MIKE WINGER: THE FOLLY OF SEEKING TO RESTORE FALSE PROPHETS TO MINISTRY

(17) Bethel Insider Asks Accountability For False Prophet: Will Bethel Respond? - YouTube

I watched all three hours of this video. The comprehensive exposure of Shawn (Smartphone) Bolz and the monumental cover-up by Chris Vallotton, Bill Johnson, and other Bethel leaders was informative but unsurprising.

Where I came unstuck with Winger's video was the protracted personal appeals of Elijah Stephens to Bolz and Bethel leaders to take accountability and to reform their ministries. 

See the time stamps below.

1:54:42 Part 7. Taking Accountability 

2:06:55 Part 8. Elijah's Message to Bill Johnson 

2:21:07 THIRTY DAY DEADLINE for Bethel 

2:30:09 Part 9. Elijah's Message to Kris Vallotton 

2:56:26 Part 10. Elijah's Message to Shawn Bolz 

3:00:40 Part 11. Exposing Sexual Predators and Frauds in the Renewal Movement 

3:09:27 Elijah's Final Appeal

Winger: "This video is made to help stir up positive change in the movement."  Doesn't Winger know that Bolz and Bethel are utterly disqualified? I feel that Stephen's perception of these NAR false teachers and his hope that they will change is unrealistic and extremely naive. Even if they do repent, they should never assume the role of teachers or leaders within the body of Christ. 

Why is an appeal for change unbiblical?  

People have been calling out the leadership of Bethel Church for many years, and yet they have continued in their folly. ..while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. (2 Timothy 3:13). Bethel is known for engaging in heretical New Age teaching, false prophecies, alleged angel feathers, gold dust, glory clouds, grave sucking and all kinds of abominations. Similarly, Bolz has been engaged in data mining and false prophecy for years and has done inestimable damage to those he has deceived.

A question for Mike Winger: At what point do we reject false teachers/prophets? 

Winger's weak approach is unacceptable, unbiblical, and shows little regard for the sheep. The scriptures do not recognize false teachers/prophets as true believers and commands authentic Christians to mark and avoid them. 

As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned. (Titus 3:10-11).

If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. / But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ / If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector. (Matthew 18:15-17).

Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from any brother who leads an undisciplined life that is not in keeping with the tradition you received from us. (2 Thessalonians 3:6)

But now I am writing you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a verbal abuser, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat. (1 Corinthians 5:11).

I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. (Romans 16:17-18).

If anyone comes to you but does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your home or even greet him. / Whoever greets such a person shares in his evil deeds. (2 John 1:10-11).

..having a form of godliness but denying its power. Turn away from such as these! (2 Timothy 3:5).

Anthony Wade (The Scattered Sheep Podcast) makes some excellent points and challenges the inadequate response of Winger and 'The Minor Prophets': Stop Trying to Salvage Charismania - Examining Videos from Mike Winger & The Minor Prophets

LARRY WESSELS (CANSWERSTV) RABID CALVINISM VS CROOKED TV EVANGELISTS

Why People Don't Want What the Bible Says But Prefer Money Grubbing TV Evangelists Who Lie Instead.

This video appears to consist of excerpts from a 2009 debate between Steve McCalip and Larry Wessels in which Wessels' views are shown exclusively.1 A debate is a discussion in which opposing arguments are put forward. I have never watched a "debate" where we do not get to hear the opposing arguments!

Pitting Calvinism against TV evangelists is something of a misnomer. Many Christians who reject Calvinism, including myself, also reject the ministries of Billy Graham, CS Lewis, and the ecumenical NAR Word-faith TV evangelists. Given the plethora of false teachings circulating within various denominations, it may seem right to run to Calvinism as a place of safety. However, to put one's faith into the teachings of John Calvin is to lunge from one false teaching to another. The "true gospel" minus the distortions of Calvinism can only be found in the scriptures. (2 Timothy 3:16). 

Wessels: "Did Jesus die for everybody who ever lived?" (in contrast to "limited atonement")

..even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many (ἀντὶ πολλῶν).” (Matthew 20:28 cf. Matthew 26:28; John 10:15; 1 Timothy 2:6; 1 John 2:2; 2 Cornithians 5:14-15, Hebrews 2:9).  

Meyer: "ΠΟΛΛῶΝ] The vicarious death of Jesus may be described as having taken place for all (Romans 5:18; 1 Timothy 2:6; 1 John 2:2), or for many (so also Matthew 26:28; Hebrews 9:28), according as we regard it as an objective fact (that fact being: Jesus has given His life a ransom for all men), or look at it in relation to the subjective appropriation of its results on the part of individuals (which happens only in the case of believers). So in the present case, where, accordingly, πολλῶν is to be understood as meaning all who believe now and will believe hereafter. (John 17:20)."2 

Wessels: "Due to their carnal pride, men naturally object to God's power and sovereignty.. especially in the area of salvation.. and (they) try to say that God loves everybody equally and God wants everybody to be saved."

Many Old Testament passages teach that God hates sinners or evil and wicked people. (e.g. Leviticus 20:23; Psalm 11:5; 26:5; Proverbs 6:16-19; 16:5; Hosea 9:10-15 and Malachi 1:2-3.) Nevertheless, God rescued the wicked city of Nineveh when the people repented. (Jonah 3:6-10). The New Testament asserts that God loves the world and that Jesus died for the sins of the world. (e.g. John 3:16; Romans 5:8;1 John 4:16; 1 John 4:10). The denial that repentance and faith are the key factors that take sinners from the status of God's enemies to his beloved children is perverse. There are many examples in the scriptures where repentance and faith are required as a condition of salvation. (Romans 5:10).

   

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all.. (1 Timothy 2:1-6).

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. (2 Peter 3:9).

Wessels: "It is the sinner, not God, who secures salvation...God offers everyone a chance as if he owed it to everyone or anyone, leaving the sinner the work of saving himself by 'accepting Christ'. From this theory, God does not save anyone in particular, just anyone who will have Him. ..This would then make God a respecter of persons, choosing people to be saved based on their own efforts to attain salvation..  Does God choose people to be saved on their own efforts.. 

The idea that repentance and faith are works is often touted by Calvinists. However, the scriptures are unequivocal: God commands all people everywhere to repent. (Acts 17:30). The New Testament affirms that we are saved by grace through faith.. not by works. (Ephesians 2:8-9). Repentance and faith are two sides of the same coin. Salvation involves deep conviction and revulsion of sin and requires faith in Jesus Christ. Romans 4:5 debunks the false assumption that faith is a work: And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness.

The argument that "God is a respecter of persons" because He accepts repentant sinners is totally perverse and wicked. God gives everyone the opportunity to repent, taking no account of status or anything else. The saying, "God is no man's debtor" is based on Romans 11:35. God is sovereign and self-sufficient. He does not rely on humanity for anything, and he has no obligation to save us. Salvation is based on God's grace and unmerited favour. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16). Because of His love, God has reached out to humanity with the gospel. Nevertheless, He requires a response. For some twisted reason, Calvinists equate human response to the gospel with works. But that view goes against the scriptures. (Acts 3:19,20:21,26:20; 2 Corinthians 7:10; Mark 1:15; Revelation 9:21; Luke 5:32,13:3, 24:47; Matthew 3:2 etc.)

Wessels: "If this theory is true, then John the Baptist must have 'accepted Christ' in the womb."

..for he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb.. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. (Luke 1:15,41,44).

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are distributed according to God's will. (Hebrews 2:4). In other words, John did not make a conscious decision to leap in his mother's womb in recognition of Jesus as the Messiah; rather, the Holy Spirit came upon John in a specific way when Mary greeted Elizabeth. The pre-birth filling of John the Baptist is unparalleled, indicating John's pivotal role in preparing the way for Jesus Christ. (Malachi 4:5-6; Isaiah 40:3). The Holy Spirit subsequently filled Elizabeth and Mary, both of whom prophesied. We should understand that the conception, birth, and life of John the Baptist was anything but normative. John's recognition of Jesus came by divine revelation when he was baptizing: Then John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove and resting on Him. I myself did not know Him, but the One who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is He who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.” John 1:32-34).

Wessel's insistence that God's offer of salvation to all/everyone does not mean all/everyone (contingent upon repentance and faith) is profoundly dishonoring to God and, in my view, is a blasphemous misuse of His name! (Exodus 20:7).

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” (John 3:16-21).

1. McCalip/Wessels Debate on Calvinism's Limited Atonement Part 1 of 24
2. Matthew 20:28 Commentaries: just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

ADAM FANNIN (LAW OF LIBERTY): WHAT IS THE MODERN STATE OF ISRAEL?

Does the Bible say to Bless Israel?

In the above video, Adam Fannin (Law of Liberty Baptist Church) challenges believers regarding the modern-day state of Israel and the ethnic Jews. He has produced a number of videos on this subject recently, and in doing so, he is fueling supersessionism, also known as replacement theology i.e., the view that the Christian Church has superseded the Jewish people as God's covenanted people. 

Fannin voices some strong objections against Rabbinic (Talmudic) Judaism, the political agenda behind the formation of the modern state of Israel, the ethnicity of the Jewish people, the Israeli flag, and the Hebrew language. Fannin's claim that Yiddish rather than Hebrew is the spoken language of Israel is a gross exaggeration. Hebrew is the official language of Israel and is the language of Jewish liturgy. Modern Hebrew was revived in the late 19th century and is spoken by approximately eight million people, almost the entire population. Israel Inside Out: "Hebrew is used for official purposes, from government to education. It is even used in court sessions. Hebrew is required for Arabic schools in Israel until the third grade. Israeli students are required to pass the Hebrew exam to get enrolled."1 Yiddish is a Germanic language that emerged in the 10th century in Central Europe, where Jewish communities spoke a hybrid of Hebrew and German (Judeo-German). Yiddish literally means "Jewish" and is spoken mainly by Ashkenazi Haredim within Israel. Fannin's claim that Israeli Jews are "fake" is speculative. The name Ashkenaz appears in the table of nations in Genesis 10. The sons of Japheth: Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras. The sons of Gomer: Ashkenaz, Riphath, and Togarmah. (Genesis 10:2-3 cf. 1 Chronicles 1:6). 

Following the destruction of Jerusalem in 70AD and the Bar Kokhba revolt (132-135AD), much of the Jewish population dispersed into various parts of Europe, where they established their own communities.

"Documents from medieval rabbinic authorities, such as Rabbi Gershom ben Judah (10th-11th century AD), demonstrate that Jewish communities in the Germanic lands took on the designation 'Ashkenaz' from the biblical name, reflecting their perceived ancestral and cultural roots."2

While it is indisputable that the modern state of Israel is the result of an international political "Zionist" agenda, that should not lead us to deny that God is not using this movement for His sovereign purposes. There are many instances where God used His enemies to bring about His ultimate purposes. Much of ethnic Israel has rejected the Messiah and is presently experiencing temporary spiritual hardening or blindness. (Romans 11:25-26). However, God has a remnant, according to His grace, who will be saved at the end of the age. (Romans 11:5).

More important than all the disputes about the ethnicity of the Jewish people and the modern state of Israel is the Bible! 

God made an unconditional "everlasting covenant" with Abraham and his physical descendants, which is not contingent upon their behaviour. The blessings and curses in Deuteronomy 28 are contingent upon their behaviour, but the covenant stands firm.  

And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you. (Genesis 17:7). 

Yet in spite of this, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not reject or despise them so as to destroy them and break My covenant with them; for I am the LORD their God. But for their sake I will remember the covenant with their fathers, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt in the sight of the nations, that I might be their God. I am the LORD.” (Leviticus 26:44-45).

Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, your servants, to whom you swore by your own self, and said to them, ‘I will multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have promised I will give to your offspring, and they shall inherit it forever.’” (Exodus 32:13).

For the LORD your God is a merciful God. He will not leave you or destroy you or forget the covenant with your fathers that he swore to them. (Deuteronomy 4:31).

..then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes and have mercy on you, and he will gather you again from all the peoples where the Lord your God has scattered you. If your outcasts are in the uttermost parts of heaven, from there the Lord your God will gather you, and from there he will take you. And the Lord your God will bring you into the land that your fathers possessed, that you may possess it. And he will make you more prosperous and numerous than your fathers. And the Lord your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your offspring, so that you will love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live. (Deuteronomy 30:3-6).

For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”(Jeremiah 31:33-34).

Thus says the Lord: If I have not established my covenant with day and night and the fixed order of heaven and earth, then I will reject the offspring of Jacob and David my servant and will not choose one of his offspring to rule over the offspring of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. For I will restore their fortunes and will have mercy on them.” (Jeremiah 33:25-26).

For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you. (Isaiah 54:10).

The key passage in the New Testament is Romans 11. Those who claim that Christians have superseded ethnic Israel are acting in direct disobedience to the instruction given by Paul not to be arrogant over the natural branches. 

I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! (Romans 11:1).

But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you. (Romans 11:17-18).

Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written,

“The Deliverer will come from Zion,
he will banish ungodliness from Jacob”;
“and this will be my covenant with them
when I take away their sins.” (Isaiah 27:9 and Isaiah 59:20-21).

As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. (Romans 11:25-29).

Zechariah 12

The LORD will save the tents of Judah first, so that the glory of the house of David and of the people of Jerusalem may not be greater than that of Judah. On that day the LORD will defend the people of Jerusalem, so that the weakest among them will be like David, and the house of David will be like God, like the angel of the LORD going before them.
So on that day I will set out to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
Then I will pour out on the house of David and on the people of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and prayer, and they will look on Me, the One they have pierced. They will mourn for Him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for Him as one grieves for a firstborn son.
On that day the wailing in Jerusalem will be as great as the wailing of Hadad-rimmon in the plain of Megiddo. The land will mourn, each clan on its own: the clan of the house of David and their wives, the clan of the house of Nathan and their wives, the clan of the house of Levi and their wives, the clan of Shimei and their wives, and all the remaining clans and their wives. (Zechariah 12:1-14).

Jesus Himself said that the Jews will be in the land at His return. 

See, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’” (Matthew 23:38-39)."This is a direct quote from Psalm 118:26 a messianic psalm that was traditionally sung during the Passover. It was also shouted by the crowds during Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:9). The phrase signifies recognition of the Messiah and acceptance of His divine mission. It points to a future fulfillment when Jesus will be acknowledged as the Messiah by the Jewish people, often interpreted as a reference to His second coming."3

The proof text often cited by proponents of supercessionism is Galatians 3.

Even as Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned unto him for righteousness. Know therefore that they which be of faith, the same are sons of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all the nations be blessed. So then they which be of faith are blessed with the faithful Abraham. (Galatians 3:6-9) Now to Abraham were the promises spoken, and to his seed. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. (Galatians 3:16).

The famous "faith" passage in Hebrews 11 references the cloud of witnesses that surrounds us as Christians (Hebrews 12:1). And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise. (Galatians 3:29 cf. Romans 9:7-8).  

There is no doubt that Christians are Abraham's spiritual offspring, BUT these verses do not negate the passages that speak about ethnic Israel's ultimate salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. 

Fannin challenges the often-repeated exhortation that Christians must bless the nation of Israel. Fannin: "The bible says you have to bless Israel, or God won't bless you." 

The belief that Christians "must bless Israel" is taken from Genesis 12.

I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” (Genesis 12:3 cf. Genesis 27:29). Fannin, who is KJV only, points out that "thee" i.e. "you" is singular and refers to Abraham and is extended exclusively to the church. I believe that Fannin is grievously mistaken and that this is a very dangerous teaching. Those who promote supersessionism are standing against God's eschatological plan and His promises to the Jewish people. Fannin has not considered the sum of God's word on this subject and the overwhelming evidence that God will save a remnant of ethnic Israel. (Psalm 119:160).

It is not my proposal that Christians should support various enterprises undertaken by Rabbinic Judaism, such as the rebuilding of the third Jewish temple, acquiring the red heifers, etc. However, we need to be very careful about how we perceive ethnic Israel, the apple of God's eye! (Zechariah 2:8).

1. The Most Important Languages of Israel | Israel Inside Out
2. Who are the Ashkenazi Jews?
3. Matthew 23:39 Study Bible: For I tell you, you will not see me from now on, until you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.'"

JOHN MACARTHUR'S DEFECTIVE ESCHATOLOGY

Rapture at the Door: Final Sign Revealed | John MacArthur

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will be the first to rise. After that, we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord. (1Thessalonians 4:16-17).

MacArthur: "We are not waiting for the Antichrist, we are not waiting for the tribulation, we are waiting for Christ. Now, what is the final sign? The answer may surprise you. It is not a blood moon, it is not political upheaval, it is not digital currency or microchips.. So, what is the final sign?" 

MacArthur goes on to quote the first half of 2 Thessalonians 2:3 and identifies "the final sign before the rapture" as apostasy or falling away (apostasia).. Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first..   

In quoting only the first half of 1 Thessalonians 2:3, MacArthur deceptively excludes the very issue he seeks to avoid, i.e., information concerning the revelation of the Antichrist (the man of lawlessness) and the ultimate rebellion that will occur at the end of the age. The increasing apostasy that we are witnessing in many churches at this time is a precursor to the final unprecedented escalation of rebellion against God. 

   

Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion (apostasia) comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4).

MacArthur's skewed eschatology 

MacArthur:"You are responsible to God to get your eschatology right."1 I concur wholeheartedly with that admonition, but I do not concur with MacArthur's teaching. MacArthur's theology and eschatology are extremely questionable, not least his denial of the blood of Christ. MacArthur's commentary on the Book of Hebrews, published in 1983 by Moody Press: "It is possible to become morbid about Christ's sacrificial death and preoccupied with His suffering and shedding of blood. It is especially possible to become unbiblically preoccupied with the physical aspects of His death. It was not Jesus' physical blood that saves us, but His dying on our behalf, which is symbolized by the shedding of His physical blood.." (emphasis mine)2 

Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. (Romans 5:9).

according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you. (1 Peter 1:2).

..and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood. (Revelation 1:5).

MacArthur claims that eschatology is an easy subject to understand. However, his own understanding of eschatology is a perversion of the scriptures and is woefully defective. MacArthur is very highly esteemed within Calvinism. His supporters refuse to question him, to the point that, even when he stated that Christians can take the mark of the beast during the "seven-year tribulation"* and be saved, no one within his echo chamber challenged him!3 There is a powerful warning in scripture not to take the mark of the beast, but MacArthur thinks he knows better. I see such pride in many leaders today who refuse to be corrected. They would rather let the people of God be misled and even damned rather than humble themselves and repent of false teaching. 

 

And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink the wine of God’s wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name.”(Revelation 14:9-11).

Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep (τηρέω) what is written in it, for the time is near. (Revelation 1:3). 

τηρέω is to keep watch and to guard: "From teros (a watch; perhaps akin to theoreo); to guard (from loss or injury.."4 

The admonition to those who think to change the words of the Book of Revelation is ignored by false teachers at their own peril.

I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. (Revelation 22:18-19).

In the end, Bible teachers will answer to an audience of ONE, and their reputation in this world will mean nothing. (Matthew 12:36-37; James 3:1).

1. Is the Israel-Iran Conflict an END TIMES sign? | John MacArthur, RC Sproul on Eschatology
2. (272) "We are not saved by Jesus' blood!" Reaction to John MacArthur #bibleline #jmac #salvation - YouTube
3. (272) John MacArthur Shock Claim: Take the mark of the beast and go to heaven! - YouTube
4. Strong's Greek: 5083. τηρέω (téreó) -- To keep, to guard, to observe, to watch over.

* WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: THE SEVEN YEAR TRIBULATION FALLACY

7 Pretrib Problems and the Prewrath Rapture (Full Movie)

SHANE IDLEMAN LEAVING CHARISMANIA!

Pastor’s Shocking Announcement “I’m Leaving the Charismatic Community‼️”

Shane Idleman is the pastor of Westside Christian Fellowship in Leona Valley, CA. The above clip has gone viral on YouTube. The full video can be viewed on: The Day The Fire Fell | Pastor Shane Idleman 

Idleman sums up the sickening state of many charismatic leaders, and he reflects the feelings of many bible believing Christians and our utter disgust and rejection of false NAR "prophets" and "apostles". The scriptures tell us that God desires truth in the inward being, and yet we are witnessing the very antithesis of truth within many so-called "churches". (Psalm 51:6; John 4:24).

Idleman: "I am withdrawing from the charismatic community.. I am tired of all this stuff we see in the news. I am tired of these false prophets. I am tired of all these people saying it's 'revival' and asking people for money. I am tired of everything we are seeing in the media. Its about protecting an image and we need to get back to brokenness and humility.. you see all these fake prophetic words, all this jockeying for position.. They miss it, they are not even close. It's all about a platform and not about brokenness and humility and that's why it's a scam to many people. We see this weird stuff going on. I don't want to fake. I don't want to fabricate anything. I don't want to have a fake healing. I don't want to put gold dust or glitter in the vent fans. I don't want to have a little box up there dropping feathers, 'angel feathers'. People are sick of the phony and they need the authentic.." 

I know very little about Idleman, and I reserve judgement on his ministry at the present time. Regarding eschatology, Idleman is "pan-trib". He has obviously done some research, but he has failed to come to a conclusion on the rapture question due to the bewildering array of views being circulated.1  I find his honesty on this subject refreshing, and I can relate, as I was in a similar position prior to coming to understand the prewrath view.  

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 Peter 1-3).

I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. (Romans 16:17-18).  

1. Rapture Anxiety by Shane Idleman

What is Prewrath

TOM HUGHES: GASLIGHTING AND PRETRIB MANIPULATION

It’s More Dangerous Than You Think - The Rapture Lie | The Tom Hughes Report

Pretrib leaders can be frustrating to deal with due to their habit of changing the goalposts and then blaming and berating their critics for misquoting them, denying the very thing they originally asserted. In other words, in the above video, Tom Hughes (Hope for our Times) is gaslighting

Tom Hughes: "Where does the term 'secret rapture' come from? ..You only hear that term from critics, not from people who actually teach the pretribulation rapture. It's a pejorative, a term of dismissal. The only time I have ever heard pretribulation teachers use the term 'secret rapture' is when they were quoting critics." I don't think they have mentioned this to Jack Hibbs, who has used the term "secret rapture" in the title of his recent video! "Jack Hibbs: The Secret Rapture Happening Before the World's Greatest Trial" (22nd May 2025).    

.

The secret rapture: "A signless event"  

The doctrine of an imminent secret pretribulation rapture emerged during the early 19th century through the teachings of cult leader John Nelson Darby (1800–1882). 

Darby is credited with being the first person to have taught the "secret rapture" of the church. In his own words, Darby claimed that God revealed dispensational hermeneutics to him directly. As such, he claimed the equivalent of "apostolic" authority for this novel teaching, and he would brook no opposition to it. 

Darby: "..what God has with infinite graciousness revealed to me concerning His dealing with the Church.."1

"..it was in this the Lord was pleased, without man's teaching, first to open my eyes on this subject, that I might learn His will concerning it throughout."2 

Alan Kurschner: "An older expression in pretribulational literature—and can still be used occasionally today—is secret coming or secret rapture. From my exposure to older pretrib and non-pretrib literature, it seemed to be used synonymously with the expressions signless coming or signless rapture, in contrast to an announced coming or announced rapture."3  

The theology of the "secret rapture" was further expanded by the "Left Behind" eschatology of Tim LaHaye, founder of the Pre-Trib Research Center. The storyline of Left Behind was fictional, but LayHaye claimed to represent "biblical" pretribulational premillennial eschatology. In the film, the rapture was signless, and Christians simply vanished without a trace, with those left behind perplexed by their disappearance. 

I have recently heard Paul Wilkinson promote exactly the same idea. Wilkinson: "There will be no signs before the rapture.. the world won't see this."4

Jimmy Evans: "A billion believers in the world instantly disappear.. What is going to be the explanation?" Billy Crone surmised that demons would explain the rapture away in terms of an alien abduction.5 

Leslie Chua: "Millions of Christians will disappear suddenly without any warning. They will vanish mysteriously in the twinkling of an eye (1 Corinthians 15:51-52) leaving no trace behind. It is as if they just vaporise into the thin air. Nothing like that has ever happened before."6

  

Below are specific rapture passages that absolutely refute the claim that the rapture is a signless event. The scriptures explicitly refer to "a great earthquake, cosmic disturbances, the sign of the Son of Man, a loud trumpet, a loud command, the voice of an archangel, every eye will see him."  

And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven." (Mark 14:62).

Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. (Matthew 24:29-31 cf. Acts 1:9-11).

Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. (1 Corinthians 15:51-52).

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will be the first to rise. / After that, we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen. (Revelation 1:7).

When he opened the sixth seal, I looked, and behold, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth, the full moon became like blood, and the stars of the sky fell to the earth as the fig tree sheds its winter fruit when shaken by a gale. The sky vanished like a scroll that is being rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place. Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slave and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, calling to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?” (Revelation 6:12-17).

The fallacy that the church fathers were pretrib

Tom Hughes and other pretribulational leaders are attempting to distance themselves from John Nelson Darby for obvious reasons. Instead, they are trying, but failing, to prove that pretribulationalism was taught by the church fathers. Lee Brainard is the chief culprit in this dubious endeavour. Brainard takes isolated parts of the church fathers' writings out of context and interprets them as pretrib. It has been demonstrated unequivocally and repeatedly that the church fathers believed that the church would face the Antichrist and were prewrath. 

According to Irenaeus, the Church will go through the last contest (the tribulation) before being "caught up" and crowned with incorruption.

Ireneaus: "And therefore, when in the end the Church shall be suddenly caught up from this, it is said, There shall be tribulation such as has not been since the beginning, neither shall be. Matthew 24:21 For this is the last contest of the righteous, in which, when they overcome they are crowned with incorruption." Irenaeus, Against Heresies, Book V.7

Further evidence can be found in the following document that directly quotes the church fathers: Microsoft Word - Prewrath - Early Church Fathers.docx

The John Rich and Tucker Carlson interview8

If Tucker Carlson's reasons for bringing up the subject of the Scofield Reference Bible during this interview were antisemitic, John Rich did not take the bait. Rich avoided the question of modern Jews and Israel, and the subject of Middle East politics was not discussed. Rich has openly stated that he believes that the church will face the Antichrist, and it appears that he is a prewrath believer.9 Prewrath believers are anything but antisemitic, as can be demonstrated by the following statement by the prewrath ministry Zion's Hope. David Rosenthal is President of Zion’s Hope and editor-in-chief of Zion’s Fire magazine. Their statement sums up the eschatological view of Israel held by the prewrath camp.    

Zion's Hope: "We believe God has sovereignly chosen the Jewish people as the nation through which to reveal Himself, His glory, and His salvation. Although Israel has sinned by rejecting the Messiah and is presently under national blindness, God has a remnant according to His grace. We believe the Jewish people are in need of salvation and are saved only by faith in Jesus Christ just as the Gentiles. We believe Israel is distinct from the Church and the promise to Israel of future blessing will be fulfilled at the Messiah’s second coming."10

Given the overwhelming evidence against a "secret rapture", Hughes and others have recognized the need to alter the goalposts, even though this was the previously held position of the pretrib camp. They are free to do so, of course; they just need to be honest! Hughes' gaslighting tactics and his disinformation about the church fathers are disingenuous. (Matthew 12:36-37; James 3:1). Furthermore, there is no evidence to support the insinuation that John Rich is antisemitic.

1. Reflections Upon The Prophetic Inquiry And The Views Advanced In It | Plymouth Brethren Writings
2. Evidence From Scripture of the Passing Away of the Present Dispensation - John Nelson Darby (#62234) - BTP
3. The Meaning of 'Secret' in the Pretribulational Rapture Expression 'the Secret Coming of Christ' | ESCHATOS MINISTRIES
4. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: PAUL WILKINSON FALSE TEACHER: PRETRIB BLATANT DISHONESTY
5. Demonic Lies About The Rapture | Tipping Point | End Times Teaching | Jimmy Evans
6. In The Aftermath Of The Rapture — Rock of Ages Church
7. CHURCH FATHERS: Against Heresies, V.29 (St. Irenaeus)
8. John Rich: Donald Trump, the Darkness of Eminem’s New Album, and the Song Inspired by God
9. "When Is The Rapture"
10. Zion's Hope - What We Believe

REVELATION TV: HOWARD CONDER'S UNACCOUNTABILITY AND RAPTURE CONFUSION

Spain - the elephant in the room    

Over the years, many people who should have known better have indulged Howard Conder in his alleged "vision". Various "prophecies" from wolves Jean Darnell, Jonathan David, Sharon Stone, and Noel Woodroffe have failed spectacularly,* and RTV's Spanish studios are apparently up for sale. Anyone who declares a false prophecy takes the Lord's name in vain. (Exodus 20:7). In the Old Testament, false prophecy carried the death penalty. (Deuteronomy 13:5,18:20). In the New Testament, we are not instructed to execute false teachers/prophets, but rather to mark and avoid them. (Romans 16:17). In other words, God has zero tolerance of false prophets. Those who have sounded the alarm about Conder over the years have been accused of spreading "malicious gossip, false accusations, and outright lies".1  At this point, I can confirm that those who expressed serious concerns about Conder have been vindicated. The obvious question is: Where is Conder's integrity, and why is no one at RTV holding him to account? As a "Christian", Conder should be providing answers to the many people who gave to RTV's Spanish studios in response to their interminable requests for money for his grandiose "vision", complete with "words from the Lord". I wonder, will Conder reimburse those who sacrificially gave to his white elephant if and when the Spanish studios are sold? 

Given his zero credibility, it is extraordinary that Conder and his associates at RTV continue to release videos criticizing the government, offering prophetic insights into current events, and generally dispensing their dubious "wisdom" to all and sundry. It should go without saying that no reputable bible teacher should associate with Conder and RTV. “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” (Ephesians 5:11).  

The Rapture Debate - Revelation TV    

Below are some brief comments on the rapture debate held on May 30, 2025, between Derek Walker of Oxford Bible Church (pretrib) and former Lieutenant Colonel John Campbell (posttrib), moderated by Tim Vince. These men are old associates of Conder and have apparently buried their heads in the sand regarding Spain, while continuing to indulge Conder's dubious "ministry".

Like other pretrib teachers, Derek Walker makes the assumption that the 70th week of Daniel is the period of the tribulation. However, in the Olivet discourse, Jesus indicated that the tribulation follows the abomination of desolation event at the midpoint of the 70th week. (Matthew 24:15-21). The tribulation is variously described in the scriptures as: a time, times, and half a time (3.5 years), Daniel 7:25; forty-two months, Revelation 11:12, 13:5; 1,260 days, Revelation 12:5-6 cf. Daniel 12:1; Jeremiah 30:7;half a week Daniel 9:27.2  

Furthermore, the description of the 70th week of Daniel as "the day of the Lord" is problematic. Both Walker and Campbell make this mistake. The day of the Lord begins after the tribulation and is the specific period of God's direct wrath upon the earth. This period begins following the cosmic disturbances and the rapture, between the sixth and seventh seal of Revelation, and involves the trumpet and bowl judgements. (Revelation 8-9,11; Revelation 15-16). Those who do not distinguish between the tribulation and the day of the Lord's wrath do not take account of the difference between orgē (wrath) and thlipsis (tribulation) in the Greek text. 

Immediately after the tribulation (thlipsis) of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. (Matthew 24:29-31).

When he opened the sixth seal, I looked, and behold, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth, the full moon became like blood, and the stars of the sky fell to the earth as the fig tree sheds its winter fruit when shaken by a gale. The sky vanished like a scroll that is being rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place. Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slaved and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, calling to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of their wrath (orgē) has come, and who can stand?” (Revelation 6:12-17).

The fallacy of imminence)

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. (John 14:3).

The fallacy of imminence is the common assumption of pretrib teachers. Walker points out that the phrase 'I will come again', literally ἔρχομαι, I am coming again in John 14:3 is in the present tense, and he suggests that this indicates imminence. Walker: "The futuristic of the present tense expresses imminence". The problem with dissecting the Greek text is that we sometimes lose the context. The sentence continues: I will take you (παραληψομαι) to myself in the future tense. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 and 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 are obvious future statements:

For the Lord Himself will descend (καταβήσεται) from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will be the first to rise (ἀναστήσονται). (1 Thessalonians 4:16).

Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed (αλλαγησομεθα), in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound (σαλπίσει), and the dead will be raised (ἐγερθήσονται) imperishable, and we shall be changed (ἀλλαγησόμεθα). (1 Corinthians 15:51-52). 

In John 14:3, the phrases if I go (πορευθῶ), and I will prepare (ετοιμασω) are aorist passive deponent subjunctive verbs. In other words, Jesus is speaking in the subjunctive mood, which is abstract. Some teachers get very bogged down in Greek grammar in order to prove a point when the meaning of the text is clear in other passages. Certainly, John 14:3 does not express imminence. 

Who are the 24 elders?

Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads. (Revelation 4:4).

The argument that the twenty-four elders represent the church is based on a single verse of scripture. However, the "great multitude" (the redeemed) in Revelation 7 contradicts this view.

After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands.. Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?” I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. (Revelation 7:9,13-14). 

Revelation 5:8-11 and different interpretations

And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song, saying,“Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” (Revelation 5:8-11).

The KJV differs from the majority of bible versions: ..And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

Alan Kurschner argues for the third person as the correct interpretation of the ransomed, as against the first person in Revelation 5:8-11. Instead of "made us a kingdom" and "we shall reign on the earth", according to Kurschner, the best and oldest manuscripts use the third person "them" and "they".3 If this interpretation is correct, the twenty-four elders are not included in the ransomed people of God.

Kurschner's argument is confirmed by various commentaries:

Pulpit Commentary: "And didst redeem unto God by thy blood out of every kindred, etc. Though the reading 'us' is supported by various manuscripts, and similarly the first person is used in ver. 10. yet, on the whole, it seems better to omit it, the phrase being taken in a partitve sense - 'Thou didst redeem unto God by thy blood some out of every kindred, etc., and hast made them, etc., and they shall reign.'"4

Cambridge Bible: "us] Should be omitted. The elders probably represent the whole multitude of the redeemed, but they are not here said to belong to their number, and the living creatures certainly do not. The true reading is, 'Thou wast slain, and hast purchased to God by Thy Blood out of every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nations, and hast made them unto our God a kingdom and priests, and they [shall] reign upon the earth.'”4

 
Walker's argument that the twenty-four elders represent the church fails on a number of levels. As demonstrated above, the majority of bible versions differentiate between the twenty-four elders and the church. Additionally, the KJV describes the four living creatures as "redeemed". However, the four living creatures are angelic beings who are not part of the redeemed church.

Satan is a master of deception and specialises in raising false hopes. I believe the pretrib rapture is a very dangerous doctrine that will leave believers bewildered, shaken, and unprepared when the tribulation occurs and they face the Antichrist. This is the very outcome that pretrib believers have been promised deliverance from, and their faith is likely to be shaken, perhaps irreparably. (Matthew 24:10).

John Campbell presents a very emotional view of the posttrib rapture view. He speaks about "receiving a revelation" and being "overwhelmed by the Spirit", among other things. I do not necessarily dismiss Campbell's spiritual experience, but relying on personal experience is a very unreliable way of determining truth. (1 John 4:1). I also question Campbell's view that there will be the "largest harvest ever" during the seven years he erroneously describes as the "tribulation". I do not see this in the scriptures. Rather, it appears that the masses will be sent a great delusion by God and will follow the beast. (2 Thessalonians 2:8-11; Revelation 13:3-4,7). A significant reason that many will follow the Antichrist is that no one will be able to buy or sell without taking the mark of the beast. (Revelation 13:7). The statement that believers will be supernaturally protected during the tribulation is, in my view, also false. The scriptures speak of persecution, apostasy, and spiritual deception:“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another, and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. (Matthew 24:9-11). My understanding is that the tribulation i.e., the final 3.5 years of the 70th week of Daniel, will be an exceptionally difficult and testing time, and believers will need to endure this period. (Matthew 24:13; Revelation 14:12). 

It is beyond the scope of this post to go into the weaknesses of the posttrib rapture view. I recommend Alan Kurshner's compelling arguments on this subject: Articles for Posttribulationism to Consider | ESCHATOS MINISTRIES

The warning in the book of Revelation is taken very lightly by both Walker and Campbell, who apparently think it is acceptable to speculate. (Revelation 22:18-19). Those with questions about the timing of the rapture should give serious consideration to the prewrath writings of the early church fathers.5 The problems associated with other views simply disappear when one understands the prewrath position.

1. About - HowardConder.com

2. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: THE SEVEN YEAR TRIBULATION FALLACY
3.Twenty Four Elders Archives | ESCHATOS MINISTRIES (alankurschner.com)
4. Revelation 5:9 Commentaries: And they sang a new song, saying, "Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. (biblehub.com)

5. https://www.alankurschner.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Prewrath-Early-Church-Fathers-Kurschner.pdf

* WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: REVELATION TV: SPAIN ~ HOWARD CONDER'S WHITE ELEPHANT