Witchcraft, manipulation and control are tools of evils spirits who work through Ahabs (morally weak men) and Jezebels in the church world to ultimately bring sin, sickness, and death. This is a most diabolical threat to the operation of the body of Christ today. Jesus holds the men most responsible (Revelation 2:20-24).
Those who have control issues simply have not given the control of their own lives over to the LORD and therefore operate in the witchcraft of controlling others – something that God forbids as they usurp HIS place in the lives of others. True repentance needed and to denounce the sin of self-idolatry, spiritual adultery, and witchcraft.
***Beware of those who call themselves intercessors today, namely groups of women who behind the guise of prayer are working their control, manipulations, and witchcraft for their master Satan (whether wittingly or unwittingly). They are lifting up what they think are powerful prayers, but they are carnally driven. Therefore they wield the sword of witchcraft. What I mean by that is they project soulish prayers by yelling, demanding, repetitious, screaming at the top of their lungs in the name of spiritual warfare.
Even the sending out prayers and breaking this and that over people can be witchcraft….. much of what is called “spiritual warfare” today in the apostate modern church is actually “spiritual witchcraft.” God will not deliver any person who will not turn their heart toward Him in real repentance (2 Corinthians 3:14-16; James 4:7). We should simply ask God in Jesus’ name and trust Him to do things and stay clear of adding to that simple Scriptural prescription. “Let your requests be made know unto God.” (Philippians 4:6)
THE ONLY WAY TO ESCAPE THE EVIL ONE CONTROLLING YOUR LIFE IS SUBMISSION TO GOD WHICH BEGINS WITH UNRESERVED REPENTANCE THEN RESULTS IN ABIDING FELLOWSHIP (JAMES 4:7).
These ladies are presumptuously demanding their own self-serving desires for an outcome that is not the will of the FATHER and some that oppose Scripture. They are not truly repentant with laid down lives and therefore are not seeking the sovereign will of our heavenly FATHER.
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Philippians 4:6
In Scripture, there is no mention for a specific calling or ministry for a special core of intercessors. In other words, there doesn’t seem to be a specific intercessory ministry listed in Scripture as in there aren’t just a few special people called out to do this and organize themselves as we see done today. Interceding is for all believers, not just a specific group of individuals. ALL believers are to intercede in prayer to the Father through the Great Intercessor Jesus (Hebrews 7:24-25, etc.). These that we are speaking of here act as if THEY are the reason things are coming to pass or prayers are being answered. One of the characteristics of Jezebels who are allowed to operate is that they take undue glory to themselves for things happening – acting as if THEIR prayers were the only reason that things happened. Jezebel is known by her complete SELF-absorption. They are very self-important. By that I mean they seek to subtly draw attention to themselves as “mighty warriors” for Christ who are more important than others. Any Bible student knows that this is totally un-christlike (Matthew 18:3-4; Philippians 2:3-5). Many of those who call themselves intercessors today are nothing more than a coven of witches planted right in the middle of some local churches (namely the IHOP, NAR, charismatic, KC, dominionism). Satan has targeted and infiltrated the “sanctuary.” (Psalms 74:4-7) There are pastor’s wives whom their husbands also erroneously call “pastors.” And, they train the gullible congregation to do the same. Using that unbiblical title (for a woman) to draw attention to themselves, feigning legitimacy, these women lead up intercessory prayer groups that are nothing more than of jezebellian witches who wield control over the pastor and the decisions. Beware. Pass this warning on.
History does repeat itself (Ecclesiastes 1:9). Right where you’d assume the truth would be communicated there was falsehood. Principally this represents all that claims to be representing Christ, the Christian leaders, local churches, etc.
“Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts concerning the prophets; Behold, I will feed them with wormwood, and make them drink the water of gall: for from the prophets of Jerusalem is profaneness gone forth into all the land.” Jeremiah 23:15
Jerusalem was the place of God’s people, the capitol city of their nation and yet “from the prophets of Jerusalem is profaneness gone forth into all the land.”
Women praying is a huge blessing. PRAYER is taught to us throughout God’s Word. What we are getting at here is the misuse of it. The power, access, righteousness, and glory is only in the Great Mediator though no matter who is praying (1 Timothy 2:5). “NO flesh should glory in his presence.” (1 Corinthians 1:29) Prayer misused to control God and others is witchcraft. Any person (like myself) who has been a part of an NAR or charismatic or so-called prophetic church knows about this.
“Yes, and Amen! Most of the intercessory prayer groups are a cover for a place of ill-gotten power!” Mark
Luanne Hisle sets the record straight when she writes:
“I don’t mean to be rude but “intercessor” as a title??? What’s that all about? I believe the Bible teaches that we ALL have the same access to the Lord through prayer in Jesus’ name. I used to consider myself a so-called ‘intercessor’ too but I have since learned that is just prideful terminology. My prayers have an equal but no greater chance of being heard by the Lord than anyone else’s. All believers’ prayers are heard by the Lord and are answered according to His will. Sometimes the answer is yes; sometimes it is no; and sometimes it is wait a little while. I am just hoping that those who use this title of ‘intercessor’ will think about this. Giving yourself a title like that just comes across somehow as being a little arrogant or something.”
Deceivers utilize and hide behind prayer, healing, and deliverance as a facade/smokescreen to make it look like they have good intentions. Yet, there is no purity or biblical accuracy in what these groups are doing. In fact, many of them are being utilized of the enemy of souls, right in the middle of the church world while feigning to be of God. After all, who’s going to question the emphasis on prayer, healing, and deliverance, right? Well, beware because there are people who are organized by their “deliverance” and “healing” ministries. Beware when you hear these terms being used to name a ministry because this should immediately indicate imbalance. The remnant disciple of Christ identifies with Him – the nail-scarred risen Savior – and all of who He is and what He came to do and not just one of His ministry components. Most, if not every so-called healing or deliverance ministry I have ever encountered needed healing and deliverance themselves. Beware!
The divine command to “FORGET NOT ALL His benefits” is important (Psalms 103:2) Remember that none of the abuse of truth negates or diminishes from the blessed salvation that is Christ – who is immoveable and unchanging. We must never blame God or neglect the benefits revealed in His Word because deceived souls have perverted it.
The LORD provided a complete salvation which includes forgiveness of sins, divine empowerment, healing, deliverance, answered prayer, and a myriad of “benefits.” (Psalms 103:2; Luke 4:18; Acts 1:8, etc.).
“Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; 5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” Psalms 103:1-5
“All his benefits” come as a result of knowing Jesus and are not to be used to manipulate, deceive, and draw attention to oneself or a supposed “ministry.”
“Jezebel and her Witchcrafts”
To the son of Ahab and Jezebel, the prophet cited “the whoredoms of thy mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts are so many?” (2 Kings 9:22) Many wolves have given way to – suffered/allowed Jezebel to subversively operate under the guise of doing ministry for Christ. Jesus addresses this specifically in Revelation 2:20-24. Jezebel is metaphoric of the original Jezebel who ruled out of her rebellion and by means of manipulation, deceit, and cunning craftiness. When compromising, weak, rebellious men suffer/allow a woman or women to operate outside of God’s ordained role for them, that opens the door for that evil antichrist spirit of Jezebel to wreak havoc, bringing death and destruction. In the household or church, when women begin to use the feminine gifts God gave them to manipulate men for their own selfish gain, it is brazen Jezebellian witchcraft. Jesus only used the phrase “the depths of Satan” once and He was specifically referring to the allowance of women operating outside God’s ordained purpose for them (Jezebel). See Revelation 2:20-24.
“Witchcraft” is listed as a soul-damning work of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21). Witchcraft boils down to rebellion and control. When a person is rebelling against God and therefore not giving over control of their life to Him, they will try to control Him and others. The LORD never sanctioned any human being to control another human being. Any of us is capable of seeking to control others (witchcraft) when we are not giving the LORD the control of our own personal lives. This is a sin and, the last time I checked, it’s a full-time job keeping ourselves under the control or leadership of Christ and His Holy Spirit (Romans 8:12-14).
“Jezebel cut off the prophets of the Lord.” (1 Kings 18:4) Folks, Jezebel (spirit of antichrist) warred fiercely against Elijah and the prophets of God and will continue to war against the true servants of the LORD. In fact, gentlemen, if you are not drawing fire from Jezebel, you may wish to examine your life with Christ. Your fruitfulness in relation to Him is in question. You know, it should greatly concern us if a Jezebel isn’t attacking us for Christ’s – the Truth’s – sake. When Jezebel attacks, “rejoice” because you are like Elijah, a man of truth! (Matthew 5:10-12)
Naboth, Ahab, Jezebel – 1 Kings 21
Jezebel rewards those Christ-rejecting compromisers whom she has captured and who are in the grasp of her dark hand. Example: She got Naboth’s vineyard for Ahab and fed, clothed, and provided for the false prophets who compromised the truth for temporal gain (1 Kings 21; 18:19b). She viciously attacks those who oppose her illegitimate authority as she did with Elijah. Those who refuse to join her rebellion become her target as was the case of Elijah and Naboth. Jezebel seeks to kill anyone who opposes her as she had Naboth killed by false accusation and stoning (1 Kings 21). After killing Naboth Ahab received his cursed reward – an award that was ill-gotten by wicked Jezebel. After killing Naboth, Ahab and Jezebel took over his property and position. They slayed their victim to obtain his goods (21:18) but their “success” is short lived and yet their judgment will be eternal (1 Kings 21:19-24). The same is true today – Ahabs or weak men who do not obey God’s order “suffereth” or allow Jezebels to usurp places of leadership God never ordained and they falsely accuse, slay, and exploit their victims. But Jesus says He will “kill her children with death.” (Revelation 2:20-24) This evil spirit behind is in full operation today. Jezebel kills her opponent, that is, anyone who dares oppose her and her agenda. She then takes over their property and position. Like the original Jezebel, her reign will be short lived and her suffering eternal. The LORD holds men accountable. Jezebel rewards the weak minded Ahabs (morally spineless men) who submit to her illegitimate authority (1 Kings 21:19; 18:19b). As He did in the case of Ahab and Jezebel, God holds that man responsible – “But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the Lord, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up.” (1 Kings 21:25) As He did in this case, he will also eternally judge the Jezebels but begins with judgment upon the non-negotiable male headship (Ahab). Men will answer to the LORD for what God has made them responsible over. Being weak is no option since the man is called to fear and serve the LORD first and foremost and supremely – regardless of the cost.
“The importance of God’s order in all relationships is the key to peace and lack of confusion. Godly order is like a protective shield which deflects the fiery darts of Satan. Without this barrier the spirit of death comes in. Authority from God is clear and simple: Authority of Christ is God; the authority of man is Christ; the authority of woman is man. A woman who finds herself in a Jezebelic situation simply must let go of the control, submit to God alone and get in godly order.” C.
“Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.” Proverbs 31:3
Like Lemuel’s mother (see verse above), God-fearing women always teach their boys (in child training) not to give their strength, role, or calling/authority over to women because God holds the male responsible. Perhaps there is no better place for a young boy to learn this truth than from his own mother. God will hold the man accountable first and foremost and not the woman and so young boys must be taught this in the fear of the LORD. The LORD demonstrates that he will even hold the man (Ahab) accountable in cases involving the infamous, original Jezebel (1 Kings 21). The Ahabs of today are the same as the original Ahab who enabled Jezebel. We are given this information and insight for our own learning in this late hour (Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 10:11). Ahabs are morally spineless men who enable the Jezebel(s) around them by not stepping up to lead in the authority of Christ which is only granted to those men who truly fear and literally serve Him. In their absence in refusing to lead, the Jezebel is emboldened to seek to fill that void. This truth should quicken all God-fearing men to hasten to the LORD in obedience concerning their own personal daily lives with Jesus, their families, wives, children, and ministry serving. Notice how that Jezebel rewards the morally spineless, weak-minded Ahabs who submit to her illegitimate authority (1 Kings 21:19; 18:19b). She entices them with provision, a steady paycheck, and other benefits to gain their idolatrous, man-pleasing allegiance. The men who choose to serve the LORD instead of compromising with “the spirit of antichrist” working through Jezebel individuals and ministries pay a big price. They are ousted, shunned, and starved. This is why we need more Obadiahs in this late hour. Obadiahs put their money where their mouth is and ransom their lives to protect and provide for God’s true servants whom He has called out and who speak His naked truth without compromise (1 Kings 18:4).
Jezebel Stirs Up Rebellion
While the God-fearing woman’s effect is to prayerfully and quietly curtail and diminish evil, Jezebel does just the opposite. Watch this:
“But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the Lord, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up. 26 And he did very abominably in following idols, according to all things as did the Amorites, whom the Lord cast out before the children of Israel.” 1 Kings 21:25-26 (KJV)
Instead of Jezebel being used of the LORD to bring conviction to Ahab by her “meek and quiet spirit,” she boisterously and brazenly takes up the mantle of leadership reserved for the man (1 Peter 3:4). The excuse she uses is that everyone is wrong (except her of course) and no men are standing forth and doing God’s will. Jezebels learn a few verses and then run off thinking they are fit to lead men, exercising authority over men which is a rebellion against the clear teachings of Scripture (1 Corinthians 14:33-35; 1 Timothy 2:11-14). One woman who fears God wrote this of today’s Jezebels:
“I do indeed think that the Lord knows absolutely best and if in any way I go against the Lord, I pray the rod of correction will come my way. Eternity is at stake here. We women are too quick to self-justify ourselves according to our own self-serving motives even in subtle ways thinking and even saying ‘God knows my heart.’ But your heart doesn’t matter and what you mean to be doing (your misguided intention) doesn’t matter if you are opposing the Word of God which is the truth by which we stand or fall.”
Without qualification, Jesus promised: “I will kill her (Jezebel’s) children with death.” Jezebel “stirred up” her husband to do evil (1 Kings 21:25). Her rebellion encouraged Ahab to sin more profoundly and brought death and destruction to more souls in Israel including their own lineage. By her rejection of Christ and His Word, Jezebel is given over to the master of puppets himself (Satan) and is a tool in his evil hand to bring forth death to many (Revelation 2:20-24). Jesus told us that Satan is come “to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.” (John 10:10)
“Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. 21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. 22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. 23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. 24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.” Revelation 2:20-24
Now, contrast the God-fearing virtuous daughter of the Most High with what we just learned about Jezebel and her daughters who are plentiful today:
“Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; 2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. 3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; 4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. 5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: 6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement. 7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.” 1 Peter 3:1-7
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FEEDBACK:
MESSAGE RECEIVED:
“I understand Jezebel is in the Church and I expose ‘it’ in my book. But not all women’s groups or Intercessors are witchcraft and Jezebel as most like to silence women today with that name calling. This spirit also operates in men and there are men’s intercessory groups too. Its a spirit not a person although she was the queen to king Ahab in the old testament. Am a Woman, an Intercessor by calling and pray with groups of women and men. Now is this? witchcraft? How do you explain Romana 8:26? What did Jesus turn to the women and say in Luke 23:28? How can he generalize all women’s intercessory groups??? This is not of the HOLY Spirit of my living JESUS!” Greta
REPLY:
Hi Greta. There is no calling listed in the NT especially for intercessor other than Jesus being our Great High Priest and Intercessor (Hebrews). Yes we are to intercede by simply praying biblically …. are there any intercessory prayer groups seen in the 27 books of the NT? No. Has God changed? There sure is a specific woman named by Jesus as a Jezebel in Rev. 2:20-24. So it’s more than just a spirit. Rom. 8:26-27 is specifically speaking of the Holy Spirit’s role in the life of the Spirit baptized believer, not a calling on a Christian. Lk 23:28 reads “But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.” Weeping for the rebellion of God’s people which would include the twisting of Scripture to make way for people to do things we don’t see in God’s Word and that actually violates it. Did the Holy Spirit of the living Christ forget to tell us something we need? Where did He or His holy apostles instruct any person or group of people to gather as intercessory prayer groups in local church organizations that are not founded on His truth in the first place?
“I’VE HAD TOO MANY JEZEBEL WITCHES ENTER MY MINISTRY PRETENDING TO BE SWEET SISTERS. THEY STUDY US, TURN ON US, TO SEEK TO SLAY, TO KILL GOD’S PREACHERS WITH SLANDER. THE JEZEBEL SPIRIT IS WITCHCRAFT A DESTROYER.” LJ
“AMEN………….i am quite leery of those who DEMAND what they WANT in prayer, saying we must TAKE what we want, DEMANDING our prize NOW…………exactly what is the prize?………….i don’t want it………i will pray in humble submission for HIS WILL!” Yvonne S.
“They Don’t Pray God’s Word Over People & Situations But What They Want To Happen Meditating Really Hard Or Passively To Make It All Happen … They Punish Those Who Pray God’s Word Over Everything … God’s Will … God’s Plan … God’s Decision About Any Given Matter …” Toni H.
“This is a powerful message full of truth. I listened to the videos and they were really good. There is so much of this going on in the church that we really need to have the discernment in our daily lives. Thank you brother. You are right on target. God Bless;)” Carol B.
“I have always said this and will say it till the day I am no longer living in this universe…Know God and Know His Word. Do not be deceived. Any part of the body drawing attention to themselves as being the greater (Gal.3:28), Beware. It is a shame what you tell here, however it is so true. Keep your eyes upon Jesus and the Word of God (ONLY) amen… The Holy Spirit is the Leader of the Body. He alone uses us, instructs us, leads us … not man!” Joan R.
“You are right sir. The so-called church is so chaotic with dangerous witchcraft and their evil manipulation prayer. They are luring millions to hell. ” Bulus S.
“Nice. Thanks for telling it like it is. I have seen this happen, and it usually glorifies themselves – and belittles the men in the church. I have even seen a church where a woman was offering special teaching meetings held in the church basically on “how to pray.” The men were supposed to be good little students while she taught – so they could absorb from her wisdom. Yikes. Very needed teaching. Grace and peace.” Chris S.
“Thanks! Very timely and vital message from you.” unknown
“I am so thankful that you are addressing these subjects brother. Short personal story: I went to one intercession group by this woman and her husband and another couple who were close friends of theirs. A horrible spirit of control -Jezebel spirit was all over this woman who hosted it at her home; leading this prayer group. It was just terrible TODD and a lot of folks came; men and women. She would always interrupt others as they prayed if she did not like the way it was going; Afterwards the two couples would have their own private post critique of the prayer time.. She would get angry at people and very impatient and interrupt to take control again. Well the FATHER ended this group of over twenty folks. It went on for about 6 months or so. She would call people if she was not happy with how the intercession went. I never forget it.” Marsha O.
Message Received:
“I agree…the world and the church has strayed so far from the Lord’s standards that if you openly state any of this information then you are accused of woman-hating or twisting scripture. When it is the exact opposite. Before I was born again, my world was a rat-race, godless and often times I felt insecure. I realize that the reason for the way I was feeling was b/c of the way I was living. When you get into the Word of God, you see there is an order and a place for all of us and when we decide to stray outside of that order, we face uncertainty. It is much more comforting to live the way God planned for us to live b/c He knows us inside and out and what we need. I am glad I found my way home b/c the world will use and abuse a woman and then she will turn around and do the same thing to the men through the “spirit of Jezebel.” Men and women have forgotten their roles.” Jenny D.
Reply:
Jenny, that one floored me … SO true … I get accused of that often … but by His grace I always try to point out that it’s the MEN who allow this when they are supposed to be leading, protecting, serving, honoring God and women … the weaker vessels … the word “suffereth” in Rev. 2:20-24 means TO ALLOW … that simple truth alone opens up the understanding of that passage about Jezebel…
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Spiritual Formation—A Dangerous Substitute for the Life of Christ [podcast]
Sometimes we think of spiritual formation as formation by the Holy Spirit. Once again. That’s essential. . . . But now I have to say something that may be challenging for you to think about: Spiritual formation is not all by the Holy Spirit. . . . We have to recognize that spiritual formation in us is something that is also done to us by those around us, by ourselves, and by activities which we voluntarily undertake . . .There has to be method.1—Dallas Willard
Aside from the fact that Spiritual Formation incorporates mystical practices into its infrastructure (remove the contemplative aspect and you don’t have “Spiritual Formation” anymore), Spiritual Formation is a works-based substitute for biblical Christianity. Let us explain.
When one becomes born again (“that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:9-10), having given his or her life and heart over to Christ as Savior, Jesus Christ says He will come in and live in that surrendered heart:
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. (Revelation 3:20)
To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: (Colossians 1:27)
If the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. (Romans 8:11; emphasis added)
When God, through Jesus Christ, is living in us, He begins to do a transforming work in our hearts (2 Corinthians 3:18). Not only does He change us, He also communes with us. In other words, we have fellowship with Him, and He promises never to leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).
This life of God in the believer’s heart is not something we need to conjure up through meditative practices. But if a person does not have this relationship with the Lord, he may seek out ways to feel close to God. This is where Spiritual Formation comes into play. Rather than a surrendered life to Christ (through repentance and faith), the seeking person begins practicing the spiritual disciplines (e.g., prayer, fasting, good works, etc.) with the promise that if he practices these disciplines, he will become more Christ-like.
But merely doing these acts fails to make one feel close to God—something is still missing. And thus, he begins practicing the discipline of silence (or solitude), and now in these altered states of silence, he finally feels connected to God. He now feels complete. What he does not understand is that he has substituted the indwelling of Christ in his heart for a works-based methodology that endangers his spiritual life. Dangerous because these mystical experiences he now engages in appear to be good because they make him feel close to God, but in reality he is being drawn into demonic realms no different than what happens to someone who is practicing transcendental meditation or eastern meditation. Even mystics themselves acknowledge that the contemplative realm is no different than the realm reached by occultists. To understand this more fully, please read Ray Yungen’s book A Time of Departing.
Bottom line, it is not possible to be truly Christ-like without having Christ inside of us because it is His righteousness that is able to change our hearts—we cannot do it without Him. It is His righteousness we need:
Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe. (Romans 3:22)
And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith. (Philippians 3:9)
It is interesting to note that virtually every contemplative teacher has a common theme—they feel dry and empty and want to go “deeper” with God or “become more intimate” with God. But if we have Christ living in us, how can we go any deeper than that? How can we become more intimate than that? And if going deeper and becoming intimate were so important, why is it that none of the disciples or Jesus Himself ever told us to do this? As Larry DeBruyn states:
Why are Christians seeking a divine presence that Jesus promised would abundantly flow in them? . . . Why do they need another voice, another visitation, or another vision? Why are some people unthankfully desirous of “something more” than what God has already given to us? Why is it that some Christians, in the depth of their souls, are not seemingly at rest?2
Is There a “Good” Spiritual Formation?
One of the most common arguments we hear defending Spiritual Formation is that there is a “good” Spiritual Formation done without contemplative prayer. To that we say, we have never yet seen a Spiritual Formation program in a school or a church that doesn’t in some way point people to the contemplative mystics. It might be indirectly, but in every case, if you follow the trail, it will lead you right into the arms of Richard Foster, Dallas Willard, and other contemplative teachers.
Think about this common scenario: A Christian college decides to begin a Spiritual Formation course. The instructor has heard some negative things about Richard Foster, Henri Nouwen, and Brennan Manning, and he figures he will teach the class “good Spiritual Formation” and leave those teachers completely out. But he’s going to need a textbook. He turns to a respected institution, Dallas Theological Seminary, and finds a book written by Paul Pettit, Professor in Pastoral and Education Ministries. The book is titled Foundations of Spiritual Formation. The instructor who has found this book to use in his own class may never mention Richard Foster or Dallas Willard, but the textbook he is using does. Within the pages of Pettit’s book is Richard Foster, Philip Yancey, N.T. Wright, Dallas Willard, Thomas Aquinas, Lectio Divina, Ayn Rand, Parker Palmer, Eugene Peterson, J.P. Moreland, Klaus Issler, Bruce Demarerst, Jim Burns, Kenneth Boa and Brother Lawrence’s “practicing God’s presence.” You may not have heard of all these names, but they are all associated with the mystical contemplative prayer movement and the emerging church.
Another example of this is Donald Whitney’s book Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life. Whitney is former Associate Professor at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and currently at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. While his book does not promote contemplative mysticism, he says that Richard Foster has “done much good”3 in the area of Christian spirituality (which we believe is blatantly untrue).
Our point is that even if there is a sincere attempt to teach Spiritual Formation and stay away from the mystical side, we contend that it cannot be successfully accomplished because it will always lead back to the ones who have brought it to the church in the first place.
Spiritual formation is sweeping throughout Christianity today. It’s no wonder when the majority of Christian leaders have either endorsed the movement or given it a silent pass. For instance, in Chuck Swindoll’s book So You Want to Be Like Christ: 8 Essential Disciplines to Get You There, Swindoll favorably quotes Richard Foster and Dallas Willard. Swindoll calls Celebration of Discipline a “meaningful work”4 and Willard’s book The Spirit of the Disciplines “excellent work.”5 In chapter three, ”Silence and Solitude,” Swindoll talks about “digging for secrets . . . that will deepen our intimacy with God.”6 Quoting the contemplative poster-verse Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God,” Swindoll says the verse is a call to the “discipline of silence.”7 As other contemplative proponents have done, he has taken this verse very much out of context.
Roger Oakland sums it up:
The Spiritual Formation movement . . . teaches people that this is how they can become more intimate with God and truly hear His voice. Even Christian leaders with longstanding reputations of teaching God’s word seem to be succumbing. . . .
We are reconciled to God only through his “death” (the atonement for sin), and we are presented “holy and unblameable and unreproveable” when we belong to Him through rebirth. It has nothing to do with works, rituals, or mystical experiences. It is Christ’s life in the converted believer that transforms him.8
“For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” Romans 5:10
What Christians need is not a method or program or ritual or practice that will supposedly connect them to God. What we need is to be “in Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:30) and Christ in us. And He has promised His Spirit “will guide [us] into all truth” (John 16:13).
“But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:” 1 Corinthians 1:30
In Colossians 1:9, the apostle Paul tells the saints that he was praying for them that they “might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.” He was praying that they would have discernment (“spiritual understanding”). He said that God, the Father, has made us “partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light” (vs 12) and had “delivered us from the power of darkness [i.e., power of deception]” (vs. 13). But what was the key to having this wisdom and spiritual understanding and being delivered from the power of darkness? Paul tells us in that same chapter. He calls it “the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints” (vs. 26). What is that mystery? Verse 27 says: “To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (emphasis added).
For those wanting to get involved with the Spiritual Formation movement (i.e., contemplative, spiritual direction), consider the “direction” you will actually be going.
And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel. (Colossians 1:21-23)
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power. (Colossians 2: 8-10)
This article is an extract from the Lighthouse Trails booklet, Is Your Church Doing Spiritual Formation? (Important Reasons Why They Shouldn’t). To order this booklet, click here.
Endnotes:
1. Dallas Willard, “Spiritual Formation: What it is, and How it is Done” (https://dwillard.org/resources/articles/spiritual-formation-what-it-is-and-how-it-is-done).
2. Larry DeBruyn, “God’s Present of His Presence” (https://www.guardinghisflock.org/gods-present-of-his-presence/ ).
3. Donald Whitney, “Doctrine and Devotion: A Reunion Devoutly to be Desired” (http://web.archive.org/web/20080828052145/http://biblicalspirituality.org/devotion.html).
4. Chuck Swindoll, So You Want to Be Like Christ: 8 Essential Disciplines to Get You There (Nashville, TN:W Publishing Group, a div. of Thomas Nelson, 2005), p. 15.
5. Ibid., p. 13.
6. Ibid., p. 55.
7. Ibid.
8. Roger Oakland, Faith Undone (Eureka, MT: Lighthouse Trails Publishing, 2007), pp. 91-92.
This has been an extract from our booklet Is Your Church Doing Spiritual Formation? (Important Reasons Why It Shouldn’t). To order this booklet, click here.
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SHOCKING List of Spiritual Formation Ministries
More Catholic Witchcraft Infiltrating the Apostate Seminaries, Ministries, and Churches “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron.” 1 Timothy 4:1-2 WHAT is spiritual formation / contemplative prayer or centering prayer? Spiritual formation/contemplative prayer/spirituality is just another self-centered, Christ-denying, self-righteous, works-based, occultic, pagan lie from hell! Seminaries teach it and now many churches today are practicing new age witchcraft called contemplative prayer, or centering Prayer which is part of spiritual formation. […]
“So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.” Acts 19:20
See picture below.
I recently, “accidently” drove up this very narrow street only to realize that there was no turn around at the end. As God would have it, this man helped me back out of that street and received the spoken Word and a JESUS tract. Romans 8:28 right?
“Ephesians 3:20 was the very verse I prayed for you and the ministry this morning! And v16 as well. May the Spirit of God manifest His full grace and peace upon you today! And give you fruit, more fruit and much fruit! Amen.” Karen Cochran
(see picture below)
It dawns on me afresh today as it has since arriving here in Mexico, that these precious people so deeply hunger for Christ. Today, upon ministering to Victor and Juan and having Victor incessantly asking me about Christianity, Jesus, and being saved…. this was a fresh reminder of the great hunger and openness of the Mexican people. They want Jesus. Plain and simple. “HOW shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14)
These two men were excited to know that you would be lifting them in prayer.
Victor and I are now connected by phone. So he will now be fed the Word of our God and be introduced to Spanish speaking disciples of our LORD Jesus.
Being limited in Spanish, I preached the Gospel, the Bible truth I am able to in Spanish and that including exhorting them both, today to repent and receive Jesus and did this while pointing to the prayer (oracion) on the back of the JESUS tract.
Would you like to kindly pause to lift these 2 dear men in prayer to our LORD?
JUST got a call from sister Teri in FL and had the opportunity to speak with brothers Scott and Jorge who were both recently saved by Jesus. Was also blessed to speak with a brother named Raymond who is a flourishing disciple of Jesus!
Thank you for your prayers and support which include our bless-ed opportunity of helping this group of disciples in FL.
Jesus is coming!
Recently…… Many received God’s Word today.
Brother Mark has recently joined in helping with our LORD’s Gospel in Mission Mexico and was amazed when he saw three grown men walking together who were ministered to and walk away, each of them with the JESUS tract open, as they walked read the message. They are that hungry.
The Mexico people deserve to hear our LORD’s glorious Gospel!
“I bet brother Mark is amazed at the response of the Mexican people when you guys go out and minister to them. To have so many hearts open and poor in spirit would be a shock at first. Total opposite of America—who say ‘I am rich, increased with goods have need of nothing!’ Revelation 3:17.
Praise God for the blessed ones who heard the engrafted word of our Lord, which is able to save their souls.” Karen
REPLY:
Yes He is amazing. They WANT it. They DESIRE it. They are like the woman who desires a man and so he marries her and they have a super blessed marriage for life. Instead of the wicked Jezebel woman who just wants to self-servingly shop for the man she can use to accomplish her selfish agenda.
“I was reading Mathew 21:23 this morning and it went through my mind that is what God said to America! ‘The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.’ And that nation is Mexico!“ Karen
“Truly amazing what God is doing in the hearts of the Mexican people. And now He is raising up disciples to bring into the harvest. He is LORD of the harvest. Have you heard of Chick Publications? I just read that they have sent 200,000 tracts to a Mexico missionary and more being ready to be sent. Southern Mexico. So God is sure flooding Mexico with His Word!” Karen Cochran
While walking over to get a haircut, I happened to spot a JESUS tract someone had placed on this vehicle. No it was not me. I didn’t put that tract there. Someone else did.
Then, 5 minutes later, after arriving at barber and sitting down in the chair, straight ahead in my line of sight, there’s a JESUS tract purposely set on display by the barber.
No matter how high prices get in Mexico, your cost of living will always be MUCH less than the USA. A raise awaits you, soon as you cross the border. Is God prompting you to “Go”? (Mark 16:15)
God is good all the time as you well know and thank you.
Your prayers to the Father in the name of our LORD Jesus are the heavenly fuel He uses to bless and empower and supply His people to do His work.
“For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,” Philippians 1:19
Yes Jesus is saving souls—the very mission He came to accomplish for all who will, right?
“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17
Every man in the picture below gladly received the spoken and printed Word (JESUS tract Spanish).
Beloved Maria.
HINT: There is plenty of opportunity to contribute to Mission Mexico. We are going to continue to feed the poor and minister Christ’s Gospel – regardless of the fumes we are presently operating on. Thank God for those who are praying and supporting. This opportunity to obey God, lies in front of each of us. What shall we do?
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35
To say that this ministry is under-funded is an understatement.
GOD is our Maker and Redeemer and He knows where He has and wants each of His children to be—where you already are or otherwise. The LORD is in control (Psalms 24:1). “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.” Psalm 37:23 Last week Jesus saved this beloved woman, Katherine! See more on that salvation story here. Recently I commented under a Mexico video…. which received nearly 100 likes to date…. After leaving the USA and now living in Mexico, I began to see just how un-free and vulturous it was […]
“According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:” Ephesians 1:4
Holiness comes by the Savior in self denial (death and burial – the cross), not by self will or effort. Surrender is the cross – “NOT my will but thine be done” (Lk. 22:42) and “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46). We surrender to Christ by saying “Not my will but thine be done” dear Lord, by Your grace and the deliberate act of my own will I submit to the cross, the crucified life – where You alone reign supreme in this vessel (Luke 22:42; Galatians 2:20, etc.). I love You LORD Jesus! You must increase but I must decrease! (John 3:30)
Holiness, not happiness, is the divine command, the chief purpose and end of Christ’s salvation.
Of holiness, one disciple writes:
“Holiness speaks more to nature than it does conduct. Good conduct is the spontaneous byproduct of the new nature of the new creation man thru the cross and death to the old nature. We are new creatures in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17-18). To preach holiness as conduct without the new nature thru the cross understanding is legalism. Holiness is actually derived from ‘wholeness’ meaning the thorough transformation of the whole tripartite man (1 Thess 5:23). So many of these ‘holiness’ preachers are preaching nothing but conduct under law. Law arouses sinful passions and causes sin to increase and was given in order to provoke transgressions (Rom 7:5; 5:20; Gal 3:21). They are enemies of the cross!”
Holiness comes by way of the cross, not by way of the flesh. Just as sin was conquered by the cross of Christ, so sin in the life of the saint is conquered by the daily cross – the crucified life (Luke 9:23-24; Romans 6; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:3, etc.). It’s time to stop trying harder and to simply die deeper.
NOTICE: When a believer or group of believers backslides, they no longer separate from the transgressors who are unrepentant:
Fornication Defiles
“It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have (Gr. possessed and wouldn’t repent) his father’s wife. 2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.” 1 Corinthians 5:1-2
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