EXCUSE me WOLF, “apostle” or “prophet” are NOT titles to be used to promote yourself! Repent sinner! Title touters are completely SELF-centered and need to repent, lay down their lives, be crucified with Christ, and follow Jesus (Matthew 23:8-12). Are those who use titles not broadcasting their pride for all to see?
Does Using Titles Draw Attention to Mere Men While Stealing Glory from Jesus Christ?
JESUS CHRIST is the only Celebrity in Heaven. The last time a phony “celebrity” self-actualized, the LORD booted that devil! (Ezekiel 28:12-12-19; Luke 10:18)
The fact that you dare call yourself an apostle or prophet proves you are not one! Repent. Do the work humbly and drop the self-aggrandizing title!
Please never again call yourself by the title of “prophet” or “apostle” again. Those 5 gifts in Ephesians 4 are functions to serve God and others with and never to bring attention to ourselves by using them as a title.
Most if not all today who claim to be prophets are frauds. Apostle and prophet are functions to serve God and OTHERS in and not for use as a title for self-enrichment (Ephesians 4:11-13; 1 Peter 4:10-11). Yet as the remnant body of Christ, we depend on the prophets and apostles of the LORD and the Holy Spirit centrally – “the MORE sure word of prophecy” which contains “ALL things that pertain unto life and godliness” are the written Holy Scriptures (2 Peter 1:3-4; 2:16-21). We seek out and live by THE WORD and not prophetic peddlers.
IF you are using a title, you are violating Jesus’ teachings and found out to be a self-serving wolf! Repent, drop the title and SERVE GOD and His people humbly, quietly.
Drop the title. Just shut your mouth and humbly do the task.
Make no mistake: Those using titles are doing so to bring attention to THEMSELVES and not the Savior!
IF you see someone claiming to be a “mystic” rebuke them. Delusional. Such a name appears no where in Scripture. God’s children are simply born again disciples of Jesus. Beware of those who arrogantly seek to elevate themselves above others by using titles like “mystic.” They need to repent and get saved.
HAVE YOU NOTICED HOW SELF-APPOINTED WOLVES ALWAYS TALK ABOUT HOW THEY ARE AN “APOSTLE” OR “PROPHET” WHILE NEVER ELEVATING JESUS, THE ONLY “HEAD” OF HIS BODY – WHICH HE PURCHASED WITH HIS VERY BLOOD? (see COLOSSIANS 2:18-19.) THE BIBLE TELLS US THAT JESUS CHRIST IS “THE APOSTLE AND HIGH PRIEST” OF OUR FAITH! (HEBREWS 3:1) TODAY’S FALSE APOSTLES AND FALSE PROPHETS NEVER MENTION THAT TO YOU NOW DO THEY!? RUN!
“The apostles called themselves slaves of Christ….that is humility and surrendering.” Sal Delacruz
“Reverend” appears just 1 time in God’s Word and it’s speaking about HIM, not a man – “He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is HIS name” (Psalms 111:9).
True prophets are simply busy humbly serving, not announcing themselves, not drawing attention to their sinful selves using callings as titles.
In the case of men who are calling themselves apostles or prophets today…. if he were a true elder of Christ’s body, he wouldn’t be using apostle as a title which completely contradicts the title-less servant posture Jesus taught (Matthew 23:8-12). Apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher are not titles or rankings but rather function gifts whereby men humbly serve others and never use them as titles to elevate themselves among God’s people.
It doesn’t matter WHO among us in Christ’s body preaches the Word, it just needs to be preached! Jesus is the featured One, not any mere sinful man. “All ye are brethren” (Matthew 28:8-12). Concerning preaching, the Gospel says: “Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed” (1 Corinthians 15:11).
While teaching us to not use titles, Jesus says “Ye are all brethren” (Matthew 23:8-12). On this note, sister Frances Plante says: “Although men have created a hierarchy, God has not. Being on a platform doesn’t make you elite, it makes you accountable.”
The gifts and callings of God are gifts and callings to serve and not titles to tout!
IF you are truly an apostle or prophet, you won’t announce it by wearing it as a title but rather SERVE God humbly. Those eldership callings are mere gifts to use to serve GOD by serving His people, not bringing attention and glory to your wicked, sinful, depraved self. Repent sinful devil! (See Ephesians 4:11-12; 1 Peter 4:10-11.)
Ditch the title, just DO THE WORK! Bring no attention to sinful self! That’s exactly what Jesus taught! (Matthew 23:8-12)
The thing being pointed out here is that many use prophet and apostle as a title to elevate themselves instead of simply humbly serving while drawing all attention to Jesus and not to self – the cross.
A lot of people have been schooled by wolves and don’t realize it. They are using God’s Word to self-actualize. That means it’s all about THEM and THEIR gifts and not about Christ. The same warlocks that have misled these un-repentant counterfeits never preach the cross – which is essential to the Christian faith – where you must die, lay down your life, mortify self, and cry to the Father, “Not my will but thine be done” (Luke 22:42).
A true New Testament apostle or prophet first and foremost draws men to God’s WRITTEN Word which is the “MORE sure word of prophecy” – and not self by title touting. The written Word has even more divine authority than the literal audible voice of the Father speaking from Heaven. Peer into that in 2 Peter 1:12-21.
Tina McGovern writes: “I love how Paul referred to himself firstly just as PAUL, secondly as A SERVANT of Jesus Christ, and only thirdly did he acknowledge his CALLING by God yet never as a title. Fourthly he declared his JOB DESCRIPTION (i.e. EARTHLY MISSION) by GOD …. ◄ Romans 1:1 ► ‘PAUL, A SERVANT OF CHRIST JESUS, CALLED TO BE AN APOSTLE and SET APART FOR THE PREACHING OF THE GOSPEL OF GOD.'”
When Jesus, the PROPHET, was tempted of Satan, did He come up with a unique Word? No, He quoted the written Word which is God’s highest authority (Luke 4).
Jesus is the Head of the body of Christ and that’s the whole point – concerning false leaders among us who are using callings to serve God and His people as titles to bring attention to themselves.
The “A” in Apostle is only capitalized one time and that’s when it references Christ. Funny how those who tout themselves to be prophets and apostles conveniently never mention Hebrews 3:1.
“Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;” Hebrews 3:1
IF you are calling yourself a prophet or apostle, you are not one! Repent!
Well, yes He’s addressing using titles…. prophet is not a title but rather a calling to be fulfilled by some in humility. Those who use it as a title are scammers. True prophets are simply busying serving Christ and His people – doing the work – and not bringing attention to self! (Matthew 20:20-28)
Note that there are “FALSE APOSTLES” – “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:13).
Jesus commended the Ephesian believers for discerning and ousting false apostles:
“I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:” Revelation 2:2
“Flattering Titles” are Forbidden
“Let me not, I pray you, accept any man’s person, neither let me give FLATTERING TITLES unto man. For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away.” Job 32:21-22
TOUTING TITLES IS A RED FLAG. THAT DOESN’T MEAN THERE ISN’T THE CALL TO APOSTLESHIP, ETC., AND YET THAT DOES NOT NEGATE WHAT JESUS PLAINLY TAUGHT US ABOUT USING TITLES IN MATTHEW 23:8-12. WHY WOULD ANYONE USE A TITLE EXCEPT TO BRING ATTENTION TO THEMSELVES?
PEOPLE posing as Christ’s messengers who have to call themselves doctor, bishop, apostle, or prophet, aren’t! The fact that they chose to self-appoint, to self-title themselves openly manifests their falsity! Wolves! (Matthew 23:8-12) They are violating the clear teachings of the Son of God they claim to be serving. The true servant elders of Christ are doing the function – busy humbly carrying out His work and have no time nor audacity for titles. Devils among us exposed!
GOD is calling His remnant to shut up and serve! (Matthew 23:11; 1 Corinthians 1:29-31)
Anyone putting apostle or prophet before their name as a title is a fraud who is using that title to bring attention to self and away from Christ!
APOSTLE, PROPHET, BISHOP … THESE ARE BIBLICAL AND YET NOT TITLES BUT RATHER CALLINGS WITH A FUNCTION TO BE FULFILLED IN SERVING GOD’S PEOPLE – BRINGING ALL GLORY TO CHRIST AND NONE TO SELF (1 CORINTHIANS 1:29-2:5). ALL WHO ALLOW THEMSELVES TO BE CALLED BY TITLES, MOST OF WHICH INITIATED SUCH, ARE FALSE. READ MATTHEW 23:8-12. BAM!
IF THEY FULFILL THAT FUNCTION THAT COULD BE UNDERSTOOD BUT USING SUCH AS A TITLE TO DRAW ATTENTION TO THE SELF (MERE MAN) IS AGAINST ALL THE TEACHINGS OF JESUS (MATTHEW 20:24-28; 23:8-12, ETC.). THOSE ARE EDLERSHIP FUNCTIONS TO BE FULFILLED IN SERVING (EPHESIANS 4:11-12).
The fact that someone calls themselves a prophet, apostle, or bishop means they are not. True followers of Christ simply and humbly serve, which is the opposite of using titles drawing attention to THEM instead of Christ! If they insist upon wearing a title, it should be simply, “servant.”
The “gifts” Jesus gave to some “men” are a calling from God to serve Him and His people and not to use as a title for self-elevation (Ephesians 4:8, 11).
Anyone who allows himself to be called apostle or prophet is false. If that’s their servant function, they need to just do it and not use it as a title to elevate the false, sinful god of self.
Only a beguiler would title tout in order to draw attention and credibility to himself – a mere sinful man who in his “best state is altogether vanity.”
“Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is: that I may know how frail I am. 5 Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.” Psalms 39:4-5
IF we have to use a title, something is grossly wrong! Let’s drop the titles and the self-serving desire to make ourselves look official and allow the only One worthy of praise to be magnified. We need to listen to the Master’s simple teaching about titles and repent at once if we have violated this truth:
“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 shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” Matthew 23:8-12
In Matthew 23:8-12, Jesus is addressing the use of using titles. And, For example, “prophet” or “apostle” or “bishop” is not a title but rather a calling, a serving function to be fulfilled by some in humility. Paul says they are “gifts” to Christ’s body to be used of Christ to equip HIS BODY which means they are not to call attention to themselves. (Study Ephesians 4:8-12.) Those who use these as a title are self-appointed, outright scammers. True prophets are simply busy serving Christ and His people – doing tHe work – and not bringing attention to self by using titles! (Matthew 20:20-28)
Jesus is teaching His people here not to be using titles …. do the WORK and don’t worry about getting the recognition for it. Jesus says: “Thy Father … seeth in secret” and “shall reward thee openly” (Matthew 6:6).
Be warned that those who insist upon putting a title before their name are hirelings who wish to lift up themselves and not Christ. Beware!
Theodore Whitus writes: “These people that load themselves up with all sorts of titles and degrees are just working in the flesh. They are Paper Tigers. When the real hard times come, we will see who the real army of Christ is. The strong soldiers who are willing to trudge through the mud and blood in the trenches are being prepared. The true brethren who will die for Christ. Then titles and degrees will mean NOTHING.”
Beware of any man or (God forbid) woman who insists on being called by a title. Yes there are callings but yet there are also warnings from the same God to beware of using titles (Matthew 23:8-12; Ephesians 4:11-12). These are gifts or functions to be filled by those upon whom God puts this calling but never to be used as a title to elevate the mere servant. Self-exaltation is at an all-time high in the apostate modern church. In whom shall we glory? – “That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:29-31).
IN LIGHT OF MATTHEW 23:8-12, WE SHOULD HUMBLY SERVE AND DO THE WORK OF SERVING AS UNTO THE LORD ALONE. THERE IS NO NEED FOR THE TRUE DISCIPLE TO TITLE TOUT TO ELEVATE SELF. WHEN WE USE TITLES, WHO IS IT THAT IS BEING EXALTED? IF GOD KNOWS HE CALLED ONE TO BE A PROPHET OR APOSTLE, CAN HE NOT JUST USE THEM TO ACCOMPLISH HIS WORK WITHOUT THEM FLASHING THE TITLE? WHO ARE WE REALLY SERVING? OURSELVES OR THE LORD?
To God Himself and the one who truly knows the LORD, you are not impressive! No, nothing and no one is impressive to the one who is beholding the very Almighty God who made us and came and bled to redeem us! His nail-scarred hands and feet are monuments of the love He showed to us!
“The LORD of hosts hath purposed it, to stain the pride of all glory, and to bring into contempt all the honourable of the earth.” Isaiah 23:9
“Hallelujah Amen! Just recently we were told that we were not allowed to correct an elder of a church because of his position as an elder. This is amazing arrogance, that God only speaks to the elders and they have a special in with God more than any other believer who possesses the Holy Spirit. There are leaders in church gatherings, but they are accountable to the people in the church too. If they are in error or have a sin problem, then those in the church are responsible to correct and even discipline them.” Gwendolyn Wehage
No man is above God’s Law and any mere man who thinks he is, is a wolf who is full of self – his god is his belly (Philippians 3:18-19).
There are a whole lot of self-promoting people operating in the apostate modern church world. Listen, only ONE is to be exalted and His name is Jesus. He’s the only nail-scarred, risen Savior! It’s time to die!
“No one Believer is higher than another, and neither can they have from Christ any undue or overbearing authority over other believers (1Peter 5 :1-8 ). All true Bible teachers must cause men to look to God, and not to themselves – as the Source of power and truth! A servant walks in humility and not pride and vanity. The definition of true Christian greatness is ‘the servant principal.’” CB
1 Thessalonians 5:13 says: “And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.”
I personally know several men who call themselves pastors and yet, are not fulfilling the biblical place of serving for this function. They want the respect a pastor should receive for the work’s sake, but they are not fulfilling the biblically-detailed function of a true undershepherd/pastor (Jeremiah 23; 1 Peter 5:1-6, etc.).
Now, men called out by God (not self) to do His work full-time (serving), are to be esteemed “very highly … for their work’s sake” or due to the highest importance of the work of JESUS …. because there is nothing more important in God’s green earth than the rescuing and care of souls. “And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves” (1 Thessalonians 5:13).
Notice: Paul is never seen as introducing himself as “Greetings from Apostle Paul.” The words “apostle Paul” never appear in that order in Scripture. Yes, he is an apostle by the ordination of the LORD Jesus – which is a calling to fulfill as Christ’s servant and not a title to tout to bring attention to the mere man. Apostle is a gift and place of servanthood, not self-exaltation to bring glory to self, but rather Christ!
YES Paul was a called apostle, BUT THAT’S DIFFERENT THAN PUTTING A TITLE BEFORE OUR NAME. PAUL NEVER REFERRED TO HIMSELF AS “APOSTLE PAUL.” ARE YOU BEGINNING TO SEE THE DIFFERENCE? YOU SEE, THOSE TWO WORDS (“APOSTLE PAUL”) ARE NEVER SEEN TOGETHER THAT WAY IN HIS LETTERS. ALSO, PAUL REFERS TO HIMSELF MANY TIMES AS “SERVANT” AND IT’S A DEAD GIVEAWAY THAT NO ONE TODAY WANTS TO BE KNOWN AS A LOWLY SERVANT BUT MANY WANT TO PUT THE TITLE “APOSTLE” IN FRONT OF THEIR NAME. RED FLAG! – “PAUL, A SERVANT OF JESUS CHRIST, CALLED TO BE AN APOSTLE, SEPARATED UNTO THE GOSPEL OF GOD” (ROMANS 1:1).
God has called people to function as SERVANT leaders as parents, teachers, pastors, apostles (messengers), and prophets, etc. He has ordained that we have those who instruct and oversee but always in humility. Those who servant-lead are to serve in humility of spirit and that’s how you know them – whether they walk it out in pride or humility. Without exception, any person who feels the need to wear a title is deceived at best. He is seeking to be seen of men, to be elevated for their own self-serving purpose over others…pride. Here’s what the apostle Peter says of overseers among God’s people:
“The elders which are among (NOT ABOVE) 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.” 1 Peter 5:1-4
Who Did Jesus Tell Us is the Greatest?
“But he that is greatest among you shall be your SERVANT.” Matthew 23:11
By reading the greetings in the beginning of Paul’s writings, it doesn’t appear that he used “apostle” as a title. He did not misuse his calling to serve Christ among His people by using a title. Jesus taught that in his kingdom we were not to use titles (Matthew 23:8-12). This is consistent to the rest of what this servant stated about being used to establish the faith of the believers in Christ and not in himself or any mere man (1 Corinthians 2:1-5; 2 Corinthians 1:9; 3:5; 4:5, 10-12, etc.).
INTERESTING FACT: The ONLY place in the Bible where the word “reverend” is used is in Psalms 111:9 which speaks of the LORD Himself and states “holy and reverend is HIS name.” So, applying “reverend” before a mere man’s name is unfitting and out of biblical context.
1 Corinthians 1
“For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.
12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
14 I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;
15 Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.”
1 Corinthians 2
1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.
2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.
4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
5 *THAT your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”
“EGO MAD PRIDE-FILLED HEARTS LOVE TITLES! How about just being a servant of God with a humble spirit! True shepherds are rare. Men who meet the biblical qualifications as seen in the pastoral epistles are rare in this late hour. As a pastor for many years, I never once used the term ‘reverend.’ We reverence God and stand in awe of Him, not men.” David Cooke
In the least, it’s safest to simply allow SERVANT to be applied to us…. Ps 39:4-5. There are many Scripture, and have been posted here, that should invoke in us the deep, holy fear of God, which would lead us to drop the titles and simply DO the work.
We can’t eliminate the biblically designated functions of serving named in the Scriptures, but we can cease to glory in those titles. Our obedience to the LORD should include fulfilling any function to His body He sees fit which will always include bringing glory to Him and not ourselves. Bishops, elders, apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers are named in Scripture.
Please cease calling yourself a “prophet” or “apostle.” These are not titles but rather functions to serve in – not to bring attention to you! 1 Peter 4:10-11; John 7:18 The kingdom of Christ is about Heaven’s soon coming KING, not you!
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QUESTION:
“So can you clarify for me about like for example the Prophets of old…( Samuel etc ) were addressed as Prophets, Apostles etc. It’s best to call each other Brother or Sister, according to verse 8b of Matthew 23, then, right?…”
REPLY:
Good question…..Yes, Paul was an apostle and said so….. yet in my opinion, in looking across Scripture – namely the teaching of our LORD (Matt 23:8-12)…. it seems fitting that we would not do such and seems to shine a light on the darkness of those today who do such. Only Paul and Peter named their calling as “apostle) and they also had extensive resumes’ of sufferings to prove it – which is unlike the smooth handed pansies today who tout their titles to gain nickles, noses, and numbers. Peter was given the revelation that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, upon which Christ’s church is built (Matthew 16:15-19). Paul, having come from such a place of deep rebellion as Saul, which he details, was now an apostle of Christ, set forth to declare His Gospel …. Much of the New Testament Scriptures were penned by Him. He had a special calling and place in the New Covenant. This is no denial that there are apostles today but it seems to be different (Ephesians 4:11-12). They are called to perfect, to equip and mature the saints and not to initially spread the Gospel to the whole known world as was the special place of Paul.
Feedback:
“There sure are a lot of people on Facebook that believe they are God’s “special” ones, with such titles as, “Prophet”, “Apostle” and even “intercessor” which is a total fraud title. It appears to me these people are juvenile, self-righteous and even wolves in sheep’s clothing. It is a way to attain Facebook followers, popularity, and bring attention to self. I avoid those people with titles as a red flag of what is to come…self worship.” Toni S.
More interaction on this topic …..
The Crux … It’s a gifting of Jesus to be used to serve not to get others to serve the one with that calling … this fits with the whole counsel of what Christ taught us about not exalting ourselves using titles … Read this prayerfully and ask Jesus to show you what He is getting at here when He says … “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 shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” Matthew 23:8-12
When 2 of the 12 sought to be lifted up, what did Jesus teach us?
“And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren.
25 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.”
Touting titles which are giftings given to men in order to equip them to HUMBLY SERVE is violating the principle of leadership taught by Christ …
God calls them that and they can acknowledge that calling in their serving BUT should never use that as a title to draw undue attention to themselves as Jesus warned and as many do today …..
“As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God
11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: THAT GOD IS ALL THING MAY BE GLORIFIED (not the man in whom HE placed the gift) through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:10-11
Like the 2 of Jesus’ 12 who sought to be elevated, title touting and jockeying causes strife… “And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.” 1 Corinthians 4:6
Paul acknowledged that there was “no good thing” in him except Christ (Rom. 7:18). Concerning ministry the apostle/servant said ”5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; … For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.” 2 Corinthians 3:5; 4:5 … this further demonstrates that someone’s calling does not make them higher in God’s kingdom and is never to be used as a title ….
More answers to interaction on this topic:
… you are not yet understanding what Jesus was teaching … apostle is a gift, not a title (Eph. 4:8-11) ….
It’s one thing to be a teacher, pastor, or apostle and it’s yet another thing to use that title wrongly … why even use it? why not just DO the work? Why does someone feel the need to put “pastor” or “apostle” in front of their name?
Men certainly are in sin if they unduly use any title to bring attention to themselves … do we see this happening today Becky? Is there no cause for this warning? Yes or no?
It’s much safer and I believe in following what Jesus taught us if we just humbly do the work He gave us to do using the giftings HE put in us (like apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, or teacher) to serve Him and His people and leave off the title … so many today want the title and are not doing the work … besides, if a man has to use a title before his name on his business card or here on FB, what does that tell us?
In Acts 11:27 and 13:1-2 there are prophets and yet, they didn’t call themselves prophets as a title … see the difference?
That was Luke, the writer of Acts designating or recognizing that their gifting was prophets … they weren’t saying “Hey I am prophet Barnabas.” ….
He suffered greatly and those he said were the marks of a true apostle … compare that to the smooth-handed pansies today who want to put “apostle” in front of their name…. 2 Cor 6, 11-12 Paul’s resume of suffering
There’s a universe of difference between recognizing a calling from God and using a title to draw attention to self … those who insist upon using the calling as a title are violating exactly what Jesus warned against in Matt. 23:8-12 …
That’s exactly my point … it reveals that one is fake if he insists upon being called by a title … instead of just being known as a servant of the KING before whom we are all to bow … and direct all glory to Him alone who is worthy …”That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” 1 Cor. 1:29-31
In Matthew 23:8-12 Jesus was speaking to ALL, including His own “disciples” and using the false leaders of His day as an example of what NOT to do … which further establishes the point … “Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to HIS DISCIPLES” (Matthew 23:1).
Seems to me that Jesus was eradicating the possibility by teaching that we are not to use titles …
Did Jesus give TITLES or “GIFTS” to men? “Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;” Eph 4:8-11
“Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave GIFTS unto men.” Eph 4:8
If men choose to call a man “pastor” perhaps that’s one thing, yet, if a man insists upon being called by a title, is he not violating the principle Jesus taught in Matthew 23:8-12?
God wants His true body to listen to what Jesus taught and cease to feel the need to be called by “Rabbi, Teacher, apostle, prophet, pastor, etc.” …… “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 shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” Matt. 23:8-12
Consider closely what Paul the servant apostle stated … note the term “ourselves your SERVANTS for Jesus’ sake”:
“Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;” 2 Corinthians 3:5
“For we preach NOT ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.” 2 Corinthians 4:5
“But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:” 2 Corinthians 1:9
Yes, I have used “apostle Paul” many times … that’s different than Paul or any modern servant insisting upon being called by a title … yes, these are truly good things to discuss to sort and search out and rightly divide His Word of truth.
Should we not reconsider things we see and do? … Do we have room to learn still? … note how Paul worded things here … “Paul called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,” (1 Cor. 1:1).
“called to be an apostle” refers to his calling and not a title…
In other words he seemed to be saying “i am called to serve as an apostle.”
What’s interesting is that “Paul an apostle” appears but “apostle Paul” never once appears … meditate upon this and the reason for it in light of the whole counsel of God’s Word.
Yes … Jesus said this in Matt. 23 … notice His wording … “But BE NOT YE CALLED Rabbi (pastor?): for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.” He told His 12 and all elders to not allow yourselves to be called by titles …”BE NOT YE CALLED Rabbi…” v8
Then, it seems He approached the common disciples and says that we are not to call men by titles?…
“And CALL NO MAN your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.” v9
Then, He takes aim at leadership and again seems to indicate that we are not to allow ourselves to be called by titles …
“Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.” v10
Well, I am simply sorting out the core truth Jesus was getting at here … not saying that everyone who allows themselves to be called pastor is going to hell … I do believe that Christ may be showing His body this teaching … much tradition still clouds His teachings, right? are we still teachable?
Yes, the Holy Spirit (God) called Phillip an evangelist, not Phillip or other men … I see nowhere that Phillip called himself by the title of evangelist ….
Yes, and though I am anything but a cessationist … we know of a surety that Paul was designated as an apostle … today, we can know what He calls us too but we should not tout such a title … but see it as a gift to serve with, right?
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FEEDBACK:
“The ones who really give themselves away are the ones who will try to bite your head off if you address them as something other than their “title”! I guess “brother” or “sister” is insulting to them, especially when they know in their hearts that they really aren’t one!” Bill B.
Message Received:
“It is fine to have titles, especially if you have earned and deserve them/be Spiritual not Religious.” Joseph
Reply:
No man has “earned” a title to use to elevate himself. WHY would anyone use a title except to be seen of men, to position/elevate themselves over others? (See Matt. 6.) Paul never used his calling as a title to tout. ALSO, Paul many times called himself a “servant” and SO why do these same people who are calling themselves apostles never choose to call themselves simply a servant? Red Flag! Scam!
Overcoming that Old Serpent, Called the Devil, and Satan [podcast]
https://safeguardyoursoul.com//gods-not-impressed-with-giftings/
Abiding
Overcoming Whoredom [podcast]
ARE parents setting their own children up for failure, ruin, and damnation by sending them off to college?
ONLY THE BIBLICALLY ILLITERATE WONDER WHY AMERICA IS COLLAPSING. HINT: THE FOUNDATION IS GONE (Psalms 11:3; 68:6)
More and more it becomes apparent that most college degrees are useless and that “educated” would be more honestly termed “indoctrinated.” Are parents who indoctrinate and push their daughters to “go get a degree/education” guilty of prostituting their own daughters, making them whores? Does this lead to “college educated” and also “college prostituted” daughters?
“Do not prostitute thy daughter, to cause her to be a whore; lest the land fall to whoredom, and the land become full of wickedness.” Leviticus 19:29
Read that verse again and begin to meditate upon it.
WHAT does God say young women should do?
“I will therefore that the YOUNGER WOMEN MARRY, BEAR CHILDREN, GUIDE THE HOUSE, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.” 1 Timothy 5:14
“younger women” are to:
- “marry”
- “bear children”
- “guide the house”
Whoredom vs Wholesome
Whoring daughters to the world system proves, demonstrates parents who are not saved (Jeremiah 10:2; James 4:4; 1 John 2:15).
“Do not prostitute thy daughter, to cause her to be a whore; lest the land fall to whoredom, and the land become full of wickedness.” Leviticus 19:29
We now have generations of children raised by “I don’t need a man” hell bound jezebels AND godless fathers who misled their own daughters…. and many of them now wonder why their daughters lives are now destroyed. SMH
Any land will “FALL to whoredom”…. in other words whoredom causes divine judgment to fall on any people who commit this sin against the Almighty.
“Whoredom and wine and new wine take away the heart.” Hosea 4:11
Read Hosea 4. Wow. The heart is taken away from God, from worshipping the LORD, when we choose to partake of sin.
“In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.” 1 Timothy 2:9-10
“A woman who is shamefaced does not seek to draw attention to herself in any way, no matter how small or simple it may be.” unknown
When a woman dresses wholesomely, she is announcing that she is reserved for that one good man, she is keeping, saving it all for him. Wholesome is the outward adorning of purity. Conversely, when a woman shows her body, when she does not dress modestly as the Bible commands, she is whoring herself out for all to see. She is also telling all the men that that’s ALL she has to offer (1 Timothy 2:9-14). Hint: Quality, especially godly men, love modesty. A chemical effect happens inside of a man when he sees God’s beautiful femininity in a wholesome woman. No good man wants a woman who is uncovered and showing parts of her body to the men of the world. No, he desires a woman that is HIS and only his.
BEWARE OF THE SPIRITUAL WHOREMONGERS/ADULTERERS
“And yet they would not hearken unto their judges, but they went a whoring after other gods, and bowed themselves unto them: they turned quickly out of the way which their fathers walked in, obeying the commandments of the LORD; but they did not so.” Judges 2:17
Many today treat the Great Bridegroom as did the 5 foolish virgins. Read Matthew 25:1-13 where Jesus told us exactly what we’d see in these final days among those professing to know Him. 5 were welcomed into His bridal chamber (Heaven) and the door was shut upon the other 5. The foolish virgins, engaged to the bridegroom but not engaged with him want the formality of the engagement but refuse to intimately form a vital union with their intended bridegroom. They wanted the ring but not the relationship. They are like the whoremonger who simply wants the benefits of marriage but not the beauty of the marriage covenant. The spiritual whoremonger gets what he wants and leaves the woman without a commitment. In the same way, those who claim they are “eternal security” want the crown but not the cross. They refuse to comply with the instructions of the One they call Savior (Luke 9:23-24). These moral cowards who refuse to truly submit to Christ in true repentance think they can hide behind the thin veneer of the mythical “once saved always saved” or “one and done” heresy. But God sees it all and Jesus came to have a real covenant relationship with us, not a flimsy, non-committal latchkey arrangement. “Depart from me” is what they will soon hear as they are irrevocably vanquished into the flames of eternal damnation (Matthew 25:41). They are serving the god of self and not the Savior. Read 2 Timothy 3:1-7.
“And the LORD said unto Moses, Behold, thou shalt sleep with thy fathers; and this people will rise up, and go a whoring after the gods of the strangers of the land, whither they go to be among them, and will forsake me, and break my covenant which I have made with them.” Deuteronomy 31:16
EVERY person who refuses to overcome sin via the crucified life, does so due to loving sin and self more than Jesus (John 3:19-21).
“Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” Romans 6:16
Not even 1 person who has not repented and confessed the sin of beholding illicit images will be in Heaven. EVERY fornicator will be signed, sealed, and delivered into the lake of fire (Revelation 21:8).
There’s no sin your can’t Isaiah 58 out of your life. The cross. | Fasting and Prayer
Did Jesus or His holy apostles ever once teach that those saved by Christ, who engage in a real relationship with Him which includes obeying the Savior, are trying to earn, attempting to merit their own salvation? I’m still looking for any such verse in God’s Word.
“WHOREMONGERS AND ADULTERERS GOD WILL JUDGE”
“Thou shalt not commit adultery.” Exodus 20:14
The wages of sin is STILL death (Ezekiel 18:4; Romans 6:23). God’s grace never changed His definition of sin. God will judge, will damn the soul of every person who dies in sin – whether they were saved in the past or not (Ezekiel 33:12-13; Revelation 22:11, etc.).
“Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.” Hebrews 13:4
The testimony of the whole of Holy Scripture is that leaving God always leads to doing things some other way than His way and results in the utter destruction of individuals and societies (Romans 6:23).
The words “whoredom” and “whoredoms” and “whoring” combine for a whopping 74 appearances in God’s Word, the King James Bible. “Harlot” appears 42 times. “Whoremonger(s)” appears 5 times.
“And it came to pass, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, Is it peace, Jehu? And he answered, What peace, so long as the whoredoms of thy mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts are so many? ” 2 Kings 9:22
Without fail, sin always causes the blessings of God to be withheld from our lives.
“Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you.” Jeremiah 5:25
Jesus calls this generation “An evil and adulterous generation.” (Matthew 12:39)
Spiritual adultery or spiritual whoredom, is idolatry. It is looking away from God to something, anything else, choosing to not uphold Jesus Christ as the very first priority, the “first love” or our lives (Revelation 2:4-5). Think about when a man looks to someone, anyone else, to fulfill what God ordains his wife to fulfill. This is adulterous. And, for men, in the flesh, the most powerful attraction, temptation of idolatry, is toward that which God created for the man, the woman (Genesis 1-3). Yet putting her first instead of Christ, is worshipping the creature instead of the Creator (Romans 1:25). The divine parameters for sex is within the marriage between one man and one woman. | The Proverbs 31 Woman
Read Genesis 1-3 to be established in the original and unchanged ordained purpose of God for the creation of the man and the woman. And realize, that you and I will give full account before His judgment throne for how we lived on earth concerning being a man or the woman. | The True Proverbs 31 Woman by Lori Alexander
“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. 28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.” Genesis 1:26-28
“Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.’ James 1:13-15
The God fearing man will lay the axe to the root of all sin and get clean and establish his life in holiness before the LORD, preparing to be ready when Jesus appears, and also preparing to be the husband of one wife and the father of precious children born out of that union (Psalms 127-128). This is Bible, Genesis 101. God has not changed.
“And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.” Genesis 2:18
THE PRAYER OF THE GODLY UNMARRIED MAN: “Father, I know You have a daughter here on Your planet who is crying out to You for the blessed opportunity to fulfill Your ordained calling to be a wife and a mother. Please prepare me in Thy grace, break me, let Christ be formed in me dear LORD, please. Cleanse me of all sin and let this life be crucified with Thee my dear LORD Jesus, raised up by You for Your glory and purposes alone. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”
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Whoring after women online defiles the vessel, destroys the temple of God with sin.
“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” 1 Corinthians 3:16-17
Though never heard today from the priesthood of deceivers who call themselves ministers of Christ, we must acknowledge that the LORD requires that His elect be cleansed, be clean in “flesh and spirit.”
“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” 2 Corinthians 7:1
The cross is God’s prescription and is the Bible’s only prescription to overcome pornography, adultery, fornication, all uncleanness, and every sin. Everything else being peddled as the answer is a lie.
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:14-18
The seat of the heart of man seems to be the root of this matter. Pornography is a “stumblingblock” of “iniquity.” Those who set such before their eye gates will not be heard by God. Their prayers are not heard and in fact, are an “abomination” to the LORD (Proverbs 28:9, 13).
“Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be enquired of at all by them?” Ezekiel 14:3
Dear whoremongering pornographer: If you die in this sin, you will be irrevocably in hell (Ezekiel 18:4, 24; 33:12-13; Romans 6:23; 1 Corinthians 6:10-11; 9:27; Galatians 5:19-21; Revelation 21:8, etc.). You don’t need an “accountability partner,” you are in need of true repentance and to live the crucified life – to fast and pray in starving the flesh and feed the spirit (Isaiah 58; Galatians 5:16-24; Romans 6, etc.). Only the LORD can deliver you, can give you His victory. There will be no victory over sin until you do things God’s way and stop seeking the coping band aids of the apostate modern church world. | Fasting and Prayer
One man cannot borrow heavenly oil from another man. Each must go to God for themselves to get that fresh supply (Matthew 25:1-13). God requires it.
All who view pornography are fornicators. Those not saved from living in sin are not saved for eternal glory (1 John 3:7-10, etc.).
“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
This passage above makes it clear that those still living in the sin Jesus died to save them out of, are “unrighteous” and “shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” They have rebelled. In their temple, their body, mind, heart, they are now worshipping the god of self, feeding the lusts of the flesh. When Jesus saved them and in their past reigned in the temple, on the throne of their heart, He “washed” and “sanctified” them but now they have yielded their members to unrighteousness (Romans 6).
“Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” Romans 6:16
All who view pornography are yielding to the flesh instead of God and are adulterers in the eyes of God.
“But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” Matthew 5:28
1 John 2:16 speaks of the world and the “lust of the eyes.”
Those who refuse to “cast away the abominations of their eyes” will be judged by the LORD. Read Ezekiel 20 and Numbers 25.
“But they rebelled against me, and would not hearken unto me: they did not every man cast away the abominations of their eyes, neither did they forsake the idols of Egypt: then I said, I will pour out my fury upon them, to accomplish my anger against them in the midst of the land of Egypt.” Ezekiel 20:8
It’s interesting how many times the Bible speaks of eyes toward idols.
“And hath not eaten upon the mountains, neither hath lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, neither hath defiled his neighbour’s wife, neither hath come near to a menstruous woman,” Ezekiel 18:6
Covenanting to guard the eye gates.
“I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?” Job 31:1
Must not lust after the beauty of a woman.
“Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.” Proverbs 6:25
Must “set no wicked thing before” our eyes.
“I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O LORD, will I sing. 2 I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. 3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. 4 A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person. 5 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer. 6 Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me. 7 He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight. 8 I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD.” Psalms 101:1-8
The man who is truly “crucified with Christ” is overcoming lust (Galatians 2:20). Only the un-crucified man will be ensnared by lust, by adultery, by “evil concupiscence”, by fornication (Ecclesiastes 7:26; Colossians 3:5).
“whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her”
“And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands as bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.” Ecclesiastes 7:26
WHO, which man is going to “escape” from whoredom, from self-idolatry, from sinful lusts? – only the man that “pleaseth God shall escape.” And the man that “pleaseth God” is living the crucified life. Have you memorized and are you living out the truth captured in Galatians 2:20?
We are Living in the Final Days
Jesus foretold that these final days leading to His return will be so wicked that “except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved.”
“For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened. 23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.” Matthew 24: 21-23
This is why we must increase in our camping on and doing the message of the cross. May God bless us to be anointed by His Holy Spirit to continue to go deeper into our own death, that we might be “hid with Christ in God.”
“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. 5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 6 For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: 7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. 8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. 9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:” Colossians 3:1-10
All who after being truly saved, do not continue with the LORD, do not endure to the end, “shall perish.”
“For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.” Psalms 73:27
All who “go a whoring from” the LORD after He saves them, shall be “destroyed,” shall perish in their own corruption.
To “go a whoring” from God is to desert God for the idol of self and this fleeting world, world system and the sin of it, to cease to love the LORD supremely and instead love and serve the god of self.
“Go a whoring – Those who revolt from thee, to work wickedness; which is called whoredom in scripture.” John Wesley
Of this Psalms 73 passage, Adam Clarke wrote:
“Psalms 73:27: They that are far from thee shall perish – The term perish is generally used to signify a coming to nothing, being annihilated; and by some it is thus applied to the finally impenitent, they shall all be annihilated. But where is this to be found in the Scriptures? In no part, properly understood. In the new heavens and the new earth none of the wicked shall be found; for therein dwells righteousness – nothing but God and righteous spirits; but at the same time the wicked shall be in their own place. And to suppose that they shall be annihilated, is as great a heresy, though scarcely so absurd, as to believe that the pains of damnation are emendatory, and that hellfire shall burn out. There is presumptive evidence from Scripture to lead us to the conclusion, that if there be not eternal punishment, glory will not be eternal; as the same terms are used to express the duration of both. No human spirit that is not united to God can be saved. Those who are Far from Thee shall perish – they shall be lost, undone, ruined, and that without remedy. Being separated from God by sin, they shall never be rejoined; the great gulf must be between them and their Maker eternally. All them that go a whoring from thee – That is, all that worship false gods; all idolaters. This is the only meaning of the word in such a connection. I have explained this elsewhere.”
Every day is a test of our love – of who we are going to love supremely – God or self. Jesus commanded that we are to deny self and love God supremely (Luke 9:23-24):
“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40
The apostle John speaks here below of overcoming that wicked one, the devil.
“I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. 15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” 1 John 2:14-17
Through His precious blood, Jesus made the provision for you to live and to labor with clarity, with a clean conscience and yet, you know your conscience is defiled, it’s not clean and clear. Come away with Christ beloved. Hear His voice calling you to repentance, to a full surrender of your life to Him – to let go and let God do what you cannot do (Luke 22:42). Jesus is your salvation and you must rest in Him. The way you rest in Him is to rest your body, life, thoughts and whole being in the grace of His cross, His death and burial, that He might raise you up in His holiness, by His grace and power to do His will.
“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
Read Romans 6 each morning this week.
To overcome sin is to overcome Satan. And the only way to overcome sin is to submit yourself truly to God. It’s only then that His power in you will subdue the enemy.
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
We are no match for sin and Satan unless given over to our LORD who conquered sin and death, and is our salvation.
“Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. 24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. 25 Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. 26 My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. 27 For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee. 28 But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.” Psalms 73:23-28
God brought His people Israel out of Egypt, the world, and promised them their own land, a “land flowing with milk and honey” (Exodus 3:8, 17, etc.). Yet between Egypt and the promised land, many of His people rebelled. In the same way today we see so many whom Christ saved from their sins and out of the world (Egypt), seeking to bring into the full blessings of His salvation here and into eternal glory, and yet now they are in rebellion, lusting and lukewarm, just as Israel.
The ensuing history of His people including the writings of the prophets, the recounting of Israel’s rebellion against God. Here’s a taste.
“He sent darkness, and made it dark; and they rebelled not against his word.” Psalm 105:28
“Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High:” Psalm 107:11
“But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them.” Isaiah 63:10
“But they rebelled against me, and would not hearken unto me: they did not every man cast away the abominations of their eyes, neither did they forsake the idols of Egypt: then I said, I will pour out my fury upon them, to accomplish my anger against them in the midst of the land of Egypt.” Ezekiel 20:8
The LORD gave His people the promise of bringing them out of the land of bondage, out from under the rule of Satan and his wicked minions and “unto a land flowing with milk and honey.”
“And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites.” Exodus 3:8
In fact, the LORD told His people He wanted to bring them “out” that He might bring them “in.”
“And he brought us out from thence, that he might bring us in, to give us the land which he sware unto our fathers. 24 And the LORD commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as it is at this day. 25 And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the LORD our God, as he hath commanded us.” Deuteronomy 6:23-25
As Christ has saved us unto Himself, out of the world into His kingdom, we must seek Him daily, to become ever increasingly “rooted and built up in him” and continually established in Him.
We need to beware of the many false prophets who are not preaching God’s pure Word but rather their own thoughts and the philosophies and notions of this fallen world system.
“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. 8 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. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:” Colossians 2:6-10
The LORD was bringing them out of something bad and into something so very good. That’s His desire for each of His people and yet, many who get saved do not continue on with the LORD, that is, they don’t walk in His ways which are stated in His Word. Instead, they yield to the flesh instead of the Spirit and follow false teachings which cause them to do laps in the desert (Colossians 2:8-10).
Repentance is Essential
“Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: 13 And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.” Joel 2:12-13
YOUR PRAYER: Father You are Holy, holy, holy. I’ve been very wicked, rebellious, sinful. I come to You now in the name of the LORD Jesus Christ, asking that You forgive my many sins, to cleanse me, wash me, purge and fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Please take over this life right now. I lay my life in Your holy hands. Into Your hands I commend, I submit my spirit. I am all Yours dear LORD. Please teach me Your ways through Your Word and use me for Your glory as I look for Your soon return LORD. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
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Apostasy
Why I Left Dispensationalism [video]
Everything this man says in this video should be considered against Holy Writ (Acts 17:10-11). There are many good things in this message. That being said, there is no endorsement here. As usual, please proceed with discernment (2 Timothy 2:15; 3:15-17).
“Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” Acts 20:21
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Apostasy
The Blessings of Bible Reading [podcast]
“Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” Revelation 1:3
The quickest and surest way to get blessed is to simply read God’s Word. This is so simple that most miss it.
- Bible reading is the key to learning the things of God (Prov. 22:17-22).
- Bible Study is paramount to spiritual growth (1 Pet. 2:2).
- Reading God’s Word etches the image of Christ upon the canvass of the heart (Lk 24:27; Jn 5:39, 46).
- Bible reading instills the fear of the LORD (Deut. 4:10, 17:19).
- Bible reading and obedience guarantee answered prayers (John 15:7).
- The Word gives us God’s direction (Ps 119:105).
- Bible learning comforts the soul (Rom. 15:4).
- Reading the Bible enhances one’s intelligence and mind (Ps 119:99-100).
- Bible reading wards off the enemy (Ps 17:4).
- Reading the Bible dispels darkness (Ps 119:130).
- Bible Study clears and cleans the mind and heart (Jn. 15:3).
- Studying God’s Oracles equips for battle (Eph. 6:17).
- Bible reading washes the religion out of us (Matt. 15:6,9, 22:29; Eph. 5:26).
- Studying the Word corrects our faulty thinking (2 Tim. 3:16).
- Bible reading imparts divine wisdom (2 Tim. 3:15).
- Pouring over God’s Truth fully equips us to minister divine truth in love (2 Tim. 3:17).
- Bible reading fills the heart with joy (Jer. 15:16).
- Reading the Bible increases discernment (Ps 17:4; Heb. 5:11-14).
- Bible study increases our spiritual strength (Prov. 24:5).
- Bible study excites and energizes prayer (John 15:7).
- Bible reading causes a spiritual fire inside the heart of the believer (Jer. 20:9).
- Bible reading increases faith (Rom. 10:17).
- Reading the Bible stirs evangelism (Rom. 10:13-17).
- Bible reading makes one sure of His salvation and more confident in the LORD (Jn 20:31; 1 Jn 5:11-13).
- Bible reading comforts the heart in times of trouble (Ps 119:50,76,171).
- Bible learning imparts wisdom to the believer (Ps 19:7).
- Studying God’s Word builds up the disciple in the faith of Christ (Acts 20:32).
- Bible reading sanctifies the Christian (Jn 15:3; 17:17; Eph. 5:26).
- Bible study reveals Christ to the heart of the believing reader (John 5:39).
- “Wondrous things” are beheld by those who ingest, read God’s Words (Psalms 119:18).
God blesses those who read His Word
“Blessed is he that readeth” Revelation 1:3
“Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and READ.” Isaiah 34:16
YES God’s people are to “study” His Word and how else to do such than to begin by “READING” His words? 2 Tim 2:15
“Till I come, give attendance to READING, to exhortation, to doctrine.” 1 Timothy 4:13
“Bless is he that READETH ….” Revelation 1:3
Years ago I found that if I don’t get up early to read God’s Word and spend quality moments in prayer first and foremost, it will never happen. God must be put first and this requires ruthless discipline.
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33
Reading all of God’s Word is the priority of ever astute follower of Jesus.
There’s no way to learn God’s Word other than reading it yourself (2 Timothy 2:15) God gave you His Word in tangible format in order for you to learn of Him from Him and by Him. Those who leave it to others to teach them God’s Word are self-deceived and will be misled by those they depend on to teach them the Bible.
Saints, in order that some may be encouraged, below, let’s talk about our current personal Bible reading…..
“Presently, I am in 1 Kings, reading all the way through the Bible again, and also reading through Revelation backwards. Personally I like to read several chapters every morning to begin the day and like to include OT, Poetic books, and New Testament chapter readings….. along with pouring over passages like 1 Cor 13; Phil 2:3-5; Col. 3:1-4, 12-14;” Todd
“In 1 Thessalonians reading through the Bible.” Jason
“I am reading Mark.” Michele
“Philippians—Paul’s letter in prison—and joy.” Joe
“I Been Reading James And 1st An 2nd Peter This Week.” Connie
“Working my way through 1 Sam (ch 14 finished now) Psalms 77 and John chapter 4 finished. Trying to read through in 6 months. I enjoy listening (KJB on YouTube) while I read also.” Nathan
“Thank you. Very edifying podcast. I remember getting away from God’s Word. When I came back I was told to read Psalm 119. I spent probably a year in it. And it is impossible not to see the love David had for the Word of God. That began to spill out into my heart! Now I never miss a day. Everyday the Holy Spirit gives me new revelations! And I keep saying ‘Jesus thank You so much for putting the love for You and Your precious Word in the hearts of Your people! We can’t do it. It comes from the Spirit of God.” Karen Cochran
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