Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.You will recognize them by their fruits (Matthew 7/15-16)
David Hind, who claims to be an "apostolic leader of leaders", received yet another problematic "prophetic word" at One Church this Sunday.
Hind: "I just feel this verse just came alive in me just as we have been worshipping.. It's from the NIV UK, Job 36:16 and it says this.. He is wooing you.. Now we are going to release something prophetic over you.."
He is wooing you from the jaws of distress to a spacious place free from restriction, to the comfort of your table laden with choice food. (NIV)
What the NIV translation does not bring out is that literally and in context, this verse says what God would have done for Job had he repented as he should have done.
Yea, he would have led thee away out of distress into a broad place, where there is no straitness; and that which is set on thy table should be full of fatness. (English Revised Version).
Clarke: "Even so would he have removed thee - If thou hadst turned to, obeyed, and served him, thy present state would have been widely different from what it is."1
Barnes: "Even so would he have removed thee - That is, if you had been patient and resigned, and if you had gone to him with a broken heart. Having stated the 'principles' in regard to affliction which he held to be indisputable, and having affirmed that God was ever ready to relieve the sufferer if he would apply to him with a proper spirit, it was natural to infer from this that the reason why Job "continued" to suffer was, that he did not manifest a proper spirit in his trials. Had he done this, Elihu says, the hand of God would have been long since withdrawn, and his afflictions would have been removed."2
Hind continues... "If you feel there is any restrictions in your life and I am going to ask you to do something brave just here. If you are online you might want to just stand up in your living room or go towards the television.. If there is restriction in your life. Perhaps you have been held back from promotion or a breakthrough in your family or even perhaps marriage or a sickness or something that has restricted you we are going to speak this prophetically over you. So if you are facing restrictions.. I want you to fill the front. If you have any restriction in your life and something resonates come quickly right to the front.. Everyone in the room.. we are going to release a shout and receive an encounter with the Spirit.. speak over yourselves.. say 'God wants to give me a specious place'... Find that verse in the bible,, underline it, prophecy it over your life.." "prophecy to yourselves..."
This is absolutely disgusting! Where do the scriptures ever instruct us to to prophecy to ourselves?This theatre went on for around fifteen minutes starting at around the 29:00 mark. Hind repeats the word "restriction" twenty times! I don't believe this "prophetic word" came to Hind spontaneously during the service; in my view, it was an engineered intervention.
During Hind's spiritual manipulation, the band sang the song 'Break Every Chain' which was written by Will Reagan of Jesus Culture (Bethel Church Redding). This mantra-style song involves decreeing and declaring by repeating the same lyrics "There is power in the name of Jesus..to break every chain.." over and over again. This kind of "worship" has been described as mind control. Glenn's story:“I saw what I was doing as a band member as not leading people in worship, but participating in ‘conjuring’ the Holy Spirit to ‘come down’. The Holy Spirit being defined as the euphoric feeling that the droning music creates.“3The scriptures instruct believers to present prayers and petitions with thanksgiving not todecree and declare: ..do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6 cf. Ephesians 6:18; Matthew 6:7-15; James 5:13-14).
What Hind demonstrates is classic NAR rhetoric which is very dangerous. The problem with this kind of "word" is that many will wait indefinitely for their elusive "breakthrough". This skewed idea of "faith" puts confidence in false promises of "breakthrough" and is likely to culminate in either discouragement or deconstruction.
Hind personifies a chronic problem common within charismatic/Pentecostal/NAR circles. Not only is Hind an incompetent teacher with superficial bible knowledge (2 Timothy 2:15), he is also engaging in spiritual abuse. Elihu's words to Job in Job 36 were specifically directed to Job in his distress i.e. they applied to him personally. Personal words to individuals taken from the Old Testament narratives do not apply to Christians in their present circumstances.
The scriptures do not hold back in denouncing false prophets:
These are waterless springs and mists driven by a storm. For them the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved. For, speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error. They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved. For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. What the true proverb says has happened to them: “The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.” (2 Peter 2:17-22).
Thus says the LORD of hosts: “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you, filling you with vain hopes. They speak visions of their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD. (Jeremiah 23:16).
Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. (Romans 16:17-18).
Above is the word that God allegedly gave to Perry Stone for 2025.
Stone begins with the tactic known as "bolstering" i.e. he attempts to justify himself by giving examples of his alleged prophecies to establish validity for what he is about to say. Make no mistake, Perry Stone is a false prophet who associates with other money preachers and false prophets. Apart from "direct revelation", Stone claims to use "Hebraic hermeneutics" to ascertain what the Lord is saying prophetically. The phrase "Hebraic hermeneutics" may sound impressive to some, but it is not a valid theological term. The only comparable term is "Jewish hermeneutics" which is the science of biblical exegesis by the early Talmudic rabbis and is something to be avoided.1 I will not insult people's intelligence by debunking Stone's occult use of Jewish numerology, aka gematria, which is a practice that assigns numerical values to Hebrew letters and words, aiming to unveil hidden meanings and connections within Jewish texts.
Stone: "It will be the year of demon spirits using people's voice to spread and accuse others using lies and slander.. This entire season that we are in of attacking churches, attacking preachers.. everybody I know is being attacked and its people who want a following and its people who are carnal.. its people that are going to have a bad day in court in heaven and many of them are going to be cast into outer darkness.."
A question for Perry Stone: Where is truth defined as "lies and slander"?
Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. (Ephesians 5:11 cf. 1 Corinthians 5:11; 2 Thessalonians 3:6,14-15; Romans 16:17-18; 1 Timothy 6:3-5; Titus 3:10-11).
Sexual misconduct allegations
Wikipedia: "In April 2020, the Voice of Evangelism board of directors reportedly received letters from eleven individuals, nine of whom were women connected to Stone's ministry, that detailed allegations of sexual harassment and assault. Actions stipulated in the letters included 'groping, showing that he was aroused while fully clothed and rubbing himself, asking women in his ministry about their breasts, kissing the women on the neck and lips, asking them to kiss him in similar ways, messaging them to send him pictures and asking them to massage him.' According to another report, Stone admitted to having "acted inappropriately with female employees," which he attributed to stress."2
The allegations of sexual misconduct against Stone had substance and were received from twelve individuals. This situation should have led to Stone's immediate and permanent disqualification. (Hebrews 10:28). On April the 5th 2023 The Christian Post reported that although a grand jury declined to file any charges against Stone, Stephen Crump, the 10th Judicial District Attorney General, said the allegations still concerned him, and the case file would remain open.3 Stone's response to the allegations was to turn himself into a victim. Stone: "I am going to commit suicide up in the mountains.. I am going to take pills up in the mountains.. I can't put up with this.. I have almost no friends because of this sxxx. I will take my life before I let the ministry go down. I swear to God I will take my life.." You can hear Stone's full rant on the video posted by Ray Curry below. This is the same kind of ungodly response displayed by King Saul whose spiritual decline accompanied his disobedience. (1 Samuel 31:1-6). The biblical response should have been repentance, something Stone obviously knows nothing about! (2 Chronicles 7:14).
Walters: "What did Jesus say about Transhumanism in the Great Tribulation? What Bible verse links DNA tampering and the cutting short of the Great Tribulation? Does Jesus come back early because of the threat of genetic changes? How is this related to the Days of Noah and Yuval Noah Harari? Click here to watch this Nelson Walters video to discover the answers to all these questions."
Walters suggests that Matthew 24:22 holds profound implications that "go way beyond traditional interpretations when you view these implications through the lens of genetics, technology, transhumanism." His proposal that Jesus' return may be due to genetic tampering and not just persecution hinges on a single Greek word, sarx/flesh, and is highly problematic.
So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let the one who is on the housetop not go down to take what is in his house, and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath. For then (τότε) 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 (sarx) would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. (Matthew 24:15-22).
The time allocated for the great tribulation is 3.5 years which is described variously as 1260 days (Revelation 11:2;12:6), time, times and half a time (Daniel 7:25,12:7; Revelation 12:14); and 42 months (Revelation 11:2,13:5). Additional time periods of 1290 days and 1335 days are mentioned in Daniel12:11-12. These additional 30 and 45 days appear to represent transitional periods.* The allocated time of 3.5 years will be prematurely shortened (ἐκολοβώθησαν) by divine intervention. This event has been described by some as an "amputation" and refers to the rapture.
Walters suggests that the abomination of desolation event and the great tribulation period could "overlap" and may not start and end at the same time. He goes on to unpack a confusing scenario, relocating the great tribulation and placing it prior to the midpoint of the 70th week. Walters' speculation and his attempt to relocate the great tribulation runs contrary to the context of Matthew 24:15-22. He does not present anything that remotely conforms to sound exegesis.
Walters: "Many assume that the Antichrist's reign and the tribulation are synonymous, but the bible doesn't equate the two.. For instance, the great tribulation could end before the Antichrist's reign rule and persecution ends."
In context ~ The abomination of desolation event and the great tribulation are linked in Matthew 24:15-22 by the adverb τότε "For then" = then at that time. This sequence of events occurs during the second half of Daniel's 70th week.
Strongs: "Usage: The Greek adverb "τότε" (tote) is used to denote a specific point in time, often indicating a sequence of events or a particular moment in a narrative. It is frequently translated as 'then' or 'at that time' in English. In the New Testament, 'τότε' is used to connect events in a chronological order, providing a temporal framework for the unfolding of biblical narratives."1
Walters also incorrectly suggests that the great tribulation is shortened "for the elect, but not universally." (Matthew 24:22). Walters: "The time of great suffering would end for those raptured at that time, but not for the others (i.e. non-believers)." The scriptures confirm that the great tribulation will end immediately before the cosmic disturbances and the rapture. (Matthew 24:29-30). The persecution (great tribulation) of the Antichrist is directed toward believers, not unbelievers..“So when you see the abomination of desolation.. (Matthew 24 15). Non-believers i.e. the earth dwellers will be fully supportive of the Antichrist and will not suffer persecution from that source. However, they will suffer the subsequent wrath of God. (Revelation 13:7-8).
Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. (Matthew 24:29-31).
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, slave 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 6:12-16).
And if those days had not been cut short, no human being (sarx) would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. (Matthew 24:22).
Walters builds his transhumanism theory from one word, sarx which translates flesh.
Walters: "..the great tribulation will threaten the human genome as a means to wipe out true humans. This theory balances on the word 'flesh' used in this verse.."
Walters gives the example of Genesis 6:12: And God saw the earth, and behold, it was corrupt, for all flesh (basar) had corrupted their way on the earth.
Walters' example that genetic corruption was involved in the flood is unsubstantiated. Genesis 6:12 says the earth was corrupt and all flesh had corrupted their way, not that their actual flesh was corrupt or that the people had become non-human. Strongs: "The Hebrew word 'basar' primarily refers to the physical flesh of humans and animals. It is used to describe the material substance of the body, distinguishing it from the spirit or soul. In a broader sense, 'basar can also refer to mankind or humanity as a whole, emphasizing the mortal and perishable nature of human beings.. Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: - σάρξ (sarx) - Strong's Greek 4561, often used in the New Testament to denote flesh, both literally and metaphorically.2This important definition refutes Walters' theory that people are a different non-human species both in Genesis 6:12 and Matthew 24:22. The prewrath interpretation of Matthew 24:22 is: If the Antichrist's persecution were allowed to continue unchecked then no believer (flesh) would be saved. However, for the sake of the elect the persecution/tribulation will be cut short.
The transhumanism agenda is being pursued by various elites such as Bill Gates, Elon Musk, Klaus Schwab etc. Transhumanism has been described as a satanic ideology in competition with religion as an inversion of the second coming of Christ. The problem with Walters' suggestion is that transhumanism seeks to merge or enhance the human genome with nonbiological technology, it does not replace the imago dei. Transhumanism appears to be an attempt to replicate Babel in Genesis 11 and is based on science (scientism) or "knowledge so-called" (1 Timothy 6:20). There is no hermeneutic or exegetical basis to suggest that transhumanism replaces the human soul or that people cease to become human following reception of the mark. The evidence for this is that "the dead" i.e. lost humans are ultimately held accountable according to their actions and will face the great white throne judgement. (Revelation 20:11-15).
The mark of the beast does bring about a change for those who receive it, but the scriptures do not indicate what precisely the mark is or whether transhumanism is involved. Deciphering the mark of the beast calls for wisdom and understanding, not speculation. (Revelation 13:18). Those who receive the mark will have committed irrevocably to the beast (the Antichrist) and are, from that point, beyond redemption.
And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyoneworships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink the wine of God’s wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name.” (Revelation 14:9-11).
So the first angel went and poured out his bowl on the earth, and harmful and painful sores came upon the people who bore the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. (Revelation 16:2).
And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation, and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain. (Revelation 13:7-8).
And it was allowed to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast might even speak and might cause those who would not worship the image of the beast to be slain. Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name. This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666. (Revelation 13:15-18).
Walters is sowing confusion based on eisegesis. Another claim from Walters is that the seventieth week of Daniel began on October 2nd, 2024, during the Feast of Trumpets. As such, he is virtually setting a date for the parousia (Matthew 24:36). Walters' speculations are not biblical and should be rejected.
I testify to everyone who hears the words of prophecy in 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 this book of prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and the holy city, which are described in this book. (Revelation 22:18-19 cf. Proverbs 30:6; 1 Corinthians 4:6; Deuteronomy 12:32).
There is no evidence to support the claim that ἀποστασία in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 is a physical departure i.e. the rapture. A wide range of experts and even some pretrib teachers disagree with this interpretation. Woods has no further evidence to add to this overcooked argument, so why does he rake it up again?
Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we ask you, brothers, not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by a spirit or a spoken word, or a letter seeming to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion (apostasia) comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. (2 Thessalonians 2:1-4).
Blue Letter Bible: "ἀποστασία apostasía, ap-os-tas-ee'-ah; feminine of the same as G647; defection from truth (properly, the state) ('apostasy'):—falling away, forsake."1
During Alan Kurschner's debate with Thomas Ice in 2015, Kurschner attempted to settle this false claim once and for all. It was like pulling teeth, but eventually, Ice admitted that he could not provide any evidence to support this interpretation.
Kurschner: "I just want to reaffirm here. You’re just mention that
apostasia can refer to a physical departure, but you’re not able to produce a
single instance in all of Koine Greek literature that apostasia ever means a
physical departure. Is that correct?"
Ice: "I’m not able but Wayne House was."
Kurschner: "Okay. But you’re not able to give us what Wayne House…"
Ice: "I can’t give it to you here." (Debate Transcript p. 57-58).3
The "Wayne House" document provides no definitive evidence that ἀποστασία refers to a physical departure as in the rapture.4 Some early translations interpreted ἀποστασία as "departure", but in context, this refers to adeparture from the faith. As Kurschner points out, the noun ἀποστασία in Koine Greek never refers to physical departure, it alwaysrefers to political or religious defection.
2 Thessalonians 2:1-4 is a classic prewrath passage. Paul explains to the Thessalonians that "the day of the Lord" i.e. the Lord's wrath will not come unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed. (2 Thessalonians 2:3 cf. Matthew 24:10). There are thirty parallels between Jesus' teaching in the Olivet Discourse and Paul’s teaching in Thessalonians.5
The day of the Lord's wrath (orgé) is specifically tied to the trumpet and bowl judgements which do not occur until after the great tribulation. (Matthew 24:29 cf. Revelation 6:17; Revelation 8-9,15-16; Isaiah 13:9; Zephaniah 1:14-15 2 Peter 3:10).
Andy Woods is highly regarded and well-buttressed by the pretrib camp. However, he is not beyond the reach of the Lord! Woods and other pretrib teachers should consider the devastating effects of this doctrine on the final generation of believers. It is likely that many pretrib believers will "fall away" due to failed expectations of deliverance from the great tribulation. (Matthew 24:10). Tragically, Olivier Melnick has come out of Judaism only to fall for the false pretrib rapture. How will Woods, Melnick, and others answer to the Lord on the day of judgement for leading many believers into apostasy? I fear for all those deceived by this false doctrine and I also fear for pretrib teachers themselves. But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned. (Matthew 12:36-37 cf. Romans 14:12).
The failing reputation of the pretrib camp
Examples:
* Lee Brainard's recent denial of imminence and his defective research into the early Church Fathers.6
* Failed marriage counselor and spiritual abuser Jimmy Evans of Daystar infamy is "transitioning" out of XO Marriage and intends to devote himself to endtimes.com full-time.I have reported on the murky world of Jimmy Evans in previous posts. Evans' uptake of the name Endtimes Ministries is a usurpation of a completely different ministry called Endtime Ministries. Evans' subsequent unethical takeover of Endtime Ministries slot on Daystar is unsurprising given his previous ungodly behaviour. * Mark Hitchcock is closely associated with Jimmy Evans and has recently endorsed him as an "expert".7
* Mark Hitchcock's recent claim that he has discovered "new evidence" of the pretrib rapture in Irenaeus is a regurgitation of old false claims.7
* Hitchcock and Evans recently promoted their new book together.8
* Prophecy Watchers give a platform to false teachers such as Jonathan Cahn who claims to be "prophetic", "Reverend" Donna Howell, Nephilim "expert" LA Marzulli, "prophecy expert" and speculator Bill Salus, and of course, disgraced spiritual abuser Jimmy Evans. 9
* Prophecy Watchers are closely associated with Daystar.9
* Jack Hibbs' shocking endorsement of NAR "apostolic leader" Che Ahn and his continued support of Daystar.9
* Date setter JD Farag predicted that the rapture would occur before the 25th of September 2023.10
* Don Stewart continues to churn out prophecy updates despite his adulterous marriage.11
* Andy Woods credibility issues! Alan Kurschner's strong rebuttal against Andy Woods' "lies" and "evasion of significant arguments" in 2018.12
Critically the pretrib rapture fails the test of the scriptures and is based on the teachings of cult leader John Nelson Darby and defective "Left Behind" theology. (1 John 4:1).
Mark Hitchcock: "Today, I unveil compelling historical evidence that challenges one of the most common objections to the pre-Tribulation Rapture—that it was never taught before 1830. Through examining newly discovered writings from Irenaeus, a second-century church father who learned from those who knew the apostles, we find clear support for a pre-Tribulation Rapture view. Along with subscriber-exclusive answers to crucial questions about salvation, judgment, and end-times prophecy, this teaching provides both historical and biblical evidence for Christ's imminent return. In this episode's Q&A session, I answer questions about core theological issues such as clarifying salvation by grace versus the Judgment Seat of Christ, exploring Isaiah 17's prophecy regarding Damascus and Syria, understanding where raptured Christians will dwell, and whether any unbelievers will survive the Great Tribulation."
According to Hitchcock the first pretrib source before Darby was discovered in the 1990s. He is referring to Pseudo-Ephraem which has been debunked as a pretib document many times. Pseudo-Ephraem teaches that Christians will escape the tribulation through death not rapture. I have added a link below in which researcher and writer Dave MacPherson debunks this false claim.
Mark Hitchcock's muddled quotation from Irenaeus
Irenaeus (c.120–c.202)
And they [the ten kings who shall arise] shall lay Babylon waste,
and burn her with fire, and shall give their kingdom to the beast,
and put the Church to flight. (Against Heresies, V, 26, 1)
And therefore, when in the end the Church shall be suddenly
caught up from this, it is said, “There shall be tribulation such as
has not been since the beginning, neither shall be.” For this is the
last contest of the righteous, in which, when they overcome they
are crowned with incorruption. (Against Heresies, V, 29, 1)
It is therefore more certain, and less hazardous, to await the
fulfillment of the prophecy [Antichrist], than to be making
surmises, and casting about for any names that may present
themselves, inasmuch as many names can be found possessing the
number mentioned; and the same question will, after all, remain
unsolved. . . . But he indicates the number of the name now, that
when this man [Antichrist] comes we may avoid him, being aware
who he is. (Against Heresies, V, 30, 3, 4)
For all these and other words were unquestionably spoken in
reference to the resurrection of the just, which takes place after the
coming of Antichrist . . . . [A]nd [with respect to] those whom the
Lord shall find in the flesh, awaiting Him from heaven, and who
have suffered tribulation, as well as escaped the hands of the
Wicked one. (Against Heresies, V, 35, 1)1
This document is a proof text for the prewrath rapture. Hitchcock reads a small section of Irenaeus out of context. He then goes on to admit: "..in another place Irenaeus goes on to indicate that the church will be on earth during the tribulation so there seems to be a contradiction." Evidence that the pretib doctrine began in the 18th century with cult leader John Nelson Darby remains despite ongoing fruitless efforts of the pretrib camp to deny it.
Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered (episunagōgēs) together to him, we ask you, brothers, not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by a spirit or a spoken word, or a letter seeming to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. (2 Thessalonians 2:1-4).
* episunagōgēs = gathering together: in context, the rapture at the Lord's coming.
Jimmy Evans is disqualified!
Mark Hitchcock's endorsement of Jimmy Evans as an "expert" is beyond comprehension! I thought that endorsing Jimmy Evans would be below even the pretrib camp but apparently not!
Having been publicly exposed and disgraced as an abuser and a false marriage counselor, Jimmy Evans is "transitioning" out of XO Marriage and intends to devote himself to endtimes.com. full time.God help his viewers!
The Roys Report: "Daystar cancels prophecy program as Evans launches his.. The Roys Report (TRR) has also learned that Daystar abruptly canceled a long-running prophecy program on its network in July 2022. Days after the cancelation, Evans ran five, on-demand specials on Daystar titled almost identically to the canceled ministry. On a recording of a May 2023 meeting between Evans, Joni, Doug, Jonathan, and Suzy, Joni states that she began talking to Evans about her relationship with Doug Weiss when these scheduling changes were taking place—July 2022. The ministry whose show Daystar canceled was called Endtime Ministries, and the ministry website is endtime.com. Endtime Ministries was founded in 1986 by Irvin Baxter and had run a program on Daystar since 2009, called “End of the Age.” The specials Evans ran on Daystar’s app and YouTube channel were entitled 'End Times' and the website for Evans’ new prophecy ministry is endtimes.com. Endtime Ministries CEO Vince Stegall told TRR that the abrupt cancelation of his show and launching of Evans’ show was deeply disappointing and puzzling to his ministry. He said it also was confusing to viewers. 'We were getting calls, shortly after we were off, from the television audience,' Stegall said. 'And they wanted to know what happened to our host and why there’s this new guy named Jimmy on there . . . 'We still get emails and calls trying to figure out why our website is so different. It’s pretty confusing when you just add an ‘s.’ According to Endtime CEO Vince Stegall, Daystar claimed it cancelled 'End of the Age' because of a drop in viewership, following the death of founder Irvin Baxter. But Stegall said his buyer, who negotiated Endtime’s contract with Daystar, said that wasn’t true.Vince Stegall (Photo: Facebook) 'Our buyer has access to the software for TV ratings and he provided a lengthy explanation including (r)ating showing End of the Age is in the top 15 shows on Daystar every week,' Stegall wrote in a 2022 newsletter to supporters. '(A)nd our DVR numbers are generally 20-23% whereas the average for the rest of Daystar is 10%. 'In short, our buyer said, ‘This is clearly not a viewership issue and I can provide anything you need to make that argument.’ So there is obviously more to this than they are sharing.' Jonathan Lamb told TRR that Daystar canceling a show mid-year is 'unheard of,' unless there’s a scandal or the ministry can’t pay the network fees. However, Stegall said Endtime Ministries had no scandal and was current on its payments.."2
It appears that Joni Lamb and Jimmy Evans hoped that their unethical move against Endtime Ministries would fly under the radar. (Numbers 32:23). However, some viewers questioned the puzzling change of presenter, not realizing that Endtime Ministries and Endtimes Ministries are two different ministries entirely! This devious name change and the usurpation of Endtime Ministries' time slot on Daystar is unworthy of a reputable man of God. As contemptible as this is, it gets even worse! Evans has introduced a critical shift in doctrine during this timeslot. Endtime Ministries taught what is referred to as the posttrib rapture view.1Although the posttrib rapture view has some problems, it does not hold out false hope to believers of escaping the great tribulation. Evans' underhand switch from the posttrib view taught by Endtime Ministries to pretrib no doubt appeals to "itching ears". (2 Timothy 4:3). As many have observed, the false NAR Word-Faith prosperity teachers incessantly aired on Daystar are adept at giving false hope to believers. Within the biblical context, false hope refers to misplaced trust or confidence in things, people, or circumstances that ultimately cannot deliver what they promise. The Bible warns against placing hope in anything other than God, as such hope is deceptive and leads to disappointment and spiritual peril. (Jeremiah 23:16). The danger of pretrib teaching is the possibility that many will fall away during the great tribulation due to what they will regard as the "failed" prophecy of Jesus' return before the 70th week of Daniel. (Matthew 24:10-15 cf. Daniel 9:27).
Jimmy Evans is much more than a spiritual abuser to Jonathan and Suzy Lamb with his claim that "Joni is the voice of God"; he is much more than a dishonorable man who has no qualms about cutting in on another ministry and pulling a fast one for his own advantage; he is much more than a dangerous false teacher who has led believers into adulterous marriages; Jimmy Evans is a full-blown wolf who is so corrupt that he has no qualms about endangering the faith of his hearers! Evans fruit testifies against him! Mark and avoid this man. (Romans 16:17-18).
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits. (Matthew 7:15-20).
These are hidden reefs at your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, shepherds feeding themselves; waterless clouds, swept along by winds; fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted; wild waves of the sea, casting up the foam of their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever. (1Jude:12-13).
Michael Grant: "According to Protestia Joyce Meyer and other false teachers like Jesse Duplantis have already left Daystar yet men like Hibbs, Ray Comfort, David Jeremiah, Michael Youseff and others are staying? Why? Watch as I explain why Joyce is leaving and what it might take for others to leave so that Daystar Television Network implodes once and for all."
Birds of a feather flock together!
Michael Grant is the pastor of Moore's Corner Church which is an independent Non-Denominational Church in Leverett MA.1 Michael Grant asks a very pertinent question, but it comes with the assumption that teachers like Jack Hibbs, Ray Comfort, David Jeremiah, and Michael Youseff are "good" teachers. I will attempt to answer his question in this post. It is my contention that no self-respecting bible teacher should air their programmes on TBN and Daystar. If you dig below the surface, many apparently credible ministries have red flags. The rare exceptions on Daystar with sound doctrine show no wisdom by associating with apostates. (1 Corinthians 15:33). I know very little about Michael Youseff and I will not discuss him in this post. However, there are tangible red flags concerning David Jeremiah, Jack Hibbs, and Prophecy Watchers.
Jack Hibbs shocking endorsement of NAR "apostolic leader" Che Ahn: "Pastor Che Ahn-Invited by Pastor Jack Hibbs and Spoke at Calvary Chapel Chino Hills—"2Hibbs has no problem appearing on Table Talk with Joni Lamb! At best Hibbs is very short-sighted and unwise. At worst, and this is my suspicion, Hibbs is closet NAR.
David Jeremiah: On March 12th, 2015 David Jeremiah interviewed Roman Catholic New Age heretics Roman Downey and Mark Burnett on stage at Shadow Mountain Community Church.3
David Jeremiah helped to draft and was a signatory of the ecumenical document: Evangelicals and Catholics Together in 1994.4
For more information about David Jeremiah's various compromises see the following links:
Prophecy Watchers: There are probably financial reasons and contractual obligations that preclude an easy exit from Daystar for some ministries. It appears that Prophecy Watchers hosts Mondo Gonzalez and Gary Stearman have a more complex relationship with TBN and Daystar than other ministries, although they are not giving much away. Prophecy Watchers are tainted in their own right and give a platform to false teachers such as Jonathan Cahn who claims to be "prophetic", "Reverend" Donna Howell, Nephilim "expert" LA Marzulli, "prophecy expert" and speculator Bill Salus, and recently disgraced spiritual abuser Jimmy Evans who has given up marriage counseling in order to teach eschatology. Like many false ministries, Prophecy Watchers constantly peddle their merchandise. (2 Corinthians 2:17). Berean Research observed in 2016: "Prophecy Watchers are morphing into a mixed apocalyptic bag".5
In 2019 Gary Stearman and Bob Ulrich announced, "A New Day is Dawning at Prophecy Watchers.. A grand opening of the former TBN Broadcasting Studios and headquarters in Oklahoma. Prophecy Watchers certainly seem to enjoy the favour of Daystar. Whether they have the favour of God is another question! (Proverbs 3:3-4). The Roys Report:Curiously, Prophecy Watchers stated on a video entitled, “Laying Out a Fleece and a Daystar Miracle!” that it had canceled its previous contract with Daystar due to lack of finances sometime before July 25, 2022. But shortly after doing that, Daystar called Prophecy Watchers and offered it a better time slot than it had previously at a reduced rate, said Prophecy Watchers COO Bob Ulrich.
TRR reached out to Daystar and asked why the network would cancel a full-paying customer, like Endtime Ministries, and replace it with Prophecy Watchers at a reduced rate. Daystar did not respond to our question."6
Ray Comfort ~ In 2008 Ray Comfort was challenged about speaking at a conference with Word-Faith prosperity teachers. Ray Comfort's reply (below) is very troubling. (Proverbs 3:5). In the Old Testament, individual disobedience threatened the entire community; the commandment of God was that the individual was subject to the penalty of death in order to preserve the purity of the entire nation. (Deuteronomy 13:1-18). The consequences of not heeding the commandments outlined in the Torah was that Israel would suffer the curses outlined in Deuteronomy 28:1-68. In the New Testament, the scriptural imperative is to mark and avoid false teachers. (Romans 16:17-18 cf. 1 Corinthians 5:11; 2 Thessalonians 3:6). The consequence of disobeying this imperative is to put the body of Christ at risk of defilement. (Matthew 24:11; 1 Corinthians 5:13; 2 Corinthians 11:4). Furthermore to enter into contractual obligations with false teachers is to be yoked together with them and keeps greedy money preachers and false prophets afloat. (2 Corinthians 6:14).
Ray Comfort: "I have never turned down any request to speak because I thought that the church’s doctrine was unbiblical. In fact, they are the invitations I have gladly accepted because I know that false conversions are the fruit of their heretical doctrines. Unsaved people sit in pews in the millions in this country because they have never heard the biblical gospel–and I have to say with Paul, 'How will they hear without a preacher?' What I have been doing for all these years has been below the radar screen of public scrutiny, until recently. Suddenly the spotlights are on and I am targeted (and fired at) as one that is endorsing false doctrine. I am not and have never been a prosperity preacher. I think it is a great error to say that Jesus was rich, etc., or to come to Him for wealth. I preach the simple gospel of Jesus Christ crucified for the sin of the world. That is the heart and soul of my preaching and teaching." May I implore you, dear friend–what would you do? Imagine you were invited to speak at an event or church where false teaching has created false converts. You know that a thousand people will hear a true Gospel presentation from your lips. Would you turn down the invitation?7
The majority of teachers associated with Daystar promote the pretribulation rapture. Just as the prosperity gospel holds out false hope to believers, the pretrib rapture also holds out false hope to believers. (Mathew 24:21). The reality is that this doctrine is likely to devastate many believers in the final generation. The critical concern of those who reject the pretrib rapture is the prospect that many believers will "fall away" during the great tribulation due to lack of preparation and the shock that the promised "pretrib rapture" has failed their expectations. (Matthew 24:10). It is not a good idea to base eschatology on the teachings of cult leader John Nelson Darby and fictional "Left Behind" theology. Some argue that eschatology is an in-house secondary issue that we should not be overly concerned about. While it is possible to be saved without a clear understanding of eschatology, in my view this is a critical subject. Jesus' explicit warning about the end of the age is: See that no one leads you astray. (Matthew 24:4 cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:3). Since one-third of the bible concerns prophecy, believers are responsible for studying the scriptures and testing the spirits. (2 Timothy 2:15; 1 John 4:1).
In 2003 President Bush faced a backlash from Christians when he said that he believed that Muslims and Christians worshipped the same God.1
This question ties into Billy Graham's "Muslims are saved" remarks in 1994,2 and the Pope's remarks in 2013. {Muslims] worship the one living and merciful God, and call upon him in prayer."3 In 2014, false teacher Brian Houston (formerly of Hillsong) indicated that Allah and God are the same. Houston: "Do you know – take it all the way back into the Old Testament and the Muslim and you, we actually serve the same God. Allah to a Muslim; to us, Abba Father God."4After a clip of this sermon went viral, Houston accused his critics of quoting him out of context.
JD Greear, former president of the Southern Baptist Convention and pastor of The Summit Church in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina muddied the waters in 2010 when he stated “Believing wrong things about God and worshiping him incorrectly doesn’t mean one is worshipping a different God” in his book Breaking the Islam Code (p.59). American evangelical apologist Neil Shenvi who is a congregant of The Summit Church recently reignited this controversy when he responded to a tweet from Megan Bashan on X regarding Greear's apparent affirmation that Muslims and Christians do in fact worship the same God. Shenvi's response: "I was inclined to say 'No', but Acts 17:23 seems hard to square with this. If pagans worshipping at a pagan shrine to an 'unknown god' were 'worshipping god in ignorance' what are the implications."
Shenvi subsequently removed his tweets with an apology, but by that time the damage was done.
Greear is typical of many false teachers who talk out of both sides of their mouths and fail to give a definitive answer. Below Greear says "absolutely not" while affirming that he has fewer problems with Muslims and Christians "attempting to worship the same God."
Greear: "Are there multiple ways to God and does God receive the worship of Christians and Muslims alike? The answer is absolutely not, because Islam is a false way of salvation. It presents basically salvation by works and it outright denies several key things that Christianity teaches about God, like God being a Trinity and the personal nature of God and just a number of things. There is some question as to... Muslims say they worship the God of Abraham. And some missionaries have found it helpful to start with that and say, like Jesus said to the woman at the well in John 4, 'Who you think you're worshiping you're not actually worshiping.' When Jesus confronted her, a Samaritan woman who was worshiping wrongly and had wrong ideas about God. He didn't say you're worshiping a different God. He said you're attempting to worship the One Creator, God, the wrong way. And I've heard people talk about that as an approach to Muslims and I think it has some merit. I think when you're a missionary on the field, one of the things that you're trying to do is you're trying to say, [is] this God that we believe has created the world, has been speaking through the prophets, this God was revealed fully in Jesus. He is a Trinity. And Muhammad is not an accurate prophet of him. If somebody says that, I have less problems with them saying that Christians and Muslims are attempting to worship the same God but in two entirely different ways."5
The Acts 17:23 Question
For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. (Acts 17:23).
Shenvi's implication that people can worship the true God under another name opens the door to heresy and universalism. Paul did not affirm that the Athenians were worshipping the true God, rather he was using the example of the altar to "the unknown god" as an evangelistic opportunity to proclaim the true God. The scriptures decisively deny the heretical claim that the Athenians worshiped the true God. Scripture interprets scripture, i.e. the less clear passages of scripture MUST be interpreted in the light of the clearer passages.
Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also. (1 John 2:22-23).
He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 16:15-17).
For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. (1 Corinthians 15:3-5).
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. (Romans 10:9).
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6).
There is no common ground between Christianity and Islam theologically. The foundational teaching of the New Testament is that Jesus is the Son of God. Islam denies the triune nature of God and is unequivocal that Allah has no son. Islam asserts that Allah is the God of Abraham (Ibrahim) and Ishmael6whereas the Old Testament repeatedly asserts: I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. (Exodus 3:6 cf Exodus 3:15-16;6:3).