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A True Apostle Picked by God and Not By Man
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Much ado is being made about modern day apostles and prophets. We hear of new "apostolic" networks and ministries, with their "impartation meetings" and "apostolic anointings." Everybody who is somebody in the body of Christ is now an apostle. Even the prophets are becoming apostles being chosen by man. Maybe the pastors are becoming prophets to fill the vacuum? Apostles are people who are sent by God to a specific people or for a specific mission. We've often used the word "missionary" in place of "apostle" because of the connotation. By definition, an apostle is a "sent one." Anyway, the Lord reminded me of a very special apostle that I spent
time with early in my Christian walk. His name was Tacho. He was probably
in his mid 50's when Edith and I met him. He had been a laborer for
most of his life, barely spoke English and was illiterate. He and
his wife (Elfida) had been Catholic most of their lives, until meeting
Jesus and being baptized in the Holy Spirit by a supernatural encounter.
When Tacho was baptized in the Holy Spirit, he suddenly was able to
read the Bible, both in English and in Spanish. We spent a lot of
time with Tacho and Elfida, mostly I never heard Tacho speak of anything except Jesus, even in conversations
with others on the team. Jesus was his passion, his only vision, his
entire life. Elfida was always right beside him, supporting, battling,
praying for needs. What a powerful team that God had put together
as a witness to His life and glory. These simple people had the most
profound effect on our lives. They never elevated themselves in any
manner, were always totally humble and poured themselves out to the
poor people that they were sent to. When they weren't on the streets,
they pastored some of the little churches that met in shacks and byways.
They were always feeding the poor, taking clothing and necessities,
Edith and I didn't speak much Spanish, but we always knew what was being preached (in Spanish) by the Spirit. Once Tacho told me that the Spirit had told him to blow on someone and they fell down in the Spirit. He was humbled and amazed that God would use him like that. He truly did what the Spirit told him. Nobody ever told Tacho that he was an apostle. He only thought of himself as a humble servant of the wonderful God who had saved him and filled him with His Spirit. I believe he served faithfully until he died as an unknown soldier of the Lord. Tacho was the greatest example of an apostle that I have ever personally known, though we grew up with several others who had similar callings. Tacho was the one who was of the least value to the world, but of immense value to the kingdom of God I have no idea how many souls were touched by the Lord through this precious saint. If I had asked him, I'm sure he would have had no idea that he had touched them. . . he only knew that the Lord had touched them. I suspect that hundreds, perhaps thousands of folks had a personal encounter with Jesus as Tacho crossed their path. Jesus working in a simple, devoted, humble vessel that hardly was aware of anything other than his Lord. If I could send a message to Tacho in heaven, I would say, "Tacho, I want to be like you when I grow up!" Beware of false prophets" (Matthew 7:15, KJV). These well-known
words of Jesus immediately imply two things: there are false prophets
- and they are dangerous. Did you know there is a movement going on not to question the apostle/prophets when they speak. They say not to discern the spirits? People, before you follow or listen to an apostle or prophet, please make sure they are humble and see themselves as a servant to the people like the story of Tacho who didn't even know he was an apostle but loved Jesus to serve him in any condition. A True Apostle is commissioned and sent forth by God
PLANT NEW WORKS
* The phrase "Don't Touch the Lord's anointed" comes from 1 Samuel chapter 24 and 26 where David refuses to kill Saul. The Super Apostles have taken this to mean that no one can question them, but they are taking the text out of context, the verse refers to killing Saul, not questioning him. In fact immediately afterwards David goes on to publicly question Saul's motives both in 1 Samuel 24:8-15 and 26:18-20. Now in the New Testament Paul said he was the least of all the apostles in 1 Corinthians 15:9 "For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God." Yet in Galatians 2:11 Paul the lesser publicly corrects Peter the greater "When Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he was clearly in the wrong." This one example from Scripture of the lesser correcting the greater is enough to nullify the Super Apostles' assertion. Read Galatians 6:1a "Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently." Notice it does not read "you who are MORE spiritual" or "you who are GREATER". Also consider Acts 17:11, "Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true." The Bible says it is more noble for us to verify a leader's teaching. I bet Paul would not have minded questions at all. In fact, that means he has a servant's heart to serve but willing to correct himself if in error. Lets look at the Prophets/Apostles Today? So why have the Super Apostles invented this rule? Could it be that they are unable to answer questions, and so as a defense have outlawed the very act of questioning itself? Christian leaders should always be open to questions. If a leader's teaching does not match up with Scripture, then surely they would want to know, since nothing should scare a leader more than teaching error. The ability for laity to ask questions, and publicly criticize if need be, is a healthy mechanism to protect the Body of Christ from error. Finally, leaders need to remember that their claimed "anointing" or authority level does not make what they say automatically true; the correct measure of Christian truth is Scripture. If it disagrees with Scripture your teaching is wrong, period. Umbrellas of Divine Protection What is an "Umbrella of Divine Protection", also known as the "Umbrella of Authority"? The Super Apostles teach that if you obey them you come under a God-supplied metaphorical umbrella that will protect you from all sorts of misfortune. However if you disobey them then you lose this protective covering and horrid things will happen to you. Obey and you will be blessed, disobey and you are cursed. Consider this excerpt from a Super Apostle's Bible study, "Think of God's authority as an umbrella of divine protection from the evil in the world that would otherwise rain down on us and destroy our life. Under God authority - Protection, safety, covered. Not under Gods authority - Exposed, naked, uncovered." Lets look at the Lakeland Revival of all the Mistakes First, this is a common fear tactic used by the cults; submit to us or terrible things will happen to you. If you ever leave us the blessings will stop and your life will fall apart! Second, "Umbrellas of Divine Protection" are rarely mentioned in Scripture. Well OK, they are never mentioned. Also there are no "Raincoats of Godly Defense" or "Mackintoshes of Holy Security" either. Pull out your Bible and try and find this protective shield concept in relation to obeying Church Leaders. You will not find it. (Acts 17:11). Third, it can be argued that an "umbrella of divine protection" is a type of virtual lucky charm. While not physical like a horseshoe or cloverleaf, it still supposedly provides protection from evil for those who trust in it. Instead of trusting in God, the follower of a Super Apostle trusts that their obedience to thier Super Apostle will keep them under this mythical umbrella. But trusting in obedience rituals to provide spiritual protection is the same as trusting in a lucky charm. Instead, Cultwatch recommends that people place all their trust in God alone. Finally John 16:33 says "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.", and Romans 8:38-39 says "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Are They Really Apostles? Also Paul warns about "Super Apostles" in 2 Corinthians 11:5, and in Revelation 2:2 we learn that Jesus approves of those who test for false apostles, "I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false." So how would a Christian test a person claiming to be an Apostle? One test is the test of right doctrine; 2 Corinthians 11:4-5 says "For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the one we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough. But I do not think I am in the least bit inferior to those 'super apostles'." Clearly a true apostle cares deeply about teaching correct doctrine and not being flippant with the Word of God. A Super Apostle may hold the Bible while he preaches, but does he know what it says, or is it just a supplementary source used to back up his own ideas? Another test for a false apostle is to examine their motivations. They would fail the test if power, money, and glory were their prime motivations. A motivation of power can be evidenced from demands for obedience, and the use of mind control. A monetary motivation can be evidenced from constant references to money, along with a tendency to take the money given to God and spend it on improving their own life-style. A motivation of glory can be evidenced from insisting that they be honored and held up as special. Finally, by examining their fruit we can determine if they are really an apostle, or not. There are two areas of fruit to consider. Firstly, what is the fruit of their ministry? If that fruit is Christians who have their relationships controlled, their finances preyed upon, their trust betrayed, who live in fear of disobeying their leaders, who are captivated by spurious doctrine, who do not know the voice of the Holy Spirit, and who eventually leave saying, "If that was Christianity, I never want to have anything to do with it again!" then that is not the fruit of a Godly ministry. Secondly, another test is found in the fruit in the Super Apostle's personal life. Over the years at Cultwatch we have noticed a strange phenomenon; the longer a person is a cult leader the more they seem to take on "anti-fruits of the spirit", if we can call them that; they become more arrogant, unpleasant, controlling, elitist, proud, and unstable, instead of gaining the true fruits of the Spirit like love, self-control, gentleness, and a sound mind. In summary, the Bible warns us that their will be false apostles, and so we must test those who claim to be apostles. Valid tests for apostleship are the test of sound doctrine, sound motives, and sound fruit. I believe the Lakeland Revival showed these men's hearts of their lack of ability to discern by commissioning Todd Bentley when he was truly in error and divination. Then, finally we hear that Todd Bentley was an adulterous and then drowning his sorrows in drunkenness. Two, these Apostle/Prophets did not heed to the body of Christ and critiziced the body by saying anyone against the revival was full of the devil according to one of the letters on Elijah List. Third, they told the body of Christ that they had no right to discern or question the revival. They made themselves above man and not servants to Christ but put themselves above to be the one that only hear. Fourth problem, at the revival, Todd Bentley over priced his books and tapes which was raping the body of Christ in finances. Fifth, the apostle/prophets look at Miracles, Signs and Wonders above God's word. God's word should always be first, repentance should be second following with miracles, signs and wonders. Jesus always taught the word of God to people who knew the word but talked in parables to bring conviction to them. When he healed them, he told them many times to sin no more. Miracles, signs and wonders should never ever the the main thrust of a revival. Sixth, Bentley has used extra-biblical methods, including reported “third heaven” experiences, a claim he has met the apostle Paul, and encounters with angels named “Winds of Change” and “Emma.” There have also been allegations that Bentley has exaggerated claims of healings and resurrections. In fact, Todd Bentley is a gnostic Christian that believes hidden knowledge in the Word of god. Many of his hidden knowledge didn't even line up with the word of God. God's revelations enhance the meaning of the Word of God and not take it away. According to what Todd Bentley is saying here is that your dream is of greater authority than God’s Word. Even if a dream you have contradicts scripture, which we KNOW is God’s holy and inspired Word, Bentley says it is still of God. How do you think he has received so many of these revelations not lining up to God's word? He made a practice to spend hours doing contemplative prayer which is mixing eastern practices with the west. Meaning, he takes the word of God to meditate and to chant to quiet his mind (empty his mind). Where was the apostle/prophets discernment here? Why didn't they check on his practices? Are they also gnostic christians?** Seveth, they have said that Bob Jones and Paul Cain are prophets to the prophets. These men are both walking in sin. Both are alcoholics, Paul Cain is a homosexual, etc. Bob Jones his spiritual father. This is the same Bob Jones that had young women disrobe to receive their prophecy naked before the Lord. Bob Jones believes he can go to the third heaven at will, openly practices astral- projection, and believes that the anointing of God resides in the Kidneys. ** Gnosticism is a philosophical and religious movement which started in pre-Christian times. The name is derived from the Greek word "gnosis" which literally means "knowledge." However, the English words "Insight" and "enlightenment" capture more of the meaning of "gnosis." It is pronounced with a silent "G" (NO-sis). Gnosticism is not factual, intellectual, rational knowledge, such as is involved in mathematics and physics; that would have been more accurately represented by the Greek world "episteme." Rather, Gnosticism involves the relational or experiential knowledge of God and of the divine or spiritual nature within us. A visitor to this web site wrote: "...we believe that gnosis-knowledge requires ultimate transcendence of the merely intellectual to be actualized." Eighth, Bentley, a staunch believer in Latter Rain theology, also claims to have William Branham’s angel helping him. William Branham, who was essentially one of the founders of Latter Rain theology denied the trinity, believed in UFO’s, believed that Mary had sex with the Holy Spirit, and believed that he was one of the two witnesses found in the Book of Revelation. Branham, when asked if the Holy Spirit was responsible for the signs and wonders in his meetings admitted that it was not the Holy Spirit but an angel. Ninth, Todd Bentley into occult practices. The third eye (also known as the inner eye) is a metaphysical and esoteric concept referring in part to the Ajna(brow) chakra in certain Eastern and Western spiritual traditions. It is also spoken of as the gate that leads within to inner realms and spaces of higher consciousness. In New Age spirituality, the third eye may alternately symbolize a state of enlightenment or the evocation of mental images having deeply-personal spiritual or psychological significance. The third eye is often associated with visions, clairvoyance, precognition, and out-of-body experiences, and people who have allegedly developed the capacity to use their third eyes are sometimes known as seers. Listen as Todd Bentley encourages us to use this mystical third eye. Todd Bentley said, “If we want to see in the spirit, we must use the powerful key of sanctified imagination to unlock visions and dreams. What do you think about when preachers say I saw in the spirit? Often, we automatically think they saw with their natural eyes. I have helped bring so many people into the heavenly realm by teaching them to look with their spiritual eye and to stop asking, where is it? Where is the angel? Where? I don’t see him where? We have to begin to see with our third eye, the eye on the inside, in our imagination. I showed you this eye in Ephesians 1 it is called the eyes of your understanding. You don’t see spiritual things with natural eyes; you see them with the eyes of your heart, your spiritual eyes! I believe that 90 percent or more of all visions and revelations happen in the eye of our hearts, in our imagination.” STIRRING UP THE SPIRIT OF WISDOM AND REVELATION Todd Bentley Nov 20, 2003 Further in the article Todd claims that he can help us “activate” the third eye. “So as you begin to get revelation and start to see, as I help you activate that prophetic eye today, you need to understand that with every revelation needs to come interpretation and correct delivery.” LIVING UNDER AN OPEN HEAVEN, Sept 19, 2003 MYSTICAL TRIPS TO THE THIRD HEAVEN Not only does Todd Bentley want us to develop our “Third Eye” but he also believes and teaches that we can learn to enter the Third Heaven at will. Consider the following statement. “As you ponder this question, let me lay a foundation by teaching about the difference between all the levels of revelation. Now I've been to the third heaven, which is the highest level. Whether or not I was in my body, I don't know. I’ve spoken to many men and women who have been there. Some people call this place the throne zone. When you hit that level, it’s very obvious.”LIVING UNDER AN OPEN HEAVEN, Sept 19, 2003 Listen as Bentley describes another such experience.“I had another dramatic third heaven experience. I was in prayer and I felt the sensation of being sucked out of my body and being flung into space. I could feel the G-force, the kind of feeling you get on a roller coaster. My body began vibrating and I could even feel the force on my face -my face was physically contorting. But I was in my living room. Here I was going through stars and I wasn’t even in a spaceship! Then I entered into another dimension where my whole being was filled with a brilliant white light. Suddenly I felt the sensation of landing. Next I was on a mountain, the wind was blowing and I could feel it. I began to freak out. This had never happened before. Even though I was lying on my carpet I felt a cold wind on my face. My senses felt the emotions of what I saw but I could still feel the carpet under me. This was only my second third heaven experience. I eventually came before the King, the Lord of glory, the Lord of hosts.” LIVING UNDER AN OPEN HEAVEN, Sept 19, 2003 BENTLEY PRAYS TO THE “SPRIT OF WISDOM” ENCOURAGES ASTRAL PROJECTION Conclusion Are all these men who claim to be Apostle/Prophets and are on the Elijah List in the same thing Todd Bentley is into? Are they gnostic Christians leading the Christians into occult modalites to prepare the Body of Christ to not be able to discern the AntiChrist? Did these men of God loose their discernment to not discern what Todd was saying at the Lakeland Revival? Are you going to allow these men who also must be practicing the same modalities as Todd to lay hands on you? Are you going to follow men who say they are apostle/prophets who don't live in humility? What's next! Wouldn't you rather listen to a man like Tacho then these so called Apostle/Prophets? Have we truly seen any repentance from these men? |
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