
4 Bible Characters Teach us Secrets to Safety in Times of Trouble
by Chris Sitter
This article is written for those who love the Word of God, and specifically – for individuals in the following categories:
- Those who desire that they and their families would be saved in their times of trouble.
- Those who wish to find mercy on Judgment Day.
- Those who fear God and who have no desire of incurring the wrath that comes upon His enemies, and from opposing His true representatives.
Ebed-Melech, Barzillai, The Shunamite Woman, Hananiah, Amaziah, Onesiphorus & Alexander the Coppersmith…What would God have us to learn from these 7 Old & New Testament stories?
The word count in this article will mostly come from the scripture selections that tell us these people’s stories. The comments at the end of all these passages will be shorter than the full scripture passages, as I believe the scriptures themselves will help to make the primary points I am trying to make – very clear.
Let’s start with Old Testament Good Guy #1 – Ebed-Melech, in Jeremiah 38 – who risked his life to help Jeremiah
38 Then Shephatiah the son of Mattan, and Gedaliah the son of Pashur, and Jucal the son of Shelemiah, and Pashur the son of Malchiah, heard the words that Jeremiah had spoken unto all the people, saying,
2 Thus saith the Lord, He that remaineth in this city shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence: but he that goeth forth to the Chaldeans shall live; for he shall have his life for a prey, and shall live.
3 Thus saith the Lord, This city shall surely be given into the hand of the king of Babylon’s army, which shall take it.
4 Therefore the princes said unto the king, We beseech thee, let this man be put to death: for thus he weakeneth the hands of the men of war that remain in this city, and the hands of all the people, in speaking such words unto them: for this man seeketh not the welfare of this people, but the hurt.
5 Then Zedekiah the king said, Behold, he is in your hand: for the king is not he that can do any thing against you.
6 Then took they Jeremiah, and cast him into the dungeon of Malchiah the son of Hammelech, that was in the court of the prison: and they let down Jeremiah with cords. And in the dungeon there was no water, but mire: so Jeremiah sunk in the mire.
7 Now when Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, one of the eunuchs which was in the king’s house, heard that they had put Jeremiah in the dungeon; the king then sitting in the gate of Benjamin;
8 Ebedmelech went forth out of the king’s house, and spake to the king saying,
9 My lord the king, these men have done evil in all that they have done to Jeremiah the prophet, whom they have cast into the dungeon; and he is like to die for hunger in the place where he is: for there is no more bread in the city.
10 Then the king commanded Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, saying, Take from hence thirty men with thee, and take up Jeremiah the prophet out of the dungeon, before he die.
11 So Ebedmelech took the men with him, and went into the house of the king under the treasury, and took thence old cast clouts and old rotten rags, and let them down by cords into the dungeon to Jeremiah.
12 And Ebedmelech the Ethiopian said unto Jeremiah, Put now these old cast clouts and rotten rags under thine armholes under the cords. And Jeremiah did so.
13 So they drew up Jeremiah with cords, and took him up out of the dungeon: and Jeremiah remained in the court of the prison.
Jeremiah 39:15-18 (God remembers Ebedmelech – when the Babylonians take the city)
15 Now the word of the Lord came unto Jeremiah, while he was shut up in the court of the prison, saying,
16 Go and speak to Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, saying, Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring my words upon this city for evil, and not for good; and they shall be accomplished in that day before thee.
17 But I will deliver thee in that day, saith the Lord: and thou shalt not be given into the hand of the men of whom thou art afraid.
18 For I will surely deliver thee, and thou shalt not fall by the sword, but thy life shall be for a prey unto thee: because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the Lord.
Barzillai – Old Testament Good Guy #2
2 Samuel 17 – Wealthy Barzillai and some others give lots of Food and other needed items to David and his companions – when they were running for their lives from Absolom.
24 Then David came to Mahanaim. And Absalom passed over Jordan, he and all the men of Israel with him.
25 And Absalom made Amasa captain of the host instead of Joab: which Amasa was a man’s son, whose name was Ithra an Israelite, that went in to Abigail the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah Joab’s mother.
26 So Israel and Absalom pitched in the land of Gilead.
27 And it came to pass, when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim,
28 Brought beds, and basons, and earthen vessels, and wheat, and barley, and flour, and parched corn, and beans, and lentiles, and parched pulse,
29 And honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine, for David, and for the people that were with him, to eat: for they said, The people is hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness.
2 Samuel 19 – When King David was returning – after Absalom was dead – David Remembers Barzillai for his kindness
31 And Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim, and went over Jordan with the king, to conduct him over Jordan.
32 Now Barzillai was a very aged man, even fourscore years old: and he had provided the king of sustenance while he lay at Mahanaim; for he was a very great man.
33 And the king said unto Barzillai, Come thou over with me, and I will feed thee with me in Jerusalem.
34 And Barzillai said unto the king, How long have I to live, that I should go up with the king unto Jerusalem?
35 I am this day fourscore years old: and can I discern between good and evil? can thy servant taste what I eat or what I drink? can I hear any more the voice of singing men and singing women? wherefore then should thy servant be yet a burden unto my lord the king?
36 Thy servant will go a little way over Jordan with the king: and why should the king recompense it me with such a reward?
37 Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again, that I may die in mine own city, and be buried by the grave of my father and of my mother. But behold thy servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good unto thee.
38 And the king answered, Chimham shall go over with me, and I will do to him that which shall seem good unto thee: and whatsoever thou shalt require of me, that will I do for thee.
Blessings for Barzillai:
- He obtained Favor with King David – when David returned to his kingdom
- Including David’s offer to have him come dine at his table and take care of all his needs – for the rest of his life!!!
- Favor to have David treat Chimham his servant – very well, to the point that David said he would do for Chimham whatever “seems good to Barzillai”,
- Favor to have David also say “whatsoever you shall require of me – THAT WILL I DO FOR YOU!
- There are many parallels here, of helping God’s afflicted people (and perhaps even more of a direct parallel for this particular story – his persecuted and true leaders and preachers and prophets) now – before the King returns to planet earth at his Second Coming: ”And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be” Revelation 22:12
Old Testament Good Person # 3 – The Shunamite woman and her husband – who helped to meet the physical needs of Elisha
2 Kings 4:8 –37 Shunamite Woman & her husband feed Elisha (& probably also Gehazi) and even build an extra room for him when he passes through their area.
Shunamite Gets a Son when her husband is old & then – years later – has her son resurrected, after dying from sickness.
2 Kings 4:8 And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread.
9 And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually.
10 Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither.
11 And it fell on a day, that he came thither, and he turned into the chamber, and lay there.
12 And he said to Gehazi his servant, Call this Shunammite. And when he had called her, she stood before him.
13 And he said unto him, Say now unto her, Behold, thou hast been careful for us with all this care; what is to be done for thee? wouldest thou be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the host? And she answered, I dwell among mine own people.
14 And he said, What then is to be done for her? And Gehazi answered, Verily she hath no child, and her husband is old.
15 And he said, Call her. And when he had called her, she stood in the door.
16 And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid.
17 And the woman conceived, and bare a son at that season that Elisha had said unto her, according to the time of life.
18 And when the child was grown, it fell on a day, that he went out to his father to the reapers.
19 And he said unto his father, My head, my head. And he said to a lad, Carry him to his mother.
20 And when he had taken him, and brought him to his mother, he sat on her knees till noon, and then died.
21 And she went up, and laid him on the bed of the man of God, and shut the door upon him, and went out.
22 And she called unto her husband, and said, Send me, I pray thee, one of the young men, and one of the asses, that I may run to the man of God, and come again.
23 And he said, Wherefore wilt thou go to him to day? it is neither new moon, nor sabbath. And she said, It shall be well.
24 Then she saddled an ass, and said to her servant, Drive, and go forward; slack not thy riding for me, except I bid thee.
25 So she went and came unto the man of God to mount Carmel. And it came to pass, when the man of God saw her afar off, that he said to Gehazi his servant, Behold, yonder is that Shunammite:
26 Run now, I pray thee, to meet her, and say unto her, Is it well with thee? is it well with thy husband? is it well with the child? And she answered, It is well:
27 And when she came to the man of God to the hill, she caught him by the feet: but Gehazi came near to thrust her away. And the man of God said, Let her alone; for her soul is vexed within her: and the Lord hath hid it from me, and hath not told me.
28 Then she said, Did I desire a son of my lord? did I not say, Do not deceive me?
29 Then he said to Gehazi, Gird up thy loins, and take my staff in thine hand, and go thy way: if thou meet any man, salute him not; and if any salute thee, answer him not again: and lay my staff upon the face of the child.
30 And the mother of the child said, As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And he arose, and followed her.
31 And Gehazi passed on before them, and laid the staff upon the face of the child; but there was neither voice, nor hearing. Wherefore he went again to meet him, and told him, saying, The child is not awaked.
32 And when Elisha was come into the house, behold, the child was dead, and laid upon his bed.
33 He went in therefore, and shut the door upon them twain, and prayed unto the Lord.
34 And he went up, and lay upon the child, and put his mouth upon his mouth, and his eyes upon his eyes, and his hands upon his hands: and stretched himself upon the child; and the flesh of the child waxed warm.
35 Then he returned, and walked in the house to and fro; and went up, and stretched himself upon him: and the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes.
36 And he called Gehazi, and said, Call this Shunammite. So he called her. And when she was come in unto him, he said, Take up thy son.
37 Then she went in, and fell at his feet, and bowed herself to the ground, and took up her son, and went out.
Shunamite woman is blessed yet again – with a warning of the 7 year famine which is about to come. And after the famine – the King “just happens” be having the miracles of Elisha read to him – and hearing the story of her son raised from the dead – when she approaches the King. Shunamite woman finds favor with the King and receives not only her land back, but also ALL THE FRUITS OF THE LAND. WOW!
2 Kings 8:1- 6
1Then spake Elisha unto the woman, whose son he had restored to life, saying, Arise, and go thou and thine household, and sojourn wheresoever thou canst sojourn: for the LORD hath called for a famine; and it shall also come upon the land seven years. 2And the woman arose, and did after the saying of the man of God: and she went with her household, and sojourned in the land of the Philistines seven years. 3And it came to pass at the seven years’ end, that the woman returned out of the land of the Philistines: and she went forth to cry unto the king for her house and for her land. 4And the king talked with Gehazi the servant of the man of God, saying, Tell me, I pray thee, all the great things that Elisha hath done. 5And it came to pass, as he was telling the king how he had restored a dead body to life, that, behold, the woman, whose son he had restored to life, cried to the king for her house and for her land. And Gehazi said, My lord, O king, this is the woman, and this is her son, whom Elisha restored to life. 6And when the king asked the woman, she told him. So the king appointed unto her a certain officer, saying, Restore all that was hers, and all the fruits of the field since the day that she left the land, even until now.
Shunamite blessings:
- Good feelings in her heart about helping the true man of God – Elisha (and probably also Gehazi). “A good man is satisfied from himself” Proverbs 14:14
- Birth of a son when husband probably too old to have kids or maybe even too old to have relations with his wife
- Warning about the coming famine – with the result that her life and family were preserved for those 7 years
- Favor with the King after 7 year famine – upon returning to her land, and The Lord orchestrating how the King was asking about Elisha miracles during the moment when she walked in, and The King restoring not only her land – but also all the fruits of the land over the past 7 years.
- Think about this – NOBODY ELSE is listed as being warned about this coming famine…just the wife and husband who showed great hospitality and kindness to God’s true prophet and his helper (Elisha & Gehazi). What a major bummer – for the multitudes of Israelites who gave their time and money sacrificially and religiously to support the False Prophets & then – with no warning – tried to survive that entire 7 year famine. Makes me want to REALLY study my Bible so I can know who is true & who to support, and who to show kindness.
Old Testament Bad Guy #1 – Amaziah – False Prophet who Directly Opposed the Prophet Amos & The Word that The Lord had for His people at that time.
See what happens to him…
Amos 7 : Amaziah – Enemy of God’s messenger and his message
8 And the Lord said unto me, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, A plumbline. Then said the Lord, Behold, I will set a plumbline in the midst of my people Israel: I will not again pass by them any more:
9 And the high places of Isaac shall be desolate, and the sanctuaries of Israel shall be laid waste; and I will rise against the house of Jeroboam with the sword.
10 Then Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent to Jeroboam king of Israel, saying, Amos hath conspired against thee in the midst of the house of Israel: the land is not able to bear all his words.
11 For thus Amos saith, Jeroboam shall die by the sword, and Israel shall surely be led away captive out of their own land.
12 Also Amaziah said unto Amos, O thou seer, go, flee thee away into the land of Judah, and there eat bread, and prophesy there:
13 But prophesy not again any more at Bethel: for it is the king’s chapel, and it is the king’s court.
14 Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet’s son; but I was an herdman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit:
15 And the Lord took me as I followed the flock, and the Lord said unto me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel.
16 Now therefore hear thou the word of the Lord: Thou sayest, Prophesy not against Israel, and drop not thy word against the house of Isaac.
17 Therefore thus saith the Lord; Thy wife shall be an harlot in the city, and thy sons and thy daughters shall fall by the sword, and thy land shall be divided by line; and thou shalt die in a polluted land: and Israel shall surely go into captivity forth of his land.
Old Testament Bad Guy #2 Hananiah – False Prophet who Directly Opposed the Prophet Jeremiah & The Word that The Lord had for His people at that time.
See what happens to him…
Jeremiah 27:1 – 28:17
In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah came this word unto Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,
2 Thus saith the LORD to me; Make thee bonds and yokes, and put them upon thy neck,
3 And send them to the king of Edom, and to the king of Moab, and to the king of the Ammonites, and to the king of Tyrus, and to the king of Zidon, by the hand of the messengers which come to Jerusalem unto Zedekiah king of Judah;
4 And command them to say unto their masters, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Thus shall ye say unto your masters;
5 I have made the earth, the man and the beast that are upon the ground, by my great power and by my outstretched arm, and have given it unto whom it seemed meet unto me.
6 And now have I given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant; and the beasts of the field have I given him also to serve him.
7 And all nations shall serve him, and his son, and his son’s son, until the very time of his land come: and then many nations and great kings shall serve themselves of him.
8 And it shall come to pass, that the nation and kingdom which will not serve the same Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, and that will not put their neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon, that nation will I punish, saith the LORD, with the sword, and with the famine, and with the pestilence, until I have consumed them by his hand.
9 Therefore hearken not ye to your prophets, nor to your diviners, nor to your dreamers, nor to your enchanters, nor to your sorcerers, which speak unto you, saying, Ye shall not serve the king of Babylon:
10 For they prophesy a lie unto you, to remove you far from your land; and that I should drive you out, and ye should perish.
11 But the nations that bring their neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon, and serve him, those will I let remain still in their own land, saith the LORD; and they shall till it, and dwell therein.
12 ¶ I spake also to Zedekiah king of Judah according to all these words, saying, Bring your necks under the yoke of the king of Babylon, and serve him and his people, and live.
13 Why will ye die, thou and thy people, by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence, as the LORD hath spoken against the nation that will not serve the king of Babylon?
14 Therefore hearken not unto the words of the prophets that speak unto you, saying, Ye shall not serve the king of Babylon: for they prophesy a lie unto you.
15 For I have not sent them, saith the LORD, yet they prophesy a lie in my name; that I might drive you out, and that ye might perish, ye, and the prophets that prophesy unto you.
16 Also I spake to the priests and to all this people, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Hearken not to the words of your prophets that prophesy unto you, saying, Behold, the vessels of the LORD’S house shall now shortly be brought again from Babylon: for they prophesy a lie unto you.
17 Hearken not unto them; serve the king of Babylon, and live: wherefore should this city be laid waste?
18 But if they be prophets, and if the word of the LORD be with them, let them now make intercession to the LORD of hosts, that the vessels which are left in the house of the LORD, and in the house of the king of Judah, and at Jerusalem, go not to Babylon.
19 For thus saith the LORD of hosts concerning the pillars, and concerning the sea, and concerning the bases, and concerning the residue of the vessels that remain in this city,
20 Which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon took not, when he carried away captive Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim king of Judah from Jerusalem to Babylon, and all the nobles of Judah and Jerusalem;
21 Yea, thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, concerning the vessels that remain in the house of the LORD, and in the house of the king of Judah and of Jerusalem;
22 They shall be carried to Babylon, and there shall they be until the day that I visit them, saith the LORD; then will I bring them up, and restore them to this place.
1 ¶ And it came to pass the same year, in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the fourth year, and in the fifth month, that Hananiah the son of Azur the prophet, which was of Gibeon, spake unto me in the house of the LORD, in the presence of the priests and of all the people, saying,
2 Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, saying, I have broken the yoke of the king of Babylon.
3 Within two full years will I bring again into this place all the vessels of the LORD’S house, that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon took away from this place, and carried them to Babylon:
4 And I will bring again to this place Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim king of Judah, with all the captives of Judah, that went into Babylon, saith the LORD: for I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon.
5 Then the prophet Jeremiah said unto the prophet Hananiah in the presence of the priests, and in the presence of all the people that stood in the house of the LORD,
6 Even the prophet Jeremiah said, Amen: the LORD do so: the LORD perform thy words which thou hast prophesied, to bring again the vessels of the LORD’S house, and all that is carried away captive, from Babylon into this place.
7 Nevertheless hear thou now this word that I speak in thine ears, and in the ears of all the people;
8 The prophets that have been before me and before thee of old prophesied both against many countries, and against great kingdoms, of war, and of evil, and of pestilence.
9 The prophet which prophesieth of peace, when the word of the prophet shall come to pass, then shall the prophet be known, that the LORD hath truly sent him.
10 ¶ Then Hananiah the prophet took the yoke from off the prophet Jeremiah’s neck, and brake it.
11 And Hananiah spake in the presence of all the people, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Even so will I break the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon from the neck of all nations within the space of two full years. And the prophet Jeremiah went his way.
12 Then the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah the prophet, after that Hananiah the prophet had broken the yoke from off the neck of the prophet Jeremiah, saying,
13 Go and tell Hananiah, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Thou hast broken the yokes of wood; but thou shalt make for them yokes of iron.
14 For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; I have put a yoke of iron upon the neck of all these nations, that they may serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon; and they shall serve him: and I have given him the beasts of the field also.
15 Then said the prophet Jeremiah unto Hananiah the prophet, Hear now, Hananiah; The LORD hath not sent thee; but thou makest this people to trust in a lie.
16 Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will cast thee from off the face of the earth: this year thou shalt die, because thou hast taught rebellion against the LORD.
17 So Hananiah the prophet died the same year in the seventh month.
New Testament Stories – One Good Guy & One Bad Guy
New Testament Good Guy : Onesiphorus
2 Timothy 1:16-18
16 The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:
17 But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me.
18 The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.
Onesiphorus’ blessings:
- Apostle Paul praying that The Lord will give him one of the GREATEST blessings you could get – that The Lord will have mercy on him – on Judgment Day.
- Honor amongst the believers – and throughout the future of Christiandom – in Paul making note of his kind acts towards the Apostle Paul while he was in Ephesus.
New Testament Bad Guy – Alexander the Coppersmith
2 Timothy 4:14-15
14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:
15 Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.
Study God’s Word Diligently – So YOU can confidently identify who is preaching the Truth, and who is not!
As I briefly mentioned earlier, these stories make me want to obey 2 Timothy 2:15: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
God’s Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. If we get to know it well enough – we will know which preachers and prophets are true, and which are false.
Please do not take this exhortation to know God’s Word lightly. Ponder for a moment – the ratio of false prophets and preachers – throughout history – to those who are true. Think about Micaiah – in 1 Kings 22, when he stood before Ahab, Jehoshaphat and FOUR HUNDRED false prophets – who ALL told those 2 kings that they would have victory in the battle before them. That ratio was 400 to 1. And think about this…really think about this…all the people – the religious people – in ISRAEL – who supported those 400 FALSE prophets. Then, there is Elijah and the Prophets of Baal – and the story when they all tried to call down fire from heaven. How many false prophets in that story (1 Kings 18) – and how many true prophets in that story? Wasn’t it 450 false prophets (IN ISRAEL – which is supposed to contain God’s people) and ONE true prophet. So, we have two examples that provide a ratio of around 400 to 1. But those who were listening closely to the Scriptures they had in those days – would have known that those 400 + prophets were false. So, today – we need to make it a HUGE PRIORITY to REALLY KNOW God’s Word, because (like then) MOST of the preachers today are also telling God’s people lies. Today – like these stories from 2,000 plus years ago, millions of Bible carrying church goers today are supporting False Teachers. And not only are they MISSING OUT on God’s special blessings for those who would support the rare and true messengers of God – they are ALSO bringing judgement upon themselves (2 John 1:11 “For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.”) for supporting another gospel and supporting those who are lying to God’s people. Jesus Christ loves those people who are being lied to so much – that He Died on a cruel cross to save them. He gives them life and breath every day – with hopes that they will somehow hear one of God’s true messengers and then turn from those lies and believe His Word, and then be filled with His spirit and worship Him in Spirit and in Truth.
The bottom line is this: Make it a priority to identify God’s true messengers and do something considerable to help them or bless them. Pull your support away from those who are speaking lies and ask God to forgive you for having supported false teachers – in the past. And while part of you will just want to selflessly support these true preachers and other workers – just because you truly want to please The Lord, another part of you can also know – that SUPPORTING THE TRUE MESSENGERS OF GOD OFTEN HAS THE BIBLICALLY BASED RESULT OF YOU AND YOUR FAMILY BEING SAVED – IN THE TIMES OF TROUBLE THAT YOU & YOUR FAMILY MAY ENCOUNTER IN YOUR FUTURE! So, I would agree with one old preacher I heard years ago – who called meeting the conditions of promises like this: “Enlightened self-interest”. Do it for the true preachers & also…Do it for the good of yourself and your family. J
And since we are on the topic of Being Saved in Times of Trouble (war, famine, pestilence, etc.), I must take an extra moment to share one of the most incredible scriptures and LIST of precious promises – for those would study God’s Word and allow Him to “Correct” you. I am not sure that I have EVER seen such an incredible list of blessings – for meeting just ONE CONDITION. Many people spend thousands of dollars trying to be “prepared” for the possible emergencies and troubles that could happen to them and their family. The Proverbs do certainly tell us – twice: that “the prudent man foreseeth the evil and hideth himself” (Proverbs 22:3 & 27:12), but as you put aside some extra flashlight batteries, canned food and other items for those kinds of “rainy days”…you really need to also consider the above stories – and the amazing promises in the following passage from Job chapter 5 – if you want your family to be safe – in the time of trouble. Check out the following amazing passage. And when I say “check it out”, I want you to print this verse, and highlight every blessing you get – for meeting this one single condition. In one of my Bibles, I think I actually numbered them. I think I counted 8 blessings – just for allowing God to “Correct” me. How many do you find?
Job 5:17-23
17Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty: 18For he maketh sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth, and his hands make whole. 19He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee. 20In famine he shall redeem thee from death: and in war from the power of the sword. 21Thou shalt be hid from the scourge of the tongue: neither shalt thou be afraid of destruction when it cometh. 22At destruction and famine thou shalt laugh: neither shalt thou be afraid of the beasts of the earth. 23For thou shalt be in league with the stones of the field: and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee.
Exposing Satan’s Scheme to STEAL from both God’s sheep, and from His true messengers.
After seeing how plainly God has made it – that there is such a great blessing in identifying and heartily assisting God’s true messengers, I am CONVINCED that this is a HUGE PRIORITY in Satan’s kingdom – to do everything he can to:
- Keep people from studying God’s Word diligently enough to clearly identify who God’s True messengers even are.
- Thru that ignorance (and through Covetousness – for those who actually DO KNOW who God’s true messengers are) Satan wants to ROB people from the blessings of heartily supporting God’s true messengers.
- Satan wants to STOP God’s true messengers from doing their work, to hinder that work through lack of funds or having to do other jobs to make ends meet, and to discourage God’s true messengers – thru the frustration of consistent LACK! Satan wants to starve out these true Oxen – so much – that they just want to lay down and QUIT! Sometimes God’s true messengers actually get so frustrated that they just want God to take them home!
God Help us all – who call ourselves Christians – to not let this happen to these dear and True messengers, in Jesus name – for we shall all give account – on the day of Judgment. And May we also embrace the opportunities that The Lord gives us – to heartily assist His true messengers – knowing that The Lord has some VERY Special blessings in store – both in this life, and in the world to come (1 Timothy 4:8) – for those who follow in the footsteps of Ebed-Melech, Barzillai and the Shunamite woman (and her husband). J
Conclusion:
In conclusion, God has graciously spelled out 2 activities that help us to procure safety in the time of trouble, and even eternal favor. Those 2 activities are A) Make it a point to heartily do nice things for God’s True Messengers, and B) Study God’s Word and let it “CORRECT” you.
Something Else Very Important – that I did not see – until AFTER writing this article
(It was not until I reread these passages – yet another time, that I noticed something else very significant. Ebed-Melech, Barzillai and the Shunamite – did not just toss these true men of God a few leftovers. One made a whole extra room on their house & kept it available for whenever they happened to pass by. One risked their life speaking to the King for Jeremiah’s sake, and one gave literally tons of food and stuff – to King David and his men and their families – while on the run from Absalom. None of these 3 just tossed out a couple shekels of silver, or a few loaves of bread. Most of God’s true messengers will be thankful for anyone that decides to help them with any amount or in any way – as they push towards accomplishing the work God has given them to do, and God surely keeps very good accounting – with whatever we do or do not sacrifice – to assist these oxen, who are treading out the heavenly corn for God’s sheep. But do keep in mind the level of sacrifice exhibited by our 3 good examples – as you ponder the true message of what God is trying to teach us – from the above 3 Old Testament stories & New Testament Onesiphorus. The more I think about these good examples, the more I am wanting to consider them Helping Heroes – to God’s true messengers.
I also think of this final verse (in Isaiah 32) sometimes – when I think of this subject. Just make sure you know enough of God’s Word, that you can truly identify who God’s true “Oxen” are.
Isaiah 32:20
20 Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters, that send forth thither the feet of the ox and the ass.
Closing Prayer
Father in Heaven, Thank you so much for these beautiful truths in your precious Word. We rejoice in them as one who finds GREAT SPOIL! Please help us to discern who your true messengers are, and please guide as to which of them we help – and how we help them. Please also help us to be teachable and to allow your Word to correct us, that the words of our mouths, the meditations of our hearts, and the actions of our lives – may more fully please you. Also, please call many of those who are either preaching lies or supporting false teachers – to repentance and true salvation, and help them to redirect their paths – that they (and we) might all hear you say on That Day…Well Done, thou good and faithful servant. In Jesus name. Any Amens?
“Make to Yourselves Friends of the Mammon of Unrighteousness”
Abiding
The Surrender of the Cross [podcast]

“For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Romans 8:29
One writer notes:
“Your sin is not the disqualification. Your refusal to repent is.
The strongest men in scripture weren’t the sinless ones. They were the ones who fell and did not stay down.
David: adultery, a murder ordered from a throne, a dead son. And the psalm he wrote on his face: “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.”
Peter: three denials in one night. “And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.” Fifty days later he stood in the same city and preached the sermon that saved three thousand.
Paul: dragged Christians to prison and death. “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.”
“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.”
God is not collecting monuments. He’s raising men who get on their face, get clean, and get back in the fight.”
Brother Billy, a friend of mine, asked “What is the cross?” We’re going to talk about that in this podcast message.
So many today have this idol image of the cross. They do not understand what Jesus and His holy apostles taught us about what the cross is as it pertains to our daily life in following Jesus.
Some think there is power bowing down before an image of the cross. Not.
Some believe it’s of God to carry a little cross in their pocket, nearly like a good luck charm. Not.
Others believe that making the sign of the cross is of God. Not.
In one word, the cross, as it applies to us as Jesus taught, is surrender in repentance and thereafter daily.
When we’ve repented and received Christ as the LORD and Savior of our lives, He washes us clean of all our sin. That is initial salvation and thereafter we must walk with Christ and live in the victory He died and rose again to grant His people.
Did Jesus die on that cross to set us free to sin for the remaining of our days on the earth after He saves us? No.
The cross separates us from self and therefore sin. Jesus knew we’d need this in order to walking holy after He initially saves us, washing us of all sin. That’s initial salvation and in order to thereafter walk with our LORD, we must be crucified with Him which will keep us from living in sin.
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7
Jesus Christ is the only One who can save and sanctify us. Regrettably, so many stop at initial salvation and as Satan would have it, they are told the “eternal security” lie. This is the lie that led the first man and woman to sin which plunged the human race into darkness, separation (Genesis 2:17 > 3:4).
Jesus died to “take away our sins” – initially and ongoing as we “endure to the end” abiding, remaining, continuing in and with our LORD (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; John 15:1-6, etc.).
“he was manifested to take away our sins”
“And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. 6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.” 1 John 3:5-6
“If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.” Luke 9:23-24
Ask God to let His message of the cross be absorbed and deeply permeate your heart and mind.
“Let these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men.” Luke 9:44
Karen Cochran writes:
“’Only in the light of Calvary will we discover how the pain of our suffering can be transformed into a ministry.’
Our deepest transformations happen during our times of sufferings! I have found Jesus more in my darkest valleys than on the mountain tops, because in the high places I did not think I needed Him. But when I am in the valley of the shadow of death, and cry out, ‘Please Jesus I am poor in spirit and can doing nothing without You.’ In His grace He reaches down into that place and gives me the comfort of God, and raises me up out of my troubles. The cross life! Romans 6. We go down into death and He raises us up into newness of life.
When we experience His compassion, we are then required to comfort others with the same comfort we have received from God. 2 Cor 1:3-5. That is how He births ministry in us!”
“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
IF in your fellowship you are not hearing the cross, the crucified life biblical message and knowing Jesus and the Father, you are sitting under “another gospel.” (John 17:3; Galatians 1:6-9; 2:20; 6:14; Philippians 3:10; Colossians 1-2)
Jesus is “the life” and Jesus taught and demonstrated by His own life and mission that death and burial must of necessity precede resurrection (John 14:6). YET, you will seldom if ever hear this original, central Gospel cross truth mentioned in a modern church. Think: “Life Surge”, another fad ministry campaign. They speak of the “surge” or resurrection and yet they will never mention the death and burial Christ requires as a condition to raise, to cause one to surge. This means they are raising themselves up instead of dying and letting God raise them up.
Beware of the false gospel being peddled at nearly EVERY so-called “church” in this late hour. The wolves who occupy those pulpits are “accursed” for preaching “another gospel.” (Galatians 1:6-9) A gospel without the cross of Christ and the one He mandated that you take up, is a false gospel .
“And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.” Matthew 24:11
WHO ELSE needs a rest from the vile rage of the flesh?
“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. … O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” Romans 7:18, 24
There is nothing good in me, nor in you, other than Christ. This is why we must be “crucified with Christ.”
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
Your relationship with the LORD and the corresponding fruit are dependent upon you “Letting go and letting God.”
Without being born again and living the crucified life Jesus has called us to, there is no hope of remaining in Christ – of abiding in Christ and seeing God produce “fruit … more fruit” and “much fruit.” See John 15:1-16.
Putting to rest the deeds of the body is the crucify the flesh.
WHO are truly Christ’s?
“And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” Galatians 5:24
IF one is not crucifying the flesh daily, he is living in the flesh, in sin.
Reading Romans 6 each morning will be a blessing to your life.
“Not my will, but thine, be done.”
Jesus tells His disciples to “Watch and pray” – to remain vigilant perpetually in prayer and watching. Then He tells us why – because “the flesh is weak.”
“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. 42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.” Matthew 26:41-42
“Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” Luke 22:42
Our Savior demonstrated the cross, before the cross when He declared to His and our Father “not my will, but thine, be done.”
This is divine prayer material for us saints – “not my will, but thine, be done.”
One source notes the following concerning Jesus’ submission and surrender to the Father:
“Jesus yielded up His spirit to the Father after completing His perfect sacrifice.
- Luke 23:46: “And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, He gave up the ghost.”
- John 19:30: “When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.”
- Philippians 2:8: “And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”
The Meaning of Surrender at the Cross
- Complete Submission: Jesus willingly submitted to the Father’s will, finishing the work of redemption.
- The Believer’s Response: Scripture calls followers of Jesus to model this surrender by taking up their own cross daily (Luke 9:23).”
Slaves to “Christian” or “Church” Conmen and Cross-less Counselors
The cross is the opposite of what the fake “church’s” calls “self-care.” “Self-care” is a fake “solution” that brings repeat busine$$ to those who perpetrate it. The cross is God’s solution – beginning at the foot of Christ’s redemptive cross and the cross He mandates you to take up daily. Beware of the cross-less deceivers (Philippians 3:18-19). There is no salvation or solution from sin outside of Christ, and Christ commands us to take up the cross, be crucified with Him, daily after He initially saves us (Luke 9:23-24). If not, you are not following Him. One can only follow Jesus the way He prescribed. Read that again.
There are lots of people peddling the lie of “self care” which is ultimately nothing more than absolute self-idolatry. Pure evil. We need SAVIOR care! Such “self-care” only perpetuates the prey, the victim, in their misery. The only way to deal with the wicked iniquitous nature, is to crucify it, not pamper it (Luke 9:23-24). It’s your time to get into God’s Word and follow Jesus (KJB). Repent, deny yourself, lay down your life and serve God and others, not yourself. Loving your wicked self IS your problem and so all “self care” is accomplishing is to make your problem bigger, to fortify the evil within (Galatians 5:16-24). Crucifying that evil by the power of the Holy Spirit who is then raising your upward in His grace, glory, and power, is the divine prescription (Romans 8:13; Colossians 3:3, etc.). Read Philippians 2:3-5 each morning this week. Jesus commands you to love God. Worship God. Obey God (Matthew 22:37-39).
Jesus conquered sin, death, hell, and the grave by surrendering – by dying to self and honoring and executing the will of the Father.
“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that THROUGH DEATH he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;” Hebrews 2:14
The daily cross, the surrender of self, is essential to keep sin out of our lives. It is our submission to God – giving back to Him the life he gave which is us – and came and died to redeem.
“He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30
“ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price”
“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Surely we don’t believe Jesus initially saved us only to approve of us thereafter living in sin.
“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” Romans 6:1-2
Beware of the cross-evading “eternal security” deceivers whom Jude calls “ungodly men”, who by their serpentine heresy, are “turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness (license to sin)” and by doing so they are “denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Jude 3-4) These are “enemies of the CROSS of Christ.” (Philippians 3:18-19)
How do we know that those who teach “once saved always saved” are of the devil? – Because that was Satan’s first lie which led to the fall of mankind in the Garden and it’s resulting in the same falling away today. Read what God said in Genesis 2:17 and then what Satan said in Genesis 3:4.
Now read Romans 6 each morning for the next 3 days. Ask yourself: Can you live in communion with God who is holy, without the crucified life”? No.
“For he that is dead is freed from sin.” Romans 6:7
Read that verse again and ask: “WHO are the only people ‘freed from sin’”? – It’s exclusively those who are “dead” and buried with Christ. They are then raised upward in the glory and power of Jesus Christ, walking fruit-filled lives for His eternal glory (Romans 8:11-14).
PRAYER: Holy Father, I come to You afresh, and I ask You to have Your way in my life. Please overcome all evil dear LORD. You must increase but I must decrease – now and till You return. Not my will but Thine be done Jesus. Please help me to love and trust You more. In Jesus’ name.
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Apostasy
Sola Scriptura vs the Catholic Church and its Traditions [podcast]

When Paul spoke of “tradition” it was simply the thing he had and was teaching, the Word of God, and not some antichrist pagan practice the cult of rome calls a “tradition.”
“Tradition” is mostly used in a negative way in God’s Word:
“And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own TRADITION.” Mark 7:9
“Making the word of God of none effect through your TRADITION, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.” Mark 7:13
“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the TRADITION of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” Colossians 2:8
Before we talk about Sola Scriptura vs catholic tradition and catechism, please allow me to ask you to take a look with your own eyes at the pictures below: HOW can you possibly defend this? Isn’t it time you came to Jesus?
“Forbidding to marry” is the recipe for disaster in this scenario.
The Holy Spirit foresaw that the catholic church was coming and gave us specific warnings concerning this “Mother of harlots” described in detail in Revelation 17.
“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.” 1 Timothy 4:1-3
The warning of the Holy Spirit, the 2 teachings to look for are:
- “Forbidding to marry”, and
- “commanding to abstain from meats”
Yet Peter, supposedly, laughably called “the first pope”, was married (Matthew 8:14).
Then, it’s the catholic church who “abstain from meats” during their annual cultic lent season.
There’s only one system this fits as is the case in Revelation 17 which describes “THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.”
“And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.” Revelation 17:5
Jesus created you. Jesus died for your sins. Jesus Christ gave you every breath you’ve ever breathed and every morsel of food you’ve ever put in your mouth. What has the catholic church ever done for you except lie to you to send you to hell eternally, irrevocably?
Sola Scriptura vs Catholic Teaching
The term Sola Scriptura simply means Scripture alone is the final divine authority. Yet the antichrist catholic church doesn’t like this very much because if God gave us His Word to establish truth, they they can’t teach their erroneous dogmas to the world and freely deceive them.
Any person whose been around a few catholics, knows that the fruit of their lives is strife, unrest, turmoil, and anything but God’s love. This alone reveals their doctrines to be false – because God does not bless the wicked, those who believe lies but rather only those who walk in His truth (Psalms 1, etc.).
“Great peace have they which love thy law (Word): and nothing shall offend them.” Psalms 119:165
Only those who live by the Word of God are possessed by the peace of God.
It’s laughable to think that mere sinful religious men can make up any fabled lie they can concoct in their depraved minds and say it’s of God. But Jesus told us exactly who is “of God” and who is “NOT of God.”
“He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.” John 8:47
As is clearly witnessed in the lives of catholics, those who follow tradition are full of turmoil. Those who follow Bible truth are full of divine peace.
“And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” Luke 4:4
Notice above that Jesus pointed no man to religion. In fact His greatest enemy was and still is – false religionists (Matthew 23; Mark 7:6-10, etc.).
Friends, God gave us His Word in tangible, written form in order to protect us from the “MANY false prophets” He promised would “deceive MANY” in these finals days before the return of our LORD (Matthew 24:11).
Those who choose to love God will seek Him in His own Word and nowhere else. They alone will be protected by Him.
“Every word of God is pure: he is a shield (protector) unto them that put their trust in him. 6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.” Proverbs 30:5-6
The moment I prayed in repentance to receive Jesus Christ into my life, He washed me of all my sins. The ensuing days brought about a clear conscience, a sound mind, a peace, love and joy that made it clear to me that I’d been lied to by the cult of Rome my whole life. Needless to say, I never return to the catholic church.
Catholic deceivers have to constantly combat the many followers of Jesus who expose the heresy of catholic tradition being equal to the Bible. These pawns fight to perpetrate this tradition lie in order to be able to continue to perpetuate some of the vilest and strangest heresies known to mankind.
Many Christians believe that the Christian tradition of communion is the same as the Catholic tradition of the Eucharist. But this is not so. The Eucharist (i.e., Transubstantiation) is a Catholic term for communion when the bread and the wine supposedly become the very, the actual body and blood of Jesus Christ; thus when taken, the partaker is said to experience the presence of Jesus. These transformed elements are placed in what is called a monstrance and can then be worshipped as if worshipping Jesus Himself. The implications are tied in with salvation. In the catholic system, with the Eucharist, salvation becomes sacramental (participation in a ritual) as opposed to justification by faith in Christ alone. The mystical experience called the Eucharist is clearly a form of gross idolatry (as well as the very heart of Catholicism).
CATHOLIC TEACHING ON TRANSUBSTANTIATION is a complete theological statement and the name of a doctrine, out of which springs the most astounding set of beliefs and practices that have ever been taught in the name of religion. Yet few people know what the Catholic Church actually believes and teaches concerning this subject.
TRANS-SUBSTANTIATION CHALLENGE: PLEASE PROVIDE “EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE” – If the wheat wafer and wine TRULY become the actual and literal body and blood of Jesus Christ, as the catholic church teaches, then let’s do a DNA test to see what the composition of the elements truly are. That fair? Clue: Do they taste like flesh and blood, or bread and wine?
CATHOLIC MASS IS CLEARLY A MOCKERY and BLASPHEMY AGAINST CHRIST’S FINISHED WORK – it supposes to re-sacrifice Christ who paid ONCE for all sins on the cross according to God’s Word.
DID YOU KNOW THAT drinking blood is forbidden by God? Lev 7:27 “Whatsoever soul it be that eateth any manner of blood, even that soul shall be cut off from his people” BOTH TESTAMENTS CONDEMN DRINKING BLOOD – ACTS 15:28. So, why would the Son of God instruct us to do such (transubstantiation)??
Only a rebel rejects the divine truth that God gave us His Word so we’d not be misled by false prophet religions like this antichrist cult of Rome. The RCC teaches that tradition is equal to the Bible. Nonsense. They do so in order to be able to teach the myriad of heresies peddled by the antichrist roman cult which diametrically contradict the Word of God.
I grew up catholic, altar boy, catholic school, etc…. yet when Jesus saved me, immediately I knew that I’d been lied to my whole life. Instantly all my sins were forgiven and conscience cleared. What a blessing. Salvation is a personal relationship with Jesus, not a religion and this happens when we surrender, when we admit the reality that we’ve sinned against our Maker, are 100% guilty, and ask then ask Jesus to take over our lives from that moment forward. | Making Peace with God – Receiving His Forgiveness and Salvation
Recently I saw a catholic video titled “Sola Scriptura and Catholic Questions for Protestants.” The description said “This video is about Sola Scriptura and Catholic questions for Protestants, and why the teaching of the Bible alone is itself unbiblical.” Then he poses 5 questions. My replies are in blue.
**Catholic Questions for Protestants:** (from a catholic)
Note: 2 Timothy 3:16 is the Bible answer to each of these foolish questions from this catholic heretic.
#1. Where in the Bible does it say the bible is all you need?
The more pertinent question is: Where does the Bible say you need anything else but the Word of God, which it is? Where does the Bible say that tradition is all you need? Where does the Bible say the Word of God can be mixed with tradition? Where does God’s Word say that tradition is equal to Holy Scripture?
“ALL scripture (not tradition) is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for DOCTRINE, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” (2 Timothy 3:16)
#2. Where does Scripture teach that the Bible is the ONLY or FINAL authority?
Where does the Bible say that there is authority anywhere else but in itself, as the very Word of God. Friends, the only ones who want you to look away from the Bible, God’s Word, are those who have lies to teach you.
First off, only a biblically illiterate person could ask such a question.
Jesus told the false religionists of His day and today “Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.” (Matthew 22:29) Those who don’t know God’s Word go into error. “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law (Word) of thy God, I will also forget thy children.” (Hosea 4:6) Those who choose to look elsewhere, who do not seek God in His own Word, will be destroyed and rejected in the end. Satan’s religions exists for this very, this express purpose – to lead you away from the LORD and His truth. Beware.
God’s Word is Going to Judge Us, Not Sinful Man’s Traditions
“He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” John 12:48
“In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.” Romans 2:16
Is tradition or is Holy Scripture given to us for “doctrine”? “ALL scripture (not tradition) is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for DOCTRINE, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” (2 Timothy 3:16) This would clearly reveal that any tradition or teaching that contradicts “scripture” is heresy.
Any person following the roman catholic religion instead of Holy Scripture has made a decision to reject the LORD.
“He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.” John 8:47
“Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words (not catechism or tradition) shall not pass away.” Mark 13:31
“Thy word (not catechism or tradition) is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalms 119:105
The longest chapter in the Bible is 176 verses of which each and every verse speaks of the written Word of God, not tradition or the catechism of some self-proclaimed religion of sinful men. Read Psalms 119.
#3. How do we know, according to the Bible alone, know that the books in the Bible are inspired Scripture? Where in the Bible does it give a list of inspired Scripture and how do we know what is inspired and what is not? – Where does it say in the Bible that the Book of Hebrews is inspired Scripture? – Where does it say in the Bible that Matthew is inspired? Or Philemon?
To even ask these questions reveals that this man is demon possessed. It was and is Satan who casts doubt on what God has said – “Hath God said?” (Genesis 3:1)
“ALL scripture (not tradition) is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for DOCTRINE, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” (2 Timothy 3:16)
The Bible never once hints or says that truth is found in tradition or the teachings of man’s religions. In fact, we are often warned against this specifically (Colossians 2:8, etc.).
#4. According to the Bible alone, how do we even know Matthew wrote Matthew? How do we know who wrote the Book of Hebrews?
It doesn’t matter if we know exactly who the mere human author it. We know God intended it to be in His Word, part of “ALL scripture.” (2 Timothy 3:16) Not being able to ascertain the exact human author in no way diminishes the truth, the reality of divine inspiration.
How do we know catholic traditions are not of God? Answer: They clearly contradict Holy Scripture.
The LORD told the man in hell that his brothers, who were still on the earth, had the Word of God – “Moses and the prophets” – and that’s all they need. And, if they won’t hear and obey them, they are going to hell also (Luke 16:27-30) This clearly demonstrates that any person who will not hear and obey God’s Word is going to hell. “Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.” (Proverbs 13:13)
The following Bible verse makes is clear that anyone who puts away, rejects, does not obey it as being from God, is “unworthy of everlasting life.”
“Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.” Acts 13:46
#5. Where in the Bible does it say the Bible alone is the Word of God?
Where does the Bible say that there is truth outside of it that God’s true people are to trust in? Nowhere. Where in the Bible does it say that tradition is equal with Scripture? Where does the Bible say that the tradition of the antichrist catholic cult is to be mixed with Scripture?
God’s Word states:
“All scripture (not tradition) is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Case closed. Oh, and where’s tradition in that? What did the Bible say is profitable for “doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness”? “Scripture.” Actually when Paul spoke of “tradition”, he was speaking of the Word of God he had taught and not making any ole pagan cult’s traditions equal the the Word of God (2 Thessalonians 3:6).
In fact, the vast majority of times that we find the word “tradition(s)” in the New Testament canon, it’s a warning against the false religionists… of which the catholic church fits the description distinctly.
“Why do ye also transgress the commandment (Word of God) of God by your TRADITION?” Matthew 15:3
“Thus have ye made the commandment (Word) of God of none effect by your TRADITION.” Matthew 15:6
“And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment (Word) of God, that ye may keep your own TRADITION.” Mark 7:9
“Making the word of God of none effect through your TRADITION, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.” Mark 7:13
“Beware lest any man spoil (ruin) you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the TRADITION of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” Colossians 2:8
The very reason God gave us His Word in written form was so that cults like the roman catholic church would not mislead His true people – so that we’d not be deceived by false prophet religions like “MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.” (Revelation 17:5)
Read chapters 17 and 18 of the book of Revelation.
Is the catholic system based on God’s Word? No.
Catholics claim they go through the whole Bible yearly in their weekly mass. Is that true or is it just another lie? A lie. There are 1,189 chapters in the Bible. Catholics don’t read 52 chapters a year in their masses. Think about it: If they read just 1 chapter each Sunday, which they don’t, that would only be 52 chapters. Far short of 1,189 chapters. That would 1,137 chapters short of reading the whole Bible yearly.
Did the Catholic Church Give us the Bible, as they Claim?
Catholics will even dare say that the Bible came from the catholic church. Is this true? No.
THE CATHOLIC CHURCH WASN’T EVEN FORMED TILL THE 3RD OR 4TH CENTURY A.D. THE BOOKS OF THE BIBLE WERE COMPLETED ABOUT 90 A.D. BY JEWISH MEN WHO WERE INSPIRED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT (2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Timothy 3:16)
So-Called “AUTHORITY” THAT VIOLATES UNCHANGING DIVINE TRUTH IS SIMPLY ILLEGITIMATE – REGARDLESS OF ITS CLAIMS. JESUS SAID HIS WORD IS FINAL AUTHORITY. Jesus says:
“Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.” Mark 13:31
Catholics do not believe the Bible is final authority – they are taught that catholic tradition and early church fathers are on the same level – this is strategically taught them, in order that the catholic religion might have open game to deceive them – by making up their own religion of mere sinful men.
“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:19-21
Personally, I waste no time on early church fathers or church history. They weren’t ordained, sanctioned by God exclusively to pen the words of Holy Writ, the Bible, which is God’s Word and the highest divine authority (2 Peter 1:19-21; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16-17). What’s it matter if you know what they said? The LORD didn’t ordain them to communicate His truth to the world. This does nothing but create confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). Many would rather listen to what mere men had to say about God and the Bible than to learn for themselves what God said in His own Word. The LORD has always instructed His people to study and learn and attend to HIS words (Deuteronomy 4, 6, 11, Isaiah 34:16, etc.).
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
The Catholic Council of Trent declares that: “It is lawful to have images in the church and to give honour and worship to them … Images are put in churches that they may be worshipped.” The Oxford dictionary defines an idol as: “An image used as an object of worship. A person or thing that is the object of excessive devotion.” An Idolater is a devoted admirer of idols.
IF THE BIBLE IS A CATHOLIC BOOK, THEN:
- Why does it condemn clerical dress? (Matt. 23:5-6; Luke 20:46).
- Why does the Bible teach against the adoration of Mary if the Bible is catholic? (Luke 11:27-28).
- Why does it show that all Christians are priests? (1 Pet. 2:5,9).
- Why does God’s Word condemn the observance of special days if it’s catholic? (Gal. 4:9-11).
- Why does the Bible teach that all Christians are saints if it’s catholic? (1 Cor. 1:2).
- If the Bible were truly catholic, WHY does it condemn the making and adoration of objects of worship, of graven images? (Ex. 20:4-5).
- Why does the Bible teach that baptism is immersion instead of sprinkling or pouring if the Bible is catholic? (Col. 2:12).
- If the Bible is truly catholic, WHY does it forbid us to address religious leaders as “father”? (Matt. 23:9)
- If the Bible is truly catholic, why does it teach that Christ is the only foundation and not the apostle Peter? (1 Cor. 3:11).
- Why does it address only God Himself as the “Holy Father”? (John 17:11)
- If the Bible is catholic, why does it teach that there is one mediator instead of many? (1 Tim. 2:5).
- If the Bible is catholic, why is the Bible completely silent about infant baptism, indulgence$, purgatory, confession to priests, the rosary, the mass, and many other things taught by the Catholic Church?
- If the Bible is catholic, why then did the Pope put the Bible on the Index of forbidden books in the 12th century?
EVERY breath and morsel of food you’ve ever received was from GOD, not your stupid religion. WHO died on that cross for you? Jesus Christ did. Repent and follow Jesus – and not the devil’s religion which exists for one purpose – to lead you to hell.
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Articles
“Pastors According to Mine Heart” [podcast]

“The cross life is the truth! The Joel Osteen gospel is the American gospel. It is all about me and how I can live my best life now! Yesterday in the elderly home Tom and I are blessed to minister in, a resident (elder) testified, ‘I was struggling and got down on my knees, praying to Jesus for help, and asking Him to forgive my sins. And I know He did because I have joy again.’ This was such a simple prayer but I could hear the heart of a child. Jesus said, we must become like a little child to enter the kingdom of heaven (Mat 18:3).” Karen Cochran
“… but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.” Isaiah 66:2
Jesus taught Us
“But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. 26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; 27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: 28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:20-28
“But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. 9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. 10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. 11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whosoever shall exalt himself (by using titles) shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” Matthew 23:8-12
The next time some clown let’s you know he’s a “pastor” or “minister of Christ, or that he has a seminary degree or reads the Bible in Hebrew and Greek, etc., …..” kindly ask him when the last time was that he ministered to 10 lost souls in a day or led someone to Jesus.”
“Preach the word” AND “DO the work of an evangelist.” 2 Timothy 4:1-4
Jesus was not playing when He warned us of “MANY false prophets” who would “deceive MANY.” (Matthew 24:11)
“People better heed these warnings now because when the man of lawlessness comes the deception will be so strong that if possible even the elect will be deceived (Mat 24:24). He will come as a religious figure-trying to mimic Jesus. There will be no greater false Christ than him.” Karen Cochran
People are Leaving the Fake “Church” System
People aren’t leaving these false “churches” because they’re leaving the faith. No. They are leaving these wolf-run “churches” in order to preserve their faith. The SCAM-d3mic further exposed the 501(C)(3) charlatans who took orders from the gov’t. Jesus warns us in these final days before His return that “many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.” (Matthew 24:11)
“And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.” Jeremiah 3:15
PASTORING is not occupying a physical building as a real estate manager! By biblical definition and under the anointing of “the Great Shepherd of the sheep”, PASTORING involves feeding, tending to, exhorting, correcting, encouraging, teaching, equipping, warning, comforting, and nourishing the sheep of Christ for whom He died and rose again from the dead (John 21:15-17; Hebrews 13:7, 17, 20). Pastoring involves instruction and perpetual preparation in light of the soon return of the Savior (Ephesians 5:25-27; Colossians 1:28; 1 John 3:3; Revelation 2-3, etc.). Hiding away in a physical building actually hinders a man from going out and about to the people who must be reached, you know like Jesus and His apostles did (Matthew 9:35-38; Acts 8:4, etc.).
The biblical qualifications for being an elder, a servant of God to oversee His flock are found in 1 Timothy 3. Go read it and notice that no where do we see that a pastor must be cool, be eloquent of speech, a good entertainer, wear fancy clothes, have a piece of real estate he calls “church,” run a choir, etc.
As we read in the passage below, Jesus, “the Great Shepherd of the sheep” (Hebrews 13:20), was slandered by the religious devils of His day, but that didn’t phase Him. He kept marching, fulfilling His Father’s calling – reaching out in compassion to and feeding those scattered abroad without a shepherd.
“But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils. 35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:34-38
Today most modern pastors are mere hirelings who are lukewarm if they are even saved and do very little true Gospel work as we see Jesus and His apostles doing. This would mean that they are not “worthy of their hire.” Seems it would be different if they would “LABOUR in the word and doctrine” and therefore “worthy of double honour (compensation)“. See 1 Timothy 5:17-18; 1 Corinthians 9:1-14, etc…..
Do we have a heart after the LORD? Are we filled with tender mercies and loving kindness toward His people and the lost who He came “to seek and to save”? (Luke 19:10)
Are we, as did Jesus and His holy apostles, going about preaching the Word of God, reproving, rebuking, and exhorting His sheep with all longsuffering and pure biblical doctrine?
“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:2-5
In the above passage of Holy Scripture, the true disciple of Jesus can be seen …
- Preaching the word instant in season, out of season,
- reproving,
- rebuking,
- exhorting with all longsuffering and doctrine
- watching thou in all things,
- endure afflictions,
- doing the work of an evangelist,
- making full proof of thy ministry
Jesus Christ is “that great shepherd of the sheep.” He instructed us to follow Him and, in doing so, to “FEED my sheep” which includes more than just exposing false teaching.
Every single disciple of Christ is to be pastoral in heart and life. We are each to tend to our fellowship with Christ daily and to His people.
“Feed the flock of God which is among you.” 1 Peter 5:2
In order to become a balanced, fully-equipped, and mature disciple (1 Cor. 4:15), we must tend to feeding, nourishing, and also warning (Colossians 1:28). The apostolic PWT model is seen in Colossians 1:28 – Preach, Warn, Teach Christ’s body.
Some of us have learned to warn and that is so very important. We must also feed and nourish in order to “seal the law among my disciples”, says the LORD (Isaiah 8:16). There are those who are aware of wolves operating on the internet and only seek to expose them and warn us. These individuals bear fruit of rage and anger as they do nothing except tear at other ministries and people. They never take the time to feed the sheep. This alone reveals them to be wolves. They pose as watchmen and yet are wolves. Because they pose as watchmen, they can catch you off guard. Beware saints. If you don’t see kindness, mercy, grace, God’s love, and true concern for others, run!
“Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples.” Isaiah 8:16
With no exception, Christ’s servants will always get YOU into HIS Word for yourself. They desire you to be faithful, loyal to GOD, not themselves!
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
THE BEAUTY AND THE LOVE OF OUR LORD AND HIS MINISTERING
“And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. 24 And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them. 25 And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judaea, and from beyond Jordan.” Matthew 4:23-25
As our memories glance across the record of the 4 glorious Gospels, we see among many things that the ministry of our LORD was perfect. He is the Model of perfection in all things, including ministering to others. As we read the Holy Scriptures, we observe the perfectly balanced wisdom He used in feeding, rebuking, warning, showing mercy, and admonishing. Jesus knew the hearts of all men and He taught appropriately and justly to all whom He ministered to (John 2:24). Due to there being no sin in Him, Christ did not get moody or have mood swings. He did not minister according to how He was feeling, but rather according to as His Father led Him and according to the hearts of those He ministered to – “he knew all men.” (John 2:24) Remember how He was “moved with compassion” upon and so merciful to sinners, lambasted the rich and the religious, healed the lame and blind, raised the dead, opened blinded eyes, cast out devils to deliver souls, and preached His good tidings of great joy, calling all men to repent and believe His Gospel? (Luke 4:18)
Being “Nourished Up in the Words of Faith and Good Doctrine” and Feeding the Saints
“If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.” 1 Timothy 4:6
It all begins with taking personal responsibility over our own souls – “Take heed unto THYSELF.”
“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” 1 Timothy 4:16
The disciple whom God uses is the disciple who truly puts Him first – “daily.” (Luke 9:23-24) The LORD is not a second class citizen in the life of the Heaven bound true disciple of Jesus. Like Mary, this disciple chooses that good part of worshiping, seeking, and loving on Jesus (Luke 10:38-42). Out of the overflow of that abundant and rich fellowship and communion with our LORD, this disciple receives an outpouring of His Holy Spirit, which is then used to bless others. Truly, this disciple’s cup is running over and blessing many.
In order to be used of God to feed and tend to His blessed sheep for whom He bled, one must qualify. All bitterness, self-promotion, selfishness, must be laid aside. The girdle of servant hood must be taken up. Ministry that pleases our LORD is Christ is others-centered, not self-centered. It all begins with recognizing and seeking Him as LORD, Savior, and Master of our lives.
Jesus told Peter three times to “feed” His beloved people and coupled this essential duty to Peter’s love for Him. Without fail, those who love Christ will feed His sheep and care for them with a genuinely concerned and compassionate heart. Notice here in this platinum passage that it all begins with dining or fellowshipping – intimate communing with the Savior.
Loving Jesus and feeding His beloved sheep are connected. Check this out:
“So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.” John 21:15-17
Those who love Jesus will pour His love on others. They serve Christ first, then people, and then themselves (Matthew 22:37-40). Wicked wolves serve themselves first and foremost. This is why they possess no true concern for others.
“Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. 16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. 17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” John 13:13-17
Most of us have seen the many hirelings abounding in that which calls itself the church in this late hour. Their self-promotion is sickening and many times it is subtle, so beware. Most of us are learning to discern between the true and the false (Ezekiel 44:23-24). Watch out for those who have no compassion towards others. In other words, they are hard-hearted. The sin of selfishness and pride always brings a hardened apostate heart (Hebrews 3:12-14). These wolves in sheep’s clothing are more interested in being heard than actually being used of the LORD to bless the people.
We can follow the Apostle Paul’s example and also His warning about wolves among us who “mind” or tend to “earthly things”, such as their own ministries, so-called “church buildings,” and other temporal trinkets. These savage wolves are so busy serving the god of self that they have no true concern for Christ and the precious sheep He bled to redeem.
“Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. 18 (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.) 20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.” Philippians 3:16-21
What is a pastor? Is it someone who merely holds a title or position? Many today hold the title and have no clue as to the heart of “that great shepherd of the sheep” and what He desires of them. Pastor is a calling to help bring God’s people to (Ephesians 4:11-13).
Ra ah is the Hebrew word for “pastor.” To pastor means to tend to a flock or person, to feed as a friend, and to shepherd. Now, as usual, the definition of anything in God’s economy, is best defined by what the whole of Scripture says about that word or topic. Here’s is the apostle Peter’s instructions to overseers.
“The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. 5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:” 1 Peter 5:1-6
So many today – most – who have the title of “pastor” have never learned to be pastored themselves by “that great shepherd of the sheep,” even Jesus (Hebrews 13:20). They could care less about the people other than to get those people to listen to them and give them their money. The apostate modern church priesthood today is made up of moral cowards who refuse to die to self and truly learn to walk with Jesus but rather trust in their flimsy certificates they paid good money to earn in seminary where they learned what mere sinful men said about God’s Word instead of learning God’s Word. They are too busy with their idols and loving this fleeting and sinful world and its pleasures than to bother with serving God and His people according to the biblical pattern (James 4:4; 1 John 2:15). Most people who are true Bible students can clearly see that the majority of those who hold the mere title of “pastor,” are not even saved. If they were, they would be loving and serving God and not themselves. See Philippians 3:18-19, Jeremiah 23, and Ezekiel 34.
Jesus commands us to “Feed my sheep” and yet we know that ultimately HE is “the Great Shepherd” and feeder of His beloved sheep (John 21:15-17; Hebrews 13:20).
God-fearing people who pastor others, feed the people and don’t exploit the people for their own self-serving purposes.
“Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the Lord. 2 Therefore thus saith the Lord God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the Lord. … 4 And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the Lord.” Jeremiah 23:1-4
PRAYER: Holy Father, rebuke me. Bless this life to be full of the fear of God, broken, contrite, and living in true humility, serving and lifting up others above self and as unto You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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