LEIGHTON FLOWERS VS JAMES WHITE JOHN 6:44 UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION?

Leighton Flowers VS James White: The John 6:44 Debate | Does John 6:44 Teach Unconditional Election? (youtube.com)

"Leighton Flowers VS James White: The John 6:44 Debate | Does John 6:44 Teach Unconditional Election?" 

Got Questions definition of unconditional election: "God, before the foundation of the world, chose to make certain individuals the objects of His unmerited favor or special grace. These individuals from every tribe, tongue and nation were chosen by God for adoption, not because of anything they would do but because of His sovereign will. God could have chosen to save all men (He certainly has the power and authority to do so), and He could have chosen to save no one (He is under no obligation to save anyone). He instead chose to save some and leave others to the consequences of their sin."1 

James White's theological debates include Calvinism, Roman Catholicism, Islam, Mormonism, infant baptism, the King James Only movement, Jehovah's Witnesses, and atheism. White has described Leighton Flowers as a "one-string banjo" referring to what he describes as his "obsessive" mission against Calvinism. Flowers attempted to make the debate more light-hearted by giving White a gift of a one-string banjo. However, at the end of the debate, White refused to accept it. White's "one string banjo" quip was doubtless thrown out as an insult, but Flowers apparent approval of other false doctrines is odd. For my part, I am unable to reconcile Flowers hyper-focused fight for truth in one aspect (Calvinism), and his apparent approval of error in another (ecumenism). (Acts 20:27). I was so troubled by this disconnect in 2018 that I have not paid him much attention since that time. 

Below is an excerpt from my previous post in 2018: 

  

"One would expect Flowers to have a bible verse on the 'Our Beliefs' page of his website, but his primary text is a quotation from AW Tozer! In fact there are many scripture references, but no actual bible quotations on this page at all.

I notice that Flowers also frequently quotes CS Lewis in his videos. Both CS Lewis and AW Tozer were ecumenists and closet mystics. As I look down the list of non-Calvinistic scholars Flowers lists as reading material, I am very troubled indeed. For example, he lists false teachers such as ecumenist Billy Graham, false deliverance teacher Derek Prince, ecumenist Greg Laurie, open theist and annihilationist Clark Pinnock, ecumenist Ravi Zacharias, ecumenist David Jeremiah.. I could go on.. and on... This tells me that Calvinism is not the only serious problem that needs to be addressed within the Southern Baptist denomination. The ecumenical movement is THE biggest threat to biblical Christianity in our time, and yet inexplicably, Flowers actively promotes ecumenical teachers and apostates on his website!"2 

The Debate

All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”So the Jews grumbled about him, because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” They said, “Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How does he now say, ‘I have come down from heaven’?” Jesus answered them, “Do not grumble among yourselves. No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. It is written in the Prophets, ‘And they will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me— (John 6:37-45).

White: "Has the historical understanding of John chapter 6 since the Reformation.. is that a proper reading of the text?" This opening question was very telling in that it indicates that White's presuppositions are inhibited by his Calvinistic tradition.

White opened by emphasizing that there is no break or contradiction in verse 44 i.e. the group drawn by the Father is the same group that is raised up on the last day, namely the Jews who had been drawn by the Father via the prophets. Based on his understanding of John 6:44, White's view is that no distinction exists between the (passive recipients ?) being drawn by the Father, those being taught, those hearing and those learning in verse 45.   

Flowers opened by identifying God as the initiator and the hearers as the responders. His position is that the Jewish crowd in John 5:43 rejected God due to their own fault because they were unwilling. (31:00 mark) In contrast, White's presupposition from Calvin (originally Augustine) is that sinful people reject God by default. Flowers also quoted Calvinist John MacArthur: "Sinful man is pre-programmed by God to believe lies." Flowers appealed to various proof texts as evidence that the Jewish crowd was responsible for responding to Jesus.

I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not receive me. If another comes in his own name, you will receive him. (John 5:43).

 

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, John 1:12 ..  cf. Ezekiel 18:32

For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed; lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’ (Acts 28:27).

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! (Matthew 23:37 cf. Isaiah 30:15). 

Flowers: "Notice this hardened condition of Israel is not a universal default condition of all humanity from birth. It is a purposeful divine judicial judgement upon a rebellious people at a particular place in time to bring about Calvary through their rebellion.."  (Luke 19:41-42; John 12:39). This also explains why Jesus spoke in parables to the crowds. (Mark 4:34). Flowers also referred to Romans 11: ..as it is written, “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that would not see and ears that would not hear, down to this very day.” (Romans 11:8). As a result of their rebellion, the Jews were ..ever seeing but never perceiving. (Mark 4:12). 

Flowers: "There is only one point of distinction.. why does God give certain people to the Son?" He continued.. "those who believed in the Father are given to the Son". Calvinism reverses the stated order given in the text i.e. regeneration precedes belief. From the Calvinist perspective draw = regeneration, whereas draw is given a different definition in the text.. i.e. those drawn are those who have heard and learned = those who have responded. 

Flowers position on John 6:44 ~ The Jewish crowd is not given to Christ because of their continued refusal to believe all that the Father has taught them (through Moses and the prophets).

White's position on John 6:44 ~  The Jewish crowd is unable to believe by default because they are not given to Christ.

Ex-Calvinist Bible Scholar Reviews James White Vs. Leighton Flowers Debate: John 6:44

https://youtube.com/live/ir0m-1h5wSU?feature=share

The subsequent review of this debate by Biblical Studies expert Dr Joel Korytko, although rather technical, is significant. In it, he identifies various critical weaknesses in White's arguments. White's smoke and mirrors strategy i.e. his technical knowledge of Greek grammar was a tactic that ultimately backfired. It became apparent during Korytko's review that White's frequent references to Greek grammar were not only superfluous and misleading, but were even incorrect at times. Korytko asserted that White's detailed information about aorist present participles in John is not remotely related to the debate and was an unnecessary distraction. In addition, Korytko pointed out that John 6:44-45 does not give evidence of volition. 

 

The Old Testament background to John 6:45 - the Prophets  

It is written in the Prophets: ‘And they will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard the Father and learned from Him comes to Me— (John 6:45).

Then all your sons will be taught by the LORD.. (Isaiah 54:13 cf. Joel 3:1-2; Jeremiah 31:4; John 2:20). Isaiah 54:13 is an eschatological prophecy referring to Israel's ultimate salvation in their post-conversion state. (Zechariah 12:10). John 6:45 omits "all your sons" and simultaneously refers to the eschatological prophecy as a present reality (inaugurated eschatology) via the new covenant. This verse presupposes the willingness of present believers, as well as the future inhabitants of the New Jerusalem, to be taught by the Lord. Biblia: "Essentially the same promise is given in Joel 3:1-2, and Jeremiah 31:34; and represented in 1 John 2:20 ('Ye have the anointing of the Holy One, and know all things') as already fulfilled."3 

The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with loving devotion. (Jeremiah 31:3 - Berean Standard Version).

The ESV does not convey the meaning of draw in Jeremiah 31:3. However, several other versions translate the equivalent of the NT word elkusō (draw) Hebrew mashak. Jeremiah 31 sets the stage for the new covenant and the ultimate regathering of Israel. Critically Jeremiah 31:3 powerfully illustrates that the sense of mashak/elkusō (draw) is to lovingly persuade. There is no indication of irresistible grace aka effectual calling in this verse. 

Bengel's Gnomen: The same word occurs in the Septuag., Song of Solomon 1:4, εἵλκυσάν σε, [Engl. Vers.] “Draw me, we will run after Thee;” Jeremiah 31:3, “I have loved thee with an everlasting love, therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee” [in Septuag. ch. 38:3, εἵλκυσά σε εἰς οἰκτείρημα]. 4  

pantes and pas

'And they will all (pantes) be taught by God.’ Everyone (pas) who has heard the Father and learned from Him comes to Me— (John 6:45).

Flowers seemed to get rather flustered by White's use of pantes (all) and pas (everyone) (1:38 mark). Flowers has now modified his view and he accepts that all and everyone are in fact the same group. Few teachers are humble enough to publicly admit their errors, and we should give Flowers credit for his subsequent U-turn. Korytko effectively simplified this misunderstanding by appealing to the eschatological reality of John, i.e. everyone taught by God is the same group who have heard and learned from the Father and come to Jesus.           

heard and learned

Everyone who has heard the Father and learned from Him comes to Me. (John 6:45).  

White's false assumption is that heard and learned are passive verbs i.e. those who have heard and learned are the passive recipients of the Father's instruction. In context, everyone is the subject of the sentence. Everyone actively performs the action of coming to Jesus after hearing and learning from the Father.

Other parts of the New Testament emphasize how we hear (active) indicating volition, or whether people have ears to hear. The formula "He who has ears to hear"  (Matthew 13:9; Mark 4:9 etc.) suggests more than ordinary powers of thought to comprehend.5  

Take care then how you hear (akouete), for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away. (Luke 8:18).

And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen (akouete) to him!” (Luke 9:35 cf. Luke 9:44; Deuteronomy 32:46-47; Proverbs 2:2-5).

For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them. (Matthew 13:15).

Thayers Greek Lexicon: "The Johannean phrase ἀκούειν παρά τοῦ Θεοῦ, or τί παρά Θεοῦ, signifies a. to perceive in the soul the inward communication of God: John 6:45."6 

Rightly handling the word of truth

White claims that taking verses 44 and 45 out of order in John 6 is inconsistent: "He (Flowers) begins at verse 45, assigns it a meaning, and then reads it back into the text, skipping over everything that comes previously". 

Korytko: "Verse 45 is the support for the previous statement.. this phrase is almost parallel to the previous one, they're supposed to interpret each other. Reading backwards is fine here because they are mutually interpreting each other.7  

White makes a similar argument regarding comparisons between John 6:44 and John 12:32.

No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. (John 6:44).

And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself. (John 12:32).

White's hermeneutic of John is based on a rigid chronological verse-by-verse interpretation of the book in its historical context. While linear methodologies are useful in interpreting other passages of scripture, John has profound layers of meaning that simply do not lend themselves to this strategy. So when White claims that it is inconsistent to "jump six chapters into the future to a completely different context" from Jesus' Jewish audience in chapter 6 to all (Jews and  Greeks) in chapter 12, he ignores the circular nature of John's narrative and he misses the forest for the trees. (2 Timothy 2:15). Korytko: "In John, he is teaching a theology from the time of the present.. it is interacting with some of the things that Jesus said and also John's own spin on things."  (48:00 mark).

White's comparison with John 6:39-40 does not prove irresistible grace (TULIP) and is equally problematic regarding volition: And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that I shall lose none of those He has given Me, but raise them up at the last day. For it is My Father's will that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.”   

        

The main focus for Calvinists is the verb "draw" (helkó) = I drag, draw, pull, persuade, unsheathe.8 Clearly, no one can be saved unless the Father draws them, but as we have seen from the Old Testament background, White's view that believers are compelled to respond to God's drawing is to make the false assumption that helkó invariably means to irresistibly drag. White's removal of the necessity for a response eliminates free will and human cooperation. The other passage where helkó is used in a moral sense is in John 12:32, where all people are the object of the sentence. Since universalism is not an option, the context of helkó determines its meaning. 

 

And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw (elkusō) all people to myself. (John 6:44).

Cambridge Bible: "There are two Greek words for ‘draw’ in the N.T., one of which necessarily implies violence, the other does not: it is the latter that is used here and in John 6:44; the former (suró) is used Acts 14:19; Acts 17:6. Man’s will is free; he can refuse to be drawn: and there is no violence; the attraction is moral. We see from John 6:44 that before the ‘lifting up’ it is the Father who draws men to the Son."9  

Ellicott: "The word 'draw' need not perplex us; and all the theories opposed to the width of divine love and influence, and to the freedom of human will and action, which have been built upon it, are at once seen to be without support, when we remember that the only other passage in the New Testament where it occurs in a moral sense is in the declaration: 'And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me'" (John 12:32).10 

“That this ‘drawing’ is not irresistible grace, is confessed even by Augustine himself, the great upholder of the doctrines of grace. ‘If a man is drawn, says an objector, he comes against his will. (We answer) if he comes unwillingly, he does not believe: if he does not believe, he does not come. For we do not run to Christ on our feet, but by faith; not with the movement of the body, but with the free will of the heart…Think not that thou are drawn against thy will; the mind can be drawn by love.’” (Alford)

f. Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me: Those who have a revelation from God the Father will come to His Son and Perfect Representative. f. Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me: Those who have a revelation from God the Father will come to His Son and Perfect Representative. To hear and learn from the Son is to hear and learn from the Father.   

Expositors Greek Testament: "But whether it is also true that everyone whom God teaches comes is not here stated; the καὶ μαθὼν introduces a doubtful element. [Wetstein quotes from Polybius διαφέρει τὸ μαθεῖν τοῦ μόνον ἀκοῦσαι.]"11 

Both Flowers and White agreed that drawing is the teaching, or as White put it, "communicating facts and data". Flowers added, "the gospel is the power of God unto salvation". I would not isolate teaching as the single element required for salvation. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.. (Ephesians 2:8).

Matthew Poole: "..unless it be illuminated and drawn by the Spirit of God. No soul is able of itself to discern spiritual things.."12   

One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. (Acts 16:14). 

I am not implying that Lydia was compelled to respond, as Calvinists assert, but without the Lord's direct intervention in opening Lydia's heart, she would not have been converted. 

The evidence summarized    

The circular style of the gospel John does not necessitate a rigid verse by verse interpretation: James White says We Can't Read Backwards (youtube.com)

Several New Testament passages talk about everyone responding to the gospel. 

The Greek grammar is not relevant to the debate: James White uses Greek (youtube.com)

helkó (draw) is not compulsive.

hearing and learning are not passive verbs in this context. James White Thinks Hearing and Learning are Passive (youtube.com)

John 6:44-45 does not demonstrate volition. 

1. Unconditional election - is it biblical? | GotQuestions.org

2. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: THE COMPROMISE OF LEIGHTON FLOWERS! SOTERIOLOGY 101 (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)
3. Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Isaiah 54:13 – Bible Commentary (biblia.work)
4. John 6 Bengel's Gnomon of the New Testament (biblehub.com)
5. Matthew 11:15 Commentaries: "He who has ears to hear, let him hear. (biblehub.com)
6. Strong's Greek: 191. ἀκούω (akouó) -- to hear, listen (biblehub.com)
7. Ex-Calvinist Bible Scholar Reviews James White Vs. Leighton Flowers Debate: John 6:44 (youtube.com)
8. Strong's Greek: 1670. ἑλκύω (helkó) -- to drag (biblehub.com)
9. John 12 Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (biblehub.com)
10. John 6:44 Commentaries: "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day. (biblehub.com)
11. John 6:45 Commentaries: "It is written in the prophets, 'AND THEY SHALL ALL BE TAUGHT OF GOD.' Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father, comes to Me. (biblehub.com)
12. Jeremiah 31:3 Commentaries: The LORD appeared to him from afar, saying, "I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness. (biblehub.com)

Further Links

Why I Think Calvinism Is Unbiblical (youtube.com)

A Scholar Corrects James White on John 6 (youtube.com)

I Misunderstood James White (youtube.com)

Joel Korytko, PhD - Northwest Institute for Ministry Education ResearchNorthwest Institute for Ministry Education Research (nimer.ca)  

ONE CHURCH LEICESTER: J JOHN AN URGENT WARNING

One Church Together | 31st December 2023, 10.30am (youtube.com)

I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. (Acts 20:29-30).

One Church Leicester (formerly Trinity Life Church) is hosting two services on the 28th of January with guest speaker J John.  

The critical thing to note about J John is that he is an Anglican and ecumenical to the core. This means that he does not follow the true gospel of Jesus Christ, but that he teaches a "different gospel". (2 Corinthians 11:4).

The video below by The English Fundamentalist accurately sums up the "ministry" of J John. (2 Corinthians 11:13). 

An assessment of the ministry of British evangelist J John - a ministry of grave danger and great deception, particularly with regard to the coming lying signs, wonders and miracles movement, and Roman Catholic seduction.

Transcript:

"There is an evangelist today who I would equate to Billy Graham in his method, worldwide impact, amount of souls reached, preaching and Christian profession. But this is of course a bad thing. He goes by the name of J John, an anglicized form of his Greek-rooted Ioannes Ioannou, John son of John. And like Billy Graham, he is a friend of the devil's Roman Catholic religion. London-born J John has been in ministry as an evangelist for well over three decades now, preaching all over the world to large crowds at crusade-type events, often reminiscent of Billy Graham in his subtle work of deception. J John has been a significant figure in shaping today's perverse hybrid Christianity. Souls responding to his preaching responded in turn to his anti-Christian philosophy which has paved the way for the emerging Roman Catholic takeover and false signs and wonders movement. J John is a good example of today's corrupted UK evangelical Christianity and has played his part in bringing it to fruition. The sixty-two-year-old describes himself as an Anglican, as a Canon of Coventry Cathedral, honorary it seems, has authored a large number of books, and has spread the seeds of his hybrid Christianity all over the world to untold millions of people in receiving appraisal, even awards from two Archbishops of Canterbury, Justin Welby and George Carey. The alarm bells should sound very loudly for us regarding J John. Please listen to me my friends, this man is more dangerous than we can ever imagine as I shall show. He is a signs and wonders enthusiast who, and note this well, has declared that he seeks God's revival through the Catholic Church in a fresh move of the Spirit; not exclusively through that system, I grant that, but he is open wide to such an idea and is thus setting people up for the false Eucharistic or Marian miracles that may well be coming soon from the belly of the Roman Catholic harlot. J John loves the Roman Catholic Church. His attitude towards such epitomizes the general tone of UK evangelical Christianity. Yes, he has stated that he does not believe as Catholics do on certain issues such as transubstantiation, but he equally does not oppose it, he speaks not against it, he sees it as a legitimate expression of Christian truth. It's today's typical unity in diversity heresy. J John validates Roman Catholicism. He says we should respect and support this Roman Church. He intimates the deception that the Roman Catholic system stretches back in history 2,000 years to the days of the Apostles. He praises Rome's extraordinary richness of doctrine and traditions terming such a 'blessing'. He sees Catholics as genuine Christians, doing no favors to the deluded souls caught up in that wicked parody. He is open to speaking at Roman Catholic conferences, has claimed to have prayed with the Pope, rejoices in his month working with Mother Teresa and her Sisters of Charity Order, claiming that it was a life-transforming experience, inspiring by nature. J John allegorizes reprobate churches as 'differing flavors of the same product' all equally valid, and advocates each individual finding a flavor that suits them with such ?? it's not about what's true it's about what flavor you like, and this of course involves his legitimizing of Romanism and sending persons into the clutches of the harlot. What wicked manner of evangelism and pastoring is this? J John's large evangelistic events under the 'Just One' banner, also described by the man himself as 'a movement of church unity', and his Emirates Stadium event had 223 churches and charities partnering and working together with him in his ecumenical evangelism that, like Billy Graham, will send supposed converts to the Church of their choice or background rather than steer them away from falsehood and error. J John fellowships with a rogue's gallery of prolific spiritual offenders, heretics and reprobates; speaks on their platforms, interviews them approvingly, persons such as Matt Redman Nicky Gumbel, Guvna B, John Sentamu, Carl Lentz, Mike Pilavachi, Justin Welby, Philip Yancey and so on; associates whose compromised sin and era lead the way in the dark course of reprobate evangelicalism. He has spoken at habitations of devils, such as Holy Trinity Brompton, Sole Survivor, Hillsong London and Hillsong New York City. And to the complete lack of surprise to those acquainted with the state of UK Christianity today, J John has directed respondents at his rallies to attend the Alpha Course, that wicked imposture of the false prophet Nicky Gumbel, the gateway course to end times deception. J John's Christianity is a hybrid Christianity, a mixture of truth and a lot of deadly error. He of course utilizes the music of the world, the all kinds of music of Nebuchadnezzar's worldwide Empire and religion, as all the false teachers do. It is a significant adhesive and accelerant of the Roman Catholic ecumenical movement designed to destroy Christian truth and replace it with Papal Authority and the Roman Catholic system. A token or badge recognition was given to J John by the Minister of Satan, Justin Welby, who spoke well of J John in the recent past, saying of him that he is 'one of the best communicators of what it is to be a Christian'. An appraisal from the Archbishop of Canterbury signifies the corrupt roots of the ministry receiving it. J John, as I have mentioned, is a signs and wonders man and undoubtedly accepts the Roman Catholic system as a Christian Church as valid as any other denomination, and that its adherents are Christians, and that it's Christ is the true Jesus. Now if miracles signs and wonders began to flow publicly and powerfully from the heart of the Roman Catholic Church, J John will point people there with enthusiastic accreditation. He is a catastrophic deception waiting to happen, and many others with him. Let us recall, he will accept as authentic, a revival, even if it came by the Roman Catholic Church. That is his position, and those souls tutored under his ministry, many false converts as well as intrigued unbelievers will be led into great deception by this false teacher and false prophet, who for many years has received a stipend for preparing the way for satanic deception. And the way has been prepared, and deception is abundant now and is to come in manifested power. Whether J John himself, who has sown the seeds and helped build the necessary conditions for end times deception regarding lying signs and wonders, or one like him, such as Matt Redman, Nicky Gumbel or Mike Pilavachi, there shall be charismatic popular attractive personalities eagerly pointing to Rome as the source of God's revival and move of the Holy Spirit. J John's ministry has been accompanied by miracles, and people follow the miracles in unrighteousness instead of receiving a love of the truth. For Satan can work miracles. False christs and false prophets work great signs and wonders to deceive. We must test the spirits by the word of God. J John's initials remind me of Jannes and Jambres in 2nd Timothy chapter three (2 Timothy 3:8), those wicked persons who withstood Moses and resist the truth, referring I believe to those magicians of Egypt in Exodus who through their enchantments, were allowed of God to mimic the work of God to their own shame and folly by false signs and wonders, a feature of the end times church led by individuals very much akin to the false prophet J John." 

Money money money!

Hind: "Let's keep giving tithes and offerings.." (1:29 mark) 

The New Testament encourages believers to be cheerful givers and to give what has been decided in their hearts, not under compulsion. Giving in the New Testament was for the benefit of the poor (Acts 2:43-47,4:32-37) and to support those who preach the gospel. (Matthew 10:10; Luke 10:7; 1 Corinthians 9:6-14; 1 Timothy 5:17-18). Money was definitely not given to support the extravagant lifestyle of greedy pastors or for things like ostentatious building projects that never come to an end. Any pastor or minister who has a superior lifestyle to that of his congregation is a hireling and is unworthy to be in the ministry. (1 Timothy 6:8). There should be no pressure to tithe in any New Testament Church. Believers are no longer under the Mosaic Covenant. (Romans 6:14-15,7:5-6; Galatians 3:15-4:7; 2 Corinthians 3:4-18). I have added a link on this subject at the end of this post. 

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7 cf. Psalm 37:21).  

The Lord did not intend a large body of believers to be governed by a centralized leadership. In the New Testament congregations are described as local assemblies governed entirely by local elders. (Acts 14:22; Titus 1:5) The New Testament model eliminates the need for the popish "megachurch" model and the crippling expense of huge buildings and facilities. 

Then I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues; (Revelation 18:4).

Further Links

7 Reasons Christians Are Not Required to Tithe (thegospelcoalition.org)
Dave Hunt - The false “unity” of ECUMENISM [YT] (youtube.com)
Billy Graham Exposed by Dave Hunt (youtube.com)
WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: Billy Graham (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)
APOSTASY, ERROR & DECEPTION IN WALES - the watchman4wales blog.: Order of St. Leonard

TRINITY LIFE CHURCH LEICESTER: HEROES OR VILLAINS?

TLC Online | 24th October, 11am - YouTube

Listening to Susan Hind teach on Nehemiah 4 at Trinity Life Church in Leicester (Assemblies of God), reminded me of their previous pastor, Brian Niblock and his admiration for Smith Wigglesworth. It makes me wonder if any of these teachers really do their due diligence in researching their supposed "heroes of the faith". Some years after I left TLC I did some research on Smith Wigglesworth, and the results were horrifying. {1}

Susan Hind's heroes apparently include Freemason Billy Graham and his mentor and close associate Raymond Edman who was a missionary in Ecuador for a time. Susan related the story of Edman's alleged miraculous healing from typhoid. Edman went on to become the fourth President of Wheaton College in Illinois in 1940, a position he held until he became chancellor in 1965. {2} Raymond Edman was a personal friend of Billy Graham and often worked with him on his crusades. Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones was not so easily diverted from the gospel, and he went to great efforts to reason with Billy Graham about his compromise with Roman Catholics and liberals. However, after a long discussion, he failed to convince Graham that inclusivism with false churches was sinful. The outcome was that Martyn Lloyd-Jones refused to endorse or share a platform with Billy Graham. Apart from Graham's obvious disloyalty to the gospel, the seed sown was almost guaranteed to be snatched away by the false churches he sent responders to! (Matthew 13:19 cf. 2 Corinthians 11:3).

"In 1963 Billy Graham asked Dr Lloyd-Jones to chair the first World Congress on Evangelism (eventually held in Berlin in 1966; predecessor to Lausanne). Dr Lloyd-Jones told Billy Graham that if he would stop having liberals and Roman Catholics on his platform and drop the invitation system he would support and chair the Congress.
Billy Graham would not change his views, and Dr Lloyd-Jones declined to endorse or commend or work with him. No doubt the meeting between them was courteously conducted (it lasted three hours) but the outcome was a firm application of secondary separation.
Dr Lloyd-Jones adopted the same attitude to Billy Graham's London crusades. He took the view, and stated it publicly, that to have visible unity with those who are opposed to essential matters of salvation was sinful. (He also believed the invitation system was a source of mass-delusion and harm to churches.)
Despite Billy Graham's high standing with most British evangelicals, the enthusiastic support he received from the secular media, the fact that his name was a household word, and despite the significant place in world evangelicalism that he was offering to Dr Lloyd-Jones, the latter stood by his biblical principle, and declined all the overtures. He would not commend or work with Dr Billy Graham. This is true loyalty to God’s Word, and protectiveness of one’s congregation."  {3} 

Billy Graham showed his true colours in 1997 during his interview with Robert Schuller when he denied the gospel and said that all people are saved whether or not they have heard the gospel. Those who insist on portraying Billy Graham as a "hero of the faith" sugar coat the real issues and are dishonest. 

Billy Graham: "..whether they come from the Muslim world, or the Buddhist world, or the Christian world or the non-believing world, they are members of the Body of Christ because they've been called by God. They may not even know the name of Jesus but they know in their hearts that they need something that they don't have, and they turn to the only light that they have, and I think that they are saved, and that they're going to be with us in heaven." {4} 

What foundation are TLC building on?

No one who is truly saved should have anything to do with the false gospel of Roman Catholicism. (John 4:24). The very first injunction to church leaders is to hold the line doctrinally and to protect believers from spiritual deception. All the nice sounding advice and all the pep talks in the world from Susan Hind do not alter the fact that the primary obligation of leaders is to teach sound doctrine - this is the foundation of the church. TLC are not particular about associating with false teachers, and their ungodly actions are a contradiction and an offence to the gospel of Jesus Christ. The bizarre episode of their Coffee House and its association with 666 is still something that I find inexplicable! Without sound doctrine, TLC are wasting their time trying to build anything of real value. TLC is a superficial church that has been badly let down by its leaders. (Matthew 5:13).

if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do? (Psalm 11:3-4).

Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. (1 Timothy 4:16).

We will not be persecuted by a Sanballat, a Tobiah or "Arabs Ammonites and Ashdodites" if the temple we are building is devoid of sound doctrine. (Nehemiah 4:7). 

According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.(1 Corinthians 3:10-15).

1. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: TRINITY LIFE CHURCH LEICESTER – SMITH WIGGLESWORTH FALSE REVIVAL (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)
2. Edman, V. Raymond (Victor Raymond), 1900-1967. | Archives of Wheaton College
3. Secondary Separation | When to Stand Apart - Metropolitan Tabernacle

4. Question - What Billy Graham Believes about Salvation. (biblebb.com)

WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: Search results for billy graham (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)

CHARISMATIC HERETICS PROPHETIC STANDARDS STATEMENT

Prophetic Standards Statement

But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding. (2 Corinthians 10:12).

The Prophetic Standards Statement (PSS) recently published by Pentecostal and Charismatic leaders is a dismal attempt to legitimize false prophets. The false Trump prophecies of 2020 are just the tip of the iceberg and are the latest in a long line of questionable activities by NAR charismatic "apostles and prophets". These latest false prophecies regarding Trump have left their already dubious credibility in tatters, but true to form, they continue to defend the indefensible regardless!

The PSS was constructed by USCAL members Michael Brown and Joseph Mattera. It has a façade of officialdom in the style of a statement of faith, but as with everything these people do, it is deeply flawed and biblically unsound. The supposed purpose of this document is: "..to help provide scriptural guidelines for the operation of the gift of prophecy and the functioning of the ministry of the prophet, while at the same time affirming the importance of these gifts and ministries."  

The concept of "prophetic and apostolic ministries" is a misnomer. These vainglorious individuals put themselves on the same level, and even elevate themselves above, New Testament apostles and Old Testament prophets. In other words, they have raised themselves above the scriptures and have made themselves unaccountable. (1 John 4:1; Acts 17:11). In many cases, they deny the sufficiency of the scriptures by teaching the heresy of Dominionism. (2 Timothy 3:16). This contradicts the book of Revelation which teaches that that the church will suffer unequaled persecution at the end of the age before the return of Jesus Christ. (Matthew 24:21). Furthermore, the majority of these false apostles/prophets/teachers are ecumenical and they embrace the false gospel of Roman Catholicism. In other words, these so called "prophets and apostles" cannot rightfully call themselves Christians, and they certainly have nothing legitimate to say to the Body of Christ. Jude rightly says of them: These are hidden reefs at your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, shepherds feeding themselves; waterless clouds, swept along by winds; fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted.. (Jude 1:12)

The Illegitimacy Of The Five-fold Ministry 

PSS: "WE BELIEVE in the five-fold ministry of the prophet, recognizing that such prophets will also be used to bring correction, instruction, and directional clarity to the Body, but not independent of other leaders, and therefore different from the model of the independent Old Testament prophet."

The sole proof text these charlatans use to support the five-fold ministry concept is Ephesians 4:11-13. In case they hadn't noticed, the canon of scripture is closed! The church is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.. (Ephesians 2:20).  The false foundation laid by the NAR/charismatic movement is an attempt to usurp the true foundation of Jesus Christ and His prophets and apostles. These heretics teach a different Jesus, they have a different spirit and they teach a different gospel. (2 Corinthians 11:4). For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 3:10-11). By denying the sufficiency of the scriptures, these people are a blight on the church, and they can have nothing of any value to say to the Body of Christ on any level, whether it be spiritual, political or personal. 

For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions. (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).

Spiritual Fortune Tellers

PSS: "WE RECOGNIZE that prophets do not serve as spiritual fortune tellers or prognosticators, nor is their role to satisfy our curiosity about the future or reveal abstract information. God’s purpose in prophecy is redemptive, calling for repentance, giving supernatural guidance, bringing comfort, deliverance, restoration, and glorifying Jesus as Lord."

On the contrary, these false prophets are precisely fulfilling the role of spiritual fortune tellers. The Holy Spirit is the spirit of truth and guides us into all truth. (John 16:13). These people are operating from the spirit of error. (1 John 4:6). No lie comes from the truth, and yet time and again the so called prophecies of these individuals have proved to be false. (1 John 2:21).

PSS: "WE UNDERSTAND that prophecies can be conditional and that many prophecies will take time to come to pass. We also recognize that prophetic language is often mysterious and symbolic, requiring interpretation and insight. This means that prophecies that do not contradict the Bible or that are not contrary to fact should be evaluated over time and not immediately rejected.
On the other hand, if a prophetic word is delivered containing specific details and dates in which the stated prophetic word will come to pass and that prophecy contains no conditions to be met in order to be fulfilled, and that word does not come to pass as prophesied, then the one who delivered the word must be willing to take full responsibility, demonstrating genuine contrition before God and people.
Any statement of apology and/or explanation/clarification should be delivered to the audience to whom the erroneous word was given. For example, if it was given to an individual, the apology (and/or explanation/clarification) should be delivered to the individual. If the word was delivered publicly, then a public apology (and/or explanation/clarification) should be presented. This is not meant to be a punishment but rather a mature act of love to protect the honor of the Lord, the integrity of prophetic ministry, and the faith of those to whom the word was given."

Biblically, a "prophetic word" that does not come to pass is evidence that that "prophet" is a false prophet and has no business in the ministry. No amount of prevarication or apology can alter that fact. The scriptures call these people "deceitful, presumptuous, greedy for gain, sensual, worthless, flatterers, blasphemers of the way of truth..

Mark and Avoid False Prophets

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

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. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. (Romans 16:17-18).

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

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. (1 John 4:1).

“If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or wonder that he tells you comes to pass, and if he says, ‘Let us go after other gods,’ which you have not known, ‘and let us serve them,’ you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams. For the LORD your God is testing you, to know whether you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. You shall walk after the LORD your God and fear him and keep his commandments and obey his voice, and you shall serve him and hold fast to him. But that prophet or that dreamer of dreams shall be put to death, because he has taught rebellion against the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt and redeemed you out of the house of slavery, to make you leave the way in which the LORD your God commanded you to walk. So you shall purge the evil from your midst. (Deuteronomy 13:1-5).

But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in my name that I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that same prophet shall die.’ And if you say in your heart, ‘How may we know the word that the LORD has not spoken?’— when a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the LORD has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously. You need not be afraid of him. (Deuteronomy 18:20-22).

Your prophets have seen for you false and deceptive visions; they have not exposed your iniquity to restore your fortunes, but have seen for you oracles that are false and misleading. (Lamentations 2:14).

Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: “Because you have uttered falsehood and seen lying visions, therefore behold, I am against you, declares the Lord GOD. My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and who give lying divinations. They shall not be in the council of my people, nor be enrolled in the register of the house of Israel, nor shall they enter the land of Israel. And you shall know that I am the Lord GOD. Precisely because they have misled my people, saying, ‘Peace,’ when there is no peace, and because, when the people build a wall, these prophets smear it with whitewash, say to those who smear it with whitewash that it shall fall! (Ezekiel 13:8-11).

And her prophets have smeared whitewash for them, seeing false visions and divining lies for them, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD,’ when the LORD has not spoken. (Ezekiel 22:28).

RAVI ZACHARIAS: SEXUAL DEVIANT, LIAR AND FALSE TEACHER

Report of Independent Investigation into Sexual Misconduct of Ravi Zacharias - February 9, 2021
Lynsey M. Barron, Esq. William P. Eiselstein, Esq.  Miller & Martin PLLC  
Microsoft Word - 19676965_3

The above report contains the various unsavoury details of Zacharias sexual misconduct over a number of years with some gaps that the investigators were unable to piece together. 

“We believe not only the women who made their allegations public but also additional women who had not previously made public allegations against Ravi but whose identities and stories were uncovered during the investigation. Tragically, witnesses described encounters including sexting, unwanted touching, spiritual abuse, and rape.”  

The report demonstrates how very difficult it is to hold supposed "Christian" leaders to account when they practice nepotism and hold unassailable positions of power within their organizations. Zacharias described his critics as “nasty people” and “lunatics” who were engaging in "satanic-type slander and falsehood.” Those who expressed doubts within the RZIM camp were ignored, marginalized and accused of disloyalty. There is little one can do against evil autocratic leaders, apart from pray of course. Where peoples jobs are concerned, they are far more likely to accept the status quo rather than take a course of action that will leave them disadvantaged or unemployed. For Jesus' disciples, "taking up their cross" meant rejection, persecution, and ultimately death. (Luke 14:28). Apart from his disgusting sexual deviations, there were several red flags concerning the legitimacy of this man over the years. It seems to me that RZIM employees were already doctrinally compromised long before these revelations came to light.

Zacharias was an Anglican Indian-born Canadian-American apologist and a supposed defender of evangelical Protestantism. He held celebrity status within certain circles and was highly respected. He spoke at Christian events and conferences and apparently travelled to his engagements in a chauffer driven limousine. He also ran a weekly radio apologetics broadcast “Let My People Think”. {1} Zacharias was extremely wealthy having a net worth in 2021 of $8 million. {2} In reality Zacharias was a pitiful individual whose profession of faith was an utter sham. 

In 2009 Zacharias signed the Manhattan Declaration which is an ecumenical document. (2 Corinthians 6:14). {3} 

Zacharias was a speaker at Together 2016, an ecumenical event held at the National Mall in Washington DC. (4)

Zacharias had a regular spot on TBN and endorsed known heretics Joyce Meyer, Rick Warren and Brian Houston/Hillsong.

In 2004 Zacharias and Richard Mouw addressed a large congregation of Evangelicals and Mormons at the Salt Lake City Mormon Tabernacle in Utah for an "Evening of Friendship". {4} Zacharias avoided preaching the gospel at this event and stated:

“And so, what brings us together? As has already been said, yes we have our theological differences, but I think it’s commendable that we find a common cause in trying to create a good moral soil in this culture and in this time.”

Mormon Tabernacle Utah 2004

Zacharias addressed the Mormon Temple at Utah for a second time in 2014 in partnership with Standing Together and called for evangelicals and Mormons to stand together to save America from "lost morality."  {5} Unity between bible believing Christians and Mormons with their "false gospel" and "false christ" is unacceptable. (2 Corinthians 11:4). For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. (1 Corinthians 2:2).

In 2017 Zacharias publicly apologized for making false claims about his credentials at Oxford and Cambridge Universities. {6}

  

Warren Throckmorton: "In a 2012 speech before the C.S. Lewis Institute, Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias referred to himself as a “professor at Oxford” after saying he had studied at Cambridge. Watch (the complete speech is here. The clip is at 52:41)." {7}

For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. (Titus 1:7-9 cf. 1 Timothy 1:8-10).

1. RZIM: Let My People Think Broadcasts (google.com
2. Ravi Zacharias Net Worth 2021: Age, Height, Weight, Wife, Kids, Bio-Wiki | Wealthy Persons
3. Manhattan Declaration
4. Together 2016 - Wikipedia
5. (3) Ravi Zacharias at the Mormon Tabernacle 2004 (Entire Program) - YouTube
6. (3) Ravi Zacharias at the LDS Tabernacle in January 2014 - YouTube
7. Blast from the Past: Ravi Zacharias Made Himself a Professor at Oxford – Warren Throckmorton (wthrockmorton.com)

Further Links:

OPINION: Spokesperson's Letter Reveals RZIM's Spiritually Abusive Leadership & Consequences Of Protecting "Ravi" & "Brand" | The Roys Report (julieroys.com)
Lori Anne Thompson's Victim Impact Statement - YouTube
Mike Winger: What Ravi Did and Where We Go From Here. - YouTube

THE FALSE TRUMP PROPHETS

BEWARE OF FALSE PROPHETS.. 

The false prophets of today have much in common with the prophets of Baal.. they declare and decree, they double down, they moan, they cry aloud, they rant and rave, they blow shofars, they even roar, but there is still no answer! This is a salutary lesson for anyone who professes to follow Jesus Christ. 

Then Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “Choose for yourselves one bull and prepare it first, for you are many, and call upon the name of your god, but put no fire to it.” And they took the bull that was given them, and they prepared it and called upon the name of Baal from morning until noon, saying, “O Baal, answer us!” But there was no voice, and no one answered. And they limped around the altar that they had made. And at noon Elijah mocked them, saying, “Cry aloud, for he is a god. Either he is musing, or he is relieving himself, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is asleep and must be awakened.” And they cried aloud and cut themselves after their custom with swords and lances, until the blood gushed out upon them. And as midday passed, they raved on until the time of the offering of the oblation, but there was no voice. No one answered; no one paid attention. 1 Kings 18:25-29).

The ecumenical Jericho Marches replayed Joshua 6:1-27 in a failed attempt to twist God's arm into reversing the US election result. 

Novus Ordo Watch: The Jericho Marches are also a unified celebration of authentic and diverse Judeo-Christian forms [of] worship including praying, chanting, preaching, singing, rosary recitations, Eucharistic processions, and blowing shofars." {1}  

Charisma News: People of faith marched before gathering at 11 a.m. on the National Mall for the "Let the Church ROAR" Prayer Rally where they heard from guest speakers such as Lt. Gen. Mike Flynn, Pastor Jonathan Cahn, Kevin Jessip, author Eric Metaxas, CEO of MyPillow Mike Lindell and many more. {2}

         

The scriptures warn repeatedly about false prophets:

You shall walk after the LORD your God and fear him and keep his commandments and obey his voice, and you shall serve him and hold fast to him. But that prophet or that dreamer of dreams shall be put to death, because he has taught rebellion against the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt and redeemed you out of the house of slavery, to make you leave the way in which the LORD your God commanded you to walk. So you shall purge the evil from your midst. (Deuteronomy 13:4-5).

The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own authority. My people love it so, but what will you do in the end? (Jeremiah 5:31)

And the LORD said to me: “The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I did not send them, nor did I command them or speak to them. They are prophesying to you a lying vision, worthless divination, and the deceit of their own minds. (Jeremiah 14:14).

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

They have seen false visions and lying divinations. They say, ‘Declares the LORD,’ when the LORD has not sent them, and yet they expect him to fulfill their word. Have you not seen a false vision and uttered a lying divination, whenever you have said, ‘Declares the LORD,’ although I have not spoken? Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: “Because you have uttered falsehood and seen lying visions, therefore behold, I am against you, declares the Lord GOD. My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and who give lying divinations. (Ezekiel 13:6-9).

Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.

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

 

Modern day Christianity is awash with self proclaimed false prophets. These are are predominantly, though not exclusively, charismatic/Pentecostal, they are ecumenical, and they are part of the New Apostolic Reformation. They deny the prophetic scriptures and peddle the false doctrine of Dominionism through their infamous Seven Mountain Mandate. These false prophets claim to know better than the Jesus Christ Himself and the real prophets and apostles who predicted the diametric opposite of everything they assert! (Matthew 24:4-12). The first thing Jesus warned about in the Olivet Discourse: See that no one leads you astray.. (Matthew 24:4). Jesus continued to expand on spiritual deception and prophesied war, famines and earthquakes, pestilence, apostasy and tribulation. 

The test of a true/false prophet:

If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. (Deuteronomy 13: 1-3).

But if any prophet dares to speak a message in My name that I have not commanded him to speak, or to speak in the name of other gods, that prophet must be put to death.” You may ask in your heart, “How can we recognize a message that the LORD has not spoken?” When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD and the message does not come to pass or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. The prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him. (Deuteronomy 18:20-22).

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. (1 John 4:1).

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).

Below are the usual suspects, although the list is not exhaustive. These are the presumptuous false prophets that believers should mark and avoid. 

Paula White held daily meetings declaring Trumps victory. In November White declared that God had dispatched angels from Africa and South America to help Trump achieve victory.

Kris Vallotton (Bethel Redding cult) apologized on Instagram: "I want to sincerely apologise for missing the prophecy about Donald Trump. It doesn't make me a false prophet. I prophesied he would become president four days after he declared his candidacy [in 2015]. And I prophesied Trump would not be impeached [and removed from office]. I'm very sorry to everyone who put their trust in me, there was a major, major mistake,” If a "prophet" predicts something wrongly then he is a false prophet!

Sid Roth claimed to interview many trusted "prophets" He stated that without blinking an eye Donald Trump will have two terms.. "President Trump is going to win."

Pat Robertson: “I want to say without question, Trump is going to win the election.”

Jeremiah Johnson: “While we wait until January to determine our next US President, observe the stunning blindness and hypocrisy in the body of Christ… Christians who voted for the shedding of innocent blood, the Equality Act, and anti-Israel legislation (ALL things God HATES) are now picking up stones to persecute prophets who supposedly missed it,”

Lance Wallnau decreed that God would “overturn” the election because Trump’s “assignment” from God had not yet been completed.

Kenneth Copeland: “The media said Joe Biden is President …” Copeland's congregation mimicked his imbecilic laughter. {3} 

Mark Taylor: "It is going to be victory after victory after victory.. We will absolutely have an eight year presidency... I am sure about that."

Kat Kerr: “The rocks are about to move and Trump will be President no matter what you hear.. It will start with a phone call and I can tell you, you will be shocked to see how much exposure comes from that, but Trump will win, He will be President of the United States, he will sit in that office for 4 more years and God will have His way in this country.”

Dutch Sheets: "We're going to enforce the victory of Calvary and we're going to decree prophetically what God's been saying." 

Jane Hamon: "Saints, this isn't over! Show up for battle, position yourself, fast, pray, prophesy and decree, and then see how God brings the victory."

Love and truth go hand in hand. (1 John 3:18). Vallotton, the Bethel cult and other NAR false prophets do not have love because they do not teach truth. As far as I am aware, no one is calling for Vallotton or any of these false prophets to be "punished".. that would be God's prerogative! (Deuteronomy 32:35). However, it is necessary to warn against these impostors because they are a blight on the true church, they undermine the faith of many, they bring false hope, and they bring the gospel into disrepute. (2 Peter 2:2; Titus 1:11; Proverbs 13:12). 

Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. (Ephesians 5:1). 

The righteous hates falsehood, but the wicked brings shame and disgrace. (Proverbs 13:5).

To accept false prophets is a sin against the Lord and effectively puts believers in extreme peril. The scriptures are clear that false prophets should be utterly rejected and avoided.. do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, (2 John 1:10). A tree is known by its fruit..  (Matthew 7:22-23). These false prophets have proved that they are charlatans and are not worthy to hold the office. For their own sake and the sake of those they have deceived they should repent and step down from their positions. If they choose to continue to justify themselves they will ultimately reap the consequences of their actions. 

But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.” (Revelation 21:8).

1. Abp.” Carlo Viganò and Taylor Marshall participate in Ecumenical Prayer Rally with Protestants and Jews – Novus Ordo Watch
2. 'Let the Church ROAR!' Prayer Rally Invades DC for Jericho March to 'Stop the Steal' — Charisma News

3. (73) Pro-Trump Televangelist Laughs at News Biden Won U.S. Election | NowThis - YouTube

JONATHAN CAHN ~ THE RETURN: PROPHETIC WORD TO AMERICA

Prophetic Word to America - Jonathan Cahn At 'The Return'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?

Jonathan Cahn is a well known Messianic rabbi and author of a number of books, including bestselling novel The Harbinger: The Ancient Mystery that holds the Secret of America's Future (2012). The Return was an event specifically based on Cahn's "harbinger" theme i.e. his "prophetic" view that nine parallel harbingers show a connection between ancient Israel's destruction and a possible coming destruction of present-day America. The event was promoted by Cahn as "A global day of prayer and repentance" on the National Mall in Washington DC on Saturday September 26th 2020. 

Good News Florida: "Believers and leaders from every walk of life are already part of 'The Return' include Dr. James Dobson, Pat Robertson, Ann Graham Lotz, Alveda King, Kevin Jessip, Michele Bachmann, Gordon Robertson, Marcus Lamb, Bishop Harry Jackson—and many more."  {1}

Cahn's books are published by the Charisma Media Group whose Founder and CEO is Stephen Strang, an "apostle" with ties to the New Apostolic Reformation. 

Cahn's associates include Benny Hinn, Kenneth Copeland, Jim Bakker, Sid Roth, Pat Robertson, Morris Cerullo, John Paul Jackson etc. All these teachers follow an ecumenical agenda at odds with the scriptures and all of them promote an end time "revival". 

The Return: "Now we move forward together for worldwide revival and the end-time harvest foretold in the Scriptures." {2} 

The scriptures warn about false prophets, apostasy and wickedness in the last days, not revival. (Matthew 24:5-12; 2 Timothy 3:1-9). 

Cahn does not claim to be a "prophet". As such it is difficult to hold him accountable to Deuteronomy 18:22. However, his reticence on that score is something of a misnomer since The Return was promoted as a "prophetic announcement". Cahn's title "rabbi" is antithetical to the New Testament. Jesus Christ stated unequivocally that no one should be called "rabbi" (Matthew 23:8). Cahn is very careful to make loose predictions and ambiguous statements with disclaimers without actually saying anything definite. His books are presented as "fiction" and yet he claims divine insight. Cahn is very careful not to say that America is actually in "covenant relationship" with God. However this is what he constantly infers.

Cahn: “Those who laid America’s foundations saw it as a new Israel, an Israel of the New World. And as with ancient Israel, they saw it as in covenant with God.’” {3}   

God's covenant is with individuals from every tribe, nation and language and is entered into exclusively by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. (Revelation 7:9; John 3:16; Romans 3:21-26; Ephesians 2:8-9). America can claim no special distinction amongst the nations before God. (Romans 3:23).

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19).

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. (1 Peter 2:9-10).

I have not read Cahn's book The Harbinger and I am unlikely to do so. However, I have listened to his audio The Harbinger On Audio. {4} Cahn claims that: "..there are only two nations in world history founded and dedicated from their inception upon God -  they are Israel and America." {5} 

The Myth: America's Puritan Foundations

It is important to note that the Pilgrims/Puritans were not the first to land in America, nor did they discover it.

Cahn argues as historical fact that American civilization was founded exactly 400 years ago by the Puritans who set sail from Plymouth on the Mayflower in 1620. The Mayflower set sail with up to 30 crew and 102 passengers on board. Forty one of the passengers were Puritans who were also known as "Separatists". Cahn identifies Plymouth Massachusetts as the first foundation of American civilization, and he specifically draws attention to the The Mayflower Compact. {6} Cahn fails to point out that the Anglicans had already established colonies in America prior to 1620.

Jamestown Virginia, America’s first permanent English colony, was founded in 1607, thirteen years before the Puritans landed at Plymouth Massachusetts on the Mayflower. The Jamestown charter was granted by King James to the Virginia Company on April 10th 1606. The Anglican leaders of the Virginia Company of London oversaw the original charter.

Text of The Jamestown Charter

"Wee, greately commending and graciously accepting of theire desires to the furtherance of soe noble a worke which may, by the providence of Almightie God, hereafter tende to the glorie of His Divine Maiestie in propogating of Christian religion to suche people as yet live in darkeness and miserable ignorance of the true knowledge and worshippe of God and may in tyme bring the infidels and salvages living in those parts to humane civilitie and to a settled and quiet governmente.." 

 "Jamestown was sponsored by the Virginia Company of London, a group of investors who hoped to profit from the venture. Chartered in 1606 by King James I, the company also supported English national goals of counterbalancing the expansion of other European nations abroad, seeking a northwest passage to the Orient, and converting the Virginia Indians to the Anglican religion." {7} 

The original Jamestown charter was subsequently followed by three further charters:

The Second charter of the Virginia Company of London, 1609 
The Third Charter of the Virginia Company of London, 1612 
The Great Charter November 18, 1618
Dissolution of the Charter - The Jamestown Massacre in 1622 {8}

The Mayflower Compact was signed on the 11th November 1620 on board the Mayflower. Nothing in the Mayflower Compact dedicates America as a nation to God. The Mayflower Compact was the first governing document of the Plymouth Colony i.e. its application and relevance was limited to that particular geographical area.

Text of The Mayflower Compact:

In the name of God, Amen. We whose names are under-written, the loyal subjects of our dread sovereign Lord, King James, by the grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland King, Defender of the Faith, etc.

Having undertaken, for the glory of God, and advancement of the Christian faith, and honor of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia, do by these presents solemnly and mutually, in the presence of God, and one of another, covenant and combine our selves together into a civil body politic, for our better ordering and preservation and furtherance of the ends aforesaid; and by virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame such just and equal laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions and offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the Colony, unto which we promise all due submission and obedience. In witness whereof we have hereunder subscribed our names at Cape Cod, the eleventh of November [New Style, November 21], in the year of the reign of our sovereign lord, King James, of England, France, and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth. Anno Dom. 1620.

The Arbella 1630

Cahn misquotes Puritan leader John Winthrop who travelled on the Arbella in 1630 and founded the Massachusetts Bay Colony with 900 Puritans.

Cahn: "He (Winthrop) was saying that our nation shall be as a 'city on a hill." {9}

Winthrop was referring to Massachusetts Bay Colony, NOT TO AMERICA AS A WHOLE.

"While crossing the Atlantic Ocean aboard the Arbella, Winthrop delivered a renowned sermon entitled 'A Modell of Christian Charity.' Winthrop compared the flight of the Puritans to the story of Exodus. He described the future colony as an ideal Puritan society, where colonists could uphold their obligations to God and one another. Winthrop believed that the world was watching this grand Puritan experiment and, in an echo of Jesus's words in Matthew chapter 5:14, he declared that Massachusetts 'shall be as a city on a hill." {10} 

Winthrop’s sermon has been quoted out of context by almost every president to hold office including John F Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George HW Bush, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama.

National Endowment For The Humanities: "..the content of Winthrop’s sermon—what {Perry} Miller thought Winthrop was actually saying or proposing as a model—differed radically from what Reagan and others would make of it. According to Miller, this sermon called Puritans to model radical communal solidarity. It had nothing to do with the American Dream, nothing to do with bettering one’s life, nothing at all to do with making money or getting ahead. In fact, Miller claimed, Winthrop specifically rejected all such ideas. Going it alone, pulling ahead of others, getting rich or even trying to—these were the very dangers that Winthrop sought to guard against. Society’s success depended instead on mutual affection, being 'knit together in this work as one man.'" {11} 

Cahn also quoted from George Washington's Inaugural Address in which he affirmed America's relationship to God. Washington's precise phrase was "that Almighty Being". Since George Washington was a Freemason, we might legitimately question whether his faith was biblical, or whether he followed the ambiguous Great Architect of the Universe. George Washington was influenced by the Illuminati or “luminaries", a movement rooted in the Enlightenment. {12} America was allegedly consecrated to God in 1789 at today's ground zero in New York, a fact that Cahn finds "prophetic". 

It is reasonable to conclude that America consisted of pockets of believers from 1620, but it is also apparent that there were other influences at work in the country both before and after the Mayflower landing. This is evidenced by the Masonic symbols interwoven into American architecture and society, in particular, the Great Seal of the United States and other national seals, the symbols on the dollar bill, the layout of Washington DC etc. In fact several "founding fathers", such as George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and James Monroe were Freemasons.

Isaiah 9:10: The bricks have fallen, but we will build with dressed stones; the sycamores have been cut down, but we will put cedars in their place.”

Three leading politicians quoted Isaiah 9:10 following 9/11: Tom Daschle, John Edwards and Barack Obama. Isaiah 9:10 was Israel's vow of defiance against God after they had been struck by the Assyrians.  

Obama signed a beam laid at the WTC memorial with the words "We remember, we rebuild, we come back stronger." on June 14 2012. He also quoted Isaiah 9:10 on January 2009 in his first State of the Union address.

Barack Obama 2012

Tom Daschle Speech, 09/12/01 -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukYiWd3T9sk

John Edwards September 11 2004 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ts1IOn57a6s&t=10s

Cahn: “Like Daschle, Edwards thinks he’s invoking inspirational and comforting words from the Bible, but he’s actually inviting judgment on America.. He’s repeating the vow that provoked God to bring calamity on ancient Israel.” I find it hard to accept that leading politicians would publicly quote Israel's vow of defiance against God in Isaiah 9:10 without knowing the context as Cahn indicates. 

Cahn teaches that the terrorist attacks of 9/11 and the events that followed were warning signs of impending judgment or "harbingers". He sticks to the official script regarding 9/11, i.e. that it was a terrorist attack carried out by al-Qaeda. However numerous anomalies have arisen that have shed doubt on the official explanation, and several people, including myself, question this portrayal of the 9/11 disaster. 

The renewal of the Consecration of the United States of America to "the blessed Virgin Mary" was managed exclusively by the Roman Catholic Church:

LA Catholics: "On Friday, May 1, Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles and president of the USCCB, led the Renewal of the Consecration of the United States of America to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The U.S. bishops joined the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops in renewing the consecrations of the two nations to the care of our Blessed Mother."  {13} 

Cahn's Breaking Of The Vessel 

It is ominous that Cahn's "prophetic act" of smashing the vessel took place at the Mall in Washington DC at the southern tip of the occult inverted pentagram directly in front of the obelisk. Cahn's use of masonic hand signals is evident throughout this event. I refer in particular to his frequent upward pointing index finger (pointer).

Cahn: "How can God bless a nation that wars against His ways, that blasphemes His name, that silences his Word and vilifies those who uphold it, that sheds the blood of over sixty million of its children."

Cahn smashed the vessel in front of many "professing Christians" as a replay of Jeremiah 19. He specifically called out the sin of abortion as one of the primary reasons for God's impending judgement against America. The awful sin of abortion is a symptom of godlessness. However, pervasive sin in every area of society is the disease that can only be healed by the new birth. (John 3:3). 

The chronic sin Cahn fails to acknowledge is the sin of ecumenism. Cahn loudly protests the sin of abortion, but he deliberately ignores the millions of souls lost due to the false works gospel of Roman Catholicism. The inevitable prospect of spiritual death and eternal damnation awaits countless numbers of people deceived by the imitation gospel of the ecumenical movement. (2 Corinthians 11:4). 

The Return was a politically motivated event and a call to vote for Donald Trump who, like Cahn, is deeply involved with many false NAR Dominionist leaders who are guilty of the many things that Cahn supposedly speaks out against. 

Shabbat Shuvah

Cahn: "When this day was chosen for The Return, nobody realized, no one had any idea.. It turned out that this day was a sacred day set apart on the biblical Hebrew calendar from ancient times. It is called  Shabbat Shuvah. Shabbat means the sabbath, that's Saturday which is right now, but the key word is Shuvah. What does it mean? Shuvah means the return..  This day was specifically consecrated as the day of repentance of return to God for the return of a nation.."  

I find it surprising that Cahn, a "rabbi", was unaware that the 26th of September was Shabbat Shuvah/The Sabbath of Return. I am inclined to think that this date was specifically chosen for The Return to fit in with Cahn's spiel. In any event, there are discrepancies between Rabbi Hillel's lunisolar calendar and Jewish holidays.

"..there are discrepancies between his (Hillel's) calendar and the astronomical reality. This is a serious problem the Sanhedrin is taking steps to gradually fix." {14}

Cahn's involvement with the New Apostolic Reformation is a clear indication that he has a different agenda that is completely at odds with the scriptures. He works on the assumption that America's alleged special position before God through its Christian foundations is relevant to individuals living in America today. This assumption is not only false, it is a denial of the gospel of Jesus Christ who calls individuals out of the world, from darkness into his marvelous light. (John 17:6; 1 Peter 2:9). 

I regard Jonathan Cahn as an extremely dangerous man. (Matthew 24:24; Ephesians 6:12).

..the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. (1 John 5:19).

 

1.  https://www.goodnewsfl.org/the-return-a-movement-for-thousands-to-pray-for-repentance-on-the-washington-mall-sept-26/
2.  https://www.thereturn.org/
3.  https://www.facebook.com/notes/jonathan-cahn/jonathan-cahn-answers-dr-ice/461538227203199/
4.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqb0Qc_Cr9Q
5.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqb0Qc_Cr9Q
6.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqb0Qc_Cr9Q
7.  https://www.historyisfun.org/jamestown-settlement/history-jamestown/
8   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virginia_Company#The_charters_of_the_Virginia_Company_of_

London
9.   https://christinprophecyblog.org/2015/01/jonathan-cahn-on-america-a-city-on-a-hill/
10. https://www.thearda.com/timeline/persons/person_24.asp
11. https://www.neh.gov/article/how-america-became-city-upon-hill
12. https://michelinewalker.com/2014/05/23/designing-washington-dc-pierre-charles-lenfant/
13. https://lacatholics.org/consecration/
14. https://www.israel365news.com/63610/sanhedrin-performs-rare-biblical-commandment-not-seen-2000-years-jewish-world/#/