“SOAKING”: Biblical OR Mysticism?
“SOAKING” IS SIN. There no such thing as “soaking” in God’s Word as it’s defined today by the witchcraft NAR (New Apostolic Reformation) cult!
For starters, is not coming from God, is not in His Word and is a lazy person’s delusion.
There’s no such thing as “soaking” in the Bible. It’s time to repent, to deny self, to take up the cross and follow Jesus for real and stop trying to get a fix, a feeling, a shortcut.
FLASHPOINT: The LORD told us that He manifests Himself to those who deny self, take up the cross, and walk with Him (Luke 9:23-24; John 14:21-23, etc.). He doesn’t manifest His holy presence to disobedience lazy dupes who sit around “soaking.” Total scam. Run for your life. New age occult practice!
Yes God inhabits the praises of His people and Jesus also tells us that He and the Father specifically manifest Themselves to those who abide, who worship and obey Them – and not those who sit around “soaking” in a presence they claim is from above yet is suspect of being from below (Psalms 22:3; John 14:21-23).
ARE you seeking to experience God OR to KNOW HIM? (John 17:3)
“People want a word from God instead of the Word OF God.” Warren Smith
Lots of disobedient, fruit-less, do-nothing counterfeits “soaking” in demons. They will do and seek after ANY and EVERYTHING except the simple obedience the LORD calls them to. They will do anything except lay down their lives and humbly, practically, daily walk with Jesus – worshiping, loving, and serving Him and others (Matthew 22:37-40; Luke 9:23-24). “IN WORKS THEY DENY HIM” – “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” (Titus 1:16)
WHAT IS “SOAKING”? “Soaking” is found nowhere in the Bible and is the invention of devils and only participated in by the wicked who have a mere “form of godliness” yet deny the power, the authority of Christ to reign in their daily life… and so are looking for some way to cheat the system, to evade, to deny the cross – the crucified life (2 Timothy 3:1-7; Luke 9:23-24, etc.). The only people who want to “soak” are the unrepentant, disobedient rebels who are not literally obeying God. Jesus and His holy apostles never told anyone to go “soak.” Counterfeits who “soak” seek and believe that God is manifesting His presence to them no different than the yoga cultist who make their little poses, believing that some spirit is going to manifest to them. And, it’s the devil himself manifesting to them and possessing them. Read 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12. Where’s there’s a refusal of truth, there’s a vacuum and demon spirits invade those rebels. “Soaking” is for disobedient rebels who refuse to engage in a practical, daily, cross relationship with Christ. Therefore they never seek God in sober prayer or do the slightest evangelism. “Soaking” is Satan’s accommodation for the wicked, the “reprobate.” (Titus 1:16)
God doesn’t fill or bestow His divine blessing and anointing on lazy, unrepentant, Christ-denying wicked counterfeits who sit and lay around waiting for Him to do so. Delusional.
Here’s how God manifests His approval and presence upon individual men – “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. … Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? 23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” (John 14:21, 23) And yes, we’re going to drill this passage – these words from the Son of God!
In word or concept “soaking” is found nowhere in Scripture. The LORD Jesus calls those who will be His to lay down their lives in this fleeting world and humbly, simply, quietly serve Him and others (Matthew 20:24-28; 22:37-40; 23:8-12; Philippians 2:3-5, etc.).
The same frauds who participate in this soaking witchcraft do not have the fruit of love in their lives (Galatians 5:22-23). They won’t go next door to ask their neighbor if they need prayer for anything and yet they will travel half way around the world to “soak” with a bunch of delusional flakes.
“Soaking” is many times coupled with the “holy laughter” or “drunk in the spirit” so-called “revivals that we see in apostate churches yet nowhere in God’s Word. But the LORD warns us to:
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” 1 Peter 5:8
Satan is devouring those who do not know and obey God’s Word.
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.” Hosea 4:6
Instead of reading God’s Word daily and living it out for themselves, they’ve relegated their eternal souls into the care of devouring wolves (Matthew 7:15). Those who follow this false movement and it’s fraudulent wolves, are enticed to buy into this notion that God’s presence is going to do what they refuse to do, like obey Him. Not.
“Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.” Hosea 10:12
The NAR (New Apostolic Reformation) cult loves to say this: “His presence is changing lives.” Read John 15:1-16 for the biblical truth about a daily, abiding relationship with Christ and the corresponding fruit. When we see people saying God’s presence transforms life it entices the biblically illiterate to simply try to go “soak” and get some magic transformation of their character. This is why those in this false movement have a mere “form of godliness” because they “deny the power” (authority) of God by submitting to His cross and are “Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (2 Timothy 3:7) Repentance and the central cross message of the original Gospel is never taught in this heretical system.
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:1-2
According to Romans 12:1-2, transformation, change, the production of the fruit of the Spirit requires presenting our bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to the LORD, that is the crucified life, which is never taught among the false prophets of the NAR cult.
“Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: 13 And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. 14 Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God? 15 Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly:” Joel 2:12-15
Acting a fool has no place among true Christians.
Those who refuse to humbly, literally obey God – on his stated terms, will consciously soak in the flames of eternal damnation as hell is cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15). REPENTANCE AND FRUIT TO PROVE IT IS A MUST (Matthew 3:7-10; Luke 13:3).
“That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.” Ephesians 4:14-15
The more I look at these things, the more it seems that these people are infiltrating warlocks and witches (Psalms 74).
What is now called “soaking” is the experience whereby people gather to sort of marinate before the LORD. Like the so-called “revivals” of the 1990’s, they will lay and seek to conjure up the presence of God which is an experience foreign to the biblical revelation revealed in the 27 book canon of the New Testament. There were prayer meetings in the NT for specific purposes, but never a soak till we get something meeting (Acts 12). While “soaking” like this they think they are being filled or saturated with the LORD’s presence, yet there are some strange things associated with this type activity as we saw in the false revivals of the recent past. What is now being called “soaking” is simply a repackaging and re-entry of the strange fire experiences we saw in the Toronto and Brownsville “revivals” which did not align with what we see in the Word, so are to be exposed as such.
“Marinating” or “soaking” takes the emphasis off of JESUS and puts in on the deceived dupe which makes it antichrist (in place of Christ). This means that those perpetrating this filthy robbery of the glory of Jesus are antichrists (Colossians 2).
“Why is it that ‘Christians’ keep coming up with things to dramatize Christianity and make it all about them. We have direct access in prayer to God through Jesus. There is absolutely no closer relationship than that soaking does nothing but get you wet. Sad and pathetic.” Paula M.
SOAK THIS!!!!!
It’s high time to repent, come out from among these devils and “soak” our darkened, deceived, apostate hearts and mind in God’s Word and go speak it to the precious lost soul for whom Jesus bled on that cross. We need some serious “washing of water by the word.” (Ephesians 5:25-27) …… Read Ezekiel 3:1-4 …. The LORD told His servant Ezekiel, and is telling you and I, to soak our minds and hearts in His blessed written Word and then GO tell somebody! Anybody ever heard of something called Christ’s GREAT COMMISSION?! It’s pretty simple. What excuse will we have on that Day!? It’s time to get a clue saints, we’ve been hoodwinked! Pass this on if you dare take such a stand … Jesus is coming …. What’s there to lose but eternal souls for whom Christ died and rose again? You don’t think any of the modern wolf “pastors” cares do you? No, they could care less because they are too busy denying Christ while they build their own empire – church business, marketing their communities for more nickels, noses, and numbers. Are you helping them blaspheme Christ? If so, you will receive the same eternal judgment as they do (2 John 7-11).
It’s one gimmick after another, one post card promising to entertain them and their children better than ABC church down the street. They are drawing unsuspecting, undiscerning sheep into their wolf dens that they call “church.”
If we don’t repent, the only soaking we’re going to be doing is when the LORD immerses us in the LAKE of fire! (Revelation 20:11-15)
The following should give some insight into the origins of this experienced-based (not truth-based) movement that we now see. Here is an excerpt taken from an article entitled What is really going on in the church?: http://www.letusreason.org/Pent25.htm
- “It was Benny Hinn who inaugurated Rodney Browne into ministry at one of his meetings in the early 90’s; from there he went to Hagin and then Copeland’s church, then TBN and the rest is history.
Browne says this much chaos must be from the Holy Ghost. This is clearly double-talk. The Holy Ghost of the Bible does not create chaos, He turns chaos into order. Browne describes the spirit he calls holy as a force like electricity running out of his fingers bouncing off and deflecting to others. Is this describing the Holy Ghost of the Scripture or a power that is running amok in their services. He’s got everyone under his spell of laughter thinking that anything that goes on at these meetings even if they are clearly unbiblical is of the Holy Ghost. This is the new order of another spirit and not the Holy Spirit of God. He (Rodney Howard Browne) states : “I’d rather be in a church where the devil and the flesh are manifesting than in a church where nothing is happening because people are too afraid to manifest anything… and if a devil manifests, don’t worry about that either. Rejoice because at least something is happening.” One could write several volumes chronicling the errors in the above statement. A revival of the Spirit does not manifest the flesh. God says clearly that if one walks in the Spirit, that he will not fulfill the desires of the flesh. (Gal. 5:1 6). These are contrary to each other. The works of the flesh will never compliment the workings of the Spirit. If the devil and the flesh are manifesting in a meeting, I would hope that it was an exorcism and the devil would be leaving rather than staying and participating! Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil, not to put him on display.”
Did you catch this? Rodney Howard Browne states: “I’d rather be in a church where the devil and the flesh are manifesting than in a church where nothing is happening because people are too afraid to manifest anything… and if a devil manifests, don’t worry about that either. Rejoice because at least something is happening.” Is there any doubt that Browne here invited and brought in demons to the body of Christ? Woe to those gatekeepers (shepherds, pastors) who allowed this abomination and used the name of the LORD in vain by attaching His holy name to this wickedness!
Is there any remotely similar experience seen in Holy Scripture as today’s new “soaking” movement and experience? Or, is this yet another fad movement spawned from so-called “revivals” of the not-too-distant past? Is this “soaking” phenomenon another of the latest “winds of doctrine” blowing through the modern church world? Should such be weighed in the balance against Holy Scripture to see if it is of God OR just blindly received?
“The simple (naïve; undiscerning) believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.” Proverbs 14:15
“Prove (test) all things; hold fast that which is good.” 1 Thessalonians 5:21
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1
In God’s economy, being gullible is a curse and not a virtue. Being a nice little, easy-going and agreeable Christian is not the goal of Christ for His disciples and is completely inconsistent with the lives of the apostles and early church.
It is incumbent upon the last day saints of the LORD to look very closely at new fad experiences and doctrines blowing through the church world, especially in light of the predecessor “revivals” of the 1990’s, where men and women rolled around on the floor barking and roaring like animals. For this writer such activities are not hearsay – I was there. These “revivals” we know bore not the fruit of a true biblical revival.
How naïve shall we be? Shall we again buy into that which has no connection to biblical Christianity?
The following 3 points on Gnosticism are taken from http://www.crossroad.to/Q&A/church/postmodern/soaking.htm
And yes, incorporates three key tenets of Gnosticism:
- 1. Faith and knowledge based primarily on personal or mystical experience rather than the Word.
- 2. Emphasis on self-knowledge and emotional well-being or healing, rather than biblical knowledge of God and His freedom through the cross and cleansing through His blood (already accomplished).
- 3. Illogical and feeling-based interpretations of His Word.
George Parker writes:
“I have witnessed two prayer soaks, and each time my spiritual antenna began to blink. I believe that all it is, is a form of New Age mysticism, that has come about by the New Age gospel that has infiltrated the body of Christ since Eugene Peterson’s perverted and watered down version of God’s inspired Word, which is nothing more than a New Age perversion. And Rick Warren’s New Age gospel of having a purpose-driven life.”
“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! 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: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.” Isaiah 14:12-15
Self-exaltation forever severed Satan from the Almighty. This movement seems to follow the pomp philosophy of Lucifer while cloaking itself as a Christian experience, yet with no biblical grounds.
At the heart of the divine economy is the worship of God and elevating of others above self (Matt. 22:37-39).
To show just how widespread this “soaking” phenomenon is becoming, here below is an excerpt from John Arnott, pastor of the Airport Vineyard in Toronto where the laughing revival started in the 1990’s. During this “Toronto Blessing” movement, people roared and did many strange animalistic things under the circus leaders of this movement who had no Scripture to justify such weird and unusual, unnatural manifestations.
“Soaking” is not Scriptural and it’s Pure Selfishness
“Overcome in Your presence” and language like this flood the music and messages of the modern church world. And, so, we have a generation of “prophetic” counterfeits who are waiting around for God to do something. He won’t because they ask “amiss” or with the wrong motive, while in disobedience to what He already stated in His Word, the “MORE sure word of prophecy.” (2 Peter 1:16-21)
“Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. 3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.” James 4:2-3
“He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law (Word; instructions), even his prayer shall be abomination.” Proverbs 28:9
“Shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.” James 2:18
Jesus tells us how God works and it’s on record in John 14:21, 23. He and the Father abide with and manifest themselves to those who obey Him… not those who have a mere form of godliness as they seek the LORD to come upon them in a special way while they are not obeying Him. Counterfeits.
“He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him … 23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” John 14:21,23
Only those who follow Christ’s teachings prove that they know and follow Christ and it’s to these true disciples that God makes Himself manifest (Matthew 7:21; John 8:47, etc.).
John Arnott:
“Let’s get back to supernatural church” by John Arnott
- · “…we hear the term, ‘church without walls’ but what does this mean? While it can mean sending teams from a local church outside the church’s walls to minister in homes and in the marketplace, I believe it is much more than that. If we are going to reach this world for Jesus, we need a completely new model of doing church …
- · “I believe the vision God gave us here in Toronto for Soaking Prayer Centers all over the world is a great response to the Great Commission. In just over one year, we have had over 4,000 people order our ‘Soaking Kit‘ and begin a small group of ‘called out ones’ in their homes….
- · “Why the interest? Because it is a quick, simple way to get involved into the supernatural ministry of Jesus and start helping people receive healing, deliverance and freedom, to come into the joy of the Lord and be filled with the Spirit. The Soaking Kit includes all the basic information you need to start your own ‘soaking center’ in your home or business.”
Much could be said about these words of Mr. Arnott. Notice these words from Arnott concerning “soaking”: “Because it is a quick, simple way to get involved into the supernatural ministry of Jesus and start helping people receive healing, deliverance and freedom, to come into the joy of the Lord and be filled with the Spirit.” Sound smooth? Sound biblical? Since when is walking with Christ and doing ministry “quick”? Is there a “quick, simple way to get involved into the supernatural ministry”? Is “soaking” a “supernatural ministry” of the Holy Spirit or “another spirit”? (2 Cor. 11:4) This is the false premise for this whole “soaking” movement – a “quick, simple way” to get around a true walk with God which requires Jesus increasing and we decreasing – the crucifixion of the fleshly nature with fastings, prayer, repentance and obedience (2 Chronicles 7:14).
In Psalm 51 we see a divine sequence: first purging, then filling, and then ministry. Real ministry is not a “quick” fix, but rather a relationally-based preparation that requires that the believer humble himself under the mighty hand of God for purging and cleansing that he might be “a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.”
“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. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.” 2 Timothy 2:19-21
Tell-Tale Fruit
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Galatians 5:22-23
From personal experience in this 1990s “blessing” movement (and study of it), this writer has concluded that there was very little fruit of the Holy Spirit produced in those supposed “revivals.” The fruit of the supposed “revivals” of the 1990’s was not “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness…” If such is true, do we conclude that it was a blessing or a curse? When God really moves (revival), there will be deep repentance, total trust, praise, Holy Ghost filling, water baptism, doctrinal purity, and a deep hunger for the Word! Read Acts.
“God is love” and those who truly know Him serve Him according to His Word which includes lifting up others above self (rather than self-seeking). See 1 John.
Where is the love? Are these revivals producing true Christian, Christ-like love, where people lay down their lives for their LORD and the brethren? This “soaking” phenomenon is to be weighed no differently than when we are in our local gatherings and sing, clap, dance and shout to the LORD in praise and yet never reach out with Christian love to commune with and bless the brethren of the LORD. Such deficiency of Christ-like love clearly reveals an empty outward religious exercise void of the true substance of worship. In the 1990s and today, the same people who lay on the floor for hours “soaking” seem to get up without exhibiting greater fruit or evidence of the Holy Ghost. Where is the love that is always characterized by loving one’s neighbor? No, instead it seems to be just another selfish experience where people come to get blessed instead of being one, just like the rich woman who lives to be pampered by others giving her massages, pedicures and facials. Those involved in these fad modern church and self-seeking “revivals” still seem to lack the love, real joy, and peace always consistent with the work of the Spirit of God. Such fruit will only come to those who sincerely worship from the depths of their hearts and are doers of the Word and not those who are sitting around doing little or nothing and waiting to be further pampered and fattened by “soaking”.
Do you really want to know how to judge or test this movement or any movement for its authenticity or lack thereof? Jesus commanded: “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15) The LORD also said “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19 The book of Proverbs says “He that winneth souls is wise.” (Prov. 11:30) True revival brings repentance and preaching of the Good News – the Gospel – from all truly touched by the LORD. Any other fruit other than that shown in Holy Scripture reveals that a so-called move of God is not biblical, and points to deception and not true revival. Read these following words of Jesus carefully:
“As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. These things I command you, that ye love one another.” John 15:9-17
Obedience to the LORD Jesus and His Word in the laying down of one’s life and preferring others above oneself is the fruit of true revival. Anything short of this clearly reveals a false revival.
Who truly loves Jesus? Want to let Jesus answer this question?
“He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him…Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” John 14:21, 23
According to Jesus, those who follow and obey Him are blessed with His presence. The presence of the LORD is in and with those who are following Him and therefore in motion expanding His kingdom – doing His bidding, not their own (self-seeking).
Cindy Rose Hatfield writes: “(John 16:23-24 KJV ). These verses and others clearly portray prayer as being comprehensible communication with God, not an esoteric, mystical meditation…Nor soaking in music or anything ..It is all in the Word and nowhere is it found to do the above as described…Amen.”
“Charity…Seeketh not Her Own”
“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth…” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Doers or Deceivers?
“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” James 1:22
Abiding in His Love:
“As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” John 15:9-14
The LORD is looking for those who will abide in relationship with Him and obey His Word from a sincere heart of worship. Beloved, bringing your pillow to church to lay on the floor and “soak” is a farce and a fable at best. This is not what the church needs – more coddling while doing little or nothing to obey Jesus. The true church is being called to fasting, prayer, seeking His holy face and obedience to the Word of God and not to be further pampered and fattened, and deluded with more strange fire experiences brought into the church world by the promised false prophets of the last hour (Matt. 24:4-4,11,24; 1 Tim. 4:1-6; 2 Tim. 3:7; 2 Pet. 2-2; Jude 3-4, etc.).
Remember what Christ told us about the believers at Laodicea?
“And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” Revelation 3:14-17
Does the already overfed, overweight, do-nothing western world church need even more spoiling? This may sound harsh on the surface, yet I think the question has merit, all things given. Do you?
Have you noticed the pleasure-seeking craze and emphasis of the last few years which is usually cloaked behind some spiritual veneer? Paralleled with the advent of the day spa explosion across the western world, the indulgence and excess of those in the church world has come of age as foretold by the apostles of our LORD – “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud…heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (2 Tim. 3:1-7)
It seems that today people will do anything but what Jesus told us to do and find “biblical” justification for it. But God sees the heart motives and intents of men and will bring these things to the light on that Great and Terrible Day of Judgment.
Concerning soaking, George Parker wrote us and says:
“… prayer soaking and they use all sorts of Scriptures, but I believe that all they are doing is what writers call ‘proof texting’, using Scripture to back up unproven truth. Now if ‘Prayer Soaking’ is Scriptural, then how come it has take over a thousand years to become a force?”
How do you think the people of the world who do not know the LORD view those in the church world who are engrossed in seeking continual self-indulgence, treatment and excess?
The question must be asked: Why would the LORD further pamper people who are not being obedient and fruitful in His harvest as it is? Are we not a bunch of spiritual weaklings?
“If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?” Jeremiah 12:5
While some misled Americans, claiming to be serving the LORD, seek to further pamper their poor little hurting buttocks (due to sitting too much), a large number of true believers in Christ across the world live in danger of martyrdom every day for their faith.
“GO YE”
“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15
“Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.” Acts 8:4
Don’t stand around soaking, “go and tell others” is the message of the New Testament.
Those who are authentically touched by the LORD are to be His ambassadors to advance His eternal coming kingdom and not be preoccupied with pampering themselves. The Gospel is moving and those who possess and are possessed by it are “on the go.” Those moved by the LORD from Heaven do exploits among the lost people of their world and the LORD gives His presence to bless and empower them. They don’t congregate to “soak” in more self-seeking, self-indulgent, and self-serving experiences.
“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. …And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.” Mark 16:15, 17-20
The LORD who alone saves, has called all who believe to “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel.” Because they are “on the go” in obedience to Him, the LORD says here that He will be “confirming the word with signs following.” Jesus is not going to confirm or bless laziness and self-indulgence with His presence or “signs.”
2 Thessalonians 2 says there are “LYING signs and wonders” also just as the two magicians who challenged Moses. And yet there is the authentic which is also coinciding with the root and fruit of those preaching the pure, original Gospel – fruit / doctrine. Read Mark Martin16:15-20 and note that Jesus confirmed the preached WORD with signs and wonders which is telling. He doesn’t confirm foolishness and witchcraft and rolling on the ground, etc., but rather the declaration of His Word.
“I Told You”
“For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before.” Matthew 24:24-25
While we pamper ourselves even more, we further lessen our chances of overcoming when the coming persecution hits within our borders. We have seen nothing yet. God help us in this hour to fast, pray and be broken while the light is still with us. Jesus warned “Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you.” (John 12:35)
Trevor Gamble notes: “This reminds me suddenly of a Christian friend I knew living locally here to me who when I challenged her on believing this kind of stuff unfriended me. She had been trying to talk me into going to Holy Ghost parties. Where she said all roll around laughing hysterically and so much so no one can praise God. I asked her why God should want to stop people praising Him? She tried to claim it was all of God and said some there had experienced seeing gold teeth materializing into the mouths of people. I said God does not go around putting gold teeth in the mouths of believers. Nowhere in scripture does this happen.”
The persecutions that lie just ahead in this nation will be devastating to those who aren’t being prepared in this hour by exercising the Word – doing it. These who have bought into this latest of “strange fire” experiences, are being further blinded and deluded (Leviticus 10:1-2).
“He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” Revelation 3:5-6
“They Have Cast Fire into Thy Sanctuary”
“Remember thy congregation, which thou hast purchased of old; the rod of thine inheritance, which thou hast redeemed; this mount Zion, wherein thou hast dwelt. Lift up thy feet unto the perpetual desolations; even all that the enemy hath done wickedly in the sanctuary. Thine enemies roar in the midst of thy congregations; they set up their ensigns for signs…They have cast fire into thy sanctuary, they have defiled by casting down the dwelling place of thy name to the ground.” Psalms 74:2-4,7
Leviticus 10 issues forth the severe warning against false prophets who bring “strange fire”among the people of God. The false prophets came under divine judgment and were killed.
“And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not. And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD. Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified.” Leviticus 10:1-3
In my estimation, this “soaking” movement/experience is yet another ridiculous scheme of the enemy to further embalm God’s people and keep them in bondage to self-serving experiences instead of the true worship of the LORD which leads one to love God supremely, deny self, take up the cross, and elevate others above self in truly following Christ. The sad thing is that so many today who are empty after walking through several supposed “revivals,” still go on blindly into yet another fad movement which has literally no biblical reconciliation. This movement will again leave them empty and vulnerable to the next delusion.
Think about it: Isn’t it easier to “soak” than to serve? Isn’t laying around doing “floor time” (their wording) the easy way out? Are these people not being led to follow the line of least resistance by vainly believing one is marinating in the presence of God while “soaking”? Is this in lieu of doing what the LORD told us to do in His Word?
How naïve shall we continue to be? How long will we be led around with the enemy’s hand by the nose and think we are being led by the Holy Spirit? How long shall we take the LORD’s name in vain by labeling false movements like this as from Him? How long shall we refuse to judge and test everything against the Word? How long shall we be “tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive”? (Eph. 4:14)
Did the LORD ever instruct anyone in Scripture to marinate or “soak”? Or, did He instruct His people to mortify the selfish desires of the sinful nature? See Romans 6. Has the Almighty changed?
“For I am the LORD, I change not.” Malachi 3:6
What is the unchanging LORD looking for? Can we allow God to answer this one for Himself?
“But to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.” Isaiah 66:2
“Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.” 1 Samuel 15:22-23
Whether they realize it or not, those who participate in this strange fire soaking movement are rejecting the Word of God and rebelling. If He didn’t tell us to do such in His Word, we are rejecting Him and His Word to do such.
Isn’t this “soaking” experience just another opportunity for western “Christians” to find another excuse not to deny self, take up the cross and truly follow Christ by doing the real work of the Gospel? Is this just another great escape from true repentance of life and brokenness before the LORD?
“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:1-3
todd tomasella
www.SafeGuardYourSoul.com
MORE RESOURCES ON THIS TOPIC:
FEEDBACK:
“AMEN!!!!!!! I truly believe some have become part of this either through lack of spiritual discernment … no knowledge of God’s Word … they don’t understand the spirits behind it. They are all too ready to simply follow after wicked men … and women … They come in innocence … some as new babes in Christ~~they are preyed upon by these power hungry, manipulative … greedy controlling “preachers” feeding them doctrines of demons … It is spiritual rape! Woe unto them!” Bonnie H.
SHOCKING DOCUMENTARY – False spirits invade the church – KUNDALINI WARNING – Andrew Strom
SOAKING? A Spiritual Discipline or Eastern Mysticism?
http://www.crossroad.to/Q&A/church/postmodern/soaking.htm
The Toronto Blessing and the Laughing Revival By Gary E. Gilley ~http://www.rapidnet.com/~jbeard/bdm/Psychology/char/more/bless.htm
SOAKING? A spiritual discipline or Eastern mysticism?
http://www.crossroad.to/Q&A/church/postmodern/soaking.htm
Hi Todd,
I live in Australia and I have become concerned for the movement that seems to have appeared out of nowhere.
I’ve read a lot on the web about prayer soaking and they use all sorts of Scriptures, but I believe that all they are doing is what writers call “proof texting”, using Scripture to back up to unproven truth.
Now if “Prayer Soaking” is Scriptural, then how come it has take over a thousand years to become a force?
I have witnessed two prayer soaks, and each time my spiritual antenna began to blink.
I believe that all it is, is a form of New Age mysticism, that has come about by the New Age gospel that has infiltrated the Body of Christ since Eugene Peterson’s perverted and watered down version of God’s inspired Word, which is nothing more than a New Age perversion. And Rick Warren’s New Age gospel of having a purpose-driven life.
I am concerned that all of this stuff has come into being since September 11, and the New Age meeting that some Christian leaders attended that was led by the leader of the New Age movement in America.
Now, what have you that might endorse this Prayer Soaking movement? I have an open mind, but I am concerned that these people who lie around on chairs and floors of a church, are opening themselves up to the enemy. I believe it becomes a self-hypnosis.
What do you think?
Love in Christ
George Parker
Australia
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.
Sign up here to receive FREE Newsletter by email.
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Prophetic or Pathetic? | Witchcraft | Prayer | Jezebel Exposed | Manhood | Beware of the Witches and Warlocks in the Church [podcast] | Are You Under a Spirit of Witchcraft? [podcast] | Jezebel The Depths of Satan | Biblical Prescription for Deliverance
Articles
Is Your Church Your Idol? [podcast]
Is Your Church Your Idol? (below)
Is Church Membership Biblical? (below)
SO, YOU TALK ABOUT YOUR CHURCH, THE PASTOR, THE PROGRAM, AND HOW YOU LOVE IT AND THE MUSIC AND EVENTS…YET THE NAME OF JESUS NEVER FLOWS FROM YOUR LIPS IN PRAISE? WOW! IT’S TIME FOR YOU TO REPENT, RETURN TO CHRIST, AND COME OUT FROM AMONG THE WICKED BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE! (2 CORINTHIANS 6:14)
EVER stop to ponder how we’ve commercialized, monetized, and grossly complicated what God ordained to be a time of rejoicing and blessing? Fellowship! Read Acts 2:42 and Colossians 3:16. Study the biblical model. Real fellowship with other saints is so simple, biblically. The bureaucracy of wolves has completely ruined such simplicity and that’s why so many no longer patronize their church busine$$e$ (2 Peter 2:1-3).
SO MANY TODAY WILL TALK ABOUT THEIR “CHURCH,” THEIR PASTOR, OR FAVORITE MINISTER – BUT NOT JESUS! THEIR WOLF HANDLERS ARE INDOCTRINATING AND USING THEM AS THEIR SALES AGENTS! SPIRITUAL ADULTERY. IDOLATRY.
Looking for the church means simply looking for other true members of Christ’s body! WE are HIS church – called out ones. Amen Jesus. Fellowship, Gatherings
NO SUCH THING AS CHURCH MEMBERSHIP IN THE EARLY CHURCH. TOTALLY FALSE. CHURCH MEMBERSHIP IS A TOOL THAT CONTROLLING LEADERS USE TO CORRAL SOULS FOR THEIR OWN SELF-SERVING PURPOSES! BEWARE! (JEREMIAH 23; EZEKIEL 34; MATTHEW 23) THEY DISCOUNT YOUR PLACE IN CHRIST BY TELLING YOU THAT MEMBERSHIP IS IMPORTANT IN THE CHURCH BUSINESS THEY ARE BUILDING TO THEIR OWN GLORY. JESUS CAME TO MAKE CAPTIVES FREE. SATAN’S AGENTS SEEK TO PUT YOU IN BONDAGE! (LUKE 4:18; JOHN 10:10; GALATIANS 5:1)
Are you ashamed of Jesus? Are you confessing your “church” or Christ? Are you inviting people to your “church” or to Christ?
“Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” Exodus 20:3
God is Jealous! (Exodus 34:14) He will not be second to anyone but MUST be your “FIRST love” – first priority in all things (Revelation 2:4-5).
IF you are not willing and obedient to forsake all, to give up every single idol, you cannot and will not be saved but rather damned in the lake of fire irrevocably (Luke 14:33; 17:33; Revelation 21:8, etc.).
PEOPLE prove they are blind and being misled when they testify anything other than CHRIST crucified! Yet many church attenders swear that they are in the truth. Delusional. They are quick to boastfully tell you they “go to church” and yet the name of Jesus never leaves their lips – because apparently He’s not in their hearts (Matthew 12:34).
“Church” today has become a staged event with a cast, crew and light show to entertain the members and seekers.
ANY thing you won’t give up for Christ – including religion – is a soul damning idol.
Are you doing the “church” thing or is your heart and life all about JESUS?
WHO, WHAT holds the ultimate “preeminence” in your heart? Colossians 1:18
IF you are not hearing that the ALMIGHTY commands you to lay down your life, you have placed yourself under a false prophet ministry and God is not going to bless you but rather going to turn you over to “strong delusion” so that you believe the cross-less lie and ultimately perish, all the while believing you were saved (Matt 7;21; 2 Thess 2:9-12; Titus 1:16; 1 John 2:4).
Is your “church” or is JESUS your “first love”? (Revelation 2:4-5)
So let me get this straight…
You run around telling people how much you love your church and pastor but never testify of the saving mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ? God is calling you to repent and be saved for real!
“Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 10:32-33
The vast majority of “churches” that meet in “church buildings” are simply and merely conducting “church services” where they entertain their prey. They are not equipping the saints for the work of the ministry and therefore discerned as being counterfeit (Ephesians 4:11-13). If they were, there would be salty disciples in their midst who go forth to minister Christ’s kingdom blessings where ever they went. Not even a trace of this transpiring in the apostate modern church world. Run. Run. Run.
“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting (equipping, maturing) of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:” Ephesians 4:11-12
Jenn W. writes:
“That’s exactly why I left the church I grew up in. It turned into a social club almost like a cult that was more focused on people and the ‘church’ but none of it was centered around Jesus Christ at all. They all beg me to come back, but every time I pray asking God, ‘Do you want me to go back there, Lord?’ I always hear Him flat out tell me ‘NO!’ God is not the author of confusion, He gives us confirmation and full rest and peace in our spirit about decisions. Whenever I even think of going back there I feel anxiety and panic because I know God doesn’t want me there. We can’t people-please just because they want us to do something or tell us to ‘not forsake the assembly.’ They will use all types of guilt trips to make you try to conform down to their lukewarm level and fit in. I refuse to do that. The church is extremely carnal, and everyone is concerned with money and building mega-churches. They say when you’re too holy or sanctified that you are ‘legalistic,’ and they hate when you are set apart.”
Holy Ghost anointed preaching will ALWAYS lead you to fresh repentance.
Brett Gibney writes:
“Many small churches are more like businesses with employees to maintain. The member becomes a customer and the church entertains them for donations and offerings. The pastor is the boss and manager operating within a strict budget. Big business in today’s Christian movement. Jesus Christ has never been to the place they call ‘church.’ He would flip their book, DVD and CD tables over! When money and theatrics are involved, God isn’t! Nowhere in the Bible is the pastor called to run the church. They appoint themselves. The only difference between a calling and a occupation is a salary.”
Church is what you are, not somewhere you go!
PLEASE show us where anyone in the New Testament Scriptures went around looking for an elder, a pastor, a church? YES, fellowship is essential and so is submitting to our elders in Christ and yet, perhaps today, far too much emphasis is placed on these things (Hebrews 10:24-25; 13:7, 17, etc.). None of this matters if the individual disciple is not engaged in seeking the face of the LORD personally.
You don’t need a preacher because you have a Bible. Read it. You don’t need a preacher to tell you what the Bible says! Read it for yourself, learning yourself. Today is your day to take more personal responsibility to seek God for yourself! Jesus taught personal responsibility and the essential nature of it when He said “Take heed to yourselves” (Luke 21:34-36) …… Jesus is Coming.
WHEN a person truly repents, he clears all idols from his life and Jesus Christ is truly reigning – on the throne of His heart. 1 idol will eternally damn the soul the same as a million idols!
NOW!
Memorize:
“Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?” Isaiah 2:22
Repent afresh. Seek God for real. Lay down your life in this world and follow Jesus. Cry out to Him to make you His authentic disciples, to strip all hypocrisy, deceit, depravity, and hatred in your heart. | Fresh Start with God
Many who initially believed will ultimately and eternally be damned for their idolatry…..
“Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: 43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” John 12:42-43
“And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand: 15 There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.” Mark 7:14-15
“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. 24 Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. 25 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. 26 Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.” Matthew 23:23-26
MESSAGE RECEIVED:
“It is Godly to have a church building to meet in. Jesus does not speak against it. If there is one, just one church that preaches the Gospel, and there is, then this comment is leading people astray. Go visit, til you find the right church…don’t be lazy and loose your soul…Amen! But that is a half truth to deter people if there is one church preaching the Gospel. You are trying to be God!”
REPLY:
I don’t agree with it being godly necessarily….. A physical building is not a necessity and is usually a great hindrance and worse. Jesus didn’t specifically speak against a physical building but He DID speak against the wolves operating in those buildings. Jesus also didn’t practice it (erecting physical buildings) because He is divine and knows all things and how men make themselves kings and rich off of the people usually as they use that central meeting place for self-serving purposes….. and no, a physical building is not a sin in and of itself. It can’t be, yet what is going on in those apostate “churches” is usually not the New Testament biblical model but rather for the self-serving purposes of those Paul says are “enemies of the cross of Christ” (Philippians 3:18-19). Any Berean, discerning Bible student sees that.
You don’t seem to be Bible intensive and perhaps that’s because the wolves who are misleading you want to keep you ignorant so they can continue to use you (Hosea 4:6; Acts 17:10-11). When Jesus spoke of building His church (called-out ones), He was not speaking of something physical like a “church” building but rather the revelation truth of Himself in the hearts of His people (Matthew 16:17-19). You are not yet a discerning person but rather gullible and this is foolish….. Question: Did Jesus and His apostles ever collect one penny to building physical “church” building? yes or no please.
Most organizations, the vast majority functioning in buildings are misleading people and not preaching the original Gospel (Jude 3) You are deceived. The real Church – people of God- don’t need to go find a church because they are the church. Where does the Bible say to go find a church, to visit till you find one? And where does God’s Word say that you will lose your soul if you don’t find a church building to go to? Nowhere. There it is: You are being led to believe that attending the church building is salvation and not Christ – WHOM you have not once mentioned so you are an idolater.
So you have to wait till Sunday morning to preach the Gospel? Wow. There it is again – false church – where most pastors don’t want you doing the work of the ministry daily but rather to patronize their church business. You are telling on yourself. You are a product of a ministry based in a building that is misleading you. Not all are but it seems you are being misled by what you are saying which is a dead give away of what you’re being taught (Matthew 12:34; 5:16, 20). You didn’t mention Jesus Christ one time so obviously Heaven’s nail-scarred risen soon coming KING is not your first love nor being taught in your building based church (Colossians 2:18-19). This proves the point.
I don’t know what I am saying while I give you Scripture? Flash Point: Reading God’s Word and living by it is not “trying to be God.”
MESSAGE RECEIVED:
“I’ve had people tell me that, even attending and supporting a church for over a year, that the church they were attending would not help them in a time of crisis because they were not members of that church.” M.
REPLY:
YES, have seen this same respect of persons many times brother! Sad! (Matt 25.) We shall all give full account to the One who said:
“And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. 45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.” Matthew 25:40, 45
Support | STORE | Podcasts | The Cross | The Return of Christ | Lukewarm is Hell Bound
Articles
Neither Give Place to the Devil! [podcast]
“Neither give place to the devil.” Ephesians 4:27
“This is a really good message!” CB
— MANY have been blinded and duped to believe that either 1) there is no devil, or 2) there is a devil but he’s not active. But God’s Word tells us that Satan, the archenemy of Christ and mankind, is active and has an organized kingdom structure: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:12)
Warning:
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8
The Bible tells us not to be ignorant of Satan’s devices and if we are not even aware of “the wiles of the devil,” how can we possibly discern and overcome them? (2 Corinthians 2:11; Ephesians 6:11).
Communism, any communistic form of government arrangement, is an example of the work of Satan and we know this because it steals money and freedom from the people, kills people who don’t agree, and destroys everything good.
ANY person participating in the work of Satan is a child of the devil. Satan’s work is “to steal, to kill, and to destroy.” (John 10:10) Any questions? Any activity, operation, or plan to steal the freedom or money or anything from another, is the work of Satan himself. So is to kill or destroy people or property unjustly.
—- PEOPLE EVER MAKE UP THINGS ABOUT YOU? Jesus told us we would be falsely accused (Matthew 5:11) and He also tells us never to participate in a “false report” in any way (Exodus 23:1-2). The Greek word for “Satan” means accuser. ….“for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night…” (Revelation 12:7-12)
NEVER EVER DRAW CONCLUSION ON ANYTHING BEFORE YOU’VE HEARD THE WHOLE STORY
“He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.” Proverbs 18:13
“He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.” Proverbs 18:17
Are not our laws in this country crafted after this truth? “Innocent UNTIL PROVEN guilty.”…
God gave us these truths for the protection of all. If, as a disciple of Jesus, you have not yet been slandered, lied about, stick around, your time is coming. David had his Shimei, Jesus had His Judas, Paul had his Alexander the coppersmith.
“Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.” Matthew 5:11
Slander includes bringing up a sin God has already forgiven someone, and/or repeating something you have no proof of.
Beloved saints, based on what Jesus foretold us of in Mathew 5:11, we’d actually better be concerned if no one is making up lies about us …. that just means Satan is upset with the fruitful relationship you have with Jesus who says “Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.” (Luke 6:26) In light of this truth, should we not be concerned if everyone likes us, if no one is slandering us?
It’s time to “rejoice” – to obey Jesus – when we are persecuted for that only proves that we are His!!!!!!
“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” Matthew 5:10-12
If someone is not being lied about, persecuted, and afflicted, they are suspect. That person is very possibly a counterfeit, a tare among Christ’s wheat.
Learn the resurrection power of Jesus by learning a bit more about laying down your life! Get this volume and also I Die Daily.
Support | STORE | Podcasts | The Return of Christ | Stewardship | Where to Give and Where Not to Give | Fruit Abounding to Your Account! | Consider Your Ways [podcast] | Consider and Build [podcast] | Holes in Your Money Bags? [podcast] | Dollar Dialogue | Jesus Sat Over Against The Treasury [podcast] | Escaping Sodom! | Waste | Stewardship | Giving
Apostasy
Wolves who Weaponize and Monetize! Beware! [podcast]
Wolves who Weaponize and Monetize! Beware!
Church membership as perpetrated today was never supposed to be. It’s not found in the Scriptures. Each of His people are members of His body, His one church. Real fellowship and assembling, getting together, is biblical and yet as has always been the case, sinful men use it to exploit those who gather to worship their LORD. At the beginning and end of His ministry, Jesus destroyed the wicked leaders who were robbing the people.
“And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, 13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves. 14 And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them. 15 And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased, 16 And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise? 17 And he left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there.” Matthew 21:12-17
They are making merchandise of you just as Peter foretold! Read 2 Peter 2:1-3.
Assembling as believers is commanded by God and yet not in order to be exploited by the devouring wolves we’ve been warned to beware of (Matthew 7:15; 24:11; 1 John 4:1-3, etc.). When God’s people gather, assemble, it is rather to be edified in Christ, richly blessed in the Word of God (Acts 2:42-47; Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 10:24; 2 Peter 2:1-3).
“If you go to the brick and mortar buildings and you don’t give your money then you’re nobody to them. I was out searching for a place where I could stay and hear the true gospel but that’s not happening in these brick and mortar buildings. These people need to truly repent.” Veronica
Church membership is just another attempt, lure, and seduction to misplace the faith and allegiance and identity of Christ’s saints away from Christ Himself (1 Corinthians 1:29-2:5; 2 Corinthians 4:5; Colossians 2:18-19). Beloved of God, you are bought with the precious blood of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 7:23). This highest price—the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on a cross —was paid by the Son of God to purchase you to Himself and the Father (1 Timothy 1:15; 2:5-6; Titus 2:14, etc.). HE is your identity and thereafter His true remnant body who live for Him daily, who are crucified with Christ perpetually, not counterfeit church goers/members. Memorize Galatians 6:14. For more on the body of Christ, read Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, and Ephesians 2 and 4. God’s Word is your final divine authority, not mere men or organizations of mere men (Mark 13:31; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21, etc.).
“Thank you for exposing this. I used to attend an assembly of God here in Olympia and I found it to be false. After a couple years my eyes were opened and I left because a lot of it was a new apostolic reformation or something similar to that they were just off, and at one point they had a homosexual male on the platform scolding the church for how they are mean and nasty to homosexuals because they think they’re better than them. I was attacked for forsaking the assembly and received other statements urging me to come back so I wouldn’t be sinning.” Bella
Anyone trying to get you to become a member of their church is seeking to monetize you to build a church business at your expense.
The reason why many professing Christian do not see the things we are seeing in the Word today in this message, is that they are not in God’s Word for themselves.
“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
Most who claim Christ don’t know His Word and many don’t want to know it, otherwise they’d be in it and it would be in them.
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.” Hosea 4:6
QUESTION ASKED:
“What if someone is born again, biblically baptized by immersion, but not a formal member of any local church, however they attend church regularly. Could they partake in the Lord’s supper?”
REPLY:
Yes, who else is a higher authority than the Most High who saved you into His church/family? WHAT other “membership” would be needed as if Christ’s saving you and putting you into His family as a member of His body wasn’t enough? Read 1 Corinthians 12. You are a member of the one universal blood bought, born again body of Christ. Any other so-called church membership is a fraud and an afront to Christ. He didn’t die and rise again to then hand over the reigns to a bunch of self-serving enterprising, greedy pharisaical nicolaitan wolves. Read Jeremiah 23; Ezekiel 34; Matthew 23; 2 Peter 2:1-3; Revelation 2:6, 15. Oh and this isn’t even to mention that these fake “churches” are 501(C)(3) corporations. They have entered into an unholy alliance with the state and by doing so have affronted, rejected the Savior. They entered into a contract with the state unnecessarily and are now under the antichrist dominion of the state, who can tell them where and what they preach and can’t preach.”
“This church membership topic riles me up! Many judge us because we don’t go to church. I want nothing to do with how apostate they have become. Most are in willful sin and could care less. Jesus is not there!” Karen Cochran
One dear sister in Christ shared this:
NEARLY EVERY LOCAL “CHURCH” IS A COMPLETE SCAM IN THIS LATE HOUR, JUST AS WAS FORETOLD.
“Partnership, as defined by most ministries, today, is you send them a check every month & they send you a letter with some Scriptures. Very sad. However, I take refuge in this Scripture – 1 Peter 4:17. It’s not a political problem, it’s a spiritual problem. During the scamdemic, I suggested we give groceries to those who needed them, have a cookout with burgers & hotdogs, offer healing to those who needed it, fellowship among the people. The church had a wonderful full circle drive so the people could pull in, we’d fill their trunk with groceries, etc. I was told “NO.” I offered to handle all of it, pay for it, still “NO.” The pastor wanted to remain shut down. I went ahead & did it from my home. I hired a Christian group to sing, we preached the Word, fed the people, prayed for anyone who wanted it. Quitting should never be a part of our vocabulary. The religious manipulation is off the charts. Filling seats & manipulating people for financial gain is repulsive.” Charlotte
The fact that most brick and mortar church building based churches are not run biblically in no way negates the need for essential, real, biblical fellowship. To this point, a brother in Christ named Peter writes:
“People want faith community even if there is church membership and mandatory tithing. People want social life with other believers. It’s safe and not that sinful. Yet, I’m against church buildings but I believe in accountability to one another and God.” Peter
Church membership ropes you into an unholy alliance with the state and a state owned church. Example:
“During the scam-demic, many churches hid behind Romans 13 and said they must obey the government. Yet there are many examples in the Bible where God’s people did not obey because it went against God and was evil. Just as in modern day with all the covid supposed mandates. Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego did not obey. Daniel, and the apostles. And many more disobeyed civil authorities when they demanded things that went against God and His will. The fake churches used Romans 13 because really they were afraid of standing for Jesus! So they cowered in fear! Hiding behind masks, closed doors and vax’s. But wearing masks was not such a big deal because most already are wearing them. Hiding behind their pharisaical and self-righteous attitudes pretending to holy.” Karen Cochran
God exposed these fake “churches” and fake “Christians” for all to see. “Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men“ (Acts 5:29). The false churches had already sold the Savior down the river for the state when they signed up for their 501C3—which is a contract with lots of small print. That contract they chose to enter into, makes those “churches” the government’s, the state’s churches. As we saw with the scamdemic, the state tells what they can preach, where they can preach, and when they can preach. I walked into a “church” to visit some friends during this period and was shocked that they all had on masks, were doing the 6-foot satanic ceremony rule etc. I departed. Sickening sacrilege.
“God’s true church can’t be contained in a building…God’s true church is being led out of these lukewarm businesses labeled as churches….God’s true church isn’t a man led organization ….it’s a relationship with GOD Himself. God’s true church isn’t a temple made by hands….their very own body is where God resides.” Kathy Lemonds
A MEME FROM A SNAKE “PASTOR”
In a meme, “Pastor” HB Charles Jr. is promoting Michael Foster, who writes:
“Nothing grows a Christian like a serious commitment to a single church week in and week out for years and years. Not conferences. Not social media. Not even personal devotions. The local church is where mature Christians are slowly forged in the fires of mundane faithfulness.” – Michael Foster
Notice “a serious commitment to a single church.” This is something God never commanded and it contradicts the essential responsibility He gave anyone who would be HIS disciple. The fruit of good church attenders makes it more than abundantly clear that this whole church attendance, church membership push is diabolical. It’s irrefutably producing bad fruit (Matthew 7:15-21). Let’s further test ‘pastor” Michael Foster’s statement, shall we? So John the Baptist, the apostles Paul, John, Peter, etc., didn’t attend church weekly or “week in and week out” and so you are saying they didn’t grow? Wow. Michael Foster is a typical programmed pawn—an indoctrinated dupe. He reeks of pride and greed (2 Peter 2:1-3). He’s building a church busine$$. Read his words again and think $ and how he is bearing false witness against the LORD he deceitfully pretends to represent as he is seeking to ensure his income for a long time to come. Wolves are making merchandise of their prey (2 Peter 2:1-3)!
“Never heard of the church building places of ‘worship’ until Constantine came along, the father of that demonic religion called ‘Catholic.'” Mark Owen
Seminarian marketing to farm the community—not to preach the whole counsel of God but rather gain more church members. They push for their pawns to invite others in order to get them more members which means more money. They campaign for more money for their unbiblical “church” projects, and yet never push for more personal Bible reading, evangelism, more of the crucified life, more worship of God, repentance, holiness, the fear of the LORD, etc…. and you still don’t see what’s going on?
Wow!
Okay so you go to a church building on Sunday morning yet don’t seek God in His Word and prayer daily? You are backslidden—which means you are away from God. Any person saved in the past and yet who is not presently hungering and thirsting after more of Christ, of His righteousness, has backslidden and in need of true repentance before it’s too late.
“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Matthew 5:6
“The activities and ‘fellowship’ only among themselves can be a big distraction to serving the Lord and doing His work and will. Not to mention keeping you enslaved to the false unbiblical doctrines they preach there. No one is allowed to disagree with the pastor(s) and leaders.” B.
Totally disagree with these “pastors” who are wolves building church businesses. How many “good church members” do we see winning souls, evangelizing, feeding Christ’s sheep His Word, denying self, taking up the cross, devouring God’s Word, living the crucified life, talking about judgment, repentance, overcoming all sin, and being ready for Christ’s return daily? None. Jesus says we know them “by their fruit” (Matthew 7:16, 20). 99% of local churches = bad fruit. The LORD’s true under shepherds are preparing and equipping Christ’s disciples “for the WORK of the ministry” not to do THEIR (the pastor’s) bidding, work in his little Sunday morning circus gathering where he performs and collects money. Only counterfeits prop up, support counterfeits (Ezekiel 22:25-27; Hosea 4:9; 2 John 10-11).
“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.” 2 Peter 2:1-3
Here’s a biblical perspective: Being a good church member at a local “church” is never once taught in the Bible. No it’s something false prophets push for their own self-serving purpose and agenda. It’s for their benefit, not yours.
1 Chronicles 21:1 David was influenced by “Satan” in numbering the people …. this is a tool in order to control, manipulate and monetize the people…
GOD never called you to be a “good church member.” No, He called you to repent, to deny yourself, to live the crucified life, to seek His holy face daily with reckless abandon, to fellowship daily with His people, and to obey His Great Commission mandate.
THE FACT that you have no Great Commission involvement, no personal evangelism, no real fruit of good works in your life…. doesn’t this clearly reveal that you, as a good church member, are merely propping up a church busine$$, funding a fraud?
Can a man or woman of God sit back and just allow lost souls to go to hell without doing something about it, without having great conviction of conscience toward repentance, refreshing, and Great Commission Gospel action?
The next time some churchianity dupe begins to preach to you about “going to church”…. Tell them you don’t wait till Sundays, you fellowship in prayer and the Word daily with other saints of Christ (Acts 2:42). Ask them when the last time was that they personally preached the Gospel, fed the flock of God the Word of God, and led someone to Jesus…. mic drop, crickets.
“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Matthew 5:6
Okay so you go to a church building on Sunday morning yet don’t seek God in His Word and prayer daily? You are backslidden—which means you are away from God. Any person saved in the past and yet who is not presently hungering and thirsting after more of Christ, of His righteousness, has backslidden and is in need of true repentance before it’s too late.
The Truth about Fellowship and Going to “Church”
Perhaps a simple observance of the earliest followers of Jesus would inform us that they weren’t always “in church” serving some wolf but rather they went “every where preaching the word,” etc. (Acts 8:4), right? Oh and their gatherings were quite simple with no religious gold gathering bureaucracy! See Acts 2:42.
What they do is basically make you their good church member then get you to go tell others so that their church busine$$ grows that way. Notice how no one is being equipped “for the work of the ministry” (Ephesians 4:11-14) by being taught to minister and to do it out in the world daily…. to bring the blessing, the bless-ed Gospel to the people. No. Instead they become like little agents of their local church which is now their idol. They are sent out to invite folks to church instead of bringing the KING to those same people.
Wake up. Repent before God of wasting His time and resources on such wolves in sheep’s clothing. Deny self, take up the cross, follow Jesus (Luke 9:23-24).
“Being a Christian isn’t about making a weekly trip to a so-called church building. No, it’s about BECOMING the church, an actual place where Jesus lives.” Matt McMillen
“Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” John 14:23
“God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.” Psalms 89:7
Good Church Member or True Disciple of Christ?
Wolves can be known in that they don’t get their prey in the Word for themselves (2 Timothy 2:15).
Going to be entertained on Sunday mornings as what some call “church” does not replace daily Bible reading and prayer and the cross (Luke 9:23-24; 2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Thessalonians 5:17, etc.).
Anyone not in God’s Word and living a life of prayer every day as they seek His holy face fervently, has told the LORD that He is not important to them … and they will not make it (Matthew 25:1-13).
There is NO work, no-thing transpiring on the earth more important than the work of our LORD’s Gospel. Most of the other things are vying for your affections. Read Luke 21 and Colossians 3:1-4. JESUS is coming.
Summation:
The instruction of Hebrews 10:24 is from God and yet never intended to give license to men to build their own kingdoms, to exploit and use the people for their own self-serving and greed-driven agenda.
Yes there are elders ordained in Christ’s body and they are to feed (John 21:15-17), to warn (Colossians 1:28), to teach sound doctrine to the members of Christ’s body (Titus 2:1), to teach them discernment (Ezekiel 44:23), etc. This can be in a regular meeting time and place. That’s not a sin. The sin comes in when we don’t see biblically stated things being accomplished and that’s how we know those are false shepherds and this would involve most local brick and mortar based “churches” today.
The truth is self-evident. Fruit. Not all but the vast majority of local churches are absolutely apostate as the Bible foretold (2 Timothy 3:13; Matthew 24:11; 1 Timothy 4:1-2, etc.). There is no blood of Jesus, no cross, no crucified life, no judgment to come, no sin, no repentance, no holiness, no readiness for Christ’s return, no KJB, etc. Apostasy. Fellowship as defined by Holy Writ is essential, not church attendance. Saints, people do not need us. They do not need our fellowship. They need Christ and His people and that should be 24/7. The headquarters of the true saint is the throne of our God, right? (Jeremiah 17:12; Hebrews 4:14-16; 7:24-26). That doesn’t mean that attending a fellowship weekly is wrong and yet, is it a real fellowship? One should examine the fruit and ask: Am I growing in Christ? Am I growing to know Him (John 17:3)? Do I live a repented life and a crucified life? Is the extent of my relationship with the LORD going to church/church attendance? Do I care for and help the body of Christ? Do I evangelize? etc. The professing church has largely misused Hebrews 10:25. Fellowshipping, assembling is essential, is commanded, and that would be according to how Scripture defines assembly fellowship, not the modern church (Acts 2:42-47; Colossians 3:16, etc.). If one is part of a rare truly Christ-centered, Scripture-rich fellowship, that’s a blessing. The problem is that most aren’t. And they must be exhorted to “try the spirits” as 1 John 4:1 instructs.
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison Ministry | Mexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | The Return of Christ | Stewardship | Apostate Modern Church Exposed | Beware of the BUZZ WORD Bandits [podcast] | Preach the Word | Wolves Exposed | 100’s of Christ-centered, Scripture-rich Podcasts | Knowing God | The Cross Life | Christology = the Study of Christ
Is Your Church Your Idol? [podcast]
Neither Give Place to the Devil! [podcast]
Wolves who Weaponize and Monetize! Beware! [podcast]
Gospel Action Mexico Part 39
Is Karma Biblical? [podcast]
The Importance of Pureness of Heart [podcast]
God is Ready to Forgive and Plenteous in Mercy [podcast]
How We Know the Bible is the only Holy Book on Planet Earth [podcast]
Mission Mexico is now supporting Juan the Evangelist [podcast]
The Mandela Effect Busted and EXPOSED [video]
“Blessed are the Poor In Spirit” [podcast]
Having a Pure Heart Requires the Cross Life [podcast]
Is Hell Forever or Temporal? [podcast]
Mission Mexico Part 38
“Let the Redeemed of the LORD Say So” [video]
Lance Wallnau Exposed
How We Know the Bible is the only Holy Book on Planet Earth [podcast]
“Blessed are the Poor In Spirit” [podcast]
Beware of the “Intercessors” [podcast]
Upholding Jesus, the Only Head of His Body [podcast]
Is Hell Forever or Temporal? [podcast]
Getting Gospel Grounded [podcast]
The Mandela Effect Busted and EXPOSED [video]
Teach the Bible [podcast]
THAT SUBTLE SERPENT SATAN – NIV and Modern Bible Versions Exposed
Is Karma Biblical? [podcast]
Beware of the Manipulating Monsters: Spiritual Identity Theft [podcast]
Neither Give Place to the Devil! [podcast]
“A Flattering Mouth Worketh Ruin”
The Greatest of these is Charity [podcast]
Is Your Church Your Idol? [podcast]
Neither Give Place to the Devil! [podcast]
Wolves who Weaponize and Monetize! Beware! [podcast]
America1 year agoThe Drugging of America: The Pharmakeia Sorcery Deception [podcast]
- Articles2 years ago
Children being Rescued in Tunnels: Happening Now – UPDATE!
- Articles8 years ago
Self-Examination in Preparation for the Lord’s Return
- Apostasy2 years ago
SHOCKING List of False Prophets Most Believe are True
Providing Christ-centered Scripture-rich resources to feed, edify, and equip the body of Christ (John 21:15-17; Ephesians 4:11-15).
Navigation
Quick links
Newsletter
Stay updated of the ministry operations. We saved a spot for you on the ministry email list.
© 2025 Safe Guard Your Soul. All Rights Reserved