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Corporate Ordained Ministers
Collated by Al. DesLaurier

When our Lord Jesus Christ walked among men, He taught His disciples to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, whom He denounced as hypocrites. With them He classed the chief priests and officials of the temple, together with the recognized teachers, (scribes, or "professors"). Therefore, as a warning to those who were joining themselves to Him, the Lord said that these men .“loved were the highest seats in the Synagogues; the uppermost rooms at the public feasts; the greetings they received in the market places from truly humble and sincere men, whom they hoped would esteem them as superiors, and who addressed them as Rabbi, Rabbi, - my master, my master. But our Lord commanded: "Be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren . . . . Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant," (Matthew 23:8-11).

This was a double command for a double purpose: 
1) Do not allow men who are your brethren in Christ, and who compose the Assembly of God, to call you master, for One alone is your Master. 
2) Do not allow yourself to become possessed with such a carnal spirit that you want men who belong to the body of Christ to call you "Master."

Also, added to the carnal desire to be "uppermost" in the eyes of the Lord’s people, these leaders were charged with extortion and accused of devouring the homes of widows, and of excess. Jesus accused them of being hypocrites who aspired to be regarded as dignitaries of the congregations of the Most High God. The word "excess," as used above, means the carnal abuse of lawful things; things lawful and right carried to extremes. For it is true that there is a legal and God-approved honour given to certain selected ones: "We beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves," (I Thessalonians 5:12-13)."Let the elders that rule well [guide; lead; preside well] be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine," (I Timothy 5:17).

Because those who are over us in the Lord are shepherds who must lead and guide, but not dominate. Rule is arbitrary government, and the Church may be "subject to Christ" only. "One is your Master, even Christ." The following Divine instruction is from one of the inspired Spirit-filled elders: "The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed. Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight [not rulership] thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock," (I Peter 5:1-3).

The "blind guides" would say, but not do. The Divinely-anointed elder will both say and do, and thus be an example to the flock, whom the people will love and esteem very highly for his work’s sake, and who in his heart will never desire to be lord over the heritage of his Master. It is this aspiration on the part of men to become lords over God’s heritage that God hates. "The doctrine of the Nicolaitanes" is just what the word Nicolaitanes itself declares. In the book of the revelation of Jesus Christ, it is both "the deeds" and "the doctrine" of those in the two "churches" specified (Revelation 2:6, 15). “But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans which I hate”. This is very serious when Jesus says, “which I hate”. The Lord demands repentance on the part of those who hold and practice these things and He threatens drastic punishment if they do not obey Him: "Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth," (Revelation 2:16).

The name, Nicolaitanes, is a compound word which is composed of three Greek words, and which, because of being a proper noun, is transferred instead of being translated into English. As thus transferred, it is subject to the laws of Greek construction in regard to ellipsis, contraction and phonetics. The Greek words used in its construction are first: "Nikos," of which we use the English equivalents instead of the Greek letters, as we shall also of the other two. Nikos is defined as "a conquest; victory; triumph; the conquered; and by implication, dominance over the defeated." Another transferred name in which this term is used is "Nicopolis," i.e., Niko - conquest; polis - city. Hence, the city of conquest, or city of victory. Also Andro - "nikos;" a man of conquest, of victory.

The second term used in the name under consideration is "laos," - people, another use of which is Nicolas, which is transferred and is composed of Nikos-laos and means one who is "victorious over the people," the letter s being, in both words, the nominative case ending, which is retained only at the end of the word to denote the case, while a short and o short are contracted into a long. Also, a still further transferred use of "laos" is found in the name Lao(s)diceans, compounded with dike or dice as the Greek k is the equivalent English c. Thus, in the name Laodiceans, we have laos - "people" and dice judgement, or vengeance, i.e., the people of my judgment, or of my vengeance. Also the Greek word la (ic) os means "laymen," of which la-os is the root and stem, which selfsame word, with the o short contracted to i, to which root and stem the plural definite article ton is joined to form laiton - is a Greek phrase meaning "the laity."

The third and last word entering into the construction of the proper name Nicolaitanes is ton, in which omega, the long o, is contracted into long a, thus making the word "tan," which is the genitive case plural in all the genders of the definite article the. Therefore, we have, without the legal Greek construction, the English hyphenated word Nickos-laos-ton, but which, with its lawful elisions and contractions, becomes the English name: Nicolaitanes, the full meaning of which, in its native tongue and in its ecclesiastical setting, is that the bishops and prelates of the Church have gained a triumphal victory or conquest over the laiton - the laity -until they have been compelled to submit to the arbitrary dominion of men who have become that thing which God hates: "Lords over God’s heritage." 

The evidence of this is found in all our common school dictionaries, among which we find the following definition of the term "hierarchy: the power of dominion, government by ecclesiastical rulers," to which the following is introduced in evidence. "If anyone shall say that there is not in the Catholic Church a hierarchy established by the divine ordination, consisting of bishops, presbyters and ministers, let him be anathema. Council of Trent (trans) XXIII 6." (Century Dictionary.) In other words, let anyone who will have the temerity to say there is not a hierarchy, not a collection of human beings, who have been given the power, by other men of dominion, as ecclesiastical rulers over churchmen, who are declaredly God’s heritage, let that man be accursed; i.e., let death and hell and the devil get him. Surely, the thing in which that ecclesiastical company is glorying is their shame.

Furthermore, Webster defines the word "episcopal" as "the power of government, belonging to, or invested in, bishops or prelates. Government of the church by bishops." Also "In episcopacy, the order of bishops is superior to the other clergy, and has exclusive power to confer orders." In this definition it is affirmed that a certain portion of presbyters (elders) were even "in apostolic times superior in authority to ordinary presbyters," and also mentions the fact that episcopacy recognise "episcopal rank" which is created by the institution thus governed; all of which affirms that any church in which episcopal government obtains is practicing the very carnal and fleshly iniquity of creating "Superiors" in what should be a holy brotherhood. The use of this appellation makes "inferiors" out of "brethren" who are in the selfsame clergy. The approbation of "ordinary elders" demands a "set" of elders who are super-ordinary, thus creating "rank" (caste) in the otherwise Divine brotherhood, all of which destroys holy fellowship, creates division and strife, and fosters envy. No marvel that our Lord should hate a thing like that condemns it, and demand that those who are guilty shall repent.

And yet, one of the most unfortunate features of all this is that there are those in the Christian Church who do not hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, but who practice "their deeds" of dominating the laity by lording it over the Church of Jesus Christ, which should be subject only to one Divine Master. It is often true that these have assumed this lordship because they are esteemed very highly in love for their work’s sake, but have become vainly puffed up in their fleshly mind. Beloved, "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees." False Ministers, False Brethren.

To their detriment, many in the Church of God ignore the numerous Bible passages, which warn against false prophets (corporate ministers) and false brethren. As a result, they have become merchandise in the business of religion. The core practice of false ministers is power over the people. The Messiah hates both the doctrine, and the deeds, of the Nicolaitanes, Revelation 2:6, 15, which is lording it over the flock of the Almighty. One of the most pernicious ways this ungodly human lordship is exhibited is in the area of money. False ministers preach for hire. They demand, and extort, payment for their "services."



The Doctrine of Balaam involves preaching the Word of God for hire, for money, for filthy lucre’s sake. The Scriptures plainly define this sin, yet most brethren today act as if the Doctrine of Balaam does not exist. The Messiah is going to make a reckoning some day. He has a few things against us today, as He did of Pergamos. In the midst of that Church were some who held the Doctrine of Balaam, Revelation 2:14. The Eternal actually communicated with Balaam the prophet, Numbers 22:9, 12, 20. When Moab’s King Balak sent messengers offering to pay Balaam to curse God’s people Israel, Balaam lusted after the "rewards of divination," verse 7, the money he would get for cursing Israel. God told Balaam that he could not curse Israel, for they are blessed, verse 11.Therefore, to get the money, Balaam devised a scheme whereby Israel could be enticed to sin, and thereby they bring God’s judgment on themselves, Numbers 25:1-17, 31:16. One could say that the Doctrine of Balaam is ecumenism, a mixing of true and false worship: "the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication," Revelation 2:14. This is where the money and support is, since human nature rebels against the Almighty’s Law. Because of the lust after money, the Doctrine of Balaam exists today. The Almighty gives us freely His grace, and His servants are not to charge for passing on to others His precious, lifesaving Truth, "freely ye have received, freely give," Matthew 10:8. Satan, however, allows his servants, like Balaam, to charge for their false teaching. In Acts 16:16-24, we find a damsel possessed with a spirit of divination, who brought her masters much gain by soothsaying. When Paul cast out the demon, her masters were enraged against him, because they would lose a great deal of money. That is why Paul warns that "the love of money is the [a] root of all evil: which while some have coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows," I Timothy 6:10.

"freely ye have received, freely give,"

The love of money. "If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the Lord my God," Numbers 22:18, only revealed his true desires. Balaam was covetous of money, he "loved the wages of unrighteousness," II Peter 2:15. Thus, Balaam became the epitome, or prime example, of the corruption that money and fame breed. In Jude 11, we are warned, "Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward . . . ." Balaam was one of the enemies of God that the Israelites destroyed, Numbers 31:8.

False ministers claim that if you give to them, God will make you rich. Thus, "through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you," II Peter 2:3. The motivation of Simon the magician was money and power, and Peter rebuked him for thinking, "that the gift may be purchased with money," Acts 8:20. Today, as in ancient Israel, false teaching, motivated by greed for money, is prevalent. This collection of scriptures is relevant for our day, as it was for ancient Israel. 




Deuteronomy 13:1-5. “If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him. And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; because he hath spoken to turn you away from the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to thrust thee out of the way which the LORD thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee.” 

Deuteronomy 18:20-22, “But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in My name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die. And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word, which the LORD hath not spoken? When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.”

I Kings 13:33-34, “After this thing Jeroboam returned not from his evil way, but made again of the lowest of the people priests of the high places: whosoever would, he consecrated him, and he became one of the priests of the high places. And this thing became sin unto the house of Jeroboam, even to cut it off, and to destroy it from off the face of the earth.” 

Isaiah 5:20, “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for 
bitter!”

Isaiah 8:19-20, “And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” 

Isaiah 9:15-17, “The ancient and honourable, he is the head; and the prophet that teacheth lies, he is the tail. For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed. Therefore the LORD shall have no joy in their young men, neither shall have mercy on their fatherless and widows: for every one is an hypocrite and an evildoer, and every mouth speaketh folly.”





Isaiah 28:7-8, “But they also have erred through wine, and through strong drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink; they err in vision, they stumble in judgment. For all tables are full of vomit and filthiness, so that there is no place clean.”

Isaiah 29:9-10, “Stay yourselves, and wonder; cry ye out, and cry: they are drunken, but not with wine; they stagger, but not with strong drink. For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath He covered.”

Isaiah 29:14-15, 21, “Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid. Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the LORD, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us? and who knoweth us? . . . That make a man an offender for a word, and lay a snare for him that reproveth in the gate, and turn aside the just for a thing of nought.”

Isaiah 30:9-13, “That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD: Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits: Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us. Wherefore thus saith the Holy One of Israel, Because ye despise this word, and trust in oppression and perverseness, and stay thereon: Therefore this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking cometh suddenly at an instant.”

Isaiah 56:10-12, “His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter. Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant.”

Jeremiah 2:8, “The priests said not, Where is the Lord? and they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit.”

Jeremiah 2:11, 13, 35-36, “Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods? but My people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit. . . . For My people have committed two evils; they have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water. . . . Behold, I will plead with thee, because thou sayest, I have not sinned. Why gaddest thou about so much to change thy way?”

Jeremiah 5:12-13, “They have belied the Lord, and said, It is not He; neither shall evil come upon us; neither shall we see sword nor famine: And the prophets shall become wind, and the word is not in them: thus shall it be done unto them.”

Jeremiah 5:30-31, “A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land; The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and My people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?”

Jeremiah 6:13, “For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely.”

Jeremiah 7:9-11, “Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not; And come and stand before Me in this house, which is called by My name, and say, We are delivered to do all these abominations? Is this house, which is called by My name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, even I have seen it, saith the LORD.” 

Jeremiah 8:8-10, “How do ye say, We are wise, and the law of the LORD is with us? Lo, certainly in vain made He it; the pen of the scribes is in vain. The wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken: lo, they have rejected the word of the LORD; and what wisdom is in them? Therefore will I give their wives unto others, and their fields to them that shall inherit them: for every one from the least even unto the greatest is given to covetousness, from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely.”

Jeremiah 10:21, “For the pastors are become brutish, and have not sought the LORD: therefore they shall not prosper, and all their flocks shall be scattered.”

Jeremiah 12:10-11, “Many pastors have destroyed My vineyard, they have trodden My portion under foot, they have made My pleasant portion a desolate wilderness. They have made it desolate, and being desolate it mourneth unto Me; the whole land is made desolate, because no man layeth it to heart”.

Jeremiah 13:10, 23, 27, “This evil people, which refuse to hear My words, which walk in the imagination of their heart, and walk after other gods, to serve them, and to worship them, shall even be as this girdle, which is good for nothing. . . . Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil. . . . I have seen thine adulteries, and thy neighings, the lewdness of thy whoredom, and thine abominations on the hills in the fields. Woe unto thee, O Jerusalem! wilt thou not be made clean? when shall it once be?”






Jeremiah 14:13-16, “Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, the prophets say unto them, Ye shall not see the sword, neither shall ye have famine; but I will give you assured peace in this place. Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in My name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart. Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that prophesy in My name, and I sent them not, yet they say, Sword and famine shall not be in this land; By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed. And the people to whom they prophesy shall be cast out in the streets of Jerusalem because of the famine and the sword; and they shall have none to bury them, them, their wives, nor their sons, nor their daughters: for I will pour their wickedness upon them.”

Jeremiah 23:1-2, “Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture! saith the LORD. Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed My people; Ye have scattered My flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD.”

Jeremiah 23:10-17, “For the land is full of adulterers . . . . For both prophet and priest are profane; yea, in My house have I found their wickedness, saith the LORD. Wherefore their way shall be unto them as slippery ways in the darkness: they shall be driven on, and fall therein: for I will bring evil upon them, even the year of their visitation, saith the LORD. And I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria; they prophesied in Baal, and caused My people Israel to err. I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness: they are all of them unto Me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah. Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts concerning the prophets; Behold, I will feed them with wormwood, and make them drink the water of gall: for from the prophets of Jerusalem is profaneness gone forth into all the land. Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD. They say still unto them that despise Me, The LORD hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you.”

Jeremiah 23:21-22, “I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied. But if they had stood in My counsel, and had caused My people to hear My words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings.” 








Jeremiah 23:25-33, “I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in My name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed. How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart; Which think to cause My people to forget My name by their dreams which they tell every man to his neighbour, as their fathers have forgotten My name for Baal. The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath My word, let him speak My word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD. Is not My word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces? Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that steal My words every one from his neighbour. Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that use their tongues, and say, He saith. Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the LORD, and do tell them, and cause My people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the LORD. And when this people, or the prophet, or a priest, shall ask thee, saying, What is the burden of the LORD? thou shalt then say unto them, What burden? I will even forsake you, saith the LORD.”

Jeremiah 28:8-9, “The prophets that have been before Me and before thee of old prophesied both against many countries, and against great kingdoms, of war, and of evil, and of pestilence. The prophet which prophesieth of peace, when the word of the prophet shall come to pass, then shall the prophet be known, that the LORD hath truly sent him.”

Jeremiah 29:8-9, “For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Let not your prophets and your diviners, that be in the midst of you, deceive you, neither hearken to your dreams which ye cause to be dreamed. For they prophesy falsely unto you in My name: I have not sent them, saith the LORD.” 

Jeremiah 29:23, “Because they have committed villainy in Israel, and have committed adultery with their neighbours’ wives, and have spoken lying words in My name, which I have not commanded them; even I know, and am a witness, saith 
the LORD.” 

Jeremiah 50:6-7, “My people hath been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray, they have turned them away on the mountains: they have gone from mountain to hill, they have forgotten their restingplace. All that found them have devoured them: and their adversaries said, We offend not, because they have sinned against the LORD, the habitation of justice, even the LORD, the hope of their fathers.”
Lamentations 2:9, 14, “Her gates are sunk into the ground; he hath destroyed and broken her bars: her king and her princes are among the Gentiles: the law is no more; her prophets also find no vision from the LORD. . . . Thy prophets have seen vain and foolish things for thee: and they have not discovered thine iniquity, to turn away thy captivity; but have seen for thee false burdens and causes of banishment.”




Lamentations 4:12-13, “The kings of the earth, and all the inhabitants of the world, would not have believed that the adversary and the enemy should have entered into the gates of Jerusalem. For the sins of her prophets, and the iniquities of her priests, that have shed the blood of the just in the midst of her.”

Ezekiel 7:26, “Mischief shall come upon mischief, and rumour shall be upon rumour; then shall they seek a vision of the prophet; but the law shall perish from the priest, and counsel from the ancients.”

Ezekiel 13:2-11, “Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel that prophesy, and say thou unto them that prophesy out of their own hearts, Hear ye the word of the LORD; Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing! O Israel, thy prophets are like the foxes in the deserts. Ye have not gone up into the gaps, neither made up the hedge for the house of Israel to stand in the battle in the day of the LORD. They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying, The LORD saith: and the LORD hath not sent them: and they have made others to hope that they would confirm the word. Have ye not seen a vain vision, and have ye not spoken a lying divination, whereas ye say, The LORD saith it; albeit I have not spoken? Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye have spoken vanity, and seen lies, therefore, behold, I am against you, saith the Lord GOD. And Mine hand shall be upon the prophets that see vanity, and that divine lies: they shall not be in the assembly of My people, neither shall they be written in the writing of the house of Israel, neither shall they enter into the land of Israel; and ye shall know that I am the Lord GOD. Because, even because they have seduced My people, saying, Peace; and there was no peace; and one built up a wall, and, lo, others daubed it with untempered mortar: Say unto them which daub it with untempered mortar, that it shall fall: there shall be an overflowing shower; and ye, O great hailstones, shall fall; and a stormy wind shall rend it.”

Ezekiel 13:17, 22-23, “Likewise, thou son of man, set thy face against the daughters of thy people, which prophesy out of their own heart; and prophesy thou against them, . . . . Because with lies ye have made the heart of the righteous sad, whom I have not made sad; and strengthened the hands of the wicked, that he should not return from his wicked way, by promising him life: Therefore ye shall see no more vanity, nor divine divinations: for I will deliver My people out of your hand: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.”

Ezekiel 14:7-10, “For every one of the house of Israel, or of the stranger that sojourneth in Israel, which separateth himself from Me, and setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to a prophet to enquire of him concerning Me; I the LORD will answer him by Myself: And I will set My face against that man, and will make him a sign and a proverb, and I will cut him off from the midst of My people; and ye shall know that I am the LORD. And if the prophet be deceived when he hath spoken a thing, I the LORD have deceived that prophet, and I will stretch out My hand upon him, and will destroy him from the midst of My people Israel. And they shall bear the punishment of their iniquity: the punishment of the prophet shall be even as the punishment of him that seeketh unto him.”

Ezekiel 22:25-31, “There is a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof. Her priests have violated My law, and have profaned Mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they shewed difference between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from My sabbaths, and I am profaned among them. Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain. And her prophets have daubed them with untempered mortar, seeing vanity, and divining lies unto them, saying, Thus saith the Lord GOD, when the LORD hath not spoken. The people of the land have used oppression, and exercised robbery, and have vexed the poor and needy: yea, they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully. And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before Me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none. Therefore have I poured out Mine indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of My wrath: their own way have I recompensed upon their heads, saith the Lord GOD.” 

Ezekiel 34:2-10, “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks? Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: but ye feed not the flock. The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them. And they were scattered, because there is no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered. My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill: yea, my flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek after them. Therefore, ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD; As I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely because my flock became a prey, and my flock became meat to every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my flock; Therefore, O ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD; Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them.”

Ezekiel 48:11, “It shall be for the priests that are sanctified of the sons of Zadok; which have kept my charge, which went not astray when the children of Israel went astray, as the Levites went astray.” 

Amos 2:12, “But ye gave the Nazarites wine to drink; and commanded the prophets, saying, Prophesy not.”



Micah 2:11, “If a man walking in the spirit and falsehood do lie, saying, I will prophesy unto thee of wine and of strong drink; he shall even be the prophet of 
this people.”

Micah 3:5-11, “Thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that make my people err, that bite with their teeth, and cry, Peace; and he that putteth not into their mouths, they even prepare war against him. Therefore night shall be unto you, that ye shall not have a vision; and it shall be dark unto you, that ye shall not divine; and the sun shall go down over the prophets, and the day shall be dark over them. Then shall the seers be ashamed, and the diviners confounded: yea, they shall all cover their lips; for there is no answer of God. But truly I am full of power by the spirit of the LORD, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin. Hear this, I pray you, ye heads of the house of Jacob, and princes of the house of Israel, that abhor judgment, and pervert all equity. They build up Zion with blood, and Jerusalem with iniquity. The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, Is not the LORD among us? none evil can come upon us.”

Zephaniah 3:4, “Her prophets are light and treacherous persons: her priests have polluted the sanctuary, they have done violence to the law.” 

Zechariah 13:2-7, “And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord of hosts, that I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they shall no more be remembered: and also I will cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land. And it shall come to pass, that when any shall yet prophesy, then his father and his mother that begat him shall say unto him, Thou shalt not live; for thou speakest lies in the name of the Lord: and his father and his mother that begat him shall thrust him through when he prophesieth. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the prophets shall be ashamed every one of his vision, when he hath prophesied; neither shall they wear a rough garment to deceive: But he shall say, I am no prophet, I am an husbandman; for man taught me to keep cattle from my youth. And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends. Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the Lord of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.” 

Malachi 1:6-8, “A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is Mine honour? and if I be a master, where is My fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise My name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name? Ye offer polluted bread upon Mine altar; and ye say, Wherein have we polluted thee? In that ye say, The table of the LORD is contemptible. And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? and if ye offer the lame and sick, is it not evil?” 




Malachi 2:1, 8-10, “And now, O ye priests, this commandment is for you . . . But ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith the LORD of hosts. Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according as ye have not kept My ways, but have been partial in the law. Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us? why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, by profaning the covenant of our fathers?”

Matthew 7:15-23, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven. 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? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.” 

Matthew 23:2-7, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.” 

Matthew 23:14-15, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.”

Matthew 23:23, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.”

Matthew 23:27-28, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.”



Matthew 24:4-5, “And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.”

Matthew 24:11, “And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.”

Matthew 24:23-24, “Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For 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.”

Luke 6:26, “Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.”

Luke 11:23, “He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.”

Luke 21:8, “And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in My name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.”

John 10:1, 5, 12_13, “He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber . . . a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers . . . But he that is an hireling, and not the [good] shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.”

John 12:42-43, “Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on Him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.”

Acts 8:9_13, “But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries. But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.” 







Acts 8:18-24, “And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the LORD for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.”

Acts 20:28-30, “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the Church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” 

Romans 1:21-32, “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them”.










Romans 2:17-26, “Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God, And knowest His will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law; And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law. Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written. For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?”

Romans 16:17-18, (Living Bible) “Stay away from those who cause divisions and are upsetting people’s faith, teaching things about Christ that are contrary to what you have been taught. Such teachers are not working for our Lord Jesus, but only want gain for themselves. They are good speakers, and simple-minded people are often fooled by them.”

I Corinthians 5:11-13, “But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.”

I Corinthians 15:34, “ . . . for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.”

I Corinthians 16:9, “For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.” 

II Corinthians 2:17, “For we are not as many, which corrupt [retail, adulterate, from the word for ‘huckster’] the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ”.

II Corinthians 4:2, “But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.”







II Corinthians 11:3-4, “But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.”

II Corinthians 11:13-15, “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.”

II Corinthians 11:26, “In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren.”

Galatians 1:6-8, “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from Him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.”

Galatians 1:9-10, “As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” 

Galatians 2:4, “And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage.”

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.”

Ephesians 5:6-8, 11, “Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. . . . And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.”

Philippians 1:15, “Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will.”

Philippians 2:21, “For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.”



Philippians 3:18-19, “For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.”
Colossians 2:4, 8, 18, “And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words . . . . 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 . . . . Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind.”

I Thessalonians 2:2-4, “But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention. For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts”.

II Thessalonians 2:3_4, “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.” 

II Thessalonians 2:7_12, “For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of His mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”

II Thessalonians 3:6, “Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.”

II Thessalonians 3:14-15, “And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.”

I Timothy 1:3_4, “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, Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.” 



I Timothy 1:6-7, “From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.” 

I Timothy 1:19-20, “Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.”

I Timothy 4:1-3, “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.”

I Timothy 5:19-20, “Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.” 

I Timothy 6:3-5, “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; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.”

I Timothy 6:10, “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”

I Timothy 6:20-21, “O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.”

II Timothy 2:16-18, “But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.”

II Timothy 2:23, “But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes”.

II Timothy 3:13-14, “But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them”.



II Timothy 4:3-4, “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; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”

Titus 1:10-11, 14, 16, “For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake . . . Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth . . . . They profess that they know God; but in works they deny Him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.”

Titus 3:10-11, “A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.”

II Peter 2:1-2, “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.”

II Peter 2:3, (Living Bible) “These teachers in their greed will tell you anything to get hold of your money. But God condemned them long ago and their destruction is on the way.”

I John 1:6, 2:4, “If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth . . . he that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”

I John 2:18-19, 22, “Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us . . . . Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.”

I John 2:26, “These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.” 











I John 4:1-5, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world. They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.” 

II John 1:7, “For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.”

III John 1:9-10, “I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.” 

Jude 3-4, “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” 

Revelation 2:2,” I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars.”

Revelation 2:6, “But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate.”

Revelation 2:9, “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”.

Revelation 2:14-15, “But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.”





Revelation 2:20-24, “Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce My servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am He which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.”

Revelation 3:9, “Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.”

Revelation 13:11-17, “And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them, which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.”

II Corinthians 9:1-15, especially verses 1, 12, 13, describes what ministering to the saints is all about: " . . . ministering to the saints, . . . For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men." The Macedonian churches, though poor, gave liberally: "Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints . . . . but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God . . . . the proof of your love . . . [is to do things such as this]" II Corinthians 8:1-24.


NOTE: The word for "ministering, ministration," is diakonia, the same word for "ministry."



Romans 15:25-31, "But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem . . . . For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things."

I Corinthians 16:15, " . . . they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints."

Ministering to the saints shows respect toward God’s name

Hebrews 6:10, "For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward His name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister." Compare Revelation 3:8, "and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name."

Matthew 25:40, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

Romans 12:6-8, 13, "Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, . . . or ministry, let us wait on our ministering, . . . he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity, . . . Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality."

II Timothy 1:16-18, " . . . Onesiphorus . . . oft refreshed me . . . he ministered unto me [Paul] at Ephesus."

I Timothy 3:13, "For they that have used [margin: ministered] the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree . . . ."
I Corinthians 16:1-3, "Now concerning the collection for the saints . . . . Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come . . . . to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem." On another occasion, Paul brought alms and offerings, Acts 24:17.

When the prophet Agabus prophesied of a great famine, " . . . the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul" Acts 11:27-30. Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem "when they had fulfilled their ministry" Acts 12:25.




So we have seen that "ministering unto the saints" is a responsibility for all the brethren. We ought to be responsive to one another’s needs and help others any time assistance is needed.


Korah’s rebellion, is it real lesson for today?

If you have been around the Church of God for a while, you have certainly heard of Korah. Numerous sermons have been given, citing Korah’s Rebellion against Moses as an example for us today. The brethren, some claim, take too much upon themselves, and wrongly strive to usurp the authority God gives to His ministers. 

Is this the lesson of Korah’s Rebellion for us today? 

Let us look at what the Bible says. At the outset, we should remember that the Bible does warn about the dangers of false brethren, II Corinthians 11:26; Galatians 2:4. However, the vast majority of scriptures dealing with false teachers describe leaders who stray from the Almighty’s Truth, and infect others in their rebellion against Him. Korah, along with the Reubenites Dathan, Abiram and On, along with 250 “princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown,” gathered themselves together against Moses and Aaron, and said, “Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the Lord?” Numbers 16:1-3. Here was a serious threat to the leadership of Moses over Israel. Korah wanted to push aside Moses, and take control of the congregation (church) of Israel. Korah was a cousin of Moses. 

They both descended from Ko­hath, one of the sons of Levi, Exodus 6:16-24. The Kohathites had a special responsibility in the sacrificial system: “Their charge shall be the ark, and the table [of shewbread], and the candlestick, and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary where­with they minister, and the hanging [curtain], and all the service thereof,” Numbers 3:27-32. The other two sons of Levi, Gershon and Merari, had lesser responsibilities, Numbers 3:14-37. Korah had a leading responsibility in the tabernacle service. Korah’s two chief henchmen were Reubenites, Dathan and Abiram. They were not ordinary lay persons in the congregation of Israel. They were both “famous in the congregation,” Numbers 26:9. They, along with the 250 princes who joined the rebellion Numbers 1:16. So, we see that the Truth is exactly the opposite of what is commonly taught by the leadership of many Churches of God. It is not the ordinary rank and file membership that is the problem in Korah-type rebellions. The problem is the struggle for power among the leadership. Korah and his followers were already great renowned leaders in the congregation of Israel. That wasn’t enough for them; they wanted more power, Numbers 16:9. An earthquake swallowed up Korah and his following, and a fire from God devoured those who were offering censers to the Eternal, Numbers 16:16-35.




This problem of a struggle for power has long been a sign among the Church of God. Numbers 26:10 says “And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up together with Korah, when that company died, what time the fire devoured two hundred and fifty men: and they became a SIGN.” The censers of these sinners were taken up afterwards and made into broad plates for a covering of the altar, as a perpetual sign unto the children of Israel, Numbers 16:38, 17:10. Surely, the gainsaying of Core (Korah) is a sign unto God’s people throughout all ages, Jude 11. Today, the real lesson of Korah appears to be lost on many in the Church of God. The main problem in the Church is its leadership. Corrupt leadership blames the brethren for being rebellious like Korah, not realising that the finger points back to them. Korah’s rebellion is very similar to that of Lucifer. Not content to serve God in the way God ordained him, Lucifer wanted to ascend above the heavens, and take over the throne of God. Korah’s Rebellion against Moses is a sign, a lesson, for us today. Serve the Eternal with all your heart and mind, being content with the gifts (opportunities) that God has given you to serve His people. Shun those men of renown who struggle for political power, get away from their tents, Numbers 16:26, because God’s judgment is coming on them. That is the real lesson of Korah for today.

The Holy Spirit, which was given on the Day of Pentecost, is the antidote for deception. Today, we need the Holy Spirit more than ever to avoid deception. That is because deception is becoming more powerful, more enticing, more deceitful, than ever before. The Churches of God greatly enjoy studying history showing that paganism crept into the early New Testament Church. How Constantine took over the early church. We relish reading how professing Christians were deceived into replacing the truth of God with traditions of men. We say, “tisk, tisk,” when we read how ancient Israel forsook the Eternal, and served Baal and Ashteroth. How the church fell back into the Babylonian Mysteries. We read II Peter 2, II Thessalonians, and Revelation, and marvel how the whole world, and even many in God’s Church, will worship the Beast, his image, and receive his mark on their foreheads and right hands. The mark of the beast being Sunday worship. We would never be deceived like that. And, we say that we would never be deceived like Eve. We would never fall for the deceptions of Satan. 

Paul admonishes us, “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come [the return of Christ, verse 1], except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition,” II Thessalonians 2:3. Let us look at what the Bible says about deception. The son of perdition, the great end-time false prophet of Revelation 13:11-18 and 19:20, will exalt himself above God, and claim to be God, II Thessalonians 2:4. Through Satan, he will work with all power and signs and lying wonders verse 9. Those that are perishing will be deceived. 







“Because they received not the love of the Truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the Truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness,” verses 10-12. 

There are two things which God says will lead to our salvation, rather than being deceived and receiving damnation: (1) sanctification of the Spirit, and (2) belief of the Truth, and holding fast to it, verses 13-15, and I Peter 1:2. The end-time deception has “all deceivableness,” II Thessalonians 2:10, indicating that previous deceptions will be nothing compared to the last one. II Timothy 3:13 tells us that “evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” 

Revelation 12:9 describes the time when the Devil and his angels are cast out into the earth. At this time, verse 10, salvation and the Kingdom of God will come, because the accuser of our brethren is cast down. 

“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death,” verse 11. Persecution is coming, verse 13. 

Praise God that Satan will not be able to deceive the nations during the Millennium, and after that, only for a short season, Revelation 20:3, 8, 10. The system of deception controlling the world at this time is called, “Babylon the Great,” Revelation 17:5(The whore-the Roman Catholic Church). The merchants, great men of this world’s Babylon, deceive all nations, Revelation 18:23. Money and finance is going to be at the heart of the end-time deception. Although Simon thought he could buy the power of the Holy Spirit, Acts 8:18, the truth is that God’s gift of His Spirit is free.

Eve’s experience with the serpent in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3) was a masterful demonstration of deceit. The serpent caused Eve to doubt God’s word. Eve was tempted to believe that to eat the forbidden fruit that looked good, and was pleasant to the eyes, would make her wise. Satan, the master deceiver, has a way with women. However, Adam knew better. He was not deceived, I Timothy 2:14. However, through weakness, he followed Eve and sinned along with her. Actually, Adam was more culpable than Eve, because the serpent did not fool him. So not being deceived does not necessarily mean that you will still avoid making the wrong choices. 

Nimrod was a crafty deceiver. Secular history adds to the brief account of Genesis 10:8-10 to indicate that Nimrod was the world’s first gibbor (Hebrew word for tyrant). He was a mighty hunter before (in place of, against) the Lord. What a great protector of the people Nimrod was. He started the Babylonian Mysteries and those mysteries are still with us in many forms, especially in the Roman Catholic Church, which started corporate ministers. These corporate mysteries are in most church organizations today.




A natural, powerful, leader, yet one who nevertheless established a kingdom against God. Nimrod looked good, made you feel good, was desirable to represent you and protect you from wild animals. But, his whole modus operandi was control over the people, and to get people to worship him as god, rather than worshipping Yahweh. And, most of the world followed Nimrod, as they have been doing ever since, by continuing to practice the pagan customs he and his mother/wife Semiramis instituted. Again, Nimrod had a way with women. 

The Gibeonites were the “used-car salesmen” of the time of ancient Israel. These con artists buffaloed the entire nation of Israel, Joshua 9. The inhabitants of Gibeon were sharp. They saw what the advancing Israelites had done to utterly destroy the cities of Jericho and Ai. They knew it was their turn next. So, they disguised themselves as poor vagabonds from a far country, and begged the Israelites not to destroy them. Rather than look at the situation objectively, rather than seeking the counsel of the Almighty, the Israelites made a rash vow not to destroy the Gibeonites. Three days later, their deceit was discovered. The Gibeonites had successfully tricked the Israelites. 

Joshua 9:14-15 tells the story; it was because the Israelites “asked not counsel at the mouth of the Lord. And Joshua made peace with them, and made a league with them, to let them live: and the princes of the congregation sware unto them.” This was a fatal mistake. To this day, gullible Israelites negotiate and give money to terrorists such as Yassir Arafat, and other dictators, thinking that they can make peace with the sworn enemies of Israel. Modern Gibeonites continue to deceive Israel.

Absalom was a slick politician who rose up against his father David, and almost succeeded in destroying King David. Absalom was more subtle than his cousin Jonadab, who helped Amnon rape Absalom’s sister Tamar, II Samuel 13. After killing Amnon, Absalom had to flee and was for many years an outcast. Finally, through the artifice of Joab, Absalom was able to return to David’s court. Quickly, Absalom became the darling of Israel. “But in all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom for his beauty: from the sole of his foot even to the crown of head there was no blemish in him,” II Samuel 14:25.Absalom made women desire him, and was a charismatic leader of men. Absalom assembled a company of fifty soldiers, and chariots and horses. He got up early, and stood beside the gate to Jerusalem, “so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said . . . . Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice! And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him. And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel,” II Samuel 15:1-6. Absalom launched a conspiracy that caused David to flee for his life verses 7-37.





Absalom was a natural leader, clearly a splendid manager of people. There were few in Israel who did not fall for this deceiver. Yet, his character was totally self-serving. Absalom lusted for power rather than service to God’s people. So, we see the common traits of deception. A deceiver looks good, talks good, and by every appearance seems to be a person whom you would want as a leader. The only problem is, his deception leads you away from the Almighty.

We are all familiar with the temptation of Christ, Matthew 4:1-11. The Devil quoted, and misapplied scripture, and appealed to lust and greed for power. But, Satan had a great deal of appeal, and much (the whole world) to offer. Today, would a billion-dollar offer with only a small “string” attached disobedience to God turn your head? Our blessed Saviour did not bend an inch. The whole object of the temptation of Christ was to determine if Jesus would disqualify Himself from being the sinless sacrificial lamb for the sins of all mankind. One slip, one yielding to Satan’s temptation, and we would have no Saviour.

Robert L. Taylor, a minister associate of Herbert W. Armstrong in his early years, is a classic example of a minister of deception. In The Autobiography of Herbert W. Armstrong, pages 397-414, we learn that Taylor, a former SDA minister, came to Oregon from California. At a monthly all-day meeting, Taylor preached, and swept the Oregon brethren off their feet. Taylor was a better preacher than any of the leading ministers from Stanberry, Missouri (Church of God Seventh Day headquarters). The Oregon Conference decided to hire Taylor and Armstrong to conduct an evangelistic campaign. As Armstrong relates, the Church had gone so overboard with Taylor that it took some time to recognise the true spirit behind him. Although he had originally professed to be against wild-fire Pentecostalism, Taylor’s true colours eventually surfaced. Little by little, Taylor’s sermons “by careful and adroit methods” gradually attempted to lead the Church into the very thing he had told them in his original sermons that he was against. Later, a man who had known Taylor much longer, told Armstrong, “Why, didn’t you know? Taylor has always been ‘Pentecostal’. He just pretended he wasn’t, in order to get in with the Church.” This is the way it works. A slick leader deceives others into following him. A man’s true character sometimes takes time to surface. 

Finally, we experience our time to shine forth, our time of withstanding deception. It is going on right now, I Peter 4:17-18. Like the gift of the Holy Spirit, resisting deception is a gift, given to those who work with that precious gift. The first warning Jesus gives us is, “Take heed that no man deceive you,” Matthew 24:4. Many false Christs and false prophets shall arise, and deceive many, verse 11. 








That fact should cause you serious concern. Especially, we should beware of ministers who preach for pay, serving their own belly by good words and fair speeches, Romans 16:17-18; Ephesians 4:14, 5:6-7; I John 3:7; II John 7. It is easy to deceive oneself, I Corinthians 3:18; Galatians 6:3; James 1:22, 26. Another, or we all were at one time deceived, Titus 3:3. Expect to find deceivers even at the feasts, II Peter 2:13. One of the ways we can easily be deceived, is to believe that God’s Day of Judgment is not going to come down on the evildoers. Three times, Paul admonishes us, “Be not deceived ….” I Corinthians 6:9-10, 15:33; Galatians 6:7. 

Beware of those who benefit from their supposed “service.” Do NOT engage in dialogue with false deceivers. If a minister looks too good, and sounds too good, to be true, he probably is not true. Like Satan, Nimrod, and Absalom, powerful Church of God leaders of our time have had an ungodly way of persuading men and women to follow them. Go to God; only the Eternal can keep us from being deceived. Look to “Him that is able to keep you from falling [for deceit], and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever, Amen” Jude 24-25.

Church government is as dangerous to churches as is false doctrine. In fact, Church government may be the means for false doctrine entering the church. Today there is a major controversy in churches and among many brethren over governance. No where in the Bible is there a position as a corporate minister or in fact a position for a minister. God ordains people that he picks to minister for Him. No man can pick or create the position of ordained minister. Ministry is a services not a position and all God’s chooses people to minister for him.

In the beginning God told Adam and mankind to rule over the creation. He told us to subdue the creation. He said nothing about subduing our fellow man. But after the flood, Nimrod rose up to subdue fellow humans and became "a mighty hunter "before the Lord." He put himself between the people and God. He wanted the people to look to him as their protector instead of God. In that time a leader was the one who was physically the most powerful. He was the one who could defeat opposing forces, conquer enemies, and kill the wild animals. The Elders of Israel God sent Moses to the elders of Israel. Even while they were slaves in Egypt the Israelites were organised within their tribes and had elders representing them. Exodus 24 mentions 70 elders of Israel who saw God. Hundreds of years later, in Ezekiel 14 & 20, Israel still had elders representing them. Those who teach one-man rule or government from the top-down often cite the example of Moses and how he appointed rulers of thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. They quote from Exodus 18:24: "Moses listened to his father in-law and carried out all he had suggested; he chose able men from all Israel and made them chiefs of the people __ leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens...."





But they either don't know about Deut. 1:12-16 or they conveniently ignore it. "But how can I alone handle your troubles, your burdens and your court cases? Select from your tribes men of wisdom and understanding, men of experience, and I will appoint them to be your rulers." (Modern Language Version). Note that the people had a say in the selection of these men. They selected the men. Moses then appointed their selections. This is the same selection process that was used in Acts 6. How could Moses know who were the best men to be the leaders for the people? 

He couldn't. He needed recommendations. That's why we read what we did in Deut. 1:12-16.Misunderstanding the "rebellion of Korah" When we look at the rebellion of Korah, the rebellion was not against the government of Moses, but it was certain Levites questioning why God had given Aaron a position above them, that of High Priest. Notice Moses' comments in Numbers 16:9-10, "Is it a small thing to you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to Himself, to do the work of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to serve them; and that He has brought you near to Himself, you and all your brethren, the sons of Levi, with you? And are you seeking the priesthood also?" "

Aaron did not choose to be a priest. God chose Aaron. It was evident what they wanted. Moses was saying: "Are you not happy that God set all Levites apart, must you have the priesthood also." God destroyed Korah and his followers because (see Jude v.11) they went the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core (Korah). They had the wrong motives. God wasn't upset because they questioned a regulation. Questioning regulations could be done. Remember the daughters who complained that they were losing their father's inheritance because there were no sons. They complained to Moses who took their case to God. Result: they won their case.

Power of the Elders. In I Sam 8 the elders of Israel went to Samuel asking for a king. Even though God was not pleased with the request He continued to work with Israel through their kings. 2 Samuel, chapters 3-5, explains how David ascended to the throne, showing that the elders of Israel decided to make David their king. God had anointed him years beforehand, but the elders of the people actually put him on the throne. Read it for yourself. Politics was also alive and well at this time in history. In 2 Samuel 15 Absalom conspired to take the throne of David. He won over the people by standing at the gate, telling those with disputes how he would do them justice if he were made judge. In verse 6 we are told he "stole the hearts of the men of Israel." He won the hearts of the elders of Israel. They backed Absalom against David. It was only when God worked a miracle that let Absalom listen to bad advice that David regained his throne. 







Later we learn of Rehoboam, who also listened to bad advice and lost most of the kingdom. At first he had the elders of Israel with him as advisors. Then he rejected their advice because his vanity got in the way and he couldn’t recognise wisdom when he heard it. Rehoboam made a mistake by telling his friends what he thought before asking for counsel. In a one-man rulership there are always those who will tell the leader what he wants to hear. So Rehoboam's friends just gave him" confirmation" for what he wanted to do. In effect, "tell them that your little finger will be thicker than your father's waist." So he rejected the advice of the elders and lost ten tribes.


The Word for "Church". Paul was the first writer in the New Testament to use the term ekklesia to refer to the Christian congregation (his were the earliest manuscripts even before the Gospels were written). To a person of that day, ekklesia referred to the assembly of full citizens in their city. All Roman cities had their ekklesia (political assembly). If a person were not a citizen and wanted to bring a matter to the assembly, he would have to persuade a citizen to take the issue to the ekklesia. It was a very great privilege to be a Roman citizen and to be able to belong to the ekklesia. Paul called converted Christians the Ekklesia of God. Paul knew his political rights in being a Roman Citizen and used this analogy for the brethren. Our citizenship is in heaven, we are fellow citizens with Christ. (See Phil. 3:20; Eph. 2:19; and Gal. 3:27)

Other Greek Words. Some words in the Bible are difficult to understand because of the way they were translated. Translating is sometimes difficult. Here is an example: part of the original meaning has been lost in the Bible regarding the word "leader" or "ruler." Jesus said to His disciples, "And do not be called leaders (guides or masters); for one is your Leader, that is Christ" (Matt.23: 10 (NASV). The word "leader" is the Greek word "kathegetes" and it is only used here in Matt. 23:8, 10. In the KJV it is translated "master." But in other translations it is translated "leader" or "guide." But this Greek word is reserved ONLY for Christ Himself. Another word translated "leader" or "those who have the rule," is the Greek word "hegeomai" and it has a broad range of meanings. Among the many words translated from "hegeomai" are "chief," "suppose," "think," "count," and "esteem." This word implies that those "leaders" who are "hegeomai" are ones who are esteemed so by the congregation and are recognized leaders not only by God but by the people. Hebrews 13:7 tells us, "Remember them which have the rule over you (hegeomai)..." This word refers to a guide or leader and comes from esteem. These people were recognized or esteemed by the people as leaders. There are two other interesting Greek words related to choosing leaders. The first is "cheirontoneo" which means "voting in the Athenian legislative assembly (ekklesia) and meaning to stretch forth the hands." It is used in Acts 14:23 and in 2 Cor 8:18. The second word, "psephos” means a stone or ballot. It was a casting stone, which meant a type of vote. It is used in Acts 26:10. Another word used in I Thes. 5:12 is translated in the NASV like this: "But we request of you brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction."



Choosing Deacons? Some people assert, "God's Government is from the top-down!" They argue that the top person is empowered to pick the people who are ordained and that the people are to have no say. They quote passages from the Bible, including the Book of Acts, where the Apostles ordained the seven deacons. They quote Acts 6 and place heavy emphasis on the words in verse 3, "whom we shall appoint over this duty". However, they put little or no emphasis on the words above, when the Apostle said, "therefore, brothers, look around for seven men among you of good reputation and full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint for this duty..."

How should our teachers/leaders teach or lead us? We see warnings to the disciples that the government in the Church should not be like the government of the Gentile nations i.e. dictatorships (Luke 22:25). Jesus said that those who exercise authority over the people are called benefactors but that it should not be that way among His disciples. The greatest should be servant of all (v.26). Paul asked the church in Rome to "send me on my way" to Spain (Rom. 15). This Greek word meant to send him by financing his trip and paying his way. Paul plainly said to the Corinthians that he had "robbed other churches by taking wages from them," for the services he gave to the church at Corinth. He implied that the Corinthian church should have paid its own way for spiritual services. Paul commanded the Corinthian congregation to avoid fellowship with the man who was living with his father's wife (stepmother). Paul told the Thessalonian congregation that they should get to work rather than doing nothing except for idly talking about the end of the world. He even wrote to that church, "He that does not work, neither shall he eat." But to find out how Paul talked to an individual read the book of Philemon. Paul is tactful, caring and artful in his words and phrases. Lording It Over the Flock The New Testament warns that elders should not "lord it over the flock" (I Pet. 5:3). It also warns that they must be "easy to be entreated" or easy to approach and talk to and to be reasoned with. 2 Cor. 11:20 Paul chided the Corinthians, "For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face." A minister has no right to impose his will over you. How did the apostle Paul exercise his rule (leadership)? By example, leadership, exhortation, teaching, directing, showing and education. 

God works with each of us. An elder was to be the bearer and deliverer of biblical truth. His authority lies solely in the importance of what he says. Authority must lie in the power of truth, not in title or person. And they need to "prove all things,” like the Bereans (Acts. 17:11). We need knowledgeable brethren, who know the Bible. We need to recognise that all members are responsible for the well being of the church. In many churches with "authority from the top-down," deacons and elders were selected who served and catered to those above them. These men and women often were not selected because they served the people "below” them. This is just backwards from the way that Jesus taught us.






Central Church Control. Why did Paul take up a collection in the Gentile churches for the "poor saints in Jerusalem" If Jerusalem was the headquarters and had all the money why was a collection even needed? We don't have evidence of central church control. When God started working with Paul, he didn't go up to Jerusalem for three years. (Gal. 1:15-16) In Acts 13 the prophets and teachers at Antioch not Jerusalem, were told by the Holy Spirit to separate Paul and Barnabas and send them away. Why were the seven churches in the province of Asia so different? They were contemporary and were just 20 to 30 miles from each other. Nevertheless, the Ephesus church rejected the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, while Pergamos members accepted it. One church was in the midst of fornication and following a false prophetess, while others were willing to be martyred for their faith. How could these local churches have been so different if they had the same centralised government ruling over them?

Christ was upset that the Church at Pergamos put up with the Nicolaitanes. There is a limit to any and all authority except that of God Himself. Such things as knowledge and the ability to work with, inspire and motivate people should determine today’s church leadership. Wisdom, the ability to make appropriate decisions based on available information, is another factor in leadership. These qualities of leadership were present in the New Testament Church, along with the fruits of the spirit. Combine all of the above with the knowledge and reverence of Scripture, love for and obedience to our Lord, Jesus Christ, a love for and desire to serve the brethren, and you have the most essential qualities of church leaders. These qualities are not necessarily found in most so called corporate ministers. 

Church should be there to promote love in the brethren, peace in the congregation, and to keep evil and sins out of the congregation. When it goes beyond and invades people's lives, shrivels people and makes them smaller, rather than encourages people to grow bigger, then it becomes destructive. Then it is not in accordance with the purposes that we find in the New Testament. 

Wandering from the truth. What happened to (Herbert Armstrong) the World Wide Church of God?

Revelation 2:14-15, But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel,................... So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.

A great scattering is coming Daniel 12:7 predicts, " . . . and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished."

Failure to rebuke makes one a partaker in the wrong. Resisting deception is a gift.



The experience of being under strict authority has left a long lingering impact upon many people. Most Christians who left the World Wide Church of God have fallen back into familiar corporate church structures. They have since split and split into other groups and now there are so many churches of God that it’s hard to keep track, and there are just as many church doctrines. There are many Christians who refuse to meet with the new structures and instead meet in small groups or family units. Jesus said that His Church would endure to the end, so where is it? 

Have you heard these comments from Churches you are or were attending in the past. If you leave this church you are leaving God’s protection. If you do not believe in Petra as the Place of safety you are not welcome here. If you do not believe in church eras you are not welcome here, all other churches are Laodiceans or we are the true church of God. If you were to say anything against a minister, you were considered to be on the verge of committing the "unpardonable sin. Were you also told that if you said anything against Headquarters or the ministers, who were "the government of God," you were then speaking against God. Is the fear of church authority and doctrine and the ministry replacing the fear and love of God? 

Has a central corporate clergy created an idol? With the exercise of control and authority over you, is your freedom of independent thinking disappearing? Do you become fearful and intimidated when the ministry exercises lordship and authority over you? Are you told not to criticise the ministry, and essentially told that your only duty is to pray and pay? This is what keeps you in most Churches of God in such absolute fear. You feared the minister and you feared leaving the Church. You can’t trust yourself, you can't trust your own thoughts. Many members who are in such Church of God organization are told that they will lose their salvation. You are told that if you are going to get into the Kingdom of God you must believe certain doctrine or you would have to go through the horror of the tribulation. The threat of loss of life and salvation is devastating and fearful. One of the main appeals that some of the evangelists are telling you is that they will show you a way to escape the Great Tribulation. One of the primary articles is "There is a Way of Escape." And when you come into the Church, one of the first sermons that really captured your imagination featured the following: " Pray always that you may be accounted worthy to escape all these things." (Luke 21:36). Then the minister would give a detailed sermon on a place of safety, which was understood to be in Petra. And if you got to Petra, you had it made Salvation was assured. God will provide a way of escape, because 










God does the calling and for those who truly repent and love God, keep his commandments, and are baptized will be given spiritual salvation. You were told that if you left this church, you were not going to escape the Great Tribulation. This became another hook put into you by the ministry. Another hook was presented as the solution to your financial problems, Tithing- first, second, third, and generous offerings. I though that Jesus said, that pure religion was giving to the poor. An escape from the Great Tribulation does not balance logically with the statement that says we're going to suffer for Christ. The message that is preached is in effect, If you tithe faithfully and give abundant offerings to this Church, you could buy a way of escape and salvation. These were not the exact words. But it is implied that if you didn’t tithe, and if you didn't give all you could, you surely wouldn't be protected. There are still people who are gripped in this fear-induced mind-set. They are so locked into it that they are afraid to think for themselves. If you have gone through this or are still going through this you understand 

Nonconformity: indicates a refusal to adhere to the accepted norm. Thus Christians are not to conform to the world, and therefore their beliefs and actions and attitudes should be distinct from those commonly adopted. Yet Christians may also be unwilling to conform to beliefs or practices in the church with which they disagree on various grounds.

Acceptance: refers to the favour and approval of men by God. Under the old covenant the basis for this acceptance is sometimes ritualistic and ceremonial Lev.22: 20 and sometimes ritualistic and sometimes ethical and moral Prov. 21: 3. In the NT, acceptance by God is clearly revealed as resting squarely on the redemptive work of Christ. This acceptance man does not merit; it is due entirely to God’s grace. In both the OT and NT it was predicated on faith. However, the regenerate man is exhorted to ethical living by the appeal to live his life “ well pleasing” to God. Thus to present one’s body as a living sacrifice, to be careful not to place an occasion for stumbling before one’s brother, to care for a widowed mother, and to endure patiently undeserved suffering, are all instances of conduct acceptable to God.

Accountability: So then each of us shalt give to God an account about himself. All men and woman are ultimately responsible and accountable. God indicates that even those who knew not the law are responsible and they are to render an account to God. Naturally those who live under the light of the gospel have a far greater responsibility: and hence on that day when all men render their account before God, their obligation will be greater and in direct proportion to their privileges.









Fear will destroy the truth. Most Church of God members didn't realize it was happening. The brethren knew they had to obey the ministers, and that they had better attend Church. If they didn't they would get a phone call. To keep everyone involved, some congregations had so many activities that all members free time was spent in church activities. In addition to Sabbath Services there were sports on Sunday, Bible Study on Wednesday, weekly Spokesman Club, and many other obligations. These often amounted to seven days a week. In addition, deacons and local church elders had many other meetings to attend. Because the people were fearful of losing salvation, they would end up being fully involved in the Church organization. It was held together with command and control tactics exercised by the ministers and there were organised church activities that you had to attend. 

We all point to the other churches as the Babylonian system and find enough evidence to condemn them because they do not believe our doctrine, so some of us condemn their salvation. The scriptures show that the Church is to be knit together in love. Instead the ministry holds the Church together by authority and fear. And then one day it may have dawned on some to ask, "God, why am I so miserable in this organization" 

The answer is. That the leadership violated the very first commandment by leveraging the love of God to themselves. It was so subtle. Then they replaced God's love with their own authority. Jesus commanded. "Go you therefore and teach all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world" (Matthew 28:19-20). On the day of Pentecost, Peter preached: "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38). The Holy Spirit comes from God the Father. We were told that the Church is the bride of Christ and that the Church is the mother of us all the Church is the Body of Christ. We were also told that all of the different churches in the world could not be the Body of Christ. The Apostle Paul wrote: "For as the body is one, and has many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit [Spirit of God, from God the Father] we are all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit" (1 Corinthians 12:12). 

Each of us was baptized into God's Church. We also accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Master, our High Priest in heaven, and the soon coming King in the world tomorrow. We were not baptized into any sect or denomination of this world (or any organization of men), but into the name of the Father, the Son, with His Holy Spirit, in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of our sins. We were completely immersed into water, then raised out of that watery grave. We were prayed over with the laying on of hands in order to receive the Holy Spirit. At that point we all become saints and God gives us gifts to do our ministering for Him. There is no position call minister, it is a service that we all do



We were told that the Church of God is a spiritual organization. It is likened to the body of Christ, and Christ is the head of the Church. We were told that the corporate church organization we attended was the only true church. Then you assembled together with other baptized believers in various congregations and then you are introduced to the government of God on earth, Church authority. You are told that the ministers have rule over your life. As time goes on that rule becomes more and more stifling. Why is it so hard for you to readjust once you leave that authoritarian Church of God and that speciality doctrine that they tell you that you must believe to obtain salvation. What do you fear? 

You have allowed the ministers to think for you. You are told that if you left the authoritarian rule of the Church, you would lose your salvation. You were originally told that the Church was a spiritual organism. You were also told it was possible that there could be people sitting a Church of God who did not have the Spirit of God and that this church that you attended was the true church. You were then ruled over by the church government, meaning the whole ministry, with authority from the top down and usually from a central location. You were told that the ministry was the government of God. Most ministers in authority twisted the scriptures to uphold their own authority. The Truth is that the ministry is NOT the government of God. They are supposed to be the servants of the people, not overlords and dictators. 

Authority. The Bible makes it plain that the true source and seat of authority is God. God alone can forgive sins, reveal truth and speak with absolute command. No human authority can stand unless it is derived from God and is subservient to Him. The divine authority, however, is exercised in and through the Son of God. The divine authority itself is embodied in Jesus Christ. Absolute authority belongs to Christ. In the Bible there seems to be no clear warrant for assuming that the authority has been inherited by others. It is through the Bible that Jesus now exercises his divine authority. Authority does not come from corporate church organizations. No ministry or any man has been given authority over you.

















The Church’s of God since the 1930's can partly cridet their growth to Herbert W.Armstrong. 

This is an article from Mr. Herbert Armstrong on Feb, April 1939 

W. Armstrong & Church Government: Review: "Did Christ Reorganise His Church?" by Herbert W. Armstrong. The Good News Magazine, Eugene, Oregon, February-April, 1939.Known by many as "The 1939 Article," this famous piece of World Wide Church of God historical literature was never published with a copyright, so it has always been in the public domain.( I wonder what Jesus would say about copyright churches)

In order to understand Herbert Armstrong’s article, we must start with a basic understanding of 20th Century Church of God, Seventh Day history. The Church of God, Seventh Day, emerged from the 19th Century as an association of locally independent churches, with headquarters of the Bible Advocate magazine at Stanberry, Missouri. The "big push" evangelistic outreach in the early 1920’s resulted in substantial church growth. However, political infighting and an attempt at more centralized control resulted in a great split of the church into two roughly equal groups, in late 1933. The result was competing organizations centred at Stanberry, Missouri, and Salem, West Virginia

Whereas Stanberry remained as a loose confederation of local churches across the country, Salem mandated a so-called "Bible Government," based on 12 apostles, 70 evangelistic ministers, and 7 financial stewards. These were chosen by lot at a special meeting in Salem, WV in November 1933. Andrew N. Dugger and C.O. Dodd were chosen among the 7, and Herbert W. Armstrong was chosen as #40 of the 70. It was voted that world headquarters was being transferred to Jerusalem, Israel. The Salem "re-organization" was not what it was advertised to be. Headquarters was not really at Jerusalem at all. Ministerial licenses were issued at Salem, and sent to a man in Jerusalem, who then forwarded them to the recipient. Many of the "70" never served in their capacity. It was pure politics. Herbert W. Armstrong lost his ministerial credentials from Salem in 1937, because of his teaching in favour of Holy Days and Anglo-Israel. This is the background for the article, "Did Christ Reorganise the Church?" 

Summary of Armstrong’s 1939 Article The contents of Armstrong’s 1939 article are diametrically opposite to the later teachings of Armstrong, and the World Wide Church of God. 

Definition of the Church. The church is not a specific organization, but a spiritual organism, composed of those saints whose names are written in Heaven, and who have and are led by the Holy Spirit.





Definition of a Christian. The true Christian has God’s Spirit, and must be willing at all times to be corrected and chastened, and must continually seek to grow in God’s grace and knowledge as revealed in the Bible, never trusting any man or group of men.

Origin and rebellion of the Church. The Church began at Mount Sinai when God set up Israel as a nation, or holy kingdom, having organization and church government with church and state inseparable. At first, God was their head and king, but soon they wanted a man to be their king, to be like the Gentile nations around them. Israel was married to the Lord in the Old Covenant ceremony and it was this marriage that formed God’s people into an organization with church government. 

Because of disobedience, God turned the government, the organization, from His people Israel over to the Gentiles (Exodus 19:5-6; Leviticus 26:14-28; Jeremiah 3:8). He divorced Israel, and gave the kingdom first to Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, and then on through Persia, Greece and Rome, Daniel 2:31-37. Because of the sins of Israel, Gentile world-ruling kingdoms were given the authority to rule over God’s people.

Jesus did not establish Church Government in the New Testament Church. Christ did not restore the kingdom to Israel, Acts 1:6. He did not bring the government, the organization, the authority to rule, back from the Gentiles to His people. He never set up an organization with boards of men, with authority to govern over spiritual affairs or financial affairs of the Church. The twelve disciples were given power and authority, not to govern and rule the Church, but over demons and to cure diseases, to preach the good news of the coming Kingdom of God, Luke 9:1-2. An apostle does not mean one-IN authority, but one UNDER the authority of Christ. Apostles were sent by Christ, not to rule, but to preach, not to bear authority but to minister and serve. There is no hint in Scripture that the twelve constituted a church board, with power to rule or decide what doctrine the other disciples must believe. The apostles did not continue on as a group of twelve at all. Paul and a few others were called apostles (e.g. see Acts 14:14). The purpose of the original twelve was to be a witness of Christ’s resurrection, Acts 1:21-22.

The seventy Disciples did not constitute a church board. The only place in the New Testament where "the seventy" are mentioned is Luke 10. Instead of assembling as a church board, they separated two by two, to heal, cast out demons, and preach the gospel in preparation for Jesus’ message. They ended their work before Jesus was crucified. The "Seven" were never a financial board for the church. The seven, mentioned in Acts 6, were not appointed to receive and handle the tithes of the whole world-wide church. They were never supervising the financial affairs of the ministry, hiring and firing ministers or paying their salaries. Their "business" was not financial control, but waiting on tables, feeding and serving the material needs of the widows and orphans. It is unscriptural for anyone to claim that the "Twelve," the "Seventy," and the "Seven" should continue as Church Boards today. Some say that "the principle" of the 12, 70 and 7 shows that church government today should follow this pattern. 



But Armstrong concludes: There is not one single HINT in the New Testament of any Church BOARD with authority to rule, to govern, to decide doctrine, or to handle tithes and church finances ([for] the whole church). . . . Jesus never organised, or reorganised His Church! . . . Authority and power to rule is limited solely to each LOCAL congregation. But there is NO BIBLE AUTHORITY for any super-government, or organization with authority over the local congregations!

Jesus commanded His disciples NOT to exercise authority and lordship over the brethren, Mark 10:42-43. The authority, the government, the rulership, was turned over to the Gentiles for 2,520 years, until Christ restores the kingdom at His Second Coming. Church Government Originated in Babylon. Roman Emperor Constantine, a beast ruler, summoned the Nicene Council, which decided against Arius’ anti-Trinitarian doctrine, and enforced Trinitarianism and Sunday-keeping. It was Constantine who injected and introduced into the (false) church the idea of a board to decide doctrine, and to rule. Constantine made doctrine, as decided by church rulers on a board, the basis of fellowship and unity in the Church. The first real Popish ruler was Leo I (440-461 A.D.), for whom "the plan of government of the Roman Empire was an obsession. He applied and adapted that form of government to the church, forming the Papacy," (Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature, Vol. 7, page 529). Myers’ Ancient History says that the Church, under Leo I, set up "within the Roman Empire, an ecclesiastical state [government] that, in its constitution and its administrative system, was shaping itself upon the imperial model. ”The principle of church government is the image of the beast. Those who are members of such organised church governments, submitting to doctrines declared by unscriptural boards as a fellowship test, are in Babylon and actually worshippers of THE IMAGE OF THE BEAST! 

The purpose of the Church is NOT to build an organization but to help called-out individuals overcome so as to be trained to be kings and priests in the Kingdom of God, after Christ’s Second Coming. God did not plant any super-organization, or establish any church government, or set men in authority over either spiritual or financial affairs, in the New Testament Church. Our fellowship is first with God and Christ, then with each other, in LOVE. Saints are to assemble for their mutual edification, and for this purpose, to keep things decent and in order, local elders and deacons are to be ordained (picked or chosen) in every local congregation. We should work together to unselfishly give the Gospel truth to the world. There is to be no super-organization over and above the local congregations. All such organizations and governments are part of Babylon, and shall be rooted up, Matthew 15:13.

ORGANIZATION have led to politics, ministers lusting for rulership and for power, striving against one another, lining up the brethren on THEIR side, against the other, separating and misguiding doctrine for collecting of tithes for their filthy paychecks. It is such preachers who have split up and divided our brethren. Organization and church GOVERNMENT has brought us only strife, jealousies, divisions, bitterness, separation, anger and false prophets. 


I agree with Herbert W. Armstrong’s eloquent 1939 Church Government article. In the additional articles of the February, April 1939 Good News, Armstrong makes several powerful points: God works powerfully to convert a single soul. God does not work through organizations. He uses men who respond to Him and are called by Him. The calling of the Ethiopian eunuch shows that God is in total control. He called a man, granted repentance to him, and sent a deacon to serve and assist him. 

Edification. The Greek word literally means building a house. Paul uses both the noun and verb forms to impress upon the Christian the importance of development in the Christian life. A person becomes a Christian at the moment he comes out of the watery grave and accepts Christ as his Lord and Saviour. He gets God’s Spirit by the laying on of hands. Then throughout the rest of his life he must build a house upon that foundation. Each Christian should build up his own Christian walk of faith and also help others build up theirs, provoking them to good works and not leading them astray. 

Love, not doctrine, is the basis for fellowship and unity. All honest and sincere brethren do not always see all points exactly alike. LOVE, charity and tolerance for the brother with whom you do not altogether agree, is God’s basis for fellowship and unity. You work with and co-operate with all Church of God brethren who may even see a few points a little differently than you do but you cannot fellowship nor co-operate with deceit, pretense, hypocrisy, lust for power to rule. The first tithe is the Lord’s. The New Testament does not instruct us to pay tithes to a central finance committee or a BOARD with authority to disburse tithes to various ministers. In the Old Testament there were local storehouses and tithes were turned over to the individual priest in local cities. This is the way it should be done today. Tithes should go to elected deacons or elders in local area’s not to TV studios and or large pay checks for a few. God does not need our help to draw his people. We must give warning and testimony the great commission but in our local area. God finds his eunuchs wherever he chooses and God finds the deacon to baptize him. God does not need me