The Prophetic Messenger
A Newsletter From Mysteries From The Word Of God Ministries
September/October 1999 - Volume 1/Issue 5
Why God Must Judge The Church
For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? I Peter 4:17-18
God must judge the church because of the sins of church leadership and the sins of the Christians.
God must judge the church because of the sins of church leadership and the sins of the Christians.
1. Sins Of The Church Leadership
a. Many Church Leaders Have Compromised God's Word - The apostle Paul told us in the latter time some would depart from the faith and be deceived by seducing spirits and doctrine of devils. These people were once in the faith but were deceived by Satan. In I Timothy 4:1 it says "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;" The apostle Paul gave us an example of two people, Hymenaeus and Alexander, who were deceived by Satan.
In I Timothy 1:18-20 it says "18 This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; 19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: 20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme." In II Timothy he tells how both of them did evil in the sight of God.
In II Timothy 2:17-18 it says "17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; 18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some." And in II Timothy 4:14 it says "Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:"
b. Many Church Leaders Are Men Pleasers - Many church leaders are focused on pleasing their congregation instead of pleasing God. They attract people to their churches with "barbecues," Christmas and Easter plays and other social activities. They keep the children busy with expensive Sunday School toys and trinkets. They spend thousands of dollars on elaborate entertainment systems to satisfy the congregation's desire for music. They ignore the teenagers and adults who date and fornicate. They perform marriage ceremonies uniting church or non-church members, saved or not. And at the same time, these pastors ignore the spiritual pits that their church members are in and let their souls go to hell.
Notice what the apostle Paul says in Galatians 1:10 about people who seek to please men instead of God. In Galatians 1:10 it says "For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ." The apostle Paul tells us how true ministers should preach. In I Thessalonians 2:4-5 it says "4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. 5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:"
c. Many Church Leaders Are Preaching Doctrines Of Men - The apostle Paul told us that Jewish fables and commandments of men turn us from the truth. In Titus 1:14 it says "Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth." Jesus Christ spoke concerning this very thing in his day about the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. In Matthew 16:6-12 it says "6 Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. 7 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have taken no bread. 8 Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread? 9 Do ye not yet understand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up? 10 Neither the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many baskets ye took up? 11 How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees? 12 Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees."
One area where many are preaching a doctrine of men is concerning the Holy Ghost. They say that everyone who is saved has already received the Holy Ghost. But this is not true. In Acts chapter 19 the apostle Paul tells us the truth about the Baptism in the Holy Ghost. In Acts 19:1-7 it says "1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, 2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. 3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. 4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. 7 And all the men were about twelve." This scripture clearly states that they were saved and had not received the Baptism in the Holy Ghost. It shows that the Baptism in the Holy Ghost is an additional step that we need to take after we are saved.
In I Timothy 1:18-20 it says "18 This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; 19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: 20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme." In II Timothy he tells how both of them did evil in the sight of God.
In II Timothy 2:17-18 it says "17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; 18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some." And in II Timothy 4:14 it says "Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:"
b. Many Church Leaders Are Men Pleasers - Many church leaders are focused on pleasing their congregation instead of pleasing God. They attract people to their churches with "barbecues," Christmas and Easter plays and other social activities. They keep the children busy with expensive Sunday School toys and trinkets. They spend thousands of dollars on elaborate entertainment systems to satisfy the congregation's desire for music. They ignore the teenagers and adults who date and fornicate. They perform marriage ceremonies uniting church or non-church members, saved or not. And at the same time, these pastors ignore the spiritual pits that their church members are in and let their souls go to hell.
Notice what the apostle Paul says in Galatians 1:10 about people who seek to please men instead of God. In Galatians 1:10 it says "For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ." The apostle Paul tells us how true ministers should preach. In I Thessalonians 2:4-5 it says "4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. 5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:"
c. Many Church Leaders Are Preaching Doctrines Of Men - The apostle Paul told us that Jewish fables and commandments of men turn us from the truth. In Titus 1:14 it says "Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth." Jesus Christ spoke concerning this very thing in his day about the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. In Matthew 16:6-12 it says "6 Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. 7 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have taken no bread. 8 Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread? 9 Do ye not yet understand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up? 10 Neither the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many baskets ye took up? 11 How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees? 12 Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees."
One area where many are preaching a doctrine of men is concerning the Holy Ghost. They say that everyone who is saved has already received the Holy Ghost. But this is not true. In Acts chapter 19 the apostle Paul tells us the truth about the Baptism in the Holy Ghost. In Acts 19:1-7 it says "1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, 2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. 3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. 4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. 7 And all the men were about twelve." This scripture clearly states that they were saved and had not received the Baptism in the Holy Ghost. It shows that the Baptism in the Holy Ghost is an additional step that we need to take after we are saved.
2. Sins Of The Christians
a. Christians Are Unequally Yoked Together With Unbelievers - Many Christians today are imitating the world instead of being an example to the world. Instead of being a living holy example of God's power they are participating with the unsaved in the same sins. In II Corinthians chapter 6 Paul tells us not to be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. II Corinthians 6:14-18 says "14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers:for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 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. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty."
In Ephesians chapter 5 Paul shows us another scripture about not being unequally yoked with unbelievers.In Ephesians 5:6-11 it says "6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them. 8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: 9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) 10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them."
b. Christians Are Not Students of the Word Of God - Many people who call themselves Christians are very ignorant of the faith that they say they believe in. In Hebrews chapter 5 we see a similar example in the Christians of that day. In Hebrews 5:11-13 it says "11 Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. 12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. 13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe."
Notice verse 12 of this passage of scripture "For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat." They should have been teachers but were still babes in Christ. Many reading this newsletter fit this same description. You have been in a church for many years yet you are still a babe when it comes to your relationship with Jesus Christ. You must repent immediately and rededicate your life to Jesus Christ and pray for wisdom in His Holy Word and spend time in the Holy Bible.
In Galatians chapter 1 Paul shows us another example of how quickly Christians can be deceived by not being students of the Word Of God. In Galatians 1:6-7 it says "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; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ." Notice Paul marveled how soon they were removed to another gospel.
c. Christians Are Not Able To Discern Between Good And Evil - Many Christians today are not able to discern between good and evil. So many Christians are believing fables and not the truth of God's Holy Word. In II Timothy 4:3-4 it says "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." Two examples of fables which many Christians are believing in are the Pre-Rapture or First Trumpet message and the false teaching about the Baptism in the Holy Ghost.
The apostle Peter shows the results of being deceived. In II Peter 2:17-22 it says "17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. 18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. 19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. 20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire."
In Ephesians chapter 5 Paul shows us another scripture about not being unequally yoked with unbelievers.In Ephesians 5:6-11 it says "6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them. 8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: 9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) 10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them."
b. Christians Are Not Students of the Word Of God - Many people who call themselves Christians are very ignorant of the faith that they say they believe in. In Hebrews chapter 5 we see a similar example in the Christians of that day. In Hebrews 5:11-13 it says "11 Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. 12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. 13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe."
Notice verse 12 of this passage of scripture "For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat." They should have been teachers but were still babes in Christ. Many reading this newsletter fit this same description. You have been in a church for many years yet you are still a babe when it comes to your relationship with Jesus Christ. You must repent immediately and rededicate your life to Jesus Christ and pray for wisdom in His Holy Word and spend time in the Holy Bible.
In Galatians chapter 1 Paul shows us another example of how quickly Christians can be deceived by not being students of the Word Of God. In Galatians 1:6-7 it says "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; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ." Notice Paul marveled how soon they were removed to another gospel.
c. Christians Are Not Able To Discern Between Good And Evil - Many Christians today are not able to discern between good and evil. So many Christians are believing fables and not the truth of God's Holy Word. In II Timothy 4:3-4 it says "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." Two examples of fables which many Christians are believing in are the Pre-Rapture or First Trumpet message and the false teaching about the Baptism in the Holy Ghost.
The apostle Peter shows the results of being deceived. In II Peter 2:17-22 it says "17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. 18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. 19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. 20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire."
Coming Up In The Next Issue
Why We Are In The Last Generation. Read this article in the next issue of The Prophetic Messenger.
Memory Verses
As Christians if we want to live in victory and if we want to be able to share the Word Of God with others we must know the Word of God ourselves. Let's see what the Bible says about this. "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." Psalm 119:11. " If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." John 15:7. "Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed." John 8:31. We encourage you to put the following scriptures in your heart: Ephesians 5:11, Romans 16:17, Psalm 91:16, John 15:7, Psalm 127:1, Colossians 2:10, Numbers 23:19, Romans 3:4, Ezekiel 18:4, I Timothy 2:5. Use only the Old King James version of the Holy Bible. (If you have any questions about this please see the book New Age Bible Versions, by G.A. Riplinger ©1993, ISBN 0-9635845-0-2.)
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