THERE IS ONLY...

(Edited from Al Shannon’s Post in “Biblical Proof”)

Christians only have ONE authority, and that is Jesus Christ. He has the right to order and command. He said: All authority was given to him both in heaven and in earth. (Matt. 28:18).

God has the right to tell us what to do by virtue of the fact that he created us and not we ourselves. (Ps 100:3) When man tries to become his own authority, then he is acting according to the same evil desires with which Satan tempted Eve. Eve rejected God’s authority when she entertained a second opinion. When we seek ways to circumvent God’s laws we are committing the same sin Eve committed.

Authority Needed In Life

Authority is necessary in all aspects of life. Without it, there can only be anarchy and chaos. Without authority in the home, children will never learn the discipline needed to function in civilized society. Without authority in school, no one will receive a proper education. Businesses can’t exist without someone in charge because eventually no one will be productive. Without moral authority in governments, people will turn to wickedness like abortion, homosexuality, and adultery. Authority is needed everywhere. This is something that most people freely recognize. Someone has to be able to call the shots, and say the buck stops here.

Authority Needed in Religion

The need for authority is especially seen in the religious world. The existence of hundreds of denominations reveal this. The many divisions that exist, even among God’s people, testify of the need for authority. Divisions and denominations exist because people, at sometime, did not listen, and submit to the authority of God. Instead, they became their own authority, and acted in lawlessness.

“In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” Judges 21:25

The nature of man requires authority. Man can’t even direct his own steps. (Jer. 10:23). Some deny that we need authority for all that we say, and do. When people act or teach something without God’s authority, then they must look to one of two things: (1) Themselves or (2) Others. Yet, the Bible condemns looking to men as the source of authority (Jer. 10:23; Col. 2:20-22; Matt. 15:7-9; Rom. 12:3; 1 Cor. 4:6). Without God’s authority, we only have man’s worthless opinion, which changes like the wind, shifting to and fro.

“That we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,
but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head — Christ — from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.” Eph 4:14-16

Humanism teaches us that we do not need God to tell us what to do. However, if one person can appeal to himself or another man for authority, then why can’t another person do the same? Who is to say who is right or wrong? When men contradict each other, how will the issues and questions be settled? Where else can we appeal? Without God, confusion and every evil thing will exist in society. Only division and evil will result. There is no way for us to be united based on the authority of man. Only God’s Word can unite us, and keep us united with the same mind and judgment. 1 Cor 1:10

Sadly, some are insisting that the pleas for authority are legalistic, and unnecessary. “The church must change with the times,” they say. Actually, all who believe and espouse such nonsense are not rejecting us, but rejecting Christ’s authority, and His Word. (Matt. 28:18; Jn. 12:48).

“And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.” 1 Sam 8:7

A standard of right and wrong is essential to mankind. Our Standard must be the inspired Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Romans 10:14-16). Without the inspired Word of God, we can’t know God’s will. This is why it is vital for us to seek for a genuine Holy Spirit filled, God sent man-of-God who is appointed by God to teach and preach out of the revelation of Holy Spirit and not out of religion’s pre-translated text. “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God” (1 Pet. 4:11).

Mock it if you want, reject it if you will, but only God’s Word comes with the Spirit and power of God.

“And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” (1 Cor 2:4-5)

Nadab and Abihu Rejected God’s Authority

Many examples given to us in the Old Testament testify to the need for acting with authority (Rom. 15:4). Nadab and Abihu were condemned to death because they acted in the silence of God. (Lev. 10:1-3). They used a strange fire which the Lord “had not commanded them”. Perhaps they thought that they did not need authority. Many strange fires burn on the Alter of Christianity today that God did not authorize. Unless they repent, they too shall perish.

Jesus’ Authority

The Pharisees questioned Jesus authority, and asked Jesus about his teaching and works: “By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority?” Jesus didn’t say, “I don’t need any authority. You’re just being a legalistic!” Jesus ultimately refused to answer them because they refused to admit that John the Baptist preached with God’s Authority. This also reveals that authority only has two sources: God or man. (Matt. 21:23-27)

Jesus came with the power to heal the sick, raise the dead, and forgive sins. Even they knew that no one could do such without God’s authority and power to do so. Yet, they said, this man has a devil which gives him such authority. (Mt 12:23-28)

Jesus eventually told them that he received his authority, and power from His heavenly Father. But rejected this and crucified our Lord between two thieves. When we reject God’s Word and it’s authority, we are rejecting Christ. (Jn 12:48)

Apostles Authority

All Christians are to follow the Apostles’ doctrine which is One with the doctrine of Christ. (Acts 2:42; 1 Cor 11:1) The apostles likewise taught the need for acting with authority from God. We are to the endeavor for unity (Eph. 4:16; 1 Cor. 1:10). The only way for unity to be maintained is through respect for God’s authority. We must all follow the same standard and abide by it (Phil. 3:16). True disciples of Jesus Christ abide in his word (Jn. 8:31,32). We must remain within the confines of the revealed Word of God (1 Cor. 4:6). To go beyond the teachings of Christ and His Apostles is a total disrespect for The Lord and will bring destruction on whomever seeks to change God’s law. (2 John 9, Rev. 22:18-19).

Conclusion: The Church is to be subject to Christ who is the head in everything (Eph.5:23,24). Without question, the Scriptures teach us the need for acting with authority in all that we do and teach. Let us never complain at God’s commands. Let us not mock God’s preached and revealed Word. Instead, let us bring honor, and glory to God by our full submission to his will. Let us remember we are the created and not the creator. (Ps 100:3) Let us always remember: Christ is the “author and finisher of our Faith and the author of eternal salvation to all who obey him” (Heb. 5:9; Heb 12:2). Let us never forget, God always has the Last Word.  His Word is everlasting and waiting to Judge us all. (John 12:48)

^“4 There is one body and one Spirit. In the same way you were called to share one hope. ⁵ There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, ⁶ one God and Father of all, who is over everything, through everything, and in everything.” (Ephesians 4:4-6)

ONE AUTHORITY!

If you ain't selling don't advertise

“Shepherds are Warrior not Wimps”

Almost every shepherd we see illustrated in books. Magazines, posters and on the internet is depicted as a feminine looking man with long hair and a scarf draped over his head with a little lamb on his shoulder. This is the image that Satan has promoted throughout the centuries. This is the image that we have had etched into our psyche which has led to the feminization of the preacher and the emasculating of the office of Pastor.

Now let’s listen to David as he tells King Saul about the heart and character of a shepherd:

“Your servant used to keep his father’s sheep, and when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock, ³⁵ I went out after it and struck it, and delivered the lamb from its mouth; and when it arose against me, I caught it by its beard, and struck and killed it. ³⁶ Your servant has killed both lion and bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God.” ³⁷ Moreover David said, “The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” (1 Samuel 17:34-37)

This doesn’t sound like a wimpy little man with a sad little sheep on his shoulder. This sound like the heart of a warrior who knows in whom he has believed.

God thought so highly of the warrior mentality and caring character of the shepherd that he sent his son to us as the ultimate example of a shepherd—one who would fight death, hell and grave to save His sheep (John 10:11).

When David wanted to express the highest level of trust and assurance that anyone could have in another, He wrote:

“The Lord is my shepherd” (Palms 23)

Being a Pastor is not for the weak minded, silly, insecure, indecisive, wimpy little boy that needs his wife to speak for him or his denomination to tell him what to preach.

It is for real men—warriors who are willing to stand and fight to the death for the sake of the Gospel of Christ and His sheep.

"Life Hurts but God Heals!"

"Truth"

"I am Your Pastor"

I would like to be your friend and make you happy all of the time. But I can’t. I am your Pastor.

I would like to fellowship with you—engage in worldly pleasures and naughty deeds. But I can’t. I am your Pastor.

I would love to yield to your wants and desires—fulfilling your dreams. But I can’t. I am your Pastor.

I would love to tell you what you want to hear but I must tell you the Truth. I am your Pastor.

My life doesn’t belong to me and I can never truly belong to you. I am your Pastor.

You cannot give me my job description or set the parameters of my authority. I am your Pastor.

You didn’t call me or ordain me—from my mother’s womb I was chosen. I am your Pastor.

The Words I speak are not my own but belong to Him who sent me. It’s not personal. I am your Pastor.

Loved yet hated. Despised but needed. Killed yet lives. Emptied but filled. Poor yet rich. Naked but clothed. Loving yet unloved. I am your Pastor.

Think About It!

Bishop O.W. Prince

Author

[Reference: John 15:18, Romans 10:14-17, 2 Timothy 4:2-3, 1 Corinthians 6:20, Titus 2:1-15, Ephesians 5:11]

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons license.

“Do God’s Children Need A Revival?”

Where in the Holy Scriptures does Jesus or his apostles establish the practice of “revivals” or “religious revival services?” The answer is “nowhere.” Nowhere does Jesus or his apostles establish the practice of revivals in the original Christian church of the first century. As a matter of fact, the word “revival” doesn’t appear anywhere in the original language of the Bible. The nearest equivalents are “revive” (quicken) and “reviving,” but these may be applied to individual awakening and are not synonymous with, what is traditionally known as, “religious revival service.”

Religious revivals and the word “revival” descend from religious traditions absent of scriptural and apostolic authority and divine approval.

I realize that this is strong language and challenges most of our beliefs and religious practices. However, it is not my intention to be hurtful or confrontational but to edify the body of Christ as inspired and instructed by the Holy Spirit of God.

One may easily borrow from the earthly and scientific disciplines of etymology, philosophy, sociology and theology to explain the term “revival” and substantiate the practice of religious revival services. However, the fact would still remain that revivals, as we have come to know them, are not a part of the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ.



For a Christian to accept the notion of or participate in the religious practice of “revival services” is for them to believe that a Christian can be dead spiritually and be brought back to life. This is contrary to everything that Jesus taught us about the ever-living Spirit of God and the born-again believer (John 11:26,John 6:47, Romans 8)

The word “revive” is made up of two parts: “re” meaning “again” and “vive” meaning to “live.” Thus, “revive” means “to live again, to be brought back to life, health or vitality.” Although this concept sounds good it lacks the authority of Holy Scripture and it contradicts the teaching of Christ and His apostles.

Neither Jesus nor his apostles ever advocated for revivals or accepted the notion that once you were born of the water and of the Spirit that the Spirit would die and need reviving. No! It is the Spirit of God that makes us alive (Romans 8:11). If indeed we have the Spirit of Christ, we are constantly revived (2 Cor. 4:16). Only those who are a part of the counterfeit church of Satan or those who have been deceived by religious traditions would dare think that God’s Holy Spirit needs reviving.

As members of the Body of Christ, we are instructed to build one another up and keep each other encouraged (Hebrews 3:13, 1 Thessalonians 5:11, 1 Corinthians 12:20-27). We were not instructed to do this through some religious service but on a daily basis. It is The Way of LIFE.



However, in our contemporary Christian churches, especially in the predominately black southern churches (where my experience mostly lies), the word “revival” has become synonymous with fund-raising services.

In the name of “revival services,” most churches are just raising money. They choose the revivalist that can draw the largest crowd in the hope of raising the most money. There is little or no concern for the truthfulness of the revivalist’s message or the integrity of his salvation. The main concern is raising money.

In the name of “revival services,” many churches have membership drives whereby their goal is to see how many souls that they can get to join their religious institution. They just want to increase the number of potential paying members in the hope of increasing revenues. It is a calculated business strategy and promotional venture.

In the name of “revival services,” some Pastors exchange pulpits with each other and in essence exchange monies with each other so as to increase their own exposure, popularity and wealth.

In the name of “revival services,” many churches put on a religious production with various performers including preachers, comedians, singers, choirs, musicians and other talents that may or may not be true agents of God. Their goal is to create a festive atmosphere of joy and vibrancy whereby one may feel saved without actually being transformed. And in exchange for this false sense of salvation, the collection plate becomes the collection basket and the Alter becomes the place where people toss their monies in response to the performance much like a minstrel show.

I have yet to go to a revival service where money was not a significant part of the service. And I have never seen anyone revived at a revival service. I have seen them deceived. I have seen them lied to. I have seen them motivated to an emotional frenzy. I have seen them robbed of their money but I have never seen a spiritually dead person brought back to live simply by attending a revival service. Some may have gone through the motions of reanimation but I assure you that they did not experience genuine salvation.

“You Cannot Revive That Which Was Never Alive.”

Not all so-called revivals have clandestine agendas. Some churches are sincerely trying to reach lost souls with the message of Jesus Christ. Some churches and some evangelist are adamant about teaching and preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of God. Some are devout followers of Christ and teach the importance of genuine repentance, water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. However, such churches should not call their services “revivals.” If they must have a distinction they should be but called “evangelical services.” They are evangelical at heart; attempting to fulfill the ministry of the kingdom of God and not their own surreptitious ambitions, denominational policies, theological beliefs or financial agendas (2 Timothy 4:1-5). They have given themselves fully to the ministry of eternal Life (John 14:6).

The Word of God says, “Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching… do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.”

Obey The Word!

REPENT!