"Those that cause divisions" by pastor Louis Escoto
February 13, 2012.
Introduction: it is the purpose of this message to share what God has spoken to me. It is not my purpose to condemn any one person; but it is, as I understand, to show that we need to be very careful hearing and understanding any one thing that is spoken in church or anywhere else. We need to be sure that it is true before we make any judgment. And many times it is best to say nothing!
In the midst of chapter 16 of the letter to the Romans, the Apostle Paul refers to this growing problem, and it still is a problem, which are divisions in the church. And he says this: 17. “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. 18. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple. 19. For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good and simple concerning evil.”
I believe that almost all people want to be sincere in the way they speak and act. But are we always sincere? Is there a certain time, when we thought we were sincere in what we said or did, and later, we realized that we had made a mistake? It is possible to make a judgment of something or of someone before we know all the facts. And later, after we have spoken or acted, we realize that we cannot bring back the words we have said or the actions we have taken. We can say we’re sorry, but the damage has been done, and worse, everyone knows what we said or did wrong!
And also, when we pray, are we sincere with the Lord? Or do we pray only for what we want, and not for other people’s needs the way we should? And even if we forget and remember to pray for others, I believe that God will answer sincere prayers. Don’t you?
If we are sincere, or trying to be sincere in life, and with others, and if we are trying to be sincere in our prayers to God, surely God will be pleased and will answer us in His will.
But, as to those that cause divisions, we must understand that other people’s anti biblical opinions, and teachings, can hinder us from doing what is right, and biblical, before God. It is written that God will judge our words and acts though Jesus Christ in His Day of Judgment of people! Let us think on that! There are two judgments: one is where the believer is judged according to his word and works. This is the rewards judgment mentioned in 1 Cor. 3:12-15.
12. “Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13. Each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. 14. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned he will suffer loss, but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.” But, there are other people who are not sincere or do not want to be because they have problems. It could be that they have a problem with a bad emotion such as hate, because they have a grudge or bad experiences in their lives, this happens to Christians or non Christians. That brings up the following point. There is a final judgment.
This final judgment is the White Throne Judgment mentioned in Revelation 20:11-15. This is when God judges by His books the works of each one. And those whose names are not written in the Book of life, will then be cast into the lake of fire and will suffer and be there for all eternity with all of God’s enemies.
This lake of fire was prepared for Satan and his fallen angels, but humans can choose which side they want to be on. I don’t know why anyone would want to be, knowingly, on the losing side!
How can other people hinder us and cause us to say or do something unrighteous? In Proverbs 10:32 it says: “The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked what is perverse.” When you pervert something, you either take away the value or change the course of something true. You can change the course of a river with dynamite and in the same way change what people believe by doing saying or doing something outrageous. (A certain pastor wanting to encourage the people at a meeting to attend more often the retreats he was sponsoring said emotionally; “I have been a pastor for four years being blessed in my ministry, but at this last retreat God called me to be a pastor. Come to these retreats so that God calls you too!” And many or most everybody didn’t pay attention to what he said, and praised God for his calling to be a pastor at the last retreat, saying, amen! Amen! Amen!” Why was he pastor in a church then? Was he called four years ago or at that retreat? That statement brings up questions! It seems to bring about questions as to what God does, or Who God is, and how He does things, like callings to ministry! Whatever was his reasoning, it changes things to either confusion or a perversion of the truth. We need to listen to the words not the emotions! You can get emotional about something you like or someone you like! Especially if they’re good looking people! And your emotions can be so high that you don’t see if it’s biblical or does it make common sense to you what has been said! Examine the bread before you eat it, or tacos, if that’s what you like! After I have hear someone preach said a very Bible oriented man, I check it with word, and some things I will eat, others I will discard as opinions.
In Jeremiah 9:8, “Their tongue is an arrow shot out; it speaks deceit; one who speaks peaceably with their neighbor with his mouth, but in his heart he lies in wait. “ Some people can be two faced which means they put on a face of liking you, but really they are planning somehow to hurt, or destroy you. This is what the word of God spoke in the Old Testament and He also spoke clearly in the New Testament.
In James 3:8, 9, “But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men who have been made in the similitude of God.” And James was speaking to Christians as to what was happening then, and that it could happen now.
But, how can this be? We are Christians! Let us note that the word of God was written for Israel to live by and it was given to Christians to live it also. James was writing to the Church!
To show that the early Christians had that problem to contend with, let us read the comments written on Romans 16:17 in Nelson’s Complete Study System Bible, NKJV. “Cause divisions means “to stand apart” or “to cause dissension.” In the New Testament it occurs here and in Gal. 5:20. Strife and rivalry cause dissension, which eventually leads to divisions in a church (see 13:13: Gal. 5:20). Such dissensions causes offences—that is, it becomes a snare or stumbling block to others (see 14:13 where this word occurs). Contentious, divisive people can cause others to stumble, so they should be avoided. Paul teaches this type of church discipline in his other letters (see 1 Cor. 5:9-13; 2 Thess. 3:6; 2 Tim. 3:5; Titus 3:10).”
To God is the glory! He will reveal to us the things we need to know! If we ask Him sincerely and for his Glory! And God does speak so that we can share at certain times. And this doesn’t always happen to me unless the Lord has a purpose, and I hope it helps someone.
There are four words the Lord spoke to me, to my mind and by dreams. These words were some I have never heard and some I know, but I never use. And I think I can only use one in the time that I have. Some of these words are in Spanish and some in English.
In the order that I received them, with spaces of time, are Sofismo, Menoscabar, Cuspidor, and Collusion.
The first word happened when I was sitting on the couch, thinking about what is happening to biblical doctrine in the church of Jesus Christ in general and in our church. And I really asked the Lord more in frustration! It seems the teaching of relativism is being used more than the Bible by the Church of Jesus Christ. In other words relativism means that what was true yesterday is no longer true today! It means that there is no absolute truth! You can teach what you think is best, even if you have to compromise the Bible! But saying sin is good, and holiness is bad is not the right way to get to heaven! And this impacted me more when I heard that a full gospel pastor was having a dance for his young people with music from the world. They rented a place or ballroom where they had a bar for alcoholic drinks. He was so proud that his young people didn’t use the bar or drink. Having lived in this world and taken part in it, in this type of life, I know that it wasn’t the right thing to do. And yet, some young people are willing to try anything in the world, whatever it offers! Doesn’t it matter to anyone where young Christians are at one or two in the morning? Sin does happen. Why give it a chance? That is why I wonder how many of them and their parents know Bible doctrine in many churches. You know, like the doctrine of the Father, of the Son, of the Holy Spirit, the doctrines of salvation, holiness, and the last things like judgment to name a few. And yes, it can be boring to some. But, if it’ true, and will make you a stronger believer, why not take time to learn? It’s like knowing what to do in an emergency! For example, the Bible teaches that sin is like leaven; a little bit goes a long way! (1 Cor. 5:6-8; Gal. 5:7-10).
And then, as I was meditating, this word that I have never heard before came into my mind, Sophism. That happened to me right there, on the couch, and it started me seeking as to what it meant and how it applies. It has taken me some time to understand what the Lord meant and what He wants us to know. It is a warning of disaster to come! And with this word He gave a series of words after which I talk about somewhat later. But let us begin with this one that I received about a year old ago, and its definition.
Sofisma: (from lat. Sophisma, Gr. Sophisma, ability). An argument that, separates true premises or truths or held as such, falls into a false conclusion or one difficult to refute, with which tries to deceive or confuse the interlocutor or one who questions. This word needs a deeper explanation with words of the same category. (Diccionario Larousse Usual.)
Sophism: n. 1. It is a specious or deceitful argument for displaying ingenuity or astuteness in reasoning or for deceiving someone. 2. Any false argument; fallacy or false idea. (Webster’s Universal College Dictionary).
Sophist: (a) n. 1. (Often cap.) It is any type or kind of ancient Greek teacher of philosophy, rhetoric, etc. especially noted for their ingenuity and speciousness (or deceitfulness) in argumentation. 2. A person who reasons adroitly (cleverly skillful) and speciously (deceitfully) rather than soundly, (or truthfully) (sensible or valid). (Webster’s Universal College Dictionary).
Let us apply how this word is used to hurt the church of Jesus Christ. There are some very intelligent people in this world and in the church that if you listen long enough, they can convince some people to believe as they do, even if it’s wrong. They have way of speaking that if you don’t know enough about something, they can deceive you, or at least confuse you. Remember the serpent in Genesis? The serpent said to Eve, “Has God indeed said”? And he convinced her putting a twist of doubt on what God said! Gen. 3:1. And Eve even helped saying more than what God had said. She said:”Nor shall you touch it.” (Verse 3) Remember, your human also, and it could have happened to you! (2 Peter 2:1-3). “But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their destructive ways because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber.”
The next word is in Spanish Menoscabar. And in English, it is disparage, or to lessen something in value.
I must explain that I received this word in a dream, where my wife was saying this word about people that were teachers in the church who were doing this (disparaging) to hurt the church and the pastors in their testimony downgrading them.
In the LAROUSE GRAN DICCIONARIO USUAL, it is defined: (from Latin Vulgar Minuscapare). Menoscabar: (disparage) to take a part away from something. (He lessened his salary playing cards) 2. To take away the good appearance of something, (He took away from the painting with a brush. 3. to discredit a person or a thing, or the fame of someone else. (The President disparaged his secretary).
Menoscabador or (Disparager): A. Someone that disparages or lessens the value, the prestige or amount of a thing.
In the Dictionary-Vox New College Spanish and English- Menoscabo or to Disparage there are some synonyms such as Menoscabo-(M) lessening or rebajando, impairing or impidiendo, injure or herir, detriment or detrimento de or to the detriment of.
Examples: in the Bible these things happened, (1. Korah numbers 16:1-50, 26:10, Jud. 11). In this encounter, Korah incited a large number of people to lessen the position of Moses as the pastor of this great flock and set him up as leader. God’s judgment was for all of them to be swallowed up alive by an opening and closing of the earth. (2 And then, there were, Aaron and Miriam). They said that being the elder brothers, they should be the leaders, disparaging Moses as the Leader. God’s judgment was leprosy for Miriam and destruction for both, but Moses prayed for them (Numbers 12:1-16). (3 And then, there was of the report of 10 spies, (Numbers 13:31-33). They incited the people to lose hope and faith in God’s word and in Moses. In this way they were taking away the honor and values of God and of Moses. God’s judgment was to not let them enter the Promised Land. (4 And then, there was Absalom who lessened the honor and dignity of the King, his father David, by saying that he was a more capable leader. And this he did every day sitting at the gate of the city and stealing the heart of the people. God’s judgment was for him to be slain in battle being hung by his beautiful hair. 2 Samuel 15:1-18:8). 5. And then also, there were the elite, the Pharisees and Sadducees andScribes, and how they dealt with Jesus. They disparaged Jesus to make him seem like a lunatic or demon possessed person. Thus, they convinced people not to accept him as the Messiah of Israel, (the Gospels). God’s judgment then was and is today, to lose the blessing of eternity with Him. 6. And finally, is it happening today in the Church of Jesus Christ by some very intelligent people who want preference of how they want to serve God, instead of the reality of how the Son of God the Savior and Lord has said? There is a Judgment!
Let us apply this in our times by questions we should ask ourselves. How do some people treat other churches and people with words? And how do some people treat other Pastors with words? Do they pray for them? Have we spoken words that we later found out that the words we said were wrong? If someone heard us, did we correct ourselves? What can we do better? James 1:19, 20, “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be slow to speak, slow to wrath. 20. For the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”
This next word came at about 5 in the morning. The word is cuspidor. I did not know what it meant and how it would apply with the other words. It just kept repeating itself in my mind over and over, until I wrote it down. Its definition is by Webster’s Universal College Dictionary is: “a large bowl, usually made of metal, used for spitting, especially tobacco.”
But I know another name for it, which is spittoon. And I know it was used in saloons or cantinas for that purpose. If you have ever smelled someone who chews tobacco, it smells like a drunken man when he comes close to you, all sweaty and breathing on you, asking for money. I would think that if we apply it to how people treat each other spitting hurtful words, and threats, it would be close to what happens when people want to hurt others or they want to get in their way so that they won’t serve the Lord biblically. They won’t go in the door which is Jesus and they will try to not let anybody in also. Jesus spoke of this, I believe, when he compared people to wheat (trigo) and tares (cizaña) in Matthew 13:24-30, and 13:36-43. They had to grow together, in church, until judgment day! In that Day of Judgment the angels will gather up those who are tares and throw them into the lake of fire to burn forever!
The last word also came at 5 in the morning. And that word is collusion. This word is defined by the same dictionary as: “n. a conspiracy for fraudulent purposes. (conspiración).
Let us try to apply these words to what the sum total would mean to all Christians:
I am convinced that this is a message to the church to be ready because time is short. We are to discern all spirits if they be of God or not. “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Rev. 2:10. Let no one rob you from having your crown!
In I Timothy 4:1, 2, it says: “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart (Apostatarán) from the faith, giving heed to deceiving (seducing) spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy having their own conscience seated with a hot iron,” and John the Apostle says in first letter: 4:1, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” Be careful of prophets that you don’t know or know their testimony. Their prophecies are to be tested by two or three to make sure that they are not trying to take over the service and to make sure the prophecy is of God. Don’t follow them; follow Jesus and your pastor! 1Cor. 14:29, “Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others Judge.”
A conspiracy to hurt, (usually a person or institution like a church) can be first to undermine (minar) by using false statements of something true by teachers, (sophists) and then to take something that is true and make a false conclusion about it, (Menoscabar) (Disparage) and then saying something against something or someone to lessen their value; and then to curse and spit vile words and curses to God’s people to divide and discourage, (Cuspidor) and then to enlist others for fraudulent purposes, personal or collective, (Collusion). That’s how some build new churches with the members of other pastors churches. Is Christ divided? Is He better in other churches than in yours?
There are people who want to use us by deceiving us to believe what is not written in the word of God. They will make merchandise off of you. And they will exalt themselves and try to show that they know more than you. But God has placed in us the Holy Spirit to know these things. And the way to receive understanding is to listen to Jesus as to what he said in Matthew 11:29 “Learn from me.” Let us ask God to give us a humble spirit to see things as He sees things, for our protection and our families. And avoid those that walk not according to doctrine of the word of God! That means don’t pay attention to their words and teachings. Stay away from them, and don’t feel sorry for them! Don’t get contaminated with their words! 1Cor. 5:11, “but now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or drunkard, or an extortioner,---not even to eat with such a person.”
And yet, we as believers and seekers of truth need something more. We need to know biblical doctrine, we need to really know the word of God, we need to have a lot more anointing of the Holy Spirit, and we need the Spirit of God to give us discernment of some people and their intentions. Because if something that is spoken or taught, does not harmonize with the word of God, and with the Spirit, we will recognize that it is not of God. It is not as important what other religions and or Christians believe to be true. The question that needs an answer is does it harmonizes, or fit in with the Word of God, and with the Spirit? The Word of God and the Spirit cannot contradict each other. It is not what others think or believe. Rather what you know to be the truth, and truth that you can live by, to get to the promised land of Heaven, and that is what really counts!