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HINT: 1. It costs the ministry for each and every book from the publisher. 2. There is no money tree given to Gospel laborers. In fact, those who preached the LORD’s truth will be shunned, despised, attached, and shorted. 3. The outreach sends books to prisoners every month and that costs. 4. If you’re going to complain, you will be confronted with the request that YOU supply the ministry with the needed funds to operate on so that all the books can then be free. Get a clue!

FYI: The book format, is simply another communication medium, another way to reach more people, to get the Word of God out to the people for whom Jesus died…. a message from Scripture on each page, full of Holy Scripture, always bolded. The small amount that is brought into the ministry on books simply goes into dropping these books into prisons and to ministries. Along with King James Bibles. The ministry outreach is supported by individual saints of Christ who desire to see more people reached with God’s love and Word in this late hour. | Sending the Divine Light into “The Prison House” house

For the record, due to amazon charging us for each book, we do charge for books.  By God’s grace, we also give many books away locally, nationally, and send them into prisons. In part, this is made possible when believers are blessed to pay for a ministry book (Acts 20:35). None of us here are independently wealthy and so cannot possibly afford to fund the whole operation. “Wisdom is justified of her children” (Luke 7:35). I’ve also come to the understanding that when people pay for something, including believers, they then value it and read it more (Matthew 6:21). Also, believers spend money in this world EVERY day on frivolous foolish waste, so they can certainly help the work of Christ. If they balk that everything’s not free, that’s their own heart issue. What I tell them is “Well, we’d be glad to give all the books away from now on. That would be great. In order to do that. we need you to personally write a check to fund that project. Here’s our mailing address. When should we expect to receive your offering?”

The opportunity, the privilege of supporting God’s work is the very gift of God to bless your heart to be nearer to Him and to lay up eternal treasure in Heaven with your name on it! (See Matthew 6:19-21.) Do not miss the blessing God ordained for you (Acts 20:35). Each of us has an “account” in Heaven (Philippians 4:17). What’s in yours?

When people pay for something, they value it as their hearts follow their giving. Read Christ’s words in Matt 6:21 closely. Thanks for listening friends.

The Scripture-rich ministry books are merely a medium of communication, a format whereby a message is conveyed, which is what a pulpit is, right? …. Just as is the podcasts and the website platform itself or merely mediums of exchange of a message. We lose money on the books each month because the books are sent to the incarcerated weekly, those who sit in darkness and need the light of God’s truth (though in the past we’ve sent Bibles, all prisoners have Bibles given them by the chaplains). When people purchase the books that’s what helps fund the sending forth of the Born Again book and others to those in prison. Trust me, this ministry never has or ever will have the problem of having too much funding 😉

If we’re going to stop preaching and teaching God’s Word via books, the book format, that means we must cease preaching His Word on the internet, social media platforms, from pulpits, and radio. Right? The medium of exchange isn’t what matters. What matters is the purity of the message. Daniel prophesied of this day of increased communication technology (Daniel 12:4).

At times we hear ministers boasting that they take no royalties for the books they’ve penned as if to pat themselves on the back. Yet, what they aren’t telling you is that they receive enough funding to do such and they live off of that along with being able to forego royalties from their book sales. Or, in rare cases, those ministers are independently wealthy. Either way, the compensation of Christ’s ministers is clearly biblical and allows for other members of His body to participate in this blessed opportunity and receive rewards both now and forever (Matthew 6:19-21; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11, etc.). 

Elders who labor in God’s Word which is sound doctrine, to feed His blessed flock, warn, and teach and equip them, are to be well compensated for this most infinitely important work Jesus prepared and called them out to do (1 Corinthians 9:1-14; 1 Timothy 5:17-18, etc.). Those who are fed by a ministry are to participate by funding that ministry (Galatians 6:6).

Every so often we receive a fiery message rebuking us for having to charge for the Scripture-rich materials the ministry has produced to help feed, teach, and equip Christ’s body.

KINGDOM PERSPECTIVE

Money collections to do GOD’s work are not a sin but rather an opportunity for God’s people to crucify, to put off the sins of greed and covetousness and to lay up treasure in Heaven as He commanded (Matthew 6:19-21; Ephesians 5:7-9). Also, to say that allowing people to support GOD’s work is wrong, is to declare Jesus to be a sinner because He had a treasurer which could only mean that people chose to support the work.

In Christ’s kingdom, what’s the most, the “MORE blessed” position, giving or receiving?

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

Perhaps we should ask the general question: Why don’t all Christian ministries just do everything for free? Answer: First off, only a very few ministries were begun by those who are financially independent. Many or most ministries are being operated by simply obedient, humble servants who are obeying Christ’s call for them to do His work.

Question to the Misguided Attackers: If you are so concerned about ministries being able to just give, give, give away everything for free then why don’t YOU write a check right now and give an offering to that particular ministry in question so they will be able to give everything away according to how much you give? Fair enough? Isn’t it time you became a part of the solution and not the problem … a contributor and not a detractor? … a giver and not a taker? …

Never be concerned about the LORD’s servants who are in need more than you are for the eternal souls who sit there and do nothing to support Christ’s servants and work. Those apostate souls are in great jeopardy of soul, make no mistake about that (Matthew 25:30; Luke 12:15-21; 16:19-31).

INTERESTING QUESTION RECEIVED:

“Hello Todd, I have a question for you and hope you will answer. I am not going to refer to anyone in particular but why would a preacher, teacher and that is a Christian sell their Books, especially when it is about the last days, etc? If a person wants folks to know, why would they sell? Thank you.”

REPLY:

Hello. Well, fair question. It’s real simple, one person (Christian, author, called out servant of Jesus) can’t possibly daily and endlessly study, write, collate, order, edit, publish, prepare and teach God’s Word, win and disciple souls, bring food and clothes to the poor, etc., and then work 8-10 hours per day and be expected to foot the bill ….. would he have time to sleep? Does God expect him to do such or has He set up a perfect plan for all His people to participate in and be rewarded for? Are you personally participating in that plan?

You are correct friend…. it is the last days and this is the reason even more so that all of God’s people must be about the “Father’s business” which is the Great Commission His only begotten Son gave us – to win souls and equip His blessed saints (Like 2:49).

For the record: The LORD be thanked for those few who do obediently support the His work in this late hour. This humble ministry has given away dozens upon dozens of books over the last 3 years. That money/provision has to come from somewhere, right? Also, appr. 150 souls have been won to Christ and are being discipled. God is good!

The true Christian author of today (New Testament scribe Matthew 13:52) is simply a divinely called out servant of Jesus Christ, a minister of His love and truth. That servant simply uses the book format to communicate to Christ’s saints and perhaps also lost souls.

As a called out servant, I would love to give the books our ministry has away for free. All we’d need is for you or someone else to make a substantial donation in order to underwrite the cost of doing ministry.

Now, I agree that giving everything away would be great and preferred. So, if anyone wishes to endow this ministry work or any other New Testament (Great Commission) ministry with a ample donation, please do. And, you are welcome to request that we begin to give away all the materials by using that money for such. That would be fair but until then, we will inch along.

Most people understandably do not understand how this all works and so it’s a blessing that this question has come in. In fact, we have gotten this same type question in the past. As a Christian author, let me say that the ministry has to pay for each book that is ordered. There’s not much profit per book and yet the profit goes to support so that we can “stay afloat” per se and be afforded the opportunity to continue doing Christ’s work. Some of us are homeless if that helps.

QUESTION:

“But doesn’t the Bible say to ‘Buy the truth and sell it not’? (Proverbs 23:23)”

REPLY:

Yes “Buy the truth and sell it not” is referring to obtaining, procuring, grabbing the truth and believing and owning it. That truth is not speaking of paying money for something.

People in ministry do not have a money tree. In fact, if a person is endeavoring to tell the whole counsel truth of God’s Word, they will most likely desperately need your support because not many will support because not many want the whole truth (2 Timothy 4:2-4). They only have what people give in most cases…..that’s the point…. being in true New Testament, Great Commission ministry is not at all to make money but rather to be able to pay for what was already paid for by the ministry and be able to get more Gospel communications done. People in the full time ministry usually have no money because they’ve abandoned themselves to the work of Christ, in obedience to His calling them out, and have little or no income. So for the called out minister to have to have all the money and do all the work is a ridiculous notion, No, in fact, their lack is the gift of God presented as an opportunity to those who know of that outreach….. so they also can participate. Problem is, most people have signed up for and waste most of the money God has allowed them to bring in and will give account before Him. If you read Luke 16:19-31 and Matthew 25:30 you will see that divine judgment will be severe upon those who do not use the LORD’s resources for His glory, that is, a portion of it. What happened to the man who buried – did not use – the resources the LORD gave him? (Matthew 25:30) This is why first portion/fruit giving is such a blessed opportunity. Prov. 3:9-10

OKAY, AS IS THE SUBJECT MATTER HERE, SOME ASK THIS QUESTION: “WHY CAN’T CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES AND AUTHORS JUST GIVE THEIR MATERIALS AWAY?”

My question in return is: Did you ask the managers at the movie theater why they didn’t offer their movies and snacks for free? If not why not? WHY do some believe, of all entities, that ministries should give everything away? How about the grocery store: Do these same people ask the store they shop at for food why they don’t give their food away free? If not, why not?

More questions …. WHY is it that some only expect the ministries of Christ to give away their materials? Where is this coming from? What spirit is behind this? WHY do some find no hesitation or problem with whoring out their wallet/money/checkbook to every peddler of temporal wares who comes along and yet balk when they see a Great Commission ministry that intends to take in a little money for the purpose of winning and discipling souls in obedience to Christ? And, this involves endless hours of labor?

If a person is going to ask the question as to why Christian authors don’t just give away for free all their materials, why wouldn’t that same person be asking why others aren’t giving away all their materials?

What do you do for a living? Do you work for free? Does the company you work for or own give everything away? Is that company and its product and service even considered important in contrast to the winning and care of eternal souls in Christ’s work of the Gospel?

I would ask those who have such a diabolical perspective: “Do you get some kind of sadistic thrill out of seeing God’s servants suffer?”

SAINTS, THE MONEY HAS TO COME FROM SOMEWHERE, RIGHT? IF GOD’S PEOPLE GAVE AS THEY ARE COMMANDED TO DO AND WILL GIVE ACCOUNT FOR, DO YOU BELIEVE ANY GOOD NEW TESTAMENT MINISTRY IN THIS LATE HOUR WOULD HAVE LACK? WHOSE FAULT IS THE LACK? IS IT THE WATCHMEN OR THE PEOPLE WHO STAND BACK AND SAY “AMEN” WITHOUT PRACTICALLY SUPPORTING THAT NEW TESTAMENT WORK?

ANOTHER MESSAGE RECEIVED ON THIS SUBJECT:

“AMEN………..I know some excellent men of GOD who sell their books,  but I also know that some of those men have offered those books free to those who could not afford it because they wanted to reach, preach and teach and it’s not about the money for them. My husband and I have no problem buying these books, it is a wise investment for us.

As far as wasting a lot of money eating out, well thankfully I cook better than most restaurants (everyone has gifting’s……praise the LORD this happens to be mine, hubby calls it the gift of hospitality too). We rarely watch anything because we don’t have cable, I dislike concerts or anything secular……the obvious thing is to invest in our spiritual growth and I truly trust the LORD to lead us to what we need to know. Give me a godly book, my morning coffee on my patio or sitting quietly in my room any day…….the rewards are endless in such a simple thing…….Praise the LORD. Pastor Randy spoke highly of one of your books …….ummmm Predators in Our Pulpits I believe or something like that.”

REPLY:

The apostle Paul clearly and outrightly makes the case for those who are called out to do the infinitely most important work in the earth to be support. Anyone who has a problem with that has greed and gold as their god and are in rebellion against the Almighty.

We must look from a much larger perspective than our own self-serving position or need or especially in respect to the many charlatans which reap millions of $ and buy mansions and expensive cars and church buildings, etc. There’s a world to be reached and the monies received from those who buy the books/materials help fund the GREAT COMMISSION Jesus sent us to accomplish. And yes those who contribute in ANY way are going to be rewarded eternally by Him (John 4:36; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11).

The monies received from those who buy the books/materials:

1) Support the minister (s) and ministries so they can pay basic bills and stay afloat (or try to) and KEEP DOING GOD’S WORK. Let’s get a clue saints.

2) That ministry/author/minister can give away books and materials for free to those who can’t afford the materials/books.

Those paying for those materials are contributing to the LORD’s MINISTRY WORK. If they don’t want to pay for it, then they have the choice to not buy the materials. Yet, those same people, perhaps, waste money on the god of self, entertaining and pampering that false god. Yet those self-righteous hypocrites balk to “pay” for a book that elevates Jesus Christ, the One they falsely claim to serve. Yet they don’t think twice to buy desert, expensive meals out, and many other things that have no eternal value. Utterly hypocritical.

For sure Laurellynne. Thank you for your reply. A disciple of Jesus who has labored in God’s Word and doctrine (1 Timothy 5:17-18) is worthy of double honor which means financial reward. That’s God’s Word (Galatians 6:6). So, for someone to pay 15.00 – 20.00 for a book that has taken that man many years or decades to produce is a very small price. Also, they can pass it along to help others. Now, the average Christian who drinks coffee spends 15.00 – 20.00 per week (or more) on coffee which has no godly or eternal value.

There’s nothing sinful about going to a restaurant or buying coffee, etc. Yet, we must examine ourselves if we have money to throw here and there and are tipping God or not giving to His work at all. That’s indicative of the lack of Jesus as first love (Revelation 2:4-5). My concern is for Christ’s flock and that they repent and obey Him in their stewardship for which He will bring them into account on that Day. See Jesus’ parable of the talents in Matthew 25. I could care less if some who are misguided take offense.

We should never abandon the truth because some have perverted it. For example: Some false shepherds have abused the sheep by teaching them false doctrine and leading them to do things for their own self-serving purposes (that of the wolves). This in no way removes the responsibility of the true under shepherds to rightly shepherd Christ’s sheep (1 Peter 5:1-6). In the same way, just because greedy wolves have made merchandise of the people (taken money to build their own kingdoms instead of Christ’s) in no way negates the LORD’s program and privilege to involve all of His people in His work. It is the privilege of the individual believer to contribute to Christ’s work. The Bible even tells us that “the LORD loveth a cheerful (hilarious) giver” and He even incentivizes us in that those who sow much will reap much (2 Corinthians 9:6-11).”

Money Tree?

Do you have a money tree? If so, please mail one here or at least the seed to grow one to the true New Testament ministries you know of.

The money has to come from somewhere and that’s exactly why God, from the beginning, set up a program where His people are privileged to give back to Him/His work out of which He has given them and then on top of all that, He is going to reward them here and in eternity. Study stewardship in Scripture and the Levites. Begin in 1 Corinthians 9:1-14 and 1 Timothy 5:17-18. Those whom God Himself has called out to do the infinitely most important and only eternally substantial work in the earth are “worthy of their hire” which means they are worthy to be paid for what they do (1 Corinthians 9, etc.). When Jesus sent forth His disciples to do His work, He said “… for the labourer is worthy of his hire” (Luke 10:7). In fact, in the days of the prophets, God’s people had forsaken Him and spent their resources building their own “ceiled houses” and “temples” (Haggai 1; Hosea 8:14). Read Malachi 3 also. The LORD was very angered and brought judgment on them. We see the same today. People who claim to be following Christ who spend the vast percentage of their monies on frivolous waste for their own self-serving entertainment and temporal comfort and give little or nothing to Christ’s work. This is a betrayal of the LORD who gave them the ability to earn that money and the opportunity to be a good steward over it (Matthew 25 – parable of the talents). Just think: If a small percentage of those claiming to be lovers of the truth and following Christ would give a certain percentage of the “firstfruits” of all they earn into God’s work (Proverbs 3:9-10) … then those ministries Jesus has called out could actually function, pay their bills, and perhaps give materials away.

STEP BACK AND CONSIDER THAT PERHAPS IT’S NOT THOSE CALLED OUT WHO ARE IN SIN, IT’S THOSE WHO ARE BEING FED BY THEM AND STANDING ON THE SIDELINES DOING NOTHING (NOT GIVING) WHO ARE IN DEEP TROUBLE SPIRITUALLY. I’M TALKING ABOUT THE OBEDIENT, HUMBLE WATCHMEN WHO HAVE AND ARE ANSWERING THE CALL OF GOD TO TEACH, WARN, AND PREACH TO HIS FLOCK (COLOSSIANS 1:28: ACTS 20:27-32; 1 CORINTHIANS 9:16, ETC.). PRAISE THE LORD FOR THE FEW WHO SUPPORT THE GREAT COMMISSION WORKERS IN THIS LAST HOUR BEFORE CHRIST’S SOON RETURN.

Reader, do you work for free?

Do you get paid for your work so that you can pay your monthly living expenses?

How long would you continue doing the work you do if you no longer were paid for it?

To that person who still has a problem with men of God being compensated, I would ask: Have you also complained that attorneys, plumbers, accountants, waitresses, and cooks also get paid for what they do?

Why is it that those doing the most important work in the earth are questioned over getting paid by the freely given love offerings of God’s people? Why is it wrong in the minds of some that those answering the divine call to serve can actually pay their bills? Paul had this same railing accusation and question and gave answer to it in 1 Corinthians 9:1-4. Go read that. Some reading this need to de-ignorantize themselves with this knowledge 😉

You see, it’s usually not the Christian author or minister’s fault that he can’t just give away books or materials. No, it’s usually the fact that he can’t survive much less thrive in the LORD’s ministry work due to the refusal of so many to give to Christ’s work. Does this include you? Are you giving regularly to the work of Jesus’ Great Commission? So many will read, learn, be convicted and rebuked by, be equipped for ministry, be sharpened and spiritually nourished yet have no heart or energy to give. Yet these very same people can perhaps be found wasting money on expensive daily coffees and many other frivolous wasteful spending. Example: $3.50 coffee per day x 30 days in a month = $105. They have monies to throw out and to commit to earthly things and yet haven’t committed to Christ by signing up to give a monthly gift to His work. Many who claim Christ as LORD won’t give $10 or $20 per month to Jesus’ Great Commission work. Where is their heart? Jesus tells us exactly where their heart is when He says: “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:21).

Those who support the Great Commission of Jesus are few and yet so very important! Thank God for them!

Be sure of this: No true ministry work of Christ has the problem of having too much money. Regrettably those few who are truly doing His Great Commission work are starving … and won’t tell you. Don’t ask them. Don’t wonder. Just obey God and give to their work. They have to pay their bills too friend! What we do to them we are doing to JESUS (Matthew 25:40-46, etc.). May God give us a clue today in Jesus’ Name!

To those who don’t give or give a mere tip to God out of that which He has allowed them to bring in, the LORD would say …… “Consider your ways” (Read Haggai 1). If you repent and choose to begin giving, the LORD may just fill your barns so you can give more to His work. One man once wisely stated that “If God can get it through you, He will get more to you.”  Consider Your Ways Audio Message

“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

Recap: You see, today, the divinely called out pastoral watchmen are starving. They can’t pay their bills due to 1) people claiming to be serving Jesus who do not repent and begin to steward the resources He puts in their hands His way, and 2) many give to false ministries. So, the called out disciple, called to not entangle himself with the affairs of this life can’t pay his bills – because God’s people (or those claiming such) are not giving to His work. So, the Gospel worker is left to do God’s work (never ending lines of people to be served) and also somehow come up with the money to pay his bills. This is not God’s program. Those who know true Gospel workers who are doing the Great Commission Jesus gave us and equipping the saints to do the same (Ephesians 4:11-12) are to give to those ministries. It’s sickening how people can throw money at renting movies, sun tanning, vacations, buying more clothes and shoes they don’t need, getting their hair and nails done, etc., and yet give nothing to the LORD’s work … you know, the nail scarred, risen Savior they claim to love ….

The LORD doesn’t give His called out servants a money tree…..they cannot get away from the divine calling and yet subject to the disobedience, the crass and ruthless omissions of His people who are rejecting HIM in their hearts …. if they were truly worshipping Him, there would be a cheerful giving back to Him of what He gives them – “ALL things come of thee and of thine own have we given thee” (1 Chron. 29:14). People have no idea the fate, the sufferings that have happened due to the lack suffered by answering God’s call. Ministry is a body operation where each member of Christ’s body does their part. The ministry here has a certain lady who faithfully gives and she thinks she is doing nothing and yet, she has no clue as to how that we have no money to put gas in the vehicle, to buy Bibles and Gospel tracts and food for the hurting unless she gives. She has no clue as to how much her part plays. I’ve laughingly considered getting a cheap body cam lately so she can get a glimpse of those being saved and saints being equipped and the hungry being fed, etc.

I’ve got a book coming out LORD willing that will touch on what happens when people don’t give ….. it’s a personal testimony and hopefully will wake a few up so they give to those who are literally doing the Great Commission….. instead of building their own church business, sitting in a stupid building, wasting tens of thousands of dollars (in many cases monthly) heating and cooling a building ….. no, Jesus, the apostles and today’s true, divinely equipped and called out workers go to the people instead of expecting people to come to them. Jesus left Heaven and came to us. He never told us to come to Heaven to Him. Such would be impossible. Think about this: We are to “Go” as He told us and to do as He did for us – serve the lost.

WATCHMEN ARE PEOPLE TOO AND THEY NEED MONEY TO PAY THEIR BILLS LIKE ANYONE ELSE. REGRETTABLY,  IT SEEMS THAT SOME PEOPLE WANT THE LORD’S WATCHMEN PUNISHED ALL BECAUSE THEY ARE ANSWERING THE CALL OF GOD TO MINISTER HIS WORD. THINK ABOUT IT. WHAT SPIRIT IS BEHIND SUCH? THOSE PEOPLE NEED TO REPENT AND BEGIN DOING THEIR PART. THERE ARE SENDERS AND GOERS (ROMANS 10:14-15).

Jesus told us that unfaithful stewards go to eternal damnation (Matthew 25:30, 41, etc.). There’s a “certain man” who was once rich (temporarily in this short life) who has been burning in conscious torment in the flames of hell for some 2,000 years. Go read Luke 16:19-31 and find out exactly why that man is irrevocably in hell and in a million years will still be in hell, “suffering the vengeance of eternal fire” (Jude 7).

Each individual is granted by God the opportunity to be as the priest, the Levite, or the Good Samaritan. We must ask ourselves: WHO AM I IN THIS PARABOLIC teaching of the One I claim to be serving? Am I the priest, the Levite, or the Good Samaritan? God bless us to humbly and honestly examine ourselves (2 Corinthians 13:5). The priest and Levite (religionists without Christ) walked right by the man who was in need, making excuse as to why they were “justified” in not helping him. In contrast, like Christ and His few true followers, the Good Samaritan stopped his life and used his resources to help the man who had been ravaged by the world. The Good Samaritan asked no questions but rather simply jumped to the aid of the man in need. THAT man was JESUS – “Inasmuch as ye HAVE DONE IT unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:40).

The priest and the Levite walked right by JESUS when they refused to render aid: “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. 46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal” (Mathew 25:45-46).

“Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.” Matthew 25:41

“And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 25:30

This week, a guy that the LORD saved a few months ago and is being discipled, called me. He needed a little money. Well, regrettably there’s not much in the coffer. We still gave it to him and yet, hundreds of dollars in bills have stacked up. The ministry is months behind on bills and this is not due to poor stewardship but rather due to the lack of funds. Anyone who gives is not doing God (or this ministry or myself) a favor. No, they are doing themselves a favor (Acts 20:35; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11; Proverbs 3:9-10, etc.).

If you are reading this message and claim to be seeking the perfect will of God, I want to exhort you to get before God and to repent of all bad stewardship, including endorsing and furthering the cause of hireling thieves who are building their own church business and using Christ’s name in vain to do so (2 John 7:1-11). Get your slate cleaned afresh saint (1 John 1:3-2:2). Then, find a true called out ministry and give. A ministry work that is glorifying God isn’t wasting HIS money on buildings and the upkeep of them. No, instead that ministry work is actually and literally doing the Great Commission Jesus irrevocably gave us (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20; Luke 24:47, etc.). In doing this alone, you will begin to be participating in HIS work. Stop giving HIS money to the wolves who do nothing more than entertain the unrepentant goats.

Regrettably, every worker on this planet gets paid for his work except those who do the infinitely most important work of leading eternal souls out of sin and eternal hell and into glory forevermore.  Are you a part of the problem or the solution?

Go ahead and take your anger out on me. I don’t mind. You are actually in rebellion to the LORD Himself because He commands you to “give.” What He’s calling you to do is to truly repent before it’s too late. Your heart is out of His will if these truths convict you and the only wise response is to repent and change your ways. Attacking His messenger will not change your life or destiny.

Materials/Books Offered by SafeGuardYourSoul

The Message of Haggai the Prophet: Build the House | Satan Energizes His Puppet Idols! | Stewardship

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FEEDBACK:

“Well said with regard to the giving away of ministerial books for free.  I think there’s another question that should be raised.  Why are the authors who publish books that tickle the ears of God’s people by telling them what they prefer to hear about laying up treasures on earth being bought in the millions to become best sellers without questioning their cost of sale while those who are publishing truth of scripture that focuses on laying up treasures in heaven through warnings, corrections, and instructions in righteousness go begging and their authors are questioned about covering their costs of sale?   Could it be that the vast majority of God’s people haven’t set their affections on things above but on things of this earth?

Those whose affections are set on the things of this earth, are focused on earthly pleasures, and laying up treasures on earth buy books which tell them what they want to hear regarding earthly pleasures and prosperity regardless the price because these books foster the carnal errors they hold dear which appeal to the lust of their flesh, the lust of their eye, and their pride of life.  They don’t question the authors of these books regarding the prices they charge since these books readily support those things they want to hear.  People are willing to pay the price for that which they value most.

If God’s people really had their affections set on things above and valued their eternal destination in heaven above a temporal 70+ year life span here on earth they would be more than willing to pay the price of a book which publishes the truth knowing that there’s nothing they have or will accumulate on earth that they can take with them into eternity where the treasures they have laid up in heaven will be the only assets they will enjoy on a forever basis.  If God’s people had singleness of eye and would set their affections exclusively on things above and regard godliness with contentment as great gain rather than being in a  lukewarm state by trying to serve both God and mammon, they could save more than enough money to buy the necessary books that will help them to lay up treasures in heaven and the question of cost would become moot.” Paul Roberts

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Apostasy

“The Certainty of the Words of Truth” [podcast]


Nicholas, the Apostate Deceiver

Historians say that Nicholas (Acts 6:5), a deacon in the first century church, backslid, and led his followers to believe that living in sin would not affect one’s relationship with Christ. The term Nicolaitans is said to come from those who followed Nicholas. Nico-laitans is a compound Greek word. Nico means “to conquer,” and laitans means “the laity.” Satan used Nicholas to conquer his followers through the lie of lawlessness. The evil spirit of Nicholas lives on today through many lawless leaders who operate in the church world in this late hour.

Nicholas taught free love. He and his followers taught that the deeds of believers could not affect their relationship with God. This is antinomianism, which means lawlessness. The Bible clearly refutes such a lie as we will witness in our walk through the Holy Scriptures.

“Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” 2 Timothy 2:19

“They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” Titus 1:16

The Bible states here, that those who “profess that they know God” and yet “deny him…in works,” are “abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.”

By this lie of lawlessness, the enemy of souls conquered the people.

“But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans (means “conquer the laity”), which I also hate…So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.” Revelation 2:6, 15

Here is some modern terminology for this age-old doctrine:

  • Once Saved, Always Saved
  • Eternal security (unconditional)
  • Calvinism, perseverance of the saints doctrine

In Revelation 2, Jesus Christ tells us that He “hates” two things — “the deeds” and “doctrine of the Nicolaitans.” The Son of God despises the doctrine that teaches that the deeds of men have no effect upon their relationship with Him.

The Scriptures continuously reveal the divine hatred for the acceptance, and even doctrinal authorization, for living in the sins which the LORD tells us violate His holiness, reveal a wicked heart, and will prevent one from entering into the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Galatians 5:19-21; Revelation 21:8, 27).

The word “lasciviousness” appears six times in the Bible and means “lack of restraint (from sinning); license for sin; licentiousness.”

To underscore the utter, divine hatred against this lie of lawlessness, it should be noted that this is the only place in Scripture where Jesus Christ, Himself, states that He hates something.

Though they may vary in packaging, these are all kin to the same lawless “ye shall not surely die” lie, which is the lie of the ages.

“Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments  of the Lord your God which I command you.” Deuteronomy 4:2

“For ye have perverted the words of the living God, of the Lord of hosts our God.” Jeremiah 23:36b

“Thus saith the Lord; Stand in the court of the Lord’s house, and speak unto all the cities of Judah, which come to worship in the Lord’s house, all the words that I command thee to speak unto them; diminish not a word.” Jeremiah 26:2

For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19 and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” Revelation 22:18-19

“Hath God said” ?

Always remember that whenever you have someone casting doubt on God’s Word, words, you are dealing with a person who is under Satan’s control, is a rejecter of the LORD, and therefore His truth, and is a child of the devil. Every time.

Notice what we see Satan doing in the Garden of Eden just before he changed, altered, added one word to God’s words:

“Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?” Genesis 3:1

Then, in verse 4 we read how Satan added just one three-letter word which changed the meaning of what God said and changed world history.

“And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:” Genesis 3:4

“But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” Genesis 2:17

“Thou shalt surely die” from God was then changed by Satan to “Ye shall NOT surely die.”

This is the first time we see what’s known as the “eternal security” lie. It’s also known as “once saved always saved” or “perseverance of the saints” heresy. Any person teaching or believeing this lie has partnered with Satan himself.

Knowing the certainty of the words of truth”

Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.
18 For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips.
19 That thy trust may be in the Lord, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee.
20 Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge,
21 that I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?  Proverbs 22:17-21

that I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth” – and how can we “know the certainty of the words of truth” if we aren’t even reading them – if we are not reading the preserved Word of God but rather a cheap counterfeit?

Bible Versions Category

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Apostasy

8 Classes of Sinners Guaranteed to Spend Eternity in the Lake of Fire [podcast]


8 Classes of Sinners Guaranteed to Spend Eternity in Hell

“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” Revelation 21:8

“The second death”

[which is the second death] The second death is the lake of fire, or the second separation from God in hell (Rev_2:11; Rev_20:14; Rev_21:8).

Of Revelation 21:8, Adam Clarke writes the following:

Revelation 21:8

But the fearful – Δειλοις· Those who, for fear of losing life or their property, either refused to receive the Christian religion, though convinced of its truth and importance; or, having received it, in times of persecution fell away, not being willing to risk their lives.

And unbelieving – Those who resist against full evidence. And sinners, και ἁμαρτωλοις, is added here by about thirty excellent MSS., and is found in the Syrian, Arabic, some of the Slavonic, and in Andreas and Arethas. On this evidence Griesbach has admitted it into the text.

The abominable – Εβδελυγμενοις· Those who are polluted with unnatural lust. (sodomites, lesbians Romans 1)

And murderers – Φονευσι· Those who take away the life of man for any cause but the murder of another, and those who hate a brother in their heart (.

And whoremongers – Πορνοις· Adulterers, fornicators, whores, prostitutes, and rakes of every description.

Sorcerers – Φαρμακοις· Persons who, by drugs, philtres, fumigations, etc., pretend to produce supernatural effects, chiefly by spiritual agency.

Idolaters – Ειδωλολατραις· Those who offer any kind of worship or religious reverence to any thing but God. All image worshippers are idolaters in every sense of the word.

And all liars – Και πασι τοις ψευδεσι· Every one who speaks contrary to the truth when he knows the truth, and even he who speaks the truth with the intention to deceive; i.e., to persuade a person that a thing is different from what it really is, by telling only a part of the truth, or suppressing some circumstance which would have led the hearer to a different end to the true conclusion. All these shall have their portion, το μερος, their share, what belongs to them, their right, in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone. This is the second death, from which there is no recovery.

“21:8 But not all are overcomers. Some are cowardly, afraid to confess Christ; unbelieving, unwilling to trust the sinner’s Savior; sinners, all those who remain in their sins, whether guilty of the gross iniquities listed here or not; abominable, given over to disgusting immorality; murderers, malicious and savage killers; sexually immoral, practicing fornication and other forms of sexual sins; sorcerers, those who traffic with evil spirits; idolaters, insulting God by worshiping images; and all liars, compulsive deceivers. These will be assigned to the lake of fire as their final destiny.” Believer’s Bible Commentary

“And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. … 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15  And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:10, 14-15 

One source notes the following:

“Brimstone and fire” refers to the fiery imagery of divine judgment and eternal punishment found in the Bible. It symbolizes God’s wrath, often describing the fate of sinners in hell, and is a phrase used in religious sermons and literature. “Brimstone,” an old word for sulfur, is a key component of this imagery, evoking a smell and heat associated with inescapable, fiery destruction.

Biblical origins

Old Testament:

The phrase originates in the King James translation of the Old Testament, used to describe God’s destruction of enemies. A key example is the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.

New Testament:

The imagery is used to describe eternal damnation, a common theme in both the Old and New Testaments. In the book of Revelation, for example, it describes those who worship the beast being tormented in a lake of fire and brimstone.

Etymology:

The phrase is a calque of the Biblical Hebrew and Ancient Greek words for “sulfur and fire”.

Geological evidence:

Archaeological and geological evidence of sulfur deposits and charred formations in areas like the Dead Sea region have been noted as consistent with biblical descriptions of fire and sulfur-related events.”

“But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 8:12

Hell Category

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | Hell | Becoming Rooted and Grounded in Christ | Bride of Heaven vs Harlot from Hell [podcast] | Fresh Start with God | Peace with God | Jesus is Coming Just as He Promised [podcast] | Having No Part Dark [podcast] | An Angry Man in Hell | Tormented in this Flame | Wolves ExposedThe High Treason of False Leaders | A Quick Nugget on Discerning WolvesKnowing Your Enemy [podcast]Is God Faithful to save us if we aren’t faithful to  Him?

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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:

  1. 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?

  1. True under shepherds relentlessly teach God’s Word – who have spoken unto you the word of God.” (Hebrews 13:7)
  2. 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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