History and Purpose of the Pulpit [book]

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Excerpt from the book Predators in Our Pulpits

“And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose.” – Nehemiah 8:4

Did you notice the words “pulpit” and “purpose” in this verse? A reading of this passage reveals that they are mentioned together in this context relating to the issue of corporate worship. Peering into this passage will help us to discover and return to God’s original “purpose” for the “pulpit.” During the gathering together of His people to worship Him, this is vital in order to ensure that we are walking in His truth and escaping apostasy (1 Timothy 4:1-3). The “pulpit” simply represents a platform of communication and understanding the divine “purpose” for it is critically important, as it will prevent us from “being led away with the error of the wicked” who, in our day, use the pulpit for a purpose foreign to the divine intent (2 Peter 3:17).

Nehemiah 8 contains the only mention of a “pulpit” in God’s Word. Examining the setting where the original pulpit appears is crucial to understanding the divine intention for its use. The purpose for which it was established has not changed. God’s “purpose” when His people gather is, in part, seen just four verses down. Nehemiah 8:8 says: “So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.”

Nehemiah 8:8 sets forth the pattern for the gathering of the people of God. It is to worship the LORD Himself and no other and in doing such, we read His Word and no one else’s. Replacing His Word with anything else is worshiping at the altar of another god. In order to become intimately familiar with this truth and these words of our LORD that we are looking into, let’s read these words again: “So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading” (Nehemiah 8:8).

The elders of God’s people Israel stood up and read God’s Holy Word to the people. They simply spoke the divinely inspired Precepts which we now have today in the complete Old and New Testaments. Would to God that men who lead today would know and understand the divine truth in this Nehemiah 8 passage of Holy Scripture!

See what others are saying about the book Predators in Our Pulpits and order your copy here.

Nehemiah 8 is a very important Bible text. Today, we must follow the divine pattern set forth here or we will greatly “err”; which many have done “not knowing the scriptures nor the power of God” (Matthew 22:29). The Scriptures provide the only divinely ordained instructions for worship and ministry. Anyone not following them has greatly erred. According to Romans 15:4 and 1 Corinthians 10:11, Nehemiah and all of the Old Testament Scriptures were written “for OUR learning” and “for OUR admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.”

Nehemiah 8:4 says: “And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose.” That day when God’s people gathered, the “purpose” was for His Word to be read to them from that wooden “pulpit.” The divinely ordained “purpose” for the “pulpit” and for which they built this structure is given in this very text: “So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading” (Nehemiah 8:8).

This author is aware he has re-quoted these words more than once, and that is intentional. Reader and friend, are you hearing these words? This is the only time the word “pulpit” is found in the Bible and we must understand the divinely-ordained purpose for it. Knowing this simple truth will do wonders to help our discernment.

The wooden pulpit in Nehemiah’s day was for the people to gather and hear the very words of God; and for the leaders to speak them so they could understand the Word and will of God for their lives as a people.

In its most basic definition, a “pulpit” is merely a venue or central place of communication. It is simply a medium where a message is transmitted and conveyed to a person or people. As we see in this Nehemiah 8 setting, the pulpit was a place to stand and read or declare the written Word of God and nothing else. Notice that the elders stood and “read in the book in the law of God distinctly.”

Parash is the Hebrew word for “distinctly” and is defined this way: to separate, literal (to disperse) or figurative (to specify); also (by implication) to wound: scatter, declare, distinctly, shew, sting.

Does this definition sound like “rightly dividing the word of truth”? (See 2 Timothy 2:15.) Notice the words separate, disperse, wound, and sting. The words of God separate or sanctify the saints as they are dispersed into the hearts of God’s people (John 15:3; 17:17). Also, the Word of God many times first wounds us, stinging our consciences to convict and bring us to repentance (Deuteronomy 32:39).

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Colossians 3:16). The dilemma today is not the piece of wood our leaders stand behind, or the various mediums of communication we have today, but rather what they are communicating as they use these vehicles to transmit information. In God’s eyes the audiences are equally as guilty as the wolves they migrate to and support (Hosea 4:9; 2 John 7-11). We were long ago forewarned of an hour when men who claimed to know the LORD and had a “form of godliness,” would “turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables” (2 Timothy 3:4; 4:4).

And how does this happen? “For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed” (Isaiah 9:16).

The fact that so many people who call themselves Christians sit in front of deceptive wolves and listen to foolish, shallow, empty, non-convicting, psycho-babble and stories (“fables”) today, is an indictment of a whole generation of lost souls who do not fear the LORD and are biblically illiterate (Colossians 2:8). These two soul damning flaws go hand in hand—refusing to know God’s Word and not fearing God (Deuteronomy 4:9-10).

The great apostle Paul warned God’s people: “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” (Colossians 2:8).

Today, in this late hour of great apostasy, the essential Word of God has been replaced with notions, philosophies, pop psychology, traditions, and the doctrines of sinful men.

When men in leadership do not bow down to the Most High in their daily lives, it will show up in the pulpits. When men don’t uphold Christ in their personal lives, but instead have control of their own lives, the same will transpire in their “ministry.” They will be in control, not the LORD. This is one reason that the daily cross Jesus commanded is essential to following Christ and leading others in the biblically prescribed pattern of worship.

See what others are saying about the book Predators in Our Pulpits and order your copy here.

God surely has ordained the preaching of His Word, and yet very few do so in this late hour. Satan’s desire is to control the pulpit and what is spoken from it, so he has targeted and attacked the seminaries and the personal lives of those who lead. If he can ensnare leaders in sin (living in the flesh), he can thwart the flow of God’s Word to the people. The enemy’s goal is to replace the life-giving Word of God with “another gospel,” which is no gospel at all (2 Corinthians 11:2-4). Those human emissaries he has enlisted, who wear sheep’s cloaks, are “accursed” for participating in this rebellion against the LORD (Galatians 1:6-9).

The Pulpit

What most people hear and trust from the pulpits of today is going to pull them into the pit of eternal hell.

The word and concept of “pulpit” is found in the Bible, but it is so very grossly misused in our day. We see so very few who stand behind a pulpit who are truly and simply preaching the pure Word of God which was what the elders in Israel were doing when we see the word “pulpit” in Nehemiah 8. Let’s read a larger portion of this revealing passage:

And all the people gathered themselves together as one in the square before the Water Gate. They told Ezra the teacher of the Law to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded for Israel. – Nehemiah 8:1

The Ezra Example

Ezra and the elders of Israel read God’s written Word and helped the people understand God’s Word and nothing else. They offered nothing else but God’s Word. Do we get it? These God-fearing men had no personal agenda. They weren’t raising money or building a local business called a church. They had no message of their own but were mere conduits to communicate God’s Message which is God’s Word. Where O where are the Ezras of today?

How important is God’s Word?

God’s Word is our protection: “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him” (Proverbs 30:5).

God’s Word is our life: “And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God” (Luke 4:4).

The importance of the words of God being heard and ingested by the people of God both individually and corporately, cannot possibly be over emphasized. To His people, the LORD says:

Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons; Specially the day that thou stoodest before the Lord thy God in Horeb, when the Lord said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children. – Deuteronomy 4:9-10

He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live. – Proverbs 4:4

My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. – Proverbs 4:20-22

Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge. For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips. That thy trust may be in the Lord, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee? – Proverbs 22:17-21

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom.– Colossians 3:16

Nehemiah 8:1-8:

And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded to Israel.

² And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation, both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month.

³ And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law .

⁴ And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithia, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah, and Meshullam.

⁵ And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up:

⁶ And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground.

⁷ Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law: and the people stood in their place.

⁸ So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.

In verse one above, we see that “all the people gathered themselves together as one man … and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded to Israel.” Wow! These people wanted, desired, and were calling out for God’s Word! These people of the LORD did not want fables, stories, psychology, commentary, or poems. No, they desired the sincere or pure Word of God (1 Peter 2:2). They were ready to “receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls” (James 1:21).

Notice in verse two of Nehemiah 8 where the Bible says that “Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation.” Would to God that leaders today brought only “the law” (or written Word) before the people and eliminated all else from their lives and ministries!

See what others are saying about the book Predators in Our Pulpits and order your copy here.

In verse three the Bible says, “the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law.” We must stop here and ask ourselves just what it is that we desire and want to hear? The answer to this question will plainly reveal just where our hearts are—our current spiritual state. We are told that in the last days that “some shall depart from the faith.”

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron. – 1 Timothy 4:1-2

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 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; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. – 2 Timothy 4:2–4

The people of God in Nehemiah’s day wanted God’s Word and there is a remnant today that desires the same. When Jesus preached to “many of his disciples,” “many … went back, and walked no more with him” (John 6:66). Why? John 6:60 says: “Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?” Only twelve remained, while “many” of His “disciples” departed or apostatized. As has been prophesied, many in this last generation before Jesus returns, have “itching ears” and do not “endure sound doctrine” because of “their own lusts” (2 Timothy 4:3-4). So, they “heap” up or set up before themselves “teachers” who do not preach God’s Word which they do not want.

Pulpits in the Dark Ages

“But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. … So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate” (Revelation 2:6, 15). What is Jesus really trying to communicate here? After all, the Son of God tells us here that He hates the “deeds” and the “doctrine of the Nicolaitans.” Wow! We’d better look into this.

Let’s begin by breaking down the Greek word from which we get the English word “Nicolaitans.” In the Greek, nico means to conquer and laitans means the laity or people. So, “Nicolaitans” means to conquer the people.

You see, the Bible teaches us that if we believe a lie, we are brought under bondage to the person who told us that lie. While speaking specifically of “false teachers” and “false prophets,” the Bible says: “While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is over come (by using a lie), of the same is he brought in bondage ” (2 Peter 2:19).

Pulpits became the place of evil men who used their religious myths, lies, and doctrines of demons to control and beguile the masses. The remnant of God’s elect went outside the walls of the visible church and stayed alive in Christ!

During the dark ages (after Christ was born, died, was raised again, and His Church was launched), evil men brought in a perverted version of Christianity, yoking souls to their hellish doctrines and organizations (Mark 23; Mark 7:6-10).

A “pulpit” is merely a platform for communicating and teaching others. So, what is truly important has little to do with a physical, wooden pulpit, building, or anything physical in this fleeting world. We have no record of the earliest disciples of Jesus constructing any building or using a wooden pulpit. The pulpit resurfaced when the evil leadership of Rome began and took over the visible religious visage of a false “Christianity,” amalgamating it with paganism. It was from those pulpits in those majestic and expensive physical buildings that the Nicolaitan leadership Jesus hates began to wage their war against the Almighty, bringing men into bondage as they deceived them into thinking they had the exclusive rights to access the LORD (Revelation 2:6, 15).

The earliest followers of Jesus simply went forth preaching God’s Word (Acts 8:4). They gathered “house to house daily” and at times met in synagogues which were physical buildings already built before the birth of the New Testament church. See Acts 2:42-47.

Do we need the church building and the pulpit? No. But in fact, millions in America are dependent upon a mere man or ministry feeding them instead of learning to feed themselves daily. Yes, servant elders are to feed Christ’s sheep and yet, if the pure Word of God is not coming from a pulpit, why would any true disciple continue to hear those mis-leadings? The pulpit is a mere medium and not an end in itself. All that is spoken from a TV or radio transmission, in a book, from a podium, or on the web or paper is to be weighed and discerned against the written Word.

When Paul preached, the astute, God-fearing, Scripture-intensive believers in Berea judged what he spoke against the Holy Standard—God’s written Word. “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11).

Yet today, many who claim to know Jesus have handed over the care of their souls to mere sinful men and are in danger of hell fire. It is a terrifying truth that, in most cases, these deceived souls have no idea they are going to be kindling for the fires of hell.

The Bible says that we are not to forsake “the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25). There is no command in the New Testament Scriptures to go to a so-called church building and sit before a pulpit on Sunday mornings. What’s important to the LORD is that His children individually and corporately dwell worshipfully before His holy presence, richly in His Word, in prayer communion with Him and in fellowship with one another as they break bread and pray together (John 4:23-24; Acts 2:42-47; Colossians 3:16-17).

The Book of Acts shows us the church of Jesus Christ before it became fat and short of breath by prosperity. – Leonard Ravenhill

The pulpit or medium of exchange is not what is important but rather the content of the communications that are coming over those airwaves, that wooden podium, that book, that audio message, that TV or radio program.

A communication medium is just that—merely a medium for the exchange of data, namely that of communicating religious beliefs of some sort. So, the title Predators in Our Pulpits in no way limits beguilers and false teachers to those standing behind a physical pulpit on Sunday mornings. As we see in Ezra’s example in Nehemiah 8, the biblical and proper use of the pulpit or place of humbly leading others is to communicate the Holy Scriptures. Whenever some other philosophy replaces God’s Word, there is a predator in that pulpit or medium of informational exchange. Of this late hour the LORD foretold and warned us that there would be “many false prophets,” and of course they abound today using every type media communication medium known to man (Matthew 7:15; 24:5, 11, 24; 1 John 4:1).

The big question is just who is behind that medium of communication. What is coming out from and through that communication? What is coming from that man’s mouth?

Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. – Matthew 12:33-35

Where else can Satan work best than through someone who feigns to represent Jesus Christ while misrepresenting Him? (See 2 Corinthians 11:12-15.) Where can the enemy of all souls be better camouflaged and undetected than using the medium typical of Christian ministries?

Today’s modern church and its philosophies, methods, gimmicks, approach, and processes are completely irreconcilable with Christianity as it is revealed in the New Testament record. The diligent Bible student sees this.

The modern church’s marketing schemes and seductions are designed to farm the community to attract the masses of unregenerate people; getting them into their church building and keeping them coming. So, to do this, they search out and hire (or elevate from within) the slickest, most persuasive wolf in sheep’s clothing (hireling) to be their head or lead marketer. He’s called the pastor and yet, in reality, he is basically a CEO of a religious firm with a marketing program. Marketing to one’s community is much of what is taught and learned in seminary nowadays and in religious seminars and conventions.

The biblical criteria for leadership do not include oratory elegance or skills of eloquence, nor does it consist of charisma and the ability to organize and amass large crowds (Matthew 7:15-20; Luke 6:26; Acts 6:1-6; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-16; Jude 3-4). There is no tenet to be a good entertainer—that’s for goat herders, not sheep-feeders.

This great apostasy was foretold by the Holy Spirit and is now upon us at the hands of false leaders who fill pulpits, air waves, cyber-space, and books with their evil leaven (Isaiah 9:16; 56:10-12; Amos 8:11; Matthew 7:15-23; 24:3-5, 11, 24; 2 Thessalonians 2:3; 10-12; 1 Timothy 4:1-3; 2 Timothy 3:1-7; 1 John 4:1-6, etc.).

Prayer: Father in Heaven, please forgive me for ever alienating the affections of my heart to any mere man or other idol. I here and now repent and turn my heart and life to You alone as my supreme LORD, God, Savior, and friend. I beg You to unite my heart to truly fear Thy holy Name and to serve You in spirit and in truth. In Jesus’ holy Name. Amen.

Capture Points

What is to be preached when one or more people gather in Jesus’ Name? Cite and discuss
What does “Nicolaitans” mean? (See Revelation 2:6.) Why is this important to know for today?
Why did the LORD say the Berean Christians were “more noble”? (See Acts 17:11.)

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“Jezebel is a widely rampant spirit of rebellion that is hard to get rid of, rooted in pride, self-will, and self-sufficiency. Only the LORD can deliver but only if the individual truly repents and submits to Him, to His Word.” Anita Villarreal

Any person defending this jezebel heresy that women can be pastors, elders over men, is under the control of Satan, period. And in need of true repentance (James 4:7).

—-There are NO female apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, or teachers under the New Testament (Ephesians 4:8, 11-12). Jesus gave these “gifts unto MEN.” (Ephesians 4:8) There is not even one woman mentioned in 27 books as an elder over Christ’s flock. Such is clearly forbidden (1 Timothy 2:11-12). In Acts 21:9 we read of Phillip’s daughters which “did prophesy” which is a gift of the Spirit (one of the nine-1 Corinthians 12:7-10). The office gifts are eldership functions for men called to be overseers over Christ’s flock, which is completely different than the gifts of the Spirit which every believer can function in and certainly women are seen doing such as Phillip’s daughters and how women are mentioned concerning operating in the gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 14.

Classic case of a jezebel lashing out when the Word of GOD corrects her (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Her rebellion is against God. Jezebel is utterly rebellious. She hates what God’s Word says and so the demons that control jezebels will lash out in personal attacks against the men who stand on the truth unwaveringly (such as did Elijah whom Jezebel sought to kill).

“Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. 12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.” 1 Timothy 2:11-14

“As I look around America I ask myself who can find a virtuous woman? Whose whole life is surrendered to God. And centered in the fear of the Lord. No woman will submit to their husbands unless they first submit to God. Ephesians 5:22 says women are to submit to their husbands, “as unto the Lord.” That must come first. And what is a great price in the sight of God? A woman who has a meek and quiet spirit (1 Peter 3:4). This is true beauty to God. But Jezebels are the complete opposite. Full of rebellion, pride and hatred! God says throw her down!” Karen Cochran

From the divine perspective, this is not about oppression but rather about protect. See Revelation 2:20-24 to see what Jesus warns when a woman is allowed to lead as an elder in the body of Christ. He uses the words “The depths of Satan” and speaks of the death and destruction that will result when the men allow a woman to lead in a manner that is outside of the stated role God ordained for the woman.

Yes the LORD said He will pour out His Spirit on all flesh, sons and daughter, but not to anoint a woman to do something HE forbids. Women are to teach women yes but not the general body of believers (Titus 2:1-5). There are NO female elders in the New Testament. God forbids it. Eldership is reserved for men – to humbly teach, lead and protect and cherish women and children.

“There’s a crazy role reversal across the land and men should always lead. Even our women’s prayer group was led by the pastor because that’s what he believed. Women are more emotional and men more logical. Both have their designated roles . God meant them to compliment each other rather than to compete.” John Umlauf

When people don’t like what God’s Word states, they will attack the mere messenger as if that changes the truth. Not. And, they heap judgment on themselves by doing so (Matthew 7:1-5; James 2:13). Persecution

“For we are not as many, which corrupt (twist, adulterate) the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.” 2 Corinthians 2:17

“He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.” John 8:47

“Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.” Proverbs 13:13

Jesus Addresses the Ahabs and Self-Appointed Jezebel at the Church at Thyatira

Revelation 2:20-24

Revelation 2:20-24 is about a certain self-appointed woman who was allowed by the spineless men in Thyatira to operate out of the biblically-stated order for women in the church setting.

Rev 2:20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
Rev 2:21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
Rev 2:22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
Rev 2:23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
Rev 2:24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.

Jezebel Category

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Family | Godly Manhood | Women

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It’s not about the color or your skin, it’s about what kingdom you’re in!

What Should be the Response of the Body of Christ? – LOVE!

Reading 1 Corinthians 13 each morning this week is a life changer. Nothing in our lives is going to work out right if we don’t prayerfully endeavor to walk in God’s love – loving God and our neighbor, above ourselves. I love pouring prayerfully over 1 Corinthians 13 and Philippians 2:3-5. Life changing is an understatement!

Racism is hatred and is not a skin color. It is a heart condition – coming from a sinful heart. Memorize Romans 2:11.

In the time of tribulation for the believers at Thessalonica, the Holy Spirit spoke through Paul and said this:

“And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 3:5

By this we know of a certainty that the Holy Spirit is leading, directing our “hearts into the LOVE of God” and not the flesh, not a fleshly response. We now face tribulation and can be assured by this truth that our unchanging God is directing our hearts into His love and not hatred.

This is a divine truth for every era, every hour…. and we sure know that sin is exponentially abounding in this late hour…. which means divine grace is even greater – to save, heal, bless, deliver, and make whole!!!!

“But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:” Romans 5:20

Here’s more evidence of God’s leading His people into the love walk in trying times:

“But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. 8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:7-8

Any person who does not walk in God’s love is not saved and we know that from many Scriptures. No hate, no hater shall enter Christ’s kingdom, no matter what justification that sinner thinks he has to warrant hating anyone. “He that loveth not knoweth not God.” (1 John 4:8) “Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.” (1 John 3:15)

When His disciples ask Him “what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?”, Jesus gave them this answer:

“And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation (ethnic group) shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. 10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” Matthew 24:4-13

“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.” 2 Timothy 2:3-5

The Church began, will end as containing precious souls from every nation, kindred, and tongue (Acts 2; Revelation 5:9; 14:6).

The New Testament church began with men from every nation under Heaven and will be the same throughout eternity in glory.

Acts 2:1-13

“And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;” Revelation 5:9

Nation/ethnos, ethnic yes…groups at odds was foretold by Jesus – Matthew 24:7

Yes we can be at peace, Jesus told us to fear not and to be at peace …..

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Compassion in Light of Christ's Soon Return [video]

PRAYER: Holy Father, please change us to the very core of our being…. that we might see the lost souls around us as precious to You! In Jesus’ name, amen. “Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. 8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. 9 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.” James […]

Articles

When God Says to STOP PRAYING! [podcast]

Reconciling with God and other Saints

“He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law (the Word), even his prayer shall be abomination.” Proverbs 28:9

Those who do not love God enough to seek Him in the Word, to learn, and to obey Him, will not be heard by Him.

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13

In general, because God is “Holy, holy, holy,” when there is sin, God will not answer prayers – until the sinner repents and reconciles with the LORD and any person involved as needed (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8; Proverbs 28:9, etc.).

“And the LORD said unto Joshua, Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face? 11 Israel hath sinned …” Joshua 7:10-11

In other words, God said to Joshua “Why are you seeking My face, praying to me, talking to me, when there is sin in the camp? Get the sin our of the camp and then you can approach Me in prayer.”

STOP PRAYING AND LEAVE IT!

God is not going to bless our lives unless we are willing to sincerely admit our sins, repent and confess them, and make amends (restitution) with anyone we’ve harmed. In the divine economy, there’s no such thing as being right with God when you’ve done another person wrong, haven’t repented, and haven’t made amends for what you’ve done. Such a person will be outside of the will and blessings of God until he makes things right with God and man.

God is not hearing the prayers or worship of any person who has done someone else wrong and refuses to make restitution (Matthew 5:23-24).

“Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; FIRST be reconciled to thy brother, and THEN come and offer thy gift.” Matthew 5:23-24

God will not answer the prayer of any person who does not honor and obey His Word and if a person has an outstanding offense He wants them to clear up these matters (Proverbs 28:9, 13).

Here Jesus gave us the instruction to stop praying! What!? Someone may be thinking “Todd, are you being sacrilegious now!? What is your problem brother!?” Keep reading okay.

“If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:” Psalms 66:18

“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” John 15:7

According to the Son of God, just when (if ever) should the believer stop praying? When he remembers that a brother has “aught against” him. Yes, I know this may raise eyebrows to say that Jesus told us to stop praying, but He certainly did. That’s what we read of His very words in Matthew 5.

He instructs us not to wait for the other person to come to you. Go to them and make peace. Work things out so that neither of your relationships with God will be in any way hindered. Forgive. Seek restitution and forgiveness. The Christian life is all about relationship – vertically first and them horizontally.

Jesus is saying here: “Stop praying or doing any form of worship until you have first done all you can possibly do to make peace with that person you had strife or misunderstanding with, offended, or wounded – the person that still has aught against you, whose heart isn’t yet clear in the matter. Your prayers and any form of supposed worship will not be honored in Heaven until you take care of this matter. Since I am holy I require certain things of you and one of them is that you do your best to keep unity with others, especially My people. Remember how I told you to love one another and to treat others as you wish to be treated? I love you and want clear communion with you and am simply not going to allow you to have a clear conscience until you work things out with that other person who has aught against you. Remember that though I love you, I care about others as much as I care about you. Get that human relationship right first and then come and seek My face in worship and we shall commune.”

God forgives us through Christ’s perfect sacrifice and as we choose to give it out to others! WHO might you have aught against in your heart today beloved?

As a believer, the LORD holds me personally accountable to facilitate reconciliation and peace in others when there is a rift and no matter whose fault it is (Matt. 5:23-24).

First and foremost we must realize that when we sin it is against the One who is “holy, holy, holy” (Isa. 6:3; Rev. 4:8). After that fact, we at times sin against or offend men (James 3:1). So, when we have wrongly offended someone who is created in the image of God, we should first confess that sin to the LORD and then do whatever it takes within our power to make it right with the person.

“Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. 28 Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.” Proverbs 3:27-28

“Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. 26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27 Neither give place to the devil.” Ephesians 4:25-27

Child of God, are you aware of anyone who might be upset with you for something you have done or they thought you did? Is anyone offended at you?

This writer is no stranger to wronging people, but is learning to follow this simple truth in Matthew 5, making sure to openly and transparently facilitate healing in those I have brought hurt to or who are offended at me for any legitimate reason.

Granted, we are going to offend people at times when it is not our fault. I am not talking about that. I am talking about when it is our fault or the situation is questionable or a close call.

Have you been offended? Have you ever found yourself in a situation where someone else held the key to your closure, your healing? Think back in your life: Have you ever needed someone else’s help in getting free in your heart from something concerning a situation?

Jesus called the divine Person of the Holy Spirit “the Comforter” (Jn. 14:26; 15:26; 16:7). God is all-powerful and can help us walk through a heart-rending ordeal where another person has hurt us and is unwilling to partake of the healing process according to the Word/instructions of the LORD. This He can and will do, yet He holds that other person responsible for doing their part – “Leave there thy gift before the altar – FIRST be reconciled to thy brother.”

Those made righteous by the blood of Christ are to do all in their power to facilitate healing in others.

“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” Romans 12:18

Jesus Christ came to make captives free and such freedom is the desire of all who follow Him. They desire also to see people set free and do their part when it is in the power of their hand to help (Prov. 3:27).

“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

When need be, we are to work hard to make sure God’s peace abides among the saints.

“Endeavouring (working hard) to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3

“Endeavouring” – it’s hard work at times to keep unity in the body. Have you noticed that things happen that need attention, patience, humility, admission where wrong has been done, etc.?

It is our personal responsibility to keep schisms out of Christ’s body as much as it is in our power.

“That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.” 1 Corinthians 12:25-27

The LORD promises us that He commands His precious peace where brethren dwell together in unity.

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there (in the unity of believers) the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.” Psalms 133:1-3

The person who is truly born again cares for the body of Christ. Peace among the saints is where God’s blessing abides.

“We know that we have passed from death unto life (we know we are saved), BECAUSE we love the brethren.” 1 John 3:14

Without love we are nothing (1 Cor. 13). Divine love, authentically demonstrated in our lives, is the earmark fruit of the Heaven-bound disciple. There are no exceptions – “He that loveth not knoweth not God” (1 Jn. 4:8). If such charitable love does not presently appear in our lives, we should consider going before the throne of grace and making things right with God (repentance). The genuinely born again person is filled with God’s love and teachable in the precepts of the LORD. When he discovers a previously unknown (to him) truth, he swiftly hearkens and obeys. Remember, God’s eternal kingdom and the terms for entrance into it are based on the LORD’s terms and not any individual’s. Either we meet the terms and conditions or we shall be found without (Matt. 7:21-23; Lk. 6:46-49; 13:24-30; 1 Jn. 2:3-5; Rev. 2-3).

“We know that we have passed from death unto life (we know we are saved – been brought from spiritual death to spiritual life), BECAUSE we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” 1 John 3:14-16

Child of God, do you have a key that would help another get free? If you possess the key that would assist in obtaining their freedom, the LORD holds you personally responsible to use it to help unlock that person’s heart and assist in their returning to a heart that is right with God, free from anything that hinders that relationship.

“Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath.” Ephesians 4:26

Don’t let the sun go down upon that which you can do to cause reconciliation in Christ’s body for which He bled. Leave your prayer closet and any and all worship and go get things right with that person the LORD may be placing on your heart. You will be glad you obeyed the LORD in this.

You see, if we truly have an intimate and saving relationship with Christ, we realize that nothing could be more important to us – and others. Knowing Jesus is everything. Armed with this knowledge and moved upon by the Holy Spirit, we are to be compelled to help others in their relationship with Jesus in any way we possibly can.

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, thank You for sending Your only begotten Son Jesus to live and die for me – for all of my many sins. This moment, I turn my life to Thee O God – asking Your merciful forgiveness on my sin of departing from You. Right this instant I ask You to please be my first love LORD Jesus! Bless this heart with sensitivity and a deep conviction for Your truth. Please allow this heart to have godly conviction! Please bless this life You graciously gave lift others to You and help them in any and every way I have opportunity. I am all Yours and You are all mine my LORD. Quicken my heart in any matter that You wish me to make amends with another person. Right now I now humble myself under Your mighty hand and ask You to use me to help facilitate peace between You and others Jesus, and in Your body. Please bless Your body to live in Your love, and Your truth and in peace with You and one another. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

For a topical study of deeper proportions on this subject, see The Blood of Jesus.

If you truly desire to know more about how to really know the LORD, go here: Born Again: What is It?

PEACE with GOD

“For in Many Things We Offend All” [podcast]

“Endeavouring (working hard) to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3 Can we be honest for a moment? Have you ever wanted God to just rip your tongue out? CAN YOU RELATE to this? …… As Christ’s followers and therefore members of His one body, we all have sinned and have and perhaps still say things we shouldn’t which wound others. “The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.” Proverbs 18:8 Words can seriously wound. Word are containers of something or the […]

Answered Prayer? WHY?

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Grounded in Grace [podcast]

“But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) : And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of […]