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False Preachers
"False teachers are proud. They are concerned for their own popularity. They are concerned for their own fame. They are concerned for their own notoriety. They are concerned for their own prestige. They’re concerned to see themselves and hear themselves in the public eye. They want large crowds, as it were, to bow down in great homage to them. They’re characterized by pride and they will do anything to gain the ground they need to gain for the welfare of their own personal ego, including any amount of compromise necessary.
Secondly, false teachers are characterized by selfishness. They tend to be self-centered. They are concerned for their own comfort. They are concerned for their own popularity. They are concerned for their own prosperity. In the end, it’s all about money, fame, and prestige and notoriety equals an increased bank account. They are in it for the money and the personal material benefits that they can gain as they endeavor to feed their selfish desires.
Thirdly, They are characterized by deception. They usually can weave a very sophisticated web of deception in their teaching because they tend to be articulate, if they’re going to be successful, and they endeavor to engage other people to aid them in their deceitful enterprise which gives it the, sort of, façade of credibility. They’re not only proud and selfish and deceptive, but [fourthly] they’re irreverent. If there’s anything that sort of dominates in my thinking about false teachers, it is their irreverence. They have absolutely no regard for God. The fact that they would go against God, that they would elevate themselves the way they do, that they would pervert the truth indicates their utter irreverence. They have little, if any, regard for God, His Word, His truth, His glory, His honor…
Finally, they are spiritually destructive. They seek to use people; they seek to abuse people. They seek to lead people into error, which destroys them—into sin, which pollutes them. So, as you look at false teachers with regard to the world, they are proud and they seek fame and popularity. With regard to themselves, they are self-centered, selfish, self-aggrandizing, self-gratifying. With regard to the nature of their ministry, they are dishonest and deceptive and lack integrity. With regard to God, they are utterly irreverent; in fact, they are blasphemous. And, with regard to the people that they influence, they are spiritually destructive. So, their relationship to the world, their relationship to the ministry, their relationship to themselves, their relationship to God, their relationship to their people all reflects the deviation of their hearts. John F. MacArthur Jr., Concerns of a True Pastor: Humility and Selflessness, 1998
Today's preachers along with some who have passed on whose ministry or teachings continue, who are either teaching a false doctrine or are using the Doctrine of our Lord Jesus Christ for the benefit of their own selfishness and gain. Some of these preachers lay claim that Jesus is the only way to Heaven (and they would be right), but at the same time, they preach that personal gain is the main message. There are many different activities out there by some of these people and we would suggest that you study the Word of God and fine out for yourself."
Secondly, false teachers are characterized by selfishness. They tend to be self-centered. They are concerned for their own comfort. They are concerned for their own popularity. They are concerned for their own prosperity. In the end, it’s all about money, fame, and prestige and notoriety equals an increased bank account. They are in it for the money and the personal material benefits that they can gain as they endeavor to feed their selfish desires.
Thirdly, They are characterized by deception. They usually can weave a very sophisticated web of deception in their teaching because they tend to be articulate, if they’re going to be successful, and they endeavor to engage other people to aid them in their deceitful enterprise which gives it the, sort of, façade of credibility. They’re not only proud and selfish and deceptive, but [fourthly] they’re irreverent. If there’s anything that sort of dominates in my thinking about false teachers, it is their irreverence. They have absolutely no regard for God. The fact that they would go against God, that they would elevate themselves the way they do, that they would pervert the truth indicates their utter irreverence. They have little, if any, regard for God, His Word, His truth, His glory, His honor…
Finally, they are spiritually destructive. They seek to use people; they seek to abuse people. They seek to lead people into error, which destroys them—into sin, which pollutes them. So, as you look at false teachers with regard to the world, they are proud and they seek fame and popularity. With regard to themselves, they are self-centered, selfish, self-aggrandizing, self-gratifying. With regard to the nature of their ministry, they are dishonest and deceptive and lack integrity. With regard to God, they are utterly irreverent; in fact, they are blasphemous. And, with regard to the people that they influence, they are spiritually destructive. So, their relationship to the world, their relationship to the ministry, their relationship to themselves, their relationship to God, their relationship to their people all reflects the deviation of their hearts. John F. MacArthur Jr., Concerns of a True Pastor: Humility and Selflessness, 1998
Today's preachers along with some who have passed on whose ministry or teachings continue, who are either teaching a false doctrine or are using the Doctrine of our Lord Jesus Christ for the benefit of their own selfishness and gain. Some of these preachers lay claim that Jesus is the only way to Heaven (and they would be right), but at the same time, they preach that personal gain is the main message. There are many different activities out there by some of these people and we would suggest that you study the Word of God and fine out for yourself."
John MacArthur's "Bloodless Cult"
Charles G. Finney "Father of Satanic Counterfeit Salvation"
Don't let them Deceive you!
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False Prophets Exposed
Wolve's In Sheep's Clothing!
False Prophets & Teachers
"But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money" Acts 8:20
William M. Branham |
Kim Clement |
Kenneth Copeland |
Jack Van Impe |
Paul Crouch |
Creflo Dollar |
Jesse Duplantis |
Arnold Murray |
Kenneth Hagin |
Marilyn Hickey |
Benny Hinn |
T. D. Jakes |
Bernard Jordan |
Joyce Meyer |
Mike Murdock |
Oral Roberts |
Joel Olsteen |
Peter Popoff |
Frederick K. C. Price |
Pat Robertson |
Jerry Sevelle |
Robert Schuller |
Patricia King |
Rick Warren |
Paula White |
Ten Most Wanted
False Teachers In America
Here is a list of the "Ten Most Wanted" religious false teachers in America today. These men and all the men and women listed on this poster are wanted by all SPIRIT controlled believers (Eph. 5.18). When these false teachers and false prophets are apprehended they will be tried in a spiritual court of law (I Cor. 6:2), and when found guilty they will be punished according to the Scriptures (Rom. 16:17; I Tim. 3:5-6; 2 Tim. 2:25-26; Tit. 1:9-16; Tit. 3:10-11).
1. Paul Crouch
2. Pat Robertson
3. Rick Warren
4. Chuck Smith
5. Benny Hinn
6. Robert Schuller
7. Oral Roberts
8. James Swaggart
9. Joel Osteen
10. John Hagee
False Teachers In America
Here is a list of the "Ten Most Wanted" religious false teachers in America today. These men and all the men and women listed on this poster are wanted by all SPIRIT controlled believers (Eph. 5.18). When these false teachers and false prophets are apprehended they will be tried in a spiritual court of law (I Cor. 6:2), and when found guilty they will be punished according to the Scriptures (Rom. 16:17; I Tim. 3:5-6; 2 Tim. 2:25-26; Tit. 1:9-16; Tit. 3:10-11).
1. Paul Crouch
2. Pat Robertson
3. Rick Warren
4. Chuck Smith
5. Benny Hinn
6. Robert Schuller
7. Oral Roberts
8. James Swaggart
9. Joel Osteen
10. John Hagee
Scriptures against false preachers
Ezekiel 33:6
But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand.
Matthew 7:15
Beware of false prophets which come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly they are ravening wolves. .
Matthew 7: 21-23
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Matthew 24: v 4-5
And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
Mark 13: v 21-23
And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not:
22 For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.
Acts 20:28-31
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
Romans 16: v 17-18
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
Galatians 1: 8-10
But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
Ephesians 4:17-19
This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
1 John 4:1
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
2 Peter 2:1-3
But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
2 Peter 2:18
For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.
2 Corinthians 11:13-15
For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
2 Timothy 3:1-7
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
2 Timothy 4:2-5
"Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry."
Seven 7 Characteristics of false Teachers
by Thomas Brooks (1608-1680)
That Satan labours might and main, by false teachers, which are his messengers and ambassadors, to deceive, delude, and for ever undo the precious souls of men (Acts 20:28-30; 2 Cor. 11:13-15; Eph. 4:14; 2 Tim. 3:4-6; Titus 1:11-12; 2 Peter 2:18-19): "I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria; they prophesied in Baal, and caused my people Israel to err" (Jer. 23:13). "The prophets make my people to err" (Micah 3:5). They seduce them, and carry them out of the right way into by-paths and blind thickets of error, blasphemy, and wickedness, where they are lost forever. "Beware of false prophets, for they come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves" (Matt. 7:15). These lick and suck the blood of souls: "Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision" (Phil. 3:2). These kiss and kill; these cry, Peace, peace, till souls fall into everlasting flames, &c., Proverbs 7.
Now, the best way to deliver poor souls from being deluded and destroyed by these messengers of Satan is, to discover them in their colors, that so, being known, poor souls may shun them, and fly from them as from hell itself.
Now you may know them by these characters following:
THE FIRST CHARACTER
False teachers are men-pleasers (Gal. 1:10; 1 Thess. 2:1-4). They preach more to please the ear than to profit the heart: "Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophecy no unto us right things: speak to us smooth things; prophecy deceits"' (Isa. 30:10). "A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land: the prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means, and my people love to have it so. And what will you do in the end thereof?" (Jer. 5:30-31). They handle holy things rather with wit and dalliance (playful come-on) then with fear and reverence. False teachers are soul-undoers. They are like evil chirurgeons, that skin over the wound, but never heal it. Flattery undid Ahab and Herod, Nero and Alexander. False teachers are hell's greatest enrichers. Non acerba, sed blanda, Not bitter, but flattering words do all the mischief, said Valerian, the Roman emperor. Such smooth teachers are sweet soul-poisoners (Jer. 23:16-17).
THE SECOND CHARACTER
False teachers are notable in casting dirt, scorn, and reproach upon the persons, names, and credits of Christ's most faithful ambassadors. Thus Korah, Dathan, and Abiram charged Moses and Aaron that they took too much upon them, seeing all the congregation was holy (Num. 16:3). You take too much state, too much power, too much honour, too much holiness upon you; for what are you more than others, that you take so much upon you? And so Ahab's false prophets fell foul on good Micaiah, paying of him with blows for want of better reasons (1 Kings 22:10-26). Yea, Paul, that great apostle of the Gentiles, had his ministry undermined and his reputation blasted by false teachers: "For his letters"' say they, "are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak and contemptible" (2 Cor. 10:10). They rather contemn him than admire him; they look upon him as a dunce rather than a doctor. And the same hard measure had our Lord Jesus from the Scribes and Pharisees, who laboured as for life to build their own credit upon the ruins of his reputation. And never did the devil drive a more full trade this way than he does in these days (Matt. 27:63). Oh! the dirt, the filth, the scorn that is thrown upon those whom the world is not worthy. I suppose false teachers mind not that saying of Austin, Quisquis volens detrahit famae, nolens addit mercedi meae, He that willingly takes from my good name, unwillingly adds to my reward.
THE THIRD CHARACTER
False teachers are venters of the devices and visions of their own heads and hearts. "Then the Lord said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent then not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophecy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart (Jer. 14:14); "Thus saith the Lord of hosts, Harken not unto the words of the prophets that prophecy unto you; they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the Lord" (Jer. 23:16). Are there not multitudes in this nation whose visions are but golden delusions, lying vanities, brain-sick phantasies? These are Satan's great benefactors, and such as divine justice will hang up in hell as the greatest malefactors, if the physician of souls does not prevent it.
THE FOURTH CHARACTER
False teachers easily pass over the great and weighty things both of law and gospel, and stand most upon those things that are of the least moment and concernment to the souls of men. "Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned; from which some have swerved, have turned aside unto vain jangling, desiring to be teachers of the law, and understand neither what they say nor whereof they affirm" (1 Tim. 1:5-7). "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint, and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith; these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone" (Matt. 23:2-3). False teachers are nice in the lesser things of the law, and as negligent in the greater. "If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strife of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, perverse disputings of men corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself" (1 Tim. 6:3-5). If such teachers are not hypocrites in grain, I know nothing, Romans 2:22. The earth groans to bear them, and hell is fitted for them, Matt. 24:32.
THE FIFTH CHARACTER
False teachers cover and color their dangerous principles and soul-impostures with very fair speeches and plausible pretenses, with high notions and golden expressions. Many in these days are bewitched and deceived, viz. illumination, revelation, deification, fiery triplicity, &c. As strumpets paint their faces, and deck and perfume their beds, the better to allure and deceive simple souls (Gal. 6:12; 2 Cor. 11:13-15; Rom. 16:17-18; Matt. 16:6-12; Matt. 7:15), so false teachers will put a great deal of paint and garnish upon their most dangerous principles and blasphemies, that they may the better deceive and delude poor ignorant souls. They know sugared poison goes down sweetly; they wrap up their pernicious, soul-killing pills in gold.
THE SIXTH CHARACTER
False teachers strive more to win over men to their opinions, than to better them in their conversations. "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves" (Matt. 24:17). They busy themselves most about men's heads. Their work is not to better men's hearts, and mend their lives; and in this they are very much like their father the devil, who will spare no pains to gain proselytes.
THE SEVENTH CHARACTER
False teachers make merchandise of their followers. "But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not" (2 Peter 2:1-3). They eye your goods more than your good; and mind more the serving of themselves, than the saving of your souls. So they may have your substance, they care not though Satan has your souls (Rev. 18:11-13). That they may the better pick your purse, they will hold forth such principles as are very indulgent to the flesh. False teachers are the great worshippers of the golden calf (Jer. 6:13).
Now, by these characters you may know them, and so shun them, and deliver your souls out of their dangerous snares; which that you may, my prayers shall meet-yours at the throne of grace.
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What a horrifying reality, to think you will enter paradise on the day of your death, but then, come to find out on that day, you were actually deceived, and you find yourself in hell. Such is, and will be, the terror of most who call themselves Christians today (Matthew 7:13-14; Luke 13:24; 2 Peter 2:2). They will find themselves weeping and gnashing their teeth (Matthew 8:12; Matt. 22:1-14; Matt. 25:14-30; Luke 13:28).
If you are involved with the kind of Christianity that views Protestantism, or Catholicism, or the Orthodox church, or the "church of Christ," or Billy Graham, or Rick Warren, or Joel Osteen, or James Dobson, or Pat Robertson, or John MacArthur, or Tony Evans, or Greg Laurie, or Charles Stanley, or Chuck Smith, or Fred Price, or J. Vernon McGee, or Charles Blake, or Chuck Swindoll, or Gene Scott, or Harold Camping (Family Radio), or John Piper, or T. D. Jakes, or David Jeremiah, or Dave Hunt, or Marvin J. Rosenthal, or Neil Anderson, or Robert Schuller, or Jack Hayford, or Benny Hinn, or Miles McPherson, or Ray Comfort, or Jim Cobrae, or Chuck Colson, or C. S. Lewis, or Hank Hanegraaff, or Paul Chappell, or any of the like (or any of the likes on "Christian" TV or radio) as godly, you are not saved. Why? Because, you are on the broad way
(Matthew 7:13; 2 Peter 2:2; 2 Timothy 4:3). You have not the characteristic of Christ's sheep (John 10:5). And, men such as these are wells without water (2 Peter 2:17).
False Teachers / False Prophets
The Apostle Peter warns 2 Pt. 2:1-3: “But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber.”
They will purposely try not to be noticed and bring division in the church by distorting and departing from the word. They will lay down truth alongside the falsehood (paraeis akousein) and secretly bring in destructive heresies. The truth they lay the Scripture next to their own false interpretations. This is a malicious intent to deceive, arising from their being deceived first, propagating the same lie they believe.
They will deny the Lord who died for them by presenting a different view of the gospel. The focus is not on the cross for salvation. Many will follow their path to destruction. The way of truth is blasphemed because of their actions, the cause of Christ is discredited, and truth is cast down and slandered.
[#3919 pareisago (par-ice-ag'-o); from 3844 and 1521; to lead in aside, i.e. introduce surreptitiously: privily bring in. “heresies of destruction” (marked by destruction) heresy #139 hairesis-1) the act of taking, capturing: for example, storming a city 2) choosing, choice 3) that which is chosen 4) a body of men following their own tenets (sect or party) a) used of the Sadducees b) used of the Pharisees c) used of the Christians 5) dissension's arising from a diversity of opinions and aims.
Destructive 684 apoleia (ap-o'-li-a);from a presumed derivative of 622; ruin or loss (physical, spiritual or eternal): damnable (-nation), destruction, die, perdition, X perish, pernicious ways, waste. apoleia- 1) destroying, utter destruction; used of vessels 2) a perishing, ruin, destruction a) used of money b) the destruction which consists of eternal misery in hell.]
“There will also be false teachers among you.” false teachers can be very effective communicators, they can have a personal magnetism. They use smooth and flattering speech to bring you into their bondage, They present their teaching cleverly, very smoothly.
Its amazing that false teachers are not rejected for their distorted teachings but are actually embraced. Support is not lacking for these men, but is overwhelming. But all this does is give them confidence that they are right and puffs them up further for future revelations of the Spirit. (We have heaped up teachers for ourselves in the last days). They come to us in “sheep's clothing” and appearing harmless. We're not talking about the cults, we're talking about those who rise from within the Church and promote false doctrine. If we are not paying attention we can be deceived and turned away from our purity and devotion to Jesus Christ.
By covetousness they exploit people deceiving them. They make people want things of the world, promoting the lust of the eyes and the flesh and the pride of life. Money is always a part of their message. They justify their own worldly ways by having others do the same.
False teachers do what the devil did with the scripture when he quoted it to Jesus. They quote true things and lift them out of their context. Their is always a curve or twist in the pitch. They promise a quick fix for the emergencies of life when God works with the person slowly to get his purposes done. Discounting an intervention of a miracle from his hands, God is teaching us patience endurance and certainly godly knowledge as he walks us through this life of trials.
If one stands in front of the cross instead of behind how can Christ be glorified? How can Jesus be noticed? What we find is that this is too often what happens. All the attention is drawn to the conductor on stage, even if he is saying glory to God. With the modus operandi of miracles and wonders they are endorsed by the people as specially anointed and gifted men operating under the instruction of God.
The common denominator of signs and wonders changes the focus from the word to power activities. This lowers ones reception for the words Jesus spoke, to a fresh word for today from the anointed prophet.
The Apostles would name those who distorted the gospel, the authority of scripture, the person of Christ or morality, this would include taking advantage of the sheep.
A Warning from an Apostle
Apostle Paul is the author of over half the NT writings , Peter writes in 2 Peter 3:15-17, “Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction. Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position.”
Many so called anointed teachers downplay and even mock biblical education and academics to be used for understanding the Scriptures. This would eliminate the apostle Paul who God chose to be the main evangelist to the gentile world as his conveyer of the grace of God. God chose the most learned man of Judaism to write and communicate what we have today. He didn't lack education but was overeducated. God picked the most learned man from Judaism to write the major portion of the NT. He used what he knew under the instruction of Christ to give Christ glory.
Unlearned men and women who come in the name of the Lord, who stand in front of a sign saying Jesus is Lord deny much of what he taught. A great number of people who have been propelled into a position of leadership have world teaching ministries based upon no education, having nor qualifications to teach. Despite the accusations of Peter or John being only fisherman they were Jews who were brought up on the scriptures and probably had a handle on more than many of the educated today. In Judaism it was a way of life to memorize and understand huge portions of scripture. The reason they didn't understand much of the messiahs teaching is because their interpretations came from the Pharisees who departed from the word adding their own meanings. Have you checked out today's teachers credentials? I'm not saying everyone must go to a certain seminary but it does help, not hinder. Did they put any time in learning the culture or language of scripture, or Theology and the art of biblical interpretation. You may be shocked to find out their lack and disdain for what we are admonished by the apostles to have.
Timothy 2:15 tells us to, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” We are encouraged to work hard putting the time in to studying and understanding the Word. The phrase 'rightly dividing' in the Greek means 'to make a straight cut, to dissect correctly. We are to ASSEMBLE TOGETHER ALL THE TEACHINGS ON SUBJECTS, THIS IS WHAT THEOLOGY IS ALL ABOUT. Paul was not only an evangelist, but a theologian as well. a Shepherd is to know theology so he is able to teach correct doctrine to the sheep.
To make a effort to correctly understand what God has written in His Word to His people is to be honest . 1 Tim 4:6: “If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed.” 1 Tim 4:13-16: “Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.”
Teaching that mislead people or those whose motives were clearly questionable were named to protect the innocent. In 3 Jn. 9-10 John the apostle names Diotrephes, “ I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us. Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church.” John named him because he wouldn’t accept the teaching of the apostles. He persisted in false doctrine he wanted to be first among them, having pride he was self serving, not looking out for the people. All false teaching and the need to be recognized above others comes from pride.
False Prophets
In the Old Testament they did not prophesy under Jesus’ name, but Yahweh’s name. In the New Testament it was Jesus' (Yeshua- Iesous) This clearly shows we are under a new covenant and we deal with false prophets differently, we don't stone them to have them depart from the assembly.
However we do not allow them to flourish within the assembly hoping they will get better at their prophesying. There is no such thing as a prophet learning to prophesy. Today they get 30%, 70% right, hoping to improve it to 100%. Only false prophets practice to be perfect. Yet some defend this position saying the Church is not ready. The Church has always been ready for the perfection of Gods gifts. Prophets prophesy over others and when it doesn't come to pass its blamed on the recipient for not having enough faith for it to happen. Prophesy is not from the will of man but from God. When God gave the prophecies concerning Israel as a nation, it certainly was not dependent upon their faith. There were prophecies that were conditional to avert Gods intent. Like Jonahs they were base on the reaction of the people. God's purposed to destroy them but mixed with judgment he will have mercy on some of his pronouncements. Jeremiah 18:7-10: “The instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy it; IF THAT NATION, AGAINST WHOM I HAVE PRONOUNCED TURNS FROM ITS EVIL, I WILL RELENT OF THE DISASTER THAT I THOUGHT TO BRING UPON IT. And the instant I speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plan it; if it does evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will relent concerning the good, with which I said I would benefit It.” Jonah 3:9-10 the king said, “Who can tell if God will turn and relent and turn from his fierce anger, so that we may not perish. “Then God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way and God relented from the disaster.” Jonah was angry because he knew God was gracious and merciful and did not want to see these people spared.
Deut 13:1-10 tells us about prophets or those with dreams who have a sign or a wonder come to pass. Even if they get their prophecies right but have you follow another God (such as misrepresenting him). We are being tested to see if we love the Lord fully and obey his voice (his word) alone. If they represent God as a force or power that we can control or distort his nature as they do today, even if the miraculous happens we are not to heed them.
People prophesy right because their doctrine is right. Why would God speak to someone about the future when they can’t understand the scripture on what he has already spoken? Their predictions don’t come true because their teaching is wrong. So false teachers when they prophesy will become false prophets. This is exactly What the Apostle Peter states. Both were among the early Church, both are with us today.
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Below is a list of false faith healers that are either dying, or have died of disease.
A.A. ALLEN An acknowledged divine healer and exorcist died from alcohol abuse. At the entrance to Miracle Valley (A.A.Allen's 1,280 acre community) was a huge sign that made it plain just what was going on in that neck of the desert. In red and gold, it proclaimed: A.A.ALLEN REVIVALS, INC., MIRACLE VALLEY, ARIZONA. The Blind to See. The Deaf to Hear. The Lame To Walk. SIGNS. GIFTS. WONDERS. (James Randi, The Faith Healers, 1989, p.83-85) Interestingly enough, A. A. Allen claimed thousands upon thousands of healings, and himself died of sclerosis of the liver in 1967, having secretly been involved with alcohol for many years while supposedly being able to heal everybody else. (John McArthur, Does God Still Heal, Grace Community Church in Panorama City, California, transcribed from the tape, GC 90-60, titled "Charismatic Chaos" Part 9) In 1970 Allen died from what "news accounts report [as] sclerosis of the liver." (Reported in "New Revival Tent Dedicated in Philadelphia," Miracle Magazine, September 1967, 15; quoted in Harrell, 202) One writer describes Allen's cause of death as "cirrhosis" of the liver (see Gary L. Ward, "Allen, Asa Alonzo," in J. Gordon Melton, Religious Leaders of America [Detroit: Gale Research, 1991], 9) JAMIE BUCKINGHAM Discipleship Movement & charismatic author - died of cancer. WILLLIAM BRANHAM Died in 1965 at age 56, after suffering for six days from injuries received in an automobile accident. His theology was unbiblical and heretical, and of course when applied to himself his theology of healing had no effect whatsoever, though his followers right to the end, were confident God was going to raise him up. And even after he died they believed that God would raise him from the dead. (John McArthur, Does God Still Heal, Grace Community Church in Panorama City, California, transcribed from the tape, GC 90-60, titled "Charismatic Chaos" Part 9) CHARLES CAPPS Word of Faith teacher, teaches power of our words to create reality - his wife contracted cancer and was medically treated. I don't deny the existence of disease. I deny the right of that disease to exist in this body, because I'm the Body of Christ." (Capps, The Tongue, pg. 43) JACK COE An acknowledged divine healer died from polio. (Coe) warned followers "that the day would come when those who consulted physicians would have to take the mark of the beast." Coe (subsequently) became critically ill with bulbar polio ... (and) took the "mark of the beast" (as he dfeined it) and was admitted to the hospital. (Hank Hanegraaff, Counterfeit Revival, 1997, pg. 137 citing Harrell, All Things Are Possible, 101) Want info on the REAL mark of the beast? DR. HOBART FREEMAN Word of Faith teacher & pastor of Faith Assembly - over 90 people died in his church following his teaching and then Hobart died due to a medically treatable disease. After a 15 year old girl whose parents belong to Faith Assembly, died of a medically treatable malady, the parents were convicted of negligent homicide and sentenced to ten years in prison. Freeman himself was charged with aiding and inducing reckless homicide in the case. Shortly afterward, on December 8, 1984, Freeman himself died, interestingly enough of pneumonia and heart failure complicated by a severely ulcerated leg. Hobart Freeman's theology did not allow him to acknowledge that Polio had left one of his legs disfigured and lame. Quote, he said, "I have my healing." And that is all he would say when anyone pointed out the rather conspicuous inconsistency between his physical disabilities and his theology. Ultimately, his refusal to acknowledge his infirmities cost him his life. He had dutifully, according to his own theology, refused all medical treatment for the maladies that were killing him, and medical science could easily have prolonged his life, but in the end he was a victim of his own teaching. (John McArthur, Does God Still Heal, Grace Community Church in Panorama City, California, transcribed from the tape, GC 90-60, titled "Charismatic Chaos" Part 9) KEITH GRAYTON Died of the complications of AIDS. He spoke at a Church in Detroit, and declared he was totally healed. He died a year or so later. BUDDY HARRISON Kenneth E. Hagin’s son-in-law, died of cancer Dec. 1999. Dad Hagin’s "special healing anointing" (read I Believe In Visions by Hagin) could not help his own family member. Kenneth Hagin's sister died of cancer as well. RUTH WARD HEFLIN A self-proclaimed power preacher and healer, Heflin's untimely death of cancer made more news. A Religious News Service story reported: "Revivalist Ruth Ward Heflin Dead at 60. -- Revivalist Ruth Ward Heflin, known for her role in the so-called "gold dust" revival involving churches across the globe, died Friday (9/15/00) at a Richmond, VA hospital. Heflin, who had suffered from cancer for several months was 60. ... She directed the Calvary Pentecostal Campground in Ashland, VA which was founded by her parents in the 1050s and later led by her brother, Wallace, who died in 1997. (The Christian News, 9/25/00, pg. 10 as cited in "The Life And Times Of Golden Girl And Globetrotter Ruth Ward Heflin, by G. Richard Fisher, Personal Freedom Outreach, The Quarterly Journal, January-March, 2001, pg. 5) Heflin suffered a broken ankle in an automobile accident last year. In April, doctors diagnosed her with breast cancer that already had spread to her bones. Heflin underwent a mastectomy on April 25, but refused chemotherapy or further cancer treatment because she said the Lord told her to refuse, according to Connie Wilson, her personal assistant. (Renee DeLoriea, "Ruth Ward Heflin, Revivalist and Prayer Minister, Dies At Age 60.", Charisma Magazine, November 2000, pg. 21) E.W. KENYON E.W. Kenyon studied at the Emerson College of Oratory in Boston which was a hotbed at the time for the emerging New age thought. They imagined they have discovered laws of faith, promoting a Christianized version of occultism. Kenyon had divorced his wife even when he taught that what one speaks they will possess. E.W Kenyon who is certainly the Father of the Word of Faith Movement taught divine healing and that it was always God's will to heal. But he died in a coma, brought on by a malignant tumor. He died from disease. (Mike Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason Ministries, Death By Faith, http://www.letusreason.org/Wf25.htm) KATHRYN KUHLMAN An acknowledged divine healer died from heart disease in Ann Arbor Michigan. Kathryn Kuhlman died of heart failure in 1976, curiously enough. She had battled heart disease for nearly twenty years, and that statement is made by Jamie Buckingham who would have been one of her disciples. (John McArthur, Does God Still Heal, Grace Community Church in Panorama City, California, transcribed from the tape, GC 90-60, titled "Charismatic Chaos" Part 9) AIMEE SEMPLE MCPHERSON An acknowledge divine healer - died of a barbiturate overdose. Sister Aimee died of a barbiturate overdose in 1944. (The Interactive Bible, 1998) While the Dictionary of Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements deals with the controversial aspects of "Sister Aimee's" life -- her mysterious disappearances and alleged affairs, multiple marriages (two of which ended in divorce), and death from an apparent drug overdose -- it is strangely silent about her theatrical preoccupation with the slain in the spirit phenomenon. (Hank Hanegraaff, Counterfeit Revival, 1997, 168) JOYCE MEYERS Almost the majority of the known healers went for some kind of treatment from medical professionals. This was in spite of all their claims of miracles and the practice of their "positive confession" faith. Even Joyce Meyers did, and she was honest to admit that she had breast cancer and was medically treated. One of the few honest admissions. (Mike Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason Ministries, Death By Faith, http://www.letusreason.org/Wf25.htm) DAISY OSBORN T.L. Osborn's wife also, regrettably died of cancer several years ago. JOHN OSTEEN Word of Faith mega-church pastor in Houston - his wife, Dodie had liver cancer and through the mercy of God and medical attention survived. John Osteen himself passed away a little over a year ago due to several medical conditions. His church "confessed" his healing and he himself had stated that God told him he would be preaching in the pulpit in his 90's. Osteen died in his 70's. One of the more recent sad stories was John Osteen who was a pastor in Houston of a mega-church, who had kidney dialysis in late 1998. He also had a heart catheterization in August that determined all was well with his heart at that time. Later on doctors performed surgery to put in a pacemaker for his heart. Pastor Osteen knew "he was in need of a miracle." He claimed God had given him Psalm 27:14. Requests went out to his friends to wait on the Lord with him, and agree with him for a creative miracle for his kidneys and his heart. They agreed with the Psalmist in Psalm 41of the Lords deliverance and protection to keep him alive. He will transform his illness. He will raise him up! The "Lord" gave him a vision that he would be preaching into his 90's. Osteen "confessed," his healing and 20,000 members in his church stood in "agreement" with him for his recovery. They believed he would have his miracle just like his wife Dodie received her miracle But unfortunately did not happen. (Mike Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason Ministries, Death By Faith, http://www.letusreason.org/Wf25.htm) ROD PARSLEY Added to that is the fact that as much as Parsley rants about God's Kingdom come in our body, he still has a deaf section and a signer in his church. As kindly as we can, we say, physician heal thyself. (Personal Freedom Outreach, Rod Parsley - The Raging Prophet", 1999) Parsley, in his book, Renamed and Redeemed, states that: “Jesus is not sick - I don't have to be sick!” (Rod Parsley, Renamed and Redeemed. Columbus, Ohio: Results Publishing, 1991, pg. 15) BISHOP EARL PAULK "We have received the earnest of the EXPECTATION through the baptism of the Holy Spirit, but we must move on to the POSSESSION, which is overcoming the last enemy, death. Sometimes the interpretation has been made that Jesus Christ conquered death, but if that were so, why would Paul's epistle to the Corinthians, written at least ninety years later, say that the last enemy that SHALL be destroyed is death (I Corinthians 15:26)? JESUS CHRIST CONQUERED DEATH INDIVIDUALLY, BUT IT IS LEFT TO THE CHURCH TO CONQUER DEATH ON A CORPORATE BASIS.. " (Earl Paulk, "The Proper Function of the Church" (Atlanta: K Dimension Publishers, undated), p.13, emphasis in the original) FREDRICK K. PRICE Word of Faith mega-church pastor in Los Angeles - his wife, Betty got cancer and was medically treated (chemo-therapy) and by the mercy of God was patched up. "If you need a crutch upon or something to help you get along, then praise God, hobble along until you get your faith moving to the point that you don't need a crutch." (Price, How Faith Works pg. 92) " ... how can you glorify God in your body, when it doesn't function right? How can you glorify God? How can He get glory when your body doesn't even work? ... What makes you think the Holy Ghost wants to live inside a body where He can't see out through the windows and He can't hear with the ears? What makes you think the Holy Spirit wants to live inside of a physical body where the limbs and the organs and the cells do not function right? ... And what makes you think He wants to live in a temple where He can't see out of the eyes, and He can't walk with the feet, and He can't move with the hand? ... The only eyes that he has that are in the earth realm are the eyes that are in the body. If He can't see out of them then God's gonna be limited ..." (Frederick K.C. Price, "Is God Glorified Through Sickness?" (Los Angeles: Crenshaw Christian Center, n.d.), audiotape #FP605) ORAL ROBERTS Oral Roberts was on Paul Crouch's "Praise the Lord" show on TBN (October 6, 1992). Crouch was asked to lay hands on Oral Roberts to minister to his chest pains, Roberts exclaimed, "I feel the healing power of Jesus!" and said it felt like an "electric current go through him." Paul you are anointed. Oral Roberts was pronounced healed on TBN. But was he really? It was reported less than four hours later, while visiting a home in Newport Beach, Roberts felt more pains and was hospitalized at Hoag Presbyterian Memorial Hospital (also in Newport Beach), shortly after midnight. Subsequent articles report that Roberts' heart attack was "near fatal." ("Evangelist Has Tests," The Orange County [CA] Register [Dec.16 1992], A-7) the healing evangelist now has a pacemaker ("Roberts Out of Hospital," The Orange County [CA] Register (2l December 1992), A-30). R.W. SCHAMBACH Faith Healer - got a quadruple heart bypass. "You don't have any problems, all you need is faith in God." (R.W. Schambach, TBN) RUTH CARTER STAPLETON Another one that comes to mind, Ruth Carter Stapleton, was the Faith Healing sister of former United States President Jimmie Carter. [She] refused medical treatment for cancer because of her belief in faith healing. She died of the disease in 1983. (John McArthur, Does God Still Heal, Grace Community Church in Panorama City, California, transcribed from the tape, GC 90-60, titled "Charismatic Chaos" Part 9) MACK TIMBERLAKE Word of Faith pastor - suffering from throat cancer, getting medical attention. JOHN WIMBER Signs & Wonders Movement, author of "Power Healing" Wimber claimed, "It's God's nature to heal not to teach us through sickness. Sickness is generally not beneficial." (Benn and Burkill, p. 102 as cited by Paul G. Heibert in Healing And The Kingdom) "I had what doctors later suspected were a series of coronary attacks. When we returned home a series of medical tests confirmed my worst fears, I had a damaged heart, possibly seriously damaged. Tests indicated that my heart was not functioning properly, a condition complicated and possibly caused by high blood pressure. These problems combined with my being overweight and overworked meant that I could die at any time." (John McArthur, Does God Still Heal, Grace Community Church in Panorama City, California, transcribed from the tape, GC 90-60, titled "Charismatic Chaos" Part 9) Wimber ultimately died from a hemorrhage as a result of a long battle with cancer. List of False Teachers - Writers Liz Babbs
Ruth Haley Barton Rob Bell Ken Blanchard Troy Bronsink Bernard of Clairvaux Mike Bickle Marcus Borg Bob Buford Spencer Burke Tony Campolo Pierre Teilhard de Chardin St. Catherine of Siena Jim Collins Larry Crabb Mark Driscoll Tilden Edwards Meister Eckhart Richard Foster George Fox Ken Gire Pete Greig Emilie Griffin Madame Guyon Hildegard of Bingen Judith Hougen Hannah Hunard Bill Hybels Jan Johnson Alan Jones Ignatius of Loyola John of the Cross Judith Hougen Jan Johnson St. John of the Cross Laurie Beth Jones Tony Jones Julian of Norwich Thomas Keating Morton Kelsey Keri Wyatt Sue Monk Kidd Dan Kimball William Law Brother Lawrence St. Ignatius Loyola Brian McLaren Brennan Manning Gerald May Erwin McManus Thomas Merton Calvin Miller Don Miller Beth Moore Wayne Muller David J. Muyskens Henri Nouwen John Ortberg Doug Pagitt Basil Pennington Eugene Peterson Gustave Reininger Tricia Rhodes Maggie & Duffy Robbins Richard Rohr Richard Rolle Philip St. Romain Thomas Ryan Will Sampson Mark Scandrette Pete Scazzero Robert Schuller Samir Selmanovic Peter Senge Chuck Smith, Jr. Dan Southerland Leonard Sweet John Michael Talbot St. Teresa of Avila Gary Thomas Patricia Treece Evelyn Underhill Karen Ward Rick Warren Robert Webber Dallas Willard Lauren Winner Mark Yaconelli Click Contact to Email Us
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