God’s Church
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
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
Matthew 16:18
ADMISSION INTO THE CHURCH
Admission into the Church is strictly spiritual, but with a physical, domestical and economical result.
Admittance into the “Church” is by Faith in Christ, which means to accept what Christ did at Calvary and the Resurrection. Paul stated, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
“For with the heart man believeth unto Righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto Salvation.”
Paul then said, “For whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved” (Rom. 10:9–10, 13).
As well, the invitation is given to all, irrespective of race or nationality. Paul also said, “For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him” (Rom. 10:12).
As is obvious, other than witnessing or preaching the Gospel to individuals, man has nothing to do with admitting the individual into the Church, except to recognize what God has already done, and, likewise, man cannot remove one from the Church.
As well, belonging to a certain congregation, organization, Religious Denomination, or any other type of group, has absolutely nothing to do with being a member of the Body of Christ, i.e., the Church. Unfortunately, many Church groups have led others to believe that association with their group guarantees association with Christ, and disassociation with that group, whatever it may be, causes one to lose association with Christ.
Nothing could be further from the Truth. Association with an earthly group has absolutely nothing to do with one’s Salvation and, likewise, disassociation in no way removes one from association and fellowship with Christ.
So, admittance into the Church, the Body of Christ, is the making of Christ as one’s Saviour, which results in a heartfelt, born-again experience (Jn. 3:3).
Upon being born again, one should certainly seek to be associated with a group of local Believers, if at all possible, who are attempting to follow the Word of God, with it as their criteria.
The phrase, “And the gates of hell shall not prevail against it,” actually means “The power of death” shall not prevail against it.
The reference here is to Resurrection and not to infallibility in Doctrine, as asserted by some.
Christ, being the Living God, and His people living stones, they could not be held captive in the mansions of the dead.
On the third day, He, as the True Samson, rose and carried away the gates of hell. They could not prevail against that Rock, i.e., “It.” He prevailed against them; and when He arose all His people arose in and with Him (I Thess. 4:14).
As well as referring to “the power of death,” the “gates of hell” also refers to the iron grip of sinful bondage which binds all of unsaved humanity. This includes sin, sickness, poverty and all other domains of darkness. With the Death and Resurrection of Christ, all of these “gates” fell. As a result, any authority presently held by Satan is a pseudo-authority, or, more particularly, that allowed him by Believers.
This is what Jesus was speaking of when He said, “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In My Name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
“They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover” (Mk. 16:17–18).
To be sure, most, if not all, of these Promises have to do with demon spirits and their expulsion.
For instance, the words, “Take up,” in verse 18, and concerning serpents, have absolutely nothing to do with snakes. The Greek word for “Take up,” is “airo,” and means to “take up, in order to remove, to put away.” It refers to the putting away of demon spirits, which takes place when the Gospel is preached in Power and Anointing, and by the authority of the Name of Jesus, as used by Believers.
The Church is meant to tear down the strongholds of Satan, and to do so by the Power of the Holy Spirit, which is brought into focus by the use of the “Name of Jesus.”
Regrettably, much of the modern Church is no longer a “Living Organism,” empowered from On High, but, instead, an intellectual or academic organization. Unfortunately, Satan does not respond to the intellectual or academic posture. He only responds to the Power of God, as evidenced in the Name of Jesus, used by Spirit-filled Believers.
Tragically, most of the modern Church is a far cry from that intended by the Holy Spirit, according to what Jesus built. Actually, the Book of Acts is meant to serve as an ideal of what the “Church” ought to be.
Regrettably, many have foolishly claimed that the modern Church has outgrown the Book of Acts.
If that is the case, then it means that mere man is more intelligent than the Holy Spirit, which is ludicrous to say the least!
No! The Book of Acts is meant to serve as the criteria, and should not be deviated from. To do so, institutes man’s ways instead of God’s Ways, and proves catastrophic.
~JSM
CHURCH ATTENDANCE
The Church is the Body of Christ, not a particular building by the side of the road. Actually you are now a part of that Body, and Jesus Christ is its Head. So, if at all possible, it is very important that you find a good Church to attend.
The following is what should be taught and preached in the Church:
1. Salvation through the Blood of Jesus Christ should be preached. Any Church teaching Salvation by any means other than the shed Blood of Jesus Christ, in other words, what the Lord did on Calvary’s Cross, in order to redeem humanity, is promoting something contrary to the Word of God (Mat. 26:28; Acts 20:28; Col. 1:20; Heb. 9:22; 1 Pet. 1:18–19).
2. The Church should teach the Baptism with the Holy Spirit, with the evidence of speaking with other Tongues, which is available to all Believers, and is received after conversion (Isa. 28:11–12; Acts 2:4; 10:45–46; 19:6; 1 Cor. 14:4–5, 14–18).
3. A victorious, overcoming Christian life should be preached (Rom. 6:11; 1 Cor. 15:57–58; Eph. 6:10–13; James 1:22; 1 Jn. 5:4–5; Rev. 2:7). This means victory over sin in every capacity.
4. Divine Healing according to the Word of God should be preached (Ex. 15:26; 23:25; Isa. 53:5; Mk. 6:13; James 5:14–15; 1 Pet. 2:24).
We believe that the Bible teaches that Jesus Christ heals today, the same as He did in Bible days.
5. The Rapture of the Church should be taught and preached. This refers to the time when the Church shall be taken out of this world in order to be with the Lord. It could happen at any moment, with every single Believer whether dead or alive, being resurrected. In fact, the Resurrection and the Rapture are one and the same (I Cor. Chpt. 15; 1 Thess. 4:13–17).
6. The soon and eminent return of our Lord to Earth, to take up His rightful position as King of kings and Lord of lords should be preached. He will be accompanied at that time by every Saint of God who has ever lived. In other words, all who were taken up in the Rapture (Resurrection), will then come back with Him to this Earth, which will begin the Kingdom Age (Rev. Chpt. 19).
7. Whatever Church is attended, should be a Church filled with a group of people, whether the number is little or large, with the consuming desire to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the entirety of the world. The taking of the Gospel to all is priority with God, as should be obvious.
Someone brought you the Gospel, and you should love the Lord enough, to desire strongly that everyone else have the opportunity to hear exactly as you did. Whether they except or not, is their privilege; however, that they have the opportunity is absolutely paramount.
To be frank, the greatest way we can thank the Lord for giving us His Great Salvation, is to tell this grand story to others in whatever way we can, and as well, to help support those who are taking the Gospel to the world. That must be our consuming desire in all things (Mk. 16:15–16).
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (Jn. 3:16).
~JSM