(excerpt from the book Deceivers and False Prophets Among Us)
Greedy Gold Grubbers who Prey on Gullible Dupes
PAUL warned us that there are “MANY” who twist God’s Word in order to profit off of the people of God (2 Corinthians 2:17). Peter told us the same thing when he warned of those who “through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you.” (2 Peter 2:1-3). In the beginning and end of His ministry our LORD Jesus cleared the temple to express the divine mandate of holiness among those who name the name of Christ (Matthew 21; John 2). Discern biblically (Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1). Are you funding a fraud?
“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers AMONG you, who privily (secretly) shall bring in DAMNABLE HERESIES (lies that damn the soul to hell), even denying the Lord that bought them (apostates in leadership positions), and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And MANY shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned (fictitious) words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not…beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children.” 2 Peter 2:1-3, 14
The Spirit of the LORD speaks through His apostle here and reveals some details about the operation of “false prophets” and “false teachers” who are presently “among the people.” Let’s look a bit closer at this chapter dedicated to the exposure of the deceivers who operate in our midst. 2 Peter 2 teaches us that:
- These beguilers are “among the people”
- Their presence and the need to discern them is definite – “there SHALL be false teachers AMONG you”
- They secretly and charismatically introduce/slip in deadly falsehood – “who privily (secretly) shall bring in DAMNABLE HERESIES”
- They deny Christ by denying the truth He gave us in His words – “even denying the Lord that bought them”
- They are going to reap destruction now and in eternity if they don’t repent before it’s too late – “and bring upon themselves swift destruction”
- These are very well-liked, accepted, and affluent leaders, made popular by the desire of the masses to be financially rich in this life while throwing their eternity to the wind – “And MANY shall follow their pernicious ways”
- These men twist the Word of God for their own purposes – “by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of”
- The Holy Spirit shows us their motive and goal – “And through covetousness shall they with feigned (fictitious) words make merchandise of you”
- Certain and eternal judgment is coming – “whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not”
- These false prophets prey upon the unlearned who are not grounded in God’s Word – “beguiling unstable souls”
- Again their greedy motive is identified – “an heart they have exercised with covetous practices”
- These men are in the ministry for money. Some hide this fact better than others which makes them all the more deceptive and deadly.
- The LORD makes no excuse for these men. He calls them – “cursed children”
In vivid detail, the Holy Spirit warns us here of how “false prophets” and “false teachers among you,” would seek to “make merchandise of you.” The term “make merchandise of you” refers to the exploitation of people perpetrated by deceivers for their own self gain. It means that they will make money off you or draw money out of you, through deceptive practices. This could also be called “fleecing the flock.” Such extortion is accomplished through deceptive persuasions, heretical teachings, testimonial claims and exaggerated stories. The phrase “feigned words” in this text is very important. This is the method of deceivers to garner money from people. The word “feigned” means “plastic, artificial, fictitious, or simulated.”
Any preacher who is tickling your ears with the old recycled, worn out word of faith heresies is merely regurgitating what he’s learned from his wolf handlers, puppet masters. He has no life in God’s Word for himself and never has. He’s a counterfeit doing “ministry” for his own self-serving purposes as he leads others to attempt to use God to get what THEY want. There is no cross in this greed-driven, self-worshipping false gospel. These are “enemies of the cross of Christ.” (Philippians 3:18-19)
The idea that someone has to give something (like money) to get God to bless them is the message of greedy wolves who deny Christ by saying His sacrifice was not enough to bless His people fully! They are making merchandise of gullible, biblically-illiterate people. God provided the perfect salvation through His perfect, sinless, only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Christ Lives to Provide what He died to Purchase
Of course, this does not in any way negate the divine promises to those who give.
By design of our Creator, words are the basic building block and communication link of humans. We use them to communicate with one another. Deceivers also use words to communicate, but they use them for a different purpose – to manipulate the minds of people in order to obtain their desire. “Feigned words” are the keys that open the doors to the treasure chests of people’s monies. Deceivers know this and carefully craft their words to manipulate (influence) and beguile “unstable souls.” (2 Pet. 2:14)
Stable souls who are learning sound doctrine and have a sound heart and mind see these “false prophets” and “false teachers” in our midst for who they really are and refuse to fund their evil enterprises (2 Jn. 10-11). Whether we want to face it or not, each of us know personalities in the ministry whom we think are true to the LORD and yet they aren’t. In our judgment/discernment, we are forced to decide if we are going to be faithful and true to our LORD and His Word or personalities of mere men who come to us in the name of the LORD, but without the true knowledge of Him. So, the LORD warned us that it would be “through covetousness” using “feigned words” that “false prophets” and “false teachers” would extort monies from unsuspecting souls. It is through their deluding and manipulating measures, and systems of communications that they are “beguiling unstable souls,” extorting from them ill-gotten revenues (2 Pet. 2:14).
In their messages (written or spoken), these men reduce all blessings to a monetary or physical level. Yet, one must begin to look upon their teaching to truly begin to see who these men are and what they may be intentionally leaving out of their messages. The doctrines that are deliberately left out of their teachings (i.e., the need for personal holiness, sin of covetousness and greed, and the denial of the self-life) must be accounted for. Those who woefully do not know the Word, simply do not know what is being left out of His full counsel, so they go on being beguiled. This is exactly how deceivers are successful in systematically farming their audiences. They prey upon ignorant, unlearned souls. Those who withhold biblical truths are dangerous to your spiritual health. The money-mongers in our midst intentionally withhold the hard truths of God’s Word in order to manipulate people for their own purposes. They pick and choose points from God’s Word so as to posture people just where they want them in order to lure them to give the largest amount of money. This is beguiling and evil manipulation. When there was the misuse of ministry among the Jewish religious leaders of Christ’s day, He violently went through the temple, dumping their money coffers and upending their tables saying, “Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house and house of merchandise.” (Jn. 2:16)
It should be noted that Jesus cleansed the temple of extortion and the thieves in the beginning and at the end of His ministry on earth (Jn. 2:13-17; Matt. 21:12-16). This He did to establish His zeal and mandate for holiness upon all who will follow Him in spirit and in truth. Great judgment is coming. God will once again cleanse from among His people, all hirelings who chose to serve mammon instead of Him, especially those who utilized their ministry positions to do such.
“…false prophets…false teachers….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
Here the LORD promises us that “judgment” and “damnation” await all unrepentant thieves, namely those who operate in the ministry. Be aware that there are super-subtle, more creative ways that monies are being misused (paramount to thievery) in the church world today. Of course there is the intentionional laundering, but there are also those fruitless and frivolous things that are being done to misuse the LORD’s resources. I insert a question here for pondering: If there are five dimensions or gifts of eldership under the New Covenant (Eph. 4:11-12), then why is only one (pastor) of those five offices handling virtually all of the money given for the kingdom to grow? Why does it seem that the pastors share little or none of the finances with the other four? (apostles, prophets, evangelists and teachers) In light of the message of Ephesians 4:11-13, does this seem equitable and conducive to the full maturing of the members of the body of Christ? In today’s church-building-intensive world, there are numerous subtle schemes being used to siphon revenues out of the masses. When one takes personal responsibility to know God’s truth for himself, he will be aware, armed, equipped, and ready to discern. Therefore, he will be much less at the mercy of the enemy whose manipulating systems are utilized by the numerous smooth-talking false prophets and teachers in our day (Ps. 17:4; Hos. 4:6; Matt. 22:29).
Greed Frenzy
“…for every one from the least even unto the greatest is given to covetousness, from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely.” Jeremiah 8:10
These beguilers only exist because the people want to hear smooth things and things that tickle the sinful ears of their uncircumcised hearts which are bent upon serving their own sinful appetites. These people are paying to be pampered with smooth words and told they can live in the deadly sin of compromise and still go to God’s holy Heaven. Their carefully selected preachers of a new age, self-serving gospel are in place to further feed and comfort their already overfed bellies. Anyone not crucified to the sinful nature and pursuing God with a whole heart is dangling over the fires of eternal damnation by a spider thread. The Bible tells us that our central and foremost blessings are “spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.” (Eph. 1:3)
All “blessings” that are truly blessings from God begin with the “spiritual.” “Christ” and the magnificent salvation He alone wrought for us are the ultimate blessings for those apprehended by His love (saved; born again.) Beguiling seducers seek to “with feigned (fictitious) words make merchandise of you.” (2 Pet. 2:14)
Learn so you can discern.
Getting hold of and personally possessing the knowledge of the text at hand will help prevent our souls from being lured in by beguilers:
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.” Ephesians 1:3-4
We whom He has so graciously “blessed” with all “spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” have been “chosen in him before the foundation of the world” for the divinely-ordained purpose of being “holy and without blame before him in love.” (Eph. 1:3-4)
The messages of the false teachers and prophets are not toward Christ or His holiness, nor do they promote in the hearts of their hearers the fear of the LORD. Instead, they germinate and promote the “damnable” sins of greed and covetousness (Eph. 5:5-7).
These beguilers of unstable, unlearned souls preach a prosperity message apart from the cross of Christ which does not exist in the economy of the Almighty. When a person dies, the sum total of his net riches, when laid in the balance of His perfect justice, will be what of Christ his heart possesses.
Rich in Good Works
Paul addresses those in the body of Christ who are “rich in this world,” charging them to “be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God” (1 Tim. 6:17). The words God directs towards those who are “rich in this world” are frightening. Just when you covet to be rich in this life, beloved, you may want to count it a blessing that you are not, based on the temptations such power brings. Those rich in this world’s goods and monetary wealth are in a dangerous position. Jesus warned:
“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” Mark 10:25
In acknowledging His full counsel, let us also consider that Christ in addition told us in this passage that though it were nearly impossible for a rich man to enter Heaven, “with God all things are possible.” (Mk. 10:27)
James addresses the rich:
“Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth. Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter. Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you.” James 5:1-6
Tell me when you have ever heard the “prosperity” teachers take their audience line upon line through these texts! It seems obvious that they purposely evade these incriminating texts because it brings about the fear of God in the hearts of the hearers instead of a giving atmosphere where they reap large dividends of filthy lucre (ill-gotten gain). Be not deceived, they are clearly after monetary gain, not your well-being in God. Obviously, being rich in earthly wealth in itself is not sin, yet being rich in good works with those resources is essential to remaining in the LORD. There are numerous passages that address the need for God’s people to stay clear of covetousness, which would prevent one from the eternal kingdom of God (Mk. 10:25; Eph. 5:3-7; 1 Tim. 6; James 2, 5).
The apostle Paul sternly warned those in the body of Christ, that no “covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them.” (Eph. 5:5-7) What could be plainer? Believers are to be “rich in good works.”
“Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” 1 Timothy 6:17-19
Leading people to covet or pursue earthly riches is the message of false prophets and completely contrary to what Christ and His apostles taught (2 Pet. 2). Covetous and greed are deadly sins of idolatry. Anyone who dies in such rebellion, regardless of their past experience with the LORD, is going to spend eternity in hell (Eph. 5:5-9). Ephesians 5:5-7 is surely another Bible text deceivers purposely avoid. Ever heard this text preached?
“For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.” Ephesians 5:5-6
Jesus, in essence, taught us to empty our storehouses to build His house/kingdom in the hearts of men), so that the lure of earthly riches would not possess our hearts. His desire is that we would lay up treasure that is eternal, instead of feeding the iniquity of covetousness (Hag. 1; Lk. 12:13-40).
Less Is More
Less is more! Are you free? Is it not true, my friend, that the more we have in our possession, the more we worry that it will be taken away? Do the false teachers and false prophets tell us this simple reality? Never a mention. There have been some rich people, successful businessmen, who gave it all up to spend the rest of their days doing direct ministry. Every one of them will tell you how much more blessed they are now and how miserable they were on the hamster wheel of greed.
“…remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35
- “He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose.” ~ Jim Elliott
Some invest in this fleeting world like it will be here forever, when the LORD told us over and over that THIS LIFE AND WORLD AS WE NOW KNOW IT IS ALL GETTING READY TO PASS AWAY! (See Lk. 12; 1 Tim. 6; 1 Jn. 2:15-17)
Those leaders who are true to the Son of God possess and teach this revelation of Scripture. In the fear of the LORD, the believer, true to His Master, seeks His face perpetually for His holiness (Ps. 51). This would include the purging of all greed and covetousness from his heart. This is what he has called every one of His people to. To deny such is to deny Christ.
“Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” 2 Timothy 2:19
“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16
As His blood-purchased children, we should personally resolve to “depart from iniquity,” to be possessed by His “spirit of holiness,” to be conformed to Christ’s holy image (2 Tim. 2:19; Rom. 1:4; 8:29). One can only be drawn in by beguilers and seduced into coveting this world’s riches, if he refuses to seek the LORD to purge this sinful iniquity from his heart (2 Tim. 4:2-4). All those who love this world and the things herein, do not have the love of the Father in them, but instead, have made themselves the enemies of God (James 4:4; 1 Tim. 2:15-17). Un-purged lusts give way to deception. Knowing and living out God’s Word guarantees escape from such deception and the bondage brought upon all who enter into these sins. All who do not possess a love and obedience for divine truth, will be ensnared, overcome and captured by the enemy of all souls (2 Thess. 2:10-12).
Smooth Operators
Beguilers operate very smoothly and their deception is not detected by most. Many people do not know the Word of God and therefore they do not know or even begin to realize what is being left out of the messages they are hearing (fear of God, holiness). Smooth operating manipulators don’t convey the privilege and blessing of giving solely for the glory and love of God.
“Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.” Matthew 22:29
To allow this type of covetous deception is to blatantly disobey the LORD who bought us, and to actually fight against Him. All those who do not purge their hearts of love for this world and things in it, covetousness and greed, will be ensnared and ultimately damned (Eph. 3:5-7; 2 Tim. 4:2-4) for not loving the LORD supremely.
Donald Stamps, in the Life In the Spirit Study Bible writes:
- “The false teachers will commercialize the Gospel, being experts in greed and in getting money from believers to enhance their ministries and affluent lifestyles. Believers must be aware that one of the chief methods of false ministers is to use “feigned words” to tell impressive stories that are not true, or to give exaggerated statistics in order to inspire God’s people to give money. They glorify themselves and enhance their ministries with these fabricated stories (2 Corinthians 2:17). Thus, the unwary and sincere child of God becomes an object of exploitation. Because these ministers defile God’s truth and people with greed and deceit, they are assigned to doom and destruction.” (p. 1995)
These “false prophets…teachers” know that if they can get you to believe that what they are doing is truly “a move of God,” they can appeal to your emotions and you will give money to their ministry. This is exactly why they always say things like “this is God” or “this is a move of God” or “this is the anointing” or “Do you feel it?” Of course they say this – they are God’s special children and whatever they do is of God, right? Ever notice how all the “anointing” always revolves around them? How convenient! This is done in order to continue to direct attention to themselves for personal power and gain. Instead of truly exalting our LORD and Savior, they elevate themselves. They embellish themselves with the glory due only the Almighty (Ex. 34:14; 1 Cor. 1:29, 31). Our LORD told us plainly that when the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, came to live inside of every believer of the New Testament era, He would direct attention toward Jesus, not Himself or mere men:
“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. He shall glorify me….” John 16:13-14
The temptation or test of false prophets can be treacherous at times (Deut. 13:3-4). Beware, beloved, our LORD is coming. While He will protect those who truly continue to love Him supremely, He will not protect those who do not love His truth (2 Thess. 2:9-12), and He is also going to harshly reward all deceivers with eternal damnation.
“The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished.” 2 Peter 2:9
The temptation to esteem earthly riches above heavenly riches, is the ploy of the father of lies which he propagates via his false prophets and teachers and their messages.
MESSAGE TO THOSE WHO LOVE THIS WORLD AND THE THINGS OF THIS WORLD AND HAVE SAT THEMSELVES UNDER A “PROSPERITY PREACHER” WHO IS ALWAYS TALKING ABOUT HOW TO GET MORE MONEY: In order to continue serving the purposes of Satan, make sure you continue to give your monies to the false prophets so they can keep building bigger piles of sticks and bricks while refusing to build the body of Christ by preaching the whole Word of God and winning the lost for which Christ came and died. Keep funding their temporal temples and fattening the bellies of the deceivers who refuse to hear the cry of people in need that sit right under their lying noses every Sunday morning. If you want to serve Satan, there could be no more effective way to do so than this.
Jesus Cleansed the Temple
As an eternal memorial of His righteous and holy judgment against thieving and deceitful monetary practices, the Son of God cleansed the temple at the very opening and closing of His ministry on earth (Matt. 21:12-17; Jn. 2:12-17). He violently overthrew the deceitful practices of those in leadership who were making merchandise of those who came to seek the LORD. Such deceit is a sure way of coming under His condemnation.
“And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence (get them out of here); make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise. And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up (ignited His holy wrath).” John 2:16-17
As soon as these things were removed, His power, praise, prosperity and healing blessings were reinstated among His people (Matt. 21:12-17). Jesus stated:
“It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.” Matthew 21:13
The unchanging God feels no different today than He did then concerning greed mongers and their deceitful practices in His name and among His people. Such deceivers are in the cross-hairs of His scope of holy judgment. As Christ cleansed the temple in His hour in the flesh, He desires to cleanse our hearts of all greed for fleeting gain, which has prevented in us the holy hunger for the true and eternal riches that only He can grant.
Blinded by Greed
“But if thine eye (heart’s focus) be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:23-24
Covetousness and greed are sins of the heart and must be crucified. Many in the modern church spotlight today are simply running after greed to establish and build their own kingdom, and they therefore have been spiritually blinded. Many of them do not even realize this. These men are building their own kingdoms in the guise of building Christ’s. Jesus told us that He came to seek and to save that which was lost and sent His people forth to do the same. The Master builder Himself held no such ideal as becoming entrenched in this fleeting world, but rather to seek out each and every soul possible to become His and enjoy the forever world of Heaven, the place He is preparing for us (Jn. 14:1-6). This scenario in which men, who have hijacked His Church, use more subtle ways to make merchandise of others. All the greed and covetousness that underlies the latest building programs and expansion agendas of many kinds are mere expressions of a self-serving vision. This in part defines how they “make merchandise of you.” These men are exploiting God’s people for their own purposes. All this is done using Scripture, testimonials, stories, and various persuasions, to help people to give, give, give, to causes which are not governed by a clear understanding of the biblical revelation of what Christ came to do, and how such is to be accomplished. Many a vision today does not align with what Christ reveals in His Word as His kingdom purpose. These have forfeited the hearing ear and seeing eye to hear and see God’s Holy Spirit of truth and His direction. These are blind leaders who are leading their followers into the ditch of spiritual darkness.
“Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.” Matthew 15:14
There were those among the church at Laodicea who had this world’s goods and yet were weighed in the balance spiritually and found wanting – to the point of being rejected. Jesus told these self-deluded people:
“Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and [that] the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” Revelation 3:17-19
So, we see that it is possible to be rich in this world’s goods and under the judgment of God while thinking we are doing well. The LORD is calling us all to repent of our previous mindset and see things the way He sees them – to see riches the way He defines them, not the world’s way. When we get this understanding from Him, we will be able to discern those among us who would make merchandise of us. In effect, the charlatans of our day say through their message, “Sacrifice your money so we can spend it on our own vision.”
Seducing spirits are working through these men to garner monies that belong in the hands of true ministers of the LORD who truly do His work – building up His body, not merely physical orifices. Ministers and people whose hearts are steeped in the love of self wallow in greed and covetousness and are doomed to eternal destruction.
“Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core… Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever… walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling [words], having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage. But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.” Jude 11, 13, 16-18
“For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them.” Ephesians 5:5-7
Many of these ministers claim that God has called them to emphasize a “prosperity” message which the Bible defines as covetous.
“Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children.” 2 Peter 2:14
The greed-inspiring, covetous message they teach does not align with the message of the prophets or apostles, other than being the message of the false prophets exposed in God’s Word. Since these beguilers have not fled their idolatry and covetousness, they therefore reduce their “prosperity” message to the same. Being consumed with self-gain, they do not follow Jesus in seeking to save the lost; instead they view the lost as an opportunity to make themselves rich misusing and misapplying a portion of Proverbs 13:22 which reads; “…the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.” All judgment, holiness, taking up the cross, the eminent return of Christ, hell, etc. has long been purposely deleted from their messages. Such biblical truth is intentionally omitted due to its effect upon the people they seek to further lure into greed and keep in deception. The more greedy the people, the more they will give to get, and the richer these men become.
“Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.” 1 Peter 2:11
Those who have the love of God in them flee the sins that would defile their souls in the eyes of God, looking for pasture among God-fearing under-shepherds who truly serve the LORD and preach His full counsel, disregarding what men think (Eph. 5:25-27). When confronted with criticism about their practices, some of these covetous leaders in our midst further attempt to insulate themselves from exposé by using as a shield (out of context) the Old Testament verse “Touch not mine anointed and do my prophets no harm.” (1 Chron. 16:22) God was speaking about His true prophets here, so the greed-mongers who would use this verse to their own advantage are excluded. They privately interpret this text, not regarding that the LORD was speaking about His people as a whole, of which they are not (Ps 105). These “false teachers,” identified by their teachings and practices, are doomed for destruction, so how could they be His (2 Pet. 2-3)? Therefore we can conclude that “mine anointed” simply does not include them. Even more subtle than the one who seduces souls in a flashy way for self-gain are those who write the books that are astoundingly the best sellers among Christians today. They use little Scripture and when they do, many times it is used out of context, to perpetuate their own agenda and not aligned with the whole of Holy Scripture. Does this not also qualify for making merchandise of God’s people?
Refusal to Disclose the Full Counsel of the Lord
The premise of the “false prophets” and “false teachers” will appear to the un-discerning to be a legitimate work of God. Only those who truly know the LORD and His Word will be able to escape such deceptions as are in our midst and increasing exponentially in this last hour. Those who seek to extort revenues from their audiences intentionally withhold the hard truths of God’s Word in order to manipulate people for their own purposes. These pick the things from God’s Word that they choose to emphasize so they can posture people just where they want them to be in order to cause them to give the most amount of money to their coffers. Paul charged Timothy to “Preach the Word.” (2 Tim. 4:2) “The Word” pertains to the whole of God’s written Word, embodied in the “holy scriptures.” (2 Tim. 3:15-17) Perhaps it can be concluded that those in leadership positions who refuse to instruct in the full counsel of the LORD are either not mature and fully orbed in the Word themselves, or are purposely withholding the fullness of what God has stated in His Word (Acts 20:20, 27). May the LORD make all of His children to love and seek out the full counsel of His precious Word and endeavor to hold forth His words of life.
PRAYER: Holy Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, please remove all covetousness and greed from my heart. Please replace these sinful traits of covetousness and greed with Your love in liberal giving of my life and resources to others and for the furtherance of Your kingdom. Grant my heart and mind to have discernment concerning those who would deceive and fleece Your people, that I may be kept from furthering the cause of evil against Your holy name and the body of Christ. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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Apostasy
Beware of the Hebrew Roots Judaizing Snakes! [podcast]
BEWARE of the Judaizing snakes of the Hebrew Roots (HR) movement.
Are YOU a law-keeper/Torah-keeper OR a Christ-keeper? (Colossians 2:14-19)
Some speak of sabbath, shalom, law-keeping, Torah, obedience to Moses’ law, etc above Christ. RUN!
God’s people are “justified by faith” in Jesus, not law keeping (Romans 5:1, etc.). The problem is not with the types and shadows given us in Scripture of the Messiah who was to come. No, the issue here is with those who would bring you back under the law.
LOTS of Judaizers in our midst saints…. vainly believing that Jesus was not enough to save and redeem but rather that we have to help God out by keeping the Old law….. which would mean they are not saved by grace (lost souls) but vainly believe keeping torah (books of Moses) is going to save them and by doing so they have blasphemously denied Christ, the only Savior (John 1:17). Judaizers Exposed
THOSE WHO SPEAK ABOUT LAW-KEEPING INSTEAD OF THE ONLY ONE WHO PERFECTLY KEPT THE LAW, then nailed it to the cross, taking it out of our way, ARE ANTICHRISTS FROM HELL! (Colossians 2:14-19)
Anyone who gets saved and then doesn’t drill down into the doctrinal letters and epistles and get grounded in grace through faith justification and living, will be susceptible to being deceived by the antichrist judaizers in our midst. It will cost many of them their eternal souls. There will be not 1 law-keeping judaizing snake in Heaven. If you don’t know that, you are biblically illiterate. Romans. Galatians. Ephesians. Philippians. Colossians. Hebrews.
Men are “justified by faith” and kept “by faith.”
“Justified by faith”
“Therefore we conclude that a man is JUSTIFIED BY FAITH without the deeds of the law.” Romans 3:28
“Kept by faith”
“Who are KEPT by the power of God THROUGH FAITH unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” 1 Peter 1:5
Justified by faith but sanctified by law keeping????
NOT. “The just (those justified by God) shall live by faith.”
Born again New Testament disciples are saved by grace through faith. They are saved, justified, and sanctified by faith. They live by faith and not by law or law keeping. See Hebrews 11:6.
“For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith (not law to law): as it is written, The just shall live by faith (not law keeping).” Romans 1:17
“But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live BY FAITH.” Galatians 3:11
“Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back (go back to law keeping), my soul shall have no pleasure in him.” Hebrews 10:38
The False Teachings of the Hebrew Roots Movement
The Hebrew Roots (HR) movement is false, it’s a cloaked judaizing system designed by Satan to bring NEW Testament saints saved by grace back under the law… Galatians.
“The HRM (Hebrew Roots Movement) draws people away from the grace of God to a religion of works and legalism. Most of them I know are a bunch of Pharisees.” Jim Borge
Christ’s NEW Testament saints are saved by Him to love and keep Him upheld as the only Savior, LORD, and “Head” of His church (Colossians 2:14-19).
If you can read the following verse and still think you are going to be right with God by law-keeping or that you even can keep it perfectly, you are completely deranged, deceived, delusional, and hell bound.
“Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” Galatians 2:16
Are You Keeping All the Law Perfectly All the Time? Yes or No?
“For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” James 2:10
ONLY JESUS kept the whole law perfectly! Get over your sinful, pride-filled self… vainly thinking you can keep the whole law! (See James 2:10.) You’ve transgressed the law of God in many ways and all it takes is just one offense and you’re guilty of breaking all of the law! Repent and fall upon the mercy of God at the foot of the cross where Jesus bled to save your wicked soul. The law condemns you as a vile, depraved sinner! Only Jesus can save your wicked soul.
Those who put the law ahead of Christ are antichrists! (See Colossians 2:14-19.)
Without fail, one will find that each and every group that emphasizes the Jewish feasts, etc. are going to seek to suck believers back under the law. Book of Galatians! I stay far from these agents of Satan these days.
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” Galatians 5:1
YES the whole 66 book canon of the Bible is for us and yet, IT reveals that a NEW covenant superseded the Old one. The book of Hebrews reveals to us that a “BETTER covenant” with “BETTER promises” made the old covenant obsolete “for righteousness” (Hebrews 7:22; 8:6; Romans 10:4). The faith of the NEWWWW Testament saint, saved by grace, is not set upon trying to keep the law (“keeping Torah”) but rather set upon the only ONE to ever keep the law perfectly – then He – Christ, nailed it to the cross and “took it out of the way” (Colossians 2:14-19). It’s over so repent and get over it, now! The infinitely inferior old was a mere shadow of the infinitely superior NEW Testament that was to come and HAS come with Christ (Hebrews 10:1). Beware of the demonic Judaizing devils in our midst. They are snakes!
Those who pretend to “keep torah” openly reject Christ’s one perfect “It is finished” (paid in full) sacrifice and declaration (John 19:30).
What is a Judaizer? Simply put, a Judaizer is one who seeks to bring NEW Testament, saved by grace through faith saints back under the old law (Galatians 2:4-5).
Nothing has changed: As was the case in Galatia, these Judaizers are among us, actively seeking to bring saved-by-the-blood-and-grace of Christ, NEW Testament saints back under the law. These are the same demon-possessed wolves Paul dealt with repeatedly, most poignantly in Galatia. They come to spy out the liberty of the true, blood bought, saved by grace NEW Testament believers.
Christ told us that Satan has come “to steal, and to kill, and to destroy” (John 10:10). These ministers of Satan have no less of the same 3-tiered mission. They are “false brethren.”
“And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily (secretly) to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: 5 To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.” Galatians 2:4-5
Paul was a “shut down” preacher! He shut down Satan’s ministers who posed as representatives of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:12-15). The apostle shut the heretics down – hard and fast! (See Titus 3:10; Matthew 7:6.) How much time did Paul give Satan’s Judaizing agents who corrupted the Galatians? – “To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour” (Galatians 2:4-5).
Paul gave these vile Judaizers not even one hour. He cut them off swiftly in order to protect the sheep of Christ who shed His blood to purchase His people. Paul declared:
“I would they were even CUT OFF which trouble you.” Galatians 5:12
Here’s the Greek rendering for the term “cut off”:
“apokoptō
ap-ok-op’-to
From G575 and G2875; to amputate; reflexively (by irony) to mutilate (the privy parts): – cut off. Compare G2699.“
Make no mistake: “Cut off” is violent language. “Cut off” means to amputate, to mutilate ones private parts. Some believe Paul was saying that he would wish these agents of Satan who sought to lead astray Christ’s sheep to be castrated or killed. Such a stance doesn’t bode well with the more cowards we call pastors today who could care less if one of Christ’s sheep is led astray.
Those who tout “keep the Torah” mean to say “you have to keep the law to be righteous” and are antichrists….. They openly deny the full sufficiency of the one perfect sacrifice of the Son of God who as He bled on Calvary’s cruel cross cried “It is finished” which means that the price for mankind’s sin is “Paid in full” (John 19:30).
Those who get upset when Christ’s enemies who pose as His servants are exposed, are out of New Testament order. These blinded souls have no kingdom clue. They have been schooled by wolves who hide this self-evident Bible revelation. They read right over the mountains of Scripture dedicated to exposing false leaders and false teachings. Would to God we had more fearless men of truth such as was Paul and Christ’s other apostles!
PAUL, CHRIST’S apostle was no pansy when it came to false teachers!
Judaizers are to be rejected as heretics according to Matthew 7:6 and Titus 3:10-11. They are to be given no space – no platform.
“Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.” Matthew 7:6
“A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; 11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.” Titus 3:10-11
This Hebrew Roots delusion is no small matter. Eternal souls are in the balance. The Holy Ghost, through Paul reveals to us that Judaizers are operating in witchcraft, putting spells on people through demons and false teachings :
“O foolish Galatians, who hath BEWITCHED you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? 2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?” Galatians 3:1-3
The diabolical goal of Judaizers is to lead saved-by-grace Christians to fall from grace which means they become apostate – lost. – “Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; YE ARE FALLEN FROM GRACE” (Galatians 5:4).
The true Jews?
“For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: 29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.” Romans 2:28-29
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.
Keep Torah? No. Keep Jesus!
Paul says that there was “NO good thing” in him, that is, in his flesh and besides Christ (Romans 7:18). Being that we are all faulty, sinful, it’s pretty laughable that someone would trust their own ability to keep the law (which we’ve all broken) instead of trusting the only ONE – JESUS – who kept that law then nailed it to the cross and took it away (Colossians 2:14-17). It really is “finished” (John 19:30). For seeking to obtain righteousness, the law is over. It’s “the end” – “For Christ is THE END of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth” (Romans 10:4).
The book of Romans is the ABC’s of the Christian faith. Read it thoroughly to be grounded.
Who and What is the Law for?
“Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm. 8 But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; 9 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; 11 According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.” 1 Timothy 1:7-11
The above text reveals how the Law applies to saints and to sinners.
Born again saints are temples of the Holy Ghost who enables them to fulfill all righteousness. They need no law other than the “the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus.”
“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Romans 8:2-4
Read the book of Galatians several times through. Pray before you begin and pray through reading these divinely inspired words and defense of the Gospel of the grace of God, asking Him to reveal His mind to you on this matter of justification.
MESSAGE RECEIVED:
“We keep the law because we love Christ and His will is our joy.”
REPLY:
We keep Jesus, not the law. You are putting the law above CHRIST. You are in big trouble if you think that keeping the WHOLE law makes you righteous. Here’s the law true NEW Testament saints keep:
“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” Romans 8:2-4.
What you are doing is denying Christ openly, antichrist, by putting the law above Christ who alone kept the law perfectly – then nailed it to the cross, taking it out of the way! (See Colossians 2:14-19.)
The law is over for righteousness – done! “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth” (Romans 10:4).
MESSAGE RECEIVED:
“You misunderstand many things concerning the importance of the Jewish feasts.”
REPLY:
Sounds like you have a pseudo-superiority complex consistent with Hebrew Roots folk. You are camping on that which was a mere “shadow” that pointed to Christ who has ALREADY come! Hebrews 8-10. The NEW Covenant is infinitely superior to the infinitely inferior covenant it replaced….. True disciples of Jesus view the Old Covenant through the revealed knowledge (eyes) of the NEW Covenant which was ratified in the blood of the Messiah and not vice versa. You err and misunderstand many things. Jesus has come and is the all in all for His true disciples.
COMMON OBJECTION:
“He has not come to abolish the law, but to fulfill it!”
REPLY:
“Fulfill” in Matthew 5:17 means to expire! When He died on the cross, fulfilling the law perfectly, Jesus nailed it to the cross and took it away! See Colossians 2:14-17. “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth” (Romans 10:4).
That “fulfill” thing in Matthew 5:17 is something I’d like us to explore. It would seem fitting that Jesus, as He says this BEFORE the cross, seems to possibly be saying that He is going to fulfill all the righteousness of the law (that the righteous law demanded) and then nail it to the cross in His death, and take it away. Couple this with Colossians 2:14-17.
“Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; 15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. 16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: 17 Which are a shadow (illustration, forth telling) of things to come; but the body is of Christ. 18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.” Colossians 2:14-19
Before He went to the cross, Jesus said:
“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil (satisfy the claims of, expire). 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” (Matthew 5:17-18)
“fulfil” – Greek, definition … think of this in respect to Christ’s utter uniqueness in all of history – being the only One to ever keep/fulfill the Law perfectly.
“G4137
πληρόω
plēroō
play-ro’-o
From G4134; to make replete, that is, (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute (an office), finish (a period or task), verify (or coincide with a prediction), etc.: – accomplish, X after, (be) complete, end, expire, fill (up), fulfil, (be, make) full (come), fully preach, perfect, supply.”
The Picture or the Person?
Are you embracing the mere shadow or the Savior? The picture or the Person?
Picture a Marine returning home from a long war deployment. After being gone from his wife for several long years, when he arrives home, his wife says “Hi baby! I love you! Welcome home! Listen, I’ve gotten accustomed to your picture (a mere shadow of who her husband is) and so I’ve prepared you your own bedroom upstairs so that you can sleep there while I sleep in the master bedroom with your picture!”
What would you think if you heard a story like that? This is an accurate illustration of the absurdity of those who put more emphasis on the mere shadows of Jesus in the Old Testament than in Jesus Himself! These are they are are “NOT (up)holding (magnifying) the Head” who is Jesus and who has COME and fulfilled what those mere shadows depicted before He came (Colossians 2:18-19).
Please prayerfully pour over the words of Hebrews 8-10 which contrasts the mere shadows of the Old Covenant with the reality of the infinitely superior New Covenant which was ratified in the very blood of the only begotten Son of God. Read these chapters several times.
One writer notes:
“When the believer has died with Christ he is then dead to the law. Rom 7. The unbeliever who is not positionally dead with Christ is still under the law.
Being dead to the law means the believer has been removed out from under the curse of, tyranny under and slavery to the law and its administrators, the principalities and powers.
The believer is out from under the accusation, condemnation, judgment, wrath and execution of the law. 2 Cor 3; Rom 8:1-4
The law is ‘taken out of the way’ (Col 2:14) of those who have died with Christ.
It is still a barrier between Christ and the unbelieving person.
The law killed Jesus and destroyed itself in so doing. John 19:7.
There are two ways in the Bible. The way of Law and the way of the cross. Law kills. Grace dies and is raised up free from the law. Law is for those ‘taken out of their way.’
The Law was a shadow or caricature of God/Christ. Agape love is the reality, body or substance of God/Christ. Jesus filled the caricature/shadow with His reality.
Would they rather have a caricature or the real person?
Would you rather have a picture of a home or a real home??
The Law still applies to unbelievers. 1 Tim 1. Love is the fulfilling of the law. Rom 13:10. Agape love has come to us through the pouring out of the Holy Spirit into our hearts. Rom 5:5. Agape (unconditional love) does not exist in the old Covenant (Old Testament). So love fulfills the law in that we are motivated to keep the law rules without a human effort focus on rules. Obedience to the rules is a spontaneous byproduct rather than a focus, obligation or result of fear of violating.
Example illustration: One driver slows down in school zone because he is afraid of the penalty. He is under the law. The other driver slows down (fulfills the law) because he loves children. He is keeping the law without being under the law. Agape is controlling him. Love ‘constrains’ him. 2 Cor 5:14″
Working for salvation by attempting to keep “the whole law” will bring great misery and end up in eternal damnation (James 2:10). Better just to admit you are not worthy, a vile, depraved sinner in need of the one Savior who paid the full price for your sins on that cross!
“Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” Romans 4:4-5
Apostasy
Direction in God’s Word? [podcast]
Nourished Up in God’s Word [podcast]
“Great podcast. Thank you. If you want to really fall in love with the scriptures, read Psalm 119. I spent probably a year reading, studying, and memorizing it. This Psalm was written for us, to begin to love God’s Word as much as the Psalmist did, which is what happened to me. My heart was truly transformed. The beloved David’s whole heart was dedicated to studying, obeying, meditating and learning all of the Word of God, so he could live a righteous and holy life, fully devoted to the Lord. We should live and breath the Scriptures and meditate on them day and night (Psalm 1:2).” Karen Cochran
“If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.” 1 Timothy 4:6
Remaining “nourished up” in the Word of God is essential to enduring to the end. God’s Word is the divine fuel for all of His beloved saints.
Ingesting, devouring God’s words daily is invigorating to our spirits and essential to our lives in Christ!
Biblical Topics Sampling:
- Love/Charity: 1 Corinthians 13 “The love chapter”
- Origin of all Life/Civilization: Genesis 1-11
- 10 Commandments: Exodus 20:1-17
- Revelation 2-3: Christ addresses the 7 churches of Asia. There are many all-important truths and rebukes completely applicable to us now in being ready for Christ’s return.
- Fearing the LORD: Josh. 24:14; Ps. 2:11-12; 86:11; Prov. 1:7, 29; 8:13; 14:26-27; 22:4: Eccl. 12:13; Matt. 10:28; Lk. 12:4-5
- Sin: man’s core problem and dilemma: Gen. 3; 6:5; Jer. 17:5, 9; Rom. 3; 1 Jn. 1:7-2:2
- Proverbs: There are 31 chapters in Proverbs. 1 per day for a month complete the book.
- Prayer: Matt. 6:6, 26:41; Mk. 1:35; Phil. 4:6; Col. 4:2,12
- Overcoming Sin: Romans 6; 13:14
- The 7 Abominations: Prov. 6:16-19
- Forgiveness: Matt. 18:21-35; Mk 11:25-26
- The Crucified life: Lk. 9:23-24; 2 Cor. 4:10-12; Gal. 2:20; Col. 3:3
- Humility: Prov. 22:4; Matt. 20:20-28; James 4:6-10
- Spiritual Maturity: Heb. 5:11-14, 6:1-3
- Marriage/Dating/Divorce/ReMarriage: Deut. 24; 1 Corinthians 7
- The Written Word: Psalms 119; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21
- Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 5-7
- 6 Principle (foundational) Doctrines of Christ: Heb. 6:1-3
- Correction/Rebuke: Gal. 6:1-2; Prov. 25:9; Matt. 18:15-17; 2 Tim. 3:16
- Sin/Grace Righteousness: Romans 1-5
- Abstaining From Fornication: 1 Thess. 4:1-8; 1 Cor. 6:13-19
- False Prophets/Teachers: Jer. 23; Ezek. 34; Matt. 23; Jude 1; 2 Pet. 2
- Spiritual Gifts: 1 Corinthians 12, 14
- Love/Truth/Light: 1 John 1-5 First John Is Called ‘The Book of Certainties’
- Return of Christ: Luke 12:40; 21:34-36; 1 Thess. 4:16-18, etc.
- God of Restoration: Luke 15, 19:10
- Disciple’s Prayer Model: Matt. 6:9-12
- Riches: Matt. 6:19-21; Luke 12, 16; 1 Timothy 6:5-19
- The Divinity of Jesus Christ: Gospel of John (Hi-Lite & cross-reference every reference to Christ’s divinity); Jn. 1:1-2, 14; 8:58; 20:28; Eph. 3:9; Col. 1:16-17; 1 Tim. 3:16; 6:15-16; Rev. 1:8
- Wisdom: Prov. 8; James 1:5; 1:13-17
Putting God first in your day is a deliberate decision and act. It’s non-negotiable to the truth disciple. Such will never happen by accident. Take control of your time for Jesus or your time will continue to take control of you. Memorize 2 Timothy 2:15 and obey the LORD.
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
“Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read: no one of these shall fail …” Isaiah 34:16
Read God’s Word itself, yourself (KJB). THAT is God speaking. Every time you read His Word, God is speaking to you.
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33
Becoming familiar with these texts will help you in your own walk with the LORD and in helping others (being able to teach and refer to these passages). You will be well on your way to a rich and full life of Bible literacy & usefulness in God’s kingdom as you begin to learn the above listed topics of truth. Hi-Lite, underline, cross-reference.
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
The KEY to understanding the mind of Christ being communicated in any book of the Bible: First, read that book 10-20 straight through to gain a knowledge of it, to begin to grasp the divine transmission. Then, go back and study it verse by verse in a more in-depth break down of the text.
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” 1 Peter 3:15
Let’s not come up empty handed any longer! Make the quality decision to learn God’s Word for yourself and stop depending on others. Embarking upon diligent topical and systematic Bible study is the answer.
“Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?” Proverbs 22:20-21
The Word of God is learned, one truth at a time, “But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little.” (Isaiah 28:13)
YOU cannot possibly be flourishing in Christ if you are not dwelling “richly” (abundantly) in His Word – both in your own personal, daily life and concerning Christ’s true body! (Colossians 3:16) If you are not surrounded with people you can have BIBLICAL conversations with, you have surrounded yourself with counterfeits!
“Presently, I am in 1 Kings, reading all the way through the Bible again, and also reading through Revelation backwards. Personally I like to read several chapters every morning to begin the day and like to include Old Testament, Poetic books, and New Testament chapter readings….. along with pouring over passages like 1 Cor 13; Phil 2:3-5; Col. 3:1-4, 12-14;” T.
“In 1 Thessalonians reading through the Bible.” Jason
“I am reading Mark.” Michele
“Philippians—Paul’s letter in prison—and joy.” Joe
“I’ve been Reading James And 1st and 2nd Peter This Week.” Connie
“Working my way through 1 Sam (ch 14 finished now) Psalms 77 and John chapter 4 finished. Trying to read through in 6 months. I enjoy listening (KJB on YouTube) while I read also.” Nathan
LET’S LEARN GOD’S WORD TOGETHER – ONE TRUTH AT A TIME: This message was sent out to each person who is on our Moments For My Master email devotional list. We would love to add you and have the privilege of nourishing your heart with God’s Word (1 Tim. 4:6). Sign up here.
MORE TOPICS
Adultery Matthew 5:27-28, 32
Adversity Romans 8:28
Afraid Psalms 34:4, 56:3
Alcohol Ephesians 5:18
Anger Ephesians 4:26-27, 31-32
Anxiety Philippians 4:4-7
Apprehension Matthew 6:31-33
Astrology Deuteronomy 18:9-14
Backbiting Hebrews 12:14-15
Backsliding Psalms 51
Bereaved 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Burdens 1 Peter 5:6-11
Conceit Luke 18:9-14
Contention Proverbs 13:10. 22:10
Confusion 2 Corinthians 10:3-6
Covetousness Exodus 20:17, Romans 7:7
Crisis Psalms 121
Criticism Romans 12
Cursing James 3:10
Daydreaming 2 Corinthians 10:3-6
Deceit Colossians 2:8
Defeated Romans 8:31-39
Depression Isaiah 61:1-3. Psalms 34
Despair 2 Corinthians 4:8
Destruction Psalms 103; Proverbs 18:12
Disaster Threatens Psalms 91
Discouragement Isaiah 42; Psalms 23
Disobedience John 15:14
Divorce Mark 10:2-12
Doubt Proverbs 3:5-6; Hebrews 11
Drugs 2 Corinthians 7:1
Drunkenness Luke 21:34-36
Envy Proverbs 14:30
Excuses Luke 14:15-24
Faith Falls Psalms 42:5
Fantasy 2 Corinthians 10:3-6
Fatigue Isaiah 40:31
Fault finding Matthew 7:1-5
Fear 2 Timothy 1:7; Luke 12:5
Fear of Rejection Ephesians 1
Fornication 1 Corinthians 6:18-20
Friends Fail 2 Timothy 4:16-18
Gluttony Proverbs 23:2
Gossip Proverbs 13:3
Greed Matthew 19:24
Grief Isaiah 53:3-4
Guilt Romans 8:1
Hatred 1 John 2:11
Heartbreak Psalms 147:3
Heaviness Isaiah 61:1-3
Hurting John 14
Idleness Proverbs 19:15
Idolatry 1 John 5:21
Inadequacy Philippians 4:13
Incest Leviticus 20:11,12,14
Inferiority Philippians 4:13
Impure Thought 2 Peter 2:10
Insomnia Proverbs 3:24
Intolerance 1 Corinthians 13
Irritability 1 Corinthians 13
Jealousy Proverbs 6:34
Judging Romans 14:10-13
Laziness Hebrews 6:12, Proverbs 19:15
Legalism Galatians 3
Lethargy Proverbs 21:24-26
Loneliness John 14; Psalms 23
Lying Revelation 21:8
Lust Matthew 5:28
Manipulation 2 Peter 2
Masturbation Romans 1:24-28
Materialistic 1 John 2:15-17
Mocking Proverbs 17:5
Murder Exodus 20:13
Negativism 2 Corinthians 1:20
Nervousness Philippians 4:6
Obsessive Behavior Galatians 5:16-25
Occult Deuteronomy 18
Overly Sensitive 1 Corinthians 13
Passivity Matthew 10:33
Pouting Matthew 6: 14-15
Prejudice James 2: 1-13
Pressure Proverbs 3:25-26
Pride Proverbs 16:18
Profane 1 Timothy 1:9
Protection Psalms 27
Quarreling Ephesians 4:25-32
Rape 2 Corinthians 7:1
Rebellion 1 Samuel 15:23
Rejection John 14
Resentment Hebrews 12
Restlessness Psalms 46:10
Retaliation Romans 12
Revenge Matthew 5:43-48
Sadness Nehemiah 8:10
Scorning Proverbs 22:10
Selfishness 2 Corinthians 9:1-14
Self-pity Philippians 4:8-9
Self-righteousness Luke 18:9-14
Self-rejection Psalms 139:14
Self-will Isaiah 53:6
Sensuality Galatians 5:16-26
Sexual Impurity Proverbs 6:24-35
Sin Psalms 66:18; 1 John 1:9; John 8:34-36
Slow to Forgive Matthew 18:21-35
Sorrow Isaiah 53
Spite Isaiah 50:6
Stealing Exodus 20:15
Strife James 3
Stubbornness 1 Samuel 15:23
Submission 1 Peter 2:13-17
Suicide Exodus 20:13
Suspicion Exodus 20:16
Swearing Colossians 3:8
Temper 2 Peter 1:5-8
Tempted Matthew 26:41
Too Quick to Speak James 3:1-13
Unbelief Hebrews 3:12-13
Unforgiveness Matthew 18:21-35
Vanity Galatians 5:26
Violence Ezekiel 45:9
Weariness Hebrews 12:3; 2 Thessalonians 3:13
Witchcraft Galatians 5:20
Workaholic Romans 10:3; Ephesians 2:8-9
Worldliness 1 John 2: 15-17
Worry Isaiah 35:3-5; 26:3-4
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Articles
False Apostles Exposed!
Ever notice today who everyone and their uncle’s dog is supposedly an “apostle”? Laughable. Heretical. Holy Scripture specifically addresses “false apostles” two times.
“For such are FALSE APOSTLES, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” 2 Corinthians 11:13-15
Any man pretending to be an “apostle” is one of the “false apostles.”
To the Ephesian assembly of believers, Jesus said:
“I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried (tested) them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:” Revelation 2:2
Those who falsely claim to be apostles “are evil.”
Below is a specific exposé of a network of false apostles. Most deceivers use similar schemes and methods to prey upon the unlearned.
“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
Reasoning away the blatant error and deception of these self-appointed so-called “apostles” is unwise and will result in being misled and damned ultimately (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12; 2 Peter 3:17). It doesn’t matter how many good things are on their site and presented in their ministry, it’s a false ministry based on the fact that they are elevating themselves as “apostles” and deceitfully manipulating people with mind control to believe they need these wolves for spiritual maturity. This is a classic, easily discerned deception (2 Peter 2:17). This is classic Nicolaitan deceit. Jesus says He hates these deeds and doctrines (Revelation 2:6, 15).
“In fact it would be the same as attempting to elevate oneself in the power of the self, over other believers, as Jesus told us we are not to be doing. Reference where the disciples were arguing with each other over which of them was the greatest. Same would be true of a a person elevating themselves as a Pope.” Trevor Gamble
Most deception is simple mind control which is witchcraft to get gullible people under their spell and false leadership by making them think they need these “living apostles.” It’s a scam.
“Beware lest any man spoil (ruin) you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power.” Colossians 2:8-10
These “false apostles” will verbally agree with the fact that all true believers are “complete” in Christ and yet, they add to His Word and plan by insisting that THEY are Christ’s appointed “apostles” whom the LORD has sent to perfect them (those they are preying on). This is nonsense folks. This is no different than the Catholic cult convincing their prey that Peter was the first pope. We know that isn’t biblical and yet, when someone is convinced of this lie, they then wrongly believe that the Roman religion is the one true religion that extends from Christ and Peter. So, like Rome, these “false apostles” add themselves into the simple equation given us in the original Gospel of Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 2:5). More on this below …
We hope that these men will contact us with proof that they have repented and are bringing forth tangible fruits consistent with that true repentance (Matthew 3:7-8).
Self-Appointed “Apostle” John Welty Exposed
Any man calling himself a prophet or apostle is a fraud.
John Welty is a part of the “Second 8th Week Ministries.” Their website reads: “Living Apostles Today | Restoring the Church Back to Her First Love.” This clearly indicates that they believe that no one alive today among the true servants of Christ are able to do this work of Christ except them – the “living apostles.” This statement infers that until now, the body of Christ has not been able to grow into full maturity but now it can since they are on the scene. Another false apostle involved is self-appointed “apostle” Eric Vonanderseck.
“The apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers of the Second 8th Week welcome you. Hear what God is saying to the church through His apostles and prophets. If God has been preparing your heart for transition and change, be ready to be ignited by the Spirit to the fulness of the hope of Christ. This is a time of separation, a time of challenge, and a time of rejoicing. (Isaiah 42:16)”
This is a network set up to entrap and ensnare souls (Ezekiel 22:25-27). Note the typical buzz words and terms used by false ministries such as “transition and change” and “ignited.” This witchcraft, manipulation, and mind control is being wielded over the minds of men and women.
Note: A warning has been sent by us to these men in hopes that they would see the light of truth and turn to the LORD before it’s too late. No reply back was received to date. It is our prayer that these men will repent and turn their lives over to the LORD afresh in humility and brokenness. If they do, they will become genuinely broken, drop their titles, and begin serving God’s people instead of exploiting them for personal gain. Yet, for now the alarm must be sounded so that others can escape the snare of their falsehoods and counterfeit pretentious “ministry.” Our desire is not to condemn or be harsh. These things must be done in obedience to our LORD to protect precious souls (Romans 16:17-18; Hebrews 13:20; Jude 3-4, etc.).
Yet, we pray these guys themselves will turn to the LORD
At the top of the page on his personal website, John Welty didn’t even pay enough attention or purposely used a lower case “c” when referring to Jesus Christ. Keep this in mind as you read the following concerning this ravening wolf (Ezekiel 22:25-27; Matthew 7:15).
Did you notice this paragraph on this guy’s site? I high lighted some things…..
“Truth, which comes through living apostles, makes all the necessary connections so that we may recognize the pattern God set for our faith to follow. With truth in the heart, we learn how to meet God’s expectations through sanctified faith in Christ which joins our faith perfectly to Him that we may experience the power and fullness of Christ.”
Typical tricky and deceit-filled language used here. Welty is positioning himself by conditioning the reader to believe there are “living apostles” and that those apostles have the same amount of kingdom authority as did Paul and the original twelve and that we are to submit to them. Not quite! Though I do believe there are apostles today, I don’t believe they fulfill the same function or place in God’s kingdom as did the original twelve and Paul, and that if they are an apostle and a true one, they are probably humble enough not to refer to themselves as an apostle. They simply go about humbly serving.
You see, if wolves like John Welty can convince the unlearned that they need him then he’s got them in his grip. After all, John Welty is a “living apostle,” right? Wrong!
We are often warned in Scripture of beguilers like John Welty.
Read and commit to memory the following verse and it will keep you till the end beloved in this time of great and treacherous apostasy:
“For of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.” 2 Peter 2:17
Read it one more time please. This is key.
When you allow a man to “overcome” you with a lie such as Welty is peddling, then he will bring you under his “bondage” to the lies he perpetrated upon your life.
When we are truly submitted to Jesus Christ, rooted and grounded in Him and therefore His love and truth, we will escape such beguilers.
Notice how these so-called “apostles” have inserted themselves in the equation? Didn’t God tell us that there is only “ONE Mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus”? (1 Timothy 2:5). Did you catch the word “necessary” Welty used? This is classic, typical Nicolaitan (conquer the laity by convincing them they need you) usurping. Jesus says He hates this (Rev. 2:6, 15). “False apostles” is one of the perils Paul faced (2 Corinthians 11:13).
These so-called “apostles” need to repent and begin obeying Jesus by not using titles and calling themselves mere servants who do not merit being saved much less ruling unwarranted over God’s children (Matthew 20:24-28; 23:8-12; Ephesians 3:8; 1 Timothy 1:15).
The 5-fold eldership giftings are to be used to glorify God was SERVING HUMBLY among His people and not to use as a title to build ones own brand in self-promotions (Romans 12:3-8; Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Peter 4:10-11). This is a direct contradiction of what Christ taught about the necessity of humility among His people (Matthew 20:20-28; 23:8-12).
Another clue to his smoke-blowing scam is that he is a cloud and wind without rain or without any substance (Proverbs 25:14).
“These are wells without water (no substance), clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. 18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.” 2 Peter 2:17-18
This guy is very long winded to make little simple points that aren’t even biblical and he really doesn’t make those points well if at all. Doesn’t the Bible tell us that the LORD is not the author of confusion? See 1 Corinthians 14:33. It would seem, at least in part, that John Welty is striving in the flesh and wanting “job security” as it’s called today. In other words, he wants people to think they need him which would assure his rule over them and being funded. So he’s deliberately not upholding the “Head” but instead he’s usurpingly intercepting the worship due only to Christ, the only Head of His body from which all divine virtue flows. See Colossians 2:18-19.
These “false apostles” give themselves away by never mentioning the very “the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus.” Jesus alone is “the Apostle and High Priest of our profession.”
“Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;” Hebrews 3:1
Isn’t it interesting how much time and energy these circus clown wolves spend claiming and touting their own self-appointed, supposed apostleship and say little or nothing about the very “Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus”? Now that’s a huge red flag, waving profusely!
The “Apostle” that matters is Jesus Christ, not modern men who wish to elevate themselves among other men by touting titles and thereby deceiving and snaring souls.
Paul, a known servant and true apostle of Jesus, appointed by Christ Himself, stated:
“Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?” 1 Corinthians 1:13
Inserting so-called modern “apostles” into the equation is Nicolaitan domination over other souls which is witchcraft, which Jesus says He hates (Revelation 2:6, 15). JESUS Christ is building HIS true church as He promised and warns us about false prophets and false apostles, especially in these final days.
“The spirit of antichrist” opposes Christ by replacing Him who told us He is the only way (John 14:6). Those possessed with “the spirit of antichrist” don’t antichrist” don’t “consider” or esteem and factor in the only true Christ – Jesus Christ. They factor Him out of their message and your mind and life. That’s the very job of “the spirit of antichrist” who is Satan himself who has come to “steal, and to kill, and to destroy” (John 10:10). The “spirit of antichrist” is that evil spirit that works to replace Christ with something or anything else, derailing those who once knew Him (Colossians 2:8; 18-19; 1 Timothy 4:1-3; Hebrews 3:12-14; 1 John 4:1-3). Anti means in place of and so “the spirit of antichrist” replaces Christ with a false Christ or anything else (1 John 4:1-3). So, this evil spirit, working through false apostles like John Welty, seeks to replace Christ with himself in the lives of the people he preys upon.
You see, this guy is not preaching Christ but self. Paul said “We preach Christ crucified” (1 Corinthians 1:23). Welty distorts and throws out smokescreens with lots of fluff and stuff that goes undetected by those who have chosen to reject Christ in their own personal lives and therefore don’t study diligently His written Word. They therefore find it intriguing to hear all this acrobatic language that makes him appear as if he is a guru who has a special line to God and yet, in reality, what he says amounts to nothing.
Paul says: “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
You will most likely never hear John Welty say those words and if you do, he will twist them. Welty is glorying in self, not the Savior. Those snared by this man’s ministry of deceit will be like Welty – self-serving and Savior-rejecting.
1 John 4
“1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.”
Glory intercepted: This fellow is under “strong delusion,” even having been sent by God this “spirit of antichrist” (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12). If you look at large segments of this guy’s work, you will not see him preaching and confessing Jesus Christ who came in the flesh because he is purposely x-ing Jesus out of the message in order to be able to elevate and establish himself and give job security to himself. The spirit of antichrist comes on those who want to reign over their own lives as Lucifer vaunted himself against the Almighty but was cast down for doing so.
If you are going to understand how the enemy works, you must understand the following passage which holds the key to understanding and being able to detect the work of the enemy of all souls:
Isaiah 14
“12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.”
Did you see the 5 “I”‘s of Lucifer?
In Heaven in eternity past, Lucifer, who is now Satan, appointed himself to be “like the most High.” This is exactly what the self-appointed, so-called “little gods” of today do as they seek to wield their manipulation over the people just as Lucifer did and was successful at garnering a third of the angels in Heaven who joined him in rebelling against God (Revelation 12:7-12). The first rebel, Lucifer, was cast out of God’s presence violently and permanently because “God resisteth (sets Himself against) the proud” (James 4:6).
Ezekiel, the servant of the LORD, was told by God to “Speak WITH MY WORDS unto them” (Ezekiel 3:4). Timothy was charged to simply and only “Preach the word” (2 Timothy 4:2).
Note what the elders of Israel did in ministering to God’s people:
“So they read in the book in the law (written Word) of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.” Nehemiah 8:8
They simply read God’s Word to the people and helped them “understand” GOD’s Word. ANY person in “ministry” who is not doing this is a bona fide wolf on this basis alone.
As the video goes on, Welty speaks of “tools we can use daily.” I don’t like this word “tools” for more than one reason but firstly, I don’t like it because it’s not biblical language. What’s wrong with using the word “tools” and other non-scriptural terms and words? Well, lots. The premise from which he speaks is that WE use God and the things He has given us instead of being LED by and of Him. In this guy’s Luciferic theology, we take what God gives and use it as we see fit. He’s an enemy of the cross of Christ (Philippians 3:18-19). When we obey Jesus, we lay down our lives and deny self, take up the cross and follow Christ who is “the resurrection” and raised us up in His power, humbled before Him and simply following His lead. “As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God” (Romans 8:14). Do you see the difference here of being led by the Spirit and taking things into our own hands, even the “tools” God gives us? In this guy’s corrupted theology, God isn’t in control but he is.
Then he speaks of these so-called modern apostles whom he says “God” has called to “steward these things to you.” In other words, you need THEM. THEY are essential, not Christ, but them. You seeing this baiting and switching? This is slight of hand friends of Christ, so beware!
He says “this is what Christ is doing….. not apart from my stewardship but through it.” So, according to this wolf’s deranged theology, you must have him to have the work of God done in your life. It’s through him, not Christ but him, that God is doing His work. Absurd!
Then he says Christ was not our substitute but rather did what He did for “our benefit.” There we go again – he is making everything revolve around man when God’s Word teaches us that man is utterly depraved, corrupted, and sinful and that Jesus Christ is the propitiation for our sin. This man has replaced who the Messiah revealed in Holy Scripture with a false Christ that simply does all he does for the benefit of man. He’s like some cosmic bellboy who has come to give man tools to do his (man’s) own bidding as he sees fit as his own little god.
He uses more code language here such as “sanctified contact.” No such term or language appears in Holy Scripture. It’s like these guys create their own language to hoodwink the unlearned who refuse to study God’s Word and seek His face.
“Nine spiritual tools”? There are nine “GIFTS” of the Holy Spirit given to the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:4-12) and nine dimensions of “the FRUIT of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-23); but never are nine or any “tools of the spirit” mentioned. What spirit is this man speaking by and of? The answer should be obvious.
Ouch, then he digs himself deeper with this feigned idea and worn out scheme of “learning the language of the covenant.” But his use of the words “language of the covenant” is not referring to simply learning the language given us as Holy Scripture which would be the language of God’s covenant if you will. You see, by his whole new language, he has to complicate the simple Gospel, the original Gospel, in order to establish his own position and profession and make people believe he is above them; and that they need him to know all these useless things he is putting forth and making sound fancy. To the contrary, Paul speaks of “the simplicity that is in Christ”:
2 Corinthians 11
“2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
5 For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.
6 But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things.”
John Welty is the typical esoteric clairvoyant channeler or medium who feigns to have some special line to God; and be a modern apostle of Jesus in order to trick people into submission to his high and mighty calling and Luciferian self. This man is a self-appointed false apostle and false prophet just as we are warned about in Holy Scripture (2 Corinthians 11:13). As we are doing here in identifying and exposing this false apostle. So did the Ephesian believers. Jesus said to them:
“I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried (tested) them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:” Revelation 2:2
Welty is a classic and typical example of a man who does not memorize God’s Words but rather has learned a simulated certain type of terminology in order to feel as though he has something unique that people need to learn. That’s his purpose for not preaching God’s Word – so he can introduce and seduce. Instead of simply teaching the written Word of God, false ministers try to come up with something different or something other than just the Bible so that they have their own brand of ware to peddle and make themselves seem unique and a needed commodity. But the Bible instructs us to “Preach the word” and to “speak with MY words unto them;” and “If any man speak, let him speak as of the oracles (written Word) of God” (2 Timothy 4:2; Ezekiel 3:4; 1 Peter 4:11).
I don’t sense the Holy Spirit in this man’s life at all which would be evidenced by “the fruit of the Spirit” or that Christ-like evidence produced in the life of the true disciple who is dying to self and being conformed to the holy and humble image of the Son of God who loved us and gave Himself for us (Romans 8:28; Galatians 5:22-23). A self-serving man is a man who is separated from Him who “is love” (1 John 4:8, 16). With no exceptions, those who are possessed with the fruit of God’s love live their lives to serve others and not exploit them for selfish cause.
Welty’s use of the words, “being in submission to my stewardship as an apostle,” gives his whole gig away. To the contrary, the Bible says:
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
Submitting to God is what is important, not submitting to mere sinful men. And, we are commanded to only submit to those servant elders who preach only God’s pure Word, and diligently watch for our souls (Hebrews 13:7, 17). Such a servant is very rare and nearly impossible to find in this late hour.
Welty’s system of submission is no different that that used by the catholic church which has added itself to the equation of salvation, falsely claiming that there is no salvation outside of Rome. But the true believer knows there’s only one Hope, one Way, one Truth, one who is eternal Life, one Mediator, and one great Intercessor!
Listen to what the apostle of Jesus, Paul, said concerning his place as an apostle:
“Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith (faith in God not Paul) ye stand.” 2 Corinthians 1:24
Yet Welty, and deceivers like him, claim to possess some great authority that believers should submit to. Nonsense!
Paul said that the Corinthian disciples of JESUS were only to follow him AS he followed Christ, and not if he departed from the faith and ceased to follow Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1). Paul was protecting the people even against himself, of whom he said he must “KEEP under” his body and bring it into subjection lest he also become rejected as a reprobate or one who is “castaway” from God (1 Corinthians 9:27). The apostle Paul, a true apostle of Jesus Christ said to the Galatians, that even if a very angel from HEAVEN (not hell), or if he (Paul) ever told them anything different than what he gave them in giving them the Gospel of Christ, that they were to consider him “accursed” (Galatians 1:6-9).
“But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach ANY other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach ANY OTHER gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” Galatians 1:8-9
This guy is a false as they come. I stopped the video here. It should be more than clear that John Welty is a child of Satan himself, posing as a minister of righteousness.
2 Corinthians 11:12-15
“12 But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.
13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.”
This guy is so obvious that part of me wants to burst out laughing, and the other part is very sad that there are so many severely lost and unlearned souls who would follow this error; and are one step away from the Lord’s wrath and don’t even realize it.
Paul, a true servant and God-fearing overseer, cried with literal tears for three years day and night, because he knew devouring wolves were going to enter in from among the people of God to lead away and destroy souls. He therefore commended them to the Word of God which is our only protection – but only as we ourselves seek His face and study what He told us in His Word.
Acts 20:27-32
“27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.”
In verse 32 Paul gives you and me the solution and safeguard to deceit and wolves – “the word” which is able to grant us a heavenly “inheritance.”
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“Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. 10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: 11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” 2 John 9-11
Concerning apostles, one servant writes:
“I believe the scripture bears out that the use of the title of apostle should be reserved for those first apostles who were taught directly from the mouth of the Lord. That would include the eleven, plus Mathias, and Paul. Those apostles will forever be held to a greater position of respect since God chose them to be firsthand representatives of the message and Messenger He sent, Jesus Christ. Their revelation of Him and His message should never be added to, but it may be expounded on by the Spirit who continues to give us understanding of those things. Thus, those men stand alone in their call, and the bearing of the title should be reserved for them alone. That title makes that distinction clear. To strengthen this by the scripture, let us remember that while Barnabas and others were apostles, they were NEVER referred to as apostles by title. (Apostle Barnabas?) This was to distinguish them from second generation apostles who did not learn directly from Jesus Christ, but followed the first generation apostles and continued in the apostle’s call of teaching among the scattered sheep, establishing churches, and walking in the way of the Lord as examples to the whole flock. Yes. Genuine humility is essential in our walk and call, regardless of our particular position for edification in the body; but it is a particularly important characteristic for those who are entrusted with the call of a second generation apostle since we minister to the whole body. Our example should be the life walk of the High Apostle of us all, even Jesus Christ (Hebrews 3:1).
Finally, Some may argue that they need to use the title as Paul did, so that they will be given proper respect. However, the use of the title does not necessarily give respect and usually turns true believers off (thankfully). Paul was indeed a first generation apostle and even his use of the title did not always work to his favor. There was a lot of pain that went with his authentic title. I dare say, not many who call themselves that today would be willing to pay the price that he did – which was another PROOF of his apostleship.
In His grace,” M.
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