All Discussion PAGE 57

Hello Richard, thank you for all of your good postings on the topics that come to your mind. I can tell that the Holy Spirit is guiding you.

I continue to pray for you and your situation with your parents.

We are knee deep in remodeling the interior of our home since January. Making headway, though The contractor working on our home most days is very good. He did apply for another job last Friday. Not sure if it will pan out or not. We hate to lose him for our remodel and pray that God will lead him in the best way to go. But this morning he was talking to us about his counter offer. The company has not gotten back to him yet so he thinks it may not go through. Needless to say, we are happy that he will stay on with us for now since he told us he may be gone in two weeks if he gets this job.

Please pray for him. We want him to get into a situation that is really good for him and we hope he will be with us to finish this job on our home before he moves on.

Thank you.

Texsis

Thanks for getting back to me. Glad to hear you are doing well in Utah.

I would love to pray for your son. If you feel comfortable giving me his name, I would like that. Either way he will be in my prayers.

Further insights on propetic significance of blessing descendants

Genesis 12:3 shows a blessing from God to Abraham and his descendants which affects all those who bless Israel with a blessing; and curses those with a curse. This effectively puts us all in a position to reap blessings from being part of God's family even if not in the bloodline of Abraham. Romans 9:6-7 shows that is not bloodline that guarantees eternal inheritance and John 8:33-35 makes this clear and the punchline as it were is in verse 44 where Jesus tells them point blank that they are in reality sons of the Devil. They would literally spit in the face of the one who came to save all mankind; including those Gentiles they despised.

It is very interesting to me that there were no punches pulled with any of the Patriarchs in assessing the true condition and resulting destiny of their descendants; indeed it proves inspiration from God. There was never any argument as to the bad news so to speak as to the validity of the message; only anger in the case of Esau of a blessing lost to a usurper brother.

It does seem Esau mellowed out after being in a position where he likely would have killed his brother if his mother didn't have the wisdom to send him away. Eventually there was some restitution of family ties.

I highly recommend Hebrews 11 and 12 for further insight on the saints of God and admonitions for those who profess to be Christians. Here we see how tenacity was ineffective for Esau due to his generally sinful lifestyle; but also we can see Jacob's tenacity wrestling God all night long in Genesis 32 starting in verse 22. He was preparing to meet Esau and sent his family ahead; thus alone in the wilderness and God granted the blessing. Part of it no doubt was an attitude of humility toward his brother who accepted his gift and then he separated from him. Joseph's blessing no doubt validated the dream of his youth and was proven by his humbling as a slave and exaltation.

Prophetic significance in family blessings.

The earliest blessing in scripture is for Ishmael who is said in Genesis 16:12. It isn't exactly something to be desired; except for the fact that in the family lineage there would be many descendants. He was said to be a wild "donkey" of a man; and cause much contention and strife among others. Moving on to Genesis 26:39-40 we see the blessing of Esau; and it wasn't faring much better; he was to live by the sword and eventually throw the "yoke" off his back of basically servitude to Jacob. Finally; we see Jacob's blessing of his sons; to become the 12 patriarchs; which is a mixed bag with particularly gruesome futures for Issachar (once again like a donkey" and of course Dan being as a snake. Reuben the firstborn committed sin and thus lost privileges for that position; and altogether we may say that Judah had the best blessings offered.

These patterns are interesting in that prophetically God's will was ultimately done. We can see this perhaps clearest with God explaining the futures of Jacob and Esau before they were even born. We also see the future of the bondservant (Hagar) and free woman (Sarah) and how it affects the world still to this day with the Arab (mainly Muslim) populus in the surrounding lands of the sons of Sarah and Abraham in Israel. We could say that this most clearly demonstrates what we may call a generational curse as well as blessings that are inherited.

Jeremiah 35:19 is perhaps one of the most interesting prophetic statements; in this case to adults who had been obedient to God from the start. They were promised because of that and passing the test on not drinking wine or strong drink that they would perpetually have someone to serve God; at least seemingly promising a believer to be in the family lineage throughout the generations. As to curses; we do well to meditate on Exodus 20:5 and 6 we see generational affects but those who LOVE God He shows mercy ending the curse.

Mark 14:31 "My word"

"But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all."

This was what bravado where oath of man falls contrary to the sovereignty of the word so a mighty warrior like Jephthah is shown as wimp and St Peter proved to be no less. Jesus showed why. " Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away."(13:31). Jesus as the fulfilment of Law places all events consequently in his deity as well as in his humanity. "I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil./For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." At the outset of his earthly he presented the doctrine of his Father and condemned the doctrine of man as coming from the devil. (John8:44). From the manner the disciples could not understand him the Spirit shows why. It is not the words themselves as the controversy over KJV or other translations have raked up but the simple reason their flesh was weak. Even in our times imposter church keeps man from loving God with all might and will all their heart. "Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word."(John8:43) They literally follow the scriptures and flat earthers for example, they may quote," It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth," Does that mean the earth is one? (Is.40:22).

"In thee is the fountain of life" Jesus said "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life./.... Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father."(John6:63-65; Ps.36:9) In the same night the disciples will fail their master at Gethsemane and forsake him. "My word " speaks of Christ's spirit of obedience and was for the glory of God. So abiding life means walking with him and understanding His will concerning us. That is true Light

I have been reading & sharing from your site for years, and never once created an account or even said thank you. Now that I created an account here, my stats are terrible! 0%...it's serves me right. today I'm saying thank you for your decades of public service. It is so easy to find things too. I mused to drag out my heavy Strongs or Vines.

You have enriched my life.

Wilma Lee Steele

West Virginia

PUNISHMENT OF THE ANCIENT AND CORRUPT CHURCH OF ROME FROM NOW ON -THE ANTICHRIST'S CRADLE

Revelation 18:1-5

1And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven,having great power;and the earth was lightened with his glory.

2And he cried mightily voice,saying,Babylon the great is fallen,is fallen,and is become the habitation of devils,and the hold of every foul spirit,and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird

3For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication,and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies

4Come out of her,my people,that ye be not partakers of her sins,and that ye receive not of her PLAGUES

5For her sins have reached unto heaven,GOD hath remembered her iniquities

In my foresee,I wrote in another site at April 19,2021-Death of Pope Francis-it must happen soon,until 2024 at the latest,no more.

- The Beast of the earth(of Israel-the clay-Is.64:8)with two horns LIKE A LAMB rises up-Re.13:11

-Election of the a new Pope-his nickname may be Paulus VII(?)

-The Beast of the earth LIKE A LAMB manifests himself as God in Israel;in fact a false messiah,an esoteric,and kabbalistic and spiritist false messiah; John 5:43-47

-The kabbalistic false messiah of the Jews,Beast of the earth, makes great signs and wonders of lie,even makes fire come down to the earth before men;(things of spiritism)

-The Pope(Paulus VII?)will meet the Beast like lamb;

-Both will develop a union between the RCC and Judaism,iron with clay-Dan.2:41-43,but they shall not cleave one to another, as iron is not mixed with clay;

-A religious and universal satanic Empire will be build by both religious leaders;Re.11:1-2;

-The esoteric Beast of the earth will make a deal with the Beast of sea and will give to the Beast of sea his Power,his Throne and great Authority-Re.13:2.The Antichrist's Empire is conceived by both Beasts.Then begins the last week-Dan.9:27

Amen, brother RicoUS, Amen. God bless you.

The cradle of Antichrist is the primitive Church of Rome-1Jo.2:18-21

The Word of GOD reveals the birthplace of Antichrist by the VISUAL testimony of Apostle John about the Church of Rome

18 Little children,it's the last time:and as ye have heard that Antichrist shall come,even NOW are there many Antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.

19They(Church of Rome)went out from us(apostate),but they were not of us;if they had been of us,they would no doubt have continued with us:but they went out,that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.

20Ye have an unction from the Holy One,and know all things.

Re.13:1-18,written around 65 years after JESUS's ascension,two distinct Beasts are described:The first lasts around 2000 years,we can discern and foresse both Beasts will lead two distinct satanic religious systems in near future.The FIRST MAN Beast of sea exists millennia ago,the another MAN Beast has not yet,but he will manifest in near future.Catholicism&Judaism.

The Beast of sea,a satanic religious system developed within the former Church of the Lord in Rome and into Roman Empire,after Satan corrupted the church established by Apostle Paul,killed by persecution,then was developed satanic Antichrist's movements through the corrupt church of Rome,called first Catholic Church.Revelation describes 7 churches,church of Rome would be the eighth,but it was left out because was completely disapproved by JESUS.

The religious structures and organizations of the RCC,which rides upon the Beast of sea,the Pope,within the Roman Empire,since the confuse election of the first Pope in first century,it can be Linus or Clement,later to increase the confuse election of whom really is the first Pope,Satan,the main leader of the blasphemer movement of Antichrist in the church of Rome,he himself,time after,around the 2nd or early 3rd century by convention began of regarding Peter as the first pope.It's more a satanic blasphemy of the MAN Beast of sea.

Get ready

Dear Brother if you take time to read the Gospels of Matthew Mark Luke and John you will discover that John the Baptist died quite early into Jesus's ministry so it's extremely unlikely that he penned the book of Revelation . It is much more likely that it was penned by the Apostle John .

Mark 14:28 "Galilee"

"But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee."

The Spirit presents us a seemingly minor detail but it has a great spiritual importance. For one association of the Son is set there. Fellowship of God was not with any other than his Son. Whosoever believed in him were blessed in his Son (Ep.1:3).As Word become flesh the twelve apostles were men chosen by the Father was recorded in the scriptures. Joseph did not choose Galilee but God the Father chose it for his Son."Being warned of God in a dream, he (Joseph) turned aside into the parts of Galilee:/And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene." (Matt.2:22-23).

Nazareth is a small town in the hill country of Galilee while Jerusalem belongs to Judea.

Most of his disciples were from Galilee so we have this hint from the Holy Spirit why he went beforehand into Galilee

Secondly Jesus 'shall so come in like manner as you have seen him go' is already mentioned by Prophet Ezekiel."And when the prince shall enter, he shall go in by the way of the porch ofthatgate, and he shall go forth by the way thereof."(Ez.46:8)

"Behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;/Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven."(Ac.1:10-11). He however warned his disciples not to leave Jerusalem is for no other reason than setting coordinates of his throne in heaven with 'his body" and the right hand of the most high in heaven is called New Jerusalem. Consequently the city of the great King (Matt.5:35) fits nicely with David from whose loins his humanity took shape. David calls him his Lord , the Lord of lords and King of kings. (Re.19:16)

By literal approach do we really get the role of place names right?

please remember me and my family in your prayers today

Mark 14:50 "forsook him"

"And they all forsook him, and fled."

In continuation to the previous post Jesus knew beforehand that his disciples would flee from him in 'the evil hour. As it was written of him in the scriptures they were also written and in the same quote from Zachariah we read thus, "Smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones." The eleven disciples are 'the sheep' mentioned there. By the principle of Association the little ones include us as well. We received the gospel of salvation as 'the little ones'. We were called before the worlds began but how did we receive it?"and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;/And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen"(1 Co.1:27-28)

God chose man and not nations. "Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come."( 1 Co.10:11)These are examples for our spiritual instruction

The point we need see here is the word of God is given to us to profit withal. "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal"(1 Co.12:7) This shall explain the Law of Gradation where all things are held together in Christ. Moses doubled for Jesus and how the Spirit has organised his going up the mount we have here in v.26. "And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives." The mount of Olives is a sign. Jesus was taken in because as the word of God had foreshadowed the evil hour was to manifest, as the golden calf leading to the imposter church of our times, and many other events all these leading to the final battle. (Re.19). These kangaroo events teach us, "There is nothing new under the sun.(Ec.1:9)"

Is John the Baptist the same John who wrote" revelation

Praise the Lord, wonderful testimony! I pray the Lord keep you and guide you in all your ways! He is Faithful, never forget this!

Mark 14:27 "As it is written"

"And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered."

I shall not detail what I have mentioned of this quote from Prophet Zechariah (13:7) while I coverd Matthew. The point is simple. Jesus as the Word become flesh obeyed his God completely so much so he knew the evil hour closing in on him, down to the exact minute. Jesus says further down in this chapter, "I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled."(14:49). Luke present us one curious aspect of time. "When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness."( Luke 22:53). The power of darkness also has been at work equally as the word that God commanded, "Let there be light." Why did Jesus Christ manifest? "He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil."( 1 John 3:8). So both good seed and tares growing in the field is nothing to marvel at. While Moses was with God down below the golden calf being set up was no coincidence. The evil work had succeeded throwing off some from the fellowship of God with Man. Moses as a double for the Son went up even as Jesus' Ascension gives it as a kangaroo event. So what we find of the Church of Rome setting up their golden calf is no brainer. The ten spies who brought evil report and brought God to intervene (Nu..14) we have even now as Evangelical Right, lining up behind a captain as bizarre as the Pied Piper of Hamelin. "And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt."(14:4). New Canaan is impossible for the reprobate minds. The point we need see here is the word of God is given to us to profit withal. (1 Co.12:7)

The three points you make are sound. Serving God according to the grace given to me I serve in my 80+years. I work with more zeal because the word of God that I read as child,- and still read as the word meant for our spiritual food; so whatever insights I receive daily I share in this forum. I have a word ministry to which I am equally devoted. Am I looking for readers. No I am not. It is God to whom I am committed my life so I leave what is not in my control alone. Let every one looks to his/her own salvation.

Joy and peace with Him, greetings

Conclusion on a Mission Statement and Vision

In terms of my quote of Malachi; I am praying that children can come to faith and bring their parents to salvation as well as vice versa. Serious efforts at children's prayer groups could bring that about. Also children's ministry that uses music with scripture memory is good. I sense there has to be a balance between presenting a content suitable for children and yet not underestimating their ability to understand spiritual things. We should certainly not be what retards them from growth; but so many distractions from entertainment make that a challenge today. Parents of course need to make clear that they FEAR the Lord and are in AWE of His mighty power. In line with that message there needs to be a relationship between husband and wife that shows attitudes scripture mandates such as 1 Peter 3 and verses in Ephesians so that their roles are clear and discipline can be swift and firm; yet loving. Kids need to emulate what they see and if the parents are disingenuous then if the kids do find the Lord it often is after a long period of rebellion. Many who know what they are talking about will attest to the fact that a lack of discipline brings fear and insecurity; sometimes even more than those in less than idyllic home situations. Cross generational outreach for one and two generations each have a valuable benefit and a healty church helps to facilitate such interactions.

Outreach is commendable; however there always should be caution that other organizations aren't preaching false doctrine and of course are financially sound. I would say that benevolence is best when it can be among individuals when a need arises.

A friend of mine who has recently lost his job and whose tires were blown out Sunday has been faithful coming to church; and I have helped him out. Without the Pastor and others helping as well it wouldn't have been enough. Thankfully they were there for him this past Sunday.

Mission Statements: A vision for the future.

A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. ( Galatians 5:9).

And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse. ( Malachi 4:6)

The first verse serves as a warning for any so called "revivals"; the last is related to the end times witness of Elijah and probably John the Baptist as a forerunner in his time. A church consists as any other element of society of individuals and a collective group and the sum is greater than its parts at least in the case of a healthy church. If we study the Laodiceans in particular however we could say the opposite; that the power is truly only in the hands of a few that will receive a reward; and/or make the Rapture (at least for those who are deceiving themselves as to having saving faith).

One major concept that needs to be grasped is that we are all as the Body of Christ working for the same goal and should find ways to work with different local and international ministries that are preaching truth. There of course needs to be careful consideration for any signs of associations with those ministries that clearly have spurious doctrines about key theological issues. In general the vision should focus on fulfilling the Great Commission rather than always planning on grandiose and exorbitant construction of new facilities; conferences etc. To help discipleship efforts within and without must be a key priority. Leadership needs to be open to the Spirit's leading in regard to changes and transitions in the future; having competent financial accounting but not making a corporate business structure the chief pursuit. Short term mission trips are great for youth especially; as well as having missionaries come visit home churches and do witnessing in our country as well. Group efforts in sharing the Gospel on a regular basis should be a foundation as well.

All glory goes to God; although I am glad if it is helpful. I am trying to promote reading of scriptures so always trying to find something new there. Gigi clearly has greater depth and more precise details related to historical context; a far better writer than I. My style is very swift with little if any preparation; although I have done a lot of thinking about things in my own life which I am able to rapidly assimilate.

My gifting is in discernment and sadly I have still much softening needed in my heart and soul; partially due no doubt to the divorce I had to go through the better part of 10 years ago. My views against remarriage when a spouse is alive isn't something I'm going to push on this site but I know the Lord has given me another specific calling to warn others about the subject. It is risky mentioning this as there are some who I love in Christ who have been offended but I must speak what I believe He has given me to say.

I suppose I could use prayer that I can somehow be bolder sharing on my job; although often I'm too busy working fast paced in my food service work. If the Lord tarries once my elderly parents (in their 90s) have passed then I probably will revert back to spending more of my time witnessing; so that is part of the reason I belt out so much stuff now; along with whatever writing talent the Lord has given me.

I can only hope that as Daniel states some will shine as the stars in the sky (or firmament- Daniel 12:3) as a result of some message whether it is myself or someone else at this site or elsewhere. The true experience of being filled with the Spirit I contend is rare and you have to search like it for gold and eventually you will begin to be able to know when it is present.

You will see it in others mainly; and is in a minority of professing believers. Again I appeal to the scriptures on running for the prize ( Philippians 3:3) and even Paul said it can be forfeited ( 1 Cor. 9:27; see also Revelation 3:11).

Jer.4:26-28

26I beheld,and the fruitful place was a wilderness(place where JESUS preached the Gospel,it was fruitful until 70AD),and all the cities thereof were broken down(even the Temple in LITERAL fulfillment of GOD's Word),at the presence of the Lord(yes)by His fierce anger.

27The Lord said,The whole land(Israel)shall be desolate;yet will I not make a full end(there shall be great tribulation,such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time,no,nor ever shall be).

28For this shall the earth(Israel)mourn,and the heavens above be black(the 1st & 2nd heavens-Eph.1:3-8-,i.e.the OT and NT will no longer be valid,

for that which decayes and waxes old is ready to vanish,so the 3rd will still be established from now on),for I have spoken it,I have purposed it,and will not repent,neither will I turn back from it.(the heavens(the first two heavens)and the earth(current Israel),which are now,by the same Word are kept in store,reserved unto fire against this Day of Judgment(the Judgment Seat of Christ)and perdition of ungodly men.

Is.65:17-I create NEW heavens(the 3rd)and a NEW earth(ISRAEL)and the former shall not be remembered,nor come into mind.

Je.4:23-25

23I beheld the earth(Israel)...without form,and void;and the heavens(Eph.1:3-8)they had no light

24I beheld the mountains...they trembled,the hills moved lightly

25I ...there was no man,and all the birds of the heavens were fled

Re.6:12-17

12When he opened the sixth seal,lo,there was a great earthquake;sun became black...the moon as blood;

13The stars of heaven(angels)fell unto the earth shaken of a mighty wind(Re.12:4).

14And heaven departed...;every mountain and island were moved out of their places.

15Kings of earth,and great men,rich men,chief captains,the mighty men hid themselves in the dens and rocks;

16Saying to the mountains and rocks,Fall on us,hide us from the face of Him that sits on the throne,and from the wrath of the Lamb:

17The great Day of His WRATH is come;who shall be able to stand?

Please pray for my family and I for I am dealing with spiritual warfare and financial distress. My enemies are trying to put to take me away like the brothers did Joseph. Please pray for me I know the bible say pray for your enemies and bless them. But it is to hard for me to do my angry get the best of me. I am a passive person I don't like confrontation. What shall I do and my financials are not ok. I'm running behind on my Bill's and trying to get my disability. Please pray for my family and I to have victory over my enemies and get my disability.

Awesome..between you & Gigi.

I'll be busy studying a while. Love it. Nothing I'd rather do. God bless you Mr. Priday, as always your teachings help me to grow in His word. God bless, Texsis

Thank you yet, Not sure we believe in the same thing cuz..#1. God's word is what it is. We, as believers, are to read, study & learn what He meant. So as not to twist things as so many "religions" do. The original languages the Bible was written in.. well, their words mean something different then our English language so, again, read His word, study what He meant it to be & learn for yourself, Not merely listening to others..#2. No one is pure, or ever can be, except Christ.! Or His DBR was in vain. #3. I too find most things in life a waist of time. I work, go to church or watch on computer, when can't go to a building & spend my spare time cooking, making toiletries, BBQ sauce & fresh animal food.! God comes first, ALWAYS.! If all of that is what you meant..praise God..if not, I shall pray you come to find the true Jesus Christ & go up w/the rapture & not have to deal w/hell on earth w/ the anti- Christ.! Yet whatever you do..DO NOT get the mark of the beast. It is the only sin God will not forgive, it's blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.! Yet if you read His word, you know all this.

Sweet, thnx. Will check them out for sure.!

God is good. Love my City job. Absolutely. Will never leave Utah again. Well unless God finds me a Godly man in need of a Godly women.! My son isn't speaking to me. He needs prayer. Remember, last year, he said he could no longer deny Christ? Well, he may not be satanic anymore yet his belief system is out of wack. For one, he isn't for Trump, he wants to move to Brazil to get away from 5g towers (what ever that is) & he is a flat earther.! Prayers for sure. If your ever on YTube I go by Texsistwister. Yet only watch Godly sites for most part. Pray all's well w/you.!

My Testimony.

I have been saved at 2024, April 7th. It was a very big and straining experience.

I am new to this sit and hope I can find some advice as being a new Christian. The work of the Holy Spirit has lasted 3 days. This is His final salvation work in me.

My testimony is this,the Lord came down to me in my room and showed me a verse that read, "For now is our salvation, nearer than when we believed." Romans 13:11. Then I was hit with a spiritual crushing power that filled my soul with The Holy Spirit! I felt God's presence standing behind me and it was so great that I was unable to get up. After all was done, this was the third and last time of the Holy Spirit's salvation work in me, God had to help me to my feet. In a matter of speaking, I was half lifting myself and half lifted by the Holy Spirit. I felt peace when all was over and a joy in my soul!!!

My eyes were hurting from many tears and my head was aching. Today, I am striving to be as Christ-like as possible!!

This all happened for three days long. Yesterday was the last day! I hope you read this and rejoice as all of heaven rejoices when one is saved!

Pray that I will be blessed with high paying job also with housing,pray for safety where ever I be.

Correction

In my post below:

The correct is Ephesians 1:3-8, not 1:38

Sorry

Self analysis: A warning to Pastors

Exercising authority in church bears with it proportionate levels of accountability ( James 3:1). There are crowns for those ( 1 Peter 5:4) who are overseeing the flock in any capacity. While we cannot dismiss someone receiving such a crown who has a sizeable and successful ministry from outward appearances the urge to compromise leads to the situation in Matthew 5:19.

One thing is for sure; no one is going to receive rewards for teaching heresy; and continued unrepentance in this area like any other sin shows that an individual is unsaved.

It is by no means a guarantee of God's calling; but it does help when other brothers can see we have a gift and calling to be a Pastor. It seems to be a favorite rationale for getting a degree in Divinity; but I admire a brother I met some years ago who had a desire to be an elder specifically; not a Pastor. (Techinically these require the same gifting). In light of that observation; ;I have found that many large churches seem to rarely if ever give credit to Associate Pastors or even mention those under them. It could be the sheer size of the staff that is prohibitive. As I have probably pointed out before on this site; it is NOT wise for a Pastor to have NO elders or deacons working to help them and guide them; but I have seen this happen on occasion.

It is often a sign of an immature or prideful man in leadership when this situation continues. Thankfully in the one case I am aware of one of my friends was elected to be an Elder; clearly gifted in counselling others and teaching abilities.

I hope myself not to be hypocritical even with my own "sermons" online. We all need to learn from each other; and no gifting should be considered the "penultimate" position. Laypersons also should be involved; at least as members in voting in areas of church polity. Room for dissenting opinions in regard to large financial expenditures should involve preliminary data for transparency