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Beware of the “Deliverance” Devils and “Healing” Heretics! 

“This podcast nailed it! Thank you! I was newly saved and experienced a deliverance ministry! This woman was screaming at me and supposedly rebuking demons out of me. But I think she gave me demons. She told me I should be in the bars because I was not walking in Jesus. Before I left she said, “I know this is from the Holy Spirit because my hair is standing on end.” I went home and cried. I felt so beaten up and wondered what I was doing wrong that she believed I might as well be in the bars drinking. I was in such bad shape that my husband Tom thought I needed to go back. Of course this experience was worse than the first time. By this time I was ready for the bars. I told Tom please don’t ever take me to her again. She had no love of Jesus and no cross message. Totally demonic! My faith is now in Jesus and He is making me whole! 1 Thessalonians 5:23 – spirit, soul and body. After all isn’t He the one who made me? He knows every intricate part of me (Psalm 139), as only He can, unlike a mere man! This lady suffered. I used to see her from time to time and it was shocking how bad she looked! She was definitely under God’s judgment! The severity of God (Romans 11:22). And I believe she died with cancer and suffered greatly. I would imagine there were many of us who suffered under her abuse.” Karen Cochran

Beware of the witchcraft posing as spiritual warfare.

Biblically there is no separate “deliverance ministry.” It’s God’s work in those who repent and believe upon Christ. We preach God’s truth and when people obey HIM, they get set free.

“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32  And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. … 36  If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:31-32, 36

The seven sons of Sceva tried having a deliverance ministry it seems. What happened to them?

“And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. 15  And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? 16  And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.” Acts 19:14-16

With God, everything begins with repentance.

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

Looking across the real estate of the New Testament canon of Holy Scripture, it seems like deliverance, when and if needed, is simply a part of Christ’s salvation program and never to be put to the forefront, especially not on a continual basis. Yet, there is no end to ministry gimmicks we see today. Read Luke 13:10-17; Acts 8:9-25; 2 Timothy 2:24-26; James 4:7, etc.

There are those who pretend to wield special powers to cast out devils and while casting out devils is biblical, it can be used to bring undue attention to mere men and imbalance.

For whatever it’s worth ….. Over the past several decades, this disciple has witnessed many who were involved in “deliverance ministry” who ultimately were in great need of deliverance themselves as they were imbalanced and rather strange at best. My testimony of these people and “deliverance ministries” are that most so called “deliverance ministry” is actually imparting, putting demons on you and not delivering them from you.

Recently a dear disciple of Jesus testified that she went to a supposed “deliverance ministry,” a copycat ministry most likely of Win Worley. Her testimony is that she felt and sensed much worse spiritually than before she had gone. The burden increased and yet the Word tells us that “The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it” (Proverbs 10:22).

This disciple also has experienced exactly what this sister testified of.

Even Michael the arch angel of God didn’t think he had power over Satan in his own strength. So he said “the LORD rebuke thee” to the enemy of all souls (Jude 9).

“Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.” Jude 9 

EVERY single individual disciple of Jesus Christ has a deliverance ministry – a call to cast out devils in the mighty name above all names, Jesus Christ!

“And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. 18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. 19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. 21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.” Luke 10:17-21

Jesus had sent 70 of His disciples out to do ministry. They then returned with pride in what they believed they had themselves accomplished. Jesus saw pride in their hearts just as He did when Satan was ejected from Heaven forever. Christ then tells us what to glory in – HIM – and that He was going to shed His blood and now has to redeem us and put our names in His book. It’s the only way one can be saved (Matthew 5:3; Titus 3:5-7, etc.). It is vital for us to become humble disciples like small children, realizing there is “no good thing” that dwells in us except Jesus Christ Himself (Romans 7:18, 24).

“That no flesh should glory in his presence. … 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:29, 31

Beware of the Glory-Robbing Phony Healing and Deliverance Ministries

While deliverance for people tormented by evil spirits is ordained of God and as important as is physical healing, nothing is more important and essential as the salvation of the soul.

Beloved, beware of the deliverance deceivers. Have you noticed that most if not all who claim to be so-called and self-appointed “deliverance” ministers are phony flakes of the worst kind? There is no such ministry named or hinted at in Scripture. Deliverance and healing are simply part of the whole salvation package Christ purchased for His people – “spirit, soul, and body” (1 Thessalonians 5:23).

Nothing is more important than the LORD Jesus Christ and His saving of the eternal souls of men for whom He bled, was buried, and rose again (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). THAT is the Gospel! And, any and all good things – yes even the good things of God – that are overemphasized will misdirect the affections and lives of those who are misled (Isaiah 9:16). Wolves are used by their master Satan to replace the true worship of the nail-scarred risen Savior and LORD.

There are many today who are gaining their whole world via leadership in the apostate church world who will lose their souls into hell eternally.

“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? 37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Mark 8:36-37 

One can also observe that for the most part, so-called “deliverance” and “healing” ministries are more about the mere human sinner who started and operates that “ministry” than Christ. It also becomes the place where carnal, self-serving people who do not want to die to self find a place to operate and feature themselves as the man or woman or young person of the hour. Luciferic! (Isaiah 14:12-15)

“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power …  18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.” Colossians 2:8-10, 18-19

These phony deliverance and healing ministries do not exalt Christ and are therefore under the control of “the spirit of antichrist” which comes to replace the only Savior and rob the glory due only to Him (1 John 4:1-3).

Casting out devils and seeing GOD heal sick people is all about the glory of the One who does such – Jesus Christ!

Of this epidemic of self-serving wolves who operate in “healing” and “deliverance” ministries, Kaycee W. writes:

“I find it strange that so many people say they have a ‘deliverance ministry’ or a ‘healing ministry.’ There is no such thing as a ‘deliverance ministry” or ‘healing ministry.’ Healing and deliverance is part of Christian life, not a particular ministry at all. This is taking the glory of God for themselves. There is no ‘ministry’ like this in the Word of God.  There are also no ‘catchers’ in the Bible as well. These only exist to help false prophets look super spiritual so they can con the believers out of their money and line their own pockets.”

Those who call themselves “healing” or “deliverance” ministers have learned their craft from a mere man or men. They are not walking after Christ, otherwise they would not have bought into this imbalance (Proverbs 11:1). No, instead, they have found a niche that they use to exploit their gullible, hurting prey (Philippians 3:18-19).

Those who limit God to healing and deliverance usually need deliverance themselves. This is what many have found. I have personally observed this phenomenon.

The true disciple of Christ follows Christ, who though He cast out devils (deliverance) and sent us to do the same, was far from being confined to that alone. Though He healed many of physical maladies, He came to “heal the broken in heart” as He granted salvation to all who believed upon Him (Luke 4:18). The salvation Jesus Christ came and brought was for the whole person and for all eternity. In fact, after He died, was buried, and rose again, Jesus ascended to the Father to make perpetual intercession for all of His children (Hebrews 7:24-26, etc.).

The most important blessings of God in Christ are “spiritual blessings.”

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:” Ephesians 1:3

At the announcement of His ministry mission, Jesus said:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” Luke 4:18 

External signs, miracles, wonders, and deliverance frauds don’t ever talk about the most important healing, wholeness, deliverance and wonder Jesus performs – as in when He saves and makes His children whole in their hearts, from the inside out (1 Thessalonians 5:23). The reason they don’t talk about this is because it doesn’t play into their scheme, it can’t be seen or supposedly perceived by the human senses. They can easily fool their audiences with supposedly physical healings. God heals the whole of the man and yet the most important healing is that of the broken relationship between God and man (Luke 19:10; 2 Corinthians 5:17-18, etc.). Christ alone can heal the chasm, the separation sin has caused between God and man (Ezekiel 22:30; Romans 5:6-8; 1 Timothy 1:15, etc.).

The first thing Christ mentioned here is that He came “to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted.” These first two elements of His mission are most important (Luke 4:18).

Did our LORD Jesus not warn us that “many” who claim to be serving Him and call Him “Lord” will be cast into hell? These are people who cast out devils and prophesy (Matthew 7:21-23). Does that mean that casting out devils and the gifts of the Holy Spirit are not of God? NO! Yet, this clearly does reveal that one can 1) call Jesus Lord and do ministry, 2) cast out devils, 3) prophesy, and 4) do many wonderful works and die and go to hell, not knowing Christ!

There are 9 gifts and 9 FRUIT of the Spirit and the FRUIT of the Spirit proves that one has an abiding relationship with Christ which is essential to the salvation of the soul (John 15:1-6). Gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:9-10). Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). No person will go to Heaven who does not have the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Those fruits do NOT save the person, but they clearly testify that that person has a saving relationship with the only Savior – Jesus Christ!

JESUS never said to “do warfare” over lost souls! No, He commanded you to “preach the gospel” to them and let Him do the work of convicting and bringing them to repentance and faith in Him (Mark 16:15-20; 1 Corinthians 3:6-9). You don’t know better than God! (Proverbs 3:5-7) Beware of the charismatic witchcraft they deceitfully call “spiritual warfare” what is designed to keep God’s people from simply doing what He said to do (Isaiah 55:11).

Most ministries that emphasize “spiritual warfare” ARE inducing demonic spiritual warfare! Witches and Warlocks are rampant in the professing body of Christ. ALL the NAR devils are just such! Beware saints!

Deliverance | Warrior Princess is Jezebel | Kundalini Witchcraft in the NAR (New Apostolic Reformation Cult | Are Tongues Demonic? | NAR DelusionSpiritual Warfare

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | The Return of ChristBiblical Deliverance Prescription-Wholeness in Christ [podcast]Witchcraft in the Pulpits Nicolaitan Nightmare | Witchcraft in the Church | Are You Under the Spell of Witchcraft? | Getting Delivered from Witchcraft

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Articles

Mexico Mission Update Part 28

SATURDAY

ONLY GOD can do stuff like this!
SMH for His goodness.
After asking Luis (pictured below) where a certain food item was, he showed me and a lengthy conversation ensued. Luis was asking me questions about the USA after he found out that is where I originally from. At some point in the conversation, Luis said “make another statement in Spanish.” I guess he was seeking to measure how much Spanish I had learned. This caught me off guard yet I said “Jesus Christ reigns” in Spanish. AS SOON as I began saying those words, a dear man and his wife (Manuel) were turning the corner into that isle and so as I spoke those words I looked Manuel (whom I’d never before laid eyes on) straight into his face in order not to waste or limit who God’s Word was being spoken to. Manuel immediately lit up and rejoiced to hear God’s Word because he and his lovely wife are on-fire disciples of Jesus! Manuel then began ministering to beloved Luis who is not yet saved. The timing and arrangement of this event was nothing less than a divine miracle. We were all quite stunned at how this unfolded. Everyone exchanged contact info and Luis is going to continue to minister to and lead Luis to Jesus.

JESUS CHRIST IS MINISTERING TO AND SAVING SOULS!!!!


RECENTLY: Another 1,500 more JESUS tracts in Spanish picked up from the printer.


LAST NIGHT: Just got back in. Was able to pass out dozens upon dozens of JESUS tracts and speak God’s Word to each person…. ran out of tracts and loving it. Home restocking the pouch now.

The amazing people of Mexico are receiving the Gospel of Christ (Romans 1:16). Your prayers coveted.

The only spirit I have ever been in with ministering to Mexican people is “compassion.” Jude 22-23


I am praying for you all….. part of me wants to encourage more people to pray about leaving…. for their own safety and fruitfulness in Christ. Just a thought.



The amazing people of Mexico are receiving the Gospel of Christ (Romans 1:16). Your prayers coveted.

Mission Mexico


LAST NIGHT: AFTER sending out the weekly Bible teaching tonight, a young man named Julio here in Mexico replied with this:

“I want to learn the word of God, thank you for sharing the word of God with me.” Julio

He’s not yet saved (that I know of) and he’s reading the Word he’s being sent and now has the 4 ministry books in Spanish, including the Born Again book and the JESUS tract, etc.

Mission Mexico Rolling


Thank you for praying for our brother in Christ, Justin.

“About two weeks ago I would wake up spontaneously praising and thanking God. Normally, I am too groggy. But it just happened so naturally. It blesses my day and I give thanks for the challenges. Love you too bother.” Justin


When Alfredo (above) was given a JESUS tract and had God’s Word spoken to him, he was on the phone. He hung up and came and grabbed me as I was walking away. We spent ample time together and he was excited that you would be lifting him in prayer. He was very open and honest and asked me how he would be able to stop drinking many beers daily. In return I preached Jesus to him and that when he repents and receives Jesus, he is going to be forgiven of his sins and born again, a new creature in Christ and that all old things will pass away. He was instructed to repent and receive Jesus as I pointed to the prayer on the back of the JESUS tract (oracion). He was also shown the Reina Valera Bible 1960 to download onto his phone. He has my number and as soon as he texts me back he will be sent the Born Again book in Spanish and receive biblical ministry. Thank you for lifting this dear man in prayer. The honesty of the people of Mexico is so very refreshing!


God loves the Mexican people. Jesus died for them.

Thank you for pausing to pray for the people of Mexico.
Here’s beloved Martha who recently received ministry – as a direct result of your prayer and support.


Spanish

Mission Mexico Rolling


Is your life fruitful for Christ?
Or is it being wasted? John 15


Bibles and ministry books going out weekly across the nation. Lives being changed. Prayers coveted.



Now supporting a missionary in the Philippines….. Jesus tract in Tagolog etc.



You’re working to pay bills but are you fruitful for Jesus? John 15



Below are message from 2 men here in Mexico who have been ministered to and are continuing to receive God’s Word weekly:

“I am interested in knowing God and reading the Bible.” Julio

“Hi Todd. Greetings. Thanks for the Bible messages.” Carlos




IF you want to have a ‘field day’ adventure of evangelising lost souls, 90% of which are just waiting to be told about Jesus….. perhaps you may wish to pray and ask God if He’d have you move south to Mexico. A blessing. Psalms 37:23, right?

God be praised for your prayers and support. HE is doing a work in the hearts of the people of Mexico.

Continue Reading

Articles

The Purpose of Elders in Christ’s Body [podcast]


There is no more important work transpiring in the earth today than the work of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Matthew 9:35-38; 28:18-20; Ephesians 4:11-15; 1 Peter 5:1-6, etc.).

“Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21

In short, the authentic under-shepherd ordained of Jesus Himself (John 15:16), will give up his life in this fleeting world for the sheep of Christ – just as the Great Shepherd of the sheep did on the cross. Such a divinely called-out man, will teach only God’s pure Word and watch for the souls of the LORD’s people (Hebrews 13:7, 17). He will take up the cross – live the crucified life – and therefore ministry will not be about them but rather about Jesus and His beloved sheep for whom He shed His blood and is soon returning (Philippians 3:17-21).

Also in Hebrews 13 …. The true elder of Christ will, according to Hebrews 13, do two things:

  1. Speak the pure Word of God to you and get you into it:

“Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation (their way of life).” Hebrews 13:7

2. Will in the fear of God pray for and “watch for your soul.”

“Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” Hebrews 13:17

In review, just WHAT are the earmark fruits of true under-shepherds as opposed to the many wolves among us?

  1. True under shepherds relentlessly teach God’s Word – who have spoken unto you the word of God.” (Hebrews 13:7)
  2. They are there for you! – they watch for your souls.(Hebrews 13:7)

IF they aren’t preaching God’s pure Word to you, fearing God, not you…. and watching for your eternal soul, they are wolves in sheep’s clothing. Repent and run to Jesus beloved.

Let me add that if they are using a fake “bible” instead of the King James Bible, that should be a clue to the darkness they walk in (Matthew 7:16, 20).

Elders are ordained of God and yet never to take His place nor to negate our own personal responsibility to seek God daily for ourselves. Yet, we do not need a preacher. Why? – because we each have a Bible. Read it. We don’t need a preacher to tell us what the Bible says! Read it for yourself, learning of the LORD yourself. Today is your day to take personal responsibility to seek God for yourself! Stop depending on a preacher or preachers. Devour God’s Word daily. Jesus taught personal responsibility and the essential nature of it when He said “Take heed to yourselves” (Luke 21:34-36) ……  Paul instructed Timothy to “Study” the Word (2 Timothy 2:15).

Today we have all around us church-goers who are not possessed with a heart after God, do not diligently study and read and live out Christ’s Word. This lukewarm, world-loving fruit clearly reveals the prophesied priesthood of wolves (1 Chronicles 16:11; Psalms 27:4, 8; Matthew 24:11; Acts 13:22; 2 Timothy 3:13; 1 John 4:1, etc.). Until a pastor has provoke you to get into God’s Word for yourself, to seeking His holy face daily in prayer, he has failed. If has has diligently, biblically sought to do these essentials, and people have refused God’s Word, refused to seek His holy face continually, the blood is off of his hands (Ezekiel 3:18-20).

“When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. 19 Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. 20 Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand.” Ezekiel 3:18-20

When you check the fruit of a fellowship, check, discern if the individual saints are vibrant in Christ, diligently seeking His holy face, in His Word, living a life of prayer, denying self, taking up the cross daily, and following Jesus. This sounds like what we see of the earliest saints in the book of Acts, right? Boom. Remember how Peter preached and 8,000 were saved and how the Berean believers put Paul’s teaching to the Scriptural test? (Acts 2-4; 17:10-11, etc.).

Sadly, usually you see a bunch of people who are proud to be a member of a church with none of the biblical fruit list above.

The apostle Paul kept a close watch on those he oversaw.

“For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.” 1 Thessalonians 3:5

Having a physical “church” building makes no mere man, no supposed elder, an official representative of Heaven. Feeding the sheep of Christ with His pure Word and equipping them “for the work of the ministry” is the mark of a true under-shepherd of Christ (John 21:15-17; Ephesians 4:11-12, etc.). Discern. Beware. Inspect the fruit. Jesus nor any of His holy apostles collected a penny to build a building called “church.” No, they went to the people – to serve them instead of having the people come to them.

Let’s test that…. How many people do you personally know who are good church members, Sunday morning church attenders, and ALSO true, daily disciples whom God is using everywhere they go? Think about that…. How many true disciples of Jesus do you know who are involved in a Sunday morning church program? If you personally know even one true disciple, that’s a miracle and in spite of his attendance at the Sunday morning circus called “church.”

Unlike Christ’s apostle Paul, most in leadership today foster in their prey a dependence on THEM and their church business instead of prayerfully, biblically exhorting people to depend on Jesus (1 Corinthians 1:29-2:5).

Like Christ’s apostle Paul, the true elder labors relentlessly to see you grounded in Christ – not in him or his ministry or church, but in CHRIST! Listen closely:

“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.” Colossians 2:6-7 

It simply doesn’t matter what else he’s doing, if any minister is not prayerfully, biblically, perpetually rooting and grounding you in Christ, he’s a fraud. Run.

Like Jesus and His holy apostle Paul, part of grounding you ever more deeper in Christ, is warning you to “beware” of the “many false prophets.” (Matthew 24:11)

“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:” Colossians 2:8-10

SO, he’s not exhorting and admonishing you to seek and know the LORD in an ever deepening fashion? He’s not equipping, maturing you “for the work of the ministry” and yet you still consider him one of the LORD’s under-shepherds? He’s not getting YOU into the Word (2 Timothy 2:15) for yourself? That’s a false leader who is entertaining the goats instead of feeding and equipping the saints! Run! (See Ephesians 4:11-15; 1 Peter 5:1-6, etc.)

False leaders divert the attention, the heart affections, the resources, and the energy of God’s people away from Christ and simple obedience to His Great Commission mandate. YOU are personally responsible! Waste is rampant! If you support, “bid God speed” (2 John 7-11) to a false leader, false ministry, then you will perish with them!

The divine purpose for elders is not to dominate nor entertain the LORD’s sheep but rather to help their joy in Christ! Get to know this verse saints:

“Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.” 2 Corinthians 1:24

There is the citing of elders in the Word and their divine purpose – to humbly serve God by helping His sheep grow in the knowledge and grace of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-15; 1 Peter 5:1-6).

Christ’s apostle Paul desired the “perfection” (maturity in Christ) of the people of God (Ephesians 4:11-15).

“For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.” 2 Corinthians 13:9 

Like Apollos, Elders among God’s people must remain teachable to God’s Word and simply and only teach and preach his word (Proverbs 9:9; Acts 18:26). Elders true to the LORD act on his behalf and never out of a personal agenda for self gain (2 Corinthians 3:5; 4:5, etc.). They live the crucified life (Galatians 2:20).

We are to humble ourselves like Apollos did and learn the way of our God more perfectly from each other, via God’s Word – as Apollos learned it more fully from Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:24-28).

Beloved Apollos was a very effective, anointed communicator of God’s Word and yet, was in need of maturing, of being perfected. So, God sent to him an elder and his wife, Aquila and Priscilla. Apollos humbly received the LORD’s elders and His grace to grow in Christ:

“And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. 25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. 26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.” Acts 18:24-26 

The vast majority of “churches” that meet in “church buildings” are simply and merely conducting “church services” where they entertain their prey. They are not equipping the saints for the work of the ministry and therefore discerned as being counterfeit (Ephesians 4:11-13). If they were, there would be salty disciples in their midst who go forth to minister Christ’s kingdom blessings wherever they go. Not even a trace of this transpiring in the apostate modern church world. Run. Run. Run.

The Purpose of Kingdom Elders:

“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting (equipping, maturing) of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:” Ephesians 4:11-12

Philip Lye writes: “Paul says in Ephesians 4, that he gave some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. He expressly says these people are given to mature the saints, to equip them for their ministry and growth in Jesus Christ. Jesus tells us in Matthew 24 that many false prophets and messiahs will arise deceiving many. They are simply functions that God has given and not titles which the proud use to strut about like a peacock. Most of these people that I have met (and I have seen a lot of famous ones) are false, proud and arrogant and not servants of the the Lord Jesus Christ. I have seen humble genuine ones who move mightily in truth, calling people to repentance and right relationship with Jesus and a demonstration of genuine miracles and wonders. They are to be genuine servants to God’s people.”

VIEW this following verse from Solomon’s day in light of our calling and work till Christ returns:

“Now all the work of Solomon was prepared unto the day of the foundation of the house of the LORD, and until it was finished. So the house of the LORD was perfected.” 2 Chronicles 8:16 

Let’s read a larger portion of this important passage in Ephesians 4. God fearing under-shepherds must prayerfully labor for and be intent upon seeing God’s people grow in the grace of Christ to the full stature of maturity He has ordained!

“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 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; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:” Ephesians 4:11-15

The Error of Using Titles in the Modern Church World

God sovereignly and exclusively ordained MEN to feed, lead, and equip His saints (Ephesians 4:8-11). Women are called to and seen doing many ministry functions in the New Testament but never as a leader in a position specifically designated in Scripture for men.

Repent. The American “church” is a catastrophe of spineless moral-coward Ahabs who’ve allowed, suffered women to lead, and the fall out is incalculable (Revelation 2:20-24).

GOD’s men must never allow women to lead where they (men) are called to lead (1 Timothy 2:12; 3:2; Revelation 2:20-24).

To put yourself under the ministry of a woman who is acting as an elder among God’s people, is to defy Christ, and to agree with Christ’s arch enemy and his Jezebels and to bring severe destruction on the people of God (1 Timothy 2:12; 3:2; Revelation 2:20-24).

JUST because a woman can run her mouth and even genuinely have a gift of the Spirit DOES NOT mean she’s an elder in the body of Christ – which is divinely reserved non-negotiably for men, male elders (1 Timothy 2:11-12; 3:2). | Beware of Scripture-Twisting Jezebels

We must humbly confess before our LORD and God that we have nothing and are nothing without Him!

“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5

God can use us in spite of having a seminary or Bible college background…. If we will truly denounce it, lay it all down, and truly submit to Him – just like Paul did (Philippians 3). Otherwise we will join the epidemic of false prophets who build their own kingdoms in this fleeting life and spend eternity in hell (2 Peter 2:1-3). Paul counted his “higher education” as “dung” to know and serve Christ (Philippians 3).

BIBLICALLY SPEAKING, BY DEFINITION, ELDERS ARE NOT SEMINARIANS (UNLESS THEY’VE DENOUNCED SUCH) BUT RATHER PROVEN MEN OF GOD WHO HAVE WALKED WITH CHRIST FOR SOME TIME AND ARE SEASONED IN DOCTRINE AND GODLY CHARACTER AND ABLE TO HELP ASSIST OTHER BELIEVERS GROW IN GRACE (Philippians 3).

In part, we can be transformed in our thinking/perspective of what leaders are seen to be in the apostate modern church vs the biblical definition of an elder which is a humble servant with sound doctrine and a godly life (1 Timothy 3; 2 Timothy 3:10; Titus 1-2, etc.).

Christ’s kingdom ordination is not like the ordinations of many denominations….. To ordain seems to mean to recognize the work of GOD in a man’s life and to set him forth into ministry as by the leading of the Spirit of God.

Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” John 15:16

ORDAIN

G5087

τίθημι

tithēmi

tith’-ay-mee

A prolonged form of a primary word θέω theō (which is used only as an alternate in certain tenses); to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from G2476, which properly denotes an upright and active position, while G2749 is properly reflexive and utterly prostrate): – + advise, appoint, bow, commit, conceive, give, X kneel down, lay (aside, down, up), make, ordain, purpose, put, set (forth), settle, sink down.

Total KJV occurrences: 96

“Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.” Acts 13:1-3

Denominations of mere men set their elders forth to do THEIR bidding, to perpetuate their own cause and existence, to build their false church businesse$. God fearing assemblies of the saints simply recognize Christ’s work in a man and prayerfully send him forth to do GOD’s work. They worship and exalt Christ whole heartedly!

MINISTRY is about feeding sheep, not entertaining goats (John 21:15-17). So, when you see a “minister” entertaining, you know he himself is a goat (1 Corinthians 1:29-2:5).

What True Elders Teach

“For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.” 2 Corinthians 4:5

THERE is nothing good in us except Christ. We are not featured but JESUS is. “We preach CHRIST crucified” (1 Cor 1:23). All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags and HE is the One and only righteous Redeemer whom we communicate to others (1 Cor 9:16; Rom 7:18 etc.).

Jesus’ true disciples are crucified vessels who preach with His authority, unlike the lame leaders we have today (Matthew 7:28-29). True Gospel preaching rocks the world of those who hear it – it never coddles people in their sin. That’s the work of wolves! Beware!

Godly Elders Teach God’s People to Discern

“And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.” Ezekiel 44:23

Why don’t some leaders teach discernment?

“Anyone that profits off of you being blind, will never teach you or inspire you to see.” unknown

Any man in leadership who doesn’t warn you of false prophets as did Christ and His apostles, is a wolf who does not want you to see who he truly is.

God’s people are to continue to learn to discern – to test, to weigh all things against Holy Scripture. Ungodly elders have the “I said it so it’s true” notion. Or the “We’ve always taught that” or “That’s what we believe” philosophy. Not. What saith the Scriptures is what every true follower of Jesus asks, as he searches God’s Word to ascertain truth. Every student of Christ should become extremely familiar with Acts 17:10-11.

QUESTION RECEIVED:

“I am curious as to how one man is considered the other’s elder? Do they attend the same church gathering thus, he is a church elder or is it through willful submission of the younger as an understudy or simply due to the fact that one man is older?”

REPLY:

Great question brother. Elder, biblically seems to mean older and more seasoned in God’s Word, having walked with the LORD longer. Two views come to mind: 1. The organic body of Christ, the kingdom relationships we have, where there appear men in our lives who are seasoned and there’s an automatic elder/young relationship (that’s how it is here)… and 2. Where a person attends a church group and they have their elder in a more organized fashion as you mentioned…. that help?

Nothing brings definition to this like God’s Word as you know…. and notice how it begins with “The elders which are AMONG you”….

“The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. 5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:” 1 Peter 5:1-6

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