UGW
The Antichrist
In fact, the Antichrist will burst upon the scene in a way that will give him recognition all over the world, and instantly. He will be able to do what the brightest minds in America, were never able to bring about—a viable peace treaty between the Palestinians, the Muslim world, and Israel. In fact, this treaty will last for three and one half years, and will be broken by the Antichrist himself. It was originally scheduled for seven years. Daniel the Prophet foretold of this time. He said:
“And he (the Antichrist) shall confirm the covenant with many for one week (a week of years—seven): and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate. (The phrase, ‘And he shall confirm,’ refers to the Antichrist.
“ ‘And in the midst of the week’ ” refers to three and one half years, at which time the Antichrist will show his true colors and stop the Sacrifices in the newly-built Temple. At that time, he will actually invade Israel with her suffering her first defeat since her formation as a Nation in 1948.
“The phrase, ‘Even until the consummation,’ means until the end of the seven-year Great Tribulation.
“ ‘And that determined shall be poured upon the desolate,’ refers to all the Prophecies being fulfilled regarding the great suffering that Israel will go through the last three and one half years of the Great Tribulation [Mat. 24:21–22])” (Dan. 9:27).
Upon signing this seven-year peace treaty with Israel, and doing, as stated, what no one else had been able to do, the whole world will acclaim the wisdom, ingenuity, and ability of this man. In fact, Israel will claim him as their Messiah. So that tells us that he must be a Jew, inasmuch as they would never accept anyone as their Messiah who was a Gentile.
In some way, upon the signing of this agreement, he will be able to placate the Muslims and the Jews, in fact, guaranteeing Israel’s safety and protection for those seven years and, as well, making it possible for the Jews to build their Temple.
With his ability to bring about this peace treaty, the whole world in a sense will be at his feet. Every Television Station in the world, along with newspapers, periodicals, etc., will declare his ingenuity and statesmanship. As stated, Israel will acclaim him as their Messiah, the one for whom they have long waited.
For about three and one half years things will go well, with Israel, it seems, prospering, despite the fact, that great war clouds are gathering all over the world. Concerning this, the Apostle Paul said:
“For when they shall say, peace and safety (refers to Israel, but will, as well, characterize the world; it pertains to the Antichrist signing the seven-year pact with Israel and other nations [Dan. 9:27]); then sudden destruction comes upon them (at the mid-point of the seven-year period, the Antichrist will break his pact, actually invading Israel [Rev. 12:1–6]), as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. (The Great Tribulation is definitely coming upon this world [Mat. 24:21])” (I Thess. 5:3).
Considering that the Antichrist will be able to broker this peace treaty, it seems that the U.S.A. will at the time abdicate her responsibility regarding Israel. In other words, Israel’s protector will now be the man of sin, as defined by the Apostle Paul (II Thess. 2:3). Now, the scepter of power is in the hands of the Antichrist, where it will remain until the time of the Second Coming.
If it is to be noted, at the present time (2007), the U.S.A. is showing signs of weariness regarding Israel. In fact, at this time, America is the only friend that Israel has in the world. Although there is no indication that America will abdicate her position as Israel’s protectorate, and despite the Muslims, still, when the Antichrist comes upon the scene, which he shortly will do so, this nation will gladly pass the baton to him, so to speak, which he will gladly accept.
But in the meantime, the prosperity and blessing of this nation by Almighty God is dependant on many things, but most of all our protection of Israel. We must never forget that.
Why?
• We have been appointed by the Lord for this position for such a time as this. Concerning Israel, the Lord plainly said: “I will bless them who bless you, and curse him who curses you: and in you shall all families of the Earth be blessed” (Gen. 12:3). So, our Blessings depend upon our proper protection of Israel.
• Israel is to be restored as the Priestly Nation of the world, which will take place immediately after the Second Coming (Isa. 11:11–12; 14:1; Jer. 23:3–8).
• Israel is predicted by the Holy Spirit, at least those who are alive at the time of the Second Coming, to accept Christ as their Messiah, and their Saviour and Lord. Concerning this the Scripture says: “In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the House of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness. (The phrase, ‘In that day’ occurs 18 times from Zech. 9:16 through Zech. 14:21. This shows how precious ‘that day’ is to the Messiah’s Heart. In that day, His Victory over the enemies of His People will be great, but greater will be His moral Victory over His People themselves.
“The Christian’s true triumphs are God’s triumphs over him, and God’s triumphs over His People are our only victories. Such was Jacob of old, who represented Israel in that coming Glad Day. The conversion of the Apostle Paul illustrates the future conversion of Israel. He hated Jesus, but on the Damascus Road, he looked upon Him Whom he had pierced, mourned, and wept.
“ ‘In that day that day there shall be a fountain opened,’ does not mean that it is first opened there, but that Israel will only begin to partake of it ‘in that day’ i.e., ‘the beginning of the Kingdom Age.’ This fountain was historically opened at Calvary, but will be consciously opened to repentant Jews in the future day of her Repentance. For the fact and function of that fountain only becomes conscious to the awakened sinner.
“A true sense of sin and guilt in relationship to God awakens the sense of the need of cleansing, and so the shed and cleansing Blood of the Lamb of God becomes precious to convicted conscience. As well, the ever-living efficacy of Christ’s Atoning Work, with its power to cleanse the conscience and the life, is justly comparable to a fountain and not to a font. The sense of the Hebrew Text is that this Fountain shall be opened and shall remain open.
“ ‘To the House of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness,’ portrays the possibility that, of all sinners, the Jerusalem sinners may be accounted the greatest. It was Jerusalem that stoned the Prophets and crucified the Messiah; therefore, great sinners may hope for pardon and cleansing in this Fountain opened for the House of David.
“The entrance of Christ judges sin, unmasks its true character, and arouses a moral consciousness, which approves that judgment. That entrance dominates, adjusts, disciplines, instructs, and cleanses man’s affections, relationships, and desires. All of this must be cleansed, not only in Israel of a future day, but also in any and all who come to Christ. That Fountain is open to all!)” (Zech. 13:1).
Regarding this, the Apostle Paul also said, “For I would not, Brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery (what has happened to Israel), lest you should be wise in your own conceits (the Gentiles were not pulled in because of any merit or righteousness on their part, but strictly because of the Grace of God); that blindness in part is happened to Israel (is the ‘mystery’ of which Paul speaks), until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in (refers to the Church; in fact, the Church Age is even now coming to a close).
“And so all Israel shall be Saved (when the Church Age ends, and the Second Coming commences; then Israel will accept Christ and be Saved): as it is written (Isa. 27:9; 59:20–21), There shall come out of Zion the Deliverer (Jesus Christ will be the Deliverer), and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob (Christ will deliver Israel from the Antichrist, and more importantly will deliver them from their sins):
“For this is My Covenant unto them (a Promise), when I shall take away their sins (as stated, it will be done at the Second Coming [Zech. 13:1])” (Rom. 11:25–27).
~J. Swaggart
THE VICTORY OF THE CROSS
Paul in his Epistle to the Colossians spelled it out as to exactly what Jesus did for us at the Cross. He said:
“Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us (the Law), which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His Cross;
“And having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it” (Col. 2:14–15).
Two things were here done:
1. The demands of a thrice Holy God were satisfied.
2. Satan was completely defeated.
Now let’s see how all of this was done.
The Law of God as given to Moses, sometimes referred to as “the Law of Moses,” proclaimed the Standard of Righteousness which God demanded of all men. Unfortunately, man in his depraved, fallen condition, could not live up to this Law, and no matter how hard he tried. In fact, in the entirety of these some 1,600 years of the Law, not one person succeeded in satisfying its demands, except Christ.
In fact, as it regards the moral Law (the Ten Commandments), it is still incumbent upon humanity, at least all who do not know the Lord. As stated, this is God’s Standard of Righteousness.
Unable to keep the Law, it condemned us, even as all Law must. In other words, it declared us guilty, and demanded the penalty, which was death (Rom. 6:23).
However, Jesus came as the “Last Adam,” referred to by Paul in that manner, because He would do what the first Adam did not do, and would as well do it so perfectly, that another would never be needed, hence Him being referred to as the “Last.”
He kept the Law perfectly in every respect, doing it all on our behalf, even as our Substitute. One might say that he did all of this as the “Representative Man” (I Cor. 15:45–50).
He not only kept the Law, and as stated, did so perfectly, but as well, He suffered its terrible penalty of death—all on our behalf.
When He did this, the price was paid, with the record that was against all of us, being completely and totally “blotted out.” The Scripture plainly says that He “nailed it to His Cross.”
Now we are seeing why the Cross is so very, very important.
This which He did satisfied the demands of a thrice Holy God. The Reader must understand, that the Cross was not carried out in order to satisfy the Devil, etc., but rather to satisfy the demands of God. It was either us die, which meant that we would never be raised from the dead, and because we were an imperfect sacrifice, or for God to become man, which He did, thereby taking our place.
However, having done this, what Jesus did at the Cross, also spelled defeat for Satan and all his henchmen.
Satan has a legal right to place man into captivity because of sin. But with all sin atoned, even as Jesus did at the Cross, Satan lost that right, at least as it regards those who will believe (Jn. 3:16).
In other words, Satan has no more legal right over me and because I am now “in Christ,” which means I have trusted Christ and what He did at the Cross on my behalf, which cleanses me from all sin. Sin being the means by which Satan holds men in captivity, with sin being gone and washed away, and by the precious Blood of Jesus, as stated, Satan has no more right.
As a result, this spoiled all principalities and powers, which refers to all demon spirits and fallen angels, which includes Satan as their federal head, with the Scripture plainly saying that Jesus “triumphed over them in it,” meaning, that what He did at the Cross totally defeated them.
So this means, that every single demon spirit is defeated, every fallen angel is defeated, even the mightiest of them and in totality are defeated, and above all, Satan as their federal head is defeated.
As we’ve said previously, the work which Jesus did at the Cross by the giving of Himself in Sacrifice, was actually a legal work. It satisfied the legal demands of a thrice Holy God. Man had committed a terrible crime, and that crime had to be addressed, with its penalty satisfied. It was satisfied in Christ.
All these things we’ve just said, are the reason that the Cross is the Source of all Victory, and of course, we are speaking of what Jesus there did. That’s the reason our Faith must ever be in the Cross. And this I might quickly ask:
Many Preachers claim that we must go beyond the Cross, especially many of those of the Charismatic variety. What do they mean by going beyond the Cross? Actually, where is one to go?
The Work of Christ at the Cross, is called a “Finished Work,” which is portrayed by Paul in Hebrews 1:3, by Jesus being “sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.” As well, Paul referred to this great work as “the Everlasting Covenant” (Heb. 13:20).
Some may claim that we leave the Cross after conversion, thereby going on to the Holy Spirit. However, when we understand, that the Holy Spirit will not work within our hearts and lives, at least to the full degree which He can, without our Faith being properly placed in the Cross, then we realize that it’s impossible to separate the Holy Spirit from the Cross. That’s what we explained in Romans 8:2. Everything the Holy Spirit does, He does within the framework and the parameters of what Jesus did at the Cross. In fact, before the Cross, He could not even come into the hearts and lives of Believers to abide. This could only be done after the Cross, which satisfied the sin debt (Jn. 14:16–17).
The great Ministry of the Holy Spirit is to “glorify Christ” (Jn. 16:14). And how does He glorify Christ?
He does so, by constantly pointing to the Cross (I Cor. 2:2).
Actually, in the last two Chapters of Revelation, which speak of the perfect age to come, when Satan is locked away in the Lake of Fire, along with all his demon spirits and fallen angels, and in fact, there is no more sin, we find the Holy Spirit referring to Christ some seven times as “the Lamb” (Rev. 21:9, 14, 22–23, 27; 22:1, 3).
Seven of course speaks of God’s perfection, and “Lamb” refers to the Crucified Christ (Jn. 1:29).
The Holy Spirit does this, so that we will never forget, that it was the price paid by Christ on the Cross, which has afforded, and does afford all of these great and glorious things. In fact, the entirety of the story of the Bible is the story of man’s Redemption, which in effect, is the story of the Cross.
J. Swaggart
SELF-HELP OR CROSS-HELP?
The great battlefield for the Christian is whether he attempts to find victory by his own machinations, or trust completely in what Christ did at the Cross? In fact, this is the same battlefield for the unredeemed. Do they trust in their own efforts to save themselves, or do they trust in what Jesus did at the Cross? The Cross ever stands at the intersection of life, and for all people, and for all situations.
Of course we know and understand that the unredeemed cannot be saved, unless they trust in what Christ has done at the Cross on their behalf (Jn. 3:16). Admittedly, they don’t have to understand much about it, but they must evidence Faith, at least in some degree. Of course, the Holy Spirit supplies them the Faith as they hear the Word of God. But when it comes to the Christian, the following can happen, to which Paul addressed the entirety of the Epistle to the Galatians. Theologians refer to this problem as “Galatianism.”
It simply means that people come to Christ by trusting in what He did at the Cross, but after being saved, then transfer their Faith from the Cross to something else entirely. Even though they of course remain a Child of God, simply because they continue to trust Christ as it regards their initial Salvation, by no means, however, can they walk victorious. So we have “Salvation by Faith,” and “Sanctification by works,” which as stated, is the greatest problem for the Child of God.
In fact, the Galatians had been brought to Christ through the Ministry of Paul. Of course, they were taught correctly as would be obvious. But then, false teachers came into these respective Churches, telling the people, that they must add Law to their experience. In other words, now that they had accepted Christ, they must also engage in circumcision (for the boys and the men), and Sabbath keeping, etc. This was the way to deeper life, etc., they claimed!
If it is to be noticed, Paul’s Letter to the Galatians drips with scorn, and in fact, is His most strident Epistle. In fact, the Apostle is downright angry, and rightly so!
He knew that if the Galatians followed that error, they were going to lose their victory, and possibly even their souls. So, the Holy Spirit had him to write the Epistle to the Galatians to address this terrible error.
Unfortunately, the problem didn’t die with the Galatians. It remains with us today, and in fact, it is the greatest problem faced by the Child of God.
After coming to Christ, which means that we now have a new nature within us, which of course is provided by the Holy Spirit by and according to what Jesus did for us at the Cross (Jn. 7:37–39), we instinctively know that we must live right, and in fact, we want to live right. But the great question is, how is this done?
If we don’t know the Message of the Cross, which is God’s prescribed order of victory, and I might quickly add, His only prescribed order of victory, then we will cast about attempting to find a method of victory on our own. That’s what I meant by Salvation by Faith, and Sanctification by works.
And let it please be understood, that if we do not know the Truth of the Cross, this Truth is just not going to simply fall on us. The Word of God concerning this great foundational Truth in some manner, in some way, must be ministered to us. This is the only way we can come by Truth. As stated, it cannot be given by laying on of hands or any other manner, except the preaching and teaching of the Gospel. So what do we presently have?
Due to the fact that almost none of the modern Church knows or understands the great Message of the Cross, the far greater majority of the Church walks in defeat.
But there’s another problem attached to all of this:
SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS
“Works” always produce self-righteousness. In fact, that’s why the Religious Leaders of Israel crucified Christ. The whole Jewish system by the time of Christ had degenerated into “works”; consequently, self-righteousness was paramount at that time, and self-righteousness always must kill the Righteousness of the Lord. In fact, we have a perfect example of this in Genesis Chapter 4 with Cain killing Abel.
The Cross produces humility, even as the Cross alone can produce humility, while works always produce self-righteousness.
However, “works” are very subtle. Most of the time they are cloaked with all manner of religiosity, which makes us think that what we’re doing is of the Lord. In fact, the greatest weapon that Satan uses is to actually take that which is of God, such as prayer, fasting, or manifestations of the Spirit, even as we’ve already addressed, and make us think that the doing or the engaging in these things will bring about the victory which we must have.
While to be sure, these things we’ve mentioned, plus many we haven’t mentioned, are very necessary in the life of the Child of God; still, if we try to use them in the realm of the source of victory, we will find that we have turned them into works, which God can never bless or recognize.
I am victorious totally and completely, not because of the things I do, but totally and completely because of what Christ has done at the Cross. That and that alone, which demands my Faith, brings victory to the Child of God, and in every capacity I might quickly add. Proper Faith in the Cross, which guarantees the help of the Holy Spirit, is the only manner, the only means, the only way, that the Child of God can walk in victory. And to be certain, there is no power of darkness that wasn’t defeated at the Cross of Christ.
~J. Swaggart Ministry
Salvation God’s Way
O Israel, return unto the LORD your God; for you have fallen by your iniquity. Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: Say unto Him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips. Asshur shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses: neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, You are our gods: for in You the fatherless find mercy (Hos. 14:1–3).
Hosea now gives an Altar call! It is for Israel, but yet it is just as succinctly applicable for any and every person.
What the Holy Spirit gives through the Prophet is a perfect example of what the Lord wants and desires from anyone who comes to Him. It is as follows:
1. Israel is commanded to “return unto the LORD your God”: This is the first step that must be taken, and the only direction that holds an answer, irrespective of the problem.
2. “For you have fallen by your iniquity”: Sin was the problem of Israel, as sin is the problem of the entirety of the human race. Someone has well said, “If the economy was the problem, the Lord would have sent an economist. If manufacturing was the problem, the Lord would have sent an engineer. If construction was the problem, the Lord would have sent a carpenter. But the problem was sin, so God sent a Saviour.”
3. “Take with you words, and turn to the LORD”: Not sacraments, nor ceremonies, nor rituals, but “words.” This is a confession of sin.
4. “And receive us graciously”: This is a cry for forgiveness upon the principle of Grace and not of merit.
5. “So will we render the calves of our lips”: This corresponds to the sacrifice of praise, and refers actually to the Cross.
6. “Asshur shall not save us”: Israel’s sin was trusting man (Assyria and Egypt) and idols for salvation. Trusting man is still our sin.
7. “We will not ride upon horses”: We will not place any trust in the Egyptian cavalry.
8. “Neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, You are our gods”: “Self” cannot save self. Our efforts are constituted by the Lord as idolatry.
9. “For in You the fatherless find mercy”: Jehovah was to be the Father of Israel; however, Israel had forsaken Jehovah and was now fatherless. But her cry is, as it should be ours: “The Lord shows mercy to the fatherless.”
THE ANSWER OF THE LORD TO THE REPENTANCE OF ISRAEL
(AND ANY INDIVIDUAL, FOR THAT MATTER)
10. “I will heal their backsliding”: The “backsliding” referred to apostasy and idolatry. Forgiveness based upon Grace, not upon merit, can pardon the most desperate sins.
11. “I will love them freely”: The statement means “without a just cause.” In other words, even though Israel will give the Lord no reason to love her, He will, just the same, extend his love, just as He will for all who come to Him in humble supplication.
12. “My anger is turned away from him”: True Repentance cools the anger of God.
13. “I will be as the dew unto Israel”: “Dew” speaks of the Holy Spirit, Who will be freely given to Israel, and, again, to anyone who meets God’s terms.
14. “He shall grow as the lily”: The “lily” speaks of Righteousness, freely given!
15. “And cast forth his roots as Lebanon”: Like a tree planted by the waters.
16. “His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive tree”: Israel will now bring forth fruit, which, of course, will take place in the coming Kingdom Age.
17. “And his smell as Lebanon”: This speaks of the cedars of Lebanon. It is a fact that no insect or serpent can be found where there are Cedar trees, or any of the Cedar family. This tells us of the protection of the Children of God—protection from demon spirits.
18. “They who dwell under His shadow shall return”: This is the resting place for the Child of God, “under His shadow” (Hos. 14:4–7).
To close this great Book, the Prophet, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit said, “Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? Prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein” (Hos. 14:9).
~J. Swaggart
THE DOCTRINE OF THE NICOLAITANES -LAITY CONTROL
Two statements were made by Christ concerning the Nicolaitanes. He said:
“But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate.”
He then said, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the Churches” (Rev. 2:6–7).
In essence, He was saying that if we are to have the “Spirit of God,” and thereby “hear what He has to say,” then we will have to reject “the deeds of the Nicolaitanes.” In other words, one cannot have both! In fact, Jesus, as is obviously plain, said that He hated the deeds of the Nicolaitanes. And, to be sure, if He hates something, we must, as well!
He also said: “So have you also them who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.”
His command was, and as it regards “the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes,” “Repent.” He said if Repentance wasn’t forthcoming, “I will come unto you quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of My Mouth.”
He then said again: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the Churches” (Rev. 2:15–17).
What is the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes?
The word, “Nico,” in the Greek, means “control.” The word, “laitanes,” in the Greek, means “the laity.” So, the meaning is “control of the laity.”
All false doctrine, in one way or the other, demands “control.” Various different directions are engaged in order for this “control” to be brought about.
Christians are taught that they must, without question, obey their Pastor, or Cell leader, etc. They are taught that they shouldn’t question anything that is said, obeying it, in effect, without question.
The truth is, untold millions are in Hell presently, because of this doctrine, which, as should be obvious, is by no means new. In fact, it is one of Satan’s oldest tricks, even as Jesus addressed in His Messages to the seven Churches of Asia.
Every Believer must hear everything according to the Word of God. If what he is hearing is not Scriptural, he must question it; and if the perpetrator (leader) refuses to straighten it up, then such a Believer had better absent himself from that particular gathering.
Until the Reformation, the Catholic Church controlled its millions of devotees by hiding the Bible from them. The Priests were to be the sole interpreters of the Word of God, and whatever they deemed desirable, they would tell the people, which, of course, led the far greater majority to eternal darkness.
Anytime a Preacher seeks to exert control over you as a Believer, which refers to the fact that he will do your thinking for you, you can be certain that you are hearing false doctrine. Control is exercised by fear, by threats, by intimidation, etc. It is never of God. The Master said, “which thing I hate!”
SATAN’S GREATEST TOOL
To which we’ve already alluded, religion, by far, is Satan’s greatest tool, and which has damned untold millions into eternal Hell.
The definition of “religion” pertains to that which is “devised by man, claiming to draw one closer to God, or else to better one’s self in some way.” And let the Reader understand, anything that is devised by man is not devised by God and, therefore, cannot be accepted by God.
That which is of God pertains to His Word, and His Word alone! If the Word of God is abrogated in any way, then whatever is being proposed must be rejected.
The great question always must be, “Is it Scriptural?” This means that the Believer must know the Bible the same as the Preacher. In fact, the Word of God is intended for everyone.
~J. Swaggart
Are you obsessed by something? You will probably say, “No, by nothing,” but all of us are obsessed by something— usually by ourselves, or, if we are Christians, by our own experience of the Christian life. But the psalmist says that we are to be obsessed by God. The abiding awareness of the Christian life is to be God Himself, not just thoughts about Him. The total being of our life inside and out is to be absolutely obsessed by the presence of God. A child’s awareness is so absorbed in his mother that although he is not consciously thinking of her, when a problem arises, the abiding relationship is that with the mother. In that same way, we are to “live and move and have our being” in God (Acts 17:28), looking at everything in relation to Him, because our abiding awareness of Him continually pushes itself to the forefront of our lives.
If we are obsessed by God, nothing else can get into our lives— not concerns, nor tribulation, nor worries. And now we understand why our Lord so emphasized the sin of worrying. How can we dare to be so absolutely unbelieving when God totally surrounds us? To be obsessed by God is to have an effective barricade against all the assaults of the enemy.
“He himself shall dwell in prosperity…” (Psalm 25:13). God will cause us to “dwell in prosperity,” keeping us at ease, even in the midst of tribulation, misunderstanding, and slander, if our “life is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). We rob ourselves of the miraculous, revealed truth of this abiding companionship with God. “God is our refuge…” (Psalm 46:1). Nothing can break through His shelter of protection.
~O. Chambers
THE LOCAL CHURCH
Even though Paul as an Apostle definitely had Spiritual Authority, still, he could not force the Church at Corinth to do what the Holy Spirit through him had stated concerning this matter. He could only point out the correct direction, and it was up to them to follow it to its conclusion.
When one considers that Paul had planted this Church, and that many, if not most, of the Converts there had been brought to Christ under his Ministry, one would think that he had the authority to say and do whatever. However, the Holy Spirit as is here obvious, limits that authority to pointing out direction.
This means that it is terribly wrong for any outside influence to exercise dictatorial control over the Local Church. While they might advise and counsel, even as Paul did here, which is the pattern given by the Holy Spirit we are to follow, that is as far as it should go. When Religious Leaders, so-called, who have been elected by popular ballot, and in no way are Apostles, etc., exercise dictatorial control over the Local Church, they are in fact abrogating the Headship of Christ, which causes the Holy Spirit to cease and desist all operations. Consequently, some Pentecostal Denominations are all but totally bereft of the Working and Moving of the Holy Spirit, and for this very reason. They have instigated a secular type Government in the Church, which the Holy Spirit cannot condone, because it is not Biblical.
HEADSHIP IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
The Greek word for head is “kephale.” It is used much like the Hebrew word “ro’s,” which refers to the head of a person, the beginning of a month, the source or mouth of a river, etc. The Greeks viewed the head as the superior member of the body, the seat of reason and authority.
“Kephale” appears over 75 times in the New Testament, usually to designate the literal head of a person or animal. In certain Passages, we need to know the background of certain New Testament sayings before we can understand them.
For example, “Do not swear by your head” (Mat. 5:36) is a reference to a Rabbinical Judgment that one who makes an oath “by his head” (by his very life) cannot be released from the oath under any circumstances.
Other sayings, such as Jesus’ assurance of God’s Care as expressed in the statement, “The very hairs of your head are all numbered” (Lk. 12:7), are easily understood.
There are, however, three theologically significant uses of “head” to which we need to pay careful attention. They help us gain insight into issues of great concern for Christians today.
CHRIST, THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH
The New Testament pictures the Church as a living organism, a Body of which Jesus is the Head (Eph. 1:22; 4:15; 5:23; Col. 1:18; 2:10, 19).
A review of these Passages suggests that Christ’s Headship emphasizes His role as Sustainer, Protector, Organizing Principal, and Source of the Church’s life. The Passages emphasize Jesus’ exalted position so that we may have complete confidence in Him. We respond to Him because He is Lord and the only One with wisdom and motive to direct us into God’s Perfect Will.
AN ORGANISM, NOT AN INSTITUTION
On the other hand, the New Testament pictures the Church not as an institution but as an organism (something which is alive—a complex structure of interdependent and subordinate elements whose relations and properties are largely determined by their function in the whole).
In the place of institutional principles of organization, the New Testament advances organic principles of organization for the Church (Rom. Chpt. 12; I Cor. Chpt. 12). In fact, Jesus stressed the importance of rejecting all thought of rank in relating to fellow Believers (Mat. 20:25–28; 23:8–12; Rom. 12:3–8), which means that even though all Preachers of the Gospel should be respected as should be obvious, however, all man-instituted Religious Offices, are to be looked at as administrative only and never in the position of Spiritual Leadership.
In thinking about Leadership in the Church it is important to recognize the fact that Jesus is the Sole Head of the Church, the only Lord. Whatever Leaders are within the Body of Christ, they are not superior persons of higher rank whose office gives them a right to direct and control other Believers.
~J. Swaggart Ministry
THE AUTHORITY OF BELIEVERS OVER OTHER BELIEVERS
The Scriptures teach and assume that in a world warped by sin, governing authorities are a necessity.
But a vital question for Christians has to do with the nature of authority within the Body of Christ. In its philosophical and theological sense as freedom of action to control or limit the freedom of action of others, do Christian Leaders really have authority within the Church?
The issue is an important one and deserves much study and debate. But a number of observations should be made to help us think about this issue.
For instance, Jesus delegated authority to His Disciples (Mk. 3:15; 6:7; Lk. 9:1; 10:19), but this was authority over demons and diseases. No Passage suggests freedom to exercise control over other human beings. In fact, the freedom of choice of those to whom these Disciples came is clearly protected (Mk. 6:11; Lk. 10:8–12).
AUTHORITY?
One incident reported in the Synoptics is especially significant. Matthew Chapter 20, Mark Chapter 10, and Luke Chapter 22 all tell of a heated debate among the Disciples over which of them would be greatest. Jesus took that opportunity to instruct them on Leadership and its character within the Church.
Each Passage reports that Jesus said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.” In each Passage Jesus bluntly rules out this kind of Leadership Authority for His Disciples and Followers. He said, “Not so with you!”
The alternative that Jesus spells out is a “Servant Leadership.” And a servant is a far cry from a ruler!
These Passages suggest strongly that whatever authority Christian Leaders may have, their freedom of action does not include the right to control the actions and choices of their Brothers and Sisters in the Lord.
THE APOSTLE PAUL
The Apostle Paul is deeply aware of the fact that as an Apostle he does have authority. He speaks of it in II Corinthians, Chapters 10 and 13. He told the Corinthians that the Lord gave him authority with a specific purpose: “For building you up, not for tearing you down” (II Cor. 10:8; 13:10). In II Corinthians, Chapter 13 Paul speaks of his concern not to be “harsh in the use of (his) authority” (I Cor. 13:10). The context shows that the Christians in Corinth refused to admit that Christ was speaking through this servant Leader.
Paul did not respond by threatening. He did not try to manipulate or to coerce. He simply reminded them, “(Christ) is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you” (II Cor. 13:3). By that he meant the following:
Paul had no need to resort to manipulation or to coercion, because Jesus was alive and acting as Head of His Church. Jesus remained powerful among His People and was free as the Head of the Church to exercise His Authority in disciplining ways. Paul relied on Jesus to bring about a response to the Words that He, Jesus, had given to Paul to speak to the Corinthians.
LIMITATION OF AUTHORITY GIVEN TO LEADERS
These Passages, and studies of Paul’s style of Leadership, suggest strongly that in the Church God limits the authority given to Leaders.
The Leader’s authority is not an authority to control, but an authority to help the Believer to use his or her freedom to respond willingly to Jesus as the Head of the Church.
Using Paul as an example, which is what the Holy Spirit intended, it becomes easy to observe how wrong it is for so-called Church Leaders to attempt to exercise dictatorial control over others, even going so far as to demand that they do things which are unscriptural. As should be obvious, this is not according to the Word of God, and must be rejected hands down, irrespective of the cost.
~J. Swaggart
The melting-pot of the world isn’t so hot anymore.
WHO IS JESUS CHRIST?
Jesus Christ is the Eternal Logos, the Living Word, the Son of the Living God; Jesus Christ is God!
He was and is Very God, was and is Very Man. This means that He wasn’t part God and part Man, but totally God and totally Man.
THE EXPRESSION OF HIS DEITY
When God became Man, He, not for a moment, lost the possession of His Deity, rather retaining it completely; however, He did lose the expression of that Deity, which evidence is, that such expression will be lost forever. But on another side of the Incarnation, God becoming man, He is greater today than ever before.
Jesus Christ is the Creator of all things (Jn. 1:1–3); however, He is also now the Saviour. So, coupled with Creator, He is now the Saviour, which is greater than ever. One cannot improve upon Perfection, but one can add to Perfection, which has been done in the case of Christ.
THE SELF-EMPTYING OF CHRIST
Paul wrote, and I quote from THE EXPOSITOR’S STUDY BIBLE: “Let this mind be in you (refers to the self-emptying of Christ), which was also in Christ Jesus (portrays Christ as the supreme example):
“Who, being in the form of God (refers to Deity, which Christ always was), thought it not robbery to be equal with God (equality with God refers here to our Lord’s co-participation with the other members of the Trinity in the expression of the Divine Essence):
“But made Himself of no reputation (instead of asserting His rights to the expression of the Essence of Deity, our Lord waived His rights to that expression), and took upon Him the form of a servant (a bondslave), and was made in the likeness of men (presents the Lord entering into a new state of Being when He became Man; but His becoming Man did not exclude His position of Deity; while in becoming Man, He laid aside the ‘expression’ of Deity, He never lost ‘possession of Deity’):
“And being found in fashion as a man (denotes Christ in men’s eyes), He humbled Himself (He was brought low, but willingly), and became obedient unto death (does not mean He became obedient to death; He was always the Master of Death; rather, He subjected Himself to death), even the death of the Cross. (This presents the character of His Death as one of disgrace and degradation, which was necessary for men to be redeemed. This type of death alone would pay the terrible sin debt, and do so in totality.) “Wherefore God also has highly exalted Him (to a place of supreme Majesty; Jesus has always been Creator, but now He is Saviour as well), and given Him a Name which is above every name (actually says, ‘The Name,’ referring to a specific Name and Title; that Name, as Verse 11 proclaims, is ‘Lord’):
“That at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow (in the sphere of the Name, which refers to all it entails; all of this is a result of the Cross, the price paid there, and the Redemption consequently afforded), of things in Heaven, and things in Earth, and things under the Earth (all Creation will render homage, whether animate or inanimate);
“And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (proclaims ‘Lord’ as the ‘Name’ of Verse 9; it means ‘Master’ of all, which again has been made possible by the Cross), to the Glory of God the Father. (The acknowledgment of the Glory of Christ is the acknowledgment of the Glory of the Father.)” (Phil. 2:5–11).
~JSM