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HOW TO DESTROY YOUR CHURCH FROM THE PULPIT

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wrecking ball

 

 

 

 

 

By Ken Blue

 

A few years ago I was a preacher’s conference where we hoped to glean some new ideas on church growth. Sitting next to me was a young pastor. He confided in me that he was troubled and perplexed as why his church would not grow. I ask him, “What kind of sermons are you preaching?” He said to me, “I rip their face off!”

 

I believe it was Charles Spurgeon who said, “Pulpits are coward’s castles.” Weak men see the pulpit as a place of power, prestige, and pageantry. They love the position more than the person, and the telling of the thing, more than the thing they tell. They learned somewhere that guilt is the key to motivating people. They also learn, in time, that it will backfire on them.

 

Here are some tips on how to destroy or empty your church.

 

  • Flog your own sins as though they were the sins of your people.

 

  • Make people feel they are not right with God, unless they do what you want.

 

  • Start a ministry, and then scold people for not participating.

 

  • Attack other religions.

 

  • Attack other Bibles.

 

  • Attack personalities.

 

  • Preach that every person must go on scheduled church visitation before they can serve.

 

  • Preach that every person must tithe before they can serve.

 

  • Tell them that if they loved Jesus, they would attend every service.

 

  • Tell women if they wear pants, they are “hussies.”

 

  • Preach against men with facial hair.

 

  • Tell people if they mean business, they will come to the “altar.”

 

  • When you preach, ride a “Hobby horse.”

 

  • Tell yourself, because you have an infallible Bible, therefore, you are infallible.

 

  • Preach to make people feel guilt, guilt, guilt, guilt, guilt, and watch your church grow!

 

I know if some observed the above, they won’t have anything to preach. Can you feel the guilt yet?

WHY YOU CANNOT OBEY THE “GREAT COMMISSION.”

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BRICK WALL

 

 

 

 

 

By Ken Blue

“Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. 17  And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. 18  And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:16-20.

I find it interesting that the brethren see the above as a “Great Commission,” and ignore those in Mark 16:15-12; Luke 24:47-49; John 20:21-23; Acts 1:8. Perhaps they see a clue to their doctrinal persuasion in it. Granted, it is a great mission and soul winning passage. And all are justified to uses it as a practical motivation to world missions.

However, when it comes to the doctrinal, historical, and dispensational interpretation of the text, no one does, nor can obey it today. I am aware of the juggling act performed by the brethren in an attempt to make it fit. But I have been to the circus before, and have seen the clowns at work. I will prove beyond any doubt, to the sane, that the commission cannot, and is not obeyed by anyone.

It is spoken to the disciples. One of the cardinal rules of Bible interpretation is to discover who is being addressed. It is the eleven, and thy could obey all He taught them, after receiving “power from on high.” That power would enable them to do “greater miracles” than He had done! No Baptist has that power today. “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18  They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. 19  So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. 20  And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.” Mark 16:17-20.

The command was for them to go into all the world, beginning at Jerusalem. This was more than a mission strategy. It was imperative  that Israel repent and accept the Kingdom Gospel they would preach. Israel must repent for the Kingdom Gospel to be taken “into all the world.” I am aware how the brethren apply their city as Jerusalem. But even that will not work.

The command to baptize is not a method or formula, but an assurance of authority from the Trinity. That is why the word “power” is used in the context. You will not find anyone in Scripture using it as a pattern.

Their ministry was to make disciples in every nation, starting with the Jews. As we said, Israel must first repent and accept Jesus as their Messiah. Converts then must be taught the rules, and principles of the Kingdom of Heaven. Thus, theirs was primarily a teaching ministry of the kingdom of heaven.

Now, the monkey wrench into the gears. They were to teach their disciples to “observe all things commanded you.” Do we need to go back over His ministry and discover what He taught them? For the honest skeptic, we will give a few examples.

Do you cast out devils?  Do you heal the sick? “Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? 20  And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. 21  Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting. Matthew 17:19-21”   How does Matt. 18:19 work for you? “Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.” Do you let divorced people, who are remarried join your church? Matt. 19:9. Will church members sit on twelve thrones? Matt. 19:28. It would be a waste of time to take the things Jesus taught His disciples, and them attempt to make them church doctrine.  “15  And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16  He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 17  And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18  They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. 19  So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. 20  And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.” Mark 16:15-20.  “21  Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. 22  And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: 23  Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.” John 20:21-23. No Baptist does it, nor can he.

I purposefully choose passages this side of Matt. 16. The reader should understand the impossibility, how ridiculous it for anyone to assume thy can obeying all that Jesus taught His disciples to do and teach. If you think differently, we welcome your corrections. I don’t mean to be arrogant, but I don’t expect any rebuttal to the challenge.

LET’S STUDY REVELATION # 36

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OLIVE TREES AND CANDLESTICKS

REVELON BOOK

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth. (Revelation 11:4).

The title, “God of the whole earth” is a reference to a new relationship with Israel. During this dispensation, God is not the Lord of the earth in relation to Israel. He has put Israel aside as an adulteress wife, calling her “Lo-ammi.” “Then said God, Call his name Lo-ammi: for ye are not my people, and I will not be your God” (Hosea 1:9). He is now the Lord in Heaven. However, at this point in the Revelation, He is once again given the title in anticipation of His soon dominion over the whole earth.

Today, there is no difference between the Jew and the Gentile. For two thousand years God has ignored the cries of Israel. Their land has been given to the Gentiles to be trampled down. This will continue until Christ returns.

The title given to these two witnesses as two olive trees and candlesticks is obviously a figure of speech. A metaphor is used when one thing is representing another. It is a symbol. What do these figures or symbols mean? Comparing a similar situation from the Old Testament can help us see the answer to that.

After the restoration from Babylon, God had two witnesses whom we read about in Zechariah 4:1-3, “And the angel that talked with me…And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which were upon the top thereof: And two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof.” In Zech. 4:4, the prophet asks who the two olive trees represent. Verses 6-7 reveal that one is the prince, Zerubbabel, and Zechariah 3:8-9 says, Joshua the High Priest is the other. These two represented God on behalf of the nation of Israel and restored the temple, its worship, and the rebuilding of Jerusalem. The two witnesses in Revelation 11 will have the same ministry. Their power is through the anointing of the Holy Spirit and their prophecy cannot be resisted. As the “pipes” brought a constant supply of olive oil for the lights, so the Spirit’s anointing would abide on them for power, protection, and prophecy.

When the restoration of the Hebrew people takes place and the temple is rebuilt, these two witnesses will appear on the scene in the middle of that week. They will have the combined power of Moses and Elijah as their light shines forth in testimony before Israel and the Antichrist.

We are not told who these two witnesses are. Some assume they are Enoch and Elijah, or Moses. They argue that the Bible teaches, “it is appointed unto men once to die,” (Hebrews 9:27), and since two of them never died, it must be Enoch and Elijah.

However, it should be understood that Hebrews 9:27 is not a statement of fact. Every man will not die. Hebrews 9:27 speaks of mankind in general. Many in the church will never die; they will be translated to heaven without seeing death. Many will come through the Tribulation without dying. There is no Scriptural proof as to who these two men are, and it is not important. The point is their ministry, not their identity. God will have His two witnesses with an abundant supply of God’s Spirit and power for their prophecies against the beast.
“And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will. And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.” (Revelation 11: 5-7).

The retribution inflicted on those who would hurt these witnesses (vv. 5-6), shows that they are not connected to the church of this dispensation. Christians are not permitted to hurt those who harm them. That which transpires in the Day of the Lord is in harmony with those days when Israel was in idolatry and gross immorality under Ahab and Jezebel. Elijah the prophet was sent to pronounce that there would be no rain for three and one-half years. These two witnesses will once again bring those judgments upon Israel and the kingdom of the Beast.
Verse 7 should strike fear in the heart of man and at the same time bring him peace of mind. Not one servant of God can be killed or die until God is through with him. This ought to encourage and motivate every servant of Christ. On the other hand, one should keep in mind this truth; no matter how important or influential a man’s ministry may appear, when God is through with him, he too, will take his flight to heaven.
In verse 7, another beast shows up and will incarnate the Antichrist, who is also call a beast. The first was in 6:2. In this prophecy, the word beast appears thirteen times and occupies thirty-one verses.
This beast ascends from the pit at the mid-point of the Tribulation. However, permission to kill these two witnesses is not granted until the end of the three and one-half years, just prior to the return of Christ.
The two witnesses are still on the earth during chapter 13 and the beast (Antichrist) is also on the earth in chapter 11. Verse 7 states that a beast comes from the pit. This is done in order to explain the source and nature of the death of the two witnesses. The ascent of that beast is explained in detail in chapter 13.

It is customary to bury even one’s enemies. However, in order to make a show of his power to the world and his contempt for God, the beast (Antichrist) leaves the dead bodies of God’s two witnesses in the streets of Jerusalem three and one-half days.

“THE BODY” AND “THE BRIDE.” #4

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IS THE CHURCH THE BRIDE OF CHRIST?

brideBy E. A. Rawlence.   (Note: The original article has been edited because of its length. However, the argument and purpose of the author is clear. We do not necessarily condone all the writer says, but it seems to be the best answer to age old question. The publishing of this article does not imply that we agree with any departure from the KJV, should the author do so.)

Now, the “former rain” caused the grain to start its growth, corresponding with the outpouring of the Spirit on the nation at Pentecost, as we have seen, and as Peter was quick to note. The “latter rain” caused the ears to fill and mature for the harvest. So will Israel’s final testimony, when Joel’s prophecy will be fulfilled, cause “the harvest of earth” to ripen (Rev. 14.  15).

Out of this godly remnant we have to seek a company that will answer to the Bride, whilst the residue will answer to the bond-servants who went forth with the message, and the guests will be their Gentile converts. Such a company we find in Revelation 14:4, in the 144,000 which were redeemed from the earth. “These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the first-fruits unto God and to the Lamb.”   The term, “they are virgins,” is no doubt not literal, but spiritual, indicating that they have not been guilty of spiritual whoredom, and have never given allegiance to the Antichrist. This seems clearly indicated verse 5. Whereas we are expressly told that on mankind “God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie” (2 Thess. 2. 11). The whole relations, as described between these sealed ones and the Lamb are such as would alone answer to the position of husband and wife.

[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]The term, “they are virgins,” is no doubt not literal, but spiritual, indicating that they have not been guilty of spiritual whoredom, and have never given allegiance to the Antichrist.[/perfectpullquote]

I believe those 144,000 are to be identified with the man-child in Rev. 12, as the travailing woman is obviously Israel under her final great trouble, corresponding to the prophecy in Isa. 66:7, 8, “Before she travailed, she brought forth ; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man-child.”  “Who hath heard such a thing ? Who hath seen such things ? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day ? or shall a nation be born at once ? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children.”   And it is whilst the nation is in this wilderness condition that the re-marriage is to take  place. “Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her. “And I will give her vineyards from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope : and she shall sing there, as in the days of her youth, and as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt.  “And it shall be at that day, saith the Lord, that thou shalt call me ISHI, i.e., my Husband; and shalt call me no more Baali (i.e., My Lord). “For I will take away the names of Baalim out of her mouth, and they shall no more be remembered by their name.” Hos. 2:14-17.  

We have yet to ascertain the time of the marriage. This is placed almost beyond dispute from Rev. 19, which clearly shows that it is practically the last event that takes place before the apocalypse of Jesus Christ as “the King of Kings and Lord of lords,” to usher in the Millennium. From this it is clear that if the Bride be the Church, the Church must then go through the whole of tribulation except the final act.  

In conclusion I trust I have shown that there are many difficulties in the way of the Church being the Bride, although on the other hand there are no doubt passages which may seem to indicate that they are the same Bodies, but these are not absolute statements of identity, as in Rev.21. 9. They are only illustrations or comparisons, and are, I believe, open to a reasonable interpretation of the lines which I have indicated, whilst, if I have rightly divided the Word, I venture to think that such an interpretation clears many doubtful points, and opens the way to better understanding of God’s dispensational dealings.

“THE BODY” AND “THE BRIDE.” #3

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new jerusalem

 

 

 

 

 

By E. A. Rawlence.

 

(Note: The original article has been edited because of its length. However, the argument and purpose of the author is clear. We do not necessarily condone all the writer says, but it seems to be the best answer to age old question. The publishing of this article does not imply that we agree with any departure from the KJV, should the author do so.)

It seems to me impossible from this to regard the Bride as composed of any but Israelites.  Let us then look back through the Word for any indications of such a solution. In the prophets we  frequently find Israel referred to as the wife, and Jehovah as the husband. “Surely as a wife  treacherously departeth from her husband, so have ye dealt treacherously with Me, O house of  Israel, saith the Lord” (Jer. 3. 20 and see Hosea 2.).

We have already shown that she was put away for spiritual adultery, but these same  prophets make it equally clear that she will be forgiven and received back again, when there will
be a re-marriage in the future. “For thy Maker is thine husband ; the Lord of Hosts is His name ;and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel ; the God of the whole earth shall He be called. For the Lord hath called thee as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, and a wife of youth, when thou wast refused, saith thy God. For a small moment have I forsaken thee, but with great mercies will I gather thee” (Isa. 54. 5-7).

“For as a young man marrieth a virgin, so shall thy sons marry thee ; and, as the  bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee” (Isa.62. 5).  Our Lord Himself gives details as to this re-marriage in Matt. 22., “The kingdom of  heaven is like unto a certain King, which made a marriage for his son.” The whole scene is Jewish.

The guests who were first invited were obviously Israelites, and naturally near relatives and  friends of the Bridegroom and Bride, and the Bride must obviously have been a virgin of Israel,  otherwise it would have supplied an excuse for those invited to have stayed away. For, according  to the law of Moses, it was forbidden any Israelite to marry a Gentile (see Deut. 7: 3). But when  the near kinsfolk and friends of the Bride and Bridegroom would not come, then it was that the  bond-servants were sent out into the “highways” to procure the necessary company, and when  they were procured “the King came in to see the guests.”

I think all will agree that, on the return of Israel as a nation to their own land, the bulk of  the nation will follow the Antichrist, whilst the residue will form the godly remnant upon whom  the Spirit is to be poured out, as prefigured by the promise, “I will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month” (Joel 2: 23).