PAUL MANWARING GLOBAL LEGACY: WORLDWIDE REVIVAL, FATHER HEART CONFERENCE, SOZO?

Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” (John 18:36).

Paul Manwaring is on the senior leadership team at Bethel church, Redding, CA, with specific responsibility for Global Legacy, a ministry of Bethel that promotes "worldwide revival".

"Global Legacy is a relational network that connects, encourages, and equips revival leaders worldwide. We expand God’s kingdom by helping to build relationships between revival leaders, ministries, and organizations around the globe, and to equip them to transform their spheres of influence.." {1}

Global Legacy was spawned out of Bethel Church as a result of a "prophetic word" from their Senior Pastor, the infamous NAR cult leader and alleged "apostle" Bill Johnson. Manwaring, who is British, returned to live in the UK in December 2016 in order to oversee the aims of Global Legacy in Europe. Global Legacy is cross denominational and has no doctrinal statement. Critically, Manwaring teaches that there should be no secular / sacred divide.

Manwaring: “My passion is that the church equips the Saints to do Kingdom. It’s time for reformation in every sphere, to erase the secular/sacred divide and marry the natural with the supernatural. ‘Awakening Europe’ is an incredible new movement.."  {2}

Manwaring refers of course to the false doctrine of Dominion theology aka Dominionism, Kingdom Now, Christian Reconstructionism, Theonomy which is based on a perversion of Genesis 1:28. Dominionists believe that before Christ physically returns to the earth, Christians must implement societal change and “take dominion” of the secular world in order to transform it into the Kingdom of God. Global Legacy is part of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) and supports the "vision" to create cultural transformation via the seven mountain mandate: Media, Education, Economy, Government, Religion, Arts, and Family.

Dominion theology is NOT the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 
The mantra of dominionists is based on Matthew 6:10:
Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Dominionists blatantly invert the scriptures. The world cannot be redeemed.. quite the reverse in fact. Jesus was very specific in teaching that His kingdom is NOT of this world. (John 18:36 cf. Colossians 3:2; James 4:4; 1 John 2:15-17; John 15:18-21; Hebrews 11:16). The world will be in the grip of terrible rebellion and widespread religious deception when Jesus returns:

As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:3-14).

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 2:3-4).

Christians are not called to transform the systems of this world from within, but rather to bear witness and to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. (Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8). ..apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:5). Christians do not belong to the world, they are those who are chosen out of the world. (John 15:19;17:6). The only way dominionists can justify their ungodly agenda is to deny the scriptures in favour of "direct revelation" from God through various false "apostles" and "prophets" whom they claim have superseded Jesus' original apostles. (Acts 2:42). Are these false teachers greater than Jesus Christ? (Luke 4:18). Bill Johnson's "off the map" approach denies the Reformation principle of sola scriptura and leaves his followers vulnerable to "every wind of doctrine". (Ephesians 4:14). These false apostles and prophets have dispossessed many believers of the precautionary mechanism to test the spirits. (1 John 4:1 cf. 1 Corinthians 12:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Timothy 2:15; Isaiah 9:16).

Dominionists are preterists/amillennialist.

A short explantion follows for the benefit of those not familiar with these terms:
Preterism is the view that all prophecy in the Bible has already been fulfilled in history.
Dominionists have decided that the book of Revelation is a symbolic picture of first-century conflicts. They therefore take the amillennial view, which is to reject the literal interpretation of Revelation 20:2-7 concerning the thousand year reign of Christ in order to set up "heavens government" themselves here on the earth.

"Also, Bill Johnson and Kris Vallotton from Bethel Church in Redding, Ca. hold a dominion, preterist, post-millennial position as well and they use a book entitled "Victorious Eschatology" by Harold Eberly. These positions are all based on replacement theology. No matter how much these people say they love Israel and pray for Israel this position IS REPLACEMENT THEOLOGY!" {3}

A Sample of Paul Manwaring's Distorted Teaching:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnA8bkGUmKo

Do not be deceived by Manwaring's personable style, he is a false NAR teacher and a vigorous promoter of Dominion Theology. (2 Corinthians 11:14; Proverbs 26:25).

Manwaring: "If His kingdom is going to come, it needs to be a kingdom that represents the King; a message that represents the King; a government structure that represents the King... we are  drafted in to bear and to carry the government of heaven.. The purpose of government is not to control wickedness.." (!!!) This statement blatantly contradicts the scriptures:

For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. (Romans 13:3-4 cf. Romans 13:2; 1 Peter 2:14).

Manwaring: Adam and Eve were removed from the garden for their protection so that they could not eat of the other tree.. they were not removed for punishment - they were removed so that they could be redeemed...." Actually the verse says that they were removed as a preventative measure so that they would not would not take also of the tree of life and eat, and live forever—  (Genesis 3:22). When Adam and Eve fell they became sinners and their disobedience brought about various curses and judgements. The serpent was cursed and the ground was cursed. (Genesis 3:14,17). Adam and Eve were condemned to suffer various temporal judgements/hardships. (Genesis 3:16-19). The definition of "curse" is "A solemn utterance intended to invoke a supernatural power to inflict harm or punishment on someone or something." {4} SIN invokes PENALTY! Certainly Adam and Eve (and their descendants) suffered various penalties for sin in this world. The long term plan of God was to send Jesus Christ to pay the ultimate penalty for the sins (plural) of the world in our place. (1 John 2:2; Isaiah 53:5; Romans 6:23; Romans 3:23-24). Nevertheless unbelievers will remain in their sins and their eternal punishment will therefore remain. (John 3:15; Matthew 25:46). Manwaring's deceptive mixture truth and error is lethal! (1 Corinthians 5:6; Matthew 24:24).

"While Christ did indeed reverse the curse of Adam's sin, the completion of his achievement on the cross is premillennial (Zechariah 14:4-9; Matthew 25:31-34). The kingdom will not be established until JESUS CHRIST (NOT THE CHURCH) sets up his millennial reign after the Great Tribulation (Revelation 19:11-20:4; 22:19). Jesus Christ did not commission the church to remodel society, the church was commissioned to preach the gospel to the whole world and to make disciples. (Mark 16:15; Matthew 24:14; Matthew 28:19-20)." {5}

Manwaring disdains the type of church government where various structures are put into place that require Christians to conform. He seems to teach a form of antinomianism (lawlessness). (2 Thessalonians 2:3-7). There is a balance of course; some churches have unnecessary excessive rules that bring people into bondage. Excesses aside however, church discipline is biblical. (Matthew 18:15-18; 1 Corinthians 5:1-12). The Law of Christ has not been abrogated! (1 Corinthians 9:21). Certain structures must apply in order for the church to keep in step with the Holy Spirit and to reflect the light of Christ. Worldly people are devoid of the Spirit (Jude 1:19). In other words, there must be a sacred / secular divide!

Manwaring continues on in his error. Astoundingly, he does not see a judgement day coming in the book of Revelation!!!  "Judgement day is not in my copy of Revelation- it is written in between the verses.." 

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. (2 Timothy 3:16). I can assure readers of this post that JUDGEMENT DAY MOST CERTAINLY IS COMING. Jesus Christ referred to it Himself a number of times (Matthew 7:22, 10:15, 11:24, 25:31-36, 40-43). The book of Revelation refers to the great white throne judgement following the millennial reign of Christ: ..and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. (Revelation 20:11). And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:15). Furthermore, God's wrath is released immediately prior to Jesus' second coming during the trumpet judgements in Revelation 8-11, culminating in the seven bowls of the wrath of God poured out upon the earth. (Revelation 16:1-17). This period of time is referred to in the scriptures as "the Day of the Lord" "the great day of their wrath" or simply "the day/that day":

Multitudes, multitudes, in the valley of decision! For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision. (Joel 3:14 ).

..for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand? (Revelation 6:17).

The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes. (Joel 2:31, cited in Acts 2:20).

But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. (2 Peter 3:7).

..then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment.. (1 Thessalonians 5:2).

I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak.. (Matthew 12:36).

"Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering again unto him (The Rapture), That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 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." (2 Thessalonians 2:1-3).

The phrase “the day of the Lord” appears nineteen times in the Old Testament: Isaiah 2:12; 13:6, 9; Ezekiel 13:5, 30:3; Joel 1:15, 2:1,11,31; 3:14; Amos 5:18,20; Obadiah 15; Zephaniah 1:7-15, 2:2; Zechariah 14:1; Malachi. 4:5), and five times in the New Testament: Acts 2:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:2; 2 Peter 3:10. It is also alluded to in other passages: Revelation 6:17; 16:14. The New Testament refers to "a day of wrath" "a day of visitation” and "the great day of God Almighty”. (Revelation 16:14). Further examples: Matthew 10:15, Matthew 11:22, 1 Corinthians 1:8; Romans 2:5; 1 John 4:17; 2 Peter 2:9.

BEWARE! All that glitters is not gold at Bethel Church Redding:

Vile abominations proliferate at Bethel Church Redding. (Ezekiel 8:9). Bethel/Jesus Culture and their associates are utterly immersed in occult activities and demonic manifestations. Christians should run from unholy manifestations such as fake gold dust, diamonds, angel feathers, grave sucking, spiritual drunkenness, portals, visualisation, spirit-travel, fire-tunnels, angel-orbs, glory clouds, impartations and so on. ..an evil and adulterous generation seeks a sign. (Matthew 6:4; 12:39). Bill Johnson's wife, grave sucker and occult diviner, Beni, even claims to wake up angels with "prophetic toys". {6}

TRANSFORMATION:

The promise of "inner healing" so called, is a false inducement offered to those seeking freedom from bondage and a closer relationship with the Lord, the supposed aim being the unbiblical Dominionist concept of "transformation". The bible teaches the individual transformation of believers based on TRUTH. (John 6:58, 14:6). NAR false teachers reject the scriptures and operate from the spirit of error. (1 John 4:6). Inner Healing and spiritual growth come only from the TRUTH i.e. the teaching of Jesus Christ and the apostles:  ..you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (John 8:33). 

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:12).

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:18).

BEWARE! Paul Manwaring/Global Legacy may very well be coming to a town near you with a Father Heart Conference or an event linked with Sozo, Revival, Transformation etc. (2 Timothy 2:17). So far this year, Manwaring is scheduled to speak at various venues in the UK: Bearsden Baptist Church in Glasgow, The Hub in Wymondham, The Ridgeway Centre in Milton Keynes, Kings House in Bedford, New Life Church in Milton Keynes, St Newlyn East Village Hall in Saint Newlyn East, Cornwall, The HopeSpring Centre in Sunderland, Tyne & Wear. {7}

On the 5th and 6th of January 2018, All Nations Church Frog Island Leicester UK is hosting a Global Legacy Conference described as: "2018's gathering of leaders from across the UK and Europe." {8}

Then I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues; (Revelation 18:4).

The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12).

{1} http://www.globallegacy.com/about
{2} http://s620369274.websitehome.co.uk/news/events/laughing-at-the-lie-another-perspective-from-ela-2016/
{3} http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs069/1101702963972/archive/1109839625495.html
{4} https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/curse
{5} https://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/bill-johnsons-leaven-beware-global.html?m=0
{6} https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q25oPxQ7zH0
{7} http://www.paulmanwaring.com/events
{8} https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/global-legacy-2018-tickets-37270366670

ON CHRISTIAN MYSTICISM BY BRUCE MACPHERSON

On Christian Mysticism: A Conservative Evangelical Perspective by Bruce MacPherson is a book I highly recommend. I don't think I have read another book on Christian mysticism that provides such clarity and insight into this deceptive practice.

Bruce MacPherson:

"Many Christians are 'climbing over the fence' to reach intimacy with God by emptying one’s mind, but are in severe danger because they are entering the dark realm of mysticism. It is the wrong path and will not lead to God. It looks enticing, but stop! Don't go there! Christian mysticism is a cancer subtly invading Christianity, and it needs to be unmasked. Pastor Tim Keller rightly says, 'Prayer brings you into God's presence.' 500 years ago, Protestant reformers rightly rejected Christian mysticism (Contemplative Spirituality).

My first published book, On Christian Mysticism, is about how to walk intimately with God. It is also an assessment of historic Christian Mysticism’s practice of 'prayer beyond words,' a complete silencing of the mind. This is done by a mantra-like repetition of a sacred word which they claim enables us to enter God’s presence when we are devoid of all thoughts.

This book is an urgent call to return to biblical Christianity and reject Eastern mysticism in Western dress. It is a call to a return to Christian Formation that is truly rooted in the Bible, involving verbal prayer and meditation of the Scriptures. The mystics are wrong and heretical in practicing mantra-like techniques to silence the mind and all our senses. Or to think that, as many of them do, that all humans share God’s basic essence. And that everyone, even the devil and evil spirits, will eventually be in God’s presence. They are wrong in rejecting the need for personal conversion, evangelism, missions, and wrong in rejecting salvation by faith alone or that Christ died as our substitute. M. Scott peck said, 'Christianity’s greatest sin is to think that other religions are not saved.' Even Tony Campolo questions that Christ is the only way to God.

We need to avoid and reject Christian mysticism’s cross-fertilization of Christianity and Eastern religious meditation. Like Meister Eckhart saying, 'theologians may quarrel, but the mystics of the world speak the same language.' Or Catholic mystic Thomas Merton saying, 'I intend to become as good a Buddhist as I can.' Just before his death Merton told John Moffitt: 'Zen and Christianity are the same.' The Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation, founded by Tilden Edwards, is called 'The Western bridge to Far Eastern spirituality.' Like Edwards, many Christian mystics, like Richard Foster and Henri Nouwen, are intent upon producing a hybrid religion and learn from Buddhists, Muslim Sufi, Hindus, Jewish Kabbalah, and other non-Christian religions. Nouwen learned meditation techniques from his Hindu friend, Eknath Easwaran.

Canadian pastor, Jim Challies, notes: 'As I survey the contemporary church, one of my gravest concerns is the power and prevalence of mysticism … Mysticism has wormed its way inside evangelicalism so that the two have become integrated and almost inseparable. In an age of syncretism, we fail to spot the contradiction and opposition.' Christian Mysticism has 'stolen our tent' (see page 96 in this book)!

There is something here for us all, from Bible scholar to new follower of Jesus. The book is self-published, found on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle versions."

PRE-TRIB ABSURDITY AND THE RESTRAINER OF LAWLESSNESS

For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. (2 Thessalonians 2:7) KJV 

William J Rowlands (author and missionary), wrote some extraordinary papers regarding the unscriptural position of the "any moment" rapture. These papers were published by the editors of the magazine Watching and Waiting in 1929. The following year, Rowlands issued them in the book "The Lord Cometh". Rowlands became an advocate of the "one-only second coming of the Lord" and was influenced by Darby's adversary BW Newton. {1} 

Writing about the absurdity of the pre-trib rapture, William J Rowlands wrote:

"Truly, the Restrainer of lawlessness is God. But the words under discussion are, 'until he be taken out of the way..' In vain does anyone read into this verse the removal of the church, for the church is not even mentioned. Neither can we plead for the words, 'taken' and 'way,' for there is nothing equivalent to them in the Greek of the text." {1}

We find "until he be taken out of the way" in most bible translations. The offending word "taken" tacked on to genetai is from ginomai = I come into being, am born, become, come about, happen. {2} 

WJ Rowlands: "..the word 'taken' upon which their own theory leans for support, really represents no Greek word in the text at all, but is simply an addition to the words of Holy Scripture. {1}

The Greek text reads:

For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let,
until           he be          out of      the midst
heos           genetai       ek            mesou

The previous verse indicates that the man of lawlessness will be "revealed in his time". (2 Thessalonians 2:6). I think this gives an important clue what is actually meant by the Greek text in verse 7. The two verses in question are more accurately translated:

And you know what is restraining him now so that he may be revealed in his time. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he comes out of the midst. (2 Thessalonians 2:6-7).

Further clues to the meaning of 2 Thessalonians 2:6-7 are found in the book of Daniel, where the Archangel Michael is identified as the protector of Israel:

At that time shall arise (amad) Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book. (Daniel 12:1).

The Hebrew word is amad = stand. At the right time (in God's timing), Michael, the protector of Israel, will stop restraining the mystery of lawlessness i.e. he will stand aside in order to allow the embodiment of sin, the man of lawlessness (the Antichrist) to be revealed. (2 Thessalonians 2:3). This event will facilitate the great tribulation, when unrestrained evil will be unleashed upon the earth. (Matthew 24:21; Revelation 7:14).

Michael's defeat of Satan in Revelation 12 sheds further light on the events that will cause the onset of the great tribulation. Michael and his angels defeat the dragon (Satan) in Revelation 12:7–17, resulting in him and his fallen angels being thrown down to earth. Satan comes down to the earth in great wrath knowing his time is short. (Revelation 12:12). For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. (Matthew 24:21 cf. Daniel 12:1). Initially Satan directs his wrath against the woman (Israel), but being thwarted, he turns his attention towards believers. (Revelation 12:13-17). Clearly, the rapid escalation of unrestrained evil will come as a terrible shock to Christians duped into the false hope of a pre-trib rapture. One can only imagine the fear, shock and unbelief that will kick in at that point, when the falsely predicted and highly anticipated "imminent" rapture comes to nothing, and severe persecution and martyrdom becomes an imminent reality. The result will be apostasy, backpedalling and betrayal. At that time, false teachers will literally crawl out of the woodwork with a "different gospel", that will be specifically tailored to avoid the Antichrist's persecution. (Matthew 24:10-11 cf. 2 Corinthians 11:4; 2 Thessalonians 2:11). 

Those who argue the case for the Holy Spirit as the Restrainer are, by and large, false pre-trib rapture teachers such as Thomas Ice (PTRC), the Assemblies of God, the PWMI and the Berean Call. There are a number of valid reasons that preclude the Holy Spirit from the role of Restrainer however. The Holy Spirit is the Comforter who will be with believers forever. (John 14:16, 26; 15:26). The Holy Spirit is omnipresent, being simultaneously present in the throne room of God and on the earth. (Revelation 1:4, 3:1, 4:5, 5:6). {4} True believers will be given words to speak from the Holy Spirit in order to bear witness during the great tribulation: ..for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.. (Luke 12:11; 21:13). Since it is impossible for anyone to be saved without the ministry of the Holy Spirit, how will anyone be saved during the 70th week of Daniel in His supposed absence? (Revelation 7:4; 11:3; 14:6-7). The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin and righteousness and judgement. (John 16:8-9). Evidence that the Holy Spirit will be on the earth throughout the 70th week is therefore compelling. 

In addition to the biblical evidence for Michael, according to the rabbinic Jewish tradition, Michael acts as the advocate and protector of Israel. {3}

I do not think it is critical to identify the Restrainer definitively. Having said that however, the pre-trib rapture view sets believers up for a terrible fall, since it has them being "taken" along with the Holy Spirit seven years prior to the Parousia. (Matthew 24:10).

Jacob Prasch's Intra-Seal notion is even more bizarre than the pre-trib view, if that is possible! Prasch has become a master eisegete with his "Reversal of Pentecost" theory. {5} Intra-Seal is an unoriginal pick and mix offering, with material plagiarised from both the pre-trib and pre-wrath views. I cannot account for Prasch's motives in promoting such falsehoods, apart from my suspicion that he wishes to create further confusion to an already highly charged debate!

{1} https://theologue.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/ourlordcometh-wjrowlands.pdf

{2} http://biblehub.com/greek/1096.htm

{3} https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_(archangel)

{4} https://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.co.uk/2016/09/jacob-prasch-moriel-miniistries-intra.html

{5} https://www.amazon.co.uk/INTRA-SEAL-RAPTURE-DECEPTION-EXPOSED-devised-ebook/dp/B06X6N2JJT/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1502471721&sr=8-2&keywords=intra-seal

TRINITY LIFE CHURCH LEICESTER: DAVID HIND'S UNHOLY VISION 2017/18

“Behold, the days are coming,” declares the Lord GOD, “when I will send a famine on the land— not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD.." (Amos 8:11).

TLC'S FALSE VISION:  http://trinitylifechurch.org.uk/who-we-are/

David Hind's "vision" included several references to Jesus:
" We will keep Jesus at the centre of everything that is TLC. ..we are going to continue to do everything He says.  ..only what Jesus says, but all that He says. .. keep Jesus at the centre of everything." On the surface these statements sound impressive, and yet they are blatantly false in light of TLC's clear departure from the scriptures. (2 Timothy 3:13). We find many such statements from false denominations. For example the Catechism of the Catholic Church Article 2 states:

"Since God alone can forgive sins, it is God who, in Jesus his eternal Son made man, "will save his people from their sins".¹⁹ in Jesus, God recapitulates all of his history of salvation on behalf of men." {1}

Wolves boast about themselves, their plans, their successes, their dreams, their visions, their ideas and their ambitions. They give lip service to Jesus, but their aim is to draw followers after themselves. (Acts 20:28-31). Words are cheap! The acid test is whether their deeds match the scriptures. (James 1:22; 1 John 4:1).

Hind gives his congregation plenty of the above! He weighed in with his "vision" boasting a total congregation of "..750 people, 7 campuses, 16 campus pastors all with assistants, and an army of leaders alongside them." He boasts about TLC's 6 Degrees Coffee House which "God has blessed.." (! more about that later), and he is still "humbled" by the Queen's Award to Open Hands last year (!). He boasts about TLC's "heart for the poor". He boasts about the numbers of people attending their various venues. He boasts about their new furniture warehouse, their new community centre, their plans to run a "School of the Spirit", a Father Heart Conference, a Marriage Course and various outreach projects. "School of the Spirit" is founded and run by ecumenical Dominionist New Apostolic Reformation "Prophet" Simon Braker, a leader at Holy Trinity Church in Leicester (CofE).

TLC have put their whole congregation at risk by disregarding both the scriptures and the official Assemblies of God warning about Dominion Theology and the NAR! The following statement was adopted by the General Presbytery of the Assemblies of God on August 11, 2000:

"Kingdom Now or Dominion theology. The thought that God’s kingdom can come on earth with a little help from humankind is intriguing to those who advocate this approach to impacting society. Rather than scoffing at the promise of Christ’s imminent return (2 Peter 3:3,4), this errant theology says that Jesus will not return until the Church takes dominion of the earth back from Satan and his followers. By taking control, through whatever means possible, of political, ecclesiastical, educational, economic, and other structures, Christians supposedly can make the world a worthy place for Christ to return and rule over.6 This unscriptural triumphalism generates other related variant teachings." {2}

Hind boasts about their new venue, the Leicester Arena, which seats 3000 and which they hope to "grow into" and on and on.... All for "Jesus" of course. Impressive is it not? On closer examination however, the way that TLC "do church" in the flesh is extremely problematic. 

There is no example of a multisite church in the New Testament. The clear scriptural model is that of Paul and Barnabus, whose practice was to plant new churches, to appoint leaders with prayer and fasting, and to release them into the care of the Lord: And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed. (Acts 14:23 cf. 2 Timothy 2:2; Titus 1:5). The campus or franchised multisite model is not only unbiblical, it is dangerous on a number of levels. The multisite model creates a false hierarchical structure, such as that found within Roman Catholicism. As we can see from Hind's various boasts above, multisite churches are event/numbers orientated and have their focus upon strategies and programmes. They have the potential for misuse of power and lack of accountability on the part of the leader and they encourage the cult of personality. The multisite model elevates one pastor above others, often stunting the development of "lower level" campus pastors/teachers. Multisite churches inhibit diversity and do not allow for the various needs and situations of individual congregations. The growth of satellite churches is artificially sustained and insulated from the tests and challenges that God would otherwise allow them to go through. There is potential for disharmony and a struggle for unity between the mother church and satellite churches. They are developed according to the precepts of man and not God. (Acts 2:47). When we fail to heed biblical doctrine and substitute our own ideas for those of the scriptures, we bring dysfunction and pain to the body of Christ and ultimate judgement upon ourselves. Hind and his family have taken over the control TLC piecemeal. {3} Several TLC leaders are dependant upon the Hind family for their jobs - this is dangerous! The scriptural model of independent autonomous churches has a reduced risk of "man pleasing". In other words, no one has keep the leader and his family happy in order to keep their position.

No matter how it is "packaged" the multisite model produces monstrosities, not churches. There is the distinct possibility that TLC will eventually go the way of the Jesus Army cult who have recently fallen into disrepute due to alleged abusive practices.

After the implosion of Mars Hill Church in 2014, the board concluded: "Mark Driscoll had been guilty of arrogance, responding to conflict with a quick temper and harsh speech, and leading the staff and elders in a domineering manner." {4}

The false teaching of multisite pastors such as Rick Warren, Bill Hybels, Joel Osteen, Andy Stanley etc. is legendary. We can also see this trait in David Hind who, in so many cases, blatantly disobeys the scriptures.

We should keep in mind that Open Hands success as the "compassion charity" of Trinity Life Church is entirely due to their lottery award of £446626 in 2013 during former PCC Adam Simmonds position as Director and Trustee. Open Hands continue to receive large amounts of money from the Big Lottery Fund (an instalment? of £96942 was received during 2016). Open Hands "success" is certainly nothing to do with God, unless God approves of gambling! (Proverbs 1:19). TLC's close association with ecumenist Adam Simmonds, was I believe, the catalyst and the reason that TLC were ensnared into applying for their big lottery award i.e. money gained from unrighteousness! I have repeatedly questioned the ethics of a Christian organisation benefiting from lottery money, but it is a question that TLC have repeatedly chosen to ignore!

Are worldly accolades like the Queen's Award something that Christians should covet? Hind apparently still believes that the Queen is a Christian, and he persists in his sycophantic attitude despite being made aware of evidence on the Palace website that she is a Druid. {5} God is no respecter of persons. (Acts 10:34). Let me state the obvious: A person can renounce Druidism and become a Christian, but he/she cannot be a Druid and a Christian at the same time! (Joshua 24:14). Hind seems to have a denial mentality when in possession of indisputable facts, unless there is something more sinister going on? Very sadly, TLC's ongoing 666 saga at their 6 Degrees Coffee House is very odd indeed and is suggestive of something more sinister than gross ignorance on their part. Christians are instructed to abstain all appearance of evil. (1 Thessalonians 5:22). A genuine Christian would never knowingly associate themselves with the infamous number 666, but not TLC! Hind has attempted to defend TLC's self imposed 666 conundrum by explaining the number six away to the more gullible members of his congregation as "the number of man". He is right. In whatever way six is mathematically represented, it signifies man's corruption and imperfection without God. When it is tripled, it is the number of the beast. (Revelation 13:18).

The last time a "Father Heart Conference" was inflicted upon Leicester by TLC was in 2011. It was led by proven false prophet/teacher Mark Stibbe, former leader of The Fathers House Trust and associate of Todd Bentley (counterfeit Toronto "blessing"). Stibbe spoke at the invitation of TLC, and the event was supported by Holy Trinity Church in Leicester and Knighton Free Church. {6}

Hind supported Benny Hinn's visit to Leicester in 2014. Hinn by his own admission is a necromancer and another obvious false prophet. {7} Hind also continues to promote the music of Jesus Culture (of Bethel Church Redding "grave sucking" infamy) and Hillsong. Hind's anti-doctrinal position led him to “network” with various ecumenical leaders through Churches Together in 2014. (2 Timothy 2:17). {8}

What Hind professes and what he actually does is at odds with the scriptures, and this makes him a spiritual liability. (Luke 6:46; James 1:22). To reject sound doctrine is to reject the teaching of Jesus Christ and the apostles. Distortion of the scriptures leads to rebellion. (1 Samuel 15:20-23). We are living in the time that Paul warned about when: people will not put up with sound doctrine..  (2 Timothy 4:3).  Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons.. (1 Timothy 4:1). Hind/TLC are building their house upon the sand. Inevitably sooner or later it will fall. (Matthew 7:26-27).

I did take the time recently to listen to David Hind's sermon:
A Life Fully Given. (23rd of July) {9} 

Hind's patter has improved since I attended TLC some years ago. This makes it more difficult for the less discerning to see through his real agenda. The genuine discerning Christian should take account of facts and not just holy sounding rhetoric. Hind reads from the corrupted New Living Translation which has been described by some as "demonic" due to its blatant inaccuracies. He even manipulates his congregation into reading the corrupted NLT text aloud with him. Hind disdains and discourages serious bible study and makes teaching a matter of subjective personal experience. For Hind: "The art of teaching and inspiration is to let them go away, loving Jesus more, and ready to make a difference in the world that they live." Serving God, according to Hind, is equivalent to serving TLC and Open Hands. I am not a prophet, but the scriptures say unequivocally that God will utterly reject false teachers who reject knowledge.  My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me. And since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children. (Hosea 4:6).

Biblically:

..everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. (Hebrews 5:13-14).

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge.. (2 Peter 1:5).

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).

Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. (1 Timothy 4:16 ).

He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. (Titus 1:9).

Hind: "People will always be critical." This is the old "judge not" humbug which is actually suppression of dissent. If there are no doctrinal issues within TLC, then the congregation are putting the word of man above the Word of God. (1 Corinthians 11:19). Hind substitutes analytical thinking with a lie i.e. the mentality of passive acceptance rather than the Berean principle of referring to the scriptures and judging with right judgement. (Acts 17:11; 1 Corinthians 5:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:21; Ephesians 4:14; 1 John 4:1-6). There is an important difference between inappropriate hypocritical judgement and spiritual discernment! (1 Kings 18:17). The test of authenticity is ALWAYS the scriptures. (1 John 4:1; Ephesians 5:11). What is the point of the spiritual gift of discerning of spirits if no one is allowed to speak truth and expose error? (1 Corinthians 12:10). TLC's leadership are obviously part of a huge problem and they too will be held accountable.

A.W. Tozer: "Among the gifts of the Spirit scarcely one is of greater practical usefulness than the gift of discernment. This gift should be highly valued and frankly sought as being almost indispensable in these critical times. This gift will enable us to distinguish the chaff from the wheat and to divide the manifestations of the flesh from the operations of the Spirit."  {10}

The Assemblies of God have spawned many false prophets and questionable TV evangelists including Benny Hinn, Morris Cerullo, Jim Bakker, Paul and Jan Crouch, David Yonggi Cho and Jimmy Swaggart to name but a few. 

George O Wood, General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God (AG) Pentecostal denomination supports the delusion that the Greek Orthodox, the Roman Catholic, the Assyrian, the Coptic, the Ethiopian and the Armenian denominations are representative of true Christianity. {11}

"Dr. Wood that supports Emergent heretic Rick Warren. This is the Dr. Wood that engineered and ensconced into the AoG an ecumenical agreement with the Roman Catholic Church. Now he joins with an ecumenical/interfaith group to socialize with and give validity to Mormonism. In my opinion, Dr. Wood is in lockstep with the Emergent Church Movement and will continue to carrying out what he believes is God’s agenda to turn the AoG into the largest New Age denomination in the world.." {12}

The AOG also support the false "any moment" pre-tribulation rapture position. {13}

The time to Come out of her is now, before it is too late. (Revelation 18:4). It is not a good idea to wait and to become ensnared in the powerful delusion that is coming upon the whole world through the amalgamation of denominational religion. (2 Thessalonians 2:9-11). 

In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. (Proverbs 3:6).

“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great.” (Luke 6:46-49).

{1}   http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p1s2c2a2.htm 
{2}   https://ag.org/Beliefs/Topics-Index/Revival-Endtime-Revival--Spirit-Led-and-Spirit-Controlled
{3}   https://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/trinity-life-church-leicester-downhill.html
{4}   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Driscoll
{5}   https://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.co.uk/2016/10/trinity-life-church-leicester-and-open.html 
{6}   https://hubpages.com/religion-philosophy/A-CRITIQUE-OF-MISSION-SHAPED-COMMUNITIES-HOLY-TRINITY-LEICESTER
{7}   https://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/the-circus-comes-to-town-false-prophet.html
{8}   https://standfirminthelord.wordpress.com/2014/07/23/trinity-life-church-leicester-the-different-masks-of-david-hind/ 
{9}   https://soundcloud.com/trinity-life-church
{10}   https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/691061-among-the-gifts-of-the-spirit-scarcely-is-one-of
{11} https://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.co.uk/2017/01/george-o-wood-assemblies-of-god.html
{12} http://www.truthkeepers.com/?p=230 
{13} https://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.co.uk/2017/01/george-o-wood-assemblies-of-god.html

FORMER PCC ADAM SIMMONDS UNHOLY MEDDLER!

The jury in the trial of Adam Simmonds, former Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) was discharged last week. Simmonds is accused, as per section 55, of knowingly or recklessly breaching the Data Protection Act (DPA) by disclosing "sensitive" information to third parties. The jury at Southwark Crown Court failed to reach a verdict after more than 12 hours of deliberations. A retrial will now be considered according to the BBC. {1}





Simmonds denied recklessly breaching the DPA by passing on details of a fraud probe involving Wellingborough MP Peter Bone. Simmonds, of Northcote Road Leicester, admitted having conversations about the investigation with a number of Conservative colleagues, including Mr Ellis, Daventry MP Christopher Heaton-Harris, former Wellingborough Borough Council leader Paul Bell and the then Northampton Borough Council leader David Mackintosh. The case against Mr Bone was subsequently dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service in March 2014. Simmonds claimed that he thought it was within his remit to repeat confidential details saying he believed that the information was in the public domain. {2}

As Simmonds held a position in a public office, the alleged offence can constitute to misconduct while in public office. If he is found guilty of both offences, it is likely that he will have to pay fines imposed by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). {3}

Simmonds period as PCC from 2012-2016 was one that many people in Northamptonshire remember as an extremely troubling time. Within just three weeks of his appointment, he was accused of "hiring friends" including his election campaign manager and "best friend" Kathryn Buckle. In particular, the complaints were that the jobs were supposed to be non-political and no interviews were held. Those appointed included four assistant commissioners, on a salary of £65,000. Response to a Freedom of Information request showed that Simmonds had 12 staff in his office at an annual cost of £729,100.

A year after his election, Simmonds office costs of £1m for 17 staff were unfavourably compared by the Police Federation with the former police authority spending of £865k, when cuts were being made elsewhere in the force. £21m is being cut over 4 years from an annual budget of £120m and the Police Federation claims police number have been cut from 1265 to 1220. In response, Simmond's office said the commissioner's role was wider than that of the old police authority. By 31 March 2014, the number of staff employed by Simmonds had risen to 34, at a cost of £1.4 million. {4}

Simmonds' plans to relocate the Northamptonshire Police headquarters at Wootton Hall and to convert the site to a free school was possibly the most controversial of his unholy schemes. These plans met with unprecedented criticism by both the Police Federation and the public. Simmonds claim to be independent of the Northampton Free School Trust blatantly contradicted various pieces of evidence to the contrary, giving the marked impression that he actually created the Trust:

".....incidentally Simmonds claimed to have created the 'Northampton Free School Trust' on his personal website consisted of ex colleagues, a fellow conservative MP and county councillor."

"Simmonds' personal website (now closed) contained the statement 'Early on in my first term I created the Northampton Free School Trust.'"

"An FOI request showed that Simmonds and members of his office were behind the school - conveniently the link was closed!" {5}

Retired Policeman calls for public inquiry into OPCC and Wootton Park School:
".. I believe the PCC has misled the public regarding both his own and his office involvement with the creation of both the trust and School. I remain very concerned and suspicious that the PCC arrived in office with a prepared agenda for the Police headquarters, I don't believe its sale or intended use is either to help create a more efficient Police service or is justified as part of a wider crime tackling plan." {6}   

Stephen Mold, the current Northamptonshire PCC, is in the process of "rectifying" Simmonds questionable deal involving the sale of Wootton Hall. Mold announced in March that his Office is in advanced negotiations with the Education Funding Agency (EFA) to revise the terms of the sale of part of Wootton Hall, in a move that would see the joint Northamptonshire Police and Fire Headquarters remain on the site.

Police and Commissioner for Northamptonshire, Stephen Mold:

“The issue around the sale of Northamptonshire Police’s current headquarters is one that I wish I hadn’t had to inherit on my first day of entering Office and I am sorry it is a process that has taken so much time and effort to rectify. However, entering negotiations with the Education Funding Agency is a significant milestone in remedying this complex issue once and for all..

“Since I was elected as Police and Crime Commissioner, it has been my job to make sure that this situation is resolved in a manner that secures the best possible outcome for citizens of the county, and I believe that any revised agreement with the EFA would represent a win-win solution for all involved."

Simon Edens, Chief Constable of Northamptonshire Police:

“The Police and Crime Commissioner has sought my views on our operational requirements and he has announced his intention to retain Wootton Hall, effectively reversing his predecessor’s decision to sell it. We would keep it as our headquarters.." {7}

Stephen Mold also put an abrupt end to Simmonds' interfaith programme, the controversial Northamptonshire Police Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives (OFBCI). {8}

Simmonds dubious activities were not limited to Northamptonshire. Open Hands Trust, the "compassion charity" of Trinity Life Church in Leicester, applied for, and were "lucky" enough to receive, a large lottery award of £446626 during Simmonds' position as Director and Trustee. Acceptance of this filthy lucre (1 Timothy 3:3) put TLC in a position of severe spiritual compromise due to their confessed faith in Jesus Christ and their stated fundamental biblical stance. (1 Timothy 6:10). I am pretty sure that Jesus Christ does not approve of gambling or profiting from gambling. In any event, TLC/Open Hands took their thirty pieces of silver. (Matthew 26:15). Open Hands have since gone from strength to strength with their "charity" ..or should I call it a business?

Following the publication of my posts concerning the spiritual demise of TLC and their "lucky" lottery award in 2014, Simmonds took the unprecedented action of removing two of my posts from Blogger. I believed this action to be illegal, but despite my considerable efforts to obtain information both from the Police Complaints Commission and Google, I was unable to resolve this issue satisfactorily. I subsequently republished these two posts unedited without a further problem. Mr Bone clearly has friends and influence in high places to have successfully taken on Simmonds where I failed!

Since their unholy lottery award, TLC have never disentangled themselves from the snare of the devil. (1 Timothy 3:7). In particular, they seem unable to kick the habit of parading the number of the beast. (Revelation 13:18). The infamous 666 is a number that sincere Christians would never wish to be associated with, but not TLC! It is quite a common occurrence to see 666 blatantly displayed at TLC's 6 Degrees Coffee House! {9} David Hind has attempted to explain the number six away to the more gullible members of his congregation as "the number of man". He is right. In whatever way six is mathematically represented, it signifies man's corruption and imperfection without God. When it is tripled, it is the number of the beast. One could no longer possibly call TLC a "church" ..it has been transformed into a family empire and a cult, thanks to the foolishness of David Hind and his cohorts. {10}

The entity called Adam Simmonds is clearly a man who is ahead of his time - he seems to have mishandled his unholy calling! (1 John 2:18). I wonder if he still likes making sermons!

 Coven or Coffee House? Jeremy Corbyn looks slightly bemused!

Hidden in plain sight!

UPDATE 28th July 2017

No retrial for ex-PCC over MP police probe. {11}

{1}   http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-northamptonshire-40561628
{2}   http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-northamptonshire-40561628
{3}   https://www.dataleaklawyers.co.uk/blog/former-pcc-adam-simmonds-charged-for-disclosing-confidential-information
{4}   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adam_Simmonds
{5}   https://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.co.uk/2016/02/smell-rat-adam-simmonds-pcc.html?m=0
{6}   https://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/petition-for-public-inquiry-into.html
{7}   http://www.northantspcc.org.uk/pcc-announces-intention-northamptonshire-police-headquarters-remain-wootton-hall/
{8}   http://www.northantstelegraph.co.uk/news/controversial-faith-based-police-office-to-be-wound-down-1-7423881
{9}    https://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.co.uk/2017/01/trinity-life-church-leicester-satanism.html
{10}  https://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/trinity-life-church-leicester-downhill.html
{11}  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-northamptonshire-40755576#

TONY PEARCE LIGHT FOR THE LAST DAYS: HEDGING HIS RAPTURE BETS!

Tony Pearce, who supposedly operates within an eschatological ministry, takes the highly irresponsible pre-trib going on "pan-trib" rapture approach i.e. that it will all pan out in the end! Pearce is currently joint Vice President of the Prophetic Witness Movement International (PWMI). 

Light for the Last Days: "Looking at current world events and trends in the light of Bible prophecies about the last days of this age and the Second Coming of Jesus the Messiah." {1}

Tony Pearce: "So we have scriptures, which speak of the Lord coming for the saints and the Lord coming with the saints. This means that there are two stages of the Lord’s return, firstly for the saints (the rapture, a meeting ‘in the air’) and then coming with the saints (the coming of the Lord to the earth). The question which divides those who seek to understand these scriptures is whether these two stages are separated by a period of seven years on earth (the pre-tribulation rapture view), three and a half years on earth (the mid tribulation view) or happen simultaneously (the post tribulation view). If we take the pre tribulation view, we need to be ready for the Lord to come at any time now. If we take the post tribulation view we need to be ready for the events of the tribulation, which include world wars, persecution of believers and the rule of the Antichrist. I take the pre tribulation view, although I acknowledge that those who take the alternative views have valid reasons for their position. Either way we need to be ready to meet with the Lord." {2}

Pearce treats this subject as secondary and is hedging his rapture bets. The fuzzy "Either way we need to be ready to meet with the Lord." proposed by Pearce does not cut it. This statement is not only highly irresponsible, it is presumptuous and wicked! Pearce has no right to issue such a glib statement that trivialises the subject of the Lord's return!

Evidently it will not all "pan out" for many who profess faith in Jesus Christ! The great tribulation will be a time of unprecedented persecution against believers in the history of the world. For many holding the pre-trib false hope, the sudden unparalleled wrath of the Antichrist unleashed against them and the increase in lawlessness will cause the love of many to grow cold. (Matthew 24:9-12, 2 Thessalonians 2:3; cf. Matthew 13:21; Proverbs 13:12).

But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!” (Revelation 12:12).
For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. (Matthew 24:21).

Particularly nauseating is Pearce's validation of Thomas Ice and his distortion of apostasia:

"Thomas Ice argues argues that the word ‘apostasia’ can mean a departure from one place to another and that in this verse it refers to a moving from one place (the earth) to another (meeting the Lord in the air). In this case the rapture precedes the coming of the Man of Sin, or Antichrist. Other scriptures tell us we should be looking for the coming of Christ, not Antichrist." {3} Ice's definition of apostasia has been widely debunked and condemned by everyone and anyone with the slightest bit of biblical integrity! The Greek term apostasia literally means apostasy/rebellion.{4} Even the rabid pre-trib Berean Call recognise that apostasy is the correct interpretation of falling away (apostasia) in 2 Thessalonians 2:3! {5} 

"Christians who hold different views on this subject should avoid breaking fellowship and denouncing each other. I have taught the pre-tribulation view, but I do understand that there are valid reasons to believe the mid tribulation view and the post tribulation view. In the end only the Lord can cause the events surrounding His second coming to happen. We should be ready for His coming at any time – either at the rapture or at the moment of our death."

Note Pearce's preventative tactic of discouraging anyone from taking issue with the insidious foothold he gives to the devil. The old "do not judge" humbug which we are all so sick and tired of hearing is nothing less than suppression of dissent! Biblically: ..there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized. (1 Corinthians 11:19). Pearce substitutes critical thinking with a lie i.e. the mentality of passive acceptance rather than the Berean principle of referring to the scriptures and judging with right judgement. (Acts 17:11; 1 Corinthians 5:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:21; Ephesians 4:14; 1 John 4:1-6). I pity the congregation at The Bridge Christian Fellowship for the passive mindset that has been foisted upon them. The veiled threat of being labelled divisive if they think differently renders them spiritually impotent. (Galatians 5:9; 2 Corinthians 11:4).

As well as giving acknowledgement to the deviant pre-trib views of Thomas Ice and his apostasia nonsense, Pearce's assumption that that the 144000 Jews in the Book of Revelation are evangelists is completely misguided eisegesis. This further assumption also forms part of the false pre-trib dogma.

"144000 Jewish men who then bring a great multitude to faith in Jesus during the tribulation period."  {6}

Then I looked, and behold, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven like the roar of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder. The voice I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps, and they were singing a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and before the elders. No one could learn that song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. It is these who have not defiled themselves with women, for they are virgins. It is these who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These have been redeemed from mankind as firstfruits for God and the Lamb, and in their mouth no lie was found, for they are blameless. (Revelation 14:1-5 cf. Revelation 7:4-8).

The Book of Revelation states that the 144000 are sealed Jews who are redeemed firstfruits from the earth/mankind. Revelation says absolutely nothing, zero, zilch, nada, about them being evangelists!

Those pastors who trivialise the rapture by treating it as secondary are a shame and a disgrace to their supposed calling. They are negligent in their duty to their flock. Eschatology is not an easy subject, but nevertheless pastors/teachers are required to devote time to studying the scriptures in order to show themselves approved (2 Timothy 2:15). Jesus' return and the rapture are given a lot of attention in the scriptures. Do not be deceived by Pearce and his ilk: It is possible to come to a definitive rapture view that is correct. Jesus Christ and Paul were both very specific and warned believers repeatedly regarding the dangers of being deceived about the events surrounding His return.

Jesus Christ: See, I have told you beforehand. (Matthew 24:25).
Paul: Let no one deceive you in any way. (2 Thessalonians 2:3).
Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.(Revelation 14:12).

Matthew chapters 24 and 25, 1 and 2 Thessalonians and the Book of Revelation ALL specifically refer to the persecution of believers by the Antichrist before the Parousia. These are not just "valid reasons" for taking a different view to pre-trib as Pearce glibly puts it, as if any old view will suffice. These are the explicit teachings of Jesus Christ Himself and His apostle Paul which are also backed up by early church writings such as the Didache: Chapter XVI (c.50-c.120):

1. "Watch" over your life "let your lamps" be not quenched "and your loins" be not ungirded, but be "ready," for ye know not "the hour in which our Lord cometh." 2. But be frequently gathered together seeking the things which are profitable for your souls, for the whole time of your faith shall not profit you except ye be found perfect at the last time; 3. For in the last days the false prophets and the corruptors shall be multiplied, and the sheep shall be turned into wolves, and love shall change to hate; 4. For as lawlessness increaseth they shall hate one another and persecute and betray, and then shall appear the deceiver of the world as a Son of God, and shall do signs and wonders and the earth shall be given over into his hands and he shall commit iniquities which have never been since the world began. 5. Then shall the creation of mankind come to the fiery trial and "many shall be offended" and be lost, but "they who endure" in their faith "shall be saved" by the curse itself. 6. And "then shall appear the signs" of the truth. First the sign spread out in Heaven, then the sign of the sound of the trumpet, and thirdly the resurrection of the dead: 7. But not of all the dead, but as it was said, "The Lord shall come and all his saints with him." 8. Then shall the world "see the Lord coming on the clouds of Heaven." {7}

Are the pan-trib teachers who side step the controversial subject of the rapture inadequate, are they lazy, are they cowards or are they hirelings? (John 10:12-13). Whatever they are, they are without excuse. (John 15:22). 

The Bridge Christian Fellowship supports New Tribes Mission.{8} New Tribes Mission is a member of the International Orality Network (ION) which subscribes to the ecumenical Lausanne Covenant. {9}

How long will you go limping between two different opinions? (1 Kings 18:21 cf. James 1:8; Psalm 119:113). 

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. (James 3:1).

Preaching and teaching the truth takes backbone, a quality that is lacking with so many of these rapture chickens. I regard Tony Pearce's motives for giving credence to Thomas Ice and the pre-trib camp as highly questionable. Is he trying to win the approval of God or men? (1 Thessalonians 2:4).

How I would loathe being part of these lukewarm congregations with cowardly pastors.. and more importantly, how it sickens the Lord (Revelation 3:16; Isaiah 7:13).

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. Ephesians 6:10-18.

1. https://lightforthelastdays.co.uk/about-us/lftld/
2. https://lightforthelastdays.co.uk/articles/the-rapture-second-coming-and-the-millennium/happens-christians-death-rapture/
3. https://lightforthelastdays.co.uk/articles/the-rapture-second-coming-and-the-millennium/the-rapture-question/
4. https://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/apostasia-rebellion-or-rapture-thomas.html
5. https://www.thebereancall.org/content/revival-or-apostasy
6. https://lightforthelastdays.co.uk/articles/the-rapture-second-coming-and-the-millennium/the-rapture-question/
7. http://www.thedidache.com/
8. https://bridgelane.org.uk/who-we-support
9. http://ukapologeticslibrary.net/the-new-tribes-mission/