CHRIS ROSEBROUGH'S CURIOUS UNDERSTANDING OF THE WISE AND FOOLISH VIRGINS (MATTHEW 25:1-13)

(34) F4F | Do You Have Enough Oil? - YouTube

Chris Rosebrough (Fighting for the Faith) is usually a pretty good expositor of the scriptures and is worth listening to, with the proviso that he is a Lutheran and apparently endorses the false Lutheran doctrine of baptismal regeneration. Furthermore, the Lutheran Confessions are amillenial which is a huge concern.

In the above video, Chris Rosebrough critiques a recent episode of the Jim Bakker Show (yuk) featuring Colonel James Durham: (34) Do You Have Enough Oil? | Colonel James Durham - YouTube  It is all well and good critiquing false teachers like Jim Bakker and his associates, but we need to offer a credible alternative. In this instance, I do have issues with Rosebrough's interpretation of the parable of the wise and foolish virgins in Matthew 25:1-13.     

I was pleased to hear Rosebrough state unapologetically that he is at odds with Calvinism (specifically Limited Atonement) based on 1 John 2:2, despite the fact that he has friends in the Calvinist camp. (12:00 mark)  

Without going into detail, the parables of Jesus are generally considered to be metaphorical stories or allegories. The parable of the wise and foolish virgins in Matthew 25:1-13 is a continuation of the Olivet discourse in the previous chapter when Jesus answers the disciples' question: ..when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age? (Matthew 24:3). 

At that time (τότε) the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. (Matthew 25:1). At that time (τότε = then, at that time). The parable of the virgins therefore continues the discussion in Matthew 24 i.e. the Parousia (τότε is repeated four times in Matthew 24: Matthew 24:10,21,23,30). 

As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy (ἐνύσταξαν) and slept (ἐκάθευδον). (Matthew 25:5).

According to Rosebrough, "they all became drowsy and slept" refers to the "sleep" of physical death. Although "sleep" does refer to physical death a number of times in the New Testament, in this parable the two Greek verbs for "sleep" surely refer to apathy or indifference. Benson's definition is: "unwatchful, remiss and careless, lukewarm and indolent." {1}  

ἐνύσταξαν (enustaxan) 3573: to nod in sleep, to fall asleep: From a presumed derivative of neuo; to nod, i.e. (by implication) to fall asleep; figuratively, to delay -- slumber. {2}

ἐκάθευδον (ekatheudon) 2518: to sleep: From kata and heudo (to sleep); to lie down to rest, i.e. (by implication) to fall asleep (literally or figuratively) -- (be a-)sleep. {3} 

Another word for "sleep" in the New Testament is κοιμάομαι: sleep, fall asleep, die {4} κοιμάομαι is commonly used in the New Testament when referring to physical death (e.g. 1 Corinthians 15:18; John 11:11; Acts 13:36; Matthew 27:52).

According to the parable of Lazarus and the rich man in Luke 16:19-31, after they die, unbelievers go to a place of torment and Christians are with Christ. (Philippians 1:22-23). In other words, once people physically die, they will know their ultimate fate. As such, neither group will be waiting for the bridegroom to return or asking questions about purchasing oil - it will be too late! It seems pretty clear that Jesus is speaking about those who are alive on the earth at the time of His Parousia.  

Cambridge Bible: "They that were foolish took their lamps] All watch for their Lord, but some only—'the wise'—with true intensity and with due provision for the watch. The foolish virgins have sufficient oil if the Lord come quickly; not sufficient for long and patient expectation. It is a rebuke to shallow religion that dies away when the excitement passes." {5}

   

The difficulty with Rosebrough's definition of foolish virgins as "everyone in the world". 

Can unbelievers (i.e. the wicked) be referred to as "virgins"? Is everyone in the world a "virgin", or are the foolish virgins backsliders?  I do question whether the parable of the ten virgins should be taken in isolation since all three parables in Matthew 25 are associated with the Olivet Discourse and appear to give us a fuller picture. 

For instance, the parable of the talents refers to "servants".

Finally, the servant who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Master, I knew that you are a hard man, reaping where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what belongs to you.’
‘You wicked, lazy servant!’ replied his master. ‘You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed. Then you should have deposited my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received it back with interest.
Therefore take the talent from him and give it to the one who has ten talents. For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. But the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. And throw that worthless servant into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ (Matthew 25:24:30).

The parable of the sheep and the goats.

Vincent's Word Studies: "Goats (ἐρίφια)Diminutive. Lit., kidlings. The sheep and goats are represented as having previously pastured together. Compare the parables of the Tares and the Net." {6}

Then He will say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave Me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, I was naked and you did not clothe Me, I was sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’And they too will reply, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’Then the King will answer, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for Me.’And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” (Matthew 25:41-46).

According to Rosebrough, the oil in the parable of the ten virgins is an allegory for faith based on Romans 3:24-30 and Romans 4:4-12. Some commentators say that oil represents faith, and others say that it represents the Holy Spirit. I do not take issue with Rosebrough on this point since no true believer can function without either faith or the Holy Spirit. Undoubtedly, faithful believers who trust in Jesus Christ for their salvation will be saved. (Ephesians 2:8). Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! (2 Corinthians 13:5).

Faith is not static. (2 Corinthians 10:15; 2 Thessalonians 1:3). According to Paul our faith can be shipwrecked. (1 Timothy 1:19). There are definite warnings about falling away in the New Testament. (Matthew 24:10-11; 2 Peter 3:17). It appears that once saved always saved is refuted by this parable.

 

Bengel's Gnomen: "Matthew 25:3. Ἔλαιον, oil) i.e. except that with which the lamps were then burning: see latter part of Matthew 25:8. The lamp burning is faith; the lamp with oil beside is abundant faith.[1080]

[1080] Elsewhere he suggests another interpretation, viz.: “In a Burning Lamp there is Fire and Oil. By the Fire is here signified the supernatural, heavenly, fiery Spirit-power (Geisteskraft) which is bestowed upon the soul without its co-operation (ohne ihr Zuthun): see 2 Peter 1:3-4; and by the Oil, holy Assiduity (Fleiss) on the part of man: see 2 Peter 1:5. And of this, man should have not only enough for the exigencies of the present time, but also an abundant supply, see 2 Peter 1:8 [sc. “if these things be in you and abound”], for all future circumstances: so does the entrance to the Wedding-House become sure to him, and abundant besides, see 2 Peter 1:11 [sc. “an entrance shall be ministered to you abundantly”]. The foolish virgins did not even remain resting only on their own unassisted nature: they too had something of grace and of the Spirit. Nowhere is it more clearly (deutlicher) written than here how far a soul can advance in good, and yet fall through (durchfallen): see Matthew 25:8—B. G. V. in loc." {7}

Ellicott: "..and the 'oil' is the divine grace, or more definitely, the gift of the Holy Spirit, without which the torch first burns dimly and then expires." {8}  

Cambridge Bible: "The oil seems to mean generally the perfection of the Christian life or preparedness for the Lord’s coming." {9}

1. Matthew 25 Benson Commentary (biblehub.com)
2. Strong's Greek: 3573. νυστάζω (nustazó) -- to nod in sleep, to fall asleep (biblehub.com)
3. Strong's Greek: 2518. καθεύδω (katheudó) -- to sleep (biblehub.com)
4. Strong's Greek: 2837. κοιμάω (koimaó from NG2749) -- sleep, fall asleep, die (biblehub.com)
5. Matthew 25 Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (biblehub.com)
6. Matthew 25 Vincent's Word Studies (biblehub.com)
7. Matthew 25 Bengel's Gnomon of the New Testament (biblehub.com)
8. Matthew 25 Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers (biblehub.com)
9. Matthew 25 Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (biblehub.com)

CHRISTOPHER CHAPMAN KINGDOM THEOLOGY: IS ESCHATOLOGY CONFUSING?

 (15) Why Studying End Times Is So Confusing - YouTube

Christopher Chapman: "To some people, eschatology is so simple. It fits on a nice clean chart. But for me, studying end times is so confusing. In this video, I will explain why I and some others find it so confusing."  

Although I believe that Christopher Chapman is well-meaning, his views on eschatology are both inaccurate and irresponsible. I fear that his remarks will discourage believers from studying eschatology. While this subject is challenging, I believe that it is possible to come to a correct understanding of end-time events.    

Jesus Christ commanded us to understand the Abomination of Desolation event. 

So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand ἀναγινώσκω), 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. (Matthew 24:15-21). 

ἀναγινώσκω = to know certainly, recognize, discern etc. {1}

I did send a comment to Christopher and he responded: "..I think a call for unity is still appropriate, even if some will take it wrong. Gbu" I think he means to say that some Christians will misunderstand eschatology, but that unity takes priority. In superficial terms, this seems to be a good idea, and yet there are many reasons why we should strive to understand bible prophecy and reject false end-time scenarios. The line repeated by many false teachers is: Let's have unity at any cost never mind about doctrine? I hate this argument when it is used to gloss over serious issues. I agree entirely that we should seek unity wherever possible. However, when the call for unity clashes with sound doctrine then we must always stand on the side of the scriptures, and if this does cause division, then so be it. (1 Corinthians 11:19). 

I view eschatology as a vital subject. One-third of the Bible is devoted to prophesy, much of which is yet to be fulfilled. Are we really meant to be in ignorance regarding such large swathes of the scriptures? Tragically, the subject of eschatology is disregarded by many short-sighted bible teachers, and many believers are left in ignorance, despite the fact that global events appear to be lining up with biblical prophecy at an alarming rate.  The issue of complexity can be offputting because there are a number of details to work through and harmonize. Nevertheless, I am convinced that anyone who is prepared to study the scriptures will be able to rightly understand eschatology. 

Christopher's confusion summarized: The passages in Daniel 8 and 11 refer to Antiochus IV Epiphanes. Although Daniel 9 uses similar language to Daniel 8 and Daniel 11, it is obviously referring to a different event. Daniel 9 takes place in the Roman Empire as against the Grecian Empire. Daniel 9 refers to the destruction of the temple and the people of Israel rather than the corruption or defilement of the temple. Christopher's muddled point about 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 is perplexing. "Paul seems to refer back to Antiochus.. Daniel 8 and 11. Paul talks about it like its something that the believers at the time already knew was going to take place.. they had some future inkling of some future thing that was going to place and people will try to connect that with Matthew 24, when the context of Matthew 24 is talking about Daniel chapter 9, not Daniel 11 and 8..  When we connect 2 Thessalonians 2 with Matthew 24, maybe that is a possible thing to do. That is not the context of what is being said, but since it is similar language, maybe we can get some sort of inkling of understanding from the picture and the type and the object lesson of what happened in AD70 to what is going to happen in the future.." (15:30 mark).

There is no indication that Paul is referring back to Antiochus in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-6. In fact, Paul begins by defining the context: Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him.. (2 Thessalonians 2:1). Furthermore, "the man of lawlessness" is referred to by Paul as a future figure i.e. And then the lawless one will be revealed (ἀποκαλυφθήσεται), whom the Lord Jesus will kill (ἀνελεῖ) with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming. (2 Thessalonians 2:8). The object is to sift through various passages to determine which sections refer to Antiochus, who is a type and shadow of the Antichrist, and which sections refer to the future Antichrist. I have added some links at the end of this post that shed some light on various questions regarding the rapture of the church. 

But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left. Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. (Matthew 24:36-44).

1. Strong's Greek: 314. ἀναγινώσκω (anaginóskó) -- to know certainly, know again, read (biblehub.com)

Further Links

(16) There will be 1,290 days - Daniel 11–12 - Ryan Habbena - YouTube
(17) Bible Prophecy Talk - YouTube
(16) Alan Kurschner interview - Prewrath Rapture - YouTube
ESCHATOS MINISTRIES | Alan Kurschner, Ph.D. is the founder of Eschatos Ministries, teaching Bible prophecy from a futurist, premillennial, prewrath perspective.
7 Pretrib Problems and the Prewrath Rapture

SIMON BRAKER: NAR ONSLAUGHT AT ONE CHURCH LEICESTER

(10) HEARING GOD | Simon Braker (25th June 2023) - YouTube

I find it unsurprising that false prophet Simon Braker is now attending ONE Church in Leicester (formerly Trinity Life Church). Braker was previously an Associate Minister at Holy Trinity Church, Leicester (CofE). It appears that "Apostle" John McGinley has also left Holy Trinity, although I am not familiar with the details of their departure.

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).

Is everyone meant to function in the prophetic?   

Paul asks the Corinthians a rhetorical question. "Are all prophets etc." (1 Corinthians 12:27-31). It is not the case that all Christians are entitled to function in the prophetic at their own whim, rather the gifts of the Holy Spirit are distributed according to God's will. (Hebrews 2:4; 1 Corinthians 12:11). Paul encourages Christians to earnestly desire the higher gifts, but it is God's prerogative who actually receives them. 

Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the higher gifts. (1 Corinthians 12:27-31).

What does prophetic mean?  

Braker: "How many of you believe you are called to reveal Jesus.. that's what prophetic means. Being prophetic is simply revealing Jesus, and that is what we are called to do."

Braker goes on to quote Ephesians 4:11 and refers to the alleged 5-fold ministry. 

Although I do believe in the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the 5-fold ministry is something I reject outright due to the inescapable fact the canon of scripture is complete and cannot be changed. (2 Timothy 3:16; Deuteronomy 4:2,12:32; Proverbs 30:6; Revelation 22:18-19). Alleged apostles and prophets often claim that their "revelations" supersede the scriptures, thus they usurp the authority of the bible and invalidate any attempt to test the spirits. (1 John 4:1). Those who claim apostolic governance i.e. those who claim to function in the same capacity and claim the same authority as the first-century apostles, should be rejected. Three distinct criteria for the office of "apostle" are defined in the New Testament: An apostle must have been an eyewitness to the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 9:1); he was chosen by the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:15); and he ministered miraculous signs and wonders (Acts 2:43; 2 Corinthians 12:12). Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. (1 Corinthians 15:7-8).

Paul refers to prophecy as a gift, not an office. (1 Corinthians 12:10, 14:1; Romans 12: 6 cf. Acts 13:1). Interestingly the Old Testament prophets stood outside the hierarchical system of governance. (Jeremiah 1:6-7; Amos 1:1 etc.)

Before attempting to dabble in the prophetic under the guidance of Simon Braker, it is essential to note that God takes false prophets/prophecy very very seriously. False prophets are repeatedly condemned both in the Old and New Testament. (Matthew 7:15, 24:11,24; 2 Peter 2:1; 1 John 4:1; Jeremiah 5:31; Ezekiel 22:28; Lamentations 2:14 etc.) In the Old Testament false prophets were put to death! (Deuteronomy 13:1-5). We don't put false prophets to death these days, but nevertheless, we are warned to avoid them.

  

Below is an excerpt from Braker's performance at Revival Night Ministry on the 14th October 2017 at Living Waters Foursquare Church London: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQxeq42b-34&t=879s This video has been removed but I did manage to record most of what Braker said:

Braker announced almost straight away that he had been "drunk" for two weeks.. he described himself as "..an experience addict.. I want as many experiences as I can get'"...
Braker: "The way you enter the world is through a push.. if that is the way we enter the natural world, then why would we believe that that would not be the way that we breakthrough into the spiritual world.." I don't want to insult anyone, but have to wonder if Braker's audience was a bit dense. The way we enter the natural world is not through our own efforts or 'push' at all! (John 15:5).
Braker: "It is time for the fire to start burning again, and the sound of the fire is in this room... the sound of heaven is in the room.." (the sound of heaven?)
Braker proceeded to call out the young guitarist who was leading the worship. "This is what I heard the Lord say while you were leading worship.. 'Stop singing inside the lines of other people's songs.' I tell you, when you were leading prophetically you were releasing the sound of the nation... you have got the tuning fork, you know how to match the sound of the lands to heaven... God is going to use you to build the bridge.. every move of the spirit has got its own sound.. (really!!) So I speak to your spirit and I say release the sound.. Jesus wreck him, mess him up, do something.. etc. etc." The young man by now was doubled up and started laughing hysterically along with the congregation.. This is what I refer to as 'puffing up' i.e. giving individuals false ideas about their supposed influential 'destiny'. Braker then got the whole worship team to stand up and announced: "A sound is going to be released".
Braker: "John the Baptist was drunk from conception." (verse?)
Braker: "The colour of grace is green.." (verse?)
The whole bizarre scene continued for some time with various rantings and personal prophecies in the first person of the Lord. The meeting concluded with Braker claiming to see an angel: "..the angel of the Lord's presence.." Thus ended the Simon Braker show! {1} 

If alarm bells are not ringing after reading the above then there is something very wrong. If you want to be worked up to a frenzy with false prophetic words and experiences, then, by all means, follow Simon Braker. However, if you want to follow the Lord, then Braker is someone to mark and avoid. (Romans 16:17). How very sad it is that the Hinds have opened their doors to the New Apostolic Reformation. This is yet another bad choice to add to their catalogue of unbiblical choices. It is a terrible irony that those who should be protecting the sheep are actually wolves supporting other wolves, but there is nothing new under the sun. (Jeremiah 23:1 cf. Ecclesiastes 1:9).

Follow the money!

 

"This year we are excited to start monthly Prophetic Mentoring days 9:30 AM-8 PM 9:30 AM-4 PM We will focus on dynamic teaching training and equipping 5:30-8 pm Worship and Prophetic ministry. Each week we will be joined by key international speakers." {2}

Holly Pivec: "Unfortunately, a number of churches today are not teaching their young people about the solid basis for their Christian faith. Rather, they promote novel teachings and practices that do not have the support of Scripture. Many of these churches are led by the so-called 'apostles' and 'prophets' of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), including the most prominent NAR church today—Bethel Church in Redding, California. NAR teachings and practices have divided families, split churches, stunted the spiritual growth of believers, and left countless Christians disillusioned by promises of healing and miraculous power that haven’t panned out. They’ve also damaged the church’s witness to a watching world. I’ve devoted much of my efforts to warning people about this dangerous movement that has made inroads into thousands of churches across the United States and around the world." {3}

1. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: Simon Braker (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)
2. Simon Braker Events | Eventbrite
3. About 1 — Holly Pivec

Further Links

New Apostolic Reformation and the End Time: What Is NAR’s 'Victorious Eschatology'? | Bible Prophecy Daily
WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: Emma Stark (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)
The Six Hallmarks of a NAR Church — Pirate Christian Media
(10) Drunk in the Spirit - Blessing from God or Counterfeit stupor? - YouTube

LEE BRAINARD'S APPALLING DISTORTION OF IRENAEUS!

(3) Explosive Pretrib Info — Irenaeus Was Pretrib — Irenaeus Linked to the Apostles - YouTube

The pre-trib rapture is a modern fiction that was introduced by deranged cult leader John Nelson Darby in the 19th century. The claim of a pre-trib rapture taught by the early Church Fathers was well and truly debunked when Thomas Ice and his associates tried to foist this falsehood onto the church some years ago. There is no trace of a pre-trib rapture either in the scriptures or in any documents prior to 1830. 

Lee Brainard refers to Irenaeus as "ground zero" for the patristic rapture debate for two reasons. (1) Irenaeus was the earliest Church Father to write extensively on eschatology; (2 ) His close proximity to the apostles' teaching via Polycarp who“was instructed by the apostles, and was brought into contact with many who had seen Christ.” {1} 

It is reprehensible that Brainard should continue to recycle previously debunked pre-trib arguments under the guise of doing "original research".

Against Heresies 5:29:1 And therefore, when in the end the Church shall be suddenly caught up from this, it is said, There shall be tribulation such as has not been since the beginning, neither shall be. Matthew 24:21 For this is the last contest of the righteous, in which, when they overcome they are crowned with incorruption. {2}

Brainard's argument summarised: "..the Church shall be suddenly caught up" precedes the phrase "there shall be tribulation". Brainard takes this wording as evidence for a pre-trib rapture without reference to context, or to Irenaeus' previous or subsequent assertions that support a post-trib rapture. As I have pointed out in a previous post, Brainard is simply recycling an old pre-trib argument by John Hart which was debunked by Alan Kurschner in 2019. Hart (and now Brainard) have misrepresented Irenaeus by taking a small portion of his writings entirely out of context. I recommend that those who are troubled by Brainard's pseudo-technical argument read Kurschner's article.

Kurschner: "In Hart’s proof text, I noticed that he conveniently omits the very next statement, where Irenaeus states: “For this is the last contest of the righteous, in which, when they overcome they are crowned with incorruption” (5.29.1).
Irenaeus states that the church will be caught up 'from this,' which he identifies as the great tribulation (cf. Matt 24:21, 31). So the question then is does 'from this' mean from before it happens or from as it is happening? Pretribs assume without any evidence that it means before it happens. But the statement that Hart carelessly omits constrains the meaning, which identifies “from this” with the period of great tribulation that the righteous will experience: 'For this is the last contest of the righteous, in which, when they overcome they are crowned with incorruption [resurrection].' Irenaeus is therefore linking 'the last contest of the righteous' with the period of great tribulation." {3}

Below are three significant passages from Against Heresies that refute Irenaeus' alleged support of the pre-trib rapture. 

 

Against Heresies 5.26.1 And they [the ten kings who shall arise] shall lay Babylon waste, and burn her with fire, and shall give their kingdom to the beast, and put the Church to flight. {4}

Against Heresies 5.30.3-4 It is therefore more certain, and less hazardous, to await the fulfillment of the prophecy [2 Thessalonians 4:1-12], than to be making surmises, and casting about for any names that may present themselves, inasmuch as many names can be found possessing the number mentioned; and the same question will, after all, remain unsolved..   But he (Pau1) indicates the number of the name now, that when this man [the Antichrist] comes we may avoid him, being aware who he is: the name, however, is suppressed, because it is not worthy of being proclaimed by the Holy Spirit. {5}

Note that Irenaeus includes himself in the number of those preparing to identify the Antichrist. 

Against Heresies 5.35.1 For all these and other words were unquestionably spoken in reference to the resurrection of the just, which takes place after the coming of Antichrist, and the destruction of all nations under his rule; in [the times of] which [resurrection] the righteous shall reign in the earth, waxing stronger by the sight of the Lord: and through Him they shall become accustomed to partake in the glory of God the Father, and shall enjoy in the kingdom intercourse and communion with the holy angels, and union with spiritual beings; and [with respect to] those whom the Lord shall find in the flesh, awaiting Him from heaven, and who have suffered tribulation, as well as escaped the hands of the Wicked one. {6} 

Brainard's abysmal incompetence 

Against Heresies 5.25.4  And towards the end of their kingdom a king of a most fierce countenance shall arise, one understanding [dark] questions, and exceedingly powerful, full of wonders; and he shall corrupt, direct, influence (faciet), and put strong men down, the holy people likewise; and his yoke shall be directed as a wreath [round their neck]; deceit shall be in his hand, and he shall be lifted up in his heart: he shall also ruin many by deceit, and lead many to perdition, bruising them in his hand like eggs. Daniel 8:23 etc. And then he points out the time that his tyranny shall last, during which the saints shall be put to flight, they who offer a pure sacrifice unto God: And in the midst of the week, he says, the sacrifice and the libation shall be taken away, and the abomination of desolation [shall be brought] into the temple: even unto the consummation of the time shall the desolation be complete. Daniel 9:27 Now three years and six months constitute the half-week.

Brainard: "The tribulation saints are those who offer acceptable sacrifice to God, and the sacrifices here are associated with the temple service. The temple service here is regarded as a true or a pure sacrifice."  Brainard assumes that the Law of Moses has been reinstated during the 70th week of Daniel and that the temple sacrifices carried out by the Jews are "God honoured". This is heresy! We should take into account that the temple sacrifices are reinstated following the "covenant with many" between the Antichrist and Israel (and others?). Just as the animal sacrifices offered by Orthodox Jews are invalid at the present time, they will be equally invalid during the 70th week of Daniel. No other sacrifice is acceptable to God other than the sacrifice of Jesus Christ once for all.. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. (Hebrews 9:26).

Revelation 11:1-2 - Brainard's flawed proof text that "God accepts the temple and those that worship in it."  

Then I was given a measuring rod like a staff, and I was told, “Rise and measure the temple of God and the altar and those who worship there, but do not measure the court outside the temple; leave that out, for it is given over to the nations, and they will trample the holy city for forty-two months. And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.” (Revelation 11:1-3). 

The timeframe and context of Revelation 11:1-14 does not allow for Brainard's conjecture that "God accepts the temple and those that worship in it". The two witnesses will minister during the second half of the seventieth week i.e. forty-two months/1,260 days, when sacrifice and offering have ceased. (Daniel 9:27 cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:4). The parenthetical section from Revelation 10:1-11:14 refers to an interlude between the sixth and seventh trumpet judgements when the seventh seal is broken. (Revelation 8:1). Brainard himself recognizes that the time frame of the two witnesses refers to the second half of the seventieth week, otherwise known as the great tribulation. {7} Revelation 11:1 alludes to the millennial temple. (Ezekiel 40:3,6 cf. Zechariah 2:1, Amos 7:7-9). 

The obvious way to understand Against Heresies 5.25.4: And then he points out the time that his tyranny shall last, during which the saints shall be put to flight, they who offer a pure sacrifice unto God: And in the midst of the week, he says, the sacrifice and the libation shall be taken away.. "the saints" i.e. the church is referred to as they who offer a pure sacrifice unto God, not the Jews offering sacrifices in the temple during the first half of the 70th week. This interpretation agrees with the teaching of Jesus Christ: “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. (Matthew 24:20-22).

There is a terrible irony in Brainard's distortion of Irenaeus, who was at pains to defend the faith against heresy! Not only do pre-trib teachers twist the scriptures, they also have no qualms about twisting the words of the Church Fathers. (Acts 20:29; Revelation 22:18-19).

 

Every single Church Father who wrote on this subject taught that the church would face the Antichrist. 

Recommended: 7 Pretrib Problems and the Prewrath Rapture

1. CHURCH FATHERS: Against Heresies, III.3 (St. Irenaeus) (newadvent.org)
2. CHURCH FATHERS: Against Heresies, V.29 (St. Irenaeus) (newadvent.org)
3. Irenaeus Taught that the Church Would Face the Antichrist | ESCHATOS MINISTRIES (alankurschner.com
4. CHURCH FATHERS: Against Heresies, V.26 (St. Irenaeus) (newadvent.org)
5. CHURCH FATHERS: Against Heresies, V.30 (St. Irenaeus) (newadvent.org)
6. CHURCH FATHERS: Against Heresies, V.35 (St. Irenaeus) (newadvent.org)
7. The Two Witnesses: When? - Soothkeep

ANDY WOODS' CHEAP SHOT AT THE PREWRATH RAPTURE!

(1) If You Only Knew | with Tom Hughes & Dr. Andy Woods - YouTube

In this episode of Hope For Our Times, rabid pre-trib teacher Andy Woods of Sugar Land Bible Church takes a cheap shot at the prewrath rapture. Woods argues that wrath (orgē) and tribulation (thlipsis) are synonyms in Romans 2:8-9. (27:00 mark). Since orgē and thlipsis are not synonymous anywhere else in the New Testament, why would these particular verses be an exception? Woods accuses the prewrath camp of playing a "semantic game". This accusation is very rich coming from the man who interprets apostasia as the rapture in 2 Thessalonians 2:3, but I digress. (See Further Links) 

Woods: "..Romans 2:8-9 says 'tribulations' and 'wrath', those two words can overlap each other, even though they are different words.. Just because they are different words doesn't mean that they are compartmentalized the way that the prewrath rapture crowd have it.. So this kind of a semantic game you hear from a lot of these so-called prewrath rapturists.. That is what I am seeing in Revelation 6. I don't have to see the word 'wrath' right away to understand it's God's wrath because I know there is an overlap of tribulations and wrath when you study Romans 2 verses 8 and 9.. The prewrathers want to keep these things compartmentalized, but Romans 2 verses 8 and 9 won't let you do that. There is a semantic overlap in those words.. ..that overlap is what you do not see acknowledged by the prewrath rapturists, because they try to pretend like the initial judgements are really not done by Jesus, but by Satan or man, even though Jesus is obviously causing them by opening the seven-sealed scroll.. The compartmentalization that the prewrathers want isn't there as neatly and nicely as they make it sound." 

But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath (orgē) for yourself on the day of wrath (orgē) when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. He will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath (orgē) and fury (thumos). There will be tribulation (thlipsis) and distress (stenochōria) for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. For God shows no partiality. (Romans 2:5-11).

Romans 2:8-9 incorporates two separate pairs of descriptive nouns. There is an overlap between orgē and thumos, and also between thlipsis and stenochōria, but the two clauses are separate. 

orgé (wrath) anger, wrath, passion; punishment, vengeance fury.. {1}

thumos fury, anger, an outburst of passion, wrath. {2} 

thlipsis (tribulation) distress anguish and grief.. {3} 

stenochōria a narrow space, great distress, anguish. {4}

Thlipsis indicates suffering/distress/anguish/grief/persecution/affliction. e.g. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings (thlipsis), knowing that suffering (thlipsis) produces endurance.. (Romans 5:3 cf. Acts 14:2; Romans 8:35; 12:12; Revelation 2:9-10 etc.)

The two separate pairs of descriptive nouns in Romans 2:8-9 are intentionally evocative. Thlipsis and stenochōria communicate additional details regarding the full horrors in store for the unrighteous. Those who obey unrighteousness will be subject to God's wrath and fury i.e. judgement/punishment/vengeance.. (Romans 2:5,8 cf. Psalm 78:49). This punishment will involve or consist of tribulation/anguish/grief/distress.. (Romans 2:9). Paul's various expressions of wrath and tribulation emphasize the terrible fate of the unrighteous in graphic detail.

The context of the great tribulation

Jesus Christ Himself gives the parameters that define the great tribulation in the Olivet discourse. The great tribulation will begin immediately following the abomination of desolation event when the Antichrist takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. (2 Thessalonians 2:4).

So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination of desolation,’ described by the prophet Daniel (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let no one on the housetop come down to retrieve anything from his house. And let no one in the field return for his cloak. How miserable those days will be for pregnant and nursing mothers! Pray that your flight will not occur in the winter or on the Sabbath. For at that time there will be great tribulation, (thlipsis) unmatched from the beginning of the world until now, and never to be seen again.(Matthew 24:15-21)

Immediately after the tribulation (thlipsis) of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.. (Matthew 24:29-31).

As Woods affirms, the 70th week of Daniel is initiated by the opening of the seven-sealed scroll by Jesus Christ. However, the prewrath view does not define this period as the day of wrath as mentioned in Romans 2:5. The wrath of God is described variously as the day of the Lord, the great day of Their wrath, the great and the terrible day of the LORD etc. and is often alluded to as "that day". The day of the Lord is God's direct intervention from heaven. The wrath of God will begin after the tribulation and will follow the cosmic disturbances and the rapture. (Matthew 24:29-31; 1 Thessalonians 5:9). 

Andy Woods repeated a comment I have heard him make previously. He remarked glibly that if they are wrong about bible prophecy: "we will have to redraw our prophecy charts." (23:00 mark) He and Tom Hughes were actually making a joke about this! When the time comes, I think it will be a bit more serious than that! (Matthew 12:36; 2 Corinthians 2:17; 2 Timothy 2:15; James 3:1). Frankly, the repercussions for pre-trib rapture teachers will be very serious indeed ~ their charts will be the last thing on their minds. (Luke 17:1). Tom Hughes (Hope For Our Times) regularly parades various prophecy teachers whose prophetic speculations are an unhelpful distraction. For instance, Bill Salus' various "Now" speculations; {5} Lee Brainard's distortion of the early Church Fathers; {6} adulterer Don Stewart who is disqualified; {7} not to mention innumerable Gog/Magog speculations, including Woods' isolated two-phase view. {8} Bible teachers should be preparing believers to stand during the great tribulation, but pre-trib teachers are doing the very opposite by raising false hopes and making jokes! It is likely that many believers may actually fall away because of this wicked teaching! (Matthew 24:10). Tom Hughes and his pre-trib friends are setting up believers for a terrible fall. If anyone is guilty of playing "semantic games" it is Andy Woods and his associates! (2 Timothy 3:13).

1. Strong's Greek: 3709. ὀργή (orgé) -- impulse, wrath (biblehub.com)
2. Strong's Greek: 2372. θυμός (thumos) -- passion (biblehub.com)
3. Strong's Greek: 2347. θλῖψις (thlipsis) -- tribulation (biblehub.com)
4. Strong's Greek: 4730. στενοχωρία (stenochória) -- narrowness of space, fig. difficulty (biblehub.com)
5. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: BILL SALUS: GOG MAGOG DANGEROUS SPECULATIONS (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)
6. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: LEE BRAINARD''S PHONY TRANSLATION OF EUSEBIUS DOES NOT PROVE THE PRE-TRIB RAPTURE! (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)
7. Scattered Sheep: January 20, 2012 Show: My Perspective on Don Stewart (scatteredsheepreport.blogspot.com)
8. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: ANDY WOODS: GOG MAGOG TWO-PHASE VIEW (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)

Further Links

WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: apostasia: rebellion or rapture? thomas ice pre-tribulation rapture trickery!
WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: THE SEVEN YEAR TRIBULATION FALLACY (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)
(bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: Rapture (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)
(2) 7 Pretrib Problems and the Prewrath Rapture (Full Movie) - YouTube

JOE SCHIMMEL BLESSED HOPE CHAPEL: RECAPITULATION VERSES TAKEN OUT OF CONTEXT!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2fetze4xBU

Rev Series: God's Grace Through the Book of Revelation

I have never heard Joe Schimmel give any kind of explanation as to why he teaches the recapitulation of the sixth seal, the seventh trumpet and the seventh bowl in the book of Revelation. However, in this sermon, he does give a few very questionable reasons.

According to Schimmel, the sixth seal is a picture of the very end of the age i.e.Armageddon. (1:18 mark). However, there is no indication of Armageddon in Revelation 6. We see all the people hiding in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains. There is no battle in Revelation 6. The only indication of the wrath of God is verse 17: the great day of Their wrath has come i.e. Their wrath is imminent.  

And when I saw the Lamb open the sixth seal, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black like sackcloth of goat hair, and the whole moon turned blood red, and the stars of the sky fell to the earth like unripe figs dropping from a tree shaken by a great wind. The sky receded like a scroll being rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved from its place. Then the kings of the earth, the nobles, the commanders, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and free man hid in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains. And they said to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of the One seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb. For the great day of Their wrath has come, and who is able to withstand it?” (Revelation 6:12-17).

Schimmel: "This is proof that it backs up.. In chapter 7, he shows who is protected and sealed before the great day of his wrath comes so they can stand through it..  First he shows the 144000...  until the 144000, twelve tribes from each of the tribes of Israel are sealed in their foreheads before the trumpets blow.. In that way they won't partake in God's wrath because they will be sealed from it.. If you are a Christian you have already been sealed by the Holy Spirit..  If you are sealed and you are abiding in Christ you are protected.." 

After this I looked and saw a multitude too large to count, from every nation and tribe and people and tongue, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice. “Salvation to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. (Revelation 7:9-11).

Schimmel's eisegesis of Revelation chapter 7:9-17 is abysmal! According to Schimmel, because the multitude are standing, they are standing during the wrath of God on the earth. Note that the angels are also standing in Revelation 7:11. Schimmel conflates Revelation 7:9 with stand/withstand in Revelation 6:17 which has an entirely different context: "Who is able to stand" (Revelation 6:17 cf. Malachi 3:2). 

The multitude are literally standing in heaven before the throne of God. It is interesting that they are wearing white robes and have palm branches in their hands, which indicates that they have resurrected bodies.

Why would the throne of God be located on earth in Revelation 7:9 when other passages both preceding and following this verse locate the throne in heaven? Revelation 6:16 refers to the One seated on the throne. Heaven is the backdrop to the unfolding events - Revelation 6:14: The sky (heaven/οὐρανὸς) vanished like a scroll that is being rolled up. The wrath of God is orchestrated from the throne of God in heaven. Revelation 8:1-4: When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and they were given seven trumpets. Then another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, along with the prayers of all the saints, on the golden altar before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, rose up before God from the hand of the angel. Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it to the earth; and there were peals of thunder, and rumblings, and flashes of lightning, and an earthquake.

Isaiah's Apocalypse (Isaiah 24-27)

Schimmel continues to demonstrate the folly of taking verses in isolation and out of context. In this case, he quotes Isaiah 26:20 in isolation. Schimmel: "We have been saved from the wrath to come, Amen. So we are not appointed to wrath.. Is there any scripture that kinda uses that imagery of us being protected at that time? (1:26 mark) Schimmel refers to the Passover when the wrath of God passed over the people of Israel due to the blood on their doorposts of lintels. (Exodus 12: 21-27). Undoubtedly there are parallels between the plagues described in the book of Exodus and the eschatological wrath of God in Revelation 15-16. However, Isaiah 26 demonstrates that the chambers are located in heaven and that the resurrection (rapture) precedes the eschatological wrath. In context, the resurrected saints enter their chambers in heaven. (John 14:2). The Lord "comes out from his place" i.e. heaven to administer the wrath. Instead of providing a proof text for his argument, this passage is very problematic for Schimmel's post-tribulation view.  

Your dead shall live; their bodies shall rise. You who dwell in the dust, awake and sing for joy!
For your dew is a dew of light, and the earth will give birth to the dead. Come, my people, enter your chambers, and shut your doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until the fury has passed by. For behold, the LORD is coming out from his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity, and the earth will disclose the blood shed on it, and will no more cover its slain. (Isaiah 26:19-21)

Schimmel's increasingly chaotic sermons are delivered at warp speed with many deviations and errors. I think that someone with little knowledge of the Book of Revelation would have a hard time keeping up with him. Schimmel admitted that he did not open his bible prior to delivering this sermon: "I just meditated and thought about each chapter.. and began to seek the Lord this morning."  (1:13 mark) I would suggest that in the future he does bother to open his bible and prepare properly! 

While it is a good thing to refute the pre-trib rapture, it is pure folly to replace error with error! Schimmel has mistaught the Book of Revelation for years. He seems oblivious to the fact that his eisegesis of the Book of Revelation is likely to cause confusion to those believers who are seeking a right understanding of the rapture. (2 Timothy 2:15).

Further Links 

 

Articles for Posttribulationism to Consider | ESCHATOS MINISTRIES (alankurschner.com)
THE REVELATION PROBLEM | 7 Pretrib Problems and the Prewrath Rapture
Why Isaiah 26:19–21 Supports the Prewrath View - Ep. 171 | ESCHATOS MINISTRIES (alankurschner.com)
WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: Joe Schimmel Blessed Hope Chapel (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)

ONE CHURCH LEICESTER (FORMERLY TRINITY LIFE CHURCH): DAVID AND SUSAN HIND NARCIGESIS

 (171) One Church Message | David & Susan Hind (4th June 2023) - YouTube

After this I looked and saw a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had previously heard speak to me like a trumpet was saying, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after these things. At once I was in the Spirit, and I saw a throne standing in heaven, with someone seated on it. ” (Revelation 4:1- 2).

Context is king!

The Book of Revelation is concerned with a series of prophetic visions of apocalyptic events. Revelation 4:1-2 is a momentous event for John who is about to enter, and then enters, the very throne room of God through an open door. 

Does anyone dare reinvent these verses to suit their own interpretation? Yes, actually David and Susan Hind do! A classic Charismatic/Pentecostal/NAR tactic is to rip specific verses of scripture out of context in isolation and put their own spin on them, effectively misapplying them to some invented scenario of their own making. I have heard this practice described as narcigesis, which is a combination of narcissism and eisegesis. When presumptuous false teachers ignore the context of specific verses and crowbar them into their own small selfish ambitions and projects, they are in rebellion and are deeply offensive to the Lord. These false teachers do not rightly divide the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15). Warnings are given throughout the scriptures not to alter God's word in any way. (Deuteronomy 4:2, 12:32; Proverbs 30:6). However in the book of Revelation, the revelation of Jesus Christ, a specific warning is given to potential scripture twisters. 

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).

The warning at the end of the book of Revelation. 

I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. (Revelation 22:18-19).  

Same old same old 

What follows Hind's "prophetic word" is the same old hype we have heard from him previously. This time Hind attempts to convince us that they have "an open door, a prophetic word (Revelation 22:18-19), and a God plan".  I lost count of the number of times Hind repeated the phrase "open door" during this manipulative presentation. The apparent success of TLC/ONE Church is questionable in spiritual terms. ONE Church is comparable to the infamous monster, Hillsong Church, or more locally, Jesus Army aka Jesus Fellowship (by the way approved by the Hinds'), and also the "shipwreck" All Nations Church (previously at 10 Frog Island). These supposed successful churches are often lethal places where inestimable damage is done to vulnerable people. Success in material terms is not a sign that ONE Church is enjoying the favour of God. In fact, it may be a sign that God has actually given them over to apostasy. I have recorded the catalogue of ungodly decisions made by Hind and his cohorts in previous posts, not least how they managed to obtain lottery funding and worm their way into worldly influence through Adam Simmonds, former Director of Trinity Life Church and disgraced Northamptonshire PCC from 2012-2016. {1} This latest hype from the Hinds' confirms their continued pattern of ungodliness and throws up a number of additional red flags. 

* The folly of employing new "Worship Director" Ashtyn Michael. How they love their titles! (Matthew 23:5-12; 2 Corinthians 5:12). Hind wants to introduce "a new breed of worship leaders", and Ashtyn Michael will be moving from London to become their new Worship Director in August. Michael was previously part of the infamous Holy Trinity Brompton's worship team from September 2016 to January 2018. HTB is the source of the controversial Alpha Course and the so-called "Toronto Blessing" in the UK. In 1998 HTB was accused of using "cult methods", and the Alpha Initiative was accused of creating "a Mickey Mouse religion which is cheap, graceless and addictive". {2} After leaving HTB Michael briefly became a Junior Chef at TGI Fridays. {3} After his one-month stint as a Junior Chef, Michael moved to Leicester in September 2019 to be part of the staff team at Chroma Church (formerly Leicester City Vineyard). This position doesn't seem to have lasted very long either as he appears to have scuttled back to London during the pandemic. {4} It would be interesting to know what salary ONE Church will be paying their new Worship Director, but I think we are unlikely to find out since they do not divulge embarrassing details like individual staff salaries. 

* The folly of endorsing false NAR prophet Simon Braker who spoke at their "Encounter Night" the previous Sunday, May 28th. Braker prophesied:  "As you step back into your physical space, know that it is a prophetic gateway. You will walk into increased levels of influence and anointing and His glory. For God has found you faithful in this last season and He has seen your persistence and your refusal to give up, and His word to you is 'ONE Church arise and shine'". (31:00 mark)  I would advise my readers to do some research on the New Apostolic Reformation of which Braker is very much a part. (See Further Links). 

* Susan Hind's alleged "prophetic" aeroplane dream: "I saw a vision of a classic silver aeroplane and many people from ONE Church getting on it, and in the dream, I got up and declared 'There is a seat for everyone on the plane.'" 

* Four months to harvest?  Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest. (John 4:35). More manipulation of the scriptures from Dominic Yeo (AOG Singapore) who feeds into the Hinds' delusional mindset. {5} On the strength of this verse, Yeo believes that there are four months to harvest. (31:00 mark)

* The folly of prophecy training. It is pure lunacy to attempt to train anyone in the prophetic. At these sessions, self-professed gurus in the prophetic teach people to replace the Holy Spirit with their own imagination. (Ezekiel 13:3; Jeremiah 23:16).

 

* Female pastors. Hind alone was allegedly invited to join TLC (although the way this was handled by Brian Niblock was very strange to say the least). Now, sixteen years later, ONE Church, formerly Trinity Life Church, are paying wages to no less than four members of the Hind family, and the biblical precept that a woman should not have authority over a man is completely ignored. (1 Timothy 2:12). The information given on The Charity Commission's website is that no member of staff at ONE Church earns more than £60,000. I therefore surmise that the Hinds' are at the upper end of the pay scale, and that their combined annual salaries amount to somewhere in the region of just under £120,000. The Hinds' standard of living is probably far higher than most attendees who contribute sacrificially to ONE Church. 

Charities report - 22.1 (charitycommission.gov.uk) 

* David Hind's bizarre motivational presentations. According to Debretts, hand gestures make you look more charismatic: "..sweeping expansive hand gestures convey the idea that you are talking about a large idea or concept." {6} When hand gestures are overdone (as they are in Hind's case), they can actually have a negative effect on an audience because they look rehearsed. It is worth noting that overzealous or exaggerated hand gestures are not only cringeworthy to witness, particularly when coupled with a teenage hairstyle, but they can also suggest that the speaker is insincere. {7} In my view Hind's bizarre motivational presentations exude superficiality and are an indication of someone who is trying very hard to sell a bill of goods. (2 Peter 3:16).

* David Hind (1st May 2022): "This is a fulfillment season, an outbreak season."  Over a year later, according to David Hind, we are still on the cusp of revival. This is the typical mantra of false prophets who constantly repeat that we are on the cusp of something enormous, but that "something" never happens - NAR buzzwords: revival, breakthrough, outbreak, awakening etc.

* End-time revival or apostasy? The revival mantra of the false prophets has no biblical foundation whatsoever. No prophecy of an end-time revival exists in the New Testament. The New Testament prophesies rampant spiritual deception, apostasy, false prophets, lying signs and wonders, birth pains.. and ultimately worldwide spiritual deception under the Antichrist. (Revelation 13:14). We should be very wary of those who consistently prophesy "revival" or "awakening". False prophets tickle itching ears and tell us what we want to hear, not what we need to hear. (2 Timothy 4:3).

For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. (Matthew 24:24).

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

Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction.. (2 Thessalonians 2:3).

Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons.. (1 Timothy 4:1).

But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. (2 Peter 2:1).

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

Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ (Matthew 7:21-23).

1. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: Trinity Life Church Leicester (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)
2. Church accused of `cult' methods | The Independent | The Independent
3. Ashtyn Michael - Startup Team - naborly | LinkedIn
4. Ashtyn Michael - EverybodyWiki Bios & Wiki
5. Reverend Dominic Yeo – Assemblies of God Singapore (ag.org.sg)
6. What do your hand gestures mean? • Debretts
7. How to REALLY spot a liar | Daily Mail Online

Further Links

Major errors of Pentecostalism (bible.ca)
(178) What is The New Apostolic Reformation (NAR)? with Holly Pivec - The Alisa Childers podcast #16 - YouTube
WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: Simon Braker (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)
Resource: A glossary of New Apostolic Reformation terminology. (churchwatchcentral.com)
AZUSA STREET-Birth of a Lie (scionofzion.com)