SIMON BRAKER FALSE PROPHET: BAPTISM WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT AND FIRE

Jak manifestować Bożą moc? | PS Simon Braker | NOF Church

(How to manifest God's power)

There are a number of warnings to take out of this disastrous teaching from NAR false teacher Simon Braker, who describes himself as a "prophetic apostolic minister".1  Braker is closely associated with false apostle Emma Stark and is part of the British Isles Council of Prophets.  

Braker promotes the idea that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is a distinct, subsequent experience rather than the believer’s reception of the Spirit on conversion. His proof text is Acts 19:2, a verse that NAR charismatics misrepresent.   

And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” (Acts 19:2). 

Acts 19:2 exposes a group whose grasp of the faith had never progressed beyond John the Baptist’s message. Paul’s question uncovers their deficiency: true New Covenant faith assumes the reception of the Holy Spirit at conversion. Their ignorance prompts Paul to proclaim the full gospel, leading to their baptism in Jesus’ name and the Spirit’s immediate, observable arrival. This episode underscores that salvation and the Spirit’s indwelling are an integral part of conversion, revealing God’s commitment to equip every genuine believer with His empowering presence. This group exactly corresponds to that of Apollos when he arrived at Ephesus, who knew only the baptism of John. (Acts 18:24-26).

Ephesians 1:13-14: In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. 

Acts 2:38–39: And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”

Titus 3:4–7: “But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing (λουτροῦ) of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”

Acts 10:46-48: Then Peter declared, “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days. 

In his bid to promote the alleged "baptism of fire", Braker isolates Matthew 4:11 and builds an entire doctrine around it, claiming a separate experience, supposedly reserved for believers who have sacrificed and endured difficult trials. I reject this teaching outright. His slogan, "no fire falls where there is no sacrifice", is simply an attempt to spiritualise trials into a false hierarchy of Christians. The New Testament never presents “fire” as a separate, subsequent baptism. When believers are genuinely converted, they receive the Holy Spirit —Acts 1:4–5; 2:4, 38–39; 10:44–46; and passages like John 7:39 and 14:16–17 all point consistently in that direction.  

I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” (Matthew 3:11-12).

As the people were in expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ, John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” (Luke 3:15-17).

Reliable commentators refer to two possible interpretations for baptism with fire.  

One view is that the “fire” refers to the trials all genuine believers inevitably face. Chris Quintana of Old Path Theology argues persuasively that this fire represents the purifying work of the Holy Spirit, i.e. the "refining fire" described in passages such as Zechariah 13:9 and Malachi 3:2. Quintana develops this theme in his teaching on Matthew 3:4–12 – Matthew 3:4-12 The Fascinating Ministry Of John The Baptist. (54:00 mark)   

Caleb Corneloup iThink Biblically argues that the fire in Matthew 3:11 points to judgment of the wicked.– https://youtu.be/CvTcYNswSgw John the Baptist was addressing a mixed audience—those sincerely seeking repentance and baptism, and the Pharisees who came under his rebuke. (Matthew 3:5–7). Throughout Scripture, fire is a common metaphor for divine judgment, and the verse itself separates “the Holy Spirit” and “fire”. Many commentators note that “baptism” isn’t confined to water baptism or the baptism of the Holy Spirit; the term can also signify immersion into an ordeal. Mark 10:38 refers to the suffering Jesus is about to undergo as a "baptism".

Overall, I find Quintana’s interpretation more convincing, though Corneloup’s perspective is shared by others and is worth weighing. 

Braker's misinterpretation of Jesus temptation in Matthew 4:1-6

Braker: "It's important that you understand this. The devil didn't say to Jesus 'if you are the Son of God''''. That wasn't what he said. What the devil said to Jesus, 'since you are the Son of God'. That's what it literally means in the Greek.. The devil was tempting Jesus to live independently of the Father.. do you want the fire?" (59:00 mark) This strikes at the core of Braker’s misguided “fire” doctrine. The devil’s bold provocation was an attempt to tempt Jesus into proving his divine identity. Scripture teaches that resisting temptation deepens faith, builds endurance, and shapes maturity—not that it results in a "baptism of fire". (1 Peter 1:6–7; James 1:2–4; Romans 5:3–5).

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased." The Spirit immediately drove (ἐκβάλλω) him out into the wilderness. And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him. (Mark 1 9-13).

ἐκβάλλω > From ek and ballo; to eject (literally or figuratively) -- bring forth, cast (forth, out), drive (out), expel, leave, pluck (pull, take, thrust) out, put forth (out), send away (forth, out). The term suggests a forceful action, indicating that Jesus was compelled by the Spirit. This is a stronger term than "led" (ἀνήχθη) in Matthew 4:1 and Luke 4:1.

And the tempter came and said to him, “If (Εἰ) you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” (Matthew 4:3; Luke 4:9 ).

Εἰ > If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc 

1487 ei (a conditional conjunction) – if. 1487 /ei (followed by any verb) expresses "a condition, thought of as real, or to denote assumptions" (i.e. viewed as factual. for the sake of argument) (BAGD). Accordingly, 1487 (ei) should not be translated "since," but rather always "if" – since the assumption may only be portrayed as valid (true, factual).

Meyer: "εἰ] does not indicate that Satan had doubts of Jesus being the Son of God (Origen, Wolf, Bengel), or was not aware of it (Ignat. Phil. interpol. 9), comp. Matthew 28:20; but the problematical expression was to incite Jesus to enter upon the unreasonable demand, and to prove Himself the Son of God."3

Tongues of Fire

When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of (ὡσεὶ) fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:1-4).

The divided tongues appeared like fire, and they rested on, i.e. they did not indwell believers.

γλῶσσαι ὡσεὶ πυρός, tongues as or like fire.. ὡσεὶ (hōsei) > as if it were fire or like fire.... an adverb.. a  metaphor  e.g. Matthew 3:16 "like a dove" or "like sheep" Matthew 9:36 etc.

The day of Pentecost was a singular, unrepeatable moment—the birth of the church. Scripture presents it as a one‑time event, not something that recurs.

Divine Healing and first person prophecy

Braker: "The Lord said to me today that there is a gift He wants to give you.. We already know that some of the disciples didn't even know that there was a Holy Spirit, so there was something available to them that thy weren't living in the good of. ..healing has already been provided.."

The early church experienced a tension: the scriptures affirm that God heals, yet believers still fall ill. Even some of Paul’s most trusted coworkers suffered illness, demonstrating that healing is not a badge of spiritual rank. The habit of blaming the sick—accusing them of hidden sin or insufficient faith when healing doesn’t occur—has wounded many sincere Christians.

The New Testament never endorses formulaic methods or a one‑size‑fits‑all theology. We are called to > Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. (Ephesians 6:18). We should never presume upon God or treat healing as an automatic entitlement.

No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments. (1 Timothy 5:23).

Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left Trophimus, who was ill, at Miletus. (2 Timothy 4:20).

I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. (Philippians 2:25–30).

Phrases like "The Lord said to me” are employed by false prophets to play the frequently used “God told me” trump card, particularly in NAR‑leaning prophetic circles. Whenever we hear claims like this, scripture commands us to test the spirits. (1 John 4:1).

Braker often directs his audience to echo specific words or phrases, a tactic that functions as spiritual manipulation. This strategy is designed to bypass discernment and secure compliance. Believers should refuse to be drawn into any practice that trades independent thought for manufactured agreement.

Once again, I urge anyone attending churches influenced by NAR teachings to exercise discernment regarding Simon Braker and other false teachers, and to remain diligent in testing the spirits.

1. Legacy Ministries International
2. Strong's Greek: 1487. εἰ (ei) -- if, whether, thoughzzz
3. Matthew 4:3 Commentaries: And the tempter came and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread."
4. Greek Concordance: ὡσεὶ (hōsei) -- 21 Occurrences

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

ONE CHURCH LEICESTER: VISION SUNDAY ~ SPIRITUAL MANIPULATON ON STEROIDS!

(16) One Church Together LIVESTREAM - VISION SUNDAY | 13th November 2022, 11.30am - YouTube

The leadership of One Church Leicester (formerly Trinity Life Church) spent over two hours relentlessly touting for money during their recent Vision Sunday event. New Apostolic Reformation false prophet Simon Braker was in attendance declaring "a new mantle" upon One Church, namely "the mantle of generosity". The prosperity gospel was not far behind. Braker: ".. in the spiritual atmosphere I keep seeing this word written over everyone 'generosity, generosity, generosity', and there is a new mantle coming on this church today.. and the Lord says to you, don't expect delay in heaven's response, because as soon as you act, heaven acts straight away, so expect the immediate and the suddenlies in your finances, in your family, in your prayers, everything you are believing for."  (37:20 mark) This is spiritual manipulation on steroids! Disturbingly David Hind was rocking to and fro during Braker's alleged word from the Lord. I really do feel sorry for those who have been taken in by these so-called "apostles and prophets". Those people who endured over two solid hours of intense pressure on the 13th of November almost certainly felt compelled to give. (2 Corinthians 9:7). I believe that berating people for over two hours with false promises of recompense "from heaven" probably falls within the guidelines of "misleading or excessive requests for donations". {1} 

Brian Niblock, the previous pastor of Trinity Life Church, did exactly the same thing when I attended some years ago. It was suggested by Niblock that we even donate our jewellery in order to contribute to the expansion of the modest church building in Highfields. I was a newish Christian at that time and I did put jewellery into the offering. This is something I now deeply regret, not just because I lost my jewellery, but because such a suggestion should never have been made to impressionable believers. The improvements and expansions became more and more ambitious, eventually resulting in a white elephant; a state-of-the-art building that is no longer required in an area of chronic poverty. All the sacrifices made by believers went into the TLC money pit and the incessant appeals for money became increasingly wearisome. The crunch came for me when David Hind became the pastor of TLC. At that time the Lord made it very clear to me that TLC was no biblical church.

I regard the building at Frog Island as a very dark place spiritually. It was previously All Nations Church Leicester (ANCL). This "church" was responsible for heavily promoting the so-called "Toronto blessing" and Todd Bentley's Lakeland deception in Leicester. ANCL's failure and subsequent merger with TLC is the catastrophic result.

What is evidenced within the Pentecostal/Charismatic NAR movent is their very low view of the scriptures. They insert their own interpretations rather than relying on sound principles of biblical exegesis to guide them. This results in many false doctrines and practices such as the false prosperity gospel, Word-Faith theology, over-emphasis on money and buildings, distorted authority models, the ordination of women pastors and many other things. We see all this being manifested at One Church at such a time as this when globalism is ramping up and perilous times are almost upon us.

In my last post about One Church in May 2022, I noted various prophecies read aloud by Hind concerning the false hope of imminent revival. Six months later these so-called prophecies have not been fulfilled. 

Hind: "He has an amazing plan for One Church. We believe we are about to grow, plant out, see hundreds of people finding Jesus, being baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit. We are expectant of a move of God and a fresh demonstration of His healing power."  {1} 

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 3:1-8).

1. Make a complaint | Fundraising Regulator
2. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: ONE CHURCH LEICESTER (FORMERLY TRINITY LIFE CHURCH) DAVID HIND WANNABE MEGACHURCH PASTOR (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)

SIMON BRAKER AND PREETHY KURIAN: WINEPRESS IMAGERY!

LegacyLIVE - YouTube

NAR prophets prophesying their own judgement?

NAR "prophets" Simon Braker and Preethy Kurian discuss what God will do "in the next season".

The false NAR prophets have noticeably changed tack since the failure of so many of their prophecies, the re-election of Trump being their most spectacular and humiliating failure. Their focus on a worldwide revival, an event that is unknown in the scriptures, has also been touted ad nauseam by many "prophets" over the years. However, the only "revivals" we have seen are horrors such as Toronto, Brownsville, Lakeland etc. 

Emma Stark, Simon Braker, Preethy Kurian and other NAR false prophets are now predicting that there is going to be a squeezing, or a pressing, or a crushing, or a shaking that will precede, or give way to, worldwide revival. The frequent chats that Simon Braker allegedly has with "the Lord" are highly questionable. Modern NAR "apostles and prophets" have a nasty habit of contradicting the scriptures; their prophecies are often inaccurate, and their "miracles" are contrived, as we have seen with Todd White's infamous leg lengthening trick and other false "signs". {1} Tragically, their false teachings are spreading like gangrene and are infiltrating many churches whose leaders are bereft of spiritual discernment. (2 Timothy 2:16-17; 1 John 4:1).

Simon Braker began this video by quoting half a verse of scripture, a common trait of NAR "prophets". "There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God."

The whole verse:  There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. (Psalm 46:4).

Like many OT passages, Psalm 46 has layers of meaning. 

 

The immediate application of Psalm 46 is Jerusalem's deliverance from an enemy invasion (probably Jerusalem's miraculous deliverance from Sennacherib the Assyrian). (2 Chronicles 32:1-23; Isaiah 37:36-37). 

On a different level, Psalm 46 is an exhortation to trust God and not to be afraid no matter what disaster befalls us. 

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. Therefore we will not fear,
though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas, though their waters roar and foam and the mountains quake in the surge. (Psalm 46:1-3).

God Himself is our refuge and strength. Psalm 46 is not a "deliverance formula", although God may deliver us from many evils during this lifetime. (John 14:27,16:33). There is tension, but there is ultimate assurance. 

Ellicott: "The river, flowing calmly and smoothly along, may be only a symbol of the peace and blessing of the Divine presence, as the tumult and tempest of the sea in the last verse are of the world's noisy troubles." {2}

Pulpit Commentary: "In contrast with the scene of tumult and disturbance in the world at large, which the writer has presented to us in verse. 2, 3, he now shows us, resting in perfect peace and tranquility, 'the city of God,' threatened, indeed, by the nations, but undismayed by them, and calmly trusting in the protection of the God who is 'in the midst of her.'" {3}

Psalm 46 shifts focus to a distinctly eschatological perspective in verse 4, lifting us out of the raging tumult of the nations to the prophetic city of God, the city where God dwells. (Psalm 9:11; 132:13; Joel 3:17; Zechariah 8:3). The raging sea is a picture of the turbulent nations which are contrasted to the delightful river in the city of God:  ..a river whose streams delight the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her; she will not be moved. God will help her when morning dawns. (Psalm 46:4-5).

Coffman observes: "..there seems also to be a prophecy of that Eternal City of God that cometh down out of heaven, the New Jerusalem, described in the last chapters of Revelation. The River of Life flows out of the throne of God in that City; and the Tree of Life grows on either side of it, the leaves of which are for the healing of the nations." {4}

The entity claiming to be "The Lord" asked Simon Braker: "Simon how do you make wine?" 

The entity continued: "You make wine by making grapes go through narrow places and they lose their individual identity and they get squashed and blended together."  According to Simon Braker, the imagery of the winepress is the interpretation of Psalm 46:4. 

Simon Braker: "I asked the Lord: 'What is the word for this next season Lord', and He said 'You are coming into the season of the great squeeze.'  ..the squeeze that brings forth a birth, whether it be the birth of new wine, the birth of a baby, whatever language you want to use. In the birth of a baby there is a squeeze, in the making of wine there's a squeeze. It seems generally speaking that if something good is going to be produced it is preceded by a squeeze or a press or a crush or a shaking.."  

Ironically, both Simon Braker and Preethy Kurian apply winepress and birth pain metaphors, involving shaking, crushing, pressing and squeezing to the church. In the scriptures, this particular combination of metaphors indicates eschatological wrath against the nations at the end of the age. These metaphors are not applicable to the church, rather this is the wrath of God against the godlessness and wickedness of the nations. These false prophets will indeed suffer wrath unless they repent. (2 Peter 2:1,17).

From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. (Revelation 19:15 cf. Revelation 14:19-20; Isaiah 63:2-6).

As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains. (Matthew 24:3-8).

Therefore I will make the heavens tremble, and the earth will be shaken out of its place, at the wrath of the LORD of hosts in the day of his fierce anger. (Isaiah 13:13 cf. Isaiah 2:19, 13:8; Psalm 18:7 Matthew 24:29).

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 cf. Matthew 24:24).

1. F4F | Todd White Doubles Down on False Leg Lengthening Miracle - YouTube
2. Psalm 46 Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers (biblehub.com)
3. Psalm 46 Pulpit Commentary (biblehub.com)
4. Psalms 46:4 - Verse-by-Verse Bible Commentary - StudyLight.org

A WARNING: THE DANGERS OF DOMINIONISM.. CONVERGENCE21 LEICESTER

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

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. (1John 4:1).

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

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

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

they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, 

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

(Jeremiah 14:14)

INTRODUCTION

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

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



A BRIEF HISTORY OF "CHRISTIAN DOMINIONISM"

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

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

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

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

and shall be turned unto fables."

(2 Timothy 4:4)

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

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

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


THE BRITISH ISLES COUNCIL OF PROPHETS 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


THE FIRST "PROPHETIC WORD" ISSUED BY BICP

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

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

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


CONCLUSION

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

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

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

(1 John 4:1)

* * * * * * *

Some further reading that might help your understanding:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EMMA STARK: ANGEL ENCOUNTERS?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Are Angel Encounters Biblically Normative?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Emma Stark upstages the prophet Isaiah!    

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

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

The Holy Spirit

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

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

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

British Isles Council of Prophets

Emma Stark administers the British Isles Council of Prophets.

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

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

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

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

Also it (the beast/Antichrist) was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation.. (Revelation 13:7).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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