Kingdom's Keys, St. Louis, MO (2026)

Kingdom's Keys is dedicated to building the foundations of correct doctrine void from denominational traditions and theologies; And to bring into light fallacies that do not keep the commandments of Christ.

02/10/2022

Is Jesus the Lord or the LORD?

"I and my Father are one." - John 10:30 KJV

The English word 'are' is translated from the Greek word 'esmen' and that Greek word does mean are, be, & have our being, but it's development in the vernacular, it's natural usage in this conversation is of a first person plural indicative of the root word 'eimi' which means, 'I exist' Understand this, the Greek word esmen (are) is the plural usage of the word 'eimi' - it's not really a mistranslation from the Greek to the English that causes the incorrect reception, but more due to the lack of explanation between the two dialects.

So the original Greek word used does not imply a singularity of God and Jesus, it is a plural word used in the first person to indicate equality.

In the verse Jesus is not saying "I am God" he is saying "he and God are equal." Notice how the Jews also misunderstood and thought to kill him.

"Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God." -John 10 31-33 KJV

Their misunderstanding required an explanation. These men had stone in their hands waiting to put Jesus to death and he didn't flinch. Instead he clarified saying that "to whom the word of God came are as gods." In that statement he reminded them whosoever speaks on behalf of God is the same as I am. If the Jews threw their stones at him at that point they would have been seen then as murderers, hypocrites, for stoning him and not others who claimed to speak on behalf of God.

"Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken." - John 10:34-35 KJV

He then specifically says, "Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?" (Jn 10:36) He identified himself as the Son of God not God the Son. Though he deescalated the situation from being stoned the Jews eventually sought to forcibly cease him for more of a "private examination of his claims."

A lot of people have opinions and are conditioned to believe how they've been convinced. Because religious passion tends to blind folks when they're upset a lot of Christians today get offended when their beliefs are seemingly challenged and tend to respond as the Jews did then, hopfully with the exception of throwing rocks with the intent to kill. If you used to believe that due to your own lack of studying to show yourself approved unto God, let this be a sign you need to repent and draw deeper into Him. Furthermore, now that you've seen the truth you have no excuse to hold to former belief.

This, John 10:30, is just one example that is often used to portray Jesus as being God. Because other verses have been used to support such perception, consider this.

How he could Jesus "go to the father" if they were the same? (Jn 16:28)

How could his father have sent him to the world in John 3:16. Why didn't God just come to the world? To be sent indicates one is staying.

If Jesus was/is God why didn't he say that the first commandment "love me with all your heart, mind, body, and soul" ...? He said to love God in that manner signifying a separation between himself and God.

When the young ruler called Jesus good, Christ corrected him and said "no one is good except God alone" (Lk 18:19) again verbally distinguishing there is a difference and implying that he, because of the fesh wasn't good. He could have just said "no one else is good except for me alone."

Why did Isaiah prophesy of Jesus saying that he was "smitten of God" in 53:4? Six verses later we read that "it pleased the LORD to bruise him." Apparently then it pleased God to bruise God...?

The story hasn't changed folks. In the flesh Jesus had equal status via the Holy Ghost with the Father, he never called himself God the father.

When he offended the Pharisees by telling them, "Before Abraham was I am" he was the Word of God made flesh, for "in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (Jn 1:1)

09/02/2021

What You Think You Know:
The Mark of the Beast

Do not be manipulated with fear, for some who call themselves christians write books and protest but do not know the Lord they claim to serve. The pictures used in this message are an example of what NOT to believe and here's why...

If you believe in the mark of the beast has been any sort of technological advancement then you most likely also believe that the Antichrist will be some sort of government official renowned by the world and that sometime, because of these other two events, one day soon the true Christians will be rescued according to the rapture doctrine. However, the pre, mid, and post tribulation rapture doctrines are all irrelevant.

Unfortunately, the truth when compared to what has been taught consistently since the 60's will conflict with each of those aforementioned beliefs and in that they support each other. It's difficult to hear without being offended because it seems as if one's relationship with Christ is being challenged, making accepting anything other than what fits into that three sided box appear incorrect.

But if those doctrines were to be correct then everyone is in for much more trouble than they initially assume; For all of them point to signs in the world for the 2nd coming of Christ which Jesus himself said was evidence of a wicked and adulterous generation.

If the Mark of The Beast has anything to do with technology in the advancement of our collective society then both the Apostles Peter & Paul were wrong by proclaiming that "God is not a respecter of persons." (Acts 10:34; Rom 2:11; Eph 6:9; 1 Pet 1:17)

If only one generation, one specific group of people in time, are subject to experiencing the tribulation found in Revelation then all those before us had no opportunity to understand John's vision. Yet even the Pharisees said to Jesus, "Master, we know that thou art true, and teaches the way of God in truth, neither cares thou for any man: for thou regard not the person of men." - Matthew 22:16 KJV

That alone should disqualify technology as a possibility, but as the LORD said though his prophet Hosea, "My people are destroyed through the lack of knowledge." (Hs 4:6) In this regard the destruction people heap to themselves seem harmless at first insomuch they don't even recognize when their behaviors have changed because they've become convinced by something else that seems correct, but then it deceives folks into placing their faith into their own works in the name of the Lord.

With a fearfully watchful eye the headlines are read, the news broadcasts watched, and many seemingly related Christian themed podcast, websites, and YouTube videos all draw concearned attention; And every bit of information that strengthens either of those three related theories (the mark, the beast, & the rapture) appear to move the doomsday clock a few seconds closer to midnight in one's own mind.

Most who subscribe to such things will agree that God is love and that one is to love their neighbors as themself and "yada yada yada." They'll tell ya they know these things and because they know these things they're ready, they're watchmen on the wall warning Israel, acting as canaries in the mine to tell people that the end is drawing near.

But if you just step back for a moment and assess the situation out of the box you can see that's all they really focus on, that's where they spend the majority of their relationship with God - on the wall prepping to go into the caves and/or into trenches if necessary. Therefore, I tell you whosoever actually believes that God is love and that the primary principle of salvation is to love your neighbor as yourself, they are not affected by the concerns of the world.

For every Christian there will be two methods of judgment in the world to come, which one applies to you depends upon where you place your faith while in this world.

The Lord will not say to someone on their day before him, "Well done my good and faithful servant, did you tell them to vote for Donald Trump?" He will not say, "Well done my good and faithful servant, did you tell them the Earth was flat?" Neither will He say, "Well done my good and faithful servant, did you tell them I was black?"

No, on every man's day, kneeling before the white throne will each person hear the Lord ask, "Did you keep my commandments?"

At that moment there will be no time to conceal a matter nor consider things since past, a person's heart will leap out of their mouth and either confess "yes" or "no."

If they say no then all the times they knew to do right but chose to do wrong, every unrepentant bit of unrighteousness they caused or knowingly took part in will suddenly rush back to that person bearing witness againt them as they confess the word "no." And many spiritually minded people will beg afterwards "Lord Lord, I've prophesied by the gift of the Holy Spirit, I've cast out devils, and done many wonderful things in your name." And Jesus will reply to them "Depart for me you who work iniquity, I do not know you." Those folks who justified themselves as righteous in the eyes of God because they had certain abilities, those people will be judged according to their own works and by the standards they've set for everyone else. Their carnally minded self serving words and actions will expose the lack of compassion within as 'death and hell give up their dead.' Woe unto those folks whom only God will judge.

However, those who confess "yes" assuring their heart before the Lord will hear him proclaim, "Well done my good and faithful servant." Then with faith that they have followed the author of their salvation will they enter into his eternal kingdom. Therefore, where one places their faith is the determining factor of their salvation. The Bible teaches this message time and time again, but most are unprepared to discern how subtle the veering off course really is.

The phrase "the mark of the beast" itself is a reference in combination with concepts previously established in the Old Testament. "I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts." (Ecc 3:18) King Solomon goes onto explain that men have no prominence above beasts and all are subject to return to the Earth from which they came; And that men should rejoice in their OWN works for that is their portion.

When King Nebuchadnezzar proclaimed that "he had built up Babylon for the house of the Kingdom by the might of his own power, for the honor of his own majesty" before the words finished from his mouth God spoke down ordaining the Babylonian king to be as a beast. After the time allotted to him had passed Nebuchadnezzar lifted up his eyes to heaven praised God and repented. During his abatement, he experienced a loss of understanding, reason, honor, & brightness attributing his chastisement from the LORD because he had walked in pride. Simply put, the term beast is how God sees men who behave accordingly.

There is a mark of God in the Old Testament, this is found in Ex 11 & Deu 13, which was given to the Israelites to be placed between their eyes and on their hand because they kept the LORD'S commandments passing their testimony of freedom from Egypt to their future generations. The mark of the beast is the opposite of the mark of God and those who receive the mark do so because they choose to worship the beast.

God regards all of those that refused to keep His commandments as hating Him, in particular people who choose an idol of a man over His statutes. "Thou shalt not make thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the waters beneath the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me, And showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments." (Deut 5:8-10) So you'll see where the divide happens and the Lord reminds us that, "These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever kills you will think that he doeth God service. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me." - John 16:1-3 KJV

The mark of the beast is not anything specific in regards to Catholicism or a government issued social security number; Rather it is an individual situation that has been prepared for the few by God. It has not already been fulfilled through the Roman emperor Nero, Adolf Hi**er, or any current politician you disagree with. Simply put, the mark of the beast is given to those who worship a man in his transgressions rather than God; For when they had the opportunity to do otherwise, they chose social acceptance over obedience and hardened their heart to righteousness. The beast is that man the false prophet is the false prophetic gift and the dragon is the will of the people.

Consider this, someone from your church's social group suddenly bears testimony of having experienced a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and shortly thereafter starts becoming vocal concerning certain practices and common doctrines where they normally were quiet. This will eventually ruffle the feathers of those who were comfortable, but instead of considering the messenger's words those who now feel judged, threatened, and insecure will respond negatively towards whom they see as their accuser because of what they teach.

Know that if the pastor is the subject of reproof by the Word of God he is not an authority or proper judge to dismiss such, his oversight committee is to be the judges, but if none exist then the congregation is to be the judge. This circumstance will determine who worships God and worships the beast. Those who side with the man in error and against the Word of God confirmed, not the specific pastor's interpretation of it thereby worship the beast; And he will kick the one expressing concern of his behavior out of the church thinking they're doing God a service by protecting the flock.

Ultimately, it's because of one's embarrassment due to their pride which makes them refuse to consider what the Lord has revealed through his servant and it will be evident for all otherwise, they would not have a choice of who they worship. In Matthew 18 Jesus set it up this altercation when he issued the process of rebuking a transgressing brother and eventually telling the whole church if amends cannot be made. That then is the church's obligation to weigh who they'll believe by the mandates within the Bible. That is all there is to it and most common explanations folks perpetuate lead to fear which actively subtracts from one's faith.

To address all related concerns to such know this. "Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six." - Revelation 13:18 KJV

King Solomon was visited by the Lord in two separate dreams. In the 1st dream the Lord granted him wisdom and in the 2nd dream he granted Solomon understanding. However, due to the amount of success in his life and reverence he also commanded did Solomon fall to temptation, becoming arrogant and convinced that his judgment would never fail. At this point he was paid annually 666 gold pieces by the Queen of the South who by all historical accounts did not exist. That makes the story a figurative lesson not a historical record. Nevertheless, those who love the Lord, but do not know him as they should read his word and even though it's right there in front of them the information simply escapes their retention. So many formulate theories based off their own understanding which is corrupted by fear. There is a way that seems right into a man, but the end therefore is death.

You may not want to agree with this right now, but know these words are not wrong; And there is truly a better peace through simply focusing upon keeping the commandments of our Lord Jesus Christ.

"If you love me keep my commandments." - John 14:15 KJV

Show him you love him, he'll sort out everything else. ❤

kingdomskeys.com

10/11/2019

Happy Halloween?

Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft (1 Sam 15:23) therefore, how many of you keep the Lord's commandments unequivocally? If not why? Do you not know that you are commanded by God to believe & keep the second commandment? (1 Jn 3:23) Did not the Lord Jesus Christ say, "let he without sin cast the first stone"? (Jn 8:7) O how the righteous condemn those they disagree with. Nevertheless, it is a matter of faith and to this cause the Apostle Paul writes, "Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.

One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's." - Romans 14:1-8 KJV

If you hold to the belief that certain holidays are evil and the people who celebrate such are as well, living in sin through idolatry, you are effectively judging their heart. You need to repent for the god of this world has blinded you from receiving the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ; Thus, greater is the world within thee than He. To confirm this principle Paul instructs the saints in Colossians not to receive such judgment from people regarding what they celebrate.

"Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body: not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh." -Colossians 2:16-23 KJV

Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship...

The 1600th-century English word 'holyday' is actually how we spell 'holiday' today, the 'Y' replaced with an 'I'. It is not 'holy day' as some regard it to be as the word itself is translated from the Greek word 'heorté' which means: a festival, feast, periodically recurring. Keep in mind that Paul was writing to the church in Colossae that contained a diverse population due to the nearby highway and trade route. Colossae or sometimes spelled Colosse was settled around 100 miles east of the cosmopolitan capital city of Ephesus. It was located within in the Roman province of Asia, in present-day Turkey. History records that the Greek king Antiochus III had settled about 2,000 Jewish families in the general area in 213 BC and that the area had kept a strong Jewish minority presence even in Paul's day. So, those attending that church were not just Gentiles, but Jews also who were conformed to the Law of Moses. Thus, Paul distinguishes the difference between holyday and the Sabbath by including them both. Paul goes on to say,

"Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God."

The English word Angel is transliterated from the Greek word 'aggelos' which means: a messenger from God, conveying news or behests from God to men, i.e. an angel. Usually thought of as supernatural, but not always as examples of men referenced as angels can be found in throughout the New Testament (Mt 11:10; Lk 7:24, 9:52; Gal 4:14; Js 2:25) or heavenly (a celestial angel); someone sent (by God) to proclaim His message, Properly meaning a messenger or a delegate; not defined as either supernatural or natural. The English definition of the word angel is strictly defined as supernatural according to Merriam-Webster is 'a spiritual being that serves especially as a messenger from God or as a guardian of human beings.' This is the modern day general consensus and where the problem arises for it is written: "It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honor of kings is to search out a matter." (Prov 25:2) Misinterpretation begets misunderstanding therein leaven is perpetuated throughout the body of Christ.

Now that it is revealed the Saints of God should neither condemn those who celebrate holidays nor receive the judgment of people who do not, it's important to recognize what false doctrine is and how such an example found here leads the body of Christ to error. Now remember that rebellion to the commandments of God is as witchcraft, therefore, to act or speak contrarily to His Word makes those who do such the same practitioners of witchcraft as those who they so condemn. Be not deceived, but be the light for God's word is life; Redirect your focus to edification rather than suspicion and accusation and love your neighbor as yourself. Let your grace for those who celebrate or don't celebrate be sufficient by the Lord Jesus Christ, the only author of our common salvation; Do not shut up the kingdom of heaven against men because you choose not to observe a day yourself, for to a man's own master does one stand or fall; Neither regard as inferior those who do not partake for all in Christ do or do not unto the Lord.

May God bless you all and take care.

kingdomskeys.com

09/16/2019

The More You Know

Moses wrote, "Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." - Deuteronomy 31:6 KJV

And the same principle in the Old Testament also applies to the New Testament, for God changes not. (Mal 3:6) The Apostle Paul writes, "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." - Hebrews 13:5 KJV

How long is never? Could it be circumstantial? Let's find out.

The English word never is translated from the Greek word 'ou mḗ' (pronounced oo may) meaning anymore, at all, neither, never. The Greek word Paul used in Hebrews is 'ou mḗ' to illustrate an important fact as 'ou mḗ' is a compound word. The first word that makes up this combination is 'ou' which means "not a fact" and the second is "mḗ" which means "not a possibility." Together they reenforce each other's meaning as 'ou mḗ', is double negative which emphatically conveys, "not a fact . . . not even a possibility!" – literally, "no and no!" Now in the English language, a double negative has a positive meaning and in this case it would illus trate a possibility of the Lord leaving. However, in the Greek dialect in which it was initially authored, a double negative is extra-emphatic used to express a very dramatic or forceful negative. Therefore, it means the Holy Spirit would never leave and this ideal reiterates the message of God's unconditional love and unrelenting mercy.

* It is important to understand that the reason it is written "if you forsake the Lord he will forsake you" or because you rejected God, He has also rejected you", is simply to say, that when you focus up on your own lust and interests which are contrary to God's righteousness, you merc yourself down in distractions to where you cannot hear him; Thus, the LORD will not intervene when you willfully follow after your own lust.

08/04/2019

JUDGMENT BEGINS AT THE HOUSE OF GOD

Biblical requirements of those mature in the Spirit able to discern between good and evil are listed in the New Testament. The Apostle Paul calls refers to bishops as elders in his letter to Titus, the Apostle Peter refers to men esteemed in the positions of leadership as elders citing himself as one.

“For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” – Hebrews 5:12-15 KJV

The modern day application of such titles as bishops and elders separates them. Nevertheless, the prerequisites as listed in the New Testament for bishops and elders according to God remain alike, to be demonstrated by all men in positions of authority within the church, the standards they are held to, the fruits they are to be known by; And it's every church goers responsibility to inspect the trees they eat from. Nevertheless, there exist a process to obtain this position from the Lord rather than with a degree.

“Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds. For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?” – Proverbs 27:23-24 KJV

-Paul Instructs Timothy & Titus-

To Timothy, "This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work." - 1 Timothy 3 KJV

The English phrase 'the office of a bishop' is transliterated from the single Greek word 'episkopé' which means: (a) visitation (of judgment), (b) oversight, supervision, overseership. Episkopé is from the root word 'episkeptomai' which means: a visiting, an overseeing. According to Thayer's Greek Lexicon the biblical Greek word is written after the Hebrew פְּקֻדָּה, Which is the act by which God looks into and searches out the ways, deeds, character, of men, in order to adjudge them their lot accordingly, whether joyous or sad; inspection, investigation, universal visitation when he shall search the souls of men, i. e. in the time of divine judgment.

Now the most common interpretation of the 'office of a bishop' doesn't come from Paul's instruction to Timothy, but from his writing to Titus due to the defination of the word in Timothy.

'Episkopos' is the Greek word written in Titus for the two words 'a bishop' we read in English. Episkopos is defined as: an overseer, supervisor, ruler (used as an official title in civil life), overseer, supervisor, ruler, especially used with reference to the supervising function exercised by an elder or presbyter of a church or congregation.

But the ex*****on of such rule is the problem, for Jesus told his disciples that is the behavior of the kings and princes of the world, to exercise authority over others thinking they are doing this for someone's own good. This is the doctrine of the Nicolaitans that the lord Jesus hates.

---Must Be Blameless---

"A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;" - 1 Timothy 3:2 KJV

Tried and weighed one must be found to be blameless before the Lord if he is to be 'episkopos' which is the Greek word for who is taught as a bishop. Episkopos (pronounced ep-is'-kop-os) is defined as an overseer, supervisor, ruler, especially used with reference to the supervising function exercised by an elder or presbyter of a church or congregation.

"Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)" - 1 Timothy 3:3-5 KJV

The Focus here is in that of teaching the children to be in subjection with honor (gravity) for the same principles applied in the home transfer unto the church thereby the bishop can also lovingly take care of the congregation who subject themselves honorably unto God.

"Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil." - 1 Timothy 3:6-7 KJV

The bishop "must" have a good reputation from "them which are without" meaning he must not have charges against him legal or otherwise as in looming accusations and rumors. For "When a man's ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him." (Prov 16:7)

---Only One Wife---

To Titus, "For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly." - Titus 1:5-7 KJV

The husband of one wife as also stated to Timothy is a subject many excuse interpreting that Paul was speaking the Gentiles of which monogamy was not widely practiced. Therefore, let the truth correct whatever false doctrine has stemmed from such. The two English words "one wife" are transliterated from the single Greek word 'mia' which simply means 'first' so, the phrase in English is "the husband of one wife" in Greek is "anér mia guné" or "husband first wife" and this is why there is error for 'first' indicates placement while 'one' is primarily a measurement.

The Greek word 'heis' is transliterated to the English word 'one' and this is used in Matthew's Gospel; Jesus saying, "For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and
earth pass, one jot or one tittle
shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." - Matthew 5:18 LJV

The Apostle Paul chose to use that specific word to indicate first rather than one as he also uses 'heis' reminding the church in Rome; "As it is written, There is nonerighteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth,there is none that seeketh after God." - Romans 3:10-11 KJV

The Greek word 'heis' is defined as a primary number.

Jesus told the Pharisees that is was due to the hardness of their hearts that they put away their wives, Moses allowing them a bill of divorcement, but this was not God's intended design of those who are obedient to Him.

This man must not have accusations against him from the world nor charges laid upon him to answer for. Having faithful children that are not suspect, but honorable as have been taught.

---Filthy Lucre & Gainsayers---

"For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;" - Titus 1:7 KJV

The man who desires the good thing to be spiritually tried by the Lord will be found to be blameless in the end. "Not given to filthy lucre" does nor mean money, it means disgraceful or dishonest gain." The English phrase "given to filthy lucre" is transliterated from the single Greek word 'aischrokerdés' which means: greedy, fond of base gain. Yet, money is not the focus for the word 'aischrokerdés' is a combination from the two root words aischros which means: base, disgraceful and the second word kerdos which means: gain, advantage, profit. Hence, disgraceful or dishonest gain. If you still see such as meaning money you need to stop reading right now and repent for there are many things that can profit someone and the love of money is the root of all evil.

"But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers." - Titus 1:6-9 KJV

The word 'gainsayers' is written antilegó which by definition is: I speak or say in opposition, contradict (oppose, resist). Therefore, this man taught by the Lord to follow after God's righteousness and not his own must also be able to not only speak well of those that curse him, which is to say bless them, exhort them, but he must also be able with the sound doctrine he has learned to convince them to Christ. The Apostle Paul said "I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified." (1 Cor 2:2)

---No Respect of Persons---

The Apostle Peter also mentions bishops calling them elders thus, keep in mind the requirements listed in Titus are for elders who are called bishops. Titus was to ordain them in every city as Paul had appointed him to do so. The Greek word for elder used there and in Peter is 'presbýteros' which properly means a mature man having seasoned judgment (experience); an elder. This seasoned judgment is the marks of Christ Paul gloried of, it is the suffering Peter said we should be happy to receive. This is the judgment that begins in the House of God!

"The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock." - 1 Peter 5:1-3 KJV

What Peter mentions specifically that Paul does not in the qualifications (though he does rebuke those that due such) in not being Lord's over God's heritage, for by faith does a man stand and whatsoever done not in faith is a sin, but rather be examples, be the light to God's flock. Peter also says in contrast of dishonest gain (filthy lucre) to be of ready mind, which is to say "let the Lord provide and exalt you, focus singularly upon Christ for he has prepared the way!"

------Deacons-------

Where the Apostle Peter calls them young men Paul refers to such as deacons. The qualifications for service by such in the Lord's church are as follows: “Likewise, must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. Therefore, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. ” – 1 Timothy 3:1-12; 1 Peter 5:1-6 KJV

This one I leave to you that you may also search out a reward in Christ.

Therefore, Men of God, Brothers in Christ even if you do not feel called in the service of the Lord within the church it is still your responsibility to put your home in order, yet no where is it required for a man's wife to be obedient that he is regarded by God as ruling his own home well, the focus is upon the children. Do not give place to the devil to operate, this does not mean rule your wife, know that God gave this commandment unto Eve not Adam. Above all else seek wisdom and the strength to endure. Pray for patience as this perfect work is fulfilled within, that you may lead in a manner pleasing unto the Lord and He will exalt you in good time.

And understand this: "For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?

But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.

Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby." - Hebrews 12:6-11 KJV

And take comfort in the words Peter left for you that you not be detoured as some fashion themselves to their former glories in search of peace, but strive unto perfection until the faithful assurance in Christ Jesus in clearly the rock on which you stand, the filter through which everything must pass through. Then shall you know there is no respect for persons with God as you have seen the end from the beginning, tamed the beast, subdued the creeping things, and taken dominion over the fowls of the air... No weapon formed against you shall prosper.

"Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?" - 1 Peter 4:12-17 KJV

If other gods (which are subjective to the person) distracts you from daily responsibilities as according to God of what a man should uphold: accept it, ask forgiveness, and repent. No one can repent, which means to turn away from something until they have been loosed from the snare; And its your responsibility to search out what is separating you from Him as to keep the house holy. Think not of material possessions, but rather your interest in where you find comfort before going to the Lord in prayer when times get tough. This is where the relationship is born between man and God, when he willingly seeks the father's will for his life, in repenting howsoever he feels led; And we all live according to the nature of sin until we become like the son of man.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all, God bless and take care.

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