EMMA STARK'S BLASPHEMY: "I AM A FOUNDATION STONE AND THE CHURCH IS BUILT UPON ME."

(5) PropheticApostolic foundation With Emma Stark and Simon Braker - YouTube

Above - Emma Stark and Simon Braker discuss Ephesians 2:20 regarding apostles and prophets. Simon Braker: "..the apostle Paul sadly doesn't really expand upon it too much.. he leaves us in a place where we have got to tease out the book of Acts and other places what it looks like in practice."  In other words ~ How do we manipulate this passage to insert ourselves in place of the real apostles and prophets? 

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God bye the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:19-22).

Isn't it obvious to whom Paul is referring? The unmissable teaching of the New Testament is that the church is built upon the original foundation of the real apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone. The canon of scripture is inerrant and complete. (2 Timothy 3:16). As such we cannot alter the word of God and add extra biblical revelations given by those who claim to be modern "prophets". (2 Peter 1:20; Proverbs 30:6). 

The apostles received their commission directly from Jesus Christ. (Matthew 10:5). Their appointment was dependent upon their having been present during the Lord's earthly ministry and to have witnessed His resurrection. (Acts 1:21-22). 

The last man to be appointed as an apostle by Jesus Christ was Paul! 

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. (1 Corinthians 15:3-9 cf. 1 Corinthians 9:1, 15:9-11; Galatians 1:1).

Paul instructed that elders be appointed in every town. (Titus 1:5; Acts 14:23). It appears that a plurality of leadership was the New Testament model. An overseer was a man who had the charge or oversight over an individual church. (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:7; Acts 15:13-21). Individual churches were autonomous. No man was given authority over groups of churches such as we find with the false system of Roman Catholicism and modern "churches" who set up campuses whilst retaining improper authority over them. Paul refers to prophecy as a gift, not an office. (1 Corinthians 12:10, 14:1; Romans 12: 6 cf. Acts 13:1). Elders and overseers held overall responsibility for the oversight of New Testament churches, not prophets, and certainly not fictitious "apostles".

Barnes: "A bishop - A minister of religion, according to the foregoing remarks, who has the charge or oversight of any Christian church. The reference here is doubtless to one who had the government of the church entrusted to him 1 Timothy 3:4-5, and who was also a preacher of the gospel." {1}

 

Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. (Jude 1:3).

According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 3:10-11).

Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works. (2 John 1:9-11). 

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).

If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. (1 Timothy 6:3-4).

Simon Braker asks Emma Stark what it means for the church to be "apostolically prophetically foundationed."

Emma Stark: "We wish that the scripture was less grey about lots of things to do with leadership. It gives bones or basic scaffolding.. She drivels unbiblically about "diversity, tailored remits, governance" etc. and continues: "What that means to me is - I am a foundation stone, and the church is built upon me."  She repeats "As a prophet, you as a prophet, as apostles, I am a foundation stone.  I must (on my knees) own the concept that I am a foundation stone that the church is built upon me." For the fourth time she repeats "I am a foundation stone.. Apostles and prophets must come forward and own the paradigm of Ephesians 2, I am a cornerstone".   

The above claims from Emma Stark are shocking and heretical beyond words! These so-called modern "apostles and prophets" seek to impose another foundation at odds with the original foundation laid by Jesus Christ and His chosen apostles. They have foisted a class of pseudo-spiritual elites upon the church. These are a dishonest hierarchy of imposters who distort the scriptures and who seek to dislodge believers from the true foundation. They are the "blots and blemishes.. with hearts trained in greed" referred to by Peter. (2 Peter 2:13-14).

But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep. (2 Peter 2:1-3).

Simon Braker mentions pseudo "apostle" John McGinley, former vicar of Holy Trinity (CofE) in Leicester and now apparently a cannon. John McGinley is a very dangerous man who has facilitated the infiltration of the aberrant movement known as the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) at Holy Trinity Church and beyond. He is one of the church leaders in Leicester who will have to give an account to God for the massive infiltration of false teaching into the church. (Romans 4:12). John McGinley attended Bill Johnson's European Leaders Advance as far back as 2015. {2} It is not possible to exaggerate the depth of Bill Johnson's heresy. (see further link) John McGinley recently came under fire at the Church of England’s General Synod when he outlined his "vison" for 10,000 new churches established over 10 years led by by lay members of the Church of England. John McGinley is clearly determined to further the nefarious agenda of the NAR! {3} 

It appears that we can add "papist" to John McGinley's many talents for apostasy!

And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18).

Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges: "On these words mainly rest the enormous pretensions of the Roman pontiff. It is therefore important (1) To remember that it is to Peter with the great confession on his lips that the words are spoken. The Godhead of Christ is the keystone of the Church, and Peter is for the moment the representative of the belief in that truth among men. (2) To take the words in reference: (a) to other passages of Scripture. The Church is built on the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Ephesians 2:20, on Christ Himself, 2 Corinthians 3:11." {4} 

CONVERGENCE21 is advertised as a "Prophetic Conference" at Holy Trinity Church in Leicester from November 18th - 20th with "ministry" from Simon Braker, Emma Stark, Larry Sparks, Preethy Kurian and Rebecca King. {5} As painfully demonstrated in previous posts, Emma Stark (leader of the British Isles Council of Prophets) is incapable of rightly dividing the word of truth and exegeting a passage of scripture in context. (2 Timothy 2:15). {6} Like the Pharisees of Jesus' time, NAR apostles and prophets are.. like whitewashed tombs which outwardly appear beautiful.. but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. (Matthew 23:27). You are of course free to pay £60 to line the pockets of these "profits" and get your ears tickled, but I wouldn't advise it. 

For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. (2 Timothy 4:3-4).

Chris Rosebrough's recent video is very helpful in identifying the heresies of Bill Johnson/Bethel Church Redding and their unbiblical propensity to engage in "experimental" Christianity. *

* Chris Rosebrough is a Lutheran pastor. He is an excellent expositor and upholds the principle of sola scriptura. Luther accomplished much in the sphere of the five solas. However, unfortunately he rejected the book of Revelation and he supported the basic Augustinian amillennial eschatological view. I reject Lutheran eschatology and hold the futurist premillennial prewrath position. It is critical that our eschatology is based on the scriptures and not on the flawed opinions of men like Augustine.

1. 1 Timothy 3:2 Commentaries: An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, (biblehub.com)
2. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: John McGinley Holy Trinity Church Leicester: Destination Babylon Full Steam Ahead!!! (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)
3. Do the Church of England’s bishops want 10,000 new churches or not? - Anglican Ink © 2021
4. Matthew 16:18 Commentaries: "I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. (biblehub.com)
5. CONVERGENCE21 Tickets, Thu 18 Nov 2021 at 19:00 | Eventbrite
6. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: Emma Stark (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com

FURTHER LINK

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

EMMA STARK'S APPALLING DISTORTION OF GENESIS 2

"Interview with Emma Stark" | Warrior Women | Ep. 7 - YouTube

Emma Stark's failed attempt to elevate women into "warriors" by eisegesis. (from the 20:00 mark) 

 

Emma Stark issues a scriptural challenge regarding the creation of Eve in Genesis 2:22. 

Emma Stark: "I am going to challenge some of your scripturally. It says nowhere in the original text, the word 'rib'. The word 'rib' is not there, and yet we have that God took a portion of his rib, that is not accurate.. Actually in the Hebrew it means God took half of him.. literally God cut the man in half. Get away from any thought that God took a little portion of him. God cut the man in half. After that God imaged Himself male and female..  so if I am, or if we are, to be the full image of God, it is in both male and female in their place. I am not a small portion, I am not a small part, we are half and half reflecting the image of God."

Then the LORD God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit fore him.” Now out of the ground the LORD God had formed every beast of the field and every bird of the heavens and brought them to the man to see what he would call them. And whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all livestock and to the birds of the heavens and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper fit for him. So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the LORD God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” (Genesis 2:18-23).

The exact procedure employed by God is not described in the passage. A literal translation of אַחַת֙ מִצַּלְעֹתָ֔יו is: “{God} took one from his side and closed up the flesh in its place” without specifying what exactly God took one of. Translators invariably insert the word “rib” because this seems to be the most likely object the text is referring to. Verse 23 says that God closed up its place with flesh. (closed up the flesh instead thereof - KJV) This phrase does not accommodate the idea that God literally cut Adam in half. The clear implication is that God closed up the place where He had removed the portion of material from the side of Adam in order to make Eve. ALL the commentaries I have read take this to be the case. 

Keil and Delitzsch:"צלע means the side, and, as a portion of the human body, the rib. The correctness of this meaning, which is given by all the ancient versions, is evident from the words, "God took one of his צלעות," which show that the man had several of them. "And closed up flesh in the place thereof;" i.e., closed the gap which had been made, with flesh which He put in the place of the rib." {1} 

Adam Clarke: "..some part of man was to be used on the occasion, whether bone or flesh it matters not; though it is likely, from verse Genesis 2:23, that a part of both was taken; for Adam, knowing how the woman was formed, said, This is flesh of my flesh, and bone of my bone." {2} 

Emma Stark digs a deeper hole.. 

Emma Stark: "The word 'helper' is also problematically translated. Now interestingly the more accurate translation, which you then see. particularly in the book of Joshua.. the better translation of that word is warrior and protector. 'And God says it is not good for man to be alone, I will give him a warrior, I will give him a protector, I will give him a restrainer' is the other portion of that word." Actually help-mate and helper has practically nothing to do with it.."

The LORD God also said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make for him a suitable helper (ezer kenegdo).” And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and He brought them to the man to see what he would name each one. And whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all the livestock, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field. But for Adam no suitable helper was found. Genesis 2:18-20).

We cannot get away from the fact that ezer is help. 

The original wording in Genesis 2:18 to describe Eve is ezer kenegdo (עזר כנגדו)  All the lexicons are unequivocal, Hebrew עֵזֶר ezer is help/helper as in Ebenezer (1 Samuel 7:12). According to Strong's, kenegdo comes from the word neḡeḏ which is a difficult word to translate. Brown Driver Briggs: kenegdo  ~preposition in front of, in sight of, opposite to.. {3} Literally, Eve was a helper, as over against him, or corresponding to him. According to Hebrew scholars, ezer is a neutral term that does not imply subordination. The Genesis 2 description suggests equality, and words with subordinate overtones like "assistant"  are alien to the passage. I am convinced that gender roles were not even remotely an issue prior to the fall. Adam and Eve were in perfect harmony at that stage and the passage suggests the idea of complementarianism. What is beyond dispute is that it is not possible to give Eve divine attributes, or to translate ezer kenegdo out of context as "warrior redeemer and rescuer".

Strongs: "ezer: a help, helper" 

Brown Driver Briggs: I. עֵ֫זֶר noun masculine Psalm 121:1 help, succour; — ׳ע absolute Genesis 2:18 +, suffix עֶזְרִי Exodus 18:4, עֶזְרֹה Ezekiel 12:14, etc.; —

1 help, succour Isaiah 30:5 ("" הוֺעִיל, opposed to בּשֶׁת, חֶרְמָּה), Daniel 11:34; from ׳י Psalm 20:3; Psalm 121:1; Psalm 121:2; Psalm 124:8; in Psalm 89:20 read נֵזֶר for ׳ע Dy Gr Kau (עֹז Bi Che), compare Hup; מָגֵן עֶזְר֑ךָ Deuteronomy 33:29 (= ׳י).

2 concrete = one who helps (compare 1. עֶזְרָה 2) ׳בְּע (בְּ essent., see ב 17b, Ges§ 119 h, i) Genesis 2:18,20; (J) + Hosea 13:9 (read ׳מִי בְע Che We GuKau Now); collective (without בְּ Ezekiel 12:14 (si vera lectio; Co עֹזְרָיו); especially of ׳מִצָּרָיו י ׳ע Deuteronomy 33:7 (poem), ׳ע + מָגֵן Psalm 33:20; Psalm 115:9; Psalm 115:10; Psalm 115:11, + מְפַלֵּט Psalm 70:6; ׳בְּע (see above) Exodus 18:4 (E), Deuteronomy 33:26 (poem), Psalm 146:4. {4}

Emma Stark produces examples from the Psalms in order to demonstrate that Eve functions as Adam's "warrior, redeemer and rescuer" (e.g. Psalm 33:20; Psalm 70:5; Psalm 115:9; Psalm 118:6). I don't think she has heard of context!  

The apostle Paul describes God as his "helper" (Greek ~βοηθός). So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” (Hebrews13:6 cf. Psalm 118:6). The context of "helper" this New Testament verse applies exclusively to God Himself; it is clearly a different kind of "help" that is received from any human agency. (Isaiah 48:11). 

Ezekiel 12: And I will scatter toward every wind all who are around him, his helpers (ezer) and all his troops, and I will unsheathe the sword after them.(Ezekiel 12:14). This verse refers to King Zedekiah and the Babylonian captivity. These "helpers" are Zedekiah's aids who no doubt supported him in various ways. However, it is illegitimate to refer to them as his warriors, redeemers and rescuers. In fact Zedekiah died in Babylon in prison in terrible circumstances. (Jeremiah 52:11).

Blurring the line between headship and leadership 

Emma Stark: "In the Psalms, 'God is my helper in terms of my warrior, redeemer and rescuer.. in the mistranslation from Genesis we have underplayed the place of warrior women who are there beside men to be equal reflectors of the image of God in their ? unique ways...  My strength is in leadership and even as my head blesses me in that strength.. and we talk headship and leadership and knowing the differences.."    

But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God. (1 Corinthians 11:3 cf. Ephesians 5:23).

Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach.. (1 Timothy 3:2-4 cf. Acts 6:3).

Since Genesis 2 occurred pre-fall, there would be no occasion for Adam to require a "warrior, redeemer and rescuer". Post-fall, the roles of Adam and Eve changed significantly. (Genesis 3:16-20). Emma Stark takes one isolated verse of scripture and proceeds to further isolate one word within that verse (ezer), which she mistranslates and takes completely out of context. She fails to compare scripture with scripture, and she pays no attention at all to Paul's instruction regarding the roles of men and women. (1 Timothy 2:11-15). Judges 4 demonstrates that occasionally women are legitimately called to take on a role that appears to be outside God's stated patriarchal order. However, when that occurs it is a serious indictment against weak men! (Judges 4:8). There seems to be two extremes within the church: 1 - women who are sickeningly subservient, and 2 - women who presume to take on roles of leadership that are equivalent to/or above men. In my view both extremes are unscriptural. 

1. Genesis 2:18 Commentaries: Then the LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him." (biblehub.com)

2. Genesis 2 Clarke's Commentary (biblehub.com)

3. Strong's Hebrew: 5048. נֶ֫גֶד (neged) -- in front of, in sight of, opposite to (biblehub.com) 

4. Strong's Hebrew: 5828. עֵ֫זֶר (ezer) -- a help, 

Further Link:

Ezer Kenegdo in Genesis 2:18- A Power Equal To Him?: https://youtu.be/Yf1IekUt0jI

DECEIVERS KATHRYN KRICK, GEORDAVIE, BOB LARSON!

Above ~ John Elving exposes false "Apostle" Kathryn Krick, supposedly casting out demons from a woman. Strangely, the same woman appears with "Exorcist" Bob Larson (Spiritual Freedom Church), feigning possession of "the spirit of the beast". It has been suggested that Kathryn Krick uses the same crisis actors and actresses as Bob Larson and Daniel Adams.

As John Elving points out, "it always goes back to money" with these false "apostles and prophets".

Exorcist Bob Larson offers tuition for the bargain price of $500 for "Apprentice, Warrior, and Exorcist levels" at his International School of Exorcism. {1} He also sells hand held "deliverance crosses" for $100. 

"The Hand-Held Cross of Deliverance has become an icon representing the exorcism and deliverance ministry of Pastor Bob Larson and his scores of Do What Jesus Did teams worldwide.

First introduced during Bob's internationally-aired TV reality show "The Real Exorcist," this Cross has come to symbolize the aggressive approach of this ministry in confronting the Forces of Darkness. As Pastor Bob says, "This cross is just a physical object made of metal like a Bible is an object of leather and paper. But wielded in faith, it represents a tangible expression of the invisible belief of the one who holds it."

Each Cross has been anointed and prayed over personally by Bob. He declares that each one will be recognized in Hell as a visible extension of confidence in the victory over Satan by the Crucifixion of Christ. Those who hold this cross in their hands are identifying with the bold proclamation that our Lord has come to "destroy the works of the Devil" (1 John 3:8). {2} 

Kathryn Krick is the "Apostle" of "Prophet" GeorDavie whom she addresses as "daddy" and acclaims as "the mouthpiece of God". GeorDavie is the founding President and Arch-Bishop of what he claims is the largest fast growing Prophetic Church in Arusha Tanzania Eastern Africa. GeorDavie can often be seen wearing opulent robes and a crown. He is another "profit" who claims to have had a personal visitation from Jesus Christ:

GeorDavie: ".. in 2004, Jesus Christ appeared to me in person and with a vivid eyes I saw Him holding a bunch of Keys with different sizes and each Key had a religious name, some I knew, some I didn't...
He said, 'Geor... Go to the world and represent me as Kingdom Spokesman by doing the works I did and beyond... setting my people free from the religious bondage through Teaching and Prophetic Ministries... behold here is the Secret....!"'Then with a smiley face, He dissolved... !!!" {3} 

If you can't see through this wickedness then you are into very serious spiritual deception. 

And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. (Matthew 24:11).

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).

And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep. (2 Peter 2:3).

1. Tuition - International School of Exorcism: Full Curriculum – Spiritual Freedom Church (spiritual-freedom-church.myshopify.com)
2. Hand-Held Cross of Deliverance – Spiritual Freedom Church (spiritual-freedom-church.myshopify.com)
3. ABOUT | geordavie

Further Links

APOSTLE KATHRYN KRICK FALSE APOSTLE - YouTube

APOSTLE KATHRYN KRICK & BOB LARSON - YouTube

EMMA STARK'S ALLEGED THRONE ROOM ENCOUNTER!

(1) What Is Next For The Church? - Mark Pugh and Special Guests - YouTube

The above video was posted by Elim Pentecostal Churches in 2020. At the 35:00 mark, host Mark Pugh asks "prophets" Emma Stark, Simon Braker, James Aladiran and Rachel Hickson: "What God may be saying to leaders at this time."  What follows from Emma Stark is an explicit first person "thus saith the Lord" prophecy complete with alleged throne room encounter. 

Emma Stark's claim that she is often "taken up" to the throne room of God in itself should raise a red flag. Such events are exceptional in the scriptures. The apostle Paul was extremely reticent about his experience and was reluctant to even name himself . Paul heard things in paradise that he was not permitted to repeat!

And I know that this man was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter. (2 Corinthians 12:3-4).

John, the author of Revelation, gives a detailed description of heaven in Revelation 4:1-11.

And he who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald. (Revelation 4:3).

Barnes: "Was in appearance; or, as I looked upon him, this seemed to be his appearance. He does not describe his form, but his splendor.. it is well adapted to impress the mind with a sense of the majesty of Him who cannot be described, and of whom no image should be attempted. Compare Deuteronomy 4:12; 'Ye heard the voice of the words, but saw no similitude'." {1} 

..who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.

No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known. (John 1:18 cf. Exodus 33:20).

Emma Stark's alleged "throne room encounter" raises some very serious doubts as to its legitimacy:

"I saw God.. as I walked into the throne room which I do quite often.. I am used to the cacophony of the angelic noise and the twenty four elders doing the business of the throne. God came off His throne. and he is on all fours on the ground in a way I have never seen Him before, and there is a howling groaning almost disturbing noise... I kind of kneel down before God.. and I start to hear Him wail. and if that image disturbs you, it is right out of Isaiah where Isaiah describes God as 'a woman in labour'. God the woman giving birth is the analogy in Isaiah, so we are right in the scriptures with this vision.. I bend down and I hear God wail.. 'I want the nations', I am calling for the nations, it's a time for the nations to come back to Me' .. and suddenly God is reading out of His scriptures and he is reading  Haggai chapter 2.. 'In a little while I will shake the heavens and the earth'.  

Emma Stark's Interpretation: "I am investing in shaking..  If I don't shake you, you cannot carry the new wine; if I don't shake you, you cannot have revival; if I don't shake you, you cannot have the one billion soul harvest.. I heard the Lord say fresh from his throne room this morning, 'the bending has begun, the bending of the knees to Christ.." She continues in a similar vein for a few more minutes.

A text taken out of context is a pretext. 

Emma Stark is referring to Isaiah 42:14 and Haggai 2:6-9 - both out of context.

In context Isaiah 42:18-20 refers to judgement upon God's enemies i.e. the nations who worship false gods. In verse 16, the focus changes to "the blind" i.e. Israel. 

The LORD goes forth like a mighty one; He stirs up His zeal like a warrior. He shouts; yes, He roars in triumph over His enemies: I have kept silent from ages past; I have remained quiet and restrained. But now I will groan like a woman in labor; I will at once gasp and pant. I will lay waste the mountains and hills and dry up all their vegetation. I will turn the rivers into dry land and drain the marshes. I will lead the blind by a way they did not know; I will guide them on unfamiliar paths. I will turn darkness into light before them and rough places into level ground. These things I will do for them, and I will not forsake them. But those who trust in idols and say to molten images, ‘You are our gods!’ will be turned back in utter shame. (Isaiah 42:13-17).

Haggai 2:6 ~ "Once more (once for all).. I will shake the heavens and the earth” In verse 6 the final shaking is contrasted to the shaking of Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:18). It extends to the whole creation and is once for all (ἔτι ἅπαξ). This is the only portion of Haggai quoted in the New Testament (Hebrews 12:26). Its final fulfilment announces God’s intention to shake the present order in His coming day of judgment. (Isaiah 2:19; Matthew 24:28-29; Luke 21:25-2). 

Yet once more, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land. And I will shake all nations, so that the treasures of all nations shall come in, and I will fill this house with glory, says the LORD of hosts. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declares the LORD of hosts. The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, says the LORD of hosts. And in this place I will give peace, declares the LORD of hosts.’” (Haggai 2:6-9). 

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).

It is significant that the book of Revelation describes the diametric opposite to an end time "victorious church". In fact we see the persecution of the saints at the hand of the Antichrist immediately prior to the return of Jesus Christ. 

Then the beast (the Antichrist) was permitted to wage war against the saints and to conquer them, and it was given authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation. (Revelation 13:7).

Jesus warns believers repeatedly about spiritual deception immediately prior to his second coming.

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. (Matthew 24:3-5 cf. Matthew 24:11,24).

Paul warns that apostasy, not revival, will precede the day of the Lord:

Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day (the day of the Lord) will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness (the Antichrist) is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4).

Mark Pugh: "Some people are asking.. Why do we need new wine.. Why does God talk about giving new wine, new power new anointing to the church?" This is a pertinent question considering God has given us everything we need for life and godliness.. (2 Peter 1:3).

Rachel Hickson: "We need new tools.. fresh mantles and fresh tools". She went on to quote Joel 3:10 completely out of context. "In Europe you need new tools.. and you see in Joel when they are calling to war, there is the cry of a prophet 'bring me your ploughshares, bring me your threshing instruments, I'm going to give your swords and spears.'" 

Who is the Lord addressing when He says: "Beat your plowshares into swords and your pruning hooks into spears."?

Quoting verses out of context is a chronic issue with these so called "prophets". Their appalling incompetence in handling the word of truth leads to extreme error and damage to the Body of Christ. (2 Timothy 2:15). Joel 3 in context is an end time prophecy. Joel calls the place the Valley of Jehoshaphat, John calls it the valley of Megiddo and the battle of Armageddon. (Revelation 16:16).  

Yes, in those days and at that time, when I restore Judah and Jerusalem from captivity, I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. (Joel 3:1-2; cf. Revelation 16:14).

Proclaim this among the nations: “Prepare for war; rouse the mighty men; let all the men of war
advance and attack! Beat your plowshares into swords and your pruning hooks into spears. Let the weak say, ‘I am strong!’ Come quickly, all you surrounding nations, and gather yourselves. Bring down Your mighty ones, O LORD Let the nations be roused and advance to the Valley of Jehoshaphat.. (Joel 3:9-12).

Benson: "Rouse and bring forward into the field your strong and valiant men. In these words the prophet, in an ironical manner, encourages them to make their utmost effort to oppose the designs of Providence; but signifies that it should be all in vain. For, should they strengthen themselves by all the means in their power, yet they should be overcome and punished. Beat your plough-shares into swords, &c." {2} 

Rachel Hickson continues to quote Micah 4:3, again out of context: "and the prophet Michah then says the seasons change.. 'now bring me your swords and spears and I will give your pruning hooks and threshing instruments'." 

No one brings anything to the Lord in either of these passages.. rather they beat their swords and pruning hooks themselves. 

Micah 4 is a millennial passage.. i.e. it applies to conditions following Jesus return during the millennial period when there will no longer be war. 

..and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. (Micah 4:3 cf. Isaiah 2:1-4).

Has the blood of Jesus been superseded?

In the New Testament new wine refers to the transition from the Mosaic Law to the gospel. The new doctrine Jesus taught was grace, not the Mosaic law. The blood of Christ is represented by wine. Bengel's Gnomon: "The wine is (the token of the felicities of this dispensation, and it is called 'new' in contrast with the obsolete character of that which it superseded. 'Novitatem dicit plane eingularem' (Bengel). Matthew 26:29" {3} 

Those looking for "new wine" are in very serious error. They have rejected the cross of Jesus Christ and the foundation He has established. Laodicea were instructed - be zealous and repent...  not - look for new wine. (Revelation 3:9).

For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 3:11).

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:18-22).

I know that you cannot tolerate those who are evil, and you have tested and exposed as liars those who falsely claim to be apostles. (Revelation 2:2).

But I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. (Revelation 2:20).

For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough. Indeed, I consider that I am not in the least inferior to these super-apostles. (2 Corinthians 11:4-5).

For those with questions and/or concerns about the New Apostolic Reformation, I recommend GoodFight Ministries five part series entitled "Bethel or Beth-Hell?".

PART 1: Examining Bill Johnson's Bethel Church https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3vfCg-IBvY&t=30s

PART 2 :The Bethel & Friends Contagion https://youtu.be/R-U-asIjsEs 

PART 3: Bethel's Sozo Obsession https://youtu.be/311_fhu70_g 

PART 4: Hogwarts School of Supernatural Ministry & Witches at Bethel?https://youtu.be/L8qTqNOVxDg PART 5:: Bethel or Beth-Hell? Q & A Show https://youtu.be/sLyBe2CgaVk

1. Revelation 4:3 Commentaries: And He who was sitting was like a jasper stone and a sardius in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald in appearance. (biblehub.com)

2. Joel 3:9 Commentaries: Proclaim this among the nations: Prepare a war; rouse the mighty men! Let all the soldiers draw near, let them come up! (biblehub.com)

3. Matthew 26:29 Commentaries: "But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom." (biblehub.com)

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: PROPHETIC TOURETTE'S!

Emma Stark: Was end of Corona prophesied? (premierchristianradio.com)

Premier Christian Radio: "What should we make of preachers who are declaring that God has told them a date by which the coronavirus will end? EMMA STARK of the Glasgow Prophetic Centre heads up the British Isles Council of Prophets, she shared her thoughts with Premier’s Maria Rodrigues."

In this short clip, Emma Stark puts forward her own take on the failure of the false Coronavirus prophets. Incredibly she says that the so called prophets have a case of "prophetic Tourette's" and that they are operating in the flesh, speaking human and soulish words. Well there we have it from the horses mouth! Her excuse is that the restoration of the prophetic movement is in its infancy, it is only about 25-30 years old, and that the so called prophets are "feeling their way through". We need no further proof that the so called "prophetic movement" is a complete sham.

Interestingly, Maria Rodrigues refers back to the Old Testament prophets and asks: "There were prophets risen up in certain seasons to be able to speak into difficult situations. Do you think maybe in the 21st century, our churches are struggling to know how to hold the prophetic voices in our communities?"

This is a polite way of pointing out that there is no correlation between so called modern "prophets" and the 100% accuracy of the Old Testament prophets. 

A good example of "prophetic Tourette's" is Hananiah, who died within a year of making his infamous false prophecy. False prophets who spoke presumptuously were put to death in the Old Testament. (Deuteronomy 18:20-22). Though Emma Stark and others make excuses and try to brush aside their prophetic failures, the greed and presumption of modern false prophets is no less serious in our time. (2 Peter 2:1-3). Believers are instructed to turn away from false teachers/false prophets who blaspheme the way of truth. (Romans 16:17-18).

Hananiah the False Prophet

In that same year, at the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the fifth month of the fourth year, Hananiah the son of Azzur, the prophet from Gibeon, spoke to me in the house of the LORD, in the presence of the priests and all the people, saying, “Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: I have broken the yoke of the king of Babylon. Within two years I will bring back to this place all the vessels of the LORD’s house, which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon took away from this place and carried to Babylon. I will also bring back to this place Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, and all the exiles from Judah who went to Babylon, declares the LORD, for I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon.” 

Then the prophet Jeremiah spoke to Hananiah the prophet in the presence of the priests and all the people who were standing in the house of the LORD, and the prophet Jeremiah said, “Amen! May the LORD do so; may the LORD make the words that you have prophesied come true, and bring back to this place from Babylon the vessels of the house of the LORD, and all the exiles. Yet hear now this word that I speak in your hearing and in the hearing of all the people. The prophets who preceded you and me from ancient times prophesied war, famine, and pestilence against many countries and great kingdoms. As for the prophet who prophesies peace, when the word of that prophet comes to pass, then it will be known that the LORD has truly sent the prophet.” 

Then the prophet Hananiah took the yoke-bars from the neck of Jeremiah the prophet and broke them. And Hananiah spoke in the presence of all the people, saying, “Thus says the LORD: Even so will I break the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon from the neck of all the nations within two years.” But Jeremiah the prophet went his way. 

Sometime after the prophet Hananiah had broken the yoke-bars from off the neck of Jeremiah the prophet, the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah: “Go, tell Hananiah, ‘Thus says the LORD: You have broken wooden bars, but you have made in their place bars of iron. For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: I have put upon the neck of all these nations an iron yoke to serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and they shall serve him, for I have given to him even the beasts of the field.’” And Jeremiah the prophet said to the prophet Hananiah, “Listen, Hananiah, the LORD has not sent you, and you have made this people trust in a lie. Therefore thus says the LORD: ‘Behold, I will remove you from the face of the earth. This year you shall die, because you have uttered rebellion against the LORD.’” 

In that same year, in the seventh month, the prophet Hananiah died. (Jeremiah 28:1-17).

In answer to Emma Starke's hypothetical questions from the church: "Can we trust you, do we like you, are you a credible voice?"

THE ANSWER IS A RESOUNDING NO!

Thus says the LORD of hosts: “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you, filling you with vain hopes. They speak visions of their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD. They say continually to those who despise the word of the LORD, ‘It shall be well with you’; and to everyone who stubbornly follows his own heart, they say, ‘No disaster shall come upon you.’” For among them has stood in the council of the LORD to see and to hear his word, or who has paid attention to his word and listened? Behold, the storm of the LORD! Wrath has gone forth, a whirling tempest; it will burst upon the head of the wicked. The anger of the LORD will not turn back until he has executed and accomplished the intents of his heart. In the latter days you will understand it clearly. “I did not send the prophets, yet they ran; I did not speak to them, yet they prophesied. But if they had stood in my council, then they would have proclaimed my words to my people, and they would have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their deeds. (Jeremiah 23:16-22).

But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep. (2 Peter 2:1-3).

JOE SCHIMMEL: TERTULLIAN VICTORINUS AND TRIBULATION

 (5) Rev Series: What, When and How Long is the Day of the Lord?- Part 2 - YouTube

Below are some further thoughts on Joe's sermon on The Day of the Lord.

Joe Schimmel really should give up the habit of quoting certain unreliable Church Fathers in order to promote the post-trib rapture. The early Church Fathers are a very useful source in order to prove that the church will face the Antichrist, but they do not specify when precisely the rapture will occur. Joe's view that the sixth seal, the seventh trumpet and the seventh bowl are simultaneous events is pure eisegesis. There is no evidence whatsoever that this is the case. Joe's attempt to prove that the early Church Fathers believed in what he refers to as the "classical historical premillennial rapture view" (i.e. post-trib), is problematic. Like the mid-trib view, post-trib is fast becoming obsolete due to the research of modern prewrath scholars whose questions post-trib teachers are unable to answer. Those of us who are interested in communicating in truths do not need to resort to ancient unreliable sources in order to demonstrate the prewrath position. (2 Timothy 3:16). I will apply the common criticism that is usually levelled against the pre-trib camp: There is not one single verse of scripture that supports the post-trib view.

Why does Joe quote Victorinus, a very confused so called "Church Father" who no-one of any note regards as reliable? In this particular video, Joe quotes Tertullian's reference to "the last day". We might assume that compared with Victorinus, Tertullian was sound in his faith. The answer is yes and no. Tertullian practiced extreme asceticism and some time before 210 AD he became a Montanist. In my view, his writings are protracted and tedious, and there are some issues with his theology. 

Tertullian's Skewed Rapture View (?)

Tertullian: "..before we put off the garment of the flesh, we wish to be clothed with the celestial glory of immortality. Now the privilege of this favour awaits those who shall at the coming of the Lord be found in the flesh, and who shall, owing to the oppressions of the time of Antichrist, deserve by an instantaneous death, which is accomplished by a sudden change, to become qualified to join the rising saints; as he writes to the Thessalonians: For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we too shall ourselves be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." {1}  

If I have understood Tertullian correctly, he taught that those Christians who are alive at the Parousia will die instantaneously in order to qualify to meet the Lord in the air. If this is correct then he contradicts 1 Thessalonians 4:17 and 1 Corinthians 15:51. 

Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. (1 Corinthians 15:51-52).

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 4:17).

What did Tertullian mean by "the last day"?   

Tertullian:  "..our prayers are directed towards the end of this world, to the passing away thereof at the great day of the Lord — of His wrath and vengeance — the last day, which is hidden (from all), and known to none but the Father, although announced beforehand by signs and wonders, and the dissolution of the elements, and the conflicts of nations."  {1}

And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that I shall lose none of those He has given Me, but raise them up at the last day. For it is My Father’s will that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6:39-40, 44, 54 cf. John 11:24). 

The phrase "the last day" only occurs in John. Elsewhere it is called "the day of the Lord", "the great day", "the day of the Lord's wrath &c. These slightly different nuances used by different authors all describe "the day of the Lord" in some sense.

Post-trib writers define the tribulation period in a generic sense as the entire present age, or more specifically all the events leading up to Armageddon. However the scriptures make a definite distinction between tribulation and wrath. (Matthew 24:29). Joe's mindset that "the day of the Lord's wrath" must be a literal twenty-four hour period of time is an assumption. The prewrath position is that the church age comes to an end on "the last day" i.e. the rapture. ..concerning that day and hour no one knows (Matthew 24:26-34). On the last day a shift occurs and events move from tribulation ~ to resurrection (rapture) ~ to the onset of God's wrath. In other words, "the day of God's wrath" is an ongoing event. It appears that "the day of the Lord" continues in some sense throughout the millennial period. 

Joe's persistence in continuing to refer to the entire 70th week of Daniel as "the tribulation" is unacceptable. In my view this is the thin end of the wedge. Be careful! This is how error and false teaching creeps in. We don't need to be especially "technical" to divide the 70th week into the beginning of birth pains (Matthew 24:8), and the tribulation, we simply need to be scriptural! The tribulation is always associated with the abomination of desolation event at the mid point of Daniel's 70th week. (Matthew 24:15-28; Daniel 9:27).

For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. (Matthew 24:9,21 cf. Daniel 9:27).

Joe makes much of "rightly dividing the Word of truth" in this video. (2 Timothy 2:15). This is something we all need to take to heart.

1.  CHURCH FATHERS: On the Resurrection of the Flesh (Tertullian) (newadvent.org)

Further Links

Montanism - New World Encyclopedia

WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: JOE SCHIMMEL BLESSED HOPE CHAPEL: VICTORINUS IS UNRELIABLE (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)

WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: THE SEVEN YEAR TRIBULATION FALLACY (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)

Articles for Posttribulationism to Consider | ESCHATOS MINISTRIES (alankurschner.com)