A Berean

Since the time the Lord brought me out of the false healing movement (International Association of Healing Rooms), the false prophetic and false dream/visions it has been my hope to help others see the truth. Through the leading of the Lord, his great love and mercy, I have seen that take place, time and again. During the past 8 1/2 years, I have learned a great deal and oftentimes the learning has been the result of the gifts and love of my brothers and sisters in Christ, most often than not, other bloggers as well as my readers.

For these moments I am deeply grateful as I have seen the Lord bring together believers who were, and still are without a meeting place. Yet, it was in the early days, between the months of April, 2008 and June, 2009 when I, like Mary, who sat at the feet of Jesus to learn because there was no where else to turn. And like before me, Simon Peter, and the woman with the vial of oil, I clung to him and only to him, uncaring of what others thought of me, because he has the words of eternal life (John 6:68, Luke 7:37).

When I first embarked upon this journey I had no real plan in place. I felt greatly responsible for the damage I had done and I wanted to set things right though I had no idea what that would look like. I realized my greatest downfall first, my own ignorance of the scriptures. Second, was my willingness to submit to others who I believed knew more than I did. I also acknowledge a big part of that willingness to submit was out of balance, and a trap of Satan to which many of us fall prey.

There do exist ideologies and belief systems resulting from teachings which are not scriptural, yet they are taught by people who have a need for control and attention. They are taught to people who believe they are lowly and are in need of someone to reign over them. And though believers are admonished in scripture to search for the truth and to test the teachings of others, we do not. As we read these two verses in Acts 17, we find the result of that research is to find the truth and believe.

11Now the Bereans were more noble-minded than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true. 12As a result, many of them believed, along with quite a few prominent Greek women and men.

We are responsible for our salvation and we are told to work it out in fear in trembling (Philippians 2:12). Again, we do not. And the resulting entrapment is of our own doing as we have allowed the father of lies to gain entrance into our lives and separate us from Christ who has set us free from the assignment of death.

Recently, as you have read, I had the experience of trusting a teacher I deemed to be from the Lord. As a group we were invited to ask questions and the result of our questions brought a storm against us that has not yet abated. Of late, we have been called feminists and Jezebels, and are accused of doing the work of Satan.

While I feel bad for people who have the need to control others, I will not stand for it. And I will continue to preach the one and only Jesus, the Messiah to as  many who will listen, male or female. I will continue to encourage healthy, doctrinal sound conversation here, held in the search for the truth, as bereans, as defenders of the faith, until such time as the Lord says to stop. Why? Because the it has been by the hand of the Lord that this blog came into being.  Together, we have grown and thrown off the wiles of the devil. It is the true work of a believer to make disciples. I believe there are many out there who still need to be pulled from the fire of charismania. As I have stated in the past, I will not wear a burqa. There is too much at stake.

Going forward, I will be looking at some very interesting and enlightening research regarding the roles of Christian women, written by men and women who not only know the scriptures, but understand the meanings, the culture and the events that took place during the times the scriptures were written. The omission of these important details have been the result of some very bad teaching regarding the roles of women.

False Christianity set by man, and their resulting bondage be damned. Literally.

Christ came to set us free and I will stand for that freedom.

 

Exposing Heresy

This, and the post following, from My Word Like Fire will deal with Escape the Lie. I am sad and angered for the situation, and the loss of the interview media, but find it necessary to warn and protect the faith. I have talked with and prayed with John at My Word…and know without a doubt he has the best intention and that his writing on this topic has been done in love for the truth and for our Lord. We continue to trust God.

Radio host exposes heresy on one station, promotes heresy on another

Monty Meyer is host and founder of Escape The Lie Radio and website, which were created for “Exposing False Prophets, Lying Signs & Wonders Within The Body of Christ.”

The first scripture one reads on the Escape The Lie website is Galatians 1:8: But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed.

Unfortunately, on Monty Meyer’s other radio show and website, www.take12radio.com, another gospel is cheerfully preached and promoted. It is the gospel of Alcoholics Anonymous, where Christ is, at best, one higher power among many.

One of the daily broadcasts on Take12 Radio is Walking Through the Big Book. The Big Book is essentially the AA “bible.” Monty co-hosts with a well known twelve step speaker, as they thoroughly go through the Big Book from beginning to end.

Over on his expose-the-heretics show, Escape The Lie, Monty identified himself as a “conservative Pentecostal.” How, then, can he promote the AA Big Book, which boldly contradicts the teachings of Jesus Christ?

Hurting alcoholics who do not know the Lord learn, through the AA Big Book, that they do not need Christ at all in order to have a relationship with the Father:

“The central fact of our lives today is the absolute certainty that our Creator has entered our hearts and our lives in a way that is miraculous.” (AA Big Book, pg.25)

“[A]ll of us, whatever our race, creed, or color are children of a living Creator with whom we may form a relationship upon simple and understandable terms as soon as we are willing and honest enough to try.” (AA Big Book, pg.28)

The AA religion has excluded Christ as mediator. Alcoholics instead learn that no matter how they envision or understand their “higher power,” they have direct access to Him (or Her, or It).

For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time. (1 Timothy 2:5-6)

The Big Book also contradicts Christ’s warning in Matthew 7:13: “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is BROAD that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it.

According to the AA Big Book, “We found that God does not make too hard terms with those who seek Him. To us, the Realm of the Spirit is broad, roomy, all inclusive; never exclusive or forbidding to those who earnestly seek. It is open, we believe, to all men. When, therefore, we speak to you of God, we mean your own conception of God.” (AA Big Book, pg. 46-47) (Bold mine)

If the Lord warns against the broad way of spirituality, why do we think we know better? Why would we even want to participate in such a thing, or give it credibility by approving of it?

This is not an attack on Monty Meyer as a person. Yet, if I can put it bluntly, Monty Meyer has no right to promote Escape The Lie, as he is giving a forum to many anti-biblical concepts over on his recovery radio site.

Pro-AA author Dick B., whose errant AA history has drawn many Christians into the twelve steps, has a weekly show on Monty’s recovery radio station. I spoke with him several years ago about Dick B.’s “No, really, AA has Christian roots” claims, but it made no difference.

It made no difference because Monty and Dick B. and many, many others are syncretists–their faith is a blend of Christianity and twelve step theology. While other movements may be examined biblically, as Monty does on Escape The Lie, Alcoholics Anonymous and the twelve steps will remain untouched.

This is because AA and the twelve steps have become an idol. No, that is not an exaggeration. Nor is it a particularly new offense.

And those who bow down and swear to the Lord and yet swear by Milcom, (Zephaniah 1:5)

Anti-biblical Meditation–

There is more research to do, but even a perfunctory investigation demonstrates that Monty has given airtime to those whose teachings oppose Christ. On the Step by Step Towards Emotional Sobriety program, Monty’s co-host introduced their guest, John Amodeo, author of Dancing with Fire: A Mindful Way to Loving Relationships.

Unfortunately, Amodeo’s book is full of advice about Buddhist and other anti-biblical meditation practices. Here is a Youtube video where Amadeo plugs his book. Please notice the labyrinth, the people meditating, etc.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23FsuLHPHvs

Another episode is titled The I to Thou Relationship: Introducing Martin Buber

But Buber advocated the silence of meditation. According to one website:

Silence, for Buber, plays a crucial part in dialogue. Indeed, it could be argued that ‘attentive silence’ is the basis of dialogue (Avnon 1998: 42-3). This is an idea that may seem strange at first sight, but is fundamental to the experience of groups such as the Quakers.

In silence which is active, the Inner Light begins to glow – a tiny spark. For the flame to be kindled and to grow, subtle argument and the clamour of our emotions must be stilled. It is by an attention full of love that we enable the Inner Light to blaze and illuminate our dwelling and to make of our whole being a source from which this Light may shine out…. Speech has no meaning unless there are attentive minds and silent hearts. Silence is the welcoming acceptance of the other. The word born of silence must be received in silence. (Lacourt 1970: 9, 26) http://infed.org/mobi/martin-buber-on-education/

I feel for all the unsaved AA people who rely on this station for support. They don’t know any better.  But Monty should know better. The Bible tells us:

Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; (Ephesians 5:11)

If you are in a discernment ministry, or have a testimony about coming out of deceptive darkness, please beware: Escape The Lie is not a program you want to help legitimize–not when the host is promoting deception on his other show.

Related: Dick B. finally admits AA co-founder Bill W. was NOT a Christian–READ

A Warning for Repentance

I received the following comment in response to my article, False Healing Impartation. I am using our conversation as a public reminder and warning to others. I hope and pray it is heeded, seriously. Many false prophets and teachers are among us, and many are deceived.  The word of God and repentance for them is our only way out. I pray these moments come to all who need them.

M’Kayla, you just mentioned that his teachings is not Biblical. It seems to me that you haven’t understood the Bible from the start. Randy is a man of God, and he has lead many to Christ. Regarding impartations, God always uses people to accomplish his will. Mark 16, mentions that believers will lay their hands on the sick and they will recover.

It is so sad to see believers do this. You also mention that in their meetings they shake, and do funny staff. Have we worked God out already?. Does our personal experience put a frame to God, and anything outside of that is wrong. I attended his conference and he layed his hands on me. Since then I have been praying on the sick in the name of Jesus, and many are getting healed and saved. Praise and glory be to God. I am so sad by your post.

My response:

 I would like for you to show me scripture where the things Randy teaches and the manifestations of the flesh, aka falling down, shaking, laughter is found in the word of God. Yeah, we can say that we lay hands on the sick and they recover. Do they? If you are supporting and teaching the things Randy Clark does, you are leading people to another “jesus” and not to the Messiah taught of in the bible. You can excuse it any way you want but the bottom line is that Randy Clark’s teachings are not the same as the teachings of Christ.

Let me warn you. It is one thing to come in the name of the Lord, but the proof of who you follow must line up with scripture. If it does not, you are not a child of God, and you are not saved and will face the wrath of the Most High.

I know these teachings because I used to follow them and teach them. The Lord showed me the truth and it was not an easy time for me. I pray you seek Him with all of your heart so that He will show you the same as what He did me, and many others who come here.

Again, where are your supporting scriptures? They will not be found. You my dear, are in great danger. Start here – Galatians 1:8 – But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.

In The Name of Purpose

Looks like some more good purpose driven information here. The book is available for free download and also may be purchased in hardback and paperback form.

In The Name of Purpose by Tamara Hartzell

This link will bring up other book options including one on the emergent church. I haven’t read any of her work but I am trusting it as well and good because it came endorsed from a party I do trust.

touched by another spirit

I believe this scripture to be a great explanation when Christians become influenced by the demonic in it’s various forms of false teachings, impartations, practice of things pagan, and false prophetic words. I’ve found need to use it twice today, and feel it may be helpful for many others who have found themselves so influenced.

2 Corinthians 11:3-5

3 But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4 For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it!

Dealing with its influence is as simple as repentance, asking the Lord to remove anything unholy that may have touched or influenced us.  It is first necessary to realize and to confess that our acceptance of and practice of these things not taught in scripture, or in excess of it, is sin.

1 John 1:9 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. ⁹ If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. ¹⁰ If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

God is faithful We not only have the assurance of forgiveness, but we hold fast to our confession – our hope.

Hebrews 10:19 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, ²⁰ by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, ²¹ and having a High Priest over the house of God, ²² let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. ²³ Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.

Being rooted and grounded in our faith, to God be the glory!

Ephesians 3:14 ¹⁴ For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,¹⁵ from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, ¹⁶ that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, ¹⁷ that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, ¹⁸ may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— ¹⁹ to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
²⁰ Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, ²¹ to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever.

Amen.

a way that seems right

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. Even in laughter the heart may sorrow and the end of mirth may be grief. Proverbs 14:12-13

Ken Silva at Apprising Ministries brought his article to my attention several days ago because of the attention it gathered on facebook, trafficked to his blog and the opportunity it brings for us to proclaim the truth.

I took some time to go through it to consider his words and read the additional information linked throughout. Ken is bringing some important connections to the attention of all who will listen as we see the emergents coming out as, and endorsing the gay lifestyle and some admitting to universalism. (Some admit, some do not, but the truth is in their words.)

I have to say what struck me the hardest is the video of Randy Roberts Potts at the end of the article. He was hard to listen to at first, a little sheepish, unsure, and a little mocking. But I held in there and soon that off-putting sense turned to compassion. Here we see a man, once a little boy, under the heavy handed, drivenness of his grandfather, Oral Roberts. A boy who questioned and found his answer the day he opened the bible and applied truth to the first scripture he came to. Had someone told this 12 year old boy the importance of context and the danger of personalizing scripture maybe he would have arrived at a different conclusion regarding the calling of God upon his grandfather.

From personal experience I can understand how false teaching can affect us the rest of our lives, especially when it is done at a young age. False doctrine leads to various forms of sin and causes many to turn from the true faith. At the same time, many things that feel right to us are not, and separate us from the one true relationship we do need with Christ. As Christians we are called out of sin, out of the desire to go against the things God has commanded us to avoid. He is a God of love and that great love is what brought Him to the earth as a man and to die on the cross. But His love will not excuse our indulgence of the flesh.

1 Corinthians 9-11 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites,10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you . But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.

Let’s remember to pray for Randy and his family – wife and children- he has set aside for his gay lifestyle. Let’s pray that Randy comes to know the real Jesus, not the one who was packaged and sold in the great bible belt of America.

From Apprising Ministries  – Randy Roberts Potts and the Gay Son of Oral Roberts (the article)

the B I B L E

Well, after having had enough of the false teachings it is various forms within the visible “church” I find myself singing along –

1M200809

Maybe you will join in…

Todd Bentley In Seattle – Bud Press CRS

Thanks to Bud for putting this together.

CHRISTIANS BEWARE! Todd Bentley in Seattle

by Bud Press, Director
Christian Research Service

Currently, Todd Bentley and Jason Hooper are conducting a tour in Yakima and Seattle, Washington. We need to pray that God will be merciful to the innocent and unwary who attend, and open their eyes to the real Jesus Christ.

While the tour will consist of the usual bill-of-fare of firey thrills, burning chills, and electrically-induced excitemement, those who attend will not see Bible-based healings or miracles, nor will God show up and bless the tour. God hasn’t changed. He is still against false prophets (Jeremiah chapter 23; Matthew chapter 7; Matthew chapter 24).

However, despite God’s warnings, those who plan to attend may fulfill their dream of seeing Todd Bentley in person, and be mezmerized by of one of the world’s most prolific false teachers.

Todd Bentley is of the same caliber that the Apostle Paul wrote about in Galatians 2:4-5:

But it was because of the false brethren secretly brought in, who had sneaked in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, in order to bring us into bondage. But we did not yield in subjection to them for even an hour, so that the truth of the gospel would remain with you.

As Todd Bentley works diligently to recapture what he “lost” in 2008, Christians need to sound an alarm–an alarm that shouts, CHRISTIANS BEWARE! But be mindful of at least one thing: One cannot lose what one doesn’t have in the first place.

Todd Bentley is a false prophet, false teacher, false healer, and false brethren. The sooner his followers realize that, the better off they will be.

The Prophetic Movement is a vile, stench-filled organism that changes and mutates day by day. It is filled with cultic, heretical, and blasphemous teachings that contaminates, conditions, and manipulates the minds and hearts of its followers into believing lie after lie after lie.

Turn away from the Prophetic Movement and its false “Jesus”. Repent and place your complete trust in the Jesus of the Bible:

Bill Johnson Falsely Teaches Scripture

This is a clip sent to me by Heralding Truth who asked that I share it with as many possible. The best way for me to do that is to take it from the comment section where he posted it and put it as its own article. It’s pretty easy to catch the false teaching here! I wonder about those who claim we are healed, esp those who wear eyeglasses and undergo medical treatment.

Jesus healed all to prove that He was indeed sent by God. Jesus was not borne again; He was raised from the dead to prove again that He is God and that He has power over life and death! Context and understanding come from the teaching of scripture in its entirety, not from something that sounds good at the moment!

Roger Oakland – Another Jesus

2 Corinthians 11:3-4   But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4 For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted-you may well put up with it!

We know there is “another Jesus” embraced throughout Charismania. Here we find still another Jesus in Catholicism. Both deceptive movements are experience-based, both having false signs and wonders to deceive, both designed to take its followers far from the truth in Christ. I’ve learned quite a bit tonight watching this teaching. I hope and pray you do as well.

ANOTHER JESUS: The Eucharistic Christ, A New Evangelization

A seven part video teaching by Roger Oakland~~

IDH77 — March 12, 2010 — Roger Oakland Of Understandthetimes(dot)com talks about the false Jesus of Roman Catholicism, sometimes referred to as the “wafer god”.

Part one:

Part two:

Part three:

Part four:

Part five:

Part six

Part seven: