By Cheryl MacGrath
In a number of the denominations I’ve been involved in, including at leadership level, a “doctrine of covering” was taught and accepted. And for many, many years, I never questioned this teaching. After all, everyone believed it; the leadership upheld it, so it must be right, right? It is only as the Holy Spirit has impressed me to study the Scriptures more deeply on this teaching that I’ve had to come to terms with the fact that He NEVER originated it! In His infinite grace, He chose to wait patiently for a time when the Spirit of Truth would become dearer to me than the traditions of men.
The teaching on “covering” goes like this. Everyone needs to be accountable to someone who is spiritually his or her superior. This someone may be your cell group leader, the head of a church department or your senior pastor etc. In turn, these leaders receive covering from someone further up the line, for instance a denominational leader or a “recognized” apostle. The necessity for this covering is based on the belief that believers need to be safeguarded from falling into error and/or sin. So, covering is provided by those who are more spiritual than we to protect us from such error. At the top of this pyramid of covering there is quite often a well-known and recognized “name” but the chances of meeting or having any kind of relationship with that person if you are at the bottom of the pyramid are fairly slim. Currently, there are several networks offering this kind of covering to those in some form of church leadership or ministry, more often than not for an annual fee. The annual fee usually provides for the running of the network, and conferences where you can fellowship with others under your particular brand of covering. You may also be denied entrance from one of these networks because you don’t have the appropriate credentials.
One of the strange things about this “covering” teaching is that rarely is anyone asked about their spiritual covering, until they step outside their particular church, denomination or network. However, the minute a believer shows signs of having something important to share with the wider Body of Christ, suddenly all and sundry are interested primarily in that one important question: “Who are you covered by?” It all sounds pretty reasonable except for one problem—it’s NOT FOUND in Scripture. In fact, the early church was taught to rely on the inner anointing to discern the spiritual source of potential ministers. (See 1 John 2:20; 1 John 4:1.)
So, where did this idea originate that believers need to be “covered” in order to serve God and minister within Christ’s Body? Are you, like many others, living your Christian life under the shadow of this fear that without “covering” you dare not minister, preach, pray or do a myriad of other things you’re called to do by the Spirit of God, because you will somehow be ministering without protection?
The purpose of this article is to shed some light on this issue based on scriptural truth. To begin with, though, we need to understand that this need to be covered by a perceived spiritual authority, and the scriptural instruction to submit ourselves to God’s delegated authorities, are NOT necessarily one and the same thing. Furthermore, New Testament authority as demonstrated by Jesus and the first apostles, is servanthood- authority, upholding, strengthening, reinforcing and overseeing the Body from BENEATH, not DOMINEERING, CONTROLLING and RULING from ABOVE. Therefore, it is vital in examining this issue that we begin from a correct understanding of Biblical submission and Biblical authority.
“Let This Mind Be In You”
“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:5-8).
The current mindset we carry in much of the church concerning submission is quite unrelated to the submission taught and demonstrated by Jesus and the early apostles. There is a desperate need to return to the same mind that was in Christ Jesus. The Scripture tells us that though He was equal with the Father, Jesus CHOSE to submit Himself, He CHOSE to humble Himself, He CHOSE to obey. This is the key to Biblical submission, and the model laid down for us by both the Father and the Son.
Submission is firstly a choice; a choice that can only ever be made by the giver. Biblical submission can never be demanded or forced. That kind of relationship is subservience, not submission. Jesus chose to subject Himself to the Father, but the Father “so loved
the world that He GAVE His only begotten Son.” Sacrificial giving and sacrificial submission are married to each other. In the Spirit, you cannot have one without the other. If you try, you will invariably end up with control, dependence and abuse rather than humility, interdependence and grace.
The New Testament concept of submission or subjection, is one of a totally voluntary attitude of giving, of yielding one’s preference and deferring to another. In this way, Jesus as a child was subject to His parents, yet the Scriptures record that He did not even consult them when He was “about His Father’s business” (Luke 2:49, 51).
“It Shall Not Be So Among You”
“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 13:17).
“But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. 43 But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: 44 and whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all” (Mark 10:42-44).
There is no question that the scriptures instruct each one of us to submit to God’s delegated authority. It is the understanding and the application of that authority we often stumble over. The Bible records that Jesus taught the twelve this Kingdom authority as they walked along the road to Jerusalem. His face had been set toward the cross, and it is certain He was keenly aware of the short time He had left with them. Perhaps He was conversing with His Father about what were the most important lessons He could impart to them during the time that was left. We know that He heard them disputing over who among them was the best “leadership material.” Perhaps Peter, having not long before witnessed Jesus’ transfiguration, thought that gave him special status. Perhaps James and John felt they were more likely candidates for rulership than impetuous Peter. Shortly before, they had asked Jesus to give them special places of honor in His Kingdom. Whatever had started their dispute, Jesus certainly knew how to end it! “And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant” (Matt. 20:27).
The Lord was speaking to a group of people who had grown up under the rule of the Roman empire. The Romans exercised their authority through forced subjection and harsh cruelty. In fact, the literal translation of the words Jesus used in reference to Roman rule mean “to be under the power of” and “to be subdued.” Despite having witnessed Jesus using a very different kind of authority and power, the disciples had not yet understood exactly what He would require of them. The Romans were, in the political sense, their masters. Yet here was Jesus stating that to exercise the authority He was going to invest in them they would need to become slaves to one another, and not masters. One might safely assume these weren’t words any of them particularly wanted to hear that day!
Kingdom authority has nothing to do with titles, positions, educational qualifications or reputation. Kingdom authority is granted by the Lord according to the measure with which He can trust us to wield it with humility. The greatest authority in the Kingdom is reserved for His bond slaves.
What About Accountability?
In today’s church system we have confused the word “covering” with the need for accountability. Consequently, many are holding themselves accountable to people with title and position, regardless of whether or not they are developing an ongoing transparent relationship with that person. In the Kingdom, it is not possible to be truly accountable to those with whom we are not actively growing in relationship. How can I be trusted to call you to account righteously if I don’t love you in Christ? How can you love me with Christ-like love and not call me to account?
Paul was able to correct the Corinthians because he had true relationship with them. He had travailed over them, nurtured them, wept for them and rejoiced with them. Therefore, he was able to reprove them for their edification and not for their destruction. (See 2 Corinthians 13:10.)
When we turn to the Scriptures for guidance on this issue of accountability, a startling fact confronts us. The New Testament mentions accountability ONLY in terms of the believer towards God. The Scripture teaches that we will give accountability TO GOD ALONE in the following areas:
–stewardship (Luke 16:2)
–ourselves (Romans 14:12)
–fruit (Philippians 4:17)
–what we do in the flesh (1 Peter 4:5)
–leaders shall give account for the souls they watch over (Hebrews 13:17)
What then, DO the scriptures teach about how believers, as members of the corporate Body of Christ, are to relate to one another?
“Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5).
In Galatians Chapter Two we read of a journey Paul took to Jerusalem. He states that he went up “by revelation,” that is, at the instigation of the Holy Spirit, in order to confirm that the gospel he had been preaching was approved by the eldership of the Jerusalem church. He goes on to state that: “But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me…)” had nothing to add to his teachings. He further adds that when James, Cephas (Peter) and John perceived the grace God had shown him, he was given the “right hands of fellowship.”
At the instigation of the Holy Spirit, Paul had subjected himself to the Jerusalem eldership, including Peter, for the purpose of accountability. One may safely assume that Peter, having spent around three years day and night with Jesus, and highly regarded by the early believers, held very great authority in the church. Paul, however did not ask Peter to cover him. Instead, he did not hesitate in calling Peter to account when Peter was later swayed to go back on his word by the fear of men (Galatians 2:11-14). Bear in mind this is the same Peter who stated: “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29)’
These men understood the nature of relationship through the Holy Spirit; ALL of you be submissive to one another, ALL of you be clothed with humility. Each of us is accountable to one another, whatever our function in the Body, whether apostles, teachers, deacons or helpers. This is the church Christ is building.
To say that we are demonstrating accountability to a person or group of people we may briefly rub shoulders with at a meeting once or twice a week, or perhaps once or twice a year, is ludicrous. True accountability is about how we express Christ in us— our lifestyle, our character and our integrity in families, jobs and church community. This cannot be measured outside godly relationships, and without a humble willingness to be in subjection one to another. Each one of us needs to seek out and submit ourselves to those in the Body the Lord has placed close to us to provide that accountability, regardless of their position, title or function. Each one of us needs to be willing, in humility and service, to provide that same accountability base for others in the Body. This applies to leadership equally as it does to the newest, most inexperienced member of the Christian community.
Sadly, what we see today in so much of the church, is a frenzied jockeying for position under the supposedly protective umbrella of some ministry name or reputation, in order to prove ourselves “covered.” “WHO COVERS YOU?” has become one of the most frequently asked questions among Christians, and too often it is the deciding factor in assessing a ministry’s integrity or otherwise. Consequently, an unsatisfactory answer to that question in some church circles can label you “outside the camp” and almost certainly not to be trusted. Christians are judging each other’s worth and relationship with God on this issue of covering, and using it to justify self-righteousness and spiritual elitism.
In Part Two of this study we will talk about what is at the root of this distorted doctrine, and the clear choices that lie before us in order to be free from it.
PART TWO
“And the Lord will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defence.” Isaiah 4:5
“He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.” Psalm 91:4
It’s About His Name
“And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon him with the elders, 2 and spake unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority?” Luke 20:1-2
As we see from these portions of Scripture, the question “who covers you?” is not new. The chief priests, scribes and elders were not simply asking Jesus where His supernatural power came from. More than that, they wanted a NAME. “Who is he? Come on, tell us Jesus, who is the scribe, who is the rabbi, who is the prophet who covers you? And no more of that over-spiritualized talk about your Father. We want the name of the person who said you could do these things!”
The apostle Paul confronted a similar problem in the Corinthian church.
“For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. 12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. 13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?” 1 Corinthians 1:11-13
The Lord is jealous over us concerning His Name. We were bought and paid for by His blood, and His Name is the only Name by which we are to identify ourselves. When believers choose to find their identity in another name other than His, the Spirit is grieved, and His Name is dis-honored.
It’s About the Flesh
“But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. 9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. 10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. 11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” Matthew 23:8-11
The Corinthians were apparently separating into factions according to whom they considered was the most authoritative teacher. They were following after men, and for that reason Paul took issue with them. Further in his letter he goes on to challenge them by describing this kind of mindset as carnal and fleshly rather than spiritual:
“For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? 4 For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?” 1 Cor. 3:3
Finally, he instructs them:
“Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; 22 whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; 23 and ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.” 1 Cor. 3:21-23
The Corinthians had become so obsessed with the attributes of certain teachers they were idolizing them. They wanted to regard particular individuals as their “master,” “father,” or “teacher,” but Paul wanted them to understand that in doing so they were falling short of their full inheritance in Christ. He wanted them to see that all of these teachers belonged to them as servant-ministers, and not the other way around.
It’s About A Substitute King
At the heart of the Corinthians’ idolatry was the age-old desire for a ruler, a king. The flesh would much rather fear man than fear God. The flesh would much rather submit to the control of law than submit to the freedom of the Spirit. This principle is seen
throughout Scripture.
Afraid they would die, the Israelites begged Moses to be God’s messenger to them, rather than hear His voice for themselves.
“And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off. 19 And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.” – Exodus 20:18-19
God desired for the people to hear Him for themselves, but they refused. Effectively, the Israelites were elevating Moses as their mediator. The entire nation had been called as a kingdom of priests, but their preference was to be ruled by on man. (See Exodus 19:1-9.)
Many years later, when the prophet Samuel officiated as Israel’s judge, Israel’s carnal desire for a man-king surfaced again:
“Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah, 5 and said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.
“6 But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the Lord. 7 And the Lord said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them. 8 According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even unto this day, wherewith they have forsaken me, and served other gods, so do they also unto thee. 9 Now therefore hearken unto their voice: howbeit yet protest solemnly unto them, and shew them the manner of the king that shall reign over them.
“10And Samuel told all the words of the Lord unto the people that asked of him a king. 11 And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: He will take your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots, and to be his horsemen; and some shall run before his chariots. 12 And he will appoint him captains over thousands, and captains over fifties; and will set them to ear his ground, and to reap his harvest, and to make his instruments of war, and instruments of his chariots. 13 And he will take your daughters to be confectionaries, and to be cooks, and to be bakers. 14 And he will take your fields, and your vineyards, and your oliveyards, even the best of them, and give them to his servants. 15 And he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and to his servants. 16 And he will take your menservants, and your maidservants, and your goodliest young men, and your asses, and put them to his work. 17 He will take the tenth of your sheep: and ye shall be his servants. 18 And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the Lord will not hear you in that day.
“19 Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us; 20 that we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles.” (1 Samuel 8:4-20).
The key to Israel’s demand for a human king, rather than the direct reign of Yahweh over them, was “that we also may be like all the nations, and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles.” They wanted a name and a face that could “go out before” them. They wanted someone visible they could show the other nations. They wanted a symbol, a token leader who could take responsibility for how they would live and conduct their lives. They wanted someone with a reputation they could identify with. They wanted to be like the world. They wanted human “covering.”
You see, friends, there is a place for governmental leadership, there is a place for accountability within the Body. There is a place for submission to legitimate God-delegated authority. All these are valid and in order, but only insofar as they are not permitted to substitute for the direct rule of God in our lives. And only insofar as they are not sought out as a counterfeit for the sovereignty and rulership of the Holy Spirit within each believer.
It’s Of A Different Spirit
“Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire.” – Ezekiel 28:14
Many Bible scholars agree that God’s rebuke to the “king of Tyre” recorded in Ezekiel 28:1-19 is prophetically addressed to Satan. In it, we find that originally this fallen angel was called the “anointed cherub who covers.” Some scholars believe he was especially anointed to cover the Mercy Seat in the Holy of Holies. In the Presence of God, he walked back and forth in the midst of the fiery stones. The passage states that when iniquity was found in him he was cast out of God’s holy mountain, and removed from the midst of the fiery stones.
This Hebrew word “to cover” means “to hedge, fence about, shut in, block, overshadow, screen, stop the approach, shut off, cover” (H. “cakak” Strongs 05526). It is a word than can be used either in relation to defense or oppression.
Beloved, Satan still desires to walk back and forth in the midst of God’s living, fiery stones. He still desires to be the covering cherub on God’s holy mountain, but the covering he offers is oppressive, designed purely to hinder believers and rob them of the freedom and full potential that is ours through Christ.
The doctrine of covering is an old lie with a new name. It is fundamental to the maintenance of a false hierarchical religious system controlling many Christians in this day. Without the power of this erroneous mindset, it is even doubtful that some sections of the “church” could survive.
“Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is ABOVE ALL, and THROUGH ALL, and IN YOU ALL.” – Ephesians 4:3-6
The scriptures plainly state that it is God alone who is OVER all. Only God can
cover His people, and only the Holy Spirit can unite them. The most disturbing aspect about the covering teaching is that it subtly encourages believers to look to men and women rather than develop their own deep relationship with God through the Holy
Spirit. It upholds a man-made church built on hierarchy rather than a spiritual temple built through the unity of the Spirit. It promotes a class system of rulership by title, human appointment and personality, and DEVALUES the PRIESTHOOD of every believer. It negates leadership by the Holy Spirit and discourages believers from hearing the direction of the Spirit for themselves. It is a DOCTRINE OF DEMONS being used to deceive and bind countless believers.
Now, about that freedom we were talking about at the beginning of this article! Don’t, repeat DON’T, use your newfound liberty as a license for rebellion against authority. If you have been trapped in this covering doctrine be wise in how you appropriate your freedom. There are many, many humble and faithful men and women overseeing and serving the Body of Christ with humility and devotion, and it may well be that whoever has been “covering” you is one of them. If you are blessed enough to be aligned with a
servant-leader who demonstrates true biblical authority, honor them, support them, and submit to them. But don’t expect them to cover you—that’s not theirs to give.
False doctrines are mindsets and beliefs that can only be cast down by the Spirit and the Word together. And ultimately, our walk in the Spirit is not the responsibility of leadership; it is our own responsibility. It is time for each one of us to choose—do we want the rulership of kings, or do we want the rulership of THE King?
Finally, let me leave you with these thoughts:
1. Who covered Philip when He went down to Samaria and started a revival? (The apostles heard about it and sent Peter and John down to check it out!) (Acts 8:4-8)
2. Who covered Philip when the angel of the Lord directed him to the Gaza desert? (There’s no record of the Ethiopian eunuch asking him for his “covering” credentials!) (Acts 8:26-40)
3. Who covered Ananias when he was sent to pray for Saul? (He went to pray for a known enemy of the church and didn’t even get permission!) (Acts 9:10-18)
4. Who covered Apollos when he taught boldly in the synagogue, even though he had not yet received the full gospel? (Acts 18:24-25)
5. And who covered Aquilla and Priscilla when they took Apollos under their wing to instruct him further? (Acts 18:26)
6. Who covered Agabus when he travelled down from Judea to deliver a prophetic word to Paul? (Acts 21:10)
The answer is the same in each instance: The Holy Spirit covered, protected, led, and enabled. He is the only covering we need. The real question is this: is He the only covering we want?
More on “covering” witchcraft here.
Covering Witchcraft Busted and Exposed!
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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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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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