By David Cox v1 © 2012
[ch51] http://www.coxtracts/
This tract can be reproduced for non-profit purposes.

1Peter 5:2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight [thereof], not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 1Pet 5:3 Neither as being lords over [God's] heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.

Hay you ever wondered why God used the illustration of a shepherd, rather than that of a cowboy? The reason lies in their differences. Their way of dealing with the animals is distinct. They reflect character differences that God wants to teach us. Lordship is an issue in leadership, and shepherds are humble examples rather than high exalted lords (like cowboys sitting high on tall horses). Shepherds are examples that cause a following. Cowboys push, prode, hurt, and only through that get anything done.

The Difference is in the Leadership Style

The great difference between the two lies in the different leadership styles, such as their motives and forms of working. Behind everything is this relationship between man and his animals, the style of thinking and working with his charge.

The Motive: Love of God, or Love of One’s Self

John 21:15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. The biblical motive in ministering to the fold of God is because one has a profound love of God. There are many ministers that are easy and gentle when beginning the ministry, when everything is going well. But later, the problems with sheep come, and there the abandon the real ministry to God’s flock. Their focus changes from serving God because they love God, and they want thankfulness and cooperation from the flock.

In Ezekiel 34:2-5, we see the divine rebuke against these evil shepherds of Israel, …

Ezek 34:2… Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks? 3 Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: but ye feed not the flock. 4 … neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them. 5 And they were scattered, because there is no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered.

The evil motive is condemned, that of self gratification in place of being a real benefit to the flock of God. The evil minister seeks prizes for himself, and he doesn’t do his work of taking care of the flock of God, but uses hardship and violence, causing the flock to scatter (not be integral to the group anymore).

Isa 56:11 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.

Cowboys normally do little with the cows. They let them wander in countryside until spring, and when they gather them up, they brand them (put their mark on them against their will), and they sell them to make money off of them. The “mark” of these evil ministers is that they are looking out for number one before sacrificing themselves for their charge. The “cowboy” always comes out in a minister when his hopes and priorities which are more personal and about him, that about the sheep or the work of the Lord. Ellos decide where the church is going instead of following the Bible’s guidelines of evangelism and spiritual maturity (sheep eat, grow, and reproduce).

How to move and motive animales

A cowboy does not have a love relationship with his animales as a shepherd does, but rather cows scatter by themselves. The cowboy has to gather them, because naturally speaking, cows don’t follow cowboys like sheep do shepherds. Moreover, cows just don’t get along very well among themselves eithers. So the “cowpoke” uses whips and “pokers” to get them to more. Cruelty (fear and pain) is what marks a cowboy, as well as always pushing from behind instead of leading in front (like an example of self doing first). The shepherd goes before by personally living the Christian life, and others follow.

Ezek 34:4 …but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them.

God rebuked the evil pastors of Israel for treating the flock of God with violence and hardness. What motives sheep under a cowboy pastor is fear and violence (they say and do things without thinking of the damage it does to the sheep). Discipline is one thing, but public shaming to control is another. Fear (“respect and honor” is how the cowboy pastor will refer to it) is the main instrument. People act (giving money, work, time, etc.) because they don’t want their cowboy pastor to get mad with them. On the other hand, a good pastor motivates via a people love for their pastor, and this love is based on seeing Christ in him, and wanting Christ in their own lives. There is a draw to be close to the pastor which motivates them to work and change internally.

Jer 23:4 And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the LORD.

The good pastor is a minister that uses his own life as an example to comply with God’s will as well as being a principal example for the sheep. “Dismayed” means to lack, or need things, to not be complete, to lack things in your spiritual life.

How to Relate to Sheep

Cowboy – Indifference

John 10:13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.

The cowboy is a protector of the cows in the sense that he protects them from bears, lions, wolves, etc. When a predator comes the cows run out (anywhere but there) but they don’t see their leader as a source of protection and safety. They want to be free of danger, from the rest, from the cowboy. Cows are solitary animals, which don’t think as a unit (like a flock of sheep), nor do they work as a team. Sheep, on the other hand, are community beings, and their welfare depends on staying in the group, and their relationship with their shepherd. When frightened, they flee, regroup, and seek the direction of their shepherd. The unity among themselves and with the shepherd is what marks their character.

Shepherd – Love

John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
The good shepherd is somebody so dedicated to his flock that he will interpose his own safety, welfare, and even put down his own life for his sheep.

1John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

In a correct relationship between a good pastor and his flock, there is love, such that the sheep don’t fear him, but rather love him, follow him, and appreciate his ministry to them.

The Difference is also in the Nature of the Animals.

The differences don’t stop at the personality of the minister, but also extend into the nature of the animals. A cow is a brute animal, that has little intelligence. He moves when pain forces him to move, and the cowboy understands his animal and aflicks pain accordingly, because that is the only thing a cow understands.

A sheep does not seek to hurt others, and he moves and acts on the basis of love. As a Christian, we follow God because we love him because he died for us. We equally love our leaders because they show us a living example (in themselves) of the image of God. 1John 2:6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. True Christians are an example of Christ.

Sheep are loyal to their Pastor

John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

Sheep know their good pastor, and they follow him from a love motive. Everything boils down to being a good pastor is in loving and serving the sheep, not the sheep serving the Pastor. In John 21:15 Jesus declared the principle of our love for Jesus as being seen and proven by our ministering to God’s flock, “feeding them.”

1Thess 5:12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. [And] be at peace among yourselves. God has commanded us to recognize and have “esteem and love” for our pastors and leaders.

Heb 13:7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of [their] conversation.

A Christian should have an intimate relationship with his spiritual leaders. If he doesn’t have a good testimony, they should find another church with exemplary leaders (that live Christ in their personal life). In general a Christian should be loyal to his church and pastor, and support the ministry of that church and minister.

Messenger Worship

Col 2:18 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,

“Angel” means “messenger”, and each pastor is God’s messenger to that group, but God prohibits “messenger worship”, or lowering (humbling) our will before these divine messengers (to their person). This verse is very difficult to understand, but the idea is that God prohibits the exaltation of God’s messengers over normal brethren. With cowboy pastors in the pulpit, it is very common that they act as primadonas or “stars” wanting worship and praise showered on them always. Paul says in Col 2:18, “vainly puff(ing themselves) up in their fleshly mind”. The person of the messenger (his exaltation, his will, his comfort) become the main goal of things instead of God’s work.

Jer 23:1 Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD. 2 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.

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Download DOC: CH51 Cowboys versus Shepherds.doc (0 times) Version: 1. Upload Date: 04-03-2013.Category: . Description: This tracts defines the difference in leadership styles, the good and the bad, within the work of God. Topics are The Difference is in the Leaderhsip Style, The Motive: Love of God, or Love of One's Self, How to Move and Motive Animals, How to Relate to Sheep, --Cowboy - Indifference, --Shepherd - Love, The Difference is also in the Nature of the Animals, Sheep are loyal to their Pastor, and Messenger Worship. Use Microsoft Word (DOC) to open and print this tract.

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By David Cox
[fam27] v1 ©2011 www.coxtracts.com
you may reproduce this freely for non-profit use.

In our world, worldly women generally think that they can dress any way they want. The three universal rules of worldly women seem to be: (1) it has to be comfortable, (2) it has to be attractive, i.e. sexual, sensual, or call attention to one’s self, and (3) it has to “fit” with modern fashion. The Christian woman should not be controlled by this concepts.

But then, what should be the rules that a Christian woman would follow as far as a dress code that pleases God? This is the matter of this tract.

Adam, Eve, and their Shame

Gen 2:25And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
Gen 3:7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. 10 And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. 11 And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?

The concept of “being nude” is to be open such that other people can see what you shouldn’t want them to see, because it is YOUR private parts, your intimate, your personal parts. CompareGen 42:9“Ye are spies; to see the nakedness of the land ye are come.” Before Adam and Eve had sinned, they were nude without any problem. When they sinned, they then had something to “cover up” (their sinfulness in sinning), sin “in their body”. Compare Exo 20:26Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon. Exod 32:25And when Moses saw that the people were naked; (for Aaron had made them naked unto their shame among their enemies:) “Naked” means loose, revealing, or seeing a person’s private parts. God commanded the use of “breeches” for the priests in Exo 28:42 (all men wore robes, some shorter than others), This is simply underwear to cover up their private parts with another layer of clothing. But Adam and Eve had a conscience that they were shameful, without a proper covering, after their sin. This strong conscious of their nudity and shame caused them to seek a covering from God’s piercing eyes. They at first hid themselves which was useful before an omniscient God, and then they made a covering for their sexual parts. The word “apron” in Hebrew is used later for a wide belt-like cloth protecting or covering the genitals during a battle from blows from the enemy to this part of the body. In the end, God found Adam and Eve. Before God, nothing can be hid, and he sees us as we really are (Heb 4:13Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things [are] naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. Job 26:6) This covering is not because God was tempted. Because Adam and Eve were a “married couple”, likewise there was no sin of provoking or tempting there. But in beginning a society outside of the will of God (they had sinned), in which many would be tempted by seeing nakedness, they had to cover themselves (their shameful parts, or sexual and “biological functions” parts). The sin is in seeing the private parts of the human body (which is not your legally married mate). This is perversity before God, and it was punished even to the extent of death under the OT law.

Lev 18:6 None of you shall approach to any that is near of kin to him, to uncover [their] nakedness: I am the LORD. 7 The nakedness of thy father, or the nakedness of thy mother, shalt thou not uncover… 9 The nakedness of thy sister…their nakedness thou shalt not uncover. 20:17… and see her nakedness, and she see his nakedness; it is a wicked thing; and they shall be cut off (killed) in the sight of their people

And God Visited them

Gen 3:21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.

God is the first person that made and imposed a dress code. Adam and Eve though what they did with fig leaves was sufficient (only the lower extremities). But God made them a “coat” (tunic or robe) which was a full body type of thing reaching well below the genital area. The word has the idea of a loose piece of clothing that covers the body from the neck to the knees or slightly above, and that it wraps the person covering both in front, behind the person, and NOT open on the sides. The basic idea is to cover the body, especially the sexual parts, in a loose fashion (not tightly to the body) so as not to be open (even around the neck) and this extents to the mid thighs or lower. God’s purpose is explicitly to cover, and NOT REVEAL the body. This extends to not revealing the curves and outlines of the body’s sexual parts, and also no see-through type clothing. All the issues in modesty in clothing is a reveal/hide issue for the most part, Satan wants to reveal, God wants to cover (like in covering our sin by saving us).

Covering our Nakedness

God visited Adam and Eve to give them adequate clothing because what they made (a short belt type thing) was not acceptable in God’s sight. This is clear in the history given us. God says his garment was to cover nakedness is a thing of honor, nobility, and a good work. For example, in Matthew 25:36, Jesus recommended that covering the nakedness of others was a noble thing that is representive of the character of a true child of God. In James 2:15, James speaks of the hypocritical faith of a supposed Christian who wishes well his brother, but does not supply him with the means to cover himself. In Ezekiel 18:7, 18; Job 31:16-20; Isa 58:7 there are references of God’s great pleasure when we cover other’s nakedness, it is a “good work” in God’s eyes.

To Reveal the Body is Shameful

Nakedness is a shame before God. In Exo 32:25, the “playing” of Israel (literally nudity) was to their own shame. When they tortured Jesus before killing him, the soldiers shamed him in like fashion (Mat 27:28). In Acts 19:16, a man under the torture, control, and punishment of a demon walked about naked. When Jesus cast out the demon from a man in Mark 5:15, the result included that he was “clothed”. These verses support the obvious that God is for covering up, and Satan against it. The frenzied “letting go” of moral standards (same as in pornography, prostitution, etc) is exactly the work of demons, a release of carnal passions, and it is not of God, it is not God’s will. God’s will is that we should be modest, covering up our private parts.

In Pro 7:10-11, Solomon identifies a whore that is “subtil of heart” as having a particular “attire of an harlot”. Although he does not define it more, we do see she is subtil, loud (shameless) and stubborn. Her “attire” is that of actions, personality, and clothing that draws sexual attention to herself, her sexuality, her sensualness, to her own body in such a way as to cause thoughts of fornication and adultery in men’s minds who see her. This is by parcially or completely “revealing herself” or her intimate, sexual, or private parts. Openings in clothing or being sheer and see-through likewise accomplishes this purpose. The revealing of skin, or even seeing underwear, or revealing the outlines or curves of the more private parts (genitals, buttock, thighs, stomach, or breasts) of the body is what is used. The use of low cut necklines, mini-skirts, or opened clothing is also used to provoke.

Satan is in the business of making people “loose” with their morals (and even total nakedness if possible) and their clothing, and God is in the business of covering up men and women’s shamefulness.

2Cor 5:3 If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. 4 For we that are in [this] tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.
Rev 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
Rev 16:15… Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

The true Christian should anxiously desire to be “well dressed,” or at least to be well covered. We are not talking about fashion, but modesty here. This is normal among people who have a conscious, and even Eve said, Gen 3:10I was naked; and I hid myself. Her shame and the reality of her sinfulness was what caused her fear before God. This is the biblical concept of shamefacedness or modesty. Many want to play with this, saying that their personal dress standards is “off limits”, and nobody should touch them. This is simply rebellion against God’s lordship over their life, and they are either unsaved, or out of fellowship with God.

Spiritual Dress: Modesty

1Pet 3:2 While they behold your chaste conversation [coupled] with fear. 3 Whose adorning(dress) let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; 4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

The dress of a Christian woman is that she does not call atention to herself in an exterior form, but rather she is modest, with moral character prevailing over physical beauty. 1Tim 2:9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; What is outstanding about her is that she doesn’t go to excesses, nor draws attention to herself. Moreover, it is not to say she doesn’t use jewelry or make-up, but that it is not excessive nor “loud”, nor does it consume her time, energy, and attention. She is consumed in Christian activity as Proverbs 31:10-31 reveals.

Fashion and the Christian Woman

1Peter 3:2-6 and Pro 31:10-31 present us with a picture of a Christian woman that doesn’t follow the world, but is dressed in virtue and moral qualities.

Jas 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
1John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 

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Easy Believism

Easy Believism

By David Cox
[salv31] v1 ©2012 www.coxtracts.com
You may freely photocopy, print, or reproduce this tract for non-profit purposes

Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. Luke 13:23-24

Easy believism proposes that salvation is given by God on the sole criteria of a public declaration of faith in the promises of God and without any real change in the life of the saved (as seen in repentance). It is identified by its presentation of the gospel “without any difficulties in entering” and “without any obligations or responsibilities after one is saved.” This position doesn’t take into account the “difficultness” of entering heaven (Mt 19:24) nor the obstacle of coveting riches “afterward” which revealed unsavedness (Mark 10:24), or the young rich man who wanted salvation but didn’t get it because riches was above Christ (Mark 10:17-22). Wide is door to hell, but narrow and difficult is the entrance into heaven, so few find heaven (Mt 7:13). Christ demands simpleness as a child (Mt 18:3).

What is “Easy-Believism”?

Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

What does this passage really teach? The context is the leaving “the course (current) of this word” (2:2) which we followed before being saved, and which we left to follow Christ. It speaks of communion with God which sin breaks. The Bible very clearly affirms that we are not saved by works of righteousness that WE have done (Titus 3:5), but that salvation is a gift, which is grace or mercy on God’s part. When we speak of how we obtain salvation, it is only through faith. It is the gift of God (grace) which is not something that we deserve or buy by means of good works. Our part in obtaining this gift of God is 1) repentance of our sins (Luke 13:5 …except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.) 2) Putting our faith or confidence in the spiritual work of Jesus Christ dying in the cross to pay the punishment of God on sin. Salvation comes from God (not “from us”), but God does not give salvation to everybody, but only to those which abandon (repentance) these forms, ideas, and previous beliefs about how they are just, how they can get to heaven, and how to be saved. God saves those that trust in what God has provided as the means (Jesus dying for your sin on the Cross of Calvary). Repentance is not always mentioned as clearly as faith because really it is the same thing as faith in Jesus Christ. We abandon (repent of) what we formerly believed in order to believe in Jesus as the solution. Faith and repentance are “two sides of the same coin”. Easy believism is a lack of focus on repentance (leaving off sinning) leaving the person simply asking for salvation in order to be saved.

The Need of Evidence for your Faith

Jas 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works (evidence), is dead, being alone. 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

Many confuse these elements. The cults and false religions hold that you have to have “good works” in order to be saved, and they present salvation as a scale with sin on one side and good works on the other. But there is no good work that can cancel the punishment for even one single sin. What James is referring to here is that true faith will always have a force behind it that produces good works (evidence) within the Christian’s life. We should understand faith causes salvation in us, and good works do not have that capacity. Understanding this base, then we go on with faith is made valid and real by changes that it has produces in our life.

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

Salvation is a drastic change of life, in which Jesus defined eternal life with a necessary spiritual change of life (be born again). Salvation is never a repeating of a prayer, but it is always faith, believing in, and public confessing Jesus by words and deeds. Easy believism focuses on the benefit of being saved (going to heaven), but does not explain nor present emphatically the responsibilities of salvation. It is called “easy believism” because there are no obligations on the person wanting salvation, distorting true salvation of God.

Salvation is a Relationship

John 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

Salvation is a relationship with God (specifically with Jesus Christ as your Savior) similar to how a man would have a relationship with his wife, so “we have the Son” (1Jn 5:11-12). Whoever has this relationship has eternal life, and he that does not “have” Jesus Christ, is not saved and under eternal damnation. Salvation is a gift of God that God gives us, but it also is a personal relationship between us and Jesus. The grave error of easy believism is to minimize this part of salvation which is our relationship with God, and the truth that our continuing sin embitters and ruins this love relationship with God. This relationship is established on Jesus “who paid the price on the cross” to remove the wrath of God against our personal sins. But the salvation of God is “from sin”, and then “our request to God for salvation from sin and its punishment” is also our declaration of war against our sin, and our renouncing and denouncing of sin IN OUR INDIVIDUAL LIFE, or in other words, our desire to free ourselves from sin (actually and the judicially, or from the penalty of sin), as well as freeing ourselves from the consequences (going to hell). In easy believism, they believe that the participation of the individual in not sinning (sanctification) is something of a miracle of God without their participation or effort in any way entering in. They think God will somehow remove their actual sins without their obedience.

2Thess 1:7 …when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

Paul’s observation is that those who know not God and obey not the Gospel are unsaved. The gospel is a declaration of war against sin (repentance being the correct concept). “We obey” the gospel, then the gospel is something “we do”.

Is it Easy to be Saved?

Luke 13:24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. 

Really, yes it is easy to be saved, because it is simply confiding in what God has said (promised) and done. But at the same time, it is not easy, rather very difficult, because one has to leave (repent of) his ideas and will. Because of the faithful character of God,  He is easy to trust and believe. But the Bible teaches us that of the many who will try to enter into heaven, using their own ideas and concepts, these won’t make it. Only those who follow God and what he teaches will enter although entering is difficult.

1John 2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.  

What is very clear in all of this is that a person that really is saved has to turn over his will (repentance) to do the will of God, which his faith belief is that this is better and authoritative. He has to trust the superior wisdom of God as the moral pattern for life (which is seen in the person and personality of Jesus Christ, which is the morality or spirituality taught in Scripture). This is abandoning our former life to “follow Christ”.

Numbers, Numbers, Numbers

1Thess 2:3 For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: 4 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. 5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: 6 Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others…

In order for easy-believism to be popular with supposed Christians, they seek to show their approval by God. They really are seeking the glory of men for themselves. They use flattering words so as to gather many people into large churches and have a large income from this (hidden covetousness). Another sign is the demanding of external signs if a person “follows Christ”, and they boast of so many receiving Christ. They water down the gospel so as really to promote another gospel (Gal 1:6-9) seen by their zeal for bigness and a popular acceptance. In Mat 7:15-23, Jesus warned us of those who would construct ministries with great shows of glory and “spiritual power”, even power over demons, but Jesus gave us the key, by their fruits ye shall know them. Christ also required that all men show forth fruits worthy of repentance (Mat 3:8) which is a holy life full of good works.

Acts 26:20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. The gospel that the apostles preached was a simple presentation of salvation, but one that included faith and repentance that produce works worthy of salvation.

Titus 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. The apostles refused persons proclaiming to be saved but never had the spiritual change (a new birth) in their life.

1John 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Lord, Are there few that are Saved?

Luke 13:23 Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, 24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. Jesus taught that salvation is involved with a spiritual battle on our part. Even though God does not make salvation impossible, neither is it “easy.”

Luke 14:26-27 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. 27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. 33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

In other words, we can follow Christ and be saved, but it is not an easy road without great effort on our part. The road is one of great personal sacrifice, and this is how we should present the gospel.

Satan our Enemy

Satan, Our Enemy
By David Cox
[doct16] v1 ©2011 www.coxtracts.com
This can be freely reproduced for not profit use.

______________

1Pet 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Satan is real, not fiction. He is our enemy, and does everything he can to defeat us in spiritual warfare.

How do we identify our enemy?

Matt 16:23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

The word “Satan” means adversary or enemy, and this is used by Jesus towards Peter when Jesus expressed his plans to die on the cross, and Peter opposed this purpose.

Num 22:22 And God’s anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the LORD stood in the way for an adversary against him.

In this passage, the Angel of Jehovah is identified as “an adversary”. Obviously the Angel of Jehovah is not the devil, but in contrast many theologians identify this angel as the pre-incarnate Christ. So the basic concept of Satan is “the adversary,” or one who opposes another, which in its purest sense, is simply an enemy that confronts someone, whoever that may be. You might think that this concept as a “district attorney”, or an attorney with the task of assigning “blame” and opposing (Zec 3:1). The relationship of Satan as the accuser before God is clear, as in Job 1, but the reasons and the calling to this task are not as clear (if first from God, or after the fall was a voluntary thing by Satan). A very interesting passage in this respect is …

Isa 45:7 I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.

Notice that God sent adversaries to confront Solomon (1 Ki 11:14, 23, 25). God himself who commands the adversity to oppose (creates their existence, but this opposition is not in itself a sin). This is not to say that God is the author of sin, but He does send bad and difficult things in life to test and prove us. Do not think that God ordains these things just to see us suffer, but as any good trainer will do, he will order his soldiers through the most rigorous training to make them something of great value to the army. In this, although Satan’s motives are not pure in themselves, his activity serves God anyway. Satan is God’s adversary (and of the people who try to obey God’s will, purposes, and do the work of God). The devil IS OUR ADVERSARY (1Pet 5:8), and he walks about seeking whom he may devour, and so it is our duty to resist him. Satan wants our destruction, and not our welfare, and God permits Satan to war against us so as to make us more dependent upon God (the need of faith), and in the end, we will be pure gold (of great value).

The Wicked One

There are various Scriptures which refer to this person in the point of his character “the evil one” or “the wicked one” (Mat 13:19; Eph 6:16; 1Jn 2:13; 3:12). He is wicked. What is wickedness? This concept is simply that he wants to do damage to others in any form or way he can. It is the lack of piety, forgiveness, or mercy. Wickedness is also a disposition to constantly destroy and cause pain and suffering in others.

Arrogance

Isa 14:13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.

Satan is marked by his great confidence in his own self, to the point of being pure arrogance (Isa 14:11). This character quality is to have so much self-confidence, to confide in his own intelligence and understanding, that he despises the will of others, even despising God himself. This arrogance in making decisions and acting without seeking any direction from God is where Satan fell. It is his favorite sin. 1Tim 3:6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. As Paul unfortunately reveals here, this satanic character is an element that causes (or should cause) an immediate rejection from the ministry if found in a minister.

The Lie, Deception, and Deceit

John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. “From the beginning” Satan was always a deceiver. Everything that he pretends to offer or declare is a deception in some form. He nevers presents the full truth, but twists it in some aspect or small part so as to nullify its benefit.

2Cor 11:13 For such [are] false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 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.

Satan has a distinct form of working, and this is the lie. He is “the father of the lie”, and this is where the lie was born, and from which all lies come. Satan’s manner of working is to always present himself and his work in some other form than what it really is. He fabricates another “reality” that is not real. Lies, deceit, distortion are the telltale marks of his work. Eph 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;

The Use of Miracles

2Thess 2:9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. Satan has a very strong power in our world, and even God refers to his station (given before the fall) as “the god of this world” (2Cor 4:4; Jn 12:31). Satan well knows that the very fact of having supernatural power does not speak as to where the source of that power lies, but so many people are so easily deceived by the fact of a miracle, that Satan puts this lie to good use for his purposes.

The Tempter, the Accuser

Rev 12:10… for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. Satan is a condemned criminal in the eyes of God, and he has been destined to judgment, but Satan doesn’t want to go down peacefully.

Satan wants to drag everyone with him into hell that he can so his character is based in tempting and tripping up everybody anyway he can (1Chr 21:1; Luk 22:31). Moreover, he not only wants others to fall, Satan himself is who will be accusing us before God, so that God condemns us just as He will judge Satan. In Job 1:6-12, Satan accuses Job before God Zec 3:1-2; Rev 12:10.

Satanic Aggression

Rev 12:12 Therefore rejoice, [ye] heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.

Satan knows what will be his end, and even so, he still presses forward with his failed plan, and he is in a hurry because his time is short. In his hurry, he resorts to much aggression against humanity so that they trip and fall as quickly and deeply as possible. The Bible tells us Satan is very cruel and brutal in this fight. One thing you will never find Satan really doing is having compassion or mercy because that belongs to the character of God, not Satan. He never pardons, only cruelly pressuring. He is a very dangerous enemy.

The Murderer

John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

In what sense are lies and murder connected? A murderer is someone who completely has no respect of others, and hates somebody so much that he will steal, and even steal that person’s life. Murder is simply an extreme form of aggression. Hurting others, lying to them, and any other forms of harm are simply minor forms of the same aggressive spirit that is behind murder. The hatred here is that one person dislikes another so much that he will not tell the truth (which has blessing attached to it) but rather wants others to hear and believe lies (which has condemnation associated with it). Satan’s greatest work is to remove the love of truth from men so that they are not saved (2Th 2:9-10).

Our Disposition towards Satan

Jude 1:9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.

In October with Halloween, as well as with Hollywood culture, they paint Satan in a red jump suit with horns and a tail, so as to minimize him as a real threat. We should note that God originally gave him great power and authority (“the god of this world” 2Cor 4:4), and he is a prince. Isa 14:9 Hell from beneath is moved for thee to meet thee at thy coming”. So he is a dangerous opponent not to be underestimated or taken lightly, and even the archangel Michael knows his ability (Jude 1:9). He is a very powerful enemy, but God is greater.

Satan’s Limits

Job 1:12 And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.

Satan is not equal in power with God. He is a creature of God, and dependent upon God for his existence, just as we are. He is limited to what God permits him to do. Satan can only act to the limits which God allows him, and every child of God should always remember this.

Matt 8:31 So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine.

Satan and his demons are restricted by God’s being and power. Yes he allows them to act for now, but judgment day is coming, and God will not allow them to go beyond certain limits (Jn 19:11; Mt 12:28).

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The Power of an Example

The Power of  an Example
By David Cox
[ch24] v1 ©2011 www.coxtracts.com
You may freely reproduce this tract for non-profit purposes

_________________

 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. John 13:15

In general, most people neither accept nor understand the strong power of an example. Even though they don’t give any credence to this, they well know that personally they don’t want to be the first to enter something new or difficult. This “leader” or person who does something first, or does it when few others can or are willing. God has structured things with the spiritual power of example to help us do the hard thing. It is very important to always consider what example (testimony) you are setting for others, especially parents with their children.

The Power of a Spiritual Example

Psa 101:6 Mine eyes [shall be] upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me.

When we examine the power of moral examples, we need to understand that this works in two ways, for good, and also for evil.

Prov 13:20 He that walketh with wise [men] shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

The Bible presents the picture of the son of God as a person who draws people and “pushes away” people. He should draw others who want to follow and obey God (2Tim 2:22; Psa 119:79; 16:3), and he should reject or push off those who are bent on doing wickedness (Psa 119:115).

2Cor 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you,

Simply put, when two people live together, they transfer their moral character one to the other, therefore, we should 1) seek the company of people who have good moral character, 2) be strong moral examples to help others in their moral life, 3) never be a bad moral example ourselves.

Jesus Christ as Our Example

1Pet 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
1John 2:6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

The power of a moral example should be very obvious for us, but most people miss it altogether. God sent Jesus into the world to be our moral example, the perfect spiritual pattern of God, and this is to set this morality in our minds and lives. When God saw the necessity to come down from heaven to live among men, it was because he wanted to leave us a perfect moral example which the children of God can examine, study, and follow. Jesus could well have appeared at the beginning of crucifixion week as he appeared to Abraham before enteringSodom, and then lived Easter week events, and be crucified. But God wanted the events of his life to happen and be available for our meditation.

Churchtracts

Ch51 Cowboys versus Shepherds

April 3, 2013

This tracts defines the difference in leadership styles, the good and the bad, within the work of God. Topics are The Difference is in the Leaderhsip Style, The Motive: Love of God, or Love of One's Self, How to Move and Motive Animals, How to Relate to Sheep, --Cowboy - Indifference, --Shepherd - Love, The Difference is also in the Nature of the Animals, Sheep are loyal to their Pastor, and Messenger Worship.

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Fam27 – Dress of a Christian Woman

April 3, 2013

This is a tract dealing with women's dress (which principles apply equally to men's dress). Topics are Adam, Eve, and their shame, And God visited them, Covering our nakedness, To Reveal the Body is shameful, Spiritual Dress: Modesty, Fashion and the Christian Woman

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salv31 Easy-Believism

October 16, 2012

In this tract we examine the evangelist plan of easy-believism, wherein the evangelist reduces the gospel to nothing but a simple profession of faith, and the person is saved.

Read more

doct16 Satan our Enemy

March 27, 2012

In this tract we examine our enemy Satan, and identify and comment on various aspects of his ability and character.

Read more

ch24 The Power of an Example

March 13, 2012

In this tract I examine the power of spiritual examples, both good examples for good influences, and evil examples for bad influences. This principle is a spiritual principle in the Bible, by which God affects his children through men of God. Likewise I look briefly at the power of evil examples on others, to trip them up into sin. We touch on Pastors and leaders in the local church, as well as parents' influence on their children.

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ch41 The Marks of a Bad Minister

March 10, 2012

In this tract we examine the biblical picture of a true minister of God contrasted with what the Bible pictures as evil, wicked, or bad ministers. Mat 7:20-24 presents us with supposed ministers of God which in judgment day, Christ identicates they are not even saved, and their characteristic marks are what this tract focuses on.

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ch38 Recognizing a Good Pastor

March 6, 2012

In this tract we chat with you about God's concept of the "good pastor". We contrast the good pastor against the wicked Pharisees of Jesus' time, marking what is different between the "thief and robber" and the good pastor. His entry among the flock is legitimate. His success is of God, not from his own astuteness and trickery. His sheep follow him because he is the living local example of Christ closest to the sheep. He leads by personal example.

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ch43 When is it time to leave your church?

March 3, 2012

TOPICS Why should you join a church? Is it correct to leave a church The reasons to leave a church Christian Liberty No love. How sould I leave?

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pent08 Benny Hinn: The False Prophet

February 28, 2012

In this tract we expose the false prophet, Benny Hinn. We examine his heresies and false teachings, and briefly go through some of his errorenous doctrines and teachings. We cite what he says, and Bible verses that reveal the truth and his lies.

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pent04 Modern Tongues Speaking

February 25, 2012

In this tract we discern and distinguish between the Bible's teaching on tongues, a ceased gift, and the modern experience of speaking in estactic tongues. We examine Paul's exhortations and cautions to the Corinthian church. Modern tongues is a demonic experience that no true Christian should be associated with in any way except in denouncing it.

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pent03 Kundalini and Tongues

February 21, 2012

In this tract we expose the satanic practice of kundalini, which is the actual modern speaking in estactic tongues. This practice has been around for more than 2000 years among the Hindu gurus, and it is the power of the serpent that takes over your body in a spiritual experience whereby this satanic energy is released by speaking in tongues.

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pc16 Why Christians shouldn’t use drugs?

February 18, 2012

In this tract we examine what is a biblical position about hallucinogenic drug use. The Bible condemns this kind of drug use as being a doorway to the demonic world. It is regularly used in witchcraft and wicked, pagan religions to "communicate with the spirits", and we offer help in the form of Bible verses to break the addiction to drugs.

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pc15 How to fight against depression

February 14, 2012

In this tract we treat the problem of depression. Depression is not a physical disease, it is an emotional and spiritual disease that "bleeds over" and causes aggravation and physical consequences if not attended to at the spiritual-social-emotional level. We present what God gives us as medicine to cure depression, and God's Word is never wrong or ineffective.

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pc10 Sexual Purity

February 7, 2012

In this tract we explore what the Bible has to say about sexual purity. Note that we speak harsh language in this tract, denouncing the sexual sins of our society using passages of Scripture that God clearly indicates His great wrath against these sins.

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pc07 Fasting: Fixing your Life with God

January 31, 2012

In this tract we explore what the Bible has to say about fasting. Fasting is a spiritual activity that God has placed in our disposition for drawing near to God, resolving problems in our life, as well as finding God's will in matters of confusion, sin, or direction. We can gain spiritual knowledge of God's will through prayer and dedicating time to talking with God, which is the whole purpose of fasting.

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• Ch51 Cowboys versus Shepherds
• Fam27 – Dress of a Christian Woman
• salv31 Easy-Believism
• doct16 Satan our Enemy
• ch24 The Power of an Example
• ch41 The Marks of a Bad Minister
• ch38 Recognizing a Good Pastor
• ch43 When is it time to leave your church?
• pent08 Benny Hinn: The False Prophet
• pent04 Modern Tongues Speaking
• pent03 Kundalini and Tongues
• pc16 Why Christians shouldn’t use drugs?
• pc15 How to fight against depression
• pc10 Sexual Purity
• pc07 Fasting: Fixing your Life with God

The Influence of a Bad Example

Esther 1:17 For this deed of the queen shall come abroad unto all women, so that they shall despise their husbands in their eyes, when it shall be reported, The king Ahasuerus commanded Vashti the queen to be brought in before him, but she came not. 20 And when the king’s decree which he shall make shall be published throughout all his empire, (for it is great,) all the wives shall give to their husbands honour, both to great and small.

In this story, we see the power of a bad example. Queen Vashti refused to enter into the presence of king Ahasuerus, her king and husband, and because of this rebellion, all the wives of the kingdom would copy her example. This was an evil example (of a leader), and all would follow the spiritual example they saw in it. This rebellion would multiply like an infection.

1Cor 15:33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

The word “communications” is really fellowship, and “good manners” is good moral habits. The principle is clear; a single person can influence and spiritually affect another person, or many. But being in the presence of a bad example, seeing it, putting thought on it, one can be spiritually corrupted.

1Cor 5:6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?

Equally, Paul spoke of the spiritual power of a bad example in this verse, comparing it to penetrating and extending power of leaven. Through the moral influence of one person, many can be affected. This is what others see in you, your actions, your attitude, your words, and this can spiritually influence people who have close fellowship with you, especially living in the same house. God has put parents in the family to be good examples for their children, and the children should follow their good example. From psychological studies that have been done, it is pretty clear that young boys imitate their fathers, and imitate how their fathers treated their mothers, and young girls imitate their mothers, and relate to their future husbands as their mothers treated their fathers.

We should be Good Examples

1Cor 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

The Christian has the obligation to live the example of Christ. When everybody sees your moral life, what they should see is Jesus Christ. In have contact and social company with you, they should get to know Christ living in you, through the way you talk, what you talk about, how you act, your attitudes, etcetera.

1Cor 10:33 Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

Paul proposed that his goal in life was the obtaining of salvation and spiritual benefit of others through how he lived his own life. He saw and used the influence of his own life on other people as a means to spiritually bless them, bringing them to Christ. This is being a moral leader so as to influence others into the way of God. Paul included others in the church that are spiritual leaders and moral examples.

Phil 3:17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

There is a focus and importance to support those who are good godly leaders for God. This is so important because it is so essential and necessary in our lives. This is based on the principle that we are easily moved by moral examples in our life, whether they are good or evil.

1Tim 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

Paul exhorted Timothy, even being a youth, to not forget that he has the obligation to be a moral example in his life.

1Thess 2:14 For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they [have] of the Jews:

Paul well understood that the brethren would imitate him in their spiritual lives, because he was their spiritual leader. This basic principle is very biblical, and it is true that a person can profoundly influence and guide other people by their own moral example. This is whyHollywoodconstantly erodes our society via their unending parade of perversion and bad moral examples. First the idea is introduced, then over much exposure, the idea is accepted, and then it is imitated. If you do not personally pray, read and study Scripture, no witness, no faithfully attend nor participate in church; you are by default teaching others this same thing.

The People of God are the Reflect of God’s Character

Eph 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

God commanded us to walk as children of God, and this is a moral obligation. After all we cannot be a good moral example and do whatever sin we want. It is important, because we are harming others, and influencing other by the example we set by our own life.

1Pet 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

God called his people out of the world to be the instrument or means by which the unsaved world would see God. God called us to “show forth the praises or virtues of God”. This is why the world is not changed by hypocrites, but only by a person fully given over to God.

Follow the Faith of your Leaders

Heb 13:7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation (conduct).

In the N.T., God has imposed spiritual leaders over each church. This is a supervision (bishop), which is a pastor or elder. Even though at times these words are synonymous, in Heb 13:7 the word is not “pastor” but they are leaders (those who govern or are over somebody). The power of spiritual examples, a person who relieves, practices, teaches, preaches, and lives these principles of God is a person who wins others to these positions through his spiritual influence. A hypocrite only greatly harms this work of God.

The Faith of “Our Father”

Gal 3:6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. 7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.

Equally God has put parents in each home to similarly influence their children, “showing them the way”, because the parents are first examples of Christ. The influence that they have in the spiritual life of their children is great and powerful, for good or evil. We should always be good examples, but we should also meditate profoundly on the point that our faithfulness to God (or lack of it) in itself is being observed by others and influencing them. On judgment day in heaven, God will reveal how much we have influenced others, and may God forgive us for our failings.

Marks of a Bad Minister

The Marks of a Bad Minister
How to recognize him
By David Cox
[ch41] v1 ©2011 www.coxtracts.com
You may freely reproduce this tract for non-profit purposes

_______________

Matt 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 21 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. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. 24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

At times, it is difficult to identify who is a true servant of God and who is not. God has not left us without help in the matter though.

The Marks of an Unsaved Minister

It is interesting that that in defense of this minister before God (Mt 7:21-24) that God judged he wasn’t even saved. He defended himself before God in three proposed evidences of his “good minister status”: (1) his ability to prophesy, (2) his power over powers of evil, and (3) his work of miracles and great events. Many in our day want to validate their ministries in similar fashion. They insist that are true men of God, exalted ministers of Highest God, because they of their distinct insight into the mind of God, because their power over demons and evil powers, and most certainly because they impress with what they have done for God, miracles, great works, etc. It is important to note that Jesus in no way tried to contradict what they presented. Perhaps their bragging had some validation in that something notable was on some level accomplished. But Jesus’ hard position is that even with signs of great spiritual power; they had nothing to do with God and His Kingdom. Read Mat 7:21 with great care. The ONLY MARK of a faithful minister is to be always “stuck” on the will of God. “Greatness,” validity, and identification with God is only found in strict obedience to God’s will.

Useless Ministers

Matt 24:48 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; 49 And shall begin to smite [his] fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; 50 The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, 51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

In this passage that deals with various parables on service and the child of God, it is very instructive that the evil “servant of God” goes to hell in the end. So we must open the possibility that many supposed ministers of God, preachers, evangelists, or even pastors that exercise official positions in the church, just are not even saved. The key factor that indicates their salvation is simply their disposition and attitude towards the will of God. The deceiving hypocrite is he who follows his own will in place of exalting the will of God in his life (and ministry) and submitting to God. These people always pretend to have “biblical ministries”, and they are experts in rhetoric because “they are biblical” or in giving reasons why they are truly “ministers of God”, but if you listen closely, you will see how lightly they respect the Word of God, or how astutely they twist God’s Word to suit their desires, aspirations, and ambitions. They “use” the Word of God for their own purposes and are not under its authority. True ministers that please God are people who always rely on the authority of Scripture as their authority, but also as THEIR GUIDE, Jer 3:15 And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

Churchtracts

Ch51 Cowboys versus Shepherds

April 3, 2013

This tracts defines the difference in leadership styles, the good and the bad, within the work of God. Topics are The Difference is in the Leaderhsip Style, The Motive: Love of God, or Love of One's Self, How to Move and Motive Animals, How to Relate to Sheep, --Cowboy - Indifference, --Shepherd - Love, The Difference is also in the Nature of the Animals, Sheep are loyal to their Pastor, and Messenger Worship.

Read more

Fam27 – Dress of a Christian Woman

April 3, 2013

This is a tract dealing with women's dress (which principles apply equally to men's dress). Topics are Adam, Eve, and their shame, And God visited them, Covering our nakedness, To Reveal the Body is shameful, Spiritual Dress: Modesty, Fashion and the Christian Woman

Read more

salv31 Easy-Believism

October 16, 2012

In this tract we examine the evangelist plan of easy-believism, wherein the evangelist reduces the gospel to nothing but a simple profession of faith, and the person is saved.

Read more

doct16 Satan our Enemy

March 27, 2012

In this tract we examine our enemy Satan, and identify and comment on various aspects of his ability and character.

Read more

ch24 The Power of an Example

March 13, 2012

In this tract I examine the power of spiritual examples, both good examples for good influences, and evil examples for bad influences. This principle is a spiritual principle in the Bible, by which God affects his children through men of God. Likewise I look briefly at the power of evil examples on others, to trip them up into sin. We touch on Pastors and leaders in the local church, as well as parents' influence on their children.

Read more

ch41 The Marks of a Bad Minister

March 10, 2012

In this tract we examine the biblical picture of a true minister of God contrasted with what the Bible pictures as evil, wicked, or bad ministers. Mat 7:20-24 presents us with supposed ministers of God which in judgment day, Christ identicates they are not even saved, and their characteristic marks are what this tract focuses on.

Read more

ch38 Recognizing a Good Pastor

March 6, 2012

In this tract we chat with you about God's concept of the "good pastor". We contrast the good pastor against the wicked Pharisees of Jesus' time, marking what is different between the "thief and robber" and the good pastor. His entry among the flock is legitimate. His success is of God, not from his own astuteness and trickery. His sheep follow him because he is the living local example of Christ closest to the sheep. He leads by personal example.

Read more

ch43 When is it time to leave your church?

March 3, 2012

TOPICS Why should you join a church? Is it correct to leave a church The reasons to leave a church Christian Liberty No love. How sould I leave?

Read more

pent08 Benny Hinn: The False Prophet

February 28, 2012

In this tract we expose the false prophet, Benny Hinn. We examine his heresies and false teachings, and briefly go through some of his errorenous doctrines and teachings. We cite what he says, and Bible verses that reveal the truth and his lies.

Read more

pent04 Modern Tongues Speaking

February 25, 2012

In this tract we discern and distinguish between the Bible's teaching on tongues, a ceased gift, and the modern experience of speaking in estactic tongues. We examine Paul's exhortations and cautions to the Corinthian church. Modern tongues is a demonic experience that no true Christian should be associated with in any way except in denouncing it.

Read more

pent03 Kundalini and Tongues

February 21, 2012

In this tract we expose the satanic practice of kundalini, which is the actual modern speaking in estactic tongues. This practice has been around for more than 2000 years among the Hindu gurus, and it is the power of the serpent that takes over your body in a spiritual experience whereby this satanic energy is released by speaking in tongues.

Read more

pc16 Why Christians shouldn’t use drugs?

February 18, 2012

In this tract we examine what is a biblical position about hallucinogenic drug use. The Bible condemns this kind of drug use as being a doorway to the demonic world. It is regularly used in witchcraft and wicked, pagan religions to "communicate with the spirits", and we offer help in the form of Bible verses to break the addiction to drugs.

Read more

pc15 How to fight against depression

February 14, 2012

In this tract we treat the problem of depression. Depression is not a physical disease, it is an emotional and spiritual disease that "bleeds over" and causes aggravation and physical consequences if not attended to at the spiritual-social-emotional level. We present what God gives us as medicine to cure depression, and God's Word is never wrong or ineffective.

Read more

pc10 Sexual Purity

February 7, 2012

In this tract we explore what the Bible has to say about sexual purity. Note that we speak harsh language in this tract, denouncing the sexual sins of our society using passages of Scripture that God clearly indicates His great wrath against these sins.

Read more

pc07 Fasting: Fixing your Life with God

January 31, 2012

In this tract we explore what the Bible has to say about fasting. Fasting is a spiritual activity that God has placed in our disposition for drawing near to God, resolving problems in our life, as well as finding God's will in matters of confusion, sin, or direction. We can gain spiritual knowledge of God's will through prayer and dedicating time to talking with God, which is the whole purpose of fasting.

Read more

• Ch51 Cowboys versus Shepherds
• Fam27 – Dress of a Christian Woman
• salv31 Easy-Believism
• doct16 Satan our Enemy
• ch24 The Power of an Example
• ch41 The Marks of a Bad Minister
• ch38 Recognizing a Good Pastor
• ch43 When is it time to leave your church?
• pent08 Benny Hinn: The False Prophet
• pent04 Modern Tongues Speaking
• pent03 Kundalini and Tongues
• pc16 Why Christians shouldn’t use drugs?
• pc15 How to fight against depression
• pc10 Sexual Purity
• pc07 Fasting: Fixing your Life with God

Those that cause Division and Desolation

Jer 23:1 Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD.

One of the principle jobs of the pastor is to gather sheep. This is in one of two forms, both of which fully apply: (1) the evangelization of the unsaved bringing them into the fold (the local church), (2) To visit and encourage members of their church that have stopped coming, to return and actively participate in the church once again. The identifying mark of a fraudulent pastor is that he divides the church by his brutal actions, his cruel attitude, and in general by his style of leadership (way of doing things) which works against gathering and unity. Unity comes because all think alike, and act with the same spirit, carrying the same doctrine. This is not by forceful imposition by authority figures, but by mutual submission to God’s authority.

The good pastor just explains the actual text of the Bible, but he also investigates, defines, and insists on the Scriptures ruling over everything the church is and does. The wicked pastor imposes his own will without respect to nor support of Scripture, except some twisted, unclear declaration. The will of God is grossly abused, mistreated and misrepresented. Jeremiah (Jer 25:34) refers to their days of “slaughter”, which is to die and not live. The sheep ought to have a spiritual life within them, and the good pastor will promote this. The bad pastor destroys and kills this spiritual life among his sheep. He undermines, disrupts, and cuts off this spiritual relationship between believer and God (spiritual death). He takes the place of God in their lives.

Leadership by Force and Imposition

Jer 23:2 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. 4 And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the LORD.

The style of ministry of a wicked, ungodly pastor is very particular. He scares people with sharp, loud (notorious) actions with lack courtesy and love towards them. He imposes on the brethren, and his objective isn’t to correct sin, but to impose and ingrain his own authority over the people of God. The idea in verse 4 is that (1) they use fear – which is the anticipation of some bad interaction with the pastor. (2) They cause the sheep to be dismayed, which has the idea of submission by means of dragging or violent force, fear, or confusion. He is marked by his leadership style of cruelty, unthinking actions, and uncaring attitude towards his sheep, anything as long as they obey him. (3) Be lacking – This word is the opposite of pastoral visitation, where the pastor inspects and then handles whatever need they might have. This is totally or importantly lacking.

Errors and the Erring

Jer 50:6 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 resting place.

There is a specific way in which we sheep should walk, and this is the way of God which Jesus showed us. It is to be spiritual, have faith, and depend on God, and is to complete the work of God on earth. A false pastor is somebody who guides the sheep (he is a pastor), but not in the way of God, and this results in a road that isn’t in the will of God. This kind of pastor doesn’t bring the unsaved into a saving relationship “with the Master” (this pastor isn’t saved himself), but rather it is a gathering of simple people to obey his rule and authority stolen from God. This wicked pastor isn’t laboring in intercession and prayer for others, nor does he have compassion and love for those in error, sin, or the unsaved. He may be very astute (usually is) but his presentations, teachings, sermons don’t show great insight and understanding into Scripture, rather they are tools to build his empire. A true man of God is concerned that others submit to God’s will, and rebuke of sin and repentance from sin are regular objectives of their ministry. The false prophet is greatly disgusted over all this, and he will make false repentance over meaningless issues, and he regularly pleases himself with indulgence into sin of some kind. But his prime objective is that everybody follows his will, nobody can think or discern God’s will except the pastor. Rather than understanding Scripture for themselves, the wicked pastor confuses the issues that most press against his own personal sins, distracting, detracting from the importance of him repenting of his own sin. He substitutes tradition (“we have always done it this way”), authority of his office (“I am pastor and I call the shots here”), or he appeals to popularity. A good pastor preaches sermons to himself first, and having repented himself first, makes it a great sermon for all. You can mark the bad pastor by his drive to change the traditional, New Testament presentation of what “church is” to a modern version that is more accommodating to our tastes. Reverence, worship, and exposition of God’s actual words are replaced with an entertainment type attitude and environment, where “judging and rebuking sin” is not seen nor present.

John 6:28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? 29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

The work of God focuses in the person of Jesus Christ, our Savior, but also in the spiritual image of Christ. We should imitate Christ. Paul presents us this example (Eph 5:1).

1Cor 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

Phil 3:17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

Heb 13:7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.

Ezek 37:24 And David my servant shall be king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my judgments, and observe my statutes, and do them.

“Why” God gives good shepherds “according to the heart of God” (Jer 3:15) to the sheep is so that they can direct the sheep INTO God’s way, God’s will, obeying God. Churches today get involved in all kinds of foolishness except the actual work of God as presented in Scripture, evangelism in the street, prayerful intercession, exposition of Scriptures… A bad pastor will “tend away from these things,” not following Christ’s example.

Feeding themselves

Ezek 34:8 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;

Wicked pastors tend to feed themselves, not entering into personal sacrifice, personal risk or adversity, but they seek the “easy life”.

Ezek 34:2 Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel…Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks? 3 Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: [but] ye feed not the flock.

They want others to give them a good economic life, but they don’t do the real work of God the right way. Spiritual fruit and abandonment of sin are not the natural products of their ministry or life.

Recognizing a Good Pastor

Recognizing a Good Pastor
By David Cox
[ch38] v1r ©2009 www.coxtractscom
You can reproduce this tract for non-profit purposes

___________

I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. John 10:11

I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. John 10:14

In John 9, Jesus healed a blind man, and after healing him, the Pharisees got mad at him, because they didn’t want anybody to recognize Jesus as the Messiah. Obviously the power and authority was different from what the Pharisees sought and used on the people, and because of this, they were bitter and angry against Jesus’s leadership style and towards his attitudes of service.

The Contention between Jesus and the Pharisees

At the bottom of this conflict in chapters 9 and 10 of John is the matter of authority and the calling of Jesus against the presumptions of the Pharisees. It is worthwhile to examine what Jesus taught here about the qualities and marks of a “good pastor,” what is Jesus, and also what should be all ministers that follow Jesus in the ministry, and this pattern that they will follow in order to be biblical in their spiritual leadership over the people of God.

His Entry is Legitimate

Jesus proposed that there is much importance in the form that the good pastor enters among the flock of God, which has to do with his calling and how he takes upon himself his authority. He is not a fence jumper, but enters formally and officially through the only door (the principal door). This speaks about calling directly from God, and the spiritual power that also comes directly from God. Equally this focuses on Jesus as the door of salvation. Jesus described these Pharisees as having the desire for enrichment or taking economic liberties because of their office of oversight of the sheep.

In contrast, Jesus presented himself in the attitude of extreme personal sacrifice.Jesus had the motive of doing other good, of being a great and intense blessing to the people of God through his service to them, and not “taking advantage of his work among them”. Moreover, Jesus focused in doing the will of God as his principle overriding focus, and the upstart Pharisees focus on imposing their will against God’s will. Surely they declared their will as the same as God’s will, even bothering everybody with “the commandments of God”, but in reality they did not teach the true will of God, much less did they even understand that will.

To impose another will against that will of the Father is to impose another (false) religion, upon the people, and to err into “Christianized” paganism. Jesus had devotion and commitment to this will of God until the very end. In contradiction to this attitude of denying yourself as Jesus showed us and commanded us to imitate (Matt 16:24  If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.). Jesus put the wellbeing of his charge before his own wellbeing as any good pastor knows he has to do.

His Success was of God

Today there is much confusion about what is success in the ministry. There are men who produce “success” in the ministry using Hollywood promotional methods, which focus on money, fame, and gathering large crowds. But this is not the success that the good pastor has. His success depends on the gatekeeper that allows him to enter. Who is this gatekeeper? Even though it isn’t clearly stated, this probably refers to the Holy Spirit who opens the hearts of the people to change them. You can identify the good pastor by his ministry with people who are truly saved and transformed under his immediate ministry.

The very important question should arise, How can a pastor to build a “flock of sheep” for God if he doesn’t witness. There are pastors today who are so famous that they refuse to go into the street to witness. They are not good pastors. Likewise there are pastors who use Hollywood tactics of carnal and worldly promotion to just get a quick sinner’s prayer, and count of the head for their own glorying. It is amazing how these pastors boast of the thousands of decisions that they lead to Christ every year, but those that follow Christ to baptism is the tenth part of them, and if any of them are in a church faithfully serving in a month or year, it is a miracle. If they didn’t use tricks of bribery to get these to come, their churches would be totally empty.

The good pastor is marked by his success in bringing people to Christ, and that this people are founded and faithful in their devotion, service, and participation of the ministry (they stay in the church). Col 4:3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:

You also recognize the good pastor by his total lack of ability to do all this in his own power, and he constantly depends on God’s power, constantly mentioning this and actively seeking it. The good pastor is somebody who is humble in himself, and understands that prayer and the will of God are what achieve spiritual victory (2Cor 2:12; 1Cor 16:9; Rev 3:8), not his own strength and talent.

Churchtracts

Ch51 Cowboys versus Shepherds

April 3, 2013

This tracts defines the difference in leadership styles, the good and the bad, within the work of God. Topics are The Difference is in the Leaderhsip Style, The Motive: Love of God, or Love of One's Self, How to Move and Motive Animals, How to Relate to Sheep, --Cowboy - Indifference, --Shepherd - Love, The Difference is also in the Nature of the Animals, Sheep are loyal to their Pastor, and Messenger Worship.

Read more

Fam27 – Dress of a Christian Woman

April 3, 2013

This is a tract dealing with women's dress (which principles apply equally to men's dress). Topics are Adam, Eve, and their shame, And God visited them, Covering our nakedness, To Reveal the Body is shameful, Spiritual Dress: Modesty, Fashion and the Christian Woman

Read more

salv31 Easy-Believism

October 16, 2012

In this tract we examine the evangelist plan of easy-believism, wherein the evangelist reduces the gospel to nothing but a simple profession of faith, and the person is saved.

Read more

doct16 Satan our Enemy

March 27, 2012

In this tract we examine our enemy Satan, and identify and comment on various aspects of his ability and character.

Read more

ch24 The Power of an Example

March 13, 2012

In this tract I examine the power of spiritual examples, both good examples for good influences, and evil examples for bad influences. This principle is a spiritual principle in the Bible, by which God affects his children through men of God. Likewise I look briefly at the power of evil examples on others, to trip them up into sin. We touch on Pastors and leaders in the local church, as well as parents' influence on their children.

Read more

ch41 The Marks of a Bad Minister

March 10, 2012

In this tract we examine the biblical picture of a true minister of God contrasted with what the Bible pictures as evil, wicked, or bad ministers. Mat 7:20-24 presents us with supposed ministers of God which in judgment day, Christ identicates they are not even saved, and their characteristic marks are what this tract focuses on.

Read more

ch38 Recognizing a Good Pastor

March 6, 2012

In this tract we chat with you about God's concept of the "good pastor". We contrast the good pastor against the wicked Pharisees of Jesus' time, marking what is different between the "thief and robber" and the good pastor. His entry among the flock is legitimate. His success is of God, not from his own astuteness and trickery. His sheep follow him because he is the living local example of Christ closest to the sheep. He leads by personal example.

Read more

ch43 When is it time to leave your church?

March 3, 2012

TOPICS Why should you join a church? Is it correct to leave a church The reasons to leave a church Christian Liberty No love. How sould I leave?

Read more

pent08 Benny Hinn: The False Prophet

February 28, 2012

In this tract we expose the false prophet, Benny Hinn. We examine his heresies and false teachings, and briefly go through some of his errorenous doctrines and teachings. We cite what he says, and Bible verses that reveal the truth and his lies.

Read more

pent04 Modern Tongues Speaking

February 25, 2012

In this tract we discern and distinguish between the Bible's teaching on tongues, a ceased gift, and the modern experience of speaking in estactic tongues. We examine Paul's exhortations and cautions to the Corinthian church. Modern tongues is a demonic experience that no true Christian should be associated with in any way except in denouncing it.

Read more

pent03 Kundalini and Tongues

February 21, 2012

In this tract we expose the satanic practice of kundalini, which is the actual modern speaking in estactic tongues. This practice has been around for more than 2000 years among the Hindu gurus, and it is the power of the serpent that takes over your body in a spiritual experience whereby this satanic energy is released by speaking in tongues.

Read more

pc16 Why Christians shouldn’t use drugs?

February 18, 2012

In this tract we examine what is a biblical position about hallucinogenic drug use. The Bible condemns this kind of drug use as being a doorway to the demonic world. It is regularly used in witchcraft and wicked, pagan religions to "communicate with the spirits", and we offer help in the form of Bible verses to break the addiction to drugs.

Read more

pc15 How to fight against depression

February 14, 2012

In this tract we treat the problem of depression. Depression is not a physical disease, it is an emotional and spiritual disease that "bleeds over" and causes aggravation and physical consequences if not attended to at the spiritual-social-emotional level. We present what God gives us as medicine to cure depression, and God's Word is never wrong or ineffective.

Read more

pc10 Sexual Purity

February 7, 2012

In this tract we explore what the Bible has to say about sexual purity. Note that we speak harsh language in this tract, denouncing the sexual sins of our society using passages of Scripture that God clearly indicates His great wrath against these sins.

Read more

pc07 Fasting: Fixing your Life with God

January 31, 2012

In this tract we explore what the Bible has to say about fasting. Fasting is a spiritual activity that God has placed in our disposition for drawing near to God, resolving problems in our life, as well as finding God's will in matters of confusion, sin, or direction. We can gain spiritual knowledge of God's will through prayer and dedicating time to talking with God, which is the whole purpose of fasting.

Read more

• Ch51 Cowboys versus Shepherds
• Fam27 – Dress of a Christian Woman
• salv31 Easy-Believism
• doct16 Satan our Enemy
• ch24 The Power of an Example
• ch41 The Marks of a Bad Minister
• ch38 Recognizing a Good Pastor
• ch43 When is it time to leave your church?
• pent08 Benny Hinn: The False Prophet
• pent04 Modern Tongues Speaking
• pent03 Kundalini and Tongues
• pc16 Why Christians shouldn’t use drugs?
• pc15 How to fight against depression
• pc10 Sexual Purity
• pc07 Fasting: Fixing your Life with God

The Sheep Follow Him.

John 10:4-5 says that the sheep follow him because they “know his voice”, and reject and flee from the stranger that they “don’t know. This refers to an element within the good pastor that the sheep identify as being “a good pastor”. The sheep are saved from sin by the work of Jesus Christ, and they recognize this Spirit of Christ working within a person when they see it.

Matt 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

The sheep quickly discern this anomaly of character between a Spirit-filled man and a pastor who is arrogant, boasting, haughty, who steps on others to get where he wants to be. This is not how Christ was, and all true Christians reject and flee from this type of pastor. The good pastor is somebody who doesn’t come to take advantage of the sheep (even though he lives among them), but come to protect, bless, and provide for them. The good pastor resolves all their needs and problems, and takes pleasure in his service to them. This is “his” work, and he is totally happy doing this.

Ezek 34:2 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? 3 Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: but ye feed not the flock.

Wicked pastors are those who think nothing wrong with their devastation of the flock and their resources, because they do not serve the flock of God, but their own bellies. The good pastor does not cause needless problems in the flock, but he alleviates any problems they may have. This builds confidence in him, and they follow the good pastor because they have seen his holy life, his ministry of sacrifice, and his humble service for them, being the sacrifice himself instead of sacrificing the sheep. He is reserved and restricted in his use of the sheep’s resources for his own needs. The good pastor lives the same level of life as his sheep, and even so, is happy.

His Leadership is by Personal Example

The good pastor gives them life (Jn 10:9), and he takes them out “to find pastures.” The good pastor always the example for the sheep to follow. (1Pet 5:3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.).

In other words, the leadership style of a good pastor is very distinct. While the governors of the world are cruel, forcing others to do their biding and will (Mt 20:25-26; Mark 10:42-45), the good pastor does not impose his own will, but demonstrates the superior nature of God’s will in his own life. Although the disciples fought over who would take control after Jesus’ departure (Luke 22:24-27), Jesus rebuked them all for lacking understanding.

Matt 23:8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. 9 And call no [man] your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. 10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. 11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

In other words, God wants the good pastor to be one who lives the exemplar life of Christ among the sheep. The brethren follow him not from an spiritual obligation to obey God as much as because he is successful in live Christ’s example.

2Cor 1:24 Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.

The Thief and Robber

In John 10:8, Jesus called the false ministers thieves and robbers (fence jumpers). A “thief” is somebody that subtly uses deceit to take what does not belong to him, and a “robber” is somebody that takes by violence (breaks in and takes by force), sometimes even in plain sight of others (like a bank robber). There are wicked ministers like this, and this criticism against them is valid, but there is another application here that these wicked ministers do not work through the power of God’s Spirit, rather through their own astuteness, trickery, and agility in manipulating people. Jesus is the door, the way, and nobody comes to the Father except by Jesus’ way (Jn 14:6). These false ones do not depend on God to change people’s hearts, because they have given up on that, and have no faith in that, so they have to resort to brutality, cruel twisting with pressure and violence to get what they want. This goes hand in hand with their imposing their own wills on the flock, and they are clueless about God’s will. The paid helper is equally off base. They see the secret of their success in their own outstanding personality, their strong character, their talents and insight, and the eloquence and astuteness of their pulpit manner. God is left out of all this.

In conclusion, a good pastor is known for his attitude, spirit, and manner of working. He is the example of Christ, so others follow him to Christ. The sheep copy what the good pastor has as established spiritual habits. Jesus said in Mt 7:15-20 that they will appear to be something, but the product (fruit) of their life and ministry shows what evil they really are. Paul echoes this “an example for you to follow” in 2Th 3:9 and in 1Cor 11:1. Jesus repeats this in Jn 13:15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. It is sad to see so many Christians accept ministers who just are not anything like Christ but are wicked. When abuse comes from these wicked men, they should not be surprised.

When is it time to leave your church?

When is it time to leave your church?
By David Cox
[ch43] v1 ©2011 www.coxtracts.com
You may freely reproduce this tract for non-profit purposes

_______________

Phil 2:2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, [being] of one accord, of one mind.

Every good Christian will have a serious relationship with a group of brethren (a local church) of the same faith and practice that you have, and if you have incorporated yourself into their activities and fellowship, leaving will be difficult, and it should be. Your reasons for leaving should be taken because of definite events, attitudes, practices, or doctrines in that church that make you feel that you are “not the same as they are”, that they do not have the same love of Christ as you, because they do not follow Christ according to Scripture (in teachings, doctrine, practices, attitudes, etc), there is a rupture between you that forces your physical separation from that group. You should first try to examine your own spirit, to see if you are wrong, then talk with leaders in the church group to try and resolve the problem. After prayer, no resolution, you need to go to the pastor or leaders and tell them you are troubled, and will seek another church.

Why should you leave your church?

Before anything else, we need to be very clear about why we participate in our church. The biblical concept is to participate, identify with, and be a part of, and not just attend. There are obligations beyond just attending, such as praying for those brethren there, supporting the work of God that they are doing, formal membership, and in general being a participating member of the church. It is a sin to just “visit” a church without committing to it (as a permanent situation). In Romans 10:9, Paul instructed us as children of God to make a public confession of faith in Jesus Christ. This is not a work, but it is strong evidence of your confidence in Jesus as your Savior. The community of the church is a gift of God to the people of God. We are members one of another (Rom 12:4-5), and we are united in Christ (Eph 4:15-16), and this spiritual union is a picture of the church (his relationship with the members). We eat together (Eph 4:4-5), and we bear one another’s burdens (Gal 6:2), and at times one greatly sacrifices for another (in Acts 4:32 they sold their homes to supply the needs of their brethren). This is a community built upon forgiveness of another (Col.3:13), and in which the love of God is shown by how we treat one another (Jn 13:34). Jesus death, his great love for us, formed this community (Eph 5:25), and his love for us is intensely linked with our living this same kind of love among the community of faith.

Churchtracts

Ch51 Cowboys versus Shepherds

April 3, 2013

This tracts defines the difference in leadership styles, the good and the bad, within the work of God. Topics are The Difference is in the Leaderhsip Style, The Motive: Love of God, or Love of One's Self, How to Move and Motive Animals, How to Relate to Sheep, --Cowboy - Indifference, --Shepherd - Love, The Difference is also in the Nature of the Animals, Sheep are loyal to their Pastor, and Messenger Worship.

Read more

Fam27 – Dress of a Christian Woman

April 3, 2013

This is a tract dealing with women's dress (which principles apply equally to men's dress). Topics are Adam, Eve, and their shame, And God visited them, Covering our nakedness, To Reveal the Body is shameful, Spiritual Dress: Modesty, Fashion and the Christian Woman

Read more

salv31 Easy-Believism

October 16, 2012

In this tract we examine the evangelist plan of easy-believism, wherein the evangelist reduces the gospel to nothing but a simple profession of faith, and the person is saved.

Read more

doct16 Satan our Enemy

March 27, 2012

In this tract we examine our enemy Satan, and identify and comment on various aspects of his ability and character.

Read more

ch24 The Power of an Example

March 13, 2012

In this tract I examine the power of spiritual examples, both good examples for good influences, and evil examples for bad influences. This principle is a spiritual principle in the Bible, by which God affects his children through men of God. Likewise I look briefly at the power of evil examples on others, to trip them up into sin. We touch on Pastors and leaders in the local church, as well as parents' influence on their children.

Read more

ch41 The Marks of a Bad Minister

March 10, 2012

In this tract we examine the biblical picture of a true minister of God contrasted with what the Bible pictures as evil, wicked, or bad ministers. Mat 7:20-24 presents us with supposed ministers of God which in judgment day, Christ identicates they are not even saved, and their characteristic marks are what this tract focuses on.

Read more

ch38 Recognizing a Good Pastor

March 6, 2012

In this tract we chat with you about God's concept of the "good pastor". We contrast the good pastor against the wicked Pharisees of Jesus' time, marking what is different between the "thief and robber" and the good pastor. His entry among the flock is legitimate. His success is of God, not from his own astuteness and trickery. His sheep follow him because he is the living local example of Christ closest to the sheep. He leads by personal example.

Read more

ch43 When is it time to leave your church?

March 3, 2012

TOPICS Why should you join a church? Is it correct to leave a church The reasons to leave a church Christian Liberty No love. How sould I leave?

Read more

pent08 Benny Hinn: The False Prophet

February 28, 2012

In this tract we expose the false prophet, Benny Hinn. We examine his heresies and false teachings, and briefly go through some of his errorenous doctrines and teachings. We cite what he says, and Bible verses that reveal the truth and his lies.

Read more

pent04 Modern Tongues Speaking

February 25, 2012

In this tract we discern and distinguish between the Bible's teaching on tongues, a ceased gift, and the modern experience of speaking in estactic tongues. We examine Paul's exhortations and cautions to the Corinthian church. Modern tongues is a demonic experience that no true Christian should be associated with in any way except in denouncing it.

Read more

pent03 Kundalini and Tongues

February 21, 2012

In this tract we expose the satanic practice of kundalini, which is the actual modern speaking in estactic tongues. This practice has been around for more than 2000 years among the Hindu gurus, and it is the power of the serpent that takes over your body in a spiritual experience whereby this satanic energy is released by speaking in tongues.

Read more

pc16 Why Christians shouldn’t use drugs?

February 18, 2012

In this tract we examine what is a biblical position about hallucinogenic drug use. The Bible condemns this kind of drug use as being a doorway to the demonic world. It is regularly used in witchcraft and wicked, pagan religions to "communicate with the spirits", and we offer help in the form of Bible verses to break the addiction to drugs.

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pc15 How to fight against depression

February 14, 2012

In this tract we treat the problem of depression. Depression is not a physical disease, it is an emotional and spiritual disease that "bleeds over" and causes aggravation and physical consequences if not attended to at the spiritual-social-emotional level. We present what God gives us as medicine to cure depression, and God's Word is never wrong or ineffective.

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pc10 Sexual Purity

February 7, 2012

In this tract we explore what the Bible has to say about sexual purity. Note that we speak harsh language in this tract, denouncing the sexual sins of our society using passages of Scripture that God clearly indicates His great wrath against these sins.

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pc07 Fasting: Fixing your Life with God

January 31, 2012

In this tract we explore what the Bible has to say about fasting. Fasting is a spiritual activity that God has placed in our disposition for drawing near to God, resolving problems in our life, as well as finding God's will in matters of confusion, sin, or direction. We can gain spiritual knowledge of God's will through prayer and dedicating time to talking with God, which is the whole purpose of fasting.

Read more

• Ch51 Cowboys versus Shepherds
• Fam27 – Dress of a Christian Woman
• salv31 Easy-Believism
• doct16 Satan our Enemy
• ch24 The Power of an Example
• ch41 The Marks of a Bad Minister
• ch38 Recognizing a Good Pastor
• ch43 When is it time to leave your church?
• pent08 Benny Hinn: The False Prophet
• pent04 Modern Tongues Speaking
• pent03 Kundalini and Tongues
• pc16 Why Christians shouldn’t use drugs?
• pc15 How to fight against depression
• pc10 Sexual Purity
• pc07 Fasting: Fixing your Life with God

Is it right to leave your church?

Paul instructed Timothy to be strong, and to commit the gospel 2Tim 2:2 “to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” The idea is not that they were “perfect”, but that they were already living the principles of God in their own life. Later he says, 2Tim 2:15 “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Paul saw that false and erroneous doctrine “leads more and more to ungodliness.” (2:16) He spoke of the ministries of Hymenaeus and Philetus which “eats as a canker” (gangrene or cancer) in 2:16-17. Far from being wrong to leave a bad church, this is the command of God. In 2Tim 2:19, Paul orders every believer, “Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity” obviously referring to those who were under these apostatizers ministries. God’s command is to “get out from under their influence!” Paul sums up this in 2:22, “but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” We should understand that it is not acceptable to change or lower the Bible standard, nor ignore or alter God’s commandments just, because that is the church closest to you. Even though you end up being alone, you should maintain biblical standards, and if such is your case, evangelize and form a group in your area of good doctrine and practice and call a good pastor.

Reasons to leave your church

(1) They don’t preach the Word of God, explaining the very words of God (the Bible) so we can understand it. It should be obvious that they are using some “other authority”, and they will have a different (non-biblical) focus for their activities and teachings, often resorting to profane and vain babblings that do not cause holiness (2:16). The unvarying fruit of a good biblical ministry is holiness among those that preach the Word as much as among those who listen to it being preached. A bad church or bad ministers “err from the truth… (and) overthrow the faith of some” (2:18). So the central goal of every biblical ministry is to increase your faith and better relationship with Jesus Christ, not the making money, controlling the membership, or personal fame and glory. Pray about what is the central goal of your church, and is it really seen in what is done, and how it is done. Every valid church focuses on the Christian faith as the Bible presents it. Jude 1:3 “exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” So every valid and good church will defend and promote through teaching, practice, and example the true faith. Central to this faith is the salvation, the gospel for the unsaved, and spiritual intercession for the unsaved, and the promotion of love and spiritual edification between the brethren. “Church” has to do with coming together, congregating with other Christians where all are spiritually edified. The common foundation is pure doctrine.

2John 1:9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. 10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: 11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.  To participate in the ministry, to bless or give your approval by attending, associating, donating to, or otherwise supporting these people is a great error and sin. 1Tim 5:22. To not have healthy doctrine is the primary reason why you do not congregate or associate with them.

(2) Because there is no real emphasis on repentance. Simply put, each believer should be marked by his efforts at following God, and for his activity and attitude in leaving off sin to walk in the justice of God. All churches are composed of individuals that are sinners. 1Jn 1:8, 10 tells us that we (John is writing to believers here) are deceiving ourselves and calling God a liar if we deny that we have sin. A good church is marked by its an atmosphere of reproving, reproaching, and denouncing sin, and the actual integral members of the church (especially its leaders and spokesmen) are marked by their repentance, victory over sin. Obedience in one area of life does not counterbalance disobedience in another. Nobody will see heaven without holiness (Heb 12:14), and a good church is composed of members who strive to live like their Savior.

Perhaps the most frequent problem causing people to consider leaving their church is because of open, unrepented sin in the leadership. The preacher has most of the blame here. If he is not constantly rebuking sin, and pressing the church to live in victory through repentance, he is not doing his job. The church at times will allow a sinning minister to continue in his office when it should disqualify him (no longer “blameless”). Remember, unconsciously you will take on the moral set (morality) of those that stand before you each Sunday. Set no wicked thing before your eyes. In 2Tim 2:5 Paul describes the situation of the minister as having to “strive lawfully” or he does nothing worthy of God. It is very important that your pastor (and those ministers with him) should fulfill the requirement for a bishop (1Tim. 2:12-15, 3; Titus 1). Some key factors that should trigger warnings is a lack of kindness, a lack of a clean personal life (especially in sexual matters), being covetousness, any bad testimony, or being a hypocrite (1Pe 5:1-3). Leaders should step down if they fall. We learn morality by instruction from the principles of the Word of God via preachers who personally live what they try to teach us. If they don’t preach the Word, or they don’t live it actually, then we will still learn from them, but since they are hypocrites and disobedient, we learn those two points, not anything biblical.

Christian Liberty

Gal 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: 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. 13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

Another very common factor that causes people to leave a church is the breech of their Christian liberty, and this is a mark of a cult in formation or one already formed. As Paul says in Gal 2:4, the false prophet wants to reduce us to slavery under him. Also in Acts 20:29-30, Paul again reveals the existence of raving wolves wanting to drag the brethren into discipleship under their control. They use “perverse” or twisted things. Every Christian should worship God by serving one another. The Christian conscience is what should motivate our actions and service, not psychological methods. But the wolf uses these astute tactics of manipulation and force people into service to him, instead of to God and the brethren. Voluntary service, born of love, is very different from what he wants, absolute control and obedience to him.

There is no love.

In Acts 20:29, Paul describes the wolves as “people who do not forgive the flock.” Obedience to the gospel preached by the Apostles is the mark of faithfulness. doctrine always produces holiness 1 Tim 3:6.

1John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. 7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

So we contrast a man of God with a false prophet by his profound love and service (Mat 21:34) manifested toward the brethren, and likewise his life and ministry is dedicated and saturated by love and service one for another, without selfishness.

How should I leave my church?

There should be a formal relationship between you and your church (you should have a normal membership there), and when you leave your church, you should officially break that relationship, advising them as to the reasons for your leaving. You should not just stop attending and start at some other church. Your reasons should be logical and biblical, reasons that are not doubtful or petty. You should express these reasons to the pastor or leadership, and if the pastor is personally involved perhaps other leaders or principle men of the church should likewise know. It may also be prudent NOT to involve or tell other regular members.

Problems of Benny Hinn

Benny Hinn: The False Prophet of the Word of Faith Movement
By David Cox
[Pent08] v1 ©2006 www.coxtracts.com
See the above site for more information and traces
this tract can be reproduced freely by cannot be sold.

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Not given to filthy lucre… teaching things which they ought not, for filthy’s lucre’s sake. Even a prophet of their own said the Cretians are always liars, evil beasts, slow bellies” Titus 1:7-12

Is Benny Hinn a great man of God filled with faith, gifted with the powers of healing and doing miracles or is he a false prophet? Well the truth is that he is no man of God, because every true man of God obeys the will of God, and follows the Word of God. Hinn was pastor of the church, “Orlando Christian Center” in Orlando Florida, and later pastored “World Outreach Church” and after that “Faith World Church” when he launched himself into evangelism. Actually he is the source and spokesman for the Word of Faith movement. Hinn takes in 100 million dollars a year, and lives in a $3.5 million dollar mansion, and stays in $2000/night hotels. He wrote “Good morning Holy Spirit,” which was very popular and sold 250,000 copies in the first two months.

His Background

Hinn says that God first appeared to him, and after this appearance returns to appear to him throughout his life. Hinn also says that he was saved at the age 20 in a Kathryn Kuhlman (healer) service when “he have a profound experience”:

His Deceptions and Lies

Hinn raised $30-$35 million dollars for a healing center in Dallas, Texas that was to open in 2001, but never opened even though the money was raised. Hinn has no boundaries to what he will do or say in order the raise money. Benny Hinn (and all in his movement) believe and promote the idea that God always grants all the desires of a person when that person gives money to God’s servants, and especially when they give a lot of money. In Acts 8:14-23, the Bible teaches that God condemns people with this concept.

Hinn says that Jesus is appearing in Muslim countries. In April 2, 200, he said that Jesus Christ will come on the platform of his show in Nairobi, Kenya. Sure he didn’t appear, but that is no problem for Hinn that repeated the same lie before many of his shows. Matthew 24:23-27 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 show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before. Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth; behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

His Authority

Hinn says that he himself has received new knowledge through new revelation that God has directly given to him, even though in recent years he has supposedly received less because of all the criticism he has received over the issue. When he spoke for God (according to Hinn), God took control of his mind and tongue until at one point he says he was “drunk in the spirit” and someone had to tell him what he had said.¹

Among his followers, Hinn has established that he himself is the vehicle through which God is communicating to mankind today. In Toronto Canada in March 29, 2000 he said that God was going to send fire from heaven on the people in his show that day. The platform was full of young people, upon whom supposed fell the Holy Spirit. Acts 2 was the imposition most powerful of the Holy Spirit, and it says nothing about people falling under the influence of the Holy Spirit (the Holy Spirit fell on them, they did not fall).

According to Mat. 3:11, and Luke 3:16, this was the baptism of fire that God promised (Revelation 13:13-14 “And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on 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.” ).

Rev 16:14 For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.” Hinn said, “If we stop giving new revelation we are dead.”

This shows his way of working, always presenting novelties to entertain. He does not preach the Bible but makes up what entertains the crowds. Hinn was a preacher and pastor under the Assemblies of God. But this group rebuked him for his heresies, and Hinn abandoned various teachings. The important point here is that Hinn declared this teaching he abandoned as having come directly from new revelation from God to him, and he himself renounced these teachings. Afterwards he returned to teaching them, and lately the Assemblies of God have distanced themselves from him.

His Doctrinal Heresies

God

He says that each person of the Trinity has his own body, soul and spirit, equally that each one has their own will (TBN Oct/13/90). He arrived a the conclusion that there are 9 parts of God then. When he received a lot of pressure for his commentaries, he said, “It was a good joke.” But afterwards he returned to teach the same thing as a revelation of God.

Man-Gods

Hinn follows the Word of Faith movement in believing and teaching that in the act of being saved, God gives us a new man-spirit that comes from within us, and that before the foundation of the world (like Jesus Christ), and because of this, we become gods, just like God the Father or Jesus. We transform ourselves to be gods. He says, “I am God but we are different from God (no the same person), but we are equally divine as God after we are saved (TBN Dec/1/90). He speaks of the first superman that could fly up to the moon (TBN Dec/26/91). The Bible says that we are the sons of God, but never says that we are gods (Gen 3:5 this is a lie of the devil from the garden).

Jesus took upon himself the nature of Satan

Hinn says tat Jesus took upon himself the nature of Satan, and the Jesus had to be born again. He says that the death of Jesus was insufficient to save us, and that Jesus had to go to hell after his death and suffer tortures by Satan and the demons for three days. Salvation according to Hinn was affected during and after these three days in hell, and not on the cross. Jesus said on the cross, “It is finished” John 19:30. He believes in the false doctrine that Jesus died spiritually in hell, and that is very popular among this group.

Weird stuff

He says that the Egyptians did not die in the Red Sea by drowning, but because ice fell on them (TBN Jul/14/94).He says that originally God had made the women to reproduce children through her side, no as is today. In October 19, 1999, Hinn declared the people watching TBN (the TV station that promotes the Word of Faith movement) who were dead would be raised from the dead by the power of the station. Literally he said, the families of these dead people are going to bring the caskets of their dead to the TV station so as to see them raised from the dead.

In a healing service, Hinn threw the “Holy Spirit” over a group of people in the platform and as always they fell to the ground. A man fell over an elderly lady, and broke her hip, y later died in the hospital from this fracture. Hinn did not heal the lady of course, and later her family sued Hinn, and Hinn paid the fine. This is not the only example of people being hurt in his services from “slain in the Holy Spirit,” and later Hinn cannot heal them. We note that Hinn promotes union with the Catholic Church, and Pope John Paul II gave to Hinn gifts and recognitions.

Hinn’s False Prophesies

Hinn like many other false prophets is constantly receiving visions and revelations like Paul, Peter, John, or Moses. But Hinn’s prophecies have not come to pass. For example, in 1989, he said Fidel Castro would die in 1990, and that all the homosexuals in the USA would be destroyed by fire in 1996. In the two cases Hinn said emphatically that God revealed these things to him in prophecy. In April 2, 2000 Hinn said that God was going to do something important in Israel when “soon” Israel was going to sign a pact with the sick king of Syria, Hafez Al-Assad. Later before he could do anything, Al-Assad died in June 10, 2000. This shows Hinn did not know what he was saying, and the source of his information and revelation is not God.

Jeremías 14:14 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. See also Ezekiel 13.2-9

Necromancy

Necromancy² talking even though she was dead. Isa 8:19-20 asks “should not a people seek unto their God? For the living to the dead?” Eccl 9:5-6 says “the dead know not any thing” and “neither have they any more portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun.” God has simply made it that the dead cannot communicate with us. The Bible presents the dead as “sleeping”³, out of touch with the things of this world. They have no contact with the living of this world.

His heroes, friends, and coworkers are Oral Roberts, Kathryn Kuhlman, Aimee Semple McPhearson, Kenyon, Kenneth Hagin, and Kenneth Copeland.

1. 1 Corinthians 14:32 The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. The only falling we see in the Bible is in the case of a person possessed by a demon (Mat. 17:15). God’s people have the gift of self-control, Gal 5:23.
2. Necromancy – consulting or asking help or information from dead human beings. Deu  18:10-12 says this is an abomination to the Lord.) is related with witchcraft, and it is the supposedly consulting of dead people or dead people’s spirits. This practice is expressly prohibited in the Bible. Hinn says that he has seen dead saints. In one case saw Kathryn Kuhlman ((Kart Koch wrote a book, “ABCs of Occultism” in 1978. His conclusión is that Kuhlman was a spiritist, and her healings were fraudulent, when on examines them with calmness.
3. 1 Cor 11:30; 15:6, 51; 1 Thes. 4:13.

Speaking in Tongues

Modern Tongues Speaking
Why we do not practice or endorse modern Speaking in Tongues
[pent04] v1 ©2005 www.coxtracts.com
This tract may be downloaded (above) and freely printed.

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1 Corinthians 14:37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

Their Accusation against Us

If we are people who truly follow the Bible to the setter of the law, then some accuse us by saying, “Why don’t you speak in tongues like they did in the Bible?” We will reaffirm first off that we do follow literally the Bible, except when there is obviously a reason to not follow it like in the case of King David’s adultery. That was not given for us to follow as an example. We also understand that some activities are limited and temporal, such as the sacrifice of animals on the altar in the temple. Hebrews explains that this has ceased for New Testament believers.

The principal problem with modern tongues speaking is (1) they do not define biblically what is tongues speaking, (2) they do not practice what they claim is tongues according to the rules set out by God.

“Biblically” what is speaking in tongues?

We begin here, with a difference between what the Bible defines as tongues and the modern practice of tongues. First we should understand that one of the faithful principles of Bible interpretation is to always interpret obscure passages in the light of clear passages. There are obscure references that people interpret as tongues like Romans 8:26, and these must be set aside and be seen only after the clear passages are interpreted.

Acts 2:8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? 11… we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

But here we can conclude without any doubt that what happened in Acts 2 was people speaking in tongues, but these “tongues” were obviously human known languages, which were chosen because there were foreigners present who did not apparently understand the language of the disciples, and those speaking in tongues spoken in known languages with the singular purpose of communicating doctrine to them through “normal” preaching. In these verses, Luke names 15 human languages. Then the clearest of passages teaches without a doubt that tongues speaking is not ecstatic speech but rather human languages, with people present who can understand that language spoken. Purpose: preaching in their own language.

This is very important because many modern churches that promote tongues define tongues differently. Leaders like Kenneth Hagin, Kenneth Copeland, Benny Hinn, etcetera all say tongues is to invite the Holy Spirit to come into a person, and once “inside” that person loses control of himself under the Spirit’s power, and the manifestation of this is the loss of control of his tongue. We must emphatically warn that this definition of modern tongues is a demonic experience, and has nothing to do with God.

1 Corinthians 14:30-32 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

The Corinthians boasted of their spirituality because they had more gifts than any other group. But nevertheless, Paul is here rebuking them for their lack of spirituality, not for the abundance of spirituality. This is the rebuke of 1 Corinthians 14, God has established the mark of a spiritual man as one who controls himself, and any lack or loss of control is the mark of a carnal or unconverted man.

The Bible clearly teaches us that people who lose control of their own bodies are most likely under demonic control, because this is the character or mark of that demonic control. (Mat. 17:15, Mark 9:22, Luke 9:38-42). But on the other hand, God clearly says the fruit of God’s Holy Spirit is self control, (Gal. 5:22-23). So then we understand that God says that the man of God with the Spirit of God always controls himself, and where the presence of God’s Spirit truly is, people never lose control of themselves which is mark of the flesh in control (Gal. 5:19-21).

The Rules of God on Speaking in Tongues

Those that practice speaking in tongues today disobey the rules that God has established as his will in this matter (1 Cor 14). We should mention that these rules or guides are things that help us identify what is of God and what is not of God.

The Rules: (1) Everything done in the church is for the edification of others v26. (2) Limit of only two or three speaking in the entirety of a service v27. (3) Everyone must speak by turns, (never is it correct in a service when everybody is talking at the same time unless it is something like singing or reciting a passage of Scripture) v27. (4) There always must be an interpreter of the foreign language being spoken so that it is in the common language of the church, and even this must be by turns. (5) There is no speaking if there is no interpreter v28. In other words, the tongues speaker controls himself and stops talking if there is no interpreter. (6) There must be understanding and judgment of the content of the tongues speaking v29. There must absolutely be an understanding (translation) of what is said so that others may judge if it is biblical or not, if it is according to revealed Scripture or not. Here we add that within the tongues speaking, the Bible speaks of people learning spiritual truths v31 through the means of tongues just like preaching or teaching. (7) There can never be confusion. (8) It is always unilaterally prohibited for women to speak in the services so that they should their submission and obedience to men v34. Here we should also inject 1 Timothy 2:12.  God restricts women from teaching or exercising dominion over men, remaining quiet (silent). Then we conclude if women have authority, lead a service, teach, or preach (speaking in any form other than corporately – all singing or reciting Scripture), then God is not in what is going on. (9) Everything is done decently and in order. V40.

Here we note the importante of God’s rules in the order of the services. If those that promote speaking in tongues today define tongues with an absolute losing of control of a person’s body, and God and the Bible indicate this is typical of carnality and demonic possession or control or influence and never representative of God’s working or God’s Spirit, then we have to conclude that God is not in the modern tongues speaking today. It is a demonic heresy (1 Timothy 4:1) that we should energetically reject.

Moreover it makes no sense. If modern tongues speaking is where somebody invites the Holy Spirit to enter his body, and after that he loses control of himself, then how is it possible for God to judge the sin and breaking of God’s rules and will regarding tongues? Who is responsible if a person loses control and sin happens? That person? The Holy Spirit? Who? Anyone involved or having information on tongues speaking knows that most all of the rules are ALWAYS ignored or broken. Everybody talks at the same time, more than three, more women than men speaking, a great confusion instead of decent and in order. If God is controlling them without their interference, then can’t God abide by His own will and rules? The answer yes God can, but this thing has nothing to do with God. We have to conclude modern tongues speaking has nothing to do with God.

Tongues Ceased

In the Bible, there are dispensations in which some things happen according to God’s will, but does not happen in another dispensation. We see in some times prophets, kings over the people of God, a single temple over the whole earth, animal sacrifice, priesthood, etc. In the New Testament these things are not happening because it is not God’s will. In the matter of tongues, 1 Corinthians 13:8 says “tongues, they shall cease”. Many make great arguments against this Scripture but simply taken, at that time, Paul prophesies the cessation of tongues. We note that within the very time frame of the New Testament this happened. 1 Corinthians is an early epistle and the rest of the epistles do not mention tongues, not even in 2 Corinthians. Mark and Acts are also early books, written from a historical perspective, not necessarily commenting on present events like an epistle but on past events.

After 1 Corinthians, there is not another mention in the Bible of tongues. We search through church history and we find no mention of tongues again until the Irvingites in 1800 in Scotland. The except is a singular reference to Montanus a 150 heretic that was judged and rejected from all fellowship from all the rest of the Christian churches of his day for his heresy of tongues. The only valid conclusion is that tongues ceased shortly after the writing of 1 Corinthians!

We also not that tongues are a sign for the unbelieving Israel (1 Cor 14:21-22). God never intended tongues to be an element in the Christian New Testament Church but to be a closing sign of judgment against Old Testament Israel. It is not a mark of spirituality either because Jesus had more of the Holy Spirit than any man and it is never recorded that he spoke in tongues.

If we are honest with ourselves, we have to conclude that the modern tongues speaking today is not of God, and obviously has all the signs of demonic activity and influence. It is not how God works or has ever worked with His Spirit.