Of Leaven and False Prophets


"I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

These are the words of Jesus, speaking about Himself.  In order for us to be one with Jesus, we must love HIM - the Truth.  There are many things in Scripture that are clearly identified as sins.  God hates sin, and it cannot be allowed into His presence.  If we are going to be one with Jesus, then we must be in agreement with HIS viewpoints, desires, likes and dislikes.  We don't have the option to pick and choose what we agree with.  Jesus is God, King, and Master of His people.  His word is Truth, because HE IS the Word.

In the Scriptures, God repeatedly warns all believers not to be deceived by false teachers, false prophets, false brethren, etc.  We are instructed to learn of God. In this was we begin to know the nature of God and His Word.  These things are our measure, by which we judge 'fruit.'  Jesus said that by their 'fruit' you would know the false from the real.  It builds on the foundation of Jesus, and without this foundation, we will not recognize either the truth or falsity of what is said to be 'from God.'

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.  Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?  Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.  A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.  Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.  Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

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 7:15-23

There is a wide-spread attitude in American "Christian" circles that if a person claims the name of Jesus, however nominally, then they are 'brethren' and you cannot 'judge' them.  The term 'judge' is then applied to any criticism (valid or not), disagreement or correction.  Criticism becomes a totally negative act.  It becomes 'accusation' - and must be 'false' accusation.

Yet, Jesus clearly says that claiming His name doesn't make you part of His flock or His Kingdom.  Neither does calling Jesus Lord, Christ, Messiah or "anointed."  He says you must show good fruit.  What is 'good' fruit and what is 'bad' fruit?  Many have tried to place their own definitions on fruit, mentioning everything from the numbers of their following to the amount in their bank account.  But that - despite Oral Robert's "seed faith" coorruption of the parable of the sower - is NOT Biblical fruit.

The Scripture tells us what good fruit is:  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.  And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.  If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.  Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.   Galatians 5:22-26

So, then, what is 'bad' fruit?  Open your Bible and let's take a look through the Scriptures and see what they say about the traits, or fruit, of false prophets / teachers / ministers.

And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.   Matthew 24:11
For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.   Mark 13:22
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.  Matthew 7:15

Here Jesus warns that false prophets will arise and deceive many.  To deceive means "to mislead by falsehood; impose upon; delude."  They are, in short, liars.  Deceive also means "to divert, beguile" and "to practice deceit."  False prophets, according to Jesus, will show great signs and wonders to divert and beguile even the elect.  Mark says they will seduce the elect.  Yet many blindly accept any apparently supernatural occurrence as from God, ignoring the admonition of the very Lord they claim to serve.

This particular deception is most often manifested by the false minister using an extra-Biblical dream, vision, or supernatural revelation (like a message from an angel) to support a 'new' teaching or doctrine that is not clearly supported in the Scripture.  The revelation itself has elements that contradict Scripture, yet they contend it is 'of God' and must be accepted.  In revelation after revelation God tells them all the great things He has for them to do or be or have.  Many use such 'signs and wonders' to validate their ministry or to show their importance and their supposed function in God's plan.  In this way they beguile the gullible to send donations and / or pay to go to their conferences and meetings.

Some will say, "Chew the meat and spit out the bones."  By this they mean that you are supposed to ignore what is contradictory and accept the rest as true revelation.  They ignore Paul's admonition that "a little leaven leavens the whole loaf." (1 Corinthians 5:6-8)  Now, one can have a revelation that is truly from God, then add to that an 'interpretation' that is largely a product of one's own inspiration, feelings, opinions, and agendas.  This is an error.  It can be done through ignorance or inexperience, but it still needs to be addressed.

False revelations that claim to be reporting direct 'words' from God sometimes say something that God wouldn't say or have God do something God wouldn't do.  These supposed words are, in part at least, contrary to the Scripture and/or to the nature of God.  At times these 'words' contradict themselves within the same prophetic revelation.  Sometimes they even contradict previous revelations from the same person.  Others ascribe to God human emotions or traits to God that God does not have  i.e. confusion, doubt, and uncertainty.  They present a God that is made in man's image: A God who speaks and acts according to man's nature rather than God's true nature.  Read Jeremiah 23 for other things God considers false prophecy.  God does not contradict Himself.  (See also "The False, The Flesh and the Folly")

When this Kingdom principle of 'leaven' is applied to revelations it means that if there is one part that contradicts Scripture, then the whole is 'leavened.'  Jesus did not compromise the truth.  He did not accept 'leaven.'  It is no small matter to claim to speak for God.  This is made quite clear in Jeremiah and Ezekiel.  It is wisdom to prayerfully consider this matter, but the choice belongs to every man/woman.  The Fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.  It is to God, and not to ANY man, that we must give account. (Matt 10:28)  That should make everyone who claims to be a servant of God tremble.

For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.  Behold, I have told you before.  Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.  For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.  For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.   Matthew 24:24-28

And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying,  I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them. Luke 21:8

Again Jesus warns of deceit and signs and wonders.  Then He adds another trait of false prophets - that they will claim Jesus is 'in the desert' or 'the secret chambers.'  Should not this warning make us, as believers, take a very close look at all those people claiming sightings and visitations of Jesus?  This  has been rightly applied to the doctrines of the Preterists and such cults a Jehovah's Witnesses.  But they are not the only ones.  This 24th chapter of Matthew, especially verses 24-31, contradicts the most common 'secret Jesus' false doctrine of the American Church - the "Left Behind" fallacy of the pre-tribulation rapture.  Jesus says plainly that when He returns it will be like lightning that lights up the whole sky - that is, obvious to all but the blind and those who choose to ignore it.

Read 2 Corinthians chapters 10, 11 and 12.

Paul writes at length about his true apostolic example and the contrast of that with the false ones.  He tells of how the false ones commend themselves and measure themselves by themselves and says that they are not wise to do so.  Jesus is our example.  Paul said "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ."(1 Corinthians 11:1)  In 11:13 he notes that these false ones, who are really servants of satan,  transform themselves into apostles of Christ.  In other words, they have appointed themselves as apostles and make sure all know what they are.

Paul also speaks of those who preach another Jesus and another gospel, from whom the believers receive another spirit.  Any gospel, depiction of Jesus or spirit that denies any of the Scriptures or adds contradictory things to the Scriptures is 'another.'  In addition, he cites the attributes of these false men.  He proclaims that they glory in the flesh, bring believers into bondage (also in Gal 2:4), devour the believers, take from them, exalt themselves and even smite believers on the face.  The context indicates that the false ones expected money from the brethren for their ministry.

Look around at the various groups and gatherings of 'ministries.'  Can you not see how they exalt themselves and pat each other on the back?  Look at how they endorse each other, hawking each other's books, tapes, etc. to the flock.  Do any freely give as they have freely received?  Do they not make the amount of 'stuff' you have or the numbers you generate the yard stick for success?  That is directly in opposition to the ministry of Jesus, much less the apostles.

1 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. 2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.  3 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

9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: 10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.  11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.  12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; 13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; 14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:

15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; 16 But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet. 17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. 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.  19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome,  of the same is he brought in bondage.  2 Peter 2:9-19

4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. 5 I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not. 6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.  7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.

8 Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh,  despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. 9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. 10 But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves. 11 Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. 12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; 13 Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.

14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, 15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. 16 These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.  Jude 4-16

These two sections are very similar in content and scope.  Peter speaks of false prophets and teachers, while Jude simply calls them "certain men."

Peter says that false teachers bring in heretical teaching.  Jude names a specific one, that of turning grace into a license to sin.  See Romans chapters 6-9 for Paul's exposition on this matter.  Note that these false teachers do not do this openly, but 'privily' - that is, by stealth or deceit.  Peter says that many will follow their evil ways and their behavior will cause people to speak evil of the way of truth.  One has only to see the so-called gay churches and the ordination of gay clergy to see this playing out today.  You can also look at the many sexual and financial scandals that have rocked the American Church.

Both Jude and Peter say that these false ones deny the Lord Jesus Christ; the Lord, Peter says, who bought them.  This indicates that these false men were once true believers.  Remember Jesus' words?  This would go along with 1 John 4:1-3 and the spirit of antichrist. (See "Will the Real Antichrist Please Stand Up?")  So much for "once saved, always saved."  And if you want to argue that point, see 2 Peter 2:20-22

Peter warns that false ones, through being covetous, or greedy, will with feigned, or false, deceptive words "make merchandise" of you.  Does this not bring to mind all the tapes sets, videos, books etc. that every 'successful' ministry markets?  One has only to look at their income and assets to see what a money maker the 'prosperity gospel' teachers are espousing.  And heaven forbid if you give money directly to a needy person instead of 'tithing' to a ministry!!  How dare you deprive them of their cut of your hard-earned money?  What, do you think God meant it when he commanded you to care for the poor?

Another trait is that these false teachers walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, or as Jude says they defile the flesh.  The cases of pedophile priests and gay clergy come immediately to mind.  But what about the accumulation of stuff - wealth, houses, lands, assets?  Is that not as much a lust of the flesh?  How about the need for recognition and fame?  Notice how nearly everyone on TBN is a 'Doctor' of something or other now?

Next Peter says these false ones despise government.  The word translated government is Strong's #2963 - kuriotes ; which is defined as mastery, rule or dominion.  The root word is kurios, translated Lord, which is defined as supreme authority.  So who is the supreme authority?  Of course, it is God Almighty, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  So, these false ones despise the mastery of God.  They prefer setting themselves up as rulers over the people of God.  Witness the 'apostles' who are springing up all over, along with the likes of the Apostolic Council of Prophetic Elders, who claim some kind of authority over the body of Christ.  Notice also the intercessor networks, newsletters, email lists and data bases that have usurped the Holy Spirit's work of telling people when and how to pray.  (See also "Biblical Intercession")

Certain 'Manifest Sons of God' teachings claim that a certain group of special believers will form the exalted elite who will rule over the rest of the body.  The attributes given to these select ones include immortality - so they cannot be harmed - immunity from sin and instant access to the gifts of the Holy Spirit.  This type of elitism is also common in the prophetic / apostolic movement.  By virtue of the fact that they say so, these people have claimed titles and prerogatives to rule over the body and be the Holy Spirit for the rest of us poor dumb souls.  Many pastors also use this tactic to control their churches.  Some seek to be hailed as the 'two witnesses,' thinking this gives them permission to wield absolute authority over anyone in the body.  Revelation 11 doesn't teach this.  Is this the Biblical pattern?  Hardly.  (See also "On Titles and Offices")

Peter goes on to call these false teachers presumptuous - that is, unduly confident or bold; auudacious; arrogant; insolent.  He adds to this self-willed.  And so you have teachers who let fly with outrageous statements and outright lies in the name of revelation without accountability to anyone but themselves.  Whatever serves the going agenda is acceptable.  Rod Parsley says that if you send a 'seed' to his ministry, God told him "You can have whatever your heart lusteth after" - not once but twice.  Does God approve of lust now?  Bishop T. D. Jakes says by revelation that spiders do not stick to their webs because they have oil on their feet - oil representing the Holy Spirit.  The problem is, this is utterly false.  Look it up in the encyclopedia.  Spiders do not stick to their webs because the part of the web they walk on is not sticky!  Unduly confident, indeed!

A curious phrase appears in both epistles:  These certain false men are not afraid to "speak evil of dignities."  This word in Greek is Strong's #1391 - doxa; as in doxology.  It means glory, as in very apparent.  Glory is ascribed to God alone, but this word appears to mean something seen or perceived - very apparent.  John says of the Word, Jesus, "and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father."  Paul says "Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.  But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. (2 Corinthians 3:17-18)"  So this 'glory' also passes to us, as we are changed by the Holy Spirit.

What, then, do these false teachers speak evil of?  Could this be the same as the Pharisees saying that Jesus was operating under the power of Beelzebub?  Probably.  Certainly false ministers do not hesitate to defame and slander true believers who seek to rebuke or correct them by the Holy Spirit, ignoring any possibility that they, themselves,  might be wrong.  And so they will slander the two witnesses who speak from God in Revelation 11, despite the evident 'glory' that is upon them.

Both Peter and Jude say these certain men also speak evil of things they do not know or understand.  This would include anything revealed by the Holy Spirit that was not flattering to them.  This also includes their making assumptions on the character and motives of those true servants of God they perceive as their adversaries.  They call God's own evil, loveless, judgmental, etc. without fear.  Many take the attitude that they are somehow superior to the Biblical believers, especially the Old Testament saints.  They think they cannot be deceived despite Jesus' warning "For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect."  They say "If it were possible" means it ISN'T possible.  Then why did Jesus say "Take heed that no man deceive you" if you couldn't be deceived?

It becomes very evident that these false ministers come from within the body, as John warns (1 John 2:18-19).  They live luxuriously (sport themselves), reveling in their deceit while they feed themselves without fear at the love feasts of the brethren.  They are called spots and blemishes.

And so it is today.  All manner of foolishness and error is paraded before the church and no one dares to speak up.  Most are too ignorant to even see, others are silent for fear of being ostracized and branded as accusers of the brethren.  Others rightly or wrongly perceive some as 'wolves' and rant and rail against them, while they run with their own pack of friends and associate wolves - And they wonder why the 'sheep' won't hear them.  Then there are the 'discernment ministries' who rightly point out errors, but are themselves mostly cessationist - as much in error as the supposed propphetic / apostolic movement they cavil against.  They wish to deny all gifts of the Holy Spirit, and any ministry gifts besides pastor, teacher and evangelist.  One is no better than the other.

Furthermore, these false brethren are consumed by 'adultery' - both physical and spiritual - they caannot cease from sin, being slaves to what they serve, and they are at heart covetous of other's gifts, ministries, acclaim, etc.  Peter warns that they beguile, or deceive, unstable souls and he calls them cursed children.  And how have they come to such a pass, these false ones who were once true?  Because they have left the right way to run after the wages of unrighteousness, as did Balaam.  It's all about the money and the fame.

Jude adds that they have gone in the way of Cain.  These offer service / sacrifice to God that is unacceptable, and in their jealousy and anger they 'kill' the righteous brethren with their poison tongues.  He also says they have perished in the gainsaying of Core, that is Korah. (Numbers 15:37-16:50)  It was Korah who led the rebellion against Moses over the issue of the holiness of Israel.  It was Korah and company's contention that Israel was already holy enough and need no reminder to be holy.  He charged Moses with taking too much upon himself.  Apparently Korah forgot that God appointed Moses and spoke through him.  Korah thought he should have Moses' job, and his followers agreed.  They got swallowed up by the ground and burned to a crisp for their insolence.  Even so, many today have called themselves Apostles, Prophets, leaders of God's people and consider themselves holy enough, needing no reminder or correction - nor do they accept any.  God will deal with them.

Jude uses a series of graphic metaphors to further describe these false men.  He call them "clouds without water."  Despite their appearance of fruitfulness, they have no substance, nothing inside.  They look good, but serve no useful purpose.  The next says they are "trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots."  Again we see those who once believed - and were born again - but have died again.  They are "twice dead" and the axe has been laid to their roots.  They serve no purpose to the Kingdom and are bound for the fire.  Then comes "Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame."  They make a lot of noise and activity, but have only the scum of shame to show for all their carnal efforts.  And finally he calls them, "wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever."  They have left the course God set for them and follow their own.  They are lost - and they don't even realize it.

Jude indicts these people as ungodly sinners who have spoken 'hard speeches' against God.  Like Israel they murmur and complain.  And like Israel they think they are superior to those who came before them.  Look around at the pride and arrogance of the self-appointed leaders of the church.  Both Peter and Jude reveal the truth about their hearts and motives.  They walk after their own lusts and allure others through the lusts of the flesh.  They promise liberty but are slaves to corruption.  And they speak great swelling words of empty vanity while they stroke each other's egos with praise in order to gain advantage and position.  Sounds like TBN or the Elijah List, with everyone stroking all the others.  The same thing occurs in a million churches all over America.

In dealing with false teachers / prophets we have noticed traits (fruit) that frequently manifest.
 


What ministry today does not market their wares and / or use mass marketing to raise funds?  When a person or group decides to start a 'ministry' they inevitably run it like a secular business.  They use carnal means and carnal methods to make their ministry successful - read profitable.  Then they calll it "God's work."  Why would they think God would sanction or honor such a carnal endeavor?  Did Jesus set up a corporation with the 12 as board members?  Did they buy a used Synagogue or build their own mega-auditorium to seat the masses?  Did they take offerings or even pass the hat?

It is little wonder so many burn out trying to function in their own strength while doing their ministry that God has no part in.  It is little wonder that eventually they begin to resort to 'little' prevarications to defend their ministry.  And in the end they are so far deluded that they think all they say and do MUST be all right with God - see how 'blessed' - read profitable - their ministry is?  Look at the numbers of supporters on their membership rolls, mailing list, email list or web site.  Notice how many other 'ministries' support them, link to them and confirm their revelations.  They must be right if all those others agree, right?

Wrong.

5 And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, Enquire, I pray thee, at the word of the LORD to day. 6 Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall I go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the king. 7 And Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might enquire of him? 8 And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so. 9 Then the king of Israel called an officer, and said, Hasten hither Micaiah the son of Imlah.  10 And the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah sat each on his throne, having put on their robes, in a void place in the entrance of the gate of Samaria; and all the prophets prophesied before them.  11 And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made him horns of iron: and he said, Thus saith the LORD, With these shalt thou push the Syrians, until thou have consumed them. 12 And all the prophets prophesied so, saying, Go up to Ramothgilead, and prosper: for the LORD shall deliver it into the king's hand. 13 And the messenger that was gone to call Micaiah spake unto him, saying, Behold now, the words of the prophets declare good unto the king with one mouth: let thy word, I pray thee, be like the word of one of them, and speak that which is good. 14 And Micaiah said, As the LORD liveth, what the LORD saith unto me, that will I speak.

15 So he came to the king. And the king said unto him, Micaiah, shall we go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall we forbear? And he answered him, Go, and prosper: for the LORD shall deliver it into the hand of the king. 16 And the king said unto him, How many times shall I adjure thee that thou tell me nothing but that which is true in the name of the LORD? 17 And he said, I saw all Israel scattered upon the hills, as sheep that have not a shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master: let them return every man to his house in peace. 18 And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee that he would prophesy no good concerning me, but evil? 19 And he said, Hear thou therefore the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left. 20 And the LORD said, Who shall persuade Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramothgilead? And one said on this manner, and another said on that manner.  21 And there came forth a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I will persuade him. 22 And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said, Thou shalt persuade him, and prevail also: go forth, and do so. 23 Now therefore, behold, the LORD hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these thy prophets, and the LORD hath spoken evil concerning thee. 24 But Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah went near, and smote Micaiah on the cheek, and said, Which way went the Spirit of the LORD from me to speak unto thee? 25 And Micaiah said, Behold, thou shalt see in that day, when thou shalt go into an inner chamber to hide thyself.  26 And the king of Israel said, Take Micaiah, and carry him back unto Amon the governor of the city, and to Joash the king's son; 27 And say, Thus saith the king, Put this fellow in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I come in peace. 28 And Micaiah said, If thou return at all in peace, the LORD hath not spoken by me. And he said, Hearken, O people, every one of you.    1 Kings 22:5-28

9 Mine heart within me is broken because of the prophets; all my bones shake; I am like a drunken man, and like a man whom wine hath overcome, because of the LORD, and because of the words of his holiness. 10 For the land is full of adulterers; for because of swearing the land mourneth; the pleasant places of the wilderness are dried up, and their course is evil, and their force is not right.   11 For both prophet and priest are profane; yea, in my house have I found their wickedness, saith the LORD. 12 Wherefore their way shall be unto them as slippery ways in the darkness: they shall be driven on, and fall therein: for I will bring evil upon them, even the year of their visitation, saith the LORD. 13 And I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria; they prophesied in Baal, and caused my people Israel to err.  14 I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness: they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah.  15 Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts concerning the prophets; Behold, I will feed them with wormwood, and make them drink the water of gall: for from the prophets of Jerusalem is profaneness gone forth into all the land.  16 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD. 17 They say still unto them that despise me, The LORD hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you.  18 For who hath stood in the counsel of the LORD, and hath perceived and heard his word? who hath marked his word, and heard it?   Jeremiah 23:9-18   (See also Jeremiah 14:13-16, 26:8-11)

And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, 2 Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel that prophesy, and say thou unto them that prophesy out of their own hearts, Hear ye the word of the LORD;  3 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!   4 O Israel, thy prophets are like the foxes in the deserts. 5 Ye have not gone up into the gaps, neither made up the hedge for the house of Israel to stand in the battle in the day of the LORD.   6 They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying, The LORD saith: and the LORD hath not sent them: and they have made others to hope that they would confirm the word. 7 Have ye not seen a vain vision, and have ye not spoken a lying divination, whereas ye say, The LORD saith it; albeit I have not spoken? 8 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye have spoken vanity, and seen lies, therefore, behold, I am against you, saith the Lord GOD. 9 And mine hand shall be upon the prophets that see vanity, and that divine lies: they shall not be in the assembly of my people, neither shall they be written in the writing of the house of Israel, neither shall they enter into the land of Israel; and ye shall know that I am the Lord GOD.

10 Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and there was no peace; and one built up a wall, and, lo, others daubed it with untempered morter:  11 Say unto them which daub it with untempered morter, that it shall fall: there shall be an overflowing shower; and ye, O great hailstones, shall fall; and a stormy wind shall rend it. 12 Lo, when the wall is fallen, shall it not be said unto you, Where is the daubing wherewith ye have daubed it? 13 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; I will even rend it with a stormy wind in my fury; and there shall be an overflowing shower in mine anger, and great hailstones in my fury to consume it. 14 So will I break down the wall that ye have daubed with untempered morter, and bring it down to the ground, so that the foundation thereof shall be discovered, and it shall fall, and ye shall be consumed in the midst thereof: and ye shall know that I am the LORD. 15 Thus will I accomplish my wrath upon the wall, and upon them that have daubed it with untempered morter, and will say unto you, The wall is no more, neither they that daubed it; 16 To wit, the prophets of Israel which prophesy concerning Jerusalem, and which see visions of peace for her, and there is no peace, saith the Lord GOD.   Ezekiel 13:1-16
 

In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.    2 Corinthians 13:1b

Let's not forget the red letters :  Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.    Luke 6:26

We are in the end times.  The great apostasy is well under way, and the self-called leaders of the so-called church are leading the pack.  It is time for each individual who names the name of Jesus to examine their hearts and those they have been following, fellowshipping with and supporting.  Do those you accept as authority follow Christ or their own agenda?  This is not a small issue.

God does not 'save' organizations.  He does not 'anoint' organizations.  He does not pour out His Holy Spirit through organizations.  Nor does He work through "superstars" and big shots.  He works through the childlike, the humble and the ordinary.

19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.    1 Corinthians 1:19-29

35 And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.   Mark 9:35

42 But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. 43 But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: 44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. 45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.   Mark 10:42-45

24 The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. 25 It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? 26 Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. 27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. 28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.   Matthew 10:24-28

The ministry gifts of apostle, prophet, pastor, teacher and evangelist are to serve the body of Jesus Christ, not rule over them.  Jesus is the Head of the church, not any man.  We are to submit to one another, without guile and pride.  None is greater or smaller than any other.  All true believers are part of the body, differing only in purpose and function.  This is true Christianity, following our King and Master.

Whatever you think of us is not the issue.  The issue is what God thinks of you.

Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you. 4 For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.  5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.  Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? 6 But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.

7 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates. 8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. 9 For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.  10 Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction. 2 Corinthians 13:3-10

In the Fear of the Lord,

Makkehelah and Seraphah
July 1, 2004

Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.  Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.   Ephesians 6:23-24