For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. –II Corinthians 11:13-15.
How does church attendance fit in with the Christian’s life? Is it required? It seems to me that like so many other Biblical truths, the ones pertaining to this topic have been corrupted-or lost. What we really need here is God’s definition of what “church” is, don’t we? The overall consensus that I am witnessing shows that most equate Biblical church with the building they claim to attend worship in on Sunday morning. When I say most, I mean most of the entire, general population. Sincere believers realize it is more than a building, but still the great majority of even these think that it is some requirement.
My wife and I no longer attend a church. Strictly speaking, the Lord has led us away from it, at least for a long season. We wanted to attend somewhere, praying that God would lead us to His desired situation for us: it turns out that this hasn’t included attending a church for over ten years.
What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose. –Psalm 25:12.
For most professing Christians in America today, going to church is the biggest part of their “service” to the Lord. My wife and I seek to share God’s truths with others as we have opportunity. Yet after listening to us for a time the person will always ask, “What church do you go to?” When they find out that we don’t, a change instantly comes over them; and they will no longer regard seriously anything that we say. That’s how bad the deception has become. If you are a believer reading this, I hope we can at least agree that a real Christian has to be spiritually BORN AGAIN (John 3:3).
The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet. Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. John 4:19-24.
Doesn’t this sound like a diminishing of places, and an emphasis on the heart?
Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. –James 1:27. What, no church?
When God the Holy Spirit sent Philip to the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26-39), was the eunuch then instructed to find a church, or even any other believers at all? Oh, by the way- ALWAYS use the King James Bible for accuracy. God preserved His Word!
The purpose of this blog is not necessarily aimed at driving Christians out of their home church. This is about distinguishing the truth; it is about following God according to His Word, and about being led by the Holy Spirit. Today’s visible churches are man-made businesses, right down to advertisements, “All Welcome” signs, and posted hours of operation.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. –II Timothy 3:16, 17.
But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. –I John 2:27.
After some time it became clear to my wife and I that God was keeping us outside of the organized churches; it really wasn’t our idea! But if God was doing this, there had to be good reasons for it. Therefore we sought the Lord in prayer, as to what those purposes might be. To start with, God showed us a great example in the Apostle Paul…
We believers are well-acquainted with the story of Paul. As a Pharisee, Paul persecuted “this way” as a part of his Godly service! You’ll find Paul’s initial conversion in Acts 9:1-22. But there is another very important part of this account, which we find in Galatians 1:11-20;
But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace, To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother. Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not. The bold type and underlining I have added for emphasis.
As a Pharisee, Paul knew the scriptures very, very well. But what he knew of the Word he had been taught by other Pharisees! Therefore, without meaning to, he was following a false interpretation of scripture; one which denied that Jesus is the messiah, and encouraged him to persecute Christians. Paul needed to know the Word as God intended it to be known, and so he got alone with the Lord in Arabia for three years. This then represents one crucial reason why the Lord separated us; that He might teach us His Word directly, without the interference of others. There are problems in trying this while in an organized church, not the least of which is the pressure to conform. Unconditional unity is NOT a Biblical priority! It is the priority of the Antichrist’s world system, however. This pressure may come through the general church congregation, but it will mostly be enforced by the pastor, who will guard his position of power with great jealousy. I have experienced this numerous times.
Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. –I Corinthians 1:10.
The visible church of today is preaching unity in spite of differing doctrinal views, and it has reached an unholy pitch. The hundreds of different Bible versions have brought this about, to where we no longer believe that we actually have God’s Word. We do have it, however, kept by God’s power in the King James Bible. But if Christians can’t even have a common foundation in the Bible they use, how could we ever come to the type of unity that God desires? My blogs have covered the Bible version issue well enough, so I will now leave off this issue.
While there could arise some disagreements that really are insignificant (we must trust the Lord for discernment), here are two main pitfalls of not understanding God’s Word as He meant it: 1) The correct application of the Word to the individual believer’s life. 2) Gross mishandling of the Word could literally hurt us, or might bring open shame to Jesus Christ.
1) We are too quick to forget that we are individual members of Christ’s body, but are still a part of that body, even though our function may differ from some others (I Corinthians 12). I think God gives us an example in Acts 21:3-14;
Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden. And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem. And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed. And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again. And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day. And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto Cæsarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy. And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judæa a certain prophet, named Agabus. And when he was come unto us, he took Paul’s girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles. And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.
You’ll notice that all of the believers, even though of different areas, were in unity about what would happen to Paul; and logically concluded that he should not go to Jerusalem. This was not, however, God’s will for Paul (Acts 20:22-24). And so Paul had to act in obedience to God by his individual conviction, and not by the unified majority. Thank God that he did! One gauge to use in determining the validity of a person’s actions is the Bible- the Holy Spirit won’t be leading a person in contradiction to God’s Word, although we may have to study it more deeply to be sure.
2) Gross mishandling of God’s Word can bring needless hurt to ourselves, and shame to the name of Jesus Christ. I heard of one great example of this several years ago, due to a church pastor that died from a snake bite; this happened during the course of a church service, inside of the church!
There is apparently (if the news report was accurate) a certain sect of professing Christians that routinely handle poisonous snakes in their services, sometimes dancing and singing praises to God, yet all the while with these snakes held high above their heads! The news report said there are about 110,000 people that belong to such groups. But how could such a deceived practice come about? It came from a horrendous mishandling of the Bible;
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. –Mark 16:17, 18.
This part of Jesus’ great commission, which I have put in bold type, is at the core of the matter. This is the basis for the snake-handling congregation. Believers are supposed to “rightly divide” the Word of truth (II Timothy 2:15), but this certainly didn’t happen here. Oh, how deceitful our hearts are! To dance around with poisonous snakes in your church service is showy, and attention getting- you would at least draw a crowd to observe such strange behavior. Here are a few Biblical objections to such a practice: 1) Does the deliberate handling of dangerous snakes indicate at all the sound mind God gives to believers (II Timothy 1:7)? 2) God may have given us an example of what He meant by “taking up serpents”;
And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live. And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm. –Acts 28:3-5.
3) There is no example, Biblical or otherwise, of the early Christian church practicing this! 4) We are not to force tests upon God- Jesus showed us this directly in Matthew 4:5-7, and Luke 4:9-12. Satan tempted Jesus to throw Himself off the pinnacle of the temple, justifying it by a scriptural promise. But there was another scripture, another principle to follow. Although God promised us a certain protection from serpents, it is utterly ridiculous to invite such hurt! The same verse that talks about serpents also promises protection from poisonous drinks- but we should know better than to drink poison deliberately: it is a terrible testimony for Jesus to do such things, and it will not win the lost.
So we find that within the true church, which is the spiritual body of Christ, there are differing members, with differing functions. All I was initially trying to do was to follow the Lord as He led me, but as I studied the Word I did come across scriptures which supported the occasional, apparent “solo” operation of some members: these verses supported the convictions I had been given from the Holy Spirit. 1) I Timothy 5:17 mentions the elders who “labor in the word of God and doctrine.” That is exactly what I had been led to do, and had a passion for! Upon missing regular “church” attendance, I was studying the Word, and bringing all traditions and practices into the light before God (John 3:21). To do such a thing requires a separation, so as not to be tainted by man-made doctrines;
This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. –Matthew 15:8, 9.
2) The role of a watchman, which is more identifiable in the Old Testament, was first impressed upon me as I read Ezekiel 3:17. This position would naturally be separate from the rest of God’s children, as they are stationed upon the wall, and looking out for any that would approach the city. Therefore the role of a porter, which is a gatekeeper, would also fall to the watchman; he would be responsible for authorizing the opening of the gate. In II Chronicles 35:15B we find;
…and the porters waited at every gate; they might not depart from their service; for their brethren the Levites prepared for them. This was part of the account from the Josiah Passover. Because the porters had to continue in their duties, other Israelites fulfilled the porters’ normal role in the Passover observance.
For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. –Mark 13:34. And so we find again here, in these last of the last days, there is still a role for a porter, or watchman; and Jesus makes mention of this role with the implication it is a solitary one.
But the deception of church is very deep. The organized, visible church of today, seen in the denominational church buildings with their “All Welcome” signs, posted hours of operation, and often with billboards advertising their programs for worldly appeal, this religious superstructure IS NOT IN ANY WAY THE CHURCH OF THE BIBLE!!! How can anyone equate attendance in one of these buildings with a necessary Christian duty? Isn’t the Christian saved by grace, and not works? The only sacraments instituted by Jesus were the baptism of believers, and the occasional observance of communion- and neither of these observances can add anything to our salvation! Today’s “church” is in apostasy, and has lost the meaning. Let’s go over why the church we see in front of us today cannot be the Biblical church, and why it can never be accepted by God.
This “church” of the last days is utterly polluted. And even though these professing believers know that something is amiss, and that they need revival, they never come close to laying their all on the altar. Most of them aren’t really even saved, because they never knew what that really meant.
And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. –Luke 9:23, 24.
He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. –John 12:25.
These aren’t fun descriptions, are they? But the church has preached to the world that they are already acceptable to Christ, even before they have actually repented of their sins. Today’s church is in love with the world, and is just like them. The preaching of the cross has become foolish to the church, and they shrink from it.
WORLDLINESS. In a nutshell, this describes the pollution of the church. A good description of today’s church is found in Revelation 3:14-19;
And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Underlining was added.
Why didn’t the Lord refer to these as the church in Laodicea (as with the previous 5 churches, and Ephesus was an “of”), but described them as Laodiceans, instead? It is because this “church” cannot be distinguished from the world around it- and that is our church today.
In the great commission, Jesus instructed his disciples go out into the world, preach and make disciples; these new believers could then be a part of church fellowship, having become members of the body of Christ. The church today is lazy, and has found a way to “get along” with the world; by building structures for their businesses, and declaring, “All are Welcome.” To further their businesses, and their apparent success, all sorts of worldly promotions are broadcast; the church has become worldly, in order to attract the world. Didn’t Jesus come to save sinners? But instead of preaching to the lost about repentance from sin, our presentations tend to imply that all are accepted already, prior to this. The Bible says that in our natural state, there is no good in anyone. God DOES NOT ACCEPT sinners: God accepts the REPENTANCE of the sinner. If we are trying to tell the unsaved that there is good in them before salvation, we are falling into the error of esteeming a person’s good works as having value before God- which would negate the cross, and the purpose of Jesus’ death. In Galatians 2:16 and 21 we find;
Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified…I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
God wants holiness! That can only come by Jesus, and the daily crucifying of the flesh. We can never achieve perfection while in the flesh, but we must pursue after it.
Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. –Philippians 3:12-14.
Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. –Matthew 5:48.
When we are seeking perfection, there’s no room for compromise.
Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Ask now the priests concerning the law, saying, If one bear holy flesh in the skirt of his garment, and with his skirt do touch bread, or pottage, or wine, or oil, or any meat, shall it be holy? And the priests answered and said, No. Then said Haggai, If one that is unclean by a dead body touch any of these, shall it be unclean? And the priests answered and said, It shall be unclean. Then answered Haggai, and said, So is this people, and so is this nation before me, saith the LORD; and so is every work of their hands; and that which they offer there is unclean. –Haggai 2:11-14. Read this passage again!
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. –II Corinthians 6:14-18.
It’s hard enough when we are sincerely trying to overcome sinful, fleshly tendencies: what sense could it make, then, to deliberately espouse the things we are seeking to put away? A good example for our topic is found in I Corinthians 5. A grievous sin was being committed within the church, and it is clear that they needed to put it away. The church was admonished that “a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump,” so they could not allow it to continue-it would spread, acting like an infectious disease. Verse 13 directs them to, “put away from yourselves that wicked person.” This was in the church, amongst a redeemed group of Christians! Now tell me, how can the church today “put away” wicked individuals, when they are constantly inviting them in? Today’s church is without discernment, without watchfulness, and has given that which is holy to the dogs. We like to be comfortable-and the cross is not comfortable.
Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. –James 4:4.
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. 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. –I John 2:15, 16.
THIS know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. –II Timothy 3:1-5. I have emphasized these last four words: we do not seek unity at all costs!
Christians may go to church, hoping to fellowship with other true believers. They may attend, hoping for “spiritual food” to help them grow in their relationship with Christ. But what is really happening? Is our fellowship focused on Christ, or are we discussing worldly interests? Do we really try to apply new principles from what we have learned on Sunday? Are we searching the scriptures (Acts 17:11), or testing the spirits (I John 4:1), to see if God is really behind them? You’ll need to answer these questions for yourselves, brethren, bringing all things into the light before God, to be sure of His approval (John 3:21). We are almost out of time, brethren. Let’s make sure that our lives are acceptable to God, putting Him first, and not church.
And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. –Romans 13:11-14.
When God the Holy Spirit sent Philip to the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26-39), was the eunuch then instructed to find a church, or even any other believers at all? Oh, by the way- ALWAYS use the King James Bible for accuracy. God preserved His Word!
The purpose of this blog is not necessarily aimed at driving Christians out of their home church. This is about distinguishing the truth; it is about following God according to His Word, and about being led by the Holy Spirit. Today’s visible churches are man-made businesses, right down to advertisements, “All Welcome” signs, and posted hours of operation.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. –II Timothy 3:16, 17.
But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. –I John 2:27.
After some time it became clear to my wife and I that God was keeping us outside of the organized churches; it really wasn’t our idea! But if God was doing this, there had to be good reasons for it. Therefore we sought the Lord in prayer, as to what those purposes might be. To start with, God showed us a great example in the Apostle Paul…
We believers are well-acquainted with the story of Paul. As a Pharisee, Paul persecuted “this way” as a part of his Godly service! You’ll find Paul’s initial conversion in Acts 9:1-22. But there is another very important part of this account, which we find in Galatians 1:11-20;
But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace, To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother. Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not. The bold type and underlining I have added for emphasis.
As a Pharisee, Paul knew the scriptures very, very well. But what he knew of the Word he had been taught by other Pharisees! Therefore, without meaning to, he was following a false interpretation of scripture; one which denied that Jesus is the messiah, and encouraged him to persecute Christians. Paul needed to know the Word as God intended it to be known, and so he got alone with the Lord in Arabia for three years. This then represents one crucial reason why the Lord separated us; that He might teach us His Word directly, without the interference of others. There are problems in trying this while in an organized church, not the least of which is the pressure to conform. Unconditional unity is NOT a Biblical priority! It is the priority of the Antichrist’s world system, however. This pressure may come through the general church congregation, but it will mostly be enforced by the pastor, who will guard his position of power with great jealousy. I have experienced this numerous times.
Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. –I Corinthians 1:10.
The visible church of today is preaching unity in spite of differing doctrinal views, and it has reached an unholy pitch. The hundreds of different Bible versions have brought this about, to where we no longer believe that we actually have God’s Word. We do have it, however, kept by God’s power in the King James Bible. But if Christians can’t even have a common foundation in the Bible they use, how could we ever come to the type of unity that God desires? My blogs have covered the Bible version issue well enough, so I will now leave off this issue.
While there could arise some disagreements that really are insignificant (we must trust the Lord for discernment), here are two main pitfalls of not understanding God’s Word as He meant it: 1) The correct application of the Word to the individual believer’s life. 2) Gross mishandling of the Word could literally hurt us, or might bring open shame to Jesus Christ.
1) We are too quick to forget that we are individual members of Christ’s body, but are still a part of that body, even though our function may differ from some others (I Corinthians 12). I think God gives us an example in Acts 21:3-14;
Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden. And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem. And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed. And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again. And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day. And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto Cæsarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy. And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judæa a certain prophet, named Agabus. And when he was come unto us, he took Paul’s girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles. And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.
You’ll notice that all of the believers, even though of different areas, were in unity about what would happen to Paul; and logically concluded that he should not go to Jerusalem. This was not, however, God’s will for Paul (Acts 20:22-24). And so Paul had to act in obedience to God by his individual conviction, and not by the unified majority. Thank God that he did! One gauge to use in determining the validity of a person’s actions is the Bible- the Holy Spirit won’t be leading a person in contradiction to God’s Word, although we may have to study it more deeply to be sure.
2) Gross mishandling of God’s Word can bring needless hurt to ourselves, and shame to the name of Jesus Christ. I heard of one great example of this several years ago, due to a church pastor that died from a snake bite; this happened during the course of a church service, inside of the church!
There is apparently (if the news report was accurate) a certain sect of professing Christians that routinely handle poisonous snakes in their services, sometimes dancing and singing praises to God, yet all the while with these snakes held high above their heads! The news report said there are about 110,000 people that belong to such groups. But how could such a deceived practice come about? It came from a horrendous mishandling of the Bible;
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. –Mark 16:17, 18.
This part of Jesus’ great commission, which I have put in bold type, is at the core of the matter. This is the basis for the snake-handling congregation. Believers are supposed to “rightly divide” the Word of truth (II Timothy 2:15), but this certainly didn’t happen here. Oh, how deceitful our hearts are! To dance around with poisonous snakes in your church service is showy, and attention getting- you would at least draw a crowd to observe such strange behavior. Here are a few Biblical objections to such a practice: 1) Does the deliberate handling of dangerous snakes indicate at all the sound mind God gives to believers (II Timothy 1:7)? 2) God may have given us an example of what He meant by “taking up serpents”;
And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live. And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm. –Acts 28:3-5.
3) There is no example, Biblical or otherwise, of the early Christian church practicing this! 4) We are not to force tests upon God- Jesus showed us this directly in Matthew 4:5-7, and Luke 4:9-12. Satan tempted Jesus to throw Himself off the pinnacle of the temple, justifying it by a scriptural promise. But there was another scripture, another principle to follow. Although God promised us a certain protection from serpents, it is utterly ridiculous to invite such hurt! The same verse that talks about serpents also promises protection from poisonous drinks- but we should know better than to drink poison deliberately: it is a terrible testimony for Jesus to do such things, and it will not win the lost.
So we find that within the true church, which is the spiritual body of Christ, there are differing members, with differing functions. All I was initially trying to do was to follow the Lord as He led me, but as I studied the Word I did come across scriptures which supported the occasional, apparent “solo” operation of some members: these verses supported the convictions I had been given from the Holy Spirit. 1) I Timothy 5:17 mentions the elders who “labor in the word of God and doctrine.” That is exactly what I had been led to do, and had a passion for! Upon missing regular “church” attendance, I was studying the Word, and bringing all traditions and practices into the light before God (John 3:21). To do such a thing requires a separation, so as not to be tainted by man-made doctrines;
This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. –Matthew 15:8, 9.
2) The role of a watchman, which is more identifiable in the Old Testament, was first impressed upon me as I read Ezekiel 3:17. This position would naturally be separate from the rest of God’s children, as they are stationed upon the wall, and looking out for any that would approach the city. Therefore the role of a porter, which is a gatekeeper, would also fall to the watchman; he would be responsible for authorizing the opening of the gate. In II Chronicles 35:15B we find;
…and the porters waited at every gate; they might not depart from their service; for their brethren the Levites prepared for them. This was part of the account from the Josiah Passover. Because the porters had to continue in their duties, other Israelites fulfilled the porters’ normal role in the Passover observance.
For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. –Mark 13:34. And so we find again here, in these last of the last days, there is still a role for a porter, or watchman; and Jesus makes mention of this role with the implication it is a solitary one.
But the deception of church is very deep. The organized, visible church of today, seen in the denominational church buildings with their “All Welcome” signs, posted hours of operation, and often with billboards advertising their programs for worldly appeal, this religious superstructure IS NOT IN ANY WAY THE CHURCH OF THE BIBLE!!! How can anyone equate attendance in one of these buildings with a necessary Christian duty? Isn’t the Christian saved by grace, and not works? The only sacraments instituted by Jesus were the baptism of believers, and the occasional observance of communion- and neither of these observances can add anything to our salvation! Today’s “church” is in apostasy, and has lost the meaning. Let’s go over why the church we see in front of us today cannot be the Biblical church, and why it can never be accepted by God.
This “church” of the last days is utterly polluted. And even though these professing believers know that something is amiss, and that they need revival, they never come close to laying their all on the altar. Most of them aren’t really even saved, because they never knew what that really meant.
And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. –Luke 9:23, 24.
He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. –John 12:25.
These aren’t fun descriptions, are they? But the church has preached to the world that they are already acceptable to Christ, even before they have actually repented of their sins. Today’s church is in love with the world, and is just like them. The preaching of the cross has become foolish to the church, and they shrink from it.
WORLDLINESS. In a nutshell, this describes the pollution of the church. A good description of today’s church is found in Revelation 3:14-19;
And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Underlining was added.
Why didn’t the Lord refer to these as the church in Laodicea (as with the previous 5 churches, and Ephesus was an “of”), but described them as Laodiceans, instead? It is because this “church” cannot be distinguished from the world around it- and that is our church today.
In the great commission, Jesus instructed his disciples go out into the world, preach and make disciples; these new believers could then be a part of church fellowship, having become members of the body of Christ. The church today is lazy, and has found a way to “get along” with the world; by building structures for their businesses, and declaring, “All are Welcome.” To further their businesses, and their apparent success, all sorts of worldly promotions are broadcast; the church has become worldly, in order to attract the world. Didn’t Jesus come to save sinners? But instead of preaching to the lost about repentance from sin, our presentations tend to imply that all are accepted already, prior to this. The Bible says that in our natural state, there is no good in anyone. God DOES NOT ACCEPT sinners: God accepts the REPENTANCE of the sinner. If we are trying to tell the unsaved that there is good in them before salvation, we are falling into the error of esteeming a person’s good works as having value before God- which would negate the cross, and the purpose of Jesus’ death. In Galatians 2:16 and 21 we find;
Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified…I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
God wants holiness! That can only come by Jesus, and the daily crucifying of the flesh. We can never achieve perfection while in the flesh, but we must pursue after it.
Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. –Philippians 3:12-14.
Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. –Matthew 5:48.
When we are seeking perfection, there’s no room for compromise.
Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Ask now the priests concerning the law, saying, If one bear holy flesh in the skirt of his garment, and with his skirt do touch bread, or pottage, or wine, or oil, or any meat, shall it be holy? And the priests answered and said, No. Then said Haggai, If one that is unclean by a dead body touch any of these, shall it be unclean? And the priests answered and said, It shall be unclean. Then answered Haggai, and said, So is this people, and so is this nation before me, saith the LORD; and so is every work of their hands; and that which they offer there is unclean. –Haggai 2:11-14. Read this passage again!
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. –II Corinthians 6:14-18.
It’s hard enough when we are sincerely trying to overcome sinful, fleshly tendencies: what sense could it make, then, to deliberately espouse the things we are seeking to put away? A good example for our topic is found in I Corinthians 5. A grievous sin was being committed within the church, and it is clear that they needed to put it away. The church was admonished that “a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump,” so they could not allow it to continue-it would spread, acting like an infectious disease. Verse 13 directs them to, “put away from yourselves that wicked person.” This was in the church, amongst a redeemed group of Christians! Now tell me, how can the church today “put away” wicked individuals, when they are constantly inviting them in? Today’s church is without discernment, without watchfulness, and has given that which is holy to the dogs. We like to be comfortable-and the cross is not comfortable.
Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. –James 4:4.
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. 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. –I John 2:15, 16.
THIS know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. –II Timothy 3:1-5. I have emphasized these last four words: we do not seek unity at all costs!
Christians may go to church, hoping to fellowship with other true believers. They may attend, hoping for “spiritual food” to help them grow in their relationship with Christ. But what is really happening? Is our fellowship focused on Christ, or are we discussing worldly interests? Do we really try to apply new principles from what we have learned on Sunday? Are we searching the scriptures (Acts 17:11), or testing the spirits (I John 4:1), to see if God is really behind them? You’ll need to answer these questions for yourselves, brethren, bringing all things into the light before God, to be sure of His approval (John 3:21). We are almost out of time, brethren. Let’s make sure that our lives are acceptable to God, putting Him first, and not church.
And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. –Romans 13:11-14.
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