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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Articles
Biblical Deliverance Prescription-Wholeness in Christ [podcast]
Dominating the Devil! (below)
The Heart of the Matter (below)
Biblical Deliverance and Wholeness Prescription:
PRAYER: Holy Father, please make me whole, make me holy, from the inside out, as only You can do! In Jesus’ Name. Amen!
Jesus specializes in healing broken hearts, broken lives, and making them WHOLE as He alone can do! THAT’S why He came! (Luke 4:18.)
Dear LORD Jesus, I love You. Please quicken my spirit in Your holy fear, make me alive in Thee afresh dear Savior. Please bless this life to be dead and buried that You might raise it up for Your eternal glory – both now and forever. In Jesus’ holy Name, amen.
Are you hearing the voice of God? If so, it will be proven in that your life following Jesus will of certainty include regular times of fasting and prayer. Jesus says “WHEN” and not “if” you fast (Matthew 6:16). A true oneness with Christ and the Father, absolute deliverance, broken yokes, refreshing, true rest, wholeness to the core, a poor in spirit heart, and the blessed place of brokenness and divine peace await you beloved of God (Isaiah 58).
Remember that whatever you FEED will FLOURISH and whatever you crucify will DIE, will DIMINISH. In Christ, there’s nothing in your life you can’t fast away – as you cry with John the Baptist, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). Read Isaiah 58 and do it God’s way. He promised to “break every yoke” (Isaiah 58:6). If you love Jesus supremely, you will obey Him and at any cost, get the sin out of your life (Mark 9:43-49). If you’re not willing to die, you will not enjoy the benefits that He desires to load you with (Psalms 68:19).
You are not serious about overcoming sin if you’re not yet setting apart regular times of fasting and prayer. | The Amazing Benefits of Fasting and Prayer
Fasting earns nothing from God. No, a time of fasting and prayer is the wise decision to declare “Jesus, I love You and I want You to consume my life!” … Saints, today is our day to drive our stake in the ground by scheduling a time of fasting and prayer (Matthew 6:16). Broken yokes, deliverance, wholeness, and fruitfulness for His glory await as Jesus manifests Himself in and raises up those that be bowed down (Psalms 145:14; Isaiah 58; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12; James 4:10).
The Untold, Untapped Blessings of Fasting and Prayer According to Holy Scripture
The only way sin will be forgiven and devils will leave a person is if they “submit” to God in true repentance (James 4:7).
ANYone who is willing to repent can be delivered! Do you know what James 4:7 says?
You will remain in bondage to sin, depressed, feeling lonely, defeated, miserable, unfulfilled, hurting, anxious, etc., until you truly submit your life to God. He’s going to allow all the evil to remain upon you and increase in your life – because He loves you and wants you to come home to Him which begins at repenting.
The only way to escape the evil one controlling your life is submission to God which begins with unreserved repentance which then results in abiding fellowship (James 4:7).
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
Overcoming the enemy requires submitting to God. There are no shortcuts. “The children of disobedience” are under the control of the enemy of all souls, the cruel taskmaster himself, Satan (Ephesians 2:1-3).
The LORD avenges us of our enemies only when we submit to Him (James 4:7).
As long as we are not truly submitted to the LORD, Satan is in control of our lives. Memorize James 4:7.
“Praise ye the LORD for the avenging of Israel, WHEN the people willingly offered themselves.” Judges 5:2
“WHEN” we “willingly” offer ourselves to the LORD, He will bring His deliverance and wholeness into and through our lives!
“Willingly” offering ourselves is spoken of in Romans 12:
“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. 2 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
Needing deliverance? “Praise ye the LORD for the avenging of Israel, WHEN the people willingly offered themselves” (Judges 5:2).
WHEN we willingly offer ourselves to the LORD, He brings deliverance to our lives by ridding our enemies which first must pertain to the conquering, the crucifixion of “the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts” and in putting on of “the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24; Colossians 3:9-10).
WHEN you make your move, abandoning the futile flesh, you can bet Satan is going to send you diversionary distractions! God is able as you continue to press into Christ, looking neither to the right hand nor to the left!
“Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.” Proverbs 4:27
DEMONSTRATE to God that you are authentic-by laying down your life so Christ can reign!
Forgiveness and Inheritance
“To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.” Acts 26:18
The LORD wants to grant each of His children not only deliverance but wholeness!!!!!
WHEN we are fractured in soul, not made whole by our LORD, it will destroy our relationships. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 is a divine prayer for wholeness!
“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
We just read that wholeness is our LORD’s will for us and He’s the only One who can make us whole – from the inside out! Oh, and the promise that He “will do it”!!!! What great confidence with which we can approach our Father!!!! in JESUS’ Name!
God is a good Father, perfect! He left nothing out of His Word that we need and TODAY is the day we apply His divine healing, wholeness balm/medicine in JESUS’ name! (See 2 Peter 1:3-4.) Wholeness is only, exclusively available to those who are truly in Christ!
Two Great Prayers for today:
“Father, in Jesus’ Name, please make me whole, from the inside out” (1 Thessalonians 5:23).
“Father, please make me whole, as You alone can do-spirit, soul, and body, in JESUS’ Name” (1 Thessalonians 5:23).
LITTLE BY LITTLE!!!! IF you are not completely delivered and made whole, join the club. Take encouragement in this truth: “By little and little I will drive them (your enemies!) out from before thee, until thou be increased, and inherit the land” (Exodus 23:30).
Beware of wasting time with the false movements, preachers, and local churches of this apostate day who only feed the flesh instead preaching the original Gospel where Jesus and His holy apostles commanded that we die to self, lay down our lives in the fleeting world or we will perish (Luke 9:23-24; 14:33; 17:33; John 12:23-25, etc.). The self-serving person will never be made whole. Jesus only makes whole those who take in and adhere to His whole counsel!
A time of fasting and prayer is the cross in action! What day do you fast weekly?
Fasting weakens the flesh and prayer strengthens the spirit! Bam! Death, burial and resurrection in action!
EVERYTHING you need and desire is in Christ! It’s time to indulge! To “Delight”! (Psalms 37:4.)
The only way to get Satan out of your life AND BE MADE WHOLE IN CHRIST, is to repent for real – to submit your life to God (James 4:7). When you do, the LORD will make you whole! (1 thessalonians 5:23.)
Charles Pray writes:
“Yes Lord, just as a piece of fruit that is rotten starting from the inside and works its way out to the surface, where when you finally see it it’s too late to save it. Father, in Jesus’ Name, let our fruit be seen from the inside out. Cut out the evil rebellion LORD, we pray! LORD, please purifies us to the depth of our hearts that You might be glorified to use us, in Jesus’ Name, amen!”
ARE YOU being made whole in Christ for that relationship you are praying for? Okay You are PRAYING, but are you PREPARING?
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
If you truly desire to be delivered from all oppression or possession of the enemy of all souls, you will read and heed this divine prescription – a guarantee for your liberty in Christ.
- Present your body a living sacrifice – lay down your life (John 12:23-25; Romans 12:1-2).
- Set yourself apart (Psalms 4:3).
- Seek the face of the LORD in a time of fasting and prayer (Isaiah 58; Matthew 17:21 KJV only – the new perversions have removed this verse).
- Repent of all known sin in order to shut out the enemy by cancelling his legal right to you (James 4:7).
- As we submit ourselves to the LORD, the enemy will be cast out and kept out in Jesus’ holy Name (Mark 16:17; Acts 16:18; James 4:7; Matthew 12:43-45).
- Ask God to baptize you with the Holy Ghost (Matthew 3:11; Luke 11:13; 24:49; Acts 1:4-8; 2:1-4, 38-39; 8:14-17; 10:44-48; 19:1-6, etc.).
- Memorize Hosea 10:12.
- Pour over James 4:4-10.
- Read and do Isaiah 58.
- Memorize Mark 10:27.
- Now, once delivered, you must keep your house – temple – clean and clear of all sin and this will keep Satan out (Matthew 12:43-45).
- This will keep him from having legal right to your life through sin (James 4:7).
- Know that God is able and willing and desires to make you completely whole, set apart to Him, and free (2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1).
- Liberty is in Christ and staying rooted in Him (2 Corinthians 3:17).
- Those who obey the LORD’s truth are made free (John 8:31-32, 36).
- God wants us to speak with Him. So, come before the LORD with “words” of repentance, denunciation of all idols, and placing all your trust – the whole weight of your existence – upon Him (Hosea 14:1-3).
Deliverance | Devils | Holy Ghost Baptism | Satan Crushed! | Off the Chain | Deeds and Doctrines of the Nicolaitans
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Abiding
Going Directly to the Source [podcast]
IF you desire to truly hear from GOD, read His own Word for yourself. King James Bible.
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
“Nourished Up” – like a wise virgin Heaven bound saint.
“If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.” 1 Timothy 4:6
On this biblical topic of fervency, of being “fervent in spirit”, one commentary offers the following:
“Nourished up in the words of faith” is a biblical phrase from 1 Timothy 4:6, meaning to be continually fed, strengthened, and built up by scripture, sound Christian teaching, and doctrine, much like food sustains the body, these spiritual words sustain and grow the soul, leading to spiritual maturity and a deeper walk with God. It signifies a deliberate, ongoing intake of God’s truth, which fosters growth, guards against false teachings, and fuels a believer’s life.” (Source?)
It’s one thing to have a mere human giving you encouragement and yet another thing to get your encouragement, your spiritual nourishment from God—directly. King James Bible.
Psalms 73
“Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.
2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.
3 For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4 For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm.
5 They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.
6 Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.
7 Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.
8 They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily.
9 They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.
10 Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.
11 And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?
12 Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.
13 Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.
14 For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.
15 If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children.
16 When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;
17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.
18 Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.
19 How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.
20 As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.
21 Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.
22 So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.
23 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.”
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Abiding
“Fervent in Spirit” [podcast]
“Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;” Romans 12:11
Concerning being “fervent in spirit,” one commentator notes that this means to:
“Maintain zeal to the boiling point.” Dake
“Fervent” – A primary verb; to be hot (boil, of liquids; or glow, of solids), that is, (figuratively) be fervid (earnest): – be fervent.
“Do nothing at any time but what is to the glory of God, and do every thing as unto him; and in every thing let your hearts be engaged.” Adam Clarke
“Never let your zeal flag (lag, drop, tank), maintain the spiritual glow, serve the Lord.” Here we are reminded of the words of Jeremiah 48:10: ‘Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully,'” Believer’s Bible Commentary
Apollos was “fervent in the spirit.”
“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.” Acts 18:25
In all things Christ’s saints are to be “fervent in spirit”:
“Not slothful in business; FERVENT in spirit; serving the Lord;” Romans 12:11
Disciples of Jesus are to have a “fervent mind” toward all saints and ministers of His blessed Gospel:
“And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your FERVENT mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.” 2 Corinthians 7:7
“Fervent prayer” is to be offered to God for other of His saints:
“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual FERVENT prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James_5:16
Jesus’ people are to have “fervent charity among” ourselves:
“And above all things have FERVENT charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8
“Fervent heat” will soon consume the wicked who refused the salvation that comes from Christ alone:
“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with FERVENT heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” 2 Peter 3:10
“Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with FERVENT heat.” 2 Peter 3:12
On this biblical topic of fervency, of being “fervent in spirit”, one commentary offers the following:
“2 Peter 3:
To be ‘fervent in spirit’ means to have intense, burning passion, zeal, and enthusiasm for spiritual matters, often linked to serving God, rather than being lukewarm or apathetic. It implies being ‘boiled’ with spiritual energy, actively engaged, and diligent in faith, as described in Romans 12:11, (‘not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord’). It’s a passionate, fiery commitment, distinct from fanaticism, involving earnest application and a deep love for God.
Key aspects:
- Intensity: A deep, glowing, or boiling heat of emotion and dedication.
- Diligence: Not being lazy or half-hearted, but actively applying oneself to spiritual duties.
- Spiritual Zeal: A strong desire and excitement for God’s will, the Gospel, and spiritual growth.
- Source: Often described as being moved by the Holy Spirit, a fire within.
- Biblical Example: Apollos was described as ‘fervent in the spirit’ as he taught diligently about the Lord (Acts 18:25).
- Passionate prayer
- Diligent study of God’s Word
- Active, loving service to others
- Bold witnessing for faith
- Being ‘on fire’ for God, not lukewarm”
Jesus says that those in His church who are “lukewarm” will be spued or rejected (Revelation 3:15-16). What’s the opposite of being “lukewarm”? – being “fervent in spirit.”
“Amen! Don’t let your fire die as the church in Laodicea did! They were neither cold nor hot. They were lukewarm. Comfortable! Indifferent! Their fire for the Lord had gone out. God’s not looking for people who play it safe but people who burn with fire for Him!!!” Karen Cochran
YOUR PRAYER: LORD, make me Yours. Please keep me close to You, NO MATTER what it takes. Break me dear LORD. Let the holy light of Your presence permeate and shine through my inner man. I am Your temple Jesus. Shine Your light on all darkness. I love You my LORD. In Jesus’ name.
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