DAVID SLIKER IHOP EXECUTIVE EXPLETIVES!

This is David Sliker's way of denying that he knew about the allegations against Bickle!

From the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks (Matthew 12:34 cf. Ephesians 4:29).

Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed. In their greed, these false teachers will exploit you with deceptive words. The longstanding verdict against them remains in force, and their destruction does not sleep. (2 Peter 2:1-3).

MIKE BICKLE (IHOP) IS IN OPEN REBELLION TO GOD!

Any pastor or leader who claims to have had a "revelation" that trumps the word of God is a false teacher. (Luke 6:46; Romans 13:2; Proverbs 17:11, 30:6).

The procedure for dealing with accusations within the church is clearly laid down in the New Testament.

Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. (1 Timothy 5:19).

If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector. (Matthew 18:15-17 cf. Deuteronomy 19:15-19).

Bickle's refusal to submit to church discipline is causing all kinds of problems and is no doubt prolonging and exacerbating the pain for all concerned i.e. the alleged victims, the IHOP congregation, and his own family. This blatant rebellion reveals that Bickle is unfit to be a minister of the gospel.

Bickle's practice of refusing to defend himself against accusations based on 1 Samuel 24:5 is in clear rebellion to New Testament directives on how to deal with charges within the church. 1 Bickles' claim that David refused to defend himself against Saul is false. David refused to physically harm Saul or to take revenge, but he did defend himself verbally against Saul's accusations. (1 Samuel 24:9-15). The apostle Paul defended himself against the accusations of the Jews (Acts 26:2), and he gave a sustained defense of his apostleship in 2 Corinthians 11:1–12:13.  Paul did not take the passive attitude "God will defend me" by refusing to answer the various accusations against him. 

Bickle is fond of quoting 1 Samuel 24 and 26, calling attention to his alleged conversation with Michael the Archangel and the "black horse of accusation" to protect his own position and to pre-empt allegations. By using dishonest scripture-twisting methods, he demonizes his alleged victims and causes untold damage to the body of Christ. 

Bickle: "Satan’s most effective weapon in the end times is accusation and he turns whispered innuendoes into hostile accusations that destroy lives and relationships.. the church is approaching the most glorious and challenging hour in history with the dragon (black horse) breathing on many to accuse and betray each other.” 3

Bickle teaches about "David's anointing". He has frequently referred to the "End-Time David generation" and the "Tabernacle of David". Ironically, Bickle's deviation from the explicit Word of God regarding Matthew 18:15-17 is more akin to Saul's rebellion. There is an interesting parallel in 1 Samuel 24. Saul deviated from the clear word given to him by Samuel and attempted to blame others. (1 Samuel 15:3,13-15).  Saul's deviation from the word of God resulted in his rejection as king. 

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 15:22-23).

Independent investigations?

The Roys Report: "Jesi Stanley, an attorney and former member of IHOPKC, wrote that Stinson is not a 'neutral 3rd party.' '(IHOPKC) literally retained one of the most prestigious, aggressive, and expensive defense law firms in Kansas City, and nationwide,' she said. '. . . These victims are going to be completely railroaded.'” 4  

The Roys Report: "Third-party investigations have become increasingly common as churches and Christian institutions continue to be rocked by scandal. But how can you tell if an investigation is truly independent—or just another attempt to cover up?"  5 

IHOP has refused to name the attorney they have hired in place of Stinson LLP to investigate this matter. This secrecy is highly unusual and suggests a lack of transparency on the part of the IHOP leadership. Ben Anderson, a former IHOP staff member, recently posted the name of the attorney he believes IHOP has hired on Facebook.  Apparently, the attorney he named is friends with IHOP executive leaders and it is claimed that she does in fact attend IHOP's Forerunner Church. Shortly after Anderson posted this information the attorney in question deleted her Facebook account. If this information is correct, the investigation is critically compromised with IHOP leaders holding all the cards! In other words, it is not a third-party unbiased investigation. It has been observed that any attorney hired by IHOP would have a fiduciary duty to the client, and as such the investigation cannot be neutral due to a pre-set bias. 

Michael Brown's assurances of fair play are not to be trusted, and his advice to those involved not to post on social media and further suggestions from others not to even look on social media are disgusting. Isn't this what cults do? 6  

This whole fiasco is a shame and a disgrace. Bickle and his wolf pack have dishonoured the name of God. (Romans 2:24; 2 Peter 2:2).

So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. (James 4:17).

Now Eli was very old, and he kept hearing all that his sons were doing to all Israel, and how they lay with the women who were serving at the entrance to the tent of meeting. And he said to them, “Why do you do such things? For I hear of your evil dealings from all these people. No, my sons; it is no good report that I hear the people of the LORD spreading abroad. If someone sins against a man, God will mediate for him, but if someone sins against the LORD, who can intercede for him?” But they would not listen to the voice of their father, for it was the will of the LORD to put them to death. (1 Samuel 2:22-25).

And the word of the LORD came to me: “Son of man, say to her, You are a land that is not cleansed or rained upon in the day of indignation. The conspiracy of her prophets in her midst is like a roaring lion tearing the prey; they have devoured human lives; they have taken treasure and precious things; they have made many widows in her midst. Her priests have done violence to my law and have profaned my holy things. They have made no distinction between the holy and the common, neither have they taught the difference between the unclean and the clean, and they have disregarded my Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them. Her princes in her midst are like wolves tearing the prey, shedding blood, destroying lives to get dishonest gain. And her prophets have smeared whitewash for them, seeing false visions and divining lies for them, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD,’ when the LORD has not spoken. The people of the land have practiced extortion and committed robbery. They have oppressed the poor and needy, and have extorted from the sojourner without justice. And I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach before me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none. Therefore I have poured out my indignation upon them. I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath. I have returned their way upon their heads, declares the Lord GOD.” (Ezekiel 22:23-31).

1. King David: How to Respond to Mistreatment (I Sam. 24 & 26) – mikebickle.org
2. Notes Bickle Sermon.pdf(Review) - Adobe cloud storage
3. Apostolic-Prophetic Movement - Wikipedia
4. IHOP-KC Hires New, Unnamed Law Firm to Investigate Alleged Abuse (julieroys.com)
5. How to Judge 'Independent' Investigations | The Roys Report (julieroys.com)
6. Timeline of events and resources on Mike Bickle scandal and the evangelical leadership culture of ‘cover-up’. (churchwatchcentral.com)

Update

IHOPKC Report Discounts Bickle Abuse Allegations; Whistleblower Fires Back (julieroys.com)

MIKE BICKLE: NAR FALSE TEACHER AND ALLEGED SERIAL ABUSER OF WOMEN

Mike Bickle, founder of the NAR cult known as the International House of Prayer (IHOP) in Kansas City has been accused of sexual misconduct by multiple women spanning several decades. Allegedly the leaders of IHOP have attempted to discuss the allegations with Bickle directly "in the spirit of Matthew 18:15-17" but were rebuffed. It is also alleged that Bickle attempted to intimidate, isolate, manipulate, and discredit his victims.1  Since Bickle's alleged misconduct has spanned "several decades" it is difficult to understand how it has suddenly come to light without the prior knowledge of IHOP leaders? A common practice is for abusive leaders and their cronies to close ranks and intimidate victims into silence for the sake of their reputation. However, after the previous scandals with Ravi Zacharias, Hillsong, Hybels, etc. this tactic is no longer an option, and church elders need to be seen to be doing the right thing. These accusations echo the disgraceful scandal of Ravi Zacharias (RZIM) who abused women for decades while operating under the guise of a high-profile and much-respected Christian teacher. 

The New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) is an insidious global cult with tentacles infiltrating many denominations worldwide. It is widely known as a theological movement and is not an official organization with formal membership. This ambiguity has given various leaders within the movement a convenient loophole in which to engage in damage control and deny their association with it. The smoke and mirrors employed by those associated with the NAR is widely recognized. Many evangelical and charismatic leaders are entitled narcissists who are under the delusion that they are unaccountable. Leaders like Michael Brown, Bill Johnson, and Mike Bickle have even denied the existence of the NAR, claiming that it is a myth. However, they have been hard-pressed to uphold these denials. Bickle has been reticent about referring to himself as an "Apostle" and yet he is widely known as such. 

The NAR was originally identified as such by false teacher C. Peter Wagner (deceased), who was the "Presiding Apostle" of the International Coalition of Apostles. A basic tenet of the NAR is restorationism i.e. the dubious claim that the offices of apostle and prophet were lost in the early church and must be restored. NAR deceivers allege that God’s intended form of church governance is via apostles and prophets who have authority over evangelists, pastors, and teachers.

The NAR is promoted by Trinity Broadcasting Network, Daystar Television, GOD TV, Charisma magazine, IHOP and Youth With A Mission (YWAM). The leaders associated with the NAR include false teachers Bill Johnson (Bethel Church, Redding, CA), Che Ahn, Mike Bickle, Randy Clark, Todd Bentley, Lou Engle and Bill Hamon. 

King David anointing!

Bickle has always been a false teacher. He was previously the charismatic leader of the aberrant group known as the "Kansas City Prophets" in the 1980s and 1990s. The list of "prophets" included various questionable characters like Bob Jones, Paul Cain, Bill Hamon, Larry Randolph, James Goll, Jill Austin, and John Paul Jackson. John Wimber provided some oversight from the Vineyard Movement during the first few years.2 Bickle claims that IHOP was formed as a direct fulfillment of a "prophecy" he received from disgraced sexual abuser and false prophet Bob Jones in 1983.3  Jones prophesied that God would raise up a Kansas City prayer and worship movement “in the spirit of the Tabernacle of David” that would be made up of thousands of Christian young adults. 

Bickle's eschatology is as skewed as the rest of his blather. He is under the common NAR delusion that there will be an end-time harvest of one billion souls, and he envisages a conquering church during an “eschatological revolution” resulting in the salvation of Israel and the largest mission in history. The billion soul harvest "prophecy" also originated with false prophet Bob Jones. Bickle claims that he is preparing an elite end-time army of Christians who will triumph during the Antichrist’s global rule during the great tribulation.  These dangerous ideas are in direct contradiction to the teaching of Jesus Christ who prophesied that Christians will be persecuted and martyred during this pivotal time in history. (Revelation 22:18-19). 

Then they will deliver you over to be persecuted and killed, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. At that time many will fall away and will betray and hate one another, and many false prophets will arise and mislead many. Because of the multiplication of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold. But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

Then the dragon became furious with the woman and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. And he stood on the sand of the sea. (Revelation 12:17 cf. Revelation 14:12).

Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. (Revelation 13:7).

Like many other NAR leaders, Bickle claims to have had various visions of heaven and prophetic encounters, including hearing the audible voice of God. He designates the end-time church the "David generation" and claims that he and his fellow charismatic leaders will form the "tabernacle of David"  .."God will raise up the tabernacle of David based on Amos 9:11."4

Bickle referred to his "first prophetic encounter" in 1976 in which he compared himself to King David, and alleged that the Lord showed him that Psalm 18 "would be a very important part of my life and messaging..  my 'greatness' would be related to receiving God's gentleness and responding to my adversaries in gentleness."4

Bickle's demonic black horse of accusation

In 1984 Bickle claims to have been kicked by a demonic "black horse" whilst allegedly communicating with Michael the Archangel. "Michael the Archangel said that 'when I went to the east', I would be attacked with demonic rage by the black horse." 4  Bickle associates the metaphor of the black horse with "a demonic attack of accusation" from within the church. This narrative has the effect of deterring accusations of any kind whether genuine or not and is a cultish self-preservation tactic. There are credible reports that anyone who makes an accusation against Bickle or any leader at IHOP is labelled "demonic" and is persecuted. In a recent sermon on October 20th, it appears that Bickle anticipated that these recent accusations would come against him, and he repeated the metaphor of the "black horse" in conjunction with Revelation 12:10. In effect Bickle has put his own slant on the much-abused term used by false teachers "touch not mine anointed" in order to deflect accusations. (1 Chronicles 16:22; Psalm 105:15).

Bickle: "Satan’s most effective weapon in the end times is accusation and he turns whispered innuendoes into hostile accusations that destroy lives and relationships.. the church is approaching the most glorious and challenging hour in history with the dragon (black horse) breathing on many to accuse and betray each other.”4

It is necessary that accusations against elders are addressed biblically in order to avoid the kind of cultish environment and abuse we have seen in many so-called "churches". We should dismiss hearsay or careless accusations against elders that are not corroborated, but the scriptures are clear, where there are two or three witnesses, accusations should be properly addressed. A leader who refuses to submit to the Matthew 18:15-17 process should be rejected as a credible minister of the gospel. 

Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. (1 Timothy 5:19).

If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector. (Matthew 18:15-17 cf. Deuteronomy 19:15-19).

Bickle's practice of not defending himself against accusations based on 1 Samuel 24:5 is erroneous and is taken out of context. David refused to physically harm Saul, but he did in fact defend himself verbally against Saul's accusations. (1 Samuel 24:9-15). The apostle Paul defended himself against the accusations of the Jews (Acts 26:2), and he gave a sustained defense of his apostleship in 2 Corinthians 11:1–12:13.  Paul did not take the passive attitude "God will defend me" by ignoring various accusations against him, although he undoubtedly did trust the Lord. Wisdom is needed for every situation we come up against and we should not take a "one size fits all"  approach, but I guess if "God" told Bickle not to defend himself that settles it!  People within IHOP and beyond need to begin to consider whether Bickle's narrative is biblical. (1 John 4:1; Colossians 2:18-19).   

The victim blaming culture at IHOP

While the leaders of IHOP congratulate themselves on putting procedures into place, it appears that there is some skepticism within the IHOP congregation regarding a fair outcome. Various allegations of past mishandling of sexual abuse cases have come to light according to the Roys Report.5  The so-called "honor culture" existent within certain churches facilitates abuses of power and exploitative environments where victims of either spiritual and/or sexual abuse are afraid to speak out publicly.

Ministry Safe (Responding to an Allegation): "In any allegation response, adopting a ‘victim-centric’ approach is fundamental.. False allegations are rare; academic studies indicate 92% to 98% of outcries are real and factual. Your church should assume the allegation received is likely factual, and multiple (unknown) victims might exist, whether the alleged victim is male or female."6

 

Should Christians trust an ecumenical leader?  

Should Chistians trust a leader who promotes contemplative prayer? 

Bickle quotes:

“The Protestant wing of the western church, which is a tiny percentage of the Body of Christ…, is nearly completely (98%) unaware that the Holy Spirit is restoring contemplative prayer—center stage—to the church… The Holy Spirit is restoring this precious jewel (contemplative prayer) to the body of Christ. This is the God ordained means of attaining the fullness of God.”

“Every one in the Body Of Christ is called to live lives of contemplative prayer…” 

“Everybody is called to live in the contemplative lifestyle. Everyone! Everyone! Everyone! That’s one of the great strongholds we have to overcome (resistance to contemplative prayer)." 7

My advice to any true believer associated with IHOP is to run! We are instructed in no uncertain terms to mark and avoid false teachers! (Romans 16:17).

1. Mike Bickle accused of sexual misconduct by multiple women | Church & Ministries News (christianpost.com)2. Apostolic-Prophetic Movement - Wikipedia
3. Bob Jones University Told Sex Abuse Victims It Was Their Fault: Report | HuffPost College
4. Notes Bickle Sermon.pdf(Review) - Adobe cloud storage
5. IHOPKC Announces Investigation, But Victims Remain Wary (julieroys.com)
6. ARTICLE-6-Responding-Well-6.15.20.pdf (ministrysafe.com)
7. The Dangers of Centering / Contemplative Prayer and Mind Control - Christian Observer

Further Links

The False Teachings of Mike Bickle and IHOP - THE NARROW PATH
HIM Conference exposes Bill Johnson’s NAR ties & Michael Brown’s lies? (churchwatchcentral.com)
(83) EP 109 | The Truth About the NAR w/ Holly Pivec and Doug Geivett | Redeeming Truth - YouTube
Culture of Honor | bewatchful.org
Timeline of events and resources on Mike Bickle scandal and the evangelical leadership culture of ‘cover-up’. (churchwatchcentral.com)
Petition · STAND WITH US: Open Letter to the IHOPKC Leadership · Change.org

SIMON BRAKER: NAR ONSLAUGHT AT ONE CHURCH LEICESTER

(10) HEARING GOD | Simon Braker (25th June 2023) - YouTube

I find it unsurprising that false prophet Simon Braker is now attending ONE Church in Leicester (formerly Trinity Life Church). Braker was previously an Associate Minister at Holy Trinity Church, Leicester (CofE). It appears that "Apostle" John McGinley has also left Holy Trinity, although I am not familiar with the details of their departure.

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills. (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).

Is everyone meant to function in the prophetic?   

Paul asks the Corinthians a rhetorical question. "Are all prophets etc." (1 Corinthians 12:27-31). It is not the case that all Christians are entitled to function in the prophetic at their own whim, rather the gifts of the Holy Spirit are distributed according to God's will. (Hebrews 2:4; 1 Corinthians 12:11). Paul encourages Christians to earnestly desire the higher gifts, but it is God's prerogative who actually receives them. 

Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the higher gifts. (1 Corinthians 12:27-31).

What does prophetic mean?  

Braker: "How many of you believe you are called to reveal Jesus.. that's what prophetic means. Being prophetic is simply revealing Jesus, and that is what we are called to do."

Braker goes on to quote Ephesians 4:11 and refers to the alleged 5-fold ministry. 

Although I do believe in the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the 5-fold ministry is something I reject outright due to the inescapable fact the canon of scripture is complete and cannot be changed. (2 Timothy 3:16; Deuteronomy 4:2,12:32; Proverbs 30:6; Revelation 22:18-19). Alleged apostles and prophets often claim that their "revelations" supersede the scriptures, thus they usurp the authority of the bible and invalidate any attempt to test the spirits. (1 John 4:1). Those who claim apostolic governance i.e. those who claim to function in the same capacity and claim the same authority as the first-century apostles, should be rejected. Three distinct criteria for the office of "apostle" are defined in the New Testament: An apostle must have been an eyewitness to the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 9:1); he was chosen by the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:15); and he ministered miraculous signs and wonders (Acts 2:43; 2 Corinthians 12:12). Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. (1 Corinthians 15:7-8).

Paul refers to prophecy as a gift, not an office. (1 Corinthians 12:10, 14:1; Romans 12: 6 cf. Acts 13:1). Interestingly the Old Testament prophets stood outside the hierarchical system of governance. (Jeremiah 1:6-7; Amos 1:1 etc.)

Before attempting to dabble in the prophetic under the guidance of Simon Braker, it is essential to note that God takes false prophets/prophecy very very seriously. False prophets are repeatedly condemned both in the Old and New Testament. (Matthew 7:15, 24:11,24; 2 Peter 2:1; 1 John 4:1; Jeremiah 5:31; Ezekiel 22:28; Lamentations 2:14 etc.) In the Old Testament false prophets were put to death! (Deuteronomy 13:1-5). We don't put false prophets to death these days, but nevertheless, we are warned to avoid them.

  

Below is an excerpt from Braker's performance at Revival Night Ministry on the 14th October 2017 at Living Waters Foursquare Church London: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQxeq42b-34&t=879s This video has been removed but I did manage to record most of what Braker said:

Braker announced almost straight away that he had been "drunk" for two weeks.. he described himself as "..an experience addict.. I want as many experiences as I can get'"...
Braker: "The way you enter the world is through a push.. if that is the way we enter the natural world, then why would we believe that that would not be the way that we breakthrough into the spiritual world.." I don't want to insult anyone, but have to wonder if Braker's audience was a bit dense. The way we enter the natural world is not through our own efforts or 'push' at all! (John 15:5).
Braker: "It is time for the fire to start burning again, and the sound of the fire is in this room... the sound of heaven is in the room.." (the sound of heaven?)
Braker proceeded to call out the young guitarist who was leading the worship. "This is what I heard the Lord say while you were leading worship.. 'Stop singing inside the lines of other people's songs.' I tell you, when you were leading prophetically you were releasing the sound of the nation... you have got the tuning fork, you know how to match the sound of the lands to heaven... God is going to use you to build the bridge.. every move of the spirit has got its own sound.. (really!!) So I speak to your spirit and I say release the sound.. Jesus wreck him, mess him up, do something.. etc. etc." The young man by now was doubled up and started laughing hysterically along with the congregation.. This is what I refer to as 'puffing up' i.e. giving individuals false ideas about their supposed influential 'destiny'. Braker then got the whole worship team to stand up and announced: "A sound is going to be released".
Braker: "John the Baptist was drunk from conception." (verse?)
Braker: "The colour of grace is green.." (verse?)
The whole bizarre scene continued for some time with various rantings and personal prophecies in the first person of the Lord. The meeting concluded with Braker claiming to see an angel: "..the angel of the Lord's presence.." Thus ended the Simon Braker show! {1} 

If alarm bells are not ringing after reading the above then there is something very wrong. If you want to be worked up to a frenzy with false prophetic words and experiences, then, by all means, follow Simon Braker. However, if you want to follow the Lord, then Braker is someone to mark and avoid. (Romans 16:17). How very sad it is that the Hinds have opened their doors to the New Apostolic Reformation. This is yet another bad choice to add to their catalogue of unbiblical choices. It is a terrible irony that those who should be protecting the sheep are actually wolves supporting other wolves, but there is nothing new under the sun. (Jeremiah 23:1 cf. Ecclesiastes 1:9).

Follow the money!

 

"This year we are excited to start monthly Prophetic Mentoring days 9:30 AM-8 PM 9:30 AM-4 PM We will focus on dynamic teaching training and equipping 5:30-8 pm Worship and Prophetic ministry. Each week we will be joined by key international speakers." {2}

Holly Pivec: "Unfortunately, a number of churches today are not teaching their young people about the solid basis for their Christian faith. Rather, they promote novel teachings and practices that do not have the support of Scripture. Many of these churches are led by the so-called 'apostles' and 'prophets' of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), including the most prominent NAR church today—Bethel Church in Redding, California. NAR teachings and practices have divided families, split churches, stunted the spiritual growth of believers, and left countless Christians disillusioned by promises of healing and miraculous power that haven’t panned out. They’ve also damaged the church’s witness to a watching world. I’ve devoted much of my efforts to warning people about this dangerous movement that has made inroads into thousands of churches across the United States and around the world." {3}

1. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: Simon Braker (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)
2. Simon Braker Events | Eventbrite
3. About 1 — Holly Pivec

Further Links

New Apostolic Reformation and the End Time: What Is NAR’s 'Victorious Eschatology'? | Bible Prophecy Daily
WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: Emma Stark (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)
The Six Hallmarks of a NAR Church — Pirate Christian Media
(10) Drunk in the Spirit - Blessing from God or Counterfeit stupor? - YouTube

EMMA STARK'S PROPHETIC CORONATION WARNING!

(106) URGENT CORONATION PROPHETIC WARNING - with Emma Stark | Decree The Week! - YouTube

Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions. (1 Timothy 1:6-7 cf. 2 Timothy 3:13).

Emma Stark, supported by her associate Ruth Weller at Global Prophetic Alliance, has submitted what she describes as "a weighty word" and "an urgent coronation prophetic warning". In the above video, she asks her followers to "weigh and test biblically what we are laying at your feet".  On examination, Emma Stark's "weighty word", is an unabashed example of biblical ignorance and eisegesis. (John 4:1). 

Emma Stark: "They want to achieve a coronation of deception, and they want to have enthroned over the British Isles and the Commonwealth, and then touching all the nations around the world, an enthronement of deception and a raising of the Antichrist spirit in our midst..  What we have been watching in the spirit is the covens and the witchcraft community around the world sharing power.. to release a tidal wave of deception.. What we are decreeing on the back of this..  is the John 16 passage.. we will invoke in the limitless power of King Jesus.. a spirit of truth to come in place of a coronation of deception and Antichrist.. and to say now John 16 verse 12: 'the spirit of truth is welcome in my nation'. We have never had to navigate that because we had our Queen, or we had godliness at the head of our state church. That is now absent. So for the first time ever, we have this layering of political leadership, of national church leadership and of royal monarchy leadership.."

While her supporters are busy decreeing and declaring, Emma Stark announced that she will be doing more important things: "When I fly in the Spirit of God I have literally flown in the spirit around the throne .. that is my job in the body of Christ.. If you are not used to that level of warfare use the decrees.. I am certainly flying around the throne in the spirit in London saying that the agreement of the international covens will not hold.."

Emma Stark obviously hasn't noticed that Satan is the prince of this world aka the ruler of the world. (John 14:30; John 12:31; John 16:11; Colossians 2:8; 1 John 4:3)). She refers to "a three cord demonic agreement" i.e. church, state and government as a recent development of deception. In fact, this is no new development. It is doubtful whether the CofE has ever been godly at its highest levels, and in recent decades it has been in terminal decline. This year, conservative leaders representing 85% of the Anglican Communion have officially rejected the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and the Church of England due to their support of same-sex blessings: "Since the Lord does not bless same-sex unions, it is pastorally deceptive and blasphemous to craft prayers that invoke blessing in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit." {1}

In a previous post, I identified the Druidic and Masonic affiliations of the Queen and the Royal Family. These affiliations make it impossible to accept that the Queen was a true bible believing Christian as Emma Stark claims. {2}

If Emma Stark followed the bible she would realize that there will not be a four billion soul harvest and that there is no revival on the horizon. Actually, Satan will temporarily gain authority over the earth for a short time! Those who follow the false doctrine of Dominion Theology and reject the literal interpretation of the Book of Revelation are in very serious error. Dominion Theology proponents teach the diametric opposite of biblical eschatology. 

But woe to the earth and the sea; with great fury the devil has come down to you, knowing he has only a short time. And when the dragon saw that he had been thrown to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child. But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle to fly from the presence of the serpent to her place in the wilderness, where she was nourished for a time, and times, and half a time. Then from the mouth of the serpent spewed water like a river to overtake the woman and sweep her away in the torrent. But the earth helped the woman and opened its mouth to swallow up the river that had poured from the dragon’s mouth. And the dragon was enraged at the woman, and went to make war with the rest of her children, who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. (Revelation 12:12-17 cf. Revelation 13:7-8).

John 16:12-15 in context!

Emma Stark's claims about invoking a spirit of truth in place of a coronation of deception and Antichrist is typical meaningless NAR nonsense. 

It is critical to note that it is the Holy Spirit who makes declarations: the Holy Spirit (the Spirit of truth) will declare to believers the things that are to come. The Holy Spirit/Spirit of truth is the third person of the Godhead and is not subject to the whims or imaginations of human beings. The Holy Spirit cannot be "released"  or "invoked"  by any person. 

I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you. (John 16:12-15)..

How are we to wrestle?

In context, the scriptures direct us to stand (στῆναι πρός - stand one’s ground {against the wiles of the devil}). Cambridge Bible: "The key-word of the passage. The present picture is not of a march, or of an assault, but of the holding of the fortress of the soul and of the Church for the heavenly King." {3} Christians have no scriptural remit to directly oppose wicked powers and principalities.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12).

The full armour of God i.e. the complete armour of God, comprises truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, and the word of God. NOTE: praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. (Ephesians 6:14-18). When we pray we bypass the powers and principalities and go directly to God Himself. Daniel's example: Daniel did not direct his attention to powers and principalities, rather he humbled himself and his prayers were heard. The subsequent struggle between angelic powers of good and evil ensued for a period of twenty-one days-

“Do not be afraid, Daniel,” he said, “for from the first day that you purposed to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. However, the prince of the kingdom of Persia opposed me for twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia. Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision concerns those days.” (Daniel 10:12-14).

 

Emma Stark: "Occasionally you see a principality inhabit a single person. Now you see that in the days of Jezebel in scripture..  the girl with a witchcraft principality in Acts 16". 

Jezebel was a Phoenician princess and a Baal worshipper. (1 Kings 16:31). There is no doubt that she was very wicked, but she is not described as being inhabited by a particular "principality". The slave girl in Acts 16 is described as having "a spirit of divination", not a "principality". (Acts 16:16). The reason for the subsequent commotion at Philippi was that her owners lost their source of income. (Acts 16:19-24). Principalities and powers are described in Ephesians 6:12 as εν τοις επουρανιοις, in, or about, heavenly places. They rule/preside over different geographical locations/nations and at hold sway over inferior spirits and demons. Principalities (as against demons) do not inhabit/possess human beings. The scriptures confirm that demons are terrestrial. (Matthew 12:43; Mark 5:13). In Ancient Jewish texts such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, demons are described as the disembodied spirits of the Nephilim. See also the non-canonical books of 1 Enoch, the book of Jubilees 10:5. {4} Josephus mentions δαιμόνια taking possession of men: Antiquities 6, 11, 2f; 6, 8, 2; 8, 2, 5 and describes them as the spirits of wicked men deceased b. j. 7, 6, 3. {5} In other words, a distinction exists between principalities and powers (in heavenly places), and demons (earthbound spirits). As Emma Stark claims to be an expert on spiritual warfare and allegedly goes to heaven on a regular basis she should know this!

  

1 Enoch 15:8: Now the giants, who have been born of spirit and of flesh, shall be called upon earth evil spirits, and on earth shall be their habitation. Evil spirits shall proceed from their flesh, because they were created from above; from the holy Watchers was their beginning and primary foundation. Evil spirits shall they be upon earth, and the spirits of the wicked shall they be called. The habitation of the spirits of heaven shall be in heaven, but upon earth shall be the habitation of terrestrial spirits, who are born on earth. {6}

The scriptures call on Christians to pray for those in positions of authority. To go further than this is to add to the scriptures and to act presumptuously. (Proverbs 30:6).

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. (1 Timothy 2:1-6 cf. Ephesians 6:18).

Emma Stark displays the unfortunate symptoms of a superiority complex; she loves the drama and oozes confidence, frequently reiterating her own importance as a "spiritual warfare expert" and a "prophet". “Repeat a lie often enough and it becomes the truth”, is a law of propaganda often attributed to the Nazi Joseph Goebbels. Emma Stark seems to be a case in point with 50.2K subscribers on her YouTube channel. It is very concerning that so many people have been taken in by this false teacher/prophet. 

1. GAFCON IV – The Kigali Commitment | GAFCON
2. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: TRINITY LIFE CHURCH LEICESTER AND OPEN HANDS: THE EMPTINESS OF WORLDLY ACCOLADES (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)
3. Ephesians 6 Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (biblehub.com)
4. The Book Of Jubilees Chapter 10 (yahwehswordarchives.org)
5. Strong's Greek: 1140. δαιμόνιον (daimonion) -- an evil spirit, a demon (biblehub.com)
6. Chapter 15 – The Book of Enoch (book-ofenoch.com)

JOHN MACARTHUR: THE SIGNS OF AN APOSTLE?

(21) John MacArthur explains Continuationist vs. Cessationist. - YouTube

There are many disturbing factors connected with the ministry of John MacArthur (Grace to You). GTY errors include Calvinism, the false pre-trib rapture, cessationism, a bloodless gospel, and the claim that it is permissible for Christians to take the mark of the beast during the great tribulation. If that is not enough, GTY has been accused of “awful patterns of siding with abusers and endangering victims". {1} In 2021, The Master’s University and Seminary (TMUS), where John MacArthur is chancellor, withdrew its membership from the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA). {2} The irony of MacArthur's millionaire lifestyle and the obscene amounts of money paid to his associates, including Kory Welch, MacArthur's son-in-law, is common knowledge. {3} It is no exaggeration to say that the prosperity and gross hypocrisy of MacArthur and his associates are on a par with the many prosperity hucksters they criticize. {4} False doctrine inevitably leads to bad practice, and GTY appears to be no better than Hillsong or any other abusive church.

The weak you have not strengthened, the sick you have not healed, the injured you have not bound up, the strayed you have not brought back, the lost you have not sought, and with force and harshness you have ruled them. (Ezekiel 34:4).

MacArthur's blatant distortion of the scriptures - Were "the signs of an apostle" limited to the apostles?

The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works. (2 Corinthians 12:12).

The blatant falsehood that the sign gifts (charismata) e.g. prophecy, languages (tongues), healing and miracles were limited to "the signs of an apostle" is a distortion of the scriptures. MacArthur bases this assertion on a single verse of scripture (2 Corinthians 12:12). However he fails to account for various passages demonstrating that charismata were not limited to the apostles. MacArthur's failure to present a balanced argument exposes his utter lack of objectivity and his blatant abuse of the scriptures. (1 John 4:1). 

Whilst signs, wonders and mighty works were indeed confirmation of the apostles' ministries, the sign gifts were also evident amongst various other believers i.e. Stephen and Philip who were deacons, and also Ananias. 

And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. (Acts 6:8).

Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ to them. The crowds gave their undivided attention to Philip’s message and to the signs they saw him perform. With loud shrieks, unclean spirits came out of many who were possessed, and many of the paralyzed and lame were healed. So there was great joy in that city. (Acts 8:5-8).  

Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.” But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; and taking food, he was strengthened. (Acts 10-19).

Based on 1 Corinthians 12:3, MacArthur argues that the charismata manifested at Corinth were a throwback to the mystery religions they (presumably) practiced prior to becoming Christians. It is difficult to determine how factual this assumption is, but whether it is true or not, there are no grounds in 1 Corinthians to reject genuine charismata. The undeniable teaching of Paul is that he affirmed genuine charismata:

..earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. (1 Corinthains 14:1).
Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. (1 Corinthains 14:5).
What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God. Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said. If a revelation is made to another sitting there, let the first be silent. For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged, and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets. For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. (1 Corinthians 14:26-33).

Paul's teaching includes "varieties of gifts" amongst the congregation at Corinth. (1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 27-31 cf. Romans 12:6-8). These additional passages indicate that the Holy Spirit apportions charismata "to each one as He determines". (1 Corinthians 12:11). Paul wrote to the Thessalonians: 

Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. (1 Thessalonians 5:19-21). The scriptures give no indication that any of the sign gifts have ceased or that anyone has the authority to pick and choose which gifts to accept or reject. 

MacArthur: "You see, everything that was culturally a part of their life, because they were carnal, manifested itself in their church. Do you see? So, if all of that is there, why wouldn’t we assume that the pagan style of religion would also manifest itself in their assembly under their carnality? Of course it would. That is precisely what happened. The world’s religion came right in, infiltrated the life of the church, and they began to do the things within the confines of Christianity, with new definitions and new terms to try to make it look right, that they were doing essentially before they ever knew Christ and calling them gifts of the Holy Spirit." {5}

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills. (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). 

Further evidence affirming charismata is attested in the early Church Fathers e.g. Justin Martyr, Ireneaus, Tertullian, Origen, Novatian and Cyril of Jerusalem. {6}

Two extremes - hyper charismania and cessationism 

Having witnessed various abuses within charismania a number of years ago, I can understand why many believers have become cessationists. However, cessationism is an unbiblical extreme. My contention is that God is still very much at work within true believers. 

The apostles laid hands on the believers in Jerusalem in order that they would receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:14-17 cf. Acts 19:6). The Holy Spirit bestows gifts as He wills. (1 Corinthians 12:11). Various false teachers within the NAR lay their hands on people in order to allegedly transmit an "anointing" or a "mantle", or they practice necromancy in the form of grave sucking, the object being to suck up the alleged anointing of various dead teachers. Biblically, the focus is always upon the Holy Spirit and not on the men supposedly transmitting or receiving spiritual gifts. Just as we should reject cessationism, we should also reject presumptuous self-appointed modern apostles and prophets who go beyond what is written and who teach grievous error. (1 Corinthians 4:6).

The scriptures put various safeguards into place regarding the practice of charismata.

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

If a prophet or dreamer of dreams arises among you and proclaims a sign or wonder to you, and if the sign or wonder he has spoken to you comes about, but he says, “Let us follow other gods (which you have not known) and let us worship them,” you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. For the LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love Him with all your heart and with all your soul. You are to follow the LORD your God and fear Him. Keep His commandments and listen to His voice; serve Him and hold fast to Him. (Deuteronomy 13:1-4).

What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God. Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said. If a revelation is made to another sitting there, let the first be silent. For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged, and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets. For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. (Corinthians 14:25-33).

In the area of personal guidance, it is my view that the Lord undoubtedly speaks to His children. I have often had what might be called a check in my spirit regarding various false teachings and teachers. The Lord has often reminded me of specific verses of scripture that relate to false teaching. There have been times when I have felt uncomfortable when I was about to pursue a course of action that was not in God's will. I believe that this kind of guidance, although often not spectacular, is the Lord actively guiding his children. The great tribulation is a time when charismata will be critical! Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. (Luke 21:14-15).

1. Former Elder at John MacArthur’s Church Confronts Pattern of Endangering Abuse Victims (julieroys.com).
2. Master’s University & Seminary Withdraws from Financial Accountability Group (julieroys.com)
3. Grace To You Awards Lucrative Contract Annually to John Macarthur's Son In Law's Firm - John Macarthur Cult Watch Forum (forumchitchat.com)
4. The Prosperous Lifestyle of America's Anti-Prosperity Gospel Preacher | The Roys Report (julieroys.com)
5. Concerning Spiritual Gifts, Part 1 (gty.org)
6. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: JOHN MACARTHUR: CONTINUATIONISM VS CESSATIONISM (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)

JOHN MACARTHUR: CONTINUATIONISM VS CESSATIONISM

(21) John MacArthur explains Continuationist vs. Cessationist. - YouTube

John MacArthur and many within the Reformed/Calvinist camp describe themselves as cessationists. In the above video, Macarthur's argument against continuationism is based on the false premise that spiritual gifts (charismata) were limited to "the signs of an apostle". (2 Corinthians 12:12). MacArthur argues his case regarding apostolic gifts as if this settles the argument. Unfortunately, MacArthur completely ignores Paul's further teaching regarding "varieties of gifts", including the utterance of knowledge, wisdom, faith, healing, miracles etc. amongst the congregation at Corinth. (1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 27-31 cf. Romans 12:6-8). These further passages indicate that the Holy Spirit apportions charismata "to each one as He determines". (1 Corinthians 12:11). MacArthur also ignores evidence that the early Church Fathers recognized and practiced charismata. I abhor the abuse and perversion of modern charismata as much as the cessationists, but since MacArthur and others do not base their view on sound exegesis, they fail to present a credible argument.

The early Church Fathers and the charismatic gifts {1}

Justin Martyr 100-165AD:  Dialogue with Trypho, chapter 82: “For the prophetical gifts remain with us, even to the present time.” Chapter 87:“..to those who believe in Him, according as He deems each man worthy thereof.” Chapter, 88,: “Now, it is possible to see among us women and men who possess gifts of the Spirit of God.”

Second Apology, chapter 6: “And now you can learn this from your own observation. For numberless demoniacs throughout the whole world, and in your city, many of our Christian men exorcising them in the name of Jesus Christ, who was crucified under Pontius Pilate, have healed and do heal, rendering helpless and driving the possessing devils out of the men, though they could not be cured by all the other exorcists, and those who used incantations and drugs”
Irenaeus (130-202): Irenaeus’ magnum opus Against Heresies:“Those who are in truth Jesus’ disciples, receiving grace from Him, do in His name perform miracles, so as to promote the welfare of other men, according to the gift which each one has received from Him. For some do certainly and truly drive out devils, so that those who have thus been cleansed from evil spirits frequently both believe in Christ, and join themselves to the Church. Others have foreknowledge of things to come: they see visions, and utter prophetic expressions. Others still heal the sick by laying their hands upon them, and they are made whole. Yea, moreover, as I have said, the dead even have been raised up, and remained among us for many years” (2:32:4). The Spirit, then, does miracles, casts out demons, reveals the future, delivers the sick and even raises the dead!

5:6:1: For this reason does the apostle declare, “We speak wisdom among them that are perfect”, terming those who have received the Spirit of God, and who through the Spirit of God do speak in all languages, as he used himself also to speak. In like manner we do hear many brethren in the Church who possess prophetic gifts, and who through the Spirit speak all kinds of languages, and bring to light for the general benefit the hidden things of men, and declare the mysteries of God, whom also the apostle terms “spiritual”, they being spiritual because they partake of the Spirit, and not because their flesh has been stripped off and taken away, and because they have become purely spiritual.”
Tertullian (150-220): On Baptism, 20: “Therefore, my blessed ones, whom the grace of God awaits, when you ascend from the most sacred font of your new birth [baptism], and spread your hands for the first time in the house of your mother [the Church], together with your brethren, ask from the Father, ask from the Lord, that His own specialties of grace and distributions of gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-12) may be supplied you. “Ask,” says He, “and you shall receive.” Well, you have asked, and have received; you have knocked, and it has been opened to you. Only, I pray that, when you are asking, you be mindful likewise of Tertullian the sinner.” 

Tertullian Against Marcion: “Let Marcion then exhibit, as gifts of his god, some prophets, such as have not spoken by human sense, but with the Spirit of God, such as have both predicted things to come, and have made manifest the secrets of the heart (1 Corinthians 14:25); let him produce a psalm, a vision, a prayer (1 Corinthians 14:26)- only let it be by the Spirit, in an ecstasy, that is, in a rapture, whenever an interpretation of tongues has occurred to him; let him show to me also, that any woman of boastful tongue in his community has ever prophesied from among those specially holy sisters of his. Now all these signs (of spiritual gifts) are forthcoming from my side without any difficulty, and they agree too with the rules, and the dispensations, and the instructions of the Creator; therefore without doubt the Christ, and the Spirit, and the apostle belong severally to my God. Here, then, is my frank avowal for anyone who cares to require it.”
Origen 185-254AD:  De Principiis 2:10:7: "When, whether by baptism or by the grace of the Spirit, the word of wisdom or the word of knowledge or of any other gift has been bestowed upon a man, and not rightly administered, i.e. either buried in the earth or tied up in a napkin, the gift of the Spirit will certainly be withdrawn from his soul, and the other portion which remains, that is, the substance of the soul, will be assigned its place with unbelievers, being divided and separated from that Spirit with whom, by joining himself to the Lord, it ought to have been one spirit."

Against Celsus 1:46:“There are still preserved among Christians traces of that Holy Spirit which appeared in the form of a dove. They expel evil spirits, and perform many cures, and foresee certain events, according to the will of the Logos” 
Novatian (200-258): On the Trinity, 29: "This is He who places prophets in the Church, instructs teachers, directs tongues, gives powers and healings, does wonderful works, often discrimination of spirits, affords powers of government, suggests counsels, and orders and arranges whatever other gifts there are of charismata; and thus make the Lord’s Church everywhere, and in all, perfected and completed.” 

Cyril of Jerusalem (313-386): Catechetical Lectures during the fourth century. 17:37:“If you believe, you shall not only receive remission of sins, but also do things which pass man’s power. And may you be worthy of the gift of prophecy also! […] All your life long will your Guardian the Comforter abide with you; He will care for you, as for His own solider; for your goings out, and your comings in, and your plotting foes. And He will give you gifts of grace of every kind, if you grieve Him not by sin […] Be ready to receive grace, and when you have received it, cast it not away.”

17:36: “If you be counted worthy of the grace, your soul will be enlightened, you will receive a power which you had not, you will receive weapons terrible to the evil spirits; and if you cast not away your arms, but keep the Seal upon your soul, no evil spirit will approach you; for he will be cowed; for verily by the Spirit of God are the evil spirits cast out.”

The turning point occurred when Augustine of Hippo took it upon himself to promote the idea that individualized charismata had ceased and were no longer necessary. Augustine's later thoughts on the gifts of the Spirit are set out in Retractationes (427AD) Retractationes was a revision of his early position in De vera religione (390AD). Augustine's later views set the trend for church practice and have been adopted by cessationists today. It is my contention that later tradition does not have the authority to rescind what is written in the scriptures despite the problematic issues arising out of modern charismania. Although Augustine was hugely influential, we should bear in mind that there are a great many problems associated with his theology. (See Further Links) 

Retractationes: "These miracles were not allowed to last until our times.. For not even now, when a hand is laid on the baptized, do they receive the Holy Spirit in such a way that they speak with the tongues of all nations; nor are the sick now healed by the passing shadow of the preachers of Christ. Even though such things happened at that time, manifestly these ceased later. But what I said is not to be so interpreted that no miracles are believed to be performed in the name of Christ at the present time. For, when I wrote that book, I myself had recently learned that a blind man had been restored to sight in Milan near the bodies of the martyrs in that very city, and I knew about some other, so numerous even in these times, that we cannot know about all of them nor enumerate those we know."  (1.12.7)

Charles A Sullivan:  Augustine did not promote the cessation of miracles but better control mechanisms; one of them denying certain individualized gifts. Both him and Chrysostom also believed that an overemphasis on miracles was a gateway to pride. These two represented a fourth-century trend electing to switch the authority from the individual to deceased saints, symbols of the church, personal piety, and the authority vested in the Church. It is not known whether this was a personal agreement between Augustine and Chrysostom or was simply the intellectual spirit of the times." {2} 

Having demolished the theory that the early fathers did not recognize the gifts of the Holy Spirit beyond the first generation of believers, we are left with a conundrum due to the shocking fakery of many false teachers within charismatic/NAR circles. Examples are the Copeland/Howard-Browne tongues fiasco; {3} the fakery of Todd White's cold reading and leg-pulling episodes; {4} Shawn Bolz's cold reading scams; {5} Paula White's "angels in Africa" nonsense; {6} not to mention the numerous failed Trump prophesies. The antics of these wolves are enough to deter anyone from even considering the possibility that genuine charismata exist today, hence the persuasive arguments of MacArthur and other cessationists. Despite this, I am not fully convinced by the cessationist line of reasoning. Just as there are many false teachers, false gospels, false prophets, false Christs etc. it is logical to conclude that there are also false charismata. (Matthew 24:24; 2 Corinthians 11:4). I would therefore describe myself as a cautious continuationist whilst utterly rejecting those within the NAR who claim to hold the office of contemporary foundational "apostles and prophets". Mark and avoid these wolves. (Romans 16:17-18; 1 John 4:1). 

The strategy adopted by Mike Winger's church (Calvary Chapel) is interesting. Although I do not endorse Calvary Chapel in every specific, their approach to the gifts of the Spirit is one way of avoiding a charismatic free for all. 

To paraphrase Mike Winger: There is no emphasis on the gifts in general typical gatherings during service times and people do not interrupt the service. However, we are open/very open to someone having a "word from the Lord" that they might share privately for it to be tested.  (48:00 mark) {7} 

Tongues - known languages or ecstatic utterances?

Ambiguities within various passages describing the gift of tongues in the New Testament lead some to support the theory that there are two different kinds of tongues. The passages in Acts, particularly Acts 2, are straightforward in identifying tongues as known languages (xenoglossia). However, a number of teachers within the charismatic/NAR camp make a distinction between the earthly languages spoken in Acts, and the languages (glōssais) discussed by Paul in 1 Corinthians. Many within this group claim that those practicing tongues today are speaking heavenly or angelic languages (glossolalia).

Speaking in tongues is explicitly mentioned in five places in the New Testament.

Mark 16:17-18 records the prophecy of Jesus Christ to the apostles: "And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

Acts 2:6-11 confirms that the tongues spoken at Pentecost were known languages: And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.”

Acts 10:46-47 describes how the Holy Spirit fell on the household of Cornelius in Caesarea. This event was compared with what happened at Pentecost and appears to follow the earlier precedent of known languages. For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?”

Acts 19:6 describes a group of approximately twelve men at Ephesus who spoke in tongues and prophesied when the Holy Spirit came upon them. Although the text is nonspecific about the precise nature of these tongues, it seems consistent to take the view that this occurrence also followed the precedent of known languages at Pentecost. And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying.

1 Corinthians 12-14 - These chapters in particular have given rise to the theory that there are two different kinds of tongues.

For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills. (1 Corinthians 12:8-11). 

Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the higher gifts. ( 1 Corinthians 12:27-31).

The above is Paul's general discussion of the offices and gifts. There is no reason to make the assumption that the tongues mentioned above suggest anything other than known languages.

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).  

Paul is speaking hyperbolically i.e. he talks about possibilities rather than actualities as demonstrated by his following implausible speculations. He also discusses the possibility of understanding all mysteries and all knowledge, all faith, giving away everything that he possesses, and giving up his body to be burned.

Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. (1 Corinthians 13:8-9). 

MacArthur and other cessationists argue that the above verses are evidence that tongues ceased with the death of the apostles. {8} Continuationists make a good case that "when the perfect comes" is a reference to the eternal state.

Paul discusses the gift of tongues in detail in 1 Corinthians 14. The ambiguity within this chapter has led many within the charismatic camp to believe that there are two kinds of tongues.

For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort. The one who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but the one who prophesies edifies the church. I wish that all of you could speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets so that the church may be edified. Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? ..Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. (1 Corinthians 14:2-6,9).

The conclusion some draw from the above verses is that Paul is referring to heavenly languages. The counterargument is that an unrecognized tongue may just as easily refer to an earthly language. In fact, Paul does refer to earthly languages in this very discussion. (1 Corinthians 14:10-11). It seems that because tongues were distinctive and showy, the Corinthians were flaunting this gift amongst each other. Paul's concern is edification. (1 Corinthians 14:12). The person who speaks in a tongue (glōssē) without an interpretation cannot edify others, whereas the one who prophesies edifies the church. Paul concludes his discussion by clarifying that the purpose of tongues is a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers. (1 Corinthians 14:22). This seems to reiterate the Acts 2 precedent of tongues as known languages and a sign for unbelievers. If tongues are a sign for unbelievers, how will they benefit from an unknown tongue unless there is an interpreter? (1 Corinthians 14:23,27). In my view, the gibberish we observe today in many charismatic/NAR churches are not the tongues described in the scriptures. 

There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures. (2 Peter 3:16).

Evidence from church history that glōssais were known languages

False teacher Charles Fox Parham (1873-1929) originally believed tongues to be a known language given by the Holy Spirit for evangelistic/missionary purposes. The phenomenum began when Agnes Ozman, one of Parham's students, allegedly began writing and speaking in the Chinese language and was unable to speak English for three days. Soon afterwards, Parham and 34 other students also began speaking in unknown languages. However, when put to the test on the mission field, Parham's missionaries' repeated attempts at xenoglossia failed, and it turned out that Ozman's "Chinese" was not Chinese at all. Afterwards "many of Parham's followers became disillusioned and left the movement." {9} Parham subsequently redefined tongues as glossolalia and formulated the doctrine of "initial evidence" of the baptism with the Holy Spirit. 

American evangelist FF Bosworth, one of the founders of the Assemblies of God, held Parham solely responsible for theologically separating speaking in tongues into two separate definitions. {10}

FF Bosworth: "Charles Parham who came forward with this doctrine in the year 1900, is the first man in the history of the world to teach it. He saw that it was not possible to teach that speaking in tongues will in every case accompany the Baptism in the Spirit, unless he could make it appear that speaking in tongues on the day of Pentecost was something separate and distict from the gift of tongues at Corinth. He is also the first man in the history of the world to teach that none have ever been baptized in the Spirit unless they have spoken in tongues". {11} 

Mike's comment from a previous post of mine summarizes the history of glossolalia: "Ecstatic, unintelligible speech is well known in pagan religions inc Wicca and Voodoo and manifested well before Parham and Seymour in the cults of Montanus, the so-called French prophets, the Shakers, the Irvingites and the Mormons (who labelled it the 'Adamic language') . Reputable ministers went to Azusa st and called it 'the last vomit of Satan' as the behaviour was close to that displayed at Toronto, Lakeland etc." 

This critical information should make every charismatic tongue-speaker question the teaching they have received promoting glossolalia. 

Writing in tongues is never mentioned in the New Testament!

1. CHURCH FATHERS: Home (newadvent.org)
2. Augustine on the Tongues of Pentecost (charlesasullivan.com)
3. (20) Tongue fight! - YouTube..
4. (20) Todd White’s Newest Leg Lengthening Video 2022 - YouTube
5. (20) Social Media Prophet? Shawn Bolz | Don't Be Duped - YouTube
6. (20) When the Angels in Africa heard Paula White praying - YouTube
7. (15) Does This Verse Teach Cessationism? And a Bit On Bethel. 1 Cor 13:10-12 - YouTube
8. (23) MIRACLES, HEALINGS AND TONGUES(selected scriptures) By John MacArthur. - YouTube
9. Charles Fox Parham - Wikipedia
10. Charles Parham on Speaking in Tongues (charlesasullivan.com)
11. (PDF) Bosworth Blamed Charles Parham: He Criticized Him for His 'Wrong and Unscriptural" Teachings on Speaking in Tongues (researchgate.net)

Further Links

SINS OF AUGUSTINE (gospeltruth.net)

(24) Have The Spiritual Gifts Ceased? Part 1 | Were The Miraculous Gifts Only For The Apostles? - YouTube

Early Pentecostal Embarrassments, Part 1 | by Andreas Wiget | Medium
https://medium.com/@andreaswiget/interview-with-michael-a-former-word-of-faith-pastor-and-rhema-grad-534edf2a17f5
Alfred Garr’s Failed Missionary Tongues | by Andreas Wiget | Jan, 2023 | Medium

A Word Study of “Tongue” (Glossa) | by Andreas Wiget | Medium

ASBURY: AN ORCHESTRATED REVIVAL?

The Asbury "revival" began on February 8th and continues to the present time, although I understand that there will be some restrictions put in place from February 22nd. Whether it is biblical to put restrictions on a revival is an interesting question. The "revival" has been well aired on GodTV, CBN and also on Fox News. As far as I am aware from various reports and from personal observation, this revival has consisted mainly of singing repetitive Bethel/Hillsong-style songs and personal testimony. There has been no preaching of the gospel, a hallmark of genuine revival. It has been confirmed that the worship team has been led by self-identifying LGBTQ students. {1} In line with the college statement on human sexuality, this particular element within Asbury claim to be celibate while affirming the biblical teaching that sex is between a man and a woman within the context of heterosexual marriage. {2} As Caleb Corneloup explains below, the problem with identifying as an "LGBTQ Christian" is paradoxical from a biblical perspective. (1 Thessalonians 5:22).

Caleb Corneloup (iThinkBiblically): "There are many people touting the so called Asbury Revival as being a genuine move of God. But the truth is, this so called revival is not a move of God at all. Its a disgrace. From the very beginning the worship has been led by homosexuals. Gays and Queers have been leading this so called Asbury Revival. Now, as Christians we must love homosexuals and we must treat them equally and with compassion. However, the bible is very clear that homosexuals will not enter the kingdom of heaven. There is no such thing as a gay Christian or a queer Christian. A true Christian renounces his sin, and is ashamed of his or her sin."

 

Two Christian men were ejected from the "revival", one wearing a T-shirt saying "Homo Sex is Sin - Romans 1". {3} I am not entirely sure that the motivation of these two men was unassuming observation, but perhaps their ejection is worth noting. 

I have identified the following red flags at Asbury University which should send a cautionary message about accepting the current so-called "revival" as genuine. (1 John 4:1). Many Christians have learned critical lessons from the blatant false teaching and excesses that came out of Toronto, Lakeland, Pensacola etc. It should be expected that Satan will attempt to disrupt a genuine revival. (Nehemiah 6:2; 2 Corinthians 11:14). As such, endorsements from various NAR wolves who apparently seek to co-opt the "revival" is unsurprising. What is surprising, if Asbury is a genuine revival, is their tolerance of various heretical teachers, not least the attendance of proven false prophet and adulterer Todd Bentley. Biblically we should mark and avoid Bentley and his cohorts like the plague! (Romans 16:17).  What fellowship has light with darkness? 2 Corinthians 6:14; cf 1 Corinthians 5:9; Ephesians 5:7). Todd Bentley, Shawn Bolz and other wolves are referring to Asbury as the possible beginning of the fulfillment of the “Bob Jones Superbowl prophecy”. It seems that NAR leaders are determined to have their "billion soul harvest" one way or another! {4} 

An Orchestrated revival? 

Approximately two months prior to the "revival", ecumenical false teacher Francis Can posted the following video: 

(12) Collegiate Day of Prayer 2023: "Will You Pray?" (Francis Chan) - YouTube

4,043 views Premiered on 28 Nov 2022
"Adopt a college campus in prayer today at http://collegiatedayofprayer.org. Join us on Feb 23, 2023 for 200-year anniversary of when every denomination and every university adopted the last Thursday of February as a day of prayer for revival and spiritual awakening on college campuses in America."

(12) Collegiate Day of Prayer 2023 – LIVE from Asbury University — Feb 23rd @ 8-10p ET - YouTube

Let's ADOPT and saturate EVERY CAMPUS in America in prayer (go to http://collegiatedayofprayer.org to adopt a campus) and join us LIVE from Asbury University on Feb 23rd at 8-10pm ET with special guests Rick Warren, Francis Chan, Allen Hood and worship leaders from International House of Prayer, Circuit Riders + Black Voices Movement, and Met By Love Worship. Let’s believe God for REVIVAL amongst believers on college campuses and SPIRITUAL AWAKENING amongst the lost. Father, revive the saved and save the lost!!

The Asbury "revival" has the endorsement of the Roman Catholic Church.

Universe Weekly: Asbury revival sets Catholics on fire with Holy Spirit.

"It’s almost like a wellspring,” said Father Norman Fischer, pastor of St. Peter Claver Church in Lexington, Kentucky, and chaplain at Lexington Catholic High School. “You just know right away that God is there.” {5}

Alleged exorcism? 

The (Christian?) woman who was allegedly delivered from a demon poses the controversial question of whether true believers of Jesus Christ can be demon possessed. In my view, believers cannot be demon possessed. Whilst I subscribe to the belief that believers can be oppressed by demons, there is no instance in the New Testament of believers being demon-possessed. If this was a genuine "deliverance", then why was it necessary to send for medical assistance? {6} 

When Jesus delivered those possessed by demons they emerged completely sane.  

And they came to Jesus and saw the demon-possessed man, the one who had had the legion, sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid. (Mark 5:15 cf. Matthew 17:18; Mark 9:26-27; Luke 11:14).

 

Asbury is an ecumenical liberal Methodist seminary

Loving God, Loving Self: Faith & Culture 2013

Speaker Father Normal Fischer

"Topics ranged from identifying the not-so-obvious signs of racism to ministering to other faiths in a pluralistic society.

'We need to focus less on our similarities and focus on our differences and work through them,” Barringer said. “Even Catholic/Protestant — you’re working in your framework, and I’m working in my framework, but how do we work together and give witness to the fact that Jesus rose from the dead? I would hate to be ‘color blind’ and not see the beauty of our differences, but I would also hate to live in a world where we can’t approach those differences in a productive way, especially for those of us who claim the name of Christ..

'Junior Elijah Friedeman appreciated the emphasis on religious diversity in this year’s “Faith and Culture” series. 'I enjoyed having a Catholic priest come and speak, because it emphasized the point that not only is ethnic diversity important, but also religious diversity' he said. 'Although Catholics are Christians too, it was neat to have that experience hearing from a theological tradition that’s far different from what most of have experienced.'" {7}

Egalitarianism

Kate Nunneley speaks on the egalitarian and complementarian views of women in the Church. {8)

Entire Sanctification

"Asbury University, with its roots in the American Methodist and holiness tradition, has followed Wesley’s teaching on entire sanctification. Believers may and should seek a subsequent work of God where through grace imparted by the Spirit, they are made full of the love of God." {9} 

We believe:

"That entire sanctification is that act of divine grace, through the baptism with the Holy Spirit, by which the heart is cleansed from all sin and filled with the pure love of God. This is a definite, cleansing work of grace in the heart of a believer, subsequent to conversion, resulting from full consecration and faith in the cleansing merit of the blood of Jesus Christ." {10}

Wesley's definition of "entire sanctification" was, and still is, widely criticized. {11} 

There are enough red flags at Asbury to be very cautious about this so-called "revival". It seems unlikely that this was a spontaneous revival arising from a simple student prayer meeting. I do not doubt that there are genuine Christians in attendance and my prayer is for their protection and for spiritual discernment. 

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. (2 Peter 2:1).

1. The Asbury Revival Narrative Is Crumbling – Evangelical Dark Web

2. 2019_04_10-AU-Human-Sexuality-Statement.pdf (asbury.edu)
3. (12) Christians Kicked Out of Asbury Revival for T Shirt? You Won't Hear This on the News - YouTube
4. Bob Jones’ Revival Prophecy Headlines Super Bowl Win - Charisma Magazine
5. 'Jesus was right next to me': Asbury revival sets Catholics on fire with Holy Spirit - Universe Catholic Weekly
6. (12) Casting Devils out at Asbury University!!! - YouTube
7. Faith and Loving My Neighbor – Asbury University
8. Friday, November 3, 2017 — Kate Nunneley — “A Woman’s Place in the Church”
9. Wesleyan-Holiness Theology – Asbury University
10. Spiritual Vitality – Asbury University
11. A PLAIN ACCOUNT OF CHRISTIAN PERFECTION text by John Wesley (whatsaiththescripture.com)

Further Links

Letter to the Editor Raises Concerns About Possible Pre-Planned Exploits - Lighthouse Trails Research Project

(14) Daniel Adams Using Asbury to Promote His False Ministry - YouTube
Francis Chan, Rick Warren Do Not Attend National Collegiate Day of Prayer at Asbury To Keep It Free of Celebrities (churchleaders.com)