Our thoughts,...

We tend to automatically think that "ungodly" men are always in the description as "the foreigner," those who are "afar off" (i.e., pagan, heathen, Greek, Gentile, etc). I suppose that is an easy given, but it is more precise to the wisdom of the Holy Text revealing the "ungodly" men among us who have "crept in unnoticed," and this for their own selfish gain, who have climbed up "another way" (Jn. 10:1), wolves in sheep's clothing, knowing their "fruits" (e.g., dismantling the leadership, dividing the congregation, depleting the treasury, devouring the weak). And we've witnessed these malicious kinds quickly swallow widows, single mothers, or sisters who do not have a believing husband. We've also seen the pew dwellers whose mind was never indeed with Christ, easily persuaded for unrighteous recruitment, flattered into inferiority. To this very day, these self-righteous hypocrites, professional liars, gatekeepers, and key holders, still practice everything Jesus said of them in Matthew 23. Many remain active for their cunning craft has unsuspecting listeners convinced they are "angels of light" (2 Cor. 11:13-15).

"These are grumblers, finding fault, following after their own lusts; they speak arrogantly, flattering people for the sake of gaining an advantage. These are the ones who cause divisions, worldly-minded, devoid of the Spirit." - Jude.

"For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple." - Paul.
They are Diotrephic brutes by the paternal source of their actions (Jn. 8:44), they love to be first, taking preeminence, and they won't accept what we say; they "unjustly accuse us with wicked words, and not satisfied with this," they put us out of the church.

We also tend to quote the Proverb which reveals the hate God has towards the shedding of innocent blood, and rightly so, but do we miss the equal hatred He has towards "haughty eyes, a lying tongue, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community?" Many brethren fit this description yet still have loyalists, defenders, and financial supporters.

The only way we can ever make sense of any attack from evil workers is through the Bible. It is unfortunate on our part that most of us only learn the true meaning and wisdom of the Scriptures once we've fallen prey to the very enemies among us, which the Holy Book refutes and rebukes. And this is why we must desire the office which shepherds the flock in the love of Christ, securing us away from devils who prowl to digest the vulnerable.

Blessed is our God and Master, Jesus the Christ our King, for He has blessed us with discipline, humbleness, discernment, and spiritual insight. After much pain comes peace, unity, love, the truth, and the ability to grow in our faith, persevering through many trials and temptations.

Pharisees believe salvation is in the law, and because they think of themselves as scholars of the law, they believe salvation is found within themselves, giving them the pride to bind the law upon their subjects for control to condemn as they desire. Christ came to set us free from such bondage. "Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: 'I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices." - Jesus.

Your servant,
SM