Fellowship Requires Faithfulness

FELLOWSHIP REQUIRES FAITHFULLNESS

I want to go straight to the point here and talk about what it means to fellowship with the Lord, as well as one another in ministry. The scriptures are full of examples of faithful as well as treacherous servants of God. That is why it is necessary to teach thoroughly on this subject. We have been brought to a place in which it is possible for us to really glorify the Lord.

The ministry of Christ is moving in the earth. That which names the name of Jesus, but is heretic in nature, is becoming ever increasingly stagnated in comparison with the movement of the Spirit. Those heretic organizations who are pioneering technologies for the preaching of the gospel are merely building platforms for the distribution of the truth. The Word of the Lord has come to remind us of the words and instructions He gave us in times past. Bible Teachers International is God’s influence in the earth. It is bigger than any man or woman. It is the heart and mind of God put on display. Its purpose is to gather the lost and perfect that which is of the faith.

The day of urgency is upon us. The day of the Lord is quickly approaching. The Lord has allowed me to know that we (the true sons) have been given a window of prosperity in the gospel. This means that we will be able to miraculously gather the lost sheep. It also means that the truth will be exalted above that of false doctrines that fill the churches of the Lord Jesus Christ. The sheep who dwell in those churches will hear that truth and follow it. All that the Holy Ghost has taught us will come forth now. Those who are willing to serve God unselfishly, will take no thought for the things of this world, but will wholeheartedly submit to the will of God for their lives. Those who have been trained over the years, will take the reins of the ministry and train those who follow. The doors of utterance will swing open wide for the ministry has been given a great mouthpiece.

Over the next few months, you will see developments in technology that will stagger even the imagination of those who live in the tech world. This will be the doing of the Lord. He will allow the minds of men to develop those devices and technologies that will be used by His sons to preach the gospel around the world from their present places. The ministry will soar to its measure, which will be equal to its spiritual development. The character of the ministry is crucial. The power of the ministry will be based on its passion for purity. This all means that in order to be a part of this end time movement of the Holy Ghost, we must be one with Him. This is the Word and promise of the Lord.

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.

It is imperative that we not forget that headship of the Church belongs to Christ and Christ alone. We are His servants, called to minister to the people of God. Paul is also careful to state that we are stewards of the mysteries of God, not depositories. In other words, stewards are dispensers of the mysteries of the gospel, not storage bins. We are charged with dispensing the gospel to the lost and those who are out of the way. But to do so requires those of us who lead this great venture, to be on one accord.

There is no way we can continue to teach one with God over and over again and know that there are those in leadership positions who are not one with God, His plan for the ministry or His principle leaders. The word faithful means loyal, constant, steadfast and the ability to remain true to the truth. When God is working with a ministry, the only way the enemy can destroy it is from within. But the Lord would not have us ignorant of those who are being used by the devil to hinder the work of the ministry or the people therein. But this can only be done if those who are loyal to the purpose of God, allow such spots and blemishes to remain among us. This indeed has been the error we have suffered in times past. Allowing those who oppose the leadership and direction of the ministry to remain has tremendously hindered the progress we could have made. The Lord has rebuked me sharply. Leadership is a place of influence.Therefore, it is imperative that we be sober in our appointments and ordinations. Those who serve must exemplify

• Loyalty to Apostolic Order

• Stability in the faith

• Consistency in character

• Integrity in ministry

These are all the characteristics of a faithful leader. Sometimes we make the mistake of ordaining or appointing those whom we can see are very gifted. However, the first qualification for ministry is faithfulness. As the scripture above states, it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. This faithfulness is manifested in his loyalty to godliness and to his leader. A good leader must first be a good follower. If a man is not willing to follow with loyalty to the leadership, then he will always be a thorn in the flesh.

Proverbs 22:10

Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.

1. The counsel of the Lord says to get rid of the scorner.

2. He is the one who is always in disagreement with something.

3. He is the one who can only see leadership after the flesh and has no respect for their anointing.

4. He is the one who sees every move of the ministry as an exaltation of the leader.

5. He is the one who is unwilling to do the things he is capable of doing because he sees no benefit in it for himself.

6. He is the one who is void of vision; therefore, he cannot see the purpose of God for his life. His vision is clouded by his envy of the one God has chosen to lead.

7. He is the one who will never reach his measure.

8. He is not in agreement with his leaders, but he remains in the ministry to continue any occasion to gender strife.

9. In all the time he has been in the ministry, he has not grown; iniquity of the heart will not allow it.

10. The instructions are clear, let him go. Do not sit around hoping such a one will leave. Instruct him to do so. Cast the scorner out of the fold and the reproach and strife will cease. It is not going to be easy to ask someone to leave the church; especially if that person has been there for some time, or is a friend or family member. Nevertheless, it must be done. When contentions arose between Abraham and Lot, the thing that kept the peace was the separation. The Lord is teaching us oneness with Him and our fellow sisters and brothers in the Body.

John 13:35

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, ifye have love one to another.

The love of God and one another is the test of any ministry. If the love is flowing, the ministry will grow and attract others. But the murmurings of those who are disloyal and unfaithful breed strife, discontentment and hatred in others. This spirit is a total contradiction to all that we preach. Therefore, it must not be allowed to remain in our midst. God is not winking at our errors. To not act on the counsel of the Word is to willingly disobey God.

Matthew 12:30

He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.

Be aware of those who pretend to love the leader. They are schemers and lie in wait to entrap or defame the leader. Take them out of any leadership or positions of influence wherein they may be a danger to the flock. Let them go.

Luke 20:20

And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.

We are the bishops and stewards of the ministry. Sheep drink from still waters. When the water is murky or rough, they are not inclined to drink. In fact, they will stay at home or even leave the church. In order for us to have a ministry that expresses our oneness with God, we must obey the Lord and clean the house, starting with leadership. This is not the first time God has said these things, but it is certain He will not chide with us any longer. There is urgency in the air. The window of opportunity to preach the gospel is a small one. These are the days of the gathering of the sheep. These are the days when we will see the exaltation of truth. These are days for which we have been trained. If you are not on the right page with God or His leaders, then I encourage you to run to righteousness. If you are convicted of your disposition, then act on that conviction. Do not forfeit your opportunity to repent and serve the Lord.