THE DEEDS AND DOCTRINE OF THE NICOLAITANS (Part 1)
(Excerpt from the Deceivers and False Prophets Among Us book)
“But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes (means conquer the laity), which I also hate…So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.” Revelation 2:6, 15
Some years ago, after being found and apprehended by God, and saved by the grace of Jesus, I lived in a city where there was a cartel of eight volatile and controlling pastors. These men organized and operated a control ring where they tracked church attendants and their movements and dealings. This intelligence system was set up to help these men monitor the movements and activities of God’s people in an organized fashion in order to control the people. Doesn’t this sound like a microcosm of the coming one-world antichrist governmental system of control? Unfortunately, these pastors worked deceitfully and went so far as to maintain tithing records and files on all congregants in order to spy out their lives and liberties and limit their dealings with those who didn’t give as much as they wished. Over a period of several years, I personally attended and was ministerially involved in more than one of these local churches. These men operated under the authority of the “covering” doctrine, and the evil results upon myself and many others was great. The evil after effects of this authoritarian rule were more than can be noted here, and it took years for the LORD to heal my mind and heart from such abuse perpetrated by these leaders who exercised control over those they were called to serve. The LORD delivered many of us from the witchcraft perpetrated by these men, and for this I am thankful.
“Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.” 2 Corinthians 1:24 …. Elders are “overseers”, not overlords! Acts 20:28
Exercising control over another person (anyone other than one’s self) is witchcraft. In Revelation 2, Jesus speaks to two different churches and declares His utter hatred for the “deeds” and “doctrine” of those who seek to bring God’s people under their own control by misleading and misguiding their affections away from the Redeemer. This is a dangerous occupation at best, and one makes himself God’s enemy when doing this, because he infringes upon the divine work and the blessings He died to give His beloved people.
The “doctrine” and “deeds of the Nicolaitanes” consists of the control of a person or people through manipulation, false teaching, and various persuasions, some more subtle than others. The instilling of fear in relation to disobeying men is usually present in this type of destructive environment. Proper submission and accountability, as taught in Scripture, are taken to an extreme in this type of atmosphere of control. The absence of servant-leadership in true, godly humility is an earmark that one is among wolves (James 3:17-18).
Could it be that leaders who operate in this form of domination, do so because they personally lack the true grace and spiritual substance that comes only through simple obedience in experiencing intimacy with Christ? If they were truly following the Good Shepherd, would they be laying down their lives for His precious sheep instead of controlling them for their own purposes?
The definition of the term Nicolaitanes is found in the word itself, which is a compound Greek word. Nico means to conquer and laitanes mean the laity.
Jesus Hates Witchcraft
Jesus told us that He hates the “doctrine” and “deeds of the Nicolaitanes” (Rev. 2:6, 15). Nico means “conquer” while Laitanes means “the laity.” So, “Nicolaitanes” simply means, “conquer the laity.” This is the doctrine of control that the Master addresses here. In fact, this doctrine and the deeds that accompany it, so infuriates the LORD that it is the only thing that Christ ever went on record to say that He “hates”! Selah!
Jesus hates the evil, controlling, witchcraft deeds and doctrines of the “Nicolaitanes” which means “control the laity” or people. This is what deceivers and false apostles do (Rev. 2:6, 15).
No true apostle in the New Testament Scriptures coerced people to submit to him as an apostle, and they were real apostles, not self-proclaimed “false apostles” that Paul warned us to beware of and that Jesus warned us of (2 Cor. 11:26; Rev. 2:4)
No believer is ever called or given permission to lord over another’s faith. According to God’s Word, each believer is to first submit himself to the LORD and only then, to godly men (2 Cor. 8:5). Modern-day Nicolaitanes seek to direct men’s trust to themselves first. They make promises to the people they rule over, encouraging their trust in them (the leaders). This they do to persuade their victims to believe that God will be well pleased because “God” set them (these very men) in authority.
“In 1 Peter 5:1-6, Peter, writing under divine inspiration, forewarned presbyters about this malign tendency in the heart of man to exercise dominion over the souls of others. His antidote was that church leaders should clothe themselves with humility and emulate to serve the brethren with a willing spirit, not for base and worldly gain and prestige, but rather to please their Chief Shepherd who has engaged them into this service.” Author unknown
A False Covering
The control of men can come in many forms and with many faces. The “covering” teaching is one of those forms, and it is no new thing. Have you heard of this teaching? This “covering” teaching is merely one of the “cunningly devised fables” utilized by “false apostles,” “false prophets,” and “false teachers” to bring people under their own control in place of being under God’s refuge (2 Cor. 11:26; 2 Peter 1:16; 2:1; Rev. 2:2). I speak about most but not all who use this “covering” term. For some, whose hearts are right with the LORD, the term “covering” simply means having godly oversight and accountability. For many who use this term, it is all about control. This chapter addresses the evil agenda behind these deeds and doctrine. We shall seek to sharpen our discernment by addressing those who unlawfully use this “covering” teaching as a tool to exercise control over the lives of others. We shall compare Bible revelation to this doctrine of sinful men.
This variation of the doctrine of control, the “covering” teaching, and its proponents, calculatingly, cunningly, and deliberately assert that all Christians are to be “covered” (closely overseen) by an elder or elders. Their definition of “covering” a person would be more accurately defined as micromanagement and control. The goal of such a doctrine and its proponents is to gain control over people – control that rightfully belongs only to the One who made them. Some leaders teach this hyper-submission doctrine as if it were a foundational, essential doctrine of the Christian faith. They elevate this teaching and give it prominence, in order to fulfill their agenda to exercise an evil control over others.
This “covering” teaching simply takes what the Bible teaches as godly submission to an extreme, causing the control of people by someone other than their Maker and Redeemer. Though it varies, those who espouse this doctrine of control require people to check with them and get their permission (the human “covering”) before doing any ministry or making serious life decisions of any kind.
It is interesting that this doctrine would even be called “covering.” The words “cover” and “covering” only appear in the Bible once as they concern spiritual matters and are in the negative sense (Isa. 30:1). Listen to what the Holy Spirit reveals through Isaiah the prophet:
“Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me, and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin.” Isaiah 30:1
The first thing we observe in this verse is that there are those that God calls “rebellious children” who “cover with a covering” that the LORD states is “not of my spirit.”
The “covering” doctrine and deeds are deadly to the spiritual life of those brought under its bondage. This teaching and associated measure is cultic at best.
It simply does us no good to be submitted to earthly leaders if we do not have a daily vital and thriving intimacy with the living Savior.
According to Jesus Christ, servant leadership is the only legitimate leadership in the body of Christ (Matt. 20:24-28). All godly leaders actually seek to help their hearers be grounded in submission to God foremost, and they teach that submission to mere men is in vain unless one is submitted first to the LORD.
“And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.” 2 Corinthians 8:5
This divine priority revealed in this verse alone annihilates the control/“covering” teaching. Deceivers position themselves between people and the LORD – this is exactly what present-day Nicolaitanes do. They proudly emphasize their self-appointed position, qualifications, degree, experience, and/or title. They then ‘lord it over’ others. This could be termed ‘power positioning’ – where sinful men place themselves over the people and set themselves up as an esoteric priesthood to rule over the captives of their flock.
Robbing What Christ Died to Give
Jesus came to dwell AMONG His people and not rule over them as an authoritarian.
“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John 1:14
Controllers are under the influence of unholy spirits and are thieves of the liberty Christ came to give to each and every individual believer. The “covering” doctrine and practices (deeds) rob God’s people of the rich blessings of individual priesthood and the authority of God in their lives.
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” Galatians 5:1
In order to remain in the liberty of Christ, one must possess an ever-deepening personal relationship and daily communion with the LORD which begins with the secret chamber of prayer and a deep, daily study of Holy Scripture. In this place of intimacy, the truth will keep the believer out of the bondage of men and Satan and in the liberty Christ died to grant (Ps. 119:45; Gal. 5:1). The replacement of an intimate, life-giving, direct, and individual relationship with the LORD with submission to a mere human or hierarchy of men is simply spiritual robbery or spoiling. Theft!
“Beware lest any many spoil you (rob you) through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” Colossians 2:8
People who do not have that individual intimacy with Christ are especially vulnerable to coming under this control teaching and its spiritual bondage. Mere human teachings relate more to horizontal relationships in lieu of vertical. They rob the affections from the hearts of believers that should be reserved for the LORD alone. This control teaching taught by some leaders solicits and demands over-allegiance and undue loyalty to mere men. Leaders and teachings that have control as the goal seek to make the student believe that, because they are aligned with a certain man or group/organization, they are aligned with and in right standing with the LORD. Yet we know that there is only One Mediator between God and men – Jesus Christ (1 Tim. 2:5).
Diotrephes
Diotrephes was an early church leader who exercised control over God’s people. The apostle John cited:
“We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellow helpers to the truth. I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the pre-eminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth [them] out of the church. Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.” 3 John 8-11
Diotrephes was an authoritarian controller who held a place of leadership in the local church. Authoritarian leadership is the complete antithesis of what Christ taught. Jesus taught His apostles and the leadership servant leadership, and He perfectly exemplified the same. See and learn this all-important kingdom truth. Practice what Jesus taught and modeled about leadership. See Matthew 20:20-28 and 23:8-12.
“…All ye are brethren.” Matthew 23:8
Controllers today, like pride-filled Diotrephes, do not want to be cross-examined or have their “doctrines” or “deeds” put to the acid test of Holy Scripture (2 Tim. 3:16; Acts 17:10-11). They simply do not want to be brought under godly scrutiny with the divinely inspired, clear revelation given to the Church (the Holy Scriptures). So these men operate like one of their predecessors (Diotrephes).
Diotrephes single-handedly:
- Hindered the truth instead of being “fellow helpers to the truth” (3 Jn. 8)
- Monopolized the pulpit (place of authority) – “loveth to have the pre-eminence among them” (3 Jn. 9)
- Blocked godly men from having input – “receiveth us not” (3 Jn. 9)
- Used “malicious words” against the apostle John, instead of kind words from a concerned heart with God’s glory in mind – not his own (3 Jn. 10)
- Refused to “receive the brethren” (3 Jn. 10)
- “Forbiddeth” those who would seek to help the Church and “casteth them out of the church” (3 Jn. 10)
- Did “evil” by monopolizing the place of authority in the local church. Diotrephes did not honor the gifting and authority resident in John the apostle and others in the body of Christ who sought to serve God and His people(3 Jn. 11)
Usurping God’s Place
The doctrine of control (“covering” doctrine, etc. and any teaching or deeds that usurp God’s authority among His people) is a clear indictment against the LORD – it implies that He is not able to cover His people all by Himself. Could this be partly why Jesus told us He hates these deeds and doctrines? Such a position clearly conveys that He, the Almighty, needs mere men in order to accomplish His will. Interestingly and conveniently, it is those who teach such lies that are actually the ones who claim God has put them in elevated places to “cover” His people. This “covering” teaching has been spawned and perpetuated by those who seek to be in control of other people and resources. Serving Christ and His people is simply not their ultimate goal – self-exaltation and domination is. Instead of seeking to become the chief servant, and thereby earning the trust and submission of others, they seek to gain positions and titles by force and by false teaching to leverage themselves among God’s flock. Make no mistake: These are present-day Pharisees. They desire the title and yet not the trials, toil, nor associated tribulation. They seek after the spoils instead of serving the saints, the exalted position instead of a humble prayer posture for those they oversee.
We are dealing with a usurping witchcraft demon that seeks to bring believers under its control through false ministers.
Overseeing another person involves helping them grow in the grace of the LORD, while controlling another involves using manipulative seduction and force. He created us with free moral agency, so force is not the way the LORD has chosen to interact with His people, but rather, gentleness whenever possible (Jer. 31:3). Jesus leads us, and we are free to be led of Him or not (Rom. 8:14). He deals with His people according to how we posture ourselves and whether we choose to serve Him or not (Deut. 30:19; 1 Sam. 2:30; Isa. 1:19-20; 2 Tim. 2:12; Heb. 11:6).
Flattering Titles
“Let me not, I pray you, accept any man’s person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man. For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away.” Job 32:21-22
Let’s look into what Christ stated about leadership in His kingdom – first, how it is not to be done, then how it is to be done. In Matthew 23, while indicting false spiritual leadership and their practices, Jesus teaches that humble servanthood is the measure of leadership, not position, office, or title. Speaking of the Pharisees, Christ said:
“But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men Rabbi, Rabbi. But be ye not called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren (on the same level). And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” Matthew 23:5-12
“And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.” (Matt. 23:9)Here Jesus clearly instructs all His people to refuse to come under the seduction or control of any person or organization seeking to be placed in spiritual authority over them. Such a position is earned and freely assented to, never forced. The alignment of His people for spiritual growth, which glorifies God, is to be done as unto the one “Master” and “Father which is in Heaven.” (Matt. 23:8-9) This is to be done, not by force or deception, but voluntarily by mutual agreement.
“Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God (not men).” Ephesians 5:21
Any leader who teaches men to depend on him, instead of helping people foster faith and trust in God, is totally false and to be marked as such.
Wolves are very cunning and manipulating. They deceitfully conflate you submitting to them with submitting to God Himself. Not.
God’s Heritage, Not Man’s
The Bible tells us that the Savior with the nail-scarred hands and feet is the “Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.”
“Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.” 1 Peter 2:24-25
The goal of God is not that His children become card-carrying members of any certain denomination or local church. There is little or no virtue in such, and predominantly in this is harm and hindrances to open and sincere worship of Jesus Christ. The LORD is intent upon the sheep of His pasture experiencing and enjoying fellowship with Him and those who are His (Acts 2:42-47). Local church membership, as we know it today, is simply not found in the Bible. Actually, it can be (not necessarily) the first step into deception used by deceivers who operate out of local church buildings made of sticks and bricks. Buildings aren’t evil, but misplaced trust is, and so is ministry that doesn’t blatantly and forthrightly declare the truth and liberty Christ died to grant all in His kingdom (Gal. 5:1). The identity of the New Testament believer is strictly in Jesus Christ and His people, and the wrongful alignment and covenanting with organizations of men dilutes the purity of this intended relationship.
This whole control movement is the antithesis of what the Bible clearly teaches concerning leadership in the kingdom of God. Please listen prayerfully with your heart to what the Holy Spirit had the apostle Peter pen to the New Testament Church concerning eldership in the kingdom of God:
“The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint (force), but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready (willing) mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.” 1 Peter 5:1-3
According to this all-important text concerning the duties of godly elders, the Word tells us they:
- “Feed the flock of God” – they don’t fleece the flock – “for filthy lucre (illicit or excessive, monetary gain)”
- Take the “oversight” and godly responsibility over “God’s heritage” – not assuming an unnatural position of rulership over the people Christ died to redeem. This they do (serve) without “constraint” (force) or deceit but “willingly” out of a servant’s heart. They are not “lords (self-serving rulers, controllers) over God’s heritage”
Notice that all of the LORD’s people are “God’s heritage” and not man’s heritage. For a man to seek to become a lord over God’s heritage makes him the enemy of the Almighty.
Authority to Serve
Upon whose authority did John the Baptist minister? Who was His covering? Who did he go to check with before openly rebuking the religious leaders of the establishment of his day? What greater authority could there be than the Almighty who led His life and ministry?
“But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance.” Matthew 3:7-8
Beloved of the LORD, a physical building has absolutely nothing to do with kingdom authority. A building, following, or college degree grants no person even one iota of kingdom authority. Authority in God’s kingdom comes from being submitted to the King of the kingdom and serving His people (Matt. 23:11; 2 Cor. 10:6; James 4:7). Those who are of God seek to serve Him and His people. Those who are counterfeits in our midst seek personal control and to control others. Their judgment is sure (2 Pet. 2:1-22).
Those under the control of the Holy Spirit do not want control over the lives of others. In fact, they refuse such a position. The Holy Spirit is gentle and loving and would never lead one man to control another.
Forced Submission or Free-Will Serving?
Note what we read in Hebrews 13:
“Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation (way of life, not position)…Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” Hebrews 13:7, 17
These verses have been misused by some who operate in controlling people, to gain a place of undue authority over those they are leading. But let’s read it again and carefully. When we do, we may just observe that it doesn’t say here to submit to those who hold an office or position of leadership, but to those “who have spoken unto you the word of God” and who “watch for your souls.”
Those who serve earn authority in God’s true kingdom. A position or college degree grant no kingdom authority, neither does the fact that one has been appointed to a position of leadership. In the economy of the kingdom of God, authority is granted to those who obediently serve the King of the kingdom – the way He prescribed in His holy Word. Check this out:
“Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” Matthew 23:10-12
Matthew 23:11 is how God’s kingdom works – “But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” Any local assembly not operating according to kingdom truth simply is not a true New Testament fellowship. “Flee” is the operative word for all true disciples of Christ who find themselves in such a cultic environment.
Jesus had much to say about how leadership is to operate.
“Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3-4
The forced submission of mere men is an ugly evil, despised of God. The very premise of such seems to be founded upon the pride of sinful men who hold positions of leadership. The kingdom of God is all about Jesus Christ, the supreme King, and He never forces submission. No man genuinely submitted to Him will be deceptively or blatantly seeking to place people under himself in a subordinate position. Such is unnatural and foreign to kingdom principles. The worship of the believer’s life and heart is to be reserved for the nailed-scarred risen Savior and not directed toward mere men.
Note, in this following New Testament passage, the posture of leaders toward those they lead.
“As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time.” 1 Corinthians 16:12
Did you catch the fact that the apostle Paul wanted Apollos to go on a certain mission to do ministry, and Apollos chose not to go? Did Paul manipulate or for him or throw him away? Have we any record that Paul the apostle demanded that Apollos submit to him or come under his “covering?” Obviously Paul didn’t see his position or authority as something to be used to force people to do what he wanted. We see no trace of a dictatorship mentality in his ministry and life. Paul simply never lorded authority over others, even though he was a lead apostle. | The Covering Doctrine is Witchcraft
Do we read here or anywhere in Scripture that Paul or any of the apostles of Jesus reacted out of arrogance and pride? Was the apostle Paul divisive in any way toward Apollos, who didn’t want to do what he desired him to do? No.
In God’s economy, submission is a free will offering. The LORD Himself never forces anyone to serve him. Did He force the rich young ruler to give up his goods and follow? When the rich young ruler turned and walked away from Jesus, did our LORD command him to come back? Getting the picture?
If the very Son of God didn’t force men to serve Him who is all in all, why would anyone else dare attempt such?
“‘Only by pride cometh contention’ a work of the flesh (Proverbs 13:10). Srife is ‘I want you to think exactly the way I think.’ You don’t have the right to do that for anybody… you have no right to make people think the way you think. You need to examine your own thoughts and be fully persuaded in your own mind. I have no right to make you think a certain way. I’m a pastor and I will feed you with the Word, but you have to work it out.” Michael Caesar
“Let No Man Glory in Men”
Listen closely to what the apostle Paul stated concerning the believer’s position with God and Christ, and how he contrasts it with the position of mere men:
“That no flesh should glory in his (God’s) presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the LORD…Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours.” 1 Corinthians 1:29-31; 3:21
Lifting Christ, Not Self
People in ministry who are truly right with God never seek to build themselves up, but rather Christ.
John the Baptist existed to exalt Jesus, and he knew denial of the self-life was essential to such. He cried:
“He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30
Shouldn’t this be our daily verbal confession and heart rendering?
Take a glimpse at Paul’s aim:
“For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the LORD; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.” 2 Corinthians 4:5
Salvation is of the LORD and not men. It is by faith that we are saved and that we are to live unto the LORD. The Bible tells us that “The just shall live by faith” right? In fact, we are told that we cannot please God without faith.
“But without faith it is impossible to please him...” Hebrews 11:6
Faith pleases God. A wise man once stated that:
“Faith is only as valid as the person or object in which it is placed.”
Displacing one’s trust from God to a mere man cuts off the flow of God’s grace into his heart and life (Jer. 17:5).
“Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips.” Psalms 16:4
“Yet I am the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no god but me: for there is no saviour beside me.” Hosea 13:4
The sin of idolatry kills all love, joy, and peace. Liberty, love, joy and peace come only through proper submission to the LORD.
“Submit yourselves therefore to God…” James 4:7
The doctrine of control short-circuits or intercepts faith in God and misdirects it to mere men. Faith is to be directed only to the LORD. Christ said “Have faith in God.” This is why Jesus said He hates the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes – because it steals glory from His name (Rev. 2:6, 15).
Submitted to God First
When speaking of the Macedonian Christians, the apostle Paul stated that they “first gave their own selves to the LORD, and (then) unto us by the will of God.” (2 Cor. 8:5) So, we see it to be “the will of God” to “first” submit or give ourselves to Him, then be properly aligned with other men of God.
A blatant example of such obvious fruitless misalignment is the structure of the Catholic Church. A billion souls are submitted to this leadership while not being submitted to the LORD Himself. This is the way they have been led by those men who have insulated them from God by usurping the place that the LORD Himself alone is worthy to hold. In stark contrast to heretical Catholic teaching, The Good Shepherd says:
“I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” John 10:9
Catholic tradition erroneously holds that since God gave Peter (the so-called first “pope”), the keys, that all who submit to the popish successors and the Roman Catholic institution are in the one true religion and follow the true way to God. As every true believer in the one and only “holy Potentate (Supreme Ruler),” Jesus Christ, understands, nothing could be further from the truth (1 Tim. 6:15).
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 2:5
For many reasons, we know that Peter was not the beginning of what is known today as the Roman Catholic church, including the fact that this religion of mere men didn’t even begin until 300-400 years after Christ and Peter were gone from the earth. Peter is never seen as a “pope” in Holy Scripture. Neither he nor Jesus nor anyone else ever called Peter a “pope” nor looked to the apostle Peter as some mystical figure who was vastly superior to other mere men. Such an office is antichrist – in place of Christ, a substitute. The popish office replaces the real Christ, who is the very Alpha and Omega, with the headship of a sinful mere mortal. There is only one “Head” and “one holy Potentate” in God’s kingdom and that is King Jesus (Col. 2:19; 1 Tim. 6:15). Hail Jesus – not Mary or the pope or Catholic Church.
The whole Catholic system is a blatant robbery of the glory of God and blessing He came to give mankind. The fury of the LORD is soon to be poured out upon this system and all others like it. The cup of divine holy indignation is near full, and He will soon come with flaming fire to take vengeance upon such rebellion (2 Thess. 1:7-10; Rev. 17-19).
Do we not have spiritual “popes” in the body of Christ today? Is the same demonic spiritual conspiracy not at work in the midst of those who call themselves Christians? There are those who have placed themselves in positions of undue rulership over God’s people in our midst.
Jesus Christ came to give men a personal relationship with God (Mk. 15:38). This was His foremost reason and purpose for coming to the earth (Jn. 17:3).
Submission to mere men is futile, before one is in obedience to the Savior by first acknowledging his own sinful, depraved state, having violated a holy God. It is only in realizing our own sinful state that the blessed propitiation of Christ will be appreciated. Submitting one’s life fully to Christ is the beginning of all the blessings of God.
“But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:30-31
The doctrine and deeds of the Nicolaitanes is a perversion in that it reverses the order in which men submit. Instead of the biblical way, first God and then men, this perversion teaches men that their greatest need is to submit to other men, and that in doing so, they are submitted to God.
Like Paul, no godly leader would think of expecting, allowing, or permitting a person to submit to them before that person submitted himself first “to the LORD.” The “discipleship” movement of the 70’s is not dead. This teaching and the spirit behind it still lives on in men today. Make no mistake, the “covering” teaching is a deed and doctrine of the modern day Nicolaitanes, or leaders who operate under a spirit of witchcraft which seeks to bring God’s people under its control. This “covering” teaching is used by leaders to control others. This is exactly why Jesus hates it. Beware.
Those who promote the “covering” teaching (that it is essential for each Christian to have a human spiritual covering to help him make decisions) strongly assert to others that they must find and submit to some elite person or board of elders or apostolic authority. Yet, there is not one verse in the Bible that is a direct instruction to New Testament believers to go out and find and blindly submit in this manner to mere men. No such posture is found within the New Covenant Scriptures.
God had 27 New Testament books to definitively command His people to go hunt down and submit to a certain kind of spiritual, earthly authority, but he simply didn’t. He is the Master “wolf detector” and knows that these organizations have always enabled deceivers to mislead His precious sheep. The LORD never instructs us to unduly submit to men. Such a stringent command and rendering of allegiance or obedience to men is never ordered under the New Covenant, as some would forcefully assert. In the Bible, we are instructed to submit ourselves to the elders over us for they watch for our souls (Heb. 13:7, 17; 1 Pet. 5:1-6). These are men who have earned, before God and men, in clear conscience, the place of servant leadership due to their serving with a pure heart, not because they demanded to be in authority over others due to their charisma, positioning, degree, or intelligence. True under-shepherds do not lead by force. Such is an unbiblical posturing of leadership, and it reeks of self-appointment and not Spirit-led appointment and anointing to serve.
The joy of Jesus is the strength and wisdom empowering those who lead in unbroken fellowship with Him.
The role men are to play in overseeing God’s people is never to interfere with the individual priesthood relationship of each believer, ratified by the very blood of the Son of God at the cross and as He sprinkled His holy blood on the mercy seat in Heaven (Mk. 15:38; also see the Book of Hebrews). Under the New Covenant, the individual Christian has the divinely purchased 24/7 privilege of total blessed access to the throne of God’s grace “to obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Heb. 4:14-16) Such an unspeakable blessing was not purchased nor given to us by a mere man and cannot be taken away by a mere man, unless it is stolen because the individual believer does not know the Word of God and understand His blood-bought privileges (Matt. 22:29; Hos. 4:6).
PRAYER: LORD Jesus, train my heart and mind in Your righteousness and truth. Establish my life in Your precious grace that I might grow in Your love and be free to serve You and my fellow men in the liberty of the Holy Spirit. Fill my heart with Your love for Your people. Enlighten my heart and mind and expose any controlling elements or people who may have usurped the place that only You should occupy. Deliver me, LORD, from any ungodly yoke or allegiance to mere men. Let the blood of Jesus this moment flood my life, spirit, soul, and body. Amen. In the name of Jesus Christ.
Deceivers and False Prophets Among Us
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FEEDBACK:
“✝Aᴍᴇɴ♥, awesome message! It is a must-read. God bless you and thank you for sharing this!!” Carolyn Annette J.
“Thank you for this awesome lesson my brother! Sending our love to you and your family on this Blessed Eve….” Pete C.
“God showed me this over 15 months ago while attending a new members covenant membership class! Within 10 minutes of the pastor giving his “talk” on WHY one must be covered. The verse kept coming to mind about; “there shall be NO God ‘s before me”; and James 5:12 – “But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.” Needless to say, I asked WHERE in Scripture THEY [the pastor & his wife] found Scripture to back this up, because God is telling me James 5:12!! We all need the only Covering there is – THE LORD. Ps 91:1″ Lisa F.
Message Received:
“Isaiah 30:1 Is a further warning against Hezekiah’s seeking counsel (an alliance) with Egypt against Assyria. To depend on Egypt to help against Assyria would only result in shame for Judah. I don’t see how this applies to people of mutual faith in Christ Jesus?” Charles H.
Reply:
Hi Charles. Well, many have brought the world (Egypt) and it’s wicked ways into the church. Paul specifically warned about this very thing (Colossians 2:8).
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Articles
False Apostles Exposed!
Ever notice today who everyone and their uncle’s dog is supposedly an “apostle”? Laughable. Heretical. Holy Scripture specifically addresses “false apostles” two times.
“For such are FALSE APOSTLES, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” 2 Corinthians 11:13-15
Any man pretending to be an “apostle” is one of the “false apostles.”
To the Ephesian assembly of believers, Jesus said:
“I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried (tested) them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:” Revelation 2:2
Those who falsely claim to be apostles “are evil.”
Below is a specific exposé of a network of false apostles. Most deceivers use similar schemes and methods to prey upon the unlearned.
“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” Romans 16:17-18
Reasoning away the blatant error and deception of these self-appointed so-called “apostles” is unwise and will result in being misled and damned ultimately (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12; 2 Peter 3:17). It doesn’t matter how many good things are on their site and presented in their ministry, it’s a false ministry based on the fact that they are elevating themselves as “apostles” and deceitfully manipulating people with mind control to believe they need these wolves for spiritual maturity. This is a classic, easily discerned deception (2 Peter 2:17). This is classic Nicolaitan deceit. Jesus says He hates these deeds and doctrines (Revelation 2:6, 15).
“In fact it would be the same as attempting to elevate oneself in the power of the self, over other believers, as Jesus told us we are not to be doing. Reference where the disciples were arguing with each other over which of them was the greatest. Same would be true of a a person elevating themselves as a Pope.” Trevor Gamble
Most deception is simple mind control which is witchcraft to get gullible people under their spell and false leadership by making them think they need these “living apostles.” It’s a scam.
“Beware lest any man spoil (ruin) you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power.” Colossians 2:8-10
These “false apostles” will verbally agree with the fact that all true believers are “complete” in Christ and yet, they add to His Word and plan by insisting that THEY are Christ’s appointed “apostles” whom the LORD has sent to perfect them (those they are preying on). This is nonsense folks. This is no different than the Catholic cult convincing their prey that Peter was the first pope. We know that isn’t biblical and yet, when someone is convinced of this lie, they then wrongly believe that the Roman religion is the one true religion that extends from Christ and Peter. So, like Rome, these “false apostles” add themselves into the simple equation given us in the original Gospel of Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 2:5). More on this below …
We hope that these men will contact us with proof that they have repented and are bringing forth tangible fruits consistent with that true repentance (Matthew 3:7-8).
Self-Appointed “Apostle” John Welty Exposed
Any man calling himself a prophet or apostle is a fraud.
John Welty is a part of the “Second 8th Week Ministries.” Their website reads: “Living Apostles Today | Restoring the Church Back to Her First Love.” This clearly indicates that they believe that no one alive today among the true servants of Christ are able to do this work of Christ except them – the “living apostles.” This statement infers that until now, the body of Christ has not been able to grow into full maturity but now it can since they are on the scene. Another false apostle involved is self-appointed “apostle” Eric Vonanderseck.
“The apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers of the Second 8th Week welcome you. Hear what God is saying to the church through His apostles and prophets. If God has been preparing your heart for transition and change, be ready to be ignited by the Spirit to the fulness of the hope of Christ. This is a time of separation, a time of challenge, and a time of rejoicing. (Isaiah 42:16)”
This is a network set up to entrap and ensnare souls (Ezekiel 22:25-27). Note the typical buzz words and terms used by false ministries such as “transition and change” and “ignited.” This witchcraft, manipulation, and mind control is being wielded over the minds of men and women.
Note: A warning has been sent by us to these men in hopes that they would see the light of truth and turn to the LORD before it’s too late. No reply back was received to date. It is our prayer that these men will repent and turn their lives over to the LORD afresh in humility and brokenness. If they do, they will become genuinely broken, drop their titles, and begin serving God’s people instead of exploiting them for personal gain. Yet, for now the alarm must be sounded so that others can escape the snare of their falsehoods and counterfeit pretentious “ministry.” Our desire is not to condemn or be harsh. These things must be done in obedience to our LORD to protect precious souls (Romans 16:17-18; Hebrews 13:20; Jude 3-4, etc.).
Yet, we pray these guys themselves will turn to the LORD
At the top of the page on his personal website, John Welty didn’t even pay enough attention or purposely used a lower case “c” when referring to Jesus Christ. Keep this in mind as you read the following concerning this ravening wolf (Ezekiel 22:25-27; Matthew 7:15).
Did you notice this paragraph on this guy’s site? I high lighted some things…..
“Truth, which comes through living apostles, makes all the necessary connections so that we may recognize the pattern God set for our faith to follow. With truth in the heart, we learn how to meet God’s expectations through sanctified faith in Christ which joins our faith perfectly to Him that we may experience the power and fullness of Christ.”
Typical tricky and deceit-filled language used here. Welty is positioning himself by conditioning the reader to believe there are “living apostles” and that those apostles have the same amount of kingdom authority as did Paul and the original twelve and that we are to submit to them. Not quite! Though I do believe there are apostles today, I don’t believe they fulfill the same function or place in God’s kingdom as did the original twelve and Paul, and that if they are an apostle and a true one, they are probably humble enough not to refer to themselves as an apostle. They simply go about humbly serving.
You see, if wolves like John Welty can convince the unlearned that they need him then he’s got them in his grip. After all, John Welty is a “living apostle,” right? Wrong!
We are often warned in Scripture of beguilers like John Welty.
Read and commit to memory the following verse and it will keep you till the end beloved in this time of great and treacherous apostasy:
“For of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.” 2 Peter 2:17
Read it one more time please. This is key.
When you allow a man to “overcome” you with a lie such as Welty is peddling, then he will bring you under his “bondage” to the lies he perpetrated upon your life.
When we are truly submitted to Jesus Christ, rooted and grounded in Him and therefore His love and truth, we will escape such beguilers.
Notice how these so-called “apostles” have inserted themselves in the equation? Didn’t God tell us that there is only “ONE Mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus”? (1 Timothy 2:5). Did you catch the word “necessary” Welty used? This is classic, typical Nicolaitan (conquer the laity by convincing them they need you) usurping. Jesus says He hates this (Rev. 2:6, 15). “False apostles” is one of the perils Paul faced (2 Corinthians 11:13).
These so-called “apostles” need to repent and begin obeying Jesus by not using titles and calling themselves mere servants who do not merit being saved much less ruling unwarranted over God’s children (Matthew 20:24-28; 23:8-12; Ephesians 3:8; 1 Timothy 1:15).
The 5-fold eldership giftings are to be used to glorify God was SERVING HUMBLY among His people and not to use as a title to build ones own brand in self-promotions (Romans 12:3-8; Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Peter 4:10-11). This is a direct contradiction of what Christ taught about the necessity of humility among His people (Matthew 20:20-28; 23:8-12).
Another clue to his smoke-blowing scam is that he is a cloud and wind without rain or without any substance (Proverbs 25:14).
“These are wells without water (no substance), clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. 18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.” 2 Peter 2:17-18
This guy is very long winded to make little simple points that aren’t even biblical and he really doesn’t make those points well if at all. Doesn’t the Bible tell us that the LORD is not the author of confusion? See 1 Corinthians 14:33. It would seem, at least in part, that John Welty is striving in the flesh and wanting “job security” as it’s called today. In other words, he wants people to think they need him which would assure his rule over them and being funded. So he’s deliberately not upholding the “Head” but instead he’s usurpingly intercepting the worship due only to Christ, the only Head of His body from which all divine virtue flows. See Colossians 2:18-19.
These “false apostles” give themselves away by never mentioning the very “the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus.” Jesus alone is “the Apostle and High Priest of our profession.”
“Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;” Hebrews 3:1
Isn’t it interesting how much time and energy these circus clown wolves spend claiming and touting their own self-appointed, supposed apostleship and say little or nothing about the very “Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus”? Now that’s a huge red flag, waving profusely!
The “Apostle” that matters is Jesus Christ, not modern men who wish to elevate themselves among other men by touting titles and thereby deceiving and snaring souls.
Paul, a known servant and true apostle of Jesus, appointed by Christ Himself, stated:
“Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?” 1 Corinthians 1:13
Inserting so-called modern “apostles” into the equation is Nicolaitan domination over other souls which is witchcraft, which Jesus says He hates (Revelation 2:6, 15). JESUS Christ is building HIS true church as He promised and warns us about false prophets and false apostles, especially in these final days.
“The spirit of antichrist” opposes Christ by replacing Him who told us He is the only way (John 14:6). Those possessed with “the spirit of antichrist” don’t antichrist” don’t “consider” or esteem and factor in the only true Christ – Jesus Christ. They factor Him out of their message and your mind and life. That’s the very job of “the spirit of antichrist” who is Satan himself who has come to “steal, and to kill, and to destroy” (John 10:10). The “spirit of antichrist” is that evil spirit that works to replace Christ with something or anything else, derailing those who once knew Him (Colossians 2:8; 18-19; 1 Timothy 4:1-3; Hebrews 3:12-14; 1 John 4:1-3). Anti means in place of and so “the spirit of antichrist” replaces Christ with a false Christ or anything else (1 John 4:1-3). So, this evil spirit, working through false apostles like John Welty, seeks to replace Christ with himself in the lives of the people he preys upon.
You see, this guy is not preaching Christ but self. Paul said “We preach Christ crucified” (1 Corinthians 1:23). Welty distorts and throws out smokescreens with lots of fluff and stuff that goes undetected by those who have chosen to reject Christ in their own personal lives and therefore don’t study diligently His written Word. They therefore find it intriguing to hear all this acrobatic language that makes him appear as if he is a guru who has a special line to God and yet, in reality, what he says amounts to nothing.
Paul says: “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” Galatians 6:14
You will most likely never hear John Welty say those words and if you do, he will twist them. Welty is glorying in self, not the Savior. Those snared by this man’s ministry of deceit will be like Welty – self-serving and Savior-rejecting.
1 John 4
“1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.”
Glory intercepted: This fellow is under “strong delusion,” even having been sent by God this “spirit of antichrist” (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12). If you look at large segments of this guy’s work, you will not see him preaching and confessing Jesus Christ who came in the flesh because he is purposely x-ing Jesus out of the message in order to be able to elevate and establish himself and give job security to himself. The spirit of antichrist comes on those who want to reign over their own lives as Lucifer vaunted himself against the Almighty but was cast down for doing so.
If you are going to understand how the enemy works, you must understand the following passage which holds the key to understanding and being able to detect the work of the enemy of all souls:
Isaiah 14
“12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.”
Did you see the 5 “I”‘s of Lucifer?
In Heaven in eternity past, Lucifer, who is now Satan, appointed himself to be “like the most High.” This is exactly what the self-appointed, so-called “little gods” of today do as they seek to wield their manipulation over the people just as Lucifer did and was successful at garnering a third of the angels in Heaven who joined him in rebelling against God (Revelation 12:7-12). The first rebel, Lucifer, was cast out of God’s presence violently and permanently because “God resisteth (sets Himself against) the proud” (James 4:6).
Ezekiel, the servant of the LORD, was told by God to “Speak WITH MY WORDS unto them” (Ezekiel 3:4). Timothy was charged to simply and only “Preach the word” (2 Timothy 4:2).
Note what the elders of Israel did in ministering to God’s people:
“So they read in the book in the law (written Word) of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.” Nehemiah 8:8
They simply read God’s Word to the people and helped them “understand” GOD’s Word. ANY person in “ministry” who is not doing this is a bona fide wolf on this basis alone.
As the video goes on, Welty speaks of “tools we can use daily.” I don’t like this word “tools” for more than one reason but firstly, I don’t like it because it’s not biblical language. What’s wrong with using the word “tools” and other non-scriptural terms and words? Well, lots. The premise from which he speaks is that WE use God and the things He has given us instead of being LED by and of Him. In this guy’s Luciferic theology, we take what God gives and use it as we see fit. He’s an enemy of the cross of Christ (Philippians 3:18-19). When we obey Jesus, we lay down our lives and deny self, take up the cross and follow Christ who is “the resurrection” and raised us up in His power, humbled before Him and simply following His lead. “As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God” (Romans 8:14). Do you see the difference here of being led by the Spirit and taking things into our own hands, even the “tools” God gives us? In this guy’s corrupted theology, God isn’t in control but he is.
Then he speaks of these so-called modern apostles whom he says “God” has called to “steward these things to you.” In other words, you need THEM. THEY are essential, not Christ, but them. You seeing this baiting and switching? This is slight of hand friends of Christ, so beware!
He says “this is what Christ is doing….. not apart from my stewardship but through it.” So, according to this wolf’s deranged theology, you must have him to have the work of God done in your life. It’s through him, not Christ but him, that God is doing His work. Absurd!
Then he says Christ was not our substitute but rather did what He did for “our benefit.” There we go again – he is making everything revolve around man when God’s Word teaches us that man is utterly depraved, corrupted, and sinful and that Jesus Christ is the propitiation for our sin. This man has replaced who the Messiah revealed in Holy Scripture with a false Christ that simply does all he does for the benefit of man. He’s like some cosmic bellboy who has come to give man tools to do his (man’s) own bidding as he sees fit as his own little god.
He uses more code language here such as “sanctified contact.” No such term or language appears in Holy Scripture. It’s like these guys create their own language to hoodwink the unlearned who refuse to study God’s Word and seek His face.
“Nine spiritual tools”? There are nine “GIFTS” of the Holy Spirit given to the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:4-12) and nine dimensions of “the FRUIT of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-23); but never are nine or any “tools of the spirit” mentioned. What spirit is this man speaking by and of? The answer should be obvious.
Ouch, then he digs himself deeper with this feigned idea and worn out scheme of “learning the language of the covenant.” But his use of the words “language of the covenant” is not referring to simply learning the language given us as Holy Scripture which would be the language of God’s covenant if you will. You see, by his whole new language, he has to complicate the simple Gospel, the original Gospel, in order to establish his own position and profession and make people believe he is above them; and that they need him to know all these useless things he is putting forth and making sound fancy. To the contrary, Paul speaks of “the simplicity that is in Christ”:
2 Corinthians 11
“2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
5 For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.
6 But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things.”
John Welty is the typical esoteric clairvoyant channeler or medium who feigns to have some special line to God; and be a modern apostle of Jesus in order to trick people into submission to his high and mighty calling and Luciferian self. This man is a self-appointed false apostle and false prophet just as we are warned about in Holy Scripture (2 Corinthians 11:13). As we are doing here in identifying and exposing this false apostle. So did the Ephesian believers. Jesus said to them:
“I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried (tested) them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:” Revelation 2:2
Welty is a classic and typical example of a man who does not memorize God’s Words but rather has learned a simulated certain type of terminology in order to feel as though he has something unique that people need to learn. That’s his purpose for not preaching God’s Word – so he can introduce and seduce. Instead of simply teaching the written Word of God, false ministers try to come up with something different or something other than just the Bible so that they have their own brand of ware to peddle and make themselves seem unique and a needed commodity. But the Bible instructs us to “Preach the word” and to “speak with MY words unto them;” and “If any man speak, let him speak as of the oracles (written Word) of God” (2 Timothy 4:2; Ezekiel 3:4; 1 Peter 4:11).
I don’t sense the Holy Spirit in this man’s life at all which would be evidenced by “the fruit of the Spirit” or that Christ-like evidence produced in the life of the true disciple who is dying to self and being conformed to the holy and humble image of the Son of God who loved us and gave Himself for us (Romans 8:28; Galatians 5:22-23). A self-serving man is a man who is separated from Him who “is love” (1 John 4:8, 16). With no exceptions, those who are possessed with the fruit of God’s love live their lives to serve others and not exploit them for selfish cause.
Welty’s use of the words, “being in submission to my stewardship as an apostle,” gives his whole gig away. To the contrary, the Bible says:
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
Submitting to God is what is important, not submitting to mere sinful men. And, we are commanded to only submit to those servant elders who preach only God’s pure Word, and diligently watch for our souls (Hebrews 13:7, 17). Such a servant is very rare and nearly impossible to find in this late hour.
Welty’s system of submission is no different that that used by the catholic church which has added itself to the equation of salvation, falsely claiming that there is no salvation outside of Rome. But the true believer knows there’s only one Hope, one Way, one Truth, one who is eternal Life, one Mediator, and one great Intercessor!
Listen to what the apostle of Jesus, Paul, said concerning his place as an apostle:
“Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith (faith in God not Paul) ye stand.” 2 Corinthians 1:24
Yet Welty, and deceivers like him, claim to possess some great authority that believers should submit to. Nonsense!
Paul said that the Corinthian disciples of JESUS were only to follow him AS he followed Christ, and not if he departed from the faith and ceased to follow Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1). Paul was protecting the people even against himself, of whom he said he must “KEEP under” his body and bring it into subjection lest he also become rejected as a reprobate or one who is “castaway” from God (1 Corinthians 9:27). The apostle Paul, a true apostle of Jesus Christ said to the Galatians, that even if a very angel from HEAVEN (not hell), or if he (Paul) ever told them anything different than what he gave them in giving them the Gospel of Christ, that they were to consider him “accursed” (Galatians 1:6-9).
“But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach ANY other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach ANY OTHER gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” Galatians 1:8-9
This guy is a false as they come. I stopped the video here. It should be more than clear that John Welty is a child of Satan himself, posing as a minister of righteousness.
2 Corinthians 11:12-15
“12 But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.
13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.”
This guy is so obvious that part of me wants to burst out laughing, and the other part is very sad that there are so many severely lost and unlearned souls who would follow this error; and are one step away from the Lord’s wrath and don’t even realize it.
Paul, a true servant and God-fearing overseer, cried with literal tears for three years day and night, because he knew devouring wolves were going to enter in from among the people of God to lead away and destroy souls. He therefore commended them to the Word of God which is our only protection – but only as we ourselves seek His face and study what He told us in His Word.
Acts 20:27-32
“27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.”
In verse 32 Paul gives you and me the solution and safeguard to deceit and wolves – “the word” which is able to grant us a heavenly “inheritance.”
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“Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. 10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: 11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” 2 John 9-11
Concerning apostles, one servant writes:
“I believe the scripture bears out that the use of the title of apostle should be reserved for those first apostles who were taught directly from the mouth of the Lord. That would include the eleven, plus Mathias, and Paul. Those apostles will forever be held to a greater position of respect since God chose them to be firsthand representatives of the message and Messenger He sent, Jesus Christ. Their revelation of Him and His message should never be added to, but it may be expounded on by the Spirit who continues to give us understanding of those things. Thus, those men stand alone in their call, and the bearing of the title should be reserved for them alone. That title makes that distinction clear. To strengthen this by the scripture, let us remember that while Barnabas and others were apostles, they were NEVER referred to as apostles by title. (Apostle Barnabas?) This was to distinguish them from second generation apostles who did not learn directly from Jesus Christ, but followed the first generation apostles and continued in the apostle’s call of teaching among the scattered sheep, establishing churches, and walking in the way of the Lord as examples to the whole flock. Yes. Genuine humility is essential in our walk and call, regardless of our particular position for edification in the body; but it is a particularly important characteristic for those who are entrusted with the call of a second generation apostle since we minister to the whole body. Our example should be the life walk of the High Apostle of us all, even Jesus Christ (Hebrews 3:1).
Finally, Some may argue that they need to use the title as Paul did, so that they will be given proper respect. However, the use of the title does not necessarily give respect and usually turns true believers off (thankfully). Paul was indeed a first generation apostle and even his use of the title did not always work to his favor. There was a lot of pain that went with his authentic title. I dare say, not many who call themselves that today would be willing to pay the price that he did – which was another PROOF of his apostleship.
In His grace,” M.
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JESUS. IS. COMING. SOON. A powerful cache of posts on the Return of Jesus – and how to be ready.
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Articles
Addiction’s Only Solution [podcast]
The Victory is in Jesus
There’s no problem God can’t solve.
“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-32
Jesus only makes free those who hear and obey Him. Every other “solution” is a cheap counterfeit, yet another trap of the enemy of all souls.
ADDICTION…. good or bad. Sin is the root of evil addictions. Those not doing God’s Word will inevitably be caught up in sinful addictions. Repentance is a must for deliverance.
Firstly, the cross – the crucified life – must be front and center in our daily personal lives. There will be no resurrection victory until there is a definite door nail dead dying and burial. Pour over 2 Corinthians 4:10-12. Attempting to serve God any other way will result is defeat 100%!
“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Matthew 16:24
“This, right here, is your call to obedience. Anyone who claims you can follow Jesus on your own terms, by your own rules, and according to your own desires, is ultimately leading you to a false gospel.” unknown
Good addiction:
“I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that THEY HAVE ADDICTED THEMSELVES (a choice) TO THE MINISTRY OF THE SAINTS,).” 1 Corinthians 16:15
Those not given over to the LORD and therefore ministering His grace to others, WILL be caught up in sin, evil addiction.
Choosing to be addicted to Jesus
and therefore His work
cures all other addictions.
“But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. … 15 I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have ADDICTED themselves to the ministry of the saints,)”1 Corinthians 15:57-58; 16:15
With no exception, those whom Jesus saved in the past and yet today, those people are not busy about the “Father’s business” of the Great Commission, are living in sin.
“…at the time when kings go forth to battle, … David tarried (stayed behind) still at Jerusalem.” 2 Samuel 11:1
When David was experiencing great victory, he laid back, he ceased being diligent to obey God (2 Samuel 11:1). That’s when the temptation came and he entered into it. The fall out, the reaping was horrendous. Read 2 Samuel 11-12.
“And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem.” 2 Samuel 11:1
What transpired when David hung back instead of engaging in war?
What happens when you and I hang back, do not forge forth in diligent obedience and abiding in Christ. The 2 Samuel 11 text continues, showing David’s descension into temptation and sin ….
“2 And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king’s house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon. 3 And David sent and enquired after the woman. And one said, Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite? 4 And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her; for she was purified from her uncleanness: and she returned unto her house. 5 And the woman conceived, and sent and told David, and said, I am with child.” 2 Samuel 11:2-5
Remember, EVERY disciple will be tempted in this world. Temptation is not sin. Yet only those who diligently seek, worship, and obey Christ, will be overcomers – which is essential to eternal glory (Revelation 2-3).
“Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully, and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood.” Jeremiah 48:10
Doing “the work of the LORD deceitfully” includes doing it half-heartedly, ceasing to engage in fighting “the good fight of faith” which includes diligently loving and obeying God, fervently putting forth the “sword” of God’s Word, engaging it against the enemies of God (1 Timothy 6:12; Ephesians 6:17).
“The idea here seems to be that those called to be God’s instrument of chastening upon Moab (God’s enemies) were to be blessed in their work if they did it honestly and boldly; but if they did it half-heartedly and cowardly they would be cursed.” Dake
“But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:11-12
Do we recall what James 1 tells us?
“Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” James 1:13-15
Memory Verse
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” 1 Peter 5:8
When the 12 Slept instead of Seeking the LORD
When Jesus’ 12 fell asleep while they were to be praying, Jesus warns them and us …
“And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? 41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:40-41
As Christ’s disciple watches and prays, remains ever vigilant, he will not “enter … into temptation”, sin. Memorizing the above words of Jesus (v41) will be a blessing to your life.
Satan offers Band Aids
“They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.” Jeremiah 6:14
God is holy, unchanging and gives no peace between Himself and any mere man who is not obeying Him – beginning with genuine repentance, and faith (Acts 20:21, etc.).
“They have – This refers peculiarly to the prophets; making light of these threatenings, daubing over the misery and danger that was coming on the people, by persuading them, that it should not come, or if it did, it would be easily cured.” John Wesley
Giving false hope and false solutions is the work of wolves. Men who pretend to represent the LORD and don’t preach that He is “Holy, holy, holy” and requires absolute repentance, faith, worship, and the cross life (crucified life), are clearly false prophets (Isaiah 6:3; Luke 9:23-24; 13:3; .Matthew 22:37-39; Revelation 4:8, etc.).
Many today listen to the prophesied “MANY false prophets” of this last hour and are reaping the harvest of separation from God and a gross lack of wholeness (Matthew 24:11; Romans 6:23; 1 Thessalonians 5:23).
As long as one panders to and submits to the lies of the world, the false prophets, and their band aid “solutions,” that person will never experience victory. Pills and potions are fake solutions and will only perpetuate the pain and shame.
“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:36
Jesus died on that cross, conquering Satan, and He alone holds your victory over all sin – which is what grants Satan legal right into your life.
“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” Revelation 12:11
Only Jesus can make you free and He desires to deliver you and will if and only if you truly repent and submit your life to Him. Jesus says:
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
You are either caught up with Jesus or you are caught up in the dismal bondage of sin.
The root sin of all sinful addiction is self-idolatry which can and will only be broken off your life by true repentance, sincerely submitting yourself to the LORD.
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
It’s only if you submit your life to the LORD that He will grant you His power to resist, oust the devil. Then he must “flee from you.” He has no choice at that point.
Satan gains and possesses the right to keep one in bondage as long as that person refuses to truly repent – to truly submit oneself to God. Such a person is caught up in the snare of the devil and therefore unable to resist or stand against and oust the devil.
Charles Pray writes: “So many want to hide their sins, especially those who like to appear Holy on the outside while inside they are dark, unholy ministers of the flesh. They have become a product of their own desires. Dear Lord, please bring them back to their first Love–Jesus! Amen.”
You’re never stuck as long as you have Jesus!
There’s nothing at all that Jesus can’t fix. He promised you this …
“And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” Mark 10:27
Prayer: Father in Heaven, I come to You in full admission of my sin of neglecting You, of disobeying You, of putting myself before You. I am absolutely in sin and need You to deliver me now Jesus. Please break and make me LORD. This very instant, I now lay my life in Your holy hands. I’m crucified with Christ and I’m all Yours Jesus, from this moment forth. I love You LORD Jesus. Please now fill and use me for Your eternal glory as I look expectantly for Your soon return. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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Apostasy
SINLESS PERFECTIONISM: WHOSE Righteousness are You Trusting? [podcast]
Salvation, justification, overcoming sin all come by way of the mercy of God, the divinely enabling grace of God, and the cross, the daily crucified life (Luke 9:23-24; Romans 3:24-26; 4:4-5; 6:14; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12; Galatians 2:20; 3:1-3; Titus 3:5-7, etc.). It does not come by mere self-determination or self-will.
Don’t strive. Surrender.
Beware of the sinless perfectionism mob.
Beloved, God found us, in our sins, and saved us into His eternal kingdom! (Romans 5:6-9; 1 John 4:19). We didn’t find Him. He found us!
Defusing the iniquity of self-righteousness increases exponentially when we begin learning the biblical doctrine of fallen mankind (Genesis 6:5, 12; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 7:18; Psalms 39:4-5).
“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. … 24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” Romans 7:18, 24
“It’s actually freedom when we embrace the Bible truth of how wretched we are! We don’t have to hide it or try to be better than we are! Jesus can now reign on the throne of our hearts and not self!” Karen Cochran
Realizing our own utter helplessness, hopelessness, and depravity and taking up the cross is the only the safe place with God right, the cross, the bowing to Him to take full control…. See Matthew 5:3; John 3:30.
All self-righteous religious hypocrites are going to hell (Matthew 21:31). May God save, forgive, and cause us, to bless us to be His authentic disciples. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Paul’s flesh was and our flesh is a constant reminder of the ever momentary need for the cross, burial, and resurrection grace of Jesus (Romans 6:3-10; 8:11; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12; Galatians 2:20, etc.). Read Romans chapters 6-7 each morning this week.
The cross reveals your sin, and God’s love, not how wonderful you are! Repent!
Saints, we cannot possibly begin to appreciate this “so great salvation” that is Christ until we understand how lost, helpless, and alienated we were in our sin (Ephesians 2:1-10; Hebrews 2:3). We must study to understand the biblical doctrine of inherent sin, fallen mankind, and the holiness of God …. in order to begin to be able to appreciate the redemption that is in Jesus Christ.
Touting our own supposed righteousness is a dangerous undertaking. Lifting ourselves up will result in being brought down low, with no exception.
“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18
All I have to do to find the man most in need of God’s saving grace and mercy, is to look in the mirror (Romans 7:18, 24; James 1:23-24). As long as we neglect to look in the mirror, honestly, we will continue to be self-righteous as were Jesus’ most evil enemies, the religious frauds, the pharisees of His day (Matthew 23). Are we pharisees or humble, broken, honest disciples of Christ? (Matthew 18:3-4)
“If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: if I say, I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse.” Job 9:20
“Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?” Proverbs 20:9
There is NO righteousness outside of Christ (Romans 7:18, 24).
Every single day is the opportunity to overcome – yet this will only happen as we choose to do things God’s way – the cross. Romans 6-8; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:3, etc. Sinless Perfectionism Exposed
The no sin nature people are missing the cross. The Mike Desario’s, the Charles Finney’s, and the Jesse Morrell’s of the world peddle the no-sin-nature heresy and also do not preach the cross, the crucified life. They rag on endlessly about “stopping all sin” but never mention the crucified life which is the only divine prescription for overcoming sin (Romans 6, etc.). That alone makes them false, peddlers of “another gospel.” (Galatians 1:6-9) This is why they can’t understand this. They do not realize that God gave us the solution to this sin bent (iniquity), this inherent in fallen man sin – and that answer is the crucified life which is at the heart of the original Gospel.
“True holiness” comes exclusively from the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Yet this is not just our position in Christ, it must also be the practical reality of our lives lived (Ephesians 4:24). The holiness of God, “true holiness,” requires the “daily” cross Jesus commanded which separates us from self and sin (Luke 9:23-24; 1 Corinthians 9:27, etc.). Sin is overcome exclusively via oneness with Christ in an abiding relationship (John 15, 17) and not by mere self-effort alone – which is antichrist. The point established in the whole of Holy Scripture is that we are beholden to the Savior, the LORD Jesus, and must be honest about our wretchedness outside of a present abiding relationship with Him (Romans 7:18, 24) whereby the fruit of holiness is produced. There’s a slew of self-righteousness being promoted as “holiness” today through wolves who’ve digested the false teaching of devils like Mike Desario and Charles Finney and those who peddle these doctrines.
“But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and 
upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus (not self): 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation (atoning sacrifice) through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” Romans 3:21-26
After being attacked and accused of being a Roman catholic, Baptist heretic…. the response to the accuser was as follows:
Thanks for the attack, the persecution. I do rejoice (Matthew 5:10-12). I am certainly anything but Catholic or Baptist. Now, to examine what you wrote ….No one is a more staunch exposer of Rome, nor a more critical exposer of the eternal security Baptist, protestant lie (the ministry has 3 landmark books exposing OSAS – over 1,000 pages total) ….. So what you are saying here is a lie, bearing false witness, instead of dealing with the Scripture truth of these things. There is no cross in this sinless perfectionism movement, and the cross is the only way to overcome all sin – by the resurrection power of Christ (Gal 2:20; 2 Cor 4:10-12). Also, there is no grace (divine enablement) or faith in your message, but rather only rote mechanical obedience as if people are earning their own way. This alone makes your message errant, not according to the whole counsel of Scripture. | Eternal Security Exposed | Catholic Church Exposed
You offer some truth here and yet this sounds like Mike Desario, Charles Finney falsehoods, the no-sin-nature, sinless perfectionism heresy.
Sinlessly Perfect? You Sure? [podcast]
Beware of the sinful self-righteousness masquerading behind feigned perfect obedience. This Sinless perfectionism they are pushing is pure self-righteousness.
I am not your enemy ….. attack if you see fit. Yes, the LORD does say that obedience is essential, it proves that one knows the LORD or is known of Him (Matt 7:21). Good works do not save us – Christ alone saves us. This is a real subtle deception. There is the need to synthesize “ALL scripture” which teaches, that faith, obedience and good fruit do not save us, God does, by HIS sheer mercy.
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:5-7
Sinful self-righteousness has no place in the life of a disciple of Jesus. Matthew 21:31
Self-righteousness was one of the sins of the pharisees and is soul damning (Matthew 23, etc.). Even the publicans and harlots will be in Heaven before the self-righteous religionists (Matthew 21:31).
Obedience is the fruit of saving faith and yet our obedience doesn’t save us. According to this passage, you are under a spirit of witchcraft – to think your own works-righteousness, law-keeping saves you:
“O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? 2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?” Galatians 3:1-3
Think about this that Jesus says from perhaps a new perspective … “IF you love me, keep my commandments” …. perhaps He is saying “If you don’t love me, don’t bother obeying Me, because that is futility.” Good works/obedience, fruit are borne out of an abiding relationship. It’s about relationship, not earning our own way I know this well as I was out of balance for many years. I am not seeing this as an argument … just discussing, okay?
There is no cross, no crucified life in the message of the sinless perfectionist heretics and therefore they are preaching “another gospel.” (Gal 1:6-9) The cross is the divine solution to sin and is at the center of the original Gospel and that’s the only way to be raised up out of the flesh and victorious over sin, not be mere self-effort. You are kidding no one but yourself if you believe your own good works are at the ground level of your justification before a holy God who sent His only begotten Son to do what we cannot do. – If righteousness comes out of just sheer obedience, law-keeping, then Christ is dead in vain.
“I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.” Galatians 2:21
God is holy and holiness is essential for eternal glory (Hebrews 12:14, etc.). Yet such comes about by the crucified life Jesus prescribed, the cross and the resurrection (raising up) grace of God – not by seeking to be perfect on our own, not after beginning in the Spirit and then vainly attempting to be made perfect in the flesh (Galatians 3:1-3).
“For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under GRACE.” Romans 6:14
There’s no cross and no grace (divine enablement) in the message of the sinless perfectionists and therefore their message is false. Heretical.
It’s like they seek and are boasting about their own obedience and their own self-willed sinless perfection. Nonsense. Laughable.
Overcoming must be done in and through Christ – in a real, abiding relationship with Him which sinless perfectionist frauds never mention.
Recognizing our own need to be humble, contrite, broken, and fully dependent on the LORD is what we learn in Scripture, not hiding behind sinless perfectionism but rather being authentic, honest, and realizing that without JESUS and being one with Him in an abiding relationship, we can do nothing to please God (John 15:5).
“For without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5
It’s better to cease pretending in my opinion, in light of the whole counsel of Scripture. I am not a good person, neither are you. “There is none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10). Admit it. The sooner we become HONEST with that which is more than obvious, announcing freely and transparently – that there is “NOOOO good thing” in us except CHRIST, the sooner God will begin a new, deeper work in us! (See Romans 7:18, 24.) The Cross!
We are all very imperfect and in present and perpetual need of the LORD’s saving grace which requires a born again and abiding relationship with Christ.
Those who truly follow Christ are to be fully dependent upon Him, not self, or self’s supposed perfect obedience – which is a farce. See Posture of Dependency
Lest someone should erroneously believe there is any justification for any sin, let me say this: Jesus is coming back for “a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish” (Ephesians 5:25-27), And “By mercy and truth iniquity is purged.”
“By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.” Proverbs 16:6
This is how we can observe the ministry of Jesus and His apostles. The only people they were harsh with were the rich and the religious. They were not harsh with people who sinned and were convicted and contrite, humbled before God, seeking His mercy, repentant. The woman taken in adultery is one such example…..
Stone Casting Qualifications
Jesus never called the woman taken in adultery (John 8) or the woman who had had five husbands and was now living with another man, a whore (John 4). Jesus was not harsh with either of them. What does this say for some of these self-righteous, hate-mongering, arrogant, pharisaical, enraged, embattled, need-to-get-saved street preachers so prevalent today who openly call scantily clad women whores instead of winning them as Jesus did? Perhaps it’s the lust in their own hearts driving them? (See Romans 2:1-3.) We never see Christ needlessly provoking, condemning, screaming at, or yelling at lost sinners. WHERE did Jesus or any of His apostles possess such a hate-filled attitude other than when Jesus rebuked them in their younger years for seeking to call down fire from Heaven? Christ rebuked them with “Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of” (Luke 9:54-55).
DID Cain murder his brother Abel because of Abel’s sins or his own?
“Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous.” 1 John 3:12
Those who slander others do so because of the wickedness that exists in their own hearts.
No Sin to Deal with?
1 John 1:8-10 should be kept in mind…. synthesized, right? Yes…… 1 Corinthians 2:13
“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” 1 John 1:8-10
If we are saved by our supposed obedience, we all fall short, right? Should we not rather trust in the perfect obedience of CHRIST? Memorize Romans 4:4-5. This is in no way to excuse any sin, period (Romans 6:1-2).
“Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” Romans 4:4-5
WHO earned our salvation? Jesus.
“For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.” Ecclesiastes 7:20
FROM A SINLESS PERFECTIONIST:
REPLY:
May God find us with Christ’s righteousness, not our own …. The righteousness Jesus Christ accomplished at the cross is the only righteousness God honors, all else is “as filthy rags.”
“But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” Isaiah 64:6
What righteousness does God see us in right now? Is it our own, or Christ’s?
“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
Without Christ’s present saving mercy, this disciple is absolutely hopeless, sinful, and doomed. I will trust Christ’s righteousness and not my own!
“Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?” Proverbs 20:9
None is righteous by himself, on his own merit and that what sinless perfectionism teaches….. you are being fed by wolves like Finney and Desario…. you didn’t get this in the Bible, by organic personal study… that’s why there’s an imbalance…..
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False Apostles Exposed!
Addiction’s Only Solution [podcast]
SINLESS PERFECTIONISM: WHOSE Righteousness are You Trusting? [podcast]
Jesus Answered Questions with Questions [podcast]
Should we Preach “Stop Sinning” or “Repent”?
Mission Mexico Part 48
America is Under Divine Judgment [podcast]
A Word of Encouragement on Ministering to Others
Recovering Biblical Womanhood [podcast]
Either Crucify the Flesh or it will Crucify Christ out of Your Life [podcast]
“And this Gospel of the Kingdom shall be Preached in all the World” [podcast]
Jesus Promised Judas an Eternal Throne in Heaven but He Chose to go to Hell #shorts [video]
Obedience or Love – Which is Most Important? [podcast]
FROM THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT by Jon Crane
Are Tongues Demonic? [podcast]
Jesus Paid it All [podcast]
“Fear hath Torment” – 100% Deliverance from all Fear! [podcast]
THE AMERICAN DREAM DELUSION: Are You a “Dream Chaser” or a Jesus Seeker? [podcast]
Are Tongues Demonic? [podcast]
Was Jesus the “One and Only Son” OR the “Only Begotten Son”? [podcast]
False Apostles Exposed!
SINLESS PERFECTIONISM: WHOSE Righteousness are You Trusting? [podcast]
Jesus Answered Questions with Questions [podcast]
Obedience or Love – Which is Most Important? [podcast]
Addiction’s Only Solution [podcast]
Deliverance from Works-Righteousness or Law-Keeping
Should we Preach “Stop Sinning” or “Repent”?
The Majestic Eternal Word [podcast]
Antichrist or Christ? [podcast]
“THE FORMER SHALL NOT BE REMEMBERED, NOR COME INTO MIND” [podcast]
False Apostles Exposed!
Addiction’s Only Solution [podcast]
SINLESS PERFECTIONISM: WHOSE Righteousness are You Trusting? [podcast]
America2 years agoThe Drugging of America: The Pharmakeia Sorcery Deception [podcast]
- Articles3 years ago
Children being Rescued in Tunnels: Happening Now – UPDATE!
- Articles8 years ago
Self-Examination in Preparation for the Lord’s Return
- Apostasy3 years ago
SHOCKING List of False Prophets Most Believe are True
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