth, living in the clear doctrines of Holy Scripture given to us by our Maker and Redeemer. In his book entitled Life In the Son, Dr. Robert Shank pens these words:
“John warns his dear children in the faith against the efforts of apostates to lead them astray through false doctrines, exhorting them to ‘Let that therefore abide (remain) in you, which ye have heard from the beginning [the true Gospel]. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.’ (1 Jn. 2:24-25. Cf II Tim. 3:13-15, Col. 1:21-23).
It is the testimony of our Savior and the New Testament writers that an initial reception of the word of the Gospel must be followed by faithful retention, if men are to continue in the saving grace of Christ and the eternal life of God.” Shank, Robert Lee, Life in the Son, Bethany House Publishers, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 1960. pp. 33-34)
The Promised Increase of Deceivers
We also discover from reading the New Testament that the closer we get to the end, the greater will be the proliferation of deceivers and their deceptions.
“But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.” 2 Timothy 3:13
For some reason, unknown fully to this writer, it appears from Scripture and my own perspective of experience, that so many people who get into ministry simply are not genuinely rooted in God. Perhaps, many who enter into ministry are zealous and driven, yet may not realize motives which are foreign to the will of God.
ARE you seeking to experience God OR to KNOW HIM? (John 17:3)
Some, at least in part, enter into ministry service viewing it as a profession instead of being impelled by divinely instilled holy passion for His people. When we are not led of the Holy Spirit to do full-time ministry, will we inevitably serve ourselves utilizing this profession as a means to personal gain? Is it not His will that each of His children be led by His Spirit in the divine call which He has for their individual lives?
Like Judas and others listed in Scripture, many of those in ministry have already fallen away and certainly many more to come will also. The dangerous aspect of this fact is that many of those who have fallen away in their hearts still remain in positions of leadership. Does this not allow the enemy to truly operate through them to mislead others?
In most cases, these men have enlisted themselves into the army of Satan by simply neglecting their own personal relationship with the One who bought them with His perfect blood (2 Peter 2:1-3).
In this late hour in which the love of many is waxing cold toward the LORD and His people, the 6 o’clock news and general media have more to report concerning fallen ministers than ever before. Is this not a fulfillment of the prophecy of our Savior?
“And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” Matthew 24:10-13
The faithful follower of Christ will lay down his life to serve God and others fully, escaping the snare of the fowler by the precious divine grace imparted into his life (1 Peter 1:5; Revelation 2-3).
The danger of falling away is a reality according to our LORD. Jesus said that there would be those who “have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended.” (Mark 4:17)
Discernment Clue: Ministries that aren’t provoking you to get into God’s Word FOR YOURSELF DAILY, simply want you to depend on them-not God!
The LORD Jesus Christ personally promised Judas an eternal throne in Heaven, yet this fallen man kissed the gates of glory and turned and marched right into the bowels of unending damnation (Matthew 19:28).
It is obvious that some do not get into the ministry for the LORD, but more for themselves, which ultimately sets them up to become false. Like Judas, many today start out true and end up spiritually bankrupt (Acts 1:25; 1 Timothy 1:19; 6:10).
“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jude 3-4
“Believe Not Every Spirit”
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try (test) the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1
Deceivers and deceptions are promised. Any person who believes “every spirit,” that is, every person who comes in the name of the LORD, is simply in direct disobedience to the command of God clearly stated in 1 John 4:1 – “Believe NOT every spirit.”
“It is no sin to doubt some things, but it may be fatal to believe everything.” ~ A.W. Tozer
Naivety is to be pitied, not esteemed nor counted as humility or bliss. There is a clear biblical case against being naïve. Here is a mere sampling of biblical truth, which details such:
“The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.” Proverbs 14:15
In order to weaken the strength of the true Church, Satan wants to attack the very place that the LORD designed to build up His people “for the work of the ministry” (Ephesians 4:11-13). The main purpose of the church building is for the assembling of the believers to equip them for the work of the ministry – that is, so they can go out and be lights for Jesus in their daily lives. In an article entitled, The Seeker-Friendly Way of Doing Church, T.A. McMahon writes:
“The church is for the maturing and equipping of the saints, who then go out to reach the lost.”
Beloved, be not deceived. It is unfortunately observable that most local churches are nothing more than social clubs which entertain their audiences and seek to accommodate the sins of men in their language and programs. Everything seems to be honored except Christ and His words. Dispersed abroad in your community and in mine, in church buildings, on television, radio, in books, and various media, are false prophets, teachers and deceivers who “lie in wait to deceive” (Ephesians 4:14).
“These pastors put on shows that totally mock or minimize the greatness of God. The root of it is self-love, they have become ‘movie stars’ seeking self-praise in the name of ‘greatness.’ But they are clouds without water.” Bill Wegener
Jesus told us to “look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh,” when we see these things happening before our eyes (Luke 21:28). Fret not beloved, but rather rejoice! This all must transpire that the ultimate end of evil and beginning of Christ’s perfect reign might come to pass.
God has only one people, and the visible church is not the true Heaven-bound remnant church. This has always been the case, as is observable with the Pharisees of Jesus’ day (Matt. 23). The visible church is the manifested and displayed expression of the tares who will be gathered up and thrown into eternal fire (Matthew 13:40; 7:19; 15:13).
If your current pastor is not teaching discernment and warning you of the danger of deception and deceivers, you should pray for him and perhaps have a talk with him (Ezekiel 44:23; Colossians 1:17-2:8). If he refuses to repent, you should leave at once and find a true New Testament overseer (1 Peter 5:1-6).
PRAYER: LORD, please bring my heart into the reality of the blessings of security I have in abiding in You and in Your holy Word. Instill in the depth of my being Your holy fear. Please alert my heart and mind to the presence and danger of deception and the possibility of being deluded and derailed, so clearly revealed in Your Word. Fill me with Your fullness and teach my heart to trust in You fully as I obediently search out and learn the full-counsel of Your Word. I love You, Jesus. Amen.
Capture Points
- Write Matthew 7:15-16 on an index card with reference and say it aloud 3 times.
- In 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3, what is foretold in light of the soon return of Christ?
- What is the warning of 2 Peter 3:17?
- Write 1 John 4:1 on an index card with reference and say it aloud 3 times.
From the book Deceivers and False Prophets Among Us.
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Articles
Sinlessly Perfect? I Doubt it [podcast]
Yes the LORD commands His people to “Be ye holy; for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:15-16) Yet we should ask whether or not His desire is for His people to tout to others that they are “sinlessly perfect” or does His Word rather reveal that His people are to be dependent upon Him through the humility of Christ and crucified life He ordained us to walk in? Did the apostles walk around telling people they were sinlessly perfect? No. Didn’t Paul confess his own utter poverty of spirit outside of the saving, present grace of Christ? Yes. (Romans 7:18, 24, etc.) Are there biblical warnings about claiming that one is sinlessly perfect? Yes. (Job 9:20; Proverbs 20:9)
“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16
Saints, would it be accurate to observe that we cannot possibly begin to appreciate this “so great salvation” that is Christ until we understand how lost, helpless, and alienated we were in our sin? (Ephesians 2:1-10; Hebrews 2:3) We must pray and study to understand the biblical doctrine of inherent sin, fallen mankind, and the holiness of God …. in order to begin to be able to appreciate the redemption that is in Jesus Christ.
“If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: if I say, I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse.” Job 9:20
Solomon said:
“Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?” Proverbs 20:9
Speaking of king David’s imperfections, even nearing the end of his life on earth, one commentator writes:
“Surely there can be little ground for the doctrine of perfectionism, otherwise David, whose religion was so earnest and so deep, would have been nearer it now than this chapter shows that he was.” Expositor’s Bible
“For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.” Ecclesiastes 7:20
I am not a good person, neither are you – “There is none righteous, no, not one“ (Romans 3:10). Admit it. The sooner we become HONEST with that which is more than obvious, announcing freely and transparently – that there is “NOOOO good thing” in us except CHRIST, the sooner God will begin a new, deeper work in us! (Romans 7:18, 24) The Cross!
God is able to establish our hearts in His grace and to multiply His grace to us (Hebrews 13:9; 2 Peter 3:18)
ALL of our deeds are not perfect (1 John 1:8-10). “For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life” (Proverbs 6:23). The truly righteous remain humble, teachable, and repentant. Note verse 21 saints:
“And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” John 3:19-21
Saved by Divine Grace and Yet Now Made Perfect by Your Flesh?
“Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?” Galatians 3:3
The Galatian believers had begun their walk with Christ by responding to the conviction of the Spirit, repenting, putting their faith in Christ, and being regenerated. Yet, now they were allowing false teachers to seduce them back under the law, law-keeping for righteousness – to attempt to please God by their own self-will and performance.
Jesus’ disciples must live a set apart life. Living sinless? Well, it can be done: Here’s the key – “In him (Jesus) is no sin. He that abideth in him sinneth not” (1 John 3:5-6). We whom Jesus has saved must “cleanse ourselves from ALL filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 7:1). Yet, the only way to be sinless is in presently abiding in Him and that begins with the essential of announcing our own poverty in self which is being poor/desperately dependent on Him in spirit (Matthew 5:3, 6). Yet some insist that they are perfect by their own will, ability, and doing. This is the exact error of the Galatians which caused them to fall from saving grace (Galatians 5:4). They left Christ for something else – law keeping. Leaving Christ, departing from faith, and casting off trusting fully in HIS saving grace, is deadly. Realizing there is “NO good thing” in us except Christ, is essential to abiding saved in Him (Romans 7:18, 24; John 15:1-6). Galatians 3:3 says it all – “Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?” (Galatians 3:3). The great apostle of Jesus was desperate for the LORD, ever seeking His holy face and dreadfully not wanting “to be found having mine own righteousness which is of the law” (Philippians 3:9-10).
“The great secret of abiding in Christ is the deep conviction that we are nothing, and He is everything.” Andrew Murray, Abide in Christ
Heart purity and a sinless life emanate only from intimate union and abiding with a holy God. This occurs as we consent to the cross and not by human effort alone. Jesus raises up those who are truly bowed down – crucified with Christ (Psalms 145:14; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:3, etc.). One cannot possibly “stop sinning” until they come to Jesus and He saves them, making them new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17-18). Only then can the regenerated disciple “put off the old man” and “put on the new man” (Colossians 3:9-10). There MUST be something to “put off” …. that inherent sinful nature, otherwise no such language would be in Scripture (Colossians 3).
Beware of the sinless perfectionists who speak of overcoming sin outside of the daily cross and the saving, enabling grace of God. It’s only possible by God’s enabling grace in and through a true abiding relationship.
If we claim we are sufficient in and of ourselves and because of our own “natural ability” to do right, and can be perfect (which God requires) without Christ and our total trust IN HIM, we are apostate. Memorize Romans 4:4-5.
We cannot be “made perfect BY the flesh” or by means of our own self-will and effort alone. If that were possible WHY then did Jesus come? We are only perfect in the sense of Christ’s perfection AS we abide in Him (John 15:1-6). As we do, we will “walk in the light, as he is in the light … and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” Here’s the whole verse:
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7
Yes, we are “new creatures” in Christ and must humble ourselves before Him, put off the old man, put on the new man, and walk in the Spirit with Him. Yet, the victory Christ has wrought and ordained for us to walk in daily all begins with acknowledging instead of denying that there is something to deny and die to and “put off” (Colossians3:5; 2 Corinthians5:17-18). Denying that we have inclination toward sin is not the answer. Crucifying the deeds of the body by the power of the Holy Spirit is the answer (Romans 8:12-14). Many are getting hoodwinked by this self-righteous “I can do it with my own ‘natural ability’” spirit. This is a Christ-denying devil-exalting heresy, doctrine of devils (1 Timothy 4:1-3). Many who are not grounded in the grace and Word of Christ are adopting this error of Pelagianism which fosters self righteousness. They are aggressively teaching this sinless perfectionism (in the flesh) error to others. These people seem to have one common denominator – they have studied the teachings of Charles Finney or Mike Desario. Beware!
Many of those who preach sin without saving, rescuing, enabling, overcoming divine grace are perhaps still trapped in their own sins. They have no answer for others and therefore we should wonder if they have the LORD’s answer for and in their own lives. If they did, would they not be full of His great joy and sharing with others how to be delivered? Why are they content with condemning others in sin? Is God willing that ANY should perish? See 2 Peter 3:9.
Never forget to make a decision to be deepened in the essential truth that it’s “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us.”
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:5-7
WHEN we realize that God is “Holy, holy, holy,” we will no longer wrongly condemn others if they sin, just because the flavor of their sin differs from that sin which we’ve committed, knowing that the sin we committed was no less evil in the eyes of He alone who is “Holy, holy, holy” (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8).
G.R.A.C.E. = God’s Riches at Christ’s Expense
It’s only by God’s grace that we are found and saved by Him and kept and enabled to please Him which includes participating in holiness, separated unto the LORD, as He is holy (Hebrews 12:14-15; 1 Peter 1:15-16; Revelation 4:8, etc.).
Titus 2 tells us that we are only saved by divine grace and only kept to the end by His enabling grace.
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. 15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.” Titus 2:11-15
Deliverance from sin/sinning is only possible through faith, loving, worshiping, and obeying our LORD, that is, moment-by-moment abiding in Christ, the crucified life, being raised up by His Spirit (Romans 6; 8:13-14, etc.).
“And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. 4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. 5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. 6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.” 1 John 3:3-6
Perfection is the perfect forgiveness and justification of the LORD which God brings about by His Spirit and our faith which always brings our adherence to the daily cross (Philippians 2:12-13). It’s divine perfection worked out in the abiding disciple as he walks in the Spirit abiding in Christ (Galatians 5:16, 25, etc.).
True OR Feigned Holiness? | Saving, Enabling Grace | Have We Ourselves Become Pharisees? | The Spirit of Holiness |
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The True Temple of God [podcast]
“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” 1 Corinthians 3:16
Today’s priesthood of wolves, who falsely claim to be the LORD’s elders, nearly all insist that they MUST have and operate out of a physical so-called church building (Jeremiah 12:10; 23; Ezekiel 34; Matthew 24:11, etc.). Well, wouldn’t that mean that Jesus and His holy apostles weren’t legitimate elders—because none of them raised a penny for, or built a physical building?
A temple is a holy place, a sanctuary of worship. The temple the LORD had Moses construct was in order that He might dwell among His people. “And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them” (Exodus 25:8). Why was there a tent of meeting? “That I may dwell among them.” We must never lose sight of the original and perpetual purpose for a temple—for God and man to abide together in relational communion and that the Creator’s will could be advanced in the earth (Genesis 1:26; John 14:15, 21, 23; 17:3; 2 Corinthians 6:16-18).
In the divine economy, a temple is a place where God dwells. And, just where is that temple today?
The temple of God is the place He chooses to dwell—to reside. Where did the LORD tell us He chooses to dwell?
“Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for (now) he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also … Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient (better) for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.” John 14:17-19; 16:7
When Jesus spoke these words He had not yet ascended back to Heaven. The Son of God here promised that when He went to the glory of His Father He was going to send the divine Person of the Holy Ghost to dwell inside every born again believer (His temples). This is why Jesus tells us in John 16:7 that it was “expedient” or better for them His disciples (and us), that He went away—so that upon re-entering His Father’s heavenly throne of glory, He could send into the hearts of every saint, the divine Person of the Holy Spirit. Apparently, up until this point the Holy Spirit was only with His saints and not inside of them in the special way He dwells with us under this glorious New Covenant (read the book of Hebrews). Christ here foretells that soon, when He rose again from the dead and ascended up on high, He was going to send forth the Holy Ghost and though now “he dwelleth WITH you,” soon He “shall be IN you” (John 14:17). But not everyone can receive the divine presence, the divine Person of the Holy Spirit. There is a qualification to receive the very presence of the Holy Spirit— “Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you” (John 14:17). Only those who know Jesus and have been cleansed by His holy blood will receive the Holy Spirit and be His temples—the place He dwells. Now that His blood was shed to take away the sins of the world, the divine presence of “the Spirit of truth” was now going to dwell in those temples whom He had regenerated and cleansed in preparation for His abiding (John 14:17).
There is a shadow of this in the law and days of Moses. This truth (that one must be washed in the blood to receive the Spirit) is a prophetic prefiguring of what Christ become the reality and fulfillment. Jesus Christ has become the substance of what this was a mere “shadow of things to come.” Hebrews 10:1 says, “For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.”
The blood of Jesus has provided for us much better things in our relationship with God, including the truth that we are His temples —the place He has chosen to dwell. The sacrifices under the Old Covenant were infinitely inferior to that of the supreme and matchless perfection of Christ’s sacrifice through which He has granted us a “better covenant.” —“But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant (far superior), which was established upon better promises” (Hebrews 8:6).
The shadow: Do you remember that under the law, the blood was first applied to the priest and then the oil? The substance: There is order with the LORD—one must first be cleansed of all unholy contamination (sin) by the blood of sacrifice before the oil of God the Holy Spirit will come and dwell there.
“And thou shalt take of the blood that is upon the altar, and of the anointing oil, and sprinkle it upon Aaron, and upon his garments, and upon his sons, and upon the garments of his sons with him: and he shall be hallowed, and his garments, and his sons, and his sons’ garments with him.” Exodus 29:21
With these truths at heart and for a deeper understanding, let’s peruse through a larger portion of this vital passage recorded in John 14, even the words of our LORD:
“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide (dwell) with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me. These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” John 14:16-26
The Holy Spirit is now dwelling in us as His temples—“he abideth (dwells) IN US, by the Spirit which he hath given us … greater is he that is IN YOU, than he that is in the world” (1 John 3:24; 4:4).
“Ye are God’s building.” 1 Corinthians 3:9
The person who does not understand what God’s Word teaches concerning the identification of God’s real “church”—“God’s building”—is prey for a wolf to make him loyal to his own cause, diverting and intercepting his focus and funds from the LORD God (soul-damning idolatry – Ephesians 5:5-9).
Did Jesus ever build a physical building to further His heavenly kingdom? No. So what does He mean by the declaration “I will build my church”? See Matthew 16:18.
“Many have no idea that 1 Corinthians 3:16 means God dwells within us. They pride themselves on how often they attend church. It becomes a ‘holier than thou’ attitude (Isaiah 65:5). And they believe they are morally superior because they attend ‘church.’ God forbid you leave their apostate building and become the real church! At our last ‘church’ we were ostracized for that. Because according to them, when you leave their physical building, you have now left God. They believe that Jesus is only in those buildings and not in us! But those church buildings are only made of wood. And Jesus does not dwell there because of the defilement, self-righteousness, and sin. He dwells in us. We are the temples of the living God! And we are to carry His Word and shine His light into the world and not to hide it behind a fake, lukewarm, religious building!” Karen Cochran
How does the Bible define His “church”? Greek – ekklessia, which means called out ones (people).
What Jesus is building is “a spiritual house” (1 Peter 2:5). This is transpiring as His Word is sown into the hearts of men.
The Carpenter from Heaven promised to build and work on His “building” causing it to prevail against all hell could offer (Matthew 16:18). His people are the “church” Jesus promised to “build.” We are each lively stones— “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5). Each one of His people is a living stone making up His “building,” His “temple,” His “spiritual house” (1 Corinthians 3:9, 16; 1 Peter 2:5).
“And I (Christ) say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock (the revelation that I am the Messiah) I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18
Jesus says “I will build my CHURCH” (Matthew 16:18). His “church” is HIS PEOPLE, not a physical building but rather He is building His kingdom in the hearts of His PEOPLE. Are you STILL wasting God’s money on physical buildings many erroneously call “church” ?
The revealed divine goal is to “build” His family by saving and changing lives that are houses of clay and being conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:28-29). Christ didn’t come to give license to sub-leaders to build their own little kingdoms using His name. He is orchestrating all things to this divine and holy end—it’s all about Him and not us. This is why He has redeemed us and come to dwell in us—to do what He promised and is doing, build His church. Any movement, leader, or organization that does not own and communicate this foundational truth through the Gospel, is preaching another gospel and is false (Galatians 1:6-9). Defining the true Church as the LORD has in His Word is ultra important, especially in this late hour of epidemic apostasy (Matthew 24:3-5; 2 Thessalonians 2:3; 1 Timothy 4:1-3; Revelation 12:12). Jesus Christ told us that His kingdom was “not of this world” and that His kingdom was within His people and not an organization of mere men or physical buildings— “the most High dwelleth NOT in temples made with hands” (Luke 17:21; John 18:36; Acts 7:48).
Just as the blood of an animal sacrifice preceded the application of the anointing oil, so the precious blood of Christ made it possible for His Holy Spirit to dwell inside each and every one of His saints. This is why Jesus told us that it was “expedient” for us that He go to Heaven after paying the full price for our sins on the cross so He could send the Spirit into each heart (Acts 2:1-4).
Did you catch that? — “The most High dwelleth NOT in temples made with hands” (Acts 7:48). God is holy and cannot dwell in any place prepared by the hands of sinful men. As God would have it, only the divine blood of His only begotten Son via His nail-pierced hands and feet could have possibly prepared the place in us for His holy presence to dwell.
This “so great salvation,” wrought by the very blood of Jesus, provided for the indwelling Spirit to inhabit us as His temples and gives full access and blessed provision to every disciple for communion and any need (Hebrews 2:3; 4:14-16).
JESUS WANTS THE GATHERINGS OF HIS PEOPLE CLEANSED FROM THE HIRELING WOLVES WHO MONETIZE HIS NAME AND HIS CHURCH! They refuse to emphasize the divine desire for God’s people to have pure hearts nor the cardinal doctrines of the doctrine of God.
God is all about people and yet cannot bestow His blessing until there is true repentance and humility (Isaiah 1:18-20; Acts 3:19; James 4:6-10). We should ask His forgiveness for the idolatry of having other gods before Him and therefore aggrandizing self, physical temples, organizations, programs, and mere men.
“For the LORD taketh pleasure in HIS PEOPLE (not physical buildings, organizations or leaders, etc.): he will beautify the meek with salvation.” Psalms 149:4
The Father sent His only begotten Son for people. The earth and everything else is only in existence for His highest creation for which He came and bled. The eternal Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, ultimately purchasing our redemption with His own blood in order to wash away all our sins and grant us intimate relationship with Him who is “holy, holy, holy” (Isaiah 6:3; Matthew 26:28; Revelation 4:8). Christ did not come to the earth so that men could use His name to amass organizations to their own glory, ruling over the people—such is the occupation of “evil workers” (Philippians 3:1-3, 17-19). Jesus told us that those who truly followed Him would be the greatest servants (Matthew 20:24-28). Any person in leadership who does not strive to be “servant of all” is in direct disobedience to the command of Christ and will inevitably become a wolf operating among the sheep if he does not repent and lay down his life (Mark 9:35). Hirelings are those who are in ministry positions for their own personal gain—they serve their own carnal appetites (Philippians 3:17-19). As we were repeatedly forewarned, there are “many” who erect physical monuments and perpetuate the existence of religious organizations of mere men while claiming to be Christ’s leaders. This they do while simultaneously rejecting His words (Matthew 7:21; Mark 8:38).
The LORD is all about “HIS PEOPLE” and not physical buildings, organizations, religious politics, or the undue and idolatrous worship of human leaders, etc. Those who do not emphasize this truth that Jesus Christ is “Head” and is building His people—His Church—His building, are those who are “not (up)holding the Head (Christ), from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God” (Colossians 2:18-19).
Oh yeah to the naked and untrained eye it looks like Christianity is growing in America with all the church buildings that are being constructed. That’s a picture of the organized, visible apostate church world. As Elijah and the apostle Paul were taught and reminded of, God’s remnant people are not always readily visible to the physical eye (1 Kings 19:14, 18; Acts 18:9-10). But we must ask ourselves if the growth of the kingdom of God is parallel with the construction of brick and mortar buildings and the numeric growth of organizations or local churches.
According to history, organizations, properties, and numbers of people can be thriving while men are simultaneously departing from the LORD.
“For Israel hath forgotten his Maker, and buildeth temples; and Judah hath multiplied fenced cities: but I will send a fire upon his cities, and it shall devour the palaces thereof.” Hosea 8:14
“Israel hath forgotten his Maker, and buildeth temples” —From this telling statement it seems that as men forget God, they tend to migrate to the idolatry of self by building physical structures as a way to make up for what they lack spiritually and what they would otherwise be receiving from God if they were worshiping Him “in Spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-24). The innate tendency in the man who has a mere form of godliness yet does not know the LORD, is to construct physical things, believing that he is contributing to the building of God’s kingdom. For this sin the LORD promises to send the “fire” of His judgment which must begin at the house of God (Isaiah 5:20-24; 1 Peter 4:17-18).
Those who understand the biblical truth about the true Church and that we are His temples, will cringe when we hear a pastor stand up and say “Welcome to the house of God.” We are the Church (called-out ones) and therefore cannot go to church as many insinuate. We are the temple or house of God and therefore cannot go to the house of God. Now we can fellowship with those in “the household of faith” yet the house of God is not a physical building where we gather (Galatians 6:10). Any leader who misleads people to believe that his little church program or business is “the house of God” simply does not possess a foundational knowledge of the kingdom of God.
Like apostate Israel, in America we see the exponential proliferation of “church houses” at the expense of the advancement and spread of the kingdom of Heaven. Wasn’t this the case with the Laodiceans? They appeared to have substance with all their material wealth and yet God saw them as ready to be rejected out of His body because they were “lukewarm… wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked…” (Revelation 3:14-22). Let’s freshly read these vitally important words of Christ and examine our own hearts in this light:
“And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” Revelation 3:14-22
One deceived pastor of a large and financially affluent church here in the Dallas area attributes the financial increase and his accumulation of real estate properties to the growth of God’s kingdom. Is that biblically accurate?
“Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest? For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word. He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog’s neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine’s blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations. I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not. Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name’s sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.” Isaiah 66:1-5
The LORD is not impressed with physical buildings and organizations of religious men who don’t know Him. The Almighty told us that He only chooses to commune with that redeemed person who is of a “poor and of a contrite spirit” and therefore trembles at His holy Word (Isaiah 66:2).
Being His dwelling place requires that I obediently keep His temple clean. (God be praised for repentance, His holy throne of grace, and the restoring love of Christ.) Such is a condition for remaining His son and receiving His blessings:
“And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” 2 Corinthians 6:15-7:1
PRAYER: Father, please do a fresh work in my heart. I ask You in Jesus’ holy name. Grant a heart of flesh and please remove all stony places in this heart. Bless this vessel to please You in all thoughts, meditations, and acts in this short life. Please dig in deep, probing the depths of this heart. Please test the substance of my life and reveal the true value or lack thereof. Grant repentance and the holy fear of the LORD. Let me be clothed with Your righteousness through the precious blood of Jesus. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Apostasy2 years ago
SHOCKING List of False Prophets Most Believe are True
Providing Christ-centered Scripture-rich resources to feed, edify, and equip the body of Christ (John 21:15-17; Ephesians 4:11-15).
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