By Cheryl MacGrath
In a number of the denominations I’ve been involved in, including at leadership level, a “doctrine of covering” was taught and accepted. And for many, many years, I never questioned this teaching. After all, everyone believed it; the leadership upheld it, so it must be right, right? It is only as the Holy Spirit has impressed me to study the Scriptures more deeply on this teaching that I’ve had to come to terms with the fact that He NEVER originated it! In His infinite grace, He chose to wait patiently for a time when the Spirit of Truth would become dearer to me than the traditions of men.
The teaching on “covering” goes like this. Everyone needs to be accountable to someone who is spiritually his or her superior. This someone may be your cell group leader, the head of a church department or your senior pastor etc. In turn, these leaders receive covering from someone further up the line, for instance a denominational leader or a “recognized” apostle. The necessity for this covering is based on the belief that believers need to be safeguarded from falling into error and/or sin. So, covering is provided by those who are more spiritual than we to protect us from such error. At the top of this pyramid of covering there is quite often a well-known and recognized “name” but the chances of meeting or having any kind of relationship with that person if you are at the bottom of the pyramid are fairly slim. Currently, there are several networks offering this kind of covering to those in some form of church leadership or ministry, more often than not for an annual fee. The annual fee usually provides for the running of the network, and conferences where you can fellowship with others under your particular brand of covering. You may also be denied entrance from one of these networks because you don’t have the appropriate credentials.
One of the strange things about this “covering” teaching is that rarely is anyone asked about their spiritual covering, until they step outside their particular church, denomination or network. However, the minute a believer shows signs of having something important to share with the wider Body of Christ, suddenly all and sundry are interested primarily in that one important question: “Who are you covered by?” It all sounds pretty reasonable except for one problem—it’s NOT FOUND in Scripture. In fact, the early church was taught to rely on the inner anointing to discern the spiritual source of potential ministers. (See 1 John 2:20; 1 John 4:1.)
So, where did this idea originate that believers need to be “covered” in order to serve God and minister within Christ’s Body? Are you, like many others, living your Christian life under the shadow of this fear that without “covering” you dare not minister, preach, pray or do a myriad of other things you’re called to do by the Spirit of God, because you will somehow be ministering without protection?
The purpose of this article is to shed some light on this issue based on scriptural truth. To begin with, though, we need to understand that this need to be covered by a perceived spiritual authority, and the scriptural instruction to submit ourselves to God’s delegated authorities, are NOT necessarily one and the same thing. Furthermore, New Testament authority as demonstrated by Jesus and the first apostles, is servanthood- authority, upholding, strengthening, reinforcing and overseeing the Body from BENEATH, not DOMINEERING, CONTROLLING and RULING from ABOVE. Therefore, it is vital in examining this issue that we begin from a correct understanding of Biblical submission and Biblical authority.
“Let This Mind Be In You”
“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:5-8).
The current mindset we carry in much of the church concerning submission is quite unrelated to the submission taught and demonstrated by Jesus and the early apostles. There is a desperate need to return to the same mind that was in Christ Jesus. The Scripture tells us that though He was equal with the Father, Jesus CHOSE to submit Himself, He CHOSE to humble Himself, He CHOSE to obey. This is the key to Biblical submission, and the model laid down for us by both the Father and the Son.
Submission is firstly a choice; a choice that can only ever be made by the giver. Biblical submission can never be demanded or forced. That kind of relationship is subservience, not submission. Jesus chose to subject Himself to the Father, but the Father “so loved
the world that He GAVE His only begotten Son.” Sacrificial giving and sacrificial submission are married to each other. In the Spirit, you cannot have one without the other. If you try, you will invariably end up with control, dependence and abuse rather than humility, interdependence and grace.
The New Testament concept of submission or subjection, is one of a totally voluntary attitude of giving, of yielding one’s preference and deferring to another. In this way, Jesus as a child was subject to His parents, yet the Scriptures record that He did not even consult them when He was “about His Father’s business” (Luke 2:49, 51).
“It Shall Not Be So Among You”
“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).
“But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. 43 But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: 44 and whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all” (Mark 10:42-44).
There is no question that the scriptures instruct each one of us to submit to God’s delegated authority. It is the understanding and the application of that authority we often stumble over. The Bible records that Jesus taught the twelve this Kingdom authority as they walked along the road to Jerusalem. His face had been set toward the cross, and it is certain He was keenly aware of the short time He had left with them. Perhaps He was conversing with His Father about what were the most important lessons He could impart to them during the time that was left. We know that He heard them disputing over who among them was the best “leadership material.” Perhaps Peter, having not long before witnessed Jesus’ transfiguration, thought that gave him special status. Perhaps James and John felt they were more likely candidates for rulership than impetuous Peter. Shortly before, they had asked Jesus to give them special places of honor in His Kingdom. Whatever had started their dispute, Jesus certainly knew how to end it! “And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant” (Matt. 20:27).
The Lord was speaking to a group of people who had grown up under the rule of the Roman empire. The Romans exercised their authority through forced subjection and harsh cruelty. In fact, the literal translation of the words Jesus used in reference to Roman rule mean “to be under the power of” and “to be subdued.” Despite having witnessed Jesus using a very different kind of authority and power, the disciples had not yet understood exactly what He would require of them. The Romans were, in the political sense, their masters. Yet here was Jesus stating that to exercise the authority He was going to invest in them they would need to become slaves to one another, and not masters. One might safely assume these weren’t words any of them particularly wanted to hear that day!
Kingdom authority has nothing to do with titles, positions, educational qualifications or reputation. Kingdom authority is granted by the Lord according to the measure with which He can trust us to wield it with humility. The greatest authority in the Kingdom is reserved for His bond slaves.
What About Accountability?
In today’s church system we have confused the word “covering” with the need for accountability. Consequently, many are holding themselves accountable to people with title and position, regardless of whether or not they are developing an ongoing transparent relationship with that person. In the Kingdom, it is not possible to be truly accountable to those with whom we are not actively growing in relationship. How can I be trusted to call you to account righteously if I don’t love you in Christ? How can you love me with Christ-like love and not call me to account?
Paul was able to correct the Corinthians because he had true relationship with them. He had travailed over them, nurtured them, wept for them and rejoiced with them. Therefore, he was able to reprove them for their edification and not for their destruction. (See 2 Corinthians 13:10.)
When we turn to the Scriptures for guidance on this issue of accountability, a startling fact confronts us. The New Testament mentions accountability ONLY in terms of the believer towards God. The Scripture teaches that we will give accountability TO GOD ALONE in the following areas:
–stewardship (Luke 16:2)
–ourselves (Romans 14:12)
–fruit (Philippians 4:17)
–what we do in the flesh (1 Peter 4:5)
–leaders shall give account for the souls they watch over (Hebrews 13:17)
What then, DO the scriptures teach about how believers, as members of the corporate Body of Christ, are to relate to one another?
“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” (1 Peter 5:5).
In Galatians Chapter Two we read of a journey Paul took to Jerusalem. He states that he went up “by revelation,” that is, at the instigation of the Holy Spirit, in order to confirm that the gospel he had been preaching was approved by the eldership of the Jerusalem church. He goes on to state that: “But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me…)” had nothing to add to his teachings. He further adds that when James, Cephas (Peter) and John perceived the grace God had shown him, he was given the “right hands of fellowship.”
At the instigation of the Holy Spirit, Paul had subjected himself to the Jerusalem eldership, including Peter, for the purpose of accountability. One may safely assume that Peter, having spent around three years day and night with Jesus, and highly regarded by the early believers, held very great authority in the church. Paul, however did not ask Peter to cover him. Instead, he did not hesitate in calling Peter to account when Peter was later swayed to go back on his word by the fear of men (Galatians 2:11-14). Bear in mind this is the same Peter who stated: “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29)’
These men understood the nature of relationship through the Holy Spirit; ALL of you be submissive to one another, ALL of you be clothed with humility. Each of us is accountable to one another, whatever our function in the Body, whether apostles, teachers, deacons or helpers. This is the church Christ is building.
To say that we are demonstrating accountability to a person or group of people we may briefly rub shoulders with at a meeting once or twice a week, or perhaps once or twice a year, is ludicrous. True accountability is about how we express Christ in us— our lifestyle, our character and our integrity in families, jobs and church community. This cannot be measured outside godly relationships, and without a humble willingness to be in subjection one to another. Each one of us needs to seek out and submit ourselves to those in the Body the Lord has placed close to us to provide that accountability, regardless of their position, title or function. Each one of us needs to be willing, in humility and service, to provide that same accountability base for others in the Body. This applies to leadership equally as it does to the newest, most inexperienced member of the Christian community.
Sadly, what we see today in so much of the church, is a frenzied jockeying for position under the supposedly protective umbrella of some ministry name or reputation, in order to prove ourselves “covered.” “WHO COVERS YOU?” has become one of the most frequently asked questions among Christians, and too often it is the deciding factor in assessing a ministry’s integrity or otherwise. Consequently, an unsatisfactory answer to that question in some church circles can label you “outside the camp” and almost certainly not to be trusted. Christians are judging each other’s worth and relationship with God on this issue of covering, and using it to justify self-righteousness and spiritual elitism.
In Part Two of this study we will talk about what is at the root of this distorted doctrine, and the clear choices that lie before us in order to be free from it.
PART TWO
“And the Lord will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defence.” Isaiah 4:5
“He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.” Psalm 91:4
It’s About His Name
“And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon him with the elders, 2 and spake unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority?” Luke 20:1-2
As we see from these portions of Scripture, the question “who covers you?” is not new. The chief priests, scribes and elders were not simply asking Jesus where His supernatural power came from. More than that, they wanted a NAME. “Who is he? Come on, tell us Jesus, who is the scribe, who is the rabbi, who is the prophet who covers you? And no more of that over-spiritualized talk about your Father. We want the name of the person who said you could do these things!”
The apostle Paul confronted a similar problem in the Corinthian church.
“For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. 12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. 13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?” 1 Corinthians 1:11-13
The Lord is jealous over us concerning His Name. We were bought and paid for by His blood, and His Name is the only Name by which we are to identify ourselves. When believers choose to find their identity in another name other than His, the Spirit is grieved, and His Name is dis-honored.
It’s About the Flesh
“But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. 9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. 10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. 11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” Matthew 23:8-11
The Corinthians were apparently separating into factions according to whom they considered was the most authoritative teacher. They were following after men, and for that reason Paul took issue with them. Further in his letter he goes on to challenge them by describing this kind of mindset as carnal and fleshly rather than spiritual:
“For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? 4 For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?” 1 Cor. 3:3
Finally, he instructs them:
“Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; 22 whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; 23 and ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.” 1 Cor. 3:21-23
The Corinthians had become so obsessed with the attributes of certain teachers they were idolizing them. They wanted to regard particular individuals as their “master,” “father,” or “teacher,” but Paul wanted them to understand that in doing so they were falling short of their full inheritance in Christ. He wanted them to see that all of these teachers belonged to them as servant-ministers, and not the other way around.
It’s About A Substitute King
At the heart of the Corinthians’ idolatry was the age-old desire for a ruler, a king. The flesh would much rather fear man than fear God. The flesh would much rather submit to the control of law than submit to the freedom of the Spirit. This principle is seen
throughout Scripture.
Afraid they would die, the Israelites begged Moses to be God’s messenger to them, rather than hear His voice for themselves.
“And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off. 19 And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.” – Exodus 20:18-19
God desired for the people to hear Him for themselves, but they refused. Effectively, the Israelites were elevating Moses as their mediator. The entire nation had been called as a kingdom of priests, but their preference was to be ruled by on man. (See Exodus 19:1-9.)
Many years later, when the prophet Samuel officiated as Israel’s judge, Israel’s carnal desire for a man-king surfaced again:
“Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah, 5 and said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.
“6 But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the Lord. 7 And the Lord said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them. 8 According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even unto this day, wherewith they have forsaken me, and served other gods, so do they also unto thee. 9 Now therefore hearken unto their voice: howbeit yet protest solemnly unto them, and shew them the manner of the king that shall reign over them.
“10And Samuel told all the words of the Lord unto the people that asked of him a king. 11 And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: He will take your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots, and to be his horsemen; and some shall run before his chariots. 12 And he will appoint him captains over thousands, and captains over fifties; and will set them to ear his ground, and to reap his harvest, and to make his instruments of war, and instruments of his chariots. 13 And he will take your daughters to be confectionaries, and to be cooks, and to be bakers. 14 And he will take your fields, and your vineyards, and your oliveyards, even the best of them, and give them to his servants. 15 And he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and to his servants. 16 And he will take your menservants, and your maidservants, and your goodliest young men, and your asses, and put them to his work. 17 He will take the tenth of your sheep: and ye shall be his servants. 18 And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the Lord will not hear you in that day.
“19 Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us; 20 that we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles.” (1 Samuel 8:4-20).
The key to Israel’s demand for a human king, rather than the direct reign of Yahweh over them, was “that we also may be like all the nations, and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles.” They wanted a name and a face that could “go out before” them. They wanted someone visible they could show the other nations. They wanted a symbol, a token leader who could take responsibility for how they would live and conduct their lives. They wanted someone with a reputation they could identify with. They wanted to be like the world. They wanted human “covering.”
You see, friends, there is a place for governmental leadership, there is a place for accountability within the Body. There is a place for submission to legitimate God-delegated authority. All these are valid and in order, but only insofar as they are not permitted to substitute for the direct rule of God in our lives. And only insofar as they are not sought out as a counterfeit for the sovereignty and rulership of the Holy Spirit within each believer.
It’s Of A Different Spirit
“Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire.” – Ezekiel 28:14
Many Bible scholars agree that God’s rebuke to the “king of Tyre” recorded in Ezekiel 28:1-19 is prophetically addressed to Satan. In it, we find that originally this fallen angel was called the “anointed cherub who covers.” Some scholars believe he was especially anointed to cover the Mercy Seat in the Holy of Holies. In the Presence of God, he walked back and forth in the midst of the fiery stones. The passage states that when iniquity was found in him he was cast out of God’s holy mountain, and removed from the midst of the fiery stones.
This Hebrew word “to cover” means “to hedge, fence about, shut in, block, overshadow, screen, stop the approach, shut off, cover” (H. “cakak” Strongs 05526). It is a word than can be used either in relation to defense or oppression.
Beloved, Satan still desires to walk back and forth in the midst of God’s living, fiery stones. He still desires to be the covering cherub on God’s holy mountain, but the covering he offers is oppressive, designed purely to hinder believers and rob them of the freedom and full potential that is ours through Christ.
The doctrine of covering is an old lie with a new name. It is fundamental to the maintenance of a false hierarchical religious system controlling many Christians in this day. Without the power of this erroneous mindset, it is even doubtful that some sections of the “church” could survive.
“Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is ABOVE ALL, and THROUGH ALL, and IN YOU ALL.” – Ephesians 4:3-6
The scriptures plainly state that it is God alone who is OVER all. Only God can
cover His people, and only the Holy Spirit can unite them. The most disturbing aspect about the covering teaching is that it subtly encourages believers to look to men and women rather than develop their own deep relationship with God through the Holy
Spirit. It upholds a man-made church built on hierarchy rather than a spiritual temple built through the unity of the Spirit. It promotes a class system of rulership by title, human appointment and personality, and DEVALUES the PRIESTHOOD of every believer. It negates leadership by the Holy Spirit and discourages believers from hearing the direction of the Spirit for themselves. It is a DOCTRINE OF DEMONS being used to deceive and bind countless believers.
Now, about that freedom we were talking about at the beginning of this article! Don’t, repeat DON’T, use your newfound liberty as a license for rebellion against authority. If you have been trapped in this covering doctrine be wise in how you appropriate your freedom. There are many, many humble and faithful men and women overseeing and serving the Body of Christ with humility and devotion, and it may well be that whoever has been “covering” you is one of them. If you are blessed enough to be aligned with a
servant-leader who demonstrates true biblical authority, honor them, support them, and submit to them. But don’t expect them to cover you—that’s not theirs to give.
False doctrines are mindsets and beliefs that can only be cast down by the Spirit and the Word together. And ultimately, our walk in the Spirit is not the responsibility of leadership; it is our own responsibility. It is time for each one of us to choose—do we want the rulership of kings, or do we want the rulership of THE King?
Finally, let me leave you with these thoughts:
1. Who covered Philip when He went down to Samaria and started a revival? (The apostles heard about it and sent Peter and John down to check it out!) (Acts 8:4-8)
2. Who covered Philip when the angel of the Lord directed him to the Gaza desert? (There’s no record of the Ethiopian eunuch asking him for his “covering” credentials!) (Acts 8:26-40)
3. Who covered Ananias when he was sent to pray for Saul? (He went to pray for a known enemy of the church and didn’t even get permission!) (Acts 9:10-18)
4. Who covered Apollos when he taught boldly in the synagogue, even though he had not yet received the full gospel? (Acts 18:24-25)
5. And who covered Aquilla and Priscilla when they took Apollos under their wing to instruct him further? (Acts 18:26)
6. Who covered Agabus when he travelled down from Judea to deliver a prophetic word to Paul? (Acts 21:10)
The answer is the same in each instance: The Holy Spirit covered, protected, led, and enabled. He is the only covering we need. The real question is this: is He the only covering we want?
More on “covering” witchcraft here.
Covering Witchcraft Busted and Exposed!
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Abiding
WHAT’S On Jesus’ Prayer List? [podcast]
What Did Jesus Pray for His People?
John 17 – knowing Him. Being one with Him and the Father and one another.
Jesus prayed the highest priorities of the Father for His people as is recorded in John 17.
Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer – John 17
“Jesus’ prayer in John 17, often called the “High Priestly Prayer,” is a profound discourse to God before His crucifixion, focusing on His own glorification, the protection and unity of His disciples, and the future unity of all believers, emphasizing eternal life through knowing God and Christ, and asking for believers to be set apart in truth and one, just as He and the Father are one.
Having offered His precious, sinless blood to the Father for the redemption of the fallen race, Jesus Christ is now seated at the right hand of the Father making intercession for all of His saints.”
“But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. 25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. 26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;” Hebrews 7:24-26
Due to His perfect sacrifice and redemption of fallen mankind, we who are His, are invited to “come boldly…”
“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16
As we “come boldly unto the throne of grace” the LORD is going to fill us with His grace and love.
Those most powerfully used by God to help others, are those who are set apart to Him, crying out to the LORD to be filled with His gracious Holy Spirit and to be made more and more one with Him.
Debbie Lord writes:
“GOD is our sustaining force via prayer:
The Holy Spirit praying for us from within,
Jesus, our risen Savior and High Priest praying for us at the right hand of God, Brothers and Sisters in Christ praying for us on this earth, and us praying for believers everywhere,
even those we’ve never met. Ephesians 6:18
Each member of Christ’s body should be assured of the constant prayer of other believers as well as lifting up in prayer other believers themselves.”
Memory Truth:
“For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” James 1:20
We grow in Christ’s grace to realize that our own misguided, unwarranted, self-righteous attitudes and actions of wrath on sinners, is not of God.
Pray to “grow in grace” (2 Peter 3:18). When we are growing in His grace in that abiding oneness, His ministry of grace will flow through us. It has been wisely stated that “We can never lead someone else to a place we aren’t ourselves walking in.”
“For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace…” Hebrews 13:9
WHEN we see something in God’s Word, such as the verse above, let us pray it – pray He will bring it fully into our lives.
WHO has God Used to Truly Minister to Us?
Did God use vessels of self-righteous wrath?
Or, has the LORD used crucified vessels who were full of His love?
Can we not reflect back on how God used others to minister to us? Who did He use? It wasn’t the harsh self-righteous ones He used but rather the vessels of His love – who when they spoke His truth, did it out of His concern and desire for us to truly come to Him… right?
There is so much evil in this fallen world. We are bombarded with words, attitudes, and images daily with the iniquity of fallen mankind. That will not change till Jesus returns. For now, we must abide in Christ, to seek Him to make us one with Him and the Father who are one in agreement, unison, etc. It’s only in being made one with the Father and Jesus that God’s love will fill and flow from us. May God settle us at His feet, truly.
YOUR PRAYER: Holy Father in Heaven, I come to You in the name of my LORD Jesus Christ. Please teach me Your ways and make me, and Your body, one with You. In Jesus’ holy Name, amen.
Pouring prayerfully over the prayer of our LORD Jesus recorded in John 17 would greatly benefit us saints.
John 17: Jesus’ Prayer, the Real “LORD’s Prayer”
The High Priestly Prayer of Our Savior: Beholding the Highest Divine Priorities in the Prayer of Jesus
“1 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:
2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.
3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.
5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.
6 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.
7 Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee.
8 For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.
9 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.
10 And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them.
11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.
12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.
13 And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.
14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.
19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.
20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.
25 O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me.
26 And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.”
The Gospel key to walking in God’s love is the cross. The Bible teaches us that “God is love” and it’s only the crucified vessel that will be full of God’s love and used effectively by the LORD.
“And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:16-18
Ministry from Heaven can only come out of a crucified vessel.
“Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.” 2 Corinthians 4:10-12
Love is at the top of the divine list of priorities and can only come out of the oneness our Father desires us to have with Him (1 Corinthians 13). Are we asking Him to be made one with Him? (See John 17.)
“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
Sister Debbie Lord offers us the opportunity to pray this Scriptural prayer: “Lord, I pray for your saints world over, that You would draw us closer and closer (increasingly) to Yourself as time grows short. Please help us give up and let go so that You can live in us fully and minister to us, in us and THROUGH us. I ask this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.”
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Articles
Rejecting the Swine: Swine Among Us! [podcast]
Jesus’ Protocol, and Parameters are for Our Protection
What does the Bible say concerning allowing a departed person to come back into your life or into a group of believers?
God only forgives those who repent and when they repent, they will acknowledge their sin and make restitution to those they’ve harmed. They will “Bring forth therefore fruits meet for (consistent with) repentance” (Matthew 3:7-10). True repentance is proven by good fruit demonstrated to prove it, or not. If there’s no honest, open admission and restitution, there’s no true sorrow or repentance.
“Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and IF he repent, forgive him. 4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.” Luke 17:3-4
If a brother sins against you, you are commanded to rebuke him. And forgive him and yet, only if he chooses to repent.
Forgive him yes, yet only “if he repent(s).”
v4 notice that the sinning person is required to repent each and every time he sins.
This appears to be a protective protocol or parameter to follow in order to ascertain or prove someone has or has not truly repented. Personally, I’ve see many times where people who’ve done wrong to a member of Christ’s body try to just come lolly gagging back into that person’s life or fellowship only to have the opportunity to wreak havoc once again because they weren’t made to prove they truly repented. Let us couple this with what Jesus teaches concerning dogs and swine. As we are going to see in a moment, Jesus commands His people not to closely associate with anyone who would be in close range of you and be able to rend or rip, tear, stab you (Matthew 7:6). So, if someone who has committed offense returns without coming with true repentance, they are to be considered a swine, a dog to whom the believer is not to give place lest this person “turn AGAIN and rend you” (Matthew 7:6).
GOD IS BEGGING NO ONE TO COME TO HIM AND HE ALSO INSTRUCTED YOU NOT TO BEG ANYONE ALSO. GOD NEEDS NO ONE. ALL MEN NEED GOD. THE LORD HONORS EVERY MAN’S RIGHT TO GO TO HELL (Deuteronomy 30:19; Joshua 24:15; 1 Kings 18:21; 2 Peter 3:9; Revelation 21:8, etc.).
The LORD told you to send em packing if they don’t want to change to conform to His truth….. Did you know that? Read and memorize Matthew 7:6 and Titus 3:10 now.
“Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.” Matthew 7:6
Force Feed? NO! THE UNREPENTANT are willingly blind and these are the very “dogs” and “swine” Jesus commanded us to abandon! Matthew 7:6 is a command saints!
PERHAPS we should today consider that God is attempting to protect His children. Following His wisdom, His Word, will do just that (Proverbs 30:5). Those who allow a swine, a heretic, to remain in close range, will again be stabbed in the back by that swine (Matthew 7:6; Titus 3:10). Swine—unrepentant evil doers—are to be rejected (Titus 3:10). In this life, there are people you will have to forgive and also, to get out of your life, to keep them at a distance. Beware of the Swine
Have you ever had anyone stalk your posts on social media? Seems like this is nearly always what happens when you allow unrepentant heretics stay around. They become a liability.
NO soul shall be argued into Christ’s glorious kingdom. This is one reason Jesus tells us not to give the precious jewels of His Word to “swine.” In part, “swine” are those who’ve heard and still refuse to believe. Some were saved and yet are no longer saved due to having “an EVIL heart of unbelief” (Hebrews 3:12-14). Jesus warns that “swine” will simply turn the truth against you and stab, rip you! Pour over Matthew 7:6.
Jesus told you to NEVER waste your time on swine-who will only use everything they learn about you against you (Matthew 7:6). Are you obeying Jesus?
They continue saying things that contradict Scripture. The LORD mandates that His people “reject” heretics…. after they’ve been confronted the first and second time and still remain in the lie, refusing to be corrected by God’s Word (2 Timothy 3:16). This is the whole issue: They are biblically illiterate and refuse to only believe and operate according to the Word and are not repenting:
“A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; 11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.” Titus 3:10-11
Note what Paul instructs Titus to do concerning heretics—those who reject the truth when shown it. Notice in v. 11 how the Holy Spirit gives us insight into the hearts and minds of heretics—“such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.”
Of Titus 3:10-11, Stacy Strother writes:
“Their own conduct condemns them, as verse 11 will explain. Titus is told in no uncertain terms not to have any association with someone who tries to cause divisions within the church.”
When Paul faced false teachers he said this:
“And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: 5 To whom WE GAVE PLACE BY SUBJECTION, NO NOT FOR AN HOUR; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.” Galatians 2:4-5
False teachers are to be allowed “the first and second admonition” and then rejected if they do not repent and conform to the doctrine of God’s Word.
Rejecting the Swine: Swine Among Us!
“Neither give place to the devil” nor his servants (Ephesians 4:27; Matthew 7:6; 10:14; Titus 3:10).
Having dealt with thousands of naysayers, caught in the grip of sin and Satan, I do not continue throwing pearls to swine as is Christ’s command (Matthew 7:6). If they refuse to humble themselves, seek the LORD and His truth, and believe, they are to be rejected, namely if they are openly casting doubt upon and spurning God’s Word (John 8:47; Titus 3:10). Swine
WHEN we deal with someone in error, the key to remember is whether or not the person in error is teachable or prideful. “God resisteth (sets Himself against) the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble” (James 4:6). Watch what David prayed in Psalms 141:5:
“Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities.” Psalms 141:5
RED FLAG DISCERNMENT: You know you are dealing with a devil when he/she dwells among believers and yet demonstrates no love, no edification, and no mercy toward you and yet then when they see an opportunity, they lower the boom to condemn you. Swine (Matthew 7:6).
Their condemnation with no edification of the body of Christ is completely unlike how Jesus addresses the churches of Asia in Revelation 2 and 3. For example, Jesus edified and commended the believers at Ephesus and only then did He correct them. Go take a look for yourself in Revelation 2:1-7.
QUESTION:
“You deal with a lot of people. Do you ever get tired with people’s problems lol?”
REPLY:
Yes and there is simply no time to waste on people who have a Bible and all the opportunity in the world to seek God and don’t and then want to blame God and you …. never themselves.
“The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against (blames) the LORD.” Proverbs 19:3
Did you catch that? Men pervert their own way and instead of admitting their own sin, seeking the LORD and repenting, some of them want to tear away at, attack His children as if to get to Him, the LORD whom they are blaming.
The wicked sin against God and then turn around and blame the Almighty who is holy, for their own sin.
There are those like these we are to help and those who do not truly want help and will steal God’s resources (time, energy, etc) while you could be giving those resources to a cause more fruitful … including people who truly want help and are willing to deal honestly, receiving the LORD’s Word. May God grant us His wisdom in each situation as He promised He would if we simply ask Him.
Here are some passages to guide us in divine wisdom:
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” James 1:5
“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” 2 Timothy 2:24-26
“Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.” Matthew 7:6
Remember how Jesus departed from cities where the people didn’t receive Him? Here’s an example and a nugget of truth to live by.
“And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.” Matthew 10:14
Jesus instructed us to “shake off the dust” from our feet when His Word is not received, right?
We must learn to cease to waste the LORD’s time that He gave us, on people who do not truly want Him.
Saints, let us be reminded that God needs no one—no man—but all men need the LORD. Having this revelation, you will hear me tell folks “God is God and He doesn’t need you. You need Him.”
If someone is not going to repent of a heresy after being shown Scripture that exposes it for the lie it is, “reject (block)” them. That’s what Jesus commanded (Matthew 7:6; Titus 3:10-11).
“Reject” the “Heretick”
“Keep your pearls for whom the Lord directs. Being a ‘sweet’ Christian who ends up shredded by the pigs taught me a great lesson. More discernment Lord, please and thank You. He did and He will. It’s a new day and we need it now.” Julie Thompson
When you allow a deceiver to hang around, you are facilitating their misleading of others.
WHO, other than Satan and his human agents, came to put people in bondage “to steal, and to kill, and to destroy”? See John 10:10. Wisdom: If you think someone can lie to people and go so far as to lead them into bondage God never intended…. and that person still be a good brother in Christ, you have something coming to you. It will always end up bad. You are keeping a devil around…. allowing them to lurk and when the chance arises, out of the blue, they will turn and rend / rip you. “They lie in wait (lurk) to deceive.”
“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.” Ephesians 4:14
“These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;” Jude 1:12
Think about these words in light of letting devils hang around.
“And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; 14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:” 2 Peter 2:13-14
When you are communicating divine truth in love and the person you are dialoguing with is not buying it (Proverbs 23:23), it’s time to begin considering to cut them off – to “reject” them. Listen to the divine wisdom given to us in this matter and notice closely also how he inserts the element of “foolish questions.”
“But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. 10 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; 11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.” Titus 3:9-11
Greek for Heretick
G141
αἱρετικός
aihretikos
hahee-ret-ee-kos’
From the same as G140; a schismatic (choice). (“heretic” is the Greek word itself.): – heretic [the Greek word itself].
Total KJV occurrences: 1
By definition, the Bible word “heretick” involves a choice—a decision made by the individual to choose error, falsehood over truth.
In Titus 3:11 here the word “subverted” refers to those who dare to undermine the power and authority of God who has spoken to us in His Word (Psalms 33:11; 119; Isaiah 40:8; Mark 13:31; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21, etc.). Those who pervert or corrupt the Scriptures out of a deceived, depraved heart by an undermining of morals, allegiance, or faith. See 2 Corinthians 2:17.
Those who make the choice to disregard, to refuse to be honest with God’s Word and not walk in sound doctrine, are not continuing in the original Gospel, “the doctrine of Christ”, and will be damned (2 John 9; Galatians 1:6-9; 2 Peter 2:1-3).
“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 (remains) 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.” 2 John 7-11
Believers are to scope out, identify, and “mark” (scope out and identify) those who cause divisions by their adherence to falsehoods.
“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly (carnal appetites and self-serving agenda); and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” Romans 16:17-18
No sinner ever has or ever will be begged into Christ’s kingdom. That is a false posture. Holy Scripture will define and strengthen our perspective toward the lost.
In most cases, the swine we deal with are professing Christians who are in error and unrepentant. Concerning this reality, Charles Pray writes:
“It is so sad to be hated by the world and all those who do not know JESUS as Lord and Savior in their life as we do. But it is even much more sad to be hated by all those who profess to be Christians also, right? Jesus promised: Matthew 5:43 Matthew 5:44 Matthew 6:24 Matthew 10:22 Matthew 24:9 Matthew 24:10 Mark 13:13 Amen!”
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Articles
Mexico Ministry Update Part 30 [podcast]
RECENTLY Vivian and her precious child received the Word of Christ’s Gospel spoken and in print (Jesus tract), and also hot food, hot coffee, and fresh water from a local restuarant as a result of the giving of the saints of Christ. Your love offerings are making this Gospel difference in the lives of many. This giving out of all Christ’s has freely given us warmed the heart and body of this precious family for God’s glory. Oh and this beloved lady, Vivian, was given some cash (pesos).
Thank you for saying with your prayers and support that these beloved people of Mexico matter to Jesus. Your prayers and support are the fuel this ministry outreach runs on! (Philippians 1:19; 2:25)
The podcasts, of which there are not over 800, have now been downloaded over 3 million times and more being listened to daily by the thousands…. from people all over the world. SGYS Podcast
Since the last update, our sister Teresita in FL has led 3 people to Jesus …. So far. Thank you for lifting her in prayer. The LORD moved her to a new place to live and the evangelism has begin. Soon we will establish a ministry hour via technology.
Thank you for praying.
Abundant ministry to people here in Mexico is transpiring and as a result, there’s the need to print more JESUS tracts in Spanish. This opens opportunity for us all. Perhaps we could print 2500 this time instead of 1500?
Thank you for your prayers and support saints.
We are team Jesus!
“WE are labourers TOGETHER with God.” 1 Cor 3:9
God is good all the time as you well know and thank you.
Your prayers to the Father in the name of Jesus are the heavenly fuel He uses to bless and empower and supply His people to do His work.
“For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,” Philippians 1:19
“God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” 1 John 1:5
It’s amazing how much God does with so little from us right and how He multiplies it! Remember this? How our unchanging LORD, when He’d multiplied and fed the multitudes with 5 loaves and 2 fishes? Then after He miraculously turned the 5 loaves and 2 fishes into enough food to feed 5,000, there were 12 loaves left over??? See Mark 6:37-44. | NEW: 5 Loaves, 2 Fishes, and 12 Baskets Left Over [podcast]
So that tells us, that reveals that as we give of ourselves – our energies and substance – that God is going to multiply it, in this life and more notably, in glory!
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:19-21
“Alleluia! All glory to our God who made heaven and earth! Praying everyday for the ministry and His fruitfulness to come forth. And will pray for these new believers who the Lord rescued out of the gates of hell. Praise His holy name!” Karen Cochran
See more Gospel action happening in Mexico here: Mission Mexico
God is good all the time as you well know and thank you.
Your prayers to the Father in the name of Jesus are the heavenly fuel He uses to bless and empower and supply His people to do His work.
“For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,” Philippians 1:19
Your love support for our LORD, for His work, goes to fund the following:
- Mexico Mission
- The support of other ministries.
- To drop the ministry books into prisons across the USA.
Download. Read. Print out your supply of the JESUS tract – English and Spanish.
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WHAT’S On Jesus’ Prayer List? [podcast]
Rejecting the Swine: Swine Among Us! [podcast]
Mexico Ministry Update Part 30 [podcast]
5 Loaves, 2 Fishes, and 12 Baskets Left Over [podcast]
The Psychology of Eternal Security [book]
10 Truths to Behold in Isaiah 41:10 [podcast]
The Goal of the Ungodly Eternal Security Teachers [podcast]
Parenting and the Eternal Destiny of Your Child [podcast]
“The Cross”
How is God’s Money to be Spent by His Church? [podcast]
Sending the Divine Light into “The Prison House” [podcast]
“Flee Fornication” [podcast]
The Victory of the Cross [podcast]
Supplying Saints and Sinners with Heavenly Sustenance
LIE OF THE AGES: From the Garden to Glory [podcast]
Rejecting the Swine: Swine Among Us! [podcast]
Delighting in the LORD [podcast]
Sending the Divine Light into “The Prison House” [podcast]
“Evolution is a Fairy Tale for Grownups” … “The Greatest Hoax Ever
The Purpose of Elders in Christ’s Body [podcast]
WHAT’S On Jesus’ Prayer List? [podcast]
Parenting and the Eternal Destiny of Your Child [podcast]
LIE OF THE AGES: From the Garden to Glory [podcast]
The Goal of the Ungodly Eternal Security Teachers [podcast]
“THAT REPENTANCE AND REMISSION OF SINS SHOULD BE PREACHED” [podcast]
“The Cross”
Supplying Saints and Sinners with Heavenly Sustenance
Weeping Men Win Men [podcast]
Mexico Mission Update Part 28
“Lord, I Believe; Help Thou Mine Unbelief” [podcast]
WHAT’S On Jesus’ Prayer List? [podcast]
Rejecting the Swine: Swine Among Us! [podcast]
Mexico Ministry Update Part 30 [podcast]
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