Sheep, Wolves and Shepherds

[David1701]

Sheep, Shepherds and Wolves
-----------------------

The flock was about its usual business: laughing, joking, discussing this and that, when, suddenly, an old ram charged, as fast as his legs would carry him.  He ran past the little groups, chatting and chewing, past the shepherds, lounging and watching, then, with steely determination and every ounce of his strength, he rammed the wolf with his broken horns.

The wolf reeled backwards; but, being ferocious, and with that hideous strength that is part of his nature, he snarled and bit and clawed the ram.  The ram kept butting, and the wolf retreated, bruised, to get more of his pack.

Exhausted, bloody and alone, the ram returned to the flock.  The reclining shepherds watched him limp past and said, "We did advise the wolf that he was in the wrong; but you really need to step back and calm down.".  The numerous little chat-groups muttered to each other that the ram was too aggressive and they quite liked the wolves anyway.

The ram made it to his spot in the grass and slumped down, to recover.  A few other rams and ewes joined him, fresh from their own clashes with wolves and they strengthened each other.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

We are in a war, whether we like it or not.  The Lord commands us to contend earnestly for the faith, once for all delivered to the saints.  This should not be left to a faithful few, who are then rebuked or ostracized for doing what they are supposed to do.

When Legalists, Universalists, anti-Trinitarians, Kenosis heretics (who deny that Jesus had all the attributes of God, during his earthly ministry), Evolutionists, those who cast doubt on the Bible, etc. attack the flock with their vile false teachings, don't just sit around, join in and drive them away, if they won't repent.

It's all well and good to encourage each other and discuss interesting matters; but don't leave the unpleasant tasks to a tiny minority.  Do you think they want to spend much of their time fighting off wolves, with almost no help?  No, of course they don't; but, someone HAS to do it, so, when duty calls, the faithful few will carry on, as long as they are able.

The ones who are new to the faith can watch, learn and pray, but the mature ones should know better.

Limp-wristed advice, a couldn't-care-less attitude, sticking your head in the sand, rebuking the ones who should be supported, or ignoring them, are NOT godly approaches!

Jude 3 (VW) Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning the common salvation, it was necessary for me to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.

Acts 20:28-31 (EMTV)
28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit placed you as overseers, to shepherd the church of the Lord, and of God, which He purchased with His own blood.
29 For I know this, that savage wolves will come in after my departure, not sparing the flock.
30 Also from among you yourselves will arise men speaking things having been distorted, in order to draw away the disciples after them.
31 Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years, night and day I did not cease, with tears, exhorting each one.

Edited September 12, 2020 by David1701

[WayneS]

Great perspective and commentary!

[Who me]

It starts with appointing a minister who believes in the bible, and continues in him and the congregation listening to bible based sermons.

 

As members of the congragtion we need to know what Christianity is and is not.

 

[Debp]

20 hours ago, David1701 said:

Sheep, Shepherds and Wolves
-----------------------

The flock was about its usual business: laughing, joking, discussing this and that, when, suddenly, an old ram charged, as fast as his legs would carry him.  He ran past the little groups, chatting and chewing, past the shepherds, lounging and watching, then, with steely determination and every ounce of his strength, he rammed the wolf with his broken horns.

The wolf reeled backwards; but, being ferocious, and with that hideous strength that is part of his nature, he snarled and bit and clawed the ram.  The ram kept butting, and the wolf retreated, bruised, to get more of his pack.

Exhausted, bloody and alone, the ram returned to the flock.  The reclining shepherds watched him limp past and said, "We did advise the wolf that he was in the wrong; but you really need to step back and calm down.".  The numerous little chat-groups muttered to each other that the ram was too aggressive and they quite liked the wolves anyway.

The ram made it to his spot in the grass and slumped down, to recover.  A few other rams and ewes joined him, fresh from their own clashes with wolves and they strengthened each other.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

We are in a war, whether we like it or not.  The Lord commands us to contend earnestly for the faith, once for all delivered to the saints.  This should not be left to a faithful few, who are then rebuked or ostracized for doing what they are supposed to do.

When Legalists, Universalists, anti-Trinitarians, Kenosis heretics (who deny that Jesus had all the attributes of God, during his earthly ministry), Evolutionists, those who cast doubt on the Bible, etc. attack the flock with their vile false teachings, don't just sit around, join in and drive them away, if they won't repent.

It's all well and good to encourage each other and discuss interesting matters; but don't leave the unpleasant tasks to a tiny minority.  Do you think they want to spend much of their time fighting off wolves, with almost no help?  No, of course they don't; but, someone HAS to do it, so, when duty calls, the faithful few will carry on, as long as they are able.

The ones who are new to the faith can watch, learn and pray, but the mature ones should know better.

Limp-wristed advice, a couldn't-care-less attitude, sticking your head in the sand, rebuking the ones who should be supported, or ignoring them, are NOT godly approaches!

Jude 3 (VW) Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning the common salvation, it was necessary for me to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.

Acts 20:28-31 (EMTV)
28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit placed you as overseers, to shepherd the church of the Lord, and of God, which He purchased with His own blood.
29 For I know this, that savage wolves will come in after my departure, not sparing the flock.
30 Also from among you yourselves will arise men speaking things having been distorted, in order to draw away the disciples after them.
31 Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years, night and day I did not cease, with tears, exhorting each one.

Great post, David!   Love the way you made your point with the ram story.    The following part is sad, and I've seen it happen.

"Exhausted, bloody and alone, the ram returned to the flock.  The reclining shepherds watched him limp past and said, "We did advise the wolf that he was in the wrong; but you really need to step back and calm down.".  The numerous little chat-groups muttered to each other that the ram was too aggressive and they quite liked the wolves anyway."

[David1701]

3 hours ago, Who me said:

It starts with appointing a minister who believes in the bible, and continues in him and the congregation listening to bible based sermons.

 

As members of the congragtion we need to know what Christianity is and is not.

 

 

Quote

As members of the congragtion we need to know what Christianity is and is not.

Yes; we all need to learn the essentials.  The best way to spot a forgery, is by knowing the truth like the back of your hand and loving it.

Ps. 119:11 (KJV) Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. 

Ps. 119:14-16 (KJV)

14 I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.
16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. 

[BeauJangles]

Sheep, Wolves and Shepherds

On 9/12/2020 at 6:50 AM, David1701 said:

We are in a war, whether we like it or not.  The Lord commands us to contend earnestly for the faith, once for all delivered to the saints.  This should not be left to a faithful few, who are then rebuked or ostracized for doing what they are supposed to do.

I enjoyed reading the storyline of a post here in recognition we are also a flock of our Father in Heaven. He is The Good Shepherd and those who are appointed over his earthen called ones are to lead us safely to graze upon the Word. It is a sad occurrence when the "flock tenders" as they are take to either falsehoods or are not good guarders of the faith in the first place. Then the herd are led astray or scattered due to apostasy. 

Yes, when we come to Christ in salvation, we are drafted into the army of God. No, it's not a pleasant thing to be chosen to battle the evils of our adversary, the devil. He's mean, harsh, horrible, and is within the hearts of mankind who have taken after the lusts of their souls and create a perverse nation. Then leaders with wickedness to the core of their inner beings cause a mighty country to crumble into ruins.

And furthermore, uh-oh. 

Time to get off of my soapbox again. 

And walking slowly away...  I think that's far enough. Now run! 

[Who me]

2 hours ago, David1701 said:

Yes; we all need to learn the essentials

No we all need to grow up to leave the milk of the gospel and feed on the strong meat of the gospel.

 

Look at Paul's illustrations, being an Olympic athlete or a fully trained and equipped soldier standing in the line of battle.

 

A case of raise the game.

[David1701]

4 hours ago, Who me said:

No we all need to grow up to leave the milk of the gospel and feed on the strong meat of the gospel.

 

Look at Paul's illustrations, being an Olympic athlete or a fully trained and equipped soldier standing in the line of battle.

 

A case of raise the game.

Yes, that too; but some need to learn to walk, before they can run.

[steve morrow]

CONTENDING  FOR  THE  FAITH 

2 CORINTHIANS 12:9  and  HE  said unto me  MY  grace is --sufficient-- for thee for  MY  strength is made perfect in weakness most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities that the power of  CHRIST  may rest upon me 

TITUS 2:11  for the grace of  GOD  that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men  --2:12-- teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts we should live soberly righteously and godly in this present world 

 

1 CORINTHIANS 4:2  moreover it is --required-- in stewards that a man be found faithful 

PSALM 31:23  O  LOVE  THE  LORD  all you  HIS  saints for  THE  LORD  preserveth the faithful and plentifully rewardeth --THE  PROUD  DOER--

PSALM 119:138  thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful 

PSALM 119:86  --ALL-- thy commandments are faithful they persecute me wrongfully help thou me 

PROVERBS 14:5  a faithful witness will not lie but a false witness will utter lies 

 

JOHN 7:17  if any man will do  HIS  will he shall know of the doctrine whether it be of  GOD  or whether I speak of myself 

--7:18-- he that speaketh of himself -- seeketh his --OWN  GLORY-- but he that seeketh  HIS  glory that sent him the same is true and no unrighteousness is in him

PROVERBS 8:8  all the words of  MY  MOUTH  are in righteousness there is nothing froward or perverse in them 

 

PSALM 60:11  give us help from trouble for vain is the help of man 

PSALM 146:3  put not your trust in princes nor in the son of man in whom there is no help 

2 CORINTHIANS 10:15  not boasting of things without our measure that is of other mens labors but having hope --when your faith is increased-- that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly   --10:16-- to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you and --not to boast-- in another mans line of things made ready to our hand 

10:17  BUT  HE  THAT  GLORIETH  LET  HIM  GLORY  IN  THE  LORD  

 

1 TIMOTHY 4:6  if thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things thou shalt be a good minister of  JESUS  CHRIST  nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine whereunto thou hast attained 

 

1 PETER 4:11  if any man speak let him speak as the oracles of  GOD  if any man minister let him do it as the ability which  GOD  giveth that  GOD  in all things may be glorified through  JESUS  CHRIST  to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever   AMEN

 

LOVING  THE  LORD  JESUS  CHRIST 

[TheBlade]

Well this battle is not with ...oh man the song playing "Theres nothing that our God cant' do".. so this battle is not with man.

The key word left out is "PRAYER". How can one go unless he is sent?