A New Psalm
|
|
|
Matthew 23:39 “For I say unto you, ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.”
Dear Brethren, friends and neighbors,
Greetings, peace to your households and many thanksgivings to you who are faithful and trusting in our Lord. For, your fellowship and participation is welcome and warmly received here at Cephas Ministry. The battles of late have grown with intensity but that is par for the course. I do not believe that it could be any different as we make a diligent and worthy attempt to apply ourselves to Christ’s true Gospel; the one that so many still have yet to hear. I trust that our faithful Lord and Creator is using each one of you and your apportioned gifts to do the work of a faithful disciple, evangelist, messenger, parent, employer, scribe or what ever He thus prescribes in your lives.
Of His body, it is said that there are many parts and we need to acknowledge one another according to His abundant supply of grace and mercies. I am thankful that some of you are indeed participating and engaging with us but am somewhat concerned for those whose lives are too busy with the concerns over worldliness and matters of irrelevance to our Kingdom’s concern. Let us not be found giving more time to worldly distraction and the impotency of empty works over the mission of being faithful witnesses in the fields where we now are employed. The work of a witness is largely one of education yet we are told not to go out and teach everyone, our fellow citizen, “know the Lord,” for all shall come to know the Lord, from the least to the greatest, all shall know the Lord.” Heb. 8:11. So, what do I mean about education, you may ask?
Please allow me to demonstrate precisely what our Lord has given some of us to do while being faithful witnesses. While fellowship is difficult in today’s Churches of man because of so many ecumenical and apostate hazards, it is still necessary to seek a place where fellowship is safe as we are not to forsake our gathering together; right? I would like to think that all who receive these letters feel like they are indeed in a place where safe fellowship exists. But the truth is, so many of you are silent and I don’t really know why. I hate to even speculate so let me just go on record as saying that my door is always open and if you need to keep our conversation and interaction confidential then by all means, say so. If confidentiality is not a concern for you then please know that for the sake of lively witness and example, I am likely to publish at least some of your letters and my replies on the forum located on the “Discussion Board” at http://nicholasscrolls.cephasministry.com . By all means, if you have not already been there, please log on and see what others are saying. There has been allot of activity as of late and it keeps me very busy each day. I think it would be beneficial for some of you internet users out there who are looking for a safe place to express yourself and practice your gifts of wisdom and discernment; please, by all means reply to some of these valuable and relevant posts. It’s another way to sharpen your swords and practice the virtues of the Father’s Holy Spirit with one another and share your own invaluable insights. This is NOT a one man show by any means or stretch of the imagination. Now; on to my Thanksgiving insights and prophetic discernment of scriptural love.
On the morning of Thanksgiving, my youngest daughter, Renee’ came to me in response of an e-card I had sent her. I had sent her a lovely card with a posted scripture of 1 Corinthians 13. She said, “Papa, the word in my Bible says “love” and not “charity.” I pulled out my beloved copy of the Key Word Study Bible, published by AMG, International, Inc. (no longer in print). This Bible employs only references to the original Hebrew and Greek words used in ancient manuscripts and is void of any “Religious” affiliation whatsoever. It also happens to be in the Authorized King James text. I took her to the passage in 1 Corinthians and read aloud the script. The word, “charity” is used where the word “love” is used in most other Bible versions and was foot noted #26. We went to the back of the Bible where the Greek dictionary was located and found ref. No. #26 Agape, derived from #25 the word Agapao meaning “to love” in a social or moral sense in its singular form. The word Agape in its plural form means benevolence or affection; i.e. a feast of charity or love feast. This passage reads as follows;
I then explained to Renee that the word use of love is in fact correct but largely misunderstood in today’s context because love itself is misunderstood by today’s contemporary society. I explained to her that to many, love is a feeling and not an “unwavering commitment to give of thyself.” We went back into 1 Corinthians and I showed her then where all these gifts and attributes mentioned were made void if we did not apply ourselves to a correct understanding of the use of this particular Biblical instruction. She asked for clarification and I said, “Jesus expects us to give liberally what He has thus given unto us.” To prove out the “Spirit filled” statement I had just made, we went to the Gospel of Luke 11:40-41 “Ye fools did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also? But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you.”
Did you notice that the word “charity” is not mentioned in the above verse? That does not mean that this verse doesn’t apply. All one has to do is read the verse in its context and discover that in fact that is exactly what Jesus is talking about. To further clarify and prove out what I am saying here, let us look at another beautiful passage where Jesus appeared after His death on the cross (stake) to Peter and some comrades (disciples) who were out fishing one morning.
This is a beautiful story, would you not agree? After your eyes clear up a bit from the salty tears, pull out your lexicon if you have one so we can take a look at the double usage of the word love and its relevance to Christ’s expectations of all who are called. You don’t have to be a scholar to discern that Peter was a little taken by the Master’s repetition in His questioning. Could you feel what I felt as the passage was ending? Did you not feel that Christ Himself was questioning you directly? If you felt as I did then you most assuredly had to stop a moment and gain your composure because this last appearance was infact Christ’s last command given to His disciples and specifically to Peter. This is paramount and crucial for you to understand. After all, Peter is the “Rock” aka “Cephas” upon which Christ’s TRUE Church would be built. Is your heart beating harder right now? Good, let us continue.
There are two Greek words employed here when referring to love. When Jesus asked Simon Peter if he loved Him more than these (the other disciples), Jesus used the word #25 - agapao; [do you love me in a social or moral sense?] Simon Peter then responded with employing another word, in Greek; #5368 phileo which is from the root word #5384 philos; meaning a friend, often used as a noun as in being fond of an associate, friend or neighbor; [ Yes Lord, you know that I love thee.] Jesus asked again using the same word describing love in a social or moral sense and Peter, a second time answered with the word describing love for an associate or friend.
Now, the third time that Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonas, do you love me?” Jesus employed the use of the word phileo #5368 meaning to have affection for as in fond sentiment or feelings for a close comrade or friend. The definition continues saying, closely related to #25 agapao whose definition is wider as in the deliberate sense of the will as a matter of principle, duty and propriety. The two are distinguished by one form being love from the heart (phileo) and the other form (agapao) being from a sense of moral duty and responsibility.
Without understanding Jesus response, we cannot know what the will of our Lord is. Jesus responded the first time with, [Feed my lambs.] and a second and third time with [Feed my sheep.] We don’t need to go into what sheep are because we all understand that those who follow Jesus and hear the shepherds voice are His sheep; right? It is worthy though to look at the Greek word for feed; #4165 poimaino; meaning to tend as a shepherd or figuratively as a supervisor; to feed cattle or rule. It is obvious that Jesus had “charity” in mind.
Now it is clear that Jesus wanted Simon Peter whom was told that upon him, Christ’s Church would be built; to feed those who are among the flock and to tend or watch over them as they are in need of shepherding. That indeed is the role of a mature disciple and those to whom some authority is shared amongst the “gathered ones” (Church). The primary duty was to teach and instruct and administer various needs to those whose needs were made evident. The fact that Jesus made His point three times with Peter shows that it was important for Peter to “get it” and “administer it” without end. This was the initial birthing pains of the true Church. Peter had to leave his fishing vocation in order to “minister” to God’s flock. We know by historical account that Peter then devoted himself full time to the “ordained” ministry and began to increase the numbers of disciples who were coming in and wanting to serve. Peter gave of himself liberally in his new vocation and was generous towards others with respect to “teaching” and “preaching” the Gospel of “Christ crucified.” That takes us back to the word, “charity.”
The essence of the use of the word “charity” aka “love” in 1 Corinthians then is the very picture of what God’s Church should look like today. More simply put, we who are called, for the same purpose and commission of preaching the “death and resurrection of Christ” aka “Christ crucified,” have been asked three times by our Master on High to feed his sheep and to do it liberally. If teaching and preaching these doctrinal truths to those who are hungering and thirsting for righteousness is not a form of “charity” or as I described it to my daughter, “the giving of oneself and all that is in you,” then what is it? Did I not already point out that doing so makes all things clean for us according to the Word and instruction of Christ our Lord? When Paul wrote his epistle to the Corinthians, was he not espousing that regardless of weather you possess the gift of prophesy, or understand the deepest mysteries or have the greatest amount of knowledge or faith or are able to perform miracles or move mountains; that your unwillingness to share with and teach others made all your gifts invalid and useless? That, my friends, is the bottom line when evaluating or assessing other Churches and or their leadership. Is what you hear noise or divine music to the ears? Are the Churches of man today properly managing the funds that pour into their storehouses?
Charity is an act of love and done from a selfless attitude and position of faith. It is therefore, love as defined by the Greek words we’ve just studied. The next time that someone wants to use that popular passage in Corinthians against you and insults you for not being loving towards them because you are attempting to make some correction through reproof or firm rebuke and they declare you fall short; remind them that sharing liberally what you have learned through practical application and understanding motivates you to share these wonderful mysteries when they come to light. As long as you are faithful in your sharing towards others then the Lord will give you more to share over time. This is the proper application of “educating” those who are desiring. Yes, if at all possible, be gentle but don’t be afraid to use emphasis. The Holy Spirit will give you what you need for that moment and context. This is not a “works” or “knowledge” thing. I am merely sharing with you my understanding based on my application, faith and experience thus far. I also rely heavily on the Lord’s gift of discernment.
Those who are hungry and thirsty will come asking and seeking especially if they know you to be an open book and not afraid to share what has been freely shared with you. We all have a responsibility towards one another if we are Christian but so many are still riding in their vain autos and playing like they are superior over the least of Christ’s brethren. Many in positions of authority are living in palatial palaces and own several more palatial homes for tax sheltering purposes while the congregations who attend their weekend services are often poor, destitute, out of work, widowed, and fatherless. These ecumenical heretics are the culprits behind the “word of faith,” “wealth and prosperity,” “holy laughter,” and “Toronto blessing” movements and it seems their resources are without end.
Most of the “hate mail” that comes to us weekly is from society’s highly esteemed Christian leadership or their wealthy supporters who are offended that we have somehow exposed their shame on our websites. Let me be perfectly clear, we don’t write the articles that are posted but we feel strongly that our brothers and sisters who are also victims and coming out of today’s mainstream apostate churches are in need of a place to express themselves in a biblically sound manner. We feel strongly that their witness and testimony of survival is necessary so that the Word of God may be fulfilled wherein Jesus said, “On the testimony of two or three witnesses, every fact may be confirmed.” If we don’t allow our brethren a voice and their voice is not being heard in the churches then what good are we? We would be no better off than the religious orders we reprove and would thus become hypocrites! We are here to serve and minister; not condemn! From the earliest recorded gatherings in Acts, all were given an opportunity to speak for the edification of the true Church of God! Some of you are aware of my faithful testimonies regarding the treatment I received in the so-called Churches. When the Lord says, “Speak to the people…” and you respond with shaking and trembling down to your knees, you get pulled aside and asked or told to repent or leave and don’t come back until you’ve done so. Have you ever been told, “I don’t care if God commands you to speak to this congregation, you will not speak to them anymore! Is that understood?” I will never forget that moment in time. The sad thing is that Pastor didn’t last long after that and was asked to move on. Of course the congregation never was the wiser because they did not practice a true form of biblical discipline and no one else knew except me and the upper Church echelon. In today’s Churches they so often sweep the dirt under carpets or hide it behind doors. The problem with hiding such things is that God’s truest witness is not evidenced and is it no wonder why so many are frustrated or brain dead in these religious organizations? There is far too much of man exalting himself and seeking praise and esteem from others rather than practicing humility and learning to decrease himself so that Christ may increase in him. They do not recognize Christ’s brethren and are all looking to make more money. It’s always about money to them! Money, money, money!
Regarding the Pursuit of Money and the use of Unrighteous Mammon…
It has been recently reported that Christian Americans give more than five billion dollars to charity each year. The Catholic Church just reported that they alone receive almost five billion dollars a year despite all the recent hoopla over their internal problems with sexual abuse by priests. Those are pretty impressive numbers but I question the accuracy of the reporting. No doubt that large “Super Church” organizations reap a great deal in charitable donations annually all the while most are decrying they’re $10, 20, 30, and 40,000.00 in debt. This becomes their platform for fleecing the flocks of more and more.
Most internet website Ministries have a place for participants to donate free will offerings and we do too but you won’t find us singing the same tune as so many in the evangelical world. Why, you may ask? Because we find it is often times offensive especially in the way it is usually handled. The result of our unwillingness to ask for money all the time has left us with very lean budgets to work with. We are not in debt but are over-worked. Cephas Ministry has been averaging over 300,000 hits a month. This represents an extraordinary number of people who use our rich library resource and a smaller number of them come in to participate with us via internet communications.
Now here is an interesting math problem. If so many are regularly using and benefiting from our Ministry; why, I ask is there so little in the way of free will offerings? This only pertains to those who are not offering help. Those of you who are, we are deeply grateful for your consistent help. If only 1% of the reported number gave $1.00 a month on a consistent basis that would bring in about $3000.00 a month. Would I be greedy to ask each one to give $1.00 a month or $12.00 a year? The truth is we receive about $125.00 to $250.00 a month and a portion of that is for book and audio/cassette tape sales which cost us money to buy or manufacture. Cephas Ministry has honestly been 85% self funded from personal out of pocket monies since it’s inception in 1992. We want you to know that we will continue to do so but it is a concern that haunts us. Suffice to say, we will continue to trust our faithful Lord and do the work He has ordained us to accomplish with or without the financial support of our brethren to the best of our ability and resource.
We do understand that everyone is taxed to the hilt and on sustenance living these days, especially those who have been raped and robbed (fleeced) by other not so well intended organizations. We also understand that employers are requiring most to work longer hours, while they are paying less as medical and insurance costs soar through the roof. We have also experienced like most of you the never ending rise in telephone and utility costs. WHEN IS IT GOING TO END? At some point, I fear that there is going to be a rebellion unlike anything we have ever seen in this country. Let me go on record as saying that I do not promote such but instead encourage each and everyone of you to cut back where you can and do with less where ever possible. We are heading for tighter times. Don’t listen to the economists because their god is money and what they tell you is designed to precipitate a particular response from consumers. The god this country and others worship is for the most part, money and mammon. More on that in a later exhortation!
So, how is it that highly acclaimed preachers can stand on stage at their many conventions and persuade the thousands in attendance to give more because the need has become greater due to increasing operating costs and poor handling of their budgets? What were the tithings supposed to be for, I ask? Was the tithing intended for the preachers’ salary alone? Is not the preacher who evangelizes worthy of his pay too? Of course he is but does that mean he should live a lifestyle greater than those who are attending his Church? Don’t you think that when one starts amassing this kind of wealth unto himself, which is largely derived from the charitable tithings of parishioners, that he begins to elevate himself above the flock placing himself in lofty palaces at the cost of your hard earned dollars? This by the way is how they justify their preaching on wealth and prosperity making of themselves corrupt examples to follow.
Of the flock itself, how many are actually helped liberally by the Church which is supposed to be faithfully administering collected funds to feed the orphans and widows in the community and supporting other needy causes around their own neighborhoods? How often have you seen your local Churches spend several thousands of dollars to travel abroad to support other countries in South America, Russia, Africa and recently Iraq but neglects the needs of it own attending members? It is noteworthy to mention here that as tight as it is, Cephas is able to render aid to some and also support a few other relevant Discernment Ministries who send out regular monthly publications as we understand well, there is a cost to doing everything these days. We all need one another!
The idea behind helping those within the Church first was to make strong the congregate members so that they in turn would reach further out into the surrounding communities to aid those in need thereby becoming good witnesses to Christ our Lord. When Paul instructed Timothy at the Church in Ephesus, didn’t Paul make it a point that in order to be faithful stewards, one had to first demonstrate the same within his own household? Shouldn’t that also apply within the gatherings of today which are often referred to as “home churches?” If we cannot solve our own problems and challenges at home first, how are we going to solve similar problems with neighboring “Third World Nations?” The answer to this question is fundamentally important and it also applies to the US Government’s attempt to “fix” problems overseas when it cannot even properly address growing internal problems and unrest at home. Is the United States and Mainstream Christianity guilty of making friends abroad with its unrighteous mammon and agenda at the expense of neglecting its own here on the home land? What does scripture say about that?
Now, in the context of these passages, John is talking specifically about the fellowship that exists between two or more of like faith and mind; hence therefore, brethren. Both the US and the ecumenical Christian sects are making bold strides to incorporate Islamic peoples of different faith at the expense of neglecting our interests at home. At first glance, this seems to be the right thing to do but there is one small problem most are overlooking. They are not of the same faith and neither are they in agreement with the Christian or Hebrew God! Have you ever tried to witness to a devout Muslim and convince him your God is bigger than his god? Some have and the result has been that Jesus is left out of the conversation and the alliance is made based on the historical ties to Abraham! Ooops, what did John the Baptist and Jesus say when they dealt with this same situation?
The fundamental Muslim practice and faith teaches them not only to hate Christians, Jews and Americans but to persecute and kill them in the interest of religious duty and service to “Allah.” I have studied portions of their “Torah” extensively and I’m telling you that this is not something that should be overlooked! Ever since the 911 incident, American Government and Church gatherings are intermixing the Muslim faith and allowing for their own clerics to have first “prayer” rights in a number of assemblies. Some of these events have been widely televised. What is going on? Are there any historical accounts in scripture that would tell us what our God thinks about mingling with unbelievers and participating in their pagan worships and ceremonies? Do you think that those who will have no remorse about killing devout Christians are pouring into this country by invitation? Can you see the potential risk here in mixing up with those who can easily be considered, “so-called” brethren? I am warning all who read this exhortation to carefully consider the difference between an unchanged Muslim faith and a fundamental Christian faith. I am not in any way promoting hatred of Jews or Muslims but am insisting that when you witness the True Gospel of Christ Jesus, you do so with an unwavering obedience to Christ’s directive and no one else’s!
For those of you have been with me for a while, you know that I have frequently used the above passage to make a distinction between ecumenical churches and fundamentalists as well as false religious empires like the Catholics and many Protestant denominations. You also know that I am not in agreement with any of them and the reproof I spell out is my Lord’s reproof, not my own. At one time in my life, I was among them and was vain, weak and mediocre as they are. I came out from amongst them to serve the living God and that is what has made me such an uncompromising creature today. I therefore submit to all who are in attendance with Cephas and reading these words, I am not asking you or anyone to do what I have not already done.
If you know someone like friends, neighbors, family and close associates who are still intertwined into these commonly corrupted religious institutions of men, please meditate on this exhortation in Hebrews while you consider making a move to help others.
Do not think that this is an easy thing to do because it is not! I have watched more men struggle over what came naturally (though still difficult) to me and I confess that I am often in despair because many of my closest associates are either unable or unwilling (I don’t know which) to make that necessary separation to serve in the capacity I think they’re capable of. For some, their Church is a comfort and for others, they would rather listen to TBN or the 800 Club and attend the many retreats sponsored by their favorite local Churches. Have you ever wondered why or how Churches can organize so many retreats a year when they have failed to make any progress? What are they, social clubs?
So many are comforted, hypnotized and indoctrinated by the commercialization of Christ that they’re no longer opening the Bible for themselves to see they are being deceived and brainwashed! They are so often in a spin and quite often cannot get out of their comfort zone because they fear there is more they’ll have to give up yet many confess they are miserable and don’t always agree with the Churches teaching! “Oh, but the preacher is a nice man!” What some of my oldest associates do not know to this day is that for everything they would have to give up and leave behind for the sake of Christ, much more is added to their accounts; some 30 fold some 60 fold and some a 100 fold. I here-by testify and bear witness to Christ’s words that they are indeed true.
Three witnesses plus my own witness and testimony makes four witnesses. Is that enough to convince you that we need to forsake all and surrender ourselves unto Christ alone? Is this enough to convince those who are wavering on the fence of life? Will you share this exhortation with someone you care about? Will you help to feed Christ’s lambs who are out there starving for His Word of righteousness? Will you help to give freely and liberally of yourself just as our Lord has thus commanded? Will you look to your own application of faith first before you make an attempt to teach others? Will you care enough about your children to teach them the same and recognize they are tomorrow’s leaders and stewards?
I stood at the door of over 450 houses (organizations) and knocked looking for someone to dine with. I did not come empty handed but I brought a basket containing fruit and also wanted to freely share my book. I could find no one willing to open his or her door except for three households. One man gave me well wishes and said, “If you make any money on your book…I hope you’ll use what money you receive to support the saints. I wish you well with your mission.” He was too busy to spend any further time with me. I continued on… Arriving at another house I knocked to inquire within. A Pharisee answered the door and abruptly replied, “Why would I want to buy your book? You can’t even write!” He slammed his door and I continued on…
Then I came across a humble abode, modest by design whose occupant was recently widowed. When I inquired if she was willing to dine with me; as I was rather thirsty and hungry from my long journey, she invited me in and offered up a smorgasbord of delight and I ate and was satisfied in my heart. Her company was a welcome relief and such a stark contrast to what I’ve experienced on my journey. We stayed up until the wee hours of the night fellowshipping and my heart was glad. I was not used to such kind consideration from a stranger. Then she really touched my heart when she brought out a large dishpan of warm salted water. I inquired, “What are doing?” She softly replied, “I noticed the calluses on your feet and saw that your feet were dusty from your long journey. Now sit back in your chair, I’m going to wash your feet.”
I was so moved by the experience, a river of joyful tears rolled down my sun baked cheeks and I realized just how precious her faith was. I asked if there was anything I could do for her and she responded with a list of things that were piling up as she was getting behind on her work since her husband had recently died. She said, “I don’t have much money to offer and in spite of the shortage of mammon, I hope you can stay awhile.”
I replied, “I would love to stay. I’ve been looking for a place to serve but have not found anyone hungering and thirsting. Most have become drunk or are sleeping under shady oaks. Many are hiding behind their hidden walls fear.” Excerpt from the Nicholas Scrolls
May your Holiday season be warmed by His loving presence. The greeting card should read; “Peace on earth towards all men of His good will.” With all sincerity and love for the truth, Nicholas A. Stivers, humbled man, scribe and messenger. Author; Apostasy Revealed published 2003 by Mountainview Publishing ISBN: 1-928602-92-4 Cephas Ministry PO Box 1239 Zephyrhills, FL 33539-1239 |