EMMA STARK'S APPALLING DISTORTION OF GENESIS 2

"Interview with Emma Stark" | Warrior Women | Ep. 7 - YouTube

Emma Stark's failed attempt to elevate women into "warriors" by eisegesis. (from the 20:00 mark) 

 

Emma Stark issues a scriptural challenge regarding the creation of Eve in Genesis 2:22. 

Emma Stark: "I am going to challenge some of your scripturally. It says nowhere in the original text, the word 'rib'. The word 'rib' is not there, and yet we have that God took a portion of his rib, that is not accurate.. Actually in the Hebrew it means God took half of him.. literally God cut the man in half. Get away from any thought that God took a little portion of him. God cut the man in half. After that God imaged Himself male and female..  so if I am, or if we are, to be the full image of God, it is in both male and female in their place. I am not a small portion, I am not a small part, we are half and half reflecting the image of God."

Then the LORD God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit fore him.” Now out of the ground the LORD God had formed every beast of the field and every bird of the heavens and brought them to the man to see what he would call them. And whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all livestock and to the birds of the heavens and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper fit for him. So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the LORD God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” (Genesis 2:18-23).

The exact procedure employed by God is not described in the passage. A literal translation of אַחַת֙ מִצַּלְעֹתָ֔יו is: “{God} took one from his side and closed up the flesh in its place” without specifying what exactly God took one of. Translators invariably insert the word “rib” because this seems to be the most likely object the text is referring to. Verse 23 says that God closed up its place with flesh. (closed up the flesh instead thereof - KJV) This phrase does not accommodate the idea that God literally cut Adam in half. The clear implication is that God closed up the place where He had removed the portion of material from the side of Adam in order to make Eve. ALL the commentaries I have read take this to be the case. 

Keil and Delitzsch:"צלע means the side, and, as a portion of the human body, the rib. The correctness of this meaning, which is given by all the ancient versions, is evident from the words, "God took one of his צלעות," which show that the man had several of them. "And closed up flesh in the place thereof;" i.e., closed the gap which had been made, with flesh which He put in the place of the rib." {1} 

Adam Clarke: "..some part of man was to be used on the occasion, whether bone or flesh it matters not; though it is likely, from verse Genesis 2:23, that a part of both was taken; for Adam, knowing how the woman was formed, said, This is flesh of my flesh, and bone of my bone." {2} 

Emma Stark digs a deeper hole.. 

Emma Stark: "The word 'helper' is also problematically translated. Now interestingly the more accurate translation, which you then see. particularly in the book of Joshua.. the better translation of that word is warrior and protector. 'And God says it is not good for man to be alone, I will give him a warrior, I will give him a protector, I will give him a restrainer' is the other portion of that word." Actually help-mate and helper has practically nothing to do with it.."

The LORD God also said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make for him a suitable helper (ezer kenegdo).” And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and He brought them to the man to see what he would name each one. And whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all the livestock, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field. But for Adam no suitable helper was found. Genesis 2:18-20).

We cannot get away from the fact that ezer is help. 

The original wording in Genesis 2:18 to describe Eve is ezer kenegdo (עזר כנגדו)  All the lexicons are unequivocal, Hebrew עֵזֶר ezer is help/helper as in Ebenezer (1 Samuel 7:12). According to Strong's, kenegdo comes from the word neḡeḏ which is a difficult word to translate. Brown Driver Briggs: kenegdo  ~preposition in front of, in sight of, opposite to.. {3} Literally, Eve was a helper, as over against him, or corresponding to him. According to Hebrew scholars, ezer is a neutral term that does not imply subordination. The Genesis 2 description suggests equality, and words with subordinate overtones like "assistant"  are alien to the passage. I am convinced that gender roles were not even remotely an issue prior to the fall. Adam and Eve were in perfect harmony at that stage and the passage suggests the idea of complementarianism. What is beyond dispute is that it is not possible to give Eve divine attributes, or to translate ezer kenegdo out of context as "warrior redeemer and rescuer".

Strongs: "ezer: a help, helper" 

Brown Driver Briggs: I. עֵ֫זֶר noun masculine Psalm 121:1 help, succour; — ׳ע absolute Genesis 2:18 +, suffix עֶזְרִי Exodus 18:4, עֶזְרֹה Ezekiel 12:14, etc.; —

1 help, succour Isaiah 30:5 ("" הוֺעִיל, opposed to בּשֶׁת, חֶרְמָּה), Daniel 11:34; from ׳י Psalm 20:3; Psalm 121:1; Psalm 121:2; Psalm 124:8; in Psalm 89:20 read נֵזֶר for ׳ע Dy Gr Kau (עֹז Bi Che), compare Hup; מָגֵן עֶזְר֑ךָ Deuteronomy 33:29 (= ׳י).

2 concrete = one who helps (compare 1. עֶזְרָה 2) ׳בְּע (בְּ essent., see ב 17b, Ges§ 119 h, i) Genesis 2:18,20; (J) + Hosea 13:9 (read ׳מִי בְע Che We GuKau Now); collective (without בְּ Ezekiel 12:14 (si vera lectio; Co עֹזְרָיו); especially of ׳מִצָּרָיו י ׳ע Deuteronomy 33:7 (poem), ׳ע + מָגֵן Psalm 33:20; Psalm 115:9; Psalm 115:10; Psalm 115:11, + מְפַלֵּט Psalm 70:6; ׳בְּע (see above) Exodus 18:4 (E), Deuteronomy 33:26 (poem), Psalm 146:4. {4}

Emma Stark produces examples from the Psalms in order to demonstrate that Eve functions as Adam's "warrior, redeemer and rescuer" (e.g. Psalm 33:20; Psalm 70:5; Psalm 115:9; Psalm 118:6). I don't think she has heard of context!  

The apostle Paul describes God as his "helper" (Greek ~βοηθός). So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” (Hebrews13:6 cf. Psalm 118:6). The context of "helper" this New Testament verse applies exclusively to God Himself; it is clearly a different kind of "help" that is received from any human agency. (Isaiah 48:11). 

Ezekiel 12: And I will scatter toward every wind all who are around him, his helpers (ezer) and all his troops, and I will unsheathe the sword after them.(Ezekiel 12:14). This verse refers to King Zedekiah and the Babylonian captivity. These "helpers" are Zedekiah's aids who no doubt supported him in various ways. However, it is illegitimate to refer to them as his warriors, redeemers and rescuers. In fact Zedekiah died in Babylon in prison in terrible circumstances. (Jeremiah 52:11).

Blurring the line between headship and leadership 

Emma Stark: "In the Psalms, 'God is my helper in terms of my warrior, redeemer and rescuer.. in the mistranslation from Genesis we have underplayed the place of warrior women who are there beside men to be equal reflectors of the image of God in their ? unique ways...  My strength is in leadership and even as my head blesses me in that strength.. and we talk headship and leadership and knowing the differences.."    

But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God. (1 Corinthians 11:3 cf. Ephesians 5:23).

Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach.. (1 Timothy 3:2-4 cf. Acts 6:3).

Since Genesis 2 occurred pre-fall, there would be no occasion for Adam to require a "warrior, redeemer and rescuer". Post-fall, the roles of Adam and Eve changed significantly. (Genesis 3:16-20). Emma Stark takes one isolated verse of scripture and proceeds to further isolate one word within that verse (ezer), which she mistranslates and takes completely out of context. She fails to compare scripture with scripture, and she pays no attention at all to Paul's instruction regarding the roles of men and women. (1 Timothy 2:11-15). Judges 4 demonstrates that occasionally women are legitimately called to take on a role that appears to be outside God's stated patriarchal order. However, when that occurs it is a serious indictment against weak men! (Judges 4:8). There seems to be two extremes within the church: 1 - women who are sickeningly subservient, and 2 - women who presume to take on roles of leadership that are equivalent to/or above men. In my view both extremes are unscriptural. 

1. Genesis 2:18 Commentaries: Then the LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him." (biblehub.com)

2. Genesis 2 Clarke's Commentary (biblehub.com)

3. Strong's Hebrew: 5048. נֶ֫גֶד (neged) -- in front of, in sight of, opposite to (biblehub.com) 

4. Strong's Hebrew: 5828. עֵ֫זֶר (ezer) -- a help, 

Further Link:

Ezer Kenegdo in Genesis 2:18- A Power Equal To Him?: https://youtu.be/Yf1IekUt0jI

EMMA STARK'S ALLEGED THRONE ROOM ENCOUNTER!

(1) What Is Next For The Church? - Mark Pugh and Special Guests - YouTube

The above video was posted by Elim Pentecostal Churches in 2020. At the 35:00 mark, host Mark Pugh asks "prophets" Emma Stark, Simon Braker, James Aladiran and Rachel Hickson: "What God may be saying to leaders at this time."  What follows from Emma Stark is an explicit first person "thus saith the Lord" prophecy complete with alleged throne room encounter. 

Emma Stark's claim that she is often "taken up" to the throne room of God in itself should raise a red flag. Such events are exceptional in the scriptures. The apostle Paul was extremely reticent about his experience and was reluctant to even name himself . Paul heard things in paradise that he was not permitted to repeat!

And I know that this man was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter. (2 Corinthians 12:3-4).

John, the author of Revelation, gives a detailed description of heaven in Revelation 4:1-11.

And he who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald. (Revelation 4:3).

Barnes: "Was in appearance; or, as I looked upon him, this seemed to be his appearance. He does not describe his form, but his splendor.. it is well adapted to impress the mind with a sense of the majesty of Him who cannot be described, and of whom no image should be attempted. Compare Deuteronomy 4:12; 'Ye heard the voice of the words, but saw no similitude'." {1} 

..who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.

No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known. (John 1:18 cf. Exodus 33:20).

Emma Stark's alleged "throne room encounter" raises some very serious doubts as to its legitimacy:

"I saw God.. as I walked into the throne room which I do quite often.. I am used to the cacophony of the angelic noise and the twenty four elders doing the business of the throne. God came off His throne. and he is on all fours on the ground in a way I have never seen Him before, and there is a howling groaning almost disturbing noise... I kind of kneel down before God.. and I start to hear Him wail. and if that image disturbs you, it is right out of Isaiah where Isaiah describes God as 'a woman in labour'. God the woman giving birth is the analogy in Isaiah, so we are right in the scriptures with this vision.. I bend down and I hear God wail.. 'I want the nations', I am calling for the nations, it's a time for the nations to come back to Me' .. and suddenly God is reading out of His scriptures and he is reading  Haggai chapter 2.. 'In a little while I will shake the heavens and the earth'.  

Emma Stark's Interpretation: "I am investing in shaking..  If I don't shake you, you cannot carry the new wine; if I don't shake you, you cannot have revival; if I don't shake you, you cannot have the one billion soul harvest.. I heard the Lord say fresh from his throne room this morning, 'the bending has begun, the bending of the knees to Christ.." She continues in a similar vein for a few more minutes.

A text taken out of context is a pretext. 

Emma Stark is referring to Isaiah 42:14 and Haggai 2:6-9 - both out of context.

In context Isaiah 42:18-20 refers to judgement upon God's enemies i.e. the nations who worship false gods. In verse 16, the focus changes to "the blind" i.e. Israel. 

The LORD goes forth like a mighty one; He stirs up His zeal like a warrior. He shouts; yes, He roars in triumph over His enemies: I have kept silent from ages past; I have remained quiet and restrained. But now I will groan like a woman in labor; I will at once gasp and pant. I will lay waste the mountains and hills and dry up all their vegetation. I will turn the rivers into dry land and drain the marshes. I will lead the blind by a way they did not know; I will guide them on unfamiliar paths. I will turn darkness into light before them and rough places into level ground. These things I will do for them, and I will not forsake them. But those who trust in idols and say to molten images, ‘You are our gods!’ will be turned back in utter shame. (Isaiah 42:13-17).

Haggai 2:6 ~ "Once more (once for all).. I will shake the heavens and the earth” In verse 6 the final shaking is contrasted to the shaking of Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:18). It extends to the whole creation and is once for all (ἔτι ἅπαξ). This is the only portion of Haggai quoted in the New Testament (Hebrews 12:26). Its final fulfilment announces God’s intention to shake the present order in His coming day of judgment. (Isaiah 2:19; Matthew 24:28-29; Luke 21:25-2). 

Yet once more, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land. And I will shake all nations, so that the treasures of all nations shall come in, and I will fill this house with glory, says the LORD of hosts. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declares the LORD of hosts. The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, says the LORD of hosts. And in this place I will give peace, declares the LORD of hosts.’” (Haggai 2:6-9). 

Therefore I will make the heavens tremble, and the earth will be shaken out of its place, at the wrath of the LORD of hosts in the day of his fierce anger. (Isaiah 13:13).

It is significant that the book of Revelation describes the diametric opposite to an end time "victorious church". In fact we see the persecution of the saints at the hand of the Antichrist immediately prior to the return of Jesus Christ. 

Then the beast (the Antichrist) was permitted to wage war against the saints and to conquer them, and it was given authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation. (Revelation 13:7).

Jesus warns believers repeatedly about spiritual deception immediately prior to his second coming.

Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. (Matthew 24:3-5 cf. Matthew 24:11,24).

Paul warns that apostasy, not revival, will precede the day of the Lord:

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

Mark Pugh: "Some people are asking.. Why do we need new wine.. Why does God talk about giving new wine, new power new anointing to the church?" This is a pertinent question considering God has given us everything we need for life and godliness.. (2 Peter 1:3).

Rachel Hickson: "We need new tools.. fresh mantles and fresh tools". She went on to quote Joel 3:10 completely out of context. "In Europe you need new tools.. and you see in Joel when they are calling to war, there is the cry of a prophet 'bring me your ploughshares, bring me your threshing instruments, I'm going to give your swords and spears.'" 

Who is the Lord addressing when He says: "Beat your plowshares into swords and your pruning hooks into spears."?

Quoting verses out of context is a chronic issue with these so called "prophets". Their appalling incompetence in handling the word of truth leads to extreme error and damage to the Body of Christ. (2 Timothy 2:15). Joel 3 in context is an end time prophecy. Joel calls the place the Valley of Jehoshaphat, John calls it the valley of Megiddo and the battle of Armageddon. (Revelation 16:16).  

Yes, in those days and at that time, when I restore Judah and Jerusalem from captivity, I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. (Joel 3:1-2; cf. Revelation 16:14).

Proclaim this among the nations: “Prepare for war; rouse the mighty men; let all the men of war
advance and attack! Beat your plowshares into swords and your pruning hooks into spears. Let the weak say, ‘I am strong!’ Come quickly, all you surrounding nations, and gather yourselves. Bring down Your mighty ones, O LORD Let the nations be roused and advance to the Valley of Jehoshaphat.. (Joel 3:9-12).

Benson: "Rouse and bring forward into the field your strong and valiant men. In these words the prophet, in an ironical manner, encourages them to make their utmost effort to oppose the designs of Providence; but signifies that it should be all in vain. For, should they strengthen themselves by all the means in their power, yet they should be overcome and punished. Beat your plough-shares into swords, &c." {2} 

Rachel Hickson continues to quote Micah 4:3, again out of context: "and the prophet Michah then says the seasons change.. 'now bring me your swords and spears and I will give your pruning hooks and threshing instruments'." 

No one brings anything to the Lord in either of these passages.. rather they beat their swords and pruning hooks themselves. 

Micah 4 is a millennial passage.. i.e. it applies to conditions following Jesus return during the millennial period when there will no longer be war. 

..and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. (Micah 4:3 cf. Isaiah 2:1-4).

Has the blood of Jesus been superseded?

In the New Testament new wine refers to the transition from the Mosaic Law to the gospel. The new doctrine Jesus taught was grace, not the Mosaic law. The blood of Christ is represented by wine. Bengel's Gnomon: "The wine is (the token of the felicities of this dispensation, and it is called 'new' in contrast with the obsolete character of that which it superseded. 'Novitatem dicit plane eingularem' (Bengel). Matthew 26:29" {3} 

Those looking for "new wine" are in very serious error. They have rejected the cross of Jesus Christ and the foundation He has established. Laodicea were instructed - be zealous and repent...  not - look for new wine. (Revelation 3:9).

For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 3:11).

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:18-22).

I know that you cannot tolerate those who are evil, and you have tested and exposed as liars those who falsely claim to be apostles. (Revelation 2:2).

But I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. (Revelation 2:20).

For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough. Indeed, I consider that I am not in the least inferior to these super-apostles. (2 Corinthians 11:4-5).

For those with questions and/or concerns about the New Apostolic Reformation, I recommend GoodFight Ministries five part series entitled "Bethel or Beth-Hell?".

PART 1: Examining Bill Johnson's Bethel Church https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3vfCg-IBvY&t=30s

PART 2 :The Bethel & Friends Contagion https://youtu.be/R-U-asIjsEs 

PART 3: Bethel's Sozo Obsession https://youtu.be/311_fhu70_g 

PART 4: Hogwarts School of Supernatural Ministry & Witches at Bethel?https://youtu.be/L8qTqNOVxDg PART 5:: Bethel or Beth-Hell? Q & A Show https://youtu.be/sLyBe2CgaVk

1. Revelation 4:3 Commentaries: And He who was sitting was like a jasper stone and a sardius in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald in appearance. (biblehub.com)

2. Joel 3:9 Commentaries: Proclaim this among the nations: Prepare a war; rouse the mighty men! Let all the soldiers draw near, let them come up! (biblehub.com)

3. Matthew 26:29 Commentaries: "But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom." (biblehub.com)

A WARNING: THE DANGERS OF DOMINIONISM.. CONVERGENCE21 LEICESTER

Below is a post written by Rob Thomas (watchman4wales) in 2020 which gives some good insights into the aberrant teachings of Dominionism. {1} To those who plan to attend CONVERGENCE21 at Holy Trinity Church in Leicester between 18-20 November~ beware of so called modern "prophets and apostles". {2}

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. (1John 4:1).

BRITISH ISLES COUNCIL OF PROPHETS: THE NEW APOSTOLIC REFORMATION MARCHES FORWARD IN THE UK AND IRELAND!

"Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name:

I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them:

they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, 

and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart."

(Jeremiah 14:14)

INTRODUCTION

As in Jeremiah's day, so in ours also. Then, the people were going into captivity in physical Babylon; now, the people are going into captivity in Mystery Babylon (Rev. 17:5), the antichrist final religious system of the Last Days. And at the very forefront of the great apostasy causing this bondage is the global Apostolic/Prophetic movement, a core tenet of which is the taking over and running of all aspects of human activity on the planet - all prior to the Lord's return - which is frequently referred to as 'The Seven Mountain Mandate.' (The mountains being: Business, Government, Family, Religion, Media, Education and Entertainment).

An overview and summing up of these self-appointed Apostles and Prophets and their supposed God-given Mandate, which this article essentially follows on from and fleshes out, formed last month's piece; please see:
https://watchman4wales.blogspot.com/2020/02/the-new-apostolic-reformation-and-seven.html



A BRIEF HISTORY OF "CHRISTIAN DOMINIONISM"

Christian Dominionism/'Kingdom Now' theology is a major and most grievous heresy that came to the fore in the 'Latter Rain Revival' in Canada in 1948, the year that most significantly also saw the re-birth of the State of Israel. 'Latter Rain' adherents pioneered the concept of God restoring the Offices of Apostle and Prophet to the Church and the triumphalist worldview that the Church, having been perfected - with praise and worship ushering in the presence of God - would be victorious over the world and bring in the Kingdom of God on Earth. Jesus's proclamation that "My kingdom is not of this world" (John 18:36) had no place in their utterly unBiblical theology and eschatology. A central plank of their rotten walkway was the teaching of 'The Manifest(ed) Sons of God,' the emergence of an elite corps of super-saints who would be sinless and immortal, becoming as Christ Himself! This great End-Time 'Joel's Army' would defeat the forces of darkness, wielding all the authority and power of the Lord Himself, whose return and reign would have to wait until all things had first been subjugated to THEM!

This aberrant worldview with no divide at all between the spiritual and the secular, receiving right and proper condemnation from a Church which back then could still largely demonstrate Biblical literacy, wisdom, discernment and an orthodox eschatology, went somewhat into hibernation. Never dead, unfortunately, it re-emerged with church growth guru C. Peter Wagner's hand on the helm, alongside John Wimber's 'Power Evangelism' movement - "doin' the stuff" as he called it - which found its particular expression and springboard in his Vineyard churches. From the 1980s, when Wagner and Wimber had joined forces to teach on "Signs and Wonders" at the Fuller Seminary, Dominionism and "Signs and Wonders" were to be pretty much inseparable bedfellows. Subjective experience was IN, objective (and sound!) Biblical doctrine was OUT, and testing the spirits was something akin to a jar of tastebud-troubling jam, to be put at the back of the highest shelf to gather ever thickening dust.

Wagner it was who coined the phrase New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) as an overarching appellation for the Apostolic/Prophetic movement which he would lead, which was to steadily and stealthily become what is probably the most powerful, the most deluded and the most dangerous sector in what passes for the Church in the USA today. And contemporary culture and spirituality dictates that what happens in America today, the rest of the world will be following suit tomorrow. The NAR epitomizes the great Falling Away from Truth which the Scriptures foretold would occur, and is right now happening before our very eyes. As the Word warns in no uncertain terms:

"And they shall turn away their ears from the truth,

and shall be turned unto fables."

(2 Timothy 4:4)

It should be noted, however, that although the USA was and is a world (mis)leader in the field of the supposed restoration of the Offices of Apostle and Prophet to the Church, as the highest tiers of a fully reactivated Fivefold Ministry, the UK also witnessed the birthing in the 1970s of its own counterpart of the emerging American NAR. Originally widely referred to simply as Restorationism, the various groups that constitute the Apostolic/Prophetic movement on this side of the Atlantic are now collectively known as The British New Church Movement, with an emphasis on the role of the Apostle in their strict pyramid structure of governance. (E.g. in a Welsh context, Keri Jones is the recognized covering "Apostle" of 'All Nations' in Cardiff, 'LifePoint Church' in Swansea and 'Nationchangers' in Merthyr Tydfil, which operate under the banner of 'Ministries Without Borders.')

The British New Church Movement has down the years had what amounts to an elitist, separatist mindset; their focus is on teaching, shepherding and following only their own; one might say that they see themselves as the Premiership, and other Christian churches are playing in a lesser league. But, as the American "big boys" gained ever greater ground globally, it was perhaps inevitable that folks of a similar Dominionist persuasion here in the UK would become increasingly attracted to and influenced by the American way of doing things. Whilst British New Church members continue, for the present at least, in their own way and style, outside of their ranks there has been a groundswell of Dominionist activity, seeing the emergence onto the scene of men and women who proclaim themselves and each other to be Prophets appointed and anointed by God. These are now determinedly organizing themselves along American NAR lines, formulating a power base from which to launch a major offensive here in the British Isles.

The turn of the millennium had witnessed an unprecedented consolidation and careful organization of Apostles and Prophets taking place, centred in the USA, with the creation in 1999 of two select bodies to massively further their aims. One was the International Coalition of Apostles, of which C. Peter Wagner was Presiding Apostle. (This group is now known as ICAL: the International Coalition of Prophetic Leaders). The other was ACPE, the Apostolic Council of Prophetic Elders, chaired by Cindy Jacobs, of which Wagner was also unsurprisingly a key member. Structures were now in place to push the Dominionist agenda forward as never before, with their influence just two decades on now reaching across entire continents and even into the highest Office in the land, with Paula White being appointed to the White House staff as President Trump's Spiritual Adviser.


THE BRITISH ISLES COUNCIL OF PROPHETS 

What I wish to particularly draw attention to here, my friends, is that many previously largely independently-operating "Prophets" on this side of the Pond have now banded themselves together in a way that mimics the American NAR model. They have very recently established the 'British Isles Council of Prophets' in a collective effort to promote themselves and their supposed "prophecies" specifically here in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. So, whereas to date there has been a reliance on visiting, already well hyped and well connected "Prophets" to most powerfully further the NAR cause in these Islands, the mechanisms are now being put into place to market home-brewed Dominionist apostasy, and on an industrial scale!

Below is listed the full crew of the 'British Isles Council of Prophets' (henceforth referred to as BICP). These spiritual buccaneers - some three dozen names at the time of writing! - have all firmly nailed their colours to the mast of the NAR pirate ship:

Core Leaders:
Simon Braker                           Louise Reid                           Emma Stark
Rebecca King                           Adele Richards                     David Stark                     

Council members:
Tomi Arayomi                           Dylis Chi                               Moses Rankin
Helen Azer                                Jarrod Cooper                      Sam Robertson
Simon Baddeley                       Rachel Harris                       Marj Rossol
Sarah-Jane Biggart                  Claire Harrison                     Rose Sambrook
Mark Birch-Machin                   Barbara Jenkinson              Phil Sanderson
Rebecca Briggs                        Preethy Kurian                     Sue Sinclair
Melanie Brooks                        Christine Larkin                    Veronika West
Hellie Brunt                              Jennie Pitt                              Liz Wright
Rob Cates        

Advisory council:
Julie Anderson                         Revd. Canon John McGinley
Tim Eldridge                             Dr. Sharon Stone
Rachel Hickson

(Source: https://www.prophets.org.uk/council-members/ )

You'll note Sharon Stone's name above; we should not underestimate the relevance of her being on the BICP Advisory Council, as Dr. Stone is a member of the NAR's Apostolic Council of Prophetic Elders and thus forms a bridge between them. I have previously been much moved to write about Sharon Stone and her fellow false prophets of ACPE; you'll find the account here:
https://watchman4wales.blogspot.com/2018/05/apostolic-prophet-to-nations-dr-sharon.html

It is not my intention here to go into detail about each of these 36 individuals, as this would make the article unnecessarily lengthy and off-putting to read. Friends, please research them yourselves, as the Spirit leads. Suffice to say that the NAR buzz-words and links are all there in abundance on the BICP bios and their individual sites: Apostolic/Prophetic Hubs/Centres, Prophetic Networks/Schools/Training/Summits/Conferences, Bethel Redding, Catch The Fire (Toronto Blessing), IHOP (Mike Bickle), Wagner Leadership Institute, Harvest International Ministries (Che Ahn), Apostolic and Prophetic anointing, 'Christian International' (Bill Hamon), pulling Heaven to Earth, spiritual mapping, dismantling demonic structures, apostolic fathers ("Call no man your father!" - Matt. 23:9), destiny, pioneering, igniting, releasing, living in the supernatural, dreams, prophetic art, equipping, impartation, transformation, Fivefold ministry, empowerment, activation, voice to the nations, reformation (of Church and society), new Kingdom paradigms, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera...

IMPORTANT. All these names are published here with the express warning that each of these individuals should be studiously avoided as being Bible-DISbelieving, Narrow Way bypass-builders. It should also go without saying that the churches they MISlead and the groups with which they are associated should similarly be given a very wide berth. If any are guest speakers invited to your own gathering, the leadership should be alerted as to what it is that they really stand for. If this should fall on deaf ears, do not under any circumstances support that meeting out of a misguided sense of loyalty. We are to follow the real Jesus and Him alone, not the different "Jesus" who these people represent.

It should be clearly understood that, true to type, this group do not in any way see themselves as operating apart from the other supposedly restored Fivefold Ministries, particularly Apostles; on their website you'll find the following significant statement:

"The BICP leadership will be proactive in relating to apostles and apostolic councils so that these foundational fivefold graces can better partner to build the church."

(Source: https://www.prophets.org.uk/2019/09/core-value-2-relationships-with-the-body-of-christ/ )

Note: Apostles and Prophets are at the top of the tree; the other three of the "fivefold ministries" (perched, it must be said, on much lower branches and very much subordinate to the higher echelons) are Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers. NAR Apostles are thought of as having equal, if not greater authority than the actual N.T. Apostles, despite the fact that in order to be an Apostle in the first place and to accordingly have any Apostolic authority, then he must have been an eyewitness of the resurrected Lord.


"PROPHETIC RESPONSIBILITY" - THEIR WORDS, AND THE REALITY BEHIND THEM!

BICP pronounces as one of its core values that there are at least five prophetic responsibilities for a nation, which are as follows: 

1) To speak to the destiny of that nation - calling its heavenly future to be established.

Truth of the matter? A NATION does not have a heavenly future; only truly saved INDIVIDUALS have a heavenly future. 
"Take heed that no man deceive you!" (Matt. 24:4)

2) To raise up an army to pray, fight and engage - calling the people into place.

Truth of the matter? We are not called to raise up an army of any description, least of all a 'Joel's Army' of 'Latter Rain' infamy. "Calling the people into place" is actually the bringing of the people into subjugation to their supposed authority.
"Take heed that no man deceive you!" (Matt. 24:4)

3) To open the gates of a nation, that the reign of Jesus Christ may come in - welcoming what God wants now (explaining the present).

Truth of the matter? "The reign of Jesus Christ" actually means that THEY will rule as His anointed and appointed agents on Earth (as they imagine themselves to be). The gates will not be opened to the Lord, but rather for unclean spirits to enter and be welcomed. (As at Toronto, Brownsville, Lakeland, etc.)
"Take heed that no man deceive you!" (Matt. 24:4)

4) To identify and confront spiritual strongholds - setting the nation free of its past.

Truth of the matter? We are not called to confront anything that might be seen as a spiritual stronghold, not to wage spiritual warfare but to preach the Gospel. "Setting the nation free of its past" will include wrenching it away from any residual uncompromising Biblical Truth that it once held to be sacrosanct, in order for it to blindly and passively accept Dominionist overlordship.
"Take heed that no man deceive you!" (Matt.24:4)

5) To expose hidden demonic strategies - setting the nation free in its future.

Truth of the matter? This is so ironic, as BICP is itself a demonic strategy, hidden in plain sight! "Setting the nation free in its future" = conquering the Seven Mountains and planting their flag atop each one. Their concept of freedom is that no opposition to their rule - especially from Christians holding to the fundamental doctrine of Sola Scriptura - will be tolerated. In other words - well, just one word actually - totalitarianism!
"Take heed that no man deceive you!" (Matt. 24:4)

(Source: https://www.prophets.org.uk/2019/09/core-value-4-prophetic-responsibility/ )


THE FIRST "PROPHETIC WORD" ISSUED BY BICP

On 1 February 2020, BICP released their first joint "prophetic word." It is in essence a triumphalist Dominionist manifesto, shot through with deepest delusion which completely flies in the face of Biblical eschatology. It speaks to itching ears, and in itself epitomizes the great Falling Away from Truth which will actually characterize the Last Days, rather than the great and glorious End Time harvest that they promise, with miracles an everyday occurrence and the visitation of angels frequent. 

BICP's NAR worldview and agenda is evidenced and encapsulated in the statement that speaks of unlocking, redeeming and reviving the mountains of influence, but their lengthy "word" makes outrageous claims throughout, which of course readers are expected to accept unquestioningly as being from God because THEY, His appointed prophets, have declared it! Just one example is the assertion that three angels i.e. 'The Angel of Awakening' and 'The Angel of Harvest' and 'The Angel of Deliverance' have been sent into the Earth expressly for this "season of the wrestle and glory," a season when the Church has to start operating at "a higher level of the apostolic and the prophetic," with the restored Offices carrying "a higher level of anointing!" (Now, isn't that a surprise - BICP's "prophets" are to be even more favoured and blessed!) Need it be pointed out that none of these supposed angels is ever mentioned in the Bible, the closed Canon of Scripture? But then, extra-Biblical revelation is of course only to be expected of those with such "a higher level of anointing" that they can freely add to - and just as freely take away from - the Word of God... and be applauded for so doing!

Very interestingly, while Jesus (the real One that is, not the BICP's bogus one) told us to "take therefore no thought for the morrow; for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself" (Matthew 6:34), these Scripture re-writing renegades are busily proclaiming what is to happen for the rest of the decade! And while the Word of God tells us that things in the world will get worse and worse and darker and darker, these profitless prophets with lying spirits in their mouths flatly contradict Him, and would have us believe that (under their influence and authority, naturally) things will get better and better and lighter and lighter. Theirs is, quite simply, a doctrine of devils. (1 Timothy 4:1).


CONCLUSION

It is today as it was in Micaiah's day, when the 400 prophets with a lying spirit in their mouths prophesied great victory against the Syrians at Ramoth-gilead, while what actually happened was an unmitigated disaster, with - as Micaiah alone had correctly foretold - "all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd." (2 Chronicles 18:16). I'd very much encourage you to read the BICP's "word" for yourselves, and personally see how it runs completely against what the truly Holy Spirit-inspired prophets of the Bible had to declare about the close of the age, things that are for all time unchangeable:
https://www.prophets.org.uk/2020/02/prophetic-word-feb-2020

"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God:

because many false prophets are gone out into the world."

(1 John 4:1)

* * * * * * *

Some further reading that might help your understanding:

Latter Rain: https://www.gotquestions.org/latter-rain-movement.html

Manifest(ed) Sons Of God: https://reachouttrust.org/manifest-sons-of-god/

Joel's Army: https://www.gotquestions.org/Joels-Army.html

C. Peter Wagner: http://apprising.org/2011/10/09/c-peter-wagner-and-his-dominion-mandate/ 

John Wimber/PowerEvangelism: http://www.deceptioninthechurch.com/wimber.html  

British New Church Movement: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_New_Church_Movement

Fivefold Ministries: https://www.gotquestions.org/five-fold-ministry.html

NAR, Seven Mountain Mandate, Dominionism; please see the links posted under:
https://watchman4wales.blogspot.com/2020/02/the-new-apostolic-reformation-and-seven.html

1. APOSTASY, ERROR & DECEPTION IN WALES - the watchman4wales blog.: BRITISH ISLES COUNCIL OF PROPHETS: THE NEW APOSTOLIC REFORMATION MARCHES FORWARD IN THE UK AND IRELAND!

2. CONVERGENCE21 Tickets, Thu 18 Nov 2021 at 19:00 | Eventbrite

EMMA STARK: PROPHETIC TOURETTE'S!

Emma Stark: Was end of Corona prophesied? (premierchristianradio.com)

Premier Christian Radio: "What should we make of preachers who are declaring that God has told them a date by which the coronavirus will end? EMMA STARK of the Glasgow Prophetic Centre heads up the British Isles Council of Prophets, she shared her thoughts with Premier’s Maria Rodrigues."

In this short clip, Emma Stark puts forward her own take on the failure of the false Coronavirus prophets. Incredibly she says that the so called prophets have a case of "prophetic Tourette's" and that they are operating in the flesh, speaking human and soulish words. Well there we have it from the horses mouth! Her excuse is that the restoration of the prophetic movement is in its infancy, it is only about 25-30 years old, and that the so called prophets are "feeling their way through". We need no further proof that the so called "prophetic movement" is a complete sham.

Interestingly, Maria Rodrigues refers back to the Old Testament prophets and asks: "There were prophets risen up in certain seasons to be able to speak into difficult situations. Do you think maybe in the 21st century, our churches are struggling to know how to hold the prophetic voices in our communities?"

This is a polite way of pointing out that there is no correlation between so called modern "prophets" and the 100% accuracy of the Old Testament prophets. 

A good example of "prophetic Tourette's" is Hananiah, who died within a year of making his infamous false prophecy. False prophets who spoke presumptuously were put to death in the Old Testament. (Deuteronomy 18:20-22). Though Emma Stark and others make excuses and try to brush aside their prophetic failures, the greed and presumption of modern false prophets is no less serious in our time. (2 Peter 2:1-3). Believers are instructed to turn away from false teachers/false prophets who blaspheme the way of truth. (Romans 16:17-18).

Hananiah the False Prophet

In that same year, at the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the fifth month of the fourth year, Hananiah the son of Azzur, the prophet from Gibeon, spoke to me in the house of the LORD, in the presence of the priests and all the people, saying, “Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: I have broken the yoke of the king of Babylon. Within two years I will bring back to this place all the vessels of the LORD’s house, which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon took away from this place and carried to Babylon. I will also bring back to this place Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, and all the exiles from Judah who went to Babylon, declares the LORD, for I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon.” 

Then the prophet Jeremiah spoke to Hananiah the prophet in the presence of the priests and all the people who were standing in the house of the LORD, and the prophet Jeremiah said, “Amen! May the LORD do so; may the LORD make the words that you have prophesied come true, and bring back to this place from Babylon the vessels of the house of the LORD, and all the exiles. Yet hear now this word that I speak in your hearing and in the hearing of all the people. The prophets who preceded you and me from ancient times prophesied war, famine, and pestilence against many countries and great kingdoms. As for the prophet who prophesies peace, when the word of that prophet comes to pass, then it will be known that the LORD has truly sent the prophet.” 

Then the prophet Hananiah took the yoke-bars from the neck of Jeremiah the prophet and broke them. And Hananiah spoke in the presence of all the people, saying, “Thus says the LORD: Even so will I break the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon from the neck of all the nations within two years.” But Jeremiah the prophet went his way. 

Sometime after the prophet Hananiah had broken the yoke-bars from off the neck of Jeremiah the prophet, the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah: “Go, tell Hananiah, ‘Thus says the LORD: You have broken wooden bars, but you have made in their place bars of iron. For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: I have put upon the neck of all these nations an iron yoke to serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and they shall serve him, for I have given to him even the beasts of the field.’” And Jeremiah the prophet said to the prophet Hananiah, “Listen, Hananiah, the LORD has not sent you, and you have made this people trust in a lie. Therefore thus says the LORD: ‘Behold, I will remove you from the face of the earth. This year you shall die, because you have uttered rebellion against the LORD.’” 

In that same year, in the seventh month, the prophet Hananiah died. (Jeremiah 28:1-17).

In answer to Emma Starke's hypothetical questions from the church: "Can we trust you, do we like you, are you a credible voice?"

THE ANSWER IS A RESOUNDING NO!

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. They say continually to those who despise the word of the LORD, ‘It shall be well with you’; and to everyone who stubbornly follows his own heart, they say, ‘No disaster shall come upon you.’” For among them has stood in the council of the LORD to see and to hear his word, or who has paid attention to his word and listened? Behold, the storm of the LORD! Wrath has gone forth, a whirling tempest; it will burst upon the head of the wicked. The anger of the LORD will not turn back until he has executed and accomplished the intents of his heart. In the latter days you will understand it clearly. “I did not send the prophets, yet they ran; I did not speak to them, yet they prophesied. But if they had stood in my council, then they would have proclaimed my words to my people, and they would have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their deeds. (Jeremiah 23:16-22).

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).

EMMA STARK AND TRACY COOKE WITH SID ROTH: CORONAVIRUS AND THE END TIMES

 (6) CORONAVIRUS & THE END TIMES | Sid Roth - YouTube

Emma Stark and Tracy Cooke on Sid Roth 'It's Supernatural' re Coronavirus (20th March 2020).

In this programme, Emma Stark appears in tandem with false prophet Tracy Cooke. Cooke wasted no time in announcing that during a two hour dream, God revealed to him that the coronavirus would diminish on Passover 2020 (15th and 16th April 2020). Cooke (along with Chuck Pierce) claimed that by April 16, “the blood of Jesus” would cause the "plague to pass over". Both Cooke and Pierce qualified their predictions by referencing Amos 3:7: For the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets. Cooke often reminds his hearers that he is a "prophet". However, all the evidence suggests the diametric opposite. Cooke also claimed that God told him three times that President Trump would be re-elected, and also that there would be two assassination plots against Trump. Well, here we are at the end of August 2021, and not one of those "prophecies" have materialized! If people still persist in following these wolves, then what chance will they stand when the Antichrist and the false prophet arrive on the scene? (Revelation 13:13-15).

...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 18:22).

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).

Emma Stark: "We are going to release an impartation of freedom and of courage and of hope and of strength to you... The angels are about to be dispatched as we make decrees over the nations at this table, and the angels are going to go and be a support and a ministry right across the face of the world for the setting free of many people, and for the healing of many people, and for the blessing of the medical profession. It is the day of the release of an angelic army across the earth."  

Christians are not authorized to dispatch angels through decrees.. Only God commands the angels. 

Genuine declarations or decrees consist of statements of truth revealed in the scriptures e.g. John 3:16; 1 John 1:5 etc. The apostles and the early church did not make declarations or decrees in relation to future events, and they did not release impartations in order to facilitate the dispatch of angels. Even Jesus Christ Himself did not directly command angels during His earthly ministry: Are you not aware that I can call on My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels? (Matthew 26:53). 

These wolves substitute prayer and supplication with declarations, decrees, impartations and false anointings. 

..do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Luke 18:1; Philippians 4:6 cf. Ephesians 6:18; 1 Timothy 2:1).

In the Old Testament, a clear example is given in Daniel 10 when an angel was dispatched after Daniel had humbled himself and fasted and prayed.

Then he (an angel) said to me, “Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words. The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I was left there with the kings of Persia, and came to make you understand what is to happen to your people in the latter days. For the vision is for days yet to come.” (Daniel 10:12-14).

The false teachings of the "declare and decree" camp is scripturally unsound. They bring various "proof texts" that are completely out of sync with the scriptures. For instance Job 22:28, Romans 4:17 and Mark 11:23.

The words spoken by Eliphaz, one of Job's "comforters" who was later rebuked by the Lord: 

* You will decide (decree) on a matter, and it will be established for you, and light will shine on your ways. (Job 22:28). (KJV = decree)
..the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite: “My anger burns against you and against your two friends, for you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has. (Job 42:7).

* ..as it is written, “I have made you (Abraham) the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. (Romans 4:17).

It is an attribute of God alone to call into existence things that do not exist. Abraham did not declare or decree anything.. he simply believed God. (Romans 4:3).

* Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. (Mark 11:23-24).

Many false teachers evade the context of Mark 11:20-25 and teach a superficial understanding of verse 23 in isolation. However verse 24 tells us first that we must ask. Sometimes God refuses our requests for reasons we cannot fathom. The apostle Paul prayed three times to have a thorn in his flesh removed, and each time God rejected his request. (2 Corinthians 12:8-10). Paul had the divine ability to heal others. (Acts 28:9). However, it appears that he was unable to heal either Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:25ff) or Trophimus. (2 Timothy 4:20). 

Cherry picking verses out of context is bad theology and leads to the sin of presumption. Challenging passages should always be interpreted in light of other clear statements in the scriptures. (Acts 20:27). When the whole counsel of God is taken into consideration, it is obvious that there are specific conditions placed on God’s promise to answer prayer: 

If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. (John 15:7).

You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. (James 4:3).
And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. (1 John 5:14).

Emma Stark: "I saw God on His hands and his knees.." (22:00 mark)

No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known. (1 John 1:18 cf. 1 John 4:12).

...he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen. (1 Timothy 15-16).

In a previous post I referred to Emma Stark's alleged encounter with a six-winged "seraphim" that appeared to her as an eighteen year old student. {1}

Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind.. (Colossians 2:18).

NAR charismaniacs are practicing witchcraft!

The scriptures define the sin of rebellion as witchcraft, and presumption as iniquity and idolatry! (1 Samuel 15:23). The prophet Samuel rebuked Saul because he operated in half truths and only partially obeyed the word of the Lord. Saul ended his life in full blown rebellion when he sought out the witch at Endor. (1 Samuel 28:7-14).

And the LORD sent you on a mission and said, ‘Go, devote to destruction the sinners, the Amalekites, and fight against them until they are consumed.’ Why then did you not obey the voice of the LORD? Why did you pounce on the spoil and do what was evil in the sight of the LORD?” And Saul said to Samuel, “I have obeyed the voice of the LORD. I have gone on the mission on which the LORD sent me. I have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and I have devoted the Amalekites to destruction. But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the best of the things devoted to destruction, to sacrifice to the LORD your God in Gilgal.” And Samuel said,“ Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has also rejected you from being king.” (1 Samuel 15:18-23).
Then Saul said to his servants, “Seek out for me a woman who is a medium, that I may go to her and inquire of her.” And his servants said to him, “Behold, there is a medium at En-dor.” (1 Samuel 28:7).

O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? (Galatians 3:1).   

Witchcraft is not necessarily overtly satanic. The enemy also works deceptively in the guise of Christianity and operates in manipulation, coercion and scripture twisting. (2 Corinthians 11:14). The decrees and declarations of false prophets are nothing less than occult incantations. Their spell casting and invocations consist of sets of words, a formula or verse, a ritual action (or any combination of these things), in order to push an unbiblical agenda. These "prophets" employ half truths and are operating under a different spirit. (1 John 4:6). They are self-appointed and in their pride they have given themselves authority to supersede the scriptures. However, the scriptures warn: "Do not go beyond what is written.." (1 Corinthians 4:6 cf. Proverbs 30:6). They have closed the door on sound teaching and have outlawed spiritual discernment by ensuring that the people have no way of testing what they say. (1 John 4:1). 

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

How does this prophecy of a billion soul harvest compare with the words of Jesus Christ and the apostles?

Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. (Matthew 7:13-14).

Godlessness in the last days

But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith. But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all, as was that of those two men. (2 Timothy 3:1-9 cf. 1 Timothy 4:1-3; Jude 1:18)).

The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands nor give up worshiping demons and idols of gold and silver and bronze and stone and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk, nor did they repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts. (Revelation 9:20-21).

The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and it was allowed to scorch people with fire. They were scorched by the fierce heat, and they cursed the name of God who had power over these plagues. They did not repent and give him glory. The fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness. People gnawed their tongues in anguish and cursed the God of heaven for their pain and sores. They did not repent of their deeds. (Revelation 16:8-11).

1. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: EMMA STARK: ANGEL ENCOUNTERS? (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)

EMMA STARK: ANGEL ENCOUNTERS?

(30) A Six-Winged Seraphim Angel Appears in Her Room | Emma Stark - YouTube

It is quite hard to know where to begin with Emma Stark she has so many tall stories. Having viewed a few of her videos, I have opted to critique her alleged encounter with a six-winged "seraphim" in her room as an eighteen year old student. Actually the term seraphim ˈsɛrəfɪm  is the plural of seraph ˈsɛrəf, so whatever it was that Emma Stark saw (or claims to have seen), should be described in the singular ~ seraph. The only time seraphim are mentioned in the scriptures is in Isaiah 6:1-7. We therefore have very little information with which to base an accurate assessment of them. Seraphim are burning/fiery ones. They are described as celestial creatures positioned above the throne of God having six wings, two of which are for flying, while the remainder cover their heads and feet:

In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory! ”And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts! ”Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.” (Isaiah 6:1-7).

A possible equivalent of seraphim is found in Revelation 4. This passage describes four living creatures constantly giving praise to God around His throne:

And around the throne, on each side of the throne, are four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind: the first living creature like a lion, the second living creature like an ox, the third living creature with the face of a man, and the fourth living creature like an eagle in flight. And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” (Revelation 4:4-8).

The same word (has·se·ra·fim) describes the fiery serpents sent by the Lord to execute judgement on the Israelites after they spoke against God and Moses:

Then the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many people of Israel died. (Numbers 21:6 cf. Isaiah 14:29).

Seraphim are also mentioned in 2 Enoch (in conjunction with cherubim) as the heavenly creatures standing nearest to the throne of God.

Various extra-biblical texts describe the seraphim located in the throne room in close proximity to God Himself. In Jewish theology seraphim are connected with cherubim and ophanim as the three highest orders of attendants on Yahweh. These beings are superior to the angels who are messengers sent on various errands. {1}

Given the available information, it seems highly unlikely that one of the four seraphim constantly giving praise to God would leave the throne room to visit Emma Stark!

Are Angel Encounters Biblically Normative?

Emma Stark claims that it is "biblically normal" to have angelic encounters, and that there is "a new paradigm" of believers partnering with angels today. Emma Stark: "Angels are in scripture 300 times, so they are quite common; but 104 of those times they are interacting, talking, to people." This is a gross exaggeration. Angels are mentioned 273 times in the scriptures. I have counted approximately 30 occurrences of angels directly interacting with humans.

In the New Testament there are about 20 interactions between humans and angels. However some of these encounters occur in dreams and visons and are not direct physical manifestations. 

Luke 1:11-20, 26-38 - An angel appeared to Zacharias regarding John the Baptist. 
Luke 1:26-38 - Gabriel appeared to Mary regarding the birth of Jesus Christ.
Matthew 1:18-20, 2:12 - 13, 19 - 21 - An angel of the Lord came to Joseph in three separate dreams.

Luke 2:9-15 - Angels appeared to the shepherds.

Matthew 4:11 - Angels ministered to Jesus Christ.
John 5:1-4 - An angel stirred the waters in the pool of Bethesda. (probably non-physical).
Luke 22:43 - An angel appeared to Jesus and strengthened Him.
Matthew 28:1-2, 5 - 6, Mark 16:5 - 6 - An angel appeared twice near Jesus' tomb declaring to Mary, Mary Magdalene and others that the Lord had risen from the dead.
Acts 1:10-11 - Two angels appeared to the disciples following Jesus ascension to heaven.
Acts 5:17-21 - An angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and released the apostles from prison.
Acts 8:26-38 - An angel appeared to Philip.
Acts 10:3-7, 30 - 32 - An angelic being appeared to Cornelius, in a vision instructing him to seek out the Apostle Peter. 
Acts 12:1-10 - God sent an angel to release Peter from prison.
Acts 27:23 - 24 - An angel appeared to Paul in a dream.

Revelation 1:1-2 - An angel was sent to the Apostle John on Patmos.

Revelation 7:2;  9:14; 10:8-9; 11:1-2; Revelation 17; Revelation 22:6-11 - John's vision on the Isle of Patmos.

I mention these appearances to make the point that direct physical encounters with angels in the NT overwhelmingly concern Jesus Christ directly i.e. His birth, various events during His childhood and His earthly ministry, His resurrection and His second coming. The rare occurrences of angel encounters in the book of Acts appear to facilitate the calling of the apostles in order to spread the gospel. 

In the Old Testament, direct physical encounters with angels often occur in the form of a theophany i.e. the angel of the Lord: 

Genesis 16:7–14. The angel of the Lord appears to Hagar. The angel speaks as God himself in the first person, and in verse 13 Hagar identifies "the LORD that spake unto her" as "Thou God seest me".
Genesis 22:11–15. The angel of the Lord appears to Abraham and refers to himself as God in the first person.
Exodus 3:2–4. The angel of the Lord appears to Moses in a flame in verse 2, and God speaks to Moses from the flame in verse 4, both instances referring to himself in the first person.
Numbers 22:22–38. The angel of the Lord meets the prophet Balaam on the road. In verse 38, Balaam identifies the angel who spoke to him as delivering the word of God.
Judges 2:1–3. An angel of the Lord appears to Israel.
Judges 6:11–23. An angel of the Lord appears to Gideon, and in verse 22 Gideon fears for his life because he has seen an angel of the Lord face to face.
Judges 13:3–22. The angel of the Lord appears to Manoah and his wife and, in verse 16, tells them to offer to the LORD if they are to make an offering ("And the angel of the LORD said unto Manoah [...] if thou wilt offer a burnt offering, thou must offer it unto the LORD. For Manoah knew not that he was an angel of the LORD."). Later Manoah thought he and his wife will die for they "have seen God"
Zechariah 1:12. The angel of the Lord pleads with the Lord to have mercy on Jerusalem and the cities of Judah.

Zechariah 3:4. The angel of the Lord takes away the sin of the high priest Joshua. {2} 

Emma Stark upstages the prophet Isaiah!    

Emma Stark: "He (the seraph) was terrifying. They are many winged, in fact they are six winged. And this angel said 'The Lord has heard your prayers', and he physically put the coal to my lips and my entire mouth went totally ulcerated and I started to bleed.. I was in pain.. I had met physically, not just spiritually, with the power and the purification of the Lord. I was terrified and I went straight to my minister.. And he just got some water and blessed it and said 'drink it', and as quickly as the burning had come, it went."  

Are we to seriously believe that Emma Stark had a comparable event to the prophet Isaiah, and that her sins were taken away? There is only one way that our sins are taken away: the blood of Jesus Christ. (Matthew 26:28; Hebrews 9:14; 1 John 1:7; Revelation 1:5). Apart from this major problem, there is never an instance of an angel harming a true believer in the scriptures.

The Holy Spirit

Paul describes angels as: ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation. (Hebrews 1:14). I have no doubt that angels are active in carrying out Gods Word. (Psalm 103:20; 1 Peter 3:22). Angels have appeared to humans on rare occasions, but these appearances should not be expected or construed as "normal". Emma Stark quotes Hebrews 13:2 regarding "entertaining angels". This verse demonstrates that we may unknowingly come into contact with angels, but that they are not recognizable as such. Those who continually promote angelic encounters, are, in my view, deceivers. These supposed "angelic encounters" are either blatant falsehoods or demonic manifestations. They should be rejected along with all the other associated blasphemous antics of New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) false prophets as demonstrated by their constant flow of false prophecies, manufactured signs and fake healings. (Matthew 12:39)

...in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. (Hebrews 1:2).

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. (John 14:26).

British Isles Council of Prophets

Emma Stark administers the British Isles Council of Prophets.

BICP: "We recognise that there are at least five areas of prophetic responsibility for a nation:
1. To speak to the destiny of that nation – calling its heavenly future to be established.
2. To raise up an army to pray, fight and engage – calling the people into place.
3. To open the gates of a nation, that the reign of Jesus Christ may come in – welcoming what God wants now (explaining the present).
4. To identify and confront spiritual strongholds – setting the nation free of its past.
5. To expose hidden demonic strategies – setting the nation free in its future." {3}

This is the usual unbiblical dominionist post-millenial claptrap emanating from the NAR. The scriptures inform us that the Antichrist, not the church, will dominate the whole world for a period of 3.5 years prior to the return of Jesus Christ. 

He (the Antichrist) shall speak words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and shall think to change the times and the law; and they shall be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time. (Daniel 7:25).

One of its heads seemed to have a mortal wound, but its mortal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled as they followed the beast. (Revelation 13:3).

Also it (the beast/Antichrist) 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.. (Revelation 13:7).

(30) Prophetic Dateline | 21May2020 | Cindy Jacobs with Emma Stark - YouTube

"A special international version of Prophetic Dateline hosted by Mike & Cindy Jacobs. "Moving into 'The Pentecost of Pentecosts season', we need to hear God’s voice for this hour. We have chosen three prophets from Great Britain for the accuracy of their prophetic Words, and the fresh insight they have for you in this tumultuous season." Emma Stark: Co-Founder of Glasgow Prophetic Centre an International Apostolic hub, a global network of prophetic ministers and one of Scotland’s fastest growing churches. Dr. Sharon Stone: Apostle of Christian International Europe, Managing Director at PropheticVoicetv, International Prophet and Pastor at My Church Windsor Simon Braker: Co-Founders of Legacy Ministries International and Founder of The School of the Spirit."

Above: The infamous Cindy Jacobs names three NAR "prophets" from Great Britain. 

*I have previously written a number of posts about Simon Braker who is based in Leicester. {4} 

I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; (Acts 20:29 cf. Matthew 7:15).

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

1. What Are Seraphim? Are They Angels? (biblestudytools.com)
2. Angel of the Lord - Wikipedia
3. British Isles Council of Prophets | The official website for the British Isles Council of Prophets (BICP). Fostering relationships, aiding communication and encouraging the prophetic voice in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland
* 4. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: Simon Braker (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)