DOUG HAMP'S RAPTURE INCOMPETENCE: LUKE 17:34-36

 Who is Left Behind? Understanding the Order of the Final Gathering (Rapture) | DouglasHamp.com

Doug Hamp's Eisegesis: Who will be taken and who will be left?  (Luke v17:34-36). 

Doug Hamp's incompetence as a bible teacher has become painfully clear over the last few weeks as I have watched his weekly Prophecy Roundtable with fellow hosts Scott Harwell and John Haller. {1} Hamp's mild mannered "chats" belie the lethal doctrines being promoted on these videos. Hamp and Harwell are modern Judaizers who promote Torah-observance, the Talmud and the skewed doctrine known as "Commonwealth Theology" which works on the false premise that both the Abrahamic covenant and the Mosaic covenant remain in place. Hamp takes the same position as Joseph Smith (Mormons) i.e. that the church is the ten tribes of Israel (Ephraim). Hamp applies the rapture to Israel and places it at the end of the tribulation. Much more could be said, but I will limit this post to Hamp's interpretation of Luke 17:34-36. 

The above link demonstrates Hamp's error in taking one small excerpt from the scriptures in order to justify his warped view that this passage does not refer to the rapture. He does not take into account the parallel passage in Matthew 24 and other related scriptures that confirm that the righteous, not the wicked, are taken. (Psalm 119:160).

Hamp: "..we see that the ones taken from the bed, mill, and field, are not the righteous, but the wicked who have taken the mark of the beast. They are removed to destruction where the birds will eat their flesh. The righteous who didn’t know it will inherit the earth as flesh and blood and have children. The elect (commonwealth of Israel) are gathered by the angels and are transformed in a flash into their new bodies and become rulers with Christ during the thousand-year rule."

Hamp's eisegesis is an inversion of the entire passage. His proof text (Ezekiel 39:17-20), is based on the assumption that Ezekiel 38 and 39 refers to the battle of Armageddon in Revelation 19.* Ezekiel demonstrates that the assembly of the wicked has nothing in common with the rapture event described by Luke i.e. one taken (paralambanó) and the other left. (Luke 17:34-36). Ezekiel describes the gathering of the vultures, not the removal of the wicked, taking place on the the mountains of Israel, the location where Gog's armies will fall. (Ezekiel 39:4 cf. Matthew 24:28; Revelation 19:17). The kings and their armies are assembled together at Armageddon by the three unclean spirits coming out of the mouth of the dragon. (Revelation 16:13-14). And they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon. (Revelation 16:6).

Luke 17:34-35 : One will be taken (paralambanó). Typically paralambanó is an affirmative verb meaning to receive or to take to oneself. The verb paralambanó refers to the rapture in Matthew 24:40-41 and John 14:3.{2} 

“As for you, son of man, thus says the Lord GOD: Speak to the birds of every sort and to all beasts of the field: ‘Assemble and come, gather from all around to the sacrificial feast that I am preparing for you, a great sacrificial feast on the mountains of Israel, and you shall eat flesh and drink blood. You shall eat the flesh of the mighty, and drink the blood of the princes of the earth—of rams, of lambs, and of he-goats, of bulls, all of them fat beasts of Bashan. And you shall eat fat till you are filled, and drink blood till you are drunk, at the sacrificial feast that I am preparing for you. And you shall be filled at my table with horses and charioteers, with mighty men and all kinds of warriors,’ declares the Lord GOD. (Ezekiel 39:17-20).

Luke 17:26-37

26Just as it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the days of the Son of Man. 27They were eating and drinking and marrying and being given in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. 28Likewise, just as it was in the days of Lot—they were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building, 29but on the day when Lot went out from Sodom, fire and sulfur rained from heaven and destroyed them all— 30so will it be on the day when the Son of Man is revealed. 31On that day, let the one who is on the housetop, with his goods in the house, not come down to take them away, and likewise let the one who is in the field not turn back. 32Remember Lot’s wife. 33Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will keep it. 34I tell you, in that night there will be two in one bed. One will be taken and the other left. 35There will be two women grinding together. One will be taken and the other left.”37And they said to him, “Where, Lord?” He said to them, “Where the corpse is, there the vultures will gather.”  

The question: Where Lord? Jesus identifies the wicked with the corpses i.e. the vultures will gather and they will gorge themselves on the corpses of the wicked where they have been killed by the Lord. And all the birds gorged themselves on their flesh. (Revelation 19:17-21).

The parallel passage in Matthew 24 confirms that the elect, not the wicked, are gathered and that this event (i.e. the rapture) happens immediately after the tribulation. (Matthew 24:29-31). In contrast, the battle of Armageddon occurs after the rapture and follows the trumpet and bowl judgments. The armies assemble at Armageddon at the sixth bowl judgment. (Revelation 16:12-14).

Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather (ἐπισυνάξουσιν) his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. (Matthew 24:29-31, 36-44 cf. Mark 13:27; Luke 21:26-28; 2 Thessalonians 2:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17).

Old Testament Parallels 

Noah as an example ~  Noah entered the ark i.e. Noah preceded those outside who remained and were destroyed. (Luke 17:27 cf. Genesis 7:7). The ark rose above the flood waters and those who were left behind on the earth were destroyed.

In some versions Matthew 24:39 reads  ..the flood took (airó) them all away (NIV KJV NASB etc.) 

This is a point of confusion with taken (paralambanó). The context of the passage is not that the wicked were literally taken (raptured), but that the flood swept them away and they were destroyed.

..they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. (Matthew 24:39 ESV)

Lot as an example ~  Lot went out from Sodom. (Luke 17:18-28-29). The two angels accompanied Lot out of the city (Sodom), and Lot subsequently fled to Zoar: Then the LORD rained down sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:19-24). Those who remained in Sodom were destroyed.. so it will be when the son of man is revealed.. (Luke 17:29:30 cf. Matthew 24:31). 

Lot and his family are told to flee without delay.. without going back for their goods and without turning back.. Lot's wife is given as an example not to look back. (Luke 17:31).

 

The righteous will be taken up in the rapture in order to escape the wrath of God on the earth. In the same way, Noah escaped the flood waters, and Lot escaped the destruction of Sodom. (Matthew 24:30-31).

Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18).

Alan Kurschner's critique of Reclaiming the Rapture: Restoring the Doctrine of the Gathering of the Commonwealth of Israel by Doug Hamp and Chris Steinle is very cutting. Apart from commenting that it is very poorly written and edited, his main criticism is Steinle's incompetence, his denial of the rapture and his mistranslation of harpagésómetha as plunder.

Kurschner: "Steinle argues fallaciously that Paul’s usage of harpagēsometha in 1 Thess 4:17 does not mean to be snatched or seized. Rather he thinks it means plunder." {3} 

Hamp's conclusion is just as problematic as his faulty exegesis above.

He divides people into three categories:

The elect (Commonwealth Israel = followers of Christ)

Those who took the mark of the beast (Hybrids/Rephaim cf. Isaiah 26:19, Rev 14:9-10)

Those who were righteous but didn’t know it – they don’t take the mark or follow beast but they don’t necessarily seem to be followers of Christ either. (Matthew 25:37)

Hamp: "In conclusion, we see that the ones taken from the bed, mill, and field, are not the righteous, but the wicked who have taken the mark of the beast. They are removed to destruction where the birds will eat their flesh. The righteous who didn’t know it will inherit the earth as flesh and blood and have children. The elect (commonwealth of Israel) are gathered by the angels and are transformed in a flash into their new bodies and become rulers with Christ during the thousand-year rule."

*  I recommend Chris White's video on the timing of the Gog/Magog War in Ezekiel 37 and 38. White successfully debunks the various theories that this war will occur prior to the return of Jesus Christ. He also outlines the difficulties associated with the battle of Armageddon view. (Revelation 19). White's view that the Gog/Magog war will take place at the end of the millennium is worth consideration. (Revelation 20:7-9).  The Timing of the Gog Magog War - YouTube

 

1. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: Torah observance (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)

2. Strong's Greek: 3880. παραλαμβάνω (paralambanó) -- to receive from (biblehub.com)
3. Is the Meaning of Harpagēsometha in 1 Thess 4:17 'Rapture' or 'Plunder'? Part 6 - Ep. 131 | ESCHATOS MINISTRIES (alankurschner.com)

PROPHECY ROUNDTABLE: JOHN HALLER AND MODERN JUDAIZERS DOUG HAMP AND SCOTT HARWELL

TIMING OF THE RESURRECTION & "RAPTURE"! Prophecy Roundtable - End-Times Chat - YouTube  19th February 2021

Doug Hamp and Scott Harwell are Torah-observant infiltrators of the church who actively seek to put believers under the Mosaic Law. (Galatians 2:12) Torah-observance, is, for all intents and purposes, an insidious version of the Hebrew Roots Movement. This movement has been rejected by many orthodox Christians as heretical.

This series of Prophecy Round Table videos are touted as "An Entertaining End Times Chat" and "A Fun End-Times Chat". There is nothing lighthearted about the weighty subjects being discussed; they are neither "entertaining" or "fun". These "chats" surreptitiously promote the heretical teachings of the modern Judaizers and are extremely dangerous. Hamp and Harwell are amongst those false teachers we are warned to "mark and avoid" by the Apostle Paul. (Romans 16:17). Hamp's tactic is to downplay any objections we may raise about keeping the Mosaic Law. In these informal "chats", Hamp attempts to sweep our concerns aside and make the subject appear "reasonable". (2 Corinthians 11:3).

Alan Kurschner (Eschatos Ministries) has been a guest on Prophecy Roundtable twice. On both occasions he successfully debunked the false teachings of Hamp and Harwell. It is worth listening to Kurschner's seven reasons why Israel, not the church, is the woman in Revelation 12. (1.06 mark) {1}

Doug Hamp is the President, and Scott Harwell is a Director of The Commonwealth of Israel Foundation, an organization that promotes Commonwealth Theology, a subject I am currently researching and intend to critique at a later date. {2} 

On his website, Hamp blatantly mis-teaches the Levitical dietary laws and applies them to Christians. He teaches that "unclean animals" were never designated as food in the scriptures. This contradicts Genesis 9:3 when every moving thing was designated as food after the flood. For further information on this subject please refer to my previous post on the link below. 

John Haller is an elder at Fellowship Bible Chapel in Sunbury, Ohio. Unfortunately Haller has some issues and it is regrettable that he supports false teacher and heretic James Prasch aka Jacob Prasch of Moriel Ministries. Haller has had very little input in these "chats". He does not seem to have any fixed views on questions such as the timing of the rapture and the identity of the woman in Revelation 12 etc. In his favour, on this particular occasion, he pushed back against the Torah-observers, despite being outnumbered three to one. Haller looked unhappy throughout the entire video ~ understandably so.

  

This weeks "roundtable" featured teacher and author Hollisa Alewine complete with head covering.

Alewine has a teaching ministry called "The Creation Gospel". She majors on the Jewish feasts and her stated aim is: "Getting Torah out to the nations". {3} 

I have obviously made an error, I thought that Jesus' command in the Great Commission was getting the Gospel out to the nations! (Matthew 28:16-20).

Hollisa Alewine's videos appear on the Hebraic Roots Network.

"The Hebraic Roots Network is your source for Hebrew Roots teachings." {4}

There can be no doubt that Allewine's agenda is precisely the same as modern Judaizers Hamp and Harwell i.e. to usurp the Gospel in favour of Torah-observance.

In this video, Hamp, Alewine and Harwell did a hard sell on the Talmud ~ the written version of the Oral Law. It should be noted that the Talmud aka "the tradition of the elders" is the Pharisaical tradition Jesus vociferously condemned during His ministry. (Mark 7:1-13). The Pharisees arose illegitimately during the intertestamental period and are not mentioned at all in the Old Testament. These were the false teachers who rejected Jesus Christ and did not enter the sheepfold by the door. (John 10:1-17). The false claim of the Pharisees was that God not only gave Moses the written Torah, but that He also gave him the Oral Torah as recorded in the rabbinic writings such as the Talmud the Mishnah. The Pharisees were rank heretics who added their own laws to the existing Mosaic covenant and severely perverted the scriptures. (Deuteronomy 4:2; 12:32  cf. Revelation 22:19). The oral tradition of the rabbis does not represent biblical orthodox Judaism in any way whatsoever! As such, I would not recommend the Talmud as a valid resource for spiritual instruction, despite Hamp's repeated encouragement to "just try it".
..Did God really say...? (Genesis 3:1). Why settle for corrupt Jewish tradition when we have the inerrant word of God? The church is confused enough without adding the Talmud into the mix as a source of truth!  

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, (2 Timothy 3:16).

And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.. (2 Peter 1:19).

Alewine Alert! 

Alewine: "Twice Paul does tell the assemblies, 'keep the traditions just as I passed them on to you', and when you look that up in Greek, it is specifically referring to Jewish Oral Law."  (48:00 mark)

On the two occasions Paul uses term "traditions" favourably, he refers to his teaching and his written epistles as authoritative for the churches. The verses cited by Alewine do not refer to the Jewish Oral Law.

Now I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you. (1 Corinthians 11:2).

So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter. (2 Thessalonians 2:15).

tradition - Gk paradosis 

the tradition of the elders ~ (the Jewish Oral Law) condemned in the NT.  (Matthew 15:2-6; Mark 7:1-13).

human tradition ~ (philosophy and empty deceit) condemned by Paul. (Colossians 2:8).

the apostolic tradition ~ the inspired teaching of the apostles passed on to the churches. (2 Timothy 2:2).

Alewine says many more questionable things on this video. Her defective exegesis demonstrates precisely why we need to be extremely wary of those who teach Torah-observance. (2 Timothy 2:15; Acts 17:11).

Harwood has nothing to say of any substance. He makes questionable and sometimes very silly statements without backing them up with exegesis. For instance he states that the wedding supper will take place in the the clouds. The wedding supper takes place after the rapture. (Revelation 19:1,7-8). It appears to take place in heaven at some point before Jesus returns with his armies dressed in fine linen white and pure.. (Revelation 19:14). 

In my view, the best thing Haller could do is to withdraw from these Judaizers post-haste! To associate with them and to participate in these "chats" gives them credibility as bone fide Christians. I was pleased to see him challenge their skewed ideas, but frankly I think it is wiser to have nothing to do with them at all. These men are cursed enemies of Jesus Christ who seek to put believers back under the Mosaic Law. (Galatians 3:19).

Torah-observance and biblical Christianity is actually a contradiction in terms. 

I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 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. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed. (Galatians 1:6-9).

1. (1) IS THE WOMAN IN REV 12 MARY, ISRAEL, CHURCH? Prophecy Roundtable: A Fun End-Times Chat! - YouTube
2. Commonwealth of Israel Foundation: BELIEFS
3. (1) Hollisa mySTORy - YouTube
4. Hebraic Roots Network | Revive TV | Taking Torah & Yeshua To The Nations

Further Link

WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: DOUG HAMP: CLEAN VERSUS UNCLEAN FOOD # THE HERESY OF THE JUDAIZERS REGURGITATED (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)

DOUG HAMP: CLEAN VERSUS UNCLEAN FOOD # THE HERESY OF THE JUDAIZERS REGURGITATED

(1) 1 Cor 8 Meat Offered to Idols - To Eat or Not to Eat!? The Way Congregation - YouTube

Torah-observance is a diverse subject that means different things to groups of professing Christians who believe that aspects of the Mosaic Law have continuing validity and applicability under the new covenant. These groups are known by various names such as as Torah-observant, Hebrew Roots, Sacred Name, Messianic, Awakening Movement etc. The consensus amongst most orthodox Christians is that the Mosaic Law is no longer applicable under the new covenant. 

I am very wary of any group that teaches Torah-observance as a requirement for bible believing Christians whether they are mild or draconian in their views. Torah-observance was considered to be at odds with the gospel by the apostle Paul. (Galatians 2:14). The false doctrine of the Judaizers was dealt with by the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15 and was strongly condemned by Paul in the book of Galatians. 

Now if the ministry of death, carved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at Moses’ face because of its glory, which was being brought to an end, (2 Corinthians 3:7). 

Full Torah observance necessitates obedience to all 613 Mosaic Laws (Mitzvot), the majority of which depend on the existence of a temple, a priesthood, animal sacrifices, and living as a theocratic nation within the Land of Israel. Since full Torah-observance is impractical, many of these groups limit their observance to the dietary laws, the Sabbath and the annual Feasts (or mo'adim, Holy Days). However partial observance of the Torah contradicts the apostles teaching: For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it. (James 2:10).

One argument I have heard from Torah-observant teachers is that God's Word is eternal and cannot be broken. As such they argue that God's instructions regarding the ceremonial laws are current and that the requirements of the Mosaic Law is incumbent upon believers. This line of reasoning is a logical fallacy i.e. because the premise is true, the conclusion must be true. What teachers of Torah-observance fail to grasp (apparently) is that God's plan in giving the Torah was an object lesson for ancient Israel, not to the nations. The problem was not the Torah, but Israel's inability to keep it. Paul affirms that the law is good and that is was made for sinners i.e. for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, he sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted. (1 Timothy 1:8-11). Paul defines various sins that apply to the moral law, but he makes no reference to the ceremonial law in this passage. Elsewhere he says: .. let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. (Colossians 2:16). Torah-observance is no longer required, since the first covenant has become obsolete (Hebrews 8:13). Animal sacrifices and other ceremonial laws foreshadowed events that would be accomplished by Jesus Christ and therefore are not a requirement for Christians. Those who have been saved by faith in Jesus Christ are “not under the law” (Romans 6:14, 7:4; Galatians 5:18). Despite many clear statements in the New Testament, some teachers persist in teaching that Torah-observance is necessary for Christians today and they integrate it into the new covenant. This false teaching contradicts "faith alone" without the works of the law ~ it is in fact a different gospel. (Galatians 1:6; 2:16). 

Doug Hamp is a Torah-observant non-Jewish author/pastor who teaches that it is incumbent upon Christians to observe certain Mosaic ceremonial laws. In his case (as far as I am aware) he applies Torah-observance to clean and unclean foods, Sabbath observance and the Jewish feasts. 

Referring to clean/unclean foods, Hamp suggests that those of us who see no necessity to observe the Levitical food requirements have been badly taught, that we are ignorant, and that we need to revise our understanding. According to Hamp, once Christians have been relieved of their ignorance, the onus upon them to keep the Levitical food laws. Hamp's position is that the Levitical food laws are a given, i.e. unclean animals were never designated as food in the scriptures. Hamp redefines "food" (as most of us understand the term) to apply exclusively to ..animals that He said we can eat.. those are to be received with thanksgiving. (1 Timothy 4:1-5). According to Hamp, food sanctified (set apart) by the Word of God applies only to the clean animals as defined in the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 11). By redefining "food " in this way, Hamp circumvents the scriptures concerning clean/unclean food in the New Testament. 

Hamp contradicts God's word to Noah prior to the Levitical laws:

Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. And as I gave you the green plants, I give you everything. (Genesis 9:3).

..every creeping thing/moving thing (re·mes) ~ literally everything that is alive. Strong's #7431: remes a reptile or any other rapidly moving animal:--that creepeth, creeping (moving) thing. {1}

The distinction between clean/unclean animals in Genesis 9 was made for the purpose of sacrifice after the ark rested on Ararat. 

Then Noah built an altar to the LORD. And taking from every kind of clean animal and clean bird, he offered burnt offerings on the altar. (Genesis 8:20).

Hamp: "Seven of each clean were taken for food – only one pair of unclean which were not fit to eat. Had he eaten the pig back then, there would not be any today." 

Either Hamp is ignorant or he is deliberately misleading his readers! The object of taking the animals into the ark was to preserve every species. Noah and his family consumed vegetables on the ark. No animals were consumed as food until after the postdiluvian covenant God made with Noah, his family and the animals (every living creature), confirmed by the sign of the rainbow: ..Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth.. Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. And as I gave you the green plants, I give you everything. (Genesis 9:1-17).

Peters Vision: Acts 10:9-33

Undoubtedly the vision concerned Peter's Jewish prejudice against the Gentiles who were considered "unclean" i.e. they were considered unfit to receive the gospel. However, considering the context and the explicit reference to food, Peter's vision would be extremely odd if we limited its interpretation exclusively to this single application. The wider application of Peter's vision was the abolition of the ceremonial laws under the new covenant.

Peter became hungry and wanted something to eat. The vision: In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air. And there came a voice to him: “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” But Peter said, “By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.” And the voice came to him again a second time, “What God has made clean, do not call common.” This happened three times, and the thing was taken up at once to heaven.(Acts 10:10-16 cf. Matthew 15:11; Romans 14:20).

Barnes: "The ceremonial laws of the Jews were designed solely to keep up the distinction between them and other nations. When the distinction was abolished; when other nations were to be admitted to the same privileges, the laws which were made to keep up such a difference received their death-blow, and expired of course. For it is a maxim of all law, that when the reason why a law was made ceases to exist, the law becomes obsolete.." {2} 

Doug Hamp:

How Romans 14 is Misused to Justify Eating Unclean Animals | DouglasHamp.com

Romans 14

Hamp: "Romans 14 is a discussion about the weak person who thinks that he ought not eat meat and should only eat vegetables. It is NOT about whether a person can eat unclean animals."

Paul is writing about believers whose faith is "weak",  in that they eat only vegetables due to their scruples about meat possibly sacrificed to an idol. Romans 14:2 cannot refer to someone who thinks that he should only eat vegetables since vegetarianism was not traditionally a component of mainstream pre-modern Judaism. (see 1 Corinthians 8:1-13).

Barnes: "This question the apostle discussed and settled in 1 Corinthians 10:20-32, which see. In that place the general principle is laid down, that it was lawful to partake of that meat as a man would of any other, 'unless it was expressly pointed out to him as having been sacrificed to idols, and unless his partaking of it would be considered as countenancing the idolators in their worship;'"  {3}

Paul goes on to discuss the relevance of observing certain days. There is obviously some liberty given to believers concerning these matters. The danger is that those who observe certain days, and those who have scruples about food sacrificed to idols, will impose their views upon others. Conversely, those who have no such scruples should not be brazen and disregard the scruples of the "weaker" brother/sister. It is clear enough surely.

One person regards a certain day above the others, while someone else considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes a special day does so to the Lord; he who eats does so to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. Romans 14:5-6).

The danger of Torah-observance

In effect Torah-observance produces an elitist two-tier system of believers: the more spiritual Christians who observe the Mosaic Law and the less spiritual Christians who do not. These teachings actually invert the scriptures ~ it was the observers of ceremonial laws who were "weak" and non-observers who were "strong" according to Paul.

The majority of Torah-observant Christians are non-Jewish. Consideration should be given as to why non-Jews are so eager to observe the Torah.. laws that were given exclusively to ancient Israel under the old covenant. God did not judge the surrounding nations for neglecting the ceremonial laws, such as eating "unclean" food. (Acts 15:1-35). 

Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 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. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise. (Galatians 3:23-29).

Torah-observance has an outward appearance of holiness and obedience to God. In reality it stands in opposition to the the Law of Christ aka the Law of the Spirit and puts believers at great risk of falling away from Christ and becoming legalistic Judaizers.  

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).

1. Strong's Hebrew: 7431. רֶ֫מֶשׂ (remes) -- creeping things, moving things (biblehub.com)
2. Acts 10:15 Commentaries: Again a voice came to him a second time, "What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy." (biblehub.com)

3. Romans 14 Barnes' Notes (biblehub.com)

JOHN MACARTHUR'S LAVISH LIFESTYLE: PHIL JOHNSON DIGS A DEEPER HOLE!

John MacArthur's Lavish Lifestyle? An Interview With Phil Johnson - YouTube

This video demonstrates how completely out of touch Phil Johnson is, and (apparently) just how naïve Justin Peters is. 

The video was made in order to refute the various concerns about John MacArthur's lavish lifestyle, nepotism etc. as recently reported by Julie Roys. {1} Astonishingly Johnson digs a deeper hole for Grace To You (GTY) and he has made the situation even more embarrassing than it already is. 

Johnson claims that no-one who knows MacArthur personally has ever accused him of living a millionaire lifestyle. Most of us mere mortals do not know MacArthur personally and are unlikely to ever be, or ever want to be, associated with him. What we are discussing is the factual report which gave evidence of MacArthur's salary, his three homes that are not at all modest (one with a tennis court and the other apparently with a lake), nepotism and other issues. Johnson's attempt to play down these concerns has failed spectacularly.    

The allegation that nepotism is rife within GTY:   

Johnson: "The truth is, not one of John MacArthur's kids is on staff at Grace Church, not one." 

After saying this, Johnson employed diversionary tactics and changed the subject. Several minutes later he announced that MacArthur's eldest son is on the board of GTY, supposedly purely and simply for the purpose of preserving MacArthur's legacy. Johnson: "We want to make sure that someone still has a hand in the ministry and has the families best interests at heart.. We have made it a point to keep at least one member of John's family on the board at all times. At one point, two of his sons were on the board, Mark and Matt, right now its Matt. We intend to keep it that way." MacArthur's son is also the treasurer and signs cheques for GTY, apparently due to logistics and convenience since other board members do not live nearby. Johnson (Executive Director) has also served on the board of GTY for many years. According to Johnson, the board of GTY consists of mostly disinterested parties with no vested interest in the ministry. During the video it emerged that Johnson's son is also employed by GTY. Johnson also referred vaguely to other employees as "anyone who is related to John". Johnson confirmed that the financial reports for GTY are not publicly available. The obvious question is: Why are GTY resistant to making their financial information available in the public domain if they have nothing to hide?  

MacArthur's son-in-law Kory Welch and his companies appear to have received approximately $7,610,399 from Grace to You and The Master’s University between 2003 and 2016. {2} No figures are available post 2016. According to Johnson, Kory Welch has a video production company in the local neighborhood, although Johnson says that he does not exactly know where it is. Again, if I were responding to these concerns I would know exactly where Welch's company is located since it is relevant to the discussion. Welch was one of the people who bid for the video production contract with GTY ten or fifteen years ago, after doing the job in-house as a salaried employee for a year or two. Johnson is very vague regarding the time-frame. For the second time Johnson uses the "convenience and logistics" excuse to justify giving the contract to Welch. Johnson claims that it is economical to use Welch's company, but since there is no evidence available to back up this claim, once again we have to rely on Johnson's word alone. Johnson also revealed that MacArthur's daughter does a lot of the artwork, and presumably she is also an employee, unless she is paid via Welch's company (?) Johnson: "It is all in the family and it is all in-house.."

I think that even the most pro-MacArthur person would have to admit that blatant nepotism is rife within GTY.

Regarding the allegation that Austin Duncan, College Pastor at Grace Community Church is the son of MacArthurs friend Ligon Duncan: 

Johnson: "As far as I know, Austin Duncan is not the son of Ligon Duncan." ~ As far as I know? If I were refuting these allegations, I would know! Johnson goes on to say: "They are not related" - but his looks were unconvincing. I am still left in some doubt whether the two men are in fact connected. Johnson is full of these vague statements that really do not answer the concerns.

Regarding the rare first edition King James Bible that was given to MacArthur by the GTY Board in 2014:

According to Johnson, MacArthur gave the bible to the Grace Seminary’s collection of rare manuscripts and early bible editions. This might seem like a very generous gesture, but MacArthur did not "give" the bible to an unconnected entity. MacArthur is the founder and current chancellor of The Master’s University and Seminary where the rare book collection is held. In other words TMS is very much part of MacArthur's legacy. 

Johnson confirmed that he did in fact dox Julie Roys, but only for ten minutes. That's alright then! 

The Mark of the Beast Controversy

The mark of the beast controversy is still problematic for MacArthur. Johnson continues to equivocate, insisting that taking the mark can be forgiven hypothetically according to Matthew 12:31 ~ Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. It would be far better for MacArthur to simply admit that he made a mistake in that moment, but both he and Johnson, to their own peril, prefer to justify themselves. The book of Revelation is unequivocal. (Revelation 14:9-11 cf. Revelation 22:18-19).

1. The Prosperous Lifestyle of America's Anti-Prosperity Gospel Preacher | The Roys Report (julieroys.com) 

2. John Macarthur Pays Son-In-Law Millions Through Nonprofits - John Macarthur Cult Watch Forum (forumchitchat.com) 

FURTHER LINKS

WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: JOHN MACARTHUR: FALSE TEACHER ENEMY OF JESUS CHRIST (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)

John MacArthur’s Story About MLK Jr.’s Assassination and Evil Insinuations – Warren Throckmorton (wthrockmorton.com)
OPINION: My Response to Phil Johnson of Grace to You, Part One | The Roys Report (julieroys.com)

RAVI ZACHARIAS: SEXUAL DEVIANT, LIAR AND FALSE TEACHER

Report of Independent Investigation into Sexual Misconduct of Ravi Zacharias - February 9, 2021
Lynsey M. Barron, Esq. William P. Eiselstein, Esq.  Miller & Martin PLLC  
Microsoft Word - 19676965_3

The above report contains the various unsavoury details of Zacharias sexual misconduct over a number of years with some gaps that the investigators were unable to piece together. 

“We believe not only the women who made their allegations public but also additional women who had not previously made public allegations against Ravi but whose identities and stories were uncovered during the investigation. Tragically, witnesses described encounters including sexting, unwanted touching, spiritual abuse, and rape.”  

The report demonstrates how very difficult it is to hold supposed "Christian" leaders to account when they practice nepotism and hold unassailable positions of power within their organizations. Zacharias described his critics as “nasty people” and “lunatics” who were engaging in "satanic-type slander and falsehood.” Those who expressed doubts within the RZIM camp were ignored, marginalized and accused of disloyalty. There is little one can do against evil autocratic leaders, apart from pray of course. Where peoples jobs are concerned, they are far more likely to accept the status quo rather than take a course of action that will leave them disadvantaged or unemployed. For Jesus' disciples, "taking up their cross" meant rejection, persecution, and ultimately death. (Luke 14:28). Apart from his disgusting sexual deviations, there were several red flags concerning the legitimacy of this man over the years. It seems to me that RZIM employees were already doctrinally compromised long before these revelations came to light.

Zacharias was an Anglican Indian-born Canadian-American apologist and a supposed defender of evangelical Protestantism. He held celebrity status within certain circles and was highly respected. He spoke at Christian events and conferences and apparently travelled to his engagements in a chauffer driven limousine. He also ran a weekly radio apologetics broadcast “Let My People Think”. {1} Zacharias was extremely wealthy having a net worth in 2021 of $8 million. {2} In reality Zacharias was a pitiful individual whose profession of faith was an utter sham. 

In 2009 Zacharias signed the Manhattan Declaration which is an ecumenical document. (2 Corinthians 6:14). {3} 

Zacharias was a speaker at Together 2016, an ecumenical event held at the National Mall in Washington DC. (4)

Zacharias had a regular spot on TBN and endorsed known heretics Joyce Meyer, Rick Warren and Brian Houston/Hillsong.

In 2004 Zacharias and Richard Mouw addressed a large congregation of Evangelicals and Mormons at the Salt Lake City Mormon Tabernacle in Utah for an "Evening of Friendship". {4} Zacharias avoided preaching the gospel at this event and stated:

“And so, what brings us together? As has already been said, yes we have our theological differences, but I think it’s commendable that we find a common cause in trying to create a good moral soil in this culture and in this time.”

Mormon Tabernacle Utah 2004

Zacharias addressed the Mormon Temple at Utah for a second time in 2014 in partnership with Standing Together and called for evangelicals and Mormons to stand together to save America from "lost morality."  {5} Unity between bible believing Christians and Mormons with their "false gospel" and "false christ" is unacceptable. (2 Corinthians 11:4). For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. (1 Corinthians 2:2).

In 2017 Zacharias publicly apologized for making false claims about his credentials at Oxford and Cambridge Universities. {6}

  

Warren Throckmorton: "In a 2012 speech before the C.S. Lewis Institute, Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias referred to himself as a “professor at Oxford” after saying he had studied at Cambridge. Watch (the complete speech is here. The clip is at 52:41)." {7}

For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. (Titus 1:7-9 cf. 1 Timothy 1:8-10).

1. RZIM: Let My People Think Broadcasts (google.com
2. Ravi Zacharias Net Worth 2021: Age, Height, Weight, Wife, Kids, Bio-Wiki | Wealthy Persons
3. Manhattan Declaration
4. Together 2016 - Wikipedia
5. (3) Ravi Zacharias at the Mormon Tabernacle 2004 (Entire Program) - YouTube
6. (3) Ravi Zacharias at the LDS Tabernacle in January 2014 - YouTube
7. Blast from the Past: Ravi Zacharias Made Himself a Professor at Oxford – Warren Throckmorton (wthrockmorton.com)

Further Links:

OPINION: Spokesperson's Letter Reveals RZIM's Spiritually Abusive Leadership & Consequences Of Protecting "Ravi" & "Brand" | The Roys Report (julieroys.com)
Lori Anne Thompson's Victim Impact Statement - YouTube
Mike Winger: What Ravi Did and Where We Go From Here. - YouTube

PAULA WHITE: "YOUR OPINION DOESN'T MATTER"

Paula White (City Destiny Church) and various other false NAR teachers have taken a lot of criticism over their failed Trump prophesies.. and rightly so!

Paula White denies being a prosperity preacher, a heretic or a cult leader, rather she defines herself as a "Charismatic Pentecostal" which is nothing to boast about and summarizes all of the above! 

White is outraged and laments that it was "the church" that called her out rather than the atheists. If she read her bible she would know that it is the church, I mean the real church, that has the responsibility for calling out false teachers! 

Paula White: "If your name’s not God, your opinion doesn’t matter and your acceptance is not needed. If your name is not God, Jehovah, Yahweh, El Shaddai, Jesus Christ then your opinion doesn’t matter and your acceptance is not needed.”

ON THE CONTRARY PAULA WHITE! 

Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. (Matthew 7:15).

Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. (Acts 17:11).

I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. (Romans 16:17).

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. (1 John 4:1).

This is what the LORD of Hosts says: "Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They are filling you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD. (Jeremiah 23:16).

There are many more examples in the scriptures emphasizing the necessity of testing prophesies, rightly dividing the word of truth and calling out those who deviate from it. (2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Corinthians 14:29; 1 Thessalonians 5:21). We need not rely on "opinion" in cases of false prophesy, the scriptures are explicit! (Ezekiel 13:1-22). It most certainly is the responsibility of "the church" to discern false teaching.. what does the world know about it? These false prophets/teachers bring the gospel into disrepute and should be silenced.. although it appears that Paula White will not be quiet any time soon! (2 Peter 2:2; Titus 1:11).

Paula White's lament begins at around the 1:55 mark.

JULIE STERN ROYS INTERVIEW WITH SAIKO WOODS - A CALL FOR JOHN MACARTHUR TO BE HELD TO ACCOUNT

Posted in support of Julie Stern Roys exposure of John MacArthur. This information needs to be carefully examined by anyone following this Calvinist false teacher who calls out others for financially/spiritually abusing the body of Christ. 

The Prosperous Lifestyle of America's Anti-Prosperity Gospel Preacher | The Roys Report (julieroys.com)