The search for 
saints
(Rev 1:12-13)
People may wonder what I’m talking about. Well, perhaps sharing my predicament will help you understand (Matthew 24:37). Then, you’ll be able to assist or correct me, which a true Christ lover would do (1 John 5:1-3).
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:13
If you feel the Spirit facilitating healing as you read something here, don’t resist. Let the Life Force revive you (Rev. 3:2). Accept that you may need to consume what is said (2 Timothy 3:16-17)(John 14:26)(John 16:13)(1 John 2:27). Stay open and test (1 John 4:1-6).
As just mentioned, I’m open to rebuke (Proverbs 9:8). But, read what I have to say first. Women can prophesy, which may contain elements of teaching (1 Corinth. 11:5)(1 Corinth. 14:1-3)(Luke 2:38). I can share my story. Women can also deliver a message (Matthew 28)(Judges 4:6-7)(2 Chronicles 34:22-28).
I’m actually searching for a man (or a man-woman team) who can teach the whole counsel of Gd, including how to apply it (Nehemiah 8)(Acts 20:27)(1 Corinth 8:2). It may seem unbelievable, but in 10+ years of searching, even online, I haven’t found anyone. A ‘handful’ are close but still have leaven (Galatians 5:9-10)(Matthew 16:6-12)(Ephesians 5:11)(Acts 17:11)(1 Timothy 5:22)(Romans 16:17-18)(2 Timothy 2:16-26).
Believers with a gift of teaching can struggle in their flesh at times but should not have leavened doctrine if Jesus opened their minds, and they were taught by real teachers (Luke 24:45)(1 Timothy 4:14-16)(2 Timothy 2:1-2)(1 Corinth. 12:29); it’s their job to teach and correct (Acts 20:27)(1 Timothy 3:2)(2 Timothy 2:15)! They’re not like Apollos, who didn’t know about Jesus. They have the Scriptures, and it’s not my job to instruct them = 1 Timothy 2:12. Women can’t even get into biblical discussions during worship meetings = 1 Corinthians 14:34,35. (It’s not “cultural.”)
Though, a woman-man team can instruct a man privately (Acts 18:26). Aged women can disciple younger women concerning Christian living (Titus 2:3-4)(1 Timothy 5:9-10). Of course, women can also prophesy. And, they must be ready to preach the Gospel and have an answer for what they believe (1 Peter 3:15)(Ephesians 6:15).
Where do you go when you’re in a spiritual famine (Amos 8:11)(Luke 18:8)(Matthew 24:12)(2 Timothy 3)? Most say to just go wherever. Well, what sins are okay to ignore? Can I trust corrupt teachers to teach me the whole truth and nothing but the truth? Can I trust them to not lead me astray?
But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. Matthew 18:6
Do not be deceived: bad company corrupts good morals. 1 Corinthians 15:33
I refuse to yoke myself to a gathering displaying obvious sin (Ex. 23:2)–even if it means standing alone, like Noah (Gen. 6:8). The NT commands us to keep ourselves pure: 1 Corinth 5, Ephesians 5:11, Romans 16, 1 Timothy 5:22. I can’t knowingly do the wrong thing (James 4:17). We must agree on doctrine (2 John 1:9-11)(1 Corinth 5:11)(Amos 3:3). I’m flexible concerning matters of opinion.
Thankfully, Yeshua left us a Helper (1 John 2:27)(John 14:26). The Spirit has taught me many things. The Shepherd of my soul helps.
And he came forth and saw a great multitude, and he had compassion on them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things. Mark 6:34
When I share what Jesus tells me (John 4:29), people resist yet they can’t prove me wrong in the Scriptures so that we can be one. Most run away or offer poop-riddled answers. Maybe some think it’s protective as it prevents them from blaspheming (denying) the Holy Spirit = Matthew 12:31, just in case. But, it does the opposite; it confirms their lovelessness, hypocrisy, and fakeness! Judgment receipts!
We know there are a lot of artificial Christians because the Bible says so (Isaiah 10:22-23)(1 Timothy 4:1)(Acts 20:29-38)(1 John 2:19). But, there are a ‘handful’ of real saints out there, and Yeshua knows their hearts (Psalm 19:12).
Among the ‘handful’, division and disorder reigns, yet people don’t seem to care (1 Corinthians 3:1-6)(1 Corinthians 4:17)(1 Corinthians 14:33). I don’t know if any of the modern leaders were God-appointed (Hosea 8:4)(Acts 20:28), but I would never worship with a group led by shepherds that don’t care about the spiritual health of the Shepherd’s flock. That means they’re selfish and lack LOVE (John 21:15-17)(John 10). They’re supposed to be an example to me and show me what LOVE looks like (1 Peter 5:3)(1 Corinth 13)(Galatians 2:1-6).
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has become a child of God. And everyone who loves the Father loves his children, too. We know we love God’s children if we love God and obey his commandments. Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome. 1 John 5:1-3
That they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us: that the world may believe that thou didst send me. And the glory which thou hast given me I have given unto them; that they may be one, even as we are one; I in them, and thou in me, that they may be perfected into one; that the world may know that thou didst send me, and lovedst them, even as thou lovedst me. John 17
And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them. Such people are not serving Christ our Lord; they are serving their own personal interests. By smooth talk and glowing words they deceive innocent people. But everyone knows that you are obedient to the Lord. This makes me very happy. I want you to be wise in doing right and to stay innocent of any wrong. Romans 16
We all have doctrinal blind spots somewhere, and groups rarely grow out of them and ‘see the light?’ How can teachers be spiritually stupid if Jesus opened their minds (Luke 24:45)? Though, some seem to shut their eyes to what they read (like the Pharisees) in favor of what they learned at “seminary” or from spiritual mentors that they put above the Word (1 Corinthians 4:6).
Again…
But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. Matthew 18:6
Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. James 3:1-2
I’m not mentioning anyone specifically, but I’ve noticed that masturbatory shepherds tend to have ‘vanity gatherings’ that revolve around them, which throws poop in the Savior’s face and pisses on his instructions (1 Corinth 14). They also like to be “The Leader” (3 John 1:9-11)(Luke 22:24-30) and embrace special titles, like “Head pastor” or “Pastor Chuck” (Matthew 23:7)(Matthew 20:26-28). James might have been lead-like among the others (Acts 12:17)(Acts 15). Do we see him doing that (James 1:1)? Humbleness is a fruit of LOVE.
Gd prevented me from yoking to false gatherings and secular church systems after my conversion, which was frustrating but also protective. This has also allowed me to clear out religious shoptalk and see ailments more clearly. It doesn’t make sense that a gathering of true believers don’t know the most basic things about the faith.
We are commanded to worship in spirit and truth, not outside of that. This sets the foundation for everything we do.
I learned that Christ’s resurrection party doesn’t feature a one-man show = 1 Corinthians 12:28, 1 Corinth 14. We’re all stars to Jesus. Concerning leadership, Jesus left us an example with the ‘mother’ ecclesia in Jerusalem, like in Acts 15 (Acts 14:23)(Acts 20:17)(Acts 11:30)(Acts 15:4, 22–23)(1 Tim. 5:17)(Phil. 1:1)(Titus 1:5)(Jas. 5:14)(1 Pet. 5:1). I believe ‘the church’ drifted away from that by the 2nd century. Instead of fighting monarchy, they welcomed it.
I also learned that the saints in a local flock aren’t off the hook when it comes to being led astray. Many seem to just follow the leader and don’t have anything to contribute. According to the Scriptures, that doesn’t make sense = (1 John 2:27)(Ephesians 4:1-16)(1 Corinth 14:31).
My growth has been slow (1 Corinthians 12:12-30), but Gd continually shines light on blindspots because he loves me. No one knows everything (1 Corinth 8:2)! If a group never experiences uncomfortable and painful growth, the gathering is chronically ill or dead! It’s loveless!
As mentioned earlier, pastors and teachers may struggle, like the rest of us. Peter, who was an apostle and elder, needed a rebuke (Galatians 2:11-14). In the OT, David, the king, was rebuked by Nathan. But, they should have a heart of gold. They are supposed to be spiritually mature and take their role seriously (James 3:1), not live a life of error. They shouldn’t have these issues (Acts 20:27)(1 Timothy 3:2)(2 Timothy 2:15)(Titus 1:9)(John 3:9-10)(Luk 24:45).
“How are these things possible?” Nicodemus asked. Jesus replied, “You are a respected Jewish teacher, and yet you don’t understand these things? John 3
These imposters and sheep eaters have left many wandering, discouraged, lonely, and hungry (Ezekiel 34). Yet, others refuse to suffer and have no spiritual integrity. They see what the Scriptures say but follow the wicked crowd for the sake of fellowship = fellowship idolatry (Exodus 23:2).
Collectively, Gd’s assembly is stagnate, powerless, idle, and set in their ways, not his. They let man-made traditions usurp the Creator’s commands (Mark 7:8), which means they have a LOVE problem = John 14:15, 1 John 4:7-21. People don’t know how to come out of the world (2 Corinthians 6:17)(1 John 2:15-17), so they just do whatever feels right, I guess (Judges 21:25). It appears people aren’t eating and digesting the Word of Gd (Ezekiel 2:8;3:1-3)(Jeremiah 15:16)(Rev 10:9-10). We must consume what he says so that we can live it out = Deut. 8:3-Matthew 4:4.
We must also keep in mind that we are all a part of the universal Body of Christ, and all saints in a city/village are one local body. Allowing that to fully marinate should stir repentance concerning division. A traveling Christian from Los Angeles would say “I’m a part of the L.A. ecclesia” Someone might ask: “where do you gather?” If the Christians in this person’s neighborhood have a designated place/house, he or she might share the location. By the 3rd and 4th century, findings show that houses were donated to gatherings by wealthy believers. Before that, it was usually home to home or a designated home.
There’s no scripture saying spiritual gifts have ceased. They will “cease” when the Messiah returns (1 Corinth 13). According to Jesus, any man ‘claiming’ to hold the office of apostle is examined, not flat out rejected = Rev. 2:2. They leave saints in the hands of elders (and perform health & wellness checkups). Each city is governed by a body of elders (presbytery) that should feature various gifts. (Deacons assist them with service needs.) They must be able to teach, though some may not do this often (1 Timothy 3:2). Big cities would just have a large council. People may break things down a bit, but there’s no such thing as “a head bishop, pope, or pastor” or gatherings within a local body “doing their own thing.” That’s all vanity, anti-christ, and unbiblical. Who started these gatherings today? Clearly, not Jesus and his apostles.
Yeshua is the Head Pastor. The leadership council of an area is under him and is one; they know each other and work together to resolve challenging disputes and ensure no divisions or doctrinal errors. They can use the modern tools available, such as newsletters, Microsoft teams meeting, etc. They may also meet with overseers in other cities. Just read the New Testament and don’t put man (including later church fathers) above the Word! Are there no wise men out there (Acts 15:13)? No men after Gd’s own heart, like David, who live by every word that comes from the mouth of Gd? (Psalm 119)(Matthew 4:4) This is not difficult to understand, like other things in the Scriptures (2 Peter 3:16). A babe in Christ or unbeliever can comprehend this. By history, it appears people erred greatly. Don’t repeat their mistakes, and we must take heed to the warnings repeated throughout the Scriptures.
The apostle’s job is to ensure unity in the Body of Christ, but we’re all apostles in the general sense. Take some action and look up to Jesus (2 Chronicles 7:14)(1 Corinth 1,3). Gatherings in a city can begin the healing process with those around them. One small village/township could ignite people all over the world! Reach out and touch somebody’s hand. Make the church a better place if you can. Then, we can do the same for the world. How can we be effective witnesses for Christ if we aren’t displaying the first sign that proves to the world that Jesus is who he says he is?! John 17:21-23. How can a ‘supposed’ gathering of Christ go years or even centuries and not reach out to another a block away or on the same block? Though, we should never embrace false unity. There’s NO Unity without Biblical truth. Paul went to Jerusalem to confirm his teachings with others after some time (Galatians 2:1-10). It’s strange if “God-chosen leaders” have never been pricked in the heart to do this.
It’s better to judge and humble ourselves before Jesus does it. You judge fruit to see who’s a Christian and who’s not (Matthew 7:16). So, of course, pastors would have to get to know the leaders around them. The Scriptures show that when there is order and we operate in LOVE, all true saints have the same beliefs and ordinances (1 Corinthians 14:33)(1 Corinthians 4:17)(Galatians 2:1-10). Denominations mean that people are controlled by their sinful nature, lacking LOVE (1 Corinth 1,3).
I offer Biblical wisdom more precious than 120 talents of gold: The man who proves his point with power until others can’t oppose wins = Luke 21:15, Acts 18:27–28, Acts 6:9-10, Acts 9:22, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Timothy 2:15, Hebrews 4:12, Titus 1:9. Acts 14:1. Losers must submit in LOVE. Those who resist a Spirit-filled message reject Christ (Acts 7)(Acts 14:2)(Titus 3:9-11)(2 Timothy 2:16-18;23-26)(2 Timothy 4:3-4)(James 3:1). It’s that simple. Christ’s yoke is light. Rock–headed, prideful people make things heavy.
Agree with me? Challenge the leaders of your gathering to obey the Scriptures. Encourage them in LOVE. Disagree? Well, if I am a true messenger, you have been served, in LOVE!
Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever. Daniel 12:3
In Christ’s Love,
