EMMA STARK'S ALLEGED THRONE ROOM ENCOUNTER!

(1) What Is Next For The Church? - Mark Pugh and Special Guests - YouTube

The above video was posted by Elim Pentecostal Churches in 2020. At the 35:00 mark, host Mark Pugh asks "prophets" Emma Stark, Simon Braker, James Aladiran and Rachel Hickson: "What God may be saying to leaders at this time."  What follows from Emma Stark is an explicit first person "thus saith the Lord" prophecy complete with alleged throne room encounter. 

Emma Stark's claim that she is often "taken up" to the throne room of God in itself should raise a red flag. Such events are exceptional in the scriptures. The apostle Paul was extremely reticent about his experience and was reluctant to even name himself . Paul heard things in paradise that he was not permitted to repeat!

And I know that this man was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter. (2 Corinthians 12:3-4).

John, the author of Revelation, gives a detailed description of heaven in Revelation 4:1-11.

And he who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald. (Revelation 4:3).

Barnes: "Was in appearance; or, as I looked upon him, this seemed to be his appearance. He does not describe his form, but his splendor.. it is well adapted to impress the mind with a sense of the majesty of Him who cannot be described, and of whom no image should be attempted. Compare Deuteronomy 4:12; 'Ye heard the voice of the words, but saw no similitude'." {1} 

..who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.

No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known. (John 1:18 cf. Exodus 33:20).

Emma Stark's alleged "throne room encounter" raises some very serious doubts as to its legitimacy:

"I saw God.. as I walked into the throne room which I do quite often.. I am used to the cacophony of the angelic noise and the twenty four elders doing the business of the throne. God came off His throne. and he is on all fours on the ground in a way I have never seen Him before, and there is a howling groaning almost disturbing noise... I kind of kneel down before God.. and I start to hear Him wail. and if that image disturbs you, it is right out of Isaiah where Isaiah describes God as 'a woman in labour'. God the woman giving birth is the analogy in Isaiah, so we are right in the scriptures with this vision.. I bend down and I hear God wail.. 'I want the nations', I am calling for the nations, it's a time for the nations to come back to Me' .. and suddenly God is reading out of His scriptures and he is reading  Haggai chapter 2.. 'In a little while I will shake the heavens and the earth'.  

Emma Stark's Interpretation: "I am investing in shaking..  If I don't shake you, you cannot carry the new wine; if I don't shake you, you cannot have revival; if I don't shake you, you cannot have the one billion soul harvest.. I heard the Lord say fresh from his throne room this morning, 'the bending has begun, the bending of the knees to Christ.." She continues in a similar vein for a few more minutes.

A text taken out of context is a pretext. 

Emma Stark is referring to Isaiah 42:14 and Haggai 2:6-9 - both out of context.

In context Isaiah 42:18-20 refers to judgement upon God's enemies i.e. the nations who worship false gods. In verse 16, the focus changes to "the blind" i.e. Israel. 

The LORD goes forth like a mighty one; He stirs up His zeal like a warrior. He shouts; yes, He roars in triumph over His enemies: I have kept silent from ages past; I have remained quiet and restrained. But now I will groan like a woman in labor; I will at once gasp and pant. I will lay waste the mountains and hills and dry up all their vegetation. I will turn the rivers into dry land and drain the marshes. I will lead the blind by a way they did not know; I will guide them on unfamiliar paths. I will turn darkness into light before them and rough places into level ground. These things I will do for them, and I will not forsake them. But those who trust in idols and say to molten images, ‘You are our gods!’ will be turned back in utter shame. (Isaiah 42:13-17).

Haggai 2:6 ~ "Once more (once for all).. I will shake the heavens and the earth” In verse 6 the final shaking is contrasted to the shaking of Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:18). It extends to the whole creation and is once for all (ἔτι ἅπαξ). This is the only portion of Haggai quoted in the New Testament (Hebrews 12:26). Its final fulfilment announces God’s intention to shake the present order in His coming day of judgment. (Isaiah 2:19; Matthew 24:28-29; Luke 21:25-2). 

Yet once more, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land. And I will shake all nations, so that the treasures of all nations shall come in, and I will fill this house with glory, says the LORD of hosts. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declares the LORD of hosts. The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, says the LORD of hosts. And in this place I will give peace, declares the LORD of hosts.’” (Haggai 2:6-9). 

Therefore I will make the heavens tremble, and the earth will be shaken out of its place, at the wrath of the LORD of hosts in the day of his fierce anger. (Isaiah 13:13).

It is significant that the book of Revelation describes the diametric opposite to an end time "victorious church". In fact we see the persecution of the saints at the hand of the Antichrist immediately prior to the return of Jesus Christ. 

Then the beast (the Antichrist) was permitted to wage war against the saints and to conquer them, and it was given authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation. (Revelation 13:7).

Jesus warns believers repeatedly about spiritual deception immediately prior to his second coming.

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. (Matthew 24:3-5 cf. Matthew 24:11,24).

Paul warns that apostasy, not revival, will precede the day of the Lord:

Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day (the day of the Lord) will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness (the Antichrist) 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).

Mark Pugh: "Some people are asking.. Why do we need new wine.. Why does God talk about giving new wine, new power new anointing to the church?" This is a pertinent question considering God has given us everything we need for life and godliness.. (2 Peter 1:3).

Rachel Hickson: "We need new tools.. fresh mantles and fresh tools". She went on to quote Joel 3:10 completely out of context. "In Europe you need new tools.. and you see in Joel when they are calling to war, there is the cry of a prophet 'bring me your ploughshares, bring me your threshing instruments, I'm going to give your swords and spears.'" 

Who is the Lord addressing when He says: "Beat your plowshares into swords and your pruning hooks into spears."?

Quoting verses out of context is a chronic issue with these so called "prophets". Their appalling incompetence in handling the word of truth leads to extreme error and damage to the Body of Christ. (2 Timothy 2:15). Joel 3 in context is an end time prophecy. Joel calls the place the Valley of Jehoshaphat, John calls it the valley of Megiddo and the battle of Armageddon. (Revelation 16:16).  

Yes, in those days and at that time, when I restore Judah and Jerusalem from captivity, I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. (Joel 3:1-2; cf. Revelation 16:14).

Proclaim this among the nations: “Prepare for war; rouse the mighty men; let all the men of war
advance and attack! Beat your plowshares into swords and your pruning hooks into spears. Let the weak say, ‘I am strong!’ Come quickly, all you surrounding nations, and gather yourselves. Bring down Your mighty ones, O LORD Let the nations be roused and advance to the Valley of Jehoshaphat.. (Joel 3:9-12).

Benson: "Rouse and bring forward into the field your strong and valiant men. In these words the prophet, in an ironical manner, encourages them to make their utmost effort to oppose the designs of Providence; but signifies that it should be all in vain. For, should they strengthen themselves by all the means in their power, yet they should be overcome and punished. Beat your plough-shares into swords, &c." {2} 

Rachel Hickson continues to quote Micah 4:3, again out of context: "and the prophet Michah then says the seasons change.. 'now bring me your swords and spears and I will give your pruning hooks and threshing instruments'." 

No one brings anything to the Lord in either of these passages.. rather they beat their swords and pruning hooks themselves. 

Micah 4 is a millennial passage.. i.e. it applies to conditions following Jesus return during the millennial period when there will no longer be war. 

..and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. (Micah 4:3 cf. Isaiah 2:1-4).

Has the blood of Jesus been superseded?

In the New Testament new wine refers to the transition from the Mosaic Law to the gospel. The new doctrine Jesus taught was grace, not the Mosaic law. The blood of Christ is represented by wine. Bengel's Gnomon: "The wine is (the token of the felicities of this dispensation, and it is called 'new' in contrast with the obsolete character of that which it superseded. 'Novitatem dicit plane eingularem' (Bengel). Matthew 26:29" {3} 

Those looking for "new wine" are in very serious error. They have rejected the cross of Jesus Christ and the foundation He has established. Laodicea were instructed - be zealous and repent...  not - look for new wine. (Revelation 3:9).

For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 3:11).

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:18-22).

I know that you cannot tolerate those who are evil, and you have tested and exposed as liars those who falsely claim to be apostles. (Revelation 2:2).

But I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. (Revelation 2:20).

For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough. Indeed, I consider that I am not in the least inferior to these super-apostles. (2 Corinthians 11:4-5).

For those with questions and/or concerns about the New Apostolic Reformation, I recommend GoodFight Ministries five part series entitled "Bethel or Beth-Hell?".

PART 1: Examining Bill Johnson's Bethel Church https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3vfCg-IBvY&t=30s

PART 2 :The Bethel & Friends Contagion https://youtu.be/R-U-asIjsEs 

PART 3: Bethel's Sozo Obsession https://youtu.be/311_fhu70_g 

PART 4: Hogwarts School of Supernatural Ministry & Witches at Bethel?https://youtu.be/L8qTqNOVxDg PART 5:: Bethel or Beth-Hell? Q & A Show https://youtu.be/sLyBe2CgaVk

1. Revelation 4:3 Commentaries: And He who was sitting was like a jasper stone and a sardius in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald in appearance. (biblehub.com)

2. Joel 3:9 Commentaries: Proclaim this among the nations: Prepare a war; rouse the mighty men! Let all the soldiers draw near, let them come up! (biblehub.com)

3. Matthew 26:29 Commentaries: "But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom." (biblehub.com)

A WARNING: THE DANGERS OF DOMINIONISM.. CONVERGENCE21 LEICESTER

Below is a post written by Rob Thomas (watchman4wales) in 2020 which gives some good insights into the aberrant teachings of Dominionism. {1} To those who plan to attend CONVERGENCE21 at Holy Trinity Church in Leicester between 18-20 November~ beware of so called modern "prophets and apostles". {2}

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. (1John 4:1).

BRITISH ISLES COUNCIL OF PROPHETS: THE NEW APOSTOLIC REFORMATION MARCHES FORWARD IN THE UK AND IRELAND!

"Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name:

I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them:

they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, 

and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart."

(Jeremiah 14:14)

INTRODUCTION

As in Jeremiah's day, so in ours also. Then, the people were going into captivity in physical Babylon; now, the people are going into captivity in Mystery Babylon (Rev. 17:5), the antichrist final religious system of the Last Days. And at the very forefront of the great apostasy causing this bondage is the global Apostolic/Prophetic movement, a core tenet of which is the taking over and running of all aspects of human activity on the planet - all prior to the Lord's return - which is frequently referred to as 'The Seven Mountain Mandate.' (The mountains being: Business, Government, Family, Religion, Media, Education and Entertainment).

An overview and summing up of these self-appointed Apostles and Prophets and their supposed God-given Mandate, which this article essentially follows on from and fleshes out, formed last month's piece; please see:
https://watchman4wales.blogspot.com/2020/02/the-new-apostolic-reformation-and-seven.html



A BRIEF HISTORY OF "CHRISTIAN DOMINIONISM"

Christian Dominionism/'Kingdom Now' theology is a major and most grievous heresy that came to the fore in the 'Latter Rain Revival' in Canada in 1948, the year that most significantly also saw the re-birth of the State of Israel. 'Latter Rain' adherents pioneered the concept of God restoring the Offices of Apostle and Prophet to the Church and the triumphalist worldview that the Church, having been perfected - with praise and worship ushering in the presence of God - would be victorious over the world and bring in the Kingdom of God on Earth. Jesus's proclamation that "My kingdom is not of this world" (John 18:36) had no place in their utterly unBiblical theology and eschatology. A central plank of their rotten walkway was the teaching of 'The Manifest(ed) Sons of God,' the emergence of an elite corps of super-saints who would be sinless and immortal, becoming as Christ Himself! This great End-Time 'Joel's Army' would defeat the forces of darkness, wielding all the authority and power of the Lord Himself, whose return and reign would have to wait until all things had first been subjugated to THEM!

This aberrant worldview with no divide at all between the spiritual and the secular, receiving right and proper condemnation from a Church which back then could still largely demonstrate Biblical literacy, wisdom, discernment and an orthodox eschatology, went somewhat into hibernation. Never dead, unfortunately, it re-emerged with church growth guru C. Peter Wagner's hand on the helm, alongside John Wimber's 'Power Evangelism' movement - "doin' the stuff" as he called it - which found its particular expression and springboard in his Vineyard churches. From the 1980s, when Wagner and Wimber had joined forces to teach on "Signs and Wonders" at the Fuller Seminary, Dominionism and "Signs and Wonders" were to be pretty much inseparable bedfellows. Subjective experience was IN, objective (and sound!) Biblical doctrine was OUT, and testing the spirits was something akin to a jar of tastebud-troubling jam, to be put at the back of the highest shelf to gather ever thickening dust.

Wagner it was who coined the phrase New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) as an overarching appellation for the Apostolic/Prophetic movement which he would lead, which was to steadily and stealthily become what is probably the most powerful, the most deluded and the most dangerous sector in what passes for the Church in the USA today. And contemporary culture and spirituality dictates that what happens in America today, the rest of the world will be following suit tomorrow. The NAR epitomizes the great Falling Away from Truth which the Scriptures foretold would occur, and is right now happening before our very eyes. As the Word warns in no uncertain terms:

"And they shall turn away their ears from the truth,

and shall be turned unto fables."

(2 Timothy 4:4)

It should be noted, however, that although the USA was and is a world (mis)leader in the field of the supposed restoration of the Offices of Apostle and Prophet to the Church, as the highest tiers of a fully reactivated Fivefold Ministry, the UK also witnessed the birthing in the 1970s of its own counterpart of the emerging American NAR. Originally widely referred to simply as Restorationism, the various groups that constitute the Apostolic/Prophetic movement on this side of the Atlantic are now collectively known as The British New Church Movement, with an emphasis on the role of the Apostle in their strict pyramid structure of governance. (E.g. in a Welsh context, Keri Jones is the recognized covering "Apostle" of 'All Nations' in Cardiff, 'LifePoint Church' in Swansea and 'Nationchangers' in Merthyr Tydfil, which operate under the banner of 'Ministries Without Borders.')

The British New Church Movement has down the years had what amounts to an elitist, separatist mindset; their focus is on teaching, shepherding and following only their own; one might say that they see themselves as the Premiership, and other Christian churches are playing in a lesser league. But, as the American "big boys" gained ever greater ground globally, it was perhaps inevitable that folks of a similar Dominionist persuasion here in the UK would become increasingly attracted to and influenced by the American way of doing things. Whilst British New Church members continue, for the present at least, in their own way and style, outside of their ranks there has been a groundswell of Dominionist activity, seeing the emergence onto the scene of men and women who proclaim themselves and each other to be Prophets appointed and anointed by God. These are now determinedly organizing themselves along American NAR lines, formulating a power base from which to launch a major offensive here in the British Isles.

The turn of the millennium had witnessed an unprecedented consolidation and careful organization of Apostles and Prophets taking place, centred in the USA, with the creation in 1999 of two select bodies to massively further their aims. One was the International Coalition of Apostles, of which C. Peter Wagner was Presiding Apostle. (This group is now known as ICAL: the International Coalition of Prophetic Leaders). The other was ACPE, the Apostolic Council of Prophetic Elders, chaired by Cindy Jacobs, of which Wagner was also unsurprisingly a key member. Structures were now in place to push the Dominionist agenda forward as never before, with their influence just two decades on now reaching across entire continents and even into the highest Office in the land, with Paula White being appointed to the White House staff as President Trump's Spiritual Adviser.


THE BRITISH ISLES COUNCIL OF PROPHETS 

What I wish to particularly draw attention to here, my friends, is that many previously largely independently-operating "Prophets" on this side of the Pond have now banded themselves together in a way that mimics the American NAR model. They have very recently established the 'British Isles Council of Prophets' in a collective effort to promote themselves and their supposed "prophecies" specifically here in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. So, whereas to date there has been a reliance on visiting, already well hyped and well connected "Prophets" to most powerfully further the NAR cause in these Islands, the mechanisms are now being put into place to market home-brewed Dominionist apostasy, and on an industrial scale!

Below is listed the full crew of the 'British Isles Council of Prophets' (henceforth referred to as BICP). These spiritual buccaneers - some three dozen names at the time of writing! - have all firmly nailed their colours to the mast of the NAR pirate ship:

Core Leaders:
Simon Braker                           Louise Reid                           Emma Stark
Rebecca King                           Adele Richards                     David Stark                     

Council members:
Tomi Arayomi                           Dylis Chi                               Moses Rankin
Helen Azer                                Jarrod Cooper                      Sam Robertson
Simon Baddeley                       Rachel Harris                       Marj Rossol
Sarah-Jane Biggart                  Claire Harrison                     Rose Sambrook
Mark Birch-Machin                   Barbara Jenkinson              Phil Sanderson
Rebecca Briggs                        Preethy Kurian                     Sue Sinclair
Melanie Brooks                        Christine Larkin                    Veronika West
Hellie Brunt                              Jennie Pitt                              Liz Wright
Rob Cates        

Advisory council:
Julie Anderson                         Revd. Canon John McGinley
Tim Eldridge                             Dr. Sharon Stone
Rachel Hickson

(Source: https://www.prophets.org.uk/council-members/ )

You'll note Sharon Stone's name above; we should not underestimate the relevance of her being on the BICP Advisory Council, as Dr. Stone is a member of the NAR's Apostolic Council of Prophetic Elders and thus forms a bridge between them. I have previously been much moved to write about Sharon Stone and her fellow false prophets of ACPE; you'll find the account here:
https://watchman4wales.blogspot.com/2018/05/apostolic-prophet-to-nations-dr-sharon.html

It is not my intention here to go into detail about each of these 36 individuals, as this would make the article unnecessarily lengthy and off-putting to read. Friends, please research them yourselves, as the Spirit leads. Suffice to say that the NAR buzz-words and links are all there in abundance on the BICP bios and their individual sites: Apostolic/Prophetic Hubs/Centres, Prophetic Networks/Schools/Training/Summits/Conferences, Bethel Redding, Catch The Fire (Toronto Blessing), IHOP (Mike Bickle), Wagner Leadership Institute, Harvest International Ministries (Che Ahn), Apostolic and Prophetic anointing, 'Christian International' (Bill Hamon), pulling Heaven to Earth, spiritual mapping, dismantling demonic structures, apostolic fathers ("Call no man your father!" - Matt. 23:9), destiny, pioneering, igniting, releasing, living in the supernatural, dreams, prophetic art, equipping, impartation, transformation, Fivefold ministry, empowerment, activation, voice to the nations, reformation (of Church and society), new Kingdom paradigms, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera...

IMPORTANT. All these names are published here with the express warning that each of these individuals should be studiously avoided as being Bible-DISbelieving, Narrow Way bypass-builders. It should also go without saying that the churches they MISlead and the groups with which they are associated should similarly be given a very wide berth. If any are guest speakers invited to your own gathering, the leadership should be alerted as to what it is that they really stand for. If this should fall on deaf ears, do not under any circumstances support that meeting out of a misguided sense of loyalty. We are to follow the real Jesus and Him alone, not the different "Jesus" who these people represent.

It should be clearly understood that, true to type, this group do not in any way see themselves as operating apart from the other supposedly restored Fivefold Ministries, particularly Apostles; on their website you'll find the following significant statement:

"The BICP leadership will be proactive in relating to apostles and apostolic councils so that these foundational fivefold graces can better partner to build the church."

(Source: https://www.prophets.org.uk/2019/09/core-value-2-relationships-with-the-body-of-christ/ )

Note: Apostles and Prophets are at the top of the tree; the other three of the "fivefold ministries" (perched, it must be said, on much lower branches and very much subordinate to the higher echelons) are Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers. NAR Apostles are thought of as having equal, if not greater authority than the actual N.T. Apostles, despite the fact that in order to be an Apostle in the first place and to accordingly have any Apostolic authority, then he must have been an eyewitness of the resurrected Lord.


"PROPHETIC RESPONSIBILITY" - THEIR WORDS, AND THE REALITY BEHIND THEM!

BICP pronounces as one of its core values that there are at least five prophetic responsibilities for a nation, which are as follows: 

1) To speak to the destiny of that nation - calling its heavenly future to be established.

Truth of the matter? A NATION does not have a heavenly future; only truly saved INDIVIDUALS have a heavenly future. 
"Take heed that no man deceive you!" (Matt. 24:4)

2) To raise up an army to pray, fight and engage - calling the people into place.

Truth of the matter? We are not called to raise up an army of any description, least of all a 'Joel's Army' of 'Latter Rain' infamy. "Calling the people into place" is actually the bringing of the people into subjugation to their supposed authority.
"Take heed that no man deceive you!" (Matt. 24:4)

3) To open the gates of a nation, that the reign of Jesus Christ may come in - welcoming what God wants now (explaining the present).

Truth of the matter? "The reign of Jesus Christ" actually means that THEY will rule as His anointed and appointed agents on Earth (as they imagine themselves to be). The gates will not be opened to the Lord, but rather for unclean spirits to enter and be welcomed. (As at Toronto, Brownsville, Lakeland, etc.)
"Take heed that no man deceive you!" (Matt. 24:4)

4) To identify and confront spiritual strongholds - setting the nation free of its past.

Truth of the matter? We are not called to confront anything that might be seen as a spiritual stronghold, not to wage spiritual warfare but to preach the Gospel. "Setting the nation free of its past" will include wrenching it away from any residual uncompromising Biblical Truth that it once held to be sacrosanct, in order for it to blindly and passively accept Dominionist overlordship.
"Take heed that no man deceive you!" (Matt.24:4)

5) To expose hidden demonic strategies - setting the nation free in its future.

Truth of the matter? This is so ironic, as BICP is itself a demonic strategy, hidden in plain sight! "Setting the nation free in its future" = conquering the Seven Mountains and planting their flag atop each one. Their concept of freedom is that no opposition to their rule - especially from Christians holding to the fundamental doctrine of Sola Scriptura - will be tolerated. In other words - well, just one word actually - totalitarianism!
"Take heed that no man deceive you!" (Matt. 24:4)

(Source: https://www.prophets.org.uk/2019/09/core-value-4-prophetic-responsibility/ )


THE FIRST "PROPHETIC WORD" ISSUED BY BICP

On 1 February 2020, BICP released their first joint "prophetic word." It is in essence a triumphalist Dominionist manifesto, shot through with deepest delusion which completely flies in the face of Biblical eschatology. It speaks to itching ears, and in itself epitomizes the great Falling Away from Truth which will actually characterize the Last Days, rather than the great and glorious End Time harvest that they promise, with miracles an everyday occurrence and the visitation of angels frequent. 

BICP's NAR worldview and agenda is evidenced and encapsulated in the statement that speaks of unlocking, redeeming and reviving the mountains of influence, but their lengthy "word" makes outrageous claims throughout, which of course readers are expected to accept unquestioningly as being from God because THEY, His appointed prophets, have declared it! Just one example is the assertion that three angels i.e. 'The Angel of Awakening' and 'The Angel of Harvest' and 'The Angel of Deliverance' have been sent into the Earth expressly for this "season of the wrestle and glory," a season when the Church has to start operating at "a higher level of the apostolic and the prophetic," with the restored Offices carrying "a higher level of anointing!" (Now, isn't that a surprise - BICP's "prophets" are to be even more favoured and blessed!) Need it be pointed out that none of these supposed angels is ever mentioned in the Bible, the closed Canon of Scripture? But then, extra-Biblical revelation is of course only to be expected of those with such "a higher level of anointing" that they can freely add to - and just as freely take away from - the Word of God... and be applauded for so doing!

Very interestingly, while Jesus (the real One that is, not the BICP's bogus one) told us to "take therefore no thought for the morrow; for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself" (Matthew 6:34), these Scripture re-writing renegades are busily proclaiming what is to happen for the rest of the decade! And while the Word of God tells us that things in the world will get worse and worse and darker and darker, these profitless prophets with lying spirits in their mouths flatly contradict Him, and would have us believe that (under their influence and authority, naturally) things will get better and better and lighter and lighter. Theirs is, quite simply, a doctrine of devils. (1 Timothy 4:1).


CONCLUSION

It is today as it was in Micaiah's day, when the 400 prophets with a lying spirit in their mouths prophesied great victory against the Syrians at Ramoth-gilead, while what actually happened was an unmitigated disaster, with - as Micaiah alone had correctly foretold - "all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd." (2 Chronicles 18:16). I'd very much encourage you to read the BICP's "word" for yourselves, and personally see how it runs completely against what the truly Holy Spirit-inspired prophets of the Bible had to declare about the close of the age, things that are for all time unchangeable:
https://www.prophets.org.uk/2020/02/prophetic-word-feb-2020

"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God:

because many false prophets are gone out into the world."

(1 John 4:1)

* * * * * * *

Some further reading that might help your understanding:

Latter Rain: https://www.gotquestions.org/latter-rain-movement.html

Manifest(ed) Sons Of God: https://reachouttrust.org/manifest-sons-of-god/

Joel's Army: https://www.gotquestions.org/Joels-Army.html

C. Peter Wagner: http://apprising.org/2011/10/09/c-peter-wagner-and-his-dominion-mandate/ 

John Wimber/PowerEvangelism: http://www.deceptioninthechurch.com/wimber.html  

British New Church Movement: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_New_Church_Movement

Fivefold Ministries: https://www.gotquestions.org/five-fold-ministry.html

NAR, Seven Mountain Mandate, Dominionism; please see the links posted under:
https://watchman4wales.blogspot.com/2020/02/the-new-apostolic-reformation-and-seven.html

1. APOSTASY, ERROR & DECEPTION IN WALES - the watchman4wales blog.: BRITISH ISLES COUNCIL OF PROPHETS: THE NEW APOSTOLIC REFORMATION MARCHES FORWARD IN THE UK AND IRELAND!

2. CONVERGENCE21 Tickets, Thu 18 Nov 2021 at 19:00 | Eventbrite

EMMA STARK: PROPHETIC TOURETTE'S!

Emma Stark: Was end of Corona prophesied? (premierchristianradio.com)

Premier Christian Radio: "What should we make of preachers who are declaring that God has told them a date by which the coronavirus will end? EMMA STARK of the Glasgow Prophetic Centre heads up the British Isles Council of Prophets, she shared her thoughts with Premier’s Maria Rodrigues."

In this short clip, Emma Stark puts forward her own take on the failure of the false Coronavirus prophets. Incredibly she says that the so called prophets have a case of "prophetic Tourette's" and that they are operating in the flesh, speaking human and soulish words. Well there we have it from the horses mouth! Her excuse is that the restoration of the prophetic movement is in its infancy, it is only about 25-30 years old, and that the so called prophets are "feeling their way through". We need no further proof that the so called "prophetic movement" is a complete sham.

Interestingly, Maria Rodrigues refers back to the Old Testament prophets and asks: "There were prophets risen up in certain seasons to be able to speak into difficult situations. Do you think maybe in the 21st century, our churches are struggling to know how to hold the prophetic voices in our communities?"

This is a polite way of pointing out that there is no correlation between so called modern "prophets" and the 100% accuracy of the Old Testament prophets. 

A good example of "prophetic Tourette's" is Hananiah, who died within a year of making his infamous false prophecy. False prophets who spoke presumptuously were put to death in the Old Testament. (Deuteronomy 18:20-22). Though Emma Stark and others make excuses and try to brush aside their prophetic failures, the greed and presumption of modern false prophets is no less serious in our time. (2 Peter 2:1-3). Believers are instructed to turn away from false teachers/false prophets who blaspheme the way of truth. (Romans 16:17-18).

Hananiah the False Prophet

In that same year, at the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the fifth month of the fourth year, Hananiah the son of Azzur, the prophet from Gibeon, spoke to me in the house of the LORD, in the presence of the priests and all the people, saying, “Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: I have broken the yoke of the king of Babylon. Within two years I will bring back to this place all the vessels of the LORD’s house, which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon took away from this place and carried to Babylon. I will also bring back to this place Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, and all the exiles from Judah who went to Babylon, declares the LORD, for I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon.” 

Then the prophet Jeremiah spoke to Hananiah the prophet in the presence of the priests and all the people who were standing in the house of the LORD, and the prophet Jeremiah said, “Amen! May the LORD do so; may the LORD make the words that you have prophesied come true, and bring back to this place from Babylon the vessels of the house of the LORD, and all the exiles. Yet hear now this word that I speak in your hearing and in the hearing of all the people. The prophets who preceded you and me from ancient times prophesied war, famine, and pestilence against many countries and great kingdoms. As for the prophet who prophesies peace, when the word of that prophet comes to pass, then it will be known that the LORD has truly sent the prophet.” 

Then the prophet Hananiah took the yoke-bars from the neck of Jeremiah the prophet and broke them. And Hananiah spoke in the presence of all the people, saying, “Thus says the LORD: Even so will I break the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon from the neck of all the nations within two years.” But Jeremiah the prophet went his way. 

Sometime after the prophet Hananiah had broken the yoke-bars from off the neck of Jeremiah the prophet, the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah: “Go, tell Hananiah, ‘Thus says the LORD: You have broken wooden bars, but you have made in their place bars of iron. For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: I have put upon the neck of all these nations an iron yoke to serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and they shall serve him, for I have given to him even the beasts of the field.’” And Jeremiah the prophet said to the prophet Hananiah, “Listen, Hananiah, the LORD has not sent you, and you have made this people trust in a lie. Therefore thus says the LORD: ‘Behold, I will remove you from the face of the earth. This year you shall die, because you have uttered rebellion against the LORD.’” 

In that same year, in the seventh month, the prophet Hananiah died. (Jeremiah 28:1-17).

In answer to Emma Starke's hypothetical questions from the church: "Can we trust you, do we like you, are you a credible voice?"

THE ANSWER IS A RESOUNDING NO!

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. They say continually to those who despise the word of the LORD, ‘It shall be well with you’; and to everyone who stubbornly follows his own heart, they say, ‘No disaster shall come upon you.’” For among them has stood in the council of the LORD to see and to hear his word, or who has paid attention to his word and listened? Behold, the storm of the LORD! Wrath has gone forth, a whirling tempest; it will burst upon the head of the wicked. The anger of the LORD will not turn back until he has executed and accomplished the intents of his heart. In the latter days you will understand it clearly. “I did not send the prophets, yet they ran; I did not speak to them, yet they prophesied. But if they had stood in my council, then they would have proclaimed my words to my people, and they would have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their deeds. (Jeremiah 23:16-22).

But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep. (2 Peter 2:1-3).

JOE SCHIMMEL: TERTULLIAN VICTORINUS AND TRIBULATION

 (5) Rev Series: What, When and How Long is the Day of the Lord?- Part 2 - YouTube

Below are some further thoughts on Joe's sermon on The Day of the Lord.

Joe Schimmel really should give up the habit of quoting certain unreliable Church Fathers in order to promote the post-trib rapture. The early Church Fathers are a very useful source in order to prove that the church will face the Antichrist, but they do not specify when precisely the rapture will occur. Joe's view that the sixth seal, the seventh trumpet and the seventh bowl are simultaneous events is pure eisegesis. There is no evidence whatsoever that this is the case. Joe's attempt to prove that the early Church Fathers believed in what he refers to as the "classical historical premillennial rapture view" (i.e. post-trib), is problematic. Like the mid-trib view, post-trib is fast becoming obsolete due to the research of modern prewrath scholars whose questions post-trib teachers are unable to answer. Those of us who are interested in communicating in truths do not need to resort to ancient unreliable sources in order to demonstrate the prewrath position. (2 Timothy 3:16). I will apply the common criticism that is usually levelled against the pre-trib camp: There is not one single verse of scripture that supports the post-trib view.

Why does Joe quote Victorinus, a very confused so called "Church Father" who no-one of any note regards as reliable? In this particular video, Joe quotes Tertullian's reference to "the last day". We might assume that compared with Victorinus, Tertullian was sound in his faith. The answer is yes and no. Tertullian practiced extreme asceticism and some time before 210 AD he became a Montanist. In my view, his writings are protracted and tedious, and there are some issues with his theology. 

Tertullian's Skewed Rapture View (?)

Tertullian: "..before we put off the garment of the flesh, we wish to be clothed with the celestial glory of immortality. Now the privilege of this favour awaits those who shall at the coming of the Lord be found in the flesh, and who shall, owing to the oppressions of the time of Antichrist, deserve by an instantaneous death, which is accomplished by a sudden change, to become qualified to join the rising saints; as he writes to the Thessalonians: For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we too shall ourselves be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." {1}  

If I have understood Tertullian correctly, he taught that those Christians who are alive at the Parousia will die instantaneously in order to qualify to meet the Lord in the air. If this is correct then he contradicts 1 Thessalonians 4:17 and 1 Corinthians 15:51. 

Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. (1 Corinthians 15:51-52).

Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

What did Tertullian mean by "the last day"?   

Tertullian:  "..our prayers are directed towards the end of this world, to the passing away thereof at the great day of the Lord — of His wrath and vengeance — the last day, which is hidden (from all), and known to none but the Father, although announced beforehand by signs and wonders, and the dissolution of the elements, and the conflicts of nations."  {1}

And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that I shall lose none of those He has given Me, but raise them up at the last day. For it is My Father’s will that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6:39-40, 44, 54 cf. John 11:24). 

The phrase "the last day" only occurs in John. Elsewhere it is called "the day of the Lord", "the great day", "the day of the Lord's wrath &c. These slightly different nuances used by different authors all describe "the day of the Lord" in some sense.

Post-trib writers define the tribulation period in a generic sense as the entire present age, or more specifically all the events leading up to Armageddon. However the scriptures make a definite distinction between tribulation and wrath. (Matthew 24:29). Joe's mindset that "the day of the Lord's wrath" must be a literal twenty-four hour period of time is an assumption. The prewrath position is that the church age comes to an end on "the last day" i.e. the rapture. ..concerning that day and hour no one knows (Matthew 24:26-34). On the last day a shift occurs and events move from tribulation ~ to resurrection (rapture) ~ to the onset of God's wrath. In other words, "the day of God's wrath" is an ongoing event. It appears that "the day of the Lord" continues in some sense throughout the millennial period. 

Joe's persistence in continuing to refer to the entire 70th week of Daniel as "the tribulation" is unacceptable. In my view this is the thin end of the wedge. Be careful! This is how error and false teaching creeps in. We don't need to be especially "technical" to divide the 70th week into the beginning of birth pains (Matthew 24:8), and the tribulation, we simply need to be scriptural! The tribulation is always associated with the abomination of desolation event at the mid point of Daniel's 70th week. (Matthew 24:15-28; Daniel 9:27).

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 24:9,21 cf. Daniel 9:27).

Joe makes much of "rightly dividing the Word of truth" in this video. (2 Timothy 2:15). This is something we all need to take to heart.

1.  CHURCH FATHERS: On the Resurrection of the Flesh (Tertullian) (newadvent.org)

Further Links

Montanism - New World Encyclopedia

WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: JOE SCHIMMEL BLESSED HOPE CHAPEL: VICTORINUS IS UNRELIABLE (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)

WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: THE SEVEN YEAR TRIBULATION FALLACY (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)

Articles for Posttribulationism to Consider | ESCHATOS MINISTRIES (alankurschner.com)

JOE SCHIMMEL: THE DAY OF THE LORD?

Wednesday Night BIble Study - YouTube

How long is the Day of the Lord? 

Joe Schimmel has postponed his prewrath/post-trib rapture comparison. I think this is a good thing because (hopefully) it will give him time to consider the subject in more depth.

Joe qualifies the post-trib view by calling it "the classical historical premillennial view". This is an assumption. There is no evidence that early church specified the rapture in "classical" post-trib terms. I don't want to be ungracious to Joe, but I feel that giving credit to Victorinus' recapitulation view of the bowl judgements is disingenuous. Victorinus was an utterly unreliable and confused third century church father. I have expanded my original post on this subject. {1} 

I do not consider the differences between prewrath and post-trib to be a salvation issue per se. However, the subject is critical because damage and confusion arises from wrong teaching, and this in turn gives ammunition to the pre-trib camp and other false views. In my experience one error inevitably leads to further errors.

Joe Schimmel: "Our prewrath brethren believe that the tribulation ends with the sixth seal.. they believe that the trumpets and the bowls are not really part of the tribulation period but God's wrath, and that we are out right before that... What they are calling the day of the Lord is the tribulation still.. prewrath is not truly post-trib because what they call the day of the Lord is the tribulation period." {2} 

Above: Joe teaches that the tribulation will continue right up until the battle of Armageddon when Jesus returns to earth with the saints. However the evidence that the tribulation will end before the wrath of God is poured out, is, in my view, overwhelming. 

According to Joe, the sixth seal in Revelation 6:15-17 is a picture of the very end. He also equates Matthew 24:39-30 with Armageddon (Revelation 19). Apart from the fact that Matthew 24 does not describe the battle scene of Revelation 19, we have to ignore the stated chronology of the trumpets and bowls that indicate a clear sequence of events. 

Revelation 6:12-14 draws from the celestial portents described in Joel 2:31.  

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).

Immediately after the tribulation of those days: ‘The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 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 the heavens to the other. (Matthew 24:29-31).

The great tribulation is cut short and is followed by the gathering of the elect (the rapture). (Matthew 24:22,31). 

The Day of the Lord.. one literal day?

And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that I shall lose none of those He has given Me, but raise them up at the last day. For it is My Father’s will that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6:39-40, 44, 54 cf. John 11:24). The phrase "the last day" only occurs in John. Elsewhere it is called "the day of the Lord", "the great day" &c.

Clearly "the last day" is resurrection language and refers to the rapture. The prewrath position is that the church age comes to an end on "the last day" i.e. the rapture. Subsequently a shift occurs and events move from tribulation ~ to resurrection ~ to the onset of God's wrath. In other words, "the day of the Lord" is an ongoing event, it does not suddenly end at the rapture. As Joe says, there is evidence that the day of the Lord continues through the millennial period. 

We need to be wary about translating "yom" out of context as a single day. Rodney Whitefield: "Yom relates to the concept of time. Yom is not just for day, days, but for time in general. How yom is translated depends on the context of its use with other words in the sentence around it, using hermeneutics." {3} 

The following video from Alan Kurschner is important for post-trib believers to consider:

(3) The Bride Comes with the New Jerusalem BEFORE the Millennium - YouTube

1. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: JOE SCHIMMEL BLESSED HOPE CHAPEL: VICTORINUS IS UNRELIABLE (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)
2. (2) Wednesday Night Bible Study - YouTube
3. Untitled-2 (godandscience.org)

EMMA STARK AND TRACY COOKE WITH SID ROTH: CORONAVIRUS AND THE END TIMES

 (6) CORONAVIRUS & THE END TIMES | Sid Roth - YouTube

Emma Stark and Tracy Cooke on Sid Roth 'It's Supernatural' re Coronavirus (20th March 2020).

In this programme, Emma Stark appears in tandem with false prophet Tracy Cooke. Cooke wasted no time in announcing that during a two hour dream, God revealed to him that the coronavirus would diminish on Passover 2020 (15th and 16th April 2020). Cooke (along with Chuck Pierce) claimed that by April 16, “the blood of Jesus” would cause the "plague to pass over". Both Cooke and Pierce qualified their predictions by referencing Amos 3:7: For the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets. Cooke often reminds his hearers that he is a "prophet". However, all the evidence suggests the diametric opposite. Cooke also claimed that God told him three times that President Trump would be re-elected, and also that there would be two assassination plots against Trump. Well, here we are at the end of August 2021, and not one of those "prophecies" have materialized! If people still persist in following these wolves, then what chance will they stand when the Antichrist and the false prophet arrive on the scene? (Revelation 13:13-15).

...when a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the LORD has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously. You need not be afraid of him. (Deuteronomy 18:22).

I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. (Romans 16:17).

Emma Stark: "We are going to release an impartation of freedom and of courage and of hope and of strength to you... The angels are about to be dispatched as we make decrees over the nations at this table, and the angels are going to go and be a support and a ministry right across the face of the world for the setting free of many people, and for the healing of many people, and for the blessing of the medical profession. It is the day of the release of an angelic army across the earth."  

Christians are not authorized to dispatch angels through decrees.. Only God commands the angels. 

Genuine declarations or decrees consist of statements of truth revealed in the scriptures e.g. John 3:16; 1 John 1:5 etc. The apostles and the early church did not make declarations or decrees in relation to future events, and they did not release impartations in order to facilitate the dispatch of angels. Even Jesus Christ Himself did not directly command angels during His earthly ministry: Are you not aware that I can call on My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels? (Matthew 26:53). 

These wolves substitute prayer and supplication with declarations, decrees, impartations and false anointings. 

..do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Luke 18:1; Philippians 4:6 cf. Ephesians 6:18; 1 Timothy 2:1).

In the Old Testament, a clear example is given in Daniel 10 when an angel was dispatched after Daniel had humbled himself and fasted and prayed.

Then he (an angel) said to me, “Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words. The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I was left there with the kings of Persia, and came to make you understand what is to happen to your people in the latter days. For the vision is for days yet to come.” (Daniel 10:12-14).

The false teachings of the "declare and decree" camp is scripturally unsound. They bring various "proof texts" that are completely out of sync with the scriptures. For instance Job 22:28, Romans 4:17 and Mark 11:23.

The words spoken by Eliphaz, one of Job's "comforters" who was later rebuked by the Lord: 

* You will decide (decree) on a matter, and it will be established for you, and light will shine on your ways. (Job 22:28). (KJV = decree)
..the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite: “My anger burns against you and against your two friends, for you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has. (Job 42:7).

* ..as it is written, “I have made you (Abraham) the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. (Romans 4:17).

It is an attribute of God alone to call into existence things that do not exist. Abraham did not declare or decree anything.. he simply believed God. (Romans 4:3).

* Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. (Mark 11:23-24).

Many false teachers evade the context of Mark 11:20-25 and teach a superficial understanding of verse 23 in isolation. However verse 24 tells us first that we must ask. Sometimes God refuses our requests for reasons we cannot fathom. The apostle Paul prayed three times to have a thorn in his flesh removed, and each time God rejected his request. (2 Corinthians 12:8-10). Paul had the divine ability to heal others. (Acts 28:9). However, it appears that he was unable to heal either Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:25ff) or Trophimus. (2 Timothy 4:20). 

Cherry picking verses out of context is bad theology and leads to the sin of presumption. Challenging passages should always be interpreted in light of other clear statements in the scriptures. (Acts 20:27). When the whole counsel of God is taken into consideration, it is obvious that there are specific conditions placed on God’s promise to answer prayer: 

If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. (John 15:7).

You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. (James 4:3).
And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. (1 John 5:14).

Emma Stark: "I saw God on His hands and his knees.." (22:00 mark)

No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known. (1 John 1:18 cf. 1 John 4:12).

...he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen. (1 Timothy 15-16).

In a previous post I referred to Emma Stark's alleged encounter with a six-winged "seraphim" that appeared to her as an eighteen year old student. {1}

Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind.. (Colossians 2:18).

NAR charismaniacs are practicing witchcraft!

The scriptures define the sin of rebellion as witchcraft, and presumption as iniquity and idolatry! (1 Samuel 15:23). The prophet Samuel rebuked Saul because he operated in half truths and only partially obeyed the word of the Lord. Saul ended his life in full blown rebellion when he sought out the witch at Endor. (1 Samuel 28:7-14).

And the LORD sent you on a mission and said, ‘Go, devote to destruction the sinners, the Amalekites, and fight against them until they are consumed.’ Why then did you not obey the voice of the LORD? Why did you pounce on the spoil and do what was evil in the sight of the LORD?” And Saul said to Samuel, “I have obeyed the voice of the LORD. I have gone on the mission on which the LORD sent me. I have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and I have devoted the Amalekites to destruction. But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the best of the things devoted to destruction, to sacrifice to the LORD your God in Gilgal.” And Samuel said,“ Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has also rejected you from being king.” (1 Samuel 15:18-23).
Then Saul said to his servants, “Seek out for me a woman who is a medium, that I may go to her and inquire of her.” And his servants said to him, “Behold, there is a medium at En-dor.” (1 Samuel 28:7).

O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? (Galatians 3:1).   

Witchcraft is not necessarily overtly satanic. The enemy also works deceptively in the guise of Christianity and operates in manipulation, coercion and scripture twisting. (2 Corinthians 11:14). The decrees and declarations of false prophets are nothing less than occult incantations. Their spell casting and invocations consist of sets of words, a formula or verse, a ritual action (or any combination of these things), in order to push an unbiblical agenda. These "prophets" employ half truths and are operating under a different spirit. (1 John 4:6). They are self-appointed and in their pride they have given themselves authority to supersede the scriptures. However, the scriptures warn: "Do not go beyond what is written.." (1 Corinthians 4:6 cf. Proverbs 30:6). They have closed the door on sound teaching and have outlawed spiritual discernment by ensuring that the people have no way of testing what they say. (1 John 4:1). 

For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough. (2 Corinthians 11:4).

How does this prophecy of a billion soul harvest compare with the words of Jesus Christ and the apostles?

Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. (Matthew 7:13-14).

Godlessness in the last days

But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith. But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all, as was that of those two men. (2 Timothy 3:1-9 cf. 1 Timothy 4:1-3; Jude 1:18)).

The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands nor give up worshiping demons and idols of gold and silver and bronze and stone and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk, nor did they repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts. (Revelation 9:20-21).

The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and it was allowed to scorch people with fire. They were scorched by the fierce heat, and they cursed the name of God who had power over these plagues. They did not repent and give him glory. The fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness. People gnawed their tongues in anguish and cursed the God of heaven for their pain and sores. They did not repent of their deeds. (Revelation 16:8-11).

1. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: EMMA STARK: ANGEL ENCOUNTERS? (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)

JOEL RICHARDSON ENDORSES PAUL CAIN # CHARISMANIA!

(33) AFGHANISTAN IN PROPHECY: The Taliban, Biblical Prophecy, and the Great Harvest - YouTub

The recent concerning events in Afghanistan have prompted Joel Richardson to give a heads up to charismania, and in particular false prophet Paul Cain. This shouldn't surprise anyone since he regularly appears with various false teachers on CNN and TBN, many of whom are ecumenical and apostate.

In common with many believers, Richardson admits that he has been "burnt" over the years by charismania. As such you would think that he would have learned his lesson. Richardson is very good at doublespeak. Whilst avoiding any discussion about the false teachings and immoral lifestyle of Paul Cain (1929-2019), Richardson openly endorses this arch deceivers so called "prophetic ministry". Joel Richardson on the subject of Paul Cain's history as a drunkard, a homosexual, a false teacher and a liar: "I don't know, I don't track with it and I don't care.. it is none of my business."  As a Christian teacher and broadcaster, it is Richardson's responsibility to make it his business!  Teachers have a tremendous responsibility to protect the body of Christ from false teachers. (1 Peter 5:2-12).  

Like Richardson. I also believe that the Lord speaks today. However I absolutely reject the claims of neo-charismatic/Pentecostal NAR "apostles and prophets". I have no hesitation in marking them out as dangerous deceivers who are a blight on the Body of Christ. (2 Peter 2:13).

The false teachings and predictions of neo-charismatic "prophets" such as Rick Joyner, Benny Hinn, Bob Jones, John Paul Jackson, Paul Cain, Todd Bentley etc. have been thoroughly documented and exposed. I will not repeat the shameful antics of these wolves here. (See further links). After all the evidence of their lies and deception we should not consider or weigh anything they have to say! The scriptures teach unequivocally that we must mark and avoid such people: I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. (Romans 16:17).

Paul Cain was not a genuine prophet of God. 

Despite the real and present danger of leading believers into the devastating errors of charismania, in true hireling style, Richardson proceeds to relate a "prophecy" made by Paul Cain in June 1988. (John 10:13).

Richardson: "Paul did move in a profound anointing for words of knowledge and prophecy during his lifetime. In fact he actually shared a few prophetic words with me personally. They were things that no man in the world could know.. in a gathering of tens of thousands of people, he calls me out by name, calls out my wife's name, speaks specifically to the prayers that I was praying on the way there and the week before etc. etc. There were seasons during his ministry where he moved in a very legitimate word of knowledge and also prophecy. I believe he had a genuine gift."

Please forgive my skepticism if you are a follower of Joel Richardson, but we have seen this kind of thing before. Richardson's story reminded me of the Peter Popoff scams. Popoff revealed personal information about individuals during revival meetings, supposedly conveyed to him by God. Actually the information relayed to him by his wife by way of a hidden radio transmitter. {1} Another example is cold-reading false prophet Shawn "Smart Phone" Bolz. {2} Who knows where these "prophets" obtain their information and what they get up to! They think nothing of employing Popoff style scams or making things up out of their own imagination. (Ezekiel 13:17). In some instances false prophets have a connection with unclean spirits, and it is my view that Paul Cain fell into this category. Like any diviner or spiritualist, information gained from this source can be unnervingly accurate. (Acts 16:16). In Paul Cain's case, there appears to have been a definite demonic connection. According to David Pytches: “Paul's mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother had all been born with the gift of 'seeing.' His great-grandmother would sometimes see things in broad daylight and ask her friends or family if they could see them too. If they said they could not, she would occasionally lay her hand upon them and they would immediately see the identical vision. …Cain inherited this gift passed on from generations believing it is from the Lord where 'He could see when a person was going to be healed and live and also knew when someone was going to die.' (David Pytches in Some Said it Thundered Some Said it Thundered p.24-25)." {3}

Richardson goes on to endorse Paul Cain's 1988 "three part prophecy" beginning with the 1988 Bush/Quayle presidential election.  

1. “George Bush is not fishing, he is hunting for quail right now. But quail will be behind the bush..”

On the 16th of August 1988 George HW Bush selected little-known 41-year-old Senator Dan Quayle as his running mate.

2. "Within one year after George H Bush is in office I am going to deal a death blow.. I am going to knock the wind out of communism.' 

3. 'I am going to raise up the residue or the remnants of communism and it is going to marry/join/mix with the spirit of Islam.. Together this will form an empire that will be led by the Antichrist. It will have tremendous power in Europe, but the church in Europe, particularly in London and Berlin will rise up and stand against this thing and do great exploits."

The full narrative can be found on: Mike Bickle in Nürnberg Sept 6th 1992 (kingdomimpact.org)

Richardson freely admits that scripture does not seem to point to a coalition between Communism and Islam, and he affirms that they have no ideological connection. Nevertheless, having set the scene, in typical Richardson double speak, he essentially props up his own theories with Cain's prophecy and a further "prophecy" from a unspecified Pentecostal minister: "The events in Afghanistan probably is the beginning of this marriage in the spirit between communism and radical Islam."    

It is true that both both China and Russia are seeking to befriend the Taliban at the present time, and they may well form a coalition. However, we need to be very cautious about how end time prophecy will play out. Anyone giving credit to someone of Paul Cain's dubious reputation is very foolish. Where the scriptures are silent, we should be silent. Even if Paul Cain's information is correct, we know that Satan is a liar and cannot ultimately be trusted. (John 8:44).

Richardson continues and quotes an unnamed Pentecostal minister who had a dream that seemingly confirms the third part of Paul Cain's prophecy. (25:00 mark)

"He shared a dream where he saw a wheat field.. at night.. Above the wheat field was a crescent red moon with a star above it, and it was red. It was a bright crescent red moon with a star, and then it went down, and then he saw the harvest taking place, and then as it rose back up, this bright red crescent with the star, the harvest continued. ..it looked like the former soviet red flag with the hammer and sickle.. and also resembles the Chinese flag and then of course the Turkish flag which is red with the white crescent moon and star with five points. In his dream the star actually had six points. His impression, what the crescent represented was a merger between Islam and communism. It dovetailed with the word that was shared by Paul Cain in the 80's.."

I will not comment on an anonymous "prophecy" or a "prophet" that Richardson refuses to name. Why hasn't this "prophet" gone public if his dream is truly from the Lord? 

Scripture always trumps prophecy!

If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or wonder that he tells you comes to pass, and if he says, ‘Let us go after other gods,’ which you have not known, ‘and let us serve them,’ you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams. For the LORD your God is testing you, to know whether you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. (Deuteronomy 13:1-3).

Paul Cain endorsed false teacher Joseph Prince in 1992. {4} He also endorsed and transferred his "anointing" to Todd Bentley. {5} Paul Cain also claimed to have had a dream in which he saw God put His Spirit upon President Clinton and change him into another man in an identical manner to King Saul in 1 Samuel 10. {6} 

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

Paul Cain and his protégé Todd Bentley are both doctrinally and morally bankrupt ~ they have neither sound morals or sound teaching! These charlatans have absolutely nothing to offer that any true Christian would benefit from, on the contrary. 

Joel Richardson's concerns for the Christians in Afghanistan might be more convincing if sound doctrine and the spiritual wellbeing of the Body of Christ was on his agenda! 

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1).

1. Preacher sells debt removal through prayer | ABC7 Los Angeles | abc7.com - ABC7 Los Angeles

2. Facebook
3. (6) Shawn "Smart Phone" Bolz: Cold-Reading False Prophet! - YouTube

4. (33) Paul Cain Prophecy on Pastor Joseph Prince (1992) - YouTube
5. (33) Paul Cain transfers His "Anointing" to Todd Bentely - YouTube
6. thebereancall.org

Further Links:

Prophet Paul Cain (letusreason.org)
Apologetics research resources on religious cults and sects - About Paul Cain (apologeticsindex.org)