TRINITY LIFE CHURCH LEICESTER: DAVID HIND'S DISTORTED EASTER PRESENTATION

“Salt is good, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is of no use either for the soil or for the manure pile. It is thrown away. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” (Luke 14:34-35).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOOuYYiyY28&feature=youtu.be
Finding Security in a Troubled World - 26th March 2020

TLC's recent Easter Presentation leaves me with little alternative but to write a further post about David Hind's warped "Christian" values.

David Hind proudly related his visit to Buckingham Palace two years ago to receive the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service. This award was given to TLC's charity Open Hands for their so called "services to the poor". Hind's boast about Open Hands being a "compassion charity" is paradoxical considering the spiritual and moral compromise involved in seeking and accepting funding from the National Lottery. It is beyond dispute that gambling is an industry that feasts on the poor and vulnerable! TLC's skewed reasoning says it is OK to use unethical lottery funds help the poor!

Hind actually dared to compare the Queens appearance as she entered the garden of Buckingham Palace to Jesus' first appearance to the disciples through locked doors in John 20:19-23. Hind: "All of a sudden a door opened, and the Queen.. walked out. Thousands of people were in silence and awe as this amazing lady walked out to greet her guests." No Christian should be in "silence and awe" of anyone apart from Jesus Christ! Hind's blasphemous comparison between the Queen and Jesus Christ gives us a snapshot of the value he puts on outward appearances. "But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”walked (1 Samuel 16:7).

Was David Hind "privileged to be invited" to Buckingham Palace? In worldly terms, yes certainly ~ in spiritual terms, most definitely NOT!  (Isaiah 5:20). Hind's visit to Buckingham Palace was the equivalent of John the Baptist going on a jaunt to have tea with King Herod! In reality it would have been inconceivable for John the Baptist to fraternize with Herod, God's enemy. (Mark 8:15).

John the Baptists objection to the adulterous marriage between Herod and his brother Philip's wife:

Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because John had been telling him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” Although Herod wanted to kill John, he was afraid of the people, because they regarded John as a prophet.
On Herod’s birthday, however, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod so much that he promised with an oath to give to her whatever she asked.
Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.”
The king was grieved, but because of his oaths and his guests, he ordered that her wish be granted and sent to have John beheaded in the prison.
John’s head was brought in on a platter and presented to the girl, who carried it to her mother. (Matthew 14:3-11).

Hind has previously described the Queen as a "Christian", but we must be very naive if we genuinely believe this to be the case. As the Supreme Governor of the Church of England the Queen is the titular head of the Church of England, a position which is vested in the British monarch. However, the Church of England is ecumenical and openly seeks unity with the corrupt Roman Catholic Church. The ecumenical agenda of the Church of England is organised by the Council for Christian Unity (CCU). {1}

There is indisputable evidence that the Royal Family are British Druids. I will recap below just in case David Hind missed it the first time.

'Political and religious suppression forced the Druids to go underground. Many thought that the religion had disappeared, but it survived, handed down within families and villages to resurface again in the early eighteenth century. There are three main druidic colleges. . .In fact, druidism has become so accepted socially that Queen Elizabeth II and the Prince of Wales both accepted posts as honorary Druids in the Wales Gorsedd. (ff. ‘The Gnosis Interview’)… By 1988, there were estimated to be over one million adepts (spiritual masters) and the movement is growing.'" (The Trojan Horse, Brenda Scott and Samantha Smith, pp. 59, 60) {2}

Below: 3rd August 1926 ~ Bardic titles for the Duke and Duchess of York (later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother) at the Welsh Eisteddfod, they are pictured with the Arch Druid after they were initiated. {3} 

In 1967 the Queen gave her Royal Assent to the Abortion Act. A friend once said to me that the Queen has no choice regarding Royal Assents i.e. she could not have refused to give her Assent to the Abortion Act without risking her position. My response: THERE IS ALWAYS A CHOICE. Consider the cost to Jesus Christ Himself, the cost to the disciples, the cost to countless numbers of Christian martyrs who renounced the world's values for the sake of Jesus Christ. (Luke 14:28-33). How many true Christians would be willing to sign a death warrant legalizing the murder of literally millions of unborn infants? (Proverbs 6:16-17).

In 2013, the Queen signed the Royal Assent for the equal marriage act, allowing gay marriage for the first time. (Leviticus 20:13, 18:22; Romans 1:27). {4}

How will the Queen answer for these terrible atrocities on the day of Judgement? (Revelation 20:12).

Biblically, anyone who claims to be a Christian and does not uphold sound doctrine should be avoided not venerated!

If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works. (2 John 1:10-11).

David Hind's worldly values have nothing at all to do with true Christianity. By actively seeking out worldly accolades, TLC have given way to the political correctness of our time. (Luke 11:23; 1 John 2:15). I appeal to those who attend TLC to think about these things rather than acquiesce with those who glory in their shame. (Philippians 3:19).

TLC are silent about issues such as abortion and gay marriage, and nothing is mentioned of Prince Andrew's dubious associations or Prince Charles' intention to become' "Defender of Faith" without the definite article. 

Thankfully there are still faithful Christians out there who are are prepared to count the cost of true discipleship:

Now great crowds accompanied him, and he turned and said to them, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace. So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple. (Luke 14:28-33).

The perverted version of the bible they read from at TLC is the New Living Translation (NLT). The NLT is nothing less than a satanic counterfeit of the bible. Below is a list of NLT perversions:

• Deuteronomy - "sodomite" changed to "temple prostitute"
• 1 Kings 14:24 - "sodomites" replaced with "shrine prostitutes"
• 1 Kings 15:12 - "sodomites" replaced with "shrine prostitutes"
• 1 Kings 22:46 - "sodomites" replaced with "shrine prostitutes"
• 2 Kings 23:7 - "sodomites" replaced with "shrine prostitutes"
• Matthew 17:21 - entire verse omitted
• Matthew 18:11 - entire verse omitted
• Matthew 19:9 - half of the verse is omitted
• Matthew 23:14 - entire verse omitted
• Mark 6:11 - half of the verse is omitted
• Mark 7:16 - entire verse omitted
• Mark 9:44, 46 - entire verses omitted
• Mark 11:26 - entire verse omitted
• Mark 15:28 - entire verse omitted
• Mark 16:9-20 - entire passage is questioned by a footnote that says, "The most reliable early manuscripts conclude the Gospel of Mark at verse 8"
• Luke 4:8 - "get thee behind me Satan" is omitted
• Luke 17:36 - entire verse omitted
• Luke 23:17 - entire verse omitted
• John 1:10 - says God created everything "through" Jesus instead of "by" Jesus as the KJB teaches
• John 1:41 - The NLT leaves out the phrase, "Which is by interpretation, a stone."  Hence, the critical distinction between Peter as "the stone" (Petros), and Jesus as "The Rock" (Petra) is obscured.  This was no doubt deliberate to pleases Catholics who falsely teach that Peter is the rock upon which the church is built.  The Bible states in no uncertain terms, "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ" (1st Corinthians 3:11).
• John 3:16 - the all important word "begotten" is omitted, thus denying the deity of Christ
• John 3:13 - "which is in heaven" is omitted John 5:4 - entire verse omitted
• John 7:53 - 8:11 -- entire passage is questioned in a note which says, "The most ancient Greek manuscripts do not include John 7:53 - 8:11"
• Acts 8:37 - entire verse omitted
• Acts 12:4 - changes "Easter" to the incorrect "Passover" (See Numbers 28:16,17 and Acts 12:2 in the KJB)
• Acts 17:29 - completely removes the "Godhead"
• Acts 28:29 - entire verse omitted
• Romans 1:20 - completely removes the "Godhead"
• Romans 16:24 - entire verse omitted
• Philippians 2:6 -removes the word "equal," thus denying Christ's deity
• Colossians 1:16 - says God created everything "through" Jesus instead of "by" Jesus as the KJB teaches
• Colossians 2:9 - completely removes the "Godhead"
• 1 Timothy 3:16 - "God" is omitted, says "Christ appeared in the flesh, thus denying the deity of Christ
• 1 Timothy 6:5 - "from such withdraw thyself" is omitted
• Hebrews 1:3 - the all-important words "by himself" are omitted
• 1 Peter 4:1 - "for us" is omitted
• 1 Peter 4:14 - half of the verse is omitted
• 1 John 3:16 -completely removes "the love of God"
• 1 John 4:3 - the all-important words "Christ is come in the flesh" are omitted 1 John 5:7-8 -- Trinitarian clause omitted
• 1 John 5:7 - half of the verse is omitted, thus denying the Godhead
• 1 John 5:13 - half of the verse is omitted
• Revelation 1:11 - first half of the verse is omitted
• Revelation 5:14 - "him that liveth forever and ever" is omitted {5} 

ANY distortion of God's holy Word is a very serious matter:
Deuteronomy 4:2, 12:29-32, Proverbs 30:5-6; Revelation 22:18-19

There is nothing new about Satan's mission to distort the Word of God. (Genesis 3:1; Matthew 4:1-11). When there are good translations out there, we should be asking why TLC choose to use this perverted version?

I have listed a number of red flags associated with TLC previously, the most bizarre being the open display of 666 at their Coffee House on London Road.

When you begin to think about it, everything about TLC has all the outward appearance of godliness, but in the cold light of day, reality speaks otherwise!  (2 Corinthians 5:12).

1. https://www.churchofengland.org/about/work-other-christian-churches/council-christian-unity

2. https://watch-unto-prayer.org/macarthur-11-british-druids.html

3. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/374291419032334151/

4. https://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com/2016/10/trinity-life-church-leicester-and-open.htm

5. https://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Bible/NLT/nlt_exposed.htm

Further Links:

https://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com/2017/10/the-continual-stream-of-666-emanating.html
https://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com/2014/01/trinity-life-church-leicester-downhill.html
https://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com/search/label/Trinity%20Life%20Church%20Leicester
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WUtGN2rdyw&t=3s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gq9aivcmy3Q
https://righttolife.org.uk/news/52-years-of-abortion-in-the-uk-9335879-lives-lost-since-1967-one-unborn-baby-every-3-minutes/

ALPHA COURSE CONCERNS

The Roots Of The Alpha Course

Alpha began at Holy Trinity Brompton Church (CofE)) in London in 1977. In 1990 Nicky Gumbel, then a curate at HTB, adapted the course in order to facilitate people outside the church who were interested in exploring the Christian faith. It is claimed that millions of people have attended Alpha since 1993. The course now runs in every part of the "global church", including the Roman Catholic Church, the Orthodox Church and all mainline Protestant denominations. {1}   

Gumbel is an out and out Romanist.

Alpha's ecumenical slant should be a huge red flag for supposed "bible believing" church leaders who should know better. Roman Catholicism is based on works salvation and is an abominable perversion of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Many denominations have now apostatised from the true gospel and are embracing the ungodly ecumenical agenda. (2 Corinthians 11:4).

Alpha's ambiguity is evidence of doctrinal weakness. 

By its own admission, Alpha is designed to present the essentials of Christian faith that all denominations agree on. {1} This strategy necessitates evading the clear gospel of Jesus Christ (Colossians 4:4). In effect Alpha's ambiguity opens the door to further ambiguity and error down the line.

"Alpha refers to salvation, the cross, the death of Christ, etc., in such a general way that false doctrine is not refuted. It says salvation is by grace, for instance, but it does not say that salvation is by grace ALONE by faith ALONE through the blood of Christ ALONE without works or sacraments. It refers to the Bible as God’s Word in a general sense, but it does not explain that the Bible is truly God’s inerrant, infallible, supernatural Word that must be reverenced and obeyed in every detail, that the Bible ALONE is the authority for faith and practice. It refers to Christ’s death on the cross, but does not plainly explain the vicarious atonement that was required for man’s salvation. It refers to man’s need, but it does not describe man as a totally depraved nature sinner. If Alpha were that specific, it is certain it would not be ecumenically popular in this apostate hour." {2} 

RCDOW: "It (Alpha) is wholly compatible with Catholic teaching, but it does not address specific Catholic teachings and ecclesiology." {3} 

The above statement is very telling! In order to be "compatible with Catholic teaching", Alpha by its very nature must involve doctrinal modus vivendi. RC historic opposition to faith alone in Jesus Christ still stands:

THE COUNCIL OF TRENT CANON XII -"If any one saith, that justifying faith is nothing else but confidence in the divine mercy which remits sins for Christ's sake; or, that this confidence alone is that whereby we are justified; let him be anathema." {4}

The Holy Spirit Weekend

The controversial "Holy Spirit weekend" is the sine qua non of Alpha. Both Sandy Millar, the previous vicar of HTB, and Nicky Gumbel, personally experienced various dubious manifestations introduced by John Wimber during the 1980s, the prequel to the so called "Toronto Blessing". Holy Trinity Brompton's heavy promotion of Toronto was the catalyst that caused Alpha's popularity to explode during the 1990s.

Gumbel: “I believe it is no coincidence that the present movement of the Holy Spirit has come at the same time as the explosion of the Alpha Courses. I think the two go together.” {5}

The Holy Spirit weekend initiates spiritually naïve participants into the dangerous experience known in charismatic circles as the "transferable anointing". Alarmingly, without a comprehensive understanding of the gospel, this "anointing" leaves attendees vulnerable to "another spirit". (2 Corinthians 11:4,14; Matthew 13:19). Alpha "converts" have no competency to test the spirits as the scriptures instruct, as such they are an easy target for deceivers. (1 John 4:1). The method typically employed by Alpha is to infect their victims with this counterfeit spirit by the laying on of hands. The resulting occult manifestations, such as falling backwards, violent jerking, uncontrollable laughter, bodily contortions, "drunkenness" etc. is unbiblical and dangerous. (Acts 8:17). This error has spread like gangrene from Toronto and Holy Trinity Brompton. (2 Timothy 2:17). Toronto and its demonic manifestations have now been thoroughly exposed as counterfeit. (See Further Links)

Rob Thomas: "Using the classic cult technique of taking people out of their normal routine and surroundings, and placing them into a new and super-charged environment of intense expectation of Signs & Wonders, the candidates are ripe to receive WHATEVER comes their way! They are urged to be open to being "slain in the spirit" and experiencing strange physical sensations like shaking and heat. In short, persons are being taught and encouraged to receive a most UNHOLY type of spirit with attendant fleshly manifestations known in Eastern occultism as KUNDALINI.." {6}

ShipofFools: "My own parish had the unfortunate experience once of people walking out of the weekend because they felt duped - there were 'plants' as they took it, people sprinkled about the gathering whose job it would be to lay hands on people and pray for them to receive the Holy Spirit." {7}

Gumbel's Faulty Theology

Gumbel describes the Holy Spirit as a "Compelling Spirit". {8}
This description is very misleading. The Holy Spirit convicts, He never compels! (John 16:8).

..for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. (2 Timothy 1:7)
..and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets. (1 Corinthians 14:32).
God is not a God of disorder...1 Corinthians 14:33).

Gumbel on the gift of tongues: "You don't need to speak in tongues. It is not the most important gift. But tongues is a beginner's gift, and Alpha is a beginner's course in Christianity, so it would be wonderful if you tried.. They (tongues) take time to develop. Most of us start with a very limited vocabulary. It gradually develops. Tongues is like that. Don’t give up." {9}

Gumbel's description of the gift of tongues is inaccurate.

On the Day of Pentecost, no one had to "try" to speak in tongues; it was not something they needed to "learn" or "practice".

..they were all together in one place. (probably the hundred and twenty) (Acts 1:2,15).

And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:1-4).

Tongues is described by the Apostle Paul as a lesser gift than prophecy. (1 Corinthians 14:5; 12:28). Tongues are not a "beginners gift". Gumbel is full of these inconsistencies.

Before anyone accuses me of being a cessationist, I am not. I have personally received insights and revelations from the Lord, and I claim to have the gift of "discerning of spirits". (1 Corinthians 12:10). How ironic that "discerning of spirits", the most needed gift in these perilous times, is rejected by compromised churches when it disagrees with their ecumenical agenda. (2 Timothy 3:1)

Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. (2 Thessalonians 2:11-12).

ALPHA LEICESTER

https://www.facebook.com/pg/TLCBirstall/posts/

Below are some local churches in Leicester currently running Alpha. I have critiqued these churches previously due to their association with the heretical New Apostolic Reformation (NAR). (Jude 1:11).

Trinity Life Church Leicester https://www.facebook.com/pg/TLCBirstall/posts/
Kings Church Leicester https://www.kingschurchleicester.org/alpha/
All Nations Church Leicester https://www.ancl.co.uk/alpha/
Holy Trinity Church Leicester https://holytrinityleicester.org/who-we-are/why-jesus
St John's Church Clarendon Park https://www.sjbchurch.co.uk/alpha

1. https://www.alpha.org/nicky-gumbel/
2. https://kimolsen.net/2011/07/14/dangers-of-the-alpha-course/
3. https://rcdow.org.uk/att/files/faith/aff/alpha.pdf
4. http://www.thecounciloftrent.com/ch6.htm
5. Renewal magazine, May 1995, p15.
6. http://watchman4wales.blogspot.com/2013/
7. http://forum.ship-of-fools.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=70;t=023083
8. https://www.entegra.co.uk/alpha/Talk%206%20-¡%20How%20Does%20God%20Guide%20Us_Prison%20Script_1215.pdf..
9. Questions of Life, p147.

FURTHER LINKS

https://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=20704
http://www.banner.org.uk/misc/alpha.html
http://www.deceptioninthechurch.com/alpha.html
https://www.gotquestions.org/Alpha-Course.html
https://www.alpha.org/about/
http://www.spiritoferror.org/?s=new+apostolic+reformationhttps://
bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com/search/label/Trinity%20Life%20Church%20Leicesterhttps://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com/search/label/Holy%20Trinity%20Church

ANDY WOODS SUGAR LAND BIBLE CHURCH: THE PRE-TRIBULATION RAPTURE

Andy Woods Sugar Land Bible Church
7 Reasons To Trust The Pre-trib Rapture
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZBoSaG4-KY

In this video, Andy Woods, summarises various rapture views before moving on to his alleged seven reasons to trust the pre-trib rapture.

Andy Woods' argument: "..because the pre-trib rapture is constantly attacked is proof that it is true", is a logical fallacy. In that case, we might as well dismiss all strong opposition to false teaching. (Acts 20:28-30, Ephesians 5:11; 1 Timothy 1:3; Titus 1:13-14; 3:10).

Andy Woods' disparaging remarks about the prewrath rapture view are astonishing considering the murky history of the pre-trib theory. Pre-trib believers should acquaint themselves with certain embarrassing pre-trib facts before dismissing other views out of hand. Apart from lacking one single verse of scripture to verify it, the pre-trib rapture was provably unknown prior to the mid 1800s when cult leader and heretic John Nelson Darby brought it into focus. During the 20th century, the pre-trib theory was widely promoted by Cyrus Scofield via the Scofield Reference Bible. Scofield was a particularly unwholesome character, leaving in his trail a catalogue of misdemeanours and deceptions after his "conversion" to Christianity.

Below is an excerpt from the Topeka newspaper The Daily Capital dated 27th August 1881:

"Cyrus I. Schofield, formerly of Kansas, late lawyer, politician and shyster generally, has come to the surface again, and promises once more to gather around himself that halo of notoriety that has made him so prominent in the past.

The last personal knowledge that Kansans have had of this peer among scalawags, was when about four years ago, after a series of forgeries and confidence games he left the state and a destitute family and took refuge in Canada.

For a time he kept undercover, nothing being heard of him until within the past two years when he turned up in St. Louis, where he had a wealthy widowed sister living who has generally come to the front and squared up Cyrus’ little follies and foibles by paying good round sums of money.

Within the past year, however, Cyrus committed a series of St. Louis forgeries that could not be settled so easily, and the erratic young gentleman was compelled to linger in the St. Louis jail for a period of six months.

Among the many malicious acts that characterized his career, was one peculiarly atrocious, that has come under our personal notice. Shortly after he left Kansas, leaving his wife and two children dependent upon the bounty of his wife’s mother, he wrote his wife that he could invest some $1,300 of her mother’s money, all she had, in a manner that would return big interest.

After some correspondence he forwarded them a mortgage, signed and executed by one Chas. Best, purporting to convey valuable property in St. Louis. Upon this, the money was sent to him. Afterwards the mortgages were found to be base forgeries, no such person as Charles Best being in existence, and the property conveyed in the mortgage fictitious..” {1}

In more recent times, the pre-trib rapture has been promoted by Tim LaHaye and other cronies of false messiah Sun Myung Moon (Moonies). (See Further Links).

Thomas Ice gave prewrath the derisory label "three quarters rapture" in his flawed analysis of 2009. {2} In 2004, Ice scandalously distorted the Greek noun apostasia in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 as a "spacial departure" in a desperate attempt to make it fit the pre-trib rapture. However Ice was unable to provide evidence to back up his interpretation during a debate with Alan Kurschner in 2015. {3}
Also exposed by Alan Kurschner ~ Andy Woods' substandard research into apostasia. {4}

Andy Woods is one of many teachers that make the false assertion that God's wrath occurs during the entire 70th week of Daniel. The scriptures make a distinction between "birth pains" and "the day of wrath", i.e. the undiluted cup of His wrath. (Matthew 24:8 -9; Revelation 14:10). Technically, "the day of wrath" is a particular series of events that become imminent following the cosmic disturbances of Revelation 6:12-17. ..for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand? (Revelation 6:17 cf. Acts 2:20; Matthew 24:29. The phrase “the day of the Lord” also refers to this period of time and is often referred to by the OT prophets, e.g. Isaiah 2:12; 13:6, 9; Ezekiel 13:5, 30:3; Joel 1:15, 2:1,11,31; 3:14; Amos 5:18,20; Obadiah 15; Zephaniah 1:7,14; Zechariah 14:1; Malachi. 4:5).

Ellicott: "Against the day of wrath.—Strictly, in the day of wrath—i.e., wrath to be outpoured upon the day of wrath. “The great and terrible day of the Lord” is a conception running through all the prophetic writings. (Comp. also, in the New Testament, Luke 17:30; Acts 2:20; 1Corinthians 1:8; 1Corinthians 5:5; 2Corinthians 1:14; 1Thessalonians 5:2; 1Thessalonians 5:4; 2Thessalonians 2:2; 2Peter 3:10; 2Peter 3:12; Revelation 6:17; Revelation 16:14.)" {5}

Another fallacy is the argument that because "the church" is absent from Revelation 4–21, the rapture must occur prior to the 70th week of Daniel. Andy Woods calls this "the concept of the missing church". This is an astonishing assumption considering the various references to believers in these chapters. God's focus does come upon Israel during the 70th week. (Daniel 9:24). However, there is no evidence to suggest that the church is absent during that time.

In the New Testament, the word church (ekklēsia) applies to local congregations in many instances. (e.g. Matthew 18:17; Acts 8:1). The apostle Paul's letters are addressed to individual named churches. Acts 9:31 refers to "churches" (plural) in named geographic areas. Similarly, specific named churches (plural) are addressed at the beginning of the book of Revelation. (Revelation 1:11). Where the church is referred to in general terms, it often signifies the entire body of Christ, past, present and future. (Ephesians 3:21; 5:23,32; Revelation 22:16).

I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” (Revelation 22:16).

It is not common to find ekklēsia applied to the whole body of Christian believers in the New Testament. The absence of ekklēsia in Revelation chapters 4-21 is therefore consistent with the New Testament use of the term.

Revelation chapters 4-22 refers to believers in generic terms i.e. the churches are not broken down into their constituent parts as in Revelation chapters 1-3. The suggestion that "saints" or "bond servants" does not refer to "the church" in the book of Revelation is shamelessly dishonest. Numerous passages in the New Testament use both these expressions to define faithful members of the true church. Note: "bond servant", as found in the introductions to Romans, Philippians, Titus, James, and 2 Peter, applies to faithful believers cf. Philippians 2:7. Similarly in the book of Revelation, faithful believers are identified as "saints" i.e. they are ..those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus. (Revelation 14:12 cf. Colossians 1:2; Ephesians 1:1). The cost of their loyalty to Christ will be martyrdom in many cases. (Revelation 17:6 cf. Revelation 13:10).

In a worldly sense "the church" describes the whole of Christendom, whereas the whole of Christendom does not consist of faithful believers. During the great tribulation, the apostate church will doubtless be falsely known as "the church", since the religion of the Antichrist will be a form of counterfeit/perverted Christianity. Furthermore, it is likely that the true churches will be in disarray during the great tribulation due to the persecution of the Antichrist and the betrayal of apostate believers. (Matthew 24:10). In our own time we see this scenario developing with the decline of previously sound biblical churches and the rise of ecumenism.

Israel and the Church

According to Andy Woods the entire purpose of the "seven year tribulation" is to shatter the holy people i.e. Israel. (Jeremiah 30:7; Daniel 9:24). He partially quotes Daniel 9:24:

“Seventy weeks are decreed about your people and your holy city.. 

Incredibly, he fails to quote the remainder of Daniel 9:24: ..to finish the transgression, to put an end to sin, and to atone for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness.

Furthermore, the "birth pains" described by Jesus occur globally (all nations/various places). (Matthew 24:5-8). Specific tribulation, in the shape of the Antichrist's persecution, comes upon Israel at the mid point of the "week". This three and a half year period is in fact the great tribulation referred to by Jesus Christ. (Matthew 24:21). Andy Woods quotes Daniel 12:7, a pivotal verse that confirms the 3.5 year time frame i.e. time, times, and half a time.

And I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream; he raised his right hand and his left hand toward heaven and swore by him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and half a time, and that when the shattering of the power of the holy people comes to an end all these things would be finished. (Daniel 12:7).

2 Thessalonians 2:1-4 is a critical passage confirming that two events must occur before the Parousia i.e .the second coming of Jesus Christ and the rapture:

Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together (episunagōgēs) to him, we ask you, brothers, not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by a spirit or a spoken word, or a letter seeming to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. (2 Thessalonians 2:1-4).

The coming of our Lord Jesus and the rapture (episunagōgēs) are closely related in 2 Thessalonians 2:1, clearly indicating a late rapture. ..that day, the day of the Lord i.e. the wrath of God, will not occur until after the mid point of the "week" when the Antichrist is "revealed". Also note Paul's warning "Let no one deceive you in any way" concerning "that day".

Andy Woods poses the question: "Why would the church be here, we have no need of that? We are already in faith. We have already acknowledged Jesus, Israel is yet to do that.." (7:00 mark) This is to limit the church to "us".

My Question: Does Jesus retrieve an incomplete bride at the rapture?

In his Jewish marriage analogy below, Andy Woods teaches that Jesus returns at the beginning of the seventieth week of Daniel to retrieve his bride, the church. However, his analogy fails because the bride is incomplete at that point.

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

The scriptures demonstrate that the cosmic disturbances of Revelation 6:12-14 mark the end of the great tribulation, and that the church appears complete and in heaven before the onset of the day of the Lord.

After this I looked and saw a multitude too large to count, from every nation and tribe and people and tongue, standing before the throne and before the Lamb...
Then one of the elders addressed me: “These in white robes,” he asked, “who are they, and where have they come from?”
“Sir,” I answered, “you know.”
So he replied, “These are the ones who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. (Revelation 7:9-14). 

During the day of the Lord, people do not repent. (Revelation 9:20-21; 16:9-11). It is reasonable to conclude from these events that the rapture occurs at some point between the sixth and seventh seal of Revelation.

Jesus addresses His disciples i.e. the church, and warns them that they will enter the great tribulation:

“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24: 9-14,21).

Revelation 12:17 identifies "the rest of her offspring" as Christians:

And when the dragon saw that he had been thrown down to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child. But the woman was given the two wings of the great eagle so that she might fly from the serpent into the wilderness, to the place where she is to be nourished for a time, and times, and half a time. The serpent poured water like a river out of his mouth after the woman, to sweep her away with a flood. But the earth came to the help of the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed the river that the dragon had poured from his mouth. Then the dragon became furious with the woman and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. And he stood on the sand of the sea. (Revelation 12:13-17).

Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation, and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain. If anyone has an ear, let him hear: (Revelation 13:7-9).

Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus. And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!” (Revelation 14:12-13).

There is no evidence to suggest a massive revival during the great tribulation as some teach. Nevertheless there are opportunities to repent and potential conversions:

And at that hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the rest were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven. (Revelation 11:13).

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.” (Revelation 14:6-7).

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

Once Again, Andy Woods quotes half a verse in a miserable attempt to prove that that church are in heaven during the great tribulation! He teaches that the seven lampstands i.e. the seven churches in Revelation 1:20, are the seven lamps burning before God in Revelation 4:5. (12:00 mark). He fails to quote the second half of Revelation 4:5, which states unequivocally that the seven lamps in Revelation 4:5 are in fact the seven spirits of God:

From the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder, and before the throne were burning seven torches of fire, which are the seven spirits of God, (Revelation 4:5).

Some view the various rapture differences as an in-house debate lacking real importance. I differ with that analysis due to the severe warnings given in the scriptures, and in particular, the book of Revelation. Why is it that so many scriptural evidences for the church's presence on earth during the great tribulation are blatantly mistaught and disregarded? Those teaching the pre-trib rapture put many believers at serious risk of falling away during the great tribulation. (Matthew 24:10-11). They compound their error when they teach pre-trib in tandem with "eternal security". (2 Timothy 4:3). He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.’ (Revelation 2:11).

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

1. http://poweredbychrist.homestead.com/files/cyrus/scofield.htm
2. https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1042&context=pretrib_arch
3. https://www.alankurschner.com/2018/04/12/the-transcript-of-my-2015-debate-with-taomas-ice-is-now-available/
4. https://www.alankurschner.com/2017/12/02/a-reply-to-andy-woods-on-apostasia-is-the-rapture-ep-104/
5. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/ellicott/romans/2.htm

Further Links:

Darby's Deadly Doctrine
http://freestockphotos.com/COMING1/DarbysInvention.htm
CI Scofield's Hidden Side by Dave MacPherson
https://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com/2017/07/ci-scofields-hidden-side-by-dave.html
The Seven Year Pre-tribulation Rapture Deception: Chuck Missler And The Berean Call
https://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com/2015/10/the-seven-year-pre-tribulation-rapture.html
Chuck Missler and Friends - Council For National Policy
https://youtu.be/IQ1WQQv1e3o
A Reply to Andy Woods on ‘APOSTASIA Is the Rapture’
https://www.alankurschner.com/2017/12/02/a-reply-to-andy-woods-on-apostasia-is-the-rapture-ep-104
God has worked with Israel and the church at the same time in the past..
https://www.alankurschner.com/2017/06/26/god-has-worked-with-israel-and-the-church-at-the-same-time-in-the-past/
Does the Absence of the Word ‘Church’ (Ekklēsia) in Revelation 4–21 Support a Pretribulation Rapture?
https://www.alankurschner.com/2017/01/20/does-the-absence-of-the-word-church-ekklesia-in-revelation-4-21-support-a-pretribulation-rapture-ep-75/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
The Biblical Defense for the Prewrath Rapture of the Church v=QL5hQLCYPXk&list=PLaVrnyfOkO2GaQr1amD55vigrWuRivHuP&index=2&t=0s

DAVE BORLASE (INTERCESSORS FOR BRITAIN) AND HIS ECUMENICAL FRIENDS!

For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14).

The ecumenical background of HEART Publications:

HEART Publications support and promote a number of "good causes". For instance, they tackle issues like poverty, abortion, anti-Semitism, gay marriage etc. HEART have all the appearance of godliness, and yet they and their associates undermine the very root of the gospel due to the defiling root of ecumenism. (2 Timothy 3:5; Psalm 11:3; Hebrews 12:15).



Vision: "To see local Christians unified and strengthened, sharing information and building trust across churches by providing a meeting place, a marketplace and forum for the local Christian community. To inform and stimulate concern about local and national issues relevant to our society." {1}

Melanie Symonds is the editor and publisher of Heart Publications. Interestingly, Melanie Symonds was previously Teacher in charge of German at St Philip Howard Catholic High School from 1999 - 2010. {2}

"HEART started in autumn 2007 after Melanie turned her back on a career as a languages teacher." {3}

HEART Publications Supporting Churches{4}include:

Our Lady of Sorrows Church - Roman Catholic. {5}
St Mary's Church Walberton - Anglican Ecumenical. {6}
Battle Baptist Church - affiliated with the ecumenical Baptist Union of Great Britain. {7}
St Barnabus Church Bexhill on Sea (ecumenical) is a Partner Church with HEART. {8}

Clifford Hill

Ecumenist and false prophet Clifford Hill is seriously involved with HEART Publications. Hill is the Founder and the current Editor in Chief of Prophecy Today UK and he is also the Director of Issachar Ministries.

HEART Publications: "The paper also benefits from regular ‘prophetic’ articles on the state of the nation from Rev Dr Clifford Hill, a respected national minister who has joined the council of reference which helps oversee the paper." {9}

* Clifford Hill's false prophecy of "revival" - 28th March 2008: London Night of Prayer Excel Centre East London: "Behold I will do a new thing. (Isaiah 43:19). Within four years God will do this .. it is as soon as that. ..there will be a move of God by the time the Olympics come to London. We will begin to see a real move of the Holy Spirit around that time, and what a witness to the world that will be." {10}

* Clifford Hill - 4th October 2008: "Judgement day has come upon the economy.."

Hill recounts a prophecy he gave at the Pavilion Bath in 1984: "Repentance and turning within three years.. I give you three years to get your house in order or judgement will fall upon this nation.."  {11) 

* Clifford Hill - February 2015: The Spiritual State of the Nation - Churches Together in England
Churches Together is ecumenical.

"Issachar Comments Papers
Expounding biblical concepts on the world scene today
SAVING THE CHURCH
Francis and Justin
Great expectations surround the appointment of new leaders to the two largest Christian churches. A new Pope to lead the worldwide Roman Catholic Church and a new Archbishop of Canterbury to lead the worldwide Anglican Communion is giving hope to millions of Christians that this may be a turning point in history. For half a century the churches have been in decline throughout the Western nations, battling against the onslaught of secularism from outside and the growth of corrupting forces from inside." {12} 

Pope Francis greets Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby during a private audience at the Vatican October 27, 2017. Photo: CNS/L'Osservatore Romano

Clifford Hill's close friend and "prophet" David Noakes.

I have previously noted the questionable nature of David Noakes' first person prophesies.

Noakes: "I call upon you who are faithful to stand firm and to persevere in prayer that the work which I have begun will proceed to the conclusion which I have purposed.." {13} The "faithful" that David Noakes refers to are ecumenical. As such they are neither faithful or comparable to the "good figs" of Jeremiah 24 as he claims! The seriousness of yoking oneself with the works gospel of the RC church is inestimable. (2 Corinthians 11:4; Mark 7:9).

Both Hill and Noakes are involved with the ecumenical pro-Israel monastic order, The Sisterhood of Mary. {14}

Jacob Prasch Moriel Ministries

Be wary of false teacher Jacob Prasch (Moriel Ministries)! Prasch claims to be against ecumenism, and yet he is also associated with HEART Publications, Clifford Hill and David Noakes. {15}

Prasch: "Like Stephen Gardner (Trumpet Sounds for Britain), David Forbes, and Dennis Clark who are now also with The Lord, and yourself, Clifford Hill, and David Noakes - Stuart was a voice to this formerly Christian nation and the remains of its faithful church." {16}

Prasch's reference to Stephen Gardner (Trumpet Sounds for Britain) is incorrect. David E Gardner wrote the book The Trumpet Sounds for Britain. Prasch's reference to Stuart Doole is also incorrect. Stewart Dool was the former Director of Intercessors for Britain. I will come back to Dool later.

In 2003, David E Gardner bemoaned the fact that the Coronation Oath had been violated. Gardner made much of the significance of this ritual as if it were somehow relevant to bible believing Christians. {17} In 1946 Queen Elizabeth (then Princess Elizabeth) was initiated as a Welsh Bard (Druid) -  how is that compatible with Christianity? {18} Biblically, the Coronation Oath has nothing whatsoever to do with Christianity! The New Testament says that oath taking is wicked: Do not take an oath at all.. Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil. Matthew 5:35-37).

Prasch endorses David Noakes as a "valid prophetic voice".

PROPHECY GIVEN BY DAVID NOAKES AT MORIEL CONFERENCE 'NEW BEGINNINGS' 1ST NOVEMBER 1997. {19}

Noakes was a speaker Moriel's Scottish Conference at Gartmore House in November 2018.

Prasch supporters Amos Farrell (Genesis Christian Radio) and Pentecostal minister Ian Huxham (Evangel Church Sidmouth) are also part of the ecumenical clique associated with HEART. {20}

Intercessors for Britain

I was unaware until recently that Dave Borlase (Intercessors for Britain {IFB}) is also involved with HEART Publications. Borlase recently managed to get on the wrong side of Jacob Prasch due to his refusal to comply with Prasch's demands to take down David Nathan (Bread of Life Ministries). I was sympathetic with Borlase initially, and I would have supported him. However, as things stand, I cannot possibly support someone who is involved with the wicked infestation of ecumenism clearly evident within HEART Publications.

Below Borlase's false comparison between Britain and Israel:

"I am reminded that after the children of Israel had been released from Egypt, Pharaoh and his servants had a change of heart. Egypt gave pursuit and suddenly the Israelites found they were left with nowhere to turn. With the Red Sea before them and the power of Egypt behind them, they turned on Moses and wanted to go back under the power they had been delivered from. However, Moses said to the people, “Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the Lord”. Then the Lord said to Moses, “Tell the sons of Israel to go forward”. (Exodus 14). The way forward may seem unclear to us, but we know for sure that God will direct our paths if we seek his direction. Whatever people say and do in the coming days, let us pray for God’s direction and for his decision, expressed through the Leave vote, to stand." {21}

Ray Borlase (Dave Borlase's father and founder of Intercessors for Britain) is a contributor to Christians Together, part of the ecumenical Churches Together Group. {22}
IFB also participated in Hope 2008 which was ecumenical.

Some thoughts from a former IFB member:

"Why should we storm the heavenlies praying for our useless humanistic government when we could be praying for our church?
I read a book written by a similar organisation in Sweden, intercessors for Sweden. They believed very strongly that Christians should take their nation for Christ. If we seek to become like the church in the New Testament we must accept that that is not a Biblical precedent, that is not what happened in Biblical times. The New Testament church did not take the nation of Israel for Christ. They preached the gospel. They went to prison. Many of them died. A lot of Intercessors for Britain theology is based on verses in the Old Testament about God's judgement coming on Israel. God looked for a man who would stand in the gap, but he found none, so judgement came. We were invited to stand in the gap, we could be that man, we could stop God's judgement coming on our nation. Another favourite verse was, 'If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and seek my face and repent of their sin, then will I hear from Heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.' I would have to differ with the popular interpretation of that verse. The people of Britain are not the people of God. We cannot pray for them as if they are. We cannot repent of their sins on their behalf and demand God's judgement not to come on them. The last forty years of prayer have made no difference to the United Kingdom. There is no hope of the abortion act ever being repealed, and abortion is becoming more common every day. The homosexuals have won, there can be no hope of doing anything to hold back their march for freedom now, and we are simply picking up the pieces and begging the politicians to give churches a few concessions so that the persecution of Christians under these laws will not be quite so severe.." {23}

Stewart Dool

Christians Together: "This prophetic word was received by the late Stewart Dool (who headed up Intercessors for Britain) in the week 23-27 July 2007." {24}

Below are some excerpts from Dool's 2007 first person prophecy.

To the church and the nation of Britain.
I am about to send fire upon you, the fire of My judgment, and it will consume on the right and on the left. All who have spurned My ways and My words will reap what they have sown, for in My burning anger I will judge the gods in whom you have put your trust, the gods of materialism and covetousness. The gold and the silver will be taken from you, and your portion will be emptiness, desolation and vanity.

I will bring the stability of your currency into doubt, to show you that it is I alone who caused you to prosper in the past. I raised you to prominence among the nations and gave you authority over many peoples: so you became rich, and boasted in your wealth, but I will bring you low, and the nations over whom you once ruled will say “What has happened to this great nation?”
My displeasure will be visited upon your Government, for those who rule over you have become offensive to Me, as they have set aside My laws and My statutes, exalting the wicked and despising My holy name. You have not abhorred bloodshed, therefore the blood of your sons and daughters will lie in your streets, until you learn that as the cry of the unborn calls to me for vengeance, so I shall require it of you.

Dool's full prophecy can be found on the link below:
https://www.christianstogether.net/Articles/91474/Christians_Together_in/Christian_
Life/Is_there_any/To_the_church.aspx

According to Christians Together, Dool's "word" was "weighed and tested by others in senior positions of ministry." I submit that since it was not feasible to test Dool's "word" by the scriptures, it was impossible to weigh and test his prophecy. However, in hindsight, thirteen years later, the events that Dool prophesied as imminent ("I am about to send fire upon you") HAVE NOT come to pass!

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 18:21-22)

There is no reason why God should extend special mercy and exempt Britain from the relentless evil that is coming upon the whole world, culminating in the man of sin, the Antichrist! (Revelation 3:10). These ecumenical leaders do not represent true Christianity in Britain. Brexit or no Brexit, Britain is a godless nation.

Further Reading:

http://ukapologeticslibrary.net/ecumenists-clifford-hill-david-noakes-moggerhanger-park/
https://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com/search?q=clifford+hill

https://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com/search?q=intercessors+for+britain

1. https://www.heartpublications.co.uk/our-vision/
2. https://uk.linkedin.com/in/melanie-symonds-12798341
3. https://www.heartpublications.co.uk/about-us/
4. https://www.heartpublications.co.uk/supporting-churches/
5. https://www.bognorcatholicparish.co.uk/
6. https://www.stmaryswalberton.org.uk/
7. https://www.baptist.org.uk/Groups/223404/Ecumenical_Relationships.aspx
8. https://www.heartpublications.co.uk/st-barnabas-bexhill-on-sea/
9. https://www.heartpublications.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/CHURCH-SUPPORT-PACK-June-2019.pdf
10. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEZF60UvZ6E
11. https://vimeopro.com/highwaysolutions/issachar-ministries-uk-and-prophecy-today/video/83639452
12. http://www.issacharministries.co.uk/images/april2013.pdf
13. https://www.prophecytoday.uk/comment/editorial/item/496-a-prophetic-word-to-britain.html
14. https://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com/2018/09/
15. https://www.heartpublications.co.uk/a-call-to-the-remnant-church/
16. https://www.facebook.com/MorielTV/posts/a-letter-from-jacob-prasch-moriel-to-ray-borlase-ifb-concerning-ifbs-social-medi/2155463961438683/
17. https://www.timefortruth.co.uk/content/pages/documents/1467558300.pdf
18. https://www.britishpathe.com/video/princess-a-welsh-bard
19. http://www.liederschatz.net/prophecies/noakes.pdf
20. https://www.heartpublications.co.uk/then-god-said-let-there-be-genesis-radio/
20. https://www.heartpublications.co.uk/redigging-the-wells-bible-week/
21. https://www.heartpublications.co.uk/the-battle-is-fierce/
22. https://www.christianstogether.net/mobile/default.aspx?group_id=169117&article_id=274764
23. https://www.abctales.com/story/mallisle/real-prayer-and-intercession
24. https://www.christianstogether.net/Articles/91474/Christians_Together_in/Christian_
Life/Is_there_any/To_the_church.aspx

BILL JOHNSON: EUROPEAN LEADERS ALLIANCE BRADFORD JULY 2019

European Leaders Alliance - 29-31 July 2019
https://www.europeanleadersalliance.org/#speakers

The New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) is a controversial movement that is historically associated with Pentecostalism and the Charismatic movement, having its roots in the Pentecostal movement of the 1900s and the Charismatic movements of the 1960s and 1980s. {1} Though there is some overlap, the NAR is a movement that seeks to establish a fifth branch within Christendom, as distinct from Roman Catholicism, Protestantism, Eastern Orthodoxy and Oriental Orthodoxy. The NAR seeks to reinstate what they term as the "lost offices" of apostles and prophets to church governance. The rapid global expansion of the NAR is mainly due to covert infiltration and assimilation of various unsuspecting congregations. Bill Johnson is a leading figure within this counterfeit movement and is widely touted as an Apostle. Johnson will be the speaking at the above event along with "apostolic couple" Tim and Sue Eldridge, and "Prophet" Graham Cooke.

Bill Johnson's Questionable Relationship With Truth

In 2016 Bill Johnson distanced himself from the NAR, stating that Bethel church "..does not have any official ties to the NAR.. I'm not completely clear on what it is.” {2}

Johnson's statement above is typical of the duplicity demonstrated by the leadership of Bethel Church in Redding CA - his involvement within this movement is undeniable. Johnson was recognised as an "Apostle" by NAR founder and "Super-Apostle" C Peter Wagner (2 Corinthians 11:5, 12:11). Furthermore Johnson embraces core NAR teachings and has close ties with various other NAR false teachers.

In an interview, Bill Johnson claimed that neither he nor Bethel encourages the occult practice known as "grave sucking" aka "grave soaking", i.e. the practice of lying on the grave of a deceased "Christian" leader in order to "soak up" their anointing. Nevertheless Johnson's wife Beni and members of Bethel's affiliate Jesus Culture openly practice this particular form of necrophilia. In fact Johnson himself visited the grave of Smith Wigglesworth in England with a group of Bethel students a few years ago. Beni Johnson is more forthcoming: "Grave-sucking is what I do". {3}

When they are not busy opening portals, conjuring angel orbs, attempting to walk through walls, making fire tunnels etc. {4} students of the Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry, dubbed “Christian Hogwarts”, visit the graves of various heretics such as:

Smith Wigglesworth
John Alexander Dowie
John G. Lake
Kathryn Kulhman
Charles C. Finney
Aimee Semple McPherson
C.S. Lewis

Johnson: "There are anointings, mantles, revelations and mysteries that have lain unclaimed, literally where they were left, because the generation that walked in them never passed them on. I believe it’s possible for us to recover realms of anointing, realms of insight, realms of God that have been untended for decades simply by choosing to reclaim them and perpetuate them for future generations."  {5}

The only requirement necessary in the New Testament is for believers to receive the Holy Spirit. (John 20:22; Acts 8:15). It is the Holy Spirit who distributes various gifts and ministries: All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills. (1 Corinthians 12:11). The New Testament does not support grave sucking or the supposed anointing of deceased believers. (1 Corinthians 4:6). Mediums and necromancers are equally condemned in the Old Testament. (Leviticus 20:27).

Bethel's Senior Associate Leader, Kris Vallotton, originally condemned Christalignment Destiny Cards aka Christian tarot cards as "insane". {6} However, Vallotton rapidly withdrew his criticism and issued the following statement: "Christalignment is not formally affiliated with Bethel. We do, however, have a value for what they are seeking to accomplish." {7}  Not "formally affiliated" perhaps, but Christalignment is in fact Bethel approved, and despite their conflicting statements, the dots connect. Ben Fitzgerald is the leader of Awakening Europe and GODfest Ministries. {8} He is also the Director of Awakening Austrialia of which Christalignment is a supporting ministry. {9} In 2018, Awakening Australia featured Bill Johnson as a speaker. {10} Fitzgerald is actually the son of Christalignment leaders Ken and Jen Hodge. Ben Fitzgerald was "knighted" by Bill Johnson and Kris Vallotton at one of their bizarre occult rites. {11}

Awakening Europe, put on by GODfest, is honestly going to release a shaking throughout all over Europe. These guys carry such a strong, but practical evangelistic anointing. I believe these events are going to be life changing, not just for those who attend, but honestly shaking the entire continent of Europe.

- Bill Johnson
Senior Pastor, Bethel Church - Author When Heaven Invades Earth
Redding, California  {12}

The following statement from Bethel's website encapsulates Dominion Theology, the lethal eschatological error of the NAR:

"A Glorious Bride
Christ is returning for a glorious overcoming bride - His Church. We are sons and daughters of the King, more than “sinners saved by grace.” We aim to fulfill the Great Commission and steward revival to the next generation. We embrace the biblical government of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers." {13}

The false premise that present-day apostles and prophets must hold formal offices of governance in the church, ahead of pastors and elders, is antithetical to the scriptures. NAR leaders claim that their apostles and prophets have extraordinary authority, on a par with New Testament apostles and Old Testament prophets. However, they will not be held to the same accountability since they allow for prophetic inaccuracies. (Deuteronomy 18:20-22; Jeremiah 28:9; Ezekiel 33:33). The NT makes no mention of the formal office of Apostle or Prophet, rather, an apostle is simply a missionary or a church planter, and the gift of prophecy is one of various gifts Paul listed for the common good. (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). The insistence that local pastors and elders must submit to the extraordinary authority of NAR apostles and prophets is completely out of sync with the New Testament. Within the NAR, individual "apostles" claiming to act on behalf of the "global church", have authority over their own network of churches and ministries, sometimes numbering into the hundreds. This contradicts the biblical model of church structure as laid down in the NT. Paul instructed Titus to ..appoint elders in every town as I directed you. (Titus 1:5; cf. Acts 14:23). In the New Testament, individual churches are autonomous congregations with their own local overseers directing their specific affairs. In fact NAR apostles and prophets literally hijack churches and overrule pastors/elders because of their presumptuous claims to receive direct revelation from God, albeit that those revelations are frequently inaccurate.

Johnson: “None of us has a full grasp of Scripture, but we all have the Holy Spirit. He is our common denominator who will always lead us into truth. But to follow Him, we must be willing to follow off the map—to go beyond what we know.” {14}

Johnson: “Jesus did not say, ‘My sheep will know my book.’ It is His voice that we are to know. Why the distinction? Because anyone can know the Bible as a book – the devil himself knows and quotes the Scriptures. But only those whose lives are dependent on the person of the Holy Spirit will consistently recognize His voice. This is not to say that the Bible has little or no importance. Quite the opposite is true. The Bible is the Word of God, and scripture will always confirm His voice. That voice gives impact to what is in print.." {15}

The above statement is a contradiction in terms. If the scriptures "always confirm His voice", then why are NAR apostles and prophets at variance with biblical eschatology and prophecy? The scriptures know nothing of Dominion Theology, in fact they teach the exact opposite:

3As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” 4And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. 5For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. 6And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. 7For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8All these are but the beginning of the birth pains. 9“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. 10And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. 11And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. 12And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. 13But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 14And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.. 21For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. 22And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. (Matthew 24:3-21; cf. Luke 21:10-11).

Johnson describes the scriptures on their own as dead words, and he makes the distinction between the written word (logos), and a spoken word (rhema). However, rhema and logos are synonymous in the scriptures. For instance when discussing spiritual gifts, the Apostle Paul used logos to describe the utterance of wisdom, and the utterance of knowledge. (1 Corinthians 12:8). If a so called "rhema word" conflicts with the written word, then it must be dismissed as false. (1 John 4:1). It may be that many unregenerate people can and do know the scriptures objectively. However His sheep are believers who are indwelt by the Holy Spirit and recognise the scriptures as His inspired Word. (John 10:14). The Word of God and the Holy Spirit are never contradictory, and yet all too frequently NAR apostles and prophets do contradict the scriptures and go beyond what is written. (1 Corinthians 4:6).

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12).

For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds. (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Apostolic_Reformation#Beliefs
2. https://churchwatchcentral.com/2018/07/30/nar-recognize-bill-johnson-randy-clark-as-their-own-apostles-part-2/

3. https://churchwatchcentral.com/2018/09/16/charisma-magazine-reports-on-why-bill-johnson-didnt-immediately-shut-down-grave-sucking/

4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kY6AJOEWdcQ
5. The Physics of Heaven
6. http://www.piratechristian.com/museum-of-idolatry/2019/2/christalignment-bethel-fortune-telling-new-age-naked-with-jesus-extravaganza
7. https://www.bethel.com/about/christalignment/
8. https://www.awakeningeurope.com/godfest-team/ben-fitzgerald
9. https://www.awakeningaustralia.org/supporting-ministries
10. https://www.awakeningaustralia.org/#program
11. https://ratherexposethem.blogspot.com/2017_12_17_archive.html
12. https://www.awakeningeurope.com/about

13. http://bethelredding.com/about/our-mission

14. Bill Johnson, When Heaven Invades Earth-A Practical Guide to a Life of Miracles

15. Bill Johnson, When Heaven Invades Earth-Destiny Image, 2003, p. 84