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)
This video comprises two solid hours of Spencer Smith's misogynistic teaching. Not only is he biblically inaccurate, he obviously has a major attitude problem and a lack of respect and Christian love for women.
Smith weighs straight in by pulling up a comment by one of his viewers:
Smith: "Has God called women to be the centre of attention and articulate general theology to the masses? Maybe we could call that preaching.. I think the answer to that is no, God has not called women to do anything like that." Another viewer chimed in, "it is narcissism".
After plugging his teaching 'Rise of the Divine Feminine', Smith continues: "I think women are being used by Satan today to cause a lot of chaos and a lot of problems in the local church."
To clarify, I am not egalitarian and I have no desire whatsoever to be a pastor or an elder in any church. Furthermore, I would not attend a church with a woman pastor or women elders.
The Bible gives no directions about women's freedom (or not) to discuss faith and theology outside the church. Spencer Smith has taken it upon himself to add to the scriptures and go beyond what is written. As far as I can determine, it is permissible for women to hold opinions and to voice them, especially if the scriptures back them up!
I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another. (1 Corinthians 4:6 cf. Proverbs 30:5-6).
Ironically, those who go beyond what is written are described in the scriptures as arrogant and divisive! Those who engage in this kind of rhetoric do immense damage to the body of Christ and stunt the growth of believers.
If Smith can bear to humble himself for a little while, then he should listen to Mike Winger's series: Women Leaders in the New Testament. Part 4 is particularly relevant to the present discussion: Women Leaders in the New Testament: Women in Ministry part 4 Winger: "We will examine claims that there were women apostles, women elders, women deacons and various other hints that some say offer us evidence of women in very significant leadership positions in the New Testament. We will also get into the 1 Timothy and Titus and the requirements that Paul gives for elders and deacons." Winger has inserted subheadings and I think that many will find the following sections very helpful:
13. 1:53:16 1 Tim. 3, deacons’ wives or deaconesses?
Phoebe and women in the early church
I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant* of the church at Cenchreae, that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron (προστάτις) of many and of myself as well. (Romans 16:1-2).
* a deaconess
In the Greek, διάκονος is servant, minister, deacon.
Bible Hub: "Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, a 'diakonos' was typically a servant or attendant who performed various duties. In the early Christian church, the term took on a more specific connotation, referring to those who served the community in both practical and spiritual matters. The role of a deacon, as outlined in the New Testament, was one of service and support, assisting the elders and apostles in the ministry of the church."1
In Philippians 1:1 Paul greets the deacons in a specific sense.
In 1 Timothy 3:8,12 refers to the offices of deacon and overseer.
In other instances διάκονος refers to servant in a generic sense.
Bible Hub: "The term 'prostatis' refers to a woman who acts as a leader, protector, or benefactor. In the context of the early Christian church, it denotes a woman who provided support, whether through financial means, hospitality, or leadership, to the community or individuals within it."2
Their wives (γυναῖκας) likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. (1 Timothy 3:11).
Paul acknowledges that women pray and prophesy in the church, indicating their active participation in worship. (1 Corinthians 11:5 cf. Acts 21:9).
Ruby Franke/Jodi Hildebrant
Smith goes into a lengthy discussion about two Mormon women, Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrant who ran a vlog in 2023. Wikipedia: "Ruby Franke (née Griffiths; born January 18, 1982) is an American convicted child abuser and former family vlogger who ran the now defunct YouTube channel 8 Passengers. On August 30, 2023, Franke and Jodi Hildebrant were arrested in Washington County, Utah, and charged with six counts of felony aggravated child abuse of two of Franke's children. Franke ultimately pleaded guilty to four counts and was sentenced to 4-30 years in prison on February 20, 2024." 3
Why does Spencer Smith judge unbelieversand why does he find it necessary to say that these women are representative of all women, even Christian women?
For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? (1 Corinthians 5:12).
When someone commented "Not all women are like this", Smith's responded: "There are obvious exceptions." In other words, 'the majority of women are like this'. Smith has now made two videos about these Mormon women, but frankly, this subject is irrelevant and has nothing to do with the body of Christ. Smith condemns the way these women presented themselves on social media: "My wife doesn't post pictures like that.." He goes on to second guess their motives as narcissistic and suggests that the pictures give out the message: 'Just look at me, hey look at my face, I'm a cutie, please give me that validation..' Obviously I do not endorse these women, but the pictures are not offensive or indecent and they are not flaunting themselves sexually. Christian women don't need any extra rules from Smith about how to present themselves! My best guess is that it suited Smith's purpose to make an example of these unsaved Mormon women to lash out against all women.
Smith has absolutely no authority to dictate to Christian women in a general sense. If he subjugates women within his own limited sphere of influence, and they are willing to put up with it, that is tragic. (2 Corinthians 1:24; 1 Peter 5:3; Proverbs 18:2).
..For the great day of Their wrath has come, and who is able to withstand it?” (Revelation 6:17).
Mark Hitchcock: "It is Jesus, the Lamb who is opening all of those seals.. these are all the wrath of God."
The pretrib rapture view was promoted by cult leader John Nelson Darby in the 18th century from false ideas he usurped from the Irvingites. Pretribulationism was popularized during the 1900s by Cyrus Scofield via the Scofield Reference Bible. This view was further popularized by the "Left Behind" novels written by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B Jenkins during the 1990s. Contrary to various dishonest pretrib claims, it has been demonstrated decisively that no evidence exists that the pretrib rapture was taught before the 18th century.1
The pretrib view depends on the assumption that the rapture of the church occurs before the 70th week of Daniel (pretrib teachers wrongly refer to the 70th week as the "tribulation"). The pretrib camp makes the further assumption that the eschatological wrath of God begins when the first seal of Revelation is broken based on 1 Thessalonians 5:9. This post provides scriptural evidence that the rapture occurs after the 3.5-year great tribulation between the sixth and seventh seal of Revelation and that the eschatological wrath begins at the seventh seal. (Revelation 8:1-6).
The explicit wording "the great day of their wrath has come" (orgé) (Revelation 6:17) occurs after the sixth seal is broken. The verb has come / ἦλθεν is aorist indicative active. Many pretrib teachers wrongly interpret this to mean the wrath of God began when the first seal was broken. However, the aorist tense is characterized by its emphasis on punctiliar action; that is, the concept of the verb is considered without regard for past, present, or future time.The context of Revelation 6 necessitates that the wrath of God becomes imminent following the rapture of the church when the sixth seal is broken i.e. the wrath is about to happen.
And I watched as the Lamb opened the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black like sackcloth of goat hair, and the whole moon turned blood red, and the stars of the sky fell to the earth like unripe figs dropping from a tree shaken by a great wind. The sky receded like a scroll being rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved from its place. Then the kings of the earth, the nobles, the commanders, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and free man hid in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains. And they said to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of the One seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb. For the great day of Their wrath has come, and who is able to withstand it?” (Revelation 6:12-17).
The phrase "the great day of their wrath" refers explicitly to God's eschatological wrath. This phrase is often associated with the "Day of the Lord" in biblical prophecy. The "great day" signifies a time of unprecedented divine intervention in human history when God's wrath is revealed. This phrase aligns with Old Testament prophecies such as Joel 2:31 and Zephaniah 1:14-18, which describe a day of darkness and destruction. Significantly, Joel 2 specifically states that the celestial disturbances will occur "before" the day of the Lord: 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).
Alan Kurschner: "..there is a comparison between the seals and the Olivet Discourse. This illustrates a consistent sequence of events leading up to the sixth seal: beginning of birth pangs, great tribulation, celestial disturbances. Accordingly, in Jesus’ Olivet Discourse, he teaches everything that happens before the celestial disturbances relates to the world’s depravity and Antichrist’s great tribulation."3
In Revelation 6, the four living creatures orchestrate events on God's behalf beginning with the summons to the four horsemen: "Come" (ἔρχου). (Revelation 6:1,3,5,7 cf. Revelation 4:6-9,5:6-14,14:3,15:7,19:4).
The four living creatures are found in Revelation 4:6-9,5:6-14,6:1-8,14:3,15:7,19:4. Got Questions: "The texts that describe these creatures do not indicate that they are figurative—they are real, actual beings. The four living creatures (literally 'beings') are a special, exalted order of angelic beings or cherubim. This is clear by their close proximity to the throne of God. Ezekiel 1:12–20 suggests that they are in constant motion around the throne."4
The first seal: So I looked and saw a white horse, and its rider held a bow. And he was given a crown, and he rode out to overcome and conquer. (Revelation 1:2).
The second seal: Then another horse went forth. It was bright red, and its rider was granted permission to take away peace from the earth and to make men slay one another. And he was given a great sword. (Revelation 6:4).
The third seal: Then I looked and saw a black horse, and its rider held in his hand a pair of scales. And I heard what sounded like a voice from among the four living creatures, saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and wine.” Revelation 6:5-6). A "voice" among the four living creatures determines economic hardship and scarcity of necessities. However, the oil and the wine are not to be harmed.
The fourth seal: Then I looked and saw a pale green horse. Its rider’s name was Death, and Hades followed close behind. And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill by sword, by famine, by plague, and by the beasts of the earth. (Revelation 6:8).
The pivotal message of the three angels (probably during the fourth seal) constitutes God's final ultimatum to humanity: 1. The eternal gospel is proclaimed to the inhabitants of the earth. (Revelation 14:6-7); 2. the fall of Babylon is announced. (Revelation 14:8); 3. the full strength of God's wrath will be the fate of those who worship the beast and its image or receive the mark of the beast. (Revelation 14:9-11). This final warning immediately precedes the rapture (the harvest of the earth). (Revelation 14:14-16). This information confirms that the direct wrath of God follows the rapture after the sixth seal is broken. (Revelation 6:12-17).
And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships 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 strengthinto 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).
The fifth seal: And when the Lamb opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony they had upheld. And they cried out in a loud voice, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge those who dwell upon the earth and avenge our blood?” Then each of them was given a white robe and told to rest a little while longer until the full number of their fellow servants, their brothers, were killed, jst as they had been killed.(Revelation 6:9-11). The martyrs do not have resurrected bodies and are referred to as "souls". They are each given a white robe in anticipation of God's wrath and are told to "rest a little while longer.." The description of the martyrs during the fifth seal period is an obvious indication that the rapture has not yet occurred.
The sixth seal: A critical shift occurs when the sixth seal is broken. The first four seals and the summoning of the four horsemen refer to earthly judgements during the Antichrist's tenure. When the sixth seal is broken the focus shifts from the tribulation to direct intervention from heaven beginning with fearful cosmic disturbances.
And I watched as the Lamb opened the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black like sackcloth of goat hair, and the whole moon turned blood red, and the stars of the sky fell to the earth like unripe figs dropping from a tree shaken by a great wind. The sky receded like a scroll being rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved from its place. (Revelation 6:12-14).
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). Note the unmistakable parallels between Revelation 6 and Matthew 24. There can be little doubt that the cosmic disturbances and the rapture happen in rapid succession after the sixth seal is broken.
The seventh seal: After the seventh seal is broken the seven angels prepare to blow the trumpets for the commencement of the trumpet judgements. (Revelation 8-9). The bowl judgements (the third woe) follow the trumpet judgements chronologically. The four living creatures direct angels to inflict the wrath of God upon the earth via the seven plagues.
And one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God who lives forever and ever, and the sanctuary was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power, and no one could enter the sanctuary until the seven plagues of the seven angels were finished. (Revelation 15:7-8).
Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to Him, we ask you, brothers, not to be easily disconcerted or alarmed by any spirit or message or letter seeming to be from us, alleging that the Day of the Lord has already come. Let no one deceive you in any way, for it will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness—the son of destruction—is revealed. He will oppose and exalt himself above every so-called god or object of worship. So he will seat himself in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. (2 Thessalonians 2:1-4).
It has recently come to my attention that Revelation TV no longer uses its Spanish-based studio for its RMornings programme. The new daily format of RMornings is now broadcast from Revelation TV's London studio. Howard and Leslie Conder recently announced that Nikki Mills and Yemi Balogun turned down an opportunity to move back to the London studio, and due to Spanish law, they had to be made redundant. So far, viewer concerns and queries about the purpose-built office studio complex in Southern Spain funded by the donations of its viewers have been met with a wall of silence.
It became apparent last February on The Late Show that RTV's Spanish operation was running into difficulties and was not all they hoped it would be. During this programme, it emerged that the main RTV office had relocated to the UK due to staffing problems, issues with Brexit, COVID-19, and technical problems. Gordon Pettie: "We're struggling a little bit.. We've got this fantastic building that the Lord has given us. We acknowledge quite clearly that it was God directed to do that, but now we're saying, 'What really is the purpose of that building?'.. we are beginning to see an increase of programmes in the UK and we have got a dilemma.." (28:00 mark) Pettie made these remarks with a straight face, apparently unwilling to consider the possibility that the Lord had not spoken to Conder about starting Revelation TV.Even in the face of abject failure, their delusion continues without a thought for those who gave sacrificially to enable the purchase of the Spanish white elephant on the strength of Conder's alleged "vision". Various suggestions were made by viewers, including selling the building in Spain and fundraising for a new London studio! It now appears that the ambitious Spanish project relentlessly touted by RTV presenters was a complete waste of everyone's time, money, and effort. Essentially RTV is back to square one and needs to finance a new London studio!
Conder: "The prophecies that I got in the beginning.. were so encouraging that gave me a reason for actually going ahead with starting a Christian channel here in the UK.."
The alleged prophecies that Conder received during the 1990s were from false NAR "Apostles" and "Prophets".
In 1994 Conder received a "prophecy" from proven false NAR "Apostle" Jonathan David at an ecumenical meeting!
NAR "Prophet" Sharon Stone prophesied over Conder in 1999. This is where Conder got the ridiculous idea that he was going to be a modern-day “Elijah”. Ironically, Elijah came against the prophets of Baal, he was not partners with them! (Ephesians 5:7).
NAR "Apostle" Noel Woodroffe's prophecy in 1994 mentions Howard Conder re: God starting Christian TV in the UK.
No doubt the above "prophecies" played into Conder's narcissism during the 1990s and beyond. However, many believers are now becoming more aware that the New Apostolic Reformation is a fake movement consisting of false "Apostles" and "Prophets".
Pettie: "When we wrote the book 'Broadcasting Christ' we said in it 'Howard, you have had more prophecies that its right, back in 2009/10, to go to Spain and to start the work in Spain.' And it's trying to balance that up with what we can see with our eyes about the situation with Brexit and all the things that are happening at this moment of time.."
Some Background
In 2008 RTV moved its head office to Spain. In 2012 RTV had a permanent television studio base in Spain, but these facilities were deemed unfit for purpose. In 2014 Conder had the "vision" for the Spanish building project. From around early 2015, fundraising commenced for the purchase of land and the building of a new purpose-built television studio complex for the channel in Spain. Following an intense and prolonged period of fundraising, the new Revelation TV studio's "Grand Opening" took place from Friday 21st to Monday 24th of April 2023.1 The new studio 'The Revelation International Centre' was hailed as "A future for the next generation".2
Howard Conder has repeatedly attacked his detractors for their "false accusations", yet there have been many genuine concerns that RTV has refused to acknowledge. RTV's early compromise with Roman Catholicism and Word-Faith prosperity teachers such as Benny Hinn, Jesse Duplantis, John Hagee, Joyce Meyer, hyper-grace teacher Joseph Prince, ecumenist Hugh Osgood, the 700 Club, and Seventh Day Adventists etc. was not compatible with a man allegedly called by God. Many discerning Christians therefore rejected Conder's claims on the basis that RTV was no better than apostate channels such as Daystar, God TV, and TBN.
Rob Thomas 'Watchman4Wales' May 2015: "It has long been noted that Revelation TV is a very heavily compromised channel, having no qualms about broadcasting the programmes of some of the most grievous wolves in sheep's clothing on the face of the planet. I wrote myself to Revelation TV some while ago concerning their broadcasting of false teachers, an example at that time being their airing of the notorious charlatan Benny Hinn's 'This Is Your Day.' (I had no response whatsoever). Their current schedule includes the likes of Jesse Duplantis and Joyce Meyer, who similarly present "another Jesus... another spirit... another gospel." (2 Corinthians 11:4). It is quite obvious that the channel has learned nothing about unacceptable compromise since Jacob Prasch's departure back in 2011, and the Justin Peters incident the previous year when a live interview with him was taken off air when he dared to "name and shame." They have continued relentlessly along their spiritually reckless way, with wilful disregard as to how their collusion with deadly deceivers brings not only disgrace to the Body of Christ but completely undermines the preaching of the True Gospel, exposing millions of viewers to spiritual mauling and mutilation by hungry wolves who feed off the flock!"3
These days, RTV focuses mainly on political issues, inane chat shows, and regular Bible studies with ecumenist Tim Vince, Anglican John Campbell, and egalitarian Derek Walker (Oxford Bible Church).
Realistically Conder cannot keep up the delusion that God called him to start Revelation TV. The "God spoke to me" card is wearing very thin with many believers these days!
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1).
Lee Brainard and Tom Hughes 'Hope For Our Times' exhibit further evidence of Brainard's bizarre thought process and flawed interpretation of the scriptures. Brainard's notions should be very concerning to students of eschatology no matter what view they hold on the rapture.
Despite the pretrib view being relentlessly promoted by certain teachers, it is a highly problematic doctrine and fails the test of the scriptures. (1 John 4:1). Pretribulationism is based on the teachings of cult leader John Nelson Darby and defective "Left Behind" theology. Regardless of repeated claims by Lee Brainard and others, the pretrib view originated and became popular in the 18th century. There is no evidence that any early church father taught the pretrib rapture. Lee Brainard's amateurish attempts to reinterpret the writings of various church fathers have been debunkedin every instance.1
Lee Brainard's faulty definition of parousia
The noun parousia is explicitly applied to the coming of Christ in Matthew 24:27; 1 Corinthians 15:23; 1 Thessalonians 2:19,3:13,4:15,5:23; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-8; James 5:7-8; 2 Peter 1:16,3:4,12; 1 John 2:28. Prewrath scholars define Christ's parousia as a multifaceted extended event beginning with the rapture.
Alan Kurschner: "The rapture, along with the resurrection, are the first events that will happen when Christ’s Parousia begins. Similarly, as the birth of Christ was the first event of his first Parousia, the rapture and resurrection will be the first events of the second Parousia."2
Primarily the noun parousia refers to the coming of the Lord Jesus. It refers to Jesus coming to rapture (harpazó) His church following the great tribulation. (1 Corinthians 15:23; 1 Thessalonians 2:19; 5: 23; James 5:8; 1 John 2:28), and also to Armageddon. The context determines whether parousia refers to the rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) or Armageddon.
Brainard has taken it upon himself to redefine parousia by applying it exclusively to Armageddon. Brainard claims that the Greek word apantésis refers to the rapture and that parousia refers to Armageddon.
Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet(apantésis) the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. (1 Thessalonians 4:17). Strongs:"ἀπάντησις: the act of meeting, to meet (a phrase seemingly almost technical for the reception of a newly arrived official)."3 Specific references to the rapture where parousia is applied are found in Matthew 24:27, 1 Corinthians 15:23, 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17; 2 Thessalonians 2:1. The word apantésis is found three times in the New Testament. (Matthew 25:6; Acts 28:15; 1 Thessalonians 4:17). Brainard's misinformation is either staggeringly ignorant or staggeringly dishonest. To make matters worse, Tom Hughes unquestionably accepts and reinforces Brainard's false assertions. (1 John 4:1).
Brainard: "We talk in a pragmatic way about the Lord descending from heaven twice. The Bible gives us the typology of the Day of the Lord. It presents the rapture as the morning star of the day of the Lord, it presents the tribulation as the dawning of the day of the Lord, and it presents the second coming as the sunrise of the day of the Lord.."
Matthew 24:29 and Revelation 6:12-17 give a specific time frame "after the tribulation" for the day of the Lord: Immediately after the tribulation of those days. (Matthew 24:19).
The dawning of the day and the morning star
2 Peter 1:19 gives interconnected metaphors of the dawn and the morning star. This correlates with the prewrath view that the parousia is an extended event beginning with the rapture rather than the disjointed pretrib view presented by Brainard.
And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. (2 Peter 1:19).
Revelation 5
Hughes "When we look at Revelation 5.. we have all these voices in heaven.. including those who have been redeemed from the earth, that's us.. pre the first seal.." (26:00 mark) Where are "the redeemed" in this passage? Revelation 5 identifiesthe living creatures, the eldersand the voice of many angels numbering myriads etc.
Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying,“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” (Revelation 5:11-13).
According to Brainard, those who miss the redeemed in Revelation 5 are "loose and sloppy". Brainard: "Basically they have to be loose and sloppy and ignore the clues in the passage. We see in Revelation 5:9 that the 24 elders are bought with the blood of Christ.. they are sitting on thrones and wearing their stephanos crowns.."
And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne. And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song, saying, "Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” (Revelation 5:6-10).
The book of Revelation is far too important to make careless assumptions. The twenty-four elders are often interpreted as representing the culmination of the redeemed and glorified saints, symbolizing the culmination of God's redemptive plan and the exaltation of believers in the heavenly realm. However, there is no evidence that the entirety of the redeemed are present in this passage. Brainard argues that the "stephanos crowns" and "white robes" worn by the elders in Revelation 4:4 definitively identify them as the redeemed. The "stephanos crown" often, but not always, refers to a victor's crown. (Revelation 2:10,3:11). John also used the expression "stephanos crown" to describe a crown that represents authority. (Revelation 6:2,9:7,12:1,14:14). White apparel is the characteristic dress of angels. (Matthew 28:3; Mark 16:5; John 20:12; Acts 1:10). Those who overcome will be dressed in white (leukois). (Revelation 3:5), and bright (lam-pros') linen is given to the bride of Christ in Revelation 19:8. Brainard's argument is inconclusive and by no means settles the matter. The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures perform identical roles i.e. both groups are holding golden bowls of incense (the prayers of the saints), and both groups sing the new song. The four living creatures are identified as angelic beings whereas the twenty-four elders are not identified. The identity and symbolism of the twenty-four elders have been the subject of much theological discussion and we would be wise not to be dogmatic about their identity. Interestingly, the diverse multitude from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages do not appear until Revelation 7:9. Far from being "loose and sloppy", prewrath scholars have been careful not to read anything into the passage that would distort its meaning. (Revelation 22:18-19). If we think we find a "hint" of something in a passage then we should seek to verify our theory with other scriptures. (1 John 4:1; Psalm 119:160).
John 6:16-21 as a type of the rapture ?
When evening came, His disciples went down to the sea, got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was already dark, and Jesus had not yet gone out to them. A strong wind was blowing, and the sea grew agitated. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the sea—and they were terrified. But Jesus spoke up: “It is I; do not be afraid.” Then they were willing to take Him into the boat, and at once the boat reached the shore where they were heading. (John 6:16-21).
Brainard: "The disciples are instantaneously delivered from the storm.. The Lord instead of allowing them to go all the way through the storm comes to them at the beginning of the storm, they receive Him into the boat and they are immediately at the land where they went. This is a picture of the Lord coming to the church at the end of the church age and immediately when He connects with us we are going to be in glory. (38:00 mark)
If this passage is a type of the rapture, then Brainard interprets it incorrectly. The Lord does not come to the disciples at the beginning of the storm.. It was dark, a strong wind was blowing, the sea grew agitated, they had rowed about three or four miles.. This passage would indicate the prewrath rapture, not pretrib.
Apart from the theological bankruptcy of the pretrib view, there are many troubling concerns about the teachers/ministries who promote it.(1 Timothy 4:16). Researcher and author Dave MacPherson accused pretrib scholars of dishonesty on numerous occasions. MacPherson: "When I began my research in 1970 into the exact beginnings of the pretribulation rapture belief still held by many evangelicals, I assumed that the rapture debate involved only 'godly scholars with honest differences.' The paper you are now reading reveals why I gave up that assumption many years ago."4 In common with MacPherson, I have also given up on the idea that pretrib scholars have integrity. Below are some recent examples of pretrib dishonesty.
* Lee Brainard has recently denied the core pretrib doctrine of imminence.5
* Lee Brainard's unscrupulous research into the early Church Fathers.6 * Failed marriage counselor and spiritual abuser Jimmy Evans of Daystar infamy has "transitioned" out of XO Marriage and is now channeling his dubious skills into 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.8 * Mark Hitchcock openly demonstrates his skewed priorities. He is more interested in promoting his new book coauthored with Jimmy Evans than in the scriptural command to separate from false teachers. (Matthew 6:24).8
* Mark Hitchcock's "subscribers only" section of his YouTube channel is unbiblical. (Matthew 10:8).
* 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 * Jack Hibbs' shocking endorsement of NAR "apostolic leader" Che Ahn and his continued support of Daystar.9
* Prophecy Watchers are closely associated with Daystar.9 * Date setter JD Farag predicted that the rapture would occur before the 25th of September 2023.10 * It is widely known that Don Stewart 'Educating Our World' is in an adulterous marriage.Stewart is a self-appointed "prophecy expert" who continues to churn out "prophecy updates" and is a regular guest of Tom Hughes 'Hope For Our Times'11
* Tom Hughes' and his dubious guests present a constant barrage of newspaper eisegesis at the expense of sound biblical exegesis.
* Andy Woods credibility issues! Alan Kurschner's strong rebuttal against Andy Woods' "lies" and "evasion of significant arguments" in 2018.12
Those who oppose the pretrib rapture are concerned for believers in the final generation. (Matthew 24:10).
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).
