WHO WILL YOU LISTEN TO? WILL YOU LISTEN TO YOUR CHURCH, OR TO THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST? Know How the Churches Have Fallen From Purity to the Depths of Deception and Impurity! What is The Solution to Undeceive the Churches?

Lope, with respect, your column did not really assuage my concerns. For example you quote Matthew Henry and John Hill, two men who in fact would have disagreed with you doctrinally (Nor do I find Matthew Henry's commentary to be the most reliable because his information was limited). We are left with the fact that many claim to be inspired directly by the Holy Spirit. But all these contradictory doctrines cannot be the fruit of the same Spirit.


RONALD CRISS

MA in Theology, Xavier Universty

Lope Columna: Ron, did you continue reading the 3 TESTS OF THE SPIRITS linked with the introductory article in my BIBLE EXPLAINER blog? This article is only an introduction to the 3 Tests of Spirits. 

You said that Matthew Henry and John Hill disagree with me doctrinally. It's true, but they have also written facts and insights that are agreeable with my teachings. 

The CHURCHES, BIBLE SCHOLARS, AND BIBLE SCHOOLS ARE LEARNING AND TEACHING FROM THE TREE OF KNOWLEDGE OF GOOD AND EVIL!

The source of education and teachings of Bible scholars and Bible schools today is the TREE OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOOD AND EVIL. There is GOOD in them; but the problem is that, it is mix with EVIL or Falsehood. When I quote them, I am just using the GOOD in their teachings, discarding the EVIL or falsehood. Those scholarly men did not know God's pure Messianic Kabbalah Wisdom, which is from the TREE OF LIFE. I am using God's Messianic Kabbalah Wisdom, and they don't. Therefore, it is to be expected that there will be disagreements and contradictions to what they taught compared to what I am teaching now.

Ron Criss: Lope, yes, I read your quotes and I believe what the Bible says. But I don't see how it proves you alone are inspired directly by the Holy Spirit. You are asking us to have blind faith in you. The Bible says to hear the Church. Do you?

Lope Columna: I am not saying that I am the only one inspired by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit can inspire anyone, whoever is living a Godly life, and is allowing the Holy Spirit to guide him/her. I am not saying either that people should have a blind faith in me. Otherwise, I will be preaching the great sin of IDOLATRY.

YOUR FAITH SHOULD NOT STAND IN THE WISDOM OF MEN, BUT IN THE POWER OF GOD

What I am doing is to bring People, Churches, and Nations to the Great Creator God of the Universe -- God the Father and Jesus Christ; not to me, not to any human being or human organization. I'm a strict believer and follower of 1Cor 2:4-5.

My speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: (1Co 2:4 KJV) 

That YOUR FAITH SHOULD NOT STAND IN THE WISDOM OF MEN, BUT IN THE POWER OF GOD.  (1Co 2:5 KJV)

Next, you said, "You are asking us to have blind faith in you." I am not asking the people to have a blind faith in me. I am asking the people to have FAITH IN THE CREATOR GOD! Everyone should notice that my articles are full of Scriptures or Bible verses. They are messages from God Himself, not mine. Those are not my words and statements. Those are the sayings and messages from God the Father and Jesus Christ! I am just doing the job given to me by God the Father: to expose and put in the open those many Scriptures that many Churches are afraid to preach and explain.

You also asked, "The Bible says to hear the Church. Do you?" Can you quote to me a Bible verse or verses that says we should hear the Church? As far as I know, the Bible commands us to listen to Jesus Christ, His Apostles and His messengers. Finally, Christ instructs the Churches to hear and listen to God's Spirit. So, it is the Churches that should hear and listen, NOT the Church to be listened to. This is in contrary to what you have said, "The Bible says to hear the Church." 

What I am saying is proven by the 2nd and 3rd Chapters of the Book of Revelation, wherein we read Christ's statement, "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." This very important statement is repeated several times as Christ emphasized the great importance of the principle that:

IT IS THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST THAT SHOULD BE HEARD AND LISTEN TO, NOT THE CHURCH OR THE CHURCHES! 

Therefore, we should NOT listen to the Churches. We should listen ONLY to the Holy Spirit -- the Spirit of Truth, which is the carrier of God's Messianic Kabbalah Wisdom of Truth (John 16:13-14)! 

Ron Criss: Matthew 18:17 -- ...but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. 1 Timothy 3:15 -- ... the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

Regarding St John's admonition to hear what the Spirit says to the churches. This refers to the Revelation which he wrote.

Lope Columna: Ron, the verses that you quoted (Matthew 18:17 and 1 Timothy 3:15) refer to the time when the Church is undefiled and She has the complete pure truth because Christ and His Apostles were with them in person to guide them.

But remember that there was a time when the Church began to be deceived and corrupted by the many deceivers and antichrists, as prophesied to happen (Mat 24:5, Mar 13:6, Luke 21:8, 1John 2:18). 

The very first Church as organized by Christ and the Apostles, is the Ephesus Church. After the resurrection of Christ, most of the original Apostles were martyred. By this time the original first century apostolic Church had already fallen and was corrupted (Rev 2:4-5). As an exile in the island of Patmos, only the Apostle John was left; he then wrote the Kabbalistic Book of Revelation or the Apocalypse as revealed by Christ to him.

But I have this against you, that YOU LEFT YOUR FIRST LOVE. Remember therefore from where you have fallen, and REPENT AND DO THE FIRST WORKS; or else I am coming to you swiftly, and will move your menorah out of its place, unless you repent. (Rev 2:4-5 HNV) 

This deception and corruption that started from the Ephesus Church became worse and worse, as history unfolds. Then, in the Laodicean era, the Church became "Lukewarm, Wretched, and Miserable, and Poor, and Blind, and Naked." 

The SAME OLD TRICK BY SATAN WAS USED TO DECEIVED AND CORRUPT ALL THE CHURCHES IN THE WORLD TODAY! 

How did this downfall and corruption of the churches happen? It is for the simple reason that the Churches allowed themselves to be tricked by Satan, as the Serpent deceived Eve in the Garden of Eden (2Co 11:3)! 

But I fear that, as the Serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your minds may be corrupted from a complete and pure devotion to Christ.  (2Co 11:3 HCSB)

It's all the same old trick by Satan that Man was not able to learn the lessons since the beginning!

From then on, up to our present generation, the Church continued in her downward slide to corruption and deception. History shows us the effects of this grievous corruption of the Church's truth and morality. So the Church was divided and continues to subdivide into many churches, sects, and denominations of all sorts, contradicting each other!

Now, in our end-time generation, just before the return of the KING MESSIAH, we are all commanded by God to "COME OUT OF HER, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.  (Rev 18:4 KJV)

So, the Spirit of Christ instructs each one of us, NOT TO LISTEN TO THE CHURCHES ANYMORE! We are even told to "COME OUT OF HER."  

The Churches today are so deceived that listening and believing what they say will just spread the deception and corrupt more people! Many proofs of this statement abound in the daily news, as religious people, even top leaders, Pastors, Priests, and Evangelists of the Churches succumbed to sexual immorality and other corruption. They even approved and officiate same-sex marriages!

The foolproof advice of Christ for all of us today is, "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." Christ means here, that we should now hear and learn from His Spirit, and NOT listen to the Churches anymore.

The SPIRIT OF TRUTH REVEALS THE PURE  MESSIANIC KABBALAH WISDOM TO THE CHURCHES!

The CHURCHES MUST LISTEN TO THE SPIRIT, AND LEARN THE MESSIANIC KABBALAH WISDOM IT CARRIES!

As I mentioned previously, the Spirit of Truth, which is the Spirit of Christ, is the Messenger or Carrier of the supernal Messianic Kabbalah Wisdom of Truth (John 16:13-14)!

In the Book of Revelation, Chapters 2 & 3, Christ instructs every Christian and Jew, "He that hath an ear, let him HEAR WHAT THE SPIRIT SAITH UNTO THE CHURCHES." This command is so important that Christ mentioned this command 7 times, which means in TOTALITY, a COMPLETE COMMAND that encompasses everything. 

WHY IS THIS COMMAND TO "HEAR WHAT THE SPIRIT SAITH UNTO THE CHURCHES" SUPER-IMPORTANT, EVEN WRITTEN 7 TIMES IN THE BIBLE? 

Many Christians knew that the number 7 signifies Totality or Completion. Christ mentioned this vital command 7 times because this command determines the reward and punishment of the Churches and their members when He returns! This means Salvation or Rejection of the Christian and Jewish souls, depending on whether they listen or not to the Kabbalistic messages of the Spirit of Christ. The people that reject this purifying Kabbalah Wisdom remains in their impurities. When the pure and holy King Messiah appears, they will be rejected also by the Glorious Christ. Nothing and no one impure can stand in the presence of the pure and holy presence of God!

The Power of Messianic Kabbalah Wisdom removes the Satanic deception from people, and this cleanses and purifies their minds and souls! Only then can they stand in the presence of the Holy King.

For those who listen (who hath an ear), the reward is dependent oh HOW they listen, or to what degree did they learn the Messianic Kabbalah Wisdom, as taught by the Spirit of Truth. In other words, they will be rewarded according to the degree of purification they achieve.

This means that people and churches today must listen to the supernal truths of this Kabbalah Wisdom of the Messiah, if they want to be saved and enter the Kingdom of God!

MESSIANIC KABBALAH WISDOM: The Only Medicine and Antidote to Heal and Free Yourself From the Depths of Satan's Poisonous Deception.

The Messianic Kabbalah Wisdom carried by the Holy Spirit of Truth, is the only effective medicine or antidote to heal and free the people from the depth of Satan's spirit of deception and corruption!

The Messianic Kabbalah Wisdom is LIGHT, and it is the only power to remove the thick darkness of Satan's deception and impurity that blanket the Churches and the whole world today!

-- LOPE COLUMNA --

The BIBLE EXPLAINER AND REVELATOR

WHAT IS THE SOURCE OF YOUR CHRISTIAN KABBALAH TRADITION? Can It Be Traced Back to Ancient Times? Which Kabbalistic Texts Do You Recognize as Authentic?

Lope, what is the source of your Christian Kabbalah tradition? Can it be traced back to ancient times? Which Kabbalistic texts do you recognize as authentic?

RONALD M. CRISS

MA in Theology, XAVIER University

Lope Columna: Ron, let me start by some clarification. My "MESSIANIC KABBALAH" is not Christian Kabbalah. Messianic Kabbalah and Christian Kabbalah are very different from each other. 

The source of Messianic Kabbalah is the Messiah Jesus Christ Himself. The MESSIANIC KABBALAH  is the Kabbalah of the Messiah -- Jesus Christ! 

The LORD Jesus Christ is my personal Kabbalah mentor, and He is teaching me His Kabbalah via His SPIRIT OF TRUTH (John 16:13), as He promised. The Spirit of Truth is guiding me to the many Kabbalistic texts and sources. This means using all resources, including, but not limited to: all about the Holy ZOHAR, the ORAL TORAH, the WRITTEN BIBLE with the New Testament, etc. I also expect additional revelations from GOD the FATHER and JESUS CHRIST. In fact, I have already received, and is continually receiving many additional insights and revelations from them.
  
Ron Criss: Not to be disrespectful, but it sounds like you are just reading what's available in print and understanding it in your own way instead of handing on a received tradition. Are you suggesting that every church and saint until you were wrong? Are you part of an established order, religion or church or independent? Are you a member of a Reformation, Baptist or Catholic church?
 
Lope Columna: Ron, I do not claim any merit of my own. I am just a nobody. As I said before, I just allowed the KING MESSIAH -- Jesus Christ to use me, with His Spirit of Truth to guide me into ALL OF HIS TRUTH (John 16:13): "When the SPIRIT OF TRUTH comes, He will guide you into all the truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak whatever He hears. He will also declare to you what is to come. He will glorify Me, because He will take from what is Mine and declare it to you. "

As Christ's Spirit of Truth is guiding me, I am not speaking of my own, contrary to what you said in your statement: "you are just reading what's available in print and understanding it in your own way." I just speak and write whatever I hear from the Spirit of Christ. I glorify Jesus Christ, and I just take what is from Him, and it becomes my job to declare it to those in the world who are willing to listen.

You also said, "Are you suggesting that every church and saint until you was wrong?" I am not the one suggesting it. It is the WORD OF GOD, as written in the Bible, that is suggesting it. Did you not notice that my articles are full of Scriptures to support what I am saying? Those are not my words and statements. Those are the sayings and messages from God the Father and Jesus Christ!

Your next question is, "Are you part of an established order, religion or church or independent?" No, I'm not part of the world's established order, religion or church or independent. Before, yes; but I already come out from those, as commanded by God (Rev 18:4 KJV): "Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues."

Your last question: "Are you a member of a Reformation, Baptist or Catholic church?" No, I am not a member of those churches. I'm a member of the genuine BRIDE OF CHRIST.
  
Ron Criss: Lope, forgive me for being skeptical. Every religious leader claims to be guided by the Holy Spirit, and each Christian sect claims to be based on the one Bible. Obviously the Holy Spirit is not the Author of contradiction or confusion. Let me ask, do you believe that one is saved by works as well as by faith, or by faith alone?
  
Lope Columna: Ron, I understand that what you have known is the world's common and popular form of religion, when you said, "Every religious leader claims to be guided by the Holy Spirit, and each Christian sect claims to be based on the one Bible." Please be informed that the genuine BRIDE OF CHRIST is very different from all the rest. You said that "every Christian sect claims to be based on the one Bible." This statement of yours is true when applied to every Christian sect in the world today. But this is NOT applicable to the genuine BRIDE OF CHRIST. 

The BRIDE OF CHRIST base Her teachings not on just one Bible, but on at least 2 Bibles: The Written Bible (Torah) and the Oral Bible. And the most important of all, the BRIDE OF CHRIST base Her teachings on the "INNER DIMENSION" or SOUL of the Bible -- the MESSIANIC KABBALAH WISDOM.

For your question, "do you believe that one is saved by works as well as by faith, or by faith alone?" My answer is: we believe that ONE IS SAVED BOTH BY WORKS AND FAITH.
 
Ron Criss: I like your answer to my question. James 2:24 -- Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. 

Have you written a book?

Lope Columna: About my books? Many are suggesting that I should write books, or publish my articles into books. That should be my next step: to write and publish books. That will be in the near future.

The GATES OF HELL CANNOT PREVAIL AGAINST THE BRIDE (CHURCH) OF CHRIST. THE GATES OF HELL CAN ONLY PREVAIL AGAINST THE CHURCHES OF MEN! God's Safety Nets: The Science of Grace and His Remnant Technology

And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18).

Based on what you are saying the gates of hell would have prevailed against the Church.

RONALD M. CRISS
MA in THEOLOGY, XAVIER University

Ron, what I am saying does not mean that the gates of hell have already prevailed against the Church. Let me clarify. The gates of hell can never prevail against the true Church that Christ is building. 

Unfortunately, many Churches don't allow themselves to be built by Christ; instead, these Churches allow men to rule and build them! These are the churches that the gates of Hell will prevail against. But as long as, a Christian, Jew, or Church will allow themselves to be continuously built by Christ, the gates of Hell can never prevail against them.

Let's analyze the verse you quoted, Matthew 16:18.

• And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and UPON THIS ROCK I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH; and the Gates of Hell shall not prevail against it. (Mat 16:18 KJV)

Let's analyze the first half of the verse: ...thou art Peter, and upon this ROCK I will build my Church...

Based on the first half of Matthew 16:18, many Christians believe that the Church was founded on the human Peter. But the Truth is that the Church is founded on the ROCK, which is Jesus Christ -- the SON OF GOD! There is a BIG contrast here. 

Although Peter was appointed to be the Chief Apostle, he is still human, of this earth, and of the flesh. On the other hand, Christ is from Heaven, the only begotten Son of God the Father, who is in Heaven.

IF THE CHURCH IS FOUNDED ON PETER, IT IS FOUNDED ON AN EARTHLY MAN, WHICH IS SUBJECT TO CORRUPTION, FALSEHOOD, SIN, AND DEATH. SO, THE GATES OF HELL WILL PREVAIL AGAINST THE CHURCH.

IF THE CHURCH IS FOUNDED AND BUILT BY CHRIST, WHO IS THE HEAVENLY SON OF GOD, WHO IS PURE, HOLY, THE WHOLE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE. THEN, THE CHURCH WILL BECOME THE BRIDE OF CHRIST! THE GATES OF HELL CANNOT PREVAIL AGAINST THE BRIDE OF CHRIST!

According to the STRONG'S Greek dictionary, the name Peter is from the Greek PETROS, which means a piece of ROCK.

The word ROCK is from the Greek PETRA (G4073), which means a mass of ROCK. This ROCK is Jesus Christ Himself.

IF YOUR CHURCH IS FOUNDED ON EARTHLY MEN, THE GATES OF HELL WILL PREVAIL AGAINST IT.

IF YOUR CHURCH IS FOUNDED ON THE HEAVENLY CHRIST, THE GATES OF HELL CAN NEVER PREVAIL AGAINST IT!

The Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) has the following translation: ...and the forces of Hades (Hell) will not overpower it.

So what does it mean when Christ said, "I will build My church, and the forces of Hades (Hell) will not overpower it."?

The gates or forces of Hades (Hell) are the doctrines and forces of death and total destruction.

From Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible: 

And the gates of hell ... - Ancient cities were surrounded by walls. In the gates by which they were entered were the principal places for holding courts, transacting business, and deliberating on public matters. The word "gates," therefore, is used for counsels, designs, machinations, evil purposes. "Hell" means, here, the place of departed spirits, particularly evil spirits; and the meaning of the passage is, that all the plots, stratagems, and machinations of the enemies of the church would not be able to overcome it a promise that has been remarkably fulfilled. --BARNES
 
From The PEOPLE'S NEW TESTAMENT:
It is the essence of the teaching of the New Testament that the platform or foundation of the Christian society, the church, is this belief that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. It is then Peter's grand confession, faith in the Spiritual Rock, the faith that lays hold of Christ, belief that he is the Anointed of God, the Divine Savior, that the Lord pronounces the rock upon which he will found his church. That this view is correct is shown by a correct understanding of the declaration, The gates of hades shall not prevail against it. From the gates of the city always marched forth its armies. The powers of hades are represented by its gates. Just after these words the Lord talks of his death, or entering hades. Six months later the Sanhedrim sent him to death for making the same confession Peter had just made. See Mat_26:64-67. He was sent there from the cross, but the gates of hades did not prevail, for they could not hold him, and the living Savior, rising triumphant from the tomb, was the unanswerable argument that his own and Peter's confession was a rock that could never be moved. His resurrection demonstrated that he is the Rock. Hades did not prevail. 
 
The PROPHET ELIJAH THOUGHT THAT HELL HAVE PREVAILED AGAINST THE CONGREGATION (CHURCH), BUT GOD SAID IT IS NOT TRUE

• ... the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.  (1Ki 19:14 KJV)

God answered Elijah: Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.  (1Ki 19:18 KJV)

It may appear that God's Church or Congregation have been prevailed upon by Hell. But it is only in appearance, not in truth and reality.

BUT WHY IS IT THAT GOD ALLOWS THE EVIL FORCES TO ATTACK HIS CHURCH AND CHOSEN PEOPLE?

• Because they have done that which was evil in my sight, and have provoked me to anger, since the day their fathers came forth out of Egypt, even unto this day.  (2Ki 21:15 KJV)

• And as Elijah said to God: ...they have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets... (1Ki 19:14)

These evils and departure from God of God's people had happened before, and is surely happening today, in our advanced and hi-tech society. Nevertheless, God has always safety nets to prevent the total destruction of His Church and people. This is the very reason why the gates of Hell cannot prevail against His Church.

So, whenever the Children of Israel or the Church sin, God will allow the powers of Hell to punish and awaken them to repent. If in general, they will not repent, God has always reserved a remnant of His faithful people, and His Kabbalistic Grace is always available for them. With this approach, God has established a safety net to guarantee the existence and development of His Church and Chosen People.

GOD'S SAFETY NETS: THE SCIENCE OF GRACE AND HIS REMNANT TECHNOLOGY

• And it shall come to pass in that day, that the REMNANT of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more again stay upon him that smote them; but shall stay upon the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, in truth.  (Isa 10:20 KJV)

• The REMNANT shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God.  (Isa 10:21 KJV)

• And the REMNANT that is escaped of the house of Judah shall yet again take root downward, and bear fruit upward.  (2Ki 19:30 KJV)

• For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a REMNANT, and they that escape out of mount Zion: the zeal of the LORD of hosts shall do this.  (2Ki 19:31 KJV)

• ...has God rejected His people? Absolutely not!...  (Rom 11:1)

• God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says in the Elijah section--how he pleads with God against Israel?  (Rom 11:2 HCSB)

• Lord, they have killed Your prophets, torn down Your altars; and I am the only one left, and they are trying to take my life! (Rom 11:3)

• But what was God's reply to him? I have left 7,000 men for Myself who have not bowed down to Baal. (Rom 11:4)

• In the same way, then, there is also at the present time A REMNANT CHOSEN BY GRACE.  (Rom 11:5)

• And just as Isaiah predicted: If the Lord of Hosts had not left us a seed, we would have become like Sodom, and we would have been made like Gomorrah. (Rom 9:29)

• And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase.  (Jer 23:3 KJV)

JERUSALEM AND THE CHURCH WILL BE DESTROYED; YET NOT COMPLETELY. A REMNANT IS ALWAYS PRESERVED.

• For thus saith the Lord GOD; How much more when I send my four sore judgments upon Jerusalem, the sword, and the famine, and the noisome beast, and the pestilence, to cut off from it man and beast?  (Eze 14:21 KJV)

• Yet, behold, THEREIN SHALL BE LEFT A REMNANT that shall be brought forth, [both] sons and daughters: behold, they shall come forth unto you, and ye shall see their way and their doings: and ye shall be comforted concerning the evil that I have brought upon Jerusalem, [even] concerning all that I have brought upon it.  (Eze 14:22 KJV)

• And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in THE REMNANT WHOM THE LORD SHALL CALL.  (Joe 2:32 KJV)

WARNING TO THOSE WHO ATTEMPTS TO FIGHT AGAINST GOD, HIS PEOPLE, AND HIS WORK: GOD IS THE ONE THAT WILL ALWAYS PREVAIL!

Nothing and no one can thwart and go against the WILL OF GOD THE FATHER. In the end of God's Master Plan, anyone and anything that is against God will be completely destroyed and forgotten, without any root and branch.

• The LORD shall go forth as a mighty man, he shall stir up jealousy like a man of war... he shall prevail against his enemies.  (Isa 42:13 KJV)

• But if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow it, and you would be found even to be fighting against God!"  (Act 5:39 HNV)

NOTE: Bible verses used in this article is based on the Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). If not, the quoted translation is mentioned.

 

-- LOPE COLUMNA --

The BIBLE EXPLAINER AND REVELATOR

PERFECTION: THE LIFE'S GOAL OF EVERY CHRISTIAN AND JEW! The Church Mission is to Perfect the Saints. Any Church that is Not Heading Toward Perfection is Automatically Heading Toward Corruption!

Mr Columna, are you actually advocating that we do not attend church at all or trust our leaders? What about home churches? Are you Catholic? I am interested in what you have to say. Many in the church are dissatisfied and clearly see the corruption but stay on because we need community and we need places to worship. 


SUSAN PARKER
Austin, Texas

Hi, Susan. Thanks for your questions. You can still attend Church services you think are still following Christ, although not perfectly. But your direction and goal must be toward finding the Church or Group that strives and knows HOW to be perfect, to obey Christ's command in (Mat 5:48).

BE YE THEREFORE PERFECT, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. (Mat 5:48 KJV)

Do not believe those liars that propagate the Satanic lie of "NO ONE IS PERFECT" slogan. For an in-depth study of this lie, please go to, or click: The Phrase "NO ONE IS PERFECT" is a Satanic Lie; and it causes Baseless Hatred! GOD Accepts and Will Save ONLY the PERFECT, and Those Who Have the Desire to BE PERFECT!

This command of Christ to BECOME PERFECT is seconded by the Apostle Paul.

Therefore, leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, LET US GO ON UNTO PERFECTION... (Heb 6:1 KJV)

We need the guidance of the Spirit of Truth to find the Group whose number 1 goal is to become perfect before God. Only these people are considered to be prepared and ready to meet the BRIDEGROOM at His glorious return (Rev 19:7).

A Church or religious group that feels comfortable with their present doctrines and Church activities, without the goal of perfection as the Father in Heaven is perfect, is a deceived Church, and its direction is toward corruption. Any Church that is not headed toward perfection is automatically headed toward corruption of the flesh and of the spirit. Our goal and mindset must be toward GOD THE FATHER, and Jesus Christ is THE WAY, not any man, not even the Church.

The MISSION OF GOD'S CHURCH IS TO PERFECT GOD'S PEOPLE!

FOR THE PERFECTING OF THE SAINTS, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:  (Eph 4:12 KJV)

Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto A PERFECT MAN, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:  (Eph 4:13 KJV)

That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;  (Eph 4:14 KJV)

From Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible:
That we henceforth be no more children, etc. that is, that we may be no longer children in knowledge, weak in the faith, and inconstant in our judgments, easily yielding to every temptation, readily complying with every one's humour, and being at every one's back. Children are easily imposed upon. We must take care of this, and of being tossed to and fro, like ships without ballast, and carried about, like clouds in the air, with such doctrines as have no truth nor solidity in them..

By the sleight of men; this is a metaphor taken from gamesters, and signifies the mischievous subtlety of seducers: and cunning craftiness, by which is meant their skilfulness in finding ways to seduce and deceive; for it follows, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, as in an ambush, in order to circumvent the weak, and draw them from the truth. Note, Those must be very wicked and ungodly men who set themselves to seduce and deceive others into false doctrines and errors. The apostle describes them here as base men, using a great deal of devilish art and cunning, in order thereunto. The best method we can take to fortify ourselves against such is to study the sacred oracles, and to pray for the illumination and grace of the Spirit of Christ, that we may know the truth as it is in Jesus, and be established in it. -- HENRY

Behold, GOD WILL NOT CAST AWAY A PERFECT MAN, neither will he help the evil doers:  (Job 8:20 KJV)

Finally, brethren, rejoice. PERFECT YOURSELVES; encourage yourselves; mind the same thing; be at peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.  (2Co 13:11 MKJV)

ABOUT TRUSTING THE RELIGIOUS LEADERS

Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD. (Jer 17:5 KJV)

Cursed or miserable is the man or woman that does trusts their leaders, especially when they blindly believe the teachings of men, without checking those teachings in the Bible. And the worse happens that when someone shows them a Bible verse that contradicts their leaders' teachings, they choose to believe what their Church's doctrines, rather than on what God's Bible says. The sin here condemned; it is trusting in man, putting that confidence in the wisdom and power, the kindness, and authority of men. The trust must be applied to God only.

Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. (Jer 17:7 KJV)

From Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible: 
The duty required of us - to trust in the Lord, to do our duty to him and then depend upon him to bear us out in doing it... to commit ourselves to God as all-sufficient both to fill up the place of those who fail us and to protect us from those who set upon us. It is to make the Lord our hope, his favour the good we hope for and his power the strength we hope in. He that does so shall be as a tree planted by the waters, a choice tree, about which great care has been taken to set it in the best soil, so far from being like the heath in the wilderness; he shall be like a tree that spreads out its roots, and thereby is firmly fixed, spreads them out by the rivers, whence it draws abundance of sap, which denotes both the establishment and the comfort which those have who make God their hope; they are easy, they are pleasant, and enjoy a continual security and serenity of mind. 

Those that make God their hope, (1.) They shall flourish in credit and comfort, like a tree that is always green, whose leaf does not wither; they shall be cheerful to themselves and beautiful in the eyes of others. Those who thus give honour to God by giving him credit God will put honour upon, and make them the ornament and delight of the places where they live, as green trees are. (2.) They shall be fixed in an inward peace and satisfaction: They shall not be careful in a year of drought, when there is want of rain; for, as the tree has seed in itself, so it has its moisture.
(3.) They shall be fruitful in holiness, and in all good works. Those who trust in God, and by faith derive strength and grace from him, shall not cease from yielding fruit; they shall still be enabled to do that which will redound to the glory of God, the benefit of others, and their own account.  -- HENRY

-- LOPE COLUMNA --

The BIBLE EXPLAINER AND REVELATOR

Susan Parker: So you are not Catholic and do not believe in the infallibility of the Pope, the successor of Peter? But the people followed Paul and Peter and those leaders in that time. We have always had leaders.

I know Jesus is the way because even before I was baptized and was un-churched the was leading and guiding me through the scriptures and the Holy Spirit. The Bible does talk about confession to the elders in the church. Most of Catholic teaching is based in scripture, and tradition.

One thing that bothers me is long repetitive prayers when the scriptures warn against us doing that.

I can say I believe in the sacraments and that there are many miracles associated with the Holy Eucharist which is the mainstay of the church, which not one would argue with.

ARE YOU FOLLOWING CHRIST, OR ARE YOU FOLLOWING YOUR CHURCH'S HUMAN LEADERS? Be Sure Where You Stand, and Know the Dire Consequences of Following a Man!

QUESTIONS:

1. Lope, you are telling us not to follow what Christ taught in the Bible! He said, "Listen to the Church"... 
2. St Paul also said: Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you (Hebrews 13:17). 
3. Matthew 16:18 -- And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall n...ot prevail against it.Based on what you are saying the gates of hell would have prevailed against the Church. 
4. How are we to judge whether Church doctrine is corrupt or not if we dismiss the Bible as obsolete?

-- RONALD M. CRISS
   MA in THEOLOGY, XAVIER University



Welcome to your questions, Ron. I will answer them, one by one. I will quote various Bible commentaries to explain some of the Scriptures used here.

Q1: Lope, you are telling us not to follow what Christ taught in the Bible! He said, "Listen to the Church."

A1: Ron, I am telling people to follow what the genuine Jesus Christ taught in the Bible. Christ is the centerpiece of all my teachings. 

OBEY GOD RATHER THAN MEN! Follow a Man Only When He Follows Christ!

With regard to following the religious leaders of the Churches, CHRIST, Paul, Peter, and the other Apostles said that it is CONDITIONAL -- follow a man ONLY if he follows Christ!

Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.  (1Co 11:1 KJV)

Peter and the apostles replied, "WE MUST OBEY GOD RATHER THAN MEN. (Act 5:29 HCSB)

Unfortunately, almost all of the Churches today, have developed into organizations and groups ruled by men, and taught of man-made doctrines and traditions! The true Jesus Christ and His pure supernal teachings were thrown out of the windows of their Churches! 

The GENUINE JESUS WAS REPLACED BY "ANOTHER JESUS," AND THE PEOPLE ACCEPTED IT!

Instead, a fake Jesus (called "ANOTHER JESUS), with its worldly teachings (different gospel), inspired by "a different spirit" (the Spirit of Antichrist), were preached to the people, and the people accepted it (2Co 11:4)!

For if a person comes and preaches ANOTHER JESUS, whom we did not preach, or you receive a DIFFERENT SPIRIT, which you had not received, or a DIFFERENT GOSPEL, which you had not accepted, you put up with it splendidly!  (2Co 11:4 HCSB)

Only the genuine Jesus Christ has the LIGHT, He is the LIGHT (John 8:12). This "another Jesus" has no light; instead he brings darkness to his leaders and followers. Therefore, these leaders that preaches ANOTHER JESUS are blind! Christ instructed His true followers to avoid these kind of religious leaders.

Let them alone. THEY ARE BLIND LEADERS OF THE BLIND. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.  (Mat 15:14 MKJV) 

From Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary:
Let them alone,... Have nothing to say, or do with them; do not mind their anger and resentment, their reproaches and reflections, nor trouble yourselves at the offence they have taken; if they will go, let them go; they are a worthless generation of men, who are not to be regarded, hearkened to, nor to be pleased; it matters not what they say of me, and of my doctrine:

they be blind leaders of the blind; the people that hearken to them, and are followers of them, are "blind", as to any true sense of themselves, their state, and condition by nature; as to any spiritual, saving knowledge of God; as to any acquaintance with the Messiah, and the method of salvation by him; as to the Spirit of God, and the work of grace, regeneration, and sanctification upon the soul; as to the Scriptures of truth, and doctrines of the Gospel; and the "leaders" of them were as "blind" as they who thought themselves very wise and knowing, yet they were blind also.  -- HENRY

From John Hill's Exposition of the Entire Bible:
This was predicted, in Isa_42:19 and all such leaders and teachers are blind, who, notwithstanding their natural abilities, and acquired parts, are in a state of unregeneracy; and have nothing more than what they have from nature, or have attained to at school; and as apparently all such are, who lead men from Christ, to mere morality, and to a dependence upon their own righteousness for justification, which was the darling principle of the blind leaders in the text.

And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch; of ignorance and error, immorality and profaneness, distress, if not despair, temporal ruin and destruction; which was notoriously verified in the Jewish people, and their guides: and of eternal damnation, the lake which burns with fire and brimstone; what else can be expected? -- GILL

From Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary:
They are posting to destruction, and will shortly be plunged into it; Both shall fall into the ditch. This must needs be the end of it, if both be so blind, and yet both so bold, venturing forward, and yet not aware of danger. Both will be involved in the general desolation coming upon the Jews, and both drowned in eternal destruction and perdition.

The blind leaders and the blind followers will perish together. We find (Rev_22:15), that hell is the portion of those that make a lie, and of those that love it when it is made. The deceived and the deceiver are obnoxious to the judgment of God, Job_12:16. Note, First, Those that by their cunning craftiness draw others to sin and error, shall not, with all their craft and cunning, escape ruin themselves. If both fall together into the ditch, the blind leaders will fall undermost, and have the worst of it; see Jer_14:15, Jer_14:16.

The prophets shall be consumed first, and then the people to whom they prophesy, Jer_20:6; Jer_27:15, Jer_27:16. Secondly, The sin and ruin of the deceivers will be no security to those that are deceived by them. Though the leaders of this people cause them to err, yet they that are led of them are destroyed (Isa_9:16), because they shut their eyes against the light which would have rectified their mistake. The falling of both together will aggravate the fall of both; for they that have thus mutually increased each other's sin, will mutually exasperate each other's ruin. -- HENRY

Q2: Hebrews 13:17 -- Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. 

A2: You quoted Hebrews 13:17 to justify the rule and authority of Church Leaders. But God also said in Jeremiah 5:30-31.

A horrible, terrible thing has taken place in the land. THE PROPHETS PROPHESY FALSELY, and THE PRIESTS BEAR RULE BY THEIR MEANS; and My People Love to Have It So: and what will ye do in the end thereof?  (Jer 5:30-31 KJV) 

From Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible:

My people love to have it so - False teaching lightens the yoke of God's Law, and removes His fear from the conscience: and with this, man is ready to be content. -- BARNES

From Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible:
The prophets prophesy falsely - The false prophets predict favorable things, that they may please both the princes and the people.
The priests bear rule by their means - The false prophets affording them all that their influence and power can procure, to enable them to keep their places, and feed on the riches of the Lord's house.
 
And my people love to have it so - Are perfectly satisfied with this state of things, because they are permitted to continue in their sins without reproof or restraint. The prophets and the priests united to deceive and ruin the people. The prophets gave out false predictions; by their means the priests got the government of the people into their own hands; and so infatuated were the people that they willingly abandoned themselves to those blind guides, and would not hearken to the voice of any reformer. False prophets and worldly priests have been in all ages the bane of religion, and the ruin of many souls. When profligate people stand up on behalf of profligate priests, corruption must then be at its height. -- CLARKE

From Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary (JFB):
bear rule by their means — literally, "according to their hands," that is, under their guidance (1Ch_25:3). As a sample of the priests lending themselves to the deceits of the false prophets, to gain influence over the people, see Jer_29:24-32. -- JFB

From Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary:
The degeneracy of such a people, so privileged and advanced, was a wonderful thing, and to be viewed with amazement. How could they ever break through so many obligations? It was a horrible thing, a thing to be detested and the consequences of it dreaded. To frighten ourselves from sin, let us call it a horrible thing. What was the matter? In short, this: 

(1.) The leaders misled the people: The prophets prophesy falsely, counterfeit a commission from heaven when they are factors for hell. Religion is never more dangerously attacked than under colour and pretence of divine revelation. 

But why did not the priests, who had power in their hands for that purpose, restrain these false prophets? Alas! instead of doing that they made use of them as the tools of their ambition and tyranny: The priests bear rule by their means; they supported themselves in their grandeur and wealth, their laziness and luxury, their impositions and oppressions, by the help of the false prophets and their interest in the people. Thus they were in a combination against every thing that was good, and strengthened one another's hands in evil. 

(2.) The people were well enough pleased to be so misled: "They are my people," says God, "and should have stood up for me, and borne their testimony against the wickedness of their priests and prophets; but they love to have it so." If the priests and prophets will let them alone in their sins, they will give them no disturbance in theirs. They love to be ridden with a loose rein, and like those rulers very well that will not restrain their lusts and those teachers that will not reprove them. -- HENRY

So, the Bible is saying that we should obey the Church's religious leaders, and yet at the same time, we are told NOT to follow them! How do we reconcile the two contradicting verses? What is the measuring rod? 

CHRIST AND PAUL WARNED THE TRUE CHRISTIANS AND JEWS ABOUT THE COMING OF CHURCH LEADERS WHO WILL DECEIVE PEOPLE USING CHRIST'S NAME AND OFFICE 

And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.  (Mat 24:4 KJV)

For MANY SHALL COME IN MY NAME, saying, I am Christ; and SHALL DECEIVE MANY.  (Mat 24:5 KJV)

Christ's warning was repeated by the Apostle Paul, even with tears, because many of Christ's disciples will fall victims to these prophesied deception! Speaking at a Ministerial Conference of the original, Apostolic Church, Paul warned the Pastors and Ministers: "Therefore take heed to yourselves, and to all the flock in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to feed the church of God which He has purchased with His own blood.  (Act 20:28 MKJV)

For I know this, that after my departure grievous wolves shall enter in among you, not sparing the flock.  (Act 20:29 MKJV)

Also MEN SHALL ARISE FROM YOUR OWN SELVES, speaking perverse things in order TO DRAW DISCIPLES AWAY AFTER THEM.  (Act 20:30 MKJV)

Therefore watch and remember that for the time of three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.  (Act 20:31 MKJV)

HOW DOES A PERSON DESIRING TO OBEY AND FOLLOW CHRIST ESCAPE BEING DECEIVE?

He said to all, "If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and FOLLOW ME.  (Luk 9:23 HNV)

My sheep hear My voice, I know them, and they follow Me. (Joh 10:27 HCSB)

FOLLOW A MAN, ONLY IF HE FOLLOWS OR IMITATES CHRIST!

Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.  (1Co 11:1 KJV)

IF YOU FOLLOW A MAN OR MEN, YOU ARE STILL CARNAL. And You Are Stunted In Your Spiritual Growth and Development.

The Apostle Paul scolded the Christians and Jews wanting to just follow a man. The church at Corinth was split up into contentious little groups, each claiming to "follow" or "get behind" their particular leader whether it was Paul, Apollos or Peter. It was because of these contentions and splits that Paul said he could not talk to them of the Messianic Kabbalah Wisdom -- the deep spiritual matters. He could only talk to them on a physical, human, or carnal level. They were mere babes in Christ and could only be fed with milk and not strong meat (1Cor 3:1-2).

And I, brothers, could not speak to you as to spiritual ones, but as to fleshly, as to babes in Christ.  (1Co 3:1 MKJV)

I have fed you with milk and not with solid food, for you were not yet able to bear it; nor are you able even now.  (1Co 3:2 MKJV)

For you are yet carnal. For in that there is among you envyings and strife and divisions, are you not carnal, and do you not walk according to men?  (1Co 3:3 MKJV)

For while one says, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are you not carnal?  (1Co 3:4 MKJV)

Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom you believed, even as the Lord gave to each?  (1Co 3:5 MKJV)

I have planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.  (1Co 3:6 MKJV)

...I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let every man be careful how he builds on it.  (1Co 3:10 MKJV)

For any other foundation can no one lay than the one being laid, who is JESUS CHRIST.  (1Co 3:11 MKJV)

DO NOT GLORY OR BOAST IN MEN. 
GLORY AND BOAST ONLY IN GOD!

Therefore let no one glory in men...  (1Co 3:21 MKJV)

Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:  (Jer 9:23 KJV)

But LET HIM THAT GLORIETH GLORY IN THIS, that HE UNDERSTAND AND KNOW ME, that I AM THE LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.  (Jer 9:24 KJV)

It is God and Christ that we are to look to, not the human leaders of the Church. If we focus on God and Christ, we will then, and only then, be able to leave the carnality behind and move on to the strong spiritual meat (Messianic Kabbalah). If you are still carnal your spirituality is stunted, and you resists God's Messianic Kabbalah Wisdom.

YOU ARE CURSED IF YOU BLINDLY FOLLOW AND TRUST A HUMAN LEADER IN A CHURCH!

Following a man, even today, is a CURSE. 

Thus says the LORD: Cursed is the man who trusts in man, and makes flesh his arm, and whose heart departs from the LORD.  (Jer 17:5 HNV)

They are BLIND LEADERS of the BLIND. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.  (Mat 15:14 MKJV)

The churches of God are all divided up into smaller groups. Many are contentious, each following their own particular human leader. As they "follow" their own particular man, these Christians end up acting carnal.

Another aspect of this trap of carnality shows up when God allowed to destroy their particular church. Members of the destroyed Church think that their current leader is very wrong and corrupt. They leave the fellowship of this church and join another church or group ruled with a new leader. Many of these people then extol this new leader. Again, they are now following a man, but not sure whether they are following Christ or not.

-- LOPE COLUMNA --

The BIBLE EXPLAINER AND REVELATOR