I preface this section by proclaiming that my faith rests solely in Jesus Christ and His powerful word. I believe and preach the full gospel of Christ. Others would definitely label me as being "Pentecostal," though I don't like to be labeled anything but a Christian- a follower of Jesus. Jesus commands that we worship Him in SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH. There are many who wrongly relegate certain major portions of scripture to yesteryear. Jesus is the same YESTERDAY, TODAY AND TOMMORROW! I believe and have experienced God's divine healing myself and have known God to heal others after I've prayed for them. His word is IMMUTABLE (unchanging) and the work of the Holy Ghost has not changed since Pentecost! I believe that the Baptism in the Holy Ghost (Christ' Baptism) is necessary for every believer in order to be of full service to Jesus. Great evangelical preachers such as D. L. Moody, F.B. Meyer and Oswald Chambers, spoke and wrote of having great in-fillings of the Spirit well AFTER they had been saved, that either marked the beginning of their ministries or happened later during their ministries. The full Baptism in the Spirit (and subsequent and frequent in-fillings) usually occur later out of a deep sense of repentance and abandonment to Jesus alone, often brought on by a desperation for knowing God more intimately. This kind of deep repentance and desire to follow Jesus is sorely lacking now in self-centered, decadent and self-indulgent Western churches. The result is that many Faith Movement frauds, charlatans and counterfeits (savage wolves), have entered in who imitate, market and profit from phony, possibly demonic manifestations because the people clamor for and demand 'signs and wonders' (primarily to hear a "personal word" from God). CAN GOD CERTAINLY PERFORM SIGNS AND WONDERS IF HE SO CHOOSES? YES, but not when people counterfeit and conjour them through their flesh. The authentic move and abundance of God's Spirit (to enable great works like miracles) is only found in those who are HOLY and not motivated by worldly gain! Holiness is God's gift to us but comes only as the result of having turned completely away from sin and having been deeply cleansed within, in obedience to God's Word. Only then can Jesus completely fill (baptize) a human vessel with His Presence in the form of His Spirit. Most of the people in the Faith Movement, aren't really hungering after Jesus and His righteousness but primarily want to experience supernatural manifestations. They want the "goodies" and temporal "blessings" of God but they don't primarily want God! They are taught to brazenly command God ("name-it-and-claim-it" theology) what they selfishly want and expect Him to deliver, which is a gross perversion of faith and His Word. When the prospect of supernatural manifestations (signs and wonders) become the drawing spectacle and their major focus (idolatry), the Spirit of God is quenched God and all sorts of high-octane, counterfeit imitations and circus-like and behavior can manifest. Demonic activity also becomes highly possible in such an idolatrous, counterfeit movement. The baptism in the Spirit of God is only available to those who seek Jesus with a pure heart that have been washed by the Lamb of God. The only motivation of one who receives the Treasure of Jesus' baptism is to love, know, obey, worship and serve Jesus as intimately as He desires for all of His followers. The Lord has promised that THEN He will provide for our needs.
ONE of the manifestations of the baptism in the Holy Spirit, is speaking in tongues. I differ with those modern day Pentecostals who have dogmatically interpreted the Second Chapter of Acts to mean that ALL must speak in tongues as a sign of having received the Baptism! They are wrong! All of the other spiritual gifts are also still in operation, HOWEVER- many are abusing their gifts or pretending to exercise "gifts" that God never gave them. Many of them are creating reality (a form of witchcraft).
WATCH THIS PERVERSION OF THE GIFT OF "TONGUES",(IN THIS CASE, BLASPHEMY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT) THAT COPELAND AND BONKE TURN INTO A CIRCUS-LIKE SIDE-SHOW, WHILE THEY TRY TO OUT-TONGUE EACH OTHER WHILE PRETENDING TO CONVERSE IN BABBLE. ANY SANE PERSON WATCHING THIS WOULD THINK THAT THEY WERE ABSOLUTELY INSANE:
Many of these word-faith "preachers" come off as being eccentric, even insane, which of course the devil desires and blesses because the crazy behavior of these charlatans cause seekers to be sickened and turned off to the preaching of the Gospel. The genuine spiritual gifts are not as common in Christendom today because most who call themselves "born again Christians" are barely born-again, let alone ready to be filled with God's Spirit for service. There is great controversy over the gifts and even sharp condemnation of those who operate in them, due to all of the abuses by many of these whacky, counterfeit ministries. God does not pour Himself into those who are unclean, unseeking, and non-desiring of pursuing Jesus continually. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow and those who seek Him and want Him and worship Him- will be filled!) The following video of numerous "Faith Movement/ Prosperity gospel's" major leaders represents a GROSS PERVERSION of the Gospel at best. At worst, this "holy laughter/spirit drunkenness, is caused by some other kind of "spirit," even a spirit of madness:
Peter and Paul warned us explicitly about these deceptions because they are so seductive and dangerous. If you don't recognize the Word-Faith message as being a gross perversion of the Gospel then you have been deceived. Most of these counterfeits don't even begin to comprehend the true nature of Jesus Christ. Their perverse doctrines actually deny Jesus Christ. "Papa Hagin" as these "disciples" call him, is the major fount spewing these demonic lies from hell, whom these others emulate. Yes, he also preaches the real Gospel from time to time but like most Word-faith preachers, his message is a perverse mixture of profane materialism mixed with Christianity.
"Papa" Hagin plagarized (stole) his apostate teachings from a New Age, metaphysical teacher by the name of E.W. Kenyon. Hagin plagaraized almost an entire book of Kenyon's and blinded adepts yet bow to Hagin and even call him "papa," which is the same title meaning "Pope"! Hagin's disciples mostly preach a different Jesus than He who is found in the Word, though they throw in some Gospel in their mixture, and certainly mention the name of Jesus. These adepts preach a dangerous mixture of high octane hype, engineered to enrich themselves. (Read more about Word/Faith teachers) They brazenly proclaim and model their evil prosperity doctrines that equate having riches with being blessed by God and thus possessing "righteousness." God's judgment is about to fall upon them and there will be no escape unless they repent of their apostasies NOW!
Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah Jude 11
"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Therefore by their fruits you will know them. Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name? And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness! Matthew 7:15,16,20-23
There will be some extremely arrogant "ministers" that will argue with the Lord Himself on judgment day, proclaiming to Him that because of all of the powerful "signs and wonders" which "they" performed, that they are worthy of heavenly reward. These fierce, and dangerous counterfeits presently infect a large portion of our Christian airwaves due to the fact that their money formula "doctrines" which inspire the foolish to give sacrificially to them in order so that they can profit [as if Christianity were just some pyramid scheme]). This enables them to raise ungodly amounts of money from deceived followers and to go on the airwaves to rant and rave and bring dishonor upon the Gospel.
The Apostle Paul's final good-bye to the elders from Ephesus was extremely sobering as to what the Spirit had told him about the future church:
,u>For I know this, that after my departure SAVAGE WOLVES will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears. Acts 20:29-31
The savage wolves and profiteers that are in the sanctuary today have reached epidemic levels. Discernment is not an option brothers and sisters-it is an absolute necessity. If you have doubts about the preacher you are listening to, ask yourself: is the minister always pointing and drawing focus to Jesus and glorifying Him, or are they just promoting themselves or some method or formula? I am not saying that any one ministry is going to be "perfect." God is perfecting us all- we ALL have some faults that adhering to God's Word will expose to us so that we can repent and be continuously renewed but many refuse to repent. It is much easier to believe the right doctrines than it is to practice them.
Expose on Creflo Dollar:
If you think that things have gotten much better in the church since Paul's time, PLEASE open your eyes! The Lord warned us through Paul that particularly in the last days there would be a massive "falling away" from the truth or "apostasy" prior to the arrival of the Day of the Lord (2 Thes. 2:3). Jesus warned us that "if possible," even some of God's "elect," will become deceived in the last days by "false christs and false prophets" who will do "great signs and wonders." (Matt.24:25). If ever there was a time to preach God's holy and uncompromised word, in the power of the Holy Spirit, (especially to believers) it is now, because major apostasy and deception is rampant in most modern Christian movements. There are now numerous "Simons" who are preaching a different "gospel" (or a mixture) for the purpose of selfish gain. Though there are a few different branches of this apostasy, it's effect is the same: to deceive, confuse and derail the true Gospel of God.
These movements have grown increasingly admiring of each other's popular ministries, because they all openly idolize, bow to, and worship "success" and "popularity," and relegate the authority of scripture to yester-year. There are three major areas of apostasy but they ultimately have one thing in common; they reduce Christianity to a phony, personal success/prosperity trip. They have done the devil's bidding by creating a man-centered "gospel."
The Word/Faith- false prophet Movement reduces the Gospel to a shamanistic, word over matter "faith" formula, in which God is bound to act on our behalf, if we speak the right mumbo-jumbo into existence. (Kenneth Copeland is a prime example of this brand of false prophet heresy). Their twisted "seed faith" teachings are designed to profit themselves and broaden the empires that they have built. BUT, by far the most blasphemous doctrine these deceivers preach goes to the very heart and nature of Jesus and what He accomplished on the cross for us. Copeland, Hagen and others preach that Jesus had to be "born again in hell"- that His death on the cross WAS NOT ENOUGH TO ATONE FOR OUR SINS. They preach that "Jesus died SPIRITUALLY" (Known as the "JDS doctrine"). That doctrine is absolute heresy and means that they preach a completely DIFFERENT JESUS- ANOTHER GOSPEL! Oh, they may mix it with all sorts of other Gospel truths (rat poison is only 1% strychnine!) but at the core of what they preach is a FALSE CHRIST! Their doctrines are TOXIC to the body of Christ and I like others, call them to repentance from this gross heresy. The Apostle Peter also dealt with this kind of covetous phony:
"But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, EVEN DENYING THE LORD WHO BOUGHT THEM, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber." (2 Peter 2:1-3)
Many of these "ministries" are foisting a dangerous, exploitive counterfeit upon the public. Many "Christian" Television networks have been completely conquered by these eccentric prosperity preachers, who seem to thrive on emotionalism while spouting a dangerous, counterfeit gospel. (Audio & video) Many of these use the word as some sort of incantation in order to cast Christian spells to receive what they positively confess for. This is known as charismatic witchcraft, and must not be confused with Biblical Christianity. Their phony "power" talk (positive confession/ name-it-and-claim-it) is NOT Biblical. There is a Biblical and holy version of disciples proclaiming in faith as moved by the Holy Spirit. God still does miracles as well, but not by utilizing certain "faith" formulas that God is "bound" by to act upon. This counterfeit is really dangerous and rife with abuses. God is not some cosmic genie who is bound by certain cosmic laws to act on our behalf as we use the word as a type of incantation. Satan's most insidious battle plan is to tempt and delude Christians into aggrandizing themselves, causing them to pervert the Gospel into a dangerous counterfeit.
A major demonic seduction is at work at varying levels, upon many in the Charismatic /Word of Faith Movements and must be exposed. You will hear them proclaim certain mantras like "I am the head not the tail," that indicate what their faith has become and just WHAT their faith is in. WE ARE NOT THE "HEAD" as they proclaim-- JESUS is the One and only Head of His church. These hyper-faith charismaniacs have taken extreme license (given themselves permission [self-entitlement]) to decide exactly what worldly rights and benefits they DESERVE to have according to THEIR interpretation of the scriptures (a private interpretation). As one local "Faith" broadcaster put it: "You are a prince- I am a prince, we are above all powers and principalities." OH REALLY! Just who do you think you are sir, Christ Himself? They have deduced THEIR Christianity to a FORMULA for disaster. They are raising themselves up to a non-existent, and perverted, "god" status, which is extremely dangerous. They take the spiritual truth of scripture and make some dangerous assumptions- they have GONE TOO FAR! They have become like Esau, who DEMAND their inheritance NOW- in this lifetime, and as THEY choose it, (health & wealth) and they base this all on PERVERSIONS of scripture. Most of the followers in these movements were born again and were once filled with the Spirit at one point in time. Most of these hyper-faith franchises are simply repeating the same mantra (message) that they see has been "successful" (money generating) in other "ministries." Many of these "Faith" teachers have taken spiritual messages meant for the regeneration of the spirit of man and degenerated them for application to the soulish realm of man. God does want all of us to flourish and prosper SPIRITUALLY, but these "preachers" have unilaterally decided that Jesus meant that we all have a God-given "RIGHT" to prosper financially and physically as well, which is a massive perversion of scripture. Yes, Jesus still heals, and real faith in JESUS still prevails, but the kind of "faith" that these shamans are promoting is dangerous, because it instructs you to "put your faith in faith," instead of in Jesus! Many of these still love the Lord (to some degree) but have listened to such a twisting of the scriptures that many have fallen completely away from the truth of the real Gospel. There are still some in this movement that associate with it who have not received all of its demonic doctrines and have been only partially deceived. They must be warned and all others in it must be called to repentance. REMEMBER: Jesus warned us that false prophets and false "christs" would arise who would deceive, "if possible EVEN THE ELECT!"
"SEE THAT NOT ANY LEADS YOU ASTRAY. FOR MANY WILL COME IN MY NAME, SAYING, I AM THE CHRIST. AND THEY WILL CAUSE MANY TO BE LED ASTRAY...AND THEN MANY WILL BE ENSNARED.... AND MANY FALSE PROPHETS WILL BE RAISED AND WILL CAUSE MANY TO ERR... AND BECAUSE LAWLESSNESS SHALL HAVE BEEN MULTIPLIED, THE LOVE OF MANY WILL GROW COLD." Matthew 24:4,5,10,11,12
Biblically speaking, I share allot of fundamental and BIBLICAL beliefs with most prosperity teachers but many of them rarely preach these fundamental, biblical truths. Most of them now preach about and believe in, extra-biblical concepts that will make themselves and others, "prosperous" and "successful" and much worse. By listening to them, one would think that Jesus died only to make us "healthy and wealthy." They could care less about heaven and being with Jesus- they want their "rewards" NOW! Some of them (not all) are motivated completely by the opportunity of reaping ungodly gain, and have relegated the true Gospel to second class status. Most of them actually look down upon authentic, humble, poor servants of Jesus Christ as being "faith failures" for not having "wealth" and worldly "prestige." There is no room for the sick in THEIR theology- except as an easy fund generating target for their "faith" healer's division, i.e.: "sow to my ministry and God will bless you with health and wealth" hype and lies. You see, in their warped, Christian Science type theology, a "Christian" cannot remain sick, which would be a sign of a massive lack of faith! I will not mince any words. My desire is to please God, not man. GOD IS CALLING THESE APOSTATE MOVEMENTS, TO REPENTANCE! THIS IS NOT A CONDEMNATION OF INDIVIDUALS BUT IS MEANT TO BE AN EXPOSE` OF THEIR FALSE DOCTRINES...THEIR "FRUITS.")
God certainly does still heal and God does long to bless His children, but many of these "name-it-and-claim-it," health and wealth folks have taken complete liberty with God's word and are operating in a spirit of license and self-entitlement. Their "theology" interprets God's blessing to be primarily materialistic in nature and many are idolizing and worshiping "prosperity." God does certainly want to bless us and sustain us and He will always meet our needs as we trust in Him. We can ask God and even proclaim in faith for great things, as long as we are not praying out of our flesh for selfish reasons. Certainly, being prosperous is not a confirmation of our spirituality. Some that have swung the other direction have wrongly taken a vow of poverty and believe that it is wrong to be wealthy. That is also ungodly. Cutting yourself off from God's blessing is also wrong. What I am saying is that many in the Word/Faith/Prosperity camp, have gone to far, and are fixated on obtaining health and wealth instead of being focused on Jesus.
I urgently call brothers and sisters in these movements to seek the Lord and closely examine their doctrines and practices. If the discernment that I have received is from God, then we may now be seeing the fulfillment of the two ultimate signs that the Day of the Lord is at hand and the hour is very late. There is a distinct correlation between the rise of Antichrist and the massive falling away from the truth of the Gospel, which is now in full bloom.
The modern Pentecostal Movement had been a bastion of Christian holiness and power, as it was in the in the first century. Satan badly wanted to destroy or co-opt it. God's Spirit moved mightily in the early 20th century and is still moving in His remnant church. But along the way, certain delusions were introduced by some individuals that were obviously not from God. Some Pentecostals sought to duplicate and even institutionalize the way in which God spontaneously moved at certain times. Instead of repenting and genuinely seeking the face of God themselves (which is why God manifested Himself in the first place) many began copying styles, methods and performance. This has resulted in a religion of man's own making, filled with high octane hype, soulish gimmicks and religious methods instead of humbling one's self before the presence of God and abiding in Him. Soon after the early moves of God in the past century, men began to idolize the manifestations of God, even thinking that they could just conger up the manifestations. There are many that will do anything to mesmerize an audience and provoke people to give money. Manifestation of signs and wonders is still possible today but there are some that create them in order to hold people captive. Their motives are impure. Today, the fruit of their errors are in high gear. There is a genuine Pentecostal movement and there is a dangerous counterfeit, which is a part of the 'falling away' (apostasy) from the truth of the Gospel, referred to in 2 Thessalonians 2:3. While comforting the church that the Day of the Lord had not yet come, Paul prophesies that in the last days, there would come a GREAT apostasy from within the ranks of the church, which would allow THE Antichrist to come to power, who would be 'revealed,' at least to the church.
I now see clearly that these new "Word /Faith," MSOG, Dominion theology, New Wave Prophetic doctrines, that dominate much of the charismatic movement, are demonically inspired and constitute a major fulfillment of scripture. "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." (1Tim. 4:1,2). Paul warned the Thessalonians that the major signs of the dawning of the 'Day of the Lord,' (which will begin with the Rapture) would be a major 'falling away from the truth' or APOSTASIA (apostasy). Some clerics erroneously explain this as happening outside of Christianity but the context more than infers that it would happen from WITHIN THE CHURCH!
Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. 2 Thes. 2:1-4
The best bible commentaries agree (Matt. Henry, Geneva, Hill) that this 'falling away,' (from the truth of the Gospel and orthodox, biblical doctrine) would happen WITHIN the church. Matthew Henry's brilliant and inspired commentary makes it clear:
"In these words the apostle confutes the error against which he had cautioned them, and gives the reasons why they should not expect the coming of Christ as just at hand. There were several events previous to the Second Coming of Christ; in particular, he tells them there would be I. A general apostasy, and there would come a falling away first, v. 3. By this apostasy we are not to understand a defection in the state, or from civil government, but in spiritual or religious matters, from sound doctrine, instituted worship and church government, and a holy life. The apostle speaks of some very great apostasy, not only of some converted Jews or Gentiles, but such as should be very general, though gradual, and should give occasion to the revelation of rise of antichrist, that man of sin. This, he says (v. 5), he had told them of when he was with them, with design, no doubt, that they should not take offence nor be stumbled at it. And let us observe that no sooner was Christianity planted and rooted in the world than there began to be a defection in the Christian church. It was so in the Old-Testament church; presently after any considerable advance made in religion there followed a defection: soon after the promise there was revolting; for example, soon after men began to call upon the name of the Lord all flesh corrupted their way, soon After the covenant with Noah the Babel-builders bade defiance to heaven, soon after the covenant with Abraham his seed degenerated in Egypt, soon after the Israelites were planted in Canaan, when the first generation was worn off, they forsook God and served Baal, soon after God's covenant with David his seed revolted, and served other gods, soon after the return out of captivity there was a general decay of piety, as appears by the story of Ezra and Nehemiah; and therefore it was no strange thing that after the planting of Christianity there should come a falling away. II. A revelation of that man of sin, that is (v. 3), antichrist would take his rise from this general apostasy. The apostle afterwards speaks of the revelation of that wicked one (v. 8), intimating the discovery which should be made of his wickedness, in order to his ruin: here he seems to speak of his rise, which should be occasioned by the general apostasy he had mentioned, and to intimate that all sorts of false doctrines and corruptions should center in him."
I will go on to expose most of these defections from the truth that pervade these movements and why they are so dangerous. Paul definitely linked this falling away from the truth, with the consequent rise of Antichrist and then the Rapture of the church. I believe very strongly that Antichrist is in power (though obviously not yet as world ruler) and though I am NOT absolutely certain who he is, there are many holy men who have identified most (if not all) of the evil traits of Antichrist in one particular person. (SEE: 'HAS THE ANTICHRIST BEEN REVEALED') I discern that this same spirit of Antichrist is working overtime in many sectors of the church. It is manifested as 'political correctness,' that bows (pays homage, defers to) to powerful people and ministries (idolatry), rather than to God. It is the preaching of a false peace that will be the cornerstone of the government of Antichrist. Dissenters will be persecuted and that is exactly what is happening within the church. Surely one of the most heinous attributes of the Antichrist will be that "by PEACE he shall destroy many."(Dan. 8:25) Certainly we live in the time when many in the Middle East, especially in Israel, are crying out "peace, peace when there is no peace." In fact, we are living in the time when this verse will be fulfilled:
"For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, "Peace and safety!" then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. But you, brethren are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief.(1Thes.5:2-4)
It is apostasy and rampant idolatry in the church, that caused a weakening in our overall spiritual armor and has hampered the Spirit of God, to keep Antichrist from rising. It is the incorporation of New Age doctrines (spirit of Antichrist) within many sectors of Christianity that has paved the way for the government of Antichrist to arise. 'Wickedness in high places' has deceived many a sheep in various ways and levels.
I am pointing out the context of these verses so that it is clear that the great 'falling away' of Christians from the core truths of the Gospel and the rise of Antichrist are related and indicated by Paul to be the final prophetic fulfillments before the coming of the 'Day of the Lord'. (Not even to mention that Jerusalem has increasingly become the 'cup of trembling' to the world, that was prophesied in Zechariah, which is also in the context of the Day of the Lord!) We cannot interpret that all that have fallen away from the truth have lost their salvation. In the Word /Faith Movement, I believe that most of them are certainly saved but are in various levels of religious self-deception. If it was possible for Peter to be in gross religious error, who had to be corrected by Paul, then it is certainly also possible for others today of much less stature. But if you are easily fooled and smitten by men and women who preach the "gospel," who are nothing but cocky, self confident, screaming, prancing, fierce performers, then you too have been deceived and are fallen. Repent and return to your first love!
I sense an extreme urgency to proclaim what I clearly discern: that the two major prophetic events that preface the Rapture are now upon us and are intensifying (though the Antichrist himself has not "ascended" to his world ruling throne). The massive falling away from the truth of the Gospel is in full bloom throughout Christendom and the worldwide government of Antichrist is being quickly established right under our noses. A sad example in the ranks of the church of the intensifying of this falling away from the truth, is the recent "knighting" of two major "MSOG" / "New Wave" false prophets, who have been fooled into believing that "God is doing a new thing [through them]." Both Rick Joyner and Paul Cain were officially made members of the ancient (now Masonic) cult named the 'Knights of Malta.' (I sense by the Spirit that there are also others in their "prophetic" camp who have secretly joined- perhaps Benny Hinn?). They are clueless to the fact that what these occultic knights admire about them, is their mystical and supernatural preoccupation and their large and growing power base, which they can MISLEAD, deceive and captivate. Joyner even bragged that he was given the power to "knight" others! This is an indicator of just how warped their current doctrines are...it indicts them completely in that their world view is compatible with a secret Luciferic society (run from within the Vatican) that is hard at work ushering in the government of Antichrist. Both Paul and Rick have been exposed for what they really are: DANGEROUS FALSE PROPHETS who dwell on "new revelations" that don't line up with the word of God at all or in fact mean the OPPOSITE of what THEY say their prophecies and visions mean. I see this movement as being the armor bearer and spear-carrier for Word of Faith ministries. The fact that Joyner and Cain could join forces with the Knights of Malta proves that they are without godly discernment of any kind... let alone could they be God's prophets.
In the new "New Wave Prophetic Movement," there is an intoxicating and idolatrous craving for supernatural manifestations and new prophetic revelations that preys upon sheep who have the desire to feel superior (above others) and who love to have their ears tickled and their egos stroked. Some of these "prophets" have a high degree of accuracy when it comes to accurately DIVINING a person when any familiar spirit [demon] can easily "reveal" this same kind of personal information but these adepts instead credit the Holy Spirit (blasphemy). Many of them are drunk with New Age power and are extremely proud and take license in proclaiming that every vain imagination that they can dream has a prophetic meaning of some sort (even writing whole books as if revealed to them by God). They have raised themselves up to the lofty level of prophet and many hold "services" that are much more like a psychic performance than a church service. Yet many clamor for and pay dearly to hear their latest "words of Knowledge." Many of their followers lust after "being "on the cutting edge of what God is doing," and are so focused on new "prophetic" revelations, that the real word of God is relegated to second and even third place... mostly used out of context to ratify their false "prophecies." What started as a preoccupation (idolatry) of new "prophetic words," has grown into a dangerous religion, for many that are devoted to it. This movement is definitely fooling (deceiving) some of God's elect. Some listen to many of their "prophecies" or "visions" but put selective weight on it. Others are weary and discern the dangers in this movement but have fallen under the tow of peer pressure and won't voice their concerns about abuses that they discern. For many, this false movement is just another way of feeling superior, and "having prominence over others, which is the last thing that a true, humble follower of Jesus should need to feel. These people talk about discernment but they have been blinded and deceived (to various degrees) because they have departed from the truth of God's unchanging word.
The following lies and distortions of truth, are among the devil's greatest modern tactics in spreading doctrinal deception thereby damaging and defusing huge portions of the church, while protecting the controlling elite, who closely resemble the "superior" Nicolations of the early church:
Lie #1. "At all costs, you must not judge your brother," (When the Lord says "JUDGE RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT," which is NOT tantamount to CONDEMNATION. THE END RESULT OF THIS SPIRITLESS TYPE OF INTERPRETATION WOULD AVAIL US TO BECOMING ONE WITH ALL OTHER RELIGIONS AND even CULTS. WE MUST JUDGE EVERYTHING THAT WE HEAR PREACHED AS GOSPEL TRUTH TO SEE IF IT LINES UP WITH GOD'S WORD, BEFORE WE BELIEVE IT AND CONSUME IT. WE ALSO SHOULDN'T FELLOWSHIP SPIRITUALLY WITH NON-BELIEVERS, (UNEQUALLY YOKING) THIS INCLUDES FELLOWSHIPPING WITH EVEN CERTAIN SHALLOW OR DECEIVED BELIEVERS, WHICH IS ONE REASON THAT WE MUST JUDGE RIGHTEOUSLY AND WITHOUT MALICE OR CONDEMNATION. WE CERTAINLY MUST ASSOCIATE AND BE FRIENDLY WITH EVERYONE WE POSSIBLY CAN BUT WE CANNOT ENTER INTO SPIRITUAL FELLOWSHIP WITH EVERYONE. JUDGMENT is not to be made in a "superior" or denigrating fashion but always in mercy and in love, never looking down upon or being angry with anyone).
Lie #2. "Christians must never be negative- "positive message only please" (HOW COULD A PREACHER OF THE GOSPEL, POSSIBLY CALL ANYONE TO REPENTANCE IF THEY SWALLOW THIS LIE? MANY "CHRISTIANS" HAVE ALREADY BEEN BRAINWASHED NOT TO ACCEPT HOLY SPIRIT CONVICTION BECAUSE IT "FEELS BAD!" Calling people to repentance and exposing sin is not tantamount to condemnation!).
Distortion #3. "Do not touch God's anointed" (IT'S SO LIKE THE DEVIL TO TWIST GOD'S WORD TO MEAN SOMETHING ELSE. NO ONE IS ABOVE REPROOF, REBUKE OR CORRECTION- YES, IT MUST BE DONE IN LOVE BUT GOD DOESN'T SUGAR COAT ANYTHING! WHEN THEY HIDE BEHIND THIS SCRIPTURE, IT ONLY CONFIRMS THE FACT THAT THEY FANCY THEMSELVES AS KINGS, EVEN AS "gods." MANY NEW, SELF PROCLAIMED "APOSTLES," OPERATE IN A SPIRIT OF PHARAOH [domineering, controlling, manipulative, preventing God's children from entering the Promised Land.)
Distortion #4. "Anyone with his brother's blood on his sword will not enter the kingdom of heaven." (REPROOF, REBUKE AND CORRECTION, ARE NOT MURDER! CERTAIN APOSTATES HAVE TWISTED THIS WORD TO DEMONIZE ANYONE WHO EXPOSES THEIR APOSTATE DOCTRINES AND PRACTICES AND THREATENS THEIR "$KINGDOMS$" [The counterattacks that I have heard from these "pacifists" make my skin crawl! Some of them have prophesied death over their "critics."])
Distortion #5. "But it's not loving or Christ like to criticize a brother." (That's true if that's ALL that a person is doing. But exposing dangerous doctrines that can destroy the body and dishonor the Lord, and holding people responsible for what they teach and preach is ABSOLUTELY LOVING, NECESSARY AND BIBLICAL. The Lord COMMANDS us to warn and MARK them, IF NECESSARY, "REBUKE THEM SHARPLY" Titus 1:13).
"Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them, which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine, which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple." Romans 16:17
Remember, Paul confronted and rebuked Peter: "I WITHSTOOD HIM [PETER] TO HIS FACE, BECAUSE HE WAS TO BE BLAMED...BUT WHEN I SAW THAT THEY WERE NOT STRAIGHTFORWARD ABOUT THE TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL, I SAID TO PETER BEFORE THEM ALL..." (Galatians 2:11). Though Peter was rebuked and humbled before his entire "congregation," the formerly explosive and tenacious Peter went on to deeply appreciate Paul and his doctrinal teaching: "and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures." (2Peter 3:15,16). In Titus, there is a strong indication that Paul rebuked Peter, "SHARPLY," in that Paul is addressing the exact same "Jewish fables and commandments" that he had once rebuked Peter about: "Therefore REBUKE THEM SHARPLY, that they may be sound in the faith, not giving heed to Jewish fables and COMMANDMENTS OF MEN WHO TURN AWAY FROM THE TRUTH...THEY PROFESS TO KNOW GOD, BUT IN WORKS THEY DENY HIM...Titus 1:13,14,16.
Even many Christian leaders today, no longer understand the important doctrinal teachings of Paul or are simply ignoring them. Without the firm rebuke by the Apostle Paul, only heaven knows if the church would have survived the first century or not! Peter was causing division in the body even though it seems as though Paul was the only one who discerned that something was drastically wrong and "withstood" against Peter "TO HIS FACE," in front of everyone, all by himself! IT IS NOT THE TRUTH NOR THOSE WHO PROCLAIM IT THAT ARE CAUSING THE DIVISION, IT IS THOSE WHO ARE DISOBEYING GOD AND HIS WORD WHO ARE CAUSING DIVISION, IT DOESN'T MATTER HOW MANY PEOPLE FOLLOW THEM WITHOUT QUESTION OR HOW "POPULAR" THEY ARE. IF THEY ARE PREACHING DANGEROUS DOCTRINES OR SPOUTING FALSE PROPHECY, THEY NEED TO BE CONFRONTED BY WHOEVER GOD CHOOSES TO DO SO (perhaps many). IF THEY REPENT, THEY CAN RECEIVE GRACE AND BE RESTORED, BUT NOT UNTIL THAT TIME.
The ones who are truly 'causing division' in the body are those who have perverted God's word for their own selfish gain and must be confronted. The word of God is a sword that "rightly divides" the truth from that which is false. God's truth will divide the sheep from the goats and those who resist the truth may find this process, painful. There are four major directions in which born again Christians (or those who claim to be) are proceeding. I see a small remnant that is obedient and seasoned, that are growing in God's grace and power and in their love and passion for Jesus... knowing the depths of His word. The second group (large portion of evangelicals) is embracing a watered down, powerless, compromised, and often psychologized form of "Christianity." The third group is stuck in varying degrees of a legalistic mode of self-righteousness and pharisaical practices. Some have religious spirits that cause them to project a false superiority. These minister allot of condemnation and try to enslave people into tedious, religion. Some of these are extreme fundamentalists who have no idea of what God's grace is all about. Some of this type, will condemn you, if you use anything but the King James Bible (a version that I also love but would never call "the only inspired translation." Though there are some pretty bad, new translations, including the NIV!) The last distinct group, (4th) have become rich, elite, licentious power brokers, who think nothing of creating new doctrines and perverting God's word to justify their own lust and greed.
"WOE TO THEM! FOR THEY HAVE GONE IN THE WAY OF CAIN, HAVE RUN GREEDILY IN THE ERROR OF BALAAM FOR PROFIT, AND PERISHED IN THE REBELLION OF KORAH. THESE ARE SPOTS IN YOUR LOVE FEASTS, WHILE THEY FEAST WITH YOU WITHOUT FEAR, SERVING ONLY THEMSELVES...THESE ARE GRUMBLERS, COMPLAINERS, WALKING ACCORDING TO THEIR OWN LUSTS; AND THEY MOUTH GREAT SWELLING WORDS, FLATTERING PEOPLE TO GAIN ADVANTAGE. BUT YOU, BELOVED, REMEMBER THE WORDS WHICH WERE SPOKEN BEFORE BY THE APOSTLES OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST: HOW THEY TOLD YOU THAT THERE WOULD BE MOCKERS IN THE LAST TIME WHO WOULD WALK ACCORDING TO THEIR OWN UNGODLY LUSTS. THESE ARE SENSUAL PERSONS, WHO CAUSE DIVISIONS..." (Jude 11,12,16-19).
"But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber... having eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease from sin, enticing unstable souls. THEY HAVE A HEART TRAINED IN COVETOUS PRACTICES, and are accursed children. They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; but he was rebuked for his iniquity: a dumb donkey speaking with a man's voice restrained the madness of the prophet. These are wells without water; clouds carried by a tempest, for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever. For when they speak great swelling words of emptiness, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage. For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them." (2 Peter 1-3, 14-21)
"Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from good will: The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice." (Phil. 1:15-18)
In 2nd Thessalonians 2, there is a major prophetic revelation of a major indicator of the 'gathering' of the saints, or the RAPTURE, as it is well known. In verse 3, Paul states that " for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first..." The term, 'falling away,' is translated from the word 'apostasia.' It more than infers a rebellion from the doctrine and practices which that future church once knew. John Gill says it this way: "[apostasy] in a religious sense, of the falling of men from the faith of the Gospel, from the purity of Gospel doctrines, discipline, worship, and ordinances; and this not of some Jews who professed faith in Christ, and departed from it, or of some Christians who went off to the Gnostics..."
Matthew Henry makes it crystal clear from what quarters this apostasy originates:
"By this apostasy we are not to understand a defection in the state, or from civil government, but in spiritual or religious matters, from sound doctrine, instituted worship and church government, and a holy life. The apostle speaks of some very great apostasy, not only of some converted Jews or Gentiles, but such as should be very general, though gradual, and should give occasion to the revelation of rise of antichrist, that man of sin."
With great sorrow, I have come to the conclusion that the apostasies found in faith movement doctrines and practices glaringly indicate a massive 'falling away' from the truth of the Gospel. I AM NOT saying that they aren't saved (only God knows for sure about any one of us) but I strongly believe that many of them are operating in doctrines of demons and are on dangerous ground. We are now in the midst of the greatest apostasy to ever affect the church, although Faith Movement leaders believe that they are "in the greatest revival the world has ever seen." The coming of the Lord can't be far off!
A major common root of error in these strange, 20th century spiritual anomalies, known as the Word of Faith / MSOG "prosperity gospel," emerged from false prophecies in major Pentecostal/ Charismatic meetings, back in the '40's and '50's. "Dominion theology," "Manifest Sons of God" and "Reconstrucionism," is the cornerstone of their spiritually and biblically bankrupt theological idol. God has called us to know and walk in the Full Gospel of Jesus, which does not relegate the power and work of God's Spirit to yester-year, but what the Faith Movement crowd has done, is to manufacture a whole new theology that tickles their ears and indulges their flesh and their greedy, selfish natures but is a far cry from biblical orthodoxy. In fact, their extra-biblical beliefs and perversions of scripture emanate from New Age beliefs... not orthodox Christianity. The top "theologians" of this movement actually create a whole different Jesus, than our holy and divine Christ, who personally bought and finished our salvation on the cross of Calvary. You will see by their own brazen admissions just how different their "jesus" is. Their "jesus" is clearly NOT God Almighty manifested in the flesh. Just like New Age adepts, the most prominent leaders in this movement actually teach and believe that they are also "little gods," who brazenly proclaim that they are as much a manifestation of God as Jesus was." Please read on...
The basic premise of Dominion Theology is that Christ cannot return until the church "rises up" to take complete dominion over this present world and the "kingdom" is in place. It actually espouses the mandatory establishment of a worldwide theocracy, before Christ can return! (So much for "waiting and watching"). This doctrinal delusion actually plays into the hands of other major deluded religions (not to mention Satan) that are also set to usher in a new religious, unified "order." These demonic doctrines are responsible for the brazen arrogance and worldly indulgences that presently define many Faith Movement ministries who are busy building vast worldly empires, designed of course, to "take the world for Christ." But a small problem arises for them in the form of, "MY KINGDOM IS NOT OF THIS WORLD." The Kingdom of God is within everyone who has been born again and is manifested SPIRITUALLY within the TRUE body BUT WILL NOT MANIFEST AS A SOCIO-POLITICAL, WORLD WIDE POWER, UNTIL CHRIST HIMSELF RETURNS TO EARTH, TO RULE FOR 1000 (THE MILLENNIUM) YEARS AS THE BIBLE STATES, "WITH A ROD OF IRON." Their goal of changing and ruling society prior to Christ" return, is demonic doctrine... extremely dangerous. If their motives were pure and not chock full of HYPE, high-octane methods and self-serving pandering, they would be reaching millions more FOR CHRIST than what they have reached for themselves.
Many of those who are embracing Dominion Theology have radically changed their long held beliefs about Christ's return for His church. Some of them now condescend to good, simple folk who still believe in the pre-Tribulational Rapture of the church... and the IMMENENCY of Christ's return. People like Pat Robertson actually believe that the church will go through the Tribulation (the part of it that received Christ AFTER the Rapture will certainly go through it! Perhaps that body will contain many whom thought they were "Christians"but in actuality were deluded and deceived!). Though I believe that the church is already suffering persecution, (some comes from other "Christians") and may go through an intense time of persecution before Jesus comes for us. HOWEVER, GOD HAS PROMISED THAT HE WILL NEVER POUR OUT HIS WRATH UPON HIS CHILDREN! The Tribulation will be a time of God's systematic judgment and HIS WRATH being poured out upon mankind. I believe that millions will then receive Christ, having previously heard the Gospel but who won't receive the Lord until their world literally falls apart. They are destined, for martyrdom, just like the martyrs in the early church.
What a slick and powerful deception (doctrines of demons) the devil has created by using and twisting God's own word to mean something entirely different than what God intended. Anything can become an idol, especially if you pervert it, like the way in which many "Word of Faith" teachers have redefined what faith really is. (It really smacks of the same kind of word-smithing and word parsing that our illustrious president found in the way he reinterpreted the word "IS.") They are teaching that faith is some "universal force" that must work according to the user's invocation. These teachers arrogantly teach others to "put their faith in faith," as a "force," which must work for them as they speak whatever they want into existence. Ken Hagin and Ken Copeland teach that "faith is a universal force" that can be used by anyone (even non-Christians)! I proclaim to you that any "faith" outside of FAITH IN JESUS, is counterfeit and dangerous! They also teach that we have the same power in our words to create that Jesus had, but this is a major perversion of truth. WE ARE NOT GODS! God can speak His word through us (prophetic word) but NOT in the twisted way in which "faith" teachers are teaching it. Copeland, Hinn and others encourage people to chant "I am, I am, I am..." like some New Age mantra, as if WE are Christ. This resembles dangerous, New Age religious teaching, not biblical Christianity. We must not teach that we can have whatever we selfishly proclaim (our hearts must be purely motivated) or whatever we can vainly imagine because what is happening in the "Faith Movement," is that many people are indulging their selfish, vain imaginations and creating a reality that is soulish hype, to say the least. At the worst, this becomes high-octane manipulation- a craft in the hands of a religious person. When this is fully indulged, this doctrine can actually turn into the practice of shamanism... charismatic witchcraft. Yes, many of these ministries are "prospering," and God is allowing them to store up great wealth and live lavishly but that is NOT God's will for us in these last days. "SO NOW WE CALL THE PROUD BLESSED, FOR THOSE WHO DO WICKEDNESS ARE RAISED UP; THEY EVEN TEMPT GOD AND GO FREE." (Malachi 3:15).
There are direct comparisons between ancient, apostate Israel and the apostasy that is presently rampant in these movements. The primary comparison is the primary motivation of their hearts: "EVRYONE IS GIVEN TO COVETOUSNESS; FROM THE PROPHET EVEN TO THE PRIEST EVERYONE DEALS FALSELY FOR THEY HAVE HEALED THE HURT OF MY PEOPLE SLIGHTLY, SAYING PEACE, PEACE, WHEN THERE IS NO PEACE." The extra-biblical doctrines of this "Word of Faith" heresy, were created by the master deceiver and though they claim to be grounded and established in the "word," they have actually attempted to grind and hone a "word" of their own making, A FALSE WORD. They use God's word to validate THEIR theologies and agendas. THE CORE DOCTRINES OF THE FAITH MOVEMENT COMPRISE A COUNTERFEIT GOSPEL... 'A DIFFERENT GOSPEL.' "I MARVEL THAT YOU ARE TURNING AWAY SO SOON FROM HIM WHO CALLED YOU IN THE GRACE OF CHRIST, TO A DIFFERENT GOSPEL, WHICH IS NOT ANOTHER; BUT THERE ARE SOME WHO TROUBLE YOU AND WANT TO PERVERT THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST. BUT EVEN IF WE, OR AN ANGEL FROM HEAVEN, PREACH ANY OTHER GOSPEL TO YOU THAN WHAT WE HAVE PREACHED TO YOU, LET HIM BE ACCURSED!" (Galatians 1:6-8). Paul accentuated this by repeating this warning in verse 9 and uses the strongest possible language to impress its vital importance. The "Word of Faith / MSOG gospel," IS NOT Paul's gospel! Oh yes, they may also preach parts of the real Gospel but most of them emphasize and showcase, THEIR own false Gospel to varying apostate degrees, mostly for the purpose of obtaining ungodly gain. They actually preach TWO different gospels and quickly transition from one gospel to the other at will, without even blinking an eye. The scripture does confirm that it IS more than possible to preach the Gospel for the wrong motives. Today, we would say that they have an "AGENDA," that isn't pure! "Merchandising" is a big idol in these circles as well because people clamor for information about how God can "make them rich." You'll hear them often refer to their tapes, books and CDs that they hawk at exorbitant prices as "product." They often manifest the most self-deserving, cocky spirit as they hawk their "products" at outlandishly high prices.
The great shame in what they preach and the plan of the devil is to substitute a counterfeit "word" for the real word and the interpretation thereof. What is now happening in places and in people that have totally fallen and absorbed these false doctrines, is a FAMINE OF THE REAL, UNCOMPROMISED WORD OF GOD. So without God's protective covering, they are falling for even MORE deception. However, some others in the movement are realizing just how depraved it is and are repenting and coming out (i.e.: Jim Bakker, of course God had to practically end his life in order to spare it. Bakker now preaches against these evil doctrines but the Faith Movement leaders are trying to muzzle him). A great wave of repentance and revival in this camp has only just begun. More will fall under extreme spiritual conviction and fear of the Lord and will repent before too long!
The other major perversion of truth that is prevalent in certain Pentecostal circles, and rampant in the Faith Movement, revolves around "restoration" of "apostolic authority." I certainly believe that God anoints people to lead as preachers, teachers and evangelists but those who fixate religiously upon the apostolic, seem to have great desire to have power and dominion over others. I believe that there are great men of God who have functioned in the office of apostle and prophet since the second chapter of Acts...many who went unrecognized as such by the "official church." I believe that the exact same thing is happening today. That there are many who operate in an apostolic office, but who are so humble that they are not recognized as such by other "hierarchy." I would feel the same way because the only "recognition" that I need comes from God! You would think that a true "apostle" would exude the greatest Christ-like qualities (love, humbleness, gentleness, prudence etc.) but what I see in many modern day, self proclaimed "apostles" and "prophets," is tremendous pride, licentiousness, self indulgence and an idolatrous focus on "apostolic authority," instead of an intense focus on Jesus. Perhaps claiming a title in Christendom inflates their egos and their abilities to draw people and funds but what this indicates is a massive power trip and drive to control others? There are many in the last days church who are really motivated by the pervasive spirit in the world today, which is "looking out for #1." Like the Pharisees of old, there are many in the modern church that desire to have PROMINENCE AMONG US. There are many that are driven by selfish ambition
