Mike Desario’s ministry is proof that just because someone is intense at communicating a message doesn’t mean their message is true.
(At the bottom of this page is the Testimony by Tommy Miner who was delivered from this dangerous cult.)
Mike Desario is now dead and presumably unrepentant and in hell and yet his cult and false teachings live on. Beware!
In short: Desario and his prey view salvation as their own departure from sin, to stop all sinning, as they claim. They view repentance as turning from sin instead of first and foremost turning TO God (1 Thessalonians 1:9). Jesus seems to be edited out of His own salvation plan. After all, we can stop all sinning by ourselves so why do we need the Lamb of God? They hyper-over emphasize turning from sin out of its context and never mention how Jesus commanded us to love the LORD with all of our heart mind and strength (Matthew 22:37-39). Remember, holiness is not the way to Jesus – Jesus is the way to holiness (John 3:30). Why do they ignore and hide this? Why is there a complete ignoring of loving God as Christ commanded (Matthew 22:37-40). These are antichrists who are not in love with the LORD but rather full of self, full of self aggrandizement, self-love, self-righteousness, and vain glory. That’s the fruit of Desario’s followers. The spirit of antichrist possesses them and this is clear in that they have rejected Christ by elevating themselves as their own “savior” from sin instead of the nail-scarred risen Savior. Jesus Christ is not in their salvation plan – until after they earn or merit being with Him due to their own “natural ability” to turn from sin. Desario’s salvation plan is all about them overcoming sin – without Jesus. A sinner cannot save a sinner – if that were the case, WHY did Jesus bother coming to the earth? Only the sin-less One can save and forgive the sinner – (Matthew 9:6). ALL of our own righteousnesses are as filthy rags in His holy eyes (Isaiah 64:6). Our posture of heart concerning approaching God is “God be merciful to me a sinner” and not self-righteously coming to Him with “Okay God, I overcame all sin without You and so now I’m worthy, here I am.”
“And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.” Luke 18:13
Attention: Just because men have the ability not to sin does not make you your own savior and does not negate your need for the one Savior – Jesus Christ! You are not deep or some spiritual hero because you now realize that the Bible makes no excuse for any sinning (Romans 6:1-2; 2 Corinthians 7:1). If it took Mike Desario to inform you of this basic Bible truth (no excuses for sin), that’s because previous to listening to Desario, you refused to repent and read God’s Word honestly for yourself. But Mike has poisoned the bread of Heaven, the Word of God, with much leaven. And we know that it takes only “A little leaven”, a little false doctrine, to poison, to affect, to ruin a whole person and damn their eternal soul to hell.
“A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.” Galatians 5:9
Because ALL of our own righteousness are as “filthy rags,” sinners cannot save themselves by obeying God (Isaiah 64:6). It was Christ Jesus from Heaven who came into the world to save sinners. No one else in history qualified (Ezekiel 22:30).
“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” 1 Timothy 1:15
One will observe the gross silence, the absolute absence of any cult member of Mike Desario proclaiming their great praise and gratefulness for the saving, sheer mercy of God in saving them through the blood of Jesus Christ. No, they are focused on themselves, pretending to be sinless while they live in sin, the worst sin – self-righteousness. They openly reject the perfect sacrifice of the Savior.
Sin is overcome by the disciple’s submission to the LORD, to the daily cross… by the divinely enabling grace of Christ and not by human effort (Romans 6:14). Desario never says this. Run for your life. This guy, while pointing out one error, is committing many more himself. Read and obey God’s Word for yourself.
Overcoming all sin – yes, and yet, it’s not possible by way of the flesh but rather only by the divinely instituted cross prescription, cross life, the crucified life – the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus being re-enacted in the life of the believer daily (Romans 6; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12; Galatians 2:20, etc.). Overcoming all sin does not come by self-will. Paul said “by the GRACE of God I am what I am.” (1 Corinthians 15:10) “Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?” (Galatians 3:3)
There is no cross in Desario’s message … no surrender = death and burial…. and then Christ reigning in our lives which alone pleases God and brings His overcoming victory (Romans 6).
The most immediate indication the discerning disciple will notice is that complete lack of joy in Desario. Jeremiah tells us that God’s Word, in the hearts of His people, produces “the joy and rejoicing of my heart.” (Jeremiah 15:16) Where’s the joy, the smile?
On his website, Mike Desario wrote the following, much of which is true and yet there’s poison in the pond, there are erroneous presumptions made:
“The Original Saints believed and taught that you MUST come clean with God in Repentance BEFORE the Holy Spirit would indwell. No one was ‘Saved in sin or did any early Saint teach that man was Born in Sin. They understood that man possessed free and unhindered ability to Obey God and DO what was Right. Most of professing Christianity today is under a massive System of Error that has negated genuine repentance and substituted it with a wretched man profession that keeps them in slavery to their sin. Our web site is dedicated to exposing these errors and pulling down the Strongholds so others may come to a Knowledge of the truth and escape the snare of the devil before it’s too late.” Mike Desario
Let’s break this down, piece by piece. I’ve indented his words:
Firstly we can observe that the name of Jesus, Christ, or the Son of God appear nowhere in this mission statement of Desario.
“The Original Saints believed and taught that you MUST come clean with God in Repentance BEFORE the Holy Spirit would indwell.” Desario
Repenting is essential (Luke 13:3, etc.).
“No one was ‘Saved in sin or did any early Saint teach that man was Born in Sin.” Desario
If there is no sin nature or inherent sin, iniquity working within fallen man, that means that sin is not sin, that it had and has no death, no evil and didn’t harm the human family. Mike’s statement begs the question as to why the Bible uses the words “were by nature the children of wrath.” (Ephesians 2:3) “Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.” (Ephesians 2:3) Also, why did Jesus command those who would follow Him to deny self if there is nothing to deny? Why the cross – the crucified life He prescribed if there’s nothing that needs to die, to be crucified? (Luke 9:23-24) WHY did Paul teach that the believer must “put off the old man” if there is no “old man” in us to “put off”? (Ephesians 4:22-24; Colossians 3:8-10)
“They understood that man possessed free and unhindered ability to Obey God and DO what was Right.” Mike Desario
Notice how he seems to deify man’s obedience as the saving factor instead of Christ being the only Savior. He capitalized “Obey.” Our faith, repentance, or obedience do not save us. Only the LORD Himself can save us. No man can save himself.
“Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.” Isaiah 45:22
Obedience is essential and yet without love for Him, God is not pleased with our rote, mechanical obedience….. if it’s not coming out of our love for Him. Many times we here this verse slammed
“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15
Okay so let’s say we are striving to obey Christ. Is Jesus going to save us if we don’t love Him? Are we dwelling on and hearing anything about actually, literally loving Jesus, from our hearts, “in spirit and in truth”? (John 4:23-24)
“IF ye love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15
Have you ever noticed the “If” of this statement by our LORD Jesus?
Okay, reread the words of Jesus above and see what comes first in the sentence— “love,” or keeping His commands? “IF you love me, keep my commandments” says Jesus (John 14:15).
Of these words of Christ, one source notes:
“Let’s break down the key elements (of John 14:15):
- Love for Jesus:
- Jesus is emphasizing the importance of love. The context of this statement is Jesus speaking to His disciples during the Last Supper, preparing them for His impending departure. Love is a central theme in Jesus’ teachings.
- Obedience as an Expression of Love:
- Jesus connects love with obedience. Keeping His commandments is presented as a tangible way to express love for Him. This implies that genuine love for Jesus is not just a matter of sentiment or emotion but is expressed through actions and obedience.
- The Relationship Between Love and Commandments:
- Throughout the Gospel of John, Jesus repeatedly emphasizes the connection between love and following His commandments. For example, in John 15:10, Jesus says, “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.”
- The Role of Commandments:
- Jesus’ commandments, in this context, refer to His teachings and instructions. These include moral and ethical principles, as well as guidance on how to live in alignment with God’s will.
- Love for Jesus:
In summary, Jesus is teaching that true love for Him involves more than just emotional attachment or verbal expressions. It involves active obedience to His teachings and commandments. This concept aligns with the broader biblical understanding that love and obedience are intertwined. For believers, expressing love for Jesus is inseparable from a life of obedience to His teachings and a commitment to following His example.”
“But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.” 1 John 2:5
Matthew 7:20-23 The Judgment
“Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know (discern) them. 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and IN THY NAME DONE MANY WONDERFUL WORKS? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Matthew 7:20-23
“Natural Ability”
If we could come to and serve God in our own “natural ability”, why did Jesus come? It is suspected that Mike Desario taught a version of Charles Finney’s “natural ability” doctrine which rightly claims that man has the God-given ability to obey Him. Yet, it’s not man’s “natural ability” but rather the grace, the divine influence and empowerment of God, that enables man to overcome sin (1 Corinthians 15:10). This doctrine seems to be antichrist in that it moves the attention and glory off of Christ and onto man.
“Most of professing Christianity today is under a massive System of Error that has negated genuine repentance and substituted it with a wretched man profession that keeps them in slavery to their sin.” Desario
Repentance and faith are the starting place with God (Acts 20:21) and yet repentance does not remove the inward bent toward sin (Romans 7). Repentance, faith, then abiding with Christ via the cross seems to more fully depict the salvation of Christ. The cross is what’s missing – the daily crucified life (Luke 9:23-24). Denying an inward bent does nothing to negate or do away with it. Reckoning with the flesh by crucifying it is essential to overcoming (Romans 6). Denying this inward “old man” that wants to do evil is not the biblical answer. Paul said he had to “keep under” his body, another name for “old man” or “the flesh.” (1 Corinthians 9:27) The flesh cannot be cast out, it must be crucified and denying it exists is paramount to attempting to cast it out.
Mike Desario rejected the concept of a substitutionary sacrifice. If substitutionary atonement is not correct that means no one came to stand in the gap, right? Is 59:16; Ez 22:30. Such a teaching is antichrist. We cannot atone for our own sins. Jesus alone did that (2 Corinthians 5:19, 21; 1 Timothy 1:15; 1 John 2:1-2, etc.). Beware of “the spirit of antichrist.” (1 John 2:18)
The Bible uses the term “true holiness” (Ephesians 4:24) and so we know there is a feigned holiness. Satan only counterfeits the real. Beware. There is a self-dependent, fake, counterfeit holiness being spread by devils like Mike Desario (who’s dead now) and the dupes who have gullibly bought the lies. There is no holiness outside of the cross life (Luke 9:23-24; John 12:23-25; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12; Galatians 2:20; 5:24, etc.). Mike never taught the cross which means he taught another gospel, a false gospel (Galatians 1:6-9). Jesus conquered sin and death by dying (Hebrews 2:14-15).
Beware of this fake holiness cult which teaches to trust in your own ability to overcome sin instead of the divinely enabling grace of Christ (Romans 6:14).
- Overcome all sin? Yes.
- Doing it outside of oneness (abiding relationship) with Christ? NO!
The fake holiness cult members never speak of seeking the face of and knowing Christ (relationship John 17:3; Philippians 3:10), the crucified life (daily cross), the grace of God, the mercy or love of God. These are all cardinal components of the original Gospel.
“True holiness” is brought out by GOD, as His disciple humbles himself, consenting to his own death that Christ might reign…. The Crucified Life Jesus calls us to.
Mike Desario did NOT preach the cross – the crucified life (Luke 9:23-24; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12; Galatians 2:20, etc.). The cross is the divine prescription for overcoming all sin and any other message is “another gospel.” (Galatians 1:6-9)
Mike Desario (holdingfirmly / standinginthegap), who is now deceased and in hell, was very adamant about what he taught – much of what is truth mixed with deadly heresy. We can conclude that it’s unlearned, self-righteous people who have bought the package Satan handed out through this false teacher. Many of those who bought into these lies are the modern street preachers. Regrettably, their fruit is nasty as is no surprise because the root determines the fruit.
“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
Many have bought into lies due to being persuaded by a good communicator. Instead of hearkening to the LORD – the full counsel of His Word, they place their allegiance in a mere man because he sounds like he knows what he is talking about. This is the case with those who’ve been duped by the false teachings of Mike Desario. Discernment needed saints.
Christ is the Center point of the real, original Gospel and not man’s obedience which is a subtle way of the spirit of antichrist to over emphasize our small part, participation! (Colosians 2:18-19) Christ alone can save. Our works don’t save us! Yes God requires our faith and yet that requirement of faith doesn’t save us – GOD ALONE CAN SAVE US! Mike Desario was very obviously a freakish antichrist who is now in hell no doubt.
Satan has an agent for every sector – every type person. In this writer’s opinion, self-righteousness is the sin that causes people to migrate to such a system of false teaching as Desario put forth. In his teachings, Desario is pointing out some things that are true and yet has a convoluted, false theology that is works based – grossly lacking in the faith of Christ (Romans 4:4-5). He catches the ear of those who view themselves as truth-seekers.
Desario and his followers are mean-spirited, stoic, and have no joy. Something’s not right. See Romans 14:17. The fruit of those who have bought this package from hell is anything but joy. Myself and others who stand against this evil system of theology combined have experienced some of the vilest of affliction and attacks from those Christ-denying counterfeits. Beware saints.
SEE IF YOU CAN EVEN BELIEVE THIS!!!!!! (below)
MESSAGE RECEIVED:
“Stopping sin is the first part of salvation. The next part is that we get justified which is by our works, not merely by faith. So Todd, you are in error.”
REPLY:
You have openly denied Christ. You have spit in the face of the Almighty (Galatians 2:21). You are utterly deceived and misled by wolves (Finney, Desario, etc). The first part of salvation is Christ’s perfect sacrifice on that cross – “It is finished” – and then GOD’s drawing the sinner to Himself (John 12:32; 19:30; 1 John 4:19). “We love him, because he FIRST loved us.” (1 John 4:19) “WHILE we were yet sinners” Jesus came and died for our sins (Matthew 5:6-8). Sinful men don’t find God – God finds us! God is calling you to come to Him, before it’s too late. If you do truly repent and believe on the LORD Jesus Christ, He will deliver you from being an antichrist (anti = in place of). You’ve replaced the only Savior with the sinful god of self. “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” (James 2:10) You are a sinner and fooling no one but yourself to claim otherwise. God sees all your sins and will damn your soul eternally if you don’t come humbly to Jesus, admitting your utter need for Him and that you cannot save yourself (Matthew 5:3; 11:28-30). “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” 1 John 1:8
“If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” 1 John 1:10 “For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.” Ecclesiastes 7:20
The ability to conquer all sin is the stated will of God and yet that divine ability (Grace = divine ability) does not enter the saved person until he is first saved. So how can someone “stop all sinning” before being saved by grace? Impossible. And, that is unmitigated idolatry, antichrist – putting self before, in place of Christ who alone is Savior and LORD. Repentance is first and foremost turning TO GOD and not turning from sin. If you get these out of order, you are a heretic.
What are we saved from? We are saved from sin and the punishment of it upon repentance and faith and as we abide, remain in Christ after He saves us. Yet, HE saves us, not ourselves. We don’t save ourselves by stopping all sinning. Jesus saves us as and when we obey Him command to “Come unto me.” (Matthew 11:28-30) .If stopping all sinning were a requirement or even possible without Jesus, WHY would He have ever come to die for our sins? (Galatians 2:21)
Remaining in Christ is remaining in Christ (John 15:1-6). Romans 3:25 speaks of “the sins that are PAST” and 1 John 1:7 tells us that we are only washed from sin AS and IF we continue, abide in Christ, walking in His light and not darkness.
Mike Desario’s cultists are extremely arrogant, pride-filled, and unteachable. They will automatically accuse those who don’t buy their goods of being calvinists or eternal securists. Absurd. Repentance, while it is a non-negotiable essential, it doesn’t save us – JESUS saves us. Let’s never lose sight that it is GOD that saves us. And yes GOD saves us WHEN we obey His command to repent and believe…. meditate on that one. If we could save ourselves, why did the Father send His only begotten Son? Desario’s disciples claim that those who don’t see things their way are justifying sin. Not. God gives us the grace (divine enablement) to overcome all sin (2 Corinthians 7:1; Titus 2:11-14, etc.). Read Romans 8:13-14 closely….. “by the Spirit” is key. How does one walk in the Spirit and overcome the sins of the flesh? God’s overcoming power in our lives comes via the cross walk Christ and His apostles taught – Lk 9:23-24; Col 3:3; Gal 2:10; 2 Cor 4:12-12 etc. We are to be dead and buried and Christ, the resurrection and the life, raises us upward out of that state He calls us to (Romans 8:1-14).
Personal responsibility is essential. The Bible is clear on that and yet so is trusting GOD – that HE is able to raise you up out of death and burial. That’s the cross doctrine which is at the center of the Gospel. GOD raises us up in HIS power, not our own. He calls us to die.
WHO rewards those who trust Him with HIS overcoming grace? – “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
Desario also taught that no one is saved till they’re in Heaven. That’s partly true. You better get saved or you will not be in Heaven…. that’s another false teaching…. Jesus says “He that believeth HATH (present tense) everlasting life.” (John 6:47) After being initially saved, one must endure to the end, abide in Christ or that person will forfeit salvation (Matthew 10:22; 24:!3; John 15:6; 2 Peter 2:20-21; Hebrews 3:6, 12-14; 10:26-39; Revelation 2:26; 3:5, etc.).
Desario led you to believe that we are responsible for sin and have no reason to live in sin after being saved (true). Yet Desario’s false teachings led you to believe and left you to overcome all sin by yourself….. that you do not need God, not even to be saved, because you can stop ALL sinning BEFORE Jesus saves you and in fact, Jesus saves only those who stop ALL sinning BEFORE they come to Him. Total demonic heresy. This is anti-Christ which means in place of Christ. You have replaced Christ with self, you’ve denied Him, you are denying your utter need for Him, His saving grace…. all because you believe you can stop all sinning without the Son of God.
To those indoctrinated under Mike Desario: You have need of thoroughly studying the whole of Scripture. Desario was a master manipulator, a master at isolating certain truths to the exclusion of the whole of what Holy Scripture says. It takes a whole Bible to make a whole disciple.
Not Original to Desario
The Finney Cult is alive and well today saints. When you understand the false teachings of Charles Finney, you will understand the error promulgated by Desario. I’ve had several people disown me due to pointing out the obvious errors of Charles Finney, an 18th century false teacher who is heralded by many today. Instead of studying and being astute students of pure Holy Scripture, they’ve learned the heresies of Finney, a man who denied the atonement of Christ. And, they are rabid in spreading these cancerous falsehoods. It sounds holy on the surface yet it’s a false holiness that enthrones man while demoting Christ. Perhaps Galatians 3:3 most poignantly exposes the regurgitated errors of Finney that have been passed on by false teachers like Mike Desario.
“Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?” Galatians 3:3
Dear Mike Desario cultist: So, are you made perfect by the flesh or by yielding to Christ and the Holy Spirit granting you His divine enablement? Read it again: “Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?” Galatians 3:3
TRUE REMNANT SAINTS OF CHRIST ARE NOT ONLY SAVED BY GRACE BUT ALSO SANCTIFIED BY GRACE. YES, WE ARE FULLY ACCOUNTABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN AN INTIMATE, WORSHIPFUL, OBEDIENT RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST, AND YET IT’S CHRIST ALONE WHO SAVES AND SANCTIFIES AS WE “abide” in relationship with him (JOHN 15:1-16, ETC.).
God requires repentance and faith to save an individual and yet, it’s CHRIST alone who saves. Though necessary, our obedience doesn’t save us – only God Himself can save. Have we done the mechanics while distancing our Messiah and Savior? We must be careful to never impersonalize salvation. It’s a relationship (John 17:3; Philippians 3:10, etc.). God forgive us for alienating our LORD and Savior in the busy-ness of the mechanics. Christianity is all about knowing, worship, and knowing intimately the LORD. Nothing is more important (Matthew 22:37-39).
WHAT DESARIO IS DOING IS ATTEMPTING TO CORRECT CALVINISTIC ERROR AND YET IN DOING SO BY MISUSING THE WORD OF GOD, HE’S CREATED AN EQUALLY DAMAGING HERESY AND JUST AS GUILTY AS THE WOLVES OF CALVINISM AND HERETICS LIKE CHARLES FINNEY.
Desario’s Dupes
The disciples of Desario often misuse verses like John 8:11 by only quoting half of Christ’s words:
“Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.” John 8:11
Perhaps we should quote the whole verse. When we do it paints a different picture than those who beat up people with the last part of this verse. FIRST God redeems and forgives and THEN, after that He informs us that we don’t have to live in sin any longer (Romans 6:14).
They use the “go, and sin no more” to push a no-tolerance for any sin. There disposition is such that they feign to be sinless perfection and act as if there is no divine mercy for those who stumble and sin. The whole testimony of Holy Scripture stands against them. 1 John 1:9 anyone?
Jesus didn’t just say “go and sin no more.” No, the Son of God said to the woman caught in adultery “Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.” (John 8:11) Jesus first forgave her (represents salvation) and then told her she was free not to sin any more.
These vile wolves would have you believe that God is no longer merciful to those He saves! Nonsense. That notion is a doctrine of devils!
“He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. 11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. 13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. 14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.” Psalms 103:10-14
If God is not merciful, we are all in trouble. Thank You LORD Jesus for Your unmerited mercy you died to secure for Your people!
The new covenant in Christ includes mercy through His precious blood (Matthew 26:28). Only the spirit of antichrist would detract from the perfect sacrifice of the Son of God!
“For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.” Hebrews 8:12
Whenever you speak the BIBLICAL truth of God’s mercy and forgiveness, the demented Desario disciples immediately resort to their attack on your for “justifying sin.” Yet, this doesn’t fly, especially when you’ve written one of the most severe on sin books in existence – Lie of the Ages.
God is “Holy, holy, holy” and there is no justification for sin and yet the LORD is also merciful, gracious, and “ready to forgive.” (Psalms 86:5, 15; Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8) As seen in John 8, the only ones God is going to condemn are those who judge instead of extend the invitation of His blessed mercy! (Revelation 22:17, etc.) This would include the devils perpetrating the evil heresies taught by Mike Desario when he was alive on the earth.
Heart purity and a sinless life emanate only from a holy God and our consenting to the cross and not by human effort alone…. one cannot “stop sinning” until they come to Jesus and He saves them, making them new creatures in Christ. Only then can they put off the old man and put on the new man. There MUST be something to put off …. that inherent sinful nature, otherwise no such language would be in Scripture (Colossians 3).
Perhaps calling these self-righteous, bull headed devils Finney-ites would be the best way to define them. They have created a growing cult of believers in the Christ-denying false teachings of Charles Finney.
DESARIO TAUGHT THE HERESY THAT FALLEN MAN HAS NO INCLINATION TOWARD SIN OR DOES HE HAVE A SIN NATURE. HE TAUGHT THE FALSEHOOD OF FINNEY – THAT MAN’S OWN “NATURAL ABILITY” IS SUFFICENT FOR OVERCOMING SIN AND THEREFORE CHRIST CAME IN VAIN! AGAIN, THIS IS CLEARLY “THE SPIRIT OF ANTICHRIST” THAT INFLUENCED BOTH THESE WOLVES (FINNEY AND DESARIO).
The Bible prescription for overcoming sin (an essential) is not by denying the inward bent of fallen mankind (Romans 7) but rather by dying to self – taking up the cross daily (Luke 9:23-24, etc.). That’s what Christ and His apostles taught.
We overcome sin daily – day by day – by the cross and not our own “natural ability” – a term heretic Charles Finney used. Mike Desario got his false doctrines from Finney.
To understand where Desario and the other modern wolves got these heresies, you will need to look at the false teachings of heretic Charles Finney who is viewed by some as a great “revivalist.” Charles Finney Exposed
One believer writes:
“Holiness is first and foremost agape love. Unconditional love for all, including enemies of us and enemies of God. This over-emphasis on repentance can make us the initiator and God the responder if we are not careful. God is always the initiator.
All who follow Christ abandon all that offends Him (Mark 9:43-49). Holiness is the work of God in a yielded, abiding born again saint (John 15; Romans 8:12-14; 1 Peter 1:15-16, etc.). Holiness, as GOD defines and requires it, is yielding obediently to HIS work in one’s life (Romans 6:3-14). It is a sin to believer YOU can overcome all sin all by your sinful self! Futility! Think about it: When the HOLY Spirit is ruling a person’s yielded life, that vessel will be HOLY (Romans 8:13-14).
BEWARE OF THE COUNTERFEIT HOLINESS MESSAGE – ONE THAT SAYS MAN BECOMES “HOLY” ALL BY HIMSELF – WITHOUT THE LORD – without doing it God’s way. Yes, only those set apart to the LORD will be with Him (Ephesians 5:25-27; Hebrews 12:14). The truth about the essential of holiness – it’s not obtained by a work of the flesh but rather by God Himself in the crucified vessel (Gal 3:3). Any message on holiness that doesn’t include LOVE, loving God, obedience to the daily cross, grace (divine enablement), mercy, and faith, is not according to the original Gospel message (Romans 6:6; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12; Galatians 2:20; 5:24; Hebrews 11:6). Mike Desario novices are indoctrinated. They mercilessly over emphasize 1 John 3 while refusing to synthesize it with 1 John 1.
Those being exposed for preaching this Christ-denying, self-exalting false holiness message hate the ones exposing them – because it steals THEIR glory as they vainly believe THEY are earning their way with God.
“That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:29-31
These people do not preach Christ – they preach the merits of self which means they are antichrists who preach “another gospel” and are “accursed.” (2 Corinthians 4:6; Galatians 1:6-9)
One disciple writes:
“These fake holiness folks would have called for the adulteress to be stoned to death if they were asked instead of Jesus in Jn 8:1-10.”
Attempting to be holy in God’s eyes without the working of the grace of God in Christ is pure futility. It never has nor ever will work. Think: How can anyone be holy without He who alone is “Holy, holy, holy”? (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8)
“Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?” Galatians 3:3
Attempting to be holy in God’s eyes without the working of the grace of God in Christ is pure futility. It never has nor ever will work.
Notice the complete lack of joy in the self-righteous, arrogant ones who preach this fake holiness message, this counterfeit, feigned holiness message. That’s completely unlike Jesus. What this – real holiness – always brings real joy!:
“Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity (holiness); therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of GLADNESS above thy fellows.” Hebrews 1:9
Where’s the joy experienced by those truly in the kingdom of God?
“For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and JOY in the Holy Ghost.” Romans 14:17
Fake Holiness Deceivers …. Are just like the self-righteous man who went up to pray, who prayers didn’t leave the room he was in. They beat their chest before the LORD in prayer, proclaiming their own “righteousness” – which is as “filthy rags”? (Isaiah 64:6; Luke 18:9-14) | “Two Men Went Up into the Temple to Pray” [podcast]
Divine Justification Denied
Charles Finney and Mike Desario vehemently and heretically denied the atoning blood of Christ and the biblical doctrine of imputed righteousness (Romans 4).
The simple Bible truth: If divine righteousness is not imputed (given to us on the basis of Christ’s perfect sacrifice!), then that means we have to earn it!
Imputed righteousness is biblical, period. Romans 4. There is no righteousness without it being imputed by God to fallen men. Also, biblical righteousness does not mean that such cannot be withdrawn if the recipient refuses to meet the conditions.
Desario and his dupes HATE imputed righteousness (Romans 4). If righteousness isn’t imputed from God to man, by definition and default, that would mean man is earning his own salvation, right?
So these cultist trample the truth of imputed righteousness in order to correct another error (taught by calvinists). Beware of anyone who is willing to deny one biblical truth in order to correct another error.
Yes, God requires the participation of the individual born again believer in an abiding relationship with Jesus, yet Desario’s false system of theology would leave you to believe that it’s ALL up to you and that Christ is not the Savior. But Paul said:
“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12-13
You will never hear Titus 3:5-6 and Romans 4:4-5…… in Mike Desario’s teachings and if you do, it will be spun – the clear meaning will be whitewashed and discounted. Desario is among the vilest of devilish false teachers.
One this is for certain, Mike Desario sounds like he knows what he’s talking about. He’s very adamant about what he is teaching, even though he’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing, a false teacher who has misled many.
The fruit of these heresies taught by Desario produce the nastiest fruit in his disciples. If you’ve encountered them, you know exactly what I mean. This is more proof that he and those misled by him are not of God (Galatians 5:22-23, etc.).
When you compare Desario’s teachings to God’s Word, they don’t check out.
DESARIO IS GOOD AT GOING TO SEED ON CERTAIN TRUTHS, DOUBLING DOWN HARD IN HIS PRESENTATIONS, AND YET BY DOING SO HE VIOLATES OTHER CLEAR, KNOWN BIBLICAL TRUTH, THEREBY PERPETRATING HERESIES.
When a man denies Christ, 99% of the times it’s through his teachings and not by coming out and saying “I reject Christ.” This is exactly what Mike Desario has done.
Mike Desario is the one who trained up a bunch of self righteous novices in our day …. Desario died recently but his videos live on, misleading others. I’ve had personal experience with several of his disciples. They are insulated from hearing the truth due to their indoctrination. As mentioned earlier, his followers are some of the most rude, mean-spirited people you will encounter.
In dealing with those indoctrinated into this cult of self-righteousness, after experiencing their hatred, one will then note their insistence that anyone who disagrees with them is branded an unrepentant sinner who is making excuses for sin. They full of pride, arrogant, and completely unteachable.
The problem is that Mike Desario points out something that is true – that most leaders are making up excuses for sinning BUT then Mike Desario teaches that we can overcome by our own power, the power of our own “natural ability.” Jesus is sparse at best in his theology/view of the Christian life. The man was Satan’s snake.
Overcoming sin is the byproduct of truly knowing and abiding in Christ (John 15:1-6) and those who refuse to abide will be cast into hell (John 15:6). Yet, the emphasis of Scripture is upon Christ and our relationship with the Savior, something Desario intentionally ignored. In Mike Desario’s corrupted theology, it’s all up to the individual, no need to rely upon and abide Christ.
Recently someone asked about Mike Desario.
MY REPLY:
Brother, glad you asked ….. I would stay far away from Mike Desario’s teachings…. he has mislead a whole lot of people with his false teaching and spawned the idea (false notion) that he is somehow in “the know” of the truth no one has previously or presently understands. Every cult leader has this in common. Such a pride-predicated idea is always the foundation or premise for building a cult, which is what Mike Desario did.
Desario’s teachings are especially deceptive because he does use Scripture and yet, he ever so slightly tweaks or twists the verses and truths to his own bent, leaving out a whole lot of other biblical truth that would paint a completely different picture. Manipulation. Most believers are not skilled in God’s Word enough to catch this so we must also rely on the Holy Ghost to discern as John the apostle told us to do (1 John 4:1-6). From the first moment I encountered Desario’s disciples and then looked at small portions of his videos, there was great alarm in my spirit (1 John 4:1).
As mentioned, Desario’s followers violently blame all those who disagree with them as being sin justifiers. Nonsense. Yet, just because someone believes the Bible truth that we are weak and HE is strong – that Christ alone conquered sin on the cross and it’s conquered in our daily lives by the daily cross – doesn’t make that person a justifier of sin. These blinded novices have a hard time when they come against balanced and astute Bible students who use Scripture to dismantle and demolish the Christ-denying lies they peddle.
We are sinners both by being born after our fallen fathers and also by our own choices…. (Romans 3, 5, 7, etc.).
Desario’s style of communication draws those who seemed to want the truth and (correctly) believe that OSAS and calvinism are false …. yet, they are drawn into self-reliance and the deadly sin of self-righteousness (Titus 3:5-7, etc.).
—– RECENTLY: Someone wrote me about heretic Mike Desario:
MESSAGE RECEIVED:
“Thank you sir for exposing this error (Desario’s) 🙂 Someone recommended Mike Desario to me but this expose’ has made me think twice. However, even the best teachers can be mistaken about one or two minor details. What really matters is their spirit, that is how we know if they are truly born again or not. Are they holy, or carnal? Whoever made this video is utterly carnal. Sadly, with many men you don’t need to read their “statement of faith”, you can see clearly that they have not been saved from their sin and still walk in darkness.” Lee
RESPONSE:
Hi Lee. Well their doctrine matters most actually (2 John 7-11; Romans 16:17-18; Titus 2:1, etc.) The word “Doctrine” appears 51 times in Holy Scripture (KJB). The heretical falsehoods of Desario are not minor beloved brother. He’s a Christ-denying vile wolf and I have heard his lies and seen the fruit of it in the lives of many. It’s very false and ugly. Walking in Christ’s truth always, without exception, produces the fruit of the Spirit – love! …. “Let God be true and EVERY man a liar.” (Romans 3:4) God bless you today in Jesus!
Another saint who is familiar with this Finney / Desario movement writes:
“God has given us of His Spirit to teach us and to convict us when we get off track but He will test our humility by bringing other brethren to correct us. Do we really want to be conformed to the truth or do we just want to be right? How we respond to correction will prove which is true of us. Embrace humility and crucify pride.
Grace without truth is not of Christ and neither is truth without grace.
“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of GRACE AND TRUTH.” John 1:14
Well she was as a lot more civil than most of them who believe sinless perfection. I’ll give her that. Lol. She stated as many of them state, “Romans 7 is a picture of Paul struggling with sin under the law. He tells us what the answer is, and it is grace. The answer is Jesus.” But in that very statement they admit there is a struggle. Whether they believe that Paul is talking about the man under law or the man under grace is irrelevant, the fact that Paul admits this struggle (that what he doesn’t want to do he does and what he does want to do he doesn’t do) shows as verse 23 states that there is a LAW at work in his members warring against the law of his mind. That is the sin nature. The curse. If there is no sin nature there is no struggle. We would be able to walk without sin without being regenerated and hence no need for Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Plain and simple. The entire creation was cursed. The earth, the animals, and man. The very nature of beasts changed as well as our very nature. There’s no getting around it. So what then is the benefit of this belief? The truth is it does away with grace and brings them back under filthy works. They can say ‘I’ choose not to sin by my own power. When we know we can do nothing unless we are abiding in Him and walking in the power of His Spirit. Romans 8:10 is clear.
And let’s think about this logically, if there was no sin nature then why do we see sin in the youngest of children? Very young children will bite, pull hair, hoard possessions, and lie before they can even speak. Babies born are just the epitome of flesh. I have 5 of them I know!!! Lol and from infanthood we start teaching them to deny their flesh. Even the world does this. Because it is evidenced all around that flesh given free reign will become more and more sinful. Show me one person on this earth who has ever gotten past the age of 1.5 without sinning. Its clear, sin is IN us. But thanks be to God that by the power of His Spirit given to us who believe on Christ He has made a way to overcome. I may have rambled a bit. Sorry. Lol. ?”
Charles Finney Busted and Exposed! | Modern Street Preachers Busted!
SafeGuardYourSoul YouTube Channel
The Hour is at Hand …. Revelation Bombshell! PREP THIS!!!! A Refreshing Biblical Perspective of the Last Days … Are You Fretting, Worried, OR are You LAUGHING?? Biblically Based Apocalyptic Prep
Scathing rebuke to an extremely self-righteous man, the following rebuke went forth:
“This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;” Titus 1:13
EVERYONE is under “strong delusion” in your wicked mind, sinner … oh, except you. You cannot save yourself. You better repent now, confess all your sins – that God sees – and cry out to Him to be broken. Your self-righteousness will not enter His holy courts.
“Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. 31 Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel? 32 For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.” Ezekiel 18:30-32
FRUIT: Mike Desario never smiled. He was a bitter heretical prude. Are you the same way sinner? Seems like it. Jesus told us that the crack harlots will be in Heaven before you.
“For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and JOY in the Holy Ghost.” Romans 14:17
Recently, I sent the following to a Desario dupe:
“You wrongly assume that my communicating God’s Word is to evade personal accountability, to live in sin. Nonsense. No one living is sin will enter glory (Rom 6:1-2; Rev 21:8, etc.). Yet there is much more to learn, beginning perhaps with a much fuller revelation of the divinely enabling grace of God we are to be multiplied in (2 Peter 1:2; 3:18; Heb 13:9, etc.). … some of the nastiest pharisees I’ve ever encountered are the bitter pawns of Mike Desario’s ministry of misery. Jesus had more joy and gladness than anyone who ever walked the earth. Think. Heb 1:9.”
“NOTHING in my hand I bring
simply to Thy cross I cling”
“Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.” Matthew 21:31
Touting your own obedience as if that saves you instead of JESUS…. is a dead give away to your self-righteousness which is as filthy rags before a holy God.
You are a law keeper and don’t realize it. You have rejected Christ’s perfect righteousness.
“For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” James 2:10
You aren’t overcoming sin and will not till you are truly doornail down…. crucified with Christ. And when you are crucified with Christ, you will live to help others, not heap undue burdens condemnations upon them as did the hell bound religious hypocrites of Christ’s day (Matthew 23).
“For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.” James 2:13
You have no mercy because you’ve not been shown divine mercy and will not be till you truly humble your wicked self in true repentance.
Repentance and the cross are foundational to the original Gospel. They come before good works, obedience.
“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 3:7-10
The fruit of true repentance is good works and yet good works save no one. Christ alone can save. They are merely the produce of truly knowing the LORD – and not that which makes you right with God.
Your problem is not so much desiring to be righteous so much as you are approaching and viewing the LORD in a faulty way… perhaps you have a zeal for God but not according to knowledge (Romans 10). This has fostered a damning self-righteousness in you.
You are not and will not overcome all sin without a true surrender, true repentance, crying “LORD you must increase but I must decrease.” (John 3:30) When this happens, you will be teaching the cross, the crucified life Christ and His holy apostles taught and cease going around indiscriminately condemning others and begin to help, to restore them in “the spirit of meekness.”
“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:1-2
In your hardened heart, your self-righteousness, you erroneously presume that those who preach salvation by God Himself, by His saving mercy and grace, is justifying sin. Well, if that’s the case, Christ’s apostle Paul sure was in error, right? Now read this slowly …. real slow:
“Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” Romans 4:4-5
Quit equating salvation to your own good works. If so you are under the law and only Jesus could keep the law – and He did and nailed it to the cross and took it out of the way (Colossians 2:14-19). WHY did He have to come if we could keep the whole law perfectly, to render perfect obedience? Galatians 2:21….. WHO is your savior? you or Jesus? “without FAITH (not good works) it is impossible to please him.” (Heb 11:6) Where is your faith? is it in your own good works or Christ, the only One to keep the whole law, nail it to the cross, took it out of the way, and upon repentance and faith in Him, one is justified? “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: Rom 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:1-2 If you don’t truly LOVE Jesus and have a heart after the LORD, all your “worship” is for self, idioloatry, and futility, dead religion. Salvation is Jesus Christ plus nothing. Repent and believe (Acts 20:21).
Testimony by Tommy Miner – Who was Delivered from the Desario Cult and Heresies
“I was a disciple of Mike Desario for many years, and made many videos, and blogs as well as Facebook posts, teaching pretty much all he taught. I was attacking everyone who did not agree with me, telling them I don’t sin, I am pure, and of course that they are preaching for sin and disobedience. I have since been enlightened and left his group after he passed away. I was put in charge of the group to be the leader, but my conscience and the way I idolized Mike and his teachings has taken me out in the wilderness, to test all I thought I knew about truth.
Yes, Mike had truth mixed with error, you could not really correct him, or he would get upset, and he had a very proud spirit—as well as myself and his followers. I was full of self, pride, wrong judgments, and attacked all who disagreed with us regarding when the sin stops, how you make yourself pure to be saved, and that I don’t sin anymore, which was a lie!
I have been reading your teachings and have a lot of error to come out of before I start another ministry. I never grew in faith, just being constantly told I had arrived—I was pure now, I was holy now, and I was perfect, and IF I willfully sinned again I was toast, according to a very wicked woman I was in fellowship with for about a year. Now this isn’t about gossip, but this woman is on Facebook, has a blog, and preaches: one willful sin after conversion, and you are going to hell—a one-way ticket—no more mercy, no more forgiveness, just going to hell. There are more like her. I was there and have repented of them all, rebuked some, and now they see me as a false teacher, “changing the word of God.”
Anyway, I am all alone now, living in Kingman, AZ, working full time in the hospital here, and have no real fellowship. I want to find a good church here, many are apostate. I have learned I wasn’t saved, I was full of self and pride, and I forsook the blood of Christ as the only means for my salvation, before and after. Oh yes, I sinned after, and the woman I spoke of would condemn me to hell. I told her she has also failed God. I saw first-hand her hypocrisy, as well as Mikes, and his small group of followers. I finally broke off, who I feel is partaking in a cult and being led by Satan, at least that woman is in her attacking and condemning spirit.
Just wanted to touch base with you, I will continue to grow in my faith, not in my own weak strength, but in the power of His Spirit. I have much to learn now and thank you for all you do for the Lord. Please pray for me to continue in my faith and study, and not to get discouraged by those who teach a works- based salvation … and that if you don’t, you are preaching for sin as Mike liked to say, which is a lie. I feel stronger now over sin, temptation and the Devil, than I did while operating in my own weak human effort.”
More from Tommy
“Amen, I taught works salvation for years, and contended for it all while I was in sin, such as pride, self-righteousness, and thinking I could save myself through all my so-called good works, and boasting I don’t sin anymore, meaning I don’t do the ‘big’ sins, but can get away with the so-called little ones, but pride is right up there with the worse sins. It was such bondage to be in fellowship with so many who would teach as I did, you have to stop sinning to be saved, you have to produce good works to remain saved, and repentance was stopping all sin, cleansing self, and trusting in self to be good enough for Jesus to forgive me and be accepted. Yes it’s a selfish Gospel of demons in my opinion. I now pray for those caught up in it, and when I CAME TO THEM IN LOVE TO POINT THEM TO THE TRUTH, I was cast out as preaching for sin, but in reality they know not the grace of God, and throw in works, where in reality they must merit their own salvation. I now have more power over sin in my life, now that I am not under the law to condemn me, but under the power of HIS grace and Christ in me, to set me free, and teach me to live a godly life free of condemnation!” Tommy
Support | STORE | Podcasts | The Bridegroom is Calling His Bride | Purifying Ourselves as He is Pure [podcast] | 10 Clues Your Love for God is Waxing Cold [podcast] | More on the Sabbath of the New Testament – Jesus!
Abiding
Nourished Up and Enduring to the End [podcast]
Recently a dear brother in Christ related this testimony to me of our LORD’s work in his life:
“I had a ‘back to Jesus’ moment after the election. As I was horribly disappointed in our country and the dividing of even my own friends, I was praying: ‘I’ve lost faith in my country, I’ve lost faith in my friends…’ then it hit me… I had put my faith in the wrong things. It’s so easy to depend on others. But now I am trusting only in my Lord and Savior.”
“For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” Hebrews 11:10
“For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.” Hebrews 13:14
Satan seeks to seduce God’s people with counterfeit causes – causes outside of that which is clearly defined by Holy Scripture as Christ’s Gospel cause! A moral cause is not necessarily the work of the Messiah. Loving the LORD with all of our being and doing His work, the work of the Gospel is His will as we are “new creature(s)” in Christ and His “ambassadors,” sent forth by Him to teach His Word (Matthew 28:18-20; 2 Corinthians 5:20).
HAVE WE EXALTED FREEDOM ABOVE CHRIST – THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN GIVE IT? “Thou shalt have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3-5) and “No man can serve two masters” right? (Matthew 6:24)
Do we love Jesus more than freedom? Do we love His Great Commission more than the cause of getting our country back?
In fact we have no freedom if we are not born again and presently walking with and abiding in Jesus on HIS stated terms (John 8:31-32; 15:1-16). Jesus came to save, heal, and grant freedom in the Spirit, from Satan, and freedom from sin to those who are His (Matthew 1:21; Luke 4:18; John 1:29; Acts 26:18; Titus 2:11-14; 1 John 3:1-10, etc.). Here, listen to the Son of God ….
“As he spake these words, many believed on him. 31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, IF ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:30-32
The LORD makes free those whom He saves, those who continue in an abiding relationship with Him (John 15).
You must “desire the sincere milk of the word” and feed your spirit the Word of God daily or you will grow weak very quickly and fall away (1 Peter 2:2). Jesus calls us to be “Nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine” (1 Timothy 4:6).
A Good Servant of Christ Jesus
Jesus is KING and kingdom living is all about exalting KING Jesus – not mere men or organizations or ministries! It’s only then that His divine “nourishment” is going to flow down into His beloved body!
“Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.” Colossians 2:18-19
Heaven’s “nourishment” only transpires when KING Jesus is truly exalted.
“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
Modern church pawns want you to become enamored with THEM, not CHRIST. It’s a sales job! Beware. Read Colossians 2:18-19 closely.
“If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.” 1 Timothy 4:6
Feed. Feast. Fuel. Those who choose not to feast upon and fuel their hearts and minds with God’s Word daily, are not going to make it. They will walk weak, empty, and malnourished, just as the 5 foolish virgins did and were shut out of the kingdom (Matthew 25:1-13). They have freely chosen not to be “nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine” (1 Timothy 4:6).
“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:” 1 Peter 2:2
Daily drinking the healing oil of God’s Word assures divine nourishment and wholeness in your spirit. God’s Word gets in us only when we get into it – and seek Him in it daily. Memorize Jeremiah 15:16 now.
“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16
JUST as none of us understand but know the blessing of food nourishing our physical bodies, so the Word of God nourishes our spirit man, our hearts. It’s a daily must. Feeding and being nourished by the words of God is an imperative (Job 12:23; Jeremiah 15:16; Hebrews 5:11-14; 1 Peter 2:2, etc.). His Word cannot get into us and nourish us until we get into it! Let the nourishment begin!
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly (abundantly)…” Colossians 3:16
Note here in the above passage, we see Christ instructing those who believed upon Him to “continue in my word.” This was Jesus’ perfect opportunity to tell these new believers that they were “eternally secure” but He didn’t because He’s the Son of God and not a false prophet!
Jesus says that it’s only “IF ye continue in my word” that you will know the truth, be made free and walk in the liberty, the freedom He alone can grant from sin! See John 8:31-32, 36. YOU GOT SAVED? GOOD – NOW STAY SAVED!
“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 10:12
You must turn your heart to the LORD – in true worship – in order to walk in the liberty that He alone can give!
“Nevertheless when it (your heart) shall turn to the Lord, the vail (that blinds) shall be taken away. 17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” 2 Corinthians 3:16-17
Fake “bibles” such as the NIV teach that “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free” (Galatians 5:1). Read that again. In the context of the whole of Scripture, we must ask: Did Jesus come to set us free for freedom’s sake or to be set free from sin in order to serve Him as new creatures? (2 Corinthians 5:17-18). Any student of God’s Word knows that this NIV rendering of Galatians 5:1 is a contradiction, a lie. | Fake “bibles” Exposed!
“For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” Galatians 5:13
“As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.” 1 Peter 2:16
As was foretold, we are seeing that some are departing from the faith, listening to devils and their doctrines from the fake “bibles” and false prophets of today, instead of being daily nourished up in the pure words of God and helping feed Christ’s flock. Get a King James Bible.
“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; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; … 6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. … 16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” 1 Timothy 4:1-2, 6, 16
Any person who is teaching that it’s impossible to “depart from the faith” (to leave Christ) after being saved, is a false teacher (Luke 8:13).
“Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. 13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; 15 While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.” Hebrews 3:12-15
“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 10:34-39
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9
Be not deceived: You cannot sustain a life with Christ without daily fellowship with Him!
“In your patience possess ye your souls.” Luke 21:19
“And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.” Matthew 10:22
So many today who claim Christ view salvation as something they did in the past and not a present relationship with Christ on His stated terms (John 15; Titus 1:16).
Okay so think about the last time you heard this passage read in a “church” gathering. Well, have you ever heard it read? These are the warning words of the very and soon coming LORD and Savior.
“All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. 10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” Matthew 24:10-13
“And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts. 16 And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; 17 And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended. 18 And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, 19 And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. 20 And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.” Mark 4:15-19
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Apostasy
Naming Names: Is It Biblical? [podcast]
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 and marking 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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ORDER Deceivers and False Prophets Among Us
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Part 2 Below
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Paul’s Prophetic Vision of Heretical Wolves Flooding the Church World During the Whole New Testament Era [podcast]
“And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, … 25 And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. 26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. … 27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. 28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. 31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. 32 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 20:20-32
Seems clear that the Holy Spirit in Paul foresaw the vile heretical wolves that were going to invade the professing church world for the whole era of the New Testament leading up to when Jesus returned. So, the Holy Spirit quickened in Paul to commend us to the Word of God (Acts 20:32).
“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
So, we see here that “rightly dividing the word of truth” is only possible by studying the Scriptures and not some man’s charts and system.
By the Holy Spirit, the LORD’s apostle Paul is instructing Timothy and us, to study the Word of God itself and not man’s system or charts.
BEWARE of those who arrogantly believe they they can dismiss certain biblical truths because in their own puny minds, they don’t understand how it all fits together. Be not deceived, these are pride-filled wolves and there are many among us! They go to seed on one truth to the exclusion of the whole of Scripture. Rebuke and run! (2 Peter 2:1-3)
“For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.” 2 Corinthians 2:17
The unchanging Word of God, the Bible itself, and the Holy Spirit are the divine Source and Teachers of truth – and not mere men or sinful man’s concocted theological systems and/or charts! Beware saints. See Psalms 119:105, 130; Mark 13:31; John 14:26; 16:13; 2 Timothy 3:15-17, etc.
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalms 119:105
“The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” Psalms 119:130
“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” John 14:26
“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.” John 16:13-14
“Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.” Revelation 3:11
“… Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5:25-27
Is your favorite minister warning you to be ready for Christ to return?
Here’s why you must study God’s Word – the whole of it – for yourself:
Perhaps the most insidious, dangerous thing false teachers do is that they over emphasize the minors while evading or under emphasizing or never mentioning the majors – the doctrinal majors of God’s Word.
“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. 24 Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. 25 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.” Matthew 23:23-25
False Leaders are Know by their Refusal to Warn as did Paul
God’s men are to call out and not cover the sins of His people.
“Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.” Isaiah 58:1
The LORD cites the false teachers among us in that they specifically do not tell the people what God says is sin – They refuse to lift up their voice and “shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.”
Very important truth here. False leaders refuse to show God’s people what GOD calls sin which is the only way people in sin (includes any of us) can be made free. Take note and make record of this verse:
“Thy prophets (leaders) have seen vain and foolish things for thee: and they have not discovered thine iniquity, to turn away thy captivity; but have seen for thee false burdens and causes of banishment.” Lamentations 2:14
“The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.” Proverbs 8:13
Paul’s Prophetic Vision of Heretical Wolves Flooding the Church World During the Whole New Testament Era [podcast]
Dispensationalism Exposed | Calvinism Exploded | Hebrews Roots Heresies
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Nourished Up and Enduring to the End [podcast]
Naming Names: Is It Biblical? [podcast]
Paul’s Prophetic Vision of Heretical Wolves Flooding the Church World During the Whole New Testament Era [podcast]
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Sola Scriptura vs the Catholic Church and its Traditions [podcast]
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Paul’s Prophetic Vision of Heretical Wolves Flooding the Church World During the Whole New Testament Era [podcast]
Beware of “Private Interpretation” [podcast]
Beware of the Hebrew Roots Judaizing Snakes! [podcast]
Naming Names: Is It Biblical? [podcast]
The Flesh will Never be Reformed it Must be Crucified [podcast]
The High Treason of False Leaders [podcast]
Nourished Up and Enduring to the End [podcast]
A PLACE CALLED HELL [podcast]
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“Pastors According to Mine Heart” [podcast]
Nicolaitan Nightmare [podcast]
Sola Scriptura vs the Catholic Church and its Traditions [podcast]
Doubt Casting Wolves Exposed
Jesus Saved Jose! Mission Mexico Part 51
Dead, Buried, and Raised Up Daily [podcast]
Nourished Up and Enduring to the End [podcast]
America2 years agoThe Drugging of America: The Pharmakeia Sorcery Deception [podcast]
- Articles3 years ago
Children being Rescued in Tunnels: Happening Now – UPDATE!
- Articles9 years ago
Self-Examination in Preparation for the Lord’s Return
- Apostasy3 years ago
SHOCKING List of False Prophets Most Believe are True
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