Rules for watchfulness in a world full of wolves

I will never become a slave of men and of human institutions. A slave of Christ, Yes! A slave of men, institutions, or religious systems, No! 1 Corinthians 7:23

(5)

I will seek from God the needed direction to "test all things" and “prove the spirits” even though I will be mocked and ridiculed from the pulpit as being “divisive” and having a “proud, haughty spirit.” 1 Thess. 5:21; 1 John 4:1

(6)

I will be resolved to stand up to carnal-minded church leaders and will not allow them to tamper with my marriage and family. Matthew 19:6

(7)

I will never believe that some doctrines must be correct just because they are taught by "sincere, intelligent, or Godly men." Matthew 7:21

(8)

I will always be able to worship God at any time and in any place, even though I will infuriate organized religionists. John 4:23-24; Luke 22:1-2

(9)

I will make serious effort to never succumb to the false teaching that so-called “church authorities” outside the family know best. Ephesians 5:22ff; Matthew 19:6

(10)

I will always be mindful of the fact that many pulpits are occupied by masters of deceit, hiding under the guise of an angel of light. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15

(11)

I will never be silent and thereby shield a so-called “church leader” from scrutiny or challenge. Psalm 39:2

(12)

I will not be afraid to freely fellowship with people from denominations I once was taught were ungodly and unworthy of my company. Matthew 23:8

(13)

I will always put my family first; not the “pastor or church," no matter what the cost.

Ephesians 5:22ff

(14)

I will seek to take the initiative to probe, discuss, debate, and search for Truth, knowing that there is nothing to fear and that only orthodoxy is threatened by such an exercise. John 8:32

(15)

I will not be relegated to passively sit in a pew and observe the ministry of a select and highly privileged few.

Romans 12 &1 Corinthians 12-14

(16)

I will always be fully aware and on guard knowing that spiritual wolves wear suits and ties, look good, sound good, and appear to be "godly and humble" in public. Mark 13:22

(17)

I will not tolerate a “church leader” always seeking to micromanage every detail of my life.

1 Corinthians 7:23

(18)

I will not believe the false teaching that states "group obedience to the elders in all things is from God."

1 John 4:1

(19)

I will be reluctant to worship in a place where only one side of a question is "allowed" to be taught. Psalm 1:1-2

(20)

I will refuse to be “dumbed down” to the level of not being able to think, reason, or discern for myself. Romans 12:2

(21)

I will not be bullied into the notion that the foundation of life is “going-to-church.” John 14:6

(22)

I will mortify “playing the role of God” in the lives of others. 1 Corinthians 8:6

(23)

I will not give my devotion and mind to men, a movement, or a local institutional church system.

Romans 12:2; 1 Corinthians 3:19

(24)

I will daily strive to have the “mind of Christ,” cultivating His Truth that greatness in His Kingdom is attained through SERVING and not through attaining positions, titles, recognition, and authority. Matthew 20:26

(25)

I will never be entangled in a yoke of bondage, cloaked as “being spiritual.” Galatians 5:1

(26)

I will always loath the false teaching that states “the giving of your tithes and offerings will make you more blessed and more prosperous.” 1 Timothy 6:4

(27)

I will never acquiesce to unquestioned, uncritical agreement and allegiance to a human leader. Acts 17:10-11

(28)

I am settled that my faith and salvation is not predicated on the notion, "I must listen to a Sunday sermon."

1 Corinthians 2:5

(29)

I will never be afraid or reluctant to believe something just because it was rejected by some church or someone had denounced such a belief as heresy. Psalm 56:11

(30)

I will not be fooled into believing that “eldership rule,” and “pastoral authority” is taught in the Bible. Matthew 24:5

(31)

I will strive in maintaining the truth that there is no man whose word has power over another and that no one has the right in God's kingdom to "lord it over them" (exercise authority). Jesus has spoken and said "NOT SO!"

Matthew 20:25-26

(32)

I will never view the words of a supposed “spiritual overseer” as the words of God.

1 Corinthians 2:1; Acts 10:26

(33)

I will aim to spend more time studying the Bible, rather than books others have written about the Bible.

Psalm 119:105

(34)

I will not be fooled into thinking that Sunday church attendance is the definition and/or sign of being a Christian. Colossians 2:16-17

(35)

I will never forget how spiritually dead I really was UNTIL I came out of the graveyards in which I worshipped!

2 Corinthians 6:16-17

(36)

Yes, I "will be hated of all men," yet I will always remember that my name will be in His "book of remembrance" and His "book of life,” which is worth far more than being well spoken of by all men. Mark 13:13

(37)

I will always seek to be a Berean, (Acts 17:10-11) searching the Scriptures and finding that Jesus NEVER SAID:

- "Submit to the authority of pastors".

- "Blessed are those who go to church".

- "Touch not mine anointed".

- "Build physical church buildings and fill the pews with financial contributors".

- "Let paid hirelings and professional clergy do your thinking".

Ken Cascio

See also: "What Is A Biblical Christian"

Disclaimer: We are not responsible for all views posted on this website. Authors are solely responsible for the content of their articles. Linked material is the responsibility of the party who created it. Those sharing stories or testimonies are responsible for the content of comments. The opinions expressed in articles, linked materials, and comments are not necessarily those of wickedshepherds.com.

THE OFFICIAL SITE

www.wickedshepherds.com

webmaster@wickedshepherds.com

WICKED SHEPHERDS

The Reformation has never ended. It is just beginning.