“Give us a King.” 1 Samuel 8:6
As it was at the tower of Babel where fallen mankind sought to have their own way, do their own thing without God, independent of their Maker, so it is today (Genesis 11). Nimrod, an antichrist, ruled over them.
Then when there was no king, anarchy reigned.
“In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” Judges 17:6
Yet when the people wanted anarchy gone, instead of seeking the LORD, they raised up mere sinful men and yet, mankind is fallen. The final example of this will occur when the antichrist promises “Peace and safety” only to be met with “sudden destruction.”
“For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.” 1 Thessalonians 5:3
Seems like the ultimate and final example of people demanding an earthly king in place of God will come forth with the coming antichrist.
The LORD’s Own People Reject His Headship
The Israelites were led by God out of Egypt which represents salvation (1 Corinthians 10). They were supposed to be led directly by the LORD Himself from that point forward. Yet, in their rebellion, they cried out “Give us a king” – a human king or leader (1 Samuel 8:6).
Is this relevant to New Testament saints today? Definitely. Most today are doing exactly what Israel did when they cried “Give us an earthly king.” The majority today who claim to be Christians are serving the god of self and therefore would rather cling to some pope, self-proclaimed prophet, or pastor instead of Heaven’s KING of all kings.
“The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” Psalms 9:17
Jesus told us that each and ever enemy of the LORD, those who refuse to make Him their KING, shall be slain down into eternal damnation.
“But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.” Luke 19:27
Jesus says that “NO man can serve two masters” and so any person who doesn’t have Christ as the KING, the LORD, the Master of their life, is against Christ, is the enemy of Christ! (Matthew 6:24)
“He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.” Matthew 12:30
Jesus is the “Head” of His body. This means that anyone not presently under His divine, matchless Headship, is not part of His glory-bound body. Those not worshipping Jesus Christ “in spirit and in truth” today have rejected Him as “Head” of their lives and are not going to be with Him – unless they repent.
“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 2:18-19
Every backslider has something in common – their rejection of Christ as “Head” and “first love” of their personal life (Revelation 2:4-5). Just as Israel did, after being saved, they then rejected the headship of the LORD and went back to trust in the flesh, today many do the same.
In contrast, the remnant saint seeks, loves, worships, gladly obeys, relishes, delights in and celebrates Heaven’s glorious and soon coming KING!
“How shall we escape (judgment), if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; 4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?” Hebrews 2:3-4
God’s people saw His mighty works, His plagues upon their enemy, His power and miracles and yet still turned away from Him. Read Hebrews 2-4.
We have the same thing today. People get saved and then they want to just go to a so-called church building on Sunday mornings and listen to a mere man – instead of following Jesus first and foremost in their own personal, daily life – which God requires (Luke 9:23-24).
The critical lesson for us to learn is that wolves step right in on the wings of this evil desire to put away the LORD and exchange Him for a mere human leader (2 Timothy 4:3).
God gave us not only a king but rather the KING of all kings! Why look ye elsewhere friend? Know Him. Seek Him.
Hebrews 11 is where we see divinely authenticated “heroes” of the faith but JESUS is the ultimate preeminent HERO – Col. 2:18-19. Today there are lots of men and women paraded as so-called “heroes” of the faith. Yet those subjectively esteemed today as heroes of the faith do not have the divinely authenticated honor of being heralded by God Himself as godly saints. So, we should ask ourselves if we are learning HIS Word and learning from people in the BIBLE… There’s a whole lot there – between Genesis and Revelation.
The LORD gave us His “will” when He said:
“Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:4
Two things are stated here as God’s “will”: The LORD desires and determines to 1. save, and then 2. bring those He saves to “the knowledge of the truth” which requires the individual participation and ongoing choice of the saved person (John 15:3; 17:17).
“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-32
A sort of vacuum exists when a person gets saved. The question is, WHO is going to fill that vacuum? See Matthew 12:43-45.
Jesus and His holy apostles taught that those who are saved must “endure to the end” to be saved into eternal glory (Matthew 10:22; 24:13, etc.).
“Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.” Hosea 6:3
Any person peddling the eternal security/once saved always saved heresy, is a false teacher. | Eternal Security Exposed as a Doctrine of Devils
Most today who claim to be saved, do not seek the LORD for themselves. No, instead, they depend upon a man or men to tell them what God says. Because of this, they are biblically ignorant instead of biblically intelligent, and have no clue that they are being misled. They don’t know God’s Word for themselves and therefore have no idea how much their local pastor or favorite preacher personality is leaving out of the original Gospel message. Sad but truth. They are not “valiant for the truth,” they don’t love the LORD and His truth enough to study and know what He said (2 Timothy 2:15). They therefore shall be deceived and turned over to “strong delusion” and ultimately be “damned.” See 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12.
Are you seeking the LORD Jesus for yourself dear friend?
Memory verse:
“Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11
Is Christ the very “first love” of your life? See Revelation 2:4-5.
“Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” Exodus 20:3
“For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:” Exodus 34:14
Sadly, most ministries and ministers today are set on branding themselves and not Christ! Paul says:
“For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.”2 Corinthians 4:5
They want you listening to them because they need return customers to continue to keep the circus wheels rolling. Just as the Holy Spirit foretold, false leaders are exploiting the people – “through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you” (2 Peter 2:1-3).
The true disciple, though they be few, cries out daily as did the Greeks – “We would see JESUS”! See John 12:21. They seek no king but Jesus! They seek no mere men because they are too busy seated at the feet of their Master – KING Jesus!
The righteous cry: LORD Jesus, be my KING, my only KING. I love You dear LORD!
The vital lesson for us to learn is that wolves step right in on the wings of this evil desire to put away the LORD and exchange Him for a mere human leader (2 Timothy 4:3). Ear-tickling charlatans now occupy the vacuum created as Jesus is rejected as the supreme “Head” of His body (Colossians 2:18-19).
In the days of the kings, when God’s people rejected His leadership and sought a mere human leader, they were led into great trouble. We see the same transpiring today as we see church goers who swear they know the LORD and yet are in reality submitted to men and not God. The lack of kingdom fruit in their daily lives makes this clear. Their energies and supplies are wasted on helping build the kingdoms of mere men, and not Christ’s eternal kingdom!
Father, I here and now repent before Your Majesty for not seeking You for myself and for elevating men to the place of leadership, Kingship and reign, reserved only for Thee. Father, in Jesus’ Name, please forgive my sin of idolatry. I now ask You alone to reign in my heart and life. Amen.
“Woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened.” Zechariah 11:17
The “idol shepherd” is the man who sets himself up as king over the people in place of Christ. This is “the spirit of antichrist” working (2 Thessalonians 2; 1 John 2:18; 4:3). This is all empowered by people who want to follow a visible mere man instead of seeking “the invisible God” (2 Timothy 4:2-4).
“Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:” Colossians 1:15
“Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:17
“By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.” Hebrews 11:27
God is “invisible” to the human eye and yet visible only to the eye of faith and “must” be worshipped “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-24). Faith is a non-negotiable must, an essential.
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6
Many today, who have been saved sometime in the past, have fallen away from the LORD in their hearts, which is exactly where His holy eyes are (1 Samuel 16:7; Proverbs 15:3; Hebrews 4:13). He sees that they are “fallen from grace,” backslidden – fallen away and in deep trouble and danger of hell fire (Galatians 5:4; Hebrews 2:1-3; 3:6, 12-14; 10:26-39).
“The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.” Proverbs 14:14
IT IS FUTILITY TO LOOK UNDULY TO MEN, EVEN SAVED MEN. YET, THOSE WHO DO NOT TRULY AND PERSONALLY SEEK AFTER THE LORD “IN SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH,” INEVITABLY REVERT TO LOOKING TO MERE SINFUL MEN WHO ARE AUTHORS, PREACHERS, TV EVANGELISTS, AND PASTORS THAT ARE APOSTATE IN THIS LAST HOUR (JOHN 4:23-24). THE LORD NEVER INTENDED FOR MEN TO VICARIOUSLY EXPERIENCE HIM AND HE DOESN’T ALLOW SUCH. NOT EVEN BETWEEN FATHERS AND SONS (EZEKIEL 18:20). IN THE ALL-WISE DIVINE ECONOMY, A MAN EITHER GOES DIRECTLY TO THE FATHER IN AND THROUGH JESUS CHRIST, OR THERE IS NO RELATIONSHIP (JOHN 10:9; 14:6; 1 TIMOTHY 2:5, ETC.).
The Sin and Curse of Idolatry
The Israelites, having been saved out of Egypt (the world) turned back to walking in the flesh and not walking in the Spirit by faith (Galatians 3:3). The calamities they brought upon themselves are incalculable! The same is true for those today whom after being saved by Christ, by grace through faith, turn back to living in the flesh, to trusting mere men. Read Hebrews 10.
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.” Proverbs 3:5-7
The best of men are wholly frail sinners. Remember, ALL men, EVERY mere man, even in “his best state is altogether vanity.”
“LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am. 5 Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.” Psalms 39:4-5
IF JESUS IS NOT YOUR ONLY HERO, YOU ARE A CHRIST-DENYING IDOLATER, AND ALL “IDOLATERS” ARE GOING TO THE LAKE OF FIRE (REVELATION 21:8). GOD IS NOT GOING TO CHANGE. HE WILL NOT OVERLOOK THIS CORE SIN. HELL AND THE LAKE OF FIRE ARE CERTAIN FOR ALL WHO HAVE A MERE “FORM OF GODLINESS” AND YET DENY CHRIST’S REIGN IN THEIR PERSONAL LIFE DUE TO SELF-IDOLATRY (WHICH IS THE ROOT OF ALL IDOLATRY AND SIN).
“Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?” Isaiah 2:22
IF you are surprised that a mere man (leader) has slipped or fallen, you don’t yet have a mature understanding of man who “at his best state is altogether vanity” (Psalms 39:4-5). Didn’t even the great apostle of Jesus tell us all that “no good thing” dwelt in him, that is, in his flesh? (See Romans 7:18, 24.) The Bible tells us that Jesus “did not commit himself unto … men, for he knew what was in man” (John 2:24-25). What is it that our LORD knew about men that we should begin to understand?
Pour prayerfully over John 2:24-25 and 1 Corinthians 4:6.
Like the Israelites, you may be saying in your heart “Give me a king” – “Give me someone tangible in the flesh to look to!” (See 1 Samuel 8:6.) In essence, this is saying “Give me an idol to worship because I don’t want to live by faith, worshiping God in spirit and in truth!” (John 4:23-24.) But friend, we don’t come to God on OUR terms but rather HIS. – “They that worship the Father MUST worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-24).
MANY TODAY WHOM THE LORD HAS SAVED ARE NOW DEMANDING AN EARTHLY REPRESENTATIVE, SOMEONE TANGIBLE THAT THEY CAN TOUCH, AND HEAR AUDIBLY, ETC. BUT THIS CIRCUMVENTS WHAT GOD REQUIRES – FAITH IN HIM WHICH MUST BE PURE FAITH. THIS IS UNMITIGATED REBELLION AND IDOLATRY, A DAMNING SIN.
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6
God has given regenerate men His Spirit and the ability to know Him and to worship Him “in spirit and in truth.” No other mere man can be in this equation or all is lost. Idolatry is wickedness and rebellion – “Thou shalt have NO other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3). God is “Holy, holy, holy” and will not coexist with any rebel who insists upon having any idol (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8).
“For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.” Psalms 96:5
“For thou, LORD, art high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods.” Psalms 97:9
Vicariously experiencing God through another person is a farce. It is not possible. The sin of idolatry will be damning (Revelation 21:8). You must repent, return to Him, and place all your faith and trust in the only nail-scarred, risen Savior and LORD Jesus Christ.
“Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.” Isaiah 45:22
Instead of looking to any mere man, woman, or ministry, the Heaven bound child of God looks only to the King of all kings – the LORD of all lords. That disciple alone will be with Christ eternally. All others claiming to be saved, yet having any other false god/idol, will be terminated into the bowels of eternal damnation (Revelation 21:8).
“Jesus said (a divine command) unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment.” Matthew 22:37-38
It’s all or nothing. Jesus says:
“He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.” Matthew 12:30
Any questions?
“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:33
“Give Us an Idol King”
Many churches today are built upon the personality of a mere man. The personality of the pastor is like their church business branding. There’s a particular church in this area and nearly every time I have met someone who goes there, they say “How we love Pastor Such and Such.” Upon listening to some of his messages online, I was flabbergasted at why people are so enamored. It could only be those who are carnal and are only looking at personality and not substance. As God’s Word foretold, there are many today who love to be stimulated by a good orator and are apparently willing to give up the substance of Christ Himself and truth in exchange for it.
“And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:1-5
Paul made sure he did not do anything to cause people to unduly look to him, a mere man. As he ministered, the apostle refused to use “excellency of speech” in order to dazzle people and build a ministry on his own personality. He knew that many would rather cling to a mere man whom they can see instead of putting their faith in God Himself. This is no different than when Israel rejected the LORD and called for a human king who God gave them. This resulted in great pain and suffering.
When Samuel the prophet was old and about to retire to Heaven, the people of Israel called out for a human king to replace God. This grieved Samuel.
“But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD.” 1 Samuel 18:6
When the people rejected the reign of God Himself in their lives, God-fearing Samuel was “displeased” and “prayed to the LORD.” Like Samuel, God-fearing people today are greatly grieved when they see people worshiping and giving undue attention to mere human leaders.
The story continues …
“And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them. 8 According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even unto this day, wherewith they have forsaken me, and served other gods, so do they also unto thee. 9 Now therefore hearken unto their voice: howbeit yet protest solemnly unto them, and shew them the manner of the king that shall reign over them.” 1 Samuel 8:7-9
Nothing has changed in our day. Back then the people of Israel wanted to be like the God-less:
“That we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles. 21 And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he rehearsed them in the ears of the LORD. 22 And the LORD said to Samuel, Hearken unto their voice, and make them a king. And Samuel said unto the men of Israel, Go ye every man unto his city.” 1 Samuel 8:20-22
Many today refuse to die to self and seek God “in spirit and in truth” which is the only way He can be rightly worshiped by faith (John 4:23-24). Instead, they would rather put their trust in a tangible mere human being who even in his very “best state” is “altogether vanity” (Psalms 39:4-5). In this, they reject the LORD Himself.
False leaders are much easier on people than God is. The LORD is holy and demands that His people be holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16). Most people don’t want to hear that message. So, they flock to smooth talking deceivers who offer them a false hope, all the while never realizing that it’s for their very eternal soul.
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2 Timothy 4:3-4
Have we ourselves set our affections upon a mere man? Have and are we seeking the face of the One who is our Maker, Savior, Friend, and the Judge of our eternal souls?
Have we heaped to ourselves human leaders who tell us what we want to hear – smooth messages that do not call us to repent and live a laid down life?
Is it time for you to turn in repentance and look directly to the LORD, the God who made you and said He is Jealous – His very name? (Exodus 34:14.) When you do look to Him who had infinite mercy upon your wretched soul, do you think He will fill you with His love and mercy toward others so that you will then be able to view them from His perspective, allowing His love to cover the multitude of sins in order to help them grow in His grace? (1 Peter 4:8; Ephesians 4:3, 32.)
The Most High God, Jesus Christ, says to you today:
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
Prayer of Repentance to be Restored to the LORD: Holy Father, in the name of Jesus Christ and by His precious blood He shed to make me one with You, I come to you – in my sinful state. LORD, I openly acknowledge that I have departed from You and sinfully rebelled against You in the sin of idolatry. Right this moment, if never before, I call upon You Holy Father, asking You to forgive my sins, to change my life, to break me to the core of my being. I fully believe that Jesus Christ is God Almighty, that He came in the flesh, lived a sinless life as the very only begotten Son of God, died on the cross for the sins of mankind, was buried, rose again from the dead, and is soon going to return! I love You my LORD Jesus and from this moment forward, I am all Yours! I will follow Thee according to Your Word and Holy Spirit. Please fill me with Your Holy Ghost and use me every day of my life that You grant! In Jesus’ Name, amen!
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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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Articles
NLT New Living Translation EXPOSED
CALLING OUT THE GUTLESS COWARDS WHO ARE NOT BOTHERED THAT SATAN HAS CORRUPTED THE WORDS AND DOCTRINES OF THE LORD THEY FALSELY CLAIM TO SERVE.
“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
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Apostasy
Sorcery, Pharmakeia
Originally written by Allegra Spaulding (edited)
This is the Devil’s COUNTERFEIT of the natural healing herbs that the Lord has provided for us.
“And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.” Genesis 1:29
We choose what tree we will eat from……
If we eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, then we are receiving demonic knowledge. This is the knowledge from the fallen angels. This is the source of Pharmakeia.
“This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.” James 3:15
Babylon is the epicenter of this witchcraft.
“And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee (Babylon); and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries (Pharmakeia), were all nations deceived.” Revelation 18:23
Babylon is introducing the Beast System of Medicine. The trial run was the Covid 19 agenda which has killed millions of people through blood clots, turbo cancers, and heart failure. It was SORCERY against the nations conducted through the spirit of Pharmakeia, which includes the witchcraft spirits of Control and Intimidation. People were forced to take a vac-c-ine in order to keep their jobs to feed their families. With devastating consequences. The third leading cause of death in the United States is medical procedures and pharmeseuticals (pharmakeia).
The Lord is calling us out of the system of Pharmakeia. He wants us to repent and separate ourselves.
“And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” Revelation 18:4
There is a judgment coming upon the spirit of Pharmakeia and we do not want to be entangled with it.
“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
PHARMAKEUS translates to: a drug, i.e. spell-giving potion; a druggist (“pharmacist”) or poisoner, i.e. (by extension) a magician:—sorcerer.
We have better promises. We can feast on the Tree of Life for our medicine.
“And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine.” Ezekiel 47:12
It’s time to get healthy and come out of the Babylonian Medical System. Shall we begin with prayer?
Lord Jesus, I repent for seeking the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil for knowledge about my health. I know that You have supplied for all of my needs through natural herbs and the leaves of the Tree of Life. You are the Tree of Life. In Jesus’ name.
May the ungodly soul-ties between myself and the spirit of Pharmakeia be broken now in Jesus’ name. May all the ungodly soul-ties between myself and the medical system, hospitals, doctors, and nurses be broken now in Jesus’ name.
May every curse spoken over this life You gave regarding sickness be broken and cancelled with every medical diagnosis, in Jesus’ name.
Thank You LORD Jesus that according to the Word of God, by Your stripes I am healed! And as I seek Your wisdom and Your knowledge that comes from Heaven.
Lord, please give me wisdom about food intake, about my lifestyle, and about these choices so that I can receive divine health. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
“And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” Revelation 22:1-2
“Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils.” 1 Corinthians 10:21
“And he said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Forasmuch as thou hast sent messengers to enquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron, is it not because there is no God in Israel to enquire of his word? therefore thou shalt not come down off that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die.” 2 Kings 1:16
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