Lost and Misled
Pastor J. R. Wilhite, author
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What is truly sad is that there are many that call themselves pastor evangelists, etc that are not. Matthew 7 13. Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14. Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. 15. Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17. Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 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. Understand that the fruit Jesus referred to is not that which we can do. Anyone can go out and witness, but only those of the Spirit can produce fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5 22. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23. Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Many confuse the call on their life to be saved as a call to be in the ministry. Then others go into the ministry due to laziness or an inability to find work elsewhere. Some will think this sounds harsh and that I am being judgmental; but it is neither, it is just a fact. This fact I have learned through so many on and off-line. Everyday, there are many churches closing their doors forever and, in the process, leaving their congregation without. Most of those, who are too young in the kingdom, will become disillusioned and untrusting afterwards; some will even fall away and no longer believe. This is all because someone somewhere felt they had a call. The truth is most having a call, not to start a ministry as the world does, but as God wants. A ministry can occur while someone works for a company, government, or self-employed. These ministries can do more than the others will. You ask, "How can someone say this that has two ministries (godsgifttoyou.com & H.O.M.E.)?" Easy, I fought the Lord on both. I did not want to do anything more than teach and work in the world. However, I learned the hard way that God gets His way; and it was the right way. I was wrong. That happens when those, who are called into the ministry, and do not heed the call. On the other hand, those being in the ministry, who are not called, have caused a lot of mistrust and problems for those who actually are, both as leaders and as members. First, you need to understand what "church" is: The physical church is where we get together on a weekly/daily basis. At these times we should do the following:
A person who is working full-time in the world will not have as much time as a person in full-time ministry, so the leader researches the study, verifies it with God, and presents it to the members. Then each member takes it to God to verify it is true and then learns. This then will save the members time researching so they can stay up with the leader of their church.
Donations - There are 3 types of donations; tithe is not a donation it is a responsibility.
Sowing and Reaping - God gave us sowing and reaping to be able to produce what we need in due time. If you need a harvest (funds/ food/etc) then you sow what is needed to reap a harvest.
Giving - Giving also comes with a return
Luke 6
38. Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
In this you get back one for one what you give, where sowing you plant a seed and get back much over again what you planted.
Donating - Donating is just giving out of your abundance from the heart, with no expectaion for a return. This is when you have sown and given, and now you are overflowing with your needs met over and over again.
All should start with the tithe. The tithe is the only way to make sure you grow as well as protect your income.
From the tithe should come seed. The seed produces a harvest; then extra should be around to give and then eventually donate.
There will always be those who are skeptical of the ones asking or teaching about any of this, as well as those who do this. Understand this is scriptural; it is not man made. The only one it would benefit to cause division in these areas is Satan.
2 Corinthians 10
5. Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
- First and foremost make sure you are hearing and directed by God.
- Verify it is God and not Satan.
- Find a group of like-minded believers.
- While always taking every thought into captivity casting down all that are not of God.
- Casting all your cares upon God, which requires faith...faith is believing without doubt.
By doing the above, you can be sure of avoiding those who are misled and misleading others. Do not enter into a debate with them; do not even spend more than one or two emails with them. They will try to do two things, create confusion, and take up all of your time. In addition, if possible, they offend and cause strife for you.
Why do you avoid them? You can do nothing for them, but God can do it all for them. So as they come into your life, pray for them and give them to God. God can direct those He has to help them into their life; He will direct you into others in time. You cannot see their hearts and minds to know what they need, but God can.
Many have thought they could help and ended up making matters worse than ever.
2-25-04 H.O.M.E.