Excerpt from the book Predators in Our Pulpits.
On one hand we have the evangelicals ignoring and openly rejecting the gifts and power of the Holy Spirit, and on the other extreme we have the NAR (New Apostolic Reformation cult) and WOF (Word of Faith cult) movements misusing those gifts and the power of God. So what’s the biblical balance?
“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.” – Acts 4:31
What is a cessationist? A cessationist is one who believes that the baptism of the Holy Spirit and gifts of the Spirit are now obsolete in our day – that God has changed and no longer functions through the gifts and power of His Holy Spirit. The cessationist is taught of men that the power, gifts, and spiritual blessings of God ended with the original apostles of Jesus and that believers in Jesus today have no need of these blessed divine gifts and the power of God Jesus instructed and sent us with. The cessationist denies the need for the LORD’s gifts and power here in this last hour, directly contrasting the history of the early church and the warning of Jesus that satanic power would be at an all-time high in the final days (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12; Revelation 12:12).
Concerning one cessationist, one author writes:
Pastor John MacArthur teaches the speaking of tongues by believers at Corinth was demonic. – *56. Truth About Speaking in Tongues – John MacArthur 1, T. 7:38-8:27. | Are Tongues Demonic? | John MacArthur Exposed
One writer notes:
“The fact is, John MacArthur’s doctrine of cessationism is not an ‘error’, as in a mistake. He is preaching what he knows is FALSE. He knows exactly what he is doing.”
Because of the deadness in the church, he teaches the believers in Corinth were deceived into feeling God by speaking in tongues. This is why he teaches the work of the Holy Spirit within the Charismatic movement is a counterfeit of Satan.
The night I prayed to be baptized in the Holy Spirit I had never seen anyone speak in tongues. Reaching out for some ecstatic experience was the furthest thing from my mind. I simply wanted more power to be a better witness for God. It’s true—especially in the past decade—admired teachers have deceptively introduced heresies within Pentecostal and Charismatic churches (2 Peter 2:1). This still doesn’t nullify the godly lives of over three hundred million Christians in the world that have been baptized in the Holy Spirit with the physical evidence of speaking in tongues (Acts 1:5; 2:4; 8:17; 10:46; 19:6).
For those who love the Lord and speak in tongues, I give this warning. The assault upon us for using the gift God has given us when we were baptized in the Holy Spirit, is intensifying. Pastors like MacArthur, Stanley, and Jeremiah are slandering the entire Pentecostal movement because of false teachers and heretics like Ken Copeland, Creflo Dollar, Benny Hinn, and Paul Crouch. Jesus warned us of this division within the body that would occur as we draw closer to the great tribulation.
The blood of the cross has already been shed as Jesus “spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it” (Colossians 2:15). Satan must hinder Christ’s people from reading, believing, and experiencing His power to “cast out devils” and be used of God in “the ministry of reconciliation” as His very “ambassadors” (2 Corinthians 5:17-20). The most powerful way the enemy can do this is by having his agents on the inside, posing as representatives of Christ, while robbing Christ of His glory and pilfering His divine power from His body in the earth.
For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. – 2 Corinthians 11:13-15
Of this war against the divine power of the Holy Spirit, Randy Orris writes:
All these years of the Church history, the Enemy has masterminded an infiltration strategy: to have Christians enthusiastically embrace the counterfeit gospel, the false prophets and the sensual substitute … while actually rejecting the genuine Power and Gifts of the Holy Spirit which the Head of the Church gave to us and our children forever: “For the promise is UNTO YOU, and TO YOUR CHILDREN, to your children, and TO ALL THAT ARE AFAR OFF, even as many as the Lord our God shall call” (Acts 2:39).
The following verses are still in effect, and will be until Jesus comes:
And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will POUR OUT MY SPIRIT UPON ALL FLESH; and YOUR SONS AND DAUGHTERS shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. – Joel 2:28
For THE GIFTS and THE CALLING OF GOD are WITHOUT repentance. – Romans 11:29,
We would not deny the LORD who purchased us—why would we deny the very gifts that He purchased for us … which are to glorify Him, and not us?”
There are many today who erroneously believe we only need God’s written Word and not His power and presence. Scripture contradicts such a notion. “The kingdom of God is not in word, but in power” (1 Corinthians 4:20).
Our LORD Jesus said: “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth“ (John 4:23-24).
Is “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8), or did the LORD lie to us in His Word? Has He changed? “For I am the Lord, I change not” (Malachi 3:6).
In order to control things themselves, the cessationist reduces his version of the gospel down to a set or a book of facts. But that very book—the Bible—contradicts that one who would erroneously suppose that the head knowledge of sound doctrine alone is necessary to walk with the LORD. Such a notion is not consistent with the earliest believers who, while biblically intensive and discerning, were also moved upon by the presence and power of God to preach, to love their enemies, to bring healing, to walk in God’s love with the brethren of Christ, to please the LORD, and to see divine miracles (Book of Acts). These who would teach some new program are not continuing “stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine” (Acts 2:42).
New Testament Christianity involves walking with the LORD in the Holy Spirit and His power; not just learning the facts about God (Luke 24:49; Acts 1-2, etc.). “But ye shall receive power, AFTER that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
HOW many people know that you and I have never once had the “problem” of having too much of the presence of the Holy Spirit in our personal lives?
Paul gave us Jesus’ one true Gospel and he stated: “And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power” (1 Corinthians 2:4).
Satan’s goal is to hinder Christ’s sacrifice from being fully effectual and realized in the lives of as many souls as possible. Remember, it is a grave error and extremely dangerous action to take away any part from God’s Word (Revelation 22:18-19). Changing in any way, the original Gospel program that was instituted and carried out by our LORD and His holy apostles, is a deadly undertaking.
Quench not the Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 5:19
The primary passage the cessationist uses in his lame attempt to peddle the evil, Spirit-quenching wares of God’s arch enemy, is the end of 1 Corinthians 13. He grossly reads into and distorts this passage for his own self-serving agenda (2 Peter 3:16). At the end of 1 Corinthians 13, Paul is simply contrasting the eternal nature of love and the temporal nature of the gifts of the Spirit. However, Paul never says anything to indicate the ceasing of those gifts until “that which is perfect is come.” Obviously, this will not be the case until we are actually with Him. “That which is perfect” is not yet come. We are not yet in glory.
Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. – 1 Corinthians 13:8-13
1 Corinthians 13 is purposely wedged between chapters 12 and 14 to establish that the “greatest” priority in God’s kingdom is “charity.“ He says nothing to remove the functioning of the gifts of the Holy Spirit here and now in this Church age. Yet, those eager to control the minds and lives of men use Paul’s words to dismiss the presence and work of the divine Person of the Holy Ghost. This is an insidious preoccupation, motivated by the enemy of Christ himself and perpetrated by Satan’s wolves to steal the glory and power from the LORD and His blessed people. To say that there is no Holy Ghost baptism or gifts of the Spirit is to call Christ’s apostle Paul a liar, and likewise the Holy Spirit who was inspiring his writings.
Paul introduced the Spirit’s gifts, as well as the proper order and usage of them, in chapters 12 and 14. Just because God says that charity is most important does not give any sinful man the license to try to remove HIS gifts. Attempting to do so is undiluted arrogance! Anyone participating in this should repent at once, cease leaning to his own understanding, and stop removing things from God’s Word (Revelation 22:18-19). Limiting God is a sin (Psalms 78:41). The denial of the work of the divine Person of the Holy Ghost in and among His people is a ploy of Satan to take glory (and control) from the LORD Himself and hand it over to mere sinful men who are venomous, thieving wolves. This is that doctrine and the deeds of the Nicolaitans which Jesus says He hates (Revelation 2:6, 15).
In 1 Corinthians 13, “that which is perfect” is clearly speaking of Heaven. To the cessationist, I would say: If you will read the 1 Corinthians 13 text and stop regurgitating the lies of the wolves you have been deceived by, the LORD will open your eyes. He is calling you to repent, and fear and serve God and not man. His “counsel” is the very “thoughts of his heart” and the very “lamp unto my feet, and light unto my path” (Psalms 33:11; 119:105).
Feigning to love, worship, and desire more of God while rejecting His clear counsel concerning being baptized in the Holy Ghost, is betrayal. Saying that intellectual knowledge of His Word is enough is rebellion. Paul said, “For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power” (1 Corinthians 4:20). Jesus said we must worship Him not only in “truth” but “in spirit” (John 4:23-24). On this very note, Jesus told the false teachers of His day that they went into error for two reasons—they rejected the full-counsel of His Word and they rejected His divine power in their lives. “Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, NOR THE POWER of God” (Matthew 22:29).
To further illustrate this truth, one may wish to reflect upon the lives of Jesus, Paul and other apostles and New Testament saints. Were they just full of head knowledge? Is that all being a follower of Jesus consists of? Was not Christ and His apostles and servants active in casting out devils, healing the sick, laying hands on people, and doing other exploits for Jesus’ glory under the Spirit’s power? Well of course they were. When was the last time you read the book of Acts?
Even a child who reads the New Testament can witness a myriad of Gospel action. Do the Great Commission passages sound like Jesus was sending us forth to simply learn knowledge and theory, or is there a thrusting forth into Gospel work and action with the promise of His divine power being present to bless, heal, deliver, and bring forth the fruit of lives saved and made whole by Him? Let’s review what Jesus said:
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, A l l p ow er is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. – Matthew 28:18-20
Well, is it “the end of the world” yet? No! So, we know that Christ is still working in, through and with His true disciples today who go forth to preach His Gospel and teaching all men His Word.
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
“Signs” certainly do follow the preaching of His Word and the absence of such power and blessing is more evidence that His original Gospel, in its full-counsel, is not being set forth.
Now, we are not to seek signs. No. We are to seek the Savior and to obey Him fully and diligently as we dispense His truth unchanged from its original form as written in His Word.
Yet, why are these things not happening more often? Why are such signs, deliverances, and blessings seldom or never seen in today’s so-called “evangelical” church world? It’s simple: tradition-loving, Christ-denying modern Pharisees have long ago taken over the helm, stripping Christ, the only “Head” of His true body, of His blessed glory and power (Mark 7:6-10; Colossians 2:18-19).
The answer to the gross lack of divine power is obvious (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20). Believers know that communicating or preaching the Gospel message or Word of God is most important and yet, it is not our prerogative to diminish anything from the Commission of God (Deuteronomy 4:2; Jeremiah 26:2).
Please allow me to encourage you to dismiss the lies of the cessation beguilers and get deeply into God’s Word for yourself so that you rightly divide the Word of divine truth (2 Timothy 2:15). As you do this, the truth will be manifested in your heart.
Prayer: Blessed and holy Father, I love You. Imbue my life with Thy holy fear. LORD, please clean my heart and life of all unbelief, traditions of men, false notions, erroneous teachings, and all sin. I will trust and walk only in what You have clearly stated in Your Word LORD. Fill me afresh with Your Holy Spirit Father as I now surrender my life afresh to You in repentance and return wholly to You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Capture Points
- Discuss what a cessationist is and how this is affecting the modern church
Predators in Our Pulpits [book]
Spiritual Warfare | On the Truth Can Make us Free | Neither Give Place to the Devil | Resist the Devil and He will Flee from You
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Apostasy
Jacked Up Jezebel Rebuked [podcast]
“Jezebel is a widely rampant spirit of rebellion that is hard to get rid of, rooted in pride, self-will, and self-sufficiency. Only the LORD can deliver but only if the individual truly repents and submits to Him, to His Word.” Anita Villarreal
Any person defending this jezebel heresy that women can be pastors, elders over men, is under the control of Satan, period. And in need of true repentance (James 4:7).
—-There are NO female apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, or teachers under the New Testament (Ephesians 4:8, 11-12). Jesus gave these “gifts unto MEN.” (Ephesians 4:8) There is not even one woman mentioned in 27 books as an elder over Christ’s flock. Such is clearly forbidden (1 Timothy 2:11-12). In Acts 21:9 we read of Phillip’s daughters which “did prophesy” which is a gift of the Spirit (one of the nine-1 Corinthians 12:7-10). The office gifts are eldership functions for men called to be overseers over Christ’s flock, which is completely different than the gifts of the Spirit which every believer can function in and certainly women are seen doing such as Phillip’s daughters and how women are mentioned concerning operating in the gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 14.
Classic case of a jezebel lashing out when the Word of GOD corrects her (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Her rebellion is against God. Jezebel is utterly rebellious. She hates what God’s Word says and so the demons that control jezebels will lash out in personal attacks against the men who stand on the truth unwaveringly (such as did Elijah whom Jezebel sought to kill).
“Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. 12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.” 1 Timothy 2:11-14
“As I look around America I ask myself who can find a virtuous woman? Whose whole life is surrendered to God. And centered in the fear of the Lord. No woman will submit to their husbands unless they first submit to God. Ephesians 5:22 says women are to submit to their husbands, “as unto the Lord.” That must come first. And what is a great price in the sight of God? A woman who has a meek and quiet spirit (1 Peter 3:4). This is true beauty to God. But Jezebels are the complete opposite. Full of rebellion, pride and hatred! God says throw her down!” Karen Cochran
From the divine perspective, this is not about oppression but rather about protect. See Revelation 2:20-24 to see what Jesus warns when a woman is allowed to lead as an elder in the body of Christ. He uses the words “The depths of Satan” and speaks of the death and destruction that will result when the men allow a woman to lead in a manner that is outside of the stated role God ordained for the woman.
Yes the LORD said He will pour out His Spirit on all flesh, sons and daughter, but not to anoint a woman to do something HE forbids. Women are to teach women yes but not the general body of believers (Titus 2:1-5). There are NO female elders in the New Testament. God forbids it. Eldership is reserved for men – to humbly teach, lead and protect and cherish women and children.
“There’s a crazy role reversal across the land and men should always lead. Even our women’s prayer group was led by the pastor because that’s what he believed. Women are more emotional and men more logical. Both have their designated roles . God meant them to compliment each other rather than to compete.” John Umlauf
When people don’t like what God’s Word states, they will attack the mere messenger as if that changes the truth. Not. And, they heap judgment on themselves by doing so (Matthew 7:1-5; James 2:13). Persecution
“For we are not as many, which corrupt (twist, adulterate) the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.” 2 Corinthians 2:17
“He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.” John 8:47
“Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.” Proverbs 13:13
Jesus Addresses the Ahabs and Self-Appointed Jezebel at the Church at Thyatira
Revelation 2:20-24
Revelation 2:20-24 is about a certain self-appointed woman who was allowed by the spineless men in Thyatira to operate out of the biblically-stated order for women in the church setting.
Rev 2:20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
Rev 2:21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
Rev 2:22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
Rev 2:23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
Rev 2:24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.
Family | Godly Manhood | Women
The Importance, the Blessing of the Family Dinner Table [podcast]
God’s Education vs Satan’s Indoctrination [podcast]
Preacher Vicioiusly Attacked for Speaking the Truth! [podcast]
Jezebel Unmasked! Invasion of the Warrior Princess Jezebels [podcast]
Apostasy
Racism: Nation Rising Against Nation [radio]
Nation Shall Rise Against Nation
Laboring in the Spirit, not the Flesh
“Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” Jude 21
It’s not about the color or your skin, it’s about what kingdom you’re in!
What Should be the Response of the Body of Christ? – LOVE!
Reading 1 Corinthians 13 each morning this week is a life changer. Nothing in our lives is going to work out right if we don’t prayerfully endeavor to walk in God’s love – loving God and our neighbor, above ourselves. I love pouring prayerfully over 1 Corinthians 13 and Philippians 2:3-5. Life changing is an understatement!
Racism is hatred and is not a skin color. It is a heart condition – coming from a sinful heart. Memorize Romans 2:11.
In the time of tribulation for the believers at Thessalonica, the Holy Spirit spoke through Paul and said this:
“And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 3:5
By this we know of a certainty that the Holy Spirit is leading, directing our “hearts into the LOVE of God” and not the flesh, not a fleshly response. We now face tribulation and can be assured by this truth that our unchanging God is directing our hearts into His love and not hatred.
This is a divine truth for every era, every hour…. and we sure know that sin is exponentially abounding in this late hour…. which means divine grace is even greater – to save, heal, bless, deliver, and make whole!!!!
“But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:” Romans 5:20
Here’s more evidence of God’s leading His people into the love walk in trying times:
“But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. 8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:7-8
Any person who does not walk in God’s love is not saved and we know that from many Scriptures. No hate, no hater shall enter Christ’s kingdom, no matter what justification that sinner thinks he has to warrant hating anyone. “He that loveth not knoweth not God.” (1 John 4:8) “Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.” (1 John 3:15)
When His disciples ask Him “what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?”, Jesus gave them this answer:
“And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation (ethnic group) shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. 10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” Matthew 24:4-13
“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.” 2 Timothy 2:3-5
The Church began, will end as containing precious souls from every nation, kindred, and tongue (Acts 2; Revelation 5:9; 14:6).
The New Testament church began with men from every nation under Heaven and will be the same throughout eternity in glory.
Acts 2:1-13
“And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;” Revelation 5:9
Nation/ethnos, ethnic yes…groups at odds was foretold by Jesus – Matthew 24:7
Yes we can be at peace, Jesus told us to fear not and to be at peace …..
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison Ministry | Mexico Mission here |All Ministry Updates | The Greatest of these is Charity | Be Ready in the Morning [podcast] | The Sure Mercies of David [podcast] | That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast] | At His Feet | Prepared to be Used of God | Great Commission
Articles
When God Says to STOP PRAYING! [podcast]
Reconciling with God and other Saints
“He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law (the Word), even his prayer shall be abomination.” Proverbs 28:9
Those who do not love God enough to seek Him in the Word, to learn, and to obey Him, will not be heard by Him.
“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13
In general, because God is “Holy, holy, holy,” when there is sin, God will not answer prayers – until the sinner repents and reconciles with the LORD and any person involved as needed (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8; Proverbs 28:9, etc.).
“And the LORD said unto Joshua, Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face? 11 Israel hath sinned …” Joshua 7:10-11
In other words, God said to Joshua “Why are you seeking My face, praying to me, talking to me, when there is sin in the camp? Get the sin our of the camp and then you can approach Me in prayer.”
STOP PRAYING AND LEAVE IT!
God is not going to bless our lives unless we are willing to sincerely admit our sins, repent and confess them, and make amends (restitution) with anyone we’ve harmed. In the divine economy, there’s no such thing as being right with God when you’ve done another person wrong, haven’t repented, and haven’t made amends for what you’ve done. Such a person will be outside of the will and blessings of God until he makes things right with God and man.
God is not hearing the prayers or worship of any person who has done someone else wrong and refuses to make restitution (Matthew 5:23-24).
“Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; FIRST be reconciled to thy brother, and THEN come and offer thy gift.” Matthew 5:23-24
God will not answer the prayer of any person who does not honor and obey His Word and if a person has an outstanding offense He wants them to clear up these matters (Proverbs 28:9, 13).
Here Jesus gave us the instruction to stop praying! What!? Someone may be thinking “Todd, are you being sacrilegious now!? What is your problem brother!?” Keep reading okay.
“If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:” Psalms 66:18
“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” John 15:7
According to the Son of God, just when (if ever) should the believer stop praying? When he remembers that a brother has “aught against” him. Yes, I know this may raise eyebrows to say that Jesus told us to stop praying, but He certainly did. That’s what we read of His very words in Matthew 5.
He instructs us not to wait for the other person to come to you. Go to them and make peace. Work things out so that neither of your relationships with God will be in any way hindered. Forgive. Seek restitution and forgiveness. The Christian life is all about relationship – vertically first and them horizontally.
Jesus is saying here: “Stop praying or doing any form of worship until you have first done all you can possibly do to make peace with that person you had strife or misunderstanding with, offended, or wounded – the person that still has aught against you, whose heart isn’t yet clear in the matter. Your prayers and any form of supposed worship will not be honored in Heaven until you take care of this matter. Since I am holy I require certain things of you and one of them is that you do your best to keep unity with others, especially My people. Remember how I told you to love one another and to treat others as you wish to be treated? I love you and want clear communion with you and am simply not going to allow you to have a clear conscience until you work things out with that other person who has aught against you. Remember that though I love you, I care about others as much as I care about you. Get that human relationship right first and then come and seek My face in worship and we shall commune.”
God forgives us through Christ’s perfect sacrifice and as we choose to give it out to others! WHO might you have aught against in your heart today beloved?
As a believer, the LORD holds me personally accountable to facilitate reconciliation and peace in others when there is a rift and no matter whose fault it is (Matt. 5:23-24).
First and foremost we must realize that when we sin it is against the One who is “holy, holy, holy” (Isa. 6:3; Rev. 4:8). After that fact, we at times sin against or offend men (James 3:1). So, when we have wrongly offended someone who is created in the image of God, we should first confess that sin to the LORD and then do whatever it takes within our power to make it right with the person.
“Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. 28 Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.” Proverbs 3:27-28
“Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. 26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27 Neither give place to the devil.” Ephesians 4:25-27
Child of God, are you aware of anyone who might be upset with you for something you have done or they thought you did? Is anyone offended at you?
This writer is no stranger to wronging people, but is learning to follow this simple truth in Matthew 5, making sure to openly and transparently facilitate healing in those I have brought hurt to or who are offended at me for any legitimate reason.
Granted, we are going to offend people at times when it is not our fault. I am not talking about that. I am talking about when it is our fault or the situation is questionable or a close call.
Have you been offended? Have you ever found yourself in a situation where someone else held the key to your closure, your healing? Think back in your life: Have you ever needed someone else’s help in getting free in your heart from something concerning a situation?
Jesus called the divine Person of the Holy Spirit “the Comforter” (Jn. 14:26; 15:26; 16:7). God is all-powerful and can help us walk through a heart-rending ordeal where another person has hurt us and is unwilling to partake of the healing process according to the Word/instructions of the LORD. This He can and will do, yet He holds that other person responsible for doing their part – “Leave there thy gift before the altar – FIRST be reconciled to thy brother.”
Those made righteous by the blood of Christ are to do all in their power to facilitate healing in others.
“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” Romans 12:18
Jesus Christ came to make captives free and such freedom is the desire of all who follow Him. They desire also to see people set free and do their part when it is in the power of their hand to help (Prov. 3:27).
“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
When need be, we are to work hard to make sure God’s peace abides among the saints.
“Endeavouring (working hard) to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3
“Endeavouring” – it’s hard work at times to keep unity in the body. Have you noticed that things happen that need attention, patience, humility, admission where wrong has been done, etc.?
It is our personal responsibility to keep schisms out of Christ’s body as much as it is in our power.
“That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.” 1 Corinthians 12:25-27
The LORD promises us that He commands His precious peace where brethren dwell together in unity.
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there (in the unity of believers) the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.” Psalms 133:1-3
The person who is truly born again cares for the body of Christ. Peace among the saints is where God’s blessing abides.
“We know that we have passed from death unto life (we know we are saved), BECAUSE we love the brethren.” 1 John 3:14
Without love we are nothing (1 Cor. 13). Divine love, authentically demonstrated in our lives, is the earmark fruit of the Heaven-bound disciple. There are no exceptions – “He that loveth not knoweth not God” (1 Jn. 4:8). If such charitable love does not presently appear in our lives, we should consider going before the throne of grace and making things right with God (repentance). The genuinely born again person is filled with God’s love and teachable in the precepts of the LORD. When he discovers a previously unknown (to him) truth, he swiftly hearkens and obeys. Remember, God’s eternal kingdom and the terms for entrance into it are based on the LORD’s terms and not any individual’s. Either we meet the terms and conditions or we shall be found without (Matt. 7:21-23; Lk. 6:46-49; 13:24-30; 1 Jn. 2:3-5; Rev. 2-3).
“We know that we have passed from death unto life (we know we are saved – been brought from spiritual death to spiritual life), BECAUSE we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” 1 John 3:14-16
Child of God, do you have a key that would help another get free? If you possess the key that would assist in obtaining their freedom, the LORD holds you personally responsible to use it to help unlock that person’s heart and assist in their returning to a heart that is right with God, free from anything that hinders that relationship.
“Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath.” Ephesians 4:26
Don’t let the sun go down upon that which you can do to cause reconciliation in Christ’s body for which He bled. Leave your prayer closet and any and all worship and go get things right with that person the LORD may be placing on your heart. You will be glad you obeyed the LORD in this.
You see, if we truly have an intimate and saving relationship with Christ, we realize that nothing could be more important to us – and others. Knowing Jesus is everything. Armed with this knowledge and moved upon by the Holy Spirit, we are to be compelled to help others in their relationship with Jesus in any way we possibly can.
PRAYER: Father in Heaven, thank You for sending Your only begotten Son Jesus to live and die for me – for all of my many sins. This moment, I turn my life to Thee O God – asking Your merciful forgiveness on my sin of departing from You. Right this instant I ask You to please be my first love LORD Jesus! Bless this heart with sensitivity and a deep conviction for Your truth. Please allow this heart to have godly conviction! Please bless this life You graciously gave lift others to You and help them in any and every way I have opportunity. I am all Yours and You are all mine my LORD. Quicken my heart in any matter that You wish me to make amends with another person. Right now I now humble myself under Your mighty hand and ask You to use me to help facilitate peace between You and others Jesus, and in Your body. Please bless Your body to live in Your love, and Your truth and in peace with You and one another. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
For a topical study of deeper proportions on this subject, see The Blood of Jesus.
If you truly desire to know more about how to really know the LORD, go here: Born Again: What is It?
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