The Cross and the Wolf

Paula White Exposed [video]

THAT’s My King! Pastor Lockridge [video]

Powerful Prayers from Children-This Will Shake You [video]

The Fear of the LORD is to Hate Evil: Pride, and Arrogancy #shorts [video]

Excerpt from the book I Die Daily

The Cross and the Wolf

“There is a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof. Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they shown difference between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them. Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain.” Ezekiel 22:25-27

Make no mistake: there is a literal “conspiracy” of the false prophets against the God they claim to be serving. In their rebellion “they have devoured souls.” They have removed the “treasure and precious things” of God’s Word by replacing His precious precepts with the use of fad books, human philosophy, psychologies, and traditions. In doing so they have spoiled many souls, a fate of which Paul warned us to “Beware” (Col. 2:8). This they do to “get dishonest gain”—to gain their own fame, man’s approval, and earthly riches.

At the center of the “precious things” stolen by today’s wolves is the biblical message of the cross of Christ—that Christ laid down His life on the altar of the cross for our redemption, and then commands those who will be His to lay down their own lives to follow Him (Matt. 16:24-25; Luke 9:23-24).

The false teacher conveys to people what they want to hear in order to become popular. He meticulously picks and chooses the Scriptures he uses in order to entice and allure his audience to be endeared to him—in order “to get dishonest gain” (Ezek. 22:27). He refuses to teach the things that would jeopardize his standing with people. He fears men and not God (Gal. 1:10). This method of only teaching soft and dainty things works due to the obvious fact that there are so many who want to be told that going to Heaven and Christianity are easy. But that is simply a misrepresentation. That’s not what Jesus and His apostles taught.

“Strive (agonize) to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.” Luke 13:24

Does that sound easy?

“Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” Acts 14:22

“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” 2 Timothy 3:12

How many times are you hearing these divinely inspired words communicated by your leader(s)?

What about the following words of Christ? Have you heard this preached lately?

“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” Matthew 7:13-15

Notice in the above passage what Jesus is telling us. There is a narrow way that leads to Heaven and a wide road that leads to hell. Many are going down that wide road that leads to damnation and only a few are going down the narrow road that leads to eternal life. “False prophets” who are disguised in “sheep’s clothing” are, by their refusal to teach what Jesus taught, making the road to Heaven appear wider than He said it is.

The wolf leader is a hireling who is using his position in the ministry as a business to promote himself, so he does not want God’s Word getting in the way of such “success.” He certainly does not want God’s pure and circumcising Word of the cross doing its convicting work, because that won’t garner to him masses of people to fulfill his personal, self-serving dream.

The counterfeit leader would rather be relevant, relative, and seeker sensitive in order to reach a much larger segment of society. He markets his cross-less wares to the vast majority of people who are self-seeking instead of Savior seeking (Matt. 7:13-14; 2 Tim. 3:1-7). The beguiling author or leader targets this rebellious audience because they are much more plentiful and don’t read and heed the Bible, and therefore are easy to deceive and employ for the accomplishment of his goal.

Those who serve the lusts of the flesh instead of Christ, desire to be told that they are doing well in their current spiritual state, as they indulge in the lusts of the sinful nature, all the while believing they are saved and going to Heaven. But the Bible tells us that all those who love this world and the things in it are not of the Father (1 John 2:15-17). They shun the light of truth coming from the true God-fearing remnant of God’s people. They come to the defense of their false leaders when watchmen seek to uncover their evil teachings that are contrary to the clear message of God’s Word.

“And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” John 3:19-21

Of the “evil workers” who “mind earthly things,” the Holy Spirit warns:

“(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)” Philippians 3:18-19

The wolf entices people to act on their sinful lusts—covetousness, greed, spiritual adultery, and idolatry. Instead of preaching the cross—that we must die that He might live, they “mind earthly things.” They tend to teach and talk about the things of this world. The false prophet completely ignores such an essential truth—he is an enemy “of the cross of Christ” (Php. 3:18). He himself does not bear the cross so he naturally doesn’t teach others to deny the self-life, take up the cross, and follow Jesus.

In neglecting to teach the cross, he teaches “another gospel” which is “any other gospel” that is not the original Gospel given to us by Christ and His holy apostles (2 Cor. 11:2-4; Gal. 1:6-9; Jude 3-4). The false gospel message of the wolf leader is void of the cross, and any cross-less gospel is a counterfeit gospel. The cross-less leader actually cheats his audience out of hearing the vital message of death-to-self; if they could but learn to die to self for the Savior, it would facilitate for them rich spiritual fellowship with Him (Php. 3:10).

Getting saved is the entrance point into God’s kingdom and not the ending point. That one which will be an overcomer and “endure to the end” must obey Jesus in abstaining from serving himself so that he can please the LORD (Matt. 10:22; Luke 9:23-24; Rev. 2-3). This is what it means to deny ourselves and take up our crosses to follow Him. Jesus said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matt. 16:24).

The wolf leader is identified by the personal carnality he walks in (Jude 3-19). He is self-indulgent (Isa. 56:10-12; Php. 3:18-19; 2 Pet. 2:19). He spends more time on self-interests and minding earthly things than he does giving himself “continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4). He is not prepared to be empowered and led by the Holy Spirit in order to preach God’s Word to feed His sheep. Being entangled in the things of this world has precluded him from having time to watch over the souls of the sheep of Christ’s pasture (Prov. 27:23; Jer. 23:1-2; 1 Pet. 5:1-6). By definition, this kind of leader is a hireling and not a true shepherd. Therefore, Jesus’ followers today should not submit to him according to Hebrews 13:7, 17.

Paul, a known true servant, and apostle of Christ, said:

For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. Philippians 3:20-21

God is going to do His will in the life of the one who seeks Him with a whole heart daily (Jer. 29:13). The true disciple cleanses his heart daily, putting aside his own will so that the LORD’s perfect will can prevail (Jer. 4:14; Matt. 5:8; 2 Cor. 7:1; 2 Tim. 2:21). Cry out to Him now in utter desperation, announcing to Him what He has told us—that you have no hope without Him and can do nothing of eternal value without Him (John 15:5). We have nothing, can do nothing, and are nothing without Jesus Christ— “For of him (Christ), and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen” (Rom. 11:36).

The beloved late A. W. Tozer stated: “There must be a work of God in destruction before we are free. We must invite the cross to do its deadly work within us. We must bring our self-sins to the cross of judgment.”

The Word of God instructs us to “examine” and “judge” ourselves so that we will be in check with God, and not ultimately found guilty of serving self and not the Savior (1 Cor. 11:31-32; 2 Cor. 13:5). “For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world” (1 Corinthians 11:31-32).

There will be many surprised on Judgment Day (Matt. 7:22-23). They will be those who refused to build their lives on the Word—hearing and obeying it (Matt. 7:21-29; James 1:22).

Those who don’t want to die to the self-life have made many wolves very popular. This demonstrates several things, including the sad truth that most people aren’t willing to put themselves aside that Jesus might reign (2 Cor. 4:10-12). These are those whom He told us have a mere “form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.” To the remnant He says, “from such turn away” (2 Tim. 3:5).

Paul instructed his understudy, Timothy, to “Preach the word.” He then said that “the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears. And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables” (2 Tim. 4:2-4).

To “endure sound doctrine” is to take God at His Word and never dodge biblical truth that is not flattering to the flesh and requires death to self. Those who “will not endure sound doctrine” in this fleeting life will forever regret their short-lived self-indulgence. Remember Esau, who traded his eternal birthright for a quick fix bowl of soup?

“And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.” Hebrews 12:13-17

The cross and the wolf are mutually exclusive. Though good at feigning adherence to the Gospel the wolf does not honor Christ’s death and the “blood of his cross,” nor does he take up the cross daily, denying his own self-serving and sinful nature (Col. 1:20). Due to his own personal disobedience, he naturally can’t lead others down the narrow road that leads to life.

The wicked one and his accomplices have targeted the very people of God. They have stricken at the heart of the Gospel—the cross.

“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 dwellingplace of thy name to the ground.” Psalms 74:3-4, 7

The enemy has attacked the very “sanctuary” of the LORD by setting up his own ensigns or name in place of Christ and has cast into our midst the strange fire doctrines of a cross-less gospel which is no gospel at all.

On the merit of “the blood of his cross” the believer is “complete in him” (Col. 1:20; 2:9). The wolf is the child of the enemy, who has come to steal, kill, and destroy (Jn. 10:10). In the midst of the sanctuary, the wolf has stolen the place and position due only to Christ, who alone is worthy to reign as LORD over His people, which He purchased “by himself” with His very own blood (Heb. 1:3). In doing so, he has cut off the flow of nourishment from Christ—the “Head” of the Church— to His body (Col. 2:18-19). This is what being spoiled is—when the very “reward” Christ died to purchase for us is stolen by those who would “beguile you with enticing words” (Col. 2:3, 18). We are only complete in Christ and partake of the treasures of His wisdom as we worship Him in Spirit and in truth, upholding Him alone as our object of worship (Jn. 4:23-24; Col. 2:3-19).

Wolf leaders do not like the cross, which dictates that they must truly repent and die to all self-ambition and allow Christ alone to be glorified in their own lives and in the midst of His people. They desire to use people to make themselves look good to others, so they compel their prey to do things outwardly to accomplish this. They do this to escape “persecution for the cross of Christ.” “As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain (compel) you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ” (Gal. 6:12).

At all cost the counterfeit will seek to evade and avoid the suffering associated with “persecution for the cross of Christ.” He therefore creates a church environment where he makes people feel good about themselves, but he refuses to live and preach the cross to prepare them to meet Christ as His bride (Matt. 25:1-13; Eph. 5:25-27; Rev. 19:7).

Of these leaders, Paul writes in the very next verse:

“For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. 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 6:13-14

There are many modern-day forms of circumcision (outward religion that is void of repentance, regeneration, vital relationship, and a life that glorifies God in the spirit first). The wolf leaders who glory in self and in religion, are glad to have people patronizing their church businesses and making them feel good about themselves as they look out from their ivory pulpits and see people approving them by their presence and/or participation. But they don’t care for their soul— “What shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Mark 8:37). What will the devoured souls say in eternity? What will be the cry of those who were destroyed by the wolves? Will they say like Psalms 142:4, “No man cared for my soul”? It will be too late then. The root reason they followed mere men and were ensnared by wolves and damned irrevocably, was that they refused to truly repent and follow Jesus alone.

That’s what a wolf is—someone who is in ministry in order to get personal gain and not to love Christ and diligently watch for the souls of His precious flock. Therefore, he builds his own ministry instead of being used by the LORD to build His Church (Matt. 16:18; 2 Cor. 4:10-12).

Of many who hold positions of spiritual leadership, Jesus says: “For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God” (John 12:43).

The religion taught by these beguilers is not genuine Christianity. Jesus promised persecution to those who would follow Him (Matt. 5:10-12). Exchanging identity with Christ Himself, and Him alone, for some other religious affinity insulates people from persecution. In turn, being kept from persecution insulates people from crucially identifying with the Person, Jesus Christ. People are taught to glory in the fleshly things like “I’m Baptist,” “I’m Charismatic,” or “I’m Methodist.” This idolatrous identification intercepts the affections of their hearts from Christ, the One they should be looking to and upon whom they should be setting their heart affections (Col. 3:1-4).

“Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? … 18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:12-13, 18

Even those in the church world who have leadership positions are seen here to be perishing. They count “the preaching of the cross” as “foolishness.” If they didn’t, they would preach the cross of which Paul said, “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” (Gal. 6:14).

Paul understood that there could be no raising up until there was first a laying down of the life in death and burial (Jn. 12:24; 1 Cor. 15:36).

The Pharisees lived in the flesh. They sought the praises of men and not God (Matt. 23; Jn. 12:43). The fleshly nature loves this type of identification—the praises of mere men—because being a Methodist or Baptist doesn’t offend people and keeps life smooth. However, being a follower of Jesus Christ does convict others and brings persecution upon the true disciple (2 Tim. 3:12). The name of Jesus Christ is powerful, and those who love Him confess Him and receive persecution as He promised (Matt. 10:22; Lk. 12:8-9; 2 Tim. 3:12).

The false gospel that is preached by so many today is obviously counterfeit to those who read their Bibles daily. This fairytale gospel of today tells us that God wants us to prosper in all ways while escaping all trials, tribulation, hardships, and suffering of any kind. Instead of God’s Word being their theology, they say in their mythology that the LORD is only on His holy throne to help us get a good parking spot and make us happy so we can have our best life now.

The Bible truth is that God is interested in our best life then and not now, and this comes from laying down our lives—decreasing daily—that Jesus might increase (John 3:30). Eternal blessings are just that—forever, and knowing Christ guarantees them. Not knowing Him guarantees eternal conscious suffering. Those who genuinely know the LORD are busy laying down their lives, learning to love Him more, and being a blessing to others.

Along the path in this life, we too will be blessed, but not to the fulfillment of our depraved self-serving flesh that is here today and gone tomorrow (James 4:14). The Bible tells us to lay up our treasure in Heaven not on earthly things. We need to get that in our spirits and understand the amazing plan that God has for our eternal future, while not being seduced by leaders to “mind earthly things” (Php. 3:19).

Religion and those wolves who perpetrate it upon people, provides a comfortable place for the deceitful heart, never calling it to repent and bring forth “fruits meet for (consistent with) repentance” (Matt. 3:2, 7-8, 10). Doing good works and following an outward form of godliness cloaks the sinful heart, because it does not demand full repentance like the original Gospel does (Mk. 6:12; Luke 13:3, 5; 24:47; Acts 3:19).

These things are not being pointed out to merely identify the many wolves operating in our midst, but more importantly to warn the individual reader who would desire to follow Christ. Many warnings are found in Scripture concerning being aware of and escaping the lure of the evil one, who uses men to lead astray “many.”

PRAYER: Father, please grant me eye salve to see Your holy truth and the many wolves that now are disguised in sheep’s clothing and leading many to hell. Help me, Jesus! I this moment turn afresh to You fully, asking You to have mercy on me and wash away all my sins. Grant the eyes of my heart discernment as only You can, as I walk closely with You. I choose this day to deny my own self-will and desires and ask You to consume me with Your wisdom, power, and grace. LORD Jesus, please bless me to know You intimately. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Identifying the Wolves Among Us [podcast]

In Defense of Wolves JESUS SAYS THAT WE “KNOW” (discern) people “by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16, 20) … and when someone is defending a fake “bible” or is a calvinist, an eternal securist, or a judaizer …. what does that reveal saints? They are under the influence (at least) of Satan, the great deceiver himself. They are in need of true repentance. Beware saints. “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 https://safeguardyoursoul.com/how-to-discern-good-and-evil-podcast/ Nelline Richard writes: “Money hungry, […]

Wolves Who Deceive, Devour, and Defund their Prey [podcast]

Jesus and His holy apostles often rebuked and exposed false leaders and false doctrine (Matthew 23; Acts 13:10; 20:29-31; Galatians 5:11-12; 2 Timothy 4:2-4; 2 Peter 2; 2 John 7-11; Revelation 2:6, 15, etc.). Therefore we know that part of following Jesus includes doing the same. In fact, the body of Christ is mandated to do just that (Romans 16:17-18; Philippians 1:17; Colossians 1:28; Jude 3-4). Simply put, it doesn’t matter what you think: The LORD has commanded that Satan’s ministers, his human emissaries, be exposed. Time to shut up and obey! (2 Corinthians 11:12-15) “Let God be true […]

Crumbing Christ [podcast]

“All things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.” 1 Chronicles 29:14 THERE are children of God who are behind on bills. There are called-out men of God preaching Christ’s whole Gospel fearlessly, and you STILL support a multi-millionaire wolf who is making merchandise of the people to make himself even richer in this fleeting world? (2 Peter 2:1-3) God is calling you to repent. You are in darkness. Someone has wisely stated that: “On judgment day many will wonder why they got so excited about money and not Jesus.” Unknown —– WANT to see what […]

Apostasy

DOES THE BIBLE SAY TO PRAY FOR FALSE TEACHERS? The Answer May Surprise You.

DOES THE BIBLE SAY TO PRAY FOR OR DOES IT MANDATE THAT WE EXPOSE FALSE TEACHERS?

No, it’s not a sin to pray for the deceived. Yet, isn’t it time we obeying the command of God and stopped giving aid and comfort to the enemies of the LORD and cease caring for them more than the many they are deceiving?

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

Wolf worshippers are first and foremost self-worshipping counterfeits who could care less how many souls their celebrity wolf is leading to hell. All they care about is the sensual thrill they feel in worshipping their demon-possessed false prophet who tells them what they like to hear!

NEVER apologize for exposing false teachings and false teachers. You do such in obedience to the LORD and it results in the protection of the Great Shepherd’s sheep for whom He died (Matthew 10; Hebrews 13:20).

Did Jesus or His apostles ever pray for a wolf? No.

To the false leaders of his day, Jesus says this:

“Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers (snakes), how can ye escape the damnation of hell?” Matthew 23:33

Do nothing to “bid God speed” to the enemies of the LORD lest you be judged with those enemies of God (2 John 10-11). Bidding God speed means to condone, to support, or in any way to further the cause of the enemies of God, namely human agents who are teaching contrary to the Scripture.

So he’s not calling out the wolves and you still sit under that devil? You want to go to hell with him? (2 John 10-11) Repent and run now! (Matthew 7:15; 24:11; Romans 16:17-18; Jude 3, etc.)

Of the false teachers at Galatia, Paul says he wishes they, the false prophets, were “cut off.” Make not mistake, this is violent language.

“I would they were even cut off which trouble you.” Galatians 5:12

To “cut off” means to castrate, to mutilate, to amputate and so Paul is either saying that his God fearing desire is for false teachers to be castrated or taken out completely. There’s no getting around this appropriately violent language. It’s fitting for this situation because the eternal souls of men, the sheep of Christ’s pasture are at stake.

Many self-deceived people today have more compassion for Satan’s hell bound false leaders than they do for the beloved sheep who are being being misled by those wolves in sheep’s clothing! Repent now.

Beware of misplaced compassion. Compassion without discernment, compassion while ignorant, is dangerous.

The the false prophet Elymas, the apostle says:

“And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?” Acts 13:10

Can anyone find in this Acts 13 text where Christ’s apostle Paul pray for this Elymas, this named false prophet? I’m sorry, perhaps I missed something here.

There seems to be no end to the novices, perhaps well meaning, who argue out of their own ignorance to defend wolves who are devouring Jesus’ sheep. They come off as if they are highly superior in approaching, dealing with wolves with “love” and accuse those who expose as not doing so. Let’s take a look at who’s walking in true love, and who isn’t.

“Open rebuke is better than secret (hidden, concealed) love. 6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” Proverbs 27:5-6

Hebrew word for “secret” …..

סָתַר
sâthar
saw-thar’
A primitive root; to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively: – be absent, keep close, conceal, hide (self), (keep) secret, X surely.

As you will see below, it seems accurate to observe that we’ve never seen “love” like the love of prey for the wolf that’s tickled their ears and told them what their unrepentant hearts wish to hear (Isaiah 30:9-10; 2 Timothy 4:2-4).

Most wolf protecting enemies of Christ simply don’t know and don’t want to know what God says about this topic. They are under the control of Satan himself, covering for his agents and will be judged with them (2 John 10-11). God doesn’t like cowards (1 Corinthians 16:13; Revelation 21:8). The “fearful” are the first class listed as going to the lake of fire.

Those who defend Jesus’ enemy’s will be judged, damned with them (2 Pet 2:1-3; 2 Jn 10-11).

TYPICAL DEFENSE OF A WOLF BY HIS PREY:

“But wait, he’s led many thousands to the Lord!”

REPLY:

Jesus saves all by Himself, even using wolves at times. That is a front, intentionally taught to you by the wolf to cover, to keep himself from being detected, like sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15). After witnessing the “ministry” of this false teacher for years, I highly doubt most of those people truly were saved. He doesn’t even speak of the chasm their sin has caused so how can they truly be convicted and repent? They can’t in most cases. Luke 13:3…. If God truly did save some of them, it was in spite of White, not because of him.

MESSAGE RECEIVED:

“I do applaud your zeal for truth! I personally just think it is wise exercising prudence about knowing the hearts of men or women, only God knows. He will separate the wheat from the chaff.”

REPLY:

Jesus commanded us to “KNOW (Gr. discern) by their fruits” and told us that “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Matthew 15-16, 20; 12:34) ALL men are known by the fruit of what they teach – either sound or false doctrine (Titus 2:1). Why would the Son of God told us to “KNOW” people by the fruit of their lives if He didn’t want us to discern, to “Judge righteous judgment”? (John 7:24)

God knows all men’s hearts yes and yet GOD commanded us to know people also. How? Jesus says to “know (discern) them BY THEIR FRUITS” and thereby we know that anyone teaching “another gospel” is “accursed” and is the very enemy of Christ and to be “earnestly” contended against and marked, scoped out and identified – so as to protect the body of Christ (Matthew 7:16, 20; Romans 16:17-18; Galatians 1:6-9; 2 Peter 2:1-3; Jude 3-4).

HOW DID JESUS tell us to know/discern others? The FRUIT of their lives (Matt 7:16,20) THE FACT that JESUS told us to “know” (discern) people means He wants us to do so! (Matt 7:16,20) Same chapter as “judge not” v1-5 When Jesus taught us to “judge not” He is speaking in that context of hypocritical judgment and wrongly assigned condemnation. The JUDGE has spoken in a book called THE BIBLE. He’s calling us to pay attention when we read it. His written WORD records for us HIS judgments – the judgments of the Judge. So when a man preaches the Word, he is preaching GOD’s judgments, warnings, and not his own.

MESSAGE TO ME FROM A MAN ATTEMPTING TO CURTAIL THE MARKING OF A KNOWN WOLF:

“Dear Lord Jesus Please show Todd White your Holy Truth. May Todd White find peace and assurance in your wisdom and may he become a light upon a hill guiding others to Christ. Help him to leave behind his old self and ignite in him a desire to unashamedly make known Your Truth and disown and depart from the untruths he has held onto. In Jesus Mighty name we ask, Amen. Matthew chapter 5 verse 44’ But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;”

REPLY:

Can you give chapters and verses where Jesus or His holy apostles specifically prayed for a wolf? Ever read Matthew 23?

Interesting that you seem to hate all those precious many souls Todd White is misleading. Interesting. Why don’t all those precious souls matter to you? If you aren’t defending Todd White, why do you seem to care more for him than those many people he’s misleading?

How intense was Jesus’ apostle Paul about protecting Christ’s flock?

“For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. 28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. 31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.” Acts 20:27-31

In Matthew 5:38-45 Christ is speaking of not retaliating against OUR enemies. Jesus is speaking of how we are to react to OUR ENEMIES, not HIS enemies in Matt 5:44. HIS enemies in specific are those who are misleading HIS people, the sheep for which HE bled to save on that cross. You are misguided and taking Scripture out of context. What did He mandate that His disciple do?

“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. 4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jude 3-4

GOD TOLD YOU TO “MARK THEM” – WOLVES – AND NOT DEFEND THEM! (ROMANS 16:17-18) YOU GOING TO OBEY GOD OR REBEL?

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

Todd White is being marked, scoped out (Gr. skopeo) and named, identified as an enemy of Christ, a wolf in sheep’s clothing (Matt 7:15) so His people can be aware and escape being deceived…. no different than warning your children not to go near the street. Danger.

MESSAGE FROM WOLF JUSTIFIER:

“I believe we can still learn from (false) preachers and pastors biblical teaching, but we must test the spirits. Bring what is taught back to the word. Paul Washer, MacArthur, Spurgeon all preachers. Even today’s motivational speakers. I use what the Holy Spirit blessed me with, discernment, knowledge, wisdom.”

REPLY:

Good morning. Yes and yet, the LORD mandates that we separate ourselves from His enemies who pose as His ministers yet Paul says they are actually the ministers of Satan (2 Cor 11:12-15). Jude 3; Rom 16:17-18 …. we know all men, beginning with ourselves by the fruit…. false doctrine is bad fruit which means the root and tree is cursed. Matt 7:15-21; 12:33

Mat 12:33 Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.

Paul Washer, MacArthur, Spurgeon are all calvinist heretics. Everything they say, teach is poisoned with this calvinistic system, a doctrine of devils.

The Holy Spirit blessed you with the Word and so why do you need to even listen to known false teachers? Why would you? (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21, etc.)

How would you feel if your own husband communed with a sworn enemy of yours? How does Jesus feel by what you’ve just said?

SETTING THE BIBLICAL RECORD STRAIGHT

Jesus commanded HIS people to “JUDGE righteous judgment” (John 7:24) And, He commanded us to know/discern others “BY THEIR FRUITS” and that’s exactly what we’re doing under the command of KING JESUS (Matthew 7:16, 20). Dare you interfere with HIS work and become His enemy? You are bidding Godspeed to evil doers, satan’s wolves in sheep’s clothing, and you will be judged with those enemies of Christ if you don’t repent (2 John 10-11).

Jesus and each of His apostles on record in the New Testament canon warned the flock of wolves who would devour! There is no instance where they prayed for an enemy of Christ, a wolf who was misleading the flock of God.

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

1) Phygellus 1:15

2) Hermogenes 1:15

3) Hymenaeus 2:17

4) Philetus 2:17

5) Jannes 3:8

6) Jambres 3:8

7) Demas 4:10 (apostate)

8) Alexander the coppersmith 4:14

Read the book of 2 Timothy and underline these deceivers that the apostle was marking.

Naming Names, Marking Wolves | Beware of those who Defend Christ’s Enemy’s instead of Expose them | Exposure Dialogue | Apostasy Dialogues | Warning

How to Pray Effectively for Your Friends and Family! [podcast]

Someone has wisely stated that “We are never more like Jesus than when we are praying for others.” Which of God’s people are on your prayer list? No greater way to serve another than to lift them up to the Father in the name of Jesus! “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” Philippians 2:3-5 […]

"Warn them from Me": The 3 Things Paul did to Protect God's People [podcast]

The 3 Things Paul did to Protect God’s People [podcast] Jesus and His holy apostles often rebuked and exposed false leaders and false doctrine (Matthew 23; Acts 13:10; 20:29-31; Galatians 5:11-12; 2 Timothy 4:2-4; 2 Peter 2; 2 John 7-11; Revelation 2:6, 15, etc.). Therefore we know that part of following Jesus includes doing the same. In fact, the body of Christ is mandated to do just that (Romans 16:17-18; Philippians 1:17; Jude 3-4). PWT = Preach, WARN, Teach “Whom we PREACH, WARNING every man, and TEACHING every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in […]

SATAN'S SEMINARIANS [podcast]

Seminaries are the Invention of Satan WHEN Jesus declared “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” (John 15:16), …. was Jesus speaking here of men who “earned” and paid big money for a degree, a piece of paper from a “higher learning” institution of mere men? No. Read John 15:1-16 and you will see that Jesus alone can choose, call, prepare, and ordain a […]

Apostasy

Spiritual Formation—A Dangerous Substitute for the Life of Christ [podcast]

Sometimes we think of spiritual formation as formation by the Holy Spirit. Once again. That’s essential. . . . But now I have to say something that may be challenging for you to think about: Spiritual formation is not all by the Holy Spirit. . . . We have to recognize that spiritual formation in us is something that is also done to us by those around us, by ourselves, and by activities which we voluntarily undertake . . .There has to be method.¹—Dallas Willard

Aside from the fact that Spiritual Formation incorporates mystical practices into its infrastructure (remove the contemplative aspect and you don’t have “Spiritual Formation” anymore), Spiritual Formation is a works-based substitute for biblical Christianity. Let us explain.

When one becomes born again (“that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:9-10), having given his or her life and heart over to Christ as Savior, Jesus Christ says He will come in and live in that surrendered heart:

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. (Revelation 3:20)

To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: (Colossians 1:27)

If the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. (Romans 8:11; emphasis added)

When God, through Jesus Christ, is living in us, He begins to do a transforming work in our hearts (2 Corinthians 3:18). Not only does He change us, He also communes with us. In other words, we have fellowship with Him, and He promises never to leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).

This life of God in the believer’s heart is not something we need to conjure up through meditative practices. But if a person does not have this relationship with the Lord, he may seek out ways to feel close to God. This is where Spiritual Formation comes into play. Rather than a surrendered life to Christ (through repentance and faith), the seeking person begins practicing the spiritual disciplines (e.g., prayer, fasting, good works, etc.) with the promise that if he practices these disciplines, he will become more Christ-like.

But merely doing these acts fails to make one feel close to God—something is still missing. And thus, he begins practicing the discipline of silence (or solitude), and now in these altered states of silence, he finally feels connected to God. He now feels complete. What he does not understand is that he has substituted the indwelling of Christ in his heart for a works-based methodology that endangers his spiritual life. Dangerous because these mystical experiences he now engages in appear to be good because they make him feel close to God, but in reality he is being drawn into demonic realms no different than what happens to someone who is practicing transcendental meditation or eastern meditation. Even mystics themselves acknowledge that the contemplative realm is no different than the realm reached by occultists. To understand this more fully, please read Ray Yungen’s book A Time of Departing.

Bottom line, it is not possible to be truly Christ-like without having Christ inside of us because it is His righteousness that is able to change our hearts—we cannot do it without Him. It is His righteousness we need:

Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe. (Romans 3:22)

And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith. (Philippians 3:9)

It is interesting to note that virtually every contemplative teacher has a common theme—they feel dry and empty and want to go “deeper” with God or “become more intimate” with God. But if we have Christ living in us, how can we go any deeper than that? How can we become more intimate than that? And if going deeper and becoming intimate were so important, why is it that none of the disciples or Jesus Himself ever told us to do this? As Larry DeBruyn states:

Why are Christians seeking a divine presence that Jesus promised would abundantly flow in them? . . . Why do they need another voice, another visitation, or another vision? Why are some people unthankfully desirous of “something more” than what God has already given to us? Why is it that some Christians, in the depth of their souls, are not seemingly at rest?²

Is There a “Good” Spiritual Formation?

One of the most common arguments we hear defending Spiritual Formation is that there is a “good” Spiritual Formation done without contemplative prayer. To that we say, we have never yet seen a Spiritual Formation program in a school or a church that doesn’t in some way point people to the contemplative mystics. It might be indirectly, but in every case, if you follow the trail, it will lead you right into the arms of Richard Foster, Dallas Willard, and other contemplative teachers.

Think about this common scenario: A Christian college decides to begin a Spiritual Formation course. The instructor has heard some negative things about Richard Foster, Henri Nouwen, and Brennan Manning, and he figures he will teach the class “good Spiritual Formation” and leave those teachers completely out. But he’s going to need a textbook. He turns to a respected institution, Dallas Theological Seminary, and finds a book written by Paul Pettit, Professor in Pastoral and Education Ministries. The book is titled Foundations of Spiritual Formation. The instructor who has found this book to use in his own class may never mention Richard Foster or Dallas Willard, but the textbook he is using does. Within the pages of Pettit’s book is Richard Foster, Philip Yancey, N.T. Wright, Dallas Willard, Thomas Aquinas, Lectio Divina, Ayn Rand, Parker Palmer, Eugene Peterson, J.P. Moreland, Klaus Issler, Bruce Demarerst, Jim Burns, Kenneth Boa and Brother Lawrence’s “practicing God’s presence.” You may not have heard of all these names, but they are all associated with the mystical contemplative prayer movement and the emerging church.

Another example of this is Donald Whitney’s book Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life. Whitney is former Associate Professor at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and currently at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. While his book does not promote contemplative mysticism, he says that Richard Foster has “done much good”³ in the area of Christian spirituality (which we believe is blatantly untrue).

Our point is that even if there is a sincere attempt to teach Spiritual Formation and stay away from the mystical side, we contend that it cannot be successfully accomplished because it will always lead back to the ones who have brought it to the church in the first place.

Spiritual formation is sweeping throughout Christianity today. It’s no wonder when the majority of Christian leaders have either endorsed the movement or given it a silent pass. For instance, in Chuck Swindoll’s book So You Want to Be Like Christ: 8 Essential Disciplines to Get You There, Swindoll favorably quotes Richard Foster and Dallas Willard. Swindoll calls Celebration of Discipline a “meaningful work”⁴ and Willard’s book The Spirit of the Disciplines “excellent work.”⁵ In chapter three, ”Silence and Solitude,” Swindoll talks about “digging for secrets . . . that will deepen our intimacy with God.”⁶ Quoting the contemplative poster-verse Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God,” Swindoll says the verse is a call to the “discipline of silence.”⁷ As other contemplative proponents have done, he has taken this verse very much out of context.

Roger Oakland sums it up:

The Spiritual Formation movement . . . teaches people that this is how they can become more intimate with God and truly hear His voice. Even Christian leaders with longstanding reputations of teaching God’s word seem to be succumbing. . . .

We are reconciled to God only through his “death” (the atonement for sin), and we are presented “holy and unblameable and unreproveable” when we belong to Him through rebirth. It has nothing to do with works, rituals, or mystical experiences. It is Christ’s life in the converted believer that transforms him.⁸

“For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” Romans 5:10

What Christians need is not a method or program or ritual or practice that will supposedly connect them to God. What we need is to be “in Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:30) and Christ in us. And He has promised His Spirit “will guide [us] into all truth” (John 16:13).

“But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:” 1 Corinthians 1:30

In Colossians 1:9, the apostle Paul tells the saints that he was praying for them that they “might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.” He was praying that they would have discernment (“spiritual understanding”). He said that God, the Father, has made us “partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light” (vs 12) and had “delivered us from the power of darkness [i.e., power of deception]” (vs. 13). But what was the key to having this wisdom and spiritual understanding and being delivered from the power of darkness? Paul tells us in that same chapter. He calls it “the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints” (vs. 26). What is that mystery? Verse 27 says: “To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (emphasis added).

For those wanting to get involved with the Spiritual Formation movement (i.e., contemplative, spiritual direction), consider the “direction” you will actually be going.

And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel. (Colossians 1:21-23)

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power. (Colossians 2: 8-10)

This article is an extract from the Lighthouse Trails booklet, Is Your Church Doing Spiritual Formation? (Important Reasons Why They Shouldn’t). To order this booklet, click here.

Endnotes:
1. Dallas Willard, “Spiritual Formation: What it is, and How it is Done” (https://dwillard.org/resources/articles/spiritual-formation-what-it-is-and-how-it-is-done).

2. Larry DeBruyn, “God’s Present of His Presence” (https://www.guardinghisflock.org/gods-present-of-his-presence/ ).

3. Donald Whitney, “Doctrine and Devotion: A Reunion Devoutly to be Desired” (http://web.archive.org/web/20080828052145/http://biblicalspirituality.org/devotion.html).

4. Chuck Swindoll, So You Want to Be Like Christ: 8 Essential Disciplines to Get You There (Nashville, TN:W Publishing Group, a div. of Thomas Nelson, 2005), p. 15.

5. Ibid., p. 13.

6. Ibid., p. 55.

7. Ibid.

8. Roger Oakland, Faith Undone (Eureka, MT: Lighthouse Trails Publishing, 2007), pp. 91-92.

This has been an extract from our booklet Is Your Church Doing Spiritual Formation? (Important Reasons Why It Shouldn’t). To order this booklet, click here.

Spiritual Formation Exposed |

The Dangers of Spiritual Formation and Spiritual Disciplines

The Dangers of Spiritual Formation and Spiritual Disciplines A Critique of Dallas Willard and The Spirit of the Disciplines by Bob DeWaayPractices called “spiritual disciplines” that are deemed necessary for “spiritual formation” have entered evangelicalism. Recent encounters with this teaching narrated to me by friends caused me to investigate these practices. The first experience involved my friend and co-worker Ryan Habbena who went back to seminary to finish his masters degree. Here is his experience in his own words: I recently took a seminary course on the book of Luke. It was a summer intensive and was one of only […]

SHOCKING List of Spiritual Formation Ministries

More Catholic Witchcraft Infiltrating the Apostate Seminaries, Ministries, and Churches “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron.” 1 Timothy 4:1-2 WHAT is spiritual formation / contemplative prayer or centering prayer? Spiritual formation/contemplative prayer/spirituality is just another self-centered, Christ-denying, self-righteous, works-based, occultic, pagan lie from hell! Seminaries teach it and now many churches today are practicing new age witchcraft called contemplative prayer, or centering Prayer which is part of spiritual formation. […]

Articles

Chosen for Holiness [podcast]

“According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:” Ephesians 1:4

Holiness comes by the Savior in self denial (death and burial – the cross), not by self will or effort. Surrender is the cross – “NOT my will but thine be done” (Lk. 22:42) and “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46). We surrender to Christ by saying “Not my will but thine be done” dear Lord, by Your grace and the deliberate act of my own will I submit to the cross, the crucified life – where You alone reign supreme in this vessel (Luke 22:42; Galatians 2:20, etc.). I love You LORD Jesus! You must increase but I must decrease! (John 3:30)

Holiness, not happiness, is the divine command, the chief purpose and end of Christ’s salvation.

Of holiness, one disciple writes:

“Holiness speaks more to nature than it does conduct. Good conduct is the spontaneous byproduct of the new nature of the new creation man thru the cross and death to the old nature. We are new creatures in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17-18). To preach holiness as conduct without the new nature thru the cross understanding is legalism. Holiness is actually derived from ‘wholeness’ meaning the thorough transformation of the whole tripartite man (1 Thess 5:23). So many of these ‘holiness’ preachers are preaching nothing but conduct under law. Law arouses sinful passions and causes sin to increase and was given in order to provoke transgressions (Rom 7:5; 5:20; Gal 3:21). They are enemies of the cross!”

Holiness comes by way of the cross, not by way of the flesh. Just as sin was conquered by the cross of Christ, so sin in the life of the saint is conquered by the daily cross – the crucified life (Luke 9:23-24; Romans 6; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:3, etc.). It’s time to stop trying harder and to simply die deeper.

NOTICE: When a believer or group of believers backslides, they no longer separate from the transgressors who are unrepentant:

Fornication Defiles

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“Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?” Exodus 15:11 As we just read, divine “holiness” is “glorious.” Holiness is not what most of us think it is. Holiness in the divine economy is something of great “beauty” and utterly refreshing (Psalms 96:9). It seems that holiness is not merely a divine attribute but rather the divine nature of the Almighty. Are we ready to allow our LORD, who alone is “Holy, holy, holy,” to define what holiness truly is and how He brings it […]