Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.You will recognize them by their fruits (Matthew 7/15-16)
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Showing posts with label New Apostolic Reformation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New Apostolic Reformation. Show all posts
I have no argument with Chris Rosebrough's evaluation of NAR false prophet/teacher Patricia King in the above video. I concur that King's interpretation of Ezekiel 37 is a wicked distortion of the text and is demonic. (1 Timothy 4:1). Rosebrough's warning that the practice of "decreeing and declaring" robs believers of true prayer is critical to note. No biblical text instructs believers to decree and declare anything! (John 10:10). Those who teach this dangerous nonsense cut believers off from vital communication with God through prayer and petition. (Luke 18:1; John 14:14; Acts 1:14; 1 Timothy 2:1; Philippians 4:6; Ephesians 6:18; Colossians 4:2 etc). Mark and avoid Patricia King (Romans 16:17-18).
However, Rosebrough's interpretation of Ezekiel 37 as "the resurrection on the last day" and his redefinition of Israel as all believers is very puzzling.
Rosebrough: "This is a prophecy regarding the resurrection on the last day (v13). The resurrection of the dead, you see, the dead in Christ will rise first. You say, well, this is talking about Israel. Oh I know it is talking about Israel. Do you understand how Israel is defined according to Romans chapter 9 or even Galatians?
The hand of the LORD was upon me, and He brought me out by His Spirit and set me down in the middle of the valley, and it was full of bones. He led me all around among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, and indeed, they were very dry. Then He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones come to life?” “O Lord GOD,” I replied, “only You know.” And He said to me, “Prophesy concerning these bones and tell them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD! This is what the Lord GOD says to these bones: I will cause breath to enter you, and you will come to life. will attach tendons to you and make flesh grow upon you and cover you with skin. I will put breath within you so that you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the LORD.’” So I prophesied as I had been commanded. And as I prophesied, there was suddenly a noise, a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to bone. As I looked on, tendons appeared on them, flesh grew, and skin covered them; but there was no breath in them. Then He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and tell the breath that this is what the Lord GOD says: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe into these slain, so that they may live!” So I prophesied as He had commanded me, and the breath entered them, and they came to life and stood on their feet—a vast army. Then He said to me, “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. Look, they are saying, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope has perished; we are cut off.’ Therefore prophesy and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘O My people, I will open your graves and bring you up from them, and I will bring you back to the land of Israel. Then you, My people, will know that I am the LORD, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. I will put My Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I, the LORD, have spoken, and I will do it, declares the LORD.’” (Ezekiel 37:1-14).
This passage unmistakably refers to ethnic Israel. Ezekiel prophesies to the people of Israel and the land of Israel. (Ezekiel 37:12,14,21,22,25). Ezekiel describes a particular valley full of dry bones; these are not the dead of the entire earth, but are confined to a specific location. The bones cry out, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope has perished; we are cut off.’ (Ezekiel 37:11). Prior to the general resurrection, the dead in Christ will certainly have hope. Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment. (John 5:28-29). The general resurrection will occur instantaneously, whereas a process is described in Ezekiel 37, i.e. the bones reconnect; sinews, flesh and skin appear. Ultimately, when breath enters them, they rise as a living army. (Ezekiel 37:7-10). From Ezekiel 37:15, the passage itself identifies the bones symbolically as two sticks, i.e., the separated tribes, consisting of the ten northern tribes and the southern tribes of Judah and Benjamin. The bones symbolise the Israelites spiritually dead and in exile. The general resurrection of the dead described in 1 Thessalonians 4:16 will not emanate from the words of a prophet; rather, the resurrection will be commanded by the Lord Himself. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. (1 Thessalonians 4:16; cf. 1 Corinthians 15:51-52)).
Jerome originally interpreted this passage as the general resurrection of the dead, but he was corrected by other theologians. According to Keil and Delitzsch, the specific Hebrew word used in Ezekiel 37:9 is הרוּגים, which does not signify the dead of all kinds.
Keil and Delitzsch: "Ezekiel 37:9 those who are to be raised to life are called הרוּגים, a word which does not signify the dead of all kinds, but simply those who have been slain, or have perished by the sword, by famine, or by other violent deaths, and which indisputably proves that Ezekiel was not shown the resurrection of all the dead, but simply the raising to life of Israel, which had been swept away by a violent death. Kliefoth would account for this restriction from the purpose for which the vision was shown to the prophet. Because the design of the vision was to comfort Israel concerning the wretchedness of its existing condition, and that wretchedness consisted for the most part in the fact that the greater portion of Israel had perished by sword, famine, and pestilence, he was shown the resurrection of the dead generally and universally, as it would take place not in the case of the Israelites alone, but in that of all the dead, though here confined within the limits of one particular field of dead; and stress is laid upon the circumstance that the dead which Ezekiel saw raised to life instar omnium, were such as had met with a violent death. This explanation would be admissible, if only it had been indicated or expressed in any way whatever, that the bones of the dead which Ezekiel saw lying about in the בּקעה represented all the dead of the whole earth. But we find no such indication; and because in the whole vision there is not a single feature contained which would warrant any such generalization of the field of the dead which Ezekiel saw, we are constrained to affirm that the dead men's bones seen by Ezekiel in the valley represent the whole house of Israel alone, and not the deceased and slain of all mankind; and that the vision does not set forth the resurrection of all the dead, but only the raising to life of the nation of Israel which had been given up to death."1
Gentile believers are not described as part of Israel in the New Testament. While both Jewish and Gentile believers are included in the body of Christ, the term "Israel" primarily refers to the Jewish people, particularly in the context of the Old Testament and early Christian teachings.
What I hope to convey to Chris Rosebrough and other teachers is that they have an obligation to rightly divide the word of truth on ALL questions of theology. (2 Timothy 2:15). I therefore urge them to reevaluate their eschatology.
Unfortunately, many believers have received incorrect eschatology from their denominations rather than from the scriptures. As a result, they have bought into replacement theology (supersessionism) and are either indifferent or even hostile toward Israel. It should be noted that Luther and the Reformers did not give detailed attention to eschatology apart from its relevance to justification by faith alone. In other words, the Reformers generally accepted the flawed amillenial position of Roman Catholicism. Believers need to be on the right side of this question if they are to avoid a posture that puts them at odds with the word of God and in agreement with the Antichrist. The Jewish people and Christians will experience the persecution of the Antichrist during the great tribulation. (Matthew 24:9,21; Revelation 12:14-17).
And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a firstborn. (Zechariah 12:10 cf. John 19:37).
I caution readers of this post to avoid the pretrib rapture position of hyperdispensationalists. This view is unreliable and raises more problems than it solves.*
The links below give information from the prewrath perspective.
Viewer Question: "Hi Tim and Sarah, we know we have a loving God, a forgiving God. I have wondered why King David's infant son with Bathsheba had to die when he was a few weeks old due to their sin of adultery.. and David arranging the death of Uriah, Bathsheba's husband. It seems so sad and harsh, an innocent little life?"
Sarah Tun: "..I don't have the conflict. I just see with Uriah, the adultery and all that, that child could not live. That could not happen, it just could not happen because of the unrighteousness.."
Tim Vince: "I will give you an illustration from recent times. Cecil Parkinson, who was the Chair of the Conservative Party under Margaret Thatcher. He was committing adultery with Sarah Keays.. That child was disabled and died young. There is something that happens, certainly in the case of David and Cecil Parkinson's tragic story, but it doesn't have good life chances, a child born in that situation."
Sarah Tun: "It's not the child's fault, it's not God's responsibility, it's the outcome of unrighteousness. That's how I see it." Sarah Tun shrugged, apparently indifferent to the plight of the disabled. She continued.. "It's the cost as well. Jesus said, 'Count the cost when you are going to follow me', and also Jesus paid the huge, huge price for all of us. That child.. that was the cost of the unrighteousness."
Sarah Tun makes an incomprehensible connection between "counting the cost of discipleship" and the "cost of bearing a disabled child due to unrighteousness". Many children are born into adulterous relationships and are perfectly healthy. On the other hand, disabled children are born to couples who have not committed sexual sin. Vince and Tun not only talk nonsense, but they also talk dangerous nonsense and hate speech. Their brutal comments on the 5th of November (and also Vince on a previous programme) are likely to have caused pain to parents of disabled children and to disabled people in general. This spiritualized version of victim-blaming is callous and is based on gross ignorance.
It is ironic that Howard Conder himself is in an adulterous marriage and is guilty of sexual sin and unrighteousness. (Matthew 19:9). As far as I am aware, the children resulting from Howard and Leslie's adulterous marriage were not born disabled. The hypocrisy of these people is staggering.
David's unique position as king of Israel is a critical factor to be considered in any discussion about the death of his son. The child was not born with a sickness > The Lord afflicted the child.. and he became sick. (2 Samuel 12:15). The death of the child was to be a public example to all Israel. (2 Samuel 12:12). This was the first visible chastisement inflicted on David; other far-reaching judgements were to follow.
Why have you despised the word of the Lord, to do what is evil in his sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and have taken his wife to be your wife and have killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. Now therefore the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.’ Thus says the Lord, ‘Behold, I will raise up evil against you out of your own house. And I will take your wives before your eyes and give them to your neighbor, and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this sun. For you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel and before the sun.’” David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” And Nathan said to David, “The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die. Nevertheless, because by this deed you have utterly scorned the Lord, the child who is born to you shall die.” Then Nathan went to his house. And the Lord afflicted the child that Uriah’s wife bore to David, and he became sick. David therefore sought God on behalf of the child. And David fasted and went in and lay all night on the ground. And the elders of his house stood beside him, to raise him from the ground, but he would not, nor did he eat food with them. On the seventh day the child died. (2 Samuel 12:9-18).
Conder and his guests seem to delight in discussions pointing out the sins of unbelievers. They should limit their judgements to those within the church, but if they did that, they would have to condemn themselves. Unbelievers need to hear the gospel!
For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge?
I am reminded of Glenn Hoddle, who faced significant backlash and was dismissed as England manager in 1999 after making controversial comments suggesting that disabled people were suffering due to "sins from past lives". Although Hoddle claims to be a "born-again Christian", his belief in reincarnation is incompatible with biblical Christianity. Similarly, the beliefs of Howard Conder, Tim Vince and Sarah Tun are alien to biblical Christianity. Vince is ecumenical and Conder platforms false NAR teachers. I have no information about Sarah Tun, but her disgusting comments about disabled people speaks volumes.
This year (2025/6), the agenda for "Vision Sunday" at ONE Church was pretty much along the same lines as previous years, with the usual puff piece* and self-congratulatory anecdotes. The whole performance was a marathon of mind control and mantras lasting almost two hours. The ultimate goal was, of course, to persuade members to part with their money. Hind: "The father is devoted to you ..be a giver ..give till it hurts ..give it all ..every need will be provided for". These kinds of manipulative statements are linked to the false prosperity gospel and the unbiblical doctrine of tithes and offerings.1 In the New Testament, giving was always to the poor; it was never under compulsion. (2 Corinthians 9:7; cf. Acts 11:20-30; Romans 12:13,15,25-27; 1 Corinthians 16:1-3; 2 Corinthians 8:1-4,9:1-2 etc). State-of-the-art buildings and land acquisition were the very last things on the apostles' agenda.
The songs at ONE Church originate mostly from NAR Churches, including Bethel Church, Redding. Bethel is widely condemned as heretical, and their music is known as the gateway drug to dangerous NAR theology and the false prosperity gospel. Bill Johnson is quoted as saying, “Music bypasses all of the intellectual barriers, and when the anointing of God is on a song, people will begin to believe things they wouldn’t believe through teaching.” ONE Church offers performance in the guise of worship; their stage might even be from the set of Bethel Redding. Like many deceptions, ONE Church promotes a blend of truth and error which is a poor counterfeit of the real thing. (John 4:23).
Holly Pivec: "It’s not just about sermons anymore—sometimes it’s the soundtrack that shifts theology. Bethel Music isn’t just popular; it’s a vehicle for ideas that many churches don’t even realize they’re absorbing. The influence of the New Apostolic Reformation is often subtle… until it isn’t."2
The fact that David Hind refers to himself as an "apostolic leader of leaders" is disgustingly vainglorious, and yet this is precisely the label he claims for himself. Whatever happened to humility? (Galatians 6:3, Philippians 2:3; 1 Corinthians 8:2; Proverbs 26:12;1 Corinthians 13:4).
According to Hind, "God told them" to demolish the building next door at 12 Frog Island. Hind has been identified as a false prophet due to his previous unreliable attempts at playing the "God told me" card. This tactic is very prevalent within AoG and hypercharismatic churches. Conveniently for Hind, no one can actually put a nebulous "word from the Lord" to the test. (1 John 4:1). I did not send the prophets, yet they ran; I did not speak to them, yet they prophesied. (Jeremiah 23:21 cf. Galatians 6:7).
Hind quoted from Revelation 3, Behold, I stand at the door and knock. (Revelation 3:20 cf. Revelation 2:7). The book of Revelation is directed to the churches; it is not directed to those outside the church. Ironically, the warning to Laodicea is particularly relevant to ONE Church as well as many others. Hind and his team should take this warning on board and repent while they still have time.
To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Originator of God’s creation. I know your deeds; you are neither cold nor hot. How I wish you were one or the other! So because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to vomit you out of My mouth! You say, ‘I am rich; I have grown wealthy and need nothing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, white garments so that you may be clothed and your shameful nakedness not exposed, and salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. Those I love I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me. To the one who overcomes, I will grant the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Revelation 3:14-22).
Some further observations..
The number of off-site campuses at ONE Church is now reduced to four from seven in 2014. The megachurch multi-site model has a terrible reputation, particularly in the US, where many abusers have been exposed. This particular model lends itself to, and is rife with, abuse of all kinds, notably spiritual, financial and sexual abuse. This situation stems largely from nepotism and/or ineffective board members who have no will to oppose authoritarian leaders. I recommend that readers of this post refer to the horror stories recorded by the following channel:(115) Not By Sight News - YouTube
I also notice that Brian Niblock is no longer on the Board of Trustees. I hope he will now have time to consider the many ungodly actions he has been party to over the years at TLC/ONE Church since Hind was railroaded in, and that he will repent.
ONE Church is part of 'United Network' of Churches in Leicestershire.
"One Church is part of 'United Network' of churches in Leicestershire. We love walking in unity with other local churches, and believe Jesus only has 'ONE CHURCH' in this county. Together we run leaders breakfasts, events for kids, youth and young adults, and prayer gatherings."
I was unsuccessful in my attempt to ascertain the churches ONE Church partners with in Leicestershire and whether they are ecumenical. Hind has a historic connection with Churches Together, which is ecumenical. Furthermore, J. John, who is ecumenical, spoke at ONE Church on the 28th of January 2024.
*A puff piece is a type of article or segment that offers exaggerated praise for someone or something, often ignoring critical viewpoints. It is commonly used in journalism to promote celebrities, books, or events without providing insightful commentary. Essentially, a puff piece serves to flatter or promote rather than inform critically.
And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church (ἐκκλησίαν), and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18).
Charlie Kirk's interpretation of the above verse is a mandate for Christians to "build my church on this government structure". Kirk falsely claimed that the Greek noun ἐκκλησία (ekklesia) should be interpreted as "government structure". However, Jesus did not call Christians to build on existing government structures; He said I will build my church.Kirk's blatant misinterpretation of this verse accommodates the lethal seven mountain mandate. The lexical interpretation of ἐκκλησία is from a compound of ek (meaning 'from' or 'out of') and a derivative of kaleo (to call (forth). Strongs: "1577 ekklēsía(from 1537 /ek, 'out from and to' and 2564 /kaléō, 'to call') – properly, people called out from the world and to God, the outcome being the Church (the mystical body of Christ) – i.e. the universal (total) body of believers whom God calls out from the world and into His eternal kingdom. [The English word 'church' comes from the Greek word kyriakos, 'belonging to the Lord' (kyrios). 1577 /ekklēsía ('church') is the root of the terms 'ecclesiology' and 'ecclesiastical.']"1 People are called out of the worldinto the kingdom of God; It is Christ who builds His church, not Christians! Kirk's lethal strategy was to target the young and to shut down any objections without allowing anyone the time or opportunity to test his claims. (1 John 4:1).
Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” (John 18:36).
TPUSA, Dominion Theology, the NAR, and those who believe that secular government and Christians can work together to achieve Christian principles in the world are in serious error. (1 John 4:6). TPUSA is ostensibly a "Christian" organisation, and while they espouse some Christian values, there are red flags everywhere. Charlie Kirk gave his full support to the NAR seven mountain mandate. His divisive rhetoric against the black community was indefensible, and his ecumenism was demonstrated by his endorsement of the Roman Catholic Church and his validation of Mormonism. (2 Corinthians 11:14). On the 26th of September 2025, Vivek Ramaswamy, a Hindu and Republican candidate, faced questions about his faith at a Turning Point USA event.Ramaswamy is a veteran of Charlie Kirk’s “Prove me wrong” campus colloquies. Ramaswamy: “Every religion has its reconciling of the one and the many. And so, in my faith, I believe there’s one true God, he resides in all of us, and he appears in different forms, but it’s one true God. I’m an ethical monotheist.”2
Politics and Christianity are like oil and water; their source are completely different. Politics is based on worldly governance, which is under the dominion of Satan. Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” (John 18:36).
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’” (Matthew 4:8-10).
When Christians seek to infiltrate and influence the political strongholds of the world, they disobey Christ and transfer their allegiance to Satan's dominion. Paul used the terms "powers and principalities" to describe spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 6:12). The apostles were subversives; they were killed because they were opponents of the state. The Christian mandate is to rescue people from the world i.e. make disciples of all nations, and to preach the gospel to all creation. (Matthew 28:10; Mark 16:15). It is impossible for true Christians to gain political influence in the world without betraying the gospel. The world rejects and hates true Christians. (Matthew 10:22; John 17:14; 1 John 2:15; 2 Timothy 3:12-13).
If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. (John 5:19).
Worldly influence only becomes possible when collusion and compromise are involved. The world is perishing and will ultimately be destroyed. (1 John 2:17; Matthew 24:35). According to the seven mountain mandate, the aim is for Christians to ultimately rule the nations. There is no persecution or cost involved in their agenda. Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.. (2 Timothy 3:12).
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. (2 Peter 3:10-13).
The Antichrist will arise from the political arena.
And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads, with ten diadems on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads. And the beast that I saw was like a leopard; its feet were like a bear’s, and its mouth was like a lion’s mouth. And to it the dragon gave his power and his throne and great authority. (Revelation 13:1-2).
Revelation 13:1-2 draws from the four successive beast kingdoms in Daniel 7. Daniel's vision describes four distinct terrifying creatures placed in juxtaposition to the saints and the kingdom of God:‘These four great beasts are four kings who shall arise out of the earth. But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, forever and ever.’ (Daniel 7:17-18). The four beasts are described as the empires of Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome, aligning with the vision of the statue in Daniel 2. In biblical literature, the sea often symbolizes chaos, evil, and the nations in turmoil. (Isaiah 17:12-13 cf. Revelation 17:15).
I will briefly refer to Caleb Corneloup's recent video and his argument for Christians to be involved in politics.3 Caleb refers exclusively to characters from the Old Testament. While these examples are interesting, they are not relevant to the global situation and the nations today. Ancient Israel was a theocracy that was established by God Himself as outlined in the Torah. As such, it was unavoidable that their leaders would be politically active. We cannot compare Old Testament passages about political involvement with today's political activism in His name. No nation today has a covenant with God. Jesus Christ will establish a global theocracy when He returns.
Those who profess Christianity and use politics as a vehicle to achieve their goals inevitably become persecutors. Following Constantine’s alleged conversion to Christianity in 321AD, Augustine of Hippo introduced many heresies and paved the way for Roman Catholicism. Augustine argued that coercion was justified as a method of persuasion and correction. The dark history of Charlemagne, who was crowned Holy Roman Emperor in 800, is beyond doubt. The Roman Catholic Crusades from the 11th to the 13th centuries were a mix of politics, religion, and violence, during which time many atrocities were committed. Both Luther and Calvin made wicked choices when they held political power. Luther compromised when he opposed the peasants' revolt and sided with "the princes". Luther sanctioned the death penalty for Anabaptists, resulting in some of them being "rebaptised" by drowning in the Danube with rocks tied to their feet. Luther's open hatred of the Jews is well known, as is his rejection of certain New Testament books and his attempt to ban them. Geneva became a repressive authoritarian police state under the abuser John Calvin. Michael Seretus was murdered in 1553 for daring to disagree with Calvin. The NAR seven mountain mandate belongs to the same category as its predecessors; the seeds are being sown, and the final result will be the beast empire of the Antichrist.
Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the judgment of the great prostitute who is seated on many waters, with whom the kings of the earth have committed sexual immorality, and with the wine of whose sexual immorality the dwellers on earth have become drunk.”And he carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness, and I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was full of blasphemous names, and it had seven heads and ten horns. The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and jewels and pearls, holding in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality. And on her forehead was written a name of mystery: “Babylon the great, mother of prostitutes and of earth’s abominations.” And I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. (Revelation 17:1-6).
And the angel said to me, “The waters that you saw, where the prostitute is seated, are peoples and multitudes and nations and languages. And the ten horns that you saw, they and the beast will hate the prostitute. They will make her desolate and naked, and devour her flesh and burn her up with fire, for God has put it into their hearts to carry out his purpose by being of one mind and handing over their royal power to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled. And the woman that you saw is the great city that has dominion over the kings of the earth.” (Revelation 17:15-18).
When we see Christian leaders like Joe Schimmel and Chad Davidson (Good Fight Ministries), Mike Winger, and Ray Comfort supporting TPUSA events, we should question their discernment and their true allegiance to Christ.
But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. (2 Corinthians 11:3).
Mike Winger is the featured teacher of BibleThinker online ministry. He graduated from the School of Ministry at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa and was ordained in 2006.1 Winger abandoned his post as an associate pastor in Southern California, and he is now described as an "influencer".
I recently became very alarmed by Winger's attendance at the Charlie Kirk memorial and his subsequent announcement that he was "changing" and was considering involvement in the gospel combined with political activism. This is, of course, fraternization with the world and has nothing to do with pure devotion to Christ. Winger was seen happily chatting with Calvinist Jeff Durbin at the Kirk memorial. What I find troubling about this is that Winger seems to have difficulty drawing the line between calling out false teachers and fraternizing with them. Winger appeared to be the best of friends with Durbin at this event, which is surprising considering his in-depth series calling out Calvinism as unbiblical and the fact that many believers regard Calvinism as a "different gospel". (2 Corinthians 11:4; Romans 16:17-18)2
Winger has recently attended a TPUSA meeting together with Ray Comfort to "see what he thinks".3 This is a no-brainer. Christ explicitly repeated the phrase, "My kingdom is not of this world".
Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” (John 18:36).
Winger: "I am going to take down an artificial barrier that was stopping some of my activity of thinking biblically about everything.."4Winger said this was an off-the-cuff "random weird livestream". It is never a good idea to do something like this on the spur of the moment without prayer and due consideration, especially considering the huge implications of Winger's newideas. There was hardly any scripture in the entire 1:15-hour livestream; what scripture there was was twisted by worldly reasoning! (30:55 mark) As a so-called "influencer", Winger is on the cusp of deceiving his entire audience of approximately 100,0000 into worldly thinking and deflecting them from the true purposes of God! (Matthew 16:23). This is a massive issue! Charlie Kirk-style debating about moral issues is to go beyond the remit of Christian ministry. Conviction of sin is the work of the Holy Spirit! (John 16:8 cf. John 15:26-27). The primary sin of the world is unbelief. (John 16:9). Believers are called to preach the gospel and make disciples of all nations, nothing more. (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:47). The New Testament teaches that it is those within the church we should judge; God will judge those outside. (1 Corinthians 5:12-13).
The considerable efforts of some to sanitize Charlie Kirk's legacy should fool no one. Kirk was a fast talker and a skilled debater whose opponents consisted largely of inexperienced college students who were no match for his considerable rhetorical expertise. In many instances, he "won the argument" due to what in my view were bullying tactics. On close examination, Kirk has been proven to be contradictory and factually wrong in a number of instances.TPUSA is a worldly organization that seeks to attain political dominion, hence their allegiance to many NAR false teachers who promote Dominion Theology. Charlie Kirk was heavily invested in the unbiblical NAR Seven Mountain Mandate.
The "Third Way" theology within TPUSA represents a complex interplay between political activism and theological fidelity, challenging believers to navigate the complexities of contemporary culture while adhering to their faith. The critical question is whether political activism and adherence to faith can be combined or whether they are mutually exclusive. Jesus Himself did not involve Himself in the politics of His time, and neither did His apostles. The political realm is part of the worldly system of corruption and will ultimately be used by the Antichrist as his vehicle to gain ascendancy. TPUSA has been described as a threat to democracy and has been linked to white nationalism and Christofascism.
It should be noted that Satan is presently in authority over worldly powers. Jesus rejected worldly power and dominion when he rejected Satan's offer of "all the kingdoms of the world". The required compromise is "if you will fall down and worship me.."
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’”Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him. (Matthew 4:8-11).
You adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever chooses to be a friend of the world renders himself an enemy of God. (James 4:4 cf. 1 John 2:15-17; Romans 12:2).
Dominion theology and true faith in Christ are at variance with one another. Any Christian supporting TPUSA must abandon biblical eschatology and realign their faith to political dominionist eschatology rooted in this world.
Will TPUSA and Dominionism make a positive difference in the world? Not according to Jesus. Jesus described a multiplication of wickedness and a deterioration of the world in the last days.
Jesus answered, “See to it that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. These things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.....For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.. (Matthew 24:4-8,37 cf.Genesis 6:5).
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).
And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies gathered to make war against him who was sitting on the horse and against his army. And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. And the rest were slain by the sword that came from the mouth of him who was sitting on the horse, and all the birds were gorged with their flesh. (Revelation 19:19-21 cf.Revelation 16:14).
Further Concerns
As recently as November 2022, Winger claimed that he would "absolutely" fellowship with false churches like Bethel.. I will not throw out the baby with the bathwater. I think that Bethel is not a church full of demons. Bethel is a church full of people that are sincere, that have some things off.. I would still fellowship with them. I would still call them my brothers and sisters in the Lord. Absolutely."5I was concerned about this statement at that time, but I gave Winger the benefit of the doubt. Winger only changed his mind about Bethel when he received severe pushback and was shamed into issuing a retraction. I now regard Winger's statement at that time as a red flag and a harbinger of things to come. Having given this matter further consideration in light of recent events, it seems incomprehensible that a discerning Christian teacher could have missed Bethel's blasphemy and failed to call them out adequately. Bethel Redding is a hotbed of aberrant NAR New Age unbiblical teachings, including spiritual fakery, grave suckng, and the prosperity gospel.6
Winger's anonymous witnesses during his exposure of Todd White was unbiblical. Winger claimed that multiple eye-witnesses came forward alleging years of disqualifying behavior from White, including theft, pathological lies, spiritual abuse and manipulation, and allegations of domestic abuse. However, Winger's multiple eyewitnesses failed to materialize. Winger claimed, “I’ve met with them, confirmed their identities, seen the evidence that corroborates their testimonies, and believe that it’s Christ-honoring to come forward and shout a warning to believers everywhere that Todd White is disqualified and dangerous.” It may well be that Winger's accusations against White were true and I do not dismiss them. However, biblically, we should not accept an allegation against an "elder" (I use the term loosely in Todd Whites case) without evidence. Biblically, the word of a single witness is unacceptable, and corroborating evidence is always required. (Matthew 18:16; 1 Timothy 5:19; 2 Corinthians 13:1; Deuteronomy 19:15, etc.) Winger promised that the evidence would be forthcoming, but it has never materialized. Winger's exposé would have endorsed White's already tainted reputation as a conman who engages in parlour tricks and false teaching, but without corroboration, it cannot be accepted.
Winger "About those objections to hell..." 28 September 2023: "I am open to the idea of annihilationism or conditional immortality.."7 (10:42 mark). At the same time, Winger affirms the existence of hell. This kind of double-talk is very unhelpful and waters down the gospel.
Recently, I reported on Winger's interview with Elijah Stephens, where it was assumed that false teachers could be reinstated. Winger: "This video is made to help stir up positive change in the movement." Stephens repeatedly made protracted appeals to Shawn Bolz and Bethel leaders to take accountability and to reform their ministries.8 Once again, Winger apparently failed to comprehend that Shawn Bolz and Bethel leaders are utterly disqualified and should never assume the role of teachers within the body of Christ, even if they do repent.
Mike Winger's recent exposure of cult leader Steven Koko, the so-called "predator of Panama",9 involves close collaboration with hypercharismatic false teacher Torben Sondergaard, founder of The Last Reformation.10 Sondergaard is a "thus saith the Lord" leg puller and demon slayer who hijacks people into false repentance. (See further links) Again, I am not dismissing Winger's claims against Koko, and it appears that in this instance, there are viable witnesses to the abuse. However, no bona fide Christian apologist should collaborate with false teachers like Sondergaard > the means do not justify the ends.
What Winger describes as his epic fight against "cover-up culture" may seem very worthy, but it is problematic. Winger's response to Koko's "goons" is "over my dead body". This sounds very courageous, but Christ is not looking for lone ranger heroes who ignore his precepts, just faithful servants.11
Winger: "Over my dead body. Steve Koko's goons are already threatening people with legal action, trying to get my video removed. Can I reply to them right here? My reply: If we got anything wrong reach out to me and tell me. But, if you are trying to intimidate and control, doing Cover-Up Culture (as I suspect) then I want you to know that every action you take will only make things WORSE for you. I will shine the light on your acts and the things you do to try to continue intimidating and controlling people. If my video has anything wrong in it, I will happily deal with it. But, when it comes to lies, threats, and bullying, my only response to you is 'over my dead body.'"
Having now done a much deeper dive into Mike Winger's ministry, he puts me in mind of compromiser Michael Brown, who speaks out of both sides of his mouth and makes excuses for false teachers. I now regard Winger as unsafe, and critically, he is potentially part of the false light of the political right.
The aim of this post is to examine Charlie Kirk's faith and to compare some of his attitudes and beliefs to those found in the Bible. This post does not concern the conspiracy theories surrounding Kirk's murder.
Kirk was a "professing Christian", i.e., he claimed to be a Christian, he proclaimed the gospel accurately on a number of occasions, and he was generally considered to be a champion of biblical values. Many naive people assumed that Kirk was an authentic Christian. However, there were significant issues contained within Kirk's theology that were incompatible with his profession.
Ecumenism
The essential criterion that marks out a true believer is that he/she keep God's word. If you love me, you will keep my commandments. (John 14:15 cf. John 14:23-24; 1 John 5:3,2:3-5,3:22-24; 2 John 1:6; John 15:10,14. Matthew 7:21 etc.)
Kirk attended Dream City Church in Phoenix, Arizona, where he worshiped and hosted political rallies. Dream City Church (formerly Phoenix First Assembly of God) is a multi-site Pentecostal megachurch affiliated with the Assemblies of God USA.
Kirk also occasionally attended Mass at St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Scottsdale, Arizona, and openly acknowledged that he was ecumenical. He spoke about his respect for Roman Catholicism and the possibility of his conversion. In an interview reported by Crisis Magazine, he said: “Some of my greatest friends in the world are Catholic…I go to Catholic Mass every once in a while. I don’t take the Eucharist…but I’m open-minded, but I’m not there yet.”1
In an interview with Church Militant, Kirk said, "The world is a better place because of the Catholic Church, and that needs to be said more. He went on to express that he has 'so much respect for the Catholic Tradition and Church.'" 1
Kirk was, in fact, steeped in Roman Catholicism. Kirk's wife, Erica, was raised a Roman Catholic and attended Notre Dame Preparatory, a private Catholic high school in Scottsdale, Arizona. She is a practicing Roman Catholic, and it is reported that she attends Mass daily.2
Online pictures show the Kirks visiting the National Basilica in Washington, D.C., along with photos of Charlie Kirk attending Mass. Erika raised a rosary to onlookers as her husband's body was transported home.3 On a recent episode of his podcast, Kirk spoke about the "Blessed Mother" and mentioned how he was close to Father Don Kline, pastor of St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Scottsdale, Arizona, and how his wife was baptized Catholic.
EWTN: "During a July 16 episode of 'The Charlie Kirk Show' on “Real America’s Voice,” Kirk explained that he believes Protestants do not venerate or talk about Mary enough. He said she “is the solution” to “toxic feminism in America.”
“Mary was clearly important to early Christians,” Kirk said. “Have more young ladies be pious, be reverent, be full of faith, slow to anger, slow to words at times. Mary is a phenomenal example, and I think a counter to so much of the toxicity of feminism in the modern era.”4
Many evangelicals voiced concerns that these remarks were tantamount to a slide toward Roman Catholic tradition.While bible believing Christians respect Mary, she is not the answer to toxic feminism or anything else. To cross the line into the kind of "veneration" that verges on Mariolatry is sinful. In my view, Kirk blurred the lines, or was in the process of blurring the lines, between true biblical Christianity and its antithesis, Roman Catholic tradition. (2 Corinthians 11:4). In essence, ecumenism is a violation of the first commandment to prioritize God above all else. You shall have no other Gods before me. (Exodus 20:3; Deuteronomy 5:7; Matthew 22:36-38 cf. 2 Corinthians 11:14).
In a recent statement, Kirk's pastor at Turning Point USA, Rob McCoy, said, "Many Protestants, mainly Baptists and evangelicals, do not believe Catholics are Christians. If we are to learn anything from Charlie, it's to know Charlie did not believe this. Even though we have no evidence to show Charlie was on his way to the CC, Charlie very well believed practicing Catholics were Christians. And my encouragement to Baptists and evangelicals alike is to take this position as well."5
Mormons
Kirk: 'I love how Mormons send missionaries around the world, I love how polite they are.. Half my team is Mormon.. Mormons are great people.. I'm an evangelical Christian, but I'm not one of those guys that hates on Mormons.. We need a strong Mormon church back in this country.."6
Kirk claimed that he did not endorse Mormonism. However, he actively sought to get Mormons on board with his political agenda. The fact that Mormons send missionaries around the world indicates that they are spreading a false gospel. Why would the US "need a strong Mormon church" spreading a different gospel? (2 Corinthians 11:4).
New Apostolic Reformation > Dominion Theology
Kirk was involved with the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), an aberrant movement that seeks to influence society through Dominionist Theology. Kirk made public statements promoting the NAR agenda, particularly the "seven mountain mandate," at events such as the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). Kirk collaborated with prominent leaders within the NAR, such as Lance Wallnau, and he participated in the strategy to turn religious congregations into active participants in political campaigns, especially for candidates aligned with the "America First" agenda.7
"Right Wing Watch reported last week that Kirk had endorsed California congressional candidate Sean Feucht, a worship leader at Bethel megachurch and a favorite of dominionist 'apostles' and 'prophets.' It turns out that endorsement was the tip of the iceberg of Kirk’s partnership with a group of California-based pastors connected to Christian nationalist political operative David Lane."
The implications of Kirk's association with NAR leaders raises the critical issue of ecclesiastic separation of church and state. When dominionists conflate the kingdom of God and earthly power, they compromise the gospel. Jesus made a critical distinction between the kingdom of God and earthly dominion. Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” (John 18:36).
For Kirk, MAGA (Make America Great Again), and the goal of winning/maintaining political power over the Democrats took precedence over the command of biblical separation. The biblical mandate for believers to separate themselves from sin and worldly influences and to maintain holiness was entirely absent from Kirk's theology. (2 Corinthians 6:17; Romans 12:2; 1 John 1:6-7; Galatians 5:16; Ephesians 5:11).
Shabbat
Kirk strictly observed the Jewish Sabbath, Shabbat. In an interview, he recommended that Christians follow Shabbat, and he was due to publish a book on the subject, 'Stop, in the Name of God: Why Honoring the Sabbath Will Change Your Life', which is now scheduled to be published posthumously in December.
Kirk's teaching and book on this subject will undoubtedly influence Bible believers to observe Shabbat. However, the New Testament does not require believers to observe Shabbat or any Jewish Festival. Shabbat observance was a specific commandment to the Israelites, not to Gentiles.
The Israelites must keep the Sabbath, celebrating it as a permanent covenant for the generations to come. It is a sign between Me and the Israelites forever; for in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, but on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed.(Exodus 31:16-17).
Within Orthodox Judaism, any Gentile who observes Shabbat must be circumcised or be put to death. Circumcision was a practice that Paul vehemently opposed in New Testament churches. (Galatians 5:2).
"Rabbi Yose bar Hanina said: A gentile who keeps Shabbat before [i.e. without] accepting circumcision is liable for death. Why? Because they [gentiles] were not commanded in it. And why did you see fit to say that a gentile who keeps Shabbat is liable for death? R. Hiyya bar Abba said R. Yohanan said: in the normal way of the world, if a king and matron sit and converse with one another, one who comes and inserts himself between them – is he not liable for death? Similarly this Shabbat between Israel and the Holy One blessed be He, as it is said “between me and the Israelites [it is an eternal sign]” (Exod. 31:17). Therefore, any gentile who comes and inserts himself between them before accepting upon himself to be circumcised is liable for death."8
Kirk did not claim that it is obligatory to observe Shabbat. However, he extolled the benefits of doing so, and he presented persuasive arguments in favour of the practice. Paul is clear; if we want to observe days and years, then we are free to do so. However, we should not seek to influence others, and we should keep such matters between ourselves and God. Christians are not obliged to submit to Old Testament practices to gain particular blessings. Gentile believers alreadyhave every blessing in Christ. (Ephesians 1:3).
Interestingly, nine of the original ten commandments given in Exodus 20 are referenced in the New Testament. However, the fourth commandment regarding the Sabbath is not mentioned as a statute that Christians are obliged to keep. This is becauseJesus embodies the true rest and fulfillment of the Sabbath. So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. (Hebrews 4:9-10).
Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods. But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more? You observe days and months and seasons and years! I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain. (Galatians 4:8-10).
Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. (Colossians 2:16-17).
One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God. For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. (Romans 14:5-9).
The black community > divisive rhetoric
Although it is vociferously denied that Kirk was a racist by his supporters, there are clear examples that corroborate this allegation and confirm his damaging, racist remarks against black people.
Kirk frequently cast doubt on the qualifications of black professionals.. In 2024, he said, “If I see a black pilot, I’m gonna be like, boy, I hope he’s qualified.”
On one occasion, he referred to “a moronic black woman” in customer service and questioned whether she was hired “because of her excellence, or … because of affirmative action.” Kirk attacked civil rights leader Martin Luther King: “Clarence Thomas was a far better black role model to celebrate than Martin Luther King. Period. End of story. This guy is not worthy of a national holiday.” At Turning Point USA’s America Fest in 2023, Kirk said, "MLK was awful. We made a huge mistake when we passed the Civil Rights Act in the 1960s."
Kirk referred to journalist Joy Reid, former First Lady Michelle Obama, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, and Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson as “affirmative action picks", and he claimed they did not “have the brain processing power to otherwise be taken really seriously.”9 Kirk blamed a Black fire chief in Austin, Texas, for flooding deaths that occurred a three-hour drive away from the city.10
Kirk denounced Juneteenth as a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery. Kirk: “Juneteenth should not be a federal holiday.. This holiday is not about celebrating emancipation, regardless of the veneer they put on it.”10
These remarks make sense when the roots and history of the NAR and its ties to Brahnamism, British Israelism, and the Ku Klux Klan are understood.
Collins: "William Branham's mentor was Roy E Davis.. the second in command of the 1915 KKK. Branham was working with not only Roy E Davis.. Davis was working with Caleb Ridley, who was the Klan's Supreme Religious Chaplain, and they were trying to establish, it was a short lived organization called the Supreme Kingdom, but they were trying to establish what today, you could almost say it was the prototype for today's Dominionism.They were trying to invade the government, the education system, the media, the entertainment industry.. Davis rose up to be the next Imperial Wizard of the Klan.. he is promoting Branham.." (40 minute mark)11
Appeasement to the Christian Right
This is not the time to capitulate under pressure from the powerful Christian right. Some surprising people have voiced their approval for Kirk.
If you have raced with men on foot, and they have wearied you, how will you compete with horses? And if in a safe land you are so trusting, what will you do in the thicket of the Jordan? (Jeremiah 12:5).
Below is a selection of viewer comments demonstrating that Good Fight's viewers have more courage and discernment than they do!
* I find this surprising to warn against his heresies that are so destructive. Can yall not see the eucumenical push to come from his death? I am very surprised yall hid the truth during such an important time. Its wild that this is a positive review of charlie and unlisting the video that pointed out the heresies he teaches that will lead many astray... Do yall not understand that many people are googling him and watching his stuff now and will fall into the seven mountain mandate?? Why not allow people to see the truth?
* Good fight: how devastating that you have deleted your vid confronting Charlie on his FALSE TEACHING about Co- redeemer Mary!!!!
How can we possibly TRUST YOU if you crumble under the pressure of Kirk suddenly becoming godhood in his martyrdom!!!
This new vid on Kirk is a GLOWING REPORT OF HOW GREAT HE IS!!!! it's DISAPPOINTING Seriously I'm so SURPRISED!!!
* Unsubscribed. I was very suspicious of you guys to begin with but now it’s confirmed. You do all of these videos on Freemasons yet you can’t see that Charlie Kirk is a Freemason and this was a club event to push propaganda and divide us further? Candace Owens said she’s a mason and one of her recent videos. She comes out and says it. They are all in the club. Maybe you are too.
Michael Grant is currently vacillating on the issue of Kirk's alleged faith. As a result, I have unsubscribed from his YouTube channel. The Faith of Charlie Kirk (1993-2025)
Above: Hind is regurgitating a false teaching that has been circulating within NAR circles for years by false prophets and teachers such as Paul Cain, Bill Johnson, Bob Jones, Todd Bentley, Mike Bickle, Rick Joyner, Emma Stark, and Benny Hinn. Those who teach it often refer to "the seer anointing". They cite the experiences of Jacob, Moses, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Paul, and John etc. These examples are rare pivotal moments in the bible and are not normative experiences. From this false teaching come stories of divine or angelic visitations and outrageous, unverifiable prophesies. Like many false teachings, the "open heaven anointing" is based partly on truth, but the scriptures are warped to an extent that distorts the meaning and gives narcissist wannabes a delusional sense of their own importance as prophets or seers.
And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:16-17).
After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” At once I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne.. (Revelation 4:1-2).
The epistles are the manual for believers to follow. We have instructions for holy living and are required to trust God and to humbly follow him. Significantly, the miracles in the above passages were not coveted or sought by the people involved. Rather, they were initiated by God Himself and are powerful moments in redemptive history. Taking verses out of their original context and using them as a blueprint for how we should hear from God when the circumstances of the story are completely different is extremely problematic.
The noun δύναμις > power (Acts 1:8). Dynamite was the interpretation frequently used by false teacher Reinhard Bonnke. δύναμις comes from the English dynamic or dynamite. However, as with many faith healers with tall stories and claims of mass "miracles", Bonnke was exposed as a fake in a HBO video in 2011: A Question of Miracles (Faith Healing) Part 1
Strong's: "From dunamai: force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself) -- ability, abundance, meaning, might(-ily, -y, -y deed), (worker of) miracle(-s), power, strength, violence, mighty (wonderful) work."1
Hind's manic OTT style, his revisionist history of TLC/One Church, his false prophecies, exaggerations, out-of-context teaching, and ethical compromises are highly dubious on many levels.
Hind puts the Bible at the top of his list as a way of hearing God's voice. However, his own careless handling of scripture and his inaptitude fall woefully short of the biblical standard required of a pastor. (James 3:1). Hind's "confident assertions" are based on myth and mere speculation. (1 Timothy 1:3-7).
Hind demonstrates the folly and presumption of using scripture to validate ungodly decisions. He quotes Genesis 12:1-2 in order to justify his move to Leicester in 2007 as God's will. In fact, Hind was allegedly "invited" to come to Leicester by Brian Niblock, who failed to support the man whom he had trained for years as his successor, and arguably the man who was called to lead TLC. If Niblock had done the right thing, the whole church would have supported him. Niblock's weakness and capitulation to the three elders at that time was a pivotal moment in the life of TLC! Almost as soon as Hind arrived at TLC, there was a discernible drop in biblical standards. After witnessing Hind's ungodly style of leadership, it was not long before a number of attendees, including myself, began to have grave concerns about his competence as a pastor. This woeful beginning has progressed into a long list of unethical decisions and damnable statements ethusiastically spewed by Hind during his tenure at TLC/One Church.
Further examples..
In 2013, God allegedly spoke to "them" to become a multisite church: "Enlarge the place of your tent.." (Isaiah 54:2). As far as I am aware, no one questioned the fact that this alleged prophecy does not fit the New Testament autonomous leadership model of church leadership.
In 2021, Hind claims that he was given a "prophetic word" from Habakuk 2:1. "The Lord wants you to climb up". From this alleged "prophetic word" came the union of TLC and All Nations Church Leicester (ANCL), which was a "shipwreck". When churches host false prophets like Emma Stark and Heidi Baker and are rabid NAR proponents, we are to mark and avoid them, not join with them! The temptation of acquiring the building on Frog Island was no doubt a significant factor in theirdecision to unite with ANCL.
Hind's failed "imminent revival" prophecy of 2022 is clear evidence that he is a false prophet.
David Hind (1st May 2022): "This is a fulfillment season, an outbreak season."2
(Deuteronomy 18:32; Ezekiel 13:13; Jeremiah 23:16; 2 Peter 2:1-3).
Hind frequently insists that One Church is not about ego or about him personally.
Hind: "Sometimes we can get this picture, this green room culture of the mighty man or woman of God, separate from the people coming in. I don't want to disappoint you, but that ain't us because without the grace of God, I'm done."
Methinks Hind protests too often and too much! Authentic godly leaders do not need to speak such things or repeat them at every opportunity. If Hind is as humble as he claims, then he would not refer to himself as "an apostolic leader of leaders". Only a narcissist would adopt such a title. A true man of God, confident in his calling, would not find this kind of repetition necessary. The constant reminders of his so-called "calling" are a tactic to convince others and possibly even himself that he is authentic.
Dr Jesse Collins: "Often religious leaders use Bible scriptures or scripture-like soundings, or they'll say they had a vision of something, and this vision told them X, and they'll keep repeating these lines over and over again.. a repetition of mantras is a common, well-known worldwide control mechanism for people.."3
The standards required for testing spiritual gifts have been ignored by NAR false prophets, and the resulting abuse and damage to believers is glaringly obvious. The latest abominable "prophecy" from Mike Bickle's sister, Lisa Bickle Stribling, is one of the most shocking examples I have seen: Survivors of Mike Bickle’s Alleged Sex Abuse Condemn His Sister’s Attempt to Discredit Them
Believers are required to test everything and not just accept any "word" allegedly from God. (1 John 4:1). If a prophecy fails, then that man or woman is to be marked and avoided! (Romans 16:17-18). Just because Benny Hinn, Todd Bentley, Shawn (smartphone) Bolz, Mike Bickle, and David Hind (fill in the blank) claim to have received a word from God, we should not automatically believe them; in fact, quite the reverse, since these men are proven false prophets.
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).
We are in very dangerous territory when we imagine that God is communicating something to us that cannot be validated by the scriptures or fails to come to pass. Every book in the New Testament, apart from Philemon, warns about false prophets and teachers. Paul anticipated this problem within the church. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. (Acts 20:29-30).
For those ready to deconstruct from NAR indoctrination and onslaught, I recommend Leaving the Message*, which traces the development of the NAR to the cult of William Branham. Branham's cult has many deep historical connections to the AoG.*
"Leaving the Message is a project of William Branham Historical Research, critically examining William Marrion Branham (a.k.a. William Marvin Branham, 1907–1965), a Pentecostal revivalist and doomsday prophet whose teachings gave rise to authoritarian cults and spiritual abuse. We trace his influence into N.A.R., Latter Rain, Word of Faith, and Deliverance ministries."
The host of Leaving the Message, John Collins, and his co-host Charles Paisley are former members of the Branham cult and are well qualified to evaluate its complex history and influence. The sect known as 'The Message' or 'The Message of The Hour' is a label adopted by Brahnam's followers. The movement continues to exist, having followers in North America, Latin America, Africa, Europe, Australia, and many parts of Asia.1 Collins and Paisley describe Branham as "A Pentecostal revivalist and doomsday prophet whose teachings gave rise to authoritarian cults and spiritual abuse."
Branham claimed to have received an angelic visitation on May 7th, 1946, that allegedly commissioned his worldwide ministry and launched his campaign career. His fame spread exponentially, and many people were drawn to his accounts of angelic visitations and reports of the miraculous at his meetings. Branham's ministry spawned many emulators and was the catalyst for the broader healing revival that later became the modern charismatic movement. In all, Branham claimed to have received seven (actually eighteen) visions from God dating from 1933. These visions have been debunked as fabrications on the following link: William Branham's 1933 Visions .. Debunked! - Episode 33 William Branham Historical Research Podcast : John Collins, Charles Paisley : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive In actuality Branham was a plagarist whose primary source was the "prophetic" writings of 17th century mystic Jane Lead.*
Steve Montgomery: "Driven by 'ongoing revelations' and through 'borrowing' and plagiarizing the written works of the Esoterically-inspired, 17th century mystic and 'prophetess' Jane Lead, these 'prophets' of the Latter Rain developed the idea that 'all things' to be achieved in the 'end-times' would occur through the essentially deified 'corporate Body of Christ' prior to the literal, physical, personal return of the individual Jesus Christ."2
The preamble gives a brief insight into the history of Branhamism. For the purposes of this post, I will limit my focus to the Shepherding Movement, aka the Discipleship or Covering Movement, which was established as a discipleship network during the 1960s by five charismatic teachers based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. These five teachers became known as "The Fort Lauderdale Five": Charles Simpson, Bob Mumford, Derek Prince, Don Basham, and Ern Baxter. The emphasis of the Shepherding Movement was on spiritual accountability, submission to authority, and close discipleship relationships. All five of these men were deeply influenced by William Brahnam. In particular, Ern Baxter was Branham's campaign manager between 1947 and 1953. Baxter often shared a platform with Branham, and their joint meetings were frequently referred to as the "Baxter-Branham meetings". Eventually, Baxter became disillusioned and parted company with Branham in 1953/4.2
Ern Baxter: "In the ministry with William Branham, I saw a dimension of the supernatural, that had in it such seeds of Christian unity and other good fruits that my excitement was hard to contain. But when I saw carnality start to invade the movement - exaggeration, misrepresentation, metaphysics and eventually the breakdown of many of the healers in critical areas of their lives, because they couldn't handle the crowds, the popularity or the money - I had to withdraw from it.."3
Competing schisms subsequently developed from Branham's cult, and he became a catalyst for the Latter Rain Movement. The key component in these schisms was the emphasis on the five-fold ministry consisting of prophets, apostles, elders, preachers, and teachers (as outlined in Ephesians 4:11). The movement was based on ungodly hierarchical apostolic–prophetic structures with "prophets andapostles" claiming direct authority from God. Many direct parallels can be drawn between the Latter Rain Movement and the governance structure of the NAR. The most striking parallel is the alleged authority of modern-day "prophets and apostles" and their claim to receive direct, unverifiable revelations from God.
The discussion proper about Derek Prince begins at the 29:00 mark. Prince came from a high socioeconomic status (SES) and attended Eton College and Cambridge University. Those coming from high SES backgrounds often have an entrenched attitude of entitlement. In my view, Prince's assumed "spiritual authority" was based on his privileged background rather than on calling and spiritual maturity. (Romans 8:5-9).
Prince cultivated a close association with Branham and the Assemblies of God, which was the largest branch of the Latter Rain movement during the 1950s and 1960s. In 1962, Prince moved to Canada from Kenya, where he had been a missionary, and he became a US citizen. He subsequently became pastor of the AoG Broadway Tabernacle in Seattle, where he ministered alongside key Latter Rain player and elder James A. Watt of Sharon Orphanage. Prince also became involved directly with Branham and the Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship International (FGBMFI). His association with Branham led to a move to the AoG Faith Tabernacle in Chicago.4 Paisley contends that Prince's ministry was entirely facilitated by his association with Branham: "Derek Prince had to get William Branham's blessing in order to share the stage with him."
The Shepherding Movement consisted of pyramid structures of "sheep and shepherds" that demanded the total submission of the lower ranks to the five-fold ministry as a requirement for "perfection" or what they referred to as "maturity". Rank and file members were required to submit to an authority figure known as a "shepherd" who micromanaged their lives via"covenant relationships". The shepherds in turn submitted to the Five or their subordinates. Members were not permitted to make lifestyle decisions, including marriage, house moves, career choices, visits to doctors, etc. without the permission of their shepherd. The authoritarian structure and rigid disciplinary requirements of the Shepherding Movement resulted in profound negative consequences on the lives of its rank-and-file members and their families. An insightful comment made by Charles Paisley is that the "shepherds" usurped the role of the Holy Spirit and personal accountability to God. (36:00 mark) The Shepherding Movement received increasing negative publicity as reports of severe spiritual abuse emerged. Eventually, due to pressure from Pat Robertson (CBN), who was also a false teacher, Prince left the movement in 1984, stating that they had been "guilty of the Galatian error: having begun in the Spirit, we quickly degenerated into the flesh."5
Prince's "repentance", in my view, is suspect. My contention is that the Shepherding Movement was always rooted in the flesh. It is my observation that false teachers often "repent" when they are backed into a corner and have no other choice. Bob Mumford also publicly repented in 1989.
David Moore's description of the Shepherding Movement is that it "created a propensity toward an abuse of spiritual authority, especially among young immature leaders, or leaders who lacked character and integrity...the emphasis on
hierarchically oriented submission to God’s delegated authorities led to many cases of
improper control and abusive authority throughout the movement."6
A victim of the Shepherding Movement writes: "I grew up in the Shepherding movement. Just like anyone who has grown up in abuse, perspectives of what is normal, loving and correct are skewed. Healing has come so very slowly. This movement affected four generations of my family, my grandmother, parents, an aunt and uncle, myself, cousins and my children. The wounds are deep and serious. It has felt like we have been so wounded that we needed a spiritual ICU, but there isn't one. My older child are now practising non-Christian beliefs, wanting nothing to do with Christianity. My cousins have battled drug addiction as a means to try to forget. A day does not go by that I do not feel the searing pain left on my soul. The Shepherding movement was not of God in any way, shape or form. If the bible states we will know people by their fruit I would have to say that there certainly a great many bad apples that went on to injure others that might other wise have been good fruit."7
"The five were deeply influenced by William Branham [Ern Baxter, one of the 5 had known him], and in turn they deeply influenced others such as the Kansas City Prophets (IHOP), Paul Cain, Bickle and Joyner [were under Wimber who was under Paul Cain]; and Peter Wagner. They are sometimes considered a syncretistic bridge between the New Age occult movement and some Charismatic movements (such as those in the Manifested Sons of God â MSG â branches)."8
This is a cautionary tale for those currently influenced by the NAR. This post barely scratches the surface of the Shepherding Movement and Prince's involvement with Branham. The corroborating evidence, thorough research, and insight of Collins and Paisley are of great value to those seeking to understand the insidious tentacles of Branhamism. This series of videos has much to offer those with "ears to hear".
