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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Abiding
A Fresh Look at Jesus’ 7 Letters to the Churches [podcast]
Did Jesus tell even one of the seven churches He addressed that they are as sure for Heaven as if they were already there due to being initially saved by Him?
Did Jesus give conditions for being with Him in eternal glory?
Can someone please help me figure out where un-conditional eternal security/OSAS fits in with the 7 letters of Jesus to the churches of Asia? Is it anywhere mentioned? No.
Can anyone find OSAS/eternal security in Jesus’ 7 letters to CHURCHES in Revelation 2 and 3? No. No such thing. Instead He gives conditions to overcome, to endure to the end, to abide, remain, and continue in Christ, in faith and obedience.
No such thing as “eternal security” in Christ’s kingdom until AFTER you are in Heaven. Such heresy is the bait of Satan as it was in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:17 > 3:4). Only moral cowards who make excuse for sin instead of being crucified with Christ daily as Jesus commanded. Bite on this bait (Luke 9:23-25). Eternal hell awaits. Time to repent and get “honest” (Luke 8:15).
Satan’s First Doctrine is a Lie. Yet Many Claim it’s Part of the Gospel of Jesus. Beware of these Wolves.
No such thing as a born again AND presently abiding saint who is not fruitful, who is not bearing good fruit. Otherwise why did Jesus instruct His people to know themselves and others “by their fruit”? See Matthew 7:16, 19. Such a notion as is heretical. Anyone who Jesus saves and then they don’t endure to the end, they don’t continue abiding in Christ, is no longer the LORD’s and going to hell. Read John 15:1-6 and stop believing the Devil’s very first lie—OSAS (Genesis 2:17; 3:4).
“If a man abide (continue, remain) not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.” John 15:6
WHEN YOU ARE IN YOUR MIND beginning to make excuse for sin, you KNOW it’s your un-crucified flesh and Satan that are in control. You know then that repentance, re-turning to the LORD who is Holy, is necessary.
“Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” James 1:13-15
“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13
When you are tempted to believe in the satanic heresy of “eternal security,” otherwise known as “once saved always saved (OSAS),” you know SATAN is seeking to seduce you (Genesis 2:17; 3:14).
Concerning these 7 letters of Jesus to the churches, one source notes the following:
“Revelation chapters 2 and 3 contain seven individual messages from Jesus Christ to seven historical churches in Asia Minor. The letters share a common pattern: an address to the church’s angel, a description of Christ, an evaluation of the church’s spiritual state, a call to repentance or perseverance, and a promise to those who overcome.”
Overview of the Letters
- Ephesus, Pergamum, Sardis, and Laodicea receive direct rebukes for forsaking their first love, tolerating false teachings, dead orthodoxy, or lukewarmness, alongside urgent calls to repent.
- Smyrna and Philadelphia face intense tribulation or persecution yet receive no rebuke, and are encouraged to hold fast to their faith.
- Promises to Overcomers: Each letter concludes with eternal assurances for “him that overcometh” such as the tree of life (Revelation 2:7), the crown of life (Revelation 2:10), and exemption from the second death (Revelation 2:11).
The Notion of Eternal Security Expelled
Some interpret the repeated conditional commands to “overcome” and “hold fast” as evidence that eternal salvation requires ongoing faithfulness and endurance to the end, suggesting that warnings against unrepentance involve real spiritual risk rather than unconditional security.”
For Example, Jesus’ letter to the church at Sardis:
“And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” Revelation 3:1-6
Also:
“… confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” Acts 14:22
“And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved …. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” Matthew 10:22; 24:13
Concerning Jesus’ 7 Letters and OSAS, once commentator notes:
“The seven letters of Jesus in Revelation 2-3 challenge absolute eternal security (“once saved, always saved”) by repeatedly commanding repentance, warning believers that unfaithfulness carries severe consequences, and conditioning eternal promises on actual endurance.
Warnings and Conditions in the Letters
- Ephesus: Jesus warns that if the church does not repent for leaving its first love, He will “remove thy candlestick out of his place” (Revelation 2:5). [1]
- Smyrna & Philadelphia: The promise of the crown of life and inclusion is explicitly tied to being “faithful unto death” (Revelation 2:10) and holding fast what they have “that no man take thy crown” (Revelation 3:11).
- Thyatira: Jesus warns He will cast those committing adultery into great tribulation and will “kill her children with death” (Revelation 2:22-23).
- Sardis: Jesus tells those who do not watch that He will come upon them “as a thief” (Revelation 3:3).
- Laodicea: The lukewarm church is threatened with rejection: “I will spue thee out of my mouth” (Revelation 3:16).
The Promise to the Overcomer
- In every letter, rewards like eating from the tree of life or being clothed in white raiment are promised specifically “to him that overcometh” (Revelation 2:7, 3:5).
- Supporters of eternal security point to Christ’s assurance in Sardis—“I will not blot out his name out of the book of life” (Revelation 3:5)—as proof of permanent keeping, while critics argue the conditional phrasing implies names can be blotted out for failing to overcome.”
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Apostasy
“Warn them from Me”: The 3 Things Paul did to Protect God’s People [podcast]
The 3 Things Paul did to Protect God’s People [podcast]
Jesus and His holy apostles often rebuked and exposed false leaders and false doctrine (Matthew 23; Acts 13:10; 20:29-31; Galatians 5:11-12; 2 Timothy 4:2-4; 2 Peter 2; 2 John 7-11; Revelation 2:6, 15, etc.). Therefore we know that part of following Jesus includes doing the same. In fact, the body of Christ is mandated to do just that (Romans 16:17-18; Philippians 1:17; Jude 3-4).
PWT = Preach, WARN, Teach
“Whom we PREACH, WARNING every man, and TEACHING every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:” Colossians 1:28
Did you catch what the apostle Paul did to prepare the church to meet Christ?
- Preach
- WARN
- Teach
Any man not guarding, not protecting Christ’s flock, by warning of false teachers and false doctrine, is himself a wolf!
Simply put, it doesn’t matter what you think: The LORD has commanded that Satan’s ministers, his human emissaries, be exposed. Time to shut up and obey! (2 Corinthians 11:12-15)
Lest someone think that warning is a cover for slander, let’s address that.
There is a difference between warning and slander. Warning is to be distinguished from slander. William Penn said it correctly when he recorded these words of wisdom:
“Believe nothing against another but on good authority; and never report what may hurt another, unless it be a greater hurt to some other to conceal it.” ~William Penn
The love of God in us will compel us to warn. Firstly this is done in obedience to the LORD and for the protection and care of those being warned. Warning is divinely mandated in order to protect His beloved sheep.
2 Corinthians 5:9-11, 14-21
“Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. … 14 For the love of Christ constraineth (compels) us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. 16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. 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.”
“The Apostle had arrived at the deliberate conclusion and judgment that the ‘all’ who realized what Christ had done for them (and he among them) must live with as much devotion toward Him as others toward themselves. A new world had been opened by Christ’s resurrection. All things had become new. Let us live in daily touch with that world of faith and glory, refusing to be judged by the old standards. It is clear that the reconciliation of the world is as complete as God can make it, but it is for us to urge men to fall in with and accept God’s proposals.” FB Meyer
“Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we the more earnestly persuade men to seek his favour; and as God knoweth this, so, I trust, ye know it in your own consciences.” John Wesley
It’s a blessing to be humbled, to be brought low. Sometimes we need to be embarrassed (Proverbs 6:23). There’s a place for it. Paul openly rebuked Peter publicly (Galatians 2). That wound worked to the glory of God and the eternal good of Peter.
“For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:” Romans 6:23
Keep in mind that each one of us are at times in need of being admonished, corrected, or even rebuked…. it’s “the way of life” as long as we are in this world and it’s out of the love of our God and for our own eternal good.
“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” Revelation 3:19
Did God command us to warn the wicked?
Ezekiel 3:7 “Warn them from me.”
“So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and WARN THEM FROM ME.” Ezekiel 33:7
What would you think of the father who lived on a busy street and refused to warn his children to stay away from that street?
“Whom we PREACH, WARNing every man, and TEACHing every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:” Colossians 1:28
Were Jesus, His prophets, and apostles trying to harm the body of Christ when they often warned of and exposed wolves and their false teachings by name? No, he sought to get the cancer out of the body of Christ so it couldn’t spread (Romans 16:17-18, etc.). Beware of the wolf defenders who refuse to believe the wolves they follow are antichrist enemies of the LORD (2 John 10-11).
“Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.” Isaiah 58:1
Most warnings in God’s Word are to the backslidden – those who after being Christ’s, have departed from the faith – and also the counterfeits who have a mere form of godliness.
Jesus says, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).
Isaiah 59
“Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: 2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. 3 For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness. 4 None calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity.”
“Thy prophets (leaders) have seen vain and foolish things for thee: and they have not discovered (uncovered) thine iniquity, to turn away thy captivity (bondage); but have seen for thee false burdens and causes of banishment.” Lamentation 2:14
God instructed us to “mark” false leaders. Jesus is the Great Shepherd of the sheep and intends for them to be protected from being lured away (Hebrews 13:20; Romans 16:17-18).
“Christians do not judge the world. Christians must judge those who SAY they live for Christ. Wolves will not spare the flock where pretenders go unchallenged/unjudged.” Robert Lorne
Paul had the heart of the Savior as we should. He cried “with tears” for three years day and night over the protection of Jesus’ sheep and said He gave them all the counsel of God, not just some of it, to protect them (Acts 20:20-32).
Ignoring and deciding we are going to selectively pick out what we want to preach and reject the rest that WE don’t like is anything but the cross. This reveals the heart of a self-serving tare. A person truly in the cross says LORD, “NOT my will but thine be done,” and not “I’ll decide for myself what I’m going to preach” (Luke 22:42).
“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove (expose) them.” Ephesians 5:11
After promising that we are His and we shall be persecuted as He was, then our LORD informs us that He is going to expose darkness and that we are to be a part of this process as we stand and speak His His light of truth into the darkness of our day. And to fear not anyone except Him (v 26-28).
“Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. 27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. 28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:26-28
Jesus instructed us to know that He will bring all darkness, every dark deed and evil doer into the light (v26), and told us to shout it, to expose it to all from the housetops (v27), and to do so fearlessly as concerns mere sinful men – the guilty ones who will persecute you for exposing them (v28).
How are we to warn them? what is to be our disposition in warning others as the LORD commanded? One thing we should keep in mind is that God wants us dealing biblically – with the desire to restore – and without personal wrath (Galatians 6:1-2).
“For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” James 1:20
It’s a scary thing to NOT warn the wicked….
“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.” Ezekiel 3:18
“And of some have compassion, making a difference: 23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.” Jude 22-23
Read these 2 verses closely. Notice how if you die in sin – no matter what your past relationship with God was – you are going to hell irrevocably. Enduring to the end of your life on earth with Christ, in an abiding relationship, is essential to eternal glory. Summation: The LORD judges people on their spiritual state at the moment of death. Share. Repent now heretic.
Articles
Mission Mexico Part 45
BELOVED JUAN, upon being handed a Jesus tract and having God’s Word spoken to him … was startled and asked “Why did you give me this and not the man who was walking right in front of me?” I said it was “God. He loves you.” Juan knew this before I shared this with Him. He is very aware that God is calling him.
Our LORD interrupted Juan’s day – because He desires to bless his life.
Juan is searching and he knows he must repent. Very sincere man who is struggling and needs our prayers. He knows he needs to be saved and just isn’t quite ready. Yet we know our LORD has that moment for him.
Juan and I had a rather lengthy man to man talk. He was very open and fully bilingual. Juan was given Scripture and encouraged to know that God is going to change his heart and desires when he repents and puts his faith in Christ. Matthew 6:33 was given to him, spoken verbatim, etc.
Juan has a Christian friend he said he’s been knowing he needs to go meet with. Juan was encouraged to tell his Christian friend “I am ready to surrender my life to Jesus.” He was also added to the Spanish Christian WA Whatsapp group in order for him to be introduced to and be able to connect with Christ’s saints here in Mexico. Several of the Mexican Christians are interacting with Juan already!
He is already surrounded by God’s love via God’s people.
Juan is on the edge of surrendering/repenting beloved saints. You know where he is because we were all there before Jesus orchestrated our salvation, before He found, saved us, right. Juan was asked if he’d like you to be lifting him in prayer and he readily accepted that offer.
Salvation is the miracle that our LORD Jesus alone can do (Matthew 9:6; Luke 19:10; 1 Timothy 1:15).
“And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” Mark 10:27
Thanks for lifting Juan in prayer.
Mission Mexico – needs your prayers and support.
“Praise be to God in Christ Jesus! Not sure how I missed this email until now, but am thanking God in the Spirit for such wonderful news! May the LORD keep you and watch over you as you fulfill the great commission 🙏 Matt. 28:18-20” Jon Crane | Mission Mexico
“Thankful for your ministry who feed the remnant of Christ! Jer 3:15. These pastors in these apostate churches starve people! Because they cater to their flesh! The remnant believers want to the whole counsel of God’s word (Jude 3). Appreciate all you do to bring us the pure words of the Lord! It saddens me that more do not support.” Karen Cochran
This week I found out by asking Clara that she cooks her food for her children and herself using firewood. Primitive for sure. Never a slight complaint. She does have electricity in her home and when asked she told me her refrigerator just died. Here’s what I am trying to do to help her. Get her an electric double burner, a crock pot, and a refrigerator. Please pray saints. Haven’t priced things yet but was thinking about $500 will do it. | Clara’s Cry
Most importantly, Clara and her 3 young boys each now have a Spanish Bible. You are welcome to help. See SUPPORT/DONATE page.
Brother Antonio is a blessing. After we had some fellowship he gladly took some of the JESUS tracts to distribute. I will be dropping by to see him more soon, LORD willing. Would you like to lift our brother in prayer according to Colossians 4:12?
THIS WEEK picked up fresh supply of 20,000 Jesus tracts.
WE BROUGHT SISTER MARIA A FRESH SUPPLY. SHE HAD RUN OUT OF JESUS TRACTS ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO!!!
When we arrived to minister to her, to refresh and fellowship with her and re-supply her tracts supply…. she looked exhausted.
She was revived, her smile and joy returned as we fellowshipped with her and read Scripture with her, etc.
Jesus is coming.
Support Mission Mexico here – takes seconds. 1-time or sustaining support.
FROM KAREN COCHRAN:
“And they (the Mexican people) are so open to the gospel. When I worked with Children I shared the gospel with them and their hearts were completely open and teachable. And Jesus says our entrance into heaven requires us to be childlike! A childlike faith! Humble, dependent and teachable. Mat 18:1-4.” Karen
REPLY:
Amazing reception of children to the Gospel wow yes
Love it
Perfect illustration of the Mexican people.
The “SHEAVES” await the harvesters in Mexico (Psalms 126:5-6).
To say it’s a field day is a gross understatement.
THANK YOU FOR SAYING WITH YOUR PRAYERS AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT THAT THESE PRECIOUS PEOPLE MATTER. KNOW THIS: THERE MAY VERY WELL BE NO PEOPLE MORE MEEK AND RECEPTIVE OF OUR LORD’S GOSPEL ON HIS PLANET, EARTH.
MESSAGE FROM SISTER KAREN COCHRAN:
“As I was writing this, I was thinking isn’t this exactly how the Mexican people are? Childlike!
When you were following God’s calling on your life, to go to Mexico, did you ever imagine the huge gospel explosion that would ensue? Thousands upon thousands of gospel tracks going out. And as you said, zero refusal. But nearly 100 percent reception. Acts 19:20 “So mightly grew the word of God and prevailed.” Acts 13:49 “And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.” And now you are ready to pick up 20,000 more Jesus Tracts! Gospel explosion! Alleluia! All Praise to our King Jesus who is growing the seeds you guys are planting!”
REPLY:
As we are faithful with the little He gave, gives us, He expands that, multiplies responsibilities right Matthew 25
Year 1: 10k Jesus tracts distributed
Year 2: 11k tracts distributed
2 months into Year 3 with 41k Jesus tracts in print to date with hundreds going out daily.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please bless my life to be fruitful for Your eternal glory this day, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
MESSAGE RECEIVED:
“Cops in the USA earn about $200k a year just to drive around and hassle law abiding citizens.”
REPLY:
This is 100% accurate concerning the Mexican police. They are there to protect the people, not extort them. In the USA the police prey upon the people – to further stalk and rob them of more money.
I am so glad to be now in beautiful Mexico. NONE of this. The cops here are not overpaid and simply exist to protect, not rob the people.
Here’s one of the many precious eternal souls brother Juan ministered to this week: “Beloved brothers and sisters, please pray for Sister Catalina and her sister….” Juan
“Greetings, brother, blessings. The blessed word says that whatever you ask for in prayer, believe it and you will receive it. So I believe in God’s promises, which are greater than our problems, and true freedom, brother, is being in God’s presence, and only Christ Jesus can give it to you. A big hug.” Juan
More of brother Juan’s Gospel work in action. Here’s yet another precious soul our brother Juan is ministering Christ’s Gospel to!!! And your prayers and support make this possible saints. We are supporting the Gospel labourers Jesus instructed us to pray for and whom He has sent forth into the great harvest (Matthew 9:35-38).
“WE are labourers TOGETHER with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9
FROM BROTHER JON CRANE:
“Thank you, brother I lift you and others as well. Definitely see prophecy being fulfilled before our eyes.”
REPLY:
Yes Matt 24:14 most excitedly right…. Mark and I were blessed to evangelized about 80-100 bless-ed souls last evening with 99% receptivity. Amazing. God is good and He is hearing your petitions brother in Jesus’ name.
More Mexico Mission Action here.
“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10
Mission Mexico – See more here. | Give support here. Many options
Download. Read. Print out your supply of the JESUS tract – English and Spanish.
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