Who Leads

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May 12, 2016
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#1
Who leads Christ’s church? Man or God? Who makes men priests?
How? For from where does knowledge and wisdom come? Who seeks the keeper of that knowledge and for what purpose? Religion is of man and so is the teaching. True faith and salvation is of God through His son Jesus, the Christ.

It is written we are to keep the commandments to honor God. Out of love and respect, as any child should obey their parents. Yet remember, we do not keep it. In our flesh it is impossible. Or we would not need a savior. Then how?

Understand that this is the sign of the fruit of the Spirit, upon true repentance and sorrow the changing of one’s heart and mind, showing that you are no longer a man of flesh, but a man in The Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit’s presence and hallowed ground, who in you keeps you from sinning. Not to save you because that is done, it is for His honor and His name sake. That man may see the good work God has done inside you and believe. Not by your works, ability or strengths, for they are dead as is the flesh. Only by God’s presence and Grace alone are we made new and preserved, being made perfect through the Christ our Lord and Savior.

That is why you will know them. You cannot fake it. If you are truly saved, being born of the water and fire. People will have seen a major character flaw in you change. Whatever that flaw may be. Remember, we must put Him before you in all things and Him in the center of our universe and lives. Sitting upon the throne of your heart. This is so hard in today’s world with all of its distractions. With all its temptations and loss of morality.

This is the hard thing and one of that hardest but most important teaching for we, as we, man thinks (we) must do work. We must fix things. That is where we get hung up and chase our tails. We get so busy trying to serve instead of seeking and waiting upon Him. We drive our own way. We seek wisdom from man instead of wisdom from God. This causes us to invent our work, or we get focused on trying to keepthe commandments, instead of keeping in God’s presence and alignment with Him and His will. That is the key Keeping the commandments, they won’t justify you. His presence justifies you and by that very presence you are kept. We as a whole always want to drive!! Our Control problem is a human flaw, which is coupled to our pride.

This struggle is nothing new under the sun. Undertake and try to remember the work is done we just have to travel the path laid before us. Like as when we are running a race. You did not have to advertise it. Organize it, the path and location is laid out. The water stations to refresh you in place with those to help you along the way. The date is set, you just have to sign up, show up and go, each at their own pace, not set by us, but our Coach. We must remember our place, to serve, not be served.

To seek the one we claim is the love of our life, as one would seek to be with the love of our life here on earth; and treat our fellow brothers and sisters both inside and outside the body with that same love, and mercy, the Lord has given us. Remember we are all equally dirty, and we are all equally saved in the exact same way. There is no super saint!

We are all called to be His priests. For without reason he loved us first and gave us mercy beyond what we could measure as far is from the east to the west, and He has given by that perfection of Love with the same measure.

It is God’s presence that drives out the darkness in us. When there is not darkness there is only light. This is what is meant by you cannot serve two masters. The presence of God cannot be faked, nor can His salvation. Wow to those who try, because you may fool man, but God knows. Thus through His presence in you old things pass away and behold all things are new. God does not ask for buildings, he has asked for our hearts, for our lives. For that which we love and desire. This is not a huge ask, or task it is not even a burden. In fact it is an honor. When you truly get and understand how much the Creator of the universe has loved and done for you who do not deserve it then you’ll know. The other part is not that He just loved, as if it is over, but continues to love. His love is without end as He is without end or measure. To understand these things and their measurements is to understand eternity. Which is beyond the understanding of man in the flesh.

What is the meaning of life? To know God your Father in heaven! How do we get to know Him? The Father must draw them. One must believe, if they believe then they will seek, if they seek they will find Him. Then He will walk with you and you with Him, in Him alone. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.

The Lord reminds me of my weaknesses in myself as well. He keeps me humble and grounded, his presence reprimands me. We forget sometimes that it is He who is our Strength for there is no strength within us. It is He who empowers us, and now our flesh and minds. For without Him we can do nothing, but become chaff in the wind. All glory is God’s and His only!

When you claim to follow heaven, then heaven should be reflected and not darkness. For there is no darkness there. this brings honor to the name of the Father and Son, by the Holy Spirit we are made one. It cannot be cheated, it cannot be tricked, it cannot be stolen. No man controls God, nor commands Him.

The Kingdom of Heaven is with you even when you are not inside of it, or believe in it. The angels watch and take note. These things I write to you not to discourage but encourage for those that are known. Those that believe, and those that do not. That you remember who is showing you the Way to the promised land through the wilderness. Where there are many dangers waiting to wound you, or to take your life. Take heart, everyone dies once, but after that road is laid, one to salvation and greater easy one to death. Then for those in the narrow Way it is a great day to die, for it is to gain all your hearts desire.

He and His angels are there to comfort, protect and guide you through on The Way to the kingdom. Not by your strength, or wisdom but by the Father through His Son, for in His Spirit we are one.

Love to you all, both inside and outside the body of Christ
 
May 12, 2016
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#2
What the is the true priesthood you ask? It is the Holy Spirit, He is a force multiplier. Like a Green Beret. He goes in, reaches, assesses, trains, equips and then releases them to go and make more of them. Not by mans understanding or choices, but by God’s.
 
May 12, 2016
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#3
The key is this, walking in the Spirit, if we seek God with a true heart to serve. As one seeks the love of their life. They will do as it is written pray continually, read and pray for understanding. Ask God for His guidance on all things, fast, study. Then He will draw you in even closer/deeper and you into Him. That is where your flesh will become weak and His Spirit will be strong upon you. That is when He will teach and reveal himself to you. I know it isn’t easy, but that is because the world is waiting at the door to take you away in worldly things so you will not seek to do the things of God.

this is the Way,

Love, a brother in Christ
 
May 12, 2016
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#4
That is why it is written, when you seek me, you will find me, when you seek me with all of your heart! He doesn’t want Luke warm following or dedication, pick up your cross and flow Him. Would you want a spouse that only comes home half the time and only talks to you when they want something?
 

studentoftheword

Well-known member
Nov 12, 2021
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#5
Who leads Christ’s church? Man or God? Who makes men priests?
Who leads Christ's Church ---Man ----in my opinion -----very hard to find a Christ ---Holy Spirit ---driven church leader today ----

Who makes men priests ----It is suppose to be God who calls the person to preach His word ---but very few in my opinion enter the priesthood --minister hood because they were Called by God -----most of them are called by themselves in my view and their Preaching reflects that ---
 
May 12, 2016
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#6
Who leads Christ's Church ---Man ----in my opinion -----very hard to find a Christ ---Holy Spirit ---driven church leader today ----

Who makes men priests ----It is suppose to be God who calls the person to preach His word ---but very few in my opinion enter the priesthood --minister hood because they were Called by God -----most of them are called by themselves in my view and their Preaching reflects that ---
Yes, God makes men priests. All who are saved and given the Holy Spirit should be guided by the Spirit to do the Lord’s will. An eye cannot be a foot, nor a hand be an ear. Remember it is written, and true, the gate to destruction is wide and easy many go through it. The gate to salvation is small and narrow, and sadly few find it, as the Lord said.
 
May 12, 2016
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#7
How does the body work though? Does the hand move on its own? Or the leg walk without the foot? It cannot move without the eye which sees. When it speaks where does the wisdom and all these actions come from? Then when it moves does each part move on its own doing what it wants? Or does it move in unison with a purpose? Where does all this control come from? Who is the head?
 
May 22, 2024
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#8
Ministers, preachers, church leaders etc are All sinners sav3d by grace.
They are appointed by more saved sinners, to lead si ners and saved sinners I the worship and service of God.
There are many variables that cause them to do a better or worse job, including whether they are actually saved.

How many of us pray for our ministers?

How many of us are supportive of them, their families and of their spiritual state?
 

studentoftheword

Well-known member
Nov 12, 2021
1,623
564
113
#9
The many churches today are like Laodicea Church described in Revelation -----Jesus is knocking at the door to get in but the door is shut in His face ---and He is kept out -----

People in the pews who hold their Ministers =Priest Etc to a high esteem are being deceived and robbed of knowing the real spiritual Truth of the Scriptures --because their Leaders are not true Christians themselves and are ignorant of the Spiritual truth ---anyone can preach the Logos Word ---but preaching the Rhema Word needs the Holy Spirit indwelled in the person trying to preach ---and there is few Holy Spirit indwelled people preaching today in my opinion ==I have gone to a lot of Churches in my time and listened to false preaching and Ran from that church ----Know your scriptures so your not Fooled or Deceived by nonsense preaching ----

You cannot be a Luke Warm Church ---it is a disgusting Church to God and God says He will spew you out of His Mouth ===Who is Leading the Laodicea Church ?????????

from Google
Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22) was lukewarm, apathetic, making God sick to His stomach. The church lacked faith; they had little or no reliance on God. They did not know that spiritually they were, “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.”

I say ----This church was a comprising Church ----conceded Church ---and a Christless Church ------and there are many of these Churches today -----Luke warm Ministers and Priests leading God's Church -( people ) into their Luke warmness -- so sad ---

And even those Ministers or Priest who are true christians are frightened to preach the hard truth in many cases fearing their people will leave the Church and their pews will be empty ----they preach to please the people not God ---

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May 22, 2024
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#10
How many here will read an independent survey of U S Christianity.
Published in AiG:-https://answersingenesis.org/christianity/barna-weve-reached-time-of-christian-invisibility/
It shows that a large part of the decline of Christianity is due to ' Christian ' colleges not teaching students to believe the bible.
 

Edify

Well-known member
Jan 27, 2021
1,389
559
113
#11
I get it. The govts are bad, industry is monopolizing & manipulative, & many in the church are following men.
We can see the antichrist spirit in the world, twisting laws & systems to do its bidding. Now churches are being pulled into it.
But that is no reason to lose hope. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. The darker it gets, the brighter our light becomes. Where sin abounds, grace does much more abound.
Let's not forget that all of this is God's plan for the final judgment, & this plan will succeed. Rejoice, because God still has all things under His feet!
As we see satan preparing the world for the antichrist, this tells us what we need to look foward to ...the coming of Christ!
Come quickly Lord Jesus!
 

studentoftheword

Well-known member
Nov 12, 2021
1,623
564
113
#12
How many here will read an independent survey of U S Christianity.
Published in AiG:-https://answersingenesis.org/christianity/barna-weve-reached-time-of-christian-invisibility/
It shows that a large part of the decline of Christianity is due to ' Christian ' colleges not teaching students to believe the bible.
This is that article and I hope many read it ----and consider what it is saying ----thanks for posting the link ---

Great Food for thought ---what is being said here I definitely agree with ----Lukewarm Ministers are the majority these days ----the Laodicea Church is on the rise ------


Barna: “We’ve Reached-- a Time of Christian Invisibility”
by Ken Ham on May 30, 2024
Featured in Ken Ham Blog
On a wider scale, one of the most troubling trends Barna highlights is the decline in discipleship and a lack of solid, biblical training from seminaries. He criticized the prevalent metrics used by churches to gauge success—attendance, fundraising and infrastructure—which he stressed have little to do with Jesus’ mission.
“There is poor leadership in seminaries that mislead local churches into thinking that they’re actually training individuals whom God has called to be leaders and are qualified to be leaders and certifying them to lead local churches, not knowing any better bringing them on,” he said.
Barna clarified that while many seminaries have “good intentions,” they set young ministry leaders up for failure.

“You get what you measure,” he contended. “So if you measure the wrong things, you’ll get the wrong outcomes . . . [pastors] measure how many people show up, how much money they raise, how many programs they offer, how many staff persons they hire, how much square footage they built out. Jesus didn’t die for any of that. So we’re measuring the wrong stuff and, consequently, we get the wrong outcomes.” (emphasis added)​
Several years ago, we released a book called Already Compromised. This book was based on America’s Research Group’s survey of Christian colleges and seminaries, and their research was shocking—very few of these Christian educational institutions held to a literal Genesis and true biblical inerrancy. Many had compromised with the thinking of our day or refused to speak up on important issues.

Like Barna said, few Christian colleges and seminaries are discipling and properly training the next generation of pastors. And if pastors aren’t teaching congregations a biblical worldview, parents are less likely to have the proper worldview to pass along to their children (or even understand that is what they need to be doing!). As my friend Heidi St. John says, “You can’t pass on what you don’t possess,” and that’s true of pastors and parents.

This compromise among colleges and seminaries is one reason we host our Creation College Expo every year. We want young people to easily be able to find colleges that take a stand on biblical authority—from the very first verse. This is a great starting point for finding a school that teaches a truly biblical worldview. Our next Creation College Expo is November 7–9, 2024, and it’s free for all students in grades 7–12 and includes Ark Encounter admission (students must be registered to receive complimentary Ark admission). I encourage you to bring any young people you know who are looking for a college or seminary to attend.

Yes, many seminaries have compromised and no longer train pastors with a true biblical worldview. But, praise the Lord, there are still pastors who are faithfully teaching all of God’s Word to their congregations (but, sadly, they’re the minority). If you’re a pastor, I urge you to consider how you disciple your congregation and what kinds of programs your church emphasizes—are you truly passing along a biblical worldview in all areas, or do you avoid speaking on controversial issues such as Genesis and everything that’s grounded in Genesis including gender, marriage, sexuality, the sanctity of life, only one human race, and more? Earnestly think about this and consider how you can be more effective in passing on a biblical worldview and encouraging and equipping parents to do likewise.

And if you work at a Christian college or seminary (or financially support one), soberly consider how that school is training pastorsare you giving “solid, biblical training” or teaching them to measure the wrong things and therefore get the wrong outcomes?
 

Edify

Well-known member
Jan 27, 2021
1,389
559
113
#13
This is that article and I hope many read it ----and consider what it is saying ----thanks for posting the link ---

Great Food for thought ---what is being said here I definitely agree with ----Lukewarm Ministers are the majority these days ----the Laodicea Church is on the rise ------


Barna: “We’ve Reached-- a Time of Christian Invisibility”
by Ken Ham on May 30, 2024
Featured in Ken Ham Blog
On a wider scale, one of the most troubling trends Barna highlights is the decline in discipleship and a lack of solid, biblical training from seminaries. He criticized the prevalent metrics used by churches to gauge success—attendance, fundraising and infrastructure—which he stressed have little to do with Jesus’ mission.
“There is poor leadership in seminaries that mislead local churches into thinking that they’re actually training individuals whom God has called to be leaders and are qualified to be leaders and certifying them to lead local churches, not knowing any better bringing them on,” he said.
Barna clarified that while many seminaries have “good intentions,” they set young ministry leaders up for failure.
“You get what you measure,” he contended. “So if you measure the wrong things, you’ll get the wrong outcomes . . . [pastors] measure how many people show up, how much money they raise, how many programs they offer, how many staff persons they hire, how much square footage they built out. Jesus didn’t die for any of that. So we’re measuring the wrong stuff and, consequently, we get the wrong outcomes.” (emphasis added)​
Several years ago, we released a book called Already Compromised. This book was based on America’s Research Group’s survey of Christian colleges and seminaries, and their research was shocking—very few of these Christian educational institutions held to a literal Genesis and true biblical inerrancy. Many had compromised with the thinking of our day or refused to speak up on important issues.

Like Barna said, few Christian colleges and seminaries are discipling and properly training the next generation of pastors. And if pastors aren’t teaching congregations a biblical worldview, parents are less likely to have the proper worldview to pass along to their children (or even understand that is what they need to be doing!). As my friend Heidi St. John says, “You can’t pass on what you don’t possess,” and that’s true of pastors and parents.

This compromise among colleges and seminaries is one reason we host our Creation College Expo every year. We want young people to easily be able to find colleges that take a stand on biblical authority—from the very first verse. This is a great starting point for finding a school that teaches a truly biblical worldview. Our next Creation College Expo is November 7–9, 2024, and it’s free for all students in grades 7–12 and includes Ark Encounter admission (students must be registered to receive complimentary Ark admission). I encourage you to bring any young people you know who are looking for a college or seminary to attend.

Yes, many seminaries have compromised and no longer train pastors with a true biblical worldview. But, praise the Lord, there are still pastors who are faithfully teaching all of God’s Word to their congregations (but, sadly, they’re the minority). If you’re a pastor, I urge you to consider how you disciple your congregation and what kinds of programs your church emphasizes—are you truly passing along a biblical worldview in all areas, or do you avoid speaking on controversial issues such as Genesis and everything that’s grounded in Genesis including gender, marriage, sexuality, the sanctity of life, only one human race, and more? Earnestly think about this and consider how you can be more effective in passing on a biblical worldview and encouraging and equipping parents to do likewise.

And if you work at a Christian college or seminary (or financially support one), soberly consider how that school is training pastorsare you giving “solid, biblical training” or teaching them to measure the wrong things and therefore get the wrong outcomes?
The church hardly considers how in the last days the religious sector must be taken over just like the govts, industry, Education, & media to prepare the way for the Antichrist. This time Barna was spot on.