We live in horrible times! Terrible times.

We live in a time where the greatest enemies of God are not in the world – but in His very Own House……

Pretenders. Prideful individuals seeking the praise and approval of men rather than of God.

Glory seekers who want to be praised and seek to “make their mark”.

Self promoters rather than promoters of the Gospel and of Christ.

Hierarchal rulers and lords, setting themselves up over others to serve them.

Men seeking lofty titles and acclaim. Status hungry. Money lovers. Position seekers…..

All going directly against the grain of the life and the authentic teachings of the apostles and of Christ –

• Who became servants of all,
• Humbled themselves,
• Refused to be glorified,
• Washed each others’ feet,
• Taught that the greatest is to be the least,
• Warned against honour being receiving among men,
• Warned about pride,
• Taught against the love of money,
• Warned against gathering up selfish and self serving riches,
• Warned against men being uplifted to stardom status and
• Taught against lofty titles and superior positions!

Today the battle is a battle for discernment!

Sadly many of those who are a part of today’s deceived churches and the doctrines they teach, have become as blind and deceived as those who lead them.

It seems in our day and time that many men have become imitators of men who themselves imitate the world, and not Christ!

“….. Their lives are perpetual fashion shows, embroidered prayer shawls one day and flowery prayers the next. They love to sit at the head table at church dinners, basking in the most prominent positions, preening in the radiance of public flattery, receiving honorary degrees [from another], and getting called ‘Doctor’ and ‘Reverend.’ …. [and today we may add for good measure – “Apostle”, “Prophet”, “Bishop”, and even “King”!]
Don’t let people do that to you , put you on a pedestal like that.
You all have a single Teacher, and you are all classmates. Don’t set people up as experts over your life, letting them tell you what to do. Save that authority for God; let him tell you what to do. No one else should carry the title of ‘Father’; you have only one Father, and He’s in heaven [ouch!].
And don’t let people maneuver you into taking charge of them [Don’t let them idolize you!]. There is only one Life-Leader for you and them — Christ.
“Do you want to stand out? Then step down. Be a servant. If you puff yourself up, you’ll get the wind knocked out of you. But if you’re content to simply be yourself, your life will count for plenty.” Matthew 23:7-12 The Message.

~ Johann van der Hoven

Johann van der Hoven is in South Africa. He has been serving the Lord in ministry since 1991 and has hosted numerous apostolic revival meetings in South Africa and in South America. He also currently pioneers a organic church planting movement across South Africa. For more information about him and his ministry visit www.sonsofsovereignty.com or Revival.

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