I have been reading many blogs concerning the healing revival events going in Lakeland Florida. There are a number of issues being raised, but the point I am concern with today is the issue of healing. I have serious questions concerning some of the Lakeland stuff myself, which I have occasionally expressed elsewhere on this blog. There are those with the "extreme prophetic" view, and then there are those who say spiritual gifts and supernatural healing has been done away with. Forget at the moment the issue of false prophets, false healing revivals, angels, or whether the revival there is true or not. What does the Word of God say concerning healing?
Starting back in Genesis we see God is concerned about the health of people. He had Abraham to pray for Abimelech, and he was healed. Not only is a warning given to Abimelech by God, but it was given to him through a dream:
Genesis 20:3-7
3 But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, thou art but a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she is a man's wife.
4 But Abimelech had not come near her: and he said, Lord, wilt thou slay also a righteous nation?
5 Said he not unto me, She is my sister? and she, even she herself said, He is my brother: in the integrity of my heart and innocency of my hands have I done this.
6 And God said unto him in a dream, Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart; for I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her.
7 Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine.
*Sorry, I only got a King James Version on my hard drive for now.
Genesis 20:17
So Abraham prayed unto God: and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maidservants; and they bore children
People may say “look at some of these people supposedly called by God. Some are sick themselves.” Consider Elisha the prophet, a faithful servant to God, who died ill yet performed mighty miracles through the power of God (II Kings 13:14-20). And he gave a prophetic word as he was dying, obedient to the very end. And despite dying ill, when a persons body was cast into a grave unto Elisha’s bones, the person arosed from the dead:
2 Kings 13:21
And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that, behold, they spied a band of men; and they cast the man into the sepulcher of Elisha: and when the man was let down, and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, and stood up on his feet.
Epaphroditus, was a faithful companion with Paul in labor, became sick, but the bible says “God had mercy on him”, and he was eventually healed (PHILIPPIANS 2:25-30). I don’t understand this issue myself, I just think its something we should not be presumptuous about. Keep in mind, afflictions come to every believer. Paul was constantly afflicted because he was a threat to satan’s “territories’.
In Matthew 8:17, it says “That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.” Awesome. He bore our sicknesses. This is cross-referenced to Isaiah 53:5 in my bible:
Isaiah 53:5
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
There are many Christians who believe supernatural healing does not happen today, nor do they believe its God will. Then you have some who erroneously petition healing through dead saints which is gross error and idolatrous. That will open the door to the enemy, as well as a person with a false healing gift.
Acts 10:38 indicates sickness is oppression from the devil:
Acts 10:38
How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
Some will say, Jesus healed to demonstrate his power to the unbeliever. True, He wanted to demonstrate the power of God to the unbeliever, and confirm Himself as the Messiah.
John 10:38
31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.
32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I showed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?
33 The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.
34 Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods
35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the Scripture cannot be broken;
36 Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?
37 If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.
38 But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.
Some people say healing is not for those who already have accepted Him as Lord over their lives. If that is true, why are there gifts of healings? And why does James instruct the Church to pray for the sick, and go on to say, the Lord will raise them up. Obviously, healing is God’s will for His people.
1 Corinthians 12:9
To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
James 5:14-15:
14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
I felt a need to bring these issues up, because I believe according to the Word, and also to the miracles I have seen in my own life, that God heals today and that it is His will to heal. I think when people see events going on in a circus type atmosphere, it causes a lot of people to doubt and discount the supernatural things of God.
For more on this topic visit:
What The Word Of God Says On Healing
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Masters At Manipulation
I recently departed from an apostolic prophetic ministry, of which I was a part of for several years. God is so awesome, in His infinite wisdom, He spared me from a great deceptive and manipulative force. I do believe God has set forth apostles and prophets in the Church, because it is written in His Word. The Word of God is the final authority in all things. I also believe that pastors, teachers, evangelists, as well as others in ministry need finances to run their ministries, so they can do what God has called them to do. But I want to send out a warning, and it is with great sadness I write these things.
Matthew 24:24
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect
This will come to no surprise to the reader, that many in leadership positions are manipulating other believers for money, for ungodly sexual reasons, for time, for marketing purposes, and for idolatrous adoration. Like I said, no surprise at all. Keep in mind (when reading the next few paragraphs) people do repent and turn from past sin; but I want to set forth an example of one way manipulation like this works. I also know because I myself was manipulated, and had I done my homework on some of the prophetic people this minister was aligned to, I would had left his ministry a long time ago. I have been reading other accounts of how people have been manipulated particularly by those in apostolic, prophetic, and pastoral leadership positions.
What would make women disrobe for someone in authority over them? Why would they do it? Manipulation. Deception.
Manipulation often works through injecting an element of fear, and almost always an element of deception. Manipulation involves selfishness, it disregards the need of others, and is void of integrity. It attempts to control people, and these are all elements present in exercising witchcraft. The people doing these things are opening doors for evil spirits to operate through them and their ministries. Hence, it is of no surprise that demonic manifestations may be released through their ministries. Below is a hypothetical conversation. Something like this has really happen before (and surely occasionally as well with other abusive leaders), although this popular deceptive “prophet” claims to have repented, and that may well be the case. Hope to God, at least.
“If you really want to please God, you will hearken unto His most humble servant now. I have heard from the Lord concerning you. Your obedience in this will determine not only the course of your relationship with Him, but it will determine if you will fulfill the assignment He has purposed you to do. Your standing naked before Him will demonstrate your openness to Him. He wants me to stand with you, and relay to you what He is saying….”
Uh, hello. I am telling you out there, anyone tells you to do something that goes against His word, that is indecent, that involves manipulation, lacks integrity, involves deception, and distortion is sinning against the Almighty God and is engaging in deception! There is an element of brainwashing here. Injected with fear, and by the manipulation of their emotions; some people have complied to such demands.
Do you suppose the targeted person (in this “hypothetical” case a woman) may fear missing God, and now has hundreds of thoughts racing in her mind? Here is her mentor, she does not want to stand there naked, it just does not sound right. She has always looked up to this “man of God”, and has learned much from him (error of course). What if he heard from God? Would God demand such? (No, He would not). What would happen to her relationship with her mentor, her spiritual leader? Will her relationship with him end?
Hopefully. Good riddance.
Another thing, when you question the abusive power figure, they turn the situation around by asserting how you have overstepped your boundaries, how you have sinned against God. On one forum I was reading, a woman and her husband confronted their pastor on gross error, and this is exactly what happened to them. They found themselves apologizing repeatedly to him, yet they were right, and their pastor was in error. I too found myself repeatedly apologizing to my “mentor” who accused me of having an anger problem when I decided to leave his ministry. He accused me of betrayal and would not communicate with me after I told I was leaving save writing a very prideful letter. He also knew I was going through a terrible time physically. I left his ministry because I needed to, as I fully believe God wanted me out of it. He is involved with the Lakeland revival in Florida and links himself to several questionable so-called "prophets". I have noticed, certain people who have come to discern error, where taken out of the snares of a false and/or deceived prophetic ministry themselves. For this I thank the Lord Jesus Christ.
And the lying ‘word of knowledge’ ones and the telethon ones. These require a barf bucket if you are going to watch them for more than a few minutes. Now we know “words of knowledge” are a true gift from God, because it is written in the bible, (1 Corinthians 12:8 ). But so many just make up stuff, and equally alarming, some have opened themselves up to divining spirits. The generalists are quite easy to spot in their falsehoods.
Mr. Prophet: “God is saying, there is someone watching today, and you are tired. You have asked the Lord several times for direction, yet the answer has not come. I believe He is saying, if you plant a $200.00 dollar miracle seed, your answer will come in two hundred hours. He is saying “obey Me, my child with this seed. For it is a period of testing”.
Treacherous skunk. How many people are going through something? How many people are waiting on the Lord for something. You say, well this is why you need discernment. True, but does it make it any less sinful? Any less treacherous? And what if you are a new Christian, desperate, or just deceived? This does not excuse their pimping behavior at all! SUCH MINISTERS ARE MANIPULATING PEOPLE!!! This kind of stuff injects fear into many people, and they respond out of fear and send money to these thieves. They fear the charlatan’s “word” is for them, they fear missing God, they fear disobedience; and the enemy whispers in their ear “it’s your last chance”.
Then you have some which step out a little more, yet hundreds of people are likely going through the same problem as well. Many will therefore think, can this word be for me?
Mr. Prophet: “I sense in my spirit, there is a single mother watching right now. Not too long ago you finished doing the dishes, and you were thinking, ‘when will this trial end?’ The Lord says if you plant a $300 seed into Pimptime Ministries, you will see the chains come off. But you most obey and take that step of faith today.”
Sad to say, I think many of these people have elevated themselves upon man-made thrones, and think they are exempt to living by the standards set forth in God’s Word. Holiness is a cheap buzzword in their circles, it sounds good and conveys a form of godliness. Not to mention their apostolic and prophetic authority allows them to put a “new” spin on things (so they think). I see a lot of rationalizing in these circles, a lot of compromise, because a lot of the “new thing” God is doing is really “their thing”. And “their thing” is inspired by satan.
Malachi 3:6
For I am the LORD, I change not;
Matthew 24:24
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect
This will come to no surprise to the reader, that many in leadership positions are manipulating other believers for money, for ungodly sexual reasons, for time, for marketing purposes, and for idolatrous adoration. Like I said, no surprise at all. Keep in mind (when reading the next few paragraphs) people do repent and turn from past sin; but I want to set forth an example of one way manipulation like this works. I also know because I myself was manipulated, and had I done my homework on some of the prophetic people this minister was aligned to, I would had left his ministry a long time ago. I have been reading other accounts of how people have been manipulated particularly by those in apostolic, prophetic, and pastoral leadership positions.
What would make women disrobe for someone in authority over them? Why would they do it? Manipulation. Deception.
Manipulation often works through injecting an element of fear, and almost always an element of deception. Manipulation involves selfishness, it disregards the need of others, and is void of integrity. It attempts to control people, and these are all elements present in exercising witchcraft. The people doing these things are opening doors for evil spirits to operate through them and their ministries. Hence, it is of no surprise that demonic manifestations may be released through their ministries. Below is a hypothetical conversation. Something like this has really happen before (and surely occasionally as well with other abusive leaders), although this popular deceptive “prophet” claims to have repented, and that may well be the case. Hope to God, at least.
“If you really want to please God, you will hearken unto His most humble servant now. I have heard from the Lord concerning you. Your obedience in this will determine not only the course of your relationship with Him, but it will determine if you will fulfill the assignment He has purposed you to do. Your standing naked before Him will demonstrate your openness to Him. He wants me to stand with you, and relay to you what He is saying….”
Uh, hello. I am telling you out there, anyone tells you to do something that goes against His word, that is indecent, that involves manipulation, lacks integrity, involves deception, and distortion is sinning against the Almighty God and is engaging in deception! There is an element of brainwashing here. Injected with fear, and by the manipulation of their emotions; some people have complied to such demands.
Do you suppose the targeted person (in this “hypothetical” case a woman) may fear missing God, and now has hundreds of thoughts racing in her mind? Here is her mentor, she does not want to stand there naked, it just does not sound right. She has always looked up to this “man of God”, and has learned much from him (error of course). What if he heard from God? Would God demand such? (No, He would not). What would happen to her relationship with her mentor, her spiritual leader? Will her relationship with him end?
Hopefully. Good riddance.
Another thing, when you question the abusive power figure, they turn the situation around by asserting how you have overstepped your boundaries, how you have sinned against God. On one forum I was reading, a woman and her husband confronted their pastor on gross error, and this is exactly what happened to them. They found themselves apologizing repeatedly to him, yet they were right, and their pastor was in error. I too found myself repeatedly apologizing to my “mentor” who accused me of having an anger problem when I decided to leave his ministry. He accused me of betrayal and would not communicate with me after I told I was leaving save writing a very prideful letter. He also knew I was going through a terrible time physically. I left his ministry because I needed to, as I fully believe God wanted me out of it. He is involved with the Lakeland revival in Florida and links himself to several questionable so-called "prophets". I have noticed, certain people who have come to discern error, where taken out of the snares of a false and/or deceived prophetic ministry themselves. For this I thank the Lord Jesus Christ.
And the lying ‘word of knowledge’ ones and the telethon ones. These require a barf bucket if you are going to watch them for more than a few minutes. Now we know “words of knowledge” are a true gift from God, because it is written in the bible, (1 Corinthians 12:8 ). But so many just make up stuff, and equally alarming, some have opened themselves up to divining spirits. The generalists are quite easy to spot in their falsehoods.
Mr. Prophet: “God is saying, there is someone watching today, and you are tired. You have asked the Lord several times for direction, yet the answer has not come. I believe He is saying, if you plant a $200.00 dollar miracle seed, your answer will come in two hundred hours. He is saying “obey Me, my child with this seed. For it is a period of testing”.
Treacherous skunk. How many people are going through something? How many people are waiting on the Lord for something. You say, well this is why you need discernment. True, but does it make it any less sinful? Any less treacherous? And what if you are a new Christian, desperate, or just deceived? This does not excuse their pimping behavior at all! SUCH MINISTERS ARE MANIPULATING PEOPLE!!! This kind of stuff injects fear into many people, and they respond out of fear and send money to these thieves. They fear the charlatan’s “word” is for them, they fear missing God, they fear disobedience; and the enemy whispers in their ear “it’s your last chance”.
Then you have some which step out a little more, yet hundreds of people are likely going through the same problem as well. Many will therefore think, can this word be for me?
Mr. Prophet: “I sense in my spirit, there is a single mother watching right now. Not too long ago you finished doing the dishes, and you were thinking, ‘when will this trial end?’ The Lord says if you plant a $300 seed into Pimptime Ministries, you will see the chains come off. But you most obey and take that step of faith today.”
Sad to say, I think many of these people have elevated themselves upon man-made thrones, and think they are exempt to living by the standards set forth in God’s Word. Holiness is a cheap buzzword in their circles, it sounds good and conveys a form of godliness. Not to mention their apostolic and prophetic authority allows them to put a “new” spin on things (so they think). I see a lot of rationalizing in these circles, a lot of compromise, because a lot of the “new thing” God is doing is really “their thing”. And “their thing” is inspired by satan.
Malachi 3:6
For I am the LORD, I change not;
Monday, May 26, 2008
The Most Important Decision You'll Ever Make
A day is coming when this world as we know it will come to an end. One day Jesus Christ will return. What does this mean for the unbeliever, for those who do not believe in Him? It will be a dreadful time, and although God is a loving God, there will be a day we stand before Him at the judgment seat. Those who do not have their name written in the Lamb’s book of Life will suffer punishment for eternity in Hell. I do not write this to scare you. I write this to warn you, as your decision concerning Jesus Christ is something you must consider now. Who knows if any of us will be here tomorrow?
The people of Myanmar were going about their daily business when the cyclone hit. Did any of them the day before entertain the idea that thousands would die the next day? On September 11, 2001; did the people in the World Trade Center rush off into the towers knowing a plane flown by terrorists would plow into the building? Do people know before they get into a car, they will be in a terrible accident that day which will take their life.
Matthew 16:26
For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
We have nothing in this world without Jesus Christ. Nothing. Everything a person acquires will not amount to a hill of beans when they meet death. There is but one chance. Did Jesus die in vain on the cross or was it not for a reason? And was not that reason you? Yes, it was you.
I was a former atheist, of the worse kind. You know how atheists are passionate about persecuting Christianity. I was NOT like that. I thought Christianity was functional, conducive as well as other religions to promoting social order and a sense of morality for the social organism. I did not mind Christianity at all, in fact, it was good to keep structure for families, organizations, and for society. I was very comfortable with my atheism, whereas most atheists are uncomfortable. Funny how they attack Christianity more than other religions. Why is that? There is a reason.
Additionally, I enjoyed sin. I did not think about it consciously, but when confronted with the possibility that Jesus may actually be the Son of God, that Heaven and Hell may be real, I ran from it. I refused to think about it, but something in me always felt uncomfortable when I thought of Hell. What if it was real? What if I am wrong? Christianity is not an attempt to brainwash people or exert political control. Fact is, the non-believing world brainwash and exert measures to gain political control all the time. Look at history. What is relevant is God is the Highest authority.
Jesus Christ is God, and the Son of God. Ask yourself, non-believer, how this universe started out of nothing? Even a random event would need a catalyst. Before time existed, God existed. The Alpha and The Omega. “Something” cannot come from nothing. God is real, Heaven is real, and Hell is real.
Stop running today. My prayer is any unbeliever reading this will look into the gospel and consider the Truth. You don’t have to be good to receive salvation, nor worry how you will stop sin in your life now. His Spirit in you is what changes things, we cannot do it in our own strength. Please consider visiting the home page on btelife.com for a more in depth discussion on this, as well as the page called “Objection”.
Revelation 20:11-15
11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
The people of Myanmar were going about their daily business when the cyclone hit. Did any of them the day before entertain the idea that thousands would die the next day? On September 11, 2001; did the people in the World Trade Center rush off into the towers knowing a plane flown by terrorists would plow into the building? Do people know before they get into a car, they will be in a terrible accident that day which will take their life.
Matthew 16:26
For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
We have nothing in this world without Jesus Christ. Nothing. Everything a person acquires will not amount to a hill of beans when they meet death. There is but one chance. Did Jesus die in vain on the cross or was it not for a reason? And was not that reason you? Yes, it was you.
I was a former atheist, of the worse kind. You know how atheists are passionate about persecuting Christianity. I was NOT like that. I thought Christianity was functional, conducive as well as other religions to promoting social order and a sense of morality for the social organism. I did not mind Christianity at all, in fact, it was good to keep structure for families, organizations, and for society. I was very comfortable with my atheism, whereas most atheists are uncomfortable. Funny how they attack Christianity more than other religions. Why is that? There is a reason.
Additionally, I enjoyed sin. I did not think about it consciously, but when confronted with the possibility that Jesus may actually be the Son of God, that Heaven and Hell may be real, I ran from it. I refused to think about it, but something in me always felt uncomfortable when I thought of Hell. What if it was real? What if I am wrong? Christianity is not an attempt to brainwash people or exert political control. Fact is, the non-believing world brainwash and exert measures to gain political control all the time. Look at history. What is relevant is God is the Highest authority.
Jesus Christ is God, and the Son of God. Ask yourself, non-believer, how this universe started out of nothing? Even a random event would need a catalyst. Before time existed, God existed. The Alpha and The Omega. “Something” cannot come from nothing. God is real, Heaven is real, and Hell is real.
Stop running today. My prayer is any unbeliever reading this will look into the gospel and consider the Truth. You don’t have to be good to receive salvation, nor worry how you will stop sin in your life now. His Spirit in you is what changes things, we cannot do it in our own strength. Please consider visiting the home page on btelife.com for a more in depth discussion on this, as well as the page called “Objection”.
Revelation 20:11-15
11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Different Gifts, Different Callings, Different People
God has placed different callings and dealt out different gifts to people. How do we know this? We can examine this issue from the Word of God.
I Corinthians 12
1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
14 For the body is not one member, but many.
15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?
20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.
21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honorable, upon these we bestow more abundant honor; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honor to that part which lacked:
25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it.
27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way.
From this chapter we see people do not possess each and every gift, God has dealt specific gifts out to specific individuals. We also see His intent is to have the Church functioning together in a unified fashion although individuals operate in different gifts and callings. There are different administrations and operations. Some people argue there are no people called to healing ministry, yet from this passage it is obvious that some individuals have gifts of healing. We see God has also called forth apostles and prophets, although there are many who decided they would “call themselves”, and we all know how that goes... All of these things come from God, no man or woman should boast of their own ability concerning these gifts. But so many do, and they consider themselves larger than life; particularly a lot of the apostolic and prophetic crowd. Although there are a lot of people operating in error, the actions of these individuals do not nullify the Word of God. Erroneous behavior and apostasy from such people do not make these callings or gifts any less valid today.
I Corinthians 12
1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
14 For the body is not one member, but many.
15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?
20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.
21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honorable, upon these we bestow more abundant honor; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honor to that part which lacked:
25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it.
27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way.
From this chapter we see people do not possess each and every gift, God has dealt specific gifts out to specific individuals. We also see His intent is to have the Church functioning together in a unified fashion although individuals operate in different gifts and callings. There are different administrations and operations. Some people argue there are no people called to healing ministry, yet from this passage it is obvious that some individuals have gifts of healing. We see God has also called forth apostles and prophets, although there are many who decided they would “call themselves”, and we all know how that goes... All of these things come from God, no man or woman should boast of their own ability concerning these gifts. But so many do, and they consider themselves larger than life; particularly a lot of the apostolic and prophetic crowd. Although there are a lot of people operating in error, the actions of these individuals do not nullify the Word of God. Erroneous behavior and apostasy from such people do not make these callings or gifts any less valid today.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Peanuts, Popcorn, and Healing!
Last night, I found a rather interesting article concerning the revival in Lakeland, Florida. These meetings have sparked heated debates in Christian circles, particularly concerning the ministry of angels. It is critical to stay in the Word, and let that be the gage by which we judge and discern things. Although these meetings in Lakeland smack of idolizing men and women as well as merchandising, *God has been known to use false prophets (Balaam was forced to bless Israel---Numbers 23 ), even a lying spirit for His purposes (I Kings 22). And He still uses real prophets today. If people are being healed by HIS power, it is a good thing, but man should not glorify himself for such miracles. On the other hand, some supernatural manifestations are man-made and at times even demonic. Another point---watch out for people deifying angels. Also Mohammed, the father of the Islam religion, claimed Gabriel visited him in some cave. It was an apparition appearing to him making this claim, as we know this was not a true visitation by God. Yet, angels are real, and people can experience visitations from them. There are many occurrences of this in the bible. Nevertheless, people can also open the door to spirit guides, even Christian people chasing such things.
I do not necessarily embrace all facets of the article “Is the Healing Revival in Florida God or Man”, but the author presents some interesting points worthy of reading. God still heals today, and He still works miracles. It also corresponds to what I wrote in “Chasing Supernatural Highs”. Click the link directly below to read the article.
Is the Healing Revival in Florida God or Man
*Also, I have just seen this article on a blog I have not been to before, and it has a very insightful prophetic word given in 1965 by Stanley Frodsham. In it, he later discusses ministers operating under the influence of seducing demonic spirits, and sadly, they fall prey to lies themselves. He prophesied "Then when they have gained the hearts of the people, then and THEN ONLY shall they bring out these wrong doctrines." Yet, I am of the opinion that many are not aware they themselves are deceived. But as the usual case, too many make a choice for notoriety, and a lust for power and recognition, and they don't dare question themselves. After all, what would happen to their empires? Click the link below to read this prophecy:
Prophetic Warning by Stanley Frodsham (1965)
*Back again...I am adding something else to this post. God is in no way looking to use false teachers, prophets, etc. but being God, He can make something good come out of a mess to meet the faith and expectation of one who believes in Him. He may also use such events to expose error in the Church.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Merchandising The Things Of God
Certain people in the Church are merchandising the things of God. Stop rationalizing the merchandising of the things of God. I am not talking about books, dvds, and cds, howbeit many of such items are also exorbitant in price. You know “Act now and get the gold-plated Jesus pin with your order of 5 cds for the limited time price of $125.95, you heard right…what a sacrifice for us! (The pins were made in China at the cost of 5 cents a piece.) Bologna.
Matthew 21:12-13
12 And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,
13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.
How much is an interpretation of a dream worth?
Pastor Bob: “Pray tell, Mr. Prophet,. I understand you might be out pimping other things tonight, but do tell the meaning of my dream, as I have to plan my sermon.”
Mr. Prophet: “One dream goes for $25.00. This weekend we are having a special. Two dreams interpreted and one personal prophetic word for the low price of $62.95”.
Ms. Prophetess: “We can beat that. Buy one interpretation, get one FREE! Four days left!”
Pastor Bob: “What to do, what to do…”
Micah 3:11
"The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, Is not the LORD among us? none evil can come upon us."
“Need a prophetic word of encouragement? Want to know the will of God for your life, or perhaps you wonder if you are taking the right steps to prepare for the assignment He has called you to? Pimp Peddling Ministries can help you find your true destiny. We love our brothers and sisters in the Lord, and we know “the Best Commission”…I meant “the Great Commission” is the number one priority.”
I have seen a prophetic ministry charge to take assessment tests to see if one is prophetically gifted, if I recall correctly it was at the tune of $100. I have seen a healing ministry literally charging over $900 to have hands laid upon the ill person and therefore be prayed over. A prophetic ministry suggests a $1000 dollar donation to receive healing instruction, prayer and the laying on of hands over a course of a week. I stood with a friend in a prophetic church (listed on the very popular prophetic website), which told us come back in three months to enroll in their fee-based class rather than pray over a situation confronting us then. Rubbish. I also know ministries which do all of the above for free, the way it should be. The way Jesus would had done it.
Acts 8:9-22
9 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which before time in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:
10 To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.
11 And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.
12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.
22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
I am not saying that those preaching and teaching the Word should not receive financial support from other members of the Body of Christ! They cannot exist without financial support from people! Even the ministry of Jesus received financial support: (Luke 8:3). I am talking about the abuse of power, exploitation, prostituting the gifts of God for ill-gotten gain or to meet their financial desires! For some attempt to acquire money unethically, and others even attempt to fill ungodly sexual appetites by abusing their status in the Church. Will He not supply you? Will He not meet your needs the right way?
During those dry seasons, He may just be testing your resolve to see what kind of stuff you are made of—filler product or the real deal. And for some, who decided they “wanted” to be call, as oppose to fulfilling a God-ordained calling versus a man-made calling, dry seasons are dealt with by shear human strength, wit, and improvisation. Yet, some of the God-ordained fall into this trap as well.
“Ladies and Gents, Welcome to Pimptime, our yearly telethon. The Lord just told me there are 150 people watching needing to lose 15 pounds. If you send your check for $150.00 in 15 months you will see those 15 pounds drop and gain 15 new friends!!! Hallelujah!!!”
Pastor Bob: “Jane called in and said her husband demands she send in the $150.00 today! Thank you Jane! So far 1500 people have pledged so expect a 15-fold blessing. …Wait…is that 15 fold or 150 fold? Or do we multiply it by 10 or 100?”
Mr. Prophet: “By 150, brother. By 150.”
This is sad. It is really a dreadfully serious issue. God has called certain people to specific offices, and He has dealt out spiritual gifts as He sees fit. I believe in dream interpretation, I believe God has imparted teaching, pastoral, evangelistic, prophetic and apostolic giftings to certain individuals. People have exploited their callings and gifts for recognition, for power, for money, and some maybe out of fear. Perhaps they fear God will not meet their needs because their circumstances are overwhelming.
And no, I am not likening the things of God to prostitution…He is pure, Holy, absolutely Holy. If you think I am saying that, then you are operating in the limited discernment of the false prophets. No, I am likening the actions of a certain group to those of a street hustling pimp. Therein lies the analogy.
There is a point I think crucial to make. Although some of these folks may be operating in error, should we discount them? Should we viscously attack them online or should we present biblical evidence? Are they not our brothers and sisters in Christ? Are they unreachable? I sincerely believe with all my heart and soul that most of these folks truly believe in what they are doing; and have “rationalized” and “reasoned” pimping the things of God. They believe in what they are doing and act accordingly. They have deceived themselves, and therefore they deceive others. There are, howbeit, some who are fully aware of their pimp merchandising, and they laugh in the shadows; but are they aware that God is in the shadows with them, seeing all? He knows their hearts.
Also, if one ministry says something offbeat, do something offbeat, should we discount them? There are no perfect churches out there, no perfect ministries, no perfect people. We strive to be like Christ, I say strive, as we have His Spirit in us. Paul recognizes such, and said in Philippians:
Philippians 1:15-18
15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:
17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defense of the gospel.
18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretense, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
I want to add here, I am not talking about those preaching a false gospel, a false Christ or injecting New Age junk into their ministries. That is even worse and a more serious issue. Right now, I am talking about making bad judgments or engaging in behavior that is sinful. Greed, selfish ambition, a lust for power and recognition. Slick, sly behaviors, and manipulating people through fear and abuse of their power. In the near future, I will write more of this, particularly the issue of manipulating the emotions of people to put money in their pockets. This is primarily accomplished through injecting an element of fear and confusion into people who hear their speeches, and read their words.
Ezekiel 22:25-29
25 There is a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof.
26 Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they showed difference between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them.
27 Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain.
28 And her prophets have daubed them with untempered mortar , seeing vanity, and divining lies unto them, saying, Thus saith the Lord GOD, when the LORD hath not spoken.
29 The people of the land have used oppression, and exercised robbery, and have vexed the poor and needy: yea, they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully.
Matthew 21:12-13
12 And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,
13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.
How much is an interpretation of a dream worth?
Pastor Bob: “Pray tell, Mr. Prophet,. I understand you might be out pimping other things tonight, but do tell the meaning of my dream, as I have to plan my sermon.”
Mr. Prophet: “One dream goes for $25.00. This weekend we are having a special. Two dreams interpreted and one personal prophetic word for the low price of $62.95”.
Ms. Prophetess: “We can beat that. Buy one interpretation, get one FREE! Four days left!”
Pastor Bob: “What to do, what to do…”
Micah 3:11
"The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, Is not the LORD among us? none evil can come upon us."
“Need a prophetic word of encouragement? Want to know the will of God for your life, or perhaps you wonder if you are taking the right steps to prepare for the assignment He has called you to? Pimp Peddling Ministries can help you find your true destiny. We love our brothers and sisters in the Lord, and we know “the Best Commission”…I meant “the Great Commission” is the number one priority.”
I have seen a prophetic ministry charge to take assessment tests to see if one is prophetically gifted, if I recall correctly it was at the tune of $100. I have seen a healing ministry literally charging over $900 to have hands laid upon the ill person and therefore be prayed over. A prophetic ministry suggests a $1000 dollar donation to receive healing instruction, prayer and the laying on of hands over a course of a week. I stood with a friend in a prophetic church (listed on the very popular prophetic website), which told us come back in three months to enroll in their fee-based class rather than pray over a situation confronting us then. Rubbish. I also know ministries which do all of the above for free, the way it should be. The way Jesus would had done it.
Acts 8:9-22
9 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which before time in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:
10 To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.
11 And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.
12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.
22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
I am not saying that those preaching and teaching the Word should not receive financial support from other members of the Body of Christ! They cannot exist without financial support from people! Even the ministry of Jesus received financial support: (Luke 8:3). I am talking about the abuse of power, exploitation, prostituting the gifts of God for ill-gotten gain or to meet their financial desires! For some attempt to acquire money unethically, and others even attempt to fill ungodly sexual appetites by abusing their status in the Church. Will He not supply you? Will He not meet your needs the right way?
During those dry seasons, He may just be testing your resolve to see what kind of stuff you are made of—filler product or the real deal. And for some, who decided they “wanted” to be call, as oppose to fulfilling a God-ordained calling versus a man-made calling, dry seasons are dealt with by shear human strength, wit, and improvisation. Yet, some of the God-ordained fall into this trap as well.
“Ladies and Gents, Welcome to Pimptime, our yearly telethon. The Lord just told me there are 150 people watching needing to lose 15 pounds. If you send your check for $150.00 in 15 months you will see those 15 pounds drop and gain 15 new friends!!! Hallelujah!!!”
Pastor Bob: “Jane called in and said her husband demands she send in the $150.00 today! Thank you Jane! So far 1500 people have pledged so expect a 15-fold blessing. …Wait…is that 15 fold or 150 fold? Or do we multiply it by 10 or 100?”
Mr. Prophet: “By 150, brother. By 150.”
This is sad. It is really a dreadfully serious issue. God has called certain people to specific offices, and He has dealt out spiritual gifts as He sees fit. I believe in dream interpretation, I believe God has imparted teaching, pastoral, evangelistic, prophetic and apostolic giftings to certain individuals. People have exploited their callings and gifts for recognition, for power, for money, and some maybe out of fear. Perhaps they fear God will not meet their needs because their circumstances are overwhelming.
And no, I am not likening the things of God to prostitution…He is pure, Holy, absolutely Holy. If you think I am saying that, then you are operating in the limited discernment of the false prophets. No, I am likening the actions of a certain group to those of a street hustling pimp. Therein lies the analogy.
There is a point I think crucial to make. Although some of these folks may be operating in error, should we discount them? Should we viscously attack them online or should we present biblical evidence? Are they not our brothers and sisters in Christ? Are they unreachable? I sincerely believe with all my heart and soul that most of these folks truly believe in what they are doing; and have “rationalized” and “reasoned” pimping the things of God. They believe in what they are doing and act accordingly. They have deceived themselves, and therefore they deceive others. There are, howbeit, some who are fully aware of their pimp merchandising, and they laugh in the shadows; but are they aware that God is in the shadows with them, seeing all? He knows their hearts.
Also, if one ministry says something offbeat, do something offbeat, should we discount them? There are no perfect churches out there, no perfect ministries, no perfect people. We strive to be like Christ, I say strive, as we have His Spirit in us. Paul recognizes such, and said in Philippians:
Philippians 1:15-18
15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:
17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defense of the gospel.
18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretense, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
I want to add here, I am not talking about those preaching a false gospel, a false Christ or injecting New Age junk into their ministries. That is even worse and a more serious issue. Right now, I am talking about making bad judgments or engaging in behavior that is sinful. Greed, selfish ambition, a lust for power and recognition. Slick, sly behaviors, and manipulating people through fear and abuse of their power. In the near future, I will write more of this, particularly the issue of manipulating the emotions of people to put money in their pockets. This is primarily accomplished through injecting an element of fear and confusion into people who hear their speeches, and read their words.
Ezekiel 22:25-29
25 There is a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof.
26 Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they showed difference between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them.
27 Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain.
28 And her prophets have daubed them with untempered mortar , seeing vanity, and divining lies unto them, saying, Thus saith the Lord GOD, when the LORD hath not spoken.
29 The people of the land have used oppression, and exercised robbery, and have vexed the poor and needy: yea, they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Chasing Supernatural Highs
I have been wanting to write on this topic for some time. I believe in the supernatural, have even experienced a few visions myself, and was once saved from choking on invisible fumes as the audible voice of God gave me instruction on how to get out of that perilous situation. That was the second time I heard His audible voice. I have also experienced other miracles in my own life. God still performs miracles today, and He still heals today. We cannot put Him a box. But given all these things, some people are so focused on getting a spiritual high off of supernatural manifestations; this can have toxic effects on their relationship with God. It can also open the door for demonic manifestations to be misinterpreted as Holy Ghost manifestations.
I will never forget attending church with my sister one Sunday, about a year after I got saved. People were shaking their hands, trembling, almost doing the Hokey Pokey, and believe me, I have no problem with people dancing and rejoicing in the aisles of a church. What bothered me is this---it was all about an emotional high, people shrieking and howling, jerking, and looking for a wing-ding of a time. I said to myself, something is not quite right here. No one hardly spoke of God, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit. Music, trembling hands, and running. People said “Do you got the power?” “God is in this place tonight!” Hello. I came in with His Spirit, and I left with Him. People were on an emotional high, and I can say this, I seen the same type of thing in rock concerts I went to before I got saved. Frenzied, emotional, light-headed…but with what spirit? I am talking about very worldly rock music, not Christian rock. *Yet...it happens too.
It was about chasing thrills. It was about an emotional high, and I knew the Holy Spirit was speaking this to me in this church. Some of these manifestations may not be from God. I have gone through several alter calls where hands were laid on me, where I was just flat out pushed unto the floor. If I fall out under the power of God, I want it to be A. because it was really a manifestation of His power flowing into me, and B. not because someone push me unto the floor. Once was I pushed so hard, I actually felled, and my head hit hard on the carpet. Then, I been in services, where people were bursting with so much joy, they took out running, and I did not perceive this to be motivated by an attempt to find a thrill seeking high.
This howling and barking stuff…what is it? Somehow, I cannot picture the early Christians at Antioch, howling and rolling on the floors. Oh yes, you say, 'you see God is doing a new thing'. People kicking their legs gyrating on floors, I have to wonder about that too. I call those meetings “filler meetings”…you know like soybean filling in what is suppose to be meat. Everybody leaves exhilarated, and clueless as to what God said that day or night, but can exclaim “The Holy Ghost showed up (I guess normally He is busy during such meetings doing other tasks) and people felled out under the power of God!” Yippee!!!!!!!!!!
People doing various types of drugs actually provide a good analogy. They go to various homes of fellow drug enthusiasts, get high, then move to next home (meeting). Sometimes it's good stuff with manifestations, and sometimes it simply lacks what is needed to get a sufficient high. Sometimes the music is too soft, too pop, but throw the volume up, and dance to the methodical rhythmic beat, …hotter than you know what in here, and I may just be getting high! Hallelujah!
Being drunk in the Spirit you say, God commanded it. He did, but was He not referring to Him being your “crutch” than something else?
I will never forget the Lord rebuking me one day at a healing meeting. I was a fairly new Christian. I was so scared afterwards I could barely walk to my car, for He made a point to show me my error. The Pastor was at the podium, preaching healing, and then the meeting went into worship and praise. The band started playing and around the second song I thought to myself, “once the music gets going good, and everybody gets worked up, then God can show up, and people will start getting healed.” I mean, just a FEW seconds later, the preacher says “STOP. No one say a word. Musicians, stop playing”. Everything felled quiet. He looks out and says “For some reason God told me to stop the music. I never had this happened before. This is unusual. Well, we are going to obey God. He says to continue without the music”. Besides, turning into Jell-O, I must say it was an awesome demonstration of this man hearing from God, and the Lord was mercifully discreet not to show my ignorance to others. I said to Him “Lord, don’t kill me”. I laugh now recounting it, but God wanted to show me HE DOES NOT NEED ANYTHING OR ANYONE TO MANIFEST HIMSELF...HE DOES NOT NEED MUSIC, ANGELS, OR THE PREACHER…SIMPLY BECAUSE HE IS GOD.
His Spirit is heavy upon me, as I am beginning to weep.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Prophetic Apostolic Big Heads--Part Two
I Corinthians 12:18-26
18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?
20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.
21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honorable, upon these we bestow more abundant honor; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honor to that part which lacked:
25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it.
There appears to be a disturbing phenomenon happening in churches today. Don’t get me wrong, as I said in my last posting, I believe in the gifts of the Spirit, miracles, tongues, and divine healing; and I believe God has called forth apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers in the church (Ephesians 4:11).
Some of these apostolic and prophetic people consider themselves larger than life, and their callings have gone straight to their heads. Only God is larger than life. But certain of these people are not only ambitious with selfish agendas; they have become an entity in themselves and amongst themselves. And I am increasingly finding that many of these lack integrity to accompany their delusions. Why they will read this with their typical “discernment” and say “perhaps you are jealous”. Of what? Of a group which think they are somehow more important than other members of the body? You have nothing good in you that was not given by God! Why then do you glory in yourselves? He has imparted His Spirit to all who know Him.
I Corinthians 4:7
7 For who maketh thee to differ from another ? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?
I am not disputing there are different callings.
Romans 3
3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:
5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;
8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness.
Anyone who questions their motives is considered a troublemaker, a person causing division, or classified as part of the religious system. I must say, some of them are the religious system, and some have one foot in the Kingdom of God, and the other in the demonic realm—I believe unknowingly. Yet they love to point their crooked fingers at other members of the body, and say you lack this and you lack that. Give this and give that. Release this and release that and then you have done your duty. And your duty? Was it not to be profitable to the other members of the body who you rarely associate with because you think they are not “your kind”, you know, like “enlightened”? Who you think lack relationship with God because you think you have fully arrived and God has imparted to you His deepest secrets?
Too many of these apostles and prophets want people to worship them, and often, they worship each other. And sadly, some members of the Body do worship them—why a mighty prophet of God is in the house!! They have become idolatrous in and amongst themselves, ironically, pointing out idolatry in people, churches, and nations.
The MIGHTY ONE is coming back soon! He is the One who is Mighty!
A lot of these people are false, not truly called of God as apostles and prophets. It’s not a new problem by any account. Nevertheless, keep in mind, the ones I speak of believe in Jesus Christ. We should not discount members of the body of Christ operating in error. Also, I am not advocating disrespecting those in authority over us--- but just because someone is a leader, does not mean he or she cannot come under the scrutiny of a believer who also has the Spirit of God indwelling them.
Jeremiah 23:9-11
9 Mine heart within me is broken because of the prophets; all my bones shake; I am like a drunken man, and like a man whom wine hath overcome, because of the LORD, and because of the words of his holiness.
10 For the land is full of adulterers; for because of swearing the land mourneth; the pleasant places of the wilderness are dried up, and their course is evil, and their force is not right.
11 For both prophet and priest are profane; yea, in my house have I found their wickedness, saith the LORD.
These were also idolatrous as so many are today. They loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. Of course, today these sound good, talking of Jesus--sometimes, and how they love Him, and I am sure many do love Him. They also love themselves---too much. They also love their titles---too much. They also love their “special circles”---too much.
Jeremiah 23:31-32
31 Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that use their tongues, and say, He saith.
32 Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the LORD, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the LORD.
Are these enlightened ones profiting the people, or are they busy building pages on Myspace, going to the latest prophetic luncheon via seminar, or book signing at the local Christian bookstore? Are they trying to be more conformable, more pliable so people turned off will tune in and be turned on? Call it for what it is, compromise. They compromise the Word of God with their deeds and words. They preach holiness, yet many exhibit and embrace behaviors of the world…behaviors and actions we know God detest. Holiness has become a “buzz word” in their circles. Water downed, and pureed, so the unsuspecting and fellow compromisers will swallow their cud and purchase their latest wares. They create new terms for their callings so people will be attracted to them. And although they may not “consciously” embrace the new age, they give off the smell of it. And where it stinks….
We are not to conform to this world. By this, we are not to compromise. They complain about the old school, the old way of doing things. He said “I am the Lord, I change not.” Give me a room of old-timers preaching and living by the Word than a group of compromisers any day! Compromisers will not speak of how people should dress with decency in non-provocative ways because it makes them seem prudish. And some of these possibly like a gander themselves now and then. These will embrace new age terminology, to appear cool and up to date…like “a new thing” you know. They will influence some of the youth and lead them into error too.
Many of these prophetic ministries are so made up, they have become the prophetic men’s and women’s club. Going from seminar to seminar, trading business cards, exchanging ads on websites, and promoting their agendas. The spiritually enlightened ones, where meat eating Christians come to discuss where the rest of the milk drinking members of the Body of Christ are missing out, who supposedly cannot hear from God. No room for the Ananias or the Stephens, so mightily used of God. Leave Dorcas dead Peter, and come mingle with us.
1 Thessalonians 2:
6 Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.
1 Corinthians 4:6-7
6 And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.
7 For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Prophetic Apostolic Big Heads
I long resigned myself that this will never be a popular blog, nor will I ever be a popular person. I will just cut to the chase. I have a check "big time" in my spirit about significant portions of the prophetic apostolic "movement" and some of it's leaders of today. Could it be a big time check for spiritual "big heads"?
Do not get me wrong. I believe in modern day apostles and prophets. Oops, some of you are reaching for your mouses to move off of this page, yet understandably, as there is a lot of error and pride out there. There is also a lot of theological chains and religious mentalities which choose parts of the bible they like, and ignore or discount the parts unsavory to them.
Ephesians 4:11
And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,
I can go on into Acts and point out New Testament prophets, not to mention Paul and Peter, and to other areas of the bible which speak of administrations and spiritual gifts in the Church. God has called forth apostles and prophets in today's Church. That is not my issue here. I believe it, as it is written in His Word.
The problem, I see is too many, in fact, perhaps the majority of these people are so caught up in themselves and their "prophetic experiences". I find myself nauseated with it. They literally cannot get enough of themselves. Other people don't exist in their world, unless they can either donate to them, or make them look good somehow. The Great Commission...is that two or three tier? Yet, I know some who are not after money, they are genuine, but i have to say, some real ones are caught up in the "We Are Larger Than Life Movement".
My dream, my vision, ....oh please Mr. Prophet...what does it mean?
Pray tell your dream, so that i can try to top it off with my dream! Well, laddie, your dream is incomplete, the egg represents the inception of what appears to be a series a dreams, and there will be a birthing in the spiritual realm. Now move away from the podium Brother, as a I am going to release a wad of anointing that is going to make people literally spit up their lunches! And everyone say "Amen" and bark two times! Ah the glory.
No. Enough. The Glory is God. The Glory is of God! Not to tickle the audience's ears, not of spectacles so that you leave exhausted and drunk, and no one knows what anyone said, what happened, but come and get blessed anyway! Some of it reeks of New Age, and they are so after changing names, new this and that, why not stick with what the Word says? There is no shame in being known as a prophet. But "readings", "mystics"...get away from me, You might be an on fire believer, but something is wrong somewhere! You know, names have meanings. Words, also convey meaning, and we are told to abstain from ALL appearance of evil. We cannot be all things to all people, and I am content to be a weird, bible toting non-world-conforming believer. A like weirdo led me, a former atheist, to the Lord.
Also present is the mentality that others cannot hear from God or just not as close to Him as they are. Secrets have been revealed to them, ya know. And then, some will read this and say "ah, tis jealousy". Not at all.
If His Spirit resides in you, you can hear from God and you are no more and no less important in His eyes. Yes, He may use a prophet to confirm something to you, but He speaks to all of us. You can inquire of Him yourself, and He will answer you in the way He sees fit.
They drink more of themselves than of God. The Lord Jesus Christ is almost secondary. Really. Is it about experiences or about Him? Is is about who you can tell the experience too and how you can exploit the daylights out it? What is more important? Sure, relish those Godly encounters, but is something getting lost in all of this?
I am going to write more on this, but time to get off the computer. Threat of tornadoes moving in, and we have been having a whale of a season.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
The Church And The Mentally Ill
We know in the last days, satan has come with great wrath towards the saints. Recall Jesus said in Matthew 24: 22 "And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened." These are days of famine, earthquakes, and catastrophes. And in the last couple of decades, we see an increase of people suffering from mental illness.
I find myself dismayed at the callous attitude some Christians display toward the mentally ill. Making fun of these people, making them the topics of jokes. Do you not realize that such people are tortured? That inside of them, their in tact minds see what is happening to them, see people making fun of them, and they feel totally and utterly helpless. Tortured and tormented. Do you get offended because they do something you cannot understand? How about putting it in perspective, considering they are influenced by spiritual forces?
I have a friend diagnosed with bipolar. She literally ended up in a mental ward, and even at that time she was a born again Christian. As she lay in the mental ward, unable to function and interact with people, she told me she realized her mind was being attacked, but she could not rise herself out of it to fight it. She felt as if she was in chains. She was helpless, yet, she knew who she was, a mother, a wife, a Christian...a woman with a rather ordinary life otherwise, except now there was a fight in the spirit realm over her mind. Her husband, a rather lack-luster back-slidden Christian arose himself in the Word and went out on the battlefield for her.
Is she loony? Crazy? A nut? Only by some people's definition. Should these people be cast away, because we think a magic pill from some shrink will cure them, make them not hear devils, or voices, or see things? These manifestations are from the enemy.
Recall the account of the mentally ill man in Mark 5, the demoniac at Gadarenes. Notice, if he was so out of it, if he was so inhuman, no longer aware of anything, why would he run up to Jesus and worship him? He knew the Son of God, a lot of "sane" people don't know Him. Despite this man torment, he-this mans' true self was there in the mire with all of those demons:
MARK 5
1 And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes.
2 And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,
3 Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains:
4 Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him.
5 And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones.
6 But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshiped him,
7 And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.
8 For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit.
9 And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many.
10 And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country.
11 Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding.
12 And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them.
13 And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea.
14 And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done.
15 And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.
It does not matter what kind of mental illness a person has been diagnosed with, Jesus Christ can heal them. And when we see these people, should our hearts be so hardened we discount them? Say, get some meds, and you wont be tortured anymore? I have yet to see it myself. All I know on meds are so out of it, they can barely function. And they all still have their diagnosis too. The people I have heard of set totally free from mental illness were set free by the power of God, not the power of Prozac. But I do want to say, if such pills are helpful to a person, then maybe they should take it temporarily, but believe above all, that Jesus can set you free.
Where is compassion? Why is this funny to some Christians? Look at the tenderness, the compassion Jesus had for the demoniac. Today, the majority of the Church would look at him, and say "Go on Dr. Phil. He can help you". And to themselves in their thoughts "Run along nut, just get away from me". Granted, some can be a danger to others, but we can always and should always pray for them, because God can and will set them free. We are His hands and feet on the earth.
1Corinthians 2:16
For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
II Timothy 1:7
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
*For more on the topic of healing visit:
What The Word Of God Says On Healing
Healing Miracle's In God's Word
Healing Miracle's In God's Word--Part Two
Monday, May 5, 2008
"White Man's Religion"
I was conversing with someone the other day about why some groups of people view Christianity as a white man's religion. Even in America, there are some blacks who have turn to Islam because they grew weary of racism in Christian churches and the overall political and socio-economic structure. One wonders if these converts realize that in the Sudan, dark skinned Sudanese have been discriminated by racist Muslims. Ironically, stereotyping whites in a response to racism is operating on the same premise of evil underlying stereotyping any racial group.
I live in a town where there is a significant, sizable population of Native Americans, and again, many view Christianity as a white man's religion. Colonization by the settlers, slavery, the Crusades, all of these have served to feed into this myth that Christianity is a white man's political tool to oppress different people groups. Yes, there are examples in history where this unfortunately occurred, but one must look at the message of Christianity, not the errors committed by individuals or groups of individuals who may distorted it to serve their political and economic agendas.
In every conceivable type of group that exists on this earth, you will find people who are law abiding, and you will find law breakers. You will find people with integrity and those who lack integrity. It is the same with Christians. We should not run from assessing historical and current injustices. We should learn from these things, move on, and not repeat the mistakes of the past. And realize above all, that God created all races, and everything else, down to the molecule.
As I was working on this entry today, I saw a Baptist pastor on a television commercial who accounted a story concerning John Newton. Newton, a slave trader was aboard a ship carrying slaves, when a terrible storm occurred. He cried out to God in attempt to bargain for his life, saying he would turn his life around if God would only spare him. God did, and Newton left the slave trade, and later wrote the most popular hymn of all time: "Amazing Grace". God gives us grace to turn our lives around, grace to forgive, and grace to learn from the mistakes of the past. What good is it to point out racism, if we harbor racist ideologies ourselves?
*More on this topic at Racism and the Body of Christ.
I live in a town where there is a significant, sizable population of Native Americans, and again, many view Christianity as a white man's religion. Colonization by the settlers, slavery, the Crusades, all of these have served to feed into this myth that Christianity is a white man's political tool to oppress different people groups. Yes, there are examples in history where this unfortunately occurred, but one must look at the message of Christianity, not the errors committed by individuals or groups of individuals who may distorted it to serve their political and economic agendas.
In every conceivable type of group that exists on this earth, you will find people who are law abiding, and you will find law breakers. You will find people with integrity and those who lack integrity. It is the same with Christians. We should not run from assessing historical and current injustices. We should learn from these things, move on, and not repeat the mistakes of the past. And realize above all, that God created all races, and everything else, down to the molecule.
As I was working on this entry today, I saw a Baptist pastor on a television commercial who accounted a story concerning John Newton. Newton, a slave trader was aboard a ship carrying slaves, when a terrible storm occurred. He cried out to God in attempt to bargain for his life, saying he would turn his life around if God would only spare him. God did, and Newton left the slave trade, and later wrote the most popular hymn of all time: "Amazing Grace". God gives us grace to turn our lives around, grace to forgive, and grace to learn from the mistakes of the past. What good is it to point out racism, if we harbor racist ideologies ourselves?
*More on this topic at Racism and the Body of Christ.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Angry At God?
Well, the hacking saga continues. I have learned some of these vandalizers use php scripts to get into your website, and as such was the case with me. However, they got into my cpanel and my files are rigged so i have not been able to undo any damage yet. Unfortunately, the hackers have been a set back, but I believe the Lord to turn this around.
So many people are angry at God, they don't even know why. They shake their fists in the air at a God they don't believe in, which of course, their actions contradict their thought life. I remember one time, as a former atheist, I looked up at the sky and I said, "I wish You were real". Such blindness from the god of this world! I will be brutally honest, I didn't want to turn from my sin. If I started to believe in God, what would happen? Would I need to change? Stop smoking and cussing? No more joints and horror flicks?
What is so awesome, is when you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you don't have to worry about finding strength to change you life. You don't have to be "good" to come to Him. His Spirit in you is all you need. When I got born again, I wanted to change. He will give you a "want to". And I never missed those things in my life. He did a real work in me, in one month i beated a 21 year smoking habit, stop watching trash tv and never missed it. The cussing took a while, but His grace is sufficient. And I can say, and if these hackers where honest with themselves too..., I was so angry at God, mainly for my past...a rough childhood. Many people don't even realize they are angry at God, its deep seated and hidden. Satan is a master at orchestrating blame towards God for the bad things of this world, of which he is the perpetrator. He also tries to suppress the Gospel message from reaching others, even using hackers to do his dirty work.
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