NAR Delusion – Exposing the Whole False Prophetic and Apostolic Movements
Bumbling Buffoons
(photo at left) Take close note to just exactly WHO was on this stage in the picture to the left. These bumbling buffoons are seen falling all over each other to ordain and endorse this unrepentant demonic mad man named Todd Bentley. And WHY? – It’s simple, Todd Bentley had become so popular among the gullible, that these false prophets, being the opportunists they are, jumped in there to try to garner fame for themselves. They are running a business folks, wake up!
If you will watch this movement and its wolves, the so-called apostolic/prophetic movement is nothing but Luciferic, self-actualization and self-promotion… just like their father the devil (John 8:44). See Isaiah 14:12-15 and circle the 5 “I”‘s of Lucifer.
Are YOU so gullible as to think these wolves are true apostles and prophets of the LORD? Think about it: If they were truly prophets, would they not have known that Todd Bentley was an unrepentant drunkard and adulterer????? Bentley admitted to staying drunk during that whole so-called Lakeland “revival.” He also left his wife to marry the secretary, violating the marriage covenant. Isn’t that adultery friends?
“I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed. 26 How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart.” Jeremiah 23:25-26 (KJV)
(In case anyone is wondering from whence we come: Though less than the least of all saints, this writer believes and seeks to walk in the full Gospel of Christ including the baptism in the Holy Ghost with the fruit and gifts of the Holy Spirit. So, I do not write from the perspective of one who denies the work of the Holy Spirit. All the gifts and callings of God are to be operated by His grace and to glorify Jesus Christ alone, and not mere men. The LORD will never contradict His own Word and all gifts properly used will be in full accordance with Holy Writ (1 Pet. 4:10-11; 2 Pet. 1:16-21). Please proceed prayerfully and from a biblical mindset like the “noble” Berean believers of Acts17:11. As true disciples of Jesus, and in light of the numerous warnings of false prophets in the last days, our goal should be to glorify Him fully, which would include discerning what is authentic and what is not (Ezek. 44:23; Matt. 7:15-23; 1 Jn. 4:1).
It is utterly heartbreaking to see just how ungrounded so many of these people are who flock to see and support these scam wolves. To start a “revival,” all you need to do is get a slick-sounding guy who sounds like he knows what he’s talking about, play some good music in the background, and WHAM you’ve got a “revival.”
Most people who claim to be Christians don’t even know Acts 17:11 much less use it to discern. Do YOU know what that truth says? Have you memorized and put it into use daily, or, will you be deceived and damned also?
IHOW – International House of WOLVES
Most of what comes out of IHOP and Kansas City etc. is totally counterfeit. First off, there is no term “the prophetic” found in God’s Word. This is the invention of wolves and devils who are misleading millions who refuse to diligently study God’s Word for themselves.
God’s Word says that even “a LITTLE leaven (mixture) leavens (ruins) the whole lump.” (Galatians 5:6) IHOP and all the other false prophetic foolishness is more than just “a little” leaven,” it is witchcraft and has no reconciliation with biblical, New Testament Christianity. “Ye cannot drink of the cup of the Lord and of the cup of devils.” (1 Corinthians. 10:21)
“Beloved, BELIEVE NOT every spirit, but try (test) the spirits whether they are of God: because MANY false prophets are gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1
C. Peter Wagner and Chuck Pierce make up Global Harvest Ministries which regrettably has worldwide connections and influence among many leaders. Other leaders involved include Mary Glazier, Pat Francis, Dutch Sheets, Patricia King, and Lance Wallnau.
Believers in Jesus are commanded not to just accept everyone who comes in Christ’s name but to rather “try (test) the spirits” – that is, put to the biblical acid test all who come in the LORD’s name. The Ephesian Christians did so and Jesus was glorified:
“…thou canst not bear them which are EVIL and thou hast tried (tested) them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars.” Revelation 2:2
The first thing one can recognize, is that these men do not preach the Word of God but rather their own visions like the false prophets of old identified as counterfeit by the prophets of God (read Jer. 23; Ezek. 34).
These men emphasize what they call “The Seven Spheres of Influence,” etc.
“He (Lance Wallnau) calls them the seven mountains. The warfare strategy is that ‘if the world is to be won, these are the mountains that mold the culture and the minds of men. Whoever controls these mountains controls the direction of the world and the harvest therein.’” (p. 114) [emphasis added]
They speak of taking these 7 mountains of society but never with the Gospel, but with social programs. Such is not the work of the true Church of Jesus which tells us these men are beguilers because they are misguiding others while not holding to “the doctrine of Christ” and by this we know that they do not have God (2 Jn. 7-11). Their approach and methodologies only include reform without repentance, and transformation without truth.
No mandate in Holy Scripture calls for such presumptuous activities from these or any other self-appointed wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matt. 7:15). This brazen arrogance underscores the presumptuous, self-directed spirit of these evil and deceptive beguilers (Jer. 23; Ezek. 34).
Isn’t it Jesus Himself who is going to destroy those 7 mountains and the evil doers of the Babylonian religious and political system? Read Revelation 17-19.
Lucifer sought to elevate himself and was brought irreversibly low (Isa. 14:12-15). He wanted his independence from God and so now he lost it for good. Jesus is coming and may God bless each of us with the oil of His enabling grace and Spirit to be put under deep into His death and burial, raised as and when and how He sees fit and ultimately raised to glory with Him in the New Jerusalem (Isa. 37:31; Jn. 12:24-26; Rev. 3:5; 21:1-7).
One disciple notes:
“The LORD first makes us realize humility (beggars at the dunghill), then raises us to sit with princes.”
Pride-filled people are imitating their father the devil who is “king over all the children of pride.”
“He beholdeth all high things: he (Satan) is a king over all the children of pride.” Job 41:34
Of Wagner and Pierce, Mike Oppenheimer of LetUsReason.org states:
“These men are architects of the new paradigm who have promised a river but they have sold to the church an empty well. Wagner has written several books, one is called The New Apostolic Churches that explains the new apostolic spirit that is raising international leaders. Contrary to their claims of restoring apostles and prophets to the Church to complete a five-fold ministry mentioned by Paul in Ephesians, this movement can be more identified as Nicolaitans warned of in Rev. 2:15-16. But it is taking many churches by hook or by crook. The prophetic movement has for all intents and purposes proven to be a repackaged discipleship/shepherding movement under the title of church growth.
The stories of lives being ripped apart by people prophesying over them have become an in-house disaster that is often swept under the rug. Yet it daily continues with some new faces (and old) and a repaired program with a barrel full of excuses waiting to be used.
I have watched, studied, and spoken out on this movement since it was known to me in the late 80’s (as have numerous others). What we see today is the iceberg rising; no longer is 75% of it hidden but it is becoming more known all the time. A new Priesthood government is being set up that can only be comparable to what has been practiced in the Roman Catholic church hierarchy throughout its history. They are called ‘the anointed,’ ‘apostles and prophets’ and the Church must listen to them, allow them to minister and lead to be healthy and fulfill her commission. Without them we will be unable to complete our commission by Jesus; so they tell us.
Illegitimate Authority and Unwarranted Control
C. Peter Wagner and Chuck Pierce are the inventors and propagators of what they call “The New Apostolic Reformation Movement.” (NAR) Typically, those who invent some new movement conveniently happen to be the ones “God” supposedly places to lead. In this case these “apostles” are supposed to have the authority to rule over others. They position themselves as the “men of the hour” whom God supposedly speaks through. They convince people that they are God’s special spokesmen. In order to do this – to beguile gullible, biblically illiterate people – they downplay, ignore, and even disparage the true super apostles of our LORD – Paul, Peter, John, etc. These men were Christ’s authentic apostles of a surety and they truly honored “the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus.” (Heb. 3:1)
It is interesting that they themselves just happen to be the “super apostles” heading up the show in this case. A review of their teachings will reveal that these men, like all similar ministries, believe that modern apostles have an extraordinary amount of authority that Christians must submit to or be outside of the will of God. Such a teaching, spoken or insinuated, is cultish. It should be noted that the apostle Paul – a genuine apostle of Jesus Christ – never claimed to possess such an authority over God’s people. He also never taught or sought to exercise such dominion/authority over the people for which Jesus bled to purchase. In fact, the apostle Paul said:
“Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.” 2 Corinthians 1:24
True servants of Christ are submitted to Him and live to help the joy of those they come to serve. Compare this with the ‘lording it over’ mentality of the false prophets being exposed in this article. It is “by faith” in Christ that saints are saved and “stand” in their relationship with God and that is first and foremost and has nothing to do with mere men. Paul claimed no authority over those he led, instead, he postured himself as one who helped them experience the joy of Christ’s salvation.
Jesus gave His disciples authority over demons and sickness but never over people (Matt. 10:1-8; Lk. 10:18). The LORD Jesus has “all power” in heaven and in earth, and has sent all who know Him to teach His sayings (Matthew 28:18-20). We are called to preach His Gospel to others and to all nations and yet never to try to control another human being. That’s reserved for the LORD alone.
The LORD told us that His name is “Jealous,” that He is “a jealous God,” and commanded: “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” (Exod. 20:3; 34:14)
The believer’s loyalty to mere men must be based upon that higher and prioritized loyalty to God (Matt. 22:37-40; 2 Cor. 8:5; Col. 3:17).
In their misguided desire to reign over others, these men are like Moses, who before his time, went forth and tried to do the will of God and wound up killing a man. These men are killing (bringing spiritual death) to many others in their rebellion against the LORD. Unlike Moses, these men have yet to repent and surrender their lives and futures to the coming King of all kings. These self-appointed men and women want so badly to be in control that they will stop at nothing to put themselves in authority over others (sound like Lucifer?) This is the exact opposite of what the Son of God taught. He taught that if we would humble ourselves, in His coming kingdom He would exalt us to rule with him.
Those who lift themselves up before they are prepared by the LORD through long hard seasons of testings and purging, will be “lifted up with pride” and “fall into the condemnation of the devil.”
“Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.” 1 Timothy 3:6
Those who are like their “father the devil,” lust after power in this life, and will be brought low – into the pit of hell for eternity (Jn. 8:44). 1 Corinthians 13 tells us that love “seeketh not her own.” Love is humble, it “vaunteth not itself,” and is like Christ – “lowly.” (Matt. 11:28-30) It’s “the meek” that “shall inherit the earth,” and the LORD is going to “stain the pride of all (fleshly) glory.” (Ps. 37:11; Isa. 23:9) Jesus said, “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matt. 5:5)
These men are like David’s two sons, Adonijah and Absalom, who tried to usurp the authority of the king and “stole the hearts of the men of Israel.” (2 Sam. 15:6) Satan is using these men, along with all false prophets, to steal the heart affections that are due only to the “only Potentate,” Jesus Christ (1 Tim. 6:15).
These self-appointed, so-called apostles, are usurping Christ’s authority to reign over His earth, the peoples of the earth, and His own saints that He personally purchased with His own precious blood (Ps. 24:1; Heb. 1:1-3; 1 Pet. 1:18-19). Jesus Christ made all things, sustains all things, and alone is “Head” of the people He purchased with His blood and won back to the Father (Col. 1:12-18).
The Son of God made clear that the only legitimate authority (that which He authorizes) is servant-authority – authority from Heaven, invested in us in order to serve others, not dominate them. The true leader in the kingdom of God serves as a slave and not as a ruler. Those who rule over people will be humbled to hell (Matt. 23:11-12).
Christ says and demonstrates that in His kingdom, greatness is not measured by dominion over other people but it’s measured by how we give ourselves in service to other people.
Jesus has been given “all power” and sent His people with His delegated authority to do His work, which never included power over other people – lost or saved. That’s witchcraft! He’s LORD over His people, not us! (Matt. 28:18-20) Jesus’ power and authority definitely did include power over devils and sicknesses but not other people (Matt. 10:1-8; Lk. 10:17-19).
The element of an evil control seems to undergird and pervade this “Apostolic Reformation” movement. Paul also asked the following rhetorical question: “was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?” (1 Cor. 1:13) If Paul wasn’t crucified for us, certainly no modern day leader was. Right? When we give undue loyalty or adoration to mere human leaders, we enter into idolatry and spiritual adultery. Only the One who has nail-scarred hands and feet and is risen from the dead is worthy of our worship. Also, only those who “watch for your souls” by honoring and diligently speaking into your heart the full counsel of the oracles of God are to be submitted to (Acts 20-:20-32; Heb. 13:7, 17). The leader who doesn’t honor God by living and teaching by His Word alone, is never to be submitted to by the LORD’s people.
When any leader assumes undue control, it is the “deeds” and “doctrine of the Nicolaitans” which Christ said He hated and “will fight against.” (Rev. 2:6, 15-16) “Nicolaitans” means conquer the laity. Nico = conquer and laitans = the laity.
In typical Nicolaitan opportunist fashion, recently, after that pastor in Illinois was shot dead in the pulpit, one of the NAR (New Apostolic Reformation) so-called apostles said that if this man had had proper “covering” he would not have been shot. That’s actually true, but not as this deceiver sees it. The “covering” we need is the LORD and not these self-exalting wolves who are so full of themselves that they vainly believe that everyone needs them to be “covering” them. Whose sins did they hang on the cross and die for? Were they raised from the dead after shedding their innocent and sinless blood?
“Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin: That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt!” Isaiah 30:1-2
Any person in ministry who even insinuates that another Christian needs their sham of a covering, reveals openly just how delusional and arrogant he is.
The Great Shepherd of His sheep never authorized such authority to mere men. In fact, Jesus taught: “But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” (Matt. 23:11-12) The measure of leadership is in serving others as unto the LORD. The true apostle will be found to have a heart that is broken and bowed before the LORD Almighty and a disposition to serve and not reign over God’s people. In light of what Christ, “the apostle and high priest of our profession,” taught, the next time someone comes around claiming to be an apostle, I think it may be good to say something like; “Well good brother, in that case you are to be the greatest servant among us so grab that broom in the corner and please sweep this dirty floor!” (Heb. 3:1) A man who is not postured to serve God’s people manifests his own desire to wrongly position himself and be served by God’s people which is contrary to Christ’s teaching concerning His leaders (Matt. 20:20-28; Phil. 2:3-5).
When giving instructions to “elders,” the apostle Peter wrote: “Neither as being lords (rulers) over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.” (1 Pet. 5:3) The body of Christ was purchased by His very own blood and is “God’s heritage” and not man’s. Lording it over “God’s heritage” is the work of those men whom Zechariah said reign as “idol shepherds” amidst God’s people (Zech. 11:17).
One of the ways these men gain the positioning to control people is by making the people believe that they are the elite priesthood the LORD speaks through to His Church. Nonsense! Ever notice how they always have a new word? -A fresh word “from God”? Perhaps they have to perpetually conjure up new “words” to keep the circus wheel of their movement and ministries spinning and the money rolling in.
The flippant use among “Apostolic Reformation” leaders of phrases like “God is saying to His Church” is presumptuous at best. These self-appointed leaders pretend to have some special inroad to the LORD and use it to wield a false authority over His people. Of those who would control or be controlled in an undue fashion, the Son of God commanded: “Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.” (see Rev. 2:6, 15-16)
Self-Appointed and Self-Elevating “False Apostles”
It seems that sinful men will always invent some new way to elevate themselves above others. This is no exception. Isn’t it interesting that these men who claim the LORD is restoring apostolic leadership just happen to be those “apostles” He is elevating to rule over His people (as they vainly suppose). Quite convenient isn’t it?
Isn’t it interesting that they named their movement using the term “apostle” instead of servant? Why not “New Servant Reformation Movement”? Would that not be more biblical in nature? – in humility? Make no mistake, these men are self-appointed and self-elevating. It’s all about them and not Jesus Christ, who is “THE Apostle and high priest of our profession.” (Heb. 3:1)
“Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus.” Hebrews 3:1
Here the Holy Spirit tells us to “consider … Christ Jesus” whom He tells us is “the Apostle and High Priest of our profession.” The divine Person of the Holy Ghost here points us to Jesus Christ, the only Apostle that really matters. He never, not once, directs men who have been saved by the precious blood of “the Apostle and High Priest of our profession,” to look to human apostles. And we know by this that any person who even suggests such a thing is a “false apostle.”
Only people who don’t read and heed their Bible can be hoodwinked by such rank charlatans.
“Let me not, I pray you, accept any man’s person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man. For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away.” Job 32:21-22
Paul, the most authentic and powerful (human) kingdom apostle said this when dealing with self-appointed leaders at Galatia:
“But of these (some other supposed apostles) who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man’s person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me.” Galatians 2:6
This is no new thing friends. As long as sinful men have been on earth, there have been those who emulate their father the devil in seeking to exalt themselves to rule over other men oppressively and to gain power and advantage and the rush of superiority over them (Isa. 14:12-15; 2 Peter 2:19). This is exactly what these modern day “false apostles” are doing as they operate among the professing church.
The idea that the LORD speaks through some special group of elite leaders is bogus and violates Scripture. God has chosen to speak through His Son and through His Word to bring men to Him and to bring about His desired end (Isa. 46:9-10; Luke 24:47; John 20:31; Hebrews 1:2). The Good Shepherd of the sheep told us “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” (John10:27) Any leader that makes it look like he has special access to the LORD should be departed from immediately, marked and openly exposed for the antichrist wolf that he is (Romans 16:17-18; Ephesians 5:11). The notion that God speaks from the top down among men is heretical. Think about this: Does Jesus need a so-called apostle’s permission to speak to an individual sheep He bled on the cross to save?
Jesus taught us not to be called by titles that elevate one brother above another because He said “one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.” (Matthew 23:8) The LORD Jesus said: “I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.” (Matthew 11:25) From this statement we know that God actually hides His truth from those who are wise in their own eyes and reveals it to those who are humble and broken before Him. Those who elevate self through man-instituted religious hierarchy are doomed to destruction (Matthew 16:18; 23).
The apostle Paul said “that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.” (1 Corinthians 4:6) Under the direct inspiration of the Holy Ghost, Paul also stated: “charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up.” (1 Corinthians 13:4) “Emulations” is one of the 17 “works of the flesh” listed in Galatians 5. By definition, “emulations” means striving to excel at the expense of another. This is in contrast with what Christ taught and demonstrated in seeking to serve others and to prefer them above ourselves (Matthew 18:3-4; 20:20-28; Philippians 2:2-5). Of this sin this passage promises “that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” (Galatians 5:21) At the expense of the masses, these men are willing to reign as kings, to be honored above that which is correct for mere men who are in their very best state “altogether vanity.” (Psalms 39:5). What did Jesus do when the people attempted to make Him king? To elevate oneself and office is to strive to excel at the expense of others whom they lure in to partake of their strange fire.
“When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.” John 6:15
The LORD Jesus hid Himself when men sought to lift Him up. Today we have men in leadership who do just the opposite. They seek out and draw to themselves the praises and accolades of men instead of retreating from undue elevation and instead of seeking the praise that comes from God alone.
Speaking of religious leaders of His day, Jesus said: “For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” (John 12:43)
Paul said that those who seek to please men more than God are not Christ’s servants (Galatians 1:10).
When Peter sought to circumvent the cross of Christ, Jesus “turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.” (Matthew 16:23)
When the LORD Jesus died on the cross “the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom” and God came out to meet on a personal level every man who would believe and come unto Him (Mark 15:38; Hebrews 4:14-16; 10:19-22). In contrast to the revelation of Holy Scripture, the goal of the counterfeit leader is to position himself as a true “prophet” or “apostle” of the LORD so as to gain the preeminence over and allegiance of as many as he can lure in. The wise saint will learn the Word and walk in the Spirit and not be snared by such a wolf. The Bible teaches us that Jesus Christ is the only true “Head” of His one Church (Ephesians 5:23; Colossians 1:16-18; 2:18-19). According to Jesus Christ there is only “one shepherd.” Only One bled to redeem and He alone is King of all kings and LORD of all lords (Revelation 19:16).
“And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.” John 10:16
To pose as a Christian leader and posture oneself as one who wields extraordinary authority over God’s people is the height of evil arrogance. To do such is to not operate according to Christ’s Word and to use the name of the LORD in vain for one’s own selfish end (Exodus 20:7). False prophets come in His name but without the earmark fruits we are to “know them” by (Matthew 7:15-23; 24:3-4, 11, 24). Humility is one such earmark fruit, and not seen in the arrogant, power hungry deceivers who have headed up the charismatic movement over the last few decades (Matthew 18:3-4; 20:20-28). Jesus foretold us that these deluded leaders would have gifts, miracles, and prophetic words. Christ told us that “many” (not a few) deceived men who presently hold positions of influence over multitudes, would call Him “Lord, Lord” in their earthly lives and at the Judgment Throne and yet He said He will “profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” (Matthew 7:22-23) Why? – Because they do not the will of His Father (Matthew 7:21). The leader who does the will of God is obeying Christ’s command to be humble and serve others and never to seek to be served by others (Mat. 20:20-28; Philippians 2:3-5).
Concerning the false prophets in Israel, Jeremiah wrote:
“I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed. How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart; Which think to cause my people to forget my name by their dreams which they tell every man to his neighbour, as their fathers have forgotten my name for Baal.” Jeremiah 23:25-27
The false prophets of the “Apostolic Reformation” movement are like those of Jeremiah’s day. Of these false prophets, the Holy Spirit tells us:
- They “prophesy lies in my name”
- They are “saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed”
- “they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart”
- They “think to cause my people to forget my name by their dreams which they tell every man to his neighbour”
In this movement one will discover gross and undue emphasis upon miracles, physical healing, signs, wonders, and “words” from God. This is their lure as Jesus foretold it would be (Matthew 7:22-23). 2 Thessalonians 2 speaks of “the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders.” (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12) By this and other Scriptures, we understand that Satan can do miracles and yet he cannot counterfeit or produce good fruit as only the Holy Spirit can in the obedient, abiding, born again believers who “have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” (Matthew 7:15-23; Galatians 5:22-24). In this “Apostolic Reformation” movement one will discover the gross lack of sobriety and simple, plain, clear, forthright Bible teaching and learning. Walking in faith through God-guaranteed sufferings, persecutions, hatred, and trials will never be mentioned in their conferences or messages. These hard truths of Holy Scripture are intentionally avoided. Sound doctrine, which produces sound hearts and sound minds, will be absent. The biblical emphasis upon the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit in those who abide in daily communion with Christ will not be tended to in this camp (John 15; Galatians 5:22-24). The denial of the self-life as demanded by Jesus, will conveniently be ignored (Luke 9:23-24). The truth of the preeminent LORD and Savior and “Head” of His true Church will not be emphasized (Colossians 1:16-18; 2:18-19). When Christ is truly exalted as the only LORD and “Head” over His Church, it leaves no room for men to be exalted. The final authority, divine inspiration, and inerrancy of Holy Scripture will not be upheld in this camp of convoluted confusion and deception.
What do you think the motive would be of the man who hides the whole and naked truth from those he speaks to? Is he afraid that openly communicating the hard truths of God’s Word will not feed into his own personal agenda, image, and reputation? Is such a man truly serving Christ or himself? (Matthew 10:28; Luke 12:5; Galatians 1:10)
“Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.” Luke 6:26
In order to become popular in today’s modern ministry world industry, one must say the right things and purposely leave out the things that would offend others. The Son of God guaranteed that any person who is popular among the masses of “Christians” who “heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears” is a false prophet. This is another truth to discern by – “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:15-16)
Christ promised His twelve and all who would follow Him faithfully – “Ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake.” (Matthew 10:22) Ever hear these modern day “prophetic” or “apostolic” leaders teach this Scripture and the many Bible verses like it? Have you ever heard them mention these words which proceeded from the mouth of the One they claim to be serving?
Concerning the replacement of God’s Word for a feeling and experience-based “Christianity,” one expose’ says:
“This kind of disdain for the word of God is common among (charismatics)…and we have several documented examples of such. All emphasis is on feelings while doctrine and Bible study are looked down and frowned upon. The Devil is pleased when people follow their feelings over the Bible!”
With the unscriptural overemphasis on words, signs, and wonders, this movement continues to produce experience or feeling-based “Christians” who live lives of hyped flakery because they are not rooted and grounded in a relationship of God’s love and Word and therefore do not possess sound hearts and minds as the LORD intended. These precious misled souls are therefore not prepared for the LORD’s return for His true Church, each member who is “subject to Christ,” sanctified, being cleansed, laying down his personal life, being washed by His Word, and purified of their iniquities (Ephesians 5:25-27; 1 John 2:28-3:3). These are those whose hearts are not “established with grace” and they are therefore “tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.” (Ephesians 4:14; Hebrews 13:9) Mature believers who are deep into God’s Word “have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” (see Hebrews 5:11-14) These who aggrandize God’s holy words far above those of mere men, will not be tossed about with the manipulations of these modern leaders who prey on weak, ignorant, and gullible souls.
“That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they (beguilers) lie in wait to deceive.” Ephesians 4:14
“Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.” Hebrews 13:9
Is there a conspiracy?
“There is a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof. Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they showed difference between the unclean and the clean,…” Ezekiel 22:25-26
Is there a cause?
“For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.” Isaiah 9:16
Is there a threat?
“For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. Acts 20:29-32
Are there blind leaders?
“Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?” Luke 6:39
The threat of deceivers and losing out due to being led astray by false prophets is a severe and present danger (Colossians 2:4, 8; 2 Peter 3:17).
When we study the Scriptures we gain an historical view of the beguilers and how they operate. These men are the emissaries of the father of lies and war against the Almighty by seeking to draw away His precious sheep and devour them (Matthew 7:15; John 8:44; Acts 20:27-32; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; Jude). They selectively design their ministries by picking and choosing what Scripture they wish to utilize to tailor make their ministries to draw people. Deceivers refuse to communicate a balance of the full counsel of God’s Word (Acts 20:20, 27). The modern day false prophets are no new thing. They operate just as those in Jeremiah’s day. These leaders use the LORD’s holy name for their own advantage with their dreams, words, signs, and wonders (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12; Jude 16). Their goal is the listening ear of the “simple” (unlearned; those who do not correctly discern via known truth – the revealed truth of God’s Word).
“The simple (naive; undiscerning) believeth every word: but the prudent (wise) man looketh well to his going.” Proverbs 14:15
The New Testament Scriptures tell us there are “false apostles” which seems to underscore that there are true apostles being counterfeited. See 2 Corinthians 11:13 and Revelation 2:2. Like the Ephesians (Revelation 2:2), Jesus’ true disciples will discern and not be swept away in the deception of these beguiling and “ungodly men.” (Jude 3-4)–“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 11:13) The fact that there are “the apostles of Christ” in the above verse seems to underscore that these “deceitful workers” who are “transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ” do so in order to gain a position of strategic advantage as they counterfeit that place of serving to set themselves up unduly. Satan is the master counterfeiter. Satan and his emissaries’ goal is to rule over and mislead–to usurp, destroy and devour (Isa. 14:12-15; John 10:10; 1 Pet. 5:8). This is why they are so audacious in their self-appointment for the purposes of deceiving and harming others.
We should be becoming intimately familiar with and remember as a basis for our understanding that in eternity past Lucifer sought to usurp a position or place outside of what sphere God ordained him to function in. Listen closely to this enlightening insight from the prophet Isaiah:
“How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! 13For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. 15Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.” Isaiah 14:12-15
Now, with this freshly in our minds, let’s peer into the Holy Spirit-inspired words of the apostle Paul who was a true and validated apostle of Christ:
“But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” 2 Corinthians 11:12-15
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Bill Johnson, C Peter Wagner, Chuck Pierce, Rick Joyner, Patricia King, and any other person associated with these animal wolves is straight from Satan. Flee the false churches whose wolf pastors bring in these vile deceivers.
https://youtu.be/eaNiuRWHZrY
https://youtu.be/lhrL233Ilsk
***ANY person or “ministry” pictured on these videos is completely false. EVERY local church that is in contact with false prophets like Bill Johnson and the Kansas City wolves is not a New Testament assembly but rather a house of flakes that are exploiting the unsanctified desire and wicked imaginations of unregenerate and self-seeking souls to feel or experience spirits outside the bounds of Holy Scripture. Devils abound in these environment and yet they use the LORD’s name in vain by saying these things are from Him (Exodus 20:7; 1 Timothy 4:1-3). No such bazaar spiritual manifestations are seen among the earliest believers whose doctrines, methods, ministries, and lives are witnessed on the pages of the New Testament Scriptures which have been forsaken in the aforementioned movements and assemblies. The Scriptures they do divisively use are for their own justification as they siphon a few select verses out of context and use them to exploit the unlearned, gullible, self-serving masses they have beguiled (2 Timothy 4:3-4). These wolves, movements, and false pastors who perpetrate and follow such atrocious falsehoods, do not represent New Testament Christianity and are in total disregard of the LORD who gave us His Holy Word as His instructions to His body and to keep His remnant safe (Proverbs 30:5; Acts 20:20, 27-32; Philippians 3:1-3; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Jude 3-4). In these houses of error there is no valiance for the truth and no emphasis on “sound doctrine” which is what is emphasized by our LORD and His holy apostles and for which we shall all give account to God (Jeremiah 9:3; 2 Timothy 2:14-16; 3:15-17; 4:1-4; Titus 2:1, etc.).
Wolf Exposé | Kingdom Now/Dominionism Delusions
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Abiding
What Church is Jesus Coming Back for? [podcast]
ETERNAL SECURITY DEATH NAIL. CASE CLOSED!
Are you personally, intimately familiar with the words of Holy Scripture found in Ephesians 5:25-27?
“Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. 22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. 24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as 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 5:21-27
Jesus is coming back for a church without spot or wrinkle or any such thing but one that is “holy and without blemish.” So this speaks of those who were His and yet presently have spotted garments, sin they haven’t repented of (Ephesians 5:25-27).
“Be ye holy”
“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16
“NO MAN shall see the Lord” without “holiness”
“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” Hebrews 12:14
Regrettably, most preachers today are so busy making excuse for sin that they refuse to disclose this preeminent, self-evident New Testament truth.
“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?” 2 Peter 3:10-12
As this fallen world system and its inhabitants spiral unalterably downward in darkness and disarray, it becomes even more essential for the wise virgin saint to be anchored in the LORD in private prayer, praise, thanksgiving, and Bible reading. No man shall withstand the darkness of this late hour who is not seeking the LORD diligently, daily, relentlessly – demonstrating perpetually that they love the LORD supremely more than self or any other (Matthew 24:10-13, 22). Memorize 1 Chronicles 16:11; Psalms 57:7; 63:8.
IF he’s not hastening you to the holiness of God, he’s playing you for your allegiance to him, and perhaps your money! are you a gullible pawn? Read 2 Peter 2 and 3.
SO, the sinful seminarian wolf you call your “pastor” isn’t preaching the return of Christ, the cross, the necessity of personal holiness, hell, the essential of repentance, or Christ, the Messiah….. and you still sit under that darkness? Repent.
“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2 Timothy 4:2-4
SO MANY have more faith, more confidence in SIN than they do in the SAVIOR who came and died to make us free from ALL SIN! That’s a cross-less false gospel! Just as Jude foretold, these deceivers – “ungodly men” – cover their sins with a false grace message (Jude 3-4). With no exception, the saving grace of God – IFFFF you really have it – delivers you from sin and never justifies you in sin! Time to repent and be changed today! …. These grace abusing tares want to relish a false grace message that erroneously says that God is going to save them IN their sin but the Bible says Jesus came to save us “FROM” our sin – not in our sins (Matthew 1:21; John 1:29; Titus 2:11-4, etc.). SO, God’s grace isn’t sufficient to deliver you from sin? If you believe that you don’t know Him.
Some among us are so enthralled in listening to modern end times teachers as they seek to figure everything out, that they are not abiding in Christ. These are among the foolish virgins.
ARE YOU spending more time engrossed in some supposed end times scenario than you are obeying God by doing the Great Commission mandate? If so, you are not ready to meet Jesus and in big trouble. Isn’t it time to let God be God and to get about the Father’s business?
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Abiding
How we walk in “Strong Confidence” [podcast]
“In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.” Proverbs 14:26
“Strong confidence” is only found in fearing God, in walking in the fear of the LORD.
“The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.” Proverbs 14:27
We are instructed to “forget not all his benefits” (Psalms 103:2) …… In this passage, we are promised benefits from our LORD:
- “strong confidence”
- “a place of refuge”
- “depart from the snares of death”
Our part is to walk in the fear of the LORD.
“Strong Confidence” that glorifies God and not man, comes from walking in the fear of the LORD, which means we are obeying Him.
Like the psalmist, we should pray to God to “unite my heart to fear they name.”
The psalmist prayed:
“Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.” Psalms 86:11
To “unite” in this verse means to combine, to become one…. permeate our innermost being.
When we truly walk in the fear of God, we fear nothing else.
Fearing God means we fear no man.
“The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?” Psalms 118:6
“What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” Romans 8:31-32
David and Paul walked in the fear of the LORD, and thereby were possessed with “strong confidence” and consequently feared no man or devil.
We can fear God without walking “In the fear of the LORD.” We should pray and endeavor to live in the fear of the LORD.
“Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long.” Proverbs 23:17
So there seems to be the desire of God for His children to be permeated with His fear, to live in the fear of the LORD.
“Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.” Acts 9:31
The members of the early church were “edified” ….
- “walking in the fear of the Lord,
- and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost,
- were multiplied.”
Let us always be grounded in the foundational essential biblical truth of knowing God—that He created us to know Him (John 17:3).
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10
The life of the disciple of Jesus is learning to let God have His way in us, to lay our own will…. to let God be in control.
How many of us are realizing just how much sinful chaos and calamity transpires when we are in control instead of God?
Is this not part of the reason John the Baptist could so readily cry out “He must increase but I must decrease”? (John 3:30)
Are you reading Romans 6 each morning beloved of God?
Are you learning the cross life?
“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” Ecclesiastes 12:13
“And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 5 But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.” Luke 12:4-5
“In the fear of the LORD” the born-again believer is “hid with Christ in God” and fully assured, full of divine confidence!
“For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:3
In being crucified with Christ, we are hid not only from the evil of others, but primarily and most importantly, we are hid from the evil of self, the self-life.
Beware of the often-peddled cheap counterfeit, where people are instructed to learn to love themselves. The Bible commands us to love and fear God and love others, not self. In fact, loving self is the root sin that brought the original fall of mankind and remains as that sin which keeps men from God—pride in self instead of fearing God!
Those who walk in the fear of the LORD, live a crucified life. They walk in the “strong confidence” of the LORD (Proverbs 14:26).
You are no longer your own, you’ve been bought with the price of the very and precious blood of Jesus.
“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Prayer: Father, in Jesus’ name, please forgive me for the sin of self-idolatry and not fearing You. I now repent. Please forgive and cleanse me of this sin. I here and now declare and choose to trust You with my life. I love You Jesus!
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Abiding
Knowing the Word of God and also the God of the Word [podcast]
The highest priority of the true disciple is knowing God.
So many strive to know God’s will.
It’s only when you know God that you will know His will.
We all know people who are now away from God. They backslid. They no longer serve Him as they once did. Well, were they truly serving Him, or the church? They had some kind of a departure from the local church they were so fond of and consequently have no semblance of a life with Christ presently. Could this be due to them putting their energy and affections into the local church friends they met and the festivities? Yes. They were in love with the externals and not Christ.
“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” Revelation 4:11
“God’s greatest desire is for us to have a relationship with Him. We were created for His great pleasure. Revelation 4:11” Karen Cochran
“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.” Philippians 3:10
Kingdom Priority
KNOWING and LOVING, WORSHIPPING God. Read Matthew 4:10; 22:37-39; John 17:3.
Pinnacle Revelation
Knowing God is the paramount divine purpose for which He sent His only begotten ….. and for which He created, made us.
“And this is life eternal (the whole reason, purpose), that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” John 17:3
Knowing God is the reason He sent His only begotten Son—to bring us to Himself in a present and eternal relationship (Exodus 25:8;Psalms 27:4, 8; Philippians 3:10, etc). One of Satan’s tricks is to get the elders to intercept that heart affection worship.
“It has always been about Jesus. Before Christ came to save us from our sins, the Bible was pointing to Jesus. Now after Christ came, we still look to Jesus. It has always been about knowing and trusting in Jesus. Before He came people just did not know His name, but now we do!” Serena Wagner
It’s not about elders, bishops. or pastors—Christ’s eternal kingdom is all about Jesus and no other. Read John 1; Colossians 1-2; Hebrews 1; Revelation 1.
WHAT will you say to the nail scarred risen LORD on Judgment Day when you made it about something else other than Him?
“Christianity can quickly become ‘Do this and Don’t do that.’ Jesus is quickly forgotten. Instead, repent and fall in love with JESUS, and through the power of the Holy Spirit you will live a life that pleases Him. When You are filled with the Holy Spirit You will hate the sin you once loved.” Alan Brayshaw
WHO is “known of” God as opposed to those He will tell “I never knew you”? (Matthew 7:21)
“But if any man love God, the same is known of him.” 1 Corinthians 8:3
“Those are the most frightening and terrifying words anyone could ever hear! That is why I always ask Jesus, ‘Do you know me?’ I want to be with my Lord and Savior for eternity! But I do not want to be so arrogant and prideful as to believe that God doesn’t have every right to spue me out. Or I that I am safe! I deserve hell. The only reason I have been spared is because of Jesus’ saving work for me on the cross! He redeemed me! But there are many conditions to be eternally with Jesus. We are to have a healthy fear of God knowing He has the power to determine the fate of our very soul! Matthew 10:28 It means nothing to Jesus if all we have is head knowledge of the Bible without any heart. He told the Pharisees they knew scriptures but they didn’t know Him in their heart (John 5: 38-47). It’s not based on what we know it’s based on knowing Him in an abiding relationship (John 15). The cross is the way to a real intimate relationship with Jesus. Through the dying of self He becomes your first love. And you begin to love Him with your whole soul, heart and mind (Matthew 22:37). I ask God daily ‘increase my hunger for Your Word.’ I want the hunger and love for God’s Word that David had! Just read and study Psalm 119. He cried out for more understanding even in the midst of persecution! That was his whole priority in life! David loved God, therefore he loved God’s Word as evidenced in Psalm 119. Every word is filled with love, devotion, respect, rejoicing and delighting in God’s words, pleading with the Lord that He might learn His statues and he might not err from God’s judgements. Psalm 119 is a treasure chest of David’s love for God’s word! If you want to truly fall in love with all of God’s word read, study and memorize Psalm 119!” Karen Cochran
Knowing the Facts and the Father
Recently, in order “to provoke unto love and to good works” I posted the meme above this paragraph and as has happened before, was confronted about how the Pharisees knew God’s Word but rebelled against Jesus (Hebrews 10:24). Let’s cross examine this position against the counsel of Scripture.
While it’s clear that we must know not only the Word of God but the God of the Word, the God revealed in His Word, how does that negate the need for Bible knowledge? It simply doesn’t.
Just because the Pharisees of Christ’s day knew His Word but didn’t choose to turn their hearts to Him, how does that mean that believers today should neglect knowing His Word? Such logic is not only bad, it’s un-scriptural and evil.
“When you fall in love don’t you want to shout it from the rooftops? He, the man you are in love with, is all you talk about! Should be the same with Jesus! You want to tell everyone about this man, the Savior who saved your life! Just as the woman at the well did. She told the whole city ‘Come, and see a man, which told me all the things that ever I did: is this not the Christ’ John 4: 28-29.” Karen Cochran
Beware of anyone who discourages learning God’s Word in any form, including memorizing Scripture. This is a novice error and it could only be coming from the evil one. Because the Jews knew the Bible and rejected Jesus, novices reason that this means that New Testament saints, saved by grace, are not to intimately know or memorize God’s Word. Nonsense!
Is the primary responsibility of the disciple of Jesus to:
A. Follow the instructions of God’s Word? or
B. Don’t be like the Pharisees (false leaders)?
A. is the correct answer.
The fact that the LORD cited the false religionists of His day for not coming to Him, for not opening their hearts to Him, in no way communicates that those who are His should not learn His Word too well. That would be like saying that just because the false leaders of Jesus’ day knew His Word and yet didn’t turn their hearts to Jesus, anyone who learns His Word too well (as if that’s even possible) will automatically not turn their hearts to Jesus.
Let’s look at the passage that is being taken out of context:
“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. 40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.” John 5:39-40
“And isn’t that just what Jesus told the Pharisees? You know scriptures but you don’t know me in your heart! John 5: 38-47. It means nothing to Jesus if we only know of Him. We must know Him in Spirit and in truth! John 4:24.” Karen Cochran
Did Jesus rebuke them for knowing His Word? No.
Notice, Jesus says that His people are to “Search the scriptures” and the Scriptures “are they which testify of” (reveal) Him.
“Even the Pharisees knew the scriptures and knew of Jesus, but they did not know Him. Jesus told them they did not have Him in their hearts and therefore did not have eternal life . John 5: 38-47. Head knowledge means nothing to Jesus. We need to know Him in our hearts in a relationship with Him. Digesting His words! Getting to know Him. We should be emulating the sweet savour of Christ. 2 Corinthians 2: 15. How can you be like someone that you don’t know?” Karen Cochran
The Gospel message is “the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16).
In fact, it’s the seed of God’s “incorruptible” Word that is the instrument of His regeneration in our lives.
“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: 25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.” 1 Peter 1:23-25
The very way God ordained and orchestrated that we learn about and know Him, repent and believe upon Christ, is through the knowledge we get from “the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” Listen to the apostle Paul instruct Timothy:
“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
The man of God cannot be perfected, matured, “throughly furnished unto all good works” without a deep knowledge of the Scriptures which the apostle reveals here is “profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”
So the first of the 4 stated reasons God gave us His Word, the Bible, are for…
“doctrine”
Must know the facts and the Father!
Must know the Word and the God of the Word.
How are God’s people going to learn His Word if they don’t study and memorize and meditate upon it? How are God’s people going to be sanctified by the truth and washed by the water of the Word if they’re not in that Word daily and engaged in learning and obeying God’s Word?
So if the Pharisees did not know God’s Word would they not have also rejected him? How can knowing God’s Word be negative in any way? It’s simply can’t.
Is trying not to be like a Pharisee more important than actually following Christ?
In John 5:39-40 Jesus said nothing negative about the Pharisees knowing His Word but rather about them refusing to come to Him. Let us rightly divide saints and correct those who bear false witness (2 Timothy 2:15). In fact, in another place Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for not knowing His Word: “Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God“ (Matthew 22:29). God’s people need to know “the scriptures” and walk in “the power of God.” Only Satan could be behind the attempt to hinder either!
“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. 40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.” John 5:39-40
There will be those who come and go who know the words of God but not the God of the Word. Beware saints. Many times they know all the right things to say and yet have not truly repented and are living in sin, darkness, pride, and deep-seated rebellion.
On this note, sister Karen Cochran writes:
“Modern Pharisees know the Scriptures but like the Pharisees of old they don’t know Jesus. Just like Jesus told them in John 5:38- 42. They knew the Scriptures but they didn’t know Him. What good is it if we don’t know Jesus? We can know of Him but not know Him. We must love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Matthew 22:37- 38”
These counterfeits are saying that God’s people shouldn’t know God’s Word too well, we shouldn’t memorize it, because then we may become like the Pharisees and not come to Jesus. Foolishness at best.
To the contrary, the Bible teaches us to read, to “study,” to “retain,” and “meditate upon God’s Word ….
Did the apostle Paul correct the biblically astute Bereans for diligently, meticulously searching the scriptures to see if he was telling the truth? No! (Acts 17:10-11)
They are saying that knowing God’s Word in your God-given mind will keep you from knowing Him in your heart. Nonsense. By divine design, information is contacted, first enters our minds before it can be processed and received in our heart.
“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17
“Most people in the churches of today prefer to follow and believe the men/pastors and their words over the Word of God at their peril. This is because they are too lazy to study and read the Bible for themselves, sadly. Biblical illiteracy is the norm and not the exception today.” B.
Concerning ruling over the masses that have been kept ignorant of God’s Word, one disciple writes:
“Lacking of knowing God’s Word, memorizing it, is the direct reason the catholic church grew to so much power in the middle ages, and others down the ages. It was only the ‘priest’ that could read the Bible. So it meant what they said it meant and not what God meant. RUN!”
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…” Hosea 4:6
Checking your ignorance at the door!
Those who are ignorant of truth are so willingly (Hosea 4:6). They “willingly are ignorant” (2 Peter 3:5).
He gave us His truth, and those who reject His knowledge, His Word, will be “destroyed.”
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because THOU HAS REJECTED KNOWLEDGE, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law (Word) of thy God, I will also forget thy children.” Hosea 4:6
“There was a time when churches were teaching the whole counsel of God and most Bible believers in Bible teaching churches could carry on intelligent biblical conversations if they had been saved for five years or so. In the last ten years, I have found that most Christians today have become biblical illiterates. Due to the constant tendency toward all kinds of new experiences ( 2 Timothy 4:3-4), many are influenced to the extreme, and they settle for simply repeating various phrases that they hear without true, biblical understanding. That, then, becomes the focal point of their Christian life rather than conforming to the teachings of Scripture which they are not taught. It is getting harder and harder to find people in a local church who have even a very basic knowledge of Scripture, let alone any in-depth knowledge. The false teachers are going to have a lot to answer for in this area, but so will pastors who have encouraged this in their people rather than taking on the discipline of learning how to do a proper exegesis and expository teaching.” 1980 Dr. Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum
To a man who recently sought to discourage God’s people from memorizing His Word due to the fact that the Pharisees knew His Word and yet crucified Him.
I asked him if what the Pharisees did cancelled and negated the need for God’s people to know His Word in their minds and trust and love Him in their hearts? To this man I also wrote:
“Perhaps you should cease discouraging God’s people from learning and submitting to His Word…. there’s NO sense in which learning God’s Word is anything but a good thing…. and of course coming to Him in our hearts via His Word and Holy Spirit ….”
Our GOD-given brain is the passage way to the heart…. is it not? “Come now, and let us reason together…” (Isaiah 1:18).
God gave us a brain to “reason” with and a heart to believe upon Christ with (Romans 10:9-10). “COME now, and let us reason together” He said to His people (Isaiah 1:18).
Did Jesus memorize Scripture? Yes, beginning as a young boy. And this is how He grew in wisdom and stature (Luke 2:52). In fact, He knew where things were in the Bible—“He FOUND the place” in the Word He wanted to read—“And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written” (Luke 4:17).
ARE YOU “BLESSED”?
If you aren’t reading God’s Word daily, you are not “blessed.” Read Psalm 1.
“Blessed is he that readeth…” (Revelation 1:3).
See also Psalms 1:1-3.
Set it in your mind today that tomorrow, upon waking, you are diligently devouring God’s Word. Memorize and meditate upon 1 Chronicles 22:19. The message from Heaven is simple: FOLLOW JESUS via HIS WORD. The Bible is God’s truth and our safety. “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield (protection) unto them that put their trust in him. 6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
No way to know the Word Himself outside of His own Word. “They are they (His words) which testify of me” (John 5:39-40).
The written Word is like the tangible standard whereas at times, each of us as humans, can think we are being led by the Spirit but actually not being led by the LORD…. and so the standard is always the written Word, right?… To rightly divide His Word of truth. Right and amen Jesus (2 Timothy 2:15).
The only way we can “rightly” divide the truth from error is by personally, diligently studying God’s Word. Memorize 2 Timothy 2:15.
ALL ministries not getting you into God’s Word are fostering your faith in them!
Stacy Strother writes:
“The true Spirit of God will NEVER discard truth or lead people outside the parameter of the written word of God. The Spirit of God will search out ALL things and even the deep things, and if we are born again, have patience, we can be taught and be led to stay within harmony of His word. Read 1 Corinthians 2:6-16.”
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