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Subject: Give Me a Church in Peace and Harmony!
In this prophetic end time, is it possible to find a church in absolute peace and harmony? This was a question posed to me the other day at the Web Site Office. This humble member lamented to me that as he looked about the entire Body of Christ, all he could see was a further splintering and scattering of the brethren. All he could see was problems among the brethren. He stated that he could no longer take the bitterness, backbiting, gossip and mud throwing. He could no longer endure the “petty politics and infighting”. He described how he was seeing this between churches and between brothers and sisters in local congregations. He admitted to me that his heart was full of sorrow, as he witnessed best friends being separated by hate and what he described as “rock throwing." He confessed that he could no longer stand by, watching local congregations being torn apart. He asked to be removed from the mailing list, so that he could separate himself to “walk with God."
What does God’s word have to say about the condition of the churches in the end time? Does God promise peace and harmony in the Body of Christ in the end time? What does our church doctrine have to say; should members of the church separate themselves when they witness trouble and turmoil? Should one flee when his brother smites or betrays him? What does God’s Word have to say about “enduring until the end”?
First, let us look at a number of familiar verses that describe
conditions in the churches in the end time. 1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope; 2 Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. 3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, 4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. 5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: 6 From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; 7 Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm. 8
But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully. [emphasis
mine]
For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved
may be made manifest among you.
1] People are human. 2] Not all in the church have the Spirit of God. 3] Not all are converted (even if baptized and members of the church). 4] Not all are at the same level of spiritual growth. Some may be babes in Christ---1 Corinthians 3:1; 1 Peter 2:2. 5] Some are wolves in sheep's clothing---Matthew 7:15. 6] Some have mental and/or social disorders OR personal problems (envy, jealousy, greed, desire for position or power, etc.) 7] Some have quenched the Spirit of God--1 Thessalonians 5:19. 8] Some become tossed to and fro on every wind of doctrine--Ephesians 4:14 9] Some will come to a point where they will not endure sound doctrine 10] The church will shift and change their doctrine upsetting some or many.
2 Timothy 4:3-4 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
11) Some get obsessed about a specific doctrine or seemingly Bible truth (actually false) and hinder or destroy their own salvation in their obsession with it. They will show a great need to propagate it and/or need to be right about it.
Note that some of these listed items overlap and can manifest themselves in combinations of these listed items. These are just some of the reasons. There are many more, each as complex as the human animal is complex.
FOUR: THE PARABLE OF THE WEDDING BANQUET Matthew 22:1-14 1 And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said, 2 The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, 3 And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. 4 Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. 5 But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: 6 And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. 7 But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. 8 Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. 9 Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. 10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. 11 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: 12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. 13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 14 For many are called, but few are chosen.
The question is often asked, “what is the difference between the “called” and the “chosen” in verse 14?
CALLED AND CHOSEN Called and Chosen: Matthew 22:14 (Read verses 1-14) and Matthew 20:16
Called: People who have their minds open to the truth and who God leads to repentance, baptism, and to the receiving of the Holy Spirit.
Chosen: Called ones who remain steadfast to the end. Just because one is called does not mean they will respond to the call or stay with the call (the Salvation Process).
Notice verse 6: And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. This is a description of brother against brother. Verse 8 says that they are not worthy of the Kingdom and verse 7 says that they will be destroyed. We know what happens to those called that turn away from that calling. Verse 13 is absolutely clear.
FIVE: THE PARABLE OF THE 10 VIRGINS Matthew 25:1-13 [see sermon] 1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: 4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
Notice that the wise and the unwise virgins (representing called firstfruits) are TOGETHER right up until the bridegroom (Jesus Christ) comes.
Prior to giving the parable of the 5 wise and 5 foolish virgins, as part of the answer about the end time, Jesus states it in plain talk in Matthew 24:45-51. My Hebrew-Greek Study Bible has sub-headings over portions of the scripture. Above verse 45, it has the sub-heading:
“The Faithful And The Unfaithful Servants”
Matthew 24:45-51 45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? 46 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 47 Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. 48 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; 49 And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; 50 The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, 51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
How can anyone read the parable of the 10 virgins and then read the above scriptures and not see they are talking about the same thing? Now notice something very key to this description of the Body of Christ in the end time. Verse 49 clearly states that members of the body will begin to smite their fellowservants!! This will include:
1) unfaithful servants gossiping about the righteous. 2) unfaithful servants spreading discord among the brethren and attempting to separate the righteous from their friends. 3) unfaithful servants seeking to unseat the righteous from their duties or positions in the church. 4) unfaithful servants seeking to put down and continually criticize the ministry. 5) unfaithful servants, who are jealous, hateful and bitter regarding their brothers and sisters in the church. 6) unfaithful servants, who seek to disfellowship the righteous from the congregation. 7) unfaithful servants, who will depart from the doctrine of the church and the church’s own constitution, by-laws and guidelines.
These situations will include lay member against lay member and minister against minister. Lay members will smite their ministers and ministers will smite lay members. Both will smite their leaders.
SIX: MEMBERS SHALL BETRAY BROTHERS AND SHALL HATE THEM
Notice some key verses in Matthew 24. After Jesus warned of wars and rumors of wars, pestilences and famines, He states, beginning in verse 10…
Matthew 24:10-14 10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
These verses refer to both the world and the Body of Christ. Many members will be offended and shall betray one another. They shall hate one another. False prophets, some of whom will be in the Body of Christ, will deceive many. Because of all this iniquity, many will see their love wax cold. They will seek to flee the congregation and even the Body of Christ. But notice verse 13…
But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
There is nothing here admonishing or instructing the member to flee the congregation or to go it alone until Christ returns. Verse 14 shows that there is a Work to be done and that we must perform it. We must endure the smiting of our brothers and ourselves. We must endure those doing the smiting.
SEVEN: “LET HIM BE UNJUST STILL” In a sermon, Mr. Armstrong, in speaking to the subject of members of the body now and in the end time, made reference to Revelation and chapter 22…
Revelation 22:10-12 10 And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand. 11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. 12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
This verse is speaking to people in the church who are bitter, hateful and in the process of falling away, but still attending and causing trouble in the church. It is clear that this problem will be with the church right up to the end and the return of Christ.
Verse 11 says to the righteous, “Let the righteous be righteous still.” The righteous MUST endure, within the Body and within the church, TO THE END.
EIGHT: SOME SHALL BE BETRAYED BY BRETHREN Luke 21:16-19 16 And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. 17 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. 18 But there shall not an hair of your head perish. 19 In your patience possess ye your souls.
The key is verse 19; we must have patience and stay in the Salvation process.
NINE: SOME WILL FALSELY ACCUSE THE GOOD CONVERSATION OF THE RIGHTEOUS 1 Peter 3:15-18 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. 17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. 18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
The righteous will experience times when evildoers will falsely accuse their good conduct in Christ. God says that it is better to suffer for well doing, than for doing evil. If it is God’s will, the righteous will suffer this way. Remember that Jesus Christ experienced the same. It was He who said…
Luke 6:22-23 22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. 23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.
TEN: EXAMPLES FROM THE SCRIPTURE Some in the Body of Christ suffered from this smiting from within.
1) Jesus Isaiah 53:3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
2) Paul 2 Timothy 4:14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:
2 Timothy 4:16 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.
Both Jesus and Paul endured to the end.
SO, WHAT ARE WE TO DO IN LIGHT OF GOD’S WORD?
Begin here:
Matthew 5:10-12 10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
These verses do not say to run away from the congregation. We are blessed in place.
Revelation 2:10
Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil
shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall
have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give
thee a crown of life.
Matthew 5:19 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.
Note: This verse is talking about people that would not only break the commandments but teach their breaking of those commandments.
Matthew 7:15-20 15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
Note: This verse not only tells you that it happens but that it is YOUR responsibility to figure out where the truth is.
Matthew 7:22-23 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Note: This is a sobering verse. One might think that those casting out devils and doing many wonderful works would be preachers of truth but God says NO, not all. You must decide.
Matthew 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
Note: Do you believe the commandments of God or is something else being taught to you. You cannot prove the commandments of men from the Bible.
Matthew 15:14 Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.
Note: You asked me, How? Answer: They are blind.
Matthew 24:4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
Note: Again, responsibility is YOURS.
Matthew 24:24 2For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
Note: The "very elect" are those Spirit-begotten called out ones of God. The false prophets will try to deceive them but it is almost impossible for the Spirit of God is more powerful and because God is with His called out ones.
Acts 20:29-30 29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
Note: Almost prophetic (actually is) for after the founder of the Worldwide Church of God died, in came the grievous wolves who spared not the flock. The flock went from some 350,000 to 40,000 and you ask why would someone lie if it would result in that. Answer: They retain multiple millions of dollars in land and buildings and equipment which are now being sold off and retained by one individual. This is common knowledge.
Romans 16:17-18 17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
Note: I am a minister in the Intercontinental Church of God having been in the Worldwide Church up until the heresy began. I presently am holding onto and preaching the same doctrines I was taught almost 30 years ago. The WW now teaches contrary to what I ever learned.
1 Corinthians 11:18-19 …read above in item 2 on heresy and apostasy 18 For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. 19 For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.
Note: Paul states clearly that heresies will come to the church. This has been true since the first century.
Galatians 1:6-7 6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
Note: I to marvel at my brothers still in Worldwide who now believe another gospel. Notice also that this verse speaks of some who would pervert the gospel of Christ. Who are they? Clearly, you must find out.
Ephesians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
Note: Craftiness, cunning, people being tossed on every wind of doctrine....who are they talking about. Definitely something every Christian must be aware of.
Philippians 3:2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.
Note: This verse says it well. Uses the word "beware" 3 times. Responsibility YOURS.
Colossians 2:4 And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.
Note: Another warning.
Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
Note: You must decide if the minister and church you follow are using the Bible to prove thins or these other listed methods in this verse.
1 Timothy 1:19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:
Note: Some false ministers have left things in shambles including the lives and minds of some.
1 Timothy 6:3-5 3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, 5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
Note: Again answering your question, How?. They know nothing. They are corrupt. They are destitute of truth. DO YOU BELIEVE THE BIBLE IS JUST TALKING OR DO THESE KINDS OF PEOPLE EXIST?
1 Timothy 6:20-21 20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: 21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.
Note: Some of erred in the faith.
2 Timothy 3:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
Note: "Deceiving and being deceived" (again answering your question). Notice also there are evil men around and this situation will get worse and worse. YOU must prove if this is happening anywhere, especially if you find yourself making inquiries of two vastly different organizations.
2 Timothy 4:3 …which I read in part in item 3 above on why the division For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
Note: Another description. This showing that some will no longer endure sound doctrine but gather to themselves false teachers.
This should be enough to give you an overview of the problem.
Notice what our church doctrine says about fellowship with the brethren: FELLOWSHIP OF THE BRETHREN
DOCTRINAL STATEMENT
Fellowship is the religious interaction of church members among themselves and with God, a spiritual association through the Holy Spirit, which transcends normal social or business relationships. Since this fellowship comes through being part of the body of Christ, it requires that one has repented, been baptized and, consequently, has received God's Holy Spirit. The fellowship of the brethren builds spiritual strength into both the individual and the Church as a whole. Conversely, the Church may exercise its right to disfellowship one who, by obvious attitude or action, opposes the gospel or causes disruption among the membership.
DOCTRINAL OVERVIEW
It is important that the membership of God's Church meet together for spiritual purposes in order that the fabric of the Church and the spiritual state of the individual may be strengthened. The Church also encourages social fellowship among the members. It is a well understood principle that close camaraderie between members of a group enhances both the conviction of the individual and the strength of the entire group. It is one means of practicing the qualities of love, outgoing concern and Christian harmony among the individual members of the body of Christ.
1 Corinthians 12 shows that God deals with His Church as a group in addition to dealing with the individual members separately. "For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ" (v. 12). "For the body is not one member, but many" (v. 14). Likewise, John 15 gives the analogy of Christ being the "true vine," and explains how a branch separated or taken away from the vine cannot bear fruit. Experience has shown that people who cut themselves off from the Church (which is the body of Christ) tend to lose sight of the goal and purpose of God's Way and wither spiritually. They stop producing the fruit of God's Spirit, begin to shrivel in spiritual stature and can put themselves in danger of spiritual death.
In the next paragraph of the doctrinal statement it says:
“Likewise, the Church is exhorted not to forsake the "assembling of ourselves together" for religious worship (Hebrews 10:25).”
---end quote---
Let me repeat a key sentence from this doctrine:
“Experience has shown that people who cut themselves off from the Church (which is the body of Christ) tend to lose sight of the goal and purpose of God's Way and wither spiritually. They stop producing the fruit of God's Spirit, begin to shrivel in spiritual stature and can put themselves in danger of spiritual death.”
I would encourage everyone in the Body of Christ to stay connected to the Body. Even those in isolated areas and who are unable to attend regular services need to stay connected to both the Work of God and to other members in the Body.
Christ is the Head of the church. He is not about fleeing. He is about persistence and perseverance. We must all remain together to the end. We must do this even if our brothers hate us and smite us. Our Salvation depends on our enduring to the end.
Matthew 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. See DiagramFurther Reading: Rare exception to concept of falling away vs. backsliding. Menu-driven, Open-forum Bible Studies: Menu Items 10 - 16 - 17 Minister's Notebook piece, "There is No Second Chance" Bible Study: "Backsliding vs. Falling Away" Sermon: Moment of Judgment - are we in the time of the ten virgins |
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