Dear church,

“Brethren join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern (Example).  For many walk of whom I have told you often and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is the destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame- who set their mind on earthly things”  Phil 3:17-19

Isn’t it a privilege to be in the Family of God?  Let us remember that all who are called into this local house are here for a purpose.  We are different parts of His body and all have a function.  It was a joy to see those who responded to the Altar Call last Sunday, but even more joyful is to see those who followed up their commitment by coming to the Prayer Meeting! That is putting action to their words. How good to see those who mean what they say and say what they mean.

The scripture above is on my heart.  Note those who walk their talk – following the pattern of godly people and the Bible. Paul says he gives this reminder and exhortation because many do not do that. With sorrow, he points out that many are the enemies of Christ.  Who are these people?  Well, pastors can identify with Paul for they often encounter such people.  Let us name some….

   The ones who are “sweet” to the leaders but behind their back, they
      criticize and gossip about them.  Included in this group are also those
      who lend them a listening ear, even sympathizing with the gossipers
.     “O, but I am neutral. I just listen” that is their excuse.  It is like a
      person breathing in lightly poisoned air and saying “but my lungs ar
      neutral, so I am not affected” Yes, they are not affected, their skin is
      only turning slightly purple or green in color!  You are as neutral as a
      man rolling in muck .

2.   The one who associate with those who have left the church because       of discipline, discontentment, disrespect for leadership, disagreement or influenced by the first group.  Their excuse?  “I must show love.” 
 Remember 1 Cor 15:33 “Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits’.” No wonder Christians fellowship with occultic practices like exercises and meditation with occultic roots.  They say and do the same things to God.  The enemy of God is your enemy.  The critics and haters of your church and leaders are certainly not likely to bless the Lord’s work in this local house.  It is not that you treat them like enemies (God forbid) but they cannot be in your inner circle without affecting something spiritual in your church’s life and focus. “You ran well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion does not come from Him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump” Gal 5:7-9

The ones who came to rob and steal.  Scams are easy to carry out because Christians are so trusting.  Sad to say, there are those who come to cheat.  We have a lady who came and after winning the trust of the people she offered airline tickets for sale at a cheaper price.  When you fall for the bait and part with the money, you will not see it or her again.  Then there are those who tell sob stories and ask for money.  A tip for you.  Anyone who asks you to give money before the goods are delivered, are HIGHLY suspect.

Those who want attention.  They find Christians so kind and they hook on to them to give them attention.  It could be counseling they ask for but you can counsel till the cows come home and they will never change. When you are firm with them, they will change church or counselor and bad-mouth those who have given them time and love.

There are lots more examples one could give …. The wolves, the foxes,
the cuckoo, the monkey, the serpent.  Oh my, if we go on we shall soon
be able to open a zoo!  Thank God they are the few among the many

good and sincere Christians.  However, Paul sees the need to warn the Christians and so we warn you also.  We too feel sad for such people because their “end is destruction”.  It will be worse for them because they would have heard the Gospel but work against it.  They will meet a greater judgment.

Paul gives three characteristics of these enemies of the Cross.
1.     “Their belly is their god.” They are full of the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life.
2.   “Their glory is their shame.” When they succeed in cheating someone, they triumph over it.  That is their glory, their works of shame.  Proverbs says they spend the night hours devising schemes.  The worst thing is that they prey on those who trust them.
       “Whose mind is set on earthly things.”  It is because they live as if there is no life after death and no God.  So the desire of the flesh is foremost. This world’s material things hold them tightly.  How sad to be so bound by satan that they no longer have a conscience.

Let us heed Paul’s admonition in Titus 3:9-10
“Avoid Foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition. Knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned”

Church, you are in this local family, called and set apart to fulfill the destiny and work God has called us to do.  Let us put our hand to the plow and do not turn back.  Let us rekindle the flame of our first love for the Lord and passionately complete the task of  reaching the lost, healing the sick, and care for the needy until the Lord comes. How sweet to hear Him tell you, “Well done, My good and faithful servant! Inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.”

Jesus is coming sooner than we think.  I am talking of the Rapture, not the Second Coming.  Get up and trim your lamps so that when we hear the call of the Bridegroom and the trumpet of the angels, we are ready to go with Him and so escape the tribulation that will follow swiftly after this event.
If you miss the Rapture, keep alive for three and a half years.  Better to die a martyr than to take the mark of the beast – the chip. Remember! And finish preaching the Gospel to those left behind.  There is a good chance that your World Ruler will be of the Taliban kind after the Rapture.

Arise and shine for the Light has come and the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.

Much love to you, House of River of Life Sanctuary.

Ps Khim and Ps Ang

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