Scoping, Identifying, and Taking Aim at Deceivers
Knowing How and When to Mark
(A Must-Read for all who desire more discernment to escape the evil one in this late hour. This is an excerpt from the book titled Deceivers False Prophets Among Us which is available on this site)
THE witches and warlocks parading their witchcraft as they pretend to be Christ’s ministers vainly believe they are not going to be exposed by Christ’s true disciples! NOTTTTT!!!!!! Both barrels blazing!!!!! Unleashing the power of God on these devils!!!
“Mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.” Romans 16:17
Identifying and marking “them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine” of the LORD, is to be a regular part of the Christian life. In an hour when the proliferation of false teaching is mutating at an increasingly exponential rate, those who love the LORD must examine and test everything against the final authority of the recorded oracles of God (Acts 17:11).
Note: There’s a difference between Satan accusing God’s people and God’s people identifying wolves in sheep’s clothing among us. Be careful not to mix things up: Note that Satan is the “accuser of our BRETHREN” (Revelation 12:10)… and the “brethren” are NOT the wolves the “brethren” are commanded to “MARK” and “earnestly contend” AGAINST (Romans 16:17-18; Jude 3). Read that again. God commands His disciples to “MARK” which means to make known, to identify those wolves so God’s people can be protected. Beware of those who are misusing Scripture. Stop it now. You cannot “rightly” divide the Word of truth until you are daily, diligently studying and walking with other of His saints in the revelation that is the written Word of God (2 Timothy 2:15).
The following warning enlightens us to understand this:
“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” Colossians 2:8
Would the all-knowing God have put such a warning in His Word if being spoiled were not possible? People can be spoiled (derailed, made shipwreck of) through false doctrines and philosophies, which, without fail, elevate men and demote Christ (Col. 2:8-9; 18-19).
These derailment elements are designed to steal glory from Christ. If we love Him, we are to “hear God’s words” and “hate every false way.” (Jn. 8:47; Ps. 119:104, 128; Amos 5:14-15)
GOD told you to “mark them” and not support them! (Romans 16:17-18)
SO WHY aren’t you exposing Christ’s enemies? Is it because 1. you are a moral coward who refuses to lay down your life in this world?, or is it 2. because you do not truly know Him who “is love” and therefore could care less about the protection of others?
IF you aren’t warning, you aren’t walking in God’s love. Repent now! Obey!
Let’s break this extremely important Bible text down:
“Mark them” – Beloved, we are mandated to simply and truly hearken to this divinely given instruction, to personally own this truth and walk in it, to be possessed with the protective love of our holy and “Great Shepherd of the sheep.” (Heb. 13:20) One of the ways the “Great Shepherd” protects the sheep of His pasture, is by His other sheep, scoping out and marking the wolves whose venomous lies would devour.
The clear instruction of the Word is to “mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine.” All human sentiments, reasonings, and excuses must be crucified.
“Mark them” – the Greek word here for “mark” is skopeo, which means “to scope out; to take aim at, consider, watch.”
Believers are here mandated to wisely scope out closely, observe and scrutinize all teachings and spiritual leaders under the lamp of God’s holy Word. We are to closely discern between true and false doctrines and leaders and sound the alarm on that which is found to be inconsistent with holy Writ. This is to be done especially when dealing with foundational, essential truths (which are a salvation issue).
Did Jesus ever instruct His people to debate the wolves? No. Yet He did command us through His apostle Paul to “rebuke them sharply” and to “mark them.” (Titus 1:13; Romans 16:17-18)
“Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.” Psalms 119:128
Looking closely at leaders from a Bible perspective is a mandate. Such only becomes a negative when done out of a critical spirit instead of out of love and obedience to the LORD and for the keeping of the way of the LORD in ourselves and others (1 Tim. 4:6, 16). Disciples are to examine every teaching, philosophy, and notion encountered in the light of His holy oracles. In such, the disciple is to identify deceivers, false teachings and practices and “mark them,” that is, watch out for and take aim at them, while warning others. The Holy Spirit also says we are to “avoid them.” (Rom. 16:17)
Concerning this text in Romans 16, Donald Stamps, in the Life In the Spirit Study Bible, writes:
- “At the end of his letter, Paul gives a strong warning to the church in Rome to be alert to all those who do inestimable damage to the church by corrupting and extorting the ‘doctrine’ (teaching) of Paul and the other apostles. They are to ‘mark’ the proponents of false doctrine and ‘avoid them’ and their ministry. Those marked may have been antinomians (i.e., against the law), who taught that because salvation is by grace, saving faith does not necessarily include obedience to Christ Jesus (cf. 6:1-2; 2 Cor. 4:2; 11:3; Eph. 4:14; Rev. 2:4-5).”
They believed that a person could live in sin and reject God’s moral law, and yet possess eternal salvation. These false teachers were eloquent orators, speaking with comforting words and flattering speeches (cf. Jude 16), but deceiving simple Christians.” (p. 1759)
This commentator denotes a specific teaching, all too alive and well in the modern church, that is to be marked and avoided along with those who propagate it.
William MacDonald states:
- “It is an ungodly tolerance that has allowed so many pulpits in America to be filled with ‘false apostles and deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ’. Detecting a resemblance to conditions in Elijah’s day, J Sidlow Baxter writes ‘Such are the people who today, with sickly kindness, will tolerate teachers of errors in our pulpits because they are such smooth-mannered and amiable gentlemen. They would rather allow error to be preached and souls to be deceived than hurt the preacher’s feelings. Let Baal be worshipped rather than drought come! Let the cancer kill its victim rather than the cruel surgeon use the knife!…The best thing that could happen to some so-called Christian ministers of today is that they should be denounced in God’s name by their hearers.’
It is a sinful tolerance [1] that refuses to castigate a false church system that leads millions to eternal destruction with its perverted gospel. [2] That honours its head as a great evangelist at the same time that he is condemning evangelicals as wolves. [3] That labels God’s prophets as divisive when they denounce its idolatry, its mariolatry and its other heresies. [4] That sends converts back into its deadening clutches.
What has happened to the church of the martyrs?
We have an enormous craving for popularity. This is the stuff of which false prophets are made. We have a desire to avoid unpleasantness at all cost. A desire like this keeps us from confronting, from intervening when we should.
We have a distaste for being different. We find it easier to move along with the crowd, to drift with the tide. It is all too easy to remain silent when we are in an adverse theological climate. We are ‘slaves who dare not to be right with two or three’.
We have lost the capacity for being angry. We are not easily enough disturbed. We are in the sorry state of having no capacity for indignation. We are experts at putting off decisiveness simply because we don’t want to act.
Sometimes we are too blinded by friendship to stand against wrong. When a Christian spoke out against E. J. Carnell’s book ‘The Case For Orthodoxy’ because it argued against the inspiration of the Scriptures, a friend of the author said ‘Well you do not know him personally as I do. He is a gracious gentleman, a godly man’.
Jay Adams was right when he said ‘In some circles, the fear of controversy is so great that preachers and congregations following after them will settle for peace at any cost – even the cost of the truth – God’s truth. The idea is that peace is all- important. Peace is a biblical ideal…but so is purity. The peace of the church may never be bought at the price of the purity of the church. The price is too dear’.
Ecumenism and catholicity are two great buzzwords today. Let’s all get together. Don’t do or say anything to rock the boat. Doctrine divides, they say. What we need is unity.
What we really need is to contend earnestly for the faith in a day when it is being attacked, diluted and denied. We will be tolerant in matters of indifference but intolerant of departure from the truth of God. With Luther, ‘Here we stand. We can do no other’.”
Disciples of Christ are held accountable for progressively learning and proclaiming the whole will and counsel of God, which includes warning others of false teachings and those responsible for them (see also Isa. 58:1; Ezek. 33:7-9; 34:1-10; Acts 20:26-32; Gal. 1:6-9; 2 Tim. 2:17-18).
Christ’s true representatives are known by their purity of character and doctrine (Tit. 1:5-9; 2:6-8).
Friend of Christ, are you beginning to see this truth and understand the reason our LORD instituted such?
“Mark (scope out, take aim at and watch) them which cause divisions and offences contrary (against; opposed) to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.” Romans 16:17
Christians are held accountable for proclaiming the whole counsel of God and warning others of false teachings and those responsible for them.
Dark Works are to be Exposed
“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove (EXPOSE) them.” Ephesians 5:11
When false teaching is discovered, it is to be exposed. At times, when a false prophet or teacher is detected, if unrepentant, they are also to be exposed.
Discernment Hint: If someone continues to teach false doctrine, they simply have not repented and are to be exposed and marked for their rebellion. God counts heretics to be rebels whom He told us to “reject.” (Tit. 3:10).
Sinning elders are to be openly rebuked in order that all may learn and more fervently fear God:
“Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.” 1 Timothy 5:20
It is a sin to condone and not expose deadly falsehoods propagated by leaders “who privily (secretly) shall bring in damnable heresies.” (2 Pet. 2:1) The divine purpose here is to identify and announce those who are marked for destruction so they don’t bring others with them.
Here in 2 Peter, the Holy Spirit speaks of “false teachers” and “false prophets” who teach “damnable heresies” –which means lies that damn their listeners to hell (2 Pet. 2:1-3).
The LORD has identified those who teach falsehoods as Satan’s ministers – “such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.” (2 Cor. 11:12-15) In this passage, we are told that Satan’s “ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.”
Let us no more deny Christ the LORD by hiding Satan’s prophets and teachers. Why would any child of God want to jeopardize the souls of those around them? How can we so misunderstand the LORD by thinking that silence in this matter is loving? At times, silence can be hatred instead of love.
“If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small. If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain; If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?” Proverbs 24:10-12
For the sake of the offending party and those under his influence, there are instances where open rebuke is called for instead of love that is hidden and withheld.
“Open rebuke is better than secret love.” Proverbs 27:5
Who is to be marked?
“I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” Galatians 1:6-9
Those who teach “any other gospel” are “accursed” of God and to be marked. The term “ANY other gospel” is incriminating, and cuts closer into the core of Christian leadership than many may want to acknowledge. Yet, any other gospel than that given by Christ and His apostles is false and identifies the one who espouses and teaches it as a deceiver.
On a personal note: Throughout my walk with the LORD, I have seen several people fall away who once served Him. Several of these who have fallen away have been derailed due to false teachings they bought into. One particular long-time friend was diverted from Christ by beginning to make Saturday his new “savior.” Jesus no longer remained as his Rest, but rather the idolatry of a certain day that Christ made. Paul warned strongly against this and other pagan idolatrous emphases which are designed to rob glory from Christ. It is fine to gather on Saturday or any day, but when the day becomes the focus instead of Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church, the leaven of idolatry is present (Col. 2:14-19).
The convincing cult was successful in alluring and snaring this man with their false emphasis and diabolically diversionary tactics. What might have been the outcome if someone would have preemptively taught this man biblical truth and warned him against the cult that snared him?
Beware of “Fair Speeches”
“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” Romans 16:17-18
The apostle Paul tells people here to “mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine” of the LORD which is found in the Holy Scriptures.
Carefully note the phrase “fair speeches” which is defined as “fine style of utterance, giving the appearance of reasonableness.” So, the Scripture here informs us that such beguilers will “deceive the hearts of the simple” by “fair speeches.” This is the very way so many are being led astray in this late hour. The message and manner of these men have the appearance of godliness, and might even include a few tears, but their hidden motives center around their own agenda and not the LORD’s. This alone makes one a false prophet.
Does anyone you know come to mind when you hear these words of holy Writ?
While attending a local fellowship for some time, I had observed the sentiments of the senior pastor month after month, year after year. There was an arrogant spirit, which was like a perfume, sensed more than seen. I witnessed the tears and emotions of this pastor and his wife (as they stood with their thousand dollar outfits – seldom, if ever, worn twice). I tried to be patient but there never seemed to be a difference in the way they lived. There was seemingly no reduction in the high-mindedness. Pride and self-service seemed to fill their lives and therefore exuded from their ministry. So, after ample time had expired, it was time to move on to be with the humble in heart (Prov. 16:19). O how refreshing!
The stylish, persuasive reasonings of this pastor, even his use of Scripture, were compelling. His “fair speeches” were commanding and emotionally and intellectually stimulating. They gave the appearance of reasonableness and godliness. In the final analysis, many of those eloquent of speech and rich with persuasive words, are found to be empty hearted, void of the life of Jesus due to serving self instead of the Savior – “whose god is their belly.” (Phil. 3:19) Paul purposely avoided becoming an eloquent orator in order to establish God’s people in the LORD Himself and not in the wisdom of mere men (1 Cor. 2:1-5).
“And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:1-5
Saints, the LORD promised us that He was going to shake all things in these last days. As he shakes the foundations of our lives – that is, tests with fire the actual materials our faith is based upon, what shall we do? Shall we be willingly broken before His holiness, letting Him have His way in us?
“…but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:26-29
We have all unduly espoused the teachings and personalities of certain men and women in ministry. He is calling us to repent of our spiritual adulteries, where we have alienated our heart affections from Him and placed them in mere men.
Beloved, let us see the big picture of eternity in this. – “Wherefore we receiving a kingdom (forever with Jesus) which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire.” May He grant us His “grace” with “godly fear” and bring upon our lives His “consuming fire” to burn away all spiritual adultery, that we might soundly worship Him alone in spirit and in truth.
A tell-tale sign: If we can peacefully receive the expose’ of one of these ministers we have grown to like, we know that the LORD has delivered us from spiritual adultery. Perhaps if we get upset and come to the defense of these mere men while excusing their deadly errors, we have not yet laid down our idolatry of these men.
Like Paul, the apostle of Christ, true disciples of Jesus who serve in leadership go through painstaking measures to root and ground their audiences in Christ alone and not themselves – “For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified…That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” (1 Cor. 2:1-5)
The Savior is calling His remnant to relinquish all idols of the heart and place our affections upon Him alone who is our life and salvation.
In the ultimate end, many who tickle ears and move hearts and have spent lots of God’s monies to establish themselves, are discovered to be those who bellow out empty words from hollow hearts, void of the fruit of authentic Christ-likeness. These men are what Jude identified as “clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots.” (Jude 12) All this is being perpetrated while these people are drowning in the wealth they reap from God’s people, most of whom have no clue as to the disingenuous nature of this type of deceiver. These men, multitudes of whom operate in our midst, “by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” (Rom.16:18)
Doesn’t it seem like those who have no guile or malice in their hearts are most vulnerable to deception? Could this be due to the fact that it may seldom if ever enter such a pure mind that anyone would be operating according to an insidious, selfish, malicious agenda? The harmless heart many times cannot imagine someone could operate this way since such motives are not within themselves.
Is Silence Really Golden?
Refusing to sound the alarm by speaking out and warning others of Satan’s lies is paramount to being in league with the evil one! In such a case, does not Satan say, “Silence is Golden”?
Such unjust silence endangers the souls of others and will be brought to light in the Judgment.
On numerous occasions, Jesus audibly verbalized His righteous anger toward the Pharisees of His day and so are we called to do at times.
We should ask ourselves: Are we reasoning or seeking to simply obey what God told us to do? Who are we trying to please?
Those who expose false teaching and ministers do the work of God.
- “Behavior unchallenged is behavior condoned.” Unknown
Love that emanates from the LORD speaks the truth (Prov. 12:17; 16:6; Eph. 4:15).
The defense of the New Testament, apostolic faith, once given to the saints, will bring division and persecutions (2 Cor. 11:12-15; Gal. 1:9; Phil. 1:15-17). The enemy does not like his strongholds being plundered by the cannons of divine truth spoken by the LORD’s saints.
Jesus commanded HIS people to “JUDGE righteous judgment.” (John 7:24) And, He commanded us to know/discern others “BY THEIR FRUITS” and that’s exactly what we’re doing under the command of KING JESUS (Matthew 7:16, 20). Dare you interfere with HIS work and become His enemy? You are bidding Godspeed to evil doers, satan’s wolves in sheep’s clothing, and you will be judged with those enemies of Christ if you don’t repent (2 John 10-11).
When discernment and separation are enacted, a sharp sword of division seems to unfailingly separate the remnant from the tares (those who do not love the truth). The tares are those who live to gratify the fleshly lusts in the guise of being a real Christian (Rom. 6).
“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” Matthew 5:10-12
The returning LORD Himself is our reward, comfort, and consolation (Rev. 22:12; 2 Cor. 1:3-7).
The LORD dislikes when men are not strong in His truth and don’t stand for it and defend it:
“They are not valiant for the truth upon the earth.” Jeremiah 9:3
“…if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.” Hebrews 10:38
He actually equips and anoints men to preach and defend His truth – and sometimes this is in a violent fashion.
“But truly I am full of power by the spirit of the LORD, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin.” Micah 3:8
“Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings… I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass; And forgettest the LORD thy maker…” Isaiah 51:7, 12-13
Gospel workers are to be ever ready to “…reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” with “the Word.” (2 Tim. 4:2)
Naming Names? Is that Biblical?
Have you ever personally counted the people the apostle Paul marked by name in the book of 2 Timothy? Try it. Read 2 Timothy (4 chapters) and keep a count of the deceivers Paul identifies and names. You will find 8 men named by name as deceivers in 2 Timothy alone.
“Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly (selfish interests), and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.” Philippians 3:17-21
Saints, are we so naive as to believe that in our day there are no “enemies of the cross of Christ”? Not only are there Christ’s enemies in our day, the Bible foretold that just before the return of our LORD there would come a great falling away at the hands of these end-time predators who operate in the church world, many who are very famous ministers (2 Thess. 2:3; 1 Tim. 4; 2 Tim. 3-4; 1 Jn. 4:1-6).
There are some essential truths embedded and revealed here in this Bible text that are very important to know concerning these “enemies of the cross of Christ.” Let’s look at some:
- They are many (plentiful) not a few – “For many walk…”
- Paul repeatedly warned of deceivers – “I have told you often…”
- Paul warned with tears – “…now tell you even weeping…”
- These men pose as His servants but are actually His enemies – “they are the enemies of the cross of Christ”
- These men are going to hell unless they repent – “Whose end is destruction…”
- They serve themselves in ministry while supposedly representing Christ – “whose God is their belly (selfish interests)…”
- They revel in things they should be ashamed of – “whose glory is in their shame…”
- They speak affectionately of movies and other secular interests and tend to things of this fleeting world – “who mind earthly things…”
- These “ENEMIES of the cross of Christ” must be marked by the LORD’s remnant no matter what the cost (Rom. 16:17-18). We are mandated to “mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine” of Christ in order to protect the sheep of the LORD’s pasture.
Have you ever personally counted the people the apostle Paul marked in the book of 2 Timothy? Try it. Read 2 Timothy (4 chapters) and keep a count of the deceivers Paul identifies by name. You will find several men named by name as deceivers in 2 Timothy alone. When the Holy Spirit moved upon Paul to foretell that “evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived,” he also led him to name some of those “enemies of the cross” in his and previous days (Phil. 3:17-20). The naming of these men is for an eternal memorial of the just wrath of the Almighty upon those who defame His holy name through deception and false teaching (2 Pet. 2, 3; Jude). When reading the Old Testament especially, we see a Redeemer who will destroy the enemies of His people – because He loves His people (Isa. 49:25; 54:17, etc.). This is the protective love of the LORD.
SETTING THE BIBLICAL RECORD STRAIGHT
Here is the list of the 8 evil doers the great apostle was divinely inspired to justifiably identify by name in 2 Timothy – in order to protect God’s people:
- 1) Phygellus 1:15
- 2) Hermogenes 1:15
- 3) Hymenaeus 2:17
- 4) Philetus 2:17
- 5) Jannes 3:8
- 6) Jambres 3:8
- 7) Demas 4:10 (apostate)
- 8) Alexander the coppersmith 4:14
Note that Philetus was a false teacher who was teaching cancerous lies – false doctrines – and Paul said that the “word” Philetus was teaching will eat up the faith of believers like a cancer. – “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. 17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; 18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.” (2 Timothy 2:15-18)
It is interesting to observe here that in the same letter Paul names these names of beguilers, he also states:
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8
We readily gather here that naming names is an integral part of real New Testament ministry and those who obey can like this apostle of Jesus, be confident that they have completely fulfilled the will of God – “I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown.” In this text, the Holy Ghost says that the LORD is a “righteous judge.” I believe that those who mark deceivers in obedience to divine mandate, are going to be rewarded eternally for such obedience.
We see clearly here that fighting the good fight and finishing our course involves and includes marking deceivers.
Men of God today are mandated to do the same, yet only by the revelation of the Word of God. Marking people is commanded in the Bible (Rom. 16:17-18). If a public leader is teaching people falsehood, he is to be confronted and exposed. The fruit of truly repenting of teaching something that contradicts God’s Word is that the leader will publicly amend his way and doctrine.
Naming names must never be done recklessly or out of a personal vendetta, but only according to the Word and in the Spirit for the glory of God and protection of His beloved people.
We are instructed to rightly divide the Word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15). When Jesus’ disciples sought to call down fire from Heaven to destroy those who would not receive the Messiah into their town, the LORD rebuked them, and said, “Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” (Lk. 9:55-56) Jesus instructed us to “judge righteous judgment” and in this case He obviously counted the judgment of His disciples to be unrighteous instead of righteous (Jn. 7:24). Though sin also, unbelief of a group of lost people is obviously different than wolves who operate in disguise among His people in sheep’s clothing and deceive the sheep of His pasture. Of these the Word tells us that they have “crept in unawares” and “privily (secretly) shall bring in damnable heresies.” (2 Pet. 2:1; Jude 4) The “Great shepherd of the sheep” broods jealously over His beloved people and will smite the wolves who seek to devour His precious sheep (Ps. 23; 91; Matt. 23:37; Heb. 13:20; James 5:5-7). The same LORD who corrected His disciples for having a wrong spirit in trying to call down fire upon unbelievers also instructed those who serve Him to “mark” those who mislead His people and to “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” against the “certain men” who are “crept in unawares.” He told us that those men who would mislead His people “were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Jude 3-4) Concerning those who would mislead any one of His precious children, Jesus says that “it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” (Matt. 18:6)
WHAT IS SATAN’S FAVORITE VERSE TO TWIST AND MISUSE? ! ATTN Whining “judge not” Scripture twisters: Jesus was speaking of HYPOCRITICAL JUDGING in Matthew 7:1-5 and not all judging. READ the passage. Jesus commands His people to “JUDGE righteous judgment.” (John 7:24) – YOU need to get into the Word. You are a novice and are judging others for judging and therefore hypocritically breaking the very thing you are judging others for. Now, it’s time to repent, to get into and obey God’s Word which mandates that all false teachers and false teaching be exposed. You must die, to lay down your life and when you do, Jesus will embolden you to obey Him. If calling out, naming, and exposing false teachers is wrong judgment, Jesus and His apostles were sinning by often doing so. The LORD would have us to repent and “judge righteous judgment.” (John 7:24).
Those leaders who refuse to expose lies clearly reveal that they are operating in ministry for themselves and not the LORD. They are not protecting God’s sheep and are thereby disobeying the LORD. Identifying falsehoods and at times the people teaching them, is a protective measure to keep God’s people from being spoiled/deceived (Col. 1:27-2:8). By the way, this Bible topic like all others, does not hinge upon what you or I think should be done – BUT UPON WHAT THE LORD HAS CLEARLY TOLD US. So it is time to die to the self-life and all of its emotional affinities and sentiments and just DO the Word.
“For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar…” Romans 3:3-4
Note “Let God be true, but every man (including ourselves) a liar… ”
What makes people get upset when names of deceivers are mentioned? It’s biblical, so what are they stirred about? Are the scalded dogs barking? Are those who have made idols of these mere sinful men covering for them? What’s at stake?
Saints, naming names is a divine mandate. Naming names has its place in God’s economy. If one has a problem with that, let him argue with Him. It’s time to catch up with truth and begin to walk in it – seasoned with the protective love of Christ.
Taking offense because certain ministries name the false doctrine in the church world or even the names of false leaders just may be a matter of the heart. Perhaps we need to look within and beg the LORD to search us out and lead us in His way everlasting (Ps 139:23-24).
What does God say about this?
Who are we truly worshipping? Whom do we fear? Who do we seek to please? Upon whom are our affections set? If a person gets upset because their favorite limelight leader or pet pastor or prophet is identified by name as false, perhaps that person has an unnatural soul tie to that leader and his ministry. Is this not idolatry of the heart?
“Woe to the idol shepherd…” Zechariah 11:17
Friend, God’s kingdom is all about Jesus Christ and His eternal, unchanging Word, not any mere man or group of men (Mk. 13:31).
“I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.” Isaiah 42:8
Why Some Don’t Want to Expose
Could it be self-preservation? What is it that is behind the refusal of some to dispense God’s truth after He has clearly instructed us to do such? And on top of that, why is it that some who fear men and therefore refuse to identify and expose the false, exude an air of spiritual pride as if they are being “loving” by allowing people to remain under the dark shadow of false teaching while hiding the doctors of deception who espouse these falsehoods? How perverse a picture is this and how very absurd for some to believe they are being “loving” by hiding this soul-saving information!
Could it be that these are cloaking pride and self-preservation behind a pseudo “love”? God’s pure love rejoices in and speaks the truth – (Prov. 12:17; 1 Cor. 13:6; Eph. 4:15). When God’s love is truly made perfect in us, we will speak His truth in His love.
“He that speaketh truth showeth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.” Proverbs 12:17
Is it not personal and evil pride that is at the foundation of such thinking and inaction, cloaking itself in a false “love” that is not according to the constitution (Word, Counsel) of the One who is love?
Jesus told us He is the “truth” and the Word tells us that “God is love.” (Jn. 14:6; 1 Jn. 4:8, 16) These two attributes are equally a part of the divine character and an imbalance is the result of His people not acknowledging both. God’s method is to get to the root of our iniquities and purge them with His “mercy and truth.” Study Jeremiah 1:10 and Proverbs 16:6.
Do we realize what is at stake here?
“For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” 2 John 7-11
In case you were still wondering if what a person believes is important to their eternal destination, wonder no more. Let these sobering words of Holy Scripture grip your soul deeply:
“Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth (remains) not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God.” 2 John 9
“Let that therefore abide (remain) in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.” 1 John 2:24
Weakness, Disobedience, Self-love Masking Itself as Tolerance
“Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.” Leviticus 19:17
Here the LORD equates hating one’s brother to the neglect of rebuking and allowing sin to prosper in his life. The Bible tells us that “the wages of sin is death” and so to allow sin to prosper in our brethren is to hate them (Rom. 6:23). “Open rebuke is better than secret love” right? (Prov. 27:5-6) We should admonish, correct, and at times even rebuke each other for espousing unbiblical teachings and/or living in sin.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16
In Colossians 3:16 we are told to:
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly”
Handle the Word of God
- “in all wisdom”
- “teach and admonish one another”
- “singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord”
Hatred withholds truth that would otherwise set someone free as only the truth can do when communicated and adhered to (Jn. 8:31-32, 36). This applies not only to sin but also to loving our neighbor enough to wisely and lovingly attempt to guard him with truth from being deceived and drawn away from pure devotion to the One who died to save us.
Some of us act as if it is a Christian virtue to tolerate any and everything that comes down the pike – “every wind of doctrine” (Eph. 4:14). We mask our selfish preservation and self-idolatry behind a false “love” that has no reconciliation with Bible truth.
In his book Man to Man, Richard Halverson wrote:
“There are times when tolerance is not a virtue, but weakness. There is certainly no virtue in being tolerant if one holds no convictions, and it is not uncommon for the man who believes nothing, who speaks themost of tolerance, to be the most intolerant of one who really believes something. Jesus’ absolute intolerance of sin and error was in no way inconsistent with His love for men, even the sinner or the liar.” (p. 59)
Martin Luther said:
“I was born to fight devils and factions. It is my business to remove obstructions, to cut down thorns, to fill up quagmires, and to open and make straight paths. But if I must have some failing, let me rather speak the truth with too great severity than once to act the hypocrite and conceal the truth.”
When teachings that flood the church world would bring God’s people into spiritual deception, are speared and exposed, God will bless.
“Real valor consists not in being insensible to danger, but in being prompt to confront and disarm it.” ~ Sir Walter Scott
God rewards those who vigilantly expose His enemies, especially when He leads them to do so – and He certainly will lead His people to do so (Romans 16:16-18; Ephesians 5:11; Jude 3). The LORD can only use us inasmuch as we have His Word in our hearts. Thank God for the modern-day Jaels (Judges 5:24). Thank God for the valiant Phinehas’ of today who spear the sin of false doctrine. These are the resolute defenders of God’s glory who decisively deal with the evil corruption of the divine image in the minds and hearts of His people.
When lies are exposed with divine truth, God will bless (Num. 25; Judges 5:24-31).
When God’s love is truly made perfect in us, we will speak His truth with boldness and kindness (Eph. 4:15).
There is a “Difference”
Matthew 18:15-17 ….This passage is often misapplied. DOES Matthew 18:15-17 apply to wolves? No. Notice how He begins – “Moreover if thy brother (not a lost soul or wolf) shall trespass against thee…” What Jesus was teaching us in Matthew 18:15-17 is for the members of His body exclusively. Wolves are Satan’s plants to deceive His body and not members His body but rather ministers of Satan (2 Corinthians 11:12-15).
“Moreover if thy brother (not a lost soul or wolf) shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.” Matthew 18:15-17
As we discern we are then responsible to expose our findings to others (1 Tim. 4:6, 16).
“And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean. And in controversy they shall stand in judgment; and they shall judge it according to my judgments: and they shall keep my laws and my statutes in all mine assemblies; and they shall hallow my sabbaths.” Ezekiel 44:23-24
Discernment is not condemnation. Discernment is simply the ability and act of distinguishing between holy and unholy, true and false.
Jesus Christ condemned hypocritical judgment, and commanded “righteous judgment.” (Matt.7:1-5; Jn. 7:24)
Speaking of those who follow Him, the LORD tells us here in Ezekiel 44:23 that “They shall teach my people the difference” – to discern between “holy and profane” and “unclean and clean.” The love of God which abides in true under-shepherds, is protective and trains others to discern and be guarded from the mischief intended upon them by the evil one who works through deceivers disguised in sheep’s clothing and their teachings.
Naivety is not a virtue in God’s kingdom, it is a curse.
Our LORD instructed us to pray for and obtain discernment and 1 John tells us to test every spirit and to not blindly receive and believe every person who comes in the name of Jesus because “many (not a few) false prophets are gone out among you.” (Rev. 3:18; 1 Jn. 4:1; Matt. 24:11)
The Bible speaks of the overseer as one who must “Take care of the church of God.” (1 Tim. 3:5) According to Proverbs 27:23, the overseer of the sheep of God’s pasture must be diligent to know the state of his flocks and to look well (oversee closely with the jealous love of God) to his herds.
“Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.” Proverbs 27:23
He should diligently look out over the horizon for wolves coming in to devour the LORD’s sheep with their deadly lies. All doctrinal error must be met with the full force of divine truth by those who love Him. Divine truth is the safety of the believer in abiding in Christ to the end (Prov. 30:5).
Discernment is simply the dividing of truth from error, relying fully upon God’s Word, which is the final authority for all matters concerning the faith once delivered to the saints (Mk. 13:31; Jn. 10:35; 2 Tim. 3:16; Jude 3-4). When the believer studies to show himself approved unto God, he will then be able to “rightly” divide “the word of truth” from error (2 Tim. 2:15).
In the Scriptures, the Holy Ghost divides between “the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.” One of the earmarks of the “spirit of antichrist” and the foretold “many false prophets” is that “the world heareth them.” Those under the “spirit of antichrist” do not endure sound doctrine, they cannot hear it – instead they rebel. These love darkness rather than light. See John 3:19-21; 8:47; 2 Timothy 4:2-4; 1 John 4:1-6. These are those leaders and followers who purposely affirm instead of rebuking their sinful nature (2 Tim. 4:2-4). We must discern those deceivers who affirm people in their sins by not declaring God’s holiness, the biblical definition of sin, and the essential nature of repentance.
When Solomon became king, he was asked what he desired from the LORD.
“In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee…(Solomon answered) Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.” 1 Kings 3:5, 9-10
Solomon wisely chose to covet from the LORD the ability to “discern between good and bad.” The Bible records that this request “pleased the Lord.”
Shouldn’t discernment be what we covet from our LORD in this late hour where we have been told to watch closely for deceivers? – “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy…” (1 Tim. 4:1-2)
Discernment is sought out and then taught to others by leaders who are true to the LORD (Ezek. 44:23). They are ever diligent to feed and guard “the flock of God” from the spiritual rabies of the promised wolves who “lie in wait to deceive.” (1 Pet. 5; Eph. 4: 14)
Check out the state of the people of God in Isaiah’s day, when wolf packs had hijacked the positions of authority, designed to be occupied by men who authentically feared God.
“The Lord GOD which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather others to him, beside those that are gathered unto him. All ye beasts of the field, come to devour, yea, all ye beasts in the forest. His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.” Isaiah 56:8-10
Do we think that our day is altogether different from Isaiah’s when the leaders of the people were self-serving, “blind… ignorant…dumb dogs…sleeping, lying down” and “loving to slumber”?
At the helm, insidiously guiding the Church into deep darkness, are men who have only an outward form or formula of godliness, yet are not submitted under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
“Wolves” and “beasts of the field” must be marked so that “his people, and the sheep of his pasture” can be warned, be wise to them and able to stay out of harm’s way (Matt. 7:15; Ps. 100:3).
“Warn Them from Me”
“So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me.” Ezekiel 33:7
God told Israel that its leaders “are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.” (Isa. 56:10)
A watchdog instinctively sounds the alarm by barking. What should be instinctive is now asleep in the hearts of those in leadership who have slipped away from their first love. Because of this, they do not warn the people of God of the many dangers that are lurking and being openly taught in the church world.
The Ancient of Days told His prophet Jeremiah:
“I have set thee for a tower and a fortress among my people, that thou mayest know and try (test) their way.” Jeremiah 6:27
“Like People, Like Priest”
“And there shall be, like people, like priest: and I will punish them for their ways, and reward them their doings.” Hosea 4:9
It appears that the influence of priest and people works both ways. Although the leaders will bear the greatest responsibility, the influence seems to work in both directions. Leaders and non-leaders within the realm of professing Christendom will be rewarded according to their adherence to the clear will of God (Hos. 4:9-11; Matt. 15:14; Prov. 29:12; Isa. 9:16, 24:1-11).
To the one who has never heard a balanced diet of God’s Word, including love, judgment, discernment and correction, the person who exposes may automatically be viewed as judgmental. Someone who exposes is seen by regular churchgoers, who have been conditioned under a soft and incomplete false gospel, as judgmental, divisive, etc. This is only because their pastors are doing NOTHING to protect them from the MANY deceptions that abound in the church world. This is sad. Who is really at fault?
According to the biblical record, the defense of the faith should be a regular part of New Testament Christianity. Paul stated:
“I am set for the defence of the gospel.” Philippians 1:17
Or, perhaps they have heard some who “expose” and realize that they themselves (the exposers) are needing to expose their own self-righteous, pride-filled Pharisaical hearts before seeking to get the speck out of another’s eye (Matt. 7:1-6). Nonetheless, the defense of the faith is a biblical, essential, and regular part of New Testament Christianity, which all believers should be as actively engaged in as Paul was.
Due to his ceaseless intercessory praying for the LORD’s people, James, the brother of our LORD and human author of the book of James, was called “The Just” and “The safeguard of the people.” As a martyr, James died at the hands of antichrist religious zealots, but not before he set the example of diligently seeking to protect God’s flock as every servant-leader is called to do – to be “set for the defence of the gospel.” (Phil. 1:17)
Paul Marked Alexander the Coppersmith
“Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words. At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.” 2 Timothy 4:14-16
Paul told the brethren to “be thou ware” of “Alexander the coppersmith” who “did me much evil.” Note here that the apostle Paul warned these believers to beware of someone he named and who had done him “much evil.” Today when someone dares to do as Paul did in this instance, they are accused of being “judgmental.” Instead, we tolerate what God never intended us to. Paul marked several men by name in his two letters to Timothy alone.
The apostle warned the believers of those who worked against the true work of the Gospel.
Beloved, you may be being tempted in your thinking to pander to the sinful nature of men, instead of leading them to the Fountain of Living Waters by showing them, by divine strength, grace and Word, their need to understand what He stated. Now is the time to submit all to the LORD and to accept that we are called to suffer as He did (Phil. 1:29; 1 Pet. 4:1, 2, 12). We are not our own, but bought with the very price of His blood and should be willing to say with Christ, “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” (Lk. 22:42)
Our own will must be laid down and His given total reign. This is what He has called us to beloved.
- “It is not a difficult matter to learn what it means to delight ourselves in the LORD. It is to live so as to please Him, to honor everything we find in His Word, to do everything the way He would like to have it done, and for Him.” ~ S. Maxwell Coder
Defending the faith is a standard and vital part of the Christian life. The faith must be defended by its adherents. We must die to self-isms and obey the One we claim to serve.
Friend, when you create your own Universe, you can then decide what the rules are, but until then, those who claim to know Christ are to submit our lives to Him fully and simply follow His clear directions.
We must mature and realize that exposing false teaching and teachers has always been and will always be an integral, essential and regular occupation of New Testament Christianity and the responsibility of Christ’s disciples of all ages.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please strengthen my heart with the might of Your Holy Spirit. LORD Jesus You must increase in my life and I decrease. Please break me and make me LORD and cause me to wisely discern while walking in the Spirit. May I be dead to the self life and reputation and fully obedient to walk in Your eternal truth, including being ready to answer your call to expose those doctrines which are contrary to Your holy Word. Lead me my LORD Jesus and allow this to be done in Your love. Please protect Your people Jesus and turn men’s hearts back to Yourself. Bless Your body to see and live in Your Spirit and holy, eternal truth. I love You Jesus. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Part 2 Below
Abiding
WHY were 24,000 of God’s People Killed at Peor? [podcast]
“Baal was most often portrayed as a strong warrior and was considered the god of storms and fertility. He was said to rule from his palace atop Mount Zaphon, the highest peak in Syria. Baal is referenced several times in the Bible’s Old Testament, where he is depicted as the main rival of the god of the Israelites.”
We must understand that God is severe in His judgment of rebels of which there are “many” who claim they are saved. Eternal damnation awaits all rebels (Matthew 7:13-23, etc.).
“Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.” Romans 11:22
DIVINE JUDGMENT, the “severity of God,” IS NOT GOING AWAY JUST BECAUSE YOU OR SOME FAKE PREACHER IGNORES IT!
Christians avoid doing as did the Israelites when they worshipped baal by worshipping the LORD, the Father and Jesus Christ “in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:23-24; 1 Corinthians 8:6; 1 John 1:3) This begins with fresh and complete repentance, confession of all sin, and denouncing of all dependence, idolatry, all pagan practices like yoga and mantra chanting, etc., and by understanding that truly worshiping the LORD, the one true God, is based on sincere loyalty to Him and not to get things from Him like success or possession in this fleeting world. The heart of the disciple of Jesus must be circumcised perpetually and this is happening as we examine our hearts for idols, the daily crucified life, living a life of prayer, setting boundaries against temptations, and being wholly accountable to the LORD, while avoiding syncretism (mixing pagan rituals with Christian practice) and prioritizing God’s Word.
Deuteronomy 4:1-10
24,000 of God’s own people, men, departed from obeying the instruction, the standard, the Word of God and were destroyed. They partook in the soul damning sin of fornication.
“Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you. 2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you. 3 Your eyes have seen what the LORD did because of Baalpeor: for all the men that followed Baalpeor, the LORD thy God hath destroyed them from among you. 4 But ye that did cleave unto the LORD your God are alive every one of you this day. 5 Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. 6 Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. 7 For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for? 8 And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? 9 Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons; 10 Specially the day that thou stoodest before the LORD thy God in Horeb, when the LORD said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children.” Deuteronomy 4:1-10
Departing from the pure Word of God always leads to sinful living as was the case with 24,000 of God’s people’s worship at Baal Peor.
“And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” Luke 4:4
In Deuteronomy 4, Moses warns God’s people not to change or depart from the LORD’s Word and brings up the example, reminds the people of God’s judgment upon 24,000 of His own people for doing so (Numbers 25).
Of the worship of Baal-Peor, one writer notes:
“Yet what was this worship of Baal-Peor and why did it draw such wrath from God? Baal-Peor is a Moabite god who was worshipped with obscene rituals. The name means ‘Lord of the Opening’ from Baal meaning owner/ husband and Peor coming from pa’ar meaning ‘open wide.’ ‘I found Israel Like grapes in the wilderness; I saw your fathers As the firstfruits on the fig tree in its first season. But they went to Baal Peor, And separated themselves to that shame; They became an abomination like the thing they loved.’ (Hosea 9:10) The worship of Baal-Peor IS an abomination. Notice that those who join themselves to Baal-Peor also ‘become’ an abomination before the Lord.”
Every person who has an idol, just one, has demons (Deuteronomy 32:17; 1 Corinthians 10:19-21). Repent now. Follow Jesus.
In Deuteronomy 4:3, Moses brings back to the memory of God’s people the judgment that fell upon the 24,000 of His own people for their idolatry and fornication. This idolatrous abomination is recorded in Numbers 25.
“And, behold, one of the children of Israel came and brought unto his brethren a Midianitish woman in the sight of Moses, and in the sight of all the congregation of the children of Israel, who were weeping before the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. 7 And when Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, saw it, he rose up from among the congregation, and took a javelin in his hand; 8 And he went after the man of Israel into the tent, and thrust both of them through, the man of Israel, and the woman through her belly. So the plague was stayed from the children of Israel. 9 And those that died in the plague were twenty and four thousand.” Numbers 25:6-9
Dear reader, camp out on Numbers 25, the whole chapter. Your life is not complete without this vital component of divine truth.
Of Baal, one source notes:
Baal was a major ancient West Semitic storm and fertility god, meaning “lord” or “master,” prominent in Canaanite and Phoenician cultures, associated with rain, thunder, and agriculture, and often depicted with a thunderbolt. He was seen as a powerful deity, central to life, but became a focal point of biblical opposition as Israel’s worship of him (linked to lust and sometimes child sacrifice) was seen as idolatry against God, culminating in Elijah’s famous challenge on Mount Carmel. In later demonology, Baal (or Bael) is a powerful archdemon, and the name appears in various modern media as a demon or powerful entity.
In Ancient Religions
- Identity: A powerful god of fertility, weather (rain, lightning, wind), war, and kingship, often identified with the storm god Hadad.
- Worship: Widespread in the Levant (Canaan, Phoenicia) and beyond, with temples and rituals often involving cultic prostitution and sometimes human sacrifice, especially during droughts.
- Mythology: Key myths involve his battles with the sea god Yamm and the god of death Mot, representing natural cycles, and his dwelling on Mount Zaphon.
- Biblical Conflict: The Bible portrays Baal worship as a major temptation for Israelites, a rival to God, whose priests (including those of the Phoenician goddess Asherah/Astarte) were famously confronted by Elijah.
In Demonology & Culture
- Demon: In demonology, Bael (Baal) is a powerful archdemon, often the first of the three kings of Hell in grimoires, associated with invisibility and wisdom.
- Modern Media: The name appears in many forms, from Diablo and Dungeons & Dragons (Bhaal/Bael) to anime like Gundam and Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun, often as a powerful demon or god.”
Not one of us has lived perfectly holy and yet, at this moment in time, some will choose to truly repent and confess their sins and others will refuse (Proverbs 28:13). Eternity depends on true repentance which always, without fail, yields a changed life, a holy life (Matthew 3:7-10; Luke 13:3).
“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16
These 24,000 Israelites were slain for their sin. God is still holy and “The wages of sin” is still death (Romans 6:23; Ezekiel 18:4).
“The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” Ezekiel 18:4
Zimri, a Simeonite (of the tribe of Simeon) was the Israelite whom Phinehas, grandson of Aaron, did slay for his utterly audacious display of sin, having brought the fornication in the middle of the camp of God’s people and even into the midst of their worship (Numbers 25:6, 14).
The great apostle brings this very incident to account 1 Corinthians 10:1-12 and warns New Testament saints never to partake lest they also be destroyed. The sins Paul cites form the natural acronym L.I.F.T.M. = lust, idolatry, fornication, tempting Christ, murmuring.
5 Soul Damning Sins Named! Learning from History! [podcast]
The spear of Phinehas must begin with ourselves – as we truly repent, lay down our lives in this world, and cut off the hand, pluck out the eye of any sin in our lives. The conscious eternal suffering, the severity of eternal judgment coming on any person who dies in sin is most profoundly declared by the Son of God Mark 9:43-49. Many of the new fake “bibles” removed this important passage.
The new “bibles” have lowered the standard and weakened many by their changing of God’s Word which Moses specifically warns us of in this main text, Deuteronomy 4.
“For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” Revelation 22:18-19
Departing from the Word of God, not obeying God on His stated terms, is the sure way to be weakened, destroyed, here and eternally. The LORD speaks often in His Word about this.
“Thus saith the LORD; Stand in the court of the LORD’S house, and speak unto all the cities of Judah, which come to worship in the LORD’S house, all the words that I command thee to speak unto them; diminish not a word:” Jeremiah 26:2
Each Man is Choosing to Drink from One Cup or the Other
Baal was ultimately Satan himself and involved things like sacrificing ones own child in exchange for being blessed by this false good. Jesus informed us that Satan has come “to steal, to kill, and to destroy.” (John 10:10).
As was the case at Baal Peor, Satan is behind every idol and so all idolatry is the worship of Satan.
“What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? 20 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. 21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils. 22 Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?” 1 Corinthians 10:19-22
This passage above is speaking of the Baal Peor event and also to the temptation of Satan and his children today. Baal worship is alive and well today, calling God’s people to worship at the altar of devils, to partake is vile atrocities that separate one to Satan and away from the LORD. “No man can serve two masters” and anyone living in sin is not serving the one, true, holy LORD and Savior (Matthew 6:24)
“They joined themselves also unto Baalpeor, and ate the sacrifices of the dead. 29 Thus they provoked him to anger with their inventions: and the plague brake in upon them. 30 Then stood up Phinehas, and executed judgment: and so the plague was stayed. 31 And that was counted unto him for righteousness unto all generations for evermore.” Psalms 106:28-31
One writer notes:
“Baal Peor, or the Baal of Peor, was a local deity worshiped by the Moabites. When the Israelites, following Moses to the Promised Land, were in the vicinity of Peor, some of them fell into idolatry and worshiped Baal Peor. As a result of their sin, the men of Israel were judged by God.”
Baal Peor consisted of the worship of a false god, Satan, and fornication. Satan is behind the worship of all idols and such idolatry is filled with his devils/demons (1 Corinthians 10:19-22).
Modern day types of Baal Peor are the pornography, strip clubs, and everything in our society that has to do with any form of fornication. Movie and media are filled with such evil. The 24,000 who were destroyed in Moses day (Numbers 25), departed from the Word of God and the standards set forth there for holiness and the divine prohibition of sex outside of marriage between one man and one woman (1 Thessalonians 4:1-8). Read Deuteronomy 4 and Numbers 25 side by side.
“Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. 2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: 4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; 5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: 6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. 7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. 8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.” 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
Before their blunder at Peor, after God brought them out of Egypt (the world), Israel was innocent. Judgment, destruction ensued their sin of all who participated. Today, we can witness that many who once worshipped God with a pure heart, have now turned away to the worship of idols involving fornication of all kinds. Those who would rebuke these backsliders could be liked unto Phinehas.
“I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness; I saw your fathers as the firstripe in the fig tree at her first time: but they went to Baalpeor, and separated themselves unto that shame; and their abominations were according as they loved.” Hosea 9:10
“I found Israel – The Lord speaks of himself in the person of a traveler, who unexpectedly in the wilderness finds a vine loaded with grapes; such love did God bear to Israel. Your fathers – Whom I brought out of Egypt. As the first – ripe – As the earliest ripe fruit of the fig – tree, which is most valued and desired. Separated themselves – Consecrated themselves to that shameful idol. Their abominations – Their idols, and way of worshipping them. As they loved – As they fancied.” John Wesley
Deuteronomy 4, Numbers 25, and 1 Corinthians 10 speak of the same event – the sin of God’s people in Baal worship at Peor and the consequent divine judgment that fell upon 24,000 of them. This is an eternal memorial for the judgment of God against all sin, namely idolatry and fornication.
“What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? 20 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. 21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils. 22 Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?” 1 Corinthians 10:19-22
“To abstain from idol feasts was the clear duty of all Christians. By partaking of heathen sacrifices which were offered to demons, they became one with the demons and their votaries; just as in the Lord’s Supper we show our oneness not only with the Savior but with each other. It was clear, therefore, that the Corinthian Christians could not consistently partake of idol feasts and the Lord’s Supper. What an incentive is given here to frequent and reverent participation in the Lord’s Supper! It proclaims our union with Him and His people, and it gives us a distaste for all that is alien to its spirit.” FB Meyer
Those who depart from the standards set forth in God’s Word separate themselves to idols, to devils and are under divine judgment from the unchanging God (Malachi 3:6).
The Examples of Phinehas and Jael
Perhaps we can liken what Phinehas did in spearing the sin out of the camp of God’s people, with those who call His people to worship Him in Spirit and in truth and according to His pure, uncorrupted Word (Numbers 25:10-18; Psalms 12:6-7; Proverbs 30:5-6; Revelation 22:18-19). Phinehas boldly, courageously in the fear of God stood up and stamped out sin in the camp. The judgment ended. Those who stand and boldly, fearlessly declared the Word of God and call out sin among God’s people, are the Phinehas’ of our day. Do we have a Phinehas priesthood in our midst?
“Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? or who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?” Psalms 94:16
In Job 4:21-22; 5:24-27 we read about another bless-ed patriarch of the faith who stood up, who rose up against sin, slaying a wicked king.
In both the cases of Phinehas and Jael, these biblical accounts make specific record that the LORD greatly blessed these faithful followers of His, and their families, and He will do the same today for His true bold witnesses who stand against the evil of this late hour.
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Apostasy
The Result of Real Repentance [podcast]
“They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” Titus 1:16
WE DON’T NEED JUST ANOTHER “CHURCH SERVICE” OR “SERMON,” WE NEED TO REPENT AND WHEN WE REALLY DO, WE WILL OBEY GOD—OTHERWISE WE DIDN’T TRULY REPENT.
“In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
4 And the same John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.
5 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,
6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.” Matthew 3:1-12
“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” 2 Corinthians 13:5
When we repent – re-turn to God: Do we want to see who has truly repented, beginning with the examining of ourselves?
- We will be washed afresh from our sins and have “times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord.” (Acts 3:19)
- We will forsake our lives in this fleeting world, deny self, take up the cross daily and follow Jesus (Luke 9:23-24; 14:33; 17:33).
- We will live holy “in this present world.” (Titus 2:11-14; 1 Peter 1:15-16)
- We will be about our “Father’s business” and not our own – the Great Commission He gave us (Luke 2:49; Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20).
Forsaking All?
What does that mean?
“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:33
One must be willing and obedient to put aside religion and familial bonds to follow Christ, or he will not and “cannot be my disciple” says the LORD. Non-negotiable. If Jesus Christ is not first place, first priority of your life, you are a hell bound counterfeit who shall suffer the flames of eternal justice, damnation (Mark 9:43-49).
Jesus says:
“He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” Matthew 10:37
Repent. Turn wholly to the LORD, putting all of your trust in the LORD your God, who “is a jealous God.” Jesus Christ is the name of the only LORD and Savior!
“For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:” Exodus 34:14
Jesus says He will “spue,” vomit, reject anyone who dies without Him being their very “first love” their “first” priority—and talk is cheap (Revelation 2:4-5; 3:15-16).
“Psalm 51 is our perfect model of repentance and restoration in the Lord! God forgave the beloved David because of his honest prayer of repentance and restored to him the joy of his salvation!” Karen Cochran
Times of Refreshing from the Presence of the LORD – Fresh Start with God
Spanish Content on SafeGuardYourSoul
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Apostasy
BEWARE of the Wolf Defenders [podcast]
A DANGEROUS BREED OF HYPOCRITE!
Truth-Despising, Wolf-Worshiping,
Devil-Defending Agents of Satan who Think they are Saved (think again!)
Walking in God’s love can never be separated from walking in God’s truth! They are divinely, eternally married! Don’t you dare claim to be walking in God’s love if you are not speaking God’s truth (Ephesians 4:15; Proverbs 27:5-6).
The true man of God fears God and therefore fears no man. He will speak the truth no matter what the cost.
“When you want to help people, you tell them the truth. When you want to help yourself, you tell them what they want to hear.” Thomas Sowell
MORAL cowards are self-serving and deceitful. When THEY want something to be true, they ignore God’s Word and want to argue to defend their position instead of dying to self and believing and living by the WORD of God. Repent sinner. “Let God be true and EVERY man a liar” (Romans 3:4).
Jesus says, “Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God” (Luke 16:15).
If you seek to justify sinners against the counsel of God’s Word, you are not a man of truth but rather a self-serving moral coward who seeks to justify sinners instead of loving them enough to give them the truth so they can be saved. Repent sinner.
“He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.” Proverbs 17:15
Judge not those who “judge righteous judgment”! (John 7:24)
“Today’s church cannot remain faithful if it tolerates false teachers and leaves their teachings uncorrected and unconfronted.” Albert Mohler
The JUDGE has spoken in a book called THE BIBLE. He’s calling us to pay attention when we read it. His written WORD records for us HIS judgments – the judgments of the Judge. So, the lame misuse of the “judge not” scripture is a cover up from novices to justify their worship of wolves who feed their flesh nature instead of telling them God requires them to live the crucified life (Matthew 7:1-5; Philippians 3:18-19; 2 Timothy 4:2-4; 2 Peter 2:1-3; 2 John 10-11, etc.).
Jesus says “Judge righteous judgment” and the only way to do that is call the shots like He does in His written Word – beginning with our own lives and out from there (John 7:24). YES GOD is the Judge and THE JUDGE HAS SPOKEN His judgments in the 66 glorious books in the canon of His Word. So there are no excuses. We shall be judged by His Word, the Bible (John 12:48; Romans 2:16; Revelation 20:10-15).
“The word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” John 12:48
YES, God is the Judge and THE JUDGE HAS SPOKEN – it’s called the BIBLE. We have HIS judgments on record in the Bible. Now let’s repent and cease the smokescreens to evade truly repenting! See John 3:19-21.
ATTENTION: The LORD calls His people to mark and to expose His enemies and not defend or support them! Those who prop up, support, follow, and defend the obvious wolves operating among the professing church only do so due to their own refusal to study to show themselves approved before a holy God (2 Timothy 2:15). It’s time to get immersed in the Word!
WARNING: YOU’D BETTER MAKE SURE YOU AREN’T COVERING FOR AND DEFENDING ONE OF THE “MANY FALSE PROPHETS” JESUS REPEATEDLY WARNED US TO “BEWARE OF” (Matthew 7:15; 24:11, 24, etc.). IF YOU DO, YOU WILL GO TO HELL WITH THEM!
Isn’t it so hypocritically interesting how those who misuse Jesus’ word “Judge not” and how they don’t think twice to condemn you for supposedly condemning others? So, they are telling you not to judge (out of context) while they openly judge you. SMH at these blinded hypocrites. In Matthew 7:1-5 Jesus was speaking of hypocritical judgment, not all judgment! Stop taking Jesus’ words out of context!
The kingdom of God is not dictated by any mere human’s emotions or notions. Let’s live by God’s Word saints.
LIKE IT OR NOT, it is the divine mandate and duty of the members of Christ’s body to “earnestly contend for the faith once delivered to the saints” against “ungodly men” who are false teachers. Read Jude 3-4. The divine mandate to mark false teachers is none of your business or mine! God didn’t ask you before He spoke and commanded that these things be done. This kingdom of God is not relegated to you or me, nor our flimsy musings. We live by God’s Word and not someone’s emotions or un-sanctified whims (Colossians 2:8). Do we not understand that God wants to protect His sheep? The kingdom of God is about KING JESUS, not you! It’s time to die to self!
SUPPORTING WOLVES (Christ’s very subverting enemies) will land you in hell with them according to God’s Word.
Those who try to shut down warnings are simply afraid they are the next ones to be exposed! Repent! John 3:19-21
Counterfeits defend their wolves while true remnant disciples of Jesus are “set for the defence of the gospel” as was Paul the apostle (Philippians 1:17).
Tina McGovern writes:
“It is astounding and amazes me every time people defend these actions and condemn the actions of the righteous who hold to the truth clearly brought forward in Scriptures. But…as we know…it takes false followers to follow false teachers and false prophets…all in hopes of being extravagantly rich to spend it on their lusts. It’s like manipulating the mind to feel free to lust guiltlessly. Dear Lord, You alone know who are Yours. In your great mercy make a way where there appears to be no way, to deliver those who are deceived and fallen captive to the deceiver. Deliver them to the uttermost.”
JOIN THE CHORUS with the remnant of Christ’s elect … by openly shining the light of truth on the false teachings and teachers of our day who are being used of Satan to lead millions to eternal damnation (Isaiah 9:16; Matthew 15:14). This is not a game! The apostle Paul said he was “set for the defence of the gospel” and Jude mandated that we “earnestly contend for the faith once delivered to the saints” against “ungodly men” (Philippians 1:17; Jude 3-4). When we look at what the whole of Scripture tells us about wolves among us and their mission (steal, kill, destroy), we may see a different picture. We will see them as the very agents of Satan we are told they are (2 Corinthians 11:12-15). The books Deceivers and False Prophets Among Us and Predators in Our Pulpits were written to showcase a myriad of shunned and purposely neglected Bible verses about wolves and their characteristics and methods.
The “Great Shepherd of the sheep” (Heb. 13:20) fully intends to protect the sheep He died for and part of that protection comes from His body/watchmen’s warnings. “Warn them from me” (Ezekiel 3:7).
THE LORD’S WATCHMEN are on their posts and doing exactly what they are supposed to be doing – warning. “So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me.” (Ezekiel 33:7)
In fact, if the watchman doesn’t sound the alarm, warning of danger, he is guilty before God.
“But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman’s hand.” Ezekiel 33:6
Ernie Collins writes:
“WOE UNTO THE FOOLISH WHO CONTINUE TO BE DECEIVED WITH GREAT DECEPTION OF FALSE TEACHERS AND PREACHERS; FOR THEY WILL SURELY FACE THE GREAT JUDGMENT AND WRATH WITH THE LAKE OF FIRE FOR THEIR FOOLISHNESS. A DIRE WARNING WITH GREAT CONSEQUENCES FOR ALL FALSE TEACHERS AND PREACHERS: JEREMIAH 23:1-2 (KJV) AUTHORIZED EDITION BIBLE:
1: WOE BE UNTO THE PASTORS THAT DESTROY AND SCATTER THE SHEEP OF MY PASTURE! SAITH THE LORD.
2: THEREFORE THUS SAITH THE LORD GOD OF ISRAEL AGAINST THE PASTORS THAT FEED MY PEOPLE; YE HAVE SCATTERED MY FLOCK, AND DRIVEN THEM AWAY, AND HAVE NOT VISITED THEM: BEHOLD, I WILL VISIT UPON YOU THE EVIL OF YOUR DOINGS, SAITH THE LORD.” ERNIE COLLINS
The LORD told us that He is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). Yet, He will not save any person who freely chooses to give ear to, to support, to fund, and/or defend His enemies (2 Chronicles 19:2; 2 John 7-11, etc.). Such is high treason.
Does Satan have agents? Yes (2 Cor. 11:12-15). And, who would want to defend those emissaries except those who are also Satan’s agents? JUST WHO would want Satan’s emissaries to continue to mislead people? Who? Who other than those who are also Satan’s property due to their unrepentant hearts? Do you recall how Satan entered into one of Jesus’ own twelve? See John 13:27.
So who can prove by Scripture or even common sense that protection via warning is a sin? Who can show that it’s God’s mandate and His will for His body to do?
“Judge righteous judgment” (John 7:24). When you attack someone for judging, you are judging them. If there is no judgment/discernment, why are you judging someone for judging? You are doing exactly what you are accusing them of doing (Romans 2:1-3). Jesus says: “Ye shall know (Gr. discern) them BY THEIR FRUITS” (Matthew 7:16, 20).
Charles Kennon writes:
“‘Judge Not’…One of the most misunderstood and improperly applied verses in the Bible. Few read the entirety of this portion of Scripture thus understanding that Jesus was not condemning righteous judgment but rather rebuking men for hypocritical judgment.
Be not deceived my friend, WE ALL JUDGE…The question is this; By what STANDARD do we Judge? By God’s Word or by what seems right to US. Here is a touchstone by which you can examine yourself. Those who are of God employ the phrase ‘Judge not’ in a DIDACTIC manner to properly instruct others in the way (Matthew 7:1-5). Those who are not of God employ ‘Judge not’ in a DEFENSIVE manner to evade the truth and justify themselves when the light of God’s Word uncovers or confronts them in their sin (Genesis 19:9).”
Jesus says “Judge righteous judgment” (John 7:24). Paul wrote “do not ye judge them that are within?” (1 Corinthians 5:12).
MESSAGE RECEIVED:
“God is the only one can judge everyone. He will judge you also guys. Be careful of what you are saying. Anyway your judgment isn’t going to change anything. It conveys hatred and not Christian love. We will be judged with the same measure.”
RESPONSE:
1. Is God the Judge? Yes or no? 2. Did God, the Judge, speak? Do you know about the Book called the Holy Bible? THAT is God’s judgments and He, the Judge, told us that all idolaters are going to hell (Rev 21:8). All who reject Christ for their religion, like Teresa, are not forgiven and going to hell. The Judge has spoken – from Genesis to Revelation. It’s time to repent, fast and pray, until you fear no one except the LORD. At that point He will grant you a fearlessness to preach His Word, regardless of how mere sinful men respond (Is. 51:7, 12; Gal. 1:10). This person you are defending is a sinful woman who refused to repent and be saved by the grace of God through Christ alone. She promoted an antichrist, works-based religion her whole life. The Bible assures us that every false teacher will have eternal “damnation” (2 Peter 2:1-3.) You have no clue what love is. You going to call JESUS CHRIST unloving for openly lambasting the false leaders of His day and telling them they were going to hell? Read Matt 23. Repent. “Open rebuke is better than secret love. 6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful” (Proverbs 27:5-6). You are in direct disobedience to the LORD by not earnestly contending against His enemies and marking and exposing them (Rom. 16:17-18; Ephesians 5:11; Jude 3-4, etc.). Repent and follow Jesus by exposing false leaders! (Matt, 23, etc.). While feigning to love Jesus, you are defending one of the false prophets He repeatedly warned us about who spent her life leading precious souls away from Him and into eternal hell. Repent.
Since when is warning Christ’s sheep of the devouring wolves hateful? Since when is such judgmental? It’s only wrong in the eyes of those who are biblically illiterate. They have time to watch TV, listen to clowns like Osteen, etc. and no time to diligently study God’s Word. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). DO YOU warn your children when they are young to stay away from the street? Yes. Why? TO PROTECT THEM. How hateful would you be NOT to teach them to stay clear of danger?
So, are you saying the apostle Paul was being unloving and judgmental when he said this to a false prophet? – “And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?” (Acts 13:10).
You are attempting to selfishly protect and defend those who have told you everything’s okay without repenting (tickled your ears while flattering your flesh). They make you feel good now but you will hurt forever unless you truly repent and lay down your life and truly follow Christ – become HIS disciple. When you do, you will forsake the false Christs and idols.
As the Holy Ghost foretold, false prophets in this late hour are very popular because most would rather listen to feel good, tell-me-what-I-want-to-hear stories than “endure (hold themselves accountable to) sound doctrine.” But rather are “turned unto fables” which are feel-good, it’s all about ME stories (2 Timothy 4:2-4).
“WHO HATH BEWITCHED YOU? THE LORD SAYS COME LET US REASON TOGETHER.CHOOSE THIS DAY WHOM YOU WILL SERVE. TRUTH CUTS AWAY AT THE FLESH, YES THE FLESH AND GUESS WHAT? IT HURTS NOW DOESN’T IT? BUT SHALL WE PLEASE MAN?(GOD FORBID) OR GOD? THIS IS THE PROBLEM WITH ALL THESE APOSTATES, THEY DELIVER A SELF SERVING, GOOD FEELING, EAR TICKING, DOCTRINE OF DEVILS! JESUS CHRIST SAID TO DENY OURSELVES AND PICK UP OUR CROSSES AND FOLLOW HIM.NOT MAN! BUT THIS IS PRECISELY WHAT THEY PREACH, NOT TO READ THE WORD AND NOT REPENTANCE AND NOT BAPTISM OF THE HOLY GHOST. O GOD, FORGIVE THEM THAT REFUSE YOUR TRUTH, WE KNOW YOU WARN US OF THE STRONG DELUSION SENT FORTH BY YOU, THAT THEY SHOULD BELIEVE A LIE, BUT FATHER, FOR THE GLORY OF JESUS CHRIST, AND THE LOVE HE HAS FOR HIS BRIDE, GIVE THEM EARS LORD! GIVE THEM EYES!IN YOUR PRECIOUS AND MIGHTY NAME – THE NAME OF JESUS – WE PRAY! AMEN! I SAID AMEN!” SHANNON COOK
If you are defending wolves, you have no clue of true, New Testament Christianity because you have not truly laid down your life (repented, which is essential to salvation) and have therefore followed the voice of the enemy of all souls who is speaking through his false prophets (2 Corinthians 11:12-15). And, what we are seeing in this very post is God’s merciful attempt to get you to see that you are not following Christ and are in need of true repentance.
Those who defend Christ’s wolves are quite hypocritical actually. Isn’t it amazing how some people who come out of the woodwork to judge me/us for obeying God by identifying His enemies, are telling me/us we’re being judgmental? So, let’s get this straight – they freely judge and condemn those who warn the flock of God while saying we’re wrongly judging others by exposing those others to be Satan’s wolves. Wow! Can anyone spell “h-y-p-o-s-c-i-s-y”? Oh and not one of those who condemn and who are judging us have ever once said anything good about a post. Wow. No edification or agreement with truth, only condemnation for exposing their favorite wolf they have formed a soul-tie with instead of forming an intimate, abiding relationship with the One they claim to be serving (John 15:1-6).
“Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. 2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.” Romans 2:1-2
You want to see vicious hatred? Just watch when wolves are uncovered by divine truth via Christ’s true, obedient remnant. Oh yes, you are going to see some of the vilest hatred you have ever seen from the defenders and supporters of those enemies of Christ. On this note, Shannon Cook writes:
“BELOVED BRIDE OF CHRIST, DEVILS COME BACK IN FULL FORCE TO DEFEND THEIR WOLF, THIS IS TO BE EXPECTED. THEY DESPISE TRUTH AND EXPOSURE OF LIES.”
Mark Herridge writes:
“The whole ‘judge not’ philosophy that has entered into the modern church has served to take the church further down the road of apostasy. It is a dangerous thing when we are told that we cannot use the Bible to judge matters concerning the church, the leadership of the church, or even those that claim to be a part of the church. It is certainly a fallacy to believe that we cannot compare people to the Word of God to determine what type of person they are. No sane person would allow a stranger to babysit their children without a background check and references, or in other words they are going to judge that person by some type of standard before placing their children’s lives in their hands. Everything should be judged by the Word of God, and it is absolutely biblical for us to do so.”
Those who aren’t warning the flock are not protecting the flock and are exposed as wolves themselves (Colossians 1:28).
Hell hath seen not fury like the scorn of a gullible follower of a wolf. They will lash out with pure hatred and malice while condemning you for daring to expose the wolf who is tickling their ear (2 Timothy 4:3). I make no apology for this “controversy.” Actually, this is exactly what we are told will happen when we discern –
“And they (true pastoral watchmen) shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to DISCERN (distinguish) between the unclean and the clean. 24 And in controversy they shall stand in judgment; and they shall judge it according to my judgments: and they shall keep my laws and my statutes in all mine assemblies; and they shall hallow my sabbaths.” Ezekiel 44:23-24
“BUT YOU’RE NOT THE JUDGE” CRIES THE NOW EXPOSED WOLF-SUPPORTER. YES, THE LORD IS THE ULTIMATE JUDGE. AND GOD WILL JUDGE FOR SURE AND HE WILL JUDGE US FOR OBEYING OR NOT OBEYING HIS WORD WHICH INSTRUCTS US TO EXPOSE HIS ENEMIES IN ORDER TO PROTECT HIS SHEEP. YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THAT?
It’s called discernment and judging righteous judgment (Ezekiel 44:23-24; John 7:24; 1 Corinthians 5:11-13, etc.). This doesn’t mean recklessly condemning anyone but it does mean discerning and pointing out false teachers whom Paul says are “accursed” (Galatians 1:6-9).
Saints, this whole thing of counterfeits balking about their favorite wolves being exposed for who they really are simply underscores the need to obey God by “earnestly contending for faith,” the original Gospel, revealed to us in the Holy Scriptures (Jude 3-4).
It seems like those who don’t want false prophets exposed (and so they defend them) are the ones who love the lies they have been told by those wolves. Isn’t this exactly what the LORD is saying through His prophet Jeremiah when he had him write that “My people LOVE to have it so” (Jeremiah 5:31; 2 Timothy 4:3). This would be biblical actually. Look at what the people who had once served God were saying to their leaders in Isaiah’s day:
“That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD: 10 Which say to the seers (leaders), See not; and to the prophets (leaders), Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits: 11 Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us.” Isaiah 30:9-11
As it was in the prophet Isaiah’s day so it is today. It is “a rebellious people” who love lies and despise the law/Word of God and so by their attitudes and actions say “Don’t go overboard with all this Christian stuff. Going to church is good enough. Give us smooth, deceitful things! Continue to be enemies of the cross of Christ (Philippians 3:18-19)! We don’t want to be part of dying to self so Christ can reign in our daily lives! We just want Heaven but refuse to be bothered and inconvenienced with obedience to what Jesus instructed! We ‘love’ Him only inasmuch as we believe He’s going to get us out of hell!”
Wolves are identified as those who oblige this self-loving, self-serving, pleasure-loving last day generation of those who do have a “form (outward appearance) of godliness” and yet deny the power or authority of Christ’s reign in their daily lives (2 Timothy 3:1-7).
WHY WOULD ANY TRUE DISCIPLE OF JESUS WANT TO PROTECT THE WOLVES WHO ARE POISONING THE CHILDREN OF THE ONE THEY CLAIM TO BE SAVED BY? WHY WOULD ANY GENUINE SERVANT OF CHRIST WANT TO BID GOD SPEED (ENDORSE, DEFEND, SUPPORT) TO A FALSE TEACHER? WHO PROFITS WHEN WOLVES ARE LEFT COVERED? AND WHO SUFFERS WHEN DECEIVERS ARE LEFT UNIDENTIFIED, UNDETECTED, UNLABELED, AND UNMARKED? WHO IS BENEFITED BY CHRISTIANS WHO KEEP THOSE RAVENOUS WOLVES HIDDEN FROM OTHER SHEEP?
These and other questions must be asked and sorted out by Holy Scripture which gives us “ALL things that pertain unto life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3-4). Firstly, you will note that our brother Lee Ebbs did not mention any specific wolf (although that’s biblical to do also) … he is speaking the truth in order to “mark” (identify) false teachers and to warn Christ’s sheep so they can be safe (Romans 16:17-18).
Is it Biblical to Mark False Teachers?
Millions are being taught by the wolves who have deceived them not to expose them. I was personally taught by the wolves who deceived me not to ever speak a word against them. They were covering their tracks by using Scripture out of context to their own self-serving advantage (Philippians 3:18-19).
ACTS 20:27-32 IS TRULY KEY TO SEEING THE APOSTOLIC FAITH AND HOW IT AND THOSE SAVED BY THAT ORIGINAL GOSPEL ARE TO BE SAFEGUARDED AGAINST THE ENEMY’S WOLVES. ALSO PHILIPPIANS 1:17 AND JUDE 3-4. IF YOU NAME THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST, PLEASE STUDY THESE PASSAGES PRAYERFULLY AND CAREFULLY.
Identifying the Source
Firstly, let’s establish exactly who “false apostles” and all false “ministers” are from. Are they of God or Satan himself?
“But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we. 13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” 2 Corinthians 11:12-15
Any person who is not discerning all leaders and teachings against the Holy Word of God is in blatant disobedience to the LORD who says, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1).
We are commanded to never endorse or help in any way those who do not preach strictly God’s Word, which is “the doctrine of Christ”:
“For MANY DECEIVERS are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. 8 Look to yourselves (take personal responsibility to earnestly contend for the truth), that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. 9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth (remains) not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth (continues) in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. 10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: 11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” 2 John 7-11
BE CAREFUL: IF you dare defend or promote or in any way condone the enemies of Christ, you are going to hell with them (2 John 10-11). Repent sinner.
BIDDING GOD SPEED TO DECEIVERS (FALSE TEACHERS, FALSE RELIGIONS, ETC.) MAKES ONE THE ENEMY OF CHRIST AND UNDER THE SAME DIVINE CONDEMNATION AS THE WOLF THEY ARE CONDONING (2 JOHN 7-11; 2 CHRON. 19:2).
ANY PERSON WHO BIDS GODSPEED (CONDONES OR DEFENDS IN ANY WAY) TO ANY OF THESE “MANY DECEIVERS,” WILL BE JUDGED WITH THOSE WOLVES.
THE DISCIPLE OF CHRIST MUST NEVER DO ANYTHING TO FURTHER THE CAUSE OF THAT WHICH GOD CONDEMNS. TO HELP SOMEONE WHO IS TEACHING “ANOTHER GOSPEL” – ANY MESSAGE DIFFERENT FROM THE ORIGINAL GOSPEL – IS TO FURTHER THE CAUSE OF THE ENEMY OF THE ALMIGHTY AND THE EVIL HE PERPETRATES ON PRECIOUS SOULS (GALATIANS 1:6-9).
Are you the enemy of God? Is His holy wrath upon you? We should repent of helping wolves before the LORD judges us for participating in this betrayal of Him.
I DO UNDERSTAND THAT WE ALL WISH TO BE CIVIL. YET, GOD’S VERY WORD CALLS/LABELS EVILDOERS AS DEVILS/CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL. IF YOU CHOOSE TO SUPPORT A FALSE PROPHET (ENEMY OF CHRIST) AND DO NOT REPENT BEFORE YOU DIE, THEN YOU WILL RECEIVE THE SAME ETERNAL “DAMNATION” AS HE WILL (2 PETER 2:1-3). IF YOU AGREE WITH, VOTE FOR, HELP, ENDORSE, OR IN ANY WAY BID “GOD SPEED” TO THE WICKED, YOU ARE PARTAKER IN THEIR JUDGMENT (2 CHRONICLES 19:2; 2 JOHN 10-11). GOD MADE UP THE RULES IF YOU WILL, NOT US. HIS MESSAGE IS CLEAR. HE WILL JUDGE YOU AND ME IF WE CHOOSE TO SIDE WITH HIS ENEMIES WHICH INCLUDE ANYONE WHO ESPOUSES DOCTRINE OR LEGISLATION THAT VIOLATES HIM/HIS WORD.
To an evil man who withstood the LORD, His servant, and His blessed Gospel message, Paul said:
“AND SAID, O FULL OF ALL SUBTILTY AND ALL MISCHIEF, THOU CHILD OF THE DEVIL, THOU ENEMY OF ALL RIGHTEOUSNESS, WILT THOU NOT CEASE TO PERVERT THE RIGHT WAYS OF THE LORD?” ACTS 13:10
“Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the LORD.” 2 Chronicles 19:2
ANY person who helps the ungodly is equally as guilty as those devouring wolves in the eyes of a holy God who says “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues” (Revelation 18:4). If you in any way “bid … God speed” to or in any way help or defend a wolf, you yourself are just as guilty as they are in the eyes of God.
“The Bible gives us no liberty to tolerate the incursion of evil into the church. We are not to be passive; we are not to be neutral. Proverbs 8:13 says, The fear of the Lord is to hate evil. It is sinful to compromise with evil. It is sinful to be neutral toward evil. In John 10:10 Jesus spoke about the thief, the devil, who comes: to steal, to kill and to destroy. We always need to remember, whether it is in an individual life or in a congregation, the devil only comes with three objectives: to steal, to kill and to destroy.” Derek Prince
Making determinations about false leaders – “BY THEIR FRUIT” is not sin, it is obedience to Christ and the message of His holy apostles (Matthew 7:15-23). In order to keep themselves hidden – not seen for who they really are – spineless wolves have taught their audiences well.
These wolf defending counterfeits have nothing good to say of the many good, scriptural things about God’s truth put out by the LORD’s watchmen and yet hypocritically claim the watchmen are being judgmental WHILE they simultaneously judge and condemn those watchmen! Go figure folks! Deceitful haters of truth.
When your system of theology or the wolf propagating it trumps the very Word of God, you are lost and without the Savior just exactly as were the evil-hearted religious devils Jesus rebuked when He said
“Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. 8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men (you let your tradition trump God’s Word), as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. 9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.” (Mark 7:6-9)
Who is “of God” and who is “NOT of God”? – “He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God” (John 8:47).
No person can serve religion or any religious leader and Christ simultaneously. Jesus said “He that is not with me IS against me” and “NO man can serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24; 12:30). Paul wrote “Ye cannot drink of the cup of the Lord and the cup of devils” (1 Corinthians 10:21). One may vainly think they are serving Christ but if that person doesn’t walk with God according to His Word and only His Word, that person is not right with God.
TO EXPOSE A WOLF IS TO EXPOSE THE UNREPENTANT HEARTS OF THOSE WHO PATRONIZE, SUPPORT, GIVE EAR TO, AND DEFEND THOSE WOLVES. WHAT’S AT STAKE? THE THIN VENEER OF THEIR OWN LITTLE PAPER FORTRESS THEY HIDE BEHIND IS BEING DISMANTLED. THAT’S WHAT’S AT STAKE.
“Let God be true and EVERY man a liar.” Romans 3:4
WHAT do Jude 3-4; Romans 16:17-18 and Ephesians 5:11 tell us? If you don’t personally have a foundational knowledge of the doctrines of Holy Scripture, you have no clue and have no business commenting with your useless opinion (mine is useless too – all that matters is what God’s written Word says!). If you don’t know God’s Word, you are still unlearned and a babe in Christ at best (Hebrews 5:11-14). You should open your King James Bible and read and begin learning every single Bible verse given in this important article. Only His holy truth will make you free from ignorance (John 8:31-32; 17:17). So, if you truly fear and love the LORD Jesus Christ, it’s time to begin this moment to “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).
THOSE WHO FACILITATE THE WORK OF SATAN’S WOLVES, THE VERY ENEMIES OF JESUS CHRIST, ARE SAYING THAT THESE EVILDOERS SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO OPERATE – TO DESTROY ETERNAL SOULS – UNHINDERED.
If you are defending wolves, no matter what your iniquitous, demonic excuse, you are of Satan and against Christ. “He that is not with me IS IS IS against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.” ~ The Son of God, Matthew 12:30. You are scattering abroad which means you are endorsing and facilitating the separation of souls from Christ, the only Savior. It’s time for you to repent and be truly saved.
Defending wolves enables them to continue to devour the sheep for whom Jesus bled on that cross to save!
YOU WOULD NOT BELIEVE THE FLACK WE SOMETIMES RECEIVE FROM CHRIST-DESPISING, WOLF-PROTECTING, DEVIL-DEFENDING PEOPLE WHO COME AGAINST US FOR SHINING THE LORD’S LIGHT ON THE DARKNESS OF SATAN’S WOLVES (EPHESIANS 5:11; ROMANS 16:17-18; 2 CORINTHIANS 11:12-15). IN TRUE HYPOCRITICAL FORM, WHILE SAYING WE ARE WRONGLY CONDEMNING OTHERS, THEY SIMULTANEOUSLY HARSHLY CONDEMN US WITH NO SECOND THOUGHT. WOW! UTTER HYPOCRISY! … GOD BE PRAISED – WE ARE NOT WORTHY TO RECEIVE PERSECUTION FOR OUR LORD JESUS’ NAME! SEE EZEKIEL 44:23-24 VERY CLOSELY. OKAY, HERE IT IS:
“And they (true under shepherds) shall teach my people THE DIFFERENCE between the holy and profane, and cause them to DISCERN (distinguish) between the unclean and the clean. 24 And in CONTROVERSY they shall stand in judgment; and they shall judge it according to my judgments (written Word): and they shall keep (uphold) my laws and my statutes in all mine assemblies…” Ezekiel 44:23-24
According to the above passage, “controversy” will come to those who teach Christ’s people to “discern” between light and darkness, truth and error. It will usually come from those who claim to be saved but do not love the truth (John 8:47); 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12).
AMAZINGLY, THESE WOLF-DEFENDING COUNTERFEITS HAVE NOTHING GOOD TO SAY OF THE MANY GOOD THINGS ABOUT GOD’S TRUTH PUT OUT BY THE LORD’S WATCHMEN AND YET HYPOCRITICALLY CLAIM THE WATCHMEN ARE BEING JUDGMENTAL WHILE THEY SIMULTANEOUSLY JUDGE AND CONDEMN THOSE WATCHMEN! GO FIGURE FOLKS! DECEITFUL HATERS OF TRUTH.
Your Prayer of Repentance: Holy Father, thank You for sending Your only begotten Son to pay the full price for my sins and the sins of the whole world. Through His precious blood I come to You this moment, asking You to please forgive me for any way I have bid God speed to Your enemies who deceitfully and clandestinely pose as Your representatives. Open my eyes through Your Holy Word and Holy Spirit so that I am able to see the wolves You so often warned us about and to withstand and expose and mark them as you mandated for Your people to do. In Jesus’ holy Name, amen!
Naming Names: Is it Biblical? | Angry Man in Hell
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Note: WHO’s THE REAL BAD GUY? ARE YOU Being Exploited by a Pulpit Pimp? – “Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?” ~Apostle Paul, Galatians 4:16… WHO’s the real “bad guy”? SO, God’s watchmen who are warning you so you can be safe and secure from the fires of eternal damnation are the mean spirited ones, right? So, ask yourself: When you are in hell, burning, suffering and fully conscious, in excruciating pain without end, WHO then will be the bad guy? If you die having followed these prophesied false prophets, you will have no one to blame but yourself – for being so gullible and foolish and not getting before the LORD in a real way. No, instead of loving the LORD and His truth/Word, you chose to follow the self-serving, thrill-seeking, greed-crazed crowd who made a circus out of “church.” What does 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 say? Why hasn’t the wolf you are following shown you this passage? JUST WHAT is he/she trying to hide from you? Once you are in hell, burning, how wonderful will you think these wolves are then and for eternity when it’s too late?
Typical Hypocritical Judgment Coming from those who Yell “Don’t Judge My Favorite Wolf!”
Personal attacks from people who hide their own shortcomings while judging yours are going to happen folks. It’s interesting how hypocritical it is that while judging and personally condemning you for supposedly wrongly judging others … it’s okay for them to condemn you while telling/condemning you not to condemn others. Unreal. Ever heard the term “chasing your own tail”? We, as Christ’s body are called to sound the alarm on those misleading His sheep with false teachings. That’s God’s judgment, not man’s. The men and women who sound the alarm do so in obedience to the command of the LORD (Romans 16:17-18; Jude 3-4; etc.). So, since we all have shortcomings in this or that area, does that mean we should cease to serve God? No, we just work out our own salvation with fear and trembling as the LORD works in us both to will and to do of His good pleasure (Phil. 2:12-13). So, if you have shortcomings – if you are not sinless perfection – does that mean you are a hypocrite for teaching your children to stay away from the street so they don’t get killed? Think about it …
From Shannon Cook:
“They reveal the proof in their rotten to the core fruit. NEVER dares Joel utter the biblical word repentance. Why? BECAUSE HE’S A MESSENGER OF SATAN! It’s really NOT that difficult to see, if you’re God’s elect people. But without God’s Holy Spirit dwelling inside of you, we can show you Scripture after Scripture that PROVES this and you will not believe! You want a “feel good” doctrine of devils, follow Joel and Victoria and the many like them, to the bowels of hell. But read your Bibles, every apostle in the Bible dies BAD! And they preached the truth! Boiled in oil, stoned to death, crucified upside down. And they did it all for the glory of our King! Best life now can go back to hell where it came from! Satan we rebuke you from this thread, and the people you’re trying to come in through, in Jesus Name! Amen. One thing we cannot do is sugar coat the gospel of Jesus Christ. We’re accountable to Him alone. The blind not only lead the blind, but the blind defend the blind. Beloved, it isn’t judging, when we expose the lie, with the truth of the gospel, for the sake of Jesus Christ and his bride. Amen.” Shannon Cook
Dialogues / Feedback
Message Received for Exposing Osteen’s False Teachings:
“What part of LOVE one another don’t YOU get!!!”
Reply:
What part of “earnestly contend for the faith once delivered to the saints” do you not get? Jude 3-4 … how loving is it to allow people to continue to be deceived?
This is a clear product of clueless people who refuse to diligently and daily study God’s Word for themselves and so they relegate their learning and understanding to a spineless moral coward who is nothing but a story teller who refuses to “preach the word” (2 Timothy 4:2). What we are seeing is an exact, to the “T” fulfillment of this prophecy:
“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables (stories).” 2 Timothy 4:2-4
You are defending “ungodly men” who pose as Christ’s representatives but are seen not to be by their false teaching and practices …
“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. 4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jude 3-4
“Wow this hits it on the head, some people need to pay attention to what God says in his word about people causing division. God’s not happy with it at all. And on top of that they need to obey God and quit being under subjection to people, but being subjection only to God. Amen.” Paula
Of those who defend wolves, Stephen Michels notes:
“You are living in sin and need a justifier for it. THAT’s WHY you defend wolves!”
“Been running into a lot of these “wolf defenders” as of late … These people have a great spirit of pride, and they tend to fear men rather than God. Also they have no clue about what salvation is and don’t know what Bible to read.” Aaron Paul Johnson
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TO A WOMAN WHOSE IDOL WOLF (or wolves) has been exposed, by the ministry, …. and who accused myself and others of hate for exposing these enemies of the LORD, and came strongly to his/their defense, I wrote:
You are the one with hate …. you are defending the very wolves who are leading millions to hell … you care more for your idol wolves than you do the millions they are misleading to hell ….. apparently you still love this world and the things in it (fleeting riches) and therefore the lust you have not repented of is causing you to worship and defend these mere sinful men and women … 2 Tim 4:3-4 … This is the epitome for delusionment saints. …. here she is boldly posting pictures of her idols (Ez. 14:3) who have taught her to covet the riches of this fleeting world and thereby she has forfeited her eternal riches, which is Christ and eternity with Him.
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To a person that insisted that they were not going to partake with the expose’ of wolves, the following reply was sent:
Yes and LOVE and TRUTH cannot be separated. In fact, those who truly walk in God’s love, tell God’s truth (Ephesians 4:15; Proverbs 16:6). It’s not God’s love if it’s not accompanied with a sincere love for God’s truth.
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Message Received:
“I will await the judgment of God Mighty, The True Author and Finisher of My Faith…because He also States Do Not Argue and Quibble over My Words…do only what will Edify and When Souls….that’s why He said Judging is His Job, and His Alone…I will Never Be Arrogant Enough To Presume To Do God’s Job For Him… I trust Him and the Holy Spirit Alone….gracias for your words though…i have taking them to my Father God In Prayer….be well mí amigo…”
Reply:
Interestingly, you seem to be boasting about not wrongly judging others while you condemn me. If you wait for the Judgment Day without taking close heed to what the JUDGE has told us in His Word/Judgments, it will be too late. It’s an open book test and you WILL fail the judgment if you don’t study and know what pleases and what displeases the Judge of your eternal soul. See Prov. 28:9, 13. You seem to be under the notion that it is loving to not speak the truth directly and not to uncover the very enemies of the LORD (2 Corinthians 11:12-15). It’s actually displaying hatred to not expose Satan’s agents who pose as Christ’s representatives so that precious, eternal souls can be protected and spared (Matthew 7:15-21, etc.).
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Message Received:
“Brother your bitterness is plain for all to see. Pray for those you might think are missing it but to publicly bash them is certainly not Christ like at all. Just stick to preaching Christ.”
Reply:
You gullibility is clearly manifesting. The Bible never specifically says pray for wolves – but it does say to “mark them” so that others can be warned. No offense but you are a novice as far as Bible knowledge, otherwise you would know this. What THREE things did the apostle Paul do to prepare Christ’s body to meet Him? Colossians 1:28 – PWT – Preach, WARN, Teach.
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To a person who objected to the expose’ of wolves (false prophets) who are destroying souls and calling them at times “devils,” a reply was given this way:
Hi. How are you? Hope all is well. One thing’s for certain, this is not a salvation issue (essential). God’s LOVE can only be defined by God’s WORD and not by emotions. ACTUALLY, strong rebuke is what God uses to get to an otherwise hopeless, hell bound conscience – that’s love and mercy, not hate. Was it hate or love for God to demand that the believers at Corinth turn that unrepentant fornicator over to SATAN? (1 Cor. 5) Well, it led to that man repenting so he wouldn’t go to hell for eternity (2 Cor. 2). Was that love or hate? Are we wiser than the Almighty? Have we been swept away in the apostate, false “love” that is defined by the sinful whims of mere men? … Was the great apostle Paul hating when he told a man “And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, THOU CHILD OF THE DEVIL, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?” (Acts 13:10) Paul called this guy a “child of the devil.” Was the apostle of Jesus walking in hate? Was the Son of God being mean and hateful when He lambasted the evil leaders of His day who were leading millions to hell? Was Jesus Christ being hateful or loving when He told those wolves they were going to hell 3 times in Matthew 23? “Open REBUKE is better than secret love. 6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” (Proverbs 27:5-6) Is rebuke (with the truth) hateful or a manifestation of God’s mercy? Titus 1 says “For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: 11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake. 12 One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, the Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. 13 This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith … They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” Titus 1:10-16 Is Truth Negative or Positive?
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