Articles

Smooth Things or Rough?

Paula White Exposed [video]

THAT’s My King! Pastor Lockridge [video]

Powerful Prayers from Children-This Will Shake You [video]

The Fear of the LORD is to Hate Evil: Pride, and Arrogancy #shorts [video]

Remnant Endurance

Unrepentant rebels love the sunday “church” routine because they love their darkness and relish the fact that the wolf they sit under never preaches on sin or the essential of real repentance and a holy life (2 Tim 4:2-4; Titus 2:11-14; Heb. 12:14-15; 1 Pet. 1:15-16, etc.). They love lies! (Isaiah 30:9-10)

“That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law (Word) of the LORD: Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits.” Isaiah 30:9-10

Those living in darkness many times shun the light of truth and therefore diligently avoid leaders who endeavor to speak the whole of divine counsel. Instead, they heap to (set before) themselves teachers who will tell them “smooth things,” never confronting their sin while intentionally avoiding harder Bible truths that might offend their listeners and hinder the cash flow. Leaders who are self-serving in their positions know that the masses want “smooth things” and therefore tailor their messages to win friends and influence people and grow their local church business. Self-ambitious leaders who are not dead to self, intentionally remove the jagged rock biblical truths from their messages, smoothing out the road and making it wider and more accepting than the narrow road Christ spoke of (Matt. 7:13-14). This is the new form of “Christianity” we see today that is deceived on purpose. Masses are being deceived on purpose, driven to deception because of their denial of the fullness of divine truth revealed in the written Word (2 Thess. 2:10-12). The “seeker-friendly” or “seeker–sensitive” movement, community churches, and otherwise are a part of this departing from the faith once delivered to the saints and given us in God’s precious Word (1 Tim. 4:1-3; 2 Tim. 4:2-4; Jude 3-4).

Wolves are known in that they accommodate the flesh. True servants of Christ call men to repent and be brought out of darkness. See Exodus 32; Isaiah 56:8-12; 58:1; Jeremiah 23:17; 2 Corinthians 5:11; 2 Timothy 4:2-4.

Unrepentant counterfeits who love darkness rather than light demand a “minister” that tells them what they want to hear, never demanding repentance of change. This is where Satan’s wolves in sheep’s clothing accommodate them. This would account for the vast majority of so-called “churches” in this late hour before Christ’s soon return.

The words of the LORD bring light which shines on darkened hearts and the unrepentant are repelled – because they choose to remain in darkness. Remember what Jesus told us about this?

“And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” John 3:19-21

To accommodate those who wish to remain in darkness, enterprising leaders have tapped into the key to growing their congregations numerically while withholding precious truth that would lead their hearers to the Savior in repentance upon realizing their sinful state. The unconditional love and unconditional eternal security messages are two of the telltale messages used by this type of leader, basically communicating to the hearer that he has a free ride or carte blanche ticket to live as he wishes and there will be no consequences to face.

The people whom the prophet Isaiah ministered to in his day were no different than many people today who flock to hear conviction-less, nice little sweet and smooth sermonettes from smiling, positive, seeker-sensitive church liars who refuse to tell the whole truth, but for their own agenda, cherry pick certain parts of the Bible to allure and entice the fleshly nature of men (Phil. 3:17-21; 2 Pet. 2:18).

Counterfeits run to ear-tickling wolves and from truth-speaking disciples.

“They hate him that rebuketh in the gate, and they abhor him that speaketh uprightly.” Amos 5:10

Many of those who are in darkness today, believing they are secure due to a past experience with Christ, shun truth tellers. They defy the LORD by shunning His truth while vainly believing they have the assurance of eternal life. This is what is conveyed due to the absence of the harder truths of the Bible.

Like many today, the people in Isaiah’s day didn’t desire nor search out truth but instead, wanted “smooth things.” In the theme verse of this chapter from Isaiah 30, the people were demanding that their religious leaders tell them what they wanted to hear so as not to inconvenience their personal lives. They wanted salvation and security on their own terms. They wanted to hear that they were okay, secure and assured eternal life in their current sinful condition. These people didn’t want to hear about denying self, taking up the cross, being crucified to the sins of the fleshly nature, serving God and others in a real way, etc. Oh no, they wanted easy things and to feel good all the time as they did their own thing in their earthly lives. Their goal was to be happy in this life, not holy. The person who lives with these erroneous ideas is self-deluded and self-idolatrous. Today, a man whose stadium church tops 30,000 in weekly attendance has built his lucrative enterprise on trying to make people feel happy (instead of being holy), purposely refusing (as he himself states) to preach on sin. This is a perfect example of a false leader who comes in the name of the LORD but not with the fruit and doctrine of the LORD Jesus and His apostles, who offended many. Our LORD warned of many men speaking well of you, for “so did their fathers to the false prophets.” (2 Tim. 3:10; Lk. 6:26) Christ promised that His true followers would uncompromisingly embrace and speak His Word and would consequently be “hated of all men.” (Matt. 10:22)

Preaching the Word uncompromisingly will thin crowds or prevent them from coming and salvation without sacrifice sells (2 Tim. 4:2-4). The false gospel of ease is the epitome of the “at ease in Zion” lifestyle (Amos 6:1).

The word “repent” in its various forms appears 80 times in the Bible. If there were no sin, there would be no reason for this divinely inspired word and action. Yet, since sin occurred in the Garden and has passed upon all men, repentance is a necessity (Rom. 5:12). When a leader chooses not to preach on sin there is obviously no reason for his hearers to turn to the LORD in godly sorrow (repent) – there is nothing to repent from in his false theology. He has created a god in his own image – his theology transmits the image of a false god – a god who accepts people in their sins instead of the God of Scripture who separates Himself from those who live in sin (Isa. 59:2). Those who do not preach on sin identify themselves as false and completely contradictory to the message of Jesus and His holy apostles and prophets (Lam. 2:14; Matt. 3:2; 4:17; Lk. 13:3; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 1 Cor. 6:9-10; Gal. 5:19-21; Rev. 21:8, 27).

The happiness-instead-of-holiness syndrome is epidemic in this late hour and is a trademark emphasis of seeker-friendly churches which are drawing tens of thousands of goats who believe they are truly right with God. While they do a good job alluring and gathering the masses, these enterprising leaders refuse to name and define sin as the Bible does. When men refuse to preach on sin there becomes no reason to repent or call men to repent before a holy God. How tragic!

The sinful masses are no different today than in Isaiah’s day, seeking to do what is right in their own eyes while receiving justification from their leaders to live a self-serving life instead of a Christ-serving life. Unrepentant, sinful man believes he can live as he so chooses and still remain in God’s grace, vainly believing he has divine approval in doing such. A rude awakening lies (Matt. 7:21-29).

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:1-2

The people of Isaiah’s day cried, “Prophesy not unto us right things (truth), speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits.” (Isa. 30:9-10)

The Alignment

“The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?” Jeremiah 5:31

Notice the 3 classes of people involved here whom the LORD indicts in Jeremiah 5:31:

“Prophets”
“Priests “
“People”

“And there shall be, like people, like priest: and I will punish them for their ways, and reward them their doings.” Hosea 4:9

When mass apostasy occurs, both classes are involved – leader and listener. It takes both parties to complete the circle. Mass apostasy was foretold (2 Thess. 2:3; 2 Tm. 4:3-4). It is a reality today as it has been throughout history, yet there is a remnant, as has also been the case throughout history (1 Kings 18:4, 19). The people among the remnant are those who know their God and are willing to suffer the loss of all things and like Job to say “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him. He also shall be my salvation: for an hypocrite shall not come before him.” (Job 13:15-16) The word “remnant” is found 92 times in the Bible and in this context is being used to refer to the residue of people within the church world who truly serve the LORD and have not forsaken the Ancient of Days for the idolatry of selfish pleasures, personal gain, and religion (Mk. 4:17-19; Lk. 17:26-33).

Our God is so very merciful, His compassions fail not but are rather new every morning, great is His faithfulness. He is ever so tenderly merciful with those who will come to the light of His truth. If we just come to Him in honest and sincere heart, confessing our sins and asking Him to restore Himself as the first love of our hearts. See Psalms 86:5, 15; Proverbs 28:13; Lamentations 3:19-26; Revelation 2:4-5. God is continuing His good work in all those who love Him in truth and are conforming to His holy image (Phil. 1:6; Rom. 8:29).

Since the Son of God promised us that speaking His Word – including the truth that one must endure to the end to be saved – would bring persecution, some leaders have toned His message down. Speaking the whole counsel of God would include the hard truths of Scripture, and such teaching will not make one popular or garner to one’s local church masses of people. So, it is natural for the leader who has as his driving goal to build a large following, to teach OSAS or avoid this subject. The expose of the myth of unconditional eternal security offends people and such hinders the goal of the one who seeks to build his own kingdom.

“The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?” Jeremiah 5:31

Note that like today, the leaders of Jeremiah’s day “bear rule by their means.” In other words, they lead for their own good, to accomplish their own agenda. Leaders like this “prophesy falsely” by telling people what they want to hear and not what God wants them to hear. These leaders do things their own way and not God’s – all this while they conduct themselves in ministry leadership positions, claiming to come in the name of the LORD while denying His Word (Mk. 8:38).

Note the chilling question and implication at the end of this verse:

“What will ye do in the end thereof?” Jeremiah 5:31b

Judgment is coming on all in the house of God who do not truly obey Him – according to the pattern of His immutable Word. See 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10 and 1 Peter 4:17-18.

“For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.” 1 Peter 4:17-19

In light of the fact that only a few of the “righteous” will be ultimately and eternally “saved,” they are exhorted here to “commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.” We serve “a faithful Creator” and the remnant of the LORD are called to “commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing.” Those who do will possess true assurance in their hearts.

Lure of the Temporal

To “endure sound doctrine” means to hold oneself account to it, to obey it. This is the different between the true disciples and the false brethren among us.

“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 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; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2 Timothy 4:2-4

Esau didn’t “endure sound doctrine.” Like Esau, who forfeited his very birthright for a fleeting fix (bowl of soup), the religious and yet sinful people of all ages want the temporal blessings of ease and comfort instead of doing whatever it takes to conform to Christ’s image, leading and Word. Our LORD calls each of us that is to be His disciple, to walk through sufferings in this life and it is through these times and seasons that He works His character in us (Phil. 1:29, 2:12-13; 1 Pet. 4). We must be willing to endure hardness, and all those who do, reap the earthly and eternal rewards that only the LORD can give.

“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” 1 Peter 5:10

At times God’s way is rough isn’t it? All who have ever walked with Him have found that out, but they also discover that He has His purposes for our suffering – to establish, root and ground us in Him (1 Peter 5:10). The end of the LORD’s way is always a priceless peace and rich blessings. Job is one such servant who was established more deeply in the LORD as he obediently and patiently endured the trials that came upon him.

“Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.” James 5:10-11

Remember that those who endure the rough things now, walking with the LORD no matter what comes their way, will be overcomers and eat of the fruit of the tree of life in the eternal kingdom of the Savior they supremely loved and therefore refused to deny in this life (2 Tim. 2:12; Rev. 2-3).

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for blessing your people to be seated together in heavenly places in Christ and with all spiritual blessings in Him. Please grant me the grace to grow in knowing You and hearkening to Your voice at all times. I love you my LORD Jesus. Help me to know You better this hour and to treasure Your holy words, hearkening to the voice of Your Holy Spirit and what You are saying to the Church. Stir me up LORD. I love You and praise You for all the blessings You have bestowed upon this life you have given. Purge my heart and strike it with Your fear my LORD. I choose to “endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ,” to suffer, and become a companion of all those who are genuinely true to Your Word. No matter what comes my way, I know You are greater. Please bless me to be rooted and grounded in Your love and fill me with Your fullness LORD Jesus as You use me to be a blessing to others this day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Mexico Mission Update Part 28

SATURDAY

ONLY GOD can do stuff like this!
SMH for His goodness.
After asking Luis (pictured below) where a certain food item was, he showed me and a lengthy conversation ensued. Luis was asking me questions about the USA after he found out that is where I originally from. At some point in the conversation, Luis said “make another statement in Spanish.” I guess he was seeking to measure how much Spanish I had learned. This caught me off guard yet I said “Jesus Christ reigns” in Spanish. AS SOON as I began saying those words, a dear man and his wife (Manuel) were turning the corner into that isle and so as I spoke those words I looked Manuel (whom I’d never before laid eyes on) straight into his face in order not to waste or limit who God’s Word was being spoken to. Manuel immediately lit up and rejoiced to hear God’s Word because he and his lovely wife are on-fire disciples of Jesus! Manuel then began ministering to beloved Luis who is not yet saved. The timing and arrangement of this event was nothing less than a divine miracle. We were all quite stunned at how this unfolded. Everyone exchanged contact info and Luis is going to continue to minister to and lead Luis to Jesus.

JESUS CHRIST IS MINISTERING TO AND SAVING SOULS!!!!

RECENTLY: Another 1,500 more JESUS tracts in Spanish picked up from the printer.

LAST NIGHT: Just got back in. Was able to pass out dozens upon dozens of JESUS tracts and speak God’s Word to each person…. ran out of tracts and loving it. Home restocking the pouch now.

The amazing people of Mexico are receiving the Gospel of Christ (Romans 1:16). Your prayers coveted.

The only spirit I have ever been in with ministering to Mexican people is “compassion.” Jude 22-23

They give no resistance, only acceptance to Jesus, the message of His Gospel.

I am praying for you all….. part of me wants to encourage more people to pray about leaving…. for their own safety and fruitfulness in Christ. Just a thought.

The amazing people of Mexico are receiving the Gospel of Christ (Romans 1:16). Your prayers coveted.

Mission Mexico

LAST NIGHT: AFTER sending out the weekly Bible teaching tonight, a young man named Julio here in Mexico replied with this:

“I want to learn the word of God, thank you for sharing the word of God with me.” Julio

He’s not yet saved (that I know of) and he’s reading the Word he’s being sent and now has the 4 ministry books in Spanish, including the Born Again book and the JESUS tract, etc.

Mission Mexico Rolling

Thank you for praying for our brother in Christ, Justin.

“About two weeks ago I would wake up spontaneously praising and thanking God. Normally, I am too groggy. But it just happened so naturally. It blesses my day and I give thanks for the challenges. Love you too bother.” Justin

When Alfredo (above) was given a JESUS tract and had God’s Word spoken to him, he was on the phone. He hung up and came and grabbed me as I was walking away. We spent ample time together and he was excited that you would be lifting him in prayer. He was very open and honest and asked me how he would be able to stop drinking many beers daily. In return I preached Jesus to him and that when he repents and receives Jesus, he is going to be forgiven of his sins and born again, a new creature in Christ and that all old things will pass away. He was instructed to repent and receive Jesus as I pointed to the prayer on the back of the JESUS tract (oracion). He was also shown the Reina Valera Bible 1960 to download onto his phone. He has my number and as soon as he texts me back he will be sent the Born Again book in Spanish and receive biblical ministry. Thank you for lifting this dear man in prayer. The honesty of the people of Mexico is so very refreshing!

God loves the Mexican people. Jesus died for them.

Thank you for pausing to pray for the people of Mexico.
Here’s beloved Martha who recently received ministry – as a direct result of your prayer and support.

Spanish

Mission Mexico Rolling

Is your life fruitful for Christ?
Or is it being wasted? John 15

Bibles and ministry books going out weekly across the nation. Lives being changed. Prayers coveted.

Now supporting a missionary in the Philippines….. Jesus tract in Tagolog etc.

You’re working to pay bills but are you fruitful for Jesus? John 15

Below are message from 2 men here in Mexico who have been ministered to and are continuing to receive God’s Word weekly:

“I am interested in knowing God and reading the Bible.” Julio

“Hi Todd. Greetings. Thanks for the Bible messages.” Carlos

IF you want to have a ‘field day’ adventure of evangelising lost souls, 90% of which are just waiting to be told about Jesus….. perhaps you may wish to pray and ask God if He’d have you move south to Mexico. A blessing. Psalms 37:23, right?

God be praised for your prayers and support. HE is doing a work in the hearts of the people of Mexico.

Articles

The Purpose of Elders in Christ’s Body [podcast]

There is no more important work transpiring in the earth today than the work of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Matthew 9:35-38; 28:18-20; Ephesians 4:11-15; 1 Peter 5:1-6, etc.).

“Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21

In short, the authentic under-shepherd ordained of Jesus Himself (John 15:16), will give up his life in this fleeting world for the sheep of Christ – just as the Great Shepherd of the sheep did on the cross. Such a divinely called-out man, will teach only God’s pure Word and watch for the souls of the LORD’s people (Hebrews 13:7, 17). He will take up the cross – live the crucified life – and therefore ministry will not be about them but rather about Jesus and His beloved sheep for whom He shed His blood and is soon returning (Philippians 3:17-21).

Also in Hebrews 13 …. The true elder of Christ will, according to Hebrews 13, do two things:

Speak the pure Word of God to you and get you into it:

“Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation (their way of life).” Hebrews 13:7

2. Will in the fear of God pray for and “watch for your soul.”

“Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” Hebrews 13:17

In review, just WHAT are the earmark fruits of true under-shepherds as opposed to the many wolves among us?

True under shepherds relentlessly teach God’s Word – “who have spoken unto you the word of God.” (Hebrews 13:7)
They are there for you! – “they watch for your souls.” (Hebrews 13:7)

IF they aren’t preaching God’s pure Word to you, fearing God, not you…. and watching for your eternal soul, they are wolves in sheep’s clothing. Repent and run to Jesus beloved.

Let me add that if they are using a fake “bible” instead of the King James Bible, that should be a clue to the darkness they walk in (Matthew 7:16, 20).

Elders are ordained of God and yet never to take His place nor to negate our own personal responsibility to seek God daily for ourselves. Yet, we do not need a preacher. Why? – because we each have a Bible. Read it. We don’t need a preacher to tell us what the Bible says! Read it for yourself, learning of the LORD yourself. Today is your day to take personal responsibility to seek God for yourself! Stop depending on a preacher or preachers. Devour God’s Word daily. Jesus taught personal responsibility and the essential nature of it when He said “Take heed to yourselves” (Luke 21:34-36) …… Paul instructed Timothy to “Study” the Word (2 Timothy 2:15).

Today we have all around us church-goers who are not possessed with a heart after God, do not diligently study and read and live out Christ’s Word. This lukewarm, world-loving fruit clearly reveals the prophesied priesthood of wolves (1 Chronicles 16:11; Psalms 27:4, 8; Matthew 24:11; Acts 13:22; 2 Timothy 3:13; 1 John 4:1, etc.). Until a pastor has provoke you to get into God’s Word for yourself, to seeking His holy face daily in prayer, he has failed. If has has diligently, biblically sought to do these essentials, and people have refused God’s Word, refused to seek His holy face continually, the blood is off of his hands (Ezekiel 3:18-20).

“When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. 19 Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. 20 Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand.” Ezekiel 3:18-20

When you check the fruit of a fellowship, check, discern if the individual saints are vibrant in Christ, diligently seeking His holy face, in His Word, living a life of prayer, denying self, taking up the cross daily, and following Jesus. This sounds like what we see of the earliest saints in the book of Acts, right? Boom. Remember how Peter preached and 8,000 were saved and how the Berean believers put Paul’s teaching to the Scriptural test? (Acts 2-4; 17:10-11, etc.).

Sadly, usually you see a bunch of people who are proud to be a member of a church with none of the biblical fruit list above.

The apostle Paul kept a close watch on those he oversaw.

“For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.” 1 Thessalonians 3:5

Having a physical “church” building makes no mere man, no supposed elder, an official representative of Heaven. Feeding the sheep of Christ with His pure Word and equipping them “for the work of the ministry” is the mark of a true under-shepherd of Christ (John 21:15-17; Ephesians 4:11-12, etc.). Discern. Beware. Inspect the fruit. Jesus nor any of His holy apostles collected a penny to build a building called “church.” No, they went to the people – to serve them instead of having the people come to them.

Let’s test that…. How many people do you personally know who are good church members, Sunday morning church attenders, and ALSO true, daily disciples whom God is using everywhere they go? Think about that…. How many true disciples of Jesus do you know who are involved in a Sunday morning church program? If you personally know even one true disciple, that’s a miracle and in spite of his attendance at the Sunday morning circus called “church.”

Unlike Christ’s apostle Paul, most in leadership today foster in their prey a dependence on THEM and their church business instead of prayerfully, biblically exhorting people to depend on Jesus (1 Corinthians 1:29-2:5).

Like Christ’s apostle Paul, the true elder labors relentlessly to see you grounded in Christ – not in him or his ministry or church, but in CHRIST! Listen closely:

“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.” Colossians 2:6-7

It simply doesn’t matter what else he’s doing, if any minister is not prayerfully, biblically, perpetually rooting and grounding you in Christ, he’s a fraud. Run.

Like Jesus and His holy apostle Paul, part of grounding you ever more deeper in Christ, is warning you to “beware” of the “many false prophets.” (Matthew 24:11)

“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 2:8-10

SO, he’s not exhorting and admonishing you to seek and know the LORD in an ever deepening fashion? He’s not equipping, maturing you “for the work of the ministry” and yet you still consider him one of the LORD’s under-shepherds? He’s not getting YOU into the Word (2 Timothy 2:15) for yourself? That’s a false leader who is entertaining the goats instead of feeding and equipping the saints! Run! (See Ephesians 4:11-15; 1 Peter 5:1-6, etc.)

False leaders divert the attention, the heart affections, the resources, and the energy of God’s people away from Christ and simple obedience to His Great Commission mandate. YOU are personally responsible! Waste is rampant! If you support, “bid God speed” (2 John 7-11) to a false leader, false ministry, then you will perish with them!

The divine purpose for elders is not to dominate nor entertain the LORD’s sheep but rather to help their joy in Christ! Get to know this verse saints:

“Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.” 2 Corinthians 1:24

There is the citing of elders in the Word and their divine purpose – to humbly serve God by helping His sheep grow in the knowledge and grace of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-15; 1 Peter 5:1-6).

Christ’s apostle Paul desired the “perfection” (maturity in Christ) of the people of God (Ephesians 4:11-15).

“For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.” 2 Corinthians 13:9

Like Apollos, Elders among God’s people must remain teachable to God’s Word and simply and only teach and preach his word (Proverbs 9:9; Acts 18:26). Elders true to the LORD act on his behalf and never out of a personal agenda for self gain (2 Corinthians 3:5; 4:5, etc.). They live the crucified life (Galatians 2:20).

We are to humble ourselves like Apollos did and learn the way of our God more perfectly from each other, via God’s Word – as Apollos learned it more fully from Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:24-28).

Beloved Apollos was a very effective, anointed communicator of God’s Word and yet, was in need of maturing, of being perfected. So, God sent to him an elder and his wife, Aquila and Priscilla. Apollos humbly received the LORD’s elders and His grace to grow in Christ:

“And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. 25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. 26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.” Acts 18:24-26

The vast majority of “churches” that meet in “church buildings” are simply and merely conducting “church services” where they entertain their prey. They are not equipping the saints for the work of the ministry and therefore discerned as being counterfeit (Ephesians 4:11-13). If they were, there would be salty disciples in their midst who go forth to minister Christ’s kingdom blessings wherever they go. Not even a trace of this transpiring in the apostate modern church world. Run. Run. Run.

The Purpose of Kingdom Elders:

“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting (equipping, maturing) of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:” Ephesians 4:11-12

Philip Lye writes: “Paul says in Ephesians 4, that he gave some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. He expressly says these people are given to mature the saints, to equip them for their ministry and growth in Jesus Christ. Jesus tells us in Matthew 24 that many false prophets and messiahs will arise deceiving many. They are simply functions that God has given and not titles which the proud use to strut about like a peacock. Most of these people that I have met (and I have seen a lot of famous ones) are false, proud and arrogant and not servants of the the Lord Jesus Christ. I have seen humble genuine ones who move mightily in truth, calling people to repentance and right relationship with Jesus and a demonstration of genuine miracles and wonders. They are to be genuine servants to God’s people.”

VIEW this following verse from Solomon’s day in light of our calling and work till Christ returns:

“Now all the work of Solomon was prepared unto the day of the foundation of the house of the LORD, and until it was finished. So the house of the LORD was perfected.” 2 Chronicles 8:16

Let’s read a larger portion of this important passage in Ephesians 4. God fearing under-shepherds must prayerfully labor for and be intent upon seeing God’s people grow in the grace of Christ to the full stature of maturity He has ordained!

“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:” Ephesians 4:11-15

The Error of Using Titles in the Modern Church World

God sovereignly and exclusively ordained MEN to feed, lead, and equip His saints (Ephesians 4:8-11). Women are called to and seen doing many ministry functions in the New Testament but never as a leader in a position specifically designated in Scripture for men.

Repent. The American “church” is a catastrophe of spineless moral-coward Ahabs who’ve allowed, suffered women to lead, and the fall out is incalculable (Revelation 2:20-24).

GOD’s men must never allow women to lead where they (men) are called to lead (1 Timothy 2:12; 3:2; Revelation 2:20-24).

To put yourself under the ministry of a woman who is acting as an elder among God’s people, is to defy Christ, and to agree with Christ’s arch enemy and his Jezebels and to bring severe destruction on the people of God (1 Timothy 2:12; 3:2; Revelation 2:20-24).

JUST because a woman can run her mouth and even genuinely have a gift of the Spirit DOES NOT mean she’s an elder in the body of Christ – which is divinely reserved non-negotiably for men, male elders (1 Timothy 2:11-12; 3:2). | Beware of Scripture-Twisting Jezebels

We must humbly confess before our LORD and God that we have nothing and are nothing without Him!

“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5

God can use us in spite of having a seminary or Bible college background…. If we will truly denounce it, lay it all down, and truly submit to Him – just like Paul did (Philippians 3). Otherwise we will join the epidemic of false prophets who build their own kingdoms in this fleeting life and spend eternity in hell (2 Peter 2:1-3). Paul counted his “higher education” as “dung” to know and serve Christ (Philippians 3).

BIBLICALLY SPEAKING, BY DEFINITION, ELDERS ARE NOT SEMINARIANS (UNLESS THEY’VE DENOUNCED SUCH) BUT RATHER PROVEN MEN OF GOD WHO HAVE WALKED WITH CHRIST FOR SOME TIME AND ARE SEASONED IN DOCTRINE AND GODLY CHARACTER AND ABLE TO HELP ASSIST OTHER BELIEVERS GROW IN GRACE (Philippians 3).

In part, we can be transformed in our thinking/perspective of what leaders are seen to be in the apostate modern church vs the biblical definition of an elder which is a humble servant with sound doctrine and a godly life (1 Timothy 3; 2 Timothy 3:10; Titus 1-2, etc.).

Christ’s kingdom ordination is not like the ordinations of many denominations….. To ordain seems to mean to recognize the work of GOD in a man’s life and to set him forth into ministry as by the leading of the Spirit of God.

“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” John 15:16

ORDAIN

G5087

τίθημι

tithēmi

tith’-ay-mee

A prolonged form of a primary word θέω theō (which is used only as an alternate in certain tenses); to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from G2476, which properly denotes an upright and active position, while G2749 is properly reflexive and utterly prostrate): – + advise, appoint, bow, commit, conceive, give, X kneel down, lay (aside, down, up), make, ordain, purpose, put, set (forth), settle, sink down.

Total KJV occurrences: 96

“Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.” Acts 13:1-3

Denominations of mere men set their elders forth to do THEIR bidding, to perpetuate their own cause and existence, to build their false church businesse$. God fearing assemblies of the saints simply recognize Christ’s work in a man and prayerfully send him forth to do GOD’s work. They worship and exalt Christ whole heartedly!

MINISTRY is about feeding sheep, not entertaining goats (John 21:15-17). So, when you see a “minister” entertaining, you know he himself is a goat (1 Corinthians 1:29-2:5).

What True Elders Teach

“For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.” 2 Corinthians 4:5

THERE is nothing good in us except Christ. We are not featured but JESUS is. “We preach CHRIST crucified” (1 Cor 1:23). All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags and HE is the One and only righteous Redeemer whom we communicate to others (1 Cor 9:16; Rom 7:18 etc.).

Jesus’ true disciples are crucified vessels who preach with His authority, unlike the lame leaders we have today (Matthew 7:28-29). True Gospel preaching rocks the world of those who hear it – it never coddles people in their sin. That’s the work of wolves! Beware!

Godly Elders Teach God’s People to Discern

“And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.” Ezekiel 44:23

Why don’t some leaders teach discernment?

“Anyone that profits off of you being blind, will never teach you or inspire you to see.” unknown

Any man in leadership who doesn’t warn you of false prophets as did Christ and His apostles, is a wolf who does not want you to see who he truly is.

God’s people are to continue to learn to discern – to test, to weigh all things against Holy Scripture. Ungodly elders have the “I said it so it’s true” notion. Or the “We’ve always taught that” or “That’s what we believe” philosophy. Not. What saith the Scriptures is what every true follower of Jesus asks, as he searches God’s Word to ascertain truth. Every student of Christ should become extremely familiar with Acts 17:10-11.

QUESTION RECEIVED:

“I am curious as to how one man is considered the other’s elder? Do they attend the same church gathering thus, he is a church elder or is it through willful submission of the younger as an understudy or simply due to the fact that one man is older?”

REPLY:

Great question brother. Elder, biblically seems to mean older and more seasoned in God’s Word, having walked with the LORD longer. Two views come to mind: 1. The organic body of Christ, the kingdom relationships we have, where there appear men in our lives who are seasoned and there’s an automatic elder/young relationship (that’s how it is here)… and 2. Where a person attends a church group and they have their elder in a more organized fashion as you mentioned…. that help?

Nothing brings definition to this like God’s Word as you know…. and notice how it begins with “The elders which are AMONG you”….

“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 ensamples 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

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