Jesus will send Division in His Churches
Eric
Summers
Luke 12:51 Think ye that I am come to give peace in the earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division.
Another possible title for this article could be: If You want to discuss Prophecy scripture, You will be persecuted.
The persecution and division that will occur in the families and church congregations of the person that studies all scripture including prophecy and other difficult scripture is detailed in the following verses spoken by Jesus. We should note that the division is not between the saved and the unsaved and this is seen when you read Luke 12:45; Jesus is talking about a servant of His. This is division that will occur within the saved members of a given family and division that will occur within a given church congregation when the prophecy verses of the Holy Bible are discussed.
Luke 12:45 But if that servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and the maidservants, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;
The servant in this verse is the pastor, teacher, deacon or church member in a church and possibly a large financial contributor to the church. This servant is not a tare or unbeliever in the church, but a person that is blood bought by faith in Jesus Christ; this is a saved person. The beatings discussed in this verses are not literal beatings, but something far worse. The pastor is saying that the ideas that you discuss about interpretation of scripture are wrong. You will probably be asked to stop talking about these ideas or you may even be asked to leave your church if you bring up ideas that are discussed in many of our articles, such as prophecy of the end times and the Judgment seat of Christ. The drunkenness in this verse is not literally drinking alcoholic beverages, but to have their mind closed and impaired by an incomplete study of scripture, especially the difficult verses. On this website we have attempted to explain many verses that are simply ignored in most churches of today. The menservants and maidservants in this verse are servants of Jesus Christ that want all verses in the Holy Bible to be discussed, especially of prophecy. The specific sin for the servant in this verse is believing that Jesus is delaying His return. This person is not watching for the return of Christ for the First Fruits Rapture.
Luke 12:46 the Lord of that servant shall come in a day when he expecteth not, and in an hour when he knoweth not, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint his portion with the unfaithful.
The good times led by many pastors with their large salaries and plush offices will suddenly come to an end when the Tribulation begins. Since the verses of Daniel and Revelation are rarely, if ever, studied the pastors will have no idea of when Jesus might return to take to Heaven the Church of Philadelphia just before the beginning of the Tribulation. Being cut asunder, means to be left behind to endure the severe testing that will take place for the unfaithful Christian of today for the first half of the seven year Tribulation. The unfaithful are still believers, but are not studying and applying the scriptures in their Bibles to the way they live their lives and are not watching for Christ's return.
Luke 12:47-48 And that servant, who knew his Lord's will, and made not ready, nor did according to His will, shall be beaten with many stripes; but he that knew not, and did things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few [stripes]. And to whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required: and to whom they commit much, of him will they ask the more.
If you decide to read our articles and the scripture that we reference, a great responsibility will rest on your shoulders. This is a warning to you: If you read and study in depth the prophecy scripture then you should also want to warn others about the events predicted in the scripture. If you study the scripture and then do not tell others or at least do not apply the scripture to the way you live your lives, then Jesus will be displeased with you. At the Judgment Seat of Christ, He will bring up that he gave you the command to obey His scriptures, yet you did not. You will then see your works burn up in front of you and it will be very embarrassing for you. You will still go to Heaven, but the stripes you will receive will be verbal reprimand from our Lord and Savor, Jesus Christ. This will be most painful for you. These are the many stripes you will receive if you don't follow through with obeying the scripture that you have studied.
It would be much better for you if you would just not begin an in-depth study of scripture, but just live your life like many unfaithful believers currently do. At your judgment time, Jesus will be displeased with you, but His verbal punishment will be over quickly. These are the few stripes an unfaithful Christian will receive.
With those that are beaten with few stripes and those that are beaten with many stripes, the rewards that Jesus would like to have given them will disappear. They will receive no reward in the Millennium Kingdom or in Heaven.
If would be much better to begin your study of prophecy scripture and be determined to continue the rest of your life studying, understanding and obeying the scripture. At judgment time, you will receive a great reward for your faithfulness and Jesus will be very pleased with your good works you had during your life on the earth.
Luke 12:49 I came to cast fire upon the earth; and what do I desire, if it is already kindled?
Jesus brought up many scripture to the scribes and pharisees and many people of Israel in His day. But most did not believe Him but a few did follow Him. He started the discord between His own people because most rejected Him as the Messiah and did not believe the messages He delivered to them. Those few that believed Him and followed Him were persecuted and suffered greatly because they lived the life that Jesus commanded them to live. Most of the persecution of first century Christians in Israel was from their own countrymen, even from their relatives.
Luke 12:50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!
We know about the Baptism that Jesus went through. It was persecution, flogging, pain, rejection by the religious leaders of the time, rejection by many of His countrymen, crucifixion on the cross and death because of the cross. We know that He conquered death, hell and the grave by His resurrection three days later. It was very difficult for Him, but He overcame all our sins and provides salvation for us. Thanks be to Jesus Christ for His many righteous works that He accomplished during His time on the earth.
Luke 12:51 Think ye that I am come to give peace in the earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:
Jesus is not talking about conflict between a believer and a non-believer, He is talking about the division that will happen when you start discussing prophecy in a church setting or in a family setting. A Christian that is open to understanding all scripture, not just evangelism, will want to discuss the "meat" of the word, but many will not want to. Talking about the verses that are almost never read from the pulpit or discussed in a Sunday School class will be dismissed by some of the members. There will be division if you talk about these difficult verses, it's guaranteed.
In no case do we say that evangelism should be stopped talking about in a church setting, it certainly should be discussed. But there are many verses that should also be discussed, simply because God has placed these verses in the Holy Bible. He expects His faithful to study all verses of their bibles:
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that has nothing to be ashamed of, rightly dividing the word of truth
If you don't study all the scripture, how can you rightly divide the scripture, i.e., to understand its meaning? If you don't study and rightly divide the scripture then you will be ashamed at judgment time at the Judgment Seat of Christ. If you do study all the scripture, Jesus will say to you: Well done my wise and faithful servant. (Matthew 24:45-51).
Luke 12:52 for there shall be from henceforth five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.
When someone either in a family setting or in a church brings up these verses, there will be some that agree that they need to be discussed. Others will disagree that what you are saying is true. It has been my experience when discussing prophecy in a church setting that I have been in a minority and that many don't agree with me. The ones "against" are those that disagree and sometimes in a mean and insulting manner. All I say is that here are the verses and here is what I think that they mean. You can agree or disagree, that is your choice. My experience is that those that have disagreed do not present the verse in the Holy Bible that makes their case for my being wrong, but simply say that "we have always believed it to be one way." Thus, case-closed and I am wrong. We are not out to disprove any existing paradigm for Bible understanding, but simply would like to discuss the difficult verses in the Bible, especially prophecy. That is all we want to do.
Luke 12:53 They shall be divided, father against son, and son against father; mother against daughter, and daughter against her mother; mother in law against her daughter in law, and daughter in law against her mother in law.
This scripture is a difficult one because if you study and apply all the scripture to the way you live your lives and want to discuss it in your family, there will most likely be some that will simply not agree with and be against you. This is very difficult to hear, but The Savior said it, so it will take place. If you study all the scripture and discuss it with your family and they want to hear more, then count yourself blessed by God! This will be the exception, rather than the rule. If you understand prophecy and say nothing to them, then you will have a adverse judgment. (Will You Warn Others? Ezekiel 3:20-21)
Luke 12:54-56 And he said to the multitudes also, When ye see a cloud rising in the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it cometh to pass. And when [ye see] a south wind blowing, ye say, There will be a scorching heat; and it cometh to pass. Ye hypocrites, ye know how to interpret the face of the earth and the heaven; but how is it that ye know not how to interpret this time?
The hypocrites in this verse are the leaders of the churches and the multitudes are those in the church that the church leaders should be making into disciples. Both groups know how to predict the upcoming weather in their area from the signs in the clouds and in the winds, and from the weatherman, but they don't know how to interpret the signs of the end times simply because they don't study and meditate upon the prophecy scriptures; particularly the Books of Daniel and Revelation and many prophecies from Jesus in the four Gospels. Admittedly these verses are difficult, but if you seek to understand them, God will reveal their meaning to you, you just need to ask Him for understanding and believe that He will give you wisdom and understanding:
James 1:5-7 But if any of you lacketh wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing doubting: for he that doubteth is like the surge of the sea driven by the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord;
Bring up Prophecy in your family or church and see what happens
To test to see if what Jesus said in Luke 12:51 brings up division, bring up one of the following topics at church or in a family setting and see what happens:
1. Jesus said in John 3:16: For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.
Why is there a conditional in this verse: should? You should eat your vegetables, but you might not. You should avoid drugs, but you might not. You should read your Bible, but you might not. You should pray each day, but you might not. The NIV version of the Bible changes the should to will in John 3:16, so the definition in that version is corrupted.
Romans 2:6-8 who will render to every man according to his works: to them that by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and incorruption, eternal life: but unto them that are factious, and obey not the truth, but obey unrighteousness, [shall be] wrath and indignation.
It appears to me that Romans 2:6-8 defines eternal life. Its definition is for a faithful believer to receive glory, honor and incorruption because of their good works. Those that do not have good works will not have eternal life, but will have wrath and indignation at their judgment. I know that the traditional definition of eternal life is to live forever in Heaven. Let's discuss this topic. Are there other verses in the Bible that further define eternal life?
Check out the Interlinear Bible for the Koine Greek version. It says: "no should-be-perishing". Perhaps we should further study this verse and the term eternal life.
2. For the Christian are rewards important? In the following verses, Peter asked Jesus about rewards and read to see what Jesus said. Didn't He say that those that leave everything and follow Him, that they would receive many rewards and inherit Eternal Life? So, being faithful to Jesus is a condition for eternal life, is that true?
Matthew 19:27-29 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee; what then shall we have? And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, that ye who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit on the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes ofIsrael
3. Why don't we ever study the book of Revelation? Is it important? Some may say "Well, all Christians will go to Heaven before the Tribulation, so we don't need to worry about the Tribulation or even read the book of Revelation." If this statement is true, then why is the book of Revelation even in the Holy Bible? Hmmm, I wonder why?
In one of the churches I have attended, the book of Revelation was allowed to be studied for a while, verse by verse. When ideas from this study got out to the deacons and pastor, the class was cancelled. I wonder why?
Luke 12:51 Think ye that I am come to give peace in the earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division.
Another possible title for this article could be: If You want to discuss Prophecy scripture, You will be persecuted.
The persecution and division that will occur in the families and church congregations of the person that studies all scripture including prophecy and other difficult scripture is detailed in the following verses spoken by Jesus. We should note that the division is not between the saved and the unsaved and this is seen when you read Luke 12:45; Jesus is talking about a servant of His. This is division that will occur within the saved members of a given family and division that will occur within a given church congregation when the prophecy verses of the Holy Bible are discussed.
Luke 12:45 But if that servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and the maidservants, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;
The servant in this verse is the pastor, teacher, deacon or church member in a church and possibly a large financial contributor to the church. This servant is not a tare or unbeliever in the church, but a person that is blood bought by faith in Jesus Christ; this is a saved person. The beatings discussed in this verses are not literal beatings, but something far worse. The pastor is saying that the ideas that you discuss about interpretation of scripture are wrong. You will probably be asked to stop talking about these ideas or you may even be asked to leave your church if you bring up ideas that are discussed in many of our articles, such as prophecy of the end times and the Judgment seat of Christ. The drunkenness in this verse is not literally drinking alcoholic beverages, but to have their mind closed and impaired by an incomplete study of scripture, especially the difficult verses. On this website we have attempted to explain many verses that are simply ignored in most churches of today. The menservants and maidservants in this verse are servants of Jesus Christ that want all verses in the Holy Bible to be discussed, especially of prophecy. The specific sin for the servant in this verse is believing that Jesus is delaying His return. This person is not watching for the return of Christ for the First Fruits Rapture.
Luke 12:46 the Lord of that servant shall come in a day when he expecteth not, and in an hour when he knoweth not, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint his portion with the unfaithful.
The good times led by many pastors with their large salaries and plush offices will suddenly come to an end when the Tribulation begins. Since the verses of Daniel and Revelation are rarely, if ever, studied the pastors will have no idea of when Jesus might return to take to Heaven the Church of Philadelphia just before the beginning of the Tribulation. Being cut asunder, means to be left behind to endure the severe testing that will take place for the unfaithful Christian of today for the first half of the seven year Tribulation. The unfaithful are still believers, but are not studying and applying the scriptures in their Bibles to the way they live their lives and are not watching for Christ's return.
Luke 12:47-48 And that servant, who knew his Lord's will, and made not ready, nor did according to His will, shall be beaten with many stripes; but he that knew not, and did things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few [stripes]. And to whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required: and to whom they commit much, of him will they ask the more.
If you decide to read our articles and the scripture that we reference, a great responsibility will rest on your shoulders. This is a warning to you: If you read and study in depth the prophecy scripture then you should also want to warn others about the events predicted in the scripture. If you study the scripture and then do not tell others or at least do not apply the scripture to the way you live your lives, then Jesus will be displeased with you. At the Judgment Seat of Christ, He will bring up that he gave you the command to obey His scriptures, yet you did not. You will then see your works burn up in front of you and it will be very embarrassing for you. You will still go to Heaven, but the stripes you will receive will be verbal reprimand from our Lord and Savor, Jesus Christ. This will be most painful for you. These are the many stripes you will receive if you don't follow through with obeying the scripture that you have studied.
It would be much better for you if you would just not begin an in-depth study of scripture, but just live your life like many unfaithful believers currently do. At your judgment time, Jesus will be displeased with you, but His verbal punishment will be over quickly. These are the few stripes an unfaithful Christian will receive.
With those that are beaten with few stripes and those that are beaten with many stripes, the rewards that Jesus would like to have given them will disappear. They will receive no reward in the Millennium Kingdom or in Heaven.
If would be much better to begin your study of prophecy scripture and be determined to continue the rest of your life studying, understanding and obeying the scripture. At judgment time, you will receive a great reward for your faithfulness and Jesus will be very pleased with your good works you had during your life on the earth.
Luke 12:49 I came to cast fire upon the earth; and what do I desire, if it is already kindled?
Jesus brought up many scripture to the scribes and pharisees and many people of Israel in His day. But most did not believe Him but a few did follow Him. He started the discord between His own people because most rejected Him as the Messiah and did not believe the messages He delivered to them. Those few that believed Him and followed Him were persecuted and suffered greatly because they lived the life that Jesus commanded them to live. Most of the persecution of first century Christians in Israel was from their own countrymen, even from their relatives.
Luke 12:50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!
We know about the Baptism that Jesus went through. It was persecution, flogging, pain, rejection by the religious leaders of the time, rejection by many of His countrymen, crucifixion on the cross and death because of the cross. We know that He conquered death, hell and the grave by His resurrection three days later. It was very difficult for Him, but He overcame all our sins and provides salvation for us. Thanks be to Jesus Christ for His many righteous works that He accomplished during His time on the earth.
Luke 12:51 Think ye that I am come to give peace in the earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:
Jesus is not talking about conflict between a believer and a non-believer, He is talking about the division that will happen when you start discussing prophecy in a church setting or in a family setting. A Christian that is open to understanding all scripture, not just evangelism, will want to discuss the "meat" of the word, but many will not want to. Talking about the verses that are almost never read from the pulpit or discussed in a Sunday School class will be dismissed by some of the members. There will be division if you talk about these difficult verses, it's guaranteed.
In no case do we say that evangelism should be stopped talking about in a church setting, it certainly should be discussed. But there are many verses that should also be discussed, simply because God has placed these verses in the Holy Bible. He expects His faithful to study all verses of their bibles:
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that has nothing to be ashamed of, rightly dividing the word of truth
If you don't study all the scripture, how can you rightly divide the scripture, i.e., to understand its meaning? If you don't study and rightly divide the scripture then you will be ashamed at judgment time at the Judgment Seat of Christ. If you do study all the scripture, Jesus will say to you: Well done my wise and faithful servant. (Matthew 24:45-51).
Luke 12:52 for there shall be from henceforth five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.
When someone either in a family setting or in a church brings up these verses, there will be some that agree that they need to be discussed. Others will disagree that what you are saying is true. It has been my experience when discussing prophecy in a church setting that I have been in a minority and that many don't agree with me. The ones "against" are those that disagree and sometimes in a mean and insulting manner. All I say is that here are the verses and here is what I think that they mean. You can agree or disagree, that is your choice. My experience is that those that have disagreed do not present the verse in the Holy Bible that makes their case for my being wrong, but simply say that "we have always believed it to be one way." Thus, case-closed and I am wrong. We are not out to disprove any existing paradigm for Bible understanding, but simply would like to discuss the difficult verses in the Bible, especially prophecy. That is all we want to do.
Luke 12:53 They shall be divided, father against son, and son against father; mother against daughter, and daughter against her mother; mother in law against her daughter in law, and daughter in law against her mother in law.
This scripture is a difficult one because if you study and apply all the scripture to the way you live your lives and want to discuss it in your family, there will most likely be some that will simply not agree with and be against you. This is very difficult to hear, but The Savior said it, so it will take place. If you study all the scripture and discuss it with your family and they want to hear more, then count yourself blessed by God! This will be the exception, rather than the rule. If you understand prophecy and say nothing to them, then you will have a adverse judgment. (Will You Warn Others? Ezekiel 3:20-21)
Luke 12:54-56 And he said to the multitudes also, When ye see a cloud rising in the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it cometh to pass. And when [ye see] a south wind blowing, ye say, There will be a scorching heat; and it cometh to pass. Ye hypocrites, ye know how to interpret the face of the earth and the heaven; but how is it that ye know not how to interpret this time?
The hypocrites in this verse are the leaders of the churches and the multitudes are those in the church that the church leaders should be making into disciples. Both groups know how to predict the upcoming weather in their area from the signs in the clouds and in the winds, and from the weatherman, but they don't know how to interpret the signs of the end times simply because they don't study and meditate upon the prophecy scriptures; particularly the Books of Daniel and Revelation and many prophecies from Jesus in the four Gospels. Admittedly these verses are difficult, but if you seek to understand them, God will reveal their meaning to you, you just need to ask Him for understanding and believe that He will give you wisdom and understanding:
James 1:5-7 But if any of you lacketh wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing doubting: for he that doubteth is like the surge of the sea driven by the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord;
Bring up Prophecy in your family or church and see what happens
To test to see if what Jesus said in Luke 12:51 brings up division, bring up one of the following topics at church or in a family setting and see what happens:
1. Jesus said in John 3:16: For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.
Why is there a conditional in this verse: should? You should eat your vegetables, but you might not. You should avoid drugs, but you might not. You should read your Bible, but you might not. You should pray each day, but you might not. The NIV version of the Bible changes the should to will in John 3:16, so the definition in that version is corrupted.
Romans 2:6-8 who will render to every man according to his works: to them that by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and incorruption, eternal life: but unto them that are factious, and obey not the truth, but obey unrighteousness, [shall be] wrath and indignation.
It appears to me that Romans 2:6-8 defines eternal life. Its definition is for a faithful believer to receive glory, honor and incorruption because of their good works. Those that do not have good works will not have eternal life, but will have wrath and indignation at their judgment. I know that the traditional definition of eternal life is to live forever in Heaven. Let's discuss this topic. Are there other verses in the Bible that further define eternal life?
Check out the Interlinear Bible for the Koine Greek version. It says: "no should-be-perishing". Perhaps we should further study this verse and the term eternal life.
2. For the Christian are rewards important? In the following verses, Peter asked Jesus about rewards and read to see what Jesus said. Didn't He say that those that leave everything and follow Him, that they would receive many rewards and inherit Eternal Life? So, being faithful to Jesus is a condition for eternal life, is that true?
Matthew 19:27-29 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee; what then shall we have? And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, that ye who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit on the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of
3. Why don't we ever study the book of Revelation? Is it important? Some may say "Well, all Christians will go to Heaven before the Tribulation, so we don't need to worry about the Tribulation or even read the book of Revelation." If this statement is true, then why is the book of Revelation even in the Holy Bible? Hmmm, I wonder why?
In one of the churches I have attended, the book of Revelation was allowed to be studied for a while, verse by verse. When ideas from this study got out to the deacons and pastor, the class was cancelled. I wonder why?