NAR Delusion – Exposing the Whole False Prophetic and Apostolic Movements
Bumbling Buffoons
(photo at left) Take close note to just exactly WHO was on this stage in the picture to the left. These bumbling buffoons are seen falling all over each other to ordain and endorse this unrepentant demonic mad man named Todd Bentley. And WHY? – It’s simple, Todd Bentley had become so popular among the gullible, that these false prophets, being the opportunists they are, jumped in there to try to garner fame for themselves. They are running a business folks, wake up!
If you will watch this movement and its wolves, the so-called apostolic/prophetic movement is nothing but Luciferic, self-actualization and self-promotion… just like their father the devil (John 8:44). See Isaiah 14:12-15 and circle the 5 “I”‘s of Lucifer.
Are YOU so gullible as to think these wolves are true apostles and prophets of the LORD? Think about it: If they were truly prophets, would they not have known that Todd Bentley was an unrepentant drunkard and adulterer????? Bentley admitted to staying drunk during that whole so-called Lakeland “revival.” He also left his wife to marry the secretary, violating the marriage covenant. Isn’t that adultery friends?
“I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed. 26 How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart.” Jeremiah 23:25-26 (KJV)
(In case anyone is wondering from whence we come: Though less than the least of all saints, this writer believes and seeks to walk in the full Gospel of Christ including the baptism in the Holy Ghost with the fruit and gifts of the Holy Spirit. So, I do not write from the perspective of one who denies the work of the Holy Spirit. All the gifts and callings of God are to be operated by His grace and to glorify Jesus Christ alone, and not mere men. The LORD will never contradict His own Word and all gifts properly used will be in full accordance with Holy Writ (1 Pet. 4:10-11; 2 Pet. 1:16-21). Please proceed prayerfully and from a biblical mindset like the “noble” Berean believers of Acts17:11. As true disciples of Jesus, and in light of the numerous warnings of false prophets in the last days, our goal should be to glorify Him fully, which would include discerning what is authentic and what is not (Ezek. 44:23; Matt. 7:15-23; 1 Jn. 4:1).
It is utterly heartbreaking to see just how ungrounded so many of these people are who flock to see and support these scam wolves. To start a “revival,” all you need to do is get a slick-sounding guy who sounds like he knows what he’s talking about, play some good music in the background, and WHAM you’ve got a “revival.”
Most people who claim to be Christians don’t even know Acts 17:11 much less use it to discern. Do YOU know what that truth says? Have you memorized and put it into use daily, or, will you be deceived and damned also?
IHOW – International House of WOLVES
Most of what comes out of IHOP and Kansas City etc. is totally counterfeit. First off, there is no term “the prophetic” found in God’s Word. This is the invention of wolves and devils who are misleading millions who refuse to diligently study God’s Word for themselves.
God’s Word says that even “a LITTLE leaven (mixture) leavens (ruins) the whole lump.” (Galatians 5:6) IHOP and all the other false prophetic foolishness is more than just “a little” leaven,” it is witchcraft and has no reconciliation with biblical, New Testament Christianity. “Ye cannot drink of the cup of the Lord and of the cup of devils.” (1 Corinthians. 10:21)
“Beloved, BELIEVE NOT every spirit, but try (test) the spirits whether they are of God: because MANY false prophets are gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1
C. Peter Wagner and Chuck Pierce make up Global Harvest Ministries which regrettably has worldwide connections and influence among many leaders. Other leaders involved include Mary Glazier, Pat Francis, Dutch Sheets, Patricia King, and Lance Wallnau.
Believers in Jesus are commanded not to just accept everyone who comes in Christ’s name but to rather “try (test) the spirits” – that is, put to the biblical acid test all who come in the LORD’s name. The Ephesian Christians did so and Jesus was glorified:
“…thou canst not bear them which are EVIL and thou hast tried (tested) them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars.” Revelation 2:2
The first thing one can recognize, is that these men do not preach the Word of God but rather their own visions like the false prophets of old identified as counterfeit by the prophets of God (read Jer. 23; Ezek. 34).
These men emphasize what they call “The Seven Spheres of Influence,” etc.
“He (Lance Wallnau) calls them the seven mountains. The warfare strategy is that ‘if the world is to be won, these are the mountains that mold the culture and the minds of men. Whoever controls these mountains controls the direction of the world and the harvest therein.’” (p. 114) [emphasis added]
They speak of taking these 7 mountains of society but never with the Gospel, but with social programs. Such is not the work of the true Church of Jesus which tells us these men are beguilers because they are misguiding others while not holding to “the doctrine of Christ” and by this we know that they do not have God (2 Jn. 7-11). Their approach and methodologies only include reform without repentance, and transformation without truth.
No mandate in Holy Scripture calls for such presumptuous activities from these or any other self-appointed wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matt. 7:15). This brazen arrogance underscores the presumptuous, self-directed spirit of these evil and deceptive beguilers (Jer. 23; Ezek. 34).
Isn’t it Jesus Himself who is going to destroy those 7 mountains and the evil doers of the Babylonian religious and political system? Read Revelation 17-19.
Lucifer sought to elevate himself and was brought irreversibly low (Isa. 14:12-15). He wanted his independence from God and so now he lost it for good. Jesus is coming and may God bless each of us with the oil of His enabling grace and Spirit to be put under deep into His death and burial, raised as and when and how He sees fit and ultimately raised to glory with Him in the New Jerusalem (Isa. 37:31; Jn. 12:24-26; Rev. 3:5; 21:1-7).
One disciple notes:
“The LORD first makes us realize humility (beggars at the dunghill), then raises us to sit with princes.”
Pride-filled people are imitating their father the devil who is “king over all the children of pride.”
“He beholdeth all high things: he (Satan) is a king over all the children of pride.” Job 41:34
Of Wagner and Pierce, Mike Oppenheimer of LetUsReason.org states:
“These men are architects of the new paradigm who have promised a river but they have sold to the church an empty well. Wagner has written several books, one is called The New Apostolic Churches that explains the new apostolic spirit that is raising international leaders. Contrary to their claims of restoring apostles and prophets to the Church to complete a five-fold ministry mentioned by Paul in Ephesians, this movement can be more identified as Nicolaitans warned of in Rev. 2:15-16. But it is taking many churches by hook or by crook. The prophetic movement has for all intents and purposes proven to be a repackaged discipleship/shepherding movement under the title of church growth.
The stories of lives being ripped apart by people prophesying over them have become an in-house disaster that is often swept under the rug. Yet it daily continues with some new faces (and old) and a repaired program with a barrel full of excuses waiting to be used.
I have watched, studied, and spoken out on this movement since it was known to me in the late 80’s (as have numerous others). What we see today is the iceberg rising; no longer is 75% of it hidden but it is becoming more known all the time. A new Priesthood government is being set up that can only be comparable to what has been practiced in the Roman Catholic church hierarchy throughout its history. They are called ‘the anointed,’ ‘apostles and prophets’ and the Church must listen to them, allow them to minister and lead to be healthy and fulfill her commission. Without them we will be unable to complete our commission by Jesus; so they tell us.
Illegitimate Authority and Unwarranted Control
C. Peter Wagner and Chuck Pierce are the inventors and propagators of what they call “The New Apostolic Reformation Movement.” (NAR) Typically, those who invent some new movement conveniently happen to be the ones “God” supposedly places to lead. In this case these “apostles” are supposed to have the authority to rule over others. They position themselves as the “men of the hour” whom God supposedly speaks through. They convince people that they are God’s special spokesmen. In order to do this – to beguile gullible, biblically illiterate people – they downplay, ignore, and even disparage the true super apostles of our LORD – Paul, Peter, John, etc. These men were Christ’s authentic apostles of a surety and they truly honored “the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus.” (Heb. 3:1)
It is interesting that they themselves just happen to be the “super apostles” heading up the show in this case. A review of their teachings will reveal that these men, like all similar ministries, believe that modern apostles have an extraordinary amount of authority that Christians must submit to or be outside of the will of God. Such a teaching, spoken or insinuated, is cultish. It should be noted that the apostle Paul – a genuine apostle of Jesus Christ – never claimed to possess such an authority over God’s people. He also never taught or sought to exercise such dominion/authority over the people for which Jesus bled to purchase. In fact, the apostle Paul said:
“Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.” 2 Corinthians 1:24
True servants of Christ are submitted to Him and live to help the joy of those they come to serve. Compare this with the ‘lording it over’ mentality of the false prophets being exposed in this article. It is “by faith” in Christ that saints are saved and “stand” in their relationship with God and that is first and foremost and has nothing to do with mere men. Paul claimed no authority over those he led, instead, he postured himself as one who helped them experience the joy of Christ’s salvation.
Jesus gave His disciples authority over demons and sickness but never over people (Matt. 10:1-8; Lk. 10:18). The LORD Jesus has “all power” in heaven and in earth, and has sent all who know Him to teach His sayings (Matthew 28:18-20). We are called to preach His Gospel to others and to all nations and yet never to try to control another human being. That’s reserved for the LORD alone.
The LORD told us that His name is “Jealous,” that He is “a jealous God,” and commanded: “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” (Exod. 20:3; 34:14)
The believer’s loyalty to mere men must be based upon that higher and prioritized loyalty to God (Matt. 22:37-40; 2 Cor. 8:5; Col. 3:17).
In their misguided desire to reign over others, these men are like Moses, who before his time, went forth and tried to do the will of God and wound up killing a man. These men are killing (bringing spiritual death) to many others in their rebellion against the LORD. Unlike Moses, these men have yet to repent and surrender their lives and futures to the coming King of all kings. These self-appointed men and women want so badly to be in control that they will stop at nothing to put themselves in authority over others (sound like Lucifer?) This is the exact opposite of what the Son of God taught. He taught that if we would humble ourselves, in His coming kingdom He would exalt us to rule with him.
Those who lift themselves up before they are prepared by the LORD through long hard seasons of testings and purging, will be “lifted up with pride” and “fall into the condemnation of the devil.”
“Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.” 1 Timothy 3:6
Those who are like their “father the devil,” lust after power in this life, and will be brought low – into the pit of hell for eternity (Jn. 8:44). 1 Corinthians 13 tells us that love “seeketh not her own.” Love is humble, it “vaunteth not itself,” and is like Christ – “lowly.” (Matt. 11:28-30) It’s “the meek” that “shall inherit the earth,” and the LORD is going to “stain the pride of all (fleshly) glory.” (Ps. 37:11; Isa. 23:9) Jesus said, “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matt. 5:5)
These men are like David’s two sons, Adonijah and Absalom, who tried to usurp the authority of the king and “stole the hearts of the men of Israel.” (2 Sam. 15:6) Satan is using these men, along with all false prophets, to steal the heart affections that are due only to the “only Potentate,” Jesus Christ (1 Tim. 6:15).
These self-appointed, so-called apostles, are usurping Christ’s authority to reign over His earth, the peoples of the earth, and His own saints that He personally purchased with His own precious blood (Ps. 24:1; Heb. 1:1-3; 1 Pet. 1:18-19). Jesus Christ made all things, sustains all things, and alone is “Head” of the people He purchased with His blood and won back to the Father (Col. 1:12-18).
The Son of God made clear that the only legitimate authority (that which He authorizes) is servant-authority – authority from Heaven, invested in us in order to serve others, not dominate them. The true leader in the kingdom of God serves as a slave and not as a ruler. Those who rule over people will be humbled to hell (Matt. 23:11-12).
Christ says and demonstrates that in His kingdom, greatness is not measured by dominion over other people but it’s measured by how we give ourselves in service to other people.
Jesus has been given “all power” and sent His people with His delegated authority to do His work, which never included power over other people – lost or saved. That’s witchcraft! He’s LORD over His people, not us! (Matt. 28:18-20) Jesus’ power and authority definitely did include power over devils and sicknesses but not other people (Matt. 10:1-8; Lk. 10:17-19).
The element of an evil control seems to undergird and pervade this “Apostolic Reformation” movement. Paul also asked the following rhetorical question: “was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?” (1 Cor. 1:13) If Paul wasn’t crucified for us, certainly no modern day leader was. Right? When we give undue loyalty or adoration to mere human leaders, we enter into idolatry and spiritual adultery. Only the One who has nail-scarred hands and feet and is risen from the dead is worthy of our worship. Also, only those who “watch for your souls” by honoring and diligently speaking into your heart the full counsel of the oracles of God are to be submitted to (Acts 20-:20-32; Heb. 13:7, 17). The leader who doesn’t honor God by living and teaching by His Word alone, is never to be submitted to by the LORD’s people.
When any leader assumes undue control, it is the “deeds” and “doctrine of the Nicolaitans” which Christ said He hated and “will fight against.” (Rev. 2:6, 15-16) “Nicolaitans” means conquer the laity. Nico = conquer and laitans = the laity.
In typical Nicolaitan opportunist fashion, recently, after that pastor in Illinois was shot dead in the pulpit, one of the NAR (New Apostolic Reformation) so-called apostles said that if this man had had proper “covering” he would not have been shot. That’s actually true, but not as this deceiver sees it. The “covering” we need is the LORD and not these self-exalting wolves who are so full of themselves that they vainly believe that everyone needs them to be “covering” them. Whose sins did they hang on the cross and die for? Were they raised from the dead after shedding their innocent and sinless blood?
“Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin: That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt!” Isaiah 30:1-2
Any person in ministry who even insinuates that another Christian needs their sham of a covering, reveals openly just how delusional and arrogant he is.
The Great Shepherd of His sheep never authorized such authority to mere men. In fact, Jesus taught: “But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” (Matt. 23:11-12) The measure of leadership is in serving others as unto the LORD. The true apostle will be found to have a heart that is broken and bowed before the LORD Almighty and a disposition to serve and not reign over God’s people. In light of what Christ, “the apostle and high priest of our profession,” taught, the next time someone comes around claiming to be an apostle, I think it may be good to say something like; “Well good brother, in that case you are to be the greatest servant among us so grab that broom in the corner and please sweep this dirty floor!” (Heb. 3:1) A man who is not postured to serve God’s people manifests his own desire to wrongly position himself and be served by God’s people which is contrary to Christ’s teaching concerning His leaders (Matt. 20:20-28; Phil. 2:3-5).
When giving instructions to “elders,” the apostle Peter wrote: “Neither as being lords (rulers) over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.” (1 Pet. 5:3) The body of Christ was purchased by His very own blood and is “God’s heritage” and not man’s. Lording it over “God’s heritage” is the work of those men whom Zechariah said reign as “idol shepherds” amidst God’s people (Zech. 11:17).
One of the ways these men gain the positioning to control people is by making the people believe that they are the elite priesthood the LORD speaks through to His Church. Nonsense! Ever notice how they always have a new word? -A fresh word “from God”? Perhaps they have to perpetually conjure up new “words” to keep the circus wheel of their movement and ministries spinning and the money rolling in.
The flippant use among “Apostolic Reformation” leaders of phrases like “God is saying to His Church” is presumptuous at best. These self-appointed leaders pretend to have some special inroad to the LORD and use it to wield a false authority over His people. Of those who would control or be controlled in an undue fashion, the Son of God commanded: “Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.” (see Rev. 2:6, 15-16)
Self-Appointed and Self-Elevating “False Apostles”
It seems that sinful men will always invent some new way to elevate themselves above others. This is no exception. Isn’t it interesting that these men who claim the LORD is restoring apostolic leadership just happen to be those “apostles” He is elevating to rule over His people (as they vainly suppose). Quite convenient isn’t it?
Isn’t it interesting that they named their movement using the term “apostle” instead of servant? Why not “New Servant Reformation Movement”? Would that not be more biblical in nature? – in humility? Make no mistake, these men are self-appointed and self-elevating. It’s all about them and not Jesus Christ, who is “THE Apostle and high priest of our profession.” (Heb. 3:1)
“Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus.” Hebrews 3:1
Here the Holy Spirit tells us to “consider … Christ Jesus” whom He tells us is “the Apostle and High Priest of our profession.” The divine Person of the Holy Ghost here points us to Jesus Christ, the only Apostle that really matters. He never, not once, directs men who have been saved by the precious blood of “the Apostle and High Priest of our profession,” to look to human apostles. And we know by this that any person who even suggests such a thing is a “false apostle.”
Only people who don’t read and heed their Bible can be hoodwinked by such rank charlatans.
“Let me not, I pray you, accept any man’s person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man. For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away.” Job 32:21-22
Paul, the most authentic and powerful (human) kingdom apostle said this when dealing with self-appointed leaders at Galatia:
“But of these (some other supposed apostles) who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man’s person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me.” Galatians 2:6
This is no new thing friends. As long as sinful men have been on earth, there have been those who emulate their father the devil in seeking to exalt themselves to rule over other men oppressively and to gain power and advantage and the rush of superiority over them (Isa. 14:12-15; 2 Peter 2:19). This is exactly what these modern day “false apostles” are doing as they operate among the professing church.
The idea that the LORD speaks through some special group of elite leaders is bogus and violates Scripture. God has chosen to speak through His Son and through His Word to bring men to Him and to bring about His desired end (Isa. 46:9-10; Luke 24:47; John 20:31; Hebrews 1:2). The Good Shepherd of the sheep told us “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” (John10:27) Any leader that makes it look like he has special access to the LORD should be departed from immediately, marked and openly exposed for the antichrist wolf that he is (Romans 16:17-18; Ephesians 5:11). The notion that God speaks from the top down among men is heretical. Think about this: Does Jesus need a so-called apostle’s permission to speak to an individual sheep He bled on the cross to save?
Jesus taught us not to be called by titles that elevate one brother above another because He said “one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.” (Matthew 23:8) The LORD Jesus said: “I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.” (Matthew 11:25) From this statement we know that God actually hides His truth from those who are wise in their own eyes and reveals it to those who are humble and broken before Him. Those who elevate self through man-instituted religious hierarchy are doomed to destruction (Matthew 16:18; 23).
The apostle Paul said “that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.” (1 Corinthians 4:6) Under the direct inspiration of the Holy Ghost, Paul also stated: “charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up.” (1 Corinthians 13:4) “Emulations” is one of the 17 “works of the flesh” listed in Galatians 5. By definition, “emulations” means striving to excel at the expense of another. This is in contrast with what Christ taught and demonstrated in seeking to serve others and to prefer them above ourselves (Matthew 18:3-4; 20:20-28; Philippians 2:2-5). Of this sin this passage promises “that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” (Galatians 5:21) At the expense of the masses, these men are willing to reign as kings, to be honored above that which is correct for mere men who are in their very best state “altogether vanity.” (Psalms 39:5). What did Jesus do when the people attempted to make Him king? To elevate oneself and office is to strive to excel at the expense of others whom they lure in to partake of their strange fire.
“When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.” John 6:15
The LORD Jesus hid Himself when men sought to lift Him up. Today we have men in leadership who do just the opposite. They seek out and draw to themselves the praises and accolades of men instead of retreating from undue elevation and instead of seeking the praise that comes from God alone.
Speaking of religious leaders of His day, Jesus said: “For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” (John 12:43)
Paul said that those who seek to please men more than God are not Christ’s servants (Galatians 1:10).
When Peter sought to circumvent the cross of Christ, Jesus “turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.” (Matthew 16:23)
When the LORD Jesus died on the cross “the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom” and God came out to meet on a personal level every man who would believe and come unto Him (Mark 15:38; Hebrews 4:14-16; 10:19-22). In contrast to the revelation of Holy Scripture, the goal of the counterfeit leader is to position himself as a true “prophet” or “apostle” of the LORD so as to gain the preeminence over and allegiance of as many as he can lure in. The wise saint will learn the Word and walk in the Spirit and not be snared by such a wolf. The Bible teaches us that Jesus Christ is the only true “Head” of His one Church (Ephesians 5:23; Colossians 1:16-18; 2:18-19). According to Jesus Christ there is only “one shepherd.” Only One bled to redeem and He alone is King of all kings and LORD of all lords (Revelation 19:16).
“And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.” John 10:16
To pose as a Christian leader and posture oneself as one who wields extraordinary authority over God’s people is the height of evil arrogance. To do such is to not operate according to Christ’s Word and to use the name of the LORD in vain for one’s own selfish end (Exodus 20:7). False prophets come in His name but without the earmark fruits we are to “know them” by (Matthew 7:15-23; 24:3-4, 11, 24). Humility is one such earmark fruit, and not seen in the arrogant, power hungry deceivers who have headed up the charismatic movement over the last few decades (Matthew 18:3-4; 20:20-28). Jesus foretold us that these deluded leaders would have gifts, miracles, and prophetic words. Christ told us that “many” (not a few) deceived men who presently hold positions of influence over multitudes, would call Him “Lord, Lord” in their earthly lives and at the Judgment Throne and yet He said He will “profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” (Matthew 7:22-23) Why? – Because they do not the will of His Father (Matthew 7:21). The leader who does the will of God is obeying Christ’s command to be humble and serve others and never to seek to be served by others (Mat. 20:20-28; Philippians 2:3-5).
Concerning the false prophets in Israel, Jeremiah wrote:
“I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed. How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart; Which think to cause my people to forget my name by their dreams which they tell every man to his neighbour, as their fathers have forgotten my name for Baal.” Jeremiah 23:25-27
The false prophets of the “Apostolic Reformation” movement are like those of Jeremiah’s day. Of these false prophets, the Holy Spirit tells us:
- They “prophesy lies in my name”
- They are “saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed”
- “they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart”
- They “think to cause my people to forget my name by their dreams which they tell every man to his neighbour”
In this movement one will discover gross and undue emphasis upon miracles, physical healing, signs, wonders, and “words” from God. This is their lure as Jesus foretold it would be (Matthew 7:22-23). 2 Thessalonians 2 speaks of “the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders.” (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12) By this and other Scriptures, we understand that Satan can do miracles and yet he cannot counterfeit or produce good fruit as only the Holy Spirit can in the obedient, abiding, born again believers who “have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” (Matthew 7:15-23; Galatians 5:22-24). In this “Apostolic Reformation” movement one will discover the gross lack of sobriety and simple, plain, clear, forthright Bible teaching and learning. Walking in faith through God-guaranteed sufferings, persecutions, hatred, and trials will never be mentioned in their conferences or messages. These hard truths of Holy Scripture are intentionally avoided. Sound doctrine, which produces sound hearts and sound minds, will be absent. The biblical emphasis upon the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit in those who abide in daily communion with Christ will not be tended to in this camp (John 15; Galatians 5:22-24). The denial of the self-life as demanded by Jesus, will conveniently be ignored (Luke 9:23-24). The truth of the preeminent LORD and Savior and “Head” of His true Church will not be emphasized (Colossians 1:16-18; 2:18-19). When Christ is truly exalted as the only LORD and “Head” over His Church, it leaves no room for men to be exalted. The final authority, divine inspiration, and inerrancy of Holy Scripture will not be upheld in this camp of convoluted confusion and deception.
What do you think the motive would be of the man who hides the whole and naked truth from those he speaks to? Is he afraid that openly communicating the hard truths of God’s Word will not feed into his own personal agenda, image, and reputation? Is such a man truly serving Christ or himself? (Matthew 10:28; Luke 12:5; Galatians 1:10)
“Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.” Luke 6:26
In order to become popular in today’s modern ministry world industry, one must say the right things and purposely leave out the things that would offend others. The Son of God guaranteed that any person who is popular among the masses of “Christians” who “heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears” is a false prophet. This is another truth to discern by – “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:15-16)
Christ promised His twelve and all who would follow Him faithfully – “Ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake.” (Matthew 10:22) Ever hear these modern day “prophetic” or “apostolic” leaders teach this Scripture and the many Bible verses like it? Have you ever heard them mention these words which proceeded from the mouth of the One they claim to be serving?
Concerning the replacement of God’s Word for a feeling and experience-based “Christianity,” one expose’ says:
“This kind of disdain for the word of God is common among (charismatics)…and we have several documented examples of such. All emphasis is on feelings while doctrine and Bible study are looked down and frowned upon. The Devil is pleased when people follow their feelings over the Bible!”
With the unscriptural overemphasis on words, signs, and wonders, this movement continues to produce experience or feeling-based “Christians” who live lives of hyped flakery because they are not rooted and grounded in a relationship of God’s love and Word and therefore do not possess sound hearts and minds as the LORD intended. These precious misled souls are therefore not prepared for the LORD’s return for His true Church, each member who is “subject to Christ,” sanctified, being cleansed, laying down his personal life, being washed by His Word, and purified of their iniquities (Ephesians 5:25-27; 1 John 2:28-3:3). These are those whose hearts are not “established with grace” and they are therefore “tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.” (Ephesians 4:14; Hebrews 13:9) Mature believers who are deep into God’s Word “have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” (see Hebrews 5:11-14) These who aggrandize God’s holy words far above those of mere men, will not be tossed about with the manipulations of these modern leaders who prey on weak, ignorant, and gullible souls.
“That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they (beguilers) lie in wait to deceive.” Ephesians 4:14
“Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.” Hebrews 13:9
Is there a conspiracy?
“There is a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof. Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they showed difference between the unclean and the clean,…” Ezekiel 22:25-26
Is there a cause?
“For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.” Isaiah 9:16
Is there a threat?
“For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. Acts 20:29-32
Are there blind leaders?
“Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?” Luke 6:39
The threat of deceivers and losing out due to being led astray by false prophets is a severe and present danger (Colossians 2:4, 8; 2 Peter 3:17).
When we study the Scriptures we gain an historical view of the beguilers and how they operate. These men are the emissaries of the father of lies and war against the Almighty by seeking to draw away His precious sheep and devour them (Matthew 7:15; John 8:44; Acts 20:27-32; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; Jude). They selectively design their ministries by picking and choosing what Scripture they wish to utilize to tailor make their ministries to draw people. Deceivers refuse to communicate a balance of the full counsel of God’s Word (Acts 20:20, 27). The modern day false prophets are no new thing. They operate just as those in Jeremiah’s day. These leaders use the LORD’s holy name for their own advantage with their dreams, words, signs, and wonders (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12; Jude 16). Their goal is the listening ear of the “simple” (unlearned; those who do not correctly discern via known truth – the revealed truth of God’s Word).
“The simple (naive; undiscerning) believeth every word: but the prudent (wise) man looketh well to his going.” Proverbs 14:15
The New Testament Scriptures tell us there are “false apostles” which seems to underscore that there are true apostles being counterfeited. See 2 Corinthians 11:13 and Revelation 2:2. Like the Ephesians (Revelation 2:2), Jesus’ true disciples will discern and not be swept away in the deception of these beguiling and “ungodly men.” (Jude 3-4)–“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 11:13) The fact that there are “the apostles of Christ” in the above verse seems to underscore that these “deceitful workers” who are “transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ” do so in order to gain a position of strategic advantage as they counterfeit that place of serving to set themselves up unduly. Satan is the master counterfeiter. Satan and his emissaries’ goal is to rule over and mislead–to usurp, destroy and devour (Isa. 14:12-15; John 10:10; 1 Pet. 5:8). This is why they are so audacious in their self-appointment for the purposes of deceiving and harming others.
We should be becoming intimately familiar with and remember as a basis for our understanding that in eternity past Lucifer sought to usurp a position or place outside of what sphere God ordained him to function in. Listen closely to this enlightening insight from the prophet Isaiah:
“How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! 13For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. 15Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.” Isaiah 14:12-15
Now, with this freshly in our minds, let’s peer into the Holy Spirit-inspired words of the apostle Paul who was a true and validated apostle of Christ:
“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. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 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
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Bill Johnson, C Peter Wagner, Chuck Pierce, Rick Joyner, Patricia King, and any other person associated with these animal wolves is straight from Satan. Flee the false churches whose wolf pastors bring in these vile deceivers.
https://youtu.be/eaNiuRWHZrY
https://youtu.be/lhrL233Ilsk
***ANY person or “ministry” pictured on these videos is completely false. EVERY local church that is in contact with false prophets like Bill Johnson and the Kansas City wolves is not a New Testament assembly but rather a house of flakes that are exploiting the unsanctified desire and wicked imaginations of unregenerate and self-seeking souls to feel or experience spirits outside the bounds of Holy Scripture. Devils abound in these environment and yet they use the LORD’s name in vain by saying these things are from Him (Exodus 20:7; 1 Timothy 4:1-3). No such bazaar spiritual manifestations are seen among the earliest believers whose doctrines, methods, ministries, and lives are witnessed on the pages of the New Testament Scriptures which have been forsaken in the aforementioned movements and assemblies. The Scriptures they do divisively use are for their own justification as they siphon a few select verses out of context and use them to exploit the unlearned, gullible, self-serving masses they have beguiled (2 Timothy 4:3-4). These wolves, movements, and false pastors who perpetrate and follow such atrocious falsehoods, do not represent New Testament Christianity and are in total disregard of the LORD who gave us His Holy Word as His instructions to His body and to keep His remnant safe (Proverbs 30:5; Acts 20:20, 27-32; Philippians 3:1-3; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Jude 3-4). In these houses of error there is no valiance for the truth and no emphasis on “sound doctrine” which is what is emphasized by our LORD and His holy apostles and for which we shall all give account to God (Jeremiah 9:3; 2 Timothy 2:14-16; 3:15-17; 4:1-4; Titus 2:1, etc.).
Wolf Exposé | Kingdom Now/Dominionism Delusions
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Abiding
“The things which are not Seen are Eternal” [podcast]
“While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18
All good things must come to an end…. except for those who are going to share in the eternal glory of Jesus Christ!!!
“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9
No More Tears, Ever – Only for God’s People!
“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Revelation 21:4
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Abiding
The Curse of a Divided Heart and Blessing of a Whole Heart! [podcast]
Israel’s heart was divided. The solution.
“Their heart is divided; now shall they be found faulty: he shall break down their altars, he shall spoil their images … 12 Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.” Hosea 10:2, 12
King Asa: Tragic end of an otherwise obedient, fruitful, God-glorifying life….
Are you blessed or cursed?
“Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.” Jeremiah 17:5
King Asa trusted the physicians and not the LORD and he paid dearly.
“And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he sought not to the LORD, but to the physicians.” 2 Chronicles 16:12
Feet speak of foundation. Without feet, physically we cannot stand. Without a sound foundation of truth, of God’s Word in our lives, we shall not stand. Read Matthew 7:19-29.
One writes notes the following about the meaning of feet in God’s Word:
“Why Are Feet Important in the Bible? Just as men and women stand upon their feet as the foundation of upright posture, Bible verses also use feet as a euphemism to represent a strong foundation in various circumstances. Feet are not referenced as we see them today, but they are used as symbols to represent greater metaphorical concepts, such as guidance or direction.
The feet represented something that was common to all people but used differently. For example, one of the most noted scripture texts involving feet is Psalm 119:105, ‘Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.’ This emphasizes how the feet are used to travel and traverse. Yet, without the word, the traveler is left walking in the dark without a known path.
Essentially, the feet are referenced as a critical part of life as walking was commonplace. We naturally travel where our feet lead us and the Bible verses use feet to represent a means of traveling through life itself. If we walk down a dark path, we are likely to stumble. If we walk down a holy path, we are sure to please God. All of this is facilitated symbolically by the feet.”
The foundation truth we learn in God’s Word and obedience to it determines the direction of our lives.
“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.” Colossians 2:6-7
Becoming Rooted and Grounded in Christ
Like Asa, many today trust the counsel of mere men, such as doctors and not God. This doesn’t mean going to a doctor is a sin and yet, the true disciple will primarily trust and obey and be led of the LORD, not men.
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6
Read Hebrews 3-4 prayerfully for the eternal danger of having “an evil heart of unbelief” AFTER being saved. Repentance required.
“They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak.” Psalms 12:2
Got depression? Are you seeking the LORD in true repentance whereby He will grant you great joy? (Psalms 51; 2 Timothy 1:7) Or, are you seeking out and trusting the mere human, the finite pundits of this fleeting world?
“But ye are forgers of lies, ye are all physicians of no value.” Job 13:4
Those who trust human physicians and not the Great Physician, are cursed, not blessed. Their faith in mere men reveals their utter rebellion.
“See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:10
2 Chronicles 15:17 – Upon becoming king in Judah, Asa, having inherited an idolatrous, lukewarm people, system… he began to command that…
- The people do that which is right in God’s eyes (2 Chronicles 14:2)
- That all idolatrous altars we torn down (2 Chronicles 14:3)
- That God’s people seek His face (2 Chronicles 14:4)
- That idol altars in the cities of Judah be removed – “and the kingdom was quiet before him” (2 Chronicles 14:5) ….. Proverbs 1:33
- Fenced cities be built …. so the land could be at rest, at peace, and not fear the enemy (2 Chronicles 14:6)
- The people be involved in building fenced, walled, protected cities – “Therefore he said unto Judah, Let us build these cities, and make about them walls, and towers, gates, and bars, while the land is yet before us; because we have sought the LORD our God, we have sought him, and he hath given us rest on every side. So they built and prospered.” (2 Chronicles 14:7) …… 1 Chron 16:11
- Great military be built (2 Chronicles 14:8)
“The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and IFFFF ye seek him, he will be found of you; but IF ye forsake him, he will forsake you.” 2 Chronicles 15:2
“But the high places were not taken away out of Israel: nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect all his days.” 2 Chronicles 15:17
“Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: 21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. 22 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.” Hebrews 11:20-22
“The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” Psalms 9:17
“Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver.” Psalms 50:22
“Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.” 2 Chronicles 20:20
God blesses those who trust Him and curses, removes His blessings from those who once trusted Him and yet now have forgotten Him. When we willingly offer ourselves as living sacrifices to the LORD our God, He avenges us of all our enemies (Judges 5:2) …. “But IF thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries.” (Exodus 23:22)
“WHEN” does God avenge us of our enemies? “WHEN” does God judge our enemies?
“Praise ye the LORD for the avenging of Israel, WHEN the people willingly offered themselves.” Judges 5:2
When we offer our lives a living sacrifice unto the LORD – that is, we simply surrender this life to Him – the subduing of our enemies begins.
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:1-2
Asa reigned as king in Judah for 39 years (2 Chronicles 14-16).
In his final days, after obeying God and bringing much needed reform to the people of God, Asa forgot the LORD, and had grown cold in his faith and was therefore cursed with a divided heart.
All those who trust mere men, just because they have a white coat on and are called “doctor”, are going to die as did king Asa who trusted in earthly physicians, instead of the Great Physician! Repent now sinner.
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.” Proverbs 3:5-7
Are you a pessimistic pansy or an optimistic overcomer? Are you like the 10 spies or the 2 who entered the promised land while the 10 sad sack whiners were shut out? “The righteous are bold as a lion.” (Proverbs 28:1) Jesus asks “WHERE is your faith?” (Luke 8:25) Repenting for real and putting all your trust in the LORD is essential – and no one will be in the promise land of Heaven without sound, solid faith in God. “Without faith it is impossible to please him.” (Hebrews 11:6). “Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.” (Jeremiah 17:5)
Read Revelation 2-3.
Remember the woman Jesus, the Great Divine Physician made whole of her issue who had previously spent all she had on human physicians?
“And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, 26 And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, 27 When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. 28 For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. 29 And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague. 30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him (accessed by faith in Him), turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes? 31 And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? 32 And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing. 33 But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. 34 And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith (in God not men) hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.” Mark 5:25-34
You claim to be trusting God but you take a mood drug? I don’t think so. MOOD DRUGS ARE FOR THE WICKED UNBELIEVERS. PERIOD. REPENT.
When a person resorts to using a drug to uplift their mood, they are loving and believing the world more than God, forfeiting the blessing of God for a cheap substitute, and manifesting their contempt for the LORD, their unbelief. A born again, presently abiding 
disciple of Jesus has all the fruit of the Holy Spirit which include, “Love, joy, peace…” (Galatians 5:22-23) God gives His people “power… love, and a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7) God’s Word has the answer to “ALL things that pertain unto life and godliness” and that specifically includes a “sound mind.” (2 Peter 1:3-4) Holy Scripture specifically uses the terms “sound mind” and “sound heart” which come only from learning and adhering to “sound doctrine.”
We live in a fallen world and were born in sin. Via the things that have happened to us and that we ourselves have perpetrated on others, fragmentation of our hearts has occurred. Only One can make us whole.
“And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, 18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” Luke 4:17-19
“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
“He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” Psalms 147:3
Counting it all Joy
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. 5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” James 1:2-8
Through the trials we face in this life, we must learn to “count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations”, trust God not men, ask for and rely on His wisdom and not waver, but rather finished our course trusting and walking with Christ to the end of our lives.
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:” 2 Timothy 4:7
“For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Hebrews 6:10-12
The Whole Heart
“And all Judah rejoiced at the oath: for they had sworn with all their heart, and sought him with their whole desire; and he was found of them: and the LORD gave them rest round about.” 2 Chronicles 15:15
The result of seeking the LORD with a whole heart is that He gives us “rest round about.”
“But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.” Proverbs 1:33
9 Times in the book of Psalms the words “Whole Heart” appear. Here’s the first 3 of that collection:
“I will praise thee, O LORD, with my WHOLE HEART; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.” Psalms 9:1
“Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my WHOLE HEART, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.” Psalms 111:1
“Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the WHOLE HEART.” Psalms 119:2
PRAYER: Dear heavenly Father, I have sinned against You by not wholly trusting You. I have not sought You with my whole heart. Here and now I confess this for the evil sin of unbelief and rebellion that it is and ask You to please forgive me now in the name of Jesus. Please wash me afresh from all my sins with the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Also please make my heart whole and increase and fill me with Your faith Father, and cause me to trust You with all of my heart, no matter what. I love You my dear LORD. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Abiding
“NEVER take a Vacation from God” [podcast]
God’s Word teaches us to be diligent in knowing and following Christ – even when the word diligent is not used.
“Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11
Make the deliberate decision to “set…
“Now set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God; arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of the Lord God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the name of the Lord.” 1 Chronicles 22:19
“Don’t you EVER take a vacation from God!” said my first pastor.
This beloved brother knew exactly what happens when the disciple relaxes in his seeking of the LORD. Think foolish virgins. The result can be deadly, irrevocably.
He was dead on in this warning. Give the flesh an inch and it will take a mile, right?
Have you ever slipped backward? If so, you know it started with just not reading God’s Word one day. That one day turned into two, three…. Right?
Never must this happen. The war is won in the now. You must “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
God requires that we “give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall” (2 Peter 1:10).
It’s only those who remain built up in Christ like the wise virgins of Jesus’ parable, who “keep” themselves “in the love of God” who are not going to fall away.
“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, 21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. … Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.” Jude 20-25
Jesus warns:
“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41
How did this kind of wisdom get lost from us beloved of God?
The disciple must get out ahead of the flesh. He must be one step ahead – knowing by testimony of the Word and by personal experience that there is “NO good thing” in us other than Jesus (Romans 7:18). This is exactly why Paul also said things like:
“I die daily.” 1 Corinthians 15:31
“But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” 1 Corinthians 9:27
Exhorting the sheep of Christ, one pastor said:
“Have fun this summer. Enjoy the outdoors. Travel to see friends and family. Explore the world. Just don’t take a vacation from God. He loves you more than you can imagine and wants to keep refilling your sack with his awesome gifts so that you can keep sharing them with others in your life!”
“The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil.” Proverbs 13:19
Various Quotes on the Importance of Diligence
“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts.”―Calvin Coolidge
“But I never could have done what I have done, without the habits of punctuality, order, and diligence…”―Charles Dickens
“Prefer diligence before idleness, unless you esteem rust above brightness.”―Plato
“Diligence is the mother of good fortune.”―
“Amateurs look for inspiration; the rest of us just get up and go to work.”
“If he [Thomas Edison] had a needle to find in a haystack, he would not stop to reason where it was most likely to be, but would proceed at once with the feverish diligence of a bee, to examine straw after straw until he found the object of his search.”―Nikola Tesla
“Laziness looks at excuses as something to treasure while diligence always focuses on excuses as an inconvenience to be overcome.”―
“The three great essentials to achieve anything worthwhile are, first, hard work; second, stick-to-itiveness; third, common sense.”―Thomas Alva Edison
“That which ordinary men are fit for, I am qualified in, and the best of me is diligence.”―William Shakespeare
“Active valour may often be the present of nature; but such patient diligence can be the fruit only of habit and discipline.”―Edward Gibbon
“Diligence overcomes difficulties; sloth makes them.”―Benjamin Franklin
“The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.” Proverbs 26:13
“In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.” Proverbs 14:23
“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;” 1 Peter 1:13
“Wherefore – Having such encouragement. Gird up the loins of your mind – As persons in the eastern countries were wont, in travelling or running, to gird up their long garments, so gather ye up all your thoughts and affections, and keep your mind always disencumbered and prepared to run the race which is set before you. Be watchful – As servants that wait for their Lord. And hope to the end – Maintain a full expectation of all the grace – The blessings flowing from the free favour of God. Which shall be brought to you at the final revelation of Jesus Christ – And which are now brought to you by the revelation of Christ in you.“―John Wesley
“Slothfulness (laziness, lack of diligence) casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.” Proverbs 19:15
Power Words Power our Lives!
Remember those power words your parents instilled in your growing up? Remember things like “readers are leaders”? How about “The early bird gets the worm”?
What are some of the good words your beloved parents instilled in you as a child that live on in your mind and heart daily?
My beloved father taught us five to “always be consistent.” Oh and these weren’t just words. Oh no. My brother and I are only 13 months apart and so when we started playing football at about 6 years old, my parents set us down and looked us in the eyes and said “If you start this football season, you WILL finish. We require it of you, so count the cost.”
Nothing replaces consistency. Say it out loud with me right now beloved of God – CONSISTENCY.
While we’re on this topic, I hope you won’t mind me saying that it is befuddling to see how people start doing something that works and then quit – from a work out program to a lifestyle change in eating and most devastatingly, serving God then quitting.
Wait a minute, you were doing _______ and it was working, was blessing you, and then you quit?
Hebrews 10:32-39
“But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;
33 Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.
34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.
35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.”
Hebrews 6:9-12
“But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. 10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”
62 times the words “diligent,” “diligence,” and “diligently” appear in Holy Scripture.
Each time we read these words, they pertain specifically to serving God “diligently” with “diligence.”
“Diligent”
“He becometh poor (spiritually) that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich (spiritually).” Proverbs 10:4
“Diligence”
“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23
“Diligently”
appears 37 times in God’s Word
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that DILIGENTLY seek him.” Hebrews 11:6
“Looking DILIGENTLY lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;” Hebrews 12:15
“Keep your dukes up!”
Growing up boxing, from home training to being on a golden gloves team in high school, the command of the coaches was always and repeatedly “Keep your dukes up!”
Those who drop their dukes, their hands from covering their face, get hit, get knocked out.
Another sign on the wall of that boxing facility was: “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” unknown
We are going to go through what Jesus foretold:
“For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.” Matthew 24:21-22
YOUR PRAYER: Holy Father, in the name of Jesus I come to You now. Please forgive my sins of self-idolatry, slothfulness, and spiritual adultery.
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