INTRODUCTION

 

 

It seems sadly that even in the Church something have wrongfully not changed.. pastors, elders, deacons are too often even fighting for positions, recognition, and seem to have forgotten the flock..

 

(Mat 18:1 KJV)  At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? 2  And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, 3  And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4  Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5  And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. 6  But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. 7  Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! 8  Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. 9  And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. 10  Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. 11  For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. 

 

(Mat 23:11 KJV)  But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.

 

(Mat 23:12 KJV)  And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

 

We must always be vigilant as believers in Jesus Christ and accountable always firstly only to him in all  now as well. Sadly when a pastor backslides, has no real love anymore, he wrongfully next also tends to resort to legalism, becomes overly concerned about his monetary income, uses a dictatorial submission approach towards others. A Christian brother wrote to me about his experience with a local evangelical pastor, "He behaves kindly with only those who respect him and are financially rich." and he will also now wrongfully openly curse, declare war, harm those who do not.. We all do need to recognize the existence of such poor pastors and to even stay away from such bad pastors..

 

(Titus 3:10 KJV)  A man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition reject; 11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.

 

(Hosea 4:6 KJV)  My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

 

(Ezek 22:27 KJV)  Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain.

 

(Zep 3:3 KJV)  Her princes within her are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves; they gnaw not the bones till the morrow.

 

(Mat 7:15 KJV)  Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

 

(Mat 10:16 KJV)  Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

 

(Acts 20:29 KJV)  For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

 

(Ezek 22:29 KJV)  The people of the land have used oppression, and exercised robbery, and have vexed the poor and needy: yea, they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully.30   And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none. 31  Therefore have I poured out mine indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath: their own way have I recompensed upon their heads, saith the Lord GOD.

 

One of the most dangerous and unacceptable aspects in many Christian persons walk still is the false human tendency to be men pleasers, our trying to obey the teachings, the  laws of men over God's voice, his word. Even pastor and elders are still just men, not God and they really are not to be idolized, worshipped now too..

 

In real life all people often, sooner or later, do face even unexpected hardships for which they are unprepared, and only God can fully help them. But how can they next even call upon God for the help they need if some of them have deliberately rejected him? even by their own free choice too. It is always better to personally choose to trust in God now and always. For we need his help in real life here on earth too. The word of God helps us all to walk rightfully, properly with God and that is why I am not ashamed to quote it so freely and why the devil hates it so much.

 

Now we all do have no direct control over the surroundings, circumstances of our life but we can still influence our personal reactions to them.. we can choose to sin or not to sin, you can daily walk in the flesh or in the spirit. When we walk in the flesh we will next pay the negative corresponding price for doing so as well.. as the prodigal son himself next  did!

 

I in love do often warn everyone and tell them the whole truth, they can personally also reap more of the good things in life or more of the bad things as well. and that they do have a direct influence on this as well. The word of God itself is what now also  helps us to walk in the Holy Spirit.

 

Gal 6:7 KJV)  Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

 

(Isa 50:10 KJV)  Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.

 

One of God's method of dealing both with the Christians and non Christians who disobey God, abuse others,  is that they will reap what they sow, in fact they will even reap negative consequences because of their own foolish actions too.

 

(Isa 50:11 KJV)  Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow.

 

"My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and utter lying divinations. They will not belong to the council of my people or be listed in the records of the house of Israel, nor will they enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Sovereign LORD. 'Because they lead my people astray, saying, "Peace," when there is no  peace...'" ----- Ezek 13:9-10

Everyone who commits sin is guilty of lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. You know that he was revealed to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. No   one who abides in him sins; no one who sins has either seen him or known him. Little children, let no one deceive you. Everyone who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. Everyone who commits sin is a child of the devil; for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The Son of God was revealed for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. Those who  have been born of God do not sin, because God's seed abides in them; they cannot sin, because they have been born of God. The children of God and the children of the devil are revealed in this way: all who do not do what is right are not from God, nor are those who do not love their brothers and sisters. --- 1 John 3:4-10 (NRSV)

But now, apart from law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed, and is attested by the law and the prophets, the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood, effective through faith. He  did this to show his righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over the sins previously committed; it was to prove at the present  time that he himself is righteous and that he justifies the one who has faith in Jesus.--- Romans 3:21-26 (NRSV)

Blessed is anyone who endures temptation. Such a one has stood the test and will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. No one, when tempted, should say, "I am being tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil and he himself tempts no one. But one is tempted by one's own desire, being lured and enticed by it; then, when that desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and that sin, when it is fully grown, gives birth to death. 16Do not be deceived, my beloved.  Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. In fulfillment of his own purpose he gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would become a kind of first fruits of his creatures.  --- James 1:12-18 (NRSV

Happy are those to whom the LORD imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. --- Psalm 32:2 (NRSV)

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."----James 4:7

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."----James 1:5

Mark 11:24-25 Jesus says "Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have  them. And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any:  that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses."----Mark 11:24-25

Jesus says "Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall  bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on  earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall  be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three  are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."----Matthew 18:18-20  

 

Unbelievable but I have still too often found real crooks, bad persons from youth leaders, to pastors, elders, prominent persons  in the Christian, Evangelical churches now as well.

 

It is also an undeniable reality that too many false religious persons, pastors, calling themselves Christians are still building religious empires, a work not ordained by God today as well, Their bad works will be futile, exposed as such as well.

 

One of the most saddest unacceptable practice today as well is even the false tendency to appoint as honorary elders friends, or the persons who have been for many years members of  the church even though these same persons clearly still often have never matured. gone forward in Christ.

 

(Isa 29:1 KJV)  Woe to Ariel, to Ariel, the city where David dwelt! add ye year to year; let them kill sacrifices.  2  Yet I will distress Ariel, and there shall be heaviness and sorrow: and it shall be unto me as Ariel. 3  And I will camp against thee round about, and will lay siege against thee with a mount, and I will raise forts against thee. 4  And thou shalt be brought down, and shalt speak out of the ground, and thy speech shall be low out of the dust, and thy voice shall be, as of one that hath a familiar spirit, out of the ground, and thy speech shall whisper out of the dust. 5  Moreover the multitude of thy strangers shall be like small dust, and the multitude of the terrible ones shall be as chaff that passeth away: yea, it shall be at an instant suddenly. 6  Thou shalt be visited of the LORD of hosts with thunder, and with earthquake, and great noise, with storm and tempest, and the flame of devouring fire. 7  And the multitude of all the nations that fight against Ariel, even all that fight against her and her munition, and that distress her, shall be as a dream of a night vision. 8  It shall even be as when an hungry man dreameth, and, behold, he eateth; but he awaketh, and his soul is empty: or as when a thirsty man dreameth, and, behold, he drinketh; but he awaketh, and, behold, he is faint, and his soul hath appetite: so shall the multitude of all the nations be, that fight against mount Zion. 9  Stay yourselves, and wonder; cry ye out, and cry: they are drunken, but not with wine; they stagger, but not with strong drink. 10  For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered. 11  And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed: 12  And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned. 13  Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: 14  Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid. 15  Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the LORD, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us? and who knoweth us? 16  Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter's clay: for shall the work say of him that made it, He made me not? or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, He had no understanding? 17  Is it not yet a very little while, and Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field shall be esteemed as a forest? 18  And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness. 19  The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. 20  For the terrible one is brought to nought, and the scorner is consumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off: 21  That make a man an offender for a word, and lay a snare for him that reproveth in the gate, and turn aside the just for a thing of nought. 22  Therefore thus saith the LORD, who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob, Jacob shall not now be ashamed, neither shall his face now wax pale. 23  But when he seeth his children, the work of mine hands, in the midst of him, they shall sanctify my name, and sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall fear the God of Israel. 24  They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine.

 

In my own lifetime two of the most tragic events for me also have been those immoral Christian even persons who did not fully repent of their sins, their  wrong doings, and that now includes  Christian lay persons,  pastors and elders included.. and also all those persons who give false prophecies, false words of their own visions, imaginations , choosing and they firstly still are not God's words.  Some people even still steal words from other men, books and claim them as God's words to them and you.

 

But  I am not like that you would say? (Luke 18:20 KJV)  Thou knowest the  commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear  false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother. 21  And he said, All these have  I kept from my youth up. 22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto  him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the  poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

 

For a start clearly do note that even a pastor-shepherd  has to be first directly called, chosen directly and  prepared by God for the calling , and  it is not his own  calling, solely his own choosing! Sadly too many persons  in the Minister today still have not been called by God firstly and they are merely hirelings, career professionals, and thus  false teachers, false pastors, false prophets, false elders even there are too many false deacons.

Yes it seems too many men and women are even these days calling themselves as being God's prophets and prophetess, they are too ready to give advice, views, opinions predictions to others,  and rather they  do too readily claim, in and out the churches, that  they  are speaking God's words supposedly when they have never been even called to the task,, they firstly themselves have not even yet genuinely repented.. and by their own fruits you can really still tell who they are.. adulterers, liars, murders, coveters, thieves, slanders, etc..,

A highly respected Pastor of a very large Church was known for his supposed great sermons, but upon further personal examinations I noticed that he mostly preached other people's views.. so I gave to his secretary a book that I knew was sensationalized, false, even  for the pastor to personally to read..and  the next Sunday the same  Pastor preached the whole book and  even openly, falsely claimed these words were his own, given to Him directly  from God..  next shortly after this the same Church went bankrupt, was  closed down and the same Pastor lost his job..

(Acts 17:30 KJV)  And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:(James 2:13 KJV)  For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath showed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.

Mat 18:6 KJV)  But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.7  Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! 8  Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. 9  And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. 10  Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

And what are you personally really like today?

 

Are you also still another racist? Or a false respector of persons? for  do you still judge people by  their names, their grammar, their clothes, the car they drive or don't drive, the home they own, or where they  work at? Many professing Christian persons still wrongfully do this! This is not at all  the right Christian way.

Here is a valid fact too. God still today forbids me to ask any person where he is working, how he makes money and how much is none, none of my business.. none of it. (Exo 20:17 KJV)  Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.

(Acts 17:31 KJV)  Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

 

Now anyone being unreliable is nothing new, the Bible warns us of  all of the others, even so called religious persons now too.

(Micah 7:5 KJV)  Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom.

(Psa 41:9 KJV)  Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.

(Jer 14:13 KJV)  Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, the prophets say unto them, Ye shall not see the sword, neither shall ye have famine; but I will give you assured peace in this place.

Many Christian people in churches, books, tapes, ministries, even  on the net are still now willing to preach lies, distortions of the Gospel, their own lying and false versions but God is not mocked! They will be expose and reap what they sow too.

 

Many persons think the Church in America is more spiritual. or are they too often all the same, or some are really different now? We also can delude ourselves when we say there is no persecution in North America.. it is just more subtle but just as deadly.. it still does even  take on many  forms here, and one is persecuted openly or subtly, by religious and secular folks now too, for example trying to restrict  others  freedom of public speech, even lying and slandering the truthful, honest  believer, trying to deny him  any paying work now as well.. in fact all who will live a godly life will, not maybe, will suffer this persecution even in our times.. and they do. Many  persons in the Bible are also noted for being persecuted, of all types, not just the Prophets too. Abel was  persecuted. Joseph was persecuted. David was persecuted. Jesus was  persecuted, the Apostles were persecuted, and so has the Church itself has been and will be persecuted too.  But nevertheless we still do need to preach the whole Gospel and the whole truth world wide too.

 

Yes even today there is the still false persecution of the righteous persons by wicked, evil, not born again  persons,  but there is also our persecution by a backslidden Christian, the same one with the antichrist  spirit,  that knowingly too  tries to slander, kill Christ and his good followers, and this evil sprit it generally is still  in a  past believer in Christ, like Judas.

As the Bible even  indicates the God ordained penalty for the persecution God's people which includes  death too, but first a  loss of  job, loss of family too. One of the best loud Biblical examples  of this is in  book of Esther. Do read this book firsthand  for this is a  great book on this subject too. 

 

In the New Testament Apostle Paul in the past himself amongst many others was such a persecutor of believers, a murderer as well and  God saved him too, but God made him pay the price for it too next.. 

 

In my own life time I have often witnessed that when a person tries to physically harm, persecute a true believer they do next either die  early for their time.. even  within a month,  6 months, two years.. depending on how unrepentant they are.

Of these types of persons Jesus himself said "you are of your father the devil and  he was a liar and a murderer from he beginning. The devil  he would have killed  now still even more people but he is limited in what he can do by God..

(Nahum 1:11 KJV)  There is one come out of thee, that imagineth evil against the LORD, a wicked counsellor. 12.  Thus saith the LORD; Though they be quiet, and likewise many, yet thus shall they be cut down, when he shall pass through.

Too many people take the easy way out, they follow after mere men and women, they follow after the others, they blindly and wrongfully do, listen, too, obey all that they do and say, in the church now as well. This is wrong. We are to become mature enough to listen and to obey God's holy Spirit directly as believers in Jesus Christ, to follow after Jesus and not the others. In God I put also all of my trust for truly still vain is the help of man.. or women!

"God to thee alone I cry for help, be my refuge, my strength, my deliverer for blessed are all those who do put their trust in you now before the children of men."

(Psa 37:40 KJV)  And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.

 

(Isa 66:2 KJV)  For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word. 3   He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog's neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine's blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations. 4  I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not. 5 Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed. 6 A voice of noise from the city, a voice from the temple, a voice of the LORD that rendereth recompense to his enemies.

(2Pet.2:1,2,19): "There were false prophets among the [Old Testament] people, even as there shall be false teachers among you [the church], who privily shall bring in[to the church] damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them. . . . And many [of the church] shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of [by the church]. . . . While they [Christian ministers] promise them [Christian congregations] liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption."

Now there are also at least six major things wrong with the North Americanized  Gospel being preached falsely today even worldwide,  and our own being personally next forewarned is properly forearmed.

1 It is mostly man centered religion and not rather God centered, it still tends to exalts man,  self, pride..not rather solely Jesus Christ 

 

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

 

and not rather  (1 Cor 2:2 KJV)  For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

2 It falsely, wrongfully teaches mostly materialistic prosperity, it has a wrong still secular materialistic emphasis,  approach.. instead of agreeing with Christ that Blessed are the poor in Spirit as well..(1 John 2:15 KJV)  Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17  And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

3 It denies full personal accountability, even denies the reality we will here reap on earth as well what we have sown or have not sown even.. (Gal 6:7 KJV)  Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

4 It tends to deny the reality of the real personal persecutions of all true believers, and this it even fails  to prepare us to deal with our enemies, persecutions, hardships too.   (2 Tim 3:10 KJV)  But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, long suffering, charity, patience, 11  Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

5 It even really fails to adequately prepare us to know God better and to walk with God himself, to follow after God instead of mere men.

(Phil 3:10 KJV)  That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection,  and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;  (1 John 4:20 KJV)  If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

6 It promotes sex. While Catholicism has falsely suppressed the emphasis on marital sex, not on true love, this  often Americanized Gospel falsely promotes sex too often too,  and thus also falsely promotes related divorce, mostly for sexual lusts for a start. (2 Tim 3:6 KJV)  For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7  Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.8  Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. 9  But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.

Odd as it may at first sound, Satan too also may encourage men to serve Christ Jesus - but he redefines what serving Jesus means! By its form of godliness, his vain religion deceives every soul not led by God's Spirit. Satan has deceived the whole world (Rev.12:9), inspiring millions to worship God "after the doctrines and commandments of men" rather than "in spirit and in truth"; and his crowning achievement in false religion has been that religion which boldly calls itself by the name of Christ. "

Now are you  a real Christian or are you still a false one? or not one at all? Maybe it is time you look at the matter in more detail too.

(James 5:19 KJV)  Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;

(James 5:20 KJV)  Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

 

I have often encountered in real life insincere, phony  persons calling themselves Christians too , and for a start easily you   can spot them for they are firstly generally  like common puppets who quote what others say  and they personally do not exhibit  much  original remarks, thinking of their  own.. These often also professing religious are not the only type of phony  persons even today but there are too  many of them and too many persons  who do follow them  these false religious persons   have wrongfully, even deliberately followed  only after the false teaching of  mere men, whom they mainly do listen to  and serve firstly and really not at all after Jesus Christ himself now.

 

Secondly they clearly are ashamed or also really ignorant of directly quoting the  Word of God.. I am not.

 

(Rom 1:16 KJV)  For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17  For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. 18  For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19  Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them. 20  For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21  Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22  Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23  And changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four footed beasts, and creeping things. 24  Wherefore God also gave them up to  uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25  Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 26  For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27  And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in  themselves that recompense of their error which was meet. 28  And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 29  Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness,  maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30  Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31  Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32  Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

Some  persons still even in Christianity, in the Church, they make little or no sincere effort to seek God  personally and daily. But God has commanded everyone to search for Him and to read the Bible, but also to know and to  apply his word...

 

These false persons  also wrongfully, wickedly only  consult  other mere men to tell them what they have already made up their mind that they want to hear.. They merely pretend, make a show  as though they hunger  and thirst for the truth of God.

(Isa 58:1 KJV)  Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.2  Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God. 3 Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours.  4  Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high. 5  Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD? 6  Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? 7  Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? 8 Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward. 9  Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; 10  And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noon day: 11  And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. 12 And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.

(Isa 29:15 KJV)  Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the LORD, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us? and who knoweth us?

Here is just one of the many basic  evidences of false pastors, false teachers,  false prophets is that they do  say that  prophecies do not exist today..  and now  what  are they really afraid of? God speaking and showing forth the reality of  their still  unrepentant sins? Yes.

(Rom 12:6 KJV)  6  Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; (1 Cor 14:12 KJV)  Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual  gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.(1 Cor 12:1 KJV)  Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.

Many people really still do not even also know what it means to prophecy.. they have not asked God to tell them, rather mere useless men and women.. they still do need to read the Bible and ask the Holy Spirit to lead them in all truth, not men.. they'd to review theses verses still too.

(1 Cor 11:1 KJV) 14:1  Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. 2  For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.  3  But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. 4  He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that  prophesieth edifieth the church. 5  I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. (1 Cor 14:12 KJV)  Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.  13  Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.

(1 Cor 14:31 KJV)  For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.

(Rom 12:6 KJV)  Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;

When the Apostle Paul said that (1 Cor 14:18 KJV)  I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: he clearly was not talking about  speaking in other people's languages to the unbelievers..Paul also said that  (1 Cor 14:5 KJV)  I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

While there are genuine prophecies from God being uttered in the church, but there are also false ones being uttered next even in a plain language   too by persons calling to be true spokesman for God ironically too...

(Rev 19:10 KJV)  And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

Think that some prophecy you heard, read about is now Biblical too?.. well does it talk about  and uplift Jesus only.. if not it is a false prophecy, a false  diversion!

(1 Cor 10:24 KJV)  Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth. and that means caring about their physical well being now as well..

 

and it also means also all of  the pastors, elders now laying their hands on them and healing them in Jesus name.. I am of the firm, rightful belief that it is always, always God's will to  heal us physically, to deliver us, to save us! To me our basic right to pray for personal physical healing has being provided in the atoning death of the Lord Jesus Christ and it is God's  children's bread, applicable to all of God's people even daily by faith. While some sickness can be associated with unconfessed personal sins, not just the oppression of the devil and demons, next if we confess our sins and pray for healing God heals physically and forgives us spiritually and concurrently.

 

(Isa 53:5 KJV)  But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the  chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

 

Thus healing others by prayer is a tool all Pastors must exercise now as well. Those people who do in ignorance distort the scriptures and say that healing and tongues have been done away with now too and quite out of context Bible verses need to re-LOOK at the Bible..

 

(1 Cor 13:8 KJV)  Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 9  For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10  But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 11  When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12  For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 13  And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. 14:1  Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.

When we all personally see Jesus Christ face to face and when everything is perfect  than the gifts of tongues and healing will be done away with also, for there will be no need for them too.

(Mat 5:19 KJV)  Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

(Rev 22:18 KJV)  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:

(Ezek 13:1 KJV)  And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, 2  Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel that prophesy, and say thou unto them that prophesy out of their own hearts, Hear ye the word of the LORD;3  Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing! 4  O Israel, thy prophets are like the foxes in the deserts. 5  Ye have not gone up into the gaps, neither made up the hedge for the house of Israel to stand in the battle in the day of the LORD. 6  They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying, The LORD saith: and the LORD hath not sent them: and they have made others to hope that they would confirm the word. 7  Have ye not seen a vain vision, and have ye not spoken a lying divination, whereas ye say, The LORD saith it; albeit I have not spoken? 8  Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye have spoken vanity, and seen lies, therefore, behold, I am against you, saith the Lord GOD. 9  And mine hand shall be upon the prophets that see vanity, and that divine lies: they shall not be in the assembly of my people, neither shall they be written in the writing of the house of Israel, neither shall they enter into the land of Israel; and ye shall know that I am the Lord GOD. 10  Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and there was no peace; and one built up a wall, and, lo, others daubed it with untempered mortar: 11  Say unto them which daub it with untempered mortar, that it shall fall: there shall be an overflowing shower; and ye, O great hailstones, shall fall; and a stormy wind shall rend it. 12  Lo, when the wall is fallen, shall it not be said unto you, Where is the daubing wherewith ye have daubed it? 13  Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; I will even rend it with a stormy wind in my fury; and there shall be an overflowing shower in mine anger, and great hailstones in my fury to consume it. 14  So will I break down the wall that ye have daubed with untempered mortar, and bring it down to the ground, so that the foundation thereof shall be discovered, and it shall fall, and ye shall be consumed in the midst thereof: and ye shall know that I am the LORD. 15  Thus will I accomplish my wrath upon the wall, and upon them that have daubed it with untempered mortar, and will say unto you, The wall is no more, neither they that daubed it; 16  To wit, the prophets of Israel which prophesy concerning Jerusalem, and which see visions of peace for her, and there is no peace, saith the Lord GOD. 17  Likewise, thou son of man, set thy face against the daughters of thy people, which prophesy out of their own heart; and prophesy thou against them, 18  And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe to the women that sew pillows to all armholes, and make kerchiefs upon the head of every stature to hunt souls! Will ye hunt the souls of my people, and will ye save the souls alive that come unto you? 19  And will ye pollute me among my people for handfuls of barley and for pieces of bread, to slay the souls that should not die, and to save the souls alive that should not live, by your lying to my people that hear your lies? 20  Wherefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against your pillows, wherewith ye there hunt the souls to make them fly, and I will tear them from your arms, and will let the souls go, even the souls that ye hunt to make them fly. 21  Your kerchiefs also will I tear, and deliver my people out of your hand, and they shall be no more in your hand to be hunted; and ye shall know that I am the LORD. 22  Because with lies ye have made the heart of the righteous sad, whom I have not made sad; and strengthened the hands of the wicked, that he should not return from his wicked way, by promising him life: 23  Therefore ye shall see no more vanity, nor divine divinations: for I will deliver my people out of your hand: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.

Also all true prophecy and prophets would ask the people, even God's people, believers  to repent, and their words next would  cause conviction even cause some of  them to repent.. but not all of the people repent upon hearing the truth still.  Remember this truth .

While the false prophets abound in contrast sadly  the true prophets are really too often still not listened to, respected.. even today.

(Ezek 33:31 KJV)  And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they show much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness. 32  And, lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear thy words, but they do them not. 33  And when this cometh to pass, (lo, it will come,) then shall they know that a prophet hath been among them.

(Micah 2:6 KJV)  Prophesy ye not, say they to them that prophesy: they shall not prophesy to them, that they shall not take shame.7  O thou that art named the house of Jacob, is the spirit of the LORD straitened? are these his doings? do not my words do good to him that walketh uprightly?

I Jn 4:1-5, 1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. 4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 5 They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them.  These False persons also do  have a hidden agenda, their acquiring more  personal glory, honor, wealth for a start.. and thus they try to be men pleasers,  not God pleasers..  for they also really don't have faith in God to supply their essential needs. God promises to supply our needs and not our lusts..

2 Pet 2:1-3, 1 But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them-- bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2 Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. 3 In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.

The Prophets and Teachers seem to  tend to go together.. the teacher next expounds what the prophet original had said... and when you hear a false prophet, he or she will also have a false teacher too besides them..This is true even in evangelical churches which has too many false persons as well.. it is estimated that at the most only about 26 persons of the persons in a local church are actually saved, born again for a start. Not all Pastors, elders or their wives are born again now as well in a church.. even if they may say they are.

Whatever you hear, from the pulpit as well it still needs to be checked with God and the Bible..

(2 Cor 13:1 KJV)  This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.

The False preachers, teachers also would  still have us even today try still to take our eyes of Jesus and look unto Man or women. Why? that is the devil's effective approach.

(Rom 2:16 KJV)  In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

 

Many persons have been now still misled, deceived, put under false bondage, submissions in churches, bible study groups as well.

"The Speaker she  appeared honest and sincere. Her teachings were idealistic - She spoke of love for all mankind, peace, and abstinence from many vices in life" "These teachings initially seemed good to me and they went along with my idealistic thoughts. ""There was some personal, materialistic benefit, need  for me in joining this group as well".  Even though they boasted continuously of not being a part of an established religion, I never suspected that I was becoming next  part of a cult or a dangerous religious group." "I had said that could never have happened to me before this. For she the speaker  firstly herself did not practice these teachings of hers herself.." And by  their own fruits you can tell who they are.. even by the evidence of spiritual inconsistencies in their own life, such as cheating, lying and stealing even. We were taught also that we were the sole family and that there were "no secrets or private business" in the family. We had to seek counsel only from the head, the sole leadership even in all things, even for selecting a marriage partner, for pursuing a career or higher education, job. We had to have his or her  approval before leaving town on a vacation or job trip. He or she  called it "having a covering." Any disregard to the leader's  counsel brought anger, reprimand. We were told that FULL submission and obedience on our part was required for our souls,  THAT they were the sole ones appointed to look out for our souls. The Church leader, pastor  even manipulated each of  the members for their own personal gains. "The thing that I also lost, along with other members in the group was our right to privacy - to have one's personal live and activities kept private"." I lost this all for  the common good supposedly." One OTHER false rule was to only socialize within the group, our sole true spiritual family, so all other outsiders now were a part of the world destined for damnation. I was even  discouraged from spending a lot of time with my own natural family. Even Marriage or any intimate relationship outside of the group was falsely  forbidden, discouraged." "My husband understood, saw the fallacy and the mind controlling tactics that were being used and he refused to continue with the group, but I wrongfully  stayed with it".

All persons  need to be aware of the ear marks of unacceptable mind control.

Mind control  is another  form of slavery! Each one of  us firstly must treasure the gift of human freedom in Christ to even think and choose for .. be ye not false servants of men..We all are still personally accountable to and before God for our own acts, decisions next too.

Many unsuspecting  persons  are still taken today into a false Church, a cult, a clan, one that wrongfully favours a certain race, appearance even or a certain theology,  or a certain church style..

(Gal 1:6 KJV)  I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7  Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9  As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. 10  For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should  not be the servant of Christ.

The body of Christ is one big fellowship of equals. of  believers in Christ, so next, now do beware of the "special groups", the "isolationists", or even of someone who is too nice and kind, even who invites you even to a house meeting or any church meeting where they do try to  isolate you from all of the outside contacts with any other Christian believers, and they ask you to only do things their way, they do intensely  cram you with INFORMATION on why their group alone is  good and correct. BEWARE!  BEWARE of anyone that claims to have the sole  divine gift or calling to lead followers into perfect truths and salvation's. They are a cult, rather building followers after their own kind to hopefully bring glory upon themselves, to seduce you even, to be worshipped by you and other men as well, and even to financially profit as a result too. Follow after Christ alone and all of his flock and not a mere man or a  woman.. "While searching for the truth I still  fell into a pit"..

ONE OF THE BEST WAY TO CATCH FISH STILL TODAY IS TO  WITH LIVE BAIT  OR  RATHER PARTIAL TRUTHS AS IS OFTEN DONE  BY THE FALSE PERSONS TOO

 

False persons do often also tell you they have Godly truth to share with you too.. from the Bible as well.. that they are Biblical.. to get your false attention..

 

Judge not at the outward appearances alone..

"All the great outpourings of the past have had their outstanding truths. Luther's truth was Justification by Faith. Wesley's was Sanctification. The Baptists taught the premillenial [sic] coming of Christ. The Missionary Alliance taught Divine Healing. The Pentecostal outpouring has restored the Baptism of the Holy Ghost to its rightful place. The next great outpouring is going to be marked by all these other truths plus such a demonstration of  the nine gifts of the Spirit as the world, not even the Apostolic world, has ever witnessed before. ( The latter Rain Movement)  This revival will be short and will be the last before the Rapture of the Church."

And yet in many of these same groups the followers, and leaders still next do, did become corrupt.. cause they were themselves not following Christ any longer.

 

Preaching the truth, the Gospel is not adequate alone, the preachers  also do have to live it, practice it.

EVEN IF A GROUP HOLDS TO SOME VALID TRUTHS SUCH AS
- Jesus Christ is the sole Savior, Lord of your life.
- The concept of the restoration of the Tabernacle of David. Praise & Worship emphasized as a means to usher (1) in God's presence and (2) to  usher God's people into His presence.
-Singing in the spirit congregationally, I.e. in other tongues. The "song of the Lord" a prophetic song or one in other tongues but interpreted
- The belief that God has now restored all the ministry gifts back to the Church, especially the office of the prophet and apostle {this is where today's prophetic/apostolic move comes from}.
- The practice of laying on of hands to be filled with the Holy Spirit (and the evidence of speaking in other tongues).
- The practice of laying on of hands to impart spiritual gifts
- The belief Christians can be demonized and need to be delivered through the laying on of hands.
- Divine healing can be  obtained by faith and also is imparted via the laying on of hands
- Emphasis on spiritual warfare
- Emphasis on personal and directive prophecy
- Anointed Women have a full and equal ministry role in the Church, i.e. women pastors, prophetess, elders, etc.
- The Rapture, the second coming of Christ is inevitable, soon
- Emphasis on Missions, evangelism..
- etc.,

The same group can still be false, led by false men and not by the Holy Spirit.

I am amazed that in one city alone at least 40 separate churches who all claim to be the sole right church, to be the best church, to be the one Christ will return first for.. and in reality still  what a bunch of arrogant, selfish fools they really are, all in sin too.

(Mat 15:13 KJV)  But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.14  Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.

(John 10:1 KJV)  Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 2  But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3  To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. 4  And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. 5  And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

Always,  Always Follow After Jesus and not after any Man, elders or Pastors included.

In the New Testament APOSTLES and PROPHETS, appointed by God directly, they who also were recognized as local Church Elders, for this office they did not have the same qualification as the local church appointed ELDERS had to have for start,  the part if of being a husband of one wife, and having a family, was not mandatory to them.. mainly because their role were by nature itinerate. APOSTLES and PROPHETS were often single (as Paul and Timothy were) and were wholly devoted to the work of the Lord,  full-time without the burdens of a family (I Corinthians 7:32-33). Sadly and please do note this sad truth,  there are too many people today in the Church who, do discriminate against others, even single persons, and do  idolize falsely the married persons especially those with families and they next do even wrongfully chose to make married persons as superior  Christians, better ELDERS, when this is not even remotely true in God's Church.  God does not discriminate or show false partiality of persons. Paul had to encourage Timothy to "let no one look down on your  youthfulness" (I Tim. 4:12). But  both APOSTLES and PROPHETS were automatically referred to as being local church ELDERS too and married or not!

 

(Mat 10:2 KJV)  Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;

(Mat 11:13 KJV)  For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.

( Note Jesus the Apostle and the other Apostles expanded, clarified  next  the old testament teachings.. and all of the new testament books were written solely by an Apostle.)

(Mat 23:34 KJV)  Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:

(Mat 7:15 KJV)  Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

(Mat 24:24 KJV)  For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

If in comparison the   false prophets  and false apostles exist, there must also still exists the genuine ones too..

(Acts 2:42 KJV)  And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

(Acts 2:43 KJV)  And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

(Acts 4:33 KJV)  And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

(Acts 4:35 KJV)  And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

(Acts 5:12 KJV)  And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.

(Acts 8:18 KJV)  And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,

(Acts 13:1 KJV)  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.

(Eph 2:20 KJV)  And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

(Eph 3:5 KJV)  Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

(Eph 4:11 KJV)  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

I like the scriptures to firstly speak for themselves, on any topic now as well..

For a start we know that in the Church of Christ there were more than just the 12 original apostles.. An Apostle is a calling,  who job description is being the senior father of the church, he is generally the, an original church starter, he is the equivalent today of a Missionary, and he or she  tends to have all, note all of the gifts of the Holy spirit. Apostle are generally characterized by the much persecutions and sufferings they bear too.. One generally tends to work one way up in the church and the last administrative position is the Apostle.. the job below the apostle are the prophets who are often found in the company of apostles, and generally below the prophets are the pastors -teachers who take the advice from the Prophets.. many pastor teachers deny the existence of apostles, prophets cause they are in sin and falsely refuse to submit to their authorities.. Some pastors today actually function in the role of an Apostle, but do not use the title.. and the elders are made up of the local pastors teachers, prophets, apostles.. there are women apostles.. such as Junia (Rom 16:7 KJV)  Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me... and women prophetess (by the way Apostle and prophets can be divorcees.. while pastor teachers cannot..) Evangelists is a separate gifted persons to the church, also one of the elders, generally has a healing or miracles gifts,   tend to travel from church to church, city while missionaries tend to be fixed.. Generally in the local Church the apostle is referred to as an elder.. as are the prophets, pastor teachers, evangelists.. Now as to a ruling elder, the church administrator,  the Bishop...an apostle, he tends to be responsible for a specific flock of churches in the geographical area.. he is the the most senior original apostle or his gifted appointee. God selects and equips the church  leaders, the church confirms it..

 

(Heb 3:1 KJV)  Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;

 

(Mat 21:11 KJV)  And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.

 

(Luke 24:19 KJV)  And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people

 

(John 6:14 KJV)  Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.

 

Jesus was a Prophet, but was now also the first Apostle of the church, he was the Apostle, the Prophet too...

 

Examples of the fatherly aspects of an apostle..

 

(Gal 4:19 KJV)  My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,

 

(1 John 2:1 KJV)  My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

 

(1 John 3:18 KJV)  My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

 

(Mark 10:14 KJV)  But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

 

Secondly apostle Paul clearly WAS NOT one OF THE original 12 OR the 13th apostle..

 

(1 Cor 1:1 KJV)  Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God

 

(1 Cor 9:1 KJV)  Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?

 

Have you also noticed that trying to discuss spritual gifts with spiritual  fools tends to end up in fights? why?? Can you next really teach a fool who thinks he or she knows it all anyhting? no!  (Rom 14:1 KJV)  Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. (Prov 9:9 KJV)  Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.

The New Testament office of an Apostle supposedly also had no parallel for sure in the Old Testament and I would agree that a more  valid Biblical definition of an "Apostle is a matured Holy Spirit anointed Christian person who has experienced all the gifts of the Holy Spirit... in other words he the Apostle has also personally had functioned in the role of prophet, pastor, teacher, evangelist, miracle worker, healer, giver, helper.. etc., and that was why they have been given such  importance in their roles now too. Mind you that is a general definition, the original 12 Apostles and Apostle Paul do not fully meet this criteria.

EPHESIANS 2:20 still does reminds us that the church of today as well is "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone". Note the inclusion of the New Testament prophets with the apostles as the continual. ongoing foundation of the church. "That these prophets are NT prophets cannot be seriously questioned, especially in the light of Eph. 3:5 where the apostles and prophets again are found together as recipients of the revelation of the mystery that the Spirit has "now" made known." And the gift of prophecy to the church was also to be eagerly sought.

 

(Eph 4:11 KJV)  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; Because many they have also wrongfully neglected the continual Greek verse tense here  in the passage, stating thus God keeps on giving these anointed persons, offices, some persons would wrongfully state that there is clear implications there being only one historic  "foundation" and that once a foundation is laid, it does not need to go on being laid thus pointing to a SUPPOSEDLY temporary nature and cessation of the office of Apostle.or Prophet now as well.

 

The Christian Church foundational, original organization plan,  while truly first set in Pentecost is actually repeated  daily today as well when we now do build any new church work. In any new local church work the apostles, and  the NT prophets are continually raised up by still by God for them to serve in the founding, foundations  of the new church work. Once this task was, is complete, these offices of apostles and prophet's were  still needed even next in the administration and expanding the new church work and even by next also building another one, Now how come some people do not want to see this too? "In Eph. 2:20, apostles and prophets are closely linked. They are both important components of the one foundation.  Ephesians would actually indicate that we are dealing with two groups of specifically gifted people. In Eph. 4:11 we are told that Christ "gave some to be apostles, some prophets..." Here both nouns have their own definite article. They are clearly two separate groups.  Let’s also STILL note the important position accorded to New Testament prophets. In Eph. 4:11 they are mentioned second only to apostles. Their importance is also seen in Rom. 12:6-8, where the first gift mentioned is prophecy. Similarly, 1 Cor. 12:28 lists "first apostles, second prophets, third..." "

 

(Rev 22:6 KJV)  And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to show unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.

 

(Rev 22:9 KJV)  Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.
 

By the way the main reasons that many Evangelical pastors generally oppose  elders, Apostles, prophets, plural always, in a Church, is that the Pastors should have to submit to  them, but because they the pastors do not want to be submissive to them, they  wrongfully work to deny their offices, for too often even the Pastor is  a rebel still,  that is also why even in many evangelical,  Baptist Churches today they are formed still by  splits and not by the leading of the  Holy Spirit.. and that is why wrongfully they are  also now often still not open to the Charismatic gifts of the Holy Spirit, for they are really fully not Holy  Spirit led..

 

Like I have said one is not a Christian before one notice the vast difference between fundamental Christians, in particularly between the Pentecostals and the non Pentecostals.. the difference lies also in the aspects, emphasis  of the Holy Spirit, Spiritual Gifts, and the gifted Church members, offices too.,, such as even Apostles, Prophets.. and there are differences even on the issue of eternal security.. While both sides claim to believe the Bible is the word of God, they seem to explain it all very differently... the problem to me it seems is that clearly one group is doing it mostly in their own wisdom, not in God's, they are not allowing the Holy Spirit to guide,  teach them, but rather the flesh, mere men and the devil.. but next each one says the other group is doing this.. the same professing Christian group that has a low emphasis on the Holy Spirit is the one in error.

THE NEW TESTAMENT TERM FOR ELDER IS NOT IDENTICAL, NOR SIMILAR TO  THE MOSAIC OLD TESTAMENT ELDERS. THEIR  NEW ROLE AND FUNCTIONS  ARE VERY DIFFERENT FOR A START. DO STUDY THE NEW TESTAMENT YOURSELF  TO SEE THIS.

Another office we ARE TO  see in the local city church, note it is non Eldership leadership position rather a directly serving  position in the church , is that of "deacon" ((1 Tim 3:8 KJV)  Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;)  Yet many elders and deacons are given unto wine and are money hungry as well and this is unacceptable. The deacon  office originates in Acts chapter 6, where the APOSTLES needed help in the day-to-day activities of helping the local poor people in the church, and thus needed to appoint "seven men of good  reputation, full of the Spirit and of  wisdom" so that they the Apostles could devout themselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word. (Acts 6:1 KJV)  And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave  the word of God, and serve tables. 3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4  But we will give ourselves continually to  prayer, and to the ministry of the word.5  And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: 6  Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. 7  And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. One can note that a local revival next came forth when the office of Deacons looked after the local poor Christian people in the local church.  The word "deacon" itself means "servant." And it was an office to help poor people.. Sadly this New Testament Deacon office today in in our rather selfish, very materialistic society today is rarely rightfully practised in the Churches.

 

Servants of men.. not servants of God??

(Rom 12:1 KJV)  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. (1 Cor 6:20 KJV)  For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. (1 Cor 7:23 KJV)  Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.

One of the biggest tragedy of today is most people, Christian included are personally ignorant of what the whole Bible says so they believe the lies of others. Most  persons  can be so easily lied too, the devil encourages them  to believe the lies too

As stewards of God's resources  next even  all of your money.. all of it belongs to God and he God spends it the way God wants..

I have had too often to counsel many troubled Christians who had sold a home, or had planned to sell a home and had planned to spend the money they way they wanted without first asking for God how God's money here too should be spent. This type of an approach towards their money supposedly is still rebellion against God and is sinful.

Now some really crooked still Pentecostal church do even make you sign an agreement that you will give ten percent of your tithes to their church and they will let you become a member of their church.. yes these  are crooked churches for there is no such thing as church memberships in the New Testament, and in my own wittiness often in these churches, the pastors, elders, tithers of these churches committed tax evasions, even stole , are and were only materialistic oriented and not really spiritual.

Coming back to the Old testament you are to give all of the tithe to God, all of the tithe, all of  of it belongs to him, and do  also note including the 1/7 of it to be given the local poor people, and the balance of the tithe was to go 100 percent to the support of of the Christian workers and their families. So clearly note this none of the tithe was to go to the temple upkeep, mortgages, building funds.. there were other offerings collected for this.. you sure must have heard in churches today of the term of "tithes and offerings"? Still to very obviously  today almost all churches  do even steal from the tithes and thus the  poor people  to wrongfully pay the  bills, the mortgages.. to falsely make the pastors even richer and wrongfully  most of the deacons do not give of the collected tithes to the local poor falsely too.

The neglected other Bible verses on tithing..

(Lev 27:30 KJV)  And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD'S: it is holy unto the LORD.

The tithe is God's not the churches, pastor's, priests, etc.,

(Lev 27:32 KJV)  And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD.

(Num 18:26 KJV)  Thus speak unto the Levites, and say unto them, When ye take of the children of Israel the tithes which I have given you from them for your inheritance, then ye shall offer up an heave offering of it for the LORD, even a tenth part of the tithe.

The persons  who are allotted the tithe portions cannot own property..

 

(Deu 12:17 KJV)  Thou mayest not eat within thy gates the tithe of thy corn, or of thy wine, or of thy oil, or the firstlings of thy herds or of thy flock, nor any of thy vows which thou vowest, nor thy freewill offerings, or heave offering of thine hand:

(Deu 14:22 KJV)  Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year.

(Deu 14:23 KJV)  And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always.

Imagine that you are to have a feast of your tithe.. no one ever told me that in a  church.

(Deu 14:28 KJV)  At the end of three years thou shalt bring forth all the tithe of thine increase the same year, and shalt lay it up within thy gates: Only  every three years did the tithe go to the storehouse, temple directly.

(2 Chr 31:5 KJV)  And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all things brought they in abundantly.

(2 Chr 31:6 KJV)  And concerning the children of Israel and Judah, that dwelt in the cities of Judah, they also brought in the tithe of oxen and sheep, and the tithe of holy things which were consecrated unto the LORD their God, and laid them by heaps.

(Neh 10:38 KJV)  And the priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the Levites take tithes: and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes unto the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure house.

(Neh 13:12 KJV)  Then brought all Judah the tithe of the corn and the new wine and the oil unto the treasuries.

(Lev 27:31 KJV)  And if a man will at all redeem ought of his tithes, he shall add thereto the fifth part thereof.

(Num 18:24 KJV)  But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer as an heave offering unto the LORD, I have given to the Levites to inherit: therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.

(Num 18:26 KJV)  Thus speak unto the Levites, and say unto them, When ye take of the children of Israel the tithes which I have given you from them for your inheritance, then ye shall offer up an heave offering of it for the LORD, even a tenth part of the tithe.

(Num 18:28 KJV)  Thus ye also shall offer an heave offering unto the LORD of all your tithes, which ye receive of the children of Israel; and ye shall give thereof the LORD'S heave offering to Aaron the priest.

(Deu 12:6 KJV)  And thither ye shall bring your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, and your tithes, and heave offerings of your hand, and your vows, and your freewill offerings, and the firstlings of your herds and of your flocks:

(Deu 12:11 KJV)  Then there shall be a place which the LORD your God shall choose to cause his name to dwell there; thither shall ye bring all that I command you; your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, your tithes, and the heave offering of your hand, and all your choice vows which ye vow unto the LORD:

(Deu 26:12 KJV)  When thou hast made an end of tithing all the tithes of thine increase the third year, which is the year of tithing, and hast given it unto the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, that they  may eat within thy gates, and be filled;  (2 Chr 31:12 KJV)  And brought in the offerings and the tithes and the dedicated things faithfully: over which Cononiah the Levite was ruler, and Shimei his brother was the next.

(Neh 10:37 KJV)  And that we should bring the firstfruits of our dough, and our offerings, and the fruit of all manner of trees, of wine and of oil, unto the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God; and the tithes of our ground unto the Levites, that the same Levites might have the tithes in all the cities of our tillage.

(Neh 10:38 KJV)  And the priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the Levites take tithes: and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes unto the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure
house.

(Neh 12:44 KJV)  And at that time were some appointed over the chambers for the treasures, for the offerings, for the firstfruits, and for the tithes, to gather into them out of the fields of the cities the portions of the law for the priests and Levites: for Judah rejoiced for the priests and for the Levites that waited.

(Neh 13:5 KJV)  And he had prepared for him a great chamber, where aforetime they laid the meat offerings, the frankincense, and the vessels, and the tithes of the corn, the new wine, and the oil, which was commanded to be given to the Levites, and the singers, and the porters; and the offerings of the priests.

(Amos 4:4 KJV)  Come to Bethel, and transgress; at Gilgal multiply transgression; and bring your sacrifices every morning, and your tithes after three years:

(Mal 3:8 KJV)  Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. 10  Bring ye all ( all )  the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat ( note this food for the workers was the purpose of the tithe) in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

(Mat 23:23 KJV)  Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

(Luke 11:42 KJV)  But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

Still Jesus told only the scribes and pharisees that they still needed to pay tithes, and not the new believers..

(Luke 18:12 KJV)  I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I  possess.

and so what?

(Heb 7:5 KJV)  And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham: 6   But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises. 8  And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed  that he liveth. 9 And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham.

All of this money is still Christ's and the Holy Spirit is to guide the God ordained elders as where it is to be used.

Today, as per the New Testament, on the first day of the week you firstly cheerfully bring from the the amount of money God has given you and set in your heart to the local church as well for the distribution to the Christian poor people in your church firstly and for the support of the full time  Church workers...

(1 Cor 16:2 KJV)  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.

and do note that this gathering of money as stated a portion was to given directly  to the poor persons too.. the full designated amount and not a pretentious token  (1 Cor 16:1 KJV)  Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.

The New Testament city Churches supported the  poor people in  the local city church unlike most Churches today. And now too  many people, pastors, elders do steal from all of God's money today in reality as I myself have too often witnessed in churches too and thus  they are still thieves.

Serving God with a wrong motivation and even desiring to have spiritual gifts with wrong motivation is common to day even in churches, amongst believers and not just during Christ time on earth.. and it is still unacceptable, wrong.

(Acts 8:12 KJV)  But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13  Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. 14  Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 15  Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 16  (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. 18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, 19  Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. 20  But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. 21  Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. 22 Repent  therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine  heart may be forgiven thee. 23  For I perceive that thou art in the gall of  bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. 24  Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken  come upon me.

(Mark 9:33 KJV)  And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way? 34  But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest. 35  And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all. 36  And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them, 37 Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.

(Mat 18:1 KJV)  At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?  2  And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,  3  And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4  Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5  And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. 6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. 7  Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! 8  Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.

(Mat 23:11 KJV)  But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.13  But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.

Too many Pastors, elders even  today also do try to build false churches modeled on uniqueness, isolated doctrines,  on  something that makes them supposedly better, different for others.. they practise a small isolated part of  the Bible and then even boast they are better than all of the others. Most  Churches wrongfully do not practise all of the Bible, for they really do not  know it to start if with as well, not even the pastors..  Many pastors wrongfully  do still  build a church even as a job  income, or to promote glory unto themselves..  and they really not they do not  build on on Christ.. they really do not read the Bible or pray for their flock daily.. they unacceptably  are not building truly the true  Church of Christ.

(Mat 7:22 KJV)  Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not  prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy  name done many wonderful works?  23   And then will I profess unto them,  I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

 

(1 Cor 2:2 KJV)  For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3  And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 4  And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5  That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

(Eph 1:1 KJV)  Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, ..not by the will of man too..

"Some of the most desperate cries being uttered by God's "sheep" today are those pleas for the Lord to send them a GOOD Pastor = a good SHEPHERD.

In every "pasture", the sheep are saying, "Lord, send us a good shepherd".

 

If your heart is right before God, he has a good shepherd to meet your spiritual needs. A good shepherd will keep you from spiritually starving, and will not allow you to "fall through the cracks" unnoticed, neglected, or
empty. Every child of God can be fruitful and useful when being led by a good shepherd. There is a wonderful peace, security, and protection for sheep held near God's bosom in the loving arms of a good shepherd
Jesus was the supreme example of a good shepherd. He told his followers: "I am the good  shepherd"  (John.10:11). Even more than good, Peter declared that Jesus was the "chief" shepherd: "And when the chief shepherd shall appear..." (1Pet.5:4). The writer of Hebrews pointed to Jesus as the "great" shepherd: "...the Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep" (Heb.13:20).

A good shepherd is beloved of God because he lays down his life for the sheep (John 10:17). It would also please the father to have good shepherds (also called pastors) who, like Jesus, sacrifice their lives for the sheep, thus following their master's example.

 

It is vital that God's sheep know how to find a shepherd (pastor). Just as important, is for pastors to know how to be a good shepherd, for one of the judgments on disobedience is that God will raise up "evil shepherds": "For lo, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, which shall not visit those that be cut off, neither seek the young one, nor heal that is broken . . . woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock" (Zech.11:16-17). "Idol shepherds" are sent by God to delude those who do not "love the truth" (see 2Thes.2:10-12). But obedient sheep will love God enough to hear and follow only the good shepherds whom God truly sends. Here are some qualities of "good shepherds":

 

A good shepherd obediently commits his life to the sheep: "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling..." (John.10:11-12). The reason that finding a good shepherd is so difficult today is that most are simply "hirelings". A hireling is a person who takes their position for money. He has no intention of staying, or loving, except when it fosters his position - the praise of men and the desire for more money. A hireling's position is a convenient "step" toward bigger and better things. He is a trained professional, voted in or appointed by men. In short, he will "make merchandise" of God's people (2Pet.2:3). Certainly, many do not begin with and most will never confess such motives, but in time you will see their fruit. The Church's destitute condition fosters such error, and that is why one will have to "come out of
Christianity" to find a truly good shepherd. 

 

A good shepherd knows his sheep: "I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine" (John.10:14). A good shepherd is knowing and letting  himself be known by the sheep. Rarely will today's religious systems permit a pastor to know his sheep intimately, for there is a pressure heaped upon them to "grow". A "small flock" would represent failure to his peers and overseers. Good shepherds are not looking for "other sheep" --- they have  made a lifetime commitment to the flock God has given them.

 

A good shepherd feeds the flock: "I will feed them in good pasture..."

 

(Eze.34:14). Refusing to feed the sheep, a carnal idol shepherd feeds his sheep lifeless, second hand food. The doctrines of his  denomination. The creeds of men. The teachings of earthly psychologists and so on. The good shepherd has fallen on his face, and has heard from the Father: "the words which I speak unto you, I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me" (John.14:10). A good shepherd will not leave you spiritually hungry. His pastures are always green. By the power of the Spirit, he has what you need.

 

So where do you find one? You must first yourself hear from God: "...he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them OUT" (John.10:3). God will send you a shepherd, but a good shepherd will always "lead you OUT". The call is to God. And God is not inside anything that is not led by the Spirit, regardless of what men call it.

The true church consists of those who have been "born of the Spirit". By one Spirit we are baptized into the body of Christ (1Cor.12:13).  (Any man who teaches you that a person can be in the Church (God's Church - Jesus' body on this earth), without having received also power by receiving the baptism of the holy Ghost  is a false,  idol shepherd. God has not sent him to you,for he is a thief and a robber. Stealing peace, and robbing you of hope.Flee that man. He is exalting himself, man but not God.

 

Further more one does not go "shopping" for a pastor (or a church) like going to the shopping centers. It is only a work of the Spirit. You will NEVER find a good shepherd in religious  Christianity, because Christianity will not allow a good shepherd to be one. The holy Ghost, in this hour, is MAKING good shepherds for the precious sheep: "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchase with his own blood" (Acts 20:28).

 

Therefore, the answer to having a good shepherd is first  to "walk in the Spirit". God next will be pleased to join you together with those who have a like mind and a like spirit. He will only trust you to a good shepherd. Wait always on God, and do not settle for just gathering in any place where the needed truth is not still fed to you. Good shepherds will be found by the sheep who hear his voice. And obey it. " God will lead you to them.  Above taken from http://www.isaiah58.com/tracts/goodshepherds.html

Recently a person in a big city who been attending a church died. She was discovered in her own home 30 days after she had died.. She did not have a good shepherd.. the one she had he did not know her physical and spiritual state.. he did not care about her. he did not visit  her at home, he really did not  look after her.. or he even did not  find out why she was not in Church. he does not have to continue to eat bad food in a bad restaurants.
 

Similarly one can rightfully expect God to supply a good shepherd at the place of God's own choosing too..

 (John 10:11 KJV)  I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.12  But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. 13  The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. 15  As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16  And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

 

(1 Cor 7:11 KJV)  But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.

It is ironic that the evangelicals Pastors are well known in words for their own boasts about their own spiritualities, and their strong pro life stand, they are loudly against abortions of unborn babies  but yet not  against divorce.  The Majority of the Evangelical pastors wrongfully counsel  divorce in their marital counselling.. now how is that for being supposedly spiritual too?

But also hypocritically they are not against the abortion of those born, of persons, they do practise divorce of relationships so that is why they support marital divorces too.. they practise  the social abortion of not wrongfully choosing not to speak to their brothers..  the clear proof of this is also the visible fact there are so many different  denominations in the evangelical faith where  they support divorce in relationships and thus they still do not  tend to  speak out against it too.

Is Christ Divided? the answer is visibly yes today.

(1 Cor 1:13 KJV)  Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?

(1 Cor 1:29 KJV)  That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30  But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

(1 Cor 13:1 KJV)  Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3  And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 4  Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

(Mal 2:16 KJV)  For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.

(Mal 2:17 KJV)  Ye have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and he delighteth in them; or, Where is the God of judgment?

(Mat 5:22 KJV)  But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.23  Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; 24  Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.  25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.

(Psa 133:1 KJV)  A Song of degrees of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!2  It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; 3  As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.

(Psa 122:6 KJV)  Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. 7  Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces. 8)  For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee. 9  Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek thy good.

These verses today really apply to the New Jerusalem, the Spirituality Jerusalem the body of Christ and prayer needs to be made for peace in the he Houses of God amongst the brethren now as well.. I have been to at least 100 of these social clubs and I know firsthand how they neglect the poor people as well, they do wrongfully ostracize them as well.. with their holier than thou behaviors too.. and with their own private clubs, special postings too.

Christ is still the head also of any Church and not mere man..

And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23  Which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all. (Col 1:18 KJV)

(2 Chr 7:14 KJV)  If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

The wicked ways include following after mere man, even a pastor, and not God..

 

Beware of  the false teachers, false prophets,  false apostles, false elders.. beware of men who twist, add or take away from the word of God, from Christ too

Num 14:23-24 Surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked me see it: But my servant  Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land where into he went; and his seed shall possess it.

 

Caleb represented the tribe of the faithful persons, Judah unlike the other unfaithful tribes of Israel, and yet the scriptures teach that Caleb was not 100% Judah lineage.. by his good faith he was part of this tribe. Joshua is a also type of the resurrected CHRIST who makes all things NEW in a person .  The old have died in the wilderness; the NEW, the children, are to be taken into the Promised Land. The (old) Pillar of Cloud and Pillar of Fire has passed away, a NEW thing for Israel. That which Israel followed externally is IN Joshua (see Numbers 27:18; Deuteronomy 34:9). Israel is to go a measured way (NEW) which they have not passed heretofore. The children who have not been circumcised have their NEW experience. Israel eats of the old corn (NEW food) of the Promised Land, and the following morning, the manna ceases. This is NEW for Israel. The LORD rolled away the reproach (took away the stigma of having been in Egypt) of Egypt from off them .....something  NEW. The children of Israel kept the Passover on the fourteenth day, and unleavened cakes .....also something NEW for them, for it had not been kept for 39 years. (Israel kept the Passover in Egypt and one year later in the wilderness, (Numbers 9:5), so 40 years in the wilderness minus one = 39. Joshua 5:7 speaks of "their children" whom HE raised up in their stead.....confirms that this is a NEW people Joshua is leading in. Instead of merely passing through a land, they are now to take it by force, destroy all the inhabitants, and possess it. This also is something NEW, and has spiritual teaching for Believers today. 2 Corinthians 5:17.: "Therefore if any man be in CHRIST, he is a NEW creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become NEW" This is the reminder we always need to be in Christ, not in mere man,

Colossians 2:6-17. 6. As you 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. 8. 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 fullness of the GODHEAD bodily. 10. And ye are complete in HIM, which is the head of all principality and power: 11.In Whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcism of CHRIST: 12. Buried with HIM in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with HIM through the faith of the operation of GOD, Who hath raised HIM from the dead. 13. And you, being dead in your sins, and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath HE quickened together with HIM, having forgiven all trespasses; 14. Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to HIS cross; 15. And having spoiled principalities and powers, HE made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it. 16. Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of a holy day, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: 17. Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of CHRIST. 18. Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19. And not holding the HEAD, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of GOD.

 

Too many Pastors, elders even  today also are Serving God with a wrong  motivation and even desiring to have spiritual gifts with wrong motivation  is common to day even in churches, amongst believers and not just during  Christ time on earth.. and it is still unacceptable, wrong.

(Acts 8:12 KJV)  But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13  Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. 14  Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 15  Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 16  (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. 18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, 19  Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. 20  But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. 21  Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. 22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. 23  For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. 24  Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.

(Mat 23:11 KJV)  But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.13  But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.

(Mark 9:33 KJV)  And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way? 34  But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest. 35  And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all. 36  And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them, 37 Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.
 

(Mat 18:1 KJV)  At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?  2  And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,  3  And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4  Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5  And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. 6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. 7  Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! 8  Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.

 

(Mat 15:13 KJV)  But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.14  Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.

(John 10:1 KJV)  Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 2  But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3  To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. 4  And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. 5  And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

 

Always,  Always Follow After Jesus and not after any Man, elders or Pastorsincluded. Sadly I still very often counsel sheep that have been beat up, abused by their pastors..

(Jer 17:5 KJV)  Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.

(Jer 17:6 KJV)  For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited.

(Isa 30:10 KJV)  Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits: (Jer 5:31 KJV)  The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof? (Jer 14:14 KJV)  Then the LORD said unto me, The  prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart. 15 Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that prophesy in my name, and I sent them not, yet they say, Sword and famine shall not be in this land; By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed.

Jeremiah 23:25  I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed. 26  How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart; 27  Which think to cause my people to forget my name by their dreams which they tell every man to his neighbour, as their fathers have forgotten my name for Baal. 28  The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD. 29  Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces? 30  Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that steal my words every one from his neighbour. 31  Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that use their tongues, and say, He saith. 32  Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the LORD, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the LORD. 33  And when this people, or the prophet, or a priest, shall ask thee, saying, What is the burden of the LORD? thou shalt then say unto them, What burden? I will even forsake you, saith the LORD. 34  And as for the prophet, and the priest, and the people, that shall say, The burden of the LORD, I will even punish that man and his house.

It is clearly obvious that considerate love one for another is often absent these days.. we as Christians have God who helps us to love others and to follow after Him..

(Phil 2:3 KJV)  Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Unfortunately a very too common  worldly temptation,  approach is to wrongfully promote oneself, to wrongfully have a competitive, to have a wrong self serving spirit.. while God does not neglect to help us to meet any  of our rightful needs, rights,  God has still designed us to serve Him and not merely ourselves or even only others..

(Phil 2:4 KJV)  Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5  Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6  Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7  But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8  And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9  Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10  That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11  And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 12  Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13  For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. 14  Do all things without murmurings and disputings: 15  That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

(Luke 22:25 KJV)  And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. 26  But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. 27 For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.

(Luke 22:28 KJV)  Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations. 29  And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; 30  That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 31  And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and  when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

"Follow after Christ" and "Feed my sheep" is part of our main calling and not feed yourself!

(John 21:15 KJV)  So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 16  He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 17  He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 18  Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. 19  This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me. 20 Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? 21  Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? 22  Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.

(Prov 6:16 KJV)  These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:17  A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18  An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, 19  A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

(Jer 13:15 KJV)  Hear ye, and give ear; be not proud: for the LORD hath spoken. 16 Give glory to the LORD your God, before he cause darkness, and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains, and, while ye look for light, he turn it into the shadow of death, and make it gross darkness. 17  But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because the Lord's flock is carried away captive.18  Say unto the king and to the queen, Humble yourselves, sit down: for your principalities shall come down, even the crown of your glory.

(Dan 4:37 KJV)  Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.

(Psa 36:11 KJV)  Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me.

(Jer 49:16 KJV)  Thy terribleness hath deceived thee, and the pride of thine heart, O thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, that holdest the height of the hill: though thou shouldest make thy nest as high as the eagle, I will bring thee down from thence, saith the LORD.

(Psa 31:20 KJV)  Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the  pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues. 21  Blessed be the LORD: for he hath showed me his marvellous kindness in a strong city. 22  For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee. 23  O love the LORD, all ye his saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.

God even allows negative events to happen to us to keep us humble, even to humble us, praise him for it too.

(2 Cor 3:17 KJV)  Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

There is liberty truth and liberty from sin and it's consequences.

The person who is proud or is proud  that he or she is humble is still sinfully proud. I also could rightfully never reconcile a visibly proud pastor too with the concept of a good shepherd.

(Prov 11:2 KJV)  When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.

(Prov 13:10 KJV)  Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

(Prov 14:3 KJV)  In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride:

(Prov 16:18 KJV)  Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.19 Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.

(Prov 29:23 KJV)  A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

(Isa 16:6 KJV)  We have heard of the pride of Moab; he is very proud: even of his haughtiness, and his pride, and his wrath: but his lies shall not be so.

(Luke 18:9 KJV)  And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10  Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. 12  I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. 13  And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. 14  I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

I have sat in too many a Church service where EVEN  the pastor wrongfully knocked down some other groups, other denominations,  persons, even exalted themselves above  others in pride, and had next told the church how good they really were in comparison to others  and all  to God's own real displeasure.

(1 Sam 16:6 KJV)  And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the Lord's anointed is before him.7  But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. 8  Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this. 9  Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this. 10  Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The LORD hath not chosen these.

(1 Sam 16:11 KJV)  And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither.  12  And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he. 13  Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah. 14  But the spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him.

I was in one church where the pastor was a real showman, he was a great entertainer, and in a worldly sense I admired Him.  God next spoke to me and said that God knew what he was really  like, what he was capable of, and that this same pastor  had the ability to sin as well, thus I was not to worship him or any  mere man..

 (Prov 27:2 KJV)  Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.

 

(Luke 14:11 KJV)  For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Maybe they do not fully realize it, but I have noted that some of the Christians pretending to be the best, those with the loudest words tend to prove this by falsely putting down the other persons, are still really doing this  to firstly make themselves feel better and this is still temporarily only. This is an immoral and invalid approach, and really does to make one feel any better cause inside one still knows that they are really empty.

(Phil 2:12 KJV)  Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

(Psa 34:18 KJV)  The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

(Psa 51:17 KJV)  The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

(Isa 57:15 KJV)  For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

(Isa 66:2 KJV)  For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.

(Phil 2:3 KJV)  Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

(1 Cor 1:26 KJV)  For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise en after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27  But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28  And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29  That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30  But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31  That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.  2:1  And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 2  For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3  And I was with you in weakness, and   fear, and in much trembling. 4  And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5  That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. 6  Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: 7  But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

ONE STAYING HUMBLE IS A GREAT VIRTUE..

(Prov 28:25 KJV)  He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.

(2 Chr 32:26 KJV)  Notwithstanding Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the LORD came not upon them in the days of Hezekiah.

Have you also noticed that trying to discuss spritual gifts with spiritual  fools tends to end up in fights? why?? Can you next really teach a fool who thinks he or she knows it all anyhting? no!  (Rom 14:1 KJV)  Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. (Prov 9:9 KJV)  Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.

 

(1 Cor 3:3 KJV)  For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?4 For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? 5  Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? 6  I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7  So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. 8  Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. 9  For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. 10  According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. 11  For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12  Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13  Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.

 

 I make no excuses, as a Christian I read the Bible, and I try to follow it, the teachings and the valid patterns in it.

Thus I think we all should start giving through the local Christian church as per the pattern undeniably set in the new Testament, unless you are reading and following a different Bible? and we all should also give at the local Home, the local Church too, firstly, even to the local poor people and yes even if you live in Alberta too.. for that is what the Bible says we should clearly regularly do… but that does not stop you from giving more to someone else next too…

I started to give in my Church. I had helped with a weekly service for the poor, neglected people in my local Calgary church, and fed them freely at the services too….

So what are the Calgary churches excuses for not helping also to deal with this Calgary poor, Homeless problem? Or are they again wrongfully waiting for someone else to do it? Is it or is it not the church’s Ministry to help poor people like Jesus and the Apostles did? or have the churches in Calgary now rewritten the Gospel, their exclusion of helping all the poor people in Calgary to their own liking? Note Calgary even has the highest rate of homelessness in Canada.

A person’s attitude to the poor and to money shows in reality a lot of what their Christianity is really like too http://postedat.wordpress.com/2008/07/16/a-36-per-cent-increase/

 I was shocked when I became a real Christian, not a pretend one, how my version of Christianity now differed from so many loudly professing Christians on many issues now as well such as spiritual gifts, helping poor people.

 

And I had to really rightfully conclude that the others were not real Christians, were persons who did not read the whole Bible, they were not practicing the truth, the faith according to the New Testament, the whole Bible too  but they wrongfully these others they now were preaching, practicing the overly false, simplified Gospel  according to them.

  

They did this  because  they were hirelings, false , false teachers false prophets, false pastors, false elders, false evangelists, false deacons, a false Christian.

 

God still opposes all Churches, leader's sins, and their human rights abuses, and the best way to deal with it is to shout it from the housetops, call the police.. expose it to all.. I do. 

 

>>And there are lots of other charities that help saints overseas. Groups like the Salvation Army have a presence in many nations.

 

Dream on..

 

 I had personally witnessed Salvation army personnel stealing for themselves what the citizens had donated to the poor, and a secretary of the organization next even confirmed it to me.. as I had detailed to major news editors in Canada. We can also know that over 70 percent of the donations tends not to reach the intended persons in most organizations, cause the overheads, corruptions, even for the empire building as well are much too high..

 

 >>Judas robbed from the treasury, but was it wrong for people to give Jesus and His disciples a donation? Should we all stop giving to groups that are making some effort to help because the targets of the donations only receive 30%?  Keep working to expose the corruption, we certainly want the crooks in those groups tossed out. But once you have a better group in place, be sure to let us know.

 

As far as a good system to give to the poor.. it is already there in the book of acts.. it is giving to the poor through your local church.. even the old testament tithe insisted that 1/7 of the tithe be given to the local poor people.  We all do have a responsibility to give firstly to the poor in our own church, neighborhood through the local church, and that is why the Deacons were set to do this. If the deacons are not doing this.. that is another issue..  and yes still we have a responsibly always still to insure the moneys is not being stolen, even in churches now too.           

(Acts 6:1 KJV) And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables .3   Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.   

(Acts 2:45 KJV) And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. (Acts 4:35 KJV) And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

 

Galatians 6:10 (New American Standard Bible) 10 So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.

 

Apostle Paul beyond a shadow of doubt a real Christian, who took all precautions not to give any offence, was honest, trustworthy too.. was definitely also working in helping the poor people in Rome, elsewhere, as part as his Christian Duties too now, so should all Pastors thus now too!

 

Rev George Mueller is a classical example of a faith ministry helping poor persons., and this pastor did not live high on the hog in the process too, he was not empire building, or helping himself. Mother Theresa and many others now as well.

 

In fact the whole New testament Christian church was helping the Poor Christian persons firstly not just apostle Paul, for they will know we are Christians by how we love one another, not our mere words still too– he Paul was just a delivery boy on behalf of the Christian Church, And all pastors need to help the poor people in their church, all churches too.. Jesus Christ cared for the poor people! yes he fed them, healed them, delivered them too.

and all very much unlike these days where the evangelical leaders live high on the hog, and their churches especially seems to be too self centered, have falsely abdicated their duties, roles falsely in helping the poor people.. but seem too readily even these days to steal the tithe..

 

Undeniably 1/7 of the tithe was to be given directly to the local poor people, can any local evangelical, catholic church , even the cult Mormon prove in fact that they do this? The tithe itself also could not be used for paying of mortgages, nor can any person owning any tangible property- real estate , even supposedly poor person or a Christian worker received any portion of the tithe now as well… just as these same principles are applied to persons receiving social welfare from the governments too.

 

The priests themselves in the book of Malachi themselves now by God were rightfully accused of abusing, or stealing God’s tithes , and that happens too often theses days now still in the churches. I had many an evangelical pastor tell me they would kick me out of their church if I preached any of this above in their church too. I have even seen evangelical pastors often steal directly myself and reported it too.

 

Yes my main point was the Godly, Biblical pattern for giving to the poor people set forth for giving to the poor people was definitely through the church still, if the LOCAL church is not doing it, it is time to get the LOCAL church in order.

 

and I for certainly and now on many, many occasions I do not trust rightfully the Salvation Army to do this, especially since they too often clearly have departed from the faith, and employed ungodly believers to do their work too often too. Nor even the Christian Missionary Alliance church and rightfully as well and I have detailed on my sites why too.

   
I had also noted in the past from a study of events and history that the most lasting efforts, contributions were those that involved the Church directly… which now includes shelters, hospital and university too and worldwide. Famous university, hospitals were originally started by Christian organizations, churches, in Canada and the US now too, both Catholic and protestant ones too.                    

http://postedat.wordpress.com/2008/07/17/the-christian-evangelical-corporation-and-social-action/
http://postedat.wordpress.com/2008/07/21/the-pretender-imposter-wolf-in-sheep-clothing/

 

And where local churches who don’t have the infrastructure to help poor people in their church should establish one.. and yes they can send money to another church they can really trust to do this too in another country to help the poor people there.. it is an still unacceptable sin how much too often now the donations are too often abused. We as Christians have to be diligent to see next also how the money is obeying spent, not just in donating it.

 

>> In scripture, aid went to the saints according to their need, not location.            

this is a distortion of the truth to me.. all poor people need to be helped, locally firstly. 

(1 Tim 5:8 KJV) But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. 

 

(1 Tim 5:9 KJV) Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man, 10  Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.

 

(Acts 6:3 KJV) Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

  

   I think that we are to take care of the local poor Christian Brethren in our own church first and even also help the unsaved elsewhere next also does not mean we do stop giving firstly to our own family members.. but just giving to our own family is not enough.. Job also helped everyone he could starting locally person’s attitude to the poor and to money shows in reality a lot of what their Christianity is really like too

An oversimplification, biblical , Ostrich distortion  neglects the rest of what the Bible says about even the bad people, the crooks in the church too

God loves His church but he is coming for a cleansed church (Eph 5:27 KJV) That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

(2 Pet 3:14 KJV) Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

(2 Pet 2:13 KJV) And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;

(Jude 1:12 KJV) These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;

(Jude 1:13 KJV) Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.

We will not only be judged by our hearts desires but judged also by our own poor inactions on the matters too.. by even doing nothing about it you became a partaker of the theft.. abuse, etc.,

(Prov 13:1 KJV) A wise son heareth his father’s instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.

(Prov 24:25 KJV) But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them.

(Prov 27:5 KJV) Open rebuke is better than secret love.

(Eccl 7:5 KJV) It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.

(Luke 17:3 KJV) Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.

(Phil 2:15 KJV) That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

(1 Tim 5:20 KJV) Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

(Rev 3:19 KJV) As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

Obvioulsy you had overloked as to what happned to Eli next as a result now for his failure to deal with the perverts in the church

(Heb 10:31 KJV) It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

(1 Sam 2:22 KJV) Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel; and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. 23 And he said unto them, Why do ye such things? for I hear of your evil dealings by all this people. 24 Nay, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: ye make the Lord’s people to transgress. 25 If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the LORD, who shall entreat for him? Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the LORD would slay them.

(1 Sam 2:30 KJV) Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.

(1 Ki 2:27 KJV) So Solomon thrust out Abiathar from being priest unto the LORD; that he might fulfil the word of the LORD, which he spake concerning the house of Eli in Shiloh.

do see also
http://postedat.wordpress.com/2008/07/21/the-pretender-imposter-wolf-in-sheep-clothing/

and where are these honest men in the local churches today? they are not all to be like the Apostle Judas. They are to be unlike most of the TV evangelists, big Ministries too, who live high on the hog, drive nice cars, live in expensive mansions and this is never acceptable still to God for sure, I know! for he told me so too!!

 

And hey it was in Alberta, Canada  that I saw, met, witnessed the most crooked pastors, evangelicals, even the Baptist, Alliance, Salvation Army, and i never saw so many crooked bad pastors in one place too.. but next saw them in other cities in Canada now too.. I saw pastors steal directly in Calgary too, and often.

 

I was in a super great Church once, even though the Pastors were stealing, abusing the funds, committing adultery, counseling divorce,  gossiping, slandering, lying,  and so forth. The Holy Spirit due to the prayers of some of the faithful persons there  was really moving in their services, and many people were getting saved, healed and delivered, and the praise and worship services were really great. God specifically had told me to go to this church as well, but he had put a condition on it, he said do not talk with, communicate, fellowship  with any of the pastors. I had done some great personal counseling in that Church as well.. met some great and also bad people.  But eventually  one day next came when I had to talk to the same pastors, and even to tell them that God was going to get rid of them, to next deal with them negatively and God did! God next broke down this large Calgary church because it had grown big in size and had become perverse. All of the pastors were next removed from it as well.

 

(Micah 3:6 KJV)  Therefore night shall be unto you, that ye shall not have a vision; and it shall be dark unto you, that ye shall not divine; and the sun shall go down over the prophets, and the day shall be dark over them. 7  Then shall the seers be ashamed, and the diviners confounded: yea, they shall all cover their lips; for there is no answer of God. 8 But truly I am full of power by the spirit of the LORD, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin.      

 It has been also my experience that when you stand up for God, his truths, Satan immediate will oppose it..

 

(Mat 16:23 KJV)  But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. 24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Divisions, lies, deceptions, is sadly too  typical of many still very carnal churches both Pentecostal and non Pentecostal ones ..the Church of Corinth included, and  I have often seen that too.

"I was told by my friend last night ,that he had asked the preacher to pray for his son and the preacher said that God had not told him to pray yet. Could that be true?" Really sounds more like a still very proud preacher too lazy to work.. a good preacher like me immediately, not later prays for all of the sheep's prayer requests.. so did Jesus.

"We still have not divorced.The pastor of this church told my daughter that I should go ahead and divorce my husband,since my husband has gone on with his life, I should get rid of that demon in my life." This is a common false suggestion by many pastors even today even in churches. I reality there are still too many lazy, no  good, selfish pastors who do not want to work hard and to pray for your other's  conversion, marital reconciliations and  they thus are also  really useless. Sadly some Christians persons do still refuse to die to the flesh, to die to self and live to God, and these bad  pastors and bad spouses included now. No wonder so many pastors now are incapable of effective marital counselling too, and they do now also often and wrongfully agree with divorce, and recommend, counsel  it for they do firstly practise it themselves with the prophet's and with God and his words, commandments too still. Do not take any of the false pastors bad advice and do not file for divorce, that really  open another cans of worm.. leave it all alone up to God  to  deal with it.. in his way and his time.. really!

(Ezek 34:2 KJV)  Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks? 3  Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: but ye feed not the flock. 4  The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them. 5  And they were scattered, because there is no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered. 6  My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill: yea, my flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek after them. 7  Therefore, ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD; 8  As I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely because my flock became a prey, and my flock became meat to every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my flock; 9  Therefore, O ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD; 10  Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them. 11  For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out. 12  As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. 13  And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country. 14  I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel. 15  I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord GOD. 16  I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment. 17  And as for you, O my flock, thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I judge between cattle and cattle, between the rams and the he goats. 18  Seemeth it a small thing unto you to have eaten up the good pasture, but ye must tread down with your feet the residue of your pastures? and to have drunk of the deep waters, but ye must foul the residue with your feet? 19  And as for my flock, they eat that which ye have trodden with your feet; and they drink that which ye have fouled with your feet. 20  Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD unto them; Behold, I, even I, will judge between the fat cattle and between the lean cattle. 21  Because ye have thrust with side and with shoulder, and pushed all the diseased with your horns, till ye have scattered them abroad; 22  Therefore will I save my flock, and they shall no more be a prey; and I will judge between cattle and cattle. 23  And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd. 24  And I the LORD will be their God, and my servant David a prince among them; I the LORD have spoken it. 25  And I will make with them a covenant of peace, and will cause the evil beasts to cease out of the land: and they shall dwell safely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods. 26  And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing. 27  And the tree of the field shall yield her fruit, and the earth shall yield her increase, and they shall be safe in their land, and shall know that I am the LORD, when I have broken the bands of their yoke, and delivered them out of the hand of those that served themselves of them. 28  And they shall no more be a prey to the heathen, neither shall the beast of the land devour them; but they shall dwell safely, and none shall make them afraid. 29  And I will raise up for them a plant of renown, and they shall be no more consumed with hunger in the land, neither bear the shame of the heathen any more. 30  Thus shall they know that I the LORD their God am with them, and that they, even the house of Israel, are my people, saith the Lord GOD. 31  And ye my flock, the flock of my pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord GOD.

 " For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect."

1 John 4:5-7 (NKJV) They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them. {6} We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error. {7} Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.

"(vv. 7-21) The noun and verb forms of "love" (agape, agapao, Gk.)  occur a total of 27 times in these verses. (vv. 7-12) Returning to the  theme of mutual love ("love one another," vv. 7, 11, 12), John shows  that love is grounded in God's nature. Those who have been "born of  God" ought to emulate His character. God provides both the source (v. 9)  and example (v. 11) of the believer's love. Moreover, love for others is an integral part of one's relationship with God (v. 12). While "no one has  seen God" (cf. John 1:18), God's love is evident in the work of Christ (v. 9) and in the believer's love for others (v. 12). "

(1 John 4:20 KJV)  If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

(1 John 4:21 KJV)  And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

(Mat 7:3 KJV)  And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

(Mat 7:4 KJV)  Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?

(Mat 7:5 KJV)  Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

"John 17:17 says: "Thy word is truth".

Does God expect you to follow a minister or prophet who is not teaching you the truth? The Bible also says that when the blind lead the blind they both fall into the ditch.

Luke 6:39 (NKJV) "And He spoke a parable to them: "Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into the ditch?"

Some people allow themselves to be led by those who teach false doctrine and the suffer as a result too. That is the fate of those who fail to prove all things and hold fast to that which is good?

Isa 9:16 (NKJV) says: "For the leaders of this people cause them to err, And those who are led by them are destroyed."

What are you supposed to do if you are being taught by a false teacher or a false prophet? Flee, run away from them, leave them!!!

Let's read 1 Tim 6:3 (NKJV) "If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness," {4} he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions," {5} useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. FROM SUCH WITHDRAW YOURSELF." Look unto God always firsthand not mere man for guidance, help."

"Why do you think Jesus said, "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves?"(Matt 7:15) It was so that you could determine if what is being preached, is in accordance with God's Word.  Be very careful when you see an individual, or a denomination, focus on just a few pet verses, or points of doctrine; they will quite often be taken out of context.

Be very careful should you observe a pastor, or any other leader, demand "blind" allegiance to whatever they say.  God's Word clearly states, "no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation."(2 Peter 1:20)

When you leave a service, do you feel as if you just met personally with God, or do you just remember how people were dressed, and how well the preacher spoke.  Who was the focus of attention?  The program, the praise and worship leader, the preacher - - or God??? "

WE ALL WANT TO BE LOVED, APPRECIATED, ACCEPTED. BUT THE  CROOKS CANNOT DO THAT FOR YOU, THEY ARE CROOKED..AND  ALL  THEY STILL DO KNOW IS HOW TO CHEAT, LIE AND STEAL.. AND THEY  WILL ALWAYS COME BACK TO DOPING THAT UNLESS BY THE GRACE OF GOD THEY ARE GIVEN THE GRACE TO REPENT AND THAT IS NOT ALWAYS LIKELY..

THE CROOKS ARE EVERY WERE THESE DAYS EVEN IN CHURCHES SADLY  AND SOONER OR LATER YOU HAVE TO LEARN TO RECOGNIZE THEM  AND TO LEAVE THEM.. LEAVE THEM.. IN LOVE AS WELL.

In one city of Calgary I really really could not find out of over one hundred churches there even one decent Christian church, and I was not pastoring then, but when I prayed God said start your own church, I will help you, and he did  and that was the great Church of Calgary as God himself called it where God there loved each and every person in the Church.

 

 (Ezek 18:4 KJV)  Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.5  But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right, 6  And hath not eaten upon the mountains, neither hath lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, neither hath defiled his neighbour's wife, neither hath come near to a menstruous woman, 7  And hath not oppressed any, but hath restored to the debtor his pledge, hath spoiled none by violence, hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment;8  He that hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase, that hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true judgment between man and man,

 

(Mal 2:16 KJV)  For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.

 

GOD HATES DIVORCE AND EVEN ANY  PASTORS WHO COUNSEL DIVORCE WILL REAP NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES, A GARMENT OF VIOLENCE AS WELL

 

(Psa 73:6 KJV)  Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.

 

(Gal 6:7 KJV)  Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

 

"I don't belong to any organized  "religion," I am a child of God, who feels comfortable in the company of all of other children of God."  By avoiding also these  "religious" debates, I feel I can better focus on God's voice, the Holy Spirit., on following God himself" Mat 18:20  For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Jesus.

"let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the  assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one  another." (Hebrews 10:24,25)

Jeremiah 25:30  Therefore prophesy thou against them all these words, and say unto them, The LORD shall roar from on high, and utter his voice from his holy habitation; he shall mightily roar upon his habitation; he shall give a shout, as they that tread the grapes, against all the inhabitants of the earth. 31  A noise shall come even to the ends of the earth; for the LORD hath a controversy with the nations, he will plead with all flesh; he will give them that are wicked to the sword, saith the LORD. 32  Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Behold, evil shall go forth from nation to nation, and a great whirlwind shall be raised up from the coasts of the earth.

(Jer 26:12 KJV)  Then spake Jeremiah unto all the princes and to all the people, saying, The LORD sent me to prophesy against this house and against this city all the words that ye have heard. 13  Therefore now amend your ways and your doings, and obey the voice of the LORD your God; and the LORD will repent him of the evil that he hath pronounced against you.

I am part of the body of Christ so why do some persons even Pastors elders falsely divorce me still? Cause they do not want to repent of the truth I preach to them rightfully as well..

and still how can we know really know if a person is a true prophet today?"

(Jer 17:7 KJV)  Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.

(Jer 17:8 KJV)  For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.

 

(John 3:16 KJV)  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

 

 A house divided against itself cannot stand (Mark 3:25)  applies to  Churches, and our homes, and our marriages too.

 

God Bless you.

Please do see also these good sites

https://pbulow.tripod.com/thewalk.htm   

https://pbulow.tripod.com/persecuted.htm

https://pbulow.tripod.com/proph.html  
https://pbulow.tripod.com/pastors.html  
https://pbulow.tripod.com/struct.html  
https://pbulow.tripod.com/prophet.html  
https://pbulow.tripod.com/tradition.html

 

https://pbulow.tripod.com/

http://postedat.wordpress.com/2009/05/30/grace/

http://thefocusonthefamily.wordpress.com 

http://stayinhealth.wordpress.com/

 

http://mywebpage.netscape.com/mywallpapers/joel.html

https://pbulow.tripod.com/mystery1.html

https://pbulow.tripod.com/mystery2.html

http://mywebpage.netscape.com/mywallpapers/Rapture.html