JESUS ARMY: SEXUAL AND FINANCIAL ABUSE CLAIMS

Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! (Isaiah 5:20).

The Northampton Chronicle 11th May 2017:

Sexual and financial abuse claims made against founder of the Jesus Army in Northampton

"The founder of the Jesus Army in Northampton, who was accused of running the organisation like a cult during his lifetime, may have abused some members “sexually and financially”, according to claims by his successor.....
Two former Jesus Army recruits have already been prosecuted for sexual offences carried out during their time at the church’s communes.
In February, “transient member” Nigel Perkins was jailed at Northampton Crown Court for five counts of sexual assault, which he inflicted on young boys in the 1980s.
A Northamptonshire Police spokesman has revealed the force will also be bringing “several” more prosecutions against former members as part of Operation Lifeboat, the investigation set up to look into historical sexual abuse within the Jesus Army.
Lead investigator DCI Ally White said allegations about Noel Stanton’s conduct were also made as far back as 2015.
DCI White said: 'In early 2015, Northamptonshire Police received two complaints about Noel Stanton’s conduct in the 1970s and 1980s. These complaints were fully investigated and in one case it included contacting an alleged victim in Australia.'
However, no victims were ultimately identified and, despite a full and proper investigation, no criminal offences were disclosed and as a result the case papers were filed.
'The force has devoted some considerable time to this overall investigation and has brought, or will be bringing, prosecutions against a number of individuals connected with the Jesus Fellowship. If any new evidence, intelligence or information comes to light we will investigate appropriately....'" {1}

Described by Wikpedia as a neocharismatic evangelical Christian movement, {2} the Jesus Army is yet another example of the bad fruit resulting from the charismatic movement of the 1960s. (Matthew 12:33). The Jesus Army was founded in 1969 by Noel Stanton (1926–2009), formerly the lay pastor of the Bugbrooke village Baptist chapel near Northampton, East Midlands. New Creation Hall and Farm in Nether Hayford, which belongs to the Jesus Army, is known in the East Midlands for its unorthodox communal way of life.

The mission of the Jesus Army is described as "essentially one to the poor, the disadvantaged and the marginalized." {2} 

Unlike most new religious movements, a large proportion of its predominantly young membership is working class and without higher education.{3}

The Jesus Army vision and practice of targeting vulnerable homeless street-people, those involved in drug or alcohol abuse, prisoners and ex-prisoners is either a wonderful God thing, or an abusers paradise. Very sadly, all too often, it has proved to be the latter. Critics of the Jesus Army accuse them of brainwashing members, exploiting and abusing the vulnerable, procuring free labour, extorting Giro benefits and intimidating those who try to leave. They were expelled from both the Evangelical Alliance and mainstream Baptist Union in 1986. The Jesus Army now has congregations in venues around the UK and has approximately 2000 members, 500 members residing in New Creation community houses. The Bugbrooke community centre has long been viewed with suspicion, not only by local residents, but also by the homeless themselves. In 2014, interviews with homeless people on the streets of London revealed that they were fearful of the Jesus Army:

"Speaking to homeless people in London, we were told to stay away from the Jesus Army, who warned us that they would lure us back to their New Age farm with the promise of food and a bed, before stealing our money and making us work for no pay. A homeless Londoner named Scott Larkin told us, 'We're old, so we understand the score. But the Jesus Army prey on the young and vulnerable, especially in the winter when the cold sets in. They offer you food, and before you know it you're on a farm in Northampton. They make you sign over your benefit money and then you're trapped in the middle of nowhere.'" {4}

These fears were not without cause. Incidents of infiltration during the 1980s and 90s by child beaters and an "absolutely relentless paedophile" were, the Jesus Army expressed "deeply regrettable". {4}

Between 1976 and 1986, three corpses were discovered in Northampton villages, all were former members of the Bugbrooke community:

"The first incident involved the frozen body of 24-year-old David Hooper who wan- dered out into a field in December 1976, partially clothed; the Northampton coroner ruled his death accidental, but why Hooper was found in a field half-dressed in the middle of winter was never explained. Stranger still was the case two years later of 19-year old Steven Orchard who, one June night, was found headless on the railway tracks behind the New Creation farm in Nether Hayford, belonging to the Jesus Army. The coroner left the Orchard case with an open verdict. Finally, in 1986, the body of Mohammed Majid, another mem- ber of the Jesus Army, was found floating in an underground water tank on the grounds of the farm." {5}

In August 2015 the Northampton Chronicle and Echo reported allegations of historic sexual and physical abuse within the Jesus Army:

"Northamptonshire Police have released a statement confirming they are investigating a number of allegations of historic sexual and physical abuse within the Jesus Army.   The Jesus Army, also known as the Jesus Fellowship, is assisting police with their enquiries relating to alleged incidents in the late 1970’s to the late 1990’s.....
Concern was raised about the Jesus Fellowship's corporal punishment practices, involving the use of a rod for juniors and a wooden spoon on infants, which Noel Stanton defended on an Anglia TV documentary in June 1989. Parents who objected to the use "the rod", complained of the pressure being applied to them to do so.  It was also said the day to day regime was exceptionally harsh and often amounted to servitude, particularly for the young children who were expected to work long hours with little sleep.

At least one member of the Jesus Army, who had a criminal record for rape and indecent assault, was convicted in 2004 for repeatedly beating two children on the hands and soles of feet with a weapon made from three bamboo canes tied together. His explanation at Court was that, "he believed the boy was evil, possessed and 'going to the devil'".

Several members have been convicted over the years of indecency, indecent assault of children, one of incest and two of making indecent photographs of children. In one case of child abuse which spanned three years, the Jesus Army member was also convicted of rape.  In Court his Counsel advised that, "He retains his strong faith and connection with the church. He will be welcomed back there when he comes out of prison".

The Jesus Army has yet to acknowledge liability for the misdemeanours of the past....." {6}

My own contact with the Jesus Army during the 1980's was very fleeting. I did not attend any of the meetings at Bugbrooke, but I did visit one of their residential houses in Stoneygate Leicester once and spent some time with some of the women residents. I decided not return or follow up their invitation to attend a meeting thank God. Over time I became acquainted with a number of former Jesus Army members, both before and after my visit to the Stoneygate residence. Without exception, from the stories they told me and their obvious difficulties, I concluded that something was very wrong inside the Jesus Army. Long term former members were very unstable and could not cope with every day life as we would define it. For instance, they did not know how to function in society and they found things like shopping and paying bills extremely challenging. Residents had no independence whatsoever, they were given no money or even small change to buy essentials. The tyranny of Stanton was such that one day he announced that cheese on toast was forbidden to the residents, he said that it was due to the carbon content! The recent article in the Northampton Chronicle reports that apart from the cheese on toast prohibition, Stanton banned many other things, including chocolate and sugar in tea, which he described as "the devils food".{1} However, apparently these prohibitions did not apply to Stanton himself! The residents suffered a miserable existence of mandatory austerity, drab clothes, no reading material (except religious publications), television, radio, cinema, newspapers, and Christmas, Easter and birthdays were not recognised. The women did servile work and were not given any responsibility, they were not allowed to wear trousers or to drive the vans, whilst the young men were identified by their combat gear. I remember watching a Jesus Army video where Stanton announced that anyone afflicted with "lust" should "give their genitals to the Lord". I thought this was hilarious at the time, but it did have serious connotations since married couples were required to sleep in separate beds. Obligatory celibacy was imposed upon single members with a policy of strict sexual segregation.* Stanton's regime of sexual repression was highly questionable, as was his habit of surrounding himself with "strong young brothers" on stage! {7} Marriages that did take place were supervised by the eldership and approved by Stanton personally. Stanton was an autocrat and unaccountable. One young man explained that they were free to leave Bugbrooke, but with no money, isolated and alone, with no outside contact from friends or family and miles from anywhere, leaving was a challenging option for all but the most determined escapee. Some of the testimonies I heard put me in mind of the extreme abuses of Jim Jones in Jonestown, Guyana, and also David Koresh in Waco, perhaps on a lesser level, but it is all a matter of degree. I was deeply troubled that this man had such a cultish influence over Jesus Army residents and that these abuses were happening so close to my own home in Leicester. Stanton brought the truth into disrepute, and the damaging repercussions for the witness of Gospel of Jesus Christ was and is a deeply troubling to me. (2 Peter 2:2; Romans 2:24).

The New Testament model was one of equality. Christians would sell their material possessions and give money to the poor (not take money from them), that is, principally, the poor amongst themselves. Christians in the early church had all things in common, the aim was to lift believers out of poverty, freeing them from excessive hardship. This model is something that Stanton completely failed to achieve in my view. The stories I heard demonstrated quite the reverse, the poor remained poor, suffering both physically and spiritually at the hands of Stanton's oppressive regime. Is it surprising that the homeless are fearful and are reticent to accept Bugbrooke's "Christian hospitality"?

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35).

And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. (Acts 2:44-45).

There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. (Acts 4:34).

For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness. As it is written, “Whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack.” (2 Corinthians 8:13-15).

Honor widows who are truly widows. (1 Timothy 5:3).

And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. (Acts 2:47).

The news of “serious allegations” against Stanton and the call for a public enquiry leaves me hopeful that his deeply "flawed character" {1} will finally be exposed. Confusingly however, a Northamptonshire Police spokesman said recently that the force had not received any claims against Mr Stanton since early 2015.{8}

The Jesus Army was Northamptonshire's Police and Crime Commissioner Adam Simmonds' second favourite cult in 2014, his most favourite cult being Trinity Life Church in Leicester!{9} Simmonds was PCC between 2012 to 2016. He has since been charged with breaching the Data Protection Act 1998.

*Whilst I concur with the scriptural principle of celibacy for Christian singles, the alternative being the sin of fornication (1 Corinthians 6:18; Galatians 5:19 etc.) I do not endorse the methods of the Jesus Army.

I am compiling a list of testimonies from people who have had either direct or indirect experiences with the Jesus Army. Please feel free to add any information to the comments on this post, anonymously if you wish. Alternatively please contact me via Messenger on FB.

{1} http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/news/exclusive-sexual-and-financial-abuse-claims-made-against-founder-of-the-jesus-army-in-northampton-1-7956742
{2} https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus_Army
{3} http://jesus.org.uk/what-others-say/academic-work/jesus-army
{4} https://www.vice.com/en_uk/article/the-jesus-army-will-feed-you-because-the-government-wont
{5} http://archive.spectator.co.uk/article/3rd-august-1991/19/jesus-lives-in-bugbrooke)

{6} http://www.robsonshaw.uk/blog/jesus-army-in-the-news-following-arrests.htm

{7} http://ja-1984.blogspot.co.uk/2007/10/shaking-noels-hand.html
{8}http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/news/jesus-army-inquiry-northamptonshire-review-board-is-not-ruling-out-probe-at-a-later-date-1-7957509
{9}  http://jesus.org.uk/blog/interviews/talking-to-adam-simmonds

Further Reading:
Jesus Army sex offender sentenced for string of indecent acts directed at children in Northamptonshire.http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/news/jesus-army-sex-offender-sentenced-for-string-of-indecent-acts-directed-at-children-in-northamptonshire-1-7888780

PROPHECY TODAY MAGAZINE: THE NONSENSE OF CLIFFORD DENTON AND THE CORONATION OATH!

But to the wicked God says: “What right have you to recite my statutes or take my covenant on your lips? (Psalm 50:16).

Integration into EU Would Betray Coronation Oath     
http://www.prophecytoday.uk/comment/society-politics/item/413-integration-into-a-european-super-state-would-betray-coronation-oath.html

Clifford Denton: "A pivotal point in the debate about Britain's relationship with the EU must be our Coronation Oath, which sets us apart as a nation of declared intention, seeking to live under the rule and protection of Almighty God. With the Bible at the foundation of our laws, setting a protecting boundary for the free and open proclamation of the Gospel in our nation, with thousands of years of history to get us to 2 June 1953, the Queen led the way in commitment at the Coronation service in Westminster Abbey....
Britain has entered into a 'voluntary covenant' with God, through the Coronation Oath."

Denton: "Is it a fanciful view of Britain's status before God to see it in covenant terms?"
Answer: Yes it is a fanciful view indeed!!! The New Testament does not support the heretical idea that anyone is entitled to enter into a covenant with God through the oath of a third party!!!

The folly that comes out of Prophecy Today is quite frankly unbelievable. Founder and Editor in Chief Clifford Hill of Issachar Ministries claims to be "prophetic"..... However, my Bible does not recognise the position of an "ecumenical prophet" in the Kingdom of God!!!

Has Britain entered into a corporate "voluntary covenant" with God through the Queen's Coronation Oath? Apart from the theological problems associated with such a claim, there are compelling reasons to believe that the Coronation Oath was void even before it was uttered.

"Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II) in a robe of green is led by an acolyte to Archdruid Crwys Williams, who will initiate her into the Mystic Circle of Bards at the national Eisteddfod, or festival, at Mountain Ash, Glamorgan, Wales, August 6, 1946."{1}

Princess Elizabeth Nazi Salute

Albert and Elizabeth, the Duke and Duchess of York, in druidic robes at the National Eisteddfod of Wales in Swansea. They are the future King George VI and Queen Elizabeth of England.

1953 The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth

God is against oaths:

But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation. (James 5:12 cf. Matthew 5:34).

Notice that James is addressing "brothers"  that is believers (of either sex). Can we honestly say that the Druid Princess was a Christian when she took the Coronation Oath? This is the woman who signed the Abortion Act in 1967 and the Equal Marriages Act in 2013. To be Protestant these days is, by and large, to be ecumenical... that is to recognise as valid paganism and false gods. (Jeremiah 18:15). When and if Prince Charles takes the Oath as "Defender of Faiths" as he puts it, he will espouse a "faith" that is absolutely alien to the scriptures and an abomination. (2 Kings 23:13).

There is of course only one way to enter into a covenant with God, and that particular way was instigated by God Himself through Jesus Christ. We in Britain should not imagine that we have any covenant with God due to the Queen's Coronation Oath... this is a lie from the pit of hell!

Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3).

..since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; (1 Peter 1:23).

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:12-13).

The English Coronation Oath dates back to at least the coronation of Edgar at Bath Abbey in 973 A.D. Alterations were made to the oath over time, particularly in the 17th century to take account of the Protestant Reformation.{2}

An excerpt from Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Oath:

Archbishop: Will you to the utmost of your power maintain the Laws of God and the true profession of the Gospel? Will you to the utmost of your power maintain in the United Kingdom the Protestant Reformed Religion established by law? Will you maintain and preserve inviolably the settlement of the Church of England, and the doctrine, worship, discipline, and government thereof, as by law established in England? And will you preserve unto the Bishops and Clergy of England, and to the Churches there committed to their charge, all such rights and privileges, as by law do or shall appertain to them or any of them?
Queen: All this I promise to do.{3}

When England became Protestant, it was not the result of anything meritorious about the monarch, King Henry VIII; quite the reverse in fact. Protestantism in England was forged through the godlessness of Henry, his lust for Anne Boleyn and his wish to divorce Catherine of Aragon, not by any true commitment to Jesus Christ. Henry's original remit was to eliminate the so called "heresy" of Martin Luther. In 1521 Pope Leo X conferred the title of Defender of the Faith on Henry for his book 'Assertio Septem Sacramentorum', which affirmed the supremacy of the Pope in the face of the reforming ideals of the  Martin Luther.{4} All was well until the Pope refused to sanction Henry's divorce, at which point he broke with Rome and established himself as head of the Church of England. However, Henry's personal religious beliefs remained essentially unchanged and Protestant practices were virtually indistinguishable from the idolatry and tradition of Roman Catholicism. In fact Henry VIII went on to become more and more ungodly. He sent more people to their deaths than any preceding monarch. Henry VIII's lifestyle degenerated into a life of tyranny, injustice, adultery, excess and gluttony. In 1536 Henry began to deteriorate into mental illness, suffering from chronic depression, mood swings and paranoia. Rebellion towards God exacts a heavy penalty without repentance, as the examples of Kings Saul and Nebuchadnezzar prove. (Deuteronomy 28:27-29).

God did bring good out of the selfish agenda of a wicked man, the result is that every person in Britain now has the opportunity to receive the true gospel of Jesus Christ. If Britain is under God's special protection, then all of Protestant Europe is likewise under God's protection, since the Reformation began in Germany, not in Britain. Following Henry VIII, the next person to take the oath was Bloody Mary, a Roman Catholic. Britain has no special covenant with God through the monarch or any oath he/she might swear, this is complete and utter nonsense.

Biblically, covenants with God are always instigated by God Himself, never by mere men.... God repeatedly refers to "my covenant"  (Leviticus 26:42; Jeremiah 33:20-21; Malachi 2:5; Hosea 8:1; Zecharaiah 11:10; Exodus 19:5; Genesis 17:3; Malachi 2:4; Psalm 89:28; Psalm 132:12).

Actually there was one exception: And Jehoiada made a covenant between the Lord and the king and people, that they should be the Lord’s people, and also   between the king and the people. (2 Kings 11:17)... Actually this was a renewal of God's covenant. It was unprecedented and it involved drastic repentance turning away from false idols and the evil practices of Queen Athaliah. Then all the people of the land went to the house of Baal and tore it down; his altars and his images they broke in pieces, and they killed Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars (2 Kings 11:18).

Therefore Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, now that He has died to redeem them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.

It is difficult to see how the Queen can be Defender of the (Protestant) Faith and also a "Princess of the Holy Roman Empire" at the same time! Prison Planet posted a copy of THE OFFICIAL ALMANACH DE HOLY ROMAN EMPIRE 800-2008 with some additional background information.{5} Since 2008 the original source has been removed.

Below are two excerpts from the lists of monarchies from two separate sources:

Royal Houses and the Holy Roman Empire:

Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
House of Windsor (Saxe-Coburg-Gotha)
King of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Prince of the Holy Roman Empire

Elizabeth II Alexandra Mary, Queen of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Philip Mountbatten, Duke of Edinburgh, Prince of Greece and Denmark {6}

The Holy Roman Empire Association

The Imperial Nobility of Great Britain
KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN & NORTHERN IRELAND /
ROYAL HOUSE OF WINDSOR
H.M. Queen Elizabeth The Second of The United Kingdom
of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
(Princess of The Holy Roman Empire )

H.R.H. The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
( Prince of The Holy Roman Empire) {7}

The Holy Roman Empire was a loosely joined union of various kingdoms which held power in much of Europe between 962 and 1806 A.D. The Holy Roman Empire became the "Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation" in 1512, Germany being the dominant member. Critically the Holy Roman Empire was an alliance between the the papacy and the state, with various emperors sanctioned by the Vatican and crowned by the Pope. Martin Luther was the catalyst that brought about eventual change through the Reformation. The stranglehold of the RC Church was considerably weakened, leading to the eventual dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire and the end of the Dark Ages. Since the Holy Roman Empire was dissolved in 1806, one might ask how or why these titles have been given to the monarchy in our particular time, and critically, where their true alliances lie. The Queen's Oath is an expression of adherence to the Protestant faith as against Roman Catholicism after all!

It appears that the monarchy have covered all the bases.. All, that is, except the one that matters!

Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. (Isaiah 45:22).

Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:11-15).

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. (Romans 16:17).

{1}  https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/94786767133395270/
{2} http://www.conservapedia.com/English_coronation_oath
{3} https://www.royal.uk/coronation-oath-2-june-1953
{4} http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/people/henry_viii/ 
{5} http://forum.prisonplanet.com/index.php?topic=65254.0
{6} http://www.regno.org/stati/hre_sovereigns.html
{7} http://www.holyromanempireassociation.com/imperial-nobility-of-great-britain.html

JACOB PRASCH AND THE RAPTURE RENEGADES!

For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14).

Jacob Prasch Commentary on J.D Farag April 21 2017
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JX7jfJXvaM

Prasch's argument that those of us who believe in the rapture should stand together is based on defective fleshly reasoning and it is unscriptural. Should we stand together with false teachers who persistently put the body of Christ in peril by peddling this false doctrine knowing its flaws full well?  I believe that we should attempt to reason with those who have been indoctrinated by pre-trib lies of course, but, the pre-trib leadership is corrupt to the core, as Prasch himself demonstrates in the above video! The scriptures say that we should watch our lives and doctrine closely, and that we should persevere in them. (1 Timothy 4:16).  BOTH of these vital ingredients are missing from the pre-trib leadership camp! Prasch repeated the same old material about various dishonest pre-trib leaders: The fact that Thomas Ice is an unaccredited "doctor" of nothing and his defective hermeneutic is very well known. The fact that Tim LaHaye and his cronies supported Sun Myung Moon (Moonies), who claimed to be the Messiah, the Lord of the Second Advent, is also well documented:  "Moon was actually crowned Messiah and Savior of Earth on March 23, 2004 at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington D.C, where scores of Christian leaders as well as several U.S. Senators and Representatives met for this very blasphemous occasion. Southern Baptist leaders were on hand, as were Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) President Paul Crouch, Reverend Jerry Falwell, Rev. Robert Schuller, Kenneth Copeland, Pat Boone and many others. Moon claims Jesus failed on his mission to earth but Moon has not." {1} The pre-trib circus would be laughable if it were not so incredibly dangerous!

John MacArthur's lie that it will be possible for people to take the mark of the beast and to repent and be saved is also well documented. MacArchur and Jimmy DeYoung speak as though the Jews who will be saved during the great tribulation will take the mark of the beast. This argument is completely asinine; the Jews will flee from the persecution of the Antichrist (probably to Petra?) for the final 3.5 years of the 70th week of Daniel. (Matthew 24:15-16; Revelation 12:14). The Antichrist will not be able to touch them; they will definitely NOT take the mark of the beast! (Revelation 12:15-16). A number of Gentiles will also be saved (e.g. Revelation 11:13), but there is no indication that they will have taken the mark of the beast! The beast (Antichrist) will be allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months. (Revelation 13:5). It is during the great tribulation that the three angels will deliver their message to those who dwell on the earth:

Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people. And he said with a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.” Another angel, a second, followed, saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who made all nations drink the wine of the passion^a of her sexual immorality.” 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 14:6-11).

MacArthurs teaching goes directly against the teaching of the book of Revelation. Why would the first angel proclaim the gospel, and why would the third angel warn people against taking the mark of the beast if they had already taken it? His arguments are not only nonsensical, they are irresponsible in the extreme! MacArthur not only risks his own salvation, but also the salvation of others - it doesn't get much worse!

Adding or taking away from the scriptures is a very dangerous occupation:

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, (Revelation 22:18 cf. Revelation 22:7; Proverbs 30:6; Deuteronomy 4:2 ).

The root of pretribulationism appears to be the love of money. Like Darby, there are those who are determined to make a name for themselves and a good living at the expense of the body of Christ. (Genesis 11:4).

.....those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. (1 Timothy 6:8-10 cf. Proverbs 15:27; Matthew 6:19; Matthew 13:22; 1 Timothy 3:3).

Everything that Prasch says about these pre-trib teachers is correct;  BUT, AND IT IS A HUGE BUT, there are too many anomalies connected with Prasch himself. Prasch is very selective about the false teachers he chooses to attack, as demonstrated by his support of ecumenical "prophets" David Noakes and Clifford Hill of ISSACHAR Ministries who are in partnership with interfaith/ecumenical Hope Together. Hill endorses the Roman Catholic Church and the Anglicans as being representative of true Christianity!!! {2} Are ISSACHAR Ministries and those associated with them any better than the pre-trib camp?   

THE INTRA-SEAL OFFENCE!

Prasch's unscriptural teachings:

Prasch has pronounced unequivocally that the Restrainer is the Holy Spirit.
The age of grace comes to an end during the 70th week of Daniel.
The Holy Spirit will be absent from the world during the 70th week.
The gospel will not be preached during the 70th week.
The Restrainer will be taken out of the way for the full 7 year period (the 70th week of Daniel).
Jesus' post ascension appearances to his disciples was a period of darkness.
The church will be powerless during the great tribulation.
The number ten is indicative of testing, based exclusively on only four verses of scripture. (Daniel 1:12-15).

Prasch claims to have definitive answers to the above eschatological topics and more, but his own hermeneutic is just as flawed and dangerous as that of Thomas Ice and John MacArthur!!! If we deny God's grace during the 70th week of Daniel, then we deny salvation to many precious souls that God wants to reach with the gospel during that time! Intra-seal is a denial of the gospel itself and the presence of God during the 70th week of Daniel!!! Please refer to my previous posts where I have tackled Prasch's Intra-seal doctrine extensively.

It is essential to study the scriptures for ourselves rather than rely on these renegades for truth, and that statement includes the machinations of Jacob Prasch!

Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie! (Psalm 40:4).

{1} http://www.contendingfortruth.com/wp-content/uploads2/Exposed-Chuck-Missler-Tim-Lahaye-etc.pdf
{2} http://www.issacharministries.co.uk/images/april2013.pdf

https://www.amazon.co.uk/INTRA-SEAL-RAPTURE-DECEPTION-EXPOSED-devised-ebook/dp/B06X6N2JJT/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1493969598&sr=8-1&keywords=treena+gisborn