ATTENTION CHRISTMAS BASHERS….. WHEN IS THE LAST TIME YOU LED SOMEONE TO JESUS? Are we spending more time and energy Christmas bashing than we are spending ministering the Word of the Gospel?
“Jesus was the greatest gift we have ever received!! Why would we not celebrate Him at all times, everywhere??” Karen Cochran
“Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.” Titus 1:15
How we choose to view things that are non-essential to salvation.
“Note the marvelous power we possess of viewing things in the light or gloom cast upon them from our own temperament. We see life and the world in a glass colored from within. Oh, that we might possess that pure and untarnished nature that passes through the world like a beam of sunshine, irradiating all but contaminated by none! The true test of the knowledge of God is a holy life. These act and react. The better you know God, the more you will resemble Him; compare Psa_111:1-10; Psa_112:1-10. The more you are like God, the better you will know Him.” FB Meyer
“To the pure – Those whose hearts are purified by faith this we allow. All things are pure – All kinds of meat; the Mosaic distinction between clean and unclean meats being now taken away. But to the defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure – The apostle joins defiled and unbelieving, to intimate that nothing can be clean without a true faith: for both the understanding and conscience, those leading powers of the soul, are polluted; consequently, so is the man and all he does.” John Wesley
When we honor God we know there is no power greater than Him, right…. unless we give those things power. God’s perfect love in us “casteth out fear” right? (1 John 4:16-18)
In non-essentials such as holidays, if you don’t have faith to do something, don’t do it. And shut your mouth concerning other of Christ’s saints in these things. It’s none of your business. Read Romans 14 and 1 Peter 4:15. Speaking of non-essentials – things NOT essential to salvation – the apostle Paul writes:
“Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. 5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. … 20 For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence. … 22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. 23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” Romans 14:22-23
Some are so busy bashing paganism that they have said nothing of the Word, nothing of the Gospel, nothing of the absolute necessity of the virgin birth of Jesus Christ. The divine command is to “Preach the word.” (2 Timothy 4:2) No one is going to be saved by the exposing of paganism.
Jesus and His holy apostles didn’t seem to spend a lot of time exposing paganism – which is everywhere, EVERY day of every year in this fallen world. This has been the case since the fall, 6,000 years. No, instead Jesus and His apostles brought the SOUL-ution – the Gospel.
With no apology to anyone, I celebrate Jesus Christ and all that pertains to Him, 24/7/365. No I don’t celebrate “Christmas” in any manner as do the heathen.
Some conflate all the paganism which Christians as if they are saying “Oh, we celebrate the roman cult, tammuz, semiramis, nimrod, etc”. Not. They have no idea about all that and are just spending time with their family and friends and hopefully witnessing to them. Are they going to hell for that? No.
Lynne Parker writes:
“There is no question that “Christmas” is highly commercialized and there are elements attached that are pagan or paganistic. And anyone with two functioning brain cells knows that Dec 25 is not Jesus actual date of birth. But it has been set aside to commemorate his birth. Consider also 1. It is not a sin to give someone a gift. 2. It is not a sin to sing hymns or read scripture concerning his birth (children particularly love that). 3. It is not a sin to gather with family and friends and eat together. 4. It is not a sin to decorate one’s home with beautiful lights and greenery to bring joy to the household. 5. It is not a sin to basically attend a candlelight service that glorifies the Lord and read scripture. 6. It is not a sin to bake cookies. 7. It is not a sin to enjoy a quiet fire with your spouse. 8. It is certainly not a sin to share Christ with people whose hearts may be open or somewhat softened at this time to hear the gospel. If someone is convicted about it they shouldn’t celebrate. But I can say my mom made very sure that I understood what Christmas meant – I remember well attending church before anything else. We live in a society ladened with deception and a professing “church” as well – but the truth remains Jesus Christ was born and he was born to be our redeemer. This is the message that’s important.”
It seems that some are so intent on exposing the obvious that they do no ministering and never mention the absolute cardinal necessity of the virgin birth and first coming of Jesus….. Which was specifically celebrated by many…. Instead of celebrating His birth, they spend their time pouncing on the paganism….. acting as if it’s more powerful that God. They lead no one to Jesus.
If the birth of Jesus means nothing to you, that means His death on the cross for our sins means nothing to you. His first coming, His birth was essential to His propitiatory death on the cross for our sins and His glorious second coming. His birth was the grand fulfillment of prophecy and celebrated by the Holy Ghost, the angels of Heaven, Simeon, Ana the prophetess, wise men, and shepherds. Read Luke 2.
On the calendar of the righteous what day do we hand over to Satan? None. EVERY day is the right, the privilege to celebrate any and all things concerning Christ. No one is going to hell for celebrating Jesus 365 days a year, including on Dec 25. This is a NON-essential to which Romans 14 speaks. We are not to judge other Christians on non-essentials (Romans 14). Sounds like some have handed over Dec 25 to satan as if any day is his day.
Feel free to correct, steer, shed light on this direction, observation …..
What darkness did Jesus and His apostles expose by the light?
Seems Jesus and His holy apostles warned most of false doctrines in the church world, not paganism, which is not of the kingdom of Christ at all.
Paul warns of the false teachers within the church world who would draw away disciples after them (Acts 20:20-32). Jesus warned of the same – people posting as His representatives while being wolves (Matt 7:15; 24:11).
Establishing God’s people in Christ – to be ever more rooted and grounded in Him – seems like a prominent endeavor of Christ and His apostles (Col 2:3-10; Matt 7:19-29, etc.).
If you are going to insist upon exposing paganism, you may wish to do it 24/7/365 because it’s happening at all times, in every place in this fallen world.
Are we more busy cursing the darkness than we are shining the light of Christ straight into the darkness of this fallen world? What did Jesus say in Matthew 5:16?
Just exactly what darkness did Jesus and His apostles expose strategically, most prominently? It was those wolves within – not so much without the professing kingdom. The false leaders within the professing church world (Matthew 23; Acts 20:20-32; 1 Timothy 4:1-2; 2 Timothy 3:1-13; 4:1-5; 2 Peter 2:1-3; Revelation 2-3, etc.). Revelation 2 and 3 are Jesus’ letters to the CHURCHES, right?
“Go” do what?
Did Jesus ever command His people to “Go ye into all the world and protest paganism”? No. Did Jesus command us to “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature”? Yes (Mark 16:15). That’s the point, where is our energy being expended? What shall we answer to the LORD on Judgment Day? Surely we know He’s not going to say “well done my good and faithful servant for exposing paganism.” WHO are we planting the seed of the Word of God into? Isn’t that how we were born again? Yes (1 Peter 1:23).
It seems that we get lost in condemning the paganism of Christmas. This completely incapacitates us from doing what Jesus directly commanded us to do – “preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15) Should we not use every occasion, including the month of December, to redeem the time by ministering to others?
“Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15
PWT is the apostolic balance – Preach. Warn. Teach. Colossians 1:28.
WHEN did the announcement of the Savior’s birth cease to become “good tidings of great joy … to all people”?
“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” Luke 2:10
Jesus could never had died for us to bring us back to God if He had not first come to us, been born through a virgin in perfect fulfillment of the prophecies of the prophets of God (Isaiah 7:14; 9:6-7; Micah 5:2; Matthew 1:21-23, etc.).
“For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:” 1 Peter 3:18
God’s People Celebrate King Jesus 24/7/365, not 364 – including December 25th. They don’t celebrate paganism or “Christmas” – they celebrate Christ.
Is celebrating JESUS, not paganism, on December 25th, a sin? Chapters and verses please.
Beware of the false conflation which is commonly done by the self-righteous of our day. Examples ….
- You praise Jesus on December 25 and thank Him for coming the first time to die for your sins so you are a pagan because there’s a lot of paganism in Christmas. False.
- You voted for trump so that means you worship trump and do not trust God. False.
Hint: You are not a hero for identifying obvious paganism. But that will lead no one to Jesus. What did Jesus say in Matthew 5:13-16? Are you ministering His Gospel to the sinners you scorn?
Read Psalm 1 afresh: IS today the day we repent and get out of “the seat of the scornful”?
If the birth of Jesus means nothing to you, that means His death on the cross for our sins means nothing to you. His first coming, His birth was essential to His propitiatory death on the cross for our sins and His glorious second coming. His birth was the grand fulfillment of prophecy and celebrated by the Holy Ghost, the angels of Heaven, Simeon, Ana the prophetess, wise men, and shepherds. Read Luke 2 for a clue.
In this fallen world who declared that the birth of Jesus would be celebrated on December 25?
“Under Emperor Constantine, the Church in Rome began celebrating Christmas on Dec. 25 in 336. Some say the date was chosen to outshine the Sol Invictus and pagan celebrations.”
YET, some put more stake in Constantine, Rome, than they do the Bible. So who’s really owned by Rome? They are – because Rome dictates what they do and when they do it, not the Bible. Instead of going back to the Bible, Luke 2 for example, they live in reaction to Constantine, Rome…. in other words they are owned by these pagan entities. They give themselves to serve in reaction to them instead of serving the bless-ed Savior according to what the final divine authority of His Word states concerning the first coming, the birth of the only begotten Son of God (Luke 2).
Read Luke 2 before you continue in your error. The Bible reveals that the Holy Ghost, the heavenly host, the angels of God, Joseph and Mary, the wise men, Simeon, and “Ana, a prophetess,” all celebrated the first coming, the birth of Jesus – without which there would be no second coming, there would be no salvation. How could Jesus have died for our sins had He not first come to the earth, had He not be born into the world? Read Luke 2 before you consider continuing in your error. Imagine the excitement to see with their very eyes all the prophecies of the Messiah unfolding before their very eyes!
If you can’t deny, and you can’t, that all those above celebrated the long awaited birth of Jesus, then you may wish to consider your approach.
Pagan worship is sin, not celebrating Jesus’ and His first or second coming.
If Jesus hadn’t come the first time, we would not be looking for His soon return. The Bible calls His return “that blessed hope.”
“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;” Titus 2:13
SOME seem to preach more about, against paganism than they do preach the Word, the Gospel.
Did Jesus say “Go ye into all the world and preach against paganism”? OR “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature”? See Mark 16:15.
Hello everyone ….. Read Luke 2 … notice the host who celebrated Christ’s birth which included angels from Heaven, the Holy Ghost (GOD), the angels, the wise men, Ana, Simeon, etc. How could Jesus have come to died for us if He wasn’t born into the earth? Isn’t that why He came – to die? And if He didn’t come in fulfillment of prophecy, how could He have died for the sins of the world?
“I’ve noticed that many of the hardliners against Christmas have also fallen prey to the Hebrew Roots/Torah Keeping! They seem to go together much of the time!” Gloria Marshall Sykes | Beware of the Antichrist Judaizing Hebrew Roots Devils
THE VOICE OF HYPOCRISY SAYS “HOW DARE YOU GET SOMEBODY SAVED ON DECEMBER 25TH!!!!!!!” …
“How dare you help someone on the sabbath, on December 25th!!!”
…. when these same pharisees lead no one to Jesus, any day of the year. They can’t lead someone else to Jesus where they themselves are not willing to go.
Healing of a Man on the Sabbath
“He (Jesus) constantly defied the traditions of the scribes and Pharisees. And He did not do so by accident but with great deliberation”. Pagan Christianity
“And it came to pass, as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, that they watched him. 2 And, behold, there was a certain man before him which had the dropsy. 3 And Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day? 4 And they held their peace. And he took him, and healed him, and let him go; 5 And answered them, saying, Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the sabbath day? 6 And they could not answer him again to these things.” Luke 14:1-6
Divine Love Never Ceases its Activities!
“Luke 14:1-6
Healing of a Man with Dropsy (14:1-6)
14:1-3 One Sabbath day, a ruler of the Pharisees invited the Lord to his house for a meal. It was not a sincere gesture of hospitality, but rather an attempt on the part of the religious leaders to find fault with the Son of God. Jesus saw a certain man there who was afflicted with dropsy, that is, swelling caused by the accumulation of water in the tissues. The Savior read the minds of His critics by asking them pointedly whether it was lawful to heal on the Sabbath.
14:4-6 Much as they would like to have said that it was not, they could not support their answer, and so they kept silent. Jesus therefore healed the man and let him go. To Him it was a work of mercy, and divine love never ceases its activities, even on the Sabbath (Jhn_5:17). Then turning to the Jews, He reminded them that if one of their animals fell into a pit, they would certainly pull him out on the Sabbath day. It was in their own interests to do so. The animal was worth money to them. In the case of a suffering fellow man, they didn’t care, and they would have condemned the Lord Jesus for helping him. Although they could not answer the reasoning of the Savior, we can be sure that they were all the more incensed at Him.” Believer’s Bible Commentary
Did Jesus tell us He ceases His mission of mercy to the lost, to His people who are in need, on December 25? Chapters and verses please.
Note: God will not use us to witness and win others to Him if we are too busying judging, condemning them.
“For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. … 27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” James 1:20, 27
“SINNING” ON DECEMBER 24TH????
“So last night we went to the home and took our Jesus tracts. And sang songs about Jesus! Some would say we were sinning. Not one of them had any family visiting. Those residents lit up with the songs about Jesus! What an absolute delight it was to share the gospel and to worship the Lord with these people. They were clapping and Ted even danced! What a joyous time we had in the Lord. It was a worship of our Lord and Saviour!” Tom and Karen Cochran |
“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” James 1:27
Some seem to seek to be known by what they are against. Yet, what are they for? WHO are they leading to Jesus? No one.
“Get out of yourself today and go help someone else! Bring the message of the cross to someone who is hopeless. Stop worrying about if it is a sin to celebrate Christmas! It’s never a sin to celebrate Jesus and bring His message to the world is a command! Matthew 28:18-20” Tom and Karen Cochran
The Condemnation of the Christmas Bashers
EVEN though some are erroneously claiming others are going to hell for celebrating JESUS on a certain day….
I never said you are going to hell for bashing the paganism in Christmas. What are we choosing to focus on? Since when is Dec 25 the day we take off, we stop shining Christ’s light into this dark world?
This seems to be a matter of maturity in Christ or lack thereof. Read Romans 14.
Wow, think with me for a moment. Let’s peer into eternity past, based on what we know from God’s Word: Just think, imagine with me of where we’d be – you and I, the worst, vilest sinners ever – IF Jesus had looked down from Heaven and acted like many condemners act today….. Just what if Jesus had said “Father, there’s nothing but paganism, sin, going on in the midst of fallen men, in the earth…. so NO Father I am staying here, I am not going into the middle of that darkness to die for any of those pagan sinners.” Wow.
Aren’t you glad God our loving heavenly the Father “so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17) ????
Are we more busy cursing the darkness than we are shining the light of Christ straight into the darkness of this fallen world? What did Jesus say in Matthew 5:16?
“Just imagine if Jesus had said ‘no I am not going among those pagan people!’ That really nailed it! How can anyone get saved if we are afraid of anything pagan! The whole world is pagan! So we avoid the lost too?” Karen Cochran
As He personally came into this dark pagan world, the light of the world Himself, Jesus commands His own to personally never be guilty of covering His light in us, never lampshade His glorious light (Matthew 5:13-16) …. No, instead, SHINE HIS LIGHT into the darkness of this world. This is a divine command:
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
***IS this the year that we finally choose to get a more godly, biblical, mature, winsome, balanced, Christ-like perspective?
Did God so LOVE or did He so HATE the world that He gave His only begotten Son? Which of these – love or hatred – characterizes your perspective?
Is today the day we repent afresh and get, be busy about our Father’s business – which was obviously not condemnation because the whole world was and is already condemned in their sin (John 3:16-18). HE gave us Himself as the Solution.
Oh, and by the way, I personally do nothing – zilch – to celebrate “Christmas”, nothing. So bear that in mind as you read this.
“Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and FOR THIS CAUSE CAME I INTO THE WORLD, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.” John 18:37
Jesus came to die. Jesus could not have died for the sins of this fallen world unless He was first born into this world.
“Thank you for posting this. Excellent biblical explanation. Last year was the first I had heard it was a sin to celebrate Christmas because according to them Jesus wasn’t born on Dec. 25th. And there was so much shaming going on! Just as they did telling people they were in sin because they voted. And I believe the same ones who say in God’s economy you are never to divorce. Somehow they have put themselves above everyone else! Hypocrites.” Karen Cochran | The sin of self-righteousness will damn the soul (Matthew 21:31).
Are We Minding Our Own Business?
Jesus says the self-righteous lost souls “have omitted the weightier matters of the law.” That is, they overemphasize the minors and underemphasize the majors. In other words they condemn others for what THEY not God consider a sin – such as worshipping Jesus 365 days per year including December 25. The fact that Jesus uses the phrase “the WEIGHTIER matters of the law (Word)” makes it clear that some things are more important than others in His divine kingdom. Jesus even cites to us, to all, things that are of higher importance in His kingdom – “judgment, mercy, and faith:” (Matthew 23:23)
“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and HAVE OMITTED THE WEIGHTIER MATTERS OF THE LAW, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. 24 Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. 25 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.” Matthew 23:23-25
The pharisees were experts at condemning others. It’s scary how much this severe warning applies to many of the self-righteous in our midst today:
“For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:20
“5:20 To gain entrance into the kingdom, our righteousness must surpass the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees (who were content with religious ceremonies which gave them an outward, ritual cleansing, but which never changed their hearts). Jesus uses hyperbole (exaggeration) to drive home the truth that external righteousness without internal reality will not gain entrance into the kingdom. The only righteousness that God will accept is the perfection that He imputes to those who accept His Son as Savior (2Co_5:21). Of course, where there is true faith in Christ, there will also be the practical righteousness that Jesus describes in the remainder of the Sermon.” Believer’s Bible Commentary
“Except your righteousness shall exceed – περισσευση, Unless your righteousness abound more – unless it take in, not only the letter, but the spirit and design of the moral and ritual precept; the one directing you how to walk so as to please God; the other pointing out Christ, the great Atonement, through and by which a sinner is enabled to do so – more than that of the scribes and Pharisees, who only attend to the letter of the law, and had indeed made even that of no effect by their traditions – ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. This fully explains the meaning of the preceding verse. The old English word is right-wiseness, i.e. complete, thorough, excellent Wisdom. For a full explanation of this verse, see Luk_18:10, etc.” Adam Clarke
EVERY true disciple of Jesus knows that if God could find and save the WORST sinner ever – themselves – He can find and save anyone!!!! Repent now of all self-righteousness. You are as sure for hell as if you were already there if you are self-righteous (Matthew 21:31, etc.).
The angels and wise men celebrated the coming of Christ. Since when would it be inappropriate to celebrate Heaven’s KING? Just WHAT, second, minute, or year would it be God’s will not to celebrate the bless-ed LORD and Savior who came into this world, was born of a virgin to die for our sins? Is is okay with you if God’s people celebrate JESUS – every aspect of Him, His life – every days except December 25th? WHERE does the Bible say that if one of God’s people celebrate Christ on December 25th, they are going to hell?
Why shouldn’t God’s people insert His truth into everything, at all times? – EVERY day of the year, including December 25! Isn’t that what Jesus meant when He said we are His light and salt in the earth? (Matthew 5:13-16) God is good and God is able! Ask Him to use you during this period of the year!
The prophet Isaiah foretold Jesus the Messiah’s birth! There could be no bigger news except “It is finished.” (John 19:30) Christ could never have died for us, accomplishing redemption, had He not come to the earth. In fact, over 300 prophecies of Christ were given in the Old Testament and several dealt with His first coming, exactly where He would be born (Micah 5:2), that He’d be born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14), that He’d be divine – “God with us” (Matthew 1:23; Isaiah 9:6-7), etc. Did Christ not split time in half when He was born? Oh and what about the joy in Elizabeth, John the Baptist and a whole host of others in the early chapters of Matthew and Luke concerning the birth of the Messiah?
Are you born again? – Making Peace with God – Before it’s too late.
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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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Apostasy
8 Classes of Sinners Guaranteed to Spend Eternity in the Lake of Fire [podcast]
8 Classes of Sinners Guaranteed to Spend Eternity in Hell
“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” Revelation 21:8
“The second death”
[which is the second death] The second death is the lake of fire, or the second separation from God in hell (Rev_2:11; Rev_20:14; Rev_21:8).
Of Revelation 21:8, Adam Clarke writes the following:
Revelation 21:8
But the fearful – Δειλοις· Those who, for fear of losing life or their property, either refused to receive the Christian religion, though convinced of its truth and importance; or, having received it, in times of persecution fell away, not being willing to risk their lives.
And unbelieving – Those who resist against full evidence. And sinners, και ἁμαρτωλοις, is added here by about thirty excellent MSS., and is found in the Syrian, Arabic, some of the Slavonic, and in Andreas and Arethas. On this evidence Griesbach has admitted it into the text.
The abominable – Εβδελυγμενοις· Those who are polluted with unnatural lust. (sodomites, lesbians Romans 1)
And murderers – Φονευσι· Those who take away the life of man for any cause but the murder of another, and those who hate a brother in their heart (.
And whoremongers – Πορνοις· Adulterers, fornicators, whores, prostitutes, and rakes of every description.
Sorcerers – Φαρμακοις· Persons who, by drugs, philtres, fumigations, etc., pretend to produce supernatural effects, chiefly by spiritual agency.
Idolaters – Ειδωλολατραις· Those who offer any kind of worship or religious reverence to any thing but God. All image worshippers are idolaters in every sense of the word.
And all liars – Και πασι τοις ψευδεσι· Every one who speaks contrary to the truth when he knows the truth, and even he who speaks the truth with the intention to deceive; i.e., to persuade a person that a thing is different from what it really is, by telling only a part of the truth, or suppressing some circumstance which would have led the hearer to a different end to the true conclusion. All these shall have their portion, το μερος, their share, what belongs to them, their right, in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone. This is the second death, from which there is no recovery.
“21:8 But not all are overcomers. Some are cowardly, afraid to confess Christ; unbelieving, unwilling to trust the sinner’s Savior; sinners, all those who remain in their sins, whether guilty of the gross iniquities listed here or not; abominable, given over to disgusting immorality; murderers, malicious and savage killers; sexually immoral, practicing fornication and other forms of sexual sins; sorcerers, those who traffic with evil spirits; idolaters, insulting God by worshiping images; and all liars, compulsive deceivers. These will be assigned to the lake of fire as their final destiny.” Believer’s Bible Commentary
“And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. … 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:10, 14-15
One source notes the following:
“Brimstone and fire” refers to the fiery imagery of divine judgment and eternal punishment found in the Bible. It symbolizes God’s wrath, often describing the fate of sinners in hell, and is a phrase used in religious sermons and literature. “Brimstone,” an old word for sulfur, is a key component of this imagery, evoking a smell and heat associated with inescapable, fiery destruction.
Biblical origins
Old Testament:
The phrase originates in the King James translation of the Old Testament, used to describe God’s destruction of enemies. A key example is the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.
New Testament:
The imagery is used to describe eternal damnation, a common theme in both the Old and New Testaments. In the book of Revelation, for example, it describes those who worship the beast being tormented in a lake of fire and brimstone.
Etymology:
The phrase is a calque of the Biblical Hebrew and Ancient Greek words for “sulfur and fire”.
Geological evidence:
Archaeological and geological evidence of sulfur deposits and charred formations in areas like the Dead Sea region have been noted as consistent with biblical descriptions of fire and sulfur-related events.”
“But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 8:12
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Articles
The Purpose of Elders in Christ’s Body [podcast]
There is no more important work transpiring in the earth today than the work of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Matthew 9:35-38; 28:18-20; Ephesians 4:11-15; 1 Peter 5:1-6, etc.).
“Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21
In short, the authentic under-shepherd ordained of Jesus Himself (John 15:16), will give up his life in this fleeting world for the sheep of Christ – just as the Great Shepherd of the sheep did on the cross. Such a divinely called-out man, will teach only God’s pure Word and watch for the souls of the LORD’s people (Hebrews 13:7, 17). He will take up the cross – live the crucified life – and therefore ministry will not be about them but rather about Jesus and His beloved sheep for whom He shed His blood and is soon returning (Philippians 3:17-21).
Also in Hebrews 13 …. The true elder of Christ will, according to Hebrews 13, do two things:
- Speak the pure Word of God to you and get you into it:
“Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation (their way of life).” Hebrews 13:7
2. Will in the fear of God pray for and “watch for your soul.”
“Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” Hebrews 13:17
In review, just WHAT are the earmark fruits of true under-shepherds as opposed to the many wolves among us?
- True under shepherds relentlessly teach God’s Word – “who have spoken unto you the word of God.” (Hebrews 13:7)
- They are there for you! – “they watch for your souls.” (Hebrews 13:7)
IF they aren’t preaching God’s pure Word to you, fearing God, not you…. and watching for your eternal soul, they are wolves in sheep’s clothing. Repent and run to Jesus beloved.
Let me add that if they are using a fake “bible” instead of the King James Bible, that should be a clue to the darkness they walk in (Matthew 7:16, 20).
Elders are ordained of God and yet never to take His place nor to negate our own personal responsibility to seek God daily for ourselves. Yet, we do not need a preacher. Why? – because we each have a Bible. Read it. We don’t need a preacher to tell us what the Bible says! Read it for yourself, learning of the LORD yourself. Today is your day to take personal responsibility to seek God for yourself! Stop depending on a preacher or preachers. Devour God’s Word daily. Jesus taught personal responsibility and the essential nature of it when He said “Take heed to yourselves” (Luke 21:34-36) …… Paul instructed Timothy to “Study” the Word (2 Timothy 2:15).
Today we have all around us church-goers who are not possessed with a heart after God, do not diligently study and read and live out Christ’s Word. This lukewarm, world-loving fruit clearly reveals the prophesied priesthood of wolves (1 Chronicles 16:11; Psalms 27:4, 8; Matthew 24:11; Acts 13:22; 2 Timothy 3:13; 1 John 4:1, etc.). Until a pastor has provoke you to get into God’s Word for yourself, to seeking His holy face daily in prayer, he has failed. If has has diligently, biblically sought to do these essentials, and people have refused God’s Word, refused to seek His holy face continually, the blood is off of his hands (Ezekiel 3:18-20).
“When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. 19 Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. 20 Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand.” Ezekiel 3:18-20
When you check the fruit of a fellowship, check, discern if the individual saints are vibrant in Christ, diligently seeking His holy face, in His Word, living a life of prayer, denying self, taking up the cross daily, and following Jesus. This sounds like what we see of the earliest saints in the book of Acts, right? Boom. Remember how Peter preached and 8,000 were saved and how the Berean believers put Paul’s teaching to the Scriptural test? (Acts 2-4; 17:10-11, etc.).
Sadly, usually you see a bunch of people who are proud to be a member of a church with none of the biblical fruit list above.
The apostle Paul kept a close watch on those he oversaw.
“For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.” 1 Thessalonians 3:5
Having a physical “church” building makes no mere man, no supposed elder, an official representative of Heaven. Feeding the sheep of Christ with His pure Word and equipping them “for the work of the ministry” is the mark of a true under-shepherd of Christ (John 21:15-17; Ephesians 4:11-12, etc.). Discern. Beware. Inspect the fruit. Jesus nor any of His holy apostles collected a penny to build a building called “church.” No, they went to the people – to serve them instead of having the people come to them.
Let’s test that…. How many people do you personally know who are good church members, Sunday morning church attenders, and ALSO true, daily disciples whom God is using everywhere they go? Think about that…. How many true disciples of Jesus do you know who are involved in a Sunday morning church program? If you personally know even one true disciple, that’s a miracle and in spite of his attendance at the Sunday morning circus called “church.”
Unlike Christ’s apostle Paul, most in leadership today foster in their prey a dependence on THEM and their church business instead of prayerfully, biblically exhorting people to depend on Jesus (1 Corinthians 1:29-2:5).
Like Christ’s apostle Paul, the true elder labors relentlessly to see you grounded in Christ – not in him or his ministry or church, but in CHRIST! Listen closely:
“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.” Colossians 2:6-7
It simply doesn’t matter what else he’s doing, if any minister is not prayerfully, biblically, perpetually rooting and grounding you in Christ, he’s a fraud. Run.
Like Jesus and His holy apostle Paul, part of grounding you ever more deeper in Christ, is warning you to “beware” of the “many false prophets.” (Matthew 24:11)
“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:” Colossians 2:8-10
SO, he’s not exhorting and admonishing you to seek and know the LORD in an ever deepening fashion? He’s not equipping, maturing you “for the work of the ministry” and yet you still consider him one of the LORD’s under-shepherds? He’s not getting YOU into the Word (2 Timothy 2:15) for yourself? That’s a false leader who is entertaining the goats instead of feeding and equipping the saints! Run! (See Ephesians 4:11-15; 1 Peter 5:1-6, etc.)
False leaders divert the attention, the heart affections, the resources, and the energy of God’s people away from Christ and simple obedience to His Great Commission mandate. YOU are personally responsible! Waste is rampant! If you support, “bid God speed” (2 John 7-11) to a false leader, false ministry, then you will perish with them!
The divine purpose for elders is not to dominate nor entertain the LORD’s sheep but rather to help their joy in Christ! Get to know this verse saints:
“Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.” 2 Corinthians 1:24
There is the citing of elders in the Word and their divine purpose – to humbly serve God by helping His sheep grow in the knowledge and grace of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-15; 1 Peter 5:1-6).
Christ’s apostle Paul desired the “perfection” (maturity in Christ) of the people of God (Ephesians 4:11-15).
“For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.” 2 Corinthians 13:9
Like Apollos, Elders among God’s people must remain teachable to God’s Word and simply and only teach and preach his word (Proverbs 9:9; Acts 18:26). Elders true to the LORD act on his behalf and never out of a personal agenda for self gain (2 Corinthians 3:5; 4:5, etc.). They live the crucified life (Galatians 2:20).
We are to humble ourselves like Apollos did and learn the way of our God more perfectly from each other, via God’s Word – as Apollos learned it more fully from Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:24-28).
Beloved Apollos was a very effective, anointed communicator of God’s Word and yet, was in need of maturing, of being perfected. So, God sent to him an elder and his wife, Aquila and Priscilla. Apollos humbly received the LORD’s elders and His grace to grow in Christ:
“And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. 25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. 26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.” Acts 18:24-26
The vast majority of “churches” that meet in “church buildings” are simply and merely conducting “church services” where they entertain their prey. They are not equipping the saints for the work of the ministry and therefore discerned as being counterfeit (Ephesians 4:11-13). If they were, there would be salty disciples in their midst who go forth to minister Christ’s kingdom blessings wherever they go. Not even a trace of this transpiring in the apostate modern church world. Run. Run. Run.
The Purpose of Kingdom Elders:
“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting (equipping, maturing) of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:” Ephesians 4:11-12
Philip Lye writes: “Paul says in Ephesians 4, that he gave some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. He expressly says these people are given to mature the saints, to equip them for their ministry and growth in Jesus Christ. Jesus tells us in Matthew 24 that many false prophets and messiahs will arise deceiving many. They are simply functions that God has given and not titles which the proud use to strut about like a peacock. Most of these people that I have met (and I have seen a lot of famous ones) are false, proud and arrogant and not servants of the the Lord Jesus Christ. I have seen humble genuine ones who move mightily in truth, calling people to repentance and right relationship with Jesus and a demonstration of genuine miracles and wonders. They are to be genuine servants to God’s people.”
VIEW this following verse from Solomon’s day in light of our calling and work till Christ returns:
“Now all the work of Solomon was prepared unto the day of the foundation of the house of the LORD, and until it was finished. So the house of the LORD was perfected.” 2 Chronicles 8:16
Let’s read a larger portion of this important passage in Ephesians 4. God fearing under-shepherds must prayerfully labor for and be intent upon seeing God’s people grow in the grace of Christ to the full stature of maturity He has ordained!
“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:” Ephesians 4:11-15
The Error of Using Titles in the Modern Church World
God sovereignly and exclusively ordained MEN to feed, lead, and equip His saints (Ephesians 4:8-11). Women are called to and seen doing many ministry functions in the New Testament but never as a leader in a position specifically designated in Scripture for men.
Repent. The American “church” is a catastrophe of spineless moral-coward Ahabs who’ve allowed, suffered women to lead, and the fall out is incalculable (Revelation 2:20-24).
GOD’s men must never allow women to lead where they (men) are called to lead (1 Timothy 2:12; 3:2; Revelation 2:20-24).
To put yourself under the ministry of a woman who is acting as an elder among God’s people, is to defy Christ, and to agree with Christ’s arch enemy and his Jezebels and to bring severe destruction on the people of God (1 Timothy 2:12; 3:2; Revelation 2:20-24).
JUST because a woman can run her mouth and even genuinely have a gift of the Spirit DOES NOT mean she’s an elder in the body of Christ – which is divinely reserved non-negotiably for men, male elders (1 Timothy 2:11-12; 3:2). | Beware of Scripture-Twisting Jezebels
We must humbly confess before our LORD and God that we have nothing and are nothing without Him!
“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5
God can use us in spite of having a seminary or Bible college background…. If we will truly denounce it, lay it all down, and truly submit to Him – just like Paul did (Philippians 3). Otherwise we will join the epidemic of false prophets who build their own kingdoms in this fleeting life and spend eternity in hell (2 Peter 2:1-3). Paul counted his “higher education” as “dung” to know and serve Christ (Philippians 3).
BIBLICALLY SPEAKING, BY DEFINITION, ELDERS ARE NOT SEMINARIANS (UNLESS THEY’VE DENOUNCED SUCH) BUT RATHER PROVEN MEN OF GOD WHO HAVE WALKED WITH CHRIST FOR SOME TIME AND ARE SEASONED IN DOCTRINE AND GODLY CHARACTER AND ABLE TO HELP ASSIST OTHER BELIEVERS GROW IN GRACE (Philippians 3).
In part, we can be transformed in our thinking/perspective of what leaders are seen to be in the apostate modern church vs the biblical definition of an elder which is a humble servant with sound doctrine and a godly life (1 Timothy 3; 2 Timothy 3:10; Titus 1-2, etc.).
Christ’s kingdom ordination is not like the ordinations of many denominations….. To ordain seems to mean to recognize the work of GOD in a man’s life and to set him forth into ministry as by the leading of the Spirit of God.
“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” John 15:16
ORDAIN
G5087
τίθημι
tithēmi
tith’-ay-mee
A prolonged form of a primary word θέω theō (which is used only as an alternate in certain tenses); to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from G2476, which properly denotes an upright and active position, while G2749 is properly reflexive and utterly prostrate): – + advise, appoint, bow, commit, conceive, give, X kneel down, lay (aside, down, up), make, ordain, purpose, put, set (forth), settle, sink down.
Total KJV occurrences: 96
“Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.” Acts 13:1-3
Denominations of mere men set their elders forth to do THEIR bidding, to perpetuate their own cause and existence, to build their false church businesse$. God fearing assemblies of the saints simply recognize Christ’s work in a man and prayerfully send him forth to do GOD’s work. They worship and exalt Christ whole heartedly!
MINISTRY is about feeding sheep, not entertaining goats (John 21:15-17). So, when you see a “minister” entertaining, you know he himself is a goat (1 Corinthians 1:29-2:5).
What True Elders Teach
“For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.” 2 Corinthians 4:5
THERE is nothing good in us except Christ. We are not featured but JESUS is. “We preach CHRIST crucified” (1 Cor 1:23). All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags and HE is the One and only righteous Redeemer whom we communicate to others (1 Cor 9:16; Rom 7:18 etc.).
Jesus’ true disciples are crucified vessels who preach with His authority, unlike the lame leaders we have today (Matthew 7:28-29). True Gospel preaching rocks the world of those who hear it – it never coddles people in their sin. That’s the work of wolves! Beware!
Godly Elders Teach God’s People to Discern
“And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.” Ezekiel 44:23
Why don’t some leaders teach discernment?
“Anyone that profits off of you being blind, will never teach you or inspire you to see.” unknown
Any man in leadership who doesn’t warn you of false prophets as did Christ and His apostles, is a wolf who does not want you to see who he truly is.
God’s people are to continue to learn to discern – to test, to weigh all things against Holy Scripture. Ungodly elders have the “I said it so it’s true” notion. Or the “We’ve always taught that” or “That’s what we believe” philosophy. Not. What saith the Scriptures is what every true follower of Jesus asks, as he searches God’s Word to ascertain truth. Every student of Christ should become extremely familiar with Acts 17:10-11.
QUESTION RECEIVED:
“I am curious as to how one man is considered the other’s elder? Do they attend the same church gathering thus, he is a church elder or is it through willful submission of the younger as an understudy or simply due to the fact that one man is older?”
REPLY:
Great question brother. Elder, biblically seems to mean older and more seasoned in God’s Word, having walked with the LORD longer. Two views come to mind: 1. The organic body of Christ, the kingdom relationships we have, where there appear men in our lives who are seasoned and there’s an automatic elder/young relationship (that’s how it is here)… and 2. Where a person attends a church group and they have their elder in a more organized fashion as you mentioned…. that help?
Nothing brings definition to this like God’s Word as you know…. and notice how it begins with “The elders which are AMONG you”….
“The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. 5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:” 1 Peter 5:1-6
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