THE DEEDS AND DOCTRINE OF THE NICOLAITANS (Part 2)
(Excerpt from the Deceivers and False Prophets Among Us book)
“Every man at his best state is altogether vanity.” Psalm 39:5
Since man is “altogether vanity” even when he is “at his best state,” the believer must not unduly look to him. Such a truth should compel us to seek the counsel, wisdom, and blessing from our loving, majestic, infinite, and glorious Father in Heaven. The New Covenant is a “better covenant” built upon “better promises.” He has purchased with His very own blood our priestly position and all of its inherent privileges.
“But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.” Hebrews 8:6
Do we know and understand these “better promises” upon which the New Covenant is built? Or, will we be destroyed for the lack of knowledge of them?
Saint, when we do not fully follow the LORD, our lives are then relegated to be under the control of mere men and led into deception and ultimately destruction. We are strongly told to “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ” alone has made us free from the “yoke” of man’s “bondage.” (Gal. 5:1)
Building upon the foundation of man is building on sinking sand, a faulty foundation, promised to crumble. The true disciple of Christ is placed under the control and leadership of the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, and such a relationship is never to be usurped by men.
The one who is following Jesus must keep in mind and be on continual alert for the controllers, who seek to spy out and ultimately rob the individual liberty of believers, positioning themselves in such a way as to make people become dependent upon them instead of Christ. God hates this deed and the doctrines which lead to the stealing of His glory and the robbing of His people of the divinely intended blessings.
When we begin to understand the Bible revelation of God and His relationship to men, we will be enabled to discern those deceivers who seek to assume an undue place of control in other men’s lives.
The Doctrine of Man
The doctrine of man is something few Christians understand due to lack of knowledge of the Scriptures. The Bible repeatedly teaches us that “vain is the help of man” and that “every man at his best state is altogether vanity.” (Ps. 60:11, 39:5) In light of this, we should ask: Is it not presumptuous for arrogant men to think they should unduly run the lives of others when they themselves are “altogether vanity”?
Any man who believes he should control the life of another person does not have his own life in order, because he is not submitted to the LORD. The LORD would never, ever lead someone to control another. This is the defiant evil of witchcraft, and “God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man.” (James 1:13)
This insolent and audacious presumption exercised on the part of evil men is utterly arrogant and foolish at best.
God Covers His People
God’s guidance and covering are all the guidance and covering needed by the believer.
“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust…He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust…because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation…” Psalm 91
Having available to us a true and genuine, godly group of elders is the will of the LORD. This should be our desire, yet not all Christians in this world have such godly leadership available to them. The Bible informs us that there is a lack of spiritual fathers (1 Cor. 4:15). His ultimate desire would be that each believer is submitted one to another among His people and under divinely-appointed, anointed, Christ-centered leadership (Eph. 5:21; 1 Pet. 5:1-6).
Fear not because the LORD Almighty does not sleep nor slumber (Ps. 121). He, who is called “the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls,” is fully capable to lead, guide, and direct all of His people “beside still waters” and in the exact way He desires for them to go (1 Peter 2:25; Ps. 23). He needs no help from any man or group of men. In light of this, are you beginning to see how much of an evil indictment it is for mere men to be so abominably high-minded that they would dare think God’s people needed their authority? Unthinkable!
Are you seeing just how subtly the affections of the saints of the LORD can be intercepted and diverted from Him?
The true walk with God is to elevate Christ alone and His wonderful work on the cross, His resurrection, heavenly intercession, and soon return – not men and their organizations and supposed merit or authority.
Be not deceived: Those who seek to place themselves over others for the purpose of controlling them are false. The control of other lives is premeditated and insidious in nature, diabolical in intent, and esoteric (elitist) in scope. The Alpha and Omega Himself says that He hates this witchcraft. Be sure that He will eternally punish all who practice this evil.
Modern-day controllers are a reality for now. They refuse to hold Christ as the Head of His Church, as well as the Supreme Ruler of each individual believer (Col. 2:18-19). Instead they replace His glorious majesty with the hierarchies and teachings of mere men. Consequently, the headship of Christ is stolen and so is the individual priesthood of every believer. At best, this is a cultic arrangement where man has taken the place of God and is now receiving the worship and attention due only His holy Name. Isn’t this exactly what the Bible foretells would be the modus operandi of the antichrist?
“Let no man deceive you by any means; for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4
The whole reason Christ came was that we might know Him and the Father. and that He alone might reign supreme in the lives of each of His people (Jn. 17:3; 1 Jn. 1:3). Any person or teaching which seeks to interfere with or does not honor and promote such a basic and foundational truth is antichrist and operating under the influence of the enemy who has come to steal, kill, and destroy. Beloved, we must stand fast (remain strong) in the liberty and privileges Christ died to give His people and not allow anyone to rob our blood-bought place.
Upholding Christ as the Only “Head” of His Church
At the foundation of every false teaching is the enemy’s goal of displacing Christ as the Head of His Church.
“Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, And not holding the Head (Christ), from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.” Colossians 2:18-19
Body growth is stunted when our LORD is not highly exalted among His People. Jesus Christ must of necessity be upheld as supreme Head of His Church. Any leader or so-called ministry that does not truly uphold and preach Christ is not of God (Eph. 1:22, 4:15, 5:23). The deceivers among us are detected because they are “not holding the Head” of the Church, Christ, as the only Supreme Ruler from whom all divine virtue flows.
“And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church.” Ephesians 1:22
Though Scripture does not teach that men should control other men, this doctrine of control is set forth as an essential by those who propagate it. They want their adherents to believe that it is essential, so that they submit to these beguiling leaders. Those who receive and embrace such a teaching will surely come under the bondage of it (2 Pet. 2:19).
People who are under the dark spirit and spell of this witchcraft and its teaching will press you to learn to which human authority you submit. Does anyone know what I mean? Have you ever run into someone like this? You will know it when you do. They want to know your spiritual lineage of headship. These misled people will press you for your pastor’s name, and who he is submitted to, and who that person is submitted to, and up the chain of command….and on and on.
Turning the Table
After personally dealing with this ugly teaching and evil spirit for years, I have learned what to expect and always ask a question in response to their probing and imposing questioning. When they ask, “Who are you submitted to?” I simply answer their question with a question, “Who are you submitted to?” They tell me their pastor’s name, and then I ask, “Who is he submitted to?” They tell me who their pastor is submitted to, and then I ask, “Who is he submitted to?”…. I just keep intentionally backing them up into a corner, strictly for instructional purposes. My next assertion is, “Doesn’t somebody have to directly connect with the LORD? Might as well be you/us right?”
The intended goal here is to demonstrate to them the utter mistake of believing that being under a so-called “covering” of mere human leadership is of no good consequence. Being submitted to men is of no value in the eyes of God, if one is not ultimately and supremely submitted first to Christ and His headship.
When encountering them, you will find that these people are under the deception of a dark spirit of control, and they are very insistent about their position. You may want to load your gun with the verses and texts in this message. You will probably wish you had, if you don’t.
The Vicarious Worship of “Idol Shepherds”
In instituting and executing His redemption of mankind, the central design of the plan of God was that individual believers would be able to come directly and personally to Him with the help of no man, except the God-man, Jesus Christ of Nazareth (Jn. 14:6; 1 Tim. 2:5; Heb. 4:14-16; 10:19-22). It is impossible to vicariously and at the same time properly experience God through a mere mortal or multiple levels of elders. It is not possible to know and experience Him through any sinful man or group of men. The idolatry of this is so very subtle. Men or organizations who set themselves up between God and other men, set themselves up as idols, and are called “idol shepherds” in the Bible.
“Woe to the idol shepherd.” Zechariah 11:17
Seeking to experience God through another mere man is not good. Christ came to give us the reality of a personal relationship with Himself and the Father (Jn 17:3).
“Consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus.” Hebrews 3:1
Did you realize that Jesus is the “Apostle and High Priest” of our faith? Has anyone shared this with you or have you caught this in Scripture? See Hebrews 3:1. Isn’t the kingdom of God all about King Jesus and His kingdom? God wants us to “consider” Him above all others, and anything short of His reign in our hearts and lives He counts as idolatry.
Hint: If someone doesn’t have nail-scarred hands and feet and a pierced side and scarred brow, he is only a mere sinful man and not worthy of our worship. Only Jesus was qualified to redeem us. Only Jesus Christ took the beatings, bruising, wounding, and deep suffering for our sins, and He alone is worthy of our worship. If we are to align ourselves with the LORD, only Christ will reign as King in our lives as we fight the good fight of idol destruction and elevation of the Savior.
“Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:17
We are to know and experience God personally and not vicariously through another. Such is idolatry and will preempt one from entering His kingdom.
“For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in
the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light.” Ephesians 5:5-8
“Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” Exodus 20:3
“Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” 1 John 5:21
When the graven images of mere men are set up to revere with undue honor, it causes God’s people to break the second commandment.
“Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath…for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God…” Exodus 20:4-5
Individual Priesthood of Every Believer
God came out to meet us all on a personal basis, when Christ died (Mark 15:38; Jn. 17:3; Heb. 4:14-16; 10:19-23). This does not negate the need for godly leadership, and yet true godly leadership will only and always steer people in this very direction – to know God personally and better through the rich blessing of access through Christ’s blood.
We should never under estimate the power of the Almighty who has taken up residence within all who have been born-again. He is able to lead each of His people all by Himself. The LORD needs no help to do so. His individual believers, empowered by His Holy Spirit, are fully enabled to hear His voice (Jn. 10:3-5;16, 27), preach His Word (2 Tim. 4:2), heal the sick, and cast out devils (Mk 16:15-18; Matt. 10:1-8).
Jesus sent the 70 out in pairs (Lk. 10:1). Yet, Philip acted alone – he and the Holy Spirit. The LORD was well able to fill, direct and bless through Philip as He is through those today who are full of His Spirit and prepared by Him. The Almighty needed no help from mere men. No human ministry partner accompanied Philip, but a divine One did. The Comforter, the Holy Spirit, was with him and great things were accomplished as a result. (See Acts 8:26-40.) So, to say that one cannot minister alone, or without the counsel of his elder or “covering,” is not biblically accurate and an infringement upon the sovereign power of the Almighty and the liberty Christ died to grant each individual believer.
Not long ago, I had a proselyte of this control movement forcefully tell me that no Christian should be out witnessing alone or before first checking with the elder to whom he should be submitted and accountable. As far as I could discern, there was no love within a mile of this fellow, who was zealously asserting these things. The relationship he was having with his high and mighty elders simply wasn’t enough to produce the fruit of love that only the Holy Spirit can do as we abide in Him (Jn. 15). Only the abiding presence of God the Holy Ghost can produce in the believer “the fruit of the Spirit” which “is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Gal. 5:22-23). Allegiance to men cannot fill us with these blessed dimensions of the fruit of the LORD. We should remember that vertical relationship with the LORD always supersedes any horizontal relationship with mere men.
Micro Management
Any person in a leadership position, who requires others to gain his permission or approval before ministering, courting someone, getting married, etc., has placed himself in the position of headship reserved for Christ alone. These types of non-essentials are individual Christian liberties provided by the LORD to His people, and any leader interfering with such has made himself the enemy of God. Such an evil worker is under the judgment of God.
Always remember, beloved, that we have been bought with the highest price, the very blood of God, and that we are to worship and serve Him alone.
“Ye are bought with a price; be ye not the servants of men.” 1 Corinthians 7:23
Beware of Blackmailing Beguilers
One of the evil devices and practices utilized by these satanic pastors is blackmail. These deceivers use people’s sin that they find out about via personal counseling, etc., to blackmail them. They hold it over their heads in order to keep them under their control. Once these wolves have knowledge of the people’s sin, they file it away in memory or document it, in order to use it against them later, should such a need arise. Or, they will utilize it in order to leverage themselves in their evil dealings. They use this knowledge of another’s past sin as a crow bar to influence, leverage, or pry their way into their desired positioning.
Few things could be more abominable and wicked than this practice. What God forgives is never to be used against the forgiven saint – “What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.” (Acts 10:15) The Bible tells us that only “an ungodly man” would dig up evil or sin that has been plunged beneath the cleansing blood of Christ. – “An ungodly man diggeth up evil.” (Prov. 16:27) So, any leader who uses another person’s sin that he has knowledge of against that person unjustly, is “an ungodly man.” Let’s read the passage in which we find this nugget of divine truth. As you read it, ask yourself if you see manipulation, sowing discord, division, exploitation, conniving, control, and divisiveness.
“An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire. A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends. A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good. He shutteth his eyes to devise froward (evil) things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.” Proverbs 16:27-30
Our confessed sins are buried to infinity under the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus and are no longer remembered in the mind of God. – “For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.”(Heb. 8:12) If this Bible truth is not so, neither is any other! So, to bring back up confessed and forgiven sin, is to work evil, identify oneself as an “ungodly” person, and to bring judgment upon oneself (James 2:13).
In fact, I have personally spoken with many people who are uncomfortable speaking with a pastor or being counseled within an organized local church environment due to the potential threat of those sins being later used against them.
Fear and Trembling
When godly men oversee God’s people, there is peace. When ungodly men are in leadership positions, they are controlled by the enemy who can only operate and bring fear, deception, trembling, and misery (Jer. 3:15; 23:1-40; Jn. 10:10). To illustrate the unnatural and evil effect upon the individual who is placed under bondage via a false shepherd, the following is yet another case in point.
Recently, I spoke at length with two distinguished men in their 50’s that had been a part of a certain local church for over 20 years each. The pastor, who was originally a true follower of Jesus, steadily waned away from Christ, counting his own life and sin more important than Christ. His heart became increasingly hardened, and ultimately he brought the whole congregation under satanic bondage and control. He became one who controlled the laity – a Nico-laitane.
These two men of God, who have since left that local church and are flourishing as God heals them, openly shared with me how they were literally trembling and shaking in fear when they confronted that pastor. This is how under his control they had become and how influential those devils were that controlled that pastor. In speaking to these two men, it was obvious that they were in their natural disposition not prone to fear or intimidation. However, the demon spirit empowering the pastor was very powerful and had brought them under its power through contact and submission to that evil worker.
This writer can personally attest to the trembling that he experienced on several occasions after being prompted by the Holy Spirit to leave local churches. In the early years after Jesus found and saved me, I found myself on several occasions submitted to an ungodly pastor who was exercising an evil control over my life and the lives of the whole congregation. In one case, upon deciding to dare leave a certain local church and go elsewhere, I called the pastor and asked to meet with him. We scheduled an appointment in his office, and, as a younger believer, I timidly and in trembling told him in so many words that I’d be leaving. He became immediately irate and violently asked if I already had another pastor to go submit to right away. I answered “No, not yet.” He rose up and declared forcefully and convincingly that if I left from under his “covering” that I would be out from under God’s protection and most likely be killed. Can you see in this how these men so arrogantly factor themselves in as essential to God’s kingdom? Is this not the height of evil pride? Does this not reveal their blinded and grossly-intoxicated sense of self-importance? This clearly tells us that these men do not believe that Jesus Christ, the very “great Shepherd of the sheep,” the very One who made all things and purchased His very own with His own sinless blood, is not capable enough to take care of one of His people without the help of one of these pastors! If this wasn’t so wicked, sad, and utterly absurd, it would be laughable (Jn. 10; Heb. 13:20).
A Direct Hit on the Enemy
I formerly hosted a weekly Christian television show where I produced a series of shows on the deeds and doctrines of the Nicolaitanes, both identifying the characteristics of their leaders and specifically and poignantly exposing a ring of several local pastors operating in this abominable manner against God and His people. These men were an organized brood of vipers perpetuating over the people the doctrine of witchcraft and exercising an evil control. Among many things they did which were not consistent with the truth and liberty of New Testament believers, here are a few: These wolves taught a strong tithe-binding control, commanded the people to unduly submit the them, were grossly overbearing, and would keep files on the people in order to track and control them. As each weekly show aired in this series of TV programs, which rightly exposed these errant pastors, the ring leader pastor of this group, who was also broadcasting on that same station, filed a complaint with the owners of the station, demanding that my show be taken off the air immediately (Is it any wonder that this same man was known to be involved in séances/witchcraft?). However, the couple who ran the TV station held true to their principle conviction of upholding the Word of God and exposing evil, and refused to submit to the unjust demands of the ring leader wolf. Not only was the biblical truth in these programs a direct hit on the enemies schemes and camp, but so was the stand for truth by this beloved couple (Ps. 94:16). Blessings be upon this beloved family and all who stand with the LORD in His truth and for the liberty and individual priesthood that Jesus died to grant every believer (Judges 5:24-26; 2 Cor. 1:24; Heb. 4:14-16; 7:24-26). God bless us all in Jesus’ holy name to stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free that we become not yet again entangled with any non-ordained yoke (Gal. 5:1). The LORD grants us each the ability to discern and openly rebuke any evil worker who seeks to control God’s people. Jesus Christ came to save, rescue, heal, bless, and deliver and never to bind (Lk. 4:18; Acts 26:18). Those who truly serve Him do the same – they edify, lift up, build up, and exhort as unto Jesus.
More Witchcraft and Manipulation
The believer must remain in the “liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” (Gal. 5:1) To do such, we should be aware of how controllers assert themselves (in an evil manipulating manner) as superior through the claim that they hear God for their prey – those who are not able to hear for themselves, because they are not one of the elite. In order to lure them into their net, the controller must convince the people he is seeking to control that God always speaks to people through their leaders. Jesus told us plainly that He causes each and every one of His individual sheep to hear His voice (Jn. 10:3-5, 16, 27).
Some of the pretentious, presumptuous terminology to watch for will sound something like this: “The Lord is showing me things about you…..” New believers, not yet personally grounded in the Word of God, are particularly vulnerable to this deception of the enemy. In their immature state, new believers are in awe that someone could hear from “God” so clearly and are thereby drawn into an unnatural relationship with that person exercising this witchcraft over them.
In order for these manipulators to gain control over another, they must first convince the person they are preying on to believe that they have a more direct line to God and that the Lord has called them to “help.” This is a recipe for bondage and the spoiling of the believer’s liberty Jesus died to procure.
Correct Bible doctrine clears this up. Here is but a taste:
- Jesus is the Leader of the true believer, not any mere man. He is the “Head of the Church.” (Eph. 5:23; Col. 1:18)
- Christ, not a sinful man, is “the Apostle and High Priest of our profession.” (Heb. 3:1)
- The Son of God said His sheep (people) hear His voice for themselves (John 10:3-5; 16, 27). God speaks to His people individually first of all (1 Jn. 2:27). Any divinely inspired word of prophecy would only confirm (never contradict) what the LORD is already revealing to the heart of one of His people. The individual believer needs no human to stand between themselves and the LORD Jesus Christ who is the “one Mediator between God and men.” (1 Tim. 2:5) Christ directs His children. Each blood-bought Christian has total and complete access to His throne of grace at all times (Matt. 11:28-30; Heb. 4:14-16; 7:25; 10:19-23). Only a deceiver would dare subvert or in any way hinder this relationship (Col. 2:8-19). It is of the utmost importance that the believer spends time in prayer communion with the LORD in order to learn to hear the voice of the Good Shepherd.
- All born-again believers are commanded by the LORD to “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” (Gal. 5:1)
- The blood-bought believer is not to be the servant of a mere man or men as far as His highest authority or in any manner that does not align with the spirit and truth of the priesthood of individual New Testament saints. “Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.” ( 1 Cor. 7:23)
“Forbid Him Not”
Perhaps this next text in Luke 9 will drive a death nail deep into the coffin of lies that bind and steal the glory of God and misplace the glory upon mere men. Jesus rebuked His disciples when they attempted to bring another follower of Christ under their control or guidance (this would be equal to the “covering” teaching or doctrine/deeds of the Nicolaitanes). Those who espouse this evil and rotten “covering” doctrine and practice seek to bring others under their leadership, insisting that such is necessary.
“And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils (doing ministry) in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us (wasn’t under our covering). And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.” Luke 9:49-50
With hands on hips, Jesus’ disciples proudly began to tell Him, “LORD, this guy had the audacity to try to live for you and even minister and wasn’t even submitted under our covering, so we shut him down. How dare him!” Well, the Master shut down this evil pride and rebuked His misled disciples with, “Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.” This is clear evidence that we should never seek to put our understanding of ministry structure on other people or groups in a forceful manner.
God is God all by Himself, and is powerful enough to handle all of His people without our help. The LORD has not called us to police, micromanage, or exercise control over the faith of another (2 Cor. 1:24). We see in this text the LORD Jesus forthrightly rebuking His disciples for seeking to hinder any true Gospel work. Instead, Christ opens the floodgates to ministry – “Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.” Let us be the wind beneath the wings of other believers, all of which have been called to shine the light of Christ in this dark world.
God forbid that we ever hinder His work in our pride. Instead, should we not pray that the LORD use others mightily?
“We saw one casting out devils in thy name…Jesus said…he that is not against us is for us.” Luke 9:49-50
Notice that this believer, whom Christ said “is for us,” was operating all by himself and casting out devils, without any “covering” except the Almighty’s. What does this prove? For one thing, like it or not, it clearly shows that God grants kingdom authority without men being involved in overseeing other men. Obviously this man was in obedience to the LORD, or he would not have had the authority and power in the spirit realm to cast out devils. This man, who was operating alone, was submitted to God, and when he resisted the devil, the devil had to flee (James 4:7). Submission and obedience to the LORD of glory are what count. As He would have us submit to men, He will orchestrate the matter without men having to force themselves into people’s lives using manipulation to gain positions of illegitimate authority (1 Pet. 5:1-6).
People do not need us; they need God, their very Maker and Redeemer. So, we should cease from the pride-rooted witchcraft of leveraging ourselves into the picture. Should we not concentrate on what the LORD would do in our own hearts and lives as we work out our own salvation with fear and trembling? (Phil. 2:12-13).
May the LORD Jesus forgive us for every time we have been used by the enemy to hinder the flow of the Gospel of Christ.
Be it known that all opposition to the Word of God is of satanic origin (Mk. 4:15). Where will we stand?
Helping Joy
“Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.” 2 Corinthians 1:24
Paul didn’t take a position of dominion over the faith of other believers who were saved not by Paul’s but by Jesus’ grace and sinless blood. In contrast to Christ and those who truly follow Him, controllers take dominion over and place undue burdens on others. Some of the buzzwords that are often found among these predators among us include the over use of words like submit, submission, commit, and commitment. Controllers are heavy- handed about personal performance instead of balancing personal obedience and the grace of God at work in each believer through faith (1 Cor. 15:10; Phil. 2:12-13, Col. 2:21-23; Ps. 138:8; 1 Pet. 1:5) . When personal performance is overemphasized, it frustrates the grace of God and hinders the fruit of the Holy Spirit being produced in the individual. No person has ever nor ever will be able to do the will of God outside of the work of the Holy Ghost working in him (Rom. 8:13; 2 Cor. 3:18; Phil. 2:13).
Legalism and control stifle joy. Have you ever noticed that there is no joy among the ‘religious’? When people embrace truth it makes them free and fills their hearts with joy. Those who walk in the liberty of the LORD increase the joy of the LORD in others. They are used of the LORD to bring to others the truth that makes men free. True disciples bring the message and blessings of their Master who came to make men free (Lk. 4:18).
Godly servants help promote “joy” in those they serve who “stand…by faith” in their God.
All spiritual authority given by God is given to help, lift up, restore, and edify others, not tear people down, bind or dominate them (Matt. 11:28-30). Paul penned:
“…our authority, which the LORD hath given us for edification (building up), and not for your destruction…” 2 Corinthians 10:8
Paul says here that the divine “authority” invested in him was “for edification” and not for the “destruction” of God’s people. Just as Christ was in His earthly ministry, we are anointed by God to bless and not curse, to uplift and not put down, to loose burdens and not place them on people, to preach the day of the deliverance from the LORD (Lk. 4:18). All who truly follow Christ are burden lifters not burden placers (Matt. 11:28-30).
Love that Liberates
When the eyes of those who are caught up in this cultic environment are opened, they will seek to leave (get free). They will then be accused of being “unsubmitted, rebellious, and unaccountable.” The manipulation and control never seems to stop whether one is coming or going. The attack that is waged when one
attempts to leave the cultic environment only further proves that they were captive under a spirit of witchcraft from which they must get free.
Speaking specifically about false prophets, Peter writes:
“While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome (by deception and lies), of the same is he brought in bondage.” 2 Peter 2:19
When men are the source, misery is always the end product.
We must have God’s love filling our hearts yet more and more (1 Thess. 4:9-10). This is the chief purpose of the Word of God (1 Tim. 1:5). Walking in God’s love is a non-negotiable essential for all who call upon His name. Love never fills the hearts of those who submit to the control of mere men. Such an arrangement displaces our trust to men and away from God and nullifies the divine blessings.
“Faith…worketh by love.” Galatians 5:6
Also, love never fills the hearts of those who seek to control the lives of others. The fruit (evidence) of the Holy Spirit is never borne in the hearts of controllers, because He is not at work in them. They are void of His presence, since they are choosing to be in control instead of allowing the LORD to be.
Without love, we are nothing (1 Cor. 13). A lack of love in us clearly demonstrates a lack of relationship with the LORD:
“He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” 1 John 4:8
Love is the proof that we are abiding in the LORD:
“God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.” 1 John 4:16
The blood-bought position and individual liberty of each believer is to be defended and preserved according to the clear teachings of the New Testament. Any teaching or leader that infringes upon the individual liberty and priesthood of the believers is to be rejected. To the Christians at Galatia and all those today, the Holy Spirit would say:
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hast made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” Galatians 5:1
For a deeper study of this whole subject, see the book of Galatians. Paul addresses with force, the evil deceivers, legalism, and doctrine of control that added to the true Gospel burdens and requirements, which the LORD never instituted nor intended. As Paul’s posture and assault demonstrates, no mercy is to be shown to unrepentant workers of deceit who perpetuate this evil.
“Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh (self-effort and works)?” Galatians 3:3
The doctrine of control is dangerous and hurtful and has brought great harm to God’s people. It is the doctrine of devils (1 Tim. 4:1-6). Surely hell is full of people who were submitted to mere men, but didn’t know the LORD personally (Matt. 7:21-23). When we knowingly add to God’s Word (requirements and duties that the LORD never gives in His Word), we are acting as the Pharisees of Christ’s day, and we will be condemned with them if we don’t repent. Or, when we overemphasize a minor truth of Scripture, elevating it to the status of an essential doctrine, we err greatly (Matt. 23:13-14). Christ lambasted the hell-bound religious hypocrites of His day saying:
“For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.” Matthew 23:4
We should stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free and not be entangled again with any yokes of bondage of men or devils (Gal. 5:1). Jesus came to bless us by lifting burdens not adding any, and all those who truly walk with Him help others get freer and freer to serve their Savior and help others get free (Matt. 11:28-30; Lk. 4:18, Acts 10:38).
One writer of old stated:
“The real test of religion is, does it make wings to lift a man up or a dead weight to drag him down? Is a man helped by his religion or is he haunted by it? Does it carry him or does he carry it? … The Pharisees believed that to do God’s will was to observe their thousands of petty rules and regulations and nothing could be further from the kingdom of God, His basic idea, His love.”
The Lord’s Ministry
Any person or ministry that is adding burdens, such as yoking people with things God never told us in His Word, is working for the LORD’s enemy who has come to destroy souls (Jn. 10:10). This is the clear, outright, and brazen removal of foundational truths that have been in the true Church (people of God) since its very inception. This subversion of truth and authority is being perpetrated by those who have come and set themselves to be served by the ministry, instead of serving God according to His ordained pattern and plan.
In fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy of the Messiah (Isa. 61:1), at the onset of His earthly ministry Christ declared His mission:
“The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the LORD.” Luke 4:18-19
Paul’s whole ministry focus was to connect people to the LORD Himself, and he purposely conducted himself in such a way as to cause them to fully trust the LORD and not Paul or any other man (1 Cor. 1,3). Witness the Apostle Paul’s mode of operation in ministry here:
“And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power. (here’s the reason) THAT your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:1-5
“An Holy Priesthood”
“Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 2:5
We can’t go to church because we are the Church. Isn’t it time to be the body of Christ? No need to look for some Mr. Wonderful to come along to lead us. Wouldn’t this be idolatry and asking to be deceived? The Bible declares that Jesus Christ is our “Wonderful, Counselor …mighty God…everlasting Father …Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6). “The Shepherd and Bishop of our souls” lives in us to the end and promised to be with us in accomplishing His work until His return (1 Pet. 2:25; Matt. 28:18-20).
If you have been duped into believing and induced with the associated fear of a controller, you should ask the LORD to free you to serve Him.
Abandoned to God
In order to be free from the control of men, we must first give ourselves fully to the LORD who gave Himself fully for us. We must give up our right to ourselves and release to Him the full and total control of our lives. Perhaps the place to begin would be praying as the One who died to grant us this liberty:
“Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.” Luke 23:46
Summary
Whether it be a statue, icon, symbol, wooden totem pole, or a mere man, it all falls far short of the glory of the One who inhabits eternity, created all things, and holds all the oceans of the earth in the palm of His hand (Isa. 40:12; 57:15; Col. 1:15-17).
Fear that Frees
“God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.” Psalm 89:7
In the end, it will be those who truly fear the LORD and not mere men who will be blessed to be triumphant. Fearing men brings the noose around the neck, while fearing God brings the key that unlocks and makes free from all shackles that bind. (See Proverbs 22:4; 29:25; Matt 10:28; Isa. 2:22; Gal 1:10.) We must fear God supremely and intensely and depart from any church or ministry that is not clearly and overtly walking in His Word and Spirit (Eccl. 12:13-14).
PRAYER: LORD Jesus, free me from all bondage. Set me free to serve You supremely. Bless my life to walk in the fullness of Your liberty. Break all yokes of men and devils, which have come to hinder my walk with You. I love You, Jesus, and thank You that I now overcome by the blood of the Lamb and word of my testimony of how You have made me free. Dear LORD, I pledge my full and total allegiance to Thee. I love You, my LORD Jesus. Thank You for the victory of Your cross, blood, and resurrection. I now accept Your full salvation and all the blessings that come with it. May all curses, hexes, vexes, and schemes of Satan be broken off my life this moment in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth and by Your holy, precious blood. For it is written; “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.” (Rev. 12:11) Amen.
Deceivers and False Prophets Among Us
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Abiding
How Christ’s Kingdom Evangelism Works [podcast]
“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11
“The Word of God, like rain and snow that water the earth and cause it to produce fruit, will be sown in the hearts of men and produce fruit in the moral world (Isa_55:11; Deu_32:2). As the rain and snow fall on various kinds of ground, so does the Word of God (Mat_13:3-8, Mat_13:20-23). Like rain and snow, it will accomplish its best good in the eternal reign of the Messiah, when the knowledge of the Lord will cover the earth (Isa_11:9). Thus, the final fulfillment of this scripture will be in the future; there is only a partial fulfillment at present in the preaching of the gospel.” Dake
“God’s word is just as irresistible and effective as the rain and snow. All the armies in the world cannot stop them, and they accomplish their intended purpose. God’s Word never fails to achieve its aims.” Believer’s Bible Commentary
“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” 1 Peter 1:23
ANY person who doesn’t understand the power of God’s Word, when sown into the hearts of men, has no business pretending to be a pastor or elder in Christ’s body.
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
The power of God’s Word when it enters the human heart:
“He that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD. 29 Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?” Jeremiah 23:28-29
The Harvest is Plentiful – So many lost souls hungry to hear the Gospel – the Laborers Few
“And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:35-38
Sin separates men from God.
“But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” Isaiah 59:2
People are born again by the WORD of God which means the Word must be sown in their hearts and germinate.
“I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. 8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. 9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” 1 Corinthians 3:6-9
Faithfully sowing the seed of the Word of God in the hearts of men assures that God will be glorified in saving each of those souls who receive and believe His truth in repentance and faith.
Here’s how evangelism and our LORD’s kingdom work works—layers of Gospel workers. Usually we are the second, third, etc., Gospel labourer, following up on the seed planted in the hearts of the people we minister to. Let’s gain this vision, this illustration from Christ concerning our work for Him, in His kingdom.
Anyone putting off, pushing into the future, evangelizing the lost, is disobeying Jesus Christ. Anyone not evangelizing the lost around them cannot rightly claim to love Jesus. They are full of self and in need of crying out to God in repentance.
John 4:34 – 38
“Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.
35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.
36 And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.
37 And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth.
38 I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.”
“In the elderly home we minister in, we met a new resident, that had been there only a few months. When she came to our meeting, she seemed down, so I began to talk with her. She said, “well I don’t leave my room much anymore as my very good friend just passed away.” She stated her name and said, “before she passed I gave her the gospel and she received Jesus.” God is so good, as we had ministered to her friend as well, and seeds were planted, and this new Lady watered! The more I continued to talk with her, I learned she has been preaching the gospel and some residents are getting saved. Alleluia! Next week, we will give her some Jesus tracts.” Karen Cochran
Picture planting a seed in a garden, then standing back and watching the ground you planted that seed in and expecting to see it sprout up visibly from the soil it was planted in. Not wise, right? Right.
The picture our LORD gives here is planting that seed and then moving on, just like anyone who plants seeds to grow some plant, crop.
The Parable of the Seed Growing
Mark 4
26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;
27 And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.
28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.
29 But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.” Mark 4:26-29
“And should sleep and rise night and day – That is, he should sleep by night, and rise by day; for so the words are obviously to be understood. He knoweth not how – How a plant grows is a mystery in nature, which the wisest philosopher in the universe cannot fully explain.” Adam Clarke
In ministry, it’s always seeding, planting. It’s GOD, not us, who brings the increase. This pertains to the invisible work of God in the hearts of men.
“The parable may be intended to encourage the disciples. Their responsibility is to sow the seed. They may sleep by night and rise by day, knowing that God’s Word will not return to Him void, but will accomplish what He has intended it to do. By a mysterious and miraculous process, quite apart from man’s strength and skill, the Word works in human hearts, producing fruit for God. Man plants and waters but God gives the increase.” Believer’s Bible Commentary
“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.” Psalms 19:7
“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” John 15:16
YOUR PRAYER: Holy Father, please break me. Unite my heart to fear Your name. Thank You for choosing and ordaining me to Your kingdom work. Please bear Your fruit in and through this life, this vessel for Your eternal glory. Let that fruit remain dear LORD. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Abiding
Jesus Washes the Feet of His Own [podcast]
What was Jesus demonstrating and teaching us when He washed the feet of His disciples?
The Washed Way – begins with “the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost” – being born again (Titus 3:5-7; John 3:3, 7).
“On the way back from the public bath, a person’s feet would get dirty again. He didn’t need another bath but did need to have his feet washed. ‘He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean.’ There is a difference between the bath and the basin. The bath speaks of the cleansing received at the time of one’s salvation. Cleansing from the penalty of sin through the blood of Christ takes place only once. The basin speaks of cleansing from the pollution of sin and must take place continually through the Word of God. There is one bath but many foot-washings.” Believer’s Bible Commentary
“If these last words of our Lord had any spiritual reference, it is not easy to say what it was. A common opinion is the following: He who is washed – who is justified through the blood of the Lamb, needeth only to wash his feet – to regulate all his affections and desires; and to get, by faith, his conscience cleansed from any fresh guilt, which he may have contracted since his justification.” Adam Clarke
Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet
“Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.
2 And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him;
3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;
4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.
5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.
6 Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?
7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.
8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
9 Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.
10 Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.
11 For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.
12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?
13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.
15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.
17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. – John 13:1-17
Those not happy prove they are not humble nor holy (John 13).
“If loving the person in front of you seems like too small of a ministry opportunity, you’ve forgotten the simplicity of the Gospel.” unknown
Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet as an Act of Final Sealing of His Mercy, His Will
“Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end (to the end, to the utmost).” John 13:1
“Before the feast – Namely, on Wednesday, in the paschal week. Having loved his own – His apostles, he loved them to the end – Of his life.” John Wesley
Adam Clarke writes:
“He loved them unto the end – Continued his fervent affection towards them to his latest breath, and gave them that convincing proof of it which is mentioned Joh_13:5. That the disciples alone are meant here every man must see.”
Of these cornerstone verses of John 13, F.B. Meyer writes:
“John 13:1-11
JESUS GLORIFIES HUMBLE SERVICE
In the Temple the laver preceded the brazen altar. It was kept filled with pure water for the constant washing of the priests; Exo_30:18-21; Lev_16:4. We cannot have fellowship with Christ at Calvary or on Olivet unless we draw near with our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
The Synoptic Gospels tell us that on their way to the feast the disciples had yielded to contention and pride. It was needful that these should be put away, and our Lord’s love was equal to the occasion. He loved them to the end of His life and to the end of love. Only such love could have made saints and apostles out of such material.
Jesus began a work which has never ceased, and which will continue “till all the ransomed Church of God be saved to sin no more.” When we have contracted guilt, we have not to begin our whole life over again, but to go back to the place where we dropped the thread of obedience and begin there.”
May we never forget how merciful our LORD Jesus was to the woman at the well (John 4), the woman caught in the act of adultery (John 8), and the woman with the issue of blood (Luke 8).
It’s of interest to note how this 13th chapter of the glorious Gospel of John begins with Christ’s love to His disciples and closes with His command for them to “love one another” as He taught and personally demonstrated to them:
“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” John 13:34-35
“When you fall in love don’t you want to shout it from the rooftops? He, the man you are in love with, is all you talk about! Should be the same with Jesus! You want to tell everyone about this man, the Savior who saved your life! Just as the woman at the well did! She told the whole city. ‘Come, and see a man, which told me all the things that ever I did: is this not the Christ?’ John 4: 28-29.” Karen Cochran
YOUR PRAYER: Father, in Jesus’ name, please reduce me to love.
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Antichrist
The Mission of the Spirit of Antichrist [podcast]
How do we discern the “many antichrists” operating in the church world today? (1 John 2:18)
The Antichrists are Multiplying [podcast]
Message from an Antichrist Refuted [podcast]
How the Spirit of Antichrist Works [podcast]
Our Glorious Inheritance in Christ vs Messianic Antichrists [podcast]
Antichrist or Christ? [podcast]
Antichrists Among Us [podcast]
“Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” Revelation 12:12
How is Satan bringing his great wrath on mankind in this last hour? Isn’t it the same way he’s always done it, yet now in an even more feverish, intensified way? Yes. His tools, his “devices” are the same—from the Garden to now! This is exactly what the Holy Ghost told us through Paul:
“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man (it’s Satan’s same temptations/tactics): but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
Knowing and walking in this divine knowledge will help us stop Satan from getting an advantage over our lives.
“Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” 2 Corinthians 2:11
In summation, “the spirit of antichrist” is Satan and exists to mislead people away from his arch enemy, the LORD Jesus Christ. This “spirit of antichrist” seeks to demote, to denigrate, and destroy the testimony of Holy Scriptures which reveal, which hold as their grand subject—Jesus Christ, born of a virgin, God Almighty, who was bodily crucified, buried, and raised again from the dead.
“The spirit of truth” vs “the spirit of error.”
“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.
4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.
6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.” 1 John 4:1-6
“That Spirit of Antichrist”
“Theological liberalism and religious cults (and cultists) betray themselves as ‘antichrist’ (v3) when they deny the full deity of Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, or His redemptive death and resurrection for our salvation (v 9-10; 2:2). Every departure from Biblical revelation concerning Christ opens itself up to demonic ‘spirits’ of deception (v1) because it sets aside the authority and complete trustworthiness of God’s Word.” Life in the Spirit Study Bible
“4:3 And every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. This is how you can detect the false teachers. They do not confess the Jesus who was described in the previous verse. This is the spirit of the Antichrist, which has been prophesied and which is now already in the world. There are many today who are willing to say acceptable things about Jesus, but they will not confess Him as God Incarnate. They will say that Christ is ‘divine,’ but not that He is God.” Believer’s Bible Commentary
“Spirit of antichrist – All the opponents of Christ’s incarnation, and consequently of his passion, death, and resurrection, and the benefits to be derived from them.” Adam Clarke
Seems to me that anyone who denies the essentials of the Messiah (virgin birth, divinity, etc.), is an “antichrist.”
Jesus told the antichrist pharisees:
“I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.” John 8:24
“8:24 Jesus often used repetition for emphasis. Here He solemnly warned them again that they would die in their sins. If they steadfastly refused to believe on Him, there was no alternative. Apart from the Lord Jesus, there is no way to obtain forgiveness of sins, and those who die with sins unforgiven cannot possibly enter heaven at last. The word He is not found in this verse in the original, though it may be implied. It reads literally: ‘if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.’ We see in the words I am another claim to deity by the Lord Jesus.” Believer’s Bible Commentary
As was the case in the Garden, Satan’s mission is to misdirect, to remove Christ’s people from worshiping and upholding Him as the Head of His body, as the Captain of our salvation, who alone, who exclusively came as God the Word in the Flesh, Immanuel, and paid the full “It is finished” price for bringing us back to Himself and the Father from a life of sin (Matthew 1:21-3; John 1:1-4, 10, 14; 19:30). Holy Scripture informs us that “the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time” (Revelation 12:12).
There are a myriad of facets, methods, mediums the prince of darkness is using in his full scale war against the Son of God. One of those methods is a changing of the words of God which is what Satan did in the very Garden of Eden which led to the fall of the first man and woman into sin. Satan cast doubt on God’s Word in order to lead the man and woman to doubt to, lose credibility in God and His Word, to weaken their resolve, and get them to not believe and obey what the LORD had stated to them in 2:17 (Genesis 3:1). Then the enemy altered what God had said (2:17) by adding a word (“not” — Genesis 3:4) This led to the fall of mankind into sin. New “bibles” equals/is apostasy and there could be no other spirit behind these corruptions of God’s words but “the spirit of antichrist” (1 John 4:3).
It’s interesting that the Bible uses the phrases “many antichrists” and also “many, which corrupt the word of God” (1 John 2:18; 2 Corinthians 2:17).
“For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.” 2 Corinthians 2:17
There’s a direct connection between the snake in the Garden, animated by Satan, and those who question and pervert the words of God today.
“…ye have perverted the words of the living God, of the LORD of hosts our God.” Jeremiah 23:36
Perverting the words of God comes in many and various ways. His time is short and Satan is on an all-out offensive and many do not see it (1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 12:12).
How can anyone involved with, or agreeing with, or defending the changing of God’s Word be anything but an antichrist?
From our growing knowledge of God’s Word, just WHAT “spirit” do we think is behind the removal of the very “BLOOD” of Jesus from Colossians 1:14 in the new versions? Certainly we know this was “that spirit of antichrist” and surely we can conclude that is could only be “that spirit of antichrist” anointing, behind those who defend those who attack corruptions of God’s Word.
SO YOU agree with SATAN having removed the BLOOD of Jesus from Colossians 1:14? You are going to take sides with Satan himself against the Almighty you pretend to serve?
If your “bible” doesn’t have the BLOOD of Jesus in Colossians 1:14, you are now accountable. God knows you know!
The antichrists by Stacy Strother:
“I think it is worthy to mention that John is addressing the church in with this passage (1 John 4:1-3). He is warning the people, God‘s people, to be on the watch, and to be doctrinally ready to discern that antichrist spirit. I believe John is imploring the church that these antichrists are not just a bunch of people out in the world that noticeably hate God, but they are people who seem to appreciate God, who pretend to be saved. No, rather that they are coming from WITHIN the church body, serving a separate or different agenda and doctrine.
I believe the latest false doctrines that have emerged over the last 20 – 30 years are part of this antichrist spirit, which is basically a doctrine. WOF, the emergent church, IHOP, NAR and so on, all seep with the stench of this antichrist spirit.
John is telling them that they are living in the last hour and that the antichrist spirit is not just coming, it is abounding now, presently, within the professing church world.
A thought to glean from this might be that John was teaching his disciples that there would be certain doctrines come forth that might argue that Jesus left, and His kingdom is so distant that it doesn’t really affect our lives here and now. By doing this, it would leave room for the false teachers to implement a devised doctrine. Such doctrines would appear as authentic, but rather when the student of the Word peers into those false doctrines, he finds that it is actually another Jesus altogether. It is antichrist.”
Paul L. Freeman writes:
“Are we to believe the scholars when they tell us that no important doctrines are affected by the new Modern Versions? It is obvious that they are not correct. What they really mean to say is that when all the changes have been made the Bible Doctrines are still there somewhere else in the Bible. If there are ten verses showing the Virgin Birth of Christ, and they have removed two, there are still eight remaining to prove the doctrine. That may satisfy them, but the Fundamental believer sees that as a piece by piece destruction of the Word of God.
We would accuse them of taking away from the Word of God. They would accuse us of using a Bible which has many additions inserted by overzealous Christian copyists. The issue now becomes quite clear. We must either believe that overzealous heretics have corrupted the original Word of God or believe that overzealous believers have added to the original Word of God. I can understand why heretics would want to corrupt the original Word of God, but I cannot believe that Christians would add one word to the Word of God which they have been entrusted to copy and pass along. The Spirit of God within Christians would put a holy awe and reverence around the sacred word and guided by that same Spirit they would copy what God had given them. My conclusion is that the new Modern Versions are based on Greek manuscripts that have been corrupted by heretics who changed the Word of God to agree with their rejection of the Deity of Christ and their Humanism regarding salvation. The Greek Text underlying the King James Version is not filled with additions made by overzealous Christians. It is the Word of God preserved by the Spirit of God and it exalts the Lord Jesus Christ, giving him his proper place and the glory due unto his name.” | Bible Doctrines Affected by Modern Version (includes the deity of Christ maligned and attacked)
Anyone who participates in heretical doctrine or practices proves themselves to be under the control of “another spirit” which is the same devil as in the Garden of Eden, right? Read this, the Holy Spirit’s warning to us from Paul the apostles. Paul is seeing the body of Christ as Adam and Eve before they were beguiled by the serpent:
“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 (deceived) Eve through his subtilty (cunning trickery), 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.” 2 Corinthians 11:2-4
“the simplicity that is in Christ” would be what is recorded about Christ the Messiah in God’s Word with nothing added or taken away.
- “another Jesus” – as in one that was not born of a virgin, was not God, did not die and rise bodily, etc.
- “another spirit” – that evil “spirit of antichrist” behind the denigration of Christ, the attempt to rob Him of His glory (Colossians 2:18-19).
- “another gospel” – a message, a false gospel that does not uphold Christ as that “the record” of Holy Scripture reveals Him.
Divine Commands Forbidding the Altering of God’s Words/Word
The obvious mission of Satan, “that spirit of antichrist” is to deceive and to destroy and to devour the saints of Christ. Adam and Eve were in perfect, sinless communion with God, right? Right. How did Satan derail them—get them removed from His holy presence? He simply questioned and changed the words of God.
If a person is not opposed to the desecration of “the RECORD that God gave of his Son”, such a person is against Christ. Such a person is not with but rather against the LORD—regardless of his mere profession (Matthew 12:30; Titus 1:16). Isn’t the very definition of antichrist to be opposed to or against Christ, right?
What do we call anyone pretending to be an American who “shreds the Constitution”? A traitor right? And traitors are worthy of death, right?
At this dark time in the history of Israel, the Scriptures had been lost and out of circulation among the people of God. Then they were found and read before the king, king Jehoiakim (the son of Josiah) and his servants. As a result, conviction of sin came and certain parts of God’s Word were rejected and thrown into the fire to burned and to be vanished out of their presence. Jehoiakim was a Bible burner. What he didn’t like, due to the darkness of his own heart, he thought in vain that he could just burn it and that it would go away. Not.
“My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.” Psalms 89:34
This is a fascinating occurrence captured, recorded in Jeremiah 36 that is transpiring today in full scale, perpetrated by false leaders like king Jehoiakim (Ecclesiastes 1:9). Read Jeremiah 36. Remember that anyone participating in the altering of God’s words, is an antichrist.
“Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.” Proverbs 13:13
Anyone defending the altering of God’s Word, which is what the new “bibles” have done, is under the control of a devil, the murderer who rebelled in eternity past, was cast to the earth, and began his war against God and His people by casting doubt upon and changing His words (Genesis 2:17; 3:1, 4).
If altering, changing God’s Word isn’t satanic, nothing is! See Genesis 2:17; 3:1, 4; 2 and Corinthians 2:1
New “bibles” are altered versions of God’s pure Word. They are the altering, the changing of “the RECORD that God gave of his Son”. The very premise of such is forbidden by the LORD (Deuteronomy 4:2; Jeremiah 26:2; Proverbs 30:5-6; Mark 13:31; Revelation 22:18-19). Read these carefully, prayerfully:
“Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.” Deuteronomy 4:2
“Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. 6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.” Proverbs 30:5-6
“… for ye have perverted the words of the living God, of the LORD of hosts our God.” Jeremiah 23:36
“Thus saith the LORD; Stand in the court of the LORD’S house, and speak unto all the cities of Judah, which come to worship in the LORD’S house, all the words that I command thee to speak unto them; diminish not a word:” Jeremiah 26:2
“Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.” Mark 13:31
“For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” Revelation 22:18-19
“Antichrist” simply means to oppose or more insidiously, to put something, anything in front of, in place of the Jesus Christ divinely testified to in “the record” of Holy Writ.
There are “many antichrists” and anyone opposing or putting something or someone (including self) in front of Christ is an idolater and in my opinion can be referred to as an antichrist.
“For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.” 2 John 1:7
Anyone defending these alterations of “the record that God gave of his Son” is under the control of “the spirit of antichrist” (1 John 4:1-3). In their allowing the very words of God to be perverted is the denial of “the record” or the recorded testimony that Jesus Christ is God.
It all goes back to what he did in the Garden (Genesis 3:1; 2:17>3:4): If you want to discern the work of Satan in this late hour and how he has “come down with great wrath,” look at the changing of God’s Word via the new versions (Revelation 12:12).
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