ROB ZINS' CALVINIST TAKE ON 2 PETER 3:9: "GOD IS NOT WILLING THAT ANY SHOULD PERISH".

(145) "God Is Not Willing That Any Should Perish," Who Is God Talking About In 2 Peter 3:9? All Or Some? - YouTube

But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you,* not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. (2 Peter 3:8-10).

* some manuscripts = on your account.

Rob Zins: "Does God arrive at knowledge? - or to explain the question, - Does God know all  things that come to pass as a result of His willing them to be so, or must He wait for events to happen so that He can look ahead and gain knowledge of events?"  

According to Zins, a consistent theme of Pelagian, Arminian-Evangelical and Roman Catholic theology is the idea that God looks down the tunnel of time to find out, or arrive at, knowledge. In other words, simply stated, "God is unaware until He takes a look". Zins is describing "open theism", a false doctrine that is supported by a relatively small number of Christians. 

Zins seems to assume that all non-Calvinist Christians are "Evangelical-Arminians" - this is a false assumption. Furthermore, he has misrepresented the views of Arminians and Roman Catholics, and in doing so he has compromised his entire argument. There are differing views within the Arminian camp, but generally speaking, Arminians argue for the traditional view that God's foreknowledge is exhaustive and complete, and that the future is certain and is not contingent on human action. 

Nathan Justice: "Arminianism argues for the traditional understanding of divine foreknowledge, which says that God has 'complete and infallible knowledge of the future.'1 This definition of divine foreknowledge is also called 'simple foreknowledge', because Molinists accept God’s complete and infallible knowledge of the future while also affirming God’s middle knowledge. In defending simple foreknowledge, Arminians represent the most common view of divine foreknowledge throughout church history as well as the most common interpretation of the biblical data. In distinction from Calvinism, which holds that God foreknows because He foreordains, Arminius argued that God foreknows future things through the infinity of his essence, and through the pre-eminent perfection of his understanding and prescience, not as he willed or decreed that they should necessarily be done, though he would not foreknow them except as they were future, and they would not be future unless God had decreed either to perform or to permit them." {1}

I am certainly not an apologist for Roman Catholicism, but as far as I can ascertain, the RCC promotes God's infallible foreknowledge and has no idea of God "arriving at knowledge". {2}

Rob Zins: "It is our contention that God knows all things because He wills all things. God does not arrive at knowledge and He leaves nothing to chance."

The struggle to reconcile God's omniscience and human free will is extremely challenging. The scriptures are clear that God is omniscient i.e. He is all-knowing and He knows exactly what will happen. (Isaiah 14:24, 46:10; Psalm 33:11). In other words, God has complete and ultimate knowledge of every decision made by human beings past, present, and future, otherwise, how can we explain bible prophecy? Any philosophical attempt to explain God's omniscience is feeble and inevitably falls short. If the Apostle Paul was among us, I think he would tell us not to lean on our own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5). In one particular sense Zins is correct in that God does not arrive at knowledge and that He knows all things. However, the thorny question remains: What part does human free will play in salvation? Zins' statement"regeneration precedes salvation" is extremely problematic since a number of scriptures suggest that faith precedes salvation. (e.g. John 1:12, 3:15-16; Acts 2:38, 3:19, 21,11:18,16:31; Romans 10:9-10; 1 Corinthians 1:21).

It is impossible to deny the fact that God has created people with the capacity to choose from Eden, and yet there are those who persist in denying human free will. (Genesis 3:3). The appeal in the scriptures over and over again is for all people everywhere to repent. (Acts 17:30; Isaiah 45:22). The futile pursuit of attempting to reconcile God's sovereignty and human autonomy inevitably culminates in the formulation of distorted and divisive false doctrines. (1 Corinthians 1:19; Proverbs 3:5; 1 Timothy 6:20). Perhaps some should learn a lesson from Job! (Job 15:8). Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” (Romans 11:33-34 cf. Isaiah 40:13; 1 Corinthians 13:12).

Zins gives the so-called "Arminian-Evangelical", or what he also refers to as the "inconsistent Evangelical Arminian" interpretation of 2 Peter 3:8-10. The Lord is not slow of the promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Zins: "Not willing (βουλόμενος) is God's eternal will or desire, and the any is everyone in the world, past present and future. It is all without exception, and the word here come into repentance (χωρῆσαι μετάνοιαν) is salvation."  Zins doesn't accept the "Arminian Evangelical" interpretation of this passage, because, according to him "..they don't take into account the plural 'you'."  Zins makes the assumption that the phrase "toward you" in verse 9, applies to believers "beloved" (αγαπητοι) in verse 8. Does "toward you" apply to the beloved, or does Peter change focus and apply it to a wider audience, i.e. everyone in the world which is also plural? 

The other reason Zins doesn't like the "Arminian Evangelical" interpretation: "If Peter wanted us to believe that any, meaning each and every person in the whole wide world to come to repentance, which is salvation, he would have written something like: 'The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, but is longsuffering toward the world, or towards the cosmos, not willing for anyone to perish but for all to come into repentance.'" With words like any and all, non-Calvinist scholars have concluded that Peter does in fact mean every person in the world. Calvinists still do not accept that all humanity is referred to, even when the scriptures specifically identify the world/cosmos as in John 3:16. 

Zins continues to describe what he considers to be a flawed Calvinist response to the "Arminian Evangelical" view: "The Lord is not slow of the promise as some count slowness, but is long-suffering toward you (beloved), not willing (βουλόμενος) for any (of you) to perish, but for all (of you) to come, or to enter into repentance (salvation). Zins doesn't like this interpretation because of the idea that the word βούλομαι is not God's secret eternal will, but rather it is His will of desire (will of command) which can be broken. In other words, βούλομαι is just God's desire. Zins notes that even Calvin takes the view in his commentary that Peter does not refer to the eternal secret will of God, but rather he teaches that it is not God's desire for anyone to perish but for all to come to repentance (salvation). In other words, God's open command (His desire) is that everyone in the world will come to repentance.

Zins goes on to describe what he views as a more acceptable interpretation of this passage from various strong Reformed theologians including AW Pink. "He {Peter} is writing only to the elect because of the word 'beloved'.  'But let not this one thing be concealed from you (elect)..  He is long-suffering toward you (elect), not willing (the eternal will) for any (of the elect) to perish, but for all (of the elect) to come to repentance (salvation). The idea here is that the delay in Christ's return is so that all of the elect will come to salvation.."

Zins' own novel interpretation of 2 Peter 3:8-10: "This is not a salvation passage at all.. it is an experience in salvation, in other words, it refers to diligence and perseverance. 'but let not this one thing be concealed from you beloved (elect), that one day is as a thousand years and a thousand years one day. The Lord is not slow of His promise (regarding His coming, that's the theme), as some count slowness, but is long-suffering (patient in enduring) toward you (referring to the beloved), not willing (either will of desire or eternal will) for any of you (beloved) to perish (ἀπόλλυμι), but for all of you (beloved - his elect) to enter into or come into (chōrēsai) repentance (metanoia). Repentance here is not salvation, it is repenting from being involved in the sins that were so troubling to the reading audience." Zins cites 2 Peter 3:15 as his proof text for this interpretation.

If this passage refers to an experience in salvation rather than an experience of salvation, the false Calvinist belief in once saved always saved (OSAS) is compromised by the word perish (ἀπόλλυμι). Zins fails in two respects; firstly, he misrepresents the "Arminian Evangelical" and RC position regarding God's foreknowledge; and secondly, he suggests that the passage does not refer to salvation, which is completely at odds with the context and the word perish (ἀπόλλυμι).  

Bible Hub: "perish - ἀπόλλυμι = 622 /apóllymi ("violently/completely perish") implies permanent (absolute) destruction, i.e. to cancel out (remove); 'to die, with the implication of ruin and destruction' (L & N, 1, 23.106); cause to be lost (utterly perish) by experiencing a miserable end." {3}

Paul is addressing the "beloved" i.e. believers. When Paul says that God is "patient with you", he is referring to the apparent delay in Jesus' coming. He explains the reason for this in the next clause: not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance ~ The gospel invitation is inclusive and is extended to all people in the world/cosmos. (John 3:16). Jesus' apparent delay in coming is contingent upon the salvation of those who will respond to the gospel and put their faith in Him in the future. This is pertinent to "the beloved" of whom they will eventually become a part. The salvation of these future people will make the number of believers (the bride of Christ) complete in Him. (Matthew 22:9; Luke 21:24; Revelation 19:7). 

After watching Larry Wessels' video on CAnswersTV: (151) Unpopular Bible Doctrines #1: The Biblical God No One Wants To Know - YouTube  I was absolutely horrified. What kind of "God" do Calvinists believe in? Those who teach Calvinism malign Christ's teaching by denying the fullness of the gospel and limiting its application. In doing so they malign the very character of God Himself by denying His goodness and love toward all people. (John 3:16 ). These teachers grieve the Holy Spirit and inevitably cause pain and confusion to the body of Christ. (Ephesians 4:30; Proverbs 30:6). This teaching devastates churches and is very discouraging to unbelievers. How will these men be able to give an account to God for spreading this wicked doctrine? (Hebrews 4:13; James 3:1). 

I have included a link to Mike Winger's video on this subject below because he makes some useful points. Where I disagree with Winger is that he claims that this is not a "gospel issue". Zins himself says that Arminianism is a different gospel. (2 Corinthians 11:4). I agree with Zins that traditional Christianity and Calvinism are different gospels, but of the two teachings, it is my view that Calvinism is the "different gospel".  

1. viewcontent.cgi (liberty.edu)
2. CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Predestination (newadvent.org)
3. Strong's Greek: 622. ἀπόλλυμι (apollumi) -- to destroy, destroy utterly (biblehub.com)

Further Links

(153) What does God know? Open Theism, Calvinism and Arminian views analyzed with scripture surveyed - YouTube
(156) Why Regeneration Cannot Precede Faith (Part 1) - YouTube

EMMA STARK'S PROPHETIC CORONATION WARNING!

(106) URGENT CORONATION PROPHETIC WARNING - with Emma Stark | Decree The Week! - YouTube

Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions. (1 Timothy 1:6-7 cf. 2 Timothy 3:13).

Emma Stark, supported by her associate Ruth Weller at Global Prophetic Alliance, has submitted what she describes as "a weighty word" and "an urgent coronation prophetic warning". In the above video, she asks her followers to "weigh and test biblically what we are laying at your feet".  On examination, Emma Stark's "weighty word", is an unabashed example of biblical ignorance and eisegesis. (John 4:1). 

Emma Stark: "They want to achieve a coronation of deception, and they want to have enthroned over the British Isles and the Commonwealth, and then touching all the nations around the world, an enthronement of deception and a raising of the Antichrist spirit in our midst..  What we have been watching in the spirit is the covens and the witchcraft community around the world sharing power.. to release a tidal wave of deception.. What we are decreeing on the back of this..  is the John 16 passage.. we will invoke in the limitless power of King Jesus.. a spirit of truth to come in place of a coronation of deception and Antichrist.. and to say now John 16 verse 12: 'the spirit of truth is welcome in my nation'. We have never had to navigate that because we had our Queen, or we had godliness at the head of our state church. That is now absent. So for the first time ever, we have this layering of political leadership, of national church leadership and of royal monarchy leadership.."

While her supporters are busy decreeing and declaring, Emma Stark announced that she will be doing more important things: "When I fly in the Spirit of God I have literally flown in the spirit around the throne .. that is my job in the body of Christ.. If you are not used to that level of warfare use the decrees.. I am certainly flying around the throne in the spirit in London saying that the agreement of the international covens will not hold.."

Emma Stark obviously hasn't noticed that Satan is the prince of this world aka the ruler of the world. (John 14:30; John 12:31; John 16:11; Colossians 2:8; 1 John 4:3)). She refers to "a three cord demonic agreement" i.e. church, state and government as a recent development of deception. In fact, this is no new development. It is doubtful whether the CofE has ever been godly at its highest levels, and in recent decades it has been in terminal decline. This year, conservative leaders representing 85% of the Anglican Communion have officially rejected the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and the Church of England due to their support of same-sex blessings: "Since the Lord does not bless same-sex unions, it is pastorally deceptive and blasphemous to craft prayers that invoke blessing in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit." {1}

In a previous post, I identified the Druidic and Masonic affiliations of the Queen and the Royal Family. These affiliations make it impossible to accept that the Queen was a true bible believing Christian as Emma Stark claims. {2}

If Emma Stark followed the bible she would realize that there will not be a four billion soul harvest and that there is no revival on the horizon. Actually, Satan will temporarily gain authority over the earth for a short time! Those who follow the false doctrine of Dominion Theology and reject the literal interpretation of the Book of Revelation are in very serious error. Dominion Theology proponents teach the diametric opposite of biblical eschatology. 

But woe to the earth and the sea; with great fury the devil has come down to you, knowing he has only a short time. And when the dragon saw that he had been thrown to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child. But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle to fly from the presence of the serpent to her place in the wilderness, where she was nourished for a time, and times, and half a time. Then from the mouth of the serpent spewed water like a river to overtake the woman and sweep her away in the torrent. But the earth helped the woman and opened its mouth to swallow up the river that had poured from the dragon’s mouth. And the dragon was enraged at the woman, and went to make war with the rest of her children, who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. (Revelation 12:12-17 cf. Revelation 13:7-8).

John 16:12-15 in context!

Emma Stark's claims about invoking a spirit of truth in place of a coronation of deception and Antichrist is typical meaningless NAR nonsense. 

It is critical to note that it is the Holy Spirit who makes declarations: the Holy Spirit (the Spirit of truth) will declare to believers the things that are to come. The Holy Spirit/Spirit of truth is the third person of the Godhead and is not subject to the whims or imaginations of human beings. The Holy Spirit cannot be "released"  or "invoked"  by any person. 

I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all 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. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you. (John 16:12-15)..

How are we to wrestle?

In context, the scriptures direct us to stand (στῆναι πρός - stand one’s ground {against the wiles of the devil}). Cambridge Bible: "The key-word of the passage. The present picture is not of a march, or of an assault, but of the holding of the fortress of the soul and of the Church for the heavenly King." {3} Christians have no scriptural remit to directly oppose wicked powers and principalities.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12).

The full armour of God i.e. the complete armour of God, comprises truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, and the word of God. NOTE: praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. (Ephesians 6:14-18). When we pray we bypass the powers and principalities and go directly to God Himself. Daniel's example: Daniel did not direct his attention to powers and principalities, rather he humbled himself and his prayers were heard. The subsequent struggle between angelic powers of good and evil ensued for a period of twenty-one days-

“Do not be afraid, Daniel,” he said, “for from the first day that you purposed to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. However, the prince of the kingdom of Persia opposed me for twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia. Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision concerns those days.” (Daniel 10:12-14).

 

Emma Stark: "Occasionally you see a principality inhabit a single person. Now you see that in the days of Jezebel in scripture..  the girl with a witchcraft principality in Acts 16". 

Jezebel was a Phoenician princess and a Baal worshipper. (1 Kings 16:31). There is no doubt that she was very wicked, but she is not described as being inhabited by a particular "principality". The slave girl in Acts 16 is described as having "a spirit of divination", not a "principality". (Acts 16:16). The reason for the subsequent commotion at Philippi was that her owners lost their source of income. (Acts 16:19-24). Principalities and powers are described in Ephesians 6:12 as εν τοις επουρανιοις, in, or about, heavenly places. They rule/preside over different geographical locations/nations and at hold sway over inferior spirits and demons. Principalities (as against demons) do not inhabit/possess human beings. The scriptures confirm that demons are terrestrial. (Matthew 12:43; Mark 5:13). In Ancient Jewish texts such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, demons are described as the disembodied spirits of the Nephilim. See also the non-canonical books of 1 Enoch, the book of Jubilees 10:5. {4} Josephus mentions δαιμόνια taking possession of men: Antiquities 6, 11, 2f; 6, 8, 2; 8, 2, 5 and describes them as the spirits of wicked men deceased b. j. 7, 6, 3. {5} In other words, a distinction exists between principalities and powers (in heavenly places), and demons (earthbound spirits). As Emma Stark claims to be an expert on spiritual warfare and allegedly goes to heaven on a regular basis she should know this!

  

1 Enoch 15:8: Now the giants, who have been born of spirit and of flesh, shall be called upon earth evil spirits, and on earth shall be their habitation. Evil spirits shall proceed from their flesh, because they were created from above; from the holy Watchers was their beginning and primary foundation. Evil spirits shall they be upon earth, and the spirits of the wicked shall they be called. The habitation of the spirits of heaven shall be in heaven, but upon earth shall be the habitation of terrestrial spirits, who are born on earth. {6}

The scriptures call on Christians to pray for those in positions of authority. To go further than this is to add to the scriptures and to act presumptuously. (Proverbs 30:6).

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. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. (1 Timothy 2:1-6 cf. Ephesians 6:18).

Emma Stark displays the unfortunate symptoms of a superiority complex; she loves the drama and oozes confidence, frequently reiterating her own importance as a "spiritual warfare expert" and a "prophet". “Repeat a lie often enough and it becomes the truth”, is a law of propaganda often attributed to the Nazi Joseph Goebbels. Emma Stark seems to be a case in point with 50.2K subscribers on her YouTube channel. It is very concerning that so many people have been taken in by this false teacher/prophet. 

1. GAFCON IV – The Kigali Commitment | GAFCON
2. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: TRINITY LIFE CHURCH LEICESTER AND OPEN HANDS: THE EMPTINESS OF WORLDLY ACCOLADES (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)
3. Ephesians 6 Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (biblehub.com)
4. The Book Of Jubilees Chapter 10 (yahwehswordarchives.org)
5. Strong's Greek: 1140. δαιμόνιον (daimonion) -- an evil spirit, a demon (biblehub.com)
6. Chapter 15 – The Book of Enoch (book-ofenoch.com)

CALEB CORNELOUP (I THINK BIBLICALLY): IS THE PRE-TRIB RAPTURE VIEW A SALVATION ISSUE?

(83) Is The Pre-Tribulation Rapture Biblical? - YouTube

Caleb Corneloup (I Think Biblically) recently posted the above video rejecting the pre-trib rapture view. While he made some good points, he did not go into much depth, and he does not understand that the post-trib rapture view is also problematic. Unfortunately, Caleb removed my comment on YouTube. I will therefore repeat and expand on my comment in this post.

I get weary of people saying that certain teachings "are not a salvation issue". This statement trivializes the seriousness of scriptural deviation. ALL false teaching has consequences sooner or later! We may not see the effects straight away, but damage to the body of Christ will show itself sooner or later. What may appear to be minimal departures from the scriptures often lead to further departures and compromise. Those who tell us what is and is not necessary teaching have become arbiters and go beyond their remit. The danger of drifting away from sound doctrine and ending up in serious apostasy by degree is very real. (Hebrews 2:1; 1 Timothy 4:16; Galatians 5:9).  

You shall be careful therefore to do as the LORD your God has commanded you. You shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. (Deuteronomy 5:32 cf. Deuteronomy 17:20, 28:14; Joshua 1:7; 2 Kings 22:2).

Catch the foxes for us, the little foxes that spoil the vineyards, for our vineyards are in blossom.” (Song of Solomon 2:15).

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

Caleb Corneloup: "This is not a salvation issue by any means and we need to be very careful that we do not make this a salvation issue. If you try to say that someone is not saved because of a particular view on the rapture then you are really adding to the doctrine of salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. You are making a particular view of the rapture a necessity for salvation and that is teaching a works gospel. You need to be very very careful that you don't do that." 

I do not dispute that at the present time, there are genuine Christians who believe the pre-trib rapture view. However at a later date, at the onset of the great tribulation, the failure of the pre-trib rapture will be a critical matter for those who cling to this false hope. As I have said before, many pre-tribbers will be caught off guard by the persecution of the Antichrist. The risk of falling away due to dashed hopes, shock, confusion and lack of preparation is very real. (Proverbs 13:12). In other words, at some point in the future, during the great tribulation, the pre-trib rapture view will become a salvation issue. 

And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. (Matthew 24:10-13).

The pre-trib rapture doctrine dominates the teaching of Andy Woods, Jan Markell, Amir Tsafarti, JD Farag and many others. They consistently churn out videos defending this view in spite of the fact that when tested, the evidence for a pre-trib rapture is questionable. (1 John 4:1). Pre-trib teachers should be mindful that the doctrines they so vigorously maintain are not a stumbling block to the body of Christ. (Psalm 40:4; James 3:1).

In 2017, pre-trib teacher JD Farag in conversation with Jan Markell and Amir Tsarfati made the insane accusation that anyone who attacks the pre-trib rapture is "satanic". Farag: "This is not hyperbole. If it were not for the blessed hope of the soon return of Jesus Christ in the (imminent, pre-trib) rapture…I would go literally insane. I would lose my mind. Amir Tsarfati interjected with, 'I wouldn’t live. I would not be able to handle what my eyes see – the evil and the darkness is such that the likes of which we have never seen in human history.'" 

I view pre-trib teachers as false teachers/prophets, even though they may teach sound doctrine in other respects. Many pastors and teachers need to repent due to the fact that they go with the flow and have put denominational loyalty above the scriptures. 

Caleb needs to go much deeper into this subject as his present stance is very short-sighted. I would also point out that the "seven year tribulation" is a pre-trib fallacy. The scriptures tell us repeatedly, in no uncertain terms, that the great tribulation will last for 3.5 years. {1}

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

Further Links

Articles for Posttribulationism to Consider | ESCHATOS MINISTRIES (alankurschner.com)
7 Pretrib Problems and the Prewrath Rapture
Clarifying the Differences between the Pre-Wrath and Post-Trib Rapture Viewpoints | ESCHATOS MINISTRIES (alankurschner.com)

JOEL WEBBON (RIGHT RESPONSE MINISTRIES) CONTROL FREAK AND MYSOGYNIST

Five-point Calvinist Joel Webbon of Right Response Ministries is running an abusive regime in his own home! His wife's reading material is micro-managed and she is not allowed to go to women's bible studies. This "pastor" clearly has some major issues! Even his children are regulated as to when they can use the bathroom! The misogynistic behaviour of Calvinists is an absolute scandal. Webbon has taken down this video.

Webbon believes that women should not have the right to vote! "Following new data comparing voter registration and turnout rates between women and men, a group of male leaders associated with Doug Wilson believes the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which gave American women the right to vote, was a mistake.. Webbon noted that the 19th Amendment was a bad idea” because women are 'easily deceived' and are attending 'institutions for deception.'" {1}

1. Why these Christian men believe women shouldn’t have the right to vote – Baptist News Global

HILLSONG: IS BRIAN HOUSTON ANOINTED BY GOD?

 (81) Hillsong Church Global Investigation | 7NEWS Spotlight Full Documentary - YouTube

..evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. (2 Timothy 3:13).

The Houstons have apparently scuttled off to America and are attempting to establish themselves in "ministy" there. 

At Church Unleashed in New York, Brian Houston actually boasted about his pedophile father and described himself as "The son of a prominent pastor/evangelist". Houston: "He was probably the best known of all preachers in that part of the world."  Most Christians would be ashamed of such an association. Bearing in mind that Houston is in the middle of a trial charged with concealing those crimes, such a boast is unconscionable!

Houston frames his problems as "persecution" and "a demonic attack", rather than as the consequences of his own sinful life and decisions. Hillsongs various cover-ups, their obsession with celebrity, money and essentially their obsession with themselves is antithetical to the teaching of Jesus Christ. (Matthew 16:24).

Houston: "The bible teaches that you cannot touch God's anointed ones.  In other words, they are a protected species. The anointing in your life will be opposed and you should never be surprised if God starts to bless you..  I have got a PhD in opposition. I mean I know what it is like to be opposed and be persecuted and to be lied about and come under incredible demonic attack. I know, but the scripture says 'Touch not my anointed'.  The devil can't touch my anointing. The devil can't touch what God has put in my life.. Thank God for His anointing.."

Touch not my anointed ones, do my prophets no harm! (Psalm 105:15; 1 Chronicles 16:19-21). 

This phrase was a warning to the pagan nations not to physically harm the Israelites during the Exodus. (e.g. Genesis 26:11,29 etc.). The phrase concerned the patriarchs, and by implication the Israelite nation as a whole. False teachers such as Benny Hinn, Joyce Meyer and, Kenneth Copeland are well known for using this phrase in a prideful way in order to deflect criticism and avoid correction or rebuke. To use this phrase in the context of New Testament teachers is to take the scriptures completely out of context. (Ephesians 5:11).

Opinion: Hillsong Copies Televangelists' Defense Strategy (julieroys.com)

JOEL RICHARDSON DISINFORMATION: JERUSALEM THE GREAT HARLOT

(31) Debunking Jerusalem as the Great Harlot THE BOOK OF REVELATION Session 58 - YouTube

In this video, Joel Richardson makes a disingenuous attempt to debunk the view that Jerusalem is the Great Harlot of Revelation 17 and 18. Richardson's talent for misrepresenting opposing views should be a matter of serious concern to those who take the time to test his various teachings against the scriptures. (1 John 4:1).

Richardson;  "In the session, I am going to take on the position that Mystery Babylon is referring to present-day Jerusalem, it is referring to an end-time entity. It is referring to Jerusalem at the end of the age just before the return of Jesus. In other words, the Jerusalem of today is in fact Babylon the Great."  

The view that Jerusalem is the Great Harlot refers to eschatological (future) Jerusalem, not present-day Jerusalem. This point is very difficult to miss since two of the best-known scholars who hold this view, Chris White and J Paul Tanner, have gone to some lengths to emphasize that they are referring to Eschatological  (future) Jerusalem. 

Chris White: "I believe Mystery Babylon is the eschatological city of Jerusalem. I chose my words very carefully in this description. In other words, I believe it is the Jerusalem of the end times, where, according to Daniel 11:45, the Anti-Christ sets up his end-times world government and end-times world religion headquarters." {1}

Richardson points out that two women are identified in the book of Revelation, Jerusalem and Babylon, but he is unwilling to admit that it is possible for these two opposing "women" to exist simultaneously in one location. There were two opposing factions within physical Jerusalem in Jesus' time; those who believed and accepted Him as their Messiah, and those who falsely claimed to be the true descendants of Abraham due to their lineage. (John 8:33,39). Jesus identified his primary enemies as the scribes and Pharisees and He did not hesitate to condemn them. (John 8:44-45). The religious hierarchy of Jerusalem continued its fierce opposition to the gospel throughout the Book of Acts and beyond. (Acts 18:5-6). The faction that bitterly opposes Jesus today within Jerusalem will make a strong covenant with the Antichrist for one week (seven years). (Daniel 9:27). If anyone thinks it is anti-semitic to say such a thing, then we should consider how Jesus Himself regarded them.

It should be noted that all true believers are commanded to evacuate Jerusalem at the midpoint of the 70th week of Daniel when the city will be given over to the Antichrist. 

But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are inside the city depart, and let not those who are out in the country enter it, for these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written. Alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! For there will be great distress upon the earth and wrath against this people. They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. (Luke 21:20-24).

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 cf. Daniel 9:27, 11:31, 12:11; Revelation 13:7).

Richardson promotes the view that Mecca, the centre of the Islamic faith, is the Great Harlot. However, Babylon is defined as a name of mystery, i.e. it is non-literal: And on her forehead was written a name of mystery:“Babylon the great, mother of prostitutes and of earth’s abominations.” (Revelation 17:5). The non-literal name of Babylon is further alluded to in 1 Peter 5:13. It is probable that the place alluded to by Peter is Jerusalem since there is no evidence that Peter ever visited Rome.

Come, I will show you the judgment of the great prostitute who is seated on many waters, with whom the kings of the earth have committed sexual immorality, and with the wine of whose sexual immorality the dwellers on earth have become drunk.” (Revelation 17:1-2,15). Revelation 17:15 identifies many waters as peoples and multitudes and nations and languages. This is an apt description of the Antichrist's authority over the kings of the earth/the earth dwellers during the 70th week of Daniel. (Revelation 17:12-13). 

Richardson's claim that Babylon the Great must be a seaport is another one of his intentional errors. The text indicates that much wealth is made from Babylon the Great by those who earn their living on the sea. At the time of her destruction, the seafarers stood far off. (Revelation 18:17). This indicates that there is some distance between the seafarers and Babylon the Great. Jerusalem is approximately 50km/30 miles inland. It is perfectly feasible that her destruction will be visible from the Mediterranean Sea. One possibility is the seaport of Ashdod which is known as the "gateway to Jerusalem". 

And all shipmasters and seafaring men, sailors and all whose trade is on the sea, stood far off and cried out as they saw the smoke of her burning, “What city was like the great city?” And they threw dust on their heads as they wept and mourned, crying out, “Alas, alas, for the great city where all who had ships at sea grew rich by her wealth! (Revelation 18:17-19).

There can be no doubt that Jerusalem will be the headquarters of the Antichrist and the epicenter of eschatological iniquity. This iniquity will quickly fan out and engulf the entire world following the abomination of desolation event at the midpoint of the 70th week of Daniel. (Daniel 9:27). The Antichrist ..opposes and exalts himself over 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 2:4 cf. Matthew 24:15; Daniel 9:27, 11:31-32 ). Jerusalem, especially the future temple, is the most coveted place on earth for the Antichrist (empowered by Satan) to set up his headquarters. The original temple housed God's glory (1 Kings 6:1,37-38; 8:10-11), and it appears that the third temple will be the site of the Antichrist's lying signs and wonders. (2 Thessalonians 2:9). It is difficult to imagine a more wicked place on earth during this 3.5-year period of time. Jerusalem will be the city where the Antichrist will be hailed as the one true god by the inhabitants remaining in the city. There will be a brief moment of victory for the Antichrist and his supporters. (John 8:44). 

..there was found in her the blood of prophets and saints (Revelation 18:24). Jerusalem is held responsible for the blood of the prophets and saints. The words spoken are in the present tense and embrace both the past and the future. : “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’” (Matthew 23:37-39 cf. Luke 13:34-35). Opposition to the beast system will arise in the form of the two witnesses, the final martyrs killed in Jerusalem. ..the great city that symbolically is called Sodom and Egypt, where their Lord was crucified (Revelation 11:8). Worldwide persecution against the tribulation saints will arise from the Antichrists headquarters in Jerusalem. (Revelation 12:17, 13:7).

Meyer: Matthew 23:37 ff. "After denouncing all those woes against the scribes and Pharisees, the departing Redeemer, looking with sad eye into the future, sets the holy city also—which He sees hastening to its destruction under the false guidance of those leaders—in a living connection with the tragic contents of Matthew 23:34 ff., but in such a way that his parting words are no longer denunciations of woe, but the deep wail of a heart wounded, because its love has been despised. Thus Matthew 23:37 ff. forms an appropriate conclusion to the whole drama of the discourse. Luke 13:34 introduces the words in a historical connection entirely different." {2}

Jerusalem and Babylon are both described as "the great city" in the book of Revelation. (Revelation 11:8, 14:8, 16:9, 17:18, 18:10). Richardson suggests that this phrase proves no connection between the two cities since other cities are described as "great" in the scriptures e.g. Gibeon (Joshua 10:2), Jericho (Jonah 1:2, 3:2, 4:11). These additional references to great cities in the Old Testament refer to previous cities, whereas eschatologically, the phrase "the great city" is limited to Jerusalem/Babylon.

Richardson's emotive argument pulls on the heartstrings and is based on God's love for Jerusalem and His intent to restore her. These prophecies concerning the future blessings of Jerusalem are obviously true, and yet at the same time, it is clear that Jerusalem's future blessed state comes through judgement and repentance. When Paul stated: all Israel will be saved (Romans 11:26), he was not referring to every single Israelite, but to the remnant who survive the Antichrist's persecution, aka the time of Jacob's trouble (Jeremiah 30:7 cf. Jeremiah 30:22; Hosea 6:1-2; Zechariah 12:10; Joel 2:32). Two-thirds of the Jewish people will perish during the great tribulation. (Zechariah 13:8-9). The surviving remnant of Israel will consist of one-third of the Jewish people i.e. those who call out to the Lord in repentance. (Revelation 12:14). 

And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a firstborn. On that day the mourning in Jerusalem will be as great as the mourning for Hadad-rimmon in the plain of Megiddo. The land shall mourn, each family by itself: the family of the house of David by itself, and their wives by themselves; the family of the house of Nathan by itself, and their wives by themselves; the family of the house of Levi by itself, and their wives by themselves; the family of the Shimeites by itself, and their wives by themselves; and all the families that are left, each by itself, and their wives by themselves.“On that day there shall be a fountain opened for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and uncleanness. (Zechariah 12:10-14, 13:1).

The earliest known commentary on the Book of Revelation identifies Jerusalem as the Great Harlot:

Hippolytus - On Christ and Antichrist: By the unrighteous judge, who fears not God, neither regards man, he means without doubt Anti-Christ, as he is a son of the devil and a vessel of Satan. For when he has the power, he will begin to exalt himself against God, neither in truth fearing God, nor regarding the Son of God, who is the Judge of all. And in saying that there was a widow in the city, he refers to Jerusalem itself, which is a widow indeed, forsaken of her perfect, heavenly spouse, God. She calls Him her adversary, and not her Saviour; for she does not understand that which was said by the prophet Jeremiah: “Because they obeyed not the truth, a spirit of error shall speak then to this people and to Jerusalem.” {3}

The great city of Babylon will ultimately be completely obliterated in one day/in one hour and will be found no more. (Revelation 16:18-19; 18:8, 10, 17, 19, 21). Interestingly Ezekiel 40-48 tells us that millennial Jerusalem will bear no resemblance to the current city of Jerusalem regarding its size, location and topography. Jerusalem will sit on a high plateau and will have two rivers flowing from its east and west sides. In respect of size, Jerusalem will be nine times larger than present-day Jerusalem. The physical location of the city will not be in the exact location of the present city. The vast temple will be bigger than the current city of Jerusalem and will be located outside the city. Millennial Jerusalem, renamed the Lord is there, bears no comparison with present-day Jerusalem. (Ezekiel 48:35).

I find the case for eschatological Jerusalem as the Great Harlot very convincing. Like many other believers, I was influenced by Dave Hunt and other teachers who promoted Rome as The woman riding the beast aka the Great Harlot. However, looking at it with fresh eyes, I now wonder why did not realize that eschatological Jerusalem fulfils all the criteria for the Great Harlot. Where I  differ with Chris White is that I do not think that the Antichrist will claim to be the Jewish Messiah. My present view is that the Antichrist will pretend to be a political ally and a powerful friend to the Jewish people up until the midpoint of the 70th week. White's concluding analysis promoting Jerusalem as the location of Armageddon as against Megiddo originated with Michael Heiser who I do not endorse. {4} 

I have expressed my concerns about Richardson's background in previous posts. Richardson was "prophetically endorsed" by false prophet Paul Cain, which is no endorsement at all! During the same meeting, Cain also endorsed and kick-started the ministry of hyper-grace teacher Joseph Prince. Later, Cain transferred his "anointing" to Todd Bentley. {5} Richardson's disastrous associations with Whalid Shobat, TBN, and more recently with Dalton Thomas (Frontier Alliance International), casts further doubt on the validity of his ministry. 

Richardson is a popular speaker and many take him at face value and do not care to delve deeper into some of his questionable assertions. In particular, Richardsons teaching regarding an Islamic Antichrist is deeply flawed. There are those who genuinely seek truth through exhaustive study and sound exegesis, and there are those who peddle their wares and twist the scriptures for their own motives. I would define Richardson as belonging to the latter. (2 Corinthians 2:17).

1. ner.org)MYSTERY BABYLON – Full text | Nowhere To Run with Chris White

2.  Matthew 23:37 Commentaries: "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling. (biblehub.com)

3.  CHURCH FATHERS: On Christ and Antichrist (Hippolytus) (newadvent.org)

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

5.  WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: JOEL RICHARDSON ENDORSES PAUL CAIN # CHARISMANIA! (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)

Further Links

Tanner_ETS Paper on Rev 17-18_Mar 20 2017.pdf (paultan
 (conspiracyclothes.com)

(33) Part 1 - Mystery Babylon Study - Jerusalem - Chris White - YouTube

Revelation Commentary : Chapter Seventeen
WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: Joel Richardson (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)

JOHN MACARTHUR: THE SIGNS OF AN APOSTLE?

(21) John MacArthur explains Continuationist vs. Cessationist. - YouTube

There are many disturbing factors connected with the ministry of John MacArthur (Grace to You). GTY errors include Calvinism, the false pre-trib rapture, cessationism, a bloodless gospel, and the claim that it is permissible for Christians to take the mark of the beast during the great tribulation. If that is not enough, GTY has been accused of “awful patterns of siding with abusers and endangering victims". {1} In 2021, The Master’s University and Seminary (TMUS), where John MacArthur is chancellor, withdrew its membership from the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA). {2} The irony of MacArthur's millionaire lifestyle and the obscene amounts of money paid to his associates, including Kory Welch, MacArthur's son-in-law, is common knowledge. {3} It is no exaggeration to say that the prosperity and gross hypocrisy of MacArthur and his associates are on a par with the many prosperity hucksters they criticize. {4} False doctrine inevitably leads to bad practice, and GTY appears to be no better than Hillsong or any other abusive church.

The weak you have not strengthened, the sick you have not healed, the injured you have not bound up, the strayed you have not brought back, the lost you have not sought, and with force and harshness you have ruled them. (Ezekiel 34:4).

MacArthur's blatant distortion of the scriptures - Were "the signs of an apostle" limited to the apostles?

The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works. (2 Corinthians 12:12).

The blatant falsehood that the sign gifts (charismata) e.g. prophecy, languages (tongues), healing and miracles were limited to "the signs of an apostle" is a distortion of the scriptures. MacArthur bases this assertion on a single verse of scripture (2 Corinthians 12:12). However he fails to account for various passages demonstrating that charismata were not limited to the apostles. MacArthur's failure to present a balanced argument exposes his utter lack of objectivity and his blatant abuse of the scriptures. (1 John 4:1). 

Whilst signs, wonders and mighty works were indeed confirmation of the apostles' ministries, the sign gifts were also evident amongst various other believers i.e. Stephen and Philip who were deacons, and also Ananias. 

And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. (Acts 6:8).

Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ to them. The crowds gave their undivided attention to Philip’s message and to the signs they saw him perform. With loud shrieks, unclean spirits came out of many who were possessed, and many of the paralyzed and lame were healed. So there was great joy in that city. (Acts 8:5-8).  

Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.” But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; and taking food, he was strengthened. (Acts 10-19).

Based on 1 Corinthians 12:3, MacArthur argues that the charismata manifested at Corinth were a throwback to the mystery religions they (presumably) practiced prior to becoming Christians. It is difficult to determine how factual this assumption is, but whether it is true or not, there are no grounds in 1 Corinthians to reject genuine charismata. The undeniable teaching of Paul is that he affirmed genuine charismata:

..earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. (1 Corinthains 14:1).
Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. (1 Corinthains 14:5).
What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God. Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said. If a revelation is made to another sitting there, let the first be silent. For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged, and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets. For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. (1 Corinthians 14:26-33).

Paul's teaching includes "varieties of gifts" amongst the congregation at Corinth. (1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 27-31 cf. Romans 12:6-8). These additional passages indicate that the Holy Spirit apportions charismata "to each one as He determines". (1 Corinthians 12:11). Paul wrote to the Thessalonians: 

Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. (1 Thessalonians 5:19-21). The scriptures give no indication that any of the sign gifts have ceased or that anyone has the authority to pick and choose which gifts to accept or reject. 

MacArthur: "You see, everything that was culturally a part of their life, because they were carnal, manifested itself in their church. Do you see? So, if all of that is there, why wouldn’t we assume that the pagan style of religion would also manifest itself in their assembly under their carnality? Of course it would. That is precisely what happened. The world’s religion came right in, infiltrated the life of the church, and they began to do the things within the confines of Christianity, with new definitions and new terms to try to make it look right, that they were doing essentially before they ever knew Christ and calling them gifts of the Holy Spirit." {5}

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills. (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). 

Further evidence affirming charismata is attested in the early Church Fathers e.g. Justin Martyr, Ireneaus, Tertullian, Origen, Novatian and Cyril of Jerusalem. {6}

Two extremes - hyper charismania and cessationism 

Having witnessed various abuses within charismania a number of years ago, I can understand why many believers have become cessationists. However, cessationism is an unbiblical extreme. My contention is that God is still very much at work within true believers. 

The apostles laid hands on the believers in Jerusalem in order that they would receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:14-17 cf. Acts 19:6). The Holy Spirit bestows gifts as He wills. (1 Corinthians 12:11). Various false teachers within the NAR lay their hands on people in order to allegedly transmit an "anointing" or a "mantle", or they practice necromancy in the form of grave sucking, the object being to suck up the alleged anointing of various dead teachers. Biblically, the focus is always upon the Holy Spirit and not on the men supposedly transmitting or receiving spiritual gifts. Just as we should reject cessationism, we should also reject presumptuous self-appointed modern apostles and prophets who go beyond what is written and who teach grievous error. (1 Corinthians 4:6).

The scriptures put various safeguards into place regarding the practice of charismata.

But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in my name that I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that same prophet shall die.’ And if you say in your heart, ‘How may we know the word that the LORD has not spoken?’— 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 18:20-22).

If a prophet or dreamer of dreams arises among you and proclaims a sign or wonder to you, and if the sign or wonder he has spoken to you comes about, but he says, “Let us follow other gods (which you have not known) and let us worship them,” you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. For the LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love Him with all your heart and with all your soul. You are to follow the LORD your God and fear Him. Keep His commandments and listen to His voice; serve Him and hold fast to Him. (Deuteronomy 13:1-4).

What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God. Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said. If a revelation is made to another sitting there, let the first be silent. For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged, and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets. For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. (Corinthians 14:25-33).

In the area of personal guidance, it is my view that the Lord undoubtedly speaks to His children. I have often had what might be called a check in my spirit regarding various false teachings and teachers. The Lord has often reminded me of specific verses of scripture that relate to false teaching. There have been times when I have felt uncomfortable when I was about to pursue a course of action that was not in God's will. I believe that this kind of guidance, although often not spectacular, is the Lord actively guiding his children. The great tribulation is a time when charismata will be critical! Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. (Luke 21:14-15).

1. Former Elder at John MacArthur’s Church Confronts Pattern of Endangering Abuse Victims (julieroys.com).
2. Master’s University & Seminary Withdraws from Financial Accountability Group (julieroys.com)
3. Grace To You Awards Lucrative Contract Annually to John Macarthur's Son In Law's Firm - John Macarthur Cult Watch Forum (forumchitchat.com)
4. The Prosperous Lifestyle of America's Anti-Prosperity Gospel Preacher | The Roys Report (julieroys.com)
5. Concerning Spiritual Gifts, Part 1 (gty.org)
6. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: JOHN MACARTHUR: CONTINUATIONISM VS CESSATIONISM (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)