JOEL RICHARDSON: IDENTIFICATIONAL REPENTANCE IS A FALSE TEACHING

(33) Daniel's Four Visions: Chapter 9 - YouTube

Identificational Repentance

Identificational repentance is the technical term for repentance on behalf of others. This false teaching was introduced via the neo-charismatic Third Wave Movement and forms part of the intercessory warfare model of false NAR teachers. False "apostle" C Peter Wagner alleged that "identificational repentance" was one of the "ten Major Prayer Innovations of the 1990s". 

Alleged 10 Major Prayer Innovations of the 1990s

1. Strategic-level spiritual warfare. The idea of taking authority over high-ranking principalities and powers assigned by Satan to keep social networks of various kinds in spiritual darkness was the focus of the Spiritual Warfare Network starting in 1990. Key authors included Cindy Jacobs, Dick Eastman, and C. Peter Wagner.
2. Identificational repentance. The body of Christ began to learn that it is possible to heal the wounds of the past through identificational repentance and thus to weaken strongholds that Satan has built. The key author was John Dawson.
3. Prayer evangelism. Prayer has ordinarily been an add-on to evangelism, but now we know that prayer itself, when intelligently strategized and focused, can be a direct force for winning people to Christ. The key author was Ed Silvoso.
4. Personal intercession for leaders. For pastors and other Christian leaders, identifying and relating positively to personal intercessors can mean the difference between success and failure in ministry. Key authors included John Maxwell, Terry Teykl, and C. Peter Wagner.
5. Two-way prayer. Prayer is not just speaking to God, but also hearing directly from Him. Derivatives of this include prophecy, the office of prophet, and prophetic intercession. Key authors included Cindy Jacobs and Chuck Pierce.
6. On-site praying. Prayer began to move out of the church and into the community through praise marches, prayer expeditions, prayer journeys, and prayerwalking. Key authors included Graham Kendrick, Steve Hawthorne and C. Peter Wagner.
7. City transformation. Through prayer, the kingdom of God can move out of the church and penetrate all levels of society, thereby transforming cities and other territories. Key authors included George Otis, Jr., Ed Silvoso, John Dawson, and C. Peter Wagner.
8. The AD2000 United Prayer Track. A vehicle for mobilizing prayer for the lost at a level never before seen in church history. Key authors included Luis Bush, Beverly Pegues, and Dick Eastman.
9. Commitment to the land. Spiritual authority of pastors and other leaders increases proportionately to their commitment to the territory in which God has placed them. The key author was Bob Beckett.
10. Spiritual mapping. Spirit-guided research can help target our prayers and produce informed, and thus more effective, intercession. The key author was George Otis, Jr. {1}

Biblical repentance necessitates a deep awareness of the wickedness of personal sin and turning away from it. Repentance involves sorrow, contrition, confession, faith, and obedience to God's revealed will. In the Old Testament, every individual was responsible to turn from his evil way. (Jeremiah 18:11; 26:3, 36:3; Leviticus 5:5; 26:40-42; Ezekiel 14:4-6, 18:30, 33:11). In the New Testament, the key term for repentance is metanoia. The call to repent was addressed to every person who heard the message of the gospel. And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38 cf. Matthew 7:24-26).

Given the scriptural directives above, it is not possible for anyone to repent for sins they have not personally committed. It is likely that we will suffer the damaging effects caused by the sins of our ancestors or our contemporaries and we should not ignore/deny them. Nevertheless, it was/is the responsibility of the individuals committing those sins to repent, not ours. 

The rationale for identificational repentance is rooted in Old Testament passages such as Daniel 9:1-15 and Nehemiah 1:5-7. Richardson bases his argument on the premise that an individual can identify with, confess and repent for the corporate sins of a particular group he/she identifies with, even though he/she has not committed those sins. This teaching is highly problematic because it re-connects believers to secular groups that are not redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ. Israel was chosen out of all the nations to be His treasured possession (Deuteronomy 14:2). Today God calls people out of the world to repent individually. God does not call believers to re-identify with secular groups belonging to the world. (2 Corinthians 6:17). The realm of the world is under the influence of the god of this age/the prince of this world. (2 Corinthians 4:4). For believers to re-identify with a particular nation or city inverts the scriptural command to be separate from the world. 

They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. (John 17: 14-16 cf. 2 Corinthians 6:17; 1 Peter 2:9).

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

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper,f to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. (John 14:16-17 cf. 1 John 4:5; John 17:16).

Identificational repentance is linked to other "innovations" promoted by Wagner, involving unbiblical activities such as prayer walking, spiritual mapping and spiritual warfare. These activities sidestep the gospel of Jesus Christ and the commission given to the church to make disciples of all nations. (Matthew 28:19 cf.1 Timothy 2:1-6; Ephesians 6:19). 

The false teachings of Wagner and his cohorts are also employed to confuse believers regarding generational curses and spiritual healing that has already been accomplished by Jesus Christ on the cross. These teachings are rooted in dominion theology and the false beliefs of the NAR. Whilst Richardson is not overtly NAR, he has historic associations with Paul Cain and other charismatic deceivers. {2} His theology is replete with errors and he subtly inserts many perverted doctrines into his teachings. (1 Timothy 4:1). 

Daniel 9

In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, by descent a Mede, who was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans— in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, perceived in the books the number of years that, according to the word of the LORD to Jeremiah the prophet, must pass before the end of the desolations of Jerusalem, namely, seventy years. 

Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes. I prayed to the LORD my God and made confession, saying, “O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, we have sinned and done wrong and acted wickedly and rebelled, turning aside from your commandments and rules. We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land. To you, O Lord, belongs righteousness, but to us open shame, as at this day, to the men of Judah, to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to all Israel, those who are near and those who are far away, in all the lands to which you have driven them, because of the treachery that they have committed against you. To us, O LORD, belongs open shame, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against you. To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, for we have rebelled against him and have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God by walking in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets. All Israel has transgressed your law and turned aside, refusing to obey your voice. And the curse and oath that are written in the Law of Moses the servant of God have been poured out upon us, because we have sinned against him. He has confirmed his words, which he spoke against us and against our rulers who ruled us by bringing upon us a great calamity. For under the whole heaven there has not been done anything like what has been done against Jerusalem. As it is written in the Law of Moses, all this calamity has come upon us; yet we have not entreated the favor of the LORD our God, turning from our iniquities and gaining insight by your truth. Therefore the LORD has kept ready the calamity and has brought it upon us, for the LORD our God is righteous in all the works that he has done, and we have not obeyed his voice. And now, O Lord our God, who brought your people out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and have made a name for yourself, as at this day, we have sinned, we have done wickedly. (Daniel 9:1-15).

Although Daniel and Nehemiah confessed Israel's sins before God, they did not actually repent. Daniels's intercession was based specifically on the word of God to Jeremiah that Israel would return to the land after seventy years. (Daniel 9:2). The judgment that had been administered by God for the sins of Israel was about to come to an end. Daniel expressed sorrow, regret, and remorse, and because he was part of the covenant people of Israel he identified with them. The specific word of God concerning the world is that it perishing and under judgement. (John 12:31; 1 John 2:17). The future for the nations is well stated in the book of Revelation, and it does not involve wholesale revival as Richardson claims. (Revelation 13:12).

Discernment Group: "It is significant that this article cited above, attributed to the book Deliver Us from Evil: An Uneasy Frontier in Christian Mission (World Vision, 2002), was connected with the Lausanne movement. These spiritual warfare doctrines went mainstream into the global mission world via the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization which held a "Deliver us from Evil Consultation" in Nairobi, Kenya in 2000. Its purpose was to focus on 'spiritual warfare with the principalities and powers of evil who are seeking to overthrow the church and frustrate the task of evangelization.' Again, notice that the underlying doctrine is faulty -- that Jesus didn't defeat Satan at the Cross and He has 'unfinished work'. {3} 

The prophet Ezekiel demonstrates that repentance is individual rather than corporate.

Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, “What do you people mean by quoting this proverb about the land of Israel: ‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the teeth of the children are set on edge’? As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, you will no longer quote this proverb in Israel. Behold, every soul belongs to Me; both father and son are Mine. The soul who sins is the one who will die..

But if a wicked person turns away from all his sins that he has committed and keeps all my statutes and does what is just and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die. None of the transgressions that he has committed shall be remembered against him; for the righteousness that he has done he shall live. Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord GOD, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live? But when a righteous person turns away from his righteousness and does injustice and does the same abominations that the wicked person does, shall he live? None of the righteous deeds that he has done shall be remembered; for the treachery of which he is guilty and the sin he has committed, for them he shall die. (Ezekiel 18:1-4,21-24). cf. Acts 3:19;

Fathers shall not be put to death because of their children, nor shall children be put to death because of their fathers. Each one shall be put to death for his own sin. (Deuteronomy 24:16).

Prayer for secular authorities 

Christians are instructed to pray for all people including secular authorities, but identificational repentance is never mentioned in the scriptures. 

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1Timothy 2:1-3). 

Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons.. (1 Timothy 4:1).

1. Summary Report: AD2000 United Prayer Track
2. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: JOEL RICHARDSON ENDORSES PAUL CAIN # CHARISMANIA! (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)
3. Identificational Repentance (crossroad.to)

SHAME ON YOU CHRIS ROSEBROUGH / PHIL JOHNSON / JUSTIN PETERS RE JD HALL

(3) F4F | The Fall of JD Hall - YouTube

Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. (Ephesians 5:11).

It is likely that a number of people in Sydney Montana are rejoicing and praising the Lord following the arrest of JD Hall on the 11th of May for DUI, and the later charges of domestic violence with a weapon and embezzlement. Hall is no longer listed as the pastor of Fellowship Baptist Church in Sydney, Montana, and he has been removed from the staff of Protestia (originally Pulpit & Pen).

It is difficult to comprehend the attitude of Chris Rosebrough, Phil Johnson and Justin Peters during the above "discussion" dated 7th of July. This video appeared to me to be a blatant attempt to block others from publicly evaluating Hall's "ministry". The seriousness of the accusations against Hall does not warrant the accusation of "gloating" or "gossiping" against those who have ventured to express their views publicly. Does Justin Peters claim to know the intentions of the heart? (Hebrews 4:12). Someone who sets themselves up as a pastor with a public profile should be tested biblically and should be held accountable and publicly exposed. (1 John 4:1). It is pertinent to point out that the discussion is not limited exclusively to Rosebrough and his cronies, and that others do actually have the right to discuss and question Hall's "ministry", particularly in light of recent events. Isn't this precisely what these three "watchmen" do in cases that do not involve their own particular clique? Was Paul gossiping about the problem at Corinth? (1 Corinthians 5:1). The church should operate in an atmosphere of complete integrity and openness, especially when things go wrong. 

Our three "watchmen" described how they had implored and admonished Hall on multiple occasions privately regarding his "pugnacious" attitude. Phil Johnson compared Hall to the infamous pastor, J Frank Norris, who shot and killed an unarmed man in his office in 1927. {1}  Rosebrough, Johnson and Peters obviously recognized how dangerous Hall was, both spiritually and physically, and yet they decided to limit their actions to private admonitions!

In such a dire situation it would have been appropriate to put some sort of plan into place. Although the JD Hall situation did not fit the guidelines in Matthew 18, it would have been wise to set up a meeting and remonstrate with Hall as a group. After that, it would have been appropriate to approach Hall's church elders. I believe that this step would have been futile at that time, but at least it would have demonstrated their concerns. According to Micah Hershberger, Hall fired the elders of Fellowship Bible Church in 2014 as a result of their attempts to hold him accountable following the suicide of Braxton Caner. {2} It appears that during 2014, Fellowship Independent Church quickly degenerated into a church with an unhealthy pattern of leadership. In other words, Hall allegedly appointed yes-men as elders, and FBC was effectually transformed into an autocracy. As such, any attempt to hold Hall accountable would have been futile prior to recent events. 

The last step would have been for our three "watchmen" to warn the body of Christ publicly about Hall on their platforms instead of turning a blind eye and essentially propping him up. Paul did not hesitate to publicly call out Peter, his fellow apostle, when he was in error and in danger of damaging the body of Christ. (Galatians 2:11-14). It appears that different criteria apply to many discernment ministries where their own camp is concerned. Given Hall's aberrant behaviour and his alleged arsenal of weapons, it is clear that the concerns of Phil Johnson that Hall posed a life-threatening hazard to others was no exaggeration. How then can we explain his reticence to sound the alarm? (Ezekiel 33:6).

If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector. (Matthew 18:16-17).

Justin Peters' dishonesty

   

Justin Peters: "For the last several years I have not publicly connected myself with Jordan, I have not promoted any of his teaching.." (23:00 mark) 

Justin Peters at Fellowship Bible Church Church 7th March 2021: Good morning. I hope everyone is doing well this morning. It is a joy to be with you, it truly is. I have been here once before and it's been a while, seven eight or so, nine years ago maybe, it's been quite a while, so it's a joy to be back. I appreciate so much Jordan's friendship and the kindness and support that he has shown me.." {3} 

To add to the reticence of these "watchmen" to publicly expose Hall as an extremely dangerous man, we are also faced with further difficulties regarding the dishonesty of Justin Peters. Peters' rightly exposes all kinds of dishonesty and lies amongst false teachers, but apparently the rules do not apply to him! We now have to try to make sense of his own dishonesty in falsely stating that he had not publicly connected with Hall for "several years". I have given Justin Peters the benefit of the doubt on previous occasions, particularly regarding the Doreen Virtue incident. It should have been clear to both Rosebrough and Peters that Doreen Virtue had no business seamlessly switching her New Age platform to a Christian "ministry", including detailed accounts of her dubious vision of Jesus, both online and in her book. {4} Rosebrough and Peters' managed to bring some correction to Doreen Virtue, but the whole mess could have been avoided if they had done their due diligence and acted wisely instead of making excuses for yet another Calvinist. 

We have heard nothing further from our three "watchmen" regarding Hall since their attempt to close down the discussion on the 7th of July. Does this mean that they will follow the pattern of other hirelings who choose to ignore troublesome issues hoping that they will go away? The sin of partiality is very serious, particularly for those claiming to operate discernment ministries. (Proverbs 24:23). This is especially relevant considering their wholesale condemnation of Word-Faith NAR prosperity teachers and other heretics. (James 3:1). If we can’t take the plank out of our own eye, then we have no chance of addressing the errors of others. (Matthew 7:5). 

But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged. (1 Corinthians 11:31).

1. Lessons from the Megachurch Pastor Who Killed a Man (thegospelcoalition.org)
2. (1) The Jordan Hall Story - Corruption, Cover-Up & Abuse - YouTube
3. SermonAudio - Media Player
4. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: DOREEN VIRTUE: BEYOND REPROOF (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)

J.D. Hall Removed from Church for ‘Failure to Demonstrate Repentance’ (julieroys.com)

CHRIS ROSEBROUGH # PHIL JOHNSON # JUSTIN PETERS: THE FALL OF CULT LEADER JD HALL

(25) F4F | The Fall of JD Hall - YouTube

Chris Rosebrough, Phil Johnson and Justin Peters' recent discussion regarding the fall of their friend JD Hall completely failed to hit the mark. No doubt many who have observed JD Hall's ungodly methods and abusive behaviour over the years are relieved that he has gone ~ but if we say anything about it apparently we are gloating. Really? Gloating has nothing to do with it! 

Chris Rosebrough began by praising the elders of JD Hall's church (Fellowship Baptist Church, Sidney, Montana) because they have exercised church discipline. Rosebrough noted that such an occurrence is unusual in our time and that elders rarely initiate church discipline. The general pattern I have observed is that when a church leader is caught out publicly, or when the evidence against him is overwhelming, then, and only then, is church discipline initiated. JD Hall was caught red-handed by the police in May on DUI and weapons charges. Otherwise, I am convinced that no action by the leadership would have been taken. The statement from the FBC leadership refers to an "incident" that took place on Sunday the 5th of June 2022, but they have neglected to apprise the public of any details regarding this. {1} It is alleged that this further "incident" involving Hall on the 5th of June was a physical attack against his wife and ten-year-old daughter. The offense has been described by the Sidney Police Department MT as "Assault With Weapon.. Forces used: Knife/Cutting instrument" and "Strangulation of Partner or Family Member". {2} It appears that the leaders of FBC have attempted to cover up this dreadful incident and that they are not supporting Mrs Hall and her family as they claim! Evidently, Hall is also under investigation for “Theft Exceeding $10,000 By Embezzlement”. {3} 

JD Hall has gone unchecked for a number of years, leaving a trail of devastation behind him. He should have gone a long time ago, but he was not held accountable. In effect, the leaders of FBC had little choice but to enforce church discipline following recent events and they have nothing to be proud of. I believe that the leaders of FBC are culpable for allowing Hall to continue in his position for so long. 

JD Hall was a cult leader and a bully 

The discussion between Rosebrough, Johnson and Peters was all about JD Hall, his problems, his addiction to Xanax and how to "restore" him.  Apart from a quick reference to one of his more recent misdemeanors, nothing was said about the people/families Hall has damaged over the years, not least the suicide of Braxton Caner in 2014. Hall was accused of cyber-bullying Braxton Caner, the teenage son of pastor and Brewton-Parker College President Ergun Caner weeks before the youth committed suicide. Although Hall expressed regret, his behavioral problems were clearly ongoing. 

Around the same time as the suicide of Braxton Caner, Hall admitted that his overzealous quest to expose corruption in the Baptist church had devolved into an adversarial approach to problem-solving that was downright sinful, and he claimed that he was already in the process of changing his ways weeks before Braxton's suicide.

Hall was the voice of the Pulpit&Pen (later renamed Protestia). Last year, Hall was sued for libel after a story was published in the Montana Gazette about Adrian Jawort, a Native American activist. In that article, Hall referred to Jawort as a “transvestite Goth” and accused him of threatening a state senator.

As part of a settlement, Hall admitted that the story was fabricated and apologized, according to the Great Falls Tribune. (1 Corinthians 6:10). The libel suit was dismissed with the agreement Jawort will be able to make a claim of $250,000 against Hall, who is currently in bankruptcy.

Hall: “I apologize to Adrian Jawort.. The information I published about Adrian was false. Adrian did not threaten or harass Senator Butch Gillespie. I regret the error and sincerely apologize to Adrian for publishing it.” {4}

Hall's gutter press tactics against Servus Christi (Joshua Chavez) and his accusations of "human trafficking" were insupportable. {5} Hall renamed Chavez "Servus Diablos". He also referred to Chavez as "Servetus" which was a reference to Michael Servetus, the man who was murdered by John Calvin. {6} I viewed this as a veiled threat against Chavez. Chavez himself voiced concerns that there was a potential threat from Hall in January 2019. (1:14:00 mark) (26) Pulpit & Pen Founder Finally Critiques John MacArthur? - YouTube 

Hall reportedly bullied his own congregation to the degree that those who came into conflict with him even feared for their physical safety!

Garrett Mullett: "Never before JD Hall had I encountered attendees, members, or leaders of a church – past or present – afraid for their physical safety or that of their family after conflict with a pastor. Yet I have heard such concerns more than once with regards to Jordan and his church." {7}  

These are not the actions of a born-again Christian, much less a pastor! ..not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. (1 Peter 5:3).

Hall has stated that unless a person is in "covenant membership" with a local church then they are not a Christian! Our covenant is with Jesus Christ, it is not with bullies, liars and revilers masquerading as leaders. (1 John 2:4). Is it any wonder that true believers are leaving the churches en masse, even those churches claiming to have "sound doctrine"?

After so much damage and so many red flags, most of us would have learned a lesson, but Hall did not. He was left unchecked until his arrest in May. 

When the fruit of the spirit is so glaringly absent from the life of an individual, then we need to question whether he/she is in fact a saved believer. (Galatians 5:16-24). To refer to Hall as a "Christian" on the basis of doctrine alone is questionable. In my view, the term "Christian" cannot be applied to someone who claims to have faith but has no works. (James 2:14).  

Does JD Hall have sound doctrine?  

The Reformed (Calvinist) limitation of salvation (limited atonement) to the chosen few is a perverted doctrine. Jesus came to offer salvation to the whole world. (John 3:16; Matthew 11:28). Orthodoxy and orthopraxy are essential biblical requirements for believers and Hall has failed to demonstrate either of these. (Philippians 4:9). The Protestant tyrant John Calvin ran Geneva like a gulag from 1541 to 1564. Hall became Calvin's disciple indeed, but he has certainly not exhibited any evidence of being a disciple of Jesus Christ! He has made a mockery of the noble calling of a pastor. (1 Timothy 3:1-3).

For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. (Titus 1:7-9).

This is a trustworthy saying: If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble task. An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not dependent on wine, not violent but gentle, peaceable, and free of the love of money. (1 Timothy 3:1-3).

They profess to know God, but by their actions they deny Him. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good deed. (Titus 1:16).

As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him.. (Titus 3:10).

I like Chris Rosebrough and Justin Peters and I have learned a lot from some of their teachings. Having said that, I have major problems with Calvinism and also with some aspects of Lutheranism. The elephant in the room is their staunch support for false teacher John MacArthur who appears to be their "pope". 

Further Links

(29) The Jordan Hall Story - Corruption, Cover-Up & Abuse - YouTube
(Update #2) J.D. Hall Is Accused of Domestic Violence with a Weapon as well as Embezzlement. He Also Has Had A Lot of Guns. What Did the Church Know? | The Wartburg Watch 2022

1. Statement on the Disqualification of JD Hall - Protestia
2. Protestia Founder Jordan Hall Attacks Wife & Daughter | Servus Christi
3. Protestia Founder Jordan Hall Investigated For Embezzlement | Servus Christi
4. J.D. Hall, pastor and founder of Pulpit&Pen, admits fabricating story about trans activist (religionnews.com)
5. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: PULPIT AND PEN'S BIG SCOOP ON SERVUS CHRISTI: GUTTER PRESS TACTICS (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)
6. Servus Christi's Life of Sin to Be Exposed on Monday (pulpitandpen.org)
7. Empowering JD Hall Hurts Good People and Worthy Causes (onthe.rocks)

MICHAEL HEISER'S SUPPRESSION OF ESCHATOLOGY

(13) Why I DISLIKE Eschatology - YouTube

ALL SCRIPTURE is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. (2 Timothy 3:16).

For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. (Revelation 19:10).

Michael Heiser: "This is why I really dislike eschatology: Because there's so much left to the domain of speculation, that you can pick out just about anything, any facet of the End Times subject, because there's a lot that goes under that umbrella, and run with it, and defend a particular idea. And if you're loud enough about it, and you do it often enough, people are going to think you're on to something. And the people who are doing that know that, because it's so complicated, it's so vast, there's so many ins and outs and intricacies of it. 'Who in the world is going to spend the time telling me I'm wrong?'"

Heiser is one of a number of teachers whose cavalier dismissal of eschatology flies in the face of the scriptures. Anyone alleging to be a "bible expert" who discourages the study of eschatology should be treated with the utmost suspicion. It is one thing to say that eschatology is not your particular area of expertise, and it is quite another to suppress this important subject. Eschatology is an integral part of the whole canon of scripture and it is just as likely to be misinterpreted as any other biblical topic. We cannot afford to amputate the parts of scripture that are not to our personal liking! 

Almost one-third of the scriptures concerns bible prophecy! In particular, the book of Revelation is given special prominence and is described as the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. Further important passages are 1 & 2 Thessalonians, Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21 and 1 Peter 3.

This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants what must soon come to pass. He made it known by sending His angel to His servant John, who testifies to everything he saw. This is the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear and obey what is written in it, because the time is near. (Revelation 1:1-3).

Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. (Luke 12:35-37).

Jesus warned His disciples that the details of His return are of critical importance. (Matthew 24:15). If we willfully ignore bible prophecy, we dismiss critical parts of God’s word at our own peril and are playing directly into Satan's hands. Satan knows how important bible prophecy is, and he will go all out to deceive believers to either misinterpret or ignore the subject altogether. (Ephesians 6:12). 

Warren B Smith who is knowledgeable about New Age teachings made the shocking discovery that prophecy dissenters Rick Warren, Brian McLaren and Robert Schuller were repeating the words of theosophist Alice Bailey almost verbatim. {1} 

Rick Warren: "When the disciples wanted to talk about prophecy, Jesus quickly switched the conversation to evangelism. He wanted them to concentrate on their mission in the world. He said in essence, 'The details of my return are none of your business. What is your business is the mission I have given you. Focus on that!'"  {2}

Brian McLaren: "Instead, he [Jesus] tells them it’s none of their business to speculate about how God plans to work out history, and then he gives them a mission to accomplish." {3} 

Robert Schuller: “Don’t let eschatology stifle your long-term thinking.” {4}

Alice Bailey: "If our work is rightly done, He will come at the set and appointed time. How, where or when He will come is none of our concern. Our work is to do our utmost and on as large a scale as possible to bring about right human relations, for His coming depends upon our work. {5} 

Hypocritically, despite his statements to the contrary, Heiser does like to dabble in eschatology and has proffered his own inaccurate speculations! For instance, Heiser does not believe in a literal millennium. {6}  Heiser has changed the location of Armageddon to Jerusalem for questionable reasons. {7} He also endorses the problematic recapitulation theory regarding the seals, trumpets and bowls:

Heiser: "Revelation may not even be intended to be read chronologically (in linear fashion), but instead as repeating cycles (i.e., the seals, bowls and trumpets all express the ideas in similar, but not identical, ways). One’s willingness to accept this cyclic repetitive view ('recapitulation') depends on being comfortable with 'joining' them instead of 'splitting' them." (8) 

narwatchisrael have identified a number of red flags associated with Heiser's theology, including his nod to universalism.

Reasons (excuses) why teachers avoid eschatology

There are various reasons why church leaders avoid eschatology. A further problem is that many teachers are unwilling to correct inaccurate eschatology due to their denominational affiliations. It is my contention that every one of these reasons has its source in self-interest i.e. the flesh. (John 6:63).

Fear of man ~ Fear of controversy and/or fear of coming into conflict with the view of their particular denomination or tradition is a major reason why teachers avoid eschatology. 

The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe. (Proverbs 29:25)
Towing the party line ~ Those who tow the party line for the sake of their own security is the mark of a hireling! 

He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. (John 10:13).
Fear of losing members and finance ~ These teachers are concerned with building their own kingdoms as against giving their full attention to the kingdom of God.
Fear of getting it wrong ~ A faithful teacher will study the word and seek the Lord.
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. (John 16:13).
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15).
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. (James 1:5).
Pride and immaturity ~ He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. (1 Timothy 3:6).
Laziness ~ The way of a sluggard is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a level highway. (Proverbs 15:19).

Making a name for themselves ~ New "innovative" teachings that conflict with the scriptures are rooted in pride. 
The fear of the LORD is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate. (Proverbs 8:13).

Rebellion and apostasy ~ I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; (Acts 20:29).

It is the responsibility of every church leader to teach the whole counsel of God.

..for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. (Acts 20:27).

For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. (2 Peter 1:21).

Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62).

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

1. Rick Warren: Prophecy is None of our Business? - by Warren B. Smith (newagetoamazinggrace.com)
2. Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life, op. cit, pp. 285-286.
3. Brian D. McLaren, The Secret Message of Jesus, op. cit., p. 171, 2006.
4. Robert Schuller, interview with Leadership Journal, April 1, 1997. http://www.ctlibrary.com/le/1997/spring/7l2114.html.
5. Alice A. Bailey, The Reappearance of the Christ (New York, NY: Lucis Publishing Company, 1948, Eleventh Printing, 1996), p. 188.
6. (13) Premillennial and Amilllennial: Ruling and Reigning - Michael Heiser - YouTube

7. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: MICHAEL HEISER'S ALLEGED LOCATION OF ARMAGEDDON (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)

8. Seventy Weeks of Daniel (aka, The Pit of Despair) - Dr. Michael Heiser (drmsh.com)

Further Links

The Unseen Realm, A Critique | Think on These Things (tottministries.org)
Is Dr. Michael Heiser’s view of the Divine Council biblical? - Calvary Christian Fellowship of Tucson
Michael Heiser Archives - Truth Watchers
The Unseen Assumptions | SESMichael Heiser: Warning Signals (narwatchisrael.info)
(13) Michael Heiser is Wrong About Deuteronomy 32 - YouTube
(13) Michael Heiser Doesn’t Have the 82nd Psalm Right - YouTube

LEE BRAINARD'S DESPERATE ACCUSATIONS AGAINST THE PREWRATH RAPTURE

(4) The Source of the Pre-Wrath Rapture | Lee Brainard - YouTube

In an attempt to distance the pre-trib rapture from the vision of 15-year-old Margaret MacDonald, Lee Brainard informs us in this video that John Nelson Darby rejected her end-time vision. It is true that John Nelson Darby and Benjamin Wills Newton of the Plymouth Brethren came to the conclusion that Margaret's visions were demonic. I do not think there is any disagreement on that score as this information is well documented. However, Brainard failed to mention that Edward Irving (1792-1834) played a pivotal role in this story. Edward Irving and his controversial sect known as the "Irvingites" (the Catholic Apostolic Church), were precursors of the later Pentecostal and Charismatic movements. Irving accepted Margaret MacDonald's vision and claimed her as one of their own prophetesses.

David Malcolm Bennet: "..with regard to the adoption of a two-stage return of Christ, the first being associated with a pretribulation rapture of the saints. Irving taught something similar to it in March 1830, and at least some in the CAC seem to have adopted a pretribulation rapture by September that year. Darby and other members of the Brethren do not seem to have accepted it until later. Darby, himself, probably did not adopt this teaching until after December 1831,[26] so later than the CAC and, thus, presumably later than Irving." {1}

Whilst it cannot be definitively proved that Margaret MacDonald was the source for Darby’s concept of a pretribulation rapture, her vision seems to be the catalyst for his ideas. Samuel Prideaux Tregelles alleged that the pre-trib concept was taken from one of the charismatic utterances in Edward Irving's church. Tregelles regarded these utterances as "pretending to be from God", and he implied that Darby's rapture teaching was from a demonic source. 

Dave MacPherson: "For several decades some pretrib leaders have deceitfully isolated Margaret Macdonald's posttrib-resembling statement 'The trial of the Church is from Antichrist' to try to establish that she was posttrib. I have in mind leaders like R. A. Huebner, Charles Ryrie, Thomas Ice, and Frank Marotta. The same prophecy teachers are among those who've covered up the fact that partial rapturism----Margaret's view----sees a pretrib rapture of PART of the church while also seeing the REST of the church enduring a future tribulation..
Professor Ryrie wonders how Margaret can declare that 'the trial of the Church is from Antichrist' (lines 85-86) and speak of 'the fiery trial which is to try us' (line 65) if the Church will 'be caught up' before Antichrist arrives (lines 39-40). Apparently he's unaware of the terminology used by Partial Rapturists. {2} 

It appears that Darby, who was a renowned cult leader and a bully, jumped onto the Irvingite bandwagon and claimed the (questionable) glory for the pre-trib rapture doctrine in the late 1830s. Dave MacPherson: "Darby was posttrib from 1827 through 1838 and he had no clear pretrib teaching before 1839 - nine years after Irving and his group had begun the clear teaching of it." {3}

The prewrath position that the church will encounter the Antichrist is taken from the scriptures and from the early church fathers. I know of no prewrath teacher or scholar that endorses Margaret MacDonald's vision.  Prewrath does not teach a "secret rapture" as Margaret MacDonald apparently does. (Matthew 24:30; Revelation 6:15-16).

Margaret MacDonald: "Only those who have the light of God within them will see the sign of his appearance. No need to follow them who say, see here, or see there, for his day shall be as the lightning to those in whom the living Christ is. 'Tis Christ in us that will lift us up - he is the light - 'tis only those that are alive in him that will be caught up to meet him in the air." {4}

Margaret MacDonald's ramblings seem to be a confusing mishmash of various spiritual ideas. These (possibly demonic) ideas came from a very sick 15-year-old girl and they were not properly tested by Irving and others. (1 John 4:1). Brainard's deranged rantings against the prewrath view are desperately inaccurate and should be rejected out of hand.

1. Edward Irving and John Nelson Darby
2. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: X-RAYING MARGARET BY DAVE MACPHERSON (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)
3. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: JOHN DARBY DID NOT INVENT THE RAPTURE! BY DAVE MACPHERSON (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)
4. Margaret MacDonald (visionary) - Wikipedia

RICK WARREN'S EMPTY BOASTS!

 

The Apostle Paul: 

If anyone else thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin; a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, persecuting the church; as to righteousness in the law, faultless. But whatever was gain to me I count as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to Him in His death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. (Philippians 3:4-11).

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits. (Mathew 7:15-20)

But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. (Galatians 6:14).

Unfortunately for the duplicitous Rick Warren, his boasts will count for nothing when he faces the judgement seat of Christ! ( Revelation 20:11-15 cf. Matthew 12:36).

Booklet Highlight: Rick Warren’s Dangerous Ecumenical Pathway to Rome And How One Interview Revealed So Much - Lighthouse Trails Research Project

LEE BRAINARD'S BLATANT MISREPRESENTATION OF THE PREWRATH RAPTURE VIEW

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4N-6Lb40v7c?cc_lang_pref=

Demolishing the Pre-Wrath Rapture / Lee Brainard

Lee Brainard: "Many of us have friends that are wrestling with the pre-tribulation rapture versus the prewrath rapture or maybe some other version".

According to Lee Brainard, the prewrath rapture view is the biggest threat to the pre-trib view. In the above video, he confirmed various reports that a number of pre-trib believers are turning towards the prewrath view. I find this admission very encouraging, and it is good to know that a significant number of pre-trib believers are seriously considering the prewrath view. 

It is very concerning that Brainard felt the need to give such an offensive refutation of the prewrath rapture view. His portrayal of the prewrath rapture was highly distorted in a number of key areas, and his misrepresentations were unworthy of a bona fide bible teacher. (Titus 1:7-8). A huge concern for many Christians is whether pre-trib really is the scriptural position. The correct way to critique another view, even if we strongly disagree with it, is to represent it accurately, and Brainard singularly failed in this respect. Such a blatant misrepresentation of the prewrath rapture view is likely to have very serious consequences, both for Brainard himself - who will have to give an account, and for his hearers. (Romans 14:12). Unless believers are prepared to research this subject themselves, they are likely to be misled by some teachers, who, for their own reasons, are determined to misinform them. 

It would be a grave mistake to pay attention to Brainard's detrimental remarks about prewrath teachers. In particular, his claim that prewrath teachers do not know the scriptures and that they are deliberate deceivers is disingenuous. In view of his own flawed presentation, Brainard should consider whether these accusations apply to himself. In my experience, prewrath teachers are head and shoulders above their counterparts within both the pre-trib and the post-trib camps. The false hope of a pre-trib rapture poses a signicant risk to the faith of many believers. (Matthew 24:10, Jeremiah 23:16; Proverbs 13:12). 

There is no information that the pre-trib rapture view existed prior to the mid 1800's despite the combined efforts of many pre-trib scholars to find it. The pre-trib rapture theory is a relatively new doctrine that fails to find specific confirmation in the scriptures. (1 John 4:1). The history of the pre-trib rapture theory has been extensively explored in my previous posts: WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: Rapture (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)

Brainard weighed in almost immediately with the extraordinary claim that the prewrath view is "to argue from the position of fear". He continued: "We want to argue from the position of faith." The accusation that prewrath believers are operating in fear was a heavy handed attempt to discredit this view. Brainard's not so subtle attempt to discourage believers from testing the spirits is to go explicitly against the scriptures. (1 John 4:1; Acts 17:11). His ungodly tactics effectively erect a stumbling block in front of believers who are genuinely uncomfortable with the pre-trib view. (2 Corinthians 6:3). My own motivation for holding the prewrath view is a sincere desire to know the truth! (John 8:32; Luke 12:4).

Brainard's alleged six fatal arguments against the prewrath rapture view

1. There is no time between tribulation and second coming

Brainard: "The rapture and the arrival of the day of the Lord concur.. Their major premise is that the day of the Lord arrives at the sixth seal.. The rapture happens at the opening of the sixth seal.. The wrath doesn't start until after the sixth seal opens."  

The above is is a blatant misrepresentation of the prewrath view!

The prewrath view clarified

The prewrath view maintans that the rapture occurs between the 6th and the 7th seals. Matthew 24 and Revelation 6 and 7 confirm that the prewrath rapture occurs between the cosmic disturbances at the sixth seal in Revelation 6:12-14, and the opening of the 7th seal in Revelation 8:1.The period of God's wrath (the day of the Lord) begins with the seventh seal trumpet judgements in Revelation 8:6 ff. 

Brainard's claim: "Based on Matthew 24:29-30, there is no time between the tribulation and the second coming."  Brainard "forgot" to mention Matthew 24:31 which explicitly refers to the rapture! The cosmic signs referred to in Acts 2:19-20, Joel 2 and Isaiah 13 indicate the imminency of the rapture. The prewrath view sees the parousia as an extended period of time, beginning with the rapture, as against a single isolated event at Armageddon. 

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.’ At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn. 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 the heavens to the other. (Matthew 24:29-31).

Brainard's persistent error throughout this video is to insist that "the day of the Lord" is the entire 70th week of Daniel. The prewrath view asserts the biblical distinction between "the beginning of birth pains" (the first half of the 70th week), Satan's wrath i.e. the great tribulation (thlipsis) (the second half of the 70th week), followed by God's wrath (orge). Biblically, the great tribulation begins 3.5 years after the Antichrist confirms "the covenant with many for one week" in the middle of the 70th week of Daniel. (Daniel 9:27). The great tribulation will last for a time, time and half a time i.e. three and a half years, 42 months or 1,260 days (cut short -Matthew 24:22 cf. Daniel 12:2). The day of the Lord is initiated at the 7th seal. (Revelation 8:1-5). 

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 there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. (Matthew 24:15-22).

2.  The Identity of the twenty-four elders in Revelation 4-5

Brainard: "The church are in heaven in Revelation 4 and 5 prior to the opening of the first seal."

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

..and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” (Revelation 5:10).

In Revelation 5:10, the twenty-four elders distinguish themselves from the church whom they refer to in the third person. Revelation 4-5 describes the scene in the throne room of God immediately prior to the opening of the first seal. The scene depicts precise numbers i.e. twenty-four thrones, twenty-four elders, four living creatures and the Lamb, nothing more. The addition of the church is an allegorization of the text and is a weak attempt to strengthen pre-trib predilections. (Revelation 22:18-19).

Meyer: "..for they are distinguished from believers, Revelation 5:10 (according to the correct reading), Revelation 7:9 sqq., 14, Revelation 11:16 sqq.; and the glorified as yet wear no crowns, but are expecting only the time of dominion (Revelation 2:10 to Revelation 6:9); but it is the heavenly council, composed of representatives of the people of God in heaven.” {1}

The scene described in Revelation 7 at a later stage depicts "a great multitude" i.e. all believers including the raptured church.

After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, (Revelation 7:9).

3. The economy is back to Mosaic Law during the 70th week

Brainard seemed to get confused and I am not sure if he finished making his third point. The prewrath view maintains that both Jews and Christians will be on the earth simultaneously during the 70th week of Daniel i.e. until believers are raptured some time after the sixth seal is broken. The prewrath view rejects the error of hyper-dispensationalism, in particular, the false claim that the gospels are not relevant to the church.

4. Kept from the hour of trial

Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial (πειρασμοῦ) that is coming on the whole world, to try (πειράσαι) those who dwell on the earth. (Revelation 3:10).

The hour of trial or testing (peirasmos) coming on the whole world is the wrath of God. God's wrath begins after the great tribulation and is carried out during the seventh seal trumpet and bowl judgments. (Revelation 8-9, Revelation 15:1,5-8, 16:1-21). Those believers who keep God's word and are faithful during the great tribulation will not suffer God's wrath. (1 Thessalonians 5:9). Unfortunately the pre-trib view fails to make the appropriate distinction between Satan's persecution against believers, and God's wrath on the whole world.

5. The Greek preposition ὑπὲρ (uper) 

Brainard argues that the Greek preposition ὑπὲρ (uper) is translated wrongly as περί (peri) by prewrath scholars in 2 Thessalonians 2:1. Brainard's paraphrase of this verse: "We plead with you brethren, because of the rapture, not to worry about the day of the Lord."

"ὑπὲρ (uper) ~ A primary preposition; "over", i.e. (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case superior to, more than -- (+ exceeding, abundantly) above, in (on) behalf of, beyond, by, + very chiefest, concerning, exceeding (above, -ly), for, + very highly, more (than), of, over, on the part of, for sake of, in stead, than, to(-ward), very. In the comparative, it retains many of the above applications." {2}

ESV: Now concerning (ὑπὲρ) the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to Him, we ask you, brothers, not to be easily disconcerted or alarmed by any spirit or message or letter seeming to be from us, alleging that the Day of the Lord has already come. Let no one deceive you in any way, for it will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness—the son of destruction—is revealed. (2 Thessalonians 2:1-3). 

KJV: Now we beseech you, brethren, by (ὑπὲρ) the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him.. (2 Thessalonians 2:1).

The preposition ὑπὲρ (uper) with the genitive case frequently refers to the object under consideration - concerning, of, as respects, with regard to.. on behalf of, beyond. {2} The translation of ὑπὲρ as "concerning" or "regarding" in this verse is a legitimate translation in my view. I do not claim to be an expert in biblical Greek by any means, but having studied the subject at degree level I do have some knowledge. Brainard's quibbling over ὑπὲρ appears to be an attempt to confound his audience with his alleged "knowledge" of biblical Greek. I am not quite sure why Brainard spent so much time making this point since it makes no difference to the argument. The discussion in these verses in context is the coming (parousia) of the Lord Jesus Christ and the rapture. It appears that the Thessalonians had received a message or a letter allegedly from Paul that had misled them into thinking that the day of the Lord had already come. Brainard's interpretation does not alter the fact that the rapture precedes the day of the Lord i.e. the wrath of God, and that the day of the Lord does not begin until the 7th seal is opened following the great tribulation, the cosmic disturbances and the rapture. Brainard repeats the error of failing to distinguish the period of wrath that follows the great tribulation. (Matthew 24:29).

6. The strong delusion is judgement 

For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming. The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. (2 Thessalonians 2:7-12 cf. Revelation 3:10).

Brainard refers to the strong delusion as the day of the Lord. He fails to distinguish between the strong delusion and the actual period of God's direct eschatological wrath upon the earth which begins with the seven trumpets in Revelation 8. In both the Old Testament and the New Testament, the common element that delineates God's eschatological wrath is FIRE. (Joel 2:3; Isaiah 66:15; Malachi 4:1; 2 Peter 3:7; 1 Thessalonians 1:7-8; Revelation 8:5, 7, 8). The seven bowls of wrath  (Revelation 6:16, 8:6-13, 15:1 16:1 cf. Revelation 14:10) are the culmination of God's wrath. 

Pulpit Commentary: "It is the ordinance of God that the wicked by their wicked actions fall into greater wickedness, and that thus sin is punished by sin; and what is an ordinance of God is appointed by God himself. That they should believe a lie; or rather, the lie, namely the falsehood which the man of sin disseminates by his deceit of unrighteousness. Being destitute of the love of the truth, they are necessarily led to believe a lie - their minds are open to all manner of falsehood and delusion." {3}

Is the day of the Lord a literal 24-hour day?

Brainard has three separate definitions for the day of the Lord: the common sense which he thinks is the entire 70th week; the legal sense which he thinks is a literal 24-hour day (Malachi 4:1-3; James 1:9-11); and the figurative sense, the millennium. The problem with Brainard's convoluted view is that the scriptures do not refer to the day of the Lord in these terms.

It will be a day known only to the LORD, without day or night; but when evening comes, there will be light. (Zechariah 14:7).

Alan Kurschner: "..the term 'one day' should be better properly translated 'unique day' or 'never-ending day.' This is the rendering of most modern versions. For example: 'And there shall be a unique day, which is known to the LORD, neither day nor night, but at evening time there shall be light' (Zech 14:7 ESV, emphasis mine). See also the NIV and NASB for the same rendering. In other words, translators recognize that the context suggests this new era will be unique in redemptive history. It will be the new established conditions that will be ongoing. Thus, rendering and interpreting it as 'one day” misses the oracle’s point entirely." {4} 

Out of context verses cited by Brainard 

Brainard ends his abysmal presentation with two out of context verses which have no relevance to the day of the Lord.

"And on that day,”declares the Lord GOD, “I will make the sun go down at noon and darken the earth in broad daylight. (Amos 8:9 cf. Matthew 27:45).

This verse refers to the crucifixion, not the day of the Lord.

Coffman: "This is Amos' answer to the question propounded by the dishonest traders in Amos 8:5, 'When will the new moon... and the sabbath ... be gone?' Very well, the answer was: 'At that time when the sun goes down at noon, and the earth is darkened in a clear day,' an undeniable reference to the crucifixion of the Son of God, that being the only occasion in the history of the world when the sun set at noon, and the earth (not just a portion of it, but all of it) was darkened in a clear day! We may only marvel at the blindness of Biblical interpreters who fail to see this." {5} 

God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. (Psalm 46:5).

Psalm 46 concerns Israel's deliverance from the Assyrians and has no relevance to the day of the Lord. Pulpit Commentary: "The deliverance of Israel from Sennacherib came, it is to be remembered, when it was discovered 'early in the morning' that in the camp of the Assyrians were 185,000 'dead corpses' (2 Kings 19:35)." {6}

1. Revelation 4 Meyer's NT Commentary (biblehub.com)
2. Strong's Greek: 5228. ὑπέρ (huper) -- over, beyond, fig. on behalf of, for the sake of, concerning (biblehub.com)
3. 2 Thessalonians 2 Pulpit Commentary (biblehub.com)
4. Zechariah 14:7 and a Response to Post-Tribulationists | ESCHATOS MINISTRIES (alankurschner.com)
5. Amos 8 - Coffman's Commentaries on the Bible - Bible Commentaries - StudyLight.org
6. Psalm 46 Pulpit Commentary (biblehub.com)