Chapter 3          Discerning Today's Christian Leaders & TV Ministers       









Lack of knowledge of Leadership Requirements...



There  is  no  greater  time  in  the  history of  the body of  Christ  than  right  now   for   God's  people   to  begin   knowing  &  handling  accurately   God's  Word on  Leadership  requirements   which  qualify  &  confirm  His  true   leaders.      Having   this  vital  knowledge   will   result   in  sharp discernment   within   the   body  of  Christ   in   recognizing   true  men  of God    versus   the   false  men  of  God   in   the  deceptive  days  ahead.

The   Lord  Himself   warned  His  followers,     "See  to  it  that  no  one  misleads  you."  [Math.24:4].         He   then  said  of  the  End Times,   "for  false Christs  &  false  prophets  will  arise.......so  as  to  mislead,   if possible,   even  the  elect."     [Math.24:24].       This  warning  should  put  a   major  charge  in   every   believer  since  even  Christians  will   be  potentially  fooled  &  deceived  in   these  End Times.  Again, knowledge  from  the  written  Word    plus   sharp discernment  are  the  keys   in   order   to  not   be  "misled"   as   the   Lord  Himself   forewarned.  

Today,  many  empty & false religions already are bold in their claims to be the    'true  children  of  God'     like   Islam,  Mormons   &  numerous secular religions  & cults.      Even  the   Roman  Papacy   professes  for  centuries  &  to   this   day  that   Roman Catholicism  under   the  Pope  is   the  "Only true  Church"    of   which  anyone  who  is   apart   from   is    "endangering their  faith  &  salvation".       [1870 Vatican Council / Canon Law ].        

In  America itself,   many   unqualified   "Christian"   ministers   &    false leaders  have  now   twisted   &   distorted   the  Gospel   into   a    totally  watered-down   hodge-podge  of   religious   folly.    This  has  opened  the  door   for   many   persons    [even younger children]    to   claim   their  own "Christianity"     but   are   nowhere  close   to   being   His   true  disciple.   In  some   cases,   some  are  not  even   truly   "saved".     This  has  much to  do   with   today's   unqualified  ministers   in   America   who  are  responsible  for    'leading'     [or  misleading]     God's   children.       

But,   if   believers  do  not  know  the exact  "bullseye profile"   of  how  a true leader of God   should   look   &   act      [in   character,  attitude, behavior   &   his   responsibilities  as   a    leader] ,      then   how   "open"   is   the   door   for   unqualified  ministers   or   even   false prophets   to  easily   take   the   forefront   in   God's   House?

In   fact,   since   the  early  1990's  in   the  USA,   a   measurable  increase has  occurred  in   the   Evangelical   circle  of   highly  touted  TV  ministers [male & female]    who  have  evil spirits.      These  evil  spirits  deal  mostly in   the  areas  of  divination,  homosexuality  &  deceitfulness within  these false ministers.      This   applies   to   about  10%   of    today's   so-called "Christian"   ministers   in   America,    TV   ministers  included.                    [ *IMPORTANT  NOTE:   The  percentages   presented   in   this   chapter deal   strictly    with    the   approximate   300,000    "Christian"     [non-Catholic]      ministers   in   the  U.S. A.  ]

Once  again,   due  to   the  lack of  knowledge & discernment   in  the  body of Christ  &  amongst  today's leaders   then even  false  ministers  have  been  welcomed  with  open  arms  & applause  into  God's  House.   One   prime   example  of   devoid   discernment   is   when   two  true  Christian   TV   ministers   hosted   an   hour-long   program  where,  unbeknownst   to   them,    their   invited   "Christian"    guest   was   a    full-blown    demon-possessed   lesbian.        For   the   whole  hour  she   was  exalted  &  praised   by   the   2   Christian   hosts   &   the   live   TV  audience   for   her   nutrional   &  health   savvy   regarding    "staying  young".     

But,  in   the  days  ahead,   many  of  these  demonically-influenced  hucksters   will   be   exposed  by   God's   true anointed  leaders   who   "have their senses trained to discern good & evil."     [Heb.5:14].      This will open the eyes of many,  including the body of Christ,   with regard to the  need   for  sharpened discernment   in   these  times   ahead.

For the most part,   the body of Christ has not looked closely at the scriptural requirements  for God's true leaders  in the same way that most people do not look closely at a  surgeon's  background & qualifications before he performs the surgery.    Obviously,   persons  do not examine  the credentials of their  college teacher  or even their boss to confirm whether that leader is  truly qualified  for their respective  role in the first place.   People simply assume that a leader is "qualified" since that leader is representing himself as such  & by the mere fact that he is already  operating  in the role.     

As  a  result,   the inclination for most everyone is  to simply  take for granted  that   a  doctor,  judge,  attorney,  police officer,  politician or other leader-types  &  professionals   are  well-qualified  for their  positions.     Unfortunately in the United States,  far  more doctors are  truly qualified for their medical roles,   ratio-wise,    than are the the so-called Christian leaders we see today across America & on TV ministries.  

But  in God's House it's different than the world's ways of crossing the fingers  &  hoping  or  assuming  a  professional  is  truly  qualified.     The written  Word  of  God   makes  it   simple   to   "identify"   God's  true leaders  &   to   be   double-sure   of   a   leader's   "qualifications".     The  written  word  of  God  says  a   whole  lot   about  this  topic  for   the believer  to  easily  grasp.      Once   a    believer   knows  the    "bullseye profile"   of    what    a   true   5-Fold  Leader   must    "look  like",    then sharp  discernment    will    identify   which   leader   is     [or  is  not]     a   'perfect  match'     inside   the     'bullseye'.

In  fact,   the   criteria   itself   for  Christian  Leadership   is  one  of   the  more  easier  subjects   to  study  out  scripturally.      The  Lord  would  not  give  His  children   the  solid   warning   to    "not  be misled  by  false leaders"   &   then  make   this  scriptural   topic   itself   a    lengthy   &  confusing  puzzle  on    "how"    to    "not  be misled".





Today's  UNQUALIFIED MINISTERS...


Since  the   1970's   a  clear  &  substantial  increase  of  unqualified ministers   have  taken  the  forefront  in  America's  churches  &  TV ministries.      In   fact   today,   90%    [min.]   of   men   seen   operating   as   a    5-Fold   Leader  or   TV  minister  in   America   are   unqualified.  Although    these   are    true   "believers"   with   true   giftings,    they   fail to   meet   all   of    the  qualifications   set    forth   in   scriptures.     Of   this grouping,   most    have   a   true   "calling"    upon   their   lives  to   be    a  "leader"    yet   they   have   placed   themselves   prematurely   into   a    5-Fold    capacity.          Of   the   remaining  10%  of   men,    about  5%  are truly  operating  as  100% qualified  5-Fold  Leaders   to  God's  people.        The   other  5%   are   in   the   profile   of    "false  prophets"     &    have    "deceitful spirits"    as   the   Apostle  Paul   warned   for   these  End  Times.        [2 Cor.11:13;  1Tim.4:1].

As  indicated,   90%  of    the   Christian   men  seen  operating   today   in a     Leadership   ministry    in    America   are    failing    in    the    Biblical requirements   for   God's   Leaders.      This  makes  them  unqualified.  According   to  scriptures,    if    a    believer    is    not   100%  qualified    for   "leadership"     then   that   makes  him  only   "partially"   qualified. Without   question,     the    Bible   is   crystal    clear    that    being   only    "partially"    qualified   for    5-Fold    leadership   is   indeed    the   exact  same   as    being   UNQUALIFIED.      

Scripturally  &  from  the  Lord's  perspective,    there  is  no  such  thing  as being   "partially"    qualified    to   stand    in    one   of    the   5-Fold Leadership    capacities   found   in   Ephesians 4:11.          The  same  is  true    in    being    "above  reproach"    as   scriptures   demand   of   all Leaders.    [1Tim.3:2].         Being    "partially  above  reproach"   does  not exist    in    scriptures   for     5-Fold  Leaders.       In   fact,   a    true   leader of    God    must  be  100%  qualified     to   be   fit   for   any   of    the  roles    as   an    Apostle,   Prophet,    Evangelist,    Pastor   or    Teacher.    NO  EXCEPTIONS,   according   to   the   Apostle  Paul.            [*This  is   talked   about   more   in    the    next   chapter   on   Biblical   Leadership  Requirements.].

For  example  today,    numerous  Christian   ministers  in   America    [highly  popular  TV ministers also]     are  not  yet    filled with the Spirit.    This   immediately  makes   them   incredibly unqualified   &   brings  serious  neglect   &  a   diservice  to   God's  flock.       Most  of   these  are  wonderfully   gifted   &   truly    "called"     as   a    leader.       In   fact,   some of   these  already   lead   huge  churches  &   highly  successful   ministries for  many   years.       But,   if   neither  Christ   Himself   nor   His   apostles  ministered   until   they   were   fully   empowered,      then   do    today's   ministers    have   any   less    need  of    being    empowered    by    the   baptism   of    fire   in   the   Holy  Ghost ?          This  is  a  key   every  believer    [&  minister]     must   recognize  in  accurately  discerning   true  &  effective   leaders.

The  Apostle Paul   instructed  all   believers,     "be  filled  with  the  Holy Spirit!".     [Eph.5:18].           Scriptures  clearly   show   this   to   be  synonomous   with   being   anointed  with  power &  fire    as  on   the   Day  of   Pentecost.   [Acts 2:3,4].            But,  how   less  effective   is   a   pulpit   preacher  or   any   minister   if   he   is   not   yet    "filled  with  the  Holy Spirit"?         Jesus  Himself  said   that   His  disciples   were   to   "Be  clothed  with  power  from  on high....".     [Luke 24:49].        

Again,   this   is    the   anointing  of    "power"   which  overflows   from  within  the   believer  &  comes  "upon"   the   outside  of   his  vessel.     But,   if   any   minister  is   not   "clothed"  spiritually,     then  he   is  spiritually  naked.        Being   filled    ["empowered"]    with   the  Spirit  is   one  of  many  prime  requirements   that   every  Leader  of   God   must  have  to  qualify   for   the  high  calling  of   overseeing  God's  people.





TV Evangelism in America...


Over  the  last  35  years   [since the 70's] ,    Evangelical  TV ministries themselves  have  had   the  greater influence   throughout   America   [compared  to  local  church  Pastors]    since  they  are  seen   by   millions weekly.     Then  as  a   result  over  the  years,   other  ministers  &  Pastors in  churches   across   the  country   have  naively   followed  suit   in  their mirroring  of   the  same  mode,   the  same  overall  demeanor &  religious presentation  as   they   have  observed  from   the  TV  ministries. 
 
As  a  result  today,   what  Americans  are  mostly  witnessing  in  TV ministries  &  most  church  leaders  is   a    spiritually   weak    'mutual-admiration  society'    of   many   [90%]   unqualified Christian leaders.   Many of  these  Christian  leaders  &  TV  ministers  are  easy   to   identify  as loving   the  approval  of   men  &   being   seen   on   the  public  stage.   Over  the  years,    "Christian"   TV  networks   &   highly   visible  preachers themselves   are   primarily   responsible   for   letting    an  influx  of  unqualified    [Christian]    ministers   into   the  sheepfold.     Also,   even  though  scriptures  predict   that   "false prophets"   will   arise,    America's  Christian   leaders   have   themselves  opened   the   door  even   more.    Again,   the   lack  of   knowledge  &  discernment   is   why.

What  has  now  developed   today  in   America's  Christian   leaders   is largely   a    slop Christianity    which  has   spilled   over into  the  body of Christ.      Even  most  of   the  unbelieving  sect   in  America  can   identify the  characteristics  of   today's   "Christian"   presentation  as   completely unrespresentative  of  Christ.        In   fact,   many  solid   Christians themselves  in  America   legitimately   sit  at   home  wanting  no  part  with today's   worldly  ministers   &  church  Pastors.        From  the  Lord's perspective,    the  body of  Christ   itself   is   innocent   &  only   following innocently   as   sheep.       This  is   because  scriptures  are  clear  that   it is   the   'shepherds'    who  are  responsible    to   lead   God's  sheep. Not   visa  versa.  

Unfortunately   in  2006,    over   30  million   Evangelical   believers   in  America    [including other ministers]     followed  a    little   "too  innocently" as   their    elected   top   minister  was   exposed   &   soon   admitted  as  being  involved   in   drug  usage  &   homosexual   trysts   with   a    gay  prostitute.      Here again,   being   fooled  to   this  magnitude   is  a   clear  &  recent   example  of   total lack of discernment   on   the  part  of  all  leaders   who   promoted  the man  &  held  him  up  before  God's  people. Believers   took   the   bait,   hook,   line   &   sinker.

Even  after  the  minister  was  deposed,   most   all   leaders    [including those  who  had  promoted  him]     can  still   be  seen   today   scratching  their    "undiscerning  heads"    about    "how"     this  could   have  ever  happened.        But,   where  are   today's   teachers   &  so-called   "prophets"   who  are  standing  up  as  a   result  &  providing  deep insight &  discernment   to  God's   leaders  &  the  body  of  Christ  on  how  to  be sure  that  this  scenario  is  minimized  in  the  future?       Sadly,   most  of  today's   worldly  Christian  leaders   &   "prophets"   quickly   put   the  matter  to   the  side   with   shabby   explanations  like    "we  all  have our problems"     &      "well,   we're  all  sinners".

But,  today's  unqualified leaders  &  popular  TV ministries  in America have  now  so  abased   the   "high standard of excellence"     [Phillipians 1:10; 2:15; 4:8]   of  Christianity,   that   Christian  TV  today   mostly  appears  as  another  worldly   "Entertainment Tonight"    type  of  program. But,   true   men  &  women  of  God   who  are  anointed   &  who  warn  God's   beloved   children  of   these  End Times  are   almost   non-existent on   today's  TV    "Christian"   channels.     

For example,   today's  ministers  have  lowered the bar  so much  that  we  now  see  the  airwaves  flooded  with   so-called   "Christian"   hip-hop rappers,   heavy-metal   rock groups   &   a   flood  of  unqualified   "leaders"   who  are  promoted   as   "prophets"   &   "prophetesses".     Also  seen  is   the  constant   barrage  over  the  years  of   lukewarm  Hollywood  celebrities   &   pro  athletes   who  are   held  up  to   the   world &  God's   people   as    'spokespersons'    for  the  Gospel.      These  have by-and-large   replaced  God's   truly  anointed   5-Fold   ministers.

Prophetically,   today's   Christianity  as  presented  on   America's  TV screens   is   not   anywhere  close   to  reflecting   what   is  about   to  be  exhibited   by   God's  people  in  the  days  ahead.     The  Lord  has  many "Elijahs"   who  are   sitting  on   the  sidelines  today  in   America  who  have  been   faithful  &  diligent  in  the  word &  in  the  Spirit.      Many of these  coming   powerhouse   believers  are  unknown  publicly   today.    However,  they  have  been  faithful  to  the  Lord  &  in  the   things  of   the  Spirit.      He  has  groomed  them  specifically  for  these  days  ahead.    

Like  the  prophet   Elijah,   the  Spirit   of God   knows  these  forthcoming  bond-servants   by   name  &   is   about   to   lead   them  by   the   Spirit   "out of  their  caves"    [1 Kings 19:9]     which   has   been   their   hidden  worshipful   place   with   God.       The  Lord   will   soon  have  a    powerful group  of   solid    &    true   representatives     [both  leaders  &  believers]  who   bring   true  glory  to  Him   in   these   End Times.       These  will   be   the   ones    "who  have  insight"    amongst   God's   people   &    "will do  mighty  exploits"     to   God's   glory   in   the   Biblical   times  ahead.     [Dan.11:32,33].






The Lord is still  "in the midst"  of  His people...


Despite  today's  failures  in  American Christianity,   the  Lord  can still be found  right   'in the midst'   of  His  people.   Churches all across  the  United States  are  filled  with   true believers.    This is exactly where the  Lord  desires  to  be.     Whether there are  just  two people gathered  in  His  Name   or   2  million  believers  gathered,   Jesus  will  always  be found   "in their midst"   at  all times,   regardless  of   poor   leadership.    
This  is   His  greatest  desire:    to  be  with,    protect   &  care  for   His  people.     Nothing   will  ever  stop  Christ  from  being  found  in  the  very   "midst  of  His  people".          Even   in   the  last   recorded  appearance of  Jesus  Himself,   He   is  seen  by   the  Apostle John    [in 95AD]     as  standing    "in the middle"   of   His  people.       This  was  symbolized  by the   physical   7  golden   lampstands  of   which  John  saw   Jesus   physically   standing   "in the midst of".        Jesus  Himself   identified  to  John   that   these   "are  the  7 churches".        [Rev.1:13, 20].

Keeping  this  knowledge  in mind,    then  sharp discernment   can result for  God's people  with  regard  to  today's  leaders.     For example, most   believers  do  not  differentiate  much  between  the  "body"   of  Christ   &  the   "minister"   who  is  standing  at  the  forefront.    To  be  specific,  in   any  particular  meeting  of   true  believers  where  legitimate salvations,   healings  or  miracles  are  taking  place,   then  the  "body"  of  true believers   in   America   typically  will  automatically  interpret  that   "leader"   at  the  forefront   to  be    "a  true man    [or woman]   of  God".    This  is   a   big   mistake   &  is   not   automatic  at   all.

This  is  because  the  Lord,   who  is  truly   'in  the  midst'   of  His  gathered  children at that particular  meeting,   will   always  have   His  children's   needs   as   His   foremost   priority.       And   He   will   meet  those  needs   regardless  of  any   lack  of  qualifications  or  unbecoming behavior  on   the  part  of   a    "minister"   standing   at   the  forefront.    

The Lord  will  never     "not"    meet   His  children's   needs  based  upon  a  particular  minister's  failings  or  unqualifed  status  or   even  if  a    "false prophet"   himself  is  standing  at   that  meeting's   center-stage.      In  fact,   the  Lord  is   ready  at  all   times   to  respond  to  His  children's needs  even   if   there  is    'no one  at  all'   standing  at   the  pulpit.     When  God's   people  are  gathered  together  &  focused  on  Jesus  with  hearts  of   faith   &  worship  &   exalting  of   Him,    then   He  is   always there   to   respond.
 
So,   believers'  discernment  of  a   particular   "leader"   should  always be  zeroed  in   FIRST   on   that   leader's   own  spirituality,  character  &  qualifications.      And  not  simply  based  upon  the  fact  that  there  might be  legitimate  miracles  occurring   "in the midst"  of  the  body of  Christ  at   at   his  meetings.      Although  signs  &  wonders  &  gifts   will  definitely  follow  true   men  &  women  of  God,    it    is   a    minister's   true   Christ-likeness   of   character  plus    his   true   care  &   effective  oversight   of    God's   children   that   qualify   him    before   the   Lord.      Not    a    minister's   "gifts".   

This  is  why  the  Lord  forewarned  that  in  the  End Times  many   "false" leaders  will   be  seen  at   gatherings  where   the   Lord   Himself  is   truly performing   miracles   amongst   His   people.      However,   He  will  cast  those   false leaders   aside   because  of   their  ungodly  character misleading God's children.     [Math.7:21-23].       The body of Christ   [& true  ministers]    today  must  keep  these  insights  in  mind   for  accurate  spiritual   discernment  of   today's   ministers. 

As  specified previously,   even   though  many  powerful   miracles  by   the Lord  occur  in America,   still   90%   [min.]   of   today's  Christian  leaders &   TV   ministers   are   unqualified  &  failing   in    the   Bible's   strict  requirements  &   high   standards   for   leadership.         For   these,   they  should   step  away   from   the   pulpit   &   from   representing   themselves as    a     5-Fold   Leader.       However,    they   should   definitely   continue in   ministering    under   the   anointing   &   with   their   giftings   until    they are     "first  tested"   &   proven   by   bonafide   5-Fold   Leaders,     as Paul   instructed.      [1Tim.3:6,10].             God's   people   in    these    End  Times    who   are    equipped   with    this    kind    of    understanding    &   discernment    with    regard   to    Leaders   will    not    be   fooled   in    the days   ahead    about    "who's  who?"     in    5-Fold   Leadership.      

Unfortunately,  only  a  small  percentage    [less than 5%]    of  America's ministers  can  be  heard  today  accurately  identifying   today's spiritual departure  from  Christlikeness  in  America.    Almost  none can be heard providing  key  insights  to  God's people about  spiritual discernment.      In fact,   numerous  mightily  anointed  leaders  have  been  shunned or  even  barred  from  appearing  on  top Christian TV  networks  because  of  their outspokeness concerning  the types of  things  mentioned  here.    This is because  most  of   today's   top   TV  ministers  &   high-profile   Christian  leaders   have   become   more   interested    in    their    self-serving   &  worldly  interests   rather   than   having   the   best  interests  of  God's people   as   top  priority.

Today's   blindness  &  folly   in   God's  House  can   be  epitomized   by  one  popular  TV  minister   who  is   filled  with  a   spirit  of   homosexuality yet   still   undetected   by   others    [as  of  May  2007].         He   recently "prophesied"    that      "the   body  of  Christ  is  now   in   its   final  mature  form   &   ready  for   the  coming  of  the  Lord!".        How   far  from  the  truth   can   a     false   "Christian  minister"      his   "prophecies"    be?      
In  fact,   many  of   today's  unqualified Christian ministers   &   false prophets   themselves  have  something  in   common.      Their  prime interests   have  become   the  exalting  of   their  own    'name'    &   their  own    'ministry'   which   for   most   of   them   have   become   their  own  idols.      Being  recognized  publicly   as   the    'man  of  God'    is   their  greatest  glory.

Most  of   today's  popular  TV  ministries  have   actually  done  more    [by their  unbecoming  behavior,  arrogance  &  worldliness]      to   distance  Americans  from  the  Gospel  than  they  have  done  to  draw   them  towards  Christ  over  the  last  20  years  or  so.        They  have  brought  great  reproach  upon   the   Lord.       Again,   this  is   because  they  are  not completely qualified   as   a    leader   in   the   first   place.        Their  worldliness   &    lack   of   discernment    is   part    &   parcel    with   their   own  unqualified   status.            Plus,   being   surrounded   mostly   by    other   undiscerning   &   unqualified    Leaders    has   virtually    left    them  completely   unchecked   in    God's   House.   

As   emphasized,   over   the  years  now   a   flood   of   immature  &  unqualified   believers   [even  false prophets]    have  easily   taken  the   forefront   as   the    "mighty  man   or   woman  of  God".         Still,   regardless   of   a    leader's   individual   status,    the   Lord   will  always   be   seen    "in  the  midst"   of    His   most   cherished   &   beloved  children,    the   body  of  Christ.        And   He  will   be  there   to  attend  to  His  children's   needs,   His  number  one   priority.






Knowledge will bring discernment ...


For  years  now  in   America,    large  gatherings  of   the   innocent &  thirsting  body of Christ   faithfully  attend   churches   as   they   hunger  for   the  deeper  things  of  God.     Yet  God's  people   [the body of Christ] mostly   have   today's   general   90%   batch  of   unqualified   or    "dead work"    Christian   ministers   to   turn   to.         Today's   "ear-tickling"   messages  make   up   95%   or   more  of   the    'spiritual  food'   coming   down   from the   pulpits.        Although  unqualified  ministers   &  false  prophets   will   continue   to   exist,    the  increase  in  knowledge  &  discernment   within  God's   people   in   the   days   ahead   will   dramatically   expose   &   even   confront   wolves   who  are   found   amongst   God's   sheepfold.     [Dan. 11:32,33; 12:4].

But,   in   a    major   contrast   to   today's   Christian  leaders  in  America,  God's   true  &  100%  qualified  leaders   can   be  observed  in   the   first  century  apostles   who  walked  in   the  great    humility  of  Christlikeness.       No  showiness,   worldliness,   arrogance  or   unbecoming   attitudes   were   found   in   these   Spirit-filled  dynamos   as is  commonplace   amongst   today's   leaders.

These  anointed  bond-servants   of   God   walked   in   the  attitude  of  Christ   by   serving  others   &   with   mighty  demonstrations  of   power   that   accompanied   them.      Their   teachings  were   cutting-edge  &   equipped   believers  with   the  solid  meat  of   the   Word  of  God.    Their attitude   was   one  of    true   humility,    kindness   &   the   love  of   Christ  towards  all   others.        These   End Times   will   soon   see   this   again amongst   God's  true  End Time  bond-servants.

But,   as   God's  people   gain  knowldedge   of   the   clear  profile  of  God's  true   Leaders,    then   it   will   result    in   a    great   appreciation   &   respect   amongst   God's   people   for   the   proven  &  100% QUALIFIED   Christian  Leaders   who   have   been   accurately discerned  as  such.         Simultaneously,   those   leaders  who  fail   the  tests   will   also   be   easily   spotted   by    the   body   of   Christ   as UNQUALIFIED    or    false  prophets   altogether.         Soon,   many   of   today's    popular     "Reverends"     will    be    exposed    as   not    really   being    a     "Reverend"    at   all,     except   by    their  own    self-labeling. 

On  the  other  hand,   those  who  are   not   keen   in   spiritual discernment    from   the   written  Word    [concerning  leaders]    will   set  themselves   up   for   great  deception   &   the    "falling  away".         The   Lord    pinpointed    these   as   "foolish virgins"    [Math.25:2]     who   "were going away"    &    back   into   the   world,     believing   that   the   world   could   possibly   offer   them   fulfillment   in   the   End Times.       [Math.25:10].      

These   will   be   the   ones   who  will   actually   become    "misled"   by   the    false  prophets   of    these   End Times    &   potentially   the   great  False Prophet   himself.     "Even the elect",   Jesus said,   will   be  open to   the  spiritual   &   religious   deceptions  of   today's  prophetical   times. However,   believers  in   the  days  ahead   who  solidly   grasp,   by  the Spirit,   the  written  Word  of  God   on   vital    End Time   topics     [like   "Biblical  Requirements  for  God's  Leaders"]       will    "Not  be  misled".  





God's true leaders will  "Equip the saints"...    [Eph.4:12]


"Equipping of the saints"  into maturity in Christ  is  another  prime key responsibility  which  Paul   firmly  charged  all ministers   to  carry  out  as God's   Leaders.         However  today,   most     [95%  minimum]    of Christian   leaders   in    America   continue   in    their    "ear-tickling"   &  elementary   sermons    which   come   nowhere   close   to   "equipping"  &  maturing   God's   people   as   needed   for   these   unparalelled   End Times.         But,    if    a    minister   is    found   as    NOT     'equipping'    God's   children,    then   he  is  neglecting  them.         Every    minister   in    this   particular    profile    is    in    a     highly   dangerous   disposition   before   the    Lord   Himself.  

A   powerful   warning   by   Christ  Himself  for   all  End Time  leaders   ought   to  put   a   self-examining   fear   into   every  Christian   minister  or aspiring   minister   today.      Referring   to  the   End Time  generation  of ministers,    Jesus  said,    "Who then is  that  faithful & sensible  slave[End Time minister]   whom his master put in charge of his household [the  End Time  body of Christ]     to  give  them  their  food     [equip  the saints]    at  the  proper  time?        Blessed  is  that  slave    [minister]   whom  his  master  finds  so  doing  when  He  comes."        [Math.24:45].    

Conversely,   of  End Time  ministers  who are  found  not   preparing God's   people   properly   when   the  master  returns,     Jesus  said   they would   be  assigned   in   the  place  where  the  "hypocrites"   &  "weeping &  gnashing of teeth"    exist.         [Math. 24:48-51].               

Two   prime  examples   of    today's    "elementary"   teachings  are   the true   Biblical   topics   of    "faith"  &  "prosperity".         In  the  early  80's,  these  powerful   topics   were  presented   in   the  Spirit   &   right  on  time.      But  now,   after  almost  30  years,   God's  people  are   still   being   barraged   by   spiritually   weak   ministers   &   mimics   who  are   stuck   in    the   topics   of    "faith"    or    "prosperity".          But,   at   this   point   these   topics   have   become    "elementary"    [Heb.6:1]      to   God's   people   in   America.         Even  atheists  are   well-versed  of    these   teachings.

But,   now   the  Spirit  is   calling  God's   true   leaders  to   "equip"   the saints   [Eph.4:12]     in   these   End Times   with   the   vital   things  of  His Word.      And   to   lead   His  people   "towards maturity"   in  Christ   in readiness  for   His  coming.       In   the  days  ahead,   God   will   have  plenty   of   leaders   &   believers   themselves   who   will   be   found   by  the   Master   "giving God's people their solid food,   at  this proper time"   prophetically.          The    prophet   Daniel   also   spotlighted    this  for   the     End  Times    when    he   said,       "And    those     [of  God's  people]      who   have   insight    will   provide   understanding   to    the   many.....".             [Dan.11:33].






Today's  "Prophets"  &  "Prophetesses" ...


Concerning   Evangelical   &  non-denominational   leaders  who  are  held  up  today  as   "prophets &  prophetesses",    then   most    [99%]    are  no prophets  at  all.       Of   the   men,    most    [90%]     are   actually    true  Christian    "believers".         But,   their   true   prophetical  "giftings"    have been   wrongfully   interpreted    by    themselves,     by   other   leaders   &   by   the    body   of   Christ   as   being    a    "prophet".      The   other  10% or    so    of     today's    so-called     "prophets"     are    completely    false  ministers   &   religious   phonies   altogether.        These  are   those   who have   deceitful   spirits.    [2 Cor.11:13; 1 Tim.4:1].         Only   a   countable few     "prophets"     in     America    today   are    the   true   &   Biblically   sound    prophets  of   God.    

With  rare  exceptions,     the  women   seen   today   at    the   forefront   who   assume   to   operate  as   an   actual    5-Fold   Leader    have  no  business    whatsoever  being   in   front  of   God's   people.     Of  today's "prophetesses",     99%   are   no   prophetess   at   all.         Of   this  grouping,   70%   have   evil  spirits   as   they   are    "deceitful  workers".   [2 Cor.11:13].         The   other   30%  or   so   are   actual   true   Christian "believers"    with    true   giftings.           Yet    these    have   allowed    themselves   to    be    wrongly   influenced   resulting    in    their   unqualified  status    and    unscriptural  position   in    the   forefront.

Either  way,    with   very  rare   exceptions,    they   should   step  down   from   exalting   themselves   in   God's   House.         Also   like   today's  men   ministers,    most   women   seen   in  the  pulpits    today   have   brought    a    great   reproach   &   mockery   upon   the   Lord    with   their  dominating-controlling   &   unbecoming   character,    speech  &   arrogant attitudes.            [*The  next chapter specifically expounds on this.]

Scriptures   are   clear    that   'overseers'   &   'deacons'   of   God's   flock   must   be    "a   man".      [1Tim. 3:1-16].          However,   scriptures  clearly   allow   for    female    believers   to   operate   powerfully   in    the  areas   of    teaching,   evangelism   &   prophetical   giftings   &   even  as   a    prophetess.         But,   always   within    Paul's   guidelines    and     in   conjunction   with    the    5-Fold    ministry   roles    filled  by  men.        [1Tim. 2:12;  1 Tim 3:1]. 

But,   what   has  occurred  over  the   years  in   America   is   a   naivety  & sloppiness  in   Christian   leadership  even   with   the   term   "prophet".   Since   the  1980's  or  so,    this   has   opened   the  door   across   the United  States  for   most   anyone   with   any   level  of  true   prophetical  "giftings"    to   be  quickly   &  widely  accepted   in   God's  House  as   a "prophet"   or    "prophetess".       

In   fact,    today's    false    "prophets  &  prophetesses"      are   deceitful   &   have    evil   spirits   exactly   as     the    woman   who   followed   Paul's  minstry   for     "many  days".       [Acts 16:16-18].              Just   like   today's false    "ministers",      she   could    stand   up    in    the    House   of   God &    deliver    a    perfect   &   true  prophecy    &   probably    to   the applause   of    the    body   of   Christ   who   observed.           Yet,    Paul's  discernment    was    keen    &      "trained  to  discern  good  &  evil".     [Heb.5:14].         At   the   right    timing    &    under   an   anointing   of   power,     Paul   cast    the    evil   spirit   out   of   her.          [Acts 16:18]. 

However,   in   today's  Christian   leadership  &   the  body  of  Christ    the  quick  acceptance  of  most  anyone  as   a    "prophet"   or    "prophetess"  goes   almost  entirely  unchecked.     Here  again,   this  is   because  of   a serious   lack  of   discernment.        Most    [99%]    of    today's   Christian  leaders   would    not    recognize   a   demon-possessed    person   sitting  right   in   front  of   them.       This   is   obviously  confirmed   by   so   few   leaders   today   who,    unlike  Jesus  &  Paul,      are   rarely      [if   ever]   seen   ministering    full   &   powerful   deliverances   to   anyone   at    all.     [Mark 1:23-27].

But,   having  prophetical  "gifts"   in   no   way   automatically   equates  a believer   with   being  a   "prophet"   which  is   a   higher calling  &  office amongst    God's    true   leaders  altogether.       In   fact,  no  true  prophet of   God   will   be   seen   constantly,    as   today's   so-called    "prophets"  are,    as   providing   their   best  prophecies  to   be  personal   messages to   believers  about     "who  their  next  husband  or  wife  might  be",     or  that     "prosperity  is coming  to  a   believer  soon...."    or      "the  Lord  is  going   to  use  you  mightily...."    or      "God  has  a  ministry  for  you...".        
In   the  last  several  years  in   the  USA,     a   popular  message  spread  amongst   God's   people  by   the   "prophets"    is   that    "America   itself  [as  a  nation]    is   about   to  experience   the  greatest   prosperity financially  in   our   nation's   history".         But   quite  to   the  contrary,  unless  this   nation  as   a   whole  first  repents,   this  couldn't   be  more false.        Unlike   the   true  prophets   of   God,     today's   so-called  "prophets"     &    "prophetesses"      have   kept    the    warning   of    "repentance"    almost   nowhere   to    be   found.          But,   in   today's   world,    this    is    exactly   one   of    the    prophetical    "words"     which  should    be    delivered   to    God's    people.            [*This   is  elaborated  on   in   the  chapter  on   "America's  Future".]       

Another  popular  but   completely  short-sighted   message  of  today's  "prophets"    is   the    "find  your  destiny"    pitch.       True,   finding  one's own  area   of   purpose  or   "part"   in    the   body  of   Christ   is  essential.       Yet,   no   true  prophet  of   God   would   focus  only     [as today's   so-called   "prophets"   &   "prophetesses"    have]    on   a   short-sighted    "destiny"   while   minimizing   or   leaving  out  altogether today's   greatest   warnings   to   God's   children  of    the   imminent  judgements  of  God,   including   the  return  of   the  Lord  Himself.

But  in  the  mighty  times  ahead,   God's  true  prophets  &  prophetesses will   be   heard  as   sounding   a   trumpet   in   these   End Times.      The  greatest   prophetical  voices  of   God   in   the  coming  days   will   be  as  powerful  oracles  who  represent  God   &  speak  for  God.        His   true  prophets   in   the  days  ahead   will   in   no   way   be    'less'    than   the other  mighty   prophets  of   old.         In  fact,   in   most   ways   they   will   be    even  mightier   in   the  days   ahead.

They   will  also  have  God's   people  as   their   prime  concern  as   they  announce   End Time  insights   which   point   to   the   global  judgements   &   imminent    re-appearance  of   His  own  Son.       It   is   a global    "word"    which    His    true prophets    will   be   heard  speaking.     Namely,   "Repent!    For  your  eternal   "destiny"    is   at  hand!".       This   lines  up   exactly   with   all   other   scriptural   warnings  for    the   End Time   generation   including   the   Lord's  own   warnings  to His  End Time   people   when   He   said:     "When  you  see  all  these things,   Look up!     Because  your  Redemption  is  drawing  near!". [Luke 21:38].     

In   reality,    if    the  true prophets of  God,   like  Elijah,   Elisha,   Daniel, Ezekiel,   John the Baptist,    the  Apostle Paul    &    John   the  Revelator   were   to   stand   as   a    group   on   stage   next    to    today's   American  ministers    &    so-called    top     "prophets  &  prophetesses",      then   the stark  contrast    would   be   immediately   obvious   to   all,      even   unbelievers.

So  far,   today's    so-called   "prophets"    are   in  perfect   line   with   the  prophet   Jeremiah's   foresight   for  these   End  Times   when  he  warned:

"In   the   Last  Days   you   will  clearly   understand   it.       I     [God] did   not    send   these   prophets,   but   they   ran.         I   did  not  speak  to  them,   yet   they   prophesied.      But,   if   they  had  stood in  My  council,    then   they   would   have  announced   My   words  to   My  people,    And   would   have   turned   them   back   from  their   evil   way   and    from   the   evil   of   their  deeds."            [Jer.23:20-22].










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