April 20, 2010
The Doctrines and Practices of The Nicolaitans
I recently made a video on YouTube page about biblical submission and authority, and it generated lots of private messages, mostly from church leaders who chided me for being out of the will of God for not having a “church home” “covering” or “pastor” that I should submit myself to. After blocking some of the more obnoxious ones, I saw the sincerity of many who responded to me, thus prompting this blog. More on this subject later.
I would like to lay a foundation with a description of what I believe is the Nicolaitan doctrine.
Revelation 2:6 (ESV)
Yet this you (The Church at Ephesus) have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.Revelation 2:15 (ESV)
So also you (The Church at Pergamum) have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans.
There are many interpretations as to what the Doctrine of the Nicolaitans actually is, for it is a doctrine that Jesus told us clearly that he hates… those are strong words, and because God hates it so, I believe it is important for Christians to really study and see exactly what Jesus is speaking about. It is used in the book of Revelation chapter 2 twice by Jesus. The Nicolaitan Doctrine can be seen from the definition of the word itself.
Now it is important to note that Jesus didn’t expound on what the doctrine was exactly, so it is impossible for me to be dogmatic about the subject, however we do know where the word derived from, and I think it is the closest thing to help us get some clues as to what the doctrines and practices of those who hold to this doctrine entails.
Historically these doctrine and practices have been attributed to a man in history named Nicholas, who historians says grew apostate and encouraged his followers to participate in idolatry and fornication, though there are conflicting reports and historical records of Nicholas being a God-fearing man who remain faithful till death.
While I see the point of pointing to a man in history, The word and it’s root meanings do not support this story. I’d rather stick to a biblical definition of a word than shaky testimonies of historical record… and REMEMBER Jesus never explicitly explained the doctrine or did he give this story in inspired scripture.
According to the Strong’s lexicon, the word Nikolaïtēs literally means “destruction of people” or “conquering (having victory) over the (people)”
It comes from the Greek words nikos which means 1) victory or to 2) to utterly vanquish, (destroy) and Laodikeus which simply refers to a resident of Laodicea a city in Asia Minor. The church of Laodicea is mentioned in the book of Revelation so the spiritual implications of Laodicea being referenced here (A Place where the believers were LUKEWARM) are not lost on this blog writer.
So to put this together, the Nicolaitans had DOCTRINES (Teachings, philosophies, beliefs, precepts, and or instructions.) and Practices (Works, deeds, actions) which Jesus hated which infiltrated the church. In this case it is safe to assume these ideas have a religious grounding in them being that they are being promoted in the Body of Christ.
Some synonyms for the word Victory:
- conquer implies gaining mastery of
- defeat,
- subdue,
- reduce,
- overcome,
- overthrow means to get the better of by force or strategy…
- vanquish implies a complete overpowering .
- defeat does not imply the finality or completeness of vanquish which it otherwise equals .
- subdue implies a defeating and suppression .
- reduce implies a forcing to capitulate or surrender .
- overcome suggests getting the better of with difficulty or after hard struggle .
- overthrow stresses the bringing down or destruction of existing power
Again it is reasonable to say that this victory or destruction of the people will use some sort of force, either by compulsion or physical manipulation. This will be done through DOCTRINES and FALSE TEACHINGS which put the saints under subjection, completely overpowering them, to eventually destroy and defeat them.
Here are some examples of the doctrine of the Nicolaitans:
- Tithing for New Testament Believers as taught today in institutional churches which make people give under compulsion and not cheerfully.
- Spiritual Covering – The thought that one must have the covering of a pastor or the leaders of the church in order to be approved by God
- Viewing pastors, church leaders etc. as mediators between the church and God.
- A “ruling” counsel of elders who exercise false authority, and lord it over the church where the body of Christ must be in subjection to them.
- The “CEO” Pastor in a false pyramid hierarchy of who exercises false authority, and lords it over the church. They preach that the body of Christ must be in subjection to them.
Note how each of these doctrines and practices are a means of control over the people of God.
Matthew 20:25-28 (NIV)
Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 10:42-45 (NIV)
Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be a slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Luke 22:25-27 (NIV)
Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.
All three synoptic gospels confirm this truth. Jesus has made it clear that no leader in the body of Christ will lead as the gentiles do. Jesus even tells us the kind of authority he’s talking about:
“You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.”
Examining these two Greek words used here are of value…
The first Greek word katakyrieuō translated “lord it over them” is a combination of two Greek words kata which means “down from,” “throughout,” or “toward” and kyrieuō which means to be lord of, or to rule, or have dominion over by exercising influence upon, or having power over one. One may note that the Greek word kyrios, is used in reference to the Lord Jesus Christ.
The words brought together suggest that those who lord it over the flock seek to bring and subject the body of Christ under their own power. The goal is to subdue them, master them, and hold them in subjection, exercising lordship over them.
We know in the scriptures that there is only One who exclusively has this type of power over the body of Christ, and it is Christ himself. No man can usurp the authority of which Christ has over His body.
The second Greek word katexousiazō is like the first, it is a combination of kata, and exousiazō which means to exercise authority over, and or to wield power by “mastering the body.” Now Jesus speaks of the body of Christ as HIS body, but yet there are people out there who are trying to exercise authority, dominion, power, and influence over Christ’s body subjecting it to be under their full and complete control. One is trying to have a dictatorial authority over Christ’s body. Again only Jesus Christ himself has this kind of authority over HIS body.
This is confirmed again later on in Peter’s epistle.
1 Peter 5:1-3
To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
The Greek word katakyrieuō is used in this verse as well. This type of authority is forbidden by Jesus in the scriptures and the concept is reiterated and confirmed by the Apostles. Why is it however that so many churches encourage this sort of authoritative structure? Why have we gotten it so wrong? My thinking here is that many have looked at the world and how the world rules and governs and have taken note, bringing those practices into the household of faith.
It is obvious that the bible describes elders, pastors (bishops) etc as “leaders,” so the question remains, what does the bible say a biblical leader in Christ’s church looks like?
All one needs to do is take a look at the one of the passages from above:
Matthew 20:25-28
Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
This is so painstakingly simple. A leader in God’s church will be YOUR SERVANT, and whoever wants to be first must be your SLAVE. Do we see this? It is hard for many to get this concept because in the flesh, we want to rule as the gentiles do, and exercise authority and lordship over people. But Jesus said it clearly in the gospels that it will NOT be that way with you. As an elder of God’s flock you are called to give your very life away for the body of Christ, being like Jesus who never did anything on his own behalf, but did the will of his Father till the end.
Elders lead by their example, and their lives aught to be marked by servanthood to their brothers and sisters in Christ, being SLAVES or servants to ALL in the body of Christ.
All too often you will find that many elders expect God’s people to serve them just like the Pharisees did in Matthew 23:
Matthew 23:4-12 (NASB)
“They tie up heavy burdens and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are unwilling to move them with so much as a finger.” But they do all their deeds to be noticed by men; for they broaden their phylacteries and lengthen the tassels of their garments. “They love the place of honor at banquets and the chief seats in the synagogues, and respectful greetings in the market places, and being called Rabbi by men.
“But do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers. Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. Do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, Christ. But the greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.”
Again, Jesus makes some key distinctions to the disciples; do not call yourself by honorific titles for no one is your teacher or leader other than Christ. The greatest among you shall be your SERVANT and we should ALL follow Christ’s example. How many times must Jesus say it for it to be true?
The reason I mention elders and leaders in this context (and we certainly can use more biblical elders) is because leadership in many IC’s are unknowingly guilty of these very offenses. While I cannot be dogmatic about the doctrines and practices of the Nicolaitans, I can CERTAINLY be dogmatic about how some leaders in many modern-day IC’s exercise false authority in their attempt to control and manipulate the sheep.
In conclusion, Let us remember that God HATES those doctrines and practices which (by some logical deduction) tries to subdue or conquer the saints by either forceful manipulation, compulsion, and false doctrines. What I have asserted here is just a guesstimate based on the Greek root words, and according to the scriptures I have come to this conclusion. In the future if I refer to a doctrine or practice as Nicolaitan, you now will understand why.
...:::Set FREE From the IC:::... 
Scarlett said,
October 26, 2013 at 4:38 pm
Reblogged this on spiritualabusesanctuary and commented:
Apparently, this important spiritual issue needs to be brought home, over and over, if need be, until church folks “get it”, either by revelation or the teaching about it’s dangers away from the four walls of these man traps, because it’s NOT going to be taught in their churches! Why is that? Because then the “leaders” who do the teaching would have to tell on themselves, and be exposed as the Nicolaitans, who held these doctrines and committed the deeds that Jesus said he hated! As it is in this present time, almost the entire organized church system is dominated by this heresy. The Lord said, “Come out of her my people, that you not be a partaker of her sins…or her plagues”! Oh, listen to the Word people, “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is LIBERTY”…not bondage!
Benzu Akamaru said,
July 23, 2013 at 10:33 pm
I can see that you have a certain zeal for God, but that you are not doing His will, and that because of your ignorance of His power. I can see that you are against church establishments, though I advise you to not be. In the name of Jesus Christ I charge you to please repent, and as though you were ignorant I will share with you why.
It is written, “The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment, and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. They are presumptuous, self-willed. They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries, whereas angels, who are greater in power and might, do not bring a reviling accusation against them before the Lord. But these, like natural brute beasts, made to be caught and destroyed, speak evil of the things they do not understand, and will utterly perish in their own corruption” (2 Peter 2:9-12). Have you so hardened your heart to completely overlook such explicit passages? You speak against things you do not know of, and if you say, “I am innocent; I speak against authorities that are not set in place by God and who abuse their authority,” to you I say this, “For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God” (Romans 13:1). And though it is speaking of the legal dignitaries, does it not speak of the church leaders and the elders, who you revile? Jesus commands, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do” (Matthew 23:2-3). Is it not plain that we are to submit to the authorities, whether they be legal or religious?
Yet you say, “The Institutional Church is not a governing authority, therefore I do not have to submit to them.”
Indeed, it is not. However, are you not fearful of John’s exhortation, “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us” (1 John 2:19). Does that not scare you? Or conversely, “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7)? You see, I am concerned for you soul. I am not one of those who wish to bind you and sell you as a slave as some might, but are you walking in the fellowship? You see, followers of Christ are not lone wolves, we are sheep, Christ being the Shepherd, and sheep travel in herds! Have you noticed in Scripture that He ordained Himself a church? It is written, “if all were one member, where would the body be?” (1 Corinthians 12:19). Indeed, if Christ died for you alone, then you have a right to go solo, but as it is, Christ died for His bride, so to Him and His bride are you conjoined, therefore, fulfill your obligation to Christ and do not depart from the fellowship, lest it be made manifest that you were never His to begin with. Therefore I say this, if God would have spared Sodom and Gomorrah for the sake of 10 righteous men, so ought you to bear with all the goats of a hypocritical church for the sake of the remnant of true sheep.
Yet you say, “The Institutional Church abuses its authority and does not serve God. I will not defile myself by affiliating myself with it.”
You do not need to fear. The same God who hates sin is the same God who is sovereign over the hearts of men. What I have painfully learned through experience is that all authority that God allows in your life He will also filter as to deliver you from sin, and rejecting the authority that God places over you, even if it seems to encourage sin, rejects God’s ordinance for you. If you submit yourself to church authority, God will deliver you, you need not fear that you be commanded or encouraged to sin. Indeed, didn’t the soldiers and tax collectors have the same concern when they asked John the Baptist, “Teacher, what shall we do?” Surely, these men must have felt as though their higher-ups commanded them to sin against God by oppressing the Israelites, yet what did John say? To the tax collectors he said, “Collect no more than what is appointed for you,” and to the soldiers he said, “Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages” (Luke 3:12-14). He said this to support the sovereignty of God in the determination of local ordinances. Please, I plead with you, do not be afraid to submit yourself to any local church. Trust God that He will not let them command you to sin. Or are you simply avoiding the local church because you don’t like to be told what to do, pointing your finger at the authorities and yet unwilling to do what God has determined for YOU to do. If that is the case, if it is because of your own hard-heart and pride which refuses to submit, then please stay away from the church.
Yet you say, “God has not established this so-called church. If I did submit to them, I would be disobedient to God, because God did not establish their authority.”
O you of rebellious spirit! Did not God establish the oppressive Roman empire to whom the Apostles diligently exhorted the church to submit to, even to their own death? If they then submitted to slaughter, how much more should you be willing to submit to elders? David, who was your better, made show of his trust in God when he refused to kill Saul, saying, “The LORD forbid that I should do this thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD” (1 Samuel 24:6). And that was when Saul was already rejected as king and delivered into his hand! How then can you speak against these? Do not be deceived.
Please, don’t suddenly reply to this. Think it over. Are you really defending Jesus or are you just defending yourself? I have noticed that one of two things can happen to those who stray from the truth, one, they can finally realize where they are and broken, they are humbled and repent, asking, “How did I ever get to this point?” Or two, their hearts can become hardened so that they become enemies of the truth, defending their own understanding with the fierceness of a cornered animal.
However, if you are willing to talk further, please email me because I don’t think to come back to this blog. I am not willing to simply tell you what to do and then not do anything about it. Come, talk with me.
Mike Williams said,
March 26, 2013 at 7:27 am
I always kind of known but was scared. Makes total sense, seriously. Outstanding research! Thank you:-)
http://tinyurl.com/go18cull52453 said,
February 5, 2013 at 6:35 pm
Your personal posting, “The Doctrines and Practices of The Nicolaitans :::Set FREE
From the IC:::” was indeed truly worth writing a comment down here in the
comment section! Simply just needed to admit u really did a terrific job.
Thanks for your time -Rosemary
sheri said,
January 25, 2013 at 8:30 pm
I really appreciate your study and explanation on the teaching of the Nicolaitans. I am very curious to know what is the meaning of IC in your title, Set FREE from the IC? It would mean a lot if you reply. Thank you very much.
Edward Appleby said,
December 24, 2012 at 5:02 am
Indeed the beginning of the fall of the nation is when church leadership is unclean or untrue, we struggle with the same issues the Israelites did. Jeremiah (5:31) was in shock, “The prophets prophesy lies, the priests rule by their own authority, and my people love it this way. But will you do in the end?”
Blessed are the hungry and thirsty for God to do his own terrible glorious work (sweet mercy)!
I like the study o this particular page and am going to link this to my study on the mystery behind friendships (which are bound by a desire from heaven or hades) at mysteryfriendships.com
Sharon Henry said,
October 17, 2012 at 2:15 am
I was a neophyte missionary in Taiwan, ROC,, when the senior missionaries left for furlough. They wanted me to preach but I will not preach, so they said they would have a missionary from the states come out to preach to the church people. I said, let the men of the church take turns preaching while you are away, and that is what we did. One of the Chinese young men was called to preach and has founded a Bible College and Seminary to train house church members to study and preach the Word. They reach over a million in home churches throughout China now. God blessed His Way and not the Nicolaitan way. The Chinese men were forced to study the Word to prepare their sermons and we saw souls saved.
Richard Spendiff said,
August 18, 2012 at 12:48 pm
the connection with the laodicean church pins it for me. Restoration theology etc all use this top down stuff. That’s why they are spiritually impoverished because they don’t buy gold from the Lord themselves but entrust themselves to ‘leaders’.
Kimberly DavisWilson (@agemforever) said,
August 10, 2012 at 11:30 pm
God gave me the same scripture about the Nikolations gurl you are on it!!! don’t be decieved by them trying to rebuke you I am in the same seat as you waiting and resting in God…
Michael Wilson said,
June 23, 2012 at 10:07 am
Thank-you for what I see to be sound teaching on this subject I am in complete harmony with what you say. God has led me from ic some years ago and I have never gain so much knowledge and understanding as I have sense leaving. In Christ Jesus to the glory of the Most High God I am trully free. My Pastor and Teacher and King is Christ The Lord, amen amen and amen.
Elaine Kelson said,
October 23, 2012 at 4:15 pm
I am in full agreement.
Cary Skelton said,
June 6, 2012 at 6:43 pm
Thank you! I was doing a study on just what Jesus wanted corrected in each of the Revelation Churches. As I read the definition for Nicolaitans, it left me “unsatisfied”. So, I came online and searched. You are the one who has explained what The Holy Spirit has been trying to give me in regards the present day IC which is not consistant with Jesus’ Teachings. This fits my “empty” understanding. I am unchurched… without transportation. However, in the two years of being unable to “get to church”.. I have grown up in His Holy Word. Thank you again for sharing your understanding and serving us all! Cary.
Scarlett said,
April 11, 2012 at 5:12 pm
It’s so edifying and refreshing to be amongst brethren who’ve seen through the deception and “Come out of her, (the harlot church). At first, rather isolated here in my own small community, pre-Internet, I thought I was the only one.
After considering this Nicolaitan system for many years, once I got online and found websites describing the Nicolaitan heresy, (now that I’ve escaped their bird cages), I’ve realized that almost all the ICC practices it to one degree or another.
I think that bloggers like you have been largely responsible for exposing it, and praise God for that!
I too have pondered why it is that pastors have almost entirely taken over the role of teacher, and have presumptously hijacked the 5 fold ministry. I would love to see you do a scripturally based post on this serious issue. We just haven’t heard this taught in churches. Imagine that! One would almost think their hiding something.
If you ask the average church member, (lay person, there’s that word again), what the Doctrine and the Deeds of the Nicolaitans is…the thing that Jesus said he HATED…you get that blank, deer in the headlights response.
S.Maria said,
May 3, 2012 at 1:44 am
You have spoken many of my same thoughts! Yahweh has called His people out and in a sense into an exile but this Exile is into freedom away from the masses. Small pockets we are being found and gathering. Stay strong1
dave steele said,
September 26, 2011 at 8:56 pm
.The world is changing rapidly. Many preachers want to be “in control of you” using that “submit yourself to the preacher thing” We are to submit ourselves only to Christ, and certainly no man.
Only recently have I came in contact with a true evangelist/preacher who has “come out of her” so as to speak. There was a church where the preacher instructed his lay audience not to respond at the end of this evangelists message [she was the guest speaker].
I have been in her audience and she is powerful in the hand of God. But this preacher took issue with her and not a single soul responded at the end of her message. Not even for prayer. They missed much due to their preacher controlling them. so no one was touched. No hands laid on. No prayer spoken for a single person because the preacher expected “his” church to be in submission to him rather than Christ.
Further….Because of the environment in the mega churches in my area and many smaller ones as well. We no longer associate with any of them.
Rather we burn thousands of CDs with the end times message of being prepared. Our newest message alone addressed deceit and lies both in and out of the church. Seems to me so many are lost that think they are saved. Now how could something like this be? It is because of The Doctrines and Practices of The Nicolaitans.
We have a mega church that flashes lights around the sanctuary much like that of a mirror ball in a bar. Beaming all sorts of spinning and glowing lights above the stage where there once was and no longer is neither altar nor Lords Supper table.
We have another mega church Three thousand strong on Sunday mornings. In one service I attended, the Bass and Rock music was so loud that the walls nearly vibrated. Actually the chairs did vibrate.
Where are the teachers? In this church one dare show up last year before Halloween in a witches costume to teach in Sunday School.
No one challenged her. I have looked in depth at the “New Church” and have found it to be apostate in varying degrees. So having studied the Ministry myself I got back to basics and the early church. We have our own small group now. No one leads, and we all teach. Any leading is by example. We follow as closely as possible the early churches ways.
Teacher Tim. the Nicolaitans will come out of the woodwork and attack you, Please do not let it deter your message. Continue your youtube [and dare I say also use Godtube] ministry as well. I do not comment often on your blog. I prefer to sit back and observe. Finding myself agreeing with nearly everything you say. But when an attack occurs against the elect, by those who consider themselves to be the elect, it can hurt deeply. so just like my evangelist friend who walks streets in large cities with huge signs saying “repent” I too had to come out of her. Certainly there are good churches out there as there was one in Revelation 7. I just can’t seem to find one in my city, so being trained we initiated our own web cite and burn thousands of CDs on repentance and the last days. It is not in the word of God that you should have a “covering pastor”. What is there is In the begining was the word and the word “was” God. Meaning that word that we call the bible is God Himself. If you carry it you carry God with you.
Some people need a “home” and need someone to control them. But I challenge anyone to prove it is needed for salvation. Using God himself as the proof. that is the “Word”
God Bless You Teacher Tim. do not become discouraged by what others say
dave steele
lionjudah2010 said,
February 21, 2012 at 5:21 pm
if the Lord’s will, please feel free to attend one of the new testament assemblies in your area
( http://www.assemblymap.com/assemblies-n-amer.html ). Jesus is the head of the body – KJBU
Joell Burville said,
September 24, 2011 at 10:40 pm
Shall a preacher primarily be a teacher? Yes! Jesus was primarily a teacher. We are to follow him. If we’re not teaching, What are we doing? Matt 4:2 And he (Jesus) opened his mouth, and taught them,
Soooo every time Jesus opened his mouth he was teaching. We need to follow him.
Matt 22:16 Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, Matt 16:24 Jesus said we are to, “take up his cross, and follow (him.)”
Jesus was a teacher. We are to follow him and be teachers.
Jesus was a preacher. We are to follow him and be teaching preachers. He taught us how to preach.
Jesus was a Christian. We are to follow him and be Christians exactly as he was. He taught us how to be Christian.
Jesus was a forgiver. We are to follow him and forgive our debtors, friends, enemies. Jesus taught us how to forgive.
Luke 9:23 And (Jesus) said to them ALL, “If ANY man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” I too, am a disciple of Christ, Jesus. I will follow Christ, Jesus and rejoice.
Jesus was a healer. We are to follow him. Jesus taught us how to heal. Jesus commanded us, Matt 10:8, “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils:” We are to follow him exactly the way he taught us to heal. John 14:12 Jesus said, “He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And WHATSOEVER ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”
Jesus was the way, the truth, the life, the door. We are to follow exactly his way, his truth, and his life the way he taught. Teaching was his primary reason God sent him to us.
Jesus was a servant, We are to follow him and be servants to him, God and humanity the way Jesus taught us.
John 21:19 (Jesus) signifying by what death he should glorify God. —- he saith unto (Peter, the teacher of all churches), “Follow me.”
Jesus was a Shepherd. We shall shepherd those that depend on us the way he taught.
John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me
I will read the Sermon on the Mount every Sunday and follow all of it every day of the week.
Jesus was the Way. I will to the best of my ability follow his way exactly.
I will be the best teacher, preacher, shepherd, wayshower, comforter and healer, reflecting Christ Jesus in everything I do the way Jesus taught me.
Dennis Schroeder said,
September 19, 2010 at 1:58 am
You article was most useful in explaining this concept to my wife. Few denominational and of course catholic churches will even minister on the book of Revelations much less the Nicolaitans. Of course, for most of them that is their business, they indoctrinate to control not teach and guide.
I had lost a site on this subject, but now your blog “is” the site!
lin said,
June 27, 2010 at 9:52 am
Hi youve done your research and I was held there at the ic on the premise of authority to church leaders and thats part of submission to the lord and I was unfortunately mixed up with a pastor in training at the time we were friends so I thought but time has revealed he was never a true friend to me or Jesus and that he sold out for the praise of man and he backstabbed me like judas did to jesus! Ive found that church leaders are untrustworthy and I didnt want any of them to pray for me in the end before I left the ic as I could see their concern is all an act! nh
David Steele said,
June 2, 2010 at 12:10 am
While doing my own study on the Nicolaitans I found your blog. I studied the ministry in the Christian church for several years, but did not begin service as a minister. Instead I became a Registered Nurse. Many years passed, and During those years (more than 40 now, I began to seek out that one single good church to attend. Of course every one had problems. We are human as well, and any time you bring people together in groups there is the propensity for problems.
After several years, and only recently several churches I simply could not put my finger on what I was experiencing. I thought the problem was all with me. I began to do my own research on the church. Apostasy, and its fruits.
The end result was the Spirit of God became a part of me, leading me to understand we are very very close to the Times of Trouble.
Rather than become a member of a church, I began a small group study of my own. Meeting as often as possible we seek only the truth. We make DVDs as well as CDs for witnessing, and hand them out through that witness. We affiliate with no other church, and do not attend any of them regularly with intent to become members. Most of the pastors I have come in contact with do want to be in control. Indeed they are in control. period. Some have even told me I am wicked because I dare to point out the Apostasy in the church.
ie. in one large church I attended some time ago, (3000) on Sunday mornings, I very much enjoyed sitting in the balcony. But a new preacher felt offended by a balcony and closed it. When I sent an email to the church asking why, and could they open it back up, they simply said, “perhaps you should find another church”. Well I did hint that as a possibility. The end result: I did not go back. They got their wish.
a few friends and I have gone back to the early church set up. We meet on both Saturdays, and Sundays, brake bread, (make our own unleavened) and constantly seek the truth, and pray. No one leads, and we simply work together as a group. There is a remnant rising up.
There probably are some very good churches out there. Great pastors, that are true servants. But we now believe we are so close, that it is time to get back to the early church worship. Forget the flashy lights on the “stage”, and the loud bass. People rising up to be “seen of man”.
Truly things are changing. …Church Leaders need to be examples. A true leader leads by example. Did you know the sheep follow the Shepard in their travels? But the Shepard only sets the example by walking in the right direction, and the sheep follow. He doesn’t beat them with his staff to force them in the direction he wants them to go.
I do agree with your complete post. We still attend meetings in various churches. But we do not become members. Instead we believe it is time to begin small group worship and keep it on a very personal level with God. All it takes are 2 people for the Lord to be there in Spirit.
We now own and operate the Christian Music Room which is very much geared towards apostasy, with a new page started for Witnessing. It is our ministry. We are trying to reach the church…Let the pastors know they need to examine themselves closely.
God Bless you in your strength, and keep in mind in the last days many will follow deceiving spirits.
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Set Free Indeed said,
June 9, 2010 at 3:03 pm
David that sounds EXCELLENT! God is pleased when his people see his truths and obey him.
Many of these apostate churches don’t want anyone who thinks, who reads the bible for themselves and asks questions. This is not conducive to the controlling atmospheres they want to maintain. This is why they are so dangerous.
Keep the faith brother!
mrs. maverick said,
April 21, 2010 at 1:52 am
good post. i’d like to know in what ways can leaders show their servanthood besides teaching others. can you give me some examples of tangible ways they show themselves slaves of all because i don’t think i’ve ever seen this fleshed out.
Set Free Indeed said,
April 21, 2010 at 7:53 pm
That is a good idea sis. I will do a blog on that shortly. I think it needs to be spelled out using the scripture that teaching is NOT the primary function of an pastor.