State Controlled Churches by Paul Roberts
Who’s the Head of Your Church?
The prophet Jeremiah spoke to this doctrine of the Nicolaitanes very succinctly since usurping rule over the people had also occurred in his day. The priests who had turned away from obedience to God and who God no longer considered His priests, had arrogated to themselves authority over the citizens of the nation of Israel as recorded in the following scriptures:
“The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have itso: and what will ye do in the end thereof? Jeremiah 5:31
Nicolaitanes, Inc.
Again today, this Nicolaitane movement is alive and well and being promoted through the formation of non-profit corporations which are created by the State rather than Jesus and these non-profit organizations are being promoted as the only means of affording both the priests and laity tax free status under the 501.c (3) section of the IRS code. While I’m not an attorney, it would appear that as a Church in this Country you do not need to be a corporation to be tax exempt according to the Constitution. These ministers are arrogating authority to themselves over the laity through means of the legal authority conferred on them by their Corporate State Charter and their ungodly actions are being supported by the false prophets.
Rather than true elders who meet the qualifications of 1st Timothy 3:1-7 having a free hand in preaching and teaching the word of God with equal access to the pulpit for the feeding and welfare of the flock, these qualified elders can and are being legally refused official recognition by means of the Board of Directors and Officers who initially established the non-profit organization according to the Articles of Incorporation sanctioned by the State. Men and women posing as elders, quite apart from the qualifications of 1st Timothy 3:1-7, can however, gain access to the pulpit if they find favor with the legal board of directors. These scripturally unqualified elders can be duly recognized and legally appointed by the legal board of directors through the legal power conferred on them by the State through the Articles of Incorporation.
I was curious as to why the Church found it necessary to incorporate under the laws of the State of their incorporation since it seemed directors and officers of Corporation don’t necessarily have to meet the qualifications for an elder yet they wield legal power over the flock through the commandments of men (i. e. State Law) that cannot at this time be effectively challenged by scripture. So, I went on-line and to my surprise found an article entitled “WOE TO THE CHURCHES: Obtaining Corporation Status (501c3) is Against God” @ http://www.guymalone.com/501c3church.htm This article cited some of the following reasons for the Church to seek corporate status:
- 1. They think they have to.
- 2. They feel it gives them some benefit.
- 3. They think it gives them prestige.
- 4. Asset protection.
- 5. Think it’s the only way gifts are tax deductible.
- 6. Think it’s okay with God.
- 7. They have always done it that way (tradition).
Then the article asked the reader to consider that the word “church” is not meant to refer to any physical building, but refers to the worldwide body of believers in Christ. The word “church” (ecclesia in Greek – called out ones) does not refer to any organization, no matter it’s name or legal status. The author then asks the reader to keep that in mind when considering the following points:
- 1. The Lord is sovereign over His Churches: Jesus is the Head of the Church, not man. Paul compares the special relationship of Christ and His Church to the God given relationship of man and wife. What can be closer or more special than this? Would you bring another person into your marriage to control it with worldly principles? I hope the answer is no. Then why would you bring in a “fictitious entity” no less created by the State and man (i. e. a corporation) to run and regulate something that belongs to the Lord? The relationship with Jesus and His Church belongs to Him alone. He is the head of the Church and as such He governs it with His laws, His principles, and His directions. After all His is our King and is sovereign over His Church. To become a corporation in effect divorces the church from Christ, it’s Head and replaces it with the State.
NOTE: We, as Christians, need to realize what the courts have ruled about corporations and that a corporation has no rights, only privileges granted by the “State”. To become a corporation removes the authority of the Lord over a corporate church and put’s it under bondage to man’s law. According to man, the State is sovereign over it’s Corporations:
1.) “A corporation is a creature of the State. It is presumed to be incorporated for benefit of the public. It receives certain special privileges and franchises and holds them subject to the laws of the State and the limitation of it’s charter. It’s powers are limited by law. It can make no contract not authorized by it’s charter. It’s rights to act as a corporation are only preserved so long as it obeys the laws of it’s creation. There is a reserved right in the legislature to investigate it’s contracts and ascertain if it has exceeded it’s powers” (Hale v. Henkel, 201 U. S. 43)
2.) “[A corporation is] an artificial person or legal entity created by or under the authority of the laws of the State. An association of persons created by statute as a legal entity——–the corporation is distinct from the individuals who comprise it (shareholders)—–Such an entity subsists as a body politic under a special denomination, which is regarded in law as having a personality and existence distinct from that of it’s several members.” Black’s Law Dictionary West Publishing Company, 1991; 6th Edition, page 340
3.) “A corporation derives it’s existence and all it’s powers from the State and, therefore, has only such powers as the State has conferred upon it. Power is used here to mean the legal capacity to execute and fulfill the objects and purposes for which the corporation was created, and the source of it’s power is the charter and the statute under which the corporation was organized.” Len Young Smith and G. Gale Roberson, Smith and Roberson’s Business Law, West Publishing Company, 1966, page 796.
NOTE #1: The objects and purposes for which a corporation, non-profit or otherwise, for which a corporation is formed are expressly stated in it’s articles of incorporation, which delineate in general language the type business activities in which the corporation proposes to engage” Smith and Roberson’s Business Law, West Publishing Company, 1966, page 789
NOTE #2: “Instances of non-profit corporations are educational institutions, athletic clubs, library clubs, fraternities, sororities, hospitals, and organizations which have exclusively a charitable purpose” Smith and Roberson’s Business Law, West Publishing Company, 1966, page 789
NOTE #3: The purpose of the Church is not “charity,” nor is it’s purpose exclusively charitable. Charity should be a function of every Church, but it is certainly not it’s purpose. Offering worship to God, evangelism to the lost, bringing the saints into the unity of the faith are among the Churches exclusive and manifold purposes.
- 2. Jesus Christ should be the undisputed Head of the Church – Why then Incorporate?
1.) Many people for some reason think that the Church has to. This is far from the truth on a few different levels. Here in the United States of America a church does not have to incorporate at all to be recognized as a local body of believers (Not sure why they would want recognition from the State anyway) and/or to be legitimately tax-exempt. I know some of you are thinking “Well, Romans 13 says—“Most of us have been taught that whatever the government says, goes. Wrong! If the government passes a law that interferes or contradicts one of God’s laws we are not bound to follow it. If the government wants you to receive a mark in your forehead or right hand are you going to obey? There are Biblical examples of legitimate disobedience the laws men and/or the decrees of kings such as Daniel’s disobedience to king Darius and the disobedience of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to the decree of Nebuchadnezzar.
NOTE #1: To think Christians are bound by the laws of men, when it comes to the work of the Kingdom, is just stupid. If this were the case the church in Russia, China, Middle East and other places – if they listened to Romans 13 the way it is being applied now – would never have seen growth. How about the brothers and sisters that smuggled Bibles into the old Soviet Block, China, Cuba, and others? Whose law did they break? Man’s. The local governments. They may be held accountable for their actions by men, they might even lose their lives. Guess what? God will reward them for their actions. They were doing the work of the Kingdom.
NOTE#2: Some in the Church think that the law requires a body of believers to incorporate to be a legal and lawful entity. However, under the Constitution of the United States, a body of believers does not have to incorporate to lawfully carry on Kingdom work or to be tax exempt. The Constitution expressly states: “Congress shall make no law regarding an establishment of religion, or prohibiting free exercise thereof.” (U. S. Constitution, First Amendment). Requiring a Church to incorporate would be making a law establishing a religion which is unconstitutional.
NOTE #3: Some in the Church think that incorporating is the only way a Church can become a tax exempt organization and that donations from members can be tax deductible. According to the Internal Revenue Code, “a church, it’s integrated auxiliaries, and conventions and associations of the church are excluded from taxation.” United States Code, Title 26, 508(c)(1)(A).
Section 503(c) of the Internal Revenue Code provides that churches are not required to apply for recognition of Section 501(c)(3) status in order to be exempt from federal taxation or to receive tax deductible contributions. Churches are automatically exempt from Federal Income Tax, and contributions to churches are deductible by donors and section 170.
The government has no constitutional authority over the Church. It is not allowed to violate the First Amendment protection that the constitution provides. However, the current corrupt and ungodly government has found a way around this by holding out an unbiblical advantage hoping an ignorant clergy person will take the bait and bring the church into voluntary compliance by forming a 501(c)(3) corporation, thus placing the church under the authority of the State.
Once the church has been transformed into a corporation it then becomes subject to control by federal and state governments. In truth, an incorporated church is no longer a church but merely a non-profit organization subject to total control by the government. You will be controlled on who you hire, what you can and cannot preach. Your cannot conflict with public policy nor assault the hearer’s sense of mental well-being, self-esteem, sexual orientation etc.. You can be sued. The IRS prohibits such organizations from “carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation” (26 USC 501-C-3). This prohibition extends, not only to the endorsement of a political candidate, but also any other attempts to “influence legislation,” including taking a public stand against such government-protected abominations as abortion or homosexuality. Now, the church is discovering that favors from Washington D. C. have strings attached. In this case, the string is a rope that is being used to throttle her once-powerful voice, to squeeze out her very life and, eventually, to hang her by the neck until dead!
NOTE#4: Many of the clergy use and abuse incorporation as a “means” of obtaining and maintaining absolute control over the affairs of the church. Rather than the scripture determining which men are qualified as elders to oversee the well-being of the flock of God, instead, the Articles of Incorporation of an incorporated non-profit organization allow the Board of Directors to legally determine who is a “so-called” elder and who is not. These Directors can spend money anyway they please within the confines of the Articles of Incorporations and they can limit the pulpit to only those whose message agrees with theirs. Incorporation is a means of controlling the church which arrogates decision making power away from the authority of the scripture according to the wisdom of the righteous laws of the kingdom of God to a Board of Directors according to their wisdom under the authority of the Articles of Incorporation of the State.
- 3. What should we do now with respect to incorporated churches?
1.) They became incorporated, become unincorporated.
2.) Talk to your pastor/minister about this important issue.
3.) Rescind your membership in an incorporated church.
4.) Don’t incorporate if you’re now unincorporated.
5.) Find an unincorporated church.
6.) Study your Bible daily.
7.) Pray for the Body of Christ.
These Nicolaitane corporations can gain new members by building attractive facilities and they can maintain their influence over the laity by false prosperity teaching, teaching faith as rights to blessings without corresponding duties, and teaching for commandments the covetousness economic doctrines of men. By means of this judicial misinterpretation of the “establishment clause” of the Constitution regarding freedom of religion the Church has been made vulnerable to the perspective of the confines of a private 501.c (3) non-profit corporate Church campus. This new perspective has reduced the scope of their stewardship regarding the words of the righteous laws of the kingdom of God from a larger publicand national responsibility to a smaller private and local Church campus responsibility under the restrictions of a 501.c (3) non-profit corporation whose Articles of Incorporation are sanctioned by the laws of the State rather than the laws of the kingdom of God. Look around in this nation called the United States and behold the results of a Christianity bridled by the laws of the State and Federal governments. Judge for yourself whether our nation is prospering or in decline spiritually, morally, financially, materially, or health-wise.
Paul Roberts
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Articles
Mexico Mission Part 22
2 MORMONS OPENLY, PUBLICLY REBUKED
Just now came upon 2 young mormons trying to minister to an old man. After immediately commanding the attention of all 3, I pointed to the mormons while looking at and directly speaking to the elder man. He was informed in Spanish that those boys are peddling a false gospel, a false religion and that Jesus Christ is the only way to God and Heaven, not religion. He was also informed that those young men were “accursed” and are perpetrating a false religion, that they are falso prophetas (false prophets) and to beware. He was informed that the precious blood of Jesus will wash away all of his sins if he will repent and receive Christ.
“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” Jude 3
Mission Mexico rolling.
The devil is a liar!!!!
Mission Mexico
THIS WEEK, we are mailing scores more of the Born Again book to imprisoned people. One of them is Ghislane Maxwell. See below. Your prayers invited. And remember we do this by faith, trusting God will provide. This is an ongoing operation, outreach of the body of Christ – you and I – as we walk out the Great Commission Jesus gave us to accomplish till He returns (Mk 16:15; Matt 28:18-20).
“WE are labourers TOGETHER with God.” 1 Cor 3:9
You can help here:
Supporting
THIS GENERATION must be warned saints. – “WARN them from me.” (Ezekiel 3:7). If and when but 1 eternal soul hearkens and repents, it shall be worth it all. Thank you for your prayers and support so that there be no let up, no slow down in the preaching, teaching, distributing JESUS tracts, and the production of podcasts. The podcasts, not counting the count on safeguardyoursoul.com, is nearing 2.5 million and will be at 3 million downloads by year end. Each one has to be produced and go through a series of editing sessions before being launched to the people. We’ve got an amazing editor who has been tremendous in this endeavor who is working full time for the ministry and has been for 2 years or more now. Thank you for praying.
Follow the podcast at this link if you wish. A new podcast drops early each morning. There can be no let up in the warning of the body of Christ to the backslidden and the rank never-been-saved sinners. All of them are hell bound, unless they repent (Matthew 3:2, 7-10).
Jesus is coming saints!
Let’s roll !
Follow the SafeGuardYourSoul Podcast here.
This man has been working with us to feed the poor. He runs a restaurant near where several homeless people have been ministered to…. Here he is taking the money to prepare another meal for a beloved homeless person who was receiving the Gospel.
The prayers and support of our LORD’s saints make this possible.
Jesus is King.
Mission Mexico
https://safeguardyoursoul.com/mexico-mission/
We just mailed out 3 Born Again books to 3 of the 5 suspects in the brutal beating of that couple in Ohio. Feel free to pray these people will repent and be saved and also …. this is an ongoing kingdom opportunity. We are mailing the Born Again book and other of the ministry books to the incarcerated each week. As Christ’s body, instead of simply condemning these sinners, criminals, we are going to call them to repentance and faith in Christ (Acts 20:21; Revelation 22:17). See Support button on Safeguardyoursoul.com Takes seconds to contribute. “WE are labourers TOGETHER with God.” (1 Corinthians 3:9)
You can listen here to the text of the Born Again book narrated.
Born Again book Audio, Podcast Version
TODAY: Upon hearing the Word spoken to him and being handed a JESUS tract, beloved Francisco immediately lit up and began to testify of how he is saved. He said he went to prison for a year and in jail he was born again and read the whole Bible through several times. He is a dear brother and took 20-30 JESUS tracts to pass out to others. Would you like to lift up Francisco in prayer?
*Francisco is excited to receive the 4 books the ministry now have in Spanish for his edification. They are being sent now. Sent and here’s the response from our brother in Christ, Francisco:
“Brother it was very nice to meet you today. Many Christians in the United States are praying for you. Here are the 4 books I promise to send you.” Francisco
Mission Mexico
https://safeguardyoursoul.com/mexico-mission/
YES THAT IS A NEWBORN BABY IN HER BLANKET!
Your prayers invited.
Mission Mexico
“Amen. The Mexican people are a humble people, who work with their hands and heart. Praise God!” Anita Villareal
I am always so amazed by what the Lord is doing in people’s hearts in Mexico. Thank you for sharing with all of us. It’s a blessing to be part of what the Lord is doing. Team Jesus.
IF we ask God to prepare us, we might be surprised at the occasions HE turns into ministry open doors, opportunities!
Yesterday while doing some work at a local cafe, moving my head a bit to a bumpin beat in a praise song to our LORD I was listening to …. a teenager liked that and started moving his head in the same way while walking toward me …. I smiled real big at him, removed the ear plugs and we high 5’d with joy and as a result he and his friend received the spoken Word and also a JESUS tract each.
Jesus is KING!
There are no hand outs in Mexico and therefore lazy unproductive people don’t come here to get free stuff. There is no free stuff. No one here complains. They works hard, are happy, and take care of their own personal responsibilities.
God requires that people work for their own living.
“Let him that stole steal no more: but rather LET HIM LABOUR, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.” Ephesians 4:28
“For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.” 2 Thessalonians 3:10
Also, …. For Mexico, it is unthinkable to bring in foreigners to replace their own people which would be an atrocity. Isn’t that what the devil-rat communists have done in the USA?
Your prayer for Yvonne is amazing. She was captivated by Christ’s Gospel and wants to hear more. She received the Word spoken and in print (Jesus tract).
The people of Mexico are exemplary. The manners, the etiquette, meekness, etc.
WARNING: If you dare help pray for and/or supply this ministry outreach, the direct result will be that saved souls are going to be edified, made whole, and equipped and lost souls are going to hear the preached Word of God – both in English and Spanish. If you do not like these things, please don’t give to this ministry outreach. Thank you.
If anyone wishes to help pastor Chabby get a supply of Bibles to the saints in Gambia, here’s his information to be contacted directly.
chabbyalfredchabala@gmail.com
Thanks, I will. CHABBY ALFRED. BOX730189
KAWAMBWA 730000
LUAPULA PROVINCE
ZAMBIA – AFRICA
PHONE NUMBER:0978402845
TODAY beloved Teri received the love of God in the form of the spoken Word of God in Spanish (extensively), a JESUS tract in Spanish, and some food, drink, and coin.
Teri was excited to know you will be lifting her in prayer. Colossians 4:12
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Articles
Conspiracy Among the False Prophets [podcast]
The Prophesied End Times Conspiracy of False Leaders [podcast]
Birds of a Feather Truly Do Flock Together
“For MANY deceivers are entered into the world . . .” 2 John 7
So many today tell you exactly who they are when they quote absolute frauds like John Calvin, Mother Teresa, Joyce Meyer, Kenneth Hagin, Kenneth Copeland, Rick Warren, James R. White, Todd White, etc. The list is endless of false prophets who are still heralded by heretical pawns who are part of the “conspiracy” of false prophets who are against the LORD (Ezekiel 22:25-27).
Stop endorsing and quoting and esteeming mere sinful men, now! Obey God by exposing them! (Matthew 10:26-28; 23; Romans 16:17-18; Jude 3, etc.).
“Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?” Isaiah 2:22
“Seems so many miss the little things by not investigating for themselves. I wish they would just stick to the Bible and give honour where God hath given honour: like unto Paul, Timothy, Epaphras, John, Peter, etc. There are plenty of examples to us in the written Word without having to laud men that we truly know very little of or were written of by secular historians.” Jon Crane
The Word of God has very much to say about discernment, and one of those cardinal truths is found in Ezekiel 22:25-27 which speaks of how birds of a feather DO flock together and so that’s one way we know them by their fruits (Matthew 7:16, 20). When you see someone hanging with, colluding with a known false prophet, you know that they’re both wolves. Also we should become very familiar with 2 John 10-11. Example: The history of the roman church is to infiltrate, to send their trojan horse wolves in our midst, acting like Christians while coming to subvert. The jesuits infiltrated the protestant seminaries beginning in the 1950’s and that’s when the prophesied final great departure from the truth began (1 Timothy 4:1-2, etc.). So, when you see a preacher who isn’t exposing this antichrist cult but rather colluding with them, you know he’s antichrist. Examples of such include Billy Graham, Paul Washer, James Robison, Jonathan Roumie, Sean Feucht, etc. See Catholicism/Ecumenism category.
“Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” Revelation 12:12
Beware of the bombardment, the constant delusions of the enemy, who “is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” (Revelation 12:12) For example: The Jesus Revolution Movie, the fake revivals such as Asbury, etc. There is a culminating “conspiracy”, a concerted effort by Satan and his human agents, to deceive the elect, wolves in sheeps’ clothing among us! Beware saints.
“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.” Matthew 24:21-22
Over reaction on the Bible topic of false leaders? If you can find the phrase “many true prophets” in God’s Word, show it to us. Hint: It’s not there. Yet, we are repeatedly warned of “many false prophets” who would “deceive many” and how in these last days “evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” (Matthew 24:11; 1 John 4:1; 2 Timothy 3:13)
“Many pastors have destroyed my vineyard, they have trodden my portion under foot, they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness.” Jeremiah 12:10
WHO DID GOD TELL US IS MISLEADING HIS PEOPLE?
“For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.” Isaiah 9:16
Is false leadership, those who mislead, not the greatest threat to the body of Christ? Yes!
There is obviously little threat from external Satanists and yet those who serve the enemy within the body of Christ are strategic plants, positioned to infect those who surround them. Yet, the Holy Spirit who is the Author of the Word of God, spends volumes of time utilizing many words to warn us of the impending and guaranteed danger of these wolves who prey upon the sheep of the LORD using various messages, methods and manipulation. These “deceitful workers” work most effectively within, not without (2 Corinthians 11:13-15). They are at work in our midst–strategically, internally planted. There is a conspiracy of false prophets and false teachers united by the spirit of antichrist and purposed to malign, ever so subtly, the image of the one true God.
“There is a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things …” Ezekiel 22:25
Where are the “prophets” who conspire? They are strategically positioned “in the midst” of the saints of the LORD. They steal the “treasure and precious things” of the LORD by robbing His sheep of His clear and full-counsel truth which bears the abundance of His spiritual blessings in heavenly places through Jesus Christ.
According to the Holy Scriptures, false prophets are known by their affiliations. See Ezekiel 22:25-27.
According to 2 John 10-11 we will be judged with evil doers if we condone, support them in any way. Also, a major truth of discerning is found in Ezekiel 22:25-27.
Packs of wolves adorned behind the sheep’s clothing of their denomination, church building, affiliation, degree and charisma, operate in the modern church, leading people to the knowledge of a false Christ.
The antichrist spirit opposes Christ under the pretense of representing Him and leading His Church.
“There is a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof. Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they showed difference between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them. Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain. And her prophets have daubed them with untempered mortar, seeing vanity, and divining lies unto them, saying, Thus saith the Lord GOD, when the LORD hath not spoken.” Ezekiel 22:25-28
Note the classes of leadership listed here–prophets, priests, princes, and prophets. There were many levels of leadership involved and operating in a conspiracy against the LORD. Where are the conspiratorial false “prophets”?–“in the midst” of God’s people. What are the false prophets doing in the midst of God’s people and what have they done?
Ezekiel 22 Outline
- “ravening the prey (they see God’s people as an opportunity for self gain)” (v25)
- “have devoured souls (do not flinch to deceive and destroy precious souls)” (v25)
- “they have taken the treasure and precious things (stolen the spiritual blessing of His glorious salvation)” (v25)
- “they have made her many widows in the midst thereof (caused spiritual death)” (v25)
- “Her priests have violated my law (do not hold to and preach God’s pure Word, but rather use their position to profit themselves)” (v26)
- “have profaned mine holy thing (made common that which is holy)” (v26)
- “they have put no difference between the holy and profane (mixture)” (v26)
- “neither have they showed difference between the unclean and the clean (did not teach His people to discern)” (v26)
- “have hid their eyes from my Sabbaths (did not set the LORD and His rest apart as holy)” (v26)
- “I am profaned among them” (v26)
- “Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey” (v27)
- “shed blood, and to destroy souls” (v27)
- “get dishonest gain (made merchandise of the people)” (v27)
- “her prophets have daubed them with untempered mortar (built their organizations in a way not prescribed in the Word)” (v28)
- “seeing vanity” (v28)
- “divining lies (conjuring up “words” that are not from God)” (v28)
- “saying, Thus saith the Lord GOD, when the LORD hath not spoken (using His holy name in vain for their own selfish gain)” (v28)
This enumeration of the characteristics and operating tactics of false leaders is no different today than what it was in Ezekiel’s day.
JIHAD IN THE MODERN CHURCH
There is a war raging in the church world today. It is the war for truth, which is opposed by the liars and lies of the enemy of all of God’s people, who makes war against the saints (Daniel 7:21). The enemy is greatly assisted in his cause, by those fruitless leaders who refuse to openly and continually dispense divine truth. This war goes unnoticed by most but will determine the future of the souls of countless men.
The LORD instructs all of His people, especially those in leadership, to discern and detect such lies and to “Speak thou the things which become sound doctrine.” (Titus 2:1)
The evil silence of so many in leadership who do not know nor “preach the word” is contemptible, despicable, shameful, offensive and insidious (2 Timothy 4:2). There is no doubt that these in leadership in today’s church, who do not teach the pure Word of God, are the most powerful emissaries of the evil one. If God’s people know His Word, the will not be destroyed for lack of knowledge (Psalms 17:4; Hosea 4:6).
Jihad means holy war. Those who wage such a war in the Islamic world, do so stealthily. The enemies of God, who stealthily prey upon the weak, beginning with their father the devil, are for the most part, cowardly. Do we have a well-hidden war being waged in our churches–being clandestinely waged by our very leaders? Have we not been warned that many deceivers have “crept in unawares (undetected)” who “lie in wait to deceive”? (Jude 4; Ephesians 4:14)
The Islamic terrorists seek to come within our cities and drop their undetected “dirty bombs” and kill millions of Americans. Much worse are those spiritual terrorists who hold leadership positions and yet do not “feed the church of God” and by denial are dropping their dirty bombs of error in word and lifestyle. They refuse to protect God’s people by filling them with His truth (Proverbs 30:5; Acts 20:32). These who serve themselves of the ministry are in denial and do not give protection to the people of God like true shepherds do.
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold (Gr. suppress) the truth in unrighteousness.” Romans 1:18
If our government did nothing to protect us from the physical terrorism the Islamic Jihadists who seek to inflict death and destruction on our nation, what would we say? We would be outraged, right? Doesn’t the physical threat of terrorism Muslims seek to bring on America, pale in comparison to the dangerous and deadly spiritual terrorism of false prophets and their potential to damn the very souls of men? Is not the future health of the Christian and Church being placed at stake by the refusal of leaders to diligently dispense the doctrinal truths the LORD gave us in His Word? If so, then why are we not completely outraged at such gross lack of warning or protection from our leaders, concerning the spiritual terrorism the enemy of all souls is bringing into the midst of our camps, and the gross lack of Bible teaching?
Perhaps we would fair well to place this following Bible promise on our refrigerators in order to keep us aware of the reality of such deception:
“For this I know (definitive), that after my departing SHALL (a Bible promise) grievous wolves enter in AMONG YOU, not sparing the flock.” Acts 20:29
Seeking to push from view the reality of deceivers and deception is a dangerous undertaking at best and a brazen betrayal of God and our fellow man. The fact of false prophets is a reality, especially as concerns these final days. Trying to hide this fact may just prove that we are a part of the conspiracy against the LORD and His children (Ezekiel 22:25-27).
There is a mountain of Bible passages dedicated to warning us to discern false prophets and false teachings. Like any good parent, our heavenly Father wants His beloved children to be “safe” and like Paul so do all true servant leaders (Philippians 3:1). To ignore what He told us about deceivers and false teaching is to indict the Almighty as being uncaring, un-thoughtful, and a bad parent. One must openly reject hundreds of verses to ignore the dangerous threat imposed by “grievous wolves.” (Acts 20:29) The threat posed by these wolves is severe. Eternal souls are in the balance.
It is highly regrettable far too little is said or addressed of this important biblical subject which has left God’s people at a place of great vulnerability (1 John 4:1). According to Ezekiel 44:23 and Colossians 1:28, true servants of Jesus are to “teach” His people to discern “the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.”
In this late hour “evil men and seducers” of souls are waxing “worse and worse” and the LORD must have His obedient watchmen to teach, to warn, and to preach (Colossians 1:28; 2 Timothy 3:13).
All watchmen and disciples of Jesus are to diligently and without ceasing bring His people into remembrance of His Word and the many warnings therein (1 Timothy 4:6, 16). This is what the “good minister of Jesus Christ” does as well as nourishing them “up in the words of faith and of good doctrine.” (1 Timothy 4:6, 16)
THE GOOD SHEPHERD PROTECTS HIS SHEEP
The man who isn’t warning isn’t loving and isn’t protecting Christ’s sheep. Run from such a devil for he is part of the antichrist “conspiracy” against Christ! (Ezekiel 22:25-27) Such a man is completely unlike Christ and His prophets and apostles who repeatedly warned of false prophets and their heresies!
Jesus Christ is “the great shepherd of the sheep” and “Jesus Christ (is) the same yesterday, and today, and forever”, then is He not still deeply concerned about the protection of His people today? (Hebrews 13:8, 20)
Please realize that the LORD holds each of us responsible to take heed to what we hear and to keep our own hearts with all diligence and stay pure from all deceivers and deceptions (Deuteronomy 4:9; Proverbs 4:20-23; Luke 21:34-36; 2 Timothy 2:15, etc.).
“Keep thyself pure.” 1 Timothy 5:22
Beloved, in light of your own personal responsibility to walk and remain in the truth, let me encourage you to avoid holding your breath till you find a true under-shepherd who will do his duty by watching, overseeing, “declar(ing) unto you all the counsel of God”, and “feed(ing) the church of God.” (Acts 20:28-32) Consider prayerfully and perpetually getting into God’s Word for yourself. Devour it and let your heart be taught in His perfect ways by his Spirit.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, please forgive me for ever helping, for bidding God speed in any way to a wolf that is Your enemy. I now this moment repent and desire never to commit this sin again. Please unite my heart to fear Thy holy name LORD Jesus! Teach me to discern and to cling to You according to the lamp of Your precious Precepts! In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
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Articles
Man’s Problem – God’s Redemptive Solution [podcast]
The Biblical Doctrine or Story of Redemption
The story of God’s creation of mankind and mankind’s descension into sin. Man chose to sin. God chose to redeem and not ditch.
Man’s Dilemma, Sin – God’s Solution – the Savior, Jesus Christ
Here’s fallen mankind’s issue—sin, sin nature:
“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. … O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” Romans 7:18, 24
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9
Two facts about the natural heart:
- It is deceitful above all things.
- It is desperately wicked.
Mankind’s Dilemma at and After the Fall of Adam and Eve into Sin
“And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Genesis 6:5
“And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.” Genesis 6:12
“Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.” Ecclesiastes 7:29
Sin is man’s fault, not God’s. God, knowing man could not remedy his own sinful fallen state, sent His only begotten Son (James 1:13-15).
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” John 3:16-17
“To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself … 21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” 2 Corinthians 5:19,21
“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” 1 Timothy 1:15
Here’s God’s solution (as opposed to the band aid false promises of liberty from sin being peddled in the modern church world):
1. The precious blood of Jesus Christ…..
2. The crucified life thereafter, following initial salvation
Initial Salvation
“Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:” Colossians 1:12-14
“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:” 1 Peter 1:18-19
“Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:” Colossians 1:12-14
After Initial Salvation
God’s redemption in and through Christ alone comes complete with every iota of grace needed and more to live holy AFTER being initially saved (Titus 2:11-14). Otherwise the excuse-maker, the moral coward who buys the OSAS/eternal security fairytale will die and spend eternity in hell, all the while swearing he is sealed and going to Heaven no matter what. | The Sealed Scam Exposed
Once saved, the recipient of Christ’s salvation…. the precious blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin.
“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? …. For he that is dead is freed from sin.” Romans 6:1, 2, 7
Read that verse above again. Ask: WHO is “freed from sin”?
Memorize and declare daily!
“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
You cannot walk free from the sin that would separate you from God without doing your life HIS way and no other—being daily “crucified with Christ.”
Walking with Christ, living in His holiness, requires the daily cross—the crucified life.
Bible 101
The Cross Life
God did not send His only begotten Son to save, to forgive the sins of His people and then leave us on our own to overcome the sin He initially forgave us of. No. Nor did He come to die to forgive our sins initially and then give us license to live in the sins He died to “take away” from us (Matthew 1:21; John 1:29; Titus 2:11-14; Jude 4, etc.).
Anyone and everyone who dies in sin, will spend eternity in hell—separated from God who is “Holy, holy, holy” (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8). Anyone who teachers or even insinuates differently is an insidious snake and false prophet (Ezekiel 33:12-13; Romans 6:23; Galatians 5:19-21; Hebrews 12:14; 2 Peter 2:20-22; Revelation 21:8, 27, etc.).
At our initial salvation, we repent and let the LORD save us—then we must “endure to the end” of our life with Christ to be with Him in glory (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; John 15:6, etc.).
God is holy and we cannot live in sin and still be in a relationship with Him (Isaiah 6:3; Romans 6:23; Hebrews 12:14; Revelation 4:8, etc.).
How does the now saved disciple continue with Christ after being initially saved?
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7
God made full provision for our initial and final salvation (Hebrews 2:3).
In sending His only begotten Son to save you, God brought you into a relationship with Him—now and forever! When He brings you to repentance and faith in Christ, that is the beginning of your eternal relationship with Himself!
Jesus becomes our victory, the solution in our lives when we follow Him in dying “daily”—whereby He who is “the resurrection and the life” resurrects our lives “daily” in the full victory and fruitfulness He came to bring us into by His life, death, and resurrection (Luke 9:23-24; John 11:25).
Romans 6:1-7
“1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.”
Here’s the foolery we must avoid—thinking God is going to raise us upward into His resurrection victory over sin and fruitful fields of blessings before we agree with Him that we must be dead and buried with Christ.
“Thou FOOL, that which thou sowest (plant) is not quickened (made alive, raised up), except it die (cross, death and burial):” 1 Corinthians 15:36
You life has to go down deep into the death and burial of Christ, with Christ… and then only will God quicken (make alive), raise up that life! And when He does, ALL of hell can’t stop what He’s going to use you to do!
Die and keep dying.
If you are dying GOD is raising you upward!
Seems like we just read that we are fools if we think God is going to resurrect us, raise us upward before we die downward. Read that verse above again.
In one sentence, what is the cross, the crucified life?
Answer: Daily surrender—daily giving your life over to the LORD, letting go and letting God (Luke 22:42; 23:46; John 3:30; 12:25, etc.).
Shall we today cry with Jesus, in His holy words, as He was dying for our sins, as He was conquering sin and death by dying (Hebrews 2:14) … “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46).
Sin and Satan’s reign of terror end the day you begin giving your life back to God—back to the One who made you and came and died to redeem you! ….declaring from your heart and out of your mouth as if driving a stake in the ground—that into His holy hands you are submitting your spirit, soul, body, life.
“For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:3
Six feet under, dead and buried with Christ means sin and Satan cannot reach you—you are “HID with Christ in God.”
Because sin has taken its toll on every one of us, many of us have with both hands on our head ready to pull our hair out, been where we said with great anguish or at least thought “WHATTTT am I going to do with this evil in my life!!”
Jesus taught us that the cross is “daily”—that is, the denial, the disowning of self—so that HE and not us is ruling and reigning (Luke 9:23-24).
The constant of the cross is a necessity to abiding in Christ to the end and being fruitful to His eternal glory (John 15:1-16).
“But I KEEP under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway … Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” 1 Corinthians 9:27; 10:12
The LORD knows the wickedness of my heart and of your heart. If I choose not to be truly “crucified with Christ” (Galatians 2:20). and therefore dwell on wickedness of any kind, He sees all the thoughts that I allow to occupy my mind that are not holy, but sinful— “evil concupiscence” (Colossians 3:5). He sees where the enemy or my own un-mortified sinful nature feeds thoughts to my mind. I have at times, not guarded my heart by casting down wicked imaginations (2 Corinthians 10:5; Proverbs 4:23). Can you relate? Yet, this must not be (Romans 8:5-8; 12:1-2; Ephesians 4:22-24).
“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Matthew 5:6
YOU will not be “filled” if you are not hungering and thirsting after Jesus.
“He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.” Proverbs 28:26
Here’s where it all culminates, where it ends for the righteous. The LORD is going to gather into one place His saints for eternal bliss and blessing.
“That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: 11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: 12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:10-14
Now read the last two chapters in God’s Word for the details of eternal glory for the Father, Jesus, and all the saints of all ages (Revelation 21-22).
Prayer: Holy Father, in Jesus’ name, I trust You alone and not my own deceitful and wicked heart. Please anoint my life to be truly crucified with Christ. Please circumcise my heart dear LORD. Here and now I am dead and buried and my life is hid with You LORD Jesus and in God. Have all of me dear LORD Jesus. Here and now I let go and I let You God, crucify, bury, and raise up this life that is Yours and no longer mine. I am all Yours and I know You are all mine! I love You my LORD Jesus. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
The Cross Category on SafeGuardYourSoul.com
Camping on the cross.
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