Week 17: April 28^th, 2019

Topic: Who will stand in the gap? – Part 1

Bible Reading: Ezekiel 22:23-31

Introduction

The gap is a break in an object. It can also be described as a hole between two objects. Who will be the person that will rebuild the crumbled spiritual wall of righteousness that is guarding the world? Who will stand in the spiritual gap in order to plead with God, and pacify Him so that He will neither pour His fury upon the world nor pass judgment on the earthling at this period? Therefore, listen to this, all you peoples and pay attention, all inhabitants of the world. Both great and small, rich and poor people listen Psalm 49:1-2. God is seeking the people or anyone who can stand in the gap, so that He will not destroy the nations of the world. Who will be the leader that is worthy to be emulated and capable of filling the gap, so that the spiritual ship of Christianity will not shipwreck? Who is ready to sacrifice his/her time, energy and other resources for the salvation of mankind by standing in the spiritual gap?

At this time, “The earth mourns and fades away, the world languishes and fades away; the haughty people of the earth languish. The earth is also defiled under its inhabitants, because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant” Isaiah 24:4-5. Who is zealous for the work of God so as to turn away the anger of the Lord? Who is prepare to propagate the Gospel under harsh condition to placate God so that He will have a change of heart concerning the impending judgment of the world?

Though the Bible stated that “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” 1 Peter 2:9. But nowadays, people are displaying a deliberate desire to behave in unreasonable way with no regard for the outcome. Countless people stubbornly refuse to change their opinion or chosen course of action despite attempts to persuade them to do so; they continue to behave in a way that is unacceptable or immoral, and often in spite of the consequences. These perverse people are among the hierarch of Christianity, and Satan is using them to sow discord among the believers because of their selfish interests. There is discord among the Christendom concerning who is superior to another and which church is better than the other, instead of concentrating our energy on winning souls into the kingdom of God. Today, Churches are envying one another and they are seeking the downfall of one another.

The Churches and their leaders have forgotten that there is a spiritual gap in Christianity which is due to mistakes/errors, disobedience and moving in the wrong direction. The strife is so severe to the extent that one denomination is claiming superiority over another, or one denomination is against and condemns another. People with short memory have forgotten that we are worshipping the same God and Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Therefore, we are equal in the presence of God as long as we do what is right and acceptable. The scripture corroborated this fact by saying “A perverse man sows strife, and a whisperer separates the best of friends” Proverbs 16:28. However, the time has arrived for judgement to being in the Churches with the household of God, and if it begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who do not respect, believe or obey the Gospel of God? 1 Peter 4:17. Therefore, ‘all hands must be on deck’ and everyone must put in their best, else, severe judgment will come. So, saying ‘Thank you Jesus’ alone is not enough to fill the gap. Greeting people by saying ‘You are blessed or God bless you’ is insufficient to fill the gap. For this reason, you must do what will justify been referred to as a special people of God.

This spiritual gap needs to be filled quickly in order for it not to expand. Time is of essence, because there is danger in delaying the filling of the gap. God is displeased by the conducts of mankind, so He is angry with the nations; according to the scripture which says “Come near, you nations, to hear; and heed, you people! Let the earth hear, and all that is in it. For the indignation of the Lord is against all nations, and His fury against all their armies; He has utterly destroyed them, He has given them to over to the slaughter” Isaiah 34:1-2. Unless the nations change, the judgment of God will come upon everyone because God will punish the world for its evil, and the wicked for their guilt and iniquity: He will cause the arrogance of the proud to cease and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible, and the boasting of the violent/ruthless Isaiah 13:11. It is inevitable that God will bring disaster upon the world for its evil, unless we can quickly find the righteous people who are ready to fill the spiritual gap.

The righteous alone can turn away God’s anger

It is our duty to shout loudly without holding back, and raise our voices like trumpets to announce to the Christians throughout the world their crime against God and how they have turned against Him. Our responsibility according to the instruction of God is to “Cry aloud, spare not; lift up your voice like a trumpet; tell My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins” Isaiah 58:1. God is looking for the righteous people that will make Him to change His mind and restrict the judgment that is coming upon the world at this age. Just like the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, whereby God promised not to destroy the city, despite the atrocities committed in her, if only He was able to find ten righteous people Genesis 18:20-24, 32.

If God can find righteous people who are worthy, He will delay the impending disaster that is coming upon the world. Therefore, do not become obstinate like your ancestors, instead, yield and make a decision to go to church to serve God with fasting and prayer so that His wrath will turn away from you; according to the Bible passage which says “Now do not be stiff-neck, as your fathers were, but yield yourselves to the Lord; and enter His sanctuary, which He has sanctified forever, and serve the Lord your God, that the fierceness of His wrath may turn away from you” 2 Chronicles 30:8. Submit yourself to the Lord and worship Him in acceptable manner in His Church so that He will no longer be angry with you. Make a resolution now to renew your agreement with the Lord, so that He will stop being angry at you. As it is written “Now it is in my heart to make a covenant with the Lord God of Israel, that His fierce wrath may turn away from us” 2 Chronicles 29:10. Make a covenant with God now, that will pacify His anger towards you. Who knows? Perhaps God will change His mind, and hold back His fierce anger from destroying you; as it is written that “Who can tell if God will turn and relent, and turn away from His fierce anger, so that we may not perish?” Jonah 3:9.

Humans are adamant, but God is kind. He kept forgiving their sins and didn’t destroy them. He often became angry, but never lost His temper. Our God is merciful and full of compassion. He forgave the sins of believers and did not destroy them. Many times, He held back His anger and restrained His fury Psalm 78:38. Though “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. He will not always strive with us, nor will He keep His anger forever” Psalm 103:8-9.

With the knowledge of this fact, the nations of the world must cease doing evil, change and turn to God; according to the scripture which says “Alas, sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a broad of evildoers, children who are corrupters! They have forsaken the Lord. They have provoked to anger The Holy One of Israel. They have turn away backward” Isaiah 1:4. It is time, stop rejecting the Lord. Let corruption be eradicated completely in your midst. Henceforth, you must neither despise the Lord nor turn your back on Him. If not, the Lord will be angry with us and He will keep punishing us until we change. He will not have pity on our young people or our widows and orphans. As it is written “Therefore the Lord will have no joy in their young men, nor have mercy on their fatherless and widows; for everyone is a hypocrite and an evildoer, and every mouth speaks folly. For all this His anger is not turned away, but His hand is stretched out still” Isaiah 9:17. Since God can neither be deceived nor bribed, then Christians must do things that are worthy of the Lord.

Many of the founders and leaders of Christianity are novice and corrupt. They are the ones causing the rifts among the Christians because of their selfish ambitions. These corrupt people lack wisdom, because instead of turning the wrath of the Lord away, they concentrate on causing rancor among believers in order to benefit and enrich themselves. The Bible says “Scoffers set a city aflame, but wise men turn away wrath” Proverbs 29:8. These leaders must stop acting indirectly as agents of Satan and cease ensnaring Christianity. Else, the punishment that came on the elders of Israel who misbehaved during the time of Moses will come upon them. The scripture described the event by saying “Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Take all the leaders of the people and hang the offenders before the Lord, out in the sun, that the fierce anger of the Lord may turn away from Israel’” Numbers 25:4. The same fate or worst one will befall the corrupt leaders of Christianity who are disgracing the Holy name of the Lord through their corrupt acts, unless they quickly change.

Are Christians still the light and the salt of the earth?

Christians are supposed to be the salt and the light of the world, but our conducts speak otherwise. We were given the grace to be the salt that is seasoning the earth but we misused it. We were given the grace to be the light of the world so that people will not walk in darkness, but we are conniving with the darkness to put the people that we are expected to save in spiritual bondage, because of greed and selfish ambitions.

Jesus said, as long as I am in the world, I am the Light of the world giving guidance through My word and works John 9:5. Though, He has ascended to heaven, but He is still the Light of the world, so whoever believes and follows Him will never walk in darkness but will have the light which gives eternal life John 8:12. Since Christians confess and proclaim to believe Jesus and continue to follow His steps, we were given the light that leads to life. Likewise, Christ gave us the right to become the light of the world. The Book of Matthew stated that “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” Our spiritual lamps, are they still burning or they are extinguished? Do we place our lamps on lampstands or cover them with bowls? Are we giving light to the people in the world or we are making them to walk in the darkness and stumble? Can humans testify that our light is shining? Are we doing good deeds or nefarious activities? Do people glorify God through us or blaspheme His Holy name? Matthew 5:14-16. Henceforth, start doing everything without grumbling or questioning the providence of God. Change, and do all things without arguing with God or complaining against Him “So that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” Philippians 2:14-15. Never forget, it is only if you are upright and live a clean life that you can achieve your aim of filling the gap.

It is true that Christians are the salt of the earth according to the scripture which says “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men” Matthew 5:13.

How are we going to restore our lost flavor? We need to make efforts so that Christianity will not become an object of mockery among the Gentiles.

Topic: Who will stand in the gap? – Part 2

Bible Reading: Ezekiel 22:23-31

We shall continue our discussions by mentioning the commencement of the instruction of the Lord for someone to stand in the gap. In addition, we will talk about some people who have stood in the gap in the scripture.

The genesis and the people who have stood in the gap

In the beginning God met with Moses on Mount Horeb while he was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law. Moses was sanctified, ordained and anointed by the Lord God of Abraham Exodus 3:1-6. He was appointed to lead the children of Israel out of the Land of Egypt, which qualified him to be the person who stood in the gap for the Israelites. After God delivered the people of Israel from the Egyptians and brought them into the Land of Canaan (the promised land). When God descended on Mount Sinai, He instructed Moses to go down from Mount Sinai and bring Aaron back with him to the mountain in order to be sanctified but He forbid the priests and the people from crossing the boundary to come up to Him on the mountain Exodus 19:24. After the ordination of Aaron on Mount Sinai, he became the next person who is worthy to stand in the gap. The Bible testified to this fact, when God was instructing Moses concerning Aaron’s garment by saying “So it shall be on Aaron’s forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things which the children of Israel hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall always be on his forehead, that they may be acceptable before the Lord” Exodus 28:38. The significance of the decoration on Aaron’s forehead was to show that he will take on himself the guilt for any sin the people of Israel commit in offering their gifts to the Lord. God also extended the privilege of standing in the gap to Aaron’s children and the Levites according to the scripture which says “Then the Lord said to Aaron ‘You and your sons and your father’s house with you shall bear the iniquity related to the sanctuary, and you and your sons with you shall bear the iniquity associated with your priesthood’” Numbers 18:1.

It means all the priests/pastors that are righteous and the workers in the vineyard of the Lord who are righteous can stand in the gap. The priests/pastors will be held responsible and they will suffer the consequences of service in the priesthood. Just like how two of Aaron’s children died (Nadab and Abihu) while serving in the presence of God and Moses reprimanded the two surviving sons for negligence of duty despite the demise of their brothers Leviticus 10:16-17. The Levites who are the workers in the Church are the only people permitted to serve in the Church and they will be held responsible for any offense against it. This is permanent law which must be observed from generation to generation Numbers 18:23. Since the priests and the workers of the Church will be accountable, are you ready to do what is right and acceptable? Do you think you are worthy to stand in the gap?

Ezekiel stood in the gap: Several of the prophets of the olden days stood in the gap so that the fury of the Lord will not come upon the people. Notable among the prophets who filled the spiritual gap was Ezekiel who lied on his left and right sides for days according to the Bible passage which says “Lie also on your left side, and lay the iniquity of the house of Israel upon it according to the number of the days that you lie on it, you shall bear their iniquity. For I have laid on you the years of their iniquity according to the number of the days, three hundred and ninety days; so, you shall bear the iniquity of the house of Israel. And when you have completed them, lie again on your right side; then you shall bear the iniquity of the house of Judah forty days. I have laid on you a day for each year” Ezekiel 4:4-6. Are you ready to suffer similar fate to fill the gap? Are you ready to make comparable sacrifice to turn away the anger of the Lord?

Jesus Christ the Savior and the supreme gap filler: Before virgin Mary gave birth to Jesus, Zacharias the father of John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied that God has visited and redeemed His people by raising a horn of salvation (Jesus Christ) for them in the house of David who will give light to those who sit in the darkness and the shadow of death in order to guide their feet into the way of peace Luke 1:68-69, 79.

In addition, the testimony of the angel who appeared to the shepherds to announce the birth of Christ was: “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” Luke 2:10-11. John the Baptist corroborated this fact when he saw Jesus by saying “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29. Prophet Isaiah described Jesus Christ as the Alpha and Omega of standing in the gap by his prophecy which says “Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed” Isaiah 53:4-5. You are bought at a price, Jesus Christ paid the price on the cross, therefore, glorify God in your body and spirit by becoming a person that is worthy to stand in the gap 1 Corinthians 6:20. Therefore, if you want to stand in the gap, you must deny yourself, carry your cross and follow Jesus. You cannot proclaim to be a disciple of Christ, unless you gave up your own way, take up your cross and follow Him Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23. For this reason, whoever does not carry his/her cross and follow Christ, can neither be His disciple nor stand in the gap Luke 14:27.

The perverse generations of the world

The present generations in the world are perverted, many people are unreasonable, troublesome and disobedient. Countless people are conducting themselves in manner that is contrary to the acceptable and moral standard. Numerous people are behaving in irrational and inappropriate way with no regard for the consequences. Most leaders of the nations of the world are acting in twisted, corrupt and abnormal ways which signifies that the end of age is at hand. So, is it possible for a perverse person to stand in the gap? No.

Wicked people are detestable to the Lord and the devious people are repulsive to the Lord. The Lord doesn’t like anyone who is dishonest, but He offers His friendship to the godly. As it is written, “For the perverse person is an abomination to the Lord, but His secret counsel is with the upright” Proverbs 3:32. The scripture stated that God detests people with crooked hearts and evil-minded people. Sneaky people and those with twisted minds are repulsive to the Lord, but He delights in those with integrity and blameless conducts Proverbs 11:20. Jesus Christ also described the generation of His time in this world as “Faithless and perverse generation” Luke 9:41, Matthew 17:17. Nowadays, the generations in the world are worse. For this reason, the nations of the world are unfaithful to the Lord and they have acted corruptly toward Him, even the Christians are unworthy to be His children because of their decadence, but they are crooked and perverse generation Deuteronomy 32:5. Since you know that God hates the perverse people and those with crooked minds, why not conduct yourself in sincerity so as to stand in the gap? How can we find somebody who is worthy to stand in the gap from the perverse generations in the world? Are we sure that someone or some people will abandon the pleasures of this world to stand in the gap? Ask your priests if they are ready to deny themselves the comfortabilities to fill the gap.

We need to realize that the only conditionality to be rescued from harm is to walk in integrity. Whoever walks blamelessly and uprightly will be saved, but anyone who is perverse in his/her ways will fall spiritually Proverbs 28:18. Since honesty will keep you safe but dishonesty will ruin you, then, it is better to be poor and live an honest life than to be rich and dishonest. Better is the poor who walks in integrity than to be on crooked paths and wealthy Proverbs 28:6. Make a resolution that henceforth every word that you will speak will be honest and none of it will be misleading or deceptive. Make sure that all the word of your mouth are righteous and nothing in them is twisted or crooked Proverbs 8:8. Those that the words of their mouths are false and their speeches are perverse; God will turn away from them and abandon them; He will then see what becomes of them because they are a twisted and perverse generation, children who are neither faithful nor trustworthy. As it is written “And He said, ‘I will hide My face from them, I will see what their end will be. For they are a perverse generation, children in whom is no faith’” Deuteronomy 32:20. If you don’t want God to hide His face from you, you must exhibit sincerity and loyalty. For God to consider you to stand in the gap, you must walk in integrity. Therefore, are you prepare to make sacrifices to pacify the anger of the Lord by standing in the gap?

Everyone will bear their transgression

Nowadays, numerous people are breaking the law of God without any sign of remorse. The inhabitants of the earth are entrenched in wrongdoings and evil. Mischief is so rampant among mankind, lawlessness and confrontation are occurring at an alarming rate.

Only God decides who will be punished: Though it is written that “Father shall not be put to death for their children, nor shall children be put to death for their fathers; a person shall be put to death for his own sin” Deuteronomy 24:16. The Bibles says “The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself” Ezekiel 18:20. However, the Lord our God is a jealous God who does not tolerate rivals, He can punish children for their parents’ sins even to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Him. But showing mercy, grace and steadfast love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments Exodus 20:5-6, Deuteronomy 5:9-10. The explanation is simple: It is either you do what pleases the Lord, which will prompt Him to overlook the sins of your forefathers, and shower you with mercy, grace and love; or you do what displeases the Lord, which will prompt Him to visit the iniquity of your forefathers upon you. As it is written “Our fathers sinned and are no more, but we bear their iniquities” Lamentations 5:7. Change, if you do not want to suffer the punishment that your ancestors deserved for their iniquities. If you do not want to pay for the sins of your forefathers, do things that will make you worthy to stand in the gap.

No excuse for breaking the law: People usually say that ‘when the sinners are been punished, the righteous always share in their guilt.’ It is true, but only the righteous who fail to follow the instruction of the Lord according to the Book of Isaiah which says “Cry aloud, spare not; lift up your voice like a trumpet; tell my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins” Isaiah 58:1. Even if you are righteous, unless you speak out at the appropriate time, you will share out of the punishment and guilt of the sinners. On several occasions, people break the law of God and claim ignorance. Such people will not be absolved from the penalty of their sins. Just like how the judges/courts always say ‘ignorance is no defense in law’ so also will anyone who sins and does any of the things the Lord has forbidden, though the person was not aware of it, still he/she is guilty and he/she will bear the punishment Leviticus 5:17. Never forget that if you sin unintentionally by breaking any of the Lord’s commands, you are guilty and must pay the penalty.

Anyone who rejects the Lord by worshiping idols and falling into various sins, and then come to a prophet to ask for the Lord’s advice. God will turn against such person and make a terrible example of him/her, and eliminate the person from among His people. If the prophet gives message to such person instead of warning/rebuking, then the Lord will lift His fist against the prophet and cut him off from the community of Christianity. Both the prophet and the hypocrite who consult him will get the same punishment Ezekiel 14:7-10. Priests give honest advice, prophets deliver candid and genuine messages, else you will suffer the consequences.

The great sacrifice of Christ: We all know that salvation of mankind is paramount in the Lord’s mind and one of the best ways to be used for the salvation of humanity is to stand in the gap. Jesus Christ laid this example for us to follow through His death on the cross. It was this great sacrifice that made the scripture to say “So Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation” Hebrew 9:28. Are you ready to follow the footsteps of Christ by standing in the gap? What is your preparedness for the second coming of Messiah?

Topic: Who will stand in the gap? – Part 3

Bible Reading: Ezekiel 22:23-31

We shall continue our discussions by mentioning the priests and the leaders of Christianity. We shall examine their conducts in the world, if it is in conformity with the statutes of the Lord. We shall scrutinize their efforts and analyze what steps are being taken to ‘stand in the gap’ for the inhabitants of the world before the Lord.

The priests and the leaders of Christianity

The Bible says, we must encourage the believers and give them comfort at all times. It is our duty most especially the priests/leaders to comfort and keep comforting the Christians as it is written “‘Comfort, yes, comfort My people!’ Says your God” Isaiah 40:1. How many pastors/leaders are comforting their congregations? Is it easy to find in the world today priest/leaders that are concern about the comfort of their parishioners? What percentage of pastors/leaders follow this crucial instruction of the Lord? Those who are not carrying out this command, do they know that they might not be admitted into the glorious home due to their disobedience? We have leaders/priests who are righteous, but they are few in number and they rare to find, whereas, countless of our leaders are selfish and inconsiderate. They only care about themselves and not the welfare of the Church of God. Numerous of them will be wearing garments and ornaments worth several thousands or millions of their nations’ currencies while majority of the people in the congregation languishes in poverty. Many of these pastors/leaders will even be showing off their attires and telling their congregations the price-tag or the cost. They neither love nor care about the Church like how Jesus Christ does. Instead of working towards standing in the gap for the Church, they concentrate their energies on nourishing and cherishing their bodies, which is dust Ephesians 5:29. Though it is not an offense for anyone to feed and take care of his/her body but such person must neither neglect nor ignore his/her obligation to nourish and cherish the Church of the Lord in order to fulfill the commandment which says “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” Matthew 22:39.

Many of the priests/leaders are so twisted to the extent that there is nothing they do that is not either because of rewards or personal gain. Countless of them are taking bribe to connive with the politicians to loot the treasury of their nations. Numerous pastors/leaders are receiving gifts from the politicians in order to endorse them so as to win the election. Several of the pastors/leaders are actively involved in the politics while uncountable of them kept silent and turn a blind eye to the corruption and the injustice being committed by the current government in their countries. All these so-called priests/leaders have forgotten that God raised them up to fulfill His righteous purposes, restore the Church of God which Lucifer is bent on ruining, and for them to set His people held captive by the darkness free. The scripture supported this claim by saying “‘I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways, he shall build My city and let My exiles go free, not for price nor reward.’ Says the Lord” Isaiah 45:13. So, they need to change and be prepared to suffer for Christ’s sake. Those who delight in pursuing righteousness and are determined to live a holy life in Christ Jesus will be harassed and made to suffer because of their religious stand. They must bear in mind that if they belong to Jesus as they are claiming, then they will suffer persecution. As it is written “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” 2 Timothy 3:12. It is either the pastor/leaders are ready to suffer maltreatment, oppression and discrimination to become worthy to stand in the gap or they choose to support and encourage the wicked people. Ask your pastor what is his/her stand concerning this issue.

The pastors/priests and the leaders of Christianity are always busy thinking about their earthly possessions and investments instead of thinking about the vineyard of the Lord. This attitude/conduct makes it easy for Satan to use the vanities of this world to collect the spiritual key of the kingdom of God from countless of our leaders/priests. The Devil also used deception and the glittering of this world to make numerous of our leaders/pastors to either ignore or abandon their Bible. The situation is worse, to the extent that countless of them don’t regularly read the Bible which is an eternal Book; and instead of preaching to their congregation on the Lord’s day, they will be telling stories and jokes. The pastors have forgotten that every scripture is given by the inspiration of God, and is profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, and for training in righteousness by learning to live in conformity to God’s will and purpose. It is essential in making us to behave honorably publicly and privately, with personal integrity and moral courage. ‘In a nutshell’ the scripture which was deserted by many, is useful to teach us what is true, and make us to realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and train/enlighten us to do what is right at all times, thereby becoming good citizens of our countries 2 Timothy 3:16. The main purpose of the scriptures is to train the God’s servants so as to perform all kinds of good deeds. The Holy Bible makes it possible, so that those who are serving God may be qualified and equipped to do various good deeds; according to the scripture which says “that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” 2 Timothy 3:17. For this reason, the priests/leaders must not abandon their Bibles but give more time to reading and teaching the scriptures, than staying on their computers and phones. They must bear in their minds that a good reputation and respect are worth much more than silver and gold. They should realize that a good name earned by honorable behavior, moral courage and personal integrity is more desirable than great riches. They must not allow Lucifer to lure them with the uncertain riches and wealth of this world, but maintain a good relationship with God, and good reputation earned with godly wisdom before humans. As it is written “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches. Loving favor rather than silver and gold” Proverbs 22:1. Pastors/leaders, do not allow your aspirations to becloud you, choose a good reputation over great riches and being held in high esteem than silver or gold.

We are at a perilous time: Many of priest/leaders have taken the love of God for granted and they have forgotten their first love, so, this conduct is widespread throughout the world because we are at the end time. The Bible says “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come” 2 Timothy 3:1. The difficult and the hard times are here but the pastors/leaders are not applying the wisdom of God, instead they are using the wisdom of this world which is foolishness in the presence of God. Countless of them who can neither hold on to their faith nor endure, have slidden back. The Holy Spirit has deserted them due to their conducts; they stay on their self-destructive path by seeking the terrestrial powers; they hold fast to deceit and cling to idolatry. They refuse to repent and return to God. If anyone pay careful attention to these pastors/leaders whenever they talk, majority of what they are saying is not right and a word of truth will not come from them. None of them will ever admit what they have done wrong, not one of them has been sorry for his/her wickedness; not one of them has asked ‘What have I done wrong?’ But instead they always like to justify themselves by saying ‘What have I done?’ As if they have done nothing wrong. So, they continue running down the path of sin, and cling to their destructive selfish ambitions Jeremiah 8:5-6. Whenever you listen to their conversation on Radio or Television sets, hardly can you hear a word of truth because they have twisted, misrepresent and misinterpret the word of the Lord to suit their purpose. You will also notice that they will neither show signs of remorse nor sorry for doing wrong.

Since we are in the last days, the priests/leaders must be careful so that they will not fall into the category of the people mentioned in the second Book of Timothy which says “For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy etc. 2 Timothy 3:2-4. The leaders/pastors who desire to stand in the gap must keep themselves from those previously mentioned vices and lay good examples for believers throughout the world to follow. Therefore, do something Lord! Because many of our pastors/leaders are falsifying and distorting Your law. Lord, it is time for You to act, because people are disobeying Your law and violating Your instructions; as it is written; “It is time for You to act O Lord, for they have regarded Your law as void” Psalm 119:126. Are you among the people that are frustrating the Law of God? Is the government of your country trying to abolish the teachings of the Holy Bible? What are the steps that pastors and the leaders of Christianity throughout the world are taking to make sure that the Law of the Lord is not rendered void? Are you ready to contribute your own quota so that the teachings of the Holy Bible will never be worthless and useless, but very potent and effective during your lifetime?

The failed watchmen: Many of the pastor/priests chosen by the Lord through His eternal covenant to proclaim salvation and establish Christianity have strayed. The leaders of Christianity that are supposed to pacify the world are the source of weeping and troubles throughout the globe because they have refused to tell the truth. The priests/leaders that are expected to free the beloved from the clutches of the darkness, are the ones that are putting the beloved in spiritual bondage because of their selfish ambitions/aspirations. The pastors/leaders that should be shining examples are the ones that are making the name of the Lord to be blasphemed among the Gentiles.

Several pastors/leaders were chosen, anointed and ordained by the Lord to be watchmen who will stand in the gap, just like how Ezekiel was chosen to be the watchman of house of Israel according to the scripture which says “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning for Me: When I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and if you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life, that same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand. Yet if you warn the wicked, and he does not turn from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul” Ezekiel 3:17-19. Our priests/leaders must realize that they will be held responsible for the death of the wicked people because of their refusal to warn the wicked. Then, they must know that they are neither fit nor of any use for the kingdom of God, unless they quickly repent and retrace their steps; as it is written, “No one having put his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” Luke 9:62.

We advise these leaders/pastors not to look back else they will turn to pillars of salt like Lot’s wife. The priests/leaders who strayed from God will bear the consequences of their sins. Even if they remain workers or ministers in the Church, they will be punished for their atrocities. They must not be permitted to approach or minister before the altar, or touch any sacred thing; this is the punishment for their disgusting sins. However, those leaders/priests who are upright will continue to minister before God Ezekiel 44:10-14. We can deduce from the passages that not all the pastors/leaders are upright, the twisted and corrupted ones will be replaced according to the scripture which says “So Samuel said to Saul, ‘The Lord has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to a neighbor of yours, who is better than you” 1 Samuel 15:28. The pastors/leaders must realize that they do not have immunity against replacement, which means ‘With or without them, the work of the Lord will continue.’ The people appointed/nominated into leadership positions in the vineyard of the Lord have the same fate as those watchmen chosen by the Lord Ezekiel 33:2-6. For this reason, those who turn aside to twisted ways and those who turn to their crooked ways of indifference to God, the Lord will banish them with the evildoers and give Christians divine peace Psalm 125:5.

Topic: Who will stand in the gap? - Part 4

Bible Reading: Ezekiel 22:23-31

We shall continue our discussion with the conducts of the pastors/priests and the leaders of Christianity in the world, most especially during this end-time.

Many of our leaders/pastors are biased and they are not willing to stand in the gap, so that the wrath of the Lord will be turned away from the Christendom. Majority of them can be compared to the Biblical unjust steward who betrayed his master and formed an alliance with his master’s debtors so as to gain their favor and stay with them when his master replaces him. Likewise, our pastors/leaders are betraying the covenant of God. Instead of the priests/leaders to repent, they are forming alliance with the Devil so that whenever God replaces them, they will gain favor and stay with the darkness.

When the master saw what happened, he admired the dishonest servant for being so shrewd. The master commended the unjust manager not for his misdeeds, but because he was looking out for his personal interest and acting in nefarious ways to provide for his future. Likewise our pastors/leaders are doing the same thing by deserting the Lord who represent the master for Lucifer and his agents who represent the debtors; all because they have inherited the methods of deception and cunning from Satan which makes them to be shrewder and more prudent than the upright people who are children of the light. Our leaders/priests are using unrighteous mammon and ill-gotten wealth to make friends for themselves in the realms of the darkness so that when they are forsaken by the Lord and deserted by the Holy Spirit, they will be welcomed into the eternal destruction/perdition Luke 16:1-9.

Our leaders/pastors have forgotten that they cannot serve darkness and light at the same time. They cannot belong to Lucifer and God at the same time; as it is written “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other, you cannot serve God and mammon” Luke 16:13. The loyalty of our pastors/leaders does it belongs to God or Satan? Are they ready to desert Satan and fully embrace God? Are they prepared to publicly and honestly declare who they are serving?

Christians throughout the world must realize that only the wisdom of God can deliver us from our perverted leaders/priests who forsake the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness. Since you know the requirement to be rescued from our pastors/priests who have abandoned the way of integrity to walk in obscure paths, do not joke with it Proverbs 2:10-13. To be saved from our leaders/pastors, Christians must fervently seek the wisdom of God, not the wisdom of this world or smartness which the Bible described as foolishness with God 1 Corinthians 3:19.

To whom much is given: God has been generous to most of our leaders/pastors but they always misuse this opportunity, why, because they lack knowledge. They did not know that post/position is like a great test/trial. The pastor/priests and the people in the leadership positions in the Christendom must realize that if they use their positions/offices judiciously, they will be rewarded by the Lord, but if they do not live up to expectation by performing their duties/responsibilities, they will be penalized and replaced; as it is written “…for everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask more” Luke 12:48. Our leaders/pastors must wake up from their spiritual slumbering because God has entrusted them with much, so, He is expecting better performance from them. God expects their loyalty to prove their faithfulness to Him, because anyone who is trustworthy in little matters can be trusted to handle important matters but anyone who is dishonest in the little matters, will certainly be dishonest in handling important issues Luke 16:10. If pastors/leaders cannot handle successfully the issues of this world: who will put them in charge of heavenly things? Therefore, the time is now for them to repent and change so as to discharge their duty of standing in the gap.

Most of our leaders/pastors are crooked and covetous: Countless leaders/priests are twisted and dishonest to the extent that their conducts made it easy for the Gentiles to blasphemed the name of God. They are covetous, despite the commandment of God which is against covetousness. They have intense and selfish desire for wealth, power and leadership positions to the extent that there is nothing which they cannot do to achieve this nefarious goal. The Bible described our pastors/leaders as greedy dogs that can never have enough because they lack understanding to know that we will leave all our earthly possessions one day. They have all turned to their own way for unlawful and personal gain. Our shepherds/pastors are like a pack of hungry and greedy dogs that are never satisfied because they are mistreating their sheep for selfish gain Isaiah 56:11. Are you one of the pastors/leaders whose only intention is personal gain? Do you belong to the category of priests/pastors who are doing as they please instead of doing what pleases the Lord? Do you seek your own advantage instead what will benefit the Church of God? The scripture says “Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves” Acts 20:30. It is time, let us ask our pastors/leaders the following questions: Are they not using lies and tricks to lure members of other churches? Are they not distorting the truth in order to fill their churches? Are they not teaching perverse things to increase their offerings and collections? We pray that our pastors/leaders will repent quickly, change and turn fully to God so as to stand in gap.

It is important for our leaders/priests to beware and guard against every kind of greed because life is not measured by how much you own. They need to admit that owning a lot of earthly possessions or enormous wealth would not make their life safe, unless they do the will of God. Jesus Christ sounded this warning by saying “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses” Luke 12:15. Since life is neither made up of the things you own nor derived from the immense wealth, then it is very important for our priests/pastors to stop all their cravings for wealth and material things. If they honesty desire to stand in the gap, they must eradicate their longing for the vanity of this world.

Our priests/pastors are giving glory to themselves: Most of our leaders/pastors are ingrate and who do not show appreciation to God for what He has done for them, what He is doing presently for them and the beneficial things He will do in their lives in future. Instead of showing appreciation to God, all they do is complaints upon complaints. They have forgotten that “Anyone that God is generous to him/her but failed to show appreciation is like a thief who robs someone of his/her possession.” Jesus demonstrated this fact when He healed ten lepers but only one returned up to show appreciation. The action of this grateful leper prompted Christ to ask these questions by saying “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner? Luke 17:11-18.

Just like the nine other lepers are ingrate so also are most of our pastors/leaders. Instead of thanking God for what He has done for them, they usually think God has not done enough for them or they do not need to show appreciation to God because it is their rights. Countless priest/leaders are like the Biblical king Nebuchadnezzar who was forewarned but could not contain his pride; he gave glory to himself instead of God for all his achievements. He was driven away from people and lived with animals, until he learnt and knew that the Most High God rules in the kingdom of men and gives government or power to whomever He wants Daniel 4:18-33. The pastors/leaders should learn from the mistake of king Nebuchadnezzar and take necessary steps to rectify the situation. Unless our priests/pastors change similar fate or worse one will befall them inasmuch as Almighty God is in control of all the earthly nations. They need to reconcile quickly with their Creator since He is the One who chooses the rulers and installs people in positions.

Pastors/leaders must learn how to control their hot tempers. They must abstain from rage and refrain from any form of wrath. Inasmuch as the wrath of man can neither accomplish nor produce the righteousness of God James 1:20. Our leaders/pastors beware and control your anger so that human will neither make you to arrogate glory to yourself nor sin against God. Moses was provoked to anger by the people of Israel at the water of Meribah. He could not control his anger, and due to slip of tongue, he arrogated glory to himself and Aaron by saying “Hear now, you rebels! Must we bring water for you out of this rock?” This mistake made it impossible for him to lead the people of Israel to the promise land Numbers 20:2-13. For this reason, there is no excuse for our leaders/pastors to arrogate glory to themselves unless they are ready to face the consequences. Instead, they must give glory to God at all times and in whatever they are doing. They must submit themselves to God throughout their lifetime and be subjected to His authority even if they cannot comprehend because He is the only Being that is worth to collect glory and be glorified.

Not by might or by power: Many of our pastors/leaders are ignorant because whenever God uses any of those who are not using the terrestrial power to perform magic, they will think that the miracle happens through their power or might. After any miracle, some of them usually want the heavens to thank them, for performing their lawful duties instead of them to be thanking God for making them useful tools in the propagation of the Gospel. There is a narrative in the Bible which support this claim by saying “And which of you having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and sit down to eat?’ But will he not rather say to him. ‘Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink? Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. So, likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do’” Luke 17:7-10. It should be noted that our leaders/pastors cannot blackmail God by saying ‘We are unworthy servants, undeserving of praise or reward for performing our duties.’ Inasmuch, as our God is a righteous God without any injustice, He will not forget their work and labor of love which they have shown towards His name by assisting the believers and caring for the Church Hebrews 6:10. Though they will be rewarded in this world and the world to come, however, they cannot dictate to God.

Anytime that pastors/leaders are utilize to perform wonders, they must admit that it is not by their might or power, but it is by the Spirit of God; as it is written “…‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts” Zechariah 4:6. The Priests/leaders must not depend on their own power or strength but on the Holy Spirit. They must also never rely on satanic might or terrestrial powers that will disappoint and disgrace them; instead they should publicly declare that it is the grace of God that is sustaining them. They must borrow a leaf from apostle Paul who confessed the grace of God in his life by saying “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me” 1 Corinthians 15:10. The pastors/leaders need to confess that it is the grace which God bestowed upon them which made them who they are; and they must not allow the wonderful kindness of God that is working in their lives to be wasted, but use it judiciously so that they will be worthy to stand in the gap.

Topic: Who will stand in the gap? - Part 5

Bible Reading: Ezekiel 22:23-31

We shall continue our discussion by mentioning the reasons why many people cannot stand in the gap and the consequences of not standing in the gap.

Reasons why many people cannot stand in the gap

There are several things and conducts which can disqualify people from standing in the gap and some of them are the following: Lust, vanity, selfishness, corruption, injustice, covetousness and greed. Though, we have been talking about our pastors, priests and leaders concerning the issue of standing in the gap, but nobody is exempted from this responsibility. Therefore, those who do not flee from these conducts will be penalized.

Lusts: Everything in this world is about lust, and all that is in the world are the lust of the flesh, craving for sensual gratification, and lust of the eyes, which is greedy longings of mind; and the pride of life because of assurance in one’s resources or in the stability of earthly possessions. The Bible says “For all that is in the world —the lust of flesh, the lust of eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world”1 John 2:16. Therefore, if you have the desire to stand in the gap, do not crave for physical pleasure, control your craving for whatever you see and you must not boast about your achievements. Since we are sojourners and pilgrims in this world, we must avoid and abstain from the sensual urges, the evil desires and the passions of the flesh that wages war against the soul 1 Peter 2:11. In order to qualify to fill the gap, you must keep away from dishonorable and world desires. Always “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh” Galatians 5:16. For this reason, “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh to fulfill its lusts” Romans 13:14. For you to fill the gap, you must refrain from lustful lifestyle and walk in Spirit.

Vanity: “‘Vanity of vanities,” says the preacher; ‘Vanity of vanities, all is vanity’” Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12:8. All our works and everything that we are doing under the sun, they are all vanity Ecclesiastes 1:14. Everything going on under the sun is vanity, and we did not bring anything into the world, and we cannot take anything out of it 1 Timothy 6:7. Why not submit to God so as to fill the gap? Change before the repentance time passes because all your wealth and enormous earthly possessions are vanities. Henceforth, think deeply and start doing what pleases the Lord.

Selfishness: Selfishness is widespread across the globe. Nowadays, people are inconsiderate and self-centered. Humans are mostly concern with their own personal interest, gain or pleasure. They are so selfish to the extent that they are focusing on themselves alone, thereby neglecting and ignoring the work of God who created and gave them sound health. Believers throughout the world, let nothing be done for selfishness or empty conceit, through factional motives or strife. Let us work as a team; Christianity is one indivisible entity. Let us start doing things with humility without arrogance or self-righteous attitude, and regard others as more important or better than ourselves according to the scripture which says “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself” Philippians 2:3. Anyone who intend to stand in the gap must stop doing things from selfish ambition or a desire to boast.

Corruption: Corruption is like a disease that is plaguing mankind. Today, countless people are ready and willing to act dishonestly in return for money, pleasures or personal gains. These activities are not limited to the pastors or our leaders, but it cuts across the spectrum of our society. The scripture says, “‘And now, O priests, this commandment is for you. If you will not hear, and if you will not take it to heart, to give glory to My name,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘I will send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have cursed them already, because you do not take it to heart.’” Malachi 2:1-2. You are not immune against this curse; change your ways and do not ignore your duty so that your blessings will not be cursed. The blessing of the priests was cursed because of their corruption; as it is written “‘For the lip of a priest should keep knowledge and people should seek the law from his mouth; For he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts. But you have departed from the way; you have caused many to stumble at the law. You have corrupted the covenant of Levi,’ says the Lord of hosts” Malachi 2:8. Since every corrupt person will be penalized, let no foul or profane word come out of your mouth and never act in any corrupt manner.

Injustice: Injustice seems to prevail in every nation of the world. Everywhere on earth there is violence and injustice instead of fairness and justice according to the scripture which says “Moreover I saw under the sun: in place of judgment, wickedness was there, and in a place of righteousness, iniquity was there” Ecclesiastes 3:16. Since wickedness is in the place where justice and right ought to be in the world today, that is the reason that those who are worth to stand in the gap are very scarce. Despite the commandment of the Lord which says “You shall do no injustice in judgment. You shall not be partial to the poor, nor honor the person of mighty. In righteousness you shall judge your neighbor” Leviticus 19:15. Partiality and favoritism must stop in the churches. Everyone must be fair and just when discharging their duties in order to fill the gap. Do not forget that anyone who builds his/her house by acts of dishonesty and his/her business empire by injustice will be doomed. The people who are exploiting others or use other people’s services without pay. As it is written “Woe to him who builds his house by unrighteousness and his chambers by injustice. Who uses his neighbor’s service without wages and gives him nothing for his work” Jeremiah 22:13. For you to stand in the gap, stop every form of forced labor and never expand your business by injustice.

Covetousness and greediness: The commandment of God says “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbors’” Exodus 20:17. Because covetousness is a grievous offense, God instructed Moses not to appoint anyone with this trait as a leader, by saying; “Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens” Exodus 18:21. We can deduce from this passage that only those who fear God, honest and hate covetousness are competent to be pastors/priest or leaders of Christianity. “Because from the least of them even to the greatest of them, everyone is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even to the priest, everyone deals falsely” Jeremiah 6:13. Henceforth, stick to the criteria of appointing leaders/priests as stated in the Bible. All incompetent pastors/priests and the leaders of Christianity will be punished; God will dispossess them of their wives, lands and properties for their covetous and fraudulent activities Jeremiah 8:10. Any pastor/priest who is not trustworthy, fear God, and hate covetousness cannot stand in the gap, instead, he/she will be punished.

We need to realize that greed brings grief and being greedy will cause trouble for your household. Nothing good comes from a greedy and grasping person than to destroy the community but whoever hates and refuses bribes will live Proverbs 15:27. It is for this reason that Jesus Christ described the Pharisees who are hypocrites as greedy and wicked by saying “Now you Pharisees make the outside of the cup and dish clean, but your inward part is full of greed and wickedness” Luke 11:39. Therefore, learn from the greed of Gehaz which brought him leprosy instead of spiritual gifts/power 2 Kings 5:20, 23-27. Elisha inherited power from Elijah, but because of Gehaz’s greed, he failed to inherit power from Elisha his master, instead he became leprous 2 Kings 2:9-14.

Consequences of disobedience

The scripture says, no sinner/wicked will go unpunished; which means that the pastors/shepherds and the leaders will be punished for their iniquities Proverbs 11:21. Some of the consequences for the shepherds/priests who transgressed are the following:

•   The shepherds/pastors have lost their senses. They no longer seek wisdom from the Lord; therefore, they fail completely and their flocks are scattered. Our leaders are irrational and stupid failures because they refused to listen to God or ask Him for guidance, so they have not prospered, and all their flocks are scattered Jeremiah 10:21.

•   The Christians have become lost sheep; their shepherds/pastors have led them astray to favorite places of idolatry and seductive realms of the darkness. They have gone from one sin to another to the extent that they have forgotten their resting place and cannot remember how to get back to the sheepfold Jeremiah 50:6.

•   God is against the disobedient shepherds and consider them as His enemies. He will hold them responsible for what has happened to His flock and take their right to feed the flock.   He will stop them from feeding themselves and rescue His flock from their mouths, then the sheep will no longer be their prey Ezekiel 34:10.

•   Woe to the irresponsible shepherds for all the atrocities and cruelty against the Christians who are the flock of the Lord Ezekiel 34:2-4.

•   Any pastor/priest that deserts the flock is foolish and shall be doomed. Woe to the worthless shepherd who abandon the flock! Sword will cut his arm and pierce his right eye. His arm will become useless, and his right eye completely blind Zechariah 11:17.

•   The judgment of God will come upon the pastors and rulers who are destroying and scattering the Christians. God will pour judgment on them; they will be punished for the evil that they have done and they will pay for their crimes Jeremiah 23:1-2.

Pleas to the Christians

We plead with believers throughout the world to be obedient to the Lord God their Creator and strive to stand in the gap for the Christendom. Let our conducts prove that ‘for us to live is Christ’ because He is our source of joy and our reason to live. And ‘To die is gain’ because we will be with Him and live perpetually Philippians 1:21. Let us make a resolution today that ‘It will be better for us to die for the Gospel, than for anyone to make void our glory and deprive us of glorifying the Lord in every situation 1 Corinthians 9:15. Henceforth, we must be courageous and have the mindset that “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” Romans 8:35. Therefore, let us make every effort so that we will be worthy to stand in the gap.

Finally, we exhort the pastors and elders to tend, guide, protect and nurture the flock of God among them which is their duties, not by coercion or constraint, but willingly; not dishonorably motivated by the advantages of profits belonging to the office, but eagerly and cheerfully. Not domineering as arrogant, dictatorial and overbearing persons over those in their charge, but being examples or models of Christian living to the flock, thereby setting pattern of integrity for your congregation. And when the Chief Shepherd (Christ) appears, they will receive the unfading crown of glory 1 Peter 5:1-4.

The Seal: Acts 20:28: “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the Church of God which He purchased with His own blood.”