Contend For The Faith

It is important that the pastors of the reformation stand firm on the things the apostolic mantle pours into each of the churches. There are severe consequences awaiting them, and the flock, if such things are neglected. I believe that it is within the gift of every true apostle to see the potential and the possible fate of the flocks he has delivered into the hands of pastors and other under-shepherds.

Acts 20:27-29

27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

This is a sad but impending reality. Paul warns of the entrance of wolves into the congregation. Note that he stipulates this will happen after he has departed (died). In other words, he would not allow such a thing to happen during his tenure in their lives.

Acts 20:30

Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

Oftentimes pastors get upset when the apostle speaks concerning their potential for perverseness. But it is our responsibility to point out such as a warning and a demonstration of the love of God. Jesus informed Peter of his imminent denial of Him. Peter did not believe such a thing was possible. Likewise, some pastors do not believe in the ability of the apostolic mantle to reach into the dark regions of their imaginations and see the things incubating there.

It is also true that some leaders do not embrace the reality that the apostle is not only able to pave a ministerial road for them to travel but is also able to see how much of that road is actually traveled by their pastors, teachers, evangelists and even prophets. We are able to see the jump-off points in your walk. These jump-off points are sometimes a mindset that does not find it necessary to be a part of the needed training and development platforms set by the Holy Ghost. These pastors see the leader after the flesh and feel that a call of such meetings and training sessions are just the unction of the leader.

They do not regard the anointing that is sent into such settings and feel that they can learn just as much by getting the videos or books, or that they can avail themselves at some later date. They seem to always be out of place when there is a move of the Spirit that comes to move leaders further inside the mind and heart of God. But then they wonder why they do not have the same sentiments as others who are pastors and overseers of the flock.

Acts 20:30

Of yourselves men shall arise speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after them

Our discerning informs us of the lack of spiritual commitment to the purpose of God in the lives of the flock. Even as Paul, we are able to see that some of those who seem to be loyal to the ministry for a season will eventually be overtaken by their hidden lust for ministry or some other aspiration. At that point they will speak perverse things concerning the ministry, that are designed to draw disciples (saints) away. Away from what? Away from the order of God, the truth that they refused to embrace, and the unity of the faith. Away from all that they themselves once ministered but that has now become a stumbling block for the furtherance of their agendas. And just where will they take them? Paul says the only destination is unto themselves. These need souls to feed their vain images of themselves. Therefore, they prey upon all those who express any form of unrest or offense with the ministry. They use these offenses to justify their own unrighteousness and proceed to build their ministry on offenses and the iniquity of others. Thus, they proceed to embark on a road to disaster.

Acts 20:31

Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

For three years Paul warned them of the impending desolation of their ministry if they did not adhere to his sayings. These are elders Paul is writing to, warning them of allowing their next lines of ministry to be raised with lesser restraints than he held them to. He warns them of the danger of lowering the standard. It will produce a perverse generation that will rise up and split the church, break the order, and make themselves enemies of God.

It is amazing how those who have not only been partakers of the truth, but have themselves ministered or counseled others in it year after year, can think to deny their own spiritual location and that of their comrades.

Truly, they know the lust and iniquity that has lodged itself in their hearts. And those who follow such because of offense know that their true bond is that of iniquity and that the so-called leader could never truly be their God-given pastor. But they continue to lie to themselves and rally in the strength of their iniquities. Paul calls them perverse because they have taken the truth they learned of Christ, laid it aside and fostered a lie out of their wants.

1 Corinthians 3:17

If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy.

You must give an account to God for the things you deposit in the lives of His people.

Acts 20:32

And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

Be sure that you are able to commend the congregation to the Word of God. Allow no foreign light in the church of the Lord. Keep your teaching and your heart pure before the Lord, and you will be able to build Him a holy habitation.

Acts 20:18-26

18 And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons,

19 Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:

20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,

21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:

23 Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.

24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

25 And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. 26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.