₦airaland Forum

@Petra1

Friend, you might as well see this if you haven't. And if you still disagree no problem, we don't need to have the same opinion. Let's just focus on being ready: by obeying Jesus' words in the New testament. That's the Main thing.

Have a nice day.

Well, I would've also prefer the Rapture-Escape doctrine of Men too, but honestly, it's got no scriptural grounds. In fact, it's like the direct OPPOSITE. And I can't IGNORE the Words of God, especially in the New testament, because of some Great Pastor/Church's doctrine.

The thing is MANY are not going to take a STAND and endure with Christ during the time of the Antichrist. Because they're not even being FAITHFUL in Little little persecutions, tribulations and oppositions they are getting now that things are still quite cool. Which are merely like mosquito BITES compare to the GREAT tribulation.

However, the MAIN thing is to be READY: living in REVERENCE and Obedience to the Words of Jesus in the New testament. Whether we agree or believe in it or not, if we are abiding in Christ in strict Obedience, it's still okay. Because even DEATH could be anytime before those other things.

I've already discussed this subject of Rapture-deception in a recent post (see the link below), not for the argumentative but for those who are still confused because of the COMMON LIES of Pre-tribulation Rapture.

NOT John the Baptist, Stephen, Paul, Timothy, John, Peter nor even Jesus himself would preach such. If you know what these Men FACED for the sake of the Gospel, and how many of them DIED, you won't be fooled by FALSE doctrines of Great Men on this.

Here, see the following passages:

John 16:33 KJV
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have PEACE. In the world ye shall HAVE "TRIBULATION": but be of good cheer; I have OVERCOME the world.

Acts 14:22 KJV
Confirming the souls of the DISCIPLES, and exhorting them to CONTINUE in the Faith, and that we must "THROUGH MUCH TRIBULATION" 'enter' into the kingdom of God.

Ephesians 3:13 KJV
Wherefore I desire that ye FAINT NOT at my TRIBULATIONS for you, which is YOUR GLORY.

TO A LOCAL CHURCH, Jesus said:
Revelation 2:9 KJV
I KNOW thy works, and TRIBULATION, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.

2 Timothy 3:12 KJV
Yea, and all that WILL LIVE godly in Christ Jesus shall SUFFER 'persecution'.

2 Thessalonians 1:4 KJV
So that we ourselves GLORY IN YOU in the churches of God for your PATIENCE and FAITH in all your PERSECUTIONS and TRIBULATIONS that ye ENDURE:

Matthew 24:9 KJV
Then shall they deliver you up to be AFFLICTED, and shall KILL YOU: and ye shall be HATED of all nations for my name's sake.

LASTLY
Matthew 5:10 KJV
BLESSED are they which are PERSECUTED for Righteousness' sake: for theirs is the KINGDOM of heaven.

Are you still in doubt?

May Jesus Give you light.

Well, there are still MORE, but just not to go TOO long. I believe God that helped Paul, Stephen, Peter, John the Baptist, whose head was CUT OFF, and the others will also help ANYONE by his GREAT Grace to STAND and NOT Deny Christ in the face of MUCH persecutions and tribulations, IF THEY TRULY LOVE HIM:

Matt.13.21 - yet he has no ROOT in himself, but ENDURES only for a WHILE. For WHEN "Tribulation Or Persecution" ARISES because of the Word, immediately he STUMBLES.

Again, the main thing is to be READY, turning away from sins and living in Obedience to Jesus according to Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

See also:
https://www.nairaland.com/6016676/premature-rapture-deception

Peace with you.

1Tim.4.1 - Now the Spirit expressly SAYS that in latter times SOME will DEPART from THE Faith, giving heed to DECEIVING spirits and doctrines of demons,
1Tim.4.2 - SPEAKING LIES in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a HOT IRON,.

One common mistake among Christians today is building on the wrong foundation: on flesh and blood. Many are founded on Pastors, Prophets and Church founders, etc; not necessarily on Jesus. That means if these Leaders or Pastors backslide and start following idols of Money, Honour of the world, Pleasures, etc then they themselves are already gone off the tangent as well.

Then we are actually FOLLOWERS of Men, NOT of Jesus.

And Millions have always lived in disobedience to Jesus this way for JUST TOO LONG: because ONE GREAT Man: the Prophet or Church founder "himself" does. He is actually a "god", isn't he? He will SURELY be on "seat" to JUSTIFY his people or Church members on the "judgement day". Because as a god, whatever he says is FINAL, even if he OUTRIGHTLY contradicts the Bible and the life of Jesus in his personal life.

It's all right to follow a Religious Man or Leader as long as he follows Jesus in his WHOLE life, but "not" otherwise. Not just in his Words or Preachings, though, because CORRECT Words or Doctrines don't mean CORRECT/CHRISTLIKE Life.

Some of us are so terribly deceived that we even think the Religious founder or Church we belong must be the ONLY or Highest in heaven; sorry, what verse of the Bible is that?

Even Solomon with all his wisdom, PROSPERITY; who wrote THREE books of the Scriptures ended up following strange women and their IDOLS. The idols of Men today are more of Money/Prosperity, Pleasures, honour of Men, love of SELF, etc. How about Samson, Judas and Demas? These would surely make GREAT Prosperity-Holiness, Miracle-working Preachers/Church founders as of today too.

The Bible warns already about Religious Men DEPARTING from THE Faith for Money, Popularity, idolatry and YET with a form of Godliness:

1Tim.4.1 - Now the Spirit expressly SAYS that in latter times SOME will DEPART from THE Faith, giving heed to DECEIVING spirits and doctrines of demons,
1Tim.4.2 - SPEAKING LIES in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a HOT IRON,.

Exactly, SPEAKING LIES: no wonder MANY use LIES using the Bible, the old covenant part to get Money from people, under the roofs of GIVING TO God:

1Tim.6.5 - ... To them RELIGION is just a way to GET RICH.

Some might even end up using old-covenant CURSES to threaten them, instead of teaching "cheerful giving" according to the New testament (2Cor. 9:7). Moreover, giving in the New covenant means giving or forsaking ALL (100%) for Christ's sake (see Luke 14:33 and Matt. 22:37).

If we are serious about Eternal life, NO Man or Woman; Pastor or Prophet or Church founder; Great or Small: No ONE at all would be MORE important to us than Jesus himself and His Words in the New testament. Again, NO One!

Gal.1.9 - I will say it "again": If ANYONE PREACHES any other Gospel than the ONE (about the Cross and Life of Christ) you welcomed, let God's CURSE FALL UPON that person.

Finally, when we notice these FALSE things of Men, we have been WARNED:

1Tim.6.5 - Nkjv
... men of CORRUPT minds and DESTITUTE of the truth, who SUPPOSE that godliness is a means of GAIN. From such WITHDRAW yourself.

2Tim.3.5 - having a form of godliness but DENYING its power (the CROSS and the lifestyle of Christ). And from SUCH people TURN AWAY!

John.14.15 - "IF you LOVE me (Jesus), OBEY my commandments.

May the Lord Jesus bless you.

Matt.24.44 - Therefore you also be READY, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you DO NOT expect.

PrecisionFx:
Most humans actually prefer earth to heaven.

Who wants to stay in a choir in heaven and sing n clap for the next 918 zillion years non-stop

Hmm, not funny though.

Cos who would rather like to stay in the fires of Hell for just 918 seconds too; let alone forever?

May Jesus bless you.

Unfortunately, this question is "scripturally" WRONG. They are all assumptions and teachings of some GREAT Pastors or Religious men; especially the Health and Wealth, False "comforting" prosperity gospel.

The Bible doesn't promise any Rapture before the reign of the Antichrist. Believers are going to have to either take a STAND with Christ, or just DENY Christ during much tribulation.

Only COMFORT loving preachers will twist the Bible and say otherwise.

Please have a think on the following verses (my comments in brackets)

PAUL
2Thess.2.3 - Let NO ONE (even a Pastor/Church founder) DECEIVE you by any means; for THAT DAY (the RAPTURE) will NOT come "unless" the falling away (the backsliding of MANY Christians) comes FIRST, and THE MAN of sin (the Antichrist) is revealed, THE SON of perdition,

JESUS
Matt.24.21 - For then there will be GREAT TRIBULATION (to be mastered by the ANTICHRIST), such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.

Matt.24.22 - And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be SAVED; but for the ELECT'S SAKE (so even TRUE believers will be here, not Raptured before) those days will be SHORTENED.

AND:
Rev.7.14 - And I said to him, "Sir, you know." So he said to me, "These are THE ONES (TRUE Christians) who COME OUT of the Great TRIBULATION, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb (they ENDURED till the End).

So, we just got to WAKE UP from Rapture Lies of Men, and rather Repent of Sin. Seeking Jesus for TRUE Righteousness in Obedience to his Words in the New testament; and GRACE to ENDURE till the End.

No "premature" Rapture! Beware of Religious Comforting Lies of Men!

SOME MORE:
Matt.24.29 - "Immediately AFTER the tribulation of those days...

THEN:
Matt.24.30 - THEN the sign of the Son of Man will APPEAR in heaven (the RAPTURE)...

Matt.24.31 - And he will send forth his angels with the sound of a MIGHTY TRUMPET BLAST, and they will gather together his CHOSEN ONES from the farthest ends of the EARTH and heaven (the already dead IN Christ).

1Thess.4.17 - ... WE who are STILL ALIVE and REMAIN on the Earth will be caught up in the clouds to MEET the Lord in the air and REMAIN WITH HIM forever.

(See all 1 Thes. 4:16-17, should you want more)

It will surely take ONLY God's grace and mercy through OBEDIENCE to his WORDS in the New testament to ENDURE the time of the Antichrist TILL the END.

Only God's Grace in OBEDIENCE to His Words!

Matt.24.13 - But those who ENDURE (in Obedience) to the End will be SAVED.

Matt.24.4 - Jesus answered: "Watch out that "no one" (even a GREAT Pastor/Church founder) DECEIVES you.

Matt.24.25 - See, I have TOLD you ahead of time.

May the Lord Jesus bless you.

Question: "If you were left behind AFTER the Rapture, would you take the Mark of the Antichrist (666)?"

Unfortunately, this question is "scripturally" WRONG. They are all assumptions and teachings of some GREAT Pastors or Religious men; especially the Health and Wealth, False "comforting" prosperity gospel.

The Bible doesn't promise any Rapture before the reign of the Antichrist. Believers are going to have to either take a STAND with Christ, or just DENY Christ during much tribulation.

Only COMFORT loving preachers will twist the Bible and say otherwise.

Please have a think on the following verses (my comments in brackets)

PAUL
2Thess.2.3 - Let NO ONE (even a Pastor/Church founder) DECEIVE you by any means; for THAT DAY (the RAPTURE) will NOT come "unless" the falling away (the backsliding of MANY Christians) comes FIRST, and THE MAN of sin (the Antichrist) is revealed, THE SON of perdition,

JESUS
Matt.24.21 - For then there will be GREAT TRIBULATION (to be mastered by the ANTICHRIST), such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.

Matt.24.22 - And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be SAVED; but for the ELECT'S SAKE (so even TRUE believers will be here, not Raptured before) those days will be SHORTENED.

AND:
Rev.7.14 - And I said to him, "Sir, you know." So he said to me, "These are THE ONES (TRUE Christians) who COME OUT of the Great TRIBULATION, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb (they ENDURED till the End).

So, we just got to WAKE UP from Rapture Lies of Men, and rather Repent of Sin. Seeking Jesus for TRUE Righteousness in Obedience to his Words in the New testament; and GRACE to ENDURE till the End.

No "premature" Rapture! Beware of Religious Comforting Lies of Men!

SOME MORE:
Matt.24.29 - "Immediately AFTER the tribulation of those days...

THEN:
Matt.24.30 - THEN the sign of the Son of Man will APPEAR in heaven (the RAPTURE)...

Matt.24.31 - And he will send forth his angels with the sound of a MIGHTY TRUMPET BLAST, and they will gather together his CHOSEN ONES from the farthest ends of the EARTH and heaven (the already dead IN Christ).

1Thess.4.17 - ... WE who are STILL ALIVE and REMAIN on the Earth will be caught up in the clouds to MEET the Lord in the air and REMAIN WITH HIM forever.

(See all 1 Thes. 4:16-17, should you want more)

It will surely take ONLY God's grace and mercy through OBEDIENCE to his WORDS in the New testament to ENDURE the time of the Antichrist TILL the END.

Only God's Grace in OBEDIENCE to His Words!

Matt.24.13 - But those who ENDURE (in Obedience) to the End will be SAVED.

Matt.24.4 - Jesus answered: "Watch out that "no one" (even a GREAT Pastor/Church founder) DECEIVES you.

Matt.24.25 - See, I have TOLD you ahead of time.

See also: https://www.nairaland.com/6019281/rature-escape-doctrine-cause-many-fall

May the Lord Jesus bless you.

Missyajoke:
Good morning Op
Nice topic up there.
100% accurate

May Jesus bless you.

Beware, NOT EVERY Peace and Unity is from God:

Matt.10.34 - "Do NOT THINK that I came to bring peace on earth. I DID NOT come to bring peace BUT a "Sword" (to separate Darkness from the LIGHT).

If we are "truly" of Christ, we are ONE; those of the Antichrists too are ONE. The major confusion is when Antichrists bear the name of Christ (Jesus, God): ministers of darkness assuming as ministers of the light. These are REAL agents of deception as they use the Sheep's Clothing (CORRECT doctrines, Bible, names or terms, etc) to lead many to Eternal destruction.

Like the case of the Tower of Babel, these Antichrists in Sheep's Clothing are ONE, leading their huge followers to FALSE Unity and Peace.

Beware, NOT EVERY Peace and Unity is from God:

Matt.10.34 - "Do NOT THINK that I came to bring peace on earth. I DID NOT come to bring peace BUT a "Sword" (to separate Darkness from the LIGHT).

About the False Unity of Babel:
Gen.11.6 - And the LORD said, "Indeed the people ARE "ONE" and they all have "ONE" LANGUAGE, ...

Yes, they do have ONE LANGUAGE even today, which is Mammon (Money and Material things). They're ONE in DECEIVING people, using the gospel of Christ to get terribly Rich. Even the little little ones too have got this same goal in heart, looking for Power to do Miracles, Signs and Wonders in order to become Great and Rich in the World.

They're ONE in seeking the Honour of the World: False Religions, Politicians, Unconverted members, etc. All that really matters to them is NOT really Jesus and His Kingdom, but their Kingdoms (Church's Names and Achievements), MONEY and POPULARITY in the World.

If we are really serious we would thoroughly EXAMINE ourselves, seek Jesus for Light and Wisdom through genuine Repentance and Obedience to His Words as in the New testament. Otherwise, we are bound to PERISH with these GREAT church-themed Antichrists, using the Sheep's Clothing of CORRECT doctrines, names, Miracles, Signs and Wonders; False Gospel of Prosperity, Peace and Unity to lead MANY to the pit, Hell.

Jesus speaking about the major signs of the End:

Matt.24.5 - For many will come in My NAME, saying, "I am the Christ,' and will DECEIVE MANY.

Matt.24.11 - Then MANY False Prophets will rise up and DECEIVE MANY.

By their FRUITS, Christlikeness we shall KNOW them (especially in areas of Love of MONEY and POPULARITY), NOT just their CORRECT doctrines, nice speaking, Bible Knowledge (even the devil has got that), Miracles, Signs and Wonders (the devil can still imitate such).

The truth sets free, NOT Men. We've got to humble ourselves and Repent of False Gospel and Lifestyle of GREAT Pastors or Church founders; to go for seeking Jesus through Obedience to His Words. That's way to TRUE Peace in God. John 14:15

1Thess.5.3 - For when they say, "PEACE and safety!" then "sudden destruction" COMES upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall NOT ESCAPE.

BUT:
John.14.15 - "If you LOVE me, OBEY my commandments.

May Lord Jesus bless you.

Heb.12.11 - No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening--it is PAINFUL! But afterward there will be a quiet harvest of right living FOR THOSE who are trained in this way.

If God doesn't discipline US, then we are NOT truly his:

Heb.12.8 - If God DOESN'T discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are "illegitimate" and are NOT really his children after all.

Heb.12.9 - Since we respect our earthly fathers who disciplined us, should we not all the more cheerfully submit to the discipline of our heavenly Father and live forever?

Heb.12.10 - For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God's discipline is ALWAYS right and good for us because it means WE WILL SHARE IN HIS HOLINESS.

Heb.12.11 - No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening--it is PAINFUL! But afterward there will be a quiet harvest of right living FOR THOSE who are trained in this way.

May the Lord Jesus bless you.

1John.2.6 - Those "who say" they LIVE IN God SHOULD LIVE their lives as Christ DID.

Matt.6.23
... if the "light" you think you have is really "darkness", how DEEP that DARKNESS will be!

We are made to understand in the Scriptures that there are several things that deceive us, which include: the deceitfulness of Riches (Money); the CARES of life; lusts of the flesh and the pride of life (and love of the honour of people); the devil and his demons; people of the World; False Prophets/Pastors, etc.

However, the GREATEST of all is Self deception: the state of DECEIVING ONESELF. When we are not willing to accept the TRUTH, then deception certainly takes the place of it. Then "darkness" becomes ones REALITY:

Matt.6.23
... if the "light" you think you have is really "darkness", how DEEP that DARKNESS will be!

Self deception is what makes millions and millions of religious people prefer WORLDLY DOCTRINES to "sound doctrines".

When the words of the Pastor/Prophet/Church founder is terribly MORE important than the Bible and the Holy Spirit; right, a CERTAIN level of Self deception.

When a professing Christian CLEARLY sees or hears a "clear-cut" COMMAND of Jesus from the scriptures, and just shrug it off as something MINOR or unimportant: Self deception!

Why are so MANY "Hellbound" False Prophets/Pastors/Church founders flourishing, getting bigger and bigger by the day: Self deception. People despise the TRUTH; therefore, God himself allows them to BELIEVE LIES as their Reality:

2Thess.2.11 - So God will send GREAT DECEPTION upon them, and they will BELIEVE ALL these Lies. (of Men and the devil)

When we do not take God's Word seriously, but that of some "GREAT" Pastors or Religious Men, whose LIVES and doctrines are "CLEARLY" "disobeying" or "contradicting" the Words and the LIFE of Jesus; and other COMMANDS scattered through the New testament, but we say, "Well, he speaks so nicely, he's got GREAT gifts, POWER to do Miracles, Signs And Wonders, etc. Yes, very well: "Deep Deception" is sure. Matt. 24:24 and Matt. 7:15

Then people will start believing they are SAVED when they are thoroughly backslidden or deeply LOST.

Some might even start to think, "Well, I'm a hardworking Pastor/Worker in church, heaven must know that I'm very important!"

Exactly, not as important as Judas, Solomon, Samson and the likes, who were doing GREAT WORKS on the outside, but inwardly were gradually backsliding and on their way to HELL.

What Jesus requires of us is OBEDIENCE first, not sacrifices: good Religious/Church activities:

1John.2.3 - And how can we BE SURE that we belong to him? By OBEYING his commandments.

If we are serious, we would humble ourselves, REPENT and seek grace to OBEY according to the New testament, not necessarily Great Prosperous Men. More so, we would start MARKING these False Christianity or Religions of Great Men/Pastors/Prophets, and START avoiding them like the Plague.

1John.2.4 - If someone says, "I belong to God," but DOESN'T OBEY God's commandments, that person is a LIAR and DOES NOT live in the TRUTH.

1John.2.5 - But those who OBEY God's word "really" do LOVE him. That is THE WAY TO KNOW whether or "not" we LIVE in him.

1John.2.6 - Those "who say" they LIVE IN God SHOULD LIVE their lives as Christ DID.

May the Lord Jesus bless you.

Titus.1.16 - They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, DISOBEDIENT, and disqualified for every good work.

Matt.6.24 - "No one can SERVE TWO masters;

...You CANNOT serve God and Mammon.

Well, according to Jesus himself, ONE MAJOR (not the only) opposite of God is MAMMON (Money and Material things).

Matt.6.24 - "No one can SERVE TWO masters;

...You CANNOT serve God and Mammon.

That's actually one MAJOR thing we've got to check in ourselves, if we are TRUE Christians, and not just having a religious name, and thereby fooling ourselves.

Jesus, Paul and other Apostles were not ENSLAVED by Money. They did use Money and other things, but their lives were not RULED nor ATTACHED to it in any case. And neither did they PREACH nor SERVE God to make Money unlike many GREAT Pastors/Prophets/Church founders today, who have become extremely RICH by preaching the gospel:

1Tim. 6:5 ... Their minds are CORRUPT, and they DON'T TELL the truth. To them religion is just a WAY TO GET RICH.

As much as I need to check myself, and thoroughly judge my OWN life on this subject, I need to also check that in others, "especially" Christian leaders/Church founders. Because if I follow the Blind, WE shall both END UP in the ditch (Eternity in Hell). Matt. 15:14

However, someone might get offended and say, "Hey, the Bible says JUDGE NOT, so mind your business!" (As in Matt. 7:1)

Right, but that's an incomplete truth. It says further down in verse 5 of that same chapter, "FIRST remove the log in our own eyes (oneself), THEN you shall be able to SEE CLEARLY the problems of others and help them.

The lesson there is judge yourself FIRST: don't be a Hypocrite, judging others when you are also an UNREPENTANT sinner.

Moreover, have you not read 1 John 4:

1John.4.1 - Beloved, DO NOT BELIEVE every spirit, but TEST the "spirits", whether they are of God; because MANY FALSE Prophets have "gone out" into the world.

That's very clear.

And since I've got light on all that, I've been having very Little to ZERO "spiritual" respect for many small and so-called GREAT Preachers/Pastors/Church founders of today. Some of whom I used to esteem VERY highly before. Who have Monetized or Commercialized the Gospel for themselves, DECEIVING "the weak and the lukewarm".

Titus.1.11- NLT
... Such teachers ONLY want your MONEY.

Jude.1.11 - NLT
... Like Balaam, they will do anything for MONEY.

I had to use the phrase "weak and lukewarm" because I know it takes REAL diligence or ZEAL for the Truth: the Fear God (and not of Men) to take a STAND, and escape their "strange grip" or STRONGHOLD on oneself. Otherwise, we got to just continue in their lukewarmness and DECEPTION of serving Money, People, Politicians, Pleasures, etc. But yet, having some forms of godliness: CORRECT doctrines, good dressing or appearance, Church activities, etc.

2Pet.2.3 - In their GREED they will "make up" CLEVER LIES to get hold of your MONEY. But God condemned them long ago, and "their destruction" is on the way.

Did you notice the phrase CLEVER LIES above?

Exactly, that's how these Great Men "cook up" interesting LIES to get HUGE MONEY from the POOR and the Rich today. They'll spend hours preaching on Old Covenant TITHING, First Fruits Laws, Monetary Vows and Sowing of seeds, etc of which Jesus and his Apostles didn't ask nor EVEN preach about.

And if they must preach the truth, it's mere Words, not real in their normal lives:

Matt.23.3 - NLT
... For they don't PRACTISE what they TEACH.

Now, the main problem is this, MANY professing Christians just SIT there with them with their mouths WIDELY OPENED: "Wow, what a "great" man of god!"

No, he's not, I MUST confess. But if by GREAT you mean like that of Celebrities, World Rulers, Superstars or Idols, etc.

Then Fine, that's absolutely Right! Except for the Religious whitewash he puts on it.

But regarding such as a TRUE Man of God: FAR from it!

I say, these Men LOVE MONEY and the Honour of the World; even tell Religious LIES: ignoring the COMPLETE truth of the New Testament Gospel, to preach a CLEVERLY MIXED Old covenant gospel in order to make Huge Money and live in Grand Styles; and yet, you call them "followers" of Jesus?

Well, I'm not EVEN SURE if they're truly CONVERTED yet, or maybe they're now backslidden and LOST.

Because Jesus said:
Matt.6.24 - "No one can SERVE TWO Masters;

... You CANNOT SERVE God and MAMMON.

It's that simple.

But show me a Man or Men like Paul and other Apostles of Christ: who planted Churches and showed good examples by working with their OWN HANDS to Preach the gospel, even though they had THE POWER to get Money (lawfully) from the believers they were serving:

Acts.20.33 - NLT
"I have NEVER COVETED anyone's MONEY or fine clothing.

2Thess.3.7 - For you yourselves know how it is necessary to IMITATE our examples...

2Thess.3.8 - Nor did we EAT anyone 's bread WITHOUT PAYING for it, but "with toil and struggle WE WORKED NIGHT AND DAY", that we might NOT BE A BURDEN or impose on any of you... (Financially or Money wise).

Men like these are the True Men of God. Not out for Money and the honour of Men, but for Reality of the Love and the Fear of God.

Great Men who didn't go about preaching Old covenant TITHING, and even threatening people with CURSES in order to get the POOR's Money.

In the same vein, we must FIRST watch out for our OWN selves inwardly and REPENT of all unchristlikeness: Sins. Asking God for grace to overcome in all things, so as not get MISLED by False Men in the World.

Alas, MANY of these erring Men may never be willing to REPENT of their evil ways, as long as it involves Money (remember Balaam and Judas). But only to look for more and more LIES; twisting Bible verses to "justify" their GREED.

Finally:
However, sufficient is the teachings of Jesus and the Apostles. (In the books of Matthew to Revelation)

2Thess.3.6 - But we COMMAND YOU, brethren, in the NAME of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you WITHDRAW from "every brother" (might even be a Pastor/Church founder) WHO walks "disorderly" and NOT according to the "tradition" which he RECEIVED from us.

2Tim.3.1 - But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:
2Tim.3.2 - For Men will be LOVERS of themselves, LOVERS of MONEY, boasters, PROUD...

2Tim.3.5 - HAVING A FORM of godliness but DENYING its power. And from such people TURN AWAY!

2Tim.4.10 - for Demas has FORSAKEN ME, having LOVED "this Present World"...

2Tim.3.13 - But "Evil Men" (Money and Popularity minded Men) and impostors will grow Worse and WORSE, DECEIVING and being DECEIVED.

1Tim.6.9 - But people who long to be rich FALL into temptation and are TRAPPED by many foolish and harmful desires...

1Tim.6.6 - Yet TRUE religion with "contentment" is GREAT WEALTH.

May the Lord Jesus bless you.

1John.2.3 - And how can we be sure that we belong to him? By obeying his commandments.


1John.2.4 - If someone says, "I belong to God," but doesn't obey God's commandments, that person is a liar and does not live in the truth.


1John.2.5 - But those who obey God's word really do love him. That is the way to know whether or not we live in him.

Matthew 24:4 KJV
And Jesus answered and said unto them, TAKE HEED that "no man" DECEIVE you.

Jas.1.22 - But BE doers of the word, and NOT hearers ONLY, "deceiving" yourselves.

Matt.24.24 - For false christs and False Prophets will rise and SHOW GREAT "signs and wonders" TO DECEIVE, if possible, EVEN THE ELECT.

solite3:
Obedience is actually really on the finished works of Christ rather than human works (sacrifice)

Okay friend, got your opinion.

Goodbye.

Many are dangerously lost in deception, LIES of Pastors/Prophets and Churches. Many don't know that staying out of most of these so-called BIG Churches or Big Men's Churches is MORE than a MILLION times safer than not.

But Why?

Because Jesus is not in there. How can a Religious leader or Church founder be a "chronic" lover of Mammon: Money, Material things and Popularity, and still think Jesus is with him or her. No, it must be what the Bible calls "ANOTHER jesus" (2 Cor 11:4) . A Man or Woman that is outrightly and unrepentantly DISOBEYING or contradicting Jesus by his Lifestyle or Doctrines: don't you know that's an ANTICHRIST (Against Christ)?

And if we are truly seeking Jesus, why do we prefer to follow Greedy Men that are not leading us to be Bond Disciples of Christ, but MORE of terrible Lovers of Mammon, Money as they themselves are?

Jesus said they make people DOUBLE Children of Hell. There is MUCH Greater hope for SINGLE children of Hell (unbelievers in general) than the former. Matt. 23:15

They make people think they're Christians and on their way to heaven, while they only use them as Cheap Customers, who is willing to be mercilessly milked of the little they have, and are committed to BUYING their Religious Junks.

For instance; sorry, what's 2+2?

Oh, are you sure if that Pastor/Prophet or Church founder says it's (5) or (3) we won't be FOOLED again?

O Wise and Intelligent people, we believed the nursery school teacher that taught us "2+2 = 4". But we won't believe the Holy Spirit saying:

Rom.10.4 - For Christ is THE END of the law for righteousness to "everyone" who BELIEVES.

But if some Man, BIG Man, INWARDLY Unchristlike Man, Pastor/Church founder comes and say, "Well, if you don't TITHE (Mosaic Law), you're SURELY going to Hell!"

OR "You're CURSED with a Curse!"

Says who?

Which means the Holy Spirit was actually Lying here:

Gal.3.13 - Christ has REDEEMED us from the CURSE OF THE LAW, having become A CURSE for us (for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree" ) ...

No, I know who the LIARS are:

All HUMANS are LIARS compare to Christ. (See Rom. 3:4)

In John 14:15, did Jesus say if we LOVE Him, we should pay our TITHES, FIRST FRUITS or obey any monetary or ceremonial law? And it's even Hypocrisy to not obey the Whole law in that case. And please REMEMBER:

Gal.5.4 - For if you are trying to make yourselves right with God BY KEEPING the law, you have been CUT OFF from Christ! You have FALLEN AWAY from God's grace.

He didn't even say that the FIRST thing is to GO TO Church regularly! But to OBEY His commandments according to Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Now, a Church or Fellowship gathering is GREAT for us, though. But if God wants us to COME OUT of a Church, a Miracle, Signs and wonders, MAMMON-centred Church or fellowship, then we should be RUNNING OUT as a dog runs with its tail between its legs: for the FEAR of God not Men.

Because we CANNOT SERVE God and Mammon. Matt. 6:24; and we CANNOT SERVE God and Men. Gal. 1:10

Right, if I'm truly seeking to please Jesus with all my heart, and really getting myself ready for His Kingdom, then I must be MORE concerned about my "inwardly life" before Him, the Heart FIRST. Not my CORRECT Doctrines (even the devil has and can use that, James 2:19); Not good or religious appearance; Not any spiritual gift (Jesus said a gifted person can still go to Hell, even after doing GREAT works, Matt. 7:22-23); Not ANY externally good thing.

But what's the Main thing?

I should say, "Lord, what's my attitude to Mammon, Money and the honour of Men (Popularity) and Sins in general?"

Am I Christlike, or at least making progress?

1John.3.3 - And "everyone" who has this hope in Him PURIFIES himself, just as He is PURE.

Is Money my SERVANT serving at my feet, or my MASTER "sitting and farting away" on my HEAD?

And do I want to please ANYONE on Earth against God's will?

Let's be honest, we Love MONEY and the Honour of Men so much: the heart is not PURE. That's why we don't want to Hear and OBEY SOUND DOCTRINES of Christ in any case. But would rather go after and listen to Money-loving, Honour-seeking Antichrists sitting in Jesus' SEAT in MANY Big and Small churches in the World today. (See Matt. 23:1-5)

Surely, MANY will be DECEIVED by seeking for Money, Healing, Breakthroughs or Prosperity, Pleasures, Popularity MORE than Eternal life in Christ through these False Prophets/Teachers/Church founders of today, if they do not REPENT and OBEY Jesus. (See Matt. 7:15; 24:24)

2Tim.4.3 - For a time is coming when people will NO LONGER LISTEN to "right teaching". They will follow their OWN desires and will LOOK FOR TEACHERS who will tell them "whatever" they WANT to hear.

BUT:
Matt.24.4 - Jesus answered: "Watch out that NO ONE DECEIVES you.

Matt.24.24 - For false christs and False Prophets will rise and SHOW GREAT "signs and wonders" TO DECEIVE, if possible, EVEN THE ELECT.

Matt.24.25 - See, I have TOLD YOU beforehand.

May Lord Jesus bless you.

Wolgrace:
Working out means to grow spiritually (NOT BODILY) by the leading of the Spirit because body features are flawed, it stinks and filthy.

Walking in spirit is a direct access to God in Christ, by it we are always filled and it is free and wide open for any man because it is written "if any man thirst, let him come and drink and he shall be filled," also "blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness." SPIRIT OF JESUS CHRIST IS GOD'S RIGHTEOUSNESS.. Out of Him flows the water of life to the labourers and burdened who are thirsty.

Brother, do away with pharisee Christianity. It is a stumbling block to the flow of God's Spirit of grace and working power of transformation (Ezekiel 47:1-11). It also breeds spiritual pride, self righteousness, self dependent and confidence, contention, hatred towards others,etc. REMEMBER, FAIL IN ONE IS FAIL IN ALL.

Alright friend, let's put a stop to it here. We don't seem to see eye to eye on doctrines.

We don't need to agree.

As a witness of Jesus, I major on teaching obedience to Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit according to the New testament, especially Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Matthew 5:19 KJV
Whosoever therefore shall BREAK one of these LEAST commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever SHALL "DO" AND TEACH them , the same shall be CALLED GREAT in the kingdom of heaven.

Alas, you've even started accusing me of your own guesses or things that I've not said or believe in. You might as well just ignore my posts, if I seem False or Pharisaical to you.

Thanks,
Have nice day.

Wolgrace:
It is important to be obedient to scriptural word of God but the greatest is always be led by the Spirit of God which is the faith-based. No man get 100% pass mark in scriptural obedience because we fail in so many areas due to our sinful (imperfect) nature.

Fail in one is fail in all.

Right, that's why we got to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. Philip. 2:12

Thanks.

JoyAda1234:
I stopped believing in roman catholicism after testing its teachings with the scripture;some of their doctrines are flatly opposing to the scripture.However,I'm worried that I might be wrong afterall;I really do not want to offend God.

If you want to really please God and enter his Kingdom, you need to be sorry for nothing. You should be Sorry for innocent people, but not "deception and Leaders or False Prophets who LOVE to use it to lead people astray.

1 john 4 says TEST them. Test even the denomination or church you're right now. Deception is the number ONE weapon of the enemies in these last days.

I strongly believe in fellowship, but I've had to leave my last church since 2014. Of course, you can guess I must have visited most types of common churches around. So you don't need to ask me the names of my former Churches or Pastors.

May Jesus bless you.

Maximus69:
All you need is the meaning of the word "BELIEVE"

To believe in someone means trusting him,which means you become one of his subscribers,you're addicted to his line of thought and reasoning, you see things through his mind, whatever happens you rely on his promises, even those around will label you "his disciple" because you're not you but a replicate of him. 2Corinthians 5:15

That's what it means to believe in Jesus!

Jesus has just one single commandment that's translated into many, his one and only rule is for each and every human to imitate him in thoughts, words and deeds, so God made him the role model for all those seeking a redress for their case. John 1:12

If you're able to do just that, the same thing the father gave Jesus will surely be yours {John 15:9} think of what happens to everyone living now, death is on us all because we are all sinners {Psalms 49:7-9, Romans 5:12} but those who can imitate Jesus completely will be remembered (that is if we die before God's Kingdom comes) {John 11:25-26} just as he was resurrected and they will have to live forever because he will also live forever! John 3:16

Okay friend, your opinion.

But I believe Jesus not "necessarily" Men/Churches, including you and me.

John.14.15 - "If you LOVE me, OBEY my commandments.

To me, the summary of the whole Bible is:

Disobedience: Adam = DEATH

Obedience: Jesus = FORGIVENESS AND ETERNAL LIFE

If you're a true disciple of Jesus, you'll surely have light on how important Obedience is. Again John 14:15, the opposite is also true you know: "If you Hate me, don't Obey my Commandments."

Hear Peter:

1 Peter 1:14 KJV
As OBEDIENT children, NOT fashioning yourselves according to the former FORMER "lusts" in your IGNORANCE:

AND PAUL:

Philippians 2:12 KJV
Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always OBEYED, not as in my presence ONLY, but now "MUCH MORE" (STILL talking about Obedience) in my absence, WORK OUT your "Own Salvation" with FEAR AND TREMBLING.

Right friend, you can believe your denominational OR group's teachings.

They are NOT greater than Jesus, Paul and Peter, NOR the Holy Spirit that inspired them.

Goodbye.

Wolgrace:
I strongly believe it too.. Remember, it is the Spirit of God the speaks to our conscience i.e He communicates with our inner man redeemed by Jesus Christ. The scripture says He causes us both to will and do His good pleasure and he that is led by the Spirit is above the law because letter kills..

Jesus made the salvation effective for us, not our works because it is a free gift. Works/obedience is not mainly about the law of DOs and DONTs but faith-based.

Eg. Rahab and God's saviours, Martha and God's saviour in Christ, etc.. They all recieved and believed in Him, and walked boldly to His throne of grace..

Okay, heard you.

But for me it's about obedience to His Words, which include to Have Faith FIRST.

To me everything is not just faith-based, because it says, "deny yourself, take up the Cross and Follow Me. Matt. 16:24

Also, to work out one's salvation with fear and trembling Phil. 2:12; whoever keeps looking back is not fit; and only those who endure till the end shall be saved.

I wouldn't like to add nor take anything away from the Word.

John.14.15 - "If you LOVE me, OBEY my commandments.

John 8:31 KJV
Then said Jesus to those Jews which "Believed" on him, IF ye "continue in my Word", then are ye my disciples indeed;

Thanks for your time.

Goodbye.

solite3:
Demons do not believe in Christ they only believe there is one God.

The pagans believe there is one God Almighty somewhere does that mean their faith is the same as Christian faith?
Believing there is God is not a saving faith

Good night, bro.