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WHERE to Give Your Money and Where Not to Give it

Paula White Exposed [video]

THAT’s My King! Pastor Lockridge [video]

Powerful Prayers from Children-This Will Shake You [video]

The Fear of the LORD is to Hate Evil: Pride, and Arrogancy #shorts [video]

Sending Up Treasures to Heaven

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35

You’re going to spend your life and energy doing something. Should it not be that which holds eternal value? Isn’t everything else waste? Why waste your time and energy in this brief life on temporal trinkets and pursuits? Riches

There’s no heavenly treasure to be gained by giving to political causes.

Sending support overseas? Did you know there is a priority laid out in God’s Word as to where we are to give? First, we should only fund full-counsel Christ-centered ministries. Then, we are given instructions on the geographical scope. Read Acts 1:8 and note that we are first and foremost responsible to help that which is in our Jerusalem (immediate local-city/state/country), then out a bit to Judea, Samaria, and only then to the uttermost parts of the earth.

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Acts 1:8

The first priority of support is that which is in your immediate surrounding – Acts 1:8.

One writer notes writes: “Misguided ‘Christians’ who AREN’T SEEKING GOD are putting their tithes and offerings into the FAKE, COUNTERFEIT churches (buildings, religion) instead of giving to the REAL TEMPLE, the REAL BODY of Christ where it is needed.”

God won’t reward you for supporting His enemies-He will judge you for doing so! Discern (2 John 10-11; 2 Chronicles 19:2).

DISCERNMENT: IF a man isn’t preaching some serious volumes of literal BIBLE and doesn’t yet have a proven track record over a long period of time, proving himself, I’m not giving to it. “And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;” (1 Thessalonians 5:12)

Are you supporting the WORK of Christ or some mere man’s “church” enterprise?

CLUE: Modern wolves repeatedly invite their gullible prey to give them money to perpetuate their circus act they call “church” and yet can never be heard calling people to come in repentance and faith before a holy God through His only begotten Son Jesus Christ! Run!

“You go to a ‘church’. You are encouraged to contribute financially. The Bible backs up this concept. But if you don’t ask yourself the next question, ‘give to what’?, you may well be propping up a false gospel.” Jeffrey Siegfried

Personally I do not and will not in any way support non-King James Bible ministries, nor OSAS heresy ministries, or judaizers devils, or calvinistic heretics, etc. These are bad FRUITS and Jesus says “Ye shall know them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:16, 20; Romans 6:22; 1 John 4:1; 2 John 7-11, etc.)

SUNDAY MORNINGS: Did he preach Christ? The cross? Hell? Repentance? Holiness? The return of Jesus? If not, run! The Apostate Modern Church: SO much about raising money for man’s “building projects” and little or nothing about Christ! Hint: They are raising more money to entertain more goats!

EVERY believer should support Christ’s work-in a discerning manner.

True servants of Christ do not minister for the money. No, in fact, because they are true to God they are usually broke. In spite of the lack, they preach the LORD’s Gospel (1 Corinthians 9:16).

Among the earliest followers of Christ, we see New Testament Christians giving only to ministers and the poor CHRISTIANS – and never to dogs, to cancer research, the lost, or any other worldly cause. “Let the dead bury their dead.” (Luke 9:60) Think. Act wisely. Be biblical. God is watching and will judge according to what we do (Matthew 25:40, 45-46).

“Now concerning the collection FOR THE SAINTSSSS, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. 2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.” 1 Corinthians 16:1-2

THE EARLIEST followers of Christ are our example and they gave to the body of Christ, not the lost! Divine priority! (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35; 1 Corinthians 16:1-3; Galatians 6:10, etc.) “And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. … Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.” (Matthew 25:40, 45)

The earliest Christians gave to the needy Christians, not the world.

“But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. 26 For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.” Romans 16:25-26

“Let the dead bury their dead.” (Luke 9:60) The lost will help the lost in most cases. The lost will not help the righteous. God is all wise saints. Let’s humble ourselves and simply obey, follow the wisdom of His Word.

In Acts 2:44-45 and 4:32-35 we see the earliest saints of Christ helping the CHRISTIANS in their own locale, then, we see them sending support specifically to the poor CHRISTIANS in Jerusalem (1 Corinthians 16:1-3). Galatians 6:10 tells us the LORD’s priorities for our giving: “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:10)

Christians and authentic Gospel ministries in America need our support saints. Many of the calls for donations overseas are fraudulent scams disguised as Christian. Muslims and other thieves prey upon the giving nature of God’s people. Yet. believers must be wise and harmless:

“Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” Matthew 10:16

Do you spend more time in “church” than in the Bible itself? Wow! Red flags flying!

Beware of the Self-Righteous

It seems we should beware of self-righteous false watchmen and pastors who pat themselves on the back by saying things like “I don’t take any money from the ministry. I work and make my own money.” Then they spurn the pastoral watchmen who give people the opportunity to do what Jesus taught us to do – to “give.” (Luke 6:38; Acts 20:35).

Don’t buy this so fast. They may sound noble until you look closer at the whole counsel of God’s Word which defies such a notion and exposes these who assert such.

Did the apostle Paul and the early church take up collections? Answer: Yes. See 1 Corinthians 16:1-2. To refuse to allow God’s people to give is a sin and out of the order of God established from Genesis to Revelation. In Exodus 35, God’s people gave so much that the LORD had to tell them to stop. Would to God we had that problem these days. It’s quite the opposite in this late hour unless you look at the masses of gullible dupes who empty their pockets on the end time wolves who are making merchandise of them (2 Peter 2:1-3).

–— Nearly half of Jesus’ parabolic teachings deal with stewardship. Remember, in the temple Jesus never told the Jews to remove the treasury (coffers where people have the privilege to give). No, in fact, He sat right next to it in order to watch how people were giving and neglecting to give (Mark 12:41-44).

Giving is instituted by the One who gave all and on record for us from Genesis to Revelation. It’s the givers privilege to give (1 Chronicles 29:14; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11; Acts 20:35). Also, God forbid that those called out by God to do His work shut up the blessing by not allowing their audience – those they feed – to contribute and thereby lay up treasure in Heaven while warding off the false god of mammon (Matthew 6:19-24).

Where we give is important.

Barry Bugh says it correctly when writes: “Sow…where you see fruit.” And saints, the building based local churches are not fulfilling the Great Commission our Master gave us and therefore are producing bad fruit. As usual, as we see throughout biblical history, God is calling a remnant out from among the apostate system.

It seems that church going people feel they need to pay their dues to the country club, entertainment center they call the “church building” and it’s associated organization.

If you are born again and abiding presently in Christ, you have “mansion” in glory awaiting you! (John 14:1-6) Did you know that you also have an “account” in Heaven? Now, what’s in that “account”? Is it empty or full?

“Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.” Philippians 4:17

Paul, Christ’s apostle, wanted to see the heavenly accounts of God’s people full!

God is not going to reward you good for not contributing to that which He stated is most important.

Saints let’s support REAL ministry and no longer fund the bureaucratic religious frauds of the apostate modern church world.

Are we going to be biblical? WHAT does 1 Corinthians 9:1-14 establish? What does Galatians 6:6 and 1 Timothy 5:17-18 say? Do you know what the LORD told us for His church in these passages? Read God’s Word and get in the know – ledge.

The LORD instructs us to give to, to support the ministry(ies) that are feeding us His Word.

“Let him that is taught in the word communicate (give) unto him that teacheth in all good things.” Galatians 6:6

The LORD instructs His people to “lay up treasure in heaven” and He brings to us the places to sow, to lay up treasure in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21).

It’s all in God’s Word … The fact that wolves have made merchandise of the biblically illiterate, including us in the past, does nothing at all to negate or diminish aught from the clearly stated will of God. In this late hour, as the remnant is being delivered out of the deceptions of these wolves, it is not the will of God that they cease giving but rather that they re-appropriate that giving to where there is true New Testament, Great Commission fruit being born. Why should the LORD further suffer through our lives by cheating His true work out of the fuel needed? Was it His fault that we were deceived and funded false ministries in the past? This is an ugly picture saints. Let’s not abandon to abuse (throw the baby out with the bath water).

Think with me for a moment ….. Some love the fact that tithing is not a New Testament teaching? Why? Is it because they can now spend all their money on self? Many of these cease all giving and go back to spending all their money on the false god of self. They will spend and waste dollar on top of dollar on trash and entertainment and give little or nothing to God’s work while they soothe themselves in the knowledge that tithing is not a New Testament teaching. Yet, 100% of what we receive is from God. Jesus commands us to give. What about putting God (not self) first place in every part of our lives – including stewardship of the monies He allows us to bring in?

“Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: 10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10

In all things God must be “first” Jesus says (Matthew 6:33; Proverbs 3:9-10).

Saints, may our LORD bless each of us to have His wisdom concerning giving back to Him. May He bless us not to lean to our own understanding, but to fully trust in what He told us in His Word (Prov. 3:5-6).

The unchanging God will never contradict His holy Word and will only lead His children in accordance to it.

Please allow me to exhort you in the matter of your giving – according to the all-wise Counsel of the Most High.

Speaking of previously funding false prophets, one sister writes:

“Yep! Been there done that as many have! We need to continue to give but we need to truly know where the monies are going! Investigate before you give.” Darlene T.

Is it a sin for people doing God’s work to give the ongoing opportunity for others to give/donate? No. – “And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.” (Mark 12:41-44) Jesus never told them to remove the treasury/coffer/place of opportunity to give. No, instead He sat right next to it in order to watch people giving and how they gave. He never rebuked the idea of coffers, only the misuse of them such as when He drove out the money changers (Matthew 21; John 2).

First of all, giving should be a joyful event. Our hearts should rejoice to release God’s money back into His work.

“The LORD loveth a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7

Our LORD tells us that all that we have comes from Him and what we give Him came from Him (1 Chron. 29:14). We will be brought into accountability before His Holy Throne of Judgment concerning our stewardship of every penny He gave us, and “To whom much is given, much shall be required.” (James 4:17) We should proceed with fear and trembling in this matter. It is no small one.

Where are Christians to Give?

So many times, we have all heard Christians say things like: “It doesn’t matter where I give. God is going to bless me anyway. He handles the rest after I give.”

BE NOT DECEIVED: God is not going to violate His own Word by blessing those who are funding His enemies. By giving to a ministry or local church that is not fulfilling Christ’s Great Commission command to teach and preach His Word to saint and sinner alike, you are bidding God speed (helping, condoning) His enemies. See 2 John 7-11. To think that God doesn’t watch exactly where you give – to fruit-producing or fruitless ministries – is naive and untrue.

“Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse…” Malachi 3:8-11

His “storehouse” is not a physical building, but rather the place where His original Gospel is truly being obeyed and furthered in His love – where His Word of truth is being proclaimed and upheld with all boldness. 1 Peter 2:5 says the body of Christ is a “spiritual house.” 1 Peter 5 says to “Feed the flock of God.”

We must carefully place every dollar we give – into rich Gospel soil. The LORD holds us accountable for how and where we give – and what it promotes. For the disciple of Christ, the only ministries that qualify are those which are authentically carrying out the Great Commission Christ gave – holding forth the original Gospel unwaveringly. Christ’s Gospel program consists of building up the saints, preaching the Gospel and seeing people saved, water baptized, and filled with the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:37-39, 3:19, etc.). See what the early Church did in the book of Acts for a view of what the Original Gospel of Christ really is. God is good.

Saints, untold thousands of Gospel workers are in lack right here and now in America. Thousands of called men of God have had to go back to their secular work, due to the lack of giving among those who claim to know Christ. In light of these facts, How can the true child of God possibly give revenues to already well-funded, secular organizations?

When we truly begin to aggrandize divine truth, we will then begin supporting only those who truly endeavor to preach all of it (full-counsel) fearlessly and cease from funding the ministries of hireling false prophets who allow most of their ministry revenues to be absorbed on things other than that which is at the core of importance in the divine economy, like the true building up of the saints – getting them into the Word for themselves, and winning lost souls.

Concerning the work, workers and building up of God’s kingdom, the Bible instructs us in Ezra 6:8 – “forthwith expenses be given unto these men, that they be not hindered.”

The reason all of God’s people are to give to His authentic work is “that they (His servants) be not hindered.” (Ezra 6:8)

The Almighty who is all-knowing and all-just, is going to bring to light the pain suffered by those He called to serve Him and yet were “destitute” (Heb. 11:37). Today some in our midst are without basic necessities and/or funds to operate their divinely-inspired and called ministries. This is directly due to the disobedience of those who possess the ability to give to help sustain their lifestyles so they can continue to further the eternal Gospel (all get rewarded for eternity). Saints, God is going to judge us according to how we spend every dollar and punish the disobedience. Much eternal treasures remains to be laid up in your account. See 2 Corinthians 9:6-10.

Authentic, born again saints must cease from funding worldly organizations, ministries or causes that are not divinely inspired, eternal works, according to the original Gospel. Those causes and works which align with the mission and mind of Christ are to be funded joyfully by His true disciples. They will always involved the very first Word and command of the Gospel – “Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matt 3:2; 4:17; Lk. 13:3, 5; Acts 2:38; 3:19)

We should also refrain from supporting any entity furthering the cause of their own organization/denomination, or the leader(s). Jesus is the KING of the eternal kingdom and He alone will be reigning when all men are laid low (Is. 2:17-18; 42:8). In our giving, we must make certain that every dollar is put to use to the end person in need and not to be absorbed into some religious bureaucracy (denominational, etc.). Of course, we must keep in mind that the Bible says in both testaments that “the workman is worthy of his hire” and those who do the most important work -the Gospel – are to be well taken care of so they are not hindered in their work (Matt. 10:10; 1 Tim. 5:17-18)

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:21

HIS CAUSE

Jesus told us He came on a mission from the Father to “seek and to save that which was lost” (Lk. 19:10), and instructed us to “Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:60) The Son of God says here plainly to “let those that are of the world fund and further their own fleeting cause, but you my people, do all that you can to further my eternal Gospel, to rescue the perishing from eternal damnation in the lake of fire from which there will be no escape.”

“He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” 1 John 5:12

Make No Mistake: There are and will be souls in hell due to the lack of obedient and charitable giving of those today who call themselves by the name of Christ and yet disobey Him in not giving their lives and revenues to His work (Matt. 7:21). The disobedience of withholding has tied the hands of God’s workers and greatly hindered their ability to do what the LORD has sent them to do in the care of souls and winning the lost.

True believers are to be possessed with the exact vision and passion of the One who came to shed His very own blood for all/our sins on that wooden cross. He was raised again 3 days later. We are to use every possible resource He gives into our hands to further His unaltered cause – preparing men to meet Him/the care of souls. On top of all this, Christ our LORD promised unending eternal rewards for every penny we give to His work in this life. He instructed us to lay up for ourselves treasure in heaven and not on earth, and He told us that where we put our treasures is exactly where our hearts will to/follow/be (Matt. 6:19-21). Where ones money flows, ones heart goes. The certain recipe for backsliding, is to not give to the furtherance of God’s Word. One of the quickest ways to have a revival in your own heart is to write a check to the work of Christ. Do it now and the LORD promises to reward you.

Remember, we should Let the dead (unsaved) do the work of the dead – and we as the living, should do the work of the living (those made alive by Christ).

“There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.” Proverbs 11:24-26

“I believe GOD WILL hold Christians ACCOUNTABLE for sinking HIS MONEY into man-made ORGANIZED RELIGION rather than helping poor, struggling families!!! THOSE who SINK GOD’S MONEY into CHURCH BUILDINGS OBVIOUSLY are NOT SEEKING GOD to know HIM by his HOLY SPIRIT!!! I believe that those who put tithes into a “religion,” a “church building,” are a SIGN that they are LUKE WARM CHRISTIANS!!!” A.

Let’s learn God’s Word together, one truth at a time. Sign up here to receive the Moments with My Master email that is sent out to edify Christ’s body.

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Jesus Sat Over Against The Treasury [podcast]

WHAT is Jesus Looking at in Your Life? Jesus Never Changes because He is Divine and Eternal Perfection Read this account carefully: “And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. 42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. 43 And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: 44 […]

Fruit Abounding To Your Account: Divine Incentive [video]

“Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.” Philippians 4:17 Jesus told us that He has gone to prepare a place for His people. If you are born again and abiding presently in Christ, you have “mansion” in glory awaiting you! (John 14:1-6) Did you know that you also have an “account” in Heaven? Now, what’s in that “account”? Is it empty or full? Every single child of God has an “account” in Heaven. Paul the apostle of Jesus, cared deeply about the heavenly “account” of Christ’s saints! YOU have an “account” […]

Why Did Jesus Say the Rich Man went to Hell?

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Articles

Mexico Mission Update Part 28

SATURDAY

ONLY GOD can do stuff like this!
SMH for His goodness.
After asking Luis (pictured below) where a certain food item was, he showed me and a lengthy conversation ensued. Luis was asking me questions about the USA after he found out that is where I originally from. At some point in the conversation, Luis said “make another statement in Spanish.” I guess he was seeking to measure how much Spanish I had learned. This caught me off guard yet I said “Jesus Christ reigns” in Spanish. AS SOON as I began saying those words, a dear man and his wife (Manuel) were turning the corner into that isle and so as I spoke those words I looked Manuel (whom I’d never before laid eyes on) straight into his face in order not to waste or limit who God’s Word was being spoken to. Manuel immediately lit up and rejoiced to hear God’s Word because he and his lovely wife are on-fire disciples of Jesus! Manuel then began ministering to beloved Luis who is not yet saved. The timing and arrangement of this event was nothing less than a divine miracle. We were all quite stunned at how this unfolded. Everyone exchanged contact info and Luis is going to continue to minister to and lead Luis to Jesus.

JESUS CHRIST IS MINISTERING TO AND SAVING SOULS!!!!

RECENTLY: Another 1,500 more JESUS tracts in Spanish picked up from the printer.

LAST NIGHT: Just got back in. Was able to pass out dozens upon dozens of JESUS tracts and speak God’s Word to each person…. ran out of tracts and loving it. Home restocking the pouch now.

The amazing people of Mexico are receiving the Gospel of Christ (Romans 1:16). Your prayers coveted.

The only spirit I have ever been in with ministering to Mexican people is “compassion.” Jude 22-23

They give no resistance, only acceptance to Jesus, the message of His Gospel.

I am praying for you all….. part of me wants to encourage more people to pray about leaving…. for their own safety and fruitfulness in Christ. Just a thought.

The amazing people of Mexico are receiving the Gospel of Christ (Romans 1:16). Your prayers coveted.

Mission Mexico

LAST NIGHT: AFTER sending out the weekly Bible teaching tonight, a young man named Julio here in Mexico replied with this:

“I want to learn the word of God, thank you for sharing the word of God with me.” Julio

He’s not yet saved (that I know of) and he’s reading the Word he’s being sent and now has the 4 ministry books in Spanish, including the Born Again book and the JESUS tract, etc.

Mission Mexico Rolling

Thank you for praying for our brother in Christ, Justin.

“About two weeks ago I would wake up spontaneously praising and thanking God. Normally, I am too groggy. But it just happened so naturally. It blesses my day and I give thanks for the challenges. Love you too bother.” Justin

When Alfredo (above) was given a JESUS tract and had God’s Word spoken to him, he was on the phone. He hung up and came and grabbed me as I was walking away. We spent ample time together and he was excited that you would be lifting him in prayer. He was very open and honest and asked me how he would be able to stop drinking many beers daily. In return I preached Jesus to him and that when he repents and receives Jesus, he is going to be forgiven of his sins and born again, a new creature in Christ and that all old things will pass away. He was instructed to repent and receive Jesus as I pointed to the prayer on the back of the JESUS tract (oracion). He was also shown the Reina Valera Bible 1960 to download onto his phone. He has my number and as soon as he texts me back he will be sent the Born Again book in Spanish and receive biblical ministry. Thank you for lifting this dear man in prayer. The honesty of the people of Mexico is so very refreshing!

God loves the Mexican people. Jesus died for them.

Thank you for pausing to pray for the people of Mexico.
Here’s beloved Martha who recently received ministry – as a direct result of your prayer and support.

Spanish

Mission Mexico Rolling

Is your life fruitful for Christ?
Or is it being wasted? John 15

Bibles and ministry books going out weekly across the nation. Lives being changed. Prayers coveted.

Now supporting a missionary in the Philippines….. Jesus tract in Tagolog etc.

You’re working to pay bills but are you fruitful for Jesus? John 15

Below are message from 2 men here in Mexico who have been ministered to and are continuing to receive God’s Word weekly:

“I am interested in knowing God and reading the Bible.” Julio

“Hi Todd. Greetings. Thanks for the Bible messages.” Carlos

IF you want to have a ‘field day’ adventure of evangelising lost souls, 90% of which are just waiting to be told about Jesus….. perhaps you may wish to pray and ask God if He’d have you move south to Mexico. A blessing. Psalms 37:23, right?

God be praised for your prayers and support. HE is doing a work in the hearts of the people of Mexico.

Articles

The Purpose of Elders in Christ’s Body [podcast]

There is no more important work transpiring in the earth today than the work of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Matthew 9:35-38; 28:18-20; Ephesians 4:11-15; 1 Peter 5:1-6, etc.).

“Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21

In short, the authentic under-shepherd ordained of Jesus Himself (John 15:16), will give up his life in this fleeting world for the sheep of Christ – just as the Great Shepherd of the sheep did on the cross. Such a divinely called-out man, will teach only God’s pure Word and watch for the souls of the LORD’s people (Hebrews 13:7, 17). He will take up the cross – live the crucified life – and therefore ministry will not be about them but rather about Jesus and His beloved sheep for whom He shed His blood and is soon returning (Philippians 3:17-21).

Also in Hebrews 13 …. The true elder of Christ will, according to Hebrews 13, do two things:

Speak the pure Word of God to you and get you into it:

“Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation (their way of life).” Hebrews 13:7

2. Will in the fear of God pray for and “watch for your soul.”

“Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” Hebrews 13:17

In review, just WHAT are the earmark fruits of true under-shepherds as opposed to the many wolves among us?

True under shepherds relentlessly teach God’s Word – “who have spoken unto you the word of God.” (Hebrews 13:7)
They are there for you! – “they watch for your souls.” (Hebrews 13:7)

IF they aren’t preaching God’s pure Word to you, fearing God, not you…. and watching for your eternal soul, they are wolves in sheep’s clothing. Repent and run to Jesus beloved.

Let me add that if they are using a fake “bible” instead of the King James Bible, that should be a clue to the darkness they walk in (Matthew 7:16, 20).

Elders are ordained of God and yet never to take His place nor to negate our own personal responsibility to seek God daily for ourselves. Yet, we do not need a preacher. Why? – because we each have a Bible. Read it. We don’t need a preacher to tell us what the Bible says! Read it for yourself, learning of the LORD yourself. Today is your day to take personal responsibility to seek God for yourself! Stop depending on a preacher or preachers. Devour God’s Word daily. Jesus taught personal responsibility and the essential nature of it when He said “Take heed to yourselves” (Luke 21:34-36) …… Paul instructed Timothy to “Study” the Word (2 Timothy 2:15).

Today we have all around us church-goers who are not possessed with a heart after God, do not diligently study and read and live out Christ’s Word. This lukewarm, world-loving fruit clearly reveals the prophesied priesthood of wolves (1 Chronicles 16:11; Psalms 27:4, 8; Matthew 24:11; Acts 13:22; 2 Timothy 3:13; 1 John 4:1, etc.). Until a pastor has provoke you to get into God’s Word for yourself, to seeking His holy face daily in prayer, he has failed. If has has diligently, biblically sought to do these essentials, and people have refused God’s Word, refused to seek His holy face continually, the blood is off of his hands (Ezekiel 3:18-20).

“When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. 19 Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. 20 Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand.” Ezekiel 3:18-20

When you check the fruit of a fellowship, check, discern if the individual saints are vibrant in Christ, diligently seeking His holy face, in His Word, living a life of prayer, denying self, taking up the cross daily, and following Jesus. This sounds like what we see of the earliest saints in the book of Acts, right? Boom. Remember how Peter preached and 8,000 were saved and how the Berean believers put Paul’s teaching to the Scriptural test? (Acts 2-4; 17:10-11, etc.).

Sadly, usually you see a bunch of people who are proud to be a member of a church with none of the biblical fruit list above.

The apostle Paul kept a close watch on those he oversaw.

“For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.” 1 Thessalonians 3:5

Having a physical “church” building makes no mere man, no supposed elder, an official representative of Heaven. Feeding the sheep of Christ with His pure Word and equipping them “for the work of the ministry” is the mark of a true under-shepherd of Christ (John 21:15-17; Ephesians 4:11-12, etc.). Discern. Beware. Inspect the fruit. Jesus nor any of His holy apostles collected a penny to build a building called “church.” No, they went to the people – to serve them instead of having the people come to them.

Let’s test that…. How many people do you personally know who are good church members, Sunday morning church attenders, and ALSO true, daily disciples whom God is using everywhere they go? Think about that…. How many true disciples of Jesus do you know who are involved in a Sunday morning church program? If you personally know even one true disciple, that’s a miracle and in spite of his attendance at the Sunday morning circus called “church.”

Unlike Christ’s apostle Paul, most in leadership today foster in their prey a dependence on THEM and their church business instead of prayerfully, biblically exhorting people to depend on Jesus (1 Corinthians 1:29-2:5).

Like Christ’s apostle Paul, the true elder labors relentlessly to see you grounded in Christ – not in him or his ministry or church, but in CHRIST! Listen closely:

“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.” Colossians 2:6-7

It simply doesn’t matter what else he’s doing, if any minister is not prayerfully, biblically, perpetually rooting and grounding you in Christ, he’s a fraud. Run.

Like Jesus and His holy apostle Paul, part of grounding you ever more deeper in Christ, is warning you to “beware” of the “many false prophets.” (Matthew 24:11)

“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:” Colossians 2:8-10

SO, he’s not exhorting and admonishing you to seek and know the LORD in an ever deepening fashion? He’s not equipping, maturing you “for the work of the ministry” and yet you still consider him one of the LORD’s under-shepherds? He’s not getting YOU into the Word (2 Timothy 2:15) for yourself? That’s a false leader who is entertaining the goats instead of feeding and equipping the saints! Run! (See Ephesians 4:11-15; 1 Peter 5:1-6, etc.)

False leaders divert the attention, the heart affections, the resources, and the energy of God’s people away from Christ and simple obedience to His Great Commission mandate. YOU are personally responsible! Waste is rampant! If you support, “bid God speed” (2 John 7-11) to a false leader, false ministry, then you will perish with them!

The divine purpose for elders is not to dominate nor entertain the LORD’s sheep but rather to help their joy in Christ! Get to know this verse saints:

“Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.” 2 Corinthians 1:24

There is the citing of elders in the Word and their divine purpose – to humbly serve God by helping His sheep grow in the knowledge and grace of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-15; 1 Peter 5:1-6).

Christ’s apostle Paul desired the “perfection” (maturity in Christ) of the people of God (Ephesians 4:11-15).

“For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.” 2 Corinthians 13:9

Like Apollos, Elders among God’s people must remain teachable to God’s Word and simply and only teach and preach his word (Proverbs 9:9; Acts 18:26). Elders true to the LORD act on his behalf and never out of a personal agenda for self gain (2 Corinthians 3:5; 4:5, etc.). They live the crucified life (Galatians 2:20).

We are to humble ourselves like Apollos did and learn the way of our God more perfectly from each other, via God’s Word – as Apollos learned it more fully from Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:24-28).

Beloved Apollos was a very effective, anointed communicator of God’s Word and yet, was in need of maturing, of being perfected. So, God sent to him an elder and his wife, Aquila and Priscilla. Apollos humbly received the LORD’s elders and His grace to grow in Christ:

“And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. 25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. 26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.” Acts 18:24-26

The vast majority of “churches” that meet in “church buildings” are simply and merely conducting “church services” where they entertain their prey. They are not equipping the saints for the work of the ministry and therefore discerned as being counterfeit (Ephesians 4:11-13). If they were, there would be salty disciples in their midst who go forth to minister Christ’s kingdom blessings wherever they go. Not even a trace of this transpiring in the apostate modern church world. Run. Run. Run.

The Purpose of Kingdom Elders:

“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting (equipping, maturing) of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:” Ephesians 4:11-12

Philip Lye writes: “Paul says in Ephesians 4, that he gave some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. He expressly says these people are given to mature the saints, to equip them for their ministry and growth in Jesus Christ. Jesus tells us in Matthew 24 that many false prophets and messiahs will arise deceiving many. They are simply functions that God has given and not titles which the proud use to strut about like a peacock. Most of these people that I have met (and I have seen a lot of famous ones) are false, proud and arrogant and not servants of the the Lord Jesus Christ. I have seen humble genuine ones who move mightily in truth, calling people to repentance and right relationship with Jesus and a demonstration of genuine miracles and wonders. They are to be genuine servants to God’s people.”

VIEW this following verse from Solomon’s day in light of our calling and work till Christ returns:

“Now all the work of Solomon was prepared unto the day of the foundation of the house of the LORD, and until it was finished. So the house of the LORD was perfected.” 2 Chronicles 8:16

Let’s read a larger portion of this important passage in Ephesians 4. God fearing under-shepherds must prayerfully labor for and be intent upon seeing God’s people grow in the grace of Christ to the full stature of maturity He has ordained!

“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:” Ephesians 4:11-15

The Error of Using Titles in the Modern Church World

God sovereignly and exclusively ordained MEN to feed, lead, and equip His saints (Ephesians 4:8-11). Women are called to and seen doing many ministry functions in the New Testament but never as a leader in a position specifically designated in Scripture for men.

Repent. The American “church” is a catastrophe of spineless moral-coward Ahabs who’ve allowed, suffered women to lead, and the fall out is incalculable (Revelation 2:20-24).

GOD’s men must never allow women to lead where they (men) are called to lead (1 Timothy 2:12; 3:2; Revelation 2:20-24).

To put yourself under the ministry of a woman who is acting as an elder among God’s people, is to defy Christ, and to agree with Christ’s arch enemy and his Jezebels and to bring severe destruction on the people of God (1 Timothy 2:12; 3:2; Revelation 2:20-24).

JUST because a woman can run her mouth and even genuinely have a gift of the Spirit DOES NOT mean she’s an elder in the body of Christ – which is divinely reserved non-negotiably for men, male elders (1 Timothy 2:11-12; 3:2). | Beware of Scripture-Twisting Jezebels

We must humbly confess before our LORD and God that we have nothing and are nothing without Him!

“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5

God can use us in spite of having a seminary or Bible college background…. If we will truly denounce it, lay it all down, and truly submit to Him – just like Paul did (Philippians 3). Otherwise we will join the epidemic of false prophets who build their own kingdoms in this fleeting life and spend eternity in hell (2 Peter 2:1-3). Paul counted his “higher education” as “dung” to know and serve Christ (Philippians 3).

BIBLICALLY SPEAKING, BY DEFINITION, ELDERS ARE NOT SEMINARIANS (UNLESS THEY’VE DENOUNCED SUCH) BUT RATHER PROVEN MEN OF GOD WHO HAVE WALKED WITH CHRIST FOR SOME TIME AND ARE SEASONED IN DOCTRINE AND GODLY CHARACTER AND ABLE TO HELP ASSIST OTHER BELIEVERS GROW IN GRACE (Philippians 3).

In part, we can be transformed in our thinking/perspective of what leaders are seen to be in the apostate modern church vs the biblical definition of an elder which is a humble servant with sound doctrine and a godly life (1 Timothy 3; 2 Timothy 3:10; Titus 1-2, etc.).

Christ’s kingdom ordination is not like the ordinations of many denominations….. To ordain seems to mean to recognize the work of GOD in a man’s life and to set him forth into ministry as by the leading of the Spirit of God.

“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” John 15:16

ORDAIN

G5087

τίθημι

tithēmi

tith’-ay-mee

A prolonged form of a primary word θέω theō (which is used only as an alternate in certain tenses); to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from G2476, which properly denotes an upright and active position, while G2749 is properly reflexive and utterly prostrate): – + advise, appoint, bow, commit, conceive, give, X kneel down, lay (aside, down, up), make, ordain, purpose, put, set (forth), settle, sink down.

Total KJV occurrences: 96

“Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.” Acts 13:1-3

Denominations of mere men set their elders forth to do THEIR bidding, to perpetuate their own cause and existence, to build their false church businesse$. God fearing assemblies of the saints simply recognize Christ’s work in a man and prayerfully send him forth to do GOD’s work. They worship and exalt Christ whole heartedly!

MINISTRY is about feeding sheep, not entertaining goats (John 21:15-17). So, when you see a “minister” entertaining, you know he himself is a goat (1 Corinthians 1:29-2:5).

What True Elders Teach

“For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.” 2 Corinthians 4:5

THERE is nothing good in us except Christ. We are not featured but JESUS is. “We preach CHRIST crucified” (1 Cor 1:23). All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags and HE is the One and only righteous Redeemer whom we communicate to others (1 Cor 9:16; Rom 7:18 etc.).

Jesus’ true disciples are crucified vessels who preach with His authority, unlike the lame leaders we have today (Matthew 7:28-29). True Gospel preaching rocks the world of those who hear it – it never coddles people in their sin. That’s the work of wolves! Beware!

Godly Elders Teach God’s People to Discern

“And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.” Ezekiel 44:23

Why don’t some leaders teach discernment?

“Anyone that profits off of you being blind, will never teach you or inspire you to see.” unknown

Any man in leadership who doesn’t warn you of false prophets as did Christ and His apostles, is a wolf who does not want you to see who he truly is.

God’s people are to continue to learn to discern – to test, to weigh all things against Holy Scripture. Ungodly elders have the “I said it so it’s true” notion. Or the “We’ve always taught that” or “That’s what we believe” philosophy. Not. What saith the Scriptures is what every true follower of Jesus asks, as he searches God’s Word to ascertain truth. Every student of Christ should become extremely familiar with Acts 17:10-11.

QUESTION RECEIVED:

“I am curious as to how one man is considered the other’s elder? Do they attend the same church gathering thus, he is a church elder or is it through willful submission of the younger as an understudy or simply due to the fact that one man is older?”

REPLY:

Great question brother. Elder, biblically seems to mean older and more seasoned in God’s Word, having walked with the LORD longer. Two views come to mind: 1. The organic body of Christ, the kingdom relationships we have, where there appear men in our lives who are seasoned and there’s an automatic elder/young relationship (that’s how it is here)… and 2. Where a person attends a church group and they have their elder in a more organized fashion as you mentioned…. that help?

Nothing brings definition to this like God’s Word as you know…. and notice how it begins with “The elders which are AMONG you”….

“The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. 5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:” 1 Peter 5:1-6

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