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THE NEW “APOSTOLIC REFORMATION”
DECEPTION
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C. Peter Wagner |
Chuck Pierce |
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“Apostles” of the
New Apostolic Reformation Movement |
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(In case anyone is wondering from whence we come: Though less
than the least of all saints, this writer believes and seeks to
walk in the full Gospel of Christ including the baptism in the
Holy Ghost with the fruit and gifts of the Holy Spirit. So, I do
not write from an outside, but an inside perspective. All the
gifts and callings of God are to be operated by His grace and to
glorify Jesus Christ alone, and not mere men. The LORD will
never contradict His own Word and all gift properly used will be
in full accordance with Holy Writ (1 Pet. 4:10-11; 2 Pet.
1:16-21). Please proceed prayerfully and from a biblical mindset
like the “noble” Berean believers of Acts17:11. As true
disciples of Jesus, and in light of the numerous warnings of
false prophets in the last days, our goal should be to glorify
Him fully, which would include discerning what is authentic and
what is not (Ezek. 44:23; 1 Jn. 4:1).
“Beloved, BELIEVE NOT
every spirit, but try (test) the spirits whether they
are of God: because MANY false prophets are gone out into the
world.” 1 John 4:1
C. Peter Wagner and Chuck Pierce make up Global
Harvest Ministries which regrettably has worldwide
connections and influence among many leaders.
Believers in Jesus are commanded not to just accept
everyone who comes in Christ’s name but to rather “try (test)
the spirits” - that is, put to the biblical acid test all
who come in the LORD’s name. The Ephesian Christians did so and
Jesus was glorified:
“...thou canst not bear them which are EVIL and thou
hast tried (tested) them which say they are apostles, and are
not, and hast found them liars.” Revelation 2:2
Of Wagner and Pierce, Mike Oppenheimer of LetUsReason.org
states:
“These men are architects of the new paradigm who have
promised a river but they have sold to the church an empty well.
Wagner has written several books, one is called The New
Apostolic Churches that explains the new apostolic spirit
that is raising international leaders. Contrary to their claims
of restoring apostles and prophets to the Church to complete a
five-fold ministry mentioned by Paul in Ephesians, this movement
can be more identified as Nicolaitans warned of in Rev. 2:15-16.
But it is taking many churches by hook or by crook.
The prophetic movement has for all
intents and purposes proven to be a repackaged
discipleship/shepherding movement under the title of church
growth.
[[Ken’s note: Discipleship is
something that is sorely lacking in Christendom, but not the way
this movement did it (I remember that era). We need to mentor
Christians so that they can grow up spiritually and then go out
on their own to minister. ]]]
The stories of lives being ripped apart by people
prophesying over them have become an in-house disaster that is
often swept under the rug. Yet it daily continues with some new
faces (and old) and a repaired program with a barrel full of
excuses waiting to be used.
I have watched, studied, and spoken out on this movement
since it was known to me in the late 80’s (as have numerous
others). What we see today is the iceberg rising; no longer is
75% of it hidden but is becoming more known all the time.
A new Priesthood government is being
set up that can only be comparable to what has been practiced in
the Roman Catholic church hierarchy throughout its history.
They are called ‘the anointed,’ ‘apostles and prophets’ and the
Church must listen to them, allow them to minister and lead to
be healthy and fulfill her commission. Without them we will be
unable to complete our commission by Jesus; so they tell us.”
Illegitimate Authority & Unwarranted
Control
Wagner and Pierce are the inventors and propagators of
what they call “The New Apostolic Reformation Movement.”
Typically, those who invent some new movement conveniently
happen to be the ones “God” supposedly places to lead. In this
case those “apostles” are supposed
to have the authority to rule over others. They
position themselves as the “men of the hour” whom God supposedly
speaks through. They convince people that they are God’s special
spokesmen. It is interesting that they themselves just happen to
be the super apostles heading up the show in this case.
A review of their teachings will
reveal that these men, like all similar ministries, believe that
modern apostles have an extraordinary amount of authority that
Christians must submit to or be outside of the will of God.
Such a teaching, spoken or insinuated, is cultic. It should be
noted that the apostle Paul - a genuine apostle of Jesus Christ
- never claimed to possess such an authority over God’s people.
He also never taught or sought to exercise such
dominion/authority over the people for which Jesus bled to
purchase. In fact, the apostle Paul said:
“Not for that we have dominion over your
faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.” 2
Corinthians 1:24
It is “by faith” in Christ that saints are saved
and “stand” in their relationship with God and that is
first and foremost and has nothing to do with mere men. The
element of an evil control seems to under gird this “Apostolic
Reformation” movement. Paul also asked the following rhetorical
question: “was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in
the name of Paul?” (1 Cor. 1:13) If Paul wasn’t crucified
for us, certainly no modern day leader was. Right?
When we give undue loyalty or
adoration to mere human leaders, we enter into idolatry and
spiritual adultery. Only the One who has nail-scarred
hands and feet and is risen from the dead is worthy of our
worship. Also, only those who “watch for your souls” by
honoring and diligently speaking into your heart the
full-counsel of the oracles of God are to be submitted to (Acts
20-:20-32; Heb. 13:7, 17). The leader who doesn’t honor God by
living and teaching by His Word alone, is never to be submitted
to by the LORD’s people.
When any leader assumes undue control, it is the
“deeds” and “doctrine of the Nicolaitanes” which
Christ said He hated and “will fight against.” (Rev. 2:6,
15-16) “Nicolaitanes” means
conquer the laity. Nico = conquer and laitanes =
the laity.
The Great Shepherd of His sheep never authorized such
authority to mere men. In fact, Jesus taught: “But he that is
greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall
exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself
shall be exalted.” (Matt. 23:11-12) The measure of
leadership is in serving others as unto the LORD. The true
apostle will be found to have a heart that is broken and bowed
before the LORD Almighty and a disposition to serve and not
reign over God’s people. In light of what Christ, “the
apostle and high priest of our profession,” taught, the next
time someone comes around claiming to be an apostle, I think it
may be good to say something like; “Well good brother, in that
case you are to be the greatest servant among us so grab that
broom in the corner and please sweep this dirty floor!” (Heb.
3:1) A man who is not postured to serve God’s people manifests
his own desire to wrongly position himself and be served by
God’s people which in contrary to Christ’s teaching concerning
His leaders (Matt. 20:20-28; Phil. 2:3-5).
When giving instructions to “elders,” the apostle Peter
wrote: “Neither as being lords (rulers) over God’s
heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.” (1 Pet. 5:3) The body of Christ was purchased by His very own
blood and is “God’s heritage” and not man’s. Lording it
over “God’s heritage” is the work of those men whom
Zechariah said reign as “idol shepherds” amidst God’s
people.
One of the ways these men gain the positioning to control
people is by making the people believe that they are the elite
priesthood the LORD speaks through to His Church. Nonsense!
Ever notice how they always have a
new word? -A fresh word “from God”? Perhaps they have
to perpetually conjure up new “words” to keep the circus wheel
of their movement and ministries spinning and the money rolling
in.
The flippant use among “Apostolic Reformation” leaders of
phrases like “God is saying to His Church” is presumptuous at
best. These self-appointed leaders pretend to have some special
inroad to the LORD and use it to wield a false authority over
His people. Of those who would control or be controlled in an
undue fashion, the Son of God commanded: “Repent; or else I
will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with
the sword of my mouth.” (see Rev. 2:6, 15-16)
It seems that sinful men will always invent some new way
to elevate themselves above others. This is no exception. Isn’t
it interesting that these men who
claim the LORD is restoring apostolic leadership just happen to
be those “apostles” He is elevating to rule over His people
(as they vainly suppose). Quite convenient isn’t it?
The idea that the LORD speaks through some special group
of elite leaders is bogus and violates Scripture. The Good
Shepherd of the sheep told us “My sheep hear my voice, and I
know them, and they follow me.” (Jn.10:27) Any leader that
makes it look like he has special access to the LORD should be
departed from immediately. The
notion that God speaks from the top down is heretical.
Jesus said not to be called by titles that elevate one
brother above another because He said “one is your Master,
even Christ; and all ye are brethren.” (Matt.
23:8) The LORD Jesus said: “I thank thee, O Father, Lord of
heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the
wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.” (Matt.
11:25) From this statement we know that God actually hides His
truth from those who are wise in their own eyes and reveals it
to those who are humble and broken before Him. Those who elevate
self through man-instituted religious hierarchy
are doomed to destruction (Matt. 16:18; 23).
The apostle Paul said “that ye might learn in us not
to think of men above that which is written, that no one
of you be puffed up for one against another.” (1 Cor. 4:6)
Under the direct inspiration of the Holy Ghost, Paul also
stated: “charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up.”
(1 Cor. 13:4) Emulations” is one of the 17 “works of
the flesh” listed in Galatians 5. By definition,
“emulations” means striving to
excel at the expense of another. Of this sin this
passage promises “that they which do such things shall not
inherit the kingdom of God.” (Gal. 5:21) At the expense of
the masses, these men are willing to reign as kings, to be
honored above that which is correct for mere men. What did Jesus
do when the people attempted to make Him king? To elevate
oneself and office is to strive to excel at the expense of
others whom they lure in to partake of their strange fire.
“When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take
him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a
mountain himself alone.” John 6:15
The LORD Jesus hid Himself when men sought to lift Him
up. Today we have men in leadership who do just the opposite.
They seek out and draw to themselves the praises and accolades
of men instead of retreating from undue elevation and instead of
seeking the praise that comes from Go alone.
Speaking of religious leaders of His day, Jesus said:
“For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.”
(Jn. 12:43)
Paul said that those who seek to please men more than God
are not Christ’s servants (Gal. 1:10).
When Peter sought to circumvent the cross of Christ,
Jesus “turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me,
Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not
the things that be of God, but those that be of men.”
(Matt. 16:23)
When the LORD Jesus died on the cross “the veil of the
temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom” and God
came out to meet on a personal level every many who would
believe and come unto Him (Mk. 15:38; Heb. 4:14-16; 10:19-22).
In contrast to the revelation of Holy Scripture,
the goal of the counterfeit leader is
to position himself as a true “prophet” or “apostle” of the LORD
so as to gain the preeminence over and allegiance of as many as
he can lure in. The wise saint will learn the Word
and walk in the Spirit and not be snared by such a wolf. The
Bible teaches us that Jesus Christ is the only true “Head”
of His one Church (Eph. 5:23; Col. 1:16-18; 2:18-19). According
the Jesus Christ there is only “one shepherd.” Only One
bled to redeem and He alone is King of all kings and LORD of all
lords (Rev. 19:16).
“And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them
also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall
be one fold, and one shepherd.” John 10:16
To pose as a Christian leader and posture oneself as one
who wields extraordinary authority over God’s people is the
height of evil arrogance. To do such is to not operate according
to Christ’s Word and to use the name of the LORD in vain for
one’s own selfish end (Exod. 20:7).
False prophets come in His name but
without the earmark fruits we are to “know them” by (Matt.
7:15-23; 24:3-4, 11, 24). Humility is one such earmark fruit,
and not seen in the arrogant, power hungry deceivers who have
headed up the charismatic movement over the last few decades
(Matt. 18:3-4; 20:20-28).
Jesus foretold us that these deluded
leaders would have gifts, miracles, and prophetic words. Christ
told us that “many” (not a few) deceived men who presently hold
positions of influence over multitudes, would call Him “Lord,
Lord” in their earthly lives and at the Judgment Throne and yet
He said He will “profess unto them, I never knew you: depart
from me, ye that work iniquity.” (Matt. 7:22-23) Why?
- Because they do not the will of His Father (Matt. 7:21). The
leader who does the will of God is obeying Christ’s command to
be humble and serve others and never to seek to be served by
others (Mat. 20:20-28; Phil. 2:3-5).
Concerning the false prophets in Israel, Jeremiah wrote:
“I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy
lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed.
How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that
prophesy lies? yea, they are prophets of the
deceit of their own heart; Which think to cause my people
to forget my name by their dreams which they tell every man
to his neighbor, as their fathers have forgotten my name for
Baal.” Jeremiah 23:25-27
The false prophets of the “Apostolic Reformation”
movement are like those of Jeremiah’s day. Of these false
prophets, the Holy Spirit tells us:
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They “prophesy lies in my name”
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They are “saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed”
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“they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart”
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They “think to cause my people to forget my name by their dreams
which they tell every man to his neighbor”
In this movement one will discover gross and undue
emphasis upon miracles, physical healing, signs, wonders, and
“words” from God. This is their lure as Jesus foretold it would
be (Matt. 7:22-23). 2 Thessalonians 2 speaks of “the working
of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders.” (2
Thess. 2:9-12) By this and other Scriptures, we
understand that Satan can do miracles and yet he cannot
counterfeit or produce good fruit as only the Holy Spirit can in
the obedient, abiding, born again believers who “have
crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” (Matt.
7:15-23; Gal. 5:22-24). In this
“Apostolic Reformation” movement one will discover the gross
lack of sobriety and simple, plain, clear, forthright Bible
teaching and learning. Walking in faith through God-guaranteed
sufferings, persecutions, hatred, and trials will never be
mentioned in their conferences or messages. These hard truths of
Holy Scripture are intentionally avoided. Sound doctrine, which
produces sound hearts and sound minds, will be absent.
The biblical emphasis upon the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit
in those who abide in daily communion with Christ will not be
tended to in this camp (Jn. 15; Gal. 5:22-24). The denial of the
self-life as demanded by Jesus, will conveniently be ignored
(Lk. 9:23-24). The truth of the preeminent LORD and Savior and
“Head” of His true Church will not be emphasized (Col.
1:16-18; 2:18-19). When Christ is truly exalted as the only LORD
and “Head” over His Church, it leaves no room for men to
be exalted. The final authority, divine inspiration, and
innerrancy of Holy Scripture will not be upheld in this camp of
convoluted confusion and deception.
What do you think the motive would be of the man who
hides the whole and naked truth from those he speaks to? Is he
afraid that openly communicating the hard truths of God’s Word
will feed into his own personal agenda, image, and reputation?
Is such a man truly serving Christ or himself? (Matt. 10:28; Lk.
12:5; Gal. 1:10)
“Woe
unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their
fathers to the false prophets.” Luke 6:26
In order to become popular in today’s modern ministry
world industry, one must say the right things and purposely
leave out the things that would offend others. The Son o God
guaranteed that any person who is popular among the masses of
“Christians” who “heap to themselves teachers, having itching
ears” is a false prophet. This is another truth to discern
by - “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s
clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know
them by their fruits.” (Matt. 7:15-16)
Christ promised His twelve and all who would follow Him
faithfully - “Ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s
sake.” (Matt. 10:22) Ever hear these modern day “prophetic”
or “apostolic” leaders teach this Scripture and the many like
it? Have you ever heard them mention these words which proceeded
from the mouth of the One they claim to be serving?
Concerning the replacement of God’s Word for a feeling
and experience-based “Christianity,” one expose’ says:
“This kind of disdain for the word of God is common among
(charismatics)…and we have several documented examples of such.
All emphasis is on feelings while
doctrine and Bible study are looked down and frowned upon. The
Devil is pleased when people follow their feelings over the
Bible!”
With the un-scriptural over emphasis on words, signs, and
wonders, this movement continues to produce experience or
feeling-based “Christians” who live lives of hyped flakery
because they are not rooted and grounded in a relationship of
God’s love and Word and therefore do not possess sound hearts
and minds as the LORD intended. These precious misled souls are
therefore not prepared for the LORD’s return for His true
Church, each member who is “subject to Christ,”
sanctified, being cleansed, laying down his personal life, being
washed by His Word, and purified of their iniquities (Eph.
5:25-27; 1 Jn. 2:28-3:3). These are those whose hearts are not
“established with grace” and they are therefore
“tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of
doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness,
whereby they lie in wait to deceive.” (Eph. 4:14; Heb. 13:9)
Mature believers who are deep into God’s Word “have their
senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” (see Heb.
5:11-14) These who aggrandize God’s holy words far above those
of mere men, will not be tossed about with the manipulations of
these modern leaders who prey on weak, ignorant, and gullible
souls.
“That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to
and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the
sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they
(beguilers) lie in wait to deceive.” Ephesians 4:14
“Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines.
For it is a good thing that the heart be established with
grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have
been occupied therein.” Hebrews 13:9
Is there a conspiracy?
“There is a
conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like
a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they
have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her
many widows in the midst thereof. Her priests have violated my
law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no
difference between the holy and profane, neither have they
showed difference between the unclean and the clean,…”
Ezekiel 22:25-26
Is there a cause?
“For the leaders of this people cause them
to err; and they that are led of them are
destroyed.” Isaiah 9:16
Is there a threat?
“For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous
wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your
own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw
away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that
by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night
and day with tears. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and
to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to
give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
Acts 20:29-32
Are
their blind leaders?
“Can the blind lead the blind? Shall they not both fall
into the ditch?” Luke 6:39
The threat of deceivers and losing out due to being led
astray by false prophets is a severe and present danger (Col.
2:4, 8; 2 Pet. 3:17).
When we study the Scriptures we gain an historical view
of the beguilers and how they operate. These men are the
emissaries of the father of lies and war against the Almighty by
seeking to draw away His precious sheep and devour them (Matt.
7:15; Jn. 8:44; Acts 20:27-32; 2 Cor. 11:13-15; Jude). They
selectively design their ministries by picking and choosing what
Scripture they wish to utilize to tailor-make their ministries
to draw people. Deceivers refuse to communicate a balance of the
full-counsel of God’s Word (Acts 20:20, 27). The modern day
false prophets are no new thing. They operate just as those in
Jeremiah’s day. These leaders use the LORD’s holy name for their
own advantage with their dreams, words, signs, and wonders (2
Thess. 2:9-12; Jude 16). Their goal is the listening ear of the
“simple” (unlearned; those who do not correctly discern
via known truth - the revealed truth of God’s Word).
“The simple (naive; un-discerning) believeth every word:
but the prudent (wise) man looketh well to his going.”
Proverbs 14:15
If they
can get their audiences to believe that God speaks through
them (the so-called “apostles”) then they garner their
allegiance, following, and support.
A recent conference held by Wagner and
Pierce (Global Harvest Ministries) was titled “What the
Spirit is Saying to the Church Today: International Congress on
Prophecy.” This title alone tells us that the aim of this
conference was to pretend to tell others what the LORD was
supposedly saying to His people through prophetic words and not
through the Scriptures and by the Holy Spirit (Isa. 8:20).
7 times our LORD Jesus told us that we are to “hear
what the Spirit saith unto the churches” and not what some
priesthood of self-appointed “apostles” are saying to the masses
(Rev. 3:22). These supposed “apostles” and “prophets” always
seem to have a “word” for the body of Christ. This is how their
little circus act works. They have to keep the wheel spinning in
order to capture and keep the ear of their audiences and attract
new followers. They claim to be directly inspired by the LORD,
but we should ask ourselves: Do their claims reconcile with Holy
Writ which was given us by the Holy Ghost? (2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet.
2:16-21) By claiming to be hearing
from God and getting these words of direction and prophecy for
His people, these men are able to capture the ear of many who
buy into their claims. Their followers then become dependent
upon these supposed spiritual super heroes to get their words
from God instead of developing a life in His holy Word for
themselves and hearing what the Holy Spirit is saying through
the immutable content of His Word. By doing this they
intercept the heart affections of God’s people and as He tells
us - “think to cause my people to forget my name by their
dreams which they tell.” (Jer. 23:15-27) Christ
promised that His sheep hear His voice and will not follow the
voice of false shepherds (Jn. 10:1-18).
Please read the following passage carefully and
prayerfully;
“But there were false prophets also among the
people, even as there shall be false teachers among you,
who privily (secretly) shall bring in damnable heresies (lies
that damn the soul), even denying the Lord that bought them, and
bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall
follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of
truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall
they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose
judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation
slumbereth not.” 2 Peter 2:1-3
Notice that the Holy Spirit warned that “false
prophets” and “false teachers” during the New
Testament era would “with feigned (fictitious) words make
merchandise of you.” We are foretold that they would niftily
feign or craft fictitious stories and supposed words from God
and dreams to attract ears and captivate hearts for their own
cause and coffers - “make merchandise of you.” These are
those which preach “another gospel,” replacing the LORD’s
“doctrine” with “good words and fair speeches.”
(Rom. 16:17-18; 2 Cor. 11:2-4)
Beloved, beware of those who seek to subtly position
themselves as God’s spokesmen or special agents, claiming that
He speaks to them to lead His sheep. Jesus told us that He
speaks to each of His people individually and this is so as to
protect them from being led astray by the voices of false
shepherds whom He told us are “grievous wolves,” thieves
and robbers (Jn. 10:1; Acts 20:29).
Jesus
said:
“I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am
known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the
Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I
have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and
they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and
one shepherd…My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and
they follow me.” John 10:14-16, 27
The leaders of these perpetually mutating
false movements seek to make all who discern appear as though
they are an angry mob who are operating out of a divisive heart.
Not so.
The false prophet would even subtly cast doubt upon your own
personal ability to hear the LORD, yet Jesus, the Good Shepherd,
stated “My sheep hear my voice.” (Jn. 10:27) He speaks to
His people in their hearts, leading them individually by His
Spirit and through His Word wherein are contained “all things
that pertain unto life and godliness.” (2 Pet. 1:3-4)
It is to the advantage of the prophesied “false prophets” to
ostracize their audiences from those who would expose or “mark
them” for what they are (Rom. 16:17-18). Being wise, astute in the Scriptures, discerning, and void of
gullibility is a biblical mandate (Prov. 14:15; Ezek. 44:23;
Acts 17:11; Rom. 16:17-19; Col. 1:9-10; 2:4, 8; Jude 3-4; 1 Jn.
4:1; Rev. 2:2). Ignorance is not a virtue, but rather a
self-imposed curse that is being capitalized on by the prince of
darkness to bring deception, delusion, and damnation to those
who do not learn and discern via the full-counsel of God’s Word
(Prov. 14:15; Hos. 4:6; Matt. 22:29; 2 Thess. 2:9-12; Heb.
5:11-14). Those who do not know God’s Word are prey to the
epidemic curse of false prophets on the scene in this late hour.
Discernment, marking false doctrines and teachers, warning,
etc., are divinely-given mandates and to be done out of the love
of “the Great Shepherd of the sheep” to protect His
precious saints/flock (Heb. 13:20). The apostle Paul did 3
things to prepare believers to meet Christ - 1. Preach,
2. WARN, 3. Teach (see Col. 1:27-2:9). Those in
leadership who do not preach the full-counsel of the original
Gospel, WARN of wolves in sheep’s clothing/false teachings and
false prophets, and teach the full-counsel of God’s Word are not
fulfilling what the LORD commands of leaders. Naming
Names: Is it Biblical?
http://www.safeguardyoursoul.com/html/naming_names.html
“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 (selfish agenda); and by good words and
fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple...but yet
I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple
concerning evil.” Romans 16:17-19
“And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with
enticing words…BEWARE lest ANY man spoil you through philosophy
and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments
of the world, and not after Christ.” Colossians 2:4, 8
The LORD has a remnant who are filled with His Holy
Spirit, love His Word, are valiant for His truth, building up
the saints, warning of deception, discerning instead of naive,
and winning the lost as they look for His soon return. The
remnant of Christ’s elect follow the doctrine and pattern set
forth in New Testament Scriptures He left us to cause us to know
His will and be protected from the epidemic deception He
foretold would come in the last days (1 Tim. 4:1-6; 2 Tim.
3:1-7, 13; 4:2-4).
“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit (not
mere men) saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not
be hurt of the second death.” Revelation 2:11
Beloved, let’s recall again that Jesus warned us 7 times
to hear what the one Holy “Spirit” is saying and to
overcome by His power, blood, and Word (Rev. 2-3; 12:11). So
as good Bereans (Acts 17:11), we are to discern through the
Scriptures what the Holy Spirit (who gave us the written
Word) is saying because He would never contradict Himself (2
Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:20-21). The primary method the LORD uses to
guide His people is His own Word and His Holy Spirit that lives
inside each true saint (Ps. 119:105; 133; Rom. 8:14; Gal. 5:16;
2 Tim. 3:16-17). His Word which He has magnified above His own
name, not the word of any mere men, is “a lamp unto our feet
and light unto our path.” (Ps. 119:105) We are to cry out as
David did - “Order my steps in THY WORD (not the words of
mere men claiming to represent Him): and let not any iniquity
have dominion over me.” (Ps. 119:133)
Hearing what the Holy Spirit is
saying should mean that we cut off from our hearing the voices
of those who claim to be hearing the Holy Spirit when they say
this or that - most of this is preposterous and false and not
the Holy Spirit at all. This is proven in that most of what they
claim to be the Spirit is not reconcilable with the Holy
Scriptures (2 Tim. 3:16).
Testing Apostles
These
men who are claiming to be apostles should be open and ready to
be tested right? To the Ephesian Church Jesus said:
“I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and
how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and
thou hast tried them which say they
are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars.”
Revelation 2:2
Here Christ commended the Ephesian saints for testing and
discerning false apostles among them who did not possess the
earmark fruit of a true leader in God’s kingdom.
Humility of character and pure sound
doctrine are at the foundation of those traits which validate
authentic men of God (Matt. 18:3-4; 2 Tim. 3:10). The
believers at Berea tested Paul against the Scriptures to see if
he was true or false (Acts 17:11). For this act the LORD said
they were “noble.” Paul spoke of “false apostles”
and told us they were ministers of Satan (2 Cor. 11:13-15).
Marks of a True Apostle
Authentication. There are true apostles and prophets
today. We see this in Ephesians 4:11. See also Acts 11:27;
13:1.
Is it not best to refrain from promoting ones self as an
“apostle” or “prophet”
and identify oneself as a servant of Jesus Christ the
nail-scarred risen Savior? Like those who claimed to be apostles
among the Ephesian church, it seems clear that most of those who
are claiming to be apostles can be found to be false when
measured against Scripture (Rev. 2:2). These Paul calls
“false apostles.” (2 Cor. 11:13-15)
When speaking of “false prophets” Jesus said we
would “know them by their fruits.” (Matt. 7:15-16) Let’s
look at the fruits of a true apostle:
“But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life,
purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity,
patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which
came unto me
at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured:
but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all
that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”
Isn’t it interesting that Paul then says: “But evil men and
seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being
deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast
learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast
learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the
holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation
through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is
given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly
furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:10-17
Paul says here that “thou hast fully known my”:
·
“doctrine”
·
“manner of life”
·
“purpose”
·
“faith”
·
“longsuffering”
·
“charity”
·
“patience”
·
“Persecutions”
·
“afflictions”
Of the 9 things listed here of a known true apostle’s
ministry and life, by no accident the first listed is
“doctrine.” Sound doctrine is very important to the LORD and
this is the very first thing mentioned as to validate the divine
origin of Paul’s apostleship. “Doctrine” is mentioned 51 times
in Holy Scripture. All who claim to be apostles today are to be
weighed against this true apostle of Christ. According to the
record of Holy Scripture, sound and full-counsel doctrine is of
the highest importance in the divine economy. In fact, under the
inspiration of the Spirit, the apostle Paul told us that any
person, including an angel from Heaven (not hell), who brings
“any other gospel” brings “another gospel” and is
“accursed.” (Gal. 1:6-9) Paul told us in this Galatians 1
passage that there are those who would “pervert the gospel of
Christ.” He also told us that there are “many, which
corrupt the word of God.” (2 Cor. 2:17) These men are like
their master Satan - very subtle and deceptive (charismatic,
smiling and avoiding hard truths).
Always remember that what a man doesn’t preach
(intentionally leaves out) is at least as important as what he
does preach.
If a leader doesn’t declare the full-counsel of God’s Word,
including dealing with sin, the holiness of God and necessity of
personal holiness in His saints, judgment to come, the need to
be ready for Christ’s return, etc., he is a false teacher and
“accursed.” He preaches “another gospel” when he
chooses to leave out the doctrines and elements of the original
Gospel granted us in God’s Word. Such a person should be
confronted and marked and earnestly contended against for his
folly (Rom. 16:17-18; Jude 3-4). If we do not personally study
to show ourselves approved unto God we will not know what is
being left out of the message of those who parade themselves as
godly leaders in our midst. The
gross lack of Bible knowledge is the very reason so many
prophets have exploded in universal popularity and influence and
been heralded by millions claiming to be Bible believing
Christians. According to Christ their popularity alone makes
them suspect (Lk. 6:26). Those who preach the
full-counsel of God’s Word, including the hard truths, have
never been popular but instead, like Paul, have received
“persecutions” and “afflictions” for doing such in
obedience to the LORD whom they faithfully serve.
The leader who replaces “the doctrine” of the
original Gospel with “good words and fair speeches” is to
be marked (Rom. 16:17-18). To argue against such a truth is
treasonous and cowardly. Isn’t it time to get a spine and obey
God by sounding the alarm on the wolves who are devouring the
beloved sheep of His pasture? Only hatred would do otherwise.
Many parade themselves as loving while they in compromise and
cowardice seek to justify and defend their favorite “idol
shepherds” who tell them what they want to hear
instead of the truth they need to hear to be saved (Zech.
11:17). These are those whom the Holy Ghost foretold “heap to
themselves teachers having itching ears” and “turn away
their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto
fables.” (2 Tim. 4:3-4).
The primary way the LORD leads His New Testament Church
is through the Holy Scriptures (2 Tim. 3:16). This is for many
reasons including for the protection of individual saints from
wolves who claim that they have
God-given authority and hear directly from Him to lead His
Church and yet their teachings and “revelations” contradict Holy
Writ. We know this is false because in John 10 the
Good Shepherd told us that He speaks directly to His sheep and
they hear and follow Him.
One way leaders have defied God is by displacing His Word
as the Textbook of ultimate and highest authority. They have
brought in other men’s books in place of God’s Book.
One such book concerning purpose
driven (instead of Word and Spirit led) has swept the nation due
to the epidemic of deluded leaders. This particular book which
does not even call men to repentance from sin or present the
Gospel, has been brought in to the local bodies where deceived
shepherds reside (Isa. 56:10-12). These beguiled shepherds have
opened the door wide to the enemy. Instead of studying God’s
Word, they have bought into the message of a false teacher. See
Rick Warren: Purpose Driven Deception.
“It was in the Old Testament that God sent the people
prophets to hear His message, but this is not what He is doing
in the New Covenant. God’s message is completed in Scripture and
sufficient for any Christian to spiritually grow. Today God
speaks through the Scriptures that are the Word of God from
Jesus Christ, written through His chosen prophets and apostles
(2 Pet. 1:19-21, Heb. 1:1-2).
In Heb.1 it clearly and unequivocally states “God, who at
sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the
fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto
us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all
things, by whom also he made the worlds.” (Heb. 1:1-2).
Previously God gave His revelation in succession, sometimes it
lasted a short while, like with Haggai (a month) and other times
through the lifetime of the prophet (Moses). The whole Old
Testament took 1,000 years to be written. The Hebrews passage is
in the past tense; the heir has come, our Creator, and revealed
Himself, He gave His words to the apostles and they in turn
built the foundation on Jesus Christ. It is Christ whom the
church preaches (His Gospel) and teaches (His doctrine). So the
relationship of revelation has changed. It has gone from
progressive revelation by prophets to the final revelation by
the Son.” Mike Oppenheimer, of LetUsReason.org
The LORD simply does not speak through prophets as He did
under the Old Covenant. He has spoken in His Word through His
“MORE SURE word of prophecy.”
When we study 2 Peter 2:16-21, we will discover that the written
Word of God is more authoritative than even the audible voice of
God the Father speaking from Heaven.
“For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when
we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus
Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received
from God the Father honor and glory, when there came such a
voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son,
in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven
we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. We have also
a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take
heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the
day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this
first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private
interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the
will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved
by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:19-21
Jesus said that “the scripture cannot be broken”
and that “Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words
shall not pass away.” (Jn. 10:35; Mk. 13:31)
It is the aim of deceivers is to
convince people that the LORD speaks through them to His Church
and to therefore move their audiences away from the written Word
which is unchanging and “forever...settled in heaven.”
(Ps. 119:89) Yet we are warned “To the law and to the
testimony (written Word): if they speak not according to this
word, it is because there is no light in them.”
(Isa. 8:20)
Christ told us that “Satan cometh
immediately, and taketh away the word.” (Mk. 4:15) Replacing
God’s Word with the “words” of mere men is the work of “Satan”
and his emissaries who “are false apostles,
deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of
Christ.” (2
Cor. 11:13)
This manipulation is the rule of the day in the charismatic
movement.
Supposed “revelations” though direct inspiration, prophecy,
dreams, and visions take precedence over the written Word which
the LORD told us is more authoritative than the very voice of
God speaking from Heaven (2 Pet. 1:16-21). The very oracles of
God have been replaced with the whimsical and manipulating
“words” of “revelation” supposedly from God. The LORD commands:
“If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles
(written Word) of God.” (1 Pet. 4:11) In the charismatic
movement, the written Word (especially the full-counsel) is not
held to and isn’t even considered or used to “prove (test)
all things” (1 Thess. 5:21). One will find that in this
roving “generation of vipers” any supposed “revelation”
is accepted as divinely inspired with no thought of testing
against the Scriptures (Matt. 23:33). It seems that these men
just want some kind or any kind of supernatural activity and it
doesn’t matter where it is coming from. Here is one example:
"I'd rather be in a church where the devil and the flesh are
manifesting than in a church where nothing is happening
because people are too afraid to manifest anything...and if
the devil manifests, don't worry about that, either.
Rejoice, because at least something is happening." The
Coming Revival
(p.6), Rodney Howard-Browne
Casting out devils is a New Testament practice. Jesus did
it and commanded all who believe His Gospel to go forth and do
the same. Christ came to destroy the works of Satan (Acts 10:38;
1 Jn. 3:8). Notice that in Rodney Howard-Browne’s statement
above there is no mention of casting the devil out of the person
who might manifest an unclean spirit (Matt. 8:16, 31-32; 9:33;
10:1, 8; 12:24-28; 17:19-21; Mk. 16:17, etc.). Look up the word
“cast” in the KJV Bible and study the dozen’s of references to
casting out the devil and freeing people from his evil. Clowns
like Browne do not negate Bible truth and the power of God’s
Spirit, yet such must always be done in accordance to the
written Word which the Holy Spirit gave us and will never
contradict (2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:20-21).
When people do not individually get in the Word and
therefore possess unspeakable joy in Jesus, they become prey to
deceivers who promise entertainment, action, and experiences
that are not reconcilable with New Testament Christianity (Jer.
15:16; 1 Pet. 1:8).
“Let God be true and every man a liar.” Romans 3:4
True under-shepherds are told to “Bind up the
testimony, seal the law among my disciples.” (Isa. 8:16)
Establishing in our hearts that God’s written Word is the very
highest Word and final authority is ultra important. When we
grounded in “sound doctrine” we will have a “sound
mind” and “sound heart” (Prov. 14:30; 2 Tim. 1:7;
Tit. 2:1). Jesus told us that knowing and doing His Word is the
only way to go to Heaven and to have a solid foundation against
the storms to come (Matt. 7:21; 24-30). Being rooted and
grounded is the Word is what will take the instability and
flighty flakery out of the life of the Christian who has come
through the ranks of the charismatic movement like this writer.
Thank You Jesus for having mercy upon my wretched soul and for
leading me out and into Your glorious truth which brings true
salvation and liberty (Jn. 8:31-32, 36)!
Doctrinal Comparison
Paul tells us that he did not hold back but rather
declared the full-counsel of truth to the believers at Ephesus -
“For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel
of God.” Acts 20:27
The doctrine of counterfeit leaders is seen to be false
in that they refuse to disclose Bible Scriptures that do not
help their agenda to gain more affluence for themselves by
gaining more faithful followers. Leaving out the hard truths of
the Word alleviates persecutions which are characteristic of
what a true apostle must endure as we see throughout the New
Testament canon. Judas committed suicide and only one of the
remaining original apostles of Jesus was spared being martyred
(John).
We are commanded to “believe NOT every spirit.” (1
Jn. 4:1) Part of Paul’s “doctrine” and “manner of
life” was to prepare the people of God to meet the LORD at
His soon return. According to Colossians 1:27, this included 3
things - preaching, WARNING, and teaching.
To test a leader, one must consider whether or not that leader
is regularly “warning” the people concerning the threat
and danger of wolves who creep into the fold to devour sheep
with falsehood (Matt. 7:15; Acts 20:29-30; Col. 2:4, 8). Jesus
warned. Paul warned, Peter warned. Jude warned. John warned. As
a watchman for the LORD, teaching sound doctrine, testing all
leaders and teachings, watching, and warning is the duty (Prov.
27:23; Jer. 6:27; Ezek. 3:17-21; Acts 20:29-32). Any leader who
does not watch out for and warn of false prophets, false
teachers, and false doctrines, is not in the will of God and
will receive severe judgment for such an evil. He is not on his
post. Such a person will be held responsible for the demise of
precious souls (Ezek. 3:17-21; James 3:1; 2 Jn. 9-11).
Why did Jesus come and shed His perfect blood on the
cross?
·
“to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight.”
(Col. 1:22)
·
“that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.”
(Eph.
1:3-4)
Watching out for the sheep of the LORD’s pasture includes
the regular preaching of the nature of God which is “holy,
holy, holy” and the necessity of personal holiness or
damnation (Lev. 19:2; Isa. 6:3; Matt. 5:8; Heb. 12:14; 1 Pet.
1:15-16; Rev. 2-3). Such
foundational Bible doctrines are never tended to among
charismatics. There is more emphasis on experience and feelings
than sound doctrine and a laid down fruit-bearing life.
This great apostle Paul also suffered much
“persecutions” and “afflictions.” Paul’s “manner
of life” included great trials of afflictions and
persecutions. The lives of so many
modern day leaders who call themselves apostles or prophets
manifest no resemblance. Their manner of life is one of luxury
and not “suffering” or “persecutions” which come
from truly preaching the Word (Mk. 4:17). Like the Ephesian
believers did, it’s time to test - to try - to compare. What
Paul endured as a true apostle is a far cry from the lavish
lifestyles enjoyed by most who claim to be the modern day
apostles of Jesus.
Compromise & Cowardice Masking itself as
Loving
“If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine,
receive him not into your house, neither bid him God
speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil
deeds.” 2 John 10-11
According the Judge Himself, it is a dangerous occupation
to cover for or condone in any way wolves. Any one who dares to
do such will partake of the same severe judgment of the false
prophet they are justifying.
Those who come to the aide of these men instead of uncovering
them are equally as guilty before God and will partake of the severe judgment to come on all
“false prophets” and “false teachers” ... whose
“damnation slumbereth not.” (2 Pet. 2:1-4)
Jael was blessed for nailing an enemy of God. The people
of the town of Meroz were cursed for refusing to help the people
of God against her enemies (Judges 5:23-24).
Let me interject here that far too many
people seem to be ready and willing and vigilant to come to the
aid of, endorse, support and even cover for the wolves who are
devouring the sheep of the LORD. Astounding! The Word of God
tells us that all such people are just as guilty as the wolves
themselves (2 Jn. 10-11).
Just because a man has a following, books, tapes, seminars, and
a big smile doesn’t make him true to God! How shallow can we
be!? We can learn much from the garden of creation and the first
temptation which was perpetrated by the very same devil we deal
with today. Satan is slick and his methods and tools to deceive
are as old as mankind - “Now the serpent was more subtle than
any beast of the field which the LORD God had made.” (Gen.
3:1) So, to think that a false teacher or false apostle or false
prophet will come as a prude with no personality is utterly
naive.
“For
such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming
themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan
himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it
is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as
the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to
their works.” 2 Corinthians 11:13-15
So,
isn’t it high time that we cease following men for their
personalities and for what dainty messages they teach and use to
lure in and keep their audiences? The so-called “prophetic
movement” and “apostolic reformation” movements are mostly
recreational, experience-based fun and games which is
irreconcilable with anything seen from the apostles of Christ.
Entertainment is a tool in the tool box of the beguiler who is
more interested in making the people feel good than he is in
feeding them God’s Word.
Satan’s design in this pre-occupational spiritual
phenomenon movement is to divert/mislead the people of God away
from the original Gospel and the very purpose for which Christ
came - to seek and save the lost and then He commissioned us to
do the same (Matt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15-20; Lk. 19:10).
Instead of being busy about the
Father’s business, many today are busy seeking a sign, wonder,
word, or miracle - something to make themselves feel better as
they become further lulled to sleep, basking in the lurid ease
of lavish, lukewarm Laodicea (Amos 6:1; Rev.
3:14-21). Hell awaits. Like their counterfeit leaders whom they
have heaped to themselves, their god has become their belly
(Phil. 3:17-20; 2 Tim. 4:3-4).
Jesus is Coming
Ready or not - Jesus is coming, and many who think they
know Him simply do not (Matt. 7:21-23). Only those who literally
do His will and are not led astray by Satan’s slew of false
prophets will be in glory (Matt. 7:21-23). God is calling us to
repent and become sound and sober minded in His truth (2 Tim.
1:7, 13; 4:3; Tit. 1:9, 13-16; 2:1; 1 Pet. 5:8). All who do not
get into and remain in divine truth will be deluded and
ultimately damned (2 Thess. 2:9-12; 2 Jn 1:7-9).
There are certain things that are
intentionally neglected by false prophets and the return of
Christ is one of those cardinal doctrines. Yet Jesus
Christ warned:
“And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your
hearts be overcharged with surfeiting (over indulgence), and
drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come
upon you unawares. For as a snare (trap) shall it come on all
them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye
therefore, and pray always, that ye
may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall
come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” Luke
21:34-36
The return of Jesus is said to be the most prevalent
doctrine in the whole New Testament Scriptures. Those who refuse
to regularly preach the soon return of Jesus and the necessity
of readiness in light of His return, are not following Christ
and His apostles (Matt. 24-25; Lk. 21; Heb. 9:28; 1 Jn. 3:1-3).
This is abundantly clear in that anyone who doesn’t preach what
Christ and His holy apostles preached is not true to God and is
leading precious souls astray (Isa. 8:20; 9:16; Gal. 1:6-9).
[[[A NOTE FROM KEN: Preterism is an eschatology that teaches
that the second coming took place in 70. So the Preterists are
not teaching the Second Coming. This may be what the author is
alluding to.
See my article on “The Trojan Horse In The Charismatic
Movement”,
at
http://arkhaven.org/dominionism_trojan_horse_in_charismatic_movement.htm
]]]
The omissions of these modern deceivers are obvious to
the fervent student of Scripture and below is a sampling of the
falsehoods being disseminated via the false prophets of the “New
Apostolic Reformation” movement. These guys are slick (smooth,
charismatic, convincing). These are just a few of the things
they use to seduce people away from pure devotion to Christ and
away from His stated/recorded purpose for their lives. They
claim to be hearing from God while contradicting His Word,
insolently acting as if their “revelation” is above the final
authority of the very Word of God (Jn. 10:35; Rom. 3:4). Is this
not the height of arrogance? Few of the things they teach are
seen in the Scriptures as something Christ or His apostles
emphasized and yet they are writing books, holding seminars, and
have made a whole movement out of these things. They capitalize
on the ignorance of the masses. Their audience is the unlearned.
These men “by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts
of the simple (unlearned, gullible).” (Rom. 16:18) Remember,
that these many false prophets can only deceive those who
have chosen not to love and know God’s Word (Hos. 4:6;
Matt. 22:29; 2 Thess. 2:9-12; 2 Tim. 2:15; 3:16). Here is a
sampling of the un-scriptural teachings of the “New Apostolic
Reformation” deceivers:
·
heavenly portals
·
strategic spiritual warfare
·
territorial spiritual warfare
There is no biblical basis for such witchcraft. These are
examples of how these men are “intruding into those things
which he (they) hath not seen” and “not holding the Head
(Christ).” When a man truly fears and serves God he will
follow and declare the teachings of Christ and His apostles.
Such a disciple will live out and communicate only that which is
according to God’s Word.
“And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with
enticing words…Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy
and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments
of the world, and not after Christ…Let no man beguile you of
your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels,
intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly
puffed up by his fleshly mind, And not holding the Head, from
which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment
ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of
God.” Colossians 2:4, 8, 18-19
When even Michael the archangel won’t storm into the
heavenlies and do war with and demand things of Satan, how
arrogant are we to do such? This is part of what Pierce and
Wagner teach (heavenly portals, strategic spiritual warfare,
territorial spiritual warfare).
Speaking specifically of false prophets, the Holy Spirit
said:
“Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the
flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. Yet
Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he
disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a
railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. But these
speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they
know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt
themselves. Woe unto them!...” Jude 8-11
The “New Apostolic Reformation” movement is very
dangerous and leading millions astray from the true Gospel and
pure worship of Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 11:2-4) Find out for
yourself how this is being perpetrated. See below and we
encourage you to do you own research.
The promoters of this movement are self-appointed
“false apostles” who aim to bring others under their false
authority through their false teachings (2 Cor. 11:13; 2 Pet.
2:19; Jude; Rev. 2:2). The apostle Paul speaks of “false
apostles” in his day and Jesus commended the Ephesian
believers for testing and finding self-appointed “apostles” to
be false.
“I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and
how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and
thou hast tried (tested) them which
say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars.”
Revelation 2:2
Chuck
Pierce is not a reliable source....neither is C. Peter
Wagner.......Pierce and Wagner are the leading “third heaven”,
“spiritual mapping,” “territorial spirits,” leaders, who are
treading upon ground they have no business intruding into and
teaching things that simply are not biblical.... and have lured
in many un-discerning leaders who are facilitating these
deceptions instead of marking these men for these heresies (Acts
20:27-32; Rom. 16:17-18; Jude 3-4, etc.)......Jesus Christ is
not being exalted in their teachings - “Let no man beguile
you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of
angels, intruding into those
things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by
his fleshly mind, And not holding the Head,
from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment
ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of
God.” (Colossians 2:18-19)
More falsehood:
Demonstrating his disdain for the Word of the God he
claims to represent, C. Peter Wagner writes:
"...we ought to see clearly that the end DOES justify
the means. What else possible could justify the means? If the method I am
using accomplishes the goal I am aiming at, it is for that
reason a good method. If, on the other hand, my method is not accomplishing the goal, how
can I be justified in continuing to use it?"
(C. Peter
Wagner, Your Church Can Grow - Seven Vital Signs Of A Healthy
Church, 1976, pg. 137. - emphasis in original)
Note above that Wagner says nothing concerning following
the Scriptures, but rather reasons that the end justifies the
means.
In violation of Jude 9, Wagner writes:
“More than any place I know, the most prominent
Christian leaders in Argentina, such as Omar Cabrerro and Carlos
Annacondia, Hector Giminez and others, overtly challenge and
curse Satan and his demonic forces both in private prayer and in
public platforms. The nation as a whole is engaged in a
world class power encounter.”
(Engaging the Enemy ,C P. Wagner. Regal Books, p
46)
The ecumenical ties:
"Traditionally, the message of the Gospel in Latin
America has appealed to the working class. But changes have
begun to take place, and many middle and upper-class people are
now opening their hearts to Jesus Christ. Some of this is
happening through the Catholic charismatic movement."
(C. Peter
Wagner, Look at What God's Doing!, excerpt from On the
Crest of the Wave (Ventura, CA: Regal Books, 1983).
"Probably the first Asian nation to become predominantly
Christian will be Korea (with the exception of the
Philippines which is already about 85 percent nominal
Catholic.)"
(C. Peter
Wagner, Look at What God's Doing!" excerpt from On the
Crest of the Wave (Ventura, CA: Regal Books. 1983)
More self-promotion:
C.
Peter Wagner and Ben F Gray wrote: “The New Apostolic
Reformation is an extraordinary work of the Holy Spirit that is
changing the shape of Christianity globally. It is truly a new
day! The Church is changing. New names! New methods! New worship
expressions. The Lord is establishing the foundations of the
Church for the new millennium. This foundation is built upon
Apostles and Prophets.” (The organisers of the Apostles and
Prophets Conference (APC) Brisbane - February 2000).
For the reasons stated above, any leader associated with
these men and such a movement should be rebuked and warned then
marked if they do no cut ties completely. Any believer who has
been lured into this movement should be warned.
New
Prophets to Head the Church?
http://www.letusreason.org/Latrain22.htm
Geographical Heresies of the New Apostolic Reformation
http://herescope.blogspot.com/2006/02/geographical-heresies-of-new-apostolic.html
NEW
APOSTOLIC REFORMATION MOVEMENT
http://www.deceptioninthechurch.com/newapostolic.html
SPIRIT OF ERROR
http://spiritoferror.wordpress.com/2006/11/13/chuck-pierce%E2%80%99s-%E2%80%98war-season%E2%80%99-and-the-%E2%80%98year-of-the-sword%E2%80%99/
The
Agenda & Teaching Of The New Apostolic Reformation
http://www.deceptioninthechurch.com/arise.html
DR C
PETER WAGNER IS A CHIEF PROPONENT OF THE RIVER REVIVAL, THE
WORLD CHRISTIAN MOVEMENT, ALPHA AND PROMISE KEEPERS
http://www.cephas-library.com/apostles/apostles_peter_wagner_m.html
http://spiritoferror.wordpress.com/
www.bibleguidance.co.za/Engarticles/Rebecca.htm
www.DeceptionInTheChurch.com
DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH: for example, use key word searches
like “peter
wagner false” and “chuck pierce false” and “apostolic
reformation” etc or “apostolic reformation false”
Are you born again?
PEACE with GOD
The connection between
Dominionism, the Emergent church, and Buddhism.
In the
preparing for the times we are coming into (or are accelerating
into) it is important to understand what preparing spiritually
really means. Bible prophecy warns us again and again that
deception and the false will define and rule the hour.
Lora and I have
been listening to Pastor Bob DeWaay show how the Emergent church
and Dominionism are related and have a variation of the same
eschatology. Yet it is almost impossible to get the leaders in
these deceptions (Emergent and Dominionism) to ever state
clearly what their eschatology is. Whatever they ARE they are
NOT Pre-millennial (second coming before the millennium
starts). Every theology revolves around its eschatology.
Dominionist
“apostles” tell us that “unity in the Spirit” means us being in
unity with THEM, otherwise we are in rebellion. Dominionist and
Emergent leaders say the world is getting better and eventually
their apostles will have dominion of all mankind (the one world
church), then and only then will Jesus manifest Himself and rule
the world. Towards the end when 90% or so of the world is
Christianized and under their dominion, then it will become
necessary for them to speed up and finalize the process by
elimination those who have not come into the fold … meaning you
and me who must be “removed” for the sake of the whole.
Interestingly enough, the Koran and the New Agers (and the
Catholic Encyclopedia) also say that. But Dominionism
originated in Romanism and that is what the Inquisition was all
about … Dominionism. It makes you wonder if they are in league
somehow.
Please listen
to some of the sermons and interviews by Pastor Bob DeWaay at
http://www.cicministry.org
. He is
very scholarly and very Evangelical … and Premillennial. He
does an excellent job of showing the history, the origins, the
proponents of these deceptions, and showing you quotes from
these people so there can be no question as to whether he is
telling the truth.
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