Most brethren do not recognize that True Christianity is being attacked and assaulted from every quadrant. It is time to recognize the attacks for what they are – and it is time to recognize the corrupt ministers who are turning the brethren away from Jesus Christ. Jesus, Himself, calls them “ravening wolves” because they destroy His flock.
Specific Purpose Statement: Brethren, it is our fervent desire that those who are being duped by those ravening wolves be able to awaken to the knowledge of God’s will for His Church people.
What if the stock market plummeted at the end of next week, or some major European power, like France, went to war against Egypt and Islamic forces this month, or it became clear that Germany was the beast power that would ultimately bring devastation? How would that change our spiritual relationship with God?
Paul had a stern warning for the church of his day – telling them “that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.” Was Paul warning the brethren about the prophecies of Daniel or Revelation? No!
Paul’s warning had to do with these false ministers and the things that they would bring into the congregations – to deceive them into thinking they were doing just fine – when they were not. We do not want to be a part of the fulfillment of this sure event foretold by Jesus Christ about the end-time brethren in the Church.
Matthew 24:
4 Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
If we got a phone call from Jesus we would take it seriously – wouldn’t we – but He doesn’t work that way… Let’s consider Matthew 24:4 His warning to us with all gravity.
That means to you and to me, watch out that no man deceive you. Jesus is saying that it is possible to be deceived, but what do we think? We think that we are beyond being deceived – I am too astute. I have my eyes wide open. It cannot happen to me.
Matthew 24:
11 And many false prophets [preachers] shall rise, and shall deceive many.
“These false ministers are everywhere,” Jesus says. That is God’s warning to us today!
Matthew 25:
10 And while [the foolish virgins without the oil – representing God’s Holy Spirit in their lives] went to buy oil, the bridegroom [that is Jesus Christ] came; and they that were ready [those wise virgins utilizing God’s Spirit] went in with Him to the marriage: and thedoor was shut.
It is only those Christians who are actively living True Christianity that will go in with Jesus Christ to the marriage supper.
Matthew 25:
11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
It is about to happen to a bunch of saints! Brethren, think about all those with whom you have attended Sabbath services with over the years… who are the ones Jesus is speaking to when He says, “I do not know you?” There are a lot of people going to church today who will NOT go into the wedding feast with Jesus Christ. That ought to scare the socks off of us.
Jude :
3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faithwhich was once delivered unto the saints.
They had lost the “Truth” already. Jude wrote this to the first century Church because they had already let down. And like all the groups today – they didn’t even realize it – but Jude did. Do we think that we are so much wiser today – that Right Christianity comes naturally to us – and we do not need to seriously struggle in defense of the True faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
False ministers do not look like false ministers. They appear as enlightened leaders.
2 Corinthians 11:
13-15 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.
That should be the desire of every one of us – to earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. That is because we are buffeted by shifting winds of doctrine that take many off course. We should seek to know and live the Christianity that Jesus taught to the apostles – who in turn taught it to the first century Church of God. The true Church of God was immediately battered by false and substitutionary doctrine. Paul wrote to the Galatians that:
Galatians 1:
6 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 [It was not Glad tidings – but false Christianity]; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
This is another warning about false ministers – “some that trouble you.”
Today, God's people are no longer being drawn together - but pulled apart by men who stress their so called "test commandments" instead of the Ten Commandments. God calls the men who do this to the brethren, Grievous Wolves.
I submit to you brethren, that the diverse faith we now find in the scattered churches of God is not the same as the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. Many of the brethren have been carried away by every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.
Ephesians 4:
14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.
I write a lot of emails in answer to those who are looking for something more than the truth we once received. These confused brethren have been convinced, somehow, or by someone that some particular trait or practice has distinguished and set them above all the other brethren.
I do not know if it is human nature, self-righteousness, or a desire to be better than others – it may just be the desire to be known for coming up with something new and exciting, or different – but for most who have fallen prey to this deception – it is the belief that they are in the one special group that pleases God the most.
We could refer to them as “Exclusive Interpretation Individuals.” Unless you believe as they do – they will not have anything to do with you. They set themselves apart from the general Body of Christ because of a select doctrine or individual that they hold as critical and decisive. This is was what Paul was talking about when he chided the Church for their divisiveness in saying, “I’m of Paul, I’m of Apollos, I’m of Christ…”
1 Corinthians 1:
10 … 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;
In many cases these deceived brethren have been led astray by some minister with a dreadful sin in his life that he is over-compensating for. In every case they have become too comfortable to examine the error of their way that has taken them away from the practice of True Christianity.
They adopt their “Claim to Fame” favorite doctrine which, in their mind, sets them above all the other brethren.
Their thinking goes something like this: “I am righteous because I identify myself as keeping the Sabbath in a specific manner - better than others.”
Some folks would rather judge their righteousness by their “Perfect” keeping of the Sabbath – rather than addressing a personal fault that they’d rather not deal with. People get all mixed up as to how to practice their Christianity…
Here is a quiz – this will help us understand which Church we are in. Let’s not ask, “Did I keep the Sabbath better than everybody else? – but, Who did I serve during the week??? That will give us the answer as to which Church we are in.
Some think: “Our group is the better group because of our unique understanding of prophecy.” Their minister will cause them to believe that their particular slant on a certain church practice is the litmus test that thrusts them to the head of the other groups. Theirs is the right group to associate with.
Some reason this way: “My righteousness resides in the fact that I know the secret pronunciation of God the Father and Jesus Christ’s Sacred Hebrew names.” They are convinced that above all – the most important thing to do is to decode the pronunciation of God’s up close and personal name that is known only to an elite few.
When I was a kid there was a radio personality known as Capitan Midnight. And Capitan Midnight possessed a secret decoder ring. Not only that - his special agents also had a secret decoder ring. Having that secret decoder ring made you feel special – a part of the elite cartel.
It was that sense of belonging - in a clandestine manner that was a fun way for children to tap into a common fascination with encryption, ciphers, and secret codes, and be able to send hidden messages back and forth to one another. Possessing the enigmatic and mysterious information – that is known only to God and a select few - is what is exciting and feeds their fascination.
Most brethren think it silly – because it is. “God” is so much more than a matter of interpreting and deciphering some secret code. Learning to pronounce the elusive name of God is a lot easier than living up to the high moral standards of the magnified and expanded Ten Commandments.
So we see that the “Sacred Names” movement is only another substitute religion.
Others will decide: “I am righteous because I recognize Herbert W. Armstrong’s office, I know the meaning of Auditorium, or that Herbert W. Armstrong is the fulfillment of the Elijah to come.” Brethren, arrogance and smugness are not Christian attributes.
Some judge their righteousness one of these ways:
“I am righteous because of my clothes and I do not wear too much jewelry.”
“I am more righteous because I follow the right calendar.”
Some think that wearing their hair longer or shorter than the other church ladies is the secret to righteousness.
“I am righteous because the baton and mantle of authority was passed to the man that I’m loyal too.”
“I am righteous because I attend services with the biggest group with the most members.”
Somehow they believe there is safety in staying with a large number of their friends.
“I am righteous because my church has the most welcoming Brand that does not offend Protestants.”
And the list could go on and on… but all those forms of righteousnessare of no effect – as far as God is concerned. Brethren, here’s the problem with this kind of thinking.
Those saints are not being taught True Christianity. Brethren, let’s get this straight – we are not righteous.
Isaiah 64:
6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy menstrual rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
We all deserve to die for our sins – we are not righteous.
*Our only righteousness is the righteousness of Jesus Christ that he imputes to us.
“Impute” means “to pass to one’s account.
God the Father assigns the Righteousness of Jesus Christ to us when we accept His sacrifice in payment for the penalty of our sins.
Philippians 3:
9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
2 Corinthians 5:
21 For [God] hath made [Jesus] to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
Isaiah 53:
11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify [account as righteous] many; for He [Jesus] shall bear their iniquities.
Jesus places His righteousness upon us when we trust in Him for salvation.
We believe God and are saved by Christ’s righteousness.
We believe in Jesus Christ who justifies the ungodly, and His faith is counted for righteousness” (Romans 4:5).
When God looks down from heaven at us – He sees none of those things that we do for ourselves as righteousness. When He looks at us He sees only the righteousness we have received of Christ.
All those substitute forms of righteousness – that I just mentioned – do not define Christianity, or righteousness. Our Christianity cannot be defined by a unique or exclusive interpretation of some guideline – or by deceitful men.
God warns us to beware of those deceitful people who pretend to represent God, "...which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. You shall know them by their fruits."
They do not teach that all who are led by God’s Holy Spirit are a part of the ONE Body of Christ.
Romans 8:
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
They do not love and serve the brethren in a Godly way. They support an administrative rule that does not allow the keeping of Passover with those faithful brethren who are outside their specific group. They do not discern the Lord’s Body.
1 Corinthians 11:
29 For he that eats and drinks unworthily, eats and drinks damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.
The brethren are taught by the false ministry that this practice of separating the brethren from each other is a small thing. It is not a small thing – The Scriptures tell us that Many become sickly and die without ever figuring it out, because they violated God’s principles.
1 Corinthians 11:
30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.
They try to make their group attractive for Protestants to come in.
They do not practice the attributes that Jesus taught to the apostles.
They do not judge with righteous judgment.
They do what is expedient for the corporation but not what is right for the brethren.
They do not teach Repentance.
We see numerous offshoots within the Church of God movement trying to lay the better claim to one or more of these meaningless distinctions that would indicate that they alone – above all the others – are the one and true church – better and more righteous that all the others.
Just like with the excesses of the Pharisees, those self-important men take one point that they want to believe sets them in better stead with God than all the other brethren—as though their unique claim to righteousness was equal to the Law of God itself.
The problem with picking one of those self-defining points is that it often causes a smugness that precludes the loving care and consideration of others that Jesus Christ absolutely demands of His followers.
Where is the humility of Jesus in all of that?
Men demand a Loyalty unto themselves – rather than to the things of God.
Where is the laying down of your life – as Jesus gave us example?
Where is the pure religion of the Scriptures?
James 1:
27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit [serve] the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
Where is the repentance from a subtle arrogance that accompanies one-up-man-ship?
How can we continue to think that we’re the biggest –we’re the best, when Jesus says to be the least, and poor in spirit?
Brethren, that is completely off the mark. Those things do not a Christian make.
The true ministry of God’s Church will be teaching True Christianity to the brethren: Things like: Kindness, repentance, forgiveness and forgetting… Faith, the Faith of Jesus Christ. Things like growing in grace and knowledge and overcoming.
2 Peter 3:
18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Who in the ministry today is teaching meekness and lowliness of heart? …Selfless sacrifice, …Courage, …Obedience to the Father’s laws?
Let me add here brethren, that we count many brethren in the big organizations as brothers and sisters in Christ and consider them personal friends.
We only ask the brethren to be cautious because ministers in those various organizations – some of them, after being baptized for over 40 years, do not know what they believe.
Some of those full time ministers give pretty decent sermons – straight from their heart, and straight from the Bible. The problem arises when they are ready to defend their political corporate headquarters -– right or wrong.
God does not allow them that liberty. God says that when you become aware of a problem – you must be a part of the right solution – no matter what. You have no other option.
Leviticus 5:
1 And if a soul sin, and hear the voice of swearing, and is a witness, whether he hath seen or known of it; if he do not utter it, then he shall bear his iniquity.
When headquarters’ leaders are wrong – they cannot ever be supported and endorsed by the Local Minister – even if it means his job! That is what Jesus means you can tell if they are a good or bad minister – by their fruit.
Bad fruit is being produced by supporters and enablers of those who are abusers of the brethren and enemies of the Faith. That should tell you a lot… when they are defenders of wrong practices at their home office.
That is NOT a point of True Christianity.
Keep in mind that Local Ministers of the big organizations are representatives of that corporation. Some of the Local Ministers will try to say that they are trying to hold the line of “Truth” in spite of where their headquarters is taking the church – which is off-track.
Look at the record of those Local Ministers:
They have not had a problem with it when members were disfellowshipped unjustly.
It has not bothered them that there has been a lukewarm approach to preaching the Gospel, and no serious effort at doing “the work.”
The Local Ministers have not had a problem with the two-tiered status that exists between the ministry and the members. …Even when it was apparent that their job security and their retirement were of more importance than the brethren’s needs.
They have forgotten that the word “Minister” means servant of the people.
How many of the Local Ministers went along with the false Trinity doctrine, and “the Law being done away with” just like the corporation leaders did.
How can the brethren grow to spiritual maturity when the Local Ministers cover for their headquarters’ violations of Godly principles?
The fact that today’s governing hierarchies – not only did not stand up to the instigators of the Worldwide Church of God apostasy – most of them were complicit in the doctrinal changes – that fact seems to have long ago been swept under the rug.
Are the Local Ministers now ready to defend the brethren from threats, and from apostasy? If not – then they too – should be exposed and opposed!
That is the more important question because the Bible predicts much more apostasy to come. Will the brethren be able to depend on their kind of ministerial leadership in the future?
It is not enough to be against the ministers who are off-base. We must endeavor to put them back on track – awaken them – even if we have to show them up for what they are.
The problem is that to most of those ministers – the brethren are expendable. That is a gross and un-Godly mistake!
John 10:
13 The hireling flees, because he is an hireling, and cares not for the sheep.
Those ministers forget the parable about being concerned for the one lamb out of ninety-nine that needs to be cared for.
Luke 15:
4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
If you ask the Local Minister WHY he has not taken a stand – he will tell you that he doesn’t want to make trouble. Actually, he wishes to “Look Good,” and not be considered a “Trouble Maker” by those at the Home Office.
The reality is – He is in trouble – Serious Trouble already – and so is his congregation. He is just not willing to help the congregation to get out of trouble and back on track with God.
The Church of God is a spiritual body. Who is teaching repentance and faith in Jesus Christ? Who is teaching the brethren to put on the attributes of Christ Himself? We are to be growing toward the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:
Ephesians 4:
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:
When the Worldwide Church of God was coming apart at the seams, I went to the last full time Pastor in Little Rock – because he was abusing one of the brethren. That man looked me right in the eye and said, “I’m the Pastor – I can do what I want.”
This week, the President of the United States said those exact same words… “I’m the President – I can do what I want.”
Brethren, are we wise enough to see the sin? Are we wise enough to know how the Church of God is supposed to operate? Did Jesus Christ arrogantly declare as Messiah – “I can do what I want?”
No he did not. Jesus Christ said, “I can do ––– nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things… My Father, he does the works.”
Brethren, is the Spirit of God present – that is a question we must answer for ourselves?
John 8:
28 Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.
John 14:
10 Believe thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwells in me, he doeth the works.
Some people would ask, “Why does God allow false ministers – to appear to be true ministers?” God allows it to determine how much the people of God love the truths they have been taught!
The apostle Paul had an ardent devotion, not only to all the brethren, but also to the elders – the ministers – who had been appointed to spiritually care for and feed the flock. But Paul carried a painful ache in his heart for he knew that the Church would be tested and tried by relentless trials.
The Title of the sermon is from here: Paul said:
Acts 20:
29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
Grievous wolves in the Church of God – what a terrible thing! Grievous wolves destroying the flock of God.
Acts 20:
30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after themselves.
How did Paul know that malicious ministers would come from this Elder’s meeting at Miletus?
Not only had the Old Testament given sufficient examples that many in the ministry – perhaps most – over 70% of Worldwide ministers went astray and become apostate, but Jesus Christ warned that deceitful ministerial imposters – in sheep’s clothing – would deceive many today. Jesus said:
Matthew 7:
15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits.
Luke 21:
8 Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draws near [that is now]: go ye not therefore after them.
It is Jesus who tells us to separate ourselves from those who preach a substitute Christianity.
Brethren, it is our fervent desire that those who are being duped by these ravening wolves be able to awaken to the knowledge of God’s will for His Church people. I am diligently trying to effect a change in the greater Church of God – so that as many as possible will not be thrust into the soon coming Tribulation.
Sleeping Laodicean brethren say, “I don’t see any grievous wolves devouring the people.” That is because they lack righteous judgment to discern that going along with the home office is not always the right thing to do. … their consciences have become seared. Brethren – do you believe these Scriptures concerning Grievous wolves?
1 Timothy 4:
1 Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times [that is now] some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
Here is what happens: When you approach the brethren with a serious warning that God’s Laws are being violated by their Headquarters’ leaders – they immediately assume a defensive posture in support of the established leadership – without considering what God says on the matter.
There is a superior smugness that precludes even considering their top men’s wrongful deeds.
They begin to accept the scattered condition of the saints as a given – even when it is clearly against God’s will.
Anytime one of the brethren is lost because of a heavy handed organizational administration – that is evidence of ravening wolves.
The shattered plight of the Church today is a terrible predicament – but a wonderful opportunity to show God where our heart resides.
Brethren, the fact that the Church is prophesied to go through trials and scattering is not a reason to welcome or embrace the devastation within the Church of God. Rather, it is something that we should sigh and mourn over.
We know that Jesus Christ indicts the ministry – but He also charges the brethren for their part in causing conflict within the Body of Christ.
Jeremiah 10:
21 For the pastors are become brutish, and have not sought the Lord: therefore they shall not prosper, and all their flocks shall be scattered.
Jeremiah 23:
2 Therefore thus saith the Lord God of Israel against the Pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the Lord.
Today, God’s people go from one corporate organization to another – looking for God’s people. The groups get smaller and smaller – God knew they would.
Jeremiah 50:
6 My people hath been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray, they have turned them away on the mountains: they have gone from mountain to hill, they have forgotten their resting place.
“I will visit upon you evil,” (Jeremiah 23:2) – That should scare any rational minister into questioning himself with regard to his relationship with God’s people – because the brethren are God’s people – not the Pastor’s people.
The wording against false ministers is very strong.
Ezekiel 34:
2 Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, [the spiritual application of this verse is the ministry of God’s Church today] prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe [that means misery and distress] be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flocks?
Yes, the ministry should be teaching the members how to live good Christian lives – as Jesus gave us example.
Ezekiel 34:
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.
*[The Hebrew wording in verse :4 indicates that this next verse refers to sheep that need extra care from a shepherd.
To us it means the scattered, abused, elderly, poor, the easily led, imprisoned, uneducated, weak, even gullible…. Those who are more easily victimized…]
Action steps:
1. To the oppressed brethren: ––– Please know that the LORD is with you, and sees your plight. Seek correct ways that you might prosper, but do not emulate your oppressors, rather seek to be diligent and seek righteousness, from God and know that he cares for you, and help one another. Look for those who are fit to lead and follow their example as well as seek their help.
The prophet Ezekiel issued a dire warning to the end-time Church of God – today –ministers and brethren alike. Likening the Church brethren to a flock of sheep, Ezekiel wrote against the shepherds (the ministers) and criticized them for driving away the sheep (the brethren).
But, it is not just those in the ministry that are in jeopardy!
The brethren, too, are warned by God not to get caught up with the special interests groups that say, "My church is better than your church," because – we will see – there is a denunciation by God of those who are a part of the problem:
Jesus is holding everyone accountable. People think they are safe just sitting back and watching the trouble unfold in the congregations – they are not.
God in verses :11 through :16 speaks of gathering, feeding and caring for His sheep.
That is up until the last part of verse :16 where He begins to indict the fat and strong among the sheep.
Ezekiel 34:
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.
"I will destroy... "The thought is now passing from the shepherds to the sheep; of the latter, those who have misused their strength are to be punished like the former."
Ezekiel 34:
17 As for you, O my flock, thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I judge between sheep and sheep, and the rams and the he-goats.
God is not oblivious to the members "Pecking order" that is abusive to the weaker, newer and less confrontational brethren. Jesus is holding everyone accountable. Are we a part of the problem?
Is our example to others – one of exposing and opposing false ministers – or is our example to the weaker brethren one of support for those who no longer teach the Truth?
Ezekiel is describing the disunity and condescending disdain between group and group – and between brethren and brethren.
This is a frightful warning for the brethren to realize that God says that they too are complicit in Church problems.
2. The brethren who are thriving under the current administration of the shepherds ––– must realize that they are not well off spiritually and repent, and serve the brethren, not themselves and quit being a bunch of flatterers to the ministry.
God calls the sheep to task for their lack of brotherly love for each other. We should be working to patch up the injured and round up those who were driven away by force and cruelty.
God is not going to save just one of the groups. He is not doing "The Work" through only a single one of the corporations. God isn't dealing exclusively with one man – even if he does claim to be Zerubbabel, or have the mantle of Elijah or Elisha, or if he claims to be Joshua, or that Prophet, or an Apostle or the Two Witnesses, or a host of other Biblical men of renown that he might assume their glory and fame unto himself.
One organization does not possess the secret to the Place of Safety. The reason we are not to look to men or their corporate organizations is because God has said that it is:
Zechariah 4:
6 Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.
Politics and favoritism have no place in the household of God. The one thing we can be sure of is that God is going to put a stop to the false ministers. God will not hold guiltless those who are mistreating His people. God will hold the shepherds to account for the loss of the flock.
Brethren, do not be a part of the wrongdoing in the Church, and do not support it. Stand against it. Look around and notice how many are trying to get to be the biggest – the best – or the most, etc… Jesus is no more pleased with this today than He was pleased with those in charge in His day – the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the scribes – those who controlled the Temple business.
Ezekiel 34:
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.
3. The ministry of God’s Church must repent and administer their office righteously. You mark your calendars brethren, God is going to cause them to cease from feeding the flock if they do not completely turn around.
In God's Church, it seems, we have always had a feeling that we were preaching the Gospel for the main purpose of "getting members." But, God says that His flock is small:
Luke 12:
32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the Kingdom.
If God wanted BIG – we would be like the Roman Catholics or the Muslims.
God’s priority is not that we be big right now! Our primary duty is not to grow the membership numbers. We are not to have any grandiose ideas that we will do a worldwide work that will gather all the sheep into one flock - that is the task that only Jesus, Himself, can accomplish.
Ezekiel 34:
12 As a shepherd seeks 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.
No one group will be successful in “rounding up” all of the dispersed brethren into one fellowship.
That is what Jesus will do upon His return. He denounces those who are not practicing real Christianity.
Jesus will gather the scattered flock upon His return. In God's Church, are we living Christian lives and being a light to the world?
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| Sermon: |
"Grievous Wolves" |
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