APPLE CARTS FLYING: THE TRADITION AND DECEPTION OF CHURCH MEMBERSHIP [podcast]
Church Membership and Money (below)
Is Church Membership Biblical? (below)
BEWARE! INCESTUOUS
This eye-opening message will give you an increased discernment concerning the operation of modern wolves. All are invited to invite Todd on for a public debate on this topic or any other. email todd: info@safeguardyoursoul.com
EXPLOSIVE EXPOSE’ OF “CHURCHIANITY”
Where does it begin? Where is the inception of the undue control, the intercepting of the LORD’s children by usurping the Headship due only to Christ? Where do the “roaring lion(s)” claws begin to sink into the prey? – Church membership.
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” 1 Peter 5:8
“No more membership of man’s fellowship club.
God is the Savior of all men, especially
those who believe. God has ushered in by holy blood fellowship
in the Spirit and there is only one way to enter.
John 14:6” David Taylor, pastor
Never allow anyone to coerce you to believe that your commitment to Christ is equal to your commitment to a local church. Such is heretical nonsense and not seen done in the New Testament. Each and every born again disciple of Christ is a member of the one universal body of Christ, the one Church Jesus has (Ephesians 2, 4; 1 Corinthians 12, etc.).
The churches that coercively perpetrate the “church membership” on their prey push the notion that Christ requires His saints to be a member of some self-appointed local church. The victim is supposed to assume that God is the Author of that local fellowship and that they are conducting themselves in doctrinal truth in the practice of the Christian faith.
Christ only has one Church and membership into it is by Him alone – by being born again, washed in His blood (John 14:6; 1 Corinthians 12; 1 Timothy 2:5, etc.). Those who cast doubt on your “commitment” to Christ when you resist signing up to be their member, are dangerous. Blending making a decision to join some church with commitment to Christ is something no where found in Scripture. In some cases these days, the church membership churches grossly overuse and misuse the word “commitment” and love to use this to guilt trip manipulate people to join their church club. Personally, I prefer and am led to live an organic life in Christ, as His disciple, free from the toxins usually found in today’s church world.
Recently, I left a local church due to the false doctrine. And, guess how many of the several people I had been fellowshipping with stayed in touch? You guessed it – zero. Why? Because being members of the one body of Christ isn’t important in most local churches today. No, the membership of that local church is what matters and such is clear in that they hold no integrity of relationship in Christ’s kingdom. Their allegiance is that that local church organization. Sound cultish? It does to me.
Church membership today is nothing more than the ploy of wolves to corral and exploit the people! There’s no biblical justification for it.
It is my experience and opinion, that an evil spirit is given place to those who submit to “church membership.” And it makes biblical sense that this would be allowed by God – because to sign on a dotted line to be a member of a “church” instead of honoring the truth that the blood of Jesus made you part of the one church, one body of Christ, is to sin, to transgress, to err. Your thoughts welcome here saints.
“They want you to become members so you will be obligated to give to tithe to pay the pastor’s mortgage.” Darrel Moore
Church membership is a tool to run a scam on the people – to number them as Satan led David to do (1 Chronicles 21). The LORD judged David for doing this and is judging the wolves today who coercively promulgate their church membership scam. God’s people belong to HIM and no other (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 7:23, etc.).
Church membership is designed to make you loyal to their church club, not Christ.
History of Church Membership: The history of church membership in Protestant and Evangelical churches begins with the Catholic Church, which implements its discipline over all the baptized (christened, water sprinkled), through a tradition-based sacramental system, governing the lives of their captors from cradle to grave. Essentially, in this way the Roman cult corrals and coerces the insistence of membership upon every initiated, water-sprinkled/christened catholic child. Without that cult-initiation rite, that membership to the Roman religion, that person is considered outside of salvation, outside of the “one true church.” Through church membership in the Catholic church, the completely un-biblical sacramental system is enforced. The Catholic sacramental system is the creation, the strategy of devils, designed to strengthen the piety of the Catholic faithful throughout their lives, guiding them safely into the bowels of eternal damnation. Jesus died and rose again that He alone might have preeminence over His true worldwide body. Church membership to a local church or church organization is perpetrated by cross-less wolves and is a direct affront to the Headship of the one, nail-scarred Savior (Colossians 1:18; 2:18-19, etc.).
Jesus Christ didn’t come and die for you so that you could be somebody’s good church member. Jesus saved you to be His disciple, His ambassador – to follow Him! (2 Corinthians 5:17-20)
Church membership is a tool to run a scam on the people – to number them as Satan led David to do (1 Chronicles 21). The LORD judged David for doing this. God’s people belong to HIM and no other (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 7:23, etc.).
Can anyone find church membership in God’s Word among the earliest followers of Jesus? No. If someone is concerned about you becoming a member of their church, that’s a red flag. Make no mistake: They are corralling you in order to control you. Think about it: WHY can’t they just love you as a member of the one blood bought body of Christ? (Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4) Church membership as it’s done by the 501(C)(3) government churches is against Holy Scripture and is a device of evil men, wolves. Run.
Like cattlemen do with their cattle when they corral and brand them, today, local church pastors gather and require their prey to make a horizontal covenant in lieu (in place of) a vertical identity. This they do in order to make you become a member of their church club! Beware. Jesus wants the gatherings of his people cleansed from the hireling wolves who monetize his name and his church!
SACRED COW SLAM!
Church organizations, perpetrating church membership, are throwing their lasso around God’s people! Beware.
Through Christ’s apostle Peter, the Holy Ghost addresses those who will SERVANT-lead the flock of God – “God’s heritage” – and warns us in the process.
“Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.” 1 Peter 5:3
Is not church membership an over stepping, a control tactic, a lording it over the very blood-bought heritage, flock of God?
The body of Christ and it’s members are “GOD’s heritage” – paid for with the highest price. ANY man who dares usurp HIS place will be judged both now and eternally.
Is it time to take the hands off “God’s heritage”?
LIKE Jesus, truly God-fearing men today, speak forth with His divine authority, flipping the tables of the modern greed-driven charlatans of the modern church world! (Matthew 7:29)
MAN didn’t die for you and man didn’t call you! GOD did! You are beholden to HIM – only!
What does Jesus’ cleansing of the temple mean to us today?
We are to keep our own hearts purified of wickedness and also the gatherings of His saints to worship Christ in Spirit and in truth.
“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. 4 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
The above passage clearly reveals that one of the things to be cleansed is the grace-perverting false doctrines of eternal security/OSAS/calvinism. These are peddled by “ungodly men.”
“knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.” Philippians 1:17
Is Church Membership Biblical?
Is Paul or Peter or John ever once seen signing people up to be church members of a certain organization in the cities they ministered in? Not once.
We as men can find Scripture to justify nearly anything. This is called “proof texting” where people find verses to “prove” something instead of simply reading the Bible thoroughly and letting it speak for itself. We must ask: Did Christ and His apostles and the early church teach or practice _________?
Extrapolating (lifting) something from Scripture and seeing the apostles actually doing it in the Bible are 2 different things. Obviously seeing Christ’s apostles doing something or teaching something, takes precedence in the highest authority and is what the Bible terms “the apostles doctrine.” (Acts 2:42)
Most people have no clue what’s behind the system of local churches. Trace the Root, the Foundations – Lineage: Satan – Headquarters – Seminaries/seminarians. What goes behind the establishing of these franchises escapes the innocent. These church clubs are set up to corrupt the image of Christ and the pure worship of Him all while claiming to be His representation. This is exactly how “the spirit of antichrist” works – while claiming to represent Jesus Christ they subvert Him, His truth (1 John 2:18).
ATTN: Hireling “pastor’: No one needs your little church organization or you to worship, serve, and obey God! Repent sinner.
Paul told us that there are “many” and not a few who use God’s Word deceitfully, twisting it for their own self-serving purposes.
“For we are not as MANY, which corrupt (twist) the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.” 2 Corinthians 2:17
Men can make the Bible say whatever THEY want it to say in order to manipulate people but that doesn’t make it biblical. It must be directly communicated in God’s Word, expressly taught by “two or three witnesses.” (Deuteronomy 19:15; 2 Corinthians 13:1)
Concerning church membership, the question is: Did or did not the LORD’s apostles, the earliest followers of Jesus, ever sign people up as members of a church, as we do today? Chapters and verses? Church Membership Exposed
Church membership produces church members with no good fruit. Being truly born again and humbly abiding obedient in Christ produces the good fruit that clearly proves one is in truly Christ (John 15).
The church system, including church membership, has produced horrible fruit, counterfeits, backsliders. Fellowship and seeking God is limited to their so-called “church attendance.” Instead of being the church (people of God), they replace it with “going to church” or “service.” It becomes what people trust in. Their “worship” is simply going to church. This is completely un-scriptural. Jesus says “This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.” (Matthew 7:6) Modern Church Exposed
The student of Christ, studies God’s Word, and, begins to see that not only are these clubs many call “church” not officially church, they are officially apostate!
Anna L. writes:
“When a person becomes a member of a man-made religious organization… that membership is a FAKE membership to the FAKE body of Christ… and it gives a FAKE appearance of having a relationship with God and a FAKE appearance of holiness!
Also, most churches are 501(c)3 organizations under the government, so the government is their head, NOT God. They have betrayed God and are Judases!”
Organized religion includes these sham local churches which perpetrate a membership which diverts believers from Christ and the purity of knowing Him and loving His body due to their relationship with Him.
FLASH POINT: There is no biblical precedence of church membership in the New Testament canon. There is no teaching or example of church membership the way its perpetrated by modern hirelings. They have their hands all over God’s people. Not one instance. The membership of Christ’s saints is bought with the price of His blood. Their names are written in Heaven! The Great Shepherd of the sheep doesn’t need mere men to feed and organize His people. What modern wolves have developed and done is far outside the scope of His instruction to elders (Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 5:1-6, etc.).
OBSERVATION: Jesus, the prophets, and Christ’s apostles never sought to change or reform the false leaders. They rebuked and exposed them and went about the Father’s kingdom business. Jeremiah 23; Ezekiel 34; Matthew 23; Acts; 2 Peter 2; Jude 1
For the most part, It’s a futile endeavor, a waste of the precious resources of our time and energy.
“Den of Thieves”
To establish His zeal for holiness, at the beginning and at the end of His ministry, Jesus cleared His gatherings of “thieves.” But who are these robbers today? (Matthew 21; John 2) The false leaders who were cheating the people, robbing them, were operating in the system that was handed down to them, a system all truth-seekers then and now will escape (John 8:31-32).
The hireling thieves many call pastor are robbing Christ of the glory due His holy name alone! This is just what false teachers do and He promises them “damnation.”
“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily 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
The perpetrators of this system, the hirelings who make their living using it, functioning within it, insist that you need their system to carry out the instructions of Scripture such as church discipline, making disciples, tithing, etc. But the Bible says no such thing. The only religious systems in the Bible are seen being exposed as false, antichrist. We need CHRIST to obey any and all parts of God’s Word – not man or man’s organizations. Stolen glory (Colossians 2:18-19).
WE are “looking unto JESUS” not mere men. Hebrews 12:1-2
“I am not a member of the church that I worship and serve in because I’ve NEVER had the conviction to join!” Kina King
Enterprising, unrepentant hirelings have systematized and monetized their church operation and thereby corrupted it from God’s plan for His people.
There are many books written by the system hirelings which teach the sheeple how to be good students, pawns of the system.
Hint: Today’s pastors, most of them, are franchise owners. Think about that: If you purchased the rights of a national restaurant franchise in your town, do you realize you’d have to follow their strict guidelines on everything in that operation? When you paid them, you’d be signing a contract to follow their exact pattern and also purchasing all products from them. Now, is this not what goes on behind the scenes with these local churches? Yes, the pastors are following the men who are above them in the hierarchy of that church organization – the franchiser. That’s just how it works. The doctrines they teach, true or untrue, are part of the franchise agreement.
Note: A secular business franchise is simply a proven business system that works. It makes money if done like the parent company prescribes. It’s a busine$$ model. So, the franchisee who bought in, simply operates the system according to franchise guidelines, and a desired result is produced. That’s all well and good for secular business and yet, is not at all the way Christ’s true church is to operate.
The goal of a secular business model is to make the people happy and to keep the people happy – return customers! This is exactly and intentionally why the “eternal security” teaching is at the center of the vast majority of evangelical churches. It’s the golden calf teaching producing mere “form of godliness,” the “at ease in Zion,” the “will not endure sound doctrine,” counterfeits. This “once saved always saved” message that has produced a “lukewarm,” hell bound generation to Satan’s glory (Amos 6:1; 2 Timothy 3:5; Revelation 3:15-16).
What could possibly be the purpose or intention of signing people up for church membership other than leadership’s desire to indoctrinate, control and use them? Am I missing something here? If leadership was truly trusting in God, being among the saints to merely serve them as unto the LORD, why would they be corralling, unduly over-organizing? Do they not honor the fact that each individual believer at their gatherings are already members of the one blood-bought Body of Christ? Isn’t that the only membership that matters? Why do God’s people and their gatherings need to be corporatized? Who seeks to capitalize on the gatherings of God’s people? Is this not the very thing Jesus was furious about when He overthrew the tables of the money changers because they had made His gatherings a “den of thieves”? (Matthew 21; John 2)
“And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves (robbers).” Matthew 21:13
“Den” here means cave, hiding place, cavern, den. This also seems to add to the idea of corralling like the sheep of His pasture are being herded, gathered, and exploited for the purposes of hirelings.
God made us and found and saved us to worship Him, for His good pleasure, and not to allow the quenching or hindrance of any kind to that relationship (Exodus 25:8; John 17:3; Revelation 4:11).
“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” Revelation 4:11
God is calling out the Pharoah’s who’ve used the devices of Egypt, the world, to entrap His people, to “Let my people go.” (Exodus 5-10) Will plagues come upon the hirelings who refuse?
Here below is but one of the LORD’s scathing rebukes to false shepherds and citing how they operate. Read this passage closely and note how the LORD points out and exposes them for using HIS sheep for their own selfish purposes – “Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?”
Ezekiel 34
“And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, 2 Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks? 3 Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: but ye feed not the flock. 4 The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them. 5 And they were scattered, because there is no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered. 6 My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill: yea, my flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek after them. 7 Therefore, ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD; 8 As I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely because my flock became a prey, and my flock became meat to every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my flock; 9 Therefore, O ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD; 10 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them.”
Remember saints, you were purchased by the very blood of the Son of God – for HIS purpose, not man’s.
“Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.” 1 Corinthians 7:23
Using the Name of the LORD in Vain
“Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.” Exodus 20:7
The LORD commanded His people never to use His holy name in vain – which means to never use His name for anything except pure worship to Him and never for our own self-serving purposes. Modern church membership is used to “make merchandise” of the people – to make money off of them (2 Peter 2:1-3). In this passage, the context is “false teachers” and “false prophets” and the divine promise for them is “damnation.”
Christ’s saints are to love one another for their common relationship with the Savior and not because they go to a certain so-called “church” building on Sunday mornings. Many modern pastors show “love” to people with dollar signs in their eyes! Beware. This is exactly what the Holy Ghost is pointing out and warning us to beware of in 2 Peter 2:1-3. Motives!
Dear hireling, true disciples don’t need your little church building and organization to richly exist in Christ. Their lives are not dependent upon little ole you. They are saved, sanctified, and upheld by the only “HEAD” of His body – Christ (Colossians 2:18-19). Jesus died for and keeps HIS abiding sheep, not you.
Beware of the agenda saints. Discern. Church membership is a corralling of God’s people for the self-serving purposes of hirelings. It’s a control tactic used by enterprising Nicolaitan pastors.
Notice who it was who was behind David’s sin of numbering Israel:
“And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.” 1 Chronicles 21:1
If you read this chapter (1 Chronicles 21), you will see that God severely judged king David for this sin.
Is the modern practice of pastors in pushing church membership not a type of numbering the people so as to coral and use, exploit the people?
God made all men and despises when mere human leaders usurp the position reserved for the Creator alone and begin to exercise controlling dominion over His people for their own self-serving purposes. Jesus says He hates this when He addresses the Nicolaitan hirelings in Revelation 2.
Stolen Glory
Colossians 2:18-19
The worship of Christ has clearly been intercepted.
Believers are exhorted to become established in CHRIST and to beware of the Nicolaitan leaders who steal the glory of Christ by robbing Him of the glory due to His holy name alone. After all, Jesus Christ alone bled to purchased His church.
“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. 8 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 2:6-10
False leaders make up virtually the whole visible organized modern church world, Their measures and schemes are all we’ve ever known. They sell us on the false notion that they are need – that individual Christian need THEM to grow and function as Christ’s people. But the Bible says differently.
“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrew 12:1-2
Is church membership not like spiritual incest? Does it not facilitate a type of spiritual in-breeding?
Church members or prospective will hear message after message concerning their membership in that local organization and yet hear little or nothing about the blood of Jesus that makes His true people members of His one body, whose names are written in Heaven.
The supremacy of Christ is what Scripture reveals.
‘God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; 3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;” Hebrews 1:1-3
Ephesians 2
13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
Stolen Liberty
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” Galatians 5:1
“Church membership” as it’s carried out in the modern church world, quenches the Holy Spirit in my opinion. It ruins the organic, spontaneous, pure fellowship true believers enjoy due to being in Christ. Church membership seems to be a learned device to coral believers in order to exploit them. Think about it: Seminarian pastors are taught this scheme to build their church busine$$.
The church membership tool is a device, is part of a system of control. It creates an environment of coerced fellowship where the now falsely obligated members feel guilty if they miss a meeting or don’t agree with something being said or done. They are no longer free. Their individuality is stolen. They signed it away unknowingly. Obligation now rules and spontaneity is robbed.
Maintaining ones good standing in the church club requires perpetuating, or ‘keeping the party line’ as Mary Beth articulates:
“If the spirit in you prompts you that something is wrong, and you do or say something contrary to what is ‘accepted’ one is ostracized! Been there done that!!!” Mary Beth
Hirelings love church membership because it procures to them people who won’t question or hold them accountable to the Word of God. They are building their church business and don’t want to be questioned. The glory of God is not their aim. This was never God’s design. Notice how the Berean Christians questioned the apostle Paul.
“And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Acts 17:10-11
These individual saints were not afraid to test Paul. In fact they were bold and assertive to do so. Also, the apostle didn’t balk at their testing him. In fact, we know it pleased him because he said “Prove (test) all things; hold fast that which is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21) The Holy Ghost also divinely inspired Paul to pen these words:
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
The going to church habit makes people put God aside till Sunday mornings. Following Christ is the crucified life – “daily.” (Luke 9:23-24)
Stolen Allegiance
Church membership classes for new prospective members is designed to indoctrinate the new visitors into that church organizations ways as they explain the plan. The plan is usually not God’s. Very little Scripture is given unless it’s being used to promulgate something they want to perpetrate. Scripture is not being following strictly but rather sprinkled in as coinciding with and confirming what the plan of that church is.
In most local churches in this apostate era, there’s little to no celebration of the only membership that matters – that which is purchased by the blood of Jesus and makes all of His people, worldwide, one body.
Think about when your family gets together: Just as siblings rejoice to be from the same parents, so should individual members of the LORD’s body celebrate as they share in the uniqueness of being children of God, purchased with the highest price ever.
By signing up for church membership, you are signing up to shut up. Your input, biblical or not, is not welcomed. You are never to dare question the pastor(s). The leader(s) are the final authority and anyone who dares question them or their doctrine is scorned, shunned, or removed.
Dear reader: Are you part of a church club or are you a kingdom disciple?
It’s like contract law. When you lay aside your blood bought relationship with Christ to become someone’s church member, you actually sign up for and covenant, agree to obey that church organizations by laws which means you’ve checked your brain at the door and don’t discern or question what’s being taught. Instead, now that you signed up, you have to simply go along with everything taught and done like herded cattle.
Instead of simply teaching what God’s Word teaches about the need for regular fellowship and letting the Holy Spirit work in the hearts of the people, hirelings seduce the people to sign up to be a member of their church business, club. This they do instead of prayerfully teaching the whole of Scripture to foster in individual believers an abiding relationship with Christ. They now patronize that church business. Those who sign the roll to be a member now feel obligated to be faithful to the organization, not Christ and His body. They also agree to the bylaws of that organization, not the Word.
Stolen Purity
The purity of worship has been robbed from the dens of thieves churches of today. This does not include fellowships that are doing things God’s way – keeping Christ first, keeping things organic, simple.
In Matthew 21 and John 2 we read of Jesus flipping the carts of the false leaders who’d made the gatherings of God’s people a den of thieves as they extorted from the people, exploiting them for their own self-serving gain.
Systems in religion have been around for thousands of years. The prophets were called out and quickened of God to expose the false leaders, false systems, and sin of God’s people. Have you read and apprehended the words of the Old Testament Scriptures?
In Matthew 23, we have Jesus on record, lambasting the false priesthood of His day for the evil they perpetrated on the people. In this discourse, we observe Christ referring to the system they used. Here’s an example:
“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.” Matthew 23:15
In the modern churches, the system created and operated by the hirelings has been passed down. That system’s function and purpose is to enable to church business to function, to prosper. Not the kingdom of Christ but rather the church system of mere men. Intruders. Infiltrators.
Of this generational system of deception, Debbie Lord writes:
“We’ve been brainwashed by our ‘church culture’ and so we have the young men who aspire to become ‘pastors’ thinking what they have seen modeled as ‘pastor’ or ‘leader’ is the way to serve God and His church. That is a noble calling and needs to be lived out according to God’s ways — not man’s ways. We all should be immersed in God’s Word, just as the Bereans took on that individual responsibility and didn’t allow any man (or institution) to be their ‘funnel’ for the Truth — but God and His Word alone. Yes, we are to be in fellowship with the saints, but not by ‘quenching the Spirit’ who will guide us into all truth. God’s Word is truth.”
Denominations or church organizations reinforce this business scheme in order to secure people and therefore their funds. It’s a business model. No such thing as church membership in the Bible except that membership Christ alone procured by His own blood. ALL of His saints’ names are written in Heaven (Luke 10:20). Jesus says that this is what we rejoice in!
“Rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:20
We are Christ’s kingdom disciples. We belong to HIM.
“Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.” 1 Corinthians 7:23
Local level “church membership” diverts the heart affections of those corralled into it by hireling wolves! Beware.
Ever notice how this Bible verse is used to preach Sunday morning church? No such content!
“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Hebrews 10:25
Did you see “Sunday morning in an apostate ‘church'” in that verse?
Does church membership not divide the body of Christ?
Father, in the name of my LORD Jesus, please fulfill Your perfect will in my life concerning true fellowship with Your saints. I love You LORD Jesus.
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Apostasy
If it’s not the Word, it’s Waste [podcast]
Nourished Up in God’s Word [podcast]
Christ’s true followers are known in that they love Him truly and therefore hear and are corrected and guided only by His voice, His written Word (John 8:47).
“He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.” John 8:47
God will Never Anoint and Bless Us to do our Own Thing! Watch this Closely …..
“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:18-20
Did you catch what Jesus just said? – That God is with His people to the end of the world to help them do what He said – teach His Word to all!
LOTS of people on social media claiming and preaching their own visions and dreams and not the Gospel! Beware.
When I hear someone speaking live or in a video, if the Word is not coming from their mouths, I soon close it out and unfriend. What is it that we don’t understand about the divine command to “Preach the word”? (2 Timothy 4:2) Wolves entertain goats while true under-shepherds of Christ feed sheep. Beware.
IF we stick with God’s Word, if we do things His way and no other way, we will be involved in the preaching, the teaching – dissemination – of His Word (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20).
“That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. 7 For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.” Philemon 1:6-7
“The bowels of the saints are refreshed” when God’s people communicate His Word!
The Waste of the Modern Church World
If you are born again and abiding presently in Christ, you have “mansion” in glory awaiting you! (John 14:1-6) Did you know that you also have an “account” in Heaven? Now, what’s in that “account”? Is it empty or full?
“Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.” Philippians 4:17
Paul, Christ’s apostle, wanted to see the heavenly accounts of God’s people full!
God is not going to reward you good for not contributing to that which He stated is most important.
ANY leadership curriculum that isn’t literally the Scriptures – and learning THEM – is a scam! (Psalm 119; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21, etc.) How long shall prop of the wolves and their self-agenda “ministries”? How long shall we be be deceived?
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
“Read your Bible for yourself. Please. A YouTube sermon clip is not enough. A podcast is not enough. Your favorite preacher is not enough. Know your Bible.” Biblical Man
“Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read: no one of these shall fail…” Isaiah 34:16
Read God’s Word itself, yourself (KJB). THAT is God speaking. Every time you read His Word, God is speaking to you.
Today we see LOTS of clowns raising money to continue to fund their circuses they have and are building using the name of Jesus in vain to do so (Exodus 20:7).
Looking around us and perhaps beginning with our own lives, we see a biblically illiterate generation of Christians – people who can’t quote 10 Bible verses. Yet, those same people have been good church members for many years.
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…” Hosea 4:6
The vast majority of “churches” today are simply not teaching God’s Word to the people which alone makes them disobedient frauds. Fruit.
“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
If you help a “ministry” that is not instilling God’s truth in people, you are bidding Godspeed to these workers of iniquity and will be judged with them (2 John 10-11). The teaching of God’s Word is paramount and for the divine purpose for the advancement of Christ’s kingdom in the hearts of men (Colossians 3:16).
“And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, 31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.” Acts 28:30-31
Many today campaign aggressively to raise money for and promote things that do not involve the communication of God’s truth into the hearts of men. In fact, very little “ministry” being done today even has the unchanging divine goal of instilling God’s Word into the hearts and lives of His people. God will only reward that which is in keeping with what He’s clearly stated – which will never change. His New Testament Gospel program is plain. Are you walking in it?
- “Preach the gospel.” (Mark 16:15)
- “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:18-20)
- “Preach the word.” (2 Timothy 4:2)
- “Let the word of Christ dwell in your richly (abundantly).” (Colossians 3:16)
Saints, God forbid that we waste the wealth on the waste of spreading the false modern gospel and the trinkets used to promote it!
If it’s a ministry and they’re not the teaching of God’s Word, it’s not of God (John 8:47).
“Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.” Acts 8:4
If people are not literally learning and obeying and speaking God’s truth, it’s not of God! (Joshua 1:8; Proverbs 12:17)
The “Success” of Christ’s Saints Depends on This….
“This book of the law (God’s written Word) shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” Joshua 1:8
Can you personally name just 5 “Christians” you know who can quote 10 Bible verses from the King James Bible?
I can’t.
The Danger of Endorsing – Bidding Godspeed – to False Teachers, False Ministries
“For MANY deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. 8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. 9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. 10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: 11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” 2 John 7-11
Wolves entertain goats while true servants of Christ feed sheep! (John 21:15-17)
Prayer: Holy Father, I come now to You in the name of the LORD Jesus Christ. LORD, this moment I stop this life You gave and I ask You to make me truly, authentically Your disciple. Teach me Thy Word and forgive me for the sin of supporting, for bidding Godspeed to anything claiming to be of You while not truly and literally teaching Your people Your Word and to know it thoroughly for themselves. Please forgive me of this sin Father, in Jesus’ name. I love You Jesus. Thank You for dying for me, for finding, and for saving me by Your blood. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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Apostasy
Beware of the Hebrew Roots Judaizing Snakes! [podcast]
BEWARE of the Judaizing snakes of the Hebrew Roots (HR) movement.
Are YOU a law-keeper/Torah-keeper OR a Christ-keeper? (Colossians 2:14-19)
Some speak of sabbath, shalom, law-keeping, Torah, obedience to Moses’ law, etc above Christ. RUN!
God’s people are “justified by faith” in Jesus, not law keeping (Romans 5:1, etc.). The problem is not with the types and shadows given us in Scripture of the Messiah who was to come. No, the issue here is with those who would bring you back under the law.
LOTS of Judaizers in our midst saints…. vainly believing that Jesus was not enough to save and redeem but rather that we have to help God out by keeping the Old law….. which would mean they are not saved by grace (lost souls) but vainly believe keeping torah (books of Moses) is going to save them and by doing so they have blasphemously denied Christ, the only Savior (John 1:17). Judaizers Exposed
THOSE WHO SPEAK ABOUT LAW-KEEPING INSTEAD OF THE ONLY ONE WHO PERFECTLY KEPT THE LAW, then nailed it to the cross, taking it out of our way, ARE ANTICHRISTS FROM HELL! (Colossians 2:14-19)
Anyone who gets saved and then doesn’t drill down into the doctrinal letters and epistles and get grounded in grace through faith justification and living, will be susceptible to being deceived by the antichrist judaizers in our midst. It will cost many of them their eternal souls. There will be not 1 law-keeping judaizing snake in Heaven. If you don’t know that, you are biblically illiterate. Romans. Galatians. Ephesians. Philippians. Colossians. Hebrews.
Men are “justified by faith” and kept “by faith.”
“Justified by faith”
“Therefore we conclude that a man is JUSTIFIED BY FAITH without the deeds of the law.” Romans 3:28
“Kept by faith”
“Who are KEPT by the power of God THROUGH FAITH unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” 1 Peter 1:5
Justified by faith but sanctified by law keeping????
NOT. “The just (those justified by God) shall live by faith.”
Born again New Testament disciples are saved by grace through faith. They are saved, justified, and sanctified by faith. They live by faith and not by law or law keeping. See Hebrews 11:6.
“For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith (not law to law): as it is written, The just shall live by faith (not law keeping).” Romans 1:17
“But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live BY FAITH.” Galatians 3:11
“Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back (go back to law keeping), my soul shall have no pleasure in him.” Hebrews 10:38
The False Teachings of the Hebrew Roots Movement
The Hebrew Roots (HR) movement is false, it’s a cloaked judaizing system designed by Satan to bring NEW Testament saints saved by grace back under the law… Galatians.
“The HRM (Hebrew Roots Movement) draws people away from the grace of God to a religion of works and legalism. Most of them I know are a bunch of Pharisees.” Jim Borge
Christ’s NEW Testament saints are saved by Him to love and keep Him upheld as the only Savior, LORD, and “Head” of His church (Colossians 2:14-19).
If you can read the following verse and still think you are going to be right with God by law-keeping or that you even can keep it perfectly, you are completely deranged, deceived, delusional, and hell bound.
“Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” Galatians 2:16
Are You Keeping All the Law Perfectly All the Time? Yes or No?
“For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” James 2:10
ONLY JESUS kept the whole law perfectly! Get over your sinful, pride-filled self… vainly thinking you can keep the whole law! (See James 2:10.) You’ve transgressed the law of God in many ways and all it takes is just one offense and you’re guilty of breaking all of the law! Repent and fall upon the mercy of God at the foot of the cross where Jesus bled to save your wicked soul. The law condemns you as a vile, depraved sinner! Only Jesus can save your wicked soul.
Those who put the law ahead of Christ are antichrists! (See Colossians 2:14-19.)
Without fail, one will find that each and every group that emphasizes the Jewish feasts, etc. are going to seek to suck believers back under the law. Book of Galatians! I stay far from these agents of Satan these days.
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” Galatians 5:1
YES the whole 66 book canon of the Bible is for us and yet, IT reveals that a NEW covenant superseded the Old one. The book of Hebrews reveals to us that a “BETTER covenant” with “BETTER promises” made the old covenant obsolete “for righteousness” (Hebrews 7:22; 8:6; Romans 10:4). The faith of the NEWWWW Testament saint, saved by grace, is not set upon trying to keep the law (“keeping Torah”) but rather set upon the only ONE to ever keep the law perfectly – then He – Christ, nailed it to the cross and “took it out of the way” (Colossians 2:14-19). It’s over so repent and get over it, now! The infinitely inferior old was a mere shadow of the infinitely superior NEW Testament that was to come and HAS come with Christ (Hebrews 10:1). Beware of the demonic Judaizing devils in our midst. They are snakes!
Those who pretend to “keep torah” openly reject Christ’s one perfect “It is finished” (paid in full) sacrifice and declaration (John 19:30).
What is a Judaizer? Simply put, a Judaizer is one who seeks to bring NEW Testament, saved by grace through faith saints back under the old law (Galatians 2:4-5).
Nothing has changed: As was the case in Galatia, these Judaizers are among us, actively seeking to bring saved-by-the-blood-and-grace of Christ, NEW Testament saints back under the law. These are the same demon-possessed wolves Paul dealt with repeatedly, most poignantly in Galatia. They come to spy out the liberty of the true, blood bought, saved by grace NEW Testament believers.
Christ told us that Satan has come “to steal, and to kill, and to destroy” (John 10:10). These ministers of Satan have no less of the same 3-tiered mission. They are “false brethren.”
“And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily (secretly) to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: 5 To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.” Galatians 2:4-5
Paul was a “shut down” preacher! He shut down Satan’s ministers who posed as representatives of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:12-15). The apostle shut the heretics down – hard and fast! (See Titus 3:10; Matthew 7:6.) How much time did Paul give Satan’s Judaizing agents who corrupted the Galatians? – “To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour” (Galatians 2:4-5).
Paul gave these vile Judaizers not even one hour. He cut them off swiftly in order to protect the sheep of Christ who shed His blood to purchase His people. Paul declared:
“I would they were even CUT OFF which trouble you.” Galatians 5:12
Here’s the Greek rendering for the term “cut off”:
“apokoptō
ap-ok-op’-to
From G575 and G2875; to amputate; reflexively (by irony) to mutilate (the privy parts): – cut off. Compare G2699.“
Make no mistake: “Cut off” is violent language. “Cut off” means to amputate, to mutilate ones private parts. Some believe Paul was saying that he would wish these agents of Satan who sought to lead astray Christ’s sheep to be castrated or killed. Such a stance doesn’t bode well with the more cowards we call pastors today who could care less if one of Christ’s sheep is led astray.
Those who tout “keep the Torah” mean to say “you have to keep the law to be righteous” and are antichrists….. They openly deny the full sufficiency of the one perfect sacrifice of the Son of God who as He bled on Calvary’s cruel cross cried “It is finished” which means that the price for mankind’s sin is “Paid in full” (John 19:30).
Those who get upset when Christ’s enemies who pose as His servants are exposed, are out of New Testament order. These blinded souls have no kingdom clue. They have been schooled by wolves who hide this self-evident Bible revelation. They read right over the mountains of Scripture dedicated to exposing false leaders and false teachings. Would to God we had more fearless men of truth such as was Paul and Christ’s other apostles!
PAUL, CHRIST’S apostle was no pansy when it came to false teachers!
Judaizers are to be rejected as heretics according to Matthew 7:6 and Titus 3:10-11. They are to be given no space – no platform.
“Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.” Matthew 7:6
“A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; 11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.” Titus 3:10-11
This Hebrew Roots delusion is no small matter. Eternal souls are in the balance. The Holy Ghost, through Paul reveals to us that Judaizers are operating in witchcraft, putting spells on people through demons and false teachings :
“O foolish Galatians, who hath BEWITCHED you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? 2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?” Galatians 3:1-3
The diabolical goal of Judaizers is to lead saved-by-grace Christians to fall from grace which means they become apostate – lost. – “Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; YE ARE FALLEN FROM GRACE” (Galatians 5:4).
The true Jews?
“For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: 29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.” Romans 2:28-29
DIVINE FILTER: All false movements and false teachers serve a divine purpose. They are allowed to snare all who don’t truly love Christ and therefore His Truth! Study 1 Corinthians 11:19; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 closely.
Keep Torah? No. Keep Jesus!
Paul says that there was “NO good thing” in him, that is, in his flesh and besides Christ (Romans 7:18). Being that we are all faulty, sinful, it’s pretty laughable that someone would trust their own ability to keep the law (which we’ve all broken) instead of trusting the only ONE – JESUS – who kept that law then nailed it to the cross and took it away (Colossians 2:14-17). It really is “finished” (John 19:30). For seeking to obtain righteousness, the law is over. It’s “the end” – “For Christ is THE END of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth” (Romans 10:4).
The book of Romans is the ABC’s of the Christian faith. Read it thoroughly to be grounded.
Who and What is the Law for?
“Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm. 8 But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; 9 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; 11 According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.” 1 Timothy 1:7-11
The above text reveals how the Law applies to saints and to sinners.
Born again saints are temples of the Holy Ghost who enables them to fulfill all righteousness. They need no law other than the “the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus.”
“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Romans 8:2-4
Read the book of Galatians several times through. Pray before you begin and pray through reading these divinely inspired words and defense of the Gospel of the grace of God, asking Him to reveal His mind to you on this matter of justification.
MESSAGE RECEIVED:
“We keep the law because we love Christ and His will is our joy.”
REPLY:
We keep Jesus, not the law. You are putting the law above CHRIST. You are in big trouble if you think that keeping the WHOLE law makes you righteous. Here’s the law true NEW Testament saints keep:
“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” Romans 8:2-4.
What you are doing is denying Christ openly, antichrist, by putting the law above Christ who alone kept the law perfectly – then nailed it to the cross, taking it out of the way! (See Colossians 2:14-19.)
The law is over for righteousness – done! “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth” (Romans 10:4).
MESSAGE RECEIVED:
“You misunderstand many things concerning the importance of the Jewish feasts.”
REPLY:
Sounds like you have a pseudo-superiority complex consistent with Hebrew Roots folk. You are camping on that which was a mere “shadow” that pointed to Christ who has ALREADY come! Hebrews 8-10. The NEW Covenant is infinitely superior to the infinitely inferior covenant it replaced….. True disciples of Jesus view the Old Covenant through the revealed knowledge (eyes) of the NEW Covenant which was ratified in the blood of the Messiah and not vice versa. You err and misunderstand many things. Jesus has come and is the all in all for His true disciples.
COMMON OBJECTION:
“He has not come to abolish the law, but to fulfill it!”
REPLY:
“Fulfill” in Matthew 5:17 means to expire! When He died on the cross, fulfilling the law perfectly, Jesus nailed it to the cross and took it away! See Colossians 2:14-17. “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth” (Romans 10:4).
That “fulfill” thing in Matthew 5:17 is something I’d like us to explore. It would seem fitting that Jesus, as He says this BEFORE the cross, seems to possibly be saying that He is going to fulfill all the righteousness of the law (that the righteous law demanded) and then nail it to the cross in His death, and take it away. Couple this with Colossians 2:14-17.
“Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; 15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. 16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: 17 Which are a shadow (illustration, forth telling) of things to come; but the body is of Christ. 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 2:14-19
Before He went to the cross, Jesus said:
“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil (satisfy the claims of, expire). 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” (Matthew 5:17-18)
“fulfil” – Greek, definition … think of this in respect to Christ’s utter uniqueness in all of history – being the only One to ever keep/fulfill the Law perfectly.
“G4137
πληρόω
plēroō
play-ro’-o
From G4134; to make replete, that is, (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute (an office), finish (a period or task), verify (or coincide with a prediction), etc.: – accomplish, X after, (be) complete, end, expire, fill (up), fulfil, (be, make) full (come), fully preach, perfect, supply.”
The Picture or the Person?
Are you embracing the mere shadow or the Savior? The picture or the Person?
Picture a Marine returning home from a long war deployment. After being gone from his wife for several long years, when he arrives home, his wife says “Hi baby! I love you! Welcome home! Listen, I’ve gotten accustomed to your picture (a mere shadow of who her husband is) and so I’ve prepared you your own bedroom upstairs so that you can sleep there while I sleep in the master bedroom with your picture!”
What would you think if you heard a story like that? This is an accurate illustration of the absurdity of those who put more emphasis on the mere shadows of Jesus in the Old Testament than in Jesus Himself! These are they are are “NOT (up)holding (magnifying) the Head” who is Jesus and who has COME and fulfilled what those mere shadows depicted before He came (Colossians 2:18-19).
Please prayerfully pour over the words of Hebrews 8-10 which contrasts the mere shadows of the Old Covenant with the reality of the infinitely superior New Covenant which was ratified in the very blood of the only begotten Son of God. Read these chapters several times.
One writer notes:
“When the believer has died with Christ he is then dead to the law. Rom 7. The unbeliever who is not positionally dead with Christ is still under the law.
Being dead to the law means the believer has been removed out from under the curse of, tyranny under and slavery to the law and its administrators, the principalities and powers.
The believer is out from under the accusation, condemnation, judgment, wrath and execution of the law. 2 Cor 3; Rom 8:1-4
The law is ‘taken out of the way’ (Col 2:14) of those who have died with Christ.
It is still a barrier between Christ and the unbelieving person.
The law killed Jesus and destroyed itself in so doing. John 19:7.
There are two ways in the Bible. The way of Law and the way of the cross. Law kills. Grace dies and is raised up free from the law. Law is for those ‘taken out of their way.’
The Law was a shadow or caricature of God/Christ. Agape love is the reality, body or substance of God/Christ. Jesus filled the caricature/shadow with His reality.
Would they rather have a caricature or the real person?
Would you rather have a picture of a home or a real home??
The Law still applies to unbelievers. 1 Tim 1. Love is the fulfilling of the law. Rom 13:10. Agape love has come to us through the pouring out of the Holy Spirit into our hearts. Rom 5:5. Agape (unconditional love) does not exist in the old Covenant (Old Testament). So love fulfills the law in that we are motivated to keep the law rules without a human effort focus on rules. Obedience to the rules is a spontaneous byproduct rather than a focus, obligation or result of fear of violating.
Example illustration: One driver slows down in school zone because he is afraid of the penalty. He is under the law. The other driver slows down (fulfills the law) because he loves children. He is keeping the law without being under the law. Agape is controlling him. Love ‘constrains’ him. 2 Cor 5:14″
Working for salvation by attempting to keep “the whole law” will bring great misery and end up in eternal damnation (James 2:10). Better just to admit you are not worthy, a vile, depraved sinner in need of the one Savior who paid the full price for your sins on that cross!
“Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” Romans 4:4-5
Apostasy
Direction in God’s Word? [podcast]
Nourished Up in God’s Word [podcast]
“Great podcast. Thank you. If you want to really fall in love with the scriptures, read Psalm 119. I spent probably a year reading, studying, and memorizing it. This Psalm was written for us, to begin to love God’s Word as much as the Psalmist did, which is what happened to me. My heart was truly transformed. The beloved David’s whole heart was dedicated to studying, obeying, meditating and learning all of the Word of God, so he could live a righteous and holy life, fully devoted to the Lord. We should live and breath the Scriptures and meditate on them day and night (Psalm 1:2).” Karen Cochran
“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.” 1 Timothy 4:6
Remaining “nourished up” in the Word of God is essential to enduring to the end. God’s Word is the divine fuel for all of His beloved saints.
Ingesting, devouring God’s words daily is invigorating to our spirits and essential to our lives in Christ!
Biblical Topics Sampling:
- Love/Charity: 1 Corinthians 13 “The love chapter”
- Origin of all Life/Civilization: Genesis 1-11
- 10 Commandments: Exodus 20:1-17
- Revelation 2-3: Christ addresses the 7 churches of Asia. There are many all-important truths and rebukes completely applicable to us now in being ready for Christ’s return.
- Fearing the LORD: Josh. 24:14; Ps. 2:11-12; 86:11; Prov. 1:7, 29; 8:13; 14:26-27; 22:4: Eccl. 12:13; Matt. 10:28; Lk. 12:4-5
- Sin: man’s core problem and dilemma: Gen. 3; 6:5; Jer. 17:5, 9; Rom. 3; 1 Jn. 1:7-2:2
- Proverbs: There are 31 chapters in Proverbs. 1 per day for a month complete the book.
- Prayer: Matt. 6:6, 26:41; Mk. 1:35; Phil. 4:6; Col. 4:2,12
- Overcoming Sin: Romans 6; 13:14
- The 7 Abominations: Prov. 6:16-19
- Forgiveness: Matt. 18:21-35; Mk 11:25-26
- The Crucified life: Lk. 9:23-24; 2 Cor. 4:10-12; Gal. 2:20; Col. 3:3
- Humility: Prov. 22:4; Matt. 20:20-28; James 4:6-10
- Spiritual Maturity: Heb. 5:11-14, 6:1-3
- Marriage/Dating/Divorce/ReMarriage: Deut. 24; 1 Corinthians 7
- The Written Word: Psalms 119; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21
- Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 5-7
- 6 Principle (foundational) Doctrines of Christ: Heb. 6:1-3
- Correction/Rebuke: Gal. 6:1-2; Prov. 25:9; Matt. 18:15-17; 2 Tim. 3:16
- Sin/Grace Righteousness: Romans 1-5
- Abstaining From Fornication: 1 Thess. 4:1-8; 1 Cor. 6:13-19
- False Prophets/Teachers: Jer. 23; Ezek. 34; Matt. 23; Jude 1; 2 Pet. 2
- Spiritual Gifts: 1 Corinthians 12, 14
- Love/Truth/Light: 1 John 1-5 First John Is Called ‘The Book of Certainties’
- Return of Christ: Luke 12:40; 21:34-36; 1 Thess. 4:16-18, etc.
- God of Restoration: Luke 15, 19:10
- Disciple’s Prayer Model: Matt. 6:9-12
- Riches: Matt. 6:19-21; Luke 12, 16; 1 Timothy 6:5-19
- The Divinity of Jesus Christ: Gospel of John (Hi-Lite & cross-reference every reference to Christ’s divinity); Jn. 1:1-2, 14; 8:58; 20:28; Eph. 3:9; Col. 1:16-17; 1 Tim. 3:16; 6:15-16; Rev. 1:8
- Wisdom: Prov. 8; James 1:5; 1:13-17
Putting God first in your day is a deliberate decision and act. It’s non-negotiable to the truth disciple. Such will never happen by accident. Take control of your time for Jesus or your time will continue to take control of you. Memorize 2 Timothy 2:15 and obey the LORD.
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
“Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read: no one of these shall fail …” Isaiah 34:16
Read God’s Word itself, yourself (KJB). THAT is God speaking. Every time you read His Word, God is speaking to you.
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33
Becoming familiar with these texts will help you in your own walk with the LORD and in helping others (being able to teach and refer to these passages). You will be well on your way to a rich and full life of Bible literacy & usefulness in God’s kingdom as you begin to learn the above listed topics of truth. Hi-Lite, underline, cross-reference.
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
The KEY to understanding the mind of Christ being communicated in any book of the Bible: First, read that book 10-20 straight through to gain a knowledge of it, to begin to grasp the divine transmission. Then, go back and study it verse by verse in a more in-depth break down of the text.
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” 1 Peter 3:15
Let’s not come up empty handed any longer! Make the quality decision to learn God’s Word for yourself and stop depending on others. Embarking upon diligent topical and systematic Bible study is the answer.
“Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, 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 22:20-21
The Word of God is learned, one truth at a time, “But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little.” (Isaiah 28:13)
YOU cannot possibly be flourishing in Christ if you are not dwelling “richly” (abundantly) in His Word – both in your own personal, daily life and concerning Christ’s true body! (Colossians 3:16) If you are not surrounded with people you can have BIBLICAL conversations with, you have surrounded yourself with counterfeits!
“Presently, I am in 1 Kings, reading all the way through the Bible again, and also reading through Revelation backwards. Personally I like to read several chapters every morning to begin the day and like to include Old Testament, Poetic books, and New Testament chapter readings….. along with pouring over passages like 1 Cor 13; Phil 2:3-5; Col. 3:1-4, 12-14;” T.
“In 1 Thessalonians reading through the Bible.” Jason
“I am reading Mark.” Michele
“Philippians—Paul’s letter in prison—and joy.” Joe
“I’ve been Reading James And 1st and 2nd Peter This Week.” Connie
“Working my way through 1 Sam (ch 14 finished now) Psalms 77 and John chapter 4 finished. Trying to read through in 6 months. I enjoy listening (KJB on YouTube) while I read also.” Nathan
LET’S LEARN GOD’S WORD TOGETHER – ONE TRUTH AT A TIME: This message was sent out to each person who is on our Moments For My Master email devotional list. We would love to add you and have the privilege of nourishing your heart with God’s Word (1 Tim. 4:6). Sign up here.
MORE TOPICS
Adultery Matthew 5:27-28, 32
Adversity Romans 8:28
Afraid Psalms 34:4, 56:3
Alcohol Ephesians 5:18
Anger Ephesians 4:26-27, 31-32
Anxiety Philippians 4:4-7
Apprehension Matthew 6:31-33
Astrology Deuteronomy 18:9-14
Backbiting Hebrews 12:14-15
Backsliding Psalms 51
Bereaved 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Burdens 1 Peter 5:6-11
Conceit Luke 18:9-14
Contention Proverbs 13:10. 22:10
Confusion 2 Corinthians 10:3-6
Covetousness Exodus 20:17, Romans 7:7
Crisis Psalms 121
Criticism Romans 12
Cursing James 3:10
Daydreaming 2 Corinthians 10:3-6
Deceit Colossians 2:8
Defeated Romans 8:31-39
Depression Isaiah 61:1-3. Psalms 34
Despair 2 Corinthians 4:8
Destruction Psalms 103; Proverbs 18:12
Disaster Threatens Psalms 91
Discouragement Isaiah 42; Psalms 23
Disobedience John 15:14
Divorce Mark 10:2-12
Doubt Proverbs 3:5-6; Hebrews 11
Drugs 2 Corinthians 7:1
Drunkenness Luke 21:34-36
Envy Proverbs 14:30
Excuses Luke 14:15-24
Faith Falls Psalms 42:5
Fantasy 2 Corinthians 10:3-6
Fatigue Isaiah 40:31
Fault finding Matthew 7:1-5
Fear 2 Timothy 1:7; Luke 12:5
Fear of Rejection Ephesians 1
Fornication 1 Corinthians 6:18-20
Friends Fail 2 Timothy 4:16-18
Gluttony Proverbs 23:2
Gossip Proverbs 13:3
Greed Matthew 19:24
Grief Isaiah 53:3-4
Guilt Romans 8:1
Hatred 1 John 2:11
Heartbreak Psalms 147:3
Heaviness Isaiah 61:1-3
Hurting John 14
Idleness Proverbs 19:15
Idolatry 1 John 5:21
Inadequacy Philippians 4:13
Incest Leviticus 20:11,12,14
Inferiority Philippians 4:13
Impure Thought 2 Peter 2:10
Insomnia Proverbs 3:24
Intolerance 1 Corinthians 13
Irritability 1 Corinthians 13
Jealousy Proverbs 6:34
Judging Romans 14:10-13
Laziness Hebrews 6:12, Proverbs 19:15
Legalism Galatians 3
Lethargy Proverbs 21:24-26
Loneliness John 14; Psalms 23
Lying Revelation 21:8
Lust Matthew 5:28
Manipulation 2 Peter 2
Masturbation Romans 1:24-28
Materialistic 1 John 2:15-17
Mocking Proverbs 17:5
Murder Exodus 20:13
Negativism 2 Corinthians 1:20
Nervousness Philippians 4:6
Obsessive Behavior Galatians 5:16-25
Occult Deuteronomy 18
Overly Sensitive 1 Corinthians 13
Passivity Matthew 10:33
Pouting Matthew 6: 14-15
Prejudice James 2: 1-13
Pressure Proverbs 3:25-26
Pride Proverbs 16:18
Profane 1 Timothy 1:9
Protection Psalms 27
Quarreling Ephesians 4:25-32
Rape 2 Corinthians 7:1
Rebellion 1 Samuel 15:23
Rejection John 14
Resentment Hebrews 12
Restlessness Psalms 46:10
Retaliation Romans 12
Revenge Matthew 5:43-48
Sadness Nehemiah 8:10
Scorning Proverbs 22:10
Selfishness 2 Corinthians 9:1-14
Self-pity Philippians 4:8-9
Self-righteousness Luke 18:9-14
Self-rejection Psalms 139:14
Self-will Isaiah 53:6
Sensuality Galatians 5:16-26
Sexual Impurity Proverbs 6:24-35
Sin Psalms 66:18; 1 John 1:9; John 8:34-36
Slow to Forgive Matthew 18:21-35
Sorrow Isaiah 53
Spite Isaiah 50:6
Stealing Exodus 20:15
Strife James 3
Stubbornness 1 Samuel 15:23
Submission 1 Peter 2:13-17
Suicide Exodus 20:13
Suspicion Exodus 20:16
Swearing Colossians 3:8
Temper 2 Peter 1:5-8
Tempted Matthew 26:41
Too Quick to Speak James 3:1-13
Unbelief Hebrews 3:12-13
Unforgiveness Matthew 18:21-35
Vanity Galatians 5:26
Violence Ezekiel 45:9
Weariness Hebrews 12:3; 2 Thessalonians 3:13
Witchcraft Galatians 5:20
Workaholic Romans 10:3; Ephesians 2:8-9
Worldliness 1 John 2: 15-17
Worry Isaiah 35:3-5; 26:3-4
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