ONE CHURCH LEICESTER: DAVID HIND IS NOT AN APOSTLE! THE EVIDENCE

Many discernment ministries have recently commented that we are in "a season of exposure" and that God is judging the church at the present time. A few of the most well-known "ministries" to have been exposed recently are Benny Hinn, Robert Morris/Gateway Church, Brian Houston/ Hillsong, Mike Bickle/IHOP, David Platt/McLean Bible Church, Chris Reed/MorningStar, and, of course, Joni Lamb/Daystar. Entitled NAR leaders shamelessly flaunt opulent lifestyles at the expense of their much less affluent followers. (Isaiah 56:11). One of the most shocking examples I have seen is Joni Lamb's $100,000 honeymoon! These wolves increase while Jesus decreases; they dare to abuse their positions in the name of the Lord to their own destruction. He must increase, but I must decrease. (John 3:30 cf. 2 Peter 2:1).

The faulty megachurch model that the Hinds have sought to emulate at One Church is beginning to crumble. At last, many believers are waking up and rejecting unqualified leaders who promote themselves and lord it over the flock. (1 Peter 5:3; Matthew 20:25-28; Ezekiel 34:2-4). My prayer is that the growth of biblical assemblies based on the New Testament model of autonomous congregations, the truth of the scriptures, and faithful teachers will continue to grow. 

Jesus' rejection of those he never knew, is specifically directed against those who make all kinds of claims regarding prophecy and signs and wonders. These claims are made predominantly by the false prophets of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) within the Charismatic/Pentecostal movement.  On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ (Matthew 7:22-23). Jesus Himself warned about seeking signs. (Matthew 12:39,16:4,24:24 cf. Deuteronomy 13:1-2). Lying signs will be the deception of the Antichrist. (2 Thessalonians 2:9; Revelation 13:13-14,19:20,16:14). That is not to say that Jesus does not perform miracles among believers, but there is a caution to test the spirits. (1 John 4:1). The showmanship of Benny Hinn, one of the false teachers endorsed by the Hinds, is a graphic example of lying signs.     

In line with their unbiblical egalitarian views, David and Susan Hind describe themselves as "Senior Leaders" and "joint pastors" of One Church. On their website, Susan Hind is described as "a bible teacher carrying a prophetic gifting" while David Hind is described as "a dynamic leader of leaders with an apostolic gifting".1 These narcissistic claims should ring alarm bells. The real apostles never boasted in such ways. (Ephesians 3:8; Acts 20:24; James 1:1; Jude 1:1). When someone claims to have an "apostolic/prophetic gifting" it is an underhand way of claiming that they are an "apostle" or a "prophet".* The Hinds have strong links with the NAR as demonstrated by their association with false "prophet" Simon Braker. Make no mistake, if you attend One Church you are attending an NAR church and are at risk of spiritual deception. 
*"Apostolic" & Prior "Prophetic" Ministries 😳

The NAR is a dominionist movement that asserts God's restoration of the "lost offices of church governance, specifically the offices of Prophet and Apostle". These "lost offices" were invented by false teacher C Peter Wagner in the 1990s. (Proverbs 30:6). Before Wagner, these "offices" did not exist within the church for almost 2000 years. Holly Pivec: "NAR apostles and prophets claim to possess much greater authority than pastors and elders. This is because pastors and elders must submit to the apostles and prophets since they are divinely authorized spokespersons for God. Also, pastors and elders govern within a single church. But NAR apostles and prophets may govern multiple churches at once. And, in many cases, the authority of these apostles and prophets extends beyond churches to workplaces, cities, and nations. Thus, NAR prophets and apostles claim to wield extraordinary authority with insufficient accountability. These claims have opened doors to abusive leadership and the promotion of harmful and aberrant teachings that have caused spiritual harm to countless individuals. They’ve brought division and disunity to many families and churches."2   

David Hind is NOT an apostle - the evidence  

The Church is built on the original foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20; 2 Corinthians 3:11). 

Following the betrayal and death of Judas Iscariot, the decision to select his replacement was based on Psalm 109:8: Let another take his office.

So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection. (Acts 1:21-22).

These verses set out the essential criteria for apostleship: An apostle must be a disciple of Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry, and he must be an eyewitness of Jesus' resurrection. The twelve apostles were commissioned directly by Jesus. The selection of Judas' replacement was achieved by praying and casting lots. (Acts 1:21-26).  And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. (Acts 1:24-26).

Paul was the last apostle chosen directly by Jesus Christ as one "untimely born".

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).

No man alive today fulfills the Acts 1:21-22 criteria of an apostle.

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

David and Susan Hind are NOT prophets - the evidence

The criteria for determining a true prophet is that their prophecies come to pass. (Deuteronomy 18:21-22). This may seem obvious, but many NAR "prophets" prophecy things that blatantly do not come to pass. Even if their prophecies do come to pass, but they encourage the worship of other gods these "prophets" should be rejected. God commanded that false prophets must be to be put to death in the Old Testament. (Deuteronomy 13:1-3,18:20 cf. Matthew 24:24; 2 Peter 2:1-3). 

NAR "prophets" are very good at raising false hopes and use buzzwords such as "breakthrough" "outpouring", "prophetic" and "revival". Their prophecies are in direct contradiction to explicit New Testament warnings of unprecedented end-time wickedness and apostasy. (Matthew 24:12; 2 Timothy 3:1,4:1-3; 2 Peter 3:3; Jude 1:18; 1 John 2:18). NAR leaders play the "God told me" card which automatically trumps the scriptures leaving believers who have doubts in a confused and vulnerable position. 

Both David and Susan Hind have prophecied revival in Leicester for some years. In a short video released on the 30th June 2020 "Pray for Change" both Susan and David Hind parrot the "revival" mantra of the NAR false prophets that we have heard repeated year after year. This mantra has worn rather thin over the years and many believers have come to reject the false promises of "imminent revival". False "prophets" never question why their "revival" never comes to anything, but astonishingly they persist unrepentant and undeterred.  

Susan Hind begins by quoting the first part of Jeremiah 33:9 out of context - And this city shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and a glory before all the nations.. According to Susan Hind, many people have prayed this verse "over our city" over the years. What NAR "prophets" describe as "prayer" often consists of the unbiblical practice of "declaration". They "decree and declare" certain things they decide are going to happen rather than submitting genuine prayers of petition to the Lord. (Matthew 6:10).

Susan Hind: "Right now the eyes of the world are on Leicester and Leicestershire... so what about if God was about to break into our city and county?"

David Hind continued the hype with the words from the song "Change" by Bright City:

We can see a change coming
Our God is here to save
We can see a change coming
The streets are filled with praise
We can see a change coming
The church will take her place
We can see a change coming
Revival’s on its way  

David Hind: "God is at work here in Leicestershire.."3  

On the 1st May 2022 David Hind went even further: "This is a fulfillment season, an outbreak season."4 Over a year later, Hind proclaimed "We are still on the cusp of revival".4 This is typical of false prophets who constantly repeat that we are on the cusp of something enormous, but that "something" never happens.

The non-fulfillment of these "prophecies" is clear evidence that David and Susan Hind are not genuine prophets.

In addition to their false "apostolic/prophetic" claims, the Hinds are false teachers. This was recently demonstrated by David Hind's abysmal Mickey Mouse teaching on women pastors and tithing.4 Furthermore, their ungodly associations, their history of flouting the scriptures, and their constant pressure to give to the One Church "Vision" are additional reasons to reject their "ministry". (2 Timothy 2:15,4:16; James 3:1). 

1. About | One Church Leicester
2. Protect your church from the NAR: adopt a position paper — Holly Pivec
3. https://youtu.be/VHaj5wKqiac
4. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: One Church Leicester

Further Links

The Assemblies of God and the NAR — Holly Pivec
The Heretical Submission Doctrine of Jimmy Evans & Joni Lamb | The Roys Report
Pastor LOSES IT Over Explosive House Church Growth - What’s Really Going On?

DAVID HIND ONE CHURCH LEICESTER: WHITEWASHED SEPULCHRES

One Church Together - VISION SUNDAY | 3rd November 2024, 11.30am

David Hind and "Pastor" Susan's self-praise is so sickening that I can hardly bear to watch their whitewashed history of ONE Church, formerly Trinity Life Church Leicester (Assemblies of God). 

I have recently been following the David Platt documentaries, and although this is a different situation with different issues, there are some interesting parallels with Hind and One Church. In 1980, Lon Solomon became the Senior Pastor of McLean Bible Church, a huge megachurch in Virginia. In September 2017, David Platt was confirmed as the Pastor-Teacher, later "Lead Pastor", replacing Lon Solomon by being the sole candidate offered to the membership. Platt has been busy systematically destroying McLean Bible Church in Virginia since his appointment. Some brave people have been challenging him for years, and after a great struggle, the upshot is that Platt is now totally exposed as a wolf and a liar. Platt's method of resisting his accusers has been very enlightening. He immediately surrounded himself with "yes men" giving key positions only to those who would back him. Lon Solomon has been eerily silent during Platt's wicked tenure as pastor. He has not commented or offered support to those who were being systematically spiritually abused! The situation is even worse with Brian Niblock. He has openly supported Hind's folly from day one. I remember him saying that he did not want to be "the grumpy old man" in the church by criticizing the new pastor. It is biblical to speak out about false teaching and danger to the flock, even if we are unpopular for doing so. (Ezekiel 33:8-9). Only hirelings think more about their reputation than the Lord! (John 10:13).

As I watched the documentaries about Platt I remembered the bizarre way in which David Hind was appointed as the pastor of TLC and the so-called "family meeting" when it was announced that the much-loved Assistant Pastor Peter Buick was rejected by the elders. Several people spoke up in protest, but all to no avail. The three elders had made an "executive decision" and were determined to reject this godly man as pastor without offering the congregation a reason apart from "the Lord showed us". The public humiliation Peter Buick suffered at this meeting is something I will never forget. I found it so distressing that I decided never to attend another "family meeting" at TLC again. The next thing we knew, and to everyone's utter surprise, David Hind had been appointed as the new pastor. This was basically a fait accompli, orchestrated on Brian Niblock's watch!  I wondered whether this had been their agenda all along.

The very day Hind began in his role as Pastor at TLC, my friend and I knew that something was wrong. One of his first acts was to ask people to put their offerings into envelopes and to put their names on their donations. It was not very long after Hind's arrival before cronyism set in and he employed his friend from Nottingham AOG as Musical Director. Almost immediately, the existing worship team suddenly left the church and neither they nor their family were ever seen again! Other individuals and families soon followed suit due to Hind's questionable leadership style. Before long we had to endure Hind's infantile party games during worship time :( This was the final straw. My friend and I left halfway through the circus and did not return. Hind's ecumenical associations with Churches Together and the infamous Adam Simmonds, Northamptonshire PCC followed. The appointment of Adam Simmonds as Director of Trinity Life Church and the lottery fiasco were par for the course. The compromise of entering into a binding agreement with Big Lottery and their worldly values was in my view due to Simmonds' unholy influence. Although Simmonds may have been the source of the temptation, Hind and his cronies failed the test and even gloried in their shame. (2 Corinthians 6:14; Philippians 3:19; Isaiah 5:20). There followed visits from false teachers Mark Stibbe, Benny Hinn, and other wolves. More recently NAR false "prophet" Simon Braker infiltrated ONE Church complete with alleged first-person words from the Lord. The list continues. Susan Hind decided to become a "pastor" despite the clear biblical directive against aspiring to such a position. (1 Timothy 2:12). Hind's false teaching on women pastors, tithing, and false prophesies about imminent "revival" are huge red flags. The list goes on and on!* As you can see, my history of ONE Church differs considerably from Hind's whitewash. 

* See Further Links for full details. 

• LOTTERY FUNDING: UNGODLY APPROVAL OF GAMBLING

• PREACHING THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST PROHIBITED AT OPEN HANDS AS A CONDITION OF RECEIVING BIG LOTTERY FUNDING
• TLC WAS REQUIRED TO DEMONSTRABLY BELIEVE AND ABIDE BY UNBIBLICAL SECULAR EQUALITY VALUES AS A CONDITION OF SECURING LOTTERY FUNDING (2 CORINTHIANS 6:14)
• THEOCRACY: UNBIBLICAL TOP HEAVY LEADERSHIP (ACTS 15:22)
• NEPOTISM: SENIOR FAMILIAL APPOINTMENTS
• ROCK MUSIC VERSUS WORSHIP
• CHURCH GROWTH BASED ON THE MEGA CHURCH MULTI-SITE MODEL 
• VIOLATION OF THE SCRIPTURAL BLUEPRINT FOR AUTONOMOUS CONGREGATIONS (ACTS 14:23)
• HOST TO FALSE TEACHER/PROPHET MARK STIBBE (2011)
• VALIDATION OF ARCH DECEIVER AND NECROMANCER BENNY HINN (2014)
• INVOLVEMENT WITH ECUMENICAL CHURCHES TOGETHER (2014)
• ECUMENICAL ALPHA COURSE 
• ENDORSEMENT OF ECUMENIST BILLY GRAHAM
• ENDORSEMENT OF SMITH WIGGLESWORTH'S FALSE END TIME REVIVAL PROPHECY
• ADAM SIMMONDS ILLEGAL REMOVAL OF TWO OF MY POSTS (FEBRUARY 2014)
• BLATANT SATANIC 666 DISPLAY AT OPEN HANDS 6 DEGREES COFFEE HOUSE
• SUSAN HIND'S UNBIBLICAL APPOINTMENT AS PASTOR (1 TIMOTHY 2:12) 
• SIMON BRAKER - NAR "PROPHET"
• FALSE TEACHING ABOUT TITHING (2024)
• FALSE PROPHECY OF IMMINENT MASS REVIVAL (2023)

Don't tell us how well you have done David Hind. Some of us remember what happened and see your folly continuing. The Lord sees it. There will be accountability!  (Galatians 6:7). 

Further Links:

Documentary on David Platt's tumultuous tenure at McLean Bible Church debuts
EXCLUSIVE: Interview with the creator of The Real David Platt Documentary: Jeremiah Burke DMW#247
WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: Trinity Life Church Leicester

DAVID HIND ONE CHURCH LEICESTER: TITHING DEBUNKED!

Jesus is passing by | David Hind (One Church Together, 21st July 2024) (youtube.com) 

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

Here we have yet another false teaching from David Hind! One Church is shortly coming up to another "Vision Sunday" and I expect a further barrage of intense pressure to give to their so-called "church" on Frog Island. Once again I will debunk Hind's teaching and go through some of the biblical reasons that refute tithing in the New Testament. 

Abram/Melchizedek

Abram (later Abraham) gave a one-off free will offering to Melchizedek from the spoils of war, not from personal property. (Genesis 14:20). Abram did not give money, he gave 10% of the spoils. He returned the remaining 90% of the spoils to the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah. (Genesis 14:21-24). Melchizedek is an obscure figure in the Old Testament and is described as a king/priest of Salem. (Hebrews 7:1). It is debatable whether Melchizedek was a type of Christ or a theophany/Christophany. (Hebrews 7:1-14). The phrase "resembling the Son of God" (ἀφωμοιωμένος) has sparked a debate amongst scholars since ἀφωμοιωμένος appears to distinguish Melchizidek from "the Son of God". (Hebrews 7:3).

Meyer: "ἀφωμοιωμένος δὲ τῷ υἱᾷ τοῦ θεοῦ] on the contrary (therein) made entirely like unto the Son of God, namely, as type of the same.. This whole method of interpretation has against it the fact that ἀγενεαλόγητος—for not ἀγένητος is placed—can be understood without violence only of the neglect to cite the genealogical table of Melchisedec in the narrative of the Book of Genesis [comp. Hebrews 7:6]; and ἀπάτωρ, ἀμήτωρ must be taken conformably with the elucidatory ἀγενεαλόγητος, thus are likewise to be explained merely of the father and mother being passed over unnamed in the historic account, not of their actual nonexistence.."1 

Jacob's Vow

Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, so that I come again to my father’s house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God, and this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God’s house. And of all that you give me I will give a full tenth to you.” (Genesis 28:20-22).

The Lord said to Jacob: The land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring. (Genesis 28:13). Note: The land was not given to Jacob personally and Jacob did not tithe during his lifetime. God fulfilled His vow to Jacob (Israel) by giving the land to his posterity.

Adam Clarke’s Commentary: “Jacob seems to make this vow rather for his posterity than for himself, as we may learn from Genesis 28:13-15; for he particularly refers to the promises which God had made to him, which concerned the multiplication of his offspring, and their establishment in that land. If, then, God shall fulfill these promises, he binds his posterity to build God a house, and to devote for the maintenance of his worship the tenth of all their earthly goods. This mode of interpretation removes that appearance of self-interest which almost any other view of the subject presents. Jacob had certainly, long ere this, taken Jehovah for his God; and so thoroughly had he been instructed in the knowledge of Jehovah, that we may rest satisfied no reverses of fortune could have induced him to apostatize: but as his taking refuge with Laban was probably typical of the sojourning of his descendants in Egypt, his persecution, so as to be obliged to depart from Laban, the bad treatment of his posterity by the Egyptians, his rescue from death, preservation on his journey, re-establishment in his own country, &c., were all typical of the exodus of his descendants, their travels in the desert, and establishment in the promised land, where they built a house to God, and where, for the support and maintenance of the pure worship of God, they gave to the priests and Levites the tenth of all their worldly produce. If all this be understood as referring to Jacob only, the Scripture gives us no information how he performed his vow.”2 

Tithing.com: "Leonard C. Bupanda in his book, 'The Tithing Dilemma and the Triumph of Love' 'also agrees that Jacob’s vow was trans-generational, 'Now, since Jacob failed to deliver on his promise, God made him pay the tithe through his children who had emerged as a nation after his God-given name-Israel. Thus God’s promise to Jacob was fulfilled.'”3 

Malachi 3   

Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions. You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you. Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. (Malachi 3:8-11).

It is critical to note the background and the context of this passage. The entire book of Malachi is a rebuke against the priests (the sons of Aaron) who were responsible for breaking the covenant and causing many to stumble by their example and instruction. (Malachi 2:1-17). Malachi 1:6-14,2:1 records the profanity of the priests who were offering polluted food upon the Lord's altar. (Malachi 1:6). You bring what has been taken by violence or is lame or sick, and this you bring as your offering! (Malachi 1:13).

Malachi was prophesying during the time of Nehemiah who had the task of overseeing the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem and restoring the spiritual and social order among the Jewish people after the Babylonian exile  Bible Hub: "Nehemiah 10 presents a transformative moment for the people of Israel as they pledge allegiance to God's law in a renewed covenant. The leaders, priests, Levites, and the entire community agree to uphold God's commands, embodying a collective commitment towards religious devotion and responsibility."4 Nehemiah 10:38 clarifies that the renewed covenant included bringing the tithes to the Levitical storehouses. Nehemiah 13:1-12 describes how Eliashib the High Priest had provided his relative, Tobiah the Ammonite, a wicked man who opposed Nehemiah, a room in the courts of the house of God in Nehemiah's absence. (Nehemiah 2:19; 4:3-7; 6:1-19 cf. Deuteronomy 23:3). On his return, Nehemiah threw all Tobiah's goods out of the room; he ordered that the rooms be purified; he had the articles of the house of God restored to them along with the grain offerings and frankincense. (Nehemiah 13:8-9). Furthermore, because the portions for the Levites had been withheld, they had gone to work in their own fields. (Malachi 2:8 cf. Joshua 14:4). In other words, the house of God was forsaken. (Nehemiah 13:11). 

The situation described in Malachi/Nehemiah was specific to the Jewish people and involved the restoration of the Law of Moses. Those who insist that tithing is an obligation in the New Testament pervert the scriptures and do not serve Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 3:16; Romans 16:17-20). If Christians are obliged to tithe, they must also obey all the commands written in the Law! The clear teaching in Galatians is that those who wanted to revert to circumcision were under a curse, and the same is true of those who wish to revert to the Old Testament principle of tithing. There is a lot of false teaching around about "generational curses" and "deliverance", but the wolves who teach tithing and other false doctrines are under a curse themselves and they put their followers under a curse. 

For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” (Galatians 3:10).

But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. (Galatians 1:8).

Take notice: I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. Again I testify to every man who gets himself circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. You who are trying to be justified by the law have been severed from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. (Galatians 5:2-4).

The New Testament

But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. (Luke 11:42). 

Jesus rebuked the Pharisees who were under the Law of Moses prior to the new covenant. No one in the Old Testament tithed from their money, they always tithed from the produce of the land. (Leviticus 27:30 cf. Deuteronomy 14:2). Traders were not required to tithe e.g. carpenters, fishermen, merchants etc.

The most detailed passage on giving in the New Testament is 2 Corinthians 8-9.

..whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. As it is written, “He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.”He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. (2 Corinthians 9:6-12).

The above passage absolutely refutes the idea of the tithe; rather Paul encourages the Corinthian Church to give generously to the needy Jerusalem church. The benefit to the Corinthians in giving generously is not the selfish "prosperity gospel" of false teachers. 

BibleRef: "Paul is urging the Corinthians to be generous in their giving to suffering Christians in Jerusalem. He has said they should give willingly and cheerfully a portion of what God has given to them. Scripture presents Christian giving as something done out of love, not legalism, obligation, or command. That theme continues here in Paul's comments to the church in Corinth.
This makes an additional point, though: God is ultimately the one who gives. He is the one who provides both the seed for the bread and the bread itself. In other words, God makes the giver capable of giving. Paul adds that God will multiply the seed of those who give in order to increase the harvest of the righteousness that comes as a result. It's important to note that the increase is to the benefit of the one who receives—this is not a promise to financially prosper the giver.."5  

All the exhortations to give money in the New Testament were for the benefit of the poor and needy. "The saints" in the above passage were the impoverished church at Jerusalem (2 Corinthians 8-9; Romans 15:26; Acts 24:17 cf. Galatians 2:10). There is not a single reference either to tithing or church buildings in the New Testament! The early Christians met in homes, and many are doing so again because they are disgusted with the false teaching and disgraceful antics of those who have usurped authentic leadership roles within the so-called churches. (Acts 20:29).

But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, (Matthew 6:1-4). It is no one else's business how much you give!  

The concept of civil taxes replacing the tithe has historical roots. Civil taxes have largely replaced the role of funding public services and infrastructure, which were once supported by tithes in the theocratic society of ancient Israel. Civil law plays a significant role in supporting the needy by ensuring their rights and access to essential services. Modern social welfare systems are based on the Elizabethan Poor Law Acts of 1601 which established the government's responsibility to aid its poor citizens, categorizing them based on their needs and ensuring they received appropriate assistance. 

The tithe in ancient Israel supported the Levites and the needy. (Deuteronomy 26:12-13; Numbers 18:21-32; Nehemiah 10:37). False teachers often make the appeal: "Bring your tithes and offerings into the storehouse". The storehouse within the Jerusalem Temple only received 1% of the tithe, the other 9% was stored in Levitical cities. (Nehemiah 10:37-38). The storehouses were simply that, they were not places of worship. The word "storehouse" is never mentioned in the New Testament as a model for the church. The Levitical system of worship performed at the Jerusalem Temple does not apply to the modern church. (1 Peter 2:5,9). Bible-believing Christians should definitely not be giving their money to false prophets connected with the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), who appoint women pastors, who build their own kingdoms, and who spend other people's money on luxuries for themselves and on expensive and ostentatious "church" buildings. (1 Timothy 2:12). 

Hind's multi-site church model contradicts the biblical blueprint of church structure laid down in the New Testament. Paul instructed Titus to ..appoint elders in every town as I directed you. (Titus 1:5; cf. Acts 14:23). In the New Testament, individual churches were autonomous congregations with their own local overseers directing their specific affairs. When church leaders fail to heed biblical doctrine and substitute their own ideas for the scriptures, they bring dysfunction and pain to the body of Christ and ultimate judgement upon themselves. 

If you have followed my posts about Trinity Life Church/One Church you will know that David Hind has repeatedly flouted and twisted the scriptures in favour of worldly values and ambitions. A qualifying requirement for elders/pastors is that they must be able to teach and to rightly handle the word of truth. (1 Timothy 3:2; 2 Timothy 2:15). It is pure folly for any bible believing Christian to gamble with their eternal future and to follow false teachers who pervert the scriptures to their own destruction. (2 Peter 3:16).    

I recommend the following series on tithing from Caleb Corneloup. Corneloup provides shocking examples of the opulent lifestyles of greedy entitled false teachers, including Kenneth Copeland, Joyce Myer, Creflo Dollar, Jesse Duplantis, Benny Hinn, Robert Morris etc. 

Caleb Corneloup: "A lot of false teachers try to insist that Christians need to tithe because Abraham tithed. They say that tithing pre-dates the law and therefore we are commanded to tithe in the New Covenant. This is nothing more than false teachers twisting God's word to support their dodgy ministries and protect their income stream. Many pastors today are nothing more than hustlers and grifters. They have turned the church into a business and it's a disgrace and shame to the name of Christ."

Further Links

Tithing is Not a Christian Doctrine (youtube.com)
This two-hour video is based on a 19-point essay by Russell Earl Kelly, Ph. D. Further information can be found on Dr Kelly's website: Should the Church Teach Tithing? Taboo Answer - Dr. Russell Earl Kelly (tithing-russkelly.com)
04/10 - The Truth About Tithing (youtube.com)
APOSTASY, ERROR & DECEPTION IN WALES - the watchman4wales blog.: Tithing

1. Hebrews 7:3 Commentaries: Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, he remains a priest perpetually. (biblehub.com)
2. Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary - Genesis 28 (godrules.net)
3. Jacob’s Tithing Vow (Part 2) – Tithing.com
4. Nehemiah 10 Chapter Summary (biblehub.com)
5. What does 2 Corinthians 9:10 mean? | BibleRef.com

DAVID HIND ONE CHURCH LEICESTER: WOMEN AND LEADERSHIP

Women & Leadership | David Hind (Aug 2024) (youtube.com)

The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him. (Proverbs 18:17).

This post challenges David Hind's recent attempt to defend the role of women in church leadership. Hind has a vested interest in egalitarianism since he and his wife Susan are joint senior leaders of One Church in Leicester which is an AG Pentecostal Church with strong New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) associations.

Firstly, it is important to understand that this subject has nothing to do with women reaching their "full potential" and similar emotive arguments based on human standards. (2 Corinthians 10:4; Galatians 1:11). These kinds of arguments focus on ourselves e.g. "your best life now" as often articulated by false teacher Joel Osteen. (Philippians 2:3). Furthermore, arguments should not be based on culture. Biblical wisdom and worldly wisdom are antithetical. (1 Corinthians 3:19; 2 Corinthians 1:12). As Christians, our focus should be on God's will regardless of worldly considerations. (Matthew 6:10). Our concern should be: What is God's blueprint for church leadership?          

Christians should not be too quick to jump on the egalitarian bandwagon in this critical debate since it has huge implications for marriage and church life. The reality that men and women are equal in value and dignity and yet different in function and role is strongly asserted in the scriptures. Just because there have been/are abuses by ungodly male leaders does not invalidate God's Word. (Ephesians 5:25; Colossians 3:19).  

The main debate on the subject of women in ministry focuses on two positions: egalitarian and complementarian. Egalitarians reject the historic and literal reading of the scriptures that demonstrate distinct roles and purposes for men and women from creation. I recommend Mike Winger's series for those who want to look further into this subject: Women In Ministry Archives - BibleThinker. Winger is what is described as a "soft complementarian". In other words, he views the biblical role of "elder" to be prohibitive for women, but he rejects other restrictions placed on women as unnecessarily restrictive and biased. Winger demonstrates that in many cases, egalitarian scholars/teachers fall woefully short of sound hermeneutic standards and use arguments that are unsustainable biblically. The onus on Christians is to be Bereans if we are to avoid accepting views based on insufficient evidence, poor reasoning, inconsistency, and eisegesis. (Acts 17:11). 

Jesus' attitude toward women was groundbreaking in that he showed honour and respect towards women unknown in the culture of His time. This post does not challenge the view that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are available to men and women. Nor does it dispute evidence that in the early church women were evangelists*, prophetesses, and deaconesses, and that these roles are legitimate for women today.  

* The term "evangelist" or "apostle" is often overstated to include single instances of women conveying a specific message to men. (Matthew 28:7; John 4:1-42).  These instances do not demonstrate that women held ongoing positions of authority over men within the church. 

I will work through Hind's points below. 

* Women are to be silent in the churches. They are not permitted to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. If they wish to inquire about something, they are to ask their own husbands at home; for it is dishonorable for a woman to speak in the church. (1 Corinthians 14:34-35).

Most teachers explain these verses in terms of problems specific to the Corinthian Church which faced challenges relating to cultural norms, immorality, division, and the misuse of spiritual gifts. Since Paul acknowledged that women were "praying and prophesying" in 1 Corinthians 11:5, these verses cannot be taken outside their specific context without creating an internal contradiction within Paul's writings.

* Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. (1 Timothy 2:11-14).

This passage is transcultural. The plain reading of the text is unmistakable. Paul is careful to maintain gender roles as ordained by God in the creation. (Genesis 2:20). Paul follows the ruling with two reasons. 1. The order of creation and the pre-fall reality - Adam was formed first; 2. The post-fall reality - Eve was deceived and became a transgressor before Adam. 

* Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her. (John 20:17-18 cf. Matthew 28:7-8).

Hind mentions that Jesus' resurrection was witnessed by a woman and claims that she was an "evangelist" to the disciples. Mary was extremely privileged to be the first person to see Jesus following His resurrection. However, it should be noted that this did not make her an "apostle to the apostles" as some claim and she did not later become a church leader.            

* Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house (Colossians 4:6). Egalitarians base their argument on the presumption that Nympha was an elder simply because the church met at her house. 

* For I brought you up from the land of Egypt and redeemed you from the house of slavery, and I sent before you Moses, Aaron, and Miriam. (Micah 6:4).    

It is a mistake to class Miriam as a leader of Israel. Do we build a doctrine on single verses of scripture? There is no indication that Miriam had any authority over the men of Israel. Apart from this single reference in Micah 6, it is always Moses and Aaron who are referred to jointly, never Moses Aaron and Miriam. (Exodus 4:10-17,7:10). When Aaron and Miriam opposed Moses, it was Miriam, not Aaron, who became leprous due to the Lord's anger. (Numbers 12:1-16). Moses followed his father-in-law's advice and appointed men as judges over the people."..look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. And let them judge the people at all times. (Exodus 18:17-27). 

Pulpit Commentary: "Miriam, the prophetess, who led the praises of the people at their great deliverance (Exodus 15:20), and who probably was charged with some special mission to the women of Israel (see Numbers 12:1, 2)."1

Matthew Poole: "Miriam; a prophetess, to be assistant to her brothers last mentioned, to be example and counsellor to the women: God furnished them with magistrate, priest, and prophet."1

Barnes: "Moses, Aaron, and Miriam together, are Lawgiver, to deliver and instruct; Priest, to atone; and prophetess Exodus 15:20 to praise God; and the name of Miriam at once recalled the mighty works at the Red Sea and how they then thanked God."1 

 

* When Priscilla and Aquila heard (Apollos), they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately. (Acts 18:26).

Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, (Romans 16:3).  

Christian Research Institute: "Complementarians see Priscilla as one of numerous women who were fellow workers with men in the early church. Yet their prominence does not undermine the essential principle of male authority."2 

* Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners. They are well known to the apostles, and they were in Christ before me. (Romans 16:7).  

The phrase ἐπίσημοι ἐν τοῖς ἀποστόλοις "men of note among the apostles" is an ambiguous expression that can be legitimately translated in two ways: they were well known to the apostles (ESV), or, they were among the apostles (NIV). The Greek text leans in favor of the ESV translation. Apart from Romans 16:7, Junia is not mentioned either in the New Testament or in the extra-biblical writings of the time. Got Questions: "Later writings are conflicting and inconclusive in determining the true identity of this individual. With the existing information, the syntax of the Greek language provides the best means of understanding what Paul meant when he wrote that Junia was outstanding (or 'well known') among the apostles."3 John Chrysostom was a fourth-century church father who referred to Junia as a female apostle. There is some debate about the name Junia/Junias, and it is by no means conclusive that Junias was a woman. Bible Hub: "Paul's kinsman and fellow-prisoner: Romans 16:7 ((here A. V. Junia (a woman's name) which is possible)."4 Apart from this issue, Paul's use of the term "apostle" is fluid. An apostle could be one of the original twelve. (Galatians 1:17-19). In Paul's case, he was appointed as an apostle by Jesus Christ post-resurrection. (1 Corinthians 15:7). The generic use of the term "apostle" refers to individuals who were sent out to be messengers/ambassadors of Jesus Christ. Given that this is the only albeit ambiguous reference to a possible female apostle in the New Testament it would be over-ambitious, even presumptuous, to make a case for women apostles in the sense of authoritative apostles where no female apostles are mentioned elsewhere.

*  Hind challenges the complementarian view that the apostles chosen by Jesus were all men. He claims that this is a pre-resurrection situation and that post-resurrection roles have expanded to include Gentile men and women who are now allegedly released into leadership. There is no evidence to support this theory. Paul's explicit instructions about appointing male elders negate Hind's claim.

This is a trustworthy saying: If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble task. An overseer (episkope), then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not dependent on wine, not violent but gentle, peaceable, and free of the love of money.. (1 Timothy 3:1-4).

Hind's incompetent interpretation of Biblical Greek is on par with his other teaching skills! 

Hind "The word here for an elder is a masculine word in Greek, 'presbuteros'." (19:00 mark)

The noun overseer in 1 Timothy 3:1-2 is episkope it is not presbuteros. 

Strongs: "επισκοπης noun - genitive singular feminine

episkope ep-is-kop-ay': inspection (for relief); by implication, superintendence; specially, the Christian episcopate -- the office of a bishop, bishoprick, visitation."5

Titus 1:5 has the noun presbuteros. Strongs: "4245 presbýteros – properly, a mature man having seasoned judgment (experience); an elder. The NT specifies elders are men. (The feminine singular, presbytera, never occurs in the Bible.) [The feminine plural, presbyteras, occurs in 1 Tim 5:2. It refers to aged women, i.e. not women with an official church office or title.]"6  

My question: How do we get a gender-neutral definition from "the husband of one wife"? 

Polygamy is an unlikely explanation for the phrase "husband of one wife". Meyer: "μιᾶς γυναικὸς ἄνδρα] This expression cannot here be properly referred to polygamy; for, although polygamy might at that time be still found among the civilised heathen, and even among the Jews (comp. Justin Martyr, Dialog. c. Tryph.; Chrysostom on the passage; Josephus, Antiq. vii. 2), it was as a rare exception. Besides, there is an argument against such an interpretation in the phrase ἑνὸς ἀνδρὸς γυνή, 1 Timothy 5:9; for similarly such a phrase ought to refer to polyandry, which absolutely never occurred.."7  

* There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28).

Galatians 3:28 is typically used by egalitarian scholars to control the meaning of other passages. As Winger puts it, this verse is their "silver bullet".

Significantly, the Greek conjunction kai (male and female) is used in this verse, whereas the adverb οὐδὲ is used for "Jew nor Greek.. slave nor free". Scholars generally agree that "male and female" refers back to Genesis 1:27. Some egalitarians (Stendahl) argue that Paul obliterates the gender distinctions in Genesis 1:27 in this verse by making a distinction between original creation and "new creation". However, this argument fails since others (Witherington) have noted that Paul upholds gender distinctions elsewhere. (e.g. 1 Timothy 2:9-11; Ephesians 5:22-33; Colossians 3:18-19). This verse does not obliterate gender roles; rather it confirms the inclusion of the three groups cited into one people in Christ. 

Sonship status defined by Paul

Paul's inclusive definition of "sonship" (males and females) has four specific applications:

1. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise.

You are a son, you are also an heir. (Galatians 3:29).

2. You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.

Full participation as sons "in Christ". (Galatians 3:26).

3. So the law became our guardian to lead us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 

Justified by faith. (Galatians 3:24). 

4.  And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, you are also an heir through God.

A true internal relationship with God through the Holy Spirit. (Galatians 4:6-7).

We cannot legitimately stretch Paul's definition of "sonship" to include function and roles. Those who do so go outside the context and create a new category from 'status in relationship to God and the kingdom' to 'status in relationship to one another in every aspect of the church'. This is a huge departure from the context of the passage and ignores other passages that do talk about functions relating to gender.8

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

Strongs: "kephalé - Usage: (a) the head, (b) met: a corner stone, uniting two walls; head, ruler, lord."9

Hind argues for "source" as the definition of kephalē rather than "head". It should be noted that "source" is not acknowledged as a possible interpretation of kephalē in any major lexicon. The definition "source" originated with a short article by Stephen Bedale in 1954. His definition attracted a firestorm of criticism from scholars which continues to this day. Interestingly Bedale's definition of kephalē did not remove the connotation of "authority over". Arguments regarding "source" as a nonauthoritative definition are based on ignorance.

Bedale: “That is to say, the male is κεφαλή [head] in the sense of ἀρχή [beginning] relatively (sic) to the female; and, in St Paul’s view, the female in consequence is ‘subordinate.’ . . . But this principle of subordination which he finds in human relationships rests upon the order of creation, and includes the ‘sonship’ of the Christ himself . . . while the word κεφαλή . . . unquestionably carries with it the idea of ‘authority’, such authority in social relationships derives from a relative priority (causal rather than merely temporal) in the order of being.”

Zondervan Academic: "Whether or not one accepts the argument about the word’s meaning, at no time did Bedale imply that his interpretation removed the metaphorical connotation of 'authority over'. Given how prominent his article has become in some circles, it is strange how rarely his actual exegesis of 11:3 is recounted."10 

* But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God. Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head, but every wife who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, since it is the same as if her head were shaven. (1Corinthians 11:2-16).

This passage appears to be a cultural situation. However, the principle of male headship has not changed. I recommend Alan Parr's short video on this subject: Do Christian Women Have to Wear Head Coverings Today? (youtube.com)

* Hind also mentioned "leaders like Esther". Esther was prominent, but she definitely came under the male authority of Mordecai! 

A common practice of false teachers is that they take verses out of context and/or they read more into a text than it actually says i.e. they go beyond what is written. (1 Corinthians 4:6; Proverbs 30:6). One of the qualifications for teachers is that they can rightly divide the word of truth. (1 Timothy 2:15). The subject of women in leadership is not just an interesting discussion, it is a weighty subject with far-reaching implications that can set the course of the church on an opposing trajectory to God's revealed will. Those who decide to do their own thing and flaunt God's blueprint for marriage and church leadership are abusing their positions and are on a collision course with God Himself. (Matthew 12:36; Galatians 6:7; James 3:1).     

There is much more research on this subject which goes beyond the scope of this post. Winger's series is comprehensive and he exposes many more egalitarian inconsistencies.

1. Micah 6:4 Commentaries: "Indeed, I brought you up from the land of Egypt And ransomed you from the house of slavery, And I sent before you Moses, Aaron and Miriam. (biblehub.com)
2. A Woman’s Place: The Evangelical Debate over the Role of Women in the Church - Christian Research Institute (equip.org)
3. Was Junia/Junias a female apostle? | GotQuestions.org
4. Strong's Greek: 2458. Ἰουνιᾶς (Iounias) -- Junias, a kinsman of Paul (biblehub.com)

5. Strong's Greek: 1984. ἐπισκοπή (episkopé) -- a visiting, an overseeing (biblehub.com)
6. Strong's Greek: 4245. πρεσβύτερος (presbuteros) -- elder (biblehub.com)
7. 1 Timothy 3 Meyer's NT Commentary (biblehub.com)
8. 7-The-Egalitarian-Silver-Bullet-Gal-3-28.docx - Microsoft Word Online (live.com)
9. Strong's Greek: 2776. κεφαλή (kephalé) -- the head (biblehub.com)
10. The head of the woman is man? How to understand… | Zondervan Academic

Further Link

If Your Church has a Female "Co-Pastor" Leave NOW...Here's Why! (youtube.com)

SUSAN HIND ONE CHURCH LEICESTER: BREATH PRAYERS - A WARNING

The Jesus Rhythm | Susan Hind (One Church Together, 14th July 2024) (youtube.com)

The problem with many New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) associated churches like One Church in Leicester is that they are ecumenical and apostate. In reality, they have no true regard for the scriptures.

The practice of breath prayer involves selecting a specific word or short phrase from the scriptures and repeating it in conjunction with the breath. This is pseudo-prayer and is classic contemplative mysticism promoted primarily by false teachers Rick Warren and Richard Foster. 

Christians should be careful not to participate in ancient mystical pagan practices and mind-emptying techniques. Entering the “silence" involves centering prayer, lectio divina, breath prayers, chanting mantras etc. These techniques are common to Eastern meditation and the New Age and have no part to play in biblical Christianity. The Hinds' form of Christianity is not Christianity at all and is very dangerous. I do not recommend putting an empty chair for "Jesus" in front of you when you pray, practicing breath prayers or decreeing and declaring (a hallmark of the NAR). 

..having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. (2 Timothy 3:5 cf. Matthew 7:15; 1 Timothy 4:7; 2 Timothy 2:16,23; Ephesians 4:14).

Prayer is simply presenting our requests to God, it does not involve relying on pagan influences or other man-centered unscriptural techniques. (Proverbs 30:6)

..do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6)

But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.“And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Pray then like this:
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors but deliver us from evil. (Matthew 6:6-12).

Taking two months out for a so-called "sabbatical" on the Isle of Lewis is a luxury that very few, if any, Christians can afford to do. I guess the Hinds consider themselves so special and entitled that they can justify it, just as they justify many other problematic things. 

Susan Hind falls at the first hurdle since the scriptures are clear that women are not permitted to teach or have authority over men. (1 Timothy 2:12). Any "church" employing a woman pastor is not a legitimate church. 

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

Further Links

Breath Prayer—Not Biblical Prayer (lighthousetrailsresearch.com)
The Dangers of Contemplative Prayer – Berean Research
Contemplative Prayer, Mysticism & Kundalini (youtube.com)

BENNY HINN'S OPPOSITION TO MIKE WINGER

(303) The Victims of Benny Hinn: 30 Years of Spiritual Deception. - YouTube

Mike Winger is facing serious backlash following the release of his video exposing Benny Hinn's malpractice. 

Mike Winger: "Benny Hinn is actively trying to silence me and is abusing the copyright system.." The four-hour video above, although rather lengthy, is well worth watching to gain an understanding into Hinn's false ministry. 

Mike Winger: "This man is hurting people, leaving people destitute, abusing sick and ill people as props to bring glory to himself, and deceiving people, really bad stuff.. Benny Hinn is a very bad man." 

When I became a Christian a number of years ago, I joined the hyper-charismatic group of some neighbours who led me to the Lord. It was not until much later that I became aware of the many problems and dangers within the charismatic movement. During those early years, I was in turmoil and I struggled immensely. It was a very difficult time. However, I gradually began to put my entire trust in the Lord Himself rather than relying on various aberrant teachings allegedly from God. As a new Christian and knowing nothing about Christianity, I believed that I was the problem rather than the teachings, and that I needed some kind of deliverance or breakthrough to become free. This is a trap that many fall into and I encourage those who are struggling within the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) to seek the Lord directly and to abide in His word. 

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32).

Benny Hinn visited Leicester UK in 2014 "care of" Trinity Life Church Leicester (Assemblies of God). I posted a warning at that time as well as other warnings about the teachings being promoted by Trinity Life Church (now ONE Church).1 TLC illegally removed two of my posts during 2014 which I subsequently republished. ONE Church is still going strong and very sadly they are continuing with their NAR involvement and false teachings. 

1. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: THE CIRCUS COMES TO TOWN - FALSE PROPHET BENNY HINN TO COME TO LEICESTER (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)

ONE CHURCH LEICESTER: CLOSURE OF SIX DEGREES COFFEE HOUSE

One Church is an Assemblies of God (AG) Church in Leicester which has tangible links to the false teachings of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) having close ties with false prophet Simon Braker and other "prophetic" influences.1  Like many NAR churches, their somewhat "cool" image conceals a much darker agenda.

The AG is the world's largest Pentecostal denomination representing 65 million people. The AG has published a number of papers officially rejecting several key NAR teachings. Despite this, many individual pastors and leaders, including the Hinds, regularly flout these guidelines and introduce all kinds of aberrant NAR doctrines into their churches.

AG: "The New Testament does not make provisions for establishing the prophet in a hierarchical governing structure of the church; in fact, the content of prophecy itself should always be tested by and responsible to the superior authority of Scripture. However, the church should long for authentic prophecy with a message, which is relevant to contemporary needs and subject to the authority of Scripture."2

ONE Church: "After 8 wonderful years, we are announcing that 6 Degrees will be closing their doors this Easter. The shop was set up in 2016 as a social enterprise to bring profits to Open Hands & bless the community around Leicestershire through their compassion ministries. Throughout this journey, 6 degrees has fulfilled these aims and been a huge blessing on London Road. Over this last season, 6 Degrees has continued to be a blessing but has faced challenges in turning a profit. It’s now time to gracefully conclude this chapter and celebrate the wonderful journey it has been. Our heartfelt gratitude and prayers go out to our dedicated staff and volunteers as they transition to new opportunities.."3  

Six Degrees Coffee House is one of the most macabre stories I have ever reported on! Six Degrees was opened in 2016 by Trinity Life Church Leicester (now ONE Church). The profits from Six Degrees apparently go to the work of Open Hands Trust which was founded on lottery money in 2006! Not only was TLC's application for lottery funding unbiblical, it also went specifically against Assemblies of God guidelines.4 The most infamous thing about 6 Degrees was its ungodly signage which sported the number 666 for a considerable period of time.

The latest in a long line of bad decisions undertaken by the Hinds is their acceptance of an alleged prophecy to find "a watchtower at a high place" in order to hear from God! (Matthew 18:20). The location they chose for this heathenish act was Holyhead Mountain on Anglesey with its strong Druidic connections. Mark and avoid these false teachers/prophets. (Romans 16:17).  their glory is in their shame.. (Philippians 3:19).

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).

1. Prophetic Apostolic ministry | Legacy Ministries International
2. Assemblies of God (USA) Official Web Site | Apostles and Prophets (Official A/G Position Paper) (ag.org)
3. Facebook
4. Assemblies of God (USA) Official Web Site | A Biblical Perspective on Gambling (ag.org)

Further Links

Assemblies of God (USA) Official Web Site | The Kingdom of God (ag.org)

The Assemblies of God and the NAR — Holly Pivec

WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: Trinity Life Church Leicester (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)

ONE CHURCH LEICESTER: DEEP CONCERNS

One Church Announcement (youtube.com)

Find a watchtower - really? 

In November 2021, God allegedly spoke to David and Susan Hind through a "prophecy" to '"Come up higher, find a watchtower, give everything to Him, and He would speak to us." They relate that in January 2022 they found a small mountain with a watchtower at the top, climbed it, knelt down, and told Jesus we were available. According to the Hinds, God confirmed that it was time for Trinity Life Church (TLC ) and All Nations Church Leicester (ANCL) to join together. Problematically for the Hinds, the Lord would not have indicated that any true congregation join with NAR-infested ANCL. Only another similar apostate group would have considered such an ungodly association. In January 2023 the Hinds knelt down once again in the same watchtower, and they claim that God put his confirmation on the renovations for the One Centre. In January 2024 they climbed the mountain yet again, and they claim that God spoke to them for the third time at this location. There are some very serious issues with this story. Apart from anything else, it reveals that David and Susan Hind are the exclusive decision-makers concerning the future of One Church, and that no elders, or anyone else for that matter, are involved in the process. It seems that all they have to do is play the "God spoke to me" card. In a bona fide church, the proper thing to have done would be to gather together corporately with the elders and seek the Lord's guidance. 

I find it highly questionable that the Lord would direct any believer to go to a particular place to pray, to seek Him, and to hear from Him. The New Testament informs us that the Holy Spirit dwells within believers. (1 Corinthians 6:19). Christians are free to pray anywhere and at any time. (Matthew 18:20). In the Old Testament legitimate sacrifice was limited exclusively to the Jerusalem Temple. However, the Israelites often worshipped illegitimately at "high places"  which were situated on on elevated ground and were dedicated to idol worship. God condemned this practice repeatedly. (Deuteronomy 12:2; Numbers 33:52; Leviticus 26:30; 1 Kings 14:22-24; 2 Kings 12:3, 14:4,15:4,35,23:5 etc.) These sites were eventually destroyed during King Josiah's reforms. (2 Kings 23:1-20). Once again the Hinds cause great concern with their "words from the Lord". It is very ominous that they should act upon an alleged prophecy to find a watchtower at a high place! Even worse, if that is possible, of all the sites they could have chosen for this heathenish act, Holyhead Mountain on Anglesey with its strong Druidic connections, is no place to perform an ostensibly "Christian ritual". Mona (Anglesey) was the headquarters of the Druids between 100BC and 60AD. Holyhead Mountain (Welsh Mynydd Twr, from mynydd 'mountain, unenclosed land' and twr 'a heap, pile') is the highest point on Anglesey.1  Mynydd Twr was likely the Druids most "holy" site where they performed human sacrifices and other unspeakable atrocities. The use of a crystal ball to foretell the future is attributed to the Druids.2 The Druid presence on the Island of Anglesey even shocked and repulsed the barbaras Romans.

Ancient Origins: "To the Romans, who first encountered these native holy men during Julius Caesar’s skirmish in 55 BC, the religion, gods, and practices, including human sacrifice, were abhorrent, yet it would take over a hundred years for them to crush the sacred Druidic home and bring an end to their wicked traditions during the conquest of Anglesey." 3

Museum.wales: "A number of sources describe the druids as performing human sacrifice. Places of worship were described as isolated wooded groves and near sacred pools and lakes. According to one source, the druidic groves on Mona (Anglesey) had the blood of prisoners drenched upon their altars..

The druids have long been associated with Anglesey in popular imagination. The historical evidence upon which this association is based is an account by the Roman author Tacitus, who wrote of the Roman conquest of Anglesey:

'On the beach stood the adverse array [of Britons], a serried mass of arms and men, with women flitting between the ranks. In the style of Furies, in robes of deathly black and with disheveled hair, they brandished their torches; while a circle of Druids, lifting their hands to heaven and showering imprecations, struck the troops with such an awe at the extraordinary spectacle that, as though their limbs were paralysed, they exposed their bodies to wounds without an attempt at movement. Then, reassured by their general, and inciting each other never to flinch before a band of females and fanatics, they charged behind the standards, cut down all who met them, and enveloped the enemy in his own flames. The next step was to install a garrison among the conquered population, and to demolish the groves consecrated to their savage cults; for they considered it a pious duty to slake the altars with captive blood and to consult their deities by means of human entrails.' (Translated by John Jackson, published by William Heinemann, 1951).4 

The site model or the Acts Model?

The Apostle Paul set the blueprint that God has laid down for every church. The churches set up by the Apostle Paul were autonomous congregations where a plurality of elders were appointed. (Acts 6:3-6, 14:23; Titus 1:5). This was done for a reason! Autonomy helps to prevent abusive leadership and the spread of error. We have seen the results of various non-biblical models such as Willow Creek (Bill Hybels), Hillsong (Brian Houston), Mars Hill (Mark Driscoll), Jesus Army (Noel Stanton), IHOP (Mike Bickle) etc. Unhealthy and damaging consequences occur when churches are led by one man, or in this case one couple, which in itself is unbiblical. (1 Timothy 2:12). Those who claim that God has shown them differently are going explicitly against His blueprint. 

Bible Questions:“These churches, whenever formed, became separate and independent bodies, competent to appoint their own officers and to administer their own government without reference to subordination to any central authority or foreign power. No fact connected with the history of these primitive churches is more fully established or more generally conceded, so that the discussion of it need not be renewed at this place” -Lyman Coleman, Ancient Christianity Exemplified, pg. 95)."5 

Susan Hind: "We felt Him tell us again that He is pleased with us.. His favour is with us..  and we were reminded that He will always lead us along the right path.. We also felt the Father bring us back to the original vision of sites which was a larger tent with many smaller tents surrounding it.."

The criteria for any prophecy is: Does it align with the written word? The scriptures always take precedence over any alleged verbal prophecy or "word" from the Lord. Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said. (1 Corinthians 14:29 cf. 1 John 4:1).

In their own name.. by their own authority!

The word that Susan and David Hind received regarding their church model is not a prophecy from the Lord. I know firsthand that I am not the only person to have challenged them about this. However, they have chosen to ignore both the scriptures and the counsel of godly people. This false prophecy also invalidates Susan's further "prophecies" regarding an airplane and Isaiah 60:17-18 which forms part of a millennial passage that does not apply to the Church Age. In essence, the Hinds have decided how they want to do things. (1 Samuel 15:20-22). This is a recipe for disaster! God's favour rests upon those who obey His Word. The Hinds are self-promoters and proven false prophets who blatantly flout the scriptures.

..the prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule at their direction; my people love to have it so, but what will you do when the end comes? (Jeremiah 5:31 cf. Jeremiah 14:14,29:24).

I remain very concerned about the Hinds illicit ministry and the way that they lurch from one ungodly scheme to another. These two false prophets should be marked and avoided. (Romans 16:17; 2 Timothy 3:13).

Eternity is at stake!

Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ (Matthew 7:21-23).

1. Holyhead Mountain - Wikipedia
2. Where did the crystal balls come from? – Historical Archive (historicalarchivemagazine.com)
3. The Conquest of Anglesey and the Destruction of Druidism’s Last Stronghold | Ancient Origins (ancient-origins.net)
4. https://museum.wales/
5. The Local Church and its Autonomy (biblequestions.org)

J JOHN @ ONE CHURCH LEICESTER: IS JESUS EVEN IN THE CAR?

ONE CHURCH TOGETHER, with J.John (28.01.24, 11.30am) (youtube.com)

Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— (1 Peter 2:2).

J John is described by One Church as "a world-renowned speaker, author and evangelist". This event at One Church was comparable to the Billy Graham Crusades. It is estimated that Billy Graham preached to more than 200 million people during his crusades with a significant number of "converts".  However, when Billy Graham held his crusades, he had a pre-agreement with the Roman Catholic church and other false denominations to allow new converts to attend their churches for "discipleship". The RCC teaches the fatal compromise of faith plus tradition. In other words, responders or converts were sent straight into the hands of Satan. Without true understanding and a solid foundation, Satan will snatch away what has been sown in the heart. (Matthew 13:19, 7:24-27). There is much more to be said about Billy Graham's Satanic compromise. (see further links). 

J John has much in common with Billy Graham

The critical thing that One Church failed to mention is J John's lethal compromise with the false gospel of Roman Catholicism. (2 Corinthians 11:4). The English Fundamentalist describes J John's betrayal of the gospel: J John Facing the Canon Exposed - False teacher of Church Apostasy (youtube.com)   

J John is an Honorary Canon of The Order of St Leonard.  Rob Thomas (watchman4wales) has carried out extensive eye-opening research on The Order of St Leonard: APOSTASY, ERROR & DECEPTION IN WALES - the watchman4wales blog.: Order of St. Leonard

J John: "I would imagine, for many of us here.. He (Jesus) is already in the car of our lives. Ok, so He's in.. Where is He? Do you drive your car to church, unlock the boot, get Jesus out for religious happy hour? ..Some people have got Jesus on the back seat, a bit of a passenger. Some people have got Him in the front passenger seat.. a companion. Some people have got Jesus in the driving seat.. I have got one more question for you. Are you a backseat driver? ..How do we know He is in the driving seat?" 

 

If you are ecumenical Jesus Christ is not in the car!

Biblically anyone who compromises with the false gospel of Roman Catholicism (ecumenism) and the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) stands in opposition to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Salvation is by grace through faith plus nothing! 

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9).

My hope and prayer is that anyone who genuinely responded to J John's message will grow in the true faith once for all delivered to the saints. (Jude 1:3-4). 

Further Links

WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: Billy Graham (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)
More Bewildering Statements From Billy Graham (deceptioninthechurch.com)
THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH PREACHES A DIFFERENT GOSPEL : Apprising Ministries