sgys banner books

Jesus Christ is building HIS church. What church are you participating in building?

—- TODAY, in this prophesied hour of great apostasy before our LORD’s return, it’s nearly impossible to find a group of true, New Testament, God-fearing, Bible believing, Christ exalting disciples to fellowship with. It’s virtually impossible to locate a local gathering where the pastor and his wife aren’t carried away with building their own little (or large) kingdom. When this is present (heart greed) then their is the denial and hiding of convicting biblical truth so that the good times keep on rolling and the finances. This “little leaven” leavens or ruins the whole loaf (Galatians 5:9). … Jesus Christ is building HIS church. What church are you participating in building? Let’s face it, most people claiming to be Christians are biblically-illiterate as are those who lead them. And, wolves love ignorant people because they are easy to manipulate and control and get money from. Gullible people vainly believe that because their is a lot of noise and excitement going on, then it must be God moving. They never stop to prayerfully and through daily, diligently biblical study compare things to the Word of God as did the Bereans (Acts 17:10-11).

 Saints, it’s the hour to return to BEING Christ’s church, His holy (set apart) PEOPLE and to cease patronizing the wolves who are our LORD’s enemies!

—–ARE YOU TRULY A MEMBER of the one, blood-bought, born again, body of Christ? If so YOUR ONLY IDENTITY IS CHRIST AND HIS ONE CHURCH. Cease saying you go to such and such a church. That has nothing to do with your identity. Well, actually, if it does matter to you, you may wish to repent and put your faith in the one, nail scarred risen LORD and Savior. The early church preached JESUS and only JESUS. It’s past time for you to cease being a pawn of mere men who are insidiously building their own empires and using you as free labor to do so. Jesus’ apostle Paul declared, “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” (Galatians 6:14)

There is no calculating the number of false prophets today who have set up their ministry businesses and build it on lies, half-truths, and the intentional refusal to study, know, and declare the whole counsel of God’s Word (Acts 20:20, 27, etc.). They are building their own ministry empires instead of dying to self, assuming the place of a humble servant, and letting God use them to participate with Christ in the building of HIS eternal kingdom … which these wolves will be excluded from if they don’t repent.

“And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18

CHRIST SAYS “I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH” AND SO WE MUST UNDERSTAND WHAT THAT REALLY MEANS AND WHAT IT DOES NOT MEAN, RIGHT?

We know by this definitive declaration from our LORD Jesus Christ, that He surely IS building His called-out ones (church). This means that He leaves no life the same when He finds and saves that soul. That disciple must continue in His Word, progressively being sanctified and made free from sin and stagnation (John 8:30-32, 36; 2 Corinthians 5:17-18, etc.). Such change and growth, which begins by obeying Christ’s command to repent, has little or nothing to do with the church world in existence today. The grossly out of step modern church world has no resemblance to the earliest Christians we read about in Acts. Such becomes obvious to any born again student of Holy Scripture.

Real New Testament fellowship greatly edifies Christ’s saints.

What Church?

What “church” was Jesus speaking of that He promised He would “build”?

One thing that is grossly lacking is the simple definition of what/who the church is that Jesus is speaking of and what His apostles further established. The word “church” in the New Testament comes from the Greek word ekklesia which simply means the called out ones. So many Christians have never been told this simple truth and are therefore left to be deceived and exploited by hireling pastors who are merely using them to build their church business while pretending to be serving the LORD. Without this understanding of what Christ’s church truly is, one will be left to believe that His church is a physical building or one or more of the organizations of mere men we see in the modern church world.

Maturing and Equipping the LORD’s People

According to the divine revelation of the church given to the apostle Paul, if a group of Christians are not being matured and equipped to literally do “the work of the ministry,”then they are NOT a New Testament assembly/church – period. Such maturity is the duty of those called out to servant lead.

Unfortunately, so many today holding positions of leadership over people, are not divinely called. Others who are called out by God, have refused to truly lay down their lives for Jesus and His beloved people. Here’s how the apostle Paul describes and contrasts them with those truly obedient to Jesus.

“(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 Whose end is destruction (hell), whose God is their belly (serve their own selfish desires), and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) 20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.” Philippians 3:18-21

Ninety nine percent of all local churches in America intentionally create good church members who are spectators, but that’s not what God had in mind when He purchased a people with the blood of His only begotten Son! Spiritual growth, maturity, and equipping would mean that if the elders are fulfilling God’s purpose for His New Testament church, there are many of those they lead that are fruitful in doing “the WORK of the ministry”and that’s not singing in the choir or cleaning the bathroom! (see Ephesians 4:8-15) No, that’s communicating God’s Word to the people and teaching people the whole counsel of God’s Word (Matthew 28:18-20).

“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

Make no mistake: Wherever the LORD is honored, His saints are being built up, taught, warned, and prepared and activated in “the work of the ministry.” (Ephesians 4:11-14).

The vast majority of local churches today are apostate and that’s easily seen by the truth remnant in that they are entertaining, teaching false doctrine, and selling their unlearned audiences into the coming one-world religion. No true preaching is going on in the fear of the LORD and fullness of the Holy Spirit. People are not becoming disciples, personally learning to walk with the LORD daily, having a prayer life, and studying God’s written Word for themselves. Beware!

The very fact that equipping Christians is nearly nowhere to be found in that which calls itself the church is clear proof that the great falling away is in full swing (2 Thessalonians 2:1-12; 1 Timothy 4:1-3; 2 Timothy 3:1-13; 4:1-4, etc.).

Instead of training people up to be fruitful to the eternal glory of God, modern wolves keep them dumb (out of God’s Word), entertained, and teach them to be good tithers and church members, no different than the rotary or country club.

Without fail, where the LORD is being honored, there is maturity transpiring in His saints:

“Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. 12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. 13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” Hebrews 5:11-14

THE TRULY OBEDIENT SERVANT ELDER IN CHRIST’S BODY, PRAYS, DILIGENTLY LABORS, AND LIVES TO SEE THE WORK OF CHRIST TRANSPIRE IN HIS PEOPLE. GOD-FEARING SERVANTS AREN’T INTERESTED IN BEING CALLED BY A TITLE, PREACH THE PURE WORD OF GOD, REFUSE TO ENTERTAIN, NEVER HESITATE TO SPEAK DIVINE TRUTH WHEN THEY KNOW IT’S GOING TO OFFEND SOME, COULD CARE LESS IF SOMEONE GETS OFFENDED, AND LIVE IN THE HOLY FEAR OF THE LORD, EAGERLY EXPECTING HIS SOON RETURN AS THEY PREPARE A PEOPLE TO MEET HIM. THEY PREACH ON SIN, REPENTANCE, THE ESSENTIAL OF PERSONAL HOLINESS, THE DEATH, BURIAL, AND RESURRECTION OF JESUS, HIS SOON RETURN, AND THE NEED TO OBEY GOD AND BE FRUITFUL FOR HIS ETERNAL GLORY! (Proverbs 28:1; Matthew 10:26-28; Acts 5:29; Galatians 1:10; 2 Timothy 4:2-4, etc.).

Paul, the master builder apostle, told us that he labored diligently to prepare Christ’s body to meet Him. He gave us the three specific things that he feverishly worked to accomplish in light of Christ’s soon return:

“… Christ in you, the hope of glory: 28 Whom we preachwarning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: 29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.” Colossians 1:27-29

PWT =

  • Preach
  • Warn
  • Teach

If you go to a church where the pastor/leadership refuses to preach, to WARN, and to teach, you should leave immediately. That is not a New Testament assembly. A man who refuses to warn you of false teachings and false prophets is himself a wolf. Any man who will not teach you the pure Word of God and get you in the Word daily yourself, is a wolf.

BELOVED, A TRUE SERVANT OF CHRIST, ONE CALLED OUT TO SERVE HIS PEOPLE, DOESN’T NEED A PHYSICAL BUILDING. IN FACT, THE LORD SEEMS TO BE CALLING OUT TRUE SHEPHERDS WHO HAVE REFUSED TO BE A PART OF THE APOSTATE SYSTEM. THESE MEN ARE ACCOMPLISHING MORE ON A DAILY BASIS THAN MOST CHURCH-BUILDING-MANAGERS EVER ACCOMPLISH.

Sadly, the vast majority of those leaders who have buildings are merely real estate managers, money raisers, and they are simply building a business for their own glory – a church business. Since this is the case, they dare not speak a hard word from Holy Scripture, such as a message on sin, repentance, the daily dying/cross, or the need for personal holiness.

The professional clergy we have in place today is never what God planned nor does He endorse it. In most cases it does not fulfill His will. This ‘clean as a whistle,’ never been bruised, battered, or in a battle persona is a farce. Jesus promises that all who will truly follow Him (not tradition and flesh) will certainly “be hated of all men for my name’s sake” and shall suffer great persecution (Matthew 10:22; 24:10-13; 2 Timothy 3:12-13). The word “affliction(s)” appears 14 times in the New Testament.  Paul the apostle of Jesus was in many grueling, painstaking, scar-inducing battles. He suffered many things at the hands of wicked men and the elements for obeying God’s will (2 Corinthians 6:5-10; 11:23-30; 12:7-12; 2 Thessalonians 3:2). Never mind these sad spineless seminarians who do nothing much more than fund raise, entertain, and count nickels, noses, and numbers. Like the unqualified imposter in the White House who has never owned or run a business and is merely spending our money like it’s going out of style, the majority of these modern real estate managing, pulpit pansies have never gotten their hands dirty helping the poor, witnessing on the streets, or suffering vicious false accusations and afflictions and attacks by antichrist beguilers such as Alexander the coppersmith (2 Timothy 4:14-15). No, instead they have studied the church business industry, learning how to market and manipulate their communities to building their local franchise.

Deborah Blanchard notes:

“Paul knew he was facing imprisonment and afflictions in the very near future yet he said, “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.” (Acts 20:24) O that we had that same resolve to testify to the Gospel of God’s grace all the days of our life regardless of what may come of us! Testify! Acts 20:24″

If you will be with Christ in eternity, you must run for your life from any morally spineless leader who refuses to preach the hard truths of God’s Word. Such a man is serving self and Satan, not Jesus. Lay down your own life today.

For more on the LORD’s warning of and characteristics of false leaders, you may wish to begin by reading Jeremiah 23, Ezekiel 34, and Matthew 23.

“Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.” 2 Peter 3:17

The fruit of a true servant, according the Word of the Judge Himself, is that such a man has those he is leading who are learning to:

  • Walk in the Spirit and holiness (Romans 1:4; 6-8; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 Peter 1:15-16, etc.)
  • Deny self, take up the cross daily and follow Jesus (Matthew 16:24-25; Luke 9:23-24; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12; Galatians 2:20, etc.)
  • Discern truth from error and true servants from false prophets/wolves (Ezekiel 44:23)
  • Personally study God’s Word diligently and daily (2 Timothy 2:15)
  • Have a life of prayer (Matthew 6:6; 26:41; Mark 1:35, etc.)
  • Communicate the Gospel, the Word of God, to others (Matthew 28:18-20; Philemon 1:6, etc.)

It does not matter what else is going on at a local church – if people are not being prepared to do His work, it’s a false ministry.

It’s time to cease propping up the local circus and entertainment center we call “church” … lest we be found guilty of bidding Godspeed to the very enemies/imposters of the Almighty and be judged with them – 2 John 7-11

—— THOSE who say “I love my church” OR “I love my pastor” and don’t say “I love my LORD and Savior Jesus Christ,” are vile, hell bound idolaters. Our words reveals our hearts – Jesus says “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” (Matt. 12:34) check this out | Give Us a King!

What’s Wrong with The Modern Church World? | How to Find a Good Fellowship | Wolf Expose’

Sign up for free email devotional HERE… The Moments with My Master email devotional is sent out for the edification of the body of Christ.

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

Feedback:

Assembly Dialogues:

Message Received:

It’s disgusting to go into a church and listen to a pastor who obviously has little wisdom from God. It frustrates me. I believe God has me away from the church world for a reason. I have prayed many, many times about finding a church home and God has yet to open that door.

Reply:

Many are in this same place and perhaps the LORD is protecting His people and showing us just how much we need Him and causing us to cease depending on a local assembly so much. We are learning to trust Him in a real way now. Maybe it’s a season. True, biblical fellowship is needed. Think about this: When and since He saved most of us, we immediately and without interruption had a local church we have been a part of. So, we have never known what it means to truly trust Him and to sincerely walk with Him daily. May He grant each of us rich fellowship with Himself and His body (Acts 2:42-47).

Email Received:

“Last night there were 13 of us. We are studying the end of the age and Jesus’ 2nd coming.  We have discovered that home fellowship can be similar to “Churchianity” if we aren’t aware of the pitfalls of offense, personal agendas, etc. We are learning to love one another with the love of Christ…and..we have a long way to go on many levels, but we are sticking with it.  It took our core group 1 yr. to decompress from the church “drug” and from our woundedness over some things that happened and the loss of relationships from those who felt we were the enemy once we left. Well, you know this common story.  We’ve been meeting for about 16 months now. We’ve had some come in and go back out again. I guess that is to be expected. We’ve had some leave because of doctrinal offense and not liking that most of us do not believe in eternal security. Our agreement is that anyone whom the Lord brings may come, but it’s not up to us to make them stay.  What a journey this has been.  I still miss the energy from a larger body, but have since learned that all the bells and whistles we used to enjoy in way of music, guest speakers, programs, etc. are not necessarily about the King.  The decreasing is hard, the increasing of Christ is wonderful and supernatural.”  Janet

Reply:

This is a great testimony for sure! This can help a lot of people who are coming out of the apostate church world and gathering in homes or elsewhere as Jesus’ body. It seems that people bring their baggage from the church mentality and culture to home groups. They put on their religiosity. We are all prone to this and this must be crucified. I often say this which I think helps and is according to 1 Corinthians 12, the every member functioning truth…. I say: “IT SIMPLY DOES NOT MATTER WHO TEACHES OR SAYS SOMETHING – WHAT MATTERS IS THAT GOD’S HOLY TRUTH GETS COMMUNICATED IN HIS LOVE.”

TO LEARN TO FUNCTION IN GOD’S LOVE AMONG HIS PEOPLE, WE MUST DAILY BEGIN PORING PRAYERFULLY OVER PASSAGES SUCH AS JOHN 13:35, ACTS 2:42-47, ROMANS 12, 1 CORINTHIANS 12-13, AND EPHESIANS 4, PHILIPPIANS 2:1-16, AND COLOSSIANS 3:16 … PLEASE SPREAD THIS WORD …. MAY IT BECOME OUR HOBBY TO BEGIN DIGGING OUT, SHARING, AND MEMORIZING VERSES AND PASSAGES ON HUMILITY BEFORE GOD AND MAN AND LOVE! PLEASE SPREAD THIS WORD …. THESE CAN BE PORED OVER TOGETHER ALSO (AS A GROUP).

“For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.” Romans 12:4-5

This is simply an absolute wonderful testimony Janet!!!! God is able precious. The lower we get – that He blesses us to get – the less we are offended about anything!!!! Because at that low level, you can’t be knocked down so nearly everything is a blessing. Taking that lower seat, right (Matthew 23).

Isa 37:31

Upholding Jesus, the Only Head of His Body [podcast]

 

Is Your Sin Really Worth Going to Hell for?

Pillar and Ground of the Truth

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.

Articles

About the Father’s Business [video]

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15


Love these shorts! Packed full of so much scripture in 30 seconds! I will never forget the words of my father on his death bed! “I didn’t know it was an option.” Meaning he did not know he needed to receive Jesus in order for his sins to be forgiven. And to be made right with God and go to heaven. How will they hear without a preacher? Romans 10:14. How can they believe if no one is telling them about eternal life with Jesus?” Karen Cochran


Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | Evangelism | Jesus, Light of the WordCompassion in Light of Christ’s Soon ReturnStriving Together for the Faith of the Gospel [podcast] | Prepared to be Used of God | The Return of ChristChrist’s Compassion Audio | Our Approach to the LostKindness is a Soul Winning Weapon Stop Sinning? Really? How? | Angry Street Preacher Warning

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

Support Mission Mexico here. Takes seconds.

“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10

Mission Mexico – See more here.


Download. Read. Print out your supply of the JESUS tract – English and Spanish.

Continue Reading

Abiding

The Greatest of these is Charity [podcast]


God sent His only begotten Son to die for your sins and He now calls you to lose your life in this fleeting world and follow Jesus – His example and His teachings.

“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” 1 John 3:16

Loving God and Others

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40

Following Our LORD Jesus by Putting God and Others Above Ourselves

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” Philippians 2:3-5

Due to the Many Evil things Transpiring in this Late Hour before Our LORD Returns, the Love of Many toward God and Others, is Waxing Cold

“All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. 10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Matthew 24:8-14

Keeping Ourselves in the Love of God

“Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” Jude 21 

“But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. 8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:7-8

“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” 1 John 4:7-8

“Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10  Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;” Romans 12:9-10

“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” John 13:34-35

The Savior’s Love in His True Disciples vs the Lovers of Self

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3  Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4  Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5  Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5

God’s Love in Us

THE LOVE CHAPTER

Read it each morning this week in the King James Bible.

1  Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 

2  And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 

3  And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 

4  Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 

5  Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 

6  Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 

7  Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 

8  Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 

9  For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 

10  But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 

11  When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 

12  For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 

13  And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. 

YOUR PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I come to You now, in Jesus’ name. Please make good on Your prayer of oneness – that Your people, Your body will be one with You. Thank You for dying for my sins Jesus, for shedding Your precious blood to purchase me to Yourself and the Father. Please break me, let me be poor in spirit and pure in heart. Cause me to be full of Thy holy love toward You and others. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

The Return of Christ | Discipleship

Support | STORE | PodcastsThe Bridegroom is Calling His BridePurifying Ourselves as He is Pure [podcast]10 Clues Your Love for God is Waxing Cold [podcast]

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

Continue Reading

Articles

Upholding Jesus, the Only Head of His Body [podcast]


YOUR first thought when you hear “God” or “Christianity” should be JESUS! Not some church, pastor, or church program!

The ministry continually receives emails from people who have latched on to some mere man, his personality – instead of worshipping Christ supremely (Colossians 2:18-19). And in doing so, they defend those mere men angrily, doggedly, having never stopped to put them to the biblical test.

“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try (test) the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1

“Not everything is at it seems. Their job is only to keep everyone’s minds occupied on everything else except for God and Jesus. I learned that a couple of years ago and why I no longer listen to anything they have to say since.” Diana Rogers

Boom! And Colossians 2 is a must on this topic! The motherlode.

What is his doctrine? This is the very first thing to judge (Acts 17:10-11).

“But thou hast fully known my DOCTRINE, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, 11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.” 2 Timothy 3:10-11

Any person who’s been born again and yet is not continuing in the doctrines of Holy Scripture, no long has the LORD – but rather has departed from the faith! (1 Timothy 4:1-2)

“Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in (does not remain in) the DOCTRINE of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.” 2 John 9

Paul warns us of the many deceivers in our midst who do not hold Jesus Christ, the only Head of His body, His people – they do not uphold Jesus Christ as the unique, exclusive, and supreme LORD and Savior! “Beware.” (Colossians 2:4, 8, 18-19)

Beware of those in ministry who capture for themselves and intercept the affections of your heart – removing them from Jesus. Beware of any person in ministry who is not, via a crucified life, working with the grace of God, fostering in you a greater love for Jesus, for His Word! (Colossians 2:18-19)

One of the ways Satan targets, deceives, and snares saints is via false leaders – wolves who wear sheep’s clothing. Jesus warned us of just such a threat (Matthew 7:15). Satan uses false leaders to turn the affections of people’s heart away from Christ and onto them. Their personalities and ministries and church building projects are projected in the minds of their prey so regularly, therapeutically that most people never realize it. Study Colossians 2:18-19 closely saints.

We see this happening with David and his son Absalom where his son “Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.” (2 Samuel 15:6) Absalom intercepted the affections of the hearts, directing them upon himself instead of King David. David was a type of Christ and Absalom is a type of false teachers and the antichrist. Anti means in place of. Absalom sought to put himself in place of his father David – to replace him in order to be esteemed, popular, worshipped (Colossians 2:18-19). This is what false prophets do. They get your attention, your support, and your money on them – Not Christ! (Colossians 2:18-19)

We have no wealth outside of that which we have in Christ (Colossians 1-2).

LOOKING where to read? Read Colossians 1 and 2. Christ reigns, is Divine, Creator, unique in all history, and preeminent!

Recently I was privileged to meet a man who was filled with the Holy Spirit and teeming with God’s love and the joy the LORD produces in those who abide intimate and obediently with Christ (John 15:1-16). It was obvious that this man was holding Jesus up high in his personal life and that Jesus was pouring His life and blessed virtue into his life. When in our individual lives we diligently seek and magnify/lift up Christ to the first priority in our lives, He fills us.  In fact, who did Jesus says He will fill up?

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Mathew 5:6

Our LORD’s divine virtue flows directly from Him into our lives but only as we begin and continue to seek and to worship HIM “in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:23-24) If the affections of our hearts depart from Christ, His divine virtue ceases to flow into our lives (Colossians 2:19). The LORD’s name is Jealous (Exodus 34:14). The same is true for any group of Christians who gather in Jesus’ name and that’s exactly why so many “churches” are utterly dead and nothing but fluff and entertainment. The result of true worship is divine virtue flowing from Heaven into His people and Jesus’ spiritual blessings and health that God alone can supply To say this is an extremely important biblical truth is a complete understatement. This truth may be best captured here in Colossians 2:

“Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.” Colossians 2:18-19

Notice how we are instructed here to “Let no man beguile” or deceive you with any form of false worship or worship with a false emphasis (Lamentations 2:14). Then He defines what false worship is – “And not holding the Head.” Then we are told what occurs when we sincerely worship the LORD – “from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.” 

Those who do not uphold Christ, the only “Head” of each one of His people, individually and the whole of His church, are misleading people and blocking the ministry, the divine virtue of the LORD from flowing from Heaven into His body – not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.”

The apostle is teaching us here that the remnant disciple of Jesus is never to enter into or allow the robbing of true worship of the Father through Jesus Christ by any subtle diversion away from Christ. ANYthing except Jesus Christ is idolatry – Anything!

“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. 8Beware 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. 9For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:” Colossians 2:6-10

There are so very many examples of Jesus being replaced today in the apostate modern church world. Think about this: When is the last time you gathered with a group of believers and the Person of Jesus Christ was truly preached straight from the Holy Scriptures and was truly magnified so much so that you left that gathering filled afresh and loving Him more and more?

Paul’s deep concern was that the heart affections and faith of those he ministered to were fixed on Christ, not him (1 Corinthians 1:29-2:5).

“We should be singing “I exalt thee” not “I exalt me.” Read in the King James Bible in John 8:28, John 3:14, John 12:32-34 Amen!” Charles Pray, the late

You see, today, in the vast majority of cases, the people are gathered and the entertainment begins. What’s emphasized and made to be important is serving at the local church circus, being a good church member with good attendance, attending the small group meetings, church membership, tithing, singing in the choir, etc. The fanfare and bureaucracy is to the pastor’s glory and has crowded Christ Himself right out of the local gatherings. This is exactly how wolves run their church businesses. There’s far too much going on. Jesus does not matter to the leaders or the people. They just want to be entertained and made to feel better about their selves in their current, unsanctified state. They do not want to change which begins with repenting (Jeremiah 5). The people want their children entertained not blessed with the knowledge of God’s truth and not learning how to worship the LORD in spirit and in truth and being prepared for the work of the ministry.

That’s what non-wolf pastors are busy doing – they are busy preparing the believers they oversee for “the WORK of the ministry.” Hello!

”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:” Ephesians 4:11-12

Here’s what the earliest disciples of Jesus were all about. This is what they were doing:

“And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.” Acts 5:42

You see, millions today are being robbed or beguiled but it’s a willing participation. Isaiah says that this is “a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD.”

“That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law (Word) of the LORD: 10 Which say to the seers, See not (do not see and expose our sins); and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:  11 Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us.” Isaiah 30:9-11

Nothing has changed (Ecclesiastes 1:9). The LORD tells us here through Isaiah that it’s only the “rebellious people” then and today who refuse His Word and “heap to themselves” these false leaders who refuse to speak on what the Bible says concerning sin and repentance. The cry out for no exposure and for “smooth things,” or entertaining niceties.

To the contrary, God’s Word says:

“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

This hour of great apostasy was long ago foretold, where men would not be upholding Jesus as supreme:

“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. 3For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;  4And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables (fairy tales).” 2 Timothy 4:2-4

The hireling wolf wants you there in attendance and he wants you coming back. After all, it makes him feel better when you’re there and he needs that money to keep the circus wheels rolling. So, in order to get you there and keep you there, he must say light and entertaining things. He can’t possibly be abandoned to simple “preach the word” because there are too many hard truths that would cause some people to leave.

The sad reality, but nevertheless, the reality, is that pure and true worship is nearly non-existent unless the individual has it in his own personal life.

“For through him (Jesus) we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.” Ephesians 2:18

“But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” John 4:23-24

Here’s the place of our refuge:

“A glorious high throne from the beginning is the place of our sanctuary.” Jeremiah 17:12

Jesus is coming back exclusively for those who are looking to and for Him.

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” Colossians 3:1-4

Jesus did the work of redemption the first time He came and when He returns, it will be to gather together for a glorious eternity those who are truly looking to Him and not man.

“So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” Hebrews 9:28

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,  2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2

All who do not uphold Christ blatantly, continually, and without apology are wolves who should be warned and marked if they don’t repent (Romans 16:17-18; Titus 3:10-11). They should be earnestly contended against (Jude 3-4).

We should repent of helping wolves before the LORD judges us for participating in this betrayal of Him.

“Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the LORD.” (2 Chronicles 19:2) ANY person who helps the ungodly are just as guilty as those wolves in the eyes of a holy God who says “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” (Revelation 18:4)

Helping God’s enemies makes you His enemy!

If you in any way “bid … Godspeed” to or in any way help or defend a wolf, you yourself are just as guilty as they are in the eyes of God.

Especially behold the last 2 verses in this passage:

2 John 
7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
 8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.
 9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
 10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
 11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. 

Do you want to get deeper into God’s Word? If so, send a reply requesting the “Moments with My Master” email that is sent out to edify Jesus’ body.

The glorious book of Colossians

A Tad More….

SATAN constantly seeks to rob Christ of the glory due only His holy name! Yes Acts 15 gives us some restrictions and yet men have grossly added to these things in their self-righteousness and evil desire to rule over others by using/adding man-made restrictions …..while they refuse to uphold, magnify, and celebrate Jesus (Colossians 2:18-23).

“That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.” Acts 15:29

“Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: 17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. 18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. 20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, 21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not; 22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? 23 Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.” Colossians 2:16-23  

Continue Reading

Categories

donate button round
sgys-books01

Trending