for our learning

a word of correction to the body of christ - god's hammer

Part 2 of 4
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In the previous verses (verses 37 through 43 of Acts chapter 7), we discussed how and why Israel not only rebelled against GOD. But they also rebelled against the one GOD sent to deliver them from the harsh hands of Pharoah. So, let’s continue reading the remaining part of Acts chapter 7 to see what else GOD needs to show us that fits us today. But before we do that. Let’s review one Scripture we touched on the last time that is so critical for all Christians to get into their soul. I mean we really need to get this one verse in our soul and live by it.

I believe in this season, it is really vital to understand, the simplicity of what the Apostle Paul is saying in these verses we are about to review. As we take a deeper look at it. We all need to consider; do we really understand what Paul is emphasizing in these verses. Or are we just surface reading it – seeing it as not as significant as other verses in the Bible? We also need to ask ourselves – are we really applying what the WORD says in GOD’s WORD? Can we say as a Christian – no matter how old you are; are you really examining yourself according to the words of Apostle Paul at 2 Corinthians 13:5? If you are not, you should for two simple reasons. Because as Apostle Paul said at 2 Timothy 3:16, ALL, not some; not even the ones you personally like. But ALL Scriptures are inspired by GOD…. Which makes ALL Scriptures beneficial to ALL of us. 
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for our learning

Alright, so, let’s look at or review that one verse that I mentioned before that is so critical to every Christian life. Are you ready because it's going to shock you? It is a verse you will least expect. Okay, let’s read it. It says

Even if it was written in Scripture long ago, you can be sure it's written for us. God wants the combination of his steady, constant calling and warm, personal counsel in Scripture to come to characterize us, keeping us alert for whatever he will do next (Romans 15:4, MSG).
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This verse is so vital to our existence and future that we need to look at it in different versions of the Holy Writings so we don’t miss its validity yet simple point.

In the New Living Translation (NLT), it says
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Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.
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​In the American Standard Bible (ASB), it reads
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For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that through patience and through comfort of the scriptures we might have hope.
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The Amplified Bible Classic Edition (AMPC) states

For whatever was thus written…. Let us read that part again. For whatever was thus written in former days was written for…. For who?

… for our instruction…. For who? … For our instruction….
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Now, let's stop right there for a moment. Because the Apostle Paul did not say – just the parts in the Scriptures that you agree with or like that you can apply. No, he did not. He said WHATEVER was written. WHATEVER you read from this book the Bible. All of it is applicable whether you agree with it, like it or not. From the first verse in the Old Testament at Genesis 1:1 to the last verse in the book of Revelation in the New Testament in chapter 22, verse 21.

Now, listen to me closely because many of you are not going to like what I am about to say next. There are two critical points, insight, and wisdom we can gain here. 
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1. That the entire Bible is relevant TODAY. You, meaning pastors who are leading the congregation of GOD. Do not need entertainment or a club-like atmosphere to draw people into the pure Houses of GOD. You do not have to adapt your sermons and sanctuaries to the liking of this culture and generation to be appealing. Pastors do not have to try to be relatable or trendy. NO! You do not even need a social media platform where far too many of you spend more time talking about what Eminem, Beyonce, Kanya West, well-known pastors and other spiritual leaders, and other famous athletes and mega stars are doing and saying. Where is the glory in that? How is that giving real praise, worship, and glory to the supreme GOD of the universe? 

I’m telling you. If that is the method by which you are using social media tools. Then, you are using it to be relevant and attract people to you and your ministry. While at the same time, calling what you are doing as the works of the LORD. You better be careful. You are treading dangerous water each time you declare from your social platform
 
Here are several famous lines that many of you like to say that really are bringing glory to you and your ministry and not directing people to GOD.

“GOD told me to tell you or share with you….”
“This is very important what I am about to say to you – so make sure you like and share this with everyone….”
“Look at how God is blessing me….”
“Do you need a miracle? Share this right now. Hit that share link below….”
“I had a dream about so and so and you must share it….”
 
Look, it does not matter how big your social media audience or followers are. You are still treading on dangerous grounds.
 
In the Bible, when we are professing the above quotes about ourselves and the statistical (numbers) success of our ministry, are we really doing it because GOD directed us to do so? Sadly, most do not. Most do this to validate the things they are doing in order to declare before many - "see, GOD is with me." HE is blessing not HIS HOUSE or HIS people at large, but blessing that leader because he or she has high social media stats. You know the things I mentioned in the last 4 paragraphs, what GOD call these things? – Prideful gossip and self-glory and praise. Twisting the WORD of God to fit your agenda and lives on your social media platforms.
 
Now, it is nothing wrong with addressing issues that some mega social media leaders bring up. But if that is your platform’s main focus, I question whether it is truly GOD that is calling you to this type of platform or even ministry. There is no such thing anywhere in the Bible, of any ministry or church or individual or leader that only calls people out or talks about other people’s dirty laundry. NOWHERE.
 
Where is the redemptive story behind such works? Your impressive numbers? Your so-called followers and likes? Where is the gospel message in airing out a person’s shady lifestyle? Where?
 
Preach the GOSPEL! The full GOSPEL of Christ. It is His message that is relevant and vital to people today. Especially these superstars whose lifestyles are visible to all of us. They do not need to hear you talking about the latest gossip or rumors that are going on with them. They all need to hear the full counsel of GOD.
 
Consider this. Instead of starting a gossip and a groupie channel on your platform by mainly talking about folks. How about pointing out one or two points about a person and then preaching directly to them about the GOSPEL of GOD from your Bible? Or, use your live stream to pray for these individuals’ souls before your audience. Now, that is Scriptural and pleasing to the LORD. But most of you will not do that. Why? Because that will mess up your bottom line, and your social media commission. You will lose followers and likes. Individuals will not click your post.

2. Let’s state the second point before moving on. My brothers and sisters. I appeal to you. If you are following or listening to any man or woman that is not teaching the full counsel of GOD. If they believe that the Old Testament is not relevant but only the New Testament. PLEASE LEAVE THAT CHURCH OR MINISTRY. Move on to another ministry or church. Please. People or leaders with that kind of mindset are either angry with GOD or take a personal issue with a Scripture in the Bible because they have not experienced that themselves. Or because some leader misconstrued, twisted, or misused the WORD of GOD. Or, they are just simply mad with GOD. 

People with this school of thought violate what Apostle Paul was inspired to write in Romans chapter 15, verse 4. Let’s go back to Romans chapter 15, verse 4 for a minute to finish up that verse. Again, it reads

For whatever was thus written in former days was written for our instruction

And why was it (the Bible) written for our instruction? Why is this instruction that is in our Holy Bible so vital to us today? So … that by [our steadfast and patient] endurance and the encouragement [drawn] from the Scriptures we might hold fast to and cherish hope.”

There you have it. GOD wants us to have hope and not feel despair from living in this crooked and wicked generation. And we can gain hope, and encouragement, gather our strength and gain the patience that we need to be steadfast and endure all things by reading and studying the Holy Scriptures that GOD has provided for us.
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But we need to be mindful, that it is a sin, a sin for any man to invalidate, disprove, refute, to claim in whole or part that the counsel of GOD’s WORD is invalid. We as men have no authority to do so. NOWHERE in GOD’s WORD does it give us, mankind such power or authority. For any man who thinks he possesses such authority, sees himself like GOD. (Compare to Isaiah 14:13-14). 

​Prophet lovy l. elias

One final point before we close. As Prophet Lovy L. Elias said in his live stream prophetic service, posted on August 26. Speaking about Moses and Aaron’s staff and the staff of Pharaoh’s magicians (or wise men and sorcerers). 

“… The snake of Moses proved that GOD is the possessor of knowledge… of power….” We have to be mindful that those magicians challenged Moses with their staff. They had the same knowledge as Moses. They had the same ability to turn their staff into snakes – just like Moses. In fact, when the magicians turn their sticks into snakes, Moses was shocked. But GOD is supreme. Despite the fact that Pharoah’s magicians could turn their staff into snakes. Moses’ staff was more powerful. For shortly after Moses’ staff turned into a snake by the divine providence of GOD. Moses’ snake swallowed both of Pharoah’s magicians’ snakes.

Here's the point. The magicians could do exactly what Moses said. But here is the difference. When the magicians performed such miracles (placing an emphasis on performed). We the people, GOD’s people, will clap, scream, and celebrate them. But when Moses does it not by his own power or ability. But by the divine power of GOD. The same people will call it witchcraft. Refusing to investigate the things of GOD. Denying that such miracles are from GOD. We the people, have allowed Satan the devil to corrupt our knowledge and pervert the things of GOD and those HE is doing miracles, signs, and wonders through. So, whenever GOD sends HIS prophets today to deliver HIS people from such practicing magicians like Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and their administration, we become confused by their charm, whimsical words and intelligence, wicked lies, and explorations. That we gather behind the one that says they are from GOD or are GOD-like when they are not.

Prophet Lovy continues to say to his live audience at his prophetic service. “This is the problem with Christians. You know nothing about spiritual things because you are busy killing the soldiers of GOD that are sent to help you!”
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To view Prophet Lovy's prophetic service, click here.

​Alright, I know that was a lot to take in. But I think GOD has been wanting to say that for a minute – even to the men HE loves that are doing such horrible things in the name of Jesus before the congregation of GOD. If this is you, please repent, stop, turn around in the opposite direction, seek GOD and let HIM cleanse you with the blood of Christ. So, you can be made clean and holy once again. Return to your first love once again. 

Related Resources

To view Part 1 of 4 of this WORD of Correction to the Body of Christ, click here. Or click the video below.