KHANDIE'S KORNER - April 17, 2005

home.gif (910 bytes)

Timely Insights into God's Word from Khandielese Reyes

ROSE.gif (9864 bytes)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 one’s 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 God’s 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 Peter’s 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 he’d 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 God’s 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 Lord’s eyes was common and Peter discovered this through the vision given him by The Lord.   In the words from Peter’s 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 Peter’s actions in Antioch was hypocritical and needed to be addressed.  Simply because he was in a position of leadership didn’t negate the fact that he was in error and should be admonished for this.  Because of Peter’s 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 Peter’s 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,
Adonai Elohim Tzeva-ot
Asher Hayah Va-ho-veh VaY’vo

Holy, Holy, Holy
Lord God Almighty
Who was and is and is to come!

May the peace of the Lord be with you today and always……

littlerose.gif (186 bytes) Khandieleselittlerose.gif (186 bytes)
Daughter & Servant
   of the Lord God
  rose13.gif (10213 bytes)

Find true peace now.
Find True Peace Now

prayer.gif (3860 bytes)
Need Prayer? Click Here.


CYBER-CHURCH.COM is not responsible for the content of any advertising banners displayed on our Guestbook by Bravenet Web Services or GuestWorld. As a ministry that is in the world but not of the world we ask that you too be understanding if that content is not consistent with our moral standards. If you do see something that interests you and is consistent with your convictions we ask that you consider patronizing that advertiser. Thank you to  Bravenet and GuestWorld for their valuable free services.