And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. Acts 10:25-26
How often is this scene repeated in the church today? It seems to be all too common. Christians today have a bad habit of falling at the feet of celebrity preachers and giving them the worship that is rightly due God alone. Unfortunately most of these Christian celebrities simply accept the accolades for themselves instead of ordering the adoring masses to “stand up; (for) I myself also am a man” as Peter did.
I was reminded of this phenomenon during the recent flap over Billy Graham’s comments at his New York Crusade. Graham honored Bill and Hillary Clinton of all people with seats on the platform and kind comments proclaiming them a “wonderful couple” and adding that perhaps Bill should be “an evangelist” and let his wife “run the country”.
A great many Christian’s expressed shock, outrage, or amazement at Graham’s comments. For anyone who has listened to Graham for any length of time none of this should have been a surprise. He has a long history of using flattery to ingratiate him self to those in power. Anyone remember the Nixon tapes in which Billy Graham was heard to say how “the Jews” were ruining the country?
Anyway this isn’t really about Billy Graham but it is about the sin of idolatry that is rampant in today’s apostate religious system.
The first instinct of many Christians when told of Grahams comments was to make excuses or to try and explain what he really meant. Some blamed it on Grahams advanced age and senility. Some excused it by saying he was just making a joke. Some even claimed it was the “Christian” thing to do.
What is it that allows people to ignore false doctrine and apostate leaders when they slap us right in the face? Could it be that we have placed these leaders onto a pedestal? Could it be that these leaders, by accepting that exalted position have made themselves unaccountable and subject to deep deception?
Paul confronted this problem in
For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? 1Cor 3:3-4
Do we not see the same thing in the church today? And is this not a sign of our lack of maturity in the things of God? Of course it is.
Paul wanted to make it clear right up front that while God uses men to advance His kingdom, the men themselves are nothing because it is God who gives the increase. Let me say that again, those who minister the gospel (and this includes me) are nothing. We have no business exalting ourselves nor should we allow others to sing our praises.
I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. ICor 3:6-7
It is God that gives the increase. If I speak words that bring conviction and cause a man to repent it’s not because of anything special about me. Jesus said no man can come to Him except the Father draw him. It is God who draws men unto Him. It is the Holy Spirit that brings conviction of sin, not me. And just because God uses me to speak those words it doesn’t necessarily place God’s stamp of approval upon my life. Remember, God spoke to a prophet once through a donkey. If God speaks through me, it is because I am at least as useful as that donkey. In fact if God uses me at all it is only because I am weak and foolish to the world.
But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 1Cor 1:27
And why does God use weak and foolish things?
That no flesh should glory in his presence 1Cor 1:29
It is idolatry to give credit and glory to a man when it rightfully belongs to God alone. Many people think that because certain ministers have been used for what appears to be great things upon the earth, these ministers deserve a special level of acclaim. But Jesus said;
But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. Math 23:11
This is just one of many of scriptures that is widely ignored in today’s church. Many church leaders today readily accept the acclaim lavished upon them by their undiscerning congregations. In allowing this they perpetuate the ungodly class system referred to in Revelation as the doctrine of the Nicolaitans.
So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Rev 2;15
This term, found only in this chapter of Revelation is from two Greek words, Nikon meaning to have power over or to destroy, and laites meaning the people. It literally means to have power over the people. This is the system that rules over the entire organized religious system today.
This is the system that allows the “clergy class” to rule over the laity, the regular people. It is a system that says God has a special class of people (the clergy) that is more anointed, more holy, and more able to discern the will of God than you, the regular everyday believer.
Is this how your church is set up? Is there a man at the top of the pyramid known as the Senior Pastor? Does he have a group of underlings or associate pastors serving him? If you’re in a really large church perhaps there is another layer of overlords, a group of lay ministers, Sunday school teachers, or home cell leaders that you subject yourself to. Sounds kind of like a business doesn’t it? President, Vice Presidents, middle managers, chain of command.
But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Math 20:25-27
Jesus modeled this very principal with the disciples. He didn’t rule over them. He served them. He washed their feet. He taught them and prepared them to go forth and proclaim the
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Eph 4:11-12
Do you see what the scripture says? God established the five fold ministry to perfect (equip) the saints (that’s you and me) so that we can do the work of the ministry. Is this what’s happening in the church today. Are you being prepared to go out and do the work of the ministry?
In most cases it’s clear that you’re not. In fact I’ll bet you’re happy to just show up once or twice a week, give your money, and let the pastor do the work of the ministry. Do you see how the church has turned this scripture upside down? Instead of ministers serving you, you serve them. You exalt them and pay them so that you don’t have to go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creatures.
So who’s at fault here? Is it the church leaders who accept the honor that’s due God, who themselves become lords and masters over God’s people. Or is it the laity, you and me, who would rather warm a pew each week than go out and be witnesses unto the death burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ?
Perhaps we’re all at fault. We’ve bought into a system that allows a few to have power over many. This system attracts men who desire power over people. We willingly submit to it because it allows us to feel we’re being spiritual when in reality we’re doing nothing. It is the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, the destruction of the people, Christian idolatry.
If you have ears to hear what the Spirit is saying you must repent of your part in this destructive religious system. Begin today to lay down your life. Understand that you are called to proclaim the gospel to a dieing world. Ask God to prepare you for the task at hand. If your pastor is not preparing you, ask God to be your teacher. Study your Bible for yourself. Don’t just take another mans word (even mine) as the truth. Search the scriptures and discover what part you’re to play in this great adventure. Take up your cross and follow Him.
And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. Rev 18:4
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Steve Lumbley 2005 www.apostasywatch.com
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