KHANDIE'S KORNER - April 17, 2005 | |
Timely Insights into God's Word from Khandielese Reyes | |
This Weeks Message- (scripture taken from King James Version) "EXPOSE HYPOCRISY" But
when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. For before that certain came from James, he did eat
with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing
them which were of the circumcision. And the
other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with
their dissimulation. But when I saw that
they walked not uprightly according to the TRUTH of the gospel, I said unto Peter before
them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the
Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the
Gentiles, knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of
Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by faith
of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be
justified. But if, while we seek to be
justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister
of sin? God forbid. For if I build again the
things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.
For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live;
yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now life in the flesh I live by
the faith of the Son of God, who loveth me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if
righteousness comes by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. (Gal 2:11-21) There
is much said in the church today against those who openly speak against certain man
made religions and those in leadership who are not teaching nor demonstrating by way
of living, the truth of the Word of God. It is
said by some they should remain quiet, that it is not their place to Expose
Hypocrisy, sin and false doctrine in the church.
As long as the one who teach is declaring some
truth, that is good enough and God will take care of the rest. Many in the church feel those in leadership
should not be questioned if their behavior is not proper or doctrine is not biblically
sound, but because they are in leadership ALL THE MORE should certain things be brought to
their attention if what is being spoken or their actions are not according to the Word of
God. For their own sakes and for the sake of
those who follow after what they preach and do. Scripture
clearly tells us that we are to admonish one another and obviously this should be done in
love, not in malice and deliberate viciousness based upon ones personal likes and/or
dislikes. For there are some who would speak
openly against another out of mere bitterness, jealousy, anger, hatred and the like and
not out of love for the erring brother or sister. Thus
we must examine our hearts before we speak and if the admonishment is done out of love for
the one in error, and love for the truth of Gods word, then let it be so. In
the above scripture reference, we witness a perfect example of admonishment out of love
for one in error. The Apostle Peter, was
openly and publicly admonished by the Apostle Paul for his hypocritical behavior in the
presence of the Gentiles and the Jews. For
when the religious Jewish leaders who lived under the law and legalism were not present,
he ate with the Gentiles showing them the love of Christ.
But, as soon as these men of the law arrived, Peter immediately
withdrew himself from the Gentiles behaving as if he desired nothing to do with them so as
to please the Jewish Religious Leadership. By
Peters refusal to eat and fellowship with the Gentiles, this contradicted what he
knew to be the truth concerning the Gospel and that is salvation was for the gentiles as
well as the Jews. The grace of the Lord God,
redemption and eternal life was available to as many as would repent and believe on the
Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God. But, his
rejection of the gentiles in the presence of the Jews was contradictory to the gospel that
had been preached and what Peter knew to be the truth in his heart. In the book of Acts chapter 10 the Lord gave Peter
a vision. In the vision the Lord showed peter
various wild beasts, animals, birds, etc. and commanded him to rise, kill and eat. But Peter replied that he could not because hed
never eaten anything common or unclean. And
The Lord replied to Peter that what God had cleansed he must not call common. Peter would later understand this vision
represented Gods grace to BOTH Jews and Gentiles and that HE had the power to
cleanse BOTH by the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ our Lord. No man in the Lords eyes was common and Peter
discovered this through the vision given him by The Lord.
In the words from Peters own mouth as he spoke to Cornelius and his
household, being sent there by the Lord to preach the Gospel: And he
said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep
company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath showed me that I should not call
any man common or unclean (Acts 10:28) Therefore it was evident that Peters
actions in Antioch was hypocritical and needed to be addressed. Simply because he was in a position of leadership
didnt negate the fact that he was in error and should be admonished for this. Because of Peters great influence being an
Apostle of The Lord Jesus Christ, it was necessary that Paul openly admonished him for his
obvious hypocrisy. One
reason why it is important to Expose
Hypocrisy and certain behavior and doctrine being taught in the church today is
explained here in the above scripture reference verse 13 and 14. Others followed after Peters behavior, what
they saw Peter do, they imitated and thus placed themselves also in a position of wrong
doing. It is not enough that a minister of the
Gospel preach the word but must be an example of what he preach. People will normally follow after those in
leadership. What they witness them do, they to
will do. What they hear spoken, they will
speak, and what those in leadership may believe, they to will believe his words as being
of truth. Therefore, it is important that ALL
not some or portions of the Gospel is preached, and it is important that those in
leadership set an example to those they preach the gospel to. There are many church leaders today who
behave hypocritically and contradictory to the Word of God.
They may preach the Love of Christ Jesus but demonstrate the opposite in
their actions towards those they feel are worse sinners than they, or perhaps
they are not of the right culture, economic status, etc.
They also may preach Jesus as the way of salvation, but do not preach the
importance of repentance and development of an intimate relationship with Christ. Some preach Jesus but also preach a doctrine of
works as a way of salvation and redemption. Some
worship idols and teach others to do the same. For
the sake of the many that would follow after these things, such a one who preach and teach
partial truth, or opposite of truth MUST be admonished in love, in hopes that he/she would
repent and begin TRULY serving the Lord and His sheep.
He/she is placed in a position to lead, this is very important and should
not be taken lightly. Again, it is not enough
that he simply speak the words but must be a living example of what they preach. Remember that they are leading, and many are
following thus what those in leadership speak and do is of absolute importance. If they
are a representation of Jesus our Lord, then they MUST teach and live by the TRUTH of the
Gospel. We are living in difficult times where false teachings, false doctrines, delusional spirits, lies and hypocrisy runs rampant and will not get better but rather worse. For the sake of the sheep of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, SPEAK the TRUTH and Expose Hypocrisy! I love you all so very much. Have a blessed week in the Lord and remember: Whatever we do, do ALL for the GLORY of GOD, who ALONE is worthy of the GLORY and the PRAISE! The Lord be with you this day and always! Shalom Uvracha (Peace and Blessings)
.. Kadosh, Kadosh, Kadosh,
May the peace of the Lord be with you today and always KhandieleseDaughter & Servant of the Lord God |
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