7 Debilitating Lies Of The ‘Covering Doctrine’

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from http://rawgod.com

What is the “Covering Doctrine?” To put it simply, it’s the doctrine that claims all Christians must be under the authority (covering) of a church leader or mother organization to act with ‘authority,’ be protected from the attacks of the devil, or receive God’s blessings. It came from the shepherding movement of the 70’s which was really rooted in the cultural revolution of the 60’s, and utterly failed a short time afterwards.

The face of the shepherding movement, along with it’s overblown ‘covering doctrine’ was Bob Mumford. Although in 1989 he said:
Accountability, personal training under the guidance of another, and effective pastoral care are needed biblical concepts. True spiritual maturity will require that they be preserved. These biblical realities must also carry the limits indicated by the New Testament. However, to my personal pain and chagrin, these particular emphases very easily lent themselves to an unhealthy submission resulting in perverse and unbiblical obedience to human leaders. Many of these abuses occurred within the sphere of my own responsibility.

It rears its head every now and then and comes from the felt idea that certain Christian movements, parachurch organizations, and even missionaries are too loose and that there’s not enough accountability, credibility, or control ‘over them.’ In the past 5 years, I’ve probably heard the question, “Who’s your covering?” at least 50 times. Other versions of the question are;

“Under what authority do you minister here?”

“Who do you answer to?”

It’s as if legitimate ministry can be determined by “the right answer” to those questions. Answering those sorts of questions in a cavalier way, for example, “Jesus/God is my authority (covering),” is thought to be rebellious, of poor attitude, or having an inclination towards disobedience. If continued, it usually results in one being forced out from under that covering or “umbrella of protection” for the ‘destruction of the flesh so that the soul might be saved’ which is really code talk for trying to justify religious abuse.

It’s one of my favorite exchanges in scripture when the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders approached Jesus saying:

“By what authority are you doing these things?” and they also asked, “And who gave you authority to do this?” Jesus replied,
“I will ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or of human origin? Tell me!”

They responded, “We don’t know,” because either way their answer would have obliterated their ill conceived covering doctrine, (Mark 11:27-33) It was one of the most disassembling questions, doctrinally speaking, of Jesus’ ministry. It was also one of the wisest of all possible answers He could have given to those challenging Him.

Given mankind’s propensity to form hierarchical systems and structures which are diametrically opposed to Jesus’ teachings in Luke 22:25-26, Matthew 20:25 and Mark 10:42, we have purposed to expose these 7 lies of the doctrine;

- - Covering encourages accountability.
  - Covering procures legitimacy.
  - Covering provides safety.
  - Covering encourages fidelity
  - Covering transfers authority
  - Covering ordains ministry
  - Covering leads to prosperity

These are just some of the lies that have been birthed from the fundamentally flawed principles within the movement. Sin is redefined as disobedience to God’s ‘delegated’ authorities. Grace is filtered through fickle feelings of generosity in others (those who cover), and is often mitigated without objective reasoning. Obedience to the Lord requires obedience to God’s delegated authorities and across all realms such as employers, church leaders, and civil authorities. Bucking any leadership in any way ‘puts you outside of the covering.’

Further, rebellion against God’s delegated authority is rebellion against God Himself. Rebellion to authority opens one up to the demonic realm results in being deceived. People should live by the principle of obedience rather than by discernment and objective reasoning. People should always obey authority [usually the pastor] unless they are clearly instructed to violate scripture [but he is the final interpreter of scripture, so…] ‘Spiritual authority and blessing flows to those who suffer under authority.’ God does not judge people on the fruit of their life but on how faithfully they followed authority. And, those outside the local church and the covering of its leaders are at serious risk of spiritual attack. While these principles may contain nuggets or even smaller bits of truth here and there, there are none the less widely misinterpreted and misapplied.*

In addition to the 7 lies listed above, I think these are 7 possible negative fruit:

1. 1. Covering doctrine distorts the gospel
  2. Covering doctrine is disobedience
  3. Covering doctrine is manipulative, fear-driven, and abusive
  4. Covering doctrine reinforces and widens the clergy/laity divide.
  5. Covering doctrine usurps Jesus’ authority.
  6. Covering doctrine is idolatry.
  7. Covering doctrine creates ungodly dependency.

Those that insist on the covering doctrine as a valid and biblical teaching, can be equated with modern-day shamans, charlatans, and shysters. The doctrine itself is one of the key catalyzers of the destructive prosperity gospel and ultimately kills ministry and mission. In part II of this series, we’ll talk about 7 countermeasures to the doctrine of coverings, but I’d like to ask you a few questions:

1. What truths might there be in the covering doctrine? Point out a few?

2. How would you answer the question, “Who’s your covering?”

3. What lies, or results have you seen come out of those who teach the covering doctrine?

More on “covering” witchcraft here. | Uncovering the Covering Doctrine | COVERING Witchcraft Busted and Exposed! [podcast] |

Uncovering The “Covering Doctrine”

COVERING Witchcraft Busted and Exposed! [podcast]

Apostasy

Jesus Promised Judas an Eternal Throne in Heaven but He Chose to go to Hell #shorts [video]

Judas died and went to eternal hell, irrevocably as every lost soul shall experience (Acts 1:25). Judas is the “son of perdition” and “perdition” means damnation (John 17:12).

Here’s all the ministry’s shorts (60 secs) videos. Feel free to share:

See all shorts videos here on ministry youtube channel.

Judas was even sent out with the other apostles to heal the sick, raise the dead, and preach Christ’s Gospel (Matthew 10:1-8). He was real, then backslid and is in hell (Acts 1:16-25).
The Truth about Judas

“And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones (not 11), judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” (Matthew 19:28)

Judas wasn’t kept and Jesus specifically and irrefutably promised him an eternal throne in Heaven – Matthew 19:28. “TWELVE” not eleven~!

At the time of this divinely-given promise, it is more than abundantly clear that Judas was eternally secure, otherwise Christ would have never given this promise to the “twelve” which includes Judas Iscariot (Matthew 19:28). It is only after this that Judas allowed iniquity in his heart and by his own deliberate will fell by his own iniquity (Acts 1:25; Heb. 3:12-15).

“Saying, I (Judas) have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.” Matthew 27:4

“Eternal security”? Don’t kid yourself. Moral cowards who refuse to take person accountability for their every thought, motive, and deed love this lie. Satan’s first lie – which led to the fall of mankind (Gen 2:17; 3:4).

“For if AFTER they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are AGAIN entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, AFTER they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.” 2 Peter 2:20-21

WHAT ABOUT JUDAS? [podcast]

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John Calvin Exposed

The Cult of Calvin: Exploding the Diabolical 5-Point Mythology of Calvinism In my personal opinion and from decades of observation, it appears to be evident that those in ministry who teach Calvin’s doctrines were subverted by those who taught them before they ever personally learned God’s Word themselves. They were taught this lie growing up and/or in the seminaries they attended before they had studied unto the LORD and gained a foundation in His Word (2 Tim. 2:15; 3:16-17). Like most false doctrines, Calvinistic teachings have an inoculating effect upon those who have been deceived by this teaching. Beholding John Calvin’s abominable […]

Grace vs Holiness [podcast]

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Apostasy

The Majestic Eternal Word [podcast]

“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:19-21

Did you know that God has magnified His Word even above His holy name?

“I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.” Psalms 138:2

Sign up for free email devotional HERE… The Moments with My Master email devotional is sent out for the edification of the body of Christ

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America

THE AMERICAN DREAM DELUSION: Are You a “Dream Chaser” or a Jesus Seeker? [podcast]

“I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.” John 5:30

Jesus didn’t come to the earth to seek His own will or dream His own dreams but rather to do the will of His Father.

“And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, 42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” Luke 22:41-42

Christ’s apostle Paul declared:

“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” Galatians 6:14

Regrettably, in today’s modern church world, we so many who seek their own vision and destiny. They have not yet laid down their lives and so divine grace is not enabling them. There is NO cross. Jesus was fully submitted to His Father whereas most who use these buzz words today are not also preaching the essential cross, the crucified life.

God has given His people dreams since Genesis and still does today (Genesis 37; Acts 2:17, etc.). Yet a dream, in biblical definition, is from the LORD and for His glory and purpose (1 Corinthians 1:29-31). A dream, gift, vision, or prophecy from God is not for the self-serving purposes and agenda of men and women who are not crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20; 1 Peter 4:10-11). Many we see boasting of a dream, gift, or vision today are self-glorying. Beware.

These who chase destiny are missing the cross which is central to the Gospel friend. Running around trying to fulfill our destiny is not of God. Laying down our lives – death and burial – assures us that GOD, not us, is leading and raising us up to do His will.

WHAT I ASKED FOR, by a disciple:

(a slave of righteousness—Romans 6:18)

“I was a sinner deep in darkness. I did not ask to be blessed—but delivered. I did not ask to be a king, for I was a knave (untrustworthy, deceitful). I did not ask to be wealthy and comfortable, but to be delivered. I did not ask to be an elite, I asked to be forgiven and saved. I did not ask to become God’s pampered brat, I asked to be accepted by Him. When He saved me, I did not ask, ‘Lord give me power to work miracles!’ I asked Him to do whatever He desired to do with me. I did not join His team, I fully surrendered to His Lordship. I became a vessel in the hand of the King of kings. I did not ask to be loved, but His love poured into me with joy unspeakable. No matter what life hands me or what people do to or say about me, I got what I asked for. I was once a sinner and now I’m accepted in God’s Beloved (Ephesians 1:6).”

BUZZ WORD ALERT: “God is positioning you!” is the cry of many false prophets who paint an un-biblical picture as they misuse Scripture, taking it out of context – to exploit and give false hope to their prey for their own self-serving purposes (Philippians 3:18-19; 2 Peter 2:1-3). But what is biblical positioning? What is the biblical position on positioning? Did Jesus die on that cross to position you to be rich in this world or the next? (Matthew 6:19-21; Luke 12, 16, etc.) Notice that modern wolves who use this “positioning” buzz word to trick the ungrounded NEVER use this verse below which is paramount to our POSITION with God:

“And hath raised us up together, and made us SIT TOGETHER (our position in Christ!) in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:” Ephesians 2:6

Because Jesus Christ is seated at the right hand of His Father in Heaven, means that we His beloved blood-bought people are in Him and also positionally seated with Him in glory!

“Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,” Ephesians 1:20

Your position IN CHRIST is the position that anchors your soul in heavenly places IN CHRIST!

Jesus came to die and sent us to die and if we don’t we are not following Him (Luke 9:23-24). Seeking our own destiny is the antitheses of dying – it’s Christ-denying and completely self-serving.

Tracking the destruction of people and nations. History sure is repeating itself, but is it repeating itself in our lives?

Regardless of where we are personally in this, we must be transformed out of a worldly mindset and into kingdom thinking (Romans 12:1-2; Ephesians 4:23-24). Some who have resources in this world believe this makes them rich. Not. Proverbs 13:17. Some who have little in this world suffer the distress of thinking that means they are not important. Not. Learn what Jesus means in Luke 12:15. Here are several resources on learning a kingdom mindset in the biblical doctrine of stewardship. Please share this post.

The Prosperity of Fools | Wealth Wasted on the Worship of Self | Seeking God

It’s essential to remain in and with God’s Word and feeding His sheep, remaining steadfast, soundly grounded in divine truth and not be swept away with the spurious and grossly overplayed dreams and visions of mere men and their end times scenarios, ministries, etc. Hysteria fills the hearts of so many professing Christians who jump from one prophetic word, dream teller, story teller to another (2 Timothy 4:2-4). This keeps them suspended instead of grounded in Christ.

“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 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 lie in wait to deceive;” Ephesians 4:11-14

There are many who make merchandize of the people (2 Peter 2:1-3). They seem to throw out one dream, vision, or prophetic word after another. It’s essential to remain in and with God’s Word and feeding His sheep, remaining steadfast, soundly grounded in divine truth and not be swept away with the spurious, fabricated, sensationalized, and grossly overplayed dreams and visions of mere men and their end times scenarios, ministries, etc. A key component of discernment would be to reflect on whether the messenger is actually getting directly into the literal Scriptures.

Hysteria fills the hearts of so many professing Christians who jump from one prophetic word, dream teller, story teller to another (2 Timothy 4:2-4). This keeps them suspended instead of grounded in Christ.

“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18 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

“But have walked after the imagination of their own heart, and after Baalim, which their fathers taught them:” Jeremiah 9:14

“Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets (false leaders) that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth (written Word) of the LORD.” Jeremiah 23:16

“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;” Jeremiah 23:25-26

“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.” 2 Timothy 4:2-4

Prophetic or Pathetic?

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