FREEDOM FROM WOLVES

Word of Faith Doctrine: A False Religion Full of Greed and Discontent

2012-01-16T21:48:00.002-05:00

Go Here to read the article from Team Pyro

5 REASONS WHY THE WORD-FAITH MESSAGE CAN'T HELP YOU.

2011-12-10T20:14:00.004-05:00

It's been a while since I've last written anything due to my hectic work schedule. So, here is what I've been thinking about for a time. (note: this post was inspired by an e-mail exchange I had recently.)

With all the hype and false hope in the WoF Movement, you'd think millions were regularly healed of cancer, receiving large sums of money in their mailbox, never had problems in their relationships or had to deal with problems everyone else in the world has to face. The magic bullet to all of one's problems is giving. Not only giving, but giving to them. Not only is this not true, it has the potential to create more problems in your life. God knows how many times we skimped on groceries in order to keep paying our weekly tithe, while the leaders of the church lived lavish lifestyles of the rich and famous. The WoF is the ultimate pyramid scheme designed to keep you poor and them rich.

Giving is not the focus of this article, but keep this in mind: Giving is the primary message of the so-called faith movement. Everything hinges on your obedience to give tithes and huge offerings if you want breakthroughs in life. Having said this, I want to turn up the notch of reality. Not only does the Word-Faith message not help you, it can destroy your life by adding false hope and promise when life's storms come and leave your faith shipwrecked.

Here are some thoughts about why the WoF message can not help you.

1.) Your faith is in your faith and not in Christ.

If your faith is not anchored in Christ, then you do not have true biblical faith. This leaves one trusting in themselves, not Christ, when life gets difficult. Reality is often denied, and the person tries harder and harder to cope with a false sense of reality. When reality is denied, circumstances are not addressed and nothing changes, except for the constant draining of the bank account.

All suffering and all issues are blamed on the devil. One usually rambles on in prayer binding devils (not a biblical practice) and speaking positive confessions (lying) in attempt to change the situation. This builds pride in the practitioner, instead of a constant dependence on God to build character and help them grow.

Not only are all issues blamed on the devil, all suffering is blamed on him as well. This does not line up with this passage:

Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good. 1 Peter 4:19 ESV

Trusting God should be the foundation to our faith, not having faith in a faith that does not exist. Faith is not a force, it is simple trust in God as its founder and perfecter. Heb. 12:2

One should entrust their souls to God, not their faith, or worse, their seed (money).

2.) There's a slither of truth in the movement, but it is defiled with much error.

When you mix much error with truth, you no longer have pure truth, you have a different truth than what was intended. The truth becomes distorted and even poison, like clean water mixed with bleach. It looks good and refreshing, but it is now poison.

3.) Principles are maximized, gospel and grace are minimized.

The Word-Faith heresy is heavy on law and principles and weak on grace and gospel. The Word-Faith person becomes obsessed with learning cute little sayings, quotes from heretics and gospel-less principles. One becomes the center of their own life, instead of letting Christ rule and reign in them. Self is the center and context of their life, not Jesus.  Therefore their works and efforts turn into humanism or works righteousness. All you have is a gospel of pulling yourself up by your own bootstraps. Hell is full of such people. The attitude is: OK, God. I've gave, I've confessed, I've worked like a dog, now it's time for you to bless me. Bring it on, God!

4.) Ripped passages out of context can not give you true power and strength.

Take the dry bones passage in Ezekiel 37. Many Wof preachers rip this message out of context and talk about getting your miracle, getting life back breathed back into your dreams and ~~delusions~~ visions. Of course this passage is about the resurrection of Israel, not one's dreams, hopes or desires.

If you allow yourself to get stirred up by such rubble, you are not being truly fed God's word, just lies and allegories designed to build hype, not true hope or faith. Remember, their goal is your pocketbook!

5.) You are not helped because you are not growing.

When God opened our eyes to the lies of the WoF, we were starving spiritually. After years of giving, sowing and practicing principles outside of the gospel of God's grace, we were drained in most every area of life. Fortunately, were are free from the WoF and charismania forever. We were not truly growing spiritually because of all the pride that developed in our heart. In my former opinion, grace was greasy and something only for baby Christians, not spiritual powerhouses, such as myself.

In fact, you can not grow without God's grace. NO, grace is not something only sissies cling to in weakness, it takes a real person to admit to their spiritual bankruptcy and need for God's grace.

Consider this passage:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matt. 5:3

When one admits their spiritual poverty, God will shower down his grace into their lives.

But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble."   James 4:6

God uses tough situations in life to make you into a better person. (see James 1:1-4, 1 Pet. 5:8-10) When we are honest with God, He can remove a lot of bad attitudes and sins that make us stumble.   The gospel of grace gets our hearts focused on him as our source, strength and life. When we live a Christ centered, cross-focused life, then things happen on the inside of us that are unexplainable. It's much easier to die to self and sin, when we know He is our life and he died for our sins.

The Wof teaches the opposite. They teach one to ignore their situation (mind science) and create your destiny with your words.  They deny their circumstances and truth and attempt to make God into a puppet.

However, true wisdom knows the truth about the situation, and knows how, or finds out how to remedy the situation with God's word and complete reliance upon Him. False wisdom depends on subjective dreams and visions or gospel-less principles for success.  Human Wisdom plus Principles minus the gospel is a recipe for disaster or bankruptcy.  Most of what Wof preachers and seeker-driven gurus teach is a Christ less and gospel-less Christianity. No wonder the church world is in chaos and decline.

The Word of Faith message can not help you; it can only harm you.

A NEW TREND TO BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR

2011-10-29T17:27:00.000-04:00

The wolves discover that wearing a smile is just as effective as wearing sheep’s clothing.

HT to an anonymous friend for sending this pic from the Sacred Sandwich.

What is the NAR (And Why Should We Be Concerned About It?)

2011-10-11T19:19:00.000-04:00

by Christine Pack of the Sola Sisters blog

A Personal Note: Please-please-please send this article to your loved ones so that they can be on the look-out for this dangerous movement sweeping through Christianity. I consider this to be one of the most important articles I have ever written, and I regret not having written it sooner. And please understand that I have only scratched the surface in this article. Unfortunately, the NAR is such a massive movement, with so many tentacles, and so many people involved, that it was almost impossible to talk about it concisely. It is almost unfathomable to me how many people have been affected by this dangerous movement. Hardly a day goes by that I don't hear from at least one person who has personally had to flee a once solid church because this teaching has suddenly swept in, or someone who has watched a loved one be seduced by it, or someone who has even been unwittingly swept up in this movement themselves.

Go Here to read the rest of the article.

MORE MUSINGS FROM A FORMER WOF LEADER

2011-10-09T18:44:00.001-04:00

Been pondering and evaluating my departure from Word of Faith, NAR and the Charismatic branch in general. I guess I find myself fully settled in I really don’t care what anyone else thinks anymore land.

I used to have a long and detailed response when people inquired as to why I was not “in ministry” or why I went to the church I attend now. Now I have it somewhat condensed. “I have no patience for WOF, NAR or Charismatic churches of any kind, anymore. I do not miss it."

The best thing I ever did was throw away the “prophetic words” I had gotten, taped, written down, confessed and mainly stressed over for years. I feel way more special just meditating on how I’m saved from wrath, instead of trying to make sure I was doing some special thing.

I do not miss “believing” for someone to be healed and seeing no better results in the “on fire” church than the church the dead churches we made fun of. I committed the “sin” of paying attention and coming to terms with how the cancer patient at the WOF church died, and the one at the dead church lived. I even got a pastor to admit that they were getting no better results with all their anointings than the church who had plain ol’ elders pray for the sick.

I do not miss hearing how the revival they’d been expecting for 60 years was “just about to happen” ...that is once we learned the force of faith, prayed in tongues non-stop, pulled down strongholds, bound up strongmen, broke through to a breakthrough, got in on some every other year jubilee of some sort and sowed up into the pockets of some hot rod money magnet preacher so we’d finally have all the funds God needed to do something big and enough left over for all the stuff we wanted...or vice versa... it really didn’t matter. The drive to continue to get more and more was the motivation of the prosperity message. Enough was never enough.

Oh sure, I violated all the armor bearer and hyped up loyalty rules these pinheads came up with.

I will gladly be judged for not staying in the ranks of liars, the covetous, the narcissistic, the immoral, and the mental patients posing as pastors, prophets, apostles, or any other title they dreamt up.

I guess being in a “regular” church with leaders who actually have to be accountable to people who will actually hold them accountable is less “spiritual” than being under the big man who hears from God directly for everyone. Seemed like the movements I was in were rife with the most “anointed” people being the poster children for the works of the flesh.

I suppose I became even further resolved to not care what people think when I found out that some people that I stood up for in a very concrete way actually have gone back to a place we both agreed was a good place to leave.

I can’t say I didn’t believe it when I heard about it. They didn’t really run very far from the nonsense. Actually, they just switched kool-aid flavors for a short while. And I’m not angry. I didn’t ask them to follow me anywhere.

It’s not the first time after pouring out my guts and pages of facts that a person has looked right through me to the next weird thing they wanted to do.

It’s been awhile since I’ve written anything about this. I guess I don’t think about it as much anymore. I gave the whole mess more than a fair trial. I gave my life, time, talents, money and soul to it.

I’m not a person “ that got offended”

I’m a person who saw that all I had to do was ignore the lies, play the game and keep my mouth shut and I could “ prosper” in those settings.

I’m also a person who would not give up a real Jesus for some other Jesus who would put up with that kind of abuse.

It took me a while to stop grieving over what I lost and to start being thankful for what I gained.

I am thankful to be where I am and not where I was.

EVANGELICAL WORD FAITH?

2011-09-26T17:57:00.000-04:00

EVANGELICAL WORD FAITH?

The Hebrew Roots Movement Part 1 of 13

2011-09-14T21:16:00.001-04:00

Another false movement designed to corrupt the gospel. The other 12 parts can be found on Youtube if you're interesed.

Extreme Theology: Dangers of Monastic Mystic Meditation Practices

2011-09-11T09:59:00.000-04:00

Extreme Theology: Dangers of Monastic Mystic Meditation Practices

T.D. JAKES SPIRITUAL FATHER OF PAULA WHITE

2011-09-03T21:08:00.000-04:00

T.D. JAKES SPIRITUAL FATHER OF PAULA WHITE

20 Scripture Twisting Techniques of the Cults

2011-08-28T15:55:00.002-04:00

Here is a list from Jame's Sire's book Scripture Twisting: 20 Ways the Cults Misread the Bible.

Go Here to read the list created by Chris Rosebrough from Pirate Christian Radio.

ONE TACO SHORT OF A COMBO MEAL

2011-08-26T20:59:00.001-04:00

Ronald M. Enroth has given considerable help in recognizing the dangers of this other side of discipleship. He has identified six primary characteristics of groups or churches that practice disciple abuse. Taken from his article “Churches on the Fringe,”5 they are:

(1) control-oriented leadership;
(2) isolationist attitudes;
(3) spiritual elitism;
(4) lifestyle rigidity;
(5) discouragement of dissent; and
(6) painful exit.

Groups with these restrictive characteristics I have labeled “totalist aberrant Christian organizations” (TACOs). They are “totalist” by virtue of their attempts to control almost every area of the member’s life. They are “aberrant” in that they teach doctrines and practices that, though they cannot be called actually heretical, they are yet “eccentric” in the literal sense of “off center” – out of line with historic, orthodox Christianity. Thus they must be recognized as genuine, if non-mainstream, “Christian organizations.” The term TACO is appropriate for another reason: the groups are so close to the truth, and the error is so subtle, that when one tries to get a grip on the problem one has great difficulty holding things together long enough to get a good “bite” on it! These things will be made clear as we look more closely at each of Enroth’s points (under slightly different labels), beginning with one he doesn’t mention specifically.

Go Here To Read Larry Pile's Article entitled, The Other Side of Discipleship exposing the Shepherding Movement that is still alive and well today.

What Cessationism Is Not

2011-08-26T17:53:00.001-04:00

Much ado has been made (both on this blog and elsewhere) about the recent “anti-cessationist” comments of a popular Seattle-based pastor. I don’t desire to enter a war of words, or become embroiled in an online controversy. But I do hope to make a helpful contribution to the conversation.

Over the last few years, I’ve enjoyed investigating the historical record regarding the charismatic gifts, especially the gift of tongues. And I can only hope that the above pastor, and his co-author, will treat the material responsibly in their upcoming work on the subject. (Who knows, maybe they’d be open to a two-views book?)

To read the entire article go here to the Cripplegate blog.

HT to Pirate Chrtistian Radio. I heard Chris Rosebrough read this article a few days ago and thought you'd like to check it out.

SHOCKING DOCUMENTARY 3- False spirits invade the church - KUNDALINI WARN...

2011-08-23T17:46:00.000-04:00

Special Thanks to JohnTheBaptist TV for sending this link. If you'd like to see part One and Two, go into the search box and you can find it in my archives.

Word of Faith Movement African American Christian charismatic Creflo Dollar Reverend Ike black church By Milmon Harrison - Beliefnet.com

2011-08-21T12:52:00.000-04:00

Word of Faith Movement African American Christian charismatic Creflo Dollar Reverend Ike black church By Milmon Harrison - Beliefnet.com

JUSTIN PETERS SEMINAR

2011-08-19T17:19:00.011-04:00

Now you can view the entire Justin Peters Seminar here. A special thanks to John Chingford of the Last Days Watchman blog for sending these links. Each episode is over an hour long, so you may want to bookmark them for future viewing. Enjoy!

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

I was wrong. What about you?

2011-08-12T16:41:00.001-04:00

by Two Former Word of Faith leaders

Nobody wants to be wrong. Nor does anyone want to hear those piercing words, "I told you so," either. We protect our beliefs like a guard dog watching over prized possessions. Most people had rather believe a lie than take the time to examine their belief system. People rationalize, "That's the way it's always been," or "I trust my beliefs because --"

Instead of doing the hard research work of testing one's beliefs, most people are too lazy to look deeply into the facts. They somehow can't put their feelings or personal interests aside and do the noble work of a Berean. For instance, I've heard some pretty sorry arguments by people trying to defend their positions. You can always tell when someone has done proper research and due diligence in presenting their doctrines. You may not always agree, but you will always respect the person who has done their homework.

An interesting study was done on a group of people in which they were given new concepts, something they have never heard of before. They were asked to believe it. Knowing they would have to believe it, they would have to set aside things they previously thought were true.  The results were interesting. Fifty percent of the people believed it immediately without thinking.  Thirty percent didn't believe it immediately without thinking. Fifteen percent wanted to have more time before making up their mind. They asked for no further clarification or details before making up their mind. Five percent analyzed all the information and made their conclusions.

The results of the study: It is estimated that five percent of the people think. Fifteen percent of the people think they think. And Eighty percent of the people would rather die than think. (1)

Unfortunately, the same is true for the better part of the church world. People are running around spouting off false doctrine without examining it first. They'd rather die than do their homework in examining the facts. Why? In most cases, I think pride prohibits further examination into one's beliefs. They've bought into their belief system so deeply, and financally, they don't want to be proven wrong. They think they'll feel shame and embarrasment for believing a lie. But, the opposite is true. It's liberating to believe the truth.  Didn't the Lord say, "You shall know the truth, and the truth will set you free?"

Another reason people don't want to examine their beliefs, is because their minds have been so warped by manipulators in the church, they're afraid to do the homework. They think, "What if the man of gawd finds out that I've participated in independant thinking. They hide behind a false sense of humility, thinking they are pleasing God and man.

They think they are wrong to look into the strange things taught in their church. I mean, I had been in “spirit filled” churches of all kinds and stripes because of some ministry opportunities. I’d seen a lot of things I thought were “ flakey”

Flakey was the closest we’d ever come to calling something “error”.

As for those heresy hunters who scrutinized our former beliefs, we would concede that they MIGHT be saved, but they were so demonized, ignorant, and unspiritual, that it was accepted that they should be mocked and ridiculed by us. We once prided ourselves in attacking the attackers, calling them stupid or orthodox. Now, we have no problem being called, orthodox! It's a great honor.

Meanwhile, we felt we were wrong to be disturbed to find the volumes of documentation that showed exactly what was being taught in those churches. It was nothing less than shepherding redux for the most part. Then I found reams of material listing the many false prophecies given by Copeland, Hinn, Roberts and the like . The list goes on forever.

Not to mention that I have been cursed with an excellent memory and could give incident after incident of things I heard spoken in the name of the Lord that never, ever, came to pass.

To be fair, there was “close enough” prophesy fulfillment that kept me hanging on, but the funny thing about it was when they applied to me personally they almost always had the little “ but you’ve got to stay here in that flow with your man of gawd” clause attached.

But in general there were many dates and events tied to them that did not come to pass that it would take one REALLY seeing with the eye of faith to overlook the obvious difference in what was prophesied and what actually or didn’t actually occur.

Of course, for the longest time, I blamed the body of Christ for not praying enough, giving enough, confessing enough, praising enough, fasting enough, worshiping enough, or the big one...not being in the RIGHT church or conference to GET IT!

But what if none of those things were true? What if we were actually going beyond what was written in some of these areas? What if the dozens of moral failures was showing us what the leaders of these movements really were?

A friend and I were discussing the last ten years of my almost 30 of being part of the WOF / NAR movements. Back when I first started looking for answers there were plenty. Now there are many more blogs, discernment sites and forums where you can at least peek in and take a look for yourself.

I am convinced that any person who is not too proud or scared to be proven wrong can type a couple words in the search engine and start their investigation. It’s all it took for me.

I think I typed “Shepherding movement” first. Then I saw Al Dager’s open letter to Oral Roberts. (Online Source.)   Then I found, “A Reaping from the faith” article in the Tulsa World news paper. (Online Source)    Then we found the Let Us Reason site and many others.

I found out there were cessasionists, charismatics, Pentecostals and everything in between, that while they didn’t agree on every point, they all seemed to have a real good understanding of the very things I thought I was right about, but had to admit I had been wrong for many years.

It’s taken a long time. The first step is being willing to see a page pop up from a search that could make you mad.  It could help you understand or prove you wrong.

I hate being wrong as much as anyone else.

But some people do not want to find out they are wrong. They simply go from one miracle meeting to the next, wondering when they're going to get their breakthrough. They don't want to be in the five percentile of thinkers. I guess it's easier to die than think.

Notes:
1.) Gty.org podcast dated 7/21/11

THE SECRET INGREDIENTS OF WORD-FAITH SCAMMING

2011-08-06T11:11:00.002-04:00

by Two Former Word-Faith Leaders

Remember the children's game, Simon Says? The leader says, "Simon says, 'put you right hand on your head'" Everyone agrees and does as told. This goes on until one person is left in the game who obeyed perfectly. You lose when you do something Simon did not say to do.

Take this same dynamic and apply it to Word-Faith heretics. The worship leader pre-conditions the audience with fast songs, slow songs, then medium songs, etc. This is the first ingredient: pre-conditioning. He or she goes back and forth on stage, like a pendulum, ~~hypnotically~~ entrancing the crowd, preparing them for whatever the ~~cult leader~~ preacher has to say. The audience is now ripe for ~~pocket~~ picking.

You could call it peer pressure, too. The emotions are in control instead of the head. Since you're ready for the feelings to continue, you ramp it up a notch, full steam ahead. You want to fit in and be a part of the group, so you put your brain in your purse or back pocket and dive in feet first.

The ~~wolf~~ preacher usually comes in at the end of a slow song to capitalize on the mood. Now that the crowd is ~~hypnotized~~ ecstatic, they're ready to do whatever is commanded. "Simon says, 'obey the prophet.'"

The next ingredient of scamming is trust. The atmosphere is right, the mood is set, and the believer trusts everything. Right before the offering is taken, the preacher may read testimonials from ~~saps~~ people who planted a seed offering and got a big blessing. This isolated story somehow mystically becomes normative for all Christians: all you have to do is plant a seed and you will be blessed or your prayers will be answered.

Everyone else is doing it. Simon says, "Give." So the broke and bewildered person decides to give it a try. The atmosphere is right and a false sense of trust is formed.

Now this leads us to the next ingredient: shaming. During this time, the ~~con man~~ pastor may also want to rip the Malachi tithing verse out of context and condemn people who don't tithe. He may call them greedy, crooks or cursed. In other words, Simon said "give", and some did not give, or not give enough. The pastor may say horrible things about non-tithers, but since everyone is putty in his hands, these statements are often ignored or tuned out. Rationalization takes place, since the ~~manipulator~~ pastor is talking about someone else anyway.

The thinking goes, "They probably are greedy if the prophet thinks so. Maybe they should be exposed from the man of God!" Rational thinking is tossed out the window, and one's feelings are enforced by what the preacher says. One becomes numb to the obvious manipulation.

Another ingredient is called, wait on the anointing before taking the offering. It goes something like this: Give more when the anointing level is higher. It will guarantee better results. The emphasis on the supernatural shifts from healing, laughing, sticking to the floor and all that. Now the focus is expecting miraculous money manifestations...which usually meant people coming to the altar to throw money at the man of gawd as he was under the multiplying anointing like the loaves and fishes account.

Sort of like Branham waiting for his angel to show up. Some preachers keep going on and on with the occasional pauses to see if something was going to happen. Talk about a manipulation. Now, you were not only to not miss that offering, but you had to give at just the right time too or it wouldn't work! Talking about not having a brain to get sucked into that one. WoW!

Looking back on my many years in the WoF, I've heard my former pastor and others says some bizarre things from the pulpit. One time my former leader said, "If you are not a tither, you can not have God, and God can not have you!" He even implied that non-tithers were not needed anyway. They're a burden on us. It got so bad before we left, that non-tithers were not even allowed to participate in prayer group meetings. Simon said, "Give" and they didn't do as he said. They're out. They lost. (Actually they won!)

Now Simon says, "That's a good boy. That's a good girl." You tithe and you are a good ~~puppet~~ ~~sucker~~ parishioner.

The next ingredient: positive reinforcement. You've jumped through the hoops. You've given till it hurts. You and your family wondered where your next meal was coming from, while the pastor and his family ate steak and lobster. You've arrived. He finally noticed you. You're just one step away from that coveted inner circle that you hear so much about. You know, the group that's invited to the pastor's house and parties.

But before you can join that exclusive club, you may be asked to do things like, wash their cars, babysit, cut grass, clean houses, etc. Then you may get to be an armor bearer. Whatever that is? Can't seem to find one in the New Testament. Oh, yeah, they spiritualize stuff so it doesn't matter. Just do it.

Now the rat wheel of works righteousness begins. You've been pre-conditioned. You've succumbed to peer pressure or group numbing. You've been mesmerized and manipulated. Your trust level was off the charts. You've given till it hurts and have an empty bank account to prove it. You wanted to be a higher-up. You've worked like a dog in that cult. But somehow, you didn't look the part. You noticed the higher-ups began to ignore you and push you aside. It wasn't your fault. You just didn't know about all the unwritten rules. You have to look the part, whether or not you meet biblical critera.

So, what did we learn from all this? Stop doing what Simon Says, and start doing what Jesus says. It won't take long before you realize the two are not compatible.

CHARISMATIC CHAOS

2011-07-29T12:27:00.001-04:00

HT to the SolaSisters blog.

For anyone with loved ones who have gotten sucked into the Charismatic movement, the following sermon series is a must-listen. This is the sermon series given by John MacArthur that compelled him to write his bestselling book on the dangers of the Charismatic movement, Charismatic Chaos. From the Grace To You website:

"The charismatic movement, once considered a splinter group on the fringe of Christianity, has gained steam and entered the ‘90s at full speed. Dramatic new accounts of bizarre, supernatural events are attracting men and women hungry for religious experiences while causing others simply to ask, What is really happening here?, or more important, What should I believe?

This 13-message album thoughtfully and carefully shines the light of Scripture on teaching that is gaining a massive and loyal television following, leading to disunity on a world-wide scale, and promising to fuel controversy for years to come. Recorded by John MacArthur, these messages will help you gain an understanding of his bestseller Charismatic Chaos in a short amount of time."

Below are links to each message of the 13-part sermon series. Each message can be either read in article form, or downloaded as an audio file:

Go Here to view to ck out the audio files. The files: Does God promise Health and Wealth part 1 & 2 changed my life. I didn't even know I was I was in a WoF church until I heard these messages.

Enjoy!!!

HOW PIETISM DECEIVES CHRISTIANS: THE ERRORS OF ELITIST TEACHINGS IN THE CHURCH

2011-07-28T20:58:00.000-04:00

HOW PIETISM DECEIVES CHRISTIANS: THE ERRORS OF ELITIST TEACHINGS IN THE CHURCH

SYMPTOMS OF AN ABUSIVE GROUP

2011-07-25T20:49:00.001-04:00

Are you still wondering if your church is showing symptoms of being an abusive group? Are you talking yourself out of leaving because your church may have virtues that seem to compensate for its possible abuses? You may not be able to see right now how being in a controlling, abusive system is affecting you, but it will damage the central core of who you are. And I can assure you it will affect your children at some point. To help you make a clear assessment, here is a review of the symptoms of an abusive religious group according to Jesus in Matthew 23:

Go here to read the rest of the article from What Really Matters blog.

A Call for Discernment: Exposing the Word-Faith Movement with guest Just...

2011-07-22T17:44:00.000-04:00

Walter Martin's last episode on TBN

2011-07-10T16:15:00.000-04:00

Go here to view the entire episode.

THE NEGATIVE FACTS ABOUT POSITIVE CONFESSION

2011-06-24T21:05:00.016-04:00

Before I launch into this topic, I’d first like to say that the false doctrine of Positive Confession of the Word Faith Movement has nothing to do with one’s positive attitude. A positive attitude is a great asset as opposed to being a sour, critical person. As you will see in this article, Positive Confession is one of the many erroneous tenants of the movement. The reason I bring this to your attention, is because I’ve known some who think it is a sin to have a winsome smile or positive out look on life.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

The Positive Confession doctrine is woven deeply into the fibers of WoF thinking. Though not all WoF people accept all tenants of the movement, without question, all Wofers hold tightly to this doctrine. That is why I feel the need to examine this teaching at its core and hopefully expose it for what it is: a lie.

Positive Confession

The Theology of the Spoken Word (Rhematology), or thought actualization, is commonly known as positive confession. It stresses the inherent power of words and thoughts. Each person predestines his own future by what he says verbally and by how well he uses spiritual laws. As such, it is as if we live in a mechanistic universe instead of a personal one (see, Kenneth Copeland, Laws of Prosperity, p. 15; Charles Capps, The Tongue A Creative Force, pp. 117-118; Releasing the Ability of God, pp. 98-99, 101-104). Online Source

Just like most WoF doctrines, Positive Confession places man at the center of his own life instead of God. In this make believe world, it’s all about you, not God. You get to play God with your thinking and speaking.

This fantasy world is based on presumption. One presumes God is in a box just waiting for you to speak the right thing to get what you want. This error leads to dissatisfaction, disillusionment and possible shipwreck. Or, it goes to the other extreme. I’ve known some people so deluded with this sort of thinking, that they saw no problem with stepping on people to get what they want. They force things to happen when God is not obviously moving according to their confession or desires. It’s sad but true. They fit square pegs into round holes to prove they are people of power and faith.

To further define the doctrine, here is what Marilyln Hickey said, "What do you need? Start creating it. Start speaking about it. Start speaking it into being. Speak to your billfold. Say, "You big, thick billfold full of money." Speak to your checkbook. Say, "You, checkbook, you. You've never been so prosperous since I owned you. You're just jammed full of money."

(Marilyn Hickey, "Claim Your Miracles" (Denver: Marilyn Hickey Ministries, n.d.), audiotape #186, side 2) Online source.

Hello, Marilyn, what about Phillipians 4:19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. ESV

If this sort of nonsense worked, and If it were biblical, we would not need God. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather live a life built on trust in God, instead of self. Just imagine what kind of chaos would be in the world today if God allowed Christians to have this kind of sovereignty in the world. For example, consider this illustration.

It’s an overcast Saturday Morning in your hometown. On one side of town, a young preacher is confessing it is not going to rain so his son can play baseball. On the other side of town, a Christian farmer is confessing it is going to rain so his crops won’t die. Who is right? Who is wrong? Actually neither are right, and they both are wrong. Certainly, we can pray for either direction, but God is in control. He reserves the right to be God, and He doesn’t give his sovereignty to anyone.

Now, take the principle from this local setting and apply it globally. I’m sure you get the point.

Consider these passages about God's sovereignty.

Acts 4:24 "And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, "Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in Them..."

1 Timothy 6:15 "which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords."

FAITH IN GOD OR FAITH IN HIS WORD?

At first glance, it may seem wrong not to have faith in God’s word. I can understand one’s struggle with the concept, but faith in God is the main point. Yes, we should have faith in God’s word as far as its infallibility, reliability and authority. But we can not cherry pick a verse, claim it, and expect God to move without considering its immediate context, to whom it was written and its original meaning. WoF preachers are experts at ripping passages out of context, spiritualizing, allegorizing and twisting it to their own desires.

However in Mark 11:22, Jesus said, "And Jesus answered them, "Have faith in God."

And when Christ went into glory, the Apostle Paul exhorted believers to have faith in Christ:

But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. Gal. 3:22

Jesus wasn’t going around naming and claiming anything. He didn’t say rip a verse out of context, stand on it, and have faith in that verse. Again, you wouldn’t need God if that were the case. You could just have faith in a verse without ever thinking about your loving, caring heavenly father. He always gets pushed aside in their theology. He is demoted, and man is promoted. No, he simply said, "Have Faith in God." And when you do, you can truly rest in the fact that He is in control.

Here are some common lines used by Positive Confession proponents to attempt to draw in gullible people:

"You can have what you say."

"The reason you haven't been healed is that you don't have enough faith."

"We can write our own ticket with God if we decide what we want, believe that it's ours, and confess it."

"Faith in God is simply faith in His Word. What that means is that faith says about one's self what the Word says."

"Faith is not something which we have so much as it is something that we do."

"Get your faith out there, start confessing God's Word. If we want God's Word to work for us, we must side with it." Online Source

This is nothing more than superstition, being so careful to not speak anything negative, worrying that our words could cause disaster.

Charles Capps warns against the dangers of speaking negative confessions, he says:

We have programmed our vocabulary with the devil's language. We have brought sickness and disease into our vocabulary and even death. The main word so many people use to express themselves is death--the word, "death." "I am just dying to do that." They will say, "I'm going to die if I don't. That just tickled me to death." Now that, my friend, is perverse speech. That's contrary to God's Word. Death is of the devil. . . . We need not "buddy- up" with death. All men are going to die soon enough, so don't start "buddying up" to it now.

In other words, you don't want to say those words, because it might happen. That's how powerful you are. You could kill yourself! Online Source

By living in this sort of bondage, a believer lives almost robotic, trying to fix his mouth to match his mind so he can get the desired results. That problem with this sort of thinking is that the motive is wrong and twisted. One tries to manipulate reality by the force of their faith.

Also, reality is denied in many cases. Here are some real life situations where individuals practiced this kind of logic to their own shame, embarrassment and ultimately death of a loved one.

In his book, The Health and Wealth Gospel, Inter Varsity Press 1987, my friend Dr. Bruce Barron shares this account.

A pastor arose sheepishly to instruct his congregation on a ticklish concern. Some of his church members, he had heard, were spreading contagious diseases among the church's little ones by bringing their sick babies to the nursery. Against the nursery volunteers' protests, these parents were positively confessing that their children were well. Since the parents had claimed their healing, there was nothing to worry about. They may have been dismissing those persistent whines and coughs as lying symptoms, but those lying symptoms proved to be contagious, and only an announcement from the pulpit succeeded in putting an end to the problem. p. 128

On the more serious side, I once read a book entitled, We Let Our Son Die. A Parent's Search for Truth by Larry Parker, as told to Don Tanner. Harvest House Publishers 1980.

This book is about how a family stopped giving their son insulin for his diabetes. They thought they had enough faith for his healing and quit taking him to the doctor. They rebuked the lying symptoms as he lay in bed dying, and ultimately watched him pass away. It wasn't until the funeral was over and their subsequent arrest for child abuse, that God began to peal away the lies of this dangerous doctrine.

This was one of the saddest books I'd ever read. Fortunately, the Parkers were led to the truth by God's great mercy and they repented for this extreme error.

Yes, the bible tells us to watch our tongue James 3:1-12. This is about living a life of integrity, honesty and openness before God and others. I've seen WoF preachers mangle this passage to attempt to prove Positive Confession. But this passage does not teach this doctrine. It teaches us to be careful what we say so we will not offend God or others. And it is only by the power of the Holy Spirit that we can tame the tongue. Looking deeper, it's truly about the heart, not the tongue. Matt. 15:17-19.

For a more detailed analysis of James 3:1-12, go to this link: http://www.ewordtoday.com/comments/james/mhc/james3.htm

WHAT ABOUT CONFESSING SIN? ISN'T THAT NEGATIVE?

John MacArthur said, "In fact, positive-confession encourages people to absolutely ignore their sins and deny their reality. Doesn't it? You don't want to mention anything negative. It has produced multitudes of people who perpetually wear these emotionless smiles out of fear. Fear that a negative confession might bring them bad fortune and so they may be piling up sin which is never ever dealt with. This is like the Hindu view of "Karma" or some pagan concept of bad luck, i.e., "I don't want to say that or it might bring me bad luck." Hagin admits that he feels that way himself (I'm quoting him):

""I wouldn't tell anybody if I had a doubt-thought, or a fear-thought [he won't say a sin-thought or a sin]. I wouldn't accept it. I wouldn't tell somebody if the thought came to me--and you know the devil can put all kinds of thoughts in your mind. We are a product of WORDS. Did you ever stop to think that the Bible teaches that there is a health and a healing in your tongue? [So he says you must never say things that are negative]. I never talk of sickness. I don't believe in sickness. I talk health. I believe in healing. I believe in health. I never talk sickness. I never talk disease. [He's just talking sickness and talking disease]. I talk healing. I never talk failure. I don't believe in failure. I believe in success. I never talk defeat. I don't believe in defeat. I believe in winning, hallelujah to Jesus!"" Online Source

Possitive Confession, when analyzed, is nothing more than superstition, and a Christianized form of Karma. Without the regular confession of sin, no wonder there is so much sin in WoF circles. Sin is taken too lightly, and overlooked in some cases, by these leaders. Why bother bringing up something so negative as church discipline when the positive-charged atmosphere might be hampered? Something to think about.

I don't expect this short article to solve this problem in the church world today. I could go on for days of the pain, psychological damage, financial ruin and marital issues caused by this doctrine. It is my prayer that God will open the eyes of the millions of deluded souls captivated by this false doctrine.

Ex-WoF Testimony

2011-06-01T17:14:00.004-04:00

Go Here to read the testimony.

HT to WoF No More blog for this piece.

A Christian Woman and Her Frightening Experience With Yoga

2011-05-21T09:17:00.001-04:00

Eyewitness Account of the Devastating Power of Yoga
By: Dr. John Ankerberg & Dr. John Weldon

We first met Carole as a result of exchanging information on the famous Indian guru Swami Rama. The following information is taken from material sent to us.

Carole was very sick, and the doctors were unable to find the cause of her illness. She decided to go to a physician-nutritionist recommended by a friend. In his office she found some literature about the Himalayan Institute, of which the doctor was a staff member. The institute was founded by Indian Swami Rama, one of the most scientifically studied of the gurus, beginning with famous biofeedback researcher Dr. Elmer Green. Carole decided to attend the institute and began lessons in hatha yoga. Eventually she was initiated and received her mantra, or word of power, from Swami Rama. As he laid his hands upon her head, the typical transfer of occult energy began (termed shaktipat diksha). Carole was in heaven.

Go here to read the rest of the article on the Sola Sisters blog.

RICH VERMILLION INTERVIEW ON BLOG TALK RADIO

2011-05-14T18:20:00.000-04:00

Go here to listen to Rich's interview on BTR as he discusses his former affiliation with the Kenneth Copeland Ministry. You can minimize the player, open another page and keep surfing. It is about an hour long. Enjoy!

WHAT DO YOU GET?

2011-05-01T18:11:00.000-04:00

What do you get? Usually when you hear those words at the beginning of a sentence, you're being set up for a joke. I get that and expect a punch line to follow.

Here are some non-humorous examples of how these four words can be applied.

What do you get when you go to a doctor? Medical Advice.
What do you get when you go to a plumber? Plumbing Advice.
What do you get when you go to an accountant? Financial Advice.
What do you get when you go to a mechanic? Automotive Advice.

You get the idea.

Now here's another one.

What do you get when you hear a seeker-friendly preacher speak? A stand-up comic.

You also get medical advice, plumbing advice, financial advice and automitive advice, too. But what you do not get is the Word of God preached correctly. Yes, they open their bibles and quote a verse or two, usually out of context. They preach life tips and a law-heavy message void of the real gospel. Only the undefliled gospel, mixed or united with faith is able to save the soul. Hebrews 4:2

When verses are snatched out of context and mixed with worldly advice, you get spiritual slop.

When I see a doctor I expect medical advice. When I hear a preacher I expect the Word of God to be preached. If I wanted life tips, I could watch Dr. Phil. Despite what seeker preachers say, you can not mix the secular with the sacred.

But what about biblical principles, some would argue? I'd say, "Biblical principals are fine if they are left in context and mixed with the gospel of grace. Otherwise, you have only law, which condems and produces condemnation.

So, what do you get when you go to church?

BOOK REVIEW: NEW EVANGELICALISM: NEW WORLD ORDER

2011-04-26T20:41:00.001-04:00

"In a nutshell, Harold Lindsell found himself walking on eggs. The seminary was growing. Daniel Fuller, the only heir to the founder, was on the faculty. Young Fuller was on leave and abroad studying corrupted theology that denigrated the view of biblical inerrancy. The acting seminary president, Edward Carnell, was unable to act due to health. Negative tension was growing between Ockenga, the founding president, and Charles Fuller, founder of the seminary. Charles Fuller, of course, loved his son and grandchildren. Charles Fuller was conflicted over whom he could lean on for advice. And, as he was growing old, his health and energy were significantly decreasing.

"So by 1960, irreparable changes were in the making at Fuller Seminary, just thirteen years after its beginning. Early that year Harold Lindsell and Charles Fuller exchanged correspondence concerning the thrust and outreach of the seminary. . . ." (p. 80)

HT To Discernment Research Group

Read More....

THE PROSPERITY GOSPEL IS EVERYWHERE

2011-04-23T16:21:00.002-04:00

HT to FBCJax Vimeo Channel

Check it out here

How to Go to Hell with a Positive Attitude

2011-04-08T08:53:00.004-04:00

“Your Best Life Now!” To many people, this catchy title to a famous book seems like good news. But do you (and that means you, too, Joel Osteen) know what that statement really implies?

Think about it. If your best life is now, then Hell is in your future…forever. But, hey, such “preachers” promise that you can have a smooth ride on that Hell-bound highway!...

Read More...

ATTRACTIONAL?

2011-04-02T21:12:00.003-04:00

I've been listening to a lot of Seeker Driven gurus give sermonettes this past week. (My suffering for you.) One could hardly call them real sermons because of all the drivel.

After a time of reflecting on their messages, and then comparing them with God's word, I can only conclude their assertions to be unbiblical at best, heretical at worst.

Let me explain.

Their whole point is making the church more attractive to the unchurched. Hence the word Attractional. I've seen some seeker churches go out of their way to bring in sinners, which include playing vulgar rock music, sermon series on sex, how-to be a success in life, etc. I could go on, but I'm sure you get the idea.

Check out this

I have no problem with sinners coming to church. The more the merrier. But we must never forget the church is meant as a gathering place for Saints to be equipped with God's Word and the edification of the same. If so-called unchurched people want to attend regularly, then they must believe the gospel and repent. Period.

Now, is the church supposed to be attractional to sinners, or pleasing to God? Should the church placate to the changing tastes of sinners to become more relative, or should the church do all she can to bring honor and glory to God? Tell me, does loving our fellow man include seducing him with worldliness, or should we be salt and light and tell him the truth about his sins? Should we cuddle the culture, or confront it with the gospel truth, proclaiming repentance for the forgiveness of sins? (Luke 24:47)

Think about it for a moment and let this sink in: The church neglecting true bible teaching, acting secular to attract sinners? Does anyone else see a problem here?

http://www.alittleleaven.com/relevancy-fail/

I know all the arguments seeker/friendly pundints use. Consider one of their favorite passages they always use to prove their point:

To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. 1 Cor. 9:22

Now does this mean the church should preach ear-tickling messages? Does this mean the church should abandon expository teaching? Does this mean the church should sings secular songs to attract the masses? Should the church talk about success, money, sex or other relevent topics to draw in crowds?

The Matthew Henry Commentary says, To the weak he [Paul] became as weak, that he might gain the weak, v. 22. He was willing to make the best of them. He did not despise nor judge them, but became as one of them, forbore to use his liberty for their sake, and was careful to lay no stumbling-block in their way. Where any, through the weakness of their understanding, or the strength of their prejudices, were likely to fall into sin, or fall off from the gospel into heathen idolatry, through his use of his liberty, he refrained himself. He denied himself for their sakes, that he might insinuate into their affections, and gain their souls. In short, he became all things to all men, that he might by all means (all lawful means) gain some. He would not sin against God to save the soul of his neighbour, but he would very cheerfully and readily deny himself. The rights of God he could not give up, but he might resign his own, and he very often did so for the good of others.
Online source: http://www.ewordtoday.com/comments/1corinthians/mh/1corinthians9.htm

Now from John Wesley's Notes on the Bible:

Verse 22. I became as weak - As if I had been scrupulous too. I became all things to all men - Accommodating myself to all, so far as I could consistent with truth and sincerity. Online source: http://www.ewordtoday.com/comments/1corinthians/wesley/1corinthians9.htm

Summing up this verse from two reliable and godly scholars: Paul accomodated himself to others in order to reach them with all lawful means, limiting his own liberties in order to let the light of the gospel shine to them.

But becoming attractional to sinners means to use means and methods that they are attracted to, i.e. sex, rock music, success, how-to fix their mess messages. These means arouse the flesh instead of placing it under conviction. This passage gives no hint at becoming a marketing expert, relevant, slick or sneaky. It's about caring enough about people to meet them where they are in life with the Love of God and the message of the cross.

Becoming attractional to sinners is something like this:

For at the window of my house I have looked out through my lattice, and I have seen among the simple, I have perceived among the youths, a young man lacking sense, passing along the street near her corner, taking the road to her house in the twilight, in the evening, at the time of night and darkness. And behold, the woman meets him, dressed as a prostitute, wily of heart. She is loud and wayward; her feet do not stay at home; now in the street, now in the market, and at every corner she lies in wait. She seizes him and kisses him, and with bold face she says to him, "I had to offer sacrifices, and today I have paid my vows; so now I have come out to meet you, to seek you eagerly, and I have found you. I have spread my couch with coverings, colored linens from Egyptian linen; I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.

Come, let us take our fill of love till morning; let us delight ourselves with love. For my husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey; he took a bag of money with him; at full moon he will come home."

With much seductive speech she persuades him; with her smooth talk she compels him. All at once he follows her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, or as a stag is caught fast till an arrow pierces its liver; as a bird rushes into a snare; he does not know that it will cost him his life.
Prov. 7:6-23

Yep, that's attractional! I know this passage has nothing to do with the church, but I think it illustrates the point clearly: Seduction! Can anyone truly become born again through the means of seduction?

http://www.alittleleaven.com/christian_erotica/

Instead of being attractional to the world, the church should only be irrestible to Christ! That means allowing the Holy Spirit to control the church and each believer. The fruit will be the Fruit of the Spirit, not the fruit of the flesh.

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Gal. 5:22-23

Now a church with those traits will be full of the power of God, since it will be cross-focused and Christ centered. Now, that may attract sinners. Lives filled up with Christ, so His light shines through them onto others. Good works will naturally follow and possibly lead others to Christ. That's putting the horse before the cart, where it belongs. Anything else may grow a large church, but will it be full of Christians?

WOLVES EATING AND DEVOURING ONE ANOTHER

2011-03-26T21:35:00.000-04:00

A good friend and I had a conversation that developed into this post. This work is a collaboration of his ideas and mine.

I keep thinking of wolves at a carcass and how they snap and snarl at each other. Made me think of how one wolf will call out another over some practice or doctrine. Remember Hagin calling all the spiritual warfare people out on their teaching? I was in meetings where a wolf preacher would refer to the false prophet Kim Clement ( not by name ) but everyone knew who he was talking about.

More recently there is a you tube video of Benny Hinn blasting Todd Bentley, and another one of him attacking Joel Osteen. It's kind of like politics. If you sling enough mud at your opponent, it will either make you look better than him, or backfire and make you look stupid.

I remember one Word of Faith preacher attacking Rod Parsley, accusing him of having an enormous ego.

For a bit of irony, I was channel surfing and I landed on a so-called Christian Network. The hostess asked the question, "Would you recognize a wolf in sheep's clothing if you met him face to face?" Then she began to introduce a who's who list of wolves she considered to be solid bible teachers. Experts say wolves run in packs!

Then I began to remember all those scenes from the wildlife shows of wolves at a kill. I think wolves attack each other because of pride, ego and territory. If one wolf is getting better TV ratings, or if his church is losing members to another church in town, you can rest assured will find a way to get even. It's the nature of wolves. You've heard the old saying, "Dog eat Dog." I guess this applies to wolves as well.

What do you think? Why do wolves eat and devour one another? Got any stories of wolves attacking other wolves?

Critical Issues Commentary: Christian Dream Interpretation?

2011-03-18T20:03:00.001-04:00

A great post from Christine Pack of the Sola Sisters blog:

Critical Issues Commentary: Christian Dream Interpretation?

A SURVEY OF HERESIES

2011-03-11T07:17:00.004-05:00

A Survey of Heresies
By Phil Johnson

It’s important for Christians to have a grasp of heresies that the church has battled over the centuries, because they often return with new clothing, and the unprepared Christian is likely to fall into these old pits. Phil does an excellent job of looking at some of the major heresies that are revisiting the church today: Socinianism, Arianism, Pelagianism, Gnosticism, and Judaizing. This is an excellent 6 part series that will shore up some weak points in the church today.

Go here to listen to the sermons

Last Days Watchman: The truth and Danger About The Word Faith Heresy Movement

2011-03-05T09:50:00.000-05:00

Last Days Watchman: The truth and Danger About The Word Faith Heresy Movement

30 FACTS ABOUT THE WORD OF FAITH

2011-03-04T09:38:00.002-05:00

30 FACTS ABOUT THE WORD OF FAITH

by John Edwards

The following are a few facts about the dangerous and deceptive Word of Faith Movement which is sweeping the Body of Christ with it’s lies and faulty theology:

1) The Word of Faith heresy is a hybrid religion that is a blend of New Age ideas and Charismatic excesses.

2) It was founded by a Baptist Preacher that was heavily influenced by the mind science teachers of his day including Mary Baker Eddy. He brought in many New Age and Mind Science teachings and blended them with scripture twisted out of context.

3) The Word of Faith Theology was further developed by a man that claimed at least eight visitations from Jesus Christ. In each of these visits this preacher was given extra revelation and extra biblical insight.

4) This preacher boasted for years that he walked in Divine health although he was being treated for heart disease with medication.

5) This preacher’s message was a blend of the Word of God and his visions. He often taught the Word of God in light of his visions.

6) This is very similar to the Prophet Joseph Smith that claimed extra revelation through visits from Jesus and God as he founded the Mormon church.

7) Most of the highest regarded Word of Faith teachers have not been to a legitimate seminary. Most of them were self taught from listening to tapes from other Word of Faith teachers.

8) The Word of Faith Movement is anchored on one passage of scripture that is found in Mark 11:23-24. In this passage Jesus used a common, everyday Jewish hyperbole to teach his inner circle Apostles to believe in the power of God. The Word of Faith preachers have distorted the Greek text and the meaning of this passage to build an entire religion that revolves around faith and words as a means to obtain health and wealth.

9) Although the Word of Faith leaders do extensive teaching on faith and healing, it does not bear fruit in their own lives. Many of them died of tumors, cancer and heart disease.

10) Although the Word of Faith teachers love to minister from the 91st Psalm about God’s prophetic protection of the Messiah, they themselves live in constant fear and have numerous body guards and ushers.

11) The Word of Faith Message is centered on the prosperity scriptures that were meant for Israel under the Old Covenant. They emphasis tithing and sowing seeds as a means to obtain wealth. The Word of Faith Movement is obsessed with wealth and materialism and the worship of money.

12) The Word of Faith leaders teach that Jesus was wealthy although the scripture is very clear that he was not.

13) The Word of Faith leaders place thousands of well meaning believers under extreme pressure and condemnation by telling them outlandish and half true testimonies.

14) The Word of Faith leaders do an enormous amount of teaching on submission to authority, walking in love, and staying away from being offended. This produces a fearful cult like atmosphere in their churches. It keeps people from expressing hurts and concerns. It makes people feel like they cannot leave their church for any reason.

15) Many of the prominent Word of Faith teachers live the lifestyles of the rich and famous and flaunt it as a testimony of God’s favor while the people that are sending in their money are regarded as nothing.

16) The Word of Faith ministers are dishonest with scripture, often completely distorting it to rhyme with their doctrines.

17) Word of Faith ministers love to boast and brag about their faith and what their faith has done for them.

18) That is because it is called the Word of FAITH. It is a religion that revolves around faith instead of a religion that has faith in God. They teach faith in faith and faith in words.

19) The Word of Faith leaders teach that we are little gods and that we can act and perform much as God can. This also is a distortion of scripture and another thing that the Word of Faith has in common with the Mormons.

20) Word of Faith theology rejects the blood of Jesus as the sufficient atonement for our sins.

21) Word of Faith theology teaches that Jesus did not use His Divinity while on the earth while the Bible teaches that He was fully God and in total control at every moment.

22) The Word of Faith Movement teaches that words spoken from a human have inherent and creative power of their own.

23) Word of Faith teaches that Jesus said that you will have what you say, which is not what He said.

24) The Word of Faith theology depends on the King James translation of Mark 11:23-24

25) The same passage is found also in Matthew 21, and is worded quite differently, causing all the faith formulas based on Mark 11:23-24 to be out of whack.

26) The Word of Faith is humanism. It puts man in charge and God in the backseat.

27) The Word of Faith Movement misrepresents the character of Job.

28) The Word of Faith takes numerous passages from the New Testament and completely butchers them to fit their doctrine.

29) The Word of Faith creates fear, bondage, and a distorted unbiblical viewpoint of God.

30) The Word of Faith emphasises success and prosperity while Jesus stressed suffering and humility.

I will think of hundreds of other things after I post this, but these 30facts are indeed facts. The Word of Faith is a cult because it is led by people claiming special insight and revelation that is unorthodox. They also attempt to control their subjects with fear, manipulation and bullying.

The Word of Faith is the Doctrine of Devils. It is an evil message that kills people and wrecks lives.

Please do not be afraid to look at the evidence. I was too afraid to examine the evidence because I wanted things my way. The Word of Faith put me in charge of my own life, and I liked that. But when I got up the courage to begin to read and study, God opened my eyes with truth and freedom. I am no longer in the cult!

A 15-Year Retrospective on the Lordship Controversy

2011-03-01T19:09:00.001-05:00

A great article by John Macarthur about this important topic:

Go here

To the Jew First: A Biblical Analysis of the "Two Covenant" Theory of Atonement

2011-02-26T11:04:00.000-05:00

To the Jew First: A Biblical Analysis of the "Two Covenant" Theory of Atonement

Glorious Day (Living He loved me) ~Casting Crowns

2011-02-20T20:52:00.000-05:00

MY FAVORITE SONG

Thought I'd share my favorit song to start off the new week.
Enjoy!

FALSE PROPHETS ARE OFTEN EXTREMELY SUBTLE

2011-02-11T11:05:00.000-05:00

FALSE PROPHETS ARE OFTEN EXTREMELY SUBTLE

Last Days Watchman: Qualities Of True Biblical Leadership Compared To the False Teachers

2011-01-29T07:32:00.000-05:00

Last Days Watchman: Qualities Of True Biblical Leadership Compared To the False Teachers

WHAT IS DOMINIONISM?

2011-01-26T19:12:00.000-05:00

WHAT IS DOMINIONISM?

Last Days Watchman: Chronological Emergence Of The Apostate Church Over Last 100 Years

2011-01-25T19:12:00.000-05:00

Last Days Watchman: Chronological Emergence Of The Apostate Church Over Last 100 Years

CONTENDING FOR THE TRUTH: WORD OF FAITH EXPOSE PART 2

2011-01-07T11:06:00.000-05:00

Click on the link below to read part 2:

http://reformed-theoblogy.blogspot.com/2011/01/contending-for-truth-word-of-faith.html

WORD OF FAITH EXPOSE

2010-12-31T13:51:00.000-05:00

HT To Reformed Theoblogy BlogSpot for this piece. Click on the link below to watch the videos:

http://reformed-theoblogy.blogspot.com/2010/12/contending-for-truth-word-of-faith.html

SEVEN RULES FOR TESTING PROPHETS

2010-12-28T21:42:00.002-05:00

This piece is based on an article in the book: The Agony of Deceit: "What Some TV Preachers are Really Teaching." The book has several authors and was edited by Michael Horton. The following seven tests can be found in Appendix B on pages 255-262.

Before I begin with the article, I realize there are many good people who do not agree on the topic of Modern Day Prophets. Some people think the office of the prophet has ceased, while others do not. This article will not, nor attempt to resolve that issue. The focus will show how we can determine the difference between true and false prophets. The Lord himself told us the last days will be marked by false prophets. Here are seven biblical guidelines for making such determinations.

#1 Authoritarianism. False prophets rule by their own authority.

Jer. 5:31 says, "The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule at their direction; my people love to have it so, but what will you do when the end comes?"

From what I've gathered in my research, personal experience and experiences of others, one key characteristic of false prophets is authoritarianism. They indeed Lord it over those under their leadership.

Today's false prophet has set himself up as the authority in the church. He can not be questioned, second guessed or removed from leadership. He is the show, the rock star and the General of the congregation.

However, the New Testament church is to be run by a plurality of like-minded elders, not a one-man show. If your church is controlled by one person (or family) it is unbiblical.

#2 What is his track record?

I have heard what the prophets have said who prophesy lies in my name, saying,'I have dreamed, I have dreamed!' How long shall there be lies in the heart of the prophets who prophesy lies, and who prophesy the deceit of their own heart? Jer. 23:25-26

Does the prophet's prophesies come true 100% of the time? If not, he is a false prophet and will be punished by God.

And as for the prophet, priest, or one of the people who says, 'The burden of the LORD,'I will punish that man and his household. Thus shall you say, every one to his neighbor and every one to his brother, 'What has the LORD answered?' or 'What has the LORD spoken?' But 'the burden of the LORD' you shall mention no more, for the burden is every man’s own word, and you pervert the words of the living God, the LORD of hosts, our God. Jer. 23:34-36

#3 What do they prophesy? True biblical prophets almost always issued declarations of judgment. False prophets almost always prophesy what the recipient wants to hear. False prophets will replace a fear of God with promises of prosperity, power and position.

They have spoken falsely of the LORD and have said, 'He will do nothing; no disaster will come upon us, nor shall we see sword or famine. The prophets will become wind; the word is not in them. Thus shall it be done to them!'" Jer. 5:12-13

The true prophet's words brought him insults.

Jer. 20:8 says, "For whenever I speak, I cry out, I shout, 'Violence and destruction!' For the word of the LORD has become for me, a reproach and derision all day long."

False Prophets will fill you with false hopes.

Jer. 23:16 says, "Thus says the LORD of hosts: "Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you, filling you with vain hopes. They speak visions of their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD."

#4 They are man-centered. False prophets preach a man-centered message; true prophet's messages always focused on God and His Word.

#5 They are anti-historical. False prophets, according to Jeremiah, 'mock' the ancient paths. Jer. 6:16 says,
Thus says the LORD: "Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. But they said, 'We will not walk in it.'

False prophets always ridicule the old ways. To them "orthodoxy" is a bad word. Beware of the false prophet who has a new or fresh revelation. It may be fresh, but fresh from the pit.

#6 They are greedy.

But false prophets also arose among the people just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words.Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep. 2 Pet. 2:1-3

2 Pet. 2:14 says, "They have eyes full of adultery, insatiable for sin. They entice unsteady souls. They have hearts trained in greed. Accursed children!

More could be said on this point, but to be sure, greed is a mark of false prophets.

#7 They present themselves as mediators between God and Man.

The entire book of Hebrews is eager to state the case for the consummation (and, therefore, cessation) of these offices of mediators. Christ alone is our mediator.

For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 1 Tim. 2:5

Other terms used: Spiritual Father or Covering. You don't need a Spiritual Father or Covering. The Lord is your Shepherd. (Ps. 23)

http://imspeakingtruth.wordpress.com/2008/03/05/spiritual-fatherhood-the-allure-of-the-pimp/

http://imspeakingtruth.wordpress.com/2008/03/07/spiritual-fatherhood-part-2-the-pimp-and-his-covering/

Another term: Shepherding. (see article below)
http://www.cephasministry.com/shepherding_christian_look_at_shepherd.html

Trust the True Shepherd. And do not be deceived by false prophets. These seven tests will save you from a lot of heartache.

WHAT IS DOMINIONISM?

2010-12-21T20:34:00.000-05:00

WHAT IS DOMINIONISM?

MUSINGS FROM A FORMER WORD OF FAITH LEADER

2010-12-18T19:10:00.001-05:00

The teaching that God made things with or out of the substance of faith makes God subject to something outside of Himself. If he had to speak faith filled words to get what He wanted, then that leaves open the possibility that He could have NOT spoken "faith filled" words. This would have given Him less than the thing he desired in HIS heart, which is the thing people are told is the reason they aren't getting the guaranteed results.

They are just not as developed in calling things that be not as though they were as God is. How ridiculous! Certainly there is a misinterpretation of what Hebrews 11 teaches. It's by faith WE understand that God created everything. Not that by FAITH God created everything. GOD is the object of faith. I've seen Copeland on TBN say "I don't even know what that means!" No Copeland and TBN, you really don't. The word of faith crowd is so sold on FAITH being the focus of their thoughts and prayers that they forget about GOD.

As a former WoF leader, I noted that preachers, speakers, (false) prophets and other snake oil salesmen were more interested in songs about faith, confession, dominion, revival, fire, rain and any subject, other than JESUS! Their focus needed to be on the "subject" at hand, and woe to the song leader if he/she led people into worship that couldn't be diverted to setting up the big show, merchandise and offerings. (Especially offerings!)

Faith became the faith and God simply gave us the magic book with the incantations, and if we could say them just right we could have the God kind of faith. Who or what would God have faith in? When you look at the other foundation that has been laid for many false movements, you can see the cracks are big enough to swallow a bus load of victims -- and often does.

I can tell you that I have observed many in the WOF movement for almost 30 years. The only ones who have even a little of the victory they've been promised are the leaders who have followers to fall back on to provide the props for them. I can tell you of person after person who could teach divine healing in the atonement and special anointings galore who have struggled mightily. Their faith in God is shaken because they spent too much time trying to work the faith message, and not having real faith in God.

Sounds like a conundrum! I also know many leaders who found out about the scams, or suffered the shunning and horrors of their leader's disapproval, have ship wrecked their faith in almost every area imaginable. Some have turned to alcohol, affairs or simply walked away from any gathering calling itself a church. Hard to blame them. The WoF message has a very inviting entrance, but a stressful and painful exit.

As much as I try to stay out of this mess, I hear something just about every week about people I care about who are stuck in or lost outside this junk. It does take some effort to find your way back to the solid ground of faith in Christ in simplicity. I pray many more find it.

Written by anonymous and edited by FREEDOM FROM WOLVES

A HAT TRICK FROM BEYOND GRACE

2010-12-18T10:17:00.000-05:00

The blog BEYOND GRACE has done a great job on these three articles exposing the Signs and Blunders movement. You can read the three articles here:

Part One: http://beyondgrace.blogspot.com/2010/11/third-wave-incarnation-of-manifest-sons_30.html

Part Two: http://beyondgrace.blogspot.com/2010/12/part-2-third-wave-incarnation-of.html

Part Three: http://beyondgrace.blogspot.com/2010/12/part3-third-wave-incarnation-of.html

And for an extra scoop of heresy, don't forget Patricia King and the Glory School: http://beyondgrace.blogspot.com/2010/12/is-patricia-king-qualified-to-teach.html

CONCERNS ABOUT JOHN C. MAXWELL

2010-12-18T08:40:00.000-05:00

When I was in the Word of Faith Movement, I was a huge fan of Dr. Maxwell. I'd read many of his books, and I was a memeber of his tape of the month club. Like the author of the following article, I don't doubt his walk with God, but I have a lot of problems with his materials.

Click on the link below to read the article and the links following the piece:

http://reformed-theoblogy.blogspot.com/2010/12/contending-for-truth-john-c-maxwell.html

The Shocking Message of Joyce Meyer

2010-12-18T08:29:00.000-05:00

Click on the link below to listen to the audio:

http://www.sermonaudio.com/playpopup.asp?SID=260772221

No To Christian Yoga

2010-12-18T08:13:00.000-05:00

TRANSFORMING CHRISTIANITY THROUGH EASTERN-STYLE MEDITATION

2010-12-10T22:05:00.000-05:00

TRANSFORMING CHRISTIANITY THROUGH EASTERN-STYLE MEDITATION

YOU ARE NOT A LITTLE gOD

2010-12-03T19:34:00.004-05:00

One of the fundamental tenants of Word of Faith theology is the Little gODs Doctrine.

Here are the two most common verses the Word of Faith teachers use to promote this doctrine of devils, called Little Gods:

1.) Then God said, "Let us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness..." So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. (Genesis 1:26-27) NKJV

2.) Jesus answered them, "Is it not written in your law, 'I said, You are gods" '? (John 10:34 NKJV)

Creflo Dollar said:

"And if God produces man and everything produces after its own kind...if horses get together they produce what? If dogs get together they produce what? If cats get together they produce what? But if the Godhead gets together and says, 'Let us make man' then what are they producing? They are producing gods....You are gods because you came from God and you are gods, you are not just human... " (Creflo Dollar, "Made After His Kind", September 15, 2002)

I hate to interrupt Creflo since he's waxing so eloquent. But, based on his flawed logic, doesn't that assumption make horses, cats and dogs little gods, too, just of a different kind, since they were created by God? Just saying.

"I speak to fig trees! I speak to mountains! I cast out demons! Hallelujah! I raise the dead! If need be I walk on water! I'm a god of the Most High God!" ("Christian Celebrity or Charismatic Gnostic?" Audiotape #0418)

"You're not a sinner saved by grace you sons and daughters of the Most High God. You are gods!" ("Changing Your World", April 17, 2002)

Kenneth Hagin in Word of Faith Magazine states, "You are as much the incarnation of God as Jesus Christ was. Every man who has been born again is an incarnation and Christianity is a miracle. The believer is as much an incarnation as was Jesus of Nazareth" (December 1980, p. 14).

Now, what does the bible say about these passages?

Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.  So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." Gen 1:26-27 NKJV

All this passage says is Adam and Eve were made in God's image, according to His likeness. It did not say they were gODS. It did not say they were sovereign with godlike attributes. They were fully human and fully alive before the fall. Nothing more, nothing less.  Man has and has always been 100% man. If we were little gods, we could produce righteousness. No. We receive His righteousness at the new birth. Christians do not produce a divine nature, we are partakers of His nature. (2 Peter 1:4). If we were little gods, we could create righteousness and not need His.

Our sins when laid upon Christ were personally ours not his; so his righteousness when put upon us is yet personally his not ours. -Bunyan

The only goodness and righteousness God recognizes in our life is what He does in us. (Rom. 8:4). Our works of righteousness is as filthy rags. To say that man is a little god is saying man is a member of the holy trinity.

Now, let's put this passage back in context: Jesus answered them, "Is it not written in your law, 'I said, You are gods" '? (John 10:34 NKJV)

In this passage, Jesus was quoting Psalms 82:6:

I said, “You are gods, And all of you are children of the Most High.

The biblical application of these verses is addressed to the Judges of Israel where they were called gods, not because they were divine, but because they represented the true and only God when they judged the people. The Hebrew and Greek words used in both Scriptures for "gods" can also be applied to magistrates and used to describe someone as "mighty".   Online source: http://www.true2ourselves.com/viewblogs/902/little-gods-controversy

Jesus was making this cryptic remark against the Pharisees. If He were using it in the affirmative, He would've been declaring they, too, were little gods. The Word Faith heretics never quote Psalms 82: 7-8, the following verses in this context.

But you shall die like men, And fall like one of the princes.  Arise, O God, judge the earth; For You shall inherit all nations.

A common theme in Word Faith preaching is that God created man as "an exact duplication of God's kind." They have the gall and audacity to twist the following verse to come to that conclusion:

Heb. 1:3 Who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

This passage states that Jesus is the Son of God in essence and in nature. We as Christians are adopted into God's family. (Rom. 8:15-17) Adopted children are not produced by the new family, just children received in the new fold by grace, goodness and kindness.

With that statement in mind, how can Word Faith heretics conclude that we are little gods? Children of God are rotten sinners saved by grace. Jesus is the Son of God in essence and in nature. Are we?

Consider this verse in context and compare it with Christians:

Hebrews 1:1-4 God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

Consider these descriptions of Christ from this text and ask yourselves, can the Christian say, "Me too?"

1.) He is the heir of all things
2.) God has spoken to us by Jesus
3.) His co-essential nature of God: The brightness of the Godhead.
4.) God made the worlds through Christ.
5.) He is the governor of the universe.
6.) He redeemed us.
7.) He is seated at the right hand of Majesty on high (His present dignity).

Dr. David Diez of Miami Bible Church said, "We can not produce the transcendent attributes of God."

I agree wholeheartedly. How can we do so since were are sinners saved by grace? In our selves we produce sin, not righteousness.

Now I say again, can a christian produce these characteristics or attributes? Only God can. A christian would do well to understand his rightful place and not consider himself a little god. Yes, it's true, we are co-heirs with Him as adopted sons, not as begotten sons. (John 3:16)  Jesus is the one and only begotten son now and forever! To demote Jesus and promote ourselves is to depreciate what he did for us on the cross.

We have so much to be thankful for. He has done so much for us. He drained his precious blood on the cross to bring us into His family, not to promote us as little gods.

To think we are a little gods does mean we are demoting God and promoting self. It's sad when you think about it. The Word Faith teachers say, "Jesus did not claim to be God," yet they claim to be little gods.

The main reason Word Faith heretics claim we are little gods is to say we can have and do anything we desire.  That is making us sovereign and God our servant. All we have to do is muster up enough faith, speak the correct confessions, plant enough seed and work the spiritual laws well enough to produce the desired results. This is paganism, not Christianity!

In sharp contrast with paganism, the revelation of God's name is not a secret password for manipulating the cosmic forces. -- Michael Horton

We are God's servant; He is not ours. We would do well to forget the little gods nonsense and bow down at the feet of the real Almighty God.

It is good to be F R E E F R O M W O L V E S

Joyce Meyer- Little Gods

2010-12-03T08:04:00.000-05:00

WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO GET TIRED?

2010-11-23T19:30:00.001-05:00

Written by an former leader in a WoF church that took the short trip from error to cult.

Hey, I know why you don't want to hear anything negative against what you believe. Who does? But you have also been told you aren't allowed to. Because your leader is your mediator with God on your behalf, and he does not want you to think anything other than what he teaches or someone he approves teaches. You may protest that he's not your mediator, but you readily admit everything you are getting from God is coming through his teaching, his hands laying on you, your offerings to him and any other thing that guy can dream up to hold sway over you.

You've also seen the all out assault on those who leave, the shunning and harsh treatment of those who stay but don't "get it" and don't "honor" the leader properly. You've put up with the twisted scriptures and slaps in the face so long you reject plain truth because it's not coming through the filter of your leader.

You put up with members of your own family being treated like dirt because you aren't tired yet. I would say you are a coward, especially you men, but I'm sure in a physical assault you'd take a bullet or die defending your loved ones, but you stand by and let a spiritual assault wail away on them.

You aren't tired of the many promises of the next breakthrough, this big revival we are almost in, the wealth transfer where all your money is coming, the obvious "the Lord told Me's " that your leader told you about that didn't happen, and the lies you KNOW you've been told but decide to overlook because after all, this is the only leader for you for the rest of your life. You can't retire and move to another state because NO one can "feed" you like your leader.

Just look at how much everything that goes on where you are has to do with money and the leader making sure your money is staying in his coffers. You want to test how much this person is laying his life down for you? Stop giving. Go in and tell them the truth. You haven't reaped like you were told. You can't afford the nice clothes he wants on the front row people for the TV camera. See if you get any compassion. You'll get the "7 steps to figure out why your harvest is delayed" lecture or the old stand by: GIVE MORE.

Of course, if you also happen to be a department head you'll also notice that the money designated for your department is not there. Of course, the leader has plenty of money. Wonder if it has anything to do with standing before crowds spouting on how he gave to his mediator and the blessings started flowing?

Gee, wonder what you, the poor dumb sheep is supposed to do with that knowledge?

When will you get tired of coming home from a meeting feeling like you've been beat with a hard rubber bat?

When will you get tired of hearing sermon after sermon, no matter the topic, coming back to the leader talking about himself or a loyal follower preaching the benefits of following that leader?

When will you get tired of having to accept people endorsed from the pulpit that you wouldn't let near your dog?

When will you get tired of all the "great & anointed" people living like kings, perverts or both?

When will you get tired of always feeling like you'll never be able to carry the heavy burdens your leader has put on you and that you will never totally have his approval?

When will you get tired of never hearing about Jesus, all God, all Man, Sinless, Spotless lamb, sacrificed for our sins and raised on the third day for our justification? If the cross is mentioned the emphasis is on "what you can get" because of it with the added "revelation" that you can't even get anything without a leader you can submit to, sow to and obey explicitly.

When? When you stop being afraid of that 'leader" and start fearing God. Some of you KNOW something is wrong, but you get enough out of the relationship to find it worth staying.

You don't want to risk losing friends, family or maybe you believe the "curse" of leaving the leader's protection.

Do an inventory. List the horrible things that happened to people who left and see how many of those same things happened to people who stayed, even the leader or their family.

You have a tragedy and it will be said that it was because you weren't covered by the all powerful leader's protection that you could have bought and paid for with tithes, offerings, and special gifts. Or maybe it was because you left and were speaking against him.

They have the same tragedy happen and it's an attack from the devil, people speaking negative words against them, or their followers haven't taken care of them spiritually by praying mostly for them and their (constant) needs.

Jesus is ready to have you lay down those burdens and get some rest.

But only if you are tired.

-- Anonymous

Was Jesus Polite to False Teachers?

2010-11-22T17:21:00.000-05:00

Jonestown Massacre Documentary

2010-11-19T22:30:00.000-05:00

Coming soon to a Town near You: "CONTEMPORVANT GROWTIVATION"

2010-11-16T20:05:00.000-05:00

DO WOLF TREES AND WOLF PREACHERS HAVE ANYTHING IN COMMON?

2010-11-12T20:43:00.001-05:00

I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; Acts 20:29

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. Matt. 7:15

Ever heard of a Wolf Tree? Most of us have not. Recently, my children were studying Wolf Trees in school and I became curious.

Here is a quick definition of a Wolf Tree I found online:

A wolf tree is an unusually large tree which dominates the surrounding environment because of its size. Wolf trees tend to have a very large crown, and to be heavily branched. They are also usually older than the surrounding trees, although this is not always the case. Many natural forests have wolf trees, and these trees can also be spotted in settings where people are taking a relatively hands-off approach to forest management. http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-wolf-tree.htm

Interesting. Wolf Trees dominate the surrounding area because of their size. Similarly, so do Wolf Preachers. Not all big churches are run by Wolf Preachers, but most Wolf Preachers either have a big church, or they want one. They brag about being the biggest and best. They flaunt around like rock stars and demand attention. One characteristic of a Wolf Preacher is that they use people to build the ministry, instead of using the ministry to build people.

Notice: Wolf trees tend to have a very large crown, [ego] and to be heavily branched. These narcistic, ego maniacs will do anything to fulfill their dreams -- usually at the expense of others. Being heavily branched means the Wolf Preacher uses unbiblical shepherding techniques to keep the flock in check, which could include spies or other methods. Wolf Preachers demand total loyalty and attention to themselves, instead of everyone focusing on Jesus. Yet, they'll be quick to throw anyone under the bus, loyal or not.

Also, notice the definition said wolf trees can be spotted in settings where people are taking a relatively hands-off approach to forest management. Wolf Preachers can only thrive in unbiblical settings, such as churches with a weak board of elders, or one in which the preacher has his own people on the board. The church is supposed to be run by a plurality of elders, with equal power. Not one where everyone is bending over backwards and jumping through hoops for the Wolf. The sheep are meant for the Good Shepherd, not the hireling Wolf.

In forest management, a wolf tree can represent a problem. It usually eliminates competition in the surrounding area by monopolizing nutrients and sunlight, making it difficult for other trees and shrubs to grow.

Since the Wolf Tree and The Wolf Preacher eliminates competition for attention, other trees and shrubs are robbed of nutrients and are malnutritioned. And so are people.

This truth rang clear in a conversation I had the other day. Someone told me when they were in a church ran by a wolf preacher, the people were not truly growing spiritually. It was after leaving the church and finding a healthy church, did my friend began to grow spiritually. This is because the Wolf Preacher preaches garbage! They just make up stuff out of their own fleshly mind. He preaches the same stuff, week after week, just under different titles. People are suffering because wolves are behind the pulpit, instead of ministers with a heart for God and others. I've seen this more than I'd like to admit.

Wolf trees are aesthetically interesting, however, and they often provide habitat for animals, so they do in fact have ecological value.

Wolf trees and Wolf Preachers provide habitat for animals -- not sheep! Wolf Preachers are goat herders, not shepherds.

The origins of the term "wolf tree" are a bit obscure. A variety of theories have been put forward, including the idea that such trees are like "lone wolves" because they tend to grow alone and isolated since other trees cannot survive around them. Others have suggested that since many cultures have historically thought of wolves as thieves, people coined the term "wolf tree" to describe a tree which was perceived as a thief of resources.

I think the above paragraph totally describes Wolf Preachers without my commentary. Can anyone say, "Tree Removal Service" and "Stump Grinding"? Call 1-800 TIMBER!!! to get rid of Wolf Preachers in your area.

John MacArthur Rebukes Joel Osteen

2010-11-08T15:03:00.000-05:00

HIGHLY QUESTIONABLE METHODS

2010-11-08T15:01:00.000-05:00

HIGHLY QUESTIONABLE METHODS

HOW TO KNOW WHEN YOUR CHURCH BECOMES A CULT

2010-11-07T14:42:00.002-05:00

HT To an anonymous friend for this article:

http://www.pimppreacher.com/How-to-know-when-your-church-has-become-a-cult.html

Is the Gift of Tongues Available Today? (Dr. Alan Cairns)

2010-10-30T16:37:00.000-04:00

HT to The Reformed Traver for this video

Is pleading the blood of Jesus biblical?

2010-10-30T08:59:00.000-04:00

Is pleading the blood of Jesus biblical?

What does the Bible say about the prosperity gospel?

2010-10-30T08:58:00.000-04:00

What does the Bible say about the prosperity gospel?

Why are there so many televangelist scandals?

2010-10-30T08:57:00.000-04:00

Why are there so many televangelist scandals?

Shocking Message To Pastors & Churches

2010-10-22T16:51:00.000-04:00

HT to Defending Contending Blog

A special Message from the author of the video:

Hello, folks. I'm the gentleman who made the video. I was contacted by the blog admin here, and let me reassure you that I'm not an actor, nor was this done for dramatic effect. =)

I really do have a brain tumor, but it seems to have died, according to my doctors recently, praise God. But, I wanted to show how when people who are sick go into churches, the sorts of things that they might see.

Feel free to shoot me any questions you might have, or check out some of my other evangelistic messages.

-- Christian @ SkateParkEvangelism

The Word of Faith Movement

2010-10-20T21:12:00.000-04:00

A great article exposing the Word of Faith Movement
by Gary Gilley:

The Word of Faith Movement

My Problem With Pagan Christianity: Book Review

2010-10-17T21:04:00.000-04:00

Pagan Christianity is a book that seeks to examine the “source of our churches traditions and then ask how these practices square with Scripture and the practices of the first-century church” (ix). It’s been one of the most hotly debated books that I’ve heard of recently, creating quite a stir. Most people either love it or hate it.

Here are some problems that I have with the book, though:

1. His mixed use of phrases: In the introduction to the book (p. xxxi) he gives some definitions of terms that he uses frequently. The problem comes in his definition of the use “unbiblical.” The Random House Dictionary defines unbiblical as “not in accord with, or sanctioned by biblical teaching.” In other words, something that is unbiblical is something that is against biblical principles. But Viola uses the term to refer to something that is not found in the Bible. Here he confuses the term extra-biblical with unbiblical. Something that is extra-biblical is something that is not found in the Bible. It is an emotionally neutral word.

For the complete review, click on the link below:
http://www.modernekklesia.com/2009/02/my-problem-with-pagan-christianity-book-review.html

Special Thanks to Rodlie Ortiz for permission to link to his review.

BOOK REVIEW: JESUS MANIFESTO BY FRANK VIOLA AND LEONARD SWEET

2010-10-17T19:53:00.000-04:00

The book review is by Chris Rosebrough of Pirate Christian Radio

I've begun a series of posts that will challenge the thoughts and ideas put forward in the new book Jesus Manifesto by Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola. Despite the books correct contention that the church is focusing on too many distracting ideas rather than on the person of Jesus Christ, I strongly believe that the book is seductively deceptive and chock full of very serious unBiblical ideas, philosophies, errors and false doctrines that must be challenged, debated and answered.

These posts can be viewed at the Letter of Marque blog: http://www.letterofmarque.us/2010/06/believing-in-a-third-way-between-the-religious-right-and-left-is-like-believing-tv-wrestling-is-real.html

Leaving the “River” of Charismatic/WoF Cultism by Kevin Reeves

2010-10-15T23:03:00.000-04:00

There is a major doctrinal movement sweeping through the Church. Billing itself as the “River,” it promises an incoming tide of blessing but leaves in its wake tsunami-like devastation. Marked by false prophecies, unbiblical manifestations and cult-like teachings and authority structure, this latest Christian fad has wooed a generation of unwary believers and led them into a substitute spirituality.

While the Word of God has been placed on the back burner, personal experience reigns supreme amid a host of unscriptural visions and ecstatic utterances that have paved the way for a radical departure from the apostolic Christianity of the early Church. In this deeply personal account, Kevin Reeves explores the inner workings of this worldwide phenomenon.

Click on this link to read the rest of the article from our friends at The Word on The Word of Faith Groupblog: http://thewordonthewordoffaithinfoblog.com/2010/09/22/ex-word-of-faith-testimony-leaving-the-river-of-charismaticwof-cultism-by-kevin-reeves/

Be Thou My Vision

2010-10-14T21:51:00.000-04:00

With all the talk of dreams and visions today, I'd like to share my one
and only vision with you: Jesus Christ. He is my vision. Enjoy!

JOYCE MEYER: ANOTHER TEACHER TO AVOID

2010-10-10T09:37:00.000-04:00

Joyce Meyer - Another Teacher to Avoid
by Glenn E. Chatfield of The Watchman's Bagpipes blog

Someone gave my wife a book by Joyce Meyer, titled: Enjoying Where You Are On the Way to Where You Are Going. I have read in many places on the Internet and in many of the books and journals in my library about how bad a teacher Joyce Meyer is. So getting a first-hand look at one of her books was something I normally wouldn’t have accomplished because I refuse to pay good money for bad teachings! However, since my wife was given this book, I decided to review it. This article is the review I did of this book, and if you don’t have the book for reference, you won’t get the full effect, but there should be plenty here to demonstrate why Meyer is not a credible teacher.

To begin with, Joyce Meyer is a proponent of the heretical Word-Faith teachings, part of the extreme end of charismania. This doctrine comes out in her teachings. (This alone is a reason to avoid her!) This review isn’t as in-depth as it could be, simply because I didn’t want to expend the time. When citing Scripture I will use the Amplified Bible unless otherwise noted, because that is what Meyer uses.

Click on the link below to read the entire article at Watchman's Bagpipes:

http://watchmansbagpipes.blogspot.com/2010/10/joyce-meyer-another-teacher-to-avoid.html

THE SUFFICIENCY OF SCRIPTURE

2010-10-09T12:11:00.000-04:00

When we were in the Pentecostal/Charismatic Movement, I'd never heard of the term, "Sola Scriptura." We were busy running around, working hard to please God, and chasing after the next great move of God.

We often felt dry spiritually, thinking we'd done something wrong, blaming ourselves for not being good enough. We came from a church where it was normal to get zapped with the "Power of God." It was normal to see people running around the church screaming, falling backwards and speaking in tongues. These same people involved in these antics, sometimes including us, lived lives of chaos, confusion and despair. We'd run from one meeting to the next, trying to recapture the glory of the previous meeting, like a junkie returning to his dealer.

This article came from a conversation with my wife this morning. As we sat quietly reading our bibles, it dawned on both of us how good it is to be free from the pursuit of emotionalism. We no longer feel empty on the inside because we understand the truth of Sola Scriptura. The Word satisfies. The Word directs our lives. The Word strengthens us. The Word is a Light and a Lamp. (Ps. 119:105)

Question: "What is sola scriptura?"

Answer: The phrase sola scriptura is from the Latin: sola having the idea of “alone,” “ground,” “base,” and the word scriptura meaning “writings”—referring to the Scriptures. Sola scriptura means that Scripture alone is authoritative for the faith and practice of the Christian. The Bible is complete, authoritative, and true. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). Online Source: http://www.gotquestions.org/sola-scriptura.html

If the Word is Sufficient, then why are so many Christians running around doing everything under the sun to find spiritual nourishment, instead of reading the bible in context?

For us, we didn't know any better. Most of the sermons we heard from church, or other places, were allegory messages, twisted to make the passage say things that were not in the text. Instead of clear, concise expository preaching, we fed on strip-mined passages, with messages devoid of truth. We were left with so-called principles you were supposed to apply in order to get your blessing! (Legalism!) This teaching left us malnutritioned, instead of spiritually vibrant and alive.

For example: We found some old notes we'd taken about five years ago from one of these types of messages. The text was Nehemiah 13:23-29. Click here if you want to read it in context: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Neh.%2013:23-29&version=ESV

The main point of the sermon was this: Getting Your Promised Possession.

If you take the time to break down this passage, you'll discover that this portion of scripture has nothing to do with today's Christian. Nothing. This is a classic case of misapplying God's Word. What the preacher did was put today's Christian in the place of Nehemiah. If you do what Nehemiah did, then you can get your promised possession....

That was a mild example, but this sort of preaching goes on all the time. No wonder there are so many weak Christians today in churches. The church needs to return to expository bible teaching, with a clear emphasis on Christ and the Cross -- not on man and his lusts for Fame, (Significance) Fortune, (Prosperity) Pleasure, (Self-Fulfillment), and Power (Control). We are left with a me-centered gospel; it's a wonder if anyone is getting truly saved these days. What you then have are methods of trying to meet your spiritual needs your own way, instead of God's ordained ways, such as Prayer, Bible Study, Christian Fellowship, etc.

Furthermore, Sola Scripture is being replaced with all sorts of bizarre things: Spiritual Formation, Mysticism, Prophetic/Dream interpretations, Vision Casting, Prayer Walks, Contemplative Prayer, Christian Yoga, Lectio Devina, Prayer Labyrinth, Soaking Prayers, Alpha Course and Prophetic Evangelism. (Just to name a few.) Here is a good resource to help understand some of these unbiblical practices: http://cicministry.org/radio_series.php?series=divination

The Scripture is Sufficient. Years ago we felt high and then dry, by our former belief system. Today, the richness of God's word, in context, makes all the difference. We are stable and secure, thanks to Christ and Sola Scriptura. When you stick to what has been written, you have the basis for a strong foundation in life.

There are a lot of good online commentaries you can use to plumb the depths and riches of His Word. Here's a link: http://www.ewordtoday.com/comments/

Sola Scriptura to you!

EDDIE LONG IS A CEO, NOT A BISHOP

2010-10-07T17:57:00.000-04:00

Hat Tip to an Anonymous Friend who sent a link to this article:

I clearly remember how Eddie bragged from the pulpit and preened about taking “control away from the Deacon Board” – under the guise of making leadership more transparent. What he did, however, was establish a fiefdom where all power emanated and rested with him and his hand-picked “amorbearers” and hangers-on. Certainly a Deacon Board should not control church operations, but the bible does specifically call for church polity (or government).

Click on the link below to read the entire article from Imspeakingtruth:
http://imspeakingtruth.wordpress.com/2010/10/05/eddie-long-is-a-ceo-not-a-bishop/

5 Classic Bible Twists (And How To Correct Them)

2010-10-04T19:46:00.000-04:00

Ben Mordecai at Founder and Perfecter gave us permission to link this piece. When I was a Pentecostal, this was one of my favorite verses I loved to quote (misquote). Enjoy. This is a great article!

Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

The Wrong Application: God loves you and has an adventurous plan for your life. Quit living the same-old boring life of just going to church, and go do something great for God.

The Problem: If you zoom out and look at this verse in context, you see the background. Look at verse 4: “Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon…” These verse are not written about you. They are written about the Jews during the exile in Babylon and thus when God says that he knows the plans he has for “you” he was not speaking about the general reader of the book of Jeremiah.

The Right Application: God disciplines his covenant people when they engage in idolatry by delivering them into the hands of their enemies, yet faithfully promises to rescue them according to his predestined plans to bring them to repentance and bless them by grace.

To read the rest of the article, click on the following link: http://founderandperfecter.wordpress.com/2010/08/18/5-classic-bible-twists-and-how-to-correct-them/

Enough! Scripture twisting is not ‘doctrinal and sound’

2010-10-03T14:38:00.000-04:00

This is one of the best articles I've ever read about scripture twisting and dream/vision talk. Our new friend Dan at BetterThanSacrafice.org gave us permisson to link to it. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did:

Much of modern evangelicalism seems to be fixated upon the idea that we can only progress as individual Christians and the church if we are pursing a dream or vision. This tendency is epitomized in these two claims:

Nothing happens till somebody starts dreaming. What we need today are great dreamers.

Those words occur not on the website of some ‘best-life-now’ life coach, but, rather surprisingly, in a post over at the Desiring God website:

•The Battle for Your Mind (Desiring God 2010 National Conference)

There we are given the command to ‘Let God stretch your imagination’ and told that ‘Nothing happens till somebody starts dreaming. What we need today are great dreamers.’

Now, where exactly does the Bible teach any of this?

Click on the link below to read the rest of the article:
http://blog.betterthansacrifice.org/2010/10/02/scripture-twisting-is-not-doctrinal-and-sound/

HOW TO KNOW IF YOU'RE IN A WORD OF FAITH CHURCH

2010-10-02T16:38:00.000-04:00

You may ask yourself, "If I'm in a Word of Faith Church, wouldn't I know?"

Good question. I was in a WoF church for ten years and had know idea what kind of deception we were in. It's ironic, the only time we ever heard the term, "Word of Faith," at our WoF church, was the last time we attended there. The pastor casually mentioned he grew up in a WoF church. We left for other reasons, but his comment stuck in my head until I began to research the WoF.

I was in for a rude awakening.

There were many road signs along the way I ignored. Such as these: John Bevere, Jesse Duplantis and Paula White all spoke at my former church at one time or another.

So I decided to shed some light on this topic to uncover some buzz words, phrases and terms the undiscerning ear may not recognize. If you're not in a WoF church, great. Maybe someone you know or love is snared by one, but you're not sure. If you hear any of these things said from the pulpit, or Sunday School, you're definitely in a WoF church.

#1 Kingdom Principles. This term is regularly used by WoF preachers. They teach that if you can only tap into kingdom principles, work them, and manipulate the system, you can have whatever your heart desires.

#2 Spiritual Laws: WoF preachers teach that there are undeniable Spiritual Laws you can obey to receive from God. Such as the so-called law of Sowing and Reaping.

#3 Anointing: WoF teaches that special modern-day Apostles and Prophets have a powerful anointing that regular Christians do not have.

#4 Breakthrough: A breakthrough means that you have defeated the devil through your prayers, fasting, travailing, etc. One must muster up enough faith, and endurance to receive from God. A seed-faith offering may be used as well.

#5 Seed Faith: Oral Roberts is believed to first coin the term. Seed Faith is a false doctrine that says you can bribe God into answering your prayers. The term seed, is usually considered to be money. If coupled with faith, the WoF says, you can have your prayers answered more speedily.

#6 Poverty is a curse: WoF heretics spread this lie because they know most of their support comes from poor people. They teach the poor that by giving generously, they too, can become wealthy.

"Break out of that old $2.50 offering, you get to get into that savings account and give something that's precious to you." / "Somebody might say, 'Well, I don't believe it.' Well, you probably wouldn't with your broke self." / "What's the gospel to the poor? It is prosperity!" (TBN, Praise-A-Thon, April 1, 2004)

When the gospel becomes "Prosperity" we have another gospel, not the one in the bible.

#7 Claim it by faith: Never mind God's will. Just claim it brother! This term, is usually associated with the Name it, Claim it false doctrine of the WoF.

#8 You've got to see it to receive it: This phrase is a subtle New Age teaching called visualization. Most wolves misinterpret Hebrews 11:1 to come up with this whopper of a lie.

#9 Under a Curse: This can refer to either a so-called generational curse, or if you're not paying your exact 10% tithe and offerings, then you're under a curse according to WoF heretics. However, neither assumption is true. Christians are under no curse whatsoever! Christ took care of that on the cross. (Gal. 3:13) Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree"—

But since most WoF heretics don't believe that Jesus' death on the cross was sufficient for us, they can escape this verse, or ignore it all together. Consider these words from Fred Price:

"Do you think that the punishment for our sin was to die on a cross? If that were the case, the two thieves could have paid your price. No, the punishment was to go into hell itself and to serve time in hell separated from God. (Fred Price, "Ever Increasing Faith Messenger", June 1980)

#10 The Power of Words: This phrase is in reference to the "Positive Confession" false doctrine. WoF teaches that your words frame your world. This is nothing more than superstition. They teach if you say the wrong thing, you will receive the wrong thing. Just as if you say the right thing, that is what you will receive. I believe it's about God's Word, not our words. God's Word gets minimized, and man's words are maximized in this erroneous teaching.

While I believe Christians should generally be positive, mature, Christ-like individuals, this teaching borders on karma, not Christianity.

These were a few samplings from the WoF. One of the most obvious signs is WoF churches are generally money-hungry machines. Common WoF saying: If you take care of God's world, then He's obligated to take care of your's. God isn't obligated to do anything! This is presumption. They use this cliche` heavily to promote giving. It's nothing more than formula giving and subtle manipulation. While I believe Christians should give all they can to support the Lord's work, we don't need hucksters pumping God's people for more money.

While these things are far from comprehensive, it should give you a good heads up in defining the Word of Faith Movement.

VERY IMPORTANT SERMON REVIEW

2010-10-01T22:16:00.000-04:00

A review of Steven Furtick's book, "Sun Stand Still."

In the review of Sun Stand Still posted below, Chris Rosebrough Biblically critiques Steven Furtick's major premises and allegorical interpretation of Joshua 10:9-14 in order to answer these questions:

Are Sun Stand Still Prayers Biblical?

Did Jesus teach His believers to pray Sun Stand Still Prayers?

Why has the church NEVER taught Sun Stand Still Prayers in its entire 2000 year history?

Click on the link below: You can click on the video, minimize it and continue surfing.

http://www.fightingforthefaith.com/2010/09/does-the-bible-teach-us-to-pray-sun-stand-still-prayers.html

Word-Faith Movement

2010-10-01T21:22:00.000-04:00

Word-Faith Movement

posted by using "Share This"

Porpoise Driven Life

2010-10-01T07:13:00.000-04:00

For More information: http://cicministry.org/berean.php
Also see: http://cicministry.org/radio_series.php?series=redefining

Purpose Driven Inquisition

2010-09-30T17:01:00.000-04:00

Should we speak out against false prophets and teachers

2010-09-26T20:20:00.000-04:00

Counterfeit Christianity - Rise of the Mega Church - Brannon Howse

2010-09-25T08:22:00.000-04:00

SCRIPTURE TWISTING 101

2010-09-24T12:46:00.000-04:00

In his book, Scripture Twisting, James W. Sire gives 20 ways cults or false teachers twist scriptures. I won't list all 20 ways, but I want to focus on the most common tactic used today. It is called, Selective Citing. (1)

Selective Citing doesn't consider the whole bible when creating doctrines or trying to prove theological points. It snatches verses from context, cuts and pastes them wherever it bests fits their system of belief.

Sire states, "You can 'prove' almost anything from the bible if you are allowed to select verses or portions of verses as if they told the whole story." (2)

While reading the bible this morning, I came across a classic passage I'd heard many times back in my old Pentecostal days. The verse was Matthew 19:30, "But many who are first will be last, and the last first." (ESV)

I've heard people use this passage out of context and create all sorts of crazy messages like, How To Achieve Greatness, or Becoming Last to Be First, etc. When snatched from context, you can make it say anything you want it to say. But when read from context, you will have its true meaning.

Returned to its context this is what Matthew 19:30 says. Go back and read Matthew 19:27-30

Then Peter said in reply, "See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?" Jesus said to them, "Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first. (ESV)

If left alone, even in this passage, one could draw conclusions that greatness and superiority could be achieved by applying the others-first principle. But that's not what Jesus has in mind here.

Unfortunately there is a chapter break at the end of Matthew 19:30. In Matthew Chapter 20: 1-16, Jesus explains what he meant at the end of verse 30 by telling a parable. Beginning at Matthew 20:1-16 Jesus tells the story about the laborers in the vineyard. The laborers at the beginning of the story receive the same wage as the workers at the end. The earlier workers griped because the vineyard owner paid those who worked all day (the first), the same pay as those who worked only one hour (the last).

Now notice Matthew 20:16, "So the last will be first, and the first last."

That's what Jesus means by the last being first, and the first being last. It means they (the workers) will all be the same. No super saints in this passage. No inferior ones either.

This passage, Matthew 19:30, is only one of many, false teachers and cults use to prove their faulty points. By understanding this method of misusing the bible, selective citing, you'll be able to spot error more easily and refute their false teachings.

That's why I love expository preaching. You take one verse at a time and explain what it means in context, with the whole bible in mind. Word of Faith and Seeker churches love to rip the Word out of context and make it say whatever their goal or agenda happens to be at the moment. It's hard, if not impossible, to grow spiritually under such teaching. Let the word say what it means in context, and it will have power to set you free. (John 8:32)

Notes:

(1) Scripture Twisting, James W. Sire, Inter Varsity Press, 1980
(2) Ibid, p.80 paragraph 3

The Watchman's Bagpipes: Seventh-day Adventists: Cult or Cultic?

2010-09-23T21:34:00.000-04:00

The Watchman's Bagpipes: Seventh-day Adventists: Cult or Cultic?

MANUFACTURED DREAMS AND MAN-MADE SCHEMES PART 2

2010-09-21T20:55:00.001-04:00

My wife and I were talking today about our former life in the Word of Faith Movement. The topic of vision talk, dreams and this sort of rubbish came up again. We were told all we had to do was follow our passions, write down a dream, work your plan and all would come true.

Here is a link to part one of this brief mini-series in case you missed part one:
http://dannyrhowell.blogspot.com/2010/03/manufactured-dreams-and-man-made.html

We lived like this for many years, hoping, waiting and wondering when our ship was going to come in. Our ship did come in, but it wasn't what we expected. Our ship was a life boat that rescued us from the lies of Word of Faith, Purpose-Drivenism, and all "law" and no "gospel" messages.

One phrase that constantly came up in the past was You Should have divine discontentment in your life.

Huh? I don't even think the Message bible has that verse. Nowhere does the bible tell us to have any kind of discontentment. On the contrary:

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:
Phil. 4:11 NKJV

Money-hungry predators sell discontentment to unsuspecting people to keep them coming back for more. (Books and Tapes.) They don't want you to have God's peace and contentment in your life. If you did, you wouldn't need their wares. They'll tell you glowing testimonies of how John Doe bought the tape set, worked the principles, planted the seed and is now a multi-millionaire. You should expect this sort of rubbish on late night info-mercials -- not in church!

Here is truth that you'll never hear from these wolves: Nowhere in the bible does it say that Jesus came to fulfill all of your hopes and dreams. Nowhere. Period.

Back in the late '90s I was an inspiring novelist. I took writing classes, had plenty of passion, did tons of research, crafted the dream, and spent three years working on the novel. I read books on how-to publish your work, but nothing happened. I tried everything short of self-publishing and received no offers.

I did everything the gurus said. Did I lack faith? Did I not try hard enough?

Now, I simply believe it wasn't God's will for me to become a novelist. You see, if you follow your dreams for your life, there's no guarantee it will come to pass.

Didn't Jesus say, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." Matt 6:33

That's another problem. These false prophets keep your mind focused on you instead of Christ and what He did for us on the cross. We become self-focused, instead of Cross-focused. Whatever happened to the prayer: Not my will, but thine be done? Or, Whatever you want, Lord, I will do it."

Here's the problem: If you follow your dreams you will become a dreamer. A dreamer is not a realist. I should know. I lived most of my life that way before leaving the Charismatic world. Instead of planning, looking ahead, preparing for the future, I believed the lies of Word of Faith heretics and did the opposite.
I didn't plan for the future. I didn't look ahead. I planted the seeds of faith and have an empty bank account to prove it. While I struggled to make ends meet, they were living like Kings and Queens.

Do yourself a favor if you haven't already: Get rid of all your dream books and get real wisdom from God. True wisdom has true vision. True vision looks ahead, plans, trusts God, and is content with one's self and belongings.

The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.
Prov. 21:5 NKJV

False vision is presumption. True vision is living a life of God's wisdom and purposes. True vision asks the question: What are the opportunities, and with God's help, how can we accomplish the objective? False vision goes forward without counting the cost and consulting with the Word of God. The bible clearly talks about the dangers of debt, yet I've seen countless churches and believers plunge deeply into millions of dollars of debt. We can spare our lives of much trouble and turmoil if we'd only consulted God's word first.

Chris Rosebrough of Pirate Christian Radio said, "The true gospel is about man's need for righteousness; the seeker-driven "gospel" is about our need for fulfillment and significance."

That about sums it up. Are you searching for significance or the righteousness of God that is found only in Christ?

Is the Phenomenon of being Slain in the Spirit, Biblical?

2010-09-21T16:07:00.000-04:00

Is the Phenomenon of being Slain
in the Spirit, Biblical?

-by Tony Warren

Reprinted by permission by Freedom From Wolves

The phenomenon of 'falling down backward' is one which has gained unprecedented popularity in today's churches. However, it is a phenomenon which has absolutely no biblical standing whatsoever. In fact, it would indeed be laughable if it weren't so deadly serious an issue for the Church. There are many Christians who are curious about these odd occurrences and have asked if there is any biblical validation for these events. Subsequently, I am obliged to give a response, and a warning.

This phenomenon is usually declared to be the product of the act of 'laying on of hands,' which is the belief that a person receives the Holy Spirit of anointing when this is done. The subsequent falling down backward is defined as the physical response to the strong power of the Holy Spirit coming upon these people.

These curious events are known by many different names, including, 'falling down backwards, falling out, drunk in the Spirit, sleep in the Spirit, going down, slain in the Spirit, overcome by the Spirit, resting in the Spirit, and the sleep blessing..' As best we can tell, Maria Beulah Woodworth-Etter, a woman who preached in the holiness movement of the 1880’s, started this practice by falling out in her popular services of the time. She would often go into a trance-like state and fall down during her performances. She died in 1924, but her legacy of falling down backward in Church services has lived on. In modern times, it was brought back to great popularity by people in great numbers falling down in a small church in Toronto Canada. From this resurgence, many have also labled this, 'The Toronto Blessing,' where it is mixed with what is termed holy laughter.

Many Charismatics claim that apart from the anointing, falling down backward is also a phenomenon which brings both physical and emotional healing. They believe that it is a blessing of the spiritual gifts that God gives. However, the most agreed upon explanation or purpose for this act is that it is that of the anointing of the Spirit for the service to God. Much like Christ was anointed for the service of God when the Spirit descended like a dove. But all of these explanations are in stark contrast to all of the actual Biblical references to falling down backward. These are 'always' (without exception) seen in the context of God's judgment upon man, and are 'never' seen as any type of blessing, anointing, or healing. So if falling down backward is not anywhere seen in scripture as good or a blessed thing, then the question is, why are some professed Christians emulating this?

In order for faithful Christians to honestly establish if there is any real support in the scriptures for these experiences, we must be willing to examine the passages which have been offered up by these people as evidence that it is a Biblical practice. Therefore, in the first part of this article, we will examine the scriptures which actually speak about people who fall backward. And in the second part, we will address some of the scriptures which Charismatics use in an attempt to support their belief. If falling down backward is really a biblical practice, then we should clearly see it illustrated in the Bible. And if it is not a Biblical practice, then what we see in scripture should illustrate that this falling is unchristian, and unprecedented. If we are willing to surrender to the authority of the Word, we can clearly tell what is not the product of the Spirit of truth, and what is the working of a seducing spirit of deception. Because it's not as if God has not warned us false practices were coming upon the Church.

Passages Illustrating Falling Down Backwards

When we search through the scriptures we are struck by the realization that the witness of canon is that any and all 'falling down backward' is invariably in the context of God's Judgments upon man. It is never in the context of believers receiving the Holy Spirit, or of any blessing or benefit. We should not lose sight of the 'fact' that all other scriptures which those who profess belief in this phenomenon offer, do not actually speak of any 'falling down backward.' And most speak of no falling down at all. The first reference we will look at is in Genesis:

Genesis 49:16-17

"Dan shall judge his people, as one of the tribes of Israel. Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path, that biteth the horse heels, so that his rider shall fall backward".

Dan is your classic example of a man under Judgment of God who goes forth an adversary, that others may fall backward under that same judgment. The tribe or family of Dan was infamous for it's fall to idolatry (Judges 18:30-31), and their turning away from God to serve false gospels and false gods. In Genesis, Dan is equated with the serpent who bites at the heels of horses that the horsemen might 'fall backward.' i.e., it is a spiritual picture signifying his bite is to make the strong people to fall into judgment. In point of fact, the name Dan itself is the Hebrew word [dawn], meaning 'judge.' Indeed, Rachel herself declared that she named him Dan because God had judged her. Dan being 'the serpent' biting at the heels that one falls down backward, is God inspired spiritual truths concerning the evil spirit and God's judgment. From the beginning in the garden of Eden, in Genesis chapter 3 we see this symbolism of that Spirit Satan, as the serpent:

Genesis 3:15

"And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel."

Dan is equated with this serpent, Satan. He lies by the way attempting to bite the heel of the strong (horsemen are a symbol of strength) people that they fall backward, coming under judgment of God. Dan is a vessel of judgment. This tribe brought idolatry and false gospel to Israel so that it is cut off and not even mentioned in the census of revelation chapter 7, of the 12,000 sealed of "all" the tribes of Israel. By Dan's wickedness, he is used to Judge Israel. Much like God prophesies that he will send deceivers (2nd Thessalonians 2:9-12) with lying signs and wonders to deceive the unfaithful of the Church who will not receive the love of truth. It is illustrating that God uses false teachers to judge His Church. Likewise,

Genesis 49:16

"Dan shall judge his people, as one of the tribes of Israel. Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path, that biteth the horse heels, so that his rider shall fall backward."

This falling backward of those whom Dan accosts, signifies they are come under Judgment. In no way does this scripture showing 'falling backward' signify the anointing of the spirit, or a blessing of God. On the contrary, it signifies God's judgment, and an evil upon man.

1st Samuel 4:18

"And it came to pass, when he made mention of the ark of God, that he fell from off the seat backward by the side of the gate, and his neck brake, and he died: for he was an old man, and heavy. And he had judged Israel forty years."

Likewise, this falling backward is in the context of the judgment that God sent upon the people of Israel for their rebellion. There was a great slaughter of Israel by the Philistines, and the ark of the Covenant, the symbol of God's promise to Israel, was taken by the heathen. God had foretold of His judgment upon Israel, and now he was bringing it to pass. That any of the examples of falling backward in scripture can be construed or used as proof that it illustrates a blessing, or an anointing, is beyond all rational thought. This man fell backward, broke his neck, and died 'because' the Ark of Israel was taken in Judgment. In no instances of scripture is falling down backward ever seen as anything but judgment. The Charismatic church should testify to the passages which 'actually' speak of this falling backward.

Isaiah 28:13

"But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken."

The Lord is speaking here of rebellious Israel, that they would not hear His Word of truth, and He declares that they would be broken, caught in their own snare or web, to be trapped. And He uses the terminology of His judgment as them, 'falling backward.' We see that all roads lead to the same conclusion. And the conclusion is that the Biblical references of 'falling backward' do not ever signify the anointing of the Spirit of God, but signifies the wrath of God in his judgment upon rebellious man.

Likewise, when Judas betrayed Christ and the soldiers came to arrest Him in the Garden of Gethsamene, Jesus asked them who it was they sought, and their reply was, Jesus of Nazareth:

John 18:6

"As soon then as he had said unto them, I Am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground."

Note that the word 'he' is not actually in the original manuscript, it was placed there by translators in an attempt to make the sentence flow smoothly. Jesus literally says, I AM, announcing He was the Great I AM (Exodus 3:13-14), the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. As soon as Christ said I AM, these wicked men who would come to accuse God, fell backward to the ground, signifying their own judgment. They had come to arrest righteous God for violation of the law, and God (not willing to stop His arrest, but to show forth His Authority), has them all 'fall backward' at the sound of His Glorious Name, 'I AM!' This isn't the picture the Charismatics want to paint of those who fall down backward, but it is the picture which God paints. No one 'caught' these men who fell backward, no one saw or alleged any anointing of them by the Spirit, and no one claimed that this was God's blessings upon these men. Because falling backward is a 'sign' of God's Judgment in scripture, not His Blessing. And in an ironic twist, this verse of John 18:6 is one which many attempt to use to support their claims of Biblical precedence for their belief in falling backward. On the contrary, it illustrates just the opposite. That it signifies those who come under Judgment of the Great I AM, and not those who are blessed of God.

These are the passages which speak of falling backward in scripture, and not one of them give one shred of support to such doctrines as Christians being slain in the spirit or Holy laughter. It supports the truth that this event signifies God's judgment. If we are going to go by the scriptural record of what men falling down backwards entails, then we have clear validation that it involves those under the Judgment of God. It is not something which any Christian would ever want to be associated with.

Passages purported to support Falling Down Backwards

Advocates of this practice allege that there indeed is Scriptural warrant, but does this claim hold up under close biblical examination? There are no explicit biblical references, but there are some passages which Charismatics say 'imply' the act of falling down backward or being slain in the spirit. The passages which they most often submit as supporting their beliefs are Genesis 15:12 and 17:3, Numbers 22:30 and 24:4, Joshua 5:14, Ezekiel 1:28, Matthew 17:5-6, Revelation 7:11 and 11:16, and Acts 9:3-4. Let's look at each of these scriptures in their proper context, and without prejudice.

Genesis 15:12

"And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him."

This scripture says a deep sleep fell upon Abraham, it doesn't say a word about being slain in the spirit, falling backward, fainting, or passing out. Nor does this biblical reference bear any resemblance whatsoever to what goes on in the Churches today. This passage fails miserably as a proof text for the teaching that Christians fall down backward as a sign of anointing. At best it says when darkness came, he fell asleep. It doesn't say that Abram fell, it says a deep sleep fell upon him. A totally different context.

Numbers 22:27

"And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she fell down under Balaam: and Balaam's anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a staff."

This Hebrew word translated fell is [rabats], which means to crouch or to lie down. In no instance does it mean an involuntary falling backward. To use this passage as support for such events is taking liberties above and beyond what can be 'honestly' justified. The ass simply crouched down or lay down under Balaam because of what he saw. He did not fall backward, nor is there anything here that would allow this episode to be used to support such actions in the Church today. It's ridiculous to say this proves we can fall down backward in the Churches.

Genesis 17:3

"And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,"

Joshua 5:14

"And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant?"

Ezekiel 1:28

"As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake."

These are people going down to the ground in reverence for God, a 'voluntary' act of obeisance, respect, and submission, not the spirit knocking them down or putting them to sleep. Obviously these people have no concept of the application of the Hebrew word 'fell' [naphal] in the sense of going down. Nevertheless, these also do not show an involuntary falling either backward or forward. We plainly see all throughout scripture that the prophets of God, acknowledging the Glory, Vision, and Magnificence of God's presence, would fall (that is to say, drop or go down) with their face to the ground as a sign of reverence and obeisance. None of these Holy men were stupefied, fainting, passing out or confused, nor were they prodded by other Prophets, nor did they fall backward as is the practice of Charismatics. Scripture tells us that they fell on their faces, which is a synonym for going down to their knees to kneel and bow in fear and reverence to God. None of these scriptures support the phenomenon of falling down backward. They are used by the proponents of these doctrines unjustifiably. It is simply another classic example of people 'reading one's own views into the scripture,' rather than actually reading these scripture.

Numbers 24:4

"He hath said, which heard the words of God, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:"

This passage doesn't speak of being slain in the spirit, doesn't show the act of falling down backward, or falling at all. And again, it doesn't bear any resemblance to what is today's Church phenomenon. It merely speaks of a man receiving a vision of God, and going into a trance. The very same application used if we were to say, 'the soldier fell into formation.' It is not falling 'as in' losing balance and falling down, but he fell in the causative sense of having gone into the formation. Likewise, the application of the word here is that this prophet has gone into a trance, not physically fell down. There are many different applications of the word fall, as we saw it used in the sense that prophets (voluntarily) fall (go down) with their faces bowed in worship. These have nothing whatsoever to do with a Preacher touching a christian on the forehead, and him falling backward to the ground in an uncontrollable fashion. More examples of this voluntary going down is illustrated in New Testament passages such as Matthew and Luke:

Matthew 17:5-6

"While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid."

Luke 17:16

"And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan."

Again, just what saw in the Old Testament passages. The Apostles of God fell to their face voluntarily, in fear, or reverence and obeisance to the presence of God.

Revelation 7:11

"And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,"

Revelation 11:16

"And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,"

To suggest that these verses are picturing falling down backward or being slain in the Spirit would be laughable if it wasn't so serious. What this actually does is support just the opposite. Namely, this falling on the face is a voluntary act, and in reverence and to worship God. It is not the anointing of the Spirit, and it is not falling down backwards.

Acts 9:3-4

"And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?"

Even in our day (in war for example), when a man comes face to face with his opponent who has the power to kill him, he goes down to the ground or to his knees in submission and fear. We saw this in the Gulf war. How much more Saul standing in the presence of the Light of God from Heaven? But it has nothing to do with being slain in the spirit phenomenon. Man is in fear when in the presence of the Almighty God, and he falls to the earth in terror at the voice of God. We have scripture after scripture in the Old Testament Proving just that, and I'm sure we all know them. Man falling to the ground in fear has nothing to do with being drunk in the Spirit, but with his knowledge of his frailty before a great power, or that he is in the presence of the Almighty God, the Great 'I AM!'

And so considering all these scriptures which the Charismatics use in the attempt to support their actions, we can only humbly conclude that not one single passage supports this unbiblical phenomenon. It is a case of men grasping at straws in order to rationalize their unGodly actions. Moreover, in none of these verses, was there ever anyone actually falling down backward because of things that happened during a worship service or a Church gathering. In fact, there was no falling down period, there was a voluntary falling to their face in reverence or fear. This is very significant. It is the same as if we were to say, "Bill saw the vision, and fell to his knees in prayer." For someone to take from this statement that not only did Bill fall down backward, but that this also now gives us warrant to do this in the Churches, is nothing short of ludicrous. These men did not lose control of their senses. They did not fall down. They were not twitching and jerking uncontrollably. There is no warrant in any of these verses for the practice that we see in the Churches today.

Conclusion

In this study we have shown that there is no real scriptural support for the falling down backward experience. The precedence in scripture is that such experiences signify God's judgment, and this seems to me in perfect harmony with the Churches which practice this. They are false Churches under judgment. No 'Bible believing' Christian should want to have anything to do with this plague of falling down backwards. While Charismatics claim that they are following the Bible, this is an untenable declaration, as the witness of Holy Canon is void of any accounts, testimonies, experiences or doctrines like the ones they are attributing to God. These are very serious offenses, and are not non-essentials which we can just wink at.

Search as we may, we will not ever find anything in scripture where Christians were lined up, catchers stationed, and The Apostles or Christ tapped them on the forehead and watched them 'fall down backward.' The idea is foreign to scripture. We're not going to find it there because it is a ridiculously unbiblical practice. When the Holy Spirit came upon Jesus, anointing Him for His ministry (by the baptism of John), Jesus did not fall down backward. No one that Jesus or the Apostles ever touched or laid hands on fell down backward. The truth is, this is a doctrine pulled from the dark inner minds of the imaginations of men, not from the pages of Holy canon. It does not draw from Scripture. The claim of a Scriptural foundation for it does not hold up under the light of God's Word. Both the historical and the modern 'slain in the spirit' services are more from pagan themes and the occult, than from anything in scripture. And since these experiences are obviously not by the Holy Spirit of God, we can only conclude that it is by the spirit of disobedience. Another substitute (anti) spirit, masquerading as the Spirit of God. A spirit of lust for the fleshly and temporal experience. A spirit of deception, wherein Satan's lie is made to appear as God's truth. The spirit of Dan, a serpent nipping at the heels of horsemen that the rider may fall backward and be trapped or caught in a web. A spirit of Judgment, where the wrath of God abides upon it. For no false gospel shall be a Saving gospel, nor false spirit a Saving spirit, and no sign of Judgment a sign of Blessing. Christ is not in the business of mocking Himself. These are two different gospels, and two different spirits.

In conclusion, we can see that the popularity of this phenomenon is just another example of a 'spiritual' falling backward. A falling away or apostasy which is devastating the Churches in our day. It is professed Christians departing from the faith, and falling away from God. We are in a time where there is little reliance upon the Authority of the Word of God, as men change these laws to suit their own agenda and beliefs. God has always used falling as a 'sign' that His people are coming under judgment.

1st Timothy 4:1

"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;"

People of the Church giving heed to seducing spirits, not the Spirit of Christ, and because of this they shall be Judged. As the Bible clearly indicated, falling backward is a 'sign' of Judgment. The product of a seducing spirit, not the anointing Spirit.

To be sure, when true believers fall, it isn't a involuntary fall, as the Charismatics do, but rather a fall or quick decent to our knees, faces bowed to the earth in humble prayer and worship of God. No preacher pushed us, we fell to our knees voluntarily. As did Jesus Himself, our precious example (in the Garden of Gethsamene). He fell on His face before His Father giving Him reverence. He did not actually 'fall down,' as Charismatics attempt to use the word, rather, He voluntarily dropped or went down with his face to the earth. To fall is by implication, to go down. It doesn't mean literally falling as these suppose, and as was so clearly illustrated in that garden:

Matthew 26:39

"And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt."

Jesus, as all the Prophets and believers, fell forward in prayer, not backward. And they fell or dropped down in reverence. Falling backward is shown by God as Judgment, not anointing, healing, or blessing. So let us all in subjection pray that many will begin to learn the difference between falling backward, and falling on our faces to worship our God.

And may the Lord who is Gracious above all, give us the wisdom to 'Stand' and to discern His truths in these days of the rampant degradation of the Church.

1st Thessalonians 5:21

"Prove all things; hold fast that which is good."

Amen!

Peace,

Copyright ©2001 Tony Warren

For other studies free for the Receiving, Visit our web Site

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An Ex-Faith Healer Explains The Tricks Used(WOTM Radio)

2010-09-20T22:10:00.000-04:00

FORMER WORD OF FAITH/PENTECOSTAL TESTIMONY

2010-09-19T13:20:00.000-04:00

Our new friend Jenni over at Recovering Pentecostal has given us permission to add a link to her personal testimony. It is in three parts.

Feel free to drop by and give her a big thanks and greeting.

Click on the link below to read the testimony:

http://recoveringpentecostal.com/leaving/

JOHN MACARTHUR: BIBLICAL WARNING ABOUT FALSE TEACHERS

2010-09-16T16:37:00.000-04:00

JOHN MACARTHUR: BIBLICAL WARNING ABOUT FALSE TEACHERS

SLAIN IN THE SPIRIT

2010-09-10T16:58:00.000-04:00

Many today are enamored with a phenomenon called “slain in the spirit,” which is sweeping through many denominations. What does the phrase “slain in the spirit” mean? Do we find evidence of such activity in the Scriptures? Do historical and modern “slain in the spirit” services produce manifestations that could be considered occultic in origin? Who is the power behind “slain in the spirit” activity? Do we have a responsibility to ascertain whether such activity is godly or ungodly?

Click on the link below to read the article:
http://7drizzles7.wordpress.com/2010/03/27/slain-in-the-spirit/

GOOD ARTICLE ABOUT THE WORD OF FAITH MOVEMENT

2010-09-10T13:18:00.000-04:00

A growing number of pastors, teachers, and evangelists within the Charismatic/Pentecostal circles of the Christian church are advancing what has come to be known as the "Word Faith" movement. Its major leaders include such prominent figures as Kenneth Hagin; Kenneth Copeland; Frederick K. C. Price; and David (Paul) Yongii Cho, who pastors one of the largest churches in the world in Seoul, Korea. Other well-known Word Faith personalities include Gloria Copeland, Robert Tilton, John Avanzini, John Osteen, T. L. Osborne, Charles Capps, Marilyn Hickey, Jerry Savelle, Joyce Meyer, Morris Cerullo, Casey Treat, Dwight Thompson, and Oral and Richard Roberts.

For the rest of the article, click on the link below:

http://www.thechristianexpositor.org/page7.html

CHARLES SPURGEON: FEAR HAS ITS PLACE

2010-09-10T11:48:00.000-04:00

CHARLES SPURGEON: FEAR HAS ITS PLACE

Demons in Church part II

2010-09-08T18:36:00.000-04:00

Demons in Church

2010-09-08T18:34:00.000-04:00

Thank God We're Free From The Crazimaniac Movement...

CHRISTIAN BROADCASTING NETWORK PEDDLING CONTEMPLATIVE SPIRITUALITY

2010-09-06T15:51:00.000-04:00

CHRISTIAN BROADCASTING NETWORK PEDDLING CONTEMPLATIVE SPIRITUALITY

Word of Faith No More: Where the WoF Movement Left Me

2010-09-05T19:26:00.000-04:00

Word of Faith No More: Where the WoF Movement Left Me

SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES OR THE MEANS OF GRACE?

2010-09-05T14:07:00.000-04:00

We've all heard of the various methods that are supposedly the keys to hastening our sanctification. We are people of the new nature, the Christ nature, and we want to be conformed more and more into the image and likeness of Christ—a Spirit-wrought desire. But these methods, the ones we have come to know as spiritual disciplines, are they really the means to the receiving of Christ's enablements? The most famous of these "disciplines" is the proverbial "quiet time" wherein one purposefully sets aside an appropriate amount of time each day to spend in private prayer and Bible study. Now, times of private devotion are commendable and even necessary, but I would venture to say that when the "quiet time" becomes one's chief "means" of the attainment of Christlikeness, as what medieval monasticism and more recent pietism advocate, then we have a problem.

To read the rest of the article, click on the link below from Underdog Theology:
http://underdogtheology.blogspot.com/2010/06/spiritual-disciplines-or-means-of-grace.html