BENNY HINN: THE "WE PROPHESY IN PART" EXCUSE

Benny Hinn Speaks Out - EXCLUSIVE (youtube.com)

Above: Benny Hinn's interview with Steven Strang on the Strang Report: 

After fifty years of spiritual deception and abuse Hinn says that he has regrets.

Even in his "repentance" Hinn makes excuses and continues to teach false doctrine. 

Hinn: "I am a human being, I have made mistakes.. we all make mistakes. The two things I regret in ministry, I was not too wise a number of times with prophecy. Number one, I had guests come to other crusades that I think brought harm to not only people's lives, but also to my reputation because their prophesies were not really prophecy. They went outside the borders of redemption..  and then there were times when I thought that God had showed me something that he wasn't showing me and I spoke it out. But in 1 Corinthians 13 we see very clearly that we all prophesy in part. That means we don't see the full picture.. sadly there were some prophesies I gave that were not accurate or from the Lord.. For that of course I ask people to forgive me. I'm just human uh and made mistakes like that and I'll probably make him again I suppose down the road cuz I'm not perfect.. And then the other one is prosperity.. I was invited to go to praise-a-thons and I think that's when my troubles began.. I came to the conclusion in 2019 that I did not want to be part of the gimmickry of it.. but sadly I let pressure get to me.."      

Hinn's blame-shifting regarding his guests and his involvement in "praise-a-thons" is not credible. As a serial deceiver, Hinn is quite capable of being a false prophet all by himself without the help of other charlatans. (Romans 14:12). 

The "we prophesy in part" excuse

A common objection of false prophets is that "we prophesy in part".

Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. (1 Corinthians 13:8-12).

In context, the partial is contrasted to the perfect (complete) in 1 Corinthians 13.1 The perfect brings an end to the partial i.e. the partial or incomplete gives way to the perfect. Does Paul mean to tell us that since we have not entered into the perfect at the present time that prophesies may be inaccurate? If that is correct, then why does he make a distinction between true and false prophets, why does he give such dire warnings about false teachers/prophets, and why does he condemn false prophets?  Why did he commend the Bereans for testing his words against the scriptures? (Acts 17:11 cf. Acts 20:27); and why are we admonished to test the spirits? (1 John 4:1). Biblically there is no latitude given to prophets regarding accuracy. (Jeremiah 23:16; Ezekiel 13:1-23).

 

I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears.. (Acts 20:29-31 cf. Matthew 7:15,24:11; 2 Peter 2:1; Jude 1:3-16).

Michael Brown's suggestion for Hinn to spend time with Mike Winger is based on the false premise that Hinn is an authentic Christian and not a wolf. Brown: "..lets clean house.. Why not spend a day with Mike Winger.. Spend a day together and say 'OK, I want you to know I want you to be able to talk to me plainly and raise your issues and questions' and just off the record the two of them behind the scenes 'I want to share my heart with you and I want you to understand who I am' and then whatever comes out of it comes out of it, but this is what we have to do, we have to have the private conversations and then we have to demonstrate public fruits of repentance.." 2 

Believers are commanded to mark and avoid false teachers. (Romans 16:17). 

When I see Hinn close down his so-called "ministry" and give his ill-gotten gains to the poor I will accept his repentance as credible!    

1. Strong's Greek: 5046. τέλειος (teleios) -- having reached its end, i.e. complete, by ext. perfect (biblehub.com)
2. Accountability, Repentance and Legacy: Dr. Michael Brown Discusses Pastor Benny Hinn @LFTV (youtube.com)

LEE BRAINARD DEMOLISHING THE PREWRATH RAPTURE - NOT!

 (348) Demolishing The Prewrath Rapture - YouTube

Lee Brainard: "Many folks today are rejecting the pretrib rapture and flocking to the prewrath rapture. The main argument for the prewrath rapture claims that the wrath of God and the tribulation are not the same, but rather that the wrath of God arrives during the tribulation, being heralded with the opening of the sixth seal and arriving with the first trumpet. Is this theory correct?"

The reason Lee Brainard keeps banging on about the pretribulation rapture is that his favourite false doctrine is failing and discerning Christians are rejecting it. (1 John 4:1). The pretrib rapture theory has troubled the church since the mid-19th century, and it presents a considerable threat to believers, especially those who will be alive during the 70th week of Daniel. There is no evidence that the early Fathers taught pretribulationism despite Brainard's best efforts to prove otherwise.1 I find increasingly that there is little to choose between NAR false prophets and pretrib "prophecy experts" who speculate and fail to rightly divide the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15). The pretrib camp are not doing the church any favours with their continual misapplication of Old Testament prophecies such as Psalm 83, Isaiah 17, Ezekiel 38 and Jeremiah 49. Although believers are instructed to "keep watch" (Matthew 24:42), some are cashing in on the current world situation by promoting questionable theories about end-time events. The speculators would not take such delight in anticipating the day of the Lord if they knew they would face the Antichrist! (Amos 5:18). False prophets make great boasts and wonderful promises, but ultimately their words lead to false hope and tragedy! (Jeremiah 23:16).     

Defining "the day of the Lord" in the scriptures.  

To clarify the prewrath position: The rapture and the day of the Lord are back-to-back events i.e. the day of the Lord begins on the same day as the rapture after the sixth seal is broken. Brainard's skewed perception of the prewrath view of "the day of the Lord" is incorrect. He claims, it is wrong to view the day of the Lord as "a static chunk of time" separated from the first five seals. Brainard: "It doesn't start small and get big it starts full-blown wrath and it ends full blown wrath." The day of the Lord is distinguished from the previous 70th-week catastrophes during the first four seals (i.e. war famine and death). After the seventh seal is broken there is a pause (Revelation 8:1), and God begins to pour out His wrath directly from heaven via the seven angels' trumpet and bowl judgements. There is a progression as each trumpet judgement unfolds. (Revelation 8:6-13; 9:1-20, 16:1-20).    

Brainard: "Okay we got a three-and-a-half-year tribulation and immediately at the end of that tribulation these signs in the heavens happen. If they happen after the tribulation, they can't happen during the tribulation. They're going to happen at the second coming. there's zero room here to squeeze in one day much less 6 months or a year. This tribulation comes to an end, the Lord descends from Heaven he takes the Antichrist the false prophet throws those foul beings into the Lake of Fire.. " (29:00 mark)

If we accept Brainard's pretrib view, it is impossible to reconcile Matthew 24:29 and Revelation 6:12-17. Furthermore, Brainard fails to take into account that the tribulation will be cut short. (Matthew 24:21-22). We must therefore conclude that the great tribulation ends immediately before, or coincides with, the sixth seal cosmic disturbances if we are to harmonize the scriptures. (2 Timothy 2:15).

Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. (Matthew 24:29).

When he opened the sixth seal, I looked, and behold, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth, the full moon became like blood, and the stars of the sky fell to the earth as the fig tree sheds its winter fruit when shaken by a gale. The sky vanished like a scroll that is being rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place. Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slaved and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, calling to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?” (Revelation 6:12-17).

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. And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. (Matthew 24:21-22).

The biblical pattern

The symbolism of the plagues of Egypt foreshadows "the day of the Lord". The day of the Lord is not a literal 24-hour day, it will be a period of unknown duration, lasting at least five months. (Revelation 9:5,10), when the Lord will bring ultimate judgement upon the world.

Alan Kurschner: "There is a biblical pattern where God supernaturally rescues his people just before he executes divine judgment upon the wicked. For example, this is memorably portrayed in the story of God’s plagues against Egypt, culminating in the deliverance of Israel from the hands of Pharaoh’s army that was ultimately destroyed in the Red Sea.. The day of the Lord is not a mere literal twenty-four day. It is the unified complex-whole of events starting with deliverance of the saints and followed by an undetermined period of judgment.2  

The locust plague in Joel 1:1-15 is viewed by the prophet as prefiguring the far worse calamity i.e. the day of the Lord. 

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown:"5. day of the Lord—(Joe 2:1, 11); that is, the day of His anger (Isa 13:9; Ob 15; Zep 1:7, 15). It will be a foretaste of the coming day of the Lord as Judge of all men, whence it receives the same name. Here the transition begins from the plague of locusts to the worse calamities (Joe 2:1-11) from invading armies about to come on Judea, of which the locusts were the prelude."3  

Who are the 24 elders?

Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads. (Revelation 4:4).

Brainard's attempt to place the rapture before the opening of the first seal and his argument that the twenty-four elders are representative of the church is based on a single verse of scripture. However, there is no mention of "a great multitude" in Revelation 4 and 5, whereas "a great multitude" (the redeemed) appears in Revelation 7. 

After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands.. Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?” I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. (Revelation 7:9,13-14).

Revelation 5:8-11 and different interpretations

And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song, saying,“Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” (Revelation 5:8-11). 

The KJV differs from the majority of versions bible versions: ..And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. 

Alan Kurschner argues for the third person as the correct interpretation of the ransomed, as against the first person in Revelation 5: 8-11. Instead of "made us a kingdom" and "we shall reign on the earth", according to Kurschner, the best and oldest manuscripts use the third person "them" and "they".4  If this interpretation is correct, the twenty-four elders are not included in the ransomed people of God. 

Kurschner's argument is confirmed by various commentaries:

Pulpit Commentary: "And didst redeem unto God by thy blood out of every kindred, etc. Though the reading 'us' is supported by various manuscripts, and similarly the first person is used in ver. 10. yet, on the whole, it seems better to omit it, the phrase being taken in a partitve sense - 'Thou didst redeem unto God by thy blood some out of every kindred, etc., and hast made them, etc., and they shall reign.'"5

Cambridge Bible: "us] Should be omitted. The elders probably represent the whole multitude of the redeemed, but they are not here said to belong to their number, and the living creatures certainly do not. The true reading is, 'Thou wast slain, and hast purchased to God by Thy Blood out of every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nations, and hast made them unto our God a kingdom and priests, and they [shall] reign upon the earth.'”5   

Brainard's argument that the twenty-four elders represent the church fails on a number of levels. As demonstrated above, the majority of bible versions differentiate between the twenty-four elders and the church. Furthermore the KJV describes the four living creatures as "redeemed". However, the four living creatures are angelic beings who are not part of the redeemed church. 

And when I saw the Lamb open the sixth seal, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black like sackcloth of goat hair, and the whole moon turned blood red, and the stars of the sky fell to the earth like unripe figs dropping from a tree shaken by a great wind. The sky receded like a scroll being rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved from its place. Then the kings of the earth, the nobles, the commanders, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and free man hid in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains. And they said to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of the One seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb. For the great day of Their wrath has come, and who is able to withstand it?” (Revelation 6:12-17).

Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to Him, we ask you, brothers, not to be easily disconcerted or alarmed by any spirit or message or letter seeming to be from us, alleging that the Day of the Lord has already come. Let no one deceive you in any way, for it will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness—the son of destruction—is revealed. (2 Thessalonians 2:1-4).

     

1. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: Lee Brainard (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)
2. The Day of the Lord Begins with the Rapture | ESCHATOS MINISTRIES (alankurschner.com)
3. Joel 1 Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary (biblehub.com)
4. Twenty Four Elders Archives | ESCHATOS MINISTRIES (alankurschner.com)
5. Revelation 5:9 Commentaries: And they sang a new song, saying, "Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. (biblehub.com)

MARK DRISCOLL: DOES THE JEZEBEL SPIRIT EXIST?

The recent histrionics enacted by Mark Driscoll at the Stronger Men's Conference at Assemblies of God NAR James River "Church" are, in my view, a publicity stunt staged to propel him into the spotlight. Driscoll's attention-seeking has had the desired effect, and many people are talking about his altercation with "pastor" John Lindell online. I will not expand on the altercation here except to say that yet another NAR "church" has been exposed as worldly and totally out of step with biblical Christianity. Driscoll's book "New Days, Old Demons" has recently been released and he has also released a number of YouTube videos on the subject of the so-called "Jezebel spirit". 

Driscoll formed Trinity Church in Scottsdale, Arizona in 2016 two years after suddenly departing Mars Hill Church, leaving a trail of accusations and spiritual damage in his wake. He has now ditched Calvinism in support of the NAR and has labelled the five points of Calvinism "garbage".1 While Driscoll's assessment of Calvinism is not wrong, his teaching on the "Jezebel spirit" can equally be described as garbage. More accurately it is dangerous garbage!

The Jezebel Spirit

In an X post with a link to a sermon, Driscoll asks, “What is the Jezebel spirit, and how is she destroying the American church? Today we pull back the veil on the demonic."2 

Driscoll: “The Jezebel spirit is not a synonym for ‘tramp,’ and it's got nothing to do with racism. The Jezebel spirit is a demon that has worked through men and women for centuries, from Queen Jezebel in 1st Kings to Jesus's rebuke of the church in Thyatira in Revelation 2,” he wrote on X. "This demon seeks to control and dominate, most often through seductive women but oftentimes through overbearing, domineering men. I literally wrote the book on this. I want to give it away absolutely free. I get nothing out of it, I just want men and women to learn more about the spiritual war behind the war we see."3

As far as I am aware, biblical scholars have never entertained the possibility of a "Jezebel spirit". Once again, Mickey Mouse NAR pastors seem to be the only ones eisegeting Revelation 2:20. This interpretation is rife within charismatic NAR "demon slayer" circles e.g. Kathryn Krick, Bill Johnson, Isaiah Salvidar, Vlad Savchuck etc. The "Jezebel spirit" is often associated with manipulation, control, and division. Anyone daring to question church leadership or exercising critical thinking is at risk of being slurred with this label. (1 John 4:1; Acts 17:11). Blame-shifting often coincides with gaslighting and other forms of abuse. Psychology Today: "A blame-shift is meant to absolve the abuser of responsibility but it also effectively makes the target feel guilty or shamed."4 This is precisely what is taking place within the NAR and is not a new stratagem of the enemy. (1 Corinthians 2:11). The prophet Elijah was labelled "troubler of Israel". (1 Kings 18:17). NAR leaders infiltrate the true church with idolatry, manipulation and control, claiming to be apostles and prophets and generally causing havoc. Paradoxically NAR leaders themselves are the very epitome of Jezebel!

The scriptures do not describe a "spirit of Jezebel" Rather Jezebel is a byword and a symbol of all the wicked things she represents. Jezebel was a Phoenician princess, the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians whose family was devoted to the worship of Baal and Astarte. Israel's King Ahab, married Jezebel despite the Lord's explicit command not to intermarry with the Canaanites. (Deuteronomy 7:1-4).

However, Ahab son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD, more than all who were before him. And as if it were not enough for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, he even married Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and he then proceeded to serve and worship Baal. First, Ahab set up an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal that he had built in Samaria. Then he set up an Asherah pole. Thus Ahab did more to provoke the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger than all the kings of Israel before him. (1 Kings 16:30-33).

Jezebel killed the prophets of the Lord (1 Kings 18:4,13); she established 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah (1 Kings 18:19); she threatened the life of Elijah (1 Kings 19:1-2); she contrived the murder of Naboth and illicitly obtained his vineyard for Ahab (1 Kings 21:1-16); she incited Ahab (1 Kings 21:25); she is described as a whore and a sorcerer (2 Kings 9:22); she is idolatrous, sexually immoral and unrepentant. (Revelation 2:20-21).

Jezebel is alluded to in the Book of Revelation:

But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols. I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality. (Revelation 2:20-21).

Revelation 2:20 does not identify "that woman Jezebel" as a spirit. Evil spirits are specifically identified. e.g. the spirit of Antichrist.(1 John 4:3); the spirit of error (τὸ πνεῦμα τῆς πλάνης. (1 John 4:6); deceitful spirits (πνεύμασι πλάνοις) and teachings of demons. i.e. evil spirits animating false teachers.5 (1 Timothy 4:1); a spirit of divination (πνεῦμα Πύθωνα) a Python. (Acts 16:16); impure spirits/demonic spirits. (Revelation 16:13-14); various instances of unclean spirits. ( Mark 1:27); deaf and mute spirit. (Mark 9:25). 

ATS Bible Dictionary: "Her name has become a proverb, and is given by John, probably as a descriptive epithet, to a certain female at Thyatira in his day holding a like bad preeminence in station and profligacy, in malice and in ruin, Luke 20:18 Revelation 2:10"." 6

Easton's Bible Dictionary: "Her name afterwards came to be used as the synonym for a wicked woman (Revelation 2:20)."6 

Driscoll also refers to the "spirit of Ahab" and the "spirit of Elijah". Elijah is juxtaposed with Jezebel in the text of 1 and 2 Kings. There is no evidence of a "spirit of Elijah" in the scriptures. Malachi 4:5-6 warns about judgement and the appearance of Elijah before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. Jesus identified John the Baptist as Elijah. (Matthew 11:13-14). The appearance of Moses and Elijah with Jesus at His transfiguration is a significant event in the New Testament. (Matthew 17:1-3). It is further speculated that Elijah will be one of the two witnesses in Revelation 11:3-12. Believers have been given the Holy Spirit and have no business calling upon any other spirit. 

 

I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another. (1 Corinthians 4:6).

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15).

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).

1. I know this happened ages ago but Driscoll thinks Calvinism is "garbage" : r/exReformed (reddit.com)
2. Pastor John Lindell Apologizes for Inviting Driscoll & Sword-Swallower to Stronger Men's Conference (julieroys.com)
3. Mark Driscoll slams Jezebel spirit at Stronger Men's Conference | Church & Ministries News (christianpost.com)
4. 5 Kinds of Blame-Shifting, and Why They Work | Psychology Today
5. 1 Timothy 4 Vincent's Word Studies (biblehub.com)
6. Topical Bible: Jezebel (biblehub.com)

Further Links

Former Mars Hill Elders: Mark Driscoll Is Still ‘Unrepent...... | News & Reporting | Christianity Today

5 Things Christians Need to Know about the Mark Driscoll Scandals - Christian News Headlines (christianheadlines.com)

board_of_elders_on_driscoll_investigation.pdf

JOHN PIPER: EPHESIANS 2:8 THE DAMAGING CONSEQUENCES OF CALVINISM

What Do I Do If I've Tried to Believe In Jesus but Can't? (youtube.com)

The question addressed to John Piper: "I have concluded that I don't have saving faith. I have tried to believe in Jesus for two years, but I can't. I fear I am beyond saving. What can I do?" 

John Piper: "It may be that the Lord has withheld from you the kind of faith you are looking for in order to make you feel absolutely desperate.. We cannot produce faith. If we have genuine faith it is a gift.."  

Undoubtedly, faith plays a central role in salvation, but whether it is directly given by God or arises from hearing and responding to His Word is a matter of interpretation. Those who teach that faith is a gift misapply the phrase "and this is not your from yourselves" (Ephesians 2:8). The consensus amongst Greek scholars is that the phrase "and this is not from yourselves" refers to salvation itself, not faith. For an in-depth study of the Greek see the link at the end.

The definition of faith is to have complete trust or confidence in something. Biblically, faith needs to be applied in order to receive salvation. The scriptures never define faith as a work i.e. something we do in order to earn salvation. The scriptures make a clear distinction between faith and works. (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 3:28,4:2-5; Galatians 3:10-11; Philippians 3:9). The scriptures explicitly state that salvation is a gift from God that cannot be earned, rather salvation is received by faith. (John 3:16; Romans 5:15,6:23 cf. Galatians 2:16). The conundrum that Calvinism poses is that if faith is a work then our salvation would be earned, but that interpretation violates God's word. 

Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, (Romans 4:4-5).

It is by grace you have been saved! And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages He might display the surpassing riches of His grace, demonstrated by His kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:5-9).

Piper's irresponsible response in defining saving faith as something God can withhold is false and effectively erects a barrier between God and the enquirer. The right response would be to give hope and assurance to the enquirer by clarifying that the invitation to believe is open to everyone. (Matthew 11:28). The damage that Calvinism does to those outside and inside the church is inestimable.

Pulpit Commentary: "Verse 8. - For by grace have ye been saved, through faith. He repeats what he had said parenthetically (ver. 5), in order to open the subject up more fully. On the part of God, salvation is by grace; on the part of man, it is through faith.. The apostle is so anxious to bring out the great distinguishing doctrine of grace that he puts it in all lights, affirms it positively, contrasts it with its opposite, and emphasizes it by repetition. It is a gift, not a purchase; a free gift, without money and without price; what would never have been yours, but for the generosity of God. It is very usual in the New Testament thus to represent salvation; cf. our Lord's words to Nicodemus (John 3:16); to the woman of Samaria (John 4:14); St. Paul's "Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift" (2 Corinthians 9:15); "The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23); and 1 John 5:11, "God gave unto us eternal life, and the life is in his Son." This usage confirms the view that it is not merely faith, but the whole work and person of Christ which faith receives, that is meant here as the "gift of God."1

Is Faith a Gift of God? – Ephesians 2:8 Reconsidered – Grace Evangelical Society (faithalone.org)

1. Ephesians 2 Pulpit Commentary (biblehub.com)

BENNY HINN'S OPPOSITION TO MIKE WINGER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SLAIN IN THE SPIRIT: THE CORRUPT LOGIC OF MICHAEL BROWN

Is Being ‘Slain in the Spirit’ Really from the Lord? (youtube.com)

Below: New Apostolic Reformation proponent Michael Brown's devious response to the question of whether the phenomenon of "slain in the Spirit" is from the Lord:   

Where is it spoken against in the bible?
Where does God warn against it?

Where does scripture say this is something we should avoid? 

We use the Word of God according to the Word of God, not according to your standard or mine, but according to the Word of God.

Does (slain in the Spirit) lead them to Jesus, does it lead them to the truth, does it lead them to the Word, does it lead them to holiness?

The answer to all the above questions is negative. The "slain in the Spirit" phenomenon is not found in the scriptures. Along with other alleged "signs," this phenomenon can only be found within charismania and it does not lead people to Jesus, truth, and holiness. 

Many have witnessed the antics, the fakery, and the abominations of false teachers like Todd Bentley, Benny Hinn, Bill Johnson, Mike Bickle, Todd White etc. Their teachings and lifestyles are disqualifying traits and a denial of the faith. (2 Timothy 3:8; Colossians 2:18). The scriptures instruct believers to mark and avoid those who teach things contrary to the scriptures. (Romans 16:17). Should we believe anecdotal evidence from Brown and other NAR leaders about this experience? Michael Brown has already demonstrated to the world that he is far too busy "fulfilling God's calling" and providing cover for his friends to care about believers! (Acts 20:21).1

Arguments from scriptural silence

Brown's assumption that whatever is not expressly forbidden in the scriptures is allowed is yet another one of his devious attempts to obscure the scriptures. To reject NAR false teachers and any phenomena associated with them is to practice spiritual discernment. Arguments from scriptural silence are by their very nature unsound. If we operate on the premise of scriptural silence, we are free to approve of any practice we care to devise. The result is that literally anything goes and all kinds of disorderly and corrupt conduct arises. (1 Corinthians 14:40; Colossians 2:5).

Several Old Testament passages demonstrate the folly of deviating from the scriptures: e.g. Nahab and Abihu and the strange fire incident (Leviticus 10:1). When David brought the ark from Kiriath-Jearim he said "If it seems good to you and from the LORD our God."  The specific instruction for transporting the ark given to Moses was that it was to be carried by the Levitical priests. (Exodus 25:10-15). However, David transported the ark on a cart, and when the oxen stumbled, Uziah put out his hand to take hold of the ark and the Lord's anger was kindled. (1 Chronicles 13:7-10). King David's willful act of taking a census was incited by Satan. (1 Chronicles 21:1-7). A census of the Israelites was to be taken only when God specifically commanded it to be done. (Numbers 1:1-2,4:2,26:2-4). God condemned the illicit high places erected by the people of Judah: And they have built the high places of Topheth, which is in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire, which I did not command, nor did it come into my mind. (Jeremiah 7:31).

Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. (Acts 20:28-31 cf. Matthew 24:24)

Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. (1 Timothy 4:16 cf. Exodus 23:13; 1 Corinthians 4:6).

    

Brown quoted the response of Puritan theologian and philosopher Jonathan Edwards to his critics during the "Great Awakening" in the 1730s and 1740s. Edwards: "We ought not to limit God where he hath not limited Himself."2  Brown's snapshot of Jonathan Edwards is misleading. Edwards did not class various manifestations (bodily effects) as distinguishing marks of the Holy Spirit one way or the other. Edwards was a very controversial character who eventually lost the confidence of his own congregation. Because false revivals are often accompanied by unusual phenomena not found in the scriptures, those leading them are unreliable witnesses. 

Wikipedia: "The movement met with opposition from conservative Congregationalist ministers. In 1741, Edwards published in the defense of revivals The Distinguishing Marks of a Work of the Spirit of God, dealing particularly with the phenomena most criticized: the swoonings, outcries, and convulsions. These "bodily effects", he insisted, were not distinguishing marks of the work of the Spirit of God one way or another. So bitter was the feeling against the revival in some churches that in 1742 he felt moved to write a second apology, Thoughts on the Revival in New England, where his main argument concerned the great moral improvement of the country. In the same pamphlet he defends an appeal to the emotions and advocates preaching terror when necessary, even to children, who in God's sight 'are young vipers... if not Christ's.'"3  

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).

 

1. A Friendly Challenge to My Critics (youtube.com)
2. Edwards - The Distinguishing Marks of a Work of the Spirit of God (monergism.com)
3. Jonathan Edwards (theologian) - Wikipedia

Further Links

The Silence of the Scriptures: Permissive or Prohibitive? | Christian Courier
An Introduction to Bible Silence (insearchoftruth.org)
If Brown is not a NARpostle, then what was he ‘imparting’ to NARpostle Katherine Ruonala? (churchwatchcentral.com)Search Results for “Michael Brown” – ChurchWatch Central

JOEL RICHARDSON DISTORTING THE SCRIPTURES: THE DEATH OF THE ANTICHRIST?

Armageddon & the Death of the Antichrist BOOK OF REVELATION Session 70 (youtube.com)

Who is Gog?

This is my third post debunking Joel Richardson's false assertion that the Antichrist will be killed. No biblical evidence supports Richardson's repeated assertion that Gog and the Antichrist are the same individual. In fact, there are various contradictory speculations regarding Gog's identity and the timing of the Gog/Magog war of Ezekiel 38 and 39. The chart below, taken from Chris White's YouTube channel, demonstrates that the only commonality among speculators is that Ezekiel 38 and 39 is a future event.1 

Most speculators ignore the reference in Ezekiel 38 to a peaceful people dwelling securely. 

This is what the Lord GOD says: On that day, thoughts will arise in your mind, and you will devise an evil plan. You will say, ‘I will go up against a land of unwalled villages; I will come against a tranquil people who dwell securely, all of them living without walls or bars or gates— (Ezekiel 38:10-11,14).

Armageddon - Mount Megiddo or Jerusalem? 

There are a number of reasons why Mount Megiddo is the location of Armageddon as against Jerusalem. The Armageddon/Jerusalem theory is relatively recent and was introduced by Michael Heiser whose eschatological teaching is unreliable. We should remember that the entire world will be subject to massive topological changes via the great earthquake during the seventh bowl of wrath. It is unlikely that the Antichrist will be in Jerusalem (the great city) during the seventh bowl judgement. Rather it makes more sense that the Antichrist and "the kings of the world" will flee the cities and will assemble at Mount Megiddo. (Revelation 16:14,16). I have done a deeper analysis of Heiser's view in a previous post. (See further links) 

The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple, from the throne, saying, “It is done!” And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings,c peals of thunder, and a great earthquake such as there had never been since man was on the earth, so great was that earthquake. The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell, and God remembered Babylon the great, to make her drain the cup of the wine of the fury of his wrath. And every island fled away, and no mountains were to be found. And great hailstones, about one hundred pounds each, fell from heaven on people; and they cursed God for the plague of the hail, because the plague was so severe. (Revelation 16:17-21 cf. Revelation 18:24).

The death of the Antichrist?

In hermeneutics, the basic rule is that the clear interprets the obscure i.e. clear passages take precedence over obscure ones. All Scripture presents one unified system of truth (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter1:20-21). As such, where there seems to be a contradiction or discrepancy we should seek to harmonize obscure passages with the clearer ones.

It is to Richardson's advantage that the Antichrist will be killed since he has widely taught the speculative Islamic Antichrist theory for years. Furthermore, he has written books on this subject with false teacher Walid Shoebat and others. The reference to the beast and the false prophet being thrown alive into the lake of fire is an explicit proof text. Unfortunately, Richardson's poor hermeneutic and eisegesis have taken precedence over the important principle of harmonizing obscure passages.

And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. (Revelation 19:20).  

And the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur, into which the beast and the false prophet had already been thrown. There they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. (Revelation 20:10).

The buriel of Gog in Israel presents a huge problem for those who claim he is the Antichrist. 

On that day I will give to Gog a place for burial in Israel, the Valley of the Travelers, east of the sea. It will block the travelers, for there Gog and all his multitude will be buried. It will be called the Valley of Hamon-gog. (Ezekiel 39:11).

Richardson's alleged proof texts

Habakkuk 3:13-14

You went out for the salvation of your people, for the salvation of your anointed. You crushed the head of the house of the wicked, laying him bare from thigh to neck. Selah. You pierced with his own arrows the heads of his warriors, who came like a whirlwind to scatter me, rejoicing as if to devour the poor in secret. (Habakkuk 3:13-14 cf Psalm 68:21; Genesis 3:15)).  

But God will strike the heads of his enemies, the hairy crown of him who walks in his guilty ways. (Psalm 68:1).

I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” (Genesis 3:15 cf. Hebrews 2:14). 

Habakkuk 3:13-14 is not a reference to the Antichrist, rather, "the head of the house of the wicked" refers to Satan, confirmed in Genesis 3:15: "crush the head".

    

Coffman: “Thou woundest the head” Who is the head “out of the house of the wicked,” if not Satan? Here is a prophetic renewal of the great promise of the Protoevangelium (Genesis 3:15) that the head of the evil one would be bruised.2  

Lange: "SCHMIEDER (on Hab 3:13): The picture might be still more comprehensive, if, in accordance with Dan. 2:31 ff., we conceive the entire succession of hostile empires as the image of one man or house, whose colossal size falls under the judgments of God, after its head is broken off."3  

Isaiah 11:4 and 2 Thessalonians 2:8

And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill (ἀνελεῖ) with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing (katargeo) by the appearance of his coming. (2 Thessalonians 2:8).

..but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill (mûwth) the wicked. (Isaiah 11:4 cf. ). Strongs: מוּת mûwth, mooth; a primitive root; to die (literally or figuratively);4 

Examples of ἀναιρέω

Thayers Greek Lexicon: ἀναιρέω 1. to take up, to lift up (from the ground); middle to take up for myself as value, to own (an exposed infant): Acts 7:21; (so ἀναίρεσθαι, Aristophanes nub. 531; Epictetus diss. 1, 23, 7; (Plutarch, Anton. 36, 3; fortuna Romans 8; fratern. am. 18, etc.)). 2. to take away, abolish.5

..and when he was exposed, Pharaoh’s daughter adopted (ἀνείλατο) him and brought him up as her own son. (Acts 17:21).

then he added, “Behold, I have come to do your will.” He does away (ἀναιρεῖ) with the first in order to establish the second. (Hebrews 10:9).

Examples of καταργέω

Strongs: "καταργέω katargéō, kat-arg-eh'-o; from G2596 and G691; to be (render) entirely idle (useless), literally or figuratively:—abolish, cease, cumber, deliver, destroy, do away, become (make) of no (none, without) effect, fail, loose, bring (come) to nought, put away (down), vanish away, make void."6  

Now if the ministry of death, carved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at Moses’ face because of its glory, which was being brought to an end (καταργουμένην), will not the ministry of the Spirit have even more glory? For if there was glory in the ministry of condemnation, the ministry of righteousness must far exceed it in glory. Indeed, in this case, what once had glory has come to have no glory at all, because of the glory that surpasses it. For if what was being brought to an end (καταργούμενον) came with glory, much more will what is permanent have glory. Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end (καταργεῖται) (2 Corinthians 3:7,11,13).

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown: "..so Christ's mere approach is enough to consume Antichrist. The mere 'appearance of the coming' of the Lord of glory is sufficient to show to Antichrist his perfect nothingness. He is seized and 'cast alive into the take of fire' (Re 19:20)."7

Revelation Revolution: "In light of the way katageo is used in Romans 6:6, 1 Corinthians 6:13 and 2 Corinthians 3:14 I believe this word is perhaps better translated do away or remove in 2 Thessalonians 2:8. Similarly, considering the way in which anaireo is translated as take or took away in Acts 7:21 and Hebrews 10:9, I believe 2 Thessalonians 2:8 is more accurately or precisely translated: 'And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will take away with the breath of his mouth and take or do away with [and thus reduce to inactivity] by the splendor of his coming.' As stated above, katargeo means to make inactive or to reduce to inactivity." 8 

Is this the man? Isaiah 14 

Is this the man who made the earth tremble, who shook kingdoms, who made the world like a desert and overthrew its cities, who did not let his prisoners go home?’ (Isaiah 14:16-17).

Richardson's claim that "the man" in Isaiah 14:16 refers to the Antichrist is unreliable. Isaiah 14:1-22 is a taunt against the king of Babylon (with allusions to Lucifer.) (Isaiah 14:3). But you are brought down to Sheol, to the far reaches of the pit. (Isaiah 14:9,11,15). The King of Babylon is compared with Lucifer, the Morning Star, whose pride and ambition led to his downfall from heaven. According to the Old Testament, Sheol/Hades is a temporary place where souls are kept as they await the final resurrection. The lake of fire Revelation 19:20 and 20:10,14-15, is the final hell, the place of eternal punishment, both for apostate angels and wicked human beings. (Matthew 25:41). The scriptures are unequivocal, the destination of the Antichrist (the beast) is the Lake of Fire, not Sheol. (Revelation 19:20).

I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. (Revelation 22:18-19).

It is critical to examine Richardson's track record before endorsing his views. I have written sixteen posts debunking his speculations and exposing his dubious associations with Paul Cain, Walid Shoebat and Dalton Thomas: WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: Joel Richardson (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)  

1. A GOG MAGOG STUDY - Part 1 - Intro & Revelation 20:7-10 - Bible Prophecy Talk (youtube.com)
2. Habakkuk 3 - Coffman's Commentaries on the Bible - Bible Commentaries - StudyLight.org
3. Habakkuk 3 Lange Commentary on the Holy Scriptures (biblehub.com)
4. H4191 - mûṯ - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv) (blueletterbible.org)
5. Thayer's Greek: 337. ἀναιρέω (anaireó) -- to take up, take away, make an end (biblehub.com)
6. G2673 - katargeō - Strong's Greek Lexicon (KJV)
7. 2 Thessalonians 2:8 Commentaries: Then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming; (biblehub.com)
8. https://www.revelationrevolution.org/

Further Links

A GOG MAGOG STUDY - Part 4 - Who Is Gog? - Bible Prophecy Talk (youtube.com)

The Timing of the Gog Magog War (youtube.com)
The Islamic Antichrist Theory Debunked - FULL 8 HOUR - AUDIO BOOK - Bible Prophecy (youtube.com)
WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: JOEL RICHARDSON: FALSE TEACHING THAT THE ANTICHRIST WILL BE KILLED (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)
WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: MICHAEL HEISER'S ALLEGED LOCATION OF ARMAGEDDON (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)
Zion's Hope (zionshope.org)