"Instructions For The Church"; 2 Timothy 2:18-19
ZADOK PUBLICATIONS - Dr. C. R. OLIVER
January 1, 2011






C. R. Oliver









You may watch this Newsletter in a video HERE.


ZADOK PUBLICATIONS MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

January 1, 2011

"Instructions For The Church"
2 Timothy 2:18-19


2 Tim 2:18-19
Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity."

Introduction:
           Two Part Newsletter:
                    l. Part One: a compilation of views shared on TruNews.com
                    2. A new serial entitled, "Letters to Aaron," from his father.

PART I

          The first part of the newsletter this month is a compilation of views shared during my December 6 and 13 interviews with Rick Wiles of TruNews.com. Although time was a factor and not all the items were shared, here are the notes, including the parts which, because of time, were not able to be aired. Hopefully, the reader will review the suggestions section and even perhaps incorporate them during 2011.

December 6th broadcast:
          We are living in a chaotic time when too many intervening variables are bombarding the society. In any scientific survey using parametric statistics, there has to be an absolute before there can be a variable with which to compare. If there are too many intervening variables, the result is unstable and the measure is broken down. The same is true in this society. Due to government interventions and legislative and judicial micro-governance-nothing is nailed down. Everything is up for grabs, and the society is unable to absorb the shock effect of that much change and do so without long term instability.
          This begs the issue for the reason of my address to the ministers in Hot Springs entitled, "How in the World Did We Wind Up Here?" In that address, my pivotal scripture was taken from Jeremiah, the prophet who resided over the fall of Judah and Jerusalem. When he questioned God about how the Jews wound up defeated and enslaved --God gave him Lamentations 4:12.
Lam 4:12-13
12 The kings of the earth,
And all inhabitants of the world,

Would not have believed
That the adversary and the enemy
Could enter the gates of Jerusalem -

13 Because of the sins of her prophets
And the iniquities of her priests,
Who shed in her midst
The blood of the just…
          No greater indictment of clergy could have been gathered against them. God blamed them! They were condemned by what they condoned. Their compromises kept them from speaking while great injustices were perpetrated against the people of God. They were silent before kings (gov't) and before the courts of Law. They did preach the messages given them by God and avoided Scriptures that did not meet their criteria of passivity.
          There are counter parts today!
          A nation, such as ours, cannot do the same things Judah did and have a different result. Those who remember my series on Jeremiah entitled, "The Road to Captivity," know the many similarities which were pointed out during that Bible survey. Many used those newsletters for Bible Studies in groups. God is not mocked; He will mete out the same judgment upon any nation that turns from Him the way His own people did. There needs to be repentance among the clergy of the world. Clergy determinations have not been in line with God's messages both for repentance and judgment or for compassion and enabling.
          The "easy believe-ism" message has allowed compromises from the religious leaders that are disdained by the Lord and clearly are against His Word. No outcry is heard from the people of God when infractions occur. (Take for instance, a minister of a large charismatic non-denominational church stood on the platform during the inauguration of a Gay-Lesbian activist while being sworn into office as mayor of the city of Houston and blessed her and thanked God for "raising her up for such a time as this." Yes, it was a politically motivated action. Yes, some say the mayor ingratiated him with favor afterward-pushing a real estate transaction in his favor. This scenario fits perfectly the Lamentation passage!)
           Jesus, after cursing the fig tree, entered the Temple with one thing in mind-cleaning it out. He overturned tables, cast out vendors and cried out in the zeal of the Lord,
Matt 21:13
And He said to them, "It is written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer,' but you have made it a 'den of thieves.'"
(It is observed that up to this point, the rulers tolerated Jesus, but from this point forward, they sought to destroy Him.)
(Allow me to prophesy:
The greatest job of the religious leadership, in 2011,will be mentoring the crowd they have engendered. Maintenance is a horribly difficult business when one assumes the role of ministering to the profligate. [Moses had a difficult time with Israel who had dealings with the living God.] Imagine the difficulties for those leading multitudes who have never had such an encounter, yet seek to speak for Him. )
God has some automatic triggers built into sin and into righteousness. With sin, there is a built in judgment which begins the moment sin is initiated. He sealed judgment into the action. The same is true with righteousness, for reward is built into its acts as well. Nations will soon find out their attempts to manipulate and challenge God through their governing systems will discover they aren't aware of who they are dealing with.
           (As a matter of fact, God said this prophetic word was to be spoken during this broadcast.)

"Tell the nations of the earth, you don't know who you are dealing with."

          In a recent discourse with Russ Stendal, missionary to Colombia, he invited me to review an article that had been sent to him. The article quoted many celebrated figures in the religious world (including A.W. Tozer's comment about the very small number of saved people in the churches). I wrote Russ that I received many such articles almost daily, but the main issue was no the awareness of how few real believers there are, but how long this toleration of Sodom in the church house would continue unchallenged. The real issue is who among the clergy will rise up and challenge their economic base in order to reject Sodom? That is the real issue today! (Clergy aren't willing to erode their support base in order to challenge compromise and sin!)
           Congregants have to look no further than their own congregation to witness that God is justifiable in withholding His power. Look at the plight of Jeremiah. He was given a message from the Lord to deliver to the religious hierarchy (which resulted each time in his imprisonment. He soon got the picture: Deliver God's message; go to Jail). No wonder he dreamed of a solitary place with no mandate from heaven, but God would not allow the ONLY man who held the truth to cease from his labors. His message was a fire in Jeremiah's bosom.
           I ended the broadcast with a quick reference to Sealed Unto His Coming, and concluded by pointing to Jeremiah 35 and the Recabites. They were an example of loyalty in a disloyal society. (The next broadcast began with that reference after a quote from Ravenhill.)

Monday, December 13th:
           Leonard Ravenhill, in his appeal for 10,000 John the Baptists and multiples of Elijah, concluded:
"the problem today is not communism, nor yet Romanism, nor liberalism, nor modernism. God's problem is -- dead fundamentalism."
This is our problem as well as God's. In spite of the travesties being cast upon the peoples of the world, the greatest need is for a return of Holy fire power in pulpit and pew.

(Author's Note: remember these are just notes and the following may not have transitional statements between thoughts. An attempt to give clarity was given in the previous section, but may be handled differently in this portion.)
           While writing "The Road to Captivity," a series in 12 segments, I revealed the similarities between the break down of Judah and what is happening in the U.S. today.
           1. The federal government of Jeremiah's day vacillated greatly. The king would make a decree then reverse it shortly afterward (Jeremiah 34). His counselors would only tell him what he wished to hear. The prophets did the same. The legislators contrived actions that would benefit them but leave the public in a lurch.
           2. The ministry had deteriorated to a point where they were useless as instruments of God. ONLY Jeremiah held the truth. Every prophet and preacher that Jeremiah encountered was a liar and an interloper. (It reminds me of the passage in Luke about John the Baptist. After calling the names of all the governmental leaders and all the religious leaders of the day, Luke stated: "the word of the Lord came to John." By-passing all the leadership figures of the day, God chose a fellow in the wilderness. That well may be the same today! (Luke 3:1, 2)

I pointed out that Jeremiah was the ideal book to study in today's circumstances because every irrational act made by Jeremiah's government and religion finds a modern counterpart. Jeremiah summarized early about the real issues:
But when you entered you defiled My land and made My heritage an abomination. The priests did not say, 'Where is the Lord?' and those who handle the Law did not know Me; the rulers also transgressed against Me, the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit.
Jeremiah 2:7b-8


For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and hewn themselves cisterns--broken cisterns that can hold no water.
Jeremiah 2:13
          Jeremiah, thirty-three chapters later (and positioned late in his prophetic career), gave an example which also has parallels today. It involved the Recabites, the descendants of Jonadab. God told Jeremiah to prepare a wine feast in the Temple and to invite them. They attended, but refused to drink wine. Because of their covenant, they could not participate. Even though they believed the prophet had heard from God, they remained loyal to their pledge. Several observations came out of this passage (Jeremiah 35:1 ff.).
  1. The Recabites were a family unit. (They recognized that if just one of them compromised, then all of them were breakers of the promise.)
  2. They shared a common ratification of their ancestral covenant.
  3. They had made their covenant with God and believed God would have to TELL THEM if it was to be revoked. That had not happened.
  4. They shared a common bank of knowledge concerning their heritage.
  5. They maintained a codicil to the greater law given to Moses.
The Recabites stayed true to their father's pledge. (Note: America's forefathers made pledges to keep this nation in the hands of Jehovah. They wrote it in their documents. In Jamestown, they proved what was important to them. They erected a cross, built a church, a stockade, and then their own homes--in that order. Since my forefathers are buried there, I have a right to say, "Every naturalized citizen should have to go to Jamestown, learn of its religious foundation and swear to uphold Jesus Christ as the Lord of this land.")

God applauded the Recabites. They stood their ground and honored the prophet, while refusing his offer. The Lord was able to use their testimony of faithfulness as an example to a wayward nation who also had a covenant, but did not honor it.
Jer 35:18-19
Then Jeremiah said to the family of the Recabites, "This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: 'You have obeyed the command of your forefather Jonadab and have followed all his instructions and have done everything he ordered.' 19 Therefore, this is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: 'Jonadab son of Recab will never fail to have a man to serve Me.'"
(Private note: Among the Israel-obsessed Christians who are constantly searching for ancestral ties--let me be a Recabite.)
How do the actions of this family relate to the early church and to modern congregation?
  1. The Early Church:
    1. They regarded themselves as the family of God. (The actions of one would affect the others; hence, Ananias and Sapphira had to be dealt with quickly.)
    2. They all had personally ratified their covenant with Jesus.
    3. They had a common bank of knowledge in the Word and in their personal relations (They often testified: "We can only say what we have seen and what we have heard.). Note: the many O.T. references made by the early writers such as James, Jude, Peter, Paul.
    4. They were willing to become a spectacle or be different from their counterparts.
  2. The Modern Church:
    1. They are mostly ignorant of their great heritage and covenant.
    2. They have not ratified their covenant with Jesus.
    3. Their bank of knowledge is scattered and deficient.
    4. They are unwilling to be a spectacle.
What are some of the Issues that come from the example of the Recabites?

Saints (like the Recabites) cannot participate in most of that which is offered by the churches. Participation with the events of most churches (or even the goals and membership requirements) violate their covenant with Jesus. The dilemma of the saints in 2011 is where can they fellowship? Those who truly hear the Spirit will be grieved. (Or like Lot, they will be vexed in their spirits with most of what is offered in the religious buffet served up today.) They are alone and many times are lonely. (Later in this study, I will mention venues that have been taken in order to have fellowship and placate loneliness.)
Because of loneliness, some have compromised and re-entered the religious playground. The majority of emails and letters I receive are from those who have been dislodged in various religious circles and have nothing in common with the milieu of today. When they have tried to re-enter the congregations, they do so as spectators who are often looked upon as "outcasts."
Some, after being awakened, rationalize their desire to stay "churched." They claim that "God wants me to remain and be a witness." How can this be? God said "Come ye OUT from among them and be separate." Besides, I believe very few of them rise up in meetings or elsewhere and declare openly the error they encounter.

Reformation simply is Not Going to Happen! Reform of the masses of congregations is not on God's agenda. It wasn't in Jesus' day, nor is it in our own. Nowhere in the New Testament account of Jesus' ministry is there found one trace of evidence He believed the Temple would experience reform or revival. The same is today! STOP TRYING!
Fellowship: Some Alternative Approaches:
  1. Communalism:
    Groups have purchased common lands (sometimes remote) and sought to create an amiable fellowship with others of like faith and order. These communities often have a shortlived camaraderie. Social aspects overpower the day to day patterns. John Dowie ran into this in his City of God at Zion, Illinois. The social and spiritual endogamy in such places is often overwhelming to their pursuits.


  2. Segmented or separated groups:
    Under the guise of Prayer groups or Bible Study groups-sometimes approved by the church or without approval-they meet to give vent to the need of "a deeper walk study" or for associations which want more than they are receiving in standard settings.
The Forming of an Underground church:
           There is forming a huge "underground" church in the world. It is mostly portrayed as being in oppressive societies like China, Vietnam and countries like N. Korea. Evidences of its appearance in the US, however, are now becoming visible. It is on time. With the critical issues facing civil liberties, there will be a great need for a body of believers who move by the Spirit and find their spiritual nourishment in the "fellowship of the flames."
           Here are some of the Common Beliefs and Traits among the Clandestine:
  1. The rejection of the Rabbi's of Re-definition:
    In the book, Sons of Zadok, I mentioned the attempt to re-define religious terms to fit liberal theology. Using propaganda techniques similar to national governments, these theologians repeatedly have used various translations of the Bible for their crutch. They also use their old standby: "The original language meant thus and so." They have slowly changed the meaning of words, just like culture has changed the English language. (Less than a hundred years ago, "fag" meant a cigarette. "Gay" was an adjective for merriment. In the same manner, the church leaders have changed the meaning of salvation, grace, mercy, atonement, faith, prayer and the church. Review what pops into one's mind when these words are mentioned in church settings. Is it the same definition as popped into the minds of the early church? Do these terms reflect something the Spirit can approve?)


  2. A Return to Simplicity:
    With the advent of the sub-culture called, "the underground church," there has come a return to simpler ways. Worship teams, formal services, egregious pleas for donations, promotional "mission trips," flashy lighting and plush surroundings have given way to prayer places and simple fare. (Exegesis has replaced eis-egesis among them.)
    2 Cor 1:12
    For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you.

    2 Cor 11:3-4
    But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4 For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted - you may well put up with it!
  3. Seeking to Re-establish the Model.
    Somehow the model of the early church has been lost. There is a great need for God to show the "church to the church," just as He did to Ezekiel about the Temple (Ezekiel 43:10ff). Finding the correct model is a mandate among the true saints:
    Gal 1:6-9
    I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, 7 which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.
    (Every book I have written addresses this issue.)
How can we edify the saints in 2011?
           Some Practical issues:
  1. Offer decent materials:
    A walk through any Christian bookstore is an evidence of this need. Materials available are like what one reader aptly said, "I have had to go through mountains of paper to get a teaspoon of knowledge." One must ask oneself, "How can a dedicated Christian author put out some this kind of garbage?" The answer is simple: Bookstores are a business and trivia is what sells. The unknowledgeable suck up trivia and think it great. (So, it is necessary for TruNews and Zadok Publications and others to supply at least something worth the read. Rick, you mentioned beginning an e-press for unknown but viable authors and their works. You mentioned the internet and how you plan to work with it as you have in the past, but with a new theme of edifying those who want "something more" than claptrap.)

    I think the paramount obligation for any media person to deal with is the fact that Paul's writings are/were directed to one group of people ONLY---the saints. We must identify the saints, target them, build them up and bring them closer to each other.


  2. Develop a different framework for fellowship
    I believe conventions are a thing of the past. Why do I say this? Their platforms are as controlled as the sanctuaries on a Sunday. It is all about propaganda and controlled agendas. There are good meaning people who gather annually for 5 to 15 meetings. They spend their bucks, give their monies and come home to an emptiness that cannot be placated by DVD's and CD's of the speakers. . Somehow, there must be a better way for Christian intimacy. A forum, other than facebook must surface, even though social networking may be a part of it. With such comes a word of caution---beware of the eyes that are not holy who might have access.

    Critical to the underground church is a fellowship and network through the Spirit. I believe contacts are being developed now which will affect the whole Body of believers who are to face persecution in the future. It is this network, worldwide, which is under the direction of the Spirit. They will pray simultaneously (though maybe unknown to each other) the same prayer, "Come NOW Lord Jesus." Their prayer will be answered in His Second Coming.


  3. Praying in the Spirit.
    I do believe the intentions of Billye Brim to involve worldwide prayer are correct. www.billyebrim.org (live webcast, Wednesdays, noon - I personally join in)

    (Those on campus at Prayer Mountain pray in tongues and under the leadership of the Spirit for direction.) Daniel 4 says, "this came by the watchers and the holy ones." I believe there are watchers and holy ones on this earth now. By praying the Word and under the anointing of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, as evidenced by speaking in tongues, great changes will be wrought nationally and internationally.


  4. Stay informed about world persecution of Christians.
    Voice of Martyrs is playing a vital role in its web presence, www.persecution.com. (However, they seek to appeal to all church groups.) They offer film presentations, speakers and up-to-date testimonies of persecution found in most countries-even in the US. By testimony from foreign pastors, they reveal how, when a convert comes to present himself to the church for baptism, he is handed a paper saying he/she is willing to die for Jesus Christ and are asked to sign it. Through VOM's efforts, prayer can be made specifically about certain critical situations involving Christians.


  5. Be willing to move and do the will of God without hesitation and at a moment's notice.
    (This takes a quality decision.) Regardless of circumstances or personal feelings, we must do the work of the Spirit with expediency. Ezekiel was a prime example. Jeremiah, as well, in the O.T. and Phillip in the N.T. are great examples.


  6. Assist the saints in being the Bride.
    Little bride training is going on. Solomon's Secret is a text that will equip the Second Eve in preparation for the coming Bridegroom. (Written materials are adjunct to the real task.)


  7. Exercise Faith:
    Call for things that be not. Stand and believe. Acknowledge this truth daily, "Without faith it is IMPOSSIBLE to please God."


  8. Shut Up until God speaks:
    The volume of verbiage in Christianity is appalling. Unless the Spirit prompts, Shut Up! The same goes for writers. Everyone seems to think they are doing the Lord's work when they send and forward email. If the Lord says do it, that is a different matter. In the past, no O.T. prophet dared speak until spoken to by God! Jonathan Edwards was like them. He often did not mount the pulpit just because it was Sunday or a gathering assembled. He spoke when the Lord spoke. When he did go to the sacred desk, it was sacred and the people listened. Consider the spewing of modern Sabbaths and cease to wonder why there is no depth among believers.

  9. Have homes that teach the Word to all its members and live the Word before them.
    Create a forum where a higher standard is evoked than that of the church and world. Apply the blood. Look and verbalize about supernatural events in each other's lives. Speak often of the blessings of the Lord. Talk about the tithe and the seed monies sown and how they brought a harvest. Talk to the television. Point out objectionable materials and refuse to watch them (The same with all media).


  10. Testify of your faith in public and stand to condemn wrong.
    Stand up for what is right in your community. Stand visibly against error. Prayer-walk areas. Hand out gospel tracts. Learn to rely on the gift of discernment. The Spirit will direct your life away from things as well as to things. (For instance, the Spirit said, "Have nothing to do with Rick Warren's, Purpose Driven Life materials and similarly, "Do not attend 'The Passion' movie. " (I have been amazed how many churches and pastors have endorsed both.)


  11. Stand convinced that your presence in your business or job is the defining element in the mix of things.
    Be led by the Spirit in work decisions, even allowing the Spirit to direct you to the job.


  12. Cease to be Afraid.
    Intimidation and deprecation will be hurled at the saint---here is where the armor of light takes precedence in the arsenal of faith. There are going to be many opportunities to take the historical oath: "Here I Stand!"
Some Corrections That Must be Made.

  1. Acknowledge the role of Minister and Ministry has been ill defined.
    Ministry has basically two aspects. The first is ministry to God. The second is Spirit directed. Ministry is doing what God points to do, where He points and with whom He points. Other activities are man contrived. A minister today bears little semblance to anything in the N.T., but is highly defined by the culture.


  2. Congregations must call for a higher standard of morality and spirituality than the church currently proffers.
    Preaching the "Cracks" would be a good place to begin. In other words, preaching those texts that have been purposely abandoned. Dare to feed the sheep, for emaciated sheep bring no glory to God.


  3. Seminaries and Bible schools must be scrutinized heavily.
    (The liberation theology of the National Baptist Seminary in Atlanta is a disgusting example.) Most schools of theology share one common factor: they produce a product. That product will look like all its others.


  4. Take down the hierarchy.
    Corporations have cleaned their ranks and made more efficient their systems of operation. Churches just add more layers and broaden the ranks of decision makers. (When I wanted to build a church in Kenya, the missionary said, "Send the money directly to me. If you send it to headquarters [Southern Baptist], it will be two years before I see it, if then.") The mess of bishops, superintendents and other prelates suck up finances and personnel and produce little in the kingdom but act as "barriers of delay" in God's work.


  5. Hold media to a higher level of responsibility to its audiences.
    Those who listen to a steady stream of video madness begin to accept its definitions and absorb its agendas. By supporting these addicts, one participates in their coming judgment.


  6. Christian music must be called to a higher level of holiness.
    Rock star status, coupled with glamour parades of ego centric "spotlighters," defines the Christian Music arena. What on earth is the church saying to a world with more lost than at anytime in history?


  7. Recognize that Christian Counseling and it flavinoid content is often a farce along with some deliverance ministries.
    Dependence on sophomoric principles of psychology and parapsychology and not the Spirit of the Lord is an abomination. Employing sociometrics and therapy techniques learned from psychoanalysis may seem productive, but to what gain? (May I suggest, reading a chapter a day from the 31 chapters of Proverbs will produce better results. One can do this 12 times a year for the greatest gain imaginable. Proverbs has delivered many for thousands of years, long before there was a Freud or a Jung. A few have the strength to tie all advice to the Scriptures.)


  8. Meditate and Memorize the Word.
    How can the Spirit bring to remembrance what is not there? In the oppressive times ahead, it will be necessary to quote and speak those words-for it may soon be illegal to own a Bible.
          These are but some of the things needed to enable the saints, but these are a beginning and the readership may wish to add their own items to it. I realize the controversy several of these factors may bring, but in the words of an old evangelist in the 50's---"Excuse me, but you know it's so.!"


Until Next month,



Dr. Cosby R. Oliver, PhD.





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Dr. OLIVER'S BOOKS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR THE KINDLE ON AMAZON.COM AND FOR THE NOOK AT BARNES & NOBLE!



Paperback volumes may still be ordered through our website.


To see the currently available books from Amazon, click on the cover images below.


The Sons of Zadok HR The Regal Pair Solomon's Secret Called to be Saints


Consumed By His Fire Double Grace En Punto A Study in Isaiah




The Road to Captivity Exact Ezekiel


Study Guide - The Sons of Zadok Study Guide - Called to be Saints Study Guide - The Road To Captivity




In Spanish:



Called to be Saints El Secreto de Salomon Los Hijos de Sadoc


In German:



Die Sohn Zadoks




To see the currently available books from Barnes & Noble, click on the cover images below.




Sons of Zadok Double Grace HR The Regal Pair Consumed By His Fire


Called to be Saints Solomon's Secret En Punto A Study in Isaiah




The Road to Captivity Exact Ezekiel




In Spanish:



Called to be Saints El Secreto de Salomon Los Hijos Sadoc




In German:



Die Sohn Zadoks













Last modified: 02/07/2019