MIKE WINGER VS JOHN MACARTHUR

Unequal weights and unequal measures are both alike an abomination to the LORD. (Proverbs 20:10).

The discussion continues regarding Mike Winger's defense against accusations about his teaching from Doctrinal Watchdog and Tim Hurd (BTWN) regarding Bill Johnson and Kris Vallotton (Bethel Church Redding) and his comments about John MacArthur.    

Mike Winger has made some excellent videos refuting Calvinism and I do appreciate his efforts to seek to portray others in a positive light. However, for the sake of the gospel, false teachers should not be tolerated or endorsed on any level, even though they may teach some truth. (2 Corinthians 11:20).

Mike Winger: "I do disagree with him (John MacArthur) on first Corinthians and speaking in tongues and several other things, but that doesn't mean I'm trashing him. That's obnoxious and I don't think John MacArthur would think that... I greatly love and respect John MacArthur and I love the ministry he's done, and he's been a stalwart champion for the gospel of Jesus Christ, and I think he's a good teacher, a great teacher. I love John MacArthur, 'but he's Calvinist Mike', I know, but I still love him and I love a lot of Calvinist teachers and that's my opinion of them.."

I agree with Faith on Fire (below) that there are inconsistencies in Mike Winger's teaching that he needs to address. Mike Winger seems to have some kind of double standard; on one hand, he teaches against Calvinism, and on the other hand, he strongly endorses John MacArthur. (Psalm 119:113). John MacArthur is a false teacher on many levels and he teaches a false gospel. (2 Corinthians 11:4). Apart from the humongous error of Calvinism, MacArthur denies the blood of Jesus Christ and he says that it will be safe to take the mark of the beast. (Revelation 14:11). Such a wolf cannot be a "good/great teacher" and "a stalwart champion for the gospel of Jesus Christ". Any well-meaning endorsement of false teachers carries with it the unacceptable risk of causing believers to stumble by throwing them to ferocious wolves in sheep's clothing. (Matthew 7:15). This is acutely demonstrated by the experience of Alana L on the link below. 

Mike Winger Defends John MacArthur: Beware of Calvinism, Joel Osteen and Unwise Endorsements

Faith on Fire: "Mike Winger defended himself against accusations from BTWN Guy and Doctrinal Watchdog (Active) channels and clarifies his view of John MacArthur and Calvinism. This video is a warning to pastors and Christian influencers on social media to be careful who you endorse. Also, see what amazing lengths Mike Winger goes to in order to avoid the dubious discernment channels from taking Joel Osteen quotes and attributing them to Mike Winger's beliefs. We also see a clip from Leighton Flowers Soteriology 101 interview with Alana L on being saved out of Calvinism after 15 years of being a 5 point Calvinist and the role John MacArthur played in her early indoctrination." 

Further Links

Mike Winger Videos: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cS0QO... 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHtQS... 

Soteriology 101 Alana L interview: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQTHc...

DANIEL LONG AND STEVE KOZAR: LUTHERAN HERETICS

(8) “Long and Kozar Talking about their New YouTube Channel: The Wartburg Castle - YouTube

In this video Daniel Long and Steve Kozar explain why they have created their new YouTube channel The Wartburg Castle. Long and Kozar are "Confessional Lutherans" or "Conservative Lutherans"  which they differentiate from liberal Lutheranism as practiced by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).    

I would describe Long and Kozar's agenda of discouraging criticism against Lutherism as Machiavellian. (Genesis 3:1). Kozar's dominant personality comes to the fore throughout this video and he frequently interrupts Long. He explains that they don't want to get into super detailed issues about doctrine or church history and the differences between denominations, but that they are setting doctrinal issues aside. Kozar and Long apparently want to "discuss Lutheranism" without discussing Lutheranism! Kozar suggests that those of us who differ should "respectfully disagree", and he asserts from the outset that severe censure against Lutheranism on their platform is unwanted and unacceptable. In effect their aim is to do what many false teachers do, they introduce heresy through the back door without clarifying their core doctrines. In order to "respectfully disagree", I would have to imply that there are only minor differences of opinion between bible believing Christians and Lutherans. In fact, Lutheranism undermines the very doctrine of salvation itself. (2 Corinthians 11:4). It is not possible to "respectfully disagree" when the bible gives such stark warnings against false teachers. (2 Corinthians 6:14). 

Long and Kozar follow the bad example of their mentor Chris Rosebrough. Kozar: "Everything we do has got a huge stamp of Chris Rosebrough's ideas on it". According to Kozar, Rosebrough's initial idea was to critique false NAR teachers without revealing his Lutheran beliefs because he knew it would be controversial. It doesn't seem to have occurred to either Long or Kozar that Rosebrough's tactic of obscuring his Lutheran beliefs is deceptive. Why would anyone with sound theology want to obscure their beliefs?  Rosebough has labelled false teacher Michael Brown "the apostle of obfuscation", but this label might just as easily be applied to himself. Rosebrough's deception was painfully encountered by Laura (End Time Apostasy) in 2017. Laura had listened to Rosebrough's teaching for nine years without realizing that he was a Lutheran! Her appeal to Rosebrough and his wife was subsequently ignored. Laura makes some very good points in the following video and is obviously very upset. *Proviso: I am not in agreement with Laura's view of OSAS (once saved always saved). 

Adiaphora

Adiaphora are matters not regarded as essential to faith, but nevertheless as permissible for Christians or allowed in the church. Kozar demonstrates his skewed mindset: "Don't park your car in the parking lot of the church because it doesn't say in the bible to have a parking lot at your church". Firstly, parking lots have nothing to do with the church service, and secondly, without an opportunity to park their cars, many people would not go to church. According to Kozar, vestments fall into the category of adiaphora because the bible doesn't say what a pastor should wear. In that case, any of us could turn up to church in vestments, but I don't think that would be seen as acceptable! Although Kozar claims that vestments are worn by the pastor in humility as a servant, the distinct impression given is that they elevate the pastor above the congregation. This impression is further compounded by the pastor speaking in the first person of God when he gives absolution. In fact, a biblical case can be made against vestments. Christians are instructed not to make distinctions amongst themselves or to make a show of outer appearance or adornment. (Matthew 23:5,8; 1 Peter 3:3-4; James 2:2). According to Protestant Reformer John Hooper, these requirements were vestiges of Judaism and Roman Catholicism, which had no biblical warrant for authentic Christians since they were not used in the early Christian church. {1}

Baptismal Regeneration?

Long's advice not to read our presuppositions into the text and to let the text speak for itself is sound advice, but sadly he does not apply it to himself. The scriptures confirm believers' baptism. A definite order of events is involved concerning salvation i.e. faith invariably precedes baptism.

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

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (Matthew 28:19).

And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” (Acts 16:31). 

..because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved . For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. (Romans 10:9-10).

Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. (Acts 8:35-38).

And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:41-42).

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. (Hebrews 11:6).

The defects of Conservative Lutheranism

Absolution from a confessor as if from God himself; infant baptism; baptismal regeneration; the doctrine of the Real Presence in the Eucharist aka the sacramental union or consubstantiation (i.e. the Body and Blood of Christ are "truly and substantially present in, with and under the forms" of consecrated bread and wine (the elements); vestments; over-emphasized liturgy. statues, amillennial eschatology. {2} The very foundation of the Christian faith is misrepresented by Conservative Lutheranism. The fundamental principle of justification by faith alone is violated by baptismal regeneration and infant baptism. Lutheranism is a different gospel. (2 Corinthians 11:4).  Furthermore, vestments and granting absolution in the first person is unbiblical and puts a false distinction between the pastor and his congregation. I have heard the Lutheran spin on all these questions, but no matter how much they equivocate, it is impossible to justify these practices. For anyone to grant absolution in the first person is blasphemy. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, (1 Timothy 2:5). 

Rosebrough defends the indefensible and condones idolatrous statues of Christ on the altar as "liturgical art".

The early church

When the church began in the first century Jesus' disciples met very simply in homes. And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. (Acts 2:42,46;16:40). 

When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying. (Acts 12:12).

So they went out of the prison and visited Lydia. And when they had seen the brothers, they encouraged them and departed. (Acts 16:40).
To Philemon our beloved fellow worker and Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier, and the church in your house: (Philemon 1:1-2)

Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well. Greet also the church in their house. (Romans 16:3-5).

Church buildings began to spring up in the middle of the third century during the reign of Constantine after Christianity was legalized. Prior to this time, the emphasis was never on buildings, the ecclesia were the people of God and believers met wherever they could. (Matthew 18:20). Roman Catholicism introduced adornments and embellishments.

Kozar: "If you’re burdened by not being a “good enough” Christian, even after many years of trying, Lutheranism might be the relief you’ve been looking for!"  {3} 

Kozar focuses on how charismatic teachers like Todd White put believers on a guilt trip and make them feel that they are "not good enough". As a former charismatic I agree with this assessment. My own experience in charismania was extremely debilitating. However, I cannot agree with Kozar that Lutheranism "might" bring relief. Lutherans and Calvinists have become quite good at mopping up Christians who have become disillusioned with charismania. However, neither of these options represents the true gospel of Jesus Christ. Christ is the answer! (John 8:31-36).

I watch Long's YouTube channel Long for Truth videos regularly. His videos are well presented and are a useful resource insofar as they expose the false teaching and the dubious history of the Word-Faith/Pentecostal/NAR movement. Kozar's channel The Messed Up Church follows a similar agenda but his videos are chaotic and difficult to follow. As with Rosebrough, it is indefensible that both Long and Kozar obscure their core heretical Lutheran beliefs. As Laura points out, these men are heretics exposing other heretics. 

1. Vestments controversy - Wikipedia
2. Eucharist in Lutheranism - Wikipedia
3. Lutheran Stuff — The Messed Up Church

Further Links

The Small Catechism · BookOfConcord.org
(12) #340 Chris Rosebrough's Defence of Idolatrous Statues of Christ | MEGIDDO RADIO - YouTube
Lutheran Heresies! - What's wrong with the Lutheran religion? (jesus-is-savior.com)

IN SUPPORT OF MIKE WINGER

Mike Winger posted this video last night and I want to show support for him. I regard Bill Johnson and Kris Vallotton (Bethel Church Redding) as very dangerous false teachers. I thought that Mike was too soft on them in his original video, but I understand that he seeks to show grace to everyone. It is difficult to find the right balance, but I sometimes think that Mike could be tougher on false teachers. The Wingnut did not do his homework, but this is fairly typical of those suffering from blind devotion to John MacArthur.

Update

This apology from Tim has done a lot to put matters right and I do applaud him for his apology and humility. As far as I am aware, it is unknown for any of MacArthur's sycophants to redress their wrongdoings. I will never agree with Calvinism, but I have warmed to Tim somewhat. This video does address the weaknesses in Mike Winger's teaching in a much more balanced way. 

JOE SCHIMMEL: BELIEVERS INCOMPLETE AFTER THE RESURRECTION? NOW I AM REALLY CONCERNED!

(5) Rev Series: Three Trees and a River - YouTube

Over the years I have been encouraged by Joe Schimmel (Blessed Hope Chapel) due to his stance against OSAS (Once Saved Always Saved), Calvinism, Ecumenism etc. However, I have always had issues with his post-tribulation rapture position. More recently, these issues have begun to bleed into other areas and my concerns have escalated. 

A few months ago, Schimmel was heading in the same disastrous direction as false teacher Joel Richardson and the unbiblical view that Gog is the Antichrist. I anticipated that Schimmel would persist with this nonsense after his initial video on the 22nd of March and I wrote a couple of posts debunking this view. {1} Schimmel followed up this false teaching on the 3rd of April with a further video about the alleged Gog/Magog battle. It should concern believers that this error remains online and uncorrected on Schimmel's YouTube channel.

In addition, Schimmel has made no attempt to justify his use of Victorinus as a valid source for his faulty view of the eisegetical recapitulation view of the trumpet and bowl judgements in the book of Revelation. {2} Many believers have realized that the prewrath rapture view is more coherent than the pre-rib and post-trib views. Those who persist in teaching the concurrent/recapitulation theory willfully ignore the obvious problems associated with this view.

The leaves of the tree for the healing of the nations..

Schimmel: "I have told you, the book of Revelation is kinda like the back of my hand. I know this book by the grace of God really good. If you ask me just about any verse in the book of Revelation, pretty much any verse, I am able to give you, I believe, a very good biblical explanation."  Really! Essentially Schimmel has mistaught the book of Revelation for years regarding the recapitulation of the sixth seal, the seventh trumpet and the seventh bowl. This particular error throws the whole book of Revelation out of kilter! Schimmel admits that he has never understood Revelation 22:2 despite his professed expertise in exegeting the book of Revelation. Revelation 22:1-2 and its parallel in Ezekiel 47:12 describe the millennial river, not the eternal state as Schimmel submits. (See also Joel 3:18 and Zechariah 14:8). 

Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb. through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. (Revelation 22:1-2).

Along both banks of the river, fruit trees of all kinds will grow. Their leaves will not wither, and their fruit will not fail. Each month they will bear fruit, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will be used for food and their leaves for healing. (Ezekiel 47:12).

Schimmel: "Why are the leaves for the healing of the nations when everybody has already been resurrected? You are already in the Lake of Fire or resurrected, and when Jesus talks about the resurrection, there is no more death. And why is the tree of life there for the healing of the nations? How are the nations being healed? 

A couple of mornings ago I woke up just after 4am and this scripture was on my heart and I began to seek to Lord on it and cry out to Him.. and pray.. And it is really interesting, I felt I got some insight on this..  and then I began to cry .. I was just so grateful because I saw so much beauty that I hadn't seen in New Jerusalem as a result of those prayers.."  

Schimmel's latest dubious suggestion: Believers are somehow incomplete after they are resurrected during the millennium! (1:00:00 mark).

I have noticed that Schimmel uses a similar technique as many false teachers in that he diverts our attention back and forth and intersperses all kinds of unrelated stories and personal experiences into his teaching. This is quite disarming and throws his hearers off track. Schimmel eventually gets back on track and drops the bombshell! (1:31:00 mark)

Schimmel: "We have been healed physically when we get resurrected bodies, but even when we are resurrected we are still not home yet. We are still not home. Now we are with Jesus at one point when we are resurrected Amen, but we are not in New Jerusalem until after the thousand-year millennial period right? Then there is a new heaven and a new earth. Total healing I believe comes (won't we be healed fully - absolutely) but we will still be lacking something. Total and absolute intimacy with the Father and the Son in New Jerusalem will not take place until it happens in New Jerusalem and God designed us to partake of the tree of life..  And if we are not partaking of the tree of life and the leaves, we don't have all that God had ordained for us. It is not until we have all that He has ordained for us that we have; we have total peace, but guess what, there is grace beyond grace and I believe that comes from partaking of the tree of life and the healing that comes from the leaves.." 

This is the stuff of heresy.. or at the very least it is how heresy begins! Schimmel has based his eisegetical assumptions on various alleged "insights" and "emotions".

What do the scriptures say?

Putting aside Schimmel's supposed direct personal revelation, it is vital that we actually test what he is teaching against the scriptures. (1 John 1:4).

When we are resurrected, we are not "with Jesus at one point", we will always be with the Lord.

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).

..but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. (1 John 3:2).

The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. (Revelation 22:2).

God's people are never referred to as "the nations". Strongs: "Nations (ἐθνῶν) as distinct from the true Israel of God." (Galatians 6:16). {3} Revelation 22:2 refers to unresurrected people during the millennium who will receive healing from the leaves of the tree, with the caveat "to the thirsty". (Revelation 21:6-7). 

Alan Kurschner's view that the bride of Christ will come back within the new Jerusalem before the millennium does provide a cogent answer to this question. The prewrath view teaches that Christ will take believers before the Father (Revelation 7 and 14). Kurschner ties in John 14: I go to prepare a place for you and Revelation 21:10 which describes the New Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God and coalescing with the earth. According to Kurschner, this happens before the millennium. Revelation 20:7-10 describes the events that happen at the end of the thousand years i.e. the Gog/Magog battle and the destruction of Satan. After these events, God's judgement is extended globally. (Revelation 20:11-15). Revelation 22 and 23 revert back again to the millennial period. As Kurschner points out, the leaves for the healing of the nations makes no sense when applied to the eternal state. The context necessitates that we view this passage as applicable to the millennium when the nations will need healing. This passage does not apply to the residents of the New Jerusalem. Revelation 22:14-15 specifically identifies those outside the city: But outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. This verse is highly problematic for those who believe that the New Jerusalem will descend at the end of the millennium since it cannot possibly refer to the eternal state. The lesson here is that we should be wary when making assumptions about the chronology of the book of Revelation. I suggest that readers of this post take a little time to listen to Kurschner on this fascinating question: (1) The Bride Comes with the New Jerusalem BEFORE the Millennium - YouTube

New Jerusalem - our mother?

Schimmel proceeds to push the envelope even further: "Do you know that you have a Father and a Mother in heaven? I am talking about Jerusalem the city. It is called a bride.." (1:37:40 mark )

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. (Revelation 22:1-3).

If we accept Kurschner's view, the bride of Christ within the New Jerusalem will descend before the millennium, hence the expression "as a bride".

 

But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. (Galatians 4:26).

Schimmel does not teach Galatians 4:26 in its proper context. Paul teaches that Sarah and Hagar are allegorical depictions of the two covenants. Hagar represents Mount Sinai in Arabia which Paul compares with the present Jerusalem in slavery with her children. But the Jerusalem above is free and represents the freedom that there is in Christ. These cities are "mothers" in the sense that they are locations and have citizens. Mike Winger explains in the video below that we might refer to "mother Russia" in similar terms. If we take the New Jerusalem above as our literal mother we have gone beyond allegory and we are in danger of straying into dangerous heresy. An extreme example of this is The World Mission Society Church of God cult (WMSCOG) who take Galatians 4:26 as a key proof text for their "Mother God" heresy.

Now this may be interpreted allegorically: these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar. Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; she corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. (Galatians 4 24-26).

I highly recommend the following video on Mike Winger's YouTube channel. Winger tackles Galatians 4:26 in context towards the end of the video at the 1:48:00 mark when he is asked: "How do WMSCOG members interpret Galatians 4:26, and how can we respond to that verse, offering them an explanation of its proper context?" (1) The Secret History of the Fast Growing “Mother God” Cult (with NEW info I've never shared before) - YouTube  

Despite his boast, Schimmel is not the expert he claims to be and his understanding of the book of Revelation is very much wanting. He is definitely not the go-to person for a sound eschatological perspective.  

This paragraph has nothing to do with the eschatological issues above, but I think it needs to be said. While all the funny stories about Schimmel's grandchildren were superficially entertaining and diverting, it didn't seem to have occurred to anyone in the chat replay that there was something lacking in his care for them. One child was chasing the others around the trampoline with a rubber donkey, an item that is not permitted on a trampoline. This behaviour caused another child to dive off the trampoline and land on her head resulting in a mild concussion. Even though she was sleepy and nauseous, Schimmel didn't bother to seek medical help for her. One of the boys was shooting arrows with metal tips and inadvertently caught another boy on his head, and another boy attempted to start a fire while Schimmel was in his office! Am I the only person who came to the conclusion that Schimmel was not adequately supervising the children in his care? It is not enough to say "do not fire metal arrows" or "do not light fires" etc. There should be a responsible adult present to make sure that young children are safe. I am surprised that nothing more serious happened to any of the children supposedly in his care. After hearing this account I would not entrust a child of mine into Schimmel's care. 

1. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: JOE SCHIMMEL: GOG MAGOG ISLAMIC ANTICHRIST ARMAGEDDON (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)
1. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: JOE SCHIMMEL GOG MAGOG ARMAGEDDON AND ISLAM (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)

2. 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)

3. Strong's Greek: 1484. ἔθνος (ethnos) -- a race, a nation, pl. the nations (as distinct from Isr.) (biblehub.com)

Further Link

Seals, Trumpets, Bowls – At the Same Time or One After the Other? (i.e. Concurrent-Recapitulation or Consecutive-Progressive?) (alankurschner.com) 

PROFIT CARLTON FUNDERBURKE: MARK AND AVOID

This is definitely low-hanging rotten fruit in front of a watching world!

Profit Carlton Funderburke (Church at the Well in Kansas City) should immediately resign as he is disqualified from the ministry. Although Funderburke apologized after this video went viral on youtube, he obviously does not understand the first thing about Christianity, much less the calling and requirements of a pastor. I am amazed that anyone at all attends his "church".

The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. (Luke 6:45).

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. (Titus 1:7).

The dogs have a mighty appetite; they never have enough. But they are shepherds who have no understanding; they have all turned to their own way, each to his own gain, one and all. (Isaiah 56:11).

This "profit" is definitely on the list of those to mark and avoid. (Romans 16:17).

EMMA STARK: JUNE 2022 FALSE PROPHETIC WORD

“Houses of Worship” Prophetic Word – Emma Stark – Global Prophetic Alliance (propheticscots.com)

(3) Watch | Facebook

But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be under a curse! 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 under a curse! (Galatians 1:8-9).  

The New Apostolic Reformation (NAR)

The NAR is a toxic movement that is based on unbiblical dominionist theology. Their eschatology necessitates that in order for the Lord to return, the church will become all-powerful on the earth. This stands in stark contradiction to the scriptural description of the end times. (Matthew 24:9-12; Luke 18:8). A critical part of NAR strategy is the claim that God is restoring the alleged "lost offices" of "apostles and prophets" to church governance. These modern "apostles and prophets" seek to impose another foundation that is at variance with the original foundation laid by Jesus Christ and His chosen apostles. (Ephesians 2:20). The NAR does not claim a continuation of the gifts of the Spirit as is implied in the New Testament, rather they claim restoration of the gifts. It is a gross error to assume that a prophet, or someone who prophesies, necessarily holds a position of authority within the church. Paul refers to prophecy as a gift, not an office. (1 Corinthians 12:10, 14:1; Romans 12: 6 cf. Acts 13:1). Interestingly the Old Testament prophets stood outside the hierarchical system of governance. (Jeremiah 1:6-7; Amos 1:1 etc.)  Three distinct criteria for the office of "apostle" are defined in the New Testament: An apostle must have been an eyewitness to the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 9:1); he was chosen by the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:15); and he ministered miraculous signs and wonders (Acts 2:43; 2 Corinthians 12:12). NAR leaders are a dishonest hierarchy of imposters who distort the scriptures and who seek to dislodge believers from the true foundation of Jesus Christ and the teaching of His authentic apostles. These imposters are referred to by Peter as those who bring the gospel into disrepute.. "blots and blemishes.. with hearts trained in greed". (2 Peter 2:2, 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).

The NAR movement puts an unbalanced emphasis on supernatural manifestations and extra-biblical revelation, putting an experiential relationship with God above the scriptures. These people always want to conjure up something in the present (examples include fire tunnels, fake glory clouds, gold dust and feathers). The scriptures are depreciated at the expense of extra-biblical spiritual experiences where spiritual discernment is abandoned and reason is suspended. The never-ending cycle of first-person "prophecies" and "the next move of God" that fail to materialize necessitates ever-increasing ramped-up dramatic proclamations and strategies in order to perpetuate the dubious agenda of these wolves.  

New versus old wineskins

The Introductory Notes to Emma Stark's latest "prophetic word" contains a number of concerning statements. Emma Stark urges people not to sow money into places that are "old wineskins". 

Emma Stark: "Finally, at the end, when Emma is commenting on the word she has given, she urges us to not sow into places that are old wineskins or partnered with the political spirit.. Please continue to support those faithful Levites who have prayed without ceasing for you, your family, your city and your nation!"

Neither is new wine put into old wineskins. If it is, the skins burst and the wine is spilled and the skins are destroyed. But new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved.” (Matthew 9:17 cf. Matthew 9:16-17; Luke 5:36).

The consensus amongst bible scholars is that the old wine, the old wineskins, and the old garment are symbols of Judaism and the Mosaic Law, whereas the new wine and the new garment are symbols of Christianity and grace. When Emma Stark and Simon Braker refer to "old wineskins" they refer to orthodox Christianity which they have rejected. According to the NAR, the "old wineskins" are churches that do not recognize the authority of self-appointed "prophets and apostles". These offices were originally promoted by archdeceiver C Peter Wagner, the founder of the NAR who anointed himself "Presiding Apostle". NAR "apostles and prophets" and their “new wineskin” churches are at odds with the biblical model of church governance. There is no example of a church in the New Testament that gives a single individual authority over a church or a group of churches. Paul and Barnabus appointed elders in every town. (Acts 14:23; Acts 15:6; Titus 1:5). Elders (overseers) held overall responsibility for the oversight of New Testament churches, not prophets, and certainly not fictitious "apostles". The "new wineskin" model turns the scriptural model of the church on its head and gives authority to usurpers who can say anything they like without being held accountable. (1 John 4:1).  

Diotrephes is an example of presumptuous individuals who reject the authority of the bona fide apostles:

I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church. (3 John 1:9-10).

Emma Stark compounds her error by referring to a new elite class of believers.. an international coalition of Levites.

Emma Stark: "And the Spirit of the Lord says, 'I am lassoing into place an international coalition of Levites who [will be] in every continent [so that] there will be houses of worship where I can sit.."

The Levitical priesthood is an Old Testament model. The priests of Israel were a separate group of men from within the tribe of the Levites who had responsibility for various aspects of tabernacle or temple worship. There is no elite group or special priestly class of believers within the New Testament church. The New Testament describes the priesthood of all believers. 

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:5-9).

Emma Stark: For I want to be Emmanuel, the God who is with my people... ..there will be houses of worship where I can sit.." 

The name Emmanuel (Immanuel) is a name for Jesus which appears four times in the scriptures. (Isaiah 7:14, 8:8,10). Immanuel is found only once in the New Testament: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). (Matthew 1:22-23). These interlinked prophecies were fulfilled by the physical birth of Jesus Christ. There is no sense in which God wants to be Immanuel, Jesus already is Immanuel (God with us). God sits on his holy throne in heaven. (Psalm 27:8 Isaiah 40:22). There is no scriptural evidence to suppose that God wants to "sit" anywhere on the earth at the present time. God is present amongst true believers by His Spirit: For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” (Matthew 18:20 cf. Matthew 28:20). 

Worship Apostles?

Emma Stark: And I will put worship apostles back in the earth”, says the Lord. “It is the anointing of the ‘apostles of worship’..   You're going to have strategies of sound. You’re going to have building grace, because apostles have building grace. You're going to know what it is to build ‘sound mountains’ - ‘worship sound mountains’ in the earth. I don’t even know what that is but the Lord says that there are going to be ‘worship sound mountains’ in the earth that rise above all the other mountains. And the sound that comes from apostolic worship leaders will be a sign that many will flock to - to find Jesus.

Jesus charged the apostles with the "great commission". They were called to preach the gospel verbally and to make disciples of all nations. (Matthew 28:18-29; John 17:18). The specific instructions given to the apostles bears no resemblance to "sound mountains". 

..go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20 cf. Acts 1:8).

Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, and in which you stand firm. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas and then to the Twelve. After that, He appeared to more than five hundred brothers at once, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles. And last of all He appeared to me also, as to one of untimely birth.1 Corinthians 15:1-8)

Emma Stark's intention to set up "sound mountains" stands in contradiction to the biblical concept of ekklésia. Churches (ekklésias) are found in the scriptures, not "worship sound mountains" or "strategies of sound". Ekklesia predominantly applies to the local assembly of believers who profess faith in, and allegiance to, Jesus Christ. The idea of exclusive worship centres based on "sound"  is alien to the varieties of gifts and activities found in the New Testament Church. (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). 

..in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men. (Matthew 15:9).

God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:24).

Emma Stark appears to backtrack in her Introductory Notes and I wonder if there has been an adverse reaction from competing NAR "houses of prayer" such as IHOP. 

Emma and David Stark: "So, for clarity: this word is NOT about not praying or in any way demeaning the importance of prayer and those places that are specifically called to pray. The focus of the word is very clearly on something else - houses of worship - and the new wine structures where, as the word goes on to say,  …from that place will come the words, the healings, the miracles, the deliverances, the community transformation. It is from the house of worship that I will birth the next move of what I am doing in the earth… Prayer will be fundamental in this, of course!"

Emma Stark: "The day of God's glory weight   --  3 Psalm 22:3 'Yet you are holy, you who are enthroned upon the praises of Israel.'  Some translations of the Bible have this as God inhabiting or dwelling in the praises of Israel, His people. For clarity - yes, God already has a throne - Heaven is His throne and the earth His footstool (Is.66:1) The Son is already on the throne, seated at the right hand of the Father. His throne is eternal (see Ps 45:6; Heb 1:8; Ps 2:6; Lam 5:19 etc). This word is a strategy for hosting His glory in the midst of our gatherings" 

Emma Stark's current "prophetic word" is much the same as her previous "words". It is experience based and calls for a new thing that THEY have to establish rather than what God has already established. 

Emma Stark: “Kanye West is a small first fruit”. I assume she means things like Kayne West's appearance with Justin Beiber and Satanist Marilyn Manson at his creepy Haloween Sunday Service in 2021 in front of a watching world! {1}

1. Kanye West Invites Marilyn Manson to Latest Sunday Service (tmz.com)

JOEL RICHARDSON: IDENTIFICATIONAL REPENTANCE IS A FALSE TEACHING

(33) Daniel's Four Visions: Chapter 9 - YouTube

Identificational Repentance

Identificational repentance is the technical term for repentance on behalf of others. This false teaching was introduced via the neo-charismatic Third Wave Movement and forms part of the intercessory warfare model of false NAR teachers. False "apostle" C Peter Wagner alleged that "identificational repentance" was one of the "ten Major Prayer Innovations of the 1990s". 

Alleged 10 Major Prayer Innovations of the 1990s

1. Strategic-level spiritual warfare. The idea of taking authority over high-ranking principalities and powers assigned by Satan to keep social networks of various kinds in spiritual darkness was the focus of the Spiritual Warfare Network starting in 1990. Key authors included Cindy Jacobs, Dick Eastman, and C. Peter Wagner.
2. Identificational repentance. The body of Christ began to learn that it is possible to heal the wounds of the past through identificational repentance and thus to weaken strongholds that Satan has built. The key author was John Dawson.
3. Prayer evangelism. Prayer has ordinarily been an add-on to evangelism, but now we know that prayer itself, when intelligently strategized and focused, can be a direct force for winning people to Christ. The key author was Ed Silvoso.
4. Personal intercession for leaders. For pastors and other Christian leaders, identifying and relating positively to personal intercessors can mean the difference between success and failure in ministry. Key authors included John Maxwell, Terry Teykl, and C. Peter Wagner.
5. Two-way prayer. Prayer is not just speaking to God, but also hearing directly from Him. Derivatives of this include prophecy, the office of prophet, and prophetic intercession. Key authors included Cindy Jacobs and Chuck Pierce.
6. On-site praying. Prayer began to move out of the church and into the community through praise marches, prayer expeditions, prayer journeys, and prayerwalking. Key authors included Graham Kendrick, Steve Hawthorne and C. Peter Wagner.
7. City transformation. Through prayer, the kingdom of God can move out of the church and penetrate all levels of society, thereby transforming cities and other territories. Key authors included George Otis, Jr., Ed Silvoso, John Dawson, and C. Peter Wagner.
8. The AD2000 United Prayer Track. A vehicle for mobilizing prayer for the lost at a level never before seen in church history. Key authors included Luis Bush, Beverly Pegues, and Dick Eastman.
9. Commitment to the land. Spiritual authority of pastors and other leaders increases proportionately to their commitment to the territory in which God has placed them. The key author was Bob Beckett.
10. Spiritual mapping. Spirit-guided research can help target our prayers and produce informed, and thus more effective, intercession. The key author was George Otis, Jr. {1}

Biblical repentance necessitates a deep awareness of the wickedness of personal sin and turning away from it. Repentance involves sorrow, contrition, confession, faith, and obedience to God's revealed will. In the Old Testament, every individual was responsible to turn from his evil way. (Jeremiah 18:11; 26:3, 36:3; Leviticus 5:5; 26:40-42; Ezekiel 14:4-6, 18:30, 33:11). In the New Testament, the key term for repentance is metanoia. The call to repent was addressed to every person who heard the message of the gospel. And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38 cf. Matthew 7:24-26).

Given the scriptural directives above, it is not possible for anyone to repent for sins they have not personally committed. It is likely that we will suffer the damaging effects caused by the sins of our ancestors or our contemporaries and we should not ignore/deny them. Nevertheless, it was/is the responsibility of the individuals committing those sins to repent, not ours. 

The rationale for identificational repentance is rooted in Old Testament passages such as Daniel 9:1-15 and Nehemiah 1:5-7. Richardson bases his argument on the premise that an individual can identify with, confess and repent for the corporate sins of a particular group he/she identifies with, even though he/she has not committed those sins. This teaching is highly problematic because it re-connects believers to secular groups that are not redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ. Israel was chosen out of all the nations to be His treasured possession (Deuteronomy 14:2). Today God calls people out of the world to repent individually. God does not call believers to re-identify with secular groups belonging to the world. (2 Corinthians 6:17). The realm of the world is under the influence of the god of this age/the prince of this world. (2 Corinthians 4:4). For believers to re-identify with a particular nation or city inverts the scriptural command to be separate from the world. 

They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. (John 17: 14-16 cf. 2 Corinthians 6:17; 1 Peter 2:9).

Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.”

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper,f to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. (John 14:16-17 cf. 1 John 4:5; John 17:16).

Identificational repentance is linked to other "innovations" promoted by Wagner, involving unbiblical activities such as prayer walking, spiritual mapping and spiritual warfare. These activities sidestep the gospel of Jesus Christ and the commission given to the church to make disciples of all nations. (Matthew 28:19 cf.1 Timothy 2:1-6; Ephesians 6:19). 

The false teachings of Wagner and his cohorts are also employed to confuse believers regarding generational curses and spiritual healing that has already been accomplished by Jesus Christ on the cross. These teachings are rooted in dominion theology and the false beliefs of the NAR. Whilst Richardson is not overtly NAR, he has historic associations with Paul Cain and other charismatic deceivers. {2} His theology is replete with errors and he subtly inserts many perverted doctrines into his teachings. (1 Timothy 4:1). 

Daniel 9

In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, by descent a Mede, who was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans— in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, perceived in the books the number of years that, according to the word of the LORD to Jeremiah the prophet, must pass before the end of the desolations of Jerusalem, namely, seventy years. 

Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes. I prayed to the LORD my God and made confession, saying, “O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, we have sinned and done wrong and acted wickedly and rebelled, turning aside from your commandments and rules. We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land. To you, O Lord, belongs righteousness, but to us open shame, as at this day, to the men of Judah, to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to all Israel, those who are near and those who are far away, in all the lands to which you have driven them, because of the treachery that they have committed against you. To us, O LORD, belongs open shame, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against you. To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, for we have rebelled against him and have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God by walking in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets. All Israel has transgressed your law and turned aside, refusing to obey your voice. And the curse and oath that are written in the Law of Moses the servant of God have been poured out upon us, because we have sinned against him. He has confirmed his words, which he spoke against us and against our rulers who ruled us by bringing upon us a great calamity. For under the whole heaven there has not been done anything like what has been done against Jerusalem. As it is written in the Law of Moses, all this calamity has come upon us; yet we have not entreated the favor of the LORD our God, turning from our iniquities and gaining insight by your truth. Therefore the LORD has kept ready the calamity and has brought it upon us, for the LORD our God is righteous in all the works that he has done, and we have not obeyed his voice. And now, O Lord our God, who brought your people out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and have made a name for yourself, as at this day, we have sinned, we have done wickedly. (Daniel 9:1-15).

Although Daniel and Nehemiah confessed Israel's sins before God, they did not actually repent. Daniels's intercession was based specifically on the word of God to Jeremiah that Israel would return to the land after seventy years. (Daniel 9:2). The judgment that had been administered by God for the sins of Israel was about to come to an end. Daniel expressed sorrow, regret, and remorse, and because he was part of the covenant people of Israel he identified with them. The specific word of God concerning the world is that it perishing and under judgement. (John 12:31; 1 John 2:17). The future for the nations is well stated in the book of Revelation, and it does not involve wholesale revival as Richardson claims. (Revelation 13:12).

Discernment Group: "It is significant that this article cited above, attributed to the book Deliver Us from Evil: An Uneasy Frontier in Christian Mission (World Vision, 2002), was connected with the Lausanne movement. These spiritual warfare doctrines went mainstream into the global mission world via the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization which held a "Deliver us from Evil Consultation" in Nairobi, Kenya in 2000. Its purpose was to focus on 'spiritual warfare with the principalities and powers of evil who are seeking to overthrow the church and frustrate the task of evangelization.' Again, notice that the underlying doctrine is faulty -- that Jesus didn't defeat Satan at the Cross and He has 'unfinished work'. {3} 

The prophet Ezekiel demonstrates that repentance is individual rather than corporate.

Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, “What do you people mean by quoting this proverb about the land of Israel: ‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the teeth of the children are set on edge’? As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, you will no longer quote this proverb in Israel. Behold, every soul belongs to Me; both father and son are Mine. The soul who sins is the one who will die..

But if a wicked person turns away from all his sins that he has committed and keeps all my statutes and does what is just and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die. None of the transgressions that he has committed shall be remembered against him; for the righteousness that he has done he shall live. Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord GOD, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live? But when a righteous person turns away from his righteousness and does injustice and does the same abominations that the wicked person does, shall he live? None of the righteous deeds that he has done shall be remembered; for the treachery of which he is guilty and the sin he has committed, for them he shall die. (Ezekiel 18:1-4,21-24). cf. Acts 3:19;

Fathers shall not be put to death because of their children, nor shall children be put to death because of their fathers. Each one shall be put to death for his own sin. (Deuteronomy 24:16).

Prayer for secular authorities 

Christians are instructed to pray for all people including secular authorities, but identificational repentance is never mentioned in the scriptures. 

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1Timothy 2:1-3). 

Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons.. (1 Timothy 4:1).

1. Summary Report: AD2000 United Prayer Track
2. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: JOEL RICHARDSON ENDORSES PAUL CAIN # CHARISMANIA! (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)
3. Identificational Repentance (crossroad.to)