|
Concordance.
Contact larryv
The
Letters:
# 1. Faith,
Discipleship &
Spiritual
Warfare.
# 2. Prayer,
Judgmentalism
& Forgiveness.
# 3.
The
Ekklesia
(Church)
-vs-
Religion.
# 4. Elohim,
His
Love &
His
Discipline.
# 5. Spiritual
Gifts, Humility
& Elohim's
Power.
# 6. The
Ruach ha Qodesh
and Elohim's
Word.
# 7.
Reconciliation
& Sin - The
curse and our
need.
# 8.
Reconciliation
& Sin - The
consequence
of the curse.
# 9.
Reconciliation
& Sin - Sin's
cure.
#10.
Reconciliation
& Sin - Our
Choice.
#11.
Discipleship.
#12.
Works of Faith.
#13. The
Gifts of
the
Ruach ha Qodesh
- and a Test.
#14.
The Sign Gifts.
#15. The
Support Gifts.
#16. The
Service Gifts.
#17. Living
as Disciples.
#18.
The Snatching
(Rapture) &
Tribulation.
#19.
Prophesy & a
Closing.
#20.
Beware the
false prophets
and teachers.
#21.
The Signs
of Messiah's
Return.
#22.
Oneness
&
The Trinity,
and the Names
of Elohim!
#23.
Understanding
Righteousness,
While
Acknowledging
The enemy.
Simple Poems.
About the
Author.
Support.
SERVICES:
Download:
The Letters
in "Word" Format.
Search The
Letters, the
Bible and the
Internet.
|
|
Dear Mathetes;
I am not surprised that you find the sign gifts
amazing. As in all things, the teacher learns in the preparation, and I
was stunned - and grieved - in the realization of what we have been missing. I designed
the questionnaire I use, because
everything else I have ever seen about the gifts concentrated on puny gifts,
but what we have actually been given are marvelously powerful gifts. You
have excited me as well with your zeal for your newfound talents, and
your encouragement bolsters me. I hope you find the support and service
gifts equally exciting, because they too have been diluted over the
years. The fullness of Elohim in the EKKLESIA
shall be known once
again to His children in these last days, however, and the gifts that He has given us are certainly part of that revelation.
The support gifts, once again, are apostleship,
evangelism, pastor, prophecy
and teacher. Seeing as we discussed the gift of
prophecy in our last letter, we will not be discussing it here. As I
have already said though, whether the prophet is visionary or
expository, their message will always be a sign to the believers. That
is why I included prophecy with the sign gifts. Don't forget though,
Mathetes, to leave room for the Ruach ha Qodesh in all of the gifts, because
He gives as He wills. Do not judge and do not limit, but wait humbly on
Elohim.
SPECIAL NOTE:
For a quick explanation of the NAMES used
throughout The Letters, please click here...
For an in depth accounting of these matters though, please go to Letter
#22.
Letter #15 continues here:
APOSTLE [tc]:
Apostleship is one of the gifts declared "dead" by the
religious institutions, but in the EKKLESIA, the gift remains
amazingly alive. Perhaps we feel unworthy to wear the title of apostle,
or perhaps we have in fact been unworthy to fulfill the assigned role.
For whatever reason, a large aspect of the gift of Apostleship has been diluted and
renamed. We must discover the truth of this matter though, Mathetes,
because functioning apostles, working in the fullness of the gift, are
going to be essential in the last days. If the EKKLESIA
is going to
perform our assigned task, we are going to need apostles on the front
line, because their work is vital to the harvest.
The Greek word used throughout the New Testament for apostle, APOSTOLOS,
means: One sent. An ambassador. A testifier.
It is currently taught in many of the institutions, that to be an apostle, one had to personally see
Yahshuah. This is only partly true though, which makes this deception such
an easy sell. Certainly there were the original twelve apostles, who in
fact did walk with the Master. And when one of the original twelve fell
(Judas), the other eleven, LED IN THE RUACH HA QODESH, drew lots to
determine his replacement. They presented the Ruach ha Qodesh with two of
those who had walked with them, from the baptism of Messiah to His
resurrection, "And the lot fell to Matthias" (Acts
1:15-26).
There are detractors who would have you believe
that the selection of Matthias was an error, and that Paul was Elohim's true choice. Anyone teaching this fallacy, however, is not looking
at the fullness of Scripture, because in Acts 1, Peter clearly delineates the requirements
necessary to fulfill the position of "witness" along
with the eleven; requirements that Paul was unable to meet. Matthias
became a witnessing apostle, which spiritually, for whatever reason, was
limited to twelve. While we may not understand the reasons for all
of this, it is important that we acknowledge not only the apostleship of
Matthias, but recognize that others were, and still are, being sent out
as ambassadors and testifiers, today.
Additionally, the twelve "witnessing" apostles were devoted,
"to prayer and to the ministry of the word" (Acts 6:4). Paul,
however, was called to minister to the gentiles (Ephesians 3). Their purpose
and manner of ministry was totally different, yet Paul is as much an
apostle as the twelve. So were others, as you will see.
In Romans 16:7, Junias and Andronicus are named as apostles, and in
Philippians 2:25, Epaphroditus is called as well. These men
were not Jews, nor were they eyewitnesses of the walk, death or
resurrection of Yahshuah. Nevertheless, they are rightly and fittingly called apostles.
In Acts 13:1-3, Barnabas is included amongst a group acknowledged to be
prophets and teachers, but after he and Paul had been set apart and sent
out by the Ruach ha Qodesh, his "title" changed, and he was called an apostle
(Acts 14:14).
Please begin to notice how the gifts are distributed within each of
these individuals. Barnabas, for example, was gifted as a prophet
and teacher, and then as an apostle. He had other gifts as well.
And consider Paul, because as you learn about him, you will see
incredible diversity and authority with regard to his gifts. We
have bottled our abilities for so long, Mathetes, that we no longer
believe Elohim will do these things through us, but Elohim has not
changed - we
have! We must repent of our faithlessness, however, and allow the Ruach to move in our midst once again.
The designation of all these men as apostles (and this gift is not
restrictive by gender) should cause us to reconsider the gift, and ask,
"Who and what is an apostle today?" If the gift extended
beyond the original twelve "witnessing" apostles, and if the
gift extended beyond the lines of Judaism - including Gentile disciples
as well, then what is the true function of an apostle, and why haven't
we seen any lately?
Today, apostles are what the institutions want to refer to as missionaries.
Sadly though, the manner in which a missionary functions is entirely
unrelated to the authoritative, Elohim sent apostles of the first century.
Don't misunderstand, Mathetes, the calling and gift of Elohim have not
changed - we have. Elohim is not puny - we are. Just like any other gift, it
is either exercised to the fullest or it is diluted. Apostleship is not
taught properly, therefore it is not understood properly, and therefore it
is not exercised properly. If we send the brethren out into the world
believing them to be missionaries, then that is what they will be. On
the other hand, if we fully understand the call, mission and
responsibility of the ones we are sending out, and we fully acknowledge
the gift of Elohim, then we send out apostles to glorify and magnify the
name of Yahshuah. May Elohim shed light!
Have you ever heard how they train
elephants to remain tethered to a small stake pounded into the
ground, stopping them from walking away? Considering the size and
strength of an elephant, haven't you ever wondered why they don't just
pull out the stake and go wherever they want? When an elephant is
young, the trainers clamp a large steel bracelet around one of its hind legs
and, connected by a very large steel chain, secure the baby elephant to
a steel stake driven deeply into the ground. Try as it might, the baby
elephant cannot break loose from this bondage. For days it will pull and
pull, but with decreasing frequency. Eventually, the baby elephant will
surrender in
defeat. The baby elephant KNOWS that
it cannot break free, so it stops trying. From that point onward, a
simple leather strap replaces the
steel bracelet. Whenever the
elephants are to be tethered, the leather strap, connected by a small
rope, is secured to a wooden peg driven a foot or so into the soil. The
elephant will not pull the peg out of the ground though, because as soon
as it feels the slightest tug on its rear leg, it surrenders. Although
it is capable of pulling down the circus tent, if it desired, it will
not pull a puny wooden peg out of the ground. It has been conditioned.
Thus we have been conditioned regarding the gifts. United in Yahshuah, we
are capable of pulling down this circus tent, but we have been told for
so long that the gifts are dead, we actually believe it. Satan has
deceived the EKKLESIA to believe we cannot be workers for
Elohim any
longer, and in this belief we surrender our capacity to be used by Elohim
to glorify His Son. Satan has deceived the EKKLESIA
to believe we
are mere spectators of events in the world, instead of the active
participants for whom the whole creation anxiously awaits revealing
(Romans 8:22).
Compared to Elohim, the power of Satan is like the little wooden peg tapped
into the ground. Faith, the size of a mustard seed though (Matthew
17:20; Luke 17:6), will set us free from the bondage of doubt. Pray for
faith, Mathetes!
I do not want to give the impression that all missionaries always fall short of
the mark, because that is not true. The point I hope to make, however,
is that we are all falling short in the exercise and utilization of our
gifts. We simply must stop denying the gifts of Elohim though, and proclaim
His Son, in power, to the world.
A thorough inspection of the New Testament provides the signs which
should accompany an apostle (Luke 9:1-5, 10:1-24; 2 Corinthians 12:12 for
example), and this is where we are failing today in our comprehension of
the gifts as a whole. The need to preach, make disciples, encourage and
appoint true elders (as anointed by the Ruach ha Qodesh, not mankind), in
order to bring about the obedience of faith, has not left us. These
matters simply are not taught today, because they are no longer
believed. And in our disbelief, they do not happen. That is why we fall
short.
Bluntly, the religious institutions do not want to see apostles
functioning with authority - especially in our homeland. If authority is
being rejected around the world, and probably nowhere more than in the
industrialized nations, what makes us think this rejection will not
overflow into the ranks of a faithless EKKLESIA? How can we be so naive to believe the
EKKLESIA will not be attacked, while the rest of the world
(especially Babylon) is rotting and
decaying? Satan went right into the Garden of Eden before the fall, when
the world was in perfect order, and deceived Eve. What makes us think he
will not come into the Ekklesia and attempt to deceive us today? Elohim told us he
would!
An apostle, therefore, is one who is set apart and sent out by the Ruach ha Qodesh, to preach the Gospel, make
disciples, encourage the brethren and appoint elders (Acts 13:1-3,
14:21-23), in order, "To bring about the obedience of faith among
the Gentiles and the Jews (Romans 1:1-7; Galatians 2:8). Apostles are evangelists,
and/or prophets, and/or teachers,
and/or anything else Elohim wants them to be, who are also set apart and
sent out as ambassadors. They are miracle workers - even today, because
the message today is the same as it was two thousand years ago, and our Elohim
does not change. People are lost today just as they were then, so
why do we suppose He would favor the EKKLESIA of that era with powerful
and dynamic gifts, in order to convince and convict the lost of that
age, and not show the same mercy to the lost of our age?
We are rapidly approaching the end of the Ekklesiastic age, Mathetes, and a
primary event that is prophesied to occur immediately before the return
of our Messiah, is the greatest harvest of souls ever. The crop is ripening
before our eyes today. Why
do we think that Elohim will treat the greatest harvest of all with less
significance than the original harvest following the resurrection of Yahshuah?
ELOHIM HAS NOT CHANGED! HIS DESIRE IS
FOR ALL TO BE SAVED! Satan has deceived the EKKLESIA
though, but it is time to
pull out the peg.
Fortunately, the function of an apostle is clearly taught to us through
Paul and Barnabas, and by their witness we know that apostleship is an
itinerant lifestyle - search Elohim's word. Although Peter and James, and
many other apostles, abided in Jerusalem, they performed fieldwork as
well (Acts 10; Galatians 2:11). Today, however, missionaries move to an
area and never leave. Missionaries today move to an area, convert some
souls and preach on Sunday mornings just like hirelings
do in the institutions. And, many missionaries deny the gifts of Elohim,
refuse to make true disciples and destroy the spiritual life they
seemingly worked so hard to save in the process. This is wrong! And this
is also why souls are not being touched for Yahshuah the way Paul,
Barnabas and the other apostles were able to touch. If you do not use the full gift,
you are not using the gift at all. If you deny the working of the Ruach ha Qodesh, how can you expect your work to be productive? I suggest
that if an individual is called to work and remain in a foreign area,
the individual is a pastor, prophet or teacher, or any combination of
those gifts, but they are not apostles - and there is no such thing as
a "missionary" in the Word of Elohim!
My heart is with those who sincerely desire to go out and preach the
Gospel of Yahshuah - and many do. My heart is with those who humbly
walk in the power and authority of
Elohim - and some do. My heart and prayers are with those who understand
their calling, imitate the apostles of the first century, and truly make
disciples - and allow those disciples to assemble
and worship as they are meant. Thank Elohim, a few do. But there are
also false apostles, and we are to be aware of their presence as well
(2Corinthians 11:13; Revelation 2:2).
An apostle, like Paul, Barnabas, John, Peter, Andronicus, Junias and
Epaphroditus, is one willing to surrender everything in their quest to
administer the mysteries of Elohim;
willing to go wherever and whenever the Master directs them and willing to
leave again when their work is complete. An apostle desires to utilize
every tool, every gift at their disposal, in order to promote the Gospel
of Yahshuah. The gift has never died, Mathetes, and it will be
witnessed around the world once again by faithful servants and disciples
of Yahshuah our Messiah and Master.
We need to pray that the children of Elohim, who have been deceived, will repent
and humble themselves before their King. We need to pray that Elohim will
anoint His children with power again, so they will fulfill their life
purpose, and bring home the abundant harvest of Elohim. And we need to pray
that the children born to the family of Elohim through the work of His
apostles, will themselves also be anointed, discipled, empowered and
permitted to worship and work properly.
This gift is not dead, Mathetes. Praise Elohim!
EVANGELIST [tc]:
In the sequential placement of the Books of the New Testament, we find
the first person referred to as an evangelist in Acts 21:8, where Paul
and Luke spent time with, "Philip the evangelist, who was one of
the Seven." Thank Elohim for His inclusion of this verse, because
Philip is a perfect example of an evangelist, and from Philip's life we
are going to learn a great deal.
In the Greek, the word used in Acts 21:8 for evangelist is, EUAGGELIZO,
and it means: An announcer of glad tidings; a proclaimer of good news.
The plural form of the word is in Ephesians 4:11 where Paul tells us
that Elohim gave some "as evangelists", and it means the same
thing. So then, by definition, evangelists are: "Announcers of glad
tidings. Proclaimers of good news."
Let's take a look at Philip, therefore,
and understand what an announcer of glad tidings is really like. We
first find Philip mentioned in Acts 6 as, "One of the Seven".
Here's the set-up: The apostles were being distracted from prayer and
the ministry of the Word (Acts 6:2,4), because the Greek speaking Jewish
widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food (Acts 6:1).
The Twelve summoned the congregation, with a charge that they select
from among themselves, seven brethren, "men of good reputation,
full of the Ruach ha Qodesh and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this
task" (Acts 6:2-3). Stephen, who became
the first martyr, and Philip, who is recognized by Paul as an
evangelist, were among the seven chosen. [Philip the evangelist was also an administrator and a
server - a deacon]. He certainly was a disciple (Acts 6:1). See how the
gifts are assorted and varied?
After Stephen's martyrdom, we again pick up Philip in Acts 8, where we
are told, "Philip went down to the city of Samaria and began
proclaiming Mashiach to them" (v 8:5). An interesting twist is added
to this evangelism stuff in the following verses though, (v 8:6-7), because
there we are told, "The multitude with one accord were giving
attention to what was said by Philip, as they heard and saw the signs
which he was performing. For in the case of many who had unclean
spirits, they were coming out of them shouting with a loud voice; and
many who had been paralyzed and lame were healed". Remember the
battle cry, power and
proclamation? Here it is again! Philip the evangelist, the
administrator-server, is also anointed with "effecting of
miracles". WOW!
Acts 8:14-16 are interesting verses also, Mathetes, because even though
Philip was proclaiming the Word, and people were believing and being
baptized, the apostles Peter and John had to come to Samaria in order to
pray, "that they might receive the Ruach ha Qodesh". The entire
body must function properly, each member doing their individual part, in
order for the anointing of the Ruach ha Qodesh to be complete. This passage
offers evidence of this fact.
I have often wondered though, why Philip, obviously "full of the Ruach ha Qodesh", did not lay hands upon these newborn converts so that
they might receive the Ruach ha Qodesh. My only conclusion is that: This was
Samaria, land of the dreaded outcasts; the ones whom the Jews would not
even speak with. Peter had to go to Cornelius (Acts 10) in order for Elohim
to show that the "heathen nations" were to be among Elohim's
children, and he and John had to go to Samaria in order to be convinced
that the Samaritans were to be included as well. I do not think Philip
was unable to impart the Ruach ha Qodesh; I think he was restricted, for
Peter and John's sake, as well as for the sake of the Ekklesia as a whole.
Nevertheless, we pick up Philip again in Acts 8:26-40, where, "An
angel of the Master spoke to Philip saying, 'Arise and go south to the
road that descends from Jerusalem to Gaza'... And he arose and
went". As Philip went along the road, he came upon an Ethiopian
eunuch reading from the Book of Isaiah the Prophet. After a short
discourse, Philip convinced the Ethiopian that Yahshuah was the Messiah,
of whom
Isaiah had prophesied. The Ethiopian was converted and Philip baptized
him.
In the accounting of Philip in Acts 8, Elohim has given us a snapshot of an
evangelist - And what an accounting it is. Whether proclaiming Yahshuah to cities or to individuals, the evangelist wins souls. It did
not matter how large or how small the crowd was, the evangelist followed
the guidance given him, and sought for the lost. Whether proclaiming to
cities or individuals, the evangelist also followed the law of power and
proclamation and used every gift the Ruach ha Qodesh had given him to
convince and convict an otherwise dying world.
Philip was an evangelist, but he used his other gifts to enhance his
primary calling. Acknowledged as one being "full of the Ruach ha Qodesh
and wisdom", Philip wisely learned and wisely applied. The EKKLESIA
needs to follow his example.
The gift of the evangelist, while exceptionally burdened for the
unsaved, is actually a gift of communication to the children of Elohim. The
evangelist will proclaim and announce the good news, the Gospel of Yahshuah, in such a way that the listeners will be convicted of their sin
and their spiritual need for Elohim. (The children will hear). The
evangelist will preach Yahshuah in such a way that all of the doubt,
confusion and deceit that has been cast regarding the Messiah, will be
removed. Through the words of an evangelist, many people will see Yahshuah
in His glory. Evangelist's
are more itinerant than apostle's though, because the apostle remains
long enough to train and disciple, whereas the evangelist proclaims and
departs - leaving the discipleship process to other brethren who are
gifted for such things.
Souls are panting for Elohim throughout the world (Psalms 42), Mathetes,
and there is a famine for hearing the Full and True Word of YAHUAH
(Amos 8:11). The
faithful envoy of Yahshuah will bring restoration and healing to these
souls though (Proverbs 13:17), but just like the prophet who does not
proclaim the message given to him, the evangelist who does not proclaim
the message of the Gospel will be burdened in sorrow (Psalms 39),
and they will be accountable for the blood of the lost (Ezekiel
3:17-21).
While
many evangelists around the world have done some tremendous work,
there remains the fact that the gift has been tremendously
diluted. The huge rallies taking place today are touching lives, to be
certain, but the example given to us by Yahshuah, by the apostles and by
the evangelists of the first century, present a panorama of both large
and small gatherings, where the power of Elohim accompanies the
proclamation of His Word. If you consider Yahshuah, (Mark 2:15-17 for
instance), you can recognize His evangelistic efforts in intimate
settings, while The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), and the two
occasions where he fed the masses (Matthew 14:13-21, 15:32-39), are
indicative of His larger endeavors.
The large evangelistic associations that have propagated throughout
the world, have distracted the EKKLESIA'S attention from the smaller
gatherings, and from the independent evangelist standing on the street
corner proclaiming the message of salvation. We tend to think in the
hundreds of thousands, where, "there is joy in the presence of the
angels of Elohim over one sinner who repents" (Luke 15:10). Because so
much attention, and money, is focused on the large organizations though,
many of the individual evangelists are impoverished. We must get past
the "bigger is better" mentality, however, and concentrate on
the individual again.
The truth to this is where Yahshuah directed the disciples to "Gather
up the leftover fragments that nothing may be lost" (John 6:12). I
believe Yahshuah was speaking literally and spiritually here - speaking of
stewardship, but also speaking of the importance of each soul. As we
approach the last days we must seek for every fragment; each and every lost soul. Every evangelist is needed, now!
And, every worker is needed to teach, heal, pastor, disciple and prepare
those who are going to be touched by the grace of Elohim, through His
evangelists.
"How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good
news, who announces peace and brings good news of happiness, who
announces salvation, and says to Zion, 'Your Elohim reigns!'" (Isaiah
52:7). While this passage speaks to the evangelist, it also speaks to
each and every Child of Elohim, who in their own way, proclaim Yahshuah as
Master and Messiah to a dying world. Elohim determines who hears (Acts
16:13-14), our responsibility is, "to be ready to make a defense to
everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in
you" (1 Peter 3:15-16). We do not peddle the Word of Elohim. We
proclaim Yahshuah in love, peace, gentleness and mercy.
The verse from Isaiah 52 declares a loveliness in Elohim's sight toward
every child who proclaims Him, and the passage from 1 Peter 3 tells us
that we are all to be prepared to give an account. The primary
difference between an Evangelist and those not blessed with this gift,
however, is the speed in which an evangelist can convict a sinner, the
determination with which an evangelist will proclaim his message, and
the length to which an evangelist will travel - as moved by the Ruach of
Elohim - to announce the glad tidings. Where those who do not possess this gift
may take a lifetime of testimony to touch another soul, an Evangelist
can sit with a person for a very short time, and by the grace of Elohim,
know exactly what that person needs to hear - in order to convict and
convince.
What a wonder and joy it will be to see the children of Elohim working in
accordance with the law of power and proclamation again. If you are
gifted as an evangelist, let your EKKLESIA know. Their support of your
gift is of monumental importance. Every gift will have to be utilized to
tend the wounds of society, and every talent of the surgical team must
be in place before the fat is cut away. Otherwise the patient, mankind,
will die.
PASTOR [tc]:
It never occurred to me, when I was telling you
what the Master had shown me about Jacob
- the deceiving church, and Israel
- the EKKLESIA, that the fullness and truth of the matter was
going to come together under the gift of the pastor. I realize that much
has been said about the errors in the EKKLESIA, and how the children of
Elohim must "come out" of the religious institutions; come out
from Babylon, but I did not know how
Elohim was going to lead me in pulling this
together. As I have given thought to the gift of a pastor though, and as
I have been taught the fullness of this gift, it all began to make
tremendous sense. Without a shepherd, the flock scatters (Matthew 26:31)
and becomes distressed and downcast (Matthew 9:36). The prophesies of
Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel, regarding faithless Israel and deceiving
Jacob, all come together here under the gift of the pastor, because it is
the pastor who is entrusted with leading the flock. It is the pastor who
determines the stripes of deception and faithfulness, or the purity and
faithfulness, of the flock
(Genesis 30:25-43) and this truth has been ignored for too long!
The Greek word used by Paul in Ephesians 4:11, where the gift of pastor is
introduced, is POIMEN, and POIMEN
speaks of: a shepherd, one who generally cares for the flock. Some other
Greek words of interest are: POIMAINO,
which means, to shepherd or tend; and POIMNE
and POIMNION which refer to, a flock and
the flock.
There is an interesting note about POIMNE and POIMNION
in the New Testament though, because the word FLOCK is only used in the
singular. In the Old Testament, there were flocks everywhere (Check out
Abraham and Lot, Genesis 13, for example), but the New Testament speaks
only about "a flock", or "the flock", and the
reference is usually to His flock - the EKKLESIA. Regardless of how many
shepherds there are, there is only one flock, and that flock belongs to Yahshuah. This is fundamental to understanding the role of a
faithful pastor, Mathetes, because the pastor anointed by Elohim will
always be faithful to Yahshuah (John 10:1-3), and will always direct the
sheep back to the Great Shepherd, Himself. Faithful pastors know that
they are under shepherds.
Let me explain how I see the John 10:1-3 passage applying to pastors:
 Yahshuah
said, "Truly, truly,
I say to you, he who does not enter by the door into the fold of
the sheep, but climbs up some other way, he is a thief and a
robber. But he who enters by the door is a shepherd of the sheep.
To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice,
and he calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out." Then,
in John 10:7, Yahshuah said, "I am the door."
 First He
said, "He who does not enter by the door...Is a thief and a
robber" (John 10:1). Then He added, "I am the door" (John
10:7).
Paraphrased: "He who does not come, in Me, is a thief and a
robber."
He said,
"He who enters by the door is a shepherd of the sheep" (John
10:2). Then He added, "I am the door" (John 10:7).
Paraphrased: "He who enters, in Me, (if they know Me, love Me, follow
the example I gave as the Great Shepherd; if they pass the test,
because we are always testing the spirits), then they are sent by Me,
and are under shepherds of MY sheep."
Let's look further: In Luke 2:8-20 we find a photograph of what a
true shepherd really is. We are told that shepherds constantly keep
watch over their flock (v 2:8), they seek and follow the Master (v
2:15-16), they proclaim the good news (v 2:17-18), they glorify and
praise Elohim (v 2:20) and if they see or hear anything of and from the Master, they teach and proclaim it (v 2:20).
The true under shepherd, anointed by Elohim with this gift, has immense
responsibilities, and the accompanying gifts that support this primary
calling are magnificent. The under shepherd's responsibility to the flock
includes: feeding (Exodus 3:1), leading (Numbers 27:17; 1 Chronicles
11:2) and guarding (1 Peter 2:25), which necessitate that a pastor be
gifted as a teacher, administrator, leader, and discerner of spirits.
An under shepherd, called by Elohim, must be able to teach about Elohim (Mark 6:34; 2
Timothy 4:1-4), but Elohim never said that every pastor would be a great
expositor. What Elohim did say though, is that an under shepherd in the EKKLESIA
must be able to teach Yahshuah to the lost sheep, because
lost sheep are the wayward children of Elohim. The lost sheep are wandering
souls who are lost in sin and error, and the true under shepherd seeks for the
lost, in order to bring them back to Elohim's fold. Therefore, a pastor
must have the ability to reach the prodigal children of Elohim, and have a
desire to teach the fullness of Yahshuah to these children. Where a hireling seeks to
make converts, an under shepherd makes disciples. Where a hireling seeks the
tithe of the convert, an under shepherd seeks gain to the lamb's account.
A faithful pastor is able to lead the flock under the Headship of Yahshuah,
but there is not very much true leading happening today. When we look at
the service gifts, you will understand true
spiritual leadership and authority. For now though, permit me to simply
say that the hirelings overseeing the religious institutions, are more
interested in lording their position over the flock than in truly
leading and feeding the flock. A true leader makes certain that each
lamb is fed and protected, and this is not happening within Babylon
today.
Applied spiritually, feeding and protecting the flock means that a true leader will impart
knowledge, in order to prepare the flock for spiritual battle. A true
leader does not perform every function, but delegates authority to those
able. A true leader teaches those under him in such a way that they grow
and excel. A hireling, on the other hand, is more interested in programs
and preaching. A hireling wants the dirty work to be done by servers, so
he is free to do "more important tasks". While the under shepherd
goes down into the pit to find a lost sheep, the hireling neglects the
feeding and leading of the sheep already in his charge, and seeks only
for the gain to be realized through growth....
The man called to tend the flock guards over his flock, and is even
prepared to die for those entrusted to him. A hireling will run away at
the first signs of danger (John 10:11-13).
Spiritually, this guarding of the flock
is an amazing role, too. In Matthew 25:32, Yahshuah said the shepherd
separates the sheep (PROBOTON), from the
goats. PROBOTON is the Greek word from
which we get, probation, and probation means to be under the care of.
The flock is supposed to be under the care of the under shepherd. On the other
hand, a goat represents the wicked.
What Yahshuah was telling us in Matthew 25, was that
His under shepherd's must be able to distinguish between the spirits in order to
separate the chosen ones from the wicked. A hireling in today's
institutions will promote mass mailings and telemarketing schemes in
order to grow his congregation (part of manipulation - which I will
discuss momentarily), without regard to sheep or goats. The true under shepherd,
however, will carefully watch over the flock, to make
certain that no evil, no wicked, get in.
Additionally, the hireling will count, register and dominate, while the
true under shepherd will have no claim of ownership, and will display genuine
concern for those entrusted in his care. The under shepherd of Elohim knows his sheep, and
his sheep know him (John 10:14), but the hireling knows those who tithe,
recognizes those who surrender their time to him, and acknowledges
everybody else on Sunday mornings with a perfunctory handshake.
Where the hireling does not encourage use of the gifts, because their
full use would distract from his show, the true under shepherd knows his sheep
personally, cares about them and for them, and knows which gifts are
possessed by each member of the flock. A responsible under shepherd treasures
and cares for those under his watch, knowing and appreciating their
value, and wisely directs those in need to those so blessed.
The under shepherds of Elohim's flock oversee,
"according to the will of Elohim; and not for sordid gain, but with
eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but
proving to be examples to the flock" (1 Peter 5:2-3). The hireling
does just the opposite. Jacob, representative of the deceiving
church, was a hireling, and the entire accounting of Jacob in Genesis
29-31, is one of a hireling, albeit sanctioned and supported by Elohim. He
worked a total of fourteen years for possession of his wives, and
another six years for the possession of his flocks (Genesis 31:41). The
last six years are the focus of our attention at this time:
In Genesis 30:25-43, we are given an accounting of how Jacob manipulated
the flocks for his own advantage. While some say this proved Jacob to be
a shrewd administrator, I propose we view the entire passage
spiritually, and recognize it instead for the self-serving device it
was. The New Testament teaching regarding the master and slave, employer
and employee, all dictate honesty, integrity and sincerity - even when
the slaves are treated harshly (Colossians 3:22-4:1).
Jacob did not work, "as unto YAHUAH" in his dealings with
Laban, and whether Laban changed the wages ten times or a hundred times,
Jacob worked, "as unto self". Jude 12-16 speaks to the
hireling as well, and pointedly implies that the rebellious ones (the
sin of Korah, who spoke against Moses, the anointed one of Elohim),
"speak arrogantly, flattering people for the sake of gaining an
advantage."
While Isaiah 48 and 58 speak directly to Jacob, Ezekiel 34 is a prophecy
against the deceiving shepherds of Israel; the false shepherds who have crept in
to destroy. Listen to the Word of Elohim:
"Woe, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding themselves! Should
not the shepherds feed the flock?" (Ezekiel 34:2). "Those who
are sickly you have not strengthened, the diseased you have not healed,
the broken you have not bound up, the scattered you have not brought
back, nor have you sought for the lost; but with force and with severity
you have dominated them" (Ezekiel 34:4). "'As I live,'
declares YAHUAH Elohim, 'Surely because My flock has become a prey, My
flock has even become food for all the beasts of the field for lack of a
shepherd, and My shepherds did not search for My flock, but rather the
shepherds fed themselves and did not feed My flock; therefore, you
shepherds, hear the word of YAHUAH: 'Thus says YAHUAH
Elohim,
"Behold, I am against the shepherds, and I shall demand My sheep
from them and make them cease from feeding sheep. So the shepherds will
not feed themselves anymore, but I shall deliver My flock from their
mouth, that they may not be food for them" ' ' " (Ezekiel
34:8-10).
The prophecies of Ezekiel speak to the Nicolaitans
of Revelation 2, who suppress, neglect and dominate the flock of Yahshuah.
And
the prophecies address those hirelings who are more concerned with their
personal well-being, gain and satisfaction, than with the well-being of
the flock of Yahshuah. The prophecies of Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel
speak directly to "treacherous Judah", "faithless
Israel" (Jeremiah 3) and "deceptive, lying and manipulative
Jacob" (Genesis 27,28 and 30). We must heed the message and
warnings of Elohim.
In Acts 20:17-35, the role of
an under shepherd is tied directly to the office of an overseer, and in
Titus 1:5-9 we learn that an overseer must be an elder. The word
elder, PRESBUTEROS, as presented throughout
the New Testament, and acknowledged in both Jewish and 'Christian'
tradition, is a title of dignity and respect. PRESBUTEROS
itself means, an old man, a senior. It is important that you remember
though, that spiritually, an elder is one who is mature in faith, and
has nothing to do with age (Timothy is a perfect example).
The overseer, EPISKOPOS, therefore, is an
officer in the local assembly with authority and duties. The presbyter,
elder, denotes dignity; the EPISKOPOS,
overseer, denotes the authority, duties and responsibilities of the
office. The words speak about the same person - one referring to the
title, the other speaking of performance.
The duties of an overseer, then, as we have already seen, include administrations,
leading, authority,
evangelism, discernment
and teaching, to varying degrees, and in light of
what we have been told about overseers, the position is restricted to
men (1 Timothy 2:12-15, 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). If the under shepherd /
pastor gift
is tied directly to the office of an overseer, and an overseer must be a
man, the gift of pastor can only be given to men.
The series of letters on reconciliation covered
much ground in the area of gender. My sisters in the EKKLESIA, and women
in general, must recognize, however, that many restrictions are in place
because we chose to submit to Satan's
kingdom. We chose to sin. The duties of the helpmate
are monumental, but pastor, teacher and overseer, with authority over
adult men, are not among those duties (1 Timothy 2:12). In Acts 20:29 the
EKKLESIA is warned about the wolves who will, "come in among
you," and the false teachings in the religious institutions today,
which include ordination of female pastors, are a direct link to those
wolves and to the warnings of Elohim. Spiritual laws exist, and we must
faithfully bow to the authority of Elohim. Once again, Mathetes, the key
word to a submissive, understanding and faithful walk with Yahshuah is,
humility, and I pray the letters on reconciliation will shed light upon
the magnificent call given to women in the EKKLESIA.
The EKKLESIA needs under shepherds who will be faithful to the commands
of Elohim, and the flock must provide for their under shepherd (1 Corinthians
9:7). I personally know of pastors of large congregations, however, who
earn salaries that are three or four times greater than the average
salaries of their flock. I do not believe that this is proper! The
worker is worthy of his wage, but fleecing the flock for personal gain
is oppressive and self-serving. In our letter about the Assembly
of the Ekklesia I spoke of multi-million dollar pastoral staff budgets. The
under shepherd of Elohim's
flock will earn a fair and reasonable wage, but the excesses evidenced
within Babylon today cannot be tolerated within the EKKLESIA.
We are responsible for the care of the shepherd, as well as the care of
the apostles, evangelists, and any others whom we determine, in the Ruach ha Qodesh, are to be set apart and sent out.
The pastor of the flock, who is dedicated to Yahshuah, will prepare,
promote and protect the lambs of Elohim. He will teach the fullness of the
good news in Yahshuah, and make certain every lamb is prepared,
spiritually, for the battle that is
raging about us. He will teach every
lamb in the proper use of their spiritual gifts, so that the entire flock,
the entire body, is growing and fruitful. He will make certain that the
wicked stay outside, bringing only the faithful into the fold;
protecting each lamb from being attacked - even at the expense of his
own life. The pastor of the flock who comes "In Yahshuah" will
represent Yahshuah, as Yahshuah represented the Father. He will disciple, and
send them out two by two. Elohim bless the faithful under shepherd's!
TEACHER [tc]:
"Let not many become teachers, knowing that as such we shall incur
a stricter judgment" (James 3:1). While the truth of Psalm 39
speaks to the sorrow of misuse and non-use of every gift, I do not know
of any other gift that carries a warning like the one issued in James 3.
The prophet, evangelist and apostle will certainly have increased sorrow
if they do not speak, and the false prophet certainly is doomed, indeed,
but this verse speaks specifically to the teachers - both good and evil.
For this reason, I advise anyone who believes they are gifted as a
teacher, to solemnly pray and fast over their calling. I also suggest
that they confirm this gift with their pastor and other teachers, and
then, if they are convinced that Elohim has anointed their calling, I
advise them to TEACH!
In the Greek, the word for teach is DIDASKO,
and a DIDASKALOS, teacher, is a mind
bender, a mind shaper.
Imagine being so gifted that one can shape the mind of another! Imagine
the responsibility! Imagine the opportunity for abuse! This is an
exciting gift, Mathetes, but this gift, above all the spirits, should be
tested most by disciples. While
failings in some of the other gifts are obvious, especially after a
short period of exposure, the teacher is different. A mind shaper can
become a mind manipulator in subtle, insidious, shifts. One word or
phrase can change the entire meaning of a teaching, and the disciple
must be alert, testing every spirit.
I recently had occasion to write yet another
letter to a pastor regarding his teaching on, of all things, "The Lord's
Supper". (By the way, we should eliminate that phrase
completely from our vocabulary, and we should refer to this most
wonderful act in the fullness of what it really is, "Partaking of
the Body and the Blood of Yahshuah our Messiah)...
Nevertheless, some time ago, we were attending a Thanksgiving Eve worship service,
where "The Lord's Supper" was to be served. Everything moved along
smoothly until the pastor began to pray over the bread, the symbolic
body of Yahshuah. As he prayed, he quoted Isaiah 53:5, which says,
"By His scourging we are healed", and then he said, "As
you partake of this bread, claim whatever physical healing is needed for
your bodies today, because, 'By His scourging we are healed,' and this
is for us to claim today."
I was livid! For the first time in my walk with the Master, I was unable
to partake of the Body and the Blood of Yahshuah our Messiah, because a false teaching had been
introduced. This is like eating meat sacrificed to idols. The logic of
this man's (and denomination's) teaching is permeating the institutions, and the promise of
Isaiah 53:12 that, "He will divide the booty with the strong"
falls right in line with these false concepts. Elohim is denouncing these
false teachings, however, and the teachers shall indeed incur a stricter
judgment.
The partaking of the Body and the Blood of Yahshuah our Messiah is just
that - a remembrance partaking of the symbols of His Body
and His Blood. And, in remembrance of His sacrifice on our behalf,
we are to be offering the highest act of thanks for the greatest gift
received. This is food for our souls, beloved, and to imply that
physical healing and prosperity are to be appropriated by the
"believing partakers", is to distract from the true meaning of
the act itself. Instead of joyful, repentant thankfulness, the partakers
are left petitioning for a healing - questioning their faith when no
healing happens. What garbage!
The man involved was "astonished by such an astute theological
presentation", but he never recanted his teaching. What is
astonishing to me though, is that hundreds of thousands of professing 'Christians' are listening to teachings like this, and sucking up the hype
without batting an eye, or cracking open a Bible.
The teacher anointed by Elohim, will follow the instructions and leading of
Elohim with regard to what they teach (1 Timothy 6:1-2,17-19; Titus 2:1-15).
Everything taught will be based on Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17), making
it verifiable by the brethren. My first letter to you stressed the verification
process, Mathetes, and I sincerely pray you are abiding by our
agreement. When I have offered you a speculative thought, I have given
you the passages that support the thought. I have not only
insisted that you check me out, but have provided everything I could to
show you how I arrived at my conclusions - so you can check me out. The
false teachers will manipulate the Word of Elohim to their advantage,
however, such
as was done in using the Isaiah 53:5 verse, and will deny those passages
which refute their conclusions. Whether in reproving or exhortation,
therefore, the teacher will speak forth the Word of Elohim with boldness
(Acts 4:31).
The teacher gifted by Elohim is to be appreciated, esteemed (1
Thessalonians
5:12-13), and upheld financially by the EKKLESIA. The financial support of
a teacher usually occurs when the gift is such that a full-time ministry
is developed or developing. The EKKLESIA can do whatever it is led to,
however, within the boundaries of good stewardship, and we should not
restrict the moving of the Ruach ha Qodesh. Elders and overseers can often
be blessed with this gift, but this is not meant to restrict other
brethren from teaching as well.
The teacher is an exhorter and
reprover (Titus 2:9-13), who is to attend to and pay close attention to
others within the flock (1 Timothy 4:13-16). And a teacher will maintain
his principles without bias (1 Timothy 5:21). These passages affirm the
potential duplicity of the pastor/teacher gifts, without distracting
from the duties of either gift. Teachers will fully use the gifts
bestowed on them while maintaining a constant focus on the Mastership of
Yahshuah. The teachings offered by the DIDASKALOS
though, will always be centered in the Word of Elohim, and will always seek
the glory of the One who sent them (John 7:17-18).
While women are permitted to teach
other women, young girls and young boys, they are not permitted to teach
adult men (1 Timothy 2:12-15). The responsibility of older women to teach
younger women is vital within the EKKLESIA though (Titus
2:3-5). Direction for children can come from teens and young adults,
while teens are taught by those in their twenties, and by newlyweds. The
progression proceeds upward throughout the body, because the gifts of
the Ruach ha Qodesh are not restricted by age. We
must permit every member of the body to exercise their gifts, but this
truth not withstanding - Elohim's spiritual law prohibits women from
teaching spiritual matters to adult men.
We must abide within the confines of that law.
The breakup of the family in society,
and the transitory nature of people today, have caused a monumental tear
in the fabric of education. Senior members of families are no longer
available to teach the children, and tremendous wisdom is being lost.
The EKKLESIA must insure that this wisdom and knowledge is imparted, and
the teachers, both men and women, will mostly be burdened with this
task. We must listen to them as they speak out.
Inasmuch as Elohim is The Teacher, a formal degree should never be a
qualification to teach the Word of Elohim. Peter and John were unschooled,
ordinary men, (Acts 4:13), yet their knowledge, wisdom, understanding
and insight transcended worldly training. Elohim works the same today as He
did two thousand years ago, and we must acknowledge that His ability to
enable His children to teach remains constant.
There is a famine in the world for the Word of Elohim, Mathetes, and that
famine will worsen until the EKKLESIA begins to function as a
complete unit. The harvest is coming though, and so is the glorious
return of Yahshuah. In preparation of these things, therefore, it is
imperative that we begin to work in the fullness of Elohim's power once
again. Yahshuah deserves much, much more from His disciples than He
has been receiving, and this word of repentance must be proclaimed.
Regardless of the gift, or the proportion of our faith,
Yahshuah desires the obedient application of our effort on His behalf.
Our Creator, Messiah and Master loves us, Mathetes, and His thoughts of us are
more numerous than the sand. Works have been
prepared beforehand, for each and every one of us, and it is of
monumental importance that those works be completed. But, the use of our
gifts, and the works themselves, must never replace or confuse our
relationship with Yahshuah. Search your heart, my friend, and
recognize the indwelling Ruach ha Qodesh.
Upon discovery of His presence, realize that He has gifted you with
talents and abilities. While our focus must never be on the gifts,
because our focus must remain on the person of Yahshuah, we have
been given these gifts in order to glorify Him.
The Ruach ha Qodesh, in bestowing gifts, comes as a gift and messenger
Himself. He comes as our comforter from Elohim, and does not desire any
attention for Himself. He seeks only for the glory of Elohim through Yahshuah: period! If a miracle or sign occurs without a proclamation of
Yahshuah as Master and Messiah, beware! Beware of the message and the
messenger. Beware of those who proclaim that only their selection of
gifts remain, and beware of those who would abuse the name of Yahshuah. The gifts of the
Ruach ha Qodesh are to be used for the glory of Elohim; the indwelling Ruach ha Qodesh
will command that recognition from the
child of Elohim. Satan has no such requirement.
Rejoice in the knowledge that Yahshuah loves you. Rejoice in the knowledge
that Yahshuah actually wants your involvement in His plan of salvation. As
Paul, Peter, John, Philip, Barnabas, Stephen and the rest of the first
century saints were used by Elohim to take His Word to the world, in power,
Elohim desires to use us in this day and age for the same purpose. Rejoice in
the company of witnesses that go before us, who now prayerfully support
our work for the glory of the same Master and Elohim, and rejoice in your
tribulation on behalf of The One who loves you. Our day of rest shall
come, but until that day, we must do the works prepared for us. Rejoice
in your labor, and toil in faith, Mathetes, because therein lies untold
joy and peace.
I remain faithfully your brother in Yahshuah our Messiah and Master,
larry vosen
Topical concordance:
Apostleship:
New Testament: Luke 9:1-5, 10:1-24, 11:45-52; Acts 1:15-25, 10(all),
13:1-3, 14:14,21-23, 15:1-29; Romans 1:1-7, 16:7; 1 Corinthians 9:1-2,
12:28-31, 15:9; 2 Corinthians 8:16-24, 11:13, 12:12; Galatians 2:8, 2:11; Ephesians
2:20, 4:11-16; Philippians 2:25, 4:18; 1 Thessalonians 2:5-7; 1 Timothy
2:7; 2 Timothy 1:11; Hebrews 3:1; Revelation 2:2.
Evangelist:
Old Testament: Exodus 3:4; Psalms 39(all), 42(all), 43(all), 67(all),
107(all); Proverbs 13:17; Isaiah 52:7; Ezekiel 3:17-21; Amos 8:11.
New Testament: Matthew 5-7(all), 12:30, 13:3-9, 13:18-23, 14:13-21,
15:32-39, 18:12-14, 28:18-20; Mark 2:15-17; Luke 10:2; John 4:34-38,
6:1-14, 9:4-5, 21:10; Acts 4:31, 6:1-4, 8(all), 13:2-3, 16:13-14,
17:17, 18:24-26, 21:8, 24:12; Romans 1:5, 10:14-15; Colossians 1:28-29,
2:28-29, 4:5-6; 1 Thessalonians 2:3-8; 2 Timothy 1:8-11, 4:5; Hebrews 12:15; 1
Peter
3:15-16; 1 John 4:4-6; Revelation 7:1-8, 11(all), 14:6-8.
Pastor:
Old Testament: Genesis 4:2, 30:31-36; Exodus 3:1; Numbers 27:17;
2 Samuel 5:2; 1 Chronicles 11:2; Isaiah (all), 17:4-6, 48(all), 58(all); Jeremiah
(all) 3:6-19; Ezekiel (all) 34(all); Micah 7:14.
New Testament: Matthew 9:36, 24:24-51, 25:32, 26:31; Mark 6:34; Luke
2:8-20,
12:32; John 10:2-16, 21:15-17; Acts 14:23, 20:17-35; 1 Corinthians 9:7; Ephesians
4:11; 1 Timothy 2:12-15, 3:1-7, 4:14, 5:17-20; 2 Timothy 4:1-4; Titus
1:5-9; Hebrews 13:20; James 5:14-16; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Jude 1:12-16; Revelation
2:27, 7:17,
12:5, 19:15.
Teacher:
Old Testament: Psalms 39; Amos 8:11.
New Testament: Matthew 24:45-51; John 7:17-18; Acts 4:13,31, 8:30-31,
18:24-26; Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:6-8; Ephesians 4:11; 1 Thessalonians
5:12-13; 1 Timothy 2:12-15, 4:13-16, 5:17,21, 6:1-2,17-19; 2 Timothy 2:2, 3:16-17;
Titus 2:1-15, 3:8; James 3:1.
Copyright © 1996-2007, Central Point, OR |