Jesus Visits the Local Church




Does Jesus go to church?
Most Christians think so, we did too.  I wonder what Jesus might think if He showed up as a member or visitor to a gaggle of local assemblies in the modern era.
Let's use a bit of wry humor and imagination as we follow Jesus around the local church scene!

A lot of people see Jesus as a solid pillar in the assembly, a faithful tither, a 40 Days of Purpose reader, a G-12 church grower, involved in the youth program, He led church car washes, and sang in the synagogue choir. He lit a candle and some incense as He prayed a prayer written by some obscure "saint" or faceless organizational writer. He has a benign smile on His face as he watches a famous evangelist kiss the popes ring. He's a Catholic and a Protestant, a Mormon and a Lutheran, He's a Baptist  and an Evangelical, He's orthodox and reformed. He's Community and Independent, He's Pentecostal and Church of Christ, he's Calvary Chapel and He's Adventist. He's a Jehovah Witness and a Methodist, He's everybodys jesus and a real Superhero that changes His church clothes like lightning.

 He helps with the chicken dinners and is known as a nice guy and helpful to others.  He gives the pastors (rulers of the synagogue), good advice and testifies once in a while. He could really tell good stories and He speaks with admiration of some of the Big Names in Christianity.

Sunday 10:00 amJesus stands there, songbook in hand as the congregation sings three or four "worship" tunes, including a contemporary "rap" number by the youth group. He politely listens to the announcements and a testimony about the pastors' vision for ministry. He listens as a worshipper's prayer request "for God to use the doctor" in healing her childs illness and for the money it will cost for her expensive drug medicine.. 
 He moves  to the platform  for the sermon and claps for the message on "God Wants to BLESS You"  which is about the "Faith Promise-Seed-Sowing, Fathful- Tithing Road to Miracle financial blessings". The Italian suited speaker wearing a Cartier watch glances over at Jesus with a grin and a wink, and thinks to himself that Jesus is sure blessing his ministry.

At 2pm He walks into and old-time "Holiness Church of God".  As he walks in and takes a seat about at about the middle of the pew in the tenth row from the front, many heads cast sideward glances over at Him making note of His "hippie" clothing, sandals, and beard.
The hard-line holiness preacher tore into the modern hairstyles on women, wearing of jewelry, women wearing mens pants, and especially zeroes in on long hair and beards on men.


An altar service is opened and several of the clean-shaven men try to take Jesus to the altar to get Him saved. They don't know the pastor is embezzling church funds and having an affair with the church secretary, but Jesus knew all about it.

On Wed. nite,  He visits the mid-week service at the People's Assembly and a church-board meeting at the church campus Admin building. As the deacons and church Board discuss the pastors upcoming vacation schedule and retirement account funding, he wonders why His apostles never did that for Him.

On a Friday The Lord goes down to the abortion protest and carries a flag, and holds a "Take Back America sign. That night He attends the youth service to check on their preparations for the Great America trip and he watches and listens to the youth group musicians blasting a "Christian" rock number.... and He notices the song says nothing about Him.

Saturday:
He decided to visit a Messianic congregation where the Torah is read by the Rabbi, and followed by an exhortation to follow the Law of Moses. He noticed they glossed over the New Testament quite a bit. he remembers how He used to wear the talith and how He cast some demons out in the Synagoge back in Nazareth.
These folks don't seem to discern the same Pharisee devils glowering at Him with resentment through the eyes of the Torah reader,  that knew Him back in Capernaum. .
Later, He pops in on a 7th Day Adventist meeting to check them out as they read and quote from Prophetess Ellen G. White. At the fellowship lunch he notices they cook the vegetarian food on a gas stove and He remembers how he fed fish to thousands and ate meat at the Passover.    

Sunday again.

He visits  the Pentecostal church at 11am after exactly 1 hour at the Catholic church, where He prayed the rosary, crossed Himself, Hails Mary, blesses the Pope, and lights a candle. Mass is kind of hard for Him though, as he looks down at His hands as the priest does the ritual with the host. 

The large crowd at the "Mass" is unaware of what the priest  is doing with the altar boys, but Jesus knows.

At the Pentecostal church, the music and crowd response was powerful. This was followed by some testimonies and one of ladies cried as she told everyone how the devil was really attacking her. Another testified how the pastor had healed him and he was so glad Brother Pastor got that new, black Mercedes because he deserved it.
The song service shifted into the tithes and offering time and the "pumped up" believers gave sacrificially to the building fund and for the guest speaker, Apostle Hugh Mongus who would preach "Going to the Next Level!"  The folks loved it and the vision of a BIGGER building and BIGGER crowd was very exciting. Then Jesus remembered in John 6:66 how the crowd turned their back on Him.

Sunday evening, He visits the 5pm Community Church services and then a sparsley attended Baptist service at 6:30 which had announced a special "prayer meeting". 
Jesus was glad for the 8 people who showed up from the 135 member church.  The Community Church service went well as they showed a film about the rapture followed by a report on the churches budgetary needs. Jesus scratched His head and tried to remember where He said the rapture was post, pre, or mid-trib.

Afterwards, he visits with one of the church families and they sit and watch Christian television 'till midnight. The lovely program hosts make three or four requests for "gifts" and a special "Christian artist" performs to a rockin' guitar-laced and double-time drum solo.


Other guests with famous, Christian household names are interviewed and tell of their ministry accomplishments and their million-plus book and DVD sales. A beautiful lady in a flowing, low-cut gown sings the song finale and the smiling hosts say good-nite with their fourth reminder for the folks to remember them in their prayers and giving.

Have you ever wondered how Jesus does it?
And that somehow He approves and gets along fine with all the mess of confusion that calls itself "Christian"?
Someone may have invited Jesus to church once upon a time back in Matthew 13.
     And coming into his own country he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter`s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joseph, and Simon, and Judas?
 And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?
 And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honor, save in his own country, and in his own house.  And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

Well, the modern version of Jesus has something in common with the Biblical account: "And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief." 
Back in old Galilee they let him speak a little, but that was about it.
Then they tried to KILL Him.
Sure, they had heard all about Jesus and His mighty works, but when He came to visit, they were more interested in keeping their traditions than in in Him. In fact, in Luke 4, when Jesus went to church and spoke from the scriptures, this happened: And they were all filled with wrath in the synagogue, as they heard these things;
What do you suppose would happen in one of those churches today, if the real Jesus showed up?
I daresay say He would be most unwelcome.
He might heal people. Demons would manifest and be cast out. The real truth would be spoken and the leaders of the church referred to as "snakes and vipers, hypocrites", tithe-taking extortioners. About the time of point 2 of a 5-point message, an angry Senior pastor and his assistant, along with several upset deacons would be trying to "lay hands" on Him like they did in Nazareth.
When He spoke to the leaders of God's people He said:



He spoke to the churches in Revelation:But this thou hast, that thou hatest the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there some that hold
the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit fornication.So hast thou also some that hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans in like manner.
But I have this against thee, that thou sufferest the woman Jezebel, who calleth herself a prophetess; and she teacheth and seduceth my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed to idols.
And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he that searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto each one of you according to your works.I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
So because thou art lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spew thee out of my mouth.

Because thou sayest, I am rich, and have gotten riches, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art the wretched one and miserable and poor and blind and naked:

In short, most churches would kick Jesus out and some would want to kill Him again, just like they did the first time. If a church isn't doing what Jesus did, it is like an assembly that Jesus said:  I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and thou art dead.

Look around folks, the church on the corner may be busy, and you will see many nice people, but if they are not doing what Jesus said, it is time for a reality church-check.

Pretty scary isn't it?


.. but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons: freely ye received, freely give.
 Get you no gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses;
 no wallet for your journey, neither two coats, nor shoes, nor staff: for the laborer is worthy of his food.
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation.
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned.
And these signs shall follow (accompany) them that believe:
in my name shall they cast out demons; they shall speak with new tongues;
they shall take up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall in no wise hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken unto them, was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.

And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word by the signs that followed. Amen.

When I visit and look around at many of the church services being held, I have wondered "where did Jesus go today?"

The Masquerade of the Tithe


One night while channel surfing, we happened to run across a very slick, smiling, preacher speaking in a MAGNIFICENT, HUGE "church". The smoooooth, smiling, preacher was polished in delivery and style, the huge crowd mesmerized by his path to the good life. He even made a few references to the Bible after opening with a cute joke.

 It happened that another ex-church goer was visiting with us during the broadcast.  Our friend related how their own pastor would get up and exhort the folks to tithe, while they would have the folks repeat a mantra about God rebuking the devourer and all the financial benefits and blessings that come to them as a result of tithing to God. Give to God!  (wink-wink)-but make your check out to "The Church"....  (i.e. the family that manages the "church" checking account and sorts out the tithe from the general offering.)  

(organized churches operate as a "DBA" (doing business as), and many are government licensed 501c3 Incorporated.  This means they have a President-CEO, Board, Secretary, just like every other business organization.  Usually the  pastor is CEO.) 

Sometimes the secretary is the pastor's wife, sometimes a bookkeeper is hired or found within the assembly.  In the charismatic-Pentecostal church world, often one family has sole control over all the finances. Can you see how easy it would be for satan to use "church" income to corrupt and/or destroy a ministry?

So we present a humorized typical day in the business life of "The Local Church":

The church office on Monday, the pile of envelopes and cash from Sunday's cash-flow. 

Let's see, envelope #1:

TITHE:  (from wages) $300.  "Ahhh, nice, goes in our pile, thank you Lord! -bless'em real good!" 
(as he/ she calls for reservations at the local 4 star restaurant)
OFFERING: (general gift to the overhead of the organization and building fund:)  $50.00  
and on it goes through the stack.

At the end of the envelopes, the week's totals for God's tithe  (goes in pastors checking account), and Offering, (goes into churches general fund):

TITHE total: $2437.54      OFFERING total: $718.23.  Budget Need: $3,500.00

"WHOOPS! We have a shortfall, call a staff meeting, now what can we do for a fundraiser. I know, another bake auction, car wash, and a church yard sale. There should be enough to pay the Church Liability Insurance, Staff medical insurance, a new computer, and upgrade our video cameras." 

The following Sunday, a sermon on "Malachi" is dusted off and the folks are reminded about "robbing God" out of the Old Testament Law of Moses." We heard and saw this time after time after time, always trusting our leaders and never questioning their authority to put a church full of people under the law of the tithe. 

Or they may go all the way back to find Abram tithing from that which was not his, the spoils of war. A one-time tithe, and he gave away the other 90% too.  Or they may try and resuurect Jacobs tithe-promise for which there is no information WHAT he tithed or to who.  Worse yet, the may quote from Leviticus and other places from the Law, -a covenant God never made with us.

Here's the masquerade:

God's people are taught tithing by false manipulation of scripture, for the personal benefit of those who directly gain (prosper).  This is done by sleight-of-hand in telling them they are REALLY tithing to please God, and that God would bless them for doing so. The clergy person themself may tithe 10% or more to be blessed by a special covenant of their misunderstanding of scripture. (there is no other NT covenant).

That is blatant and decieving HOGWASH.  But we have to give them credit, (no pun intended) week after week they get up there with a warm smile and a sincere, beneficent look, as they manipulate both scripture and the trusting people for their own benefit. If the clergy person tithes to be blessed, where does their "blesing" come from?  

These are the modern counterparts to the money changers who ran their businesses in the temple and changed folk's money into an act of worship for their own personal benefit. After all, weren't they serving God's people? -They had discovered the secret that there is good money to be made in the "church".  Eventually Jesus ran them out of the temple.

There is not one verse in the New Covenant instructing or reminding any Christian or church to tithe.  There is not a single one of the apostles, elders, or overseers who are given a word or example in the New Testament ministry to take tithes of the people.

When we rip the Old Testament mask off the tithe, there is nothing there.... except a corrupted ministry.

 {Isa.56:9} All ye beasts of the field, come to devour, [yea], all ye beasts in the forest. {10} His watchmen are blind, they are all without knowledge; they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; dreaming, lying down, loving to slumber.



11 Yea, the dogs are greedy, they can never have enough; and these are shepherds that cannot understand: they have all turned to their own way, each one to his gain, from every quarter. {12} Come ye, [say they], I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to-morrow shall be as this day, [a day] great beyond measure. 


The dogs here are the apostate greedy shepherds of God’s people in this time of the approaching judgement on Christianity.
These are prophesied in Scripture to lose their spiritual strength, discernment, understanding and restraint because of plundering and lying to God’s people.
Zech.11:15 And the LORD said unto me, Take unto thee yet again the instruments of a foolish shepherd.



16 For, lo, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, who will not visit those that are cut off, neither will seek those that are scattered, nor heal that which is broken, nor feed that which is sound; but he will eat the flesh of the fat [sheep], and will tear their hoofs in pieces. (he will destroy their spiritual walk)

17 Woe to the worthless shepherd that leaveth the flock!  the sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened.
Judgement is beginning on the apostate church because they are under a strong delusion who have not loved the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
Ezekiel 34:2 Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds;
Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks? 

Does the 501c3 Church Follow the EAGLE or the DOVE?

Is your church a government registered, non-profit 501c3 organization?

If you do not know what this means, please google "501c3 church" and find out.

Under the guise of having the benefit of donations, tithes, and offerings being tax-deductible, churches have been snared by the government into a union with a satanically ruled system. Forgive my blunt assessment. 

What is amazing is the fact there is absolutely no need for a church assembly to register as a 501c3 corporation.  There was Constitutional protection for churches for nearly 200 years and the churches were just fine.  But in 1954 Lyndon Johnson, pushed through the 501c3 law and the church world became snared under the guise of tax benefits and deductions.  (Since when was our giving to be done for a tax write off?  Didn't Jesus tell us to give in secret?) 

501c3 is OPTIONAL and the supposed "benefit" of tax deducting is really a better way for the government to track and monitor you.
At the time of Christ, circa 30 A.D., there was agreement between the leaders of religious Israel and the government too. In fact, the establishment "church" system was threatened by the Word and ministry of Jesus. Because they were in agreement with the government of Rome  (whose symbol was the eagle), they feared the loss of their status, position, and authority.


John 11:48 If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.

The 501c3 church is in an agreement, a marriage, a union, a contract, with the state for financial benefit.  This agreement conforms the church to IRS corporate law and requires the creation of unscriptural church boards, an unscriptural CEO (usually the pastor), unscriptural membership enrollment and requirements, unscriptural recording of one's giving for tax reporting, and unscriptural submission to governmental regulation of what may be taught and preached in the church.

Here are a few 501c3 legal notes: 

1."A corporation is a creature of the state... Its rights to act as a corporation are only preserved to it so long as it obeys the laws of its creation..." (Hale v. Henkel, 201 U.S. 43)
The church is a creation of God and is saved by obedience to His Word.
2."[A corporation is] an artificial person or legal entity created by or under the authority of the laws of a state." Black's Law Dictionary West Publishing Company, 1991; 6th Edition, page 340
The church is a living person, the body of Christ formed in us as we partake of Him.
3. "A corporation derives its existence and all of its powers from the State and, therefore, has only such powers as the State has conferred upon it.The church derives its existence and authority from the Living God and His Scriptures.
4. ... the source of this power is the charter and the statute under which the corporation was organized." Len Young Smith and G. Gale Roberson, Smith and Roberson's Business Law, West Publishing Company, 1966, page 796

The source of the church's power and authority is in Christ, not the state.

By the way, the eagle is a symbol for a "beast" which is the nature of the unregenerate man, not the nature of the Spiritual man who is not of this world and is born again from above. In fact, Jesus spoke of his followers as having the nature of the dove, not that of the patriotic eagle.

 

Matthew 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.  


Harmless as doves? 

"Take back" America?  What about taking up arms or resisting with force the administration now seeking to take full socialistic power over our country?  Which kingdom are we to fight for?

Do we understood what God meant in passages such as Daniel 4:17? 



The sentence is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones; to the intent that the living may know that the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the lowest of men.

God put them in office! He chose them from among the basest of men in His eyes. They are the rich and powerful, the elite; the ones who run the "conspiracy" of the New World Order.  He repeated this statement in Daniel 4:25,32 and 5:21, so we would know for sure who puts men in power.

Ecclesiastes 10:6 folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in a low place. (the low place is over the people who live close to the world and the flesh)We do not speak against the leaders of the people, call them names, or mock them, even though they are wicked and evil, because we know God put them there. Romans 13:1 Let every soul be in subjection to the higher powers: for there is no power but of God; and the powers that be are ordained of God.  2) Therefore he that resisteth the power, withstandeth the ordinance of God: and they that withstand shall receive to themselves judgment.
"Patriotic" Christians should carefully and prayerfully get an understanding for which kingdom they are fighting and who they may find themselves resisting... John 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight....

Leviticus 11:13 And these ye shall have in abomination among the birds; they shall not be eaten, they are an abomination: the eagle ...

Accordingly, we are non-political and do not believe in political salvation through the ballot box or any political party, but God will use evil people in politics to bring His people to their cross as He has done with His people over and over starting in Genesis.

The 501c3 is the spiritual meat of the eagle and is just as abominable as some of the sins declared abominations by the Lord pertaining to sexuality and idolatry, here are examples:

Leviticus 18:22 Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination
Proverbs 12:22 Lying lips are an abomination
Proverbs 16:5 Every one that is proud in he
art is an abomination
Revelation 21:27 and there shall in no wise enter into it anything unclean, or he that maketh an abomination and a lie: but only they that are written in the Lamb's book of life.

 ... and harmless as doves

The True Gospel of Grace

The coin has two sides. The Obverse and The Reverse . Obverse is also called head. It is the main side of a coin carrying the portrait head of the ruler or a Symbol and name of the country. Reverse is the back side of a coin and is called Tail. It depicts the denomination or issue price of the coin with year and mint mark underneath.

The Gospel of Grace is like a Coin. It has two sides. The Love of God (The Obverse side) and The Wrath of God (The Reverse side). Many Christians either preach only the Obverse side or just the Reverse side. But the fullness of the Gospel always has these two sides present in it in totality.

The cross of Jesus Christ is the location where these two sides (Love and Wrath) met for the first time. God's Love for mankind was depicted through his Cup of wrath which was consumed entirely by Jesus Christ on the cross.Jesus did not just save us from our sins. He also saved us from God's wrath on mankind. If we understand this picture, our understanding of the Gospel message would change by a large extent.

The Gospel of Grace is just not a one sided Gospel as it is presented these days by many preachers. This Gospel can be consumed only by those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Those who have accepted him as their personal Savior will also follow Jesus whole heartedly.We have to Love our God with all our heart and we also have to love our neighbours with all our heart. At the same time we have to Hate Sin with a Passion and we have to warn and rebuke Sinning believers with a burden for the Gospel.We have to be living witnesses for Christ

Jesus Hates Sin and Loves a Repentant Sinner. But His wrath is stored for Unrepentant Sinners. Heaven is a wonderful place because God is there. Hell is a dangerous place, not because Satan is there, but because it is God's wrath in its fullness. Judgment day will be the second time when these two sides of Grace will meet again. Are you ready for that Day?

Taste Jesus and see that he is Good.

Shielded in God's Love

Prason

WRONG BEGINNING - WRONG END ( A must read for every Christian who aspires to fulfill the Greatest Commission)

Note: This article is quite Long. It took a few days to write this article and It took a few more days to translate this article to English. This note captures the present day state of Christianity. So Every Christian reader can relate to this article.

Originally Written in Tamil by Bro. Vijay ( http://vijay76.wordpress.com/)

May the name of Jesus - The Christ be magnified and Glorified.

Those were the days when I was actively involved in youth ministry.We had dedicated our lives for ministry.  We - The youngsters will always be in the Church; Eating together, sleeping on the Roof top of the church. Sweet memories; Lovely Brothers in Christ. I can't forget those days. One day we were watching a worship video of a Korean Gospel Music Band. The manner in which the worship leader made his entrance on the stage was very similar to the Extravagant Introduction that is usually associated with Tamil Filmdom Super star - Rajinikanth. The worship leader made his entrance out of a private jet. He was in a black tuxedo. His band members followed him. Flash lights danced around them. Drumroll welcomed them

One brother who was watching the video along with us suddenly blurted out, " When are we gonna become like this?"

We were all in the same mind set and we all agreed with him in anticipation. We never knew that we were making a big mistake by nodding our heads in agreement to him. Time flew like a dove. I understood one thing very clearly by the Grace of God -"The pathetic situation of Today's Christendom is because of the wrong expectation with which people step foot into ministry".

The expectation with which we start doing God's ministry always decides the direction of our life. Our Sermons, the plans we make for our ministry revolves around our expectations. As a result, we might even achieve all that we anticipate and expect. Still, I am rest assured that when we stand before the judgment seat of God, we would face a Big surprise if we start our ministry with an ambition to become famous.

There is a very famous Tamil proverb - ”à®®ுதல் கோணல் à®®ுà®±்à®±ுà®®் கோணல்” . It means , If the first step is wrong, the entire project will go wrong.

An article written by a watchman minister of India about a very famous Preacher in India ( This famous preacher and the watchman ministered together in the beginning of their ministry life) made me think deeper on this subject.

That Late - Famous preacher in his initial days had a fascination towards the ministry of Billy Graham and William Branham and he always talked about the scores of multitude that gathered for their crusades. He always talked about " getting famous" , "Signs and wonders" , "Big Crowds". The First step was wrong. He indeed achieved what he wanted in a very short span of time. He climbed the ladder of earthly success in no time. Yet he has left  many bad examples for many ministers who start their ministry with him as the role model.


Today we will see the different areas that attract youngsters to become Servants of God. 

1) Honour from Men 

For they loved praise from men more than praise from God (John 12:43)

The influence that Evangelists and Pastors have in Christendom is so huge.The manner in which various Preachers Pose for Posters and Banners just like movie stars have deceived many. When a young Believer looks at a Pastor

  • who roars the words "In the name of Jesus" and runs around the stage




  • makes many to fall down by just extending his hand




  • being surrounded by many calling him "Pastor, Pastor"



    the young believer also starts dreaming to be like the Pastor. "This is God's ministry.I would also get honour like this" - A false hope is created in the mind of the young believer

    John 12:26 - "My Father will honor the one who serves me" is totally misunderstood by the young believers. Please read the full verse.

    Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.

    Yes, anyone who does ministry like Jesus, is really HIS servant.
    •   When Satan tried to lure Jesus by showing all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor,Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! (Matthew 4:8-10)
    • When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.(John 6:15)
    • Jesus even spoke the following words "I do not accept praise from men, but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts. (John 5:41,42)
      Those who follow Jesus will be Honoured by the Father. Those who do not followe Jesus will be honoured by Satan according to Matthew 4:9
    A certain Pastor in Singapore makes his entrance on stage amidst loud music and flickering Lights. I don't know whether to cry or laugh. They are fulfilling their desires by acting like a movie star. Those who step into ministry influenced by such minsiters will end up like them. It pains,when I see stage entertainers performing on stage in the name of Praise and Worship Service. Anyone who could sing can release a music album. The music ministry is one ministry which can catapult anyone to stardom in no time. Because of the pathetic situation of music ministry one even starts to wonder whether the number of music albums that are released in a day is more than the number of souls that are saved! Music Ministry is a blessed ministry. If one enters into this ministry to become famous, he will end up like Uzzah who dared to touch the ark of the Lord.

    Beloved! Getting into Ministry with anticipation of being Honoured by men is a WRONG BEGINNING. Don't get deceived like Herod who fell for the wrath of God

    Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died. [Acts 12:23]

    2) Money and Standard of Living

    "That preacher owns a private jet". This is how certain preachers are introduced by many. Many preachers who had a humble beginning in their ministry  suddenly climb up in their standard of living.

    When they say, " I started my ministry with just Rs.10/-. Now God has given me two buildings, one jet plane and a mansion", it is not a testimony that Glorifies God.
    If they say," I started my ministry with many spiritual pitfalls and I was controlled by my flesh. But Now I have many qualities of Jesus in me. I have brought many disciples for Jesus Christ", such a testimony brings glory to God.
       
    Beloved, If the Extravagant lifestyle of a minister of God inspires you to set foot into ministry, it is a WRONG BEGINNING. Woe to every preacher who aspires to become a minister of God with dreams of looting money through prayer towers/ Education Institutions, owning a car, making foreign tours. If you enter God's ministry with such a dream, you have the spirit of Balaam and Gehazi. You won't enjoy eternal heavenly life.  Blackest darkness is reserved for you ( 1 Peter 2:17)

    3) The Crowds

    The Success of a minister is now a days measured based on the crowds that gather in his meetings. A few young ministers are deceiving themselves by designing photographs in which they appear to be speaking to millions of people. Photoshop comes handy for them. God doesn't see that way. His ways are different. He praised Moses not because he guided Thousands of people; but because he was Faithful to God ( Numbers 12:7)

    Ministries that pull millions of people are not always recognised by God. The ministry of Jeremiah, according to the judgment of man was a complete failure. His 40 year ministry had one message - " Be prepared for the Babylonian Bondage". That was not a popular message during that time.No one wanted to listen to him. They even persecuted him.But in the eyes of God, Jeremiah was an obediant prophet.

    Many preachers start their ministry by going around the streets preaching the gospel. But when they get fame and crowds around them, Why do they portray themselves as Kings? They are not bothered about building God's kingdom. They are more worried about building their own empire. They even struggle, strive  hard  and even sacrifice a lot for building their empire. We look at their sacrifices and honour them; but God sees their heart and he knows their intentions.

    Beloved, If you get into ministry life with dreams of having a big crowd behind you, it is a WRONG BEGINNING.
    If you are True to the sheep that God gives you (Ten million or just Ten), God will bless you

    4) Signs and Wonders

    Today, many preachers who decide to enter to ministry fast for 40 days. What for? Is it for Fruit of the spirit? or Is it for Christ's charcters to be conformed in them? Most preachers fast for GIFTS of the Holy Spirit. I know ministers who have fasted for the gift of "Calling out Names of people from the crowd". They end up adding their name as "Anointed preacher with the gift of healing" in posters and banners.

    Signs and wonders are indeed necessary in Ministerial life. But making that as your idol is wrong. Signs and Wonders should follow a believer. A believer should not run behind Signs and Wonders. 

    The last Prophet of the Old Covenant "John the Baptist" did not perform any miracle. Many True ministers of God , even when they perform miracles and wonders, never boast about it.

    Beloved! If you don't aspire to be a servant of God and if your dream is to become a celebrity, it is a WRONG BEGINNING. There are many preachers who have started their journey to become celebrities. They are now in the pit of darkness and deception. Remember that.

    5) Media Popularity.

    Today, there is a norm that in order to be a great Minister of God, one has to appear on a Christian TV channel. Pastors and evangelists are prying for TV slots. It is good that TV is used for spreading the word of God. But when the Pastors and preachers use TV to promote themselves by showing the number of people slayed by them and the number of evil spirits driven away by them, it becomes a sad sight. Some Preachers even promote themselves as " Greatest prophet of 21st century". Did Jesus and Paul introduce themselves like this?

    TV ministry is not a sinful ministry. It should be a ministry that is opened by God. When God opens the door, he doesn't want you to beg for money by shaking Offertory boxes. He would want you to shake the nations for him. You will face tribulations and oppositions. The TV opportunity that you got will also be taken away. Are you ready for that? 

    Beloved, If your wish is to become popular by showing your face on TV, it is a WRONG BEGINNING. Being content and happy in the ministry that God has placed you is what God wants from you.

    6) Foreign Tours:
      
    Another myth among Christian believers is that God blesses a minister by sending him to developed countries around the globe. Beloved, Don't fall for the lies of preachers who say that God took them to many countries to preach the Gospel. Why did not God take them to third world countries like Cambodia, Somalia and Angola? Why does God always take them to US, Europe and Singapore? Aren't there any souls in the third world countries? Don't they need God's messages ? God did not send them. They are Balaams running behind Balaks. They don't preach in their homeland if the crowd is less than 1000. But they preach in Britain even if they have to preach just for 5 people, because those 5 souls are costly souls.

    Beloved, If you think that by becoming a minister of God, you can travel around the globe,it is a WRONG BEGINNING. I am not saying that God won't send you to developed countries. When God sends you to such countries, Go there and preach the Gospel without diluting it and most importantly, Don't BEG.


    7) Dowry

    Dowry system is a Thorn in the flesh of the body of Christ, especially in South India. It is a system in which the the bride groom demands money/assets from the bride's family to marry her. Today the DOWRY received by a Pastor is more than the dowry that an Engineer or a Doctor gets. Hence Pastoral studies are in great demand these days. When I joined a theological college, I found many theologians from southern part of India. At first I thought that they had great burden for carrying their cross and following Jesus. But when I found that they were forced to study in the colleges by their parents because of the heavy Dowry that they would get in marriage, I could not control my tears.


     Beloved, If you become a follower of Christ with a hope of getting a huge dowry, it is a WRONG BEGINNING. Woe to you , if you try to make business out of the Great Commission.

    To end this note, I would like to tell you Beloved about the True Ministry.

    Jesus did not say, "If you carry your cross, You will become Rich and prosper". In fact he laid conditions to become his disciple.He says " Wait, Just take your travel expenses, decide and follow me". Don't enter ministry life without a Vision. Please read Luke 14:25-35. The 30th verse gives us the message that Ministry is not about how much I get; but it is all about how much I Give.

    A servant of God 

    • is not one who is served; He is one who becomes a Servant (Matthew 20:26)
    • doesn't receive ; but gives up everything ( Luke 14:33)
    • does not aspire to become Rich financially; but becomes Rich in gentleness and humbleness ( Matthew 11:29)
    • does not create Blind followers; but makes disciples (Matthew 28:19)
    • does not sell the Truth and Roll in Luxury; but he tells the Truth and becomes enemy to many ( Gal 4:16)
    • does not create Fans for himself; but becomes a slave to everyone (1 Cor 9:19)
    • does not swim in Money; but goes through the pains of Childbirth ( Galatians 4:19)
    • does not offer his neck to garlands; but offers his neck to the sword ( Romans 16:4)
    • does not aspire to become popular; he likes to be share the burden of people of God (Heb 11:24,25)
    • doesn't sit on someone else's shoulders; but he carries the cross on his shoulders (Luke 14:27)
    • doesn't use others' money to stay in a 5 star hotel; but will lead many to righteousness and will shine like the stars for ever and ever (Daniel 12:3)
    If anyone of you aspire to become a Servant of God, please don't follow the footsteps of any popular minister of God. If you do so, you will fall in the same pit, where they have fallen. If you want to take any human beings as your role model, Please read the autobiographies of William Carrey, John Wesley, Whitefield, William Booth, Hudson Taylor, David Livingston,Sadhu Sunder Singh, D.L Moody,George Muller. I am not saying that there are no true ministers of God today. They are there. But Many of them are not popular and they don't want to be popular too.

    Above all, Look unto Jesus and learn from him.

    He made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant (Phil 2:7)

    May God speak in your heart. May his name be Glorified for ever and ever

    To read this article in Tamil please click this link [http://is.gd/hrlr5]

    The Topsy Turvy Christians ( The Rebellious Renegades)

    The Bible essentially teaches us two things
    1) not to be content in our Spiritual Growth (Eph 6:12 , Eph 4:11).
    2) to be content in material blessings (1 Tim 6:6-12)
    Yet we are Content with our Spiritual Growth , but Greedily yearn for material blessings like the two daughters or the leech (Proverbs 30:15)



    Jesus loved people and he used Materials.
    But we love the materials and use people.

    Jesus was a Roaring Lion for Satan, still when men pulled his beard and scourged him, he was calm as a sheep.
    We roar like a ferrocious Lion at men; but succumb like a sheep when Satan pulls us in all his directions.

    Even when God said in anguish "My house remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with his own house" (Haggai 1: 4,9), No one was ready to build a Temple for the Lord
    But now when God says, " Your Body is the Temple of God "; we are sweating out to erect Buildings and Towers for the Lord

    The Old testament Priests were stingy that made God to tell them " You rob me of my Tithes and Offerings" (Malachi 3:8)
    Now under the New Covenant, though "Tithe" is abolished, The sermons are focussed on "Tithes" rather than on " Jesus"

    Jesus kept the Pharisees at a distance. He showed his Love and concern towards Sinners and made them disciples.
    By distancing ourselves from Sinners and handing over the pulpits to Pharisees, we are nurturing "Sons of Hell"

    The Church of the first century brought a revival in the world
    Now the world is revolutionizing the Church

    Jesus said " Doing God's will is my food" (John 3:34)
    But we Do work only for food (John 6:27)

    The early apostles were poor in Financial wealth , yet they were Millionaires in Spiritual wealth
    We are Millionaires in Financial wealth and poor in Spiritual wealth.

    Jesus never preached a single sermon on Physical healing, but he practically healed multitudes.
    We preach Trillion sermons on Physical healing, but when it comes to practise- we are total Zeroes.

    The Holy Spirit chose the Apostles and handpicked his mission workers (Acts 13:2)
    Now the Gentile Politicians choose Moderators and Bishops in Churches ( In few cultures - India, America)

    God wants us to place us as a Strong and Mighty Horse in the Battle field (Zec 10:3)
    But we have ended up running zig-zag like a she-camel (Jer 2:23)

    He planted us to be a fruitful Vine stock
    We have become corrupt wild wine (Jer 2:21)

    The people in the Old Covenant Longed to have the blessings of the New Covenant (Peter 1: 10-12)
    But we Glorify in Buildings,meaningless Festivals, Tithe, Financial Blessings, Law of Death and hence prove our longingness towards the Old Covenant blessings.

    Jesus lived among Sinners, but he hated Sin
    We hate sinners, but we live with Sin

    Then money was used to help the poor and needy to win them for Christ
    Now money is stolen from the needy and the poor by exploiting them with False teachings

    Every Biblical Doctrine has been reversed.  We are rebelling against every teaching of Jesus Christ.This is our present condition
    For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry (1 Sam 15:23)

    We love everything that is hated by God
    We almost hate everything that is Loved by God except for one

    God wants us to be with him eternally in Heaven.
    We want that too. We even hope for eternal Heavenly life.

    **************************

    My Dear ones in Christ,

    Let me tell you a story. This would be similar to our story ( 1 Cor 10:11). By His Grace, God freed the Israelites from the Iron clutches of Pharoah. But the Israelites rebelled against God. Hence none but two of them entered Canaan. Because of their rebellious attitude, the gentiles also received salvation (Romans 11:11) . The original branches were cut off from the Olive Tree and God grafted wild branches like us to the Original Olive tree. A new Episode commenced. But God is a never-Changing God.

    For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either. Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off. (Romans 11:21,22)

    Yes, we can't play the fool with God. We should never take his Grace for granted. If we are not ready to come out of Lukewarm-Religious Christianity, God would also cut us off.

    • Though God destroyed the entire world, he still preserved 8 of them (Noah and his family)
    • All who rebelled against God in the desert never entered the promised land. Only their generation, Joshua and Caleb entered it
    • Even though Jezebel killed all the Prophets of God, He still preserved 7000 prophets who did not kiss Baal's feet
    • Even though Hitler destroyed Jews around the world during Holocaust, God preserved a group of Israelites to regroup and form Political Israel in 1948.
    Similarly, today

    • eventhough Christianity has become a commercial business commodity,
    • though we have wolves in sheeps clothing,
    • although deception is blinding even the elect,
    • when it seems that Satan has complete control of the Church and the world,

    we need not be bogged down, because Jesus will spit them all out of his mouth (Rev 3:16)

    God is preparing a remnant without any partiality towards any denomination in Christendom.
    • This remnant will always put God first in their lives.
    • They will Love God with all their heart and all their mind.
    • They will also love their neighbours as themselves.
    • They have sold themselves all out for Christ
    • They are free from the Mammonic stench of Babylon
    • Religious Christianity is their first enemy
    • They are not swept away in the stream of Deception. They battle against the stormy waves of Darkness
    • They would not compromise on anything other than the word of God with anyone.
    • They will fight like warriors against the world, Flesh and Satan
    God will use this remnant for his Spiritual Battle in these Last Days.


    Before I bid adieu, Let me pose a Trillion Dollar Question!

    Are we in this group that God is gonna use for the Battle?


    Shielded in God's Love
    The pen of God

    Are our future sins forgiven too?

    If you had sat in the pews of a New age church , you would have heard the  preacher say the following lines,
     
      


    Beware of such preachers.

    Is there meaning in that statement? The Truth of the Gospel of Christ is twisted in that statement.

    Can you imagine going up to a judge and the judge says,
    "You've been charged with raping a 16 year old school girl, did you rape her?"

    "Yes," My Lord, "I admit that I raped her."

    "Are you sorry?" the judge asks.

    "Yes, I'm sorry"


    "Well," the judge says, "You're forgiven. I forgive you for all the girls you have raped in the past, I also forgive you for raping this 16 year old girl and I also forgive you for the girls you are gonna rape for the rest of your life."


    Wouldn't that be insane?!

    God indeed forgives a repentant sinner. But His wrath is reserved for the unrepentant sinner and for those who backslide.

    When the Gospel of Grace is preached from the pulpit, listen to the message like a Serpent , because God has sent us inside the world as sheep in the midst of wolves.

    “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as Doves.” (Matthew 10:16)

    Run to God always and stay away from deception.

    Shielded in God's Love
    Prason

    Dear Beloved, We have a wonderful Gracious and Merciful God.His name is Jesus. He will forgive your sins tonight. He will  also forgive your past sins, your sins of today, and your sins for tomorrow."

    Warning! Warning! Warning !

    When the disciples of Jesus asked him, "What will be the sign of your coming and of the end of age?" (Matthew 24:3b), Jesus listed down a number of signs - viz : Wars , Famines, Earthquakes, Persecution,Wickedness. But before he stated all these signs, Jesus stressed on one very important sign of his coming - DECEPTION.

    Not just one or two; Many will Deceive Many (Matthew 24:5). This one verse should indeed ring an alarm bell in our heart and soul. Jesus said "Watch out that no one Deceives you" (Matthew 24:4).We should remember that he told this to His believers and not to non-believers.




    Do you know?



    You can fall for deception too! Hence WATCH OUT!!!

    You might say, "How will I fall for deception? I attend a spirit filled church, I pray, I pay the Tithe. How can I be deceived? " . The Bible says that "False Christs and False Prophets will appear and perform signs and miracles to deceive the elect - If that were possible" (Mark 13:22). So be on your Guard



    Compare the following 15 warning signs (not exhaustive) with your life. Let the Holy Spirit minister to you. If you are convicted by the Holy Spirit that you are in deception, kindly spend time at his feet and reconcile with God and strenthen the relationship that you have with Jesus. Listen to Him alone. He only is worthy.

    Warning #1

    Are you satisfied by just attending the church, giving offertory, Ministering in Church? Yet, Have you forgotten the Great commandment of Jesus? (1- Love your God 2- Love your neighbour. ) A religious Christian who merely observes Rituals is in great danger compared to a sinner who is struggling with the guilt of his sins. A sinner knows his sins.He can be broken easily. But anyone who is satisfied with Christianity (not in Christ) is caught in a deceptive web of self righteousness.

    Be careful! Our foundation should be on the solid Rock of Christ and it should not be on the Fragile sand of Religious Christianity. God doesn't expect us to perform rituals. He first expects us to Love him and our neighbours.

    Matthew 22:36-40

    Warning #2


    Is your hatred against sin and your passion towards holiness growing day by day?Is your alone time with God fruitful?

    If the answer is No, it is a clear indication that your fellowship with God is weak. You are searching for your spiritual food not from the Lord.

    Luke 12:34; Proverbs 27:7

    Warning #3


    Are you so busy that you are not able to spend time reading and meditating on the word of God.If you fall under this category, Beware! You can very easily fall for deception.

    Prophet Isaiah warns us that we would not have the light of dawn if we do not listen and speak according to his word ( Isa 8:20)

    Isaiah 8 :20, Psalm 119:165, Hosea 4:6

    Warning #4


    If you are not able to pray for anyone other than the Pastor of your church and If you are not in a position to love or acknowledge other ministers of God and If you are taught only to pray for your church and not for any other church

    Beware! You are under Great Deception

    I John 4:20, 1 Cor 12: 5-27, 1 Cor 1:10-13,

    Warning #5
    Do you give more importance to argue on Doctrinal issues rather than submitting yourself at the feet of the Lord everyday to look into your own heart?

    Danger Sign ! The Bible calls this as a spiritual disease 

    Timothy 6:4, Titus 3:9; I Cor 11:16

    Warning #6
    You don't have control over your eyes and your tongue?

    Beware! You need to be admitted in the Spiritual Intensive care Unit of God

    Matthew 6:22, 23 Jacob 3:5-12,

    Warning #7 (More Applicable to Indians)
    Do you have a sense of Caste (Racist) system?

    If the answer is Yes, before analysing whether your are deceived, check whether you are actually Saved.

    Because if you believe in caste system you are still caught in the "Hindutva Varnasrama Concept" trap which segregates human beings under caste divisions like Brahmin, Shathriya, Vaishnavite, Sutra and caste names like Nadar, Vanniyar, Dhevar, Pallar, Parayar. You have no respect for The Holy Bible. Who created you? Jehovah or Brahma? Decide today.

    Galatians 3:28

    Warning #8
    Instead of tasting the word of God by reading and meditating the Bible, do you have a tendency to depend on the sermon of preachers? or Do you sit blindly in the pews and accept anything and everything that is being preached from the pulpit?

    DANGER (RED ALERT)

    It is very important to cross check the sermon with the word of God like the Bereans who crosschecked the teachings of Paul with the scriptures. Because of their discernment capabilities, the Bereans were even called as more Noble minded than the Thessolanians. Be on your guard or else anyone can deceive you

    Acts 17:11, Matthew7:15, I Thess 5:21

    Warning #9

    Instead of searching for the Holy Spirit's presence in Internal Transformation in the form Testimonial Life and in the Depiction of Fruit of the spirit , do you search for The Holy Spirit's presence in external manifestations and in the Bodily Experiences?

    Beware 

    The Holy Spirit is not freely given for entertainment. He has come inside us to enable us to lead a dedicated life for Him and to be witnesses for him.

     Acts 1:8

    Warning #10

    Is earthly Prosperity Blessings  taught more than Eternal Blessings in the church in which you are a part of? Is The Sermon in the mount not preached much in your church?

    RED ALERT SIGN

    You are under deception. Before the Grace of God is revoked and darkness captivates us, may you and your church enter through the narrow gate. Be quick!


    Phil 3:19, I Cor 15:19

    Warning #11


    I am a wanderer in this world; My eternal Home is heaven ! Do you long for the coming of Jesus everyday? If the answer is No

    Beware

    Satan is deceiving you to separate you from our eternal father and our eternal home in heaven.

    Hebrew 13:14, II Peter 3:12, 2 Cor 5:1-6

    Warning #12

    Instead of  giving to the poor, needy, people with hunger, destitutes; do you give your money to the Institution called Church or to a Pastor with the Hope that God will bless you abundantly because you gave to the church?

    Beware

    You are deceived by false teaching. You are deceived because of your love for money. Read the New Testament to understand more on  how to Give

    Galatians 2:10, Proverbs 19:17, James 1:27

    Warning #13

    You have a good reputation in your church, but you don't have a good Testimony in your own House. If this is your lifestyle you are a spiritual hypocrite. God hates this habit in us. Don't wait to change. Now is the time for you to repent. Yes! NOW

    Acts 1:8; I Tim 5:8;

    Warning #14

    Do you find it difficult to give the same importance to a poor believer that you give to a Rich Believer?

    If the answer is Yes, you are not following christ; you are following a fruitless dry religion. My dear Beloved, This kind of behavior is abomination in the sight of God

    James 2:1-9

    Warning #15

    What is your identity in Christ ? What are your talents? What are the gifts that are given to you under the new covenent? What is the difference between us and the Old Testament Believers? Do we have a clear understanding of all these?

    The Apostle Paul  prays earnestly for us to have a clear understanding on all the above points. (Ephesians chapter 1). This is our primary need.

    Warning!

    If we do not understand these, instead of becoming children of God, we would live our life as mere devotees of God.

    We are not giving importance to important things.
    We are eagerly listening to vain-sermons.

    The only way that we have to escape from this mess is to read and meditate the epistles of the Apostles with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

    Ephesians 1:16-19

    ******

    Beloved,

    This article is written not with an intention to hurt you. I have warned you with the Love of Christ so that you would not perish in eternity.

     Proverbs 27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend