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Another excellent article by Treena Gisborn, bringing clarity and truth about the NAR’s false teachings. God bless you Treena. For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds … Continue reading
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Here’s an excellent article by Memory victim, who has lost much, God bless you for your faithfulness and thank you for sharing. A year ago, I purchased the book, “SOZO, Saved – Healed – Delivered” by Dawna De Silva and … Continue reading
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Another great article of truth from Treena Gisborn. This is literally flooding the church around the globe. Take heed, beware. https://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.co.uk/2018/03/leicesterthecross-makes-mockery-of.html
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The first articles, on this blog, written about the error and heresy of “SOZO” ministry coming out of Bethel Church (Pastor Bill Johnson) have continued to be the number one top views on this site. After seven years we have … Continue reading
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Thank you for your faithfulness Treena, God bless you. https://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.co.uk/2018/03/false-teacher-jacob-prasch-digs-deeper.html
Wanted to share this article by Treena Gisborn. As always she presents the truth of God’s Word and has brought to light the falsehoods and fallacies of teachers/preachers. Those who don’t adhere to the basics of Biblical interpretation but veer off into … Continue reading
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by Pat Rogers For anyone not familiar with Jacob Prasch and his recent video series on teaching that women cannot teach doctrine to men. I will be referencing the video “What can women teach at conferences” and “The ox that … Continue reading
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It is an indictment against a seasoned watchman to walk with a wolf for even a short distance! “Do not be deceived; Evil company corrupts good habits” 1 Cor. 15:33. Many today are posing as Christian leaders only proving to … Continue reading
T.D. Jakes merchandizing on Twitter, below is the post by T.D. Jakes advertising so you can go and spend that hard earned dollar.
(Perfect 4 Father’s Day-register ur Dad 4 ManPower & receive a free He-Motions CD + a chance 2 win an iPad2)
John 2:16 Then to those who sold the doves He said, Take these things away (out of here)! Make not My Father’s house a house of merchandise (a marketplace, a sales shop)! [Ps. 93:5.]
2Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
2Pe 2:2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
2Pe 2:3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
Rev 18:10 Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.
Rev 18:11 And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more:
Rev 18:12 The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,
Rev 18:13 And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.
Here is what Ingrid Schlueter has to say about men such as these:
These men make me angry because they make a mockery of the office of the holy ministry. They are filthy dreamers (see Jeremiah) who speak a vision out of their own hearts and call it the “gospel.” They use familiar terms, but mean something completely different. They grind what’s holy under their feet and they defile the Lord’s house with rampant carnality to draw a crowd as though church is a carnival. The Holy Spirit is not needed by this brutal new gang of “pastors.” They value ‘influence’ and ‘leadership.’ God uses humble men of prayer who have shepherd’s hearts, not cocky, smart-alec, new media celebrity narcissists.
I don’t say “brutal new gang of pastors” lightly. I have personally interacted with them for years through Slice and Crosstalk, and they are merciless, dishonest, and if you dare to use Scripture to show why their teaching is off base, they will try to crush you and your reputation. God’s time of warning, I believe, is nearing an end. Things are escalating downhill so quickly now as the doctrinal foundations of Christianity have been pretty much destroyed in most denominations. The remnant really is a remnant and God will keep it pure.
Thank you Ingrid, couldn’t have said it any better!
Between all of the increased natural disasters, political chaos in the Muslim nations, political and religious unrest and corruption in the world today, and the economic problems sweeping the world we can now begin to see certain signs, or clues that the end of the age is fast approaching. The very thought of it leaves many today bewildered, disorientated and somewhat panicky, not to mention all the other various subjects on Biblical Prophecy. For the most part, as long as things are going well people sort of block it all out of their minds until the next catastrophe and you then see the masses jamming into the church looking for answers. Jesus said; “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. 
So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near, at the doors!” (Matthew 24:32-33). As winter fades and spring approaches, the budding of trees signifies the coming of summer. This is the picture Jesus is giving with the parable of the fig tree. The signs described in the Olivet Discourse (Matt. 24) by Jesus will give warning of His Second Coming. It is interesting to note that these sign began to appear in earnest only after Israel became a Nation again in 1948. And in truth, none of the signs were relevant until Israel was reborn as a nation.
Jesus said there would be wars and rumors of wars, revolutions, wars between Ethnic Groups, widespread famine, disease, and earthquakes in many places of the world (Matt. 24:6-7; Luke 21:10-11). Widespread religious deception, lawlessness and anarchy will increase, and finally the appearance of the Antichrist (2 Thess. 2:3-4). Alongside of the appearance of the Antichrist will be the emergence of the apostasy, or falling away as the love of many, if not most, who call themselves Christian will grow cold (Matt 24:12). The Greek word used here for love is “agape,” this verse describes not the love the world knows and shares, but Christian love. It is the agape love revealed in Jesus, seen as spiritual and selfless, a love that is a model to humanity.
A waning love is the picture given here which decreases gradually in intensity like that of the moon which shows a decreasing illuminated surface between a full moon and a new moon. The agape (Christian) love for Christ and each other will be reduced to the infidelity of the faith and the absence of belief itself. It will be because of the name of Jesus that many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another (Matt. 24:9-12). The shadow of this waning love is being cast upon the church today as well as society. Never before has the church been divided as it is today. In spite of the Bible’s teaching that there should be no schism (division) in the body, that the members should have the same care for one another (1 Corinthians 12:25), denominational and doctrinal lines have been established partitioning the body of Christ into neat little groups all opposing one another. Oh sure, there is a lot of talk of love today but still there is very little of it unless you run in certain circles and conform to their particular group think. Some might even love you from a distance so long as you are not a threat to what is relatively true to them, truth it seem is now subjective to the individual. Real love rejoices in the truth (1 Cor. 13:6), not much of that going around today.
These signs are compared to the labor pains of a women about to give birth. “All these are the beginning of sorrows” (Matthew 24:8). “Sorrows” literally means “birth pangs.” The world will witness these birth pangs and they will increase in intensity and frequency until Jesus Christ returns. For example, earthquakes are one of the signs given by Jesus and the number of massive earthquakes is undeniably increasing. I’m not a big fan of Hal Lindsey, in my opinion he has been wrong about a great many things on the subject of Eschatology, however, he gave some statistics which I will include here, you can also see the video if you like here.
Japan’s 9.0 quake was 8,000 times greater than the New Zealand quake last month.
Haiti’s Quake was a 7.0, Japan’s 9.0 quake was 5,000 times greater than the Haiti quake.
The USGS classifies Major Earthquakes between 7.0 to 7.9
Great Earthquakes are classified at 8.0 and above.
The USGS (US Geological Survey) Yearly expectations of quakes are usually 17 major earthquakes a year and 1 great earthquake a year. Earthquakes greater than 9.0 usually only occur once every 20 years. The Great Japan Quake is the third 9.0 earthquake in the last eleven years. It is the seventh major quake of 2011 and the fourth most powerful earthquake in recorded history. Of the ten most powerful earthquakes in recorded history, six have struck since the rebirth of Israel in 1948. Three of them have happen within the last six years alone. It has been determined that the Japan earthquake alone shifted the earth 4 inches on its axis. News reports indicated that many of Japan’s coastal cities were now 6 feet below sea level because the Island shift east. Every time there is a high tide, these coastal cities are flooded. Japan’s island of Honshu was Shifted 8 feet and it was recorded that the shift on the plants axis changed time itself. These are hard facts, and when you consider in the condition of the church today, it becomes self evident we are fast approaching the end of the age.
A felt faith is replacing orthodox Christianity as False Apostles and False Prophets are busting out of the seams claiming God is revealing new things to the church today. To them, God is moving in a way that is different and more relevant to the world now. People are giving up their Bibles for new revelations, men such as Rick Joyner, Bill Johnson and many others are preaching sermons that the Bible is being superseded by new revelations. Ecstatic experience is now sought as a valid “God” encounter and anyone who holds to the bible is looked upon with distain. Yet everything about these new movements resemble very little of Christianity, the entire movement is characterized by satisfying one’s own flesh and carnal nature, especially in light of the many “manifestations” where people slither like snakes, bark like dogs, and crow like chickens. It’s about getting as much as you can for yourself, the greater anointing, the next manifestation, seeking after the next sign and wonder. We live in a time of indifference and carelessness! A time of corruption and violence! A time of uncertainty.
Scripture tells us that the last days well be met with a society that is barren of virtue but abounding with vices. People will be characterized by all sorts of self-centered and unnatural perversions. Some will maintain an outward pretense of Christianity but refuse the reality of the Christian faith. “BUT KNOW THIS, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power” – 2 Timothy 3:1-5a If you are honest, the above verses are in fact characteristics of the modern and post-modern cultures. And sadly they are traits which have overrun the church. Even stronger language is given by the Holy Spirit Himself of the condition of the church in the latter times; “Now the Spirit EXPRESSLY says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron” – 1 Timothy 4:1-2. Ever wonder why you can’t seem to reach many with the truth of the Gospel today? Why many of our Church leaders won’t answer for their false doctrine, why they refuse to be transparent and accountable? Here is your answer why! “having their own conscience seared with a hot iron.” We are seeing the above verse played out before our very eyes, we are watching the church apostatize, we are watching our leadership out right deny the essential doctrines of Christianity. Abandoning God’s Word they are motivated by evil spirits and have become insensitive and lethargic to spiritual truth.
So if the Bible predicts that all these things will come upon the earth just prior to the return of Jesus, why do we gasp as though all is hopeless and lost? Most view Bible Prophecy as just doom and gloom yet within its confines is recorded the hope of the church, the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, the resurrection and rapture of the Church, His millennial kingdom, the new heaven and new earth, and lastly, God dwelling with men, in the end, we win.
There have always been those who attempt to divert God’s people from their main purpose. Whether angels or men. God knows how to deal with the rebellious, but believers are warned not to participate with any such persons. The wicked appeals to the lusts of the eye, lusts of the flesh and to inordinate pride. They will pretend to love God, appear to do good works, but on close examination they are as fruitless as the fig tree that Jesus cursed. The wise will be able to identify those whose object is to be god, rather than to serve God. It will take a deeply spiritual heart to know how to reach any who are deep into deception without being contaminated-hating the sin but still loving the sinner. – Jack W. Hayford (revised by myself)
I am tired…… sick and tired of running after the false teachers and leaders.. that I use to run after…. thinking they were right……what’s up with that? I have realized that I’m still following after these bozo’s! Oh- for very different reasons for sure …..once I believed them, now I want to warn everyone to stay away from them……How’s that workin for me? Not so much!! It seems I can only take so much information on the heresy these guys teach before I over load and have to step away. Who knows, maybe that’s normal for most of us, I don’t know?
I have read more information, articles, books, tweets, and listened to their sermons: I now know more about what they teach than I ever did when I was blindly following them! Had I looked at them this closely from the beginning, obviously I wouldn’t have followed them! But I still find myself hanging out with them much more than I want to! Why is it that the very ones that I was deceived by are the ones I still spend so much time listening too?
I know that it is critically important for those whom God is calling out of this deception to have the information out there on these false teachers. I thank God for the bloggers and discernment ministries daily. Let me say clearly that I am in no way wanting to diminish the work that they do for God in calling out these false prophets.
My point is, OK their FALSE, they are teaching false doctrines and heresy’s. It’s obvious!! Many other’s long before I arrived on the scene have tried to correct and instruct them in their error, to no avail. So what good am I doing or anyone else for that matter by chasing after their next statement, sermon, healing conferences, or books.
We already know they are and will continue to twist the scripture, teach another Jesus and basically do what false teachers do. Scripture doesn’t tell us that many will turn back to the truth, it states the opposite, many will fall away from the truth and follow after these false prophets.
These guys are not interested in the truth. More importantly how many times do you present them with the truth before it becomes “throwing your pearls before swine”?
Jude 22-24 “And of some have compassion, making a difference: 23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. 24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy.”
We know who is teaching false doctrines, we have a list of those who twist scripture. We are still waiting for many of them to respond and defend their “position” with a Biblical based defense, “in context” would be nice!
I plan on doing things a little differently , instead of wasting so much time and energy running after false teachers, their next book, sermon, tweet etc. I want to focus more on those who follow them.
The facts are already known;
Has anyone noticed that most don’t really respond to or defend the doctrine that they are teaching to any who are questioning their Biblical validity? Several reasons for this:
Then by not responding it begs the questions and statements.
2 Timothy 2:4 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.
2 Thess. 3:1-2 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.
How shameful it is to look at just how little concern these false prophets have for those who follow them, but then look at how little they are concerned with defending their own faith…you have to wonder (usually most people will defend what they believe vehemently and often to death) do these guys even believe what they are teaching? They don’t step up, why? Don’t they trust God is faithful enough to defend His own and His own Word? Yes I’m being facetious .
My point is I know at times I have lost my spiritual compass in all of this…..it’s not hard to do! For me, I just want to really try and refocus on those out there that are in despair, broken, destroyed and hurting all at the hands of wolves like these. If they choose to repent that would be beyond wonderful; but until then the only mention I want to give of them is to all who are hurting and broken from their deception that they are spewing, God has and is calling you out.
Kris Kildosher from Bill Johnson’s Bethel Church visited a local Church in the Defiance Ohio area in February. I have included an audio of the message below which is about an hour and a half long. Riddled throughout the message are many prophecies of financial breakthroughs, a house of restoration for the pastor of the church, and many other bizarre happenings, several invisible healings, as Kris introduces himself as the entertainment of the hour. Just prior to his introduction, Kris is found on the floor during the worship service where he was given a vision of the throne of God. Now drunk in the Spirit, Kris takes the podium where he begins to preach (if you can call it preaching).
Kris’s mom is a spirit filled catholic, according to Kris she had dreams and visions so as a result Kris met Jesus at a young age. During Kris’s college years God spoke to him about Acts 5, God said that Kris was lying to God about giving everything to God. Kris then spent two days rolling around on the floor having visions and encounters. Nov 7, 2004 the Holy Spirit came into His apartment and filled him. (Question: how was he having visions and encounters if the Holy Spirit wasn’t there? According to Kris, after the two days of rolling on the floor having visions and encounters, the Holy Spirit came into his apartment and filled him.)
Kris then started going to house church meetings where signs and wonders where happening, diamonds would appear on floor, nine of them showed up at his house when he went to the school of supernatural ministry. He then moved to Bethel California to attend the School of Supernatural Ministry where he graduated in 2008. He then traveled the world. 1 Tim 1:11 is His favorite verse “The bliss full happy God” (Must be a new version).
Listening to Kris you start to understand that everything he believes in is experience based rather than faith based. Like dozens of deaf ears being opened, tumors disappearing on a weekly bases, dreams, visions, encounters etc. Like his conversion, there is no mention of the Gospel, repentance of sin and faith in Jesus Christ. All you hear is about dreams, visions, the prophetic, etc, etc. This then is the fruit of Bill Johnson’s ministry, a “Gospel-less Gospel.” I found it difficult to listen to the message in it’s entirety in one sitting as it made me nauseous to think that the church has gone so far from the truth of God’s Word. However, I felt it necessary to post so people can see what sort of warped teachings are coming out of Bethel Church. To listen to the message click here – Kris Kildosher of Bethel
Healing evangelist, revivalist, and author Todd Bentley is the founder of Fresh Fire USA. As a teenager, Todd, an alcoholic and drug addict, had a dramatic life-changing encounter with the saving, delivering power of God. Today, Todd and his Fresh Fire team travel the world to lead the lost into the miraculous, delivered and set free—launched into the reality of intimate relationship with Jesus. The passion of Todd’s life and ministry to the nations is souls and to see others experience the transferable, tangible anointing of the Holy Spirit.
God releases His presence and power through Todd’s life in a mighty way, confirming that Jesus still heals every sickness and disease. God has drawn Todd into deep and intimate places of prayer. These extended times in God’s presence have released a fresh prophetic and miracle-healing anointing. Todd believes the Body of Christ needs to be strengthened and encouraged. He ministers prophetically, corporately and personally as well as brings forth the Word of God with the power and demonstration of the Spirit-God confirming His word with signs and wonders following. God has released an increase of the healing anointing into Todd’s life—the blind see, the deaf hear and growths dissolve as Jesus heals every sickness and disease. More here.
The manifestation of the Spirit through the gifts are on an individual bases by the Spirit according to the Will of God for the purpose of edifying the body of Christ and to give glory to God in all things. I contend that though every believer is sealed by the Holy Spirit until the day of redemption Eph. 1:13, though every believer is baptized into the Body of Christ by the Spirit 1 Cor. 12:13, not all believers are given gifts as outlined in 1 Cor. 12 & 14 as a personal possession. “But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually, as He wills.” 1 Cor. 12:11 is not necessarily saying that every believer has a gift but that the Spirit works through individuals according to His will so as any one individual can manifest any one of the gifts at any given time according to the Will of the Spirit. I don’t see the gifts blanketing the Body of Christ as we are seeing today. Nor can I say that the “gifts” portrayed today are an abuse of spiritual gifts as the phenomena occurring in this present hour are not the biblical gifting’s of the Spirit. If you study biblical history, God has always moved in the remnant, never the masses.
God gives to those who are responsible with what is given them. People act today as though the Gifts of the Spirit are a smorgasbord thrown on a table where people can just serve themselves. Peter taught “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen” 1 Peter 4:10-11. The one gifted is to be a steward of such gifting entrusted to them by the Lord for the strengthening of fellow believers, and that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. The gifts are not a free for all to be used at the will and whim of people. Nor are they used to draw disciples after our selves, or to build your own ministry, nor to become popular as though you have the corner market on the gifts or a special anointing.
I believe a parallel can be seen with the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit was given to individuals for a specific purpose and then withdrawn. As I said above, every believer is sealed and possesses the Holy Spirit, He indwells every believer. However, the operation of the Gifts of the Spirit are given and then withdrawn according to the “Will of the Spirit” to accomplish a specific purpose. The problem is we claim them as if the gifts are ours, they are not, they are the “gifts of the Spirit” and Scripture is conclusive, He distributes to each one individually as He wills. This is where a lot of confusion exist today, the gifts of the Spirit have never operated on a large scale and the majority of what is seen today is an artificial replication of the biblical gifting’s. If they were not a imitation but truly do originate from the Holy Spirit there would be valid miracles performed drawing people to the Saving Grace of Christ. Instead we see wild claims from our charismatic counterparts that Jesus heals every sickness and disease through men like Todd Bentley. The blind see, the deaf hear and growths dissolve as Jesus heals every sickness and disease? Every sickness? Not even Jesus healed every sickness and disease! In John 5 Jesus went to Jerusalem for a feast of the Jews, there he was seen at the pool of Bethesda. On the five porches there was a “great multitude” of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, all waiting for an angel to stir the water that one might enter the pool and be healed. Jesus saw one man there who had an infirmity for thirty-eight years. It was this one individual who received healing, Jesus then withdrew from the pool and went to the temple. Why didn’t Jesus heal all who were sick at the pool? Scripture doesn’t say, but the point is, Jesus didn’t heal every sickness and disease. Only one out of a great multitude of people was healed that day. But one thing is certain, when Jesus did heal, people where completely healed and it was visible and verifiable.
So how can we determine the real from the false today? The lines seem to be blurred, but the answers are easy. First; You compare the message with the manifestation! Second; You judge according to their fruit, you look at their track record. The emphasis has never been on the miracle in Scripture, but on the message. Before Jesus ever did one miracle, he preached “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has drawn near” Matt 4:17. He then went about all of Galilee teaching and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, healing all kinds of sickness and disease among the people, not all sickness and disease vs. 23.
Todd Bentley is nothing more than a recycling of previous movements that stretch back decades. Whether it was meetings held by people like William Branham, Kathryn Kuhlman, Benny Hinn, Rodney Howard-Browne, Steve Hill, or any of the so-called Kansas City Prophets, the spirit and basic doctrine are the same. There’s a common thread of specific heresies that go back a long way.[1] We’ll get to that in a moment, first I think it best to address an issue which has troubled me for some time now.
What of Cessationism?
I have endeavored to justify the cessationist view with Scripture and have come up empty. Most cessationist arguments are from a historical perspective rather than a Biblical exegesis. However, the few verses some do implement become a violation of the hermeneutics they claim to adhere to. Whether we like it or not, we must except and believe all that Scripture reveals of God, His activities and workings in the earth with mankind. 1 Corinthians 13:8-12 fall within the love chapter of the Bible and we see the gifts in contrast to love. The Gifts are partial, temporal, and are not eternal. Everything in this age compared to the perfection of the new creation is at a child like stage including the gifts. But rather than suggesting the termination of the gifts during this age or at an early point in church history, this passage proves just the opposite. “That which is perfect” refers to the completion of God’s purposes after the Second coming of Jesus Christ. There is no other reason other than human opinion to presume to attribute these verses to the conclusion of the canon of the Scripture.
While the inspired Word of God was completed at the end of the first century, its completion did not signal an end to the continuing operation of the very powers it describes.[2] It is possible, though not from a biblical point of view, that the gifts were dormant for a period of ages, still there is evidence that God will pour out of His Spirit at the end of the age that His people will do great exploits. I am not saying that what we see today is that out pouring, on the contrary, what we are witnessing is a counterfeit to that which God does.
Prophecy carries a literal meaning, what some may not be aware of is that there is a significance in prophecy beyond a prophets present day, often their are hidden layers of meaning. Prophecy has a way of repeating itself, cycling through time according to the perfect order laid down by God. For instance, some prophecies have a near and far application. In the prophecy of the seventy weeks in Daniel chapter nine we are told that the physical attack on the Temple and City of Jerusalem happens in the middle of the week. This literally happened twice in Israel’s history since the giving of this prophecy. Once with Antiochus Epiphanes in 168 B.C., and again when the Romans attacked Jerusalem in 70 A.D. Yet Jesus speaks of a future fulfillment of that same prophecy in Matthew 24. Ok, so what is my point and how does is it related to the Gifts of the Spirit? Acts 2:14-21 is my point!
But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, ‘Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is the third hour of the day. But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:’ And it shall come to pass in the last days says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughter shall prophecy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams. And on my menservants and on my maidservants I will pour out my Spirit in those days and they shall prophesy. I will show wonders in heaven above and signs in the earth beneath: Blood and fire and vapor of smoke. the sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood; Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord. And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
It is here we can see both the near and far application of Joel 2:28-32. As peter stated, what was happening on the day of Pentecost was a fulfillment of what Jesus predicted in Acts 1:8, and a direct fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy when God would pour out of His Spirit upon all flesh. Yet we also see a far application here, a dividing line can be seen between verse 18 and 19. The last days (vs. 17) refers to the era of the church from Pentecost to the return of Christ. Joel’s prophecy will end in the midst of monumental signs and in divine judgment during Daniels 70th week. The text itself argues that the outpouring of the Spirit continues from Pentecost until the consummation of the age.
Historically, no argument can be authoritatively conclusive. Recorded history can never provide irrefutable proof and supply an definite finality on an argument. Only Scripture is authoritatively final. And as I pointed out above there is more evidence in Scripture to the continuance of the Gifts of the Spirit than there is on the side of the cessation of the Gifts. However, the lack of proof in history in behalf of the operation of Spiritual Gifts does give a strong argument that the Gifts ceased only to reemerge during the Great Tribulation Period within Daniels 70th week. This is the moderate cessation view and I find myself leaning in that direction.
Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia defines Moderate Cessationism by saying: “A moderate Cessationist would also deny the possibility of gifts on a priori grounds. He would deny the existence of manifestations of genuine charismatic gifts in the Church no matter what, even in the event of seeing apparent miracles or healing. However, a moderate Cessationist allows for the possibility of a new charismatic period in the future, when God would powerfully guide His people. This openness to the possibility of a new charismatic period is motivated by premillennialist eschatological expectations, where it is assumed that Christ’s Second Coming will occur before the establishment of Christ’s millennial kingdom on Earth. Within this premillennialist conceptual framework, the Great Tribulation is seen as a future period immediately preceding Christ’s Coming. A moderate Cessationist would insist that the new charismatic period is possible only during the Great Tribulation for otherwise the genuine gifts would be in operation before the Tribulation, and, thus, charismatic gifts could not be rejected on grounds of principle. Moderate Cessationism is compatible with all premillennialist positions (pre-trib, post-trib, mid-trib and pre-wrath).
The moderate Cessationist understanding of the principle of Sola Scriptura is almost identical to the strong one. A moderate Cessationist would agree with all three propositions of Strong Cessationism, but with an important qualification: all three propositions are valid only in the post-Apostolic Age of the Church before the Great Tribulation, i.e. in the period after the 1st century until the days of the Great Tribulation. Thus, in practical terms, both strong and moderate Cessationism are the same. They differ only in eschatological terms, whether the gifts will reemerge in the last days immediately preceding the time of Christ’s Second Coming. The strong Cessationist eschatological view is not a premillennialist, and, thus, does not share the premillennialist conceptual framework, such as the premillennialist view of the Great Tribulation as something belonging to the future.
Biblical grounds for moderate Cessationism is the reference to two powerful prophets of God, Rev 11:3-11. According to a moderate Cessationist, events described in Rev 11 are in the future, during the Great Tribulation. For this reason, a moderate Cessationist has a ready answer to the question why the Bible is so vague about the cessation of the charismatic gifts: the Bible is obscure on this point precisely because the gifts will reemerge during the Great Tribulation. A moderate Cessationist concludes that they will absolutely end at the Second Coming of our Lord, at the end of the Great Tribulation.”
As I said, I lean in that direction though I’m not a staunch moderate cessationist I do view myself as a light moderate cessationist. I do see a gap, sort of speak, between Acts 2:18 and 19. The event described in Acts 2:19-20 is Eschatological and must be viewed alongside of what Jesus taught His disciples in Matthew 24:29-30 and Revelation 6:12-17.
Although I view the Gifts as being latent what has emerged in the last century with the “latter rain,” “Word of Faith,” and “New Apostolic Reformation” and now the “Emergent Church” is an all out assault on the Body of Christ. Deception from these movements materialize quickly when compared to Scripture. Todd Bentley, Rick Joyner, Bill Johnson, Kris Vallotton are all joined at the hip and if you’ve read one of their books you’ve read them all as they are simply swapping spit. Pedestal’s are being built by these men acclaiming the raise of the super apostles who have insights into the supernatural which transcends human understanding. Super-apostles look really hip and chic because they claim to be in touch with popular philosophical and cultural trends, and they bring these trends right into the church, doubtless in the name of “being relevant.” Some of the traits of these super apostles can be seen in that they change the parameters of Scripture, re-inventing it to suit the changing times. Their messages go beyond what is written in the Word of God and in the name of Christ they through subtle logic, twist Scripture to appeal to contemporary practices to petition people. What is important to them is not the message of the Gospel, repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, but their own standing and status in the Church. They have a new and improved version of the Gospel, and it is costly to their followers who have to pay for everything from special services to prayer and deliverance.
The term “super apostle” is not a newly invented title in the modern age. Paul contended with a group who in their own esteem were surpasser’s of the foundational apostles. These were self appointed apostles who compared themselves to Paul. “Yet I consider myself as in no way inferior to these [precious] extra-super [false] apostles” 2 Cor. 11:5 AMP. It is clear by the context that these super apostles had Satan’s agenda at heart. Because of them, Paul feared the Corinthians minds would be corrupted and seduced from wholehearted devotion to Christ 2 Cor. 11:3. These super serpent apostles brought another Jesus, a different Spirit, and a different gospel from the one they had received and welcomed by Paul. Paul chided them for their tolerance of such lies and deception 2 Cor. 11:4.
Rhetoric is the art or study of proper forms and methods of public speaking, highly emphasized in antiquity. Although only the well-to-do had much training in it, the rhetorical forms and ideas they used filtered down to the rest of urban society through public speeches, in a manner similar to that in which television permeates modern Western society.[3]
Rhetoric was important in Greco-Roman society, including Corinth. Paul’s statement that he is unskilled in speech (1 Cor. 11:6) did not mean he was a terrible speaker. It seems he had been accused of inadequate rhetorical skill by others, however; his writings attest a higher level of rhetorical sophistication than possessed by most people of his day. The text indicates that these super apostles were gaining a large audience because of their rhetorical abilities, with the intent of subverting the Church. Paul says: “For such men are false apostles [counterfeits], deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles (special messengers) of Christ. And it is no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light; so it is not surprising if his servants also masquerade as ministers of righteousness. But their end will correspond with their deeds” (2 Cor. 11:13-15).
Does any of this sound familiar to you? If you finish the chapter, Paul could not be a true apostle according to the super apostles otherwise he would accept money for his services. In verse 20 Paul polishes this chapter off showing that these super apostles lives and ministries manifested nothing of the Spirit of Christ. And again he chides the Corinthians for “enduring it if a man assumes control of your souls, and makes slaves of you, or devours your substance, spends your money and preys upon you, or deceives and takes advantage of you, or is arrogant and puts on airs, or strikes you in the face. To my discredit, I must say, we have shown ourselves too weak for you to show such tolerance of us and for us to do strong, courageous things like that to you! 2 Cor 11:20-21 AMP. Verse 20 is a description of just how carnal these super apostles ministry was: it brings people into bondage, not liberty, it devours them selfishly, it’s leaders exalt themselves and not Christ. Why is it that the flesh enjoys bondage and human schemes instead of the simple love and grace of Christ? And nothing has changed today! Men such as Todd Bentley, Rick Joyner, and Bill Johnson degrade God’s people, devour God’s people, defraud God’s people, deride God’s people, and defame God’s people and people seem content to endure and tolerate it. Not to mention their butchery of God’s Word, their false manifestations, and their undermining of the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
[1] Lakeland’s Recycled Revival By Gary Osborne.
http://www.biblical-pentecostals.org/Recycled%20Revival.htm
[2]Spirit Filled Bible; Jack W. Hayford, 1991 Thomas Nelson, Inc. p. 1739
[3] Keener, C. S., & InterVarsity Press. 1993. The IVP Bible background commentary : New Testament. InterVarsity Press: Downers Grove, Ill.
Matthew 24:24-26 “For false Christ and false prophets will arise, and they will show great signs and wonders so as to deceive and lead astray, if possible, even the elect (God’s chosen ones). See, I have warned you beforehand. So if they say to you, Behold, He is in the wilderness (desert) do not go out there; if they tell you, Behold, He is in the secret places or inner rooms, do not believe it.”
Are false christ’s and false prophet’s decieved? Or do they know they are employed by Satan to do his work? They dress up as sheep, but inside they are devouring wolves (Matt. 7:15)! They masquerade as ministers of righteousness but boast of worldly things (2 Cor. 11:15-18)! Are men such as Bill Johnson, Todd Bently, and Kris Vallotton knowingly, consciously decieving people? And what are the effects of contemplative prayer, slain in the Spirit, and drunk in the Spirit? Is it that they as Satan’s Emissaries are trying to fill as many people as they can with the domonic so as to destroy God’s work in the world and thwart the Church from it’s purpose and calling? I need some feed back on this, I’m starting to believe that as we are seening prophets and apostles appearing on the world’s stage today is a direct fulfillment of Jesus’ warning of false christs and false prophets.
There is such an encroachment of teachers and teachings that claim prophetic authority today, but fail to present and honor Jesus Christ in a way consistent with the whole of the Scriptures. According to 1 John 4:1-6 we should reject any prophesying that preoccupies itself with mystical ideas. And 2 John tells us the genuine is reconized by the orthodoxy of their message i.e. the doctrine of Christ. FEED BACK PLEASE!
