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Sunday 10 August 2014

ian mccormack open heaven spiritual deception part 1

I first came across the ministry of Ian McCormack many years ago when he visited my home town of Leicester in the UK. Ian's testimony touched me very deeply; there seemed to be all the right elements present – God’s Word i.e. the Lord’s Prayer, conviction of sin, repentance, forgiveness, acceptance and Ian's experience of God’s overwhelming love. As a new Christian at that time, I had no doubt that his experience was authentic. However I have recently looked into Ian’s teaching in more depth and I have now come to an entirely different conclusion.

IAN MCCORMACK'S TESTIMONY

I have condensed Ian McCormack’s story here; his full testimony can be found on his website: http://www.aglimpseofeternity.org/ians-testimony/english/

Ian McCormack was stung by five box jellyfish whilst diving on the island of Mauritius and eventually ended up in the hospital where he died for approximately fifteen minutes and found himself in hell. He was then lifted out of hell by a brilliant beam of pure white light and he had a very powerful experience of love, peace, joy and forgiveness of sins. He believes that he encountered Jesus and saw a perfect creation - “the New Earth & New Heavens” - but he chose to return to earth because he saw a vision of his family and thousands and thousands of other people. “I asked God who all these people were, and He told me that if I didn't return then many of these people would not get a chance to hear about Him….”

Although he tells us that he is not trying to tell anyone what to believe, Ian's testimony is very persuasive and he has widely promoted it in the past. He is promoting it this year through a new film “The Perfect Wave” http://www.theperfectwave.co.za/ Having seen Ian McCormack for myself on three occasions, I do not think he is a deliberate deceiver; clearly something spiritual did happen to him in Mauritius. What I do now doubt is whether this spiritual experience was truly from the Lord or whether it was from a counterfeit spirit. There are a number of reasons for this.

Ian McCormack: "When you come to church you have a psalm and hymn a spiritual song a word, a revelation."  Ian is quoting 1 Corinthians 14:26 here which is actually: When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Ian: "When you have had a revelation of God you have a testimony that you can testify to, and it is the thing that can open up doors for healing, for encounter…. and when He encounters you, you are changed….. When the Spirit of God fills a man it can become contagious. The fire of God can just jump – the electricity of heaven can literally just jump and ignite - the light that is within you starts to ignite others it gives them hope that they too can enter that heavenly realm.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-seR4z2ZL4

For Ian McCormack "revelation"  is an open heaven experience - he puts the testimony of "open heaven" on a par with martyrdom and the blood of Jesus:  "Testimonies are very powerful, because it says that: 'We overcome Satan by the word of our testimony - the blood of the Lamb and we do not love our life even unto death.' So Jesus puts our testimony (of open heaven) up with martyrdom and the blood of Jesus"  Notice how Ian puts "testimony" before the blood of the Lamb in his version of Revelation 12:11. The actual verse is:

And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. (Revelation 12:11).

Revelation 12:11 in context refers to martyrdom - the word of their testimony is the faithful preaching of the gospel – the testimony of Jesus, the Word of God (Revelation 12:17; 19:10).  The Greek word for "revelation" is apokalupsis which means unveiling, uncovering, revealing, revelation (1 Corinthians 14:26). Paul was exceptional in that he received the gospel by "revelation" directly from Jesus Christ and not from any human source (Galatians 1:12; Ephesians 3:3).  Further visions of Paul are recorded in Acts 16:19 22:17; 26:12-19; 27:23 and Galatians 2:2.  Ananias also had a vision (Acts 9:10), and Peter (Acts 10:17). These visions or "revelations" were not experiences of "open heaven".  God may indeed disclose or reveal something specific to an individual - but this is subject to testing (1 John 4:1; 1 Corinthians 14:19). Considering that Ian has a Bible in front of him, why doesn't he quote the scriptures correctly? Concerning changing anything in the Book of Revelation:

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)
Can someone else’s “experience” help us come to faith in Jesus Christ?

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. (Romans 10:17)

The Parable of Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31)

The testimony of being raised from the dead is spurious. When the rich man found himself in Hades, he pleaded with Abraham to return from the dead to warn his family to repent. Abraham corrects this error however:

‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father’s house— for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’ But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’” (Luke 16:27-31)

Ian McCormack: “Over the years some people have questioned my experience & so I would like to reiterate this scripture { 2 Cor 12: 2 - 4 } 'I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago - whether in his body I do not know, or out of his body I do not know, God knows - such a man was caught up to the third heaven. And I know how such a man - whether in his body or apart from his body I do not know, God knows - was caught up into Paradise.'" http://www.aglimpseofeternity.org/ians-testimony/

Ian McCormack does not complete the above reading to verse 7 which is inexplicable! Paul continues to say that there was nothing to gain by boasting about this event. He was forbidden to speak of the things he saw and heard. Paul was caught up into the Third Heaven - "caught up" in the Greek is harpazo, which means to seize or to forcibly snatch away, in other words the event was totally initiated by God. Paul's experience was a very rare event, it happened only once in fourteen years. Furthermore, Paul was given a thorn in the flesh to keep him from becoming conceited about this experience:

Though there is nothing to be gained by it, I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. And I know that this man was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter......................So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. (2 Corinthians 2:2-4,7)

The sphere that Paul was caught up to was paradise (2 Corinthians 12:3).

The book of Revelation tells us that access to paradise is conditional and future - only those who conquer will have access to this place:

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’ (Revelation 2:7) This is an allusion to Genesis 2:9 and Genesis 3:22. Other references to the tree of life are found in Revelation 22:2, 14.

The word "paradise" occurs three times in the New Testament (Luke 23:43; 2 Corinthians 12:4). It is the dwelling place of God and the resting place of departed saints (Luke 23:43). The word “paradise” is often used as a synonym for the Garden of Eden - this is consistent with Paul’s testimony and also with Revelation 2:7 as the location of the tree of life.

After Adam’s expulsion from paradise God took deliberate and extreme measures to ensure that he could not return:

And the Lord God said, “The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever.” So the Lord God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken. After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life. (Genesis 3:22-24)

Ian McCormack: “Some people may not accept this is what happened which is totally fine. I am not trying to tell you what to believe. You may believe it was just a dream or a hallucination. But one thing I do know, is that after following Jesus since 1982, I can't wait to see Him again and step through into the New Heavens & New Earth { Rev 21: 1 - 7 } { 2 Peter 3 : 10 - 18 }. My prayer is that my experience will help you to come to know Jesus Christ as your Personal Lord & Saviour. { Romans 10 : 8 - 13 }. Jesus wishes that none would perish but all would come to know eternal life in Him { 2 Peter 3 : 10 - 18 }” http://www.aglimpseofeternity.org/ians-testimony/

Ian McCormack: “I personally believe I died & was taken out of my body into the New Earth & New Heavens. That I had what is termed a 'life after death experience '. I believe I stood before the Risen Lord Jesus Christ in His Glorified form { Rev 1 : 13 - 18 }." http://www.aglimpseofeternity.org/ians-testimony/

Ian McCormack claims to have had “open heaven” experiences many times since his initial experience in Mauritius, and he tells us that we can and should have open heaven. On the Youtube video at The Church@New Bern he speaks about people getting covered in gold, a woman with oil pouring out of her hands who was anointed for healing, experiences of diving into the river and breathing in “living water” etc. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-seR4z2ZL4

Ian McCormack: “The scriptures are full of that. We find that in the Old Testament. We have Jacob going up and seeing the ladder into heaven in a dream. He sees the angels of the Lord ascending the (????) of Bethel meeting with God. We see Moses meeting God face to face............. Ezekiel saw one, wheels within wheels, open heaven and he said there was like a fire in him..... … Daniel said 'I saw the ancient of days, his vesture was white like wool like snow......' Isaiah saw the holiness of God.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-seR4z2ZL4

Certain people were given visions of heaven in the Bible, but relatively speaking they were very rare and they were given for specific reasons. The first time we hear of it in the New Testament is when Jesus Christ was baptised: And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; (Matthew 3:16; Mark 1:10 says: he saw heaven being torn open)

Ian McCormack: “I have access to the kingdom of heaven, I have a passport to heaven and a free right to go up there – any time!”

“It is possible to see what John saw on Patmos.”

“The revelation (open heaven) comes out of the wellsprings of your relationship and love for Him.”

“.....you have access continually to come in..... to dive into the core of who He is....”

Ian gives the analogy of surfing and “positioning yourself to catch the wave of the spirit” – catching the presence God and having “the ride of your life”.

This really does not match up to what we read in the Bible. I hear no warnings or judgements being pronounced by Ian McCormack, it is all about the experience, not about God's intentions and actions as was the case with the prophets. We see John and Daniel overwhelmed with awe and dread, struggling to find words and descriptions.

DANIEL: The whole book of Daniel focuses on God's judgement. Daniel's name means “God is my judge”. Daniel was given a vision which referred to the appointed time of the end (chapter 8 v 17, 19). The vision was not pleasant, it shocked and terrified him and it made him very ill. And I, Daniel, was overcome and lay sick for some days. Then I rose and went about the king’s business, but I was appalled by the vision and did not understand it. (chapter 8:27)

JOHN: And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. (Revelation 1:17) John saw the end time judgements (Daniel and Revelation are counterparts of each other).

EZEKIEL: - Three themes are present in the book of Ezekiel: (1) judgment on Israel (chapters 1–24); (2) judgment on the nations (chapters 25–32); (3) and future blessings for Israel (chapters 33–48). Ezekiel: Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell on my face......... (Ezekiel 1:28)

ISAIAH: Warnings of judgement and promises of subsequent restoration for Jerusalem, Judah and the nations (chapters 1-33). Judgement has already taken place and restoration is at hand (chapters 34–66). Isaiah feared that his unclean lips would ruin him, but was cleansed at the altar. (Isaiah 6:5)

MOSES: And Moses trembled and did not dare to look. Then the Lord said to him, ‘Take off the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” (Acts 7:32-33)

MICAIAH: And Micaiah said, “Therefore hear the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing beside him on his right hand and on his left; and the LORD said, ‘Who will entice Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth-gilead?’ And one said one thing, and another said another. Then a spirit came forward and stood before the LORD, saying, ‘I will entice him.’ And the LORD said to him, ‘By what means?’ And he said, ‘I will go out, and will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.’ And he said, ‘You are to entice him, and you shall succeed; go out and do so.’ Now therefore behold, the LORD has put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these your prophets; the LORD has declared disaster for you.” (1 Kings 22:19-23)

STEPHEN: Stephen saw the glory of God moments before his death: But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” (Acts 7:56) This happened immediately after he delivered his prophetic speech against the unbelieving Jews: “You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit! Was there ever a prophet your ancestors did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him— you who have received the law that was given through angels but have not obeyed it.....  (Acts 7:1-53)

PAUL: - As discussed, we don't know what Paul saw - though he did warn repeatedly about apostasy and the coming judgement.

Does the above sound like these prophets were surfing to catch the wave of the Spirit to have the ride of their life?

OPEN HEAVEN REPLACES FAITH:

We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:6-7)

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)

For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? (Romans 8:24)

For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. (1 Corinthians 13:12)

Ian's son Michael’s encounter in 2011 when he was ten years old: Michael (read by Ian): “….. light shone on me and that light had an overflowing love. It lifted me up into heaven in this white light. I saw angels coming around me surround me as I went up. They were clothed in white robes and their faces were shining and they had wings. They were floating around me like they were hovering. Their wings were fully opened and were moving quite slowly……” Ian McCormack: " ……he was sovereignly taken up...... his heart was ready and God just went ‘now’”  Michael: "…….he smiled at me and I felt loved…… He showed me heavens gate, it was golden and a massive palace in town behind the gates…… Michael claims to have seen “the old earth that people destroyed…..”  This does not add up. Actually it is God who destroys the earth; partial destruction will occur through the first four trumpet judgements in Revelation 8. Finally, the earth and its works will be burned up by fire at the end of the millennium (2 Peter 3:7-13).

Michael: “I really want to speak and tell people, and I hope that half the church is full of non Christians so that they can get saved.” Bear in mind that the gospel was not preached at all at this meeting. How can anyone get saved without hearing the gospel? It is very concerning that Michael has been so influenced that he too has had an “open heaven” experience.

Ian McCormack: “The renewing of the mind is not the same as healing the broken heart – they are two different things……… We must come to God as a small child…... The simplicity that he loves you is the opening door because it is the eyes of your heart to be opened to revelation. The revelation comes out of the wellsprings of your relationship and love for Him. It is a very simple yet a very deep thing to know that God looks across the earth for people’s hearts that are wholly devoted to Him. The heart needs to be healed because the heart can be very broken, the heart can be divided the heart can be in many different places. The Lord is looking for a whole heart……….that is why He wants to heal the broken hearts. That is why he wants to bind up their wounds, the heart needs to be healed….”

Ian McCormack talks about the “open heaven” experience as being transformational rather than the Word of God. This very subtly puts “revelation” i.e. subjective experience in the place of Christ – this is the spirit of antichrist. Romans 12:2 tells us unequivocally that Christians are transformed by the renewal of the mind.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2)

I think there is some confusion amongst Christians about what "brokenhearted" actually means in the context of Luke 4:18 (Isaiah 61:1; Psalm 147). We should note that in the Bible “brokenhearted” is linked to contrition, i.e. one is crushed due to the recognition of sin.

Psalm 34:18: The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed (contrite) in spirit.

Psalm 51:17: The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

When we understand brokenhearted as extreme sorrow due to sin, we can understand Luke 4:18 in context:

The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim freedom to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free the oppressed…. (Luke 4:8) The King James Bible and some other versions say: to set at liberty them that are bruised. The Douay-Rheims Bible says: he hath sent me to heal the contrite of heart….. Some other versions say brokenhearted. The Greek word is thraúō – break in pieces (shatter). In Isaiah 61:1 and Psalm 147 the Hebrew word has the same meaning. http://biblehub.com/greek/2352.htm

The reason I am going into so much detail about the word “brokenhearted” is that this issue was dealt with on the cross – Jesus Christ sets the repentant sinner free who is brokenhearted and contrite because of personal sin. If Christians have a “divided heart” after the new birth, the answer is repentance. We should not confuse brokenhearted with emotional distress which we all suffer from at times (including the prophets who had open heaven experiences). The miracle of new birth has taken place and Christians are in the process of being transformed (2 Corinthians 3:18).

And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. (Ezekiel 36:26)

Christians have a responsibility to make sure that their mind comes into alignment with the new birth - this is a great battleground and something which Ian did not mention. Prior to the new birth, we have no relationship or love for God: …..the carnal mind is enmity against God. (Romans 8:7). The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? (Jeremiah 17:9)

All this rhetoric about broken hearts makes people dwell on the past, the old man and not the new creation. We can go around forever seeking “inner healing”, but this is not the broken and contrite heart spoken of in the Bible. If we are true Christians then we need to live in the truth that the old has passed away. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (John 8:32)

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (liberty). (2 Corinthians 3:17)

I notice that these experiences of open heaven seem to be very addictive and all consuming. Ian talks about waiting for the “next wave” or the "super wave". As Christians it is natural to want to experience the love of God and heaven in much fuller ways than we are now able to, but there are no shortcuts to heaven. We should be very careful that we do not aspire to receiving an illegitimate revelation from an angel of light.

Ian McCormack: .....there are huge numbers of (people) who have had genuine experiences with the love of God. They just haven’t been able to reference who that being of light is. And you find that the scripture of the Bible is so clear and so accurate in the understanding that God is love, and forgiving, and compassionate. http://www.skeptiko.com/255-ian-mccomacks-exclusively-christian-near-death-expeience/  

If these people have not been able to reference who that being of light is, then there is something very wrong (2 Corinthians 11:14). Jesus Christ does not leave people in the dark - he reveals his identity to those who truly encounter Him (Acts 9:5; John 4:6; John 11:25; Revelation 1:8 etc.)

And what I am doing I will continue to do, in order to undermine the claim of those who would like to claim that in their boasted mission they work on the same terms as we do. For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds. (2 Corinthians 11:12-15)

IAN MCCORMACK'S PROOF TEXT FOR OPEN HEAVEN


“Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” (John 1:51)

This verse is difficult, but we should not read something into it that it doesn't say. There is no record that Nathanael actually saw this vision in his lifetime and there is no instance where it is recorded that the disciples witnessed literal ministering angels.

The verse refers to the Son of Man - Jesus Christ replacing the ladder in Jacob's dream and becoming the only mediator between God and man (Genesis 28:12; 1 Timothy 2:5). Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I did not know it.” And he was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.” (Genesis 28:16-17). Jacob did not know that God was in that place – it was not apparent to him until God revealed it to him. God tells us that he is near and with us – whether we experience it or not we should take it as fact, and notice once again that Jacob was afraid after the dream. Jesus becomes the ladder/staircase, door, gate– the way to and from heaven. Scholars have contrasted Jacob's ladder, God's outreach from heaven to earth, with the Tower of Babel, man's grasping from earth toward heaven – if we are trying to manipulate an “open heaven” experience then we have drifted into mysticism/occultism.

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16) We draw near to the throne of grace through faith in Jesus Christ – we cannot draw near by some mystical experience.

In 2008, Ian McCormack prophesied a great revival which would come out of London and spread over the UK and beyond. I must say that this put me in mind of my early experiences of the Charismatic movement when certain people were constantly prophesying that revival was just around the corner. What I have observed since that time is the very reverse of the promised revival. We have had fake revivals infecting the church like Toronto, Pensacola and Florida, and more recently the fake Welsh Outpouring in the UK. Ian's prophecy is not time specific, but it was six years ago and as far as I can see the church has continued to degenerate into an appalling state of apostasy by and large.

ASSOCIATIONS

Ian McCormack endorses of some very dubious "ministries" and has some very questionable associations:

Links:
Bill Johnson - Bethel Church in Redding: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYA7ZkkutPw
Iris Ministries - the interdenominational mission of Rolland and Heidi Baker in Mozambique: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScRO7sa4uXs 
http://www.dayspring.com.au - the website of DaySpring Church Sydney Australia.
www.masterpotter.com - the website of Jill Austin.


Ian has appeared on the 700 Club quite recently promoting his new film "The Perfect Wave" http://www.inplainsite.org/html/pat_robertson.html
Ian has shared platforms with false prophet Bobby Conner and spiritualist JoAnn McFatter.

I recommend that anyone interested in these kind of experiences watch the following video about Ayahuasca from 2:40. I have no doubt this girls experience was genuine and in some respects it reminded me of Ian McCormack's experience.  It demonstrates how deceptive Satan can be:





FOLLOW UP POST: IAN MCCORMACK - THIRD HEAVEN SPIRITUAL DECEPTION 
http://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/ian-mccormack-third-heaven-spiritual.html

46 comments:

  1. As a new Christian at that time, I had no doubt that his experience was authentic. However I have recently looked into Ian’s teaching in more depth and I have now come to an entirely different conclusion....

    well you said it all in that phrase Treena, searching the scriptures to see if what he said was true, how the Bereans were commended for such action, even checking out the apostle Paul. I winder how many contemporaries would have said that doing such was like 'touching the Lords' anointed!" and berated them for it.

    In these days too many people say they have had this vision or that visitation and it is all made rubbish. didn't Paul warn us that in the last days gnostics would come saying they had this or that special revelation (and for your love gift of only $99.99 you to can share this spiritual secret on my latest cd/book!).

    I had reservations about Ian McCormack years ago, he says go to the hospital in Mauritius to check out his details. Well how many of us have done that? Would we be surprised to find that the hospital has NO records of him at all!!

    You are correct Treena to point to the verse where Pauls says that what he experienced in heaven he was told not to share. Maybe some of these latter day prophets would be wise to do the same. I find it hard not to be sceptical about things we cannot check out with scripture or people saying they had these personal visitations (eg todd bentley and the honey cloud and angel Emma!)

    God bless, Andy T

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  2. Thank you Andy. I am still thinking about this. Ian McCormack does come across as very genuine - and he doesn't seem interested in money which is refreshing. As you say subjective experience proves nothing - we have to be so very careful that we are not deceived and this is what I fear for Ian and his followers. Let us hope and pray that they read the scriptures and test the spirits. God bless t

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  3. Hmm I also have No really Biblically support or so but some things is mising isn Ians Biblically teachings after his experiences, no real judgement conviction of sin, and things I know a Biblically true prophet shall know, as prophets and messengers of Old, your concerns is valied Sister. Badly I lsisted his testimonial on my sites... Many to remove not sure, but atleast give some doubt Biblically warnings linking to your site here etc. Regadards Joel Kall Sweden, thanks excellent work in showing Biblically light on this, and Thanks Christ through you an din you of Bible, Gods Word, in this I think. Be blessed.

    God bless all.

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  4. Be blessed I am not defending Ian C
    I However wnat you too see this vidd.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GWcm-fSFao
    And:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59mRZ1Vj8ZU
    Also see nothing from Pat Robertson atc Unbiblically evildoer it seams exist many of them Benny Hinn Reinhard Boonke etc Choo thomas, David Owour uncontrolled Kundaline spirits etc..

    It also seam to exist Biblically witnesses to this NDE Ian C had, his Mother.

    I will however not publish anything before Christ and Bible, Gods Word daily living in love for Christ we always do, and more Biblically decernmnet regardning this.

    I really want to believe Ian Cs NDE but I find it hard by Gods Spirit within me of Bible, Gods Word, to dissmiss him as false prophet, and also find it hard to Biblically approve him as true prophet, as he do not teach some vital Biblically doctrines and do not rebuke sins and come with Biblically warnings and judgement over sins etc.

    God bless you Sister a very good Blogpage this regarding Ian c your concerns are valied.

    https://www.youtube.com/user/thruthseeker2014
    God bless all.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father’s house— for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’ But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’” (Luke 16/27-31)

    Its very correct said however NDS experiences or in Ian C case is not the same as the verse above, the verse above talks about someone beeing dead completely after its impossible to bring them back, for humans.

    For God of Bible, Gods Word nothing is impossible.
    I am very unsure to call out Ian C as false prophet.
    Many people or few people but so has true Biblically NDE experiences, we can never limit the lord, and the experience Biblically I find little to no error.
    What is vital to check out is the hospital he were on and witnesses, but even if unbelivers at hospital might deny this event, Trinity Christ, Gods Son in beeing of Bible, Gods Word in Essence One Trinity God of Bible, Gods Word.
    Is enough as Ian C witnesses.
    I have a objection in my Spirit to call Ian C Out as False Prophet, I seen no real Biblically evidence in his testimonial to do so.

    I seen he put his testimony before blood of Christ, remember he were atheist before, and he is not religious, but do things after teh Spirit of Bible, Gods Word, I believe, and so on, but I will also not defend him, I am unsure.

    God bless you, you do an excellent work here Sister.
    I wish we all had the answer of I an C I really love him so much and his NDE testimonial, but if he is false he must be Biblically rebuked and warned of, I totally agree, if its found unbiblically evils in his testimony witch I can not find in his experience, he is not religious, but seam to have relationship with Christ of Bible, Gods Word, also exist witness his mother Hospital etc to many people that can verify this etc.

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  6. In video you had very true similair but not entirely, Satan can counterfitt and even decieve our spirits he is Jesus or so, and he can also give out false love and false peace, but incorrect saying its Christ of Bibles love or Yahweh, and Satan twist that, I know that is not the case, Satan is Gods highest angel but fallen, he can give false love and false peace and play act and talk like a false Christ same goes for his demons. This Christ shown me and a sister another in Christ and Bible, Gods Word Speak it of also more of this here:
    http://wakeutobiblicaltruth.blogbaker.com/2012/11/25/vital-things-regarding-lakeland-revival-and

    God bless but I get the points excellent work Sister regards Joel Kall Sweden.

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  7. However if someone like the girl in video not care for the truth God himself give her over to powerful delusions, and Satans fake love and peace etc:

    Other things many millions people believed and still believes because of having insufficient knowledge of Scriptures (Hosea 4:6) and not examining everything against the Scriptures like the Bereans (Acts 17:11). Those who refuse to love the truth will perish and be given to such powerful delusions (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12)

    …2preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. 3For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, 4and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.…
    http://biblehub.com/2_timothy/4-3.htm

    God bless Sister forgott meantioned.

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  8. Thank you Joel for all your input. I have watched the video with Ian and his wife, but I need much more time to go through everything you have sent and written. I have heard Ian's testimony many times and have seen him personally three times. My own thoughts are that Satan always puts truth next to error in order to deceive people. We need to put aside all emotionalism - emotions come and go, but the Word of the Lord stands forever (Isa 40/8). Ian's links and connections do concern me greatly (e.g. Bill Johnson Bethel Church) as do his many "trips" to heaven. I don't pretend to have all the answers but I would advise great caution with these teachings. I do truly believe them to be a deception from the pit of hell itself. That is not to denigrate Ian as a person - I am praying for him. God bless Treena

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  9. God bless you Sis I know its true more Biblically decernment regarding Ian C NDE is required.

    As he goes big now with his new movie and all...

    It would be great if we could talk about this my skype is joel.kall1 I really need to know more what you know in detail about Ian C, must decide if I shall remove his testimonial or not from my blogs.

    Regards Joel Kall Sweden.

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  10. Pretty vital more details and about his mother witnesses and more details regarding event and so on many details.
    http://www.cbn.com/tv/3664431885001

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  11. Hi Joel
    At this point in time I cannot add any further information to what I have written about Ian McCormack in this post (and also the follow up post I wrote about the fivefold ministry). Send me a message via the contact form as it would be better to email rather than communicate through the comments. God bless treena

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  12. Ok I agree this vidd also last shown now a bit vital about this:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaznKbbMK4s
    Think it shows alot Biblically info.
    I contact u using the way you described, God bless you.

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  13. Regarding the above link, Ian does use a lot of scriptures which makes him appear very credible doesn't it? The main issue I have with him concerns his claim that we can enter the heavenly realm "any time we like" i.e. "open heaven". THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS TEACHING. Satan quotes the scriptures in the temptation of Jesus Christ. All the false prophets quote scripture - this is no sign of soundness Joel. Satan comes as an angel of light (2 Cor 11/14). ".....test the spirits to see whether they are from God...." (1 John 4/1) God bless Treena

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  14. Thank you Treena for sharing all this good information and resonings. It is very precious in our time to learn to discern the spirits and iI think it's very important that our church speaks more aboute this! In Jesus bless
    Carla

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  15. Where can I read about such good resonings as your about death experiences in general ( which many people bescribe) at the light of 1 John 4/1 ? Near death experiences that people all over the world bescribe seems very much as Satans style. What do you think?
    Thanks a lot. I have only yahoo-account.
    Bless Carla

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  16. Thank you Carla. There is very little information out there warning people about near death experiences and the churches generally do not warn their congregations. In fact many churches encourage Ian McCormack - this is why I decided to write. I would recommend Joe Schimmel of Good Fight Ministries - he tackles many issues to do with the New Age and the occult. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjTGlyKyLj0&list=PL8445CA8815ABE662
    God Bless

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  17. In 1987 I worked in a factory where 2 born again Christians prayed for my salvation. I hated anything to do with God. One was a Bible basher, the other man a very gentle loving person. They managed to get the whole church together in a mid week all night prayer meeting to pray for me. Well in the early hours of the morning. I found myself standing in the presence of The Son of God.
    His eyes were ablaze with fire, His hair was white as it were wool.
    I was utterly undone.
    His piercing eyes of fire burned right into my eyes and my whole heart was filled with fire of conviction.
    I could not say a word. I knew I was a very sinful man. I could not escape His gaze. He spoke no word. But I had an absolute conviction of my sinful nature.
    He stood me about 10 feet away from Him. I knew that I was standing in the presence of almighty God, the all knowing, all powerful God who had the right to deal with me any how He wanted. My life was literally in His hands. I was utterly undone.
    I was not dreaming, God is my witness. I could see nothing but the Son of God. His light pierced to the depth of my being.
    I tried to hide that experience as I thought I was crazy. How could this be that I met Jesus Christ in all His glory. He alone I saw nothing else was visible. Three years later my sin found me out. I surrendered fully to Jesus Christ.
    After release from prison on the same day I was baptised. The Lord restored our marriage and with our daughter a son was born months later.
    This I know. I met the Living God.
    I stood before the King of Kings.
    He absolutely hates our sins but He loves us in the purest love.
    But for the grace of God go I.
    Brian

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  18. Hi Brian, I am not doubting that you had an experience.However, I must tell you that Satan can come as an angel of light and people can have very powerful experiences (2 Corinthians 11/14). Even if the Lord really did come to you,we cannot put our faith in an experience. If you are attending a "charismatic" or Pentecostal type of church, do pray and ask the Lord to show you if things are right there, and do check everything with the scriptures. Ecumenism is a deception of the enemy. The Bible says we should test the spirits (1 John 4/1). If you have repented of your sins and put your faith in Jesus Christ then great. We are warned to be very careful as there is great deception going on in the churches. God bless you tx

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  19. You are a religious spirit.
    YOU doubt everything.
    That is very extreme and un-Biblical to doubt God IS sin.

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  20. I do not doubt God Anonymous - that is a very presumptious thing to say. What I do doubt is what many foolish people are saying about God without testing the spirits. The Bible tells us to test or prove all things (1 Thessalonians 5/21) I'm afraid that many are not doing this and are going into dangerous error.

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  21. "Sometimes those who are concerned with doctrinal error in the church, and who say so openly, are accused of simply 'being against things' and never 'for things.' This is often the refrain by those who seek to mute criticism when error is clearly present, or to dismiss from accountability those who simply refuse to look.
    Well, I presume if Paul were around today many would make similar complaints about him, but it wouldn't be possible to say given his body of work."
    Pastor Chris Quintana, Calvary Chapel Cypress.

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  22. Treena, you said "The Bible tells us to test or prove all things (1 Thessalonians 5/21) I'm afraid that many are not doing this and are going into dangerous error.".

    The spirit of CONFUSION & DOUBT are NOT from God. As I read through everything that has been written and the comments, I can see that those who were previously moved and touched by Ian's testimony are suddenly confused and in doubt after reading your blog. Did those people not Have the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Discernment living in them at the time when they heard Ian's testimony? When they first heard Ian, they were touched and convinced he was genuine. Why do they doubt now and why are they confused? Could it be that those SEEDS of doubt and confusion have been sown through your blog, Treena?

    One day we will all stand before the Living God and will give an account of what we have done (or said) on this earth. Let no-one be found guilty of blaspheming the Holy Spirit as the Pharisees did in Matthew 12. Let us NOT be found guilty of false accusations, for accusations come from the father of lies and deception, the thief, the destroyer of souls ! The accuser of the Brethren has been studying scriptures for thousands of years and yes, he uses scriptures to try and deceive the children of God! Let us not do the work of the Accuser of Brethren! As Jesus said "a house divided cannot stand."

    Without discernment, we will fall into the trap of False Teachers trying to lead us astray and DOUBT everything, even if it's from God. Be careful brethren. Indeed do test the spirit as we are commanded by God and recognise them by their fruits! (Matthew 12)

    Last but not least, when we were born-again, we received the Holy Spirit. He is the Voice of Discernment and HE (not man!) WILL reveal the Wolves in Sheep's clothing, the false PROPHETS, yes the false TEACHERS as well! Beware, for the enemy comes to kill, teach, destroy!

    Matthew 12: A House Divided Cannot Stand
    22 Then one was brought to Him who was demon-possessed, blind and mute; and He healed him, so that the blind and mute man both spoke and saw. 23 And all the multitudes were amazed and said, “Could this be the Son of David?”

    24 Now when the Pharisees heard it they said, “This fellow does not cast out demons except by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons.”

    25 But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. 26 If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? 27 And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. 28 But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you. 29 Or how can one enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house. 30 He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.

    The Unpardonable Sin
    31 “Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. 32 Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come.

    A Tree Known by Its Fruit
    33 “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. 34 Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. 36 But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. 37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

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  23. Dear Anonymous
    The Holy Spirit is the author of the Bible and always points us towards Jesus Christ. The Spirit and the Word (Jesus Christ) are inseparable (John 6/63; Hebrews 4/12) The Holy Spirit Himself repeatedly warns us to "test the spirits" by the Word of God. 1 John 4/1 explicitly warns: "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world." Those who do test the spirits and voice concerns are erroneously called "Pharisees". Why did Jesus Christ condemn the Pharisees? A "Pharisee" is someone who voids the Word of God by adding to it or taking away from it. "thus making void the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And many such things you do.” (Mark 7/13) The Pharisees did indeed blaspheme the Holy Spirit because of their unbelief which resulted in their own traditions which were in opposition to the Word of God. They did not believe Moses and the Prophets (the Word of God) and as such it was innevitable that they would reject Jesus Christ as well:
    "Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father. There is one who accuses you: Moses, on whom you have set your hope.For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me.But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?”
    "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4/12)
    "For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints," (1 Corinthians 14/33)- This verse was a rebuke to the Corinthian church who were practising "charismania" turbulance and disorder - CONFUSION = "commotion" "tummult" as in Luke 21/9; 2 Corinthians 6/5; 2 Corinthians 12/20.
    Your definitiion of "False Teachers" is "Those trying to lead us astray and doubt everything, even if its from God" This definition of a false teacher is deeply flawed. Galatians 5/7-12 give us six identifiers of "false teachers".
    Believers who question these manifestations cannot be accused of "doubting everything" - that is a very sweeping statement. Those who believe the Word of God and follow Jesus Christ are not doubters they are followers.I personally am not a cessationalist, but I do put great emphasis on testing the spirits as we are commanded to do in the scriptures again and again! (1 John 4/1)
    In these days of spiritual deception the Bible warns constantly about the "apostasia" i.e. "the falling away" (2 Thessalonians 2/3).
    "For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect." (Matthew 24/24)
    "The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness." (2 Thessalonians 2/9-12)
    We would be extremely foolish/unwise not to heed the warnings of the Holy Spirit about false teachers.
    Much more could be said. I may write a follow up post on this subject.
    I do challenge anyone to prove that this "open heaven" experience is normative for believers from the Word of God.

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  24. Dear Treena, I have just watched a little documentary about Ian M.'s nde. I thought it was pretty genuine. So I googled his name to see if there may be a video to share and ran across your page. I did not know that he is now professing this "open heaven" any time claim. This is totally false, in my humble opinion. I am wondering though...is it possible that his initial nde could of been of the Lord but then... through all the notoriety & all that comes with it he became distracted from his "true" mission. Or possibly the enemy used the notoriety as a means to take him away from his calling? I to find it troubling that his son is making these "Heavenly" claims also. The boy in which there was a book published then a movie, called "Heaven is For Real" or something of that nature has now came out & said his dad made the whole story up about his nde. So sad. Whatever the case we do need to "Pray without ceasing" b/c there are soooo many to pray for. I to need prayers for myself & family.
    Thank you for your page and standing in the truth of the G_d's Word.
    Love & Blessings, Sharon

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  25. Thank you for your comment Sharon. I also believed Ian McCormack's story as a young Christian. As you say he did seem very genuine - but remember that he was a drug taker; also he was full of poison from the jelly fish; and then he was treated with anti-venom medication. He may have had a very powerful spiritual experience, but I do not believe that this was from the Lord. Satan masquerades as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11/14) and this may explain what happened. Repeated "open heaven" experiences are definitely unbiblical and very dangerous. False teachers like Bill Johnson are promoting "open heaven" amongst other questionable things. Ian McCormack promotes Johnson on his web site. This "strange fire" is not from the Lord I am convinced (Leviticus 10/1). Ian has put himself, his family and many others at risk due to this dangerous teaching - it is very concerning. As you say we need to pray constantly. God bless you tx

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  26. Treena....I just recently watched a clip of Ian M. on TV's 700 Club. It was of him as he is now. Then I saw one of him many years younger. At first while watching these videos, I was taken in & touched by his story...although both stories, many years apart were quite identically "scripted." Then on the 2nd clip I watched (as a younger man) he went in to detailed Scripture messages & it hit me that his nde could very well have been just his gimmick for a preaching ministry. I felt deflated...How do we KNOW when to believe. We can't all have degrees in Theology & Bible Knowledge like you. Peace, PJ

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  27. But why Satan Used this experience to draw him to Jesus Christ and the Bible?

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  28. That is a very interesting question anonymous - I have been thinking about this quite a lot. I am writing another post about Ian McCormack due to the interest this subject has generated. The problem is that there are "false Christs" which are very close to the real Jesus Christ, but they are actually counterfeits. I believe that Ian McCormack has experienced a false "Jesus" and whether he is aware of it or not he is a deceiver. God bless tx

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  29. Hi Paula - I don't know if Ian M is a deliberate deceiver or not - I too believed his story years ago and was very touched by it. However there are now many question marks about him in my mind. I am a complete novice - it is what the Lord shows us and not about any special wisdom or knowledge we think we have. Prayer and our hearts desire for the truth is more important to the Lord than any education or degree. Do not be discouraged Paula - seek the Lord with all your heart and you will be rewarded. God bless tx

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  30. some comments I read are so stupid, people are saying that satan can come in christs form and be a false jesus and give false hope so please tell me then you clever people , ian has spread that story all over the world and has changed peoples lives and brought them close to god and Christ so how does this help satan , think about it before you leave silly comments

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  31. "Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God." 2 Thess 2/4
    Lucifer: "I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High." Isaiah 14/4
    Clearly Lucifer (Satan) is a usurper and wants to replace God himself. Satan will deceive the "very elect" if possible:
    "For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect." Matthew 24/24
    Apparent success, popularity and miracles mean nothing unless they are in agreement with God's Word. Satan will lead the whole world astray because he will be the ultimate "false christ". Be careful about calling other people "silly" - the deception in the churches is very strong - there are many false prophets and false christs - God will give people over to delusion who do not love the truth:
    "Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false....." 2 Thessalonians 2/11


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  32. I have seen your comments but I don't see anything deceiving here...but for me he is genuine...but I may be wrong as I didn't go through all his teachings. Tha fact that he may have seen the heaven doesn't make him perfect, he is still a human being and can make mistakes. the fact that he has seen heaven doesn't make him a saint.

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  33. I suggest you read my follow up. This has a lot more detailed theological information: http://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/ian-mccormack-third-heaven-spiritual.html

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  34. Treena,
    Your credentials are admirable. Your knowledge, learning, memorizing & quoting scripture are a gift. Many academic theologians have the goal to uderstand more detail because knowledge increases faith, for when we are tested. However, some have difficulty accepting or understanding others simple faith, without credentials. The Pharacies mocked the Apostles which Christ chose. There are enough doubters, in the world, to mock or accuse. The devil accuses you, me and everyone else before the throne day and night. Our faith without works is dead. Works alone dont get us in Heaven. I understand your intentions as well meaning but please be cautious to not become too "Pharacitical". The blog title regarding Ian is accusational, in nature. Therefore I was brought here.

    The tares and wheat grow together and Christ will seperate them. I see no evidence of Ian calling himself a Prophet, in the old sense. Prophesy is also a form of teaching or witnessing. In my humble opinion, Ian is witnessing his experience as a testimony, for Christ. He speaks of pure love, something Im not feeling in this blog. From what I can see, Ian's testimony is tilling or bringing many seeds to rhe field. There are tillers, planters, tenders & harvesters. His purpose may be different than yours. He appears to be bringing many more to Christbthan you may be able to bring so far.
    Good fruit is good fruit.

    The potter decides the appearance of the vessel. Paul's ministry was different, in nature than Peter's, with the same goal. Yet Old Saul and Caiaphus had it in for Peter and the Apostles. Pauls experience was much different than the orhers but he spoke from pure love when the others doubted his experience.

    Indepth knowledge can tempt our ego and lead us to a well meaning but demonstrative approach. Academics seem to have book knowledge but at times lack some people skills in certain demographics. Therefore, Ian may reach others that some like yourself may be incapable of reaching.

    Many well educated theologians are challenged to be humble or meek. Meekness is the hardest of the beauttitudes. The ability to hold our tongue, not be right all of the time, have the last word or try to discern without judging is something everyone is challenged with every day. Wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord. I pray you may see your intentions may not be in linevwith Gods wil regarding Ian. l There are those who think God is on their side and those who pray they are on Gods side. There is a difference. That beingbthe ego.

    The faith in Ians miracle is what has feigned, through doubt and accusation. Let he who is without sin be the first to cast a stone. Whete are your accusres. Then I accuse you not. Go and sin no more. Christ forgives when we ask Him sincerely. Even one of the two who were crucified, with Him, asked and was forgiven. Who knows what goes on between Christ and a soul the last second or millisecond of life? His simple truth can reach much further than many of the overly accomplished.

    Allthough you mean well I believe regading Ian you may owe him an apology, for even running the risk, of turning someone away, from his simple testimony of Christs Love, with your blog title analogy of him being a wolf in sheeps clothing but that is between you and God. I pray you will seek Him to ask what the right thing to do realy is.
    Respectfully, a JointnHeir, in the Eternal Kingdom and Body of Christ. Amen.

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  35. Treena,
    Your credentials are admirable. Your knowledge, learning, memorizing & quoting scripture are a gift. Many academic theologians have the goal to uderstand more detail because knowledge increases faith, for when we are tested. However, some have difficulty accepting or understanding others simple faith, without credentials. The Pharacies mocked the Apostles which Christ chose. There are enough doubters, in the world, to mock or accuse. The devil accuses you, me and everyone else before the throne day and night. Our faith without works is dead. Works alone dont get us in Heaven. I understand your intentions as well meaning but please be cautious to not become too "Pharacitical". The blog title regarding Ian is accusational, in nature. Therefore I was brought here.

    The tares and wheat grow together and Christ will seperate them. I see no evidence of Ian calling himself a Prophet, in the old sense. Prophesy is also a form of teaching or witnessing. In my humble opinion, Ian is witnessing his experience as a testimony, for Christ. He speaks of pure love, something Im not feeling in this blog. From what I can see, Ian's testimony is tilling or bringing many seeds to rhe field. There are tillers, planters, tenders & harvesters. His purpose may be different than yours. He appears to be bringing many more to Christbthan you may be able to bring so far.
    Good fruit is good fruit.

    The potter decides the appearance of the vessel. Paul's ministry was different, in nature than Peter's, with the same goal. Yet Old Saul and Caiaphus had it in for Peter and the Apostles. Pauls experience was much different than the orhers but he spoke from pure love when the others doubted his experience.

    Indepth knowledge can tempt our ego and lead us to a well meaning but demonstrative approach. Academics seem to have book knowledge but at times lack some people skills in certain demographics. Therefore, Ian may reach others that some like yourself may be incapable of reaching.

    Many well educated theologians are challenged to be humble or meek. Meekness is the hardest of the beauttitudes. The ability to hold our tongue, not be right all of the time, have the last word or try to discern without judging is something everyone is challenged with every day. Wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord. I pray you may see your intentions may not be in linevwith Gods wil regarding Ian. l There are those who think God is on their side and those who pray they are on Gods side. There is a difference. That beingbthe ego.

    The faith in Ians miracle is what has feigned, through doubt and accusation. Let he who is without sin be the first to cast a stone. Whete are your accusres. Then I accuse you not. Go and sin no more. Christ forgives when we ask Him sincerely. Even one of the two who were crucified, with Him, asked and was forgiven. Who knows what goes on between Christ and a soul the last second or millisecond of life? His simple truth can reach much further than many of the overly accomplished.

    Allthough you mean well I believe regading Ian you may owe him an apology, for even running the risk, of turning someone away, from his simple testimony of Christs Love, with your blog title analogy of him being a wolf in sheeps clothing but that is between you and God. I pray you will seek Him to ask what the right thing to do realy is.
    Respectfully, a JointnHeir, in the Eternal Kingdom and Body of Christ. Amen.

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  36. Hi Anonymous
    I do not really consider myself to be an "academic theologian" as such. Compared with others I have very little knowledge actually. The Bible does say: "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2/15 KJV) We should never downplay the Word of God against our own experience, and I fear that this what is happening in many Christian circles today.
    Ian's prophecy in 2008 about a revival starting in London, spreading to the UK and beyond is very specific. If someone prophesies and that prophecy does not come true then it is a very serious matter!(Deuteronomy 18/20) We are warned repeatedly about false prophets in the New Testament e.g. Matthew 7/15; 24/24; 2 Peter 2/1; 1 John 4/1-6 etc. We are exhorted to TEST THE SPIRITS (1 John 4/1).
    What concerns me about Ian McCormack is that he is associated with many false prophets e.g. Bill Johnson and Heidi Baker. He also says that he has access to "open heaven" at any time and goes there repeatedly. This is mysticism and gnostic - it is not biblical.
    Ian's testimony is very powerful I agree - I believed it myself for a long time. I have not written this lightly I can assure you. Satan comes as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11/14) and looking more closely at the details of Ian's testimony and ministry I believe that it is actually a work of the enemy. I am sorry if this offends anyone. I will take my chances with the Lord over these articles I have written about Ian - they are meant as a warning to others and to point to the truth. Truth and Love go hand in hand - God's Word is truth (John 12/48) There can be no love without truth. God bless t

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  37. "You will know them by their fruit." It is not as hard to tell false prophets from real ones as we suppose. Proverbs 18:20 says " from the FRUIT of his mouth a mans stomach is satisfied. " Matthew 12:34-35 " For the mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart. A good man produces good things from his storeroom of good, and an evil man produces evil things from his storeroom of evil." Ian, Bill Johnson, Heidi Baker, THEY ARE ALL PREACHING JESUS!! They say plainly over and over again that Jesus died for our sins and rose again..just cause you pick and choose certain words they say and dissect there testimonies JUST TO CRITICIZE does not mean they are false prophets.. " The Pharisee's tried to accuse Jesus of being a devil. They said his power came from Satan. He responded by saying " a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. " To say these people are false prophets is absurd. Yes , satan disguises himself as an angel of light but we are children of THE LIGHT. We have the Spirit. We can know and recognize truth and error. Look at the FULL BODY OF WORK of these people's lives! They are about Gods business 24/7. Don't be critical of them just cause manifestations of the spirit world can be hard to understand

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  38. Which Jesus do they have Anonymous?

    "For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough." (2 Corinthians 11/4)

    Grave-Sucking is witchcraft and necrophilia ---- that is just one dreadful example of what they do at Bethel. They have a different Jesus!!! If you do not test the spirits by the Word of God you will be deceived.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrHPTs8cLls

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  39. Just a little question: I have seen a video of Ian preaching the authentic Gospel of forgiveness for sins, repentance of sins and surrendering to the Lordship of Christ. How can a man who had a false, deceptive vision do that? How is it that one can preach Salvation by Faith alone if he had a false encounter? I am not defending Ian nor am I criticising you, sister Treena. I am just questioning this. Lord, give us both discernment in the name of Jesus. Amen. :)

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  40. Dear Eugene
    Thank you for your question. This is the difficulty I had with Ian McCormack for a long time. He claims to have said the Lord's Prayer and seemed to have repented and come to genuine faith in Jesus Christ. However, his teaching and his exposition of the scriptures is critically flawed. He supports apostates like Todd Bentley and Bill Johnson; he claims that he has a right of access to the third heaven at any time and he promotes the "fivefold" ministry which denies the foundation of the apostles. All of God's word is important: "The sum of your word is truth....." Psalm 119:160. Satan is a great counterfeiter even masquerading as an "angel of light".. 2 Corinthians 11:14. Jesus warned that at the end of the age, if possible event he elect would be deceived:
    "For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect." Matthew 24:24. When the Antichrist appears, many people will believe that he is the Christ!
    I remain even more suspicious of Ian McCormack's teaching than ever.
    I have recently written a new article about his appearances on Revelation TV.
    God bless you.

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  41. I had just watched his story on youtube earlier and googled him and found this blog post. His story drew me in and made me tear up, so much conviction is in his voice. He really believes what he experienced.

    I'm starting to feel certain that all NDE's may be a trick of Satan at this point. So many ministries have been created out of someones NDE as of late. I've heard preachers on youtube talk about seeing mansions, amusement parks, roller coasters, huge golf courses, all of their dead loved ones, huge banquet tables with all the food you could dream of, etc. during their spiritual experiences to heaven. Is this really any different than muslims being tricked by Allah(Satan) into believing they will go to heaven and have 18 virgin servants? It seems as if many people are experiencing a great delusion which is worrisome.

    A part of me has always felt NDE's sounded too good to be true and their experience of going into the bright light and feeling so much love washing over them has always gave me a odd feeling as it brought to mind how moths might feel as they fly into an artificial bright light only to find that warm light is zapping them and they die.

    What if the light is a delusion by Satan and if you go into after you really die you perish forever? What if Ian being "reborn" once he came back to life is really him being "possessed" by something else?

    Could Satan be giving so many loving NDE's to millions of people as of late to take over their bodies or to program them into believing he is God to trick them for when they actually die?

    It's scary to think about. The bible never talks about going into the light after we die or what we should do at the moment we die. I feel most of us could easily be tricked by other forces if our faith in the true living God isn't strong.

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  42. Hello, can someone explain Bethel church and the problem with that? I'm trying to catch up on all the reading here. Thanks :)

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  43. Peace in Christ dear brothers and sisters!
    I just happened to drop by here. I have also heard and read about Ian's testimony. I got very touched the first years I heard it. This may be true, God does anything in His own way and time. He knows how to reach each of us. Remember His hand is not too short that He cannot touched us and our hearts. As a christian believer, I may testify, that only through a personal meeting with our Lord I gave myself to Him and repented for my sins, He filled my life with His everlasting joy, forgiveness, washed me once and for all, set me free and answered to all my questions, and received me in the path of Life that is Jesus Christ alone and only Saviour and master. He has also taught me many things that I later discover when I started to get acquainted with the Holy Scripture. Praise God for that. Lets all be humble, no one knows God's ways when it comes to show abundant grace and caring. He did that with me, and yes I praise Him the most High for that , I am not any special, I understand that He may do that here and there to a broken heart that is diligently seek Him in due time. I am happy for your faith in Christ, and I pray that He directs Ian, yourself, and myself and many others to walk the narrow path and follow Him the way of righteousness. That Ian has now as you mentioned, I did not had a clue, is being involved with Jonsson, Eddie Baker, Yongicho, among others must be seen upon that he is being trapped into their falsehoods. Which means even him is in trouble, he needs our prayers and supports. Because the wolves are not trying to catch the wolves but on the contrary those who are elect and have a righteous heart. They will do anything to catch you and I and Ian and others who have a pure heart. Even if Ian has experience a close encounter with the Lord does not mean he is mr knows it all. He may fail at any time, thats why those who sees better should be their in the gap, praying and helping others to watch out. Now I know what I am talking about, for the Lord has shown me and taught me things that I have seen coming to pass all the time. Though He has also taught me to warn at all times, to care, to cry out and reach with a humble hearts to prevent others not to fall in the liars trap. I love you, care for you and pray for you all here and all my fellow christians who are true in their faith and hunger and thirst after our Lord of Righteousness and ways, that He hearkened our hearts, as a child we may respond to Him. Love/Mia

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  44. If he was dead when he had the vision, who raise him back to life? Can satan raise the dead?

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  45. I do not know if his story is accurate Anonymous.. it may have been Satanic hallucinations. He was a drug taker and had been stung several times -he may have gone into a coma. I can't say. God bless.

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  46. I watched Ian McCormacks videos yesterday and was very deeply moved. But today I distinctly heard the Lord say to me He was a false Prophet! I was arguing a bit with the Lord but then just put it aside. Then I thought I would google it today and I found your site telling about his teachings and links with Bethel n Heidi Baker ect ! Im blown away! God WAS speaking to me! ( I wondered if it was satan )And he was right!Thx Treena for the warning!

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