As it was at the tower of Babel where fallen mankind sought to have their own way, do their own thing without God, independent of their Maker, so it is today (Genesis 11). Nimrod, an antichrist, ruled over them.
Then when there was no king, anarchy reigned.
“In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” Judges 17:6
Yet when the people wanted anarchy gone, instead of seeking the LORD, they raised up mere sinful men and yet, mankind is fallen. The final example of this will occur when the antichrist promises “Peace and safety” only to be met with “sudden destruction.”
“For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.” 1 Thessalonians 5:3
Seems like the ultimate and final example of people demanding an earthly king in place of God will come forth with the coming antichrist.
The LORD’s Own People Reject His Headship
The Israelites were led by God out of Egypt which represents salvation (1 Corinthians 10). They were supposed to be led directly by the LORD Himself from that point forward. Yet, in their rebellion, they cried out “Give us a king” – a human king or leader (1 Samuel 8:6).
Is this relevant to New Testament saints today? Definitely. Most today are doing exactly what Israel did when they cried “Give us an earthly king.” The majority today who claim to be Christians are serving the god of self and therefore would rather cling to some pope, self-proclaimed prophet, or pastor instead of Heaven’s KING of all kings.
“The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” Psalms 9:17
Jesus told us that each and ever enemy of the LORD, those who refuse to make Him their KING, shall be slain down into eternal damnation.
“But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.” Luke 19:27
Jesus says that “NO man can serve two masters” and so any person who doesn’t have Christ as the KING, the LORD, the Master of their life, is against Christ, is the enemy of Christ! (Matthew 6:24)
“He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.” Matthew 12:30
Jesus is the “Head” of His body. This means that anyone not presently under His divine, matchless Headship, is not part of His glory-bound body. Those not worshipping Jesus Christ “in spirit and in truth” today have rejected Him as “Head” of their lives and are not going to be with Him – unless they repent.
“Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.” Colossians 2:18-19
Every backslider has something in common – their rejection of Christ as “Head” and “first love” of their personal life (Revelation 2:4-5). Just as Israel did, after being saved, they then rejected the headship of the LORD and went back to trust in the flesh, today many do the same.
In contrast, the remnant saint seeks, loves, worships, gladly obeys, relishes, delights in and celebrates Heaven’s glorious and soon coming KING!
“How shall we escape (judgment), if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; 4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?” Hebrews 2:3-4
God’s people saw His mighty works, His plagues upon their enemy, His power and miracles and yet still turned away from Him. Read Hebrews 2-4.
We have the same thing today. People get saved and then they want to just go to a so-called church building on Sunday mornings and listen to a mere man – instead of following Jesus first and foremost in their own personal, daily life – which God requires (Luke 9:23-24).
The critical lesson for us to learn is that wolves step right in on the wings of this evil desire to put away the LORD and exchange Him for a mere human leader (2 Timothy 4:3).
God gave us not only a king but rather the KING of all kings! Why look ye elsewhere friend? Know Him. Seek Him.
Hebrews 11 is where we see divinely authenticated “heroes” of the faith but JESUS is the ultimate preeminent HERO – Col. 2:18-19. Today there are lots of men and women paraded as so-called “heroes” of the faith. Yet those subjectively esteemed today as heroes of the faith do not have the divinely authenticated honor of being heralded by God Himself as godly saints. So, we should ask ourselves if we are learning HIS Word and learning from people in the BIBLE… There’s a whole lot there – between Genesis and Revelation.
The LORD gave us His “will” when He said:
“Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:4
Two things are stated here as God’s “will”: The LORD desires and determines to 1. save, and then 2. bring those He saves to “the knowledge of the truth” which requires the individual participation and ongoing choice of the saved person (John 15:3; 17:17).
“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-32
A sort of vacuum exists when a person gets saved. The question is, WHO is going to fill that vacuum? See Matthew 12:43-45.
Jesus and His holy apostles taught that those who are saved must “endure to the end” to be saved into eternal glory (Matthew 10:22; 24:13, etc.).
“Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.” Hosea 6:3
Most today who claim to be saved, do not seek the LORD for themselves. No, instead, they depend upon a man or men to tell them what God says. Because of this, they are biblically ignorant instead of biblically intelligent, and have no clue that they are being misled. They don’t know God’s Word for themselves and therefore have no idea how much their local pastor or favorite preacher personality is leaving out of the original Gospel message. Sad but truth. They are not “valiant for the truth,” they don’t love the LORD and His truth enough to study and know what He said (2 Timothy 2:15). They therefore shall be deceived and turned over to “strong delusion” and ultimately be “damned.” See 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12.
Are you seeking the LORD Jesus for yourself dear friend?
Memory verse:
“Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11
Is Christ the very “first love” of your life? See Revelation 2:4-5.
“Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” Exodus 20:3
“For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:” Exodus 34:14
Sadly, most ministries and ministers today are set on branding themselves and not Christ! Paul says:
“For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.”2 Corinthians 4:5
They want you listening to them because they need return customers to continue to keep the circus wheels rolling. Just as the Holy Spirit foretold, false leaders are exploiting the people – “through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you” (2 Peter 2:1-3).
The true disciple, though they be few, cries out daily as did the Greeks – “We would see JESUS”! See John 12:21. They seek no king but Jesus! They seek no mere men because they are too busy seated at the feet of their Master – KING Jesus!
The righteous cry: LORD Jesus, be my KING, my only KING. I love You dear LORD!
The vital lesson for us to learn is that wolves step right in on the wings of this evil desire to put away the LORD and exchange Him for a mere human leader (2 Timothy 4:3). Ear-tickling charlatans now occupy the vacuum created as Jesus is rejected as the supreme “Head” of His body (Colossians 2:18-19).
In the days of the kings, when God’s people rejected His leadership and sought a mere human leader, they were led into great trouble. We see the same transpiring today as we see church goers who swear they know the LORD and yet are in reality submitted to men and not God. The lack of kingdom fruit in their daily lives makes this clear. Their energies and supplies are wasted on helping build the kingdoms of mere men, and not Christ’s eternal kingdom!
Father, I here and now repent before Your Majesty for not seeking You for myself and for elevating men to the place of leadership, Kingship and reign, reserved only for Thee. Father, in Jesus’ Name, please forgive my sin of idolatry. I now ask You alone to reign in my heart and life. Amen.
“Woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened.” Zechariah 11:17
The “idol shepherd” is the man who sets himself up as king over the people in place of Christ. This is “the spirit of antichrist” working (2 Thessalonians 2; 1 John 2:18; 4:3). This is all empowered by people who want to follow a visible mere man instead of seeking “the invisible God” (2 Timothy 4:2-4).
“Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:” Colossians 1:15
“Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:17
“By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.” Hebrews 11:27
God is “invisible” to the human eye and yet visible only to the eye of faith and “must” be worshipped “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-24). Faith is a non-negotiable must, an essential.
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6
Many today, who have been saved sometime in the past, have fallen away from the LORD in their hearts, which is exactly where His holy eyes are (1 Samuel 16:7; Proverbs 15:3; Hebrews 4:13). He sees that they are “fallen from grace,” backslidden – fallen away and in deep trouble and danger of hell fire (Galatians 5:4; Hebrews 2:1-3; 3:6, 12-14; 10:26-39).
“The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.” Proverbs 14:14
IT IS FUTILITY TO LOOK UNDULY TO MEN, EVEN SAVED MEN. YET, THOSE WHO DO NOT TRULY AND PERSONALLY SEEK AFTER THE LORD “IN SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH,” INEVITABLY REVERT TO LOOKING TO MERE SINFUL MEN WHO ARE AUTHORS, PREACHERS, TV EVANGELISTS, AND PASTORS THAT ARE APOSTATE IN THIS LAST HOUR (JOHN 4:23-24). THE LORD NEVER INTENDED FOR MEN TO VICARIOUSLY EXPERIENCE HIM AND HE DOESN’T ALLOW SUCH. NOT EVEN BETWEEN FATHERS AND SONS (EZEKIEL 18:20). IN THE ALL-WISE DIVINE ECONOMY, A MAN EITHER GOES DIRECTLY TO THE FATHER IN AND THROUGH JESUS CHRIST, OR THERE IS NO RELATIONSHIP (JOHN 10:9; 14:6; 1 TIMOTHY 2:5, ETC.).
The Sin and Curse of Idolatry
The Israelites, having been saved out of Egypt (the world) turned back to walking in the flesh and not walking in the Spirit by faith (Galatians 3:3). The calamities they brought upon themselves are incalculable! The same is true for those today whom after being saved by Christ, by grace through faith, turn back to living in the flesh, to trusting mere men. Read Hebrews 10.
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.” Proverbs 3:5-7
The best of men are wholly frail sinners. Remember, ALL men, EVERY mere man, even in “his best state is altogether vanity.”
“LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am. 5 Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.” Psalms 39:4-5
IF JESUS IS NOT YOUR ONLY HERO, YOU ARE A CHRIST-DENYING IDOLATER, AND ALL “IDOLATERS” ARE GOING TO THE LAKE OF FIRE (REVELATION 21:8). GOD IS NOT GOING TO CHANGE. HE WILL NOT OVERLOOK THIS CORE SIN. HELL AND THE LAKE OF FIRE ARE CERTAIN FOR ALL WHO HAVE A MERE “FORM OF GODLINESS” AND YET DENY CHRIST’S REIGN IN THEIR PERSONAL LIFE DUE TO SELF-IDOLATRY (WHICH IS THE ROOT OF ALL IDOLATRY AND SIN).
“Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?” Isaiah 2:22
IF you are surprised that a mere man (leader) has slipped or fallen, you don’t yet have a mature understanding of man who “at his best state is altogether vanity” (Psalms 39:4-5). Didn’t even the great apostle of Jesus tell us all that “no good thing” dwelt in him, that is, in his flesh? (See Romans 7:18, 24.) The Bible tells us that Jesus “did not commit himself unto … men, for he knew what was in man” (John 2:24-25). What is it that our LORD knew about men that we should begin to understand?
Pour prayerfully over John 2:24-25 and 1 Corinthians 4:6.
Like the Israelites, you may be saying in your heart “Give me a king” – “Give me someone tangible in the flesh to look to!” (See 1 Samuel 8:6.) In essence, this is saying “Give me an idol to worship because I don’t want to live by faith, worshiping God in spirit and in truth!” (John 4:23-24.) But friend, we don’t come to God on OUR terms but rather HIS. – “They that worship the Father MUST worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-24).
MANY TODAY WHOM THE LORD HAS SAVED ARE NOW DEMANDING AN EARTHLY REPRESENTATIVE, SOMEONE TANGIBLE THAT THEY CAN TOUCH, AND HEAR AUDIBLY, ETC. BUT THIS CIRCUMVENTS WHAT GOD REQUIRES – FAITH IN HIM WHICH MUST BE PURE FAITH. THIS IS UNMITIGATED REBELLION AND IDOLATRY, A DAMNING SIN.
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6
God has given regenerate men His Spirit and the ability to know Him and to worship Him “in spirit and in truth.” No other mere man can be in this equation or all is lost. Idolatry is wickedness and rebellion – “Thou shalt have NO other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3). God is “Holy, holy, holy” and will not coexist with any rebel who insists upon having any idol (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8).
“For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.” Psalms 96:5
“For thou, LORD, art high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods.” Psalms 97:9
Vicariously experiencing God through another person is a farce. It is not possible. The sin of idolatry will be damning (Revelation 21:8). You must repent, return to Him, and place all your faith and trust in the only nail-scarred, risen Savior and LORD Jesus Christ.
“Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.” Isaiah 45:22
Instead of looking to any mere man, woman, or ministry, the Heaven bound child of God looks only to the King of all kings – the LORD of all lords. That disciple alone will be with Christ eternally. All others claiming to be saved, yet having any other false god/idol, will be terminated into the bowels of eternal damnation (Revelation 21:8).
“Jesus said (a divine command) unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment.” Matthew 22:37-38
It’s all or nothing. Jesus says:
“He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.” Matthew 12:30
Any questions?
“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:33
“Give Us an Idol King”
Many churches today are built upon the personality of a mere man. The personality of the pastor is like their church business branding. There’s a particular church in this area and nearly every time I have met someone who goes there, they say “How we love Pastor Such and Such.” Upon listening to some of his messages online, I was flabbergasted at why people are so enamored. It could only be those who are carnal and are only looking at personality and not substance. As God’s Word foretold, there are many today who love to be stimulated by a good orator and are apparently willing to give up the substance of Christ Himself and truth in exchange for it.
“And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:1-5
Paul made sure he did not do anything to cause people to unduly look to him, a mere man. As he ministered, the apostle refused to use “excellency of speech” in order to dazzle people and build a ministry on his own personality. He knew that many would rather cling to a mere man whom they can see instead of putting their faith in God Himself. This is no different than when Israel rejected the LORD and called for a human king who God gave them. This resulted in great pain and suffering.
When Samuel the prophet was old and about to retire to Heaven, the people of Israel called out for a human king to replace God. This grieved Samuel.
“But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD.” 1 Samuel 18:6
When the people rejected the reign of God Himself in their lives, God-fearing Samuel was “displeased” and “prayed to the LORD.” Like Samuel, God-fearing people today are greatly grieved when they see people worshiping and giving undue attention to mere human leaders.
The story continues …
“And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them. 8 According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even unto this day, wherewith they have forsaken me, and served other gods, so do they also unto thee. 9 Now therefore hearken unto their voice: howbeit yet protest solemnly unto them, and shew them the manner of the king that shall reign over them.” 1 Samuel 8:7-9
Nothing has changed in our day. Back then the people of Israel wanted to be like the God-less:
“That we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles. 21 And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he rehearsed them in the ears of the LORD. 22 And the LORD said to Samuel, Hearken unto their voice, and make them a king. And Samuel said unto the men of Israel, Go ye every man unto his city.” 1 Samuel 8:20-22
Many today refuse to die to self and seek God “in spirit and in truth” which is the only way He can be rightly worshiped by faith (John 4:23-24). Instead, they would rather put their trust in a tangible mere human being who even in his very “best state” is “altogether vanity” (Psalms 39:4-5). In this, they reject the LORD Himself.
False leaders are much easier on people than God is. The LORD is holy and demands that His people be holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16). Most people don’t want to hear that message. So, they flock to smooth talking deceivers who offer them a false hope, all the while never realizing that it’s for their very eternal soul.
“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 4:3-4
Have we ourselves set our affections upon a mere man? Have and are we seeking the face of the One who is our Maker, Savior, Friend, and the Judge of our eternal souls?
Have we heaped to ourselves human leaders who tell us what we want to hear – smooth messages that do not call us to repent and live a laid down life?
Is it time for you to turn in repentance and look directly to the LORD, the God who made you and said He is Jealous – His very name? (Exodus 34:14.) When you do look to Him who had infinite mercy upon your wretched soul, do you think He will fill you with His love and mercy toward others so that you will then be able to view them from His perspective, allowing His love to cover the multitude of sins in order to help them grow in His grace? (1 Peter 4:8; Ephesians 4:3, 32.)
The Most High God, Jesus Christ, says to you today:
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
Prayer of Repentance to be Restored to the LORD:Holy Father, in the name of Jesus Christ and by His precious blood He shed to make me one with You, I come to you – in my sinful state. LORD, I openly acknowledge that I have departed from You and sinfully rebelled against You in the sin of idolatry. Right this moment, if never before, I call upon You Holy Father, asking You to forgive my sins, to change my life, to break me to the core of my being. I fully believe that Jesus Christ is God Almighty, that He came in the flesh, lived a sinless life as the very only begotten Son of God, died on the cross for the sins of mankind, was buried, rose again from the dead, and is soon going to return! I love You my LORD Jesus and from this moment forward, I am all Yours! I will follow Thee according to Your Word and Holy Spirit. Please fill me with Your Holy Ghost and use me every day of my life that You grant! In Jesus’ Name, amen!
Upholding Jesus, the Only Head of His Body [podcast]
YOUR first thought when you hear “God” or “Christianity” should be JESUS! Not some church, pastor, or church program! The ministry continually receives emails from people who have latched on to some mere man, his personality – instead of worshipping Christ supremely (Colossians 2:18-19). And in doing so, they defend those mere men angrily, doggedly, having never stopped to put them to the biblical test. “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 “Not everything is at it seems. Their […]
The Reign of Christ! [podcast]
God counteracts death by the promise of resurrection – now and in eternity! (1 Corinthians 15; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12). Three Dimensions of the Reign of Jesus Christ: 1. Christ Reigning Over His Creation, 2. Christ Reigning in Your Life, and, 3. Christ Reigning Over the Wicked. Christ Reigning Over His Creation “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there […]
2 BIBLICAL EVIDENCES PROVE THAT AMERICA IS OVER [podcast]
How do we know, from the Bible, that America as we know it, is over? As the true saying goes, “Normal isn’t coming back but Jesus is!” Why did Sodom and Gomorrah go down? What were the sins of Sodom that God cited as the reasons He rained down fire and brimstone upon them? See Ezekiel 16:49-51. PFA = Pride, Fulness of Bread, and Abundance of idleness. The Sins of Sodom: Sins Jerusalem cited for in Ezekiel 16:49-51: “Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in […]
Ministries and Ministers have become Idols: IDOL SHEPHERDS [podcast]
Beware of the “Idol Shepherd” pastors God is toppling all the heart idols (Ezekiel 14:3)… because He’s Jealous and wants us looking to Him and not these mere men, these vile wolves, these celebrity sinners posing as His representatives (Exodus 34:14). “For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:” Exodus 34:14 Regrettably, due to the gross lack of the cross message, with most ministries, it becomes more about THEM and not about CHRIST. Have you noticed that some ministries put far too much emphasis on themselves – the mere human […]
The Supremacy of Jesus Christ [podcast]
Do We Have Time to Learn More About the LORD Jesus today, OR, are We Just looking for Yet Another Quick Fix, Self-Serving Feel-Good Message like so many professing Christians today? The modern church is too busy to study Christ Himself because they’re too busy trying to use Him to get what they want. Let that soak in as you remember how long it’s been since you’ve heard a message specifically about Heaven’s King. Most modern “pastors” probably don’t even know what the word Christology means. God created us to know Him and yet, such doesn’t happen without the recipient […]
DOES THE BIBLE SAY TO PRAY FOR FALSE TEACHERS? The Answer May Surprise You.
DOES THE BIBLE SAY TO PRAY FOR OR DOES IT MANDATE THAT WE EXPOSE FALSE TEACHERS?
No, it’s not a sin to pray for the deceived. Yet, isn’t it time we obeying the command of God and stopped giving aid and comfort to the enemies of the LORD and cease caring for them more than the many they are deceiving?
A DIVINE COMMAND: “Now I beseech you, brethren, MARK THEM which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” Romans 16:17-18
Wolf worshippers are first and foremost self-worshipping counterfeits who could care less how many souls their celebrity wolf is leading to hell. All they care about is the sensual thrill they feel in worshipping their demon-possessed false prophet who tells them what they like to hear!
NEVER apologize for exposing false teachings and false teachers. You do such in obedience to the LORD and it results in the protection of the Great Shepherd’s sheep for whom He died (Matthew 10; Hebrews 13:20).
Did Jesus or His apostles ever pray for a wolf? No.
To the false leaders of his day, Jesus says this:
“Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers (snakes), how can ye escape the damnation of hell?” Matthew 23:33
Do nothing to “bid God speed” to the enemies of the LORD lest you be judged with those enemies of God (2 John 10-11). Bidding God speed means to condone, to support, or in any way to further the cause of the enemies of God, namely human agents who are teaching contrary to the Scripture.
So he’s not calling out the wolves and you still sit under that devil? You want to go to hell with him? (2 John 10-11) Repent and run now! (Matthew 7:15; 24:11; Romans 16:17-18; Jude 3, etc.)
Of the false teachers at Galatia, Paul says he wishes they, the false prophets, were “cut off.” Make not mistake, this is violent language.
“I would they were even cut off which trouble you.” Galatians 5:12
To “cut off” means to castrate, to mutilate, to amputate and so Paul is either saying that his God fearing desire is for false teachers to be castrated or taken out completely. There’s no getting around this appropriately violent language. It’s fitting for this situation because the eternal souls of men, the sheep of Christ’s pasture are at stake.
Many self-deceived people today have more compassion for Satan’s hell bound false leaders than they do for the beloved sheep who are being being misled by those wolves in sheep’s clothing! Repent now.
Beware of misplaced compassion. Compassion without discernment, compassion while ignorant, is dangerous.
The the false prophet Elymas, the apostle says:
“And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?” Acts 13:10
Can anyone find in this Acts 13 text where Christ’s apostle Paul pray for this Elymas, this named false prophet? I’m sorry, perhaps I missed something here.
There seems to be no end to the novices, perhaps well meaning, who argue out of their own ignorance to defend wolves who are devouring Jesus’ sheep. They come off as if they are highly superior in approaching, dealing with wolves with “love” and accuse those who expose as not doing so. Let’s take a look at who’s walking in true love, and who isn’t.
“Open rebuke is better than secret (hidden, concealed) love. 6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” Proverbs 27:5-6
Hebrew word for “secret” …..
סָתַר
sâthar
saw-thar’
A primitive root; to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively: – be absent, keep close, conceal, hide (self), (keep) secret, X surely.
As you will see below, it seems accurate to observe that we’ve never seen “love” like the love of prey for the wolf that’s tickled their ears and told them what their unrepentant hearts wish to hear (Isaiah 30:9-10; 2 Timothy 4:2-4).
Most wolf protecting enemies of Christ simply don’t know and don’t want to know what God says about this topic. They are under the control of Satan himself, covering for his agents and will be judged with them (2 John 10-11). God doesn’t like cowards (1 Corinthians 16:13; Revelation 21:8). The “fearful” are the first class listed as going to the lake of fire.
Those who defend Jesus’ enemy’s will be judged, damned with them (2 Pet 2:1-3; 2 Jn 10-11).
TYPICAL DEFENSE OF A WOLF BY HIS PREY:
“But wait, he’s led many thousands to the Lord!”
REPLY:
Jesus saves all by Himself, even using wolves at times. That is a front, intentionally taught to you by the wolf to cover, to keep himself from being detected, like sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15). After witnessing the “ministry” of this false teacher for years, I highly doubt most of those people truly were saved. He doesn’t even speak of the chasm their sin has caused so how can they truly be convicted and repent? They can’t in most cases. Luke 13:3…. If God truly did save some of them, it was in spite of White, not because of him.
MESSAGE RECEIVED:
“I do applaud your zeal for truth! I personally just think it is wise exercising prudence about knowing the hearts of men or women, only God knows. He will separate the wheat from the chaff.”
REPLY:
Jesus commanded us to “KNOW (Gr. discern) by their fruits” and told us that “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Matthew 15-16, 20; 12:34) ALL men are known by the fruit of what they teach – either sound or false doctrine (Titus 2:1). Why would the Son of God told us to “KNOW” people by the fruit of their lives if He didn’t want us to discern, to “Judge righteous judgment”? (John 7:24)
God knows all men’s hearts yes and yet GOD commanded us to know people also. How? Jesus says to “know (discern) them BY THEIR FRUITS” and thereby we know that anyone teaching “another gospel” is “accursed” and is the very enemy of Christ and to be “earnestly” contended against and marked, scoped out and identified – so as to protect the body of Christ (Matthew 7:16, 20; Romans 16:17-18; Galatians 1:6-9; 2 Peter 2:1-3; Jude 3-4).
HOW DID JESUS tell us to know/discern others? The FRUIT of their lives (Matt 7:16,20) THE FACT that JESUS told us to “know” (discern) people means He wants us to do so! (Matt 7:16,20) Same chapter as “judge not” v1-5 When Jesus taught us to “judge not” He is speaking in that context of hypocritical judgment and wrongly assigned condemnation. The JUDGE has spoken in a book called THE BIBLE. He’s calling us to pay attention when we read it. His written WORD records for us HIS judgments – the judgments of the Judge. So when a man preaches the Word, he is preaching GOD’s judgments, warnings, and not his own.
MESSAGE TO ME FROM A MAN ATTEMPTING TO CURTAIL THE MARKING OF A KNOWN WOLF:
“Dear Lord Jesus Please show Todd White your Holy Truth. May Todd White find peace and assurance in your wisdom and may he become a light upon a hill guiding others to Christ. Help him to leave behind his old self and ignite in him a desire to unashamedly make known Your Truth and disown and depart from the untruths he has held onto. In Jesus Mighty name we ask, Amen. Matthew chapter 5 verse 44’ But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;”
REPLY:
Can you give chapters and verses where Jesus or His holy apostles specifically prayed for a wolf? Ever read Matthew 23?
Interesting that you seem to hate all those precious many souls Todd White is misleading. Interesting. Why don’t all those precious souls matter to you? If you aren’t defending Todd White, why do you seem to care more for him than those many people he’s misleading?
How intense was Jesus’ apostle Paul about protecting Christ’s flock?
“For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. 28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. 31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.” Acts 20:27-31
In Matthew 5:38-45 Christ is speaking of not retaliating against OUR enemies. Jesus is speaking of how we are to react to OUR ENEMIES, not HIS enemies in Matt 5:44. HIS enemies in specific are those who are misleading HIS people, the sheep for which HE bled to save on that cross. You are misguided and taking Scripture out of context. What did He mandate that His disciple do?
“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. 4 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
GOD TOLD YOU TO “MARK THEM” – WOLVES – AND NOT DEFEND THEM! (ROMANS 16:17-18) YOU GOING TO OBEY GOD OR REBEL?
“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” Romans 16:17-18
Todd White is being marked, scoped out (Gr. skopeo) and named, identified as an enemy of Christ, a wolf in sheep’s clothing (Matt 7:15) so His people can be aware and escape being deceived…. no different than warning your children not to go near the street. Danger.
MESSAGE FROM WOLF JUSTIFIER:
“I believe we can still learn from (false) preachers and pastors biblical teaching, but we must test the spirits. Bring what is taught back to the word. Paul Washer, MacArthur, Spurgeon all preachers. Even today’s motivational speakers. I use what the Holy Spirit blessed me with, discernment, knowledge, wisdom.”
REPLY:
Good morning. Yes and yet, the LORD mandates that we separate ourselves from His enemies who pose as His ministers yet Paul says they are actually the ministers of Satan (2 Cor 11:12-15). Jude 3; Rom 16:17-18 …. we know all men, beginning with ourselves by the fruit…. false doctrine is bad fruit which means the root and tree is cursed. Matt 7:15-21; 12:33
Mat 12:33 Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.
Paul Washer, MacArthur, Spurgeon are all calvinist heretics. Everything they say, teach is poisoned with this calvinistic system, a doctrine of devils.
The Holy Spirit blessed you with the Word and so why do you need to even listen to known false teachers? Why would you? (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21, etc.)
How would you feel if your own husband communed with a sworn enemy of yours? How does Jesus feel by what you’ve just said?
SETTING THE BIBLICAL RECORD STRAIGHT
Jesus commanded HIS people to “JUDGE righteous judgment” (John 7:24) And, He commanded us to know/discern others “BY THEIR FRUITS” and that’s exactly what we’re doing under the command of KING JESUS (Matthew 7:16, 20). Dare you interfere with HIS work and become His enemy? You are bidding Godspeed to evil doers, satan’s wolves in sheep’s clothing, and you will be judged with those enemies of Christ if you don’t repent (2 John 10-11).
Jesus and each of His apostles on record in the New Testament canon warned the flock of wolves who would devour! There is no instance where they prayed for an enemy of Christ, a wolf who was misleading the flock of God.
Here is the list of the 8 evil doers the great apostle was divinely inspired to justifiably identify by name in 2 Timothy – in order to protect God’s people:
1) Phygellus 1:15
2) Hermogenes 1:15
3) Hymenaeus 2:17
4) Philetus 2:17
5) Jannes 3:8
6) Jambres 3:8
7) Demas 4:10 (apostate)
8) Alexander the coppersmith 4:14
Read the book of 2 Timothy and underline these deceivers that the apostle was marking.
How to Pray Effectively for Your Friends and Family! [podcast]
Someone has wisely stated that “We are never more like Jesus than when we are praying for others.” Which of God’s people are on your prayer list? No greater way to serve another than to lift them up to the Father in the name of Jesus! “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” Philippians 2:3-5 […]
"Warn them from Me": The 3 Things Paul did to Protect God's People [podcast]
The 3 Things Paul did to Protect God’s People [podcast] Jesus and His holy apostles often rebuked and exposed false leaders and false doctrine (Matthew 23; Acts 13:10; 20:29-31; Galatians 5:11-12; 2 Timothy 4:2-4; 2 Peter 2; 2 John 7-11; Revelation 2:6, 15, etc.). Therefore we know that part of following Jesus includes doing the same. In fact, the body of Christ is mandated to do just that (Romans 16:17-18; Philippians 1:17; Jude 3-4). PWT = Preach, WARN, Teach “Whom we PREACH, WARNING every man, and TEACHING every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in […]
SATAN'S SEMINARIANS [podcast]
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Spiritual Formation—A Dangerous Substitute for the Life of Christ [podcast]
Sometimes we think of spiritual formation as formation by the Holy Spirit. Once again. That’s essential. . . . But now I have to say something that may be challenging for you to think about: Spiritual formation is not all by the Holy Spirit. . . . We have to recognize that spiritual formation in us is something that is also done to us by those around us, by ourselves, and by activities which we voluntarily undertake . . .There has to be method.1—Dallas Willard
Aside from the fact that Spiritual Formation incorporates mystical practices into its infrastructure (remove the contemplative aspect and you don’t have “Spiritual Formation” anymore), Spiritual Formation is a works-based substitute for biblical Christianity. Let us explain.
When one becomes born again (“that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:9-10), having given his or her life and heart over to Christ as Savior, Jesus Christ says He will come in and live in that surrendered heart:
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. (Revelation 3:20)
To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: (Colossians 1:27)
If the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. (Romans 8:11; emphasis added)
When God, through Jesus Christ, is living in us, He begins to do a transforming work in our hearts (2 Corinthians 3:18). Not only does He change us, He also communes with us. In other words, we have fellowship with Him, and He promises never to leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).
This life of God in the believer’s heart is not something we need to conjure up through meditative practices. But if a person does not have this relationship with the Lord, he may seek out ways to feel close to God. This is where Spiritual Formation comes into play. Rather than a surrendered life to Christ (through repentance and faith), the seeking person begins practicing the spiritual disciplines (e.g., prayer, fasting, good works, etc.) with the promise that if he practices these disciplines, he will become more Christ-like.
But merely doing these acts fails to make one feel close to God—something is still missing. And thus, he begins practicing the discipline of silence (or solitude), and now in these altered states of silence, he finally feels connected to God. He now feels complete. What he does not understand is that he has substituted the indwelling of Christ in his heart for a works-based methodology that endangers his spiritual life. Dangerous because these mystical experiences he now engages in appear to be good because they make him feel close to God, but in reality he is being drawn into demonic realms no different than what happens to someone who is practicing transcendental meditation or eastern meditation. Even mystics themselves acknowledge that the contemplative realm is no different than the realm reached by occultists. To understand this more fully, please read Ray Yungen’s book A Time of Departing.
Bottom line, it is not possible to be truly Christ-like without having Christ inside of us because it is His righteousness that is able to change our hearts—we cannot do it without Him. It is His righteousness we need:
Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe. (Romans 3:22)
And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith. (Philippians 3:9)
It is interesting to note that virtually every contemplative teacher has a common theme—they feel dry and empty and want to go “deeper” with God or “become more intimate” with God. But if we have Christ living in us, how can we go any deeper than that? How can we become more intimate than that? And if going deeper and becoming intimate were so important, why is it that none of the disciples or Jesus Himself ever told us to do this? As Larry DeBruyn states:
Why are Christians seeking a divine presence that Jesus promised would abundantly flow in them? . . . Why do they need another voice, another visitation, or another vision? Why are some people unthankfully desirous of “something more” than what God has already given to us? Why is it that some Christians, in the depth of their souls, are not seemingly at rest?2
Is There a “Good” Spiritual Formation?
One of the most common arguments we hear defending Spiritual Formation is that there is a “good” Spiritual Formation done without contemplative prayer. To that we say, we have never yet seen a Spiritual Formation program in a school or a church that doesn’t in some way point people to the contemplative mystics. It might be indirectly, but in every case, if you follow the trail, it will lead you right into the arms of Richard Foster, Dallas Willard, and other contemplative teachers.
Think about this common scenario: A Christian college decides to begin a Spiritual Formation course. The instructor has heard some negative things about Richard Foster, Henri Nouwen, and Brennan Manning, and he figures he will teach the class “good Spiritual Formation” and leave those teachers completely out. But he’s going to need a textbook. He turns to a respected institution, Dallas Theological Seminary, and finds a book written by Paul Pettit, Professor in Pastoral and Education Ministries. The book is titled Foundations of Spiritual Formation. The instructor who has found this book to use in his own class may never mention Richard Foster or Dallas Willard, but the textbook he is using does. Within the pages of Pettit’s book is Richard Foster, Philip Yancey, N.T. Wright, Dallas Willard, Thomas Aquinas, Lectio Divina, Ayn Rand, Parker Palmer, Eugene Peterson, J.P. Moreland, Klaus Issler, Bruce Demarerst, Jim Burns, Kenneth Boa and Brother Lawrence’s “practicing God’s presence.” You may not have heard of all these names, but they are all associated with the mystical contemplative prayer movement and the emerging church.
Another example of this is Donald Whitney’s book Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life. Whitney is former Associate Professor at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and currently at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. While his book does not promote contemplative mysticism, he says that Richard Foster has “done much good”3 in the area of Christian spirituality (which we believe is blatantly untrue).
Our point is that even if there is a sincere attempt to teach Spiritual Formation and stay away from the mystical side, we contend that it cannot be successfully accomplished because it will always lead back to the ones who have brought it to the church in the first place.
Spiritual formation is sweeping throughout Christianity today. It’s no wonder when the majority of Christian leaders have either endorsed the movement or given it a silent pass. For instance, in Chuck Swindoll’s book So You Want to Be Like Christ: 8 Essential Disciplines to Get You There, Swindoll favorably quotes Richard Foster and Dallas Willard. Swindoll calls Celebration of Discipline a “meaningful work”4 and Willard’s book The Spirit of the Disciplines “excellent work.”5 In chapter three, ”Silence and Solitude,” Swindoll talks about “digging for secrets . . . that will deepen our intimacy with God.”6 Quoting the contemplative poster-verse Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God,” Swindoll says the verse is a call to the “discipline of silence.”7 As other contemplative proponents have done, he has taken this verse very much out of context.
Roger Oakland sums it up:
The Spiritual Formation movement . . . teaches people that this is how they can become more intimate with God and truly hear His voice. Even Christian leaders with longstanding reputations of teaching God’s word seem to be succumbing. . . .
We are reconciled to God only through his “death” (the atonement for sin), and we are presented “holy and unblameable and unreproveable” when we belong to Him through rebirth. It has nothing to do with works, rituals, or mystical experiences. It is Christ’s life in the converted believer that transforms him.8
“For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” Romans 5:10
What Christians need is not a method or program or ritual or practice that will supposedly connect them to God. What we need is to be “in Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:30) and Christ in us. And He has promised His Spirit “will guide [us] into all truth” (John 16:13).
“But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:” 1 Corinthians 1:30
In Colossians 1:9, the apostle Paul tells the saints that he was praying for them that they “might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.” He was praying that they would have discernment (“spiritual understanding”). He said that God, the Father, has made us “partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light” (vs 12) and had “delivered us from the power of darkness [i.e., power of deception]” (vs. 13). But what was the key to having this wisdom and spiritual understanding and being delivered from the power of darkness? Paul tells us in that same chapter. He calls it “the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints” (vs. 26). What is that mystery? Verse 27 says: “To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (emphasis added).
For those wanting to get involved with the Spiritual Formation movement (i.e., contemplative, spiritual direction), consider the “direction” you will actually be going.
And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel. (Colossians 1:21-23)
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power. (Colossians 2: 8-10)
This article is an extract from the Lighthouse Trails booklet, Is Your Church Doing Spiritual Formation? (Important Reasons Why They Shouldn’t). To order this booklet, click here.
Endnotes:
1. Dallas Willard, “Spiritual Formation: What it is, and How it is Done” (https://dwillard.org/resources/articles/spiritual-formation-what-it-is-and-how-it-is-done).
2. Larry DeBruyn, “God’s Present of His Presence” (https://www.guardinghisflock.org/gods-present-of-his-presence/ ).
3. Donald Whitney, “Doctrine and Devotion: A Reunion Devoutly to be Desired” (http://web.archive.org/web/20080828052145/http://biblicalspirituality.org/devotion.html).
4. Chuck Swindoll, So You Want to Be Like Christ: 8 Essential Disciplines to Get You There (Nashville, TN:W Publishing Group, a div. of Thomas Nelson, 2005), p. 15.
5. Ibid., p. 13.
6. Ibid., p. 55.
7. Ibid.
8. Roger Oakland, Faith Undone (Eureka, MT: Lighthouse Trails Publishing, 2007), pp. 91-92.
This has been an extract from our booklet Is Your Church Doing Spiritual Formation? (Important Reasons Why It Shouldn’t). To order this booklet, click here.
The Dangers of Spiritual Formation and Spiritual Disciplines
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SHOCKING List of Spiritual Formation Ministries
More Catholic Witchcraft Infiltrating the Apostate Seminaries, Ministries, and Churches “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron.” 1 Timothy 4:1-2 WHAT is spiritual formation / contemplative prayer or centering prayer? Spiritual formation/contemplative prayer/spirituality is just another self-centered, Christ-denying, self-righteous, works-based, occultic, pagan lie from hell! Seminaries teach it and now many churches today are practicing new age witchcraft called contemplative prayer, or centering Prayer which is part of spiritual formation. […]
“According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:” Ephesians 1:4
Holiness comes by the Savior in self denial (death and burial – the cross), not by self will or effort. Surrender is the cross – “NOT my will but thine be done” (Lk. 22:42) and “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46). We surrender to Christ by saying “Not my will but thine be done” dear Lord, by Your grace and the deliberate act of my own will I submit to the cross, the crucified life – where You alone reign supreme in this vessel (Luke 22:42; Galatians 2:20, etc.). I love You LORD Jesus! You must increase but I must decrease! (John 3:30)
Holiness, not happiness, is the divine command, the chief purpose and end of Christ’s salvation.
Of holiness, one disciple writes:
“Holiness speaks more to nature than it does conduct. Good conduct is the spontaneous byproduct of the new nature of the new creation man thru the cross and death to the old nature. We are new creatures in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17-18). To preach holiness as conduct without the new nature thru the cross understanding is legalism. Holiness is actually derived from ‘wholeness’ meaning the thorough transformation of the whole tripartite man (1 Thess 5:23). So many of these ‘holiness’ preachers are preaching nothing but conduct under law. Law arouses sinful passions and causes sin to increase and was given in order to provoke transgressions (Rom 7:5; 5:20; Gal 3:21). They are enemies of the cross!”
Holiness comes by way of the cross, not by way of the flesh. Just as sin was conquered by the cross of Christ, so sin in the life of the saint is conquered by the daily cross – the crucified life (Luke 9:23-24; Romans 6; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:3, etc.). It’s time to stop trying harder and to simply die deeper.
NOTICE: When a believer or group of believers backslides, they no longer separate from the transgressors who are unrepentant:
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