Leadership in the Body

Chapter Two

1 Corinthians 15:49

And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. THE NEW MAN: The Image of the Heavenly. This is the profile of a leader whom God has ordained, one who walks in the Spirit of God. Born of the Spirit of God Bears the character attributes of God Self-denying and self-sacrificing Loves mankind enough to lay down his life and livelihood for them Wants nothing from this world: has crucified the flesh with its lusts and affections Does not entangle himself with the affairs or politics of this world Esteems others higher than himself Lives a sinless life: able to glorify God in every situation or relationship LEADERSHIP PROFILES: The following is by observation. It includes some of the things that I have personally seen and heard from leadership in the Body of Christ. I. Authority Worshipers

Hebrews 13:17

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. There are leaders in the Body of Christ who grew up in environments that dictated the necessity of natural achievements in order to be regarded as someone worthwhile. This cultural mindset strives for status through materialistic gain and authority. The pastorate is an acceptable and recognizable position of prestige and authority in such environments. Therefore, to come to Page Break ~ Notes ~ Page Break the position of pastor in ministry is a coveted accomplishment. Definitely it is one to be protected and held on to at any cost. These leaders are authority worshipers. They themselves worship and covet the power that is found in authority, so subsequently they become obsessed with demanding that their authority in ministry be worshiped. One might feel that I am exaggerating the issue with the terminology “authority worshipers.” To justify my stance we must extract the spirit of the words obey and submit in the passage above. When the purpose of God is not the forefront in leadership, the desire of the flesh is.

2 Corinthians 5:17-19

17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

The ministry that was given to us is that of reconciliation. It is the charge of leadership to point the members of the Body to the Father. Regardless of what spiritual state they are found to be in. The test as to whether the heart of leaders toward the people of God is the same as that of the Lord Jesus Christ is when the leadership is offended with or by those whom it leads. If the issue of reconciliation with God is not the purpose of the leader then the offense which the leader suffered at the hands of the member is the issue. Many leaders would rather see the members of the Body of Christ perish than to remove themselves from the offense and do whatever it takes to bring the individual into right standing with God.

Romans 16:17-19

17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.

The authority worshiper’s mind is very legalistic. This legalism robs leaders of mercy and grace. They covet their position as leaders and demand that everyone submit to them regardless as to whether their followers have serious issues regarding the leader’s commitment to righteousness. For the most part, the people of God are looking for evidence of the life of Christ in leadership. That evidence can be found in love, kindness, forbearance and longsuffering, even when members do not deserve it. That is the life of Christ. But when saints find it difficult to see that life in a leader they can become confused, perplexed hostile and yes, even rebellious. Many leaders use the rebellion of the members as a place to hang their hat in justification for their position of alienation. But one thing is certain, saints know when leaders love them and have their best interest at heart. They know when a leader’s heart is for them to grow and serve Christ. They also know when that is not the case. God always has a way of revealing the heart of His leaders. I watched the Lord on one occasion use the offensiveness of membership to reveal the spirit of authority and legalism in leaders whom He had attempted to reach for years. Example: A saint becomes offended with leadership and refuses to fellowship any longer at one of our churches. He or she leaves the church. Now the same ministry (BTI) has an online church, which is available to the world. It is a weekly broadcasting of the services held at headquarters. Now the offended and probably offensive saint ceases to go to any church. In an attempt to retrieve and reconcile the individual to God, I suggested that they become a part of the online church. Now I know that the message I preach is one of righteousness that advocates holiness and love. If I can reconcile that individual to God, I know that they will be moved in their heart to reconcile or ask for forgiveness of any offense they laid in the lives of their pastors. If they have disrespected or dishonored them in some way, the Word is powerful enough to compel repentance. But when one alienates themselves from that Word, it is nearly impossible to come to a place of repentance. When I discerned that nothing at the moment would get that individual back into the fellowship, I reached out with what God had given me, the online church. When these BTI pastors heard that the individual was a part of the online church they became offended with me and anyone else who condoned that particular saint being a part of our church. NOTE: I am in no way condoning the removal of oneself from the local fellowship to be a part of the online church. That is not the way of the Lord. If local fellowship with the pure message of life is available to you then you should be a part of that fellowship. The scripture admonishes us to “forsake not to assemble yourselves together.” Therefore, it is glorifying to God when you submit by humbling yourself to the leadership He sets over you. But let us look at what we really have here. The online church is merely a broadcasting of the services at the Global Training Center. The saints who tune in do nothing more than hear the Word and join in the worship, pay tithes and/or give offerings. However, in a confrontation with the local pastors concerning their offense with me, I asked which is more profitable for purpose; for that saint to float around in hurt, offense, disappointment and iniquity, possibly die and go to hell or for me to reach out and try to get them in a position to hear something that might lead them to repentance? Well, needless to say, I was amazed. They could not move past the fact that the saint was not in submission to them and therefore basically, I should have had nothing to do with the individual. The Lord had set these leaders up to reveal the true disposition of their hearts toward the people of God. This incident is not isolated but is relative to character. Legalism is void of love and mercy. It causes leaders to seek submission to them at any cost. At this point, the authority in the lives of the people of God becomes an idol. A soul becomes expendable if this mandate is not met. Authority worshipers have no vision for the ministry that is in others, unless that ministry profits their personage directly. In other words, they will gladly cater to those who serve their personage or secure their own well-being. However, the moment one becomes desirous of ministry unto God that might glorify God only, then that becomes a problem. Oftentimes, it is not possible for the gifts and calling of the saints to manifest because of the rigid and binding regulations that is placed on them. The authority of the leader becomes an obsession that must be fed. Therefore, every endeavor to bring forth ministry is placed in a vacuum in which the poor saint finds it hard to breathe without the leaders monitoring how deep a breath they take. This is suppression, which is gendered by a spirit of control not apostolic order. The next verses describe the mindset of what is described here:

St.Mark 10:40-44

40 But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared.

41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John.

42 But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.

43 But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:

44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.

II. THE WANTON LEADER The five-fold ministry's are also seen as financial security blankets. They open many doors for financial gain as well as an entrance into a certain society. There are leaders who use their spiritual advantage to beguile the innocent and the not so innocent. Bible Teachers International Ministries is not ashamed of its pursuit of holiness. We have come a long way from where we started. In that time many have sat in services, conferences, shut-ins, discipleship and counseling sessions, learning or ministering the mind of Christ. I can testify that the mind of Christ has certainly been the focal point of this ministry. Nevertheless, many who have heard and witnessed the power of the Word either have been or will be derailed by their foreign mindsets. I have found over the years through much observation and spiritual insight, that there is a seed planted in the soul of men and women who oppose themselves in the Gospel. Many were called to the ministry, but never relinquished their personal ambitions. Paul wrote to Timothy concerning these leaders of the last days.

2 Timothy 3:1-5

1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

Bear in mind that Paul is writing concerning the disposition of the church in the end-time. Perilous times shall come because men will be lovers of themselves. Beloved, these are the last of the last days. Perilous times are upon us. The church is in the midst of an identity crisis. The world is not sure if the church is really the supernatural work of God. Why? Because the world has yet in these last days, to see a body of baptized believers walking in the Spirit long enough to manifest the fullness of the statue of the man Jesus Christ.

St.Matthew 5:13

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

Paul does not bite his tongue in identifying the character of men in the household of faith. Today, tradition has a new set of rules. Leaders are supposed to be courteous to one another; which translates, “Don’t mention my sin and I won’t mention yours.” Thanks be to God BTI is not of that sort. We will identify sin within our walls. Each of our churches will be scoured with the hyssop from above. Sin will not be tolerated nor accommodated. But we will be faithful to expose it for disposal. Look at the character of these charlatans leading the Body of Christ. Those who have stayed under the truth but saw fit to reject it, seeing as how it competes with their own personal agenda and desires, the scripture says, “from such turn away.” Oftentimes after having looked at our track record the Lord knows that we will suffer the disobedience of some in the name of patience and love, but knowing all the while that the individual is not contemplating change. Therefore, the Lord will turn them over to the lust of their own fleshy mind. Their own mind will dictate that they leave the ministry in pursuit of the things that make for pleasure in this world.

2 Timothy 4:3-4

3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. The Path of A Fool

Romans 1:18-22

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

These leaders become proud and demand to be respected in their decision to walk down a path that they know in their heart to be evil and definitely not the will of God. Some insist that the Lord is leading them in their departure from truth. This is a tactic to repel those who are spiritual who would come to bring righteous counsel. Look again at the character of these leaders. They are trucebreakers. That means that much of what they say and commit to is not real. Sooner or later the seed in the heart will be germinated by offense, lust, wantonness or pride. In spite of all the years of ministry I have experienced, it is still a shock to my system when I witness the power of wantonness in those who have sat under this Word for so long!

2 Timothy 3:6-9

6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,

7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.

9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.

Judge yourself for lust and pride because these are powerful weapons against Christ. Leaders whom I know have comprehended and taught this Word are Page Break ~ Notes ~ Page Break now determined to make themselves enemies of the cross. When they speak it is even as if they have not been a part of this ministry at all. They are full of lust and iniquity which has caused them to become “despisers of those who are good” and remain anchored in the truth. They refuse counsel but it is obvious that they realize that what they are doing has unsettled their conscience. Nevertheless, they push past the things they know to be true to pursue the things that cater to their flesh. It is amazing to me how men and woman so versed in things pertaining to God will force themselves to believe that they can reject, deny and walk away from the place and way of truth to pursue their own agendas. Somehow they are going to get God to sanction and bless them, in spite of the fact that they are doing the very things they have preached against for years. Paul said, “For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor Galatians 2:18

. When leaders follow the dictates of the fleshy mind the truth becomes an offense to them. They become so entrenched in their desires until anger and bitterness take root from things that they know are the counsel of the Holy Ghost. For instance, some will become extremely hostile when their peers reveal their ungodly intent and ways to them. Though they know the counsel to be that of truth, they become angry because their evil intent has been exposed by the Holy Ghost to those they fellowship with. But this is the way of the Lord. He instructed those who are spiritual to go in the spirit of meekness to those we see to be overtaken in a fault. But when a man or woman is not ready to come out of sin the response is that of bitterness, which is sometimes hidden until the time of physical departure and broken fellowship. When speaking to the Lord weeks ago concerning this year’s World Conference, He instructed me to “write those things that offend me for they must be removed. They are stumbling blocks to my people.” So I knew long ago the nature of this message. However, since receiving these instructions the Lord has stirred up the things that are in the hearts of those who have never relinquished their secret hopes. He has lifted His restraints and allowed them to go forth to work their plan. As I stated earlier there are those in leadership who see their ministry as having the ability to supply them with a financial security blanket. They lust for the natural things ministry is able to supply. They lust after the money saints willingly give to support their leader. This lust causes them to become greedy and gainsaying. It does not matter that they have for years ministered to others the detriment of such things. The lust is conceived and must be birthed. The plan is set in motion. EXAMPLE #1: THE COVENANT BREAKER A leader is given the liberty to work in all the churches in the reformation. He or she may pastor or even bring in one or two churches into the reformation. When that leader’s eye ceases to be single, he or she will forsake the righteousness of the reformation to establish a security blanket for him\herself. They take advantage of the liberty and trust that the apostle bestowed upon them and secretly began a systematic campaign to set up those works in which they have the influence to leave the reformation along with them. These wanton leaders do not have the courage to seek their own without breaking the trust and destroying the hope of the people they once led. There will always be some in the congregation that know the spirit of truth and righteousness whether they submit to it or not. Some who go with the leader will know that the move was one of treachery and not God’s ordination. Sooner or later that truth will prevail. Nevertheless, the wanton will work their plan to the letter even if it means creating church splits in order to set up what they think will be a financial security blanket. There is only one thing wrong with this plan. God is not included. He is the forgotten variable who is supposed to go along with this plan. Once again, it is amazing to me as to how lust for things will totally negate the truth that an individual has learned and ministered. They are blind and have forgotten that God will only vindicate righteousness. He will manifest that which is true and holy. He will not cater to the fleshy desires of men and woman who use the ministry for selfish gain. EXAMPLE #2: THE CREEPER Some leaders have never overcome the lust of the flesh or the pride of life. It is not because they are without power over the flesh. It is because they desire to satisfy the cravings of the flesh.

2 Timothy 3:6-7

6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,

7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

The devil is faithful to set up or supply a woman who is willing to fulfill both the sexual and financial desires of men who have left the principles of holiness. This is a wanton leader’s paradise. He will devise a way to work his plan regardless of the consequences or the people who get hurt in the interim. If he is married, the marriage looses it sacredness. If the target is married, then the husband is entertained in a manner that places him in an unsuspecting position. However, in some cases the wife (target) is so strong willed until she knows just how to remove any threat the husband may offer. That is one of the reasons Paul calls these silly women for they, too, are deceptive, laden with sin and divers lust. Because of the influence of ministry, it becomes easy for men of God to become creepers. They creep into the houses of those whom God has entrusted to their spiritual care. They come in the name of the Lord to work their game to get what they want. It is easy for those who are spiritual to discern the game, because it takes effort outside of the workings of the Holy Ghost to accomplish the seduction of the target. The most common weapon used in such operations is conversation. There will be continuous conversations between the leader and the target. The conversations become more and more frequent and last longer and longer. Note: The conversations with the husband or other brethren in the church are not nearly of the magnitude of those with the female targets. Neither is there an attempt to hang out with or to strengthen the malefactors in the ministries. The women are always the focal point. Any interaction with husbands or other brothers is a deliberate attempt to position them so that they will not interfere with the operation in progress. What is all the talk about, ministry? That is the cover. But the truth is, the conversations become increasingly sensual. They target the lust in each other and build an imaginary world that promises to supply each of their wants. When counseled about this operation the hostility of the leader is felt. The conversations will not cease because they are now the platforms for seduction. Though the women in these scenarios are victims, they are not blameless. They too are led into this operation by the lust that is in them. It is true that those who are born of God and hearing or ministering the Word of God, know when they are involved in an operation that is not pure.

James 1:14-17

14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. 16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.

17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

If the seed of lust and wantonness is not destroyed, it is impossible for a leader to remain in this ministry in peace. The desire is to fornicate and take advantage of women who are weak in the faith. BTI is a ministry that addresses sin. It is a haven and a refuge for those who really desire to be holy. But when the heart is set on fulfilling lust, then it is not the place to be. Therefore, one must put in motion their plan to exit.

1 Peter 2:7-8

7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,

8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

The devil needs leaders to move out from under the umbrella of accountability so that he can encourage them, as he will. In the traditional holiness church the leader is at the head and accountable to no one. He controls the money and the women he desires. This is common in the Body of Christ. The Lord is offended with this and He is about to bring judgment in the lives of those who are determined to pursue such a course. When a man is prepared to deal treacherously with his wife and the wives of others, he must abandon all mirrors of holiness. Because he refuses to agree with God as to the sacredness of marriage, his lust sends him on a campaign to define his own righteousness. While he talks a lot of religious jargon, he is deceitful, selfish and past feeling in his pursuit of sex and money. He creeps into the minds of those who are weak through much conversation that creates and/or feeds the lust in them. He creeps into the good graces of unsuspecting husbands and plays them as fools. He creeps into the loyalty of a loving wife and abuses and undermines that love. He creeps into the trust of a devout leader and betrays that trust. All in the name of, “the Lord is leading me.” Men are lovers of themselves. They have ceased to care about the effect their actions have on the people of God. They are lustful and fulfilling that lust is all that matters. These men are resisters of truth, despisers of righteous counsel. Nevertheless, the Lord is mindful and will not allow such to go without a just recompense of reward.

2 Timothy 3:8-9

8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.

9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.

The folly of the wicked will be exposed. There will come a point where they will proceed no further. There is always a reckoning with God. He is invisible not indifferent. Some act as if God could care less about their sinful mindsets. The truth is He does care. His Body, the church is being affected by this evil. The Word is truth. The Lord will not fail to vindicate Himself in such matters. It is a time of shaking and renewal. The world is coming to an end. Those ministries the Lord has chosen are being purged and cleansed of all things that offend the Father. He is starting with leadership. Righteousness will be put on display.

1 Corinthians 4:1-2

1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

This is not the season for leaders to seek out the weak pastors to bring under their umbrella for the sake of financial gain and/or a harem for sexual pleasures. I submit that if the enemy has been able to use you in this manner, it is the faithfulness of the Lord for you to hear or read this today. It is an opportunity that He is giving you to repent and come out of such deception. The Lord is mindful of those who reject His Word and trample under foot the Spirit of Truth. Hear the Word of the Lord! Beloved, the Lord is seeking those who will allow the character of the Holy Ghost to rule their lives. There is no other way for you to prosper in the ministry or in the saving of your soul. Those without the integrity of godly character will not survive the temptations of the enemy. They will fall prey to his will and may not be able to return unto the Lord. I beseech those who are guilty of such mindsets, repent while you have the chance. Repent while the Lord is beckoning for you to come back to His ways. Peter gave us the alternative.

2 Peter 1:9

But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Hell is a real place. It is waiting for those who are hard-hearted against the truth. You can move so far from God until you will be as one who has never known the Lord. But the thing that is most deceiving is that there is no consideration of the fact that God has the power to stop such a one in their tracks. He can simply touch the body, soul or spirit. He is able to chasten or even kill those who bring shame to His name.

St.Luke 12:46

The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. If you feel the voice of your conscience urging you to come clean with the Lord, then you should respond immediately. Do not allow the devil to continue to communicate with you. Defy him and hearken unto the voice of the Lord. He will hear you and most importantly, He will forgive you. EXAMPLE #3: THE MERCHANDISERS There are those in leadership who teach doctrines that milk the people of God. They teach a prosperity message that only adds to their material wealth. In some cases, this wealth is dangled in front of believers like an artificial rabbit in the face of greyhounds. All the hounds are in pursuit of something they will never receive.

2 Peter 2:1-4

1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;

The rabbit is just out of the reach of the Sons of God. He is not promised in this season. Instead the people of God are admonished to take no thought for things of this life. (Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

St.Matthew 6:25). We are encouraged to be content with whatever state we are in.

Philippians 4:11-12

11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

How is it possible for an international evangelist to teach at least a million people or more every day of his life through the media of television, radio and Internet, and not know by simple observation that the principles of prosperity he teaches are not working for the people of God? He can no longer justify his position with the old clichés, “they don’t have faith,” or “they are in sin.” Many of the people of God who entertain such teachings are honest in their pursuit of the things these evangelists have promised them. They earnestly believe it to be the word of the Lord and live accordingly. I know, because I did. All sorts of gimmicks have been incorporated in the preaching of the gospel to get the people to give more and more to the prosperity of the evangelist or pastor. Holiness in the Body is not an issue. Money is the message. How can this be when the Lord clearly stated that a man cannot serve Him and mammon? But he will love the one and despise the other (St.Matthew 6:24).

At some point those who have taught such things in the Body must either repent and seek forgiveness or suffer the consequences. EXAMPLE #4: DOUBLE-MINDED PROPHETS The Body of Christ is constantly being confused. We have had the prophets and famed prophetesses who have not been able to maintain a sure line of dialogue that comes from the Father. We have witnessed the prophetic gift (being made subject to the individual) go through changes wherein it has to contend with the disposition of its host. The rise of the prophetic gift to international platforms. The message was mixed. It exemplified holiness on one hand, and greed on the other. Money evidentially secured itself at the forefront of the ministry. The Visitation – It became obvious that the Lord visited and the message changed to one that advocated “Walking in the Spirit.” Relationship and fame: Whether or not a particular relationship or fame was the catalyst for change or not, it certainly marked the time of transition. Once again, the message changed and was mixed with sensuality and gimmickry. Hypocrisy – Public acts of charity are purpose-oriented. They are designed to create an image that is not consistent with the overall message of the ministry. Spare the Body of Christ the drama and trauma of sending mixed messages to them as the oracles of God. It is time to stabilize. The prophetic gift is supposed to confirm the word given to the latter day apostles. It is not to be used as a cheap salesman to compel saints to give so that television station can make their annual budget. It is not to be used to prey upon the emotions of the saints so that they will give the uttermost of their substance. It is of consequence to say, “Thus sayeth the Lord.” Those things that are oracles of God are sure and pure. God will only speak to the people those things that promote His purpose on earth. He will not promise hundreds of women that all their husbands are returning home if they give $1,000.00. Building replicas of the tabernacle and having the Body of Christ run to the mercy seat is not the word of the Lord. The people of God must meet Him in their hearts and their spirits. Those are the holy places. They are the places of communion and fellowship with the Father. As an apostle, I need a prophetic gift that will maintain its purity and help me drive the hearts of the people back to the Father. Not one that proclaims holiness on one hand and games and gimmicks on the other. My sentiments are exactly the same as the prophet Jeremiah; How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart;

Jeremiah 23:26

. EXAMPLE #5: MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKERS The war with the devil is real in the lives of the people of God. Because men have not relinquished their personal aspirations and fleshy lusts, many have failed in delivering the fullness of the measure of their gift to the Body. We hear a good word that is capable of identifying the plight of the believer. It uncovers mindsets and explicitly expresses them. Saints are brought face to face with their realities and past failures. This causes much emotional drama in hopes of a soon to manifest remedy. They experience everything but deliverance. They will be back at the next conference along with thousands of others seeking a remedy for the situations of their lives. I have taught that 99% of deliverance is identification. This is true. But the other 1% must be ministered if the saints are to be delivered from the snare of the devil, sin and their crippling emotions. That vital 1% is Christ. Deliverance and overcoming power is not found in a 7-step program. It is only found in the Walk in the Spirit. When a leader in the Body of Christ is unable to develop the fullness of the character and statue of the man Jesus Christ, he can only motivate the Body to hang in there until the Lord returns. However, motivational speaking will not deliver enough ammo to fight the devil and his temptations. The Body needs a sure Word. It needs to hear from the chief shepherd. Truth is his voice and the Spirit of God is His battle-axe. The saints must be taught the mind of the Spirit. They must understand that they are the offspring of God, a new creature, and a new race on the planet that is not of the planet. The circumcision of the flesh, the walk in the Spirit, the power of suffering and a life free from sin must be the meat for the Body. Some of us have achieved this walk and are eager to inform the Body of Christ of the good news. that is not of the planet. The circumcision of the flesh, the walk in the Spirit, the power of suffering and a life free from sin must be the meat for the Body. Some of us have achieved this walk and are eager to inform the Body of Christ of the good news.

that is not of the planet. The circumcision of the flesh, the walk in the Spirit, the power of suffering and a life free from sin must be the meat for the Body. Some of us have achieved this walk and are eager to inform the Body of Christ of the good news.