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SERIOUS QUESTIONS TO ASK CONCERNING THE APPROPRIATION OF REVENUES FLOWING INTO LOCAL CHURCHES. There is no attempt here to condemn the actions of all local fellowship organizations, but rather to probe objectively into the practices and bureaucratic systems in place, to determine how biblical they are or are not.

“For ye have the poor always with you…” Matthew 26:11

Does it seem unscriptural and unreasonable that there is little or no benevolence fund for congregants among churches in America? In most churches, there seems to be a “give-to-us-but-we-will-never-give-to-those-in-need-among-you” attitude, policy and practice. Where is the outflow of money to those who gather together in the midst of these local fellowships which are supposed to be set up according to New Testament truth? Why is there no allocation of funds to help those in need right under the noses of the ones controlling the finances? Why does it all have to go to a pastoral staff, foreign missions, and the physical building and its furnishings? Did not the early church distribute among themselves as each had need?

The Father is sending forth labourers into His bless-ed harvest! (Matthew 9:35-38) Some professing Christians give to support a church business enterprise, a type of social club, country club, instead of supporting the actual work and workers of the LORD, the labourers of Christ who actually labour in the Word daily – feeding and equipping the saints for the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:11-14). Wolves don’t prepare Christ’s sheep, they exploit them. Do we remember how Jesus commanded that we pray that Father would send for His labourers into the harvest which is great? (Matthew 9:35-38) The way we treat the workmen of God is the way we are treating God himself. Make no mistake, as we support the workers of God we are supporting the work of God. Jesus is coming!

There are 5 servant-leadership office gifts listed in Ephesians 4:11 – apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor & teacher. Why is it that in the modern church system, only 1 of those 5 elder positions (pastor) is receiving the vast majority of finances from the people of God, while the other 4 are left with nothing to operate in their callings? Are these 5 ministry gifts of Jesus to His beloved body not all listed in plain daylight in Ephesians 4:11 and said to be for the building up and maturing of the saints “for the work of the ministry”? (v12) How can the body of Christ possibly be coming to maturity and accomplishing “the work of the ministry” without the fulness of all 5 of these ministry gifts being in place and in operation? And how can these men possibly function in their ministries when local church revenues are being hoarded and squandered by the pastors? Did the Holy Ghost lie to us in Ephesians 4 by telling us there were 5 office gifts Jesus gave to the Church? Is shutting out the other men who are divinely called to function as servant leaders/elders not a type of taking an evil preeminence like Diotrephes? (3 Jn. 9-11)

Concerning the work, workers, and building up of Christ’s kingdom, the Bible instructs us in Ezra 6:8 – “forthwith expenses be given unto these men, that they be not hindered.” The reason all of God’s people are to give to His authentic work is “that they (His servants) be not hindered.” (Ezra 6:8) Does this not include all the servants He ordained to build up His body and win lost souls? In the modern church world, in most cases, all or most of the money goes to the pastors who occupy physical buildings and instead of spreading it to the others who are called, many of these pastors justify the building of larger houses for themselves and ever increasingly larger church buildings (programs to expand their physical assets, not the kingdom of God). In other words they are building their own kingdoms instead of spreading the resources to each and every labourer for Christ to the building of the kingdom of Christ in the hearts of men.

Have we stopped to think of the fact that a million dollar home costs approximately $100,000 for property taxes? $100,000 could fund one or two families/ministries for a year.

God will judge those who give to the rich ministries – to further embellish these wolves – enemies of Christ and aid them in continuing to rob and mislead many! (Proverbs 22:16; 2 John 10-11)

YES, there are rich (in this world) Christians (1 Timothy 6:17-19) and they are told to be very generous, but no man in ministry for Christ is to make himself rich in this world ON THE MONEY GIVEN FOR GOD’S WORK!

Far too much power has been given into the hands of a few men among us who are not rightly stewarding God’s resources for the expansion of His kingdom. Are we empowering these moguls to continue to more deeply embellish their already abundant lifestyles? These men will give account before a holy God for greatly hindering the advance of His kingdom. Make no mistake: Millions will be in hell due to this gross and evil injustice. “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth itnot, to him it is sin.” (James 4:17)

“But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.” Luke 12:48

Is there true community in your fellowship, or has your gathering become a place to “make merchandise” of those who gather? (2 Peter 2:1-3) Is there true Christ-centered fellowship or is it a socializing environment? Have people been trained to come, give their money, and go home?

FOR the majority of the leaders feigning to be serving Christ, it’s a business to make money. Fool yourself no longer! They say and keep saying and withhold the things that get people in and keep them in. With the numbers comes the nickels! (2 Peter 2:1-3)

Hirelings build their buildings, programs, and egos and not the kingdom of God by sending forth laborers into the harvest (Matthew 9:35-38). They are zealous to go to any length to create building fund programs and gain the support of their audiences in the absence of seeking to fund the real work of the Gospel which does not include the New Testament model of advancing the Word of God in the earth through the funding of ministries and missionaries (Matthew 9:36-39).

We really don’t yet get it: We still gullibly believe that any man calling himself a pastor is of God. After all, he has a “church building,” right?

Only those who are truly born again and presently seeking the LORD in His Word, prayer, and a life in the Holy Spirit, will see Satan’s wolves operating as Christ’s ministers (2 Corinthians 11:12-15; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12). All others are willingly deceived, blind and will be damned due to having a mere “form of godliness, but denying the power (authority) thereof: from such turn away.” (2 Timothy 3:5)

When peering a little deeper than the surface at what is represented so often before the people when fund-raising programs are rolled out, one may find that the focus does not align with the New Testament Gospel. So many who are at the helm of the organized church, occupying buildings, are simply misusing revenues to perpetuate their own existence and in place of the advancement of the kingdom of Christ – the One they claim to represent.

THIS is how Christ’s true body operates….

Acts 2:40-47 “And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” 

Does it seem a bit funny that all money is to flow to the local establishment which is controlled by a handful of men – men who are not following the Scriptural mandate for distribution of funds?

THERE are children of God who are behind on bills. There are called-out men of God preaching Christ’s whole Gospel fearlessly, and grossly under-supported. And, you STILL support a multi-millionaire wolf who is making merchandise of the people to make himself even richer in this fleeting world? (2 Peter 2:1-3) God is calling you to repent. You are in darkness, a lost soul.

These greed-grubbers are the tool through which Satan is robbing the body of Christ. How should the wealth, collections be distributed? (1 Corinthians 16:1-2) Here it is – “And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.” Acts 4:35 …. THIS is how the true body of Christ operates. Most building based “churches” today are set up in rebellion. This isn’t happening due to the large salaries and all the money it takes to run the modern church stages shows.

“Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. 2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.” 1 Corinthians 16:1-2   

Anthony Terry writes: “Scripture is clear on the gatherings of the saints. They are for the saints only. They are to bring their offerings into the gatherings so when a need arises it can be met. Scripture also tells us that those with earthly goods should sell them when a saint is in need and to supply that need. This also is not done today. Too many are storing up treasures here and not in the kingdom. Scripture says if you have the ability to meet a need and don’t do it then how can you say God dwells in you? (1 Cor. 16:1-2; Acts 2:44-45; 4:34-35)”

Have modern church houses been hi-jacked by a band of deceivers with supposed credentials and qualifications? Have you compared your local fellowship with the New Testament model?

Let’s face it, why are we surprised at the way God’s money is or is not being distributed in the modern church arena when the LORD Himself told us that most of those in leadership were “blind”, which means they cannot see from the LORD’s perspective.

“His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way (self-serving), every one for his gain (personal gain), from his quarter (their own little deal is all that matters). Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant.” (Isaiah 56:10-12) Has much changed since the prophet Isaiah’s day? It is obvious that the overwhelming majority of those who hold positions of leadership in the modern church do not possess a kingdom revelation and mindset – the mindset of Jesus and His apostles and the early Church. The “apostles doctrine” consists of the spread and establishment of the kingdom of God (glorifying Christ alone and not men), and not being entrenched in some little self-serving building program, which is to continue to deepen roots in this fleeting world (Acts 2:41-47; 8:4). With the overwhelming majority of leaders today, it seems to be more about further embellishing temporal buildings that are already overdone, than it does about being about the Father’s business by feeding His sheep and seeking to save the lost (Lk. 2:49; 19:10; 1 Pet. 5:2).

Is it time that the remnant begin to support true and uncompromising remnant works and cease to build the sinful dreams and empires of false prophets?

Acts 4:29-35 “And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laidthem down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.” 

Did you see the sequence here? Notice the power of God where there is the exalting of Jesus Christ as first love and genuine unity based upon divine truth and charity. These early believers showed their love by sharing with fellow believers. Note: This writer does not believe it is a sin to be rich, but it is a sin to be rich and not be charitable and hell awaits all who live in this sinful state (Mk. 10:25; Lk. 16:19-31; 1 Tim. 6:17-19). Everyone has something to share, especially in the western world.

Why are people taught that the tithe must be given on Sunday morning in a certain building and to a certain “official” organization? Is biblical New Testament ministry transpiring in that gathering? Or the programs and psychologies of mere men? Are they excited about God’s 66 Book Bible or some program of men or fad book full of heresy?

Why is there not the liberty to do more liberal distribution to a wider spectrum of believers and genuine NT ministries – truly fruitful works? After all, the revenues flowing into modern church houses does not seem to be getting to the end user in need. Jesus told us there will always be needs, which means there will always be blessed opportunities for Christians to be a blessing by giving.

If God’s people are not allocating the funds using His holy Word as a guide, is there something greatly amiss? If so, what?

Why are nearly all the funds received in offerings spent on those few men and their building projects? Not that a few men or a man couldn’t deal uprightly with the funds, yet it is questionable that they are operating uprightly if in fact there is no charitable giving among the people they are supposedly serving. This may be due to the pastor or staff spending it all upon themselves and physical buildings. Is the LORD glorified in this? Note: Authentic men of God are to be fully taken care of financially, so they can do the work of the ministry with no hindrances (Ezra 6:8; 1 Tim. 5:17-18).

Are there finances allocated to local evangelism? Where is the Gospel tract rack in your local fellowship’s meeting place? Any church organization without Gospel tracts on hand selfishly defies the LORD and His Great Commission command to win lost souls for whom He bled on the cross – unless they aggressively promote evangelism in other ways.. By refusing to reach out to lost souls, the leadership proves that they are in the ministry for themselves and not Christ.

Why does such a large percentage of the revenue go to pay for physical buildings when some among “the building of God” – His people – have unmet financial needs? (1 Cor. 3:9; 1 Pet. 2:5) Why is so much of the money given in local church gatherings absorbed into bureaucracy and buildings when God made it clear that His people are a “spiritual house”? (1 Pet. 2:5)

Where is the accountability of those in leadership?

Perhaps adjustment, based on a fresh understanding of the full-counsel of God, should be made in the allocation of incoming funds. May this writer humbly suggest 10-15% or so being placed in a separate charity fund to be distributed joyfully to those in need among that particular body of believers. Also, like the Good Samaritan, those in need should never be wrongly questioned and interrogated before receiving financial help, but rather, freely blessed. Perhaps in following divine principle, those who are counted least among us should be set in place to determine the appropriation of funds (1 Cor. 6:4).

Most pastors are building physical buildings and this is the extent of their productivity. Many of these men seem to misunderstand the elementary purposes of God and that Christ didn’t come to earth to die so they could have their little church profession that feeds monetary gain into their coffers and builds a name for themselves. They seem to see their position as one of opportunity to elevate self through their ministry career and in the process are neglecting those they are there to serve.

Why don’t those in leadership share their revenues with other ministries in their midst that are not pastoral, yet just as divinely called, valid, and needed as the ministry of the pastor?

Is the established bureaucracy in your local fellowship denying access of other of Christ’s children who labor in the Word and prayer? Remember Diotrephes in 3 John?

Does the way the modern church is set up resemble the early Church found in Scripture? Or, does it rather resemble the evil system set up when the church went into gross apostasy in the middle ages, where there was a monarch and central building headquarters and controlled by one or a few?

Are members of the local body of Christ being denied?

The good Samaritan didn’t question, he just served.

The Scripture tells us that If a man doesn’t work he doesn’t eat, so there are biblical parameters to be honored.

Are some being placed on a guilt trip or shamed due to not having much to give?
Giving large amounts to missions and other churches is really noble, but is it good to do this while neglecting those right in our midst?

How can we possibly be boasting about how much money we are or have given to overseas missions, when there are those who sit under the noses of leadership every Sunday morning who live in quiet desperation and destitution (severe lack), and go totally unnoticed? Absurd hypocrisy!

Should Gospel workers suffer be suffering lack with all the revenues handled by the so-called Christian churches (billions annually)?

Does a divinely called and prepared man need a pile of bricks and wood (building) to make his ministry legitimate? Does he need to operate on foreign soil to become eligible for receiving God’s money to sustain his life and further his Gospel ministry calling?

There is no record in the New Testament canon of Scripture of the early Church owning any building. They didn’t because they were mobile and advancing the kingdom and not becoming entrenched in this sinful world while building their own little kingdoms, which is what pastors today are doing. Read closely Isaiah 56:10-12 and see the self-serving nature of false shepherds exposed.

Beloved, if you still have the mindset that most leaders claiming to represent Christ are true, you are not yet thinking biblically. Though sad, it is no less true. In the complete absence of any Scripture hinting that there are many true prophets and the words of Jesus and John His apostle who stated “MANY false prophets are gone out into the world.” (Matt. 24:11; 1 Jn. 4:1)

Do American pastors feel a sense of accomplishment because they send money overseas to support mission work while they neglect the ministries the LORD has placed under their noses? And then gloat over such? Have we not “denied the faith” and become “worse than an infidel” when we have not provided for “our own”? (1 Tim. 5:8)

“Jezebel cut off the prophets of the LORD.” (1 Kings 18:4) Through his ministers that held high positions within the kingdom of God, the devil “cut off” the supply of finances to those prophets who remained in the truth, refusing to compromise with the system and majority. God-fearing Obadiah secretly supplied these servants of Christ with food and water to sustain their lives. Is there any new thing under the sun? No. In our day, when those few who refuse to compromise are being cut off from financial supply by those who have a stranglehold on the control of 99% of the finances flowing in the church world, we, the remnant, have been called out to be like Obadiah and supply those who remain true to the LORD in serving His people. See 1 Kings 18.

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Apostasy

Beware of “Private Interpretation” [podcast]


NO MAN GAVE THE TRUTH AND NO MAN CONTROLS IT

ANY person who doesn’t uphold God’s Word as final divine authority on all matters of faith, is 100% “NOT of God” according to the Son of God (John 8:47).

“Let God be true and EVERY man a liar.” Romans 3:4

Is God or are mere men confused?

“For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” 1 Corinthians 14:33 

Beware of those who violate, who speak contradictory to other parts of God’s Word in order to sell you on their “revelation.” Known truth, biblically stated truth must never be contradicted. The LORD is not confused and so we conclude that anyone upholding what they believe to be truth that contradicts known biblical truth, is confused at best. Beware of what the Holy Spirit calls “private interpretation.” (2 Peter 1:19-21) More in a moment on this.

Many seek to use commentaries, historians and the like to paint the picture, the outcome they desire because they do not love the LORD and therefore His truth. If God wanted us to have more it’d be in His Word…. I am not opposed to background information but that’s not divinely inspired Holy Scripture and many people try to change the outcome of biblical truth by using extra-biblical sources. Beware. They attempt to create a path to an unbiblical conclusion because they are “not valiant for the truth.” (Jeremiah 9:3)

It’s convoluted theology to speak against, contrary to the whole of the Word of God which among other things says “ALL scripture is given by inspiration of God.” (2 Timothy 3:16) Ignoring known, clearly stated Bible truth to perpetrate a certain view is bearing false witness against the LORD, is confusion, and is violence against the Holy Scriptures and the picture painted by the WHOLE of God’s Word. This is also a refusal to rightly divide the Word of truth but instead a deliberate, subjective ignoring of divine truth in order to perpetrate an agenda (1 Corinthians 2:13; 2 Timothy 2:15).

Many today interpret the Bible for their own self-serving purpose or liking, based on being predisposed to certain traditions, philosophies, and clichés. This is exactly what Jesus cited the false religionists of His day for doing (Mark 7:6-9).

God gave His Word to us and will reveal Himself and His will to each of His saints as they seek Him, studying His words thoroughly, diligently, daily. 

“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. 40  And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.” John 5:39-40

God gave us the Holy Scriptures to reveal to us who He is and yet, the individual must come to Jesus personally to know Him and understand His Precepts, His kingdom truths. Like the religionists Jesus is addressing above, many who think they know God are not known of God at all because they refuse to truly repent and seek His holy face.

Exactly as Jesus warned, there are “many false prophets” today to accommodate counterfeits, tares (Matthew 7:15; 24:11).

Many times we hear men stand up to speak, claiming they’ve been studying a topic in the Bible extensively – and insinuating that on the basis of THEIR study, you should just buy wholesale everything they’re about the say. There are “many deceivers” operating today (2 John 7-11). Out of the pride of their hearts we hear men preface their message this way, boasting of their study, to set up and snare the unlearned, the gullible when in reality many of them have simply borrowed the errors of other men. Yet we must judge all that is taught against our own personal, diligent study of the whole of God’s Word and never buy the subjective claims of mere men. This is the very reason so many are deceived today. Following man’s supposed revelation, interpretations, instead of getting God’s revelation for ourselves, firsthand, is the recipe to be deceived. There are no shortcuts to personally, thoroughly studying the whole counsel of God’s Word for ourselves. | The Importance of Personal, Organic Bible Study 

This scenario often plays out when someone is teaching on the end times, claiming or insinuating that they have come up with special revelation. At times they will claim to definitely know and have figured out who the antichrist is, the specifics and timing of end time events, and secrets about these last days. Yet, at least some of those things they claim to have special knowledge of are not specifically, expressly written in the Bible. Beware of the “private interpretation” of mere men.

“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:19-21

God’s Word, the words of God recorded in Holy Writ, were inspired by the Holy Spirit and were not written from any mere man’s “private interpretation”, nor are the words of God to be twisted and done violence to by anyone today for their own “private interpretation” to promulgate their own view, doctrine, or agenda.

Notice in this passage above that through Peter, the Holy Spirit puts the personal responsibility upon the individual disciple to “take heed” to the Word of God, to study it daily, diligently as the revelation of Christ and His will rises in our hearts, dawns on us – “ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts.”

God expects His people to study thoroughly and to know His Word for themselves.

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

No man controls the truth nor does he control the interpretation of divine truth which is self-evident and to be first and foremost studied and understood by individual disciples. Yes, God calls elders out to teach HIS Word, to let God’s Word dwell richly among His people, and yet the LORD alone teaches the individual believers heart His truth (Colossians 3:16). This is the individual priesthood of each and every blood bought saint of Christ. Jesus saves the individual sinner first and foremost who is then and only then an individual member of His one body (Ephesians 4; 1 Corinthians 12).

“But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. 21 I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. …26 These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. 27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.” 1 John 2:20-27

Ultimately, and most importantly, God teaches each and every one of His individual saints – “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:” (John 10:27)

Those who aren’t objective with the whole counsel of Scripture clearly prove their hearts are not honest, not authentic, and sincere before the LORD (Luke 8:15; John 7:16; 2 Corinthians 2:17; 2 Peter 3:16, etc.).

Beware of Being a “Back it Up” Bubba

Personally studying God’s Word from Genesis to Revelation, organically, is ultra-important. | The Importance of Personal, Organic Bible Study 

To “back up” a belief with Scripture seems to really mean: “I believe ABC doctrine and I’m hell bent on finding Bible verses to prove it!” In other words someone like this doesn’t really care what the whole of Scripture teaches as much as they care to hold on to some pet doctrine (it’s usually something to justify their sin such as the falsehood of eternal security).

Some put forth their subjective beliefs and defend those beliefs by saying “I can back everything up with scripture.” Satan can too as we see him do when tempting Jesus (Luke 4). The devil used Scripture out of context as many today do. Are we merely backing up what WE say and what WE currently believe with Scripture or are we simply reading and diligently studying the whole counsel of Holy Scripture and letting GOD speak for Himself as we “compare spiritual things (Scripture, known truth) with spiritual things”? (1 Corinthians 2:13; 2 Timothy 2:15) Big difference. Think about that. Men and devils can deceitfully make the Bible say anything THEY want it to say but that doesn’t make it biblically sound and true. We must beware of our own tendency to espouse and hold on to philosophies, notions, and doctrines that do not line up with the whole counsel of God’s Word and we must be corrected (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

The disciple of Jesus, without exception, will be ever more rooted and grounded in the final divine authority of the written Word of God.

Jesus told us exactly who is “of God” and who is “NOT of God.”

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

ALL who are “of God” uphold His Word as final divine authority, with no exception.

When discussing any matter, specifically spiritually, the main issue is what God’s Word says, which is His “truth” and when one is valiant for His truth, such a man will not rely on anything except God’s Word (Jeremiah 9:3; John 17:17). God says we can be CERTAIN about what He says concerning any topic revealed in His Word – “Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, 21 That I might make thee KNOW the CERTAINTY of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?” (Proverbs 22:20-21)

We must honestly examine our own selves to see WHY we believe WHAT we currently believe. Discernment, “rightly dividing the word of truth” seem to be concretely connected to searching the Scriptures as we see with the Bereans who tested Paul and all that he taught, right? (2 Timothy 2:15; Acts 17:10-11) Lots of people who talk about discernment trust their own subjective discernment instead of letting the written WORD be their two edged sword of discernment (Hebrews 4:12). Many believe they are discerning correctly and yet aren’t daily, diligently being grounded in the written Word, which God will never contradict (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21).

The Berean Saints are a Great Example to us Today

“And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Acts 17:10-11

May the reader be exhorted to become intimately familiar with the above passage, noticing that the Bereans didn’t even take Christ’s apostle Paul at his word. No, they “searched the scriptures daily” for themselves to see “whether those thing were so” that Paul was preaching.

As was the case with the Berean disciples who listened to Paul preach, God intends for us to partake in, to hear preaching and yet, all must be cross examined against our own personal searching of His Word for ourselves (2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16-17). On that note, do you remember when the LORD Jesus spoke to the woman at the well and how when He revealed Himself to her as the Messiah she ran out and told everyone? Yet, those men didn’t fully embrace Christ till they personally went to see Him for themselves.

“The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, 29 Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? 30 Then they went out of the city, and came unto him. … 42 And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.” Acts 4:28-30, 42 

No Greek or Hebrew is needed and is certainly not the main rule of interpretation. We must take God’s preserved Word for what it clearly states in our own language, as we compile, compound, put together Scripture with Scripture (Isaiah 28:16; 1 Corinthians 2:13). This is the method of priority in apprehending truth, the highest, stated rule of interpreting truth. A thorough gathering of all Scripture pertaining to the given study, is essential.

“TAUGHT OF GOD”

“It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all TAUGHT OF GOD. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.” John 6:45

“But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are TAUGHT OF GOD to love one another.” 1 Thessalonians 4:9

The LORD alone is “the truth”, gave us His truth – His written Word – and presides over it, teaching it to His people (John 14:6; Psalms 146:6, etc.). His written Word is final divine authority and taught by Him to His people in abiding relationship (John 14:26; 16:13-14).

Beware of “Private Interpretation”

Being crucified with Christ means one is emptied of self, self-will, self-agenda, and abandoned to God’s will. This means that such a person searches out and embraces the biblical truth, no matter where it leads. He never bends the truth to try to fit a tradition or doctrine but rather reject any previous believed notion when the Word says differently (Romans 3:4; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:15-17, etc.).

Those who engage in the sinful activity of privately interpreting Scripture, do so because …

  1. They themselves are un-repentant, not denying self, taking up the cross, and following Jesus (Luke 9:23-24; 2 Timothy 4:2-4)
  2. They refuse to let God be true and every man a liar – beginning with their own wicked hearts (Romans 3:4)
  3. They value tradition about divine truth (Mark 7:6-9)
  4. They do no hold God’s Word as final divine authority though they claim to (John 8:47)
  5. They refuse to be honest with the whole counsel of Holy Scripture (2 Timothy 2:15; 3:15-17)

Beware of those who seek to control the interpretation of God’s Word – those who impose their own notions and doctrine onto God’s truth. There are many who read things into Scripture which are not in the Scriptures. Let’s read again our central passage:

“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that NO PROPHECY OF THE SCRIPTURE IS OF ANY PRIVATE INTERPRETATION. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:19-21

“Private interpretation” seems to point to the agenda and act of self application based on tradition or preconceived notions. Not allowing God to speak for Himself via a thorough study of the whole counsel of His written Word. Application or interpretation based on self desires or that which conforms to some extra-biblical notion or doctrine of men.

Here’s the Greek word for “private”

G2398
ἴδιος
idios
id’-ee-os
Of uncertain affinity; pertaining to self, that is, one’s own (agenda); by implication private or separate: – X his acquaintance, when they were alone, apart, aside, due, his (own, proper, several), home, (her, our, thine, your) own (business), private (-ly), proper, severally, their (own).

Greek word for “interpretation”

G1955
ἐπίλυσις
epilusis
ep-il’-oo-sis
From G1956; explanation, that is, application: – interpretation.
Total KJV occurrences: 1

Not only did the Holy Ghost give us God’s written Word, but also it’s the Holy Ghost that teaches individual saints. Here’s how:

“Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which THE HOLY GHOST TEACHETH; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” 1 Corinthians 2:13

Believers are “taught of God” as they study and collate Scripture. This is never to be infringed upon or controlled by elders. That’s one reason for the plurality of elders in the local expressions, the gatherings of Christ’s body. There’s safety in a plurality of elders who should thereby be held accountable and rebuked when needed (Titus 1:5, etc.).

As Christ’s saints continue “stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers”, they compare, put together, collate line upon line, Bible verse upon Bible verse, in ordain to be “taught of God” His truth (Acts 2:42; Colossians 3:16). 

“Reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine”

RED FLAG: When you witness a man, an elder, who dodges or doesn’t want certain BIBLE verses read, due to that truth contradicting his tradition/heresy, you know you have a man who is in need of repentance (Mark 7:6-9). Such a man’s heart is not captive to the Word of God. He has his own evil agenda. Such a wolf will seek to impose his doctrine of men and devils on others and must be rebuked.

“Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. 20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.” 1 Timothy 5:19-20

“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” 2 Timothy 4:2

The root reason people choose the lie of OSAS is that they simply refuse to truly repent and lay down their lives in this fleeting world. So they are willing to wax over and avoid mountains of biblical truths and warnings. They have their own agenda they hold in reserve. They are not given over to Christ. They believed and were saved and yet didn’t continue in the truth – which Jesus says is essential.

Many times, the ones who cry “context, context, context” are those taking God’s Word out of context in order to perpetrate their heresy. They don’t want the real context because though they pose as Christians, they are not men of truth and so don’t honestly follow the Word of God honestly, no matter where it may lead. They don’t like the context of Holy Scripture – because it simply doesn’t say what they want it to say. They have a predetermined outcome, a doctrinal goal they want to reach and are willing to bait and switch, do acrobats, and ignore Scripture that doesn’t agree with their heresy. These are not honest people. Their goal is to reach their predetermined conclusion.

The Bible reveals that un-repentant people migrate to false teachers, false doctrines (2 Timothy 4:3-4).

“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

Counterfeits invent ways to excuse themselves from accountability to Scripture. Though they regularly and selectively refer to and read the Old Testament Scriptures, when you quote or read them Holy Scripture from the Old Testament to expose OSAS, they will scream “but that’s Old Testament!” Nice try. But “ALL scripture” is given to New Testament saints and we are told that we are taught by those very Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:17; Romans 15;4; 1 Corinthians 10:11). Also, this same truth as is taught in the passage below, is also taught and confirmed all over the New Testament and from Genesis to Revelation.

“Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? 12 Therefore, thou son of man, say unto the children of thy people, The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression: as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness; neither shall the righteous be able to live for his righteousness in the day that he sinneth. 13 When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it.” Ezekiel 33:11-13

Eternal Security is a Lie from Hell.

The Ultimate Teacher is Divine

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” John 14:26

“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.” John 16:13-14

GOD alone “keepeth truth”, is the Divine Source and Steward of His Truth

“…the LORD his God: 6 Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever:” Psalms 146:6

Notice the Hebrew word for “keepeth” here….

H8104

שָׁמַר

shâmar

shaw-mar’

A primitive root; properly to hedge about (as with thorns), that is, guard; generally to protect, attend to, etc.: – beware, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep (-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch (-man).

Total KJV occurrences: 468

Discipleship | Taught of God

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Abiding

The Benefits of Knowing and Delighting in the LORD [podcast]


Delighting ourselves in Him

“Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” Psalms 37:4

Loving God with a Whole Heart, our Whole Being

“Jesus said 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. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40

Abiding in Christ, Asking

“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

Jesus Must Be Our “First love”

“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” Revelation 2:4-5

“That Your Joy May be Full”

“And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. 24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” John 16:23-24

“That is the only place I want to be at the feet of Jesus drinking in His word. Soaking up all He has to say to me! I do not ever want to be arrogant enough to believe I can make it without Jesus. Everyday I tell Him how much I need Him. I am nothing without Jesus!! Oh how I long to be with Him! Yearning for the day when I shall see Him in the clouds. Coming to take us home! Hallelujah!” Karen Cochran

Truly Delighting in the LORD

“Many take this verse out of context (Psalm 37:4). For many years all I would hear Christians say was, ‘He will give you the desires of your heart.’ This then becomes all about you. They would leave out the first part, which says you must delight yourself in the Lord. I came to realize that when you delight in Him, He changes your heart, and you begin to desire what He desires. He aligns your heart with His heart!” Karen Cochran

The subject matter of your prayers reveals if you are about you, or about Jesus.

To illustrate our relationship with Christ, one write of old noted:

“The life of self is death.

The death of self is life.”

There cannot and will not be a resurrection until there is a death. Death and burial must precede raising up. Read Romans 6 each morning this week and ask God to help you life a doornail dead life!

Am I delighting in the LORD? If not, how can He possibly grant the desires of my heart?

“Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” Psalms 37:4

When we delight in the LORD, our lives are crucified with Christ, we are one with Him and He is filling our hearts with His desires – to worship, love, and obey Him. What we ask Him for in prayer will change. Instead of “LORD, please give me this or that fleeting trinket,” it will be “LORD, please let this life be crucified with Thee. Help me to love You more. Use me to edify Your people and minister Your bless-ed Gospel to the lost souls You died and raise against to save.”

“For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Romans 8:29

Run from any wolf who is not squaring you up regularly to inform you that the LORD mandates your death so that He can fill and raise your life upward, Heavenward, for His eternal glory.

YOUR PRAYER: Holy Father, thank You so very much for sending Your only begotten Son to find, rescue, forgive, and save me into Your glorious eternal kingdom. Please help me to know and love You more. Sanctify my life and conform me to the image of Christ. Please wash me afresh with Your precious blood LORD Jesus. Use me to help others know You dear LORD. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Abiding

Cons and Crooks who Do Not Preach the Cross [podcast]


“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18

Those who do not preach the cross prove that they believe the cross is “foolishness.”

The know that many will leave if they were to preach the crucified life. And they are in it for the money, the acceptance of mere men, not Christ. Make no mistake, the Holy Ghost through Paul warned us specifically about this generation of counterfeits, these “evil men and seducers” who “wax worse and worse.” (2 Timothy 3:13)  They’ve raised up a generation of self-love counterfeits who have a mere “form of godliness” and are “denying the power (authority of Jesus) thereof: from such turn away.” (2 Timothy 3:1-13)

The con men who commandeer today’s apostate church world want you “in church” so they get paid and yet where did the apostle Paul or any of the apostles instruct anyone to go find a good church or “attend church every Sunday”? Chapters and verses please

Why is lack of attending a local fellowship listed as a sin in the New Testament canon?

What qualifies a man to be an elder? certainly not seminary which are wolf factories invaded by the jesuits in 50’s and 60’s. All seminarians are vatican indoctrinated. The first they the jesuits did was replace the real Bible, the KJB with fake vatican corrupted new version “bibles.”

In His Great Commission command, did Jesus ever command “Go ye into all the world and find a church and be a fruitless, lukewarm, good church member?” OR …. Go teach and preach my Word? (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15)

In the early days of the Gospel, when persecution hit Jerusalem, God’s Word records this: “Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.” (Acts 8:4) This clearly reveals that they were equipped by the apostles “for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:” (Ephesians 4:11-12) Jesus and apostles never trained anyone to become good church members or attenders.

IF YOU ARE ARGUING TO PUSH THE IDEA THAT ALL DISCIPLES OF JESUS MUST GO TO A SUPPOSED “OFFICIAL” CHURCH BUILDING ON SUNDAY MORNINGS AND YET YOUR OWN PASTOR ISN’T CONSTANTLY PREACHING THE CRUCIFIED LIFE AS AN ABSOLUTE ORIGINAL GOSPEL ESSENTIAL….. THIS IS CLEAR PROOF YOU ARE SITTING UNDER WOLVES AND NOW DEFENDING THEM AND WILL BE JUDGED WITH THEM (2 John 9-11).

Isn’t it interesting that those who push the “go to church” agenda are the ones who stand to profit from such? Are you being made merchandise of? (2 Peter 2:1-3)

Christ’s true disciples do what HE did – direct you to the cross, the crucified life – and not some apostate modern church run by a fake pastor, using a fake “bible”, and preaching a fake “Jesus.” WHAT did Jesus teach was necessary to follow Him – going to church or taking up the cross, living the crucified life, daily?

“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.” Luke 9:23-24

“Many try to crucify their flesh in their own strength. This is impossible. It takes a complete and total surrender to Jesus first. Then the Holy Spirit will show you all the ways you are not like God. Then it is not a struggle. You let Jesus have control. Your job is to obey and take your flesh to the cross to be nailed there. Dead and buried. This is how the fruits of the Spirit are born in us! If we are saved by the blood of Jesus, we will not let sin reign in our mortal bodies. We now have the power of Christ to resist sin. It should never have dominion over us. We are now servants of righteousness and holiness. We are to walk in the newness of life that we have in Christ. Do not serve sin! Serve Jesus!” Karen Cochran

Is the cross, the crucified daily life essential to following Jesus? Yes or no?

“And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:27 

Memorize Galatians 2:20 today. Meditate upon and live it daily.

“But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.” Luke 19:27

“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD:” Amos 8:11

Fellowship with other saints is vital and yet we have to navigate these times of apostasy.


MESSAGE RECEIVED:

“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together” is a Biblical command (Hebrews 10:24-25). It was also demonstrated and practiced in the early church (Acts 4:31, Acts 11:26, Acts 15:25, Acts 20:7, Romans 12:3-8, 1 Corinthians 11:17-34, 1 Corinthians 14:23-26, 1 Corinthians 16:1-2) . Missionaries may not always be able to attend the local church that sent them out but their heart is there and a big part of the mission should be establishing new local churches, like Paul did. All believers should desire to meet with fellow like minded Scriptural believers for fellowship, labor, and worship together unto God. Those without a body mentality are self centered.”

REPLY:

As Jesus commanded, the earliest followers of Jesus cross-walked with Jesus “daily” and fellowshipped “daily.” (Luke 9:23-24; Acts 2:46; 5:42). Today we have people who are impressed with themselves for meeting weekly in a setting that is called “church” that is not even biblical. Churchianity vs Christianity.

Acts 2:42 – “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” This is the true model of simple, Christ-centered fellowship. Regrettably the bureaucracy mob of wolves infiltrated long ago. Most local “churches” are commandeered by seminarian wolves (Ezekiel 22:25-27). In the first decades after Christ was raised from the dead, the apostle Paul wept bitterly over the hoards of wolves who would come and make a busine$$ out of the church, who would devour the sheep of Christ, for whom He came and died (Acts 20:20-32). Jesus had already cleansed the temple in divine fury over this very thing (Matthew 21; John 2). They the apostle Peter warned us of those who would “make merchandise of you.” (2 Peter 2:1-3)

“Evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse.” 2 Timothy 3:13

Missionaries and others who are truly born again and find Biblical fellowship even daily, instead of weekly, are no less assembling than those who meet in a designated building once weekly.

We still do not see Jesus or the apostles operating rigidly or perhaps much at all with a regimented Sunday morning meeting, nor their insistence that all Christians the world over do such. It was more of a lifestyle, not a Sunday morning visit to a country club as is mostly what we see today. Telling new Christians to go “find a church” in their area is a dangerous proposition especially in this late hour where Jesus promised, foretold that “MANY false prophets shall arise and shall deceive MANY.” (Matthew 24:11) Most “church” organizations are 501(C)(3) which alone means they sold out to the state, rejecting the rulership of the Savior…. and now the state dictates what, when, and where they can preach. The covid scamdemic exposed this – how over 90% of these state owned “churches” are utterly false. Those wolves took orders from the State, not the Savior who commands us to fellowship and if they have true fellowship, why didn’t they continue? They are compromised.

WHAT fruit has the modern church produced? Can we count on more than 1 hand the amount of people we know who are ardent church members (unbiblical) who are also in the Word daily, deny self and taking up the cross daily, and who are evangelizing. There are very few. Jesus says His people are a “little flock.” (Luke 12:32) The modern church wolves who pretend to represent Christ have produced a generation of counterfeits.

WHO did God tell us are His?

“And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” Galatians 5:24

When’s the last time you heard, outside of a “church” building. a faithful church goer laud and celebrate Jesus Christ, testifying of His precious blood and glorious resurrection? Churchianity isn’t Christianity. So many counterfeit modern church goers brag about and are proud of their church and pastor and yet few if any of those same people testify from their own mouths and lives the glories of the bless-ed nail scarred risen Savior. They are not upholding Christ, the Head (Colossians 2:18-19).

Many modern church assemblies do not equal true Bible fellowship, assembling which will always exalt Jesus Christ, not the elders, the organization, or the church.

YOUR PRAYER: Holy Father I come to You now in the name of Jesus, knowing what you said my life should be and yet not knowing how this is to come about. Please increase my faith. I love You LORD. Here and now I turn to You in repentance, asking You to forgive my many sins of not being thankful to You, of selfishness, self-idolatry, rebellion, and unbelief. Please wash me clean, afresh, in the precious blood of my LORD Jesus. Change me dear LORD. Conform me to the image of Christ. Please fill me with Your Holy Ghost and use me to win the lost and help Your people as we eagerly anticipate Your soon return. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Each of us is blessed with good ministries we are surrounded by. They feed us and they are winning souls (street preachers, God called Bible teachers, etc). Please pray for and support them saints (Galatians 6:6; Philippians 1:19, etc.). This way we are all, each member of Christ’s body, participating in the Great Commission mandate He gave us – and is coming back to take account of the stewardship of our lives – time, talent, treasure, etc. (Ephesians 4:11-16, etc.). Let’s roll saints. Jesus is coming.

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