In earlier parts of this message much has been said about God’s expectation that He be acknowledged as "the Lord God." His Son Jesus acknowledged God as "Father" even as a young boy. During His years of ministry He often said that He did only that which the Father commanded Him. And He would go apart from the others to spend time with the Father in prayer, gaining strength and receiving direction for the tasks ahead. Some of His tasks were the healing of the sick, raising the dead, and freeing those that were oppressed by the devil. All of His "tasks" were to bring acknowledgment of God the Father.

The word "miracle" appears in many verses in reference to Jesus’ work among the people. In some accounts of Jesus’ ministry, the Greek word for "miraculous power" was correctly translated "miracle." There is another word, which means, "sign" (indication) but it was mistakenly translated "miracle." The original King James Version of John 6:2 reads, And the great multitude followed him, because they beheld the signs which he did on them that were sick. Jesus’ healing of the sick was a "sign" revealing that He was indeed the Son of God. The revisers of the late 1800s changed John 6:2 to read, And the multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased. Jesus’ time of ministry was devoted to bringing acknowledgment of the Father, and the Son, through the "signs" that He did "indicating" that He was Who He said He was. A miracle is a "miracle," but a "sign" indicates something.

Jesus asked His disciples, Who do men say that the Son of man is? After their reply He said, But who say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ [Messiah,] the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I also say unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:13-18. (Older KJV) It was God that revealed the Messiah to Peter: not a flesh and blood creature, and not Peter’s own mind.

Was Jesus referring to Himself when He said, "upon this rock I will build my church?" He had spoken of Himself as "this temple" when He was speaking with the disciples about His death and resurrection, in John 2:19. He was also called the "chief corner stone" in Ephesians 2:20. To understand what is the foundation on which Jesus would build His Church, it is important to grasp Paul’s next words. Ephesians 21-22 continues, In whom each several building, fitly framed together groweth into a holy temple in the Lord: in whom ye also are builded together for a habitation of God in the Spirit. (Older KJV)

Peter’s name was "Simon Peter," until his brother Andrew brought him to meet Jesus. Jesus looked upon him, and said, Thou art Simon the son of John: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, Peter. John 1:42. (Older KJV) "Cephas" means, "rock," having its origin in a Hebrew word, which more precisely means, "hollow rock." There is another Greek word translated "Peter", which means "rock", but Jesus had cause to call Peter "Cephas." I believe that Jesus was telling Peter of his need for the Holy Spirit to fill up that "hollow rock." And it was Peter that led the way, being the first apostle to proclaim the Gospel following the Day of Pentecost. He preached with the Spirit’s power, having been filled while in the upper chamber with the others. (Note: although he was known best as "Peter," in several places Paul referred to him as "Cephas.")

This Spirit-filled Peter no longer was Peter the adversary [satan] whom Jesus rebuked, telling him that he was a stumbling block, for thou mindest not the things of God, but the things of men. Matthew 16:23. (Older KJV) And no longer was Peter the man that denied Jesus three times after vowing his faithfulness. All it took was one look from Jesus, and Peter went out, and wept bitterly. Luke 22:62. Peter had been full of himself, but I believe he was humbled by that one sad look from Jesus. And it was the Spirit of Jesus that filled that same "hollow" Peter, making him a fiery and forceful proclaimer of the message of the Cross of Jesus Christ. Jesus said that HE would build His Church, and Peter was the first to see souls added to the Church through his preaching of "Jesus."

Church Building:

The defection from truth [apostasy] has permeated every aspect of what man considers "church." Jesus came in the likeness of sinful flesh for the express purpose of crucifying flesh, and yet a resurgence of "flesh" has caused the greatest devastation of all time. The very thing Jesus gave His life to destroy has been embraced, and coddled to keep it alive, while He waits patiently for His "Bride" to let go of flesh and come to Him. Creatures of flesh have taken Jesus’ precious Body, His Church, and desecrated it by attempting to force it into a fleshly man-shaped mold. How can there be any life in the "church" when it is so full of flesh? Flesh will ultimately decay and die.

It appears that creatures of flesh are more desirous of "doing" church, than they are of "being" the Church. Man’s concept of what is "church" reveals what he has done to Jesus. His Name is used by so many that profess to know Him, calling themselves "Christians," but in reality they have denied Jesus. There is a day coming when this will be painfully evident. It will be the worst day ever for creatures of flesh that refused to receive the love of the Truth. (More on this later on.)

Paul the apostle describes the "building" of the Church, the body of Christ. And he gave some to be apostles; and some prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers… If God "gave" these to be ministers of His, He would have equipped them with the Spirit’s power… for the perfecting of the saints, unto the work of ministering, unto building up of the body of Christ: till we all attain unto the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a full grown man, unto the measure [degree] of the stature [maturity] of the fulness [repletion] of Christ: that we may be no longer children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error; but speaking truth in love, may grow up in all things unto Him, which is the head, even Christ: from whom all the body fitly framed and knit together through that which every joint supplieth, according to the working in due measure of each several part, maketh the increase of the body unto the building up of itself in love. Ephesians 4:11-16. (Older KJV) Is the "Church" of today being equipped by "hollow" ministers that leave the believers as children, tossed to and fro with every wind of doctrine, deceived by the wiles of error? How many are in error because of "hollow" ministers? Where are those ministers of God, full of His Spirit, speaking truth in love and causing the "church" to grow up in all things unto Him, which is the head, and making the increase of the body unto the building up of itself in love? EVERY BELIEVER AND EVERY "MINISTER" OF GOD SHOULD "CHECK HIS PULSE," TO SEE IF HE HAS WITHIN HIM THE LIFE OF GOD. If he abides in the Vine, he is "alive," and he WILL be fruitful.

The tabernacle of the Old Covenant was not made to be a place of "worship" where all the people gathered. A priest was required to cleanse himself before entering the presence of God on behalf of the people. Now even the first covenant had ordinances of divine service, and its sanctuary, a sanctuary of this world. It was made to be a "shadow" of the true tabernacle, made without hands by the Lord: not man. Under the Old Covenant, the priests did the "service of God" in offering blood to make atonement for the sins of the people. This service by the priest and high priest, in the "sanctuary of this world," was a large part of the tutoring of Israel, to bring them to Christ. But, as the writer of Hebrews said, We have such a high priest, who sat down on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; a minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man…For Christ entered not into a holy place made with hands, like in pattern to the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear before the face of God for us. Hebrews 9:1 & 8:1,2 & 9:24. (Older KJV)

Through the shedding of His own blood, Jesus offered up Himself, and entered in once for all into the "holy place" made without hands. He did away with the necessity for creatures of flesh to make atonement for creatures of flesh in a tabernacle constructed by creatures of flesh. Jesus said that He would build His Church. Where, then, did man get the idea that he must build a "house FOR God?" That which man builds is not "God’s House," as "churches" are often called. The true Church is the "habitation of God in the Spirit." Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: what manner of house will ye build unto me? and what place shall be my rest? For all these things hath mine hand made, and so all these things came to be, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and that trembleth at my word. Isaiah 66:1-2. (Older KJV) God is looking to build His own Temple in him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and that trembleth at His Word.

Why is it that multiplied thousands of "churches" are erected where pastors "minister" TO the people? When there are gatherings, it should be for leading people in ministry TO God through praise; and then worship, if He graces the gathering with His presence. There can be no worship without the presence of God. And if the "church" does not first enter in with thanksgiving and praise, without the "baggage of flesh," they cannot claim to be in His presence. If the "church" would truly gather in His Name He would be there, and He would manifest His presence if the focus were on Him. But the "church" must have its ritualistic order. If there were only but two or three hungry souls, desirous of Him, Jesus would longingly wait amid the crowd for His hunger to be filled so that He could fill the hungry. But just when He thinks He has found the "place of His rest," the order of service is changed to accommodate ritual. With tears streaming down His face He leaves, disappointed once again at being rejected by those that "came to worship Him." Are we grieving Him with our religious ritual? - I believe so! Jesus said, But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth: for such doth the Father seek to be his worshippers. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in spirit and truth. John 4:23-24. (Older KJV) Because of the defection from truth, and the fact that flesh overrides the spirit of apostate man, true worship is very rare in the "church."

Ministry:

Although there are thousands of "pastors" in "churches" today, the word "pastors" appears ONCE in the New Testament, in Ephesians 4. The word "pastor" is translated form the Greek word for "shepherd." "Shepherd" is used as a literal shepherd of sheep in four places, and figuratively as a shepherd of people in thirteen places. In John 10:11-13, Jesus said, I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd layeth down his life for the sheep. He that is a hireling, and not a shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, beholdeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf snatcheth them, and scattereth them. He fleeth because he is a hireling, and careth not for the sheep. (Older KJV) Unless a shepherd is called by God, equipped by God, and feeding the "flock" with the truth of the Word, he is a mere "hireling" and cares about himself more than he does the sheep...he is a "flesh" pastor, and will be held accountable for exposing the flock to the "wolves" that scatter them.

A true shepherd is to feed the sheep, and lead them to the great Shepherd. As in the example laid out by Jesus, the shepherd’s role is to see that not one is missing from the fold. And that does not mean "always in ‘church’ for every service." The true fold is the Shepherd Jesus’ fold. He is the true Shepherd, but He became a Lamb, giving His life so that His fold might be full. The names of those in His fold can be found in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

The prophet Jeremiah spoke of shepherds when he said to Israel, Return, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am a husband unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion: and I will give you shepherds according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. Jeremiah 3:14,15. (Older KJV) There again is the reference to His being a "husband" to Israel. Then He tells them that He will give them "shepherds" according to HIS own heart to feed them "with knowledge and understanding." He promised them shepherds, like the Ephesians 4:11 "gifts" to the Church. These gifts are to provide "knowledge of the Son of God," and to aid in the building up of the body of Christ in love.

The revisers of the late 1800s changed "shepherd" to "pastor" in Jeremiah, which is the only book in the Old Testament where "pastor" can be found. The LORD gave some very strong messages for Jeremiah to speak regarding the shepherds of His people. For the shepherds are become brutish [stupid], and have not inquired of the LORD: therefore they have not prospered, and all their flocks are scattered. Jeremiah 10:21. (Older KJV) In chapter 23:1,2, Jeremiah also said, Woe unto the shepherds that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD. Therefore thus saith the LORD the God of Israel against the shepherds 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. (Older KJV) Would God be any less harsh in His words to "pastors" today that do not feed the sheep, but scatter them? There are hungry souls going from "church" to "church" looking for "bread" from the Lord. They may not understand that their desire is for a relationship with Jesus, but when condemnation rather than "Jesus" is preached, they are scattered, believing that there is something wrong with themselves. If Jesus were preached man would look to Him and be changed by His Spirit, but because condemnation is preached man looks to himself and tries to change in the strength of his own flesh.

A prophet "speaks by inspiration" as the Hebrew language shows. A man may not be seen as a "prophet," but if he is to speak the words of Life to the hearers as God’s messenger, his "inspiration" must be of God. For every message, he must seek God for the words that are according to the will of God for those who will hear him. Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they teach you vanity: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD…I sent not these prophets, yet they ran: I spake not unto them, yet they prophesied. But if they had stood in my counsel, then had they caused my people to hear my words, and had turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings…Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that use their tongues, and say, He saith. Jeremiah 23:16,21,22,31. (Older KJV) Although these words were spoken regarding the prophets of Israel, the same words would apply today, because God is still the same God. Regardless of their title, every man and woman called of God has a solemn responsibility to seek God’s face for the message He would have them speak. If they "speak a vision of their own heart," using their tongues to say, "He saith," they are answerable to God Almighty.

How many are there that lead people to believe the words they speak to them are God’s words, when they are the words of mere creatures of flesh? If God’s Word is not taught in purity the teacher is ministering death to the hearers. Without the Life of God, flesh will remain flesh, and it will certainly decay (perish). Paul said to Timothy, Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth. But shun profane babblings: for they will proceed further in ungodliness, and their word will eat as doth a gangrene. II Timothy 2:15-17. (Older KJV) The "Church" is gangrenous because of the lifeless messages being preached.

Just as God created the human body and breathed His breath [spirit] into it, so it is with the Body of Christ. Without the breath of God (His Spirit) the Church will die. When Jesus’ disciples were struggling at His teaching that He was to be their Life, He said, It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I have spoken unto you are spirit, and are life. But there are some of you that believe not. John 6:63-64. (Older KJV) The misunderstanding of flesh and blood, and the reason Jesus came, has caused "unbelief" in the present day "Church."

Unless the human body has water to drink, it will become dehydrated, begin to degenerate, and eventually die. The "Church" has become dehydrated and has the degenerative disease called "flesh." Before it is eternally too late, the Church must come and drink of the "living water" that only Jesus can provide. He was speaking of the Holy Spirit Whom He would send to be the Life in all who put their trust in Him, when He said, …If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. John 7:37-38. Unless a "minister" is born from above, his fleshly words will speak only death. But if he truly is born again, "out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water," and the thirst of the hearers will be satisfied: there will be no "dehydration."

It is of utmost importance to emphasize, once again, how massive this error is that has sapped the life out of the Church over the past two centuries.

The works of God:

The greatest work that any minister can do is to have an intimate relationship of complete faith in Jesus the Son of the Living God. Out of that relationship will come fruit that God values because it is of Him. When Jesus was in Capernaum the people were looking for Him, and when they found Him He said to them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the signs, but because ye ate of the loaves, and were filled. They were not moved by the "signs" He did to signify Who He was: their interest was in what satisfied their flesh. Then He told them, Work not for the meat which perisheth, but for the meat which abideth unto eternal life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him the Father, even God, hath sealed. They said therefore unto him, What must we do, that we may work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. John 6:26-29. (Older KJV) To "do the work of God" is to trust [believe] in "Him whom he hath sent," but the apostate church has forsaken relationship, in pursuit of the works of the flesh.

Flesh "Pastors":

In this age of apostasy there is an abundance of "ministers." They may be known by any number of titles, depending on their religious affiliation or denomination, their education, their elevated position in the "Church," or even their own desire to "be somebody." The latter, being more likely to be the "hireling" of whom Jesus spoke. Even the title "Reverend" is of man’s design, and these designations can become of higher value to some "ministers" than the purpose for which God called them: IF God called them. Do men/women not realize the danger of "going into ministry" for any reason other than a true calling of God, and submission to His will and His ways?

The apostle Peter warned of the destructive heresies that would invade the "Church." No minister wants to believe that he is preaching heresy, but due to the defection from truth there is an epidemic of heretical teaching. The resurgence of flesh has blinded man to the true reason Jesus came. The majority accepts tradition without question, and out of tradition has come all kinds of heresy. It is not obvious to anyone, because ALL have been deceived through the defection from truth. No minister makes the decision to become a false teacher: but he is a false teacher if he relies on his own flesh, as well as traditional doctrine handed down by other creatures of flesh.

For behold your calling, brethren, how that not many wise after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: but God chose the foolish things of the world that he might put to shame them that are wise (in their own eyes); and God chose the weak things of the world that he might put to shame the things that are strong (in the strength of their own flesh); and the base things of the world, and the things that are despised, did God choose, yea and the things that are not, that he might bring to nought the things that are: that no flesh should glory before God. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who was made unto us wisdom from God, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: that, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. First Corinthians 1:26-31. (Older KJV) How many churches desire a pastor that is "wise, mighty, and noble" according to fleshly standards? Why does the "Church" persist in adding spots and wrinkles by "calling" pastors of flesh that "glory before God?"

Jesus’ words in Luke 16:15 say it all: "…THAT WHICH IS EXALTED AMONG MEN IS AN ABOMINATION IN THE SIGHT OF GOD." If people are exalting their beloved "Reverend" Pastor, and he is allowing it, he is "an abomination in the sight of God." Those are strong words, but God will not share His glory with any flesh and blood creature.

Touching God’s "Anointed":

Over the last century or more there has been a growing tendency to place the "pastor" above the people, keeping them in fear of "touching God’s anointed." In the absence of discernment God’s "anointed", (as they are perceived to be,) include both "hirelings" as well as those called by God. Due to ignorance of the role that "flesh" plays in the "church," man has been led to believe that all "ministers" are of God’s choosing: placed above the people, to rule over His "church." Pastors are given reverence when all reverence belongs to God alone. Some pastors have even become idols to some people: all because flesh has not been crucified.

The correct context of the phrase "touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm" is recorded in Psalm 105:9-16. The covenant which he [God] made with Abraham, and his oath unto Isaac; and confirmed the same unto Jacob for a statute, to Israel for an everlasting covenant: saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance: when they were but a few men in number; yea, very few, and sojourners in it. And they went about from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another people; he suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes; saying, Touch not mine anointed ones, and do my prophets no harm. And he called for a famine upon the land: he brake the whole staff of bread. (Older KJV) The words in bold are all one sentence. It is gross error to take a portion of a sentence and use it to control "subordinates" in the Body of Christ so that the elite hierarchy can maintain their position as "lords" over the people in the "church."

Mammon:

"Ministry" has become big business, especially in North America. Common sense tells us that the moment a "ministry" becomes an organization it is no longer "ministry" in the true sense. All too often it becomes a part of "organized religion," with all of the baggage that comes with "organization." Depending on the size of a "ministry," there may be a need for administrative staff with department heads for accounting, media relations, maintenance, and every other department known to business enterprises. Then there is the ever-increasing need for income to keep the enterprise "profitable" so that they can "reach the lost." Jesus said, No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. A minister may have at one time been called of God, but the demands of "growth" can detract from his pursuing God until he turns to "chasing after" mammon. Without realizing what has happened, he can become a "lover of money." And the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things; and they scoffed at him. And he said unto them, Ye are they that justify yourselves in the sight of men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God. Luke 16:13-15 (Older KJV)

Are there ministers today that, in essence, will "scoff" at anyone that might suggest they are more concerned with money than with spreading the Gospel? The greater concern for money can creep in unawares simply because of a need to pay the bills. Because of "necessity" mammon now demands servitude from creatures of flesh. It is another one of those insidious things that has happened in the "Church" because of the defection from truth.

If a "ministry" is large it is assumed to be "good;" while a "small" ministry might suggest that "God must not be in it, otherwise it would be growing." God does not gauge "growth" numerically: He looks for the growth that is on the inside of man where His Spirit dwells.

"Prosperity" of Flesh:

There are many in the "prosperity" camp that believe "only good can come from God," and when difficult times come they will blame Satan. Satan is more than happy to have man erroneously blaming him: that way he can keep man from knowing the truth. As long as they keep their eyes on Satan as the "bad guy," they will not recognize the evil of their own flesh.

Some go so far as to teach that God wants man to "prosper" financially, and that if a Christian is prosperous he must be "godly." If any man teacheth a different doctrine, and consenteth not to sound words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; he is puffed up, knowing nothing, but doting about questionings and disputes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife [debate], railings [blasphemy], evil surmisings, wranglings of men corrupted in mind and bereft of the truth, supposing that godliness is a way of gain. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, for neither can we carry anything out. But having food and covering we shall be therewith content. I Timothy 6:3-8 (Older KJV)

Paul followed up with some advice regarding those that are supposing that godliness is a way of gain. He said But they that desire to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare, and many foolish and hurtful lusts, such as drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil: which some reaching after, have been led astray from the faith, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows. Paul then tells Timothy, Charge them that are rich in this present world that they be not highminded, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to communicate [share]; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on the life which is life indeed. O Timothy, guard that which is committed unto thee, turning away from the profane babblings, and oppositions of the knowledge which is falsely so called: which some professing have erred concerning the faith. I Timothy 6:9-10,17-21 (Older KJV)

Many believe that "$ucce$$ and pro$perity" is the message of III John 2, but the context proves otherwise. John is writing to only one individual, Gaius. The elder unto Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth. Beloved, I pray that in all things thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. For I rejoiced greatly, when brethren came and bare witness unto thy truth, even as thou walkest in truth. Greater joy have I none than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth, brethren and strangers withal; who bear witness to thy love before the church: whom thou wilt do well to set forward [escort] on their journey worthily of God: because that for the sake of the Name they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles. We therefore ought to welcome such, that we might be fellow-workers with the truth. III John 1-8 (Older KJV) We would do well to follow Gaius’ example and John’s advice. How many "ministers" of the prosperity "gospel" TAKE FOR THE SAKE OF THE NAME, when for the sake of the Name they SHOULD TAKE NOTHING?

Those that follow the prosperity doctrine have a favorite verse they like to quote, and say that God gives power to get wealth so that He can establish His covenant. Their interpretation suggests that man can help God to establish His covenant by attaining wealth. The eighth chapter of Deuteronomy holds the context. The first verses speak of God’s humbling and proving of Israel in the wilderness to know what was in their hearts, whether or not they would keep His commandments. He allowed them to hunger, and fed them with manna so that they would learn that man lives by every thing that proceeds from the mouth of the LORD – not food alone. He promised them a land of plenty, but warned them not to forget the LORD their God and His provision, but to keep His commandments, judgments, and statutes, lest they become puffed up and forget Him. The Word says that if they were to become puffed up because of all the LORD had provided, they might say in their hearts, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth. But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers as at this day.Deuteronomy 8:17-18 (Older KJV) The LORD continued by telling them if they did forget Him, they would perish in the same way that He destroyed their enemies. The emphasis is on the fact that it is God alone that gives power to get wealth, and that He should be acknowledged.

Peter said, But there arose false prophets also among the people, as among you also there shall be false teachers, who privily [unnoticed] shall bring in destructive heresies, denying even the Master [teacher] that bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their lascivious doings; by reason of [through] whom the way of the truth shall be evil spoken of [blasphemed.] And in covetousness shall they with feigned [fictitious] words make merchandise of you: whose sentence now from of old lingereth not, and their destruction slumbereth not. II Peter 2:1-3. (Older KJV) To "make merchandise" of the people means that they make a living by feeding fictitious words to the "itching ears" of the hearers. This passage speaks of ALL those that make a living by preaching a fleshly "gospel."

Flesh "helpers":

To utter the words "I am a Christian" is not always a profession of faith in Jesus. With no true spiritual discernment, there are "Christians" that are deceived by other "Christians." They may be delighted to meet a "fellow-believer," thinking that they can fellowship in unity, but their new friend may himself unwittingly be a "pseudo Christian." All of this results from failure to understand the truth about flesh and blood, and the reason Jesus came. THE ERROR THAT HAS INVADED THE CHURCH HAS LEFT NO AREA UNTOUCHED. Deception is everywhere.

Satan is the master deceiver. The deception he has wrought in the "church" is not discernible to the mind of the flesh, and is therefore not obvious for all to see. The very nature of deception is stealth, and no one is immune. It takes diligence in pursuing an intimate relationship with Jesus, and surrender of the mind to the mind of Christ, to have the kind of discernment necessary to escape the pitfalls of the enemy. Because he is the master of deception he can fool "Christians" into doing his bidding. His only goal is to keep people from the Truth, and this he has done effectively. Satan knows who the real true believers are, and he is extremely fearful of them. But he has no fear of others that think they are "believers" as a result of the doctrines of man. He knows that they are fair game and that he can use them for his own purposes: after all, he has disguised himself as an "angel of light." He has a host of demonic beings ready to carry out his orders. They delight in their work because they can go anywhere the "Christians" are, to "help" them in their deluded state. Satan wants to keep these deluded souls from Jesus’ Truth, so he runs an operation that appears identical to the real thing, but it has no life: it is dead, and full of decaying flesh. He has desensitized the pseudo-believers to the degree that they have no awareness of the stench of dead flesh that surrounds them.

The master deceiver targets those that may be "strong" in the flesh, having a desire to "be somebody." They may initially be very sincere, and even desirous of following God. But because the truth is rare in "Christian" circles, the "angel of light" can easily mislead them. He makes them "feel good," which should be the first sign of danger; and because they believe that the "feelings" are of God they begin to grow stronger in the flesh. Satan will provide them with "gifts" to exercise in the "church." He will send in his demonic spirits to "help" the deceived ones, rendering them incapable of true spiritual discernment.

Religious spirits and controlling spirits seem almost to be inseparable twins. Their ability to deceive is nothing short of amazing: even to the deceiving of (fleshly) "spiritual giants." And because of that, these spirits can make greater inroads into the "church." They will look for people that have a desire to be exalted. Religious spirits and controlling spirits love to find willing vessels that will take them to the "inner sanctum" of churches and ministries where they can create strategies to keep people from coming to the Truth. They will equip their willing vessels with a false "spiritual maturity," while their victims believe they are "growing in the Lord." Due to a lack of discernment, pastors and church leadership can be taken in by the "spiritually mature" and rely only on the profession of "faith" from the lips of these deluded messengers of Satan. One of the favorite functions of these evil "twin" spirits is that of "intercessor:" especially the one to whom a pastor may turn to learn "what is the Lord saying?" That crafty devil can come up with some pretty convincing answers, and the undiscerning "pastor" will receive, and act upon, what the "intercessor" tells him.

Intercessors must protect themselves from any possibility of having the wrong spirits come to "help" them. They can purify themselves through daily surrender to the Holy Spirit, and a willingness to allow Him to purge them of all that is of the flesh, especially pride. There may be wrong attitudes, unforgiveness, or any number of things that might come between themselves and another person. Intercession is an arena of heavy battle on behalf of others. It is an arena that Satan desires to influence, and he will stop at nothing to keep a soul from the kingdom of God. If a person is not pure in heart, but has wrong motivation in the desire to "be an intercessor," he/she is opening the door to Satan and his hordes. It is a dangerous place to be, unless there is absolute surrender to God and death to one’s own flesh.

God is no respecter of persons. He does not regard good intentions as "righteousness." If men and women are not truly born from above by the Spirit of God, protecting themselves from the wiles of Satan, they will be as the "tares" in Jesus’ parable. (Matthew 13:24-30) The sower’s servants asked if they should gather the tares from the wheat field, but he told them, Nay; lest haply while ye gather up the tares, ye root up the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather up first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn. In explaining the parable to His disciples, Jesus said, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; and the field is the world; and the good seed these are the sons of the kingdom; and the tares are the sons of the evil one; and the enemy that sowed them is the devil; and the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are angels.

Jesus could have used the word "weed," which would have referred to just any weed, but He did not: He used "tares" with all that it represents. The word "tares" is translated from a Greek word which means "darnel," or "false grain." The word "darnel" means, "stupefied." Its seed is prone to infestation by a fungus that makes the darnel seeds poisonous. In relation to the present spiritual condition of North America in particular, Satan’s infested "tares" are spreading their stupefying poison; even in the "church." But Jesus knows His own, and His own know Him, so in the end He will separate the false from the true, as He explained to His disciples in this next passage. As therefore the tares are gathered up and burned with fire; so shall it be in the end of the world. The son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that cause stumbling, and them that do iniquity; and shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be the weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He that hath ears, let him hear.

The Living Church:

In the earlier years of the first millennium AD, persecution by the enemies of the Gospel forced the true believers to meet in caves, and upper rooms, and any place they could find, to fellowship and encourage one another in the Faith. This is what the writer of Hebrews was speaking of, in chapter 10:25: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the custom of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day drawing nigh. (Older KJV) Because of wave after wave of persecution, inflicted on the Church, the early Christians desperately needed to be encouraged and built up in the Faith. Without this "exhorting" of one another they may have been numbered with those who denied the Faith when persecution came.

For short periods, in between waves of persecution, the Christians would become complacent and careless. With the next "wave" it served only to purify the Church. With the torture and murder of true believers, others would emerge to take their place in spreading the Gospel. If they were banished to strange countries, among heathen tribes, they would preach the Gospel there. There was no stopping the true Church of Jesus Christ. Their faith in Jesus was so real that nothing could deter them in spreading the Good News.

In many places in the world, the true Church of Jesus Christ is a persecuted Church. The underground Church in China is a part of the true Church, and the things suffered by these believers there are horrendous. The true Christians of the persecuted Church are willing to die for their Faith in Jesus Christ, and so their Christianity is very real. The message they share is the Gospel of the real Jesus: not a watered down version that has nothing of the Cross of Christ in it.

If many "churches" were the true Church, they would not erect grand buildings, some even with steeples to announce their presence. They would meet privately, in homes, so that they could worship the one true God without fear of persecution. In North America a person is almost admired if he "goes to church." To say that he is "a Christian" brings little or no opposition. Why is the North American "church" not a threat to the "worldly?" Is it because people "in the world" have seen nothing that would challenge their "godless" ways? The Godless "church" is more likely to stir up the "world’s" anger because of the visible hypocrisy in "Christians." So why "persecute" an ineffective and harmless "church?"

Paul told Timothy: Yea, and all that would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and imposters shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. II Timothy 3:12-13. (Older KJV) "Religious" creatures of flesh will certainly persecute those that would dare to "live godly IN Christ Jesus". To go against the grain, and separate oneself from superficial "Christianity," can be a very lonely road: but a road worth traveling WITH JESUS.  He is ALL that anyone needs!

There is a true story I read of a believer in a European country who risked his life to take the Word of God into neighboring communist countries. His belief, his trust, was in the REAL Jesus. He had come to know the Jesus of the Bible, and his passion was to take God’s Word to others so that they too could know Jesus. The Word of God was precious to this dedicated believer. If only he could get Bibles into the hands of others, he knew that the Spirit of Truth would bring them to the Savior. With little regard for his personal safety, he repeatedly crossed the borders into Communist territory, smuggling Bibles to be distributed by the believers there whom he knew. He was viciously beaten, and imprisoned, many times. But God always freed him so that he could return with more Bibles. The Communists feared God’s Word more than any weapons this believer might have carried. The " Sword of the Lord" was feared.

Do "Christians" fear the Sword of the Lord today? Or, are they content to hear of all the benefits they can receive from God? For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside unto fables. II Timothy 4:3-4. (Older KJV) Creatures of flesh prefer fables rather than truth, because fables are more palatable: they do not promote uncomfortable things like humility and complete surrender to God.

If a trial were held to determine those guilty of being true believers, would they find sufficient evidence that some might even deserve persecution for the cause of Jesus Christ?