Recent Comments
Money Changers
The Gospels record Jesus coming into Jerusalem on a donkey just as the prophets said would happen. But then after His entry He ties a whip together and drives out the money changers from the temple. The temple at the time was representative of everything of the Jewish faith. The priests performed the sacrifices and duties as given in the old testament and in the inner sanctuary was where the presence of the Lord was to be sitting on the Ark of the Covenant. It was a holy and precious place to be respected in the highest. But here the nation, the priests, the people from all the tribes had allowed money changers to come in to make it easy to exchange currency from whichever part of the earth they had traveled from to fulfill their religious duties. There is no doubt these money changers were making a decent living to continue the practice. I’m quite certain by educated assumption that the temple priesthood was also benefiting from their presence. For no space is filled by a vendor for free where the “land lord” allows them to set up. But now here is our Christ in the midst of them, overturning their tables and driving them out. Was He not making a statement of jealousy and contempt for what greedy men had turned His Father’s house into? Here’s a good spot to insert the verses I have been referring.
12 Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. 13 And He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’”(Mat 11:12-13)
15 So they came to Jerusalem. Then Jesus went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. 16 And He would not allow anyone to carry wares through the temple. 17 Then He taught, saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’ ”
18 And the scribes and chief priests heard it and sought how they might destroy Him; for they feared Him, because all the people were astonished at His teaching. 19 When evening had come, He went out of the city.(Mark 11:15-19)
13 Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 And He found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers doing business. 15 When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers’ money and overturned the tables. 16 And He said to those who sold doves, “Take these things away! Do not make My Father’s house a house of merchandise!” 17 Then His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up.” (John 2:13-17)
This story of the moneychangers is recorded in 3 of the 4 Gospels. I am certain that our Lord wanted this Truth to be seen and recognized at it’s seriousness not to profane the Lord’s name through greediness for gain. It is also a sign of a lack of faith. Yet 2000 years later we find what is called the body of christ , according to mainstream christianity, practicing a more crafty and slick business. Though the nature of its practice today is quite different. The one thing that remains common is that someone benefits monetarily.
Everything we see in mainstream institutional church is built upon a business model. It begins with the preaching of the tithe as a means to support the institution and ends with the reinforced power of the pastor to rule over the assembly. How can I make this claim? Easy, who in the church earns a salary or wage? Certainly the pastor. But also some churches hire secretaries, music leaders and other positions in some cases. So also in some cases these people are fired from their position. Does this sound like faith or being led by the Holy Spirit?
Please show me where in the Gospels Jesus is shown to have made or given instructions regarding a business plan or structure. Where in the Gospels has any other apostle laid down instructions for the assembly to follow a worldly business model? I have read the New Testament many times and have no such knowledge. But I am open if you can show clearly how this structure might be laid out in Scripture. What I have seen and been taught is that our Christ preached faith in Him and that we can pray and ask the Father to make our way in this world to preach the Gospel. If we need money for travel, God will provide it. If we need a place to lay our head, God will provide it. If we need food or drink or clothing, our Father knows what we need and will provide it. For Scripture bears these things out.
25 “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?
28 “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; 29 and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
31 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. (Mat 6:25-34)
Brethren, it is the world who makes business plans. When the so called church plans on how to raise money and plans on how to gain membership then they are not acting in faith towards Christ. They are making plans as worldly men do. We are warned plainly not to act or behave in worldly manner. For in the epistle of James it is written
Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
(James 4:4)
If a church is functioning like the world, then they are attracting the world. If the world is attracted and corrupts the assembly further then this practice is sin towards God. So then, ought not these men (and or women) who claim the name of Christ repent of these practices?
Brethren our faith and our Lord are too precious to be caught walking in the world upon His return. For judgment begins in the house of God. Just as Christ showed us in driving out the money changers. Let us continue and persevere and keep our walk pure.
“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” (Mat. 10:16)
Family
I’ve been thinking about family lately. Go figure, since it’s around the holiday season. Certainly many of us gather with our natural family members, those who are our natural father, mother, brothers and sisters and so on. But who does our Lord consider family? Here’s a clue from Scripture.
31 Then His brothers and His mother came, and standing outside they sent to Him, calling Him. 32 And a multitude was sitting around Him; and they said to Him, “Look, Your mother and Your brothers[e] are outside seeking You.”
33 But He answered them, saying, “Who is My mother, or My brothers?” 34 And He looked around in a circle at those who sat about Him, and said, “Here are My mother and My brothers! 35 For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother.” (Mark 3:31-35)
It’s pretty clear isn’t it. Those who do the will of God are His brothers and sisters. So where does that leave us as disciples of Christ? Certainly we are brothers and sisters to each other as well. We are a family unto each other right?
So here’s something to consider. I might be going down a scary road here for some, but stick with me. If the disciples of Christ, those who are saved by faith in Christ and His atoning blood, then where does that leave our natural family members? I believe it leaves them on the outside. Furthermore I would think our brothers and sisters in Christ come first at times, even before our natural family. That’s a very astonishing statement isn’t it? I want to build my case further upon Scripture though.
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Tim 3:16-17)
If we believe Scripture is our guidance along with how we are led by the Holy Spirit, then we can have a firm foundation and assurance in Christ Jesus. For there will be nothing to argue or contend about if we consider the following.
I do not believe that in every case all our family members will be in Heaven with Christ. Even if a pastor, priest or some other person tries to tell us such when a loved one passes on. Jesus has forewarned us and tells us plainly in Scripture. He is quoted as saying the following.
49 “I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! 50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am till it is accomplished! 51 Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division. 52 For from now on five in one house will be divided: three against two, and two against three. 53 Father will be divided against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.” (Luke 12:49-53)
Now consider how this is recorded in Matthew
34 “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. 35 For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; 36 and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’ 37 He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. 38 And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. 39 He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it. (Mat. 10:34-39)
So not only can a family be divided by the testimony of Christ, but our Christ goes on to state that if we love our father or mother or son or daughter more than He then we are not worthy of Him. We are not worthy to follow Him into His kingdom! That can even include our spouses, right? What an astonishing thought!
Here is where I want to point to putting our brothers and sisters in Christ first. Right after the warning about divisions within a family, Christ is quoted saying this.
40 “He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me. 41 He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward. And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. 42 And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward.” (Mat. 10:40-42)
Naturally this does not mean we are to have no affiliation with our natural family members. Where possible we should have open and loving relations with our family members. For by such it is possible to win them over to Christ by our example.
Sadly there are times where family members aren’t as receptive and mistake our humility and lovingkindness as weakness. In such cases it may be more beneficial to separate. I can give no specific advice to any particular situation. But I can point to Christ who can guide you. If I know you I might be able to at least lend an ear, give constructive feedback and or pray with you. But Christ ultimately opens our eyes as to how to react.
In conclusion brethren, our walk is not easy. We are swim against the current of the world. The current is not as strong when we are walking in the Spirit. For Christ has said to take on His yoke, for it is easy and the burden light.
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
(Mat. 11:28-30)
Let us press on and persevere. Having the patience of the Saints. Full of Grace and Mercy for those in Christ as well as our enemies. Blessings in Christ Jesus!
Posted in Uncategorized
Leave a comment
You Ought to Be Teachers
For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.
A dear friend said to me the other day that if he were in fellowship he wouldn’t have much to offer. I had to disagree with that statement. The truth is that even a young child has something to offer in the assembly if the Lord chooses to speak through them. But brethren, if any of us have studied Scripture for years we ought to be teachers by now. It doesn’t have to be anything on a grand scale. It just needs to be small and simple. It could be only one or two. It could be just family. The only rule to follow is put Christ first and look to Him to lead you by the Spirit. He will open up Scripture and Truth and speak to you. Let us move on to Solid spiritual food and be satisfied with Christ alone and not the trappings of the world. Blessings in Christ Jesus as walk on the narrow road.
For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”
Posted in Uncategorized
9 Comments
God’s Truth is Not Exclusive
What do I mean? God does not reveal Himself to only certain special people in the Kingdom.Consider the following Scripture.
44 Now it was about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. 45 Then the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two. 46 And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, “Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My spirit.’” Having said this, He breathed His last. (Luke 23:44-46)
Scripture says the veil of the temple was torn in two. So what was the significance of the veil? Was it not because God is Holy and righteous and the people of Israel are not? Read and consider Leviticus 16 in the requirements God made upon Aaron and the priesthood of Israel of old. The veil was there to separate a Holy and righteous God from a sinful nation because they were flesh and blood and not wholly spirit.
So then why was the veil now torn in two when Christ Jesus was crucified? Yes! there was no more need for blood to be sprinkled on the mercy seat nor in the Holy of Holies because as Christ Himself says “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. ” (John 14:6). Because now all who put their faith in Christ have access to the Father openly and freely. We no longer rely upon a priesthood as in the old covenant, nor in the institutional church system because we are each individually responsible to seek out and follow the Father through Christ Jesus our Savior. Consider the following from Exodus 19.
3 And Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel: 4 ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself. 5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. 6 And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.”
7 So Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before them all these words which the Lord commanded him. 8 Then all the people answered together and said, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do.”(Ex 19:3-8)
Please read all of Exodus 19. By the time they have prepared to meet God and serve Him they are quaking in their sandals! On the third day the proclaim to Moses:
18 Now all the people witnessed the thunderings, the lightning flashes, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw it, they trembled and stood afar off. 19 Then they said to Moses, “You speak with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die.” (Ex 20:18-19)
Now let’s flash forward to the New Testament in the book of Revelation. John makes this astounding statement.
To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, 6 and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (Rev. 1:5-6)
And Again another amazing statement. Not just from John, but from the four living creatures and the 24 elders before the throne of God.
8 Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9 And they sang a new song, saying:
“You are worthy to take the scroll,
And to open its seals;
For You were slain,
And have redeemed us to God by Your blood
Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,
10 And have made us kings and priests to our God;
And we shall reign on the earth.” (Rev 5:8-10)
Is it clear now dear brothers and sisters? You have the authority through Christ to serve the Father, to seek out His will, to know the so called secrets of the Kingdom. You do not need to rely on someone with a doctorate, theological degree or seminary training to know the will, wisdom and knowledge that only He can bestow. For Scripture also says:
26 These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you. 27 But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him. (IJohn 2:26-27)
Yes God can teach and will teach better than any man. No man should state that he is the keeper of the Truth but should be pointing others to Christ as I attempt to do. For anything that is of Truth on this blog is of Christ and not of me. For I am simply a chosen vessel for the moment.
Brethren, God can and will reveal Himself to anyone who seeks Truth.
31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”(John 8:31-32)
Posted in Uncategorized
1 Comment
God’s Truth is Free
God by the Holy Spirit gives us His truth openly and freely if we so choose to follow Him. For the Father Himself sacrificed His only begotten Son on the cross. An ultimate sacrifice to cleanse us of our sins. Scripture bears witness in multiple places of His truth given so freely. And not just His truth, but His gifts so that we can minister one to another and to the lost as well. Please read and consider the following.
He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.
And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.
And yet there are men and women in this world who would charge us for God’s truth. They rake us over the coals with guilt and shame. Twisting Scripture for their own gain. But we were never called to support one man or woman to tell us the truth like Moses did for the nation of Israel. No, Christ established His ekklessia, the called out ones to share the responsibility of preaching and teaching the Word according to the gifts that He gives us. This is what He is establishing in the Body of Christ with a few who have fled the institution. He is maturing His people into the spotless Bride of Christ. Not by the power of the saints, but by the power of the Holy Spirit in Christ Jesus. We are learning to be dependent upon the leading of the Spirit. For there is one truth and one Christ. His truth is free. If His truth is free to us it should be free to those it is preached to.
6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. (Mat. 10:6-8)
Posted in Uncategorized
2 Comments
A Testimony of Humility
Brothers and sisters, I praise the Lord Jesus and lift Him up in the following testimony. It His work in my life for I fail Him daily. But He has sanctified me by the blood He has spilt on the Cross for my sins.
We are called to a life of humility. The more humble we are and embrace the fiery trials we are put through, the more the Lord will trust us. The more the Lord trusts us the more He will open us up to others to witness to.
I will not testify of all my fiery trials this year, but I want to focus upon the trials I have faced in my employment. Up until recently I have worked at a company for nearly ten years. It may be a mile stone for some and a mere moment for others as some people have worked for the same company their whole life. The length of time may be immaterial in the end except that it served its purpose in bringing me further in my walk and discipleship in Christ Jesus. All fiery trials serve this purpose. Without getting too specific I will testify in general that I fought through a manager who was ill equipped to manage others. Who could not or would not go to bat for others or stand behind them in a righteous manner. Who held righteous people as guilty and guilty people as righteous. I fought through some of those employees who were unrighteous. And how did I fight through? By humbling myself, letting my daily walk testify of who I am before Christ. Not fighting evil with evil, but blessing those who cursed me. By embracing those people whole heartedly seeking how we might find a path to peace. In those instances it was those that initially agreed to that walk, who quickly fled. Each time I sought those people out in humility and righteousness, they ran from the light. They ran because there is no light in them. Darkness cannot comprehend the light.
Needless to say and as I have confessed to those who have known me personally that I was wearied of the unrighteousness at my current place of employment. There were other factors as well. Many that are commonplace to all who work in a corporate environment. I’m sure what I am testifying of generally is commonplace.
On June 12, 2014 I confessed to the Lord Jesus that He was the author and finisher of my faith. He is the one who placed me at that place of employment. He is the one who will remove me when it is right. On June 13, 2014, a day like most others filled with the busyness of the day, at about 11:00 a.m. I quietly asked the Lord “How long?” His answer came two hours later in form of a phone call. A woman whom I had worked for twelve years before was calling to ask if I was ready for a change. Of course I was and by July 7, 2014 I was beginning a new venture as a manager within her company. A responsibility I do not take lightly. For I believe I am charged with treating others righteously in all humility. To continue to stand in Truth and be a witness for the Lord Jesus Christ. Yes there are material benefits to what I now do, but the fact is that the Lord charges each one of us to be good stewards of what He has given His people, whether little or much or somewhere in between. It is through a life of humility knowing that He knows what we are in need of. Whether it be discipline, a fiery trial or a time of peace. He is all knowing and deals with each one of us who are His on an individual basis. He is jealous for each one of us. Not wishing any to be lost. Let us submit to His will. Not for material things or earthly power, but in humility and the righteousness of Christ. God Bless you in your walk.
Posted in Uncategorized
2 Comments
Another spirit
In Scripture we are told of the Spirit of Truth, or the Holy Spirit. Paul exhorts us to walk in the Spirit. Even in the Old Testament we are told that from time to time God poured out His Spirit upon people at certain times. But folks, I am here to warn you that there are other spirits in this world that are working against Christ and His Glory. This is most certainly of the antichrist spirit. For any spirit that is not in direct agreement with the saving grace and knowledge of Christ preaching Salvation is seeking to replace and oppose Christ and His work.
Again, some spirits are sent as messengers and help for the people of God. Some spirits are sent for various reasons to oppose the work of Christ or confound and test the walk of those who claim the name of Christ.
So, keeping in mind that all the work of Christ is spiritual, dear brothers and sisters, there are some who would deny that another spirit can work through someone who claims the name of Christ. For even in the Old Testament we are told there were spirits other than the Holy Spirit working in or against man. Here are several examples:
22 After Abimelech had reigned over Israel three years, 23 God sent a spirit of ill will between Abimelech and the men of Shechem; and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech, 24 that the crime done to the seventy sons of Jerubbaal might be settled and their blood be laid on Abimelech their brother, who killed them, and on the men of Shechem, who aided him in the killing of his brothers. 25 And the men of Shechem set men in ambush against him on the tops of the mountains, and they robbed all who passed by them along that way; and it was told Abimelech. (Judges 9:22-25) Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized
Leave a comment
Matthew 18 – And Heretics and Hypocrites
Matthew 18 – And Heretics and Hypocrites
Please click on the above link for an imperative lesson on Matthew 18. The lesson was written by Paul Proctor and shared on Lighthouse Trails Research. I think the main problem we face is rightly discerning a brother from a heretic or false disciple. May the Lord lead you and guide you in this dark hour.
Posted in Uncategorized
2 Comments
Last Days of the Age 