This vital message is an excerpt from the book Deceivers and False Prophets Among Us
The Divine Guarantee of Counterfeit Leaders
and Their Subversion of Truth
GOD alone is in control and not the false prognosticator false watchmen! HE’s in control of the timing of all things, not you or any other fraud! … REMEMBER, when that demonic maniac hitler was on the world scene, many thought it was the end! Wrong! Think!
Any man calling himself (self-appointed) a prophet, is suspect. True servants of the lord simply do their LORD’s work humbly, never drawing attention to themselves by using titles – which Jesus forbids (Matthew 23:8-12).
BEWARE OF THE “PROPHETIC” WARLOCKS! The term “prophetic” never appears in Scripture, much less phrases invented by modern wolves such as “prophetic praise,” “the prophetic,” “prophetic warfare,” “prophetic worship,” etc. RUN from this witchcraft which is designed to bring you under the control of Satan’s warlocks pretending to have a word for you as a prophet of God! Wolves in sheep’s clothing! You have God’s Word and Holy Ghost – from Genesis to Revelation – which is the “MORE sure word of prophecy” (2 Peter 1:16-21).
2 Peter 1:12-21 is so important in realizing that the WRITTEN Word is “the MORE sure word of prophecy.” The Holy Scriptures are the divine Word which is prophetic in nature because God who gave it “inhabiteth eternity” and declared that He spoke it. He spoke “the end from the beginning” and it’s all recorded in the Holy Scriptures (Isaiah 46:9-10; 57:15). God’s written Word is even more divinely authoritative, sanctioned than the actual audible voice of the Father speaking from Heaven! Life changing revelation here. Hope it will be poured over carefully by His saints. Go read this passage in the King James Bible (always). 2 Peter 1:12-21
“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily (secretly) shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.” 2 Peter 2:1-3
Notice the promise given us here: “there shall be false teachers among you.” This is a definitive statement – “there SHALL be false teachers among you.”
The so-called “prophetic” movement is for those who want to self-actualize, a luciferian New Age term and practice. Pure damnable pride. These are warlocks and witches, operating in witchcraft while using the name of the LORD in vain.
Many seek to capitalize on your desire to discern, know, and follow God’s will. Beware.
God’s Word says “despise not prophesyings” and yet in the very next sentence it also warns us to “prove (test) all things” (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21). I don’t even read most “prophecies,” prophetic words, dreams, visions, etc. that circulate these days. Most of these “words” are coming from un-grounded novices, or flagrant flakes who don’t simply “Preach the word” but rather keep the circus wheels of their “ministry” spinning by their continual words (2 Timothy 4:2-4). Not that I despise them and yet the Word of God is inherently prophetic and the primary way God leads and guides His New Testament church (Isaiah 46:9-10; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21, etc.).
“Despise not prophesyings. 21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21
GOD already told us in His Word all we need to know about these final days (Isaiah 46:9-10; 2 Peter 1:3-4; 19-21, etc.). Gauging all things by the written Word is key to escaping the prophesied end time apostasy. Some people choose to be led astray by the “MANY false prophets” Jesus warns us about who would “deceive MANY” (Matthew 24:11).
Here’s what the so-called “prophetic” is all about… scary…. SHOCKING DOCUMENTARY – False spirits invade the church – KUNDALINI WARNING – Andrew Strom
The Son of God warned:
“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening (devouring) wolves. Ye shall know (discern) them by their fruits.” Matthew 7:15-16
“Beware.” This Scriptural instruction is seldom found on a refrigerator door in a Christian household, yet maybe it should be, to keep us alert to our need for vigilance and discernment concerning the reality of those in our midst who are “false prophets” and operate in “sheep’s clothing” and yet are “ravening (devouring) wolves.”
Is it not possible that Jesus is alerting and warning His people that the very leaders, to whom you and I now listen, are deceivers among us? Doesn’t His statement make this obvious? Who will we trust and serve, the One who bled for us and is soon to return, or those who claim to be leading us in the right way?
Over reaction on the Bible topic of false leaders? If you can find the phrase “many true prophets” in God’s Word, show it. Hint: It’s not there. Yet, we are repeatedly warned of “many false prophets” who would “deceive many” and how in these last days “evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived” (Matthew 24:11; 1 John 4:1; 2 Timothy 3:13).
CLUE: False leaders say what they say and do what they do TO GET YOU TRUSTING IN THEM, PATRONIZING THEIR MINISTRY. True servants of Christ preach you into a corner so that you have nowhere else to look but upward to the LORD and nothing else to do but to cry out to JESUS in full surrender (1 Corinthians 1:29-2:5).
In the most basic sense, a true prophet is simply one who represents the LORD from a pure heart and according to His Word, whereas a false prophet misrepresents the LORD by his refusal to adhere to the teachings of Christ and His apostles.
In this same text, Jesus told us we would know all leaders according to the “fruit” of their lives and this includes whether or not they teach the pure Word of God (Matthew 7:15-20). It simply does not matter how upstanding, educated, well-spoken or popular a man is – he is still only a man, and if he is not establishing God’s Word in the hearts of people, he is false.
“Sheep’s clothing” – Whether knowingly or unknowingly, “wolves” labor among God’s people undetected by most. Stealth deceivers could be their nomenclature. Those who are convicted to love and serve their LORD to the end discern the false from the true and depart from the false, while the unsuspecting remain and unknowingly endanger their own lives and perhaps the lives of others.
“Inwardly” – God looks on the heart, not the outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7). In walking close to the LORD, we must seek and learn to see things the way He does. He plainly reveals to us here that there are those among us who pose as His and yet are leading His sheep into deception and ultimately destruction.
“Ravening (devouring) wolves” – Many in the church world today are not even aware of and/or do not perceive the severity of the Master’s warning. Remaining under the leadership of a devouring wolf (or wolves) who exists to destroy God’s sheep, can be deadly. In general, the wolf disguised by his sheep’s clothing, is simply a person in leadership who refuses to obey the Word of God, specifically in the doctrinal essentials (John 8:47; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; 2 Corinthians 11:1-4; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 3 John 9-12). The written Word of God has always been and will always be the primary way the LORD Jesus Christ leads His true followers (Mark 13:31; John 10:35; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:16-21, Revelation 22:18-19).
WHEN deceivers use the phrase “Don’t put God in a box” what they are really saying is “Don’t listen to how God described Himself, His will, and His attributes, etc. Don’t listen to HIS own Word, let me show you an alternative, something that contradicts His Word!” Apostasy! Run! See Acts 17:10-11; Psalms 33:11; 119:89, 105; John 8:47; Romans 3:4; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21.
“God is not the way we say He is, God is the way the Bible says He is.” A.W. Tozer
In his book The Great Gospel Deception, David Kirkwood writes:
“False teachers are very deceptive. They have some exterior indications of being genuine. They may call Jesus their Lord, prophesy, cast out demons and perform miracles. However, the ‘sheep’s clothing’ only hides the ‘ravenous wolf.’ They aren’t of the true sheep. How can it be known if they are true or false? Their true character can be known by examining their ‘fruits.’
What are the fruits of which Jesus was speaking? They are the fruits of obedience to all He has taught. Those who are true, teach and do the will of the Father. Those who are false, teach what is not true and ‘practice lawlessness’ (7:23). Our responsibility, then, is to compare their teaching and lives with what Jesus taught and commanded.
False teachers abound today in the church, and we should not be surprised, because both Jesus and Paul forewarned us that, as the end approaches, we should expect nothing less (see Matt. 24:11; 2 Tim. 4:3-4). The most prevalent false prophets of our day are those who teach that heaven awaits the unholy. They are responsible for the eternal damnation of millions of people. Of them, John Wesley wrote:
‘How terrible is this!-when the ambassadors of God turn agents for the devil! – when they who are commissioned to teach men the way to heaven do in fact teach them the way to hell … If it be asked, Why, who ever did this?…I answer, Ten thousand wise and honourable men; even all those, of whatever denomination, who encourage the proud, the trifler, the passionate, the lover of the world, the man of pleasure, the unjust or unkind, the easy, careless, harmless, useless creatures, the man who suffers no reproach for righteousness’ sake, to imagine he is in the way to heaven. These are false prophets in the highest sense of the word. These are traitors both to God and man…They are continually peopling the realms of the night; and whenever they follow the poor souls they have destroyed, ‘hell shall be moved from beneath to met them at their coming!’” p. 164, 165
Faith Ranger writes:
“Psychics are sometimes accurate, does this make them prophets? Does the enemy not have his own prophets? The woman that followed the disciples, telling others that they were men of God, was a false prophet and the disciples rebuked her. But what she was saying was true.”
Can devils do miracles? “For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty” (Revelation 16:14). See also 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 and Deuteronomy 13:1-10.
EVEN IF SOMEONE PROPHESIES AND IT ACTUALLY COMES TO PASS, OR DOES A REAL MIRACLE, DOES NOT MEAN THEY ARE TRUE! GET FAMILIAR WITH DEUTERONOMY 13:1-10 SAINTS. 1. CHECK THEIR DOCTRINE, AND 2. IF THEY ARE ANNOUNCING THEMSELVES AS A “PROPHET,” THAT IS A RED FLAG.
Honesty is Essential to Kingdom Learning
Saint of the LORD, before we continue, please allow a somewhat parenthetical assertion here, which will assuredly optimize this read. Being a truthful person, void of the predisposition of bias, is imperative to prosperous learning in God’s kingdom. Such is foundational to authentic learning and fruitfulness and demonstrates before the Supreme Court of the Universe, the absence of the sinful idolatry of mere men. Many of us are grossly steeped in what Christ and Paul termed “the doctrines of men” and we don’t even realize it (Mark 7:7-9; Colossians 2:22). Let us establish that in order to “grow” in the LORD, we are to “desire” and pour over the oracles of God and “receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls” (James 1:21). “The sincere milk of the word” is to be consumed and when it is, spiritual nutrients fill the heart (1 Peter 2:2). The true, born-again believer will hunger for the spiritual food of God’s Word. In order to glorify God by knowing why we believe what we believe, we must embark upon being more deeply rooted in the divine truth of holy Writ.
Especially in light of this guaranteed last days epidemic of beguilers and their false teachings, it is essential that we become more doctrinally intensive in order to more perfectly serve the One we love (Acts 18:24-26; 2 John 7-9). Without the sincere resolve to know God’s Word, it is evident that one possesses “no root in themselves” and is going to forfeit the blessed apprehension of divine truth and place his own soul in grave danger of deception (Mark 4:17). The upright character trait of honesty when looking at God’s Word is essential to fruitful learning and living in the kingdom (Luke 8:15).
“Thou shalt not wrest (pervert, twist, dilute) judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous. That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live, and inherit the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.” Deuteronomy 16:19-20
In this all-important text, God instructs His people concerning divine truth and how they are to handle it. Note in particular: “thou shalt not respect persons…That which is altogether just shalt thou follow.”
Beloved, one must be sincerely willing to stop and make the grounded determination that the LORD truly is his God, and that the words, personalities, and teachings of all mere men (people in places of spiritual leadership) are vastly inferior and less aggrandized than the words of the Almighty. Such repentance from this subtle and deadly idolatry will include laying the axe to the root of the esteeming of best-selling authors and influential speakers. We must realize that hero worship is plainly spiritual adultery and actually causes our hearts to depart from the only One worthy of our heart worship and affections (Hos. 4:11).
Deceivers Guaranteed
“And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.” Matthew 24:3-5
When His twelve asked Jesus what would be the “sign” of His return, the very first thing He revealed and promised as a sign of the end of this age would be deceivers who come in His name (using His name) bearing messages to deceive “many.” This perhaps can apply to those evil emissaries who work within and outside of the church world. Many have claimed “I am Christ.” One particular world religion has as its head a “Pope” who is said to be the Vicar of Christ, or the one on earth who takes the place of Christ. More on this later (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12).
The Son of God warned “Take heed that no man deceive you.” To the believer, the deceiver who is operating within the church world, posing as a true servant of Christ, offers by far the most dangerous threat. This is what Jesus was talking about when He spoke of wolves who wear sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15-23).
Who are the agents He warned would come to give persuasive, seducing, delusions and messages which would deceive “many”?
“Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.” Revelation 3:11
The Son of God warns here to “hold fast” to Him and to allow “no man” to “take thy crown.”
It is unfortunate that most in leadership today refuse to teach on the subject of the end times. God’s people would be so blessed to know the very first and most prevalent sign of the last days. Is this not amazing that we have refused to inform them? Isn’t it amazing that we seldom hear this cornerstone and safeguarding truth of the end times that Christ provided? According to the LORD Jesus, the most prevalent sign that would indicate that His return is coming soon is the manifestation of deceivers! Isn’t it high-time that His Word on this matter is made known?
This epidemic of evil being perpetrated in Christ’s very name is far too important to overlook. So, let us review and make sure this word sinks down into our hearts (Luke 9:44). What did the LORD say would be the most obvious sign of the end and of the soon return of Jesus Christ to the earth? In the most popular chapter on the return of Christ in the entire Bible, the disciples of Christ asked Him an all-important question and He answered them clearly. Can we read it again?
“And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.” Matthew 24:3-5
The warning here is two-fold: “And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.”
Deception through the vehicle of men is the very first sign that the return of the LORD is near. – “Take heed that no man deceive you.”
“Beware of men.” Matthew 10:17
Most people, especially born-again believers, would like to think the best of people around them, especially their leaders. But Jesus warned us to beware and not to serve men but God alone (Luke 4:8).
“Many,” Not a Few
Deception through self-appointed leaders bearing false witness of themselves is the second earmark of deceivers.
“For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.” Matthew 24:5
In order to cause His remnant to awake to the grave danger of those who “shall deceive many,” the Son of God goes on to lace this last days’ narrative with warnings of false prophets.
“And many (not a few) false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many (not a few).” Matthew 24:11
Here Jesus promised that not a few, but “many false prophets shall rise” and “shall deceive many.”
Fundamentally, the Master desires to embed in His people the reality of false prophets who look like they are His yet aren’t. Christ’s goal and desire is that we be not deceived by these “false brethren” working amidst His people (2 Corinthians 11:26; Galatians 2:4).
“And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.” Luke 21:8
Christ repeatedly foretold that in the final days of this age “there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders (lying signs and wonders); insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect” (Matthew 24:24).
In iteration and warning concerning these last days in which we live, our LORD revealed that “many (not a few) false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many” (Matthew 24:11).
The apostle John states:
“For many deceivers are entered into the world ….” 2 John 7
The Bible foretells a great falling away in the end, not a great revival. So, when we hear such claims of a supposed revival, a red flag should go up. See 2 Thessalonians 2:13, 9-12 and 2 Timothy 3:13.
Of all those who fill pulpits, write books, speak on radio programs, and produce any number of Christian media communications, isn’t it amazing that so little is ever stated about the danger and prevalence of deceivers and false teachings in this last day? In fact, to the contrary, at the same time so many crassly neglect warning God’s people of deceivers, some even teach that these last days will bring a great revival. This is in stark contradiction to the prophesied “falling away” of the final days (2 Thessalonians 2:3).
“Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition.” 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3
Preceding the manifestation of “the son of perdition,” the Holy Spirit warned us that there would “come a falling away first.” It seems apparent that the LORD’s people must be blindfolded and the truth must be shunned in order for this mass deception to occur. According to the biblical revelation, this mass apostasy will come and is presently well under way, at the hands of a literal global army of deceived leaders, many who have formed a “conspiracy” against the LORD (Ezekiel 22:25-27).
Should we be surprised that God is angry with leadership? Is His wrath toward leadership a new thing? No, it is an ancient “controversy” (Isaiah 56:10-12; Jeremiah 23; Ezekiel 34; Hosea 4:1-19). Israel’s leaders were throughout the centuries specifically addressed and rebuked, and cited for their evil doings and how they had led astray God’s people (Isaiah 9:16).
“Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand.” Ezekiel 34:10
“Controversy” is an integral part of walking with the LORD (Ezek. 22:25-27; 44:23-24). As long as the LORD Almighty allows evil to exist, there will be conflict – until He returns in His time to put down all rebellion. Until then, conflict is a reality, so we must face it in His truth and power as He leads (Ps. 94:16). Since the fall of man, conflict has been and will be until His kingdom is established upon the earth with His full reign (Matt. 11:12; Eph. 1:20-22; 1 Cor. 15:24-28; Heb. 2:8; Rev. 12:11).
Make no mistake: there is a “conspiracy” (Ezekiel 22:25-27). Mass apostasy comes at the hands of false teachers and their false teachings, and yet there must be those who believe and support these false teachings in order to facilitate this departure from the faith.
Speaking of “A Foreign Grace,” David Kirkwood, in his book The Great Gospel Deception, says:
“It is not only the fruit of people’s deeds that mark them as false teachers, but also the fruit of their words. If they teach what is contrary to essential New Testament doctrine, they are false teachers.
Of course, no teacher in the church is going to stand up and declare that he is teaching what is contrary to the New Testament. Rather, he will neglect certain important scriptures and twist others to persuade his constituency that he is teaching the truth. This is being done today by many very popular and influential teachers who teach about a grace that is foreign to the Bible. The grace they proclaim is not the true grace that leads to holiness…” p. 230
As David Kirkwood points out here, the false teacher is not going to stand up and announce that he is a wolf. It is the individual believer’s responsibility to discern leaders by the fruit of their teaching. What is not taught (left out of the message) can be more deadly than what is taught. What we don’t know can kill us. “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hos. 4:6). To be able to discern one must study the Word diligently and be exercised therein (2 Tim. 2:15; 3:16; Heb. 5:11-14). This gross lack of knowledge among those claiming to know the LORD is also an indication that many have not diligently studied the Word of God for themselves, but rather have relied upon their leaders to tell them what God has said. Consequently, so very many have been deluded with a false gospel.
Saint of the LORD, is Jesus Christ important enough to you to learn what He has stated to you in His Word? Is the LORD truly your first love? Are you actively and diligently memorizing Scripture – His words?
“These false teachers literally deny (notice the titles Jude used) the “only Lord God” (Jude 4). Because obedience is, in their minds, optional for those on the way to heaven, Jesus need not be one’s Master and Lord. Thus they deny that He is who He is by their teaching and lifestyles.” The Great Gospel Deception, David Kirkwood, P. 231
Outnumbered
“And there shall be, like people, like priest: and I will punish them for their ways, and reward them their doings.” Hosea 4:9
The Table of Jesus or Jezebel?
Mass apostasy was foretold (2 Thessalonians 2:3; 2 Timothy 4:3-4). When mass departure from the faith occurs, both classes are involved – leader and listener. It takes both parties to complete the circle and conspire against the LORD Almighty. Remember that Lucifer was the very first conspirator against the Almighty and was actually successful in convincing one-third of the angels in Heaven to depart with him (Revelation 12:4). Rebellion against the LORD is a reality today as it has been throughout history, yet there is a remnant, as has also been the case throughout history (1 Kings 18:4, 19).
“For it was so, when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the LORD, that Obadiah took an hundred prophets, and hid them by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water.)…Now therefore send, and gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, WHICH EAT AT JEZEBEL’S TABLE.” 1 Kings 18:4, 19
Like the days of Elijah, today is no different. The “MANY false prophets” we are often warned about today, eat at the table of the enemy (Matthew 7:15; 24:11). They are known in that they have sacrificed Christ for provision, a salary, the applause of sinful men, and if they don’t repent will perish.
Apparently, as we see in this scenario, those true prophets that Obadiah fed were outnumbered by the false prophets 850 to 100.
We are missing the very warnings about deception which we most urgently need. We must not allow our ears to wax heavy amidst the activities of this fleeting life lest we lose out in the end (Luke 21:34-36).
Is it not utterly astounding that many leaders do not care enough to warn their listeners to “beware of false prophets” and teachers who spawn and perpetuate the multiplicity of deceptions present within the church world today? Perhaps their refusal to warn reveals that some of them do not want to be detected as false themselves.
One of the greatest tragedies is that, in many cases, these damnable doctrines, taught by “false teachers” and “false prophets” go unchecked, unchallenged and unannounced by those in leadership (2 Peter 2:1). Does such dreadful negligence not make suspect these who refuse to recognize and announce such?
When was the last time you personally heard a message preached warning believers to “beware of false prophets” and to “beware lest any man spoil you?” (Matthew 7:15; 1 Jn. 4:1; Colossians 2:8).
Friend, are you aware that whole chapters of Scripture are dedicated to exposing false prophets? (See Deuteronomy 13, Jeremiah 23, Matthew 23, Ezekiel 22, Ezekiel 34, Jude, 2 Peter 2, Revelation 2 and 3, the end of Isaiah 56 and Philippians 3.) The frequency of such divine warnings underscore the vital nature of staying in the doctrine and will of Christ and guarding against the beguilers who “lie in wait to deceive” (Ephesians 4:14). What is staggering is that even though the LORD Himself considered it extremely important to have numerous warnings recorded concerning the prevalence and danger of deceivers and false teachings, today we are hard-pressed to find any of our leaders saying a single word about such an onslaught against the minds and eternal destiny of God’s people. What an outrage! Much is at risk. Who has ordered this gag rule? This can be nothing less than diabolical!
Storm Clouds Have Gathered
“That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.” Ephesians 4:14
Those leaders who are true to God preach, warn, and teach in order to prepare His people for Christ’s soon return (Colossians 1:27-29). God’s people are to take personal responsibility to become grounded in His Word so that they can discern, and no more be tossed about by the many and various storm winds of false doctrine blowing through the world of the Church at large. Being grounded in the Word and able to discern truth from error is a mark of maturity.
It is a divine mandate for those who are called to “feed the flock of God” to establish His truth in the hearts of the sheep of the Great Shepherd (1 Peter 5:2). By hearing and adhering to the pure Word of God, His people are matured and no more as vulnerable to the winds which are blown into the midst of the body of Christ on the wings of an army of false teachers. God’s people are nourished and secured in His truth (Proverbs 4:20-24; 30:5; Luke 4:4; Acts 20:27-32). Those who are not being fed and who are not personally taking time to study the Word of God, are sickly, malnourished, and have become prey to the wolves in our midst. The Psalmist cried:
“Lift up thy feet unto the perpetual desolations; even all that the enemy hath done wickedly in the sanctuary. 4 Thine enemies roar in the midst of thy congregations; they set up their ensigns for signs. 5 A man was famous according as he had lifted up axes upon the thick trees. 6 But now they break down the carved work thereof at once with axes and hammers. 7 They have cast fire into thy sanctuary, they have defiled by casting down the dwelling place of thy name to the ground.” Psalms 74:3-7
Note in the above text that David sought the LORD in weeping because the enemy of souls roared “in the sanctuary…of thy (God’s) congregations.”
The fact alone that the word “beware” appears 14 times in connection with deceivers and deception in the New Testament Scripture is evidence enough that those who don’t openly declare such to the sheep of God’s pasture are, at best, deceived. It is nothing less than reprehensible that men who stand in places of leadership would not pay attention to and communicate these divinely-inspired warnings. Those who don’t are suspect as those who intentionally and dishonestly dodge truth that does not play into their own personal agenda. It seems that, unlike David, the overwhelming majority of men in leadership positions today do not care nor cry out for the LORD to deliver His people from the enemy and his ravaging lies. They also refuse to awake and warn God’s people with a warning which would otherwise secure His children in the safety of His truth (Prov. 30:5).
Sounding the Alarm
In any developed nation, alarms and meteorologists sound off when storms are approaching, in order to warn the people of that local geographic area to take cover or measures to prevent the harm the coming storm could bring. For sure, the threat is announced loud and clear repeatedly in order to warn all of the people to beware and take precaution. Yet, amazingly enough, the most deadly danger in the universe exists in the Church world which threatens the spiritual health and eternal well-being of the very people of God, and warnings arise from so few.
In 2005, when hurricane Katrina was approaching the gulf coastal states, the beckoning call to flee was sounded long and loud to people who lived in those areas. Most fled, some stayed. The winds were at 160 MPH, so the severity of the threat was at level 5. Such approaching danger could not be overly stressed, just as the great threat of the hurricane winds of deception rushing upon the coasts of the people of God cannot be over exaggerated.
When some envision deceivers, they picture one who manipulates people out of their earthly monies, yet much more evil are those who rob men of their eternal souls by not leading them to the only One who can save and secure them. One can go to Heaven while poor on earth, but he cannot go to Heaven without possessing and maintaining the riches of Christ’s salvation. Far more insidious and dangerous are those who withhold divine truth and the warning they are supposed to be giving to the souls they are called to feed, oversee, guard, and nurture.
Because they don’t drink in and heed the “more sure word of prophecy,” the Holy Scriptures, many men in leadership today do not see/perceive the storm clouds that have gathered to converge upon the people of God (2 Peter 1:19-21). We have been warned about the great falling away and the fact that Satan has but a short time and has therefore come down with great wrath upon the saints, yet little or no warning is ever heard amidst the many words of the leaders who forge ahead, building their own names and kingdoms (2 Thess. 2:3; Rev. 12:12). Have you ever wondered if we possess even a clue?
YOU won’t find many church buildings in the book of Acts (Acts 2:42-47). Yet you find true worshipers!
“Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” Revelation 3:17
Like those in Laodicea whom the LORD addressed here, many in leadership positions are preoccupied with self-interests. These men are blinded, having no idea how separated they are from the LORD. Perhaps these men haven’t fasted even one day for years, don’t read the Bible more than five minutes daily, and have little or no intimacy in their personal prayer lives. Like the leaders of Isaiah’s day, they are greedy and blind and cannot respond to the alarm of God much less give it to the people they oversee.
“His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter. Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant.” Isaiah 56:10-12
Did you notice the root cause of the blindness of these wayward leaders? Read the above text again and notice the selfishness and self-idolatry of these false prophets the LORD cites. The LORD warned us prophetically that In the final days there would be those who would have a “form of godliness” and at the same time would be “lovers of their own selves” (2 Timothy 3:1-5).
Satan is plundering the people of God with numerous cyanide-laced poisons and, like the armies of Israel, most leaders seem to be doing little about it. They are too busy with their own self-life. Like David, the man with a heart that panted after the LORD, and a valiant warrior of Jehovah, we must ask as he did:
“Is there not a cause?” 1 Samuel 17:29
The ‘giant’ of exponential falsehoods is stealing the glory of the Most High and poisoning His very people. Is this not reason enough to be outraged? Why do some take such an atrocity that strikes at the heart of our LORD so lightly and crassly overlook such a deadly threat which causes men to be spiritually spoiled (ruined)? (See Col. 2:8.) How can this be?! Perhaps the LORD is calling us to revisit and obey Isaiah 58.
False doctrines, peddled by wolves in sheep’s clothing, place the souls of men in danger of hell fire. Friend, speaking specifically of the very last days, the divinely inspired terms “doctrines of devils” and “damnable heresies” clearly communicate to us that there are devils behind certain doctrines and they will damn the souls of those who buy into them (1 Timothy 4:1; 2 Peter 2:1). Furthermore, it is essential to remain in Christ and in His doctrines and to give no approval to falsehoods, but to remain in right standing with God (2 John 9-10). How needed are those who love Christ and His body enough to obey the mandate to establish His truth and warn His people to beware!
Historical Sketch
Should we be surprised that God is angry with leadership? Is His wrath toward leadership among His people a new thing? No, it is ancient. Israel’s leaders were throughout the centuries specifically addressed and rebuked, and cited explicitly for their evil doings.
“Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand.” Ezekiel 34:10
Terrorist Warnings
Would it be wrong for the government of any nation to neglect to warn their own people of certain cataclysmic events they have knowledge of? If information of an attack was known prior to the violence transpiring, and the government didn’t warn the people, would the people of that nation be justified in their outrage? Thousands of lives could be at stake. Would the withholding of known information by our political leaders concerning an attack on America be criminal treason? The answer is obvious.
Israeli, American, and British intelligence of criminal terrorist activities is the best in the world. Having intelligence of a terrorist plot to kill and maim the citizens of a nation, encumbers the entity that possesses that information with a moral obligation. At best, it would be contemptuous to withhold such vital data, which would lead to the prevention of many casualties. On the other hand, a national agency, having been informed of a planned terrorist attack at a certain location and time, which doesn’t divulge that information to the people, has committed treason and is responsible for the harm that comes upon that people. The written laws of civilized nations include the criminal act of conspiring to withhold information and obstruct justice. Such is contemptuous and criminal.
In the same way, if those who hold positions of spiritual leadership, armed with numerous scriptural intelligence warnings of evil emissaries and their teachings, do not warn God’s people, they are conspiring with the enemy of all souls and placing themselves under the judgment of a holy divine Shepherd. These leaders have refused to arm themselves and warn according to the divinely breathed intelligence report once delivered to the saints of Christ in holy Writ. The refusal of leaders to warn God’s people of those terrorists whom He repeatedly guaranteed would creep in secretly and sow deadly poisons is criminal.
If the officials of your city possessed intelligence of a terror attack planned against your neighborhood and refused to warn the people, how would you feel if such an attack came and killed and maimed many? Would you feel outraged? Would you now feel violated? Would you feel vulnerable or safe and secure?
Are You Outraged?
Friend, are there not people being spiritually destroyed due to the refusal of those in leadership to warn, according to the perfect divine source of intelligence, God’s Word? The apostle Paul clearly told us that warning was an integral part of the divine calling mandated upon true shepherds (Colossians 1:27-29; 2:8).
Consider the divine mandate upon those in leadership and the severe consequence for not warning:
“But if the watchman (leader) see the sword come (judgment coming), and blow not the trumpet (warn), and the people be not warned; if the sword (judgment) come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman’s hand.” Ezekiel 33:6
Men who refuse to warn of the evil winds of doctrine blowing upon the people of God are liable before the holy Judge of the Supreme Court of the Universe. Without repentance and life change, these men will be found guilty of causing many of God’s blood-bought people to go astray. Such gross negligence is criminal and will be punishable at the Judgment seat.
“Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.” Proverbs 28:10
The absence of such warning transmitting from supposed men of God is nothing less than criminal.
If Paul Warned, Why Don’t Leaders Today Warn?
Paul the apostle of Jesus Christ, sets forth the standard for all who will be true to the LORD in their leadership:
“…Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.” Colossians 1:27-29
The Holy Spirit empowered Paul to preach about Jesus while also warning and teaching. Paul openly announced here that his calling was to preach, warn, and teach. That’s right, we are instructed to preach, warn and teach. – Not just preach and teach, but also to warn. This is the Gospel calling, and anyone who will please the LORD will do all three of these things when ministering. Does this mean that a third of what we do should be to warn? Think about it.
The apostle Paul warned the Ephesian elders:
“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.” Acts 20:29-30
It should be noted here that this great apostle of Jesus was deeply concerned with safeguarding the souls of God’s people, thus this explicit prophetic warning extends to all Christians of the New Testament era. He told the Philippian believers that he did “write the same things” (Philippians 3:1). Paul continually reiterated the pillar doctrines of Christ. This apostle of Jesus stated that such continual reestablishing of eternal truth was “safe” for the Philippian Christians. This servant of God was a safeguard to the people of God by teaching and continually infusing divine truth in them.
Counterfeit ministers in prominence are the very first sign that our LORD’s return is near. Why then do those in leadership seldom if ever tend to this Biblically prevalent doctrine today? This utterly astounds me personally. As I read through the New Testament, I witness the multiplicity of warnings concerning deceivers and false prophets and marvel that this is almost never mentioned much less taught in the church world today! Wow! Where is the protective concern in our leaders? Are they so busy serving their own selfish, ego-driven appetites that they have no heart for God’s sheep?
Was Jesus lying when He told us that there would be “many false prophets” cloaked in “sheep’s clothing”? (See Matthew7:15.) If we truly believe upon Jesus, we should embrace all of His Counsel, and we are mandated to divulge it (Mark 8:38).
Here is a partial Bible list by term of the type of counterfeit leaders to beware of in this last hour:
- False prophets (term appears 7 times: Matthew 7:15;24:11,24; Mark 13:22; Luke 6:26; 2 Peter 2:1; 1 John 4:1)
- False teachers (2 Peter 2:1)
- False apostles (2 Corinthians 11:13; Revelation 2:2)
- Deceivers (Job 12:16; Malachi 1:14; Titus 1:10; 2 John 7)
If Jesus Warned, Why Don’t Leaders Today Warn?
The deafening silence of those who lead today enables deceivers and false teachings and allows for God’s people to be led astray. Carte blanche access has been given to Satan’s emissaries who wear sheep’s clothing to distort, deceive, and bring ultimate damnation. Leaders (and all believers) are mandated and responsible to warn, in obedience to Christ.
On many occasions, Christ warned of false prophets and deception. Anyone who is following Him should be doing the same – in an attempt to protect those who are His. The Son of God made a public announcement, warning all to “Beware” of the writers of His day and at all times:
“Then in the audience of all the people he said unto his disciples, Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts; Which devour widows’ houses, and for a show make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation.” Luke 20:45-47
The Method of Deception
Plainly Christ warned “Beware of the scribes.” The Greek word here for “scribe” is grammateus, which means a writer, i.e., (professionally), a scribe or secretary. As in Christ’s days on earth, we should be very careful of the writers of today, the modern-day scribes who write books, many of which are best-sellers that fill the shelves of Christian bookstores. In my estimation, the modern church world today clearly demonstrates its lack of discernment and apostasy by the way it neglects the 66 books of the Bible and runs after deceptive and doctrinally misleading and heretical fad books. Specific resources are available concerning some of these fad books on this site.
“Scribes” would include any religious or “Christian” communicator today such as Bible translators, writers, journalists, bloggers, etc.
Discernment is a landmark of spiritual maturity and to be sought for by all believers. It is the duty of all leaders to foster such in those they lead (Colossians 2; Revelation 3:18).
“Let no man deceive you with vain words.” Ephesians 5:6
The apostle Paul here warns us that false prophets, who are prevalent in our midst, deceive through words. Also, under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, the apostle Peter and Jude penned these words of warning:
“For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.” 2 Peter 2:18
“These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage.” Jude 1:16
The Test of Deception
“People want a word from God instead of the Word OF God.” Warren Smith
You may be asking: Why would the LORD allow such deceivers and deception to operate and even abound? Here is the reason:
“For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.” 1 Corinthians 11:19
Apparently, we have a glimpse into the mind of God here concerning the dividing purpose of truth and lies. He ultimately rules over deceivers and their deceptions. If one can be led astray from the LORD by false teachings and false prophets, it is because his heart is simply not in right standing with the LORD. The true disciples of Christ are made “manifest” by embracing the truth of God’s Word amidst the many deceptions that abound in the church world in this last hour. In contrast, those who are not true in their heart of hearts to the LORD, even though they have an outward appearance of serving Him, will be taken in by the deceptions of the last day false prophets and their deceptive teachings, luring them to serve the lusts of their own flesh.
“For there are certain men crept in unawares (undiscerned; not noticed by most), who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness (in their teachings), and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jude 4
Ultimately, the LORD created all and is in charge of all.
“With him is strength and wisdom: the deceived and the deceiver are his.” Job 12:16
It is undeniable that there are and will be those who will be drawn away from the truth after having known it:
“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly (clearly), that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.” 1 Timothy 4:1-3
To religious people (those who are religious but don’t know Jesus), Christ states:
“Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” John 8:44
Satan knows he only has a short time to use his tool of deception to lure us away from the LORD, so he has come down with great wrath through the use of many a media method and messenger.
“Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” Revelation 12:12
Remaining in the Truth
We are to nurture and remain in the truth of the Gospel of Christ until the end of our lives.
“Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth (remains) not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth (remains) in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.” 2 John 9
It is imperative that we also help others to hearken to the voice of the LORD and escape the fate of the “many” who are being deluded all around us.
“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…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 4:6, 16
As “a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith,” other “brethren” are to “hear thee…(as you) put the brethren in remembrance” of “the words of faith.”
The Danger of Being Led Astray
“Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.” 2 Peter 3:17
Even though the New Testament and Old are replete with such warnings, it may be the very first time anyone has ever pointed out to you that God has promised that there would be “many false prophets” in our day and that you are personally in danger of being led astray if you don’t guard your heart with His Word.
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try (test; examine) the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1
Because of the numerous revelations from our LORD, we understand that there are “many false prophets” who are “gone out into the world.” And, in the complete absence of any such statement in Holy Scripture of many true prophets, we should be left to understand that the false far outnumber the true. The Bible simply never hints, much less promises, that there would ever be many true prophets or servant-leaders. The phrase “many false prophets” appears in Scripture, yet the term “many true prophets” never does. By simple deduction of what we read in Holy Scripture, we know that there are “many” false and few true godly leaders in the world.
“And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.” Matthew 24:11
If the Apostle John Warned, Why Don’t Leaders Today Warn?
False prophets are simply identified by the fruit of their lives which would include the falsehoods they teach, leading the righteous away from the LORD and His ways. Identifying, staying clear of them, and helping others discern, are all-important tasks in this last hour before Christ returns. Consider the pastoral words of the apostle John in warning those he wrote to then, and now, to be careful of “them that seduce you.”
“These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.” 1 John 2:26-28
With all confidence, John assures all believers of the “anointing,” which is the presence of the Holy Ghost indwelling us. John confirms that the Holy Ghost will lead us into all truth, as we abide in the LORD and His Word. It is when we are continuing in the doctrine and life of the LORD Jesus Christ that “we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming” (1 John 2:26-28).
Each and every follower of Jesus Christ is personally responsible to remain in the truth, living in the clear doctrines of Holy Scripture given to us by our Maker and Redeemer. In his book entitled Life In the Son, Dr. Robert Shank pens these words:
“John warns his dear children in the faith against the efforts of apostates to lead them astray through false doctrines, exhorting them to ‘Let that therefore abide (remain) in you, which ye have heard from the beginning [the true Gospel]. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.’ (1 Jn. 2:24-25. Cf II Tim. 3:13-15, Col. 1:21-23).
It is the testimony of our Savior and the New Testament writers that an initial reception of the word of the Gospel must be followed by faithful retention, if men are to continue in the saving grace of Christ and the eternal life of God.” Shank, Robert Lee, Life in the Son, Bethany House Publishers, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 1960. pp. 33-34)
The Promised Increase of Deceivers
We also discover from reading the New Testament that the closer we get to the end, the greater will be the proliferation of deceivers and their deceptions.
“But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.” 2 Timothy 3:13
For some reason, unknown fully to this writer, it appears from Scripture and my own perspective of experience, that so many people who get into ministry simply are not genuinely rooted in God. Perhaps, many who enter into ministry are zealous and driven, yet may not realize motives which are foreign to the will of God.
ARE you seeking to experience God OR to KNOW HIM? (John 17:3)
Some, at least in part, enter into ministry service viewing it as a profession instead of being impelled by divinely instilled holy passion for His people. When we are not led of the Holy Spirit to do full-time ministry, will we inevitably serve ourselves utilizing this profession as a means to personal gain? Is it not His will that each of His children be led by His Spirit in the divine call which He has for their individual lives?
Like Judas and others listed in Scripture, many of those in ministry have already fallen away and certainly many more to come will also. The dangerous aspect of this fact is that many of those who have fallen away in their hearts still remain in positions of leadership. Does this not allow the enemy to truly operate through them to mislead others?
In most cases, these men have enlisted themselves into the army of Satan by simply neglecting their own personal relationship with the One who bought them with His perfect blood (2 Peter 2:1-3).
In this late hour in which the love of many is waxing cold toward the LORD and His people, the 6 o’clock news and general media have more to report concerning fallen ministers than ever before. Is this not a fulfillment of the prophecy of our Savior?
“And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” Matthew 24:10-13
The faithful follower of Christ will lay down his life to serve God and others fully, escaping the snare of the fowler by the precious divine grace imparted into his life (1 Peter 1:5; Revelation 2-3).
The danger of falling away is a reality according to our LORD. Jesus said that there would be those who “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.” (Mark 4:17)
Discernment Clue: Ministries that aren’t provoking you to get into God’s Word FOR YOURSELF DAILY, simply want you to depend on them-not God!
The LORD Jesus Christ personally promised Judas an eternal throne in Heaven, yet this fallen man kissed the gates of glory and turned and marched right into the bowels of unending damnation (Matthew 19:28).
It is obvious that some do not get into the ministry for the LORD, but more for themselves, which ultimately sets them up to become false. Like Judas, many today start out true and end up spiritually bankrupt (Acts 1:25; 1 Timothy 1:19; 6:10).
“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jude 3-4
“Believe Not Every Spirit”
“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
Deceivers and deceptions are promised. Any person who believes “every spirit,” that is, every person who comes in the name of the LORD, is simply in direct disobedience to the command of God clearly stated in 1 John 4:1 – “Believe NOT every spirit.”
“It is no sin to doubt some things, but it may be fatal to believe everything.” ~ A.W. Tozer
Naivety is to be pitied, not esteemed nor counted as humility or bliss. There is a clear biblical case against being naïve. Here is a mere sampling of biblical truth, which details such:
“The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.” Proverbs 14:15
In order to weaken the strength of the true Church, Satan wants to attack the very place that the LORD designed to build up His people “for the work of the ministry” (Ephesians 4:11-13). The main purpose of the church building is for the assembling of the believers to equip them for the work of the ministry – that is, so they can go out and be lights for Jesus in their daily lives. In an article entitled, The Seeker-Friendly Way of Doing Church, T.A. McMahon writes:
“The church is for the maturing and equipping of the saints, who then go out to reach the lost.”
Beloved, be not deceived. It is unfortunately observable that most local churches are nothing more than social clubs which entertain their audiences and seek to accommodate the sins of men in their language and programs. Everything seems to be honored except Christ and His words. Dispersed abroad in your community and in mine, in church buildings, on television, radio, in books, and various media, are false prophets, teachers and deceivers who “lie in wait to deceive” (Ephesians 4:14).
“These pastors put on shows that totally mock or minimize the greatness of God. The root of it is self-love, they have become ‘movie stars’ seeking self-praise in the name of ‘greatness.’ But they are clouds without water.” Bill Wegener
Jesus told us to “look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh,” when we see these things happening before our eyes (Luke 21:28). Fret not beloved, but rather rejoice! This all must transpire that the ultimate end of evil and beginning of Christ’s perfect reign might come to pass.
God has only one people, and the visible church is not the true Heaven-bound remnant church. This has always been the case, as is observable with the Pharisees of Jesus’ day (Matt. 23). The visible church is the manifested and displayed expression of the tares who will be gathered up and thrown into eternal fire (Matthew 13:40; 7:19; 15:13).
If your current pastor is not teaching discernment and warning you of the danger of deception and deceivers, you should pray for him and perhaps have a talk with him (Ezekiel 44:23; Colossians 1:17-2:8). If he refuses to repent, you should leave at once and find a true New Testament overseer (1 Peter 5:1-6).
PRAYER: LORD, please bring my heart into the reality of the blessings of security I have in abiding in You and in Your holy Word. Instill in the depth of my being Your holy fear. Please alert my heart and mind to the presence and danger of deception and the possibility of being deluded and derailed, so clearly revealed in Your Word. Fill me with Your fullness and teach my heart to trust in You fully as I obediently search out and learn the full-counsel of Your Word. I love You, Jesus. Amen.
Capture Points
- Write Matthew 7:15-16 on an index card with reference and say it aloud 3 times.
- In 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3, what is foretold in light of the soon return of Christ?
- What is the warning of 2 Peter 3:17?
- Write 1 John 4:1 on an index card with reference and say it aloud 3 times.
From the book Deceivers and False Prophets Among Us.
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Adultery
“Flee Fornication” [podcast]
One of the greatest fears any parent in our day should have, would be for their child to grow up and NOT have a genuinely God fearing mate. Pray saints. Pray parents. Sanctify yourselves. “Come out of her” (Revelation 18:4).
“Do not prostitute thy daughter, to cause her to be a whore; lest the land fall to whoredom, and the land become full of wickedness.” Leviticus 19:29
Example of prostitution: Whoring out one’s daughter would be to send them to college to learn the ways of the world, of Satan who is “the god of this world,” where they are taught how to fulfill the role of the man—and not a woman (1 Timothy 5:14). No godly parent does such.
Having seen you buy his lies, Satan is laughing you all the way into hell, the bank of unrepentant sinners.
Whoredom has and does today destroy nations. We are seeing a once strong America brought to its knees for the whoredom, namely of those who vainly claim Christ as Savior.
“For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have COMMITTED FORNICATION with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.” Revelation 18:3
“And the kings of the earth, who have COMMITTED FORNICATION and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning.” Revelation 18:9
“But he answered and said unto them, An evil and ADULTEROUS generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas.” Matthew 12:39
1 Corinthians 6:12-20
Flee Fornication
“All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
13 Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.
14 And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.
15 Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid.
16 What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.
17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.
18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.
19 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.”
“The Pure in Heart”
“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8
Only those who are born again and die with a pure heart will be with the LORD.
“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23
“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:12
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:” 2 Timothy 4:7
“Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:” 1 Timothy 1:19
“Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11
“And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.” Matthew 11:12
On the topic of fornication brother Allen Campbell writes:
“Someone asked me if it’s okay to have relations with a person you love. No, having relations with your boyfriend or girlfriend is called fornication and is a serious sin, because it’s a sin against your own body. Your body is a temple for the Holy Ghost that is in you. Since your body belongs to God, for it has been bought with a price, we must glorify God with our bodies. If you’re committing fornication or adultery and do not repent, then you will not inherit the kingdom of God.
1 Corinthians 6:18-20 KJV – Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. 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? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 KJV – Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
Revelation 21:7-8 KJV – He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
Let’s LEARN Scripture, BELIEVE and OBEY our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ of Nazareth.”
Fornication of Many Forms—all life-destroying and condemned by God
The word “immoral” appears exactly ZERO times in God’s Word, the King James Bible.
“Fornication” appears 36 times.
“Adultery” appears 40 times.
“Lust(s) appears 43 times.
“sodomite(s)” appears 5 times.
Let’s never use the words “sexually immoral” again. Let’s use God’s words for such sin. After all, the use of the phrase “sexually immoral” is subject to sinful man’s definition while the Bible words listed above are clear and convicting.
It’s not “promiscuous”—a word found no where in God’s Word (KJB). The Bible calls all sin outside of the marriage between one man and one woman “fornication.”
“For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should ABSTAIN FROM FORNICATION:” 1 Thessalonians 4:3
Say it with me out loud: “call it what it IS!”
WE often hear of counterfeits, pretending to be Christians, say things like “Well, I don’t care what you do behind closed doors.” To one such lost soul, the following reply was given:
GOD cares about the souls of men for whom He sent His only begotten Son to die (John 3:16). He cares about all “sexuality,” that is, as it pertains to “fornication” which is any and all sex outside of the marriage bed between one man and one woman. ALL, every fornicator is going to burn in the lake of fire (Revelation 21:8, 27; 22:14, etc.).
Sex is Only Safe in Marriage – between one man and one woman.
“Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.” Hebrews 13:4
All fornication is sin.
ALL sex outside of that which is between one man and one woman in marriage, is sin. “Fornication” includes every form of sexual perversion.
All forms of fornication is sin. Fornication is any sexual activity with self or anyone outside of ones opposite sex marriage partner.
MESSAGE RECEIVED:
“What about people who are in a relationship and live together and supposedly are not having sex?”
REPLY:
Good morning sister. I didn’t quite understand the first part of your question but as far as living together, cohabiting, such should be for married people only. “FLEE fornication” right? It seems that our LORD’s Word hems us in…. either marry or flee. Seems we have to determine if we truly desire to marry that person and if so, move into doing so, or flee.
“Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.” 1 Corinthians 6:18
As we see exemplified by the beloved Joseph, when tempted by Potipher’s wife, he dashed! Why? Fornication cannot be overcome otherwise or by staying in the fire and expecting not to be burned (Genesis 39).
“Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.” 1 Corinthians 7:1-2
1 Thessalonians 4:3-8
“3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:
6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.
7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.”

God has a beautiful plan. – If we will simply do things HIS way and no other. HE is able. HE is greater than anything you face today. Memorize Ephesians 3:20 and Mark 10:27, now.
1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
A Life Pleasing to God
1 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.
2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.
3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:
6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.
7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.”
God has a beautiful plan. Perhaps, at least in part, God’s “Thou shalt” nots mean “Don’t hurt yourself”!
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Articles
The Victory of the Cross [podcast]
“Always bearing about in the body the dying of the
Lord Jesus, THAT the life also of Jesus might be made
manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are alway
delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life
also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal
flesh. 12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.”
2 Corinthians 4:10-12
Many feel hopeless, like they can never overcome the flesh.
Yet, we know that God is able to bring the victory He
ordained in our lives through the crucified life He
commanded that we walk in. “For ye are dead, and your life
is hid with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3).
Powerful ministry that bears fruit for the glory of God only
comes out of the cross life with Christ whereby you are dead
and buried and Christ is raising you up by His grace, and His
power is filling, propelling and flowing through your life to
minister His truth and love to others (2 Corinthians 4:10-12).
As we consent to our own death and burial, Jesus raises us
upward in HIS divine strength. Divine empowerment in the
life of the disciple of Jesus comes from His resurrection grace
working in our lives as we consent to our own dying—death
and burial. Death and burial precede God raising us up. God
cannot raise us up if we aren’t dead and buried. This cross
concept is at the center of our walk with Jesus, whose death,
burial and resurrection are enacted in our own lives daily
(Romans 6).
“The cross is the answer to loving Jesus more. Your flesh is enmity (hatred) against God. It is the enemy of God and lives in rebellion against Him. It will not submit (Romans 8:7-8). Unless the carnal mind is crucified this rebellion and hatred towards God lives inside you and will be in a constant war with your flesh and the Spirit of God. They are polar opposites! One is light and the other is darkness. The darkness (flesh) must go to the cross to be dead and buried so Jesus can breath into you His newness of life (Romans 6). Then we can begin to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and mind. And with the love of the Lord we can love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-40).” Karen Cochran
Prayer: Father, in Jesus’ name, I am here and now crucified
with Christ. I am dead and my life is hidden with Christ in God.
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Abiding
Supplying Saints and Sinners with Heavenly Sustenance
HIS TRUTH IS MARCHING ON – THROUGH HIS PEOPLE
“The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.” Psalms 68:11
THERE is no time to waste – Jesus is coming. We must get the Word of God into the hearts of people, in every way, via any and all communication mediums available to us today. And this is the fulfillment of Matthew 24:14 – “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Let’s roll saints!
“We are labourers TOGETHER with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9
The graphic below is for the order I just placed with the publisher for a fresh supply of the ministry books.
This ministry outreach, ministering God’s Word to thousands daily, is a vehicle for our LORD’s Word. What’s needed is more disciples who will monthly support it, who will put fuel in the tank in order to propel it forward to reach more and more people with the Gospel of our LORD Jesus. Will you answer that call?
“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: 9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. 10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) 11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-11
Does it make sense to put a percentage of our earnings into a 401K (or other earthly investment) and not force feed a portion off the top, with a cheerful heart to Christ’s eternal kingdom work? (Read Proverbs 3:9-10; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11)
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:19-21
It has been wisely concluded from what Jesus taught, that:
“The way we spend our money is a direct reflection of the priorities of our hearts.”
Is God truly first in your life? (Proverbs 3:9-10; Matthew 6:33, etc.).
There are no rich men, there is no religious or otherwise organization supporting this Gospel ministry outreach. Just regular people who know and love Jesus and the whole counsel of His truth and are growing in His grace daily with the other members of His remnant body (2 Peter 1:2; 3:18). There are monthly bills that only get paid by having the actual, the literal money in the account. In turn God turns that giving of earthly money to HIS work into heavenly treasure for all who give (Luke 16:9-11; Acts 20:35). These expenses are incurred by pushing the Word of God to the hearts and minds of the people and available to be paid and that’s God’s opportunity placed in YOUR lap to supply. In response, what is the LORD going to do? (Matthew 6:19-21; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11; Philippians 4:17, etc.)
“And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations. 10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. 11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?” Luke 16:9-11
When Jesus says here to “Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness …,” what does He mean? This writer would like to encourage the reader to delve into this passage, to pray that the LORD will open the eyes of your understanding concerning what He seeks to communicate to your heart.
Of this passage, the Believer’s Bible Commentary notes:
“16:9 We should make friends for ourselves by means of unrighteous mammon. That is, we should use money and other material things in such a way as to win souls for Christ and thus form friendships that will endure throughout eternity. Pierson stated it clearly:
‘Money can be used to buy Bibles, books, tracts and thus, indirectly, the souls of men. Thus what was material and temporal becomes immortal, becomes non-material, spiritual and eternal. Here is a man who has 100. He may spend it all on a banquet or an evening party, in which case the next day there is nothing to show for it. On the other hand, he invests in Bibles … It buys … copies of the Word of God. These he judiciously sows as seed of the kingdom, and that seed springs up into a harvest, not of Bibles but of souls. Out of the unrighteous, he has made immortal friends, who when he fails, receive him into everlasting habitations.’
This then is the teaching of our Lord. By the wise investment of material possessions, we can have part in the eternal blessing of men and women. We can make sure that when we arrive at the gates of heaven, there will be a welcoming committee of those who were saved through our sacrificial giving and prayers. These people will thank us saying, ‘It was you who invited me here.’”
“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed (God’s Word), shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves (eternal harvest, reward) with him.” Psalms 126:5-6
Christ’s Kingdom and His Gift to us to Participate, is Practical
Will you choose to part with temporal money to reap eternal, unending, irrevocable benefits?
An order has been placed for 20 more of the ministry books from the publisher ($125). The plan is to order this supply monthly for the next 3 months – and hand them out, person-to-person. Face-to-face, person-to-person gifting people on a daily basis, usually after they’ve received ministry, is a super-charged transfer of heavenly blessing (Philippians 1:19). As you know if you’ve read any of the ministry’s books, they are Christ-centered, Scripture-rich original Gospel volumes. Holy Scripture is on each page and put in bold print. In the rear of each book is the way to make peace with God. It leads them right to Jesus via and beginning with the biblical truth that we have “all sinned” against our God (Romans 3).
If you wish, feel free to help fund this part of the ministry exploits currently transpiring to get God’s Word in the hearts of more and more people.
“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11
The glorious Gospel of our LORD Jesus is communicated, disseminated, and received via His Word.
“But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his GRACE, 16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might PREACH him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:” Galatians 1:15-16
As we can all witness, there are so many hungry souls wandering about in this fallen world who desire to receive the Word of God. The personal touch, contact is powerful – as it was when our LORD directed beloved Philip to minister to the Ethiopian eunuch whom our LORD consequently saves (Acts 8:26-40). And some, many and actually most of the people being reached are our beloved brethren who are looking for sustenance. I meet them each and every week. They are hungering and thirsting after His righteousness. Let’s be there for them saints.
Perhaps this can spread to where we are able to drop ship a supply books to some of the ministries this outreach supplies and has for years. If each of us does our simple part, great blessings will result.
Lately I’ve been handing out lots of the Moments with Our Master devotional books. People love them……. This week I had a lengthy breakfast meeting with a rich young ruler type young man. He articulated that all of his earthly success has left him empty in this world. It was a Scripture-rich time. Garrett gladly received a copy of the Moments devotional book and said “Let’s do this again.” His heart was filled with joy during and after that fellowship. He told me that in the past, as he walked with the LORD daily, his life was so much better. With a large smile he said “Man, I’d just walk down the street like I was floating 2 feet off the ground, filled with the joy and love of Jesus, sharing it with others.” Garrett texted me back the next morning with this:
“Appreciate you giving me that book. It’s convenient to use in the mornings.” Garrett
So, as we can witness, this Scripture-rich devotional book is the launching place for this man to seek and walk with the LORD. As usual, all of the ministry’s materials constantly exhort the readers/listeners to get into God’s Word daily for themselves (2 Timothy 2:15).
I know you’ll agree that the Garrett’s of our world matter to our LORD and we are the very “ambassadors” Christ has sent to bless them (2 Corinthians 5:20)! We are the delivery personnel of Heaven – handing out to people the treasure of Christ!
Just a few days ago, I gave 1 copy each to a young couple who I’ve become friends with at the gym (18 years old each). They were happy to receive this gift. First, as I like to do, I asked them if they like to read. One of them said they were currently “searching for something to read.” As usual when giving them the books, I opened one copy of the books and showed them that “there’s one devotional for each day of the year, all on one page. It begins with a Scripture, a few words, and a prayer at the end.” This way they see just how simple it is – and gives them a track to run on, a foundation to build their day upon. EVERY searching person is looking for this very thing. Their lives are meaningless, empty, and lacking the presence of the LORD. This is where we come in saints. As usual, I like to share with them that “This is a great way to begin the day.”
After qualifying the situation by asking people “Do you like to read?” I then ask them if I can give them a book and the answer is always a “Yes.” I then go fetch a book and gift them with it.
The season must now end where the Great Commission work of our LORD is shorted. Let’s fuel up and fill the Gospel war chest saints. It’s right under out noses – as God has placed it there! Let us each do our part (John 4:36; 1 Samuel 30:24).
Anyone who wishes to jump in and begin underwriting the kingdom opportunity cost for this is welcome.
Earthly expenses to do ministry, the most important and only eternal work in the earth, is the kingdom opportunity lying right in front of each of us (Matthew 6:19-21).
“May God empower us through the Holy Ghost to bring not a few guests to the wedding banquet; as we walk in the Spirit with the love of Christ flowing in and through our daily lives, and as we sow in tears; knowing that we shall reap with joy: because He that promised is faithful. To God be the glory in Jesus Name, Amen.” Jon Crane
Let’s review:
“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Psalms 125:5-6
YOU cannot do it. I certainly can’t do anything without Christ.
“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5
Surrender, right? Yes.
Jesus Christ is LORD. He’s our coming King.
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