It is amazing to me how we, as Christians, have allowed ourselves to become so easily divided over specific areas of Scripture. What's more, we have become so obsessed with being right, we completely neglect that our aim should be to come into the knowledge of the truth, then conform our lives to the truth. There are certainly areas where we can agree to disagree, yet still move forward together to continue to build the body of Christ. Yet, in our selfishness, we prefer that we are right, and we want to prove why the other person is wrong.
We must be extremely diligent to pursue truth. Jesus Himself admonished us when He said a house divided against itself cannot stand. Is there any wonder why the Gospel of the Kingdom has been prohibited from flowing freely in the world? The moment we come across something that sounds good to our ears, we immediately attach ourselves to it. Yet, this is not the truth that Jesus preached. His truth is loving and simple, but it is a hard truth. I find it interesting that He left us with a simple commission - to make disciples of all nations. Many in the body of Christ are doing everything else but that!
The most dangerous threat in the body of Christ is education. Many are willing to give instant credibility to one with a series of letters behind his or her name; yet, we forget that the Gospel was spread through men like Peter, who was described as unlearned and ignorant. This is because more faith is put in the education rather than the power of the Holy Spirit.
Christianity is not an organization; it is an organism. It is a living, breathing body made up of individual members working together with one head, that being Jesus Christ. Will there be one that reads this that will be provoked to give thought to his or her life in Christ Jesus, and begin to seek out and walk in the truth?
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4 comments:
AMEN AND AMEN!
I like to say, "'Truth' is a who, not a what, and His name is Jesus."
If we could focus more on Him and less on points of contention we might find ourselves more blessed and more conformed to what Jesus prayed for in John 17.
You need to stay away from Randy Shankle. he has disqualified himself as an elder/bishop. It does not matter if man accepts him as such, as history proves churches use elders who have been disqualified. Scripture says that the gifts of God are without repentance. Randy can prophesy and even have a relationship with God, but be disqualified as an elder. Are you gonna whore yourself spiritually, to get those gifts?
A doctor contacted me a couple years ago asking for help because his wife moved to Randy's church. Bruce DeLay a former elder under Randy has said that Randy takes wives of those whom disagrees with to be trophy wives for obedient sons. This doctor had Randy on the phone with his own pastor begging Randy to NOT marry his wife to another man. Randy agreed, But married her away anyways.
Randy has confessed that the accusations here on the internet are true. (I believe this occurred Sept 24, 06.)
on Oct 8, 06 Jeff (an elder under Randy, in his administration) said, "be wronged, eat it, and shut up".
1 Tim 3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
Titus 1:
6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.
7: For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
http://www.kingdom-gospel.com/meeting.html
5/18/05
Brother Randy,
Since you have taken upon yourself to remove me as your spiritual father, after the Melchisedec order, I cannot accept the tithe. It was not my doing in Hartford, Ak when our Father decided to hear the cry of your heart and sent me to be in your life to take away your reproach of not having anyone over you to reflect the Father. Jesus never sent me to take His place in your life, but to bring a part which was missing/lacking. You were trying to have authority over other men without being under authority yourself. Now, you are back to where our Father desired to mature you, before Hartford!
You and the elders of Marshall made a covenant upon that mountain in 1998. It would have been better for you not to have made a covenant than to make it and not keep it (Eccl 5:2-6). I have forgiven you before this letter, but I pray that God be not angry at your voice, and forgive you! My love for you all have not ceased. Humble...(the copy of the letter is cut off and cannot be seen here)...and walk softly!
Your brother in Christ
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June 30, 2005
Greetings Brethren,
As you know from the first time I came to fellowship with you in Marshall, TX, being with you from 1998 until 2005 at various seasons. My manner among you was a reflection of the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, serving the Lord with all humility of mind, character and in love respecting no man's person. And how I kept back nothing that was profitable, but have showed you what a model of a father in the faith should demonstrate. I have reflected a mature father publicly and in private meetings of the Elders. Testifying to the arrogant, proud and unyielding, repentance toward God and forgiving one another their trespasses with faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. (Matt. 6:14:15; 5:23-24; Mark 11:25-26; Matt. 18:15-17)
A Restoration, Reconciliation, and Fellowship meeting was scheduled in Oklahoma City, April 23, 2005. The purpose of this meeting was to end the years of rebellion and unforgiveness existing between the brethren of the Apostolic Company. I went with other sons bound in spirit, and being warned of the things that would befall me, that is, Randy Shankle would give a pretense of repentance and arrogantly take over the meeting; without regard to an apostolic father's administration. Yet, none of the warnings moved me from God's purpose to give Randy Shankle one final chance to change! The goal was to speak for our Father and reflect the grace of Jesus Christ. As it was told me, Randy would give an arrogant display of control and non-submission to my apostolic authority, thus, bringing very little real fruit of restoration (their words were true). The words from our Father were clear and concise as delivered by me with written documentation given to all present. I did not shun declaring unto all, the counsel God gave me to deliver.
I attended the May 2005 meeting in Marshall, TX to see what would be the final fruit of the Oklahoma meeting. There was a clear demonstration of dishonor to a father in the faith and his wife, but the grace of God was with us! During the elders meetings Randy Shankle declared his independence from the oversight God placed in his life. Today, he is without oversight and accountability as he was back in 1998 before the Spirit of God spoke in the camp of Hartford, Ark.
Wherefore, brethren, I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all. For I know this, my ministry and example among you were not in vain, and some of you were touched. Also, I know after my departing grievous wolves were already active in leadership there, not sparing the flock, and speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after them. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as ministers of righteousness whose end shall be according to their works. God, by my mouth tried to snatch Randy out of the fire (i.e. demonic psychology, mind control, despises dominion, jealousy, independance...etc.). Regretfully, some of you see this and do nothing! I have coveted no man's pulpit, silver, or gold, or apparel or congregation. My hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to sons who are with me.
Now I beseech you brethren, Mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 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. Rom. 16:17-18. Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits...Matt.7:15-23. Bro Randy Shankle prophesied from Hartford, Arkansas to Marshall and Houston, TX; California to Detroit, Mississippi, Ohio, Canada, and South Africa that God placed Clarence Hill, Sr to have oversight in his life. However, in the May 2005 meeting, he said to the elders, it was sin on his part to place me in his life! Brethren, was it God or Randy Shankle? Wherefore, by their fruit ye shall know them. And now, Brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to open you eyes to truth.
A copy of my letter to Randy is attached. I have nothing to hide. Any questions may be directed to me at (xxx) xxx-xxxx. We love you all!
Farewell,
(signed)
Bro. Clarence R. Hill, Sr
Apostolic father of the Faith
cc: selected elders
The division you speak of is the natural by product of the sola scriptura heresy. Few will accept the authority given by Christ to his one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church so the divisions continue. Just look what the other anonymous wrote.
Nice Post..... One day, I hope, All Christians can be united again.
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