Oneness Refuted
We who are mere men, finite, cannot possibly understand the magnitude of the infinite God who made us and all things (Deuteronomy 29:29). Yet we must believe what He did tell us about Himself. In fact, some may be surprised to know that the LORD requires that we do such, the we believe what He said about Himself.
“Godhead” appears 3 times in God’s Word.
“Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device.” Acts 17:29
“For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:” Romans 1:20
“For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” Colossians 2:9
“The Father and the Son”
“Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father ANDDDDD the Son. 23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.” 1 John 2:22-23
Message Received:
“The word ‘trinity’ or ‘triune’ is never found in the Bible.”
Reply:
The term/word “oneness” appears no where in Scripture. Did the wolves in your oneness cult whose message you are regurgitating forget to notice that? The concept of the Triune nature of the “Godhead” is found throughout Scripture.
We are indwelled and led by the Holy Spirit and approach the Father through the name/authority of Jesus Christ (John 14:13; 16:23-24; 1 Corinthians 3:6; 1 John 3:24, etc.).
“For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” 1 John 5:7 (KJB)
Some will list, will cite 3 names here and yet say they’re all one name. One man said to me: “the name of Jesus Christ is the name of the Father AND OF THE Son AND of the Holy Ghost.” Yet in the Bible verse above John says there are three, not one, who bear record in Heaven and lists Father, Son, and Holy Ghost (1 John 5:7).
Jesus said “I and my Father are one.” Note that Christ identifies two divine Members of the one “Godhead” – “I and my Father are one.” (John 10:30)
When we collate all that Christ says of Himself and His Father in relationship to one another, over and over we see Him identify Himself and His Father as two distinct divine Persons.
Here’s an example:
“my Father hath taught me” John 8:28
Why would one Person speak of teaching Himself while identifying TWO Persons?
Why would there be, why would there exist the name of the Father, the Word/Son, and the Holy Ghost throughout Holy Writ if they were all one Person? The fact that the Bible uses the word “Godhead” speaks of plurality.
How many divine Members of the Godhead are named here? – “For there are THREE that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one (in unison).” 1 John 5:7 (KJB)
Message Received:
“There is One Lord, One Faith, and One Baptism. The Name of The Lord is Jesus. The Faith once delivered to the original Church brought forth submission to God and caused people to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus. They were filled with the Holy Ghost speaking in other tongues as the Spirit of God gave the utterance. There was no teaching during those days of a trinity of god in three persons. Nobody had ever heard of such a thing. All the people in the original Church were Jesus Name One God Non Trinity Apostolic believers filled with the Holy Ghost. The Church is still the same today. We serve the same God, and all the truth of the original Church is in your Bible. There is no excuse for anybody to teach or believe in a three person god. To believe in a god consisting of three persons is to forsake the truth and worship a false idea. There has never been a trinity of gods in three persons co-equal, or co-anything. Trinity is a lie. God is a Spirit. The Spirit of God is in Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ is in the Spirit. The invisible things of God can be clearly seen including his power and godhead as we experience the power and majesty of the mighty God in the presence of Jesus. Jesus is the everlasting Father and the prince of peace. There is no way that God would ever approve of the teaching of a three person god. Get out of that mess and be converted to the only truth that can set people free. Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus, deny the trinity, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Stick with this truth until you die, and then you will truly be able to say that you have been saved by the blood of the lamb.”
Reply:
We are indwelt and led by the Holy Spirit and approach the Father through the name/authority of Jesus Christ (John 14:13; 16:23-24; 1 Corinthians 3:6; 1 John 3:24, etc.).
“For there are THREE that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” 1 John 5:7
Why would God here identify “THREE” if there were only one? The “THREE are one” not the three equals one. That would be bad math.
Jesus said “I and my Father are one.” Note that Christ identifies two divine Persons – “I and my Father are one.” John 10:30
When we collate all that Christ says of Himself and His Father in relationship to one another, over and over we see Him identify Himself and His Father as two distinct divine Persons.
Here’s an example:
“my Father hath taught me.” John 8:28
Why would one Member of the Godhead speak of teaching Himself while identifying TWO Persons?
Let’s look to Luke 3:21-22 and Genesis 1:26.
“Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that JESUS also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, 22 And the HOLY GHOST descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven (the Father), which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.” Luke 3:21-22
So Jesus is being water baptized on earth and the Holy Ghost is descending upon Him while the Father speaks from Heaven. Just like we read in 1 John 5:7 – “the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost.”
“And God said, Let US make man in OUR image, after OUR likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.” Genesis 1:26
An egg – 1 egg yet 3 parts to that egg as there are 3 divine Persons that make up the “Godhead.”
Christ stated: “And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me (Jesus).” John 8:16
More death nails to the oneness falsehood …
“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name (Jesus), he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I (Jesus) have said unto you.” John 14:26
“How God (the Father) anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.” Acts 10:38
John 17 is the written record of Jesus praying to the Father for His people:
“That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me (Christ), and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” John 17:21
Note here that Jesus is praying to the Father for all of His people to be “one.” Could Jesus be trying to make you and I and the millions of Christians who dwell on the earth today and in centuries past “one” person? OR, what Jesus speaking of being one in unity? Obviously Jesus isn’t trying to make us into one person. Read these words of Christ again. Why then do we seek to limit and make the Godhead to be one Person/Member? 1 John 5:7 says “these THREE are one” cannot mean one person but rather must mean one in nature and unison. When speaking of marriage/holy matrimony, Jesus says:
“And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, 5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain (TWO) shall be one flesh? 6 Wherefore they are no more twain (TWO), but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” Matthew 19:4-6
Jesus here says that when “a man” and “his wife” (two separate individuals) are “joined together” they are “one.” So, they are not just one person but rather two people joined together as/into one family unit – “man” and “wife.”
Also, ask this: How could they be put asunder (divided) if they were only one numerically/one person?
“Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” Genesis 2:24
Now, are a man and a woman who are married one person or are they “one flesh”? They are two people but one in unity as a family.
The oneness of God is clearly not that there is only one Member of the “Godhead.” Otherwise why would the Bible even use the term “Godhead”? (Acts 17:29; Romans 1:20; Colossians 2:9)
Look up the word “Godhead” in the KJB.
The Holy Spirit and the Word are the teachers (John 14:26; 16:13; 1 Cor. 2:13). – Simply go by what God’s Word tells us and “Lean not to thine own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Pray for understanding.
Whenever someone asks me about the Triune nature of God, I quote 1 John 5:7. Who can explain who HE is better than the very One we are seeking to understand? Also, trying to explain some things that are far too high for finite humans to understand is a futile endeavor.
Colossians 2 speaks of those who are “intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind.” (Col. 2:18)
We should never go beyond what the LORD said of Himself in His Word or attempt to deny such. If people demand an answer beyond that, invite them to delve into God’s Word for themselves (which is what we are to do anyway).
“The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.” Deuteronomy 29:29
Only God Himself can reveal Himself in an individual’s heart and He only does that when an individual bows down in humility, repentance, and faith, falling upon the mercy of God through Jesus Christ. Some are being led astray by oneness cult leaders due to their own refusal to get honest with God and His Holy Word (Luke 8:15; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16). Beware of the perversions of oneness cults and their Scripture-twisting tactics.
God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself (2 Cor. 5:19). Jesus was also full of the Holy Ghost (Lk. 3:21-22; Jn. 3:34; Acts 10:38). This speaks for itself. In Jesus dwelt the fullness of the Godhead bodily (Col. 2).
As you read the Gospels you begin to see how that the text constantly refers to the Father, the Word/Son, and the Holy Ghost. That is, unless you are allowing your mind to be conditioned to deny all “THREE” members of the Godhead (1 John 5:7).
According to Holy Writ, we are indwelt and led by the Holy Spirit and approach the Father through the name/authority of Jesus Christ (John 14:13; 16:23-24; 1 Corinthians 3:6; 1 John 3:24, etc.).
“For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these THREE are one.” 1 John 5:7 (KJB)
“These THREE are ONE” could not possibly mean that there is only one member of the Godhead. No, instead is simply tells us that there are “THREE” members and they are one in substance and unity, etc. How can “THREE” be one numerically?
Why would God here identify “THREE” if there were only one? The “THREE are one” not the three equals one. That would be bad math. Jesus said “I and my Father are one.” Note that Christ identifies two divine Persons – “I and my Father are one.” (John 10:30) When we collate all that Christ says of Himself and His Father in relationship to one another, over and over we see Him identify Himself and His Father as two distinct divine Persons. Here’s an example: “my Father hath taught me.“ (John 8:28) Why would one Person speak of teaching Himself while identifying TWO Persons?
As you read the Gospels you begin to see how that the text constantly refers to the Father, the Word/Son, and the Holy Ghost. That is, unless your mind is being conditioned to deny all “THREE” members of the Godhead (1 John 5:7).
It should be more than obvious that the new versions of the Bible are corrupted. They are clearly the work of the arch enemy of God and mankind. Satan is behind them and he is the one who wanted the clearest verse in the Bible conveying the triune nature of God to be completely neutered. In fact, it might as well be removed. This is clearly an attack on the divine nature of the Almighty, the triune Godhead. This is more proof that Satan is behind the oneness doctrine.
1 John 5:7 Comparison
KJB (King James Bible):
“For there are THREE that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” 1 John 5:7
NIV (New International Version):
“For there are three that testify:” 1 John 5:7
NASB (New American Standard Bible):
“For there are three that testify:” 1 John 5:7
More on Bible Versions here.
Feedback / Dialogue:
Jason Frost writes:
“Hebrews 13:8 says Jesus doesn’t change and yet modalism says He does. That Jesus is a shapeshifter speaking in the 3rd person which is not only unbiblical but illogical. Take time to consider these questions and scripture please. I’m not here to attack but in love and concern. Proverbs 27:5-6.
- Hebrews 1:5 tells us that Jesus was begotten by His Father. Did He beget Himself?
- In Matthew 22:44, the Father said Jesus would sit at His right hand until His enemies were made His footstool. Was Jesus to sit at His own right hand?
- In Matthew 24:36, when Jesus told His disciples that no one knows the day or hour of His return but the Father only, did He really know but made up an excuse to not tell them?
- In John 14:28, Jesus said His Father was greater than He was. Does this mean He was greater than Himself?
- In John 17:1, Jesus prayed to His Father. Was He praying to Himself?
- In Matthew 27:46, Jesus cried out, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me?” Had He forsaken Himself?
- In John 20:17, Jesus said He would ascend to the Father after His resurrection. Did He ascend to Himself?
These and many other biblical passages demonstrate to a rational Bible reader that the modalism teaching is not only unbiblical, but also utterly illogical! Dangerous doctrine of modalism.
Phil Snow notes:
“So then, If we are Created in God’s Image, which we are. And ‘We’ are Three in One, we being spirits, who have a Soul i.e. mind, emotions etc. and we live in a Body.
Then why is it so hard to see that God, who’s image we are created In, is Three in one????The Three Unique and Distinct persons the Father, The Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit Are the One True God. They work in unity and purpose just like our body does when we are in perfect health and physical, mental and spiritual condition. The teaching of the Three in one God is everywhere in the Bible, from Genesis “Let US create man in OUR image.” Why is this so hard to see????
Use the testimony of All of Scripture, like the verses in the article above, just take time to think about it, and ask the Holy Spirit, who is our Teacher, if there is something else to it or anything you just might have missed.”
Message Received:
The early church new nothing of the triune nature of God.
Reply:
Really? Jesus’ apostle John obviously understood “the FATHER, the WORD, and the HOLY GHOST” and that “these THREE are one.” 1 John 5:7 Are the Scriptures not the final authority of God? Are the Holy Scriptures, the record of Christ and His holy apostles not the early church?
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Articles
Mexico Mission Update Part 28
SATURDAY
ONLY GOD can do stuff like this!
SMH for His goodness.
After asking Luis (pictured below) where a certain food item was, he showed me and a lengthy conversation ensued. Luis was asking me questions about the USA after he found out that is where I originally from. At some point in the conversation, Luis said “make another statement in Spanish.” I guess he was seeking to measure how much Spanish I had learned. This caught me off guard yet I said “Jesus Christ reigns” in Spanish. AS SOON as I began saying those words, a dear man and his wife (Manuel) were turning the corner into that isle and so as I spoke those words I looked Manuel (whom I’d never before laid eyes on) straight into his face in order not to waste or limit who God’s Word was being spoken to. Manuel immediately lit up and rejoiced to hear God’s Word because he and his lovely wife are on-fire disciples of Jesus! Manuel then began ministering to beloved Luis who is not yet saved. The timing and arrangement of this event was nothing less than a divine miracle. We were all quite stunned at how this unfolded. Everyone exchanged contact info and Luis is going to continue to minister to and lead Luis to Jesus.
JESUS CHRIST IS MINISTERING TO AND SAVING SOULS!!!!
RECENTLY: Another 1,500 more JESUS tracts in Spanish picked up from the printer.
LAST NIGHT: Just got back in. Was able to pass out dozens upon dozens of JESUS tracts and speak God’s Word to each person…. ran out of tracts and loving it. Home restocking the pouch now.
The amazing people of Mexico are receiving the Gospel of Christ (Romans 1:16). Your prayers coveted.
The only spirit I have ever been in with ministering to Mexican people is “compassion.” Jude 22-23
They give no resistance, only acceptance to Jesus, the message of His Gospel.
I am praying for you all….. part of me wants to encourage more people to pray about leaving…. for their own safety and fruitfulness in Christ. Just a thought.
The amazing people of Mexico are receiving the Gospel of Christ (Romans 1:16). Your prayers coveted.
LAST NIGHT: AFTER sending out the weekly Bible teaching tonight, a young man named Julio here in Mexico replied with this:
“I want to learn the word of God, thank you for sharing the word of God with me.” Julio
He’s not yet saved (that I know of) and he’s reading the Word he’s being sent and now has the 4 ministry books in Spanish, including the Born Again book and the JESUS tract, etc.
Thank you for praying for our brother in Christ, Justin.
“About two weeks ago I would wake up spontaneously praising and thanking God. Normally, I am too groggy. But it just happened so naturally. It blesses my day and I give thanks for the challenges. Love you too bother.” Justin
When Alfredo (above) was given a JESUS tract and had God’s Word spoken to him, he was on the phone. He hung up and came and grabbed me as I was walking away. We spent ample time together and he was excited that you would be lifting him in prayer. He was very open and honest and asked me how he would be able to stop drinking many beers daily. In return I preached Jesus to him and that when he repents and receives Jesus, he is going to be forgiven of his sins and born again, a new creature in Christ and that all old things will pass away. He was instructed to repent and receive Jesus as I pointed to the prayer on the back of the JESUS tract (oracion). He was also shown the Reina Valera Bible 1960 to download onto his phone. He has my number and as soon as he texts me back he will be sent the Born Again book in Spanish and receive biblical ministry. Thank you for lifting this dear man in prayer. The honesty of the people of Mexico is so very refreshing!
God loves the Mexican people. Jesus died for them.
Thank you for pausing to pray for the people of Mexico.
Here’s beloved Martha who recently received ministry – as a direct result of your prayer and support.
Spanish
Is your life fruitful for Christ?
Or is it being wasted? John 15
Bibles and ministry books going out weekly across the nation. Lives being changed. Prayers coveted.
Now supporting a missionary in the Philippines….. Jesus tract in Tagolog etc.
You’re working to pay bills but are you fruitful for Jesus? John 15
Below are message from 2 men here in Mexico who have been ministered to and are continuing to receive God’s Word weekly:
“I am interested in knowing God and reading the Bible.” Julio
“Hi Todd. Greetings. Thanks for the Bible messages.” Carlos
IF you want to have a ‘field day’ adventure of evangelising lost souls, 90% of which are just waiting to be told about Jesus….. perhaps you may wish to pray and ask God if He’d have you move south to Mexico. A blessing. Psalms 37:23, right?
God be praised for your prayers and support. HE is doing a work in the hearts of the people of Mexico.
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Articles
The Purpose of Elders in Christ’s Body [podcast]
There is no more important work transpiring in the earth today than the work of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Matthew 9:35-38; 28:18-20; Ephesians 4:11-15; 1 Peter 5:1-6, etc.).
“Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21
In short, the authentic under-shepherd ordained of Jesus Himself (John 15:16), will give up his life in this fleeting world for the sheep of Christ – just as the Great Shepherd of the sheep did on the cross. Such a divinely called-out man, will teach only God’s pure Word and watch for the souls of the LORD’s people (Hebrews 13:7, 17). He will take up the cross – live the crucified life – and therefore ministry will not be about them but rather about Jesus and His beloved sheep for whom He shed His blood and is soon returning (Philippians 3:17-21).
Also in Hebrews 13 …. The true elder of Christ will, according to Hebrews 13, do two things:
- Speak the pure Word of God to you and get you into it:
“Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation (their way of life).” Hebrews 13:7
2. Will in the fear of God pray for and “watch for your soul.”
“Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” Hebrews 13:17
In review, just WHAT are the earmark fruits of true under-shepherds as opposed to the many wolves among us?
- True under shepherds relentlessly teach God’s Word – “who have spoken unto you the word of God.” (Hebrews 13:7)
- They are there for you! – “they watch for your souls.” (Hebrews 13:7)
IF they aren’t preaching God’s pure Word to you, fearing God, not you…. and watching for your eternal soul, they are wolves in sheep’s clothing. Repent and run to Jesus beloved.
Let me add that if they are using a fake “bible” instead of the King James Bible, that should be a clue to the darkness they walk in (Matthew 7:16, 20).
Elders are ordained of God and yet never to take His place nor to negate our own personal responsibility to seek God daily for ourselves. Yet, we do not need a preacher. Why? – because we each have a Bible. Read it. We don’t need a preacher to tell us what the Bible says! Read it for yourself, learning of the LORD yourself. Today is your day to take personal responsibility to seek God for yourself! Stop depending on a preacher or preachers. Devour God’s Word daily. Jesus taught personal responsibility and the essential nature of it when He said “Take heed to yourselves” (Luke 21:34-36) …… Paul instructed Timothy to “Study” the Word (2 Timothy 2:15).
Today we have all around us church-goers who are not possessed with a heart after God, do not diligently study and read and live out Christ’s Word. This lukewarm, world-loving fruit clearly reveals the prophesied priesthood of wolves (1 Chronicles 16:11; Psalms 27:4, 8; Matthew 24:11; Acts 13:22; 2 Timothy 3:13; 1 John 4:1, etc.). Until a pastor has provoke you to get into God’s Word for yourself, to seeking His holy face daily in prayer, he has failed. If has has diligently, biblically sought to do these essentials, and people have refused God’s Word, refused to seek His holy face continually, the blood is off of his hands (Ezekiel 3:18-20).
“When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. 19 Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. 20 Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand.” Ezekiel 3:18-20
When you check the fruit of a fellowship, check, discern if the individual saints are vibrant in Christ, diligently seeking His holy face, in His Word, living a life of prayer, denying self, taking up the cross daily, and following Jesus. This sounds like what we see of the earliest saints in the book of Acts, right? Boom. Remember how Peter preached and 8,000 were saved and how the Berean believers put Paul’s teaching to the Scriptural test? (Acts 2-4; 17:10-11, etc.).
Sadly, usually you see a bunch of people who are proud to be a member of a church with none of the biblical fruit list above.
The apostle Paul kept a close watch on those he oversaw.
“For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.” 1 Thessalonians 3:5
Having a physical “church” building makes no mere man, no supposed elder, an official representative of Heaven. Feeding the sheep of Christ with His pure Word and equipping them “for the work of the ministry” is the mark of a true under-shepherd of Christ (John 21:15-17; Ephesians 4:11-12, etc.). Discern. Beware. Inspect the fruit. Jesus nor any of His holy apostles collected a penny to build a building called “church.” No, they went to the people – to serve them instead of having the people come to them.
Let’s test that…. How many people do you personally know who are good church members, Sunday morning church attenders, and ALSO true, daily disciples whom God is using everywhere they go? Think about that…. How many true disciples of Jesus do you know who are involved in a Sunday morning church program? If you personally know even one true disciple, that’s a miracle and in spite of his attendance at the Sunday morning circus called “church.”
Unlike Christ’s apostle Paul, most in leadership today foster in their prey a dependence on THEM and their church business instead of prayerfully, biblically exhorting people to depend on Jesus (1 Corinthians 1:29-2:5).
Like Christ’s apostle Paul, the true elder labors relentlessly to see you grounded in Christ – not in him or his ministry or church, but in CHRIST! Listen closely:
“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.” Colossians 2:6-7
It simply doesn’t matter what else he’s doing, if any minister is not prayerfully, biblically, perpetually rooting and grounding you in Christ, he’s a fraud. Run.
Like Jesus and His holy apostle Paul, part of grounding you ever more deeper in Christ, is warning you to “beware” of the “many false prophets.” (Matthew 24:11)
“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:” Colossians 2:8-10
SO, he’s not exhorting and admonishing you to seek and know the LORD in an ever deepening fashion? He’s not equipping, maturing you “for the work of the ministry” and yet you still consider him one of the LORD’s under-shepherds? He’s not getting YOU into the Word (2 Timothy 2:15) for yourself? That’s a false leader who is entertaining the goats instead of feeding and equipping the saints! Run! (See Ephesians 4:11-15; 1 Peter 5:1-6, etc.)
False leaders divert the attention, the heart affections, the resources, and the energy of God’s people away from Christ and simple obedience to His Great Commission mandate. YOU are personally responsible! Waste is rampant! If you support, “bid God speed” (2 John 7-11) to a false leader, false ministry, then you will perish with them!
The divine purpose for elders is not to dominate nor entertain the LORD’s sheep but rather to help their joy in Christ! Get to know this verse saints:
“Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.” 2 Corinthians 1:24
There is the citing of elders in the Word and their divine purpose – to humbly serve God by helping His sheep grow in the knowledge and grace of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-15; 1 Peter 5:1-6).
Christ’s apostle Paul desired the “perfection” (maturity in Christ) of the people of God (Ephesians 4:11-15).
“For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.” 2 Corinthians 13:9
Like Apollos, Elders among God’s people must remain teachable to God’s Word and simply and only teach and preach his word (Proverbs 9:9; Acts 18:26). Elders true to the LORD act on his behalf and never out of a personal agenda for self gain (2 Corinthians 3:5; 4:5, etc.). They live the crucified life (Galatians 2:20).
We are to humble ourselves like Apollos did and learn the way of our God more perfectly from each other, via God’s Word – as Apollos learned it more fully from Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:24-28).
Beloved Apollos was a very effective, anointed communicator of God’s Word and yet, was in need of maturing, of being perfected. So, God sent to him an elder and his wife, Aquila and Priscilla. Apollos humbly received the LORD’s elders and His grace to grow in Christ:
“And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. 25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. 26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.” Acts 18:24-26
The vast majority of “churches” that meet in “church buildings” are simply and merely conducting “church services” where they entertain their prey. They are not equipping the saints for the work of the ministry and therefore discerned as being counterfeit (Ephesians 4:11-13). If they were, there would be salty disciples in their midst who go forth to minister Christ’s kingdom blessings wherever they go. Not even a trace of this transpiring in the apostate modern church world. Run. Run. Run.
The Purpose of Kingdom Elders:
“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting (equipping, maturing) of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:” Ephesians 4:11-12
Philip Lye writes: “Paul says in Ephesians 4, that he gave some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. He expressly says these people are given to mature the saints, to equip them for their ministry and growth in Jesus Christ. Jesus tells us in Matthew 24 that many false prophets and messiahs will arise deceiving many. They are simply functions that God has given and not titles which the proud use to strut about like a peacock. Most of these people that I have met (and I have seen a lot of famous ones) are false, proud and arrogant and not servants of the the Lord Jesus Christ. I have seen humble genuine ones who move mightily in truth, calling people to repentance and right relationship with Jesus and a demonstration of genuine miracles and wonders. They are to be genuine servants to God’s people.”
VIEW this following verse from Solomon’s day in light of our calling and work till Christ returns:
“Now all the work of Solomon was prepared unto the day of the foundation of the house of the LORD, and until it was finished. So the house of the LORD was perfected.” 2 Chronicles 8:16
Let’s read a larger portion of this important passage in Ephesians 4. God fearing under-shepherds must prayerfully labor for and be intent upon seeing God’s people grow in the grace of Christ to the full stature of maturity He has ordained!
“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:” Ephesians 4:11-15
The Error of Using Titles in the Modern Church World
God sovereignly and exclusively ordained MEN to feed, lead, and equip His saints (Ephesians 4:8-11). Women are called to and seen doing many ministry functions in the New Testament but never as a leader in a position specifically designated in Scripture for men.
Repent. The American “church” is a catastrophe of spineless moral-coward Ahabs who’ve allowed, suffered women to lead, and the fall out is incalculable (Revelation 2:20-24).
GOD’s men must never allow women to lead where they (men) are called to lead (1 Timothy 2:12; 3:2; Revelation 2:20-24).
To put yourself under the ministry of a woman who is acting as an elder among God’s people, is to defy Christ, and to agree with Christ’s arch enemy and his Jezebels and to bring severe destruction on the people of God (1 Timothy 2:12; 3:2; Revelation 2:20-24).
JUST because a woman can run her mouth and even genuinely have a gift of the Spirit DOES NOT mean she’s an elder in the body of Christ – which is divinely reserved non-negotiably for men, male elders (1 Timothy 2:11-12; 3:2). | Beware of Scripture-Twisting Jezebels
We must humbly confess before our LORD and God that we have nothing and are nothing without Him!
“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5
God can use us in spite of having a seminary or Bible college background…. If we will truly denounce it, lay it all down, and truly submit to Him – just like Paul did (Philippians 3). Otherwise we will join the epidemic of false prophets who build their own kingdoms in this fleeting life and spend eternity in hell (2 Peter 2:1-3). Paul counted his “higher education” as “dung” to know and serve Christ (Philippians 3).
BIBLICALLY SPEAKING, BY DEFINITION, ELDERS ARE NOT SEMINARIANS (UNLESS THEY’VE DENOUNCED SUCH) BUT RATHER PROVEN MEN OF GOD WHO HAVE WALKED WITH CHRIST FOR SOME TIME AND ARE SEASONED IN DOCTRINE AND GODLY CHARACTER AND ABLE TO HELP ASSIST OTHER BELIEVERS GROW IN GRACE (Philippians 3).
In part, we can be transformed in our thinking/perspective of what leaders are seen to be in the apostate modern church vs the biblical definition of an elder which is a humble servant with sound doctrine and a godly life (1 Timothy 3; 2 Timothy 3:10; Titus 1-2, etc.).
Christ’s kingdom ordination is not like the ordinations of many denominations….. To ordain seems to mean to recognize the work of GOD in a man’s life and to set him forth into ministry as by the leading of the Spirit of God.
“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” John 15:16
ORDAIN
G5087
τίθημι
tithēmi
tith’-ay-mee
A prolonged form of a primary word θέω theō (which is used only as an alternate in certain tenses); to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from G2476, which properly denotes an upright and active position, while G2749 is properly reflexive and utterly prostrate): – + advise, appoint, bow, commit, conceive, give, X kneel down, lay (aside, down, up), make, ordain, purpose, put, set (forth), settle, sink down.
Total KJV occurrences: 96
“Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.” Acts 13:1-3
Denominations of mere men set their elders forth to do THEIR bidding, to perpetuate their own cause and existence, to build their false church businesse$. God fearing assemblies of the saints simply recognize Christ’s work in a man and prayerfully send him forth to do GOD’s work. They worship and exalt Christ whole heartedly!
MINISTRY is about feeding sheep, not entertaining goats (John 21:15-17). So, when you see a “minister” entertaining, you know he himself is a goat (1 Corinthians 1:29-2:5).
What True Elders Teach
“For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.” 2 Corinthians 4:5
THERE is nothing good in us except Christ. We are not featured but JESUS is. “We preach CHRIST crucified” (1 Cor 1:23). All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags and HE is the One and only righteous Redeemer whom we communicate to others (1 Cor 9:16; Rom 7:18 etc.).
Jesus’ true disciples are crucified vessels who preach with His authority, unlike the lame leaders we have today (Matthew 7:28-29). True Gospel preaching rocks the world of those who hear it – it never coddles people in their sin. That’s the work of wolves! Beware!
Godly Elders Teach God’s People to Discern
“And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.” Ezekiel 44:23
Why don’t some leaders teach discernment?
“Anyone that profits off of you being blind, will never teach you or inspire you to see.” unknown
Any man in leadership who doesn’t warn you of false prophets as did Christ and His apostles, is a wolf who does not want you to see who he truly is.
God’s people are to continue to learn to discern – to test, to weigh all things against Holy Scripture. Ungodly elders have the “I said it so it’s true” notion. Or the “We’ve always taught that” or “That’s what we believe” philosophy. Not. What saith the Scriptures is what every true follower of Jesus asks, as he searches God’s Word to ascertain truth. Every student of Christ should become extremely familiar with Acts 17:10-11.
QUESTION RECEIVED:
“I am curious as to how one man is considered the other’s elder? Do they attend the same church gathering thus, he is a church elder or is it through willful submission of the younger as an understudy or simply due to the fact that one man is older?”
REPLY:
Great question brother. Elder, biblically seems to mean older and more seasoned in God’s Word, having walked with the LORD longer. Two views come to mind: 1. The organic body of Christ, the kingdom relationships we have, where there appear men in our lives who are seasoned and there’s an automatic elder/young relationship (that’s how it is here)… and 2. Where a person attends a church group and they have their elder in a more organized fashion as you mentioned…. that help?
Nothing brings definition to this like God’s Word as you know…. and notice how it begins with “The elders which are AMONG you”….
“The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. 5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:” 1 Peter 5:1-6
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