We Need God-Fearing Shepherds :: By Nathele Graham

Published on: by RR7 Category:General Articles, Ron & Nathele Graham

David knew his Shepherd and wrote psalms of praise to Him. “[A Psalm of David]. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1). David loved and trusted the Lord in good times and in bad times, and so should we.

Before David was king of Israel, he had been a shepherd and understood how dependent the sheep are upon their shepherd. It’s the duty of the shepherd to be sure the sheep are safe, protected, and well-fed. Storms may rage, and wolves may lurk nearby, but the shepherd is always vigilant. If the sheep don’t listen to their shepherd, they’ll fall into trouble. Christians also have a Shepherd, and if we don’t listen to His voice, we will also find much trouble. Of course, our Shepherd isn’t a mortal man. Our Shepherd is Jesus Christ. We need to hear His voice and follow Him. Jesus has enlisted men to be shepherds over the flock, and those men need to fear God and honor Him as they lead the congregation. We need men today who fear God and lead the flock in the ways of the Lord.

When Jesus walked and talked with His disciples, He taught them many things. He taught them the love of God, and He showed them how to share the Good News. Jesus led by example. He was a carpenter by trade, but He didn’t use that as a gimmick, hoping that by repairing a roof or building something for a lost soul, they would come to salvation. He shared the Good News that the Messiah had come.

After the resurrection, and before He ascended to Heaven, Jesus met with the disciples on the shores of Galilee. It was important that the disciples understood what they needed to do. Peter was very troubled. He had denied knowing Jesus and was ashamed. In spite of this, Jesus had a special calling for Peter. He was to care for the flock. Jesus said, “…Feed my lambs” (John 21:15b). Lambs are the little ones. They are believers who aren’t ready for solid food but need milk to help them grow. Then Jesus told Peter twice to “…Feed my sheep” (John 21:16b & John 21:17b). If the sheep aren’t fed properly, the flock will die. If they aren’t given proper food, there’ll be no lambs to feed.

We see this tragedy happening in congregations today. Instead of teaching the pure word of God, pastors tickle ears and preach agendas rather than the Gospel. Books are taught that are written by humans instead of Scripture, which is God-breathed. Today we live in the very end of days, and this period of time is described in a letter that Jesus dictated to John.

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20).

When Scripture is a secondary teaching, Jesus is excluded. Brothers and sisters, today Jesus is on the outside of many congregations. The shepherds are neglecting the sheep.

In speaking of the end times, Paul gave this warning, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come” (2 Timothy 3:1). Paul listed some things that would be accepted in the end, not only accepted by the world but within congregations. Some of these end-of-days evils are blasphemers, people with no natural affection, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God, and people who have a form of godliness but deny His power. “…from such turn away” (2 Timothy 3:5b).

Does your pastor encourage you to turn away from such things, or does he teach from human books instead of teaching verse by verse through Scripture? You cannot know all of God’s truth if you pick and choose what verses you study and take them out of context or twist their meaning. Don’t wait for your pastor to teach you. Scripture is there for you to study.

If you say you have no time to study Scripture but make time to watch television, shame on you. Television doesn’t lead to a God-honoring life. Do you watch preachers on TV and think you’ve found a good shepherd? Name it and claim it, prosperity gospel, “send me money and I’ll pray for you” preaching are all false teachings. What about reading? Do you read self-help books, purpose-driven books, new age books, or “yoga and you” books? If so, you’re following the wrong shepherd. They may sound good, but Paul warns, “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away” (2 Timothy 3:5). Instead of wasting time with such things, study Scripture. It’s God’s word.

Peter took the instructions from Jesus to heart. He allowed himself to be led by the Holy Spirit, and because of that, he was a wonderful shepherd to his flock, and we can learn from him. Peter wrote two letters filled with nourishing food for the sheep. He tells us that in the last days, there will be people who don’t take God’s word seriously.

“This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: that ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour” (2 Peter 3:1-2).

Peter wanted his flock to avoid false teaching, so he encouraged them to study Scripture. That’s where truth is found.

Many pastors avoid prophecy, and Sunday school material is very shallow, so the flock is starving. The Old Testament is as important to study as the New Testament, and both need to be taught rather than books written by humans. In the verse above, Peter said to pay attention to “…words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour.” That isn’t hard to understand.

Peter did indeed feed the lambs and the sheep on Scripture, but false shepherds have infiltrated the flock. We live in the last days, and as Paul said, we live in perilous times. The sheep need to be alert because the shepherds are failing. Paul commended the people of Berea because they didn’t just believe what someone told them, but “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11). Christians today would be wise to be like the Bereans in order to avoid false teachings.

Paul warned of perilous times, and so did Peter. “Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of his coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation” (2 Peter 3:3-4).

Is that the way you see it? Is everything today the same as it was five years ago? Ten years ago? If you think all’s well, then you haven’t been paying attention. You’re one of the scoffers…a malnourished sheep.

The prophets of old spoke many prophecies that are being fulfilled today. Israel is back in their God-given land; the stage is being set for the wars to come about as described by the prophets of old; technology has advanced to the point where the whole world can look at their cell phone and see what’s happening across the globe; and genetic manipulation is ushering in the “days of Noe” (Noah) as foretold by Jesus. If you don’t understand what was happening during the days of Noah, then you need to do an honest study of Genesis chapter 6 and be sure that you don’t allow your genes to be altered in any way. The Rapture is on the very near horizon. Shepherds don’t teach truth, and the flock doesn’t care.

“For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: but the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men” (2 Peter 3:5-7).

Willingly ignorant? How? Instead of the shepherds teaching God’s word as fact, Darwin becomes the authority. When God’s truth is compromised, many false teachings ease their way in, and New Age lies are taught, Yoga is practiced, contemplative prayer and many false teachings are followed rather than Scripture. Many shepherds don’t respect God and Scripture. We need God-fearing shepherds who don’t lead the flock astray.

Jesus warned of false teachers who will try to steal the flock from the Shepherd. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber, but he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep” (John 10:1-2).

Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, so if you aren’t being fed on His word, then you’re being fed by a thief and a robber. Too often, the false doctrines are very close to Scripture, but close isn’t good enough. If you don’t know Scripture, then you will be easily duped. Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and it’s His voice we need to follow.

“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep” (John 10:11-13).

Be careful of the hirelings who preach and teach things not found in Scripture. Jesus gave His life for us, so honor Him by following Him.

There is only one Gospel that will bring salvation. The Gospel of Jesus Christ…His death, burial, and resurrection. “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Ephesians 4:4-6).

That’s a blessing. Christians are one in the Lord…one in our Good Shepherd. We need to feed on His word. He directed His sheep to spread the Gospel to the lost. “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15).

It’s a shame that what passes for evangelism and missionary work today are gimmicks, and the Gospel is a secondary thought. That’s not what Jesus taught. That’s not following the Great Commission.

We need God-fearing shepherds who aren’t ashamed to speak God’s truth. We need God-fearing shepherds who use the pulpit to teach God’s word even if it makes the flock uncomfortable or jeopardizes the tax-exempt status. If the man in the pulpit where you worship is a God-fearing shepherd who feeds the flock healthy and nourishing food of Scripture, thank God for him. These men are few and far between.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com

ron@straitandnarrowministry.com

All original scripture is “theopneustos,” God-breathed.

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Just a Matter of Time :: By Daymond Duck

Published on: by RR7 Category:Daymond Duck, General Articles

It is the opinion of this writer that it is just a matter of time until several end-of-the-age prophecies will be fulfilled.

Here are some recent related events that appear to verify this opinion.

One, concerning the return of Israel at the end of the age, on Apr. 14, 2021, Israel’s 73rd Memorial Day on the Hebrew calendar, Israel’s Chief of Staff, Gen. Kokhavi, went to the Western Wall and told the Jewish people that Israel’s return to the Promised Land fulfills a prophecy in the Book of Jeremiah (Jer. 31:15-16).

He said, “We are the generations of sons that returned to their borders. We are back. This time for good.”

According to the Bible, Israel would return to the Promised Land at the end of the age, and they will not be removed again (Amos 9:15).

Two, concerning world government, on Apr. 16, 2021, a group of conservative Republicans announced plans to establish an “America First” caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives.

One Democrat has already called the group “A White Supremacist Caucus,” another said their perspective “hurts the country,” etc.

Globalists hate patriotism, sovereignty of nations, walls on borders, etc.

According to the Bible, there will be a world government at the end of the age (Rev. 13:7).

Three, concerning world government or a borderless world, on Apr. 14, 2021, it was reported that there has been a 380% increase of criminal aliens crossing at the Rio Grande Valley border sector.

According to the Bible, wickedness will increase at the end of the age (days of Noah, Matt. 24:37).

Four, on Apr. 12, 2021, former U.S. Congresswoman, Tulsi Gabbard, was talking about the controversy between Russia and Ukraine when she said, “It is moving in a very dangerous direction.”

Gabbard said, “Hundreds of millions of people dying and suffering, seeing their flesh being burned from bones. This is something you can’t even really imagine.”

One Jewish writer, Adam Berkowitz, thinks she was referring to Zech. 14:12 and the Battle of Gog and Magog in the latter days and latter years, but the quote refers to something worse than Gog and Magog (the Battle of Armageddon).

Nevertheless, Russia has amassed anywhere from 90,000-150,000 troops; more than 300 planes; hundreds of tanks; many helicopters and rocket launchers near Ukraine’s border; and more troops and weapons are on the way.

A Russian official said the nations are “one step away from war.”

About 2 weeks ago, the U.S. announced plans to send two warships to the area; Russia warned the U.S. to stay away, and Biden withdrew the ships.

About that same time, the White House announced “unwavering support for Ukraine,” Russia warned the U.S. to “stay out of the conflict,” “for our own good,” and Biden seemed confused about what to do.

On Apr. 15, 2021, it was reported that Russia has imposed a naval blockade on Ukraine, and Russian troops are preparing to invade the nation.

Perilous times are here, and anything could happen.

Five, on Apr. 19, 2021, it was reported that the U.S. has opened backchannel negotiations with Russia’s ally Iran about dropping U.S. sanctions on Iran and the U.S. restarting talks over the Iranian nuclear deal.

The U.S. expressed its “displeasure” with Israel over some of her recent attacks on Iran (but said nothing about Iranian proxy attacks on Israel).

The conflict between the two nations is growing worse, and Israel continues to let the world know that Israel will not permit Iran to have nuclear weapons.

Despite what the Biden administration says, it continues to act like it is pro-Iran and anti-Israel (restored millions of dollars of U.S. aid to Palestinians; expressed support for Two-State solution, etc.).

It is easy to believe that the U.S. will not defend Israel if the Battle of Gog and Magog breaks out (and that is exactly what God wants so the glory will be His).

Six, concerning Covid, on Apr. 15, 2021, the CDC reported the following facts on people in America that have been fully vaccinated for Covid for more than 2 weeks (cases in first 2 weeks following vaccination not counted).

  • More than 78 million people vaccinated as of Apr. 15, 2021.
  • Despite being fully vaccinated, approximately 5,800 Americans got Covid-19 more than 2 weeks later (about 1 in 172).
  • About 400 required treatment at a hospital (about 1 in 2,500).
  • 74 died (about 1 in a million).
  • CDC officials say these numbers are low, and they are not concerned.
  • Critics say all the side effects are not being reported.

Also, on Apr. 15, 2021, the CEO of Pfizer said fully vaccinated people will likely need a booster shot within 12 months and every year after that.

Also, on Apr. 15, 2021, it was reported that the CDC says Covid cases are increasing in Michigan, and another lockdown is needed.

Citizens need to understand that these vaccines have not been “approved” by the FDA; they are being “allowed” because there is a public health crisis (or a possible hoax is being perpetrated on the public).

Nothing was said about reports that Covid-infected people are crossing the U.S. border with Mexico, and the Biden administration is flying them to many destinations in the U.S. without isolating, treating, or tracking them.

Seven, concerning the decline of America, the Second Coming and the establishment of the Millennial Kingdom on earth, on Apr. 15, 2021, Franklin Graham said what took place in the last U.S. election was wrong; he called for Christians to pray for God to intervene and save the U.S., he condemned the Democrat effort to stack the U.S. Supreme Court, and he called upon people to listen to God and seek His face because the U.S. is in great trouble.

Graham added, “We see the whole world, nation after nation, shut down, and it’s just frightening when you see what’s taking place, but at the same time, I’ve read the last pages of history. I know what God is going to do, and His Son is coming back, and he’s going to establish his kingdom here on this earth.”

Eight, concerning vaccine passports and tracking people, on Apr. 20, 2021, it was reported that Governors in 5 states (Fla., Idaho, Mont., Tex., and Utah) have signed Executive Orders banning mandatory vaccine passports.

Nine, concerning the Covid Crisis and The Great Reset, an Op-Ed in the Activist Post on Apr. 15, 2021, by Brandon Smith expressed some interesting thoughts.

Smith believes:

  • The Covid Crisis and The Great Reset are beginning to sputter (the Covid death rate is less than expected; millions of Americans are refusing to be vaccinated; state legislators are rejecting the enforcement of vaccine mandates, etc.).
  • Conservative Americans have become an obstacle, and perhaps the only obstacle, to the globalist agenda.
  • The globalists are obsessed; they cannot accept failure. They will not let this crisis go to waste, so they will probably try to worsen the Covid Crisis, perhaps create an alternative crisis, start a war, restart the riots in Democrat-run cities, or whatever.

Smith is urging conservative Americans to watch for the globalists to come up with something else to push their agenda, and he is urging conservative Americans to continue to resist global governance.

It is interesting that Smith believes the globalist agenda is sputtering, because most students of Bible prophecy agree that the Antichrist and his world government will be restrained until the Church is Raptured.

This writer does not know what is going on, but the globalists may be trying to get ahead of God’s appointed time, God may be answering prayer to restrain things, He may be giving people more time to be saved, etc.

Finally, if you want to go to heaven, you must be born again (John 3:3). God loves you, and if you have not done so, sincerely admit that you are a sinner; believe that Jesus is the virgin-born, sinless Son of God who died for the sins of the world, was buried, and raised from the dead; ask Him to forgive your sins, cleanse you, come into your heart and be your Saviour; then tell someone that you have done this.

duck_daymond@yahoo.com