Mega Church Pastors of the Modern Church and Why they Flourish
Anatomy of a Mega-Star, Popular Wolf – How Does this Happen?
Anyone who doesn’t see that most pastors today are preaching a false Gospel, do not know the true Gospel (2 Corinthians 11:2-5; Galatians 1:6-9).
SCAM “PASTORS” have invaded every town in America and are spreading their poison across the globe! Just who are they? ALL who know and are diligently seeking and experiencing Jesus Christ daily are not the least bit impressed with the self-serving “pastor” who has set up his local church business where he entertains the gullible to get their business and keep their business!(Philippians 3:6-14) These enterprising, self-serving hirelings see the successful business model and opportunity being utilized by the modern seeker-friendly, emergent church wolves and have set out to experience their own “success” in the church business industry.
First off, just why are false prophets so popular in this last hour? Is popularity among the sinful masses of mere men a sign of godliness or ungodliness?
Did you realize that Jesus warned us to beware of any leader who is popular among sinful men? – “Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.” (Luke 6:26
Think about their messages which are not at all what we see Christ and His apostles saying when we simply read the Bible. Right?
Is life really a country club?
Is it safe to buy into a fairy tale with Christ’s holy name tacked on to the end of it as an afterthought and to somehow lure in the people?
Wouldn’t a second grader know that there is a distinct difference between the message of the Bible and that of smooth talking rainbow promising mere men like Joel Osteen?
Weren’t Christ and His apostles all martyred? Were they not poor in this world? Did they not live for the next world?
Didn’t Jesus say to His people “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.” (Matthew 10:22)
This is intellectual dishonesty to begin with and much more insidiously, this is a scam – a flowery message intentionally put forth to deceive the people in order to gain their allegiance and money (Romans 16:17-18; 2 Peter 2:1-3).
Why is Joel Osteen so popular? Joel Osteen Exposed Why do millions of dollars flow into Joel Osteen’s coffers monthly? Why are the word of faith wolves so popular? Why do Rick Warren’s books sell by the millions? Why are the Emergent Church deceivers so popular?)
Those who love and are willing to defend beguilers like Joel Osteen do so because they love what Osteen tells them. They love lies. God is not important enough for these people to investigate and study His Word as He told them to do (John 5:39; Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 2:15, etc.). “They are not valiant for the truth.” (Jeremiah 9:3)
Joel Osteen has risen to mega-celebrity status on the wave of self-loving people who claim to be Christians but have no fruit to prove such a claim.
Are YOU being swept away in this prophesied tidal wave of deception which will end in eternal damnation? Did the Son of God not warn about this exact thing?
“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?4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. … And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. … For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” Matthew 24: 3-5, 11, 24
Here is exactly the reason that so many wolves are loved by millions of self-serving counterfeit “Christians” in this late hour:
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power (authority) thereof: from such turn away.6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 2 Timothy 3:1-7
We cannot possibly understand the whole picture of what we see transpiring before our very eyes in this late hour until we understand both sides of this equation which is primarily driven by God-less, self-loving souls who claim to be Christ’s.
“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2 Timothy 4:2-4
These celebrity deceivers would not be popular today if there were not so many Savior-rejecting selfish souls who pay and promote them.
Wolves who are celebrated by millions today are popular only because there are many people who do not wish to lay down their lives to truly follow Christ on His terms. Jesus taught:
“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.” Luke 9:23-24
Mankind has fallen by his sin. He is corrupted and “every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” (Genesis 6:5, 12) Unredeemed and back slidden men are ruled by “The heart” that “is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked.” (Jeremiah 17:9) Sin: Man’s Core Problem
Unrepentant men do not love Christ. They do not want and reject the light of His holy truth.
“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
Scam leaders and authors would have us believe that we live in an enlightened age. That is a pure and unadulterated poisonous lie.
You see, the Bible told us that “there is NO NEW THING under the sun.” – “The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9)
“Ditch the Truth and Bring On the Lies Please!”
Cried of the unrepentant counterfeits: Nothing has changed since the prophet Isaiah wrote this:
“Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever: 9 That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law (written Word) of the Lord: 10 Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy NOT unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits (tell us sweet little lies please): 11 Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path (truth), cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us. 12 Wherefore thus saith the Holy One of Israel, Because ye despise this word, and trust in oppression and perverseness, and stay thereon: 13 Therefore this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking cometh suddenly at an instant. 14 And he shall break it as the breaking of the potters’ vessel that is broken in pieces; he shall not spare: so that there shall not be found in the bursting of it a sherd to take fire from the hearth, or to take water withal out of the pit. 15 For thus saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.” Isaiah 30:8-15
The people who claimed to be God’s children in Isaiah cried out for their leaders to give them “smooth”messages that cost them nothing. Like millions today, these willingly deceived people wanted to vainly believe they were safe and secure for eternity, but did not want to obey the One they claim is their Savior. Then, the LORD pronounced judgment upon them if they did not return to Him (repent). The same goes for today (2 Thessalonians 2:1-3, 9-12). The eternal lake of fire awaits the souls of all who have been saved and have refused to “endure to the end” trusting Christ in sincerity and obedient faith (Matthew 10:22; 24:10-13; Revelation 2-3). Any person who has been saved and thinks that they are “eternally secure” no matter what, is utterly delusional and the very dupe of Satan himself. Read Lie of the Ages.
Osteen and many other smooth-talking, silver tongue, flesh-flattering devils are telling you to seek “your best life now.” Jesus is saying “love Me supremely not yourself and die to yourself and I will raise you up and give you riches untold for all eternity.” Who shall you follow?
“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. … 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 7:15, 21
Any ear-tickling message will do because those messages are counterfeit and do not call one to die to self which is exactly what Jesus commanded.
THE UNGODLY who vainly think they are saved, will listen to, pay, celebrate, and fiercely defend anyone who tells them what THEY want to hear. WHY? Because they love self, not the Savior. Isn’t that what the Holy Spirit warned us would be the apostate state of the masses who have a mere “form of godliness but deny the power (authority) thereof”? (2 Timothy 3:1-7) The reason why people love Joyce Meyer, Creflo “holla fo yo” Dolla, Joel Osteen, and other frauds, is because those people are serving SELF and not Christ who said “MY sheep hear MY voice, and I know them, and they follow ME.”(John 10:27) Notice that Jesus says that His sheep follow HIM and not mere men, especially not the smiling clowns who are merely entertaining them by telling them self-serving niceties. It’s a scam! Jesus’ sheep follow Him via HIS Words, period. Do we begin to get it?
The love of self is at the root of this matter. Men who love self refuse to die to self and instead worship self. They then must sacrifice Christ on the altar of self. Either a man will sacrifice self or will sacrifice Jesus on the altar of self. Is this not exactly what Jesus taught? – “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other.” (Matthew 6:24)
Those who are selling you on the idea that God just wants to make you happy and rich in this temporal, sinful world are leading you AWAY from God and not to Him. Jesus told us that “In the world ye SHALL have tribulation.” (John 16:33) Does that sound like what Osteen and popular leaders are teaching? What are they wanting to hide from you? Are they afraid you may stop patronizing THEIR ministries? Whose interest do they have in mind – yours or their own?
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Jesus’ apostle Paul promised:
“Yea, and ALL that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” 2 Timothy 3:12-13
When have you ever heard Osteen or other modern deceivers quote this Bible verse? What might they be afraid of you finding out?
They are lying against LORD and clearly misrepresenting Him. Their message is quite contrary to what He told us in His unchanging Word.
Leaders Who Scam their Gullible, Truth-Denying Audiences
“Cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully.” Jeremiah 48:10
It is utterly heartbreaking to see just how ungrounded so many of these people are who flock to see and support these scam wolves. To start a “revival,” all you need to do is get a slick-sounding guy who sounds like he knows what he’s talking about, play some good music in the background, and WHAM you’ve got a “revival.”
Most people who claim to be Christians don’t even know Acts 17:11 much less use it to discern. Do YOU know what that truth says? Have you memorized and put it into use daily, or, will you be deceived and damned also?
A building and gathering does not make the leader a true pastor. All in leadership must be tested against the Word of God beloved saints. “Be not deceived!” (Ephesians 5:6)
The car doesn’t make the man. The house doesn’t make the woman. The money doesn’t make the person. The building and pulpit don’t make someone a pastor.
If you went to Burger King every day for the rest of your life, would you become a hamburger? No. Neither is a man a pastor due to having a following, a pulpit, a committee, or a building. No divine authority is invested into any mere man other than that that man is regenerated, broken, humbled, and obediently living under the authority of Jesus Christ (John 3:34; 14:23; Acts 5:32; 2 Corinthians 10:6; 2 Timothy 2:20-21; 1 Peter 5:1-8).
What does God’s Word teach concerning the fruit and characteristics of a true servant-leader?
When speaking of “false prophets” Jesus said we would “know them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:15-16) Let’s look at the fruits of a true apostle/servant:
“But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity,patience, Persecutions, afflictions …” 2 Timothy 3:10
Paul says here that “thou hast fully known my”:
- “doctrine”
- “manner of life”
- “purpose”
- “faith”
- “longsuffering”
- “charity”
- “patience”
- “Persecutions”
- “afflictions”
There are many things to meditate on here in this list and measure character by. Note the “persecution”and “afflictions” this apostle of Jesus suffered. Most men in leadership are in such compromise that they don’t draw any fire from the enemy of all souls. That alone points to their falsity. In fact, in this same passage, Paul tells us that “ALL that will live godly in Christ Jesus SHALL SUFFER PERSECUTION.” (2 Timothy 3:12) Preaching the true Gospel – the Gospel Christ and His apostles preached – will bring great persecutions in this life and unspeakable reward in the next life to come.
The Modern CEO-Type “Pastor” is a Fraud
What most don’t realize is that these guys have gone to seminars and school to learn how to build their church business because that’s exactly what it is to them–a business. They see themselves as the CEO and have no idea or heart to truly feed Christ’s sheep and watch for their souls (Hebrews 13:7, 17). For this reason, no true disciple should ever submit themselves to any such wolf. Read Hebrews 13:7, 17 closely.
Most people never discern whether or not that most men in leadership do not know the Word of God. They are biblically illiterate. Recently, a man who has been a pastor for years and has a college degree from a supposed “Bible” college, confessed to me that he does not even know the Word. He shows great and coveted humility! After several conversations concerning biblical truths on various topics, he admitted that he does not know God’s Word and is therefore unfit to be a servant-leader for Christ.
Could your “pastor” quote the Ten Commandments by heart? Does he know the six principle doctrines of Christ? (Hebrews 6:1-3) Is he “instant in season and out of season” to preach the Word? (2 Timothy 4:2) Is he filled with divine wisdom due to seeking and waiting upon the LORD and searching the Scriptures daily? Is he full of the Holy Ghost like the earliest believers where and Stephen? (Acts)
The goal of hirelings is to fill their seats and coffers. So, they farm their communities using marketing techniques such as postcards (without Scriptures on those cards) as they prey upon unsuspecting souls using the typical lite fanfare messages such as family relationships, success, coping, and prosperity to lure in more biblically illiterate prey.
“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
Those susceptible to these wolves and their tactics are those who are not truly seeking the LORD themselves and therefore not enduring sound doctrine (2 Timothy 4:3-4).
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.” Hosea 4:6
With little or no use of Scripture references or Scripture, counterfeit men in leadership positions major in the “connecting point” or “life groups” or “recovery” gimmicks to get folks to become loyal to their programs and they social club they call church. They use new terminology for a deceived generation of biblically illiterate souls. It’s the lite generation. They want everything now. They don’t want to suffer or have to wait or seek the LORD in His process and according to His terms. So, these scam “pastors” cater to this. These business owner CEOs don’t desire or bother with being righteous in God’s eyes but rather “relevant” to those they wish to have patronize their “ministry.” From church to church it’s the same old lie with a slightly different colored wrapper. Their uniqueness lies only in the flavor. It’s the same old lies of the enemy in a new wrapping. “Life teams,” “life coach,” “life partner,” “accountability partner” are also buzz terms utilized by these scam leaders who resemble motivational speakers more than true men of God who declare the pure, unadulterated living Word of God.
These men almost never use the words of Holy Scripture, namely from the King James Bible. Why? They don’t know the Word thoroughly and they don’t desire God’s Word because they are not serving Him. His truth actually gets in their way and they won’t have that. Their position is more of a social organizer, entertainer, or marketing guru. They themselves are gullible dupes, captive to their own lusts (Philippians 3:18-19). Their goal is to be somebody special in this fleeting life (John 12:25). These understudies follow wolves like Warren instead of the “wonderful counselor.” (Isaiah 9:6-7) They set aside the very “Prince of Peace,” trading the very Son of God in for pied pipers like Bill Hybels, Joyce Meyer, Kenneth Copeland, Robert Schuler, Rick Warren, Joel Osteen, Rick Joyner, Bill Johnson, or Patricia King. Why? – Because they are lusting after the temporal “success” of these false prophets they have set up as idols in their hearts (Ezekiel 14:3).
The cross reveals your sin, and God’s love, not how wonderful you are! Repent!
To accomplish this goal of being a “success,” they follow their mentor-deceivers who have reached “success.” They subscribe to their newsletters and bring their pagan, new age theology into the fold via the poisonous books and media of their antichrist gurus. These scam pastors set up their buildings with modern décor that appeals to the senses of people and makes them feel elated and comfortable in their flesh. It’s nothing more than a marketing strategy. Music is also a calling card they attempt to establish by bringing in “relevant” singers who are performers and not born again, God-fearing, broken worshippers. They themselves wear the latest trendy garb, smile, and give the people a Bible verse or two wedged in-between their stories, poems, and other “relevant” data about how to be a “success” in this brief life. These lite trimmings keep the wheels of the circus spinning. Oh, and they dare not use the real Word of God, the King James Bible. No, instead they use a corrupted, artificial fairytale version that deceitfully has the words “Holy Bible” on the cover.
They cast their visions and dreams that are not Scriptural. These false dreams originate out of the base, depraved nature of sinful men who pose as Christ’s representatives but are the very wolves in sheep’s clothing Jesus warned us to “Beware of.” (Matthew 7:15)
“Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the LORD, and do tell them, andcause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the LORD.” Jeremiah 23:32
There is no fear of God in their message or personal lives. It’s all about fun and games, band aiding issues (coping), and being a “success” in the eyes of mere men.
Seeker-friendly wolves are not sober or temperate. These essential characteristics must be resident in the lives of those who lead. Nothing less than broken servants are able to be used of the LORD.
“A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach.” 1 Timothy 3:2
“But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate.” Titus 1:8
The demeanor of the counterfeit leader is more of lightness, lavishness, and worldliness.
Notice that no list of qualifications for elders in all the Bible mentions being a good showman, charismatic personality, a good money-raiser, a good entertainer, or a good or eloquent speaker. Yet, this is what most “search committees” are looking for with no regard for what God’s Word says concerning the characteristics for servant leaders. They are worldly and looking for a man who can look good, make them feel good, and raise a lot of money and bring in more people. This is tragic!
The biblical qualifications for being an elder, a servant of God to oversee His flock are found in 1 Timothy 3. Go read it and notice that no where do we see that a pastor must be cool, be eloquent of speech, a good entertainer, wear fancy clothes, have a piece of real estate he calls “church,” run a choir, etc.
If a man is not truly concerned about you Christ, what He and His apostle said of His church and eternal kingdom, Jesus’ Great Commission commandment, and your eternal soul, then he’s counterfeit beloved. Now, that being said, it is YOUR personal responsibility to die to self, worship God, and obey the Word of God (Luke 21:34-36). There is no excuse. An overseer cannot seek the face of the LORD for anyone except himself. Yet, the person posing as a representative leader of Christ who is doing things other than preaching God’s pure Word, praying without ceasing, and watching for the souls of those they oversee, is not right with God himself. If an overseer is caring for his building fund, his life in this world by not telling the whole truth, his job, his latest marketing scheme, his wife and children, growing his “church” numerically instead of trusting God to do so, etc., he himself is not right with the LORD. If these things are more important to him than Christ, he is being called to repentance and has no business being in a place of leadership. When a man refuses to tell the whole truth or full-counsel of God’s Word, it is evidence that he is not wanting people to be offended because if they get offended they will cease patronizing his church business. Such a man does not fear the LORD and has no personal revelation of Christ and His blessed Gospel.
“For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. 11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Galatians 1:10-12
If you are a leader that has not come out boldly against the modern wolves as God commanded you to do, it’s time to repent and get right with God before it’s too late. When you repent, you will be given a spine. There will be much to answer for if we lead even one soul astray.
It’s time to simply preach CHRIST and Him crucified for the sins of the world!
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***SCAM “PASTORS” have invaded every town in America and are spreading their poison across the globe! Just who are they? ALL who know and are diligently seeking and experiencing Jesus Christ daily are not the least bit impressed with the self-serving “pastor” who has set up his local church business where he entertains the gullible to get their business and keep their business! These enterprising, self-serving hirelings see the successful business model and opportunity being utilized by the modern seeker-friendly, emergent church wolves and have set out to experience their own “success” in the church business industry.
Be Ready in the Morning [podcast]
The Sure Mercies of David [podcast]
That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast]
Articles
“A Just Weight is His Delight” and Gouging is Sin
Gouging is Ungodly – and God is Watching, Sees All, and will Repay Accordingly
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” Galatians 6:7-8
Scripture informs us of the LORD that “true and righteous are thy judgments” and God requires that those who know Him will deal justly – in just weights and measures (Revelation 16:7).
“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” Micah 6:8
Doing justly before God would mean dealing equitably with men. When you read the following passage, keep justice, greed, and fearing God in mind:
“A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight. 2 When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom. 3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them. 4 Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death. 5 The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. 6 The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness. 7 When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth. 8 The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead.” Proverbs 11:1-8
Wicked unrepentant people forge ahead in their sin, continuing to live separated from God, vainly believing that because He hasn’t yet judged them that He won’t in the future. Justice is a death march to the irrevocable fire of eternal hell.
“Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.” Ecclesiastes 8:11
So when you go to a store, who has decided the pricing on each item? you or them? obviously when 2 individuals negotiate for the sale of an item between themselves, they come to an agreement on the price. the fact that a person in a situation like this, can pay whatever they wish for something if it has value to them, in no way negates just weights and measures as begins with God Himself …. There are standards to be measured against in determining the value of something. you can’t blank out what we find originating in Scripture. So, have you ever heard of real estate appraisal? If so, what’s this field of work for? What does it measure? What’s its purpose?
Charging more than the actual value is sin unless the buyer requests to pay more for it perhaps in order to obtain the item before someone else does.
Gouging arises from wicked hearts who greedily covet the things of this fleeting world. Greed is not a virtue, it’s a soul damning sin.
“Labour not to be rich (the sin of greed): cease from thine own wisdom. 5 Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven. 6 Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats: 7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee. … 17 Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long.” Proverbs 23:4-7, 17
The utmost fear and wisdom of God must be observed from His Word when setting prices for products and services. Seems best to under price a bit rather than over price, gouge. In the flesh, is it not easy to get greedy when setting prices for the product and/or services your company offers? Yet what is the long term affect on your community, your clients?
Think about those people you’ve done business with who price fairly and how that made you feel about them and how it affected your repeat business with them. Seems to me that those who fairly price their product/services are exponentially more likely to be established in a community with good reputation and honor.
“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.” Proverbs 22:1
In every economy there are standards of measure and appropriate pricing or prices set accordingly…. The further a people distance themselves from God, from the instruction of His Word, the deeper in rebellion that nation plunges, the more skewed are the weights and measures. John Quincy was instrumental in laying the foundation for just weights and balances in America.
“John Quincy Adams, sixth President of the United States, liked to measure things – the width of a river, the distance between two points – by counting his steps…. When Adams became Secretary of State in 1817, his fascination with measurements coincided with the desire of Congress to establish a uniform standard for weights and measures across the United States. After three-and-a-half years of obsessive work (which frustrated his wife, Louisa), John Quincy Adams produced his Report Upon Weights and Measures. He thought it would be his most important literary accomplishment.
Fixing the Standard of Weights and Measures
The importance of everyone in the country using the same system of weights and measures was recognized by the founders of the United States. The Constitution gave Congress the power to ‘fix the Standard of Weights and Measures’ (Article 1, Section 8, Clause 5). However, there was no agreement as to which weights and measures should become the national standard. Each of the original thirteen states was using its own weights and measures, which differed from those used by other states. No Congressman wanted to be blamed for changing his constituents’ customary way of measuring things.
All of the early presidential messages to Congress included an appeal for legislation to establish a uniform system of weights and measures. In 1790, at the urging of George Washington, the House of Representatives asked Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson to draw up a plan. Jefferson put forward two options: one a refinement of the existing English system of weights and measures; the other a new decimal system based on the foot. Jefferson’s report was transmitted by the House to the Senate, where a select committee concluded that, since Britain and France were each considering national standards of measure which could become a universal standard, it was not desirable, ‘at present, to introduce any alteration in the measures and weights which are now used in the United States.’ (2) In 1796, the House passed ‘An act directing certain experiments to be made to ascertain uniform standards of weights and measures for the United States,’ but the bill was never taken up by the Senate.”
Applying a higher or lower price for what something is actually worth is the definition of unjust weights and balances. Today we see the greed of men manifested when they overcharge or gouge their neighbor by charging more than what is just for a service or product.
Gouging is sin, it’s a form of not loving your neighbor, it’s taking advantage of your neighbor, your fellow man.
“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” Matthew 7:12
“Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Matthew 22:39
“Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” Romans 13:10
A friend of mine told me: “Those in business today who gouge people by overcharging them do it because no one stands up and holds them accountable.” In other words, as long as they can get away with it, they will do it.
He is correct. As I think back, there one particular example that comes to mind of recent, where in my estimation, I was the victim of gouging, of unjust weights and balances.
$22 for a plate lunch, a to-go lunch which was not a large volume of food and no drink was included (which I personally never get anyway) and they didn’t even have empty cups or water available.
These gougers have all kinds of ways, sayings, they use to “justify” their charges, such as “it’s industry standard pricing,” or “standard price charged by everyone in our industry.” etc.
After being gouged, I contacted them, their leadership, and sought to reason. Neither budged and so I exposed them with one star reviews and an explanation as to why I viewed their charges as gouging, as an unjust weight and balance.
“Just balances, just weights… shall ye have.” Leviticus 19:36
“A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.” Proverbs 11:1
We usually quote the first part of this verse and apply it to spiritual balance, which is fitting and true. Yet the application of this statement involves charging our neighbor equitably for goods and services.
Isn’t it best to charge fairly and sleep well?
Stealing from others, gouging, unjustly greedily overcharging others, brings curses which includes not being able to sleep soundly. Listen to the wisdom of our God in Solomon:
“The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep. 13 There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt. 14 But those riches perish by evil travail: and he begetteth a son, and there is nothing in his hand. 15 As he came forth of his mother’s womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand. 16 And this also is a sore evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go: and what profit hath he that hath laboured for the wind?” Ecclesiastes 5:12-16
Covetousness and greed run rampant among fallen men and yet greed and covetousness will reap the just reward of eternal damnation.
“For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.” Ephesians 5:5-7
“Thou shalt not steal.” Exodus 20:15
Overcharging another, gouging, is stealing. Any person who is perpetrating thievery on others, and this includes overcharging/gouging, is ungodly and cannot sleep well. Such is an unrepentant sinner. Is it really worth and unclean conscience? Is it worth spending eternity in hell? Though completely ignored by the professing apostate church world today, all sin must be cut off from our lives, must be crucified (Mark 9:43-49).
“Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. 36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Mark 8:36-37
“Just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin, shall ye have: I am the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt.” Leviticus 19:36
“A just weight and balance are the LORD’S: all the weights of the bag are his work.” Proverbs 16:11
“But thou shalt have a perfect and just weight, a perfect and just measure shalt thou have: that thy days may be lengthened in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.” Deuteronomy 25:15
PRAYER: Father You are holy. Please forgive any greed in my heart. Please, from this moment forward, bring deep conviction of sin to my conscience LORD. Break me to the core of my being and grant that all stony places in my heart be replaced with an heart of flesh. Please unite my heart to fear Thy name dear LORD. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
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Articles
Faith in Resurrection [podcast]
When we die downward and are dead and buried with Christ, we can be assured that God is going to raise us upward.
“But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.” Romans 8:11
Romans 6:1-14
“1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed (brought to naught, nullified), that henceforth we should not serve sin.
7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.
8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.”
The Crucified Life | Travis Bryan III
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Apostasy
“The Certainty of the Words of Truth” [podcast]
Nicholas, the Apostate Deceiver
Historians say that Nicholas (Acts 6:5), a deacon in the first century church, backslid, and led his followers to believe that living in sin would not affect one’s relationship with Christ. The term Nicolaitans is said to come from those who followed Nicholas. Nico-laitans is a compound Greek word. Nico means “to conquer,” and laitans means “the laity.” Satan used Nicholas to conquer his followers through the lie of lawlessness. The evil spirit of Nicholas lives on today through many lawless leaders who operate in the church world in this late hour.
Nicholas taught free love. He and his followers taught that the deeds of believers could not affect their relationship with God. This is antinomianism, which means lawlessness. The Bible clearly refutes such a lie as we will witness in our walk through the Holy Scriptures.
“Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” 2 Timothy 2:19
“They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” Titus 1:16
The Bible states here, that those who “profess that they know God” and yet “deny him…in works,” are “abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.”
By this lie of lawlessness, the enemy of souls conquered the people.
“But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans (means “conquer the laity”), which I also hate…So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.” Revelation 2:6, 15
Here is some modern terminology for this age-old doctrine:
- Once Saved, Always Saved
- Eternal security (unconditional)
- Calvinism, perseverance of the saints doctrine
In Revelation 2, Jesus Christ tells us that He “hates” two things — “the deeds” and “doctrine of the Nicolaitans.” The Son of God despises the doctrine that teaches that the deeds of men have no effect upon their relationship with Him.
The Scriptures continuously reveal the divine hatred for the acceptance, and even doctrinal authorization, for living in the sins which the LORD tells us violate His holiness, reveal a wicked heart, and will prevent one from entering into the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Galatians 5:19-21; Revelation 21:8, 27).
The word “lasciviousness” appears six times in the Bible and means “lack of restraint (from sinning); license for sin; licentiousness.”
To underscore the utter, divine hatred against this lie of lawlessness, it should be noted that this is the only place in Scripture where Jesus Christ, Himself, states that He hates something.
Though they may vary in packaging, these are all kin to the same lawless “ye shall not surely die” lie, which is the lie of the ages.
“Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.” Deuteronomy 4:2
“For ye have perverted the words of the living God, of the Lord of hosts our God.” Jeremiah 23:36b
“Thus saith the Lord; Stand in the court of the Lord’s house, and speak unto all the cities of Judah, which come to worship in the Lord’s house, all the words that I command thee to speak unto them; diminish not a word.” Jeremiah 26:2
“For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19 and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” Revelation 22:18-19
“Hath God said” ?
Always remember that whenever you have someone casting doubt on God’s Word, words, you are dealing with a person who is under Satan’s control, is a rejecter of the LORD, and therefore His truth, and is a child of the devil. Every time.
Notice what we see Satan doing in the Garden of Eden just before he changed, altered, added one word to God’s words:
“Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?” Genesis 3:1
Then, in verse 4 we read how Satan added just one three-letter word which changed the meaning of what God said and changed world history.
“And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:” Genesis 3:4
“But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” Genesis 2:17
“Thou shalt surely die” from God was then changed by Satan to “Ye shall NOT surely die.”
This is the first time we see what’s known as the “eternal security” lie. It’s also known as “once saved always saved” or “perseverance of the saints” heresy. Any person teaching or believeing this lie has partnered with Satan himself.
Knowing “the certainty of the words of truth”
“Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.
18 For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips.
19 That thy trust may be in the Lord, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee.
20 Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge,
21 that I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee? Proverbs 22:17-21
“that I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth” – and how can we “know the certainty of the words of truth” if we aren’t even reading them – if we are not reading the preserved Word of God but rather a cheap counterfeit?
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