WORSHIPING 'STYLE' RATHER THAN GOD/ SPIRIT OF FLATTERIES/ JOEL OSTEEN
continued from homepage 2:
What is not subtle at all is the abject compromise of the Gospel found in the current popular seeker movements, which utilize grossly worldly tactics as they appeal to and attract the masses. They purposely water down the Gospel in order to appeal to the least common denominator and thus not "offend" seekers with the Gospel or Biblical truth. They bow to marketing techniques and pop psychology, which is ABHORENT to God. The "Purpose Driven Church" is dangerous to Christendom, as well as the Willow Creek model and Robert Shuller's feel-good "gospel," all of which represent the preaching of a formulized mixture, or neo-gnostic; "mind over matter," conjured 'positivism' (Shuller in particular makes being "positive" the cornerstone for the purpose of legitimizing their selfish desires and bringing them into existence, thereby demonizing "judgmentalism" of their apostasies, which is designed by Satan to protect those ministries who spew such unbiblical doctrines) that is not pleasing to God at all. It doesn't surprise me that Schuller takes credit for being the father of the modern mega-church movement. It also comes as no surprise that Schuller is a high-ranking Freemason (a Gnostic cultic secret society) that penetrates protestant denominations with the goal of destroying and derailing the true work of God. Schuller's mentor was Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, another 33rd degree Mason/ Gnostic cultist. Schuller and Peale pioneered the counterfeit "Happy talk" gospel. We elaborate on all of this later.
The current "rising star" of evangelical "happy talk" is Joel Osteen. This video rightly discerns the extremely subtle, yet dangerously deceptive "happy talk gospel." It is nothing more than a repackaged "prosperity" and Christianized "positivism" amalgamation heresy. Some critics accuse Joel Osteen's preaching as being nearly void of Christ. Though Joel says it so "sweetly" so that millions have their ears tickled and are spiritually seduced to become 'followers of Joel':
On Larry King Live, Osteen basically denied the basic premise of the Gospel: that Jesus is the only Way to God. When asked repeatedly "who was going to heaven," Osteen refused to state the simple, Biblical fact that ALL true Christians need not fear, tremble, equivocate, deny, change etc. because to do so is to deny Christ! When a man who supposedly preaches the Gospel refuses to answer basic questions concerning Christian doctrine, that man is a danger to all who might hear him. He is a phony. No matter how sweet and motivational he might be, he is toxic to the body of Christ! The media and pop-Christianity loves Joel Osteen because he is recreating the Gospel into his own image! His main focus is "positivism" not Jesus and His Word! I even heard him answer critics about his penchant toward abandoning doctrine by giving a lame excuse that amounted to saying that doctrine wasn't important. Oh...the devil loves to promote such a preacher!
The worst and most dangerous high-octane apostasy is being spread by the "Word/Faith" Movement heresy adepts... the followers of Kenneth Hagin, Ken Copeland, Benny Hinn, Crefflo Dollar and their likes. They are touting a dangerous mixture that appeals to the flesh of the highly compromised, self-entitled religiously proud and arrogant type of believer. They seek and worship spiritual manifestations and have created a highly formulized (GNOSTIC) "gospel", which is the worst kind of counterfeit because to the unsaved it seems so obviously phony and ludicrous (as it does to most Evangelicals). We call it the "Simonization" of the Gospel, as they primarily seek supernatural power and manifestations (or create or manipulate them) for the purpose of validating their "ministries." Many of these are actually practicing a type of witchcraft (charismatic witchcraft) because they seek to create and manipulate reality for their own selfish $reasons$ and invoke unholy spirits to do their bidding. This represents the most insidious perversion of our Christian Faith because they speak the "word" and invoke many biblical concepts but then twist them to their own liking. The major sign of one of these "Faith" counterfeits is that they promote and command you to put your faith in faith (as if it were some "universal force) instead of putting your faith ONLY in Jesus Christ. They basically preach a DIFFERENT JESUS than our True Lord and Savior. The devil uses this false movement to smear all true disciples while attempting to derail the true work of God. Most of the non-charismatic Evangelical church has become allergic to the genuine gifts of the Holy Spirit and to true spiritual worship because of the gross abuses found in the Counterfeit Revival/ Faith Movement. We have many articles that go in depth on this subject as well.
What has become crystal clear to those with spiritual discernment is the plethora of deception that is infecting the greater evangelical church through the Willow Creek type "seeker" movement. Bill Hybels theology is a cobbled mixture. But what is much more disturbing is the fact that Willow Creek leadership, and Rick Warren have been resourcing, using, and spreading Gnostic, Catholic mysticism under the guise of how to really know God!
Jesus is seeking worshipers who really want to know Him, walk with Him, and worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. The true Gospel is simple and requires us to accept Him as little children, yet so powerful. We are compelled by the love of Jesus to spread His message and blow the trumpet of warning in the camp. In these last days, many born-again Christians are being confused and misled by various ploys of Satan. Most evangelicals have already accepted the politically correct paradigm (spirit of Antichrist) that the making of any kind of judgment is "unchristian" when it is absolutely necessary to make crucial spiritual discernments and cling to Jesus our Rock during these dangerous end-times.
Many are worshiping style, appearance, trends, and "success" instead of following, and adoring Jesus! They fear offending the unchurched and being accused of being too "negative" or "fundamentalist" and so many now preach and teach whatever tickles the ears of the masses. They are preaching and practicing a type of cultural Christianity the Apostle Paul warned us about ("having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof" 2 Timothy 3:5) that is hollow and phony. They are merely going through the motions, and are Christian in name only. Many of these create a "christianity" (what I call 'churchianity') out of their own vain imaginations and mix it with all sorts of New Age philosophy. Many are superficial, materialistic, and worldly. They judge others and have fellowship on the basis of appearance, social standing, and personality (instead of true Christ-centered fellowship). Many unconsciously practice a neo-Calvinism in which they inwardly believe that they are better than others. They seek others of their own social niche and call it "Christian fellowship". Jesus called such superficial people hypocrites, and several other colorful names. In confrontative Christian love, we call the worst of these "Muppies," (Modern Urban Pharisees) "Stepford Christians," "cultural Christians, or "pseudo -evangelicals" who at best believe that maintaining the right pious, successful, "positive image" is most indicative of being a "Christian". The most flagrant of these are slick counterfeit Christians who are merely using Christianity as a front for their own selfish agendas. They create, represent and foster a cultural type of "christianity" that can sound like, and even look like godliness at times, but is void of the Holy Spirit and is starving for authentic application of God's Word.
Born-again Christians who proclaim God's Truth have long been routinely demonized in the world, and now, even pseudo-evangelicals are joining that vicious crowd against "fundamentalists" simply because we preach the Truth of the Word and are calling the church to repentance.
These cultural Christians (either immature or counterfeit) have accepted the enemy's phony accusations (political correctness) and characterizations made against true Bible-believers, as a militant apostasy (falling away from the Truth of the Gospel) assails Christendom. The "seeker" movement has brainwashed millions into believing that only an artificially saccharin, prissy, "positive only gospel" is acceptable, as if preaching the truth was demonic and negative. Granted, there are some fundamentalists who preach out of anger and hatred but the "seeker movement" has negatively affected the evangelical church by preaching a watered-down "gospel" design The Lord has promised to abide in those who worship Him in Spirit and in Truth and He seeks those who will. Only those who have been born again and are regenerated by God's indwelling Spirit, can begin to know God intimately and receive the deepest revelation of His Word. Jesus said that His Spirit "would lead us into ALL truth" ...into His very presence. It is impossible to live the Christian life that Jesus has called us to, without abiding (living) in Jesus. The Bible says that we 'live by the faith of the Son of God,' NOT by our own feeble faith. This kind of supernatural relationship with Jesus can only happen by seeking Him diligently with all abandon so that Jesus can live through us. Jesus will not abide where He is not wanted! Many strive to live the Christian life in their own strength when it is about surrendering completely to Jesus that is of utmost importance (To obey is better than sacrifice!) JESUS WANTS YOU! NOT "YOUR WORKS"!.
OUR MESSAGE HAS INTENSIFIED BECAUSE WE DISCERN THAT THE DAY OF THE LORD IS AT HAND! JESUS IS AT THE DOOR AND ABOUT TO COME FOR HIS BRIDE! PRAISE GOD!
Most of the Evangelical church is falling away from Biblical Christianity and are busy substituting all sorts of ungodly philosophies and even demonic doctrines in it's place. The scriptures have thoroughly warned us that this would happen in the last days! Most are neglecting His Word to varying degrees. Some Evangelicals act as though they are embarrassed by God's Word let alone obey it, and no longer know the power of it in their daily lives. Most have no idea what it means to truly follow, and abide IN Christ though He referred to Himself as our LIVING TEMPLE, nor do they have much desire to do so. Millions pay ceremonial homage to the King of Kings or display some form of appreciation for Christianity but have never personally received Jesus as Lord and Savior. In one recent broadcast, Dr. James Kennedy made jaws drop in his congregation as he openly estimated that over half of the people present in his church that day were not born-again! (Do many other preachers have the courage, love and honesty to tell their congregations such necessary discernments?) As Jesus said, not all who call Him 'Lord' are really His. Many will stand before Jesus on judgment day claiming that they did great "works" in His name only to hear:
"DEPART FROM ME FOR I NEVER KNEW YOU!"
There are a few major strains of apostasy that are infecting Christendom in these last days that are deluding, deceiving, and derailing believers. All of these strains are inspired and encouraged by demons in some way, but some are more dangerously deceptive, and seductive than others.
The spiritual state of the modern Evangelical church is found in the churches that Jesus judged in Revelation 2 and 3 as needing to repent. The first and most prevalent type of compromise is rooted in a distinct falling away from the Truth of the Gospel, which has led to a loss of love and devotion to Jesus. Many churches are like the church at Ephesus whose love had gone COLD (brrrrr). One of the deceptions that have arisen out of this cold love is the modern ecumenical push to "come together" with highly compromised believers when the Lord has commanded us NOT to be unequally yoked together with them. Many describe a large portion of the Evangelical church as being like the Laodicean church that was spit out of His mouth because it was neither hot nor cold. But certainly other parts resemble the dead church of Sardis, and includes entire denominations that have long since departed from genuine Christian Faith (though there is even a remnant left in those).
Another major vein of compromise is a Gnostic type of philosophy rooted in the creation of an ungodly mixture with modern psychology, ancient gnosticism, and even Catholic mysticism, which is exactly the mixture being foisted by the highest levels of the Willow Creek Church, as exposed by a former teacher. It is a subtle perversion of the Gospel as it attempts to diminish Christianity to a mind-over-matter, self-help philosophy, rather than a supernatural, life-changing, encounter with God Almighty. Another ungodly mixture is the gospel according to the Rev. Schuler (Dr. Feelgood/ who inherited it from his mentor Dr. Norman Vincent Peale [both high-ranking Freemasons]) of the Crystal Cathedral," which has infected almost all of the Evangelical Church to some extent. It has spread the preaching of a "positive only" gospel designed not to offend people, but rather to make them "feel good" about themselves and "justify their ego trips". Shuller and Peale's gospel mixture laid the foundation for the modern "seeker" movement (which has practices and fruits that are mixed). This perversion of the Gospel resembles the church of Pergamos that was rebuked for incorporating the Gnostic teachings of the Nicolations and for holding the “doctrine of Balaam.”
Speaking of Balaam... Balaam was the diviner who was hired by Balak to curse God's chosen people; someone who had the satanic "power to curse." Word of Faith adepts believe erroneously that whatever we speak is what we bring into existence. This third major wave has corrupted most of the Pentecostal/ Charismatic movement, which had previously posed a major threat to Satan. Satan found a way to seduce many leaders into a counterfeit spiritual power (I call it "Simonization", [Simon the magician wanted the power to do miracles but had no need for Jesus]) by appealing to their senses, and emotions. Simon is credited by some researchers (including occult historians like Albert Pike) as being the founder of an ancient strain of Gnosticism that survives to this day among esoteric groups, which claimed to have "secret knowledge." The "secret knowledge" that they possess closely resembles the "knowledge" that Satan the snake revealed to Eve in the garden that leads humanity to believe it can "become like gods". It is "knowledge" inspired by demons, that demons are only so happy to empower. It comes as no surprise that the gnostic adepts of the "Word of Faith" branch of apostasy believe that they are "little gods." To believe and practice such doctrines is to practice witchcraft. The "Word of Faith" club is like Shullerism on steroids. "Possibility thinking", is nothing compared to "name-it-and-claim-it" shamanism. They believe that their words have universal power to create and bring forth whatever they proclaim, (positive confession cult) whether good or bad. This group takes great license to indulge in covetousness and greed, pretending it is all based upon righteous, Biblical doctrine. They embody the error of both Pergamos and Thyratira, which bowed to Jezebel the whore who was seducing Christians. Spiritual fornication is taking place in this insidiously licentious movement. This is Satan's greatest coup because through it he has pre-empted and co-opted an important portion of the church that used to be holy and powerful in Spirit, which had formerly posed the greatest threat to the devil. The Word/ Faith Movement is the most slick, yet dangerous apostasy. Satan ensnared them by appealing to their greed, arrognace and self-entitlement.
As found in Matthew 25, Jesus is coming for a bride who is WAITING AND WATCHING...and...WHOSE LAMPS (inner being) ARE FULL OF THE OIL OF THE HOLY GHOST! REMEMBER...5 of the 10 virgins were left behind because they weren't passionately watching (ready) for the Bridegroom! There is only ONE WAY to be ready for the Day of the Lord... to genuinely seek the Lord, repent of your sins, receive Jesus and thus His indwelling Spirit...abide in His Word, fall in love with Jesus, surrender completely to Him, trust Him entirely with your life, and follow Him DAILY! IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO DO THIS BASED ON YOUR OWN STRENGTH OR WILL POWER... JESUS WILL LIVE IN YOU AND TRHOUGH YOU IF YOU ABIDE IN HIM! HE WILL THEN GIVE YOU HIS SPIRIT, HIS STRENGTH AND HIS WILL POWER TO DO HIS WILL! JESUS WILL REVEAL HIMSELF TO THOSE WHO SINCERELY AND DILIGENTLY SEEK HIM!
So... what is standing in the way of His will being accomplished in your life? Of course- it is mostly your doubt and fear that prevents this from happening. Every individual will be held accountable for what they did with God’s Truth. Then there is the church, and those who lead the flock astray for their own selfish gain. They will be held accountable for others as well as themselves.
Many modern Evangelicals have been thoroughly misled to believe that “Christian unity” means that we are never to question or examine the teachings and fruits of other Christians, when Jesus and the Apostles tell us that it is absolutely necessary to do so or you can be led astray. Many have unilaterally decided that sound, Biblical doctrine is no longer important for the trendy, modern church, but rather that incorporating and projecting the right worldly style and image that appeals to the masses is most important. The post-modern age dictates that all ideologies, religions, and people's emotions are "equal" and deserve to be "validated" regardless of how wrong they might be, and this is becoming main-stream thought in the church as well. The extreme sentiment that we mustn't hurt anyone's "FEELINGS" now dictates the direction and message of the church. Certainly we shouldn't intentionally hurt anyone but the preaching of the Truth will sting those who are not living according to the Word. Many are so compromised that normal spiritual conviction "feels" like a hammer to them. Instead of seeking God and His forgiveness, they demonize the messenger. Making "judgments" is absolutely forbidden in their ideology in which those who "judge" others or claim absolute truth are labeled as being "intolerant," and summarily condemned. Biblical Christianity is #1 on their intolerance hit list and most of the Evangelical church is already bowing to this spirit of Antichrist by watering down the Gospel so as not to "offend" them.
Not offending people has especially become a major fixation of the trendy, "seeker church." Expository preaching and the teaching of God's Word has been largely replaced with nifty storytelling, (which may sometimes be loosely based on a few scriptures), and slick entertainment. Marketing techniques and psychology are used by most ministries to evoke the response that they want to achieve (outcome-based religion = manipulation). Satan's tactics for infiltrating the church; co-opting, and defusing leadership, have led many Evangelicals in the absolutely wrong direction. Most "Evangelical" leaders are now really neo-Evangelicals (Evangelical in name mostly). Others can easily be said to be quasi-Evangelical, while a few are really pseudo-Evangelical. They all pay homage to popular movements and the latest popular fads while losing primary devotion to Jesus and His Word. Most "Evangelicals" today would find the orthodox teachings of Moody, Finney, Spurgeon, Ironsides, Wesley, Murray, Chambers, and F.B. Meyer to be repulsively "fundamentalist". If you're an Evangelical and you don't know who they are...hopefully, you just got the point! Some of the most visible leadership of Evangelical Christendom today has been seduced, deceived, and compromised to varying levels.
We MUST examine the fruits and teachings of whatever ministry we listen to and reject that which does not line up with God's Word. We must ALL seek audience with our King daily- living in vital union with Him and walking in His Presence. Heavy dependence upon clergy that is all too willing to spiritually spoon-feed the flock (mostly milk instead of meat) is not enough to nurture a relationship with Jesus. The idolization of Christian leaders is now so great that to "criticize" a certain teaching of a well-known minister is to bring harsh and unrighteous judgment against that person. NO MINISTER'S PREACHING OR TEACHING IS ABOVE OR BEYOND EXAMINATION AND CORRECTION. THERE IS NO RESPECT OF PERSONS IN THE BODY OF CHRIST. NO MINISTER IS SACROSANCT.
Affluenza (gross materialism and love of money) has so infected most of the church that some who have achieved great worldly success and credentials, but who are spiritually bankrupt, are wrongly appointed to church leadership. A worldly and carnal mentality pervades the body of Christ, particularly in the area of bowing to image and the monied elite. That type of 'bowing to powers,' has become epidemic in these last days and is indicative of the strengthening of the spirit of Antichrist, which is rising in the world, and deeply affecting the church. (The major example of this is the advent and establishment of political correctness that has swept our world. It emanates from a demonic, spiritual "New World Order" that is ushering in the kingdom of Antichrist at break-neck speed). Examining the fruit of Christians for the purpose of leadership often goes no deeper than to see if they project the right polished "IMAGE," and have the right social "pedigree." A pervasive, elitist caste system operates in most churches, where elites that have achieved worldly success and position are unbiblically deferred to by lackeys who long to have their approval. Many in the church are blinded by those with money and "SUCCESS." A perverse, Calvinist type of theology that equates worldly "success" with being an obvious sign of God's blessing upon that person, plagues the Evangelical church. By bowing to the idol of "image," and "success" the church has fallen into grievous error... even apostasy. A worldly church that incorporates such idolatry soon loses its way. All teaching and the fruits produced (practices) must be exposed to the light of spiritual and Biblical discernment so that the body is not led astray. Many times it is not what they say, but rather what they are doing that is antithetical to the Gospel. Sometimes, it is what they WON'T say that damages the body and dishonors the Lord. When ministers won't repent from the preaching of dangerous doctrines and/or evil practices, the Bible is clear that they must be identified (marked) as being dangerous to other believers:
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark (identify) 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 16:17,18
These discernments are controversial to many people and greatly offend marginal believers. If these discernments anger you, we lovingly encourage you to consider that you have been convicted by God's Spirit or by your own conscience. Professed followers of Jesus, must ALWAYS compare and examine our own doctrines, beliefs, and practices in the light of God's Word. We live in an era of increased spiritual seduction, as a Jezebel spirit seduces throngs of shallow Christians to believe in doctrines of demons. Christians are compelled by God's Word to make discernments, ("judgments") though we are not allowed to condemn individuals, or harbor malice toward anyone. Our motivation must be out of love- a love that is willing to confront and offend if necessary, which the Bible describes as 'contending earnestly for the Faith'. The most loving thing we can often do is to warn others about dangerous beliefs and practices that can harm or derail their walk with God. We MUST carefully examine the teachings of any ministry we listen to, and make sure that it is Biblically sound.
The characteristics of the churches that Jesus rebuked in Revelation, are clearly found in the 21st century church today. Jesus explicitly warned us in Matthew 24 about the evil nature of these last days, and that we should be diligent not to be deceived by false prophets, error and lawlessness. The state of the modern church today is suffering for a return to Biblical orthodoxy and purity. Dave Hunt has detailed the deceptions facing the church today, and preaches that it is in desperate need of correction. Too few ministries are willing in this age of political correctness, to identify errant and dangerous doctrines and practices in the church, let alone identify all of the external evils that become flaming arrows targeted against Jesus and His true church. In the Spirit of contending earnestly for the Faith, this ministry will not hold back that which God has shown us and commanded us to expose. The Apostle Paul devoted major portions of his epistles to warning God's people about the dangers of embracing wrong doctrine, dead rituals, ungodly teachers; the acceptance and the practice of sin in the church. Scripture DEMANDS and COMPELS us to:
PREACH THE WORD! Be ready in season and out of season. CONVINCE, REBUKE, EXHORT, WITH ALL LONGSUFFERING AND TEACHING. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. 2 Timothy 4:2-5
We proclaim these messages in hope to open the eyes of some of the blind to see exactly how extremely late the hour is. There are many spiritual perils facing the church today. Christians are being conditioned to reject “controversial” (politically incorrect) discernments that expose these perils. Many Evangelicals fear being persecuted and rejected by other Christians (not to mention non-Christians) if they take on beliefs that are too "fundamentalist," and in so doing hold Jesus at arm's length away from themselves, and prevent anything in their own lives that might be identified by others as being "fanatical." (Certainly there are religious zealots who mostly just project legalism and condemnation, which is also from the flesh and not from God) Most Evangelical Christians prefer to be like proverbial ostriches, hiding their heads in the ground out of fear of not fitting in the world, OR they become like chameleons (hypocrites)- able to change behaviors and "fit" into any situation. Most of these nominal Christians find God's Word to be irrelevant to their daily lives and are clueless about the spiritual war that is raging against the church and all of humanity. Most are caught up in the devil's rat race, and "keeping up with the Joneses," a materialistic orientation at war with Christianity. This preoccupation with the things of this world (we call it "affluenza") has left most of Evangelical Christianity, powerless, irrelevant, and void of necessary righteous judgment. It is quickly losing it's salt and light. Worldly values and mores, psychology, emotions and experiential believism is undergirding the shallow theology found in most Evangelical/ Charismatic movements and churches today. The church is being seduced by New Age thought and doctrine. Evangelicals are most recently being told that we need to be "Purpose Driven" instead of Spirit-led, as the "Church Growth Movement" puts the spiritual cart before the horse in the latest fad to hit the church! The error in their focus seems subtle to some while discerners have noted the problems with their new impetus and motivation. Church growth should be a mere by-product or fruit of God working through Spirit-filled, devoted and infectious disciples; attracting and discipling new converts as Jesus commanded. The Church Growth Movement is really all about the worship of numbers, which equates to "success" in the modern church. God would prefer the nurturing of a hand-full of devout and obedient followers than the coddling and indoctrination of 1000 shallow "seekers" into a compromised gospel. The effect is that devotion to Jesus and His Word has diminished, and authentic Christian love of many has grown cold. The falling away from the Truth of the Gospel is in high gear in the church! If you are a born again Christian, and your spiritual eyes are not fixed (focused) upon Jesus, then anything that you do in His name is NOT of Him, by Him, through Him, let alone for Him. Unless you are abiding IN Jesus, all that you do is vanity.
Jesus wants you to be sober, ready, waiting, lovingly abandoned to Him, and spiritually watching for His return. As the Lord told us, the love of many has grown cold and many have fallen away from the truth of the Gospel. Most Evangelicals today have their eyes and hearts fixed on everything BUT Jesus! I know that many Evangelicals get upset reading Biblically based discernments like these. It always hurts a little to fall under the conviction of the Holy Ghost- let alone to have your sacred cow gored! My calling is to preach the truth in love, to wake up sleeping Christians and stir them to devotion and purity, for Christ is not coming for a filthy, sleeping Bride! Remember the 5 sleeping virgins in Matthew 25 who were not ready for the Lord's return! They were obviously clueless about the season in which they were living as are many sleeping "Christians." Calling yourself a Christian and going to church makes you as much of a born-again believer, as walking into a garage makes you a Cadillac, let alone a car! This kind of truth offends all compromised "believers," but I would be disobedient to God if I did not preach it!
This website is dedicated to glorifying God by revealing His Word and does not mince the Word of God nor what He is saying to the church today. We are called to reveal the complex compromises and apostasy that is now in high gear in most of the greater Evangelical church. Our desire is not to condemn or condescend to anyone but to thoroughly expose the practices and roots of evil that have sprung up and now dominate the church. Our focus are those who call themselves Christians but who are merely going through the motions. Some ministries identify these as "cultural Christians." These people are in grave danger, and so our ministry is confrontational in hope that God might use us to wake up the sleepers, and call them back to Jesus and His Word. This is not a call to legalism or perfectionism, but rather a call to repent of ungodly pursuits and a return to loving devotion to Jesus. Love covers a multitude of sins, and God's marvelous grace gives us true freedom in Christ- but not freedom to live for our idols and ourselves. Most are not listening, but whether they all listen or not, the truth must be preached. Some are listening- some are repenting of self-indulgent, dead religion, and are returning to the real Jesus of the Bible.
"Blow the trumpet in Zion and sound the alarm in My holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble; FOR THE DAY OF THE LORD IS COMING, FOR IT IS AT HAND." Joel 2:1
The trumpet of warning is blowing in the camp. Never before has the attack been so intense against all Bible believing, born-again Christians. The persecutions, seductions, heresies, and delusions are multiplying and getting worse. These are all demonically instigated attacks against Christians and are intensifying. More than ever we must cling to Jesus and His Word to find guidance, protection, and comfort. Jesus is our veritable Eye in the storm that is swirling about us. Jesus Himself is our Dwelling Place, and our Fortress, and we must abide in Him or we can fall prey to any of the many deceptions or attacks. If that seems like just a pile of spiritualized gobbeldy-gook to you, you have no idea what a personal relationship with Jesus is really all about. Fear, and the desire to remain in control of your own life prevents you from surrendering to God. A preferred ignorance of God's Word precludes any spiritual relationship with Jesus that transcends this world, and that can't be known only in word. The most difficult part of our situation is that the most dangerous spiritual attacks are coming from scoffers and skeptics right inside various Christian camps. Many Christians have been thoroughly blinded as to the gross apostasy that is now operating in many camps of Christendom.
The true church has always faced counterfeit movements, seductions, deceptions, persecutions, and even martyrdom. The present intensity of spiritual attacks and the eager acceptance of worldliness, ungodliness, and even doctrines of demons by deceived Christians is of epidemic proportions in what used to be Biblical bastions of the Faith.
The Apostle Paul never minced God's commands for the church, and warned us explicitly about the dangerous apostasy that end-time Christians would face. Today, compromise of spiritual and Biblical truth and values is taking place even within some evangelical movements that claim to champion Biblical and evangelical values. Pagan, demonically inspired values and doctrines that rule our world have also infected much of the church and are deceiving and derailing many Christian ministries and assemblies. At the same time, an ungodly type of “tolerance” (political correctness) is now being crammed down our throats to the point that even many evangelical ministries are changing their message so as not to “offend” anyone and thereby appeal to more people. The devil's greatest deception is to get Christians to accept and preach a different "gospel" and foist another "christ" than the One who really exists, thereby co-opting the preaching of the real Gospel,(which actually threatens Satan's kingdom), by replacing it or mixing it with various phony "gospels." They specialize in tickling people's ears with what they really want to hear (i.e. how to be successful, rich, guiltless, full of self "esteem", powerful, a cut above others, etc.) Much of the church has fallen away from the truth of God's Word and has become totally weak and irrelevant, (lost it's salt and light) and is increasingly afraid to preach the real power of the Gospel, which is the strongest evidence that we are in the very last days according to Paul in 2 Thess. 2:3:
“... for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first (apostasy), and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition...”
¶ Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils. I Timothy 4:1
Great portions of the church (greater evangelical) have lost or are losing their salt and light. Love and devotion to Jesus has been replaced by love of programs, idolization of leaders and styles of worship, acceptance of worldly standards and philosophies, psycho-heresy, exaltation of "self," and brazen empire building- all "in the name of Jesus" of course. We do all sorts of things "In Jesus name," but is Jesus pleased with most of what goes on in His name? Most of the church has grown as affluent, materialistic and as worldly as our pagan society. Many churchmen have grown fierce in their defense of what some discerners are now calling "churchianity," and angrily decry such discernments as "attacks," criticism," and even "divisiveness." My response to them is if they find the truth to be divisive- then let it truly divide the sheep from the goats.
In some places a massive compromise of and falling away from the truth and power of the Gospel has already taken place. "Church" is now being used to foist many ungodly philosophies and personal agendas upon the people. Many churches are under the control of an ungodly elite (spirit of Pharaoh). Many seminaries are turning out graduates who don't even know the meaning of God's Word and are more prepared to perform as politicians than minister as anointed pastors. The evil spirit of antichrist is working overtime to delude, deceive, seduce, and derail the true work of God. All who see this and talk about it fall under tremendous persecution and demonic attack, from within and without the church. The spirit of antichrist can be easily seen in the church, and especially in the form of "political correctness," which has infected most of the church to varying degrees. "Political correctness" (a manifestation of the spirit of antichrist) is attempting to destroy America and the church, and is preparing the world to ultimately accept Antichrist, which will usher in the hell of the coming Tribulation period prophesied in the Bible.
One major example of how this evil spirit has infected and brainwashed large portions of the church: THE PREACHING OF TRUTH IS NOW LABELED BY MANY NEO-"EVANGELICALS" AS BEING TOO "NEGATIVE." A great deal of fundamentalist bashing now exists among the evangelical ranks as authentic Bible-believers are being labeled and persecuted as being everything from unsophisticated fuddy-duddies, to hateful, intolerant bigots who don't understand today's "culture". Many Christians now believe that a "positive-only-gospel" should ever be preached, because most don't want to feel the painful conviction of God's Spirit and His Truth, they prefer to hear only what they want to hear (to have their ears TICKLED), instead of God's truth, just as Paul prophesied:
" For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 2 Timothy 4:3,4
"Political correctness," is the fulfillment of what Daniel prophesied as the rise of the "spirit of flatteries"... which has already bewitched most of the world not to mention most of what calls itself the church. Those under the spell of this evil spirit of flatteries pay homage and bow (as if bewitched) like slaves and lackeys to whomever or whatever the wicked authority says they must. The world is fully cooperating with this evil spirit in anticipation of the rule of Antichrist's "god of forces" (Daniel 11:38). The ultimate proof of the rise of the spirit of antichrist, is the quantum leap in hatred towards Jews and born-again Christians. 'Political correctness' is merely a New Age make-over for Nazism (New Age occultic beliefs are almost identical to Nazi beliefs)- it now permeates most of our political, corporate, social and religious power structures in America. The ultimate goal of the enemy is to get humanity to reject Jesus and to dehumanize the masses, making a "hell on earth," like what the Nazis achieved in WWII Germany. This antichrist attack upon Christians is spiritually blinding, and deceiving individuals, and co-opting entire Christian movements (as possible) by introducing unbiblical, and demonic doctrines. Many Christians lack the real power found in the application of the Truth of God's Word, because they no longer have spiritual discernment (righteous judgment). Many are being blinded, deceived, and seduced away from the Truth of the Gospel and have no way of understanding nor applying vast portions of the Word of God.
FOR THE WORD OF GOD IS QUICK (alive) AND POWERFUL, AND SHARPER THAN ANY TWO-EDGED SWORD, PIERCING EVEN TO THE DIVIDING ASUNDER OF SOUL AND SPIRIT, AND OF THE JOINTS AND MARROW, AND IS A DISCERNER OF THE THOUGHTS AND INTENTS OF THE HEART. Hebrews 4:12
Don't listen when the world's elites and compromised Christian leaders tell you that "Christians must never judge." They confuse righteous judgment with condemnation, which none but God has the right to do. Many immature and compromised Christians have been brainwashed into accepting the antichrist paradigm that Christians "must never judge anyone or anything," and that to do so makes you "intolerant," even possibly a "bigot," because THEY find it impossible to fundamentally disagree with anyone without harboring malice (hatred) towards them. According to this type of marginal believer, any kind of confrontation or disagreement of any sort is simply wrong. They have disdain for any sort of Christian who is willing contend earnestly for the Faith because they have a phony concept of what it means to be a Christian. Certainly we are never to be argumentative or uncivil but many are accused of not being "nice" simply because they speak the truth. If you think that Jesus didn't offend allot of people, perhaps you don't understand why people crucified Him. Our goal is never to make sure that we offend people- it is simply a by-product of preaching the truth. Satan would love to disarm and shut the mouths of all true Christians, some of which have become willingly silent. Christians are commanded to love our enemies and to bless those who hate us, BUT that doesn't mean being conformed by THEIR contrived, worldly deceptions.
AND BE NOT CONFORMED TO THIS AGE, BUT BE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND, IN ORDER TO PROVE BY YOU WHAT IS THE GOOD AND PLEASING AND PERFECT WILL OF GOD Romans 12:2 Green Literal Translation
The following scriptures apply directly to the modern "word/ faith" movement:
But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction...By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words...They are presumptuous, self-willed. They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries (angels)...speak evil of the things they do not understand...they are spots and blemishes, carousing in their own deceptions while they feast with you...having a heart trained in covetous practices...They have forsaken the right wayand gone astray, following the way of Balaam...who loved the wages of unrighteousness...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...slaves of corruption...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 later end is worse for them than the beginning...a dog returns to his own vomit... II Peter 2:1-22
But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. II Peter 2:1
The Faith Movement/ prosperity gospel crowd have created a counterfeit gospel that is chock full of dangerous faith "formulas," twisted doctrines and evil deceptions. The cancerous Word/Faith teachings of Ken Hagin, Ken Copeland and their disciples, dangerously preach that faith is merely a "force" that even non-Christians can tap into, and that God is "bound" by His own "laws" to answer (our demands), that we have the "divine right" to have answered. That isn't merely spiritual arrogance and pride- it is witchcraft, upon which Copeland and his disciples have slapped on the label of being authentically "Christian"- when it is actually the worst kind of a MAJOR apostasy. This Copeland/ Hagin apostasy has deceived millions who should know better, but who are blinded by greed and the lust for "power" and being superior in this life. The power lies not in faith- but in Jesus! Faith that is not put IN Christ is a different kind of faith. "Faith" that exists by itself for the purpose of whatever YOU want is dangerously demonic.
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
"And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness." Ezekiel 33:31
Many today are actually receiving a "new-age christ" of their own imagination (or someone else's). Many believe that Jesus is merely another "spirit" whom they merely need to visualize or "channel" (making a false image or idol)in their minds to manifest him in their lives, when in fact all that they are doing is receiving a demon spirit masquerading as Jesus. Many of the adepts in the Faith/ New Wave Movement who claim to do miracles, prophesy like fortune tellers, think that they "hear from God," and manipulate reality for the sake of gaining power and money. Most of them are operating in the demonic world of the psychic- not in the righteous realm of the Spirit of God. The devil loves to bring derision and even destroy the real work of God by "blessing" these power hungry counterfeits with demonic gifts that parody God's real power. The effect has been that psychics like Benny Hinn are fooling many non-discerning people who are seeking a supernatural "touch" from God but in fact are mostly being robbed and lied to. Neo-evangelical Christendom reacts to this blatant circus chicanery by attacking and smearing all Christians who still believe and operate in any of the spiritual gifts, as being "of the devil." Very few (if any) of the grandstanding "healers" that I've seen on TV are operating in the real gifts of God. You cannot conjur up God and His power at will, for the purpose of making yourself look good for TV, but many are fooled. Yes, God does still heal and do miracles in response to intercession and authentic spiritual giftings, but He does not do this on human "cues" for the purpose of validating a phony psychic.
It takes the gift of discerning of Spirits to know whether what you are hearing is of God or not. The abuses are rampant but we must not 'throw out the baby with the bath water'! We cannot serve God or live the Christian life without being filled with His Spirit! Spiritual gifts HAVE NOT CEASED, as many proclaim. To believe that is to deny the Word of God and to relegate the gifts to the first church. It would also mean that everything done and said by Christians today was done without God's gifting and anointing. The ability to convey the meaning of God's Word, and how it applies today is only possible by the work of God's Spirit and His gifts. God has designed this so that we can't claim the credit for the ministry of His Spirit. We can only credit and glorify God for graciously revealing Himself to us through spiritual giftings in human vessels!
Certainly the abuses are rampant. The lesser gift of tongues has become an idol in many Pentecostal camps and a stumbling block in others. There are many who deplore the Baptism in the Holy Ghost because it has been dismissed by many as being ungodly and unscriptural even though Jesus commands that we all be filled with His Spirit, and continuously refilled for service to Him.> We certainly DO receive the full potential and indwelling of His Spirit when we receive Jesus but just like the disciples, we all can receive a greater filling of His Presence. Remember, the disciples believed and walked with Jesus, but were commanded by Him to wait for the Baptism of the Holy Ghost in order to be of full service to Jesus. To proclaim that all of the manifestations found in the 2nd Chapter of Acts was a strictly historical, one time only occurrence, is to grieve the Spirit of God.
Tongues ARE NOT the only sign that we have received greater filling. Those who push tongues as the only "sign" of having received the Baptism, are harming the body of Christ. The greatest sign that we have experienced the presence of God and walk with Him, is the transformation of our lives and a deeper love and devotion to Jesus. Those who are merely seeking "power" and a supernatural experience, may receive a different kind of "spirit." Faith is a supernatural and spiritual manifestation- a GIFT from God. But the Bible precludes us from operating in the entire realm of the supernatural because it contains both good and evil. Real faith is not something that we have merely conjured up by following certain formulas or mental guided imagery (New Age techniques). We can receive more faith as we sincerely worship and wait upon Jesus alone. Read an excellent refutation of Faith Movement doctrines at Tricia Tillian's site.
By witnessing firsthand what now dominates "christian" television, many counterfeit "angels of light" are obviously deceiving many of God's elect. Numerous "Faith movement" ministries are spewing a dangerous mixture while they troll for your $dollars$, while promising you health and wealth if you apply THEIR phony "faith" formulas AND show "obedience" by sending THEM a "seed" or even "sacrificial" offering! Stay far away from the teaching of dangerous "Word/Faith" counterfeits such as: Copeland, Hagin, Hinn, Price, T.D. Jakes, and others like them, who preach that Jesus' death on the cross was not enough to provide us salvation. Instead they preach that "Jesus died spiritually," and had to be "born again" (in hell) and take on the "nature of Satan" in order to "earn" the title of only Begotten Son of God.
IN LOVE I warn them ALL to repent of their evil practices, because Jesus is coming SOON for His church!
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...[they are] slaves of corruption... 2 Peter 2:1-19
