Danger
in the Church Today!
The Absolute Authority of Scripture
Correction rejected or listened to?
Dangers and errors
1. Existentialism. If I have experienced it, it must
be true
2. Pragmatism. If a technique works it must be of God
3. Subjectivism. Equality of all sources of information
as truth
4. Power and personality of leaders.
5. Re-unification of Protestants and Rome
6. Restoration (Imminent Revival)
7. Replacement Theology (Israel now out of God's plan)
8. 'Faith Movement' (Guaranteed success)
9. Inner healing and healing of the memories.
Appendix: Some scriptures on false prophets
In the church today there is much speculation about 'Revival', 'Renewal',
'Refreshing', 'Toronto happenings' etc
Is all the excitement of God?
In churches where the blessing has been reported, is it because of, or in
spite of the various experiences?
Will the church be enriched in the long term?
Is it something new? Does it herald the 'last days'?
Are there excesses, errors and dangers?
Should we desire the experience (not wishing to miss out) or avoid it like
the plague?!
Some have been wildly for this Charismatic hope, some aggressively against,
while others are bewildered or have decided to 'wait
and see'.
Most probably find it partly good and partly bad.
It is not helpful for the enthusiasts to call those against 'Pharisees' or
for those against to call the enthusiasts 'heretics'
In the 60's and 70's the Church was enriched and split by the Charismatic
Movement. 'Toronto' has caused another division.
In the aftermath of both cases respect, humility and a willingness to listen,
by all concerned is helpful.
But it is also necessary to have the courage to sound warnings and to reveal
error.
Two questions:
When does an apple with a small skin blemish become
'rotten to the core'?
And how can the rot be stopped from affecting the whole
bag of apples?
Groups of Christians who prefer different styles of worship can have the
same, true Biblical doctrine.
Perhaps the most difficult aspect is how should we react to something that
is only partly wrong?
Rome correctly says that we are saved by grace through faith in Christ, but
they refuse to say it is
by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
They add that church sacraments are also essential.
The Alpha course has been hugely successful, but while starting on the sacrifice
of Christ,
this is all too quickly dwarfed by the main thrust which
is on the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
Some, if not many, are thus converted to an exciting life in the Church,
instead of to Christ crucified through repentance and
faith.
The Absolute Authority of
Scripture
The following comments are based on the eternal truth of God's unchanging
Word.
Nothing should be added and nothing taken away. Rev 2218,19
Unlike technology, the doctrine of God does not change. Gal 16-92
Co 13,4 Is 408
What do the prophets say will happen in 'the last days'?
Will it be a time of great distress, war, famine, earthquake, and evaporating
love? Math 246-21
Or will it be as many 'Restorationists' claim, a great
world-wide revival?
With the Church triumphant before Christ comes again.
What we believe will greatly affect our expectancy and how we prepare for
the last days.
Jesus clearly warns us to "watch out that no one deceives you".
Math 244 Rev 133,14
It is a foolish man who neglects the warning of Jesus,
"False prophets will appear and perform great signs
and miracles to deceive even the elect." Math 2425
Correction
rejected or listened to?
A proud man will never hear correction, however lovingly it is made.
Some are too busy, caught up in event-packed meetings or the many ordinary
tasks of life.
Others are easily lead astray. They listen to leaders who say, "Don't analyse,
just let it happen."
This easy option is welcomed as it makes disciplined, regular study
unnecessary.
And such leaders bask in the power it gives them.
Leaders desiring success and popularity will tell men what they want to
hear.
The 'nice things', revival, triumph etc instead of the
truth about tribulation and persecution.
Most of the epistles were written to correct doctrinal error.
It is not being critical, but timely to endeavour to correct errors.
John instructs us to test the spirits to see if they are from God. 1 Jn
41
The Church badly needs to heed this. It could even save some who are being
deceived.
To reveal the gross errors of Rome is not unkind and intolerant but a timely
need.
In several churches reports have indicated an ongoing fruit.
People have felt a general release of spirit, a new hunger for God, a zeal
for righteousness,
a willingness to repent and a desire to be obedient.
This can hardly delight Satan!
But such fruit will not grow in a permaculture of 'laughter' and 'roaring'.
We need to be nurtured 'line by line' by the faithful and diligent teaching
of the Word, by prayer
and by the consistent friendship and care of each
other.
At best the 'experience' may be the catalyst, the initiating spark, but it
can never be a helpful daily diet.
And it can often lead Christians down a most dangerous road of error, excess
and darkness.
It is essential for all Christians to tread the path of 'repent and believe
in what Jesus the Redeemer has done.'
In Lu 10 we are told about how Jesus sent out the 72 to tell the people that
their Messiah had come,
that the 'kingdom of heaven was near'. When they returned
they were so thrilled with what they had done.
They had seen the power of God heal and deliver. Jesus had seen ‘Satan
fall' too.
Not only then, but before the earth was created when Satan tried to take
God's place.
Jesus has seen how 'pride comes before a fall', and he didn't want the disciples
to go the same way.
Whilst rejoicing with them, he said,
"However, do not rejoice that the spirits are subject
to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."
Men should not rejoice in 'their ministry' or in various 'experiences', but
in the salvation of a man's soul.
It seems that this instructive incident has been overlooked by many today.
The 'Toronto blessing' is not necessary or even helpful for all people.
Some ministers and churches have been caught up in grossly excessive
emotionalism,
where 'decently and in order' has been totally
abandoned.
What may have started in a godly manner, can easily end in an ungodly
shambles.
All the gifts of the Spirit can be misused and can even be mimicked by
Satan.
Given the opportunity he (Satan) is not averse to wrecking tactics!
Like our motives, it would seem that these new experiences are mixed. They
are not simply 'black or white', good or bad.
Given that there is some evidence of ongoing righteousness and 'fruit',
many then claim that the whole movement must therefore
be good, genuine and of God.
Especially if they have a natural temperament that prefers the unstructured,
spontaneous, 'let it flow as the Spirit moves' approach.
Sound doctrine needs consistent diligence and discipline; it is hard work
and consequently unpopular.
To assess what is true, it is vital to examine not only the 'fruit' but also
the 'roots'. (See section on 'Roots')
The citation of a few proof texts (usually out of context) to justify the
physical manifestations will satisfy only the gullible,
and those who neglect to question anything that they
enjoy.
On one tape, John Arnott (Airport Fellowship, Toronto) correctly gave six
examples from the Bible of how God did extraordinary things.
Then he said that all extraordinary things are of God. (an attempt to justify
the 'Toronto' happenings)
But this is poor logic. To say all butchers wear blue aprons may be true,
but to conclude that anyone wearing a blue apron is
a butcher is obviously ridiculous.
There is a vital requirement for discernment and for considerable care and
courage by all leaders.
This is true for the administration of gifts like tongues and words of knowledge;
but here it is even more essential.
When an orderly meeting becomes chaotic and out of control, to say that 'The
Holy Spirit took over' may or may not be true.
It may be just inadequate leadership and the natural desire of men to enjoy
a 'party' or it may even be Satanic!
Let us think, as well as feel. And learn to 'try the spirits' accurately
and without our natural bias. 1 Jn 44
Throughout history God has graciously given many signs :
Signs that did not lead to faith
Regrettably the great majority of signs in Scripture fall into this category.
Lu 1627-31 Jn 1237 1524
The reason for the miracles that God wrought, were ignored.
e.g. Cain saw Abel's sacrifice accepted but hated Abel instead of asking
what was wrong with his or with himself
All men in Noah's day ignored the walking sign of Methuselah (= "in the day
that I die it shall happen")
They ridiculed the building of the Ark for 120 years, and then it was too
late. They perished.
Israel largely ignored the miracles of the Exodus:
10 Plagues, Red Sea divided, provision of water and
daily manna, the presence of God in the Fire and Cloud. Num
1411
There was no great revival in the days of Elijah and Elisha when many miracles
were seen.
Many followed Jesus because of the signs, but they soon rejected even him.
Jn 223-25 614 666 1237
Math 1120-23
Throughout history God's eternal power and divine nature have been clearly
seen ... and ignored! Ro 120
What notice do we take of signs today? Generally not much, though a few are
moved by seeing signs to seek God.
Why are signs so sought after by Christians if they so rarely prove to have
any lasting affect?
Are our lives so dull that we need a boost of excitement? Is it to give some
credence to the person's ministry?
Is it in hope that non-Christians will flock to church?
Jesus tells us that it is an evil and adulterous generation that seek signs!
Math 1239,40
Yet many in the ‘Signs and Wonder' and ‘Toronto' groups seeks signs.
And they seem to rejoice in signs far more than salvation, forgiveness and
Jesus himself.
The story Jesus told about the rich man and Lazarus, concludes with the statement
that
"they will not be convinced even if someone rises from
the dead." Lu 1631
In the end times there will be many signs; but they will deceive, not bring
faith. Rev 133 1313,14
Jesus specially warns us about being deceived by signs. Math
244,24
Many in their eagerness forget these things which God has carefully placed
in his Word for our learning.
Signs that point to Christ, the Redeemer
Skins given to Adam and Eve showed that a blood sacrifice was needed to cover
their shame. Gen 321
God instructed Noah to cover the Ark inside and out with pitch. No doubt
he used the readily available bitumen. Gen 614
But the word used for ‘pitch' is the Hebrew word
Kaphar. This is only occasion it is translated ‘pitch'.
On all the other 80+ occasions it is translated atonement
(or equivalent).
When Iasac asked his father Abraham where the sacrifice was, he declared,
"God himself will provide a sacrifice my son."
And even after God showed him the ram caught in a thorn bush,
he called the place, "The Lord will provide". Gen 228,
14
Passover Lamb killed and blood was displayed on door posts to protect against
the angel of death;
And in the Tabernacle many animal sacrifices were made
for sin. Exd 1223 Heb 9
There was also the signs of rainbow, the land of Israel, circumcision, the
Commandments, and the Sabbath.
Gen 912-15 156,17,18
1711 Deut 413 Exd 3113 Math
2626-28
Signs of God's hatred of sin
Cain was marked.
The flood killed all except 8.
The people of Babel were scattered.
Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed.
Israel was annihilated by Assyria.
Judah was exiled to Babylon for 70 years.
The Jews lost their homeland for 1,900 years after rejecting the Messiah.
England lost her empire after betraying the Jews by reneguing on the Balfour
Declaration and rejecting God.
And now we witness the disastrous breakdown of the
family.
These signs are ignored or rejected. But they speak of a sure and just judgement
to come;
and that the days of opportunity for repentance and
salvation are rapidly closing down.
Few ‘signs' have ever provoked man to serious thought and the ‘fear
of the Lord'.
How often is the desperate heart-cry heard, "What must I do to be saved?"
Why are signs so sought after by Christians if they rarely prove to have any lasting affect? Are our lives so dull that we need a boost of excitement? Is it to give some credence to the person's ministry? Is it in hope that non-Christians will flock to church? Jesus tells us it is an evil and adulterous generation that seek signs! But only one sign is given. The resurrection! Math 1239,40 Lu 1630
Many men rejoice in ‘signs and wonders' out of love for the spectacular; but all too often it is a distraction from the great need of God's forgiveness through repentance and faith in the redemption of Christ crucified. "For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths." 2 Tim 43,4
In the end times there will be many signs; but they will deceive, not bring
faith. Rev 133,13,14
Jesus specifically warns us about being deceived by signs. Math
244,24
40 years ago the Charismatic movement began to breathe new life into the traditional Church. The Scriptures seemed to come alive, Christ the Saviour was honoured and loved. Many began to expect miracles - and were not disappointed! But soon it was ‘Signs and Wonders' that was being preached, and salvation was largely assumed or neglected. Then came ‘Toronto' and the God of the ‘Extraordinary' - everything from roaring lions to gold teeth.
Where is all this leading the Church?
I greatly fear that what started well has now begun to deceive the Church. The very thing Jesus warned us would happen. By progressive stages many have ceased to discern what has been smuggled in and added to what is true. All miracles and extraordinary events are attributed to God. We have not heeded the warning in Rev 13 that the Beast and False Prophet deceive everyone by doing signs and wonders. Such foolishness will not end in cheers, but in tears - or worse!
Dependence on an experience more than Scripture usually leads to:
1. Existentialism. If I have experienced it, it must be true
i.e. what I have experienced determines whether what I read in Scripture
is true or not.
Scripture is no longer the one reliable and accurate authority, but my experience
becomes the touchstone.
They say that "All that is in the Bible is true, but
not all truth is in the Bible.
We integrate all truth, both Biblical
and other, into our experience of living."
(John Wimber said at Leaders Conference
'Five Year Plan')
This allows anything a leader has experienced or 'heard from the Lord' to
be added to the truth of Scripture,
and it is then given equal validity.
As such it cannot be ‘tested' or challenged without being a threat to
the leader's authority.
Feelings can be added to facts or faith, or even become more important.
They become the touchstone to judge whether something is true or not.
But feelings change with time and circumstance, so this is unstable and
notoriously dangerous.
2. Pragmatism. If a technique works it must be of God
If someone is healed or a demon is cast out, obviously it must be God who
does it. But is it always so?
It will be a surprise to many that evil men, Satan, the cults and sorcery
sometimes have power to do miracles.
Math 1227 2424 723,23
Rev 134 1614
"The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of
Satan
displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs
and wonders." 2 Thes 29
Lack of discernment here can lead to believing that the use of any method
that is effective, must be of God.
(See also section on 'Faith Movement')
3. Subjectivism. Equality of all sources of information as truth
Jesus, being the Son of God, had the right to say, "x says yyy, but I say
to you ... "; but we do not.
Beware of the words that follow "But I tell you ..." or "But I believe
that ..." or "The Bible says ..."
especially when the speaker 'uses' scripture to justify
what he thinks. e.g.
The pacifist only sees Is 24 where it says 'beat your swords
into plough-shears'. (this verse refers to the Millennium)
but God has also written Joel 310 'Beat
your plough-shears into swords.' But such men choose to ignore this verse.
The context is always vital. And we must know all scripture, not just
the parts we like and support our own theory.
In describing a Healing Seminar in York, England, John Wimber claimed, "The
Lord gave me a message out of 1 Co 1410
'Let all things be done'." (Not adding the 'in a fitting
and orderly way')
He even emphasised that the phrase should not be added.
But this 'economy of the truth' completely alters the meaning in order
to try to justify 'Toronto' behaviour.
Some 'apostolic' leaders claim to have received 'new' revelations.
They have used their persuasive power to convince others that their new
revelation is true and of God.
The only sure truth is what God has written (no more and no less). We have
been warned. Rev 2218,19
Muhammad (Islam), Joseph Smith (Mormons) and most sects / cults have gone
down this path of 'new revelations'.
And see what damage they have done!
4. Power and personality of leaders.
Especially used to sway gullible, emotional, 'hungry' crowds - men as well
as women.
Power evangelism, power ministry, signs and wonders ... success
guaranteed!!
Jesus refused the temptation of Satan to work a miracle for a spectacular
proof of his ministry. Math 45-7
Some today have not refused.
Jesus healed out of compassion for the sick, not to 'prove his ministry',
or attract large crowds.
When he healed the 10 lepers he did so out of compassion. It is true that
he also told them to go to the Priests.
This would be a sign to them for the healing of leper
was a recognised sign of the Messiah.
Thus the priests would know that their Messiah had come
- if they had eyes to see him.
Jesus also healed a paralytic man after forgiving his sins.
It proved he had power to forgive sins, which only God could do.
Again it proved his identity as being the Son of God! Lu
1714 521-26
These miracles and many others revealed who Jesus was; he did not perform
them to authenticate his ministry.
Jesus never practised crowd manipulation, winding up emotions etc . Jn
74,5 Mk 140-45
He didn't need to. But even Temple guards said that
"No man spoke like he did". Jn 746
Music has long been rightly used to channel and express emotions;
to soothe 1 Sam 1623 to excite 2 Sam
615,16 to celebrate Exd 1520 and to rejoice.
The question is, when does legitimate expression give way to crowd manipulation?
Today 'dreamy music' and songs are played with the prime purpose of producing
peace and security.
e.g. at New Wine Conferences.
Such peace is pleasant, but it should not be allowed to kill all questioning
of what is being said and done?
Discouragement of any ‘testing' for deception may well suit ‘the
platform'!
It is a tiring business to be forever alert and to question what our teachers
say.
It is much easier to just accept what people you love
and admire teach. But it is not safe.
I am easily persuaded and gullible, especially in a
crowd. And in all probability, so are you!
5. Re-unification of Protestants and Rome
This topic may seem a surprising intrusion, but it is often mentioned in
Charismatic and 'Toronto' type meetings.
At a Vineyard Pastors Conference it was stated that, "The Pope is very responsive
to the Charismatic Movement,
and is himself a born-again evangelical, is preaching
the Gospel as clear as anyone in the world today."
But the Pope still attributes his preservation and recovery (after being
shot) to the Virgin Mary!
He believes in the immaculate conception of Mary, and prays to her rather
than to her Son, Jesus.
He Believes in Papal infallibility and Transubstantiation - for which 288
English were burned at the stake in 1555-1558,
including Archbishop Cranmer, 4 bishops, 21 clergymen,
55 women and 4 children.
There has never been even a hint of an apology for this.
It is foolish to disregard history
Believing in humanistic ecumenism, the Pope said, "Christians, Muslims, Jews
and Buddhists ...
were unleashing profound energies in the world and bringing
about a new climate of peace."
We should love Catholics; but hate their additions to doctrine, and abhor
any unification with it.
6. Restoration.
They say that Christ needs his church to be perfected and powerful before
he can return.
e.g. This is surely a dreadful mis-application
of Scripture.
"The Lord spoke to me and said, 'Just as I had need
of a colt and a donkey for my entry into Jerusalem,
I need my Church back for my re-entry. Go to the Church.'
He gave me the impression that this was to be the message
from now on."
(John Wimber in 'Zip to 3000 in
5 Years Part 1 Signs and Wonders Today')
Men will always gain a following by preaching what is popular, what people
want to hear.
"Smooth words" were attractive in Jeremiah's day. In 1939 it was "Peace in
our time".
Today many are saying, "Revival now", but are the words true? Is
this what God has promised for the 'last days'?
Jesus had the courage to tell his disciples the truth. In the last days there
will be great tribulation. Math 247,22, 30
And the saints will need great courage. Math
1022 2413 Dan 721 Rev
137,101412 1615
In spite of all the signs on earth and in the heavens and the 'trumpet
warnings',
men will curse God, rather than repent. Rev
920 1611,21
This is miles away from the 'Triumphant Church doctrine' of the
'Restorationists'.
Our doctrine of the last days will greatly affect what we think (or hear)
the Lord is saying today.
The 'Last days' will bring tribulation and persecution, not revival.
There is no pre-tribulation rapture escape for Christians. (though I would
be delighted to be wrong on this!)
7. Replacement Theology.
Adherents to this say that the Church has inherited all God's promises for
the final restoration of Israel.
And God has no special plans for the Jews, only for
the Church.
Yet God has said, "Only if these decrees vanish from my sight will the
descendants of Israel ever cease to be a nation
before me. Only if the heavens above can be measured
and the foundations of the earth below be searched out
will I reject all the descendants of Israel because
of all they have done." Jer 3136,37
"I ask then: Did God reject his people? By no means!"
Ro 111 Hos 118
It is true that we Gentiles have been 'grafted in', and we therefore inherit
(by faith) the many rich promises of God.
But God also gave warnings to Israel. Do we inherit them as well? Or are
they only applied to Israel? Never!
This theology is another gross distortion of God's Word.
Why is this important?
The repeated promise of Israel's restoration is used to try to bolster the
idea of 'Revival' in the last days.
8. 'Faith' Movement.
A short examination of what various members said will reveal how far they
were from the truth
and how easily their lies seem to have infected the
Charismatic movement during the last 40 years:
E.W.Kenyon who founded a Bible school at the beginning of this century claimed,
"Our confession rules us.
What I confess, I possess." He also said, "The
believer is as much an incarnation as was Jesus of Nazareth."
K.Hagin followed this with his 'Law of faith' and his four-step verbal formula
that he claims Jesus gave him.
Agnes Sanford introduced her 4-step prayer of faith -
Choose symptom, suggest healing, imagine healed condition,
thank God for his working towards wholeness.
Yonggi Cho's 4-step faith incubation process is very similar.
John Wimber said that "Robert Schuler is one of the greatest evangelical
proclaimers of the gospel of this generation."
But Schuller is an unabashed humanist and editor of "Possibilities", which
says, "Nothing exists except God.
There is no other reality. The Christ spirit dwells
in every human being whether the person knows it or not."
This is pure New Age teaching and is far, far removed from the truth that
fallen man is dead and needs a Saviour.
Schuller also preaches "Positive thinking" and this is probably what Wimber
was agreeing with - at a price!
Kenneth Copeland says, "Faith is a power force, a conductive force which
makes the laws of the spirit world function."
Marilyn Hickley says, "Speak to your chequebook, say, 'You chequebook you,
you've never been so prosperous ...'"
Manipulating an invisible force, life energy, faith power is what many religions
have been doing for centuries.
Taoists call it chi and Hindus call it prana.
Each use this largely untapped power for human potential, healing, prosperity
- successfully!
Some Christians use the same 'force' but just use different words, but it
does not change the name of the game.
And that name is not Jesus Christ, but Satan!
Trusting our Saviour will change our attitude, we will know release from
both the guilt and the power of sin.
Forgiveness is only through what Jesus did for us on
the Cross, not by our mental gymnastics.
Earl Paulk says, "Until we comprehend that we are little gods and begin to
act like little gods,
we cannot manifest the kingdom of God."
Morris Cerullo said, "You're not looking at Morris Cerullo, you're looking
at God."
Kenneth Copeland said, "You don't have a god in you; you are one."
The Serpent said, "You will be like God ... " Gen 35 But
he was a liar from the start.
He did not tell Eve the truth; that she would die by ignoring God's warning.
9. Inner healing and healing of the memories.
All too often these are occult practices in 'Christian' form.
Psychologists have been using 'regression therapy' for years based on theories
by Freud - an avowed atheist.
Occult circles practice 'reliving the past' and 'Visualisation techniques'
as developed by occultist Carl Jung.
Like acupuncture, the origins are highly suspect. Even if they work, it does
not make them righteous. (see 1. Pragmatism)
Jesus was never a practitioner of such arts: he did not need to be.
And none had to come back next day for 'another session'
to be healed.
The apostles and disciple of Jesus did not use such
methods either.
It is sufficient to believe the truth that God has given us new life in Christ.
The old has gone, he makes all things new. 2
Co 517 Col 29-15 Math 128,29
Titus 33-8 1 Jn 19 Ps 103
Roots
of 'Toronto' in 'The Latter Rain Movement'
In 1949 the Assemblies of God rejected the teachings of the 'Latter Rain'
as heresy.
But the teachings did not die. Who were the men involved? What did
they teach?
In the last days there would be an outpouring of the Spirit - a second Pentecost
- World Revival.
The Church will incarnate the Christ. It will therefore be perfect and
invincible. (the Church Age)
A powerful, apostolic group will lead the Church, and they will be given
new revelations.
For this, the Church must be united (even with Rome), and be in submission
to the elders (shepherding).
The 'old order' of the Aaronic priesthood (the old denominations) must be
destroyed. They will die in the wilderness.
Jesus cannot return until the church has complete dominion. And that includes
over death and even in the heavenlies.
At the first Pentecost the Spirit filled individuals, at the second Pentecost
the Spirit will fill the Church.
All this, they say, is the true fulfilment of the feast of Tabernacles -
Christ dwelling with his people.
Naturally they say, the nation of Israel has no part in this. The Church
has 'replaced' Israel.
One of the group who proclaimed this was Paul Cain. 40 years later he is
now one of the Kansas City Prophets.
Ern Baxter was one of the Fort Lauderdale Five, who also worked with William
Branham.
John Poole (son of Fred Poole, a major Latter Rain teacher) was a frequent
contributor to 'New Wine' magazine.
Richard Riss (who agrees with Latter Rain) wrote, "It would be impossible
to gauge the extent of the Latter Rain pioneers influence.
It seems that a widespread underground movement developed within the Charismatic
Renewal composed of
individuals committed to various 'end-time truths' that
had arisen during "the Latter Rain revival."
Yonggi Chou and 20 others prophesied that the last great move of the Spirit
will originate in Canada.
George Warnock (Ern Baxter's secretary for some years) believed that a 40
year wilderness experience would occur
from the time of the original Latter Rain revival (1949)
until the 'new generation' arose to 'possess the promised land'.
All this false doctrine hinges on the fundamental belief that in the last
days there will be a world-wide Church Revival.
The rest is all human logic based upon this: the Church must be united because
Christ cannot dwell in a divided Church.
But if the foundation, the doctrine, is flawed, the whole house will collapse
like a pack of cards.
The ironic thing is that what they say may be partly true.
There will be a world-wide 'revival' of worship and praise, and many will
follow after 'the Christ'.
This church will perform amazing signs and wonders, and have great power
and authority.
But it will be the false 'church'! Led by 'the Beast' and 'False Prophet'
that we are warned about in Rev 13.
Clearly, if this is what will shortly take place, it is very, very serious.
We are living in dangerous and deceiving times.
Because it works (or we get what we want), does not guarantee that it is
of God.
In the last days signs and wonders will deceive many.
While some of what is preached may be true, we need to question thoroughly
what is said to us so persuasively.
How can it be that so many respected Christian leaders can be at least partly
deceived?
This remains a very sad and perplexing mystery to me.
Scripture alone is accurate, reliable, and sufficient.
Jesus, our Redeemer, remains our Advocate in heaven, in him we will trust
and not be afraid.
Some scriptures on False Prophets:
Help, Lord, for the godly are no more; the faithful have vanished from among men. Everyone lies to his neighbour; their flattering lips speak with deception. Because of the oppression of the weak and the groaning of the needy, I will now arise," says the Lord. Ps 121-5
This is what the Lord says - your Redeemer, who formed you in the womb: I am the Lord, who has made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself, who foils the signs of false prophets and makes fools of diviners, who overthrows the learning of the wise and turns it into nonsense ... Is 4424,25
The prophets prophesy lies, the priests rule by their own authority, and my people love it this way. But what will you do in the end? Jer 531
To whom can I speak and give warning? Who will listen to me? Their ears are closed so they cannot hear. The word of the Lord is offensive to them ... from the least to the greatest, all are greedy for gain; prophets and priests alike, all practice deceit. They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. 'Peace, peace,' they say, when there is no peace. I appointed watchmen over you and said, 'Listen to the sound of the trumpet!' But you said, 'We will not listen.' Jer 610-17
But I said, "Ah, Sovereign Lord, the prophets keep telling them, 'You will not see the sword or suffer famine. Indeed, I will give you lasting peace in this place.'" Then the Lord said to me, "The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I have not sent them or appointed them or spoken to them. They are prophesying to you false visions, divinations, idolatries and the delusions of their own minds. Therefore, this is what the Lord says about the prophets who are prophesying in my name: I did not send them, yet they are saying, 'No sword or famine will touch this land.' Those same prophets will perish by sword and famine. Jer 1413-15
Among the prophets of Samaria I saw this repulsive thing: they prophesied by Baal and led my people Israel astray. And among the prophets of Jerusalem I have seen something horrible: they commit adultery and live a lie. They strengthen the hands of evildoers, so that no one turns from his wickedness. They are all like Sodom to me; the people of Jerusalem are like Gomorrah. Therefore, this is what the Lord Almighty says concerning the prophets: "I will make them eat bitter food and drink poisoned water, because from the prophets of Jerusalem ungodliness has spread throughout the land." This is what the Lord Almighty says: "Do not listen to what the prophets are prophesying to you; they fill you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord. ... The anger of the Lord will not turn back until he fully accomplishes the purposes of his heart. In days to come you will understand it clearly. I did not send these prophets, yet they have run with their message; I did not speak to them, yet they have prophesied. But if they had stood in my council, they would have proclaimed my words to my people and would have turned them from their evil ways and from their evil deeds." Jer 2313-16, 20-22
"Therefore," declares the Lord, "I am against the prophets who steal from one another words supposedly from me. Yes," declares the Lord, "I am against the prophets who wag their own tongues and yet declare, ‘The LORD declares.' Indeed, I am against those who prophesy false dreams," declares the Lord. "They tell them and lead my people astray with their reckless lies, yet I did not send or appoint them. They do not benefit these people in the least," declares the Lord. Jer 2330-32
To what can I liken you, that I may comfort you, O Virgin Daughter of Zion? Your wound is as deep as the sea. Who can heal you? The visions of your prophets were false and worthless; they did not expose your sin to ward off your captivity. The oracles they gave you were false and misleading. Lam 213,14
This is what the Sovereign Lord says: "Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing! Your prophets, O Israel, are like jackals among ruins. You have not gone up to the breaks in the wall to repair it for the house of Israel so that it will stand firm in the battle on the day of the Lord. Their visions are false and their divinations a lie. They say, ‘The Lord declares,' when the Lord has not sent them; yet they expect their words to be fulfilled. Have you not seen false visions and uttered lying divinations when you say, ‘The Lord declares,' though I have not spoken? "'Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: Because of your false words and lying visions, I am against you," declares the Sovereign Lord. "My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and utter lying divinations. They will not belong to the council of my people or be listed in the records of the house of Israel, nor will they enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Sovereign Lord. Because they lead my people astray, saying, ‘Peace,' when there is no peace, and because, when a flimsy wall is built, they cover it with whitewash, therefore tell those who cover it with whitewash that it is going to fall." Ezek 33-11
"Her prophets whitewash these deeds for them by false visions and lying divinations. They say, 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says' - when the Lord has not spoken. The people of the land practice extortion and commit robbery; they oppress the poor and needy and mistreat the alien, denying them justice. I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none. So I will pour out my wrath on them and consume them with my fiery anger, bringing down on their own heads all they have done," declares the Sovereign Lord. Ezek 2228-31
You who hate good and love evil; ... they will cry out to the Lord, but he will not answer them. As for the prophets who lead my people astray, if one feeds them, they proclaim 'peace'; if he does not, they prepare to wage war against him. Therefore night will come over you, without visions, ... the sun will set for the prophets, ... The seers will be ashamed. ... because there is no answer from God. But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the Lord, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression, to Israel his sin. Mic 32-8
Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. Math 715
And many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect - if that were possible. Math 2411,24
Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. "Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets. Lu 622,23
Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets. Lu 626
But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them - bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping. 2 Pe 21-3
Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 Jn 41
Then I saw three evil spirits that looked like frogs; they came out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet. They are spirits of demons performing miraculous signs, and they go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them for the battle on the great day of God Almighty. Rev 1613,14
But the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who had performed the miraculous signs on his behalf. With these signs he had deluded those who had received the mark of the beast and worshipped his image. The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. Rev 1920