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Let us establish that the kingdom of God is all about KING Jesus and not the false prophets who come to rob Him of His glory (Colossians 1-2). Christianity is only cool because of CHRIST!

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

“The modern church has a problem. We’re looking for validation, not from God but from the world. The same world that crucified Jesus, you want that to love you? It’s never going to happen. Christianity is not validated nor is it discredited by its acceptance or rejection by celebrities.” Spencer Smith

“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. … Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” Matthew 7:13-14, 20

Kathryn Kuhlman – Secret Agent of Rome!

“I saw her in Oakland in 1969. This is the same year I was born again and baptized in the Holy Spirit. I was not impressed. It’s been a long time, but I didn’t recall her uplifting the name of Jesus even once. I saw a photo of her kissing the Popes ring that bothered me. When I left the service I was surprised to see so many nuns there. Agent of Rome, very likely. Did she preach the Gospel? Not that I recall. I am now 75, I was 22 back then. Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. He is a kind and loving savior. We are so fortunate that He died for our sins and that He is faithful even when we are not. I recall seeing Corrie Ten Boom talking with Kathryn Kuhlman. The look on Corrie’s face spoke volumes. It looked like she was discerning something wasn’t right with this woman. My wife of 50 years and I both had the same reaction. We were both wondering if Kathryn was going to fly away on a broom. She laughed and chuckled like the witch in the wizard of OZ. It wasn’t so much what she said as it was what she didn’t say.” Merritt Koller

What is a “faith healer”? Such a term appears no where in Scripture. In the definition of Kathryn Kuhlman, Benny Hinn, and many others today, a “faith healer” gathers large crowds for signs and wonders and in order to be famed in the eyes of men and made rich in this world. Am I missing something?

Someone might say “But Kathryn Kuhlman is dead so why are you exposing her?”

Dan Plunkett answers this question: “She needs to be exposed even though she’s dead because she was the mentor and role model for some of today’s heretical faith healers like Benny Hinn and the lesser known Billy Burke. They are carrying on her deceptive, evil legacy of fraud.”

Kathryn Kuhlman gave rise to many false prophets who perpetuate her falsehoods. That’s all the evidence we need to proceed in exposing her.

“A friend told me about her, so I listened to one of her sermons and without even knowing about this expose, I thought, ‘she is a witch.’ I guess my discernment radar is working. Had no idea she mentored Benny H. and the rest. ugh.” Mary L.

“I sensed the same thing exactly when I first watched a video of her. My spirit recoiled and I said ‘she is a witch. Satanic.’ The fruit of the Holy Spirit absent.” Delwyn R.F.

Let’s face it: Healings or supposed healings/miracles get a lot of attention because there are so many sign seekers – not Savior seekers.

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

The greatest sign of God is “the sign of Jonah” which is the salvation of God wrought by the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:19, 21). The greatest benefit of Christ’s salvation is men coming to repentance, receiving salvation from the Savior, the ultimate healing!

The LORD does signs and wonders and so does His arch enemy (Mark 16:15-20). Satan himself can do signs and wonders (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12). Satan uses his false prophets to do signs and wonders, just as he did when his false prophet’s rods were thrown down and turned into serpents. Aaron’s rod then swallowed them up (Exodus 7:12).

It is a rejection of Christ to support His enemies instead of obeying Him by exposing them (Matthew 12:30; 2 Corinthians 11:12-15; Philippians 3:18-19; 2 John 10-11; Jude 3-4, etc.). Hell awaits. Repent now.

Some people don’t realize that their love for their favorite wolf in sheep’s clothing far outweighs their love for God.

Yet many today are insistent to “bid Godspeed” to a false prophet they have created a soul tie with and consequently they shall be judged with the false leader they’ve condoned and defended (2 John 10-11; Ezekiel 14:1-11, etc.).

“And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. 21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.” 1 John 5:20-21 

Read Deuteronomy 13:1-10 – Even if a prophetic word is given and it is ACCURATE, yet if that person is a false teacher…. they are to be stoned. In our day, they are to be marked – “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)

Every Holy Spirit baptized believer can be used of God to lay hands on the sick and then God can choose to heal and make whole. See Mark 16:15-20, etc.

Of Kathryn Kuhlman, Brittany Green writes: “We don’t know them by their gifts, we know them by their fruit. She ran off with a married man, and still did not leave the ministry (therefore, leaving a good sum of people a bad example). Considering that Benny Hinn prides himself of talking to her ghost (necromancy, BIG occult phenomena), shows another bad indicator. As for the ‘the Holy Spirit is a person’, yes, he is, but he leads people to CHRIST, not Himself. We are Christocentric, not Numacentric. … She is on the platform to be seen. If she does not want to be seen (or exalted), why did she not go into hospitals in her spare time, on an average job that works an 8 hour day, 5 day shift (or equivalent)? Why did she not do her ‘ministry’ in anonymity, rather than celebrity: with no platform, as Jesus did?” (like so many false prophets such as mother Teresa, Kuhlman’s staged act was a fraud to mislead many as Jesus foretold Matthew 24:11)

DIVINE FILTER: All false movements and false teachers serve a divine purpose. They are allowed to snare all who don’t truly love Christ and therefore His Truth! Study 1 Corinthians 11:19; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 closely. 

“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” Matthew 7:15

“And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.” Matthew 24:11

Of Kuhlman, Ted writes: “I always thought that there is something seriously weird about this woman (KK). she speaks like a hypnotist. though she uses ‘Christian lingo’. There is something very emotional and manipulative in the way she speaks as if to captivate without taking you anywhere but to the place of idolizing her as a spiritual giant.”

“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1

FEEDBACK:

“Yes indeed I too was deceived by her. I just viewed these clips which I had watch many years past through a so called Charismatic view not knowing the truth. BUT NOW viewing her all over again you can see it was ALL about experiences NOT sola scripture NOT the preaching of the cross NOT JESUS. But mysticism about the false holy spirit, signs, wonders = false deception and seduced seduction.” Nancy Cote

COMMON OBJECTION:

“But Kathryn Kuhlman did miracles!”

RESPONSE:

The Bible speaks and warns us about Satan’s lying signs and wonders – “Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,” 2 Thess 2:9

MESSAGE RECEIVED:

“It is a shame you believe the devil can work miracles but God can’t. I left that unbiblical mindset 35 years ago. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil…for God anointed him with the holy spirit and power. Would seem strange that he has stopped healing people if he remains the same according to scripture. And this post has nothing to do with Kuhlman. It addresses the false ideology that Satan works Miracles and God doesn’t. Better rethink this one.” Steve

REPLY:

Hi Steve. WHO said God doesn’t work miracles???? God works miracles daily, most importantly, the miracle of regeneration. Yet, the wolves Jesus so often warned us about are pretending to do miracles and deceiving the gullible, biblically-illiterate prey. “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Matt 7:21-23

“KATHRYN KUHLMAN”
from “Occult ABC” by Kurt Koch

In these chaotic days, we have not only the right but the duty to test every movement by the standard of the Holy Scriptures. In particular, we must direct a Biblical test-lamp onto the paths of outstanding personalities who come up like comets on the spiritual horizon.

We have no right to judge:

“Judge not, that ye be not judged” (Matthew 7:1).

“Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant?” (Romans 14:4).

“There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?” (James 4:12).

But we have the duty to test:

“Prove all things, hold fast that which is good” (I Thessalonians 5:21)

“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (I John 4:1).

Kathryn Kuhlman was a healer who drew large crowds to her meetings. Millions came to her for help. Her meetings were attended by up to ten thousand at a time.

Kathryn was born in Concordia, sixty miles from Kansas City. Her mother was a Methodist, her father a Baptist. As a young girl, she went to a Baptist seminary and was ordained as a Baptist preacher. Her first church was in Franklin, Pennsylvania. One day some people in her congregation said that they had been healed while she was preaching. Kathryn was astonished. When such occurrences became more frequent, she began to preach about faith healing, without ceasing to put the main emphasis on the salvation of the soul. Before long, she moved from Franklin to the great city of Pittsburgh, where ever-increasing crowds flocked to her services. From 1946, she conducted an average of 125 healing meetings per year. She used the largest halls in the USA, and her healing meetings were attended by about one and a half million people each year. This figure is given by a doctor named William Nolen.

In addition to the meetings, she appeared on many radio and TV programs. The huge sums of money given as offerings have been used for building twenty-five churches, many schools and homes, and for social projects of many kinds.

It is a thankless, but necessary, task to subject the healing work of this woman to the test of the Scriptures. I will do so in such a way as to allow as many other observers as possible to have their say.

The background of my views is the material I collected during many lecture tours in the USA. At the time of writing, I have been there thirty-four times for tours. I have read Miss Kuhlman’s books, I have attended a four-hour healing meeting at the First Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh; and I have had a personal conversation with her. I also have many verbal and written reports from people who attended her meetings.

At this point, I must thank most warmly my two principal informants. Mrs. H. Maynard Johnson, wife of the technical director of the Eifel Hospital in Minneapolis, collected twenty-eight cases of healing, with full addresses, from Minneapolis and the surrounding area for me. I also received an excellent, scientifically based article from Dr. H. H. Ehrenstein of Songtime Boston. Names of further assistants will appear in the course of the chapter.

First of all, I must give a brief sketch of the style of these healing meetings. After a fantastic organ prelude, Kathryn would appear on the stage dressed in a long blue or white robe. Everyone would stand up. She would say: “How glad I am to have you all here. The Holy Spirit will perform a great work among you.” The atmosphere was heightened by an introductory hymn sung by thousands of expectant people. This was followed by prayer and a short sermon. Then Kathryn would suddenly announce, “Up there in the second row of the balcony a man has just been healed of cancer. Please come down to the platform,” or “a girl in the seventeenth row has just been healed of a lung disease.” It would continue in the same way for several hours. The people who had been healed came to the platform. Kathryn would hold her hands about six inches above the head of each and pray. They then would fall backwards to the floor. Two attendants would catch them as they fell, so they would not hurt themselves. The people who had been healed would lay for ten to thirty seconds unconscious on the floor. When they stood up, they would say that they had a wonderful feeling. While I was watching, I saw even ministers falling to the floor unconscious, one of them a Catholic priest.

Kathryn would then ask those who had been healed one or two questions, different every time. For instance, she asked a woman in her fifties, “Do you believe in Jesus?” “No, I am a Buddhist.” A young man about twenty years old was asked: “Are you a Christian?” “No, I am an atheist.” “Won’t you believe in Jesus now that He has healed your wife?” Kathryn asked. A long silence passed. After much pressing on Kathryn’s part, he finally said, “I will try.”

Many people have tussled with the question of how it was that Kathryn could tell which person had been healed of which disease. Many doctors investigated this problem and came up with various answers. Was it clairvoyance or mediumistic contact?

The next question is, Did healing really take place, and did it last?

Another question relates to the spiritual aspect of these heaings. Did the people who had been healed find the way to Jesus, and if they were Christians already, was any harm done to their faith?

A sensational aspect was the way those who had been healed fell backwards. What powers were involved? Was it hypnosis? Kathryn’s friends called such people the slain of the Lord.

Let us now call some witnesses. Since I am one of them, I will first give three of my experiences.

Ex 105 At the healing meeting in Pittsburgh a woman doctor brought a woman on to the stage. The doctor gave the following report: “This woman had multiple sclerosis in an advanced stage. She used to wear two splints and was almost blind. Her abdomen was partially paralyzed. She had a permanent catheter for three years. Three months ago I went with the patient to one of Kathryn Kuhlman’s meetings. The patient was healed. Since then she has needed neither splints nor catheter. The paralysis has disappeared. She is now a nurse in the hospital in which she used to be a patient.”

There is no reason to doubt the truthfulness of this testimony. We know, of course, that the fact of healing gives us no indication of what power it was that brought it about.

Ex 106 My second example shows a spiritual situation. I met a man at the meeting who allowed me to ask him some questions. He was very willing to answer them. “Have you experienced healing?” “Yes, thirteen years ago I was healed at Kathryn’s meeting.” “Do you belong to Jesus? Do you pray and read the Bible?” “Yes, I follow Jesus and know Him as my Lord and Savior.” “Has your healing lasted?” “Yes, for thirteen years.” This is another testimony that I cannot simply dismiss.

Ex 107 A third experience made me begin to have doubts. It was during a personal interview with Kathryn. She suddenly began to pray with me. She held her hands about six inches above my head. At once I began to pray in my heart, “Lord Jesus, if this woman gets her power from You, then bless both her and me. If she has gifts and power which do not come from You, protect me from them. I do not want to come under an alien influence.” While Kathryn was praying, two ushers came and stood behind me to catch me as I fell. I felt nothing, however, and stood like a rock without losing my consciousness in the least. Then came a second surprise. Kathryn nudged me gently, probably in order to make me fall. She did not succeed. Then she asked me, “Do you have a healing ministry yourself?” I answered, “In my pastoral counseling it has happened occasionally, but that is not my calling: my task is to preach the Gospel and bring people to salvation.”

Since this experience, I have for years kept my eyes and ears open to try to discover the truth behind these enormous healing demonstrations.

There is a problem about the experience of the man who was healed thirteen years ago and yet has suffered no ill effects in his spiritual life. On the assumption that Kathryn did not heal by divine power, as thousands of people believe, would it be possible for a person who had been healed in such a way to suffer no spiritual harm? I have enough examples front counseling people in similar situations to be able to say yes.

Ex 108 A German architect told me that he had found the way to Jesus through the preaching of a minister who was a drunkard. The minister was often drunk, but when he was sober, his preaching was sound. God can bring people to new life even by means of unworthy witnesses.

Ex 109 I have heard of several believers who have found the way of salvation through the ministry of a charlatan who taught unscriptural doctrines. I shall not mention this man by name, although he has done much harm.

The next witness we must call is Mrs. H. Maynard Johnson, whom I mentioned above, the lady front Minneapolis who has provided me with so much useful material. The reports she sent to me are of great evidential value, since they describe the situation one year after the healing took place. I will begin with Mrs. Johnson’s own experience, in her own words, but shortened.

Ex 110 “My husband, daughter, and I went to see and hear Miss Kuhlman and pray that I might be healed of what my doctor had just told me could be the first stages of rheumatoid arthritis. I had been having pains in my joints, especially in my fingers and wrists. I have been forced to give up my hobbies of sewing and organ playing. Writing had become painful also. During Miss Kuhlman’s healing service, she spoke from the stage saying that someone seated in our section was receiving a healing of arthritis. My arms went up over my head, and I began wiggling all my fingers and there was no pain. One of her helpers stopped at our row and told me to come with her to the front. As I approached Miss Kuhlman, she asked what I had been healed of; then she lightly touched my forehead with her finger tips, as she called out to God to remove the arthritis from my body. At that instant I was slain in the Spirit. I felt completely separated from my surroundings, as a beautiful peace went all through me. As we left the auditorium that day, I told my family, “If the physical healing wasn’t meant to last, I know my spiritual healing will never leave me.” A year later I can still make that statement: the physical healing has lasted, too. The day after the service, I was scheduled to go to the clinic to have extensive blood work done. My blood tests showed that I was not only normal, but better than normal. I have witnessed to many people regarding this marvelous healing of my body and spirit. My whole life direction has changed since this happened to me. My prayer life took on new meaning. My hunger for the Word has greatly increased. I continue to spread the word as to how great it is when we let God take complete control.”

Because I am very grateful to Mrs. Johnson for the twenty-eight case histories she has so carefully reported for me, I might be tempted to keep my own views to myself. But this case also raises a number of questions.

1. In cases of arthritis, the psyche and psychosomatic connections often play a part. Healings from arthritis head the list of all healings by suggestion.

2. I cannot accept this phenomenon of being slain in the Spirit as a work of the Holy Spirit. When people fall to the ground in the course of a spiritual revival, in repentance and sorrow for sin, weeping over their sins and asking for God for forgiveness, it is quite a different matter.

3. What are we to make of Mrs. Johnson’s reference to a spiritual healing which would still be there even if the physical healing should disappear? The expression spiritual healing is used by many spiritist healers. The only kind of spiritual healing the Bible knows is the process of conversion and regeneration. Mrs. Johnson was already a believing Christian when she went to the meeting. There is no such thing as a second rebirth. This so-called spiritual healing does not make sense and could be compared with what is known in extreme circles as the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Lack of space unfortunately forbids me to discuss all twenty-eight healings in detail, interesting as that would be. I will here record the general conclusion.

One year after meeting with Kathryn, the state of all twenty-eight people said by her to have been healed was as follows: Ten had not been healed, seven had experienced an improvement in their condition, eleven had diseases in which the mind can play an important part. In the whole of this extensive report, there is not one clear case of healing from an organic disease. So for all the trouble taken by Mrs. Johnson, for which I thank her again, nothing has been proved.

A further witness is a woman who worked for two years as secretary to Kathryn Kuhlman. She followed me and caught up with me at the airport of a great American city. In a conversation, she told me that for two years she had recorded the addresses of those who had been healed, and had later made inquiries as to their condition. Seventy-five percent of those on the register had remained well.

What value can we place on these figures?

1. In the first place, it is her job as secretary to represent her employer. Does this not prejudice objectivity?

2. Her journey after me was quite clearly undertaken with the object of conveying a good impression of the healings.

3. It is obvious that this woman does not possess the necessary knowledge of medicine and psychology to enable her to assess the nature of the healings.

4. Healing is a field in which it is hard to get a clear, overall view. It may occur as a result of suggestion, hypnosis, mediumistic, or occult powers, but it can also have a sound medical or Biblical basis.

This assessment of the figures she gave me is not an attack on the integrity of the lady in question. I formed a very good impression of her as I did of Mrs. Johnson.

In the spring of 1974, there was a “charismatic” congress in Jerusalem under the title of “The Holy Spirit”. Kathryn Kuhlman took part. Six months after this world conference of Pentecostal churches, I received a letter from a lady working with the Finnish Missionary Society in Jerusalem. It was about Kathryn Kuhlman.

Ex 111

Jerusalem Sept. 17, 1974

Dear Dr. Koch,

“I write because I don’t know anybody else who could answer my questions.

“I have read Kathryn Kuhlman’s book, God Can Do It Again and was positively impressed. When K. K. came to Jerusalem last spring ( 1974), I went to her miracle service with great expectation. At the first meeting I felt happy, but afterwards I started to doubt.

“1. How could she know when a person was healed?

“2. With whose power was the healing done?

“3. Why did the healed people fall on the floor, when she prayed for them?

“I went to a second meeting and tried to pray the whole time, but also to watch carefully. After the healing service, K. K. left the platform, and went through the crowd standing in the big hall. Suddenly I felt an oppression and a fear that she should touch me. I closed my eyes, lifted my arms and prayed in Jesus’ name that God would help me. When K. K. passed in the place where I stood, she gripped my right arm very strongly for a moment. Nothing happened. After a while, I felt strong power, like electricity, above me, I felt like I was going to die. My arms were paralyzed and I couldn’t take them down immediately. Since then I have felt a big difficulty to believe that her power is from God. I have just finished K. K.’s second book, “I Believe in Miracles”. It seems to me very good and I can not understand why she gave me another impression.

“I can’t get rid of my doubts alone, and they have not ceased to disturb me spiritually.

“If you understand this and could answer me in spite of your huge burden of work, I would be extremely thankful.”

This Finnish missionary is not alone in her experience. Others, myself included, have noticed the difference between the books and the person. Often people have told me that, by praying continuously through a meeting, they have become aware of an unscriptural atmosphere. It is possible even then for subjective elements to become mixed with objective assessment.

Vim Malgo goes into the question of the “World Congress on the Holy Spirit” in Jerusalem. Four unscriptural points come out in this report.

1. The Holy Spirit was the central theme. The Holy Spirit does not allow himself to be given a central place; the Holy Spirit makes Jesus central (John 16:13).

2. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is identical with regeneration. A child of God is filled (Ephesians 5:18) ever more deeply with the Holy Spirit, according to his faithful obedience.

3. The Holy Spirit does not allow himself to be the main person. Jesus says in John 16:14, “He will glorify me.”

4. Finally, it was an ecumenical congress at which all shades of opinion were represented .

Vim Malgo’s conclusion is that it was not the Holy Spirit who was at work, but other spirits. The so-called baptism of the Spirit is usually a baptism with spirits.

Malgo says: “The spirits find one another.” In English we have the saying, “Birds of a feather flock together.” It is therefore characteristic that Kathryn Kuhlman was one of the main speakers and drew the largest number of hearers. This point has troubled me more and more over the years: Kathryn accepted invitations from wild extremists and stood on the same platform with them.

There is a long report about Kathryn Kuhlman’s appearances in Vancouver and Seattle. Lack of space again compels me to mention only the main points. This observer writes, “Kathryn Kuhlman calls herself an instrument of the Lord. In reality, she is a medium of the lord of this world. A person cannot receive a second birth from the Holy Spirit when someone touches his face and says a few words to him. I believe in the charismata gifts of the Spirit. But what Kathryn Kuhlman displays is not a gift of the Holy Spirit of God, but a gift of the spirits who rule in the air. These spirits make use of her, herself deceived and deceiving others … She is a medium of Satan.”

Another who writes in similar vein is a well-known professor of theology at the University of Tubingen who has the reputation among believers of being a born-again Christian. This professor wrote to me, “Kathryn Kuhlman is a spiritist. Twenty years ago you would have said so yourself.”

Certainly I would never make such a harsh judgment without careful investigation. We must think and speak well of a person, as long as he has not shown himself to be evil.

The most scientific assessment is the report Dr. Ebrenstein of the USA has sent me. The article, which appeared in a Christian magazine, is entitled “In Search of a Miracle.” It is written by a doctor and surgeon from Minneapolis, Dr. Nolen, who also has a good name as a Christian.

Dr. Nolen had the addresses and telephone numbers of eighty-two people in Minneapolis sent to him. These people had been to the Kuhlman meeting and had been said to be healed. Some of them were sufferers from cancer, multiple sclerosis, and other diseases. Dr. Nolen followed up those who had been healed in order to get an accurate picture of the whole story.

Ex 112 Before the beginning of a meeting, the doctor was standing near the elevator in which about 100 patients in wheelchairs were being taken up in turns. Among them was a man without a wheelchair who was limping very badly. The doctor asked him, “You find it painful to walk?”

“Yes, I had an operation two years ago. But it did not heal. So now I am hoping that Kathryn Kuhlman will heal me.”

“Shall I get you a wheelchair?”

“Yes, that would be nice of you.”

The doctor brought the lame man a wheelchair, in which he was taken into the auditorium. During the meeting Kathryn called out into the hall, “There’s a man here with cancer in his hip. You’re cured. Your pain is gone. Come down and claim your cure.”

The man in the wheelchair was embarrassed at the idea of being pushed forward to the platform in a wheelchair. So he stood up and walked slowly down the aisle. Behind him came one of the ushers, pushing his wheelchair. The doctor watched carefully. It was the man for whom he had borrowed the chair. When he reached the stage, Kathryn Kuhlman asked him,

“Whose wheelchair is that? Not yours surely?”

“Yes, it is,” said the man. He did not want to give a long explanation. . Kathryn continued,

“You’ve had cancer in the hip and now your pain is gone. Is that right?”

“Yes,” he answered.

“Bend over so everyone can see.” He bent over. “Walk around.” He walked around. “Isn’t the Holy Spirit wonderful?” she cried. A sound Of rejoicing went round the hall.

Afterward, the doctor inquired of this man. Nothing had changed in his condition. But in Christian circles, the news was spread everywhere that a man in a wheelchair had been healed.

Ex 113 Another case, that Dr. Nolen followed up, was that of a woman who was said to have been cured of lung cancer. In his own words, “When I contacted her, Leona told me that she had not had lung cancer at all. ‘I have Hodgkin’s disease,’ she said, land some of the glands in my chest are involved. But since no one else got up when Miss Kuhlman said that someone with lung cancer is being cured, I figured it had to be me. I’ve been back to my doctor and he says he can’t see any change in my x-ray. I think I breathe better, but it’s hard to tell, since I never had much trouble breathing anyway.’ ”

Dr. Nolen also obtained from Kathryn Kuhlman a list of eight people who were alleged to have been cured of cancer. Again the result of his investigations was completely negative.

Dr. Nolen comments,

The more I learned of the results of Kathryn Kuhlman’s miracle service, the more doubtful I became that any good she was doing could possibly outweigh the misery she was causing … I don’t believe she is a liar or a charlatan or that she is, consciously, dishonest … I think she sincerely believes that the thousands of sick people who come to her services and claim cures are, through her ministrations, being cured of organic diseases … The problem is – and I’m sorry this has to be so blunt – one of ignorance. Miss Kuhlman doesn’t know the difference between psychogenic and organic diseases. Though she uses hypnotic techniques, she doesn’t know anything about hypnotism and the power of suggestion. She doesn’t know anything about the autonomic nervous system. Or, if she does know something about these things, she has certainly learned to hide her knowledge.

Dr. Nolen’s report, which I have reproduced here in a shortened form, does not answer all the questions raised by these strange healings. In particular, he does not deal with the falling backwards of the patients or he simply calls it hypnosis. Such an explanation is inadequate. Doctors, ministers, and strong-willed people cannot be laid out on the floor, as if they had been knocked out by hypnosis. Here other powers are involved. Again, the sometimes accurate indication of the place where the patients are sitting and of the nature of their diseases sounds remarkably like psychic contact.

It will be held against me that at first I spoke favorably of her. I have already answered this objection. We ought to maintain a positive judgment about a person until he has given proof to the contrary. During the four years since that first meeting, I have received a great deal of material. This has resulted in a different impression from the one which I formed at first.

In any case, Kathryn Kuhlman stands or falls before her Lord. Jesus has the last word about her and her work, and not we shortsighted men. We have the duty to test her work and to keep the Church of Christ informed. Let us take care that our work is able to stand in the eyes of the Lord. When King David saw his own guilt in the light of God, he sighed: “For mine iniquities are gone over my head: as an heavy burden they are too heavy for me” (Psalms 38:4). When we recognize our own guilt, the desire to cast stones goes away. Nevertheless, we are not spared the necessary duty of acting as signposts to the Church of Christ, even when this means great heartache.

And it should be obvious from this chapter that it gives me no joy to have to write about Kathryn Kuhlman. We might add this biographical note: Kathryn Kuhlman died on February 20, 1976.

Kenneth Copeland, Benny Hinn, Rodney Howard Brown, Jesse Duplantis Exposed

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So many today tell you exactly who they are when they quote absolute frauds like John Calvin, Mother Teresa, Joyce Meyer, Kenneth Hagin, Kenneth Copeland, Kathryn Kuhlman, Rick Warren, John MacArthur, Paul Washer, James R. White, Todd White, etc. The list is endless of false prophets who are still heralded by heretical pawns who are part of the “conspiracy” of false prophets who are against the LORD (Ezekiel 22:25-27).

The Danger of Bidding Godspeed to the Wicked [podcast]

A Scathing Rebuke to Wolf Defenders

Mother Teresa was a Fraud

12 Comments

12 Comments

  1. Daniel

    May 20, 2023 at 3:24 am

    All women Pastors and women who teach and preach to men in Church are false and apostate. 1 Timothy 2:11-15 / 1 Corinthians 4:17.

  2. Todd

    May 20, 2023 at 5:19 pm

    Definitely brother Daniel. 1 Timothy 2:12

  3. Lorie P.

    August 17, 2023 at 6:26 pm

    Kathryn always made me feel uneasy .She was also a mentor of the young Pastor R. Brant Baker who had a church in Long Beach ,CA. called Shekinah Fellowship. He died of AIDS at a rather young age . Homosexual like Lonnie Frisbe from Calvary Chapel movement. I was a teenager back in those days and remember watching K.K. on TV.

    I was going to a Pentecostal church and once was in a “Prayer Line”. The Pastor would go up and down the line and pronounce what illness the person had and say they were healed . I listened and each person he stopped at ,he was very specific about their issue. I started praying in my Mind ” Lord, if this is from you , then I accept this healing . If not ,protect me and help me to know if this is fake or not .” The Pastor finally got to me , and “Started Laughing out loud and said ” Don’t worry ” !! And moved on to the next person. Why was he so specific to all the others and not me ? I was having High blood pressure issues at the time . I felt strongly that it wasn’t from the Lord and left not long after.

  4. Todd

    August 17, 2023 at 6:41 pm

    Agree. Thank you sister.

  5. Pilot

    November 28, 2023 at 3:13 pm

    You are all acting like you don’t understand the gravity of your sins just now you just open your mouth and accuse different pastors (faith healer’s you say) maybe because of your past or whatever why don’t you first die and ask God when you meet Him, why do you have to be the one to Judge, for you Judging that makes you self-righteous (just like the pharisees accusing Jesus) don’t be a religious begot

  6. Todd

    November 28, 2023 at 4:18 pm

    Hello. Interestingly, you used not even one Scripture or even a Scripture reference. What does that reveal? That clearly shows that you are not a man of God’s Word but rather making up things as you go, kind of like a self-serving, self styled religious rebel who is not submitted to Christ (John 8:31-32; 47); 2 timothy 2:15; 3:16-17). So you are accusing us of being judgmental while you are simulaneously judging us? Sounds like satan, via these very false prophets, has indoctrinated and taught you well. If exposing satan’s agents among us, his wolves in sheep’s clothing is sinful then you’ve just accused Jesus and His holy apostles and prophets of being sinful for doing so. You have a convoluted disposition presently and yet if you will take your own medicine and repent, and get into God’s Word, He will open your presently blinded eyes. You will begin noticing how many verses of truth, now many passages, how many Bible chapters the false prophets you’ve followed have conviently stayed for away from. Read Matthew 23, Jeremiah 23, and Ezekiel 34. There are 6-8 whole chapters in the Bible, completely dedicated to exposing the danger and tactics of false leaders. Isaiah 9:16? You seem more intent upon defending the enemies of Christ than protecting His sheep from devouring them. Read Acts 20:29-32 and repent now. 2 John 10-11

    “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

    Beware of “Fair Speeches”

    “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” Romans 16:17-18

    The apostle Paul tells people here to “mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine” of the LORD which is found in the Holy Scriptures.

    Carefully note the phrase “fair speeches” which is defined as “fine style of utterance, giving the appearance of reasonableness.” So, the Scripture here informs us that such beguilers will “deceive the hearts of the simple” by “fair speeches.” This is the very way so many are being led astray in this late hour. The message and manner of these men have the appearance of godliness, and might even include a few tears, but their hidden motives center around their own agenda and not the LORD’s. This alone makes one a false prophet.

    SETTING THE BIBLICAL RECORD STRAIGHT

    Here is the list of the 8 evil doers the great apostle was divinely inspired to justifiably identify by name in 2 Timothy – in order to protect God’s people:

    1) Phygellus 1:15
    2) Hermogenes 1:15
    3) Hymenaeus 2:17
    4) Philetus 2:17
    5) Jannes 3:8
    6) Jambres 3:8
    7) Demas 4:10 (apostate)
    8} Alexander the coppersmith 4:14

    Note that Philetus was a false teacher who was teaching cancerous lies – false doctrines – and Paul said that the “word” Philetus was teaching will eat up the faith of believers like a cancer. – “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. 17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; 18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.” (2 Timothy 2:15-18)

    Beware of the Wolf Defenders https://safeguardyoursoul.com/beware-of-the-wolf-defenders-podcast/

    Naming Names: Is it Biblcal? https://safeguardyoursoul.com/naming-names-is-it-biblical/

  7. Phil

    May 19, 2024 at 7:29 pm

    Mother Theresa’s thing was not making a show of herself. She made appearances on occasion, as it was not really her thing, and comforted the afflicted and afflicted the comfortable. Her thing was caring for those abandoned by society—especially those left on the streets.
    I don’t know this Katherine, but, if she were Catholic agent, she would have been Catholic. She probably would not slay people in The Spirit. There are Charismatic Catholics, it’s true, but I don’t think that is their style and it is a very small contingent. I don’t think auditorium healing /prophecying events are Catholic things, though there are some moderately-sized talks given by a priest or lay author and usually at a church or something like a pro-life dinner—nothing like a one-man revival. We are more just being wherever to do good. Jesus and the Apostles probably dropped in on their missionary travels and maybe people knew ahead of time and that is why they were short on loaves and fish.
    Did anyone become Catholic because of KK?
    I do agree I don’t buy the faith healer showman or all positive feelings necessarily coming from The Holy Spirit. Not all filled with The HS are feeling any consolation, but it shows in their lives. Some have dark nights of the soul and, sometimes, God ‘s presence is just a light breeze. If we are in friendship with Christ, He is in us. Only we can hurt that friendship to our disadvantage or demise, because we chose something else we love more, which might be ourselves. He will try to save us by inspiration in the latter sense till the day we die and that may include many rescues. That is his 70X7 times (a symbolic number for all the time) forgiveness we must want and need to have.

  8. Todd

    May 19, 2024 at 7:35 pm

    Jesus taught that Satan’s insidious human agents infiltrate. Matt 7:15; 24:11; 1 Peter 5:8 …. you can’t approach Bible based people with the catholic church, which all true Bible believers know is a pagan works-based cult. “Mother Teresa” perpetrated the cause of this false religion and that alone makes her a fraud. “Ye must be born again” says Jesus (John 3:3, 7). Yes, one must repent to be saved and whenever thereafter it’s needed (Matthew 3:2; 4:17; Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38, etc.). The Catholic Cult Exposed https://safeguardyoursoul.com/catholicism-ecumenism/
    How to Make Peace with God https://safeguardyoursoul.com/peace-with-god/

  9. Zane

    February 7, 2025 at 12:45 am

    I saw a “thou shalt not judge” comment. AN INCORRECT ANALYSIS.
    JUDGEMENT imposes consequences and punishment. When someone does something wrong, and someone remarks is “that was wrong!” IS NOT JUDGEMENT. For there was no punishment. This world is full of deception and predetors sucking the money out of innocent and weak victims. Evangelical Christianity is so full of predators that it’s a wonder their bank accounts don’t explode. It is NOT JUDGEMENT to be smart enough to notice it and warn people!

  10. Zane

    February 7, 2025 at 12:48 am

    I saw a “thou shalt not judge” comment. THAT IS AN INCORRECT ANALYSIS. JUDGEMENT imposes consequences and punishment. When someone does something wrong, and someone remarks “that was wrong!” IS NOT JUDGEMENT. For there was no punishment. This world is full of deception and predetors sucking the money out of innocent and weak victims. Evangelical Christianity is so full of predators that it’s a wonder their bank accounts don’t explode. It is NOT JUDGEMENT to be smart enough to notice it and warn people!

  11. Todd

    February 7, 2025 at 4:11 am

    Excellent. Amen. Jesus says, instructs His people to “JUDGE righteous judgment.” John 7:24

  12. Todd

    March 16, 2025 at 5:10 pm

    There are several meanings to the word “judgment” in the KJB. There is a difference between God’s judgment and mere men pronouncing condemnations on others. Preaching the judgment/condemnation of GOD, the warning, is one thing and a divine mandate, and yet acting as if we, mere men, have the place to condemn is another. There is a difference between “the wrath of man” and “the wrath of God.” (Romans 1:18)

    “For the WRATH OF MAN worketh not the righteousness of God.” James 1:20

    “Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” Romans 8:33-34 

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Apostasy

Beware of the Crown Stealers! [video]


by Glenn and Dezi Langohr

“Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.” Revelation 3:11

In the next teaching we are going to go over all of PAUL’S WRITINGS that false teachers manipulate.
False teachers today — OSAS, Hyper-Dispensationalists, Free Gracers, and Pretribbers — are crown stealers 👑⚔️. They twist Paul’s writings to promise a salvation that requires no endurance, obedience, or holiness. But Jesus and Paul speak the same Gospel ✝️🔥. Jesus warned through parables: some hear the Word with joy but fall away in tribulation 🌱💔; servants who neglect their calling are cut off ⚖️🔥; virgins without oil are shut out of the wedding feast 🕯️🚪; unprofitable servants are cast into outer darkness 💰❌. These mysteries of the Kingdom reveal that salvation is conditional — not “once saved, always saved.”
Paul confirmed the same truth 💥. He warned believers not to believe in vain (1 Cor 15:2), to run the race and fight the good fight of faith (1 Cor 9:24; 1 Tim 6:12), to hold faith with a good conscience or risk shipwreck 🚢❌, and to lay hold of eternal life through endurance. He declared that believers can be cut off if they do not continue in God’s goodness (Rom 11:22). He said Christ could be hindered from being fully formed in the heart (Gal 4:19). He exhorted believers to test themselves to see if they were truly in the faith, warning that without Christ in them, they would be reprobates (2 Cor 13:5). He even named names FOR CAUSING OTHERS TO SHIPWRECK THEIR FAITH LIKE PRETRIBBERS DO— Hymenaeus, Philetus, and Demas FOR FORSAKING PAUL DURING PERSECUTION FOR A LOVE OF THIS PRESENT WORLD — DEMAS was a fellow laborer with Paul so let that sink in🔥. Paul preached the full counsel of God (Acts 20:27), the same Kingdom Gospel Jesus proclaimed, not a new “Paul’s gospel.”
Revelation seals the testimony 🕊️⚔️. Jesus calls His churches to repent, endure, and overcome — warning that names can be blotted from the Book of Life (Rev 3:5) ❌📖, crowns can be stolen (Rev 3:11) 👑⚠️, and lukewarm believers will be rejected (Rev 3:16). Seven blessings 🌟 are promised to the faithful: eating of the Tree of Life, the crown of life, hidden manna, authority to reign, the first resurrection, entering New Jerusalem, and eternal life with God. But alongside these blessings are terrifying judgments ⚡🔥: beast worshippers tormented forever, Babylon’s fall, the great white throne, and the fearful and unbelieving cast into the lake of fire. The conclusion is clear: endure, overcome, hold fast — let no man steal your crown 👑✝️🔥🙌.
Follow the Langohr’s youtube channel here:

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Abiding

“Them that Seduce You” 1 John 2:26 [podcast]


From the book I Die Daily

“Them that Seduce You” 1 John 2:26

“He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him.” Matthew 27:42

“Come down from the cross” is the cry of the enemy of all souls. Here he inspired God-less men to tempt Christ to not complete the work of redemption. In the same way, today, God-less pulpiteers and writers say nothing of the daily cross Christ commanded to be taken up by any person who would follow Him (Luke 9:23-24). These are the very “enemies of the cross of Christ” Paul warned us about (Philippians 3:18-19). Of this phenomenon, a disciple writes:

“Satan works both angles. First, he tried to keep Jesus (and us as His body) from going to or staying on the cross. On the other hand, he puts us on the cross as per what he did through Judas, the high priests of Judaism, and Pilate, and the Romans. Satan is somewhat schizophrenic as to this. But 1 Corinthians 2:8 is making the point that had he, the main prince and his underling princes, if they had known what they were doing (defeating themselves as a house divided), they would never have crucified the Lord of Glory. Satan’s house is a house divided against itself and is therefore laid waste by his own forces just as Jesus stated in Matthew 12. Peter himself reviled Jesus when Christ told him He would be going to the cross. Jesus attributed that work to Satan.”

When Peter, being used of Satan spoke, the Son of God turned, and said to Peter…

“Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matthew 16:23-26

Here Jesus spoke not only of the necessity of His own redeeming cross, but also of the daily cross to be taken up by each and every one of those who would follow Him. This should forever underscore and cement in our understanding the necessity of the daily cross.

One preacher wrote:

“Galatians 2:20 says, ‘I am crucified with Christ,’ and Romans 6:5 says, ‘For if we have been planted (united) together in the likeness of His death.’ These are both in the Greek perfect verb tense.

This indicates a past event WITH CONTINUING EFFECTS. So, it could literally say ‘I have been and continue to be crucified with Christ’ and ‘For if we have been and continue to be planted ….’ Romans 8:36, 2 Corinthians 4:10, and 1 Corinthians 15:31 clearly speak of a daily death with Christ.

Ephesians 4:22-24 talks of a continual putting off (death) of the old man, as does 2 Corinthians 4:16. Martin Luther taught of a daily Spirit baptism and called it ‘dying upward.’ These people who teach otherwise resist the daily cross. This is the error of triumphalism.

As we appropriate the finished work daily, we become more
and more what we already are. We possess our possessions.
Compare Colossians 3:3 with Colossians 3:5.

Let’s take the advice above and put together verses 3 and 5
of Colossians 3: “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ
in God … Mortify therefore your members which are upon the
earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil
concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”

T. Austin-Sparks stated the following:

We have not to die; we are dead. What we have to do is to
accept our death … In baptism … we simply step in there and
say, ‘That position which God has settled with reference to
me is the one which I now accept, and I testify here in this
way to the fact that I have accepted God’s position for me,
namely, that in the Cross I have been brought to an end.’
The true disciple is always “delivered unto death for Jesus’
sake” (2 Cor. 4:11.) He has “crucified the flesh with the
affections and lusts” (Gal. 5:24). He is daily putting to death
“the deeds of the body” and being “raised up” by the power of
the same Holy Spirit “that raised up Christ from the dead”
(Rom. 8:11, 13). He rejoices in “Christ Jesus” and has “no
confidence in the flesh” (Philippians 3:3).

“I die daily … 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. For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake … that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. So then death worketh in us, but life in you.” 1 Corinthians 15:31; 2 Corinthians
4:10-12

Concerning the raising up process of the Gospel of God, T. Austin-Sparks wrote:

“The unalterable basis of an open heaven is a grave, and a
crisis at which you come to an end of your own self-life. It is
the crisis of real experiential identification with Christ in His
death.”

Though we entered into His death upon initial salvation, accepting and experiencing that death is still a daily choice, an individual decision to be made on an ongoing basis. One’s choice to continue to persevere, following Christ as He clearly prescribed, will determine his eternal destination (Luke 9:62; 19:13; 21:19; Romans 6:16; Galatians 6:7-9).

The insidious circumventing of the cross can come in many clandestine ways that are masked with pious outer garb. Today, while refusing to utter the full counsel of the One they claim to be representing, smiling and charismatic men stand in sheep’s clothing, promising heavenly life to those who live in sin. They only prosper due to the volitional biblical illiteracy of the masses. Ignorance of the truth is a choice with eternal consequences (Hosea 4:6; Matthew 22:29; 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12).

Many like to hide behind works they do in and surrounding their local church home. They relish singing in the choir, ushering, doing drama or being a part of the technical team, helping in various ways, or even preaching a message, and yet the life of Christ is not manifesting in their personal lives as they go out into their world daily. His light in them is not bright enough to shine into the darkened hearts of men through personal evangelism. They have been steeped in a mere formula of godliness that does not manifest the evidential fruit of one who is truly in Christ, radiant by His glory, and flourishing in His life. A. W. Tozer wrote:

Another substitute for discipleship is: Our Lord referred to
this when He reproached the Pharisees for their habit of
tithing mint and anise and cumin while at the same time
omitting the weightier matters of the Law such as justice,
mercy and faith. Literalism manifests itself among us in
many ways, but it can always be identified in that it lives by
the letter of the Word while ignoring its spirit. It habitually
fails to apprehend the inward meaning of Christ’s words,
and contents itself with external compliance with the text.

If Christ commands baptism, for instance, it finds
fulfillment in the act of water baptism, but the radical
meaning of the act as explained in Romans 6 is completely
overlooked. It reads the Scriptures regularly, contributes
consistently to religious work, attends church every Sunday
and otherwise carries on the common duties of a Christian
and for this it is to be commended. Its tragic breakdown is
its failure to comprehend the Lordship of Christ, the
believer’s discipleship, separation from the world and the
crucifixion of the natural man.

Literalism attempts to build a holy temple upon the sandy
foundation of the religious self. It will suffer, sacrifice and
labor, but it will not die. It is Adam at his pious best, but it
has never denied self to take up the cross and follow Christ.”

Prayer—Forgive me, Lord, for trying to follow You without taking up that self-death instrument daily.

Yet another way the depraved heart, cloaked fully in a mere form of religion, seeks to circumvent the work of the cross, is by denying or ignoring that there is a cross to take up “daily.” The one whose theology is undergirded and poisoned with the unconditional eternal security lie, must resist all personal responsibility. He must take the line of least resistance. He is a moral coward, who while feigning to be walking in grace, has actually acquiesced to such a mythical position in order to avoid dying the death.

He refuses to buy into the truth of the Gospel when it threatens his own personal comfort zone he has built around himself, using half-truths and twisted and convoluted blends of philosophy, clichés, and Scripture. At all cost, he must remain intoxicated with the lie that he can do nothing to violate and fail the grace of God, and forfeit his place with God, which he erroneously believes is eternally secure—no matter what rebellion he may choose to commit against Him who is “Holy, holy, holy” (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8). So, he must fight the truth violently using his keyboard, pulpit, or pen to defend his paper-thin position. He must at all costs make sure anyone he leads believes that “God requires nothing of him, that salvation is of the LORD, and there is absolutely never any personal responsibility placed upon the individual recipient of salvation.”

What a tragic, fraudulent lie this deceiver is casting upon those naïve enough to give him ear! The bowels of hell have been nourished by millions who have bought this lie and have descended into the gaping and inescapable abyss (Isaiah 5:14). God forbid that anyone under the care of the “grace” deceiver be burdened with the slightest incentive or motivation to live holy, because in his evil theology, God Himself is no longer holy and just and doesn’t punish sin in His own people. Using whatever deceptive means and even Scripture-twisting, the deceiver will do away with all thought of personal responsibility from among his flock. He further seeks to lull them asleep with himself, as they bask in the lukewarmness of hell-bound Laodicea and those “at ease in Zion,” refusing to hear and hearken to the severe warning to turn back to the LORD—“Repent” and “Woe to them” (Amos 6:1; Revelation 3:14-21).

Circumventing Schemes

In order to accomplish keeping his flock asleep, the beguiler must only acknowledge the positional cross, while seeking to deny the experiential or daily cross Christ commanded His followers to take up (Matthew 10:38-39; Mark 8:34-39; Luke 9:23-24). Those who deny the “daily” cross Christ commanded, deny Christ (Mark 8:34-38). To deny His words is to deny Him (Mark 8:38; John 8:47; 14:21). Those who do not teach Christ’s command to deny self and take up the cross daily, hold a position of lawlessness; such are false teachers, “ungodly men” who are “turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness (a license for sin) (Romans 6:1-2, 15; Jude 3-4). We are to “earnestly contend” against them and the heresies they spread.

Concerning the “remnant” which is a descriptive word defining the only people to be eternally with Christ, Isaiah 37:31 says: “And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward.” No one can “bear fruit upward” unless he is willing to humble himself “under the mighty hand of God.”

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:” 1 Peter 5:6

The Last Days

God’s Word forewarns us that only a few among those once righteous will be in Heaven. “And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?” (1 Peter 4:18).

With all the popular last days type books in print, it is regrettable that few of them if any deal with readiness as the Scriptures present it. The human authors seem to completely overlook such an essential truth, because they have been schooled in this cross-denying way themselves. They completely overlook Christ’s severe words of warning in Luke 21:34-36. The typical modern church posture is that if one has at some moment in the past received Christ, he is forever and indelibly secure for Heaven no matter what, with no possibility of losing out with God. Is this what the Bible teaches us?

Great tribulation is coming, such as has never been experienced upon the earth. “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be” (Matthew 24:21).

We are told by the Son of God that only those with the oil of God in their vessels will be admitted into the marriage feast of the Lamb (Matthew 25:1-13). Only those who are intently connected with Jesus Christ, foregoing the things that would hinder their relationship with Him, will “escape all these things that shall come to pass.”

“And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” Luke 21:34-36

He told us that if we will overcome and be with Him, we must “be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” By this we know that some shall not “escape.”

The LORD Jesus beckoned those who would follow Him to the end, to be waiting and ready for His imminent and pending return:

“Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning. And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.” Luke 12:35-40

The enduring saints must discern keenly, and the only way to do such is to fully repent, love Him personally and supremely, and cast off all worldly ties that draw us from the Bridegroom (Revelation 3:14-18).

In order to escape this promised and epidemic onslaught of the enemy of God, one must be daily “crucified with Christ,” being separate from iniquity and abiding in Christ (John 15:1-6; Galatians 2:20). It is only in being “dead” that we are “hid with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). It is only in experiencing His “death” that His “life” can work in us and through us to others (2 Corinthians 4:10-12). It is only in taking “root downward” that He will raise us up to “bear fruit upward” (Isaiah 37:31).

As was prophesied, the enemy’s seduction of souls is in full swing and ever-increasing as the time of the return of Jesus draws nigh:

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

In the above passage, those who are already safe with Him in Heaven are told to “rejoice,” while those who remain upon the earth in this last hour are solemnly warned to beware because “the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” Perhaps there would yet remain among us some who are still ignorant of the devices of the enemy, and not so sure about the activities he is perpetrating among the remnant. Listen closely to what Jesus says concerning the final days which we are now living in:

These things have I written unto you concerning them that
seduce you (this is John’s inspired reason for writing to us). But
the anointing which ye have received of him abideth (remains)
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,
These things have I written unto you concerning them that
seduce you (this is John’s inspired reason for writing to us). But
the anointing which ye have received of him abideth (remains)
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 (remain) in him; that, when he shall
appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before
him at his coming. If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that
every one that doeth righteousness is born of him. Behold, what
manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we
should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth
us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons
of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we
know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we
shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him
(the hope of Christ’s soon return) purifieth himself, even as he
is pure. 1 John 2:26-3:3

According to these Holy Spirit inspired words penned by John the apostle, there are “many deceivers” seeking to “seduce you” (1 John 2:26; 2 John 7-11). One of the most insidious ways these wolves, who “lie in wait to deceive,” operate, is by refraining from preaching the true Gospel which includes the taking up of the daily cross (Matthew 16:24-27; Luke 9:23-24). If one will be safe in heavenly glory, never to suffer another iota of pain for all the eternal future, he must stay clear of the “many deceivers” who have answered the call of evil, and are sent forth to “deceive” those who would be prey due to:

• Having a lack of knowledge—not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God (Hosea 4:6; Matthew 22:29)
• Not watching and praying (Matthew 26:41)
• Not submitting to God (James 4:7)
• Not being crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20)
• Not being “dead” and having their lives “hid with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3)
• Not having their affections set upon things above (Colossians 3:1-4)
• Minding earthly things (Philippians 3:18-19)

There is abundant proof that so many today vainly believe they can have the benefits of the cross without the responsibility of the cross. They want the crown but not the cross. They are self-serving (“whose god is their belly”) and so desire to feel secure by trusting that because Christ died and was buried and rose again, they are safe.

As was long ago foretold, many in this deceived generation are trusting in Christ’s atoning death without their own personal participation. They call Him “Lord, Lord,” but in the end will hear the horrific words of termination, “Depart from me”  (Matthew 7:21-23.) From His blessed presence they will be forever alienated, vanquished into “the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:11-15).

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity (lawlessness).” Matthew 7:21-23

So many who claim the name of Christ conveniently ignore what Jesus said about taking up the cross and following Him to the end. In the riveting words listed in the above passage, did Jesus not tell us that only “he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” will be allowed into His Heaven? The daily denial of self, taking up the cross, and following Him is at the heart of the Gospel Jesus gave us.

According to the Son of God, overcomers will be allowed into Heaven and no one else (Revelation 2-3).

Readiness test:

• Are you daily taking up your cross? (Matthew 16:24-25)
• Do you daily deny yourself so that Christ can reign in your mortal body? (Luke 9:23-24; 2 Corinthians 4:11-12)
• Are you following Christ in the way He prescribed? (Matthew 7:21; John 8:47; 1 John 2:3-6)
• Are you purifying your life of all that offends God? (Acts 15:9; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 John 3:3)
• Are you coming out from this sinful world system and the apostate religious system? (2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1; 1 John 2:14-17)
• In obedience to the LORD, are you remaining clear of any and all wolves, who preach or pen a cross-less gospel? (2 Corinthians. 11:2-5; Philippians 3:18-19)
• Are you learning yet more and more to hate this sinful and rebellious world system, lest you become the enemy of God? (James 4:4; 1 John 2:15-17)
• Are you daily in the Word so the Word is getting into you and washing your heart and mind of all that is not according to the mind of Christ? (Psalms 119:9, 11; Proverbs 4:4, 21; Jeremiah 15:16; John 15:3; Ephesians 5:26)
• Are you keeping your lamp full by daily communion with Jesus? (Matthew 25:1-13; 1 John 1:3-9)
• Are you abstaining from fleshly lusts and departing from all iniquity? (2 Timothy 2:19; 1 Peter 2:11)
• Are you overcoming the wiles of the enemy who seeks to seduce you from self-denial? (1 John 2:26-3:3)
• Are you watching and praying, so as to be blessed to take up your cross daily and not be seduced from essential obedience in following Christ? (Matthew 26:41; Luke 12:35-40)
• Are you watching and praying so as to escape all sin and remain ever ready for Christ’s soon appearing? (Proverbs 8:34; Matthew 26:41; Luke 21:34 -36)
• Are you calling others to come to the Fountain of living waters from which all life flows, and in which all blessings abide? (Revelation 22:17)

In this late hour, may God bless each of us—His children—to be in fellowship with those who are embracing instead of evading the daily cross, and who “call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22).

As we were long ago forewarned, the “great wrath” of the one who “knoweth that he hath but a short (brief) time” has “come down” upon us through an epidemic of apostate leaders, who like the deceivers of old, erroneously promise His eternal life to those who refuse to take up their crosses to follow Him (Jeremiah 23:17; Amos 9:10; 2 Peter 2; Jude 3-4). Beware! “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ” (Colossians 2:8).

PRAYER: Jesus, please deeply quicken Your holy fear in my inner most being. From this instant forward, I look fervently for Your soon return. Heavenly Father, I beg You to unite my heart to fear Thy name and make ultra-sensitive my conscience—to be so easily convicted upon the slightest thought that varies from Your holy will. Into Your hands, I now commend my spirit. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Capture Points

• Read and discuss Matthew 27:43 and how it applied to Christ when He was on the cross, and how this same temptation applies to the believer in his daily walk with Jesus.
• Transcribe 1 Peter 4:18 on an index card and discuss. (KJB recommended)
• Read and discuss Luke 12:35-40. (KJB recommended)

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Apostasy

“The Collection for the Saints”

Are Money Collections Biblical?

Yes, yet what should money be collected to do?

1 Corinthians 16:1

KINGDOM PERSPECTIVE: Money collections to do GOD’s work are not a sin but rather an opportunity for God’s people to crucify, to put off the sins of greed and covetousness and to lay up treasure in Heaven as He commanded (Matthew 6:19-21; Ephesians 5:7-9). Also, to say that allowing people to support GOD’s work is wrong, is to declare Jesus to be a sinner because He had a treasurer which could only mean that people chose to support the work.

Recently the subject of giving has arisen several times in a short period of time so I wanted to treat it with God’s Word. When the topic of the Word of Faith prosperity pimps came up recently, a few people raised the question as to whether money should be collected by anyone today (any ministry). In addressing the question as to whether or not it is right or wrong for a ministry to facilitate the collection of money, the following reply was given.

There were collections among the saints in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 16:1-3), Jesus had a treasurer in case people wanted to participate and lay up treasure in Heaven…. yet the prosperity scammers falsely teach people to give in order to get God to bless them instead of giving out of love, obedience, gratitude, and worship to the LORD.

Okay, let me insert this: ANYone who doesn’t like ministers speaking about money has money as their god and are not saved according to Jesus because they have chosen money/mammon over God (Matthew 6:24). Those who truly serve the One who gives all good gifts delight in giving Him the first portion of what He gives them (Proverbs 3:10-11). By doing so they continue to establish that He alone is LORD and Master of their lives!

Collections were taken up in the early church (1 Corinthians 16:1-3). Jesus’ apostle Paul wrote:

“Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. 2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. 3 And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.” 1 Corinthians 16:1-3

First off, this tells us that Paul set in order, set up the order, he had “given order to the churches” to collect, to take up a “collection for the saints” when they gathered. He instructs Christ’s saints to “let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him.” There is much in this revelation. The saints of Christ are to be intentional and order the wealth God gives them, according “as God hath prospered” them. They are to “lay be him in store” or store up, to set aside that which they are going to give. The implication seems that we are to do such deliberately, and with joy as God prospers us.

According to the Word of God and the pattern and teaching of the apostles and early church, each disciple of Jesus should weekly and cheerfully set aside money, etc. to give. He/she is to “lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him.” (1 Corinthians 16:2)

Note that the “collection” was “for the saints” and not to be wasted on building a physical building of an enterprising pastor or to buy him a million dollar home, expensive cars, and watches, not to mention the extravagant accessories lavished upon many modern pastor’s wives. Oh, don’t forget that in the modern apostate church world, while some struggle to make ends meet and others go under financially, we must not forget to throw the pastor a birthday party and give him an expensive gift, right?

So, obviously collections are ordained of God to grant privilege and opportunity to those who would choose to give to His cause of helping Christians who lack and ministers of His Gospel. The collections are a blessing to us and yet, what we give to is the question. Supporting true, Great Commission, New Testament ministries is very important lest we fund a work that is not fulfilling the mandate of Christ and in doing so waste the resources He put in our temporal of  care.

John Wesley writes:

“Let every one – Not the rich only: let him also that hath little, gladly give of that little. According as he hath been prospered – Increasing his alms as God increases his substance. According to this lowest rule of Christian prudence, if a man when he has or gains one pound give a tenth to God, when he has or gains an hundred he will give the tenth of this also. And yet I show unto you a more excellent way. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. Stint yourself to no proportion at all. But lend to God all you can.”

Anthony Terry writes:

“Scripture is clear on the gatherings of the saints. They are for the saints only. They are to bring their offerings into the gatherings so when a need arises it can be met. Scripture also tells us that those with earthly goods should sell them when a saint is in need and to supply that need. This also is not done today. Too many are storing up treasures here and not in the kingdom. Scripture says if you have the ability to meet a need and don’t do it then how can you say God dwells in you? (1 Cor. 16:1-2; Acts 2:44-45; 4:34-35)”

HAVE YOU EVER NOTICED IN THE MODERN HOUSES OF EXTORTION THAT SOME CALL “CHURCHES” THAT THE PASTORS WILL OFTEN SAY THINGS LIKE “WE’RE FAMILY” AND YET, WHEN YOU HAVE A NEED, THEY COULD CARE LESS? THEY ONLY CARE FOR YOU INASMUCH AS YOU ARE GIVING TO THEM! BUT THE BIBLE TEACHES EQUALITY AND EVEN DISTRIBUTION, ESPECIALLY AMONG THOSE WHO ARE TRULY WORKING AND DILIGENTLY OBEDIENT (ACTS 2:44-45; 4:32-35; EPHESIANS 4:28; 1 THESSALONIANS 4:11-12; 2 THESSALONIANS 3, ETC.).

To illustrate the gross misuse of money in the modern church world, please allow me to relate the following true story:

An example comes to mind that was related to me by a good friend. The story goes …. This brother and his family (close friends of mine) were struggling financially and were on the brink of their second foreclosure. Their house was getting ready to be foreclosed on and a few members of the leadership fully knew this. Yet, during this same time period those very leaders organized and solicited the people of that particular local church to chip in to buy the pastor a $30,000 watch for his birthday. They totally ignored the needy brother’s necessity/lack and so that brother’s house was foreclosed on. This is an example of unthinkable inequity and brazen disobedience to God’s Word where one member of the body of Christ was elevated unduly above the other members. Among the earliest believers there was equity. Take note to what was transpiring just after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost at the end of Acts 2. Compare. Take close note to the blessed and exemplary state of the church before the greedy, self-serving wolves and their thieving practices entered in among the people of God (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35).

Now, the above is a revelation to most today who have been duped into believing that all the giving must be done to some “official” mere man or board of mere sinful men who have set up their church franchise businesses all over our cities. Before we move forward, let’s expand that revelation:

“And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.” Acts 2:44-45

Notice in the above passage that “EVERY MAN” mattered and not just some group of thieving wolves who were collecting and squandering the money on their own self-serving lusts!

While the collection of money is biblical the misuse of the money collected is sin. And for this reason, we must learn from God’s Word what that collected money is to be used for.

WE MUST STOP FEEDING THE WOLVES FRIENDS! FIND INDIVIDUAL CHRISTIANS WHO HAVE NEEDS AND GIVE TO TRUE GOSPEL WORKERS/MINISTRIES. THAT’S THE TRUE NEW TESTAMENT WAY!

To further establish that collections were always allowed and encouraged in the gatherings of our LORD’s people, check out this explosive message titled Jesus Sat Over Against The Treasury [podcast]

Here’s more early church practice that we must model/follow:

“And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own (they understood that God owns all and they were just stewards); but they had all things common. 33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. 34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, 35 And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.” Acts 4:32-35

Compare. You will want to read this passage prayerfully and several times, remembering where it is to share with others. Note in the above passage that “they had all things common.” In other words, as each individual saint had need, they would share. Today, we have multi-millionaire wolves who parade and flaunt their lavish riches before their prey who many times can’t even pay their bills. Go figure!

Collecting and giving are a vital part of the divine economy from Genesis to Revelation but not in order to misuse – to misappropriate those funds. That’s what covetous charlatans have always done and are doing today. Yet, such evil does zilch to negate the God-given personal responsibility the LORD has given every individual believer to be a giver – of their lives which will translate into the giving of their substance.

Now, so far we have exposed the greedy wolves we are so often warned about in the Scriptures. Yet, before someone gets the idea that God wants His honest, true workers broke, think again. The LORD says that those elders (Gospel workers, servants of God) are to “be counted worthy of double honour” which refers to a good financial reward. This would be at or a bit above the average income of the median earning man that that Gospel worker feeds/tends to.  Paul also inserted in his longest discourse on this very topic that those who are called out to labor for Christ can have a wife and family which of course requires more income to support (1 Corinthians 9:5).

“Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.” 1 Timothy 5:17-18

Did you note that those who “rule well” is a condition and it is defined as “they who labour in the word and doctrine“? True Gospel work must involve diligently getting God’s Word into the hearts of men, especially God’s own people. It is never ending because there are always saints to edify, help mature, pray for, teach the Word to, etc. It never ends and neither does the need to reach lost souls.

Because so many wolves have devoured people’s lives and finances, some want to forbid any and all provision from going to God’s workers which would be unscriptural and certainly to Satan’s advantage. The distribution of resources is to go to all of God’s people, not just the people collecting the money, which is what the modern, apostate church is doing. Compare what they are doing to Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35. It’s a scam. People should study this topic in their Bible as the article link above seeks to help them do. We cannot exclude the provision of those God calls out into full-time serving. The apostles gave themselves “continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” (Acts 6:4) The Word of God sets forth the clear argument and case for provision for divinely called-out servants – those called out to give themselves to prayer and to the ministry of God’s Word. There’s no other calling so important in the earth or with eternal consequences. We must rightly divide and not overcompensate because others have abused. God bless you all.

Some people like to throw around cliches that are not direct Bible quotes such as, “Where God guides, God provides.” While that is generally true, we must be careful of blocking full-counsel Bible learning by cliches that are only half-truths. To stand on ANY cliches is a dangerous endeavor to the truth-seeking disciple. Stand on God’s Word alone which is what David said it is:  “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” (Psalms 119:105)  Of our Father’s written Word, Christ said “Thy word is truth.” (John 17:17)

God’s people are divinely called and are to be allowed and granted the blessed opportunity to give to HIS work – not forcefully coerced but given opportunity (2 Corinthians 9:7). This is clear in Scripture.  When we give, we thereby learn to trust Him who replenishes our supply as He so often promised to do (Proverbs 3:9-10; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11, etc.). It would be wrong to disallow God’s people from giving actually. Moses did not stop God’s people from giving until there was so much given by God’s people that there was nowhere else to contain it! He had to tell them to stop bringing their things to the work of the LORD because they had nowhere else to store it – there was too much of it (Exodus 35). To tell people not to give to God’s work(ers) would mean he forbade them from doing what the LORD told His people to do from the beginning – give. The Levites were one of the twelve tribes of Israel set forth to continually worship and serve the LORD and His people and Paul, Christ’s apostle, draws from this very truth/fact in 1 Corinthians 9 – below.

God provides, yes, and His stated desire to supply, at least in part, is through His body – and that is so that they partake of the blessings both now and eternally (Galatians 6:6; 1 Corinthians 9:1-14; 1 Timothy 5:17-18). A proper and more thorough view of God’s kingdom reveals that to shut off the opportunity of giving and forbid His children from giving, stifles blessings.

The apostle Paul’s case for provision being given to called-out servants of Christ is clearly and profoundly set forth below.

1 Corinthians 9

1 Am I am not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?

If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.

Mine answer to them that do examine me is this,

Have we not power to eat and to drink?

Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?

Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?

Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?

Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also?

For it is written in the law of Moses, thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?

10 Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.

11 If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?

12 If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.

13 Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?

14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.

The above passage makes it abundantly clear that God wants those He calls out to serve Him full-time supplied.

Collecting money is biblical – for the right use and reason which the LORD reveals in His Word. We must simply make sure that the collection is going to bless the people of God and not just one or a few staged deceivers who are running an entertainment business they have set up and call “church.”

One problem we see today is the defense of these beguiling, thieving wolves by the covetous, greedy folks who support them. These deceived people are full of self and “love to have it so.” (Jeremiah 5:31) In other words they love the greedy, covetous wolves they have submitted themselves to because these worldly rich wolves model the lifestyle their greedy, self-serving audience want (Hosea 4:9; 2 Timothy 3:1-6; 4:2-4).

There is a correct use of collections. Receiving money for true Gospel ministry work is according to the apostolic doctrine which we are to continue “stedfastly in.” (1 Corinthians 9:1-14; 1 Timothy 5:17-18; Philippians 4, Acts 2:42, etc.) Now, manipulating people – making merchandise of them – is the work of “false prophets,” Peter told us (2 Peter 2:1-3). Yet, that doesn’t negate the opportunity given to disciples of Christ to lay up treasure in Heaven by giving to God’s true work (Matthew 6:19-21). The key is simply to make sure the ministry is doing the Word and not just entertaining and keeping folks biblically illiterate in order to be able to continue to control them.

It’s time to get biblically learned, astute and cease being ignorant! – “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” (Hosea 4:6)

Further, Paul gave the divine promise that God would supply all the needs of those who gave (Philippians 4). That promise and blessing of divine provision is specifically to those who had given to Paul who was a Gospel worker.

“But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.” Philippians 4:10

Taking care of those whom the LORD has called out – not self-appointed but God-appointed – is the privilege of the saints. Those giving are the blessed ones according to Jesus (Acts 20:35). If you can’t give out of a “cheerful” (joyful, generous, thankful) heart then don’t bother – you are wasting your money. The Bible reveals to us that Jesus actually watches each one of us and how we give (Mark 12:41-44). He looks at the heart posture and percentage that we give (Mark 12:41-44; 2 Corinthians 9:7).

You want to be blessed? If so, find a true Gospel worker and begin giving into his life and work. In fact, a lady called this week who said that as she gave to a certain Gospel ministry, God blessed her. This is biblical. It doesn’t matter if some have collected and wasted money. The true Gospel worker is “worthy of his reward” and not just honor but “double honour” which means sufficient supply, pay, and a bit more (1 Timothy 5:17-18). Anyone who doesn’t like that needs to take up their beef with the LORD. Getting a biblical foundation in this subject by thorough study of the Scriptures on this topic is essential. Begin with 1 Corinthians 9:1-14. Those who do the infinitely most important and only eternal work on the earth are the most worthy souls on earth to be sustained, and supplied – so they can continue to fruitfully serve the LORD and His blessed people, equipping them to “do the work of the ministry.” (Ephesians 4:11-12) This is God’s program and anyone who participates in it is going to be blessed – now and eternally!

The LORD told us He would fill the barns and overflow with blessings the person who puts His “firstfruits” into His cause (Proverbs 3:9-10).

“Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: 10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10

It’s not a sin or wrong to facilitate what the Bible teaches – giving. The early believers in Jesus went so far as to sell off the things they didn’t need in order to liquidate and turn those properties, etc., into cash to help the other believers who were in need and surely a bit of that went to the apostles to sustain them as they gave themselves “continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” (Acts 6:4) See Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35.  The apostles didn’t tell those people to take their money back because giving is an integral part of serving God who “So loved the world that he gave” (John 3:16) In fact, Christ says that “It is MORE blessed to GIVE than to receive.” (Acts 20:35) It would be wrong to disallow God’s people from giving actually.

Jesus Christ was betrayed by a thieving wolf!

Extorting thieves are nothing new. Jesus had one in His ministry while on earth.  The fact that charlatans have misused money they collected from gullible people who didn’t discern correctly does not make giving wrong. The people who give must examine, best they can, if that ministry is fulfilling a New Testament purpose. Most people don’t even know the Bible, regrettably, so they have little to go by. A good place to begin is to see what Jesus’ commission to His church is (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20). After reading Christ’s commission, one should begin to examine the fruit of any ministry they are thinking of giving to – such as 1) are they endeavoring to teach the whole counsel of God’s Word in His holy fear and with no fear of any mere man (Matthew 28:18-20), 2) are they reaching out to lost souls (Mark 16:15-20).

Notice for example that the Word of Faith wolves don’t bother to give money to the general body of Christ – individual saints. That’s obvious in that they take that money to themselves in undue fashion and build mansions. Most of them have several mansions, fly over the the world on their own jets, stay at the most elite hotels, etc. This is complete misuse of resources given to them by people and fulfilling what Peter wrote about.

“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily 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

We have the divine promise here that God is going to eternally judge those who “make merchandise” of others. There are some extorting wolves operating as pastors, evangelists, etc., but that doesn’t mean His disciples shouldn’t give!

STEWARDSHIP IS SAID TO BE THE MOST PREVALENT OR FREQUENTLY OCCURRING SUBJECT IN GOD’S WORD. ACTUALLY, ABOUT HALF OF JESUS’ PARABLES DEALT WITH STEWARDSHIP. THIS IS A HUGE TOPIC AND VERY IMPORTANT TO THE LORD. HE TOLD US THAT WE ARE TO BE “RICH TOWARD GOD” AND THAT OUR VERY “HEART” AFFECTIONS WOULD FOLLOW WHERE WE PUT OUR “TREASURE.”(MATTHEW 6:19-24; LUKE 12:15-20, ETC.) OUR LORD EVEN TOLD US THROUGH JAMES THAT IF WE HOARD INSTEAD OF FREELY GIVING, THAT WHICH WE HAVE LAID UP WILL FRIGHTENINGLY BE A WITNESS AGAINST US IN THE JUDGMENT (JAMES 5:2-3).

Some hide their own greed behind exposing the obvious greedy wolves who hold ministry positions. They use those beguiling thieves as an excuse to stop giving altogether. Don’t cease giving just because you were deceived by a wolf. If you do, you will hurt and hinder the work of our LORD Jesus in this late hour. Continue to obey God by giving Him your whole being and will daily. Your treasure will be His as long as you are truly His (Matthew 6:19-24). Just pray for more discernment and stay in the Word. Measure everything according to His Word (Acts 17:11). Be ready to help other Christians in need all around you and prayerfully find a good called-out brother in Christ who fears the LORD truly and preaches His pure Word and begin giving to his life and work – God’s work!  The LORD promises to bless you for doing so.

Where you give is very important. You should ask: Is this ministry or church fully vested in Christ and His mission to save souls and feed His flock and teach HIS pure Word? Such a question eliminates 95% of all ministries which are nothing more than a flesh-flattering entity designed to rob the resources Christ ordains to go directly into His work and workers. There is no work on earth today that has eternal ramifications except the work of Christ. Are you a contributor? Why did He give you a way or ways to earn money? See in Ephesians 4:28 and begin supporting His true Gospel work – His Great Commission.

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QUESTION:

“Should those in ministry take up collections? Is that biblical? Also, should those who write books have to pay for the whole funding of those books and for that matter, should they have to fund the LORD’s work themselves?” What does God’s Word tell us about money?”

ANSWER:

So, where are true ministries supposed to get their money/resources? Question: Is that not our privilege and opportunity to give and thereby support the work of Jesus? In fact, is this not exactly why God gave us an income – to support His work? And, on top of that He puts money into an eternal investment “account” in Heaven? Wow! Philippians 4:17; Matthew 6:19-21.

“Collections” are biblical yes and they are the privilege of the giver much more than the mere human servants receiving the treasures to be stored up in Heaven for their own eternal benefit (Matthew 6:19-21). Giving also keep idolatry and greed away from the one who gives, securing his eternal soul with Christ. These are clearly soul damning sins specifically listed in Holy Scripture as such (Ephesians 5:5-7; Revelation 21:8, etc.).

Is it a sin for a person in ministry to not have enough money to pay for everything? No, that’s not a sin at all and in fact, it’s a blessing to those ministered to by that outreach. God actually ordains it that way usually so that other of His people can lay up treasures in Heaven, just like Jesus told us to do (Matthew 6:19-21). In fact, the apostle Paul cared much about the heavenly “accounts” of those he ministered to and so should we – “Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.” (Philippians 4:17) Most men in ministry have not studied biblical stewardship very closely and for instance, do not even know about the verse posted in the previous sentence. God told us here that we have an “ACCOUNT” in Heaven. Now the question is, what’s in our “account”? What have we given into His true New Testament work?

“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

Some are misled by their own situations, opinions, and impartial knowledge of this important subject …. go read about some people Jesus actually puts in His trophy case in what we call “The Hall of Faith” …. read Heb. 11:37-39 and let’s talk about that.

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” (Hosea 4:6) Notice that it’s not that most people don’t have at least some knowledge of a topic and yet that can be deadly. God is good….. a little knowledge is enough to kill us all.

Getting a tad of knowledge can be deadly …. if we don’t keep studying the topic all the way through Scripture to gain a thorough biblical knowledge on that subject and thereby be blessed to rightly divide the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).

Support | STORE | PodcastsThe Return of ChristStewardshipWhere to Give and Where Not to Give | Fruit Abounding to Your Account! | Consider Your Ways [podcast] | Consider and Build [podcast] | Holes in Your Money Bags? [podcast] | Dollar DialogueJesus Sat Over Against The Treasury [podcast] | Escaping Sodom!Waste | Stewardship | Giving

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