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THE SAMARITAN RESPONSE
By Walter Guy
John Chapter 4 records the events that began when Jesus encountered the Samaritan
woman at the well. While reading this portion of scripture recently, I couldn’t help but be
intrigued by how the Samaritans responded to Jesus Christ. Therefore I spent time
meditating on what occurred in this passage of scripture and what follows is the result of
what the Lord revealed aided by a little historical research.
The Samaritans were looked down upon by the Jews as a lesser and separated
renegade people who are the remainder of the ten northern tribes of Israel. This separation
followed the division of Israel into two kingdoms following the reign of Solomon. As
Jesus is traveling through this province He stops at a well and has a conversation with a
Samarian woman whom He asks for a drink of water. Their conversation was regarding
the worship of God that ends up with Jesus being comfortable enough with her to reveal
himself to her as the Messiah. She believes him and then goes into town to tell others and
they believe also. Then they come out to meet Jesus and they received him and his
teaching.
The reception Jesus received in Samaria is remarkable when compared to his
reception in Judea among the Jews with their priests, scribes and Pharisees. The
Samaritans believed on Jesus as the Messiah even though no miracles were recorded as
being performed by Him there. They even invited Him to stay with them and teach; they
received Him and His word. However, the Jews in Judea would not receive Him, or His
word, even though He performed numerous miracles before their eyes as evidence of who
He is.
John 12:37 - But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they
believed not on him:
What was the difference between the people of Samaria and those of Judea that
made these two peoples respond differently to Jesus? This question seems profound when
you consider that both groups of people are descendents of Isaac, (the people of Israel),
and both have the same religious background based on the Law of Moses and the words of
the prophets. Both groups knew that the prophesied Messiah was to come and were
expecting him. So why is there a different response to Jesus by each group - one accepting
Him while the other rejecting him?
It appears that the big difference between the people of these two regions was that
Judea was under the influence and control of an “Institutionalized Religious System”
dominated by the Jews and their imposed religious rituals; the Samaritans do not appear to
have this strong, Pharisaical influence. (From this point forward the “Institutional
Religious System” will be referred to as the IRS.)
In studying the Gospel of John we see the term “Jews” is used sixty-four times.
Nearly every time “the Jews” are referred to is an indication that they are the elite, the
religious ruling class and authority over “the people”. The people of Judea followed Jesus
and listened to his teaching, but later they were persuaded by “the Jews” to reject and
oppose him. The Jews also oppressed the people of Judea with their rules and control:
John 9:22 – “……because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already,
that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the
synagogue.
The Jews were those who strictly observed and enforced Judaism, what eventually
became the institutionalized religious system (IRS) of Judea. The religious extremism
they enforced evolved from the Torah (the Law of Moses) and the writings of the prophets.
However, the evolution of Judaism resulted from rituals, practices and religious
requirements that men added that were never ordained by God. Since Jesus did not adhere
to these additional requirements of the Jews, they opposed him. They constantly criticized,
challenged, persecuted and even plotted against Jesus because he did not conform to their
established rules, rituals, doctrines and practices. Therefore they felt that he couldn’t
possibly be the expected messiah since he didn’t fit “their” religious mold.
The term “Jews” refers to the priests, scribes, Pharisees, and teachers along with the
rulers of the temple and synagogues that composed the IRS of Judea. The Samaritans did
not have such a hindrance, particularly the Pharisees, to their knowledge of the law and the
prophets, so they were able to readily receive Jesus and His words when He came to them.
The Samaritans were not under the influence or control of these “Jews”; and this is one
reason why the Jews looked down on them as a lesser class of people – even referring to
them as “dogs”. Even though the Samaritans did observe the traditional Jewish customs,
there is no reference to the presence of the “scribes and Pharisees” that embellished on the
Law and Prophets to add rituals and traditions that were observed in Judea; traditions and
rituals that even Jesus did not and would not observe.
Why was the established IRS of the Jews so opposed to Jesus? One reason is a
matter of their perception of the Messiah. The Jews had no awareness or understanding of
who Jesus really was because they had a preconceived perception of what the Messiah
would be like when he arrived on the scene. Unfortunately, they assumed that the Messiah
would look and act much like them. They looked for one like themselves as they felt that
they were the perfect role model for righteousness and that Jesus would fit their pattern of
a stoic, rigid and ritualistic law keeper. Since Jesus did not conform to their image of what
the Messiah should be like, they could not therefore accept that He is the Messiah, so they
rejected him.
These law-keepers imposed harsh judgments for behavior that they determined as
being unlawful. They had no concept of mercy, grace, compassion or forgiveness which is
what Jesus, the Messiah, came to bring. Jesus said He did not come to judge the world as
the Jews were accustomed to doing. Instead he came to bring salvation, forgiveness and
restoration to God.
John 12:47 – ...for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
He was functioning, demonstrating and motivated by the Fruit of the Spirit which is
the character and nature of God: Love, Joy, Peace, Longsuffering, Gentleness, Goodness,
Faith, Meekness and Temperance (Galatians 5:22-23). To the Jews, Jesus did not
represent “their” IRS.
Another reason why this brood of leadership could not accept Jesus as the Christ is
because they could not control him; they also considered him to be a threat to their
positions of authority, influence and control. In fact, he was so much of a threat to their
IRS that they wanted to get rid of him rather than accept Him and His word:
John 11:47-48 - Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and
said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles. If we let him thus alone, all
men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place
and nation.
Mark 14:1 – And after two days was the feast of the Passover, and of unleavened
bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by
craft, and put him to death.
Jesus was considered to be rebellious by the IRS. It is not remarkable then that
Christ’s disciples and followers were also a threat to the same IRS, and they too were
persecuted and killed in an attempt to stop the spreading of the gospel and the building of
the true church:
Acts 4: 16-18 - Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable
miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and
we cannot deny it. But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly
threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. And they called
them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
Jesus pronounced a series of “woes” upon those in leadership positions in the IRS.
Matthew 23:13-33 - But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye
shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither
suffer ye them that are entering to go in. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees,
hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer:
therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation. Woe unto you, scribes and
Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when
he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves. Woe unto
you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing;
but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor! Ye fools and
blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold? And,
Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift
that is upon it, he is guilty. Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the
altar that sanctifieth the gift? Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by
it, and by all things thereon. And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it,
and by him that dwelleth therein. And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by
the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon. Woe unto you, scribes and
Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have
omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye
to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Ye blind guides, which strain at a
gnat, and swallow a camel. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye
make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of
extortion and excess. Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup
and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. Woe unto you, scribes and
Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear
beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.
Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of
hypocrisy and iniquity. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye
build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous, And
say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers
with them in the blood of the prophets. Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves,
that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets. Fill ye up then the
measure of your fathers. Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the
damnation of hell?
“Woe” is an exclamation of sorrow, grief or trouble; grief and trouble caused by
these leaders and the consequences they will suffer as a result of their actions. Jesus calls
them hypocrites and concludes his descriptions of them as being serpents and vipers –
deadly poisonous snakes. Clearly Jesus is declaring that such religious leaders are a
danger to people’s efforts to follow the Lord.
If Jesus was to walk and work among us today as he did 2000 years, how would he
be received? Would it be the same as in Samaria, or would it be like in Judea. I dare say
that He would likely experience the same response as He did then by those two groups of
people, both who are looking forward to his coming. Why would this be? I pose this
question because today we have an established IRS controlled by man who has also added
doctrines, rituals and practices that are not ordained of God; and at the same time they
have removed some of those vital observances that God has ordained. Jesus would likely
be considered to be rebellious by today’s institutional religious system (IRS).
This established IRS is called “church”. However, there is also another group that is
not so dominated and controlled by man that is also known as “church”, but it is the church
that is HIS BODY, of which and He is the Head, and not man. So we actually have two
groups in the world today called “church”. One is the church that man is building, the
institutionalized church; the other is the church that Jesus is building - the Body of Christ.
Some elements of His church remains within man’s church – (like the tares and wheat
mixed and growing together). Those in the IRS have considerable knowledge of Jesus and
the Bible, but many of them have not had a genuine heart changing experience with Jesus,
or their allegiance is more devoted to their particular branch of the IRS than to Jesus
Christ. Their focus is on their “church” or denomination rather than on Christ. This is
why they can’t move with His leading, and they reject the input of the Holy Spirit,
preferring to run things their own way.
Therefore, if Jesus was to work His works today as He did 2000 years ago He would
likely experience the same criticism, challenges, persecution and opposition by the
established IRS as He did back then, and this would come primarily from the church that
man is building. Why would this happen? ….. because He does not conform to their
established rules, rituals, doctrines, and practices, much of which was created and imposed
by man, are not of God, and have no true Biblical basis. The leadership of man’s church
would not be able to control Him and He would be a threat to their positions of authority,
influence and control, (and income); just like it happened 2000 years ago.
So we see that the problem resides in the leadership of the IRS rather than in the
people that are subject to their control and influence. Many times the people within the
system will accept what Jesus is doing and showing them as they search the scriptures, but
they are then “put down” by the leadership of the IRS. If such people choose to pursue
what the Lord is showing them and doing, they have to leave the institutionalized system
in order to feel free to follow His will. Many such people are those that are in the church
that Jesus is building but are also members of man’s institutionalized church. They refuse
to leave and, instead, put up with the established leadership’s control; yet they maintain
their proper response to what Jesus is doing, saying and leading by His Holy Spirit. They
are often criticized and persecuted for their differing views. They are the part of the
church that Jesus is building, but they still remain within the church man is building; and
they are often compromised by the IRS while trying to bring about a change within it.
Some may even be part of the leadership of the IRS but they too will compromise to
preserve their position.
John 12:42-43 - Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but
because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the
synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. (Note:
compromise such as this by believers is one reason that allows the IRS to maintain
control.)
How can this situation be corrected and resolved so that the church is totally ready
for the coming of Christ? Since the problem lies in the leadership, let’s take a look at what
is required for leadership of His church. Paul identifies such requirements in his letter to
Timothy:
1 Timothy 3:1-8 – This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he
desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife,
vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine,
no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that
ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a
man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into
reproach and the snare of the devil.
However, these requirements assume that the person has already qualified as a
servant through the process of discipleship as Jesus taught. I have encountered many in
positions of church leadership who have never been through the discipleship process
which is required to be a servant of the Lord. They may have met man’s qualifications and
have been given man’s credentials to be a leader in the church man is building, but they
have not qualified to be leaders in the church that Christ is building.
Luke 9:23-25 – And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny
himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life
shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For
what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast
away?
Matthew 20:25-28 - But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the
princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great
exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will
be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among
you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered
unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
In order to be a true servant of the Lord one must become “self-less” just as Jesus
was. He is our role model for ministry and leadership in His church. Unfortunately, selfless-ness is not taught in the institutions that produce the leadership for the church man is
building. Along with doctrine, traditional ministerial students are taught the “how to” of
organizing, directing and controlling the organization and its members. Basically, they are
directed to build and maintain the church using man’s ways and are not being led or
directed by the Holy Spirit that Jesus sent to guide and lead us in the building of His
church. They are shown by man how to conceive agendas and work to fulfill them. They
can’t be a servant of the Lord and have their own agenda since it would be their own
agenda that they will work toward. The result is a church full of programs and
entertainment to keep people attending and occupied within the organization.
Not being a true servant under the lordship of Jesus Christ means they are not doing
His agenda, but their own; and they can’t be His servant while doing their own thing.
Why? ….because it is their work they are doing and not His. He cannot lead them and
direct their steps because they have already predetermined what they are going to do and
how to do it. Then they ask God to bless their plans. In the IRS they are doing their works
in the name of the Lord, but they are doing THEIR work FOR Him.
Initially this sounds very admirable, but that is not how it’s supposed to be done.
Jesus does not need people working FOR Him; He is looking for people that He can
WORK THROUGH. Jesus said “He would build His church” and He is looking for those
who have been disciplined enough to be true servants. True servants are ones that receive
directions from their master; they are the ones that He uses to build His church, and they
do it His way, by His directives. His servants are ones that He does His work through so
He can build it His way; they don’t work for Him – He works through them.
As a result of man building a church using man’s own methods, and not the Lord’s,
we have the IRS church. It is full of man’s personalities, doctrines and traditions. Most of
these churches are built and established by a man under a man’s name. You even hear
people say I go to so-and-so’s church, naming the pastor who is the head of that church, or
I go to “such ‘n such” church naming the institution or denomination.
The church that Jesus is building has Jesus as the head of the church and does not
focus on the name of a man or the name of an institution or denomination. Also you
should notice that the church that man builds generally reflects man’s personality; just like
an architect’s qualities are reflected in the buildings he designs. Whereas Jesus’
personality and character is reflected in the church He is building. So now you can see
that it is apparent that there are two churches in the world today; the one man is building,
and the one Jesus is building.
In Revelation Chapter 3 we see the result of a church that man builds; it can be very
successful in the eyes of man and the world; but it is very deficient in the eyes of our Lord
Jesus Christ.
Revelation 3:14-20 – And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write;
These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the
creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou
wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will
spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with
goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and
miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in
the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed,
and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with
eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous
therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my
voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with
me.
Note that Jesus was not even in this church; He was left outside and knocking,
asking admission to get in. Obviously those in leadership of the church in Laodicea were
no longer true servants of the Lord because they were not being led by the Lord or it would
not have become as Christ described it. It may be possible that it began properly as have
many today, but reliance on man’s leadership rather than the Lord’s leading allowed them
to stray into the paths of human effort resulting in a fleshly organization and congregation.
Let’s get back to what is required for leadership in His church, and we start with
Jesus Christ who is our example and the standard by which we are to live and serve. It is
vital that we are able to recognize true ministry and ministers, especially in these last days.
Luke 22:25-27 – And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over
them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye shall not
be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as
he that doth serve. For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is
not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.
Jesus is the pattern of true ministry, so we need to look at how he operated in order
to properly represent Him and His Kingdom here on earth now. All true ministry involves
the working of the Holy Spirit in and through those who have been so endowed, as was
Jesus. In addition, true ministry is founded on the Fruit of the Spirit, which is the character
and nature of God as exhibited through Jesus Christ.
Galatians 5:22-23 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness,
goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Much of Jesus’ ministry involved supernatural events that we recognize today as
Gifts of the Spirit. Those in whom the Fruit of the Spirit is evident are those through which
the TRUE Gifts of the Spirit are able to operate.
1 Corinthians 12:7-10 – But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit
withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of
knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of
healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to
another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the
interpretation of tongues:
Please be aware that these Gifts are often counterfeited by Satan which he
incorporates to deceive people to bring them into bondage of false doctrines and practices.
This is why Jesus gave the warning to beware of false ministry as compared to TRUE
ministry.
Matthew 7:15-23 – Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but
inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather
grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but
a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither
can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is
hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every
one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that
doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord,
Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in
thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew
you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Look what Jesus has to say about those ministers who are attempting to build His
house by their own ways and means:
Matthew 7: 24-27 – Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I
will liken him unto a wise (minister) man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain
descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell
not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and
doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish (minister) man, which built his house upon
the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat
upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
Verses 24-27 refer to the building of up the saints, His church – His house. Those in
ministry who do their own thing, (which is iniquity), are building the wrong way and when
the storms of life come to those under their ministry, they will not stand firm but will fall.
Such ministers are not building on the Solid Rock of Jesus Christ and His Word; instead,
they are building on their personality, their doctrine and ideas, which is like building on
sand.
Jesus knew that in the last days that false prophets and preachers would rely on
supernatural manifestations to deceive people and persuade them to follow their false
ministry.
Matthew 24:4-5, 24 – And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man
deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive
many. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs
and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
The Gifts of the Spirit are valid, even for today in spite of the teaching of some, but
the true gifts operate as a result of the Fruit of the Spirit, namely, the first listed Fruit of
Love (charity).
1 Corinthians 12:31 – 13:3 – But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a
more excellent way. Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not
charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift
of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith,
so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I
bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have
not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
There are two key elements that are required for those who are to be recognized as
having a true ministry as servants of the Lord. Both elements are derived from the Fruit of
the Spirit: the first is COMPASSION – love or charity; the second is A SERVANT’S
HEART – humility and meekness.
Compassion is defined as “to care for” and is a component of love/charity. From the
Greek as used in scripture it means: sympathy; pity; inner deep seated concern for another;
bowels of mercy; yearning to help or meet their needs; moved by the distress, needs or
misfortune of others. Jesus provided the example of compassion, (love in action), as He
was moved (motivated) with a loving concern for those he saw in need. In the Old
Testament, God’s loving care and kindness was frequently referred to as “His Grace and
Mercy that endures forever”. Jesus brought that grace and mercy to us by His compassion:
Matthew 9:36 – But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them,
because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.
Matthew 14:14 – And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with
compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.
Matthew 15:32 – Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on
the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and
I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.
Matthew 20:34 – So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and
immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.
So ministers today are to be moved with compassion; and when they do so the
power of God begins to flow through them with the Gifts of the Spirit to meet the needs of
those being ministered to.
Jesus also provides us an example of a true servant’s heart in not seeking benefit for
Himself, but for the offering of Himself for the benefit of others, in what He can give
them or do for them.
Matthew 20:21 – And he said unto her, What wilt thou?….
Matthew 20:25-28 – But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of
the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon
them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be
your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as
the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a
ransom for many
Matthew 20:32 – And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall
do unto you?
Note that scripture shows that Jesus did nothing for himself; all he did was for the
benefit of others. The only time He expressed a concern for Himself was while He was
agonizing in the garden over what he knew he was facing on our behalf; nevertheless he
yielded to the Father’s divine will and purpose as a true servant.
Jesus demonstrated humility and meekness in his service which is the opposite of
the haughtiness and aloofness demonstrated by some well known ministers we have seen
in recent history. Ministry without a servant’s heart and compassion for others is a
ministry that is self serving; one that is out for personal gain of wealth, position, and
recognition, (fame and fortune).
We should also note that Jesus did not do blanket ministry covering everyone, but
only to those who came to Him. What He had to offer was not for those who didn’t seek
Him. His compassion was on those who followed Him, came to Him, and asked of Him
and sought Him out.
Matthew 7:7-8 – Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall
be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and
to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
From this we learn that not all people will receive of what the Lord has to offer, so
don’t try to force the Word or the gospel on those who are not open to it, as the manner of
some is in efforts to evangelize.
The work of ministry consists of meeting needs of others – physically, spiritually,
financially; instructing in right living and in growing to spiritual maturity and conformity
to Christ; and in comforting and encouraging. True ministry is to serve others and requires
compassion.
1 Peter 3:8 – Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as
brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
Jude 22 – And of some have compassion, making a difference:
As mentioned before, a true minister is a servant, and a servant is self-less; he has
died to his own self will and self determination. (This requirement goes completely
against what is commonly taught today as the “can do” philosophy of success, prosperity
and make your own way in life.) Being selfless means you do not exercise your own will
and desires; instead, you die to them. It’s called denying self. Then you are able to follow
the will and directives of the one that you recognize as your master – Jesus Christ the
Lord.
Jesus is our example: He did not have His own agenda but followed the directives
of His Heavenly Father. (This is also why He spent much time in prayer and communion
with God in the early hours each day; to know what His Father wants done that day.)
Jesus was the prefect servant; He was selfless, empty of self-will and desires except to
serve his Father and do God’s will. Thus Jesus could truthfully say, If you’ve seen me
you’ve seen the Father. Jesus did nothing to serve himself; he came to serve, or to
minister to, us.
John 5:19 – Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The
Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he
doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.
John 12:44-45 - Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on
him that sent me. And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me.
Those who are called of the Lord to serve Him in ministry and to build His church
must be disciples in order to become servants; selfless, empty of their own desires and
their own will, in order to be directed by the Lord Jesus in the building of His church and
equipping the saints. They follow Jesus’ example:
1 Peter 2:21 - For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us,
leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
The result of their labors will be a church that will hear the Word of the Lord when
He speaks by His Spirit; they will be endued with power and ability to do His work and the
results will reflect Him. This produces a church without spot or wrinkle, the one that Jesus
is coming back for.
Hopefully the institutionalized church can also become responsive to the Holy Spirit
and the leading of the Lord, but only if the leadership will set aside those things taught by
man and their reliance on man’s control and maintenance of their own crafted
organization, doctrines, rituals and practices.
True and proper leadership in the church will not dominate or control as being lord’s
over Christ’s congregation, but rather will be servants to it, to nurture and rear it up. Such
leadership is to set the example of a Christ centered life for the congregation to follow:
1 Peter 5:3 - Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
The leadership of His church lives this way and encourages the saints to follow their
example. Paul said he and his team of ministers had set the example:
2 Thessalonians 3:7 - For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not
ourselves disorderly among you;
The apostle Paul instructed young Timothy, as a leader, to be an example:
1 Timothy 4:12 - Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in
word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
The apostle Paul summed it up quite completely how every believer is to live:
Philippians 3:17 – Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as
ye have us for an ensample.
The proper role of a servant to be a minister to, and in, the Lord’s church requires
selflessness and then satisfying the requirements that Paul described in behavior and mode
of living. Deny self, which is to eliminate self will, selfishness, which is also frequently
referred to in scripture as “the flesh”, “the old man”, and “the old nature”.
Galatians 2:20 – I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth
in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who
loved me, and gave himself for me.
Jesus gave the command not to follow false leadership:
Matthew 7:15-16, 20 – Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing,
but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Wherefore by
their fruits ye shall know them.
The fruit Jesus is referring to here is not man’s works, but rather, the Fruit of the
Spirit; (this is redundant but it is so import that it needs to be repeated again):
Galatians 5:22-24 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness,
goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are
Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
This fruit is the character and nature of God that is also in Christ; it is the result of
applying Galatians 2:20 and making that your way of life; (note that the flesh, or self, is
crucified, put to death - verse 24). The false prophets, teachers and ministers are missing
this fruit. They would rather have you look at their works, including signs and wonders
performed by them:
Matthew 7:22-23 - Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not
prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name
done many wonderful works?3And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you:
depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Note: the enemy can do signs and wonders too, but he can’t duplicate the character and
nature of God – the Fruit of the Spirit. That’s why Jesus said to look for the “fruit” – His
character and nature in those that minister and provide leadership in the church. Note also
that Jesus said these “many” also work iniquity. Iniquity means “doing your own thing”
which is a form of rebellion; not following His leading.
What is the most significant requirement to being a servant? - He must be able to
hear his master’s voice. Why is this so important? A servant must be able to hear his
master’s voice in order to follow his will and do his master’s bidding. Traditionally, those
who are called by God into His service are usually trained for the ministry by man’s
institutions of learning: bible schools and seminaries that are run by man’s IRS. Here they
are taught and trained for leadership by teachers of the established religious system (IRS)
on how to propagate that same system. They are taught by those who depend on man’s
techniques and methods, and these instructors generally do not know how to hear the
master’s voice in order to be directed by Him; so how can they be qualified to teach others
to HEAR HIM?
This is an absence of the most essential ingredient to being a servant of the Lord –
hearing his voice. How then are they going to teach and train new leadership how to hear
the master’s voice, the ingredient that is required in order to be directed by Him in the
building of His church (house). Again, Jesus is our example:
John 5:30 – I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just;
because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.
This is much like the reference to Martha and Mary. Martha was very diligent in
ministering; but Mary chose something, which at that moment, was much more important.
Jesus acknowledged that being able to hear Him was more important than just being busy
ministering as many do today:
Luke 10:38-42 – “.......and a certain woman named Martha received Him into her house.
And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus feet, and heard his word. But
Martha was cumbered about much serving (ministry), and came to him, and said, Lord,
dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve (minister) alone? Bid her therefore
that she help me (minister). And Jesus said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful
and troubled about many (lesser important) things: but one thing is needful; and Mary
hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her” (parentheses added).
Jesus was actually rebuking Martha for trying to do “her” ministry during the same
time that Jesus was “ministering”. She should have stopped and listened to Him. Without
hearing the master’s directions, man is left to his own accord in building the church. Thus
we have the results as mentioned in Revelation 3:14-19, the Church of Laodicea to which
this notice as given:
Revelation 3:22 – “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the
churches.”
Consider what happens to those who don’t have ears to hear what the Spirit is
saying to the churches. Obviously they miss out on what Christ wants them to hear and
do. So what are the consequences of not being a selfless true servant of the Lord and of
not hearing and following His directives in building His church - (His House)? Those who
hear and follow His instructions are building His house (the church ) on rock. Those who
do not hear His voice but employ man’s institutionalized training and techniques are not
obedient or directed by Him and end up building their version of His house on sand.
Matthew 7:24-27 – “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I
will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended,
and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it
was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth
them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And
the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house;
and it fell: and great was the fall of it.”
The question to ask in regards to this passage is; whose house are we building?
Since the last part of this chapter seems to deal with those who present themselves as
leadership of the Lord’s people and the work of the ministry of teaching and preaching His
Word in His name, it appears that Jesus is referring to His house that is being built by His
servants.
Another consideration regarding being a true servant of the Lord is that they do not
do their service for a pay check as do the professional clergy of the IRS. I know that this
will be hard to accept but the reason is clear as can be: the one who pays you controls you.
Jesus made it clear that you cannot serve God and make that service your occupation
or vocation. Why, because you would have to compromise His Word and His directives
for the demands of the people or organization that pays your wages. This is a main reason
why we have the messed up IRS we have today; it’s due to dependence on a salary and the
manipulation and control by those who pay it – resulting in the “professional clergy”. This
eliminates the freedom to hear from the Lord and speak His words; especially if those
words go contrary to the doctrines, rituals and practices of the established IRS,
organization, denomination or church that pays ones salary.
Luke 16:13 - “No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love
the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and
mammon.”
It is also apparent that the IRS requires that it, the church, its name, its system or
program, becomes the central focus of Christian life. Though this sounds good, it is error,
and the same one that the Jews promoted two thousand years ago – allegiance to the
system. In the church that Christ is building, He is the center and focus of attention and
not the church organization or the religious system. His church is the result of a life
centered on Him, and Him alone. Church, then, is the by-product of those who intimately
know and follow Him and not man’s system of organized, institutionalized religion.
This article will likely offend many who are comfortable in the IRS that many refer
to as church; but the purpose of this article is to provoke self examination of what is
believed, practiced and carried on traditionally, and to get Christians to focus on Christ and
to follow the leading and examples of those who are God’s true servants; servants who
have paid a high price to be qualified as His servants who DO NOT live off of the flock.
Read Ezekiel 34 to see what God has to say about the religious institution created by
the Jews. It’s important to recognize that there are many similarities with today’s IRS, and
people within it need to get out and follow the true shepherds and servants; or demand
change within their institution to bring it back to the way God intended it to be – His
temple and dwelling place. His temple does not refer to a church building at all because
Jesus said He does not live in a temple built by human hands; His people are His temple
and His dwelling place:
1 Corinthians 3:16 - Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God
dwelleth in you?
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost
which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a
price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
True servants are Christ’s ambassadors and not much like the professional clergy,
most of who continue parroting and propagating the traditions of man’s doctrines and
practices; some of which have their origins in ancient pagan practices.
It is our prayer that godly and self-less leadership will come forth according to the
requirements as set forth in the Bible; those who hear and follow the voice of the Lord
Jesus Christ and the leading of His Holy Spirit to guide His people into being the Church
that Christ is building. It is also our prayer is that people will be as the Samaritans and
respond to Jesus and His Word by receiving Him with a whole heart and mind so that the
church will be as the Samaritans were, ready to receive Christ when He comes.
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EPILOGUE
Warning: the following supplement will be offensive to those in the IRS, nevertheless it
must be brought out or I would be failing in the task the Lord has assigned to me and
others in dealing with this end-time condition of the church.
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Recognizing that there are currently two churches in the world today, one built by
man (the IRS) and the other built by Christ, is important to identify which one you are in
and which one you want to be part of. Is it possible that the two can become one? This
would require the IRS church of man to yield up their control, their positions, false
doctrines and traditions in order to submit to the Lordship of Christ as the true and sole
Head of the Church. Can the IRS be changed?
This may not be possible! Why? ….consider that Jesus was not able to change the
Jews of His day; thus the IRS remained intact to conspire His death. However, there were
some of the Jews that did believe on Him such as Nicodemus. Nicodemus became a
believer and remained in the system for a while; but, most likely he ended up having to
leave. Other believing Jews also had to leave the IRS and became part of His body of
believers – His church. More than likely we will not be able to change the entire
leadership of the IRS, but some may come out of it; however, they need to be encouraged
or they may experience the result of compromise that such leaders did when they believed
on Jesus two thousand years ago.
John 12:42-43 - Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but
because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the
synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
We can appeal for them individually to come out of the IRS and move in and with
the church Christ is building.
To more accurately describe the two churches in the world today is to recognize that
one is of God and the other is of man. One represents Christ, and the other is the false
church of man, an imitation or counterfeit fostering deception and deceiving those that are
within it.
As we draw closer to the return of Christ, the differences between the two will
become more pronounced; so much so that opposition will arise. Most likely, the IRS will
employ state or government protection through laws and regulations while at the same
time try to outlaw the true church Christ is building. How can this happen? Just like it did
in Jesus’ time! The IRS of the Jews obtained government recognition as the official
religious system of the land. They were then able to employ the government’s political
and legislative system, the Roman leaders, to kill Jesus and to persecute the church and kill
Christians. This grew to the point that killing Christians became a sport, a source of
entertainment in Rome featured in the coliseum.
The false church, (originating as Roman Catholic), that began as political Rome
disintegrated, picked up much of Rome’s pagan practices and added considerably more
false doctrines and changed Christian beliefs and formed new traditions. It also appears to
have picked up the mantle of the Caesars in the form of the pope, and then continued to
carry on the practice of killing the true believers for centuries. Jesus gave the apostle John
the warning of the destructiveness of the IRS – the false church which operates under the
influence of the spirit of antichrist.
1 John 2:18-22 – Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist
shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no
doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that
they were not all of us. But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.
I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that
no lie is of the truth. Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is
antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.
Putting Mary above Christ as the intercessor, and making the priest as the forgiver
of sins, is denying Christ of His position and who He is as is done in the Church of Rome.
Consider also where antichrist operates: not in the world which is already under the
influence of Satan, but in church where he masquerades as the Holy Spirit, albeit – the
counterfeit.
Could it be possible that the IRS has created the great whore, a phase of the mystery
(mystical) Babylon, mentioned in the Book of Revelation? Several descriptions of it are
recorded in the Book of Revelation and in Foxes Book of Martyrs as killer of the saints
and reveal that it is likely describing the Church of Rome.
Revelation 17:1 – And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and
talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will show unto thee the judgment of the
great whore that sitteth upon many waters: With whom the kings of the earth have
committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the
wine of her fornication.
Note: The Pope of Rome has ruled over and influenced the kings of the earth for
centuries. Also note that “fornication” refers to perverted worship by people who claim to
be God’s people. This term was frequently used of the people of Israel when they turned
from God to worship idols and observe pagan religions practices. However, we must also
recognize that the Church of Rome had offspring – the harlot had daughters.
Revelation 17:5-6 - And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON
THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.
And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the
martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.
This reference to “harlots” likely refers to the Protestant church that sprang out of
Rome as a result of the Reformation. They eliminated much error and some pagan
practices; nevertheless, they also continued with much that originated in Rome that is not
biblical – thus they are the offspring of Rome, the harlot daughters. Why? …because they
still carry on man’s rule over the people and many man made false doctrines and practices.
Fortunately they incorporated faith in the blood of Jesus for salvation, rejected the Pope,
Mary worship and idols, but they kept many other things that are not biblical; especially
the Nicolaitan form of church hierarchy, the clergy, the rule and government by man that
the early church did not have and thrived without:
Revelation 2:15 – So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which
thing I hate.
The church that man is building includes much of the Protestant sect also; and it
doesn’t stop there either. Yes, they preach Christ and use His Word; but, they mix error,
false doctrines, rituals and practices in with the truth. Mixing error with truth means you
no longer have TRUTH. Like a cancer, the error grows and kills the truth if not cut out.
The church Christ is building does not tolerate a mixture of error with truth.
John 4:23-24 - But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship
the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a
Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
It may help to understand how the false church could possibly be referred to as the
mystery Babylon. Babylon, as mentioned several times in the Book of Revelation appears
to refer to different entities, each of which has some form of identification with Babylon.
Mystery Babylon is actually “mystical” Babylon which indicates a mystic, mysterious or
occultic form. This would apply to a religious system that engages in superstitions and
practices with pagan origins and false doctrines that are held aloof from the people by its
leaders and reported to be only understood by those in authority of the system. This
perfectly describes the Roman Catholic Church. In addition, the word Babylon refers to
the place of Babel which means “confusion”. Confusion is the result of mixing truth with
error as is done in the IRS of the Roman church and its spin-offs. This IRS will be judged
and destroyed:
Revelation 17:18 - And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth
over the kings of the earth.
Revelation 19:1-2 - And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven,
saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:
For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did
corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her
hand.
The question to ponder is: can the IRS be changed or must people be brought to the
realization that it is the false church and they have to abandon it. If, indeed, the IRS
church of today is the great whore and her daughters, then Christ is calling His people to
leave it before it is judged as stated in scripture:
Revelation 18:4-5 – And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my
people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her
sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.
Believers, it’s time to heed the Lord’s warning and get out of the IRS and into His
Body fully and without compromise. Be part of His church, the only one without spot or
wrinkle.
Ephesians 5:25-27 – Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and
gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the
word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or
any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
Note: “spots” imply sins, dirty stains, bad habits, even wrong traditions or practices;
and “wrinkle” implies old age or an old system that has no vibrant spiritual life – lacking
the life of the vine that renews and refreshes daily. Both seem to refer to the IRS.
2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1 - Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what
fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with
darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth
with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the
temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I
will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them,
and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive
you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord
Almighty. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from
all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Nowhere in the New Testament of the Bible does it say that the church is a building
or an organization as it is commonly known today. Church as it generally exists today is
actually a product of the IRS. It has very little in common with the church as described in
the New Testament by Jesus or the apostles. In fact, most of what is practiced and
observed in churches today has absolutely no New Testament basis. As a result of Rome’s
influence, the church became an institution; it has a building, a name, an official
membership roll, an elite and distinct class of leadership, a corporate charter and
government ID number and a 501.C3 tax status placing them under the control of the
Internal Revenue Service. The church of today has become a form of a fraternal
organization, thus an institution.
The church Jesus spoke of was very much informal, did not have a building, a
membership roster, a separate class of people who exclusively formed the leadership and
absolutely no governmental recognition. Jesus described the simplicity of the church:
Matthew 18:20 - For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I
in the midst of them.
Church literally means, “the gathering; the called out and assembled together ones”.
Nothing else is required to be a church because church is simply people meeting together,
wherever and whenever they assemble and regardless of how many or how few. It’s not a
name, a building, an organization or denomination. It does not require a pastor or clergy, a
sermon, a choir, pews, and offering plate, a piano or organ, stained glass windows, a set
meeting time or day. In fact, nearly everything that constitutes the modern church has no
basis in scripture, except for (as in some cases) the bringing forth the Word and Jesus as
Savior, communion and baptism, and even these last two have variations in different
denominations.
One consideration that needs to be recognized is that not all cultures will do things
the same way so we must be able to accept variables in how believers gather and relate to
one another. However, the basic form of church is simply the Lord’s people gathering
together and growing in their relationship with God and with one another in love and care.
Thus the true church is actually a loving and cohesive family, the sons or children of God
the Father, and joint heirs with Christ who calls us His brethren. And never did God or
Jesus ordain that His church be divided into two distinct groups of people: the clergy - or
the privileged elite, and the laity - the common folk. These two groups are a product of the
Roman Catholic Church that is still carried on by the IRS in the Protestant Church.
We must also recognize that the gift ministries given by Jesus in Ephesians 4:11 are
not positions but functions that serve a purpose.
Ephesians 4:11-12 – And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some,
evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work
of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
The IRS has made these gifts positions rather than functions; they do so in order
have power, and control. However, the IRS refuses to recognize the gifts of apostles and
prophets because they do not understand their function and cannot control them. The
teachers have been relegated to teaching Sunday School and have no other purpose or
leadership role within the IRS. The poor evangelist is out there on his own; he is tolerated
and welcomed only to the extent that he helps build the IRS’s field of influence over more
people by gathering them in or motivating them to be more involved in following the IRS
plan.
We should recognize that God does work in and through any person or group,
including an IRS organization to the extent that they use His Word: that’s because it is His
Word that He honors, not the person, group or organization. So we see that church as it
has existed up through today is has always been used by God to accomplish His purpose,
so long as His Word is brought forth; even though it is in the IRS. Besides, many times
the IRS is all He has had available to work through, so He uses them only to the extent that
He can.
However, much more would be accomplished if the IRS was removed from the
people that compose the church. The limitations and restrictions imposed by man’s IRS is
the reason why the church ceased “turning the world upside-down” for Christ as did the
early church. The power and influence of the church has been greatly diluted because of
the IRS. Remove the IRS and the Holy Spirit would be free to move mightily again in and
through all believers to function in the gifts and callings that God has ordained and thus
have a greater impact on society and the world. This is how it is in the church Christ is
building. And it is these kinds of unknown and unrecognized believers that are the greatest
movers and shakers for the kingdom of God as His witness in the earth today. Such are
those who are portions of the church that are coming out from the IRS and moving more
fully into being His church – His Body in the earth.
The material just presented serves to function similar to what the Lord spoke to the
prophet Jeremiah when defining the work God called him to do:
Jeremiah 1:10 …..to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to
build, and to plant.
Today this can be applied to identifying the false church of man (IRS) and
embracing the Church Jesus is building with the sowing of the uncorrupted Word of God
as precious seed to build the true Body of Christ in which every believer is a servant and
minister of the Lord; each employing his or her God given gifts and abilities under His
direction and without the oppressive and subjective control of man as in the IRS.
Ephesians 4:13-16 - Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the
Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every
wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to
deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the
head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that
which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every
part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
To see how a true church service is conducted read 1 Corinthians 14.
Revelation 22:20 – He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus.