As many of us our taught at an early age by our parents their belief system of Jesus Christ, some of their teachings become a part of us. They may reference the Bible, their Pastors, clergy, ministers, etc. They teach us, they guide us, they shape us, and they attempt to form us with what they have been led to understand. In their attempts of raising us in what they know, sometimes it doesn’t always work out in the way that the Messiah would have us to learn. We have the J.D. Farag’s, Billy Graham’s, and Joel Osteen’s of the world. Some of us have clung on to their teachings and accepted them as truth. Some of them, we don’t agree with completely. Although, enough of what they are saying makes sense, so we keep smaller portions of it. Others, we disagree with entirely and we may only listen to them once or twice. Then eventually, we kick them to the curb, so to speak. We have a tendency to accept the things that we personally agree with or adhere to. But why?

Jesus tells us, “Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” We will take a small portion of this principle taught by the Savior and begin laying the foundation. Little children come into the world with no opinion, and with no understanding. I do realize that personal experiences may be different based upon certain things that you may have undergone. For that, I am sorry. I am speaking of children in general. As we have been formed by our parents, we once again need to be completely reformed by the Spirit. And in order to do so, we take the chalk board filled with all of life’s weights and clutter, and wipe the slate clean. I know. It is easier said then done. Yet, this is what is required on our parts. To relearn everything. Because everything that we thought we knew, is opposite of the Lord God. “Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” – Romans 8:7.

“Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.” – Romans 8:6-10

OK, so what in the world does this mean? It means that by digging through the Word with all of your original thoughts and ideas, you will be lead to believe as you always have. Forming your own opinions and beliefs around what you already think you know, and what you previously have been taught. For example, only a very few at the time Jesus walked the earth, even acknowledged the Christ. They were in the scriptures, reading them, studying them, and seeking the council within the Old Testament. They were attempting their own growth. How am I so sure? Because even the Apostles weren’t fully aware of Jesus’ words until after His death and until He had opened the Scriptures to them by His Spirit. They all went back to their trades following the Crucifixion. And then… The Messiah expanded on all the things in which He was originally teaching and speaking.

What has changed in 2000 years? Honestly? Nothing. Everyone is still doing the exact same thing that was being done even then. How many Christian religions are there? How many denominations? How many faiths? What about the Catholics? Which one of the many actually know the True Jesus Christ? “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” – Matthew 24:24. “And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.” – Luke 21:8. There are other verses which say this as well. Today, most of us are looking at it the wrong way. Most are looking at it as a man coming saying he is the Christ. With what we know in this world and throughout history, how many people have actually said that they are the Christ? A handful of people? That doesn’t sound like many. That sounds like a few. Let’s deeply ponder Luke 21:8 as we can relate it to the world today.

This branch of Christianity popped up and said, “look, we found the truth, we have the Christ, follow after us and you will be saved.” And all the others have done the same. As the time of the end is drawing near, what is going on? Thousands of worldwide Christian denominations popping up all over the place, and changing all the time. What is it that they all have in common? Collection plates, paid pastors, ministers, congregation leaders, paid tv preachers, cash here, cash there, cash everywhere. “One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish.” They are all one of the same. There truly are no differences. Let’s now take a look at the Book of Titus and see what is said on this matter. We will resolve this once and for all.

In Titus chapter 1 Paul says, “For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake.” I know, some can say, “Well, they are only doing it to support their families. They are living a modest life, they aren’t asking for that much, are they?” Let’s see what else Paul says in the Book of Acts, “I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel. Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.  I have shewed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Paul is very clear with the fact that ministries should not be paid for their services, not even donations. This topic is covered in detail, in the link, in the paragraph below. At the time when the Church had all things in common, they all labored, they all worked, or they wouldn’t eat. – 2 Thessalonians 3:10. The Gospel was being preached and taught freely. Freely I have received, freely give. No one likes to hear that though.

So here we all are 2000 years later with a perverted Gospel, taught by man out of the abundance of their own hearts. Because if they don’t give good messages that are easy to be received and that will support them and their families, their flock leaves, and they are left homeless. That doesn’t happen though does it? Let’s play great music, get you excited, get you going, and get you happy. By the way, donations accepted. Then go about your merry way until next time. So once again, the false Christ’s are upon is in abundance brethren. In the last few posts, we covered who we are and where we come from. We covered Jesus Christ being more then just the Truth. We covered Jesus Christ being the Life. And we also expanded further on donations to Christian ministries. As you view these posts, remember the foundation… Be as a child, let go of it all, and wipe the slate clean. Now, let’s all go on to perfection.

Hopefully, as you are experiencing and learning new things, you truly are letting go of self and forsaking it all just as Jesus commanded us. Take the time to deeply ponder the revelations within these posts. Take the time to pray about them. Take the time to seek them out on your own. “Who also hath made us able ministers of the New Testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the Spirit giveth life… But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.  Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” – 2 Corinthians 3. May the everlasting Gospel, the very ministry of Jesus Christ and the Apostles, find you in peace. May the questions that you ask be answered, and may the hope that is within you, change from a flicker to an everlasting brightness. May you all be blessed through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jonathan Heller – Lift Up A Banner