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“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.” John 16:33

In his prayer of repentance, the sweet psalmist of Israel, the beloved David, cried “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit” (Psalms 51:12).

“I took these drugs for 20+ years and they are dangerous, highly addictive and can do lasting damage. They cure nothing and in many cases cause more long term problems. Depression is absolutely demonic in my experience. GOD is the only answer. Thank you for speaking the truth on this. I’ve found SO many are deceived and blinded by the world system and claim there’s nothing wrong with psych drugs and that God gave man the wisdom to create these. Total nonsense. Anti anxiety meds slow brain activity and are definitely linked to dementia.” Jen G

“I am really enjoying your podcasts and I really hate pills (drugs) as they create more health problems. I am learning every day how I have been deceived. It’s really quite shocking. Its the side effects to these awful medicine that concern me. That is why there so many people with Alzheimer’s and dementia might be the cause and then e additives and chemicals that the farmers spray. Devils cocktail seem like. I am going organic. I am so glad that I am getting washed by the Word. Amen.” Penny

Carol Burke writes:

“Romans 8:15 says ‘For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.’ Fear is a spirit that torments man to terrorize him internally, to not permit the fruit of the Holy Spirit to manifest internally to set men free. Thank You Lord! We need not fear as one that is in bondage to his master! I am no longer a slave but a son! Drugs is bondage!”

Mood Drug Madness is the Prophesied Antichrist Sorcery, Witchcraft Wielded Over all Who aren’t Truly In Christ (Revelation 18:23).

“…for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.” Revelation 18:23

Getting Honest is the First Step Toward Total Victory

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9

Jesus taught us that man’s sin comes out of his “desperately wicked” heart (Jer. 17:9; Mark 7:20-23).

The devil and his agents have created a million ways to divert us from stopping our lives, getting honest, taking personal responsibility, humbling ourselves, admitting our sins against God, and repenting.

“When David took his sin to God in Psalm 51 he took 100 percent responsibility! He did not blame Bathsheba and did not seek therapy or medications. He took his heart to God. Repented and pleaded with the Lord to forgive and cleanse him. And the Lord restored to him the joy of his salvation. David was truly broken before God. And the only answer he sought was the Lord.” Karen Cochran

MESSAGE RECEIVED:

“There are legitimate diseases and drugs. This is rather broad. You break your leg you go to the doctor don’t you? Same for mental, mood problems, right? I wouldn’t argue against scripture… but I also couldn’t believe you are the judge of every person who is medically assisted. Not every illness is miraculously healed. We live in a fallen world.”

REPLY:

You are using human reasoning so I will not answer this question. Drugging demons and depression is a cheap counterfeit and a mere band aid. It has never nor ever will result in curing the root. Jesus alone can make the heart right, not doctors. Where did Jesus or any of His apostles prescribe a drug, especially for someone’s mental state? Memorize Colossians 2:8-10.

We are complete in Christ who is our Salvation and He did a perfect work and lives to provide what He died to purchase (1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 4:14-16; 7:24-26). | Christ Lives to Provide What He Died to Purchase 

Drugs dull and numb the mind and put a person in an altered state, not to mention that they are also proven to damage the internal organ. This numbing of the mind is of diabolical design in order to lead rebels into eternal damnation.

What does 2 Timothy 1:7 say? Devils have legal right to the minds of every person who has not truly repented and is not currently abiding in Christ. Sin gives an open door, legal right to Satan. Memorize James 4:7. Notice when the demon possessed maniac at Gadara had those demons cast out by Jesus…. what happened? What was his mental state, his mood?

‘And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and IN HIS RIGHT MIND: and they were afraid.’ Mark 5:15

Jesus didn’t prescribe a drug and we are to do what He did and not to do what He didn’t do. In fact He specifically commanded us to do such:

‘And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;’ Mark 16:17

Are those who take mood drugs, drugging demons?

This message in no way declares that every human malady is healed miraculously. This post does absolutely challenge with the Bible the idea of drugging our minds to effect our mood, our spiritual or psychological state. I am judging you as being biblical illiterate (John 7:24; 8:47) and certainly put no trust in your mere human reasoning or mind. Show us all one place in the Bible where Jesus, His apostles, or prophets ever prescribed a drug for a person’s mental, spiritual, psychological state? Waiting…. you gave no Scripture so apparently your trust is in something else other than God’s Word. You would do well to get into the Word.

Are you blessed or cursed?

‘Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.’ Jeremiah 17:5

Luke was a physician. God provides them. Yet the LORD is a Jealous God who is the only Soul-ution for our spirit, soul, and body (2 Chronicles 16:12). Drugging ourselves for our mental, spiritual, psychological state is something the LORD supplies through the fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, etc. (Galatians 5:22-23).

The battle that rages is a spiritual battle. We shall suffer such attacks in the flesh as long as we are on earth and so submitting ourselves afresh in prayer to the LORD as you did is essential in the victory. Memorizing James 4:7 is amazing!!!

To say one needs a drug for his mood is to say Jesus didn’t do a complete work (2 Timothy 1:7). WHAT are the 9 dimensions of the ‘fruit of the Spirit’ which are born and alive in every truly abiding saint of Christ? (See Galatians 5:22-23.) There is no such thing as a disciple of Jesus, blessed with the fruit of the Holy Spirit – love, joy, peace – that takes a drug for their mood. They don’t need such a cheap demonic counterfeit.

Psalm 51 – after we seek the LORD in true repentance, He cleanses us, and restores unto us ‘the joy of thy salvation’ which is a whole, complete salvation – spirit, soul, mind, body (1 Thessalonians 5:23).

So if a Christian is taking a mood drug, are they trusting Christ or the drug?

‘And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he sought not to the LORD, but to the physicians.’ 2 Chronicles 16:12

So, will we trust the Great Physician or the worlds physicians?

The sin of unbelief (Hebrews 3-4).

‘How oft did they provoke him in the wilderness, and grieve him in the desert! 41 Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and LIMITED THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL. 42 They remembered not his hand, nor the day when he delivered them from the enemy.’ Psalms 78:40-42

There are so very many people who claim to be Christ’s yet they don’t listen to Christ – His written Word. No, they have no time to revel in ‘ALL things that pertain to life and godliness’ found in the ‘exceeding great and precious promises’ of the Word of God (2 Peter 1:3-4). Yet, these same people do spend endless energy and time listening to and obeying this fallen world’s mere human ‘experts.’ Sad. Telling. Bad fruit. Spiritual adultery. Hell awaits.

‘Thou shalt have no other gods before me.’ Exodus 20:3

Limiting God is a sin. Unbelief. ‘Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and LIMITED THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL’ (Psalms 78:41).

Are we forgetting the benefits the LORD provided in His perfect salvation?

‘Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:’ Psalms 103:2

We live in a drug-crazed, drug-dependent world. Isn’t using a drug for our mental, psychological, and spiritual state not an indictment upon our glorious LORD God who gave His only begotten Son for our redemption, our wholeness, our salvation? When He saves us we are born again and the divine Holy Spirit dwells in us, His temples (1 Corinthians 3:16). We are new creatures in Christ and yet by gullibly allowing a mere man to prescribe a drug, we forfeit the blessing of God (2 Corinthians 5:17-18). Repentance needed for ‘an evil heart of unbelief’ (Hebrews 3:12-15). God doesn’t band aid things, He heals and makes whole to the root. Dare we accuse the Almighty of shorting us, of the sacrifice of His Son not being enough, not providing a complete salvation?

“Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise.” Jeremiah 17:14

A mood drug is a band aid for the unrepentant – not the divine solution.

Got depression? Are you seeking the LORD in true repentance whereby He will grant you great joy? (Psalms 51; 2 Timothy 1:7)

Sin is the Root of all of Man’s Problems: Drugs are Never the Solution

Depression is merely the result of sin, of living in sin. Period. No stupid medicine has or ever will solve such. Only Jesus can and did solve man’s sin dilemma. Surrendering in repentant to the Savior is sin’s solution and all the evil it brings such as depression (Romans 6:23).

“Die to self! My depression left once I fully surrendered to the Lord my wicked self! Depression is all the result of you trying to do it in your own strength! And being stuck in self! Humbly surrender to God and He will lift you up out of the horrible pit (which is what depression is), the miry clay (despair) and set your feet upon the rock of Jesus! Then He will put a new song in your heart! A song of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord! (Psalm 40:2-3). The joy of the Lord will be your strength! (Nehemiah 8:10). Alleluia!” Karen Cochran

David had sinned grossly. He cried out to the LORD in sincere repentance. What happened that restored ‘the JOY of thy salvation’ to this man after God’s own heart? Can anyone find a mood drug in this divine prescription or anywhere in God’s Word?

‘Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. 9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. 12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.’ Psalms 51:8-12

Upon authentic repentance, David was restored to the joy of the LORD and upheld, uplifted by the Holy Spirit of God.

Those who refuse to truly repent and lay down their lives in this fleeting world are subjected and relegated to dependence on the world’s cheap substitutes which never get to the root of the issue but rather only mask it with a band aid. Until they see this for the sin it is, the sin of unbelief – out of ‘an evil heart of unbelief’ -they shall remain unstable, unsound, and in bondage to a drug (Hebrews 3:12-15).

THOSE WHO FOLLOW JESUS DON’T NEED AN ANTIDEPRESSANT BECAUSE THEY ARE FULL OF THE JOY OF THE LORD.

‘For the joy of the LORD is your strength.’ Nehemiah 8:10

The true born again disciple of Jesus, abiding daily in Him, is full of His divine ‘Love, JOY, peace…’ (Galatians 5:22-23) Such an authentic follower of Jesus doesn’t walk in ‘the counsel of the ungodly’ but rather in the counsel, the Word of God ‘and in his law doth he meditate day and night’ (Psalms 1). The joy of the LORD is our strength and abides and remains in His abiding disciples – so they have need of nothing, no counterfeit, no cheap substitute for what God provides!

‘These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.’ John 15:11

‘And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and YOUR JOY NO MAN TAKETH FROM YOU.’ John 16:22

Never Underestimate the Power of Jesus!

As you read this fascinating story of maniacal demon possession, to solve this problem, ask what solution Jesus provided. Did the Son of God prescribe a drug, send someone to the doctor, or cast out the devils?

“And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes. And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains: Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him. And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones. But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him, And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not. For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit. And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many. And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country. Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding. And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them. And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea. And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done. And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine. And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts. And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him. Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee. And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.” Mark 5:1-20

Here was a demon possessed maniac who was so overcome by the devil that he terrorized the whole town of Gadara, cried aloud, stripped himself, cut himself, and broke the chains that held him bound – until Jesus broke his chain! He was then off the chain – completely set free and “sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind” (Mk. 5:15).

The power of God changed this man’s life as it is changing lives today around the world. Jesus set this bound soul free from all those devils that had taken residence inside him and gave this man a sound mind! God be praised! God will take off the chain that binds every soul that hears and obeys His Gospel.

This once demon possessed maniacal man was now restored by Heaven’s King who came “to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10).

“The thief (Satan) cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10

WHEN we see humanity being stolen from, robbed, killed, destroyed, through sin and Satan, we must see through the eyes of Jesus, His Word.

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12

EVERY person we deal with, is a precious soul Jesus created and died for. Their outer shell might be very ugly, destroyed, nasty…. yet they are an eternal soul Jesus died and was raised again to save.

Father, please help us see Your truth, reality via Your kingdom eyes. Open our eyes that we might see as You see. In Jesus’ name LORD.

How did our LORD deal with the maniac at Gadara? He did not condemn, He cured!

Jesus came to save, to set men free from sin and Satan! We are His hands and feet in the earth!

God is Greater than all Falsehood

“Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar…” Romans 3:3-4

While in a retail location (car dealership) I was quickened by the Spirit to minister to a certain man in his 20’s. As I moved toward him, I saw what looked like an open Bible on his work station desk so I asked about it and he said “No, this is a Quran.” I said “Oh okay” and never slowed down or broke stride (by God’s grace) to worry about what diversionary tactic the enemy was using against this precious soul. So, immediately, with a hand of compassion on his shoulder, looked him in the eye and began to lovingly tell Him how much Jesus loved Him and died for his sins and that Christ was the only Person in history who foretold His own death, burial, and resurrection, and then accomplished it all, rising from the dead after dying on that cross on Calvary’s hill. I told him how that He is alive right now and forevermore to save to the uttermost! I shared with this man that only Jesus Christ bares nailed-scarred hands and feet to prove He is the very Son of God and paid the only price that propitiates (atones) for our sins, satisfying the claims of the Father’s justice. By this point this man’s eyes were filled with tears. The Holy Spirit was touching his searching heart which can never be filled or satisfied by anything but Christ, the Prince of peace, whose love and truth is communicated in and through His Word.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” John 3:16-17

The tears in this man’s eyes, emanating from his broken soul, can be a reminder to our understanding that God made all souls and that He can and will find and touch anyone He chooses through His Word, Spirit, and servants! (See Ezek. 18:4.) Never believe a lie or system of lies to be greater than the power of your God! The Jehovah Witness, Mormon, Islamic, Catholic religions are merely man-made religions and unlike the Gospel, have no power to redeem! The divine Person of the Holy Ghost is only behind and confirming the true Gospel with signs following, the greatest sign being the new birth in the hearts of men! (See Mk. 16:15-20; Jn. 3:3, 7; Tit. 3:5-6.) Only the Person and Gospel of Jesus Christ transforms lives completely – from the inside out! Only God can grant the new birth!

Could there possibly be any message in the world greater or more powerful than the one given by the One who made all things?

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” Romans 1:16

Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?” Jeremiah 23:29

Only God can truly change a life from the inside out! Only Jesus can turn a heart of stone into a heart of flesh! (See Ezek. 36:25-27.) The Gospel is superior to any other system of religion. Nothing compares to the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ that has saved and sanctified millions of precious souls the world over and is still marching on across the nations, one heart at a time. Fear not – “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world (1 Jn. 4:4). Saints, let us simply and obediently communicate God’s truth in love and watch Jesus work to save! – “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase” (1 Cor. 3:6). He has promised to bless as you obey!

Jesus Never Fails!

Didn’t Jesus reach into your own hardened and wretched soul, interrupting your life of sin and save you?! If so, is He not able to do the same in others? Didn’t He tell us that His infinitely mighty arm is not shorted or hindered and that His ear is not closed and that He is able to save to the uttermost? (See Isa. 59:1-2; Heb. 7:24-26.) Let’s look at these words in Hebrews 7 – makes me want to shout with joy at the depth of divine revelation of His love and grace evident in this passage:

“But this man (Jesus), because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens.” Hebrews 7:24-26

Christ came in the volume of the book of which it is written to break the chains of sin and Satan and lies!

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” Luke 4:18

Why Did Jesus Come?

“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” 1 Timothy 1:15

“For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8

There is only ONE Glorious Gospel Revealing One Unique Savior!

“But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” 2 Corinthians 4:3-7

The glorious Gospel of Jesus can go into the depths of the soul, convict, draw and save! Heavenly Father please forgive our unbelief and increase our faith, in Jesus’ name!

I must say that I was pleasantly surprised at the way Jesus touched the heart of this searching soul who was looking at someone else other than to the LORD for answers. His understanding had been diverted. My surprised response perhaps underscores the unbelief in my heart. God forgive me for counting the lies of Satan greater than the stone-crushing, devil-exterminating power of God’s eternal truth (Jer. 23:29). Never prejudge – just obey because “to obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Sam. 15:22). Always know that God’s Word never returns to Him void but always accomplishes that which He desires (Isa. 55:11).

In this late hour Christ is opening eyes and shattering the chains of darkness that bind so many – no matter what flavor of deception the enemy has used to blind them. The Holy Spirit and Word of God will break through to those who choose to have ears to hear. O LORD let the Gospel be heard from those whom He has found and redeemed – “Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy” (Ps. 107:2). Father please open doors for the ministry of Your Word. Open hearts and redeem souls Jesus! Our LORD Jesus came “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me” (Acts 26:18).

JESUS came to make captives free. SATAN’s agents seek to put you in bondage! (Luke 4:18; John 10:10; Galatians 2:4-5; 5:1)

As the demon-possessed maniac at Gadara experienced, to those who hear, repent, and believe, Christ, the power of God, is the chain–breaking, shackle-shattering Savior and LORD!

“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

“Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life.” 2 Corinthians 2:14-16

As we are blessed to communicate God’s love and Word, He is going to deliver souls and take people off the chain the enemy has bound them with!

“It is a spiritual issue. Was in my room reading then started getting all these thoughts to kill myself. It started getting louder I knew this was a demonic attack and I was being tested! I thought I was losing my mind but Jesus came through and protected me! Showed me what he was trying to show me through a fiery trial. It’s all spiritual! I’ve never had thoughts like that in my entire life. No explanation. Praise Jesus!!” Nicole

Do you think that if some believer had gotten to this searching man first and gave him a Bible and communicated the Gospel, that it would have prevented the deception of a foreign religion from encroaching upon his precious soul?

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.” Mark 16:15-20

MESSAGE RECEIVED:

“So what are you saying people shouldn’t take antidepressants when they have a lack of serotonin in their brain which is why you take antidepressants?”

REPLY:

Is that the real answer? WHO gave that diagnosis? WHERE is our trust? Is GOD not enough to heal that supposed ailment if it’s true in the first place? Remember, doctors have to come up with a “diagnosis” in order to prescribe a drug. That’s how they make their money.

MESSAGE RECEIVED:

“Have you ever suffered with a mental illness?”

REPLY:

Is it real? Is the issue material or spiritual? That’s where so many have bought the lie from the world’s doctors instead of going to the Word of God. It’s time to cease making excuse, repent, get into the Word and obey God. HE alone is our Salvation and will bring perfect wholeness just as we see Him doing in the Gospels (1 Thessalonians 5:23). This is a spiritual issue and James 4:7 gives the divine solution to shutting Satan out:

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

PRAYER: Glorious LORD Jesus, please forgive my evil heart of unbelief and grant my heart a fresh start this moment! I repent now of all the idolatry, and spiritual adultery, evil unbelief, and how I’ve not trusted You but rather mere men. Thank You for Your infinite power and desire to redeem men and thank You for finding and saving me dear LORD. I love You LORD Jesus and thank You so much that You had no beginning and have no end and have always been and ever live to make intercession for the souls of men who will come to You for Your salvation which includes their spirit, soul, and body. Your salvation is complete and provides for the whole person of those You redeem. Please make me whole – spirit, soul, and body. Grant a sound heart and sound mind and body. As Your people fervently await Your soon return, please open up doors to joyfully communicate Your eternal Gospel to others! In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

PsychoBabble Exposed

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Articles

What Did Paul mean by “Double Honour”? [podcast]


Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.” 1 Timothy 5:17-18

“Double honour” is generous but not lavish. “Double honour” limits the income of “the elders that rule well.” This would be in contrast to the many pastors today who make themselves rich in this world, as they “make merchandise” of their prey, the people they lead (2 Peter 2:1-3).

Do we not realize that “double honour” actually prevents making merchandise of God’s people by making millionaires our of con men? You are not wiser than God, sinner. You don’t decide what His Word says. It’s best to shut up in humility and simply render humble obedience on this topic, doctrine, and all others.

“Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice …” 1 Samuel 15:22

Tithing is not taught in the New Testament. Giving is to be done out of worship, gratitude, and the honor of the LORD. Christ’s New Testament disciples are to give out of a “cheerful” heart (2 Corinthians 9:7). Here is what the apostle Paul wrote about our giving under the New Covenant:

“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7  Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 8  And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: 9  (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. 10  Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) 11  Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. ” 2 Corinthians 9:6-11

It’s actually sickening to see how some, out of their own darkened and corrupted hearts, want to starve out the God-called elders from carrying out their divinely ordained duties to feed and equip the flock and to watch for their souls.

Some people are so deep in darkness and therefore blinded that they don’t realize that the work that they do in this world to earn money is not even important compared to the paramount divine work of an elder that God has prepared, sent forth, and diligently feeding His blood-bought flock.

“Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.  … 16   But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. 17  Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” Hebrews 13:7, 16-17

1 Timothy 5:17-18 is specifically of those called-by-God elders “who labour in the word and doctrine.”

“Double honour” here is twice the average earning in the specific economy and time. This apparently is so that they have no financial worries and can concentrate on the most important work in the earth, the kingdom of Christ—feed His flock (John 21:15-17; 1 Peter 5:1-6, etc.). “The elders that rule well” are those who are to be given “double honour” and not the greed-driven enterprising salesmen …..

Of “double honour” one source notes the following (1 Timothy 5:17-18):

In 1 Timothy 5:17, the “double honor” refers to giving financial support, respect, and esteem to elders who lead the church well and especially to those who work hard at preaching and teaching. This concept is rooted in the Old Testament principle that a laboring ox should not be muzzled, and a worker deserves their wages, highlighting the importance of caring for those who labor in ministry.” 

What kind of men does the LORD look for to servant lead?

“Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:” Exodus 18:21

Paul’s refusal to covet what is not his own, in no way negates the compensation God has ordained for those who labor in His Word and doctrine to feed His sheep (1 Corinthians 9). There is no contradiction. Paul’s refusal to receive of the Corinthians doesn’t mean he didn’t receive from others. Take a look:

“And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.” 2 Corinthians 11:9 

The above verse, revelation proves the argument wrong that suggests that ministers of the Gospel of Christ should reject receiving any giving to do His work.

The fact that “double honour” is appropriate to the elders described in 1 Timothy 5:17-18 is in NO way means this “double honor” compensation should be demanded. No. Yet God has stated such and in my opinion, from this passage and 1 Corinthians 9 and the Levites of the Old Testament, He says it should be a sufficient portion, a sufficient, a generous compensation that is supplied to “the elders that rule well.” Perhaps He stated double honor in order to be a measure of what is not enough and what is too much and so the elders defined here do not have to feel guilty. Also, is it not conducive to peace in one’s calling to know his bills are paid? As in no muzzling, no starving out the elder ox who treads out the corn of God’s Word, who works to feed the flock of God.

“Double honor – Διπλης τιμης. Almost every critic of note allows that τιμη here signifies reward, stipend, wages. Let him have a double or a larger salary who rules well; and why? Because in the discharge of his office he must be at expense, in proportion to his diligence, in visiting and relieving the sick, in lodging and providing for strangers; in a word, in his being given to hospitality, which was required of every bishop or presbyter.” Adam Clarke

“[Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine] Ruling elders, especially preaching and teaching elders are to receive double honor or wages (1Ti_5:17-18; 1Co_9:6-14; Gal_6:6; Heb_7:1-10). See note, Act_14:23.” Dake

“Let him that is taught in the word communicate (give) unto him that teacheth in all good things.” Galatians 6:6

The Greek word for “communicate” here is:

“koinōneō
koy-no-neh’-o
From G2844; to share with others (objectively or subjectively): – communicate, distribute, be partaker.”

We are privileged to supply those who feed us, to fund those who feed us God’s Word. Such men perform the most important and only eternal work in our lives in this world as we look for the soon return of our LORD.

Is “double honour” also not a demarkation…. where those who would dare exceed double honour to make themselves rich in this world are known as those who are making merchandise of the people? See 2 Peter 2:1-3.  What the self-righteous who attempt to change “double honour” into something other than what it is don’t understand, is that “double honour” is a parameter that actually keeps men from making merchandise of the people, making themselves millionaires at the expense of, while exploiting the people.  God is all wise….

John Wesley notes:

“Let the elders that rule well – Who approve themselves faithful stewards of all that is committed to their charge. Be counted worthy of double honour – A more abundant provision, seeing that such will employ it all to the glory of God. As it was the most laborious and disinterested men who were put into these offices, so whatever any one had to bestow, in his life or death, was generally lodged in their hands for the poor.”

It’s quite amazing how some expect the men who are prepared, called out by God to do the infinitely most important work in the earth are to do it for free. The origins of this lie which directly contradicts God’s Word, is “another spirit,” Satan—who wars against the LORD and His servants.

It seems that perhaps some become disillusioned when they realize they’ve been deceived by wolves in sheep’s clothing. Then they don’t give at all and yet the Word instructs us to give and to specifically give to the ministries that feed us the pure Word (Galatians 6:6; 1 Timothy 5:17-18).

The lost will never supply, support God’s work. And that’s because they are not of God and that the LORD has left that opportunity for His own people – to lay up treasure in glory which He instructed us to do (Matthew 6:19-21).

God’s people are divinely called and are to be allowed and granted the blessed opportunity to give to HIS work—not forcefully coerced but given opportunity (2 Corinthians 9:7). This is clear in Scripture. When we give, we thereby learn to trust Him who replenishes our supply as He so often promised to do (Proverbs 3:9-10; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11, etc.). It would be wrong to disallow God’s people from giving actually. Moses did not stop God’s people from giving until there was so much given by God’s people that there was nowhere else to contain it! He had to tell them to stop bringing their things to the work of the LORD because they had nowhere else to store it—there was too much of it (Exodus 35). To tell people not to give to God’s work(ers) would mean he forbade them from doing what the LORD told His people to do from the beginning—give. The Levites were one of the twelve tribes of Israel set forth to continually worship and serve the LORD and His people, and Paul, Christ’s apostle, draws from this very truth/fact in 1 Corinthians 9 below.

God provides, yes, and His stated desire to supply, at least in part, is through His body—and that is so that they partake of the blessings both now and eternally (Galatians 6:6; 1 Corinthians 9:1-14; 1 Timothy 5:17-18). A proper and more thorough view of God’s kingdom reveals that to shut off the opportunity of giving and forbid His children from giving, stifles blessings.

When your reaction to evil produces more evil (causes you to trample on the clear contents of God’s Word, to pervert it), you know you fit what Paul calls men of corrupt minds (1 Timothy 6). While over reacting you perfect what Satan and his wolves perverted, you also are guilty of teaching against the LORD you falsely claim to serve and thereby bear false witness against the Almighty. “Let God be true and every man a liar” (Romans 3:4). You have joined the ranks of those you condemn in that you too have “limited the holy one of Israel” while denying His truth, as you pretend to defend the faith (Psalms 78:41).

“For we are not as many, which corrupt 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

“Jeremiah 3:15: ‘And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you knowledge and understanding.’ These are pastors who live according to God’s word and understand the very heart of God, which is His Word (Psalm 33:11). We have very few of these in this late hour! Most are too consumed with self.” Karen Cochran

Your ill-advised inner embattlement that consumes you doesn’t change the very Word of God. You have over reacted and dismissed the very Word of the God you claim to serve. This puts you in the same camp as those you condemn. Isn’t it time for you to step back and get into the place of repentance before a holy God? That way you will cease perverting the right ways, the Word of God – trampling its contents out of the imbalance.

“Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you. 13 Ye have plowed wickedness, ye have reaped iniquity; ye have eaten the fruit of lies: because thou didst trust in thy way, in the multitude of thy mighty men.” Hosea 10:12-13

“He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.” Proverbs 18:13

Tithing? No. Levitical Priesthood Pattern brought into light by the apostle Paul? Yes.

It seems some are basing things on the wolves’ exploitation of the people and putting their weight there more than on the Scriptures which are clear concerning the compensation of certain elders, such as in 1 Corinthians 9 and 1 Timothy 5:17-18, etc. The Levites also. No the New Testament doesn’t teach tithing. No I am not trying to get anyone’s money, yet this ministry outreach accepts any cheerful giving from Christ’s saints…. which helps allow many to be reached with God’s Word.

Some novices on this thread seem to be making presumptuous conclusions of those who simply seek to stand on top of the whole counsel of Scripture on this topic. We must never abandon truth, God’s doctrine, due to others abusing it. Never abandon to abuse as it’s been put. We never throw out any part of the Word due to the abuse of it by others (Psalms 119:104, 128; 2 Corinthians 2:17).

A common misapplication of Scripture happens when people say “Freely ye have RECEIVED, freely GIVE.” (Matthew 10:8)

Watch closely what they quote – “Freely ye have RECEIVED, freely GIVE.” (Matthew 10:8) How are the men, the elders whom GOD has prepared and called out to serve HIM going to “GIVE” unless they are receiving? Some are misusing this verse. In the context of Matthew 10, the apostles had RECEIVED the Word, the Gospel from Christ and therefore were to GIVE it to others freely. That’s what ministry is and this is spoken in context of Jesus sending forth His disciples to minister. This in no way negates that God’s people are to be givers as they obey His command to lay up treasure in Heaven, to work so they “have to give”, but supporting His work – the going forth of His Word to feed, nourish, and equip Christ’s saints (Matthew 6:19-21; Ephesians 4:28). “How dwelleth the love of God in” those who don’t give? And where else to give but to poor Christians and the elders and work of Christ?

“But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?” 1 John 3:17

Are God’s people not instructed to fund those who feed them God’s Word? Yes. (Galatians 6:6)

How nonsensical for God to send forth men to be used of Him without the plan in place to provide for them. (1 Corinthians 9:1-14)

How nonsensical for the LORD to instruct His saints to give, to lay up treasure in Heaven and not waste it on earth, without the plan in place for where they are to give? (Matthew 6:19-21)

Some make the common novice mistake of concluding that God’s Word should be disobeyed, His true elders should not be funded but rather starved out, all because his enemy, Satan, has used false prophets to make merchandise of many (2 Peter 2:1-3).

What Does the Bible Say about the Compensation of Christ’s True Ministers? Is this topic addressed in God’s Word? If so, what does it say?

Compensation for true ministers is the stated ordained will of God (1 Timothy 5:17-18; 1 Corinthians 9:1-14)… problem is not pay but rather the hirelings who are getting paid…. to mislead!

“Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 18 For the scripture saith, thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.” – 1 Timothy 5:17-18

Reading these 2 verses together makes it clear that “double honour” includes financial compensation. Otherwise the command of v. 18 is being violated—when called out elders are labouring in the Word and doctrine are being muzzled. Seems this could not be more clearly stated than the Holy Ghost through Paul penned it.

“Double honour” is to be given to divinely called-out elders “especially they who labour in the word and doctrine” (1 Timothy 5:17-18).

“Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? 14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.” – 1 Corinthians 9:13-14 KJV

Recently one man attempted to reduce “double honour” to mere respect until shown the never verse, verse 18. He blocked me instead of amending his ways to believe the contents, the Word of Holy Writ.

“Double Honour”

“And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.” Luke 10:7

What does the Bible tell us concerning those who minister the Gospel?

“Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour (sufficient of generous financial reward), especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.” 1 Timothy 5:17-18

“Double honour” specifically means twice the average pay of the present economy. In general that means that God wants those He calls out into ministry to be well taken care of. And, that’s the responsibility of those who are fed by that ministry.

“Elders (5:17-25) 5:17 The rest of this chapter deals with elders. First of all, Paul lays down the rule that elders who rule well should be counted worthy of double honor. Rule might be translated ‘take the lead.’ It is not a question of control, but of example, such elders are worthy of double honor. Honor might mean respect, but it also includes the idea of financial reimbursement (Matt. 15:6). Double honor includes both ideas. First of all, he is worthy of respect from God’s people because of his work, but also, if his time is devoted to this work fully, he is also worthy of financial help. Those who labor in the word and doctrine are probably the ones who spend so much time in preaching and teaching that they are not able to carry on regular employment.

5:18 Two scriptures are introduced here to prove the statement that the elder is worthy of recompense. The first is Deuteronomy 25:4, and the second is taken from Luke 10:7. … These scriptures teach that an ox which is used in the harvesting process should not be deprived of a share of the grain. Also, a laborer is entitled to a portion of the fruit of his labor. So it is with elders. In spite of the fact that their work not be be physical, yet they are worthy of the support of God’s people.” William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary, pp. 2096-297

Let’s address a very important, core issue: Do you believe that you are worthy of the money you are paid to do the work you do for a living? Do you believe in your heart, that those who do the work of the ministry are worthy to receive financial blessings from doing this all-important work? If you don’t, may I suggest that there may be a poverty curse on your life that needs to be broken (Deuteronomy 26,28). At the very least, there could be a lack of what the LORD has stated about this.

Many of the servants of the LORD are suffering at the hands of those who have the opportunity to give to the work of the ministry and haven’t. Beloved, let’s turn things around for those who bring us the Word and do the most important work in the earth.

When we truly begin to aggrandize divine truth, we will then begin supporting only those who truly preach all of it (full-counsel) fearlessly and cease from funding the ministries of false prophets who allow most of their ministry revenues to be absorbed on things other than that which is at the core of importance in the divine economy, like the true building up of the saints – getting them into the Word for themselves, and winning lost souls.

Concerning the work and workers of God’s kingdom, the Bible instructs us in Ezra 6:8 – “forthwith expenses be given unto these men, that they be not hindered” – that is, that God’s Gospel laborers be not hindered in carrying out His work.

The reason all of God’s people are to give to His authentic work is “that they (Christ’s workers) be not hindered” (Ezra 6:8).

It’s quite alarming how some have a death grip on their earthly riches and so come running to defend their refusal to give to the LORD, to HIS work.

“All things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.” 1 Chronicles 29:14

May our LORD bless each of us to be cultivated in a heart filled with sincere and true worship and thanksgiving to Him.

“Freely ye have received, freely give.” Matthew 10:8

We should understand that we have freely received the salvation of our God in Christ and that those who don’t give out of the mercy, forgiveness, love, supply that He has given us, are not in God’s will. Out of what God gives us we give out and this clearly proves we have given ourselves to the LORD. We are not still serving the false god of self and therefore mammon (Matthew 6:19-24). When Jesus spoke of giving and it will given back to us, He’s speaking of all these things and not just giving out of the monies God has prospered us with (Luke 6:38).

These darkened souls seem to attempt to reduce giving to merely giving out the Gospel that we received. The Bible says there’s much more to the stewardship of the LORD’s resources (Matthew 25).

RECEIVING and GIVING in God’s Word expands far being saved and giving others the Word.

Every disciple is to give his life to the LORD as Jesus came and gave His life freely to saved us (Luke 14:33; 17:33; 19:27; John 12:23-25, etc.). BUT first that life, eternal life, is to RECEIVE from Christ and we give it back to Him.

There is no giving until we have received of the hand of God.

“ALL THINGS COME of THEE and of thine own have we given thee.” 1 Chronicles 29:14

Have we really given our lives to Christ who gave all if we don’t have a giving heart and hand?

There are seriously some people who HATE giving. They blame their refusal to be generous givers on the many false prophets who have made merchandise of them and many others. Also, they are greed driven hoarders who don’t want anyone suggesting that they should be cheerful, generous givers.

“Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 18  That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 19  Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” 1 Timothy 6:17-19

Read that passage again and note that there is no “foundation against the time to come (eternal judgment),” no laying “hold on eternal life” if one doesn’t have saving faith, whereby he would otherwise be a giver. And everyone has something to give—just as the widow with the 2 mites (Mark 12:41-44). She gave all she had and Jesus honored it and yet did not honor those who gave a token tip, small percentages of what they possessed.

Every saint is to give of his substance, as he has received of God, so he is to give with a cheerful heart (Matthew 10:8; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11; Ephesians 4:28, etc.).

It seems that the hoarding covetous, greed driven among us are possessed with deep hatred at the idea of giving. Their earthly gold is their god and they have rejected Christ (Matthew 6:21-24; Philippians 3:18-19). They have a deep and dark issue. Luke 12 and 16.

“For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.” Ephesians 5:5

“(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19  Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)” Philippians 3:18-19

The following scathing rebuke was sent to a woman who denies that God has a plan in place to compensate the men, the elders He has prepared and called out to “labour in the word and doctrine.”

“Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 18  For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.” 1 Timothy 5:17-18

God’s people are instructed to fund those who feed them God’s Word (Galatians 6:6).

You have no biblical clue on this topic. It’s obvious from such a false statement.

Have you ever read, studied 1 Corinthians 9?

You’ve placed your personal issues above the Word of God which He has magnified above His own holy name and are in need of repentance (Psalms 138:2).

Were the Levites compensated? Yes.

So you like that the men who are prepared and ordained and sent out by God, to do the infinitely most important and only eternal work in the earth starve, and their families as well? Repent now.

Not one thing they state in arguing against Christ’s ministers being compensated undoes, negates the following Bible truth, facts:

1 Corinthians 9

Paul Surrenders His Rights

1 Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?

2 If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.

3 Mine answer to them that do examine me is this,

4 Have we not power to eat and to drink?

5 Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?

6 Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?

7 Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?

8 Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also?

9 For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?

10 Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.

11 If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?

12 If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.

13 Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?

14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.

Many are biblically illiterate on this topic and yet argue in their ignorance (Proverbs 18:13). Note that they will say things like:

“Paul worked and said for them to follow his example. We are NOT in the Old Testament.”

Paul specifically refers in the New Testament to the Old Testament divine pattern of God-called elders who wait upon and serve the LORD and His people to be compensated—for doing the most important and only eternal work in the earth. Paul ties together and builds on his argument by drawing from the divine pattern as it was with Levites, the Levitical priesthood.

“Say I these things as a man? or SAITH NOT THE LAW THE SAME ALSO?” 1 Corinthians 9:8

“Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? 14  Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.” 1 Corinthians 9:13-14

“9:13 Paul next introduces the argument from the support of those who served in the Jewish temple. Those who had official duties in connection with the temple service were supported from the income the temple received. In this sense they lived off the things of the temple. Also, the priests themselves who served at the altar were given a certain portion of the offerings that were brought to the altar. In other words, both the Levites, who had the ordinary duties around the temple, and the priests, to whom were entrusted the more sacred duties, were alike supported for their service.” Believer’s Bible Commentary

Under the Old Covenant, the giving of the people went to the ordained set-apart full time ministers, servants of the LORD—the Levites, the Levitical priesthood. Paul brings that pattern into New Testament giving, supplying for the work of the LORD.

“And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.” Numbers 18:21 

Clearly in his discourse on the compensation of God-called ministers, Paul is referring to this provision the LORD made for His servants under the Old Covenant in the middle of declaring and arguing that such is to be so under the New Covenant, in this time of the Church.

“Say I these things as a man? or SAITH NOT THE LAW THE SAME ALSO? … 13  Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? 14  Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.” 1 Corinthians 9:8, 13-14

It is quite an indictment some dare level against God to say that He had, has a plan to call out and use His elders to feed and equip His blood bought flock and somehow has no plans, no provisions to provide for them. Nonsense. The LORD is the One who declared that “the labourer is worthy of his hire” (Luke 10:7). Oh and He needed not nor asked for the puny permission of any mere sinner, man.

There was no money in the New Testament Scriptures collected to build a separate “church” building. The money went to the believers in need (the poor), elders teaching sound doctrine, etc. (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35; Romans 15:26; 1 Timothy 5:17-18; 1 Corinthians 9:1-14, etc.). Also, we discussed that the highest paid elders are to be “they who labour in the word and doctrine” (1 Timothy 5:17-18). They are a type of New Testament full time servants of the LORD and His people—such as were the Levites, the Levitical priesthood under the Old Testament who were set apart to seek God and serve His people.

“Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.” 1 Timothy 5:17-18

It’s interesting that you are not arguing that plumbers, accountants, attorneys, teachers, etc., should not be compensated for their work. Wow. That’s the spirit of antichrist in you, make no mistake.

Your thinking is very convoluted at best, speaking of things being twisted. The King James Bible is the pure preserved Word of God (Psalms 12:6-7). Paul established as did Jesus that the workman of the Gospel is worthy of his hire. This is irrefutable. The way the individual works out his own salvation with fear and trembling is between him and God (Philippians2:12-13).

Clearing Up the Confusion

The lengths some go to in order to dismiss their clear teaching of Scripture is telling, revealing their are antichrists who are speaking against the Word of God. Notice these same people who want God’s pastoral oxen starved out, removed from their posts have never argued that plumbers, accountants, teachers, and doctors, etc. should provide their own way, to refuse to be paid for what they do. Yet what those laborers do is a temporal work, an infinitely inferior work compared to those God calls out to do the most important and only eternal work transpiring in the earth. Repent now.

The abuse of some, of wolves, in no way negates the LORD’s plain teaching that His workers are to be compensated.

“The labourer is worthy of his hire.” Luke 10:7

God’s pattern of the Levites continues:

“Say I these things as a man? or SAITH NOT THE LAW THE SAME ALSO?” 1 Corinthians 9:8

Paul uses the illustration of how the military are worthy of their hire—to be compensated for carrying out their duties to provide protection for a nation.

“Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?” 1 Corinthians 9:7

“Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges?” In other words WHO within the military comes home from war and has to pay the bill he incurred by defending our nation? Does the USA give a bill to its military when they return from war? Such would be ludicrous and yet you foolishly suggest that men called to the infinitely most important warfare for the souls of men should be forced to fund their own way? God plainly disagrees.

To continue to make his point Paul then argues: “Who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof?” Yet you argue that those who plant gardens should refrain from eating of the fruits of that garden? And those who feed their flocks should not be able to drink of the milk of that flock.

Greedy, hoarding counterfeits hate the instruction to give. They have a death grip on their temporal trinkets and rusted gold which will be their eternal undoing (Luke 12, 16). Eternal damnation awaits (Ephesians 5:5).

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Sabbath Keeping, Justification, Sports, and Non-Essentials [podcast]


Hint: If something is not specifically named as a sin in God’s Word, leave others alone about it. MYOB, right? (Mind Your Own Business)

In this podcast, you will hear about a Recent Phone Call from Hell I received and how it was dealt with.

Over the years, I’ve conversed with men who are religious but not saved. Oh and boy are they fervent and sincere, and yet sincerely dead wrong. This particular phone conversation was no different. Many times Paul’s writings were born out of his defense of the faith of the original Gospel and this message is the same. Perhaps there’s a two-fold blessing in this:

  1. Continuing to established the essentials set forth in the original Gospel of Christ (John 21:15-17; 1 Timothy 1:5; 2 Timothy 3:15-17, etc.).
  2. A constructive example of how to biblically handle religious people like this (remember Jesus was most stern and straight with the rich and the religious. See Matthew 23, etc.).

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 14:12

If all your religious activity hasn’t produced “righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost”, all you have thus far is religion, not Jesus. Listen closely to what happens when Jesus saves you:

“For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” Romans 14:17 

This is the truth of God, the fruit granted to all who’ve truly believed on the LORD Jesus Christ and thereby been saved. One thing’s for certain: The LORD desires to give you “righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost”.

Jesus is the Sabbath of Every Saved-by-Grace New Testament Saint – Not a Certain Day

“Sabbath” means intermission, to rest. All of God’s people now rest from attempting to keep the law perfectly and instead rest in the righteousness of Christ, the only One who ever kept the law perfectly.

“For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.” Hebrews 4:3

“Hebrews 4:3: For we which have believed do enter into rest – The great spiritual blessings, the forerunners of eternal glory, which were all typified by that earthly rest or felicity promised to the ancient Israelites, we Christians do, by believing in Christ Jesus, actually possess. We have peace of conscience, and joy in the Holy Ghost; are saved from the guilt and power of sin; and thus enjoy an inward rest.” Adam Clarke

“There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. 10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.” Hebrews 4:9-10

“In Hebrews 4:10 we are directed to our risen Lord, who has finished the work of Redemption and rests, as God did when He pronounced Creation to be ‘very good.’ When we understand what He meant by ‘It is finished’, we, too, shall rest.” FB Meyer

Some today uphold a certain day instead of the LORD who makes all days (Galatians 4:9-11). They prove to be lost souls. False teachers are known in that they uphold something, ANYthing other than Christ.

“Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; 15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. 16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: 17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. 18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.” Colossians 2:14-19

Justification

It has been wisely stated that “If you’re flirting with Moses, you’re cheating on Jesus.”

Have you memorized John 1:17 ?

“For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” John 1:17

How does God save us?

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

The law finds us all guilty of breaking it. Even if it were just once, just one law we broke, we are guilty of breaking all of it and 100% fully worthy of death.

“For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” James 2:10

God alone can justify us and He does such exclusively through the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ His only begotten Son. “It is finished” means “paid in full.”

“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.” John 19:30 

“Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” Romans 4:4-5

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:1-2

“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.” Romans 10:4

Sports are Not a Sin – Unless they become One’s Idol or put before God.

Paul uses three different sports/games to illustrate spiritual truths, realities. This alone informs us, proves that sports in and of themselves, games, are not a sin. Running (track and field), boxing, and wrestling (1 Corinthians 9:24, 26; Ephesians 6:12).

In all the lists of soul damning sins found in Scripture, not one of them names sports or playing a game as a sin. If that were the case, playing a game of cards with grandma, or going to a nephew’s soccer game, would be a sin. Not. However, the misuse of anything on this earth can come out of a sinful heart of idolatry. Use and misuse. Work out YOUR own salvation with fear and trembling and cease being a busybody in the lives of other believers concerning things not essential to one’s salvation (Romans 14; Philippians 2:12-13; 1 Peter 4:15).

“And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.” 1 Corinthians 7:31 

What the Bible Teaches about Non-Essentials, Things not Essential to Salvation.

Never judge or destroy God’s work in the life of another saint for things that are non-essential, NOT essential to salvation.

“Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. 5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. … 15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died. … 20 For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.”

Justification | Support | STORE | Podcasts |

Support | STORE | PodcastsThe Bridegroom is Calling His BridePurifying Ourselves as He is Pure [podcast]10 Clues Your Love for God is Waxing Cold [podcast]

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“But I Can’t Understand the King James Bible” [podcast]


YOU MUST know the Author of the Bible to understand it. Friend, if you are not 100 certain you are born again and going to Heaven if you die today, it’s 100% certain that you are not born again. Making Peace with God

Someone wrote:

“I’ve tried to read the Bible, but I can’t understand it.

The Scriptures tell us that the ‘natural man’ cannon understand the things of the Spirit of God. Most Americans would find it difficult to understand the Chinese language. However a child who is born into a Chinese family can understand every word. That’s why you must be born again with God’s Spirit living within you (John 3:3). The moment you become part of God’s family, the Bible will begin to make sense.” unknown

“The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. 7 Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.” Psalms 12:6-7

WHY would God have gone through the trouble of keeping His own promise to have His Word translated into our language if we weren’t going to be able to understand it in our own language? THAT is an indictment against the Almighty and some are foolishly making such an indictment.

“Wow I was raised in the lowest education state in the country with average grades at best and can easily understand the King James Bible…. that’s all my son heard from inception was the King James Bible and he repented and received Christ at just 4 1/2 years old. Regularly I hear college ‘educated’ people claim they can’t understand God’s Word – the King James Bible. What??!!!! Time to repent and get the devil out of your life! (James 4:7)” Todd Tomasella

Please stop with the lame “I can’t understand the King James Bible” excuse.

N o n s e n s e !

Have you considered how it sounds when you claim you can’t understand God’s Word?

“I read my 9 year old a little of the King James most nights before bed. Kids may not understand everything it says but their spirits are being fed nonetheless!” Lori Anne 

REPLY:

EXACTLY. My son, was only read the KJB and asked to be saved at 4 1/2. The LORD saved him, right then and there.

The Holy Spirit is our Teacher and He uses His Word to do so (John 14:26; 16:13-14; 1 John 2:20, 27).

The devil fed you that excuse – that you can’t understand God’s Word – through his seminarian wolves – his greed-driven, ease-loving false prophets. They facilitate this lie by selling you on corrupted “bibles.” Are you older than a babe? Listen:

“At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and HAST REVEALED THEM UNTO BABES.” Matthew 11:25

Isn’t it time to get a real Bible? Isn’t it time to exchange the plastic butter knife for the Sword of God’s Word! Without exception, all new versions are satanic corruptions. Satan is the doubt-caster, the liar from the beginning who changes God’s Word (Genesis 2:17; 3:1, 4; John 8:44).

So, even after seeing how the enemy of Christ has removed thousands of words and verses from God’s Word, some STILL keep reading a new perversion as if this blasphemous satanic attack is okay? Wow!

So is YOUR own self-serving “comfort” of reading a little fairy tale per-version of the Bible more important than Jesus Christ being attacked by Satan in the butchering of HIS Word? If so, it’s time for you to repent for real and when you do, you will lay down your life – the cross.

Content!

“I’m Afrikaans speaking, English is my second language in which i evangelize mostly. It was hard to learn an older English style in the King James Bible, but I wouldn’t change it for anything! The English of the King James Bible slams into one’s heart, harder, as a precious treasure!” Erik Van Niekerk

Natural and Spirit Food

As the creation of God, we don’t understand much of what happens when we eat physical food and yet to nourish our bodies. We don’t question it. No, we just eat food in order to satisfy our hunger and to nourish our bodies, right?

That’s how it is with God’s Word. Though our understanding is minimal, we, as Jesus’ born again saints, hunger for more of Him and know we must be filled daily with His divine nutrients. So, we ingest His Word to nourish our hearts!

“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” 1 Peter 2:2-3 

COMMON EXCUSE:

“But I have a hard time understanding the King James Bible.”

REPLY:

Understand and yet do we want to read a perverted fake “bible” that is NOT the Word of our God? Can the Holy Ghost not teach us His pure Word which HE gave, breathed? My son heard nothing but the KJB from birth and was saved and 4 years old. “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13 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. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Corinthians 2:12-14 …. godless perverts have added to and taken away from the words of the very LORD who came and died for us. How does He feel about us pretending that that is actually His Word? If a man is courting a lady and he reads and honors the words of her (his girlfriends) enemy, how would that make her feel?
Read Revelation 22:18-19 KJB

Can you understand the following words of Jesus? – a severe warning to anyone who would dare add to or take away from His Word?

“For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” Revelation 22:18-19

Repent!

Those who truly repent understand the Word by studying it and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 11:25; 2 Corinthians 3:16-18; 1 John 2:20, 27, etc.).

Rupert Herdsman notes: “The King James Bible is the only English Bible not corrupted!!! I had five other versions of the bible but all of them with the exception of the King James are corrupted and missing key scriptures!”

WHAT ABOUT PEOPLE WHO CAN’T UNDERSTAND THE KJB?Bible Version Issue | Bible Versions

Support | STORE | Podcasts | H.O.T. Bible Study [podcast] | Bible Agnostics Exposed | How to Spot a Fake Bible [podcast] | WHAT ABOUT PEOPLE WHO CAN’T UNDERSTAND THE KJB? [podcast] | New American Standard Version “Bible” NASV Catastrophe Exposed | The Audacity of Defending the New Versions | Do We Have God’s Word or Do You Need to Know the Original Languages? [podcast] | Bible Versions Category |

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